SBOL 1/31/19

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Mary Jane: Nearer Than You Might think

by Rick Winterson

I

n many ways, this article is a follow-up to the article in South Boston Online last week (JAN 24, page two) on marijuana by Brianne Fitzgerald, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and the Founder of Recoverymattersma. org. Ms. Fitzgerald is a highly qualified individual on this issue.

We encourage you to read carefully all of the articles on marijuana that Ms. Fitzgerald plans to send us for publication in future issues of South Boston Online.

In our opinion, Ms. Fitzgerald’s article made two (very) important points: First, her article was written for parents, teens (i.e., soon to become young adults), and adults of all ages. Marijuana use – especially recreational – is a family and a “grown-up” issue. Second,

Bfit and The 100 Club

marijuana use – even if it’s only for medical purposes – must be openly and publicly discussed, long before the Commonwealth or the City allows marijuana facilities (of any kind) to open their doors. In Ms. Fitzgerald’s words, this dialogue has been “sorely missing in our country today”.

We completely agree with her!

We wanted to make sure you knew that marijuana (which was once nicknamed “Mary Jane”) is coming to town. During 2018, two nearby facilities had been given the go-ahead to proceed.

One is a medical marijuana dispensary at 50 Clapp Street; the other is a marijuana cultivation and processing facility proposed for 60 Newmarket Square. These two locations would bracket the west entrance to South Bay Mall; both locations are less than a 15-minute walk from Andrew Continued on page 3

Supporting the Families of Fallen Heroes

By Tara Kerrigan Hayes

T

his past Sunday, Januar y 27t h , the Boston Bruins rd Foundation hosted the 3 Annual BFit First Responder Challenge, presented by National Grid at the TD Garden. Also known as the Climb to Support the Families of Fallen First Responders, the event

does precisely that, by donating the proceeds raised to The Hundred Club of Mass, Inc., (the 100 Club), a charity that supports the families of law enforcement of f ic e r s a nd f i re f i g ht e r s killed in the line of duty in the Commonwealth of Mass.

The 100 Club was organized in 1959, recognizing early on that when a family faces the devastation of losing a loved one in the line of duty, they are also often met with the harsh reality of Continued on Page 7

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The Science of Marijuana Brianne Fitzgerald NP. Recoverymattersma.org

T

his is a tough one, as we have little scientific information on marijuana. It is a schedule 1 drug and therefore limited rigorous scientific research has been conducted.

We do know from anecdotal information, social medical, personal experiences and hearsay that there are serious issues related to its use.

Marijuana is not harmless and yet it does not lead to fatal overdoses as alcohol does. The potency of current strains may shock those who have not tried it for decades. It can produce a serious dependency and regular use does interfere with job and school performance. It is best to be avoided if you are an adolescent. Casual use by adults poses minimal risk for healthy people. Marijuana though is an intoxicant and cause euphoria.

Damage caused from regular alcohol and nicotine use is higher because they are legally available.

Perhaps once the legalization of marijuana becomes more faintest, we will see similar trends. Tobacco causes cancer and alcohol can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.

Marijuana can cause wheezing and coughing, it can increase the heart rate.

Marijuana is not addictive in the same way that an opioid is. It does however interact with the brain’s pleasure centers and can create a strong psychological dependence that may be equally hard to break. Withdrawal include irritability, insomnia and anxiety…the very reason many first started using it.

Many argue that marijuana is not a gateway drug. For the record I have been seeing patients for over 30 years and alcohol/nicotine/ marijuana were the first substances that they tried before embarking on

a history of substance use problems.

The largest issue, in my opinion is that the adolescent brain is in active development to the early 20’s and there is scientific evidence that adolescents are more vulnerable to marijuana’s adverse effects. Two studies I reviewed reported I.Q drops that were not restored by age 38.

There are 2 components in marijuana products cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD is sold in health food stores and online as a supplement, extract and more. CBD is non-psychoactive. It is well tolerated, and its side effects are minimal and may be related to other medications that one is taking. THC is the psychoactive/euphoric compound and it is available by smoking, edibles, capsules and more. THC side effects include, coordination issues, dry mouth/red yes (when smoked), slower reactions times and memory loss.

Neither compound is fatal, it is the

TC+HC compounds that poses most risk for adolescents and it is from this point of view that my bias SHOWS. The underdeveloped decision-making skills of an adolescent are most at risk The bottom line is that marijuana may hold promise for the future, the risk is that the hype is bigger than the science out there today. Marijuana cannot be pigeon holed. The discussion on its benefits and harms requires a careful consideration of the limited science that we have this far and a humble and open attitude. The irony of current discussions is that they are so emotionally and politically charged that polarization occurs. It is complicated…

This is the second article of a series of three. You can read the first article (Marijuana History) on our website Southbostononline.com The third article will discuss (Issues of Medical Marijuana).

Godspeed and Farewell, Charlie Charlie Federico was a good neighbor.

Perhaps “good neighbor” is the most meaningful way to look at his life and all that he did. His business, Federico’s Bike Shop at 126 Emerson, was one long block from South Boston Online, where I, Emerson, and East Broadway come to together. When not actually busy fixing soneone’s bicycle, Charlie used to sit in front of the gate at his shop door – always with a nod of recognition and a friendly word for all passers-by. Even when he was inside his shop, you knew that it was open, because his chair was still outside. And it wasn’t only bikes that he fixed. Tricycles, manually powered wheeled vehicles, and especially baby carriages were among the many other items Charlie restored to good health and usability.

Many of his customers – young people in particular – were not charged anything for the repair work Charlie performed. Out of the kindness of his heart, as well as concern for their safety-onwheels, much of what Charlie did was for free. What was even more remarkable, Charlie frequently taught young people how to do their own repairs so they didn’t ever have to come back.

Charlie was a veteran (101st Airborne in Kentucky) and a family man – four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He was a hard-working member of that most important part of the American economy – small business enterprises. Charlie’s father (also named “Charles”) opened Federico’s Bike Shop an even 80 years ago in 1938; son Charlie took it over in the 1970s.

But most of all, Charlie Federico was a good neighbor, who will not ever be forgotten. Godspeed and farewell, Charlie.

Federico’s Bike Shop (126 Emerson), where Charlie handled, performed, and even taught thousands of bicycle repairs.

A commemorative funeral bouquet in front of Federico’s Bike Shop (126 Emerson), in memory of Charlie.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019 Continued from Page 1

Nearer than you Think Square. Each of these locations is a few steps from Mass Ave., and are near Clifford Playground.

Here are a few of the points that, in our opinion, need to be publicly discussed: C it y C ou nc i lor- atLarge Michael Flaherty put in a zoning amendment a while back, which forbids marijuana facilities from locating less than a half-mile from each other. Do these two proposals conform?

Would the Clapp Street facility ever be allowed to offer recreational marijuana? Or not?

- What about the longrange plans for 60 Newmarket?

How la rge?

W hom will it ser vice?

A nd so on?

- How can we, as laypeople, learn more about the longterm ef fects of ma rijua na

The 60 Newmarket Square site, steps from the MBTA Station and Mass Ave. use?

We’ve heard that it damages young (under 25) ma le bra ins, for exa mple.

- And most important of all, what are the remedies, if we decide after discussing marijuana that we don’t want it to come to our neighborhood in any way at all?

The 50 Clapp Street area, steps from Mass Ave.

We will close this article by reminding you that marijuana is still a Federal felony. It’s true that 32 states have voted it in (30 of them for recreational use as well).

And it is legal all over Canada.

R ight now, the Feds don’t enforce marijuana laws, partly because President Obama once informed the Drug Enforcement

Agency, “We have bigger fish to fry.” But who is to say that won’t change?

Washington, D.C., is in such a turmoil now that anything could happen, i nc lud i ng “re- en forc ement” ba nning ma riju a na a g a in.

Let us hea r your thoughts, ideas, and opinions on the issue of marijuana.

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.

A entrance to South Bay Mall, nearby 50 Clapp Street.

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 31, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Senator Collins Pushes Comprehensive Transportation Agenda Bills address cut-through traffic, bus service, short and long term investments

“Winter Snow Ball” Debuts – And How Last Saturday, the WBNA (West Broadway Neighborhood Association) held its first dance, the “Winter Snow Ball”.

Fifty dancers celebrated its debut ‘til the wee hours at Amrhein’s.

DJs of Boston did an admirable, highly skilled spin job. And Amrhein’s was a marvelous host. Here’s to the WBNA’s next “Ball”

With the legislative bill filing deadline on Friday the 18th, Senator Collins filed a slew of bills aimed at improving transportation in the city of Boston and in the region. The bills address multi-modal transit, pedestrian safety, impacts of new developments on public transportation, equity and access to rapid transit, creating long term revenues to make lasting improvements on the MBTA without raising fares, and simply getting people to work on time.

SD. 2181

Would create a commission tasked with examining all modes of transportation on Day Blvd. including speed limits, sidewalks and pedestrian amenities, raised intersections, bus and public transit, signals, signage, traffic calming measures, multi-modal transit, and ride sharing and commercial uses.

“As we have seen for years, Day Blvd. attracts cut through commuter traffic that is dangerous for everyone involved,” said Senator Nick Collins. “This bill is extremely important to continue bringing all agencies and groups to the table in a sustainable way to make recommendations that will improve safety and enjoyment of this DCR parkway.”

Your friendly, neighborhood DJ – Taylor from the noted “DJs of Boston”.

Wayne and Sara sharing a table at the WBNA “Winter Snow Ball”.

SD. 2191

Would mandate the MBTA run supplemental bus service from City Point to South Station with limited stops in order to bypass the traffic on Summer Street between L and D streets. “Elected officials and commuters have been crying out for more reliable transportation to and from work,” said Senator Collins. “This bill will require that the MBTA respond to that need, and ensure bus service that is more rapid, more reliable, and therefore more accessible.”

SD. 2198

Gloria (the WBNA Treasurer), Deb (Co-chair of the WBNA “Winter Snow Ball”), and “Z” from the South End.

Creates a task force to study the best use for MBTA properties in Boston in order to secure long term funding for improvements without raising fares. Senator Collins has been pushing the MBTA for years to examine the potential for land and air-rights leases, both protecting the incoming new fleet of red line cars from the elements, and leveraging state assets to generate long-term revenue without burdening the residents who rely on the system to get to work. The MBTA is one of the biggest land owners in the city of Boston.

Other bills filed by Senator Collins include opening the use of a particular ramp to Silver Line usage to reduce trip times to Logan Airport, legislation allowing the City to levy small fees on TNCs in order to fund transportation improvements, and bill to protect pedestrians and drivers by automating enforcement of some traffic violations, including blocking “the box” in the middle of intersections. All bills will have public hearings, and the public is encouraged to come testify with their perspectives.

Nancy and Simon at the WBNA “Winter Snow Ball”.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019

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South Boston Loses a Caring - Giving Man

Every Saturday around 2 p.m., ten men and one woman from the Boston area would stop their busy lives and head to St. Peter and Paul Church in South Boston to sing in the Men’s Choir at the 4 o’clock Mass. Most of the men lived in South Boston at one time. Some of them, like Bob Buckley, moved to communities like Arlington, while others came from places like East Boston and the South Shore. One choir member, Jim Ryan, Southie’s first Commissioner of Little League, continued to live on Athens Street.

Everyone in our group, including

our organist Mazzie and organizer Marty Quinn, had proud Southie roots. We also sang at various civic and religious events throughout the state when requested, but never for profit. One of the choir members, Charlie Federico, who later moved to Quincy, came from respected Italian-American roots.

Our families go back many years.

Charlie died last week and his funeral Mass was held at Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston. My grandson Braeden and I attended. Charlie owned and operated a rundown old bike repair shop on Emerson Street, next to Tom English’s Bar and Restaurant. Over these many years, if any kid in Southie needed his bike fixed, Charlie was the man to see. He was even known to donate bikes to needy kids and to recovering alcoholics. The quiet favors he did were extraordinary.

One day when I was Mayor of

Boston and attending a St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Southie Boys Club, a college volunteer came up to me and said, “Mayor, do you know anybody who fixes bikes for a reasonable price? We have a lot of kids down here who have broken bikes but don’t have the money to repair them.” I told him to have these kids take their broken bikes to Federico’s the next day. A week later I showed up at Federico’s with $200, and asked manager, Lewis Smith, if any kids had showed up with their broken bikes in need of repair. Are you kidding me, we had over 50 kids, he said and insisted that I keep the money . Lewis Smith was not just a great bicycle mechanic, but an Olympic athlete who ran the Boston Marathon with me several times. But the best part of the story was that Charlie Federico’s co-worker in Southie was an African-American who loved the people of Southie as much as they

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loved him. Federico’s Bike Shop in Southie made life better and helped make kids’ dreams come true more than most prominent people could ever imagine.

After the funeral Mass, Braeden and I talked to Lewis and some friends of Charlie’s, like Donna and Charlie Souris.

All had kind words and stories to tell. One of his friends invited us over to Tom English’s Pub for a toast to Charlie and all the good he did for needy people.

Only in an Irish Pub in Southie will you find a photo of an AfricanAmerican guy who worked with a quiet Italian-American bicycle repairman to help fix almost unrepairable baby carriages and bicycles for average working-class families. The bicycles and carriages took these kids many miles, but I have a funny feeling that Charlie’s journey will get him to Heaven quicker than any bicycle ever could.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The State of Our City is Strong

By Mayor Martin J. Walsh

R

ight now is a pivotal time for our country: too many people, in too many communities, are being left out. But here in Boston, we remain committed to moving our city forward, expanding our progress, and throwing open the doors of opportunity for all.

In our first five years together, we’ve made great strides toward building a strong future for our city.

We are committed to leaving no one behind. In Boston we’ve created more affordable homes than in any other five-year period on record. And in the next five years we’ll create 1,000 new homeowners by building more affordable homes and providing more financial help. We’ve gotten more than 1,600 chronically homeless people into

safe, supportive housing. To build on this success, last year we launched the Boston’s Way Home Fund and set a goal of raising $10 million over 4 years for supportive housing. After just one year, we have already raised $5 million.

We are committed to lifting people up, not locking people up.

Over the last five years, our police officers have taken more than 4,100 guns off the street. Through partnerships with the community, we’ve put thousands of young people on pathways to opportunity. As a result, we’ve seen arrests come down by 25 percent, and crime has gone down by 25 percent as well.

We are making sure that social progress and middle class opportunity grow together. That’s why we’re creating a Mobile Economic Development Center designed to strategically engage with residents on economic development policy around job training, business

development, placemaking, and community economic development.

We are welcoming more voices and expanding our democracy.

We’re reactivating the Human Rights Commission to provide a forum for Bostonians to address discrimination and secure the promise of equality. I’ve also appointed a Census Liaison to make sure that every resident of Boston is counted, because every resident of Boston counts. We will also lead the way on addressing inequities in our city: later this month, I’ll sign an executive order that requires all City employees be trained on how to recognize and correct disparities in city services.

We are a community for every generation. “Elderly” isn’t the right word to describe the thousands of vibrant, active, and hard-working older residents who call Boston home. That’s why we’re renaming Boston’s Elderly Commission. It will now be known as the Age Strong Commission. The new name better reflects our commitment to making Boston more inclusive and accessible for people as they age. The Commission will serve our seniors’ needs and draw on their tremendous strength.

We are not just surviving -- we are thriving. Boston is rebuilding roads and bridges, making our streets work for bikes and buses, opening parks, and investing over $100 million in libraries all across our city. Smart fiscal management has unlocked these historic investments -- while keeping homeowner taxes the lowest in the state. We’re investing $28 million in Boston Common and $28 million in Franklin Park. In addition, we have more than doubled the building budget for schools -- with over $300 million already spent on brand new schools, major renovations, energy efficient roofs, boilers, windows, and modern furniture. Another $800 million is on the way through BuildBPS, our 10-year, $1 billion investment in Boston’s schools and students.

Today, Boston is stronger than ever because we are drawing on more of our people’s strength than ever. Our city’s success is our motivation to aim higher, work harder and make sure every single person in our city gets a full, fair shot at the opportunities we are creating. At a time when gridlock and division is holding our country back, Boston is showing a better way forward.

State Representative David Biele (D-Boston) filed legislation which would mandate state review and legislative approval before residential housing can be built at 776 Summer Street, the former Boston Edison Power Plant.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) currently holds a residential deed restriction which prevents housing from being built at the Boston Edison Power Plant, which abuts Conley Terminal. Massport, which operates Conley Terminal, negotiated the deed restriction in 2014 during planning of the Thomas Butler Freight Corridor, which connected Conley Terminal to Summer Street.

Rep. Biele’s bill, HD3913: An Act relating to public land use restrictions in the South Boston section of the City of Boston, would require analysis of the deed restriction’s fair market value by several legislative committees and the inspector general. Following review, the bill would also require two-thirds approval of the Massachusetts Legislature to lift Massport’s deed restriction.

“We are in uncharted territory because Massport has never held a residential deed restriction” said Rep. Biele. “In recent years, the state and federal government have approved over $450 million in investments for Conley Terminal, a vital economic engine for the Commonwealth and this region.

This legislation will establish a clear and transparent process to help guide review of proposals at this location, while also protecting Conley Terminal and port operations.”

The bill will be assigned to a legislative committee for further review and is guaranteed a public hearing to discuss its merits.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019

Continued from Page 1

Bfit and the 100 Club losing the primary breadwinner of the family. Initially the assistance was in the form of a generous check to alleviate some of the immediate financial bu rdens for g rief-st ricken families. Throughout the years, as a result of the generosity of its members, the 100 Club has been able to extend that assistance to families by providing benefits such as personal enrichment programs for minor children, college scholarships, funds for legal and accounting services, health and wellness benefits, as well as tickets for social events. The 100 Club also provides periodic gifts to the families to show their continued support and that the service of their loved ones and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Previously reliant upon the generosity of its members and dedication of its voluntary Board of Directors, the 100 Club was catapulted to a new level of giving when contacted by The Boston

Bruins Foundation, who sought to expand their fundraising into the first responder community.

This new initiative, BFit, managed to raise $350,000 on behalf of the 100 Club last year, and has already exceeded that amount last Sunday. The unique event invites firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and civilians to challenge themselves to climb the TD Garden, including three course levels to choose from with increasing levels of difficulty. With the Arena Bowl, Premium Levels, and Balcony, there’s a course for everyone from beginners to fitness enthusiasts.

The day also includes fun activities for friends and families cheering on participants. Aside from a multitude of vendors and product giveaways, families have an opportunity to take photos with Bruins mascot, Blades, as well as the Stanley Cup banner.

For over 59 years, the 100 Club has provided uninterrupted support to these families of fallen heroes and the continued generosity and support of all those involved will allow the

100 Club to continue its mission to “care for those who care for us” for many years to come.

The 100 Club has already had positive a ripple effect that clearly resonates, even across generations. Participating on Sunday was Brendan Tully of W. Roxbury, whose grandfather, Firefighter Bernard G. Tully, died in the line of duty back in 1974 at the young age of 39, earning him the Medal of Valor. Now a firefighter himself, Brendan and his family have not forgotten the generosity and support shown to his grandmother by the 100 Club.

“It’s a great organization that helped out my grandmother when she needed it all those years ago”, says Brendan, “and after all these years, they still show her support to this very day, so it felt good to volunteer”. Janice Anderson, who runs the operations of the 100 Club knows the Tully family and takes pride in being a part of such a wonderful organization and creating a personal bond with these strong families who have sacrificed so much. “It’s a testament to the dedication of

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the 100 Club”, she’s says, “it’s a lifelong commitment for us”.

Participants were asked to raise a minimum of $300 to be eligible to take part in the event, presenting a welcomed opportunity to honor and support our brave men and women would have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our beloved communities Donations for the Bfit Challenge are still being accepted until February 20 th . To learn more about the 100 Club or to make a general donation, go to http://100clubmass.org/donate.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

A Colorful Tet on the South Boston Waterfront

by Rick Winterson

I

t was a colorful Tet event.

That much is certain.

And the 2019 Tet was here in the Flynn Cruiseport..

You’ve probably heard of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. That one word :”Tet”, stands for Tet Nguyen Dan, which means “A banquet all day on the First Day” – in other words, an all-day party at New Year. The exact date when Tet takes place is determined by the lunar calendar. It is Vietnam’s single most important Holiday. In this solar year of 2019, Tet happens on February 5; it is called the Year of the Pig. Boston’s local citywide Tet celebration took place last Saturday.

South Boston was honored to host this celebration in the Ray Flynn Cruiseport at One Black Falcon Pier. The first floor event was set up in a kind of county fair style, with a midway that ran between innumerable booths and displays. The upper floor of the Cruiseport was essentially converted into a huge stage that featured many speakers, Vietnamese musicians, and the striking, incredibly colorful Lion Dancers – a Tet tradition.

Much of the first floor in the Cruiseport was dedicated to exhibitions of crafts, dining, and

businesses set in the Vietnamese community, which is centered in Dorchester’s Fields Corner.

Vietnamese cuisine enfolds much of what all of us enjoy about foods from the Far East. And the atmosphere was light, cheerful, and quite crowded. Perhaps as many as 50,000 Vietnamese live in Massachusetts, many of whom fled their home country during the Conflict with North Vietnam. Their population is equal to well over a Fenway Partk-full.

In our opinion, the most striking traditional event at the Tet celebration was the Lion Dancers.

They performed on the Cruiseport’s third floor that was converted to an auditorium. Completely costumed two-person “Lions” were shepherded around by a Lion Master, who behaved like a clever Ring Master in a circus.

Th Lions’ dance-like antics were accompanied by large drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments.

It was a great performance.

This year of 2019 is the last of the 12-year Vietnam Zodiac cycle, symbolizing that the Pig showed up to be counted by the Jade Emporer at the very last moment. In the legends, people born in a Year of the Pig are calm, artistic, and wellmannered. They care about others to the point of being self-sacrificing.

They get along with other Zodiac signs, except for that of the Snake (this writer is a Rat, so he’ll have to wait until 2020 for his year to come).

To Our Readers from South Boston Online: Cung Chuc Tan Xuan (Happy New Year)

Vietnam fashions: both elegant and beautiful.

A little Vietnamese maiden with her baskets of flowers.

A symbolic sampan ride for a Vietnamese girl.

The “Midway” in the Flynn Cruise Terminal during Tet on Saturday.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019

M

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South Boston Catholic Academy Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

artin Luther King, Jr. - The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education. We thank Martin Luther King Jr. for his message and lessons on character.

We stand on his shoulders!

K2A - The children read books and discussed the positive changes Dr. King made in the world. They created artwork and wrote about how they could make the world a better place.

K 2B - After reading the book Martin’s Big Words, we bra instormed qua lities that we felt described Martin Luther King Jr. (brave, kind,

helpful, a leader) and how we could demonstrate those qualities in our own lives K2C – We read various books about MLK and discussed his “dream.” Students thought about their own dreams for t he world created d rea m clouds with their hopes and dreams for our communities.

We are now accepting applications online for the 20192020 School Year. To learn more about what makes South Boston Catholic Academy so special join us for a tour on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9am. For more information, please email Mr. Jamie Brown, Assistant Principal at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy. org or phone 617-268-2326.

Youth Ambassadors Meeting Photo by Rick Winterson The Youth Ambassadors are a group of teenagers, who have been performing good works and services in South Boston for 14 years.

These young people are all volunteers, overseen by Linda Doran from the South Boston Community Health Center (seated, center, in the photo). Linda is aided by Erica and Fran (standing in back of Linda). The Youth Ambassadors meet every Tuesday evening at 5:30.

If you are aged 12 to 15 and want to make a really good use of your spare time, please consider joining Youth Ambassadors. Take part in art, better health, the environment, and community service.

Enrollment is open right now. Robert (standing, second left in the photo) says, “I enjoy the act of doing something for my community”.

Brooke (seated, far right) states that her work with the Youth Ambassadors helped her get accepted to college.

Just call Linda Doran at 617-464-7463 for more information, and to enroll as a Youth Ambassador. Applications to become a Youth Ambassador are now being accepted until Tuesday evening, February 5.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Tynan Happenings

Flag Football Championship Game On Tuesday, January 23rd , we had our football championship game. The Vikings took on the Bears in a fierce battle that

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint. In the first half, both teams exchanged touchdowns, not letting either team go ahead by more than one touchdown. Towards the end of the half, Aidan Kineavy got an interception for the Vikings which

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proved to be a big momentum swing. At halftime it was Vikings 48 and Bears 42. In the second half the Bears received the ball and made sure to take advantage of it by scoring on its first drive, taking the lead. Once again, both teams exchanged touchdowns, keeping it very close. With a few minutes left in the game, the Bears had chance to take the lead with a good drive. The Vikings defense came up big on 4th and goal to seal the game. The final score was Vikings 72 and Bears 68. For the Vikings, Evan Pierce had a superb game, scoring 5 touchdowns with some great catches and crazy spin moves.

Aiden Kineavy had 3 touchdowns and a big interception. Sammy Flood was great at defense and moving the ball up the field on some big runs. For the Bears, Liam Colton had 4 touchdowns and some great runs while faking

out defenders left and right. Ryan McGarrell had 2 touchdowns and played outstanding defense. Ryan Alexander had 2 touchdowns and did a great job at quarterback.

It was a great season and hope to see everyone back next year.

Junior Celtics Program Over 20 boys and girls are participating in a 6 week Junior Celtics Program, which is designed to strengthen and improve basic skills of the game as well as working on agility and motor skills. Many of these participants have come the past 4 weeks, eager to learn and improve their game. With only a few weeks remaining, we will retest the players at the end and hopefully see improvements.

Thanks to t he C e lt ic Foundation for this opportunity.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019

Compass on the Bay Events 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston

David Hull Entertains at Compass on the Bay February 5, 2019, 1:00 pm David Hull will surely amaze you with the soothing sounds of his guitar.

Silent Movie Showing at Compass on the Bay February 7, 2019, 2:00 pm Richard Hughes will present a silent movie with piano accompaniment

Kenny Morrell Performs at Compass on the Bay February 15, 2019, 1:00 pm Kenny Morrell is sure to impress you with his incredible keyboard skills.

Richie Bern Entertains at Compass on the Bay

February 24, 2019, 2:30 pm Join us for an afternoon with Richie Bern, who will wow you with his guitar and vocals!

Patrick Hoye Entertains at Compass on the Bay February 27, 2019, 10:30 am Please join us for the entertainment of Irish musician Patrick Hoye, strolling singer and guitarist. Patrick hails from Mullingar Ireland and came to Boston in 1974 to pursue a degree at Berklee College of Music. He has traveled the world performing with Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joe Dolan band. Please join us for this festive performance!

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION