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Native Sun, the new retail cannabis dispensary on K and East First streets, was called a bad neighbor during a Zoom call Wednesday night to discuss its proposal to expand hours.

Holland Brands SB, doing business as Native Sun, wants to be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The dispensary is currently open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Charlie Yon of Native Sun had mentioned that other dispensaries and liquor stores in the area have extended their hours.

Forty-four people were on the call, and every resident who spoke or put comments in the chat was against

the expansion of hours.

A representative for City Councilor Ed Flynn read a letter from him. “This application has received significant opposition from residents due to concerns that Native Sun has not demonstrated their ability to be a good neighbor,” his letter said.

Flynn’s letter also said that

since Native Sun’s opening, the dispensary has shown a lack of concern for the quality of life of the residents by cutting down 20 mature trees despite showing the trees in its renderings.

Maria Melone said there are 30 licensed dispensaries in Boston city limits, based on her research, and the ones with

extended hours are in highly trafficked, largely retail-focused locations, “which is exactly opposite of what we have here.

“We have a very strong residential component … we have more and more families coming in,” she said. “I think this is a gross ask and

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Continued from Page 1 Native Sun

is something I know that basically 100 percent of our neighborhood is opposed to.”

Added Cara Early, “In addition to not being a good neighbor, I would also point out that the majority of the liquor stores that were mentioned with extended hours are on Broadway … or on other high-traffic, predominantly retail-oriented streets. So it feels like we’re comparing apples and oranges.”

Arvid von Taube said the hours that Native Sun is already open are well beyond the hours of any kind of business on East First Street and even Broadway.

“I can’t pick up my dry cleaning after 6 o’clock yet people would be able to come to our street, which is sleepy and quiet in the evening, at 11 p.m.”

Von Taube said it doesn’t sound like Native Sun really demonstrated a need to stay open that late. It sounds like it has very little business during the day. “So it just doesn’t make sense to me. And I’d like to reiterate the teardown of 20 trees. I mean, that was our tree canopy. Those were healthy, mature trees and they’re all gone.”

Matt Jones wondered if this was part of the business’ plan all along: get into the neighborhood, be open for a reasonable number of hours, and then force its way into more hours. “I’m just curious … is the business not doing so well and so they chop down trees to increase visibility and put up all the advertising hoardings to increase their visibility and now they need to be open longer to hopefully get more sales? What’s

coming after that? Are they going to try to be open for even longer? Are they going to put up flood lights so that they are more visible? What’s coming after this, quite aside from the sort of meritlessness of this request?”

Yon said some of the impetus behind the request to amend hours is due to customer demand. “There are people who work nontraditional shifts, nurses, construction workers, that live in the South Boston neighborhood and aren’t able to access our sites due to their working hours. And these greater hours will give the availability to folks like that.”

Mart Martinelli echoed what everyone had said about Native Sun ”being really bad neighbors … And I’m not opposed at all to cannabis shops in Southie. But the idea that they haven’t followed through on really any commitments that they made when they opened and the manner in which they’ve gone about business to this point, I don’t see any reason why they should be rewarded.”

Luanne O’Connor of the City Point Neighborhood Association was worried about all the visitors South Boston gets in the summer. “There’s a big concern that people can actually go in and buy up until 11 o’clock, and then where are they going in the summer? Are they going to go along the Harborwalk? Are they going to come down to Castle Island? Are they going to go to our beaches? That’s a really big concern. So you’re not just affecting one area of South Boston. You’re affecting all of South Boston.”

Other participants mentioned that there have been law violations, nuisance issues, trash, employees and customers enjoying their purchases outside. Many of these issues have been logged with the police.

In the chat, David Schramm wrote: “Holland Brands has not lived up to

what they sold us several years ago. There is no community space, residents don’t have access to the parking lot after hours, the signage is unsightly, the felled trees are a shame.”

The community benefits piece was also brought up.

Mike Ross, an attorney for the project, said Holland Brands has a great team and knows what it’s doing, “but for them to be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. is on the lower end of the stick for what else is out there in their immediate neighborhood.”

He noted that even though residents around the dispensary live in a residential community, they do live across the street from an industrial subdistrict.

Ross said the project came in with 30, 40, 50 new trees to plant to help create the new development. “I mean, trees don’t last forever and the intent here was to create a fresh look and create new trees.”

The community room is a commitment that was made and will be delivered, he said. “There’s no backing down from that commitment.” He said when an elected official or a city official comes to the dispensary and says it should have a certain group in the room, “we’re open to that conversation.”

Yon said his team regularly sweeps for trash and he has plans to continue to improve the landscaping.

Regarding the community benefits, Yon said Native Sun makes regular donations to the South Boston Neighborhood House.

The initial proposal stated that neighbors would be able to use parking spaces during the off hours but residents say that hasn’t come to fruition.

Yon said Native Sun does make parking available and there’s a registration and signup form on the website. But residents said there was no such page on the website, so Yon and Ross said they’d put something up.

It Takes a Community: Sister Maryadele Robinson

By Carol Masshardt

Since age 19, Sister Maryadele, of the Catholic Charities Labore Center, has been guided by her faith, and that has led her, surely and through experience, to work with and on behalf of those suffering.

“I was always close to the church where I grew up in Syracuse, New York, and learned so much from the sisters along the way, but it was when I saw them in action at a nursing home that I began to understand the meaning of God in action and lives. Faith isn’t just a Sunday morning thing,” she said.

Many know Maryadele as the former Director of Labore prior to her “retirement.” It may be less known that she returned to the ministry that has meant the world to her and many she has served. In a unique and much needed program, she has worked with others to listen and help heal those who have lost a child or grandchild to a substance use disorder, or those who have someone in their family with substance issues. The workenriching critically needed and demanding- could tax many, but Sister Maryadele considers herself “lucky and blessed,” to be doing it.

“Through my sixty -nine years of work, from the South Jersey to the Bronx, and in parish communities, I have had many wonderful experiences, but of all the things I’ve been asked to do this, the Recovery Connections, is most meaningful.”

Trained as a social worker, Maryadele brings her mind, skill, and soul to the work with families, primarily women, whose lives have been impacted by someone close with substance use problems. She, with co-leader Edie Morrill, leads retreats with women from all backgrounds, and fosters a community of understanding, support, and growth. Sister Maryadele could see herself at the center of this vital program, but she prefers to talk about herself as one who learns as she goes

and regularly experiences the honor of being part of brave lives.

“It isn’t all suffering and sad, we laugh and have joy, but there are stories that have to be told and it isn’t easy,” she said. “I have learned that the women who have lost a child don’t want them referred to as ‘junkies’ or ‘addicts’ because they were more. So often they say that the lost child was the one most sensitive. They suffer from guilt and shame and have been traumatized. It is so important that they are with people who understand and don’t judge but offer understanding and support.”

“Of course, my faith is central in my life, but I don’t expect the same of anyone else, and I don’t preach or proselytize. They don’t need that. I have worked with Father Joe White in South Boston, and he has an extraordinary acceptance of people. I learned early on, and it is what informed my decisions, that to love your neighbor is the highest calling.”

“Substance use in South Boston, as in many places, is the best kept secret everyone knows,” she said. She also has seen close up and a hundred plus times over, the kind of loneliness, isolation and suffering it causes, especially when kept private.

Sister Maryadele does more than bear witness to tragedy though she has the guts and stamina to do that. She listens gently, offers ways of thinking about life, and accompanies people on journeys that can heal souls.

Loving her Laboure colleagues, the community of South Boston, the people who join her in work and in retreats, her family and close friends, Sister Maryadele Robison has led a life of exceptional contribution. She, however, has one regret.

I knew in my heart I had made the right choice. I toyed with being an athlete, but God captured me instead,” she jokes. “I only wished I knew earlier the private pain people suffer with, and the hardship they carry, but experience has taught me.”

There are many legacies in South Boston, but the one Sister

Maryadele has nurtured is by all standards a significant gift to a complex community. Perhaps someday, the need for care for those suffering the loss of loved ones from substance use disorders will end, or the stigma and judgement at least lessen. Until that time, we can only hope that the ethos of Sister Maryadele, and the vision

and humanity of the Recovery Connections programs continue.

(To hear more about the programs or to make a donation, contact maryadele_ robinson@ccab.org and you can be sure she will direct you.)

(The author can be reached at carolhardt@comcast.net)

Sister Evelyn Turns 109 Years Old

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre shook hands with Sister of Charity of Nazareth Evelyn Hurley at the end of the recent World Day of Consecrated Life Mass at St. Gregory Church in Samuels, KY. Sister Hurley celebrated 90 years as a religious Sister. She is believed to be the second oldest religious Sister in the United States and turns 109 years old on March 7, 2024.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth would like her to receive at least 109 birthday cards. You may mail the card to PO Box 3000, Nazareth, KY 40048.

Kick-Off Breakfast and Henry Knox Award Presentation Saturday, March 2nd

SBCA President Tom McGrath and Executive Board are pleased to announce that this Saturday, March, 2nd, 2024, at the Kickoff Breakfast, The Henry Knox Award Presentation will take place at the Seapoint Restaurant, 367 East 8th Street, at 10AM.

Family, Friends and Neighbors are respectfully invited to attend this wonderful event. A $15.00 donation is requested at door to help off-set costs. This year’s event will once

again feature great music of Bob Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy and be catered once again by Deja Brew.

The event Chairman, once again will be South Boston’s own State representative David Biele, who continues to lead the fight to preserve the historical importance of Evacuation Day while serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. “As president of the Association, it is an honor for me to work with Dave to kick-off the festivities. Dave’s commitment

and involvement with the SBCA and our community has been a tremendous asset to me and the Executive Board.” Said McGrath.

The awards are

presented to everyday volunteers in the community who seek no recognition,

Who are considered who are considered “Unsung Heroes”, kicks off the month-long celebration for one of the most important events in American history.

This year’s recipients are

BPD Officer Billy Connor, Jay Arthur, Shannon Maloney, Anne Marie Adduci and Billy Allen. Tom McGrath, President of the SBCA, said “It is an honor to recognize these individuals who dedicate their time and energy to the South Boston Community. I hope the community will join me and others on Saturday, March, 2nd to honor these men and women.”

Tickets are available at the door for a $15.00 donation. Doors open at 9:30AM.

South Boston Citizens’ Association Upcoming Athletic Events

South Boston Citizens’ Association, President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board are pleased to announce the

Evacuation Day Sporting Events

Through the generous sponsorships of Comcast, Mass Bay Credit Union, Liberty Bay Credit Union, John Tunney

of South Boston Bowl, Peter Welch’s Gym, South Boston Youth Hockey, BCYF and the City of Boston it will once again host the athletic events throughout the community from March 4th through March 16th.

On Monday March 4th, at 6:00 p.m., We head on down to the Tynan Community Center Gym where there will be the annual Basketball FreeThrow Competition Event hosted by John Lydon and Kathy Davis and the staff of the Tynan Community Center.

On Tuesday, March 5th, we head down to the Boys and Girls Club, for the Annual Swimming Competition hosted by Josh, Patty, Timmy and the great Staff from the club.

The ever so famous Ice-ORama competition will be held on Wednesday March 6th, at 6:oo p.m., at the Murphy Rink. Boys and Girls will compete for the Speed Skating Championship and puck shooting Title: ages 5-14.

And finally, who will be crowned Miss Junoir and Senior Ice-O-Rama? Figure skates must be worn.

For more info on this event contact Tom McGrath.

Reminder ALL hockey events require a HOCKEY HELMET with CAGE

and Hockey GLOVES.

The ever so popular boxing show will take on a new look this year. It will be a two day boxing tournament once again hosted by Peter Welch, trainer and owner of Peter Welch’s Gym on March, 9th and March, 16th at 371 Dorchester Avenue. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with bouts starting at noon. Peter Welch and Mike Larkin promise a fun - filled tournament crowning several champions over the 2 day Tournament. Come and support the athletes as they have prepared for this day all winter.

Sunday, March 10th, the 21+Bowl-A-Rama event will be held at South Boston Bowl. Refreshments will be served. Prizes to male and female “Hi Single” and “High Triple”. Bowling starts at NOON hosted by John Tunney of Southie Bowl.

Finally We head on down to the Condon Community Center Gym on Thursday, March 14th at 4:00 p.m., where the annual Kickball Competition will be hosted by Barbara CaputoKelly and the staff of the Condon Community Center

All Events Subject to Change

Lastly, don’t forget to get those poster and essays in on time! March 8th Deadline Thanks!

South Boston Citizens’ Association

Thomas E. McGrath, President

“The Nation's Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization”

248th Annual Evacuation Day Events

2024 Evacuation Day Committee

Clerk of Courts, John Powers, General Chairman

Governor Maura Healey, Honorary Chairperson

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Honorary Chairman

Mayor Michelle Wu, Honorary Chairperson

State Senator Nick Collins, Honorary Chairman

State Representative David Biele, Honorary Chairman

Former City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty, Honorary Chairman

City Councilor Erin Murphy, Honorary Chairperson

District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, Honorary Chairman

Suffolk Register of Deeds Stephen Murphy, Honorary Chairman

City Councilor Ed Flynn, Honorary Chair

March 2nd through March 17th

Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast

Saturday, March 2nd

State Representative, David Biele Honorary Chairman

Seapoint Restaurant -10:00 AM

Suggested Donation $15.00

21+Bowl-A-Rama

Sunday, March 10th

Cheryl Joyce, Andrea Flaherty, Rich Devoe, Pauline Bare and Joyce Higgins

Honorary Chairpersons

Sponsored by South Boston Bowl

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND

Basketball Free-Throw Competition

Monday, March 4th

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Former Mayor Ray Flynn

Bernie O’Donnell, Kathy Davis, John Lydon

Honorary Chairpersons

Tynan Community School Gym

6:00 PM

The Swimming Competition

Tuesday, March 5th

City Councilor Erin Murphy

Honorary Chairperson

Boys and Girls Club Pool

Registration 6:00 PM, Meet 6:30 PM

Our Sponsors

Ice-O-Rama

Wednesday, March 6th

State Senator Nick Collins

State Rep. David Biele

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Honorary Chairmen

Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard - 6:00 PM

Boxing Tournament

Saturday, March 9th &16th

Sanctioned by USA Boxing

Sponsored by Peter Welch’s Gym

Noon - Doors open at 11:30 am

144th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet

Friday, March 15th

BCEC 2nd Floor Ballroom

New England Boiled Dinner

Entertainment by Curragh’s Fancy

Reception 5:30 PM-----Dinner 7:00 PM

FOR TICKETS CALL 857-204-5825

Tom & Eddie Butler

St. Patrick’s Senior Salute

Saturday, March 9th

Mayor Michelle Wu, Michael Flaherty & Thomas Butler Jr. Chairmen

Mary Collins, Kathy Flynn and Joyce Biele

Honorary Chairwomen

Curley Community Center - 11am to 2pm

Athletic Competition

Condon School Gym

Wednesday, March 14th 4 PM-6 PM

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Joe Curran and Barbara Caputo Kelly

Honorary Chairpersons

Boys and Girls ages 10 to 14

St. Patrick's Day Road Race

Sunday, March 17th

Proceeds Benefit South Boston Boys & Girls Club

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED 617-516-5441

Race begins at 11:00 AM at the Club

Evacuation Day Memorial Mass

Friday, March 15th

Fr. Joe White

Margaret Lynch, Honorary Chairwoman

St. Augustine's Chapel - 9:00 AM

Memorial/Historical Exercises

Friday, March 15th

US Congressman Stephen Lynch

State Senator Nick Collins

Old Harbor & Telegraph Streets - 10:00 AM

Essay & Poster Competition Event

Wednesday, March 13th

Bernie O’Donnell, Past President SBCA

Robert Allison, S.B. Historical Society

US Congressman Stephen Lynch

State Senator Nick Collins

Marry Collins, David Biele and Ed Flynn

Honorary Chairpersons

The Broadway - 5 to 7:30pm

St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade

SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH - 1 PM

Gerald Wheeler - Chief Marshal

SB Allied War Veterans Council

Mayor Wu Announces Life Sciences Workforce Funding

by Rick Winterson

An important press conference took place this month at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The reason for the press conference was a formal funding announcement by Mayor Michelle Wu. She named the recipients of $4.7 million

($4,700,000) in City of Boston funds, which will be used to educate and employ Boston residents in careers devoted to the life sciences. The meeting took place in Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ conference room at their corporate headquarters – 50 Northern Avenue in South Boston’s Seaport District. It was very well attended; more than 100 educators, executives, and members of the press were present. Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., the CEO and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, opened the meeting by stating how excited Vertex is about “the hotbed of talent we have in Boston”. She then enthusiastically introduced Mayor Wu.

We’ll quote from Mayor Wu’s press release. She said, “Boston is the home for big ideas that can change the world. As Mayor, my goal is to help ensure that Boston remains the best place in the world

to start and grow a life sciences company – to create lifesaving innovations and great jobs for our residents. Through our Life Sciences Workforce Initiative, we’re partnering with industry, training providers and higher education to connect employers with the talented workforce that lives in our neighborhoods.”

The Life Sciences Workforce Initiative that Mayor Wu mentioned will take advantage of Boston’s worldwide leadership in ongoing technical discoveries about the life sciences, along with the City’s ability to develop these discoveries and then commercialize them. This will require training a large number of skilled, competent personnel, who won’t necessarily need to possess college degrees. They might well be drawn from Boston’s people of color. More specifically, the Initiative now has a goal of employing a thousand (1,000) Boston residents in the life sciences before the end of 2025. The Mayor also spoke of a collaboration between the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio), the Commonwealth’s life sciences trade association, and YearUp, a job training outfit in Boston.

In addition to Mayor Wu and Vertex’s Dr. Kewalramani, six other brief-but-eloquent speakers expressed their enthusiasm about job and career opportunities in

Boston’s life science enterprises, many of which are located in the Seaport District. Perhaps the most memorable remarks were made by Josiah Wade-Green, a student with one of the grant recipients – Bioversity and Mass. College of Pharmaceutical Health Sciences (MCPHS). At the end of his short speech, Wade-Green emphatically stated, “Even though I only have a high school degree, Bioversity has created a career pathway for me. I can’t wait to start the next chapter in my life.”

So far, the grant recipients include Bioversity and MCPHS, Bunker Hill Community College and Mass General Brigham, JustA-Start, Quincy College and the Bioprocessing Group, Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, Roxbury Community College and the NuSq Life Sciences Training Center, and Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd).

And just a word (or two) more about Vertex, who were the first enterprise to establish a truly major life sciences presence in the Seaport District. Vertex agreed to be a major anchor for the Fallon Company’s development at Fan Pier; they relocated here from Cambridge in 2014. Since then, they have become a major force in life science technology and successful product development.

Mayor Wu

Chamber of Commerce President Jim Rooney at the press conference.

The 2024 Election Year Begins

This year is a very important Election Year. Along with many other elections and issues, we’ll be voting for the President of the United States of America, the single most important job on Earth. We are now in the process of electing our next President, who will serve us (and the whole world) from January, 2025, until January, 2029. If you haven’t voted in advance, please be sure to vote in the Primary Election this coming Tuesday, March 5.

Your vote will be extremely important this year! But you know that already.

Before you vote, think for a moment (or two) about the month of February, which is ending as you are reading this. Our two greatest Presidents – George Washington and Abraham Lincoln – happened to be born in February. Now, a truly “great” President does not come along very often. Washington was President in the late 1700s; Lincoln took office 72 years later in the mid-1800s.

But this leads to a question: Who (if anyone) was a “great” President in the 20th Century, also referred to as the 1900s?

We believe only Franklin Delano Roosevelt would qualify as “great”. Roosevelt was elected President in 1932, and then assumed office in the spring of 1933 – 68 years after Lincoln was assassinated. He faced two enormous problems – the Great Depression, followed by the Second World War. In addition, Roosevelt was crippled, probably by polio. He bravely served as our 32nd U.S. President from a wheelchair. In April,1945, he died in office from a cerebral hemorrhage at the comparatively young age of 63, soon after his fourth term had begun.

Since that time, we have been served by some good, capable Presidents. Among these were Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, both of whom successfully ended the Second World War, reduced the national debt that war

had caused, and then led the world in fighting the spread of Communism. Later in the 1900s, President Reagan’s world leadership caused the Soviet Union to crumble, and President Clinton led the U.S. into a memorably strong economic era. History has yet to decide whether any of these Presidents could be considered as “great”.

Now, we are well into the 2000s - the 21st Century, in other words. It has been 79 years since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died in office. America’s serious problems in the 21st Century include staggering deficits, rapid global warming, illegal migrants by the millions, and actual wars

involving other friendly nations (Ukraine, Israel, and maybe Taiwan). We definitely need and are due (overdue?) for another “great” President of the U.S.A.

Please understand this isn’t about either of the two major political parties, nor is South Boston Online endorsing any specific Presidential candidate. As an American voter, that’s entirely up to you. It’s a choice, a vital choice, that you – and only you – must make for yourself. So, think long and hard about the upcoming election, as well as the huge problems our next President will face.

Then please be sure to vote next Tuesday on March 5. Thank you!

Murphy and Flynn File Resolution calling for “Sundays for All” in the City of Boston

At this week’s Council Meeting, Councilor Murphy and Councilor Flynn will file a resolution calling for “Sundays for all” to allow for all students to have an opportunity to visit Boston’s leading cultural institutions. At the State of the City last month, Mayor Wu announced a new program in partnership with the City of Boston, Boston Public Schools (BPS), and six of Boston’s leading cultural institutions called BPS Sundays, which grants BPS students and up to three family members free admission to visit on the first and second Sunday of each month. The participating institutions

include the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of Science, Institute of Contemporary Art, Franklin Park Zoo and the Aquarium.

While BPS Sundays will expand access to over 45,000 BPS students and their families to visit Boston’s world-class museums for free, Councilor Murphy and Councilor Flynn noted the importance of ensuring all city kids and families - including those from non-BPS schoolshave the same opportunities. There are currently over 23,000 non-BPS students who attend charter schools, parochial or private schools, METCO, or are

homeschooled, where over 80% of charter schools students are students of color and over 70% are from low-income households.

Councilor Murphy said, “This museum initiative is wonderful, but it is a missed opportunity if we don’t open it up to all of our families in Boston. That is why we are asking our colleagues to join us in supporting expanding the program to include ALL children and families in Boston. We need to be more inclusive and ensure that we are leaving no child behind.”

“We’re very fortunate to have so many excellent museums

and cultural institutions here in the City of Boston. While BPS Sundays is a great program for our BPS students and families to take advantage of, we also need to ensure that our non-BPS students and families - many who are lowincome and from communities of color - have equal access,” said Councilor Flynn. “These students and their families deserve these wonderful opportunities as well.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Murphy’s office at 617-6353115 and Erin.Murphy@ Boston.gov, and Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

by Rick Winterson

On Monday evening, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services hosted an in-person Neighborhood Forum. It was held on East First Street in the 500 block, near the entrance into East First Street Park. This is in the middle of the neighborhood served by a resident association, who call themselves “Friends of North of Broadway (NoB)”. The main topic of the meeting was the need for tree cover in the Park, versus keeping it as a completely open community green space. The many suggestions by the meeting’s attendees were all welcomed.

Boston’s elected officials were on hand, including City Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy, along with Lydia Polaski, City Hall’s South Boston Liaison person. Representatives from the Urban Forest Plan, Speak for Trees, Friends of Boston Harborwalk,

and the Boston Planning and Development Agency (the BPDA) came to the Forum as well. Also attending were many people who live, work, and play along what is now becoming known as “Our (beloved?) First Street Corridor”.

When the meeting actually got underway shortly after 6 p.m., several comments were quickly offered – courteously but also

plainly spoken, too. Gratitude was expressed for the recent work in East First Street Park. It seemed to this observer that the remarks mostly centered on providing an adequate tree cover, rather than on open green space. While South

Boston and the entire City can use more of both, the advantages of tree cover (including trees being Mother Nature’s natural air filters) were preferred by the Forum’s attendees. But this was only the initial meeting. You can offer your own opinions and suggestions to City Councilors Flynn and Murphy, or by contacting Lydia Polaski at Boston’s Office of Neighborhood Services – 617-293-8328 or Lydia.Polaski@Boston.gov.

Toward the end of the Forum, many mentions of Native Sun at K and First were made, in part because of their excessive signage (now nearly all removed), but mostly because they cut down over 20 trees to make room for the signage. At this time, Native Sun is seeking permission to remain open for many more hours each week,

Conley Terminal Serves

All New England

The photograph shows the container ship MSC Arusha (Liberia) currently being docked at the Conley Terminal. It has a capacity of more than 4,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). Last week, the Ever Fortune was unloaded at Conley. At a total capacity of 20,000 TEU, it was the largest ship the Terminal has ever handled. Despite their enormous size, container ships are the most fuel-efficient way to transport large quantities of products.

Winter Harbor Cruise

How has Boston’s waterfront changed? What types of commerce continues? What challenges do we face along the waterfront?

On Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. join the Friends of the Boston Harborwalk (FBHW) for a 2 ½ hour cruise around Boston’s inner harbor on a multi-deck, heated vessel. FBHW tour guides will discuss the history of the city, its harbor, and how much the waterfront neighborhoods and the harbor continue to evolve – nearly 400 years after the city’s founding.

The tour departs from and returns to Long Wharf on a Boston Harbor City Cruises’ marine vessel. We will begin boarding at 9:45 AM and will depart at 10:00 AM (sharp)returning at approximately 12:15 PM. Specific dock location and boarding information will be sent out days prior to the tour. Cost $20.

Register in advance at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ friends-of-the-harborwalkwinter-harbor-cruise-tickets824086453767?aff=ebdssbdes tsearch

On Ash Wednesday, February 14, the students in Grade 3B at South Boston Catholic Academy did a wonderful job leading the students, families, faculty and staff at SBCA in the School Mass. At this Mass we marked the beginning of Lent and celebrated the Feast Day of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love. He was born in modern-day Italy around 175 AD. He was ordained a priest and later a bishop. This day was very fitting for it being both Ash Wednesday and St. Valentine’s Feast Day since both events are all about love of God, family and stopping to let God and the important people in our lives know how much we love them. In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Christians from

SBCA February Highlights

many denominations recognize the holy season for 40 days leading up to Easter. The Pastor, Father Robert Casey, was the celebrant at this Mass. Our Altar Servers did a fantastic job serving at this Mass. Thank you to Ms. Julianna Sammarco, the Grade 3B teacher, for helping her students prepare for this Mass. The SBCA Children’s Choir sang beautifully. Thank you also to the Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi and Parish Music Director and Organist, Ms. Kathy Clancy.

The students at SBCA and in the Early Childhood Center had a chance to exchange Valentine’s Day cards with their classmates and friends. Here are Ms. Taylor and Ms. Denise’s K0C students in the Early Childhood Center having a fun time celebrating St. Valentine’s Day in their classroom.

How do you spell Excellence?

S-B-C-A. Congratulations to SBCA Spelling Bee champion sixthgrader Mason Finn. The next step for our champion is competing in

the 2024 Boston Citywide BCYF Spelling Bee that will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Boston Public Library, Copley Square Branch. Congratulations to all our SBCA spellers for their diligence, determination, and school spirit! A Special Thank you to Mrs. Evans for organizing this Annual Spelling Bee. Congratulations to the South Boston Catholic Academy students who represented SBCA in the All Star Student Basketball games.

Mayor’s Cup Street Hockey Tournament April 15th

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will once again host the 2024 Mayor’s Cup Street Hockey Tournament in partnership with the Boston Bruins Foundation during the April Boston Public Schools vacation week.

“We’re thrilled to offer a year-round schedule of healthy outdoor activities for all ages in our neighborhood parks,” said Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Ryan Woods. “Thanks to our collaboration with the Boston Bruins Foundation, our young street hockey players will once again have the chance to connect with kids from across the city and vie for the title of

‘Boston’s Best’ in the Mayor’s Cup.”

The Tournament will begin Monday, April 15, and continue through the April school vacation week. All games will be played at Joseph Moakley Roller Hockey Rink on Columbia Road in South Boston. Additional support is provided by P&G Gillette.

Teams will compete in three age groups: Mite (ages 6 to 8); Squirt (ages 9 to 10); and Pee Wee (ages 11 and 12). Please note that pre-registration for teams is required with a limit of eight teams per regional division. Visit boston.gov/sports to register. For more information, contact Damien Margardo or call (617) 961-3083.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION