Opening of Rebuilt Little League Field Honors Heroes
South Boston marked a proud and emotional milestone with the grand opening of the Thomas C. Foley Field at Major Christopher F. Lee Playground Wednesday evening.
The long-awaited restoration was celebrated in a spirited ceremony attended by city officials, community members, and the families of the field’s namesakes.
Joe Christino, president of South Boston Little League, opened the evening by thanking the community, city officials, and generous supporters who made the new field possible.
“I’m really thrilled to finally be here tonight to be opening this field. It’s been a long time coming,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone for being here tonight, including our board of directors, coaches, volunteers, umpires, and most importantly, all the young players in our league who are going to benefit most from
this beautiful new baseball field.”
Christino thanked “the broader South Boston community, families, neighborhood groups, all of whom supported this effort from the very beginning.” He also extended his gratitude to the elected officials, Mayor Wu, the Parks Department, and many others.
“And finally, I’d like to give a special acknowledgement to the families of both Thomas Foley and Christopher Lee for being here with us tonight to honor the legacies that this field represents.”
The revitalization of the field, funded in part by the Community Preservation Act, comes after nearly four years of planning and advocacy. The project responded to a post-COVID surge in youth baseball and a growing need for safe, high-quality facilities. The upgraded field provides young athletes a modern space to develop
Flags for the Fallen: A Sea of Honor and Remembrance
Dozens of people of all ages came together at the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Saturday to plant hundreds of American flags — each one representing a Massachusetts Fallen Hero. This powerful tribute, presented by Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, marks the beginning of Patriot Week and serves as a moving reminder of the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women. Located at 85 Northern Ave, Boston, MA, the field of flags will remain on display through Memorial Day and be a space for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. It’s a stunning display honoring those who gave everything for our country.
Senator Collins Calls for Extension of Harborwalk at Reserve Channel
Secures $1 million for transportation improvements in supplemental budget
State Senator Nick Collins secured key transit, roadway and parkway investments for the First Suffolk District as part of the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget. These funds are earmarked for crucial transportation improvements that will improve daily life for the people of South Boston.
“This funding gives us the opportunity to be more competitive and more connected, which will make South Boston stronger for everyone,” said Senator Collins.
These funds will support the renovation of Farragut Circle and enhancements to the Greenway along Columbia Road and Day Boulevard. Upgrades are also planned for Broadway and Andrew
Station, along with investments at Kosciuszko Circle to help improve traffic and pedestrian safety in the area. Additionally, funding will support a transportation infrastructure study focused on truck routes, MBTA service, pedestrian safety, and waterfront access, including plans to extend the Harborwalk at the Reserve Channel in South Boston.
2025 Senior Babe Ruth Tryouts
Wednesday May 28th at 5pm
The South Boston Sr Babe Ruth team will hold tryouts for the 2025 summer season on Wednesday May 28th at 5pm. Tryouts will be held at King Field at Joe Moakley Park. All players aged 16-19 and do not turn 20 before season’s end are eligible to play. The team will play a 12 game schedule in the South Shore Sr Babe Ruth League as well as some non-league games. For questions or pre registration send an email to wconnor16@gmail.com.
As discussions continue, Senator Collins remains committed to fighting for more resources for South Boston and the First Suffolk District, ensuring that every dollar spent works toward building a stronger, more accessible community.
“We are the economic hub of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Collins; “our communities deserve their fair share of state funding so that we can continue to be the engine that drives our local, state, and regional economy.”
P&G/Gillette Relocation Community Workshop
by Rick Winterson
Twenty years ago, back in 2005, P&G (Procter & Gamble) acquired South Boston’s Gillette Company and all of its property at 1 Gillette Park along Dorchester Avenue and A Street, which was originally known as “Gillette World Shaving Headquarters”. For the last five years or so, P&G/ Gillette has been evaluating relocation of its South Boston razor production facility to P&G’s Manufacturing Center in Andover, Mass., which has lately become a key part of P&G’s longterm modernization plan. Of the approximately 1,000 P&G/ Gillette employees now in South Boston, about 500 are employed in manufacturing. We understand they will all be offered similar
manufacturing jobs in Andover.
P&G/Gillette currently plans to keep its head office, research/ development, and administrative functions here in South Boston.
In September 2024, a public meeting called “Workshop #1” first introduced these plans to the people of South Boston.
Last Wednesday evening, P&G/ Gillette’s relocation team held its second community update meeting (“Workshop #2”), in person at 1 Gillette Park. Five of the seven relocation team members took part; more than 100 people attended. The team presented an initial rendering of both the remaining P&G/Gillette facilities and the potential development of the rest of the 31-acre site. A question-andanswer (Q&A) session followed.
We’ll quote the overall P&G/Gillette Project Goal:
Memorial Day
Remember and Honor
David Biele State Representative
“P&G/Gilette is planning to reshape a significant waterfront location, transforming our industrial campus into a vibrant, mixed-use community connecting South Boston to the waterfront and beyond.”
With its location partly bordered by the Fort Point Channel, the P&G/Gillette site will then become a unique, nearby place for public uses, along with the continuing onsite presence of P&G/Gillette offices and labs. In the Table of Areas presented by the team, the 31-acre site plans include 200,000 square feet of retail space and 250,000 for a hotel. The number of new residential units is estimated to total about 1,800. Overall, the site development will include housing, commercial enterprises, and a large public park centered upon the Channel.
Open space for public use, amounting to 15 acres in total, will occupy about half of the 31-acre site. A waterfront park 6.5 acres in size will stretch along the Fort Point Channel. Public access will be emphasized with as much as a
mile of new public roads; cultural space for community activities will be included as well. Berm strategy planning for climatic conditions will ensure waterfront resilience, and there’ll also be a tree canopy, stormwater improvements, and a harbor walkway with the necessary elevation above maximum tides.
Q&A comments from P&G/ Gillette’s Workshop #1 mentioned keeping buildings at a human scale, use of climate resilient shoreline engineering, opening an indoor swimming pool, and affordable housing. Q&A comments by a dozen speakers from the Workshop #2 audience focused upon added various features to the park areas and along the Fort Point Channel frontage. Also, there were further suggestions about having an entertainment center and building dedicated cultural space.
Overall, Workshop #2 was generally quite positive. And to give P&G/Gillette credit, many of the changes exhibited during Workshop #2 resulted from public inputs during and after Workshop #1 last year.
by Rick Winterson
IFlynn Holds Urban Tree Canopy Hearing
t is perhaps not generally known, but the South Boston neighborhood has too few urban shade trees along many of its streets. Of course, we have several park areas and green spaces in the neighborhood, but trees are in short supply along most of our sidewalks. In fact, South Boston has close to the lowest urban tree coverage in the City of Boston – only Chinatown has less than we do; Downtown has just a little more. As it happens, all three neighborhoods are parts of City Councilor Ed Flynn’s District 2.
With this in mind, Councilor Flynn called for a formal hearing at City Hall on expanding the local urban tree canopy in District 2. This took place in-person in Ianella Chamber on Friday morning, May 9. District 1 City Councilor Gabriela Zapata and Councilorat-large Erin Murphy attended also. Zapata is Chair of the City Council’s Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks Committee.
A panel formed from
groups concerned about District 2’s urban tree canopy discussed efforts to include Boston Public School students in urban tree canopy renewal, via outdoor learning programs.
An arborist from the Boston Parks Department stated that 162 trees will be planted in District 2 this spring, after nearly 500 were planted in 2023-2024. Additional trees will be emplaced by next fall.
Residents and community leaders also spoke up. For example, Donna Brown from
the SBNDC (the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation) mentioned the environmental benefit of urban tree coverage and referred to recent losses of some trees in South Boston. Tufts Medical Center spoke about
the environmental benefits of trees, especially their role in improving air quality. Councilor Flynn closed the two-hour hearing by summarizing the urgent need for more extensive urban tree canopy.
“On this solemn Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the Supreme Sacrifice for our nation to preserve freedom and democracy throughout the world.”
Councilor Ed Flynn
Boston City
Continued from Page 1 Little League Baseball
their skills and build community.
The ceremony paid moving tribute to the two men whose names grace the field.
Major Christopher F. Lee, for whom the playground is named, served heroically in World War I as a member of the famed Yankee Division.
U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Drew Lee, his great-nephew, recounted the major’s bravery, leadership, and sacrifice, including receiving the Distinguished Service Cross and ultimately succumbing to wounds
suffered in combat. “The liberties and freedoms we all enjoy are not free — they are very, very expensive,” Colonel Lee reminded the crowd.
Thomas C. Foley, whose name is on the ballfield itself, was a beloved local coach, Navy veteran of World War II, and longtime MBTA bus driver. Donna Foley, representing the Foley family, recalled his deep love for the game and his dedication to the neighborhood’s youth. “He enjoyed teaching the fundamentals and how to play the game,” she said. The original field was dedicated to Foley in 1965 following a community parade and
celebration, and this rededication renews that legacy for a new generation.
Mayor Michelle Wu, City Councilor Ed Flynn, and City Council Erin Murphy offered reflections and proclamations honoring the Lee and Foley families. Mayor Wu praised the community for investing not just in a field, but in the future of its youth. “What you do here, all you do with your teams, all you do with your coaches, it also translates off the field,” Wu said. “You are better leaders. You are better community members. You are the exact people that we need in our neighborhood to
step up and take care of each other.”
Wu told the young players that the field was made possible by people who loved this community deeply and they carry that legacy forward every time they step up to the plate.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: The field is more than just a place to play — it’s a living tribute to the service, sacrifice, and spirit that define South Boston.
With the field officially reopened, Foley gave the nod to the young players gathered: “Play ball!” The Athletics and Braves then took to the field.
By Carol Masshardt
“In my opinion, my class is the best in the world,” said Catherine “Cate” Martin.
Soon to graduate from Excel High School with a 4.02 grade point average, her accomplishments and talents are beyond what grades can measure. It is easy to imagine that the spunk, thoughtfulness, wit, and artistic ability will carry this UMass-Boston bound and lifelong South Boston daughter far into a bright future.
“My junior and senior years at Excel were great. It opened up a bigger social group. Friends I made were the highlight.
2025 Graduates: Meet Cate Martin
People from other countries, like Cape Verde, became good friends, and that is just cool and awesome,” she said.
Her interests are many and she brings imagination to life and learning. Cate’s drawings and paintings were chosen for several projects at school and for the auction at the South Boston Neighborhood House. None of this is to say that it has all been easy. Transferring schools alone, which she did from EMK to Excel, takes a certain strength and perspective.
“Excel can be rambunctious, but you have to make the best of it. What it lacks, such as the field trips and other things schools do, you make up for in friendships and relationships. That’s what makes it. I enjoy going to school now, but I didn’t always,” she said.
Cate Martin has a plan. As
Paul J. Gannon PC
a “veteran” of the Boston Public Schools, she wants to return to teach one day and has in mind a major in Elementary Education and minor in Art. Experience at the South Boston Neighborhood House has also had significant impact on her vision.
“I ‘ve worked with kids every summer, and I love to come up with ideas. It works best for me when I can use my imagination and if I can be who I am and then others can be who they are, then that is awesome and really what I think is important,” she said.
Dreams and ideals are not without concerns for the 2025 graduates and Cate easily articulates what is on her mind.
“My major concern is climate change. If I have a family, I want them to be healthy, and I want a long life,” she explains with a well attuned sense of the world around her. “I don’t know if this will be possible with the ways things are going.”
Her serious side seems well matched with the joys of being seventeen. She enjoys snowboarding (“I would love to have my own snowboard”) her work at SBNH, and time with friends.
Unsure about where she might eventually live, her attitude
toward her hometown is generous.
“I am a city girl, and I love the variety. I have only known new people and people who have been in South Boston for a long time living here together. I hope people can be where they want to be. My goal is to someday travel to all the states, and I do love to travel. Even going to a little town fair and seeing a contest for the best carrot was new and awesome, but this is home,” she said.
The list of people Catherine Martin appreciates is long, and precise. Many teachers and especially Mr. Mac, Miss Maki and Miss Sweet at Excel, have earned her fond regard. In addition, Caitlyn Murphy, a trusted mentor at the Neighborhood House, and her family, especially her father, and her boyfriend, Robert. “These are the people who make my world go round,” she said. Congratulations, Cate Martin, on your high school graduation!
(Carol Masshardt can be reached at carolhardt@comcast. net for comments or suggestions of new high school graduates who maybe included in this series.)
Graduating from the Boston Latin School, 18 year old Callie Eastman is headed to Louisiana State University (LSU) to begin a new adventure. Any sprots team would be fortunate to have her in the stands as a loyal and enthusiastic fan, and she expects her new environment will offer that and more!
“I chose LSU in part because of the warmer weather (though it is actually hot,) but really because of the spirit. When I visited the campus, everyone wore school colors, and there was a positive spirit. I never really played sports, but I love everyone being together. It was what I liked most about Boston Latin School. It didn’t matter how good the team was, but going with my friends was awesome,” she said.
You may know Callie as the always polite barista at Deja Brew where she has worked for six years, or as working for the past three years in the pre-school at the South Boston Neighborhood House, or from her years at the Perry School or Boston Collegiate. She is competent, committed, and gracious, even with years punctuated by COVID and new challenges. She is also honest.
“At first, I hated the Boston Latin School. It was so competitive and in addition, during COVID we were on-line, back part-time and then a year of masks, which I found hard. My parents encouraged me to stay because of the education, and gradually I accepted it and got more used to it. Now I’m glad I didn’t leave, and I got to make friends from all over the city. I loved that,” she said. She joined the Italian Club at Latin (“ because of
2025 Graduates: Meet Callie Eastman
my friend from the North End.”) And, it seems that meaningful connections underlie most of what Callie Eastman seeks and values.
“Even with online school from home, I spent a lot of time talking to my friends on the phone, and that was a bond that helped. When we could be together again, we already had kept the friendships, “ she said.
Generations of her family have lived in South Boston, and it is a place of security and familiarity.
“I like how connected it is here. There is a strong sense of community. I see it as positive that people want to live here. All my life I have seen about half the people who have always lived here, and new people moving in. I think it is good that people want to come.”
Callie describes herself as a city person, who credits the city with “my awareness of how things work.” She has enjoyed ski trips with her family, but also has her sights beyond, first in living in the south for college, and eventually traveling to other parts of the country and Europe.
“I have the usual concerns, but I have hope for the world because of how people can connect for the good in the world, not just here, ” she said.
Callie doesn’t have a particular dream but imagines it will come as her new experiences take shape. For now, she is thinking of health sciences as a focus but realizes that it may well change. “I know it will be something with people,” she said.
As she quietly but surely takes on the challenge of living away from home in an all-new state, she is grateful and ready.
“I appreciate the support of my parents and grandparents, and the friends I went to school with and what I have had here. I may be more homesick for my parents and home and sister than I think now, but I did want someplace new!”
Callie Eastman is bound to bring her work ethic, love of people and spirit of cooperation from South Boston to Louisiana! Congratulations on your graduation, Callie! (Contact Carol Masshardt at carolhardt@comcast.net with comments or if you know of a graduate to profile!)
New England Patriots Volunteer Day at Pine Street Inn
Pine Street Inn held its annual Home Remedy breakfast on Tuesday, April 29, bringing together corporate and philanthropic leaders to raise funds in support of the organization’s mission to end homelessness. The event included a conversation between New England Patriots announcer Bob Socci and former Boston Celtics player Leon Powe, who overcame childhood homelessness. Photo credits should be given to Allegro Photography.
The PMC Brings Its Mission to South Boston With the Inaugural South Boston PMC Kids Ride
Anew event is coming to South Boston this spring: the South Boston PMC Kids Ride! The inaugural South Boston PMC Kids Ride will be held June 7, 2025, at Carson Beach, to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.
The PMC Kids Rides Program is a spoke in the wheel of the Pan-Mass Challenge’s yearly fundraising campaign, featuring mini bike-a-thons throughout New England that involve children ages 2 to 15 in the PMC mission by providing them the opportunity to fight cancer just like adults. 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar goes to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for cancer research and treatment.
Each PMC Kids Ride is organized by volunteer coordinators. South Boston’s ride just happens to be run by a volunteer coordinator who also works full time at the Pan-Mass Challenge and has spent years helping others plan their rides.
Justine Darmanian, the Director of Volunteer Operations & Kids Rides at the PMC, decided that after overseeing the PMC Kids Rides Program for more than a decade, shes was going to organize her own PMC Kids Ride in her community. Darmanian, a longtime South Boston resident, and volunteers are coordinating the inaugural South Boston PMC Kids Ride this June.
“Working at the PMC as the Director of PMC Kids Rides, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these rides can be –not just for raising funds, but for building community and showing children that they too can make a difference in the fight against cancer. I wanted to bring the PMC’s mission to my own community so I decided to start a ride in Southie,” she said.
The South Boston PMC
Kids Ride is Saturday, June 7, from 8 to 11 AM, and starts at Carson Beach. Families from South Boston, Dorchester, and other neighborhoods are invited to participate. The ride is open to children ages 2 to 15; they can choose from a tot lot, 0.6-mile route, 1.4mile route, or 3.1-mile route.
Children have a $20 registration fee, a fundraising commitment of $40, and are asked to raise money by requesting contributions from family members, friends, and neighbors.
PMC Kids Rides fundraising supports pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, enabling kids to help kids. Since 2018, pediatric oncology has been Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s largest allocation of the PMC’s annual gift. PMC Kids Rides fundraising continues to strengthen pediatric research and care at one of the nation’s top pediatric cancer programs.
In 2024, 21 PMC Kids Rides attracted 1,475 young cyclists and 503 volunteers to raise more than $422,000 as part of the PanMass Challenge’s record-breaking
$75 million gift to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC, which is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor, representing 66 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue, has raised over $1 billion since 1980. Register to ride, volunteer, or learn more at kids.pmc.org/southboston.
Celebrating Grandparents/Special Visitors Day and SBCA Artists
The students at South Boston Catholic Academy and at the Early Childhood Center recently celebrated a special day with their wonderful Grandparents and Special Visitors who had a chance to come and visit with their grandchildren, family and friends and to see the great colorful artwork that our talented artists at South Boston Catholic Academy did at the Annual Art Show Quoting our Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian...”Celebrating our Grandparents and Special Visitors Day is one of my favorite days.” Here
are some famous quotes regarding Grandparents and People in our lives... “Grandparents are a treasure in the family. Please, take care of your grandparents: love them and let them talk to your children!” — Pope Francis. “Love is the greatest gift one generation can leave another.” –Richard Garnett. “Grandmas and grandpas are grand-angels.” – Terri Guillemets. All the students loved seeing their grandparents, family and special visitors who came and had a chance to visit the students in their classrooms. The students made special cards and colorful drawings
telling their grandparents and special visitors how much they love them.
The Annual Art Show entitled “A Day at the SBCA Art Museum” was a big success. The grandparents and special visitors loved seeing the colorful artwork that all our talented students did such a fantastic job with. A Big Thank you to our very talented Art Teacher, Mrs. Valerie Hasko, for helping the children with their creative artwork and organizing this impressive Art Show. A shout out to our wonderful 6th graders who welcomed and guided our special visitors around the school.
Councilor Flynn Calls for a Hearing on Certification Compliance for BPS Bus Drivers
At this week’s Boston City Council meeting, Councilor Ed Flynn and Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy filed a hearing order to review the hiring, training, and compliance certification for Boston Public Schools (BPS) bus drivers. This follows the tragic passing of a 5-year-old boy after being struck by a school bus in Hyde Park. Prior to the crash, the same driver reportedly struck two parked cars in Mattapan and was operating with an expired school bus certificate.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need to conduct a thorough review of the hiring and monitoring practices used by Transdev—the City’s contracted school bus management company—including how drivers are screened, trained, certified, and supervised to ensure they meet the highest safety standards before transporting children. The City must also evaluate and strengthen its real-time safety protocols by implementing enhanced measures to monitor driver behavior, report
incidents promptly, and identify and address any misconduct or violations before they result in harm. Boston Public Schools provides daily transportation to approximately 22,000 students. Families across the city entrust us with their children’s safety, and it is our obligation to ensure that only qualified, properly certified, and closely monitored drivers are allowed to operate school buses.
“The safety of Boston’s children is non-negotiable. This troubling development warrants
an immediate review of the certification and safety records of every BPS bus driver,” said Councilor Flynn. “As elected officials, we must act with urgency to address the systemic failures that contributed to this tragedy and take meaningful steps to ensure it never happens again. We owe that to every family who relies on BPS transportation.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
UMass Boston’s “Mass. Memories” Road Show
by Rick Winterson
The unique “Mass. Memories Road Show” came here to South Boston last week. It expresses its goal in one, single, short, simple phrase – “Your Place in Massachusetts History”.
The Mass. Memories Road Show is an event-based history project created, conducted, and then digitally
recorded by folks from the Archives & Special Collections at University of Massachusetts – Boston. It was presented to South Boston people two Saturdays back in the Public Room at our Library branch. It was presented by UMass Archivists like Joanne Riley and Andrew Elder and their staff assistants; it was ably supported by local volunteers, such as Pat Reid, Teresa Deamicis, Jake Bombard, and several others. And most important,
it was an immensely enjoyable event. Conversation and laughter echoed around the Public Room continuously from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Mass. Memories Road Show here featured the participation of lots of folks from South Boston. Many of them were volunteers who helped with the Road Show. Many others took part. They brought in photos of themselves, as well as of their families and neighborhoods. After signing in,
they then told the stories behind those photos and about themselves, which were recorded and placed digitally by UMass historians and archivists. Each participant then became a connection to other participating communities in Massachusetts. You can learn more about the Mass. Memories Road Show. Visit openarchives.umb.edu to view their Digital Collections and to find out about other Road Show events.
