01_16_2025

THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Keep It Educational

by Rick Winterson

P

erhaps we should get to the point immediately.

The South Boston High School, also called “Excel”, is one of the schools that the BPS (Boston Public Schools Department) has decided to close. Despite this closure, future BPS plans state that “Excel” will eventually be refurbished and reopened. After that, it will once again assume a new educational mission as an “anchor high school”.

In this article, we would like to discuss the South Boston/“Excel” High School decision as carefully as possible, as well as bringing up several pertinent questions.

First of all, there’s no question that the number of students in the BPS has significantly dropped.

Originally, Boston’s entire school system was designed to accept and teach more than 60,000 students.

Currently, the number of BPS students is (approximately) 45,000,

and it is still dropping. Clearly, plans must be made to allow for this lower number. And certainly, this will cause many Boston schools to be closed.

South Boston High School was originally designed to accept approximately 1,500 students. After several organizational changes, the High School’s name was changed to “Excel High School” about 20 years ago. This year, the Excel student body now numbers only 387, spread out over four grades. Over the past few years as classes have graduated, enrollment has dropped from about 1,000 to 700, and then down to the present level – over 75% empty.

It really can’t continue this way.

Early this month, BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper announced her recommendation to close Excel. Excel’s Senior class will graduate as scheduled in June of this year; the Junior class will be allowed to complete their Senior year, graduating in June of 2026. Then Excel will Continued on Page 2

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Celebrating Special Events

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n December we celebrated many special events... some of which were: The students in the Early Childhood Center and at South Boston Catholic Academy did a fantastic job at their Christmas Concerts entitled, “A Wish On Christmas Night”, much to their families’ and

classmates’ delight! The songs the students at the ECC sang included: We wish you a Merry Christmas”, “I’m a Little Snowman” and “Joy to the World”. The students at the SBCA Christmas Concert songs included: “Mary did you Know?”, Away in a Manger, and Continued on Page 8

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THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

Continued from Page 1

Keep It Educational close completely. Supt. Skipper will present her recommendations to the Boston School Committee later this month, for a final Committee vote early in the spring.

This leads us to ask, “Why not close Excel this summer instead?”

What will another year cost? Why fund it? Is it really worth keeping Excel open until June, 2026? A quicker closing might save tax revenues, and it will allow renovations at the High School to proceed more rapidly.

For you see, Supt. Skipper also stated that Excel High School will eventually be reopened as a so-called “anchor high school”. However, before that can happen, the High School badly needs substantial investments.

This leads to further questions: How long will all of this take? What does the term “anchor high school” mean?

Will it still be called “Excel”? And the most important question of all is,

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“Where will the student body in the new High School come from?” Right now, it has room for 1,000 students or more. You are aware that, at least for a while, the total number of school students in Boston will continue to drop. Even so, South Boston Online strongly supports Skipper’s plan for restoring and “bringing back” a High School to South Boston South Boston Online also has a suggestion. In order to create a top-quality “Anchor High School” here, which attracts a large number of students (upwards of 1,000?), we believe the mission of our High School should be enlarged when it is renovated and reopened. Here are some examples of what we mean.

Offer students training in handling their future finances. Teach them how to successfully apply to colleges of their choice. Counsel them about choosing technical careers and pursuing highly skilled crafts. Provide specific courses in artificial Intelligence (AI).

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Perhaps most important, a new “anchor high school” in South Boston might offer what we’ll call “advanced high school post-graduate studies”.

These would be for City of Boston students of ages 17 to 20, who have already received their diplomas. Topics

could include advanced STEM study, AI (mentioned above), creative writing, the fine arts, and even professional assistance in finding the right job.

But first and foremost, focus the newly renovated High School on advanced education. And education only!

Councilor Flynn Files Hearing Order on Expanding Pedestrian Safety Infrastructure

t this week’s Boston City Council meeting, Councilor Ed Flynn will re-file a hearing order to discuss pedestrian safety, trafficcalming, and expanding the Safety Surge program in the city. He will also file a resolution in support of the replacement of concurrent pedestrian phasing traffic signals in Boston. This legislation follows a tragic and fatal car crash at Andrew Square in South Boston this week.

Pedestrian safety has long been a top priority for Councilor Flynn. In 2018, he recommended a 12-Point pedestrian safety plan to the city that called for the use of speed humps, raised crosswalks, pedestrian islands with rapid flash beacons, and curb extensions among other traffic-calming infrastructure. In 2019, after two pedestrians were struck by a van at the intersection of Melcher and Summer Streets in Fort Point at the site of a concurrent phasing traffic signal, one of them passed away due to their injuries.

At that time, Councilor Flynn called

for and held a Council hearing on concurrent pedestrian phasing traffic signals. He has consistently voiced opposition to giving cars a green arrow at the same time as, and in conflict with, pedestrian crossing signals.

Pedestrian safety is a critical component of public safety and overall quality of life for residents. The City of Boston is committed to pedestrian safety as part of Vision Zero - the goal of having zero serious and fatal traffic crashes. With this, the city lowered its default speed limit on neighborhood streets from 30 mph to 25 mph in 2017, with calls from City Councilors to lower it further to 20 mph.

In 2023, the Safety Surge Program and installation of speed humps was welcomed by many residents as a way to slow down cars; however, speed humps are currently limited to being installed on neighborhood side streets.

Councilor Flynn has advocated for years that raised infrastructure be placed where the majority of vehicular and pedestrian foot traffic actually come into conflict- on main streets,

commercial roads, high traffic corridors, and bus routes. It is a natural fit to have traffic-calming infrastructure in these areas of high foot traffic, and force speeding cars to slow down to allow for pedestrians, our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young families to cross the street more safely.

Moreover, residents throughout the city continue to call attention to the potential for a dangerous situation when it comes to concurrent pedestrian phasing traffic signalswhere pedestrians have a signal to cross the street at the very same time that vehicles have a signal to turn at an intersection, with the expectation that the motor vehicle will always yield to the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

In 2020, Councilor Flynn also called for declaring speeding cars as a Public Health Emergency. In 2021, he called for a portion of the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funding for the city to be dedicated to address long-standing pedestrian safety needs with improved traffic-calming infrastructure. This City Council

Resolution will aim to replace concurrent phasing traffic signals.

“Pedestrian safety continues to be one of the top issues we face in the City of Boston- but it can no longer be a one-size fits all approach.

I continue to advocate for trafficcalming infrastructure like raised crosswalks, speed humps, pedestrian islands with rapid flash beacons and curb extensions and that they be installed where the majority of vehicular traffic and pedestrians areour main streets, commercial roads, high-traffic corridors, and bus routes,” said Councilor Flynn. “We also need to prioritize pedestrian safety crossing signals at our intersections.

In my opinion, speeding cars and distracted driving are a public health emergency. Allowing pedestrians and cars to proceed at the same time is a recipe for disaster at many intersections across the city.”

For more infor mation , pl e a s e contact C ou n c i l o r Flynn’s of f ice at 617- 6353203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

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Deadly Crash in Andrew Square

by Rick Winterson

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n Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., an auto drove across Andrew Square, hitting and killing Noah G. Greany, and then crashing violently into the façade of “Small Victories”, a local pub. The two occupants of the auto suffered serious, life-threatening injuries, and are now under treatment in a local hospital. Since a fatality was involved in this incident, police quickly roped off the entire Square

for the next several hours while they were investigating. Needless to say, everyone crossing the Square at that moment was shocked.

The damages at “Small Victories” included two front windows knocked out and the decorative planters on the corner of Preble and Dorchester Streets destroyed.

Russ Waterman’s memorial stone was flattened. As of this writing, “Small Victories” is still closed while awaiting repairs.

A sign on their door reads, “We will be closed until further notice.

A ut hor it ie s a re still investigating the cause of the accident. But it was a frightening occurrence. We’ll quote from an email sent to us by Pattie McCormick of ASCA (the Andrew Squa re Civic A ssociation): “Many of you have heard of the tragic accident that occurred in Andrew Square this past Sunday morning, which resulted in a loss

of life. We feel it is important to ref lect upon this unimaginable loss and we’ll gather this Sunday, January 19th, at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Preble and Dorchester Street to remember the victim.

We invite you to join us. A young man, a resident, a neighbor, going for a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.”

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THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

Veterans Urged to Apply for Benefits Councilor Flynn Encourages Veterans to Apply for Earned Benefits as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Several Cancers Presumptive for ServiceConnection

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he U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA) a nnounced that they have expanded several types of cancers to be presumptive for service-connection. This includes acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodyspla stic syndromes, myelofibrosis, urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers. The expansion will lower the burden of proof for veterans to receive medical care and assume the conditions are service-related, allowing treatment at no-cost.

Veterans who are eligible for the presumption include

Gulf War Veterans who served in Somalia or the Southwest theater of the Gulf War on or after August 2nd, 1990, and Post 9/11 Veterans, who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or Uzbekistan and the airspace above these locations on or after September 11th, 2001.

According to the VA, the presumptive status for urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers came into effect on January 2nd, 2025, and the presumptions for acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, and myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis will kick in on January 10th, 2025.

This important a nnou ncement fol lows t he signing of the PACT Act in 2022, which expanded benefits to over 3.5 million U.S. service members and veterans who were exposed

to Burn Pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances while serving overseas, many of whom developed an onset of diseases such as sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, and other respiratory cond itions a f ter ret u rning home. Prior to the PACT Act’s passage, many veterans lacked the proper documented evidence to prove these toxic exposures to receive treatment.

“It is important that we spread the word on the VA’s e xpa nsion of pre su mpt ive

service-connections for our Gulf War and post 9/11 veterans,” said Councilor Ed Flynn, U.S. Navy (Retired). “When we send our veterans in harm’s way, we have an obligation to care for them when they return. I encourage all eligible veterans to take advantage of these benefits. Veterans and survivors can visit VA.gov or call 1-800-MY VA411 to apply.”

For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.

Senator Collins Supports Prescription Drug Reform

Bill would lower costs for patients with chronic illnesses

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he Ma ssachusetts Legislature passed comprehensive reforms to lower the cost of pre script ion d r u g s at the pharmac y counter and improve oversight of the state’s pha rmaceutica l i n d u s t r y.

S.3012, An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs, and transparency, requires health insurers to cover life-saving medications for diabetes, asthma, and certain heart conditions with no or limited out-of-pocket costs for patients. The measure is particularly critical for residents of color, who disproportionately face chronic illnesses.

The bill ta kes bold action to lower out-of-pocket costs and ensure access to life saving medications by offering immediate price relief for prescription drugs used to treat diabetes, a sthma, and certain heart conditions.

For each condition, the bill requires insurers to eliminate cost-sharing requirements for one generic drug and to cap co-payments on one brand-name drug at $25 per 30-day supply.

It further brings down consumer costs by ensuring that consumers are not charged a cost-sharing amount, such as a co-pay, if it would be cheaper for them to purchase the drug without using their insurance.

“Rea sonable caps on drug prices will lead to less anxiety, f inancial stress and b e t ter he a lt h outc ome s.” said Senator Nick Collins.

“I am proud to have supported this law delivering important reforms to prescription drug pricing. For too long, people with chronic illnesses have paid too much for their daily medications. This bill will bring the relief they deserve.”

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THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

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Citizens’ Association Announces Edward Flynn U.S Navy (Retired)is 2025 Evacuation Day General Chairman

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outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Thomas E. McGrath has announced that Edward Flynn of the U.S. Navy (Retired) will serve as General Chairman of the Association’s 2025 Evacuation Day commemoration by the SBCA Executive Board.

“The executive board and I look forward to working with Ed, to ensure once again the success of this unique community celebration, the commemoration of the British evacuation of Boston in 1776,” said McGrath. Eddie is a lifelong resident and active member of the SBCA his entire adult life. His dedication to the South Boston Citizens’ Association and the neighborhood of South Boston will continue to make it a great place for all who live here. We are honored to list him as a member, and even prouder to name him this year’s General Chairman.”

Ed Flynn enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1987 and retired from military service in 2014. While in the U.S. Navy, Flynn served on active duty at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, with the Navy’s 5th Fleet in the Persian Gulf and on the Iraqi oil platforms, and served on a U.S. Department of Defense task force in Washington, D.C., helping coordinate transportation services for the 2005 presidential inaugural.

Flynn served as public affairs coordinator at the U.S. Naval War

College and completed training in homeland security, public safety and leadership development. He retired from the Navy and is Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.

In his professional life, Ed Flynn served as a Probation Officer at Suffolk Superior Court and helped coordinate their reentry program and works with local law enforcement officials on public safety concerns and community policing efforts.

As the District 2 City Councilor and former Boston City Council President, Ed Flynn is currently in his fourth term. His work at the Council has included securing tens of millions of dollars in funding to support projects like the renovation of the Curley Community Center, a new Boston Fire Department and Boston EMS presence in the South Boston Waterfront, and the study for a new South Boston Public Library.

Additionally, Flynn worked at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., and worked on efforts to increase the federal minimum wage, the Family and Medical Leave Act and for safer working conditions for millions of American workers.

Ed Flynn is married to Kristen and they have two children, Caroline and Stephen.

The Association, along with Mass Bay Credit Union ,Comcast ,Liberty Bay Credit Union and

others will once again be sponsoring a full roster of civic and sporting events over a three-week period as part of its annual commemorative celebration of Evacuation Day. The Association’s events begin with the Jimmy Flaherty KickOff Breakfast on Saturday March 1st, at the Sea-Point Restaurant 10:00A.M., where the Henry Knox Un-sung Hero Awards will be presented, followed by a host of educational and athletic events throughout the month of March.

This year’s SBCA commemorative events will also include, the 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet at the Boston Convention Center on Friday, March 14th , followed by the Memorial Mass and Memorial Exercises at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club on Monday, March

17th with a quick wreath laying stop at the base of Dorchester Heights due to the renovation project.

The full schedule of events, as well as the identities of the 2025 Henry Knox Award, John W. McCormack Public Service Award, The SBCA Presidents Award and James “Jim” Kelly/ Margret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Community Service awards, will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I remind everyone that a limited number of tickets are available for our Banquet, which is the capstone event of the 2025 commemorative activities,” Stated McGrath. “Anyone who is interested in purchasing tickets to the banquet should email me as soon as possible at t mcgrat h1963sb@gma i l. com Or call at 857-204-5825 ”

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THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

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Alumni Day at Boston Collegiate In Annual Tradition, Alumni Return to Boston Collegiate to Reconnect and Share Advice with Current Students

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ore than three dozen alumni of Boston Collegiate Charter School, from classes 2017 through 2024, returned to the Dorchester school to enjoy an annual tradition: Alumni Day. They mingled and caught up with classmates and former teachers, then headed to the school’s commons for a question-and-answer session with current 11th and 12th graders.

Alumni responded to questions

about what to expect from life at college, what they found challenging, and how to find community in a new place. They offered advice on everything from managing free time to meeting people and overcoming imposter syndrome. Joanne McGuinness, Class of 2022 and now an undergraduate at University of Massachusetts Amherst, reassured students that even if they don’t get into their first-choice college, “Whatever is meant for you will find you.”

Sean Connolly, Class of 2018 and a graduate of the University of Maine, noted, “Boston Collegiate was a key part not only of getting into college but preparing me for life and being an adult. Boston Collegiate

Class of 2023 students Kristina Gavelis (left), Grainne McBride (center), and Kate Fiasconaro (right) enjoy reconnecting.

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2025 Youth Summit

ff ice of Youth Engagement (OY E A) tod ay announced free tickets are now available for the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit (MYS), an annual, citywide celebration of the contributions of young people to Boston’s culture. With support from many local, youth-serving partner organizations and City departments, the 2025 Summit will be held 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 at the Artists For Humanity EpiCenter, a vibrant arts center for youth, located in South Boston. The Mayor’s Youth Summit, which resumed last year

under Mayor Wu’s leadership, builds on her commitment to making Boston a home for everyone and ensuring our city’s youth have the tools to reach their fullest potential.

The 2024 Summit, which was held by the City for the first time in 20 years and marked 30 years since its inception, brought over 200 youth attendees from around the city. This year, the Summit is expanding to 500 free tickets available for teens ages 14-19 and 100 tickets for adult providers in the youth work space.

It will feature free food, speakers, giveaways, and live performances from local youth of Beat the Odds and 617Speaks, among others.

helped me develop know-how for balancing finances, confidence for job interviews, and a diligent work ethic.”

He credited something as simple as learning how to write a check in a financial literacy class to the rigor of his academic courses. When asked why he came back for Alumni Day, Sean said, “Because I love Boston Collegiate!” Edson Jean François, salutatorian of the Class of 2024 and now a student at Northeastern University, echoed this sentiment, saying he returned for Alumni Day “to give back to the students I love so much… I’m so glad to be back.”

Boston Collegiate serves 700 students in grades 5 through 12 from across the City of Boston. The

student body reflects the diverse demographics of the city, with 57% students of color and 43% students who are white. Boston Collegiate’s mission is simple but ambitious: to prepare each student for college. Since the first graduating class in 2004, 100% of diploma-earning seniors have been accepted to college. Boston Collegiate is currently accepting applications for the lottery for our 2025-2026 school year. To learn more about our lottery, which is open to all Massachusetts students who will be entering grades 5 through 10 during the 2025-2026 school year, please visit the Application and Lottery page (www.bostoncollegiate. org/application-3-2/) of our website.

Edson Jean François (right) is joined by other members of the Class of 2024,Cameron Mikalauskis (left) and Philippe Jean (center).

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THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

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Mayor Wu Refiles Residential Tax Legislation to Provide Immediate Relief for Residents

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ayor Michelle Wu today introduced an expa nded residential tax relief package aimed at providing financial assistance to Boston residents impacted by sharp increases in their Fiscal Year 2025 third-quarter property tax bills that were sent out on January 1st. The refiled home rule petition will help Boston’s residents as their property tax bills have increased due to national economic trends that led to the single largest jump in the residential share of the property tax levy since 2007, while commercial taxpayers saw a significant drop.

The legislation would provide immediate relief for residents with the same measures agreed upon by business groups through compromise legislation after months of negotiation last year, and includes provisions to provide for residential tax rebates if the tax rate is not adjusted, and increased exemptions to support small businesses and seniors.

“For too many residents, this sharp tax spike is a burden that makes it even harder to pay bills and afford to stay in the city they call home,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I urge legislators and all stakeholders that held up the passage of our negotiated compromise to look carefully at the serious impact on Boston residents and join us in delivering the balanced relief our community needs.”

Last year, Mayor Wu negotiated compromise legislation with business leaders that further amended the tax relief home rule petition that had already been passed by the Boston City Council and the House of Representatives. Although this compromise legislation received a second round of approvals through the Council and House, it never received a vote before the State Senate after a single Senator used a procedural block three times during informal session last month. In ending session without a vote on the legislation, members of the Senate and business groups walked away from the agreed upon compromise

legislation that had been advanced a second time through the Council and House at their direction, suggesting that the City of Boston’s final property valuation numbers were not as dire as the worst case scenarios outlined, so residents should absorb the impending tax increases.

Since then, residents across Boston have received their Fiscal Year 2025 third quarter tax bills, reflecting very significant increases.

The taxes for the average single family home receiving a residential exemption increased 10.4%, which is nearly $575 for the year and a 21% bill-to-bill increase. When expanded to include additional residential property types—not only single family homes but also duplexes, condos, and standalone apartments without commercial components—average annual taxes increased 14.9%, around $833 for the year, or a 30% bill-to-bill jump.

These averages mask the variation across different neighborhoods and properties, and it has been widely documented that many residential taxpayers received a significantly higher increase due to a combination of regular market value changes and the added impact of the commercial tax responsibility shift that the administration sought to avoid through legislation. While individual value changes vary by neighborhood and individual property, the overall shift of commercial responsibility increases the burden on residents across all residential property types and neighborhoods.

Overall data analysis shows that more than 55% of all residential property owners received a bill with an annual increase greater than 9% (or quarter-to-quarter bill jump of more than 18%). Had Mayor Wu’s compromise legislation been approved by the State Senate last month, this would have been reduced to 21.5% of residential properties with such a significant increase. With these January bills, the average commercial property received a 3.4% reduction in taxes—

about $7,745 less than the previous year. For office buildings, the tax decrease was even larger: a 7% drop.

Now that the scale of tax increases is documented and clear, this refiled home rule petition proposes to provide immediate needed relief to residential taxpayers this year through the same compromise tax rate agreed upon after months of negotiations and legislative process, as well as adopting the multiyear rates agreed upon for tax stability over the next two years.

Additionally, this legislation has been updated to include new provisions that address specific concerns raised through that legislative process.

In sum, this new legislation: Sets the FY25 tax rate to levels which were agreed upon by business groups and previously voted on by the Boston City Council and House of Representatives. This would allow for relief by adjusting the final quarterly property tax bill for the fiscal year in April 2025.

The legislation would need to be passed by March 2025 in order to operationalize this measure.

Establishes tax classification levels between residential and commercial property in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, consistent with the levels that were previously agreed to in the October 2024 compromise legislation, in order to provide future stability for residential and commercial taxpayers through this period of economic transition.

As included in earlier compromise legislation, gives the City the authority to appropriate up to $15 million for any years that the commercial portion of the levy is greater than the amount currently allowed to offset potential impacts on small businesses due to the shift.

Expands property tax relief for low-income seniors by modifying the eligibility criteria for the 41C senior tax relief program, as well as increasing the amount of the exemption. These changes will modernize the dated criteria which has shrunk the pool of eligible applicants in recent years and will

provide much needed financial assistance to a group of residents most impacted by property tax increases.

As included in earlier compromise legislation, increases the exemption for small businesses on personal property to $30,000 so any neighborhood business with less than that amount in personal property would not be taxed. This increase would expand the number of small businesses across Boston exempt from personal property tax under this exemption provision from approximately 2,500 to 5,000.

In the event the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2025 does not change as outlined above, gives the City of Boston the legal authority to issue some degree of residential tax rebates from surplus funds.

The amount of money and the rebate shall be determined by the City of Boston and will be subject to an appropriation reviewed and approved by the Council.

Earlier this month, the City developed a tax calculator so residents can see how much they would have saved if the earlier compromise legislation were in effect.

The tax calculator can be found here: boston.gov/tax-calculator.

Mayor Wu has focused on making Boston more affordable for all residents since she assumed office. The Wu administration has created more affordable housing than in a generation, ensured more families become homeowners than ever before, implemented policies to reduce home energy costs over time, doubled the number of universal pre-K classrooms to serve nearly 1,550 3- and 4- year olds, boosted public transit ridership on free bus routes, and opened the doors of many of the city’s cultural institutions at no cost through Boston Family Days.

Mayor Wu’s residential tax relief package, which is part of her affordability agenda, now goes to the Boston City Council for approval before heading to the State House for legislative consideration.

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SBCA “It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year”. Our SBCA Children’s Choir did an amazing job singing “A Wish on Christmas Night”.

A Special Thank you to all our talented students, their families and teachers, to our Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi, who helped prepare all the students for this delightful Christmas Concert and to our

talented Art Teacher, Mrs. Valerie Hasko for transforming the Gym into a beautiful winter wonderland.

Our wonderful Home and School held a Holiday Celebration.

The students and their families were welcome to come and meet Santa and have some Christmas fun!

Grade 4 did a super job decorating their Gingerbread Houses. The 6th Graders wonderfully reenacted the Nativity Scene. The Nativity

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Scene shows God as he came into our world, but it also makes us reflect on how our life is part of God’s own life. It invites us to become his disciples if we want to attain ultimate meaning in life.

“Dear God, Thank you for all the exciting things this New Year will bring. Thank you for the chance to make changes and set goals. Please help me to make realistic resolutions, and remind

me to keep trying even when I fail.

Thank you for giving me a fresh start every day. I know you are beside me to cheer me on. It’s good to share resolutions and encourage each other. Thank you for this New Year. Amen. Happy 2025 Everyone!

New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy. org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

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ABUTTER’S MEETINGS Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be

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ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS

found at https://www.boston.gov/events.

To participate in ZBA hearings, please monitor this page for 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

597 E Second St (NEW)

thoughts in that forum.

Proposal: Add dormers to single family home Time: Jan 21, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89639607008 Meeting ID: 896 3960 7008 One tap mobile +16469313860,,89639607008# US

821 E Third St (NEW) Proposal: Extension of living space in basement, mechanical room, half bathroom, closet, family room, study/office space.

New windows and siding. Repair and replace roof as needed.

Remodel all 3 floors per architectural plans Time: Jan 22, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88459322268 Meeting ID: 884 5932 2268 One tap mobile +13052241968,,88459322268# US

853 E First St (NEW) Proposal: Curb cut to create a driveway on property to park two vehicles Time: Jan 23, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82562549803 Meeting ID: 825 6254 9803 One tap mobile +16469313860,,82562549803# US

401 W Fourth St (NEW) Proposal: Renovation/Addition to 3-Story, Single-Family Dwelling To Create New 3-Story, Two-Family Dwelling Time: Jan 30, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89378866147 Meeting ID: 893 7886 6147 One tap mobile +16469313860,,89378866147# US

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

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CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Estate of:

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

SU24P0382EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

SU25P0026EA

Estate of: Shirley D. Duggan

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

Also known as: Peter Wright

Docket No.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Peter J. Wright

Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

(617)788-8300

Date of Death: 10/26/2005

11

THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2025

(617)788-8300

Date of Death: 09/22/2024 To all interested persons:

A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Corinne White

of

A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by

MA

Whitman

Edward M. McGuire, Ill

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

of

MA

South Boston

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Edward M. McGuire, Ill

of

South Boston

MA

be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration

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:

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.

10:00 a.m. on. the return day of 02/10/2025

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.

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.

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.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

��

December 27, 2024 Date: ---------'-------

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January 07, 2025

Date:

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Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

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PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

Paul J Gannon, Esq.

Stephen R Agnatovech, Ill, Esq.

Law Office of Paul J Gannon P.C.

Sheehan, Schiavoni, Jutras and Magliocchetti LLP

PO Box E46

70 Bailey Boulevard

546 East Broadway Boston, MA 02127

MPC 560 (2/22/24)

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

page

1

of

3

MPC 560 (2/22/24)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Docket No.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

Haverhill, MA 01830

SU24P2572EA

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

Also known as: Adele L. Paskevich

A Petition for S/A - Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by of

Boston

MA

1

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617)788-8300

To all interested persons:

Patricia Lyons

of

Boston

MA

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: of

Boston

MA

The Petitioner requests that:

be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve With Personal Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration

Patricia Lyons

of

Boston

MA

be appointed as Personal Representative(s} of said estate to seNe Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration

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 02/21/2025 .

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.

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 02/07/2025.

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.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

January 10, 2025 Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

Date:

January 03, 2025 ---------"--'--------

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

tt

Katelyn Versiackas, Esq. Prince Lobel Tye LLP One International Place Suite 3700 Boston, MA 02110

3

A Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment has been filed by

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

Date:

of

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Francis Lyons

Date of Death: 02/06/2020

To all interested persons:

L. David Ferrari

SU25P0015EA

Estate of:

page

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Docket No.

(617)788-8300

Date of Death: 09/25/2024

L. David Ferrari

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Adele Lillian Paskevich

tt

Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

Richard H Woodwell, Esq. Cushing and Dolan 400 Fifth Ave

<::: Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

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12

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