08_24_2023

23rd South Boston Street Fest to be held Sept. 16

The South Boston Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated 23rd South Boston Street Fest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. East Broadway between I and L streets will be transformed into a vibrant and lively hub of festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With a remarkable 22-year history, the 2023 Street Fest promises to be bigger and better than ever, showcasing more than 100 local businesses, artists, and community organizations and many of our local restaurants. Drawing more than 5,000 residents and visitors throughout the day, the fest has become a cherished community tradition.

WWII Veteran Turns 100

The day will be filled with boundless fun and entertainment as two stages come alive with captivating performances for the whole family. The lineup includes Southie’s very own classic rock and top-40s cover band, Thomas Park; the talented country singer/ songwriter, Houston Bernard; the sensational beats of New England’s premier dance band, Guilty Pleasure; and an exciting showcase of emerging musical talent from Michael Caputo of MusicBall Entertainment. Kicking off the festivities will be jazz band the Late Risers strolling the grounds and playing the National Anthem. There will also be local dance performances -- by Wood’s School of Irish Dance and Miss Linda’s School of Dance -- and self-defense demonstrations.

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Yolanda Cerullo Celebrates with Veteran Supporters

By Carol Masshardt

Ahundredth birthday is a feat alone, and Yolanda Cerullo celebrated with a rich and proud history. Veterans, staff and residents at Compass by the Bay, elected officials and neighbors became friends of Yolanda on August 19th for this special occasion. Yolanda, who by all accounts, loves and is loved

by many people, is a WWII veteran who served in the Coast Guard, graciously met elected officials, and posed for the many honors bestowed. Though so many years ago, her service reminded those attending of the place commitment to country and bravery holds still. Veterans arrived on foot and as part of a motorcade that enhanced the beauty of both the

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Continued from Page 1 Street Festival

Little ones are in for a treat, as the Street Fest boasts an array of children’s activities, including balloon twisters, caricature artists, costumed characters, and princesses. Keep a lookout for a roaming band of pirates. There will even be Barbie backdrops!

And that’s not all! As you indulge in the festivities, satisfy your cravings with alfresco dining and libations available at The Broadway, Roza Lyons, Deja Brew, Café Porto Bello, and the Paramount. Sample delectable grab-and-go options from some of South Boston’s favorite food spots, such as Publico, Sal’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Capo, Lincoln, Hunter’s, Loco, the Sausage Guy, and more.

For the shopping enthusiasts, the Street Fest presents an incredible opportunity to enjoy exceptional one-day-only savings from local retailers. Explore treasures from Bringing Up Baby, Bohdii Boutique, Deirfiúr Home, Habit, In Good Company, Love Child, Southie’s Own, Stapleton Floral, and LUXE home interior, among many others.

Immerse yourself in the thriving local art scene as acclaimed artists from South Boston, such as Norman Crump, Deb Putnam, and Dan McCole, showcase and sell their works. The festival will also be a platform for South Boston’s vital non-profit agencies to share information about their services.

For all the latest updates and details, visit the official website of the South Boston Street Fest at www.southbostonstreetfest.com.

Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty Encourage Residents to Apply for Community Preservation Funds

Boston City Council President Ed Flynn and Councilor

At-Large Michael Flaherty are urging residents of Boston to apply for the 2024 funding round of the Community Preservation Funds. Every year, the Community Preservation Act (CPA) uses revenue from a 1% property tax-based surcharge on residential and commercial property taxes to fund the initiatives of affordable housing, historic preservation, parks and open space. In the latest round of funding, District 2 projects were awarded $8.5 million.

Over the last few months, the CPA Team has been engaging the community across the City to inform and educate residents about the benefits of Community Preservation Funds. In June, Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty partnered with CPA Staff for an information session to keep residents informed of

this program and learn about a variety of projects that were funded over the past five years.

The deadline to submit an eligibility determination form for the FY 2024 round is Thursday, August 31st at 5:00 pm. Interested applicants can apply online by visiting the boston.gov website and filling out the Eligibility Determination Form. If eligible, individuals are invited to submit an application to the nine-member Community Preservation Committee for consideration.

“I cannot stress enough the positive impact that the Community Preservation Act has had in my District and the City,” said Council President Flynn.

“In the last round, District 2 received $8.5 million in CPA funds for projects that improve our neighborhoods and better the quality of life of all residents.

I have lent my support to many of these worthwhile projects that support affordable housing,

historic preservation, and open space and recreation projects. I encourage residents to fill out an eligibility determination form by August 31st and speak with the CPA team to see if their project would qualify.

“Some of the most exciting and creative projects in our ever-changing City – innovative affordable housing projects, parks, and historic preservation projects – are the result of resident and community driven

CPA proposals,” said Councilor Flaherty, Chair of the Council’s Community Preservation Committee. “Community feedback and involvement are critical to these projects.”

For more information, please contact Council President Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203, Councilor Flaherty at 617635-4205 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov or Michael. Flaherty@boston.gov.

Council President Flynn City Councilor Flaherty

Mayor Wu Holds Long Island Press Conference

by Rick Winterson

Yesterday afternoon

Mayor Michelle Wu held a press conference that updated her vision for literally bringing the facilities on Long Island back to life, while significantly improving them as well. She and her Long Island “task force” of a dozen of the City’s health and wellbeing professionals had just returned from a tour of Long Island. They met with a large group of press personnel on the Boston Police Department’s Harbor Patrol dock.

Mayor Wu began by affirming her determination to reopen Long Island, in particular for the treatment and assistance of unfortunates, who have addictions and who desperately want to begin successful recoveries. She made several references to the situation at Mass/Cass that, despite many years and many attempts, seems to be getting worse. Certainly, the area has become more violent.

Early progress on Long Island involves approximately $40 million ($40,000,000) for stabilizing the existing buildings there – eleven of them at first. The Mayor spoke of a time frame extending over the next three or four years for the entire project; initial work is planned to begin essentially immediately. Several brief talks were delivered by others in the Mayor’s group, including remarks from South Boston’s John McGahan, the President of the Gavin Foundation.

If there was a single theme in the Mayor’s press enclave, it was the need to provide “a home” to all of those in the first, early stages of recovery from substance abuse.

South Boston Online conducted a short interview with Mayor Wu at the end of the press conference. She informed us that a new bridge to Long Island needs the approval of only two more licenses before proceeding – one from the

776 Deconstruction Progresses

Clearing the Phase 1 site for the massive Redgate/ Hilco project at 776 Summer Street is a procedure the developer calls “Deconstruction” – not “demolition”.

Deconstruction involves recovering and reusing as much of the original materials and structures on the site as possible. This is done by carefully disassembling the site, step by step. For example, one of the three onsite turbine halls at 776 Summer will be rehabilitated and converted to a multi-level public retail market area. Deconstruction will soon be complete and Phase 1 new construction will begin.

State and one at the Federal level from the US Coast Guard. According to her, the legwork and paperwork on both licenses are complete. We inquired about Quincy’s objections to a new bridge to Long Island. She admitted that Quincy Mayor Koch is threatening to appeal the decision granting Boston the

right to proceed, but also she bluntly insisted the Long Island renewal project will continue with all due haste. The alternate of going to and from Long Island via ferry boat was found to be impractical for many reasons –bad weather, staffing of crews, Boston Harbor crowding, and several other problems, too.

Mayor Wu Conducts Press Conference Concerning Long Island

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Celebrating 100 Years

getting. Man or woman, you do your duty and serve. With people like her, they found that women could do the job as well as men,” said Viet Nam era Veteran Danny Marotta.

too, and died at one hundred and one, and is has been so good to have had him here and see her reach one hundred. She is a wonderful soul.”

met my mother at the armory in Boston. It was love at first sight. I am very proud of my father’s active duty, and it was a southern boy in Boston.”

Yolanda celebrates 100 years

guest of honor and a clear August day. They unhesitatingly commented:

“She served in WWII and deserves all the recognition she is

“She is a wonderful person. She served this country and we veterans stick together. I was in the Coast Guard, too, but it doesn’t matter what branch. We all are veteran members,” added Thomas Mc Carthy. History alone doesn’t lead to the adoration and respect has Yolanda Cerullo earned. The way she approaches life and people was noted by those who know her well in the day to day.

A staff member at Compass on the Bay, Cheryl Caruth, spoke with easy affection for her resident. “She had a brother who lived here,

Community member, Joanne Miller, former staffer at Compass, explained that it was more than one hundred years alone that brought forth the joy this day.

“My God, she is a remarkable person. She loves people and is so young in spirit. She can move around quite well, and loves life,” she said.

Celebrations often spark memories, and this party was no different. Residents from Compass joined on the lovely porch to both enjoy the party and recollect.

“This brings back a lot of memories for me,” said Winnie. My Dad was in WWII and from Mississippi and

In addition to various citations, the many elected officials stayed to honor this special woman and veteran. As Boston City Council President, Ed Flynn said, “Yolanda served with distinction. We are so proud of her and her contributions, so this is one way for our community to thank her.:

Thanked, feted, and enjoyed at a fine one hundredth birthday party on Columbia Rd., Yolanda Cerullo continues to lead and contribute to the many who proudly consider her a friend and neighbor.

(Carol Masshardt can be reached at carolhardt@comcast.net)

Yolanda chats with City Council President, Ed Flynn

Representative David Biele presents Yolanda wth a Citation

Yolanda with Former Mayor Ray Flynn, Ed Flynn, David Biele, Erin Murphy and Cathy Flynn

Yolanda and Cheryl Caruth

Compass staff and community friends

City Councilor Erin Murphy wishes Yolanda a Happy Birthday

HIP-HOP at 50

by Rick Winterson

Hip-Hop arrived on the Boston scene half a century ago. On Saturday, August 12, a concert on City Hall Plaza celebrated its 50th anniversary. Last Saturday, August 19, an exhibition called Hip-Hop Seen/Unseen took place in Dewey Square on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. This happened under the gigantic mural, “Breathe Life Together”, which was created by Problak in 2022. Hip-Hop Seen/ Unseen was proudly presented in honor of Hip-Hop’s Golden Anniversary by Street Theory and The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. A key source for this exhibition was the Massachusetts Hip-Hop Archive at UMass Boston.

In this electronic age of communications, the exact beginning of Hip-Hop is easily traceable. On

August 11, 1973, the second Saturday of that month, Cindy Campbell held a fundraiser to get some money for her school clothes. She called it a “jam”; her brother Clive, later well-known as “Kool Herc”, was the DJ. Break dancing was a part of the “jam”, which was held in New York City’s Bronx neighborhood.

Hip-Hop quickly spread and became locally popular, even though it features only an intensely rhythmic beat and lyrics that are all ad-libbed, i.e., made up on the spot. There was no melody of any kind at its beginning, and there still isn’t a melody in Hip-Hop, even 50 years later. Perhaps the first major, nationwide breakthrough in Hip-Hop popularity was the Top-40 song “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979. And the words “Rap” and “Hip-Hop” are often confused. “Rap” usually means the music and lyrics; “Hip Hop” is the whole scene – the DJ, the rapper MC, break dancers (B-boys, B-girls), the crowds, and graffiti everywhere.

Last Saturday’s Hip-Hop Seen/ Unseen on the Greenway was a great evening. A diverse crowd gathered from all over Boston. Ethnic food, ranging from fresh, carefully grilled meat to salads and brownies, was a part of the festivities. The weather held up well. A definition of “Peace” was posted prominently. And best of all, everyone enjoyed the HipHop’s 50th Anniversary “jam” in Boston.

After 50 years (although fans of country music might argue with this comment), Hip-Hop has become the most popular musical venue in America. It is now spreading into many nations throughout the world. So, who knows how it’ll change? Perhaps music fans are entitled to ask “What’s next?!?” Maybe “Rap” with a tune?

Two “Better Beaches” Events in South Boston

by Rick Winterson

It’s August, the month known as “high summer”. The August sunrise around 6:00 and sunset around 7:30 results in more than 13 hours of summertime daylight. Ancient Romans called August “The Dog Days”, not because the heat bothered their dogs but because Sirius, the ultrabright Dog Star, was prominent in their night skies during high summer.

Here in South Boston, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay threw two outdoor events during the local high summer – the first event was on August 11 at Carson Beach; the second was on August 18 at The Lawn on D.

Over the last 15 years, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay (which

we’ll abbreviate “SH/SB” for this article) and the Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (the DCR) have worked together to provide small amounts of seed money to many organizations and individual artists. The seed money is then used to fund events and programs on the beaches and outdoor areas in South Boston, Dorchester, East Boston, Quincy, Winthrop, Revere, Nahant, Lynn, and Hull.

On Friday the 11th, SH/SB and Boston Harbor Now threw a surf-and-sand party called “Carson Beach Community Kickback”. Over 400 people attended a funfilled afternoon and enjoyed free hot dogs, bubble tea, and popsicles. They played volleyball courtesy of

VOLO Sports, took pedicab rides provided by TrikeHub, lined up for airbrushed tattoos, and created works of art using linocut crafts. The sunny Friday afternoon melted into a perfect evening, sunset and all.

On August 18, the “Beats on the Beach Block Party” took place at The Lawn on D during another perfect Friday evening. This Party was a collaborative community arts event, formed by local producers and SH/ SB that brought many Boston artists and craftspeople to South Boston’s Seaport District. Nearly 1,000 (yes, a thousand!) people came to see and shop at 22 creative new businesses. The guests played games, swung on the Lawn’s unique lighted circles, and were entertained by five performers from the

City, including Cakeswagg, Pink Navel, Catman, Bright Boy, and 1-800-ShortKing. Ximena, who is from Peru, served as a truly dynamic DJ for the entire evening. Tito’s Vodka, Topo Chico, and EveryDejaVu sponsored the event, which was organized by SH/SB’s “Beats on the Beach” Admin Team. Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, led by Executive Director Chris Mancini, has their Head Office here in South Boston on the Fish Pier. SH/SB is a non-profit agency devoted to preserving and improving shorelines, bays, and beaches from the North Shore to the South Shore. South Boston Online gives a special “thank-you” to Maya Smith, SH/SB’s Partnerships & Program Development Director, for her help with this article.

The Youth Enrichment Services (YES) 9th annual Martin Richard Memorial One-Mile Invitational took place at Saunders Stadium last Thursday evening among the low-lying fog. To start the night, youngsters ages 4 through 8 and adaptive athletes of all ages competed in the 400 meters. Then the 1-mile heats

Running for Martin

commenced for youth (ages 8-12), scholastic (13-18), open (19-39), Masters (40 and over), wheelchair, and non-competitive recreational.

Martin started his running career with YES in 2009 at age 5. In his early days, he would chase his brother, Henry, and the older athletes on their runs, many of whom he would eventually catch up to and pass.

His understanding of fairness, inclusion, and teamwork were values that identified Martin. The 1-mile events that participants run, walk, or shuffle through celebrate Martin’s zest for life as a competitor, teammate, and vibrant young boy.

The event was hosted by Youth Enrichment Services, the Martin Richard Foundation, USA Track & Field -- New England, and Adaptive

Sports New England. Other sponsors include Rodman for Kids, New Balance Foundation, USATF New England, Adage, Boston Athletic Association, and Lambert’s. The Work Hard, Eat Good Food Truck was also at the event. For results, check out

https://live.harrierrace. com/meets/26754

Ollie Palooza!

Family and team games, literacy activities and story circles, face painting and crafts, food and refreshments, music and dancing, and the Musical Bubble Barge were among the highlights of Ollie Palooza last week at Moakley Park behind the Ollie Preschool. The fun community event, sponsored by South Boston Neighborhood House and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, was a huge success.

Virtual Public Meeting

617 Dorchester Ave f/k/a 20 Boston St

September 12, 2023

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Project Proponent:

Mark L it tle

Project Description:

Zoom Link: bit.ly/617DotAve

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 161 861 2374

The information at this meeting is crucial to you as a City of Boston resident, and stakeholder. Interpreting services are available to communicate the content of these documents at no additional cost to you. If you require translation services, please contact the following: Tyler.C.Ross@boston.gov. The meeting is scheduled for 9/12/2023. Please request interpreting services no later than 5 days before the meeting date.

Meeting of the general public to review the proposed 617 Dorchester Ave project in South Boston. Please note that this is a Public Meeting. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by 45-minutes of public Q&A.

This meeting will focus on 617 Dorchester Ave, South Boston by the BPDA.

mail to: Tyler Ross

Bos ton Planning & Development Agency

On e City Hall Square, 9th Floor

Bo ston, MA 02201

phone: 617.918.4214

email: tyler.c.ross@boston.gov

Virtual Public Meeting

232 A Street IAG Meeting

September 5, 2023

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Project Proponent:

Tishman Speyer

Project Description:

Zoom Link: bit.ly/232A-0905

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 161 840 2261

The Proposed Project will construct a single-building 455,050 gsf lab/office/R&D development located at 232 A Street on G8 parcel of 100 Acres Planned Development Area plus waterfront park on adjacent G7 parcel along Fort Point Channel.

Close of Comment Period:

9/20/2023

website: bit.ly/617DorchesterAve

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Paul J. Gannon PC

mail to: Nick Carter

Boston Planning & Development Agency

One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201

phone: 617.918.5303

email: nick.carter@boston.gov

website: bit.ly/232-astreet

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Virtual Public Meeting

232 A Street

September 11, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Project Proponent:

Tischman Speyer

Project Description:

Zoom Link: bit.ly/232A-0911

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 161 882 6000

The proposed project will construct a single-building 455,050 gsf lab/office/R&D development located at 232 A Street on G8 parcel of 100 Acres Planned Development Area plus waterfront park on adjacent G7 parcel along Fort Point Channel.

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Three Modes of Travel in South Boston

by Rick Winterson

Obviously, South Boston is crisscrossed by travel paths of all three kinds – land (both road and rail), sea, and air. The Black Falcon buildings and roads are dwarfed by the container ships that dock on the Reserved Channel; you might recall the huge Princess passenger liner that recently docked at the Flynn Terminal. And off in the distance, a passenger airplane is making its final descent into Logan Airport.

A container ship named “EVER FOCUS” is pictured. She is registered in Panama, owned by Evergreen Marine, and was launched in 2021. She was unloaded last weekend by the Conley Terminal’s recently installed giant cranes. Note that the EVER FOCUS and her carefully stacked containers – all 11,587 of them – just about fit under those new cranes. The EVER FOCUS is now headed back to the Panama Canal, proceeding down the American East

Coast at 17 knots (approximately 18 or 19 miles per hour – the word “knots” is short for “nautical miles”).

Despite their huge sizes, container ships are actually very fuel efficient. Each one is able to carry immense amounts of freight; going by water is a lowenergy, streamlined way to travel. The capacity of these container

M Street Beach Lives

ships is measured in “Twenty-foot Equivalent Units” (abbreviated TEUs). Two TEUs together are the same length as the trailer section on an overland truck – an “18-wheeler” – and together, the two TEUs can carry a full truckload of weight.

To give an idea of how much the EVER FOCUS had aboard, if all of her 11,587 TEU containers were lined up in a row along Interstate Rte. 90, that row would stretch from Downtown Boston to Worcester.

For some reason, M Street Beach continues to be South Boston’s most crowded beach, as you can see from the photograph. That’s just a small part of the beach. And hardly anyone at all seems to be in swimming. We aren’t sure what the attraction is. Certainly, there’s a lot of talk and laughter going on, along with an occasional football thrown awkwardly back and forth overhead. But do you have any idea why M Street Beach is so popular?

Project Description:

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3KQnCVd

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 161 997 1709

The Proponent is proposing to construct a new four (4) story, twenty-one (21) unit residential rental building with garage parking for twenty-one (21) vehicles at 27 Farragut Rd. in South Boston.

mail to: Stephen Harvey

B oston Planning & Development Agency

O ne City Hall Square, 9th Floor

B oston, MA 02201

phone: 617.918.4418

email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov

@BostonPlans BostonPlans.org

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Dry land, the Reserved Channel, and a flight path into Logan.