THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
South Boston Street Fest Returns September 19 for Its 26th Year
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ne of South Boston’s favorite days of the year is almost here. The 26th South Boston Street Fest returns Saturday, September 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing East Broadway between I and L streets to life with local businesses, live music, food, shopping, artists, family activities, and everything that makes South Boston such a special community. Presented by the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston Neighborhood D e ve lopme nt C or p or at ion (South Boston NDC), the Street Fest is more than a neighborhood festival. It is a day dedicated to celebrating and
supporting the small businesses, organizations, and people who make South Boston what it is. “The Street Fest is really about showing off the best of South Boston,” said Jenni
McNeill, Director of the South Boston Chamber of Commerce. “We have incredible small businesses here, along with artists, restaurants, nonprof its, and community organizations that do
so much for the neighborhood. For one day, we get to bring everyone together right on East Broadway and invite people to come experience all of it.” Continued on Page 2
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Continued from Page 1
SB Street Fest
Live Entertainment All Day Two stages will feature live entertainment throughout the day, including Shanel Sugar and Friends; Grace Marshall and the Heartland, performances from Michael C a p u t o’s Mu s i c B a l l E nt e r t a i n m e nt featuring Neeley Luna, Dave Paquette, and the Louie Bello Band; Search R hode Island f inalists; and Thomas Park. New this year, the Street Fest is adding country line dancing from 603 Line Dancing at the Karen Stanley Stage near the South Boston Branch Library. The festival will also feature per forma nces from Wood s School of Irish Dance and Miss Linda’s School of Dance along with additional music, da nce, a nd demonstrations t hroug hout t he a f ternoon. Celebrating South Boston Small Businesses A Street Fest tradition will c ont i nue w it h t he presentation of the Thomas J. Butler South Boston Small Business Leadership Award,
which recognizes members of the South Boston business communit y who exemplif y t he leadership, dedic ation, and neighborhood spirit that Tommy Butler represented. This year’s award will be presented to Nik ki McCart and Lisa Walsh of MW Hair St ud io, rec og n i z i ng t hei r commitment to their business, t heir cu stomers, a nd t he Sout h Boston commu nit y. Something for the Whole Family The Street Fest is a family day, and there will be plenty happening for kids throughout the festival, including Toucha-Truck, balloon twisters, face painting, pirates, the Bubble Fairy, and even K-Pop Demon Hunters. Visitors can also spend the afternoon shopping their way down East Broadway, discovering South Boston artists, meeting local nonprofits and community organizations, and taking advantage of special Street Fest offers from neighborhood businesses. And, of course, come hungry. The Street Fest will feature
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food from some of South Boston’s favorite restaurants and food businesses, including Roza Lyons, Deja Brew, Bottega del Sud, Capo Restaurant & Supper Club, Common Craft, Fat Baby Sushi & Cocktails, Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar, Layla’s American Tavern, Lincoln Tavern, Lucky’s Lounge, Mei Mei Dumplings, PKL X Pig Beach BBQ, Playa Bowls, Publico Street Bistro, Sal’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, The Broadway, The Playwright, and Frios Gourmet Pops. A Celebration of South Boston For 26 years, the Street Fest has brought the neighborhood together while giving local businesses an opportunity to connect with thousands of residents and visitors. Whether you come for the music, the food, the shopping, the kids’ activities, or simply to spend the afternoon in the neighborhood, the Street Fest is a chance to celebrate South Boston and support the businesses and organizations that keep it strong. The 26th South Boston Street Fest takes place Saturday, September 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on East Broadway between I and L streets. The rain
date is Saturday, September 26. Thank You to Our Sponsors Commonwea lth of Ma ssachu set t s; Mona rc Development; Massachusetts Convention Center Authority; Dedham Savings; Stop & Shop; Massport; GEICO; Rockland Trust; Stanton Insurance; Roza Lyons; UMass Boston; Aranson Maguire Group; Eastern Bank; Eversource; Tempco Roofing; Seaport Development at WS Development; Publico/D&D Hospitality; Rep. David Biele; Tufts Medicine; ICON Architecture; Elliott Physical Therapy; Power Home Remodeling; Oxford Properties; City of Boston Credit Union; AARP; O’Brien Funeral Home; Senator Nick Collins; Pierce Atwood; Boston Physical Therapy & Wellness; Rooney Real Estate; Bay State Physical T herapy ; WinnC ompa nies; Abacus Builders; Dunphy Ma na gement; McDermot t, Quilty, Miller & Hanley LLP; Dunkin’; Sounder Systems; DiPierro Construction; JCALPRO; JCDecaux; and Projection.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
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The 45th Rededication of the Vietnam Memorial
by Rick Winterson
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he date in 2026 was Sunday, September 13. The time was 10:30 a.m. The 45th Memorial Mass and Vietnam Memorial Rededication had just begun in St. Brigid Church. This was also the exact same date and time when our Vietnam Memorial was originally dedicated in Medal of Honor Park on a Sunday morning 45 years ago in 1981. It is one of the very first memorials to Vietnam veterans in all of America. Twenty-five men from South Boston sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam combat, one of the highest such losses of any similar community in the U. S. Their names are carved upon the monument in Medal of Honor Park, which was completed more than a year before the country’s Vietnam Veterans
Memorial in Washington, D.C. And there are many who believe that the South Boston Vietnam Memorial was actually the very first one in the nation. The original fundraising, design, and construction, followed by 45 years of support, has been performed by the South Boston Vietnam Memorial Committee. Tom Lyons is the Committee’s Chair; its members include Harry Carrol, Tom Irwin, Jerry Turner, and George Egan. The Rededication began with a Memorial Mass at 10:30 in St. Brigid Church, which was offered by the Pastor, Fr. Robert Casey, and Fr. Kevin O’Leary. Hundreds of participants attended. The Mass’s music was excellent. Following Matthew’s Gospel, which told of Peter’s question about how many times we should forgive, Fr. Casey gave a stirring homily based on forgiveness by Eric Lomax. In total, it was a beautiful ceremony. Due to Sunday’s intense rain, a quick decision was made to conduct the 45th Rededication of the Vietnam Memorial in St. Brigid Church, rather than marching over to the Memorial in Medal of Honor Park. As usual, Committee Chair Tom Lyons conducted the Ceremony, except in this year of 2026, he did so from the St. Brigid altar. Many guests attended, of course including many veterans and
several of our elected officials. The nation’s colors were called for, and the color guard marched them up St. Brigid’s center aisle. John McDermott sang “The National Anthem”; Fr. Casey gave the Invocation that asked for blessings upon of the 25 Vietnam heroes and “for the United States of America”. Tom Lyons then gave greetings to everyone at the Rededication Ceremony. He spoke of the efforts to build the South Boston Vietnam Memorial. It was an immense challenge, especially given the feelings about the conflict back then. For a few seconds, he seemed emotionally overcome in this writer’s opinion. Tom then introduced the keynote speaker, James H. Webb, Jr., who was a Vietnam Veteran Marine, a former U.S. Senator (Virginia), and Secretary of the Navy. Webb spoke briefly and emphatically about his original visit to South Boston in 1981, and he praised South Boston patriotism by mentioning the 25 men on the Memorial. He compared their sacrifice to students in Massachusetts colleges, most of whom failed to enlist, and who essentially ignored the Vietnam conflict. After Webb spoke, Mayor Wu was asked to say a few words. She commented that it was an “Incredible honor” to be asked to speak, as well as praising the folks of South Boston for their patriotism. Congressman Stephen
Lynch offered his remarks next. Because the rain cancelled the march to the Vietnam Memorial, he soke on behalf of the other elected officials at the ceremony in St. Brigid – Sen. Nick Collins, Rep. David Biele, Councilor Edward Flynn. Lynch loudly thanked all veterans and their families present at the Rededication. His remarks emphatically led to his key point: “Southie Never Forgets!” The Rededication continued with the families of the veterans placing three memorial wreaths around the St. Brigid altar. Then, one by one 25 individual red roses were reverently laid in front of the altar by South Boston veterans. “Amazing Grace” was sung and then played instrumentally by the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes & Drums. The Rededication was closed with “Taps”, played solemnly by bugler Thomas Florentino. A ll who attended commented on how beautiful this year’s 45th Rededication was.
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Councilors Flynn Files Ordinance to Codify Abutters Meetings and Community Process for All Projects Seeking Zoning Relief
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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Boston C it y C o u n c i l or Miniard Culpepper, and Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald filed an ordinance to codify abutters meetings and community processes for all projects seeking zoning relief in the City of Boston. In recent months, the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) has notified District City Councilors that instead of holding public meetings and a community process for all matters that seek relief and variances from the Zoning Code, ONS will now make a determination on which projects are no longer required to hold abutters meetings. Abutters meetings started in the 1980s under Mayor Raymond Flynn in Boston and under the creation of ONS, which made it easier for residents to be connected to City Hall. The practice expanded in the 1990s for neighbors to review zoning and development matters. The Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) hears appeals to grant zoning relief
or grant special permission to build through a conditional use permit. Violations in the code can range from the construction of roofdecks, increasing the f loor area ratio (FAR), or adding a hatch. Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts Zoning Act, which was originally codified and revised in 1975, mandated that abutters receive formal notification on local zoning relief or variances. Dating back to the late 20th century, mayoral administrations streamlined the abutters meeting format to inform neighbors, take feedback, and make compromises before formal meetings and hearings. Traditionally, ONS was responsible for hosting the community process and meetings on zoning and licensing projects in the neighborhood that required variances and approval at City of Boston boards. This process has remained as virtual meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic. These meetings are intended to play a critical role in the public process by obtaining feedback from those neighbors most
Grace by Nia Outstanding Supper Club
impacted by a particular project. “This is about values that we have always shared in the City of Boston - transparency, community process, and residents of a neighborhood deserving a say in what takes place there. We cannot have the City now administrative decisions on what requires public process, and what does not meet an arbitrary threshold. If we do, we will invite human error and second guesses as to whether everyone is on the same playing field, or whether some are receiving special treatment,” said Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn. “Residents most directly impacted by proposed development and zoning variances should have an opportunity to understand the proposal and provide feedback at abutters meetings before the ZBA makes its decision. This ordinance preserves a basic opportunity for residents to hear about a project, ask questions, and make their voices heard. As we continue reforming Boston’s zoning and development processes, I believe
we can make them more efficient without sacrificing transparency and meaningful community participation,” said Boston City Councilor Miniard Culpepper. “Community process is essential to ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in what happens in their neighborhoods. In my 20-plus years working in this building, it was always a courtesy to notify elected officials when a meeting was happening in their district so we could be present, understand the issue, and hear directly from the community. That has not been the case, as of late. Codifying this process will provide greater consistency and predictability, and most importantly, give our constituents predictability of the process and the opportunity to be heard,” said Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald. For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
Rosh Hashanah in 5787 The Jewish New Year of 5787 began last Friday evening, September 11, at sundown. On the Hebrew calendar, this is called “Rosh Hashanah” and it is often celebrated at a traditional dinner with family and friends. A tenday season follows Rosh Hashanah; it ends on Yom Kippur – the “Day of Atonement” that is the holiest day in the Jewish year. South Boston Online wishes happy and holy Holidays to all our Jewish acquaintances.
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and wife Kristen joined Norm Lind from the Seaport Neighborhood Association to present a Boston City Council resolution to Grace by Nia. Grace by Nia is an outstanding supper club, blending live jazz, soul, and R&B with Southern and Caribbean-inspired cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere. As a woman- and Boston-native-owned business, Councilor Flynn is proud to support and celebrate their success in the Seaport (South Boston Waterfront)!
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Coffee Hour with Mayor Wu
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outh Boston residents gathered at the BCYF Curley Communit y Center for a Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Mayor Michelle Wu, city officials, and representatives f r om s e ve r a l mu n ic ip a l departments Monday evening. The event provided neighbors with an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, learn more about projects and resources affecting the community, and enjoy Dunkin’ iced coffee and donuts as well as fresh fruit. The city also gave away f lowers to residents, adding a cheerful touch to the evening’s gathering. Mayor Wu thanked residents and city employees for their participation and emphasized the importance of bringing City Hall into Boston’s neighborhoods. The evening event was part of Mayor Wu’s effort to make Coffee Hours more accessible to residents. Rather than limiting the gatherings to weekday mornings, the city is holding them during evenings and weekends and at community centers and libraries throughout
Boston, giving more residents the opportunity to attend, ask questions, and share feedback. “We are so thankful that you come to spend some time with us to give us the feedback that we need to hear,” Wu said. “We want everyone to know about the resources that are available and the conversations that we need your input on now.” The mayor also discussed the city’s school-year jobs program, which provides young people with meaningful employment opp or t u n it ie s , me ntor i n g , and academic support. She highlighted the importance of helping students balance work, school, and family responsibilities. “Boston has one of the bestknown summer jobs programs for young people anywhere in the country,” Wu said, noting that the city has provided nearly 11,000 summer jobs to students. “We want every kid growing up in Boston to play sports, to be involved in the arts, to get their hands dirty growing plants and knowing how to be involved with nature.” Ot her topic s included the ongoing planning process for Moakley Park, efforts to address f looding and climate resiliency, programs to help sen iors reduc e hou sehold expenses, and the city’s ongoing work to address rat activity. “I know we have a lot of work to do as a community, but I’m really, really honored to work alongside everyone here,” Wu said. Nei g hb orho o d L i a i s on Lydia Polaski highlighted several upcoming investments in South Boston, including improvements to the Curley Communit y Center’s locker rooms, plumbing, showers, and f loors, as well as a planned roof improvement project. She also discussed the future arrival of Boston Green Academy at South Boston High School, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and the planned reconstruction of First Street.
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Mass Bay Credit Union Announces New Chief Lending Officer Edmond Perry joins the South Boston Team
Edmond Perry
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he Board of Directors and C h ie f E xe c ut ive Off icer of Mass Bay Credit Union are pleased to announce the addition of Edmond Perry as Chief L ending Of f icer. Located at M B C U ’s headquarters in South Boston,
Edmond has more than 25 years of experience in banking, branch operations, real estate lending, a nd business development. Before joining Mass Bay Credit Union, Ed spent more than 18 years with GFA Federal Credit Union, most recently serving as 1st Vice President and Real E st ate Sa le s De velopment Officer. Throughout his career, Ed has held leadership positions focused on lending, member ser vice, bra nch operations, a nd business development. As C h ie f L end i n g Officer, Ed will oversee Mass Bay Credit Union’s lending operations and help support the Credit Union’s continued sales growth while ensuring members receive personalized, responsive financial solutions. His extensive experience in real estate lending and credit union
leadership will be an asset as MBCU continues to strengthen its lending services and deepen relationships with members and the communities it serves. “We are excited to welcome Edmond Perry to the Mass Bay Credit Union team. His extensive experience in lending, business development, and credit union leadership makes him a valuable addition to our organization. Ed’s commitment to building strong member relationships and his understanding of the importance of per son a l i z e d f i n a ncia l service align closely with the values and mission of Mass Bay Credit Union,” said Kelli Cullen, Chief Executive Officer. E d m ond hold s a C er t i f ic at ion i n Bu si ne s s a nd C om mercia l L end i ng from the A merican Bankers Association and has completed
e x t e n si ve c ou r s e work in banking, accounting, banking law, business writing, and leadership. He also holds a Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist certification through CUNA Mu t u a l G r o u p. Edmond’s lending expertise, leadership experience, a nd commitment to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” will help strengthen Mass Bay Credit Union’s ongoing dedication to its members, employees, and the communities it serves. Founded in 1936 as a credit union for MBTA employees, Mass Bay Credit Union has expanded its field of membership to include the local communities it serves. As a not-for-profit org a ni z at ion, MBCU put s people, not institutional profit, at the forefront of its mission.
Councilor Flynn Files Hearing Order to Discuss San Francisco’s Reduced Affordable Housing Requirements Adressing Housing Crisis
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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn called for a hearing to discuss San Francisco’s new efforts to address their own housing supply crisis - by reducing their affordable housing requirements to spur economic development, and more affordable housing in the long run, over currently stagnant construction levels. For years, developers in the Boston area have reported their inability to make 20% affordable housing rate work, as
well as increased environmental regulations, due to the strong headwinds they are already facing in a difficult economy - inf lation and high interest rates, increased construction costs and tariffs. Previously, Councilor Flynn filed legislation to temporarily lower the affordable housing rate back to where it was previously at 13%, along with additional environmental regulations, for the next five years. San Francisco faces similar challenges as Boston, where the economy has exacerbated the housing crisis. In July, with plateauing housing production, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9-2 to cut the inclusionary on-site a f fordable housing requirement from 15% to 5%, and the affordable housing requirement was eliminated completely for new developments under 25 units. In 2022, the City of Boston
increased the (Inclusionar y Development Policy (IDP) and affordable housing requirement from 13 percent to 17 percent, with an additional 3 percent set aside for Section 8 voucher holders. This policy change took effect in October of 2024. In June of 2025, The Boston Globe reported that Boston trailed 16 peer cities in multifamily construction, including Raleigh, Denver, and Detroit. Housing production has fallen significantly from 9,800 units approved in 2020 to the two lowest years for new housing permits issued since 2011, with 2023 and 2024 both under 2,400 each. In the first six months of 2025, Boston issued building permits for just 852 units. The last three years have reportedly been the lowest for new development in the City of Boston since the Great Recession. “Cities like San Francisco have
looked at the data, worked with both developers and activists, and acted to prioritize building more housing overall in order to get more affordable units. Data has already shown us that a 20% affordable housing rate in this economy has produced the worst housing numbers since the Great Recession. In this housing crisis, City Hall needs to put politics aside and summon the courage to do what’s in the best interest of Boston’s long-term economic vitality,” said Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn. “The longer we wait to act, the cost of housing and rent, property values, and property taxes will only go higher - and continue to put the cost of living in Boston even more out of reach for working families and neighbors on a fixed income.” For more information, plea se contact C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @B o s t on .g ov.
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Welcome Old and New Students, Families, Faculty and Staff to SBCA and the ECC!
e hope everyone had a great summer, and we are all looking forward to another wonderful school year here at South Boston Catholic Academy! We are honored to be able to Welcome all our old and new students, families, faculty and staff to SBCA. We are excited to work closely with our families to ensure the success and well-being of all our students. We are honored to ensure they are learning and receive the highest quality of support, love and education. We are so thankful that we are starting the school year with such a dedicated and talented faculty and staff. All I can say is that our students in grades K2 to 6th are amazing!” From our
Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian “A Big Welcome to all the students, families, faculty and staff in the Early Childhood Center. Our comprehensive curriculum begins with our Early Childhood Project (Tiny Tots to K1). We are very excited
for the 26/27 school year at the ECC. We had a great first week!” From our ECC Director, Mrs. Kara Murphy. A Back-To-School Prayer… Loving God, watch over our children as they begin their new school year. Bless them with joy at
seeing friends, excitement at new experiences, and love of learning. Guide and protect all who learn, replacing fear with joy, anxiety with peace, and joy to teachers as they serve their students. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Religious Education Classes
Registration for Grades K – 6 for 2026-2027 Will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20th at 8:30AM In Cushing Hall, downstairs St. Brigid Church. Classes, also, begin on Sunday, Sept. 20th at 9AM, in Cushing Hall, followed by 10:30AM Mass You can also Register your child online at http://www.GateOfHeavenStBrigid.org/religious-education Our Sacramental Program is a two-year program in
The City of Boston’s Planning Department invites residents to participate in planning that will help shape the future of the City. You can sign up to receive Planning Department emails and learn about opportunities to get involved here: bosplans.org/GetInvolved
accordance with Archdiocesan Guidelines. Please note that parents should enroll their children in the 1st Grade Program for their child to receive their Sacrament of First Holy Communion in the 2nd Grade in 2028. For those students enrolling in 1st Grade who were not Baptized in either St. Brigid or Gate of Heaven Church, please provide a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate to register. Our first class will be held on Sunday morning, Sept. 20th, 2026, at 9 AM at Cushing Hall, downstairs at St. Brigid Church.
Any questions, please visit our website at http://www. GateOfHeavenStBrigid.org/religious-education and to fill out our Online Registration Form under “Religious Education” or you can come with your child a BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
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