THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 2023
SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
New Year’s Eve Celebration Moving to City Hall Plaza
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ayor Michelle Wu joined City le ader sh ip to share the City’s preparations for First Night, Boston’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The free and family-friendly event is moving to the newly refurbished City Hall Plaza, and will feature performances, ice sculptures, fireworks, and more. The City is a partner of the New Year’s Eve event, which is formally run by Boston Celebrations, Inc, and managed by Conventures, Inc. All parties are taking steps to ensure public safety as Boston celebrates the New Year. “First Night is a beloved tradition in Boston and beyond, having created delightf ul experiences for neighborhood residents and visitors from around the world,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our newly renovated City Hall Plaza is the perfect venue to
welcome families from all over to ring in the New Year. I encourage all our residents to celebrate safely as we welcome 2024.” First Night will feature more than 13 hours of free programming on the recently renovated City Hall Plaza. The event has moved to City Hall from its usual hub in Copley Square due to the park’s reconstruction. New this year, there will be programming inside Boston City Hall, comedy at the ImprovAsylum, and six hours of free carousel rides on the Greenway. The Boston Police Department will be present at First Night to support this family-friendly event. Additionally, Boston Police are reminding attendees not to consume alcohol or marijuana in public spaces or prohibited private spaces, not to fly drones at any First Night activities, to dress Continued on Page 2
The Nativity Story
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he students at South Boston Cat holic Academy did a fantastic job participating in their Annual Christmas Concert entitled, “Christmas in Our Hearts”, which is actually a beautiful song from the Philippines that the SBCA Children’s Choir did a wonderful job singing in the show. All the SBCA students joyfully sang many festive songs that set the tone for us to get ready to celebrate
the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus’ birthday. Thank you to all our wonderful SBCA students, parents, families, friends, faculty and staff for helping to make this Christmas Concert possible. Thank you to our talented Art Teacher, Ms. Valerie Smuzlo, for decorating the front of our stage and turning it into a winter wonderland. A special Thank you to our talented Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi, Continued on Page 6
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 2023
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Continued from Page 2
New YearsEve accordingly for the weather, and to report any suspicious activity. “Families participating in the Official First Night celebrations, as well as residents celebrating in our neighborhoods, can expect to see a strong police presence,” said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. “We are working with our public safety partners to make sure that this family friendly event is safe and secure for all in attendance. If you see something concerning or need to report a party or disturbance, please report it to an officer nearby or call 911.” A parade from City Hall Plaza to the Boston Common at 6:00 p.m. will lead up to the Family Fireworks over the Common starting at 7:00 p.m. Midnight Fireworks over Boston Harbor presented by Meet Boston will cap off the night. More
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information on programming for Sunday, December 31, can be found at firstnightboston.org. The public is reminded that it is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks, and that illegal fireworks pose significant dangers to the safety of residents and their property. Boston EMS will be deploying additional personnel at dispatch
operations and in ambulances across the city to support emergency medical needs on New Year’s Eve. “Whether you are celebrating at First Night events or another venue, please keep in mind that many illnesses and injuries can be avoided through sensible measures. Dress appropriately for the weather, have a transportation plan, and be a good friend, making sure everyone
gets home safely,” said Boston EMS Chief of Department, Jim Hooley. First Night festivities will impact traffic and parking in Downtown Boston. People coming into the City to celebrate are strongly encouraged not to drive. The MBTA will not be collecting fares after 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Updated holiday schedules can be found.
Polar Plunge to Support BPS Music Programs
hanks to over $30,000 in donations from over 70 local Boston families, State Representative David Biele, Boston Music Project’s Executive Director Christopher Schroeder, and Perry Schools’ Principal Andrew Rollins took a polar plunge into the South Boston shores at 3pm on Thursday, December 21st, 2023. This plunge is a part of a larger fundraising initiative to bring music education to BPS Oliver Perry School. The entire school of 180 students and 30 educators cheered on the trio as they plunged into the ocean in support of music education for the school. The event was orchestrated by “The Friends of Perry,” a parent-led non-profit for BPS Oliver Perry School in South Boston. They also raised more than $30,000 for this initiative. In an effort to nurture students’ creativity and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) from preK-12th grade, Boston Music Project
established strategic partnerships with elementary, middle, and high schools within Boston Public Schools (BPS). These partnerships have enabled BMP to fully realize their larger vision for developing a series of sequential, preK-12th grade Music Pathways for Boston youth. Founded twelve years ago, Boston Music Project is a Creative Youth Development program and one of the largest music education partners for Boston Public Schools. They currently bring weekly music education to 2,000 Boston youth across 22 schools and partners with a team of 52 music educators and teaching artists. At the Oliver Perry School, Boston Music Project is providing every child in the school with a sequential, weekly K-6 music pathway. The music pathway includes K1/K2 early childhood music education, 1-3rd grade digital music production and composition, 4-6th grade New Orleans-style brass band, and K-6th grade special needs music education.
20236:44 AM 28, DECEMBER THURSDAY SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM 95280 Drone_Massport_SouthBoston Online_5x13.pdf 1 12/11/23
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2024 New Year’s Plunge Join the “L Street Brownies” for the Annual New Year’s Day Plunge
On Monday, January 1, at 10:00 a.m., one of Boston’s oldest traditions will continue with people plunging into Boston Harbor for the annual “L Street Brownies” New Year’s Day Plunge. The plunge is hosted by the L Street Brownies at the BCYF Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road in South Boston, “M” Street entrance. L Street Tavern hosts a special march from the bar located at L + 8th to the beach led by the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes +
Keep the holidays merry and bright. Obey the rules for a safe drone flight: • Register your drone • Never fly near any aircraft, airports or other controlled airspace without prior FAA approval • Keep your drone in sight at all times • Always fly below 400 feet • Learn the rules for Remote ID and flying over crowds
Drums! Doors open at 8 am. March to M Street Beach as a group at 9:30 am. A special commemorative t-shirt will be on sale for $25. 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 plunge is dedicated to past and recently deceased Brownies. Spectators are welcome and creative costumes are encouraged.
Breaking the law will lead to penalties Visit FAA.gov/UAS for more information
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 2023
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Massport Holds Annual Coat Drive Employees donated new winter wear to children of East Boston and South Boston
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he Massachusetts Port Authority’s (Massport) annual Winter Coat Drive benefitted nearly 118 children in East Boston and South Boston this year, doubling the number of donations made in 2022. Over 150 employees contributed their time and money to purchase winter coats for children ages two to 17 years old at Crossroads Family Center and Salesian Boys & Girls Club in East Boston, and Michael J. Perkins Elementary School and The Tierney Learning Center in South Boston. “Each year, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Massport employees and the joy it brings to participate in this effort,” said Massport Director of Community Relations & Government Affairs Alaina Coppola. “During a time when families may struggle to provide basic necessities, this gift enables them to focus their resources toward other areas of need and will hopefully make this
Tierney Learning Center L-R: Lilu Torres & Milagros “Milly” Pena of the Tierney Learning Center; Alaina Coppola, Massport; Representative David Biele; Karen Zirkle, Legislative Aide, Representative David Biele’s Office; Sandra Gomez, Tierney Learning Center and Audrey Nagle, Massport holiday season a little brighter.” “On behalf of the Tierney families, I would like to say thank you,” said Milagros “Milly”
Pena of the Tierney Learning Center. “The kids’ smiles when they received their new coats was perfect. And the parents’
appreciation is the best feeling ever as well as being able to help my community. And I would not be able to do it without your help.”
Michael J. Perkins Elementary School L-R: Beatrice “Betsy” Falcon, Family Engagement Coordinator, Perkins School; Karen Zirkle, Legislative Aide, Representative David Biele’s Office; Representative David Biele; Audrey Nagle & Alaina Coppola, Massport
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 2023
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President Flynn’s Statement on the $13 Million Public Health & Safety Grant to Office of Emergency Management
I
had the opportunity to visit the City of Boston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with Mayor Wu and the director of this office, Chief Shumean Benford. We discussed the critical role OEM plays not only in Boston, but throughout the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. Cities and towns rely on Boston, as the capital city, to support them in leading emergency management services, training, coordination and act as the fiscal steward of state and federal funding. I have also spoken with senior City of Boston public sa fet y of f icia ls about t his important funding. This $13 million Urban A rea Security I n it i at i ve g r a nt prov ide d to Mayor Wu’s Of f ice of Emergenc y Ma na gement by President Biden and Governor Hea ley’s ad ministrations is used to prevent, respond to, and recover from threats of acts of terrorism, not only for the City of Boston, but also for surrounding cities in the region. Ensuring the public’s health and safety is the most critical
issue that impacts any city, and it is important that our city and region have the necessary resources and personnel to keep our residents and visitors safe. I voted in favor of this grant, and I’m deeply disappointed that my City Council colleagues failed to provide the leadership necessary to protect our city and many cities and towns throughout Greater Boston. As the President of the City Council, I am now ask ing Mayor Wu to resubmit the ne c e s s a r y paper work ne x t week to the City Council for a formal vote to accept this funding. If city off icials fail to exercise that option, I will ca ll for an emergency Cit y Council meeting for next week to discuss our options and to
encourage my colleagues to vote to support this funding. The status quo is not an option. We must put politics aside, and focus on the safety of our residents as a top priority. As a member of the U.S Navy, I have studied a nti-terrorism issues in different regions across the globe. I understand how dangerous the world is and that Boston is not immune from a terrorist attack. As the launching site for the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the site of the 2013 Boston M a r at hon b ombi n g s , t he people of Boston know all too well what’s at stake. Delaying or blocking this funding any further only puts our people at higher risk, and that is something that our City and Commonwealth cannot afford.
PUBLIC NOTICE: FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION ON MCCA CYPHER STREET REMEDIATION PROJECT On Thursday, January 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority will host a community discussion at CRISPR Therapeutics, located at 105 West First Street in South Boston, regarding an upcoming soil remediation project on Cypher Street. MCCA officials will be presenting and available to answer questions.
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 2023
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
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SBCA for helping the children prepare for this joyful uplifting musical concert honoring Jesus’ birth as God’s son and our Savior. Just before leaving for our Christmas vacation, Ms. Lauren Monahan’s 6th grade students did an incredible job of reenacting the nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus. Thank you to their Religion Teacher, Mrs. Maureen Bailey, for helping them prepare for their roles in this Nativity Story. This was followed by “A Christmas Prayer for Children” ...Dear God, Thank you for all the fun and excitement of Christmas. Thank you for the amazing nativity story that tells us about the birth of Jesus. Thank you for sending
us your Son, a gift from you into this world. As we look at the lights on the tree, remind us of the hope Jesus showed everyone. And as we open the gifts and presents, remind us that Jesus was the best gift ever. Help us to share special times with family
and friends this Christmas, and share the light of hope and gift of Jesus to the world. Amen” Then, our Pastor, Father Robert Casey wished everyone a Merry Christmas and gave a special blessing to all and he and Mr. Carlo Bunyi led us in a sing-a-long of Christmas
melodies, as we set out to get ready to celebrate Christmas with our families and friends. On behalf of our Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian, and all of us at SBCA, we hope and pray that everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 2023
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Boston Harbor Announces Annual New Year’s Eve Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll Returning with Record Number of Sculptures Boston Ha rbor Now has announced the return of the annual New Year’s Eve Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll, with more ice sculptures than ever before in a variety of locations across the Boston Waterfront. The Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll will kick off on Sunday, December 31st, starting at 1:00 PM and will continue until dusk. T he Water f ront Ic e Sculpture Stroll is a part of Boston Harbor Now’s “New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront” programming and features a lineup of activities for guests of all ages to help ring in the new year. This year’s event will showcase over 35 handcrafted ice sculptures hosted by businesses and cultural sites along the waterfront, making it the largest Sculpture Stroll in Boston Harbor Now’s history and the Region. Boston Harbor Now also announced that new locations have been added for guests to view these ice sculptures, which will span from Roxbury to Revere, just north of Boston. New locations include Boston M a r g a r it av i l le , t he Sam
Adams Tap Room in Faneuil Hall, the Charlestown Nav y Yard, and Wulf ’s Fish at the Massport Boxes at the Fish Pier. Guests are encouraged to snap a photo next to their favorite sculptures to be entered into Boston Harbor Now’s Staycation Giveaway. Each picture taken outside an ice sculpture with the tag @BostonHarborNow will count as an entry to win prizes like restaurant gift cards, an overnight hotel stay, tickets to the New England Aquarium, a family four-pack to the Boston Harbor Islands, and more.
Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll Details: Sunday, December 31st, 2023 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Across the Boston Waterfront
Additional Activities: First Responders Touch a Truck at The Envoy Hotel 12:00 – 4:00 pm First Night Boston Art and
Music performances at Boston City Hall Plaza
Snowport, Seaport’s muchloved Winter Village and more at #BundleUpBoston
Holiday Lights on the Trellis at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park Hatchlings lights exhibit on the Rose Kennedy Greenway
To learn more about the Water f ront Ic e S c u lpt u re Stroll and other programs that are part of Boston Harbor Now’s New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront, visit https://w w w. b o s t o n h a r b o r n o w. o r g /n y e /.
961-3047 for cancellations and class updates. Additionally, to stay up to date with seasonal fitness offerings
as well as news, park improvements, and events, sign up for the Parks email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails.
Winter Fitness Series Returns
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he Boston Parks a nd Recre at ion Depa r tment, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), has announced the launch of the 2024 Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series. This program is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and offers free virtual classes from January 7 through April 6. Certified fitness instructors will offer a range of winter classes, including Afrobeats Dance, Cardio Kickboxing, Chair Yoga, Dance Fit, Strength and Balance, Strength and Conditioning, Yoga, and Zumba. Class descriptions, dates, and times
have been posted on the winter fitness website: boston.gov/fitness. The program is designed to cater to the different interests of residents, with classes that are accessible and age-friendly, as well as classes for people who are new to group fitness. Regardless of fitness level, everyone is welcome to join. By encouraging physical activity across the city, BPHC and the Parks Department aim to reduce the barriers to active living and ensure that Bostonians have plenty of opportunities to stay active throughout the year. Participants can follow @he a lt hy boston a nd @ bostonparksdept on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or call (617)
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 28, 2023
ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a virtual public hearing will be held on January 17, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of Map Amendment Application No. 770 and a petition for approval of the Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 147, Mary Ellen McCormack Phase I Redevelopment, filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency. Said map amendment would add the designation “D,” indicating a Planned Development Area overlay to approximately 784,080 square feet (approximately 18 acres) of land located at 10 Kemp Street in South Boston and is generally bounded by Old Colony Avenue to the east, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA”) right-of-way to the south, Dorchester Avenue and O’Connor Way to the west, and Devine way to the north. Said Development Plan would allow for the phased redevelopment of the northern-most 18 acres of the 31-acre McCormack Development into a mixed-use, mixed-income community. The Proposed Project will comprise eight (8) new buildings, the substantial renovation of an existing structure (the “Boiler Building”) and will include up to 1,440,000 square feet of gross floor area (“GFA”) of residential, retail, community, and open space uses, and uses accessory and ancillary thereto. Building heights will range from low and mid-rise structures to a high-rise tower with the maximum height not to exceed 19 stories (199 feet). Approximately thirteen percent (13%) of the Project Site, approximately 2.48 acres, will be comprised of publicly accessible open space which will be provided in a variety of configurations, with active and passive areas and hardscaped and planted areas. This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_ Jan172024. Copies of the petitions and a map of the area involved may be obtained from the Zoning Commission electronically, and you may also submit written comments or questions to zoningcommission@boston.gov. Interpreting services are available to communicate information at this hearing. If you require interpreting services, please contact the following: zoningcommission@boston.gov or 617-918-4308. The meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2024. Please request interpreting services no later than January 12, 2024.
For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary
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