THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 64
End of Summer Beach Party
by Rick Winterson
The “End of Summer Beach Party” is one of those events that passes by all too quickly. This year’s 2018 End of Summer Beach Party (Wednesday, August 15) was no exception. It’s not only the beach on the M Street side of the Curley Community Center, as nice as that is. And it’s not just the air, the light, and the water as the sun sets, although that’s part of it. Nor is it just the open air food – ice cream from the police, popcorn, cold drinks, clam chowder from Sully’s, and delicious eats grilled by The Sausage Guy himself (Dave Littlefield) – however good that all was No, The End of Summer Beach Party is just a great community time, free and open to all. It’s where friends, families, and their children get together, looking south across Old Harbor and Dorchester Bay, simply to enjoy each other’s company. And were you aware that the beachside
weather (and its climate) were nearly perfect? The seagulls flocked around, hoping for snacks of potato chips, leftover sausage rolls, anything. One gray-and-white adult bird had a drooping wing, but had no trouble flying away with a scrap n his beak. Mark Rooney, a 2018 candidate for Governor’s Council, greeted and competed to obtain the beachgoers’ votes. MassPort and Save the HarborSave the Bay came up with key funding for the 2018 beach event Were you aware that some years ago, South Boston’s watercolorist Laureate Dan McCole painted a sort of mural on the side of the Curley’s M Street Beach dumpster? Dan and his artistic crew created an 8 x 15-foot seascape of fishermen launching their curragh, based upon a work by the Irish painter John Skelton. Well, the mural still there, and in last week’s setting sun, it seemed to glow blue. Dan’s creative crew included Bill Frew, Deb Putnam, Paul Conley, and Suzanne Lee, all continued on page 4
All In for Mark Rooney for Governor’s Council
Former Senator Jack Hart, Harry Uhlman, Mark Rooney, Senator Nick Collins, Councilor Ed Flynn stopped at Medal of Honor Park to endorse Mark Rooney standing center.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
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Dear Neighbors,
As South Boston has grown with new residents and a larger workforce on the South Boston Waterfront, it is important to know what your elected leaders have done to address the need for safer and more reliable transportation across South Boston. Since I joined the legislature in 2010, and as I continue to serve you in the State Senate, safe and reliable transportation has been a top priority for me. It is important that all of South Boston is included when transportation infrastructure and safety improvements are made. In 2014, at the request of the community and your elected officials, the South Boston Waterfront Sustainable Transportation Plan (SBWSTP) was conducted. A working group consisting of members from MassDOT Highway Division, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), Massport, the City of Boston, the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) , the MBTA, and A Better City began to hold public meetings to formulate a plan to invest in all neighborhoods of South Boston impacted by the growth of the South Boston Waterfront. To support these investments, the Legislature approved $25million of state capital funds to be used on infrastructure and safety improvements, taking into account the recommendations of the SBWTP published in January of 2015. This work is ongoing, with some projects currently underway and others planned in the future. Here is a brief overview of some of the projects that have been completed or are currently underway: · Additional bus trips began in 2017 for the MBTA #7 and #9 routes · MBTA City Point Buss Shelter: Conversion of the City Point Bus Layover Facility on East First Street to allow for passenger pick up and drop off. A passenger platform was added to sidewalks for access as well as additional benches and much needed lighting. · Day Boulevard Pedestrian Road Safety Improvements: A Roadway Safety Audit of Day Blvd. was recently conducted and site work for new signals, speed mitigation measures and safety improvements is currently underway. · Pedestrian bridge repairs along Old Colony Avenue connecting residents safely from the Maryellen McCormack Housing Development to Moakley Park.
Some projects that are currently being financed under the SBWSTP plan: · Day Boulevard Pedestrian Road Safety Improvements.
· Bypass Road Passenger Vehicle Pilot: This program is expected to limit cut through traffic throughout all of South Boston. This pilot is a follow up to a previous 6 month pilot program conducted in 2016 and will last a year to gather more robust data on the use of passenger vehicles and congestion on the Haul Road. · Cypher and E Street: Beginning stages of designing extension of Cypher Street between D Street and E Street to Summer Street for commercial use to take trucks and commercial vehicles off West First & West Second Streets is underway. · Summer Street Reconstruction: Reconstruction of sidewalks in the Fort Point section of South Boston is currently underway. This goal of this project is to improve pedestrian access and safety on Summer Street between Melcher and A Streets. This project is in construction and full beneficial use is expected this year.
In summary, over $15million has been invested by the State, over the past 3 years, in transportation infrastructure and safety measures across South Boston. This is just a snapshot of the work being done, and there are still many more improvements being planned ensure that our streets are safe for all. I will continue to work together with my elected colleagues in South Boston and in the Legislature to provide the necessary funding for transportation investments, and advocate to our transportation officials for their prioritization and completion. If you have any questions on these matters or any other, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely, NICK COLLINS State Senator
Letter to the Editor I’m writing today to ask my South Boston friends and neighbors to join me in supporting Matt Rusteika for State Representative on Tuesday, September 4. During my forty-year career in public service, including 20 years as Director of the Mayor’s 24-Hour Service and 10 years as the City’s Election Commissioner, I learned a thing or two about what it takes to get things done in government. It takes experience, but also the willingness to learn.
It takes determination, because the public sector is often inefficient, and it doesn’t have to be. And finally, it takes a good nature, because at the end of the day, it’s about serving people! Many of you have met Matt Rusteika by now, and you know he possesses these attributes. He always has a ready smile and a kind word. He also doesn’t pretend to know all the answers—he wants to learn from the people around him. And he has spent his career carrying out
multi-million-dollar public projects that have made a real impact on our pocketbooks and quality of life. Most importantly, Matt is not beholden to anybody except the electorate. He will listen to you, learn from you, and work tirelessly for you! We need his combination of experience, empathy, and humility. I hope you will join me in voting for Matt Rusteika on Tuesday, September 4.
Gerry Cuddyer
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
David Biele: Latest Proposal for Edison Comes Up Short The redevelopment of the Edison Power Station at L Street is not acceptable in at least three aspects. The initial proposal called for the development of 15 acres, including 1,588 units of housing with 987 parking spaces and heights reaching 220 feet. At numerous public meetings, the community brought up issues surrounding height, density, parking, and what the volume of new residents means for our public transit. I do not believe that the newest proposal goes far enough in addressing those concerns. For example, the newest proposal includes 1,344 units with 1,397 parking spaces and heights reaching 206 feet. These are small concessions that do not go far enough to address the numerous concerns that were repeatedly raised regarding height and density. As a resident and having heard from many of my fellow residents during meetings over the last several years, it is clear that 1344 residential units are still too many. I will push to scale back this
number. Many of our neighbors have shared their concern about whether hotels really belong in City Point or whether they belong closer to the Convention Center. Finally, given the size and density still being proposed, transportation safety and reliability issues would have to be addressed with community wide transportation study and plan. As your State Representative, if the community doesn’t want hotels at this site, I will sponsor legislation that would reinstate the hotel prohibition, to include south of the Reserve Channel, to protect residential South Boston. In addition, I will work with the South Boston elected delegation to ensure that city and state planning and transportation agencies adopt and implement plans and policies that are driven by the community that benefits the residents, not developers. Public- privatepartnerships can work as long as the public’s interest is the top priority. That’s what I will be fighting for as your next State Representative.
State Senator Nick Collins Hosts Office Hours to Meet with Constituents
Friday, August 24, 2018 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. South Boston Branch Public Libray 646 East Broadway, South Boston Contact: Ceferina Murrell, Chief of Staff Ceferina.murrell@masenate.gov
VOTE ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 4th
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Continued from page 1
Beach Party
of them members of the SBAA – the South Boston Arts Association. The six talented musicians who make up “The Second Set Sextet” provided two hours of lively, well-played music for the End of Summer Beach Party, which spanned the last fifty+ years of pop, rock, and pop-rock. The group is so named because their second set always really, really swings, grooves, and/or rocks (depending upon the generation of the listener). The group’s six musicians are Bill Linehan (lead vocals, guitar), Rich Linehan (vocals, guitar), Leo Stapleton (lead guitar), Bobby Dunlap (vocals, guitar), Kathi Taylor (vocals, drums), and Ted O’Brien (bass + everything). They
went back in time, stopping for a bit in the ‘80s for songs by the Eagles. After that (in their second set), earlier times were honored with songs of the Beatles, Elvis’s “Heartbreak Hotel, and “Blue Suede Shoes”, composed by Carl Perkins while he was on tour back in 1955. The adults present raptly listened; young folks danced in the sand. Ad we have to give credit to Paul, the sound man, who succeeded in holding the entire two-set performance together. It was a great end-ofsummer evening and event! See you there next August.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
Bandstand Renewed by NER and Dedicatoin to Harry Uhlman
by Rick Winterson
Like a lot of people, some of us take our structures for granted. And that’s understandable, since many of the things we build, especially those built with bricks and mortar, last longer than almost everyone’s lifetime. A good example of this is the Bandstand in Marine Park – an initial search for the background of the Bandstand turned up records going back to 1935 – 83 years ago. The search still continues, further into the past. And like any structure, time takes its toll, even if it’s only slowly. There are visible cracks in the mortar between the Bandstand’s bricks, from top to bottom. And most pf the surfaces exposed to the weather need renewing, followed by a good coat of exterior paint. Work is progressing with an important aim – the renewed Bandstand will soon be dedicated to and named for Harry Uhlman. Harry, as you know, is one of South Boston’s “saints”. You should know about the crew who are doing the renewal work on the Bandstand. They very much deserve our thanks. The two craftsmen on the job are pictured – Roy Reis and Kyle Pinheir. They have done a superb job of repair, repointing, and renovation. They work for NER Construction Management, Inc. The initials “NER” stand for New England Restoration. Frank LoConte is the owner of NER, which has specialized for 35 years in masonry restoration and
waterproofing. To see some eyecatching and dramatic photos of NER’s successful projects, Google them up on the Internet. Also associated with the renewal of the Marine Park Bandstand are Superintendent Tony Pereira and Project Manager Chris Saccone. South Boston Online has gone to some length here to thank NER and its skilled employees, because they have been extremely busy. Even so, they made time to do the much-needed work on South Boston’s Marine Park Bandstand, which will be dedicated to Harry Uhlman in a month or two. For NER to set aside time to help us out was very difficult. But NER did it. So once again, thank you, NER. Very much!
Please Join Senator Nick Collins for a complimentary Senior Luncheon Thursday August 30th 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Iron Workers Hall 195 Old Colony Avenue
Parking is Available Transportation will be provided Please call 617-890-9636
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Paw Sox Make Big Move to Worcester By Richard Campbell According to various sources it’s official: The Boston Red Sox Triple A Paw Sox are moving to Worcester! Bill Ballou, sports writer for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette noted that the deal is sealed for 2021 season to open with the Red Sox minor league team in a brand-new stadium in downtown Worcester. Ballou, who has been following the progress of the deal stated in his article: “The ballpark will be named Polar Park. Construction is expected to cost in the range of $86 to $90 million dollars and will be one of the most technologically advanced in all of professional baseball. It is the centerpiece of a larger development plan that, according to Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty, approaches $240 million in investment.” Needless to say, this is a big boon for Worcester that pretty much rocked the New England baseball world. One can imagine that people in Pawtucket Rhode Island are not exactly happy with losing out on the deal, which Ballou wrote was the product of three years of negotiations. There are still approvals needed from the league, but the construction slated to start in 2019 is pretty much a forgone conclusion. Prominent Worcester citizenry- as well as city and state officials- gathered
in their city hall on Friday for the announcement by Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty, that brought cheers from the audience. The mayor did not fail to mention Worcester’s baseball history. Worcester had an early National League team, called the Worcesters (later referred to as the Ruby Legs) that played from 1880 to 1882, and the city has bragging rights of the first perfect game in professional ball thrown On June 12, 1880 by J. Lee Richmond, on the Worcester Fair Grounds, which is now the home of Becker College.
David Biele Endorsed by City Councilor Frank Baker
“I got to know David Biele from working in then-Representative Nick Collins’ office. He was always attentive to the issues and concerns of our constituents in South Boston and Dorchester. I know with his work ethic, passion, and experience, Dave will be ready to hit the ground running on day 1 so that everyone in the 4th Suffolk District gets the strong and effective leader they deserve as their next State Representative. I’m proud to endorse David Biele for State Representative and look forward to working with him to better our communities.” Frank Baker Boston City Councilor
The mayor of Pawtucket, Don Grebien, smarting from losing the team after forty years of being in Rhode Island, went on record with Worcester Magazine saying that Pawtucket made the Paw Sox and not the other way around. Adding more sour grapes he said: “The Worcester process is unlike the highly vetted and transparent Rhode Island process that protected [the] taxpayer. Though many details remain behind closed doors, where they were negotiated, we will take the weekend to digest the limited information that was released this afternoon and I will hold a press conference early next week to provide further comments and thoughts.” The state of Massachusetts has publicly committed to over 35 million in the next few years, and governor Charlie Baker released a statement in the city press release saying: “The BakerPolito Administration is committed to working with our partners at the local level to support economic development opportunities across the Commonwealth to create jobs and strengthen communities. We are pleased to continue to invest in the City of Worcester and look forward to working together to welcome a premier professional ball team to the state.” This is yet another feather in the cap of Governor Baker who has just begun campaigning for re-election. All the controversy aside, for Red Sox fans in Boston this is a great story, as bringing the Red Sox nation fully into Massachusetts so they can take a short train ride to Worcester will make the new venue popular among
the locals. This would be especially true for the college students who attend the ten colleges located in Worcester who might not have the funds to attend the pricy Red Sox games. While plans for the 10,000-seat stadium are not completed, we obtained a preliminary rendering from Worcester City Hall. The Red Sox nation is reassured that the new stadium will include a replica of the Green Monster. With Polar Seltzer being a major sponsor, look to the brush up of the mascot Paw Sox Polar Bear, the naming of the team being WoW or Woo Sox, and a hand full of other promotional changes. There is little news on what the naming rights will cost Polar Beverages, but it looks like a win, win situation for Worcester. Keying into the city development of Kelly Square, this ball park represents a shot in the arm for the second largest city in Massachusetts, and signals to those who no longer can afford the pricy climes of Boston, to perhaps go west in search of affordable housing that will accompany the project. No joy in Mudville has a new meaning for the citizens of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, they seemed to lack the promotional energy that Worcester presented. According to Bill Ballou the Worcester plan got a clever campaign boost by Gene Zabrinski, president of the Canal District Alliance, a retired carpenter, and Worcester native who along with others generated a persuasive “blue collar” campaign that attracted Lucchino to negotiations. Worcester Telegram writer George Barnes said orders for Woo Sox hats and t-shirts are already off the charts at the local Guertin Graphics shop. Go Woo Sox!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
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Branch Library Has a Busy August Saturday by Rick Winterson
Terry Joyce shows her iconic photo old tree on Day Boulevard.
A book sale is run by the volunteer Friends of the South Boston Branch Library.
Painter Bill Frew shows his oil, “Tranquility Reigns on Pleasure Bay”.
It’s well known that libraries are not just for borrowing books, although that is their key responsibility. In addition, libraries are centers for arts and culture. Last Saturday, the South Boston Branch Library held its annual summer art exhibit in the public room that overlooks the green space in back of the Branch Library building. Also, the Friends of the South Boston Branch Library held an end-of-summer Book Sale, an event they put on several times a year. The Book Sale’s purpose is two-fold: Selling inexpensive used books to raise funds for unbudgeted Branch Library activities, and recycling/ reusing – an all-important aim in these days of environmental concerns and global warming.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
As Summer Slips Away: Still Time for the Harbor Islands By Richard Campbell
W
hile South Bostonians are surrounded by water and are usually happy to convene with the ocean via a walk out to Castle Island, there is no doubt that an annual sojourn to the Boston Harbor Islands is a great way to end the season. Events are more sporadic in September, but there is still plenty to discover in the early fall, as the season ends on Columbus Day. First time visitors usually only make it to Georges Island, but fall is the perfect time to explore new horizons. This year, due to storm damage, sadly there is no public access to Little Brewster Island, the home of Boston Light- the first and last lighthouse station in the nation. Georges and Spectacle Islands are the most frequent destinations. The earliest boat out to Georges Island leaves the dock at Long Wharf at 10:00 am but you want to catch the 9:00 am Spectacle Loop boat if you plan on hopping to other islands. Spectacle is the closest island, (only 25 minutes away) and this makes it a very nice adventure for little children, but it does not hold the interest that Georges and Peddocks does for “older kids”. Ten new moorings were installed this year on Spectacle island, which has made it a stop-over for local boaters. There is also a direct route trip to Peddocks Island from Long Wharf that leaves at 9:00 am. Georges has Fort Warren, a good history tour of the island, and more events than most islands. Peddocks is one of the most beautiful and natureoriented islands in the harbor. The other “more obscure” islands, like Lovells, Bumpkin and Grape are worth the visit, but for first timers getting onto the island loop is tricky. Adventuring on Fort Warren... Historically Fort Warren is the most prominent structure in the harbor islands. Dedicated as a national historic landmark Fort Warren is a huge Pentagonal bastion fort, made primarily of granite, that was constructed from 1833 to 1861. Fort Warren is named for Joseph Warren of Revolutionary War fame. Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, the “father of West Point” supervised the construction of the fort. During the
The Official Pirates of Boston, From Left: Jack Sparrow portrayed by Michael Lopresta, Captain Hook by Daniel Hamman, and Mr. Smee by Jeremy Fabiano, were on hand to entertain the kids on Georges Island. Civil War Southern prisoners were held at Fort Warren, which had a reputation of treating prisoners pretty well. Besides the elevated extensive walled defenses, where Rodman canons were once poised to strike enemies, there is a Guard House, Powder Magazine, Hospital, Bakery and multiple observation towers that allow you a view of the surrounding islands as well as the Fort’s big yard. The displays in the Visitor’s Center are well done, showing a continual history through artifacts from the islands beginnings through its WWII period up to the current day. There are small pop-up concerts on the island of varying quality, presented in cooperation with Berklee College of Music, and nearby plenty of picnic amenities. It is duly noted that the Department of Conservation desperately needs more funds to complete some major repairs and create more of a living history museum out of the forts various rooms. South Boston Online gives a shout out to Governor Charlie Baker to see the potential for upgrades to this national treasure. You will find Rangers from the National Park Service and DCR, as well as guides from the Friends of the Boston Harbor on hand to give you information and help with amenities. The kids like running into the official Pirates of Boston, doing the Civil War dress up, and getting nature lessons as well. This makes Georges the most kid friendly island. Peddocks Island: A Nature Tour The 184 acres of Peddocks make it the largest island in the Boston Harbor than can be explored and has had many
recent additions to make it more camp worthy. For returning island goers Peddocks offers the most adventure, with its marshes, pond, out of the way beaches, chapel, visitor’s center, Yurt campsites and the remains of Fort Andrews. Fort Andrews is named after Major General George Leonard Andrews and is classified as an Endicott fort that was built between 1898 and 1904. The fort had five batteries and was well equipped to face an enemy that hardly ever appeared. Besides playing a role in WWII, this fort actually housed some Italian prisoners of war. Interestingly enough those same prisoners were housed at Camp Mc Kay, present day Columbia Point but after a few skirmishes with local South Bostonians were quickly taken to Peddocks Island. It is not surprising that scouts and other community groups take advantage of Peddocks camping often, so reserve
well in advance. One feels like an Indian / adventurer camping out here, as the undomesticated life has a refreshingly primitive feel. Many visitors peep longingly into the old, often abandoned family cottages. From the Indians to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and WWII and later cottage life, Peddocks has the feeling of a community from yesteryear. DCR along with New England Carpenter’s Union and Amelia Peabody Foundation rehabilitated the beautiful island Chapel in 2014, where many arts events and happenings occur. Peddocks is also known for its diversity of wildlife, as well as being a great place for birders. To camp on Peddocks, Bumpkin, Grape or Lovells Island, you need to contact reserveamerica. com or call 877-422-6762. The usual accommodation is for four people, and the Yurts accommodate up to six people. The other island worth remembering that South Boston Online has featured before is Thompson Island, the home of Outward Bound. As we are coming upon the school year it is important to note that Outward Bound’s Connections Program which partners with the Boston Public Schools begins in fall. I didn’t see any South Boston Schools listed as enrolled, though the stated goal is to have 2,600 students of the BPS served. If you are interested in enrolling a BPS student, you can visit Thompson Island on Saturdays and Sundays by taking a boat from EDIC, South Boston Drydock 12 Pier. For more information on fees and schedules see: https://thompsonisland.org/visit/.islands,
Your adventure is only minutes away!
Get your Red Hot Kayem Hot Dogs Served by the BHC Staff.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
The DCR Rangers are on the island to help you find your way.
The Roseway Sails by us on the way out to the islands.
The boat from Boston pulls up to the Visitor’s Center on Georges.
DCR Interpreter Rangers Mackenzie Scott & Debbi Finkelstein.
The bakery is ready for some renovations, but it is still kind of cool. The positioning of the Rodman cannon.
The Solid Granite wall of Fort Warren/
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The high speed Ferry to Provincetown.
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Gravestone Cleaning in South Boston: A Volunteer Effort by Rick Winterson South Boston received a visit from the AGS on Saturday. “AGS” stands for “The Association of Gravestone Studies”, which is a group that was founded just over 40 years ago. AGS is an international organization that preserves grave markers in all locations and from all periods. It promotes the study of gravestones, both from historic and from artistic perspectives, publishes important facts and findings, and works with local groups to maintain their own cemeteries and burial grounds. The AGS visit was a part of the preparations for the 200th Anniversary observances, celebrating South Boston’s own St. Augustine Chapel and Cemetery that lets onto Dorchester Street at Sixth. You might have noticed that a significant amount of work has been underway in and around the Chapel already. Last Saturday was devoted to cleaning the Cemetery’s gravestones.
Lunch is served: gravestone cleaning takes considerable energy! Constructing the Chapel and establishing the Cemetery began exactly two centuries ago in 1818, when ground was first broken. The Chapel’s construction was completed and it was dedicated on Sunday, July 4, 1819, when the first Mass was said there. There is a certain amount of science involved in cleaning and restoring old gravestones. When first emplaced, a gravestone seems to be something that’ll last forever. But few (very few) human artifacts have truly long lives. Mother
Nature has evolved lichens that love to cling to mineral surfaces, including gravestones. And lichens, when they die, turn an unpleasant black. Acid rain tends to eat away stone surfaces, especially marble (a common gravestone material), and make them porous. Ashlynn Rickord from AGS oversaw the gravestone cleaning on Saturday. After giving a brief lecture on how to do the cleaning, she distributed the tools and materials. The tools consisted of
scrapers, spray bottles, and many, many ordinary scrub brushes with stiff bristles. The key material, other than lots of rinse water from a hose, was a detergent/mildewicide called “D2”. It lifted the dead mildew nicely, turning a light orange in the process, which will bleach out to a mineral white in a few days’ time. But the main ingredient in cleaning the gravestones in the St. Augustine Cemetery was that wellknown South Boston commodity – good, hard, work by Southie volunteers! Aided by lots of elbow grease, and stopping only for a much-needed lunch, it was both a worthy and a worthwhile effort on the part of the 20 volunteers who pitched in on Saturday. Cathy and Ray Flynn cleaned the statues of the Virgin Mary and (possibly) the Magdalene next to her. A rabbi, who is interested in history, came all the way from New Hampshire to lend a hand. Intricate surfaces, carving, and lettering were made visible once again.
Ashlynn Rickord of AGS explains how to clean a gravestone.
The Flynns refresh statues of Mary and (possibly( the Magdalene.
This gravestone cleaner came all the way from New Hampshire.
Gravestone cleaning starts in the Chapel Cemetery.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
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Some People See Beauty In Everything Ray Flynn, former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador After scrubbing gravestones for three hours on Saturday at St. Augustine’s Cemetery with 50 other concerned citizens and sipping on a bottle of cold water, a Rabbi from New Hampshire who was part of the restoration team, looked over at me and said, “Did anyone ever tell you that you look a lot like Ray Flynn?” Almost too exhausted to reply, I had to catch my breath before I could say anything. But Mary Joyce realizing that the Rabbi didn’t know who I was said, “that is Ray Flynn.” I politely introduced myself and asked his name and where he was from. I might have asked him why he was at this brutally hot Catholic cemetery and part of the upcoming 200 anniversar y celebration s c he du le d f or S a t u rd a y, September 15th in South Boston. Listening to him tell the fascinating histor y of this oldest Chapel and Cemetery in Massachusetts while other
Ashlynn and Bernie rinse off a clean gravestone. people joined in with so many other interesting stories, once again reminded me of the loyalt y and dedication that people have for their faith.
No matter how many negative things they hear or bad stories they read, they are not about to give up on what they believe. This wasn’t just sitting in an air conditioned Church attending a half hour Mass, this was a 9 am to 2 pm labor of love for the Church. We had committed citizens, Congressman Steve
Lynch, Councillor Ed Flynn, local media and Fr Casey all helping out in a show of unity. The gravestones go back over 150 years a nd some weren’t even recognizable, so a lot of hard scrubbing was going all by everyone. All the volunteers, myself included, will sleep soundly tonight. The pride that the people of the community have for this historic Cemetery is remarkable. But one scene I will never forget is just after getting our scrub brushes and cleaning chemicals, my Special Needs grandson Braeden, wanted to get right to work. Looking out at all the unrecognizable epitaphs on the head stones that needed work, he spotted this small but severely disfigured statute of Jesus Crucified. He immediately went across the Cemetery and spent the next two hours scrubbing the statute. W hen he got f inished, one of older volunteers said to us, “I have been coming to this historic chapel since I got discharged from the Army after the Korean War. The statute of Jesus looks beautiful. Who did it? “But the question in my mind is, of all the gravestones in the Cemetery, why did Braeden pick the most damaged one of Jesus?
Unlock a child s POTENTIAL!
Students at the South Boston Boys & Girls Club need you to help foster a love of reading that leads to academic success.
Find out how YOU can help at an upcoming info session Wednesday, August 29, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM South Boston Library, 646 E. Broadway, Boston 02127
RSVP to 617.423.6633 or volunteerinfo@generationsinc.org LIMITED AMOUNT OF STIPENDS AVAILABLE
Yes, gravestone surfaces are complex creations.
www.generationsinc.org
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
24th Gospel Night at the Fourth
by Rick Winterson It was the 24th consecutive summer Gospel Night at South Boston’s Fourth Presbyterian Church (340 Dorchester Street, corner of Vinton), going all the way back to mid-1995. It was warm and humid, bringing back memories of past Gospel Nights, with hot winds blowing a nd t hunder rumbling in the distance as the sun set. Gospel Night could have been anywhere in America – southern f ield s, u rba n store f ront s, Appalachian hollows, majestic steepled halls. On Saturday, it was here in South Boston. The Fourth’s Gospel Night opened with a prayer by the Rev. Katie Cole: “… we will sing and pray and rejoice …”. The Fourth Church Summer Si ngers t hen i m med iately began a set of Gospel songs and hymns, led by the Fourth’s Pastor, Rev. Burns Stanfield, and lead vocalist Shorty, singing “O Happy Day”.. The audience
The Fourth Church Summer Singers delight the crowd. clapped along enthusiastically, leaping to their feet at the end. A novel young group then performed, and they performed beautifully. This was the fourmember Holy Trinity Armenian Kids Choir. They are Alexis, Leila, Lucinee, and Ban; their choir master is Dan Teager. The Gospel singers from the Roxbury Presbyterian Church followed. This church goes back 135 years – their group had accomplished soloists, who sang “Lord, You Are My Glory, and “Look Down”. Their Pastor is the Rev. Liz Walker, whom you might recall from her years as anchor of the Channel 4 News. T he Fou r t h Chu rc h ’s Summer Singers then ret u rned for a n enc ore. The final set of songs in this summer’s Gospel Night was presented by the ebullient and enthusiastic Bullock Brothers. Their singing is ultra-dynamic (to say the least). The audience
The Holy Trinity Armenian Kids Choir – Alexis, Leila, Lucinee, Ban, led by Dan Teager.
clapped rhy t h m ic a l ly a nd continuously, many coming to their feet and raising their hands in witness. The Bullock Brothers’ concluding song was a Gospel form that features a solo over a rapidly repeated refrain – in this case, a refrain that repeated “Jesus Was a Mighty Good Doctor”. It brought t he house down.
And afterwards, members of the Fourth Presby terian Church served up a sumptuous, multi-course supper. A word about the program. The program featured a number of mentions in memor y of L orra ine Dud ley Sta nf ield, who left us last year. She was an extraordinary person; she will not be forgotten.
The Bullock Brothers belt it out at Gospel Night.
Rev. Burns “makes a joyful noise unto the Lord.”
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
East Boston Savings Bank “Three Peats” to Capture the 2018 South Boston Babe Ruth Championship SB Babe Ruth would like to thank their sponsors: East Boston Savings Bank, Boston Home Inspectors, John Hart club, Massport and Dedham Savings Bank. And a special thank you to all the coaches : Willy Fitz, Mike Tallent, Dave King and Harold “Emo” Barron, President Kevin Lally, Buddy Lane, and Tryout Coordinator Johnny Healey.
Pictured right to left Nolan Callow, Jerry O’Neil, Coach Billy Crowley, Owen Leahy, Michael Brooks, Coach Mark Feeney, Kevin Cully, Jack Feeney, Logan Crowley, Bobby Delaney, Coach Bobby McGarrell, Lydon McGarrell, Cormac Lafferty, Eddie Murray, John Hamilton and Declan Callahan. Not pictured Will Ahern, Henry Gailunas.
Compass on the Bay Events Forever Fit with Nick at Compass on the Bay September 4, 11, 18, 25 2018, 10:30 am Yoga with Karen at Compass on the Bay September 4, 2018, 1:00 pm Kenny Morrell Performs at Compass on the Bay September 14, 2018, 1:00 pm Richie Bern Performs at Compass on the Bay September 23, 2018, 2:30 pm “Grab Your Passport! Destination: South Africa” on the Bay September 25, 2018, all day Patrick Hoye Performs at Compass on the Bay September 26, 2018, 10:30 am Please join us for the entertainment of Irish musician Patrick Hoye, strolling singer and guitarist. He has traveled the world performing with Ireland’s Joe Dolan band. Please join us for this festive performance!
The Law Office of
Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Advisory: South Boston – William J. Day Boulevard
MassDOT/DCR have accelerated schedule for immediate safety improvements. Overnight road closure to allow roadway milling work
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are reminding members of the public that the schedule for upcoming MassDOT roadway work on William J. Day Boulevard in South Boston has been accelerated so that construction operations will begin on the evening of Monday, August 20, and be completed by the middle of September 2018.
These work operations were expected to begin in spring 2019, but have been accelerated based upon public feedback and input received over the past several weeks. The full scope of upcoming safety improvements includes a reconfiguration of travel lanes to reduce speeds, installing new traffic and pedestrian signals at the intersection of Day Boulevard and L Street, and improving bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Traffic patterns will be clearly marked, and a police detail will be on site. Additionally, temporary overnight parking for residents with a valid City of Boston, South Boston Resident Parking Sticker will be provided at the angled parking spots located between Shore Road and the Castle Island parking lot. “We are continuing to work closely with the local community, state, and city partners to implement important roadway safety improvements to Day Boulevard,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We anticipate being able to complete these roadway changes by the middle of September, and these adjustments have been carefully planned and designed with the goals of providing a safe connection for the community to Moakley Park, the L Street Bath House and the waterfront by reducing vehicle speeds, and shortening crossing distances for pedestrians.” “The Commonwealth’s network of parkways enables the public to connect directly with greenspaces and provides recreational opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy, while also delivering important travel routes that unites neighborhoods, communities, and regions together” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Baker-Polito Administration recognizes that as traffic patterns and parkway uses change over time, that it is important to continue to modify these networks, like the roadway improvements to William J. Day Boulevard, to ensure safe passage is provided to all.” An upcoming public meeting regarding Day Boulevard improvements is also scheduled as follows:
6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 12 Curley Community Center 1663 Day Boulevard, South Boston Visual message boards are currently activated to inform travelers of the road closure this evening. Staff have been distributing flyers throughout the impacted area regarding parking restrictions. MassDOT and DCR will continue to provide updates throughout the course of construction. MassDOT encourages the public to be mindful of these impacts. Those traveling through the area should reduce speed and use caution and seek alternate routes. The schedule for this work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Splashes by Rick Winterson You might not have heard of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. At least it’s possible. But if you patronize South Boston’s beaches, even just now and then, you should memorize the name of that organization. It’s “Save the Harbor/Save the Bay”, which South Boston Online will abbreviate “SHSB” for the rest of this article. SHSB is the private organization that has worked with the legislature, civic agencies, elected officials, and thousands of volunteers since 1986 – 32 full years – to make Boston’s beaches squeaky clean. Which they have accomplished – big time! You can swim ad lib in South Boston anytime you want, because South Boston’s beaches check out clean 100% of the time. Yes, that’s 100% of the time. Boston (justifiably) boasts the cleanest urban beaches in the nation. SHSB also has regular Splashes during the warm weather. Kids of all ages from all over Boston gather on Carson Beach to play, splash, eat lunch, and enjoy themselves thoroughly. Some 350 kids took part in a Splash last week and then had lunch at Carson Beach.
One of the costumed players narrated the story of Robert Smalls, a southern black pirate from all the way back when. The SHSB Guardian Angels include Bruce Berman, David Coffin (of “Revels” fame), and Ms. Patty Foley (a South Boston lady). SHSB is even headquartered in South Boston – on Northern Avenue at our Fish Pier.
Two professional chefs (and SHSB supporters) from jetBlue at the Splash.
Two SHSB guardian angels – Bruce Berman and David Coffin.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018 THE PRINT EDITION
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