THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2016
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 1
Making a Difference in 2017 George Benner’s “Round Table” and its “Trusted Servants” are now housed in basement quarters across from Sterling Square in the Mary Ellen McCormack/ Old Harbor Housing Project. This article will update you on its many activities and goals in the just-arrived year of 2017. by Rick Winterson About a year and a half ago – in our June 11, 2015, issue, to be exact – South Boston Online published an article about the summer work of George Benner’s Round Table and the Trusted Servants he has assembled from Mary Ellen McCormack Housing (the MEM, originally called “Old Harbor”). This article focused on two things: First, the Round Table as one answer to the drug problem plaguing South Boston’s young people;
First Night, 2017
second, the huge gardens being planted in 100 plots all along Devine Way and tended by the Round Table’s Trusted Servants. This article also mentioned a renovation underway in the basement of one of the MEM/ Old Harbor residences on Sterling Square. That work was completed early in 2016; the Round Table has been there for about a year, which is the focus of this update article. The basement facility includes a computer room, an artist center, a TV lounge area, and support facilities (including a food prep area for serving nourishing suppers – lots of greens). The many activities in this striking new facility take place on weekday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m. It has become a true Community Center Young people love bright colors, so their Center is painted in vivid shades. There is a redblack-white theme in many of Continued on Page 3
e a r.... Y w e N
NEW YOU!
The fifes-and-drums get set to lead the First Night Procession to Boston Common. by Online’s Roving Reporter ours have always turned out so well. First Night has been the year-end celebration here in Boston since 1970 – 46 years ago. More than anyone else, credit is due to philanthropist David Mugar, who first conceived and then funded First Night for so many years. Mr. Mugar has passed the torch, but his tradition continues, both here and across the U.S. Others have copied our festivities – with permission – because
First Night begins on New Year’s Eve, which is technically December 31, but no matter – the New Year of Our Lord 2017 was duly rung in by a celebration that actually began at mid-day on the 31st. And it was truly special. Your Roving Reporter could only attend a fraction of the many, many activities, but that was enough to welcome Continued on Page 6
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