The President, Bill Kenneway, called the meeting to order at approximately 7 PM. 

National Park Service – John Manson thanked the neighborhood for coming to the open house in September. He informed association members that park rangers are persistently giving citations for unleashed dogs. Please call the Park Protection Division 617-242-5659 for any problems in the park. 

South Boston High School – Tom Paleri discussed an incident involving graffiti on the high school and on the golden stairs. Graffiti was removed using power washers. S.B.H.S. Students, as well as the South Boston community, are upset over this incident.  The high school now has three school police officers. Morning patrols for the officers include Andrew Station, G St., and the front of the high school. Tom reminded us that the dumpster is still an issue. The school fills it virtually every day.  If local overnight parking residents park too closely to the dumpster, it cannot be unloaded, allowing trash to accumulate to the detriment of all.  Don’t forget Tom has a new phone number, 617-635-9866. 

Boston Police – Patrolman Rich Doherty of the Boston Police, South Boston Community Service Officers discussed concern over graffiti incident. Neighborhood patrols are being increased. We were also reminded to call 911 for loud parties, use of firecrackers, etc.

We cannot over emphasize the importance of calling 911 to report any disturbance or suspicious behavior.  The more calls the police receive, the more seriously they treat it.  Bill Strigler has volunteered to revive the Neighborhood Crime Watch.  We will discuss this during the November meeting and get this much-needed program up to par for the protection and safety of our neighborhood.  The call tree when properly used has been successfully in the past.  Each caller calls 911 and commits to calling another caller on the list, thereby assuring that the police hear from several of us in the event of something happening.  We need your help and participation.  All people interested in being on the call tree please come to this very important meeting. 

 Mayor’s Office – Joe Rull commented that Graffiti on and around South Boston H.S. was quickly cleaned up. He also asked that members please call the Mayor’s hotline at 617-635-4500 for issues such as graffiti, loose trash, or anything that is bothering you.  

New Business - DHA members discussed deplorable conditions of restrooms at Castle Island. Drag racing, and overgrown grass and weeds are also problems. Senator Jack Hart and Bill Spain have been in contact with the MDC all summer over these issues. 

December Holiday Meeting - December 12, 2002 7:00-9:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Seapoint Restaurant, 2^nd floor function room.  There will be a short DHA meeting followed by food and a holiday gathering.  People are needed to help out with decorating of tables, centerpieces, etc.  Please contact Steve Stenstrom @  (617) 269-7897 or June Blanchard @  (617) 269-2262 to discuss ways you may be able to help out.  This is our first ever attempt at having a holiday gathering.  It will undoubtedly be the first of many and will surely grow in size and substance the same way our Summer Starter BBQ’s have grown over the years. 

See you all at the next DHA Meeting, 

Thursday, November 14^th, 2002

7pm, Marian Manor, 3^rd  Floor Carmel Hall!