THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 67
Officials Highlight Day Boulevard Improvements
Colin’s Joy Project Seven children and one dog (Haran) are selling “DRIVE SLOW” T-shirts (generously contributed by SPOT, at cost) outside of the East Broadway Branch of East Boston Savings Bank, as Representative-elect David Biele looks on. The purpose of this sale is to raise funds for “Colin’s Joy Project”, which will be installed for the enjoyment of children in a South Boston park or playground. The organizer of Colin’s Joy Project is Katie McMahon (Colin’s aunt); the project’s goal is $250,000 ($130,000+ raised so far); and Colin’s Joy Project is in memory of the much-mourned Colin McGrath.
Please log onto gofundme.com/colinsjoyproject. State Senator Nick Collins and Congressman Steve Lynch with Sec’y Pollack.
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ransportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack today joined Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, Department of Conservation of Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy, Senator Nick Collins, municipal officials, and local leaders in South Boston to highlight improvements to William J. Day Boulevard including a new speed-humps pilot program, as well as a recent reconfiguration of the roadway that has resulted in one motor vehicle travel lane in each direction with new bicycle, pedestrian, and parking accommodations, and upgraded traffic signal and sidewalk infrastructure. These improvements are the result of the combined findings of the South Boston Waterfront Sustainable Transportation Plan and Continued on Page 2
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Officials Highlight Day Boulevard Improvements
Continued from Page 1 a recent Day Boulevard Road Safety Audit, which found a need for improvements and concluded that traffic volumes did not warrant the previous four lane (two la nes in each direction) configuration for motor vehicle travel. Construction activities occurring now had originally been scheduled for 2019 but have been accelerated based upon public feedback and input received over the past several weeks. “By putting in place multimodal accommodations, reducing the number of motor vehicle lanes, and adding new speed-humps and speed feedback signs, we are helping ensure this roadway works for ever yone regardless of their mode of travel,” said Secretary Pollack. “MassDOT is continuing to work closely with the South Boston community to improve local mobilit y options and facilitate effective travel throughout this area.” “I am very pleased to see the improvements to pedestrian safety that have been made by the State DOT and the City of Boston on Day Boulevard and L Street,” said Congressman Lynch. “As the City has continued to grow we must make sure that public safety remains our top priority. I certainly appreciate
Speed-humps pilot program being implemented along this DCR parkway and roadway previously reconfigured with new bicycle lanes, pedestrian accommodations and parking added. Photos by Rick Winterson the responsiveness of Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh who have taken a direct and personal interest in making sure that these improvements were made and that together with our local elected officials we will continue to work together going forward. The speed-humps pilot program is being implemented immediatley and consists of temporary devices that span the width of the roadway in order to help reduce motor vehicle speeds. These devices will remain in place at locations along Day Boulevard abilities, and links travelers with jobs, friends, families, and opportunities throughout the region,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Day Boulevard safety improvements serve as an excellent example of the Baker-Polito Administration’s continued efforts to optimize the Commonwealth’s many p a r k w a y s .” MassDOT is continuing to make other improvements along this parkway including upgrading traffic signals at the intersection of Day Boulevard and L Street so there is a fully signalized intersection with an updated signal
for pedestrians. Crews will also be carrying out work including installing new signage and repairing sidewalks between I Street and Farragut Road. “Thank you to my colleagues from the South Boston delegation, Governor Baker, Mayor Walsh along with my colleagues in the Legislature. Most importantly, thank you to residents of South Boston for advocating for safer streets,” said Senator Nick Collins. “Due to their combined support we were able to provide $2.5 million in order to provide support to the Massachusetts State Police in their efforts to curb the flagrant
abuse of the roads by irresponsible drivers on Day Boulevard. As a community, we are going to join together in order to send a message that pedestrian, cyclist and motor safety is top priority.” “I would like to thank the people of South Boston for being such strong advocates to improve pedestrian safety and road safety for all,” said Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn. “Their persistence has brought action from their elected officials and city and state agencies. We know there’s a lot more work to do, but speed humps at relevant locations leading to the Curley Recreation Center and the beach will slow traffic and improve safety for our residents - including seniors, the disabled, and children. These are positive steps but we know there’s more to be done.”
Mayor Walsh Speaks at Tynan
Second Annual 5k to Crush Substance Abuse The second annual Mike’s 5k to Crush Substance Abuse will take place on October 20, 2018 at 10 am in Milton. Register at mikes5k.racewire.com. Walkers and runners of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate! This is a familyfriendly event and you are invited to bring your children in strollers and dogs. This event is to raise money for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. Last year we donated more than $55,000 to the Gavin Foundation and Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. Doors at the Cunningham and Collicot Schools on Edge Hill Road in Milton will open at 9 AM and the 5k begins promptly at 10 AM. Register at mikes5k.racewire.com.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 2018
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Modifying Day Councilor Flynn Announces Opposition to Edison Project Calls For Independent TrafBoulevard
by Rick Winterson
Day Boulevard is a hybrid. As a boulevard that is owned by the State of Massachusetts, it is part of the onshore system that includes Carson Beach and extends down to the parking lot on the farther side of Pleasure Bay. As a boulevard, it is mostly for the use of pleasure/ passenger autos, even though parking is allowed along its inner side. There’s a broad sidewalk and/or boardwalk all the way along the ocean side of Day Boulevard. Despite its location and its use for pleasure trips, Day Boulevard can be hazardous. It has been the location of severe accidents between K and L Streets; it also has become a “short cut” of sorts – primarily to avoid traffic jams and slowdowns on other roads, especially during commuting hours. This has led to serious events along downtown connectors like L Street. Day Boulevard itself is often a speedway, which increases the hazards on its many crosswalks that give access to and from the beaches of Old Harbor/Dorchester Bay. This summer, many changes were made to ease traffic problems along Day Boulevard. These were put in place at night and completed on August 31. Day now has just one auto travel lane in each direction, after studies determined that two lanes in either direction weren’t necessary. In addition, accommodations for bicycles, pedestrians, more parking, and reserved turnoff lanes have been put in place. Black speed bumps have been put down at highly busy intersections, like L Street. This entire project extends from the State Police Barracks to the point where Day and Farragut Street intersect. And this is still a pilot program that can be modified as needed. An outdoor meeting was held last Thursday at the Curley Center’s front entrance. Led by MassDOT Sec-retary Stephanie Pollack, and including several officials, the meeting visually explained what had been accomplished to date. In the second South Boston Public Safety meeting at the Tynan Community Center last Monday, the Day Boulevard project was one of the key topics. Both Mayor Walsh and Congress-man Steve Lynch highlighted this effort in their remarks. Walsh listed the many steps on Day Boulevard that had already been taken, and went on to insist upon the role of each individual (especially automo-bile drivers) in public safety. He specifically spoke of use of drivers’ hands on cell phones and the habit drivers have of “rolling on through” stop signs. Lynch mentioned the speed bumps and how they have to be removed for effective snow plowing, among other steps that are being taken to improve public safety. It was certainly a comprehensive and well-attended meeting.
fic, Environmental and Utility Studies.
At last week’s community meeting held at the Tynan School, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn informed residents that he is opposed to the Edison Project (776 Summer St). Flynn conveyed that his opposition stems from concerns he’s heard from residents about safety impacts to transportation, the potential impact on the MBTA, the size of the project and its density, and environmental concerns. As a result, Flynn called for Independent Traffic and Impact Access, Environmental, and Utility studies. “Elected officials are working closely with city, state and federal transportation agencies to implement traffic-calming policies to make our roads safer for all. I fail to see how adding 1,344 residential units, thousands of residents and hundreds of hotel rooms in City Point will help us to alleviate this crisis in our community,” said Flynn. “Last year, the data indicated 1,588 units would generate 20,370 vehicle trips on an average weekday. Their recent proposal stated that 1,344 units and
significant commercial space, which is said to bring more traffic than residential units, are going to bring a much lower number of vehicles per day. I think an independent assessment is warranted, as tens of thousands of more vehicles per day will only contribute to this public safety issue, as well as traffic congestion.” Flynn noted the MBTA’s challenges in meeting the demand of increased ridership, citing the line that forms at L & Broadway for the #7 bus every weekday morning. In addition, Flynn called for an Independent Environmental Assessment and Independent Utility study as well. “I share concerns of those that want this site cleaned up. We have some of the
highest rates of Scleroderma and Lupus in the country,” said Flynn. “We owe it to the people of South Boston to have an Independent Environmental Study. We also need the Boston Public Health Commission to weigh in on the health impacts for our neighborhood. Moreover, just last month, we had people on oxygen tanks in city point without power for days. We need to look at this from a utility perspective and whether our infrastructure could withstand development at this level.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 & Ed.Flynn@Boston.Gov.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
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Fall Beer Gardens in Boston: Top Dog is Cisco Brewery Seaport By Richard Campbell
S
ince mid-summer I’ve been surveying the Boston beer gardens that occur from the pop-up Down East Brewery Garden near South Station, to the Trillium Beer Garden near the Bostonian Hotel on Atlantic Avenue, and the newer Cisco Brewery Beer Garden in the Seaport near District Hall, on Northern Avenue. It would be hard to say that any of them are much more than a pleasant diversion, and particularly in the case of the Greenway gardens, the interference of cars takes the edge off the pleasantries. The Down East Brewery wins the music award, but the clear overall winner of the contest is hands down The Cisco Beer Garden. The most important quality that makes the Cisco Brewery Garden the Top Dog is because of its location set back off Northern
Travis Colligs with his pooches Otis & Oliver
Kai Xu, JM Tomasi, Alex Wupke enjoy some brews at Cisco. Avenue away from cars. When I use the term Top Dog, you can see from my pictures, this is not an exaggeration. As a person who likes clever design, Cisco also takes the charming environment prize with the best bling and cool setups. The beer is excellent, we had their Pumple Drumkin, albeit a little pricy, but that is a given in
these sorts of things. The tasty tacos (6 bucks each), from Loco Taqueria and Oyster Bar were fresh, though served in a paper bowl that needed a little more rigidity to make it comfortable. The staff here gets a Very Friendly rating, as they truly know they are in the hospitality business. The crowd this past Saturday
Oliver says I’ll take a biscuit but I’d prefer a brewsky.
Chris Shaughnessy and Alex Cann with Diesel
was pretty young, but a good mix of locals and people from away. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. You can’t get into this place on Friday nights, it’s a mob scene! Cisco Brewers is from Nantucket, an enterprise that started with Nantucket Vineyard in the 1980’s and Cisco Brewery has been a staple since 1995, famous for their Whale’s Tail IPA. In 1997 Nantucket Vineyard and Cisco Brewers collaborated to found Triple Eight Distillery on Nantucket Island. A portion of the sales goes to the Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund that maintains the memorial in the Seaport to Fallen Heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan, which gives this beer garden a little edge of thoughtfulness some others don’t possess. Most of the beer gardens shut down after Columbus Day, so time’s a wasting!
Meg Bednarcik with Moose.
Loco Staff Greet a Happy Client!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 2018
Tynan Fall Programming Registration for Fall Programming is taking place Monday through Friday 3-8 pm at the BCYF Tynan. Youth and adult membership fee is $20 for the year and teens are free. The membership fee will include all programs and various leagues. The following programs are already in progress or about to begin. After school Drop-In Program is already running for boys and girls ages 9-13, Monday through Friday, from 3-5:30pm. Activities include: homework help, board games, table hockey, shuffleboard, playstation, snacks, arts and crafts, computer lab, and field trips. Tots and Junior Gym has begun and is for boys and girls, ages 4-6(Tots) and 7-`11 (Juniors). The program is held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3-5 pm. Classes will consist of free time followed by recreational games and activities. Flag Football League is for boys and girls 7-11 and is held on Tuesday afternoon beginning October 23rd. Anyone interested should go by the gym and register with Greg Lally. Our Teen Center is opened Monday through Friday 6-9 pm for ages 12-18. Youth will be able to lounge around and hang out with their peers,, have access to tablets and computer lab, enjoy playstation, board games, table hockey, shuffleboard, and Netflix. There will be various activities, tournaments, game nights, trivia and field trips planned. Stop by and see Katie for up and coming events. Adult Coed Volleyball League will begin the end of October. The league will be played on Thursday evenings. Anyone interested joining a team contact the Community Center for further details.
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A Walk to Honor Amy’s Memory
On Sunday, September 23rd, Joseph McCarthy participated in the 30th Annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Joseph, a South Boston resident, walked in honor of his goddaughter, Amy Lee Sullivan. Amy was diagnosed with nerurblastoma when she was just two years old. She never made it to her 5th birthday. “It is amazing to think how such a young child inspired so many,” Joseph writes. “It was because of her strength and personality that got us all through it. She fought through her battle with such courage and humor. She taught us all how to act and react towards adversity.” Jospeh was inspired by his god daughter’s battle with cancer. “Imagine a young child teaching all the adults around her,” Joseph writes. “None of us take anything for granted at all. ” While Jospeh walks primarily for Amy, he also walks for all those fighting cancer. This year will mark his 25th year as a walker.
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“Hidden Treasures”: Do You Have Any? by Rick Winterson
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he good people at Catholic Charities Laboure Center (275 West Broadway, at D Street) invite you to a very novel, highly enjoyable “happening” on Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. They are calling this five-hour happening the “Hidden Treasure” Skinner Event. Would you like to find out if you yourself, or your family, or your friends, have a “Hidden Treasure”? If so, then plan on joining the folks at Laboure on the 13th for an accurate appraisal of your possession by two professionals from Skinner Auctioneers. They are deservedly well known for their knowledge and skills. You will receive from these two Skinner experts a verbal appraisal and evaluation, whether your object is a long-term family heirloom or simply something you found at a yard sale. Skinner Auctioneers (63
Get it appraised at Laboure’s “Hidden Treasure” event on October 13 Park Plaza) have perhaps the largest art gallery in Boston or even all of New England. Their reputation is topnotch; Skinner is known everywhere. The two Skinner professionals who’ll be appraising your possessions at the Event are Senior Vice President/
South Boston Leadership Initiative Fundraiser
Senior Appraiser Kerry Shrives and 20th Century Furniture and Arts Director Jane Prentiss. Ms. Shrives has had more than 25 years of experience at Skinner. Her 21st Century perspective on furniture and art objects has led to her key role in Skinner operations. She’s also a regular commentator and a contributor to the Boston Globe and Yankee Magazine. Ms. Prentiss has had a 30-year career in arts and crafts at both Skinner and at M.I.T. She is also an expert in appraising and auctioning automobiles from the last century. Her lectures include guest stints at R hode Island School of Design and many other events ; she conducts benefit appraisals at many non-profits. The cost for this valuable
appraisal service is only $20 (per object that you bring). If your object is large, bulky, or too heavy to carry, bring detailed pictures of it. And you will be pleased to know that all proceeds will directly support eight community programs Catholic Charities Laboure Center. These programs focus on three major areas: Workforce Development (nurse assistant/hea lth aide training ), Hea lth Progra ms (youth, teens, elders), and Family Stabilization Programs. Some 3,000 communit y neighbors were served by the Laboure Center’s programs last year But you know? Most of all, the folks at the Laboure Center in South Boston want you to have fun at the “Hidden Treasure” Skinner Event. Enjoy yourself. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll find out that you have a real “Hidden Treasure”. And during this Event, the folks at Laboure want you to take the time to get better acquainted with them and the work they do. But please remember to register in advance if you want a Skinner appraisal, even if it’s at the last minute (ccab. org/events or (617)464-8500). Otherwise, you and your object will only receive an appraisal on a “first come, first served” basis. A nd please also remember: The iconic Laboure Hou se Tours a re coming up on the f irst weekend in December. Watch for them.
Thursday, October 4th 2018, 6 -10 pm The Lawn On D Please join us as we kick off our 6th season helping to develop the youth of South Boston. All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Boston to Belfast Youth Empowerment Program. There will be refreshments, food, and live music. The Patriots game will be prominently displayed on all TVs as well, so come on down and enjoy a nice night out with friends supporting a great cause.
To purchase tickets please visit www.SouthBostonLeadership.org/tickets Judy Swanson and Maureen Murray invite you to the “Hidden Treasures” Skinner Event.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 2018
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The Petal Peddler’s Shop: A Solution for the Sentimental
By Tara Kerrigan Hayes
W
e all have them; multiple boxes and drawers dedicated to paper memories. From letters to program books, invitations to funeral cards, and of course, a vast collection of our children’s drawings. For the sentimental at heart, this can be daunting. We can’t bring ourselves to dispose of these treasures, yet the ways to share and display them are limited. That is, until Allegra Murray had a novel idea, which began, fittingly enough, with a novel. Involved w it h se vera l nonprofits in her community (including the Milton Public Library), Allegra helped organize the library’s Jane Austen Tea Event and volunteered to create
roses from upcycled book pages as centerpieces. The f lowers were so well received that the concept blossomed and grew from there. She began crafting and honing her unique skill with whatever paper she could acquire. From old maps abandoned in glove boxes to partially completed crossword puzzles, she would transform the paper into single stem roses. Discovering the beauty in this celebration of the printed word accentuated by 3-D f lora l designs, Allegra began exploring new ways to showcase them. “I started making the f lowers smaller and smaller”, says Allegra, “discovering that the smallest I could create was about half an inch in diameter - the perfect size for jewelry!” And so began The Petal Peddler’s Shop. Today, she crafts several different styles of earrings and necklaces utilizing all different types and textures of paper, from sheet music to handpainted book pages, and more. The beauty in each piece is that it’s uniquely symbolic of a personal story. One of Allegra’s favorites is an order she received from a client for a f loral necklace to be designed out of an old crossword puzzle completed by her father. “Each client who contacts me has a very personal connection with the paper they select for their custom-made
orders”, Allegra says. “Whether it’s a bride wishing to carry a bouquet of Shakespeare’s sonnets or a boutonnière made from a map of the groom’s hometown, The Shop offers a way to incorporate something ver y meaningful into a n int ric ately ha nd crafted, one of kind keepsake”. The full-sized roses continue to be The Petal Peddler’s Shop’s most popular item, offering a way to free stashed memorabilia from storage to be appreciated daily. In growing demand are the bouquets made from children’s drawings, which can be mailed to Allegra to become thoughtful teacher appreciation gif t s. As for the jewelry, it is, to put it simply, a chance to wear your story, making the possibilit y of romantic and sentimental gift ideas endless, (think wedding vows turned necklace as an anniversary gift). For literary lovers, it’s a way of transforming one form of art into another. As both an artist and a businesswoman, Allegra
is always seeking new ways to evolve, expand and challenge herself. With the holidays rapidly approaching, The Petal Peddler’s Shop will be offering exquisite paper rose ornaments, gift bows and home decor, in addition to the regular offerings. To learn more go to Facebook. com/thepetalpeddlersshop, and be sure to follow on Instagram @thepetalpeddlersshop Direct inquiries may be sent to thepetalpeddlersshop@gmail.com.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Last Call for ICA Watershed East Boston Trip By Richard Campbell The ICA opened the ICA Watershed art experience this summer, which takes you from the home museum in the Seaport via water taxi to the shores of East Boston to a novel installation of new wave artists collected in a newly developed industrial art park designed by Anmahain Winton Architects. Not far from Piers Park, where the water taxi drops you off, the ICA Watershed is designed to preserve the feeling of the working wharf. Though still in development, it is just enough to explore on a weekend trip- but time is running out! The ICA Watershed is open Tues-Sun (Closed Mondays) from 10AM to 5PM through October 8. Entrance to the ICA Watershed is free, but the taxi ride from the Museum is $15.00. This year’s main installation is Los Angeles based artist, Diana Thater, whose video works largely focus upon environmental concerns
Heading out to the harbor past the Nantucket Light Ship. about endangered species and include more abstract videos as well. From dolphins to elephants, white rhinos and butterflies, Ms. Thater covers the basis on endangered species. In Delphine, 1999 she explores dolphins swimming in pods in the Caribbean, in four projections using high tech NASA telescopes and cameras to capture their lives in all dimensions. The saddest one of her works is As
Arriving on the gangway in East Boston
Sculpture wall hides dock workings.
Radical as Reality, 2017, which documents a few of the almost extinct White Rhinos in the Ol Pejeta Conservatory in Kenyafilmed at sunset to further underscore the end of the species. In Runaway World, 2017, Thater’s video installation of elephants in Chyulu Hills, Kenya, feels more active, though this species is almost equally imperiled, seeing a herd of elephants is easier to take.
The Shipyard Gallery features a brief exhibit that outlines the history of the East Boston harbor, the Teen Perspective Gallery offers photographic portraits by teen’s in the ICA’s Digital Photography Program, that reveal fresh and unique styles. The area of the shipyard has a few casual eateries, a brewery, some gardens and funky wall art, so it makes a fun stroll. You can reach the ICA Watershed by the MBTA Blue Line as well as the boat, but the water taxi from the ICA gives you entrance to the main museum and kind of adds to the harbor experience. I included images from all around the ICA Watershed, but if you are interested in seeing the installation online go to https:// www.icaboston.org/exhibitions/ diana-thater. As a footnote: Ko Catering and Pies, the Aussie styled restaurant on the wharf is open all year round and the food is quite tasty and very reasonable!
Leading up to visitor’s center and security station.
Giant Rustic Fish on top of the Gallery.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 2018
Rockies Urban Ecology Garden leading up to the Watershed
Local Aussie inspired Ko Catering and Pies.- great eats!
Crazy Wall Art adorns the old wharf buildings
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
A True Fable? Is There a Lesson Here?
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Simone of Cyrene Breakfast
by Rick Winterson
Y
ou don’t have to be told there are traffic safety problems around here. You know there are. South Boston Online recently published a photograph of two cars that collided with each other at the intersection of Dorchester Avenue and O’Connor Way – two total wrecks, one person transported to BMC, and an entryway destroyed. And as you also know, far more serious automobile tragedies still are occurring in South Boston. Here’s a small, true story that happened recently. A seagull (on the wing) was struck by a car on Dorchester Street near Andrew Square. The poor bird was left on the street, until a kind couple stopped and gently brought the seagull onto the sidewalk, using an old sweatshirt they had in their car. It appeared that the gull had a broken wing and leg. Animal Rescue was called. The couple had to leave, but a passer-by stood next to the seagull until aid arrived, so that the injured bird would not be disturbed or frightened any more than it had been.
City Clerk Maureen Feeney and Sister Peggy with Concilor Flynn. To recognize Simon of Cyrene’s efforts to to help those facing mental and physical challenges.
This question is to all of us pedestrians: Is there a lesson in this true little story? We who walk instead of driving had better face one unpleasant fact: South Boston passenger car drivers are careless to the point of being dangerous. If you don’t believe that statement, just watch those drivers nail it through Perkins Square or Andrew Square , trying to beat the red light. Or take a look at how many drivers (most of them) blow through the “STOP” signs on East Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh – sometimes not even glancing either way. No, it’s up to us who walk to watch our step, and to train our kids to use only the crosswalks and sidewalks. PARENTS: Please read this story to your children, and show them the picture of the seagull. Then tell them there’s a happy ending. The City of Boston ‘s Animal Control vehicle soon showed up, and took the seagull to Animal Rescue, where the bird is doing very well.
Hon and Fred Rooney with Councilor Flynn.
As for the rest of us, look, listen, and use the crosswalks (only!). Please take care.
The City of Boston’s Animal Control Unit rescues the seagull.
Ray Flynn, Willie Ostiguy and Councilor Flynn
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 2018
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A Play of Intellect: “The Niceties” as a weapon, revealing to the professor that her admonishing words have been telegraphed across campus. Act one closes as Janine attacks the student to wrestle the cell phone from her hands.
By Richard Campbell
T
he Huntington Theatre at the Wimberly in the Calderwood Pavilion features playwright Eleanor Burgess’ argumentative drama “The Niceties” until October 6th before it moves onto New York’s Manhattan Theatre C lub. Th is pl ay is ta ilored to the Boston area in its expeditious treatment of liberal arts education and the culture wars. Perhaps it is not surprising that a Brookline native who attended plays at the Huntington since she was twelve would become a Fellow of the theatre. But consider Ms. Burgess was a history major at Yale as an undergraduate switched course to writing at NYU for graduate work and then started playwriting after sojourning in London. We know where the source material for the rarified air of elite education hails from. Inspired directly by the playwright’s experiences on the campus of Yale, the central conceit is an out of control debate between a black student Zoe, played by Jordon Boatman, and her sixtyish white professor Janine, portrayed by Lisa Barnes. If you are the kind of theater patron who enjoys the lawyerly sparring of people engaged in proving high minded ideas about the true carnage in American history, this is your ticket. The carefully sculpted dialogue covers complex ideas regarding race, elitism, the pedagogy of the oppressed, revolution, the authority of the dominant culture, intellectual freedom and honestyand finally the deep unfairness of the world. The whole play takes place in Cameron Anderson’s cleverly designed office set with its eaves ceiling slanted across the stage, gothic window, tasteful off-white walls, and centerpiece desk. There are portraits of Washington, Pancho Villa, Lech Walesa, NelsonMandella and women suffragettes. Filled with books which the professor plies the truth from amidst historical explorations, the feeling of a cosseted sanctuary is complete. At the center of the argument is whose version of history is accepted, and the ability of the humanities to open minds, not close them. One of the primary reasons to be a playwright is to elevate us over the ugly history of the world to make life bearable for people. In this Ms. Burgess succeeds admirably. The fragile
state of the American conscience (or lack thereof) is completely on display here as we are pulled like taffy through classical lines of thought interspersed with painful personal testimony. At first the matter seems merely academic, with the professor Janine taking the upper hand, until a few decisions by her student Zoe gather the play to high drama. Two-character plays are so often fencing matches, and this one is no exception. We open with professor Janine making some clever jousts in critiquing her student’s thesis, while praising her, the professor tries to show critical judgement failures, as well as grammatical and research errors. It is a painfully familiar scene for anyone who has attended liberal arts college and had the audacity to submit a less than developed set of ideas in print to an esteemed professor with advanced editing skills. But it doesn’t take long for the professor to tear into the student’s work with personal invective, squashing the student’s effort for its flawed premise and poor execution. Zoe listens and responds often obliquely in the manner of wise millennials, cherry picking inconsistencies in her professor’s critique while sipping on her Starbucks, checking her cell phone, and making plans to go to protests. Her professor believes Zoe’s extra-curricular activities should be put on-hold so she can focus on her college work. She alternately praises Zoe’s potential while judging her generation of Google savages. Zoe is focused upon the pain and anguish of years of racist oppression; Janine sees the long historical road to the fulfillment of the sacred words of the Constitution. Janine would do anything to have been in the room at the Continental Congress, and greatly admires George Washington. Zoe sees the founders of the United States, and George Washington in particular, as criminals who ran their revolution on the backs of slaves. Intellectual entrapment becomes the fulcrum of
the play. Janine provides arguments against her student’s opinions and though she may be right on historical grounds, her caustic derision of the student is unprofessional. Janine castigates Zoe for being too negative to people of power who can help her and lets her know the real working world frowns on her selfcentered pity. Zoe responds that she can’t be expected to genuflect to a dominate culture that oppresses her. Zoe wants a real revolution to overthrow oppressive white America-and she critiques her professor’s lack of cultural sensitivity for mispronouncing ethnic names. Zoe says all of these things, despite having come from a privileged neighborhood herself and attending an elite university- a point Janine does not fail to mention. We know that the professor is going to regret running her mouth so much about this particular students’ negative views and making unintentional racist statements. The cycling through of elemental philosophical truths, the ugly role of slavery in the history aside; this is a generational power struggle. The two find some common ground in various struggles as women, and their mutual hatred for old, bigoted Republican men. But even in their moments of agreement we know just beneath the surface are simmering coals ready to be ignited. There is more smoke than fire in this production, for however fascinating the erudite arguments, the staging is pretty stagnant at times, as director Kimberly Senior edges her combatants gingerly around the office. Lisa Barnes does her dandiest to find bits of business that show she controls the kingdom, playing to the audience adroitly, flailing her arms, sitting desk side to get personal, collapsing sanguine at the end of articulate speeches she surely has given before. Jordon Boatman plays the trapped adolescent well in the limiting first act, until she fights back holding her cell phone
The second act then is the time for the professor’s schooling, and significantly the offensive portrait of George Washington, the criminal oppressor, is removed. Jordon Boatman as Zoe comes alive in the second act like a tortured animal that is released, romps a bit around the office, lording it over her once castigating professor, and plays well the dodgy insecurity of her new-found power. Realizing her tenure may be under review because of the released recording Janine attempts to reach a rapprochement with Zoe. As the grand Mea Culpa ensues, Janine explains the point of her revolutionary class is that almost all the violent revolutions in the world have ended very badly, and that Zoe is a “baby” American who doesn’t understand how badly her line of action can turn out. While Zoe becomes more militant having won the upper hand she insists that if they are to write a joint proclamation, (Janine’s idea) to alleviate tension on campus that it must include a series of manifestos designed to cure inequality at the university level. From making sure the campus has full minority representation, to good counseling for non-traditional students, to exact representative of minority faculty matching the national population, Zoe has a string of demands-some level headed, others irrationally discriminatory. Clearly the professor has lost her moral authority and only the radical revolutionary who usurped that authority calls the shots- or does she? The most telling clue to the unsustainability of this pyrhhic victory is Zoe’s insistence that the professor grovel in front of her, declare herself to be a racist to the world and resign her position to be replaced by a professor of color. In begging for forgiveness, one might say that the professor lost the battle on campus but appears to be more enlightened by concessions to her student than vice versa. The playwright is signaling to us that the contemporary war on painful historical truth is not so easily won when there are dedicated historians in our midst, even if they carry their own historical baggage. While the anti-intellectualism in America is brightly burning, we forget to the peril on all sides, the civilizing culture of our universities.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
South Boston Catholic Academy Happy Fall! On Thursday night, September 20, 2018 South Boston Catholic Academy welcomed all families to meet their student’s teachers and see their classrooms. Our Principal, Mrs. Civian, greeted everyone and introduced the faculty and staff to all the families and our Pastor, Father Casey, welcomed everyone and said a special prayer to mark the beginning of another wonderful year at South Boston Catholic Academy. We are appreciative of our partnership with our families and enjoy bringing together our entire community. Parents checked out their child’s cubbies and desks, as well as, having their teachers share in what their students are learning. We are excited to announce our Fall Clubs that are starting over the next few weeks: Drama Club, Children’s Choir and Music Playtime with our Music Teacher, Ms. Tynan! Additional
clubs include: Coding (with our partnership from Hatch), Art Club with our local artist and Art Teacher, Mrs. Putnam, Little Scientists, Girl Empowerment Club, Robotics, BOKS, Basketball, Running Club and more! There are still limited spots available for the 2018-2019 school year. Please check our website at www.sbcatholicacademy. org for more info. or contact Mrs. Jamie Brown, Assistant Principal, at j.brown@ sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617268-2326 to schedule a tour of the school.
There are still limited spots available for the 2018-2019 school year. Please check our website at www.sbcatholicacademy. org for more info. or contact Mrs. Jamie Brown, Assistant Principal, at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy. org or phone 617-268-2326 to schedule a tour of the school.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 2018
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Gate of Heaven CYO House League & Travel Final Basketball Registration at the Walsh Center Behind the South Boston Court House Saturday, September 29th 1:00 - 3:00 House League Girls
Boys Instructional
Grades 1 & 2
Instructional
Grades 1 & 2
Midget League
Grades 3 – 6
Midget League
Grades 3 – 6
Cadet League
Grades 7 – 9
Cadet League
Grade 7 -12
New this year we will be having a 5 week pre-season co-ed league for grades 2 – 4 on Saturday afternoons, starting September 29th . There is no extra charge for this program. We have also added a girl’s cadet league. See above.
Travel Teams Boys
Girls
Grades 3 – 12
Grades 3 - 12
We offer more than thirty basketball teams for all age groups. Registration fee is $30.00 for one or $50.00 per family for each program. All new and old players must register at this time. Our League is open to all South Boston Residents and students. If you have any questions please call Kevin Lally at 617-943-5238 or email at lallycompound@aol.com everyone makes a team.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
“From Broken Glass” Panel Meets
A panel of those involved with the creation of Steve Ross’s autobiographical “From Broken Glass” graced the South Boston Historical Society monthly meeting with a discussion on Monday. Their comments were lively and pertinent; there was an overflow, SRO crowd in the Branch Library’s public room. The panel consisted of Mike Ross, Brian Wallace, Ray Flynn, and Glenn Frank. Steve himself was home resting up.
Public Meeting
The Law Office of
776 Summer Street Wednesday, October 10
650 East 4th Street
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Tynan School South Boston, MA 02127
Project Proponent:
HRP 776 Summer Street LLC
Project Description: HRP 776 Summer Street LLC proposes to redevelop an approximately 15.2-acre site located at 776 Summer Street in the South Boston neighborhood. The proposal entails approximately 1.93 million square feet of occupiable space, including: approximately 1,344 residential units, approximately 368,070 square feet of office uses, approximately 85,630 square feet of retail uses, 344 hotel rooms, and up 1,397 parking spaces. The proposal will also preserve several historic buildings on the site and provide 5.5 acres of new outdoor public spaces, including approximately 2.5 acres of open space on the waterfront. The focus of this meeting will be land use and design.
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
mail to:
phone: email:
Tim Czerwienski Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.5303 tim.czerwienski@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 10/30/2018
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 2018
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Share the Harbor on October 1st Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is hosting another free “Share the Harbor” cruise to Boston Light on October 1st . On the cruise author Eric Jay Dolin will bring the history of Boston Light – America’s oldest light station – to life with narration based on his best-selling book “Brilliant Beacons: A History of the American Lighthouse.” Save the Harbor staff will also lead songs and stories of the sea. This cruise is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Reservations for the Boston Light cruise are accepted here: https://tinyurl. com/sharetheharbor-10-01-2018 “There are so many different ways to enjoy the Harbor,” said Bruce Berma n, Director of Strateg y & Communications at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “Cruises like these are an introduction to just a fraction of the recreational and educational opportunities that exist thanks to the success of the Boston Harbor cleanup and the Boston Ha rbor Isla nd s St ate a nd National Park. We’re delighted to be able to offer them to the public this fall, and to have Eric Dolin join us on the 1st.” C o pi e s of “ B r i l l i a nt
Beacons” will be ava ilable for sale on board, along with Dolin’s new book, “Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of A merica’s Most Notorious Pirates.” Set against the backdrop of the Age of Exploration, “Black Flags, Blue Waters” revea ls the dramatic and surprising history of American piracy’s in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
Save the Harbor’s “Share the Harbor” cruises are funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National
Endowment for the Humanities. For more in format ion on these free fa ll follow them on Fac ebook, Tw it ter or Instagram or visit their website.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 THE PRINT EDITION