Screening for Lung Cancer Works – Awareness is what’s Missing
Did you know there is routine screening for lung cancer?
Submitted by Margaret Lyunch
If you weren’t aware, you’re not alone. Lung cancer has one of the lowest screening rates—under 6% in the United States—
among people who are eligible. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take a few minutes to read about lung cancer screening. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. An estimated 226,650 people will be diagnosed in 2025. In Massachusetts alone, 5,300 will be diagnosed.
Who can get lung cancer?
Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, but certain factors increase your risk. About 80%-90% of lung cancer deaths are related to cigarette smoking. Other risk factors include heavy exposure to secondhand smoke, having a job with exposure to
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Families Supporting Families
A heartfelt thank you to the South Boston MOMS Club for once again organizing their annual coat drive to keep our Julie Family Learning children warm this winter! Together, you remind us what community care looks like—neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting families.
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Lung Cancer Screening
radiation, exposure to certain toxic substances, such as arsenic, radon or asbestos, and having a personal or family history of lung cancer. Most lung cancer cases aren’t genetic, but according to GO2 for Lung Cancer adults with a parent or sibling diagnosed—especially before age 50 or with multiple affected relatives—face a higher risk, regardless of smoking status.
What is lung cancer screening?
Lung cancer screening is quick, painless and non-invasive. Screening is done through an X-ray called a low dose CT scan. Unlike an MRI, where the machine is a tube that the patient goes into, the CT machine is not enclosed. A radiologist will instruct you to lay on your back with your hands above your head; as the table moves in and out of the machine, it takes images of your lungs. A radiologist later analyzes the images and shares a report with your health care provider.
Who is eligible for lung cancer screening?
Annual screening is recommended for people ages 50–80 with 20 pack-year histories* of cigarette smoking. Guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend screening for people who currently smoke or those who have quit within the past 15 years. Insurance companies are required to cover lung cancer screenings for those who qualify under USPSTF
guidelines. Some insurers may choose to cover services for additional groups. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you’ll be covered for routine lung cancer screening.
Why should I get screened for lung cancer?
Lung cancer screening saves lives. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer often don’t develop until the cancer has spread, and treatment may be more difficult. Screening can find lung cancer earlier, before the cancer spreads. If you smoke cigarettes heavily or used to, talk with your health care provider about screening.
How can I reduce my risk of lung cancer?
The best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to stop smoking. If you need help quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Also, avoid secondhand smoke, test your home for radon and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Visit www.preventcancer. org/lung to learn more.
1 American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2025.
*A “pack-year history” is an estimate of how much a person has smoked over time. One pack year is the equivalent of smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year.
Margaret Lynch is the spouse of Senator/Representative Stephen Lynch and a member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families® Program.
Community Pride
Community pride at its best! Neighbors Lux & Feae from Dorchester Ave planting daffodil bulbs to help beautify our neighborhood. How sweet is that? We just love seeing neighbors (especially the young
ones) taking such pride in their community! Their kindness & care remind us of what a great community we live in. Big shout out to Lux & Feae! Hope others follow your footsteps! Looking forward to seeing them bloom next spring.
Councilor Flynn Passes Resolution Urging Boston to Certify with FEMA for National Flood Insurance Program
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn passed a City Council resolution urging the City of Boston to certify with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the National Flood Insurance Program Community Ranking System (CRS). This follows reports that the City of Boston missed a deadline to register on CRS, so that residents in flood risk zones could be eligible for a discount on their flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Boston has a long, rich history with its ports dating back to its founding in 1630. Today, our local economy still relies on ports,
including in Charlestown and the South Boston Waterfront for trade and tourism. For many, waterfront neighborhoods are an attractive place to live for recreational activities, higher property values, and a sense of community. However, due to sea level rise and heavy precipitation as a result of climate change, the risk of flooding in these neighborhoods becomes higher every year.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses. Homeowners with flood insurance policies cover both buildings and belongings. Building policies cover flood damage up to $250,000 and content policies
up to $100,000. Renters’ flood insurance policies protect belongings within a home covering up to $100,000 of damage. Commercial flood insurance protects the building and equipment used for businesses covering up to $500,000. Residents and businesses in Massachusetts with policies through the National Flood Insurance Program have received discounts up to 20%. In order to qualify and get a discount on flood insurance, cities must receive a certification known as Community Rating System from FEMA. The City of Boston has not applied to receive this certification, leaving residents to pay thousands of dollars every year.
“Sea level rise is an issue that significantly impacts my constituents in District 2. In 2018, floods shut down sections of the neighborhood and dumpsters were floating down the street from sewer overflow,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is critical that the City of Boston take action immediately to ensure we’re prepared. An arduous application process is no excuse for us to delay certification any longer, especially with rising costs for those living in the flood map.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Councilor Flynn Thanks The People of District 2
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to my neighbors, friends, and constituents for re-electing me to serve as your District 2 Boston City Councilor for a fifth term. It is humbling to have received an overwhelming 86% of the vote.
I sincerely appreciate the support and hospitality you have extended to my family, my staff and I at civic meetings and events across our city. It is an honor to serve as your District 2 City Councilor and to earn your trust and confidence. I look forward to continuing working hard for our residents and community. Over the past eight years, I have used my position of public trust to speak out on many important issues throughout the City of Boston.
As an elected official, I have focused on improving public and pedestrian safety for residents, supporting our working families, increasing affordable housing stock, enhancing the neighborhood quality of life, and ensuring public housing residents and all neighbors have the opportunity to voice their concerns during a genuine community process on issues impacting the city.
As your District 2 City Councilor, I will continue to give a voice to my neighbors at City Hall, listen to your feedback, be accessible in our community, and work hard to deliver results for all of our neighbors.
Thank you,
Ed Flynn
Boston City Councilor, District 2
Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association Contract Extended One Year
The new contract will deepen trust between police and communities, further the wellbeing of officers, make adjustments to reduce overtime, and better streamline and prioritize details
Mayor Michelle Wu announced that a one-year contract extension has been ratified by the membership of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association (BPPA), the union representing the majority of Boston Police officers. This contract embodies further transparency and reform while also ensuring the wellbeing of officers, building on the landmark 2023 police reform contract. This is the second police reform contract reached between the City of Boston and the BPPA under the leadership of Mayor Wu.
“Our officers do a difficult job. It is important for them to know their work is valued, and for them to continue to embrace their role in building trust and fulfilling our mission of Community Policing,” said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. “The Mayor has repeatedly shown that the City values our officers and their families. This contract contributes to improving officer wellbeing, while also heightening standards for accountability and professionalism. This will continue to make our Department better and our City safer. We are grateful to the Mayor for her ongoing support.”
The new agreement covers the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, at a total one-year estimated cost of $6.7 million. Under the contract, every officer will receive a 2% wage increase and 1% will be added to the hazardous duty differential.
For the first time, requiring patrol officers to wear nametags
Underlining the City’s work to further transparency, the new contract will guarantee that all BPPA officers will now wear nametags, similar to the Superior Officers’ Federation. At a time when federal agents are seen on American streets with masks shielding their identity, Boston Police officers will now wear their names as
a part of their uniform humanizing who they are when interacting with and serving residents and deepening trust with communities.
Ensuring Officer Wellbeing
All BPPA officers will now have free access to the gyms in Boston Police facilities, including facilities at each police district, headquarters, and the Police Academy. Prior to this contract, officers were required to pay a monthly fee to access the department’s gyms, and the fees would help cover costs associated with equipment and cleaning supplies.
Additionally, this contract allows officers to workout 30 minutes per shift at the Department gyms. Supervisors will only approve workout time when there is an operational ability based on the normal staffing levels. If it is a busy shift and police operations would be affected, supervisors will deny the workout time. This change is important for officers’ physical and mental health, and representative of the City’s investment into officers’ wellbeing.
Overhauling evaluations to create the highest standards for our officers
This contract overhauls the process of evaluating performance of patrol officers. The City has completed its bargaining obligations, which will allow it to roll out a more detailed and thorough system of evaluations. This is a key reform in pursuing accreditation of the Boston Police Department by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the leading national authority on recognized standards for professionalism, performance, and accountability in policing.
Increasing the Field Training Officers program pay
Under this new contract, the Boston Police Academy has revised the Field Training Officer (FTO) program to provide for better training and accountability of new recruits.
Beginning August 1, 2025, designated Field Training Officers will receive $40 per week in addition to their regular compensation for the duration of each
Field Training Officer program, which will run for a minimum of 12 weeks per academy class. Raising this pay from $10 to $40 will help to recruit experienced officers to participate in the program, bettering the training for recruits.
Furthering changes to the detail system
Further reforming the detail system for police officers, this new contract makes additional changes to streamline the process and better align detail shifts with regular department shifts. It also further clarifies additional detail types that will now be prioritized for staffing.
Shifting clerical functions of assigning details
This contract shifts the clerical functions of distributing and assigning overtime away from patrol officers. This change is in alignment with the department’s work to shift non-police functions to civilians and use electronic platforms to free up officers so they’re able to perform more traditional policing functions.
Standardizing the start and end of details
The agreement makes changes to the paid detail system by allowing a minimal amount of overlap between an officer’s regularly scheduled shift and a detail.
Five parking garages will be added to priority details
To ensure public safety around the most dangerous or most trafficked details, the contract adds five new parking garages to highest priority details, or Type 1 Details, as outlined in the 2023 contract. These include garages Downtown and in the Back Bay that can often cause traffic issues, either on the street or in the garage. Highest priority details, or Type 1 Details, are defined as events and activities that pose a substantial risk to public safety, including major events with anticipated attendance over 5,000 people; utility or construction details at
major arteries, in busy intersections, or in areas with heavy traffic; or areas due to an emergency. These types of details are filled first to prioritize public safety of road users, under the 2023 contract.
Creating changes to the summer vacation period
Each year, officers are allowed to schedule two weeks of vacation throughout the summer months during a specific 14 weeks, creating seven two-week vacation periods for officers. The new contract adds an additional two-week vacation period, so that the summer vacation time runs for a total of 16 weeks, broken down into eight two-week periods. Adding another period reduces the number of officers off on any given two week period, increasing staffing levels during the summer months and reducing the need for overtime by other officers.
Increasing sick time buyback
This contract extension allows patrol officers to buy back an additional 20 days of sick time at retirement. Prior to this extension, patrol officers could sell back the equivalent of 80 days of sick time, but can now sell back 100 days.
Now that the agreement has been ratified by the BPPA membership, Mayor Wu will soon file an appropriation order with the Boston City Council to allocate the funding for the contract. This one-year contract extension between the City of Boston and the BPPA builds on the major reform contract that was signed, ratified and announced in December 2023. That five-year contract included cost of living adjustments and significant reforms in discipline, paid details, medical leave, union release, officer retention, and educational incentives. Since the beginning of her administration, Mayor Wu has made it a priority to achieve reform within the Boston Police Department (BPD) through contract negotiations, delivering the highest standards of community policing to keep our residents safe and ensuring resources for the health and well-being of police officers and their families.
South Boston Resident Contributes to Successful Benefit for Visiting Nurses
VNA Care’s Annual Heroes in Health Care Gala Honors Dr. Jon Bloom, Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet and Dr. Camille Preston
VNA Care, the first organized visiting nurse association in the United States, raised $215,000 for patient care services during the annual Heroes in Health Care Gala at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston.
Heroes in Health Care is VNA Care’s signature fundraising event in support of essential funding for home health and hospice care for patients and their families across Massachusetts. Among the philanthropists and businesses supporting this year’s gala were Presenting Sponsors and Honorary Chairs Drs. Joshua and Amy Boger and Presenting Sponsor Mutual of America.
“We are inspired by the commitment of our generous sponsors. Thank you for driving our mission forward. Philanthropic support is critical in helping VNA Care meet the growing needs of our patients, and through our donors’ meaningful generosity, Heroes in Health Care has raised $4.7 million
over the years,” said Laura Wise, manager of fund development.
During the Gala, Latoyia Edwards of NBC Boston and NECN, the event emcee, presented the Heroes Awards to Dr. Jon Bloom, MD, Co-Founder & CEO of Podimetrics, Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet, MD, CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, and Dr. Camille Preston, PhD, author and Founder & CEO of AIM Leadership.
South Boston resident Patricia Kelleher helped ensure the success of this vital fundraiser as a member of the Heroes in Health Care Gala Committee. These dedicated volunteers joined a powerful community of friends and supporters for this annual celebration of VNA Care’s home health and hospice care services.
VNA Care has a 139-year history of providing health care in patients’ homes. The nonprofit provides a comprehensive range of home health, palliative, and hospice care in more than 200 Eastern and Central Massachusetts communities in addition to end-of-life care at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester. VNA Care is able to provide its numerous nursing and patient care services through
the generous support of individual and corporate supporters. To learn about sponsoring the 2026 Gala,
please contact Laura Wise, manager of fund development, at 617-8866460 or Laura_Wise@vnacare.org.
From left: Jake Krilovich of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, Patricia Kelleher, member of VNA Care’s Heroes in Health Care Gala Committee and retired president of the Home Care Alliance, and Bill Simione of Gala Benefactor Sponsor SimiTree.
Photo by Molly Hamill Photography.
MCCA Hosts Ceremony Unveiling New Exterior Signage at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) was honored to welcome Governor Maura Healey, members of the Hynes family, and Tom Lyons, Founder and President of the Boston Semper Fidelis Society, to the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center today for a ceremony unveiling new exterior signage.
The signage at the main entrance off Boylston Street prominently features the facility’s full name, paying tribute to both its namesake, former Boston Mayor John B. Hynes, and to the many veterans who have served the Commonwealth and the nation.
“As we approach Veterans Day, I’m glad to join the MCCA, Tom Lyons and the Hynes family at the unveiling of the new signage for the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center,” said Governor Maura
Healey. “This display honors the enduring legacy of John B. Hynes as a veteran, a mayor and someone who contributed so much to the Boston community. We’re grateful for the service and sacrifice of all of our veterans across Massachusetts.”
“Today, we’re proud to unveil this new signage, which will welcome guests and attendees from around the world,” said Marcel Vernon, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Convention
Center Authority. “The timing, just days before Veterans Day, reflects the MCCA’s continued commitment to honoring the legacy and contributions of both John B. Hynes and our veteran’s community.”
Four generations of the Hynes family were in attendance, including John B. Hynes III, IV, V, as well as Barry Hynes, Mayor Hynes’ only surviving child.
“The Hynes family is very proud of its enduring legacy of public service to the City of Boston, beginning with Mayor John B. Hynes,” said his grandson and namesake John B. Hynes III. “From his distinguished military service in World War I and World War II to his visionary leadership as Mayor, he helped shape the Boston we know and love today. To have our family name displayed on a venue that has hosted so many historic and impactful events is both a tremendous honor and a meaningful reminder of his
lasting contributions to the city.”
“As someone who has dedicated much of my personal and professional life to advocating for veterans, I feel a great amount of pride that this new signage pays tribute to both John B. Hynes and to all who have honorably served our country,” said Tom Lyons, Founder and President of the Boston Semper Fidelis Society. “I’m grateful that visitors to this iconic facility will now be welcomed by this prominent display recognizing the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
The MCCA is investing $100 million over the next five years in renovations to the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, located in Boston’s historic Back Bay neighborhood. Planned improvements include new carpeting, windows, and bathroom upgrades, as well as HVAC and system updates to improve efficiency and support sustainability initiatives.
Boston Logan has been named as one of 40 airports that may experience a reduction in flights in order to maintain the operational safety of the nation’s airspace. These changes, announced by the FAA, are set to begin tomorrow, November 7th.
We are awaiting more information from the FAA on which flights will be impacted. For those traveling over the next
Boston Logan Airport will Experience Reduction in Flights
few days, we do anticipate delays and cancellations and strongly urge passengers to check with their airline before coming to the airport.
Our federal partners have continued to come to work admirably under challenging circumstances, and we remain in close communication with them, as well as with our airline partners, to minimize disruptions and keep passengers informed.
Agavero Guac & Margs to Open in South Boston
Agavero Guac & Margs restaurant is planning to open in South Boston, moving into the space on West Broadway that had been home to Purple Shell,
Snowport Returns November 7th
Boston Seaport transforms once again into Snowport, a festive waterfront destination of shopping, dining, curling, and community. Anchored by the Snowport Holiday Market Presented by Constant Contact, this year’s opening marks the start of a season packed with small business magic, seasonal sparkle, and joyful experiences for all ages.
Now in its fifth year, the Snowport Holiday Market showcases over 125 small businesses (65 percent represent New England’s thriving small business community, and 88 percent identify as BIPOC- and/or women-owned), and 20 festive food and beverage concepts across 10,000 square feet of après ski–inspired open-air dining. Timed-entry weekend tickets are now available via the Seaport Insider App, with free walk-up admission daily. Seaport Insider App VIPs can also show their app at participating Holiday Market businesses to receive 10% off their purchases.
Opening Day also kicks off the return of Snowport’s signature neighborhood-wide activations:
Snowport Curling Lanes brought to you by Mass General Brigham Health Plan (opens Nov 7)
Mohegan Music Mondays (begins Nov 10)
Snowport Tree Market (opens Nov 21)
Light Up Seaport Presented by Citizens (Dec 5)
Menorah Lighting (Dec 21)
Celebrating Another Fun Halloween at SBCA
October has been a busy month at South Boston Catholic Academy and at the Early Childhood Education Center. All the students had a chance to dress up in their awesome Halloween costumes, dance to the great music and enjoy the Halloween treats at their Halloween Dance. Thank
you to the Social Committee of our Home and School and Mrs. Valerie Hasko for making the colorful banner welcoming everyone to this school dance.
The students also enjoyed making all kinds of Halloween crafts and playing games during their classroom parties and marching in their SBCA Annual
Halloween Parade. As you can see from the photos, the families, teachers and staff also joined in the Halloween fun at SBCA!
Mrs. Hasko, the Art Teacher, had the students in 5th grade create “Pop Art” inspired by their favorite Halloween candy inspired by the artist Andy Warhol. They even added benday dots (ink dotting technique).
Indoor Heated Garage Parking Space Available
GIVING NOTICE OF PETITON FOR APPOINTMENT
increased.
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
562 E Fifth ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 12/9/25
Project Description: Change occupancy to 6 reduced 4 unit dwelling Renovating adding an existing single family become multi building Scope includes demolition rear portion Building provide new story 3 addition Upgrades life safety fully sprinklered amp alarmed without elevator ePlan Application assigned FD PW on 2 12 25 ONE FAMILY 1057
1985 Revised BOA Hearing plans scope reduce modified 7 10
62 L ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 12/9/2025
Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck
101 P ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 12/9/25
Project Description: addition to rear an existing Bed Breakfast
850 to 852 Summer ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 12/9/25
Project Description: Change occupancy ground floor, add 3453 sf furniture showroom space on left side 2662 H R Block office right rear to existing 3100 Mystryde Fitness Center
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
81 L St (NEW)
Proposal: Change occupancy from restaurant, retail fish store, dry cleaners, to restaurant with take-out and professional office. Existing restaurant will be expanded and capacity will be slightly
Time: Wed, Nov 12 6:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84929816843
Meeting ID: 849 2981 6843
425 E Third St (NEW)
Proposal: Erect 4 story, 2 family building over parking. Provide an easement to allow vehicles to pass over the property to both parking behind 524 East Broadway and the adjacent property at 425 East Third Street.
Time: Mon, Nov 17 7:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86407930204
Meeting ID: 864 0793 0204
40 Mercer St (NEW)
Proposal: Demo existing single family home and then combine two lots into one lot per stamped land survey and build a new 6 unit multifamily per plans.
Time: Wed, Nov 19 7:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82787183570
Meeting ID: 827 8718 3570
