03_27_2025

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

The Neighborhood House’s Benefit and Auction

By Rick Winterson

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he South Boston Neighborhood House is holding its Annual Benefit and Auction gala Friday, March 28 from 6-10 p.m. at the Seaport Hotel.

You are invited to attend “the House is Where the Heart is” event to dine, drink, dance, and do good for the community.

In Executive Director Kathy Lafferty’s words, it’ll be a real gala.

Many of you know about the gala’s Live Auction that occurs every year. This year’s nine Live Auct ion items include concer t s, spor t ing events, and private dining that is nothing short of elegant.

And the 2025 Silent Auction is already underway – just log onto the www.sbnh.org website

and go to the auction link. You can then bid electronically on any of these Silent Auction items or you can wait until you’re at next Friday’s gala in person.

There’s also a $100 Golden Raff le: If you win, you’ll get to choose one of four trips – Cabo, Sedona, Kentucky Bourbon, or Tuscany with wine. This year’s gala will also offer an in-person bidding opportunity called “Let’s Make a Deal!”

Live music for dancing, performed by Dennis Taylor.

He’ ll be t he closing act in the f un-f illed evening.

Neighborhood Hou se pr o g r a m s b e ne f it 2,000 people from the South Boston community. Programs such as the Diaper Depot, Thanksgiving dinners, and Holiday Helpers Continued on Page 2

The Fitzy Post Gathers

Members of South Boston’s Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post #561 got together, along with Veterans Services Commissioner Rob Santiago, crew members from the visiting USS Thomas Hudner, and friends of the post. The gathering thanked the Hudner for participating in the 2025 Evacuation/St. Patrick’s Day weekend and performing various veterans’ services. The Hudner, a guided missile destroyer, is named for a local medal of Honor recipient.

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THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

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Continued from Page 1 SBNH Auction just scratch the surface of t he si x major communit y programs the Ollie provides.

Two of South Boston’s most notable community members will be honored at the gala: John McGahan and Maureen Dahill.

Joh n Mc G a h a n , t he former President and CEO of the Gavin Foundation, will be honored with the 2025 Joseph “Dodo” Nee “Champion Award.” For decades, John and his Gavin Foundation staff have provided relief to those suffering from addiction to alcohol and drugs. He and the Gavin Foundation have helped c o u nt l e s s individuals, while successfully accomplishing this at little or no cost to our community.

Mau re en Da h i l l, t he

founder of and main contributor to “Caught in Southie,” will be honored with the Amy K. Murray “Angel Award.” In a highly creative way, Maureen, a lifelong South Bostonian, uses her electronic magazine to accurately communicate with us about local Southie happenings. She successfully catches a nd i d e nt i f i e s what Sout h Boston a nd its residents are all about.

The Neighborhood House was founded in 1901 and as such,

it is South Boston’s longest serving nonprofit agency. And in 2026, the Neighborhood House will

turn 125 years old. If that’s not enough to make an impression, just remember that 2026 is also the 250th Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. That means the South Boston Neighborhood House has been serving our community for fully half the lifetime (!) of the entire United States of America.

So please join t he Neighborhood House on Friday, March 28, and let’s celebrate!

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

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Proposed New Branch Library in South Boston

by Rick Winterson

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n Monday, our District 2 Cit y Councilor Ed Flynn, convened a public hearing in City Hall’s Ianella Room.

The topic was the status of a new Branch Library in South Boston that would replace the existing Branch at 646 East Broadway. Specifically invited to this hearing were David Leonard, the President of the Boston Public Library (the BPL), and two members of his staff.

Leonard has BA degrees in math and philosophy, an MS in philosophy, and is currently enrolled in the PhD Information Science Program at Simmons.

He has been with the BPL in various positions since 2009; he was appointed as BPL President in 2016 by the Library Trustees and by then Mayor Mart y Walsh. The BPL has a Central Librar y, an archival center, 25 neighborhood bra nches, and 23 million (23,000,000) book s, maps, prints, a nd manuscripts – the fourth largest such collection in the U.S.

In addition to Flynn, C ou nci lor En rique Pepen (District 5) and current Council President Ruthzee Louijeune (at Large) attended the entire hea ring.

Councilor Erin Murphy (also at Large) showed up midway into the hearing.

A half dozen interested South Boston residents either attended the hearing in person or took part remotely via ZOOM. Some background: Boston is certainly both a notably modern and a deeply historic city. South Boston is an integral part of that heritage, which means city services and public facilities are very important here. These include the Curley Center, the Centers for Youth and Families, and budgets for a firehouse and EMS station in the Seaport.

Also, for the last three fiscal years, the City of Boston’s budget has included $250,000 to develop plans for the South Boston Branch Library’s growing needs.

During the hearing, in answer to several questions, Leonard aff irmed that a new Branch Library for South Boston is still part of Capital Planning by the BPL. He also pointed out that six (6) of Boston’s branch libraries are currently budgeted for active improvements, and three (3) other branches are

“listed”, i.e., being examined.

H o w e v e r, d e s p it e t hese numbers, he stated that plans for upgrading the South Boston Branch Library are still being considered. The years from 2026 to 2028 were mentioned a s t a rget ye a rs for t h is.

While it’s still “early days” for planning for a South Boston Branch Library upgrade, it is time for local residents to get on board and speak up. All of those who took part in the hearing, whether in person or on ZOOM, stated emphatically it was time to move ahead. Many questions still remain, such as the future of our Branch Library’s unique grassed area and how important Br a nc h L ibr a r y f u nc t ion s would be maintained, during the years it would ta ke to build a completely new Branch Library from the ground up.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Tree Care in Current Drought

Lindens (a.k.a. basswoods) in No Man’s Land.

by Rick Winterson

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t might not be obvious, especially since the recent rains, but South Boston is in the middle of a drought – a Level Three (3) drought that is now labelled “Critical”.

Early in March, South Boston Online received a printed briefing and updated information on the drought from the Executive Office

of Energy & Environmental Affairs in Massachusetts. As of the month of February, this State Office declared, “Critical and significant drought conditions persist in several regions.” The Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which contains the City of Boston, is now experiencing the Level 3 drought mentioned above. And the Commonwealth has set aside $500,000 to fund programs to investigate and improve public water management and usage.

This drought actually began a few years ago, due to a significant decrease in snowfall since the winter of 2020-2021. There’s really no substitute for a three- or four-foot layer of snow that melts gradually as spring approaches. Since last August, we are short by more than a foot (13 inches) of precipitation (both snow and rain) in Boston’s many green areas – large public parks, playing fields, and private properties.

During this dry spell, we should make sure that our trees receive enough water, including trees publicly planted along our streets

Honey locusts budding along East Broadway. and sidewalks. But how to do this?

Recently, Bridget Langan, a member of America’s Garden Media Group, suggested that South Boston Online get in touch with Steve Kendall. He’s the District Manager of Hartney Greymont, a tree service company in Needham and a subsidiary of nationwide Davey Tree, Inc. Steve, whose education and working career has made him an experienced arborist, gave us helpful suggestions about trees.

Many of the trees in South Boston are either honey locusts, found along most South Boston sidewalks, or lindens, also called “basswoods”.

Both of these species tolerate urban conditions, including dry spells, fairly well, but Steve told us they still should be watered occasionally.

Tree watering can be done all during the year, but the beginning of “leaf season” is certainly a good time for it. He also recommended that we water any young trees recently transplanted onto public sidewalks.

Picture 20-foot squares around your trees, which would be 4 or 5 feet on each side. Unless there has been recent rain, plan to give the tree six or eight inches (6” or 8”) of water in the 20-foot square, which would be approximately 50 gallons. Simply adjust your hose to a low flow, go eat your supper or watch the news, and then come back to shut the water off. But check it

occasionally. If you see the hose water forming puddles (“ponding”) or running off to one side (not absorbing into the soil), simply shut it off as soon as that happens.

Steve also pointed out that we should not (!) fertilize trees ourselves. That should be done only by professionals, who will test the soil to see exactly what the tree needs. However, he mentioned that we could help trees by composting and mulching them once a year with layers of one inch (1”) of compost topped off with two inches (2”) of mulch. First, rake the area around the tree clean; then, place the compost and mulch in flat layers – not piled up. Steve called doing this “a big plus” for our trees, especially recently planted saplings. We’ve also received many other suggestions about how to deal with the current drought. Some of these are briefly listed below: Check for water leakage in your own household.

Repair any leaks right away. Check your water bills for sudden increases.

Find and fix the reason for any increases. Don’t hose off sidewalks, patios, and outside stairways.

Sweep them clean instead.

Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand, but only on full loads. Run washing machines only when they are fully loaded, too.

Limit the length of showers; don’t run water while shaving or brushing teeth.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

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THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

Councilors Flynn & Murphy Hold Hearing on Women Veterans & Service-Related Cancers

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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn, U.S. Navy (Retired) and Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy held a hearing on various veteranrelated issues with Commissioner of Boston Veterans Services, Robert Santiago and Dr. Renda Wiener from VA Boston Health Care. The topics included services for women veterans, lung cancer rates among African-American veterans, as well as the new cancer presumptions announced by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this January.

At the hearing, Councilor Flynn and the panelists discussed how women veterans continue to face many health inequities and challenges such as gender-specific care, maternity care, mental health support and counselling related to military sexual trauma (MST) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Councilor Flynn highlighted the need to expand mental health services for our women veterans, as well as the need to hire more women and women veterans in the VA as the population of women veterans increases. He also shared that he is working with the Mayor’s Office of Housing to ensure there will be priority affordable housing for veterans, especially women veterans. Commissioner Santiago weighed in on the issue suggesting that women veterans should seek community and engage in various VA events and clinics, and he also shared the importance of the Women Veterans Call Center (855-829-6636) as a resource.

In addition, the hearing focused on the unique challenges AfricanAmerican veterans face in lung cancer care. Dr. Renda Wiener noted that 8,000 veterans are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among U.S. Veterans. Veterans have a higher risk of developing lung cancer due to exposures from Agent Orange, asbestos, and burn pits.

She cited that African-American veterans often experience delays

from diagnosis to treatment, and recommended that veterans receive an annual CT scan of the chest for early detection. Haywood Fennell, a long-time veteran advocate on the panel noted the important work that still needs to continue to dismantle systemic racism in the U.S. military.

Finally, the hearing discussed new cancer presumptions from the PACT Act, signed by President Biden in August of 2022, and those that came into effect in early January of 2025. The VA announced that it has expanded several types of cancers to be presumptive for service-connection, which includes acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis, urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers. Veterans who are eligible for the presumption include Gulf War Veterans and Post 9/11 Veterans. It is estimated that these benefits would lower the burden of proof for 3.5 million U.S. service members and veterans who were exposed to Burn Pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances - many of whom lacked the proper documented evidence to prove the toxic exposures to receive treatment prior to the PACT Act’s passage.

“Ensuring that all veterans, especially Black and women veterans, receive comprehensive support and respect they have earned is a top priority for our city. By addressing the unique challenges these groups face, we honor their service and reaffirm our dedication to equity and inclusivity within our veteran community,” said Councilor Erin Murphy, Vice Chair, Committee on Veterans, Military Families & Military Affairs.

“In light of the shameful cuts to services and benefits at the federal level, it is all the more critical to discuss both the challenges our veterans face and the resources that we are able to provide for our veterans and military families at the local level.” said Councilor

Flynn. “When we send our veterans in harm’s way, we have an obligation to care for them when they return. We must treat them with the respect, dignity, services and benefits that they earned and deserve. I strongly encourage my

fellow veterans to visit Boston. gov/Veterans to find resources, upcoming events, clinics and more.”

For more information, plea se contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F ly n n @B o s ton .g ov.

SOUTH BOSTON

COMMUNITY MEETING Meeting Information

Join Boston Public Schools for a community meeting regarding the closure of Excel High School & the future of the South Boston High School Building.

Location & Time South Boston Community Meeting Wednesday, April 9. 2025 6:00 - 7:00 PM Excel High School 95 G St, Boston, MA 02127 Registration Please register for the meeting using the following link or scan the QR code: bit.ly/southie-april-2025 Questions? Email Capital Planning at capitalplanning@bostonpublicschools.org.

Scan QR Code:

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THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Collins Votes to Extend Hybrid Public Meeting Law to 2027, Calls for Guaranteed Public Comment Remote civic engagement option available to cities and towns through June 2027

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he Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to extend the hybrid public meeting option, allowing cities and towns to offer remote participation through June 2027. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.

Hybrid meetings enable more c iv ic p a r t ic ip at ion

by residents who other wise might have limited access to public meetings.

“Extending hybrid public meeting laws to 2027 is a step in the right direction -- toward more accessibility and transparency in government. However, this legislation does not go far enough. We must ensure that every public body guarantees an opportunity for public comment as well as standards of conduct for bodies managing remote or hybrid meetings,” said Senator

Nick Collins. He went further to say that “the public shouldn’t have to fight for their voice to be heard. Our work requires active participation; we owe it to our constituents to make the ability to participate a reality.”

The Massachusetts Municipal Association estimates that there are over 10,000 boards, committees, a nd c om m i s sion s acros s Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. Most officials serving on the panels do so on a volunteer basis.

Hav i ng pa s sed bot h

branches of the Legislature, the bill will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.

Compass on the Bay Southie Natives Reminisce on St. Patrick’s Day

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ompass on the Bay Memory Care Assisted Living is home to many residents who were born and raised in Southie, and they all bring festive memories from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday with strong traditions in the neighborhood that still holds onto its Irish-American heritage. Compass on the Bay in South Boston is an assisted living

community dedicated exclusively to those with memory loss featuring Compass Memory Support, a renowned, research-based treatment program for those with dementia, from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s disease and other dement ia-c au sing d isea se s.

The community is managed

by Senior Living Residences of Braintree, MA. Learn more at w w w.C omp a s s ont heB ay.c om .

Resident James O’Connor

Resident Larry Cundari Larry Cundari, born and raised in Southie, shared that his family home was located along the parade route, and he had fond memories of gathering with his family and neighbors on the front lawn, sipping soft dinks, and watching the parade go by.

“It was always a special day,” he expressed.

“It was always so special to have my family come to the house,” said James O’Connor.

His family held an annual cookout for the holiday and always shared a delicious meal together.

Resident Marie Fullington Resident Marie Fullington hails directly from Dublin, Ireland, and happily remembers preparing Irish soda bread with her grandmother.

Dorothy Macleod , another Southie native, also shared that she never wanted to miss a moment of the celebration.

Attending the parade was also a steadfast tradition in her family, with her mother being from Ireland and her father also born and raised in Southie.

“There wasn’t a minute it wasn’t wonderful,” she said. Afterwards, her family would gather at home and dine on corned beef and cabbage.

Resident Virginia Kelly For Virginia Kelly, St. Patrick’s Day was “a big deal” in her family, with her and her siblings going so far as to skip school to participate in the festivities in the streets of Boston. They couldn’t resist having a little fun!

But “being with family was my favorite part,” she shared.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

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Julie’s Family Learning Program to Host Spring Gala to Support Adult Learners and Their Children

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ulie’s Family Learning Program ( JFLP), a dedicated and inclusive educational space for underserved learners, announces its Spring Gala, an evening of celebration and support to benefit families and adults seeking to transform their lives through education. The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the UMass Club, located at One Beacon Street, Boston, 32nd Floor.

“We are excited to be back on top of Beacon Hill this year for another fun and inspiring evening in support of JFLP’s programs that have helped educate and stabilize local families for more than five decades,” said JFLP Executive Director Michelle Persson Reilly.

The Spring Gala will bring together community members, supporters, and elected officials to celebrate the transformative impact of JFLP. Guests will enjoy an evening of inspiring stories, delicious food, exciting auction prizes, and networking with new and old friends, all in support of sustaining and expanding the critical work of JFLP. Top Spring Gala sponsors to date include Beth and Don Briggs, Colin’s Joy Project, Mary Corcoran Davis and Erik Davis, Al Kaneb in memory of long-time Julie’s supporter Diane Kaneb, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Massport, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur East-West Province, and George and Nan Soule.

In the past year, which marked JFLP’s 50th anniversary, the organization saw some exciting new additions to its program. JFLP opened its Colin’s Joy Librar y in partnership with the Colin’s Joy Project, welcomed its f irst class of Boston Pre-K students, and finished a brand-new outdoor playground. JFLP continues to thrive, and these achievements would not have been possible

without community support.

This year’s event will honor one of those community supporters with JFLP’s Angel Award. JFLP established the Angel Award in 1999 to honor individuals and organizations who played a pivotal role in the organization’s founding and contributed to its growth and success. This year’s award will be presented at the Gala to Vin Barry, a Liberty Mutual Insura nce employee whose expertise and dedication helped JFLP complete over $200,000 in facility improvements funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Early Education and Care and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund, which is co-managed by the Department of Early Education and Care and the Children’s Investment Fund/ CEDAC. Mr. Barry served as the volunteer project manager

for this extensive project which included a new playground, awnings, outdoor lighting, and important safety and security upgrades. Nearly two years in the making, the project is now reaching completion. Throughout this time, Vin contributed countless hours—coordinating with contractors, participating in weekly planning calls, and ensuring all aspects of the project met necessary standards.

“We cou ld not have completed this project without him,” said Ms. Persson Reilly of Mr. Barry. “We are beyond grateful to Vin for his time and talent, and to Liberty Mutual Insu ra nc e for suppor t ing its employees in volunteer efforts such as these. We are thrilled to honor him.”

Join JFLP at the Gala on April 10 to celebrate a nd suppor t life-cha nging

educational opportunities for those who need them most.

Visit juliesfamily.org for ticket and sponsorship opportunities and additional information.

Ju l i e ’s Family L ea rning Progra m ( JFLP) Since 1974, JFLP has been committed to empowering mothers by providing free educ ationa l progra ms a nd supportive services, helping them achieve self-growth and build strong families. In 2019, JFLP expanded its mission to serve all underserved learners aged 16 and older, offering f lexible pathways to educ ationa l credentia ls and workplace skills essential for achieving their personal and professional aspirations.

By empowering learners with the knowledge and skills they need, JFLP helps families and individuals achieve stability, success, and a brighter future.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Boston Harbor Celebrates The 250th Anniversary Of The Revolutionary War

oston Harbor Now has joined forces with local historical and cultural organizations to bring special programming to Boston Harbor and the waterfront in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. This initiative is in collaboration with partners at the National Park Service, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the City of Boston to commemorate the historic sites that were integral to the Revolutionary War during the Siege of Boston.

Boston Harbor played a critical role during the Revolutionary War, serving as the epicenter of early resistance in the fight for American liberty. From the Boston Tea Party to the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Greater Boston region was full of revolutionary events.

The harbor was central to some of these events, serving as a gateway for conf lict and commerce and making it an essential backdrop for the nation’s founding story.

The South Station Arches

The arches over the boarding platforms at South Station are now complete. They are strikingly beautiful – simple but gigantic painted forms that support the new 51-story tower overhead. The developer is Hines (from Texas); the construction is led by Boston’s Suffolk Co.

“These programs offer an incredible opportunit y for loc a ls a nd v isitors alike to connect with the Revolutionary War in a deeply immersive a nd enga ging way,” said Rebecca Smerling, Director of Programs, at Boston Harbor Now. “We a re fortunate Boston is embedded with such great history, and through these events, we aim to honor that legacy while bringing these historical events to life.”

Boston Ha rbor Now is proud to be a partner on the following programs that highlight the 250th anniversar y of the Revolutionary War across the Boston Harbor and Waterfront.

Paul R e v e r e ’s R ide to Re volution: A Commemoration of Revere’s Legendary Departure from Boston on April 18, 1775 – Friday, April 18th, evening Save the date! Honor the 250th anniversar y of Pau l Re vere’s Mid n ig ht Ride with a variety of free events happening at the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, the Charlestown

Nav y Ya rd , t he US S Constitution Museum, and the Charlestown community t hroughout t he evening.

Join the lantern walk from the Old North Church to the Harborwalk at 8:00 pm.

Watc h Pau l R e vere cross Boston Harbor from the Boston Harborwalk at Langone Park in the North End starting at 8:15 pm.

Two if By Sea, Evening Harbor Cruise, join the National Park Service and Boston Harbor Now for an evening on the harbor at 8:00 pm. Purchase here Batt le of Chelsea Creek C ommemoration – Sat u rd ay, May 24t h & Mond ay, May 26t h Honor t he 25 0 t h anniversary of the battle of Chelsea Creek and its role in the Revolutionary War with a community event and boat cruise in the Boston Ha rb or.

R e g i s ter here.

For more information about Revolution 250 and to view a full list of upcoming programming visit https:// w w w. b o s t o n h a r b o r n o w. o r g /r e v o l u t i o n -2 5 0 /.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Councilor Flynn Holds Hearing on a New South Boston Library

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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn held a hearing to discuss the status of the South Boston Branch Library Study, which was the first formal step toward redevelopment of the library. The administrative panel at the hearing included David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library (BPL), Priscilla Foley, Director of Neighborhood Services for BPL, as well as Jonathan Eshel, Director of Operations.

The South Boston Branch Library Study has been marked as “to be scheduled” since first appearing in the FY 2022 Capital Plan as a New Project. Including this upcoming fiscal year, the project will have been on the City’s Capital Plan Budget for four years.

Since 2022, the City of Boston has allocated $250,000 in the Capital Plan for a South Boston Branch Library Study to conduct a facility assessment and develop a building program that reflects the BPL’s Compass Principles and supports the needs of the neighborhood. This study would then contribute towards the design and construction of a new branch library in South Boston to meet the growing needs of the community.

At the hearing, President Leonard reported that the earliest possible action on the South Boston Branch Library Study would be after FY26 and could be in the latter stages of the five-year budget plan, with a chance that action may not begin until FY28. The Boston

Public Library is actively preparing budget documents for the library, along with other branches across the city. Currently the City of Boston has no set timeline on when a public process would take place, when the library will begin construction, or when it would be completed.

However, Councilor Flynn strongly advocated during the hearing to BPL President David Leonard and the administration on the critical need for upgrades at the library and a community process to take place sooner rather than later. Councilor Flynn relayed that South Boston residents deserve access to a new, state of the art library and basic city services.

“With post-pandemic inflation and potential construction cost increases, I’m disappointed that movement on a new South Boston Library will be further delayed until at least FY26. The people of South Boston deserve the same access to basic city services and a state-of-the-art library as any other community,” said Councilor Flynn. “But it was important that leaders of the Boston Public Library heard directly from my South Boston neighbors - including our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young families - on the critical need for an upgraded South Boston Branch Library, and to begin the process as soon as possible.”

For more information, plea se contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F ly n n @B o s ton .g ov.

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Mass. Memories Road Show Seeks South Boston History!

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he South Boston Mass.

Memories Road Show will occur Saturday, May 10th from 10-3PM at the South Boston Branch Library.

This program is cosponsored by the following community groups: the Boston Desegregation and Busing Initiative Committee, Castle Island Association, Friends of the South Boston Branch Library, 4th Presbyterian, L Street Brownies, South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library, South Boston Collaborative Center, South Boston En Acción, South Boston Historical Society, South Boston Irish American Society, South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, South Boston Neighborhood House, & the South Boston Vietnam Memorial Committee.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a free event that digitizes family photos and memories shared by the people of Massachusetts and

includes them in the online archives at UMass Boston. Everyone who lives, studies, or works in South Boston is invited to share their family stories through up to three personal or family photos. The photos will be copied and returned to their owners at the event.

Contributors can also share the story behind the photos on video, receive their own keepsake photo of the event, and receive advice from professional archivists and historians on dating and caring for their family photos.

Since 2004, the project has digitized over 13,000 images and stories from across the state, creating an educational resource for future generations. Photos from family reunions, special events, candid shots or formal, recent or old are all welcome. You can also bring digital photos, which we will copy or have you email to us from your phone.

Visit https://bit.ly/43K2QR5 or email southboston@bpl.org.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

South Boston Catholic Academy News

very March 14th (3/14), mathematics enthusiasts from all over the globe commemorate Pi Day and the International Day of Mathematics (IDM). The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of mathematics and its role in shaping our world, as well as to promote the beauty and relevance of mathematics to a wider audience. It is a fun and quirky holiday that commemorates the mathematical constant pi (π), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14. In celebration of Pia Day, our 6th graders prepared their own Pi Day lessons, which they shared with the students in grades K1 through Grade 5. A BIG Thank you to the Hoppin Family! Pi Day is a big day in the Hoppin family

household, especially since their dad is a Mathematician, and they generously donated actual and delicious pies for the faculty and staff to enjoy. Our students, families, faculty and staff also

wished two of our teachers, Ms. Olsen and Ms. Keough the Best of Luck in running this year’s Boston Marathon!

We are so proud of the boys in the SBCA 5th & 6th Grade Basketball

Team who are the SSPSL and RCAB 2024-2025 Basketball Champions who got a chance to celebrate their achievements by marching in the parade with their trophies!

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One Boston Day City of Boston will lead service activities and calls on community-based organizations and residents to plan One Boston Day volunteer opportunities

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ayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston today released the annual call to action for community-based organizations, businesses, and city of Boston residents to come together for volunteer events and acts of kindness in recognition of our City’s spirit of care for one another in response to the tragic events of April 15, 2013. One Boston Day, observed on April 15, honors the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Mayor Wu is encouraging acts of kindness on Tuesday, April 15, and for people to take part in volunteer opportunities throughout the week.

“On One Boston Day, we remember the victims, survivors, families, and first responders of 2013, and center what unites our great city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “One of our darkest moments has become a call to carry out acts of kindness, volunteer, and make a difference for our residents and our neighborhoods. I encourage everyone to reflect on this day and join in making a positive change in our communities.”

City of Boston departments and workers will again this year be hosting service projects for people to give back to their communities on April 15 and throughout the week leading up to Marathon Monday, April 21. The Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing is facilitating a neighborhood cleanup for youth and families on Saturday, April 19, 2025, starting at 8:45 a.m. at Franklin Park Playstead. Interested volunteers are asked to register for the annual cleanup here.

“This April 15th, we join with people from across the city in remembering Martin, Krystle, Lingzi, Sean and Dennis,” said Bill Richard, co-founder of the Martin Richard Foundation. “Our family

continues to be humbled and grateful to all Bostonians who wish to carry on the generous spirit of One Boston Day. Choose kindness in your words and actions, volunteer, or give to your favorite charity. We are proud to call Boston home.”

“One Boston Day is a powerful reminder that even in the face of tragedy, kindness and courage can shine through. After my family and I survived the Boston Marathon bombings, we learned that trauma is the leading cause of death for those 44 and younger—a reality that inspired us to create The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation,” said Audrey Epstein Reny, founder of The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“Through our center’s work, we honor the resilience and generosity of the Boston community, turning heartbreak into hope and advancing trauma care to build brighter, healthier futures for all.”

The Stepping Strong Center is partnering with the City of Boston to promote acts of kindness through a lifesaving blood drive. This Marathon Monday they will host a blood drive to benefit patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital who are in need of lifesaving transfusions due to traumatic injuries and other serious health conditions. The Stepping Strong Center Blood Drive will take place in Kenmore Square on April 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as part of the “OneMile-To-Go Block Party”. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please visit the Stepping Strong Center’s website.

As the city marks 12 years since 2013, the City of Boston and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) will honor the day with a wreath laying in the Back Bay the morning of Tuesday, April 15. More details will become available in the coming weeks.

“One Boston Day is always

a special day for the City and our sport of running because we are reminded of the power and importance of uniting, recognizing, honoring, and serving,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association.

“The 129th Boston Marathon, presented by Bank of America, will take place in 2025 one week after April 15, and marks the 250th Anniversary of Patriots’

Day. However, One Boston Day is forever connected to our Marathon and has become the day we reflect AND take action in that we acknowledge the selfless spirit and resilience shown by Bostonians.”

More information about One Boston Day, including the 2025 Acts of Kindness Checklist is available on boston.gov/one-boston to provide inspiration and ideas on how individuals can get involved.

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THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION AND MAILING

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Docket No.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

SU25P0425EA

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Estate of:

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

Anne Terese Billotte Also known as: Anne Billotte

(617)788-8300

Date of Death: 11/27/2024 To all interested persons:

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

Paul E Billotte

MA

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: of

Paul E Billotte

MA

Boston

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:

10:00 a.m. on the return day of 04/15/2025

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.

March 25, 2025

Date:

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The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

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File Copy

MPC 560 (2/22/24)

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2025 page

Massport is currently accepting applications for the following Scholarships: •

DEBORAH HADDEN GRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

•

DONNA RAUSEO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

•

LOWELL L. RICHARDS III MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

•

THOMAS J. BUTLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

•

STEM SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship applications must be received by Massport no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025.

For more information on these scholarships, including application checklist and criteria please visit www. massport.com/community/scholarships-and-internships

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THURSDAY MARCH 27, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

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