THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Where Are We Today? Brianne Fitzgerald RN, NP Theresa od Avila was a 16thcentury mystic, and I came across a poem she wrote that resonated with me. Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing upset you. Everything changes. God alone is unchanging. With patience, all things are possible. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone is enough. Please fill free to enter the word or words of your choice so that this poem might make some sense to you. As we enter the 5th week off of our Covid 19 response (wash hands, social distance and wear a mask) it may be time to think of how we are doing, how things in our daily (new normal) life may have revealed
aspects that we may not have had time to consider before the pandemic. I walk daily, I am tired of walking and yet each time out, I see and hear new things, painted rocks with a message of hope, handmade signs in windows that bring a smile of hope and compassion, sidewalk chalk messages written in a childish scroll. I have taken to looking up the various birds I see and hear on my travels. No matter what we are gifted by the timing of this disaster. Flowering plants and trees, warming temperatures and the still open and very necessary garden shops are balm for the most grumpy. I have bad days, but I am not locked inside with 4 children under the age of 12, nor am I unemployed. I have food in my home and multiple TV channels. I do not live in a multi-story building that requires me to take an elevator to get and out of my unit. I suspect that we are all learning to improvise. Coloring or cutting our own hair, adding some
spices to the tuna noodle casserole, picking up a hobby (like painting) we may have put away because we were so busy and settling on new routines that keep us somewhat anchored. What can we do to hold this all together? Watch less news and more funny videos like Pluto at https://youtu.be?T4qtXspf_8, get outside and breathe the unpolluted air more, feel grateful that you even have a choice. Many are in a far worse state than we can even imagine. I work with people in various stages of recovery, and I have always learned from their struggles. Last week someone said to me, “it’s all about one day at a time- those
of us that live this way have an advantage.” Meditate on that one for a second. The world, as we knew it has changed. We are all facing the uncertainty of tomorrow. To make the best that we can of today; whether it be a donation to a worthy cause, a call to a homebound neighbor or someone you have not spoken to in a while, a prayer for those women and men on the frontlines, a tip for the service worker at the Dunkin Donuts takeout window, picking up some trash in your neighborhood and a gentle smile from behind your mask with your eyes to all you meet on your daily walk.
Now may be the time to lower your car payment. Apply Online or by Phone. Most loans can close online. 60 days no payments is available.+
* APR=Annual Percentage Rate. APR includes a .25% discount for automatic payments or direct deposit. 2.49% APR is for terms up to 48 months. Monthly payment is $21.91 per $1,000.00 borrowed. 2.74% APR without automatic payments or direct deposit. Monthly payment without automatic payments or direct deposit is $22.02 per $1,000.00 borrowed. Other rates and terms are available. Up to 105% financing based on the NADA retail value. Qualification restrictions apply. Rate, term and approval based on credit worthiness. Rates are subject to change without notice. + Payments may be deferred up to 60 days. Interest will accrue during deferral period.
2
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Community Health Center and Marion Manor Receive Protective Gloves
Prayers For Norman Crump
A shipment of protective gloves was delivered to the South Boston Health Center and Marion Manor. Thanks to Representative Stephen Lynch, State Senator Nick Collins, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and City Councilor Michael Flaherty for your support in securing #PPE to support our community, health care providers and those in need. Let’s all do our part to #StaySafe by wearing masks when going outside and practicing safe #socialdistancing
Many of you are aware that Norman Crump is in the Boston Medical Center with Caronavirus. He is in stable condition and fighting hard. Please continue to keep Norman, his wife, Jane,and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Still Open for You by Rick Winterson South Boston Online has recommended this before, but we’ll say it again. A number of dining and drinking establishments in South Boston are still offering their food and drinks to order. Their services may vary, perhaps ranging from phone ordering to window service, pick-up, take-out, curbside delivery, home delivery, Uber Eats, and including the limited but convenient hours they are open. In a recent issue we published a list of eleven local establishments that are still open for takeout. Here are four more, which include Joseph’s iconic place at K and Fourth, along with Boston Bagel Company, Loco, Fat Baby, Capo and Lincoln. Please patronize them; they’re essential members of the South Boston “scene”. And please (!) remember to tip their servers, wait staffs, and delivery people. These persons are doing their jobs in order to to give you a treat, and also to keep you away from exposure to COVID-19 and the Coronavirus. Thank you.
Joseph’s Bakery reopens offering take out.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020
3
From the Health Center, with Love In a recent Easter morning Facebook post, veteran newsmaker Dan Rather wrote “I think of grief, struggle and loss, but also a conviction that love and community can be fountains of hope for the future”. It stuck a cord, because love and community have always been at the heart of the mission at South Boston Community Health Center. We are used to supporting our community members through sickness and struggle and also by promoting ways to stay healthy and strong. What has been truly humbling is the community’s support of us in this time of great challenge and consequence. So we wanted to take a moment, in the middle of the insanity, to tell you how much your support has meant to all of us who are on the front lines of this crisis. This week, Congressman Lynch arranged for an amazing donation of N95 masks from P & G. We, along with the other community health centers and medical centers in his district are extremely grateful for this life saving equipment. Mayor Walsh, Senator Collins, Rep. Biele, Councillor Flaherty and Councillor Flynn have all taken the time to reach out to assess and address our needs and have arranged donations of gloves, hand sanitizer and critical medical supplies. Every one of them have asked us “What can I do to help?”. Especially in times like these, we are grateful for engaged, sincere political leadership. We’ve moved our weekly Food Pantry services outdoors to keep everyone safe while we continue to feed our patients. And we have been touched by the unsolicited financial donations from patients, former employees and friends that have enabled us to continue to feed those who are in need of nourishment. It was heartwarming when one talented photographer, Mo Hanley, ran her own Facebook auction of her beautiful canvas prints to benefit our Food Pantry. Friends and family made and donated masks when they heard supplies were low everywhere. We are grateful for all of the people who, in the middle of crisis, think of help others. The outpouring of support from the restaurant community - one of the hardest hit industries - has been just tremendous. Through donations from John Hancock and the nonprofit group
“Off Their Plate”, we received delicious lunches for our staff from Flour Bakery and Little Donkey - delivered by Central Square Florist. On One Boston Day, Joseph’s Bakery and Deja Brew delivered baked goods and coffee for our staff. Our local restaurants like Land Of Pizza, Deja Brew, Alfredo’s and Otto’s Pizza continue to work to provide lunch
time delivery service and take-out for our employees who just need to venture out for a few minutes of their day. Sometimes adversity brings out the worst in people, and sometimes it brings out the very best. For our staff, it has most assuredly brought out the very best. There is a spirit of teamwork, accomplishment and thankfulness
that permeates all of the work being done here on a daily basis. There is an abundance of hope and appreciation. We are proud of our work. We are proud to serve this wonderful community. And we are proud of all of you. Stay safe and know that we are here for you when you need us. Thank you from the Health Center, with love.
4
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Daffodils at Boston Hope by Rick Winterson Photos by Lindsay Ahern Over the past six years, Marathon Daffodils, founded by Diane Valle after the tragic Copley Square Marathon bombing in 2013, has mobilized a network that places more than 100,000 daffodils along the 26.2 mile Marathon route in around the City of Boston. It is basically a tribute to and a celebration of the spirit of “Boston Strong”. Boston Seaport, established by WS Development, has worked with Marathon Daffodils to bring daffodils to the Seaport District. This year, because COVID-19 caused the Marathon to be postponed until Monday, September 14, Boston Seaport approached Marathon Daffodils about donating its flowers to those hospitals on the medical front lines. Namely, those are the 1000bed Boston Hope field hospital now occupying the Convention Center,
along with Mass General, Beth Israel, Boston Medical center, Tufts Medical center, Newton Wellesley, and other participating hospitals. “Thousands of pots of daffodils were placed outside these
Spring Is Inevitable, and It’s Here. Two weeks ago in early April, we thought and (firmly) believed that spring had finally arrived for good. After all, we were in the process of dealing with the Coronavirus plague, especially by confining our outside activities to essential trips and to sunwarmed private walks alone around South Boston. But an inch of snow fell through cold high winds on the next Sunday-Monday, followed by a sunset framed in red clouds. However, as the week progressed, our weather did likewise. Early spring flowers burst forth, the temperatures once again moderated, and people walked at correct “Social Distances” from each other. The somewhat delayed blossoming released all its stored-up energies; flowers seemed to appear everywhere. Robins began building their nest on the beams over the writer’s back porch. Now, we’re not quite halfway through the voluntary confinement we are undertaking, due to the ongoing presence of Coronavirus. But spring weather is refreshing, even it’s only experienced by a quick look out a window. Even surrounded by a pandemic, spring is uplifting and upbeat. Spring meets winter, and wins.
hospitals’ entryways last Friday, the 17th, to show our gratitude for our front-line medical workers …” said Diane Valle, the original organizer of Marathon Daffodils. According to Yanni Tsipis, Senior VP, Seaport,
at WS Development, “Daffodils are a universal symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. Here in Boston … they mean even more – Boston’s strength, hope, and resiliency.” Thank you.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020
5
Sen. Collins, Rep. Biele Support Health Care Workers and Facilities Responding to COVID-19 Last week, State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives in passing legislation to protect those providing critical health care services during the COVID-19 emergency. Under the legislation, health care professionals, facilities and volunteer organizations assisting in the state’s efforts to respond and treat COVID-19 would be protected from suit and civil liability for alleged damages related to the virus. Health care facilities and professionals would still be subject to consumer complaints brought by the Attorney General and protections would not extend to acts of negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm or acts of discrimination.
T he s e prote c t ion s wou ld apply retroactively to March 10, 2020, and remain in effect for the duration of t he St ate of Emergenc y. “I am proud of the work we are doing in the Massachusetts Legislature to support our front line workers, whet her through increased funding for hospitals and community health centers, advancing hazard pay legislation, or though this new law,” said Senator Collins. “In this diff icult time it’s important that these workers know we have their back.” “We mu st c ont inue to support our health care professions and health care facilities on the front line of this public health emergency,” said Rep. Biele. “This legislation will ensure that our health care system
can expand to help an increasing number of patients during the COVID-19 surge and that our health care professionals focus on the important work of combating COVID-19 and saving lives.”
This bill, the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has been signed by the Governor.
6
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
“One World” a Triumph by Rick Winterson For two full hours last Saturday evening, April 18, the three major networks, ABC/ NBC/CBS, along with countless other streamers, presented “One World: Together at Home”. From 8 until 10 p.m., an astonishing array of performers, prominent people, and personnel involved in fighting COVID-19 gave their best in assuring TV audiences that together – always together! – we will overcome the worldwide threat thrown at us by the organism called Coronavirus. It was a marvelous show that managed to be inspiring as well. Jimmy Fallon (NBC), Stephen Colbert (CBS), and Jimmy Kimmel (ABC) were the three skilled co-hosts who emceed “One World”, which was sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Citizen (Anti-poverty). It is certainly unusual for us to publish anything beyond local
news, which is our prime interest (and mission), of course. Well, living in a COVID-19 “hot spot” like Massachusetts and practicing “Social Distancing” like all of the rest of the world is reason enough, we think. Coronavirus is global in its worldwide impact; it is also decidedly, tragically local! Lady Gaga opened “One World” with her performance of “Smile” and was credited with being a key organizer of this epic virtual musical gathering. She was followed by stellar performers, including Elton John, Lizzo, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, J-LO, Mendez Cabello, Kacey Musgraves, and so many others. The Rolling Stones – Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts – performed “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, still a classic even after more than 50 years since its introduction. Guest appearances included First Ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush,
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 No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
Oprah Winfrey, Melinda and Bill Gates, Who Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Beyonce, LL Cool J, Ellen DeGeneris, and many others also. The “One World: Together at Home” extravaganza closed with perhaps the finest popular song quintet ever assembled – Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, opera star Andrea Bocelli, concert pianist Lang Lang, and John Legend (in a cameo appearance). In remarkable harmony, they sang “The Prayer”, an achingly beautiful, awardwinning song recorded by Dion and Bocelli over twenty years ago. We ’ l l close w it h
three comments: We would like to see “One World” repeated soon – it was an excellent, uplifting show. As of Monday, “One World” had raised $128 million ($128,000,000) for COVID19 relief, even though the show’s millions of viewers were first told, “Put away your wallets and enjoy the show …” During “One World”, medical personnel using f lash cards delivered a request: “We stayed at work for you. Now you stay at home for us.” Please grant their request – social distancing (!!!) is still (very) important.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020
7
MAYOR WALSH EXPANDS FREE MEAL SITES TO SERVE ADULTS Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the City of Boston is now serving adults, in addition to children and youth, at six meal sites in East Boston, Dorchester, South Boston, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Brighton. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency in Boston, the City has distributed over 461,000 free meals across 65 meal sites. Residents can visitboston.gov/COVID19food to find food resources for all residents, including youth meal sites, food pantries, and more.
Meal sites now serving adults, in addition to children and youth, include: SITE NAME
YMCA @ Egleston Square
ADDRESS
HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY FRIDAY 3134 Washington Street Roxbury, MA 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 02119
YMCA @ Oak Square (Brighton) 615 Washington Street Brighton, MA 02135 YMCA @ East Boston - Bremen 215 Bremen Street Street East Boston, MA 02128 BCYF Leahy Holloran 1 Worrell Street Dorchester, MA 02122 BCYF Mattahunt 100 Hebron Street Mattapan, MA 02126 Mary Ellen McCormack Sterling Square South Boston, MA 02127
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FOOD SUPPORT FOR YOUTH Although the Boston Public Schools are closed to students and this week is April vacation week, the City has continued to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all Boston students. Families can find a location near them here. Families with special education students who receive door-to-door transportation, can emailmealdelivery@bostonpublicschools.org to request to have their meals delivered. FOOD SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS In addition to special shopping hours for seniors at grocery stores, food delivery and home-delivered meals may be an option for individuals age 60 and older who are unable to leave their homes. Older residents can find a food distribution location near them here and are encouraged to call 311 or the Age Strong Commission at (617) 635-4366 for more information. FOOD SUPPORT FOR GENERAL PUBLIC Residents can visit boston.gov/covid19foodmap to find food resources for all residents, including youth meal sites, food pantries, and more. For information on accessing SNAP and WIC benefits and food pantries information, residents are asked to connect with Project Bread at 1 (800) 645-8333. If someone cannot access food due to mobility, illness, or quarantine, they are encouraged to connect with the Mayor's Office of Food Access at (617) 635-3717 or food@boston.gov.
Last week, Mayor Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committeeannounced the distribution of additional funds to support organizations that provide critical services and support to residents, vulnerable populations and Boston families whose wellbeing is most immediately impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. To date, the Boston Resiliency Fund has distributed $12 million in 55 emergency grants to 115 organizations, including $5.3 million to support food access. Resources and information about COVID-19 are available online. Resources available on boston.gov and through City departments include support for renters and homeowners; small businesses; free meals for Boston students and families; free toiletries for Boston students; emergency childcare centers; support for older residents; information on homeless shelters; transportation options for health care workers; resources for those in recovery or those who have a substance use disorder; and mental health resources. For additional questions or programs, please visit our coronavirus website or call 3-1-1, Boston's 24-hour constituent hotline. Text BOSCOVID to 888-777 to receive text alerts on a regular basis, available in 11 languages.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
The State of Real Estate Besides following all the measures that the CDC urges all individuals to follow, Rooney Real Estate will be adding the following practices : • Our staff and agents will work from home as much as possible • Online virtual tours of each of our listings to limit showings • Personal / Private showings, not conducting open houses • We will provide sanitizers at all showings • Sales and rental contracts will be signed electronically
. . . . s N g O n i t O s i S L s e l a S / COMING listing it! l y ll a ia t ic f t of en
R 69-1000 ithou 2 w 7 y 1 y t 6 r a : e M THE LIST r porop & E u K l o i y A r n M AN Ap ure o PERTY C t expos e O g R P o t R way W YOU O H N A great ETAIILS O D R O F CALL
Take advantage of a low interest rate today! Rooney Real Estate, LLC. 617.269.1000 | www.Rooney-RE.com Jackie Rooney | jackie@rooney-re.com