THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
“The reason most people do not recognize an opportunity when they meet it is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like hard work.” (Anonymous)
VOLUME XVIII - ISSUE 38
by Rick Winterson
Vietnam Memorial at 35
In the late ‘70s, support was increasing in South Boston to erect a formal memorial of some kind, dedicated to those 25 heroic men from South Boston who lost their lives in Vietnam. It wasn’t only from the friends and relatives of those brave military men – it was a community-wide sentiment. Concerned residents went to work – washing cars, seeking small donations door-to-door, holding Southie “times”, and so on. Major donors or government grants were nowhere to be found. And it worked. Something north of $28,000 was raised; South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial became much more than just a dream. In the fall of 1981, the Memorial was first dedicated. Thirty-five years later, on September 18, in the year of 2016, over 200 showed up to observe the Memorial’s 35th year as a South Boston landmark. And not so
of the Boston Fire Department’s pipes and drums. The National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”, brought all to their feet.
Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Navy Captain Tom Kelly is greeted by Jerry Turner, Ed Flynn and former U.S. Ambassador Ray Flynn at Viet Nam Memorial in South Boston. incidentally, it is also America’s first formal, substantial remembrance of the Vietnam Conflict (the so-called “Wall” in Washington, D.C. was dedicated the next year, in November, 1982) After a Memorial Mass in St. Brigid Church, the crowd assem-
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bled in Medal of Honor Park in front of the Vietnam Memorial. A U.S. Army troop transport helicopter adorned the field around the Memorial. A dressuniformed Army brass quintet played stirring military airs, as the colors were borne along the Park’s walkway, escorted by the skirling
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As usual, Tom Lyons, himself a decorated Marine veteran, capably emceed the ceremonies. “Never apologize for service in Vietnam.” He called upon elected officials for remarks – Congressman Steve Lynch, Gov. Charlie Baker, Rep. Nick Collins, Councilor (2nd District) Bill Linehan, Councilor (at-Large) Michael Flaherty. Lyons introduced the keynote speaker, Jim Webb, who has not only held many important positions in public service, but also was a speaker at the first Memorial dedication ceremony, 35 years ago. Webb closed his remarks by stating how proud he was to be with all of us once again last Sunday. Three Medal of Honor recipients graced last Sunday’s occasion - Tom Kelley, Barney Barnham, continued on page 2 Home Improvements Debt Consolidation School Bills Vacations, Weddings & More! Draw what you need when you need it! Apply online at massbaycu.org or at any branch.
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continued from page 1 Vietnam Memorial and Ryan Pitts, who as a young Army Staff Sergeant received the Medal of Honor because of his unrelenting defense, while severely wounded, of a forward
observation post in Afghanistan. Kelley and Pitts spoke briefly, Kelley referring to the bravery of the 25 men, who died in combat in Vietnam and were listed on the Memorial, Pitts stating that these young men, all around 20
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM years old, “ … gave up everything so we could be here in freedom.” Three ceremonial wreaths were emplaced by the Memorial, and then, in the most touching part of the whole remembrance, 25 red roses were emplaced one-
by-one at the base of the black Memorial stone, as each name on the stone was read out. The ceremony closed with “Taps” by the Army bugler and “Amazing Grace” by the BFD pipes.
Boston Fire Department pipes and drums perform at the Memorial.
The colors are carried proudly down the walkway in Medal of Honor Park.
Capt. (USN) Tom Kelley, Medal of Honor recipient and old friend, delivers his remarks.
Keynoter Jim Webb addresses the crowd at the 35th Memorial Anniversary.
The National Anthem: All stand, as flags stream and ripple in the wind.
An Army brass quintet provided stirring patriotic music at the Vietnam Memorial.
South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial to honor 25 hometown heroes.
A U.S. Army combat troop helicopter visits Medal of Honor Park.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
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Need Help with a Drug Problem? Call 311. Right Away!
South Boston Online has published a series of articles on the severe drug problems in South Boston – 17 such articles actually, from the fall of last year to the spring of 2016.
When a call is made to 311, it will be first received by a 311 Operator. After the 311 Operator identifies this as a call seeking recovery services, he/she will then route the call to a PAATH Recovery Specialist, who will work with the caller to find out the best way to help. This service will be available from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Monday through Friday) and 12 noon until 4 p.m. over the weekend days. At all other hours, your call will be sent to the State’s support line, the Helpline, or to the Gavin Foundation’s recovery staff.
These articles have been somber and even outright tragic in nature. But now, another way to obtain help is here. The City of Boston, led by Mayor Martin J. Walsh, has opened the City’s 311 hotline to calls from those who need assistance with a drug or alcohol problem. By Rick Winterson Last week, Mayor Martin J. Walsh launched a program entitled “311 for Recovery Services”. This program is a new hotline support system. It is the City of Boston’s response to our community’s severe problems with drug and alcohol use, abuse, and addiction. As you know, these have led to many fatal overdoses.
can now call 3-1-1. You may call about your friends, your families, or yourself, twentyfour hours a day, seven days a week. This 24/7/365 service will give you access to: *All levels of substance use/ addiction treatment.Recoveryrelated support services for friends and family. *Answers to general questions related to substance use/ addiction.
The Mayor has set up an Office of Recovery Services; he made his announcement about “311 for Recovery Services” nine days ago at 12:45, in the PAATHS Recovery Program Center (774 Albany Street, South End). PAATHS is an acronym that stands for “Providing Access for Addictions Treatment, Hope, and Support”.
Your 311 call will be answered 24/7/365! There is always someone ready to help you with substance problems, addiction, and recovery assistance. There is always a trained recovery professional available to talk when you call 311. And your call will be treated confidentially
Do yourself and the community a favor. Call 311 about any substance abuse issue you may have.
Anyone in the City of Boston
SOUTH BOSTON ITALIAN PRIDE PRESENTED BY MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH Saturday September 24th, 2016 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM M Street Beach at the Curley Community Center Free
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
Massport Helps Kids Back to School
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Simon of Cyrene Breakfast
Some 35 children served by South Boston’s Tierney Center started school with a new backpack full of school supplies and new clothes provided by Massport. This is the 9th year that Massport has partnered with programs in South Boston and East Boston to support families at the start of school year.
Sr. Immaculata Marie, Bernadette McDonnell, Bill Bulger attend breakfast Alaina Coppola, Massport’s Sr. Manager of Charitable Giving Program in the Community Relations Department put a smile on the faces of these youngsters
Please join us for the
6th Annual South Boston Walk and OVERDOSE VIGIL
John Healey entertains the large crowd.
When: September 22nd Location: Walk starts from Carson Beach Bath House to Farragut Park Bandstand Time: 5:30pm Awareness Walk
6:30pm Vigil and Lantern Lighting Questions please call: 617-534-9500 info@southbostoncollaborative center.org
State Sen. Linda Dorcena-Forry and Sr. Peggy Youngclaus address the crowd at the annual breakfast.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
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Laboure Center Offers After School Tutoring Youth Tutoring Youth (YTY) will begin this year on October 11 th. Laboure is currently enrolling students in grades 3-5 in their free fun after school program that runs from 3:00-6:00 pm Monday-Thursday. Laboure is also hiring youth for our Teen Leader tutoring positions. We are interviewing academically talented teens ages 15-18 who are interested in working with children in the South Boston Community. Please contact Katie Mazzeo, YTY Program coordinator at 617-464-8575
What’s Behind That Open Door? Well, the answer to that question is “Not much”. You may recognize the doorway above. It has been the entrance to an establishment known variously as the “Blackthorn” (with crooked and even missing letters) and more recently as the “Patriot”. The front door has
now been removed, as well as the entire interior and superstructure of that former pub on West Broadway in Perkins Square. When asked what was going to be built there, the reply was (predictably), “Retail space on the first floor, condos on the top floors.”
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
17th Annual Street Festival
Since 2000 A.D., South Boston has been blessed with a Street Festival in September. Non-stop entertainment, many civic groups, 100 merchants, and thousands of spectators have made it into a traditional “Southie time”. Last Saturday, September 17, was no exception. The entertainment deserves special mention, including the Woods School of Irish Dance, Ultimate Self Defense, and Miss Linda’s School of Dance. A high point was the return of Thomas Park Band, a cover band that (somehow) does their own thing – putting their own unique interpretation on each number. And once again, the weather smiled. Photos by Rick Winterson
Eleven a.m. on Saturday, and the 2016 Street Festival is open for business.
Mayor Walsh & Councilor Linehan with Carolyn and Karen Stanley.
Kristen McCosh, Boston’s Disability Commissioner, at the Festival with husband John.
“Sparkling ICE”, the Bold Side of Water, adorns the 2016 Festival.
The girls from Woods School of Irish Dance step off for the Festival crowd.
Karen Stanley, Event Planner for the Festival, welcomes one and all.
That’s a guest tooth courtesy of the South Boston Dental Association.
A “Southie GO” painting by Deb Putnam. Can you identify that exact spot?
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
Andrea Muccini, a Southie heroine, demonstrates Ultimate Self Defense
Matt Heaton & the Outside Toys entertain at the 2016 Street Festival.
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Faithful Festival goers – Ray and Cathy Flynn, with grandson Braeden.
Miss Linda’s School of Dance is featured at the Street Festival.
PUBLIC MEETING Massport will host a public meeting and site visit for the Conley Terminal New Berth 10 and Berth 11 Deepening Project. As described in the ENF, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is undertaking the Boston Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Improvement Project (BHDDNIP) to provide deeper access for the future needs of vessels calling at Conley Terminal. The channel deepening is necessary to allow the container vessels currently using Boston Harbor to avoid tidal delays, and to allow the larger container vessels using the expanded Panama Canal to call at the Conley Terminal. In addition to a deeper navigational channel, these ships also require deeper berths. As a condition of the BHDDNIP, Massport must deepen two berths to a minimumWor depth of 50 feet. New Berth 10 and ld Trade Center Ave nue Berth 11 are proposed as the new deepwater berths.
The National Guard display at the 2016 Street Festival.
et
tre
South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center
S er WHEN: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 m D Stree m t Su SITE VISIT: Bus will leave from the Tynan Comm. Ctr. at 5:45PM MEETING: The meeting will begin immediately following the site visit at approximately 6:30PM
WHERE: TYNAN COMMUNITY CENTER 650 East 4th Street, South Boston, MA 02127
Please note that an electronic copy of the ENF is available on Massport’s website at http://www.massport.com/environment/environmental-reporting/environmental-filings. The ENF is available for public viewing at the Boston Public Library (Main and South Boston branches). Additional copies of the ENF may be obtained by calling 617-568-3546 or emailing mgove@massport.com during the public comment period. A 30-day public comment period for the ENF began on September 7, 2016 (the publication date of the MEPA Environmental Monitor) and will end on October 7, 2016. Written comments may be submitted by October 7, 2016 to the following address: Secretary Matthew Beaton Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs MEPA Office 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114
MAXIM’s Grand Opening on Old Colony Ave. is next Sunday, the 29th.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic Academy News
Miss Soper’s second grade got to know their new classroom by playing a game of “I Spy”. This was one of the first class projects they did. Students ventured around the room to find items that began with each letter of the alphabet. South Boston Catholic Academy is an academically rigorous, supportive Catholic Elementary School Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C). South Boston Catholic Academy (www.
SBCatholicAcademy.org) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreSchool-Grade 6. We have Before School and After School Programs available and have small class size; high acceptance rate to Parochial, Private and Boston Exam Schools. Please contact: Mrs. Barbara Keohane with any questions or for a tour of the School at b.keohane@ sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617268-2326 for more information.
l sit the tiva th i V t es 17 a F . us eet Sept r St ay, B S urd t Sa
Now Open in South Boston! Transfer your prescriptions and receive a $20. store coupon! Transfer your prescriptions to Maxim Pharmacy, and you’ll receive a $20. store coupon toward all non-prescription items throughout the store. Restrictions apply, visit us for details. Offer expires 10/30/16
MAXIM Pharmacy is Independently owned and operated – serving the Dorchester and South Boston communities. We have built our business by providing the highest level of personal care for our patients. • Conveniently located at the intersection • We accept all major Insurances: MASSof Dorchester St. and Old Colony Ave. with HEALTH, MEDICARE B & D, Neighborhood plenty of FREE parking Health Plan, Tufts, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, • FREE delivery to our local residents HealthNET, CAREMARK • Full line of medical supplies and home • Blister packaging services available. health care products
267 Old Colony Ave., South Boston, MA 02127 • Tel: 617-268-4500
maximpharmacy.com
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
BPS Release: Boston Arts Academy receives national ‘Schools of Opportunity’ Silver Recognition Boston Arts Academy is one of only 20 schools from across the country to receive recognition as a “School of Opportunity,” a coveted national designation honoring excellent public high schools that engage in practices that build on students’ strengths and create supported learning opportunities for all students. Students’ learning arises from more than just what happens in school. Research suggests that about one-third of variance among students’ test scores can be attributed to schools, with the remainder likely due to poverty-related factors. Because schools play this important but not controlling role in measured learning, the Schools of Opportunity project rejects the idea that test scores identify the nation’s best schools. Applications went through four levels of screening by review teams comprised of researchers, teachers, policy
makers and administrators, who looked at school practices that fell into categories, such as create and maintain healthy school culture; broaden and enrich school curriculum; use a variety of assessments designed to respond to student needs; and support teachers as professionals. With a large economically disadvantaged population, Boston Arts Academy enrolls student who had limited access to arts education prior to enrollment. The school leverages interest in the arts to provide a strong academic program that builds self confidence along with talent. Unlike many public schools for the arts, the academy does not use test scores, grades or attendance to determine admittance and it deliberately builds diversity. As part of a lengthened school day, students attend academic classes and 2.5 hours of daily arts classes. In addition, they spend evening and weekend hours rehearsing
for performances or preparing for exhibitions. As a fullinclusion school, Boston Arts Academy is committed to serving the needs of all students. “The arts have the power to transform lives,” says Headmaster Anne R. Clark. “For many students, including students who struggle academically or suffer from social/
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emotional issues, the arts are a pathway to success. The arts develop creativity, critical thinking skills, self-discipline, perseverance, and the ability to work collaboratively. At Boston Arts Academy, we push students to take creative risks and to use the arts to advocate for causes they believe in.”
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Clinton’s Untrustworthiness Her Eventual Downfall
What do you think about this? By Kevin Devlin
The November election won’t come soon enough for many Americans who just want to see this chapter in American history put to bed and our next president voted into office. After the Democratic National Convention in late July, it seemed like Donald Trump wanted to lose the election with his perceived faux pas’ that didn’t sit well with the American electorate. Lukewarm supporters who were leaning towards him were turned off, now doubting they should vote
for him. It looked like he shot himself in the foot once too many times (e.g., his statements against Khizr Khan, the father of an American U.S. Army captain slain in Iraq) to recover from this, as Hillary Clinton took a double-digit lead in the national polls. Trump then changed campaign managers and reeled himself in as Hillary Clinton insulted Americans by referring to half of Trump’s supporters as “Deplorables” who should be thrown into a basket and discarded. Right on TV she insulted millions of Americans right smack in the face. It was a bad idea, stupid at best. Americans don’t look kindly when overtly dismissed by conde-
Paul McDevitt Leaves Us
scending and smug politicians who think they alone hold all the wisdom and the right answers to our dilemmas. Add this to her despicable denials in the email controversy and her continued lack of transparencysee pneumonia story-one asks how can she be trusted by either educated or non-educated Americans?
“Transparency is the key to credibility,” wrote Cal Thomas in the Boston Herald. “…but in Hillary Clinton’s case she and her handlers want us to believe the façade. “This is the challenge when it comes to character,” he wrote further. “Think of people you know who have consistently lied to you. Would you trust them to pay back a loan? Would you let them babysit your kids? Would you want them as the president of the United States?” Fast forward to this week and her double-digit lead has evaporated like July rain. She’s in a virtual tie with
Trump in the national polls. The LA Times had Trump leading by seven points. In Ohio, her seven-point lead has turned into a five-point deficit, a twelve point turnaround. Trump is also reportedly leading in Florida and Nevada, purple states (including Ohio, all key electoral states) carried both times by President Obama. The Dems are panicking and rightly so. Next Monday night, September 26, the two presidential contenders will meet in their first and most important presidential debate. I think Trump will hold his own: and Clinton will further reveal that she can’t be trusted, simply incapable of telling the truth. Come November, Trump should be toasting a victory because Clinton’s untrustworthiness will have proved too much to defend against Americans wanting real change and not more of the same.
It is with a special sadness that South Boston Online mentions the passing of Paul McDevitt. The usual clichés cannot possibly do justice to all of the good that Paul did for us, the South Boston community, and indeed, everyone he knew. Paul instantly, immediately, and wholeheartedly became a friend to everyone he ever met. To coin a clumsy phrase, he was a friend of all humanity. Yes, all. Paul was gifted with the uncommon virtue of always being cheerful. Cheerfulness shone from him – just quickly glance at the photo that accompanies this short write-up. He radiated that warm and joyful characteristic wherever he went. It affected everyone he came in contact with, even if it was only during a chance, moments-long encounter on the sidewalks of South Boston. And his unfailing good cheer was not a holiday season cliché.
It was there all year around – sincere, deep, and real.
Paul’s “good works” – another old-fashioned phrase – were so numerous that we can only refer to them with a few passing superlatives. He was truly an angel to many organizations. He helped, really helped, those in high places and the homeless. He helped those who were broke and broken. Whenever he got an award for his services, especially those connected with recovery, he thanked those whom he had helped for the inspiration they gave him. Deflecting any praise he himself might have deserved, Paul would say something like, “We are born to help each other. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.” Whether this is a virtue can be argued, we suppose, but Paul was always (yes, always) good company. He was a pleasure to be around. His enthusiasm, his laughter over life’s little foibles, along with infinite cups of coffee with Barry Hynes at Cranberry Café, philosophically discussing where the world should go next, are fond, fond memories of him. We are very much the better because of your time with us.
We miss you, Paul. Godspeed and farewell.
10 Year Anniversary David C. Powers March 12, 1962- September 26, 2006
Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us everyday Unseen, unheard, but always near Still loved, missed and very dear Love, Your Family
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
Marr Scaffolding Giants 2016 South Boston Little League Champions
Front Row Brendan Errico, Garret Smith,Mike McNally, Bobby Delaney, James Curry and Joe Keating. Back row: Caspar Touloukian, Coach Tom Harnan, Thomas Harnan, Will Ahern, Coach Stuart Price, Nolan Zdanavage,Coach Billy Crowley, Chase Bell,Coach Billy Ahern and Patrick Harnan. Missing Coach Scott Bell.
The Marr Scaffolding Giants, South Boston Little League Champs, receiving their jackets. Special thanks to Marr Scaffolding and Mike McNally of Maverick Construction.
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Religous Education Registration Religous Education Program Grade (K Thru 6) Registration News For all those interested in Registering their child/children in the St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Religious Education Program for the 2016-2017 year, registration will take place on Saturday, September 24th from 2-4PM and Sunday, September 25th from 9AM-12Noon at St. Brigid Lower Church, downstairs in Cushing Hall. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate, if he or she was not Baptized at either St. Brigid or Gate of Heaven Church. Classes will begin on Sunday, October 2nd and are held each Sunday from 9-10:15AM at South Boston Catholic Academy. Students in grades K thru 6th learn each week about different aspects of our catholic faith and the program also prepares the 2nd graders to receive the sacraments
of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion which is a two-year program starting with 1st grade.
Confirmation Grades (7 Thru 9)
Classes
Grade 7 - Classes begin Sunday, October 16th Grade 8 - Classes begin Sunday, October 23rd Grade 9 – The Confirmation Ceremony has been rescheduled for November 15th at 5:30PM. Information will be sent to the
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Time to Play Basketball
By Kevin Devlin The indoor basketball season is right around the corner and when it arrives our youngsters will be introduced to this vigorous sport. Basketball house leagues at the Walsh, Tynan, and Condon Centers, as well as the Boys and Girls Club gym, is where children will learn these fundamentals. The main purpose of these introductory programs is to give inexperienced youngsters a basic understanding and feel for the game. For many it will be a time of discovery, learning, hard work and hopefully fun, as in “Fundamentals.” Novice players will only improve if they’re told what they’re doing wrong, how to avoid the same mistakes in the future, what’s expected of them, and what behavior, on and off the bench, is acceptable or unacceptable. It will be a totally new experience and those involved in teaching these novice players must embrace the same philosophy if they truly want the youngsters to enjoy playing this game while learning the basic rules. Any house league volunteer who chooses to referee games must also act as a teacher.
This dual role would include:
like and will not be tolerated.
sary, rest on the offensive end.
Thoroughly explaining the three-second rule violation at the offensive end. Telling the players they must not stay in the “paint” longer than three seconds or the team loses possession of the ball, called a turnover. The player must move quickly in and out of the paint while on offense, and have “both feet” entirely out of the paint when posting up on either side of the lane.
Explaining the traveling and carrying (palming the ball) violations. Allowing these little tykes to take three, four, five, six steps, without dribbling the ball, or turning the ball over by resting the ball on top of the hand, not calling either violation, and subsequently not explaining the rule, will never help players understand what they did wrong or improve their game. Momentarily stop the game/ scrimmage, and explain the rule.
Instruct their players to keep quiet on the court, concentrate on the game, and do not complain about the officiating. The bottom line is that players must play, coaches will coach, and officials will referee the game. If the coach has a question about a rule interpretation, he can talk to the official when the ball is dead and time is out. However, judgment calls, likes balls and strikes in baseball, are really not open for discussion.
Informing all players that “trashtalking” among players is strictly forbidden and takes away from the true spirit of the game, which is to just play hoop and enjoy. Tell the players to do their talking “On the court”- that is, by showing their opponent how the game is successfully played without the nonsense. A zero-tolerance stance should be enforced at all times.
Explain that negative, unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and will be nipped in the bud. Let the players “Ride the Pine”that is, sit on the bench until they learn what is expected of them.
Showing players how to line up during a free throw. Instructing all players that they must stay behind the line until the free throw shooter shoots the ball and it hits the rim. Then the players lined up, as well as the shooter, may enter the three second area to secure the ball. This is a new rule change to be effective this upcoming 2016-2017 season. Explaining to players that they must not enter the court during a substitution until they are “beckoned’ onto the court by the referee. Explaining the intentional foul rule. This is important because players can sustain serious injuries when they are pushed from behind or hit hard while driving to the hoop. Emphasize that hard fouls are in fact unsportsman-
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
House league coaches should: Concentrate on teaching players how to play basic zone as well as man-to-man defense. The concept of teamwork must be consistently instilled and drilled into the ever-receptive minds of these youngsters, with a strong emphasis on knowing when to pass the ball, when to shoot, how to set legal picks, and how to properly “Box-Out” an opponent under the boards. Players should work hard on defense, and if neces-
Serve as role models and mentors to the players and maintain selfcontrol while coaching the team. Learning the fundamentals of hoop should be an enjoyable experience for our young athletes. All those involved in this endeavor, from players to coaches to officials, should be enriched by these experiences. And, it must not be forgotten, that these young athletes need to be taught to win with grace, and lose with dignity; worrying less about the final score while thinking more about how the game should be played. (A variation of this article first appeared in SBOL in 2013)
Gatey CYO House and Travel League Basketball Registration Registration for the Gatey CYO hoop program will be held on Thursday, October 13, and Friday, October 21, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Walsh Center gym, which is located behind the South Boston Court House on East Broadway. The instructional house league is for boys in the first and second grades, the midget house league is for boys in grades three through the sixth grades, and the cadet house league is for boys from the sixth through the tenth grade. The instructional house league is for girls in the first and second grades and the midget house
league is for girls from the third through the seventh grade. Travel teams are for boys in grades three through the twelfth and for girls in grades four through the twelfth. Registration fee is $30.00 for one player or $50.00 per family for each program. All old and new players must register. THE GATEY HOOP LEAGUE IS OPEN TO ALL SOUTH BOSTON RESIDENTS. EVERYONE MAKES A TEAM. Any questions contact Kevin Lally @617-943-5238 or email him @ lallycompound@aol.com.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Happy 300th Birthday Boston Light!
danger of ocean sailing navigation at night in rocky waters of unknown depths utilizing only rough maps. But Boston Light hit pay dirt with the third lighthouse keeper John Hayes, who is accredited with many innovations and also living long enough to retire in 1733. No sooner than Boston Light was solidly on its feet, the American Revolution began.
By Richard Campbell To contemporary visitors Boston Light is an historical tourist attraction that greets boats to the Boston Harbor from Little Brewster Island, but for so many Bostonians it is a point of pridebeing the first and last lighthouse station in the nation. The greater history of Boston Light reveals a complex technological, social and political evolution; making it more than one of the critical symbols of our nation’s founding. For past generations, the light was not merely a welcoming beacon, but a key navigational aid that often made the difference between life and death for seafaring crews sailing into the risky waters of Nantasket Roads, the primary entrance channel of Boston Harbor. Sea trade was naturally the life-
A composite image of Boston Light and its second order fresnel lens;. blood of the new colony: providing supplies to sustain existence, bringing more settlers, serving the grotesquely profitable triangular slave trade, and increasingly, until after the revolution-a symbol of the British stronghold.
By the early 1700’s it had become obvious to colonists, influenced by Europe, that some kind of navigational device was needed to guide ships. The town of Hull that owned Little Brewster island, and the residents thereof, largely provided the impetus for establishing Boston Light’s location. Dozens of ships had gone down in this area of Boston harbor so that by 1715, the Massachusetts general court passed a lighthouse bill instructing the colony to erect a lighthouse for the protection of commerce and lives. According to Edward Rowe Snow’s seminal work: The Islands of Boston Harbor, the colonial government procured George Worthylake, a Boston Harbor Pilot, as the first lighthouse keeper in June 1716, and he was paid fifty pounds a year for his services. It is a noteworthy demonstration of how dangerous the waters were, when even an experienced boater like Worthylake was no match for the sea around the Brewster’s. His family and servants drowned in the harbor’s bone chilling November waters in 1718. The second lighthouse keeper, Robert Saunders, (according to the same account) did not fare too well either- drowning almost as soon as he arrived. It is hard for us today with advanced navigational tools, and powered boats with communication equipment, to imagine the
The British clearly had difficulty keeping a firm grip on Boston Light when they took it over in 1774. In 1775 Patriot troops, under the direction of Major Voss removed the lights from the tower and set fire to its interior to prevent the British from using it. Subsequently British troops landed on Brewster island to rebuild the lighthouse, but faced two well planned attacks under the leadership of General Benjamin Tupper. Tupper hounded the Brits in the battle of Boston Light, to the delight of Washington. With some 300 patriot troops they overcame the British control- burning the interior once again. These enormous efforts on the part of the colonists reveal the importance of controlling Boston Light to the revolutionary cause. Washington’s strategy of fortifying Dorchester Heights and continually attacking Boston Light proved very effective. By 1776 when they were forced out of Boston, the British used a charge to blow up Boston Light, destroying the majority of the lighthouse upon leaving. Thus, Boston Light is the oldest lighthouse station in the nation, but not the oldest lighthouse- as it was rebuilt in 1783, close to the original height. It is notable that in 1789 all lighthouses in the nation were put under federal control of the Treasury Department, creating the US Lighthouse Establishment, a precursor to the Coast Guard, and thus in 1790 Massachusetts by law officially ceded control of Boston Light to the federal government. The accretion of technologies since the first establishment of Boston light until today is a geek’s paradise: from fog signal cannons, trumpets, and bells, to various oil lamps, lightning rods, steam sirens, to the more modern fresnel lens, electrification, and sophisticated mechanical motors.
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The first and last lighthouse station in the nation, Boston Light is the only Coast Guard staffed lighthouse in the United States. The Light reveals continual technological upgrades to the current day tower, and when you climb its metal steps you can get a feeling for the improvements first hand, as well as what it must have been like in the old days of running up and down its stairs with just a lantern to see and set things in motion. It was really in 1812 Boston Light started its true upgrade to the technologically innovative Parisian Argand-type lamp with a hollow wick that burned with less smoke, was more efficient than plain wicks that used whale oil, and sported a reflector to intensify the light. Even though the Fresnel lens- (a model similar to the one invented by Augustin-Jean Fresnel) which greatly magnified light sources, was available as early as 1822, Boston Light did not install one until 1859, thus increasing its visibility to 16 miles. Some would say the delay was typical Yankee penny pinching, but things in the colonies were not moving at the speed of Europe in those days. With the installation of the rotating second order Fresnel lens the tower was raised to accommodate its size and weight. In 1877 the lighthouse upgraded from whale oil to mineral oil (kerosene), then to vapor lamps in 1913. Throughout the 1920’s light-
houses in the US were converted to electricity, Boston light didn’t make that move until 1948. By then the US Lighthouse service had absorbed into the US Coast Guard in 1939, and the sun was setting on the whole invention. The ostensible reason for the late electrification given by a few sources was that getting rid of the oil and wicks and mechanical motors basically obviated the need for a lighthouse keeper. But it must be said that given the order of island maintenance carried out by our current lighthouse keeper Sally Snowman, that argument seems kind of weak. The unit in the mechanical room that holds the two- ton mechanism sports some pretty advanced engineering technology from motorized rotation devices, to the 1,000watt bulb, emitting 2 million candle power flashes through a lenses to make that light shine to 25 miles away – this makes Boston Light as impressive to see up close as it is difficult to keep in working order. That being said that the period heading out of World War II advanced so many technologies for navigation, that lighthouses were seen as oddities more than navigational aids. If you want an incredible thrill arrange a boat ride to see Boston Light at night-
it is astounding. We should be thankful that history has been preserved, in large part because of a bill passed in Congress by the late Senator Edward Kennedy, to keep the lighthouse staffed into
BOSTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
perpetuity. Between the Coast Guard, the National Park Service, and the efforts of many volunteers, the Light shines on bright. Happy Birthday, Boston Light.
PUBLIC MEETING
SOUTH STATION AIR RIGHTS PROJECT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
290 CONGRESS STREET Fort Point Room Boston, MA 02210
PROJECT PROPONENT: South Station Phase I Owner LLC PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Project will be similar to the previously approved project, as it will continue to include three buildings with a mix of residential, office, retail, and/or hotel space. The Project continues to include three phases, of which only Phases 1 and 2 are changing. Phase 1 calls for the construction of a 640-feet tower consisting of approximately 711,000 sf of office use and approximately 321,000 sf of residential space. Phase 2 calls for an approximately 314-feet building totaling approximately 438,000 sf.Phase 3 calls for a 212-feet building totaling 511,000 sf.
mail to:
phone: email:
GARY R UTER
Boston Redevelopment Authority One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4457 Gary.Uter@Boston.gov
BostonRedevelopmentAuthority.org Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
CLOSE OF COMMENT PERIOD: 10/21/2016
@BostonRedevelop
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
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