04_10_2025

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

South Boston Community Meeting Debates Future of South Boston High School

By Rick Winterson

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e sterd ay e vening a South Boston Community Meeting was held in the auditorium at the South Boston High School – a.k.a “Excel High”. This was the first such meeting. It was convened to open up a community discussion about the future of the High School, which will be closed in June next year, at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

This closing announcement was first put forth by the City of Boston’s Public Schools (the BPS) some months ago.

Further information about the closure has been sparse since then, except for stating that the High School will be completely renovated and reopened as a so-called “anchor school”.

Last night’s meeting began just after 6 p.m. Approximately 100 South Boston residents attended.

Chief of Capital Planning Del Stanislaus and Director of Communication & Community Engagement Molly Doris-Pierce expla ined t he meeting agenda and presented a brief commentary about the closure: 311 students are at Excel

now; no more new students will be accepted; Juniors and Seniors will graduate from the High School as planned; students now in Grades 9 and 10 will be carefully transferred into other Boston secondary schools. Also taking part in the meeting were Sa ra h K ing, Deput y Chief of Capital Planning, a nd Ja ke L acey, A ssista nt

Director of BPS Facilities.

At 6:30, questions and comments from the audience began. The first two of these set the tone for the rest of the meeting. Right away, a comment was made about the traff ic jams created by school buses in South Boston every school day morning, Chief of Planning Continued on Page 2

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

Continued from Page 1 SB High School Stanislaus answered by stating that students for the renovated High School will come from all over the City and will mostly use the MBTA. Indeed an “anchor school” is a school that draws students from all parts of Boston. The second comment asked if the name “Excel” could be dropped and “South Boston High School” be reinstated, especially for school athletics.

The answer was negative: There is no longer a “South Boston High School”, they replied.

Further comments and questions about the heritage of the original South Boston High School drew agreement and bursts of

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applause from the audience.

Emphatic mention wa s made of the historic aspects of the High School, including references to the World War I Memorial, No Man’s Land out back, preservation of the school’s architecture, and the school’s place in the community.

Mention was made of students’ contributions to South Boston after they graduate – veterans, for example. Both Stanislaus and Doris -Pierce responded that the school design and the analysis of school courses haven’t even begun yet. They suggested that the new “anchor school” could conceivably offer special courses like life sciences – certainly a good fit with the Seaport District.

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They ended up by admitting, “We really have no idea what the High School will look like yet.”

The Q& A period closed off shortly after 7 p.m. While it was certainly emphatic, and even vehement at times, both the BPS officials and the audience memb er s were c ou r te ou s throughout. There is still a lot of time before the High School project really begins; it’s more than a year before the current high school even closes. At many points, last night’s BPS team mentioned that many, many steps are still needed before the project is firmed up – the Superintendent’s plans, capital budget approval, designs and engineering, and so on.

We suggest that an ad hoc committee of interested South Bostonians be formed, who will meet brief ly each month to keep track of the High School project from a communit y standpoint.

Here are some leads for gaining information: E ac h mont h, t he Sc hool Department will post project progress on capitalplanning@ bostonpublicschools.org.

Use t his address to ma ke your own comments (please don’t b ot he r t he E xc e l teachers or administrators).

In addition, you can log onto boston.gov/gnd-bps. This is another informative site for looking at a “Green New Deal” for Boston Public Schools.

SWAN BOATS OPEN ON APRIL 19

ayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and the Paget family will host the first ride of the season on the iconic Boston Swan Boats as they open at the Boston Public Garden Lagoon on Saturday, April 19, at 10:00 a.m.

2025 mark s the 148th season for the Swan Boats, a beloved tourist attraction and iconic symbol of Boston and the Public Garden. The oldest and smallest boat in the f leet just celebrated its 115th season, while the newest was launched in 1993. The swan on the boats is made from either copper or

fiberglass, depending on the age of the boat, and encloses a paddle mechanism that is used to propel the boat through the water.

Launched in 1877 by Irish immigra nt a nd shipbuilder Robert Paget, the Swan Boats continue to be owned and operated by the Paget family.

Mr. Paget designed the Swan Boats after attending the opera Lohengrin in New York City. At the end of the opera, the hero crosses a river in a boat drawn by a swan. In 2025, the Swan Boats were added as a site on the Boston Irish Heritage Trail.

Fully loaded, each Swan Boat weighs three tons and is

powered by the driver using a foot-propelled paddle wheel.

The Swan Boats are built on oak-framed pontoons sheathed in copper, just as they were initially constructed in 1877.

After being stored in a safe

place for the winter, the boats will return to the Public Garden Lagoon in the spring, with Mayor Wu celebrating the first ride of the season.

For more information, please visit boston.gov/s wa n-boats.

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

3

Ground Is Broken at “LOT On The DOT” for “Park City”

Associate Development Manager Jack Frieden.

by Rick Winterson

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OR E Investment’s property in South Boston (called the “LOT On The DOT”) stretches for about a half-mile along the west side of Dorchester Avenue, between its intersection with Old Colony Avenue and the borders of Andrew Square. Over the next several years, this spacious property will become a key development devoted to offices, residences, commercial enterprises, and South Boston community activities. On several occasions, we have spoken to David Pogorelc, who is the Founder and CEO of CORE Investments.

David emphasized that the CORE property will be an asset to South Boston having extensive open spaces and facilities for familyfriendly community pursuits.

Possibly, as you drove by or walked along the CORE property last week, you noticed a backhoe and crew at the property’s middle

gate (next to the Cannonball Café).

They broke ground and began the construction of a project enticingly named “Park City” – a venture of the Broadway Restaurant Group.

Park City can be accurately called an “entertainment venue”, which will eventually occupy 30,000 square feet and will offer dining, socializing, and various athletic facilities. Entire families, including their children, will be welcome to enjoy these enjoyable offerings.

The first activity offered by Park City will be Pickleball. Eleven courts are planned; they will later be accompanied by many other activities. We were told that the courts will open in June at the latest, and perhaps as early as the end of May. That’s a remarkably short construction deadline, so pray for good weather! We wish them well.

One of the marks of CEO David Pogorelc’s leadership of CORE has been thorough, multiyear planning. CORE’s plans, now formally approved, for the LOT On The Dot’s million square footage (approx. 20+ acres) are for 11 buildings having more than 3 million (3,000,000) square feet under roof, split between offices, residences, commercial uses, and community activities. Two existing buildings called “Algerworks” and Crossfit Gym have now been refurbished and leased. We can only outline the LOT’s overall plans very briefly: 2022 to 2024 – Open Cannonball Café, launch “LOT”, obtain full project approvals; 2025 – Break ground, begin

CORE founder and CEO Dave Porogelc. holding his son, Dave. residential site work; 2026 – Begin commercial buildings; 2028 – Start to occupy residences. And so on.

David graduated from Bryant University in Rhode Island, where he began his 30-year development career. He has worked on a wide portfolio of major developments in the Boston area that led to his founding of CORE Enterprises.

Not only that, he’s well-known for his devotion to a number of charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and many others. He received a muchdeserved “Unsung Hero Award” at this year’s SBCA Breakfast on Saturday morning, March 1. And notably, David emphasizes the wellbeing of all the communities where CORE has development projects.

He’s married and has a son named David; the Pogorelc family live near Copley Square. He was born and brought up in Hibbing, Minnesota, and has Slovenian immigrant

ancestry that he esteems highly.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention CORE Investment’s original client on the LOT – Cannonball Café at 383 Dorchester Avenue. The Cafe opened in 2022 and overlooks the current Park City construction. It was named “Cannonball” by David in memory of Henry Knox’s 59 cannons that passed nearby back in American Revolution times. These cannons resulted in the British evacuation of Boston on our first Evacuation Day – March 17, 1776. Rachel Lazar is the very industrious proprietor of Cannonball Café. According to many social media missives, Rachel serves the best breakfast sandwich anywhere in the city.

Also, we’d like to thank Jack Frieden, who last week took us on a tour of the Dorchester Avenue premises, provided insight into CORE’s plans, and described CORE Investment’s future at the LOT On The DOT site. Jack is CORE’s Associate Development Manager.

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Charlie and Lauren Baker to be Honored at Annual 2025 Catholic Charities Labouré Center Spring Reception

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n A pr i l 24 , the L abouré C enter will celebrate its 41st A nnua l Catholic Charities Labouré Center Spring Reception, a lon g s t a nd i n g a n nu a l tradition in the South Boston com mu nit y wh ich ra ise s critical funds for the Labouré C enter’s v it a l prog ra m s.

Former Ma ssachu set t s Governor and First Lady Charlie and Lauren Baker will be honored as the 2025 Jack Shaughnessy Service Award honorees for their unwavering support of the Labouré Center and their steadfast dedication to serving those most in need in the Boston community and throughout Massachusetts.

The reception will take

place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Exchange in Boston’s Seapor t a nd is expected to draw over 250 donors, volunteers, staff members, and partners throughout the Greater Boston community.

Throughout t he evening, hor s d ’oeuv re s w i l l be served and guests will have access to an open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks.

A mon g t he n i g ht ’s festivities will be a live and silent auction led by South Boston native and former Jack Shaughnessy Service Award honoree, Tom Tinlin, with exciting prizes ranging from a private wine tasting led by Bra hm Ca lla han, Boston’s only Master Sommelier, to a luxurious 7-day cruise for

two to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada and New England through Holland A merica Line. Read below for additional information on a few of the auction prizes, with more details to come.

Early bird tickets are ava i lable here for $10 0 until April 11 and then will be available for $125.

Tic ke t s a re l i m ite d .

Please RSV P by April 21, 2025. We look for wa rd to seeing y ou t he r e !

CALLING ALL WINE LOVERS

Brahm Callahan, Boston’s on ly Ma ster Sommelier, will host a private, customdesigned and curated wine tasting with world-class wines provided and tailored to winning bidder’s tastes and interests. The wine tasting will be paired with small plates provided by award-winning East Meets West Catering.

This one-of-a- kind, exquisite event will take place at the winning bidder’s home on a mutually agreeable date.

THE ULTIMATE BOOK CLUB Winning bidder will receive eight signed copies of bestselling novel Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane -AND- the opportunity to have Dennis Lehane lead their Book Club discussion (via Zoom). This best selling author – originally from Dorchester – has also become an award-winning film writerproducer and television screenwriter.

Talk about a local guy done good!

ON CRUISE CONTROL Winning bidder will enjoy the trip of a lifetime for two on a 7-Day Holland America Line Cruise to Alaska, the Carribean, Mexico or Canada & New England. Your cruise will be booked in a shared ocean view stateroom. Holland America Line was recently awarded Best in Service by Cruise Critic and recognized by Condé Nast, Travel & Leisure and others.

The honors include a wide range of categories synonymous with Holland America Line — from service and dining to sustainability, itineraries and shore excursions.

“THE WIZ” BROADWAY IN BOSTON The 1975 Tony Awardwinning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. The Chicago Sun-Times proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!” This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway. Winning bidder and three guests will see it all from some of the best seats in the house- orchestra row B – at Boston’s Citzens Opera House for the Saturday August 23rd 2PM matinee. Why not make it a weekend in town… with an overnight for two at the Marriott Long Wharf including breakfast?

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

5

City Council Flynn calls to Establish Ethics Reform Calling for Councilor Fernandes Anderson to Resign

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s a result of the a nnouncement of a guilty plea from a City Council colleague, I am once again calling to establish an Ethics Committee at the Boston City Council. Although the City Council recently voted against this proposal in January, it is critical that we revisit this discussion immediately. We must understand that the people of Boston demand accountability, transparency, and ethics reform to restore faith in the body and their municipal government.

This development follows a series of legal and ethical

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lapses by members at the Boston City Council over the last several years, which have both ref lected poorly on the City and undermined public trust in our work. We have not taken the necessary steps to regain our credibility with the public.

In addition, all city officials need to be in full compliance with state and local laws on all reporting regulations. In the interest of transparency, the Statement of Financial Interest (SFI) that Cit y Councilors file every year with the City Clerk should also be sent to the State Ethics Commission

and made easily accessible to the public as well. Moreover, our state and federal taxes for the previous five years should be re le a s e d i m me d i ate ly.

W hile Cit y Councilors and staff are currently required to participate in a mandatory training annually provided by the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission, we must conduct additiona l in-person et hic s trainings for the members and staff of the City Council, review conf lict of interest matters, and investigate any alleged violations for relevant action.

We must acknowledge that

the public has lost faith in the Boston City Council and take action. The status quo is no longer acceptable. I am once again calling for Councilor Fernandes Anderson to resign.

Residents of the City of Boston Deserve Better Statement from Councilor-At-Large Erin Murphy

he recent developments concerning Councilor Ta nia Ferna ndes Anderson are deeply troubling.

Elected officials are entrusted with representing the public honestly and ethically, not abusing their power for personal gain. Such actions erode public trust and perpetuate the damaging belief that our City Council is unworthy of the confidence of those we serve.

I firmly believe that any official who engages in criminal activity or unethical behavior must be held fully accountable. We are here to uplift and protect the people of

Boston, not to exploit our positions for personal benefit. To betray this trust is to betray every resident who looks to us for leadership.

The safety, integrity, and wellbeing of our community must always come first. The people of Boston deserve leaders who exemplify the highest standards of honesty and respect. Given the serious nature of these charges, 1 expect swift and appropriate action to be taken to ensure that justice is served and the integrity of our government is preserved.

Furthermore, I call for Councilor Tania Fernandes

Anderson’s resignation. The residents of District 7 deserve better-they deser ve leaders who serve with integrity and uphold the public’s trust.

In light of these events, it is imperative that we set a date as soon as possible to hold a special election so the residents of District 7 have proper representation. According to Massachusetts General Laws, if a vacancy occurs in the office of a city councilor elected by district before the last six months of the term, the city council is required to promptly order a special election to fill the vacancy for the

ASCA Spring Cleanup Day The Andrew Square Civic Association (ASCA) held its neighborhood Spring Clean-up Day last Saturday, April 5, which is a day devoted to neatening and cleaning neighborhoods all around the City of Boston. This cleaning dispatch station, along with plenty of supplies and goodies from Dunkin Donuts, was set up at 383 Dorchester Avenue, LOT On The DOT. Mary, Finbar, Fabiana, Declan, and Greg pitched in

remainder of the unexpired term.

Therefore, the city council must act swiftly to schedule this special election, ensuring that the residents of District 7 are duly represented without undue delay.

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

U.S. Olympians Visit Boston Youth at Track & Field Practice in South Boston

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n Monday, April 7, U.S. Olympic r u n ne r s Emily Mackay and Parker Valby visited with 70 Boston youngsters

at their f irst Track & Field practice of the season run by Yout h Enrichment Ser vices (YES) at Joe Moakley Park in South Boston. As part of the

USA Track & Field Foundation (USATF) athlete visit, Mackay and Valby presented YES with the foundation’s 2025 Youth Club Gra nt. T he $2 ,0 0 0

grant will support the Boston nonprof it’s Track & Field program, which Y ES hosts in the spring, summer and fall for city youth of various ages.

YES Executive Director Bryan Van Dorpe and YES youth and coaches look on as U.S. Olympic runner Emily Mackay (wearing white hat) speaks to the group.

U.S. Olympic runners Emily Mackay (wearing white hat on right) and Parker Valby (wearing black New Balance hat on right) pictured with YES Track & Field youngsters at their first practice of the season at Joe Moakley Park in South Boston.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

7

The Northern Avenue Bridge

by Rick Winterson

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he Northern Avenue Bridge (or what remains of it) sits open on its pedestal at the northern end of the Fort Point Channel. It is a so-called “swing bridge” that once rotated on the pedestal, so that both sides were available for water traffic to pass by. It was powered by compressed air. Its engineering was considered to be quite advanced in the early 1900s; it is part of the history of Boston as an important harbor city.

Nowadays, the Northern Avenue Bridge has been fully condemned, due to decades of salt water corrosion. It sits open and totally unused. Recently, ongoing corrosion has been

detected, which probably makes it necessary to dismantle the bridge completely and then dispose of the remains elsewhere.

Otherwise, it might collapse into Fort Point Channel, which still has limited public uses.

A recent column by Jon Chesto in the Boston Globe’s business section asked this question about the Northern Avenue Bridge: “What could replace it?” The most practical answer we can give is short, simple, and conclusive: “No bridge at a ll!”.

Perhaps structures, such as dikes, could help control Boston Harbor tides, but no new Northern Avenue Bridge is needed.

T he Eve ly n Moa k le y Bridge was completed an even

centur y after the Northern Avenue Bridge f irst opened.

Immediately a f ter ward, the Northern Avenue Bridge was closed to vehicular traff ic.

And it’s common knowledge that proposals to replace the Nor t her n Avenue Br id g e surfaced after it was condemned for pedestrian usage in 2014 – 106 years after it first opened.

In la rge pa r t, t he se replacement plans were triggered

by General Electric’s proposal to relocate their headquarters into South Boston’s newly developed Seaport District.

Later on, after a lot of things simply didn’t happen (including GE’s relocation), the hastily drawn designs for a bicycle and pedestrian bridge to Northern

Avenue were quickly put aside.

At this point, there’s no reason at all to build a bridge of any kind that connects with Northern Avenue. The large and versatile Evelyn Moakley Bridge is just one short block away, along Sleeper Street between Northern Avenue and Seaport Boulevard. This Bridge has many auto lanes, wide sidewalks, and rarely used bike lanes on both sides. No other bridge any where nearby is necessary.

However, the possibilit y of improving Boston Harbor by using Fort Point Channel to control storm surges and f looding still needs to be developed.

Whether that includes any public access – pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles – is an open question.

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Senator Collins: Massachusetts Taxpayers will See Statewide Tax Relief this Filing Season Legislation passed during the 2023-2024 session included historic statewide tax cuts

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a st session, t he Massachusetts Legislature passed, and Governor Healey signed into law, a historic tax relief bill aimed at lowering costs for working families, homeowners, renters and the Commonwealth’s seniors, among others. Residents can expect to see the effects of this tax relief package as they file their taxes for tax year 2024.

“This ta x sea son, Massachusetts families, seniors and workers will see real relief thanks to the historic statewide tax cuts.” said Senator Nick Collins. “With the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit more than doubling, a 10% increase on the Earned Income Tax Credit and the most generous Child and

Family Tax Credit in the nation, the tax cuts legislated into law last session were the largest relief package passed in a generation.”

Major provisions include the most generous universal Child and Family Tax Credit in the country. Taxpayers will see the child and dependent tax credit increase from $310 to $440 per dependent child, disabled adult, and senior for taxable year 2024 and beyond. This legislation also eliminated the child and dependent cap and will benefit hundreds of thousands of families statewide.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been increased from 30 percent to 40 percent of the federal credit. This increase provides crucial support to working individuals and families, benefitting nearly 400,000 ta xpayers with incomes under $67,000.

The legislation also includes

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2025

relief for seniors by increasing the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit from $1,200. Because this credit is adjusted for inflation each year, the maximum credit for tax year 2024 is now $2,730.

This increase helps approximately 100,000 seniors, especially those struggling with high housing costs who wish to stay in their homes.

2024 taxpayers can also expect relief in other areas including: The cap on the rental deduction increased from $3,000 to $4,000.

For an estate valued under $2 million, the bill exempts you from the estate tax.

Capital gains tax was reduced from 12% to 8.5%, providing relief for gains on assets held one

year or less.

A reminder! Massachusetts State Taxes are due Tuesday, April 15th. For a complete overview and access to resources for filing your tax returns, visit: https://www.mass. gov/info-details/massachusettscurrent-tax-filing-season-overview For free tax preparation services, please check for eligibility at: https://bostonabcd.org/service/ tax-assistance/

Ngoc-Tran Vu Speaks at SPOKE

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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goc-Tran Vu (l.), a visual artist from Boston, exhibited her creation of a “Vietnamese Wall” centered upon variable lighting and Vietnamese straw hats at SPOKE Gallery in South Boston this week. Kathy Bitetti (r.), a local artist herself, conducted Vu’s presentation and her platform talk.

Vu’s presentation focused upon the time from 1975 to the present day, which constitutes a modern-day “Diaspora” for Vietnamese people. Vu came here in 1992 under the Refugee Resettlement Act and is now an American citizen. She is the founder of TranVu Arts (t r a nv u a r t s @ g m a i l .c om)

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

9

Hearing on Drug Overdose Deaths Among Black Men Councilors Flynn and Worrell Call for a Hearing on Drug Overdose Deaths Among Black Men

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ouncilors Ed Flynn and Brian Worrell called for a hearing to discuss opioid related overdose deaths in the older Black population in the City of Boston. Drug overdose deaths, in particular from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, have seen a sharp increase. A recent joint investigation into millions of death records by The Boston Globe, The New York Times, The Baltimore Banner, The San Francisco Standard, The Chicago Sun-Times, and other newspapers found that the group that has been consistently hardest hit by opioid overdose deaths in cities are Black men between the ages of 54 and 73, and there is a critical need for the City to devise a plan to address this.

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), from 2019 to 2022, there were nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths across the country, of which 74,000 were opioid-related deaths. From 201723, data from the Massachusetts State Department of Public Health showed that the overdose death rate among Black men over 55 years old increased by 242%. Black men ages 54 to 73 died four times more than the rate of men of other races, and fentanyl was found in 93 percent of 2022 overdose deaths.

In 2022, the Boston Public Health Commission’s Health of Boston 2024: The Substance Use and Disorders Report found that Black residents experienced the highest rate of fatal overdoses from any drug when compared to other racial and ethnic groups, and that overdose deaths were often caused by fentanyl laced into cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin or other drugs. The Boston Globe reported that many Black men in addiction treatment often feel unwelcome in programs that are not designed for them and their drug of choice, and

that they are less willing to open up in spaces where it is difficult for others to understand their life experiences and past trauma.

“The City of Boston must have an urgent conversation about these alarming statistics and fatal overdoses that are disproportionately impacting older Black men,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is critical that the City explores preventative measures to tackle this public health crisis that continues to harm older Black men with discussions on equitybased programs, as well as mental and behavioral health treatment.”

“These statistics make it clear that we must do more to provide mental health support and treatment to Black men struggling with addiction,” Councilor Worrell said. “I look forward to working with BPHC and other health professionals and experts to find solutions that will save lives.”

Councilor Flynn Files a Resolution in Support of Life Saving Treatment C ou nci lor Ed Fly nn filed a resolution in support of Massachusetts Senate Bill S. 1042, An Act in support of life saving treatment. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Nick Collins, requires that patients under court order and committed to a medical facility for an overdose be allowed to participate in the subsequent court hearing and court-ordered evaluation remotely.

The bill also requires patients who have suffered an overdose to receive an evaluation by a licensed social worker, a meeting with a recovery coach and navigator, and receive approval from the judge who issued the court order for civil commitment before discharge.

Drug overdose poses a significant health crisis in Boston and Massachusetts. Between 2012 to 2022, the Boston Public Health Commission reported that drug overdose mortality associated with

use of fentanyl in combination with cocaine increased by 191% in the City of Boston. According to a 2020 study done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Massachusetts, 1 in 20 patients treated for non-fatal opioid overdose died within a year following their visit. 1 in 5 of these deaths occurred within the first month of their visit. Another study funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration found that 91% of patients who suffered a non-fatal opioid overdose had opioids dispensed to them again within a year of the overdose. Within two years, many experienced another overdose.

Many studies show that social workers and recovery coaches are effective in combating drug-related issues. According to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center, social workers and recovery coaches provide a unique perspective

of compassion and personal connection which is important to helping patients recover. Many other experts argue that dischargeplanning and outpatient counseling are key to preventing further drug use that could be fatal.

“It is critical that we continue working together on solutions to prevent drug overdoses and tragedies that have impacted so many families in our community,” said Councilor Flynn, a former Superior Court Probation Officer. “By requiring a multistep evaluation with a licensed social worker, recovery coach, and approval by a judge before patients are discharged - this approach can provide more help towards recovery for families battling addiction.”

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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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

23rd Boston Marine Corps Honor Run Moves to Castle Island The 5K gathers military and civilian runners on May 10

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onventures, Inc. is proud to announce that the Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 5K will return on Saturday, May 10, to a new course along the South Boston waterfront. The annual 5K will begin at 9:00 a.m. at its new location, DCR’s Fort Independence at Castle Island.

Now in its 23rd year, the Marine Corps Honor Run has continued its mission to raise awareness and support for veterans and military families. Registration is now open.

Organized by Conventures, Inc., the race welcomes runners of all abilities, as well as active-duty officers, military veterans, local law enforcement groups, civilians,

and their families. The event will feature on-site vendors and product sampling, and there will be a prerace warm-up led by Marine Corps personnel. After the race, awards will be given to winners in seven categories and race results will be available online. All registered participants will receive a race t-shirt and a commemorative coin.

“I’m thrilled to help organize the Marine Corps Honor Run yet again and continue its legacy,” said Alex Mrusek, Senior Account Executive of Sports Events at Conventures, Inc. “This year feels even more special because of the move to Castle Island, which will provide beautiful scenery for our participants as they run to support two great charities.”

This year, the race will raise awareness and funds for two military non-profits, the Marine

Photo credit to Michael Blanchard

Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) and Fisher House Boston.

The Marine Corps Scholarship is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, and Fisher House Boston provides housing for military and veterans’ families while their loved ones receive treatment at local Boston area hospitals.

Race registration starts at $30 for ROTC/JROTC students and charity runners that raise over $100 for MCSF or Fisher House Boston.

Regular 5K registration is $50 and entries are available for active duty or retired military and first responders

for $40. Donations to either of the two non-profit partners are also welcomed.

About Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 5K: The Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 5K celebrates and recognizes the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps. This annual event began with the mission to raise awareness and support for veterans and military families, while also fostering a sense of community and pride for those who have sacrificed for our freedom. The event welcomes all active-duty officers, military veterans, local law enforcement groups, civilians, and their families.

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

11

SBCA Spelling Bee Winner Competes in Boston Regional Bee

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ongratulations to Sout h Boston Catholic Academy Spelling Bee champion fourthgrader Roymaar Deli. Roymaar represented SBCA in the 2025 Boston Citywide BCYF (Boston Center for Youth and Families)

Spelling Bee that took place on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Boston Public Library, Copley Square Branch. Roymaar was one of 24 spellers in grades 3 - 8 from across the city to compete for t he cha nce to represent Boston at the National

Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.. Congratulations to a ll our SBC A spellers for their diligence, determination, and school spirit! A Special Thank You to Mrs. Evans for organizing this Spelling Bee for t he students at SBC A !

“Spel ling bees a re a great way to learn and have fun.”

- A nonymous. New fa milies a re welcome to ema i l ou r admissions team at admissions@ s b c a t h o l i c a d a c a d e m y. o r g for more info. about South B oston C at hol ic A c ademy.

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THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Massachusetts Port Authority is partnering with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Program discreetly identifies passengers who may need extra support

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The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is partnering with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program; a worldwide program that helps create accessible and inclusive places for all those with disabilities. By wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunf lower lanyard, passengers can subtly indicate to airport staff that they may need additional assistance in the airport. Nearly 300 airports and dozens of airlines globally take part in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.

Starting in the UK in 2016, the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower provides their innovative program and training to businesses and non-profits across all sectors including air travel, retail, tourism, education and more. Globally 1 in 6 people, approximately 1.3 billion of the world population, live with a disability. These disabilities can be temporary, situational, or permanent. Non-visible disabilities can be neurological, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental, physical, visual, auditory and including sensory and processing difficulties. They can also include respiratory, heart, rare diseases, and chronic conditions such as asthma, endometriosis, and chronic pain. Across Massachusetts, nearly 11 percent of the population has some form of disability.

“We are thrilled to welcome Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network,” said

Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Director -U.S.A. “As one of the top twenty busiest airports in the U.S., Boston Logan’s commitment to the Sunflower program will have a positive impact on many travelers and employees. We look forward to our continued relationship with BOS where passengers and employees with hidden disabilities can now feel even more supported and welcome during their time at BOS.” Improving the passenger experience is a top priority for Massport. Programs such as this one, Wings for Autism where families with children with autism can practice the airport experience, and the Sensory Room at Logan’s Terminal E, help reduce the stress of traveling and make our airports more welcoming.

Massport is committed to making our airports inclusive places for all.

“As a member of the Sunflower Program, Massport is furthering our commitment to making sure all passengers get the assistance they need at our airports,” said Mia Healy-Waldron, Deputy Director of Customer Service at Massport.

“We are dedicated to exceptional guest experience, and this program is an important step in making sure all of our customers, no matter the disability, can fly smoothly.”

Visit the kiosks at the Information Booths in the airport or go to flylogan.com for more information on the program and how to obtain a Sunflower lanyard.

For more information on Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please watch this video or go to: w w w.hdsunf lower.com.

THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

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