SBOL_Jeanne

by Rick Winterson          Was the 2019 Plunge actually South Boston’s Polar Plunge No. 150?  A (rough) calculation indicates this might be the case, although confirming that was so would be very difficult.  In any case, many hundreds of Plungers showed up, despite the rain that fell the night before.   It was heartening to see so many folks – from near and from far – live up to their first resolution of the New Year:  To take the Polar Plunge, that is. The weather smiled, although that could be the result of global warming.  It felt like spring.  The timing of the tides required that this year’s Plunge take place at 9 a.m. sharp.  So, the L Street Tavern, which is essentially right [...]

On Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., one of Boston's oldest traditions will continue with an estimated 600 people plunging into Boston Harbor for the annual “L Street Brownies” New Year’s Day Plunge.  The plunge is hosted by the L Street Brownies at the BCYF Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road in South Boston, “M” Street entrance.  Due to the tide schedule, it will start at 9:00 a.m. Other information you should know:  Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 10:30 a.m.; Participants should arrive dressed for the water as the men’s and women’s locker and shower rooms will not be available until after; Water shoes are suggested due to shells and rocks left by the tide; Pets are not allowed, please leave your [...]

by Rick Winterson      There have been Christmas Dinners served to the people of South Boston for the last 35 years.  These are such joyful occasions, one can only hope that these Dinners continue to be served for at least 135 years more.  This custom began with the late Msgr. McDonnell (popularly called “Fr. Tom”), who enlisted the help of Frank Kelley, a retired Marine Mess Sergeant.  Fr. Tom was inspired by the stories of feasting in Luke’s Gospel, which he called “the Hospitality Gospel”.  The Dinners were first held in the old St. Augustine Hall; they now take place every Christmas Day in St. Monica Church Hall. This Year of Our Lord 2018 was the 35th Anniversary of these Dinners.  And it was [...]

by Rick Winterson   Excel High Football Team Enjoys a Year-end Christmas Lunch at Tony C's, Courtesy of the Seaport's Cronin Group LLC Yesterday noon, the Excel High School 2018 football team met at Tony C’s in the Seaport.  The team’s eleven-game season had closed out on Thanksgiving Day last month.  It was now time for a celebration.  What better place could there be to celebrate a sporting season than in the elegant Grill Room of Tony C’s, which is located in the South Boston Seaport at 250 Northern Avenue (corner of D?). Tony C’s is owned by Jon Cronin, the Principal of the Cronin Group LLC.  In addition to being a prominent local property owner and developer, Jon is noted for his philanthropic efforts in and [...]