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Celebrate Easter. Spring is Here.

Spring and Easter have been interwoven ever since the first Easter Sunday. On the Roman Catholic and Western Christian liturgical calendars, Easter is a movable feast that occurs “on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the equinox”.

Well, the equinox (or the First Day of Spring, if you prefer) came to pass on Tuesday, March 19, this year of our Lord 2013 A.D. The exact moment was 11:06 p.m.

So Easter will take place this Sunday, March 31 –twelve days after spring began.

In addition, Eastertime is always related to the Jewish Passover, another spring celebration, but the Passover date is set according to a lunar calendar. Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar to calculate Easter dates, not our modern Gregorian calendar. As a result, the Orthodox Easter is later than ours – May 5 this year. Is it any wonder

Easter is known as “a movable feast”.

But no matter. Easter is a weeklong observance that combines great solemnity with great spiritual joy.

South Boston Online hasn’t got room to list each and every Easter observance, but we can briefly describe them. For exact details, stop by or call any South Boston church to get a bulletin. Last Sunday - Palm Sunday - was a celebration of Jesus Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, which started the train of events leading to His Crucifixion on Good Friday.

Eggs have become an Easter symbol, because they remind us of innocence and rebirth. Ditto for rabbits. Ditto for lambs. It used to be that artificial straw nests full of eggs were hidden from children in Germany. Whatever child found them would get something sweet. From this German custom comes our own tradition of Easter baskets and candy. Easter eggs were first colored by Russian Orthodox

Fourth Presbyterian Church

Christians, who colonized Alaska and built an Orthodox Church on Kodiak Island in the 1700s.

If you would like to see America as an immigrant nation in

action, consider attending Easter Week observances at Our Lady of Czestochowa (Polish) or St. Peter Church (Lithuanian). English

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Easter

language services alternate with ethnic services – check their schedules. And St. Vincent de Paul Church is known as “the immigrant church”, except in this case, it was the church itself that immigrated to South Boston.

Masses will be celebrated in Spanish at St. Monica-St. Augustine Church several times over the Easter weekend.

Do you like to combine history with worship? The oldest operating Catholic Church in Boston, the St. Augustine Chapel. The Chapel

is located on Dorchester Street, in one of the 16 officially recognized burial grounds in the City of Boston.

Yes, it’ll be early, but Easter morning sunrise services are always spiritually moving. They echo the trip Mary Magdalene made to Christ’s tomb as the sun rose on that first Easter Sunday. She arrived before anyone, only to find that He had risen. St. Brigid/Gate of Heaven Church will celebrate an Easter Mass at 6:27 on historic Castle Island. The first orange sliver of the sun will break the horizon as the opening prayers are begun. Last year, an

estimated 2,000 people attended.

The Fourth Presbyterian Church has its own sunrise service on Carson Beach, which begins at 6:00 a.m.

Then there’s a 9:15 a.m. Easter breakfast at the Church. If you have ever had the pleasure of dining at the Fourth, you know that Presbyterian meals are chock full of comfort food.

And of course, there are Easter Sunday services throughout the morning in every one of South Boston’s churches. So celebrate! Don’t go home for Easter. If you are lucky enough to be in South Boston on Easter, you’re already home.

Holy Week Mass Schedule

St. Monica and St. Peter

Good Friday – March 29 at 7:00 p.m. Peter English/Lithuanian –7:00 p.m. Spanish St Monica Saturday, March 30: 8:00 p.m. St Peter English – Lithuanian –8:00 p.m. St Monica – Spanish

Easter Sunday 9:00 a.m. St

Peter 10:30 a.m. St Peter (Mass in Lithuanian)10:30 a.m. at St Monica – 12:30 p.m. Spanish

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel

HOLY WEEK & EASTER MASS SCHEDULE:

Holy Thursday -- March 28th

7:00 p.m. at St. Brigid Church

Good Friday -- March 29th

3:00 p.m. Gate of Heaven Church, 4:00 p.m. St. Augustine Chapel, 7:00 p.m. St. Brigid Church

Easter Vigil -- March 30th

3:00 & 7:30 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Church

Easter Sunday -- March 30th

6:27 a.m. Sunrise Mass on Castle Island

8:00 p.m. St. Brigid Church

9:00 a.m. Gate of Heaven Church

10:30 a.m.-St. Brigid Church

12:00 noon Gate of Heaven No 6:00 p.m. Mass

Lady of Good Voyage –Seaport

Holy Thursday – 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday – 12:10 p.m.

Stations of the Cross (No Mass)

3:00 p.m.

The Passion of the Lord, Veneration of the Cross, and distribution of Holy Communion

7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday – 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 AM

Fourth Presbyterian Church

Good Friday, an ecumenical stations of the cross walk through the neighborhood, starting at St. Monica’s Catholic Church at 10:45 a.m. Easter Sunday, a sunrise service in partnership with Roxbury Presbyterian Church at Carson Beach at 6:00 a.m., followed by a full Easter service in the church building at 10:30 am. Plus a breakfast and an Easter egg hunt at the church in between the two Easter services at 9:15 a.m.

Hub Church

Hub Church South Boston will host an Easter service at 10:30am at the South Boston Neighborhood House (H & 6th).

The Parade in 2025

Well, the 2024 St. Patrick’s/ Evacuation Day Parade has come and gone. Along with a million other folks, South Boston Online viewed this year’s Parade in its entirety. concerning next year’s Parade.

So we will get right to the point: The behavior of the crowds that viewed the Parade this year was dangerous and completely out of control. It was totally unacceptable.

Almost everyone we surveyed said the 2024 Parade was a huge disappointment. Even those who claimed they enjoyed the Parade itself were still very distressed by actions of the spectators, whose gross behavior generated many, many complaints. The Boston media quoted District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn, who said crowd behavior at the Parade was unacceptable and the Parade should move elsewhere “indefinitely”. Boston’s daily newspapers followed up by saying the same thing. Last week, the Dorchester Reporter referred to “the boorish behavior” of those who invaded South Boston. All of Boston’s media quite rightfully condemned the spectators at the Parade, naming them as the prime source of the 2024 St. Patrick/Evacuation Day troubles.

The Parade crowd’s drunken behavior degenerated into major violence, ranging from assault and battery, to broken bones, to

outright carrying of (unlicensed) guns. Most of this was committed by inebriated younger men and women (Millennials?

Gen Zers?), who publicly drank to excess. Many of them looked like they were underage. The Parade’s spectators numbered an estimated one million (1,000,000). Both Boston’s 2,000 Police Officers and South Boston with its population of 40,000 were flatly outnumbered. Due to jam-packed crowds, the “T” couldn’t safely stop at Broadway Station. As the afternoon progressed, the crowd’s behavior quickly degenerated from obscene to downright threatening. This cannot be allowed to repeat itself next year in 2025, so we emphatically recommend that everyone immediately begin thinking about a safe and ordially solution.

Remember that 2026 will be the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.

In the Year 1776, the thirteen original colonies published the Declaration of Independence, thus setting themselves (and all future Americans) free. Also, on Sunday, March 17, 1776, General Washington and his colonial troops won their first victory in our War of Independence by driving the British from Boston – on the holiday we now call Evacuation Day. Believe it or not, the colonial password on that day was “Saint Patrick”.

Statement From the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council & South Boston Elected Officials Regarding the 2025 St Patrick’s Day Parade

Following the St. Patrick’s Day & Evacuation Day Parade, the South Boston Elected Officials met on Friday afternoon with the leadership of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council and officials from the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, the Massachusetts State Police, MBTA Transit Police, Boston Police Department, City of Boston Licensing Board and Special Events Division.

The focus was on the issues that took place during and in the aftermath of the Evacuation Day & St. Patrick’s Day Parade that we all need to work closely together on and address moving forward.

In an effort to maintain this historic 124 year old tradition and restore the sense of safety to the people of South Boston and visitors on Parade Day - a family friendly event which honors our proud immigrant roots, our veterans and military families, and has been a cherished community tradition for generations - the meeting concluded with the determination to form a task force focused on next year’s parade safety plan.

This task force, made up of representatives from across different state and city agencies, as well as key partners in the community, will look to meet regularly beginning next month to discuss both public safety and quality of life issues in the lead up to next year’s parade.

“It is our goal that this task force will assist the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council in ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all neighbors and visitors alike- including our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young children and families,” stated Congressman Stephen Lynch, State Senator Nick Collins, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, and State Representative David Biele in a joint statement.

“The South Boston Allied War Veterans look forward to working with our elected officials and the various public safety agencies involved in the Evacuation Day parade safety working group to ensure that the residents of South Boston, and those visiting South Boston, have a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Randy Greeley, Commander & President of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council.

Congressman Lynch Endorses Councilor Murphy

US Representative Stephen F. Lynch, co-founder of the House Congressional Labor & Working Families Caucus, endorsed Boston City CouncilorAt-Large Erin Murphy’s campaign for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court citing Murphy’s record of providing constituent services across all neighborhoods, her successful efforts to uphold the voting rights of all Boston residents, and her commitment to helping those less fortunate.

A former ironworker who grew up in Boston public housing and has climbed the leadership ladder in Congress, Lynch said Murphy has distinguished herself in her time on the Council with an uncommon work ethic and focus on improving city services. Lynch added, “She brings a sense

of compassion that’s rare among elected officials, and she puts it into action across the city.”

Lynch has known Erin for over a decade and recalled presenting her with the James F. Gavin Award in 2015 for her tireless work in the field of substance abuse prevention and recovery.

Since taking citywide office, Murphy has delivered on her promise of showing up, working hard, and taking a stand for constituents in every neighborhood, delivering on a broad range of her priorities, including education, senior services, substance abuse and recovery, job growth, safer streets, veterans’ priorities, and increased opportunities for small businesses and people of color.

After announcing her

candidacy for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court earlier this month, Murphy has been overwhelmed with the support from colleagues, labor unions,

public safety unions, and residents across Suffolk County. She has been working hard to earn votes across in advance of the September 3rd Primary Election.

Councilor Flynn Calls for Hearing on Boston’s PILOT Program

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order this week calling for a review of the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program in the City of Boston. The PILOT program was established to encourage large, tax-exempt, nonprofit institutions in Boston to make annual, voluntary cash contributions or community benefits due to basic city services provided by the city such as police, ire, and snow removal.

Boston is fortunate to be rich with higher education, medical, and cultural institutions that play a critical role in both our city and regional economy, and the residents of Boston benefit greatly from employment, research and innovation, and the services that they provide. At the same time, the city is heavily reliant on property taxes for revenue, and our large nonprofit institutions - which also receive essential services from the city - have a strong concentration of property that

represents approximately half of Boston’s real estate. Past analysis has indicated that Boston would have been able to generate approximately a quarter of the city’s tax levy had the property of our large nonprofit institutions been taxable.

The City of Boston’s PILOT program seeks 25% of what these institutions would be expected to pay to the city had their property not been tax exempt, to reflect the portion of the budget to essential services - half in a

cash payment to the city, and half in the form of community benefits like scholarships, parks and open spaces, workforce development and job-training programs. Last year, through the annual PILOT program, our large nonprofits reportedly contributed $35.7 million in cash, with $62.1 million accepted by the city in PILOT community benefits. In FY22, our large nonprofits contributed $35.5 million in cash contributions, with $56.9 million in community benefits also credited by the city.

“We are very fortunate to have many world-class higher education, medical, and cultural institutions that call Boston home. Our city’s PILOT Program asks our large institutions to also contribute towards the funding of public safety and city services, as well as to provide community benefits for our neighborhoods and residents,” said Councilor Flynn. “I’m calling this hearing to review the PILOT program and discuss ways where we can work with our nonprofit institutions to strengthen this program.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Julie’s Family Learning Program Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Local Women Work Toward their Hopes and Dreams

Julie’s Family Learning Program, founded in 1974, will mark its 50th anniversary this year with a series of events and commemorations celebrating the many women, children, and adult learners it has served; the community of which it is a vital part; and the staff, volunteers and supporters who have sustained its continued growth.

“Julie’s anniversary marks 50 years of empowering learners, transforming families, and building community,” said Michelle Persson Reilly, Executive Director. “From visionary founders Sisters Louise Kearns and Jean Sullivan to today’s dedicated teachers, there are hundreds of staff, students, volunteers, donors, and community partners who have had a profound impact on local families and individuals through their part in the life-changing work of Julie’s.”

Located in a welcoming and inclusive space in South Boston, Julie’s offers free access to essential resources

that support program learners as they continue their education, prepare for careers, develop parenting skills, and strengthen personal resiliency while building greater stability in their families’ lives and working towards their hopes and dreams.

Louise Kearns is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a Catholic order dedicated to educating women and children living in poverty. In 1969, while teaching junior high at St. Augustine’s School in South Boston, she became increasingly aware of the immense challenges facing low-income families headed by single mothers.

Eventually, Sister Louise and two other sisters moved to South Boston’s D Street Public Housing Project. There, Sister Louise became a family advocate at St. Peter and Paul’s and St. Vincent Parishes working on life skills and family engagement with women. In 1974, Sister Louise teamed with Sister Jean Sullivan to create what was first known as Julie’s Children’s House, a Montessori

that provides free supportive programs and educational services to help develop strong, successful families and adults. Since 1974, Julie’s has been dedicated to empowering mothers to recognize their strengths and utilize their know-how to stabilize and transform their family life. In

Julie’s expanded its mission to all underserved learners, 16 years and older, who seek flexible opportunities to attain the educational credentials and workplace skills crucial to meeting their life goals.

preschool. They chose to name the new organization after Saint Julie Billiart, a French nun, educator, and founder of their religious order. Later, Julie’s Children’s House would merge with the Adult Learning Program to become Julie’s Family Learning Program, Inc. Reflecting on what compelled her to start Julie’s, Sister Louise Kearns said, “When you give women a place to talk to each other and share their struggles and their good ideas, they nourish each other. If something has interrupted your flow of life, but you get the love and learning that you need, growth and healing happens.”

Sister Louise continued, “Every time a person loves or cares about someone other than themself – a light shines for everybody. When you are treated well, when you see goodness, when you are aware of someone else’s great gifts, it increases hope.”

Today, 50 years after its founding, Julie’s provides free, safe, high-quality education and wraparound support services including

early childhood education for infant, toddler, and pre-school children; adult education, high school equivalency preparation, and career services for learners aged 16 years and older; and family development services which offer mothers an intensive, integrated curriculum emphasizing life management, parenting and academic skills needed for future success.

“Julie’s Family Learning Program is a place of great hope and optimism, where resilient, successful families and adults are nurtured,” said Board Chair, Sharon Asiaf. “Each of Julie’s programs—from our infant, toddler, and preschool services to our adult basic education classes—is essential to the healing, growth and ultimate stability of the women, men, and children we serve. Our programs are transforming lives; in this anniversary year we will work with our donors and partners to make it possible for us to continue to meet our community’s needs in innovative and impactful ways.”

Dear South Boston Civic Leaders and Neighbors,

Please note the Boston Transportation Department is collecting feedback with regard to the Summer Street Pilot Program.

As you know, the South Boston Elected officials and I have consistently expressed our opposition to this proposal for years due to concerns of potential negative impacts to operations at Conley Terminal, and our city, state and regional economy, limiting foot traffic to our businesses in the South Boston Waterfront, and creating additional vehicular traffic and pollution.

I am respectfully asking you to please offer your feedback and complete the survey. I also ask that you share the survey link with your members, families, and neighbors.

Survey link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhWM68z_ zr16SMsBgisZvl5YYo5ugXXaGR1m6Ziz3VOc2EKg/viewform or scan the code in the ad below

Thank you,

Ed Flynn, Boston City Councilor

SUMMER STREET PILOT PROGRAM

Restaurant Proposed for Andrew Square

by Rick Winterson

Andrew Square and the neighborhood directly around it are being rapidly expanded and renovated. This includes the very substantial “On the Dot” development and future plans for rebuilding the McCormack residences, as well as the recent opening of the novel “flat iron” building at 400 Dorchester Street. This architecturally striking building combines ground floor retail space and five floors of living space above that overlook the Square from the triangle formed by Preble and Dorchester Streets.

So far, the ground floor space in 400 Dorchester Street includes a barber shop, a Dan McCole mural, and a soon-to-be-opened restaurant. The owner is Joshua “Josh” Weinstein, who presently owns a restaurant in East Boston named “The Quiet Few”. In his own words, he will continue the “community nature” of The Quiet Few in Andrew Square. He plans to name his Andrew Square location “Small Victories”. In addition to food and drink, Small Victories will feature games, shuffleboard, and DJs on weekends.

But first, please know that a misunderstanding arose, because Epstein plans to stay open only until 1 a.m. However, the liquor license he purchased had been issued to its previous owner for 2 a.m. and was still listed with that later closing time. The misunderstanding stemmed from this, but it was apparently settled in the various meetings and hearings that have occurred as far back as September, 2023. Except for (very) few special occasions, such as New Year’s Eve, Small Victories in Andrew Square will always close by 1 a.m. Referring to a 2 a.m. closing hour in last week’s hearing, Epstein claimed, “We just don’t want that kind of business!”

Last week’s hearing for the Small Victories Entertainment License was almost entirely positive. However, State Senator Nick Collins was bluntly opposed to the License; he loudly voiced a long, steamy objection to it, which has since reported upon (critically) by a host of local media. He was joined in this by a local resident from Jenkins Street. Despite this, the proposed license was very well received by everyone else, as Small Victories has been during the last seven months. And we’ve heard that Sen. Collins since offered his conditional support.

Recently, Epstein submitted an application to the City of Boston for an Entertainment License for Small Victories. Last week, a hearing was held on ZOOM about granting said license.

Almost every hearing participant remarked that Andrew Square needs a place to gather socially. None now exists.

Condon School Seventh Grade Students Receive HarborOne Recognition

By Carol Masshardt

Ateacher with two years’ experience in Boston, Kate Fennessey, and her 7th grade Math students at the Condon School showed what is possible with commitment, support and focus. On March 21st, teams of students presented their concepts for innovative programs with an audience of classmates, community representatives and banking executives from HarborOne. All worthwhile, three were chosen for a special recognition “micro loan” by HarborOne Bank. The “02127 Boys”, Jayden Bengoche, Jio Mendez and Muktar Hassan, presented a clear and energetic proposal to clean, repair the update the Condon gym and thereby enhance it for school and community events and raise funds through activity fees for groups. Other impressive projects with special recognition included a plan to provide a “safe space” in the school for students with mental health issues, and one proposed a community garden/

food program for healthy lunches.

Each student had a teacher reference and learned how to get their own credit score, as they became acquainted with loans, budgeting, repayment, and processes that left many of us in the dark until well into adulthood. In doing so, they learned about teamwork and imagining a better community.

“I like talking about how we can change the school, and the communication of ideas is something I really like, too,” said student, Jayden Bengoche.

The students are typical seventh graders in many ways, some nervous, or giggling or self-conscious, but all rallied to deal with public speaking and technology glitches. The student audience asked excellent questions, maintained focus beyond their years, and asked about the fine points of the proposals and cheered on their peers.

Kate Fennessey could easily be taking a deserved spotlight, but she is all about the kids. “They just ran with it. It is Math, but more. They want things

for the community and are so creative when given the chance.” she said. She was coaching not only math, but handshakes, responding to questions, and a level of professionalism that is likely to transcend the students’ time at the Condon.

When asked if the students had anything else to add prior to a fast-approaching weekend and sitting for well over an hour, one seventh grader simply and quietly said, “Thank You.”

“This is part of the beauty of the Condon,” added principal, Margaret Gregory. “They (the students) care and we care.”

“The City is Behind

You, “said City Councilor Ed Flynn as he listened intently to every presentation.

It was one proud moment, among many others, for the Condon community. Hats off to Ms. Fennessey, her students, teachers, principal, for the standards and enthusiasm on rich display.

“This is part of the beauty of the Condon School, said Gregory, we care, and the students care.”

Special thanks to HarborOne for their community partnership, especially Brian DeVenne and Erjona who went beyond presenting awards to enjoy and reinforce each presenting group.

Flynn calls for Hearing to Discuss Services for Women Veterans

Boston City Councilor

Ed Flynn filed a hearing order to discuss services for women veterans. This follows his recent attendance at the Disabled American Veterans Legislative Conference at the beginning of March and a recent resolution he filed in support of S. 3526, Lactation Spaces for Veterans Moms Act, sponsored by Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada.

Since the U.S. military established an all-volunteer force in 1973, the number of women serving in the military has risen significantly. Today,

women comprise nearly 20% of serving military personnel and 10% of the veteran population. However, many women veterans do not receive proper recognition for their services and face a host of issues when they re-enter civilian life. While VA hospitals are making improvements to serve the growing women veteran population, they continue to lag behind in gender-specific and maternity care for our women veterans, especially for those who live in rural areas.

Women veterans are also more likely to struggle with

child care and homelessness. According to the VA, they are twice as likely to experience homelessness than those who did not serve in the military. In addition, it is found that 25% of women veterans experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during military service, which puts them at risk for depression, substance abuse and PTSD.

“With a growing women veteran population, I’m calling this hearing to discuss the services our women veterans receive and to identify where the gaps in services are,” said

Councilor Flynn. “We must recognize the challenges they face when they return home and ensure they receive the necessary healthcare and support, especially for those who have experienced assault. We must also ensure there are transitional programs as they re-enter civilian life and hire more women to fill vacant VA positions, especially around women’s and maternity health, and counseling.”

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

By Carol Masshardt

MLadies Wednesday Night Bowling League

ake no mistake, the forty or so ladies, ages twenties to eighties, own the bowling alley on Wednesday nights from September-April. They come from a variety of jobs, backgrounds, abilities as bowlers, and though some don’t actually recall how they came to join, they surely know why they stay.

“It’s the camaraderie,” said Jeanne Hogan, who comes from her healthcare job at Tufts Medical Center. “I have only been coming about three years, but there are some thirty-plus. It is a fun group. We laugh, we bowl, there are banquets and get togthers. It breaks up the week and the winter. I have good and so good nights at the bowling, but it’s not about winning and losing,” she said.

Betty Dillon heads over from her job at Houghton Mifflin as she has been doing for the past ten years.

“I like the craziness. These are fun ladies with personalities. Some bowled with their mothers, others just heard about it,” she said.

Most have roots in South Boston and are lifelong residents, and others hear about it, and/ or return from

wherever life has taken them. Though it seems a group with strong history and connections, it sounds as if new people are incorporated quite easily.

Karen Ceurvels remembers many early days of the group going back fifty or so years.

“We would come here with our mothers, and they would go home to watch Dynasty! I was one of the youngest but see what happens?” she joked. “So, here is the main point. You do not have to be a good bowler. The most important person is

the lowest scorer because you start to see their average go up. They are the ones to watch. But we just have fun. We used to be called the “Spare Dames,” (and other names.) I live in Braintree now for reasons of my family and what we needed, but I’m Southie all the way,” she said.

“I just like people and jokes,” said Val Kennealy, and there was plenty to go around on a rainy, raw March night as pre-determined teams played three strings with the undeniable warmth of company.

There are not many places left where you can be who you are, and where a big red bell will ring for you if your talent and luck coincide. But even if you get a gutter ball, there will be a supportive cheer or well-placed joke, and the evening goes on.

In a time of diminishing candlepin bowling alleys, and connections with others for fun and recreation, here you have it. Nestled upstairs in the block with a hair salon and dog spa, is a decades old league that shows no sign of slowing down.

By Carol Masshardt

Susan Hurley

Susan Hurley, 61, is the founder and owner of Chairty Team.org, established to support charity runners and the organization they represent. She is also a life force, who in addition to working as a consultant with the South Boston Neighborhood House’s running team, plans to run the Boston Marathon again this year. And, all with a serious health condition.

“I started running in second grade, and haven’t stopped,” she said. “Connecting philanthropy with my passion for running allows me to see people accomplish so much and it benefits the community.”

Susan Hurley was a New England Patriots Cheerleader in the late 1980’s, raised children and started a business, all while training for and running marathons. Her core motivation is a belief that challenges are opportunities,

Hana Young

Hana Young seizes challenges with energy and joy, and as a charity runner for the South Boston Neighborhood House, she is also continuing a proud family tradition. Both physician parents and her younger sister have run, as will her sister as a qualified runner this year.

“They were my motivation,” said Hana. “My dad is a lifelong runner, so I went with him. As a kid, I would complain about the uphill’s and then like it downhill! In high school I played soccer and cross-country and track, but I’ve never run a marathon. Once approved to be a charity runner, I found that there was an opportunity in South Boston, where I have lived for a few years, and also wanted to have an impact on a place that works with kids. The South Boston Neighborhood House, also called the “Ollie” is an amazing place. Plus, running at Castle Island and in South Boston is just so beautiful.” Beyond running, Hana works at McLean Hospital with adolescents,

Why Run a Marathon:

and that disciplined activity can reap physical and mental rewards.

“I see people set and complete goals and push themselves and learn in the process. The “Ollie” is an organization that I call the little gem in the city and is really an incredible place. I see the seniors there in the morning, and then all the youth programs. It offers something for everyone through all life stages. There is real empathy, and Mary Fiske (Director of Development) is an example of how to see and treat people.”

She works with 48 organizations, so gets to know many of them well.

“I think the Ollie has such a capacity to provide on-going volunteer possibilities well beyond the Marathon. Some young people really do want involvement and don’t know quite how to connect. There are seven runners this year for the SBNN. They are all accepted by the Boston Athletic Association.

“After being accepted, it is the ‘what now’ moment. I consult with the organizations and help the runners find the best match and prepare and fundraise. It is a commitment on all

and was recently accepted into the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Suffolk University. She is perceptive and determined to make a difference in both her professional and personal life and finds challenges exciting.

“The fundraising component of the run for the SBNH was a little dauting at first. But, I have so much support from family and friends, and I learned so much by reaching out to local businesses for support and contributions. The organization means so much to people here, and they were happy to collaborate and donate. I wasn’t expecting how much generosity there is,” she said. “When people heard it was for the Neighborhhos House, they were in.”

Hana has also volunteered for the teen program prior to beginning training for the run and working. “It is a safe, welcoming and inviting place,” she said. “I am so fortunate to have stumbled into it and have Susan Hurley’s (consultant to the program) support.

Running five days with a seventeen mile plus weekend “long runs” could be a grueling, frustrating, and painful experience,

parts, and a wonderful one,” she said.

This year, in addition to all of the above-mentioned, Susan had the shock of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“It took me totally by surprise, but now I want to try to set an example of how you can keep going on. Life is a gift, and that is every day. Yes, I will run and

but Hana Young feels otherwise.

“I am at peace when I run. I listen to my breadth and footsteps and the rest just melts away. I just want to have fun in the amazing experience and know how fortunate I am to be doing this. I expect seeing my dad at mile 12 and as has been all my life, will be cheering me on.”

“I have learned so much about dedication, and the community of runners, and the focus and joy are just so cool. I hope to do this

this year with my son, Max,” she said. A love of Boston, her family, the Neighborhood House, and all that she has done will be part of her run this year, including I suspect, her lived philosophy that every “ending is a new starting line.”

(Congratulations, Susan, with fondness returned from South Boston.)

all through life, until 90 if I can!”

Hana found her way to South Boston after growing up in North Attleboro and graduating from Union College in NY, and she has quickly observed how extraordinary the natural landscape and people can be. She is giving back step by precious step with full appreciation of the joy that comes with courage and community. Congratulations as you prepare for April 15th, Hana!

Susan Hurley

We had a Whale of a time at the Whalemobile!

Happy Easter to All!

We are looking forward to celebrating Easter on Sunday, March 31, with our families and friends. Easter is the most important liturgical time for Catholics. It celebrates Jesus’s victory of sin and death and salvation for mankind. It is God’s greatest act of love to redeem mankind. Easter is the day Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified. The empty tomb means that Jesus’s words rang true. He fulfilled the promises of Scripture and conquered sin and death. We hope everyone will have a Blessed and Happy Easter!

Recently, the students at South Boston Catholic Academy and in K0 at the Early Childhood Center had a Whale of a time at the Whalemobile. The Whalemobile offers unique and innovative programming using a life sized inflatable Whale. They bring

this engaging and interactive learning experience directly to schools and libraries to foster a love for whales and the ocean and help cultivate the next generation of ocean advocates. A HUGE Thank you to the great team of marine educators who came to SBCA led by the organizer of this program, Cynde McInnis, along

with Amanda Johnston and Kristin Daley. They are experts in their field, ensuring a high-quality and impactful learning experience. The inflatable whale they brought was a replica of the actual 37 year old female Humpback Whale named Nile. The students, as well as the teachers, loved learning all about the fascinating life of the

Humpback Whales that live in all the oceans around the world. They travel great distances every year and have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Also, in gratitude and appreciation to our SBCA Home and School Committee for making this Whalemobile Program possible for the students.

Boston Youth Summer Jobs Program Now Open

The City announced futureBOS, a new streamlined hub for youth to access and navigate all jobs available, and new partnerships with banking institutions to ensure young people can access their earnings

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO) launched futureBOS, the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program, including all Successlink job opportunities, for Boston youth and young adults ages 14 - 24. Young people interested can find summer job opportunities through futureBOS, the newly redesigned webpage hub for all youth employment opportunities throughout the City. futureBos will guide young people to better navigate the application,

onboarding, and hiring processes, ensuring that these employment opportunities are centralized. To complement SuccessLink, futureBOS site will serve as a hub for all youth employment opportunities throughout the City, making resources easier to locate for young people and their families. Jobs young people can find on futureBOS including with nonprofits, local government, businesses and the healthcare industry.

“The future of Boston rests on connecting our young people to opportunities today so they can grow and lead our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re taking our nation-leading youth summer jobs program to the next level with more employers, more opportunities, and a guarantee for every BPS student to access a paid summer job.”

Led by the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity,

futureBOS (which includes opportunities from the SuccessLink program) is designed to not only recruit and hire youth, but also ensure that the employment experience is engaging and meaningful, and advances young people’s professional and personal development. According to research from Northeastern University, the program positively impacts a range of economic, academic, and criminal justice outcomes for youth. Recognizing the importance of this work, the City invested $18.7 million in youth summer jobs last year to expand and improve the program. As a result, nearly 10,000 young people were successfully employed in summer 2023. Building on this milestone, Mayor Wu is increasing Boston’s commitment to young people through the Mayor’s Youth Job Guarantee (MYJG), a pledge that any eligible BPS student who wants a summer job can get one.

“At Artists For Humanity, we couldn’t be more proud to

continue to be a part of summer youth employment in partnership with the City of Boston and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity,” said Anna Yu, Executive Director of Artist For Humanity. “For generations we have seen summer employment transform teen lives by inspiring creative avenues for post-secondary learning and career pathways. We are excited to play a part in fulfilling Mayor Wu’s promise to give every teen a safe and productive place to work, learn and grow.”

Job applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Youth are encouraged to get their applications in early. There is a step-by-step guide available online to help youth navigate the application process. Youth can also visit the office in person, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury, or call 617-635-4202 for additional assistance. For more information, visit boston.gov/futureBOS.