Headlined by Mayor Marty Walsh, Governor Charlie Baker, Congressman Stephen Lynch and an array of city, state and county officials, the banquet commemorating the 137th South Boston Citizens Association Evacuation Day Banquet was by all accounts a resounding success. Kudos to Executive Director David Gibbons and his team for providing a comfortable venue and to South Boston’s own Jim Callanan, of Calpro Productions, who seamlessly manages the logistics of the evening – not to mention the Saint Patrick’s Day breakfast – and the folks at Projection. Curragh’s Fancy once again added the touch of Ireland to the festivities. John Healy regaled the audience with his perennial classic, ‘A Mother’s Love’s A Blessing’.
It was made more memorable because it honored Particia ‘Patty’ Cloherty with the Jim Kelly/Peg Flaherty Shamrock Award, the Honorable Clerk Magistrate Sal Paterna with the John W. McCormack and the Honorable Clerk of the MA Supreme Court Maura Doyle with the President’s Award.
Each, in their own style, made a meaningful impression with their remarks. Ms. Cloherty in her simple message about giving back, Mr. Paterna reminiscing about having lunch with his mentor the Honorable Francis X. Bellotti and Speaker McCormack himself and and finally Clerk Doyle, who reminded the audience that her ability to deliver a punch line is unmatched by any of her male colleagues.
Highlighting the evening, among a packed Boston Convention Center ballroom, were the many active duty sailors and officers stationed aboard the USS Comfort, our country’s extraordinary floating hospital and the USS San Jacinto, both docked at the Raymond Flynn Criuseport Terminal. Appreciative in their remarks for the welcoming they received from the South Boston community were the ships’ Captains Lanny Boswell of the USNS Comfort and Dennis Velez of the San Jacinto.
The head table was a who’s who of Boston. Local community leaders included SBCA President Tom McGrath who is retiring from that post, Navy Veteran and General Chairman Ed Flynn, and Chief Marshal Dan Magoon. They were joined by the dean of Boston’s elected officials the Honorable Clerk Michael Donovan, Emcee Councilor Mike Flaherty, Rep. Nick Collins, State Auditor Suzanne Bump and the Reverend Father Joe White. Attending at the early reception was also Senator Linda Forry and Registrar Stephen Murphy.
The SBCA will be going through a transition to new leadership in the coming months. The theme that South Boston is still home to pride, tradition, and patriotism was evident. As one attendee remarked South Boston has always been home to an “ethnic mosaic” as many immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Albania, and both eastern and western Europe landed here. It is fair to say that mosaic has been evolving over time.
Reaching back into a rich history, embracing a dynamic present and stitching together the realities of an urban future that will become a new mosaic, are characteristics of a vibrant neighborhood and are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are key elements to a healthy life. Thank you to the South Boston Citizens Association and to those who keep our community relevant.
