Sbol 6 30 2016

A FREE PUBLICATION

“The unity of freedom has never relied on uniformity of opinion.” John F. Kennedy

THURSDAY, JUNE 30,2016 I N SI D E:

Father White 25 Years..........4 Rugby In Southie.................2 Unity Day at Old Colony.....10 Holiday Weekend Events.....15

VOLUME XVIII - ISSUE 26

Celebrating 4th of July

Remembering Donnie Higgins

By Kevin Devlin

an unalienable right, but this is not the case elsewhere. Millions n the Fourth of July we celof people throughout the world ebrate the birth of our nation, live under totalitarianism. People a democratic nation dedicated are imprisoned without just cause. to life, liberty and the pursuit of Miranda rights or due process happiness. We celebrate the birth doesn’t exist. Dissent and original of a nation of the people, by the thought are forbidden in these people, and for the people, dedioppressive wastelands. Governcated to serving the people and ments dominot the state. We nated by evil celebrate Free“Where liberty dwells, men are not dom. there is my country.” for or by the On this holipeople. They day during the Benjamin Franklin seek only to last few years, control and I have reflected destroy if necupon how fortunate we are. This essary. Human life means nothing. year will be no exception because Civil wars, starvation, concentratyranny did not die when the tion camps, genocide, and lack American rebels successfully of adequate medical resources, repelled England. oppress many. People are burned We take for granted many or beheaded by savage terrorists simple activities because we have for their religious and political had our freedom to do so. We beliefs. Tolerance is dead. assume and declare Freedom as Continued on Page 3

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Pictured in front of the DonnieHiggins Memorial is (from left) Finbar Kyne, Billy Higgins Jr, Brennah Hynes, young Billy Higgins, and Ryan Shields.

By Kevin Devlin Last weekend, June 25 and 26, the Friends of Donnie Higgins Committee held their annual memorial street hockey tournament and family fun event behind the DCR Murphy Rink in South Boston. The street hockey tournament,

which was played in the Donnie Higgins Memorial Street Hockey Arena, featured two Mighty Mite teams, teams, six Mite and Squirtage teams, as well as six Pee Wee and Bantam-age teams that competed in a double elimination tournament.

Continued on Page 12

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Yeah, I’ve Got a Gripe The things people do make me shake my head in disbelief.

By Kevin Devlin Two times recently, Tuesday, June 14, and Thursday, June 16, I was walking across East Broadway at the K street intersection to go into the SBOL office. Both times I was walking within the crosswalk lines. Both times a car stopped on my left, and both times a second driver from behind the first stopped vehicle decided to drive around and then past me, without any concern for my personal safety.

I guess they were late for work, busy talking on their phones, or simply too arrogant or inconsiderate to do the right thing and obey the law.

I spoke to one of the local merchants who said that trucks and other vehicles are driven much too fast along this section of East Broadway. One tactic which might slow things down is for the Boston Police Department to conduct random stings along East Broadway to catch speedsters or those in violation of the pedestrian right of way law. That same merchant also felt that with so much foot traffic at the K Street and East Broadway intersection, that pedestrian signage should be installed at the crosswalk by the Boston Transportation Department.

Mass General Laws, Title XIV, Chapter 89, Section 11 states, “When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian in a crosswalk marked in accordance with standards established…and no driver shall pass any other vehicle which has a stopped at a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross…” Section II also states that anyone violating any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine or not more than $200, unless of course, if the pedestrian is injured, then an investigation would be conducted and possible civil or criminal citations issued if deemed appropriate.

In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that more than 270,000 pedestrians lose their lives on the world’s roads each years accounting for 22% of the 1.24 million road traffic deaths.

During the first six months of 2015, 2,368 American pedestrians were killed by vehicles and that has been trending upwards since 2005.

So if you’re driving, keep focused and obey the law.

Your diligence could save a pedestrian’s life.

Exclusivity in Southie?

This is a street sign at the corner of L and Fourth Streets, obviously placed there by the City of Boston. Now, South Boston Online is well aware that our neighborhood is the City’s most desirable place to live. That breeds a justifiable sense of pride. However, limiting handicapped parking slots only to South Boston residents seems to be a bit too much exclusivity – at least in Online’s opinion.

(Thanks for this lead and a tip of the old scally cap to our bicycle-riding eye in the sky, Ed Oliver/Bohlds.)

Writers Invitation !

S

outh Boston Online is seeking talented writers to report the local news, write lifestyle articles on new venues and experiences in South Boston. This coverage would include reporting in The Seaport District to compliment the new real estate and restaurant business section. If you are a new writer with a unique voice seeking to break into the Boston press, send your resume, cover letter, and writing samples to our editors at mail@ SouthBostonOnline.com.

South Boston Online 700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 617-269-5550 Jeanne Rooney Owner/Publisher Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com

Rick Winterson Senior editor Rick@SouthBostonOnline.com

Richard Campbell Graphics Editor

Kevin Devlin Sports writer Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com

South Boston Online print edition is an independent newspaper published weekly by SouthBostonOnline, Inc. We welcome submissions and reserve the right to edit any and all submissions for publication. All photos, stories, artwork and advertisments are the property of SouthBostonOnline, Inc., and may not be reproduced without permission.

Although we have a thorough editing process, we assume no liability for reporting or typographical errors that may appear. Editorials are collaborative opinions of the publisher and editors.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Collins Lauds Boston Latin Selections

Collins Lauds Selection of Mr. Contompasis as Interim Superintendent of Boston Latin School Earlier this week, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Dr. Tommy Chang, Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, announced that Michael Contompasis will be the interim headmaster of Boston Latin School.

Mr. Contompasis, a Latin School alumnus, served as headmaster of his alma mater from 1976 to 1998. Beginning in 1998, he served as chief operating officer of the Boston Public Schools before taking over as BPS superintendent from 2005 to 2007. Since his departure from public service, Mr. Contompasis has been an advocate for the non-profit Mass Insight Education.

State Representative Nick Collins, alumnus of Boston Latin School under Mr. Contompasis, praised the decision. “I applaud

Mayor Walsh for appointing Michael Contompasis as interim headmaster of Boston Latin School,” said Rep. Collins. “Mr. Contompasis is uniquely qualified to lead BLS during this time.

As former head master of BLS and former superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, he is acutely aware of the work that needs to be done and will be a steadying presence in the Latin School community. Mr. Contompasis is well respected by his educational peers and his proven track record speaks for itself. As an alumnus, I support Mayor Walsh’s decision wholeheartedly and I would like to welcome Mr. Contompasis back to Boston Latin School.”

Mr. Contompasis will serve as headmaster while a search is conducted for a permanent headmaster for Boston Latin School. The search process is expected to be completed some time next spring.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Continued from Page 1

Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is now upon us and soon shall be history. Enjoy the colorful and breathtaking fireworks as well as the wonderful concerts on television or available at local venues.

Think about old friends you met in life and new friends you made as time marched on. Enjoy the delicious food and drink on your tables as you celebrate the birth of our glorious nation.

The next time you take a walk along M Street Beach, pause and gaze upon our beautiful flag located in the Hicks Memorial Park right next to the Boston Harbor Yacht Club. Reflect upon your human condition.

Be happy you’re an American.

Count your blessings.

Freedom is a priceless gift.

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Never forget that although every single person on earth should be free, they are not. Never forget with evil lurking throughout the world we must always be ready to defend our country. Never forget the lessons of the past or take liberty as a given. And, honor those who died throughout our nation’s history so we can enjoy freedom, families and friends.

As a nation we have survived for over two hundred years, and as long as Old Glory is waving in the wind, we are reminded (even with our own shortcomings from within) that America continues to thrive as the world’s greatest country. Never forget that!

(Although significantly revised the essence of this article first appeared in SBOL in 2013)

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Father Joseph M. White – 25 Years as a Priest

by Rick Winterson

It was an event filled with joy – there’s no other word but “Joy” for Father Joseph M. White’s 25th Anniversary as a dedicated Catholic priest.

Last Saturday, around 500 people, many of them from South Boston, joined him in a jam-packed Mass of Gratitude at St. Joseph Catholic Church, which is located in Father Joe’s new parish in the West End on Cardinal O’Connell Way. A sumptuous, and again a jam-packed, Celebration then followed in the Church Hall. Fr. Joe’s 25th was truly spirited, in the deepest meaning of that word.

The two early readings in the Mass came from Elijah and St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. Father Joe read Luke’s Gospel of the village in Samaria, where each listener asked Jesus questions about obligations, and was answered, “Put down everything and follow Me …” – a very fitting quotation after Father Joe’s 25 years as a priest. When he spoke, Father Joe recalled many of the humorous incidents during his priesthood. He profoundly thanked all those who worked on his 25th Anniversary Celebration, with special thanks to his mother and to those who shared with him their most treasured moments –

high, low, joyful, sorrowful, and so on.

In a charming anecdote, Father Joe mentioned that the green vestments he wore at his 25th Anniversary Mass were originally made by his mother.

He hadn’t used them for five years; he then thanked Sister Agnes Wan, who recently completed 50 years as a nun, for patching and reseaming the vestments. Father Joe is well known for his dedication to ministering to those in recovery. At the end of his Silver Anniversary Mass, he knelt at the altar and in humble gratitude, he recited the Serenity Prayer – “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change …”

The word “sumptuous” well describes the gathering after the Mass in St. Joseph Hall. Italian and Chinese banquet tables, accompanied by bounteous sandwiches and two huge Anniversary cakes, treated the Celebration’s guests. There was an overwhelming atmosphere of cheer and good fellowship. The brief program consisted solely of Father Joe’s mother Kay, who is 93, saying to the crowd, “God is good, Joey (Father Joe, of course). I’m now living on borrowed time, and I’m flabbergasted at seeing all of you. God bless you all.” Amen.

Fr. Joe gives Communion at his 25th Anniversary Mass –“Take and eat of this …”.

“Behold the Lamb …”, as Fr. Joe offers his 25th Anniversary Mass.

What a wonderful event.

Fr. Joe’s 25th Anniversary cakes – one each for St. Vincent de Paul Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel.

Fr. Joe with his mother Kay and two friends – Joan and Bobby – at his 25th Celebration.

Fr. Joe proclaims Luke’s Gospel – “I say to you, put down everything and follow Me …”.

Fr. Joe introduces his mother, age 93, who then spoke – “God is good, God bless you all.”

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Fr. Joe (check that biretta!) with a few of his 500 well-wishers at his 25th Anniversary Celebration – Philip, Peter, and Helena (with an “a”).

A table of Celebration goers in St. Joseph’s Hall came over from South Boston.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

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The “three J’s” prepare Fr. Joe’s 25th Anniversary Celebration - Judy, Joanie, and Janine.

Fr. Joe White with his (very) proud mother, Kay White, 93 years old, at his 25th Anniversary Celebration.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

“Dreambook” A Success

by Rick Winterson

The FPTC (Fort Point Theatre Channel) is a group of performing artists, loosely arrayed along the South Boston side of the Fort Point Channel.

Its most recent production was “DREAMBOOK: A New Orleans Story”, by Dan Osterman (Book) and Nick Thorkelson (Songs).

“Dreambook” was directed by Jaime Carillo and produced by Marc Miller.

The venue for its six June performances was the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre on Commonwealth Avenue.

“Dreambook” is a drama with music – good music. It deals with issues of free people of color on New Orleans, free thinking and its consequences, and artists and poets like Walt Whitman, who fell in love with (and in) New Orleans on his first visit there in 1848 – 13

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short years before the Civil War. The open, unconventional casting and the development of each of the various parts generated much to think about, as well as creating interest and passion. The instrumental music – keyboard, guitar, bass, drums – was excellent, with just the right touch of tenderloin.

The staging and the technical side of “Dreambook”, from the set itself to the costuming, was well done, except that the singers’ voices would have benefited from a better sound balance with the instrumental music. The running time was just over two-and-a half hours.

As “Dreambook” is further developed, it would benefit from some judicious editing – 15 minutes or so.

But look for “Dreambook” again – it’s well worth seeing.

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Playwright Dan Osterman and Producer Marc Miller at the FPTC’s “Dreambook”.

The nine-member cast of FPTC’s production of “Dreambook” at the Theater entrance.

The “Dreambook” cast - after the Epilogue, during the final bow.

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by Rick Winterson

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Rugby Comes to Southie

The Rugby Rookie League is ready to start up in South Boston (tonight, June 30, at Moakley Field on the soccer pitch, 6 p.m.).

It’s for beginners, 8- to 12-yearolds, both boys and girls. No previous rugby experience is necessary. Learn fitness, skilled teamwork, and respect for your fellow rugby players. These are the keys to playing rugby well.

In an interview on Monday, June 27, with Bill Good, himself a rugby veteran and now the President of MYRO (the Massachusetts Youth Rugby Organization), he spoke of how popular the sport of rugby has become – both around Boston and all over the world. For the first time, rugby will be an official Olympic sport at the upcoming Games in Rio de Janeiro. There’s already a World Cup rugby tournament. You may not have heard about it, but an American rugby league has started up – a five-team league, with the nearest team in Ohio.

There’s a Boston Rugby Club, and some 30 or 40 teams in Eastern Massachusetts. In addition, there are many college teams – Northeastern, BU, Harvard, MIT, and so on. Wentworth has a mixed rugby team, drawing upon female players from Simmons, Emmanuel, and Wheelock.

Bill Good, President of the Massachusetts Youth Rugby Organization Rugby is often compared to Bill Good is starting a six-week American football, but that really Rookie Rugby League right here isn’t accurate. Rugby depends in South Boston – Tuesdays (6 till upon its players being very fit – 7:30 p.m.) in Saunders Stadium there’s a lot of non-stop running. at Moakley Field, and Thursdays Much more important, rugby is a on the Moakley Field soccer pitch superb team sport. Every player (also 6 till 7:30 p.m.). It is for can carry the ball; you must often both boys and girls, ages 8 to 12. pass (backwards) to your teamIt begins today, Thursday, June 30, mates, and you always have to as you are reading this. It will end on Thursday, August 4.

Bill hopes to field four teams in the new Rugby Rookie League with around 40 players, so there’s plenty of room for any of you who are in that 8-12 age bracket. Bill has lined up four coaches – himself, Jesse Nocon, Auggie Coll, and a high school rugby player (to be named). And once again, remember that Rookie Rugby is open to both boys and girls, equals up.

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decide whether to go for the ball or to get open in order to make a run. Play consists of every player doing every job – running, passing, offense, defense. As Bill Good says, “Rugby is more about finding space, not about contact.”

The Rookie Rugby League emphasizes safety. You’ll play by the same rules used in the Olympics, but it will be flag rugby here in South Boston – a no-contact style of play. In addition, all rugby is played according to certain life values. These values include Integrity, Respect, Solidarity, Passion, and Discipline. Rugby is not only great fun, it’s a fine learning experience.

Moakley Field tonight, Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m., on the soccer pitch. Next session, Tuesday, July 5 at 6 p.m., Moakley Field in Saunders Stadium. See you there.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

We Salute American Patriots on This 4th of July A Grateful Nation Celebrates Freedom.

“Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July!”

“Happy Independence Day.”

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch

Billy Linehan Boston City Council

“Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July!”

Michael Flaherty City Councilor-At Large

“Happy Fourth of July and God bless America.”

Nick Collins State Representative

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

PROGRESS ON REDUCING AIR POLLUTION

The Port of Boston is thriving. Boston’s 6th largest employer with more than 7,000 direct jobs contributes $4.6 billion annually to the Massachusetts economy. Every day, the Port of Boston is making a difference in people’s lives; the shoes we wear, the furniture we sit on, the cars we drive, the oil we heat with, the toys our children play with all travel through the Port of Boston. Massport’s Conley Container Terminal processed a record 221,014 containers in 2015.

Massport is working hard to balance our roles as an economic engine, a good neighbor, and an environmental steward.

In 2015, Conley Container Terminal received a national Breathe Easy Leadership Award for reducing harmful diesel emissions beyond what is required by law, and promoting clean transportation in the Northeast. Particulate matter at the Conley Terminal has declined 20% since 2011.

Clean trucks We replaced 60 old drayage trucks with clean diesel trucks at a cost of $3 million funded by Massport, truck owners

and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide have all been significantly reduced.

Clean cranes We’re using EPA funding to retrofit five diesel-powered rubber tire gantry cranes used to load and unload trucks and reposition containers within the yard at Conley Container Terminal.

The retrofitted cranes will conserve fuel, reduce noise and significantly reduce emissions.

Dedicated freight corridor We’re investing $75 million to create the Thomas Butler Freight Corridor which will eliminate 400-500 trucks through the neighborhood each day, create a sound barrier, and a 4.5 acre Memorial Park.

As the Port of Boston - the second oldest port in the nation continues to benefit the Commonwealth’s innovation economy and all of New England, Massport will continue to invest in environmentally friendly technology.

For more information visit www.massport.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Annual Event Held In The Perkins Schoolyard

By Kevin Devlin On Saturday, June 25, the Old Colony Tenant Association held their annual South Boston Unity Day in the Perkins Schoolyard, which is located within the Old Colony Development. The weather was welcoming as youngsters and adults alike enjoyed the day’s festivities. The younger kids enjoyed the bouncy house and the older youngsters played various games including basketball.

“The Old Colony Tenant Task Force and O’Shea House volunteers celebrated their annual Unity Day for the South Boston neighborhood this past Saturday,” wrote Kristin Taylor, the Director of the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center. “This team worked tirelessly to secure donations to purchase food and beverages, raffle prizes, and goodies for the community, arranged

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Unity Day at Old Colony

activities and a ‘Field Day’ for youth and families, invited local organizations to provide resources, and of course, held the famous cooking competition won by Lutrice Dixon with her cranberry chicken recipe.

“Old Colony Task Force President, Phyllis Corbitt, enthusiastically prepared for this event,” Taylor further wrote.

“This was coordinated along with her team which currently includes Vice President, Eddie Blackwell, Secretary Samantha Juliano and active members Lumina Mathurin and Delores Pugh. The late treasurer of the Old Colony Task Force, Janice McNeil, who sadly lost her longstanding battle against cancer a few weeks ago, was also honored during this event. Members of the community are lucky to have such a dedicated team of neighbors who look forward to holding this special event each summer.”

These three beautiful ladies were all smiles on Unity Day.

These young girls were happy to pose for a picture for SBOL.

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Unity Day volunteer (on left) is busy organizing hoop games for the kids

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By Mariella Collins

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Work Hard. Play Harder.

“Red Bull up!” This is not a phrase you would ordinarily hear spoken to excite a group of 11 year old softball players, but Richie Mallard was anything but ordinary. A dedicated coach and volunteer for the South Boston Girls’ Softball League (SBGSL), a loving father, and a dear friend, Richie touched the lives of each and every player he coached throughout his career. His story is one of passion and devotion.

Richie Mallard was a South Boston native known for his skills in the boxing ring and his incredible mentorship to young members of South Boston and the neighboring communities. A New England Diamond Belt and Junior Olympic Boxing Champion, Richie was no stranger to achievement. He believed that fun and commitment were the building blocks of success - in whatever way success was defined. Richie embodied these sentiments and inspired these ideas in his time with the SBGSL. “He had so much passion and dedication in Southie softball and truly put [in] every second of free time he had to work with his team. He took pride in all of his players” says Rose Carey who played for Richie for several years.

Richie always found way to make learning exciting and interesting for players when teaching the fundamentals of softball. Natalie Markarian explains, “he taught us how to slide with laminated posters and he always had games set up in practice when he became our coach. He always joked around with the team and he was super fun to be around all the time.” A fair man, Richie made sure to include everyone in the fun of the game including players new and old. “[He] always made sure to get the ‘non star players’ involved and loved the game of softball. He was my coach for 5 years…[he] always brought a smile” says Emma Carney, another of Richie’s former players.

Carney points out that softball combined two of the things Richie loved most in his life, coaching the game and his daughter, Kayla. “They were literally best friends,” Carney explains, showing some of her old team photos that included Richie and Kayla together. Richie was an involved parent from the get-go. Markarian

describes the development of Richie’s volunteer career with the SBGSL. “I have been playing softball since I was eight years old and right from the start Richie Mallard was there as a supporter. Richie was at all of the games that we played. Although he was not a coach [at the time] he acted like one - always correcting the girls and helping them become better softball players.” This commitment garnered respect from parents and players alike, and Richie soon became one of the most beloved members of the SBGSL family.

His guiding principles were more than just words of wisdom; they resulted in the tangible accomplishments of his players and mentees.

Mayor’s Cup awards and SBGSL championships were representations of his success as a coach and a mentor.

At the presentation of the 14U Richie Mallard Memorial Trophy to the division champions on Friday June 24th, Richie’s daughter Kayla told of how accomplished her dad’s coaching career had been, citing that she can’t recall that he’d ever lost a championship. For his players, the knowledge, love, and commitment Richie demonstrated are the real trophies. Carey says that “[Richie] was just an allaround amazing person and coach.”

And Markarian remarks that he “is [her] inspiration and [she is] dedicating [her] season to him.”

On an afternoon in early spring of 2015, Richie Mallard left a voicemail for then SBGSL President and Maverick Corporation CEO Mike McNally asking if he could be late to his first day of work because he

intended to coach winter clinics at the PAL gym. “This was his commitment to the girls of South Boston”

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says McNally. He explains, “Richie epitomized the spirit of the South Boston Girls’ Softball League. His unselfish commitment and energy to teaching the young women of South Boston…was admired by all.”

Hours later Richie was involved in an accident that resulted in a debilitating brain injury. On June 17, 2016, Richie passed away. His legacy continues. Carney states that “Richie was just such a fighter and an amazing guy who just wanted to help girls love the game of softball and he will NEVER be forgotten. He will forever be one of the best coaches...” And this opinion is quite obviously shared by many. “Thank you so much Richie for all that you have given to me’” Markarian exclaims, “you truly are extraordinary.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Continued from Page 1

Donnie Higgins

All the food, hot dogs and burgers, was generously donated by Sullivan’s. In the adjacent tennis courts, youngsters were also treated to popcorn and cotton candy while they played a variety of games. And, there was a dunk tank for the older kids and adults.

The Friends of Donnie Higgins Committee rely on one annual fundraising event which was held at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel last February, and will be held next March 11, 2017, at the same location. Their website is donniehiggins.com.

This year, the Committee has awarded over $40,000 in food, traveling vouchers, equipment and uniforms, to various athletic associations. Included this year are the Harry McDonough Sailing Program, the Tynan Community Center, Hogan Brother’s Boxing Team, Milton Mustangs Football League, the Walsh Community Center, North End Little League, the South Boston Boxing Club, Dorchester Pop Warner, Braintree Girls Softball, Condon Community Center, and the Cedar Grove Little League and Babe Ruth Leagues.

The Friends of Donnie Higgins three corporate partners are Aloft Boston Seaport, Element Boston Seaport, and the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel. Also, the committee would like to convey a special thanks to Sullivan’s and Beantown Athletics in Dorchester for all they do for the committee.

The Friends of Donnie Higgins are proud to serve the community which the late Donnie Higgins loved so dearly. His best friend Paul Kostas, along with Cathy Carter, and a dedicated group of his friends, decided to undertake this endeavor a few years ago.

“They’ve done all the work” said young Billy Higgins (not to be confused with his dad who is a junior himself ). “Paul organizes our annual fundraising Gala at the Westin Hotel and Cathy takes care of all the record keeping. The committee overall has done a tremendous job.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The Generous Friends of Donnie Higgins Sponsors are: Pro Print Boston (Jay Arthur) Beantown Athletics Bob Nelson from RE/MAX First Commons Bank UTD Flooring, Quincy South Boston Youth Hockey League Congressman Stephen F. Lynch Mayor Martin Walsh Senator Linda Dorcena Forry Representative Nick Collins Boston City Councilor Bill Linehan Boston City Councilor Mike Flaherty Tudor Plastering Inc. Seaport Restaurant Liberty Bay Credit Union, JCALPRO Harbinger Development JRF Corp, Boston Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel Global Flooring, Quincy Frank Webb’s Bath Center Macauley & Sons Inc. Concrete Contracting, Randolph Jim Fitzgerald, RE/MAX. Bolton Contracting Inc., Chapin’s Fish & Chip & Beach Bar Bluefront Telecom Group, Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, Inc., M.J. O’Connor’s Pub at the Westin Waterfront South Boston Citizen’s Association Olga’s Kafe, Sullivan’s Clarke Steel Fabricators Ace Auto Body Shenanigans Sidewalk Cafe Clover Tiling, Braintree Carlingford Carpentry Tibbets Plumbing, Medfield AMPM Glass Boston Carpenter’s Union Local 33, HUB Ticket Brokers Molly Moo’s Ice Cream K. Irwin Contractor, Roofing Specialists James Rudser Law Offices Boston, Signature Boston The Briar Group Commonwealth Insurance Partners, LLC North Quincy NEBS: New England Building Supply, Penny and Robert, The O’Brien, Burke, Maddox, Savage, Grealish, Kostas, Markos, and Noto Families.

“We are also having a street hockey program here beginning in July on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” young Billy added. “On Tuesdays (beginning July 12) it will be for the 14 and under players and on Thursdays it will be for the 15 and over players. We give the players shirts, some equipment, and feed them. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is our major sponsor for this project and we are thankful for their support.”

Billy Higgins Jr. is proud of the committee and knows how important it is to keep the Southie tradition alive by keeping youngsters busy in sports.

“It’s important for us to maintain our tradition in South Boston by having solid athletic programs for our children,” Billy Jr. said.

“It’s great to see my son’s friends still involved in coaching even though some no longer live in South Boston.

“We have a lot of new people in South Boston,” he added. ‘We want to welcome them and get them involved in the community.

They probably played sports when they were younger now they can get involved in coaching even if they don’t have children. We must keep the tradition alive because it’s our obligation to the future and because we love South Boston.”

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Fourth of July food for thought

On the Fourth of July we celebrate our Freedom. We celebrate Democracy. Liberty and Democracy is indeed precious to all Americans. We must never forget how lucky we really are as we ponder the fate of other people in distant lands. We are fortunate that we live in this great country.

We reflect and give thanks for our blessed condition in life. We salute our Founding Fathers and commend their wisdom which established the greatest constitutional form of government in the world.

For all that and much more, we must never forget or let this Union fall by the wayside.

Here are some quotes for you to read as you enjoy the Fourth of July:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty,

and the pursuit of Happiness.”

(Declaration of Independence)

“Liberty is the possibility of doubting, the possibility of making a mistake, the possibility of searching and experimenting, the possibility of saying No to any authority—literary, artistic, philosophic, religious, social and even political.”

(Ignazio Silone/Italian author and politician) “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.”

(John Fitzgerald Kennedy) “Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.”

(Louis D. Brandeis) “Freedom has its life in the

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hearts, the action, the spirit of men, and so it must be daily earned and refreshed-else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”

(Dwight D. Eisenhower) “My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!”

(Thomas Jefferson) “We are free, truly free, when we don’t need to rent our arms to anybody in order to be able to lift a piece of bread to our mouths.”

(Ricardo Flores Magon) “This nation will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave.”

(Elmer Davis)

Youth Fitness Program Begins July 5th The South Boston Leadership Initiative is offering a free Youth Fitness Program for eight weeks during the summer beginning Tuesday, July 5th at M Street Beach. The Center for Youth and Families – Curley Community Center will be co-hosting the program, and it’s open to anyone between the ages of 12-18. The

program has extended the overall length of the program this season thanks to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the DCR. Students aged 15-18 will meet every weekday from 730-900am and students aged 12-14 will meet from 900-1030am. For more information and to sign up, please visit: www.SouthBostonLeadership.org.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

South Boston Online Fourth of July Weekend Guide Local Events outside of the Fireworks & Concert on the Esplanade

Saturday, July 2, Boston Harbor Islands Georges Island 11:15am • Storming the Fort!

12:00pm • Civil WarDress Up 1:00pm • Rock the Fort: Funk & Soul 1:30pm • Filmmaking 101 2:15pm • The Legend of the Lady in Black Spectacle Island 10:00am • Island Detectives 10:15am • Island Yoga LIMITED 12:00pm • Go Fly A Kite 1:30pm • Field Day Games 6:00pm • Sunset C

Sunday, July 3, Boston Harbor Islands The USS Constitution Museum celebrated its 40th anniversary on the Charlestown Navy Yard on June 30. The Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of “Old Ironsides.”

Friday July 1 Navy Vessel USS Mesa Verde: Boston welcomes the USS Mesa Verde to the North Jetty in the Seaport in South Boston. The North Jetty is located at the very end of the pier in the Marine District off of FID Kennedy Avenue. Cost: Free Fourth of July Weekend- Open Lawn on Lawn D Behind the Convention Center If you haven’t ever visited Lawn D, this weekend might be a good time! The Lawn is open July 2,3,and 4th from 12-10.

Concessions will be served on Friday & Saturday from 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm, and on Sunday (and Monday holidays) from 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Cost: Free

Saturday, July 2

Low Key Fireworks and Concert on Long Wharf: Perhaps you aren’t attending the big one, but want to see a concert without the giant crowds?

When: Saturday, July 2 at 6pm-10pm Where: Long Wharf, Boston Downtown Waterfront, and Christopher Columbus Park, North End (next to Long Wharf Marriott) Cost: Free

Boston Harbor Islands: Escape the Heat!

You can obtain tickets at the Boston Harbor Ticket Booth on Long Wharf. Ferry Tickets are: Adults: $17.00,Seniors (65+) $12.00, Students & Active Military with ID: $12.00 Children 3-12: $10.00 (under 3: Free) Family Four Pack: $43.00 (2 adults & 2 children)

Georges Island 11:15am • Storming the Fort!

12:00pm • Civil War Lawn Games 2:15pm • The Legend of the Lady in Black Peddocks Island 12:00pm • Build A Fort 1:30pm • Under the Sea Spectacle Island 10:00am • Island Detectives 1:00pm • Jazz on the Porch - Nicolas Emden

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