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South Boston By Rick Winterson, Editor of South Boston Online · February 2

South Boston Women Get Call for "Housewives" Reality TV Show

Since late last fall, the women of South Boston have received a lot of national attention. It started with the video posted on YouTube called “The Real Housewives of South Boston.” It was anything but funny and anything but real. A crude Christmas video followed, and yet another “Housewives” is coming. There were many negative responses, including one from me. Now, Boston Casting is seeking Southie women for a new reality show. I’ll quote them: “We are looking for a group of women between the ages of 21 and 35… We are looking for blue collar, hardworking, good looking, wisecracking, tough talking girls from Southie, who like to have a good time.” End of quote. Sigh-h-h-h! Yeah. Good luck to ye, Boston Casting.

South Boston Shares in Boom for Boston Art Museums

The new wing on the Gardner Museum opened in January. It is one of three major cultural expansions in the City of Boston over the last few years. The prior expansion was the truly magnificent Arts of America wing at the Museum of Fine Arts just over a year ago. Five years ago, the Institute of Contemporary Art relocated to South Boston. We are fortunate to have the first leg of the three new museums in Boston firmly planted on the South Boston Waterfront, on Fan Pier land donated by South Boston developer Joe Fallon.

Drug Approval Boosts Vertex and South Boston Waterfront

And speaking of Fan Pier, the Boston media announced yesterday that Vertex Pharmaceuticals received approval from the FDA for its new treatment for cystic fibrosis, which Vertex calls “Kalydeco.” Kalydeco is an orphan drug, very expensive, and was developed through highly advanced genetic technology. But it may herald a new generation of drugs for cystic fibrosis, and for many other genetic diseases. Last year, Vertex made the decision to relocate to Fan Pier. The Fallon Company is currently constructing more than a million square feet to house them. Further discoveries like Kalydeco will add to the size of their complex. The South Boston Waterfront appears to be well on its way to becoming Boston’s Innovation District.

State Senator from South Boston in New Leadership Role

On the political scene, South Boston’s state Senator Jack Hart has been elevated to the role of Assistant Majority Leader by Senate President Therese Murray. He replaces Steven Tolman in this position. Hart stated how honored he was to be selected and expressed his regard for Senate President Murray. Congratulations, Jack.

Linehan Retains Lead over Boston City Council Redistricting

Redistricting of Boston is proceeding, now that District 2 City Councilor Bill Linehan has been reappointed as Chair of the Council’s Redistricting Committee. He’ll be scheduling several more public meetings and hearings on redistricting through the spring. He strongly encourages residents to stay informed – there are several community groups who are pressing their own interests concerning new Districts. In a recent interview, Linehan joked, “If everyone hates me at the end of the Redistricting Project, then I’ve probably done a good job on it.”

Next Election in Boston Scheduled for March 6

The Board of Election Commissioners reminds you that absentee ballots are now available. Act quickly to apply for or to renew your absentee ballot, because the March 6 primaries are approaching. If you are an Unenrolled (Independent) voter, you must indicate which party’s ballot you want sent to you. And be sure to vote. You’ll be hearing this from me often this year – 2012 is an extremely important election year.

March 19 Deadline to Sign up for Boston Firefighter Exam

The Firefighter exam will be given by the City of Boston on Saturday, April 28. March 19 is the deadline for applying to take this exam. Residents of Boston for at least one year, between the ages of 19 and 31, are eligible. Certain preferences will be given to veterans. Contact the City of Boston for more information.

Eyes Turn Toward Superbowl Showdown on February 5

As we predicted, the curse of Edgar Allan Poe took out the Ravens, that mis-named team from Baltimore. But things are now more complicated. Even though Poe was born in Boston, he published “The Raven” in New York in 1845, in the New York Evening Mirror. Perhaps the game will be decided on turnovers, as the Super Bowl frequently is. Perhaps it’ll be decided by the coaching of Belichick versus Coughlin. That will be the REAL match-up this year. Or perhaps the curse of Edgar Allan Poe will give Boston our eighth major championship in ten years. Go, Pats.

South Boston Community Calendar. . .

There’s still time for young boxers to sign up for the South Boston Citizens’ Association’s Annual Boxing Show, Friday evening, March 9. Simply drop by Peter Welch’s Gym between 1 and 2:30 p.m. this Saturday, in shorts and sneakers. Each young boxer will be carefully coached and matched with an opponent of equal age, weight, and experience. Also this Saturday, Ray Flynn will give a talk on his two books, “The Accidental Pope” and “Pope John Paul II,” at the South Boston Arts Association meeting in the Curley Community Center at 9:30 a.m. The public is welcome. Saturday evening, there’s a friendship party for Charlie Yetman at Florian Hall, 55 Hallett Street in Dorchester. If you know Charlie, you know he’s one of the good guys - please plan to attend. And it’s Groundhog Day, Punxatawney Phil has predicted at least a bit more winter, and you can help out. Mass Bay Credit Union is partnering with Friends of Boston’s Homeless in their “Warm Hands, Warm Hearts” campaign. Drop off new or gently used winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and heavy socks to any Mass Bay lobby.

We’ll remind you again that the Saint Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade will step off from Broadway Square promptly at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 18.