THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Disability Bill Passes
Senator Nick Collins
Collins, Senate Pass Bill Promoting the Safety, Health and Wellness of Children & Persons with Disabilities.
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ast week State Senator Nick Collins and the Massachusetts State Senate passed two pieces of legislation intended to increase protections for children and persons with disabilities, including An Act
to protect persons with intellectual or developmental disability from abuse, also known as “Nicky’s Law,” and An Act Relative to Children’s Health and Wellness. Under Nicky’s Law, the Disabled Persons Protections Commission (DPPC) would establish a registry that identifies individuals who have abused people with disabilities. The registr y, which mirrors an existing registry for childcare employee s, wou ld include former employees who have been terminated or separated from employment as a result of abuse. The legislation requires care providers to review the registry and prohibits the hiring of anyone who is on the registry. More than 20 states have enacted and established similar registries. “Every day I go to work to stand up for the most vulnerable Continued on Page 2
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Annual Pumpkin Float The Noren family of South Boston – Alexander, Atlas (18 months), Haley, and Finley (3) - enjoy the beautiful fall weather at Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s annual Pumpkin Float presented at the Boston Common Frog Pond by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Skating Club of Boston. The free familyfriendly event included games, crafts, and snacks provided by Power Crunch Bars, KIND Snacks, and HP Hood LLC with activities including giant bubble fun with the “Bubble Guy” Jim Dichter, a LEGO Dracula display, performers from the Boston Circus Guild, and Halloween giveaways. ( Photo: Jon Seamans)
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Continued from Page 1
Disability Bill in our communities, and these bills ref lect those priorities,” said State Senator Nick Collins. “These reforms will prevent abuse, protect individuals with disabilities, and proactively promote t he wellbeing of
children who most need our help. I was proud to vote for these bills and look forward to them being signed into law.” The Senate also unanimously passed An Act Relative to Children’s Health and Wellness. This comprehensive bill addresses issues related to health care access for children who
have aged out of the foster care system by automatically enrolling them in MassHealth. The bill also address issues affecting the Department of Children and Families (DCF) by establishing a new data working group to help streamline the agency’s reporting process. The bill calls for an examination of the barriers
to mental and behavioral health supports for children; establishes a commission to study mandated reporting laws and calls for increased education around child sex abuse and exploitation. Both pieces of legislation now move to t he House for f u r t her c onsiderat ion.
Councilors Flynn, Flaherty Host BTD Officials at Office Hours
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ast weekend, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty hosted City of Boston Transportation Department officials for neighborhood office hours at the Thomas J. Fitzgerald Post in South Boston. Approximately 30 residents joined the elected officials throughout the event to discuss pedestrian safety concerns directly with Chief of Streets Chris Osgood and Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Greg Rooney. The elected and city officials discussed recent safety installations, including blinking pedestrian crossing signs along East & West Broadway, and speed feedback signs on East Broadway and Dorchester St. There were also
substantive discussions among neighbors and the city regarding “hot spots” or areas of concern along L St, Dorchester St, Old Colony Ave & the Rotary, West First St, Summer St, as well as intersections at Broadway & O St and Broadway & N St. “We’d like to thank our neighbors for joining us to provide excellent feedback for one of the top issues we face as a city, the safety of pedestrians and all on our roads Vision Zero,” said the Councilors. “We’d like to also thank Chief Osgood and Commissioner Rooney for their partnership and willingness to meet with residents over the weekend. There’s much work to be done, and South Boston elected officials will continue to work together with the
Pictured above are Greg Rooney, Commissioner (Acting) of Transportation, District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn, Samantha Bennett, Director of Policy & Research for City Councilor-at-Large Michael Flaherty, and Chris Osgood, Boston’s Chief of Streets. (Photo by Rick Winterson) city to make our streets safer for all.” For more information or constituent service issues, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office
at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.Gov or Councilor At-Large Flaherty’s office at 617-635-4205 or Michael.Flaherty@Boston.gov.
Rep. Biele Votes to Pass $723 Million Supplemental Budget Supports local efforts to fight opioid epidemic; invests in public transportation and infrastructure
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epresentative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in approving a $723 million supplemental budget that supports recovery efforts, invests in public transportation and infrastructure, and contributes to the state’s stabilization fund. Locally, the budget allocates $1 million to the City of Boston to support public health, recovery and homeless prevention initiatives in and around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. State funding will increase mobile street teams and rapid response services to better connect individuals
impacted by substance use and homelessness with community providers. “These investments will support on-going efforts to provide lifesaving services to individuals suffering from substance use and homelessness on our streets by extending the reach of those services,” said Rep. Biele. “Additionally, this budget also makes important investments in public transportation, local infrastructure, and education, while strengthening the state’s long-term financial stability.” In terms of transportation, the supplemental budget allocates $50 million for the MBTA to additional staffing, inspection/maintenance activities and service diversions necessary to accelerate capital projects. In addition, the House’s supplemental budget invests $60 million in infrastructure in the form of municipal
grants for the construction and maintenance of local roads and bridges. In order to further strengthen the state’s long-term financial resiliency, the budget dedicates $400 million to the Commonwealth’s stabilization fund, bringing the Rainy Day Fund’s total balance to an unprecedented $3.2 billion, the first time the fund has reached that amount in its history.
Support the state’s most vulnerable youth by investing $5 million in a program to expand access for students to community-based mental and behavioral health services in schools; and Includes a $10 million reserve for home health aides and personnel. The supplemental budget will now go to the Senate.
Additionally, the supplemental budget:
Supports low-income households at the risk of eviction or facing foreclosure by investing $7 million for a rental and mortgage arrearage assistance pilot program; Invests in early education efforts by including $3 million for grants for early educator scholarships for school paraprofessionals; and
Rep. Biele
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
Michael F. Flaherty Highlights Housing Record
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Housing key concern for residents across Boston
ichael F. Flaherty, incumbent and candidate for Boston City Council At-Large, highlights his advocacy and legislative efforts to address housing issues as he seeks re-election. Flaherty, who continues to reach out to voters over these next two weeks until polls close on Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th, has heard from residents that housing remains one of their top concerns. “In this ongoing era of rapid growth and development, I continue to be at the forefront of addressing the housing crisis in our city,� stated Flaherty. “There is no doubt that I share the significant concerns around access to housing and affordability that residents across Boston have - and will continue to work to address housing inequities.� Flaherty fully acknowledges that too many of our residents are burdened with the fear that they will soon be priced out of their neighborhood - a reality for many already. Those who are priced out struggle to find housing within their financial means. Development is flourishing, he notes, but residents who are looking to remain in the city should be able to do so regardless of the status of development in Boston. This is why over the course of his time as a Boston City Councilor At-Large, Flaherty has worked with communities across Boston on efforts - both legislative and budgetary - to expand access to affordable housing, address the issue of displacement, extend tenant protections, and advocate for resources to stabilize the City of Boston’s residents and their neighborhoods.
These efforts include:
As the Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Government Operations, Flaherty worked with the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development, City Council colleagues, and a broad coalition of community and industry stakeholders to pass the Jim Brooks Stabilization Act - a key piece of state legislation that addresses the root of eviction.
Michael F. Flaherty, incumbent and candidate for Boston City Council At-Large. Flaherty also passed legislation via the Government Operations Committee that outlines the framework of regulations for shortterm rentals in Boston. A central aspect of these regulations is to help bring back stabilization to the housing market; now that the regulations are in effect, Flaherty requests that residents be on the look-out for short-term rentals that may not be compliant. As the lead advocate for updating the City of Boston’s Linkage law, Flaherty continued working with a range of stakeholders to pass legislation that modernizes the City of Boston’s approach to allocate revenue for job training programs and affordable housing, along with our approach to reviewing the Inclusionary Development Policy which mandates affordable units be included in certain new development projects. Flaherty is the lead advocate for the Community Preservation Act which passed at the ballot box on election day in November 2016. Since then, 91 community preservation projects have been awarded funding totalling $42 million -- approximately $20 million of which has been granted for affordable housing. Flaherty is also a strong proponent of public-private partnerships, especially given that federal investments in affordable housing have decreased. As Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, Flaherty
has worked with the Boston Housing Authority to revitalize many of the City’s public housing developments so that all residents can live in dignity.
“No matter the zip code, Boston is in a housing crisis. We are living in a time in which the cost of living continues to increase as residents try to maintain their quality of life,� stated Flaherty. “If re-elected as your Boston City Councilor At-Large, I will continue to work on addressing this issue with all of the resources we have.� As a husband, father, neighbor and proud lifelong Bostonian, Michael Flaherty is committed to ensuring that Boston is an accessible, equitable, and inclusive city for its residents. For more information on his campaign and his work on the Boston City Council, visit www.MichaelFlaherty.com. Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty respectfully requests your vote on Tuesday, November 5th, where his name will be the first one on the ballot.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Trick-or-Treat on Broadway
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he South Boston Chamber of C o m m e r c e member businesses, and the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation invite the neighborhood children in costumes to “Trick or Treat along East and West Broadway” on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Pa r ticipating establishments from D Street to L Street will be clearly marked with an orange and black poster inviting the children to stop in for a treat. Due to the narrow sidewalks along East Broadway between I Street and L Street, and for the safety and enjoyment of all participants, we are asking that all Trick-or-Treaters walk in the same direction in order to avoid congestion that would cause
anyone to step into the street to pass. If you are starting in the area at I Street, please walk along the southern side of the street (odd numbered stores) and continue to L Street, using the cross walk, cross over to the northern side of the street (even numbered stores) and continue back toward I Street. If you are starting in the area at L Street, please walk along the northern side of the street (even numbered stores) and continue toward I Street, using the cross walk, cross over to the southern side of the street (odd numbered stores) and continue back toward L Street. Broadway businesses wishing to participate – that have not already received a poster, should contact the South Boston NDC office at 617-268-9610 or email donna.brown@sbndc.org
STOP H ERE FOR
t a e r T r o k Tric y a w d a o r on B Thursday, October 31
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4:00 - 6:00 p m Sponsored by:
The South Boston Chamber of Commerce & South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation
Think Halloween (and Then Enjoy It)
Occasionally, facts and figures remind of us of something more meaningful than just the numbers by themselves.
Here are a couple of examples:
WalletHub, a personal finance website, has surveyed America to find the best places to celebrate Halloween. That’s important, at least economically, because nationwide Halloween spending in 2019 is expected to be nearly $9 billion (yes, that’s $9,000,000,000). That won’t be spent on candy alone, but also on parties, nights out, and costumes, which’ll be worn once and then put into storage for a year. And according to WalletHub, the third best place for Halloween in the U.S. this year will be the little old City of Boston. We are close behind #1 (New York City) and #2 (Los Angeles) – two cities that are many times larger than Boston in both size and population. We rated better than prominent metro areas such as Las Vegas (#5), Chicago (#6), and San Francisco (#9). But think locally about what Halloween means around here. It means a gala weekend afternoons at Fort Independence on Castle Island Saturday and Sunday, October 26 & 27, between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. It means a “Southie Spooktacular” at M Street Park Medal of Honor Park on Sunday, October 27th from 3-5pm. And on October 31, Halloween itself, it means “Trick or Treat on Broadway”. The other number comes from a survey conducted among children a few years ago. This survey asked the kids, “What is your favorite Holiday”. In first place by a (very) large margin was – you guessed it – HALLOWEEN! It is #1! Why do children love this holiday so much? South Boston Online doesn’t know. Originally, Halloween was a religious observance – “All Hallows Evening” – but that isn’t why the kids enjoy it so much. They just do, that’s all. So dress your children up, put on a costume yourself, and then enjoy Halloween. That’s the meaning behind all of those numbers.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
37th Annual Halloween Celebration at Castle Island
Southie Spooktacular Halloween Parade
The Castle Island Association In cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is holding its 37th Halloween celebration at Fort Independence on Castle Island this Saturday and Sunday, October 26 & 27, between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. All children from South Boston are cordially invited to come to the “Children’s Magical Halloween Castle”. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Costumes are encouraged.
ADMISSION IS FREE! Over the past thirty-seven years tens of thousands of children and adults have attended this celebration. The event offers enjoyments of all kinds from outdoor entertainers, magicians, storytellers to our “magical castle” - complete with sound effects and free refreshments. Judging by its continuing popularity, a fun time is had by all! The Castle Island Association firmly believes that the earlier we introduce our youngsters to Castle Island and its forts which span the entire spectrum of American history, the better it will be for the future of our nation. We hope their enjoyment and memories of the “Children’s Magical Halloween Castle” celebration as youngsters will result in a life-long interest in Castle Island and Fort Independence as historical sites. This Halloween celebration is the Castle Island Association’s way of saying “Thank You” to all who support us, especially the South Boston community. We are proud to serve our community, state and nation by giving guided tours of Fort Independence and hosting this event without charge and without any cost to the taxpayer.
Get ready for the Southie Spooktacular on Sunday, October 27th from 3-5 at M Street Park! There will be a costume parade for kids and dogs, candy, prizes, photo ops and more! All welcome! 3:00-5:00pm. Brought to you by the Quirk Group, Fairway Mortgage, and Hub Church.
Pumpkin Palooza SAT. OCTOBER 26th • Noon to 10pm & SUN. OCTOBER 27th • Noon to 9pm
Don’t miss out the most exciting Halloween celebration in town! Show off your pumpkin carving skills and display your masterpiece, ride our magical trackless train, join the costume parade, and enjoy roving entertainment and live music by some of Boston’s best bands.
Plan Your Event Create a truly unique and memorable experience for your next corporate outing, private party, team building event, reception, fundraiser, or family celebration. Dates are available for the 2020 season!
For more details or to plan your event, visit LawnOnD.com.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
A Bright Autumn Day at Our Branch Library
by Rick Winterson
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or many years now, the open area to the rear of the Branch Library was a kind of “back yard”. It was green and it was a decent place for many outdoor functions. But, it really needed to be upgraded, especially now that well-tended “green areas” have become so critical to South Boston’s quality of life. These photos of the green area were taken last Saturday morning, the 19th. Well, the upgrading and
the accompanying landscape work are now complete. Grab something to read, and then pick your own spot in the Library’s newly inaugurated green space. There are tables, benches, shade or sun, and some beautiful fall plantings. And patrons are welcome to use the green area whenever they are at the Library. So, enjoy! In addition, The Friends of the Library had one of their Book Sales going on last Saturday. Joe Kebartas and his Merry Women and Men have truly made the used book scene in South Boston come alive. The Friends have thousands of books at their disposal; a customer can find literature on just about any topic she or he likes. And they are inexpensive – a dollar or two each. The proceeds from these sales go to fund off-budget activities and expenses that help keep the Branch Library humming. As well as being quite, quite lit’ry, the Branch Library last Saturday was a lot of fun.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
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2019 “Hidden Treasures” at Laboure by Rick Winterson
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t is now known as the Laboure Center’s “Hidden Treasures’ event. It gives you a chance to find out the background and history of that object that you possess, but don’t know much about – if anything. “Hidden Treasures” began last year. It involves professional appraisers, auctioneers, and historians from Skinner Auction House and Appraisals, located here in Boston’s Park Plaza and in Marlborough, Mass. These professionals come to Laboure and appraise what you bring them. Last year, they assessed 60 items from local households, discovering an antique vase and a porcelain doll of great beauty and significant value. The second annual “Hidden Treasures” took place last Saturday, the 19th, from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. at Laboure. Unique items brought for appraisal included a stair banister lamp featuring a statue of William Shakespeare, a century-old porcelain doll in its original
LaGina Austin (Director of Appraisal and Auction Services at Skinner Auctioneers) and Christopher Fox (Furniture Specialist and Appraiser at Skinner). clothes, and a tea caddy from the 1760’s. That’s not only from the decade before the Boston Tea Party, it’s also around the time that Walter Baker founded his chocolate company in Dorchester that led to the neighborhood name “Dorchester Lower Mills”. A book was presented for “Hidden Treasures” appraisal that bore the title “1929 Guide to Dublin, Ireland”. The appraisers from Skinner were Christopher Fox and LaGina Austin, who is Skinner’s Director of Appraisal and Auction Services. Both
Fox and Austin volunteered for this event, and took the time to assess the history and background stories of the objects presented, as well as determining their economic value. Prior to his work in Skinner’s antique furniture department, Christopher Fox was the Curator of Collections at Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York by LakeChamplain. While there, Fox established himself as a well-known authority on 18th Century military history and the associated weaponry and
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artifacts. He has written and spoken extensively about history and objects of interest in colonial America. As Skinner’s Director of Appraisal and Auction Services, LaGina Austin oversees Skinner clients’ interests in consigning property for auction, as well as assisting them when they need appraisals. Austin is from the South. She first worked in her parents’ antiques shop, and is an auctioneer in her own right. She has a broad, general range of experience and knowledge, and has served as an editor for the Antique Review. As a participant in Skinner’s “Appraisal Days”, she identified a painting worth $250,000. Laboure’s “Hidden Treasures” event starts their Holiday celebrations. Laboure’s eagerly anticipated Christmas House Tours will take place this year on Saturday evening and Sunday, December 7 and 8. The Laboure Christmas Shoppe will be open on Saturday, November 16, and then again during the House Tours. They’ll present “Pop Up” Shoppes after Mass at Gate of Heaven (November 10), and St. Brigid Church (December 17).
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
BCYF Tynan Happenings
The f irst annual “Family Fun Fest” was a great success as we had a tremendous turn out from the community. The kids loved having a bouncy house to play around in and t he pumpk in pa inting wa s also a big hit. Bcyf staff, Carol Curran and john Higgins were behind the apple cider table where they gave out tons of apple cider donuts and hot chocolate. The tynan school yard was decorated in “Fall” fashion with haystacks, cornstalks, scarecrows and some spooky Halloween decorations as well! Inside volunteer Pau l McGuinness held sack races for the kids a nd pumpk in pa inting wa s handled by youth Worker Kattie O’Connell and her superteens.
Volu nteer Jonat ha n Wa lsh handed out the pizza courteous of village pizza and grill on L Street. Athletic Director; Greg Lally took charge of the bouncy house which the kids loved! President of the Tynan c ou nci l, E dwa rd Mc Gu i re was on hand as well as Tynan council member Donna Feeney who passed out the goodie bags to the kids. Speaking of council, we had Edward Flynn, Boston city councilor on hand e njoy i n g ou r c om mu n it y event. Pictures of the event can also be seen on the Tynan councils new Facebook page. This Friday October 25 t h we will be holding another c om mu nit y e vent for t he youth a nd fa milies a s the Tynan Council present UFO w re s t l i n g “Mon s ter B a l l ” event. Tickets will be sold at the door ($10 dollars) for this event as all proceeds go back into programming here at the bcyf Tynan. It’s a lot of fun as Pat Dillion, UFO President and a Southie native puts on a great show for the kids! Doors open at 7pm so we hope to see you there! A snack bar will be set up for your convenience!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
TO A Community Group
• • • •
Andrew Square Civic Association Columbia Savin Hill Civic Association Harbor Point Community Task Force John McCormack Civic Association
Invite you to participate in a discussion and planning session for the future
BAYSIDE DEVELOPMENT Saturday, October 26 Saturday, November 16 10:00am – 12:30pm Registration 9:30am
Carson Place (BTU) | 180 Mt. Vernon Street | Dorchester
◆ SHUTTLE FROM JFK/UMASS & HARBOR POINT ON THE BAY ◆ TRANSLATION SERVICES ◆ CHILDCARE For more information email:
CitizensConnectBayside@gmail.com RSVP:
Citizens Connect To Bayside
Citizens Connect To Bayside
• •
Light Breakfast
Refreshments Provided
Produced in-house by volunteers
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
An Urban Wilderness – Nearby by Rick Winterson
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t is October, and the New England autumn is nearly into its full color. In about a week, the fall peak will come to us in South Boston. One of the best places to experience this magical change of seasons is in the small piece of green space commonly referred to as “No Man’s Land”. No Man’s Land is a crescent-shaped plot of land behind the High School, just over an acre in size (45,000 square feet); it is accessible from either end, as well as from the Dorchester Heights Monument where the gates into it have been left open. Anyone and everyone is welcome When you enter into No Man’s Land, feel the sensation of having gone into a wild zone, where only your immediate surroundings are visible. The noises of the City – including the airplanes taking off from Logan – are suddenly hushed. Even when others are in No Man’s Land, you experience an unmistakable feeling of being alone and on your own. No Man’s Land
Pick your path into No Man’s Land: Up (right) or down (left). becomes a spot of urban wilderness, set in the middle of all the hustle and bustle that is happening in South Boston. Now that the autumn foliage has begun to fall, you can get a sharp, clear view of all the stonework that is a key part of the No Man’s Land experience. Two full decades of work by young men and women employed at Medicine Wheel Productions (MWP) each summer have created secluded paths from end to end of No Man’s Land, walkways to everywhere and to
nowhere – “The Road Goes Ever On!” As you traverse No Man’s Land, you’ll encounter a tiled and elevated performance space. Look for the Celtic cross on the east facing slope – the original stonework creation in No Man’s Land. Beautifully crafted stoneand-mortar “water fancies”, filled by falling rains, catch your eye everywhere you turn. There’s even a chess board, encircled by the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to … “. Be sure to bring coffee and a pastry, or a picnic
lunch. Granite tables and seating blocks await you in No Man’s Land. In the accompanying photographs, we have tried to capture the look and feel of No Man’s Land’s stone bones. And in a town already known for its murals, like South Boston is, there are some striking displays on the No Man’s Land retaining wall. Be sure to take a long look. The most prominent among them is the 50-foot “home” mural on the central wall in back of the High School, which was painted by John Provenzano and Keely Edwards. Also, there are eight painted green trees extending towards both of the stone stairways into No Man’s Land. Each of these eight tree murals has a motto on it. Here at South Boston Online, our two favorites are “Vision without Action Is Daydream; Action without Vision Is Nightmare” (a Japanese proverb) and “We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors, We Borrow It from Our Children” (a Native American proverb). But please read all eight of these sayings, and then think them over as you depart No Man’s Land.
A serenity chessboard: “ … the Wisdom to Know the Difference.”
Sit by my “water fancy”, and drink of the rain.
Why not take the High Road?
Past the first cairn, “The Road Goes Ever On!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
Filming Comes to East Broadway
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Princess Cruises in South Boston
by Rick Winterson Last Friday, the 18th, South Boston Online was greeted with film crews, character actors, and lots and lots of camera equipment near our office at K and East Broadway. It was the shooting of local scenes for the feature film “Love, Weddings, and Other Disasters”. We understand that this film is being created independently of major studios, by LWOD Productions, Inc. It is a romantic comedy that stars those well-known Hollywood actors Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons, along with what appear to be some memorable character actors. The film’s plot twist is especially notable. The movie depicts wedding planners, who work on making every wedding day memorable for the couples who employ them. But their own romantic lives are odd and strange to the point of being borderline crazy. Go figure.
A vacant storefront (once a campaign headquarters) becomes “Middle Eastern Restaurant” on East Broadway near K.
A couple of character actors get set for a Friday, the 18th, shoot along East Broadway.
Princess Cruises are among the more prestigious passenger ships afloat, and South Boston’s Flynn Cruiseport at the Black Falcon Pier is one of their favorite stops. You have seen many a cruise ship dock here, but the sight of one of them, with more than 3,000 passengers aboard, is always impressive.
Welcome. Bienvenu. Wilkommen. Whatever.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SB Catholic Academy News Highlights from our STEM Program
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his year we welcomed back, Mrs. Anne Damiano, our STEM Director‌In class, students have been reviewing the Engineering Design Process during STEM class the last few weeks by participating in different design challenges. From marble mazes and writing their name in binary code to writing algorithms for a robot to follow and building simple technologies out of LEGOS, student-engineers are engaged at South Boston Catholic Academy! Much more is in store this year. On Thursday, October 17, 2019, South Boston Catholic Academy hosted STEAM Night. Students and families in K2 to 6th
grade were invited to come and join in a spooky hands-on night of technology, art projects, family design challenges, and much more as they explored the various elements of the STEAM curriculum and many career opportunities it can provide. They were joined by the Museum of Science. It was a fun and innovating evening for all our would-be future scientists, technologists, engineers, artists, and mathematicians. A Big Thank You to our STEM Teacher, Mrs. Anne Damiano; our Art Teacher, Ms. Valerie Szmurlo and our First Grade Teachers, Ms. Jean McCarthy and Ms. Peggy Byrne; our Second Grade Teacher, Ms. Emma Jacobsen; our Third Grade Teachers, Ms. Meagan Kullberg and Ms. Elizabeth Donlon and to our 6Th Graders, who helped facilitate 3-STEAM actives and to the Museum of Science for organizing and making this special family event possible! Thank you to Mrs. Amanda Nee for her help and to all the families that participated. It was great seeing parents/families working alongside their children, guiding their inquiry and solving problems as a family.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
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Rediscover the all New
Compass on the Bay
BOSTON’S MEMORY SUPPORT ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY This well beloved fixture serving local seniors in Boston and the South Shore for over 25 years, is now dedicated exclusively to those with memory loss from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. • • • • • • • •
Recently renovated - all new look and feel Specialized programming tailored to varying levels of memory loss Highly trained team with expertise in dementia care Unique environmental design - easy living for those with cognitive issues Spacious and secure outdoor courtyards and gardens Services to age in place as dementia progresses Affiliated with Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center Short Term and Trial Stay programs
Featuring Compass Memory Support, a research-based program which treats the symptoms of dementia through social engagement, lifelong learning, physical fitness, the arts, and our award-winning Brain Healthy Cooking Program.
1380 Columbia Road, Boston, MA 617.268.5450 CompassOnTheBay.com
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Public Meeting
Public Meeting
Fort Point District 100 Acres Open Space Community Workshop Saturday, October 26
Epicenter
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
100 W 2nd Street
776 Summer Street Monday, October 28 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tynan School 650 E 4th Street South Boston, MA 02127
South Boston, MA 02127
Project Description: The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) invites you to join the Fort Point District 100 Acres Open Space Community Workshop.The Fort Point District 100 Acres Open Space public engagement and concept design process will serve as a guide for future development of open spaces in the area. Current goals of the project include: (1)Provide a vision and programmatic plan for future development of parks and open space that are accessible and available to all. (2) Ensure a diverse and balanced mix of parks uses based on community input and user needs. (3) Develop a system of open space areas that relate to each other, the surrounding built context and the historic Fort Point Channel District. (4) Design landscapes that are adaptive and resilient to climate change impacts including sea level rise, storm surge, heat island, and stormwater, and contribute to neighborhood flood protection. (5) Establish meaningful connections to the Fort Point Channel watersheet and surrounding open space, streets and linear connections, including Harborwalk and the South Bay Harbor Trail.
Project Proponent: HRP 776 Summer Street LLC Project Description: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss next steps for the BPDA review of the 776 Summer Street project.
An overview presentation will begin at 10 am followed by the community workshop activities. mail to:
phone: email:
mail to: Tim Czerwienski Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.5303 email: tim.czerwienski@boston.gov
Joe Christo Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617-918-4447 joe.christo@boston.gov
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
BostonPlans.org
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
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
Close of Public Comment Period: 11/08/19
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
Public Meeting
218-220 Old Colony Avenue Wednesday, October 30 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Tierney Learning Center 125 Mercer Street South Boston, MA 02127
Project Proponent: 218-220 Old Colony Ave, LLC Project Description: 218-220 Old Colony Ave, LLC propose to construct a five-story, mixeduse development totaling approximately 45,948 square feet. The proposed project will have thirty-two (32) rental units which includes five (5) IDP Units, an approximately 1,700 square feet of commercial retail space, and thirty-three (33) garage parking spaces.
No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
mail to: John Campbell Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4282 email: john.campbell@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 11/15/2019
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
15
The Vaping Issue is Getting More Confusing Brianne Fitzgerald RN, NP, MPH and John Leavitt MSW I ended part one on the vaping issues with this sentence: “The American Lung Association and the Food and Drug Administration both concur that vaping has reached epidemic levels. “Ponder this for a minute if you will. How did these vaping products skirt the FDA in the first place? What are the FDA standards and where were they before vapes flooded the U.S. market? Our tax dollars pay for the FDA to reasonably screen products and warn us about the proven (negative or not) dangers in consuming the product. Does it seem ethically or scientifically possible that let us down or misled us?
What We Know:
As of October 1, 2019, 1,080 lung injury cases associated with using e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from 48 states and 1 U.S. territory. Eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states. All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Most patients report a history of using THC-containing products. The latest national and regional findings suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak. Approximately 70% of patients are male. Approximately 80% of patients are under 35 years old. 16% of patients are under 18 years old 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old What We Don’t Know: Current reports demonstrate that lung injuries in those who suffered vaping-related illnesses resemble damage in those exposed to harmful gases or chemical spills. Looking at biopsies from 17 patients, researchers found signs of inflammation of the lungs — known as pneumonitis — and damage to the airway and lung tissue. And although the report didn’t offer clues as to which chemicals might be responsible, it did seem to refute earlier evidence that inhalation of fats may be to blame. it has found that found many of those who became sick vaped THC, 70% of the patients in the new study reported vaping the marijuana compound. What are the Current Recommendations? While this investigation is ongoing, CDC recommends that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly those containing THC. If you are an adult who used e-cigarettes containing nicotine to quit cigarette smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes. If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak, see a healthcare provider. Regardless of the ongoing investigation: Anyone who uses e-cigarette, or vaping, products should not buy these products (e.g., e-cigarette or vaping products with THC or CBD oils) from informal sources (e.g. friends, family members) or “off the street,” and should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer. Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products. THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects, particularly with prolonged heavy use. The best way to avoid potentially harmful effects is to not use THC, including through e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Persons with marijuana use disorder should seek evidence-based treatment by a health care provider. Patients in this investigation have reported symptoms such as: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain Nausea, vomiting diarrhea, abdominal pain Fatigue fever Some patients reported that one or more of these symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks. A primary lung infection does not appear to be causing these symptoms. Last Thoughts: It’s well documented that cigarettes can cause cancer, just turn on the T.V. and your commercial breaks are littered with voice-box people urging people to stop smoking. Still, until cigarettes are banned by the United States Government, we all pay via inflated third party (insurers) as has been the case since managed care emerged in the mid 1980’s. There is an inherent right in the United States and just about everywhere in the free and not so “free” (read: China/Russia/North Korea) world; to kill oneself, albeit slowly and usually at the expense of fellow citizens. Just as “this is your brain…this is your brain on drugs” (insert egg simmering in frying pan) didn’t decrease drug intake, neither will similarly concocted pleas to cease vaping. Humans will always and forever be seeking something that takes them out of their natural “state.” There is absolutely no way to legislate behavior and the ingestion of something that’s “available” and has been sanctioned as OK to sell by the government no less.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION
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