Parade Etiquette: Enjoy the Fun Responsibly
South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a time-honored tradition, drawing hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors to our streets to celebrate Irish heritage, community, and pride. It’s a day of fun, pageantry, and camaraderie, but as we gather to enjoy the festivities, we must also prioritize safety and responsibility. Last year’s parade was rife with drunkenness, fighting, vandalism, and destruction of property. We must do better this year.
Please Celebrate Responsibly
The parade is a familyfriendly event, and we encourage everyone to enjoy the day in good spirits, while not overindulging in spirits. If
you’re underage, don’t drink. If you’re an adult and choose to drink, do so responsibly. Overconsumption can put both you and those around you at risk. Know your limits, pace yourself, and stay hydrated.
Watch Out for Your Friends
Keep an eye on your friends, especially in large crowds. If someone in your group is feeling unwell or needs help, don’t ignore it. Stay with them until they feel better or get them home safely. Never leave a friend alone in an unsafe situation. Make a plan on where to meet if you get separated and make a plan to ensure that everyone gets home safely.
Continued on Page 2
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
Southie’s seniors had a Shamrockin’ good time at the St. Patrick’s Day Senior Luncheon! Hosted by the Condon CC Council at St. Peter’s Parish Hall, the afternoon was filled with laughter, music, delicious food, raffles, appearances by elected officials, and plenty of Irish spirit! Cheers to community, celebration, and a wee bit of fun!
More Photos on Page 10 & 11
Continued from Page 2 Parade Etiquette emergency responders arrive. Your actions could save a life.
Help Those in Need
If you see someone who appears to be in distress, don’t walk away. Stop to help and call 911 if necessary. Whether it’s a medical emergency, someone who has had too much to drink, or a lost child, your intervention could make all the difference. If you call for help, stay with the person until
Respect the Neighborhood South Boston is home to thousands of families, seniors, veterans, and working residents. Parade day should be a time of celebration, not disruption. Be mindful of your surroundings — don’t destroy property or litter, don’t urinate outside, don’t fight, and most of all be respectful of
local businesses, residents, and property. Let’s make sure that this year’s parade reflects the best of South Boston’s spirit. By celebrating responsibly
Letter to the Editor
and looking out for one another, we can ensure that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Zero Tolerance for the Out-of-Control Behavior at the Parade
Letter To:
Rob McCarron, President Associated Independent Colleges & Universities of Massachusetts (AI CUM)
Mary Bourqt1e, Exect1tive Director Massacht1setts Association of School Superi11tendents (M.A.S.S.)
Dear President McCarron and Director Bot1rque,
We write to you ahead of the 122nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day/ Evacuation Day Parade asking for your assistance in ensuring that this tradition remains a family friendly festivity for all. With Parade Day fast approaching, we want to remind visitors to South Boston that there will be zero tolerance for the outof-control behavior that the people of South Boston endured last year. So we are seeking your assistance in getting this message to the Boston area college and school district leaders of your association. For the last year, a Task Force assembled by Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and the South Boston Elected Officials (Congressrnan Stephen Lynch, State Senator Nick Collins, and State Representative
David Biele) composed of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, Boston Police Department, Boston Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police, MBTA Transit Police, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and other city and state agencies have conducted monthly preparation meetings.
Our focus has remained on addressing the public safety and quality of life issues that created the inacceptable ‘’anything goes’’ atmosphere last year, including public drinking, disturbing incidents of violence and assaults that went viral on social media, people on rooftops without a roof deck, overcrowding on roof decks, beer cans thrown at parade marchers, and public urination on resident’s property.
The Task Force is committed to restoring the Evacuation Day & St. Patrick’s Day Parade to a family-friendly eventinclusive for our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young children and families - that not only focuses on celebrating a consequential victory during the American Revolution, but to honor the service and sacrifices of our veterans, Military families and first responders, as well as our proud immigrant heritage. The Task Force has also worked to adjust the parade to an earlier
start time at 11:30 a.m. and developed strategies to address public drinking and underage alcohol smuggling via the MBTA.
Although, the City of Boston is down more than 130 officers this year, other law enforcement agencies have stepped up to provide the needed resources from state partners and surrounding jurisdictions to provide assistance. Law enforcement and the Parks Department will have Personnel at key locations like Medal of Honor Park, the site of the first Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the country, where serious incidents of violence went viral on social media last year. Boston Fire Department Commissioner Paul Burke has conveyed that enforcement over roof deck overcrowding will take place. The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) and Boston Licensing Board will be working with the Boston Police, bars and package stores to ensure underage
Sincerely,
purchases of alcohol do not take place a11 Parade Day weekend.
Our message to visitors to South Boston’s parade is simple: please show some common courtesy and respect for the residents, veterans and military families, our dedicated first responders, and our nation’s history. Operate under the golden rule and if you wouldn’t do it back home, don’t do it here.
As Elected Officials, we have given our full support to public safety officials to enforce the law to keep the community safe. We ask that you assist us in communicating this message directly to all of the Boston area College Presidents and High School Sttperintendents so that they understand the public safety protocols in place for South Boston at the annual St. Patrick’s Day /Evacuation Day Parade and the consequences for their students if they break the law. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride
May God bless all with happiness
May love and faith abide.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Congressman & Mrs. Stephen F. Lynch and family
Senator Collins Announces Details for This Year’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast
Senator Nick Collins today announced details for the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast in South Boston.
The 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast will take place Sunday morning, March 16th, at the Ironworker’s Union Hall at 195 Old Colony Ave in South Boston. Starting at 9am, Senator Collins will serve as host and welcome federal, state, and local elected officials as well as military
leaders and representatives from the Irish government to celebrate a tradition that has taken place for over 100 years.
“The St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast in South Boston is a storied tradition we have celebrated for a century paying homage to Boston’s Irish and American heritage.” Senator Nick Collins said, “I’m honored to host this year’s event once again and to be joined by incredible guests, live music and the shared spirit of
camaraderie that this event brings out in everybody. We can all use a little levity this time of year.”
Special guests include Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, US Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senate President Karen Spilka, Mayor Michelle Wu, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, District Attorney Kevin Hayden, City Councilor Ed Flynn, State Representative David Biele, Irish Cabinet
Minister Peter Burke, US Navy Commander Cameron Ingram of the USS Hudner, Irish Tenor Paul Byrom of Dublin, and Chief Marshall of the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day & Evacuation Day Parade and South Boston native, Lieutenant Commander Alanna Ball. The event will feature live music performed by Curragh’s Fancy.
Special guest performances will also include: The Boston Fire Acapella Quartet, The Woods School of Irish Step, Superintendent Pauline Wells of the Cambridge Police Department and Massachusetts State Representative John Moran. The Breakfast will be broadcast on TV live via New England Cable News (NECN), New England Sports Network (NESN), and Boston Neighborhood Network (BNN), on radio live via WROL 950 AM and 100.3 FM and with online coverage via Caught In Southie. “We are very excited about our media partners who are helping us increase access to viewers and listeners across the region,” said Sen. Nick Collins. Highlighting this year’s local business partners including Castle Island Brewery, GrandTen Distillery, Bardo’s and Sullivan’s Castle Island, Collins noted that “the participation of our local businesses will make this year’s Breakfast even more enjoyable for attendees.”
from Senator Nick Collins & Family
SB Citizen’s Association Events
Boxing Tournament
Saturday, March 15th
Sanctioned by USA Boxing Sponsored by Peter Welch’s Gym
Noon - Doors open at 11:30 am
St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
Sunday, March 16th
Proceeds Benefit
South Boston Boys & Girls Club Race begins at 9:30 a.m.
Evacuation Day Memorial Mass
Monday, March 17th
9:00 a.m.
Memorial/Historical Exercises
Monday, March 17th
Boys and Girls Club Auditorium - 10:15 a.m.
Essay & Poster Competition Winners
PARKING ON PARADE DAY
The Marine Park Garage at 12 Drydock Ave will offer reduced price parking for vehicles with a South Boston resident sticker for those who need to park away from the parade route. This will be offered from Saturday, March 15th at 6 p.m. to Sunday, March 16th at 8 p.m.
The 2025 St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:30am. The Edgerley Family South Boston Club’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race will begin on Sunday, March 16 at 9:30
AM. The 2025 Parade Route starts at Broadway Station and proceeds up West Broadway and continues onto East Broadway, turns right onto P Street, then right onto East 4th Street, left onto K Street, right onto East 5th Street, left onto G Street, stays to the left of South Boston High School onto Thomas Park, left onto Telegraph Street, left onto Dorchester Street and concludes at Andrew Square. Parking is restricted and posted No Stopping on the entire parade on Sunday. BTD will commence towing operations at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday.
BTD will be responsible for the section of the parade route from West Broadway Station to the end of East Fifth Street.
BTD’s Tow Lot: 200 Frontage Road, Boston MA, 617-635-3900
D&D Towing will be responsible for the rest of the route: G Street, Thomas Park, Telegraph Street, and Dorchester Street.
D&D will also start towing at 3:00am | D&D Towing: 617-464-8697
If you think your vehicle was towed, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/towing/search
Danny Lynch to Recieve Public Service Award
South Boston Citizens’ Association Announces 2025 John W. McCormack Award for Public Service to Danny Lynch
The South Boston Citizens’ Association (SBCA), led by President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board, is proud to
announce the recipient of the 2025 John W. McCormack Award for Public Service. This prestigious award will be presented to Danny Lynch in recognition of his 35 years of dedicated public service. Lynch, who recently retired from Congressman Stephen Lynch’s office, has spent more than three decades making a profound impact on the South Boston community through his tireless commitment to bettering the lives of others.
The 2025 John W. McCormack Award will be formally presented at the 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, to be held on March 14, 2025, at the South Boston Convention Center. The event will bring together community leaders, friends, and neighbors to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and its initiatives.
“Danny Lynch has spent 35 years making a real difference in our community,” said Tom McGrath,
Application Process For South Boston Foundation Funds To Support Youth Programs
The South Boston Foundation is a not-for-profit Trust formed in 2019 to administer a $1.5 million commitment from Massachusetts Port Authority over 10 years to the South Boston Community youth educational, fitness, wellness and athletic programs in South Boston.
Grants will be awarded to organizations that comply with all submission procedures and granted on the basis of available funds. To be eligible to apply, one must be a non-profit agency or organization located in South Boston with a focus on youth educational, fitness, wellness or athletic programs in South Boston.
Applications are available beginning April 1, 2025 on the website: https://southbostonfoundation.wordpress. com/ Applications must be complete and submitted on or before April 30, 2025 and decisions will be made in May 2025.
President of the South Boston Citizens’ Association. “Whether it’s mentoring youth, advocating for recovery, or offering his support to anyone in need, Danny has always been willing to pick up the phone and help in any way he can. His dedication to service is unparalleled, and it’s an honor to recognize him with this prestigious award.”
Danny Lynch’s career in public service spans 35 years, touching a wide range of sectors from youth development to recovery advocacy. He has coached boys’ and girls’ hockey teams at local high schools, mentored countless young people through City Year, and supported individuals battling addiction by connecting them to critical rehabilitation services and legal assistance.
Additionally, Danny’s efforts have been instrumental in helping individuals find employment opportunities,
secure internships, and earn appointments to prestigious military academies like West Point and the Naval Academy. His work in government, particularly in Congressman Stephen Lynch’s office, focused on providing essential services to the community, including unemployment assistance, healthcare, veterans’ affairs, and labor relations.
Beyond his professional work, family is at the heart of Danny’s life. He is married to Janet Taylor and is a proud father to his sons, Frankie and Daniel, and daughters Kristen, Jacqueline, Shannon, and the late Jessica. He is also a devoted grandfather to six grandchildren.
A graduate of Malden Catholic High School and UMass Lowell, Danny has made a lasting impact on countless individuals and families, embodying the true spirit of public service. His contributions continue to inspire and uplift those around him.
2025 John “Doc” Tynan Profile in Courage Award to Kristen Donoghue McCosh
The South Boston Citizens’ Association is excited to announce that Kristen Donoghue McCosh, the City of Boston’s Disabilities Commissioner and ADA Title II Coordinator, will be awarded the John “Doc” Tynan Profile in Courage Award at the 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet on March 14, 2025. Commissioner McCosh is being recognized for her exceptional leadership in advocating for the accessibility
and inclusion of people with disabilities throughout Boston. As Disabilities Commissioner, she oversees the City’s efforts to ensure accessibility in municipal buildings, public rights of way, and all programs and services. Her work ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to the city and all it has to offer. McCosh is a respected leader both locally and nationally in the disability rights movement. She has been an advocate for over 25 years and served as
Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts in 2007 and Ms. Wheelchair America in 2008, during which she promoted disability rights, equal access, empowerment, and independent living. Kristen grew up on L Street in South Boston, the daughter of Dolores (Cashman) and the late Jack Donoghue. She has two brothers, John and Chris, and is married to her husband, John McCosh. She attended Mt. St. Joseph’s High School before earning her B.A. in English and Political
Science from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. McCosh also holds a Master’s in Disability Studies from the City University of New York. A lifelong resident of South Boston, she now lives on East Sixth Street and continues to be an active member of the local community, using her position to improve accessibility and create an inclusive environment for all of Boston’s residents. “Kristen has been a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, and her efforts have truly transformed our city. She embodies the values of courage, commitment, and service that the John ‘Doc’ Tynan Profile in Courage Award represents,” Tom McGrath, President of the South Boston Citizens’ Association. “We are proud to honor Kristen for her incredible leadership and dedication to making Boston a more inclusive place for all.” The John “Doc” Tynan Profile in Courage Award will be presented to McCosh at the South Boston Convention Center during the Annual Evacuation Day Banquet. The evening will begin with a Cocktail Hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Bobby Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy. Banquet is SOLD Out!!
PARADE GOERS + LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS
All package stores in South Boston will close at 4:00 PM on parade day. Pouring establishments (Sec. 12 licenses) will stop admitting patrons after 6:30 PM, cease alcohol service at 7:00 PM, and all guests must leave by 7:30 PM.
The parade will begin at 11:30 AM; streets will be cleared and reopened immediately after the event concludes. The Boston Police Department will enforce alcohol laws strictly, including prohibiting public drinking, underage drinking, and open containers of alcohol in public spaces. Offenders may face arrest and alcohol seizure. Any form of violence or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Parents or guardians are encouraged to accompany young people attending the event. All package stores in South Boston will close at 4:00 PM on parade day. Pouring establishments (Sec. 12 licenses) will stop admitting patrons after 6:30 PM, cease alcohol service at 7:00 PM, and all guests must leave by 7:30 PM.
Hosts of private parties along the parade route are responsible for their guests’ behavior.
Roof decks, balconies, and porches must adhere to occupancy limits, and access to non-designated roofs is prohibited. Ensure restaurants and gathering spots do not become overcrowded and that exits remain clear for safety. Public urination is illegal; the number of public restrooms has been significantly increased for the event. In case of medical emergencies, or if someone requires assistance, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Slainte!
St. Patrick’s Day to our friends and neighbors, from the MCCA.
Marcel Vernon, Sr. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
St. Patrick’s Day Senior Luncheon hosted by Condon CC Council
2025 Pop Lynch Bowl-A-Rama a Success
Having a Ball
Another Great Evacuation Day Free Throw Competition held at the Tynan Gym. Special thanks to Kathy Davis, Matt Greeley and the entire staff for hosting!
Congratulations to all our SBCA Basketball Teams
All the South Boston Catholic Academy Boys and Girls Basketball Teams had another fantastic season. They led us in the School Mass for Ash Wednesday and did a great job as Greeters, with the Scripture Readings and bringing up the Gifts to the Altar. Father Peter Schirripa, our Parochial Vicar, was the celebrant at this Mass. The Altar Servers did a great job, also. The SBCA Children’s Choir, led by our Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi sounded wonderful as always.
Congratulations to our SBCA 5th and 6th grade boys in the SBCA Basketball Team who are the SSPSL and RCAB 20242025 Basketball Champions! As stated earlier it has been another fantastic Basketball season for the students in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade! We are so proud of each and everyone of them! We want to say a Special Thank you to Mrs. Patricia Coleman, the
Athletic Director, and all the Couches and Parents for taking the time to make this basketball season possible and helping the children to try their best and to learn the true meaning of what it is to be part of a team. “Coming together is a beginning, staying
together is progress, and working together is success.” - Henry Ford
As we are getting ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we wish everyone a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day! A Prayer of St. Patrick, “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me......Amen.”
WinnCompanies and Boston Housing Authority Secure Financing to Start Redevelopment of Mary Ellen McCormack Complex
WinnCompanies and the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) announced today the closing on financing for the construction of a new $62 million apartment building and $8 million in major infrastructure work for the redevelopment of the Mary Ellen McCormack public housing complex, kicking off the first phase of the long-awaited 3,300-unit, large-scale mixedincome and mixed-use project.
When completed in the fall of 2026, the first 112,000-square-foot building will provide 94 modern apartments for low-income families currently living at the Mary Ellen McCormack community, offering 37 one-bedroom units, 44 twobedroom units, 12 three-bedroom units and one four-bedroom unit.
In addition to the critically needed affordable housing, the Building A project will promote connections between Mary Ellen McCormack and the surrounding South Boston neighborhoods. It will also deliver important public benefits, including a new Veterans Park with an accessible tot lot and splash pad, two-way separated bike lane, reconfigured public streets and associated intersections with pedestrian enhancements, new street trees, planting areas and pedestrian zones.
Funding for the construction of Building A is being provided in the form of a construction loan from the Bank of America; federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Energy Tax Credit equity from Bank of America, a tax-exempt bridge loan and tax-exempt first mortgage loan from MassHousing; a subordinate loan from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund maintained by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities; a subordinate loan from the BHA; and state Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity from Bank of America with a loan from BlueHub Capital. Robinson+Cole served as transaction counsel. The City of Boston has also
committed significant funding toward future buildings in the redevelopment.
Massachusetts Congressman Stephen F. Lynch: “I am so proud that we are beginning the redevelopment of the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Complex. At long last, the first phase of the project will provide current residents with more modern and spacious apartments, replacing the crumbling infrastructure of the existing buildings and improving access to the surrounding neighborhood. I look forward to seeing this long-anticipated redevelopment finally come to fruition.”
In addition to Lynch, the project has the strong support of State Sen. Nick Collins, State Rep. David Biele, and many other state and city officials.
Built during the Great Depression and opened in 1938, the Mary Ellen McCormack is one of the largest public housing developments in New England, consisting of 1,016 deeply subsidized apartments across 35 buildings. Under the revitalization plan approved in December 2023, a new 3,300-unit mixed-income and mixeduse community, including more than 70,000 square feet of retail and a new Community Center, will be built over the next two decades. The Community Center will be named after former BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle and operated in partnership with the Greater Boston YMCA.
In all, eight new residential buildings will be built over the course of a decade during Phase One of the redevelopment plan. There will be 1,310 apartments built during Phase One, replacing 529 aging public housing apartments for BHA households and creating 781 additional apartment homes for middle income and market rate renters.
Statements of Support
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch
I am so proud that we are beginning the redevelopment of the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Complex. This process began many years ago in a meeting with my friends and colleagues, U.S. Rep.
Joe Moakley, City Councilor Jim Kelly, Mayor Tom Menino, Rep. Jack Hart, Housing Director Sandra Henriquez, and members of the MEM Tenant Task Force. At long last, the first phase of the project will provide current residents with more modern and spacious apartments, replacing the crumbling infrastructure of the existing buildings and improving access to the surrounding neighborhood.
In addition to millions in critical climate-change resistance funding, last year, I was happy to help secure $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding for the Bill McGonagle Community Center that, in a later phase of the redevelopment, will be built directly on the Mary Ellen McCormack site. Through the collaboration of WinnCompanies, the Mary Ellen McCormack Tenant Task Force, and my current colleagues in government – Governor Maura Healey, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus, Mayor Michelle Wu, BHA Administrator Kenzie Bok, State Senator Nick Collins, State Representative David Biele, City Councilor Ed Flynn, and City Councilor Erin Murphy, we will more than double the number of units at the complex, adding 100% affordable senior housing with the potential for added workforce housing. I look forward to seeing this long-anticipated redevelopment finally come to fruition.
Massachusetts State Sen. Nick Collins
This milestone brings the community one step closer to realizing the renovation and revitalization
of New England’s oldest housing development. My team and I have been proud to work with the residents, Winn, and our colleagues in government to make this a priority. While important work remains, this moment is certainly cause for celebration.
Massachusetts State Rep. David Biele
This undertaking at Mary Ellen McCormack represents an important investment in affordable housing and, equally important, an investment in our residents and our families. I am grateful for the partnership and collaboration between Boston Housing Authority residents, WinnCompanies, elected officials and government agencies to preserve and enhance affordable housing in the South Boston community while addressing needs in the neighborhood and around Mary Ellen McCormack as identified by residents.
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn
The much-needed redevelopment of Mary-Ellen McCormack is critical to providing stable homes and improving the quality of life for all neighbors in public housing - including our seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans and young families - for generations to come. With infrastructure upgrades like the Bill McGonagle Community Center and a new Veterans Park, the new Mary-Ellen McCormack Community will be an anchor neighborhood and accessible to all of South Boston. I couldn’t be more excited to see it through to completion in 2026.
