Councilor Flynn Files Hearing Order to Immediately Reinstate 14.6% Cut from Veterans Services
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order to discuss immediately reinstating a 14.6% and $724,000 cut from the City of Boston Department of Veterans Services from the recommended FY27 Operating Budget. He also filed a resolution with Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy on this issue as well. In 2023, the Boston City Council previously voted to cut $900,000 from Boston Veterans Services, before veterans and military families were able to advocate to restore that funding.
The recommended FY27
Operating Budget indicates a 14.6% reduction amounting to $724,000. It is never acceptable, under any circumstances, to cut services or programs for veterans and military families. According to reports, this also comes at a time when Massachusetts has a net loss of 264 workers from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in 2025. In Councilor Flynn’s opinion, these cuts will negatively impact low-income veterans, women veterans, and black veterans. Councilor Flynn believes that we have an obligation to support our
returning military families, and that it is never acceptable, under any circumstances, to cut services or programs for veterans and military families.
“We must always stay true to President Lincoln’s solemn promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military, for their families, caregivers, and survivors. It’s about respect and dignity for veterans and military families and keeping that sacred promise. The City of Boston has lost its way if we now set a precedent to balance the budget on the backs of veterans and military families,” said Councilor Flynn. For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Celebrating First Holy Communion
Congratulations to all our second graders at South Boston Catholic Academy and in the Parish Religious Education Program on making their First Holy Communion that was celebrated on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Gate of Heaven Church. The Celebrants at this Mass were
Reverend Robert Casey, our Pastor, Reverend Peter Shirripa, our Parochial Vicar, and Monsignor Liam Bergin, Priest Assistant in Residence, along with Abbot Mark Cooper, OSB, from St. Anselm Abbey and Reverend Richard Fitzgerald from St. Columbkille in Brighton who had family
members making their First Holy Communion at this Mass. Following the 10:30 Mass at St. Brigid Church on Sunday, May 3, the children who made their First Holy Communion participated and led us in the May Procession in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary. Wishing all mothers a Very Happy Mother’s Day!
A special Thank You to the 2nd grade teachers Ms. Courtney Sudhalter, Ms. Meghan Leslie, Ms. Ciara Rushe and Ms. Kerry Buckley and Ms. Ann Marie Buckley for helping the children prepare for their First Holy Communion. May God Bless all these wonderful boys and girls and their families!
Labouré Center Spring Reception a Success
Catholic Charities
Boston recently held its 42nd annual Spring Reception, raising nearly $200,000 to benefit programs at its Labouré Center in South Boston.
State Sen. Nick Collins and State Rep. David Biele were among the 200 guests who attended the event, held at The Exchange in the Seaport District on April 30.
At the reception, the 2026 distinguished Jack Shaughnessy Service Award was presented to the McNeice Foundation in recognition of its $1 million, multi-year grant to the Labouré Center Family Counseling and Guidance Center, providing support and hope to those affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and their families.
“We are especially honored this evening to recognize the McNeice Foundation,” said Matt Wells, CCAB Trustee and Labouré Advisory Board President. “Following in the legacy of John and Margaret
McNeice, the Foundation continues to make a profound impact in the areas of education and social justice. Their recent grant to expand recovery treatment and counseling for families affected by substance use will allow Labouré to reach even more individuals in need— once again reinforcing that focus on families and community that defines this organization.”
The Jack Shaughnessy Service Award was established in memory of the late wellknown Catholic philanthropist and is presented annually to individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and service to the Labouré Center and the Boston community
The Foundation, founded by John and Margarete McNeice in 1997, also received citations from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office and Sen. Collins as part of the evening’s festivities. The couple’s daughter, Margarete McNeice Portanova, Executive Director of the Foundation, was presented with the award.
and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston; John Mulcahy, Labouré Center Advisory Board member and Spring Reception Co-Chair; Margarete McNeice Portanova, Executive Director of the McNeice Foundation; Casey Shaughnessy, Labouré Center Advisory Board member and Spring Reception Committee member; Matthew Wells, CCAB Trustee and Labouré Center Advisory Board President; and Kevin Galvin, Labouré Center Advisory Board member and Spring Reception Co-Chair, attended the 42nd annual Spring Reception to benefit the Catholic Charities Labouré Center in South Boston
Matthew Wells, CCAB Trustee and Labouré Center Advisory Board President; State Sen. Nick Collins; Gabriele Shaw; Margarete McNeice Portanova, Executive Director of the McNeice Foundation; Lydia Polaski, South Boston Liaison for Mayor Michelle Wu, and John Mulcahy, Labouré Center Advisory Board member and Spring Reception Co-Chair.
Kelley Tuthill, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston, and State Sen. Nick Collins attended the 42nd annual Spring Reception to benefit the Catholic Charities Laboure Center in South Boston.
State Rep. David Biele; James Brett, president and CEO of The New England Council, and Tom Tinlin of South Boston, a Principal at Howard Stein Hudson.
Kelley Tuthill, president
Senator Collins Backs Record Local Aid in State Budget Budget Delivers
Under the proposal, Boston would receive approximately $254 million in Chapter 70 education funding for Boston Public Schools
This week, Senator Nick Collins, as a member of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, voted for a Fiscal Year 2027 budget that delivers record levels of local aid to municipalities across Massachusetts, including for the City of Boston.
In advance of the Committee’s budget recommendation, Senator Collins advocated to Committee leadership for increased support for the City of Boston and priorities identified by the Mayor.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means budget proposal includes the highest level of local aid in state history, with a $1.376 billion investment in the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. The proposal also includes a $53 million increase in direct, flexible funding that municipalities can use to support core services and local priorities.
Under the proposal, Boston would receive approximately $254 million in Chapter 70 education funding for Boston Public Schools and approximately $248 million in Unrestricted General Government Aid, the Commonwealth’s primary form of flexible municipal aid.
Unrestricted General Government Aid allows municipalities to direct resources where they are needed most, whether that means supporting police and fire services, repairing roads, maintaining parks and libraries, or strengthening other essential city operations.
More than $510 Million in State Funding for Boston
The funding increase comes as municipalities across Massachusetts continue to face rising costs associated with public safety, infrastructure, health care, and education, placing increasing pressure on local budgets.
“As costs continue to rise, it is critical that the state step in with meaningful support for cities like Boston,” said Senator Collins. “These funds
are essential to maintaining core services, supporting our schools, and ensuring the city can meet its obligations to residents. This is how we keep things running and make sure Boston continues to function effectively.”
The Senate’s proposal also aims to distribute new funding more equitably across communities statewide while ensuring municipalities have the flexibility
needed to respond to local challenges and priorities.
The Senate will continue deliberations on the final budget in the coming weeks.
The Children’s Museum Milk Bottle! An Authentic South Boston Landmark?
by Rick Winterson
As you walk along the South Boston side of the Fort Point Channel and arrive at Congress Street from either direction, you can’t miss the sparkling white milk bottle marked with a red cap, a Hood label, and scarlet window awnings. It sits on the dock in front of the Children’s Museum – the milk bottle’s owner. And the view of this bottle from across the Channel
is perhaps even more spectacular, especially as you approach it from across the Congress Street Bridge.
That sight by itself is worth your walk. A few numbers might illustrate why the milk bottle is so eye-catching. First of all, it’s 40 feet tall (picture seven acrobats standing on each other’s shoulders). It weighs more than seven (7) tons. And if it were a real bottle, it would hold some 250,000 quarts of milk. Yes, that’s a quarter of a million quarts, which is equivalent to the milk 100 cows would give over 100 days. Can you imagine how large a refrigerator to hold the milk bottle would need to be?
But that’s more than enough numbers. What’s more important, South Boston Online believes that the Children’s Museum milk bottle is an “authentic South Boston landmark”.
Our milk bottle has a unique history. It was originally created and installed on Route 44 in Taunton, Mass., by a man named Arthur Gagner. He used it to sell his own home-made ice cream; Gagner’s milk bottle soon became
Happy Mother’s Day
“Happy Mother’s Day to my mom & all mothers on this special day!” City Councilor Ed Flynn
one of America’s first drive-in, fast food vendors. But in 1967, the milk bottle drive-in was closed and abandoned. Even though it was still a sight that attracted many tourists out for a drive, it began to fall apart. Then the HP Hood Company bought it, renovated it, and donated it to the Children’s Museum. In 1977, it was finally delivered on a Boston Harbor barge to the Children’s Museum Wharf at 308 Congress Street, in an event called the “Great Bottle Sail”. Eventually, the milk bottle was relocated to its current spot, which was named “The Milk Bottle Plaza”. This was recognized as a major preservation activity, so the project received a Mayor Thomas Menino Legacy Award. Nowadays, visitors from all over the U.S. and many other countries enjoy the sight of the milk bottle when they visit the Children’s Museum. And speaking of history, the Children’s Museum was founded 113 years ago in 1913 and was relocated to South Boston’s Fort Point area in 1979.
Certainly, South Boston has its share of landmarks. They range from Castle Island to Dorchester Heights to Fort Point itself. So let’s
include the milk bottle as a prominent South Boston landmark as well.
The milk bottle is now occupied by Glenn’s Kreme & Kone, a concession featureing a wide variety of treats based on ice cream, such as Italian ices, banana boats, many key flavors, and that New England drink called “frappes”. Lunch items include pizza slices and hot dogs. Glenn’s Kreme & Kone accepts cash and VENMO only; Glenn and Olivia will be happy to serve you from 11:30 to 4:30 (11 to 5 on weekends). And as a final historic note, were you aware of ice cream’s long history? References to this ancient dessert go back for more than 2,000 years; back then, ice cream was made exclusively by hand, using snow and natural ice. Only the very rich could afford it. But the very first, all-season ice cream maker was invented in 1843. It was called an “artificial freezer” or a “hand-cranked ice cream churn”, and it was invented by an American woman named Nancy Johnson. Since then, ice cream has become a worldwide, world-class treat.
Think about that when you visit the Children’s Museum milk bottle.
by Rick Winterson
Dave Courage is a born-and-brought-up South Bostonian, who mentions his Irish descent and local lifestyle now and then with a certain amount of quietly justifiable pride. To quote him, he says, “I grew up in the shadow of the Monument on Atlantic Street”, and his father took part in the invasion of Normandy. That steeped Dave in history and gave him a high regard for the American nation. He presently lives in the Dorchester Street/Vinton Street neighborhood, and presently (although he’s retired), he continues to have an exciting and challenging life.
Dave is what he calls “an Eighth Grade graduate”, which according to him describes his early education precisely. After that, however, he passed his GED (with very high grades) and took a number of courses at UMass Boston as part of his career job. Since 1990, he has worked for the railroad – 15 years at Amtrak, 20 at KeolisCS. In particular, Dave’s jobs with the railroad involved engineering steps to keep trains operational and responding to emergencies whenever they occurred. Speaking of emergencies, ask Dave to tell you about the train carrying
Dave Courage – a South Bostonian
cement beams, which struck the Southampton Street Bridge, and the multiple snowstorms in 2015 that caused him to put in a 92-hour workweek. Dave has a saying about railroad operations that he still quotes: “Most accidents don’t just happen; they’re caused by human error.”
Since 1992, Dave has been a faithful member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. His devotion earned him a position as a Church Deacon, and in recent years, he has been ordained as a Church Elder. It’s also worthy of note that Dave has now been in recovery for 27 years, which he reverently calls an “unmerited gift of God”.
Dave retired from the railroad last year. Since then, he has spent much time and energy on the challenges faced by the European nation of Ukraine. In 2022, he began advocating for Ukraine locally at community meetings, rallies, and demonstrations. After he retired, he joined the American Coalition for Ukraine (the ACU). Nationally, as an ACU member, Dave has participated in meetings with members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Internationally, he has volunteered with UAidDirect USA, loading medical equipment and supplies for shipment to
Ukraine. With Jeeps4Peace, he served as a driver in a convoy that brought 34 donated vehicles from Scotland to Ukraine, turning them over to defenders who then deployed them at the front line with the Russian invaders. Dave says, “I anticipate driving in future convoys. I also sell cakes, cookies, and other goodies, mostly to friends and family, to benefit Ukraine”. He plans to travel there again in June.
Dave closed this interview
with South Boston Online by saying, “I have three passions in my life now – my two girls, Cynthia and Samantha; the continued well-being of the Fourth Presbyterian Church; and the existence of the Ukrainian nation.”
As a final note, if you’d like some unusually fine coffee, go to the Esthetic Bean Coffee Shop at 16 Preble Street near Andrew Square. Marta, its owner, is Ukrainian.
State Representative David Biele
Ukraine in South Boston: Esthetic Bean Coffee Shop (Preble at Andrew Square)
P&G Gillette Hosts 5th Annual Girls in STEM Day
P&G Gillette hosted its 5th Annual Girls in STEM Day, a hands-on event inspiring youth ages 10–18 to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. This morning’s event, organized by Gillette’s Boston Women’s Network with Josiah Quincy School, welcomed sixth graders from JQS for a day of interactive learning and mentorship. Students participated in activities like assembling razor cartridges, egg drop challenges, pasta car races, and career vision boards.
South Boston Spring Stroll Tonight
Councilor Flynn to Hold Hearing on Potholes May 8th
This Friday, May 8th at 10am in the Iannella Chamber at City Hall, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will hold a hearing to discuss the status of addressing potholes in the City of Boston. Potholes are a persistent issue on roadways throughout Boston and it’s critical to discuss next steps on addressing street deterioration. Interested neighbors who would like to attend the hearing in-person, or to testify virtually via Zoom, are invited to please reach out to shane. pac@boston.gov. If you would like to also provide written testimony, you can
email the committee at ccc.cs@boston. gov or email ed.flynn@boston.gov. Neighbors are also invited to watch the livestream of the hearing at the following link: www.boston.gov/city-council-tv.
Potholes create safety hazards for all, significant damage to vehicles, and additional risks for persons with disabilities. Residents across the City of Boston and District 2 continue to report potholes. Neighbors are encouraged to report potholes to 311 as the City has established goals related to infrastructure maintenance and roadway quality. In 2025, the City filled over 4,000 potholes, down from the 7,000 potholes filled in 2023.
“Paving our roads and filling in potholes is a critical part of the nuts and bolts of city government and neighborhood services. The City of Boston needs to refocus on addressing basic city services and quality of life issues,” said Councilor Flynn.
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Rep. Biele Secures $1.7 Million for Firefighters in House Budget
Investments in Boston Fire Department Training Academy
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its budget for fiscal year 2027 (FY27). As part of the budget debate process, State Representative David Biele filed an amendment to the House budget and successfully secured funding to help train firefighters in the City of Boston and across Massachusetts.
Specifically, Rep. Biele’s amendment allocates $1.7 million for the Boston Fire Department’s Training Academy. In addition to supporting the Boston Fire Department locally, the Training Academy also serves as a valuable resource for public safety response teams across Massachusetts. In prior years, the Training Academy provided education and training to over 50 public safety agencies and their emergency responders from across Massachusetts.
“Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718 commends the advocacy of Representative Biele to secure funding that will ensure our firefighters are well-trained and prepared to carry out our mission keeping Boston and its residents safe,” said Sam Dillon, President of Boston Firefighters Local 718.
Rep. Biele’s amendment garnered bi-partisan support from over 90 state representatives from across Massachusetts and was adopted unanimously.
“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in making these crucial investments for our first responders,” said Rep. Biele. “These funds will ensure that our firefighters are trained and have the resources necessary need to keep our communities safe.”
In addition to Rep. Biele’s amendment, the House FY27 budget includes over $3.126 million for fire department hazardous material response teams across Massachusetts, including the City of Boston.
Mayor Wu Announces White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council
15-member advisory council will engage community and advise on construction and future operations of White Stadium
Mayor Michelle Wu in partnership with Boston Legacy FC announced the creation of the White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council (WSNAC), a 15-member advisory body established to engage communities and provide input on the White Stadium project.
Created under the project’s lease and governing agreements, the council creates a structured forum for information-sharing, discussion, and community feedback as White Stadium is built and prepares for operations. WSNAC will serve as an advisory voice representing neighbors and park users on stadium operations, transportation, scheduling, logistics, and other topics of neighborhood interest.
The council members represent a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including residents from Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Mattapan, park users, BPS student athletes, local businesses, faith leaders, and youth sports organizations. Members will receive regular updates from the City, BPS Athletics, the Parks Department, and Boston Legacy FC, and will provide ongoing community feedback and perspectives on construction progress and stadium operations.
“The White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council will help ensure that the community continues to steer investments in two of our most beautiful and treasured public spaces in Boston—White Stadium and Franklin Park,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This group will be instrumental to making sure this project reflects the needs and priorities of our residents.”
“The White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council formalizes what Boston Legacy FC believes is essential to this project’s success: an ongoing, meaningful partnership with the community,” said Kim Miner, Chief External Affairs Officer, Boston Legacy FC. “It will
play a critical role in building trust and accountability through transparency and ongoing engagement, providing a consistent forum for listening to and sharing neighborhood perspectives.”
The inaugural members of the White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council who will serve two-year terms, include:
Co-Chairs
Luis Perez Demorizi, Executive Director of Franklin Park
Matt Balk, Boston Legacy FC Head of Facilities
Anshi Moreno Jimenez, City Coordinator
Ex-officio Members
Brian Worrell, City Councilor for District 4
Benjamin J. Weber, City Councilor for District 6
Rev. Miniard Culpepper, City Councilor for District 7
General Members
Sam DePina, Boston Public Schools Athletics
Tony DaRocha, Youth Sports Coach
Camila Restrepo, Boston Public Schools Student Athlete
Rickie Thompson, Franklin Park Coalition President
Beth Santos, local Business Owner (co-owner of Ula Café) and BPS Parent
Marilyn Forman, Dorchester Representative
Tony Brewer, Roxbury Representative
Kevin Batt, Jamaica Plain Representative
Pastor Dana Gonsal, Mattapan Representative
Under the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, negotiated in December 2023, “A White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council (“WSNAC”) will be established at the earliest practicable time. Membership shall include District Councilors and representatives of residents from park-adjacent neighborhoods of
Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Mattapan, park users, Boston Public Schools, and the Applicant. WSNAC will be co-chaired by the Parks Department and the Applicant.”
Following the stadium’s inaugural season at White Stadium, the advisory council will receive and review the Annual Stadium Operations Report submitted by Boston Legacy FC, covering transportation, sound management, lighting, trash, event scheduling, and more. The council will also review the annual Transportation Management and Operations Plan and provide feedback as a representative body
of residents, identifying what worked well and what could be improved in future seasons.
WSNAC members will also share feedback and ideas for the Community Annual Fund, a $500,000 commitment that will increase annually by 3% and is funded entirely by Boston Legacy. The Annual Fund will be established by the City and Boston Legacy, with guidance from its own advisory body, as established under the lease documents. It is one part of more than $252 million in privatelyfunded community benefits over the next 15 years stemming from the White Stadium project.
South Boston Catholic Academy Celebrate First Holy Communion
Single-Family Report
South Boston Single-Family Homes Recently Sold
