During the next couple of years, there’ll be anniversaries of America’s key historical events. On April 19, 1775 (an even 250 years ago as of this year), the Battle of Lexington and Concord took place. We suggest you keep that in mind as 2025 progresses. These days, you already know about the many, many people on Earth who are willing to risk their well-being, and even their lives, to come to the U.S.A. We don’t need to tell you that again. As 2025 progresses, keep yourself up to date on how much America means to you. Perhaps one way to do this is to realize just how very important America has become over the last 250 years. We set the pace; we lead the world. And above all, we are free.
In last Sunday’s Boston Globe Magazine, Dave Barry ragged non-
stop in his “2024 Year in Review”. Actually, he was very funny, ranging from the just-finished elections, to unnecessary Daylight Savings Time, to airplanes/spacecraft by Boeing. However, his comic essay simply doesn’t apply to us here.
Recent specific successes in and around South Boston include overcoming the 2020 pandemic (thanks to Moderna, Pfizer, and others) and a general reduction of violent crime in the entire City. Further regarding South Boston’s enterprises, Vertex, Eli Lilly, and Foundation Medicine added much to the development of the Seaport in 2024. Also, Procter & Gamble/Gillette announced their initial plans for a major expansion on Dorchester Avenue. Whether they are winning or not, Boston’s sports teams always contribute to the joy of being in Boston. What’s more interesting than watching a home
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Kicking off the New Year with a splash!
The legendary L Street Brownies held their annual swim at M Street Beach Wednesday. Hundreds -- including a bride and groom -braved the cold to dive into 2025 with courage and community spirit. There were plenty of props (including a “Jaws” reference), costumes, and New Year’s cheer! Before the swim, the Brownies set up shop at L Street Tavern, where they sold shirts to
benefit local nonprofit organizations, including South Boston Special Kids & Young Adults, South Boston St Patrick’s Day Parade, South Boston Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Trust Fund, the Castle island Association, Adopt a Platoon Southie Style, Special Olympics, and many more. After a parade to the beach, the Brownies took to the water. More Photos on Page 4. Happy New Year!
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New Year team rebuild itself? The MBTA, led by Dr. Eng, might finally have entered the 21st Century. We’ll soon see. South Boston’s non-profit agencies (30 or more of them) are still constantly improving the quality of life around here. And they’re succeeding! So, almost all of us can look forward to good times in 2025.
A word (or two) about politics in the U.S.A. When looking for answers on how to handle the immediate future, it’s only common sense to examine the recent past. For one thing, it is still fresh in our memories. For another, the effects from recent political “wins and losses” are still with us – we are still dealing with them. It appears to us right now
that “Money” is currently the most serious political problem we face. Often, government officials refer to money problems as “inflation”, “the economy”, “government overruns”, or “tax revenue shortfalls”. But really, it’s all about money, whether it’s funds that are local, statewide or national. No individual citizen has the means to resolve such problems. However, we are entitled to insist our political leadership do that for us, whether the problem is local tax shortfalls, illegal immigrant support in the Commonwealth, or the staggering national deficit of $30+ trillion.
Our country’s national leadership so far this century has been evenly divided between both political parties – 12 years for Democrats and 12 years for Republicans, as of 2024’s year-
end. This means that we as citizens and voters should resolve to take a great deal of our time deciding just whom to elect in all future elections, without any regard for their party affiliations. We must resolve to reward all our current leaders only for the progress they make, and to hold them fully responsible for every failure. Perhaps President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter is the politician who could best serve as an example for us in 2025. Yes, his single term as President had many problems, but President Carter was certainly hardworking and completely honest as well. Before becoming the Governor of Georgia, he also served loyally as a U.S. Navy engineering officer on early nuclear submarines under Admiral Rickover. He was a successful farmer
– not an easy task. After he finished his Presidential term, he and his wife Rosalyn embarked upon forty (yes, 40!) years of non-stop worldwide public service, which eventually earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. This year, maybe we should name Carter as America’s 2024 “Man of the Year”. Enough said! Please accept South Boston Online’s best wishes for a very Happy New Year in 2025. There are many problems we have to resolve, but there are also many victories in our future. Please always remember that you reside in South Boston, one of America’s finest, strongest, most livable neighborhoods. So, during 2025, take heart, enjoy life here, and pitch in.
White Stadium Lease Agreement with Boston Unity Soccer Partners
Project to deliver state-ofthe-art facilities for Boston Public Schools students, expanded public access, needed investments in Franklin Park, and a home for Boston’s NWSL team
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the City of Boston has executed a Lease Agreement and BPS Stadium Usage Agreement with Boston Unity Soccer Partners, paving the way for the largest investment into BPS Athletics and White Stadium since it opened in 1949. This renovation and ongoing lease arrangement will transform the facilities and opportunities for Boston Public School students, Franklin Park lovers, and all community members. The new White Stadium complex will anchor youth sports in Boston with state-ofthe-art facilities for multiple sports, as well as modern locker rooms, sports medicine, strength and conditioning for all students, and a much-desired community event space. The project will also host robust community programming; help implement needed park upgrades outlined in the Franklin Park Action Plan; and create a home for Boston’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. The City and Boston Public Schools will retain
ownership of the stadium and will have priority in stadium scheduling.
First opened in 1949, White Stadium has been deteriorating for decades, particularly since a fire in the 1990s rendered a large section of the facility unusable, and multiple efforts to kickstart renovations over several decades have fallen through. The City’s carefully negotiated plan, shaped and propelled forward by extensive community input, represents the first concrete steps to fix White Stadium in more than 60 years. When completed, White Stadium will be one of three carbon neutral stadiums in the country. Construction is expected to begin in January.
“Delivering excellent education for BPS students includes ensuring the fullest access to sports, arts, and enrichment of every kind across the city. White Stadium is a generational opportunity to anchor citywide youth sports, revitalize community programming, and bolster our beloved, historic Franklin Park–all while creating a home for the City of Champions’ newest professional team,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m so grateful for all the community members, coaches, students, and park lovers who helped shape this project to reflect the community’s dreams for the next generation. Thank you to Boston Unity Soccer Partners for their commitment to our students and
community, and their comprehensive investment to make this dream a reality.”
“This is an exciting moment for BPS and our student athletes who are so deserving of a world class facility to call home,” said Mary Skipper, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools. “This major investment by the City and Boston Unity Soccer Partners will have direct and lasting benefits for BPS students who will have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can study, train and compete. The new White Stadium will also provide us with an opportunity to continue expanding on our storied athletics program. I’m incredibly proud to bring this project another step closer to reality for BPS students and I can’t wait to see our teams compete on this exceptional stage.”
“We are incredibly proud that our team’s home will be in the heart of the city through this generational public-privatecommunity partnership to revitalize White Stadium,” said Jennifer Epstein, Controlling Owner of Boston Unity Soccer Partners. “This transformative milestone enables our club to deliver a lasting, year-round impact for Boston Public School student-athletes while uplifting the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses and providing a worldclass facility for our home games. A renewed White Stadium will honor its historic roots while providing an
extraordinary fan experience and we are excited to take the pitch at this iconic venue for our inaugural season in 2026.”
“Today marks a historic step forward not just for the future of professional women’s soccer in Boston, but for the entire sports community,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “This agreement between the City of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners is a shining example of how sports can serve as a catalyst for innovation and meaningful impact. We are thrilled to see this vision come to life and grateful to Mayor Wu and the countless community voices who have made this possible. This partnership sets a precedent for how public and private collaboration can elevate women’s sports and leave a lasting legacy in our cities.”
The project incorporates comprehensive feedback from neighborhood residents, BPS athletes and coaches, and the Franklin Park community—shared throughout more than 60 public meetings and small group community discussions and more than 900 public comment letters. The project was also vetted by and received approvals from the Boston Civic Design Commission, Zoning Commission, Parks Commission, Landmarks Commission, BPDA Board, and the Boston School Committee.
Senator Collins Supports Bill to Combat Substance Use Disorder
Latest
step to combat opioid crisis will expand treatment options and help save lives
Recently, the Massachusetts Legislature approved legislation to combat the opioid crisis and support residents living with substance use disorder (SUD).
H.5143, An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure, will expand non-opioid pain treatments, establish licenses for recovery coaches, and support pregnant people and their children who have been exposed to substances.
It will vastly expand access to opioid-reversal drugs like naloxone. Over the last 4 years over 10,000 Bostonians have experienced an overdose and over 1,000 people have died from one according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). Since 2023, naloxone has reversed more than 10,000 overdoses in Massachusetts.
“I am proud that the Senate stayed at the table with House negotiators up until the end of session to come up with compromise language to achieve the critical reforms we need to prioritize substance abuse treatment and recovery”, said Senator Nick Collins, who sits on the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Recovery.
Senator Collins added, “I am also grateful to my legislative team for their active participation in the lawmaking process this session, particularly my Chief of Staff Haley Walsh. The best ideas come from identifying a practical response to real world problems. Haley’s response to the state’s naloxone shortage demonstrates that. While the city continues to be pummeled by overdoses it’s critical that this life-saving medication is available. Because of her ability to put forth a common sense provision to a gap in our state law,
Haley’s efforts helped convince my colleagues to change state law and now our Commonwealth will be more equipped and prepared to respond to the opioid epidemic.”
The bill mandates that all health plans cover opioid reversal drugs such as naloxone and Narcan—without cost-sharing or prior authorization. It also requires hospitals and substance use treatment facilities to educate patients on opioid reversal drugs and prescribe or dispense at least two doses to at-risk patients upon discharge. It also requires pharmacies in areas with high incidences of overdoses to maintain a sufficient and consistent supply of opioid reversal drugs while requiring them to stock both over the counter and prescription versions. This legislation was authored by Senator Collins with the help of South Boston’s Haley Walsh, his Chief of Staff and former Legislative Director. It was inspired by a situation that confronted her downtown.
“After an incident with an emotionally disturbed person battling addiction near the State House, I realized my Narcan expired. Worse, I was unable to find any in stock at three different downtown pharmacies where opioid overdoses are prevalent. When I relayed my concerns to Senator Collins about Narcan not being readily available in pharmacies as required by state law, he asked me to draft legislation increasing the standards and accountability to ensure ample supplies were available statewide”, said Chief Walsh.
Chief Walsh further explained that “soon after the legislation was filed, heard and later included in the omnibus substance abuse treatment legislation passed by the Senate and later in the final compromise adopted by Legislature at the end of the session.
I am thankful this legislation passed so I and others have peace of mind knowing that life saving medication will be available. So in case of an emergency, citizens will be equipped to assist in saving somebody’s loved one from an overdose.”
KEEP T H E S KIES MERRY AND BRIGHT
FLY Y OUR DRONE SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY SEA SON
•Register your drone
•Never fly near any aircraft, airports or other controlled airspace without prior FAA approval
•Keep your drone in sight at all times
•Always fly below 400 feet
•Learn the rules for Remote ID and flying over crowds
•Breaking the law will lead to penalties
Kicking off the New Year with a splash!
The legendary L Street Brownies held their annual swim at M Street Beach Wednesday. Hundreds -including a bride and groom -- braved the cold to dive into 2025 with courage and community spirit.
By Rick Winterson
AIce Sculptures Greet the Boston New Year
s 2024 concluded and 2025 began, the Boston Harborwalk celebrated its 40th year. A key part of this event was the annual “Sculpture Stroll”; this year, it took place on Tuesday, December 31. The Stroll featured 32 original ice sculptures that stretched from
East Boston to Charlestown, along the Boston Waterfront to the Aquarium, and then over the Fort Point Channel and ending in South Boston’s Seaport District. The crowds of spectators were immense, probably due to the brilliant sunshine that day, which could have melted the ice sculptures before sunset on New Year’s Eve.
Happy New Year!
Annual ice sculpture creation begins at Martin’s Park.
Neptune, King of the Seas, guards Boston Harbor
New England Aquarium’s frozen guests.
Betty the Yeti is the Courthouse Square sentinel.
The 2024 Hanukkah Observance
This year, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah occurred late. Its final day is today, the 2nd of January, which happens every 20 or so calendar years. On each of Hanukkah’s eight days, a candelabra called “the Menorah” is lit, which commemorates the eight days it took for the Maccabees to liberate Jerusalem from military occupation forces. The photo shows the Menorah standing at the entrance to Courthouse Square in the South Boston Seaport.
Martin’s Park Still Open in Wintertime
Martin’s Park, which is situated on Fort Point Channel in South Boston’s Seaport District, can be entered for a scenic wintry walk from the Channel or from Seaport Boulevard. Yes, it has been cold, but the Park is an eye-catching sight
at any time of year. The chains of blue lights set in the wooded areas of the Park are especially attractive. And bring the kids – they can play and even climb up to the boat moored on the Park’s high point. Dress warmly and have a Happy New Year.
Marcel Vernon, Sr. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“Making Young Spirits Bright”
“A vital component of our mission at NFLSRE (Nan Fung Life Sciences Real Estate) is to be a positive and integral part of our community.
When we met Barbara Kelly, the Program Supervisor and the children
at the Condon Community Center back in 2023, we were more than impressed with the love and care they receive there. Here at NFLSRE, it was an easy decision to align ourselves with their dreams. My team at NFLSRE has
maintained an ongoing relationship with Barbara and her kids since then.
This year’s Christmas Party capped our two years together as neighbors and friends. In the Summer, we organized a Summer Science Camp for the
children. They also learned to grow vegetables in our outdoor container gardens high above the Boston skyline. Our relationship with the CCC is extremely important to us,” stated Matthew Powers, CEO NFLSRE.
Iron Workers Local 7 Donate Winter Gear to Rosies Place
Local 7 volunteers donated dozens of winter items to the women’s shelter
Members of Ironworkers Local 7 recently donated coats and other winter gear to women living at Rosie’s Place, the oldest women’s shelter in the United States.
“Local 7 works in the community every day and our members take great pride in helping others meet their needs, especially during the holidays,” said Local 7 Business Manager Vinny Coyle. “With
frigid weather upon us, we are proud to do our part to help women and families in need in Greater Boston, especially those who are struggling during the holiday season.”
Several Local 7 volunteers recently visited Rosie’s Place in Boston’s South End and delivered boxes of donated coats, hats, gloves and other winter items for the women living at the Boston shelter. The donation is part of Local 7’s holiday charitable efforts, as well as an ongoing campaign to better local communities through volunteerism and outreach.
Registration Now Open for 2025 Youth Flag Football Season
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is excited to launch the 2025 Youth Flag Football League, a free co-ed sports program that runs from Saturday, January 4 - February 8, 8:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. in the Carter Playground Bubble, located at 709 Columbus Avenue in the South End.
Youth Flag Football is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by the Jack Langerman Community Foundation.
The league offers an inclusive environment with co-ed divisions for 8U, 10U, and 12U categories
as well as girls 15U. This league is suitable for young athletes of all skill levels: those new to the game of football and those looking to enhance their football skills.
Early registration is recommended as spots are limited. To register for Flag Football, visit boston.gov/sports. For more information on the program, contact woodley.auguste@boston. gov or call (617) 961-3084.
Sign up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and follow us on social media @ bostonparksdept to stay up-to-date with Boston Parks and Recreation Department news and events.
CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION
Public Health Vending Machines and Naloxone Access Across City
IMPORTANT NOTICE
You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 01/27/2025
This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.
UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC)
A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.
WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.
Date:
December 16, 2024
Edward E Fegreus, Jr., Esq. Fegreus and Broderick, LLP
21 Custom House St Suite 480 Boston, MA 02110
PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate
CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION
Commonwealth of Massachusetts CITATION ON PETITION FOR SU24P0382EA The Trial Court FORMAL ADJUDICATION Probate and Family Court
Estate of: Peter J. Wr ght Also known as: Peter Wright
Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114
Date of Death: 10/26/2005 (617)788-8300
A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Corinne White of Whitman MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.
Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), announced a new strategy for equitably distributing the overdosereversing medication naloxone, and other harm reduction supplies. BPHC set up four public health vending machines at existing harm reduction, homeless services, and medical program facilities across the city. Additionally, the city will deploy eight indoor naloxone distribution kiosks in this effort, expanding access to this life-saving medication. These interventions are supported by Boston’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program, which placed the public health vending machines at various sites and is working with partners to place the naloxone kiosks.
“Harm reduction is about keeping people safe and alive. Unfortunately, many people living with substance use disorder don’t use harm reduction tools, like naloxone and clean syringes, due to stigma, lack of access or unawareness,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner
of Public Health for the City of Boston. “These vending machines and kiosks are a low-cost, compassionate way to destigmatize harm reduction and expand access throughout our city.”
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s purchased 14 harm reduction vending machines, four of which have been provided to the City of Boston. The machines are located at: BPHC Recovery Services in the Finland Building, Southampton shelter, EnVision Hotel, and North End Waterfront Community Health Center’s Charlestown public housing location. Each machine will contain at a core group of harm reduction supplies including naloxone, safe injection kits, and fentanyl test strips. Sites are still developing plans on how to best utilize these vending machines and have a degree of flexibility in how they stock them. Organizations can choose to stock machines with other public health necessities like pregnancy tests, socks, and PPE.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 01/30/2025
This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.
UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC)
A Personal Representative
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, below are instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.
295 W First ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1669854
Hearing Date 1/14/2025
Project Description: Submitting Zoning Refusal Erect four to six story mixed use residential building up 240 units on site above grade garaged parking 125 vehicles commercial space retail food service
58 Baxter ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1649361
Hearing Date 1/14/2024
Project Description Erect new four story 6 unit residential building with garaged off street parking rear decks
657 E Fifth ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1599811
Hearing Date 1/23/2025
Project Description: PHASE 2 Change occupancy from 1 family to home
526 E Third ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1652033
Hearing Date 1/28/2025
Project Description: ON VACANT LOT ERECT NEW 4 STORY 3 UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH GARAGE amp ROOF DECK
80 G ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1634764
Hearing Date 1/28/2025
Project Description: Build 3 story addition to existing family convert 6 Demolish car garage
641 E Eighth ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1662174
Hearing Date 1/28/2025
Project Description: Looking to create an additional roof structure,
currently there is a deck and head house permit to add living space around 650sq feet with outdoor Unit 302
165 D ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1650690
Hearing Date 2/4/2025
Project Description: Applicant seeks to construct 2 story addition, change occupancy from retail
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
701 E 2nd St (NEW)
Proposal: Change of occupancy from a 3-unit bldg.to 4-unit bldg. by dividing Unit 1 (first and basement combined) into two separate units: Unit 1 remaining on the first floor and new Unit B within existing space in the basement. No additions or building expansion Time: Jan 9, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86779825260
Meeting ID: 867 7982 5260
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,86779825260# US
32 Vinton St (NEW)
Proposal: Confirm occupancy as 3 family. Frame new addition bedroom with a closet according engineer plans . Remove and reframe new emergency stairs at the back of the house. Time: Jan 13, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81628589012
