THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 30
Vietnam Memorial Rededicated
by Rick Winterson
O
nSunday,September10, the36thremembrance of the 25 South Boston veterans who gave their lives in Vietnam took place. A Memorial Mass was celebrated in St. Brigid Church at 10:30 that morning. The colors and the participants in the rededication of the Vietnam Memorial (the first in the nation) marched to the Memorial in MedalofHonorPark,arrivingatmid-day. Approximately200peoplehadgathered there to take part. It was fair and sunny. SpecialguestsincludedMedalofHonor recipientsRyanPittsandThomasKelley. John McDermott rendered the National Anthem. Fr. Robert Casey, Pastor of St. Brigid Church, spoke the Invocation, during which he also asked for prayers for those caught in the ongoing hurricanes. Tom Lyons, Chair of the Vietnam Memorial Committee, made the opening remarks, reflecting back on the
efforts to establish the Vietnam Memorial 36 years ago. Mayor Walsh then delivered his remarks, saying, “These brave men put everything on the line – always.” Gen. George Casey, USA (Ret.), a native of Boston, was the event’s Speaker. He talked about his father, a casualty of a helicopter that crashed in Vietnam, and spoke eloquently of how fortunate America was to have such a generation of heroes. He also said, “America began the healing process after the divisive conflict in Vietnam, until we now trust our military more than any other organization.” Gov. Charlie Baker told a story about the ongoing patriotism displayed by Vietnam veterans, who hold flags at veterans’ wakes and funerals. Congressman Lynch mentioned how much the people of Vietnam have come to respect the U.S., because of our 60-year quest to find and return the remains of American casualties there – 925 are still to be found.
Mayor Martin Walsh, former Mayor Ray Flynn, Tom Lyons of South Boston Viet Nam Memorial Chairman, Ed Flynn and Governor Charlie Baker. (More photos on page 4) In a very nice touch, CouncilorMedal of Honor wreaths were at-Large Michael Flaherty chose emplaced for Michael Perkins, three names at random from the Frank Walker, George Nee, Memorial to eulogize – John C. and all MOH recipients. Roses Calhoun, Devon M. Enman, and were then emplaced at the front Edward M. Sullivan – a custom of the Memorial, followed by a he intends to repeat each year. piped “Amazing Grace”. John The solemnities continued McDermott sang “America the with medals being awarded to Beautiful” at the close. the families of those men on the The participants were Memorial, and commemorative thanked, the colors were struck, pins being awarded to all and the Memorial crowd quietly Vietnam veterans present. Four dispersed.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Disappearing Dignity in the Local Economy, and Rise of the Amazon Monopoly By Richard Campbell In June when Amazon bought Whole Foods it officially became a monopoly for this writer. I was okay with the company owning everyone’s wallets for shipped merchandize from books to cloths, electronics and God knows what, but directly cornering one of the largest brick and mortar grocers in the United States, seems to set a new non-competitive paradigm. The larger concern, besides the voracious acquisition of everything in sight is that like Walmart before it, Amazon’s strategy clearly aims at eliminating all the local competition, and with that, human interaction. I know to the device cocooned generation, not having to talk to strangers is the real benefit. The demise of the full service department store for the average American is kind of tragic. When you see something as odious as Primark replacing Filenes’ you see that the new rules of engagement (the cheapest merchandise and
worst customer service running after the disposable land fill slave labor product) is nothing more a con job on the lower economic classes. You can also see the social stratification that American business has forced upon people through aggressive consumerism controlled by algorithms. The big retailers have brought customer service so low that mailing it in seems like the best option. Downtown Crossing has had a bit of resurgence with some smaller retailers, like Roche Brothers and restaurants, but in so far as big stores, the city has chosen some real classless losers. The evil empire, Macy’s, is still in residence, even though they nearly killed the whole district with their monopolistic ways. You might have noticed that the only brick and mortar retailers that can make it are ones that emulate the online shopping model. It is called ghetto shopping. Note that downtown doesn’t include even one large bookstore chainapparently Amazon really took
them off of main street as well. It is odd that a chain bookstore would now be considered a boutique business only suitable in high end malls or prestigious colleges. Now in the case of Whole Foods, a company that represents a gold- standard of fresh and attractive shopping, one hopes that the affiliation with the world of Jeff Bezos won’t destroy their brand. I was not surprised to read in the Atlantic Monthly article by Robinson Meyer that Amazon owns Pinterest, Netflix and Tumbler, and a host of web businesses. But when the article said that “Amazon sold six times as much online as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Nordstrom, Home Depot, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Costco combined.” I nearly fell over. Honestly, where does it stop? I make it a point to go to stores where people are, rather than shopping online. Because fewer and fewer Americans understand quality merchandise or customer service, their shopping lives have been reduced to warehouse slave labor clothes and ugly store designs by retail executives, who, from Walmart to Target, have
absolutely no taste or discernment. I gag as I go into these places on a forced Bataan death march for a bargain. They’ve trained a generation of people out of the idea of shopping for quality or the experience. The average person can’t have gift wrap, a decent in store restaurant, real shopping bags, or someone who actually knows something- anything, and dresses like they are in business. No: that is now only for the rich. Perhaps when Amazon shuts all the big box retailers down, they will wake up and stop it with crappy store designs, retina burning lighting, and wage exploited help. Don’t hold your breath. The wealthy retail executives who make money on the repulsive warehouse slave stores of America know what most Americans are: second class citizens. They don’t shop in warehouse chains or stand in the cow lines. We can only hope their exclusive grocer doesn’t’ turn into what online businesses have turned the rest of retail intoa bland, boring, ugly world that we are supposed to love. Maybe when Amazon comes to Boston, Whole Foods will be cheaper!
Dear Neighbors,
It is with enthusiasm that I endorse the candidacy of Ed Flynn as our City Councilor for District 2. I have known Ed and the Flynn family for many years. I have every confidence in his ability and experience as a father, community activist, veteran and probation officer that he can and will represent the critical interests
of the district. He is ready to take on this important undertaking on our behalf. His attention, and willingness, to engage as a private citizen in the important issues facing the community- public safety, affordable housing and the many challenges facing our seniors are but a few of the issues that he has already proven to be a thoughtful and aggressive advocate for. I hope you will join me in supporting his candidacy. I look forward to casting my vote for Ed on September 26th and November 7th for District City Councilor.
Sincerely, Bill McGonagle
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
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Ed Flynn to Host Countdown to Election Day Rally
ight days before the Preliminary Election for District 2 City Council, Ed Flynn will hold a Countdown to Election Day Rally. The event will take place from 5:308:30pm at Lincoln Tavern, located at 425 Broadway in South Boston. All are welcome to attend. In recent weeks, Flynn’s campaign has gained momentum with prominent endorsements from across the entire district, including the Mass Nurses Association, Boston Fire Fighters Local 718, Iron Workers Local 7, Chinese Progressive Political Action, and Boston’s Unite Here Local 26. Flynn also has the support of several notable elected officials representing District 2, including Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, State Representative Nick Collins, City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty, South Boston resident and Suffolk
County Clerk of Courts Michael Donovan, and Suffolk County SJC Clerk Maura Doyle. Flynn said, “It’s hard to believe it, but Preliminary Election Day is right around the corner. When we kicked off our campaign, there was a foot of snow on the ground. Since then, we’ve campaigned hard across the entire district, and I’m so grateful for the incredible
support we’ve received. We’re all in this together and, as your City Councilor, I will be a vocal advocate for the issues that matter to residents in each and every community in District 2 – making sure that our streets are safe, improving our Boston Public Schools for all
families, supporting equal pay for equal work, and expanding paid family medical leave.” Ed Flynn is a lifelong resident of District 2, where he has been deeply involved as a youth sports coach, veterans’ advocate, and community activist. In addition to being an active Boston Public Schools parent at the Josiah Quincy School in Chinatown, Ed is a member of the Cityside Neighborhood Association, South Boston Citizens’ Association, Ward 7 Democratic Committee, and VFW Fitzgerald Post. Ed served on active duty in the Persian Gulf on two deployments and overseas in the Navy Reserves, helping to coordinate disaster relief in Haiti. Ed and his wife, Kristen, are raising their children, Caroline and Stephen, in South Boston.
The Southie High Reunion
By Bobby Linehan
Don’t turn and look back, but it has been 45 years since the classes of ’72, ’73, and ’74 climbed the stairs of South Boston High School. Who would believe it had been that long since teachers like Mr. Apprille, Mr. Poor, Mr. Power, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Stone, and Mr. Perdigao, or Ms. Dazzi, Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Hayes, Ms. Maritelli, and Ms. Kane, as well as the boss, “Doc” Reid, were trying to help us navigate the challenges of a high school education? There was also a lot of nonacademic learning to be done – like Southie/Eastie football, Charlestown hockey, Harry Yucca day up the Heights, hanging out in the assembly hall, George’s store, Exit 10 for a smoke, and even a good, old-fashioned food fight. And what about the stage players, who portrayed the likes of Archie and Edith Bunker, Dorothy and the Tin Man, Sandy and Danny Zuko, and Jesus Christ
Superstar, not to forget Santa Claus. Since those days up the Hill, we have become husbands, wives, parents, and grandparents. We all have worked hard to get where we are today; I think a little walk back in time would be fun – an exciting evening with old friends. Our committee has been planning and working tirelessly, putting together an incredible night of food, drinks, music, dancing, and the telling of old stories. So, if you’re a member of the Southie High classes of ’72, ’73, or ’74, please join us for a GREAT party! The Reunion is Saturday, September 30, at 6 p.m. in Florian Hall (Dorchester, 55 Hallett Street – plenty of parking available). Tickets are $40. IMPORTANT NOTE: No tickets will be sold at the door. All tickets must be purchased on or before the weekend of September 15-17. For any questions at all, please call Bob (B.L.) Linehan – 617-438-8590.
Please Join
Boston City Council District 2 Candidate
Ed Flynn for a special
COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION DAY FUNDRAISER! Monday, September 18 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Lincoln Tavern 425 West Broadway Boston, MA 02127 Suggested Donations $25 ~ $50 ~ $100 ~ $250 ~ $500 Seniors Complimentary RSVP at (617) 302-0686 or email info@EdforBoston.com Printed in-house, labor donated. Paid for and authorized by the Friends of Ed Flynn Committee
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Tom and Bill Invite You: Old Harbor Reunion, 9/24
Vietnam Memorial... continued from page 1
Congressman Lynch speaks of how Vietnam now respects the U.S.A.
The featured speaker: George Casey, USA (ret.).
Gen.
Going on eighty years ago (1938), Old Harbor opened as the first-inAmerica housing development. And so it’s time for a great party – the Old Harbor Reunion from 1 till 5, Sunday, September 24 at Florian Hall (55 Hallett Street, Dorchester). Tom Finnerty and Bill Bulger remember the familiar streets and the names that came from there – Tierney, Moakley, and so on. Mary Bulger recalls how well kept it was. Stories, stories, and more stories. “A great place to grow up.” Would you like to attend? Well, then plan on it! The contacts are (617)740-9898 (Ext. 5), (617)268-1073, or oldharborreunion@gmail.com . Tickets are $25; they’ll be held at the door. The colors arrive at the Vietnam Memorial.
IE HIGH REUNIO H T U N SO CLASSES OF 1972, 1973 & 1974 SATURDAY SEPT. 2017
30
TH
6PM - 12:30am Florian HALL 55 HALLET ST. DORCHESTER
D.J. DRU HOT & COLD BUFFET SOUVENIR DOOR PRIZE, ETC.
40
$
cash per PERSON
Medal of Honor recipient Ryan Pitts, US Army ( center) 25 year US Navy veteran Ed Flynn and former Mayor Of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Ray Flynn.
bar
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO CONTACT YOUR CLASS REP. 1974
1972
1973
Bob Linehan 617-438-8590
Chuck Wheeler 617-943-5556
Margie (McGuire) Shaughnessy 617-877-3340
Priscilla (Murphy) Murray 781-291-1916
Debbie (Lenane) O’Niell 781-267-2055
Janice (Sweeney) McGrath 857-266-2589
Paula (Morrison) Linehan 617-438-8590
Ron Holmes 617-438-0880
September 15 NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR
LAST DAY FOR TICKETS:
The Vietnam Memorial program concludes; the colors are struck.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
Nee First Responders Contribute to Ollie
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It was a full house in the Cafeteria/Commons Room at the South Boston Neighborhood House (136 H Street) on Tuesday evening, September 5. The occasion was the donation from the Joseph “Dodo” Nee First Responders School Supply Fund to the clients and students at the Neighborhood House, more frequently known as “The Ollie”. Mayor Marty Walsh was there, as was South Boston’s Bill Evans, the City of Boston’s Police Commissioner, and many members of the Boston Fire Department. Executive Director Kathy Lafferty hostessed the occasion; many Neighborhood House Directors attended also. The Joseph “Dodo” Nee First Responders School Supply Donation to the South Boston Neighborhood House was a very generous $7,500. It is named for the much-missed Joe “Dodo” Nee, a firefighter himself, who was a South Boston resident and strong supporter of the Neighborhood House. His wife, Susan, and members of the Nee family were honored guests at this event.
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Calling South Boston optimists: We’ve got a new money market account just for you! It’s smart to put your savings where it will earn some interest. At the same time, you shouldn’t have to tie your money up to get a decent rate. That’s where our Preferred Money Market Account comes in. Available with a Dedham Savings checking account† and only at our South Boston branch. You’ll earn a top market rate, pay no monthly fees and get Tuition Rewards Points**— a no-brainer way to save for college. Open your Preferred Money Market Account today and feel good about where you stash your cash. *Minimum deposit of $10,000 required to open account and earn 1.51% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Balances under $10,000 receive 0.05% APY. Maximum deposit of $250,000. Interest rates based on current money market rates. Regulations limit transactions to six (6) automated or preauthorized transfers to third parties each statement cycle. One account per household. †Must be a new customer defined as not having an account at Dedham Savings within the last 6 months. Fees may apply and reduce earnings. All rates are effective as of September 6, 2017. Rate guaranteed through March 31, 2018. Subsequent to March 31, 2018, the interest rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Dedham Savings. **Individuals must enroll in the Sage Scholars Program to receive Tuition Rewards points. One Tuition Rewards point is the equivalent of $1.00 at participating colleges and universities. Only private, four-year colleges and universities are eligible to participate. For more information, visit dedhamsavings.com/tuitionrewards. Each Depositor is insured by the FDIC to at least $250,00. All deposits above the FDIC insurance amount are insured by the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF).
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
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
sbstreetfest
Foodie’s Urban Market • JC Decaux • Leader Bank • Local Dunkin’ Donut Shops • UMass Boston • Sullivan’s Castle Island
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
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King and Queen of No Man’s Land
Walk the Common Path: Through No Man’s Land
“King of the Hill “, Bill Linehan is a life-long resident of South Boston elected to the Boston City Council in May 2007 and re-elected four times. After being re-elected last term Bill was elected President of the Council by his colleagues on the Council. He has served as the chairman of the City of Boston Economic and Planning Committee and served as the Chairman of the Redistricting Committee. Bill formed and chaired the Special Committee for the 202 4 Olympics. For the past twenty years, Bill has been working to improve the quality of life for Boston residents. Prior to his election, Bill had served as the Director of Operations for the City of Boston’s Parks Department and after that as the Special Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer of the City of Boston. The oldest of eight children, Bill has been active in politics since his teenage years and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts at Boston.
W
alk the Common Path with us in No Man’s Land (in back of the High School) next Thursday evening, September 21, from 5 until 7 p.m. See what 21 years of youth employment at Medicine Wheel has done to create an urban park out of what once was the No Man’s Land acre of wilderness. Take part in the completion of our Common Path. And were you aware that No Man’s Land is now an open, green space in perpetuity, because of an agreement with Boston’s School Department and Parks & Recreation. We’ll honor Bill Linehan and Barbara Loftus as “King and Queen of the Hill” that evening. Share our future - see you there
He and h is wife Judy h ave four ch ildren and six grandchildren.
“Queen of the Hill” Barbara Anne Loftus is a South Boston native. She is a Graduate of Boston Tech and University of Massachusetts. She started her career in 1979 at Mass Trial Court Employee at the Commissioner of Probation, transferring to South Boston Ct. in 1985. In 2000 she became a Probation Officer at Boston Juvenile. Returning in 2010 to South Boston Court to serve her hometown. She supports the community by serving on the boards of Medicine Wheel and SB Collaborative. Through the years Barbie has worked and developed programs at the SB Boys and Girls Club , Laboure, SB Collaborative, Home for Awhile, Youth at Arts, L St Teen Center and other South Boston Non Profits. Barbie is the daughter of Martin and Barbara Loftus and is close to her family, brother Dusty, his wife Michele and Nephew Sean. She enjoys being involved in community organizations and causes. Her motto in work and life is "Don't Stop Believing ".
Street Festival: The BAND TOGETHER Raffle BAND TOGETHER is a new way to promote your business by engaging future customers. Interested Festival businesses can join BAND TOGETHER by donating a $25 Gift Card (or a promotional item worth $25). Then choose a color. You’ll receive 200 wristbands of that color with the name of your business embossed upon them. Give these bands out to Festival goers in person, or after a potential customer “Likes” your business on social media. That’s all you do.
!
Join us, Thursday September 21 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for an Evening of
Bands will be turned in to the Festival info booth at K Street, and will then be entered in to the Raffle for the Gift Cards or promotional items). You get lots of customer information for your own use.
@!
BCYF Tynan Happenings
Now that school has resumed the Tynan staff is ready to get our Fall Gym Programs up and running. I hope everyone had an enjoyable and productive summer and we are looking forward to seeing you soon. Registration for the following programs will be held on Monday, September 18th, 3-9 p.m. in the gym.
25!
25!
Community Building and Celebration at
No Man’s Land,
95 G Street, South Boston As we crown long time community servants Bill Linehan and Barbara Loftus, King and Queen of the Hill And honor hundreds of young people and 21 years of youth employment at Medicine Wheel
TOTS AND JUNIOR GYM The Tots gym is for boys and girls ages 4-6. Junior gym is for boys and girls ages 7-11. Classes will be held on Monday and Thursday afternoon 3:30-5:00pm. The children will enjoy free time followed by recreational games, meeting new friends and most importantly having FUN. FLAG FOOTBALL
Suggested donation of $50.00 gets you an engraved brick on “OUR COMMON PATH’
Our infamous Flag Football League will begin by the end of October. We will be providing instructional clinics beginning October 10th through October 24th from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The league is for boys and girls ages 7-11 and games will be played on Tuesday afternoons.
https://www.bricksrus.com/order/medicinewheel/index.php or call 617.268.6700
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The Punk & Poet Opens By Richard Campbell
T
he soft opening for The Punk & Poet was just in time for the Patriots season opener. Despite how that went, the crowds showed up to usher in the renewal of the former Playwright with a more eclectic starter menu, and traditional vs. edgy interior design, featuring Punk graphics with Poet Portraits. The staff on hand adjusted early on to the demands of the crowd, and South Boston Online noted that the party stayed pretty lively until close, despite the Patriots loss. Stay tuned for a full restaurant review in the near future.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
Our New South Boston Branch is Now Open at 130 West Broadway! Stop in today to meet our amazing staff! Membership open to those that live or work in Boston or a community of Suffolk or Norfolk County Boston City Hall | Canton | Dorchester | South Boston | West Roxbury 617.635.4545 | Cityofbostoncu.com Federally insured by NCUA Member of MSIC
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Profiles in Service: The Greater Boston Food Bank & Project Bread By Richard Campbell
B
etween the “Walk for Hunger” by Project Bread, and the Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston is blessed with two powerful organizations that do a great deal to ensure meals for the most vulnerable groups in our communities. According to GBFB’s website, their Yawkey Distribution Center in South Boston is 117, 000 square feet and distributes over 57 million pounds of food through over 500 community based member agencies. Though I couldn’t see a time frame for that statistic, they also claim to serve 140,00 people a monthand that it is certainly a lot more food than this writer ever imagined. The Greater Boston Food Bank kicked off September Hunger Month this past week, with a series of campaigns designed to raise awareness about hunger in Massachusetts and Boston. Eschewing the average Tweet or Facebook or Instagram posts, the GBFB has launched a paper plate campaign in which people share stories about what they cannot do when hungry, written on paper plates, and then photographed
to be distributed on social media. I’ll admit, I was a little confused about the format of the campaign, but this is a non-profit with a solid mission. But it isn’t merely about quantity, a good deal of their mission is to advance the cause of better nutrition, particularly among the elderly and families with children living on limited incomes. Their goal to create healthier communities by eliminating food deserts and promoting fresh produce, distributing 15.9 million pounds of produce last year, another eye popping statistic. My attention was drawn to their site for nutritional information and reports regarding Boston Public Schools. They have a number of resources on their website, including their
newsletter, for more information go to: https://www.gbfb.org/ Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger is a well advertised early spring event, but the group is active all year long in efforts to feed individuals and families in need, support sustainability efforts, and projects targeted particularly at kids in public schools, rooftop garden programs, and Head Start nutrition. An interesting project they developed is when Boston Latin Schools purchased a hydroponic garden from Freight Farm with prize money won in the Global Green School makeover. This teams up students to plant, grow, harvest and sell their produce. Fenway Park has gotten in on the act, providing space for big roof gardens called Fenway Farms, supported by the
park and the Boston Red Sox. Project Bread also provides some clearing house information on hunger and the impact it makes on poorer communities struggling with food security. Project Bread’s main website is: If you are looking for less expensive organic foods, you may be led to Project Bread’s latest initiative, Healthy Incentives Program or HIP, which was begun this past June to make organic foods more accessible. To quote their website: With HIP, someone can spend up to $40 (households of 1-2 people), $60 (households of 3-5) or $80 (household of 6+) of their monthly SNAP benefit on fresh produce at farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets and CSA programs statewide and receive 100% of those dollars back on their card to be used for additional SNAP purchases. That’s why they say “it’s HIP to be healthy!” For people who may not have sought out organic foods on SNAP, this may be a real game changer, for more information on participating farms go to: http://www. mass.gov/eea/agencies/agr/markets/ farmers-markets/farmer-marketebt-snap-initiative-generic.html In short, these two powerhouses provide a network of food security for people on limited incomes, and a great public service by raising nutritional awareness and standards across Massachusetts.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
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September is RECOVERY Month
Last Thursday evening, the Gavin Foundation presented two Impact Awards at its Annual Comedy Night. It was a laugh-filled celebration of a great cause: Recovery from the clutches of addiction.
by Rick Winterson
H
undreds of people in recovery and their friends gathered last Friday evening, September 8, at the IBEW Hall for a celebration. This celebration marked the beginning of September, 2017 – National Recovery Month. It was presented free by the Gavin Foundation, which serves more than 5,000 individuals in the Boston area. The Gavin is located here in South Boston and provides a complete
The Boston Fire Department receives a Gavin Impact Award – Jennifer Tracy (Mayor’s Office), John McGahan, BFD Lt. Pat Hayes, BFD Dep’y Gerry Fontana, BFD Ff. Jamie Prince, BFD Ff. Ralph Davis. spectrum of recovery services. Many other organizations involved in the Recovery Movement also had information tables at this event. Following a refreshing tacos and rice supper, John McGahan,
President of the Gavin Foundation, opened the program. He presented an “Impact Award” to Felicia Safford, the Admission Coordinator for the Boston Public Health Transitions Program, was one Impact recipient. The second Impact Award went to Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn. It was presented by Jennifer Tracy from the Mayor’s Office
of Recovery Services, and received by BFD Dep’y Gerry Fontana, Lt. Pat Hayes, BFD Ff. Jamie Prince, and BFD Ff. Ralph Davis. It recognized the Fire Department’s Recovery Outreach, including emergency overdose aid practiced by the BFD. Steve V., himself in recovery, voluntarily told the audience a deeply affecting story about his battle with addiction. He spoke of his years as a so-called “Weekend Warrior” – “Work hard, play hard!” Right? But after years of substance abuse, he ended up alone, sleeping on an air mattress he wasn’t able to inf late. It hasn’t been easy, but Steve is now happily substance free and active in recovery. His advice: “Get help. Stay connected.” The evening closed with three hilarious comic sets by Emcee Al Park, Graig Murphy, and Paul Virzi. The Gavin Foundation’s Comedy Night was a good time for everyone.
Old Harbor Reunion
Let’s raise the roof before they raze the Old Harbor! The Gavin Foundation provides recovery information at Comedy Night.
September 24, 2017 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Gavin President John McGahan with Impact Awardee Felicia Safford.
Florian Hall
55 Hallett Street, Dorchester Entertainment and light refreshments
$25 per person, payable to Old Harbor Reunion c/o Thomas E. Finnerty Jr., Esq.
161 Granite Ave. Dorchester Center, MA 02124 (Tickets will be held at door)
RSVP and ticket information:
oldharborreunion@gmail.com (617) 740-9898 ext. 5 A sellout crowd in the IBEW Hall at the Gavin Foundation’s Comedy Night.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Pop Warner Pep Rally Kicks Off Season-Guys
More of the Boys Divisions are shown on South Boston Online’s Website under Sports.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
Pop Warner Pep Rally Kicks Off Season-Girls
More of the Girls Divisions are shown on South Boston Online’s Website under Sports.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic Academy News
O
Welcome Back!
n September 6, we welcomed our K2 to 6 grade students, families, faculty and staff to another terrific school year of faith, family and academic excellence at South Boston Catholic Academy. In the morning we gathered in the school yard, with our school community for morning prayer. In the classroom, Ms. McCarthy, Grade 1A Teacher and Ms. Byrne, Grade 1B Teacher read “First Day Jitters� by Julie Danneberg to their brand new first graders. We were not expecting the surprise ending! After a class discussion, we learned that many of us had the jitters on our first day of school - including the teachers. One September 7, we welcomed our PreK and K1 students. On Friday, September 8 the faculty took part in the Opening School Mass at St. Brigid Church. Father Casey, the Pastor, was the celebrant at this Mass. We are off to a great start to a great new school year! South Boston Catholic Academy is an academically rigorous, supportive Catholic Elementary School Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C). South Boston Catholic Academy (www.SBCatholicAcademy.org) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreK-Grade 6. 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 617-268-2326 for more information.
The Law Office of
Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law
Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
Tynan Council
“Catch Kids Club” Coordinated Approach to Child Health
For grades 3-8
Special Events, Academic Support , Sports The after school program will run from 3pm – 6pm, Monday through Friday including all school vacation weeks. Starting in September and running until the last full day of school in June. The cost: $30.00 per week, $20 for second child. (checks/money orders only)
Improve Self-Esteem and Focus Tutoring, Mentoring and Building Study Skills Health & Nutrition
Registration: September 7th @6:30pm(Limited Space!)