THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 54
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Civic Innovation Series Packs Seaport District Hall
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Breakfast is ON!
t wasn’t that the Annual 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast was really ever OFF, i.e., cancelled outright as in, “It won’t take place this year.” Of course, our state Senator Linda Dorcena Forry had unexpectedly resigned to accept an executive position in private industry with John Fish’s Suffolk Construction Company. And equally of course, she leaves behind her leadership as the 2017 Chair and Emcee of the Breakfast. But South Boston has many speakers, raconteurs, and people quick with a punch line. And we have even more politicians. At least a half-dozen names came immediately to mind when thinking of who could take Senator Linda’s place this year. However, that much has been settled. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch and Boston City Councilor-at-Large Michael
F. Flaherty have stepped up to preside over this year’s Breakfast. Steve has been South Boston’s Congressman since 2001; Michael, in two segments, has served as a City Councilor for 14 years. Steve is a respected speaker and narrator of stories. Michael, among his other talents, can carry a tune rather well – especially an Irish one. Do you recall his duets on various occasions with then state Senator Jack Hart? This year’s Breakfast will be a bit of the old, as well as something of the new. The Breakfast will be held once again in the Ironworkers Local 7 Hall on Sunday morning, March 18, right before the Parade steps off. As for something new, it will be the first time in South Boston Online’s memory that the Breakfast will be hosted by a two-man duo. Will it be a sort of tag-team match? Or what?
Katrina Milchman, Andra French, Jen Corcoran presenting at the Innovation Series Forum. By Richard Campbell
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his past Tuesday evening a packed meeting at District Hall in the Seaport featured a forum sponsored by Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center and Venture Café on the housing crisis in Boston. It was a rather spirited presentation by development representatives, housing planners, architects, and
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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
A Real Future Farmer’s Market
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he fledgling farmer’s market on West Broadway is a very nice start, but let’s face reality: it is time to grow and change. Before the start of spring, South Bostonians should mobilize to support the second stage of a South Boston Farmer’s Market, in preparation for a new future. When we consider the number of viable future locations in South Boston, with all the projects proposed in real estate and development, the choice initially looks too complex to make a simple healthy move. But why should we move the market to prepare for a better future? The big reasons for advocating this new beginning for a larger farmer’s market in a different location are pretty clear. First: the current market is too small to support more vendors that would provide increased choices for consumers. Secondly, the current location is in the middle of a smog fest created by car and bus traffic, and has only narrow egress to the sidewalk. This is a rather unhealthy place to park organic foods and marketable products.
More than a few times this writer has ducked away from patronizing the market because of the congestion. Third: even given some significant plantings and expanded encroachment on the adjacent parking lot, it simply isn’t an attractive enough location to expand and develop. The idea of a nicer location has been f loated a few times publicly as something “way down the road” when the market takes hold. The historical connection of farmer’s markets in urban areas located near parks with green grass, trees, and fresh air is the primary common sense reason for adopting the concept of a move. A simple move of the current vendors from West Broadway to the sidewalks fronting the Medal of Honor Park on East Broadway would create a fine family friendly setting for vendors to sell fresh fruits and vegetables. The residential neighborhood surrounding this park is dense with many residents who use the park regularly for recreation. The T access is basically the same, and despite No Change Minion objections, this is a no brainer.
More importantly, this is a relatively effortless way to set the stage for a future larger farmer’s market in South Boston that would leverage our ideal ship to shore location for receiving fresh foods from around the nation and the world. As readers of SBO are aware, the area beyond the Medal of Honor Park which houses the defunct Edison power plant is being planned as a public /private community. Its deadlines are closing in, as the planners have been seeking an identity to frame the project to South Boston. In the quest to seal the public confidence they moved in the right direction of advocating more open green space. Yes, indeed: the perfect place for a future farmer’s market! We understand that those plans are not yet directly tied to a South Boston Farmer’s Market, but humbly submit the time to consider such a use for green space is now. South Boston is perfectly poised in a number of areas for potential future market sites: from Washington Village to sites near Carson Beach, and the new village replacing the Mary Ellen McCormack, should the power plant concept not take hold. By allowing the f ledgling stalls we have to find a nicer location and expand a little, South Boston can demonstrate its potential for bringing a genuine market into fruition. This is something older South Bostonians and new residents alike should support. This kind of Public Market is often not done well for the average consumer in Boston. The over-priced market near Haymarket is not a genuine farmer’s market because the average citizen cannot afford to shop there regularly, and right now plans are being made to take what was left of Haymarket away from its location. Large Public Markets in cities like Seattle, Baltimore, and Cleveland have had a long history and dedicated following because citizens can afford them. This is what the
future South Boston should provide. For once we should take our working class values that are consistently given lip service, and turn them into a real plan. The intermediate step to gaining support for such a community resource is to engage the vendors with the prospect of creating a truly welcoming environment. The permitting for this small change surely cannot be so difficult to create. As the residents of the city were the ones who paid for the renovation of Medal of Honor Park, the sidewalks there are technically not any more sacrosanct than sidewalks on West Broadway. Market day reserved parking for their vans, would hardly exceed ten spaces. By moving the f ledgling market closer to the waterfront in an environment that is family friendly, South Boston would be demonstrating that it understands urban planning in dense communities. The vendors currently associated with the market will perhaps increase in numbers slightly, allowing them to be open for weekends, offer more variety, and give everyone an opportunity to get a feel for what the future might bring. Finally, the importance of seeking out this strategic move is to send a clear message to big developers about the need for access to more affordable high quality food, as they create more housing. We don’t need another over priced food court like Eataly at the Prudential. South Bostonians who understand this would create a focus for future green space will really like this idea. We implore them to contact their representatives to advocate for a cleaner, nicer, fresh air environment for our f ledgling market this season. This doesn’t take an act of Congress, but merely a little imagination, and public will to shape a neighborhood need for a better community based future in South Boston.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
State Rep. Dan Hunt Endorses Nick Collins for State Senate
Dorchester lawmaker praised Collins’ work at UMass-Boston, South Bay
State Representative Dan Hunt (D-Dorchester) has announced he is supporting fellow House member Nick Collins for the First Suffolk Senate seat. “Nick Collins has been a tremendous partner in government” said Rep Hunt. “I know he will do an outstanding job our as our next state senator representing Dorchester, Mattapan, South Boston and Hyde Park. He is the leader we need to deal with major questions about responsible, communityoriented development, substance abuse, and economic opportunity.” With adjacent districts, the lawmakers have partnered on many issues affecting residents across the city, including transportation, public safety, and economic development. Sharing the UMass-Boston campus, Hunt and Collins have worked side-by-side on a variety of issues at the campus, including the construction of new residence halls, student debt, transportation, and encouraging the university to responsibly and actively engage the community in any discussions about potential development of the Bayside Expo Center property. The two have also worked together on the ongoing development of the former Boston Globe site, channeling public input and vetting plans for development. Hunt and Collins also partnered on the South Bay development, working to ensure a responsible project that would
create permanent jobs for residents, affordable housing, and economic development for the area. Together they worked to secure liquor licenses from the state so that the area could be revitalized with restaurants and amenities. They also worked to ensure that local businesses were given opportunities at the redeveloped retail center. With busy Morrissey Boulevard linking their districts, the representatives have worked together with the city of Boston and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure that community concerns about transportation and traffic are heard. Additionally, both have been involved in talks about revitalizing JFK/ UMass Station on the Red Line, improving Kosciuszko Circle and surrounding roadways and restricting billboards in residential neighborhoods, among other projects. “It has been a pleasure to work with Rep. Hunt in the House, and I look forward to continuing our partnership as the next State Senator” said Rep. Collins. “I am humbled to receive his endorsement and his confidence to represent the people of Dorchester and the whole First Suffolk District.” “From Washington Village to Adams Village, the issues are largely the same,” Rep. Collins added. “Residents want healthy neighborhoods, good public transportation, housing they can afford, access to services and economic mobility. I’ve heard about these concerns in every corner of the district and I am ready to deliver results.” Added Hunt: “I am proud to endorse my friend and colleague Nick Collins for State Senate and I know that he is the only candidate with a community-driven plan and the experience necessary to address the needs of all residents in the First Suffolk District.”
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Six More Tryouts!
We have 6 workouts left for the St. Patrick’s day Boxing Show. Come on down to Peter Welch’s Gym, 371 Dochester Ave., and let us match you up for one of the most anticipated shows in recent years. We have 7 kids that have not been matched up. Tell your friends and family to come down, for the final workouts. Opponents needed boys ages 6 and up in the 40 lb class, 68 lb class, 90 lb class, 12 yr old 154 lbs. Opponents needed for girls ages 7 and up 40 lbs, 60 lbs and 90 lbs. (MORE INFO ON PAGE 11)
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch Campaign Co-Chairs:
City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essaibi-George City Councilor Frank Baker Hosts:
State Representative Dan Hunt City Councilor At-Large Michael F. Flaherty City Councilor Ed Flynn Hon. Maura Doyle, Suffolk County Supreme Judicial Court Clerk Hon. Michael Donovan, Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk Invite you to join
at his
Campaign Kickoff Event Thursday, March 1st 6:00 – 9:00pm
Florian Hall 55 Hallet Street, Dorchester
LIVE MUSIC BY CURRAGH’S FANCY Paid for and authorized by the Committee to Elect Nick Collins.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Jimmy Flaherty Kick-off Breakfast Set for Saturday SBCA President Thomas McGrath is pleased to announce that on this Saturday, March 3rd, at the Kick-off Breakfast, at Seapoint Restaurant at 9:30AM. The Henry Knox Award Presentation will take place. Family, Friends and Neighbors are respectfully invited to attend this wonderful event. A $10.00 donation is requested at door to help offset some of the costs. This year’s event will once again feature great music by Bob Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy. The Event Chairman will be Suffolk County Clerk of the Courts Michael Donovan, who has always supported the fight to preserve the historical importance of Evacuation Day. “As returning President of the Association, it is an honor for me to once again appoint Mike to kick off the festivities. His commitment and involvement with the SBCA and the entire community has been a tremendous asset to me and the Executive Board,” said McGrath Tom McGrath, President of the SBCA, said, “It is an honor to recognize these individuals who dedicate their time and energy to the South Boston Community. I hope the community will join me and others on Saturday, March 3rd, to honor these individuals.”Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.00. This event sells out annually so don’t get shut out! The awards are presented to everyday citizens involved in the community who seek no recognition, who are considered “Unsung Heroes”. This year’s Henry Knox Recipients are Lorraine Linehan, Jimmy Cahill, Sean Connor, Jennifer Zablocki Evans and Dianne Horne. From an early age Lorraine had an interest in organizing fundraising events and donating her time to community charitable causes. Lorraine believes in giving back to the community. There are a few nonprofit organizations that hold a special place in her heart. Lorraine feels privileged to serve on the board of the South Boston Specials Kids and Young Adults and enjoys spending time with the members and volunteers each week and during the yearly outings. The South Boston Neighborhood House (the Ollie) is another organization where Lorraine has donated much of her time over the years in support of their mission and commitment to
the South Boston Community. For years Lorraine participated on the decorating committee for the Laboure Center’s Annual Christmas House Tour. Lorraine is a proud committee member of the Stephanie Uftring Memorial Scholarship Foundation and a long- standing board member of the South Boston Irish American Society. Lorraine has been involved in the AVON Breast Cancer Walk for six years. As a survivor, she has a direct connection and has felt compelled to give back with a thankful heart. Lorraine never considers herself a single entity as she sits shoulder to shoulder with so many giving and selfless individuals. Above all she appreciates the support of family and friends; especially her husband John and son Timothy. Our next unsung hero is James “Jimmy” Cahill. Jimmy a true son of South Boston is one of nine children, has been married over 40 years to Maureen and has three children and four grandchildren. Jimmy is a retired Boston firefighter where he spent 28 years on the job serving the city of Boston. He has volunteered for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner since it was St Augustine’s then continued when it merged with St Monica’s .He has volunteered for anything; whether it was mashing potatoes, peeling carrots or washing dishes, he was there. Since the start of SB youth soccer he has volunteered and could be counted on as a great contributor to the annual banquet. He also is a team sponsor for the program .to this day he can be seen down the stadium watching his grandchildren play. For those of you who may not know, Jimmy is a traumatic brain injury survivor he still continues once a week to volunteer at the center at MGH to drive other TBI Clients and speech clinicians. He also can be seen at their annual cookout serving, cleaning or whatever it takes at the drop of a hat Jimmy has unofficially adopted many of the senior citizens around town as their chauffer as he will bring them to doctor’s appointments shopping or even stop in their home to do their banking. He also stops in Marion Manor weekly to visit. Not only helping them out but also becoming their friend.
And finally the title he cherishes moment is when she led the Gatey most is being called the Chief Girls High School Travel team to their greeter at the Shamrock Pub! first ever CYO state championship. Sean Connor has been involved Jen feels that many parent with South Boston Pop Warner since volunteers helped her while she its inception and has coached at various was growing up in South Boston levels for a decade. But it’s Sean’s and she felt a need to do the work over the past ten years which same for the next generation. sets him apart. He has taken on the Dianne M Horne, the daughter responsibility of coaching the F team of Stan and Jeanette Greeley and sister (5 and 6 year olds), where you need the to Bobby, Stan and Paul is a lifelong patience of a saint, it is the youngest of resident of South Boston who has the program’s teams. Thanks to Sean always had time for her community and his infinite patience, hundreds of while raising her 5 children, Randy, kids have learned the basics of a very Janet, Valerie, Greg and Tiffany with difficult game. Current and former her husband Ed. She has 9 wonderful players and parents all agree that Sean’s grandchildren and a great grandson. demeanor and approach to teaching Dianne for years has volunteered while still making sure the kids are at the bingos on Thursday & Saturday having fun are the reasons they show Nights and Sunday afternoons for up week after week and year after the parishes of St Vincent, St Peter & year. He has selflessly given his time Paul, & Our Lady of Good Voyage. to share his knowledge of the game he Along with running the parishes loves with generations of new football bingos, Dianne taught Religious players. Sean himself played high Education classes at St Vincent’s and school ball at Don Bosco and went continues to so at St Monica’s. Dianne to on to play at Bridgewater State. still continues her work working Sean also coached baseball with the South Boston Seaport for South Boston Little League Catholic Collaborative volunteering for a number of seasons. Sean is a at St. Monica’s food pantry along father of three Nolan (15), Conlan with organizing and distributing (14), and Ella (12). The South Thanksgiving dinners to families Boston Community thanks Sean in the parish and volunteering at for his commitment and thanks his St Monica’s annual Thanksgiving kids for sharing their dad with us! dinner to feed the less fortunate. Jennifer Zablocki Evans was born She took over running the and raised in Andrew Square where Christmas store at St Vincents after she stills resides with her husband John sister Kate Panetta retired many and three daughters Allison, Katelyn years ago which helps many South and Charlene. Jen cares deeply about Boston families have a few extra her neighborhood and is proud to call gifts under the Christmas Tree. South Boston her home. She is an Dianne also has been active member of the Andrew Square involved in the South Boston Civic Association and volunteered for soccer league organizing the teams many years as the treasurer on the St and writes the weekly articles. Mary’s School Parent Council but her She also enjoys her work passion is sports and being involved with the elderly in the South with the youth of South Boston. Boston BHA elderly buildings. Over the past fifteen years Jen has Tom McGrath, President of been a volunteer coach for the South the SBCA, said “It is an honor to Boston Youth Soccer League, the recognize these individuals who South Boston Girls Softball League, St dedicate their time and energy to the Brigid’s Girls Basketball House League South Boston Community. I hope and both the Gate of Heaven Girls the community will join me and House and Travel Basketball Leagues. others this Saturday March 3rd, to Her proudest moment is when honor these individuals.”Tickets can she led the Gatey Girls High School be purchased at the door for $10.00 Travel team to their first ever CYO or by contacting Tom McGrath at state championship. She also helped tmcgrath1963sb@gmail.com with the South Boston Girls Lacrosse League on the sidelines as both the score and time keeper. Her proudest
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
Before – After: Sully’s Sets Record
Mayor Visits Red Hat
by Rick Winterson There are many, many South Boston traditions. Some of them extend over several generations, like Sullivan’s, which opened its season for the 67th year last Saturday, February 24. The first couple of photos show Sullivan’s before and after the short snowstorm late in February – the second shows Opening Day. And something of a record was set last Saturday as well. The line into Sully’s extended from its front entrance all the way out to and along the walkway at the edge of Pleasure Bay – the longest anyone had ever seen it. Several patient individuals commented, “I’ve never seen the line to Sully’s this long before.” The wait was an estimated 50 minutes. Oh well, Sully’s hot dogs and double cheeseburgers – this writer’s favorite – are well worth the wait. With Sully’s now open and the Kickoff Breakfast this coming Saturday, March 3, South Boston’s “Season” is well and truly underway!
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Last week, Mayor Walsh visited Red Hat in Fort Point (300 A Street, South Boston). He congratulated the assembled students, who had been taking
STEM seminars there, and then delivered remarks about his own ambitions and the need he had to complete his college education. Red Hat in South Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood houses an Executive Briefing Facility, Engineering Labs, and an Open Innovation Center. Red Hat has been working with the Boston Public School system to bring projects focusing on STEM subjects to interested students. The Red Hat project currently in hand deals with “flexible fabric lighting”.
Sullivan’s sits alone in the parking lot after the late February snowfall.
It’s that time of year again!! Please Join Us The South Boston Citizens’ Association “The Nation’s Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization”
Thomas E. McGrath, President
2018 Evacuation Day Events A record-breaking, 50-minute line extends out to Pleasure Bay.
21+ Bowl-A-Rama
Where: South Boston Bowl
East Broadway, South Boston, MA
When: Sunday, March 4th, 2018, 1-4 PM FREE BOWLING, REFRESHMENTS, AND FUN MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND
Sponsored by
SOUTH BOSTON BOWL
State Representative Nick Collins , Rich Devoe Andrea Flaherty, Cheryl Joyce, Joyce Higgins, Pauline Bare Chairpersons Sullivan’s is surrounded last Saturday, February 24 – Opening Day!
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
A Partnership at Perkins by Rick Winterson Partnerships have always been important. In fact, many scholars claim that partnerships – sometimes just people working side-by-side on various jobs – are a significant reason the human race has progressed so far. Tuesday morning, February 27, saw a partnership successfully at work in South Boston – a partnership that resulted in the very first “Morning Mile” in the City of Boston taking place here in South Boston. The first “Morning Mile” partnership had three members: ASICS, one of these partners, is a global corporation. The brand is noted for its design and craftsmanship in high-performance sports equipment and footwear. The ASICS brand just opened its new Creation Studio at 125 Summer Street, across Dewey Square from South station in the heart of the City. Gene McCarthy, the CEO of ASICS America, recently stated, “… we are incredibly proud (to be) located in Downtown
Perkins School guests Lolo Jones and Jordan Burroughs (both are U.S. Olympic athletes) get set to lead the very first “Morning Mile”. Boston.” ASICS was officially welcomed to Boston last Tuesday at mid-day by Mayor Marty Walsh. ASICS is determined to make a positive impact on Boston, so it has partnered with PHIT America. Jim Baugh is the Founder of PHIT America, which is both a campaign and a cause to increase
physical activity throughout the U.S. PHIT is an acronym for “Personal Health Investment Today”. With financial assistance from ASICS, a PHIT America GO! Grant has come to Boston’s Public Schools The third member of the first “Morning Mile” partnership is the Michael J. Perkins Elementary School
at 50 Rev. Burke Street here in South Boston. Last Tuesday morning, the Perkins student body, led by Principal Craig Martin, took part in Boston’s very first “Morning Mile”. Some 200 students walked and ran around the track in the Perkins schoolyard. Nine times around this track equals one mile – the very first “Morning Mile” in the City. Two U.S. Olympic athletes provided a (very) special attraction. Lolo Jones is a three-time Olympian – a bobsledder and World Champion track athlete. Jordan Burroughs is a World Champion wrestler, who won Olympic Gold in 2012. They ran the very first “Morning Mile” with the students at the Perkins School, and then took part in the opening of the ASICS Creation Lab on Summer Street. All in all, it was quite a morning. And watch for the benefits of the “Morning Mile” in the City’s school system. The ASICS/PHIT America program is scheduled to expand into nine other Boston schools.
Principal Martin gets the Perkins School student body for the City of Boston’s very first “Morning Mile” last Tuesday.
Jim Baugh, the Founder of PHIT America, speaks to the Perkins School’s students about how physical fitness helps learning.
Perkins School Principal Craig Martin with U.S. Olympic athletes Lolo Jones (track, bobsled) and Jordan Burroughs (wrestling).
“… and they’re off !” Nine times around the track in the Perkins schoolyard equals one, very first “Morning Mile”.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
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Civic Innovation Series Packs Seaport District Hall continued from page 1 Presenters touched on the the real estate building boom in the Seaport, the effects of student housing on renters in high profile Boston area neighborhoods, and the extremely hot market in South Boston. As moderator Bianca Sigh Ward made clear, the major issue for families wishing to stay in the city is the high cost of rents or purchasing a home. Basically, the consensus is that Boston is forcing families with children to leave our neighborhoods, by not addressing the issue of affordable housing. Other more complex issues like the transportation infrastructure, the cost of developing new housing, and seniors being priced out of the city were broached. Almost all presenters suggested that as ever more high tech ventures land young high salaried employees to Boston every month, the increased income disparity between more modest income native Bostonians and the educated corporate elite is causing a kind of economic polarization. The series kicked off with Karina Milchman, Chief Housing Planner for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council MAPC, giving an in-depth view of the housing market in the Boston area, which inevitably focused upon the shortage of affordable housing, the high cost of development, and the disparity between data and the perceptions of residents. All of these elements combined, she expressed, are causing barriers to average citizens to maintain a foothold in our traditional neighborhoods. Ms. Michman’s presentation sped through thorny issues like the increased cost burden for middle class families, to Boston’s migration imbalance compared to other cities, and the shortage of housing density in the surrounding suburbs. Perhaps at the center of the market variances surrounding Boston are towns that refuse to submit to rezoning to to take pressure off Boston’s neighborhoods. As everyone who has lived in our neighborhood knows without seeing the stats, things have been tipping towards
Besides serious issues there was time for participants to compare notes and have refreshments. gentrification for some time in South Boston. But after seeing the mind blowing statistics on screen after screen, the words housing crisis no longer seemed like hyperbole. Marcy Ostberg, the Director of the Mayor’s Housing Innovation Lab came prepared with a few stop gap solutions in the way housing is planned in order to find ways to create more space for families and individuals, despite the market pressures in the city. Largely focused upon planned communities of compact housing, shared dwellings, and modified zoning for housing combined with public assets. While some of her solutions were practical, others seemed in the category of extremely compromised space for the average city dweller. The generational communities reminded me of extended college campuses that seemed rather European and utopian. Anda French, principal of French 2D, an architectural firm, brought focus to the often difficult role architects’ play in trying to bridge the gap between what developer clients want and other stakeholders in the neighborhoods want. Anyone who has attended sometimes acrimonious development meetings in South Boston can attest to the position conflicting community requests can put on developing private housing structures. Her presentation on
co-housing and micro-housing experimental projects ongoing in Boston suggested that in a city where many dwellers are not families but individuals, some of the smaller solutions could provide affordability. Jen Corcoran of Corcoran Jennison in Charlestown appeared to offer more of the view of commercial market based development solutions. The company she works for is reportedly responsible for over 3.5 billion in real estate development since 1971. Perhaps known best for their recent development work at Emmanuel College to bring Merck Research Center on campus, the company has also had a large
portfolio of residential work in New England. Her frank assessment of the meteoric prices in Charlestown and South Boston where mixed with a kind of pride of accomplishments in the community. This was tinged with a desire to see communities be restored through public / private partnerships to help sustain families. She proposed an example of different levels of union construction labor prices to match particular types of housing to make development costs more affordable, but it was pretty clear that the cost of labor in building will conintue to drive the inflated market prices. It would be hard to describe the level of detail in the Q&A sessions at the close, but this event certainly raised a lot issues.
Audience members had an opportunity to pose questions to panelists.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice!
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Who Cuts the Barber’s Hair? by Rick Winterson
These are age-old question: Who resoles the cobbler’s shoes, who extracts the dentist’s teeth, and of course, who cuts the barber’s hair? Well, South Boston Online has an answer. Ottavio Lo Grasso has cut hair for more than 40 years, in his landmark barber shop at 472 West Broadway in Perkins Square. Ottavio, seated in his own barber chair, invited Carmelo Zammitto to do the honors. Carmelo is an Industrial Designer, who creates high-quality tools and implements, including barber scissors. .
The South Boston Neighborhood House School Age program had a bake sale to fundraise for their field trips during school vacation week. The School Age staff helped the kids bake the goods themselves. They set up shop out in front on East Savings Bank on Broadway around noon in anticipation of good foot traffic. The treats were sold for $1 a piece and the sale was very successful. The kids were proud of their efforts and were rewards with some fun activities this vacation week.
Best Wishes for a Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year from your friends at City of Boston Credit Union Boston City Hall | Canton | Dorchester | South Boston | West Roxbury (617) 635-4545 | cityofbostoncu.com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Buying A Digital Camera: Almost Everything You Need to Know By Richard Campbell
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s a photographer who started shooting film over twenty years ago, who graduated into digital as soon as it became available, processed images professionally, and has sold photography equipment: let me tell you that buying a digital camera is not so simple. The important thing is to feel comfortable with the camera so using it becomes second nature. You should buy a camera from a camera store, not a big box retailer- the prices are about the same, but camera store people know the business. The kind of camera you choose should be suited to the kinds of pictures you will take. There are so many models it can be confusing. So think to yourself first, are you a landscape / art photographer, a street photographer, a personal portrait photographer, a Photoshop guru, sports photographer, or someone who merely wants great pictures of your family? It is good to decide upon the kinds of pictures you take, because some cameras have limitations that fit only certain kinds of photography. Perhaps the crucible in event photography is shooting weddings. Wedding photographers need the best cameras, fastest lenses, best flashes, light modifiers- and a horde of experienced shooters and editors to do the work. Ironically, the average family event is often as technically challenging as shooting a wedding. The reason is that at many party events, the photographer has to work in low light, limited space, and fast changing situations. The truth is very few people want to buy a camera that only does well on sunny days outside, but a lot of cheap cameras don’t do much more than that. The secret is to evaluate how well the camera / lens combination handles light. Many point and shoot cameras have one lens that can’t be removed, so when you buy that kind of camera, you want to get the best lens in that class-one that lets in the most light. Basically, the larger the aperture on a lens, the “faster” the lens and more light it lets in. F-stops run in a sequence from largest aperture to the smallest. In sequence they run thus: f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22. Each F-stop up cuts the light that is let in through the lens by half. The smaller the aperture, the greater depth of field you can achieve- i.e. the abil-
ity to maintain sharpness from the closest object to the furthest away. Most DSLR’s (digital single lens reflex camera) will have detachable lenses that show all these f-stops on the barrel of the lens- allowing you to shoot wide open, (good for portraits up close) or all the way stopped down to capture detailed landscapes. The other way to control light values of the image is by the shutter speed, which controls the amount of time the light hits the digital sensor. They also run in a sequence which lets in roughly half the amount of light starting from the lowest shutter speed to going to the fastest shutter speed. From: 1/15, (one fifteenth of a second) to 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000. Basically you need faster shutter speeds to cover action- and unless you use a tripod you don’t want to go below 1/60th. These two sets of numbers (shutter speeds and apertures) work in tandem to allow you to achieve an ideal exposure. The final aspect in the light equation is the sensitivity of the chip on your camera, which is regulated by the camera’s sensitivity to light rated by its available ISO- a standard originally set by film sensitivity. Technically the standard low ISO is 100, which produces very good images in bright light that are sharp and crisp. But when shooting darker scenes, (or fast action) you may need an ISO of 400 to 1,000 so the chip is more sensitive to receiving light. Depending upon the camera model, some chips handle the higher ISO speeds very well, other will deliver grainier images shooting at high ISO speeds. This is often referred to as “noise”. Roughly described an ideal exposure is one that reveals enough detail in the image including various levels of lightness and darkness appropriate for the subject. Sophisticated cameras offer more control over all these options, where many point and shoots make the decisions for you, and usually have a truncated selection of settings. The ability to change light settings on any camera manually is very important- and you should only buy a camera that gives you this ability. In the area of lenses, zoom lenses offer you the ability to capture images of subjects up closer and further away with more flexibility than “fixed” focal length lenses. Fixed focal length lenses, (also called primes), have fewer elements and offer increased sharpness and usually wider apertures. Point and shoots are famous for offering su-
per zooms- which are great for sports events from the stands, but beware of promises. The “kit” zoom lenses sold in most DSLR packages are a bit slow, but they offer an affordable way to get into shooting in a variety of situations. The beauty of modern programmed cameras is that engineers have figured out all kinds of ways to make exposure decisions for you in most “normal” circumstances. The danger of this is it allows one to get decent shots automatically in many circumstances, but then comes to tricky situations, you need to make adjustments. All of these considerations impact the level of camera you choose, and the budget you have to make the purchase. The more capabilities a camera / lens has, generally speaking, the higher the cost. Practically speaking if you are interested in buying a really decent camera with a lens you are looking at least $500.00 to $800.00. It is possible to get older model deals for less, but be careful. After considering shooting conditions, you want to have a clear idea of how big you want to reproduce your pictures in print. Most 16 mega pixel point and shoots will give you great 4X5 images- but don’t expect to be wowed by the 8X10 prints. Mega pixels confuse people a lot. 24 mega pixels is a good standard for decent prints, with but the size of the chip is also part of this issue. There are basically three popular sizes of chips, from largest to smallest they are: Full Frame (36 X 24mm) APS-C sized (23.6 X 15mm) and Four Thirds system (17.3 X 13mm). Basically, if you want to print at a relatively large size (8X10) you should choose a camera from the first two chip sizes on the list. Full frame professional cameras offer more pixels, greater sensitivity, better auto focus, and features that make a significant difference when you want to make larger prints. But remember that full frame cameras and their lenses are much more expensive, (try $2,500.00 for an average) and because they create large files, they are the domain of professionals who edit in Photoshop or Light Room. In truth, the APS-C model is more than adequate for most photographers, and many models of this size chip create very high quality images. The lenses for them are about half the price of full frame lenses, and some of these cameras have pro-like features. Look for lenses with vibration reduction on them, especially in the zoom category.
If you are shopping for an inexpensive camera to take family pictures in low light situations- it means that you want a point and shoot that has a “fast” lens. So, you might see that a well built super zoom point and shoot camera like the 12-megapixel Canon Power Shot 15 that has a maximum aperture of 1.4 (very fast) costs about $550.00 with the lens included. Then you might see a deal on a point and shoot, at $350.00 that has about the same mega pixels and chip size, but look carefully and you might discover that its lens has a disappointing lens aperture of f4. The difference between the Canon’s lens at 1.4 and the bargain is basically three stops faster. You will thank yourself at every party and dance for choosing the faster lens and better camera. Look at all the specs first. The advantage of having interchangeable lenses and through the viewfinder shooting is that it takes you one step closer to professional methods of shooting, and this is the chief reason to step up from the point and shoot models to a DSLR. A note on the big two camera manufacturers: Canon and Nikon both have models in the low end DSLR market not worthy of purchasing, and great deals in the middle and high end of cameras that you will absolutely love. If the bargain DSLR feels like a toy, it probably is one. DSLR’s should feel really solid in the hand, capable of taking larger lenses. Choosing the system is as much a matter of personal taste, as it is what you want to spend. Years ago Canon had faster auto-focus and better chips that made it the dream system of sports photographers, and then Nikon caught up. Nikonistas will swear by the true values of the way their lenses reproduce colors, over the Canonistas who are often wedding photographers and appreciate the creamy color coatings of lenses. I personally have found the “menus” in most DSLR cameras by Nikon to be better designed, and the ergonomics of Canon’s point and shoots to be superior to the Nikon ones. The most important thing is to get your hands on the camera to see how it works for you. The best source for reviews on the internet hands down is DP Review- the reviews are remarkably well done and reliable. Remember one thing: it isn’t the camera that makes the biggest difference, but the person standing behind it.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
by Rick Winterson
CPA Forum at Tierney Center
First, a brief backstory: “CPA” stands for “Community Preservation Act”, an act that the Massachusetts state legislature passed in 2000, seventeen years ago. Brief ly stated, this involved levying a 2% surcharge on existing property taxes, which would then be earmarked for funding preservation projects. “Community Preservation” was loosely defined; it included three general types of project – 1.Historic, 2.- Parks & Open Space, and 3.- Affordable Housing. In the following year, 2001, the CPA’s 2% levy failed to pass in Boston. Fifteen years later in 2016, with the CPA surcharge being cut in half to 1%, the preservation levy passed, garnering an impressive 74% of the vote. As of now, Boston’s surcharge generated $20 million ($20,000,000) in preservation funds for the same three objectives already mentioned above. The average Boston homeowner will pay $25 added property tax, raising $18 million in preservation funds; the Commonwealth will match 10% of this, raising the total to $20 million. End of backstory. Thursday evening, February 22, Christine Poff, Boston’s Director of Community Preservation, presented a Community Preservation Forum at the Tierney Learning Center in Old Colony/Ann Lynch Housing. The meeting was hosted by District Two City Councilor Ed Flynn and Donna Brown of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (the SBNDC). A Community Preservation Committee is now being appointed. Governed by Massachusetts law and City of Boston ordinance, this Committee will develop an annual plan and a yearly budget. Based upon these, the Committee will then review all preservation proposals and make funding
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Christine Poff, Community Preservation Director, explains CPA’s operations, as District Two City Councilor Ed Flynn looks on. recommendations. Members are drawn from the Landmarks Commission, the Boston Planning and Development Agency, the Boston Housing Authority, and the Conservation Commission, along with four at-large members appointed by the City Council. A 10% minimum of the preservation funds must be spent in each of the three overall target categories – Historic, Open/ Green Space, and Affordable Housing. Provided that proposals meet all CPA guidelines, they can be submitted by public or private entities, and profit or non-profit organizations. New capital projects are eligible for preservation funds, as are outright purchases of existing land and buildings. A CPA Plan to implement the above requirements is being drafted now, which will be transparent and will “improve and enrich the quality of life in Boston”. Eight priorities were listed to support this plan, many of which would insure a balanced and fair distribution of funds across and around the City. The timing for 2018 aims at spring and fall funding rounds, with first grants being made this summer. Please note that community input is essential. You should talk CPA up in your neighborhoods. Log onto ; join the CPA Newsletter list. At the end of the Forum presented by Director Poff, she asked for comments and
questions. There were several statements form audience members about the “cost of everything”, even though the City’s cost of living was really not the basic topic of the CPA
Forum. The focus of the meeting was brought back to what we’ll call “the amenities” of living in our City. One suggestion was a “walking park” designed for the elderly. In a brief talk with Community Preservation Director Poff, she said that the historic preservation of the St. Augustine Chapel and Cemetery (see South Boston Online’s December 28, 2017, issue) could be an ideal Community Preservation project. Perhaps the topper came when the question of how to use CPA funds was put to the teen-agers in attendance at the Tierney Center. They replied in one voice, “We need trash barrels in our green spaces”. Adults, including those involved in community preservation, please take note.
Boxing Show Tryouts Tryouts will be held TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS at 7:30 p.m. SATURDAYS at 1 p.m. SUNDAYS at 12 p.m. Peter Welch’s Gym, 371 Dorchester Ave. South Boston A ll tryouts and training are FR EE to every young man or lady participating in this year’s show. A ll boxers will be matched by age, weight, and experience and must report to the Peter Welch’s Gym with a mouth-guard, shorts and sneakers…
L-R Aidan Colton - Red Shirt 70 pounds Finn Meany - Blue Shirt 70 pounds
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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SBAA Presents “The Art of the Arts”
Janice and Glenn Williams present “The Art of the Arts” to the SBAA.
by Rick Winterson
O
n a February Saturday morning, the SBAA (the South Boston Arts Association) held its regular monthly meeting. At each of these monthly meetings, the SBAA presents varied
artists, who give informal lectures and demonstrations of their media and the techniques they use in creating art. Two artists were featured at the Saturday meeting – Janice and Glenn Williams. Both Janice and Glenn execute abstract paintings, which are very well crafted, and most striking of all, are extremely colorful. In addition to exhibiting several of their paintings, the Williamses gave an informal talk on how to sell works of studio art, which include paintings, of course. Janice and Glenn entitled their talk “The Art of the Arts”. It was a very useful summary of salesmanship of works of art, useful as well as in selling crafts and custom-ordered creations like portraits. Janice and Glenn divided their presentation into six sub-sections for the sake of clarity. As you can imagine,
the use of modern media was key to their recommendations, starting with the use of websites. These days, an artist must have his or her own website. The Williamses listed eight online websites of interest as well – Etsy, UGALLERY, artnet, saatchiart, fineartamerica, amazon, Ebay, and artpal. Recommended social media included the usuals – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Exhibits, fairs/festivals, and competitions followed. While galleries are useful, they charge large commissions. Don’t neglect open studios, local street fairs, libraries, and even the walls of Boston City Hall. Look up artfaircalendar.com and thebostonartsfestival.com. The Boston Arts Festival is September 8-9 this year. For competitions, log onto art-competition.net and callforentry.org. As there is in every list, the Williamses put in a “miscellaneous” category – MA Cultural Council,
New England Foundation for the Arts, bostonartreview.com, and artweek.com. The main idea is to give your works of art high visibility, of course. On the personal side, watch “It’s All About Arts” on cable TV (Channel 9, Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m.). Listen to “Beyond the Palette” on radio at WBCA 102.9FM. Log onto artstudio99 and lowbudgetrecords.com. The presentation by Glenn and Janice was complete and very informative. The works of art Janice and Glenn showed at the SBAA meeting were abstract and colorful, as mentioned. South Boston Online’s favorites were a detailed abstract by Janice, made up of small geometrical shapes in royal blue, dark pink, and orange. The other notable work, by Glenn, consisted of drips and irregular lines painted on a yellow/ orange ground, resembling (to an extent) Jackson Pollock’s singular technique, but more in line with Joan Miro’s signature way of creating his paintings. It was an excellent SBAA meeting.
A delicately wrought abstract by Janice Williams fascinates with its details
Layers of tree-like forms by Janice Williams. Are the layers the seasons?
A sea-going sun, by Glenn Williams, done with a straight-edged tool.
An abstract by Glenn Williams evokes Joan Miro, touched by Jackson Pollock.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
Floral Market Opens Jennifer Allen-Coughlan, with help from her family, friends, City Councilor Ed Flynn, and Mayor Marty Walsh, cuts the ribbon in her new award-winning shop she calls Market Floral Studio. In a “Best of the Town” mention in the Globe, Jennifer said she creates “always interesting arrangements”
using “simple flowers with a foraged twist”. Her workshops and her array of locally created gifts deserve a careful, tasteful look as well. Stop in at 661 East Broadway (marketfloralstudio.com). Jennifer is also the great-great-granddaughter of Benny Drohan, the composer of “Southie Is My Home Town”.
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Free/Low Cost College Courses at Condon CC
Informational Meeting Thursday, March 1, 6pm The BCYF Condon Community Center, 200 D Street, South Boston is happy to announce a new, exciting academic collaboration. ALL are welcome to the “Urban College
of Boston Informational Session”, tonight Thursday, March 1, 6pm at the Condon Cafeteria. A representative from the Urban College will be on hand to discuss all aspects regarding registration, course options, dates and times. To qualify for these classes you will need your high school/GED diploma. Course offerings beginning in April will be “Child Growth & Development” and “Intro to Psychology”. Classes will be held on site right at the Condon! Earn credits close to home. Please call (617)635-5100 for more details. Please spread the word about this great opportunity for all ages.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
SBCA News We had such a blast during our February vacation week STEAM camp! Check out our future engineers and scientists chiseling for dinosaur fossils, programming electronics, creating architectural blueprints, building replicas, and designing a set for our very own performances! 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: j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org.
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
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
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February School Vacation week @ the BCYF TYNAN
uring the week of February School Vacation, the Teen Center was well utilized and we were pleased to see on any given day between 20-30 teens hanging out and having fun. The teens kept busy, enjoying themselves with all sorts of activities i.e. playing video games, card games, board games, as well as watching movies on Netf lix. They were also treated to pizza and chicken fingers on Wednesday, thanks to the Tynan Council. It was a pleasure for Al Smith, Youth Worker, to interact and get to know the teens better. Highlights of the week were Bella Thomas and Lilly Austin beating Al and Katie in NBA2K18. The youth had a chance to visit Fenway Park Batting Cage
and catch up on their hitting skills. All the kids did a great job hitting, as they prepare themselves for the upcoming Little League season. Hard workers were Evan Pierce, Eric
Manning, Thomas Gillis, Derek Austin, and Tommy Brooks. The two top teams squared off in the championship game. Both teams played hard, as they exchanged goals, for a high scoring game. Jerry O’Neil’s
team would be too much for Sam Flood’s team and they would pull out the win. On the winning team were Jerry O’Neil, Jonathan McCarthy, John Jankoskie, and Wence Otieno. On Friday February 23 rd , some of the kids got a chance to watch two of the top teams in all of college hockey play against each other. BU would win the game against Vermont 2-0 in what was an exciting game. It was even more special to go to the game because the kids got to watch southie’s own Liam Coughlin who plays for Vermont. Kids who went were Ryan Alexander, Joe DiBlasi, Nolan Young, Sam Flood, Liam Long, Mario Blasi, Roco Blasi, Ryan Mcgarrell, and Terry Marcos. Special thanks to Ryan Long for helping out as well.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018
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