“The Battle for Boston”
by Rick Winterson
The South Boston Branch Library hosted a highly interesting Author’s Talk. Author Don Gillis spoke about his recently published (2025) non-fiction book entitled “The Battle for Boston”. Despite its title, Don’s book didn’t deal with any kind of military action. Instead, it tells the story of Ray
Flynn’s ten years as a crusading Mayor of Boston (1984 to1993).
Don’s Author’s Talk was really brought to life by Ray Flynn himself, who took an active part during the discussion, as well as during the comments and questions from the audience that followed. As you know, the Hon. Ray Flynn has also served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See in Vatican City (1993 to 1997). Both Ray and Don closed out their swiftly completed 90-minute Author’s Talk at the Library by personally signing copies of “The Battle for Boston” purchased by members of the audience.
“The Battle for Boston” is a history of the major changes that took place in Boston under Mayor Ray Fylnn’s decadelong leadership. During that time, author Don Gillis was a
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It has been another great school year at South Boston Catholic Academy! Grade 6 participated in a ‘mock’ trial on Friday May 23rd at South Boston Division, Boston Municipal Court, under the direction of Honorable Margaret F. Albertson, First Justice, and acting grade 6 student judge, John Schult.
More SBCA Highlights on Page 12
Continued from Page 1 “Battle for Boston”
senior advisor to Ray. The book begins with an introduction that asks, “Can Cities Be Economically and Socially Progressive?” It then proceeds to give a brief history of Boston’s background, including the Mayoral record of Kevin White, who preceded Ray as Mayor. The book’s major portion follows this. It speaks extensively about the highly active decade when Ray Flynn was Mayor of Boston. This turned out to be ten years of significant changes in Boston’s politics and indeed, in the entire city itself. The word “Battle” in the book’s title refers to taking on the powerful factions in Boston – bankers, developers, and property owners are all mentioned – and restoring a hard-fought balance with the leaders of neighborhoods, community groups, racial
organizations, and the halfmillion residents of Boston in those years. Viewed as a whole, this turns into a very active nonfiction historical story , which especially highlights Ray’s strong leadership and his many accomplishments while Mayor.
The final portion of “The Battle for Boston” is no less interesting. It discusses the Mayoral terms of Thomas Menino, Marty Walsh, and Michelle Wu. Comparisons are made with other major American cities, in particular in an Appendix entitled “Cities Defined as Progressive”. Other past Mayoral candidates, such as Mel King and John Connolly, are discussed. Current economic issues are woven into the discussions as well. A Preface to “The Battle of Boston” by Bill de Blasio, the recent Mayor of New York City, is really worth reading. Detailed page-by-page footnotes give exact sources to the reader, if she or he
Former Mayor of Boston/Vatican Ambassador Ray Flynn with Don Gillis, author of “The Battle for Boston”.
would like to read further. And nearly 200 references are listed in the bibliography, including BRA reports, City of Boston archives, and various court records.
In “The Battle for Boston”, Author Don Gillis has put together a highly detailed and creatively written non-
fiction literary work. His hardworking authorship has led to a thoroughly complete book.
Don holds a PhD in Urban Sociology, and he has advised Mayors of several cities, has led workforce development agencies, and has taught several sociology courses in local universities.
by Rick Winterson
ASCA Gathers for Their June 2025 Awards
“ASCA”, abbreviation for the “Andrew Square Civic Association”, held its June get-together on Monday evening, the 23rd. ASCA is a very active (and effective) community organization. Monday’s meeting was well attended; it was actually more than just a meeting. The main event consisted of six Awards, all of them memorable and richly deserved.
The meeting was opened by the ASCA head table – ASCA President Linda Zablocki, her sister Jennifer, Patty McCormick, Rep. David Biele, and South Boston’s City Liaison Lydia Polaski. A regular feature of ASCA meetings is a police report. This one served to introduce BPD Captain Conroy, the newly appointed commander of Station C-6, who made some brief remarks. Community Service Officer Sgt. Jeremy Fitton then updated the attendees on recent police actions in and around Andrew Square.
The “State of the Square” was next. This is an ASCA activity headed up by
Gerry Craig and Todd Westerman, two highly energetic local volunteers. Their presentation included the redesign of the new Pacuska Circle, revamping of streetlights, the creation of a mural, and ongoing streetside tree plantings.
The high point of the evening consisted of the six ASCA “2025 Outstanding Citizen” Awards. Awards that were the sentimental favorites of the crowd were conferred upon four Crossing Guards, who ensure safe crossings (especially of school children)
at Pacuska Circle – Zira Bowmen, Stacie Davis, Belinda Scott, and Nathina Scott. For many, many years, they have kept crosswalks at the Circle on Old Colony Avenue safe. Both children and parents love these ladies.
Another Award was given to Isabel Hastie, the Manager of the Mary Ellen McCormack Development for the last 25 years. She has set a citywide example of how such housing groups should be managed. The final Award went to Sue Sullivan, the President of Newmarket
Business Improvement District (the BID). Her career accomplishments range from the growth of Newmarket as an active business center to her handling of the severe difficulties caused by the nearby “Mass. and Cass” site.
Mayor Wu then took the floor to address a number of questions she has encountered during her campaign to be re-elected. Josh Kraft, also running for Mayor this year, followed. He addressed issues such as affordable housing and “no new taxes”.
The 2025 Awardees with Mayor Wu and various officials.
Councilor Flynn Calls for Community Process on Proposal to Designate Boston Fish Pier as a Landmark
At the Boston City Council meeting, Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order to discuss the community process to designate the Boston Fish Pier as a landmark. This project is expected to appear on the Boston Landmarks Commission Agenda in July without any community process or notification to the neighbors and local South Boston elected officials. More importantly, it has come to the public’s attention that the City is acting on a petition filed in 1995.
The South Boston Waterfront was a very different place thirty years ago, void of almost all of the buildings, residents, and visitors we see today. Most of the buildings we see along Seaport Boulevard today were only constructed over the last decade and a half. In 2017, there was a successful effort
to place the Boston Fish Pier - a state asset, owned and operated by Massport - on the National Register of Historic Places. Moreover, marine industrial uses provide thousands of jobs in the Port of Boston. Protecting these jobs is critical and in order to keep rents low for tenants, building owners may need to be flexible with their spaces to support these seafood businesses.
“I continue to emphasize
that residents in a neighborhood deserve to have a voice in what takes place there. It is critical that we should not hastily proceed on a petition filed thirty years ago, and with a process that has thus far failed to engage relevant stakeholders and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Councilor Flynn. “Designating any historic landmark in the City of Boston requires thoughtful consideration and debate. Considering the
Family-Friendly Park City Now Open
Boston Landmarks Commission is acting on a thirty-year old petition, it is wholly appropriate to pause this designation and allow for genuine and meaningful dialogue with the community and its duly elected representatives on why this designation is necessary at this time.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Last Friday at 3 p.m., South Boston’s newest restaurant, bar, and entertainment center opened. It’s called Park City. It’s a venture of the Broadway Restaurant Group. And Park City is out-of-doors and family friendly! Set upon threequarters of an acre at 383 Dorchester Avenue, Park City’s opening days have been a smash hit with South Bostonians. It is no exaggeration to say that thousands have already stopped in, resulting in full houses almost every day. Park City is now open seven days a week; its hours currently extend from 3 to 11 p.m. Park City is an outdoor landscaped space designed for families and friends. There’ll be live music every evening, a bar that specializes in summer cocktails, and a menu that features fried clams, lobster rolls, “smashburgers” (of course), and various ethnic delights.
Mayor Wu gave some well-received remarks, accompanied by Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Officers and Elected Officials.
The BMP (Boston Music Project) featured expert young trumpeters. The South Boston Branch Library was well represented. And young children were the most enthusiastic guests of all.
Coffee with Mayor Wu
City of Boston Mental Health Programs for Youth and Families
Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Public Schools share outcomes after one year of transformative $21 million in funding
Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), and Boston Public Schools (BPS) today announced the City’s progress in supporting mental health for youth and families across Boston. In March 2024, the City announced its plan to invest $21 million over five years in transformative funding for mental and behavioral health programs and services and to develop a larger and more diverse behavioral health workforce. In the first year, 318 mental health practitioners and clinicians received training and licensure support or career placement in Boston; more than 1,090 youth-facing staff from City departments, BPS schools, and community organizations received behavioral health training; and more than 2,000 youth were directly supported by programming.
“It’s essential that every young person and family in Boston has access to the care and support they need because mental health is just as important as physical health," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "I’m thankful to the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Public Schools for expanding access to mental health resources and creating safe and healthy environments for youth today and for future generations.”
“Over the course of the last year we have responded to the mental health crisis among our youth by training hundreds of culturally and linguistically diverse health care providers and establishing new pathways to careers in behavioral health,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Our goal is to continue to build capacity to treat mental illness so that no child or adolescent
in Boston is left without mental health support when they need it.”
“We recognize that a student's ability to thrive academically is deeply connected to their social and emotional health,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Throughout May and indeed year-round, we encourage open conversations about mental health and want to ensure our community knows that support is available. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a city that generously invests in behavioral health programs and services. This dedicated funding will allow us to continue to strengthen crucial supports, increase access to mental health professionals, and implement innovative initiatives that foster a culture of care and understanding across our district and city.”
BPHC’s Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness is working with UMass Boston and Franciscan Children’s to increase the number of mental health clinicians from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Through a new fellowship program with UMass Boston called Transforming Boston Access to Mental Health, UMass students interested in clinical and non-clinical behavioral health careers can receive financial support, internship stipends, mentorship, and additional resources. Students in the Mental Health Counseling track also commit to working in Boston for three years after graduation to ensure that the investments result in long-term impact. As of May 2025, this program has supported 175 students and served 446 youth and adult clients.
BPHC’s Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, BPS, and Flourish Agenda are also working to address how structural racism and trauma impact students and how to improve school policies and procedures accordingly. For its first year, Flourish Agenda has been hosting
training sessions for BPS staff, equipping them with practical skills to create safe spaces for youth to share their experiences while maintaining staff’s own wellness. In March 2025, Flourish Agenda hosted a Healing Day for BPS students and staff from 10 schools to come together to build community and learn how to prioritize well-being while honoring culture and identity.
Other key impacts include providing behavioral health training to community-based organizations that serve youth of color or LGBTQ+ youth, who face significant behavioral health disparities. In the past year, BPHC’s Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness and Health Resources in Action have trained staff from 36 organizations in Boston to better support immediate and longterm youth mental health needs.
“Our investments reflect what young people and families have told us—mental health care must be accessible, culturally responsive, and grounded in trust. This work isn’t just about expanding services; it’s about reimagining systems. By integrating behavioral health into the daily rhythms of schools and communities, we’re driving lasting, equity-centered change so no youth is left without support,” said Dr. Kevin Simon, Chief Behavioral Health Officer for the Boston Public Health Commission.
“These investments come at a critical time. As mental health challenges among youth continue to rise, we are grateful we can respond with comprehensive, equity-based programming that is shaped by young people, tailored for those who need it most, and supported by holistic wraparound services,” said Samara Grossman, Director of BPHC’s Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness. "People often say, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' We're building that village by providing real, meaningful support to the
caring adults in young people's lives—giving them the tools they need so no one has to face youth mental health challenges alone."
The $21 million in funding is from federal funds and grants, including the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the U.S. Department of Education, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The investments over five years will serve more than 50,000 students, directly impact 21 BPS schools, support more than 600 people in pursuing behavioral health careers in Boston, grow and diversify BPS’s mental health staff, and provide more than 1,000 youth-facing staff with behavioral health training.
“One of the most inspiring aspects of our work at Flourish Agenda is how deeply our shared commitment to healing communities resonates,” said Jakira Rogers, Project Manager for Flourish Agenda. “Our partners like BPHC and BPS understand that healing is possible, and we are here to help support Boston’s healing journey, so that communities can continue to flourish.”
“As someone born and raised in Boston, our partnership with BPHC to strengthen the mental health capacity of youth-serving organizations has been a fullcircle moment for me,” said Gina San Inocencio, Associate Director for Health Resources in Action.
“Through this collaboration, we’ve trained over 60 youth workers in neighborhoods like the ones I grew up in, working with programs I myself attended as a youth. These efforts are now reaching hundreds, if not thousands, of our city’s most marginalized young people. It’s initiatives like this that fuel my commitment to this work: supporting youth in meeting their mental health needs and empowering them to grow into thriving, successful adults.”
Yoga Teacher, Mrs. Erin Holland, (Ms. E) teaches weekly yoga to the students in K0 and K1 at South Boston Catholic Academy. As a special End of the Year treat, Ms. E, invited the families to join in the Yoga class with their child. We want to say a Very Special THANK YOU to Mrs. Leanne Goff and all the members of our wonderful SBCA Home & School Committee for their continued help, care, support and encouragement to the students at SBCA!
Family Yoga Time
11th Annual Timothy “Doc” Cook Scholarships Celebrate Legacy and Lift Future Leaders
The 11th annual Timothy “Doc” Cook Scholarship Awards ceremony, celebrated recently at Castle Island, was filled with pride, remembrance, and hope for the future. Hosted on sacred ground with the support of the Castle Island Association, the ceremony honored not only the legacy of Timothy Cook, a U.S. Navy Corpsman and Southie native, but also the promise and potential of local students who carry his spirit forward.
Since its founding, the Timothy “Doc” Cook Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 to deserving young people, thanks to the continued generosity of neighbors, local businesses, unions, and organizations whose support has been both financial and deeply personal, said Joe Cook.
The foundation, which aims to educate youth and raise awareness around PTS and PTSD, continues to shine a light on the invisible wounds carried by many veterans. The ceremony paid tribute to the many people who make this work possible: from longtime supporters like Bobby Ferrara, Rich Evans, BFD Captain Chris Flaherty, former city councilman Michael Flaherty, and Roza Lyons’ Rob and Bridgett, to public servants like State Representative David Biele, who helped pass a state resolution recognizing PTSD programs, Councilor Ed Flynn, a Navy veteran and advocate for veteran services, and Senator Nick Collins, and so many others.
Jalvis Pena, Cathedral High School
To increase awareness, Jalvis would educate the community through conversations with
Honoring Service, Inspiring Hope
friends and family, ask to speak to others about the significance of PTSD, and post on social media. He has volunteered for Wings for Autism, which supports families who have kids with autism. He also volunteers at Holidays in the Hangar at Delta Airlines, which supports children in need of toys and meals at Christmas, and has acted as one of Santa‘s helpers.
Jalviennez Pena, Cathedral High School
Jalviennez wants to stop the stigma by getting more youth involved in helping vet organizations. He believes educating students about PTSD and giving them the experience to meet and work with vets would be a benefit to both. Jalviennez volunteers for Wings for Autism, Holiday in the Hangar, and the Condon Community Center.
Callie Eastman, Boston Latin, attending Louisiana State
Callie would like to organize a community event such as a Thomas Park PTSD concert, with veterans’ organizations providing information. She has read countless books about the effects of PTS on vets and their families. Callie has a lot of community service hours and is dedicated to giving back.
Kyler Simpson, Catholic Memorial
Kyler knows personally about PTSD as both his parents are veterans who served in Afghanistan and sometimes struggle with PTS/ PTSD. Kyler is proud of his parents and how strong they are. The football and basketball player will try to work with his dad to help set up support for local soldiers.
Aidan Nee, Endicott College
Aidan wants to personally help veterans by creating a lifelong veteran mentorship program that pairs recently returning service members with vets who
have gone through similar struggles and found peace. Aidan was a member of the Lahey Community Center for Dance.
Ronan Murray, Archbishop Williams
Ronan came up with the idea to increase PTSD awareness in this community by working with vets and hosting events at M Street Park and the Perkins Post. He would invite therapists to talk about the symptoms of PTS/PTSD and letting vets know they are not alone. Ronan plays hockey and basketball and is involved with Kickoff for Kids.
Jackson Spitz, BC High Jackson wants to integrate PTSD education into community training programs, especially for first responders, educators, and healthcare workers who might encounter people experiencing trauma. He emphasizes PTSD is a normal response to an abnormal event and that effective treatment exists. Jackson plays hockey and is in the chess club.
Sean Flaherty, BC High
Sean’s grandfather served in Vietnam and he didn’t talk much about it to his family, but he would when he was with his fellow soldiers. Sean thinks sometimes vets keep things locked up inside, which takes a toll on them and their whole family. Sean plays basketball and flag football among his sports.
Brendan Picard, Archbishop Williams
In school, Brendan read the book, “The Things They Carried,” which opened up his mind about PTSD. A poster Brendan created was given to all the award winners. P stands for protect, T is for teaching, S is for support, and D for donating. This young man volunteers at South Boston Special Kids and is a young leader at the Boys & Girls Club.
Samuel Flood, Belmont Hill
Samuel would like to form a collaboration with local senior centers, community groups, and veterans organizations to host casual conversations so vets can share their stories. He is a peer leader and is on the varsity crew and wrestling teams.
Maddie Minucci, Boston Latin Maddie has watched a friend’s dad suffer from PTSD
after his best friend was killed in action. Maddie would like to advocate to have more housing for vets. Maddie volunteers at Kickoff for Kids and plays lacrosse and ice hockey.
Mary Lee,
University of Vermont
Mary’s dad taught her that PTSD manifests itself in countless ways and told her that patience and empathy go a long way. She will lead with empathy and purpose by
challenging stigma, correcting misinformation, and amplifying the voices of those affected by PTSD. With education, honest conversations, and consistent compassion, she believes a more supportive environment with those who carry invisible wounds can be created. She enjoys sailing, playing the saxophone, and was captain of her swim team at Boston Latin School.
Jack Kane, Landmark High School
Jack knows that PTSD is a real mental condition that can make the everyday lives of veterans and their families very difficult. As a part of his commitment to raise PTSD awareness, he will distribute shamrocks that have a QR code that sends people to PTSD resources. Jack shovels snow and goes grocery shopping for neighbors.
He plays baseball, hockey, and Kickoff for Kids flag football.
Maeve Corbitt, graduate of Archbishop Williams; attending the Mass College of Pharmacy
Maeve saw the effects that World War II had on her great-grandfather and how he buried his feelings. She has collaborated with other students to create spaces for education and awareness of various social justice issues and has just simply been present and listened to someone who felt the need to talk and share. Maeve would like to create a space that is completely dedicated to selfexpressions to educate others about PTSD. She volunteers at the Castle Island Association for multiple events in the box center.
Jayden Bengoche, Cathedral High Jayden wants to create an easy-to-understand social media post that explains PTS and PTSD and provides resources to help. He would like to create workshops where veterans can create art showing their experiences. The basketball team captain has helped raise money and write a grant for new team jerseys. He participates in leadership programs at the South Boston Neighborhood House and the South Boston Boys & Girls Club.
Patrick Kennedy, Archbishop Williams
Patrick has a family member who was deployed to Iraq twice and suffered from PTSD. Patrick would like to organize a walk for all ages and have posters about PTSD along the route to raise awareness. He would invite veterans to attend a luncheon so that they could talk about their experiences with each other. He would also like to start a comfort buddy program. Patrick has been involved with Cradles to Crayons, Little League, and shoveling for neighbors.
Mayor’s Cup Flag Football Tournament Begins July 26
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced that registration is open for the first-ever Mayor’s Cup Flag Football Tournament, offering young athletes across the city a new way to compete, build skills, and have fun this summer. The tournament will take place Saturday, July 26 at West Roxbury High School, 1205 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury.
Flag football is a fast-growing, non-contact version of traditional football that is an accessible and inclusive option for youth of all skill levels. With rising popularity across the country, the Mayor’s Cup Flag Football Tournament offers Boston youth a chance to get in the game and experience the excitement firsthand.
Teams will compete in five divisions: boys 8 & under, boys 10 & under, boys 12 & under, boys 15 & under, and girls high school division.
Team registration is open now through Friday, July 11. All team rosters must be finalized by Friday, July 18. Interested teams can register online at boston.gov/parks-sports. For more information, contact Woodley Auguste at woodley.auguste@ boston.gov or (617) 961-3084.
To stay up to date on news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
Garden Contest Submission Deadline is July 10
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced the launch of the 29th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest, celebrating the creativity and dedication of Boston’s urban gardeners. The contest recognizes residents who help beautify neighborhoods through their flowers, trees, shrubs, and landscaping efforts, making Boston a more vibrant, green, and welcoming city.
Gardeners have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 to submit their entries. This year’s contest introduces a new category for Pollinator Gardens, highlighting gardens that support biodiversity by incorporating native species and creating habitats for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.
Gardeners, or those nominating their favorite local gardeners, may submit photos through the online application boston.gov/garden-contest (preferred method). To request a paper application, participants may email their name and mailing address to gardencontest@boston.gov. Paper applications are available in English and ten additional languages can also be found at boston.gov/garden-contest.
Finalists will receive a visit from
contest judges during the week of July 28. Once the votes are tallied, first-place winners in each category will be honored by Mayor Wu with the coveted “Golden Trowel” award, while second and third-place winners will receive official certificates.
Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. While Hall-of-Famers are no longer eligible to compete, they are invited to return as contest judges.
First-place winners are eligible for a drawing for a JetBlue Grand Prize consisting of two (2) round-trip travel certificates for travel to/from JetBlue cities (excluding transatlantic). Travel certificates cover the base fare of the flight; government taxes and fees are the responsibility of the winner. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply. Mahoney’s Garden Centers donates gift certificates to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates for the 2025 Hall of Fame winners. To stay up to date with the Mayor’s Garden Contest as well as news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 6354505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, below are instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.
346 D ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 7/8/2025
Project Description: Change existing occupancy from Office warehouse use to fleet motorpool Garage with Dispatch office include accessory storage materials truck amp servicing employee parking lot. Phase 1 shell core renovations per plans provided consist new building infrastructure work electrical service electric vehicle charging installation an 8 security fence be installed around property Demolition any existing structures consolidation 5 lots final tenant fitout shall performed on separately filed issued SF demo alteration premises permits Demolition buildings site renovation remaining 2 story structure future fit out Includes New 12 9 24 removal Existing s is subject application issuance demolition permit
245 to 249 E ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 7/29/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy from store restaurant amp 5 apartments to 6 Install new bath kitchen interior frame 2 bedrooms
62 L ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 8/12/2025
Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck
202 W First ST South Boston 02210
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 8/12/2025
Proposal: Change of occupancy to brewery/distillery/winery, bar and restaurant with live entertainment and take-out, local retail, and outdoor patio. The proposed project entails a renovation of existing structures and the combination of buildings and lots
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
164 Dorchester St
Proposal: Change existing 8 bedroom single family to two bilevel units, lower unit containing 3 beds off kitchen living rm upper 5. Create new second floor egress grade, confirm occupancy as single family, change to 2 dwelling
Time: Jun 26, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89238344589
Meeting ID: 892 3834 4589
120 Emerson St
Proposal: Adding Gong Cha (Bubble Tea) to an existing empty commercial space. Use is conditional, ZBA is required. Opening Hours will be 10AM-11PM. Takeout will be available. Items being sold are Bubble Tea, Waffles and Ice Cream.
Time: Jun 26, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86429998602 Meeting ID: 864 2999 8602
208 H St
Proposal: Interior renovation and rear addition. No change in occupancy, use or egress
Time: Jun 30, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/88314099517
Meeting ID: 883 1409 9517
372 K St (NEW)
Proposal: Change of occupancy from 1 family to 5 family. Interior renovation to existing building, dormer addition and rear addition. Change in occupancy, use, and egress. Renovation to exterior envelope
Time: Jul 9, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern TimeJoin Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81075400511 Meeting ID: 810 7540 0511
As you can see from the photos, it has been another great school year at South Boston Catholic Academy! Grade 6 participated in a ‘mock’ trial on Friday May 23rd at South Boston Division, Boston Municipal Court, under the direction of Honorable Margaret F. Albertson, First Justice, and acting grade 6 student judge, John Schult.
A New Math Program at SBCA. This year, Grades 4 and 5 learned PreAlgebra/Algebra 1 concepts in small groups of 4-6 each week with Mrs. Joanne Fitzpatrick, Math Instructional Coach, here at SBCA. All grade 4 and 5 students cycled through our new enrichment curriculum via small, personalized groups in our School Library. Mrs. Fitzpatrick worked on teaching to take classroom concepts and expand them into a bit more abstract thinking, always required in higher math. For example, the students learned not only how to create equivalent fractions but why! They used symbolic pre-Algebra as an important stepping stone to Algebraic expressions with variables. As of Nov 19, the students are correctly setting up early Algebra problems using variables and direct substitution. The best part? The students are originating several Algebra
Another Great School Year
problems on their own! Let: a = 50%, b = 25%, c = 25% and L = learning = a + b + c. What? The students know! L = 100% learning … and growth! We can be very proud of our SBCA students!
The students had a whale of a time learning about the life of whales in the ocean when the Whale Mobil came to SBCA! Whale researcher Cynde McInnis brought a blowup life size replica of a whale to teach and show the students all about the life of whales and sea animals. We love our “Book Buddies”! Mrs. Kellie DeFelice brought her students in 3A to visit with and read some of their favorite books to the students in Ms. Deirdre McDougall’s K1C class. The “Book Buddy” program often involves pairing older students or adults with younger students to foster a love of reading, provide support, and improve literacy skills. The students in K0, K1 and K2 were happily surprised to see their parents stop by their classrooms as the “Mystery Reader”!
We are very grateful to the Children’s Librarian, Dani Crickman, at the South Boston Branch Library for coming and reading great stories to the students in the Grade 1 classes and in K0A & K0B and telling us all about the amazing books, crafts and programs that you can always find and do at the Library, especially over the
summer months. Thank you Librarian Dani for always being so helpful and supportive to our students and school library. We also had our Annual Scholastic Books Fairs, in which the students love to pick some of their favorite books to take home. Thank you to the wonderful SBCA parents for making these book fairs possible and spreading the joy of reading to all the students at SBCA. We celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost marks one of the most important feasts in the Church’s liturgical year. Occurring fifty days after Easter Sunday. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. On Pentecost the church was born in Jerusalem.
Through the Holy Spirit the believers are empowered to bear witness to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The 1st grade students and their teachers had a terrific time at their Annual Spring Teddy Bear Picnic. The student had a chance to bring a favorite book to read, a favorite Teddy Bear (or stuffie) and have lunch at the park for a special and fun picnic in the great outdoors. “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” - Jacqulin Kennedy and “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela; “Every book read and every lesson learned is a step on the exciting journey of education.” - Krista Lim Garden.
