Henry Knox Unsung Heroes: Joe Arcari, Ayesha Lawton, Luanne O’Connor and Danny Monahan

SBCA President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board are pleased to announce on Saturday, March, 4th, 2023, at the Kick-off Breakfast, The Henry Knox Award Presentation will take place at the Seapoint Restaurant, 367 East 8th Street, at 10 a.m.

These awards are presented to everyday volunteers in the community who seek no recognition, and 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:

Luanne O’Connor

Our first recipient is no stranger to the South Boston community and to label her a “community activist”, does not do Luanne O’Connor’s dedication to her South Boston community justice. She is a “defender of her neighbor”, a “promoter of all that is positive” about her hometown. When Luanne joins a community meeting on behalf of the City Point Neighborhood Association (CPNA) or shows up, camera in hand, at a local event on behalf of the South Boston Today (SBT) newspaper, anyone in a position of responsibility knows ‘Here come the tough questions.’

“Luanne loves her hometown of South Boston and you always know where Luanne stands. No softballs from Luanne”, SBCA president Tom McGrath stated.

Luanne O’Connor was born and raised at 56 H Street. Luanne is a 4th generation South Bostonian, and her son Matthew is 5th generation. Luanne attended South Boston High School during the 70’s and then went on to UMass Boston. In her limited spare time, Luanne enjoys playing darts, Boston sports, gardening, reading and shopping while keeping up with current events and politics.

In high school, Luanne worked at New England Merchants National Bank. This was the beginning of Luanne’s banking career, especially at Mt. Washington Bank, where she learned the skills of professionalism, listening and treating people with respect. Luanne moved on to more challenging jobs as a manager of credit and collection, director of credit and collection, and accounts receivable manager in the high-tech industry. No doubt, in this role she honed her skill at ‘bottom line’ finance, using her acquired BS-detector expertise.

She was the former advertising manager for the South Boston Tribune up until its closure in October 2012. Currently, Luanne works for South Boston Today, covering local events in South Boston. She loves seeing her neighbors and friends at “Southie Times”. “It’s amazing when you see and capture multi generations on film. It gives me a sense of community, neighborhood and caring that South Boston is, “ Luanne said. “One of my favorite events is the Senior Salute. I get to see the wonderful families and friends that have known me since I was born, and I also get to see the friends I made by being out and active in the community. The wealth of information, stories and memories shared by our elders is our history.”

Anyone. who knows Luanne, will testify that she stands for open communication, honesty, transparency, community inclusion and action. Tom McGrath added, “South Boston and CPNA is lucky to have her on our side.”

Joe Arcari

The Association likes to recognize a business owner in the community who goes above and beyond, and our next Knox recipient is Joe Arcari of the Broadway Hospitality Group. With over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Joey created Broadway hospitality group to own, manage and build his everexpanding restaurant portfolio. The current portfolio includes such brands as Tavern in The Square, The Mercantile, The Broadway and The Playwright, with several more restaurant projects in the works over the next twenty-four months.

“Joe’s generosity throughout the Community is the true definition of being an “Unsung Hero” not seeking any recognition. Just ask any of the non-profit organization in the neighborhood, whether it be sports or educational institutions, Joe and his team will be involved in some way or another.” Stated President McGrath.

Joey’s role in BHG is concentrated in the financing, designing and construction of all new locations. He thrives as the company CFO especially in these trying times. From finding new locations to negotiating leases, designing, building, and financing new projects, Joey actively participates in all that expansion details.

Born in Dublin, Ireland. Joey immigrated to America in 1994 to pursue the American Dream. With a quick two year stop in NY. He moved to Boston in 1995 and opened his first restaurant with his brother Mario and another fellow 22 club member, Jon Cronin.

Joey is a member of the Board of Directors of South Boston Neighborhood house along with being very active in many other local charities.

Arcari currently resides in Brookline with his wife Andrea, his daughter Annabelle.

Ayesha Lawton

Our next recipient is Ayesha Lawton who has been a Boston police Officer for17 years serving both the Mattapan and South Boston Communities. Three years ago, Office Lawton joined the C6 Community service office and began to forge invaluable relationships within the South Boston Community. Office Lawton began to have an immediate impact by developing programs to work with the youth in the community and at the same time, enhancing the relationship between the police and Community.

Officer Lawton led a youth leadership program for the young women, taught self- defense classes and assisted with Holiday events for the youth in the community. Officer Lawton has concentrated on working with children and families in need.

On a daily basis, Officer Lawton assists with issues in neighborhood schools and community centers, homeless issues throughout the neighborhood and noise complaints. Officer Lawton has developed a strong and respectful rapport with residents in South Boston by solving problems and developing strategies to handle quality-of-life complaints. “Officer Lawton embodies all of the great qualities of a community service officer and goes above great lengths to ensure our community feels not only safe but also connected and

heard.” Stated Captain Boyle of C6. Danny Monahan

Lastly, we have Danny Monahan. Dan was born, raised, and educated in South Boston. Growing up he played in the South Boston Youth Sports Programs. From a young age he witnessed what community service was all about as his mother was an instrumental part of the group that started the South Boston Youth Hockey League. Now as an adult, and in his professional career, Dan is deeply engaged with local community-based and volunteer programs in South Boston.

For 37+ years Dan worked with kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs, Tynan Community Center and BCYF. He spent 8 years at the SB Boys and Girls Club, 7 years at the Tynan, 12 years at a Boys and Girls Club in California and currently on his 11th year at BCYF. During those years Dan mentored and had a positive impact on so many in those communities whether it be through his career or through coaching. He currently is working at BCYF. “I have known Danny for 45 years and he has always gone above and beyond what was needed for any kid in need, whether it was helping one seek employment, or just making sure a teen had a team to be part of.” said McGrath.

During his early years as a regular the L Street Bath House (Curley Rec Center) Dan ran the very successful handball Tournament as well as the Volleyball League for many years. Dan also helped rejuvenate the L Street Brownies. Most recently his team was able to obtain official nonprofit status to help raise funds to support community groups, such as the SB Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Trust Fund and the SB Special Kids and Young Adults to name a few.

Dan has two daughters Samantha and Halley and four brothers Bob, Kevin, Sean, and Terry.

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 the 4th to honor these men and women.”

Tickets are available at the door for a 15.00 donation.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Jimmy Flaherty

Kick-Off Breakfast

Saturday, March 4th

State Senator, Nick Collins

Honorary Chairman

Sea-Point Restaurant 10:00 AM

Suggested Donation$ 15.00

21 +Bowl-A-Rama

Sunday, March 5th

Pauline Bare

Cheryl Joyce, Andrea Flaherty

Rich Devoe and Joyce Higgins

Honorary Chairp ersons

South Boston Bowl 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Must be 21+ to attend-no children, please

Basketball Free-Throw Competition

Monday, March 6th

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Bernie O'Donnell & Kathy Davis

Honorary Chairpersons

Tynan Community School Gym - 6:00 PM

The Swimming Competition

Tuesday, March 7th City Councilor Erin Murphy

Honorary Chairperson

Boys and Girls Club Pool

Registration 6:00 PM, Meet 6:30PM

Tom & Eddie Butler

St. Patrick's Senior Salute

Saturday, March 11th

Mayor Michelle Wu

Councilor Michael Flaherty, Thomas Butler Jr. Chairmen

Mary Collins, Kathy Flynn and Joyce Biele

Honorary Chairwomen

St. Peter's Lower Church Hall - 11:00 AM

247th Annual Evacuation Day Events

2023 Evacuation Day Committee

March 4rd through March 19th

Ice-0-Rama

Sunday, March 12th

State Rep. David Biele

State Senator Nick Collins

City Councilor Ed Flynn

City Councilor Frank Baker

Honorary Chairmen

Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard

Events begin approx. 9:00 AM

Boxing Show

Saturday, March 18th

Register of Deeds Stephen Murphy

Honorary Chairman

Peter Welchs'Gym - 4:00 PM

143rd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet

Friday, Marchi 7th

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