Issuu

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

USS Hudner Visits South Boston for Her Commissioning The destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) docked at the Flynn Cruiseport on the Reserved Channel on Monday, November 26. Weeklong events and festivities ensued – guided tours, press events, and celebrations – leading up to her formal Commissioning on Saturday morning, December 1. This article deals with a South Boston student visit to the Hudner and her Commissioning.

by Rick Winterson

he Commissioning of any U.S. Navy ship is a major event. American fighting ships are the best way of broadcasting America’s military strength rapidly, massively, and completely. South Boston was honored last week by serving as the host port for the U.S. Navy’s newest ship – Commissioned as the “USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116)” after a week-long series of observances. As several sources have pointed out, November 26

through Saturday, December 1, was an unusual and important week in Boston Harbor history. For seven days, the newest and the oldest warships in the nation (and indeed, in the entire world) were docked here – the newly Commissioned USS Hudner in our own Reserved Channel, and the USS Constitution in the Charlestown Navy Yard. The USS Hudner is the namesake of Captain Thomas Hudner USN, whose bravery in aerial combat over the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean Conflict led to Hudner’s being awarded the Medal of Honor “for exceptionally valiant action and selfless devotion to a shipmate” – Hudner’s wingman, Ensign Jesse Brown. Capt. Hudner was a local resident. Originally from Fall River, he and his family retired to Concord after he served some 30 years in the U.S. Navy. Hudner then worked for another 40 years serving veterans’ causes. He died in December of last year One of last week’s activities while the USS Hudner was docked at the Flynn Cruiseport was a joint school

A final view of the newly Commissioned USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), docked in South Boston’s Reserved Channel. tour. Last Wednesday morning, approximately 50 students from St. Peter School, South Boston Catholic Academy, and the Oliver Perry School were joined by elected officials from South Boston – City Councilors Ed Flynn and Michael Flaherty, and state Rep.-elect David Biele. The occasion was a tour arranged by Massport’s Tommy Butler and Massport’s Acting CEO John Pranckevicius. The students presented a commemorative plaque to

the Hudner’s Duty Officer, Lt. Nahum Cook, as they gathered on her top deck , over a forecastle (or “fo’keh’sul”) studded with 32 guided missile launch tubes. Lt. Cook explained everything from the ship’s brass alarm bell to the crowded bridge. The students asked several very perceptive and intelligent questions. It was a very successful tour, which ended with a festive pizza lunch, courtesy of Massport. The week’s events Continued on Page 2

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Continued from Page 1

USS Hudner continued with numerous celebrations, accompanied by almost continuous guided tours of the USS Hudner. The climax of the USS Hudner’s visit occurred on Saturday, December 1, when her formal Commissioning took place. It was certainly an impressive event. Commander Nathan Scherry, his officers and enlisted crew, and the Commissioning Committee are all to be complimented and thanked for putting together an extremely impressive ceremony. Equally noteworthy was the turnout for the Commissioning – several thousand spectators showed up and sat enthralled as the 75-minute ceremony unfolded, beginning at 10 a.m. sharp. You have certainly heard and read a lot already about the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), its Commissioning, and the heroism of its namesake, Capt. Thomas Hudner USN. The Commissioning ceremony was made even more poignant by the recent death of Sgt. 1C Eric Emond in Afghanistan and the passing of our much-mourned 41st President, George H. W. Bush. South Boston Online hasn’t got the space to reproduce every sight and sound that occurred as the USS Hudner’s Commission became a fact, but a couple of scenes were particularly impressive. Congressman Stephen Lynch referred to Capt. Hudner as “a

gentleman, a class act – humble, despite his dedication and heroism”. When Steve had finished his remarks, Gov. Baker took the lectern as the event’s Principal Speaker. The Governor used much of his speech to describe the hour between the moment that Hudner crash-landed his own plane to aid his wingman, Jesse Brown, until Brown died on the field of battle. Hudner called in a team to get Brown out of his own badly damaged plane, while Chines Communist troops encircled them. Their efforts were not successful. Brown died, saying to Hudner with his last breath, “Tell Daisy (Brown’s wife) I love her.” Invoking another U.S. Navy tradition, Mrs. Georgea Hudner and Mrs. Barbara Miller served as the USS Hudner’s Ship Sponsors. Together, they jointly uttered the command, “Bring the ship to life …”. At this point, crew members rushed from inside the Black Falcon Terminal and ran up the gangplanks that were adorned with the ship’s motto, “Above All Others”. After they raced on board, the members of the crew lined the ship’s railings and then rendered an en masse hand salute to the American flag that had been raised as part of the Commissioning. It was a magnificent patriotic display. Enough said. Bon voyage to the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), her Commanding Officer Nathan Scherry, and her crew. And Godspeed.

Lt. Nahum Cook, Duty Officer, receives a commemorative plaque from visiting students.

The Perry School pays a visit to the USS Hudner (DDG 116).

South Boston Catholic Academy tours the USS Hudner

The bridge and superstructure of the newly commission USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

St. Peter School touring the USS Hudner.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

Winter Coats to Paraclete The staff of Community Services from South Boston’s Police Station C-6 brings winter coats – generously supplied by the Stone Foundation – to the Paraclete Center on E Street. These will keep their students warm all this winter long. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.

Winter coats for everyone at Paraclete, courtesy of the Stone Foundation and South Boston’s Community Services police officers.

Friends For Children Senator Nick Collins – Man of the Year Carolyn MacNeil – Woman of the Year

The Community Service winter coat crew – Janes Stone (Stone Foundation Executice), BPD Sgt. Steve McNeil, Officer Sean Sullivan, BPD Cadets Dale Kennedy and Raymond Liang.

Celebrate Julie’s Family Learning Program with a Night at the Boston Holiday Pops! Thursday, December 13, 2018 Boston Symphony Hall

The Friends for Children will honor Senator Nick Collins, State Senator, First Suffolk District and Carolyn MacNeil, Ombudsperson for the Boston Public School District, with the presentation of the Man and Woman of the Year Award, recognizing their commitment to issues effecting children and their families. Your support brings hope to those suffering from abuse, neglect, and addiction. The need is greater now than ever before. Join us on for an evening of celebration on Thursday, December 6 at Florian Hall, 55 Hallet Street, Dorchester from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Donation $35.00 with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, raffle and free parking. Your generous support is tax deductible as allowed by law.

The Friends for Children is a non-profit organization. It is run by volunteers and has no overhead. We have made a difference with our support to various organizations.

6:00 p.m. Reception, Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres Higginson Hall –(Huntington Avenue Entrance) 7:00 p.m. Guest Speaker, Michael Patrick MacDonald, Author of his memoir, All Souls 8:00 p.m. Concert This Year’s Angel Award will be presented to James “Jimmy” Callanan, President and CEO of JCALPRO Inc. Jimmy was born, raised and resides in South Boston where he is celebrated for his advocacy and philanthropy of local and city wide charities.

For more information please contact Bob Monahan, RMonahan@JuliesFamily.org, 617-269-6663 ext.11 or Jeanne Feltch, JFeltch@JuliesFamily.org, 617-269-6663 ext.10

For tickets $200,$250,$500, Sponsorship or Program Book Advertisement please link to our web site at Juliesfamily.org or contact Jeanne and Bob

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

2018 ABX Showcase at the BCEC

Alex Nicolaides & Ben Rapkin of Light Years

By Richard Campbell

his year’s ABX Conference showcased such depth in architecture, design, construction and innovation that the show’s program calling the event the “premier” forum in the field was no exaggeration. Running two full days at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center this past Wednesday and Thursday, this is a traditional trade show with added educational workshops and special events that cover a wide variety of topics. Informa Global and Boston Society of Architects who produce the convention have partnered with an array of institutions. The show drew thousands from the industry and offered free high-end publications. Some publishers like Kathy BushDalton of New England Home came to talk shop personally. Needless to say, interior designers, builders and architects got the royal treatment. With over 300 exhibition booths featuring a dazzling array of materials and services for design; this was a hands-on networking event. The educational workshops seemed to be heavily weighted this year to climate resilience, and the convention featured alumni meetings of major architectural colleges in New England, as well as a special Women in Design Symposium. The traditional partners, BSA, Architecture Boston, and the BSA Foundation were on hand to bring quality training forums on best practices. The ABX Photo Exhibit which snaked through the hall had beautifully photographed and mounted architectural works from around New England. Besides the educational symposiums, there were show floor educational special events specific to

different industries. In the symposium category I took in two highly technical events, one on Healthy Schools (air quality and environmental safety) and LEED 4.0 credits, and one on the climate change plans for South Boston. By now South Bostonians are getting familiar with the climate change report on South Boston published by the city this past October, and the representatives from the firms who undertook the project gave a full presentation. The panels were tested by veteran builders and architects with questions from intensely detailed to obscure- and passed with flying colors. The impending harbor doom aside, they tried not to geek out too much. There were some workshops on softer subjects. How about “Design for Happiness”, or “Culture Defining Design?” While a good third of symposiums focused upon climate resiliency in New York and Boston, there were some very practical workshops like “Street to Suite, Lobby Repositioning’s Key Ingredients”, “Whole Building Ventilation” and “Tech Workplaces in an Agile World.” Some manufacturers sponsored their own forums, for example Safti-First, which designs fire safety glass, had a forum on fire rated glass, and Anderson had a workshop on how to select large doors and windows. Granted, these did not quite thrill the way that some of the luxury product booths did, but for builders getting up close to see products appropriateness the experience confirms reality better than reading spec sheets. Almost everyone was drawn to the beauty of certain vendor displays. Cambria, the maker of natural quartz surfaces, not only showcased eye dropping product but came prepared with their own highly artful magazine: “Cambria Style.” The giant display surfaces of granite were enough to steal the show. Their film: “The Legend of Cambria” appears on their website with the slogan: “A Legend in Every Design” and boy do they mean it! There were also smaller innovative entrepreneurs like Light Glass, who create electrically illuminated diffused sky lights made to open up dark spaces, replete with color temperature settings to simulate different times of the day. Ponders Hollow, specializing in custom

Andrea Fontaine & John Byrne of Cambria. wood flooring and millwork had a magnificent display of how wood was utilized in construction and furnishing. Stoneyard who specializes in stone veneers in an infinite variety, showcased how their product could be used for both exteriors and interiors through precision finished designs. It didn’t hurt that much that the architectural photography accompanying these displays revealed houses quite obviously designed for the ultra-wealthy. On the more down to earth side there were graphic designers and software vendors as well. One local standout, Bluebird Graphic Solutions of Woburn had a great display that Project Developer Michael Torres explained was a collaboration with local students. Peter Atwood, Interim Director of

Digital Media of Boston Architectural College was demonstrating some of their built objects- kind of Lego like building objects made on a box cutter that could be assembled into architecture. Some sustainable solutions for areas of the world (from Puerto Rico to Haiti to Africa) hit by storms or wars were presented in a pavilion focused upon resilient architecture. This event is admittedly a pricy ticket, but for any major design firm in New England, this show really has both the goods and educational street credentials to draw a crowd. The logistics were handled with aplomb: from the speedy check-in to decent food, and free publications, ABX outdid themselves once again.

Connor McGuire, Steven Burke, Lisa Robbins Carrie Havey on Healthy Schools.

Gerry Lashway and Chris Phelps of Ponders Hollow

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

Boston City Council Passes Edwards-Flynn Ordinance to Help Low-Income Elders Repay Back Taxes

n We d n e s d a y, November 7t h, the Boston City Council voted unanimously to support a tax repayment ordinance filed by Lydia Edwards (District 1) and Ed Flynn (District 2). The ordinance helps elders who have fallen behind on property taxes by extending the length of time for repayment from one year to five years and by forgiving up to 50% interest. The city will consider expansion of the program to other resident taxpayers in the coming years. “As a city, it’s critical we take every step possible to keep our elders housed and support Bostonians in building and retaining wealth over generations,” said Councilor Edwards. “This

ordinance is a win-win, helping economically vulnerable taxpayers keep their homes while meeting tax obligations to the city. ” C ou nc i lor E dw a rd s originally called a hearing in April on tax repayment based on her experience at the Office of Housing Stability and her former colleagues at Greater Boston Legal Services testimony about working to prevent seniors from losing their homes. During the hearing process, it became clear that the city could and must do more to offer f lexibility in repayment of back taxes and to ensure all residents, regardless of what language they speak, are aware of their tax obligations, exemptions and other programs. Subsequently, Councilors

Edwards and Flynn f iled an ordinance to create a tax repayment plan. Cities like New Bedford, Springfield and Pittsfield have opted into similar tax repayment initiatives. Boston’s tax arrears repayment program will begin with a limited pool of residents, elder property owners, and the city will evaluate program expansion in 2020 and 2021. “It is great to work with

the Walsh Administration to provide more tools for our elderly residents and increase accessibility for non-Eng lish spea k ing Bostonians.” said co-sponsor Ed Flynn, District 2 City Councilor, ”Tax bills can be intimidating and this ordinance will make things easier for the taxpayers of Boston. I look forward to having this ordinance signed into law.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Third Annual Light Up Seaport

By Richard Campbell

he third annual Light Up Seaport went off this past Friday December st 1 , showing signs of Christmas coming. The event supports Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and the Gavin Foundation, The Fort Point Arts Community, and the Friends of Fort Point Channel. A hefty crowd filled the Seaport Common, and the event was surrounded by other happenings on Seaport Blvd.

At the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage, carolers welcomed those passing by into a pop up preview concert. The smooth singing, handsome crooner Rich Di Mare headlined the evening with holiday tunes. There was Santa letter making, cookie decorating and treats provided by local restaurants. The crowd was rather tightly packed as the Boston Childrenâ€™s Chorus started caroling, and people were milling in and out of District Hall for refreshments right up to the time of the tree lighting. People had their dogs in evidence, and were snapping selfies all over the place. Because it was kind of dark, people were bumping in a friendly fashion to get a view of the events on the small stage. This is an event looking for a bigger stage, better lighting and more food; but it had the easy going feeling of a lot of Seaport events. It is surely a tradition that will continue to grow as the district gains traction.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

SB Catholic Young Adults Commission Spirituality Committee

Happy Hanukkah – the Festival of Lights

Join fellow South Boston Catholic young adults for a special

Advent series in preparation for Christmas. On Wednesday evening, December 12th and 19th at 7:30PM in Cushing Hall (downstairs) at St. Brigid Church on East Broadway. Together we will read the following Sunday’s Scripture selections and enjoy spiritual conversation about it and Advent-related topics in light of our Advent waiting for Christ’s coming. All young adults in their 20s and 30s, regardless of prior experience with Bible studies, are invited to attend any or all these nights. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/ybqol13zk The South Boston Catholic Young Adults Commission looks forward to growing near to Christ with you, as He draws nearer to all of us.

Hanukkah, Judaism’s annual “Festival of Lights”, began at sunset last Sunday evening, December 2. The observances, which center around the gradual lighting of the eight-branched menorah, last for eight days. These observances commemorate the oil lamp in the Temple of Jerusalem that stayed lit for eight days on a one-day supply of oil, while awaiting the arrival of fresh sacred oil. Have a happy and meaningful Hanukkah.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The 2018 “A Day Without Art” Commemorates the AIDS Crisis

The quilt-like “memory posters” at AIDS Day 2018 in the Cyclorama.

by Rick Winterson For 25 years now, South Boston’s Med icine W heel Productions, led by its Artistic Director Michael Dowling, has observed AIDS Day on December 1 each year. This observance has evolved into a superb installation in the Cyclorama on Tremont Street in

the South End – AIDS Day 2018 last Saturday was no exception. All during the 2018 AIDS Day, artists, performers, and participants created a non-stop Vigil that lasted for the entire 24-hour length of AIDS Day. The sheer number of artworks exhibited was beyond counting. They were hung all around a central spiral of quilt-like poster

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assemblies. The exhibit’s title “A Day Without Art” is a vivid reminder of how much art means to all of us. As just one example of the performances, violinist Elisa Birdseye strung and tuned her instrument to the musical range of a viola. The result: a series of works with a soulful, plaintive mana. Vigil participant Linda Zug is an artist who has exhibited at Medicine Wheel’s “Spoke” Gallery at 110 K Street – a striking display of paintings of Italian structures and interiors. Linda, her husband Brooks, and the memory of her brother Daniel Morrison have combined to support many Medicine Wheel projects. One of

those – the “Hand in Hand” effort between Medicine Wheel youth and the Boston Police Department – has had special meaning to her. You know of other Medicine Wheel efforts around South Boston, such as the greening of and installations within “No Man’s Land” behind Excel High School. The public is welcome there; please visit No Man’s Land yourself any time of the year. View the various exhibits that take place in Medicine Wheel’s Spoke Gallery (110 K Street, second floor). The word “spoke” in the Gallery’s title reminds us that all of us are spokes in the world’s Medicine Wheel.

The Cyclorama entrance to the commemoration.

Michael Dowling, Artistic Director of Medicine Wheel.

Georgia and young Naomi in the Cyclorama.

Linda Zug, artist; and generous donor.

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Elisa Birdseye plays her viola-tuned violin during AIDS Day at the Cyclorama.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

SNOWMAZING at Children’s: Sock Skating Now Open! by Rick Winterson What do you plan for your kids over the 2018 Holiday Season. The Children’s Museum opened its Sock Skating rink last week. The rink is large – 15 by 50 feet long, amounting to 750 square feet. Its surface is made of a special resin (“synthetic ice”) that is both strong and smooth. Socks are the perfect footwear for young people to simply glide safely and easily over the rink. Adults are welcome to take part, too. Carole Charnow, the President of the Children’s Museum, led the opening ceremony and the ribbon-cutting, ably assisted by Blades the Bruins’ Bear, the Museum’s snow person, and many Museum personnel. The Museum placed the Sock Skating rink in an Alpine Village setting, which they called “SNOWMAZING”. Give SNOWMAZING’s Sock Skating a try. Your kids will love it.

Author Talk with Jack Kelly with special introduction by Senator Nick Collins

Monday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.

Jack Kelly, author of Sharp Needle: A Memoir, recounts his spiral into heroin addiction, recovery, and his 2013 Boston political campaign. After surgery for a hockey injury in high school, Jack became addicted to prescription opioids. Jack found recovery at age 22, rebuilt his shattered life, and became a prominent voice in the recovery movement and in the fight against the opiate epidemic. Come and enjoy his story of perseverance, transformation, and hope.

www.bpl.org

South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library 646 East Broadway ● 617.268.0180

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

by Rick Winterson South Boston’s 2018 “Christmas Stroll”, by now an annual tradition hereabouts, was a great success. Crowded stores with beautiful displays placed this year’s “Stroll” among the best ever. The “Christmas Stroll” is put on annually by South Boston’s Chamber of Commerce and Neighborhood Development Corporation, along with our participating merchants and superb places to go.

Superb Displays Greet “Christmas Strollers”

Dyan at The Beauty Bar offers Holiday gift certificates. Countdown! “Ten, nine, eight …”

The head counter at Wears + Wares.

Bridget Bigelow, Neatly Nested Manager - Merry Christmas.

Santa arrives via Engine 2 (4th St. Stationhouse).

The “Soundful Artists” Dickens Carolers by the Library. Just one of the aisles at Stapleton’s.

There’s something for everyone at COVET.

A striking Christmas showroom at Deirfiur HOME.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

Maureen and Barbara’s “Lazy Jack” items are perfectholiday gifts.

Dew Luxe has everything you need to complete your shopping.

A charming winter village at M&T Oil Co., Inc.

Outdoor wear at Bringing Up Baby entrances a stuffed penguin.

Nicole and Noah of “Broadway” treat a stroller.

Warm, bright windows at Ku De Ta.

A pretty window at “pretty reckless”.

Holiday music at American Provisions.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Holiday Gift Ideas: Simple Choices for the Perplexed. By Richard Campbell Although last year’s technology is cheaper than the latest and the greatest, and good food never goes out of style, my first miser gift suggestion is to head over to the Boston Public Library South Boston Branch December 15th where you may find a book, dvd, or other items for short money. By now you know that walking through the stores is often a real bust- sifting through all the junk to find that one item that might be appropriate.

FIT BIT FOR THE FIT On the top of the technology list has to be the Fit Bit craze. This can be a deep subject, but needless to say, you don’t want to get this for someone who isn’t athletically inclined. Waterproof is important. Good big display is important. Tiny with tiny controls, no, no. My athlete friends say that spending more than $200.00 bucks is a trap. The Fit Bit Brand Charge 3 for 149.00 gets multiple good reviews as an Amazon choice. It is sleek and modern. Some people want to track their workout and get the music as well- the price goes up. I don’t know about anyone else, but getting email in a work out is the last thing I want. The Ionic and Versa are quite pricy. $269+

ROBOTS TAKE OVER For Kids, Robots are in again, and why not? Meccano Max is doing pretty well but the hardcore tech kids seem to favor the Star Wars prototype Sphero BB8, (there is a LEGO version), Cozmo by Anki, Ozobot Evo, IHBUDS Toy Robot, and the Wow We Miposaur. How much should you spend on a robot an, does it have learning value, can it talk and how indestructible is it? Check battery life ratings as well, and don’t forget to buy rechargeable batteries with a charger. Of course, looking cool has a lot to do with its immediate appeal. Wow We Miposaur that looks like a Dinosaur has that down, Ozobot is more

of a learning tool. Wired Magazine gives the tiny Cozmo Ankia good review- it satisfies the geek code urge. We don’t suggest going much higher than $150.00 for such a toy. Here the top rated IHbuds are bargains, but look carefully at the different models. I suspected the more sophisticated the robot the more anthropomorphic it becomes, but that isn’t necessarily so. So, do you want to learn or laugh?

BOARD GAMES THAT AREN’T BORING The Resistance: Avalon Social Deduction Game This one is a real party game. Good Guys, Bad Guys, mythical theme. You can play this to different levels of complexity, but even the most obtuse game person (myself) can get the hang of it. Each round offers people the chance to be the quest leader. Succeed or fail, it is a fun game that works well with 4-6 people. It has a series of expansions. Forbidden Island Card Game. This cooperative board game can be played with adults and children of various ages. It is a little more sophisticated than little kids games and had a great replay record. Codenames: by Czech Games It is a board game. This one is kind of like a spy game with some word skills involved. Two Spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents only by their code names and the challenge is for each team to get in contact with all the spies first.

FIZZY MACHINES There is no question that a lot of people would like to have a carbonated beverage machine but don’t think it’s worth the dough. I mean, then you have to buy those cartridges right? But here’s the thing. You won’t be lugging bottles of fizzy drinks all the time, and you can make your own healthier drinks. Soda Stream owns this market. The middle version,

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 at 120.00 is probably the best choice for most people. The great thing is, you can plop some exotic juices and nectars down, and get a few of the traditional “flavors” to start. PIZZA PIZZA! This is a little more complex, but there is Nothing like learning to make your own pizza and having the right tools to do so. Depending upon the kind of oven your chef has you may want to get him/her a pizza stone, cast iron pizza pan, or metal pizza disk. Of course, you want to get them the right pizza flour, yeast, and some beginning sauces to go along with it. The COOLEST BOOK on this Mastering Pizza gives you the low down. This is a win-win for a family to learn how to make Pizza for games and events. Kids can afford to buy this.

Bellichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (September 25, 2018), 512 pages ISBN-13: 978-0544785748 $16.80 By Ian O’Connor. Either one is an absolute no brainer to get the young Pat’s fans reading. The Illustrated history is an easier read and has nice photography. The Bellichick book is fore the serious Pats fan who understands the game well from years of watching or playing.

RICE MAKER FOR STIR FRY CHEF

For the Asian food chef nothing beats a robust rice maker. The Aroma series gets the highest review. This is a particularly handy device if you entertain and want to have effortless stir fry for a large group. Sneaking into Chinatown cooking stores will find you some great deals on this one. I found this infinitely more useful than a crock bot. By them a bag of Jasmine Rice to go with it!

ICE CREAM AT HOME Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker: The 2 quart seems to get the best reviews. I purchased this for someone and they really liked it. The question I guess is how much do they love homemade ice cream? They practically own the market on this device. I’ve been told their recipes are not the best. I tasted some in a store and it was pleasing. With a 75% 4.5 star rating, this seems like a no brainer to buy on Amazon.

SOUND BLOCKING HEADPHONES: Headphones are a tough by because they are so personal, but on the other hand, if you know the person well enough you may be able to pull it off- especially if it means merely replacing battle worn ones. Narrow down the device they will be using them with, how important noise cancelling is for the listener, the kind of music they listen to, whether you want wireless, and your budget. You don’t have to spend $300 to get nice headphones, usually the ones between $50.00 and $100.00 will do quite nicely. COWIN E7’s get great reviews from about 60% 7,000 reviewers on Amazon. Look carefully at the build on these, particularly the wires, and check to make sure they aren’t cool looking duds (plenty out there).

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SPORTS BOOKS The Illustrated History of the New England Patriots. By Glenn Stout and Richard Johnson 384 pages Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Illustrated edition (November 20, 2018), ISBN-13: 978-1328917409 $22.48

or…IF HE hasn’t read it yet!

These can vary in quality, but they are really an interesting gift for people who attend sports events and actually want to see the events. Determine if the person is a star gazer or sports enthusiast. 10X42 is a good place to start. The high-quality hunting binoculars get into some money up to $500.00, but you’d be surprised what you can get in the $100 to $200.00 range. The camera binoculars are mostly disappointing. Be careful with the compact types, they can be low quality- but in lens manufactured items there are some good ones. Celestron, Bushnell, Nikon, Pentax are your best bets. You can go cheap with something like Vangaurd Orros for 69 bucks, but… Of course, if money is no option Zeiss are the best glass in the world!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

USS Constitution to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Lighting Ceremony Sunday, December 9 at 4 p.m. on the ship The public is invited to attend this free event starting at 3:45 p.m. The ceremony will include holiday music and an appearance by Santa Claus and his elves. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided to attendees. The tree lighting is an annual event sponsored by Old Ironsides and her crewmembers. Each year prior to the lighting, the tree is decorated with handmade ornaments created by Charlestown-area children. The World’s Oldest Commissioned Warship Afloat, Constitution embodies 221 years of maritime heritage and unwavering service to her country. Now a featured destination on Boston’s Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of active duty U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship’s history and the importance of naval sea power to more than 500,000 visitors each year. Constitution is berthed at Pier One in Charlestown Navy Yard.

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Naval Air Crewman Helicopter 2nd Class Charles Hardmon (top) and Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Jeffery Williams (bottom right), assigned to USS Constitution, and Dan McClane, a ship’s rigger assigned to Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston, decorate ‘Old Ironsides’ Christmas tree in preparation for the ship’s annual tree lighting ceremony.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

Mayor Walsh Breaks Ground on O’Connor Way Senior Affordable Housing Development in South Boston

n We d ne s d ay, December 5, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), and the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) today celebrated the groundbreaking of the O’Connor Way Senior Housing Development. Caritas Communities and the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation will co-develop 46 one-bedroom units of affordable housing for adults age 62 and older on donated Boston Housing Authority land. “This is a great day for the people of South Boston. As the city grows, it’s critically important that our older adults and long-time residents have the chance to stay and thrive in t he communities where t hey have lived for much of their lives,” said Mayor Wa lsh. “ T his de velopment will secure that opportunity for dozens of our residents.” O’C onnor Way Senior Housing will be built on a lot that has been vacant for over 50 years adjacent to the Mary Ellen McCormack Development. The development will include 24

units for households at or below 60 percent of A rea Median Income (AMI), which is around $45,300 for a single person, and 22 units for households at or below 30 percent of A MI, which is around $22,650 for a single person. There will also be fully accessible units set aside. The $20.8 million project was funded in part through the Inclusionary Development Program (IDP) contributions from the 150 Seaport Boulevard and Pier 4 development projects on the South Boston Waterfront, and f inanced by the Low-

Income Housing Ta x Credit program. Other funders include Ma ssDevelopment, Rock la nd Trust Corp., and TD Bank. The propert y will a lso include a community room, a laundry room, a management of f ice, a nd a pat io. T he building will be sustainable at a LEED Silver certif iable level, and the apartments will be supplemented with onsite propert y ma nagement sta f f, as well as scheduled support services from the South Boston Nei g hb orho o d Hou s e . I n addition, the BHA is providing 22 project-based vouchers to provide long-term subsidies for ver y low-income units. “I am proud to celebrate t he groundbrea k ing of t he O’Connor Way Senior Housing Development, which will be the future home for senior residents,” s a id BH A A d m i n i s t r a tor Willia m McGona gle. “This project takes a vacant lot and transforms it into safe, affordable housing for 46 residents, and will ser ve the South Boston community for years to come.” “Sout h B oston h a s a tremendous need for affordable housing for the elderly, especially as high demand puts upward pressure on the cost of rent,” said Donna Brown, executive d irec tor of Sout h Boston

Neig hborhood De velopment Corporation. “O’Connor Way Senior Housing will provide an opportunity for our seniors to continue to live here, in our community, with the resources they need. We are grateful to have had strong support from the Cit y of Boston through the Boston Housing Authority a nd t he Boston Pla nning & Development A genc y, as well as the Commonwea lth of Ma ssachusetts, to begin this p r o j e c t .” “We are proud to be a co-developer of this exciting a nd much needed housing effort,” said Mark Winkeller, executive director of Caritas Communities. “This is our third pa rtnership with the South Boston Neighborhood D e ve lopme nt C or p or at ion . W hen O’C on nor Way i s c omplete, ou r pa r t nersh ip will have created 87 units of a f fordable housing at three S out h B o s ton lo c at ion s .” The c on s t r u c t i on is expected to generate over 40 f u l l-t i me jobs by it s completion in February 2020. Boston Housing Authority (BH A) prov ide s a f ford able housing to more than 58,000 residents in and around the City of Boston. Residents are assisted through a combination of public housing and federal and state voucher subsidy programs that provide a wide variety of housing opportunities. As the largest public housing authorit y in New England, the BHA houses close to 9 percent of the city’s residents. Our mission is to provide stable, quality affordable housing for low and moderate income persons; to deliver these ser vices with integrit y and mutual accountability; and to create living environments which serve as catalysts for the transformation from dependency to economic self-suff iciency.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 THE PRINT EDITION

Open House Sunday December 9th 11:30 pm - 1:00 pm