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South Boston Native Sworn-In as Senate’s Chief Parliamentarian.  As the 191st General Court was officially sworn in for the 2019-2020 session on Beacon Hill last week, State Senator Nick Collins (D- Boston) stood to recognize the achievements of a neighbor and colleague, Michael Hurley, and to nominate him for the post of Clerk of the Senate.  “I rise today with pride to nominate Michael Hurley of South Boston as the Clerk of the Massachusetts Senate,” said Senator Nick Collins. “I am honored to nominate my neighbor, my constituent, friend, and colleague, and I am confident that he will serve this chamber with unrivaled professionalism and expertise.” Michael Hurley, a son of South Boston, attended Boston Public Schools, the John Boyle O’Reilly and the Governor James [...]

Before we can welcome 2019, the city first needs to send off 2018 in true Boston-fashion at its annual First Night celebration.  Since 1975, Boston has rung in the new year with ice sculptures, live music and fireworks at its First Night event. More than 200,000 people are expected to attend this year’s celebration, according to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. From where to watch the fireworks, to when headliner Chadwick Stokes is expected to take the stage, here’s everything you need to know about First Night Boston 2019. All First Night events are free and open to the public.  You can catch most of the scheduled events in Copley Square and Back Bay.  First Night festivities start at 12 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31 and last [...]

by Rick Winterson (Photos by Teresa DeAmicis)   Last Sunday afternoon, December 23, “A Christmas Celebration” took place in the Gate of Heaven Church.  It featured the singing of the Choir of St. Paul’s Church, which is located at the beginning of Mt. Auburn Street in Harvard Square, Cambridge.  The Choir is an integral part of the St. Paul’s Choir School, a middle school for boys that trains them as choir singers.  When trained in singing, and then combined with adult voices, the Choir can sing complex and challenging choral works of great beauty.  Their works include many Christmas songs and carols.  Such was their presentation of “A Christmas Celebration” this last Sunday. John Robinson was the Director; Jeremy Burns provided the organ accompaniment.  Stephanie Scogna [...]

by Rick Winterson      Marian Manor is in transition. The Manor is one of South Boston’s best-known landmarks – for its location and imposing structure on Dorchester Street below Thomas Park, but mostly for the excellent nursing care that it has offered for decades.  You are probably aware that the Manor was once the Carney Hospital, some 50+ years ago.  Changes in all medical care, including the Manor’s nursing care for the elderly and for swift recovery from acute medical problems, continue as well. One change that affects Marian Manor is the progress being made in effective at-home care for the elderly.  The Manor’s current clientele number 226, a significant drop from their capacity of 376. Please make no mistake.  This is a positive [...]

by Rick Winterson      It is common knowledge that the old Northern Avenue Bridge has been completely taken out of service, after it was closed for use by pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the Fort Point Channel.  The bridge, which was the original structure, is simply too corroded by more than a century of exposure to the elements and to salt water, as well as being stressed and strained by constant daily use as a drawbridge.  Actually, the term for this particular type of movable bridge is “swing bridge”, even though its human operator was called a Draw Tender. Currently, three other well-traveled bridges serve the very rapidly developing South Boston Seaport/Waterfront area – the Summer Street, the Congress Street, and the Evelyn Moakley [...]