06_18_2020

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

South Boston Reopens: (al fresco)

by Rick Winterson

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outh Boston Online has tried to present to you the reopening of South Boston, in both pictures and prose, as the pandemic gradually wanes. While it certainly isn’t over yet, it has been a joy to watch and record our recovery as COV ID-19 progressively diminishes. Also, except for a few thunderstorms last week, the weather has really smiled – warm in the sun, cool in the shade.

This has led to more and more of South Boston’s enterprises taking their operations out of doors – or “al fresco”, which in English means “in the cool, fresh air”. Obviously, dining out of doors (weather permitting) is the most frequent al fresco business you’ll see, but it’s not the only

one. Florists, apparel shops, and many others are using our sidewalks as well. Simply walking al fresco and taking in the sights is a treat these days, now that the quarantine is not so strict.

We encourage you to visit the Seaport District on foot, one of the most vibrant areas in South Boston. We can’t list everything you’ll find in the Seaport, but in clear weather, the views are incredible. Climb the stairs to the roof of the Fan Pier Marina Office on Pier Two for superb harbor and skyline views. Then walk over to Seaport Green (or “Common”). Sit and watch the whimsical wind sculptures called “Twenty Knots: Daffodils for Boston” become inf lated by the sea breezes. Visit the Seaport Farmer’s Market on Saturdays at noon; stop in at “For Now” Continued on Page 6

A Mass for Racial Healing

The solemn Consecration during Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s Mass for Racial Healing.

by Rick Winterson

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ast Saturday morning, the Catholic A rchdiocese of Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley celebrated a Mass on Castle Island. It was a Mass dedicated to racial justice – a Mass for Racial Healing. This Mass resulted from a collaboration between South

Boston’s Congressman Stephen Lynch, Fr. Robert Casey (Pastor of St. Brigid/Gate of Heaven), and the Parishes of South Boston. Ten Archdiocesan priests and Cardinal Sean concelebrated the Mass.

The specific motivating factor for saying this Mass for Racial Healing was the killing of George Floyd by a police officer Continued on page 2

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Continued from Page 1

Healing in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25. That was a tragic event that had already drawn a statement of moral outrage from Cardinal Sean on Saturday, May 30 – oddly enough, the original date of the American Memorial Day. Many people from the African/American communities in Boston took part in last Saturday’s Mass: City Councilor Lydia Edwards was the Lector; she read from St. Paul’s Ephesians – “One Body, One Spirit, One God …”. Linda Dorcena Forry, our prior State Senator, led the Prayers of the Faithful – “We pray to the Lord …”. Fr. Oscar J. Pratt, the Pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish on Blue Hill Avenue, read Luke’s Gospel of the Good Samaritan, perhaps the most meaningful of Christ’s Parables.

Before the Mass began, Bishop William E. Dickerson II from the Greater Love Tabernacle Church of Boston delivered some stirring remarks,

The celebrants, officials, and welcome guests assemble for a final photo shoot, after the Mass for Racial Healing concludes. generating applause and vocal “Amens” as he recounted his own experiences within the black diaspora. He rightfully claimed that blacks are “Strong Americans” and concluded by avowing his belief that Boston will rise again and overcome its bigotry. In his own homily, Cardinal Sean compared the story of the Good Samaritan to the plight of today’s “people of color”. This writer was astonished at the close parallels the Cardinal drew between current racial issues and a Parable almost 2,000 years old. They are truly the same stories –

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, attended by Fr. Oscar Pratt and Fr. Robert Casey, opens the Mass of Racial Healing.

one ancient, one modern. And it was especially inspiring to hear the Cardinal insist upon the need to act, and to act very quickly, on racial problems, rather than merely “tolerating” each other any longer.

Concerted action leading to community and solidarity has become critically, crucially, absolutely necessary. The World is justifiably condemning us for George Floyd’s death. “We are at a historic moment”, the Cardinal concluded.

There was a brief, informal social gathering after the Mass for Racial Healing ended. It was an upbeat,

pleasant sight when the clergy, officials, and honored guests from all over the City mingled by the Fort on such a beautiful spring morning. Following last Saturday’s Mass, District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn commented, “This Mass for Racial Justice and Healing brought faith leaders throughout Boston together, as we prayed for peace and community, and advocated for justice, respect and dignity for all. It was a moving and memorable Mass; I was proud to attend with my family and South Boston neighbors.”

The Reverend Bishop William E. Dickerson II (Greater Love Tabernacle Church of Boston) spoke eloquently at Saturday’s Mass of Racial Healing.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

Rep. Biele Votes to Support Restaurants Impacted by COVID-19

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e c e nt l y, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass legislation that provides more tools to help restaurants weather the economic crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legislation eases outdoor dining restrictions, expands alcohol delivery options to include mixed drinks, extends takeout options to February 2021, waives interest on late meals tax payments and caps the amount that can be charged a food delivery service.

“Restaurants and small businesses are important parts of our community and local economies. The restaurant industry is one the largest employers in the Commonwealth and also one the industries hardest hit by COVID19,” said Rep. Biele. “This legislative package will provide much-need support to restaurants as they reopen and rebuild from COVID-19, provide economic relief for small business owners and help preserve jobs.”

The package:

Streamlines the Alcohol Beverage

Control Commission (ABCC) approval process for restaurants to establish outdoor seating by waiving the approval of these licenses.

Instead, it only requires restaurants to notify and place on file with the ABCC their outdoor seating plan; Temporarily suspends some relevant local zoning laws on outdoor seating if cities and towns wish to do so; Waives interest and late penalties for restaurants on their meals tax payments until December 2020; Allows restaurants to include cocktails to-go with takeout food until February 2020; Caps commissions on on-line restaurant delivery at 15% across the board so that these apps can continue to operate without placing an undue burden on our restaurants.

In 2019, the House created the Restaurant Promotion Commission, which is being repurposed as the Restaurant Recovery Commission.

The bill builds on the House’s general focus on restaurants and previous action to permit alcohol delivery with meals as well as its focus on restaurants as an anchor on main streets.

The bill will now go to the Senate.

Flag Day – 2020

We observed Flag Day last Sunday, June 14, 243 years after the Second Continental Congress approved the design of the first American flag on June 14, 1777. This represents one of the oldest historic dates in the United States of America, when we were still in the first full year of the American Revolution, our War for Independence. The thirteen red and white stripes and white stars on a blue field symbolized the thirteen original American colonies.

June 14 is also the anniversary date of the U.S. Army, which was established on that day in 1775 - just a few short days before Boston’s celebrated Battle of Bunker Hill.

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Gate of Heaven, St. Brigid and St. Augustine Chapel Parish Update Parish Office Hours and New Office Location Starting Tuesday, June 16th, the summer hours for the Parish Office will be as follows: Tuesdays 10AM to 3PM Wednesdays 10AM to 3PM Thursdays 10AM to 3PM Please try to call the office during these hours – this will allow us to get back to everyone in a timely manner. For EMERGENCIES ONLY, please call the office and leave a message on one of the clergy’s voicemail.

The Parish Office has moved!

We are now located in the basement of the rectory, the former Regional Bishop’s Office. The door to the office is directly across from the entrance of Cushing Hall (basement of St. Brigid Church). We look forward to welcoming you to the new space at the hours above.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The 2020 Timothy “Doc” Cook Scholarship Awards

by Rick Winterson

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he Timothy “Doc” Cook Foundation’s Scholarship Awards ceremony was conducted last Saturday afternoon, June 13, at 2 p.m. The gathering took place on Dorchester Heights in brilliant sunshine, cool early June weather, and at the top of the City of Boston’s highest natural elevation. It was a perfect day to salute the memory of an outstanding American military man – a man who volunteered for the Marines and served on combat duty in Iraq as a Medical Corpsman. And of course, those attending the Awards took COVID-19 precautions, especially face coverage and social distancing.

The Cook Awards are actually educational scholarships. Led by Joe Cook (Tim’s father), they were presented to 12 deserving young scholars last weekend, which is a commendable increase from the three or four scholarships when these Awards ssarted. Since their beginning, the Cook Awards have presented a total of $65,000 in scholarships to local

Garret Smith

Vasya Mantrov

A group photo of Tim “Doc” Cook Awardees, the Awards Committee, and the Awardees’ guests. students – the Timothy “Doc” Cook Foundation is dedicated to educating our youth and increasing awareness of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) within our community and abroad.

A short story will show what kind of a hero Tim was: As a Corpsman, he brought immediate medical care to wounded soldiers on the battlefield, under actual, all-too-real, combat conditions. This was back when the High Mobility Military Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs – first called “Hum-Vees” , and then “Hummers” later) were used as ambulances. The HMMWVs were better than jeeps,

but still limited to holding only a few stretchers for the wounded.

“Doc” conceived of armoring a larger military truck, which could hold six stretchers along with medical personnel. He got this done on the battlegrounds in Iraq, creating a vehicle that was later nicknamed “The Aramdillo”. He never got credit for his invention, and sadly, “Doc” is no longer with us. He succumbed to combat-related complications, including PTSD, after returning from Iraq.

His father, Joe Cook, set up his Foundation in “Doc’s” memory. In last Saturday’s ceremony, Joe spoke

A poignant photo of Tim “Doc” Cook: “Never forgotten!”

Joe Cook, Tim’s father, opens the Cook Awards ceremony in front of the Dorchester Heights Memorial.

eloquently of his son in terms of Tim’ss many local activities – ice hockey, robotics at Paraclete, and summers helping underprivileged kids in East Boston camps. City Councilor Ed Flynn and State Rep. David Biele offered congratulations.

The 2020 Cook Foundation Scholarship Awardees are Garrett Smith, Tommy Flaherty, Lia Blythe, Vasya Mantrov, Adam Alto, Michael Callow, Jane Matthews, John Maddox, Greg Matthews, Ronan Manning, Jack Matthews, and Macdara Casper. South Boston Online congratulates you on your well-deserved scholarships from the Timothy “Doc” Cook Foundation.

Tommy Flaherty

Adam Alto

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

Michael Callow

Greg Matthews

Mona Casper-Connolly accepts a Cook Scholarship for Macdara Casper.

Jane Matthews

Jack Matthews

John Maddox

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Continued from Page 1

Openings to take a look at ever-changing sma l l sta r t-up bu sinesses.

Al fresco dining adventures are springing up all along Broadway these days, starting with Fox & the Knife. Amrhein’s is undergoing a facelift right now, courtesy of Joseph Earner. Grab an outdoor table at Lulu Green and/or Caffe Nero, or both.

Both Stats and Shennanigan’s have converted their parking

lots into al fresco dining by placing Socially Distanced picnic tables outside (Suggestion: Call first for a reservation – these places are extremely popular these days). And it’s not only places to eat – Southie’s Own is putting on a new façade. We have mentioned Deja Brew and Roza Lyons along East Broadway before.

Both of them are treating us to al fresco brunches.

You’ll experience a feeling of anticipation all around South

Joe Earner gives the façade at Amrhein’s a post-pandemic face lift. Looking good!

Roza Lyons now serving al fresco along East Broadway.

At Roza Lyons, a group of the gals eats out – and we mean “out”.

Boston. There’s no doubt that pandemic precautions have been a burden, but we are on the way back. However, we’ll emphasize two ongoing suggestions: First, please patronize South Boston’s enterprises as often as you can.

This has been a (very) difficult time for all of them, especially for our small businesses. Second, please continue to follow the remaining pandemic precautions wherever you go, by covering your face and keeping a good

Social Distance. Coronavirus is still all across our land; just read about COV ID-19 peaks in Arizona, Oregon, or Alabama since last week. We don’t want you to get sick!

Here’s a short punchline to close this article – while “al fresco”, which is Italian, means “in cool, fresh air” here in the U.S., in Italy it often means “in jail”, just like that American phrase, “in the cooler”.

The Walshes – Cathe and Melissa – bring al fresco to Deja Brew.

Habitat has reopend

A bunch of the guys at Roza Lyons.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

Seapoint Bar and Grill Open for outdoor dining.

Sunny sidewalk tables at executive-chef-created veggie/ vegan Lulu – Green.

Southie’s Own is not just reopening, it’s getting colorfully spruced up.

Caffe Nero isn’t just open, it’s “al fresco” open.

Shennanigan’s parking lot is now devoted to dining.

We thought you’d enjoy a look at the elegant al fresco offering at South Boston’s famous Fox & the Knife.

“For Now” on Seaport Boulevard is the quintessential pop-up/start-up enterprise.

Stats Creates Outdoor dining

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Councilors Flynn & Flaherty Call For First Responders & Frontline Workers COVID-19 Health Registry

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ity Councilor Ed Flynn and City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty filed a hearing order at this week’s Council meeting to discuss the possible creation of a Coronavirus (COVID19) Health Registry for first responders and frontline workers.

With the long-term health impacts currently unknown to both health professionals and the general public alike, a health registry would allow for city public health officials to track the data and monitor long term effects of COVID-19, as well as providing appropriate resources for those affected by the virus.

COVID-19 is a novel virus, meaning it is new and its long term effects will remain unknown for some time. Our first responders (Boston Police Dept., Boston Fire Dept., Boston EMS), healthcare

workers, grocery clerks, custodians and other workers who are at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic are most exposed to the virus and, as a result, more likely to experience potential long term impacts of COVID-19. Therefore, it is critical that we track the impact the virus has on our frontline workers’ health and wellbeing.

There are various examples of health registries for different events and disasters, such as the World Trade Center Health Registry or the Gulf War Registry for veterans who may have experienced longterm health issues related to environmental exposure. A health registry can conduct surveys and research on those who are enrolled, and would allow public health officials and stakeholders to better understand and assess direct and indirect impact of the virus, and

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Councilor Flaherty more effectively respond to potential future health complications.

“Our f irst responders, healthcare workers, grocery clerks, and other essential workers continue to bravely risk their health and serve the public during this pandemic.

It’s critical that we provide them the best resources with the long term effects of the virus still unknown,” said Councilor Flynn. “A COVID19 Health Registry would allow our experts to track this data over the long term and better respond to the future needs of our first responders and frontline workers.”

“Creating a registry that helps

us understand and respond to the immediate and long term impacts of COVID-19 will enable us to support the first responders and frontline workers who were there for us non-stop during this pandemic,” said Councilor Flaherty. “We know that the impacts of COVID-19 will continue to be felt for months and years to come and this registry is one of the many ways we can demonstrate that we are grateful for their hard work and dedication during this extraordinarily difficult time.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Councilor Flynn

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

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South Boston Catholic Academy News Congratulations to all our Wonderful 6th Graders!

ongratulations to the South Boston Catholic Academy 6th Grade Class of 2020, who graduated on June 11 following a Mass at Gate of Heaven church at which the 6th graders did a fantastic job with the readings.

Thank you to Father Casey, Dr. Civian, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Moriarty, Mrs. Evans, and all of our wonderful 6th grade families for making this event possible! This ceremony was also livestreamed from Gate of Heaven Church so all the families, faculty and friends could, also, be a part of this special school celebration for our 6th graders.

On March 16th students came to school to gather their books and binders; borrow a Chromebook if needed, and the next day, stepped into their online learning via ZOOM and google classroom. Despite missing out on many fun events including a class trip to Washington DC, our students

demonstrated integrity and resilience, transitioning to the online classroom with ease, always respectful of their teachers and each other. South Boston Catholic Academy celebrated our graduates by featuring their individual profiles; faculty and staff shared ‘Words of Wisdom’ on google slides.

Students also participated in a virtual scavenger hunt at the Smithsonian National Museum and received a ticket to TreeTops Adventure Park.

We are very proud of our grade 6 class of 2020 who will be moving on to attend the following

schools in September: Boston Latin School, Boston College High School, Dexter Southfield School, Archbishop Williams, Notre Dame Academy, The Newman School, St. Agatha, Newton Country Day and Furnace Brook Middle School. A huge shout-out goes to Mrs. Moriarty and Mrs. Evans for providing every 6th grade student with the tools and confidence to take on the next chapter of their education.

At the end of this graduation ceremony Father Casey, our Pastor, said “Now you are off to a new school, God Bless you all and you will be our

prayers.” Dr. Civian, our Principal, said “You will always have a home at South Boston Catholic Academy” and Mrs. Moriarty said that she admired how resilient this year’s 6th grade class has been during this school year and how this resilience will carry them over to 7th grade and beyond! At the very end of this graduation ceremony, a 6th grade student led everyone in reciting the S.B.C.A school prayer. What a great way to end this very special school year.

From all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy

Dear God, Thank you for creating us and giving us this day, Help us to grow in faith and show respect in every way.

We welcome all people into our school family with care, Work hard in all subjects, have patience, and share.

Guide us as we do our best to lead and learn today, And celebrate as proud students of S.B.C.A. We hope and pray that everyone will have a healthy, safe and happy summer!

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION

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