THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 18
It’s Officially SouthBoston’s Joseph “Dodo” Nee Collaborative Center by Rick Winterson
S
outh Boston Online will begin this story with its ending first – not recommended journalistic practice, of course, but essential in this case. The news – the good news – is that South Boston’s Collaborative Center, which has done so much to help those suffering from addiction and substance abuse, has been officially named for Joseph “Dodo” Nee, a founder and key supporter of that organization. The sign rededicating the Collaborative to him now proudly hangs over the walkway leading up to its facility at 1226A Columbia Road (see photo). Look for it the next time you’re in the neighborhood.
in 1997, in response to a wave of teenaged suicides. These suicides were drug-related, so a center for counseling, getting medical referrals, and providing a just plain “get-off-the-streets” refuge was set up, originally on Rev. Burke Street in Old Colony (now Anne Lynch Homes). Among the many who served with the early Collaborative were Mayor Marty Walsh, then Mayor Tom Menino, Jon Cronin, Cathe Walsh, Michael Kineavy, Peter Welch, Bobby Sances and Darlene Sheehan. These “angels”, along with many, many others, were chaired and led for a decade by Collaborative President Joseph “Dodo” Nee.
The sign designating it as Joseph “Dodo” Nee’s brainchild has just been hung at 1226A Columbia Road
Thompson Island Outward Bound: School on the Ocean By Richard Campbell
A celebration of Dodo’s life took place last Tuesday evening, June 6, at the Convention Center’s Lawn on D. It was a warm,
The Collaborative was founded an even ten years ago
Continued on page 3
A
s a follow up to South Boston Online coverage of programs offered by Thompson Island Outward Bound, this writer went out on the sunny Thursday this past week to see operations up close and personal with the island staff.
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A little background for readers in order. From its early beginnings in 1626, before the establishment of Boston, the island in the Boston Harbor that bears his name, was “established” by a Scottish gentleman, David Thompson as a trading post for furs and fish. Continued on page 10
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Real Stories Not Getting Covered Today by Press
Ray Flynn is the former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican After attending my granddaughter’s school play, “High School Musical” at South Middle School in Braintree the other day, one of the young students mother’s came up to me and said, “Mr. Mayor, how did you like the show? Weren’t the kids great? They really practiced a long time and worked hard.” That prompted me to walk over to the front of the stage to tell the producer, one of the teachers and a couple of the students how much we all enjoyed the performance. Observing the look of
pride on the faces of the children’s parents faces made my day. Ok, I know it wasn’t exactly a Broadway production of My Fair Lady so I won’t get carried away. But for many of Americans who were riveted to their TV’s watching the FBI Director JAMES Comey Congressional hearing and the endless unenlightening media responses, the children’s show was certainly a refreshing break from all the acrimony and bitter political rhetoric we had to endure the past few days coming out of Washington. But when I got outside the school seeing all the smiling and happy faces of the children and proud parents, I couldn’t help thinking about all the good that is taking place in our country that we never hear about. Average parents working hard to bring up their children and help give them a healthy and bright future. I looked around and saw a few other old timers taking photo’s with their grandchildren and I thought that they probably were thinking the same thing I was. But just than, a retired Boston Public School teacher who I used to play baseball against in high school came up to me and said, “Hi Ray, great show huh? I
heard you on WRKO radio with Bill Kelly this morning. Listening to you telling us about your Codman Square Neighborhood meeting recently was fascinating. I grew up in Dorchester, so I knew exactly what you were talking about. You and Kelly are great. Most of the problems we had back than were about families not having much money. Today, the concerns are mostly about drugs and violence. What you had to say, really hit home with me. The solution to the problem in America today is in bringing families together. Just like you tried to do back then.” I wish that more people could hear your stories about how courageous and determined people came together in Dorchester and other neighborhoods, in a period of racial, economic and social challenge. But unfortunately the media is out of touch and left wing Hollywood elites today are far more interested in phony political scandals than hearing facts about the many wonderful hard working young students and families we see all the time in our own neighborhoods. But my weekend was not yet over, after coaching Special Needs children in the Teamsters Local 25 Challenge Baseball
League in Braintree, we attend the 50 th anniversary Mass and retirement of my school friend Fr. Paul Rouse at Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston. Waiting in line in Church to say “good luck” to Fr Rouse, one of his former parishioners from St. Raphael’s in Arlington said to me, “Are you concerned about all the stories about this Trump and Comey thing?” I looked at him for others to hear and said, “I’m not concerned about Trump or Comey at all. I’m not even concerned about the Russians. I’m more concerned about the media, who are creating more division in America today. I just left a group of great Special Needs kids. I wish the media would give them and their parents a little attention and dedicated volunteers, including the college students from Mass Maritime Academy, a little credit for their dedication. The press should focus on the real problems in America today, that’s what I really care about. Not the nonsense that the out of touch media is trying to sell us today. Unfortunately, the real stories in America are not getting covered today by the press.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
Andy Ward, Executive Director of the renamed Collaborative Center, opens the program at Joe “Dodo” Nee’s memorial celebration
BostonFireCommissionerJoeFinn speaks about the life of community service led by Joseph “Dodo” Nee, whoa himself was a career firefighter.
State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry describes Dodo Nee’s lifelong community service
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Bill McGonagle, BHA Administrator, speaks about Dodo Nee’s record of community service.
It’s Officially SouthBoston’s Joseph “Dodo” Nee Collaborative Center Continued from page 1 joyful event, attended by an overflow crowd of many hundreds – all of them friends of Dodo. Quite fittingly, the event was also a fundraiser for the Collaborative, which is now South Boston’s Joseph “Dodo” Nee Collaborative Center. Jon Cronin sponsored the celebration; pianist and singer Kenny Morrell entertained. Dodo was certainly there in spirit. He continues to serve South Boston although he has left us. Online talked informally about Dodo with Andy Ward, Executive Director of the Collaborative Center. Andy feels that Dodo possessed an unusual talent for connecting with people – in person, bringing them together to accomplish something worthwhile. And somehow, he made it seem “easy”, according to Andy. More than most people, Dodo’s entire life was a life of service, from his early enlistment as a Marine and continuing with his career as a Boston firefighter. In his later years, Dodo was everywhere. He’d stop in briefly at the Collaborative a couple of times a week just to see how everything was going – always in person. In Andy’s words, “Dodo didn’t make much of what he got done, but how was he able to do as much as he did? Well, he just did it, that’s all.”
We’ll close by partially quoting Dodo’s Proclamation from the City of Boston’s Mayor Martin J. Walsh:
“WHEREAS, Joseph Nee dedicated his life and career to the service of others, and was beloved by his entire community, “WHEREAS, throughout his lifetime, Joseph Nee provided extraordinary leadership in being President of the South Boston Collaborative Center; Board Member of the South Boston Community Development Corporation, the South Boston Neighborhood House, Julie’s Family Learning Program, and at the Laboure Center; Director of the Boston Firefighters Credit Union, and Former Trustee of the Boston Fire Relief Fund,
Tom Tinlin, a surprise guest at Dodo Nee’s memorial celebration, with Willie and Karen. Looking good, Tom. Really good!
Chris Connolly, lifelong friend of Dodo Nee, at the memorial celebration of his life.
“NOW THEREFORE, I do hereby proclaim June 6, 2017, to be Joseph “Dodo” Nee Day.” How fitting! You’ll not be forgotten, Dodo. Godspeed and farewell.
Marissa & Cathe Walsh of Cranberry Café at the memorial celebration
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Farmers Market Opens for the Season by Rick Winterson For the 15th time (despite clouds and rain), South Boston’s Farmers Market began its annual season on Monday, June 5, on West Broadway in Perkins Square. Rain or shine, in 2017 our Farmers Market will be open every Monday till October 30 from 12 noon till 6 p.m. Indulge in fresh healthy foods, healthy advice, and a “Rethink Your Drink” display. The South Boston Farmers Market opened last Monday, June 5, marking the fifteenth (15th) time it has done so. It is again located along the sidewalk by the Municipal Parking Lot. The weather was not auspicious – like most of May, early June was still cloudy with occasional spatters of mist and rain. But if you missed the opening, not to worry – the Farmers Market will be open, rain or shine, for the next 20 Mondays until October 30 from 12 noon till 6 p.m. You’ll have time to stop in after work via either the No. 9 or No. 10 bus. Now there’s no question that South Boston is an urban neighborhood. But Farmers Markets are increasingly common around the City of Boston, and we are no exception. Our own Market was originally the brain-child of Mary Lou Rosher; it is now being managed by Maren Tober. And there are many more offerings at the South Boston Farmers Market than just produce. For example, both Tufts Medical and the South Boston Community Health Center have tables there every Monday. You may be a drinker of cold, sweet beverages during the summer months. The Farmers Market now features a table called “Rethink Your Drink” that will show you how much sugar you take in every time you drink something sweet. You’ll be surprised – maybe unpleasantly so. All of the drinks that are displayed have their sugar content
printed on their labels. This is usually listed in grams. Well, at four or five grams of sugar per spoonful, you’ll find that many common sweet drinks have ten or more teaspoons of sugar – much of it in the less digestible form of fructose. Fructose tastes good – it’s naturally sweet – however, it digests with difficulty so it ends up in your liver, possibly as fat. But the prime offerings at the Farmers Market are (and will continue to be) farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Just think about the bountiful harvests you can take part in all summer long. From early asparagus and greens to zucchini and summer squash in mid-season, to corn on the cob later on, to pumpkins and winter squash in early fall. All of these will be farm fresh and available as they mature and ripen. In addition, there are a lot of other farm products for sale as well – preserves, raw honey, many baked goods (goodies?), and so on. We’ve implied that eating well can benefit your health. South Boston Online isn’t a health publication, but we can safely tell you that a good diet must be balanced. That includes eating many fruits and vegetables. Michael Pollan, the noted journalist, author, and activist, said it much better than we (and more briefly) in his three very short rules, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” South Boston’s Farmers Market can help you do just that, every Monday from now until the end of October.
It’s true. You can get a balanced diet by eating many different colored foods.
Check out your favorite sweet drink at the Farmers Market – up to 16 tsp. sugar.
Also, be on the lookout for Special Event Days at our Farmers Market. Monday, July 3, for example, is “Go Green Day” featuring live music (YES!) and “green” activities with local “green” businesses and non-profits. And Monday, August 7, will be “Kids Day”. More to follow – there will be five more Special Mondays as summer progresses into fall. See you there. Fresh, natural herbs – pluck them live or dry them. “Rosemary is for Remembrance.”
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
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Shred It at Mass Bay Credit Union
From Left: Ruth Epps, VP of Branch Administration, and Maren Bradley, VP of Marketing and Development open Mass Bay Credit Union’s free shredding service last Saturday. Mass Bay Credit Union’s imposing facade at 174 West Fourth Street in South Boston. Right inside Mass Bay’s front door is a machine that converts your spare change in to paper money (a free service to Mass
by Rick Winterson Last Saturday, Mass Bay Credit Union held what they called a “Shred It Event”. It was an event for bringing your confidential and/or personal papers to their parking lot, located at 147 West Fourth Street, to get them professionally shredded and disposed of. Mass Bay called in a professional outfit named “ShredIt”, which not only shreds your documents but also recycles the paper shreds. In other words, shredding is both “green” and good for the environment. In this day of instantaneous global communications and sharply increasing identity theft, it is certainly advisable to carefully protect your own documents. With professional shredding and recycling, your documents are not only safe, they no longer exist at all. Keep that in mind. Mass Bay offers other customer-related services as well. Its large customer parking lot at the 147 West Fourth St. Headquarters always has plenty of free, legal customer parking. As you know, that’s no small consideration in South Boston. In addition, there is an automatic machine inside its lobby area that converts your extra change into paper money. For Mass Bay’s depositors, there is no charge for this service; there’s a small percentage fee charged to everyone else. Is banking a service industry? It most certainly is. But there are many levels of service, such as all of those offered by Mass Bay Credit Union.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
A Marvelous Concert on the Heights by Rick Winterson
M
other Nature most certainly helped make a success out of the first of three summer concerts on Dorchester Heights. The concert took place last Saturday; recall that it had been quite rainy for most of a month. The sky alternated between a clear blue and partial clouds, edged with brilliant orange from the setting sun. The sunset display limned the singers, who performed at the apex of the western stairways up to the Heights. Perhaps the breeze was the most delightful aspect of the Heights that evening – it was, well, “breezy” without gusting, and naturally cooling. This concert was the first in a series of three concerts on Dorchester Heights this summer. The sponsor is the Dorchester Heights Association (the DHA), led by its hardworking Chair, Chris Soule. It turned out to be a delightful early summer evening all around. There were plenty of toys from Kaleidoscope Designs and Knucklebones for the kids to play with, and play
Dog Heaven by John McCos Photography.
Winding Up by John McCos Photography.
Dorchester Heights photograph by John McCos Photography.
The north entrance to No Man’s Land – “The road goes ever on …
The north entrance to No Man’s Land – “The road goes ever on …
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
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Concert On the Heights... Continued from page 6 they did – non-stop for more than two hours. Because the weather was so clear and pleasant, just looking out on Old Harbor to the south and Boston’s skyline to the west northwest was a delight. The National Park Service, who deserves a thank-you for permitting the concert to take place, were considerate enough to open the gates between the main Dorchester Heights Park and “No Man’s Land”, a crescent shaped greensward in back of the High School. No Man’s Land has been recovered and made into a jewel of a park by Medicine Wheel Productions, employing young people during summer vacations. At the next DHA Concert, take a few minutes to walk through No Man’s Land. You’ll be impressed. The concert was given by two Berklee students, a Senior vocalist named Gabby Michelle and a Junior year guitarist, Santiago. Santiago is from Colombia; Gabby Michelle is almost a hometown
girl – she’s from Worcester. Both could render songs in many genres and styles. To this listener, blues were a prominent note, supported by a rock rhythm having overtones of what was once known as “country stride” – rent music from the 1930s. They were really good – a credit to Berklee’s emphasis on musicians who can really perform. They and the rest of their band will be releasing their own album called “August” on August 1. Look for it, please. The next two concerts will be feature a bluegrass outfit called the Fort Point Ramblers on Saturday, July 15, which will take place in the afternoon from 3 till 5 p.m.. On Saturday evening, August 19, Berklee returns with Salsa from 7 till 9 p.m. Be sure to attend both. Bring a picnic or patronize the food trucks on the street level. And a big thank-you to the the DHA Concert Sponsors – the Boston National Park Service (Platinum) and the South Boston Historical Society (Bronze). See you there.
Gabby Michelle and Santiago entertain – look for their album “August” on August 01.
It was a perfect sunset at the DHA’s first of three 2017 summer concerts. The kids have a great time during the DHA’s June conce on the Heights.
Bounce, bounce, bounce away, kids!
Chris Soule, Chair of the DHA and the main man in organizing Saturday’s concert.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Congratulations to the Excel High Class of 2017
Graduation took place on Friday evening, June 9 at John Hancock Hall in the Back Bay. Headmaster Stephanie Sibley, presiding over her last graduation, welcomed all and introduced the numerous speakers that included Dr. Michele Shannon, Chief of Schools and Dr. Adrian Haugabrook, an official at Wheelock College. Graduates addressing their classmates included the salutatorian, Khanh Pham, Madison Wilson, class president and Kevin Duong, valedictorian. A straight A student and involved with numerous school activities, Kevin plans to attend Northeastern in the fall. As announced in the graduation program, the class has been awarded $6, 529,872 in Merit Grants and Scholarships. Congratulations Class of 2017: Ayomide Abioye, Remy Abreu, Tasnim Ahmed, Christian Badgett, Mafirin Hadja Bangoura, Damani Barton, Alize Beltre, Kevin Bolger, Dillon Brooks, Claudia Camacho, Anthony Cappello, Cleiton Castro, Damian Centeno, Yamairys Charles Moreno, Latasha Charles, Tuan Chau, Fachele Chery, Jeffrey Clark, Huy Co, Cedrick Correia, San Dam, Duy Dang, Hieu Dang, Kevin Doung, Vu Duong, Isaiah Durant, John Earle, Ashley Edouard, Tresvonni Elliott, Massi Ennis, Jonathan Figueroia, Matthew Gail, Brendan George, Michaella Gomes, Diana Gomez Diaz, Brandon Ganzalez, Xavier Gonzalez, Marquell Harris, Francis Harvey, Kymae Henderson-Reed, Najee Herbert, Sarah Hernandez, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Khanh Huynh, Tien Huyne, Charlene Jean Lestin, Johnae Johnson, Annie Jones, Lily Joyce, Malik Knight, Hector Lara, Jack Le, Robert Leary, Patrick Llewellyn, Nadia Maigari, Brendan Manning, Antonio Martin, Xavier Martinez, Kayla Mejias, Destiny Molina, Reginald Mondelus, Angel Elias Monroig, Tam Dinh Ngo, An Ngyuen, Hieu Nguyen, Ngan Nguyen, Phat Nguyen, Thien Nguyen, Erica Ochoa, Kendria Oneal, Shukri Osman, Andrew Paradis, Steven Paul, Khanh Pham, Kimmy Pham, Long Pham, Tri Pham, Rochelle Pinet, Ongilique Rice, Nicholas Rivera, Briana Rogers, Diana Rosa, Leritza Ruiz, Kalea Samuels, Rossy Santana Mercedes, Kenette Santiago, Ehtan Shaffer, Rashawn Shaw, Tyshon Stuckey, Kelvon Sweatman, Milan Taylor, Uyen Thuy, Kwan Chie Tia, Duy Tran, John Tran, Tien Tran, Tu Tran, Johnson Trinh, Truc Truong, Michael Tshitenge, Duy Van, Phong Van, Thinh Van, Naidy Vilorio, Thao Vu, Michael Walsh, Madison Wilson
Benefit Party for Kimberly Farina
Farina
Thank
Saturday June 3, 2017 7 pm - midnight Carson Place (Teacher’s Union Hall) 180 Mt. Vernon St, Dorchester, MA 02125
you
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
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South Boston Residents Graduate From Catholic Memorial
Left to right James Moccio Brandon Robinson Emmet Ford Thomas Bohan and Aiden O’Toole
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Thompson Island Outward Bound: School on the Ocean Continued from page 1 Originally inhabited by Neponset Indians, and undisturbed for nearly two hundred years after Thompson’s arrival, it found its mission in training students as the Boston Farm School in 1833, that then merged with the Boston Asylum for Indigent Boys in the North End a few years later, to eventually become the Boston Farm and Trades School in 1907. In other words, long before Outward Bound partnered to run the island in 1988, the tradition of training youth had been well established. Measuring approximately two hundred acres, the island campus is a lush environment staffed by educational professionals who serve roughly five thousand students annually- the majority of whom are students from the Boston City Schools. At any given time in the summer over a hundred students can be camped out overnight in the dormitory, living in nature four miles from downtown Boston, daily immersed in unique educational programs. I was struck by how well cared for the island is, and how large the operations are that make the school run. In partnerships with the city of Boston, major universities, the National Park Service, Coast Guard and national STEM initiatives, the Thompson Island Outward Bound Educational Center has become a driving force in bringing the world of exploration, science, and educational leadership offered at no charge to the youth of Boston. An island with a mission primarily dedicated to the advancement of Boston city school students, Thompson Outward Bound also supports its philanthropic mission by corporate donations, paid for social events, such as weddings on the island, that allow the center to provide in depth hands on training for students from fifth grade to high school in a large multi-level program.
Besides the historical buildings on the campus, the hilly wetlands that include two large salt marshes, and nature trails, make the ideal outdoor laboratory for students to study the environment. You can see students immersed in nature, in their “wellies” studying in the estuaries, salt marshes, or climbing high into the sky on sixty-twofoot alpine climbing towers, doing hands on learning in labs, or being mentored in leadership and developmental skills- or just meeting for lunch in groups. Learning is suddenly fun, building a kind of self-esteem and teamwork that brings the students to the next level in a charged environment. Being greeted by the island bird populations of humorous turkeys, looming big turkey vultures, cormorants, striking kites, and cranes, or sea crabs, and aquatic life up close, visiting the island I got an extensive tour by Jaclyn Parks, the Marketing and Communications Director as she introduced the instructional staff members, who explained the Outward Bound mission in depth. Whitney Olesen, Operations and Expeditions Programs Director, seems like the epitome of hands on management, as she enthusiastically described the seven-day kayaking programs in Summer Expeditions- where students are literally kayaking in two person teams around Boston Harbor Islands from island to island. With the various dorm and classroom buildings and equipment Outward Bound resembles a small college campus, and the place is in perpetual motion. The integration of the curriculum with learning at the schools was underscored by Gemma Falivene, Connections Program Manager who said their focus is expanding the public school partnerships, with the goal to continue adding partnership schools to thier current 6 strong partners, expanding to serve 20% of Boston’s middle school students, thus impacting prac-
Contemporary students kayaking in Boston Harbor
Hardy Boys from the Old Days
Getting close to nature, finding aquatic life on the island.
Students climb this 60 ft tower, note the helmets and tether lines
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
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Thompson Island... Continued from page 10 tices in the school system as a whole. All Boston public school middle school students can join to get up to speed in educational leadership skills, through these blended program. For students who are a little older, 6th and 7th graders, there is the Environmental Connections, a three-day overnight program. Outward Bound offers a variety of educational programs that vary in length from one day to five weeks, allowing students the opportunity for various commitments.
From Left: Jay Esty Manager of Green Ambassadors Program & Gemma Falivene, Connections Program Manager
From Left: Whitney Olesen, Operations and Expeditions Programs Director & Jaclyn Parks, Marketing Director
In partnership with the National Park Service who raise the grant money and help with implementation, Jay Esty manages the Green Ambassadors program for seven weeks in the summer, in which older students are employed to participate in environmental projects including scientific projects like clam seeding, eel grass site monitoring, using GIS systems, as well as general environmental education blended with leadership skills. The career development workshops bring in visiting speakers for what they call lunch and learn on subjects like green building, facilities and environmental resource management. For adults in professional organizations looking to build leadership skills, Outward Bound Professional offers a fee-based set of customized training in leadership and team skills- a real way to escape from the cube life and bring motivational force to any organization. When I was visiting were staff from New Balance, were there as part of the Corporate Volunteer Program for Outward Bound, gleefully hiking around the island.
There are two large salt marshes on Thompson Island filled with aquatic and land wildlife.
Everything from the focus on sustainable catered foods to clever island wayfinding signs, wedding facilities at the old Head Master Hall, to conference rooms makes Thompson a pleasure to visit for corporate and social gatherings- the funds from which go entirely into the programs for the students.
The entire spectrum of studies compliments the well-built and managed resource, in a sophisticated combination of education, outreach, and interpersonal development. If you are a Boston school student who didn’t put this on your calendar this year, Outward Bound is a community, campus, and program that will elevate you, and bring friendships along the way. The island is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. There are no food services for visitors to the island who aren’t participating in the Outward Bound programs, but you can bring a packed lunch. The ferry leaves from the EDIC peer in South Boston, which is at the far end of the terminal on Summer Street, South Boston, and the fare is cash only: 17.00 for adults, 12.00 for seniors or students.
Ferry Service to Thompson Island May 28 - Sept. 6, Weekends Only SATURDAY: Departs EDIC, South Boston: 8:00am, 12:00pm, 2:30pm Departs Thompson Island: 11:30am, 2:00pm, 4:30pm
SUNDAY: Departs EDIC, South Boston: 8:00am, 12:00pm Departs Thompson Island: 11:30am, 4:30pm
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Boston Latin School Graduation in South Boston By Rick Winterson
B
oston Latin School (BLS) graced South Boston last Monday evening. The School held their commencement exercises – also called “the Exhibition” – on June 5 in the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion at 290 Northern Avenue on South Boston’s Waterfront. It was a quietly festive, ultra-crowded event; all 5,000 seats in the Pavilion were taken. This was the 382nd BLS Commencement or “Exhibition” since its founding in 1635; 375 Seniors received diplomas from what might be the most famous and challenging public high school in the world. As the graduates-to-be filed in, the BLS Concert Band rendered that classic Processional March, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, immediately recalling commencement exercises from one’s own past. Both the Band and the 160-member Concert Choir performed at a high level during eight, varied musical selections, including the National Anthem. Boston’s Mayor Martin J. Walsh gave the ceremony’s Welcome Address. Walsh spoke briefly, emphatically, and to the point. He complimented the BLS Seniors on their scholastic achievements, while maintaining a keen regard for social justice. Jokingly, he told the Seniors, “It’s all right if you talk to the rest of us now”, a comment that generated laughter and a round of applause. More seriously, the Mayor then returned to the topic of social justice, concluding his remarks with a charge to the Seniors to increase their awareness
Mayor Walsh salutes and welcomes the graduates to commencement.
The rustic-looking big bass drum in the Bosotn Latin School Concert Band.
The Processional of Boston Latin School graduates in the Blue Hill Pavilion.
The massed crowd – guests, graduates, the speakers, and the huge BLS Choir.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
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Gate of Heaven & St. Bridget Parishes News
Father Paul Rouse Celebrates 50th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination On Sunday, June 11, 2017, Father Paul Rouse Celebrated his 50th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination at Gate of Heaven Church. Father Rouse, a graduate of Gate of Heaven High School, class of 1958 was ordained a priest along with many other Seminary classmates by our then Archbishop Richard Cardinal Cushing on June 7, 1967. On the following Sunday, June 11, 1967, Father Rouse offered Mass at his hometown parish, Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston. Now fifty years later, June 11, 2017, many parishioners, fellow priests and religious, family and friends came to Gate of Heaven Church at 3PM to attend a Mass that Father Rouse offered in celebration of this special anniversary. We are grateful to Father Rouse, a gifted musician, for sharing his great love for God, God’s people and music for the past fifty years. Congratulations and God Bless you and the wonderful work you are doing for God and God’s people.
South Boston Catholic Academy News
South Boston Academy Students Explore Habitat & Time Travel
The second grade students at South Boston Catholic Academy did a fantastic job with their Animal Habitat Showcase. If one didn’t know, one might think they were time traveling if they were in the third grade classrooms of South Boston Catholic Academy recently. The Famous Persons from Massachusetts Wax Museum took place. It is the culminating activity for the students’ research on a person of their choosing A lot of the regulars were there: Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, etc., but this year women were equally represented as some newcomers joined the ranks – Florence Bascom and Rebecca Bates. The event is always fun and informative! Students in the fourth grade at South Boston Catholic Academy have been exploring the Solar System. After learning about the sun and the planets, students took the Solar System into their own hands and used their knowledge and creativity to create various models of the solar system. Terrific job 4th grade! 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 (www.SBCatholicAcademy.org) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreK-Grade 6.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Where the Rich People Eat: Finding Value in Seaport the Restaurant Scene. By Richard Campbell It may not come as a surprise to well-informed South Boston residents that the new restaurant scene in the Seaport district is heating up in the heady corporate district even before the tall ships arrive. Most of the establishments in this area are designed for the special occasion, such as graduations at the Blue Hills Pavilion, and mark themselves as not exactly the kind of places you would choose to go for cheap eats. But even at the swankier places, there are a few reasonable meals to be found dotting the district of rising glass towers. Starting with the big chains, Legal Seafoods Harborside got everything right that Legal on Long Wharf never quite did. This new Legal has great deck views of the ocean, glamorous dining
Front Exterir of Legal Seafoods Harborside. The harbor views are great!
Public Meeting
33-39 WARD STREET TUESDAY, JUNE 27 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
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PROJECT PROPONENT: Transcend, LLC PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Transcend, LLC will present their revised proposal to construct a five-story, residential development totaling approximately 23,603 square feet. The proposed project is for fifteen (15) condominium units including two (2) IDP Units (affordable). In addition, the proposal includes at-grade, garage parking for up to seventeen (17) spaces.
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facilities, and an overtly cool raw bar. If you want to feel cossetted, this is the place. The polished staff and management will take your breath away- but be mindful of your wallet. The $1.95 giant cherrystones I had at the raw bar were ice cold, glisteningly fresh mouthful at a reasonable price. The surprisingly reasonable Caesar Salad at $8.50 is above standard fare. You pack this with a side of perfect fries and on tap ale, and you’re in under the $30.00 mark. It is admirable that despite all the swank, they offer the reasonable kid’s menu for family’s on vacation. The sophisticated dinners upstairs enter into the ultra-priced luxury mode, with a few exceptions like the calamari appetizer. For patrons who might forgo pricey exotic seafood dinners, the $20.00 flagship burger with onions, watercress and black truffle aioli will fit the bill. Next on my list is Salvatore’s with whom I’d had pleasurable pizza nights in the downtown location for years- I like the bustle of that location better in the winter. There is no resisting their sausage and ricotta pizza. It has the tang of red peppers and Italian sausage with anise flavoring, oozing ricotta cheese on a perfect crust. Beating Legals by a
dollar and a half on the Romana salad, with shaved parmigiana cheese was an easy call, and the baked meatball plate is delicious at only ten bucks. as The Caprese plate is nicely done with flavorful olive oil. Once again, beating Legal Seafoods burger by $7.00 and every bit as good, their Angus burger with Vermont cheddar for $13.00 comes with fries and slaw. Twenty-four dollars for steak tips: I think not. There is no ocean view here, but this a tastefully decorated place with very nice service, that is comfortable for an evening date meal of no nonsense Italian dinners where the sauces and the gourmet pizzas are right on. For locals, the Yankee Lobster may be a place to buy fish to take home, as everything is fresh right off the boat, but the menu just doesn’t past the test as a restaurant, and it isn’t quite affordable enough for daily take-out. First off: if they are going to put lobster on the name of their restaurant, they need to find a variety of more appealing ways to prepare it. The $24.00 lobster rolls are fresh fine, but nothing special. On one trip I had their salmon burger which was somewhat tasty with indifferent texture. The fish and chips is cheap enough at $12.99, if fried
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 fish is your thing; it is better than most because the batter is right. The people are nice in an awshucks clam shack way, but the lunch special of grilled tuna on Caesar salad left me hungry and wanting more. The idea of paying $16.00 for a lunch that is a bland appetizer served in a sweaty plastic box isn’t special. This is a place that needs to consider some upgrades. They would be wise to expand the cramped service line with a real case, and an appealing well managed service bar. The dark seafood case is too small and doesn’t feature fresh colorful cold items like bowled deli salads that would flesh out spicier flavors and draw the eyes. It is understood that is a difficult economic trick to go deep with seafood on a budget. However, I humbly suggest: replace all the furniture, upgrade wait staff skills, and discover real dishes that don’t choke the landfills. There is the potential for Yankee Lobster to be a real go to lunch place that doesn’t have to rely as much on summer tourists, but they need to work a bit on the presentation. The cheap eats winner is easy. The most reasonable working person’s place is J. Pace and Son, a home grown New England Italian deli / grocer chain that has a full line of hot meals and sandwiches, with a casual seating area. What it lacks in dining experience, it easily makes up for in variety and value. Where else can you go to get a cheap no-nonsense breakfast and coffee for six bucks? With a variety of hot and cold sandwiches almost all under ten bucks, I gravitate to their Italian style subs. The Green Monstaah with grilled chicken, pesto sauce, tomato, mozzarella cheese, basil, & roasted red peppers at $9.25 satisfies, as does the Park Lane (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato & basil) at the same price. The deli staff is friendly and cheerfully customize your sandwiches. For younger patrons on a budget who want to grab a meal to go al fresco in the park, this is the ultimate bargain. This restaurant roundup avoided covering the drinking deck scene / sports bar reviews, but I hope to get to them, as well as closer true Southie establishments, for a Sox game as the summer season progresses.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
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