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For Immediate Release Signs supplemental budget, civics education bill, and adjourns in memory of victims in Pittsburgh   BOSTON- State Senator Nick Collins brought the Senate to order this week, gaveling in and presiding over a session that included the passage of  major statewide policy legislation, including a civics education bill, a supplemental spending plan with an emphasis on public health and the substance abuse epidemic, a municipal naloxone bulk purchasing program, collective bargaining agreements for UMass Boston and the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Office, and $70 million in relief for struggling hospitals and community health centers through the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. The supplemental budget creates a Municipal Naloxone Bulk Purchase Trust Fund, allowing municipalities, nonprofits, and Sheriff Departments to join the program and [...]

By Rick Winterson   The park in the southeasterly angle formed by the crossing of the Summer Street Bridge over South Boston’s Reserved Channel has been completed.  It is an oasis in the middle of South Boston’s hustling, bustling Waterfront; it nestles between the Conley Terminal, the Black Falcon Terminal , and the Flynn Marine.  Last Monday afternoon, it was formally named the William Miller Memorial Park, dedicated to the memory of William J. “Hank” “Skippy” Miller III. The sun and fluffy cumulus clouds over the William Miller Memorial Park alternated with some intermittent showers.  The dedication was crowded; the tent was standing room only, in large part because Miller had a large family and many, many loyal friends.  He had been a U.S. Marine, [...]

by Rick Winterson In several of our issues this year, South Boston Online has mentioned that 2018 is a Year of Anniversary Celebrations. The Gavin Foundation’s 2018 Anniversary Dinner was no exception. Here are a few they observed on Thursday evening, October 18: The Gavin House – 56 years.  Hamilton House – 44  Cushing House – 19  Charlestown Recovery Home – 10 Gavin Foundation President John McGahan opened the Anniversary Dinner’s Program, remarking upon the efforts that the Gavin is making to combat the ongoing opioid abuse epidemic. He thanked Gov. Charlie Baker for his support, and the Governor then took the podium. Although it is an election year for the Governor, he interrupted his campaigning and took the time to speak at the Dinner. Baker congratulated the [...]

   by Rick Winterson  Each month, South Boston Online attends a community information meeting at our local Police Station C-6. The group that attends this meeting is called the Neighborhood Advisory Council (the NAC). The NAC’s purpose is to ensure that information flows and enforcement actions by Station C-6 fit the neighborhoods’ needs as well as possible. All of the major neighborhoods that Station C-6 is responsible for are represented on the NAC; the most recent NAC Meeting took place on Wednesday evening, October 3.  Key subjects that came up included the ongoing opioid crisis and the traffic control efforts resulting from the recent traffic tragedies. Station C-6 Captain Joseph Boyle then described the major increase in larcenies from motor vehicles in and around South [...]

by Rick Winterson      For an election that took place in a so-called “Off Year”, and was a Primary Election as well, the turnout was fairly strong at 25% of registered voters.  Part of this was the action (or reaction) generated by the current climate in Washington.  Another part was due to the high interest in certain campaigns run in Massachusetts and Boston. Both Congressman Steve Lynch and State Senator Nick Collins qualified for re-nomination handily (Nick was unopposed; Steve garnered 70+% of votes cast).  Steve’s years of experience – both domestic and foreign – along with his flexible, moderate approach make him well-suited to continue representing us.  Nick is a hardworking, loyal Senator at the state level.  Governor’s Council incumbent Christopher Ianella bested [...]

By Richard Campbell In the wake of the cruel death of an innocent child, as well as a longer history of tragic accidents on our streets, South Boston residents gathered for a public traffic safety meeting at the Tynan School on this past Thursday evening. South Bostonians revealed a unified rage, tempered by community respect, that has been earned in sorrow. As the flier from the South Boston Families for Safe Streets noted, six pedestrians, including three small children, have been struck on South Boston streets in the past two months alone. If there was any public official under the illusion that they haven’t been put on notice to move into action, surely the message has been sent loud and clear. Citizens in this neighborhood [...]