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D-Day bell with Dot roots found in England
D-Day BellOne of the last remaining bells from a D-Day landing craft that was built right here in Dorchester has been discovered after being lost for nearly 70 years. The bell, which even has a bullet dent from the assault on Omaha Beach, is now being sold by an English antiques dealer after it was discovered in a scrap dealer’s yard.
The bell is inscribed with the name of the landing craft it graced – the LCI(L) 403 – and though the story of the boat’s heroics in the war is partly documented, its journey for the last 65 years remains a mystery. Read more
Combat vets lead push for Iraq/Afghan memorial, revived Neponset post
Greg Kelly and Dan Magoon: Leading the charge for Boston war memorial, taking charge at Neponset post. Photo by Bill ForryDan Magoon and Greg Kelly, combat veterans and Boston firefighters who live in Dorchester, are leading the charge to build a memorial to the men and women from Massachusetts who’ve fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. They have also stepped up to lead the Neponset VFW Post next to Garvey Park, hoping to make the post a destination once again for a new column of returning servicemen and women.
Magoon, 30, is a South Boston native who settled in Dorchester five years ago after returning from his third tour of duty as an Army sergeant in the war zone. He and his wife are raising a young child in the neighborhood and he works out of the Uphams Corner station house on Columbia Road. Read more
Law puts limits on oversight of ‘sober homes’
Residents in Lower Mills and Port Norfolk have in the last year complained and voiced frustrations over potential “sober homes” opening up in their neighborhood. But a state report released this week says there are severe limits to what regulators can do about such housing because federal laws constrain states’ abilities to deal with the issue.
The 16-page report indicates that there is little appetite for regulations, and recommends instead that the Legislature work with state public health officials to provide funds for training sober home managers. Read more
Proposed take-out place loses license bid because of violence in and near its Grove Hall building
The Boston Licensing Board Thursday rejected a proposed takeout place after city officials said its owner has failed to do enough to curb violence in and near the Warren Street block of stores he owns. Read more
Grateful BC High alumnus gives $12m as payback
A Cambridge native who received his Boston College High School diploma from the hands of the Jesuits 60 years ago is giving back to his alma mater and the Society of Jesus in a big way. Read more
Featured Stories
For ‘mayoral’ hopeful, every day is Dot Day
Katie Hurley: Katie Hurley has ‘wonderful memories.’
Dorchester Day is like Christmas Day for Katie Hurley.
It’s often the same day as her Nana’s birthday when her family and friends would celebrate. Growing up in St. Mark’s Parish, they would claim a front seat there bright and early and then the day would end at her Aunt Terry’s backyard party on nearby Samoset Street.
“The first spark of a grill brings back so many wonderful memories of this annual celebration of Dorchester history and community, no matter which parish you call home,” Hurley said.
Hurley is currently running for Mayor of Dorchester for the 108th Dorchester Day Parade, which will be celebrated on June 3. As winner, the Mayor receives a medallion, holds the honor for one year, and earns a spot at the front of the parade. Read more
Underground potential: Is your ‘hood home to Boston’s next break-out artist?
Shea Rose performs on the Red Bull Soundstage at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas last week.: Photo courtesy Rox www.roxnrollin.comBoston’s neighborhoods have launched their share of music superstars into orbit in past decades. Donna Summer, the original disco diva, hailed from Dot. Gang Starr’s legendary MC Guru (aka the late Keith Elam) honed his rap chops in Four Corners. And, of course, New Edition and New Kids on the Block served as the twin pillars of boy band stardom in the 1980s and 90s.
The landscape that spawned those artists has changed dramatically. Local artists are now able to utilize tools such as social media, pirate radio stations, and the Internet to market their music and create hype for themselves, rather than having to depend on a record company or promoter to do it.
This autonomy has made it easier not only for musicians to share their music and build a fan base, but to capitalize on opportunities also. Through a Twitter competition among Red Bull Soundstage artists, Shea Rose — an up-and-coming singer who has lived in Dorchester, Braintree, and now Mattapan — was able to rally her fans to help her win an all-expenses paid trip to Austin, Texas, to this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival. She performed at the Red Bull Soundstage at the Universal Music Group Showcase. Read more
