SBOL_Jeanne

By KEVIN DEVLIN America is definitely in retreat on the world stage due to the fact that President Barrack Obama does not believe in American exceptionalism and lacks the willpower to defend red lines in the sand. Those on opposite sides of the aisle in Washington present contrary views about the present state of our military preparedness. It’s tough to tell who is telling the truth about who supports or is against military cuts; they point the finger at each other. Clearly, a diminished military and the inability of our current president to act when necessary isn’t in our best national interest. Increased international turmoil is linked with America’s “failure of will.” Our enemies see our inaction as a sign of weakness, that America does [...]

Southie Connect, a local band formed in South Boston, will be playing at the Hard Rock Cafe Boston for the first time this Saturday. “We’re stepping up the ladder,” said Jimmy Donovan, the band’s singer. “We want everybody to show their support by coming.” The band, which has been together for about two years, has five members: Donovan; Bobby Travis, guitar; Paul Eaton, bass; Phil Beach, harmonica; and Robert Kinsherf, drums. The band has played at other well recognized venues in the city, Donovan said, such as Copperfield’s Bar and the House of Blues Boston, but this is their first time at the Hard Rock. “We need support,” Donovan said. “We want to prove we can pack the place.” The band is one of five [...]

By RICK WINTERSON The South Boston Historical Society held its meeting on Monday. The guest speaker was Jim Botticelli, who assembled, created and wrote “Dirty Old Boston.” This is a lengthy photographic journey through the City of Boston during four decades, from the end of World War II through 1987, when the current mega-reconstruction first put down its roots. Said reconstruction was watered and fertilized by the original, authoritarian Boston Redevelopment Authority. The West End demolition actually came years after the first demo of the so-called “New York Streets” in the South End. Only Albany Street remains. Botticelli’s book (284 pages) came out less than two years ago, but is already in its second, 7,000 copy printing. The majority of the photographs in “Dirty Old Boston” [...]

Shout out to grades three to five for their enthusiastic performance in the ‘My Plate’ production, a rousing musical promoting healthy eating habits. The show was choreographed by present and former Broadway performers and was written by Michelle Obama’s nutrition awareness initiative. Bon appetite, kids!

By KEVIN DEVLIN As the old saying goes, “He’s got the map of Ireland” all over his face. And so it is so with our local youngster with the wonderful smile, Colmn Gilroy. Colmn, 11, is the son of Brendan and Marcella Gilroy. He attends the Carroll School in Waltham. He’s doing well in class and someday would like to play professional football, hockey or basketball. His favorite color is neon and his favorite food is pizza. His favorite professional athletes are the late and great Ted Williams and Babe Ruth. He loves reading about these two legendary players and telling his dad about them. He also likes Red Sox slugger David Ortiz and Bruins right wing and local favorite, Jimmy Hayes. In his leisure [...]