THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
The 2019 Polar Plunge
The 103rd Postal Fire Column Brigade Pipes & Drums step off outside L Street Tavern.
by Rick Winterson
W
as the 2019 Plunge actually South Boston’s Polar Plunge No. 150? A (rough) calculation indicates this might be the case, although confirming that was so would be very difficult. In any case, many hundreds of Plungers showed up, despite the rain that fell the night before. It was heartening to see so many folks – from near and from far – live up to their first
nature of their music. They formed up, and then escorted the Tavern’s crowd (many in costume) down L Street and over to M Street Beach. This was a change from last year’s Plunge, but the M Street locale seemed to work well. More than 500 took part in total. Best costume was hard to assign – a beer with two heads was prominent, Wonder Woman showed up. And as usual, it was great to hear Tommy McAuliffe sounding “Charge!”
resolution of the New Year: To take the Polar Plunge, that is. The weather smiled, although that could be the result of global warming. It felt like spring. The timing of the tides required that this year’s Plunge take place at 9 a.m. sharp. So, the L Street Tavern, which is essentially right on the threshold of South Boston’s Polar Plunge, opened correspondingly early. The party was on, right from the start. The 103rd Postal Fire Brigade Column Pipes & Drums live on, playing patriotic airs along with “Wearin’ o’ the Green” just to round out the Gaelic
on his bass trumpet/mini-tuba. The 2019 Polar Plunge, possibly No. 150, has passed, along with the first couple of days in the New Year. As always, this year’s Plunge added one more chapter a great South Boston tradition. Now let’s make History!
More Photos on Page 6 & 7
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
End Shutdown - Workers and Families Deserve Respect By Ray Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston
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t the end of every year, media experts describe some of the most important events and people of the year, and economic experts talk about the state of the economy in the country. I also often remember the president of the United States delivering his State of the Union Address to Congress and the nation and saying at the time, “that the state of the economy couldn’t be better and more hopeful.” He would point to the stock market, foreign trade and corporate profits as examples of what he was referring to. It’s understandable that all elected officials would want to put the “best public spin” on the job they are doing and would want members of their own staff to lead the charge. That’s why it’s critical that people rely on the media and an informed public to tell the factual story. So when the people are quiet and don’t get involved in the important public debate, the
wrong policies and decisions often get made, resulting in decisions that favor business and corporate interests. That’s one of the major reasons why I often try to have frank and personal conversations with average people in coffee shops, church halls and civic meetings. They didn’t represent their own financial or personal interests, but what was best for the community and society as a whole.
These past six months I stood in the picket lines with locked-out National Grid workers and striking hotel workers in Boston. And now we have a partial federal government shutdown. These work stoppages are so unfair to the workers, but especially to their families. It disturbs and upsets their lives, especially their critical health care needs. This is not what the American Dream is all about. This is not what so many
people fought, worked and died for. I had the opportunity, while walking in picket lines, to listen to a lot of dedicated and concerned union working men and women. I also got to hear their stories and understand their pain. I’m proud to say that I never tolerated a strike the entire time I was mayor of Boston. We all had an important job to do for the people of our community. Businesses needed Boston and the men and women needed a job to support their families. And the city needed them both. Do the city a favor and end this lockout and shutdown now! A community that does not respect its workers, families and the needy cannot call itself a world-class city. Our Mayor, Governor, Legislature and City Council is much better than this. I know them, support them and respect them. No more speeches about how good some things are, but rather about how people are being treated with dignity and respect and back to work again. That’s the kind of New Year’s Resolution we want.
Pats Clinch No. 2 Seed. And a Bye. It was expected, of course. After all, a 10-5 team like the Pats playing a 4-11 team like the Jets? And at home, yet? Even so, a gratifying 38-3 statement was made. Brady threw for four touchdowns. The Gronk caught another potential TD pass as well, even though that was called back on a false start penalty. The running game looked solid (131 yards, 4+ yard average). And possibly the best news was the defensive play – “coherent” and “connected”, compared to “inconsistent” early on in the 2018 season. A defensive strip-fumble led to a first half TD; a second half strip-sack allowed Pats’ linebacker Van Noy to run in for a defensive TD all the way from midfield (he ran it in backwards). Perhaps equally as important is the first round Bye that ensures all of the Pats will be rested and recovered. They’ll need to be. If the Pats don’t succumb to the iron in the AFCWest, they’ll certainly meet more of it against the NFC champs in Atlanta’s Super Bowl LIII on February 3. But Happy New Year. Football in New England’s month of January is always a joy to watch – January, 2019, won’t be any exception to that rule.
Tom Brady is about to connect for a TD to Dorsett against the Jets.
Pats’ fans Mary and Ron are watching the season final at Seapoint.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018
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BCYF Staff Brings Christmas Joy The Tynan Council Christmas Party for kids was very successful as the Council and BCYF Tynan staff gave out 75 Christmas presents to our Girls and Boys ages 12 & Under. Thanks to Paul Maiullari, Santa made a special trip again this year to the Tynan Community Center. The festivities started out with the kids making ginger bread houses and coloring Santa and his reindeers in the cafeteria. Pizza and goodies were served as the kids made their way upstairs to see Santa Claus!
Ice Sculpture Kaput
Monday night’s rain and New Year’s Day warm wind show what’s left of sculptures by Seaport Green and L.L. Bean’s store. The New Year ice sculptures all over Boston are kaput.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Bob Allison in Action by Rick Winterson
S
outh Boston’s Bob Allison teaches History at Suffolk University, so of course he is known there as Professor Robert Allison. His special area of study is Early American History; he also headed the Suffolk History Department for some years. Now and then, the Professor adds an original approach to teaching his History students. Such was an event Bob called the “Franklinpalooza “, dedicated to Benjamin Franklin. The “Franklinpalooza” involved games, music, refreshments, and various displays, all of which were based upon events and incidents in Franklin’s life, from his electrical experimentation to his role in developing our Constitution – now imitated by countries around the world. Dr. Marisa Kelly, who was inaugurated as Suffolk’s President in October, was delighted with the “Franklinpalooza” when she dropped in. Bob also serves our community
Contestants playing BENGO (with Franklin images, not numbers) during the “Franklinpalooza”. in many ways, including holding down the position of President of the South Boston Historical Society. He arranged a Christmas party for this group on Monday evening, the 17th, at the recently opened J.P. Licks at 397 West Broadway, ice cream cake
Tim and Joe dressed as Ben Franklin (in Ben’s London phase) with Prof. Allison during his “Franklinpalooza” at Suffolk University
The ladies discuss history at J.P. Licks.
and all. It was a “historic” event, to say the least. During the evening, the assembled group did some singing, but this writer isn’t sure whether “Southie Is My Home Town” is actually a locally inspired Christmas carol. Or not!?! Find out the answer by joining
the South Boston Historical Society. Anyhow, South Boston Online hopes you had a Merry Christmas. And we wish for a Happy New Year to all - let’s plan on making history in 2019.
Marisa Kelly, President of Suffolk, is delighted with the “Franklinpalooza”.
Bob Allison, President of the South Boston historical Society.
The gents discuss history at J.P. Licks.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018
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Jenn Menjin, Candidate for Mayor of South Boston
Jenn Menjin by Rick Winterson Meet Jennifer Menjin, a lifelong Southie resident, whom everyone knows as “Jenn”.
J
enn is one of the four candidates who have “taken out papers” to run for 2019 Mayor of South Boston. The campaign for Mayor of South Boston, as it had been in years past, will be one of the chief ways
to raise money for the 2019 St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade. This campaign will result in the winning fundraiser becoming South Boston’s Mayor for a year, as well as leading our Parade in March, just over two months from now. And in case you weren’t aware of it, our Parade here in South Boston is strictly a neighborhood a f fa ir, a lmost completely financed by private donations. Jenn emphasized her Kickoff Party event during our interview. The Kickoff will be a fundraiser next Friday evening, January 11, at Seapoint (upstairs), from 7 to 12 midnight. Jenn refers to this upcoming event as a typical “Southie time”. A very reasonable $5 is the suggested admission donation. There’ll be music from a local DJ, dancing, Seapoint snacks, a cash bar, raffles, and most of all, good company. One of the half-dozen
raffle items is a signed jersey from the Dropkick Murphys, donated by Ken Casey. Everyone is invited. When we asked Jenn about her motivation to run for Mayor of South Boston, Jenn quickly answered, “I have always wanted to do it. I just love Southie!” One of her fondest ambitions, ever since she was a teenager, has been to bring the Mayor’s Race back. Now, it’s a reality once again. Jenn was born and brought up in South Boston; she earned a Master’s degree in Technical Management from Wentworth. She still lives here and works here now, as the Service Desk Dispatcher for Boston Help Desk over at the King Terminal on Summer Street. And in addition to her campaign for Mayor, Jenn’s quite active in the community, too. She is working on the “Drive Slow” effort, bowls in the local Candlepin League, and plays
Eight Ball in the APA Pool League. Jenn is actively planning her entire Mayoral campaign. Following her “time” on the 11th, she has scheduled a “night” of acoustic cover music on Thursday the 17th at the rechristened Playwright. In addition, she has begun to plan for an “art night” during February, where her guests will draw and paint original works of art on pieces of board. Later in February at The Shamrock, she will hostess live Irish music by Celtic Law. Stay tuned! The race for Mayor of South Boston is on.
Next week we will highlight Haley Dillon. And, the following weeek will be Bob “Shoes” Higgings and Jimmy Donnelly
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
L Street Tavern New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morning
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018
2019 Polar Plunge
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Boxing Day, 2018: Brunch and Cocktails on the 26th
Michael Dowling’s Boxing Day Brunch buffet is a work of art all of on its own.
by Rick Winterson Boxing Day is an English tradition. Its origin is not certa in, but most of the historic references say that it is traditionally (but not always) held on December 26, the day after Christmas. On December 26 in England, servants and employees who worked on Christmas Day were given the 26th off to visit their own families and friends. They were also given gifts of food, money, or clothing just before they left for the day, which were usually put in boxes so as to be a surprise. Hence t he na me “Box ing Day” (as far as anyone knows). Not to be outdone i n c e lebr at i n g C h r i st m a s traditionally, South Boston has observed Boxing Day in years past – 2018 was no exception. Michael Dowling, the Artistic Director of Medicine Wheel Productions (110 K Street), threw a sumptuous Boxing Day Brunch at mid-day in his M Street condo. On December 26th evening, the Morrises – Rob and Jill – served cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and good company at their Boxing Day Open House. Michael conceived, cooked, and ser ved his Boxing Day Brunch on his own. Traditional breakfast fare like scrambled
eg gs, bacon, a nd sausa ge alternated with eclectic offerings that ranged from three-decker blueberry cake to pickled Brussels sprouts – all prepared by Michael himself. Needless to say, plateful after plateful was consumed. Guests came to Michael’s Boxing Day Brunch (literally) from all over – Denver, Colorado, and Long Beach, California, were both represented. Talk and laughter were joyful and spontaneous. A prize for the best decoration in Michael’s condo should be awarded to Mary Dowling, Michael’s mother. She has crafted a total Nativity scene that not only contains every element in Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel stories, but is also made up of 86 separate figures, from a choir of angels to a f lock of sheep. Boxing Day 2018 was closed joyfully by an evening Open House – a cocktail party with tastefully presented refreshments courtesy of Rob and Jill Morris. Their home on East Broadway is a South Boston high-ceilinged, t wo-level, classic residence, originally constructed of local brick. Their Open House began at 4 and extended past midevening, as dozens came and went. It was the perfect way to carry on the tradition of Boxing Day, with an American f lavor that emphasized having a successful social event for Rob and Jill’s family members and their friends. Most memorable was the conversation, which spoke of art, music, and widely varied interests. The personalities of the many characters who were in attendance at the Open House mixed willingly and well, as Rob and Jill’s guests went from one informal group to another during the evening. S out h B oston On l i ne is pleased to report that the Box ing Day trad ition on December 26 still lives, and will likely return in 2019. Happy New Year.
Jill and Rob Morris welcome Boxing Day guests to their classic home on East Broadway.
Host Michael Dowling welcomes Boxing Day Brunch guests to his M Street condo.
Sandi and Emily at Rob and Jill Morris’s Boxing Day Open House.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018
Mary Dowling, Michael’s mother, and a young friend, by the 86 Nativity figures she crafted.
Joy and David came all the way from Long Beach for Michael’s Brunch on the 26th.
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Elaine talks art with Patty and Tom Steiner at the Morris’s Boxing Day Open House.
Mary Dowling with Molly and Liam, who came all the way from Denver for Brunch.
Happy holidays!
Warm wishes for the season, from our house to yours. DAVID M. GIBBONS
@MassConvention
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
/MassConvention massconvention.com
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
“Yesterday Today Tomorrow” A South Boston Neighborhood Exhibition The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (the BCEC) has committed to exhibitions showing artists from Boston’s varied cityscapes, which the BCEC keeps open for public viewing. Right now, eight local artists are exhibiting in the South Boston Neighborhood Exhibition. They are, in alphabetical order: Joshua Hart, Lierre Kandel, Karen McFeaters, Dan McCole, Kevin L. O’Brien, Ashley Provencher, Deb Putnam, Jennifer J. Roberts. Their exhibition is open during regulasr BCEC hours until March 10, 2019.
Foundation Deparmtent. His MFA in Sculpture from Bard College’s Avery Graduate School of the Arts. His work shows a devotion to utilizing his materials artfully, executed with a touch of whimsy. He has exhibited across the U.S., and here in Boston in the Proof Gallery and at the Cost Annex. Lierre Kandel has learned art in diverse areas – as the eldest child of seven in a small valley in Appaalchia to art training in
by Rick Winterson
J
oshua Hart is a sculptor living here in South Boston. He is also an art educator, who has taught for ten years in MassArt’s Studio
“Hip joint, untitled”, oil on wood by Lierre Kandel.
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“Going into Exile”, watercolor by Dan McCole.
“I’ve Been Here All Along III”, acrylic by Ashley Provender.
Hamburg, Germany. Li spends a month here and a month in East Germany, and began working as a full-time artist early in the 2000s. Unusually bright colors constitute a “medium-withina-medium” of their own in Li’s works. Highly skilled cooking is also one of the talents Li possesses – a versatile cultural polymath. As a born-and-brought-up South Bostonian with his studio in The Distillery, Dan McCole and his trademark watercolors need no introduction. “Going Into Exile” was inspired by a short story by Liam O’Flaherty. The scale and the sharpened figures about to disappear around the nicely composed last bend in the road epitomize the sadness found in what most of us consider to be a simple seeking of paid work. To quote Karen McFeaters, she says, “I paint what I love … “. The City of Boston, especially Fort Point, is but one of these “loves”. The brilliant colors she
finds and uses in our cityscapes are unexpected and striking. She depicts seasonal changes and views with depth and attractiveness. She feels her works not only uncover the underlying beauty of the City and South Boston, but also provide a visual record that is, historic in nature. Yes, local hero Tom Brady is rendered expressionistically in the work shown by Kevin O’Brien. But the materials used are purposely taken from what Kevin calls the “global industrial culture”. These are stark, simple industrial materials that are formed into practical shapes, which are then formed, stroked and assembled impressionistically into images that are both elusive but ultimately recognizable. View them, and feel the tension. Ashley Provencher plainly states, “My interest is the ocean … “. From Beverly, Massachusetts, she was constantly by the ocean – its peacefulness and movement
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“Tom Brady, Great Quarterback”, acrylic/mixed media by Kevin O’Brien.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 a major influence on her work. In addition, she spent a summer in New Orleans absorbing the colors that city offers, as well as the serene calm the nearby bayou towns possessed. According to her, “I paint because it makes me feel alive.” A local lady is artist Deb Putnam. She teaches here and has raised a family in South Boston. Her work is closest to American Realism, and is actually a form of 21st Century impressionism. But it’s always notable for Deb’s technical ability in her plein air paintings of the city, coupled with her figurative works. Many of her oils contain more than a touch
of mystery, or perhaps “wonder” is a better word, since they tell a story in one’s imagination. Jennifer J. Roberts is artistically attached to this neighborhoods. Her viewpoint takes a scene and turns it into something striking. The verticals and horizontals in her photos somehow emerge and tell their story. Perhaps that’s because Jennifer is also an award-winning writer, for local publications like the Herald and Boston Magazine. Brought up in South Boston; she’ll be highlighted in the documentary “Neighborhood L ost: S out h B oston”
“I’ve Been Here All Along III”, acrylic by Ashley Provender.
“T-Plant, Acadia Street”, photograph by Jennifer J. Roberts.
“Out of the Blue”, oil on wood by Deb Putnam.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 THE PRINT EDITION
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