THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 69
36th Annual Halloween Celebration at Castle Island
Car & Truck Pollution on the Rise By Richard Campbell As the mayor of Boston has released his climate change goals for the future, a report in August this year from the Union of Concerned Scientists reveals that the state is seeing a serge in vehicular air pollution. Anyone who lives in South Boston and has witnessed the large increase in truck traffic to build the Seaport district would not be surprised by this report. The group stated in its report: “ DE P ’ s ( D e p a r t m e n t of Environmental P r o t e c t i o n) updated emissions inventor y showed a significant jump in emissions from transportation, from 29.7 MMT in 2015 to 31.7 MMT in 2016, an increase of over 6 percent. Transportation pollution is higher today than it has been at any point since 2008. It is the only sector where emissions are higher today than they were in 1990. ” This is u n f or t u n a t e
g iven Mass D ot’s ow n statement of goals: “The Commonwealth’s Global Warming Solutions Act, signed into law in 2008, set the legallyenforceable goals of reducing GHG emissions by 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.” Clearly those goals aren’t being achieved. Boston’s growth in residency and job numbers certainly plays a role in this jump, but the level of dirty air being spewed from truck traffic should not be discounted. According to another report from the same group, while heavy duty truck vehicles only account for 5% of all vehicles on the road, they account for more than 25% of the vehicle air pollution. Again, for anyone who has sat next to a truck in traffic on a hot day with the windows open, this should not come as a surprise. While the MBTA has made inroads with somewhat cleaner Continued on Page 3
The Castle Island Association is holding its 36th Halloween celebration at Fort Independence on Castle Island Saturday and Sunday, October 27 & 28, 2018, between 12:00 and 4:00 PM, weather permitting. Children of all ages – and those young at heart – are cordially invited to come to the “Children’s Magical Halloween Castle”. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Costumes are optional. ADMISSION IS FREE! Over the past thirty-five years tens of thousands of children and adults have attended this celebration. The event offers enjoyments of all kinds from outdoor entertainers, magicians, storytellers to our “magical castle” - complete with sound effects - and free refreshments. Judging by its continuing popularity, a fun time is had by all!
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Our Childrens Future is as Hopeful as the Past
Raymond L. Flynn is the Former Mayor of Boston, U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican and graduate of Gate of Heaven Grammar School If you like to listen to old stories about historic Boston and its cherished family and educational tradition, the last unofficial event before the Gate of Heaven School in South Boston gets demolished, brought together many former graduates, young and old from across the Greater Boston area recently. I’m sure nobody expected such a large crowd of proud Gatey alumnus, but the school had such a profound impact on its graduates that people were anxious to visit the school for the very last time and maybe see some of their classmates. The school opened in 1922 under Pastor Rev. George LYONS, a South Boston native and had a profound lifetime impact on thousands of families, the community and country. We talked
about when U.S. Congressman John W. McCormack visited our class with a few World War II veterans to talk about their experiences fighting in the Pacific after graduating from Gate of Heaven School right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Just about every graduate joined the military in those days and after the War, became a cop or fireman. Some even became priests or nuns, while others became Longshoremen, teachers, laborers, businessmen and all great parents and citizens. But I have to admit, that we all felt a sense of sadness in saying goodbye to the place where we made so many life long friends. People who were so loyal to one another in good times and bad. Some we played ball with, sold newspapers with, served in the military with and worked with. Some were even with us in troubling times. But yesterday, we mostly dwelled on the many positive days in our lives and careers we shared together. Like the May Processions, collecting food and clothes for the African Missions, or the party when our classmate Paul Rouse joined the priesthood . We could recall just about every Sisters of St. Joseph Nun’s we had in our school. Everybody enjoyed talking with former Principal Sr. Pat who remembered most of her former students. Times have certainly changed in the country in so many ways, but the lessons and values we learned at this great Catholic school will never leave us. And neither will the loyal friends we made along the way. Our parents may not have had the resources or connections for all of us to fully achieve our potential in life, but what we learned from our Nuns and yes each other, were lessons far more valuable than Gold or Fame. But the next day, I was invited by Mrs Helenann Civian, the schools Principal, to talk to the children at South Boston Catholic Academy and realized that our great Catholic learning tradition continues. I felt optimistic again about our City and Country’s future after listening to the wonderful students and dedicated teachers.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018 Continued from Page 1
Pollution operating buses using hybrid electric diesel fuel, it is easy to see the outdated standards for emission control on large com mercia l c a rriers need s immediate attention. With over 300 buses in the system slated for replacement, the decision is easy- go electric from this point forward. For budget conscious individuals should know that electric buses a nd hybrid trucks also cost less to operate. According to Massachusetts records, 40% of greenhouse gasses in the state come from vehicles. Even if the state saw the wisdom of not spewing out more pollution via its public transportation system, freight is a major polluter in our city, and standards are not set or regulated that will change this problem. Hybrid tractor trailer trucks are long overdue, as are the replacement of outdated gas engine polluting dump trucks. In a study by the National Academy of sciences, pollution can be reduced by as much as 35% in freight transportation by the conversion to hybrid engines in the trucking industry. The Coca Cola Company has been a leader in this area introducing its first six hybrid electric vehicles. These trucks reduce emissions by 10 tons annually, and to boot, the vehicles are almost completely quiet. Their introduction was in cooperation with the department of energy during the
Obama administration. Add to this the fact that the trucks are made in the United States by Navistar, and these eStar vehicles reveal a bright future. According to Coke’s website: “T h e L o s Angeles Times reported that The CocaCola Compa ny ›s new hybrid vehicles saved about 1 million gallons of diesel fuel last year, just as prices were topping $4 per gallon.” The answer for the city of Boston is to follow this lead in regard to container and construction transport. Knowing that advocating more aggressive pollution and noise reduction methods is a difficult political position given the power of developers who rely upon the outdated truck f leets dropping heav y pollution in our city does not make such forward looking initiatives easy. Our position is that both the city and state should get on board as
UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION AND MASTER PLAN PROGRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT 6 P.M. Integrated Science Complex (ISC), Room 3300 University of Massachusetts Boston This meeting is being held in accordance with MEPA’s annual public meeting requirement for the campus, as set out in the Certificate Establishing a Special Review Procedure (issued by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in 2010 and amended in 2014). As the campus continues to undergo construction improvements, we recommend that those attending use convenient public transit or Bayside parking with free shuttle service to the Campus Center. Visit umb.edu/gettinghere for details. Contact philip.carver@umb.edu for information.
soon as possible in continually adva ncing technologie s in t he f reig ht t ra nspor t at ion industry as has been done in public transportation. With
the voting public looking at the situation carefully in the coming gubernatorial race, reducing c om merci a l large ve h ic le pollution should be on the table.
Joseph Nee South Boston Collaborative Center
l a u n n A Comedy Night Entertainment Kenny Morrell Comedians Dave Russo and Frank Santorell
Friday Nov. 16, 2018 Florian Hall 7-11 pm
Refreshments Raffles
25. per ticket $
Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling 617-534-9500.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gavin Foundation 2018 Anniversary Dinner by Rick Winterson In several of our issues this year, South Boston Online has mentioned that 2018 is a Year of Anniversary Celebrations. The Gavin Foundation’s 2018 Anniversary Dinner was no exception. Here are a few they observed on Thursday evening, October 18: The Gavin House – 56 years. Hamilton House – 44 Cushing House – 19 Charlestown Recovery Home – 10
Gavin Foundation President John McGahan opened the Anniversary Dinner’s Program, remarking upon the efforts that the Gavin is making to combat the ongoing opioid abuse epidemic. He thanked Gov. Charlie Baker for his support, and the Governor then took the podium. Although it is an election year for the Governor, he interrupted his campaigning and took the time to speak at the Dinner. Baker congratulated the evening’s
four Awardees and expressed his gratitude to the Gavin Foundation for all of their recovery efforts. The program than proceeded to hold an actual AA Meeting. This was held on the IBEW Hall stage. It was chaired by Jack B.; speakers were Ryan W. and Ian N.; the
Gov. Baker takes an evening off from campaigning to congratulate Gavin Awardees.
Gavin Counselor Joey O’Reilly presents the New Beginnings Scholarship to Jermaine Campos.
John McGahan (l.) with Residents’ Awardee Shawn Feeley (note Shawn’s glass bat trophy); Congressman Steve Lynch (r.) with Quincy Mayor Tom Koch, 2018 James F. Gavin Awardee.
Mary and Michael Dowling’s table (they are top center) at the Gavin Dinner.
meeting concluded with everyone reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Jim W. then played Recovery Music . Also featured was a 20-foot mosaic work of art, made of individual tiles and created by Cushing House residents at Medicine Wheel Productions. Congressman Steve Lynch began the Awards Program. He conferred the 2018 James F. Gavin Award upon Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. Steve emphasized Koch’s political courage in supporting the Phoenix House, a recovery facility in Quincy. Joey O’Reilly awarded the Gavin’s New Beginnings Scholarship to Jermaine Campos. Cara Perkins, who was at her Rehearsal Dinner Thursday night, received the Caring Hearts Scholarship (in
memory of Eddie Shaughnessy) in absentia. John McGahan thanked the Shaughnessy Family for their continuing support, and then presented the 2018 Residents’ Award to Shawn Feeley – his Award was an eye-catching, full-sized glass bat. McGahan praised Feeley, saying, “Shawn has done everything for us”. The Dinner closed on a high note. The IBEW Hall and its hardworking staff deserve an enormous compliment for preparing, and serving 500 guests, an excellent steak and chicken dinner with green beans and mashed potatoes “just like mother used to make”, followed by a dessert of selected, sinfully sweet, petits gateaux. Thank you very much, IBEW folks.
A portion of the huge ceramic tile mosaic created by Cushing House members.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
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Orly Khon Observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month Orly Khon Floral, located in “She Village” by Seaport Green on Seaport Boulevard, supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). Orly herself is shown, standing by her public floral installation – a “floral wall”. She’s using this to spread awareness and love with pink flowers that create the wall. When you are there, buy a flower from Orly. It’s just $3 per flower. All proceeds will be donated to the MGH Cancer Center.
Attention, Poetry Lovers This Saturday, October 27, Dorothy Morris, a local poet, will hostess a neighborhood poetry reading that is sponsored by the Arts Association. Adults and high schoolers are welcome to read one or two of their own poems, or a couple of selections by a favorite poet. Participation is encouraged, but in any case, please do plan to COME
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
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Condon Community Center Calling Southie Home
Southie Seniors Bingo
by Rick Winterson Start your weekend early… Join us at “Backyard Betty’s” (174 W. B’way) on Thursday evening, November 1st, from 5 ‘til 9 p.m. for a traditional “Southie Time” that will benefit the BCYF Condon Community Center – “Where Friendships Grow”. Come and enjoy a respite between the little goblins and Thanksgiving, and if you haven’t been to Betty’s yet, you’re in for a real treat – great food, great atmosphere, silent auction, raffles and more!
The revitalized Condon Community Center Council is responsible for the BCYF Center located at 200 D Street. The Council oversees programs ranging from free college courses in early childcare (for families, young adults, and babysitters), to a long-awaited, beautifully renovated Community Room that lays host to: neighborhood Senior BINGO, a range of social events, youth/teen time, and a cutting edge feeding initiative. Council President Mark McGonagle says, “Like it was years ago, we are now a multiservice Community Center for all – toddlers, youth, teenagers, adults, seniors, and the disabled – everyone.” A new and welcomed addition to our center also has been Saturday programming. The Council and staff invite you to their “Southie Time” on November 1st at Backyard Betty’s –helping hands keep the
Condon’s momentum going. The ver y f irst ever Condon Communit y Center honorees will be: Billy Higgins (Man of the Year) – After 50+ years of cont inuou s, compa ssionate service to the entire South Boston community and beyond, we are honored to be able to recognize both his generosity and mentorship. Phyllis Fandel (Woman of the Year) – Phyllis, the owner of Doughboy Donuts, has a never-
ending giving spirit, and, through her business does countless acts of kindness; always shunning any fanfare or accolades. Johendry Gonzalez (Teen of the Year) – A devoted young man (15) and CYO team captain who gets up at 6 a.m. on weekends to assist the staff at the Condon Community Center in any capacity. In his own quiet way, Johendry unknowingly serves as both an example and mentor for other youth at the Center.
Graduates (just one of the many programs that benefit from your generous contribution).
Condon Girls Group day trip to Castle Island
Condon boys SuperTeens
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
A Tree Grows (Grew) in Andrew Last week, a half a block from Andrew Square, a maple tree that was about 30 years old gave up the ghost. It decided that life was too tiring, so it decided to lean against the Polish War Veterans Post at 612 Dorchester Avenue (the tree has since been removed). The real problem was caused by one-half of the tree’s root ball withering away on the street side, due to pressure from the street as the root ball grows out, along with massive doses of salt seeping down from the street in the winter. Those factors cause an imbalance that tips affected trees back over sidewalks, towards the buildings there. Some of the larger trees along many South Boston streets are being affected this way. (photo by Rick Winterson
Volunteers in Andrew Square Volunteer work makes a difference in every neighborhood of South Boston. Andrew Square is no exception. Pattie and Maura are two members of ASCA (the Andrew Square Civic Association) working on the Square’s planters, which are maintained by ASCA. (photo by Rick Winterson)
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Tynan Happenings
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Boston Halloween Pumpkin Float
BCYF-Tynan Halloween Party
Our Annual Tynan Council Children’s Halloween Party will take place on Monday, October 29th, 4:00-5:30 p.m. for ages 11 and under. It is opened to all children in the neighborhood. Activities will include: Costume Contest, Bouncy House, Refreshments, Music, Prizes, Games and much more. Don’t forget to wear your creepy, scary or not so scary costumes.
Tots and Junior Gym
There are still slots available for Tots & Junior Gym. Classes are held Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons 3-5pm. Tots ages are 4-6 and Juniors 7-11. Classes will consist of 20-30 minutes of free time, followed by various recreational games and activities.A $20 membership fee is required for the year.
Youth Flag Football League
The Flag Football League for boys and girls 7-11 will begin clinics and forming teams this Tuesday, October 30th @ 3:30 pm. There are still slots available for any boy or girl interested. League games will officially begin on Tuesday, November6th. Contact Greg for any questions or further information.
Adult Coed Volleyball
Our 2018-19 season will kick off on Thursday, November 1st. We will have practice Thursday, October 25th for any player interested in participating. League fees will be due by November 15th. No cash will be accepted. We can take Money Orders or Checks. If anyone is interested in playing on a team contact Kathy asap. There are some slots opened on a few teams.
BCYF-Tynan Girls Fitness
Girls Fitness classes will begin Monday, October 29th 6-7 pm, for ages 11 & over. Classes will be held on Monday nights for 8 weeks. You may register on line with Katie O’Connell by emailing Katie. oconnell@boston.gov.
Put on your Halloween costume and head over to Boston Common›s Frog Pond on Sunday, October 21 for a Halloween Pumpkin Festival, refreshments, music, and lots of family activities. Halloween costumes are encouraged! This free event takes place from 4:30 - 6:30. (Date and time to be confirmed for 2018) Bring an 8 inch or smaller hollowed out carved pumpkin - it will be lit and then floated on Frog Pond for a spectacular display from the glowing pumpkin luminaries. (Note: You MUST hollow it out otherwise, it will not float!)
Trick or Treat on Broadway The South Boston Chamber of Commerce member businesses, and the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation invite the neighborhood children in costumes to “Trick or Treat along East and West Broadway” on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Participating establishments from D Street to L Street will be clearly marked with an orange and black poster inviting the children to stop in for a treat.
Trick or Treayt on Broadwa D STREET TO L STREET
st 31 er ob ct Wednesday, O
4:00 - 6:00 pm
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
Giving Hope One Step at a Time By Andrea O’connor Twelve year old, Kayleigh O’Connor attends East Boston C ent r a l C at hol ic S c ho ol and resides in Dorchester, MA. Kayleigh has danced at Jacquelyn’s Dance Academy in South Boston since she was 4 years old. With the guidance of Jacquelyn Merner at JDA, she has grown to love dance even more than she before. K ay le i g h is a ver y compassionate young lady! In January 2018, she came to me and asked to have a dance-a-thon. I responded, “why and for what”? She had seen an article about a young boy who wanted to be a race car driver. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer. He had asked his parents to put racing stickers on his coffin. Kayleigh was devastated when she heard this; she wanted to do something more. She held a lemonade stand, sold homemade crafts and participated in the Breast Cancer Walk, previously.
We had reached out to the Jimmy Fund who absolutely encouraged Kayleigh to help raise awareness for cancer research and families within the Jimmy Fund. Since then, we reached out to local community centers who would be gracious and let us host. Dan Mahoney at the Curley Communit y Center, was glad to help. We had reached out to local businesses to donate raff le donations. We couldn’t believe the outpouring
of support from East Boston, Dorchester and South Boston. Upon returning to school and hearing about a 6 year old boy from EBCCS that was diagnosed with leukemia over the summer, Kayleigh also wanted to help them. She had decided to donate the proceeds from the food and raff le table to Chavarria Family. Kayleigh went out into
the community to advertise her f lyers, at businesses, as well as her school and dancing school. On October 21st, Kayleigh was able to present the Chavarria Family with $735, as well as raise $1602 to the Jimmy Fund. K ayleigh will continue to do great things in life and deser ves to be recognized!
Pumpkin Palooza
SAT. OCTOBER 27th • Noon to 11pm & SUN. OCTOBER 27th • Noon to 10pm
A Hero Among Us
Help us close the 2018 Lawn On D season with the most exciting Halloween celebration in town! Show off your pumpkin carving skills and display your masterpiece in our lit-up pumpkin tunnel, ride the trackless train, join the costume parade, and enjoy roving entertainment and exclusive live performances by Angelo Davis, Aldous Collins, and Entrain on Saturday and Never in Vegas on Sunday.
Schedule 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, train & other activities
Live Performances SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2:00 pm DJ (Halloween Classics)
8:00 pm Never in Vegas
7:00 pm Angelo David 8:00 pm Aldous Collins/ Entrain
Joe Manganaro of South Boston was honored on the court during last night’s Celtics game as a Hero Among us for his life-saving actions performed while flying cross country last year.
Plus, delicious food and drinks available for purchase!
Stay tuned to LawnOnD.com for schedule updates. STAY CONNECTED
/TheLawnOnD
@LawnOnD
@LawnOnD
@LawnOnD
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The Perkins Post Holds a “Time” and a 5K Road Race by Rick Winterson It was quite an evening and following morning. On Friday, October 19, South Boston’s Perkins Post held a “time” in Florian Hall; their 5K Road Race was run on Saturday, the 20th. The occasion: one hundred years ago this month, U.S. Army Private First Class Michael J. “Mickey” Perkins died of his wounds, after heroically engaging in single combat, within days of the end of World War I. For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The Post’s “time” was an eventful party. Held in Florian Hall, with music provided by Southie favorite Dru Errico, it drew a couple of hundred Perkins Post members and friends. Mary Ryan and Tom Buckley were on
Perkins Post members and Mickey Perkins’ 2018 relatives (c.) in a group photo. hand. Rep.-elect David Biele stood in for Congressman Steve Lynch. Craig Martin was an especially welcome guest. You have heard of Dr. Martin’s notable honor. He was named as one of only 62 NDPs (National Distinguished Principals) in the U.S. this year, and he’s the Principal of South Boston’s own
The Lee family is a Perkins Post family.
The cadre of Perkins Post officers – Drew Lee, Michael Devine, Tim Murphy, Pat Long (Commander), Andy Walsh, Dennis Alessandro, Ryan Long, Kevin Bertel.
Perkins School. How fitting his presence was, and how fortunate we are to have him here. Perkins Post official Tim Murphy opened the program with the National Anthem. He announced that the Post had found the “Mickey” Perkins plaque, which had originally gone missing from the High School years ago (finding said plaque was much to the delight of Mary Ryan, of course). Perhaps the high point of the evening, at least in this writer’s opinion, was the introduction of five descendants of Mickey Perkins sister, Helen Perkins Barr y. The five were Joanie, Barbara, Karen, Debbie, and Sara. If our generational counting is correct, they would be Mickey Perkin’s Great-Grand Nieces. Rep.-elect Biele handled this part of the program, and presented them with citations and a f lag f lown over the Capitol Building in Washington, from Congressman Lynch. The program closed with an en masse gathering of Perkins Post members, the Perkins great-grand-nieces, and the key guests at the “Time”. At 9 a.m. Saturday morning, the 50 runners in the Perkins Post 5K Road Race gathered at the Perkins obelisk in Medal of Honor/M Street Park. A wreath was laid in his memory, to the accompaniment of “America the Beautiful” by Kevin Conroy on the pipes. Then the race was on its way – down to Pleasure Bay,
around the causeway, and back to the Park. Dan Cleary came in first, followed by Richard Eaton with Alexandra (in her baby carriage). Lisa Wigetman was a f irst for the ladies. Perk i n s Post member Tim Murphy a sked South Boston Online to remind the public that the Post will have an informal Armistice/ Veterans Day celebration some time over the Veterans Day weekend (Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, November 10, 11, or 12). Details will be announced soon; please plan to attend.
A wreath is emplaced at the Perkins obelisk prior to the Post’s 5K Road Race.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
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Rep.-elect David Biele, with the great-grandnieces of Mickey Perkins – Joanie, Barbara, Karen, Debbie, Sara – descendants of Helen Perkins Barry, Mickey’s sister. Councilor Ed Flynn joined Pat Byrne, Kevin Conroy, Andy Walsh and Perkins Post Veterans for the 100th Anniversary Celebration & Road Race in memory of Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Michael J. Perkins. They were joined by relative Shayne Perkins. Flynn praised the Perkins Post for their work in the community and commitment to South Boston Veterans & Military Families.
Tom Buckley and Mary Ryan, honored guests at the Perkins Post’s “time”.
2018 NATIONAL SERIES
The first carriage team arrives – Richard Eaton and Alexandra.
NOV. 10
CASTLE ISLAND REGISTER TODAY AT DAV5K.ORG The Post’s Tim Murphy and Craig Martin, award-winning Principal of the Perkins School.
PFC Michael J. “Mickey” Perkins at 19.
PRESENTED BY DAV (DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS) • NATIONAL SERIES SPONSOR
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Massachusetts Futuristic Technologies
By Richard Campbell
After getting our feet wet with a few presentations at Hub Week, it was time to dig a little deeper into the newest Massachusetts technologies that showcased emerging innovations and ways of thinking. Some of the more serious displays could be called futuristic, while others seemed more like a George Jetson redo, but where ever we turned the Boston area revealed an astonishing array of small companies poised on revolutions in digital, medical, and communications technologies. Starting at the top, is NE Neurolectrics which calls itself: “a digital brain health company that innovates at the intersection of neuroscience, physics, machine learning and hardware.” More simply put this company makes a product in the shape of a high-tech electrode hood that fits tightly to the skull to scan the brain and provide trans cranial current stimulation. The blue tooth device records not only brain waves but also data that reveals the emotional states of the patient. While medical professionals have been able to read EEG’s for years to see brain activity, until fairly recently stimulating the brain in a doctor’s office was the stuff of science fiction. In other words, practitioners who use this system are in the first stages of hacking the brain. World renown scientist Stephen Hawking went on the record touting this kind of therapy as the wave of the future, and with universities like Cornell and Oxford jumping in on the act, you can be sure to keep hearing about the uses for this technology. With each edition of this technology we are seeing more applications for low level brain stimulation benefiting conditions like chronic pain, strokes, depression, epilepsy, addictive disorders, and assisting in cognitive enhancement. High hopes are placed on it assisting in the opioid crisis. With offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Barcelona, Spain, the company had a friendly technical representative Aidan Smith on hand to give the basic overview of the product. Their neurosurfer mobile app allows one to take neurofeedback to the next level being portable and works with both windows and mac platforms. While the number of neurologists
that are using stimulation-therapy is a matter of debate, this product is only sold to licensed practitioners at this time. To see their product details, go to: https://www.neuroelectrics.com/. A little more down to earth revolution in dental treatment is the concept of Virtudent, a traveling dental hygienist solution that comes to your place of work to do regular cleanings. Promising a complete dental to check up and cleaning on the site of your company’s office this Newton based company has a clever concept backed by professional staff that has already booked many clients in business to business relationships. Susan Walker and Edie Johnson were on hand giving willing subjects cleanings and check-ups on the spot. They explained that while Virtudent is not a substitute for your regular dentist, this onsite service saves you trips across town just to get a cleaning and check-up. For patient or company sign up see their website at: https://www.myvirtuedent.com/. Soft Robotics based in Cambridge Mass, was demonstrating their nifty packing and shipping robotic arms that do manual tasks related to advanced manufacturing and structured environments for food and beverage companies. While hardly revolutionary, their product could save a start-up serious money when they go into production. Much like the technology Amazon uses, their super pick bin packing solutions are being used all over the country to assist in e-commerce. Featured in Forbes and Business Wire, the representatives, Andrew Goodale, Geoff Lewis, and
Matt McGee were on hand with one of the robots demonstrating picking and placing procedures. Of course, full born robotics in action revealing the future of AI and the developed robotic abilities to be agile like humans was on display with the lunch with robot’s series and the panel talks. It is a little weird to see robots dancing to disco or trying to be expressive. This writer tends to be comfortable with the robots cleaning the house and packing stuff in factories rather than AI being used to control the whole household environment. In this sense, the Google house of the future was pretty uninspiring- in the Jetson redo category. An area of the new technology frontier that offers exciting and certainly frightening futures rapidly coming towards us was featured by the curiously hyper speaker CEO Jason Kelly of Gingko Bioworks, the largest “ gene printing project” of DNA code, producing by itself about 40% of the printed genetic code in the world. This kind of biological engineering impacts everything from perfumes to cheese, to genetically engineered crops, and stone washed jeans. In one example Kelly described taking the genetic code from an extinct hibiscus flower at the Harvard Herbarium to extract its DNA code and insert it into yeast cells to recreate its fragrance. Hardly Jurassic Park, but you get the idea of where this is going. On the flip side the company has been hired by the US government to prevent biological attacks from bad actors by creating algorithms that predict genetic sequences that can cause dangerous microbes. Visit
their website to see the array of biological engineering in progress at: https://www. ginkgobioworks.com/ . Lest you think that this new future of genetically altered organism is far away, South Boston Online has covered the Gingko’s BioLab 2 in their South Boston labs on Drydock Avenue which opened in 2015. When you see genetically engineered lobsters hiking down Broadway, give us a ring. Last but not least is the big dog Pfizer. Photo shy Massachusetts Representatives were on hand to promote activities centered from their corporate site on the Kendal Square Campus. The makers of hundreds of household name products from Advil to Centrum to Nexium, to prescription drugs, such as Lipitor, Lyrica, Eliquis, Epi Pens, Viagra, and Xanax to name a few, with a total revenue of about 50 billion, they are a well-known Massachusetts entity. It should be noted that 18 out of the 20 top pharmaceutical firms in the world reside within the Boston area. With plans to invest an additional 5 billion in US operations over the next five years, Pfizer is geared up to continue being a world leading distributer of drugs and therapies. They are up to 90,000 employees with world-wide laboratories and their 70-acre state of the art facility in Andover, Mass, is a model to the industry. This company that was founded in 1849, has entered into cutting edge fields of gene therapy and recombinant DNA, as they have launched new learning platforms and humanitarian aid through the Pfizer Foundation to solve problems around the world. Their healthy living and wellness website is informative, for more information see it at: https://www.pfizer.com/healthwellness/healthy-living. Oh, and yes, these are also the people who bombard us with all those embarrassing ads. This was but a small sampling of the small and large players who displayed their products and services in between the cultural explorations at Hub Week. The Massachusetts tech economy is quite obviously in fine shape and continues to power the region. Now, if someone will finally invent a decent affordable system to wash, dry, fold and put away the laundry, I’ll be on board!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
Monday, October 22 – Friday, November 2 Registered Boston voters can vote at any early voting location in the City, including City Hall. Pick a time and place that is best for you.
WEEK 1:
WEEK 2:
Boston City Hall (Downtown)
Boston City Hall (Downtown)
MON. OCT. 22, 9A.M. – 5P.M.
MON. OCT. 29, 9A.M. – 5P.M.
TUES. OCT. 23, 12 – 8P.M.
TUES. OCT. 30, 12 – 8P.M.
Boston City Hall (Downtown 9a.m. - 8p.m.) Holy Name Parish Hall (Roxbury) Dot House Health (Dorchester) Tobin Community Center (Mission Hill)
Boston City Hall (Downtown 9a.m. - 8p.m.) Harvard-Kent School (Charlestown) Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (South End) Wang YMCA of Chinatown (Chinatown)
WED. OCT. 24, 9A.M. – 5P.M. Boston City Hall (Downtown)
THUR. OCT. 25, 12 – 8P.M.
Boston City Hall (Downtown 9a.m. - 8p.m.) All Saints’ Church (Dorchester) Honan-Allston Library (Allston) Margarita Muniz Academy (Formerly Louis Agassiz Elementary School) (Jamaica Plain)
FRI. OCT. 26, 9A.M. – 5P.M. Boston City Hall (Downtown)
WED. OCT. 31, 9A.M. – 5P.M. Boston City Hall (Downtown)
THUR. NOV. 1, 12 – 8P.M. Boston City Hall (Downtown 9a.m. - 8p.m.) The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Community Ctr. (Dorchester) ABCD Thelma D. Burns Building (Roxbury)
WEEKEND VOTING:
SAT. & SUN. OCT. 27 & 28, 10A.M. - 6P.M.
Paris St. Community Center (East Boston) James F. Condon Elementary School (South Boston) Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy Neponset Campus (formerly known as St. Ann’s School) (Dorchester) Perkins Community Center/Joseph Lee School (Dorchester) Mildred Ave. Community Center. (Mattapan) Roche Community Center (West Roxbury) Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building (Roxbury) Copley Square Library (Back Bay) Jackson Mann School (Allston)
The Blue Hills Collaborative (Hyde Park)
FRI. NOV. 2, 9A.M. – 5P.M. Boston City Hall (Downtown)
In order to vote early or on Election Day, you must register to vote by October 17. If you miss the early voting period, you can still vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6. Learn more at boston.gov/early-voting • #VoteEarlyBoston • Call 311 • election@boston.gov
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Polish Bilingual Cultural Day Reinforces “the Polish Dream” By Richard Campbell The Polish A merican Networking Association (PANA) teamed up with the church community of Our Lady of Częstochowa Sunday October 21, to celebrate Polish Cultural Day, with a little evidence of bilingualism on hand, and plenty of Polish culture. Held in Saint John Paul II Hall, just outside of Andrew Square, the event was beautifully staged and well attended. After opening remarks by parish priest, Father Jerzy Żebrowski and a symbolic cutting of the ribbon, there was a very cool video presentation showing Polish cultural centers around the world with colorful choreographed street scenes, and inspiring music that underscored Polish contemporary life. Sylwia Kloczkowska was the official Mistress of Ceremonies who kept things rolling smoothly, exchanging pleasantries, and congratulating attendees on stage with community service awards. Among them the Krakowiak Polish Dancers of Boston sported their traditional costumes, and members of PANA jostled to make speeches. One very brave and talented first grader of the church school Alex Krol sang Polski Hymn Narodowy , the Polish national anthem a cappella in perfect key. The history of this state anthem is rather complex owing to the number of times Poland was occupied during its long struggle for independence. According to various histories the original author was Josef Wybicki, an aid to General Dabrowski, who penned it in 1795 when Polish troops went off to fight in the Napoleonic wars. In translations over time it assumed different forms up until its adoption in 1927. All this being said, the song is nicer sounding in Polish than its English translation. This was an appropriate warm up for pianist Barbara Łysakowska’s performance of the Chopin piece: “The Revolutionary Etude in C Minor, Opus 10, no .12”, which is
not at all like how we often think of the romantic Chopin, but a much more defiant- thundering piece. No wonder as the piece was composed around the time of the 1831 uprising. Chopin is quoted as saying of the time before he escaped to Paris: “All this has caused me much pain. Who could have foreseen it?” Saint John Paul II Hall has very good acoustics, and Ms. Łysakowska’s classical training was well evidenced, but it may well be time for a real baby grand piano to honor such talent. The stage picture was set with an assortment of other instruments for the children’s chorus “Promyki JPII”, under the direction of Marta Saletnik and accompanying adults. WOW! The musical ability of these students, the clarity and vibrance of their voices skillfully articulated phrasing are on a level not normally heard in school performances. They held up their share of the bilingual deal, singing favorites in both Polish and English. They made “We Are the World” sound genuinely inspirational. The parents of these kids maintain a kind of proud, but quiet authority that is almost as endearing as their wellbehaved charges. Whatever they put in that soup, keep it coming! One comes to an understanding that the Polish community knows its history and selects programs very carefully to cement a memory
of their home and look forward to what is termed: “the Polish dream”. This is the idea of second-generation Polish immigrants to continue to celebrate their culture, and to return to the mother country. One of the speakers encouraged the audiencewhich was largely bilingual- to consider learning a third language and spoke specifically to the students about the importance of being conversant in several languages in order to be leaders in business and government when they grow up. Quipping that: “one never knows… one of the kids in the audience might become an Ambassador someday.” No pressure there! This event reveals the close attachment to their home country
in this community. There were art demonstrations and plenty of food, as both church pastors circulated chatting up their congregation and posing for selfies. The artwork of Anna Leliva was more inspiring than the monument photos boards, though if you’ve never seen the monuments in Boston dedicated to great Poles who have helped shape our nation, they are informative. This is largely a family celebration of the parishioners, centered around Polish culture. Like most events in the Polish Triangle they are not heavily advertised, though families in South Boston interested in future cultural exchange who put this kid-friendly event on their calendars will not be disappointed.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
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South Boston Catholic Academy Annual Childhood Carnival On Thursday, October 18, 2018, South Boston Catholic Academy held its Annual Childhood Carnival, complete with face painters, dancing, craft, snacks and more family fun activities for all! Also, South Boston Catholic Academy was a part of a feature video for the Lynch Foundation Early Childhood Project. On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, a team of videographers came to South Boston Catholic Academy to highlight the work of the Early Childhood Program and the impact it has had in creating successful, lifelong learners. We are appreciative of our partnership with the project. There are still limited spots available for the 2018-2019 school year. Please check our website at www.sbcatholicacademy.org, our Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram, too, 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 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
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Early Voting The City of Boston began its two-week early voting period for the November 6, 2018 State Election. “Vote Early Boston” runs through Friday, November 2, 2018, and City Hall is Boston’s main early voting site, with voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Voters are encouraged to enter City Hall through the North Side entrance to access the early voting location on the second floor. Neighborhood “pop up” polling locations will be available throughout the City on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the early voting period. On Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, there will be nine early voting locations open -- one in each City Council District -- from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters may also vote early by mail or return their ballots in person at any early voting location. Voters interested in voting by mail must send their early voting request by 12 p.m. on Friday, November 2. Unlike Absentee Voting, no excuse is needed to vote early. Any registered Boston voter can vote early at any early voting location. All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check in. Voters are advised that state-issued identifications are optional for quicker “check in,” but are not required. Early voting
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
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Fort Point, 2018: Creativity Indoors … and Out by Rick Winterson Fort Point, perhaps one of the largest art colonies in New England, is known for its creativity – in all genres, both in and out of doors. This was no more evident than it was during the middle weekend of this month of October. Friday evening, Nick Thorkelson performed a short concert - vocal and instrumental - of classic American works from the transforming 20th Century. The locale was Channel Center’s night spot, “Art Under the Stairs”, which is the most intimate night spot for miles around. And it’s most definitely indoors under the stairs, not outdoors under the stars. Nick is an extremely talented cartoonist. We mention that to show his many, polymath-like cultural capabilities that include piano, vocals, and original compositions. He brings music to Fort Point in many ways, including musical theater played with his brother, Peter Tork (once the bassist/ keyboardist with The Monkees). And then there’s the outdoors,
“Create Coral Reef ”, Fort Point signature floating art, by Jerry Beck specifically on the Fort Point Channel watersheet between the Summer Street and Congress Street Bridges. This officially designated watersheet has been the site of some beautifully evocative floating works of art. Just this month, Jerry Beck launched (yes, that’s the right word) a creation he calls “Create Coral Reef”. Descriptive words like “colorful”, “eye-
Nick Thorkelson: pianist, vocalist, composer, and versatile cartoonist.
South Boston’s newest, most intimate night spot.
catching”, and “contains a message” apply to this particular example of Jerry’s work – a three-dimensional assemblage of brightly-hued scrap plastic in a fin fishing/shell fishing dory. Its height and complexity are notable, as is its message: “Now I go fishing to catch pollution.” Obviously, that message extends from the Channel,
out into Boston Harbor, and all the way west to the gyre in the North Pacific Ocean. Watch “Create Coral Reef” meandering in the breeze, and be sure to read the “Create Coral Reef” signage on the bridge railings. Indoors or out, don’t miss South Boston’s Fort Point District.
THE PRINT EDITION
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
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