THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
LABOR DAY
LABOR DAY VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 28
Back to School: Sage Ideas for Academic Development By Richard Campbell
S
ummer is over. Where did it go, you might ask? Now you are ready for school. Right. And the Celtics are going to win the championship this year too! All kidding aside, many student’s find research and writing skills to be the most difficult things to learn- especially for students who get bored with dry details. What follows here is a global view of the skills new high school students need to learn, written out in plain English. Yes, Freshman: this article is aimed squarely at your cerebellums.
Awareness: No One is Average.
It is hardly an overstatement to say that the pressure to perform well academically increases upon entering high school, and while the most ambitious, well
tutored students have an arsenal of tools available; it is also true that many students, who might be considered “average” do not have the advantages of glistening type A scholars. In the complex world of learning, no one is average. Every person has his or her own unique abilities. The secret is finding yours. No matter where you consider yourself on the educational food chain (slang for hierarchy), you must understand that putting extra pressure on yourself to compete with others may do more harm than good. Developing learning skill is part work, and part believing in your abilities. It doesn’t hurt to get a little help from your friends, so find a study partner early on. This should not be gab time, but a few concentrated hours of work on a schedule. In short, you need to focus your awareness upon the tasks at continued on page 6
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First Places for Yacht Club’s Junior Sailors In the recent set of two races between the young sailors from the Harry McDonough Sailing Center and those from the South Boston Yacht Club Junior Sail, the South Boston Yacht Club (the SBYC) won both. An SBYC boat also garnered a third place finish - SBYC junior sailors ruled. These races were held in Pleasure Bay, inside the arc formed by the Sugar Bowl and the Causeway. Much thanks goes to SBYC Commodore Ernie Myrvang and to Bill Carr and the Junior Sail Committee members. Youth sailing at the SBYC has been going on for at least 100 years. A lot of credit is also due to the Instructors – Owen, Matt, and Sean. But of course, the races were actually sailed by the young members of the SBYC’s Junior Sail. Special recognition was merited by a sailor named Sinead, who crewed on the First Place SBYC sailboats in both of the races.
South Boston Yacht Club sailors (from left): Owen (Instructor), Mary, Erin, Matt (instructor), Jacob, Bill (Junior Sailing Committee), Dylan, Sinead (holding the winner’s cup), Ernie (SBYC Commodore), Tommy, Kiera, Jack, Jaelyn, Eddy (standing), Maeve, and Isabel. Not present: Sean (Instructor), Lydia, Colin, Duncan, Lily, and Ian.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
First Anniversary Mass
Kevin R. Lynch
Saturday, September 9th St. Peter's Church at 5:00 p.m.
Loved and Missed Your Always in our Hearts! Ma, Lorraine, Debbie, Kevin, Christine, Dylan and Sydney
Image Submissions
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 in total size.
The Safe Operation of Ships As a former Navy Enlisted (1950s) and Naval Officer (Navigator and Officer of the Deck, 1960s), I am quite concerned with the recent collisions by our warships in Asian waters. We lost seven sailors in the collision of the USS Fitzgerald and another ten sailors in the collision of the USS John S. McCain. Two guided missile destroyers are out of service and need extensive repairs. There are many factors that could contribute to collisions between ships, including enemy acts, weather, fatigue, missed or erroneous ship handling commands, and equipment malfunctions, but the one overriding factor leading to collisions is typically inattention to surrounding circumstances while operating in close proximity to other ships and relying solely on technology to keep them safe. Many ships employ the latest technologies in ship handling, navigation and communication systems, but maritime personnel have to properly utilize the systems. They have to augment these systems by using their training and s kills to safely operate the ship in accordance with the nautical Rules of the Road. When two ships approach each other they are supposed to abide by the Rules of the Road. The ship overtaking another ship is burdened and has to maneuver to avoid the overtaken ship, usually turning to starboard or slowing down. Two ships approaching bow on should each turn to starboard. When a ship approaches another ship that is to its starboard side, it is the burdened ship and it has turn to starboard or port and pass under the stern of the other ship. Proper whistle signals must be used, which comprises one short blast for a turn to starboard, two short blasts for a turn to port,
three short blasts for backing down, and five short blasts (international waters) for danger. When a U.S. Navy ship is operating in or near shipping lanes in close proximity to many ships, the three naval officers who are critical to the safe navigation of a ship are the Commanding Officer (Captain), Navigator, and Officer of the Deck (OOD). The Navigator determines positions and tracks for the ship. The OOD, who stands four hour watches, is in command of the ship and has the Conn unless the Captain is on the bridge. At night, when the two collisions occurred, the Captain was probably sleeping and the OOD was in charge of the ship and responsible to maneuver the ship as necessary and keep the Captain informed of the status of the ship and other vessels in the area. If the ship was operating in potentially difficult situations, then the Captain should have been on the bridge of the ship and maneuvering the ship. In addition to using radar at night to track other ships, visual sightings are always used to track ships. All ships have port (red) and green )starboard) running lights and white masthead and range lights. By viewing these lights on other ships, the OOD can determine the approximate track of other ships and whether another ship is on a collision course with his/her ship. Hopefully, the Naval inquiries will determine why the ships collided, and they will implement corrective actions to improve ship handling operations.
Donald Moskowitz Londonderry, NH Former AG2 & LT, U.S. Navy Penn State NROTC (From The Fleet)
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
Flynn Earns Endorsements
Steelworkers Union Hall Post sign endorsing Ed Flynn along with other Major Labor Groups. Flynn said, “As a union member, Ed Flynn, candidate for Boston it is humbling to have such strong City Council District 2, has earned support from organized labor. Now three prominent labor endorsements more than ever, we appreciate the going into Labor Day. This week, labor movement’s efforts on behalf Flynn announced endorsements from of working people. If elected, I NAGE, Boston Carmen’s Union will continue to defend collective Local 589, and the South Bostonbargaining, support negotiations based International Longshoremen’s for fair wages and benefits, and A ssociation Loca l 800. will remain an advocate for an These endorsements add to the economy that works for everyone.” strong districtwide support Flynn In addition to the more than has received with over 30 labor 30 unions supporting Flynn, unions, prominent local elected he has also been endorsed by officials, and community-based Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, organizations backing his candidacy. State Representative Nick Collins, On Monday, September Boston City Councilor At-Large 4, Flynn will join thousands of Michael Flaherty, Suffolk working men and women from Superior Court Clerk Michael across Massachusetts at the Donovan, and Supreme Judicial Greater Boston Labor Council’s Court Clerk Maura Doyle. Annual Labor Day Breakfast.
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Supporting Ed Flynn
Ed Flynn is the best choice for the District 2 City Councilor, because he has the experience and the temperament to represent all of District 2, including our home neighborhood of South Boston. I’ve known Ed my whole life, and I’ve seen him evolve into the man he is today. He is a dedicated father and husband, active member in his community, and role model for the kids he coaches and mentors. One thing that sets Ed apart is that he takes every aspect of his life seriously -- his family, his neighborhood, his military service, and his work helping people in the criminal justice system get their lives on the right track. It’s this level of commitment
that District 2 needs in their next City Councilor. I know Ed will actively represent all residents in all communities in the district, and be a strong voice for those in need. Why? Because as Ed frequently says, “We are all in this together.” I hope you will join me in supporting Ed Flynn on September 26 and November 7, because he will treat all residents with the attention and fairness they deserve. Ed Flynn understands the issues that are impacting our communities, and he has the vision to get things done for Boston.
Eddie Downs South Boston
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
By Rick Winterson
Susan Rodgerson Invites You
S
usan Rodgerson is the Executive Director of Artists for Humanity (AfH), an organization she founded in the 1990s. Briefly stated, the mission of AfH is to uncover the artist that exists in every young person in Boston. AfH is now located in their EpiCenter Building at A and Second Streets in South Boston; they are planning an expansion that doubles their working space. Last Thursday afternoon, August 24, AfH held their annual
Susan Rodgerson invites you to see the works of art by the young people at Artists for Humanity on A and Second.
“Summer Art & Design Exhibition”. Literally hundreds of beautiful works of art were on sale. The exhibition was a shoulder-to-shoulder success. South Boston Online can only present a brief sampling of this exhibition, but multiple styles, schools, and media were shown. If you would like a striking work of art that will bring a true cultural impact to your home, office, or hangout, Susan Rodgerson invites you to please call her at Artists for Humanity to arrange a personal showing.
Like an abstract splatter work, a la Jackson Pollock, entitled “Abstract Revival”.
Want a colorful, hard-edge abstract, “Turtle Shell”, by Maradina Rene?
How about realism - “Saint Laurent”, a figure study?
Prefer multi-media creations, like “Stories upon Skin” by Kaziah Lucas-Innocent?
Do you like “Square Art”, an abstract by Tracy? ( And it’s not square.)
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
n o t s o B SStorueethtFestival al u n n A 18 th
Saturday,September 16 • 11am-4pm East Broadway • South Boston LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON 2 STAGES
Over 100 Local Merchants, Artists and Organizations Great Food • Children’s Activities • Shopping Details at:
southbostonstreetfestival.com
/SouthBoston StreetFestival
@sbstreetfest
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Foodie’s Urban Market • JC Decaux • Leader Bank • Local Dunkin’ Donut Shops • UMass Boston • Sullivan’s Castle Island
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Back to School continued from page 1 hand, and silence negative voices that are confidence busters. You don’t have to be a Zen master to practice good learning habits in order to consciously upgrade your study skills. High school is an entirely different ball game, so change is critical to deal with the work load. Life is about to become a lot more complicated, but don’t panic.
Multitasking Makes You Dumb.
Just how many pricey devices are enough? Stick with requirements and avoid device overload.
When you focus upon one task (reading, or playing a trumpet, as examples) to the exclusion of everything else, it gives your brain an opportunity to make deep neural imprints that increase your overall ability to concentrate. Extensive research shows that students who learn to focus concentration with good study habits have an easier time at school. Without going into deep medical jargon, multitasking when studying is one of the worst things you can do- so turn it all off, including the TV, cell phones, loud music, games, etc. At your stage in life, focused concentration is perhaps the most important skill to learn.
Gadgets: Gateway to Distinction or Distracting You From Study Time?
Two Views of the “Big House” Copley Square Boston Public Library.Free to all the public, and the number one choice of students
You may find the price tag of a new Mac Book Pro to be prohibitive, even if you lobbied the parents to buy you the latest i-phone. Smart phones are fine, highly advanced, toys, and you can keep social with them in between studying- without being constantly distracted by Instagram or Pokemon Go. The cold hard facts are young adults need to learn operating systems of both the Mac and PC, the Microsoft Office Suite, and at least a few programs of the Adobe Design Suite before college. Knowing how to use advanced software on a laptop effectively does not happen without some serious training. Judging by students I’ve seen entering college, what they know in applications is kind of the surface elements, and when a complex project hits them, they seek out training in a panic. Check. Increase software knowledge now. There is a great deal offered to students in the digital world that can assist in learning, but the single
greatest invention in the world- that which advanced us into the modern age- was of course, not the i-pad, but books. Much research shows that reading from the printed page offers advantages to looking at screensand though there are significant advocates on both sides of the question; it is much more a product of how you use different kinds of content that determines effective learning. You need to know trusted sources of information. Library time is critical. Say you aren’t into books, what about advanced multimedia, free computer lessons, lectures, art, and music? The new Copley Square library even includes a TV Studio.
Timing is Everything So Stay Active:
When you start school the two things you should have both a digital and print copy of are your schedules, and assignments. You need a master file of all of these in multiple formats, in case of technology failure. Remember that your daily study time has to be as scheduled as your classes and other activities. Notice, I said DAILY STUDY TIME. If you never have done that, start with three days a week, and move up to five when you feel confident. Being active physically is not normally associated with great study skills, but in actuality, physical exercise is very connected to mental development. You do not have to run a triathlon, or be the campus varsity jock; but understand that being a coach potato will absolutely kill your ability to learn things. The well researched connection between regular exercise and better critical thinking skills is not held in question by educators, so definitely get out and move as a part of your daily plan. Finally, it is realized this is a lot of information in one place, but if you are a student entering high school, and you use a fraction of the resources or strategies mentioned here, your academic skills will improve. To move from awareness to mastery requires pretty constant effort on your part. That new Mac Book Pro may well pay for itself when you are accepted at a college, but the best things in life are still free. For helpful links to online academic resources check out South Boston Online’s website on the Lifestyle page.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
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Have a Happy and Safe Labor Day! HATS OFF TO AMERICAN WORKERS EVERYWHERE. s
CONGRESSMAN
STEPHEN F. LYNCH
--Michael Flaherty, City Council At Large
“Thank you to the great men and women that make our nation the best. Have a happy, healthy, and safe Labor Day.”
Happy Labor Day South Boston
From Representative Nick Collins
Registration for St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Parishes Religious Education Program 2017-2018 Kindergarten through Sixth 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 31, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Meatball Heaven Company By Richard Campbell
M
uch to the dismay of those who know me, I’ve been preaching for years that Southie should have a spaghetti house or steak house; and at least one of them has sort of finally happened. It must be known that at my age the consumption of beef is pretty strictly limited, but there are times when-for the good of the nationone has to make sacrifices. So we trundled down to West Broadway on this past Wednesday to give the Certified Meatball Company a sampling. I understand it really is a meatball company, but since we ordered the pasta as well, I’m sticking with my story. First of all, as one might guess with the clever interior design and carefully calculated branding, the Certified Meatball Company is part of a corporate cluster of restaurants run by Boston Nightlife Ventures, known for their high end coolness. An interior designer once told me restaurant interiors need to “make friendly” and “have snap”, and this one certainly does both. Give the management a hand: real flatware, napkins, and decent plates. Why is this so hard in so
many Southie restaurants? The menu is stripped down on purpose, so this is the perfect place to bring the friend who routinely has trouble deciding. At first I had a vision of the Bubba Gump Shrimp scene… meatballs with basil-parmesan pesto, meatballs with roasted garlic marinara, meatballs with spiced herbed yogurt sauce… Lamb, Chicken, Korean Pork, and Veggie meatballs. That’s a lot of meatballs. As a person who cooks a pretty wicked spaghetti and meatballs, I had to go traditional beef this time, instead of ordering the lamb or chicken. This was the right choice, as the beef meatballs had a pleasing compactness and soothing flavor, drenched in a decently fresh marinara. Granted, it didn’t have the fragrant olive oil I’m accustomed to at Chez Richard’s, but then I didn’t have go through the garlic smashing routine either. When you are doubling down on the tasty garlic buttered bread, there is no need to check your cholesterol- just order one of the drafts, and remember to get out to exercise. I have to say, the pasta was lukewarm and not al dente. In essence, it was more like a nervous young American bride might over cook in 1955, than a Giovane continued on page 9
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017 continued from page 8
...Meatball Heaven sposa from the old country might prepare. Is it a fault to want this restaurant to be more Italian and less, butcher shop? A note to self. Make sure to order the hot garlic bread. When chatting up the staff, this reviewer got an appreciation for the quality of service. The folks here passed that test with flying colors- as bright as the artwork on the walls. On Saturday when the wait was too long for us, the hostess implored us to come back with such sweet hospitality, that we felt obligated. On Wednesday, our waiter, Kyle Neugin was casual, and down to earth-but was patiently firm with us as we tried to mix and match things across categories on the menu. What can I say, it was tempting, as the menu is kind of an ala cart parade of meatballs and sauces. One can see that the meals are so simple that they arrive in short time, and though priced above working class fare, the menu is pretty reasonable when compared to the other new neighborhood hot spots. Given the increasingly snobby restaurant scene in Boston these days, the lack of pretension is quite refreshing. Since the concept is still in development according to their corporate website, I humbly suggest that they add a few lunch specials to compliment the paninis. There were some original looking drinks, made by Dave Villanueva and Ravin Gustave at the cutest darn marble bar you’ve ever seen. One called the Silk Road had lemon grass vodka. sake, coconut, and matcha- which included an edible flower, rolled inside an ice ball. The Das Cup: strawberry ginger beer with Pimms no 1, and a tiny bottle of Underberg tucked in the side. Fun stuff: remember to designate a driver. We had the drafts, served in something like Mason jars… I’ll take a real beer glass, thank you. Stuffed to the gills we also didn’t try the deserts that looked extremely tempting. I didn’t even let myself re-read the description of the Kahlua & Coffee soaked chocolate cake sweet balls, as this is something I’d been fantasizing about since reading their menu online. That brings me to a final accolade: rare is the corporate restaurant where the food looks as good coming out of the kitchen as it does on the website. Yes, you could order this fun food online for pick-up for a Sox game party at home, but better to dress nicecasual and go out to meet the new kids on the block. Destined to be a hassle free date scene, Certified Meatball Company makes week night dining effortless. For more information, go to http://certifiedmeatball.com/
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Sunday at the Seaport by Rick Winterson Last Sunday afternoon, August 26, was memorable, in part because of the 2017 Jazz Fest in South Boston’s Maritime Park, in part because of how varied the South Boston Seaport vista has become, and in part due to Mother Nature’s gift of incredible weather. It was an afternoon to walk leisurely from east to west in the Seaport District. The most prominent happening was the 2017 Jazz Fest, which took place in the South Boston Maritime Park at the northern end of D Street. After resolving a few moisture-related problems, six groups played for seven hours – noon till 7 p.m. Each one performed a full set of original works. South Boston Online has space to review only one of those groups – the Matt Savage Quintet (Matt himself on keyboard, bass, drums, guitar, and tenor sax – joined for their last number by a trombone). The bass and the drums set up the necessary rhythm relationship early on; the subsequent solo improvs went smoothly from instrument to instrument, including a trombone during the group’s closing number, a funky “Pick up the Pieces”. Other titles included “Flash and Flash in G”, the jazz classic “All the Things You Are”, and “Southie to Soho”, a real original. The Jazz Fest was free; lunch could be bought at Larry’s BBQ Café.
A key Fest sponsor was our own East Boston Savings Bank, which has three branches along Broadway and one in Andrew Square. The Jazz Fest’s setting in Marine Park, next to the skillfully designed Eastport Park and across Seaport Boulevard from the iconic Fish Pier, was truly outstanding. This year, Boston’s Society of Arts + Crafts relocated from their long-time Back Bay location at Newbury and Exeter to the South Boston Waterfront at 100 Boulevard Pier Four. That’s near where Anthony’s used to be, and close to the ICA Museum. The Society serves as both a gallery and an exhibition space, and they were open to the public last Sunday afternoon. To say that the crafts on display were clever and even humorous is not enough. All of the items being shown were highly creative and artistic; all were crafted with extraordinary skill. Online hopes that the photographs give you some small idea of what’s there, and will encourage you to visit the Society of Arts + Crafts in person. Note that you yourself can learn to weave basketball nets to keep your neighborhood hoops in perfect shape. Further down Seaport Boulevard is the newly consecrated Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage, the first new Catholic Church in Boston in several decades. Its interior design lines in the nave, side aisles, and
sanctuary are simple but evocative. Stained glass windows, including a rose window in the choir loft, and various artifacts from previously closed churches in other parishes have been integrated into the Shrine. Spend a few moments with the statue of Our
Lady of Good Voyage in the room off the narthex at the Shrine’s west end. Walking slowly down Seaport Boulevard is a pleasure these days, both to see what’s there and to watch the transformation underway. Reflections on the many high glass curtain walls give a wavy, abstract feeling to the views. Prominent among the signs saying what’s to come soon is the one advertising L.L. Bean, a New England institution if there ever was one (Trivia question: What does the “L.L.” in L.L. Bean stand for?). In leaving South Boston’s Seaport District, two more icons are encountered. The first is “The Barking Crab” (no, Online doesn’t know where that name came from). The second comes immediately afterward – the now permanently open Northern Avenue Drawbridge, of the “swing bridge” kind. And then it’s off to St. Anthony’s Feast in the North End, an entirely different neighborhood. As a parting reminder, the weather here last Sunday was remarkably good – perfect, in fact. But let’s not forget the people of Houston and East Texas. Their weather was disastrous last Sunday. They are suffering. Over the next days, weeks, and months, they’ll need everything we can send to help them get back on their feet.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Health Fest on Broadway
by Rick Winterson
One of the key advantages to living in South Boston is the presence here of the South Boston Community Health Center. Our Health Center, located at 409 West Broadway, is the second such organization established in America. While it’s a skilled health facility on its own, it also collaborates with noted establishments like the BU Medical Center, whenever highly specialized medical skills are needed. On Wednesday afternoon, August 16, the Health Center held a “Health Fest on Broadway”, which was a sort of Open House in reverse – the Health
Center set up tables along the sidewalk in front of #409, in celebration of National Health Week. A number of services were offered for free to the passers-by along West Broadway – health screenings, insurance sign-ups, walk-in mammograms, fitness information, and blood pressure measurements. Your disgustingly healthy South Boston Online reporter scored a solid BP reading of 126/70, systolic over diastolic. And don’t forget that there’s also a branch of the Health Center at your service over in our burgeoning Seaport District – in Waterside Place, 505 Congress Street. Drop in some time.
Tiffany, Tanishea, and Linda welcome passers-by to the South Boston Health Center’s “Health Fest on Broadway” last Wednesday.
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The South Boston Health Center draws a crowd to an array of tables and health services outside of their headquarters at 409 West Broadway.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
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Innovations at Boston Public Schools Get Full Test This Fall By Richard Campbell
T
his past July the Boston Public Schools signed a contract with nationally known Revolution Foods to provide school breakfast and lunches, in the hopes of significantly boosting nutrition and taste for meals consumed by Boston school students. Given the past reputation of the food at BPS that this writer saw in online forums, the move could not have come sooner. It was heralded in major media as a slam-dunk achievement for school superintendent Tommy Chang, who has faced other more intractable problems than finding better nutrition. In the official press release Mr. Chang said: “For many students, the meals they receive at school are their most nutritious of the day, Revolution Foods embraces our nationally-recognized efforts of making sure every student has access to healthy foods in order to be well fed and ready to learn. I am excited that Boston Public Schools and Revolution Foods will work together to ensure all students get the healthiest and tastiest meals they deserve to help them better achieve their academic potential.” Revolution Foods, founded in California in 2006, has a wellpublicized reputation for providing fresh foods without chemical additives, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, or hormones; and is apparently sourced through a highly developed delivery system. Just what do we mean by highly developed? According to various sources the company has served over 200 million meals, and their meals can be found in 2,000 stores across the nation. They must be doing something right. The company website describes Revolution Foods (hereafter RF) as being founded by “Mom’s on a Mission.” It shows a glossy picture of two attractively well-scrubbed Moms, Kristin and Kirsten. Kristin, Kristin Groos
Two Innovations: Beter Food and Transportation come to BPS this Fall Richmond, CEO, founder of RF, and Kirsten, Kirsten Saenz Tobey, cofounder and chief Impact Officer, get enviable reviews as business people from investment experts, as well as accolades from luminaires and educators across the nation for saving moribund cafeterias from disgrace. South Boston Online is going to sample some of the prepared lunches they offer at Whole Foods and Roche Brothers to see whether clean label pre-prepared foods can past the taste test- not as an upgrade from lousy cafeteria food, but as stand-alone meals. SBO expects to find these meals superior given the testing claims of the company, and the multiple testimonies of school districts, as well as the quality policy on the website. The essential company policy of RF is that students who live in poor inner-city neighborhoods rely upon the school meals to develop healthy lives to achieve higher educational attainment; but also that RF’s own staff deserve to eat as well as their clients. The key component of their product is that it moves beyond merely providing nutritious foods, to nutritional education and outreach. The company does not escape from negative reviews for its chaotic
working conditions on the Glass Door site- as one can imagine such a large scale factory process for creating lunches may not be the most stress-free, highly paid work. Kirstin Groos Richmond, who is a Boston College graduate, wrote about her early experiences that provided the impetus for attacking the school food problem head on in The New York Times, in an article entitled Lifting Schools, Via Food (September 30, 2012). After meeting her business partner at UC Berkeley while pursuing an MBA, they both realized how bad school food was and created a local remedy. What started as a pilot program providing 300 meals has grown into an empire. One would need an empire to serve the approximately 57,000 students of Boston Public Schools efficiently. Speaking of efficiency, The Boston Public Schools tapped into MIT this year to streamline its transportation plans. MIT’s Quantum Team won the first round of the BPS Transportation Challenge with its computer model designed to optimize the school bus trips, reducing time for trips, pollution by saving gas, and “potentially” saving “millions” of dollars. This is, at least, the claim on the BPS school site. Promising it does sound, as the
three-month hackathon in the Seaport Innovation District this April 1, was a national contest, that garnered the MIT team a $15,000 prize. According to the School superintendent Tommy Chang: “This is a huge win not only for the MIT team, but also for the City of Boston and our students. This new model of routing buses will free up millions of dollars for reinvestment back into our schools. It will also reduce traffic and carbon dioxide emissions by decreasing the number of buses needed, helping improve our environment and ease congestion on our roadways.” The team boasts on the same site that: “The Quantum Team solution could lead to a 20,000pound reduction in carbon emissions produced by BPS buses each day, and could remove nearly 1 million miles of traffic-clogging bus trips off the road each year.” Could is the operative word. By the School systems own admission “Boston has one of the most expensive perpupil school transportation systems among school districts in the country. The $120 million spent on transportation in fiscal year 2017 reflects an approximately $33 million, or 7.5% annual increase, over 2011.” In other words, that is $2,105.26 per student annually. Goodness, it is no wonder that they hired MIT! Arthur Delarue and Sebastien Martin are two of the French math brains behind the fancy algorithms, as reported by WBUR, that also reported the opposition to the plans by Andre Francois, the president of the Bus Driver’s Union. Mr. Francois expressed the idea that there is a considerable difference between computer models and reality. With the potential to save five million dollars, the BPS administration is hoping the math holds up on the crooked streets of Boston. Needless to say, if Mr. Chang’s two gambles turn out to be a success, he’ll be able to claim not only raising test scores, but improving the standard of living for the BPS students. Now if he can only find some decent architects to design some new schools that meet 21st century standards.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Tutoring
Ann F. Walsh 617-877-7140 AnnFWalsh@aol.com Class meets at 15 Fairfax Street, Dor. MA 02124 APPLYING TO EXAM SCHOOLS in NOV?
Math and English for 6th and 8th Graders who will take the ISEE in November 8 week course 2 hours per week ADVANCED WORK TEST PREP
Math and English for 3rd, 4th, 5th Graders who will take the Terra Nova in the fall 8 week course 2 hours per week Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Physics, SAT
Condon After School Program Registration The initial registration for K1 and K2 students for the School Aged Child Care Program at the BCYF Condon Community Center will take place this Thursday, August 31st, 4-7pm in the Condon lobby. The After School program will begin Monday, September 11th and will run thru the end of the school year. The program runs Monday-Friday, 3:30pm-6pm. Program fee is $60 per week. Items needed for registration are a copy of birth certificate, current physical and immunization list and a $60 registration fee. Seats are limited. Please note that transportation is not provided.
Please call the Condon Community Center located at 200 D Street for more information (617)635-5100.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
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Friday September 1 Build a Fort on Georges Island: BHC Boat Fee When: Friday, Sep 01, 2017 11:00am - 1:00pm Where: Georges Island Take the Boat from Long Wharf, Boston Seaport Sweat Yoga with Jenna: Free When: Friday, Sep 01, 2017 12:00pm - 1:00pm Where: Seaport Common 85 Northern Ave., Boston Lunch Break on D: Free Concert: FREE Every Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lawn on D, attend a free concert and games, and food by Rebel Restaurants.Where:The Lawn on D Summer In The City Series: Movies by Moonlight: Fever Pitch: FREE Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, Jason Spevack in a romantic Red Sox Movie. When: Friday, Sep 01, 2017 6:00pm - 10:00pm Where: Boston Harbor Hotel 70 Rowes Wharf
Saturday: September 2nd Peddocks Island Paddle: Fee 110 When: Saturday, Sep 02, 2017 8:00am - 5:30pm Where: Peddock’s Island 66 Long Wharf , Boston Spend the day paddling sea kayaks on the Boston Harbor and enjoy a picnic on one of the Harbor Islands. REI provides everything from the boats to the food. Check Boston Harbor Islands site for details.
Greenway Open Market: Arts and Crafts on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. FREE When:Saturday, Sep 02, 2017 11:00am - 6:00pm Where:Rose Kennedy Greenway (Rings Fountain) Boston Harbor Lighthouse 2 ½ Hour Brunch Cruise $40-$80 Fancy brunch hosted by BHC, featuring menu by Barbara Lynch. For full menu see BHC site. When:Saturday, Sep 02, 2017 12:00pm - 2:30pm Where:Boston Harbor Cruises Long Wharf , Boston
Sunday September 3. Spectacle Island Beer Garden $79.00, plus tax. Your $79.00 gets you an island escape includes transportation with Boston Harbor Cruises to Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor, classic beer garden fare from chef Barbara Lynch When: Sunday, Sep 03, 2017 5:30pm - 8:30pm Where: Spectacle Island: Take the BHC Boat from Long Wharf.
Summer Movies in Christopher Columbus Park: Moulin Rouge FREE When: Sunday, Sep 03, 2017 6:30pm - 9:30pm Where: Christopher Columbus Park