11-08-2018

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 71

Armistice Day at 100

by Rick Winterson

I

n America of course, we now call November 11 “Veterans Day”. That is highly fitting, in memory of all our military veterans. During World War I, American forces joined with European forces, clinching the Armistice on Monday morning, November 11, 1918, at 11 o’clock – exactly 100 years ago. President Eisenhower changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954. Were you aware that 103 military men from South Boston perished in WW I? This is the three-day Holiday weekend of Veterans Day. Veteran’s Day itself takes place this Sunday, November 11. This observance started 100 years ago in 1918, when the Armistice ending combat in Europe during World War I was put into effect on November 11 – after some 20 million (20,000,000) had died. The final World War I peace agreement (the Treaty of

Versailles) was signed the next June.

Please take some time to combine remembrance of the Armistice with enjoyment during the coming weekend. The morning of Saturday, November 10, will see the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) 5K Road Race. Plan to watch it on Castle Island or to take part – register at DAV5K.org.

On Saturday afternoon, the 10th, Mary Ryan, Kevin Conroy, and their many volunteers will hold a Remembrance Ceremony in South Boston’s Excel High School auditorium. This ceremony starts promptly at 2 p.m., and will take no longer than an hour. The exact activities during this Hour of Remembrance are still being planned, but they will all be truly meaningful. The public is invited; this event is free to all. While you are in the High School, make it a point to view all 103 of the plaques dedicated to South Boston’s World continued on page 2

Cardinal O’Malley Visits: With Thanks for 125 Years of Faith

By Richard Campbell

T

he parishioners of Our Lady of Częstochowa gave Thanksgivings a little early this year with an elaborate celebration that included a special visit from the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, to celebrate their churches’ 125th anniversary.

More Interesting Holidays.

Less Interest-ing Bills.

Distinguished guests from near and far crowded in with the congregation for a mass that moved beyond the traditional Catholic ceremony to include testimonies of faith and remembrances of the church that is the magnet for the Polish community in New England. This would be the first official visit of the Cardinal continued on page 10

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Armistice Day...

Continued from Page 1

War I casualties in the auditorium corridor, including perhaps our most well-known hero – Michael J. “Mickey” Perkins, a Medal of Honor recipient. The Mass.

National Guard recently named its Armory in Natick for Perkins Saturday evening, the AWVC (the Allied War Veterans Council) is holding its Second Annual Veterans Day Social at Sixth Gear – corner of L and Fourth. Please join us there. On Sunday morning, the Fitzgerald Post will form up at 10:00 at their VFW Post at 715 East Fourth, and then march to a 10:30 Mass at St. Brigid with brunch to follow. Monday is yours, but a trip with the family to the World War Annex in Mt. Hope Cemetery could make for a nice outing. Seriously.

A nd, South Boston

Online has two future suggestions for you to consider: First, attempt to delve into the background of your own family. Bob Shields, one of Online’s most loyal readers, did just that, and he sent us some photographs along with a handbook from the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office entitled “Researching Your Family’s History”. Whether you are a newcomer or a born-and-brought-up South Boston resident, you have a family background. We would be especially interested in anything your ancestors did during World War I. Second, how about helping to start a project to put a World War I Memorial in South Boston? We have memorials saluting Vietnam and Korean veterans, back to those in World War II, even including Admiral Farragut from the Battle of Mobile Bay in the Civil War. We should memorialize World War I, too.

South Boston’s serene WW II Memorial, on Old Harbor.

A World War I Centennial re-enactment.

The 26th “Yankee” Division receives a WW I decoration (State House mural).

Southie’s Adm. Farragut, overlooking Pleasure Bay, not Mobile Bay.

Flag Retirement CeremonyVeterans Day November 11, 2018

A Flag Retirement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 11, at Fort Independence, Castle Island, at 11:00 a.m. Participating in the Ceremony will be the Department of Conservation and Recreation staff, the Paul J. Saunders Post A.L., the Thomas Fitzgerald Post V.F.W., the Castle Island Association and the Scottish American Military Society.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

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Collaborative’s Annual Comedy Night: November 16 in Florian Hall

by Rick Winterson

I

t’s likely that you have seen the posters around South Boston, telling you about the 2018 Annual Comedy Night in Florian Hall (55 Hallett Street in Dorchester), and which will take place Friday evening, November 16, 7 to 11 p.m. This is a fundraising event held each year by the Joseph Nee South Boston Collaborative Center at 1226 Columbia Road. Founded 21 years ago (1997) in response to a drug overdose crisis in South Boston, the Collaborative has helped thousands recover from addiction, and then stay in recovery for good.

Please plan to attend the Comedy Night. The tickets are just $25; they include raff les, refreshments, and a full evening of entertainment.

Two local headliners – Dave Russo and Frank Santorelli – will make sure your evening is filled with laughter. Dave is a high-energy personality with a big voice. He’s a TV Dirty Water co-host, a Boston Comedy Festival Winner, and a performer in many, many Boston comedy spots. Frank is the quintessential Godfather of Comedy.

His comic acting credits include Meet the Parents, No Reservations, and Georgie in The Sopranos, plus many gigs at Giggles.

Rounding out the enter ta inment next Friday evening, the 16th, will be South Boston’s Kenny Morrell.

You know him as a creative and improvisational pianist, who ca n play just about anything you might request.

He also sings fine vocals and loves to play dance music.

So there you have it!

You’re invited to an evening filled with fine performances – c omedy, i n st r u ment a l s, vocals, dancing, and non-stop laughs – all for just $25. You can’t beat that with a stick!

The high point of the night will be a brief awards program.

Two Darlene Sheehan “Beacon of Hope” Awards will be conferred upon George McEvoy and Dennis McLaughlin. Darlene Sheehan was the first Executive Director of the Collaborative Center back when it was founded in 1997.

Tragically, she died of cancer far too soon. The Awards are quite fittingly named for her – she was truly a “Beacon of Hope”.

Both George and Dennis are members of the ILA (the International Longshoremen’s Association). The Collaborative Center’s Board of Directors unanimously nominated them to receive the 2018 “Beacon of Hope” because of their joint devotion to the cause of recovery – recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs.

Dennis, an ILA Dispatcher (“Hiring Agent”) is a grateful graduate of Gavin House. He has done year-long volunteer work at the Gavin’s Recovery Center on Devine Way. He has provided guidance to many others seeking recovery, so their sobriety would become long-term. He has done this for other IL A members, and also in other unions as well.

Dennis says, “I saw that I could effect changes in people’s lives.”

George (ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President) recalls Gerard Dembowski, his sponsor from Answer House, who also passed away much too soon.

For those of you who knew Gerard, his daughter Grace has been to school in Scotland and now raises alpacas in Western M a s s a c hu s e t t s to s upply her knitting.

George helps anyone who asks for support in recovery, including clients of the Collaborative and ILA members.

He is grateful for his recovery, and he says, “I’m willing to give back what was given to me.”

ILA executives have asked South Boston Online to pass

ILA members George McEvoy (l.) and Dennis McLaughlin to receive Darlene Sheehan “Beacon of Hope” Award at Collaborative Comedy Night. on how honored and grateful their union is to have two ILA members, George and Dennis, receive the 2018 Darlene Sheehan

“Beacon of Hope” Awards.

Friday the 16th will be quite a night. See you there.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Successful Condon Friendship Fundraiser Backyard Betty’s hosted a crowded “Southie Time” last Thursday evening, November 1. Everyone there enjoyed the company, the Awards, many raffles, and Betty’s patented pulled pork sliders.

All proceeds benefit the Condon Community Center’s extensive programming.

Councilors Flaherty and Flynn, family, and friends salute Billy Higgins and his Condon award.

Condon’s Woman of the Year Phyllis Fandel’s (owner DoughBoy Donuts) daughter Alex accepts her mother’s award.

Condon’s Teen of the Year Johendry Gonzalez with his Mom and sister Liberty.

Barbara, Christine, Deilya, and Debra welcome guests to the Condon Friendship “time” at Backyard Betty’s.

Cook’s Beanpot at the Murphy Rink The four participating teams at the Annual Tim :”Doc” Cook faced off at the Murphy Rink on Saturday, the 3 rd. The occasion was the Annual Tim “Doc” Cook Memorial Hockey Beanpoit Jamboree. Guests were treated to prizes, fellowship, and lots of enthusiastic hockey. Proceeds from this 2018 fundraiser support scholarships in memory of Tim “Doc” Cook.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Thanking Veterans Today, and Every Day

By Mayor Martin J. Walsh

E

very year on November 11th, we remember the armistice, signed on November 11th, 1918, that ended the First World War. One hundred years later, it can be easy to forget why we celebrate this day of all days, as the living memory of that war fades. The fact is, thousands of young men from Boston’s neighborhoods, and from all across our country, put their lives on the line to defend our allies in the Great War. Today, the legacy of that courage and sacrifice is alive all around us -- in the men and women in our neighborhoods who continue to serve our country; the families who continue to sacrifice; and veterans who continue to make Boston the great city that it is.

It is essential, this year and every year, that we acknowledge and thank these honored members of our community.

More than 22,000 veterans

call Boston home. They embody a commitment to service that doesn’t disappear when they hang up their uniforms. When they come home, veterans continue to serve their community as leaders, parents, teachers, mentors, first responders, and more. Their valuable contributions make Boston a better place, and we should be thanking them each and every day for that.

It’s also important for us to remember that veterans and their families often face unique challenges.

Many deal with deep wounds, both visible and invisible. Since I was elected Mayor, I have worked hard to make Boston a city where veterans truly thrive, personally and professionally, throughout their lives. I believe that we need to show our veterans that we are grateful every single day. And one of the most important ways we do this is by showing vets that they can ask for help, and that they will receive it. It’s what we owe them in return for all they have given us.

These are the values behind some

of our most ambitious work in the City of Boston: from ending chronic veterans homelessness to improving access to supportive housing, healthcare, recovery services, employment programs for vets with and without PTSD, and much more. A question I hear all the time from residents is, “How can I help?” One of the simplest, and most powerful ways that every member of the Boston community can help support our veterans is simply saying “thank you.” And that’s exactly what we do through Operation Thank a Vet. Over the last few months, our goal has been to personally reach out to all 22,000 veterans in our city. We wanted to make sure each of them knows about all the resources that our city has made available to them. We’ve connected with thousands of vets so far, but we have thousands more to go.

That’s where you come in. On Saturday, November 10th, we will go door to door delivering thank you packages and information about opportunities

available to veterans. By joining us as a volunteer, you can help us reach our goal.

And most importantly, you will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives-- connecting those who have served their country with a community who is ready to serve them and their families.

A century ago, the events of November 11th gave people hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

This week, we’ll recognize those among us who have continued that mission and put their lives on the line in the name of those same values. In Boston, we never forget the sacrifices people made for the good of our community. We know that our strength comes from our willingness to lift our neighbors up in good times and hard times. And we will always be grateful to our veterans, not just on November 11th, but every day.

If you are a veteran who would like to be connected to services in Boston, please reach out to Boston’s Veterans Services, https://www.boston.gov/departments/ veterans-services, email veterans@boston.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Secure Voting Machines: The MIT Solution Already Exists

By Richard Campbell

A

s the election results are coming in this writer decided to look a little more deeply into the 20-yearold voting machine debacle.

Many Americans believe they are informed regarding the integrity of our outdated system of voting. Our technology challenged officials either claim there are no serious problems, or they can’t be fixed in a reasonable time. The New York Times issued a recent editorial entitled “Elections Could be Hacked, Vote Anyway.”

The article basically said we should vote to show the Russians we haven’t been influenced by their manipulation of the elections, even though there is clear evidence that our voting system is vulnerable.

Just remember this: it’s not how you vote, it’s how your vote is counted.

Forget about social media-the electoral machine system is what counts. I’d like to focus upon the current state of election technology systems. First, you should know that more than a dozen professional assessments by computer science and data experts in our country declare the systems in many states are not

only vulnerable to tampering but have been proved to be hackable-in one instance by an eleven-yearold boy. This hardly inspires confidence. When one considers this age of high-tech secure banking systems, you have to wonder about our antiquated voting “system”.

Despite minor improvements, we have been in limbo regarding auditing and security of voting nationally since Al Gore’s hanging chads, and no one seems to have a solution to the problem. That is, except MIT! More on that later.

Nationally we have two types of systems, one that is an optical scan, providing a paper ballot and one called DRE direct recording electronic vote systems. Some DRE’s have a paper trail, others do not. Both systems are hackable, though the DRE’s have proven to be the most vulnerable. Also, the confusing design of the interfaces of DRE machines has been known to cause problems, and the way they are networked using software called SERVO that makes certain DRE’s downright unsecure. The paper ballot is critical to election integrity. Most frustrating, there is no way to confirm your vote or to

efficiently audit systems in almost every state. In the age of Google, have you ever wondered why?

Although there are some small contractors in the $300+ billion-dollar voting machine industry, the systems are owned mostly by three companies. They are: ES&S, Dominion, and Hart InterCivi. I will not bore the reader with the questionable practices of certain companies, they are very well documented elsewhere. Go to https://ballotpedia.org if you would like to see the chaotic mess of our national election system state by state. The history of this mess involves corruption and bureaucratic incompetence. More importantly: where independent analysis matters, the hackability of our system is not held in question by anyone who is modestly informed.

According to Verified Voting, 36 states still have insecure voting equipment. The major voting machine manufacturers claimed to Congress there was nothing wrong with having machines that can’t create a paper record. You don’t have to be a cyber sleuth to know how ridiculous this assertion is. While some machines have been replaced, in 2016, 42 states reported using voting machines that were more than a decade old, according to the Brennen Center.

Are you getting nervous yet? You should be. Although Massachusetts has scanned paper ballots, you can forget about being confident in the current voting systems across many states this time aroundbut hey, there is always 2020.

In a country that put a man on the moon, launched supercomputers and mapped the human genome, state and federal officials are trying to tell us creating a secure voting system for a reasonable price in less than two years is impossible. They are full of it. First: the software for such a system is already in existence.

The fix is called cryptographic voting and was born right here in Massachusetts. It is a very well tested independent voting technology

called Scantegrity II and has been in use in Tacoma Park Maryland since 2009. This system has proven itself over and over again, and it could be used rather inexpensively with most current ballot scanning voting machines until we replace outdated equipment.

Scantegrity was designed at MIT, guided by Ron Rivest, a professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. This system brings integrity to current optical scanning technology. It is a tamperproof system because it allows voters to anonymously confirm their vote after an election. It uses special coded ballots and digital signatures that are set up in advance. Instead of simply filling out a bubble on the scannable ballot, the voter uses a special pen that when swiped over their voting selection reveals a code to them that allows them to confirm or audit their own vote.

It requires no modification to the current optical scanned ballot systems. The website for Scantegrity II is: http://scantegrity.org.

Finally, the major voting system companies have proven themselves incompetent regarding security. All the voting machine hardware should be replaced with a more physically secure, ergonomic system created by an independent tech consortium overseen by a few top engineering universities.

It is time to move on and find a comprehensive national solution backed by the best R&D. The first step of adopting Scantegrity could be easily done nationally by 2020.

Let’s be perfectly clear: all this requires is the new scanned paper ballot system. No private company, special interest group or state official has the right to prevent secure voting from being implemented. This is a no brainer that is long over-due.

The time for excuses from Congress and State Governors is over. The future of secure voting is here now. Please contact your election officials and request Scantegrity II, and we will have secure, auditable paper records across the nation.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

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Councilors Flynn, Baker to Hold 20 MPH Speed Limit Hearing Nov. 13th Lower Speeds, Traffic Calming To Improve Road Safety For All

Boston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Frank Baker will hold a hearing next week on Tuesday, November 13th at 10am with the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation to examine the merits of lowering the speed limit in the City of Boston to 20 MPH, unless otherwise posted. They will also look to discuss other traffic calming measures to improve road safety for all.

The speed limit in the city was most recently lowered from 30 MPH to 25 MPH on January 9, 2017 as part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative, no serious or fatal crashes in Boston by 2030.

“In the final analysis, Councilor Baker and I look to have this conversation to ensure we are doing all we can to try to save lives and realize Vision Zero. We believe that infrastructure changes, like speed humps and raised crosswalks, are necessary for traffic calming; however, a combination of these physical changes to our built environment and a lower speed limit will improve public safety for all,” said Flynn. “Data from the city’s website and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicated that the chances of a serious or fatal crash at 30 MPH is 50%, while at 20 MPH the chances significantly drop to 18%. We thank Mayor Walsh and his staff for their strong leadership on Vision Zero and efforts to make Boston safer for all.”

Councilor Baker said, “We were already successful in lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour on public ways subject to the control of the city. One of my top constituent complaints is the need for lower speed limits, more enforcement, and various traffic calming measures, like raised crosswalks, speed humps, narrowing traffic lanes, and bump-outs. As elected officials in the City of Boston, we need to help eliminate traffic fatalities on our city’s streets. Further lowering of the street speed limit is an important step in the right direction.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 & Ed.Flynn@Boston.Gov, or Councilor Baker at 617-635-3455 & Frank.Baker@Boston.Gov.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Tynan School Standout on Friday

This is the mural whose painted words REALLY describe the Tynan School! “Safe, Kind, Responsible, Respectful”.

T

he photograph says it all: it’s the mural overlooking South Boston’s Tynan School play area on Fourth Street. It reads, - TYNAN “Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Responsible, Be Respectful”.

Unfortunately, last Wednesday morning, some vandal (or vandals) decided otherwise. These animals adorned several doors and walls on the Tynan School with obscene words. There is no need to repeat that language, but some of the words began with the letters “F” and “N”.

Maybe these are the only words those vandals know. Enough said.

The Tynan’s custodians responded immediately, painting over this graffiti as soon as the police had finished their investigation. But this incident is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the good people of South Boston. It is of even greater concern to the teachers and staff who work at the Tynan School,

and what’s most important, it was upsetting, even frightening, to the young students at the Tynan School.

South Boston’s reaction was immediate. A notice was issued that there would be a standout at the Tynan School on Friday morning, November 2, beginning at 7:30. The standout was to show support for the Tynan School, especially its students.

Approximately 250 people showed up. Most of them were from South Boston, but many others came as well, including Mayor Walsh, Interim BPS Superintendent Laura Perrile, and clergy from around our City.

It was a heartening demonstration that concluded with the standout’s participants forming an aisle by the Tynan School’s main door, which the students used to enter school after getting off their school buses.

Except for a few words of gratitude for the standout from Tynan Principal Leslie Gant, there was no

program. The only purpose of the standout was to show visible support to the Tynan teachers and staff, and to demonstrate to the students that they were welcome here when they arrived on Friday morning.

And in South Boston Online’s opinion, the standout worked.

Some advice to the vandals who painted the obscene graffiti on the Tynan: Whoever you are, you have shamed South Boston by what you did. You are also cowards because you picked on young children, some of whom aren’t much older than toddlers. So, if you live in South

Boston, please move out. We don’t want you here any longer. The police are after you! In the meantime, let’s all take a minute to reflect upon Doctor Tynan, for whom the Tynan School is named. He was reputed to have never sent a bill to his patients – he simply relied on them “to pay him whenever they could”. Dr. Tynan is a fine example of what the Tynan School is all about, so we’ll close by simply repeating the words on the Tynan’s play area mural: “Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Responsible, Be Respected”.

Those words say it all.

Tynan School Principal Leslie Gant briefly addresses the standout.

Mayor Walsh at the Tynan School rally, showing his personal support.

Count on Boston’s clergy to show up for last Friday’s (November 2) demonstration of support for the Tynan School.

Station C-6 Commander Capt. Joe Boyle, Interim BPS Superintendent Laura Perille, and Community Services Sgt. Steve McNeil at the Tynan standout.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Good Samaritan Ministry Please be a part of our Good Samaritan Ministry and help us to make sure that no one in our neighborhood goes hungry this Thanksgiving.

Last year we served 300 families. Our goal this year is to provide every family in need with the Thanksgiving groceries.

This is how you can help Bring one or more of the following non-perishable items to church & leave it in the donation bin: Cranberry sauce, canned corn, instant mashed potatoes, and corn bread mix Drop a $20 gift card to Stop and Shop in the collection basket in Mass or at the SBSCC office at St. Peter’s lower church hall.

Harvest Book Sale South Boston Branch Library, 646 East Broadway Saturday, November 17 2018, 10AM – 3PM Put the turkey in the oven and read a book We have the books you need!

Enjoy a cornucopia of savings at a Book Sale presented by the Friends of the South Boston Branch Library. Come and browse our wide selection of hardcovers, paperbacks, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks for adults and children, available at low, low prices. All book sale proceeds benefit the South Boston Branch Library.

Become more involved in the library.

Join the Friends of the South Boston Library. Message us on Facebook or complete a simple form found at the Circulation desk at the Library Friend us on Facebook: South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library or Friends of the South Boston Branch Library Support our book sales Donate your gently used books, DVDs or CDs to our sales.

Note the change in schedule - See below: Sunday, November 11, 2018 - Closed All Day Monday, November 12, 2018 - Closed All Day Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - Changed Hours Open: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday, November 22, 2018 - Closed All Day

Off-Year Voter Turnout Very Strong

Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell and Frank Kelley Thanksgiving Dinner St. Monica’s Parish Hall (Corner of Old Colony Avenue and Prebble Street)

Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9:00 a.m.

Dinner 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

All are welcome If you are unable to get out and would like a meal delivered to your home please call 617-268-8100

The voter turnout on Tuesday, the 6th, was extremely strong, especially foran off-year like 2018. The photo shows the signage outside the Branch Library. According to the volunteers at that polling place, the normal, full-day turnout of 400 or so voters was actually exceeded late on Tuesday morning, some nine hours in advance of the closing time at 8 p.m. Many of the voters were young millennials, which is encouraging.

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Hosted by: The South Boston Catholic Parishes and the Elected Officials Representing South Boston

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Cardinal O’Malley Visits... continued from page 1 to the church, and accordingly many detailed preparations for this service were in evidence.

High above the sanctuary that was heavily adorned with beautiful red and white flowers, Our Lady of Częstochowa is illuminated. She is known as the Queen of Poland, whose revered original namesake dates back to at least 1384 (that was a prototype of a 5th century icon) and resides in the monastery of Jasna Gora, Poland. For though the parish was established in 1893, the local version of this portrait is a cherished artifact that was rescued from the church fire in 1973 by a local Polish fireman who lived next door.

Before the Cardinal’s entrance, pastors and lay people scurried about setting the sanctuary, while different speakers recalled a history of the church, and made introductory rites.

From the Adult Choir aloft the opening piece was sung in Latin was “Gaude Mater Polonia”, which in English is “Be joyful Mother Poland”. Children of the parish took their place near the alter to sing out brightly in both Polish and English, “Jesus, You’re My Firm Foundation” and in Polish “Jezus Chrystus to Panow Pan” which translates into “Jesus Christ is the Lord of all Lords”.

After Cardinal O’Malley was ushered in by altar boys, Fr. Jerzy Żebrowski, Fr. Andrzej Treder as well as other pastors from visiting churches, all observed as the Cardinal blessed the sanctuary and paid tribute to the congregants. O’Malley read first from the Letter to the Hebrews, emphasizing Christ as the eternal savior. The Cardinal introduced the story of Jesus being questioned about “the greatest commandment” and Jesus’s response.

By averting the Pharisee’s legal trap Jesus reportedly did not site a particular commandment, but a summation of the meaning of true faith, “that you shall love God with all your heart and all your soul, and all your mind… and that you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Cardinal O’Malley spoke passionately of our lives as a gift from God, saying: “that everything we are, everything we have is a gift.”

With the spring board of God as the anonymous benefactor, the Cardinal emphasized that every Eucharist (Mass) is a Thanksgiving, and of the special qualities of this particular celebration of the church’s faithful. His continual emphasis upon loving God above all else, but to love others, even your enemies, (even if they are Yankee’s fans), revealed a serious and playful side for which the Cardinal is known. Upon the liturgy of the Eucharist, the consecration and the bringing forth of gifts, homemade bread, portraits of Saints, the portrait of Our Lady, a blessing for Pope Francis and stained glass from the original church were presented. When the congregation received communion from the Cardinal and pastors, needless to say, these rituals were given a more spectacular feeling of majesty.

Adult members of the church congregated to Saint Pope John Paul II Hall for an informal celebration and dinner while a separate party was held for the children, and all were invited to an historical exhibition “Fathers of Our Independence.” Introductions were made

by Parish Council Member, Co-founder and Editor of The White Eagle, Marcin Bolec and his wife Barbara who is Vice President of the Polish American Conference. Fr. Jerzy Żebrowski rushed after putting finishing touches around the hall and gave thanks for all those who contributed to this significant celebration. Fr. Zebrowski made sure to introduce the greater liturgical family of pastors who worked at, or were affiliated with the church over the years, which was kind of an international testimony to the widespread Polish community. As he made a toast to the celebrants one could sense his feeling of joy at having pulled off -quite exquisitelyan event that was months in the making.

Former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn, who was also an Ambassador to the Holy See, was introduced and recounted his early life in the Polish Triangle, having been baptized at Our Lady of Częstochowa, and brought up on Boston Street next door to the ceremonial hall. Flynn spoke of the many contributions of the Polish people to our nation, as well as stories of the bravery of the Polish resistance. He described the parish as being a true home that he comes back to regardless of his many travels around the world. The food offered would have made any Polish grandmother proud, and the tight knit community embodied the feeling of thanks for the warm company of others.

Zachowaj Ducha przez kolejne 125 lat!

Or… Keep the Spirit for another 125 years!

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Illuminous: Getting A Little Better with Each Year

By Richard Campbell Illuminous is an annual Downtown Crossing art event that draws a little larger crowd each year as the recovery process of the once moribund shopping district has been springing back to life. As far as art installations are concerned the show was a combination of conceptually challenging, space age beauty and quirky events. For its fourth annual installment it was a cold windy night this past Saturday, but nevertheless plenty of young people seemed to be having a good time.

Often the projections on the side of buildings are the most interesting part of this street art exhibit, as some of the interactive aspects were a little under whelming.

Jennymae Kho’s “New American Scholar”, as series of famous literary quotes and portraits from New England illuminated upon the Old Corner Bookstore was perhaps the most artful and carefully wrought. With portraits of Emerson, Theroux and the gang, interspersed with intriguing notions and big color graphics, it kept people fascinated for a significant period of time.

“My name translated is Strength” by Stephanie Benenson which was staged around the Irish Immigrant statue on the plaza in front of Walgreens created intricate blazing light patterns across the sky while an audio recording of immigrant experiences was running in the background. The story telling aspect was not as strong for this piece, but the abstract lighting was beautiful.

“The Heart Hug” by Zobrulo Polylight, Ilya Sobol and Ivan Kabalin was a bright geometric interactive sculpture that reacted to people hugging, but most people didn’t seem to get it. The Antipode Tunnel had a line stretching for a whole block, so we passed it up.

Some of t he displays that were interactive had an uncomfortable feeling to them.

“Targeted” which was a triptych interactive screen had a dispatch unit’s radio chatter running loudly as you crossed in front of it to see your own image. The audio was obviously-perhaps too obviously- about profiling people. “Play” by Stephanie

Houten was a video loop of a black light illuminated dancer who shook her bootie and danced around when you interacted with her. The colors were fun, I’m not so sure about the “dancing”.

Several buildings on upper Washington had big kaleidoscope like graphic light shows running that were clever- like giant pinball machines in the sky.

The music is the weakest link, with the “Summer Street Brass Band” being the best in show. They played a good variety of songs and kept the crowd happy. What was missing was a real illuminated stage and a few more bands. The event on the whole is slightly haunting, because to facilitate the visualizing of the light on buildings the city had street lights covered, making it kind of dark in Downtown. Anyone who remembers how long it has taken to get Downtown Crossing to resemble a shopping district after its complete collapse is glad to see things coming back.

The city has done a great job with Washington Street with planters and signing.

What could really spruce up Downtown Crossing would be to convince Emerson’s radio WERS to move into a sky booth over the square and broadcast out to the street- perhaps with their film and theatre program showing work on a big screen. Illuminous points towards the day when Downtown Crossing will have a cool public entertainment that takes advantage of technology and truly draws a crowd on a regular basis. The Rip Van Winkle effect is wearing off of Downtown Crossing, as the theatres and other entertainments on lower Washington Street have been bringing the crowds back.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

2018 NATIONAL SERIES

NOV. 10

CASTLE ISLAND REGISTER TODAY AT DAV5K.ORG PRESENTED BY DAV (DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS) • NATIONAL SERIES SPONSOR

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Halloween T

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

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Trick or Treat

St. Peter Lithuanian Church Hall hosting Lithuanian Ministry’ s Sunday

November 11th 12:00 — 2:30 Kitchen opens 11:30

Lithuanian Kitchen Lithuanian Desserts

Lithuanian Folk Art/ Souvenirs White Elephant table

Raffles

Program: 2:15 Raffle drawing

St. Peter Lithuanian Parish hall 75 Flaherty Way (between B St. & St. Casimir’s)

All are welcome!! Admission is free

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

South Boston Catholic Academy News All of students, family, faculty and staff at South Boston Catholic Academy had a wonderful time at our Halloween Dances in the school gym the weekend before Halloween and on Halloween day in our classroom parties and at our Annual Halloween Parade down East Broadway. This was a fun way for the students to show off their costumes. There are still limited spots available for the 20182019 school year. Please check our website at www.sbcatholicacademy. org. Or our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or contact Mrs. Jamie Brown, Assistant Principal, at j.brow n@sbcat holicacademy. org or phone 617-268-2326.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

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All Are Welcome to the Gate of Heaven Parish Coffee and Conversation All are welcome to join us on the 2nd Sunday of each month at the Gate of Heaven Parish Coffee and Conversation Hour following the 9AM Mass at Gate of Heaven Church on East 4th Street, downstairs in the Lower Hall. We look forward to seeing old and new friends for some coffee, tea, light refreshments and conversation this Sunday, November 11, 2018

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING November 13, 2018 AT J F CONDON SCHOOL SOUTH BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 6:30 PM FOR THE PROPOSED ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION CYPHER STREET, E STREET AND FARGO STREET Project No. 608807

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018

First Annual Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead in Copley Square!

By Richard Campbell

T

he Day of the Dead got official recognition from the city of Boston this year, as the traditional altar to the dead was set up in Copley Square, Mexican food (tamales and rice) was served, and music was provided by Veronica Robles Mariachi Band. The Day of the Dead is different than Halloween, though it has some things in common. With the popular Disney Animation “Coco” many people in the United States become more familiar with this traditional holiday.

The offerings are placed on the altar to pay respects to deceased loved ones and as an invitation to their spirits to come back to visit from the dead once a year. While you may think all this talk of dead would make Día de los Muertos a rather somber occasion, the truth it is quite the opposite. It is a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed and hold them in fond remembrance, dress up in crazy outfits and have parties. One could could see the familiar sugar skulls alongside of framed pictures, bread offerings set up caused some passerbys to be somber, but once the music started playing people got into the Spirit. As the night was wearing on the potted marigolds (symbolic of death) were given out for free to people to take home.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD South Boston

South Boston APAC · 424 West Broadway Wednesdays, 10 AM - 12 PM NOVEMBER 28 & DECEMBER 19

Come meet our team!

Come meet with Boston Water and Sewer Commission staff in

your Neighborhood and learn why it’s important not to pour fats, oils or grease (FOG) down the sink or toilet.

You can also pay your water bill with a check or money order, talk about billing or service problems, and more.

Cool it! Can it! Trash it!

Pour grease into a covered disposable container and put it into the trash.

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