Calendar captures winter tradition of parking-space savers in South Boston

(Image courtesy Southie Spots)

One of the savers featured in the new South Boston calendar.

By Patrick D. Rosso, Town Correspondent

Lawn chairs, furniture, trash cans -- even a bust of Elvis. People find unusual ways to save the parking spot they have cleared of snow.

Now, just in time for the start of winter, South Boston has its very own calendar featuring some of the best space savers throughout the years.

The calendar, “Southie Spots,” is the brainchild of South Boston resident Janice McDonald. McDonald said she has been taking photos of space savers in the neighborhood for the past 10 years. About five years ago, she decided to start turning the shots into calendars for friends and family.

Now, with a hefty collection, she has started selling the calendars at a few local establishments.

“Most people love it and find it amusing,” said McDonald, who works as a legal assistant in Dorchester. "I just find it interesting to see what new objects people will use.”

City regulations prohibit space-saving beyond two days after a snow emergency is lifted, although residents in most neighborhoods routinely flout the rule.

After 10 years, McDonald has seen her fair share of unusual savers, but she said her favorites had to probably be a wheelchair, a baby-car seat, and a kitty scratching post, to name a few.

McDonald’s calendars, which cost $12, can be found at Al’s Bottled Liquors on West Broadway and Karen’s Boutique on East Broadway. Also, you can e-mail McDonald at southiespots@gmail.comE-mail Patrick D. Rosso, patrick.d.rosso@gmail.com. Follow him @PDRosso, or friend him on Facebook.