THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Cheryl Itri and Sean O’Brien to Receive McCormack and Moakley Awards
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outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath is pleased to announce that Cheryl Itri has been chosen to receive the John W. McCormack Award at the South Boston Citizens’ Association’s 140th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, March 13, 2020. “It is an honor for the Association to present this award to Cheryl for her countless contributions to the betterment of South Boston and the City of Boston over last 45 years”, McGrath said. Cheryl Itri has been working with young children and families in South Boston for almost 45 years – officially 45 years on October 1st of this year, 2020! She has committed her life to helping shape the lives of children and families, and has as much passion for this work today as she did all those years ago – and
maybe (much) more! Although her work is based here at the South Boston Neighborhood House, Cheryl’s reach spreads across our neighborhood and our City. Cheryl sits on the Boston Coordinated Fa mily a nd Community Engagement Steering Committee Board. She is the lead agent for South Boston’s Family Engagement Network, is a valued part of Boston’s Universal Pre-K initiative, and is a “go to” person for new childcare initiatives and partnerships across our City. Cheryl is a great asset to the families of the South Boston. She is a support and a resource to all parents, but she is a true champion for struggling parents who need a little extra help to be the best parent they can be. She is committed to keeping
THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOUR HOME LOAN.
Welcome Cardinal Sean O’Malley On February 26, 2020, Cardinal Sean O’Malley was welcomed as Principal Celebrant at the 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Brigid Church. We continue to keep him in our prayers for his ministry in our Archdiocese and beyond.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
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Awards
Cheryl Itri families strong; she prepares parents for all that parenthood requires, as well as creating happy children who are ready for school both emotionally and academically. She is a mentor to our young teaching staff, a teacher to all children, a friend to many, a supportive co-worker, and a resource for all families. Cheryl is also a loving mother to Brian and Nicole, a grandmother to Alice, Ruby and Nicole’s baby, whom she will meet in May, and a dedicated sister. Cheryl is a true asset to our community. The South Boston Neighborhood House and our South Boston Community are lucky to have her! Sean M. O’Brien is a fourth generation Teamster. He was initiated into the Teamsters Local 25 in 1991 and worked the rigging industry. Since 1999, Sean has held nearly all positions for Teamsters Local 25. In 2006,, Sean became the youngest President in Local 25’s long history. Teamsters Local 25 represents more than 11,500 members and their families in Greater Boston Then, in 2011,, Sean was elected Eastern Region International Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He also serves as Secretary Treasurer of New England Joint Council 10. O’Brien has worked tirelessly to increase the membership of the Teamsters Union, both locally and nationally, and he has been successful in organizing various diverse industries. He serves as a Trustee on both the New England
Teamsters Pension Plan and the Local 25 Health Insurance Plan, where he has skillfully negotiated growth of both plans. In 2012, Sean was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Port Authority. Sean also serves on the Board of Directors for Autism Speaks. Since 2007, Teamsters Local 25 has raised millions of dollars for autism causes. Local 25 has lobbied the Massachusetts Legislature on behalf of families affected by autism and worked to pass insurance reform that requires insurers to pay for autism-related expenses. Teamsters Local 25 hosts and supports an annual Toy Drive, donating truckloads of toys and providing financial support at Christmas for the less fortunate in the Greater Boston area. These awards along with the Shamrock Award and John “Doc” Tynan Award will be presented at the Association’s 140th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, to be held on Friday evening, March 13th, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. A host of special invited dignitaries are expected to attend this year’s banquet. Curragh’s Fancy will provide the entertainment. Association President Tom McGrath cautioned that tickets are sure to be purchased at a good pace, with so many of South Boston’s most valued community leaders receiving awards. He says, “I urge those who are planning to attend to act fast.” For information on tickets call Tom McGrath at 1-857-204-5825.
Sean O’Brien
Meet Joey Arcari – the 2020 Amy Murray “Angel” Awardee
Joey Arcari in his East Broadway office - he would like to see you at the Neighborhood House Benefit & Auction (Friday, March 27, 6 to 10 p.m. in the Harborview Ballroom at the Seaport World Trade Center). Tickets online at www.sbnh.org
by Rick Winterson
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oey Arcari is a South Boston businessman. His office looks down over East Broadway where his restaurant and popular gathering place, The Broadway, is located. His other enterprises include The Playwright and Tavern in the Square, and Joey is engaged in some substantial residential developments as well, in both South Boston and Dorchester. But even as busy as he is, Joey takes the time to give back. Among his interests are the South Boston Boys & Girls Club, the young people who belong to the South Boston Special Kids and Young Adults, and especially that respected, long-time, local institution known as the South Boston Neighborhood House, a.k.a. the “Ollie”. So on Friday, March 27, the South Boston Neighborhood House will confer its 2020 Amy K. Murray “Angel” Award upon a highly deserving Joey Arcari. That’s the night of the South Boston Neighborhood House Benefit & Auction in the Harborview Ballroom at the Seaport World Trade Center Be sure not to miss this event. When asked about his devotion to the Neighborhood House, Joey mentions his mother, who spends a good deal of her time there – meeting friends, sharing lunches, and participating in exercises. He marvels at how much the “Ollie”
does for its members of all ages. Joey says he first became interested in supporting the “Ollie” after talking with Kathy Lafferty, Mary Fiske, and Jon Cronin, his partner (in the original Boston Beer Garden). Joey lived and worked here in South Boston for more than 20 years; he has a 10-yearold daughter named Annabelle. Joey takes a philosophical view of his upcoming award. He states, “It’s not the Neighborhood House’s physical structure, it’s the time the people spend there. Time is the most valuable commodity on the planet, like the time that Amy Murray spent at the Ollie”. By now, you have probably noted that Joey, in his humble way, turns aside praise, and then credits someone else for what he has done for South Boston. He also claimed that his 2020 “Angel” Award was really meant to commemorate Amy Murray, for whom the award was named. Nicely said, Joey! And as a tip, take part in the “Ollie’s” one-of-a-kind $100 raffle on the 27th. One of the prizes is a unique trip to San Francisco and Sonoma, which even includes winetasting. You can’t beat that with a stick, so look for the raffle in advance when you buy your tickets to the Neighborhood House’s “time” online at www.sbnh.org or go to Eventbrite Link to bid on live auction items.“The House Is Where the Heart Is.” See you there on the 27th.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
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Laboure’s 2020 Career Night – A Memorable Event by Rick Winterson
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or just over 20 years now, the concept of T.E.A.M. (“Together Engaging Adolescents through Mentoring”) has been a key activity at Catholic Charities’ Laboure Center at 275 West Broadway on the corner of D Street in South Boston. Caring adult T.E.A.M. mentors, who are all volunteers, are carefully matched with youths ranging in age from 8 to 16. These mentor/youth pairs agree to meet every week for two hours or more, and to also take part in monthly activities at Laboure. Many mentors and youths become firm friends and spend a great deal more time together. So far, some 300 mentor/ youth partnerships have been made. Every one of these has resulted in the young participants becoming more confident in themselves, gaining an increasingly positive view of their future, and being better able to resist drugs and alcohol. South Boston Online has written about T.E.A.M. in the past; this write-up is about T.E.A.M.’s Career Night at the Laboure Center on Tuesday evening, February 25. Career Night at Laboure was organized in a very productive and efficient way. First, a pizza-andsalad supper made sure the young Career Night participants weren’t too hungry to concentrate. Then, a circle of tables was arranged; ten T.E.A.M. mentors took their seats on the inside of this circle. The young people were seated around the outside of the ring of tables,
taking part in short conferences with each of the ten mentors, and then moving on to the next mentor every five to ten minutes or so. This exposed the young people to many different types of expert adult advice, along with a whole spectrum of good, solid answers to their career questions. Their interest was high; a pleasant buzz of conversation and even some laughter arose as the two-hour Career Night progressed. All of the youth took an active part and seemed to enjoy themselves. The organizers of Laboure’s Career Night were Carol Delehanty (Manager - Youth, Elders, and Health Programs), Liz Pack (Match Support Coordinator), and Mary Adel Flaherty (Group Leader, Youth Tutoring Youth). They are to be commended for putting together a remarkably useful, motivational event. They took the time to prepare a list of pertinent questions for the young people, some of which asked “What part of your job is the most fun?”, “What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you in your job?”, and “What did you wish you knew, when you were my age?” These questions led to individual conversations about specific careers for each of the young people. Three Career Night guests – Ryan, Kelsey, and Donna – also provided some interesting input. They oversee a non-profit operation called “More Than Words”, whose mission is job training foster care youth in an actual business. “More Than Words” sells books and employs young people of ages 16 to 24, who actually run
Mentors and participants engage each other at the Career Night’s conference round tables.
the business – purchasing books to be marketed, serving real customers (both in person and online), and making deliveries to them. “More Than Words” is
an amazing enterprise; to date, it has generated sales of $4 million. Laboure’s recent Career Night was a great success.
They organized Laboure’s Career Night – (from l.) Mary Adel Flaherty, Liz Pack, Carol Delehanty.
Ryan, Kelsey, and Donna brought “More Than Words” to Laboure’s Career Night.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Citizens’ Association Upcoming Athletic Events Collins to Host 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast in South Boston
Annual event returning to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Sunday March 15th Next weekend, on Sunday March 15th, State Senator Nick Collins will take the stage as the host of the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, a storied Boston tradition. His second year as the host, Senator Collins plans to have a mix of traditional songs, guests, and themes, combined with some fresh material. In addition to the usual guests, Senator Collins expects to draw Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy, who are in the midst of a competitive election for the United States Senate.
South Boston Citizens’ Association, President Tom McGrath is pleased to announce through the generous sponsorships of Comcast , Mass Bay Credit Union, South Boston Bowl, Peter Welch’s’ Gym, the DCR and the City of Boston, it will once again host the athletic events throughout the community over the next two weeks.
“I am really excited to once again host this great event,” said Senator Nick Collins. “It is an honor to welcome people to my district, and share some of the traditions that make my home town of Southie such a great place. I’m looking forward to another fun year full of song, dance, and good humor.” Having taken many forms since it became a Boston tradition in the 1930’s, this year’s breakfast will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Previous venues have included the Flynn Cruiseport, which is under renovation this year, the Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall, Dorgan’s, and the German Club.
The event begins at 9am, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 1pm.
On Friday March 6th, 4 p.m., head on down to the Condon Community Center, where there will be the new Indoor Track Competition Event hosted by Barbara Caputo-Kelly and the Condon Community Center.
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The ever so famous Ice-O-Rama competition will be held on Sunday March 8th, at 8 a.m. at the Murphy Rink. Boys and Girls will compete for the Speed Skating Championship and Puck shooting Title. Ages 5-14. And finally who will be crowned Miss Ice-O-Rama??? Reminder ALL hockey events require a HOCKEY HELMET with CAGE and Hockey GLOVES. Sunday, March 8rd, the 21+ event will be held at South Boston Bowl Refreshments will be served. Prizes to Male and Female High Single and High Triple. Bowling starts at noontime On Saturday Night March 14th, it is the Annual Boxing Show which will be held at Peter Welch’s Gym, 371 Dorchester Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dan Long, Peter Welch and Mike Larkin promise a fun - filled night with several bouts planned. Come and support the athletes as they have prepared for this night all winter. Free admission. Lastly, don’t forget to get those poster and essays in on time!!!! MARCH 6th DEADLINE Thanks!
See You Around the Town
All Are Welcome to the Gate of Heaven 4th Annual Irish Breakfast This coming Sunday morning, March 8, 2020 after the 9:00 a.m. Mass Join us for Gate of Heaven’s Fourth Annual Irish Breakfast! Come to the Lower Church on Sunday, March 8 after the 9:00 a.m. Mass, at Gate of Heaven Church on East 4th Street, for eggs, sausage, Irish Bread, coffee and refreshments. Hosted by Gate of Heaven Coffee and Conversation and sponsored by Gate of Heaven Parishioner and Senator Nick Collins. All are invited! Looking forward to seeing old and new friends this Sunday, March 8, 2020
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
Final Result: Mayoral Funds In our last (FEB 27, pg 4) issue, South Boston Online reported that Christina Andrade, the 2020 Mayor of South Boston, and her hardworking crew raised “over $5,000”. Every penny, as in “100%”, of this amount goes to support the 2020 Parade on March 15. Since then, Mike Igoe (Allied War Veterans Council Treasurer) and Dave Falvey (Commander of the AWVC) informed us that the exact amount was $5,451. Congratulations to you and your volunteers, Christina!
Family Mass Family Mass
Music
All are Welcome to the Parish Family Mass on March 8, 2020 at 10:30AM at St. Brigid Church on East Broadway at which the South Boston Catholic Academy Children’s Choir will be singing! Coffee and Refreshments will follow in Cushing Hall after this Mass.
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Membership open to those that live, work or attend school in a community of Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk Counties** 617-635-4545 Cityofbostoncu.com * Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of WINcentive Savings is .10% APY and is accurate as of 1/1/19. APY is subject to change without notice. Must be a member in good standing of City of Boston Credit Union to open WINcentive Savings. Only one WINcentive Savings account allowed per member. Business and trust accounts or other non-consumer accounts are not eligible. Unlimited deposits allowed, but per calendar year prize pool entries are earned by month-over-month balance increases with each $25 deposit increase equal to one (1) entry with the following maximum entries per drawing period - maximum number of entries per month equals 4, maximum number of entries per quarter equals 12 and maximum number of entries per year equals 48. Account holder is only eligible to win once per drawing pool period. At least one account holder must be 18 years or older. Account must be open and active to win any prize during drawing period. Early withdrawal penalites apply; first withdrawal $10 fee, second withdrawal $25 fee, third withdrawal account closure is required with no penalty. If WINcentive savings account is closed member is ineligible to open another WINcentive savings account with City of Boston Credit Union for a period of 90 days, all earned drawings at the time of account closure are forfeited. Minimum deposit of $5.00. After twelve (12) consecutive months of saving, WINcentive savings account holder may do any of the following penalty-free during the one year anniversary month (month 13) of account opening; keep balance in WSA account, (any roll-over balance that remains at the end of the anniversary month will be treated as a new deposit for eligibility into applicable prize pools for the subsequent first monthly, quarterly and annual savings period); Transfer funds into another savings product offered by City of Boston Credit Union; Withdraw all funds but keep $5 on deposit in WSA to maintain account; Close account. Federally Insured Offer may be withdrawn at any time. by NCUA ** For complete City of Boston Credit Union membership eligibility and guidelines visit cityofbostoncu.com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
2020 Flaherty Kick-Off Kicks Off “Season” by Rick Winterson
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he 2020 Flaherty KickOff took place last Saturday, February 29. This event’s full name is the “Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast”, during which the Henry Knox “Unsung Heroes” Awards are made (four of them this year). The sponsoring organization of the Flaherty Kick-Off is the South Boston Citizens’ Association (the SBCA), led by SBCA President Thomas E. McGrath. The event, which sold out this year, was held at Seapoint Restaurant on East Eighth. Representative David Biele capably emceed the Kick-Off for the first time, replacing Clerk of Court Michael Donovan who had performed this duty for many years before. As a too-brief bit of history, “Unsung Heroes” Awards are named for Henry Knox, who first began his adult life as a bookseller in colonial Boston. He joined General Washington’s ranks as a young brevet Major in 1775. He brought 59 cannons to Boston from Fort Ticonderoga 350 miles overland and across icy rivers (there were no real roads back then) in the winter of 17751776. These cannons, after they were emplaced on South Boston’s Dorchester
Heights, were the key element in driving the British from Boston on the first Evacuation Day, March 17, 1776. Knox later rose to become a Major General and America’s first Secretary of War – Secretary of Defense nowadays. But very few people are aware of Knox’s heroism during our War of Independence; most of us don’t even know his name. Henry Knox is “unsung”. This year’s Henry Knox “Unsung Heroes” of South Boston were four in number: J. Archer O’Reilly III is known for the astonishing realism of his acting out the character of Henry Knox, authentic costumes and all. He is tireless in bringing his characterization of Knox to local schools, and began his contributions to our community as a long ago Harvard student, who taught wood shop at the Boys & Girls Club. Patricia Reid deserves the “Unsung Hero” Award if anyone does. Pat has been Vice President of the Castle Island Association for years, Treasurer of the South Boston Historical Association since it started, and a long-time Board member of the Neighborhood House. And she’s a local “activist”, taking charge of the Annual Haunted Castle event, revamping outdated guided tours, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Marie
“Unsung Hero” Marie Landry (center) with her key supporters at the 2020 Kick-Off.
J. Archer O’Reilly holds his Award; David Biele, Bob Allison, and Tommy McGrath look on.
Pat Reid (center in the Kick-Off panel) holds her 2020 “Unsung Hero” Award. Landry, our third “Hero”, has served as the Commissioner of the Gate of Heaven CYO Girls’ Basketball Program. Marie’s sports coaching includes soccer and softball as well. She also volunteers at the Walsh Community Center. The fourth 2020 “Unsung Hero” is Edward “Eddie” Meagher. His freely given efforts have benefited the South Boston’s Special Kids and Young Adults, the South Boston Yacht Club, and numerous local sports organizations. The skills he has volunteered include painting, carpentry, and cooking for many outdoor fundraising events. Congratulations to all of you. What would South Boston do without you? This year’s Kick-Off was especially
enjoyable; the sell-out crowd was in high spirits. The joke of the day was Bob Allison’s comment, “The American Revolution started here in Boston. We only went to Philadelphia to fill out the paperwork!” The breakfast and all its festivities went by much too quickly. So be sure to attend the SBCA’s Annual Evacuation Day Banquet at the Convention Center on the evening (5:30 p.m.) of Friday, March 13. Yes, Friday the 13th is another one of “those days”. But what better way is there to dispel any unlucky events than by starting Parade Weekend with the Banquet – call 857-204-5825 for tickets. See you there. And then again at the Parade on Sunday, the 15th.
Eddie Meahger stands with the 2020 Kick-Off panel, holding his “Unsung Hero” Award.
What would the Kick-Off be without Curragh’s Fancy (Dave, Bob, Mike)?
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
South Boston Citizens’ Association Thomas E. McGrath, President
“The Nation's Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization”
244th Annual Evacuation Day Events 2020 Evacuation Day Committee t
Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court Maura S. Doyle, General Chairwoman Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Honorary Chairman Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Honorary Chairman State Senator Nick Collins, Honorary Chairman State Representative David Biele, Honorary Chairman City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty, Honorary Chairman City Councilor Ed Flynn, Honorary Chairman Clerk of Courts Michael Donovan, Honorary Chairman Register of Deeds Stephen Murphy, Honorary Chairman
February 29th through March 17 th 22 Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast
Saturday,February 29th
State Rep. David Biele Honorary Chairman Seapoint Restaurant 9:30 AM Suggested Donation $ 10.00
21+Bowl-A-Rama Sunday, March 8th
City Councilor Ed Flynn Cheryl Joyce, Andrea Flaherty, Rich Devoe, Pauline Bare and Joyce Higgins Honorary Chairpersons South Boston Bowl 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Must be 21+ to attend-no children, please
Ice-O-Rama
John Cunniff Shamrock Shootout Sunday, March 8th State Rep. David Biele City Councilor Michael Flaherty City Councilor Ed Flynn City Councilor Frank Baker Honorary Chairmen Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard Events begin approx. 9:00 AM
Boxing Show
Saturday, March 14th
Register of Deeds Stephen Murphy Honorary Chairman Peter Welchs’ Gym - 6:00 PM
Basketball Free-Throw Competition Monday, March 2nd
City Councilor Ed Flynn Former Mayor Ray Flynn Bernie O’Donnell & Kathy Davis Honorary Chairpersons Tynan Community School Gym - 6:00 PM
The Swimming Competition Tuesday, March 3rd
State Senator Nick Collins and Harry Duvall Honorary Chairpersons Boys and Girls Club Pool Registration 6:00 PM, Meet 6:30PM
Tom & Eddie Butler St. Patrick’s Senior Salute Saturday, March 7th Mayor Martin J. Walsh Councilor Michael Flaherty & Thomas Butler Jr. Chairmen
Mary Walsh, Mary Collins, Kathy Flynn and Joyce Biele, Honorary Chairwomen Saint Peter’s Lower Church Hall - 11:00 AM
Indoor Track Competition Condon School Gym Friday March 6th 4PM-6PM
Joe Curran and Barbara Caputo Kelly, Honorary Chairpersons Boys and Girls ages 8 and up
St. Patrick's Day Road Race Sunday, March 15th
Proceeds benefit South Boston Boys & Girls Club Pre-registration Required 617-516-5441 or hduvall@bgcb.org Race begins at 11:00 AM at the Club
Evacuation Day Memorial Mass
140th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet Friday, March 13th
BCEC 2nd Floor Ballroom New England Boiled Dinner Entertainment by Curragh’s Fancy Reception 5:30 PM-----Dinner 7:00 PM FOR TICKETS CALL 857-204-5825
Our Sponsors
Tuesday, March 17th
Fr. Joe White Margaret Lynch, Honorary Chairwoman St. Augustine's Chapel - 9:00 AM
Memorial/Historical Exercises Tuesday, March 17th Including
Essay & Poster Competition Winners
Bernie O’Donnell, Past President SBCA Robert Allison, S.B. Historical Society City Councilor Edward Flynn City Councilor Michael Flaherty State Senator Nick Collins Bill Foley, Retired NPS Honorary Chairpersons Dorchester Heights Monument - 10:00 AM
St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade Sunday, March 15th at 1 pm Susan McDonough - Chief Marshal Allied War Veterans Council
W. Broadway & Dorchester Ave
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Irish Cultural Event: Saturday, March 14; 2-4 p.m.
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he South Boston Allied War Veterans Council (the SBAWVC), as part of its duties of arranging the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade each year, is also bringing various Irish Cultural Events to South Boston. This has been possible due to a partnership between the SBAWVC and an agency from Ireland named “Udaras na Gaeltachta”. A team from Udaras came to the South Boston Branch Library last year on the Saturday before the Parade; they will return to the Branch Library again this year on Saturday, March 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. to host another Irish Cultural Event. You and your friends are encouraged to attend, and it is free. The 2020 Irish Cultural Event will engage visitors with Irish language, singing, and traditional Irish dances. In addition, the Udaras team will have an actual Irish boat (called a “currach”) with them, along with members of the Boston Currach Rowing
Club, who will describe the currach’s long history and its connection to the Connacht. Come Sunday, March 15, the Udaras team and descendants from Ireland’s Irishspeaking regions (the “Gaeltacht”) will march in our Parade, under the Udaras banner and with the currach in tow. This is in honor of their 40 th Anniversary. They have designated iconic Irish boxer Sean Mannion as their “Gaeltacht Grand Marshal”. Watch for them; cheer them on! This is yet another event in a series of Irish Cultural Events that began last year with a Professor from B.C. giving a talk about the Irish Diaspora’s St. Patrick’s Day observances around the world, then later included a generous Irish book donation to our Branch Library, and will now feature an Irish language movie (with subtitles) at our Library on Monday evening, March 16 at 6 p.m. On March 29 in Florian Hall, an Irish Heritage Day will take place to benefit the Irish football team from Lettermore, Galway, who now need viewing stands.
MCCA Seafood Expo Postponed Due to Coronavirus Fears Statement from Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) Executive Director David Gibbons
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i v e r s i f i e d Communications’ decision to not go forward with the Seafood Expo (March 15-17, 2020) creates a signif icant f inancial loss for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (“MCCA”), our vendors and contractors, hotel and restaurant partners, and thousands of tradeshow and hospitality workers who participate in putting on a show of this magnitude. The MCCA will work with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and our other
industry partners to minimize the impact as much as possible, just as other large venues around the world have had to do recently. The MCCA has, and will continue, to take all available measures to ensure the health and safety of our guests, employees, vendors and contractors, and the events they work and attend at our venues, including daily communications with public health authorities and close monitoring of the situation as it changes. The MCCA continues to observe and implement the recommendations set forth in the U.S. EPA’s Emerging Pathogen Pol ic y re g a rd i n g c le a n i n g disinfectants effective against the Novel Coronavirus (2019nCOV) and Boston continues to be considered at low risk.
Councilor Flynn and Commissioner Santiago with Excel High School JROTC Students
City Councilor Ed Flynn and Robert Santiago, Commissioner of Boston’s Veterans Services, with the JROTC students from Excel High School at the 4th Annual African American Veterans Brunch on Saturday, February 29th. “We are proud of these students and their hard work, leadership, and commitment,” said Councilor Flynn.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
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South Boston Youth Partner with The Improbable Players
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ver y b o dy k now s s o m e b o d y whose life ha s been adversely affected by alcohol and other drug abuse. Improbable Players present p e r f or m a nc e s a nd d r a m a workshops that feature actors who are all in long-term recovery and who get audiences thinking and talking about the issues. Du ring t he mont h of February, youth from the SB Communit y Hea lth Center’s Youth A mbassadors program, the SB Neighborhood House Girls and Guys group and the SB Boys and Girls Club Keystone Leaders participated in a series of substance misuse prevention dra ma work shops facilitated by the Improbable Players that culminated with a professional performance of the play “I’d
Never Do That”, held at the SB Boys and Girls Club auditorium. The work shops explored many topics associated with alcohol and other drug abuse such a s peer pressure, the impact of addiction on families and factors that contribute to addiction. The youth were empowered as peer educators as they learned facts about
DAVID W. DAVIS MEMORIAL INTERNSHIP
substa nce use disorder a nd recovery. In keeping with the improvisational theater aspect of the workshops, the teens created skits depicting scenes focused on addiction and discussed strategies and solutions for dea ling wit h t he problem. In the final performance, “I’d Never Do That”, the actors delved into the negative effects of addiction on families and the hope for recovery. The e vening ended w it h teens
joining the actors on stage to declare what they hate about addiction in their community. Partnerships such as this are part of the ongoing effort to educate youth about the dangers of substance misuse and connect them with supportive services in the South Boston community. These efforts are generously funded by the P & G Gillette Great Starts grant and the Boston Police Positive Youth Development Fund Initiative.
DAVID W. DAVIS MEMORIAL INTERNSHIP College juniors and seniors who reside in the City of Boston, Chelsea, Revere or Winthrop and are interested in applying for the David W. Davis Memorial Internship must have community service experience and must submit a 1,000-word essay. To be considered, all academic and residency criteria must also be met. The David W. Davis Memorial Internship is a 13-week paid public service opportunity at Massport and is awarded annually to an exceptional junior or senior in college. Internship applications must be received by Massport no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. For more information about the David W. Davis Memorial Internship including an application checklist please visit: www.massport.com/scholarships.
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Dedham Savings Community Foundation Supports SBNH
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ictured here are Carole Sullivan, Director of Senior Programs, South Boston Neighborhood House, Valleri Lovely, South Boston Branch Manager, Liz Bissell, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Dedham Savings, Kathy Lafferty, Executive Director, and Rainy Fiasconaro, Senior Program A ssistant, South Boston Neighborhood House, standing with members of the Senior Progra m. T he Ded h a m Sav i ng s Communit y Foundation has donated $5,0 0 0 to Sout h Boston Neighborhood House. The money will be used fund programming such as Tai Chi classes for elders in South B o s ton’s publ ic hou si n g. T he Ded h a m Sav i ng s Community Foundation was formed by Dedham Savings for the purpose of funding requests from community organizations
which provide services to the communities that they serve. These communities generally, but not exclusively, include Dedham, Needham, Norwood, Sharon, South Boston, Walpole, and Westwood. Typical requests are usually received from such organizations as schools, libraries, family ser vice organizations and non-profit organizations.
THOMAS J. BUTLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR $5,000 High school seniors who reside in South Boston and are interested in applying for the Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship must have community service experience and must submit a 1,000-word essay. To be considered, all academic and residency criteria must also be met. Scholarship applications must be received by Massport no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. For more information on the Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship, including an application checklist, please visit www.massport.com/scholarships.
The Trustees of the Foundation will accept grant requests from community organizations and make awards t wice a year.
Or g a n i z at ion s wishing to request funding from the Foundation may contact The Dedham Savings Community.
Sullivan’s Opens on Leap Year Saturday
by Rick Winterson
S
omehow, last Saturday, February 29, seemed to be a highly fitting day to open Sullivan’s for the 2020 season on South Boston’s Castle Island. It was Leap Year
Saturday – the last time we’ll have five Saturdays in February until 2048 – 28 years from now. Despite frigid weather – in the 30s, with a (very) brisk wind – hundreds of people showed up throughout the day for Sully’s iconic hot dogs, burgers with fries, and seafood treats of all kinds. This writer’s personal preference, when he’s really hungry, is for Sully’s double cheeseburger. The outside line at Sully’s was well over a hundred people long. Inside, maybe 40 0r 50 jammed in, while waiting for their orders. Very few ate their orders outside; no one went swimming, even though the tide was in. But Sully’s is open – can Spring be far behind? (Of course not!)
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
Representative Biele Votes to Support Public Health Sevices
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Mass Art Art Museum (Abbreviated MA’AM) Opens
Bill coordinates local public health services, disease control and emergency preparedness Last week, Representative David Biele along with their colleagues in the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to strengthen local and regional public health services across Massachusetts. The legislation, An Act Relative to Strengthening the Local and Regional Public Health System, supports collaboration between local boards of health and neighboring municipal public health departments to deliver high-quality and efficient public health services such as disease control, emergency preparedness, restaurant inspection, sanitary code enforcement, and suicide prevention and substance use disorder outreach. “I was proud to join my colleagues in passing legislation that makes crucial investments in our public’s health and safety,” said Rep. Biele. “This legislation will give local public health departments the resources they need to maintain and improve the well-being of our residents and community.”
Specifically, the legislation seeks to strengthen local public health in three ways: Establishes the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) program: A competitive grant program that provides funding to public health departments to increase sharing of services across municipalities, strengthen service delivery capabilities, and improve system accountability and data reporting. Ensures the local public health workforce has access to training: Provides boards of health officials and staff with free educational and training opportunities four times annually in regions across the state. Sets new statewide public health standards: Department of Public Health will develop a set of minimum standards for foundational public health services to improve the quality of and create uniformity within the public health services of the Commonwealth. The legislation builds on the work of the Special Commission on Local and Regional Public Health, a 25-member body of public health and municipal experts established in 2016. The commission released a 2019 report identifying ways for municipalities to overcome barriers and provide quality public health services to residents in Massachusetts. The report also found inconsistencies in training and credentials of local health department staff members and a lack of consistent data reporting across communities.
The bill will now go to the Senate.
Boston’s newest art museum opened Saturday afternoon, February 22 – the Mass Art Art Museum (MA’AM), located just behind the Massachusetts College of Art’s facade on Huntington Avenue. The opening’s masterpiece is a gigantic, two-story, dizzyingly colored, 3-D textile installation by Joana Vasconcelos (from
Portugal) entitled “Valkyrie Mumbet”, the name of a famous slave (Mumbet may be a child’s shortened pronunciation of “Mother Elizabeth”). Be sure to visit Boston’s first new museum since the ICA came to South Boston in 2006. And be equally sure to carefully read the curator’s notes about “Valkyrie Mumbet”.
LOWELL L. RICHARDS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR $5,000 High school seniors who reside in the City of Boston, Chelsea, Revere or Winthrop and are interested in applying for the Lowell L. Richards III Memorial Scholarship must have community service experience and must submit a 1,000-word essay. To be considered, all academic and residency criteria must also be met. Scholarship applications must be received by Massport no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. For more information on the Lowell L. Richards III Memorial Scholarship, including an application checklist, please visit www.massport.com/scholarships.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic Academy News
S
outh Boston Catholic Ac ademy st udent s celebrated the beginning of Lent, which is a time of prayer, penance and fasting bringing us closer to God, with a Mass on Ash Wednesday at St. Brigid Church with Father Karlo Hocurscak, our Parochial Vicar. Our teachers took part at this Mass as readers and brought the gifts up to the altar. Two of our First Graders did a great job as greeters and our terrific Children’s Choir, directed by our Music Teacher, Ms. Eleanor Tynan, sang at this Mass. Mrs. Lisa
Soegraad, our Director of Catholic Education, wonderfully organized this Ash Wednesday Mass. Boston Catholic Academy (w w w.SBCatholicAcademy.org) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreSchool-Grade 6. We have Before School and After School Programs available and high acceptance rate to Parochial, Private, and Boston Exam Schools. Please contact: Mrs. Jamie Brown, our Vice Principal, with any questions or for a tour of the school at j.brown@ sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617268-2326 for more information.
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Reminder Wednesday
March 11, 2020 W EDNESDAY
Oct. 19 JOSEPH TYNAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 650 EAST 4TH STREET, S. BOSTON MA 02127
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) MEETING Come out and participate in the Tynan SSC Meeting SSC will meet from 7am to 8am in the Library Vote on Proposal to name Sensory Room in honor of Ambassador Ray Flynn Spring Assessments Grade 6 Configuration June Open House
Childcare will be provided for this meeting! you join us! At our first meeting weWe willhope review thecan purpose of the SSC, By-Laws, set the meeting dates for the year and hold elections for SSC positions. The
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
Ash Wednesday at the Fourth by Rick Winterson
I
n the busy buildup to South Boston’s Parade “Season”, it’s easy to forget this is also an important time of the year for religious activities. Ash Wednesday, the movable observance that begins the Christian season of Lent, occurred on February 26 last week – a few hours too late to be included in our last issue on the 27th. The Fourth Presbyterian Church, led by its Pastor, the Rev. Burns Stanfield, held a quietly moving church service Ash Wednesday evening. The Church was solemnly decorated only with a few purple drapings and a small table that held bread and wine in the chancel. The tall, stark Cross on the arch of the church seemed to tower over the congregants. After a brief prelude, Rev. Stanfield opened the evening’s service with a Call to Worship – “To You, O Lord, we lift up our souls … Redeem Your people, O God …”
Rev. Katie Cole read from the Gospel of Matthew, Ch. 6, followed by a Meditation. The hymns sung by the congregation throughout the service included “Come Ye Sinners”, “Have Mercy, God”, and “What Wondrous Love Is This?” The observance of the Lenten discipline began with silent ref lection and a spoken Liturgy of Penitence – “Have mercy on us, O God”. This concluded with the crosswise imposition of ashes on the worshippers’ foreheads. Ashes have been a sign of humility since the scriptural story of Job in sackcloth and ashes became part of the Old Testament, and this continued into Medieval times. The practice continues symbolically today by placing the ashes of last year’s palms visibly on one’s forehead. The Ash Wednesday service closed with ser ving bread dipped in wine, foreshadowing the Last Supper and Easter weekend a nd ending with a B ened ic t ion of Pe ac e.
DEBORAH HADDEN GRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR $5,000 High school seniors who reside in the City of Boston, Chelsea, Revere or Winthrop and are interested in applying for the Deborah Hadden Gray Memorial Scholarship must have community service or work experience and must submit a 1,000-word essay. To be considered, all academic and residency criteria must also be met. Scholarship applications must be received by Massport no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. For more information on the Deborah Hadden Gray Memorial Scholarship, including an application checklist, please visit www.massport.com/scholarships.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
K&8th Street Market Store Manager and Associates (Manager) Position Available Responsibilities Include:
Day-to-day oversight of a
small, but multi-faceted, general store that includes grocery, fresh meats, and seafood. Essential responsibilities include quality control, ordering, supervision, vendor communication, and customer relations. Experience in the industry is key. Salary to commensurate with experience.
Associates:
Will train as needed. All encouraged to apply.
Please contact K&8th directly at 617 269-9810.
Public Meeting
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
515-519 East Second Street Monday, March 23
Joseph P Tynan School
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
650 East 4th Street South Boston, MA 02127
Project Proponent: 515 East 2nd Street, LLC
Project Description: 515 East 2nd Street, LLC propose to construct a five-story, residential development totaling approximately 39,750 square feet. The proposed project will have thirty (30) condominium units which includes four (4) IDP Units, and thirty-five (35) garage parking spaces.
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: 4/3/2020
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
Safe Injection Site Opening Hits a Snag
Garage Parking Space Location: Columbia Road $425./month Contact 617-877-1791 or Tracyvineyard@gmail.com
Brianne Fitzgerald RN, NP, MPH
S
o says various news outlets in Philadelphia. The planned “Safehouse” is on hold because community groups like “Stand Up South Philly” and “Take Our Streets Back” used their voices. According to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, who is a supporter of safe injection sites, “Safehouse has voluntarily delayed its opening so that they could meet with the community.” A little late for that? Safehouse and proposed similar projects like the safe injection site that Boston hopes for would allow people to bring their drugs into a clinic like setting, use them in private partitioned areas and get medical help if they overdose. Much has been written by those who have visited the safe sites in Canada. No one faults their medically appropriate services. Of concern are the activities, including drug dealing, drug use, and assaults before, during and after hours in the areas around the safe sites. These activities sounds strikingly similar to what goes on in and around Methadone Mile and the Haymarket Dunkin Donuts area, and we have yet to set up the Boston site. Those in Boston who are opposed to publically funded drug use must make our voices louder to support drug recovery. Safe injection sites are one outcome of what might be called a luxury belief. Luxury beliefs and opinions confer status on
the upper classes while taking a toll on the lower class. One will never find a safe injection site in Senator Willaim Brownsberger’s hometown of Belmont or Senator Cindy Friedman’s home in Arlington. Senator Brownsberger is the sponsor on Bill S.1081 to create a framework for legal operation for these facilities and a perfect example of the luxury beliefs class. Strangely, the folks making all the rules are those who live figuratively far from those they consider at risk for whom they set the standards. Massachusetts Department of Public Health has mandated that all state funded recovery programs must accept all comers. There are folks in these recovery programs that come to treatment with their legitimately written pharmaceuticals. One such client seen recently was in possession of Xanax five mg a day, Adderall 50 mg a day, Suboxone 16 mgs a day and the ubiquitous Gabapentin 800 mg three times a day. Prescribers have been and continue to be some of the luxury beliefs class. They may possess a more sheltered upbringing, an elite education and minimal experience walking Ziegler St, Andrew Square, Maverick Station or the hard-hit areas of Dorchester. The simple goal “to keep people alive” is their “let’s not get our hands dirty” mantra. Addiction is way more than a disease and medications and safe sites are not an answer. The work of recovery is hard and dirty and takes time. We the community must stand tall like Philadelphia and make a real difference in peoples lives.
Parking Spaces Available Location: East Fourth Street between O and P
Contact 617-596-6268 For More Details
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
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