Issuu

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 50

Flynn Named Chair of City, Neighborhood Services and Veterans & Military Affairs Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn was named as Chair of the Committee of City, Neighborhood Services and Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. This committee provides oversight of the delivery of municipal services to the city’s residents and neighborhoods including the activities of communication, energy and water service providers. The committee also oversees city departments such as the Inspectional Services Department, the Library Department, the Office of Neighborhood Services, the Public Works Department, the Transportation Department, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, the Office of Cable Communications, Office of the Parking Clerk, Office of Civil Rights, the Commission of Person with Disabilities, the Veterans Services Department, the Veterans Grave Division of the Parks Department, the Office of New Urban Mechanics, and the Department of

Innovation and Technology. Moreover, the committee concerns itself with city programs for veterans and their families. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the City, Neighborhood Services and Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. This committee oversees our dedicated city employees, including those in the Public works Department who work hard to keep our streets clean and clear of snow. It will review programs that are implemented by the excellent staff working with our disability community. The committee will concern itself with those basic city services that our residents expect from their local government. In addition, we will review programs available for Veterans and Military families.” Flynn said, “I am also honored to be named Vice Chair of the Committee on Civil Rights. Councilor Zakim is serving as the Chair of this Committee and I am eager to work with him. I am confident that our efforts will reflect my belief in respect and dignity for all.”

Ten-HUT! Parade Fundraising Has Begun

by Rick Winterson

The Annual St. Patrick’s/ Evacuation Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, March 18, 2018. It steps off at 1 p.m., from the intersection of Dorchester Avenue and West Broadway by Broadway Station. The Parade celebrates South Boston’s veterans, the Irish heritage here, and Evacuation Day – America’s first victory in our War of

Independence on March 17, 1776. But were you aware that the Parade – the biggest one in New England and the third largest in the U.S. – is funded locally and privately? Well, it certainly is. The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council (the SBAWVC) is the private organization that is in charge of the Parade. And the SBAWVC Continued on Page 3

Parade Fundraisers at the L Street Tavern last Thursday evening – Casey Smith, Ellen McDonough, and Cheyenne Lohrke.

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The State of Water: Getting Better Water is by far the most valuable resource needed to sustain life. You can live without natural gas, oil, even electricity; but you won’t last long without fresh water. From this perspective it is they pretty surprising how much we take drinking water for granted- as we do clean water in the Boston Harbor. While water departments in many other states and cities (ie Detroit, Michigan), have hit the news with scandals, even our biggest disasters seem small by comparison. Behind the scenes one of the very best dimes ever spent by Massachusetts residents is the tax dollars that go to support the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. Perhaps the most recent sewer accident early this month in Nantucket, (attributed to severe cold) is a warning for small towns to get on boardbut this kind of thing is very rare. Officials swarmed in to fix the leaks and access the damage, which will no doubt impact the Cape eco- system. Otherwise, from the massive

Deer Island Plant in Boston harbor, to the numerous water treatment facilities in the state, the environmental record is pretty stellar in Massachusetts. In 2016 the MWR A received the Clean Water Agencies platinum award for peak performance at Deer Island. They have reduced solids discharge levels by over 90% since 1990. Deer Island processes waste from homes and businesses from 43 surrounding communities, generating methane gas and commercial fertilizer sent to the system and outf lowing eff luent water into the ocean that has been scrubbed of dangerous containments. The MWR A provides 200 million gallons of fresh water a day, and treats 350 million gallons of sewerage a day. In 2016 an additional $750,000 dollars for drinking water tests in Massachusetts public schools was announced by governor Charlie Baker. This will enable testing and removal of harmful lead and copper from drinking water in the schools. The 2016-2017 program was

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completed testing thousands of taps and drinking water fountains in more than 800 school facilities. To quote the state: “The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWR A) has also provided assistance to schools in their Greater Boston service area. Utilizing the MWR A’s own lab, they have analyzed more than 7,000 water samples from 240 school buildings since spring 2016. This analysis has included thousands of water samples from schools participating in the Commonwealth’s program.” In October 2017 the Baker administration Mass Dept. of Environmental protection launched the Lead in School Drinking Water Assistance Program, to get more schools and daycare centers on board. The problem is not the source water which is fine, but out of date plumbing in the schools. The next steps have been to repair

pipes and fountains in schools to ensure that the drinking water in all Boston Public Schools is safe- where some schools lagged behind in standards, the city received direct help from the MWR A to bring testing and analysis up to speed. It was kind of a disgrace that fountains in multiple BPS schools in 2016 had to be “deactivated”, and 108 schools received bottled water and were considered “off line” to ensure that students wouldn’t risk poisoning. We look forward to an update from BPS on new pipes and water fountains in 2018, and hope that the state and city officials can give all schools a clean bill of health for drinking water. In the meantime, when so much of other governments can be dysfunctional, Massachusetts water related agencies deserve a big pat on the back.

City Wide Parking Stickers... The idea for charging Boston residents for neighborhood parking stickers is not as outlandish as when you first hear this idea, but I do believe before we start tweaking with these parking stickers we should do a comprehensive parking study citywide. For instance, Boston’s North End according to city officials has issued 3,602 residential parking permits but has fewer than 2,000 legal spaces to park. Should the city cap permits handed out to neighborhood residents or just allow a situation where there are 1,400 extra vehicles looking for those 2,000 spaces? Same goes for each of the city’s neighborhoods. If you are a South Boston resident with cousins in Savin Hill, you can’t find any parking because your resident sticker is only for South Boston. City Councilor Michelle Wu reportedly is looking at these resident parking permits and wondering if they should be free or come with a fee. I do like the idea of

allowing Boston residents to have the ability to perhaps pay a fee for a citywide resident parking sticker. I currently have an East Boston sticker but when I visit the North End or Charlestown, I get treated like as an out-of-towner. The same is true for any Boston resident visiting friends in East Boston. Parking is not a right found in the Bill of Rights. It is always first come, first serve. I like having a free East Boston parking sticker, but I would gladly pay a nominal fee to park in any Boston neighborhood because I am a citizen of Boston and not just East Boston. I am concerned that it sounds like a money grab but as long as Boston residents are served, sometimes things come with a cost. Better than parking in an expensive garage, isn’t it?

Sincerely,

SAL GIARRATANI East Boston

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 Contiued from Page 1

Parade needs your help. Some 150 marching units will be taking part in the 2018 Parade; the SBAWVC is obliged to pay some basic expenses for these units, who otherwise march in the Parade for free. The SBAWVC, commanded by Dave Falvey, held its first Parade Fundraiser last Thursday evening, January 25, at Woody’s L Street Tavern. The Tavern has always supported community celebrations like the Parade; this event was no exception. The crowd was jampacked and generous; it was a great party. But there’s a lot of

Parade fundraising still to be done. Our second request is made to South Boston’s many businesses and merchants, including those of you in the newly developed Seaport District. Please make generous contributions to the Parade, in order to ensure its success. If you’ve already been established here for a while, you know how HUGE (!) the crowds at the Parade can get. A half million spectators (yes, that’s 500,000) is definitely a low-side figure; we have had as many as a million in years past. Over the entire weekend of the Parade (Friday through Sunday – March 16, 17, 18), your business will enjoy a surge. If you are a

new business, especially a place to dine and drink, you’ll experience a boom like you have never seen. For our newer members located in South Boston’s thriving Seaport/ Waterfront (especially those of you in hospitality), take advantage of the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day weekend. Advertise accommodations, dining, and television viewing over that entire three days. And please make a contribution to the Parade itself. South Boston Online’s third and final request involves all of you younger veterans. South Boston is devoted to its veterans, their causes,

and their participation in South Boston’s community activities. Please take a few minutes and think about joining one of the posts in South Boston. Contact the SBAWVC (the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council – see listings above) and assist with the 2018 Parade. You’ll enjoy this effort, you’ll meet some great people, and you’ll find out that South Boston is really veteran-friendly territory. There are just six short weeks until Parade Day. Once again: the 2018 Parade needs your dollar support and your help. Please join us.

You as an individual spectator of the Parade can help out through “Crowdsourcing” or “Fundsourcing”. Just log on and “DONATE”: Visit the SBAWVC online Facebook@SOUTHBOSTONPARADEOFFICIAL @SBAWVC Twitter – @PARADEBOSTON Instagram – STPATSPARADESOUTHIE South Boston Allied War Veterans Council (the SBWVAC) Parade Fundraisers – Lew, Eddie, Tom, Dave (SBWVAC Commander), and Colin.

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SBAWVC Commander Dave Falvey welcomes District 2 City Councilor (and strong Parade supporter) Ed Flynn to the Parade Fundraiser last week.

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McGrath Returns as SBCA President, Announces 2018 Evacuation Day Events State Representative Nick Collins will Serve as General Chairman The South Boston Citizens’ Association has announced that Tom McGrath, who stepped down from the presidency of the Association at the close of its 2017 Evacuation Day events, is returning to act as interim president for the foreseeable future. “Last March I made my farewell speech at the Evacuation Day Banquet,” McGrath said, “not knowing that the challenges presented by the time required for planning all of the

Association’s annual events would make it impossible to have a new president in place for 2018. There are many dedicated

and capable members who are interested in the position, but current commitments have prevented them from being able

to assume the duties at this time. So, I’m back for this year to work with all our great volunteers to celebrate another Evacuation Day season of community events.” McGrath said that he will continue to act as president through the 2018 Evacuation Day activities, scheduled to begin on March, 3rd and to culminate with the Association’s 138th Historical Exercises, to be held on Saturday, March 17th at Dorchester Heights. In conjunction with the announcement of his return as president, McGrath announced that the 2018 Evacuation Day General Chairman will be none other than State Representative Nick Collins.

Councilor Flynn Seeks Strong AirBnB Regulation Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn announced this week that he is eager to begin discussions regarding Mayor Walsh’s recently filed ordinance on short term-rental platforms in the City of Boston. Flynn praised Mayor Walsh for his actions to address the issues related to short-term rentals, which impact neighborhoods throughout the city. Boston must look to close any potential loopholes and ensure this ordinance protects our

neighborhoods from large corporations depleting our housing stock. Specifically, Flynn will look closely at the “investor unit” classification, noting other cities like Nashville have voted to eliminate the entry of new investors, as well as setting a timetable for current investors to exit the market. Moreover, Flynn will study whether the 90 day limit on rentals is appropriate. Flynn said, “Mayor Walsh has shown strong leadership in taking this

step to address the issues pertaining to short-term rental platforms in Boston. It has become clear that high concentrations of corporate, short-term rentals are increasing costs and driving displacement in our neighborhoods. There are public safety and quality-oflife issues that must be addressed as well.” “We must also focus on absentee landlords skirting the rooming house laws – essentially creating mini-hotels for profit. These actions gouge the rental market and create a shortage of rents that working people can afford.” Flynn cited data compiled by the Alliance for Downtown Civic Organizations (ADCO), which concluded: Chinatown is experiencing the most rapid AirBnB growth – three times that of Boston and 37 percent annual growth. Boston’s ownership/listing

concentration statistics nearly double thoseofNewYorkandWashington,D.C. The number of AirBnB units owned by multi-neighborhood hosts is almost four times the average for other major U.S. cities, stressing the residential fabric of our communities. Flynn conveyed that he would work closely with his colleagues on the City Council to examine both the “investor unit” classification and the 90 day limit on rentals. In addition, Flynn would look at registration and public safety inspection requirements for the city. Flynn said, “It is my hope that this regulation will strike the appropriate balance and begin to alleviate the concerns of our residents regarding the rental market, the public safety aspect and quality of life issues that have arisen, and maintaining the residential feel of our neighborhoods.”

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

The Beauty of Life

by Ray Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Walking up I Street following the funeral Mass for Lynda Lynch on Thursday at Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston and greeting good friends like Billy Shaughnessy, State Senator Walter Timilty, Rep. John Rogers, Mike Flaherty, Ed Flynn, Congressman Kennedy and Senator Linda Dorcena, a former South Boston resident came up to me and said, “Ray, the City has really changed hasn’t it? We’re not likely to see people like Lyndda Lynch around

anymore, are we?” I responded, “Lynda was a special lady, full of fun, kindness and concern, and while I agree with you that she was uniquely a special person, I said, “I saw a young women today who will carry on those same special values and qualities that she possessed, namely her daughter Christian Wallace.” Growing up in a loving working class family and neighborhood which you learn about people and life that can’t be forgotten and will be shared and experienced with others.” Lynda’s brother Congressman Steve Lynch beautifully shared some of those special qualities today in his words of remembrance in Church. Funeral’s are supposed to be sad and a time to feel bad about losing a loved one and friend, but I think people who attended the Mass and heard what Steve and Fr. Joe O’Keefe,S.J., had to say to us about Lynda, it made us all feel better about knowing such a special person. I often wonder,

how do we carry on following the passing of a loved one? Even if it’s not a close family member. I’m certainly no expert in the field of grieving, but I just might have a small bit of advise that recently has been working for me. You might say, “Ray is getting old.” But my simple words of advice are more about hope and love than anything else. Here goes. Lynda wasn’t rich or famous, but she was respected and admired. She was a mother, a U.S. Postal Worker who fought for her fellow employees as their advocate. She was active in her community and let others know about important issues affecting them. She was fiercely loyal to her sick parents when that got older. My words of remembrance aren’t mine at all, although I hope I can live by them, with prayer and God’s help. They are not even about religion, but more about common decency. They always wear a smile and have a kind word for everybody,

like Lynda. Last week, Linda’s husband died. I couldn’t go to the wake because I was in the hospital all week. But I did call her on the phone to express my sorrow. A few days later Lynda unexpectedly passed away. A couple of days later, we were back in St Brigid Church for the funeral of Peg Barry another first class South Boston citizen who everybody loved. She had and husband Jack were friends of hundreds. Fr Casey summed up her long life beautifully by calling her her a first class Catholic, wife and citizen. I told our former South Boston neighbor outside of Church, I walked into Gate of Heaven full of sadness and shock, but I walked out thanking my neighborhood and especially God for allowing me to see the goodness and beauty in people. These values and traditions don’t change over time, they are always with us no matter where we go or how old we are. We all felt that in both Funerals.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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“75 on Courthouse Square” Opened Friday

Bar Manager Misty presents unique, creative drinks. by Rick Winterson In another piece of good news for South Boston’s One Seaport at Courthouse Square, a new restaurant has located there. At 5 p.m. last Friday evening, January 26, “75 on Courthouse Square” opened its doors on the second floor of WS Development’s VIA building. The restaurant will be open seven (7) days a week for dinner. At some point during the month of February, “75 on Courthouse Square” will open for lunch as well. Watch for it. This is restaurateur Thomas A. Kershaw’s sixth establishment, which include his first, the grand Hampshire House at 84 Beacon, along with three “75” restaurants – 75 on Chestnut Bistro, 75 on Liberty Wharf, and now his largest site at 75 on Courthouse Square in One Seaport. Two iconic, world-renowned “Cheers” bars at 84 Beason and in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace round out Tom Kershaw’s sextet of enterprises, which are incorporated under the Hampshire House Corporation business umbrella.. To provide a coverage opportunity, Tom scheduled a press lunch in 75 on Courthouse Square last Thursday. The managers of the new “75” were on hand. Tom brought along Markus Ripperger, the CEO and President of his Hampshire House Corporation. Markus is originally from Zurich, Switzerland, where he had become a highly regarded Executive Chef. By way of France, London, and Boston, he joined Hampshire House Corporation in 1992, starting as its Executive Chef and becoming the Corporation’s CEO/President. More about both these gentlemen later. We mentioned that 75 on Courthouse Square is large. It has a striking main dining room that looks

directly out on picturesque Courthouse Square. This view stretches from Seaport Boulevard to Northern Avenue at the Moakley Courthouse. There’s also a capacious bar to one side of this dining room. More intimate dining areas are available, including private rooms if desired. The décor is understated (good!), the views are certainly attractive, and the interior treatment with polished dark brown wood, warm light yellow, and arched entryways is modern, but with a classic Spanish feel. Perhaps “an American bistro” describes it best. Getting there is easy. Take a short cab ride. Or you can drive of course, but then you’d have to park somewhere. The Red Line to South Station, followed by a one-stop Silver Line ride to the Courthouse “T” Station, puts you right outside 75 on Courthouse Square. In good weather, it’s a short, ten-minute walk from within the Seaport District itself, the Financial District, or the nearby Fort Point neighborhood The press lunch last Thursday featured some of the signature dishes that 75 on Courthouse Square will become well known for. Their crab cakes, lamb chops and Nantucket seafood stew were notably delicious offerings. The cheeses were local as well as sustainable, and were accompanied by compotes, chutneys, and artisanal breads. South Boston Online obtained the main menus at the press lunch. These look attractive and varied, with 30 or so offerings listed that include filet mignon and various fish dinners among the principal plates, as well as the press lunch preparations. Main courses range from just over $20 to just over $30; soups, salads, and 75 burgers are proportionately less. The fact sheet given out at the press lunch states “offering comfortable food at reasonable prices”, which certainly seems to be the case. Tom Kershaw, in addition to his many professional achievements, has been a leader in Boston’s dynamic tourist and trade industries – Chairman of the Board of Boston’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (18 years) and past President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association are two examples. He has performed awardwinning community work in and around Beacon Hill, and is a diligent volunteer in several young peoples’ causes. He is a graduate of Swarthmore and the Harvard Business School. Markus

Ripperger is form Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. He garnered Europeanwide recognition as an Executive Chef before joining Hampshire Hotel Corporation 25 years ago. He then successfully combined his European

chef’s heritage with classic New England dishes that have resulted in signature culinary creations. Markus still takes direct responsibility for the menus at Hampshire House and the three “75’s”

Boston restaurateur Tom Kershaw (r.) welcomes his guests; CEO Markus Ripperger looks on.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Nicholas Nixon: Persistence of Vision at the ICA By Richard Campbell Bridging the span between documentary and art photography Nicholas Nixon’s current show at the ICA recreates the passage of time from the 1975 to our current day. For younger viewers unfamiliar with the depth and quality of art photography created using the 8x10 format in black and white darkroom processed and printed on real photographic paper, these images reveal not only masterful composition and social import, but a glimpse into the prevailing sentiments from the American main street and the fringes of society. The central core of the show is the ongoing project of the Brown Sisters, in which Nixon poses his wife Bebe and her sisters, Heather, Mimi, and Laurie cinematically across time, from 1975 to the current day, documenting their physical and emotional changes. The persistence in this title must refer to Nixon’s doggedness in continually recapturing his subject’s year after year. The show also includes other time sensitive images in a way that chronicles not only his dedication to a lifelong photographic mission, but to revealing the relationships of his subjects through the perspective of the larger human family. The first three times I went through the cycle I was a little haunted by the apparent directness of the Brown sisters, and the sometimes uneasy relation that they bore to the contemporary images of suffering. The sisters appear year after year in the same order standing gazing into the camera, while pictures displayed around their portraits reveal iconic portraits of anonymous Americans. Nixon is kind of the anti-Arbus, that is, he does not revel in the weirdness or the suffering of his subjects, or even objectify them to guilt trip us into

having a conscience. His images are statements of grace, beyond redemption, beyond existence, and into a world where the lens is not the conveyer of ancillary truths, but distill that moment for which most of us cannot know, but may sometime come to know. Nixon explains that he alters the view of his subjects by changing their relationship to the frame. There is also a change in exposure and printing- that at times gives a ghost like feeling, as if the women become shadows of themselves, and then re-finds identities in new expressions to become a unified sister force. He projects his relationship between his wife and her sisters for emotional import as he pulls us along into documentary. In the video description on the ICA website, Bebe who is a counselor in a Cancer hospital describes how she believes we have limited time, and how we need to use it wisely. The two are frank individuals, unadorned, with slight philosophical pretension- but pretty focused upon the truth that can be found in the process of art. Truly great photographers realize that insight into the subject is most important, that the view of the world the photographer shows relies upon a strict form of empathy and sensitivity. In moving close to people who are themselves on the brink of death, Nixon moves us to acutely feel their pain without being muddled. What is the elegiac and above worldly that finds its extension from the physical is found through a philosophy of how photography impacts life. In a world inundated with meaningless, mediocre cell phone images; people unfamiliar with his work will be astonished at the print quality and careful editing of these images. The show runs until April 22 nd . The ICA has free admission on Thursday evenings 5pm to 9pm., when any donation is appreciated.

By Nicholas Nixon, The Brown Sisters 1975, Courtesy of the ICA

By Nicholas Nixon, The Brown Sisters 1992, Courtesy of the ICA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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South Boston Historical Society Hosts USS Constitution Historian

By Richard Campbell This past Monday night the South Boston Historical Society faithful came out in decent numbers to the South Boston Branch Library to hear a compact history of the USS Constitution focused upon the recent rehabilitation of the world’s oldest commissioned Naval vessel afloat, and the jewel of US Navy fleet. The speaker, Margherita M. Desy, is a civilian naval historian of the USS Constitution, and a member of the Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment in Boston who is responsible to “know all about the ship”, and certainly proved her depth of knowledge of “Old Ironsides”. As the nation’s oldest battleship that was designed by Joshua Humphreys along with six other frigates commissioned by the new American Navy, it was built at

Edmund Hartt’s shipyard, and launched on Constitution Wharf in 1797. Ms. Desy explained that over its 221year history, it has been repaired successive times at the Charlestown Navy Yard, and other seaports around the United States. It is a massive wood hulled three-masted frigate, weighing in at 1,900 tons, so you can imagine when the subject of refurbishments comes up, the subject gets technically complicated, and also reveals great historical lessons along the way. Ms. Desy made sure to impress upon the audience that the Navy had not swerved from its early mission to continually preserve the Constitutionmostly by keeping it in the water and actively using it so it would not deteriorate. She also made it clear that as “the nation’s ship” the USS Constitution’s steadfast battle record from its first duties of protecting merchant ships, to its resounding victory in the War of 1812, to its historical role in the 20th century and beyond as a training ship represents a living history of our nation. While its original crew was 450 members, and it swelled to 1,180 during the war of 1812, the current crew, aided by technology and advanced training is about 90. But there are huge swaths of educators, historians, master crafts people, scientists, and volunteers who keep the ship afloat and tell

its story at the Charlestown Navy Yard and the Constitution Museum. The 2012-2015 renovation of the USS Constitution was related in great detail by Ms. Desy, as she scrolled through power point images of everything from historical documents relating to the ship, to commemorative stamps, up close views of the Charlestown Navy Yard Dry Dock in action, to individual sections of the vessel in various states of deconstruction and repair. Approximately 1/ 6th of the vessel was torn away and replaced in this last restoration including, 22,000 individual copper sheets on its hull, 100 large hull planks of oak, huge masts of Douglas fir, the replacement of port, starboard and quarter galleys, rebuilding the cutwaters, the replacement of the Trail Board decorative carvings using an intricate duplicating carving machine, and the replacement of the rigging and sails with high tech materials. One might say the keel, which is the oldest part of

the ship, is one of the few things that hasn’t been replaced over the years. When we saw the USS Constitution making the rounds out at Castle Island after all the repairs, it was a splendid sight, but like the deep hull of the vessel that we do not see above water level, there is an incredibly complex and wondrous history that is often over looked. As Boston is the home of America’s Ship of State, this affords us with great historical resources. The USS Constitution Museum is open daily 10:00 am to 5:00pm for winter hours from now to March 31, after which hours are extended, and visiting hours for the USS Constitution until April 15th are 10:00 to 4:00 pm, Wednesday to Sunday, the ships is closed to visitors Monday and Tuesday. Please be aware that adult visitors-over 18 years old, must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS Constitution.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

6th Gear: Fresh Affordable Dinner & Great Taps by Richard Campbell Hidden on the corner of East 4 and L Street is Sixth Gear, a small family restaurant that is easy to overlook, but offers value the big boys on Broadway donâ€™t. If your people have been complaining how expensive it is to eat out these days, this is the place to discover. Ten dollar specials from nachos, to full Cobb salads are standard sized pub fare good enough for two, and with the $22.00 sirloin being the highest priced menu item, you can actually have the second beer and an entrĂŠe, without breaking the bank. The clever steam punk bar is big enough to be alone, and small enough to own with a few friends. The bartenders know their stuff. Here mature people who know that Bud light is crap, can sidle up to real craft beers, namely my very favorite Western th

Mass BBC Belgian. Crisp with beautiful bronze color and nice finish, this is an original beer that every bar in Boston should carry. The burgers are made with grass fed beef, which to me is the way to go if you want to satisfy that cheddar burger nosh, they weigh in full at only $12.00. For people who like the lighter, vegetarian options they serve a nice caprese salad with pesto, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, a full Caesar salad veggie burger. On the large side, their fish and chips is $18.00 but it is a real South Boston portion. For the kids there is Hip Hop Nights, on the first Sunday of every month, and they have a brunch with things like Smores French Toast, chicken and waff le sandwiches, and the basic two eggs breakfast with hash browns and toast for $10.00, and all kinds of cocktails beyond mimosas.

South Boston Neighborhood House The House is Where the Heart Is

Benefit & Auction FRIDAY

APRIL 6 2 0 1 8

SEAPORT

WORLD TRADE CENTER

Harborview Ballroom

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

CATCH After School Program

The CATCH Program had another great week in the New Year. We started out the week with Monday Medic, a version of Dodgeball with a twist. Star of the game was Ava Healey, with her tactical and forceful moves. Many of our participants competed in the Flag Football League on Tuesday and Floor Hockey on Friday. On Wednesday we celebrated Evan Pierce’s 10th birthday with an ice cream cake and some fun activities. Our weekly Friday Bowling League in collaboration with the Ollie was a huge success. Aidan Colton was awarded a Target Gift Card for being the first participant to bowl a strike. Homework hard worker of the week was Paris Allen, who is always focused and determined during this time.

Teen Center

Our teen center is now opened Monday through Friday from 6-9 pm. We have a variety of activities for our teens to participate, including but not limited to board games/tournaments, trivia nights, Netflix/movie night. We are also equipped with a brand

Tynan Happenings 1 interception. Liam Colton had a great game for the Rams scoring 5 touchdowns. In the following game, the Cowboys defeated the Chiefs, by the score of 51-30. Ryan McGarrell had a strong game for the Cowboys, scoring 5 touchdowns and had 2 interceptions. Mullen Byrne lead the Chiefs, scoring 4 touchdowns and had 2 interceptions. Playoffs begin this week followed by the Championship. Good Luck to all teams.

Girls Fitness Team new PlayStation with online access. Stop in and use our chrome books for both educational and recreational purposes. We have been long awaiting our Teen Center and are excited to finally have this space!

Floor Hockey League

The BCYF Tynan Community Center Floor Hockey League will be starting on February 9th. Games will be played on Fridays. The past few weeks, the participants have done various drills, scrimmages and worked hard developing their skills. Star of the week was Liam

Cully Completes Internship at Tynan Community Center

Harry

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Cully of South boston and a junior at Boston Collegiate Charter School is among 74 high school juniors that tackled jobs across a range of organizations and industries this month as part of BCCS’ mandatory Junior Internship Program. The internships are designed to teach BCCS juniors real-world workplace skills with the goal of coming away with a better understanding of possible career choices and college majors. For BCCS students, 70 percent of whom will be the first in their families to attend college, the Junior Internship is an invaluable piece of the high school puzzle – and part of the reason that, since its first graduating class in 2004, 100 percent of BCCS students have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

Long who was outstanding in net. There are still slots available if anyone is interested, boys and girls ages 7-11. Contact Greg Lally for further details or stop by to register.

Flag Football

The 2017-18 regular season came to an end last week. In the first game, the Saints took a 42-34 halftime lead against the Rams. The Rams fought to come back but came up short. Saints took the victory by the score of 76-66. Rocco Blasi lead the Saints with 5 touchdowns and

Youth Worker, Katie O’ Connell, will be starting the BCYFTynan Girls’ Fitness program. Fitness Instructor, Amanda McCarthy, will be returning to conduct the (8) week program. Classes will be held on Monday nights, 6-7 pm at the Tynan Gym for girls ages 10 and over. Registration will be held on Monday, Feb. 5th and Wednesday, Feb. 7th from 3-8 pm. A $20 registration fee (in check or money order) will be applied at the time of registration. If interested or need further information, please contact Katie O’ Connell or Kathy Davis @ (617)-635-5110.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

2018 Science Fair at EXCEL

Luis Pires explains his long-term project re Vitamin C and plant metabolism.

by Rick Winterson

Last Thursday morning, January 25, South Boston’s EXCEL High School held its annual 2018 Science Fair. These Fairs are a national tradition, which have been held in the City of Boston for at least the last 70 years – since the close of World War II. They teach participating students (and often the judges, parents, and spectators) about what is commonly called the “Scientific Method”. And it is tremendously beneficial to the students who take part - beneficial in terms of their imaginations, their reasoning abilities, and the presentations of their experiments. There were some 70 science projects on display, involving an estimated total of 150 students – some of them worked in teams with two or three students collaborating. Since EXCEL High School has a student body of 530 students, that means that more one out of every four students at EXCEL took part in the 2018 Science Fair last Thursday, and they came from all four grade levels at EXCEL – 9th through 12th Grade. Running the 2017 Fair, while still teaching all these students, is the job of only seven EXCEL Science teachers. You can be sure those teachers put in a lot of extra time and effort ever since the beginning of January. Tracey Kimsey, the WorkBased Learning Coordinator at Excel High School, informed South Boston Online that 47 volunteers took part in the 2018 Science Fair. The Science Fair Judges spent Thursday morning listening to the young scientists’

presentations, and then grading them on score cards that had 17 categories. These cards included marks on the science itself, the projrct presentation, the analysis of data, and creativity/originality. Each scientific exhibit was judged several times. The Judges came from all over the South Boston community and as stated, they were all volunteers. Thank you for taking part, people! The 15 projects that got the highest scores last Thursday will now go on to Boston’s citywide Science Fair, which will be held on Saturday, March 3, at Northeastern University. After that, Science Fairs at the State and National levels will occur. The three projects that came in at the top in the EXCEL Science Fair are as follows: First Place: Luis Pires – Vitamin C as a GMO/ non-GMO growth factor Second Place: Rukia Nur – Effects of curcumin (a spice) on P. acnes Third Place: Man Van, Kiin Mohamed – Effect of tea leaves on plant growth Ten awards will also be made in various scientific categories, such as environmental, originality, documentation, and presentation. This writer was one of the Judges who reviewed Luis Pires’s First Place project. He’s an impressive young man, who has a real grasp of Scientific Method. The Scientific Method is a protocol that combines deep, objective thought with technical imagination to come up with an expected scientific outcome (a hypothesis). This is followed by a “real world” procedure (an experiment) that generates information (scientific or numeric data). This experiment must be able to be repeated by other scientists to be sure it is accurate. Then, the “reason why” (the conclusion) is determined. At this point, future scientific investigations are recommended, too. Congratulations are due to all of the 2018 Science Fair at EXCEL High School.

Nathan, Kyle, and Spencer research the effect on heart rate of 1-on-1 basketball.

The Science Fair Judges gather to prepare for the EXCEL Science Fair.

Thuc, Mai, and Nhu demonstrate their highly viscous, stretchable “Slime”.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

South Boston Catholic Academy News Thank you to Junior Achievement (JA) of Northern New England for their continued partnership with State Street and South Boston Catholic Academy. JA invests in youth today to empower them to strengthen our communities tomorrow. Through hands-on learning experiences delivered by State Street volunteers they are exposing students to different career paths and businesses, money management and how to start a business. Students are also taught critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills that theyâ€™ll carry with them to middle and high school and beyond. We are grateful to State Street and JA for bringing this program to South Boston Catholic Academy for 10 consecutive years. Students at South Boston Catholic Academy anxiously await the JA in a Day program each year, as do the State Street volunteers, some of whom have come back year after year. Thank you to all the volunteers at State Street. South Boston Catholic Academy is an academically rigorous, supportive Catholic Elementary School Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C). South Boston Catholic Academy is currently accepting applications for all classes PreK-Grade 6. We have Before School and After School Programs available and have small class size; high acceptance rate to Parochial, Private and Boston Exam Schools. For additional information about South Boston Catholic Academy, please visit our website at www.sbcatholicacademy.org or call 617-268-2326. We also, offer tours weekly on Tuesday at 9 a.m. or by appointment, to schedule a school tour, please email Mrs. Jamie Brown, Assistant Principal, at .

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Free Ice Skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond during February Vacation For the third consecutive year, the Highland Street Foundation will sponsor free ice skating on the Boston Common’s Frog Pond during February school vacation week, February 19-23. The free ice skating is part of a larger effort called Winter Camp, created to provide enrichment opportunities for children during the week when school is closed. “Based on feedback from many of our community partners, we understand that February break is one of the most challenging weeks to keep children active and engaged,” said Blake Jordan, Executive Director of the Highland Street Foundation. “The goal with free ice skating at the Frog Pond is to get kids outside, participating in a fun activity with friends, family and other members of the community.” Highland Street is working with

some of its key partners to enhance the skating experience. On Tuesday, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will be on site giving away 1,000 children’s books. Special guests will join in the fun throughout the week including some of our favorite sports mascots. On Wednesday, between 10:00 a.m.

and 3:00 p.m., Highland Street and the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department are teaming up to transform the Boston Common into a winter wonderland with an inflatable snow slide, toboggan tunnel, snow maze, snowshoeing lessons with Appalachian Mountain

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD South Boston

South Boston APAC · 424 West Broadway Wednesdays, 10 AM - 12 PM JANUARY 31 & FEBRUARY 28

Come meet with Boston Water and Sewer Commission staff in your

Neighborhood and learn why it’s important not to pour fats, oils or grease (FOG) down the sink or toilet. You can also pay your water bill with a check or money order, talk about billing or service problems, and more.

Cool it! Can it! Trash it!

Pour grease into a covered disposable container and put it into the trash.

Come meet our team!

Club, games, art and crafts. There will be complimentary hot chocolate, donuts and cookies for participants served throughout the week. Also, Highland Street will give away 1,000 items each day including winter hats, tee shirts and warm socks. In addition to the activities on the Boston Common, Highland Street is partnering with the Boston Public Library to expand its children and teen programming at all 24 neighborhood branches during the vacation week. For a detailed listing of events, visit www.bpl.org/calendar. Finally, Highland Street is working with a number of nonprofit organizations to provide fun and enriching field trip opportunities including cooking classes at the Boston Public Market; a performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Wheelock Family Theatre and The Cat in the Hat at Boston Children’s Theatre; an art tutorial at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and visits to Disney on Ice. The Highland Street Foundation has a strong focus on education and enrichment for children during out-ofschool time. This summer will mark the 10th year of Free Fun Fridays, which provides free admission to museums, zoos, and cultural institutions around the Commonwealth on Fridays during the summer. Last year, more than 172,000 people participated. Ice skating will be open to the public Monday, February 19 through Friday, February 23, 10:00 a.m. until 10:00p.m. To avoid long lines for ice skating, tickets for available time slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis each day at the Frog Pond starting at 10:00 a.m. Skate rentals, skating aids and lockers will also be free. For more information, please visit www.highlandstreet.org. About Highland Street Foundation Since 1989, the Highland Street Foundation has been committed to addressing the needs and concerns of children and families in Massachusetts. We direct our efforts to provide access and opportunities in the areas of education, housing, mentorship, health care, environment and the arts.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

South Boston Neighborhood House Team Ollie Our Team Ollie runners are training hard for the 2018 Boston Marathon! We are so excited to be a part of the John Hancock Nonprofit Marathon Program and to have this opportunity to raise money in support of what we do here at the Ollie! Help us reach our fundraising goal and donate today! #TogetherForward htt ps://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaig n/ southbostonneighborhoodhouseincboston2018

Children’s Winter Fest Returns to Boston Common February 21st Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be bringing the annual Children’s Winter Festival to Boston Common in partnership with the Highland Street Foundation during school vacation week on Wednesday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “The Children’s Winter Festival on Boston Common is a wellloved tradition in Boston, and we are pleased to bring it back again in 2018,” said Mayor Walsh. “We invite all children and families to come on down to the festival for a day filled with fun activities.” Among the attractions will the 45-foot-long Toboggan Tunnel mountainous adventure with twin roller lanes, the 30-foot-high inflatable Everest Climb N Slide, and the Snow Mazing maze. In addition, the Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring a week-long Winter Camp at the Boston Common Frog Pond with free skating and rentals for all ages from Monday, February 19, through Friday, February 23. For more information on the Winter Camp skating, please visit www.highlandstreet.org. The festival will also feature a DJ from Magic 106.7, an appearance by the L.L.Bean Bootmobile with their popular Boot Toss game, giveaways from “DreamWorks Animation Trolls: The Beat Goes On!” now airing on Netflix, and refreshments

from Sparkling Ice beverages and Power Crunch protein energy bars. In addition, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Outdoors Rx program will present activities including scavenger hunts and nature walks. Additional support is being provided by the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center and Cricket Wireless. For more information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505, visit www.cityofboston.gov/ parks or go towww.facebook. c om / bostonpa rk sdepa r t ment.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 THE PRINT EDITION

Open House Saturday February 3rd, 1-2pm

524 E Broadway #1 South Boston 1,115 sq.ft. Asking Price

$699,000 East Broadway 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with deeded parking in a gracious late Nineteenth-Century Brownstone building. Features include; a front facing Master Suite with private full private bath, generously sized second bedroom, full bath & ample closet space. An open, fully-equipped kitchen cascades into dining & living space and leads out onto a spacious private deck over-looking Boston's impressive skyline. Other highlights include: nine foot ceilings, deeded storage, cohesive, well-run condo association. Immaculate common areas. Professionally managed. Deeded Parking for one car. In addition, there are four condo association owned rental units that help defray common costs. The condo fee includes Heat and Hot water. The unit has been completely renovated over the last three months.

jackie@rooney-re.com • (617) 645-5370 “PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WITH RESULTS”