THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 27
Groundbreaking Ceremony: Martin’s Park by Rick Winterson
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o say that it was a “celebration” strikes the wrong note. It was a “bittersweet” occasion. But there was something “uplifting” or even “solemnly joyful” and “fitting” about breaking ground for the park at Children’s Museum dedicated to Martin Richard’s memory. Martin Richard left us because of the Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. He won’t return, but Martin’s Park assures us that he’ll never be forgotten. Such it was by the Children’s Museum at 64 Sleeper Street early last Wednesday afternoon. The sun shone brilliantly on an event formally called “Martin’s Park at Smith Family Waterfront, Groundbreaking Ceremony, 1:00 p.m., August 16, 2017”. A crowd of perhaps as many as a thousand gathered across Fort Point Channel from downtown Boston, on the
grassy plot in front of the Children’s Museum. They were there to witness the groundbreaking. One thing in particular was more than just “a nice touch”; it was “stirring”. Young people of or near Martin’s age – he was 8 years old at the time of the 2013 Marathon – were given shovels along with construction workers’ safety vests and helmets. They were the ones who actually broke ground for Martin’s Park at the end of the program, and they were justifiably excited. Fr. Sean Lennon invoked a poignant Blessing that reflected on the fragility of our lives; Boston’s Park Commissioner Chris Cook ably emceed the groundbreaking’s speakers program, which was set against the towering backdrop of Boston’s skyline. Mayor Walsh offered heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the establishment of Martin’s Park – it is to be built along the Smith Family continued on page 4
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Gov. Charlie Baker delivers brief but poignant remarks at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for Martin’s Park
A History of Dissent: on Boston Common
By Richard Campbell
pasture, owned by a hermit English Clergyman William Blackstone (Blaxton) who received a patent for the property three years after the arrival of the Pilgrims, in 1623. Blackstone suggested to original settlers in Charlestown’s fetid swamp- who were suffering from a shortage of potable water- that continued on page 6
The long history of the Boston Common may be obscured to contemporary visitors who wade at the Frog Pond, take merry-go-round rides, or picnic on the lawn- but it has a history as a place of dissent that continues to echo down to this day. What is America’s oldest park began as a 42-acre private cow NO MONTHLY FEE NO MINIMUMS
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Dear Neighbor, Growing up as a young person in Boston where American democracy was born, I always treasured the right to vote. It is our civic duty and an incredible honor. That philosophy was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents. Even though my children are not of voting age, my wife and I often talk to them about the importance of voting. We explain to them that so many of our brave men and women have sacrificed a great deal to make this a fundamental right of our country.
Dear South Bostonians,
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he upcoming race for City Council is incredibly important to South Boston as a community, to all neighborhoods in District 2, and to Boston as a whole. With so much at stake in this election, I know that Ed Flynn is the best candidate for the job. I’ve known Ed through his dedicated community engagement over the years where I’ve seen him as a strong and independent leader. Through his experience as an active member of his local civic group, veteran, probation office, and father, Ed understands the issues that impact families and seniors here every day. I know that Ed will be ready to use that experience on Day 1 of the job. We’ve all seen him stand up for the community on issues like public safety, parking, and development, and Ed has a proven record of getting things done. I hope you will join me in supporting Ed Flynn for Boston City Council on September 26th. As City Councilor, he has the experience to deliver, and he will always work for us. Kathy Lafferty, South Boston
As an 18-year old, I remember how excited I was to head off to college. I got the same feeling the day I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Both experiences helped shape who I am today. For those leaving town later this month for college or military service, I commend you. Being both a veteran and college graduate, I can say that they will be experiences you will not forget. You make our community proud. Today, I ask that you fulfill your civic duty by voting in the fall’s elections – on September 26 and on November 7. If you are going to be away and unable to vote in person, you can vote via absentee ballot starting now. I would be honored to earn your vote in this election for City Council – District 2. It will certainly decide the future of our neighborhood and district, and I need your help to win this election. Please contact me at (617) 913-6969 or email info@edforboston.com if any member of your family needs an absentee ballot. I wish you the best in your next endeavor, and I appreciate your consideration and support. Sincerely,
Edward M. Flynn
Image Submissions to South Boston Online South Boston Online is happy to accept appropriate images from the community for events, as well as personal notices, as we see including photography from neighborhood sources as part of our mission. This being said, we are a print publication, and images submitted to us for print need to be a minimum of 300 pixels per inch in resolution, and at least two megapixels
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
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Gavin Foundation Free Comedy Show The Gavin Foundation will host a National Recovery Month Celebration and present Recovery Community Impact Awards at a free Comedy Show. Emceed by Al Park featuring Paul Virzi and Graig Murphy on Friday, September 8, 2017. Doors open 6:30 pm; and program starts at 7:00 pm. The event will take place at IBEW Hall, 256 Freeport Street, Dorchester. Free Admission and Free shuttle bus from JFK/UMass T station from 6:00 pm to 9:45 pm The following are the recipients of the Recovery Community Impact Awards: The Boston Fire Department, led by Commissioner Joseph Finn will be honored for their work related to the opioid epidemic
in Boston. Commissioner Finn and department officials work closely with the City of Boston’s Office of Recovery Services to ensure that first responders and volunteers in the community receive the training and support needed in response to the opioid crisis. Commissioner Finn was recently recognized as Fire Chief of the Year by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, an organization of 200 fire chiefs representing the largest cities in the US and Canada. “The Boston Fire Department, led by Joe Finn, was a natural choice for the Recovery Community Impact Award. The Gavin Foundation would like to thank the department and Commissioner Finn for their commitment to changing lives
18th Annual South Boston Street Festival By Karen Stanley The South Boston Chamber of Commerce in partnership with South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation is pleased to announce that the 18th Annual South Boston Street Festival will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Over the past seventeen years, the festival has grown significantly and has become South Boston’s most highly anticipated events, attracting over 8,000 residents and visitors. This year’s festival will once again feature “The Best of South Boston” including over 100 merchants, restaurants, artists and community organizations, which will fill the festival area from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Live entertainment will take place on two stages providing festival goers with a fun filled day. Entertainment highlights include: Thomas Park – Lead by front man Paul Eastman, who himself is a South Boston small business owner along with drummer Joe Tobias, will be performing a wide range of music that includes classic rock, dance, R&B, and top 40. The Royal Furs, will be returning once again this year - playing country
favorite hits. There will be performances by: The Peggy Wood’s School of Irish Step Dance, Miss Linda’s Dancers, Ultimate Self Defense. And much more! Free Children’s activities include face painters, balloon twisters, street performers, and the New England Aquarium tide pool -Be sure to keep an eye out for a band of roaming Pirates. Enjoy a great selection of food options - from some of South Boston’s favorite food establishments including; Capo, Larry J’s Barbecue, Lincoln Tavern, Loco, Joseph’s Bakery, The Juice Box, The Sausage Guy, Sweet Tooth Bakery, Miam Miam Macaronerie and many others. Alfresco dining will be available at, The Cranberry Café, Café Porto Bello, The Paramount, and Roza Lyons just to name a few. Shop until-you-drop – enjoy outstanding savings from local retailers including; Best Dressed, Bringing Up Baby, Covet, Habit, Ku De Ta, Pretty Reckless, Southie’s Own, The Beauty Bar, Wears + Wares and many more. Be sure to visit the many booths of South Boston’s and the areas vital non-profit agencies. For up to date information visit : www. southbostonstreetfestival. com
in the community.” said William Ostiguy, Lieutenant, retired, Boston Fire Department and Chairman of the Board, Gavin Foundation. Felicia Safford, Boston Public Health Transitions Program Admission Coordinator, will be honored for her dedication to the many individuals she has guided through the Boston Public Health Commission Transitions program, which provides short-term addiction treatment for adults. She is an admired and respected role model and truly cares about helping individuals on their road to recovery. “Her dedication to the residents of the Transitions programs, and indeed for many others, is inspiring. We are pleased to present Felicia Safford with the Recovery Community Impact Award.” said John P. McGahan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gavin Foundation. The Gavin Foundation is multi-service nonprofit agency providing drug and alcohol addiction prevention, treatment,
education and support programs for children, teens and adults. The Gavin Foundation is holding this annual event to celebrate Recovery with the community. We would like to show our gratitude to the many caring individuals, groups and companies in our community who support the charities of the Gavin Foundation and the over 5000 individuals and families from the Greater Boston area we serve each year. www.gavinfoundation.org Each September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sponsors National Recovery Month to promote the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, support and recovery for substance use and mental disorders. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Martin’s Park... Continued from page 1
Waterfront on beautiful plots of land donated by the MBTA and the Children’s Museum. Perhaps the most stirring remarks were offered by Gov. Charlie Baker. He spoke of how Boston will finally get a park dedicated to Martin Richard’s memory. Baker emphatically stated, “We are taking this awful experience and building something beautiful out of it. Right now! I look forward to coming back here to open this park in 2018.” Gov. Baker closed by stating how fitting it was that Martin’s Park would be devoted exclusively to children playing. Baker is an excellent speaker; he delivers speeches with dignity and with an unmistakable emotional impact. He received a well-deserved spontaneous standing ovation at the end of his remarks. Martin Richard’s family
attended the groundbreaking – his father Bill Richard, his mother Denise, and his sister and brother, Jane and Henry. Jane read her remarks in a clear voice, referring especially to how Martin’s Park will be accessible to everyone. Jane lost her left leg in the Marathon bombing and she now wears a prosthesis. Bill Richard repeated that Martin’s Park is for play – slides, basket swings, log climbing, and rope climbing, embedded in a carefully landscaped nature trail. With the Children’s Museum in the background, it will be a destination for kids that memorializes Martin Richard forever. And then about a hundred children in construction gear lined up, took their shovels, and broke ground for Martin’s Park. South Boston Online can only say, “You just simply had to be there”. Please make it a point to be at the opening of Martin’s Park a year from now, in the fall of 2018.
Young “construction workers” enthusiastically break ground: Martin’s Park begins.
John and Michael are poised and ready for the groundbreaking.
Bill and Jane Richard speak (Martin’s father and sister. Jane lost her left leg in the Marathon bombing). Note the iconic picture of Martin – “No more hurting people; PEACE.”
Fr. Sean Lennon invokes a Blessing on Martin’s Park.
The lawn is packed for Martin’s Park groundbreaking. The site of the groundbreaking for Martin’s Park.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
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Southie Cheerleaders Return
he last pre-season game the Patriots will play is scheduled for next Thursday, August 31, against one of our arch-foes, the New York Giants. This final exhibition game before the New England season begins is at Gillette Stadium. A key feature of the August 31 game will be the reunion of Patriots Cheerleader Alumnae – over 200 ladies from the New England Patriot’s past will perform their cheerleading routines to music that ranges from the 1960s to 2010. Two of these talented cheerleaders are sisters from South Boston – Linda Collins and Joanne CollinsBuonamano. They are flying in from Las Vegas to take part in this extra-special event. Linda cheered from 1975 till 1977; she was the cheerleader squad’s Captain in her final year. Joanne joined the squad in 1977 and the two sisters cheered together that year. South Boston Online thanks for Collins family for letting us know about the August 31 cheerleading event at Gillette. The Collins family members have always been huge Pats fans; they’ve held season’s tickets ever since the team’s beginning back in 1960. GO PATS!
Joanne Collins-Buonamano and her sister Linda Collins in 1977
Linda and Joanne rehersing for the upcoming reunion
The 1977 Patriot’s Cheerleading Squad.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The whole expedition Boston Common...conspiracy”. ended badly for La Tour, who continued on page 1
sought refuge in Quebec. My point: almost from its very inception, the Boston Common had a reputation as a place for mustering military and meetings marked by dissent. The Common often served as a little more than a public forum. Following the 1658 law enacted by Governor John Endecott all Quakers who were not residents of the colony were to be apprehended without warrant, and banished upon pain of death- or if they were too persistent, would be put to death by hanging on the Common. The Quaker’s views were so unappreciated that they were not only hanged on the Common, but tortured before audiences in all manner: whipping, clipping of the ears, and even boring their tongues with hot pokers. Endecott proved in the case of the four martyrs to be a most unforgiving individual, having a few of them repetitively “well whipped” and released on several occasions. The large oak from which the famous four Quakers were hung
they should cross what was then the peninsula of Shawmut to settle on the Boston side. Shawmut in Indian means “glistening fountain.” When Blackstone sold the property in 1634, for thirty shillings to the Puritans, their purchase marked the place as the nation’s first public park. Like those who have followed them, many early citizens came to the Boston Common to be replenished, to exercise animals, celebrate, speak freely, prepare for war, and protest. As early as 1645 the Common served as a place to train militia- in the case of Charles La Tour, a French colonist and fur trader, who brought his men to seek refuge, having been blockaded out of St. John’s Harbor, in a fight with Menou d’Aulnay, his rival to be governor of Acadia. Despite being feted by Governor Winthrop, and helped with supplies, he and his men were forced to withdraw to their ship after an exercise on the Common, when crowds accused them of fomenting a “Popish
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QUAKER MARTYR MARY DYER
SMALL PARK, BIG HISTORY
was apparently near where the Frog Pond sits today. The Four “Boston Martyrs” were Marmaduke Stevenson, William Robinson, William Leddra, and Mary Dyer were led by two hundred soldiers to their hanging on October 27, 1859. Stevenson and Robinson were hung, but Dyer and Leddra who got to witness the gruesome events up close, were taken back to prison and brought back out in 1660 and 1661 to experience demise on separate occasions. Their crime: returning from exile several times after being banned for opposing the local religious order. It should be noted that around the world. October 27th is now International Religious Freedom Day in commemoration of the execution of the Boston Martyrs. One might easily see the Boston Common through the lens of a series of emancipations from hysteria. By the time of the most famous witchcraft hysteria in New England, persecuting Quakers seemed like old hat. Interestingly, Judge Seawall, the Witch’s Judge, is interred nearby the Common in the Granary Burial Ground. Despite his rather unprincipled role in the
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witch trials in 1692-93, he was one of the very first colonials to openly oppose slavery. The Quakers, and later the Abolitionists, and Transcendentalist’s faced dark conservative forces who blamed them for all the countries illsoften playing upon people’s prejudices to lather up the crowds. That sounds a little too familiar. Not many people seem to remember that the British encamped for eight years on the Boston Common before heading off to the battles of Lexington and Concord. The regulars were forced out after the Boston Tea Party to encamp on Castle Island, then Castle Williambut not until after exhibiting their prowess to the local citizenry. The Liberty Tree, which was nearby the Common became a rallying point for the Colonials was at the corner of Essex and Washington Street. After the seizure of John Hancock’s ship by the Royal Navy, towns people dragged a customs official’s boat to the Boston Common, and burned it in protest. The Sons of text continued on page 14
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
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THE PARKMAN BANDSTAND, USUALLY A PLACE OF HONOR
MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE
“TO THE MEN OF BOSTON WHO DIED
OLDEST PARK IN AMERICA
FOR THEIR COUNTRY ON LAND AND SEA IN THE WAR WHICH KEPT THE UNION WHOLE DESTROYED SLAVERY AND MAINTAINED THE CONSTITUTION THE GRATEFUL CITY HAS BUILT THIS MONUMENT THAT THEIR EXAMPLE MAY SPEAK TO COMING GENERATIONS” VIEWS OF THE CIVIL WAR MONUMENT WITH INSCRIPTION
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The Littlest Garden is Better Than None By Richard Campbell
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n the concrete jungle of South Boston, the standard access to nature sites are city parks and the harbor, but residences and communities in South Boston have begun putting up tiny gardens- little oasis- a concept that needs nurturing to come alive to combat the “macadam and chain link fence movement” of yesteryear. Besides the oxygen generating value of plants, and their ability to soften the urban environment; some groups have noted that working on community gardens can be a way to promote better citizenship, and create a sense of well- being. With space being at a premium in South Boston, the back porches of row houses and triple-deckers often become little escapes for urbanites. I should add that these are now all called luxury condominiums, regardless of how Spartan they appear. Although the noise levels in busy neighborhoods where trucks careen down the road all day and night impervious to city laws, can make finding a separate peace challenging- little porch gardens can make a difference. There are South Boston industrial zones where it was once inconceivable to grow a blade of grass- but that is changing as gardens continue to spring up in the most unlikely places. Who knows, maybe the city will consider planting trees
on the barren overheated lower ends of Old Colony Drive, and Dorchester Avenue. We can only hope. There is nothing quite like a thriving rose bush in full bloom, and with all the rain we had this summer, South Boston is still bursting with flowers. It appears the churches of South Boston have cornered the market on these, from Gate of Heaven to St. Brigid to St. Monica’s. It seems a church without a rose garden is missing something-more on that later. Anyone with a nominal education will hear Shakespeare’s words from Romeo and Juliet upon seeing roses. “What’s in a name? that which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” It must be said that roses require careful tending. When roses are suddenly cut, and not arranged in glowing bouquets, they bespeak of lost love and death. How often have we seen the single abandoned rose and thought of such loss? The sociological impact of gardens in urban environments hints at the privileged life normally reserved for tonier suburbs-where the natural right to lawns is not sacrificed to urbanity. Now that South Boston is the hottest real estate market in metro area, we can see gentrification taking root. Gentrification is so strong the South Boston black top Bureau of Uglification – BOU-now has to meet secretly in basements away from
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
Littlest Gardens...
sunlight- to avoid being seen by people who spend time in their yard gardens. I was kicked out of the club when I showed up to a meeting with a sun tan, a crop of organic tomatoes, and trendy microbrewery beers. It seems that window boxes, di-rigeur on gentrified Beacon Hill, haven’t quite hit the high end market in South Boston. Even the small gardens on Old Colony signed Washington Village, and the garden in front of the Steel Workers Union Hall, give the passer by a little refreshment. As the summer draws to a close, we begin to think of house plants. As a person once registered with House Plant Killers Anonymous, I can testify that the slow climb up from a basil plant and a few geraniums to a real oxygen generating “green” apartment is a bit more complicated than merely buying a few plants. The luxury of good window light determines the scope of your plans, unless you want to get into advanced growing systems. I am more interested in plants that might offer me food or fragrance. My father once said that men don’t grow house plants: they grow and cut lawns, trees, vegetables, and barbeque
every weekend. My next door neighbor, who is a lovely woman and would not wish to be associated with a plant outcast like myself, always has pretty plants on her porch in the summer- sealing her reputation as the Martha Stewart of Andrew Square. It should be noted that the prevalence of rose gardens around churches is steeped deeply in the tradition of warding off the undead. This brings up the prospect of more controversial gardens that might spring up in South Boston. The smell of Mary Jane has become a perennial in Andrew Square, connected to the patently evil international drug trade, which churns out Zombies on a regular basis. The presumption is that by legalization, this will be replaced by a more innocent hippie garden cottage industry, alongside of a well-researched medicinal one. I’m a bit skeptical about getting rid of the drug dealers without shutting down banks that launder all the money, and I see no Elliot Ness type on the forefront; but consider the role of gardens in rehabilitation to have great promise. I was recently coached by an elderly gardener about the various herbs and flowers that ward off Vampires and Zombies.
She assured me that planting dog roses around the perimeter of your property is considered most effective in warding off the undead. It is far better to focus upon a few house plants, and
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leave the big gardening to those with higher ambitions. As the title of this story suggests, even the smallest garden can be a life saver if your plants are chosen wisely.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Fort Point Festival 2017 Last Sunday by Rick Winterson
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outh Boston Online is glad to report that South Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood held its second annual Fort Point Festival again this year – last Sunday afternoon and early evening, August 20. This repeats the successful first such Festival held last year; we hope this year’s event establishes an ongoing tradition in Fort Point, one of Boston’s and New England’s largest art colonies.. The Festival was not just about art. Groups there included “Boston Partners in Education”, an in-class mentoring organization in Boston’s public schools. Games of Boston Cornhole went on non-stop. Boat builders showed their wares. “LoVeSeXy”, a Prince Tribute Band rocked and wailed. And there were lots of things for the kids to do. The art of course occupied center stage. Nine Fort Point artists exhibited. The most striking work of art was a 50-foot live painting created on the spot along Thomson Place by “Vegasino”, also known as Paul Riley. The Festival itself was organized by the “Friends of Fort Point Channel”. And as a couple of final notes, stop in at the Artists for Humanity exhibition in their EpiCenter building at A and Second Streets tonight (Thursday evening, August 24, opening at 4 p.m.). Then, be sure to reserve the weekend of October 13-15. Those are the dates of the next Fort Point Open Studios – Friday, 4 to 7; Saturday/Sunday, 12 to 6. Fort Point rules. See you there.
Moshay and Pamela Civins (Exec. Dir.) from Boston Partners in Education.
A reproduction of “Fort Point Channel” by Karen McFeaters adorns a fence.
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Maggie Connors works on a painting of her dog Boon in her Fort Point Studio.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
South Boston Vietnam Memorial 36th Anniversary The South Boston Vietnam Memorial Committee extends an invitation to the South Boston Community and friends to attend the Thirty-Sixth Anniversary of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial on Sunday, September 10, 2017. We dedicate this year’s ceremony to the three South Boston Medal of Honor recipients; Pvt. George H. Nee USA, Pvt. Frank O. Walker, USA and PFC Michael J. Perkins, USA. Thirty-Six years ago, the promise we made to the TwentyFive of our fallen friends and to the community were realized. The people of South Boston were among the very first to recognize the sacrifice the Vietnam Veterans made in the name of freedom. We will forever be proud of this.
The people of South Boston built that monument. Building it, however, was only half of the pledge we made to ourselves. The other half is inscribed across the face of the memorial: If you forget my death, then I died in vain. The days’ activities will begin with a Memorial Mass at St. Brigids Church at 10:30 am followed by the rededication ceremony at Medal of Honor Park at 11:30 am. Our special guests will be General George Casey, Medal of Honor recipients Tom Kelley, Barney Barnum and Ryan Pitts along with Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh. Please join us on this special day of remembrance
SOUTH BOSTON VIETNAM MEMORIAL 36th ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 MASS: 10:30 AM ST. BRIGID CHURCH REDEDICATION CEREMONY: 11:30 AM MEDAL OF HONOR PARK GUEST SPEAKER General George Casey, U. S. Army Army Chief of Staff, Retired
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Mayor Walsh Visits West Broadway Unity Day
Clerk of Court Michael Donovan and Mayor Marty Walsh with Elena, the Manager of West Broadway Homes, and Betty, President of the West Broadway Task Force. On the porch where the grille by Rick Winterson was located, BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle introduced the t was very much to Mayor to the crowd. After greeting his credit that Mayor everyone and thanking the Unity Martin J. Walsh Day’s organizers, Mayor Walsh dropped in at last Saturday’s West briefly described his plans for Broadway Unity Day celebration. additional low to middle-income Last Saturday was the day of housing in Boston. In total, he spent the so-called “Boston Free Speech” about an hour at West Broadway Rally on Boston Common. A Unity Day. It also an informal permit allowing such a gathering campaign day – this year, the was issued – fittingly so, because the Mayor is running for re-election; Common (within hailing distance South Boston’s Ed Flynn was on of the legendary “Liberty Tree”) hand as part of his own campaign has historically been the location for District Two City Councilor. of so many other examples of the As it turned out, Mayor free speech we enjoy in America. Walsh made exactly the right The Rally itself drew only a few call by showing up at Unity Day hundred participants. However, here. Led by Police Commissioner a very large number of protesters Evans, law enforcement in Boston – 50,000 or more – marched on Saturday successfully kept the from Roxbury to the Common, peace. Other than about 30 arrests, including some members of Antifa. primarily for disorderly conduct, But wisely, the Mayor stuck the entire train of events was to his pre-established schedule, peaceful despite the huge crowd arriving at West Broadway Unity Day of protesters who were involved. around 11:30 Saturday morning. After West Broadway Unity The 2017 Unity Day on Day, Mayor Walsh departed for the Orton Marotta Way was a cookout remainder of his full schedule, which with recorded music, “Simon included stops at Charlestown, Says”, and lots of summer picnic the Roxbury “Y”, a Hendry Street food. Several tables were set up block party, the “Find Your Voice by community organizations, in Peace” barbecue, Eastie Pride including the Health Center, South Day, and the Fisherman’s Feast Boston en Accion, and the Farmers in the North End. He has since Market. Mayor Walsh visited all received nationwide praise for his the tables; he spoke at length with cool, level-headed conduct of City Elena and Betty, the Manager and of Boston affairs last weekend. President of West Broadway Homes Thank you for stopping by West and the Task Force, respectively. Broadway Unity Day, Mr. Mayor.
At West Broadway Unity Day, Mayor Walsh stops at the Health Center table to chat with Maren Tober and Prinz.
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Yes, it’s also a campaign stop for both Mayor Walsh and City Council candidate Ed Flynn, who are with Ed’s daughter Caroline, son Stephen, and Clerk of Court Michael Donovan.
At the West Broadway Unity Day, BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle (l.) introduces Mayor Walsh, who makes some welcoming remarks, and sings “Happy Birthday” to Samantha.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
by Rick Winterson
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Third and Final DHA Concert: SALSA!
mong South Boston’s most enjoyable summer activities in 2017 were the three free concerts presented by the Dorchester Heights Association (the DHA), led by Chris Soule. These included
a jazz duo, bluegrass, and a Salsa quintet last Saturday evening. All of the musicians were connected with Boston’s iconic Berklee College of Music; all put on highly accomplished performances. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, a gorgeous Dorchester Heights sunset ushered in
an incredibly rhythmic Salsa concert by five skilled Berklee musicians – Zayra Pola (vocals, percussion), Karol (conga drums), Roberto (keyboard), Suzu (trombone), and Bernardo (bass). Salsa is a hybrid dance music, both vocal and instrumental, which originated back in the ‘60s in New York City. Obviously so rhythmic that
many of last Saturday’s concertgoers couldn’t resist dancing, Salsa also combines American jazz strains with Latin American classics – “Besame Mucho” (Kiss Me a Lot) by Consuelo Velasquez was one of the numbers. Let’s hope the DHA Concerts, especially another Salsa performance, resume next summer
The crowd gathers at the heights
Let the concert begin.
Yes, there was balloon art at the third DHA Concert
Beautiful sunset at Dorchester Heights
Registration for St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Parishes Religious Education Program 2017-2018 Kindergarten through Six Grade The teachers and Mr. Fowkes are excited about the start of the Religious Education Program this year. Registration is currently being accepted for the Parish Program. All children in grades Kindergarten through Sixth who attend public schools or who are otherwise educated outside the Catholic School system begin on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Religious Education classes are scheduled to meet from 9am to 10:15am in South Boston Catholic Academy located at 866 East Broadway at “O” Street. You may enroll your child in any of two ways: 1) You may contact Jim Fowkes at JimFinsouthie@aol.com and leave a complete mailing information. A copy of the Certificate of Baptism must accompany registration forms of children who were not Baptized at St. Brigid or Gate of Heaven Parishes. 2) Registration may also be done on: Sunday, September 10, 2017 – first day of class. Please feel free to email Jim Fowkes with any questions at JimFinsouthie@aol.com.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Boston Common... continued from page 7
Liberty tarred and feathered John Malcolm, a loyalist, under the Liberty Tree- which in those days, well within view of the Boston Common. One may not list that on their resumes for tolerance. The Colonial burial ground on the Common contains the remains of famous Boston revolutionaries and British regulars buried side by side. By the colonial period, duels were held intermittently to defend a gentleman’s honor, or settle a score. In 1728, Peter Faneuil’s friend Henry Phillips, ran a sword through Benjamin Woodbridge in one such duel over a card game, and escaped via ship to France. Years later, Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison narrowly escaped being dragged to the Boston Common for a tarring and feathering 1835. When people think about the rancor of today, they should remember that it was the Republican party of Lincoln, who were the chief opponents of slavery, and it was Massachusetts Republican Senator Charles Sumner was beat senseless with a cane on the floor of Congress by South Carolina
Augustus Saint-Gaudens scultpture of Massachusetts 54th- African American Regimentnote the specks of red which are flowers left in the soldiers hands. Democratic Congressman Preston Brooks after he gave a speech in which labeled Brook’s cousin as a “pimp for slavery.” Horace Mann, an abolitionist and the father of education, can be seen from the Boston Common, still guarding the State House. We see the nation mirrored back to us through the Boston Common. For who cannot gaze upon the statue by Auguste Saint-Gaudens of the Massachusetts 54th in wonder at the role of African
Americans in Massachusetts Civil War history? By 1908 upon his death, George Parkman bequeathed over five million dollars to the city of Boston for the preservation of the Boston Common, thus the bandstand dedicated in his name. In his will he said: “To the city of Boston in the hope and expectation that the Boston Common shall never be diverted from its present use as a public park for the benefit and enjoyment of its citizens.” For
years the Common has been a place of recreation and refuge, as well as the hallowed ground where dissenters challenge the world. The speeches and events of our forefathers seem extraordinarily erudite next to modern day marches; but the fair sentiment is that Boston is still the Athens of America, and no matter what has gone before, we can be assured that our ancestors did not want us to fight the Civil War over again.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
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East Boston Savings Bank Babe Ruth League Champs
By Kevin Lally
Last week, the South Boston Babe Ruth league held the Championship Series down Moakley Park, between the defending champions, East Boston Savings Bank and Boston Home Inspectors. The league dedicated the series to the memory of Colleen Tallent (McMurray) Beloved wife of Mike Tallent, manager of the Jack Hart club, who succumbed to ovarian cancer on July 1. In a classy display of unity and appreciation, the league wore teal ribbons in her memory. In the best three out of five series, the teams played a very entertaining championship caliber game one, featuring the top two pitchers in the league facing off versus each other, Logan Crowley (EBSB) and Christian Mazzeo (BHI). In the top of the first, EBSB jumped out with 3-0 lead starting with a Logan Crowley double and Kevin Cully driving him in with a single, followed by a Nolan Callow double, and ending with a Frank Casper walk to force in the third run of the inning. BHI would answer with a run in each of the next three innings to tie it up at three. In the first inning Mick Crowley singled home Paddy Craddock and Brian Miller doubled in the second, to be driven in by Aiden Young’s single. The third inning, Sean Cannon brought the crowd to its feet with a dramatic game-tying home run. Mazzeo settled down and pitched three scoreless innings until the fifth, when EBSB broke the tie with three runs. Bobby Delaney doubled home Crowley and Cully, who then scored on a Jack Feeney single. EBSB put another one on the board in the sixth with a Michael Brooks’ double, who then stole third and scored on a ground out making it 7-3. BHI would not go down quietly and pulled it close with two of the own in the bottom of the sixth when Jack McGinn and Miller, singled and Evan Markos drove them in with the third single of the inning. That’s where the scoring ended as Logan Crowley completed a fine pitching performance, going the distance and giving EBSB a 7-5 victory in game one. Game 2 featured pitchers Sean Cannon and Bobby Delaney. This time it was BHI striking first with a run in the top of the first on a single by Mick
Crowley, driving in Craddock (single.) Cannon was cruising and pitching great, but ran into some trouble in the fourth, as EBSB exploded for five runs. Struggling with his command, Lydon McGarrell and Owen Leahy lead off with walks and Crowley drove them in with a single. Followed up with singles by Cully, Delaney and Feeney, and a bases-loaded walk by Cormac Lafferty, EBSB took a commanding 7-1 lead. Delaney would cruise through five, looking like the game was In hand, BHI would continue to play hard and break through in the top of the sixth with seven runs of their own and taking an 8-7 lead, driving Delaney from the game and stunning the defending champions. There were two big basesloaded singles by Danny Potember and Aaron Mulligan and bases loaded walks by Joe Hamilton and Nolan Zdanavage accounting for the runs. With a big lead and a golden opportunity to take a 2 games to 0 lead in the series squandered, the question was, how would EBSB respond? It didn’t take long for the defending champions to answer. In the bottom of the inning, they put up five of their own to retake the lead 12 to 8, with the big blow coming from the bat of Nolan Callow, who doubled with the bases-loaded scoring Brooks (single), Cully and Crowley. Delaney drove in Callow and was driven in by Lafferty. That would prove to be enough as Kevin Cully closed out the game keeping BHI’s bats quiet and picked up a hard-fought win, 12-9 to take a commanding two games to 0 lead in the series. In game three, reminiscent of Willis Reed, a depleted and injured BHI pitching staff, summoned the Uber God’s and their prayers were answered when Jack Matthews drove up from the Cape to pitch. EBSB countered with their own pitching star and winner of game one, Logan Crowley. EBSB would strike for two in the top of the first with Brooks, (a walk, 2 stolen bases) and Crowley (walk, SB) both scoring on a single by Cully. In the third, Crowley took matters into his own hands with a walk and stealing second third and home for a 3-0 lead. The Score would remain unchanged until the top of the fifth, when Callow single, and Delaney doubled, and with great heads up base running by Will Ahearn lead to scoring the
second and last run of the inning. That run would prove to be huge. Edward Murray (three singles), and Leahy (two singles) also contributed in the inning. The score was now 5-2. BHI would do what they have done throughout the series, scratch and claw and come back and answer with runs of their very own each and every time. Nothing would be easy and the team that would win had to earn every game, inning by inning, pitch by pitch. In the bottom of the fifth, Hamilton would lead off with a single, followed by a walk to Kennedy. Then what could be described as the defining moment of the game and possibly the series, Owen Leahy laid himself out in left field, without any regard for his body and made an incredible diving catch to prevent two runners from scoring and better yet keep the tying run off the bases. It would be huge because Matthews would later double and scored those two
runs but would be left stranded. The score was 5 to 4. Matthews would be stingy and not allow another run for the rest of the way but Crowley was dominant and wouldn’t allow a hit or a baserunner over the last seven batters, winning the game and back to back championships for EBSB. Crowley who won games one and three would be named MVP of the championship series. Congratulations to both EBSB and BHI for a very entertaining and very well played competitive series. All the managers and coaches would like to thank SBBRL President Kevin Lally and all team sponsors, John Hart Club, East Boston Savings Bank, Boston Home Inspectors and our travel team sponsors Dedham Savings Bank and Massport for all their continued support throughout the years.