THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, NOVERMBER 9, 2017
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 38
Downtown Crossing Brings on ILLUMINUS By Richard Campbell
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n an effort to keep the revitalization of Dow ntow n- Crossing moving in the right direction, the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID0 has launching a series of events heading into the holiday season. Illuminus which partnered with LuminArts, independent arts organization created a series of installations this past Friday and Saturday which included light art works, Latin dancing, music and individual art showings. Years ago few people would be crazy enough to attend a night time festival in this area, but with each season this older shopping district is being brought back to life. A particularly good showing was made by MetaMovements “ ConnectionThrough Projection” showcased Latin
dancers from Cuba, featuring Cubanizate! program in Bostonwhich is kind of a dance cultural exchange program- where dancers from Boston and Cuba train simultaneously. Even those who were just learning to dance seemed to have been having fun trying out steps in Timba lines, and Salsa movements. The drumming and sound DJ were pretty lively, and the group screened videos of their concerts from back home. There were light shows with musical “soundscapes” called Grid Lock from Masary Studioswhich included an interactive light show where participants could line up light boxes according to a pattern projected on the side of downtown buildings. The few musical pieces seemed more like mood music than serious compositions, but there had a quirky sensibility to the whole presentation that was continued on page 8
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Election Congratulations
S
South Boston Online extends our congratulations to every one of the victors in Tuesday’s 2017 election tilt. We are very pleased that the candidates endorsed by Online were all elected or re-elected, and we want to congratulate them specifically: Martin J. Walsh re-elected to a second term as Mayor of Boston Edward M. Flynn elected to District 2 City Councilor Michelle Wu, Michael F. Flaherty, and Annissa EssaibiGeorge re-elected as City Councilors-at-Large We look forward to your coming terms of office. Please call South Boston Online if we can be of any assistance during these terms in office.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
Local Resident Attends Fundraiser To Stop Child Abuse
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Andrew Square Holiday Cleanup
By Rick Winterson Tom Tinlin, Southie resident and Children’s Trust Board Member, with Governor Baker at the Children’s Trust’s Evening of Promise
South Boston native Tom Tinlin, former MassDOT Highway Administrator and now Institutional and Private Markets Director for Howard Stein Hudson, recently attended “An Evening of Promise” at InterContinental Boston, benefiting the Children’s Trust’s mission to stop child abuse in Massachusetts. As a Children’s Trust Board Member, Tinlin has helped spread the message that there is one report of child abuse or neglect in Massachusetts every four minutes, and one confirmed case every fifteen minutes. The staggering numbers only begin to tell the story, since many more cases go unreported. The good news, of course, is that we can create the resilient, caring communities that every child and family deserves. The event was the most successful fundraiser
in the Children’s Trust’s 29-year history, raising over $800,000 of critical funds helping Massachusetts parents create safe, nurturing environments in which their children can thrive. John Hailer, former President & CEO of Natixis Global Asset Managemßent, was honored for his longtime dedication to supporting children in Massachusetts and beyond. Hailer spoke powerfully about the Children’s Trust’s proven, evidence-based programs. “What you see is educational achievements are up. Active roles by fathers in the families is up. The use of corporal and physical punishment is reduced, as well as drug and alcohol abuse. Employment rates are increasing. And the rates of homelessness and cash assistance have declined. It’s proven. This is one of the best kept secrets I’ve ever seen in my life.” For more information, visit childrenstrustma.org.
Efforts at maintaining and improving South Boston’s neighborhoods are always worth noting. The Andrew Square Civic Association got together this last Saturday to clean and decorate the streets, sidewalks, and large planters in Andrew Square. Their work was a neatening and decorative success. “They Care About the Square!”
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Arts Are Alive in South Boston by Rick Winterson
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r e qu e nt l y, b o t h newcomers and visitors to South Boston are astonished to see the many cultural events on the South Boston turf, and how much we enjoy them. November has arrived; the Holidays are near. But we can look back a few weeks, which were filled with these events, to give you a feel for how active our local art scene has been recently. On October 10, Dan McCole - South Boston’s “Watercolorist Laureate” - was invited to West End Johnnie’s to paint a portrait of owner John Caron. Dan’s neighbor in The Distillery, Suzanne Schultz, arranged this event; Tony DeMarco, boxing’s Welterweight Champion of yore, showed up as well. If you are seeking for a pub that really looks like a carefully designed pub, then consider a pit stop in West End Johnnie’s at 138 Portland Street, just off Merrimac Street in (of course) the West End. Dan McCole is also the President of the South Boston Arts Association (the SBAA). On the subsequent Thursday evening in its space at 317 E Street – one doorway from West Broadway - the “ARTS around the corner Gallery” held an eclectic exhibition of paintings and photographs by local South Boston artists. The Gallery is another cultural project of the SBAA. Viewers, purchasers, and even a local reporter dropped in to take part. Stop by the “ARTS around the corner Gallery” as the gift-giving season approaches – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at their many fine offerings. One Saturday afternoon later in October, local writer Dorothy Morris held one of her semi-annual poetry readings at the Branch Library on East Broadway. A dozen or so poets from South Boston and Vicinity read to a full house. The readings were a mix of wellknown classic poems and original works – many of them humorous – recited by the participants. Every
Dan McCole at West End Johnnie’s, conversing with Tony DeMarco. A fall pants suit outfit designed by Angelica Timas. poem was read aloud, which is the single best way (perhaps the only way) to appreciate poetry. Also in October, The Distillery Gallery (516 East Second) celebrated its Tenth Anniversary. Various works of art adorned the Gallery space and the stage where the combo performed. It was a fitting Anniversary celebration, recognizing one of the many thriving art colonies and galleries in and around South Boston. The Distillery is a lively mix of mostly live/work studios, with a wide range of artists creating in every studio art medium and in many crafts. In addition to all these happenings, South Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood held its twiceyearly Open Studios event – a massive and inclusive showing by one of New England’s largest art colonies. Furthermore, there has been more than a little talk lately in the Seaport, along with preliminary drawings, for as many as three new theaters/performance spaces on the South Boston Waterfront. If successful, one theater site could be on WS Development’s land in Seaport Square. The beat goes on! South Boston’s own Open Studios were last weekend, November 4-5. Many of these “Open Studios” were in The Distillery; the exhibits of crafts and 3D sculpture were especially noteworthy. Early next year, on January 11, 2018, the Fort Point Theatre Channel will celebrate its own Tenth Anniversary.. And final congratulations to The Distillery Gallery on its recent Tenth Anniversary.
Dan McCole’s exhibit at West End Johnnie’s awesome pub
Wild sculptures by Rory Beerits, from wood, welded metal, “found” materials.
The Distillery Gallery on its Tenth Anniversary – get set to party on.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
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Arts Alive...
continued from page 4
The Bombay bombardiers at The Distillery’s Tenth
“Plenum”, 2017. Benches crafted by Blake Johnson; wood milled by EricNorwood Heitz. Dedham Needham Sharon South Boston
“ARTS around the corner Gallery” goers at the SBAA’s 317 E St. exhibition.
Poet Dorothy Morris opens Saturday’s poetry reading at the Branch Library. Walpole
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The 2017 Collaborative Comedy Night
st”a rmaci a h P the e. ario, “ ght favorit u n a J Artie omedy Ni C
Kenny Morrell provides the music
By Rick Winterson
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much-anticipated South Boston event is the Annual Comedy Night, a fundraiser for the South Boston Collaborative Center that took place Friday, November 3. As always, this year’s 2017 Comedy Night was an evening of raffles, laughter, enjoyment, and good fellowship. It also celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Collaborative. The high point in Collaborative Director Andy Ward’s program was the presentation of the 2017 Darlene Sheehan “Beacon of Hope” to State Rep. Nick Collins – a well-deserved honor. Dan Manning presented Nick with the Award, which is named for Darlene Sheehan, the Collaborative’s founding Director back in 1997. Nick has worked diligently to obtain funds to continue the Collaborative’s recovery mission, along with all his other duties. In Nick’s remarks, he saluted Mayor Walsh, Joseph “Dodo” Nee, and Michael Kineavy for their long-term support of the Collaborative.
of eacon s on. B “ n look eeha ne Sh Ward (l.) e l r a D y 2017 ector And e h t r s i eive sD r) rec ing (r.), a e t n e ann ns (c Colli m Dan M k c i o N Rep. ” Award fr e Hop
The Comedy Night venue was Florian Hall. Cranberry Café’s Cathe Walsh provided refreshments. Local musician Kenny Morrell performed on the keyboard and sang varied favorites. Johnny Pizzi opened the comedy program – a riotous send-up of his early life, sharpened by his gigs in Las Vegas. Artie Januario with his hilarious “pharmacist” routines followed – and he’s actually a working pharmacist: “Out of Vitamin B-12? Just take two B-6’s”. The evening closed with raffles for some very attractive prizes.
The Nees’ table at the Comedy Night – Susan Nee is third from the left.
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* Rates expressed as Annual Percentage Yields (APYs), are accurate as of 9/20/17, and are subject to change without notice. The bump-up option can only be exercised once during the term of the certificate. The certificate term is not extended by the bump-up/APY increase. To initiate the one-time bump-up contact a Member Service Representative at any branch office. City of Boston Credit Union will use its best efforts to comply with all APY increase requests by the close of business on the next business day. APY increases are not retroactive, and will apply to the remainder of the certificate term. APY increases can be initiated on the 34-month certificate if the then current APY for City of Boston Credit Union’s 34-month certificate or 36-month certificate is above 1.40%, or on the 46-month certificate if the then current APY for City of Boston Credit Union’s 46-month certificate or 48-month certificate is above 1.78% APY or on the 58-month certificate if the then current APY for City of Boston Credit Union’s 58-month certificate or 60-month certificate is above 2.15%. In no event can the bump-up rate exceed the then current rate for the certificate. Dividends will be credited to your account and compounded every month. Upon maturity, 34-, 46- and 58-month Bump-Up Certificates will automatically rollover into the member’s City of Boston Credit Union share account. All other certificate terms and conditions will apply. Minimum deposit of $500. Deposits can not be made during the term of the account. Rates may change after account is opened. Fees could reduce earnings. Subject to penalty for early withdrawal. Not available for IRA Certificates. Must be a member of City of Boston Credit Union to open certificate account. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Federally Insured by NCUA. Excess share insurance by MSIC.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Luminus
continued from page 1
lines, and Salsa movements. The drumming and sound DJ were pretty lively, and the group screened videos of their concerts from back home. There were light shows with musical “soundscapes” called Grid Lock from Masary Studioswhich included an interactive light show where participants could line up light boxes according to a pattern projected on the side of downtown buildings. The few musical pieces seemed more like mood music than serious compositions, but there had a quirky sensibility to the whole presentation that was kid friendly. A more politically engaged piece which lacked visual appeal was the Lantern Stories, by Furen Dai which were a series of cubes containing quotes and messages from Bostonians on immigration. You can see images of more of the projects by going to the Illuminus website at: http://www.illuminusboston.org/projects-2017/
“Seeing thousands of people of all ages come together to celebrate local artists in Downtown Crossing was an incredible sight. People danced in the streets. Families participated in interactive art together, watched performing artists, and it all happened with the backdrop of downtown Boston’s history and architecture.” said BID Senior Planner Anita Lauricella
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic AcademyNews
It has been very busy Autumn here at South Boston Catholic Academy filled with professional learning, community service and a bit of fun. Students in PreK to Grade 6 enjoyed their Annual Halloween Dances and their Annual Halloween Parade down East Broadway. South Boston Catholic Academy is an academically rigorous, supportive Catholic Elementary School Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C). Inspired by the traditions of our Catholic Faith, Family, and Academic Excellence, we are committed to meet the spiritual, academic, physical, and social needs of individual students within a learning environment that is both stimulating and supportive. South Boston Catholic Academy (www.SBCatholicAcademy.org) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreK-Grade 6. We have Before School and After School Programs available and have small class size; high acceptance rate to Parochial, Private and Boston Exam Schools. Please contact; Mrs. Barbara Keohane with any questions or for a tour of the School at b.keohane@sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617-268-2326 for more information.
Advertise with South Boston Online Call 617-269-5550 to receive a quote on rates.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
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Come See What Makes SBCA Different! by Jamie Brown South Boston Catholic Academy is a special place, located right on East Broadway. There, 350 students gather daily to learn, grow, pray and challenge themselves. Our students learning is lead by a team of highly qualified teachers, with 50% of teachers holding Master’s degrees. In our bustling preschool, in partnership with the Lynch Early Childhood project, includes 130 students and 14 teachers. With a strong focus on social emotional development, children learn in well designed classrooms, where equal attention is given to lesson planning and classroom design. Guided by the literacy curriculum “Opening our World to Learning” and our math curriculum, “Building Blocks,” children learn through play and interaction with their peers. Each week, children engage in theme based centers centered around a shared text. Our teachers all receive coaching and professional development through the Early Childhood Project. At SBCA, Responsive Classroom practices are the underpinning of our work. Teachers greet students each morning with a meeting, where they practice greeting one another and sharing a bit about themselves. On Wednesday, the school meets as one for whole school morning meeting; a time to greet one another and recognize special achievements of the students. Academics drive the pulse of the upper grades, and academic endeavors are bolstered by partnerships with Lesley University and the Achievement Network. Our work in literacy is guided by the Literacy Collaborative and engages our young readers and writers in workshop model literacy blocks, where students become authors and immerse
PreK–Grade 6
Open House
Washington Village Project Begins
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 9:00–11:00 am
by Rick Winterson
866 East Broadway | South Boston, MA 02127 | 617.268.2326 | sbcatholicacademy.org
themselves in rich texts. In partnership with the Achievement Network, teachers continue to involve students in work that is truly rigorous and aligned to the Common Core Standards. Our curriculum beyond academics includes Spanish, taken weekly by students in PreK-2 and twice weekly by students in 3-6. Students also have gym and health classes, library, art and music. Several additions to the curriculum that set us apart from the rest include a commitment to technology as well as diverse extracurricular offerings. Our teachers are passionate in creating students who are critical thinkers, and this is developed further through our STEM curriculum. Students also work with Lego Robotics and coding programs, as well as use our two 3D printers. Our students access technology through our 70 Chromebooks and 30 iPads, as well as the Apple TVs and SmartBoards in each room.
After school, our Extended Day Program extends the learning day for about 80 students daily. Children complete their homework under the guidance of teachers and then have daily clubs. Clubs include yoga, robotics, coding, choir, instruments, drama, dance, arts and crafts, sports and games, STEM and more! Several of our older students also are a part of the school’s Basketball Team. Our commitment to academics and developing the whole child is proven by our students acceptance into many of the most prestigious schools in the area, including a high acceptance rate to Boston Latin School. Additional acceptances include Boston College High SchoolArrupe Division, Catholic Memorial, Dexter, Mount Alvernia School, Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, St. Sebastian’s School, Southfield, Thayer Academy, Ursuline Academy, and Xaverian Brothers High School.
Construction of the Washington Village Project has begun – progressing from the first groundbreaking to the current demolition along Damrell and Alger Streets. That prepares for construction in a southeasterly arc from Dorchester Avenue to the intersection of Old Colony Avenue with Dorchester Street. The Project will include 656 new family friendly residences on five acres, along with trees, parking (!), and a Village Green. Looking forward!
South Boston Catholic Academy is holding a Fall Open House for prospective families on November 14th, from 9:00-11:00. Come see what makes us different from the rest! For Admissions questions, please email Jamie Brown, Assistant Principal at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy. org or call 617-268-2326.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The USS Constitution Sails by Rick Winterson On Friday, October 20, for the first time in three years, “Old Ironsides” left her drydock, where she had undergone extensive repairs and a complete refitting. A thousand-person crowd gathered on Castle Island that morning to witness what amounted to her late-in-life maiden voyage.
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laiming that the USS Constitution – “Old Ironsides” – symbolizes Boston is often said and is certainly truthful. Consider that her keel was laid here in Boston, at the command of Major General Henry Know, originally “the Bookseller from Boston”. Knox, an intuitive yet wellstudied military leader (artillery), was acting in his position as the nation’s first Secretary of War under President Washington. After being uniformly victorious in her many campaigns and being dubbed “Old Ironsides”, the USS Constitution was “retired” to the Navy Yard, where she has become an icon of Boston for
The USS Constitution returns to her Navy Yard dock, after a successful sail. almost 200 years (so far – see Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem “Old Ironsides”).
Moisture and salt, followed by drying out, are the three enemies of wooden marine structures. That includes wooden ships,
both above and below the waterlines. This eventually forced the USS Constitution to enter into a drydock in the fall of 2014 for a near total refurbishment and refit. Friday morning, October 20, she emerged for the fiΩårst tiåme since then – a kind of “maiden voyage”, if you will. And she was sharp. Very sharp! All of her lines, stays, and shrouds had been replaced with dark black hempen roping. Her black hull and white gunport hatches had been glossily repainted. Her new pennants and her American flag furled and unfurled in a fortuitous breeze. Mother Nature saluted her with a warm, bright, fall morning and calm water. More than a thousand spectators had gathered in front of the northeasterly rampart of Fort Independence on Castle Island to view the USS Constitution pass by. She approached about 11:30, accompanied by tugs and ceremoniously spraying
fireboats. After entering the President Roads, she turned ‘round, presented her bow to the shore before the McKay Monument, and rendered a 21-gun salute to the Fort. Three howitzers and two six-pounder cannon onshore returned “21 of the best” to her and the colors on her mizzenmast. As she began her return to her drydock, the crowd broke into loud cheers and applause. Spontaneously, they then began to sing an impromptu “God Bless America” – an emotional burst of heartfelt patriotism. “God Bless America” is a patriotic song written in 1918 during World War I – 99 years ago – by an immigrant Russian Jew named Irving Berlin. How fitting that it was sung once again last month in praise of the USS Constitution.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
It’s “21 of the best” during the return salute from Castle Island.
Boston Harbor’s fireboats greet the USS Constitution.
The USS Constitution begins her 21-gun salute to South Boston’s Castle Island.
The USS Constitution pulls abreast of the McKay Monument and McCorkle Pier.
A ceremonial six-pounder greets the USS Constitution.
Crew members of Old Ironsides keep a lookout on her maintop.
The shore howitzers on Castle Island return the 21-gun salute.
A battery of howitzers ready to greet Old Ironsides.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
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Go Garbaj Boutique Opening Party A clever boutique store got in gear with a splashy, standing room only party this past Tuesday night, giving friends and potential shoppers a look at the merchandise, make toasts and mingle. Jessie Orbovich’s store that feature gently used clothing and brand merchandise started as a pop up shops to a permanent home on 395 Broadway. Part of the appeal of the line is that because items are upcycled they represent a more carbon neutral kind of retail. While the line appeared to have more for women, there are also men’s clothes as well. There are consignment items as well as new Wicked Dog merchandise. South Boston Online was there to see the opening and captured some moments during the party. The shop was hard to see because there were so many people on hand, so let the shopping begin!