THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
A Christmas Peace Breakfast for All
What’s Christmas without music? Ask pianist Charlie Connor.
by Rick Winterson
C
er t a i n ly, S out h Boston knows how to celebrate Christmas. We are blessed with opportunities to celebrate many days where saints play a role – St. Valentine, St. Patrick (of course), and St. Nicholas, whose role consists of his visits to us during December, especially when he’s bearing gifts on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas Peace Breakfast last Saturday morning, which was held in St. Monica Church, was just such a celebration. It was really and truly a festive occasion. The Breakfast attracted more than 400. Everyone was welcome – parishioners, their friends, local residents, and of course, those who had no place to get breakfast on their own. The unexpectedly huge crowd meant extra tables had to be set up, which was quickly done by cheerful, hardworking volunteers. Indeed, the entire Peace Breakfast event is a volunteer effort. It is always held in St. Monica Church Hall; it is spearheaded by Deacon Paul Kline and overseen by Father Peter DeFazio, who serves as the Administrator of the South Boston/Seaport Catholic Collaborative (St. Monica, St. Peter, Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine, and the now-closed St. Vincent Church). The story of the Peace Breakfasts is inspiring, especially at Christmastime. Just over two years ago, a young man was killed near St. Monica Church.
Do you recognize BPD Officer George Billotte? The Station Six Police and nearby residents were extremely concerned that this violence might continue. The idea of a “Peace Breakfast” was conceived – people getting together in loving tolerance, without fear of any kind, eating, enjoying, and getting to know each other. Local Boston Police officers and lay volunteers now prepare breakfast at which all are welcome (with emphasis on the word “All”!). The
Police even provided a Santa Claus at last Saturday’s Breakfast. Costs for these breakfasts are defrayed by the members of the Catholic Collaborative. And this has worked – worked very well. Over 4,000 Peace Breakfasts have been served since they began two years ago. There were some special features at last Saturday’s Peace Breakfast. Deacon Paul Kline led the Peace Breakfast in a Continued on Page 3
W
ishing Everyone
in our GREAT Community A Joyous & Meaningful Holiday Season, And a Bright & Happy New Year! Your friends and neighbors at
massbaycu.org Easy!
(617) 269-2700
147 West 4th Street, South Boston 409 D Street, Seaport
Federally insured by NCUA
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
2
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gingerbread Houses at the Library
A father/son duo of Gingerbread House craftsmen.
by Rick Winterson
I
n what has become an annual Christmas tradition here, the South Boston Branch Library hosted a 2019 Gingerbread House building event in their Program Room. Arranged by “Christmas Elves”, the event took place last Thursday afternoon. The volunteer Christmas Elves, headed up by Deb Putnam, included Elaine Fallon, Sheila Greene, Joanne McDevitt, Maggie Bucholt, Jill Morris and Elly Adams. Credit is
also due to Honorary Elf Pattie Steiner, who shaped the crackers for the sides of the Houses. A total of 48 highly excited children in two housebuilding sessions kept the Elves very busy. However, those Elves (born construction supers that they are) oversaw the completion of Gingerbread Houses that were truly eye-catching. Raw materials comprised small milk cartons, the aforementioned crackers, vanilla frosting for mortar and grout, and various colorful candies for decoration. M&Ms found a brand new use as exterior paving stones for Gingerbread House patios. The youngsters put in much concentrated effort, and seemed to truly enjoy building their Gingerbread Houses. They were loud, but not noisy. Instead, there was a buzz – a proud buzz as they all came up with amazingly attractive Houses. T here’s a n i mpor t a nt me s sa ge here some where. Merr y Christma s.
The Gingerbread House team: Elaine, Sheila, Joanne, Deb (the Chief), Maggie, Jill, and Elly.
A proud mother holds two classic Gingerbread Houses.
Nick Collins STATE SENATOR
Merry Christmas
“Look at what I just did!”
Now that’s creative concentration!
from my family to yours!
The first group of Gingerbread House builders hard at it.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
3
Continued from Page 1
Peace Breakfast carol sing – “Joy to the World”, “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bells”. Many thanks are due to a group at the Courthouse, who call themselves “Cold Hands, Warm Hearts”. They got together and made up 150 shopping bags full of hats, socks, gloves, soap, food, etc., and then sent 60 of these bags over to the Christmas Peace Breakfast for giving away. There were also tables loaded with donated clothes and Christmas toys available for the asking. We have mentioned the volunteers, who do so much at the Peace Breakfasts. Last Saturday, the volunteers included 25 young people from Camp Wing in Duxbury. Students at Laboure, the Tynan, the
Deacon Paul (holding child) leads the Peace Breakfast caroling. Condon, and South Boston Catholic Academy decorated the gift bags. We’ll end the volunteer list by mentioning keyboard artist Charlie Connor and
Anna White leads off the Peace Breakfast serving table.
his music at the Peace Breakfast. Tables of good food, warm clothing, and Christmas toys stretched as far as the eye could see. Peace
Breakfasts are for real. The next one is on Saturday, January 4, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m. – a 2020 New Year Peace Breakfast. Don’t miss it!
London and Jada are honored guests at the Peace Breakfast.
Father (and Pastor) Peter DeFazio at the Peace Breakfast.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
The Christmas Peace Breakfast is a family
State Representative David Biele Kitchen volunteers are critical to the Christmas Peace Breakfast.
4
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The Grandest Party of the Year
Sebastian, a staff member neatly costumed as Frosty the Snowman.
by Rick Winterson
I
t promised to be a wonderful event. It was a gala Christmas Party that combined seven South Boston Neighborhood Associations on its guest list (Andrew Square, Cityside, Dorchester Heights, West Broadway, City Point, Fort Point, and St. Vincent’s/Lower End). And “A Wonderful Event” it really was! This soiree – what else could it be called? – was hosted by the developers of Washington Village and On the Dot; it was emceed by David Pogorelc of CORE Investments, Inc. Just so you can fix the geography in your mind, Washington Village is the large, proposed crescent of development that will encircle Andrew Square, basically from Old Colony Avenue along Damrell Street to Dorchester Avenue. On the Dot plans a yearslong development project along the MBTA railyard side of Dorchester Avenue from Andrew Square to near the west end of Broadway. The outside of the party building at One Ellery Street
was memorably decorated. A lengthy display of Christmas lights extended along the fence lines. A quintet of carol singers stood by a massive Clydesdale horse sporting a white pom-pom headpiece. The mare, Elsa by name, was hitched to a sharp, two-wheeled, two-seater shay. Does anyone remember Oliver Wendell Holmes’ poem from her/his high school days – The Wonderful “OneHoss Shay” (a.k.a. The Deacon’s Masterpiece)? Well, on Wednesday evening, December 11, Holmes’ poem came alive for a few, alltoo-brief hours. And to complete the picture, a long red carpet led to the door that let guests into the Christmas Party/Soiree. Inside, the party was in full swing. A group of instrumentalists and a lead vocalist were playing and singing Christmas songs for the crowd. That elusive quality of “buzz” from the (very) lively crowd unmistakably signified that everyone was having a great, great time. The immense dining table and the staff circling through the crowd with hors d’oeuvre trays presented truly elegant refreshments to everyone. How do glazed pastrami and meatballs seasoned a la Parisienne sound? Many guests came in costumes of their own. The cheerful, very competent party staff was costumed as well. Inside a glistening bubble, a Snow Fairy danced. Santa Claus and the Missus dropped in to see what the guests would like for Christmas (many young folks were there early on). During the evening’s program, CORE’s Dave Pogorelc greeted the crowd warmly, addressing them with best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Mayor Marty Walsh gave stirring remarks in his keynote speech on the Holiday Season, and about the New Year to come in Boston also. Everyone there had an absolutely mar velous time. All in all, it had to have been the 2019 Party of the Year. “And the band played on …”
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
5
The Fourth’s Christmas Concert: A Triumph
Pastor Burns himself plays and sings with inspired fervor. by Rick Winterson
S
outh Boston is blessed with excellent church music, especially the triumphal music presented on major Holy Days. An excellent example of this was the Fourth Church Christmas Concert on Saturday afternoon, December 21, just as the Fourth Week of Advent was concluding. Led by the Fourth’s Pastor, t he Rev. Burns Sta nf ield, the 25-member chorus and
accompanists created incredibly skillful Christmas music, nonstop for nearly t wo hours. The inf luences and sources of their music were many – from ethnic America to Europe, from classic to country, and even included a locally composed origina l (“No R o o m” ). Mu lti-pa r t caroling med le y s ent it led “Sing ing Glory” were among the high points of the Concert. The instrumental playing (piano, drums, trumpet, violin, guitar) was f lawless. The delicate harmonies of the female voices were truly uplifting, as were the solo performances. Audience participation was enthusiastic. The Fourth Church was beautifully decorated, and was highlighted through its west windows by bright, late afternoon sunlight. This gradua lly dimmed as the longest night of 2019 approached. Fittingly, the Christmas Concert ended
Earth listens by candlelight: The congregation sings “Silent Night”. after sunset in darkness. The f inal song – “Silent Night” – was sung in candlelight,
with the entire congregation and audience joining in at the close of the Concert.
Pastor Burns Stanfield welcomes guests to the Christmas Concert.
From our Family to Yours, Wishing you a happy, safe, and joyful Holiday Season! A trio and chorus echo the songs of angels.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
Paid for and authorized by the Friends of Ed Flynn
Beautiful Christmas decorations at the Fourth Church.
6
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Join the “L Street Brownies” for the Annual New Year’s Day Swim On Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., one of Boston’s oldest traditions will continue with an estimated 600 people plunging into Boston Harbor for the annual “L Street Brownies” New Year’s Day Swim. The swim is hosted by the L Street Brownies at the BCYF Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road in South Boston, “M” Street entrance. Due to the tide schedule, it will start at 12:00 PM. Other information you should know: Doors open at 11:00 AM. and close at 1:00 PM.; Participants should arrive dressed for the water as the men’s and women’s locker and shower rooms will not be available until after the swim; Water shoes are suggested due to shells and rocks left by the tide; Pets are not allowed, please leave your furry friends at home; There is no need to pre-register. You will be asked to fill out a short form when you arrive; Lifeguards will be on duty; Participants must be age 16 and older. This event has taken place for over 100 years. The Brownies are the oldest “polar bear” club in America. The Brownies promote health, fun, and friendship. Each year, the swim is dedicated to past and recently deceased Brownies.
Spectators are welcome and creative costumes are encouraged.
Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season from your friends at City of Boston Credit Union!
617-635-4545 Cityofbostoncu.com
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season!
massport.com
7
8
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parish News All were welcome and many came to the 9AM Family Mass at Gate of Heaven Church on Sunday, December 15, 2019 including the children/ families from South Boston Catholic Academy and the children in the South Boston Catholic Academy Children’s Choir also sang at this Mass and the children/families in the Parish Religious Education Program. Father Casey, our Pastor, was the celebrant at this Mass. Following this Mass, all were welcome to come to the downstairs hall for coffee and refreshments and to say hello to Santa. Thank you to all who helped to make this joyful event possible. What a great way to get ready for Christmas! A Very Merry Christmas to all!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
2019 Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 4pm – St. Brigid Church 4pm – Gate of Heaven Church (Children’s Pageant) 4pm – St. Augustine Chapel 10pm – Gate of Heaven Church
Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25 8am – St. Brigid Church 9am – Gate of Heaven Church 10:30am – St. Brigid Church Please Note: There is no 12Noon or 6pm Mass on Christmas Day
Please Note: No Morning Masses on Thursday, December 26, 2019
9
10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Public Meeting
776 Summer Street Monday, January 6 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tynan School 650 East 4th Street South Boston, MA 02127
Project Proponent: HRP 776 Summer Street LLC Project Description: HRP 776 Summer Street LLC has filed a Master Planned Development Area application. HRP 776 Summer Street LLC proposes to redevelop an approximately 15.2-acre site located at 776 Summer Street in the South Boston neighborhood. The proposal entails approximately 1.78 million square feet of occupiable space, including: approximately 636 residential units, approximately 960,000 square feet of office/research and development uses, approximately 80,000 square feet of retail uses, 240 hotel rooms, and up 1,214 parking spaces. The proposal will also preserve several historic buildings on the site and provide 5.5 acres of new outdoor public spaces, including approximately 2.5 acres of open space on the waterfront. mail to:
phone: email:
Tim Czerwienski Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.5303 tim.czerwienski@boston.gov
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
The Law Office of
Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law
Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
Parking Spaces Available Location: East Fourth St between O and P $300./month
Contact 617-596-6268
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
Garage Parking Space Available Location: Columbia Road $425./month Contact 617-877-1791 or Tracyvineyard@gmail.com
Happy holidays!
Warm wishes for the season, from our house to yours. DAVID M. GIBBONS
@MassConvention
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
/MassConvention massconvention.com
11
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION
I’m dreaming of....
A New Home
For A New Year.
Rooney Real Estate, LLC.
Contact us today for your dream come true.
Merry Christmas &
Rooney Real Estate, LLC.
A Happy New Year! Rooney Real Estate, LLC.