Tax Burden Could Fall Hard on Dot
Mayor Thomas M. Menino warns that Dorchester is likely to be the Boston community hardest hit by soaring property taxes, unless a tax classification bill he is championing passes the state Legislature.

Reporter's Notebook
Sawtelle Brought Big Ideas, Quiet Dignity to Civic Life
Sam Sawtelle- who passed away this week at age 86, will long be remembered for his many contributions to Cedar Grove and Dorchester at-large, Bill Forry writes.

Merchants Wary of Slow Retail Season
Snow storms and slow spending have some worried about the holiday
shopping season locally.

Uphams Corner Bowling Program Lends Kids a Spare Hand
Thirty-one youngsters, ranging in age from eight to 14, practice bowling at the 72-year-old Dorchester lanes as part of the Hubbart Youth Bowling Program.

McCormack Civic Moving Toward Residential Parking
Neighbors from Columbia Rd., Buttonwood, Locust, Mayhew, Mt. Vernon, Roseclair, and St. Margaret streets, are collecting signatures in an effort to begin a new residential parking sticker program in that section of Dorchester.

No Super Magic in Orlando for Eagles
The Dorchester Pop Warner Eagles fell short in their drive for a national championship last week in Disney World.

Thursday, November 28, 2003

Peabody Square at a Crossroads
In a two-part series, the Reporter tries to examine all the angles of Peabody Square, a community junction at a crossroads of its own.

Leaders Eye New Youth Center on the Neponset
Discussions are underway that could lead to the construction of a new community center along a reclaimed industrial corridor that abuts the Neponset River.

Carney Celebrates Half Century in Neighborhood
Carney Hospital has been a Dorchester landmark for so long, it is hard to believe that it has not been located on Dorchester Avenue forever. In fact, Carney made its home in Dorchester 50 years ago as of December first.

Hockey League Shoots...and Scores
Dorchester's already well into the middle of a busy hockey season.

Defiant Finneran Gives No Ground on Testimony
Speaker Thomas M. Finneran is standing by testimony he gave to a federal court which is hearing a complaint about the 2001 House redistricting.

Lone Pop Warner Squad Alive for Regionals
The Dorchester Pop Warner Midget B team, 11 and 12 year olds, shut out Malden in Chelmsford, last weekend capturing its third consecutive state crown, and setting up a regional title game against Bridgeport, CT, at Stellos Stadium in Nashua, NH.

Thursday, Nov. 13

WWII Vet Hanley Sifts Through the Past
Martin Hanley is one of Adams Corner's most colorful characters, but his life's journey has brought him all over the world.

Reporter's Notebook
Civic Group's Future Should Be Decided
by Residents, Not a Judge
The uproar over the redrawn Fields Corner Civic Group leads to a simple question: why don't disaffected neighbors challenge for leadership- or else start their own group- rather than threatening to bring legal action?

What's Next for Ego Ezedi?
The challenger in the Fourth city council district came up short, but does his emergence in this campaign signal the rise of a permanent voice.

Traffic Snarls Around New Store, Construction on Morrissey
The arrival of a new warehouse store in the Puritan Mall has not come without difficulties that have also been complicated by a prolonged gas station renovation.

Pop Warner Gridders Prep for Another Run at National Title
Three of Dorchester's five Pop Warner teams are vying for state championships this weekend-and are already looking forward to another shot at winning the big prize in Florida: a national championship.


Thursday, Nov. 6

Yancey Survives Ego Check
Charles Yancey, left, celebrates his election victory Tuesday night at the Unity Sports and Cultural Center in Codman Square with fellow councillor, Chuck Turner. Yancey fended off a stiff challenge from first-time candidate Ego Ezedi. Photo: Christy Berkery

Reporter's Notebook
Felix Arroyo Is the Man of the Hour
No matter how hard the TV news stations and the daily papers tried to make Patricia White's crash-and-burn the story of election day, Tuesday night belonged to Felix Arroyo, hands-down.

Incumbents Sweep in At-Large Race
There was more than one surprise from the at-large balloting on Tuesday, topped by Felix Arroyo's strong second-place showing.

Point of Concern
Seaside Partnership Aims for Cohesion, Struggles for Funds
The Columbia Point Community Partnership (CPCP), a non-profit organization, was created in order to, according to its mission, "connect the people who live, work, and learn at Columbia Point with one another."

Former Pope's Hill Man Now Happy at Harvard
Kevin McCluskey has traveled an interesting and winding road in the years since he was the second-youngest ever to hold a seat on the Boston School Committee and youngest president in the history of the committee.

City Contends Playgrounds Are Safe, Despite Study
Parents worried their children are playing on toxic playgrounds got at least a little comforting news last week, as Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino assured them that the little tykes would have to eat two pounds of dirt before feeling any ill effects.

Kennedy Unveils Sculpture at Nonquit St. Park
Ted Kennedy, venerable slayer of GOP dragons in the United States Senate for 40 years now, stood on Nonquit Street Green last Saturday morning and coronated a gentler dragon, a "scholarly dragon."

October 23, 2003
McHale Lashes Out at Sheriff Rivals
Fields Corner's Gerard McHale, a recently retired Boston Police officer with plans to run for Suffolk County Sheriff next year, is taking aim at the current office holder and another potential rival.
Reporter's Notebook
Trade Union Plans Expansion in Lower Mills
The Sheet Metal Union Local 17- based in Lower Mills since 1979- wants to build a new headquarters along Adams Street.
Plus: Walsh Pushes to Get Immigrants Registered, Licensed

Stone's Reputation Cemented with Back Bay Memorial
Dorchester's most celebrated woman, suffragist and human rights leader Lucy Stone, will be memorialized with a new statue on the Commonwealth Mall, to be unveiled this weekend.
Plus: Peter Stevens on Lucy Stone's Remarkable Legacy

Turf Issues Bubble Beneath Senior Center Siting
A plan to site a senior outreach program run by Uphams Corner Health Center has touched off some lingering turf issues with a neighboring health center.

Flaherty, Murphy Shoot for Solid Dot Showings
The two men at the top of the at-large city council pack in September's preliminary election are counting on continued support from Dot's big wards.

October 16, 2003
District Four Council Foes Have Their Say

The two candidates for district four city council- Charles Yancey, left, and Ego Ezedi, right- make their own case for election. Photo by Leo Huynh.

Reporter's Notebook
Hennigan Shouldn't Be Traded in for Relative Unknown
Trading in an experienced, independent voice like Maura Hennigan's for a relative newcomer who has leaned heavily on high-priced media consultants is a bad move.
Plus: Good News, Bad News for Catholic Community

At 'Epidemic' Levels, Drugs Haunting Neighborhood
Across the city, scorning ethnic and economic preference, a growing drug epidemic has parents panicked as experts point to statewide and nationwide statistics that reveal an evident rise in illicit drug use.

Hellish Intersection Finally Gets Needed Attention
New smart-light traffic signals are due at the "Intersection from Hell"
at Columbia Road and I-93.

October 9, 2003
MBTA Kicks Off Rehabs at Three Red Line Stations
An artist's rendering illustrates how MBTA and community planners envision a new Fields Corner Red Line station will look. State officials kicked off the renovation project on Tuesday with a rolling tour of Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Savin Hill stations. Full story, inside.


Hennigan, Arroyo Race to Stay Alive on At-Large Council
Two incumbent councillors are fighting to keep their seats in the Nov. 4th election.
Plus: Can Yancey' Hold Onto Lead in District Four?

Reporter's Notebook
Kelly's Bigotry Must Be Checked by Council
Jimmy Kelly thinks it's okay to liken black kids to gorillas- which makes him unfit to hold office in this city. But will South Boston's councillor get a free pass from his colleagues?
Plus: Dot Native 'Free' Puts Fame to Good Use in Neighborhood

'Mid-Dorchester' Traffic Meeting Tracks Frustration
The city's efforts to figure out some ways to curb traffic congestion in the neighborhood's mid-section is uncovering a lot of stored-up frustration.

Happy Hour on Bowdoin Street
A rough-and-tumble Bowdoin Street gin mill has been re-invented in the Blarney Stone style by the new owner of "Gigi's."

Future of State Hockey Rinks Takes Center Ice
Should the state privatize the ice rinks that were once run by the now defunct MDC? The Reporter finds the idea is unpopular with the Dorchester Youth Hockey league.

It's Retirement Time: Do You Know Where Your Pension Is?
A UMass Boston program is helping retirees navigate the system.

October 2, 2003
Pump Station Grounds Contaminated, Study Showed
A study conducted in 1992 showed that the Calf Pasture Pump Station contains contaminants that could be harmful to humans.

Catholic Charities Center to Break Ground on Columbia Road
The new Dorchester Service Center will house two existing Catholic Charities agencies.
Plus: New Catholic Charities Head Named

Mickey Finn: A Fighter Faces Sixty
St. Mark's native Mickey Finn, left, was a teriffic amateur fighter who "coulda been a contender." Now, at 60, he's helping fwllow former boxers win life's bigger challenges.

Reporter's Notebook
Sox Could Steal Thunder from Council Hopefuls
The Sox aren't off to an auspicious post-season start, but if they turn it around, it could be trouble for the city council field.

'Neighborhood from Nothing' Celebrated on Talbot
The city marked the new construction of 75 new affordable housing units on Talbot Avenue on Monday.

New Homeowners Get Tutorial from Mayor Menino
Some of Dorchester's newest homeowners spend some quality time with Mayor Menino last week as part of a new welcome wagon program run by the mayor's office.

Brick by Brick, Friends Build Memorial to Dicky Duchaney
A grassroots effort to build a memorial clock to remember Dicky Duchaney is building momentum in the neighborhood.

September 2, 2003
Election 2003
Yancey and Ezedi Advance in Fourth, White Surges in City Council Preliminary

Reporter's Notebook
Real Fight Begins Now in the Fourth

This Really Old House
A closer look at a unique project to restore Oakton Ave.'s Pierce House.

Street Dogs Barking Up the Tunes of 'Savin Hill'
Debut CD features music of Dorchester's own Mike McColgan.

Two Groups with Deep Community Roots Vie for State Hospital The future of the Boston State Hospital is now in the hands of a community advisory group and the Romney administration.

September 27, 2003
Showdown in the Fourth
Incumbent District Four City Councillor Charles Yancey, right, faces stiff competition next Tuesday from Arthur L. Sutton and Ego Ezedi,.

Reporter's Notebook
Election Strife Shows Little 'New' About Boston
The racial overtones of this year's city council race illustrate that when it comes to Boston politics, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Plus: A Closer Look at the At-Large Field

T Riders Tell Authority: Earn Your Fare Hike
MBTA riders- most of them unhappy about the T's plans to hike fares yet again- had plenty to say at Tuesday night's hearing in Fields Corner.

Bayside Charges New Convention Center with Unfairly Targeting Their Business Base
Dorchester's huge Expo center is losing clients to the publicly-funded convention facility in South Boston- something that was not intended, according to elected officials.

New Freeport St. Location Eyed for Sewer Facility
Updated from last week's breaking news item: relocated facility would clear way for university's science center.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Bowdoin Street to lose favorite ice cream stop.

Aspiring Savin Hill Scientist Cooks Up Career
Gregory Warot is recognized for his lab work over the summer.

September 11, 2003

Movement on Morrissey
Discount Chain to Open in Old Bradlees, Carpenters Plan Move Next to JFK-UMass

Breaking News
New Site Eyed for Columbia Pt. Trash Transfer

Reporter's Notebook
Dot Congressmen Cast Wary Eyes at Bush's War Plans
Mike Capuano and Steve Lynch- the two men who represent Dorchester in the US House of Representatives- were split in their votes last year on the resolution to send US troops to Iraq. This year, they're both more suspicious of the war plans coming out of the White House .

Construction, Buses Snarl Dot Streets
Heavy traffic congestion plagued Dot's main roads over the last week, as construction detours and the return of school buses combined to make a bad situation worse.

At-Large Hopefuls Hit Home Stretch
A closer look at this year's crop of citywide council challengers.

Search Begins for a New Police Boss
With word of Police Commissioner Paul Evans's imminent departure, the search has already begun for a suitable replacement.

Artists Ready for Open Studios in October
Planning is well underway for the second annual Dorchester Open Studios exhibition next month.

September 4, 2003
Civic Groups Prepare for Busy Fall Agendas
From one end of Dorchester to another, the neighborhood's myriad civic associations are gearing up for what promises to be a very active civic calendar.

Old Machines Give Way to Paper Ballots in City Election
Not everyone likes the change, but optical scanners and paper ballots will replace the lever machines across the city for this month's preliminary election.

Reporter's Notebook
Bobby Madden's Signs Signal Start of Election Season
A closer look at one of Dorchester indispensable campaign helpers.

Tensions Build Between Elected Officials, Unions
This week's Labor Day Breakfast highlighted building tensions between natural allies.

Cancer Survivor Promotes Holistic Approach to Prevention
Darlene Sheehan's own success in battling cancer sparked a crusade to spread her faith in holistic prevention measures.

New School, Community Center Hailed by Mayor
A new, $50 million facility on Mildred Avenue is the latest advancement for the school system.
August 28, 2003

UMass Chancellor: Dorms Still Needed on Columbia Pt.
Although a project to build dorms on UMass Boston's campus has been put on hold, Chancellor Gora still hopes to work with the community to "meet the needs" of its undergraduates.

Reporter's Notebook
Schoolyard Rock: Digging Up a Mystery at the Everett School
Plus: Latest on MBTA plans & Bayside's big economic impact.

Feeney Rallies Support After Union Flap
City councillor Maureen Feeney remains unopposed this fall, despite threats from a disgruntled local union to field a candidate against her.

Yancey Foe Makes District Four Campaign a Three-Man Race
Arthur Sutton- an outspoken critic of incumbent councilman Charles Yancey- is one of two local men challenging Yancey this fall.

Morning Star Baptist Prepares for New Home
Blue Hill Avenue's Morningstar Baptist church celebrated the ongoing project last week.

Uphams Corner Celebrates in the Street

August 21, 2003
Shootings Mar Neighborhood's Crime Slump
The murders of Dorchester teen and another adult in the last week contrast with police stats, that show that violent crime is on the wane locally.

Reporter's Notebook
Finally, Quincy-Columbia Intersection to Get Housing
Plus: Dog attacks raise anxieties near Uphams Corner.

Linda Mae's to Become Chinese Restaurant
Morrissey Boulevard's landmark breakfast spot will be converted into a buffet
and sushi bar by new owners.

Folk Musician Makes National Finals in Newport
A Dorchester folk artist is in the running for a career-turning break
this weekend at Newport's Folk Festival.

Of Color Humor: Dot Comedienne Deb Farrar-Parkman
A Dorchester bred comedienne is shining the spotlight on other women of color.

Four Corners Breaks Ground on New Homes
Sixty-two new units of housing are destined for Norwell Street.

Uphams Corner Gears Up for Street Fest, Salsa Contest

August 7, 2003
Yancey Faces Tough Battle for Re-Election in District Four
Charles Yancey, who has been the district four city councillor since 1983, faces his most serious challenge to date this fall- a problem he attributes to biased media coverage and a conspiracy among white elected officials.

Reporter's Notebook
Councilman's Solo Act Won't Fly in New Boston
Plus: Summer fears turn from bullets to crazy, callous drivers.

Week After Big 'Opening', Grove Hall Center Still Closed
Last week's "grand opening" of a temporary community center in Grove Hall was, apparently, premature, as the gates remain locked to kids with just three weeks left in the summer.

Two Tapped for City's Shattuck Awards
Two Dorchester city workers will be among those honored next month with the prestigious Shattuck award.

Special Dot Bicyclist Pedals to Medals
Paul Andrews was part of a 16-member Massachusetts team representing the US in the Special Olympics World Games.

Federated Taps New Executive Director
Mark D. Hinderlie has taken the helm at Dorchester's largest social service provider.

July 31, 2003
After the MDC, What's Next for Dot's Parks and Beaches
The Romney administration has done away with the MDC. Who, them will be responsible for keeping Dorchester's beaches, parks, and state-owned streets clean and safe?

Reporter's Notebook
Gracefully, New High School Is Born at Old St. Greg's
The long-shot dream to start a new girls Catholic high school is, amazingly, coming true.

In Lower Mills, New Condos Will Add to Busy Market
How will two new condo projects affect the neighborhood real estate scene?

Once Homeless, Filmmaker Turns Camera on Dot Streets
Augusto Gomes, a 25 year-old Cape Verdean American filmmaker has set up shop on East Cottage Street.

Ireland's Gerry Adams Rallies Faithful at Florian Hall
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams spoke to a packed house on Monday.

Basketball and Books at Epiphany Summer Camp

Weekend Warriors Compete in Diabetes Fundraiser
A local man's 'history jukebox' provides interactive approach to Dot stories.

July 24, 2003
New Shaw's Opens on River Street
The new store- which will replace the Star Market a block away- will open on Friday.

Merchants Expect New Supermarket to Help Business
Most merchants in Lower Mills village think that the new supermarket at River and Washington Street will likely help their business. But,they are worried about traffic congestion.

Lower Mills Bridge's Direction, Delays Cause for Concern
A disruptive bridge replacement on Adams Street in Lower Mills has neighbors concerned. Work has slowed to a crawl as state agencies blame each other for the delays.

City Plans to Sue Controversial Developer Hadaya
The city has begun legal action to force a property owner to tear down a half-finished foundation on Washington Street that has been the subject of controversy in Lower Mills.

Reporter's Notebook
Putting Mortgage Companies on Notice
A grassroots campaign to get the state to regulate mortgage lenders is picking up more support, thanks to a Dorchester-based coalition.

Legislators Work to Save Dot Programs from Gov's Axe
A look at how the Dorchester delegation fared in the just-completed budget process.

Uphams Corner Crime Fighters Get Recognition
Police and politicians cited the Groom-Humphrey Neighborhood Assoc. for taking a bite out of local crime last week.

Study: Urban Ring Costly But Beneficial
A look at a report released this week by a Boston think-tank on the proposed expansion
of the MBTA service in the city.

Opinion
Opportunists Embarrass Themselves in Jihad Against Bulger
The onslaught against Bill Bulger marks a new low for city's media and Beacon Hill opportunists, wrotes Reporter publisher Ed Forry.

July 17, 2003

Is Washington Street "Overchurched"?
A controversial new book that focuses on Dorchester's Washington Street corridor asks if the 29 religious institutions on the street are a blessing or a curse.

Cops Nab Two Suspects in Rash of Robberies
Dorchester police made two major arrests in the last week, including one man who is believed responsible for as many as thirty armed robberies this year.

Reporter's Notebook
Dracut Street Fights Back Against Thugs
Plus: Reviving an anti-crime strategy that really worked.

UMass Student Center Breaks New Ground
A closer look at Columbia Point's latest landmark.

Police Hunt Murder Suspect in Carson Beach Shooting
The alleged gunman with Dorchester roots remains at large.

State: Smart Lights Finally Coming to Columbia Intersection
After years of delay, more advanced signals should help relieve the dangerous conditions at the "intersection from hell" at Columbia Road and the Southeast Expressway.

Opinion
Opportunists Embarrass Themselves in Jihad Against Bulger
The onslaught against Bill Bulger marks a new low for city's media and Beacon Hill opportunists, wrotes Reporter publisher Ed Forry.

July 10, 2003

What Can We Do to Stop the Violence?

The Reporter asked thirty community activists and leaders this week: what would you do- today- to combat the recent spike in violence in Dorchester this summer. The answers are as diverse as the people we asked. Click on the photo for the story.
Pictured above: The Dorchester Pop Warner group is one of dozens of community groups that are a key element in keeping city teens safe this summer. Above, front: (left-to-right) Darius Carter and Charles Powell. Back (l-r) Craig Carter, vice-president of Pop Warner and head coach Terry Cousin.
Leo Huynh photo

Ten Years Gone, Ray Flynn Isn't Going Anywhere
It's been a decade since Ray Flynn left the mayor's office. The Reporter talks to Flynn this week about his legacy, his role in the city today and the future of the Catholic Church.

Pols Criticize City's IAG Project Review Process
Claiming that it takes too much power away from the community, Dorchester politicians are resisting the city's Impact Advisory Group process.

Reporter's Notebook
Park Punks Go Over the Line at Garvey
Plus: An intriguing new candidate emerges for at-large council.

Gates Foundation to Pump Dollars into Old Dot High
Computer mogul money aimed at beefing up small school model.

O'Hearn School Teacher Garners National Praise
Art teacher Cynthia Archibald is recognized for her work.

Finneran Critics Press on with Civil Rights Lawsuit
A lawsuit alleges that Finneran deliberately drew his district to drop minority voters.

July 2, 2003
Increased Violence Escalates Worries Over
Summer Job Shortage
Part two in a series on the lack of summer jobs for city kids. Are we seeing the consequences in the growing police log?

O'Malley's Appointment Buoys Spirit of Neighborhood Faithful Local pastors were enthusiastic about the Pope's choice of a new leader for the Boston archdiocese this week.

Reporter's Notebook
Shaw's Set to Open in Lower Mills by Month's End
A long-awaited new supermarket will open its doors by month's end on River Street. But will it end up making an already difficult traffic problem even worse?

City Surpasses Housing Goals Set by Menino
The Menino administration hit all the marks laid out in the Leading the Way campaign to take on the city's housing crisis, the mayor announced last week.

P.J. Quinn's Offers Irish-Flavored Escape on Dot Ave.
The old Ned Kelly's is open again with a new staff and a new look.

June 26, 2003
Youth Job Shortage Prompts Anxieties About Summer Violence
The lack of summer jobs for teens is a hot-button issue in a city wary of a violent summer. In the first installment of a two-part series, the Reporter talks to city officials, community leaders, and business leaders to gauge their concerns.

Reporter's Notebook
Dedicated Servant Wraps Up Stellar Career
Susan Worgaftik retires this month after 26 years as a grassroots organizer and an all-around Dorchester booster. Plus: Progress with Seton Academy.

New Shepherd at Saint William Parish
Saint William parish is welcoming a new pastoral leader this week: Father Chris Hickey, a popular priest with strong Boston roots.

Budget Cuts and All, Codman Square Health Center Celebrates Birthday
Overcoming adversity in the form of deep budget cuts was the theme of last Friday's annual meeting at the health center's Great Hall.

Onramp to the Superhighway
A new store on Bowdoin Street hopes to help the community plug into low cost computers.
South Bay Marriott Construction Could Start in August
Developers hope to satisfy community concerns in time for a late summer start.

Planning Edward Everett Square's Makeover
A committee of activists is finalizing plans to re-invent the crossroads of Mass Ave. , Columbia Road and East Cottage Street.
Critics Say Dorchester Bay Not Cleaned Up Yet
Having nearly completed its efforts to protect much of Boston's shoreline from sewage overflow and storm run-off, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is uncertain about how to undertake similar projects along Columbia Point and Carson Beach, making environmental watchdogs nervous about the prospects of finally ridding Dorchester Bay of the high bacteria levels that have plagued it for decades.

June 19, 2003
Critics Say Dorchester Bay Not Cleaned Up Yet

Dorchester Day Edition 2003- May 29, 2003

In Allston-Brighton, Students Seen As "Mixed Blessing"-April 3, 2003

Mixed Reaction to Romney's Move to Stall Dorms- March 13, 2003

Gora: Dorms Won't Change Our Mission-Feb. 13, 2003

Feeney: Burden of Proof Falls to University-Feb. 13, 2003

Reporter Editorial, Jan. 9, 2003: UMass Has Tough Sell to Make

May 15, 2003
Mayor Hits the Target for South Bay Mall
(Wed., May 21)- Mayor Tom Menino went to Las Vegas over the weekend and returned with a $4 million jackpot for Dorchester. The mayor flew home Tuesday with a contract in hand that will bring the city's first-ever Target store to the South Bay Mall. The new store will replace a KMart that closed earlier this year, leaving a gaping hole in the mall complex. The Minneapolis-based retailer was one of several corporation wooed by Menino duringa two-day trip to a retail convention in Las Vegas. "They plan to do a complete renovation of the building and open later this year," Menino said in a phone interview with the Reporter on Wednesday. Target currently operates 1,494 stores in 47 states.

MBTA Seeks to Double Funds for Ashmont, Fairmount Line
The State Senate is now considering a funding bill that would pump an additional $60 million into projects to re-build Ashmont Station and add four new station stops on the Fairmount Line in Dorchester and Mattapan. At Ashmont, residents hope the extra funding will help pay for a more ambitious plan to improve the busy Red Line hub.
Editorial: A Wise Investment in Our Transit Infrastructure

Hogan Sets New Record to Win Mayor's Title
Jim Hogan raised more than $24,000 for this year's Dorchester Day Parade, earning the Adams Street man the coveted title, "Mayor of Dorchester." Plus: A preview of the June 1st parade.

City's Oldest Memorial Day Observance Set for Monday
Dorchester's veterans and their many admirers are expected to turn out in strength on Monday for the annual parade to Cedar Grove Cemetery (right) where Boston's oldest Memorial Day ceremonies will be held.

City Moves to Beef Up Apartment Inspections
The Boston City Council is expected to approve a tougher policy this week that would require more frequent inspections of apartments as they turn-over.

Dot History: A Precursor to Revolution
Part two of columnist Peter F. Stevens report on a 17th century controversy that foretold of coming rebellion.


May 8, 2003
UMass, Bulger "Postpone" Dormitory Project
UMass President William Bulger halted plans for the first-ever dorms on Columbia Point last week, ending- for the moment- the controversial, $218 million project. However, the chair of the UMass Board of Trustees says that the move is a "short-term" postponement aimed at ending an impasse with Gov. Romney.

Boston Smoking Ban May Move Statewide
Legislators appear ready to move forward on a statewide smoking ban, particularly in the wake of Boston's new rules, which critics say adversely impact neighborhood businesses.

Saturday Scholarship Event Marks 25th Year
Hundreds are expected to turn out this Saturday night at Florian Hall for the 25th annual Greene-McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship dance.

Dot History: A Precursor to Revolution
Columnist Peter F. Stevens recalls a colonial uprising that predated our Revolution by nearly 100 years.

Benefit Helps Fields Corner's Interim House, Recalls Founder
A May 30th dinner and concert party at Florian Hall will raise funds for Waldeck Street's Interim House and help celebrate its late founder's 70th birthday.

Marines Send Thanks Home for Care Packages
Marines who received care packages from Dorchester volunteers
express their appreciation.

May 1, 2003
For Monsignor Ryan High, It's Last of the Ninth
Monsignor Ryan Memorial will close for good in June, but the spirit of the school is still high, even as students select new schools for next year. A special report by Kellyanne Mahoney, with photographs by Norman Reynolds for the Reporter


UMass Plans May 12th Forum on Dorm Plans
UMass Boston officials say the university will host a May 12th forum to outline its proposal to build dorms on its Columbia Point campus.
Reporter Editorial: New Framework Needed for Dorm Process

City Hall Gives Push to Fairmount Line Revamp
A city hall transportation report calls the revitalization of the MBTA's Fairmount Line a "top priority" for the Menino administration. The T hopes to begin work on the 3-5 year project next year, eventually adding at least three new stations in Dorchester.

Walsh Amendment Aimed at Utilities in Fields Corner
State Rep. Martin Walsh filed a bill last week that was aimed at forcing NStar and KeySpan from pulling out of their Fields Corner office space.

Florian Show Puts Dot Stamp on Dinner Theatre
"Tom Sullivan's Comedy Birthday" opened to a sold-out crowd last weekend and continues for a second performance on Friday evening.

Good Fortune: Cabbie Crusades Against HIV-AIDS
When he's not working as a cab driver, Jean Fortune spends his time educating fellow Haitians against the dangers of HIV-AIDS.

Dot History: Fashion Police Put Damper on Spring
The fashion police in early Dorchester frowned on skimpy or creative dress, so much so that it was made a crime, Peter F. Stevens recalls this week.

April 24, 2003

Menino, Pols Blast UMass Boston on Dorm 'Process', Call for New Planning
Mayor Tom Menino and other elected officials offered up tough criticisms of UMass Boston's plan to build dorms on Columbia Point. City Councillor Michael Flaherty suggests that the Boston Redevelopment Authority should play a role in monitoring the university's project.

Ashmont Street Man Wins Big on "Jeopardy"
Gerry Waggett's love of trivia and pop culture served him well last weekend as he swept up over 40 grand in winnings on the game show "Jeopardy".

Bread and Butter: Surveys Say Non-Profits Drive Dot's Economy, Job Market
The non-profit sector employs thousands of residents and generates close to $300 million a year in the local economy, according to a study done by a coalition of Dorchester agencies.

Advocates Blast T for Stripping Arts Funding
Red Line advocates say that Dorchester is being "sent to the back of the bus" again as the MBTA cuts funds for public art in the upcoming rehab of four stations.

Civic Outreach Effort Targets New Immigrants
A new program is bringing awareness of civic and government services to new immigrants in Bowdoin-Geneva and Fields Corner areas.

Boxing Night at Strand Misses a Few Punches
No-shows and lackluster talent left fans disappointed at last Friday's boxing event
at the Strand Theatre.

Dot History: Smallpox Took Toll on Early Dorchester
For eighteenth century Dorchester people, smallpox was more than a scare-
it was a fact of life and death, according to columnist Peter F. Stevens.

April 17, 2003

River Street's Foley Building Gets a Facelift
The Foley building on River Street, once home to the Boston Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital, will open in May as a residential development for seniors of mixed-income.

Artwork Cut Out of Red Line Rehab Project
The MBTA is slashing its budget for artwork system-wide, meaning that four Dorchester stations-where renovations are to begin later this year- will go without such amenities.

Yancey to Face Challenge in District Four Race
Ego Ezedi, a former aide to Congressman Mike Capuano, will run against district four councilman Charles Yancey this year in what could be the most serious challenge Yancey has faced in his career.

Menino Tours Bowdoin Street, Dedicates New Stores
Mayor Menino's visit to Bowdoin Street on Monday was highlighted by the long-awaited opening of a Walgreen's pharmacy.

Tough Questions for School Officials at the Thompson
School administrators faced some tough questions Monday night from angry students and parents at Maxwell Street's Thompson School, one of five slated to close at the end of this year.
History: April a Fickle Weather Month in Dot's Annals
Tortured by the weather roller-coaster? Peter Stevens notes that this is not the first time we've taken this wild ride.

April 10, 2003
Special Report: Dorms on Columbia Point
History Serves Both Sides in UMass Dispute
Opponents of a proposal to build the first-ever student dorms at UMass Boston say the school pledged to always be a commuter school. UMass officials say they are a commuter school, but never promised anything about dorms. A review of historical records suggests that both sides are right. The Reporter talks to those who were around the table in 1973, before UMass opened on Columbia Point- to find out what really happened.
Plus: Read the full text of the 1973 "agreement" made by the UMass Board of Trustees.

Quietly, Students Have Taken Root in Off-Campus Apartments
Critics of UMass have long dreaded an influx of UMass college students living off campus in Dorchester's residential neighborhoods. But, evidence suggests that many students are living here right now, largely without incident.

Veteran Revives Military Service Star Tradition
Adams Corner's Karen MacNutt, a National Guard attorney and veteran, is helping Dorchester families show their pride for loved one's serving in the Iraqi war theatre.
Plus: Dorchester's Long History of 'Answering the Call'

Pet Store Clients Not Only Ones to Get a Makeover
The Pet Connection in St. Mark's area has a new storefront, the latest in a series of improvements through the city's Main Street program.

April 3, 2003
Opponents Air Case Against UMass Dorms

In Allston-Brighton, Students Seen As "Mixed Blessing"
In Allston-Brighton, the neighborhood most impacted by college students, neighbors say that there are pros- and cons- to sharing space with BC, BU, and other schools.

Finneran Faults Romney on Bulger Feud, Missteps
In an exclusive interview with the Reporter, Speaker Tom Finneran expands on his criticism of Governor Mitt Romney's first 90 days in office, particularly his frontal assault on UMass and its president, Bill Bulger.

Mission Accomplished: Neponset Rally Lifts Spirits, Collects Supplies for Troops
Hundreds turned out for last Saturday's Dorchester SOS rally and necessities drive.

Marr Club Takes Charge at Harbor Point Center
The celebrated team at the Colonel Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club has taken over operations at the Walter Denney Youth Center , which serves families living in the Harbor Point development on nearby Columbia Point.

Aspiring Comic from Codman Square Finds His Voice
Lamont Price isn't big time, yet. But the Codman Square native is fast making a name for himself in the Boston comedy circuit.

March 27, 2003
Families Await Word from Loved Ones in Harm's Way
The families of Dorchester men and women in the Iraqi war theatre are leaning on the community for morale support- and anxiously awaiting word from their loved one.
Right: Arthur Smith and his wife Cynthia Johnson-Smith await word from Erik, their son who is an Air Force pilot.

Vets Watch War Progress with Interest, Mixed Feelings
Dorchester's fighting men of a time gone by are reacting to pictures of the Iraq conflict with interest, but with a mixture of opinions.

Uphams Corner Reacts to Drug Sweep with Hope,
Skepticism
A weekend raid took more than 30 alleged drug and gun dealers off the street, but some worry that the sweep was not far-reaching enough to put a real dent in the traffic around Dudley Street.

Rev. Bill Loesch Gets UMass Boston's Quinn Award
One of the neighborhood's great veteran community activists got some long overdue recognition from peers last week at UMass Boston's community breakfast.

Thousands Honor Trooper's Memory at Charbo's Run
The annual Charbo's Run continues to be a popular event in memory of
Dorchester native Mark Charbonnier.

C-11 Cops Honored for Collaring Alleged Rapist
Commissioner Paul Evans dropped by the Gibson Street police station recently to congratulate officers who helped catch an alleged sexual predator who terrorized the neighborhood for months in 2000 and 2001.

March 20, 2003

Walsh Gets Key Role in Homeland Security
Dorchester legislator Marty Walsh will head a new State House committee aimed at navigating the federal government's new layers of funding for homeland defense.

UMass Campus Abuzz with Talk of Dorms, Tuition Hikes
Talk of tuition hikes and dormitories had the UMass Boston campus buzzing last week.

In Columbia-Savin Hill, a Mixture of Opinion on Dorms
Opinions on UMass Boston's plans to build dorms for the first time vary in
the nearby Savin Hill community.

Finneran Rips Romney on Flip-Flops
Speaker Tom Finneran went public last week with his frustrations with the new governor's shifting assessment of the state's fiscal condition.

Old Jokes, New Faces at Hart's St. Pat's Breakfast
Senator John Kerry stole the show at Sunday's Saint Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston, hosted by Sen. Jack Hart.

Neponset's Tricia Leahy Ends Basketball Career on High Note
A Neponset basketball star followed her hoop dreams to Babson College and now
plans to coach the sport she loves.

Flower Show Still in Bloom at Bayside Expo
The New England Flower Show continues through the weekend at Bayside Expo Center on Columbia Point.

March 13, 2003

Romney Puts UMass Dorms on Ice, for Moment
In a surprise move last Wednesday, Gov. Mitt Romney scuttled the sale of state bonds intended to raise funds for UMass projects, including the construction of the first-ever dorms on Columbia Point. However, UMass officials vow to press on with plans for the project, including a community impact study this spring, even without the bonds.

Reaction Mixed to Romney's Move Against Bulger, UMB
While some cheered the governor's action to halt the sale of UMass bonds last week, many local leaders are concerned that Romney's plan to reorganize UMass is not good newsfor the Dorchester Bay campus.

Pols Berate Bi-Deaconess Chief for Little House Pull-Out
Beth Israel-Deaconess president Paul Levy is getting an earful this week from elected officials upset by his hospital's refusal to help the Little House Health Center stay open.

Neighborhood Rallies to Support Troops with Care Packs
Relatives of a Pope's Hill man serving in Kuwait are organizing a drive to send much-needed personal supplies and mail to Dorchester men and women in uniform overseas.

Cops Train Neighbors to Watch for Terrorist Activity
Boston Police are rolling out a new training program aimed to help regular citizens keep a sharp eye out for any suspicious activity that could lead to terror strikes.

Dot Native Tony McLean's The Toast of the Town
Tony McLean developed his love of theatre and music as a young man growing up on Hamilton Street. Today, he runs the city's largest theatre company, Broadway in Boston.

Flower Show Opens Saturday at Bayside Expo
The New England Flower Show opens this Saturday at Bayside Expo Center on Columbia Point and is expected to draw more than 100,000 to Dorchester over the next week.

A Preview of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston
Sunday's parade, the breakfast, the parties. Ann McGough gives us a brief overview.

March 6, 2003
MRM Supporters Rally to Start New School
Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School will close at the end of the academic year, but supporters are hoping to start a new , independent school to fill the void it will leave.

MDC's Uncertain Fate Clouds Neponset Projects
With the governor planning to eliminate the MDC this year, many are worried that hard-fought gains along the Neponset River could be in jeopardy. Nevertheless, the beleaguered agency is pressing ahead with a community meeting next week to discuss plans for a new park.

Doherty's New Direction: Teacher's Union Prez to Move On
Ed Doherty, who has led the Boston Teacher's Union for twenty years, reflects on his ternure, which will end this year.

Young Women Reflect on Dangers of Gang Life
A group discussion at the Strand Theatre last week shed new light on the perils of street life for young women left vulnerable to gangs.

Dot's Irish Roots Run Deeper Than You Think
Irish arrivals were making their mark in Dorchester long before the large waves of immigrants arrived here at the turn of the 19th century, according to history columnist Peter Stevens.

February 27, 2003
Workers Dig Up Bridge to Colonial History in Lower Mills
The original 1765 granite bridge over the Neponset in Lower Mills, largely hidden from view by modern replacements, is making a return appearance for a limited time as workers prepare to install a new steel bridge over it. The Reporter takes a closer look at the colonial span this week- and the ongoing two-year project that has caused major traffic detours in the area.

Dorchester History
Old Bridge Marked Major Achievement for Olde Dorchester
Reporter history columnist Peter Stevens unearths the origins of the Lower Mills bridge.

Corporations Stir Ire with Plans to "Pull Out" of Fields Corner
NStar, Keyspan and Liberty Mutual have quietly been making plans to close their respective Fields Corner offices this year. The news has prompted elected officials and civic leaders
to lash out at the corporations for abandoning the neighborhood.

Menino: 'Wolf' Is Howling at City's Door
The mayor's prognosis for the city's fiscal health is more than a little bit grim- and he's not pulling any punches about who he blames for the trouble.

Capuano Returns from Front-Line Visit to Kuwait, SW Asia
Congressman Mike Capuano's not a fan of the President's plans for war in the Persian Gulf, but he made a personal trip to the region last week to see the build-up for himself.

Dot Based All-Asian a Capella Group Hits the Right Notes
The Variasians got their start singing in the bathroom of a Fields Corner convent. Now the socially-conscious, largely Vietnamese singing group is taking their show to much larger audiences, most recently at the Fleet Center.

February 20, 2003

New Firefighters Join Ranks in Boston & Abroad
Boston welcomed a new cl