THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Veterans Honored at Compass on the Bay by Rick Winterson
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ometimes, an event is so enjoyable, and what’s more important, so meaningful, that it’s difficult to know where to begin writing it up. That was certainly with case for the recent tribute paid to the military veterans, who are now residing in Compass on the Bay at 1380 Columbia Road. But, as some famous author must have once said, just “begin at the beginning”. So here goes. Dianne Paull and Joanne Miller are the two Receptionists at Compass on the Bay. During a conversation they had late last year, they came up with the idea of somehow recognizing and honoring the twelve veterans living at Compass on the Bay. Well, Receptionists (as everyone knows) are on the front lines of communications. When they speak up, all the rest of us had
State and City officials, Fitzgerald Post members, and the Allied War Veterans Council gather to pay tribute to veterans living at Compass on the Bay. better listen. And so it went. The Thomas Fitzgerald VFW Post #561 was contacted and played a major part. After several weeks of planning, Compass on the Bay held a combined ceremony, celebration, and collation last Saturday afternoon, January 19, in honor of the 12 veterans, who live at
Compass on the Bay. In this group of a dozen people – a dozen heroes, actually – four branches of the military are represented – Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Two of these veterans are women; the 12 had served at various times, extending from World War II up to the War in Vietnam. These
veterans are elderly. Unexpectedly, three of them passed away while this event was being arranged. It is fitting and with a tinge of sadness that we list their names first: Thomas Callahan, Thomas Gaffney, and Harry Hayes. All Continued on Page 4
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
What About Marijuana? By Brianne Fitzgerald, Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Recoverymattersma.org.
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here is a vast gap between the federal laws, policies and enforcement of cannabis and the current issues of legalization including medical marijuana, the buzz of marijuana as a gateway drug and the science related to it. This series is directed toward parents, teens and adults of all ages as a way to open dialogue (sorely missing in our country today) in order to make thoughtful decisions. The first article will discuss marijuana history, the next one what science says about marijuana, and the third piece will address issues of medical marijuana and after that…. send me your thoughts, ideas and opinions. Marijuana has been used as an agent for achieving euphoria since ancient times. The first date that I saw was 2737 BC! The Spanish brought marijuana to the new world in 1545. The English brought it to Jamestown in 1611. Originally it was grown as a crop like tobacco prized for its hemp. In the 1920’s marijuana caught one perhaps in part due to prohibition. It became
popular among jazz musicians and people in the arts (read Blacks). The use of it was accepted, it was not illegal and those who used it showed no evidence of making a nuisance in the community. It was socially acceptable. This was time when we had few medications (no penicillin) and so herbal meds including the use of marijuana was common. During the 1930’s a campaign opened by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics sought to portray marijuana as powerful addicting substance that would lead to opioid addiction. In the 1950’s into the 60’s and the summer of love or the Vietnam War (depending on how you experienced it) it was used by the beats, hippies, college students and GI’s. By 1970 The Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana along with heroin and LSD as a schedule 1 drug (high potential for abuse and no medical use). Labeling marijuana a schedule 1 drug makes it nearly impossible for those wishing to study the medical properties of this substances In 1975 Mexico (where most of US marijuana had come from (think Acapulco gold) agreed to eradicate the crop using the poison paraquat. Columbia then became our main supplier and then came the drug wars, zero
tolerance, mandatory sentencing for possession. In 1982 the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) which was established in 1973 turned its attention toward eradicating local marijuana farms and marijuana then went underground. After a period of decreasing use marijuana smoking began an upward trend in the early 1990’s especially among teenagers. There were always undertones of race and stigma. The “locoweed” from Mexico and the racial tensions always simmering beneath the surface in this country contributed to the increasing federal regulation. California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana followed by DC, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Maine. Today we have 32 states that have legalized medical marijuana. Washington and Vermont were the first states to legalize
recreational marijuana in 2012. As of today, there are 30 states plus DC that have legalized Marijuana in some form. Marijuana is legal throughout Canada. So where are we headed today? The North American marijuana market made an astounding 9.7 billion in 2017 up 33% from the previous year. People you would have never thought would have gotten in on the feeding frenzy and are running marijuana companies (Think Andrea Cabral, Dan Linskey @ Ascend), and the projections for the future of marijuana in the global economy are limitless. Reports are that one in four young adults use marijuana. 64 % of Americans support marijuana legalization. Coca- Cola is looking at production of a marijuana infused drink. These days the talk is of putting your sagging 401 K earning into cannabis stock like Tilray (TLRY).
Blizzard at the Book Sale
Last Saturday saw lines and crowds at pharmacies, grocery stores, and, um, “refreshment outlets”. It was not only a Holiday weekend honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., but also bitterly cold, stormy weather was approaching. Advance purchases also kept the regular Saturday Book Sale, which is sponsored by the Friends of The Library, very busy as well. Given the vigorous, rigorous weather that was predicted, it was a weekend to curl up with a good book, in a warm chair near a plate of oatmeal-and-raisin cookies and a glass of cold milk.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019
Watch for Mistakes (Part Two) by Rick Winterson
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n our last issue, South Boston Online’s Sports Op/ Ed predicted that the first major mistake would cost the team making that mistake the AFC Playoff game – and the AFC Title, and a trip to the Super Bowl on February 3. Well, the Patriots made that first mistake in the game against the Chiefs, when Brady tossed an endzone interception in the first quarter. Whether that interception led to a score by the Chiefs is doubtful, but it cost the Pats a highly likely touchdown or a dead cert field goal – 7 points or 3 points that New England did not put on the board. Take your pick. And no, that error did not cost the Pats a Win, but it ultimately drove Sunday’s AFC Playoff game into overtime, after the Pats had led most of the way. Don’t you think the players, and Coach Belichick himself, would have given their eye teeth to have those first-quarter points
on the board, rather than having to clinch the AFC Title in overtime? In addition, the overtime resulted in part because a Rams defender garnered an offside penalty with a minute to go in regulation time (another mistake). So, once again, look for major mistakes in Super Bowl LIII – an interception, an unrecovered fumble, or a badly blown play (like a failure to make a first down, while losing yardage so badly that a field goal is no longer possible). To emphasize our point, you would be surprised at how many of the 52 previous Super Bowl games were lost because of one or two mistakes. So, watch for them ten days from now. As for the initial Super Bowl oddsmaking, it has become ridiculous. Do you recall that it started favoring the Rams by two points, and then swung in favor of the Pats by three points. Unless you’re a bettor, do you care?!? Remember that the odds-makers calculate spreads and total points. They don’t really pick a winner – they only try to tell their “customers” how
to place their money. So on February 3, forget about the odds-makers. If you want to do your own “oddsmaking”, simply compare the Pats/ Rams PF and PA totals over the entire regular season. This bit of arithmetic will show you that the Rams were two points per game better over the 16-game regular season. But the Pats got better as the 2018 season went on, so go figure. South Boston Online suggests that you just relax a week from this Sunday. Simply enjoy watching two teams who are more-or-less equally matched, and who at this point, appear to be completely injury-free. And what should you watch for in the Super Bowl, if each team makes the same number of mistakes? (That happens about one-quarter of the time.) We suggest you watch for the run, an increasingly important Patriots talent. That means that the Pats’ offensive line must perform at its peak, which it has done during the Playoffs (Do you recall the Playoff
wipeout against the Chargers?) Also, it’s likely the game will be won by clever coaching in the fourth quarter. What do you think about the strategic trio of “The Three B’s” – Brady, Belichick, and Bob Kraft? Together, they’ve dominated the NFL since 2002. And if you are superstitious, after 17 years the Pats will once again play the Rams, who were berthed in St. Louis back in 2002. Enough said. The 2019 Super Bowl is up for grabs! So, in the meantime, enjoy the Bruins and the Celts, both of whom are playing well. PR EDICTION: The Patriots, 31-28 (the same figures as our prediction over the Chiefs last week). Go Pats!
Pauline Edmonds Joins Board of Dirctors at NDEC
Pauline Edmonds, R.N., Esq., a lifelong South Boston resident, has joined the Board of Directors of Notre Dame Education Center. “Pauline brings not only her medical and legal background to the Board, but also her many years of experience as a volunteer at NDEC,” said Mary Rose Durante, Esq., Executive Director and CEO of the Center. “We value her experience.”
Pauline teaches NDEC’s Healthcare Preparation course, which gives students an overview of the healthcare profession. She began volunteering with the Center after her youngest daughter graduated from NDEC’s High School Diploma Program. Pauline’s daughter is now a medical student at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.
Pauline has worked for the Massachusetts General Hospital, the Boston Visiting Nurse Association and the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services, where she was Director of MassHealth’s Community LongTerm Care Programs for many years. She has also served on the Elder Rights Review Committee of the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Pauline earned a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Emmanuel College and a J.D. from New England School of Law. In addition to her work at NDEC, she still maintains a small private law practice. Founded in 1992, Notre Dame Education Center provides adult learners with quality instruction focused on workforce preparation and training, high school equivalency preparation, high school completion, and English Language learning. NDEC is committed to growing, adapting, and evolving to serve learners in a diverse, caring environment that empowers students to develop their full potential as scholars, professionals, and citizens.
We’re making bus service better for you. Welcome to the Better Bus Project. We are sharing proposed changes that are the first step in our efforts to improve bus service and the system as a whole. We welcome your observations, insights and opinions. To make a better MBTA, we need to continue to be better listeners. With your help, we can create the transportation system you deserve.
mbta.com/betterbus
Join us at one of our Open Houses Location
Date
Open House Times
Boston City Hall Plaza
Thursday, January 31
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Wonderland Station
Tuesday, February 5
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Haymarket Station
Wednesday, February 6
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Ashmont Station
Wednesday, February 13
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Sullivan Station
Tuesday, February 19
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Forest Hills Station
Wednesday, February 27
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Malden Center Station
Monday, March 4
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
MBTA. Welcome to a system of improvement. The open house is accessible to people with disabilities and those with limited proficiency in English. Accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge, upon request, as available. Such services include documents in alternate formats, translated documents, assistive listening devices, and interpreters (including American Sign Language). For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation and/or language services, please email apoggenburg@reginavilla.com or call 617-357-5772 x26.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Continued from Page 1
Veterans
The oldest veteran at Compass on the Bay, Frank Atchison USN (age 95), served three years on submarine duty off the coast of Japan in World War II. three were Army veterans. Callahan died in December; Gaffney, in January. Hayes passed on as recently as last Saturday morning. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, the 19th, a festive crowd gathered in the living room at Compass on the Bay. Fellow residents, families, friends, government officials, members of the Fitzgerald VFW Post #561 and the Allied War Veterans Council (the AWVC that is arranging the Parade on March 17), and the Press were all on hand. The ceremony was capably emceed by Mary-Dith Tuitt, who is a member of American Legion #16 in Dorchester and the Memory Support Dining Manager at Compass, and Tom McCarthy, the Commander of South Boston’s Fitzgerald VFW Post #561 on Fourth Street. The National Anthem was rendered, The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the five songs of the military branches were sung. Congressman Stephen Lynch then began the presentations – written citations and flags flown over Washington’s Capitol Building gold dome. City Councilors Ed Flynn and Michael Flaherty, both of whom are from South Boston, went next, stressing that the memories of the veterans who “gave” will never be forgotten. David Biele, recently sworn in as our State Representative stated how honored he was to be at the Compass ceremony. Robert Santiago represented the City of Boston and Mayor Walsh with his presentations. The veterans were overwhelmed
with gratitude and joy for the marvelous ceremony and celebration. After the presentations were complete, everyone stayed to talk with them. There was an atmosphere of great good cheer all around. We mentioned the three recently deceased veterans above. Those present included Joseph D’Ambrosia, Gerald Healey, Noel Coletti, and Ottavio Cerullo (all Army veterans); Frank Atchison, Robert Molloy (Navy veterans); Gerald Cohen, Marilyn McGrath (Air Force); and Yolanda Cerullo (Coast Guard). We don’t have the space to profile all the nine veterans – perhaps we’ll do this in future issues – but please note there are two women veterans. Yolanda Cerullo served in the Boston Coast Guard in World War II; Marilyn McGrath was a Nurse in Vietnam. Ottavio Cerullo is Yolanda’s brother. He was in the Invasion of France, and is a two-time Purple Heart recipient. At 95, Frank Atchison is oldest veteran at Compass. He served three years in a submarine off the coast of Japan during World War II. Yes, veterans and heroes all. The veterans’ celebration closed with an excellent buffet, ranging from gourmet pizza to pigs-in-a-blanket, presented by the Compass on the Bay dining staff. A veteran-related vignette that we should all read carefully, and think about as well, took place at Saturday’s veteran’s event. Fitzgerald Post Commander Tom McCarthy presented a $2,500 check from the Post members to Colin Smith, who is on active duty with Boston’s Coast Guard detachment. The $2,500 is to be split up within Colin’s detachment, because the Coast Guard is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security has now been shut down for a month. Therefore, those serving in Boston’s Coast Guard have not been paid since December. When South Boston Online asked how he and his mates would use the $2,500, Colin replied, “Baby formula, diapers, baby supplies”. Makes you think, doesn’t it? To repeat ourselves, last Saturday’s event at Compass on the Bay was marvelous.
Fitzgerald Post members Bernie, Ed, and Ed salute Dianne Paull and Joanne Miller (Receptionists at Compass on the Bay), who originally had the idea to salute veterans residing there.
Veterans at Compass on the Bay gather for a celebration of their devotion to America.
Ottavio and Yolanda Cerello (brother and sister vets) – he a twotime Purple Heart recipient, she a Boston Coast Guard veteran – at Compass on the Bay.
City Councilor-at-Large Michael Flaherty from South Boston delivers remarks to the veterans at Compass on the Bay.
Congressman Stephen Lynch greets Compass on the Bay veterans, as he presents citations and flags flown over the U.S. Capitol Building.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019
Mary-Dith Tuitt (from Dorchester’s American Legion Post #16) and Tom McCarthy (Commander of our Fitzgerald VFW Post) open the Compass on the Bay ceremonies.
Marilyn McGrath, USAF veteran, is greeted by Fitzgerald Post Commander Tom McCarthy.
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Colin Smith (on active duty with Boston’s Coast Guard unit) receives a $2,500 check from Post Commander Tom McCarthy to tide Smith’s unit over during the government shutdown.
Paying tribute to veterans living at Compass on the Bay.
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Membership open to those that live, work or attend school in a community of Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk Counties** 617-635-4545 Cityofbostoncu.com * Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of WINcentive Savings is .10% APY and is accurate as of 1/1/19. APY is subject to change without notice. Must be a member in good standing of City of Boston Credit Union to open WINcentive Savings. Only one WINcentive Savings account allowed per member. Business and trust accounts or other non-consumer accounts are not eligible. Unlimited deposits allowed, but per calendar year prize pool entries are earned by month-over-month balance increases with each $25 deposit increase equal to one (1) entry with the following maximum entries per drawing period - maximum number of entries per month equals 4, maximum number of entries per quarter equals 12 and maximum number of entries per year equals 48. Account holder is only eligible to win once per drawing pool period. At least one account holder must be 18 years or older. Account must be open and active to win any prize during drawing period. Early withdrawal penalites apply; first withdrawal $10 fee, second withdrawal $25 fee, third withdrawal account closure is required with no penalty. If WINcentive savings account is closed member is ineligible to open another WINcentive savings account with City of Boston Credit Union for a period of 90 days, all earned drawings at the time of account closure are forfeited. Minimum deposit of $5.00. After twelve (12) consecutive months of saving, WINcentive savings account holder may do any of the following penalty-free during the one year anniversary month (month 13) of account opening; keep balance in WSA account, (any roll-over balance that remains at the end of the anniversary month will be treated as a new deposit for eligibility into applicable prize pools for the subsequent first monthly, quarterly and annual savings period); Transfer funds into another savings product offered by City of Boston Credit Union; Withdraw all funds but keep $5 on deposit in WSA to maintain account; Close account. Federally Insured Offer may be withdrawn at any time. by NCUA ** For complete City of Boston Credit Union membership eligibility and guidelines visit cityofbostoncu.com
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The Fate of St. Brendan / St. Ann: “Let Us Gather, Not Scatter” By: Tara Kerrigan Hayes
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hen Rev. Brian Clary and Rev. Bob Connors arrived at The Collaborative of St. Brendan / St. Ann in June of 2018, they inherited a litany of challenges, from structural problems of deferred maintenance in upwards of 2 million dollars, to a $750,000 combined debt to the Archdiocese, as well as a dwindling number of parishioners. Then there was, of course, the stigma of the past. The Dorchester churches are not alone in diving attendee numbers considering the growing number of the nondenominational these days, as well as a demographic shift as more families move out of neighborhoods. It was, however, hit hard by the sex abuse crisis of 2002, which continues to haunt. Considering these two particular parishes were affiliated the major perpetrators, the community still bears deep, painful wounds. In an interview with Father Clary, he speaks candidly and articulately, not only about the past, but on the future of St. Brendan and his hopes for this community he has come to hold so dear. “People are still hurting from the scandal, and understandably so, then the summer of shame
resurrected all of that pain again.” He talks about the first open meeting with the community. To his surprise, there were over 300 attendees, though many of them came to vent and express contempt about the scandalous history. The second meeting was more of the same, but by the third meeting Father Clary made it a point to address the importance of looking towards the future as well as addressing the past. He explored the process of pastoral planning and how to be pro-active and mission based in attempting to save the parishes. And in turning to the community for assistance, he was amazed at how quickly he was met with an incredible outpouring of support,
despite the scars that continue to heal. “It was astonishing the way this community sprang to action”, says Father Clary. Volunteers went canvassing, engaging with neighbors, dropping flyers. They also planned a Gala Fundraiser (amongst other ideas), not only to raise money, but also to boost church attendance. One of the biggest supporters was Dorchester’s own, Mayor Marty Walsh, who attended last year’s Gala Fundraiser at Florian Hall and raised $5,000 in mere minutes (by auctioning off four footballs autographed by Tom Brady). “But more valuable than the funds”, Father Clary says, “were Marty’s words to the crowd”, saying to the attentive audience, “the church has always been there for each of you, and now it’s time to be there for the church”. He also recently met with Father Connors and Father Clary for a long lunch to discuss the fate of the parishes, offering his assistance. “He is a faithful, Dorchester Catholic”, Father Clary says of Mayor Walsh, fondly. Of the $100,000 goal of Gala Fundraiser, the community managed to raise $88,000, which was then split between the two parishes. Impressive as the numbers were, it would not be enough to keep them out of danger. “Typically, such a fundraiser would go to something tangible (i.e. a new church addition), says Father Clary, “not in recent history has a church been in such a need to simply meet operational day-to-day expenses”. “But even if by some miracle we suddenly had a private benefactor
who donated 3 million dollars”, he adds, “we’d still end up with two very beautiful museums. We need more parishioners.” He credits the community with creative ideas to increase attendance, from a mass to support youth hockey, to a grandparent’s mass and an outdoor mass at Pope John Paul park that brought out a whopping 450 attendees. But that seems to have been the peak. In October they were required to report their numbers to the Archdiocese to make assessments. Numbers that have since decreased. “As great as the community has been”, says Father Clary, “we have hit a plateau”. With parish facilities still in dire straits and attendance decreasing again, Father Clary is rightfully concerned, yet optimistic about the resilience and faith of the community. “The people of Dorchester are like the people of Southie. They rise if the face of crisis”, says Father Clary. “But we can’t stay in crisis mode forever”. When asked plainly what he thinks will happen with the parishes, he is completely transparent. “It’s anyones guess at this point”, he says, “As priests it’s our duty to make sure people are receiving their sacraments. We are in it for the long haul. And Dorchester has a strong Catholic Community that will continue to practice their faith. But what that looks like in terms of space is the question at hand. Right now, we are on a faith journey together, and my plea to the community is this, “let us gather, not scatter”. In speaking with Father Clary, his warmth for this community and sincerity to want to help is clear, as well as his hopes to collectively find a solution to keep both parishes operating. He reiterates that both himself and Father Connors are approachable and open to thoughts and ideas from the people. “When we first arrived, there were rumors flying that we were here to close the churches, when in fact we are here to try to help. If anyone has any questions or concerns, they are always welcome to visit or call. We are all in this together. We really are at this point, a team”.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019
Condon Community News The Condon Community Center members and staff entered 2019 with excitement and lots to be thankful for. So many caring partners, groups and individuals stepped forward to make many lives happy and healthier. Members of District C-6 (South Boston) Community Service Office partnered with a generous local charitable foundation to donate over 200 winter coats, hats and gloves to youth from the South Boston area. Also, there are too many others to mention whose gifts brought joy and warmth during the holidays. The Condon families say “thank you� for your kindness. C Us Rise!
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SBCA Academy News South Boston Catholic Academy bolsters STEM learning through Innovative Spaces Submitted by: Jamie Brown
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outh Boston Catholic Academy is a preschool through grade 6 school located in the heart of Boston. Recently, the Academy has spent time carving out two spaces within their building to dedicate to STEM learning for all students, beginning at age 3. The IDEA Lab for preschoolers, and Math & Science Lab for the upper grades serve as spaces for learning experiences that are both authentic and deeply connected for all students. South Boston Catholic Academy’s Early Childhood Program serves almost 150 students. The Early Childhood Program, in partnership with the Lynch Early Childhood Project, provides experiences for students to learn through play and seeks to provide students with opportunities to approach tasks with an inventive and inquisitive nature. On Thursday, November 8, South Boston Catholic Academy unveiled the new IDEA Lab! The lab is intended to be a space for Early Childhood students to Imagine, Design, Explore, and Achieve. There, students are inspired to build and test out ramps and gears on a magnetic wall, explore concepts of color and
Grade 4 visits the New England Aquarium transparency at a light table, perform on a stage, write on the walls, and build with oversized blocks and lego walls! The lab provides countless opportunities for students to predict, experiment, tinker and work together in a room full of possibilities! The IDEA Lab is designed and dedicated in loving remembrance of an actively involved and admired school and community member, Lori Miller. Lori was a familiar face at the school for more than 15
We welcome Ms. Anne Damiano, as our new STEM Coordinator. She is here with our grade 5 students sorting and organizing the Robotic Kits for the STEM Initiative.
years, as a mother and volunteer. Lori’s love for South Boston Catholic Academy was clear in her involvement there, and her daughter, Kristen, continues her legacy working in the preschool as a teacher. Also new this year is the Academy’s first Math and Science Lab. If you walked in there on any given day, you would see students working around tall Collaboration Stations engaging in hands on science. In the lab, students have access to an interactive whiteboard, two 3D printers, chromebooks and virtual reality headsets. South Boston Catholic Academy has done a great deal of reflection on practice in STEM this year in order to ensure that we are providing rigorous, standards aligned instruction in math and science. Study and learning in the both sciences and mathematics has been bolstered by shifting our thinking towards more STEM education, and thinking of how we can integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to help students make sense of the world around them. Students in grade 6 recently created a “Christmas
Village” that asked students to construct gingerbread houses from nets and then calculate various aspects of their structure, including finding volume and surface area. Through our partnership with Engineering is Elementary and the Museum of Science, students in all grades K2-5 will have experience a full EiE unit. In addition to in school experiences, we also take our students on regular field trips to experience science in the real world. Classrooms visit the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Stone Zoo, and MIT for Robotics classes. We look forward to highlighting our student learning during Catholic Schools Week, and opening our doors to prospective families. Our Open House will also be held on Wednesday, January 30th from 9-1. For additional information about South Boston Catholic Academy, or to schedule a tour, please visit their website at www.sbcatholicacademy. org or call 617-268-2326. Jamie Brown is the Assistant Principal of South Boston Catholic Academy.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019
Jimmy Donnelly Opens Campaign
Kristen Miller (teacher) at the Opening of the IDEA LAB
Students exploring light in the IDEA LAB.
Gr. 6 sorting and organizing the Robotic Kits for the STEM Initiative.
Grade 6 learns about 3D Printing at MIT.
vacuation Day Parade, which is not only New England’s largest, but also is locally funded by our own individual contributions. The winning candidate becomes “Mayor of South Boston” and marches in the Parade. One of the four candidates, Jimmy Donnelly, kicked off his campaign last Wednesday, with a “meet and greet” at Amrhein’s. Many guests showed up, including Mark McGonagle, who is managing Jimmy’s campaign (watch out, world!) and the adorable Keira, who managed the registration table at Jimmy’s kickoff.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
PUBLIC NOTICE
Take the Plunge on March 10th to Raise Funds
J
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
oin Save the Harbor/Save the Bay on Sunday, March 10, for the Harpoon Shamrock Splash plunge and pledge fundraiser and beach party at the BCYF Curley Community Center at M Street Beach in South Boston. Last year, more than 150 participants made the splash and raised more than $50,000 for the Better Beaches Program. The success of the Splash allowed Save the Harbor and DCR to award Better Beaches grants to 36 community groups who held more than 150 free events on the region’s public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket. In 2018 the South Boston Neighborhood House, the BCYF Curley Community Center, the City Point Neighborhood Association, and the South Boston Leadership Initiative received Better Beaches grants totaling $25,000. Grants funded beach events including L Street Night at the Curley, Olliepalooza, outdoor concerts at Marine Park, and several Youth Beach Bash and Splash events featuring storytelling pirates, beach games, and performers from the Boston Circus Guild. Funds also supported stand up paddleboarding and kayaking programs for youth. This year’s Harpoon Shamrock Splash begins with registration and check-in 11 a.m. and the signature splash at 12:00 p.m. The day includes a costume contest, awards ceremony, and beach party. Participants are encouraged
to dress in their best shamrock attire. Early registration is just $20, while same day registration is $25, and includes a refreshing beer from Harpoon Brewery, hot chowder from the Daily Catch and refreshments on the beach. Those who raise more than $250 will get a Harpoon pint glass, and those who raise more than $500 will receive Harpoon apparel. “For 32 years, it has been important to the Employee Owners of Harpoon to be a good neighbors,” said Harpoon Brewery President Charlie Storey, who has taken part in the event since the beginning. “That starts with our neighborhood, right here on Boston Harbor and on our public beaches. We’re honored to support Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and can’t wait to brave the cold water on March 10th— and to drink some great beers afterwards!” There are plenty of chances to win round-trip flights from splash sponsor JetBlue as well. The top two fundraisers, the winners of the costume contest and the person who receives the most donations will each win a pair of roundtrip tickets from JetBlue to any non-stop destination they fly to in the continental United States from Logan Airport. All registered participants will be entered into a raffle for a pair of tickets as well. Those that raise more than $500 will be entered into a separate elite raffle as well. You can register for this year’s Harpoon Shamrock Splash at w w w.shamrocksplash.org.
No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
Brave participants will splash into the clean, cold water to raise funds for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s Better Beaches Program. This program funds free events on the region’s beaches in Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019
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Condon Community Center Schedules & Programs in Full Swing The CCC has new 2019 schedules in place for the pool, gym, computer lab, Condon Teen room, Girls room and daily Senior activities. There are various programs kicking off including our structured and staffed Middle School “Books, Cooks & Hooks” Program. It runs M-F, 3:30-6:30 offering homework and tutoring followed by dinner and on to some basketball or pool time. Register today - it’s free with $5 membership. Also, offered are swim lessons, Rookie Rugby, boxing & fitness, adult aerobics and lap swim, computer intro and more! Call (617)635-5100 for all details or stop in 200 D Street for schedules.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION
Open House Sunday January 27th 12p.m- 2 p.m
7-9 Thomas Park #4 Asking Price: $469,000
605 SqFt | 1 Bedrooms | 1 Full Baths | Historic Location