Happenings

Bobby Diggins      One of the key fundraisers for the South Boston Saint Patrick's Day Parade is the ongoing campaign for “Mayor of South Boston”.   We are pleased to profile all four candidates beginning with South Boston’s Bobby Diggins.  Bobby is a high-energy, enthusiastic candidate, who has already held one fundraiser at Seapoint.  We asked Bobby why he stepped up to run for 2019 “Mayor of South Boston”.  Well, he’s a long-term resident – 30+ years – now living in the Foley Apartments on H Street at and Columbia Road.  He answered, “It’s all about memories, especially of veterans.”  He brought up the recently deceased Mickey Roache of fond memory and the memories of Gold Star Mothers.   He is dedicating his Parade-related efforts to his [...]

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 [...]

by Rick Winterson  Aloft Boston Seaport District sent us an interesting e-mail last week.  As a team-building Holiday activity, Aloft asked its staff at 401-403 D Street to assemble what they are calling “Kindness Kits” for free distribution to those in need around the South Boston area.  Their staff put together hundreds and hundreds of these kits, which were distributed to anyone who needed them or wanted to distribute them. Aloft still has about 100 of their Kindness Kits on hand and left over.  They asked South Boston Online to let the community know that the kits are available.  If you would like to obtain one or more of these to give to people who need them, you are welcome stop by the front desk [...]

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 have been distributed to Paraclete students by Station C-6 BPD Community Services and the Stone Foundation..