Sbol 12 28 17

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 45

Successful Christmas Dinner, Despite Storm

Onward to a Beautiful Schools Movement in South Boston

by Rick Winterson

By Richard Campbell

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C

hristmas morning was a storm-caused white-out.

We had finally a white Christmas in South Boston - so white that it became hazardous. Even so, Christmas Dinner volunteers showed up in St. Monica Hall to prepare, cook, serve, and deliver the Annual McDonnell/Kelley Christmas Dinners for more than 300 people. What a great bunch!

As always, spirits were high.

There was a constant buzz of humor and good cheer. Given the driving conditions on Christmas morning, perhaps a special Southie shout-out should go to those who volunteered their time and their cars to do the deliveries. But everyone pitched in – there’s a Christmas message there for

Elaine (center) greets Joan and Patty. certain, especially in highly critical times like these. “Feed my lambs.”

At the end, John Healey sang his Christmas songs. Fr. Jim Flavin (Pastor of the South Boston Catholic Collaborative and our Episcopal Vicar) and Fr. Gerry Souza received two generous $500

checks from the local Knights of Columbus Post, presented by Steve Grieg and John Healey, to support future McDonnell/Kelley Banquets. It was a joyous occasion.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Peace, Love, Hope...Joy!

t is admirable that Boston mayor Martin Walsh pledged to spend 1 billion to recreate Boston school architecture starting in January 2017. Advancing from preliminary studies of 2015-2017, the community may soon know in great detail the kinds of new buildings that are being designed for the future. Mayor Walsh in his December 13th announcement outlined the first three schools in neighborhoods outside of South Boston slated for improvements: The Carter School, Boston Arts Academy, and The Josiah Quincy Upper School. We will probably hear more details about school building plans in the new year.

These three projects augment the new buildings already slated in

Continued on Page 4

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 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

A Clarification – L Street Brownies’ Polar Plunge It was pointed out to us at South Boston Online, after our article on the L Street Brownies’ Polar Plunge (in our DEC 21 issue), that some clarification is needed.

This clarification follows: First, this year’s 2018 L Street Brownies’ Polar Plunge will use the M Street side of the Curley Center, not the K Street side, as it did last year.

Second, the meeting and march at the L Street Tavern will begin at 8 a.m., not 7:30. And the L Street Tavern will stay open all day on New Year’s Day, and will not close at noon.

Third, we erroneously named the chef preparing the L Street Tavern’s renowned beef stew “Trapper”.

Our mistake – his name is really “Chopper”.

Finally, although it is Kevin Conroy’s last year, we have been informed that someone has been identified to take the lead next year, and for years to come.

The L Street Brownies’ Polar Plunge will go on forever!

We apologizes for any confusion our article might have caused.

Happy New Year!

National Park Service Prepares for Interim Repairs at Dorchester Heights Monument

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comprehensive examination of the Dorchester Heights Monument in Thomas Park, South Boston, has revealed serious structural deficiencies in the landmark that has required National Parks of Boston to erect temporary fencing around it.

The fencing will protect the public as well as park personnel working on the restoration.

In addition to open joints and displaced stone, there is evidence of heaved stone on the second level cornice on the west side of the Monument that could grow worse over the course of the winter.

“Water infiltration has caused serious corrosion of some steel beams, and the freezing and thawing cycles have caused bricks to disintegrate and stones to shift, which is a real cause for concern for us,” said National Parks of Boston General Superintendent Michael Creasey.

Additional engineering studies are underway to better understand how best to restore the monument.

Beyond Monument repairs,

the National Parks of Boston has completed upper-grounds enhancements as part of the park’s long-range landscape plan that included turf replacement, new tree plantings, a new irrigation system, the installation of a water fountain, new interpretive signage, and the fabrication and placement of a replica Fort Ticonderoga Cannon at the base of the Monument.

This fiscal year, the park received funds to undertake an engineering and design plan for replacing deteriorated stairs and pathways at the Monument. The National Park Service five-year Capital Program includes construction funds programmed for construction work in fiscal year 2020.

Sean Hennessey Director of Arts, Culture & Tourism National Parks of Boston Charlestown Navy Yard Boston, MA 02129-4543

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

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Onward to a Beautiful Schools Movement in South Boston Continued from Page 1 other locales than South Boston: Dearborn STEM Early College Academy in Roxbury, designed

by Jonathan Levi, projected to cost $70 million, and the recently approved Conservatory Lab Charter School, in Upham’s Corner, Dorchester. The new building approved for the Boston Arts Academy in the Fenway, impresses for its commitment to the arts and its $124 million price tag. So, South Boston school students might wonder when the opportunity for a new school of their own will arise. Plans to repair the roof / boiler at the Condon School, (an outdated school that should have been replaced years ago.

With the flurry of school projects in the rest of the city, one begins to wonder how many ugly buildings listed as merely needing repair should be demolished. The ten year educational facilities report for Build BPS created in March 2017 shed light on the rapidly deteriorating facilities of the Boston Public Schools, but hardly scratched the surface in on providing a comprehensive discussion of what constitutes excellent architectural design. With twelve “repair” projects and six new projects slated going into

A rendering of the proposed Conservatory Lab Charter School in Upham’s Corner, Dorchester. construction for 2018, the city plans are ambitious, and South Boston Online hopes to bring some details to public view in the near future.

As a general assessment of the school environments the BPS tenyear call to action is a good place to start, but more work will be needed to obtain a true development plan for rebuilding schools in South Boston.

The current BPS plan, with its study in demographics, and terse overview of building standards; doesn’t really present a full-fledged progression of design outcomes. It is short on details that would clearly establish a new architectural paradigm, though it covers basic augmentations that

might make older schools more functional. The distinction between making improvements and having a visionary program of world class educational architecture is not a small one. The BPS ten-year report reveals a generic design discussion, which awaits architects to fill in the blanks through specific programs.

As one of the wealthiest cities on the east coast, with a physically aging school system, (61% of BPS schools housed in buildings built prior to World War II), the urgency to build in some neighborhoods first is duly noted. The unavoidable fact is that cost effective modernization often means replacement. One can throw away

thousands of dollars on upgrading poorly designed schools- and still end up with lousy results. Replacements should be made with architecture that meets the best school design based upon international standards.

Many commercial developers over look how great school designs can make communities attractive to home buyers. We may consider ourselves fortunate if new school designs move beyond the industrial look of so much recent South Boston commercial architecture, to create cherished landmark buildings.

People complain that families are not locating in South Boston anymore, but fail to understand the lack of well-designed schools as a factor. As we see the complex busing scenario problems taking hold, the future of Boston schools might rely upon more locally based neighborhood educational plans.

Developers of future private / public partnerships acquiring rights on large tracts of city lands must understand that new innovative schools need to be on the agenda. The potential for consolidating several run down schools into a new ecologically sound campus design near the South Boston waterfront is a promising concept.

When one considers the enormous private plans in the early stages in the area south of Andrew Square; making space for one larger, beautiful public K-8 school campus should be considered in the community designs.

Having decided to focus upon general principles that educational design should meet, the BPS would do well to continually identify design standards and aesthetics contextual to specific neighborhoods. While one admires the holistic educational approach of the current plan parameters, better school designs in South Boston should carefully consider architecture that inspires beyond being functional. We know by now that if new schools are built, they will be around the neighborhood for a good while. Citizens of South Boston should insist students attend truly beautiful and unique schools, not industrialized boxes that merely meet the pedestrian design ethos of ordinary architects.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Successful Christmas Dinner...

Eileen, Lena, and Meredith are hardy Christmas volunteers.

Six of the boys, here to enjoy a bountiful Christmas dinner

Pete, Mark, and Connor are Christmas dinner volunteers.

Tree-lit Christmas volunteers picking up meals for delivery.

Steve and John present K. of C. checks to Frs. Falvin and Souza.

Everyone doubles up to get out hundreds of Christmas dinners.

Dan and Jimmy, on Christmas duty since early dawn.

The officials pitch in – Tommy, Michael, and Ed all do their parts.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Volunteer Cookie Tallent checks in with Michelle and Steve

St. Monica Hall decorated for the 2017 Christmas Banquet.

Helen, Paula, and Shirley finish a “flawless” Christmas dinner.

Hundreds of bags in St. Monica Hall, awaiting filling and delivery.

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 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Net Neutrality: Should We Brace for Bigger Bills and Less Service?

Richard Campbell Net Neutrality has worked pretty well for the country in keeping the internet playing field level for small businesses and organizations compared to large corporations. For small businesses that have almost none of the advantages of their large competitors, having the ability to advertise and do business on the internet freely with full bandwidth has spawned an incredible entrepreneurial surge in this nation. The FCC voted to end net neutrality on December 14, claiming that the decision will drive expansion of high speed internet services.

The decision sparked law suits and protests all over the place.

Critics of the roll back of net neutrality law say that corporations that control ISP’s,

such as Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, and Sprint really don’t need extra help in maintaining a hegemony of power over the consumer.

But what is net neutrality?

What net neutrality means is that the big network providers (ISP’s) can’t discriminate against smaller carriers and operators by dominating the internet and playing favorites to big commercial concerns, or providing slower service to certain content and users. It is a complicated issue. Polls show a majority (82%) of consumers, regardless of their political persuasion, are against rolling back net neutrality. If you own a small business, work in education, or rely upon the internet to give you unfettered access to information at a fair price, or like streaming content- net neutrality

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

is

probably your friend.

When the FCC voted to end net neutrality on December 14, that didn’t end the issue, but rather started the battle for consumers. Congress can use the Congressional Review Act to overrule the FCC, and according to WIRED magazine “only Congress can fix net neutrality.”

The “fix” in general would be to restore the provisions to prevent internet service providers from charging more for certain content on the internet, censoring, or creating fast lanes and slow lanes for users. Despite the claims of Ajit Pai, the chairman of the FCC that this rollback of rules “would eventually benefit consumers,” not many technology scholars are buying it. Everybody from Google to Facebook and 18 attorneys general from the states of Virginia, Delaware, Hawaii, California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, Oregon, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Washington, Vermont and the District of Columbia have objected to this law, and more than a few states (Massachusetts included) are suing the Federal government for this incursion upon the average citizen’s internet access.

Because the issue is so technical, many sources reveal conf licting information about the outcome of the repeal of net neutrality, but a distinct majority believes it will mean higher bills and less access. The larger meaning of this rush to remove consumer protections on the internet and media is lost on most people, who often no longer understand why our government protects us from one company owning all our local media access- so companies are not allowed to own our TV station, our local newspaper, and our local radio station, thereby creating a media monopoly. The effects of this current reversal

of the law may not be seen for a little while, but I have the sneaking suspicion that once people start getting f leeced for erratic service, a sudden surge in consciousness will occur.

This is all an indication of the direction of a lot of big money interests’ complete freedom to merge into conglomerates in both media and telecommunications.

Most internet users are not even aware of how few media companies control the majority of information they access.

While there is dispute about exactly how much the top media conglomerates own of our attention, the mergers have made the pool a lot smaller in the past twenty years. But what difference does it make, when people are so uneducated they think Facebook is a news media company? It makes a lot of difference in a free society.

This kind of conglomeration is creating a corporate interest stranglehold on free information, that has blurred the lines between fake content manufactured by special interests, and objective news reporting. Now more than ever we need the major media in this country to maintain some independence from other powerful corporate interests.

The same media companies not only want to own all the media generated, but they also want to control access to the internet platform. To go this one step further is to pretty much eliminate small business competition completely.

The repeal of net neutrality is not a “political” issue- though some would like it to be. The internet has changed a lot over the years, and there are things about the wild west of information that are objectionable, but turning it into overpriced TV is not the solution.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

by Rick Winterson

A

Reebok Brings Christmas to 25 Drydock

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bout two months ago (in our October 26 issue, page 12) South Boston Online welcomed the Reebok Store to South Boston’s Innovation and Design Building at 25 Drydock Avenue. Last Wednesday evening, as the Winter Solstice approached, Reebok opened its doors to 50 young people from South Boston’s Boys & Girls Club and its Condon School on D Street, who arrived in a bus promptly at 5 p.m. Then, each of these young people lined The “angels” at Wednesday’s Reebok Sneaker Party – BPD Officer Frank Williams, Jim Stone of the Stone Famup and received a brand new pair ily Foundation, BPD Community Services Sgt. Mike Mylett, BPD Commissioner William Evans, C-6 Comof Reebok sneakers. It was a joyful mander Capt. Joseph Boyle, and Reebok’s Senior Manager of Events Kyle Gordon. and affecting Christmas event.

A special “thank-you” for this Community Services, and several of the Foundation. Specifically, The Boston Police Department’s Police Officers from the Station’s the funding was split between event should go to Nate, the Reebok Station C-6 on West Broadway Community Services Department. Reebok and the Stone Foundation Store Manager at 25 Drydock, arranged this event with Reebok’s Kyle Gordon extended Reebok’s as follows: Reebok offered their and Katie, the Assistant Manager.

Kyle Gordon, Senior Manager Holiday greetings to everyone there. sneakers at a (very) substantial They provided sneakers to a crowd (Retail B2B & Events). On hand The necessary funding for discount; the Stone Foundation of 50 anxious, excited kids, with to oversee the festivities were BPD this event was jointly handled by covered the difference.

The great patience and friendliness.

Commissioner William Evans; Reebok and The Stone Family young people each received a Capt. Joseph Boyle, Commander Charitable Foundation, which was pair of Reebok’s high quality of C-6; Sgt. Mike Mylett, C-6 represented by Jim Stone, Trustee sneakers at no cost to any of them.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

St. Augustine Chapel Turns 200

by Rick Winterson The St. Augustine Chapel at Dorchester and West Sixth Streets is a part of the combined St. Brigid/ Gate of Heaven Parish; its Pastor is Fr. Robert Casey. This Chapel, along with its surrounding grounds that are almost entirely a cemetery, is the oldest Catholic Church in the Commonwealth, and the second oldest in all of New England. And actually, its cemetery is in fact the oldest cemetery in New England.

By one measure, the St. Augustine Chapel will be 200 years old in 2018.

More specifically, Fr. Matignon, the first Catholic priest assigned to the parish of Boston (and indeed, to all of New England) died on September 15, 1818. He was buried in the Old Granary Burial Ground on Tremont Street. Bishop Cheverus, Boston’s first Bishop assigned to the new Diocese from Baltimore, decided to build a chapel in his colleague’s memory. Ten months later, the Chapel was dedicated – on July 4, 1819. Fr. Matignon’s remains were transferred into a crypt by the Chapel altar. The story of Fr. Matignon and his “parish” of six mostly roadless states is an inspiration, as well as being of great historical interest.

As something of an aside, the last three **18 years in the New World have figured in American history in more than one way. No one needs to be told that the first Armistice Day, the ancestor of our American Veterans Day, occurred on November 11, 1918 – at the end of World War I, “The War to End All Wars”. Our own colonial patriot Paul Revere, a friend of Bishop Cheverus, also died in Boston in 1818.

And the City of New Orleans, later to become part of America via Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase from Napoleonic France, was founded in 1718.

Enough said (for now) about history. The Chapel’s Pastor, Fr. Casey, has decided that the upcoming years of 2018 and 2019, exactly two full centuries after the Chapel was built and dedicated, should be memorialized in some way. He convened a meeting of interested parishioners and South Boston residents in the Gate of Heaven Hall three weeks ago on December 7, which was attended by nearly 20 people.

Fr. Casey opened this meeting by explaining his thoughts about a Chapel

The St. Augustine Chapel Cemetery entrance, viewed from Dorchester Street.

Bicentennial. Next, the last half of the meeting was mostly spent soliciting ideas from the attendees. Establishing a firm agenda, committing to it, and bringing it off will follow. Another meeting about the St. Augustine Chapel’s memorial observances is scheduled for Thursday, January 25.

All those interested are welcome to attend. Specific action committees will be set up during that meeting.

Some of the first meeting’s topics are listed below: Almost a full year of observances will be planned, extending from the date of Fr. Matignon’s death, through the following July 4 - 200 years after the Chapel’s original dedication on July 4, 1819.

Questions about landmark status, as well as possible historical grants, will be asked and answered.

The Archdiocese will be invited to take a very strong interest and to actively participate in the Chapel’s Bicentennial.

How best to work with the Catholic Cemetery Association?

Their contribution to the stories around the St. Augustine Chapel and those buried there?

A website is essential for this Bicentennial project.

Using this website, can a “popular narrative” of the Chapel be developed?

Can students taking history at local colleges be enlisted to help?

Services of an architect have been offered by the Archdiocese. The Chapel itself is in need of maintenance work

and significant upgrades, both interior and exterior – perhaps $500,000 worth.

The above list is not complete, but will give some idea of what has to be done. The Bicentennial of the St. Augustine Chapel should be one of the most interesting and challenging projects ever to arrive

in South Boston. Reminder: Next meeting, Thursday, January 25, 2018.

And for all you history buffs, the oldest Catholic Church in New England is located in Damariscotta, Maine.

Happy New Year!

St. Augustine Chapel, seen through its fenced gate.

Fr. Robert Casey (rear, center), Pastor of St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Parishes, as well as St. Augustine Chapel/Cemetery, convenes a meeting on the Chapel’s 200th Anniversary.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Out with the Old! In with the New!”

by Rick Winterson

S

outh Boston Online’s headline above is the time-honored saying that explains our celebration of, and indeed our reverence for, each New Year.

The interminable 15-hour nights and the brief 9-hour days of dead winter have just begun to reverse their courses – by only 10 minutes or so – toward the brilliant sunrises and sunsets of the Summer Solstice in June. Eventually, spring will arrive with 12-hour days and the beginning of bountiful harvests all around the northern hemisphere.

That message of newness is also contained in urban events, even in something like the fast-moving, highly energized development of the South Boston Waterfront, which is perhaps as much as ten years ahead of its originally planned schedule. Specifically, we

refer to the demolition last month of the original, 65-year-old, Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel, to make way for WS Development’s Seaport Square project. Even its name had a faintly old-fashioned whiff of the 1800s and sailing ships. What long-term resident of South Boston didn’t feel a twinge of sadness at the Chapel’s demise?

Yet there are tidings of good news, in place, visible, and in operation. Our Lady of Good Voyage has re-arisen, under the same name, at a new site on the Waterfront at Sleeper Street and Seaport Boulevard. Its opening and dedication took place last April 22. And it has been elevated to the status of a Shrine. Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine is the first new Catholic Church built in Boston since 1952. It’s worth a visit just to view the use of artistic elements from other closed churches in the Archdiocese “In with the NEW!” can indeed mean good news.

Limited Time Special

The newly consecrated Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine at Seaport Boulevard and Sleeper Street, the first new Catholic Church in Boston in many years..

OLD...

Not much is left of the original Our Lady of Good Voyage on Northern Avenue, except for a few, still standing fragments of its red brick walls

34-Month

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APY*

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Boston City Hall: 617-635-4545 Canton: 781-828-1444 Dorchester: 617-635-1313 South Boston: 617-635-1020 West Roxbury: 617-635-2300 Cityofbostoncu.com

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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.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The Last Lights of Christmas

A brilliant German miniature on a mantelpiece.

The candlelit Fourth Church Choir.

A menorah gives light at Hanukkah.

A foggy moon over “Lights Up” in the Seaport.

Abstract white Christmas lights at Collins House.

A bright Advent crescent moon over Farragut Road.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

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Mass Bay Credit Union Kicks Off Annual Coat and Warm Clothing Drive for the Homeless with a $2,000 Donation To celebrate the start of their annual Coat and Warm Clothing Drive, Mass Bay Credit Union donated $2,000 to the Friends of Boston’s Homeless. Dedicated to serving all who live in the community, Mass Bay holds the clothing drive annually as part of the “Warm Hands, Warm Hearts” campaign sponsored by this outstanding local charitable organization. Now in its seventh year, the warm clothing drive has become a vital Mass Bay Credit Union tradition, one that members and staff look forward to participating in every year.

Drop off boxes will be located at their South Boston headquarters at 147 West 4th Street, in addition to Mass Bay branches in Everett, Quincy and the Seaport. New or gently used winter coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves and warm socks are being accepted. Collected items will be donated to shelters throughout the community. Last day for donations is January 31st.

to all our members. Mass Bay Credit Union operates under the Credit Union ideal of “People Helping People” and is 100% committed to providing our members with the best banking value, products and services available, with state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled access. Continually striving to expand and refine our product and service offerings to best meet members’ needs, Mass Bay is also dedicated to offering these services at the most competitive rates and unsurpassed value.

Drop off Locations Photo: (L to R) John Thomas, Mass Bay Credit Union CEO & President; Jamie O’Neal O’Loughlin, Friends of Boston’s Homeless Development Coordinator; Terry Dorilas, Mass Bay Credit Union COO Thank you for your support!

About Mass Bay Credit Union: Originally chartered in 1936, Mass Bay Credit

Union is a not-for-profit, fullservice financial institution that provides the highest level of service and personal attention

South Boston Headquarters 147 West 4th Street Seaport Branch 409 D Street

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Happy New Year to all!

The theme of this year’s South Boston Catholic Academy Annual Christmas Concert was “A World of

Christmas” lead by our wonderful Music Teacher, Mrs. Mary Hoy and performed by our very talented

students from Preschool to Grade 6.

We celebrated Christmas Traditions from around the globe. The program

included an opening by the school choir followed by the traditional carols lead by our preschoolers. The students then performed five pieces from the Nutcracker Suite, a nod to the famous Russian Ballet that is a cherished Christmastime favorite. Students on the newly formed dance team performed the “Chinese Tea Dance. The latter half of the show included traditional Christmas songs from across the world including “Fum, Fum, Fum” from Spain, “Deudshka Moroz” from Russia and “Two French Carols” from an African Celebration. In addition to songs from Wales, Ireland, England, Puerto Rico, Germany, Poland, Austria, Mexico, Italy and the United States. Thank you to Mrs. Hoy, our students, faculty, parents and all those who helped to make this fantastic Christmas Concert possible.

Thank you to Ms. Meghan Logan, our Guidance Counselor, and the Student Council for hosting our annual Christmas Party, which included many fun crafts, games and treats. On our last day before Christmas vacation, we had our Nativity Prayer Service lead by our 6th graders reenacting the Story of Jesus’ birth. Father Robert Casey, our Pastor, also came and said a special Christmas prayer. Happy New Year to all! We are looking forward to seeing everyone in 2018.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Happy New Year!

Thursday December 28, 2017 Free Thursdays at the ICA, 5:00 pm - 9:00pm, Institute of Contemporary Art 100 Northern Avenue, Seaport. FREE The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Hometown Throwdown 20, House of Blues, Boston 15 Lansdowne St, Thursday, Dec 28, 2017 7:00pm - Saturday, Dec 30, 2017 11:00pm. FEE: $27.00 Winter Wonder Dance Festival - Guest Artists on Stage, The Dance Complex 536 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge 8:00am to 10:30am. FEE: $13.00-$21.00

Friday, December 29, 2017 Movie Ticket Giveaway Days at the MGH Blood Donor Center, MGH Blood Donor Center 55 Fruit St, Jackson 120, 8:30am to 4:30pm Boston Donate Platelets receive two movie tickets. Whole Blood Donors to receive one movie ticket. To schedule a donation appointment please contact ahill9@partners.org or call (617)726-8177. Charity/ FREE Disney on Ice: Dream Big, Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, 7:00 pm. Disney On Ice presents eight Disney Princesses Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White - determined to make their dreams come true. Fee: $10.00

Saturday, December 30, 2017 Grand Ten Distilling Tours and Tastings, Grand Ten Distilling 383 Dorchester Ave 1:30pm - 5:30pm. Tours begin at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 pm. FREE Red Lantern Saturdays at Red Lantern, Red Lantern Boston, 39 Stanhope St. Boston are the perfect Asian fusion fine dining and sophisticated night life, 10:00pm -2:00 am Silver & Bells: Holiday History & Fun at King’s Chapel, King’s Chapel 58 Tremont Street, Boston. Holiday Pop-Up Programming as well as guided tours of the bell tower, visiting the largest bell cast at famous silversmith Paul Revere’s foundry. 4:00 pm. FREE Boston Pops: Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II, celebrates the world’s favorite classic Looney Tunes, projected on the big screen, while the Boston Pops performs their exhilarating, original Carl Stalling scores LIVE! 8:30pm, FEE: $46-$89

Sunday, December 31, 2017- January 1, 2018 From STEM to Stern: USS Constitution Museum, USS Constitution Museum Building 22 Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution Museum’s December School Vacation Week, Kid Friendly hands on displays.

9:00 am to 6:00pm. The ship tours are 10:00am -4:00pm. Visitors will be served on a first-come, first-served basis FREE The ICE- NYE Ice Sculptures, New Year’s Eve “Afternoon Dance Party” and Ice Sculptures at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with Karson from MIX 104.1 FM from 2-4 pm FREE City Wide Ice Sculptures: Enchanted Forest theme will come alive through our fantastic light display and signature ice sculptures right in the heart of the Back Bay, Copley Square , FREE For a Map See www.firstnightboston.org/ice-sculptures/ First Night First Day Boston 2018, Copley Square 11:00am Sunday- all day.

Chinese Waist Drum Troup, Sweet Harmony, Puppet Showcase at BPL, Boston Sax Quartet, Handle and Hadyn, Dancing Diamonds, Improv Boston, Tempo International Rhythm Section, and more! Opening Parade with Mayor & Jessie Chris. at 6:00PM. FREE. See: https://www.firstnightboston.org/schedule/ for full First Night Events.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

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Tenants will be selected by lottery

Applications are available during the application period: December 29th, 2017 - January 11th, 2018 To request an application be sent by email, email affordables@rooney-re.com or call: 617-269-1000 during the application period.

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

TIMES 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM

Completed paper applications must be returned to Rooney Real Estate at 700 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127, or mailed to the same address.

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

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation

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

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Three New Affordable Income Restricted Rental Units

T

hree new BPDA income restricted oppor t u n it y apartments are available for rent in Dorchester at 11 Minot Street. The newly built units were finished in 2017 and vary in space from 813 sq. ft. to 1025 sq. ft with fully furnished kitchens, in-unit washer and dryer, all new HVAC, with easy access to public transportation in Neponset Circle.

*Applications are available from December 29, 2017 to January 11, 2018.

In order to apply for the units email affordable@rooney_re.com, or call 617-269-1000.

Showings for the apartments will be held on the following dates and times: Tuesday, January 2nd. 11am to 2pm.

Wednesday, January 3rd 4pm to 7pm.

Thursday January 4th 11am to 2pm.

Friday, January 5th, 11am to 2pm.

Saturday, January 6th, 10am to 2pm.

*Applicants must meet maximum household income limits: for one occupant, $50,700; for two occupants $57,900.

In order to apply for the units email affordable@rooney_re.com, or call 617-269-1000.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 THE PRINT EDITION