By Rick Winterson

     Monday evening, November 28, the South Boston Historical Society presented a lecture by Anthony Sammarco at the Branch Library.  He spoke on that American icon, Howard Johnson’s Restaurant with their 28 flavors of ice cream.  He explained the Ho Jo phenomenon, which was the first real restaurant franchise.  It came out of the Depression and eventually stretched from coast to coast.  And did you know that local entrepreneurs is looking into bringing back the real Howard Johnson’s Restaurants?

     The Perkins Post had their annual Toys for Tots evening at the Post last Friday.  As always, it was a beautiful evening.  There’s something marvelous about well-conditioned, spit-and-polish Marines taking time out to care for young children.

     At the other end of town, the Action Center joined with St. Monica’s Church in the church basement for a Christmas Bazaar.  A lasagna supper was served by FANS on Friday evening.  Word of Mouth Gourmets (603-434-9431) displayed a wide selection of holiday pies, including a concoction called “Swedish Apple”.  A variety of tables had goods and gifts of all descriptions.

     On Saturday morning, the Andrew Square Civic Association (the ASCA) formally dedicated the Russell “Russ” Waterman Memorial on the corner of Preble and Dorchester Streets.  It was built with ASCA funds, using volunteers from Local 3 Bricklayers like Tom McIntyre and Robert Mottolo.  Check it out if you want to see some really fine rose and ochre finish brickwork. 

     Dave Evans, the current ASCA President emceed the ceremony.  Russ’s five children were there, but his wife, Joan, had injured herself in a fall.  She sent her best wishes from Carney Hospital.  Rev. Burns Stanfield delivered the invocation.

     State Sen. Jack Hart, state Rep. Brian Wallace, and City Council President Michael Flaherty spoke of how Russ “strengthened our community”, and reminisced about how much difference he made in the Andrew Square neighborhood.  His son, Robert, gave the final remarks and thanked everyone for showing up. 

     Ed and Sean Egan from the Andrew Square VFW Post presented the colors; “Taps” closed the ceremony, played by Tommy Florentino of the St. Kevin’s Emerald Knights.  The Post served refreshments afterwards.

     Mt. Washington Bank held its annual Mail Call on Saturday, December 3.  Each year, each of the bank’s three South Boston branches ask their patrons to send Christmas wishes to military personnel overseas, whose names have been submitted by concerned families and friends.  The bank then bundles them up and mails them at the bank’s expense.  It was a great way to remember those who are giving so much.

      The Christmas Tree lighting on West Broadway rounded out the weekend.  From 12:30 p.m. on, a crew of South Boston volunteers braved the snow (it wasn’t all that bad) and served coffee, hot chocolate, and sweets to a large crowd.  Other young volunteers sang carols. 

     Promptly at 1 o’clock, the Enchanted Trolley pulled up in front of the parking lot.  It was a grand sight, as three “live” trees danced, while the muppet conductor looked on.  A brass quartet blew joyful Christmas music.  Santa appeared at Mayor Menino’s request.  Then, the Mayor counted down (“five-four-three-two-one”) and threw the switch to light the tree.

     The only thing missing was a “holiday tree”.  No matter how hard everyone searched, only Christmas trees could be found.  Puzzling, isn’t it?  Please call us if you find a “holiday tree”.  South Boston Online wants to publish a photograph of it.

     And while it doesn’t have much to do with the old hometown, isn’t Adam Vinatieri great?  As everyone knows, he eclipsed Gino Cappelletti’s team record by raising his point total to an astronomical 1,134, and he hasn’t missed a game in ten years.  Many sports writers say that if Vinatieri never played another game, he’d still make the Hall of Fame on the first eligible vote.