News

by Rick Winterson History was made last Thursday, June 29, at noon. After 66 years in existence, the iconic Sullivan’s at South Boston’s Castle Island opened its first branch eatery. Sully’s new branch is located in the equally iconic Hood Milk Bottle at the Children’s Museum on South Boston’s side of Fort Point Channel. It’s open seven days a week; 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.; 9 p.m. on Fridays. Sometimes (but rarely), both history and geography seem to come together in surprising and unexpected ways. Very likely, these coincidences are just that – only coincidences. But there’s some folk wisdom about coincidences that says, “There really are no coincidences – coincidences are just God’s way of doing favors for us, without letting us know it was [...]

By Rick Winterson In our last issue (June 29, page one), South Boston Online suggested that you stay home – or at least nearby – to celebrate America’s most important Holiday. Well, we did just that, with only the minor exceptions of going to other areas near South Boston that are accessible by the Red Line. And do you know what? It worked! The weather was particularly fine, despite the occasional threat of thunderstorms. There were art exhibitions and musical events all over the Boston area during the three-day weekend prior to the Fourth of July Holiday on Tuesday. Many of these were in the North End, so nothing else would do except to walk the Rose Kennedy Greenway, which had come back to life [...]

by Rick Winterson “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” is a mouthful, and it carries a forbidding message. It is a day that was designated by the United Nations six years ago in 2012; the day focuses on the issue of physical, emotional, and economic abuse of elders – an increasing problem as people are living longer lives than ever. Last Thursday, June 15, marked the 2017 observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Now you know that South Boston is not to be left behind in observing important issues, so the South Boston Elderly Apartments at 120 H Street held a picnic. It was a beautiful day and it was a great time. The event featured music (mostly Irish) by Dublin’s Tom O’Carroll, rendering vocals [...]

Rain did not dampen spirits at the 45th Annual Harry McDonough Sailing Center cookout last Friday. In fact, if anything, it seemed like “Old Home Week” by Rick Winterson “Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it”, is an old saying. It came true last Friday evening, when three inches of pouring-straight-down rain fell on the Harry McDonough Sailing Center cookout – the 45th cookout. Local streets flooded and umbrellas turned inside out. Nevertheless, approximately 100 brave souls showed up, and it was damp – as in sopping wet. But in typical Southie fashion, especially at fundraisers, everyone said, “Let’s have a party!”, and they certainly did. Lots of old friends were there. Dave Littlefield, the Sausage Guy, personally tended to the [...]

For the 15th time (despite clouds and rain), South Boston’s Farmers Market began its annual season on Monday, June 5, on West Broadway in Perkins Square. Rain or shine, in 2017 our Farmers Market will be open every Monday till October 30 from 12 noon till 6 p.m. Indulge in fresh healthy foods, healthy advice, and a “Rethink Your Drink” display. by Rick Winterson The South Boston Farmers Market opened last Monday, June 5, marking the fifteenth (15th) time it has done so. It is again located along the sidewalk by the Municipal Parking Lot. The weather was not auspicious – like most of May, early June was still cloudy with occasional spatters of mist and rain. But if you missed the opening, not to [...]

by Rick Winterson South Boston Online will begin this story with its ending first – not recommended journalistic practice, of course, but essential in this case. The news – the good news – is that South Boston’s Collaborative Center, which has done so much to help those suffering from addiction and substance abuse, has been officially named for Joseph “Dodo” Nee, a founder and key supporter of that organization. The sign rededicating the Collaborative to him now proudly hangs over the walkway leading up to its facility at 1226A Columbia Road (see photo). Look for it the next time you’re in the neighborhood. The Collaborative was founded an even ten years ago in 1997, in response to a wave of teenaged suicides. These suicides were [...]

SB Community Health Center’s Youth Ambassadors Partner with Habitat for Humanity On a sunny Saturday during Memorial Day weekend a group of teens from the SB Community Health Center’s Youth Ambassadors Program spent the day constructing a home for a deserving family in the Boston area. Working side by side with the family and members of Habitat for Humanity, the teens helped with building the house’s second story by cutting and preparing the wood for framing . For the past twelve years the Youth Ambassadors program has engaged teens ages 12 -18 in community service projects, health education and art-based activities. Alumni from the Youth Ambassadors also joined the group and used the skills they’ve gained on past nationwide disaster relief service trips to Mississippi, [...]

The long awaited Grand Parade of Sail, featuring over fifty magnificent ships from more than a dozen countries, will mark the official start of Sail Boston 2017. This free celebration of maritime culture and history unfolds in and around Boston’s waterfront from June 17 – 22, and the Parade of Sail on June 17 kicks off the five-day event in grand style. In anticipation of thousands of spectators along Boston’s waterfront, the City’s Police and Transportation Departments, along with the Coast Guard, Massport, MBTA, and representatives from Sail Boston, recently completed a series of public briefings in those communities that will experience the greatest influx of attendees to watch the Parade of Sail. To ensure everyone's safety and maximize enjoyment of this stunning spectacle, a [...]

Joseph Nee, nicknamed “Dodo”, spent his life in community service, as a firefighter, family man, and ardent supporter of countless good works in South Boston. He was one of those rare individuals who both lead and willingly serve. Last Tuesday, the Boston weather couldn’t stop hundreds from celebrating Dodo’s life at the Lawn on D. His son Brian’s eulogy at the end of the evening’s program was especially moving. Jon Cronin, who sponsored Dodo Nee’s memorial celebration, and Fire Commissioner Joe Finn, with Dodo’s son Brian Nee (center). Brian movingly eulogized his Dad during the celebration’s program.

In Ms. Emily’s PreK class - Lieutenant Tommy Cherry of Ladder 24 visited his son’s classroom at South Boston Catholic Academy. He was a special mystery reader, showed the children his fire gear and taught them all about fire safety. Ms. Kristen’s and Ms. Molly’s PreK classes were joined by Mrs. Donavan’s and Ms. Rice’s Third Graders for Friday Afternoon Book Buddies! Both Third Grades are paired with a PreK partner to read books and play with them, too. Each week the Third Grade students are so excited to meet with and "teach" their Book Buddies in PreK about reading and the PreK students are so happy to see their Book Buddies. In Ms. Samantha’s PreK class - Boston Police Officers, Allison Lane and Casey [...]