Sbol 12 21 17

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 44

Conroy’s Last Plunge

BPS Tries Damage Control On School Start Times

Three Hour Meeting Held at Condon School

By Richard Campbell Students and parents of the Boston Public Schools were activated into respectful protest Tuesday night at the Condon School in South Boston over the ham handed moves by the BPS Board’s to change start times for elementary and secondary studentsseemingly with little regard to parent’s opposition to major aspects of the plan.

The community at the Condon School was in unanimous agreement about the efficacy of changing times for students.

Expressed in so many ways by many people the consensus was: “Please don’t do this, it will ruin our lives.”

While the decision to move older adolescent kids to later start times had a slightly better reception, the concept of completely disturbing the lives of younger students and their parents working schedules to accommodate transportation savings, was denounced for its lack of logistics and common sense. Both sets of plans unevenly applied according to a computer algorithm created by researchers at MIT seemed to present particular hardship for working parents, and special needs children. For the younger students who would have to wake up at 5 or 6 am to meet the bell by 7:15 am- and then be dismissed early without adequate after school care while waiting for their parents to get off of work, the model seemed reckless.

Continued on Page 2

by Rick Winterson The 2018 Polar Plunge, perhaps the longest continuous annual custom and event in South Boston, will happen on Monday morning, January 1 (of course), at 9 a.m. The location – the Curley Community Center (a.k.a. “The L”) on Day Boulevard at the foot of L Street, on the K Street Beach side.

South Boston’s historic Polar

Peace, Love, Hope...Joy!

Plunge has been a faithfully followed local custom for over 115 years – at least since 1901.

Our hometown’s Plunge is the oldest in the country.

Very possibly, South Boston residents took part in unrecorded Plunges going all the way back to the Civil War. Soldiers in that years-long conf lict learned the value of sanitary habits, including bathing; they brought Continued on Page 3

We wish you a bright and glittering Holiday Season and a peaceful, happy New Year!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Continued from Page 1

BPS In the case of the adolescent model, the BPS Board had pretty solid research ground to stand on despite their ambivalence about the exact ages, and presented its case with links from their website to major academic and governmental studies that touted the positive effects of the later start times for a host of physiological reasons that are pretty obvious. From the American Medical Association, to the American Academy of Pediatrics, to the American Psychological Association, all the studies point to moving the older cohort times as a resolution to sleep deprived teenager syndrome.

But curiously, as many parents expressed, the BPS didn’t provide much evidence that earlier wake times for younger developing children is beneficial. Perhaps because, as one official admitted, there is not a preponderance of evidence of the positive effects on little children for very early awakening. Parents cannot be blamed for thinking that change is more a matter of economic convenience on the part of the school board. This sentiment was expressed in many forms: as parents complained the BPS seemed to be more concerned about saving money with a grand scheme. On the far side of the community room there was a bulletin board that ironically proclaimed: “Doing the right thing.”

Ed Lee, Superintendent of Operations opened the meeting by introducing the other city school officials in attendance: Johnathan Landman, Instructional Superintendent; Dr. Charles Grandson, Deputy Director of Operations; and Janice Manfredi, Director of Expanded Learning. Mr. Grandson, who took on the mantle of managing the meeting and attempting to answer most questions, seemed to be working from a prepared script about the difficulty of making the whole three-tiered transportation system. He introduced the concept that cost savings in transportation would be channeled back directly into the classrooms, thus improving the quality of education. He expressed the idea that the purpose of the meetings was to get community opinion and feedback to use to take particular actions. This reporter can assure you, the first part certainly happened.

City Councilman Michael Flaherty expressed his concern early on that the times were decided

without full community input, that communications were poor, and that the program changes should be reconsidered by the BPS. Ed Flynn also expressed his opposition to the plan, respectfully asking that the school department delay action until the community has ample time to evaluate the programs. You know something is rotten in Denmark when two city officials arrive on cue to oppose the operations.

Things really started to fall apart for the school officials when a clever second grade boy stood up in front of the crowd and made a rather eloquent statement detailing his morning routine with precision, and told the officials if his school arrival time changed to 7:15, unless he woke up really early, he wouldn’t have the time to get prepared properly for the day. One parent followed with the comment that this “drastic change is borderline foolish”, other parents complained about the total lack of communication, where different officials gave conflicting answers to the same questions.

While some parents focused upon common sense issues like how lunch times and other scheduled events throughout the day will be all happening too early, or how some kids would have to stay at school for hours waiting for their parents to get home from work, others tried to pin the officials down on the non-existent data supporting younger children changes. In fairness to the officials, it looks like the system they have is inordinately complex- too complex to work efficiently. Dr. Grandson tried to explain that they wanted to create a system that worked the best for the largest number of people, and that they couldn’t make a system in which everyone was happy. It wasn’t long before someone asked him exactly who was happy- particularly with the city making these announcements in the middle of the holiday season.

When one considers that each day 646 school buses run in Boston, serving 231 schools, and 25,000 students are transported and 44, 973 miles are driven, you begin to see the problem.

Attempting to use science is very instructive. The only problem for those clever folks at MIT is that algorithms don’t eat breakfast, take baths, sleep, study and play, pay attention in class all day, go to afterschool activities, or have to get home safely. Parents and children who have lived with the ultra-early

start times in the past didn’t say good things about it. When you add other sociological concepts like equity analysisthat might motivate the planners to shift the burdens around from one group to another- the data starts to get in a war-not merely probability- but human emotions. One parent gave it a

pretty cogent analysis saying the BPS was too obsessed with “quantitative data”, and not concerned enough about “qualitative data. Another parent expressed it a little more vehemently: “All you are doing is hurting little kids.”

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 Continued from Page 1

Scleroderma Fundraiser

Kevin Conroy, founder of the Scleroderma Fundraiser, leader of the Polar Plunge pipe and drum band, and all-around good guy, these health-giving customs back when they returned to civilian life.

Frequent coldweather Plungers are called “L Street Brownies” because they sport tans all through the winter.

For the past 15 years, South Boston’s Kevin Conroy has held a Scleroderma Fundraiser before and after each annual plunge.

It’ll be a great way to start this

coming New Year of 2018.

Sadly, it will be Kevin’s final go at running this Fundraiser, so be sure to join him one last time. As he puts it, “I’m going out with a splash!” The L Street Tavern at L and East Eighth will host Scleroderma prePlungers starting at 7:30 a.m. or so on January 1. Proceeds from this ongoing party will benefit care and research into the cause of scleroderma, a dreadful aff liction which is still incurable.

Newcomers are most welcome to take part.

At 8:30 a.m. on January 1, Kevin will form up his 103rd Postal Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums in front of the Tavern, and head for the L. The contingent, most of whom intend to plunge, will arrive at the beach in plenty of time to take the 2018 Polar Plunge at 9 a.m. They’ll be joined by perhaps 1,000 other Plungers on K Street Beach.

Weird costumes are welcome; the Plunge is really quite (!) a sight.

After the Plunge, those

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

Christmas Day 11:30 a.m. 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 857-261-2632.

After December 23rd call 617-590-9922

Hosted by: South Boston-Seaport Catholic Collaborative and the Elected Officials representing South Boston

Plungers who want to support the Scleroderma Fundraiser will return to the L Street Tavern for libations and beef stew by Trapper – don’t miss it. There’ll be attractive raff les as well. The Fundraiser will break up before 12 Noon, leaving most of New Year’s Day to you yourself.

A few details for all you confirmed Plungers: The average temperatures on New Year’s

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morning around here have been about 32 degrees and the water has been about 40. It’s too early to predict much more than that, but even if the sun is out, it won’t help much at that time of day.

The tide is high around 10:30 a.m. on January 1, which is why the 2018 Plunge is going to take place at 9 a.m. - earlier than usual.

See you there! And Happy

The renowned L Street Tavern (corner of East Eighth), where the Scleroderma Section of the 2018 Polar Plunge will meet – and you don’t need to go Hunting to find Good Will!

May the peace of God be in your hearts always

MERRY CHRISTMAS &

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Nick Collins State Representative

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Tonye’s Opens in Andrew Square

Andrew Square is growing and changing. Just last Saturday, the 8th, a new boutique named Tonye’s, featuring “The Moment Collection”, opened its doors at 551 Dorchester Avenue, only steps from the Square. Toni, the proprietress, is shown holding a cerulean kimono from her collection.

Stop in and say hello from South Boston.

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Wish a Merry Christmas to all!

All of us in the Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Religious Education Program in Grades Kindergarten to 6 wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Three from South Boston Honored

From our family to yours, Wishing you a happy, safe, and joyful Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Paid for and authorized by the Friends of Ed Flynn

Father Robert Casey joins Leslie Coffey (Gate of Heaven) Ellen Contreras (St. Bridget) and Dianne Horne (St. Vincent) for a group photo at Our Lady, Help of Christians Church in Newton on Sunday, December 3. The three were presented Cheverus Medals from Cardinal O’Malley in appreciation for doing good work in their parishes in a quiet and unassuming way.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Gingerbread Season, 2017

by Rick Winterson There is something about gingerbread that fits with cold weather, creative (indoor) pastimes, and Christmastime. It could be that farmers, after bringing in their harvests, now have some spare time. Perhaps the spirit of the Christmas Season sets creative instincts free. But most likely, it’s because baked gingerbread tastes really, really good. And smells even better, especially inside houses tightly closed up against the cold..

Two Fridays back, the Branch Library held its Annual Gingerbread House Party during the afternoon of December 8. Over 50 children took part in two ginormous waves of child-like enthusiasm. There were several “mentors” on hand to help out.

Particular credit goes to Deb Putnam, along with her “aides-de-camp”, who expertly kept the children focused on making their own gingerbread houses, despite incipient “sugar highs”. As a result, every single one of those kids finished her/his small,

but complete, gingerbread house and brought it home to show their families. And ended up putting it on top of the refrigerator, no doubt.

This week, on Monday, the Dedham Savings (“your bank”) Branch Bank held its first Gingerbread House Contest. Dedham Savings has been here at 636 East Broadway for about a year now. Led by Branch Manager Valleri Lovely, the Bank has made it a point to become a contributing part of the South Boston scene. Their taking on the Gingerbread House Contest is just one aspect of this aim.

At 4 p.m. last Monday, Valleri carefully arranged the gingerbread houses in the Bank’s front window. All of them were creative and picturesque.

Carol O’Connor served as the contest judge. She awarded First Place to Maddy Bonnazio’s ornate, multi-story, Victorian manse. Second Place went to Gina Provenzano’s imaginative dog adoption facility; Diane Clark’s threebuilding tree farm got Third. It was a great show. Do stop in and see it at Dedham Savings (“your bank”).

Victorian An intricately decorated manse of gingerbread by Maddy Bonnazio is exhibited in the East Broadway window of Dedham Savings Bank.

Four caring reindeer in red aprons organize the kids’ gingerbread house party in the Branch Library.

HappyHolidays Wishing you all the joys of the season and happiness throughout the coming year.

Yes, they’ll all go home with gingerbread houses of their own, that they built themselves at the Branch Library.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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Two angelic bimps, with gingerbread houses they created on their own at the Branch Library.

A demure Maddy Bonnazio stands by her gingerbread Victorian manse, which earned her a First Prize in the Dedham Savings contest.

Congratulations, Maddy.

What is apparently a rural dog adoption center is made of gingerbread by Gina Provenzano and placed in the Dedham

Carol O’Connor, who judged the contest, awards second place to Gina Provenzano (r.), as Branch Manager Valleri Lovely (l.) watches

Happy holidays!

Warm wishes for the season, from our house to yours.

DAVID M. GIBBONS

@MassConvention

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

/MassConvention massconvention.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Children’s Museum “Snowmazing” Amazes

by Rick Winterson

The Children’s Museum on Congress Street in South Boston sets a worldwide example for the learning experiences (and the fun) with their exhibits. The Museum has embarked upon its year-end school break program called “Snowmazing”.

Stop by from December 26 to December 30.

“Snowmazing”, the winter exhibition at the Children’s Museum is, well, amazing, as is the entire Museum itself, known worldwide as a leader in meeting young peoples’ needs and interests. This writer was conducted on a guided tour of the Museum by Jo-Anne Baxter, Director of Public Relations, last week, starting with “Snowmazing”, which includes some of the most eye-catching, popular exhibits there.

Skate with your socks on, at an inside “Snowmazing” skating rink surfaced with slippery, artificial plastic ice (it’s nice and warm). Then get a “selfie” for yourself at the Alpine Village, created entirely (and warmly) inside Children’s Museum.

Craft activities and exhibitions aren’t lacking. They are all part of what the Museum calls “Maker Week”.

Stop by Cora’s exhibit and watch her

eye ‘bots that follow lines you draw for them. These ‘bots even race each other along these lines. Then check in with Ellen to see how weaving is really done. It’s all ideal for true “Makers”!

“Making” is for everyone, at any age.

As part of “Snowmazing”. the Children’s Museum is now presenting a fast-paced, entertaining, condensed version of ”Seussical” – only 45 minutes long – to match the attention spans of the very young. Children have always enjoyed Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) stories and cartoons. About ten years ago, many Dr. Seuss stories were adapted into a music-and-dance stage performance called “Seussical”, which debuted to tremendous acclaim in 2009 at Boston’s Wheelock Family Theatre.

In “Seussical”, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the elephant, the Whos, too many “thinks”, an abandoned egg, Mayzie La Bird, and fearless Gertrude McFuzz – all in song and dance. Despite many difficulties in the story, care, friendship, and loyalty bring “Seussical”

to a (very) happy, meaningful ending.

TheMuseum’sversionof“Seussical” will have 19 performances, from last Friday, December 15, till Saturday, December 30. Most performances are during daytime hours; some are already sold out. Please note that there is an added $5 charge for “Seussical” (not included in the Museum admission).

At the end of the “Snowmazing” tour, Jo-Anne and I visited the dinosaurs, which are still an extremely popular single exhibit, even though the last dinosaur went extinct 66 million years ago. You can actually build your own dinosaur at the Children’s Museum.

The Museum is always a remarkable place to spend the day.

Don’t miss it during this winter vacation!

And to close out 2017, think about joining the Museum crowd on Sunday, December 31, between 10:30 a.m. and noon. You’ll celebrate the “Noon Year” with crazy hat-making, and then you’ll count down to “Noon Year”, beginning at 11:45 a.m. Refreshments will follow.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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Seaport Building Continues: Adding Omni Brand Major Hotel

By Richard Campbell This past week the Boston Planning Development Agency approved a new Omni Hotel across from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The hotel has two 21 story towers, 1,054 rooms, and encompasses 788,500 sq. ft. It is designed by the monster international firm Elkus / Manfredi Architects.

As readers might imagine, this is a massive hotel complex that includes generous 40,000 feet of street facing retail space, parking and landscaped areas.

The land on which the hotel is being built is owned by MassPort, with project development by David Cos. Elkus / Manfredi is known in this district for its many building designs from the Fan Pier gateway to the waterfront including One Marina Park, Fan Pier Boulevard’s Vertex headquarters, Liberty Wharf, and the Intercontinental Hotel.

Around Boston the firm is also known for its restoration and design work for Emerson College at the Paramount theater. Most of their

work in the Seaport is characterized by a glass curtain wall structures like the Intercontinental Hotel, with sculptural qualities that make them stand out strikingly from the buildings that surround them.

This building fills in an important space in front of the BCEC, which will complete the assembly of hotels in close proximity, and is a particularly important addition for cold weather New England. Someone finally got the idea to put a tunnel between a hotel and the convention center in one of the coldest seaports in the US. As the Seaport district takes off, the expansion of the convention meetings is expected to match all this building. Looking very much like an Omni Resort, one can’t say this building design impresses for originality, though it has expansive ballrooms, meeting spaces, multiple innovative deck designs, fitness facilities, as well as a pool terrace.

The 550 million-dollar project will be the largest hotel in Boston and will include landscape design

by international firm Mikyoung Kim Design known for their recent ungainly wind propeller park fronting the new Prudential Center wing. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2021, and no doubt its construction will keep the jobs flowing in the Seaport District.

Dubbed the Omni Seaport Hotel to distinguish it from the Omni Parker House in downtown, the addition of these rooms should make high convention and graduation season a little more convenient.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Craft Boston Holiday Reveals Accomplished National Artists

R Jason Howard hand blown glass art They are, quite simply, heirlooms.

By Richard Campbell There was a lot of jewelry, and Surely one of the most as with all categories, it would be spectacularly staged art events during impossible to review every artist. the holiday season is the annual Craft Linda Kindler Priest’s works of delicate Boston Holiday Show held at the Hynes gold beauty, gave the impression of Convention Center. Sponsored by rare ancient Egyptian art. In more the Society of Arts and Crafts, (head traditional, but also stunning jewelry, quartered in the Seaport District).

Patty Bolz work’s glistened with The lavish presentation was quite an diamonds and gold shaped in a modern abundant fine art gift collection. From context. If you or someone you know is pottery to woodwork, jewelry and fabric searching for a truly original setting for arts, to fashion and household designer an engagement, this designer answers furniture, strolling through the vast that call. From a young local designer, displays revealed quite a lot of treasure.

Lauren Blais, of Somerville created It is impossible to leave that show more down to earth organic shaped without buying something. The level of jewelry in distinctive Victorian styles artistry displayed by over 100 artists who that would appeal to a younger audience were selling their works would put most looking for fresh interpretations. ordinary craft festivals to shame. The Equally large in this showing was majority of this craft show contained pottery and hand blown glassware. heirloom quality art work, and many R Jason Howard showed masterful works were on the museum quality glass blowing with iconic visions, level. On Friday the crowd was light, reminiscent of sea urchins, coral, and but just as I imagined: the weekend fantastic ornaments- his work had a show was roaring. If you or your great iridescent quality. Irina Okula, of business are looking for extraordinarily Clay Shards Pottery created vessels of high level of craftsmanship in decorative inordinate beauty. Her forms of white design, looking up the artisans in this earthenware clay, were often spun on show would be a great place to start. a potter’s wheel and then transformed Perhaps one of the distinguishing through a series of mercurial processes. features of fine art crafts from ordinary They immediately reminded me of the craftwork is not merely the ability of Lascaux caves in France. From Ipswich the artist to practice the craft well, Massachusetts, her work is well known but the ability of the artist to bring off among fine art shops in New England. challenging pieces with a unique set More playful and primitive, Loren of skills that show design polish. The Maron Ceramics of hand built porcelain stunning features of many of these pieces utilized traditional patterns and works demonstrated this kind of risk and glazes, and her works can be found in reward. When you hold these works in the MFA shop. Erin Elizabeth Ceramics your hands there is the kind of palatable are characterized by boldly shaped pieces excitement with which ordinary that reveal a depth in understanding craftwork simply can’t compete. These placement- in the way she throws and are the kind of art objects that get rescued shapes pieces on the wheel, as well as and handed down for generations. an acute sense of detail about decorative

touches that are organic to each piece.

You will recognize the heirloom quality of this very selective artist’s work.

The men’s work was mostly in wood. David Levy’s Hardwood Creations are more utilitarian household items manufactured out of fine woods, along with very gift quality and reasonably priced, handmade chess sets, backgammon sets, and other game boards. In the same vein, but more specialized, Jonathan’s Spoons from Pennsylvania had clever cheery wood utensils that were balanced and beautifully shaped. Sean Shieber of Mytle Grove Furniture, Maryland, are in the category of extraordinary craftsmanship, from tables to cabinets and time pieces, they look like old world hand tools were used. Smaller jewelry boxes that one might stow fine jewelry in were created by Jack Curran of Mashpee, Cape Cod. On the level of craftsmanship, these pieces captivate for their Shaker like quality, and the beauty of the woods used, and the artist can customize them for you.

Finally, in women’s fashion and fabrics there was an astonishing array of gift items. Sharon London, from the Hudson Valley New York area, had full wardrobe sets made of Egyptian organic cotton designed in unison with Carl Mateo. Their works had understated smart designer forms germane to NYC street fashion world, and looked comfortable without being pretentious.

Mary Lynn O’Shea from Vermont had distinctly Asian influenced jackets and scarves, made with cleverly disguised synthetics. Chie Hitchner’s Japanese inspired hand dyed and woven textile art is museum quality finely woven silk wall art that would be at home softening up modern architecture- as well as luxurious silk scarves of ornate patterns.

A local young standout in this category was Natalie Therese from Boxford MA, who created lightweight, durable environmentally friendly hand bags and wallets out of cork. This is a young designer whose work will be coveted shortly for its utilitarian beauty. There were many more artists of course, as this must be one of the most prestigious arts and crafts shows in the nation.

I have 15 images and will upload them for you. Put them in order so the readers can follow them as they appear in the article; this is one time when we need the captions.

Linda Kindler Priest Jewelry

Patty Bolz Jewelry

Lauren Blais Jewelry

Irina Okula, of Clay Shards Pottery

Loren Maron hand built Ceramics

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Jack Curran Paddock Way Woodworks from Mashpee

Erin Elizabeth Ceramics

Neil Claypoole Jonathan’s Spoons

Limited Time Special

Sharon London Carl Mateo, New York designers.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

South Boston Catholic Academy News

It’s Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas!

Thank you to all who helped with this year’s Pizza with Santa on Sunday, December 10, 2017, that was held in the South Boston Catholic Academy’s school gym which was transformed into a Christmas Winter Wonderland. It was a fun filled event with families enjoying pizza, cookies, festive activities and

a chance to visit with Santa. All of us at South Boston Catholic Academy wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

South Boston Catholic Academy is an academically rigorous, supportive Catholic Elementary School Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C).

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. We also, offer tours weekly on Tuesday from 9 to 10AM or by appointment, to schedule a school tour, please email Mrs. Jamie Brown, Vice Principal, at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The Fourth Church Christmas Concert

by Rick Winterson The Fourth Church Choir, conducted by their Pastor, the Rev. Burns Stanfield, presented their 2017 Christmas Concert last Saturday afternoon. It began at 4 p.m. with “Da Pacem” (Give Us Peace). After two of the swiftest hours we have ever experienced, the Choir concluded with a candlelit “Silent Night”. The Concert was totally uplifting; it

was the finest presentation ever by the Fourth’s Choir. Twentytwo (22) stirring seasonal songs – filled and overflowing with Christmas joy – were selected from America’s Holiday folk traditions.

Two highly fitting Christmas themes emerged from the songs as the Concert progressed – the glorious music of the angels (“Angels We Have Heard on High …”) and shepherds receiving the Word on Christmas Eve (“While

Shepherds Watched”).

Bible readings were interspersed among the Choir’s songs, beginning with Isaiah 40:3 – “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for Him.” – later echoed in Matthew’s Gospel account of John the Baptist, and

ending with Luke’s verses (Luke 2:8-20) about the shepherds going over to the stable in Bethlehem at the angels’ bidding.

It was an absolutely unforgettable New World Christmas Conceerrt.

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Applications may be picked up in person from Rooney Real Estate Representative at the property 11 Minot St, Unit 101, Dorchester, MA 02122 DATE TUESDAY, January 2nd, 2018 WEDNESDAY, January 3rd, 2018 THURSDAY, January 4th, 2018 FRIDAY, January 5th, 2018 SATURDAY, January 6th, 2018

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All applications, including Online applications, are due or postmarked by January 19th, 2018.

Pick up applications on site at 11 Minot St., Dorchester, MA 02122 Asset, Use, and Occupancy Restrictions apply.

Minimum Income Limits Apply. Preferences Apply.

Preferences for Boston Residences, For reasonable accommodations or further questions, please contact 617-269-1000

Public Meeting on Proposed Closure of Harborlights, Tonight!

After working with the DPH, Rep. Collins was successful in getting the hearing scheduled at the Curley Recreational Center on the M St. side, on Thursday, December 21st at 630pm.

All are encouraged to attend and to speak at the hearing

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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AIDS Day at 25

by Rick Winterson In 1992, when the worldwide AIDS epidemic was at its height, South Boston’s Medicine Wheel Productions (110 K Street), led by Michael Dowling, has sponsored and staffed 24-hour vigils on December 1, in observance of AIDS Day. The purpose of these somber vigils, all of them held on AIDS Day, has been two-fold – First, to remember an epidemic that aff licted the entire world, and second, to remind everyone of the healing powers of art.

The vigil this year, the 25th anniversary year of such events, was held in the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. As always, the date was AIDS Day itself, Friday, December 1, 2017, from midnight to midnight. In addition to the usual 36 memorial posts and the large centerpiece

The AIDS Memorial installation on the massive floor of the Cyclorama – panels, plus memorial posts, plus central tower.

in the middle of the Cyclorama, participants were invited to make drawings on square, 18x18 whiteboards.

As of Friday morning on the 1st, some 741 whiteboards had been finished

and laid on the Cyclorama f loor in huge squares. An estimated 1,000 were completed by the end of the AIDS vigil at midnight.

Among the visitors, participants, and vigilantes were artist Linda Zug, a prime benefactor of Medicine Wheel, who introduced this writer to Melissa Ostrow. Melissa, during

the many years the AIDS Vigil has been held, has procured all the food (for free) and prepared it (around the clock) for the hundreds of AIDS vigilantes who show up at the Cyclorama, coming in at all hours around the clock.

Her chicken soup is food for the gods!

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Linda Zug, Medicine Wheel benefactor, and Melissa Ostrow, hostess and chef of AIDS Day in the Boston Center for the Arts’ Cyclorama.

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Several participants in the AIDS Day Commemorative observances on Friday morning, December 1, the 2017 International AIDS Day.

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017 THE PRINT EDITION

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