Thanksgiving, 2025
Here in South Boston, as in the rest of United States, we are entering into our annual Holiday Season, which begins by celebrating the American Feast of Thanksgiving. And a feast it certainly is. So right up front, please be thankful – be thankful for Thanksgiving itself.
But is it really an “American Feast”? Or an observance? Or a holy day? Or a celebration?
To answer these questions authentically and completely, South Boston Online will quote some well-known individuals, who occupied prominent roles in American History:
There’s Edward Winslow, the leader of the Plymouth Pilgrims in 1620. In a 1621
letter to a friend in England, after suffering starvation, bitterly cold weather, and diseases like ship fever, Winslow wrote that the Pilgrims feasted “so that we might after a more special manner rejoice together …”. This was the first Thanksgiving – in Plymouth and American to the core!
George Washington, the first President, stated in a proclamation, “Congress requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a Day of public Thanksgiving.” Washington went on to set aside “Thursday, November 26 next.”
President Abraham Lincoln, at the height of the Civil War in 1863, said, “I do therefore … invite my fellow citizens in every part of the
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Volunteers Making A Difference
Hundreds of South Boston families and residents received Thanksgiving meals from the annual Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell and Frank Kelly Thanksgiving Dinner, hosted at Saint Monica’s. Dedicated volunteers make this all possible. Some volunteers helped cook and serve the meals; others went through the line and got containers filled with food; and still others delivered the meals. It’s a true reminder of what makes South Boston so special — neighbors showing up for one another.
More Photos Page 6 & 78
Continued from Page 1 Thanksgiving
United States … to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a Day of Thanksgiving”. Some 78 years later in 1941, Thanksgiving was officially set on the fourth Thursday of November by President Roosevelt.
For more than four centuries, Americans have feasted, observed, and celebrated Thanksgiving on a Thursday late in the month of November. The
year 2025 is no exception.
The USA is the world’s oldest democracy, so if nothing else, we should give thanks for the nearly 250 years of freedom we have enjoyed.
Of course, just five weeks from now, we will actually enter our 250th year of independence. Our Declaration of Independence will have been created a quarter of a millennium ago in 1776; it was written up and issued in that year on Thursday, July 4 – two days
Th a n k s g i v i n g Happy
From Senator Nick Collins & Family
after the Second Continental Congress voted to approve American independence. As we approach our 250th Anniversary, there are a number of other things we can be thankful for. We are prosperous – the most prosperous nation in the world (despite current day inflation). In our national elections, we vote every two years for many key elected officials. Please show your thanks in the coming year by making sure you vote. There is no better way to thank the officials you respect, either by re-electing them or by giving new and promising candidates a chance to earn your gratitude. Then on Thanksgiving Day in 2026, you can look back in thanks that you did so, when many of our national and state officials – both newly elected and re-elected – will be getting ready to take office in 2027. Yes, Thanksgiving is not just a holiday, it is a uniquely American Holiday – an American Feast. So use Thanksgiving to the max and be grateful for all that we have. As you surely know, here in South Boston, there are many, many people who sacrifice themselves, their efforts, and the money they earn to support worthy causes. Thank them; show your gratitude to them Be thankful. Give thanks. It really works!
by Rick Winterson
TSBNDC Auction at the McDevitt Building
he South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (the SBNDC) held an auction at 207 E Street, which for many years was better known as the Paul McDevitt Building = the site of the Paraclete Center. It may seem odd, but this auction closes one chapter in South Boston’s history, and then opens a new and important chapter soon to come.
For many years in the last century, the building at 207 E served as the convent in the St. Augustine Parish. The convent’s key mission was staffing the St. Augustine Catholic School. Then in 1997, the Paraclete Center began its mission – a locally operated education facility, especially devoted to advancing the knowledge of high school students in South Boston via an after-school enrichment program. To further this mission, the Paraclete Center moved into the convent building, which had been vacated, and proceeded to serve over 1,000 students.
The Paraclete Center was founded and operated by Barry T. Hynes and Sr. Ann Fox. Hynes had served as a City Counciler and Boston City Clerk. He devoted much of his life to educational pursuits, founding the
Nativity Preparatory Schools in both Boston and New Bedford, as well as co-founding the Paraclete Center with Sr. Ann, who had been a Daughter of Charity. Sr. Ann served South Boston in many ways before co-founding the Center. A highly active and versatile educator, she spent her last days teaching in the country of Rwanda. The building at 207 E Street was renamed for philanthropist and entrepreneur Paul McDevitt, who was a key supporter of what now became McDevitt Hall.
A few years ago, after the pandemic had forced the closure of its after-school sessions, the Paraclete Center agreed to the purchase and sale of the McDevitt Building to the SBNDC. SBNDC’s Executive Director Donna Brown not only intends to convert the McDevitt Building into senior housing, but also will establish a fund to continue supporting the education of local youth. We’ll close by mentioning how well this “history” of a local building reflects South Boston’s dedication to supporting local residents by meeting their needs – from a convent to afterschool youth programs to senior housing.
And please consider looking at what is for sale at the McDevitt Building, now owned by the SBNDC – furniture, cabinets, and possibly some works of art that range from Cardinal Cushing to Frank Sinatra.
South Boston Christmas Stroll Dececember 4th
The South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation are excited to once again make the Broadway business district and surrounding areas a festive place for the community to shop and dine locally during the holiday season.
The annual South Boston Christmas Stroll will take place on Thursday, Dec. 4, starting at 4 p.m., officially kicking off the “Shop, Dine, and Celebrate” campaign, a month of holiday activities that encourage everyone to support local businesses and restaurants throughout the season.
“The Christmas Stroll is one of South Boston’s most beloved traditions, bringing neighbors together while highlighting the incredible small businesses that make our community so special,” said Jenni McNeill of the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston NDC. “We’re thrilled to kick off a full month of holiday activities that celebrate the season and the spirit of shopping local.”
This year’s Stroll will feature Santa Claus riding through South Boston on an antique fire truck, followed by an up-and-coming MusicBall singer spreading holiday cheer. Santa’s route will take him up Old Colony Avenue to Dorchester Street, with four stops along wreathadorned East and West Broadway where families can enjoy hot chocolate, treats, and photo opportunities:
4:15 p.m. — Medal of Honor Park
4:45 p.m. — South Boston Branch Library (where Santa will light the tree!)
5:15 p.m. — West Broadway Municipal Parking Lot
5:45 p.m. — Corner of C Street and West Broadway
Adding to the holiday magic, The Original Dickens Carolers will stroll and sing along Broadway from 4–6 p.m.
The month-long celebration includes the 12 days of giveaways featuring gifts from our amazing Chamber members! This is just another way to celebrate our community, highlight our local businesses, and spread a little extra joy in South Boston this holiday season.
Each day from Dec. 10–21, the Chamber will post a new holiday giveaway — and entering is super easy: Follow @SouthBosChamber on Instagram
Like the daily giveaway post
Tag a friend in the comments (each tag = an entry!)
Bonus: Share the post to your story for extra holiday cheer
Participants can win local gifts, treats, gift cards, services, and festive surprises from South Boston small businesses! Stay tuned each morning — you won’t want to miss the giveaways! There will also be a festive photo session for dogs, perfect for holiday cards and family fun, on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 739 E. Broadway from noon to 3 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the season, support our neighborhood businesses, and spread holiday joy throughout South Boston!
We are grateful to the sponsors who helped decorate Broadway with festive wreaths:
Massachusetts Port Authority
Stapleton Floral
The Cedarwood Group
The City of Boston
Branch Librarian Jane Bickford Is Retiring
by Rick Winterson
Jane Bickford has served as the Branch Librarian at the South Boston Branch Library (646 East Broadway) during the last seven years, since November of 2018. She has been a professional Librarian for her entire working lifetime – 41 years in total, 37 of which have been at six various branches of the Boston Public Library, a system consisting of 26 branches overall.
Jane has decided to retire. She will be leaving us next Friday, December
5. And it goes without saying that we will really miss her. She has managed our Branch expertly; she has brought in many new Branch Library activities during her seven years here. The Boston Public Library is now searching for Jane’s replacement; it is likely that an interim Branch Librarian will be appointed while this search goes on.
Jane’s Branch Library personnel and the South Boston Library Friends, a volunteer group headed up by Joe Kebartas, got together to arrange a welldeserved “Happy Retirement” party for her. This took place last Thursday evening in the Branch Library’s Public Room, and it was an extremely festive event. The room was jam-packed with Library personnel and patrons, who came to wish Jane well. Refreshments abounded, laughter was non-stop, and Jane received awards from our elected officials. In a program emceed by Joe Kebartas, Sen. Nick Collins, Rep. Dave Biele, District 2 City
Ed Flynn, and Lydia Polaski (representing Mayor Wu) presented Jane with four formal certificates that thanked her and recognized her contributions to South Boston.
After the awards ceremony, Jane’s retirement party turned to music. Kathleen Clifford, who’s in charge of Library Programs & Outreach, had used her connections to arrange for the Harvard Mariachi Band to perform. Six Mariachi members playing trumpet, percussion, and violins performed both instrumental and vocal Mariachi numbers. The Harvard Mariachi Bans was formed as an ongoing student activity in 2001. It continues to accept and train new
band members in Mariachi music as the student body at Harvard turns over. Everyone agreed that this was definitely the high point of the evening. Jane currently resides in Roslindale. She was born and raised in Braintree and went to college in Texas. She received her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas and then worked in San Antonio libraries for four years, before relocating back to Boston. Jane is an avid traveler worldwide; she especially enjoys ascents and rides in hot air balloons. During her retirement, Jane plans to take trips in hot air balloons on every one of planet Earth’s six major continents. We all wish her well
From Stephen, Caroline, Kristen and City Councilor Ed Flynn
Councilor
The Msgr. Thomas McDonnell and Frank Kelly Thanksgiving Dinner #40
Dedicated volunteers cooked, served , and delivered 660 Thanksgiving dinners in the Ed & Jean Shifflett Hall at St. Monica Church. After 72 hours of preparation, they carved 90 turkeys, added mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots and peas, and countless apple pies, and then delivered them all over South Boston. This event has been going on continuously for 40 (or more) years.
State Representative, David Biele
South Boston residents will notice a festive glow along East and West Broadway this week as nearly 300 holiday wreaths have been installed on lampposts — a cherished local tradition that returns just in time for the annual Christmas Stroll.
The effort is a collaboration between the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, with key support from the Massachusetts Port Authority, Stapleton Floral Design, the Cedarwood Group,
Education Music Games Room
Swim Lessons (Ages 6+)
Swim Team (Ages 8-18)
A B O U T U S :
Wreaths Usher in the Season
and the City of Boston. Together, these partners help bring a touch of holiday magic to one of the neighborhood’s busiest corridors each year.
Installation took place Monday morning, led by a four-person crew from the Cedarwood Group: Dave Winick, Dave Matteo, Dennis Perkins, and Carlos Aguasvivas. This marks Cedarwood’s 12th year handling the wreath hanging — a long-standing contribution that has helped make the display a beloved marker of the start of the holiday season.
S C H O O L-AG E D C H I L D C A R E
Night Club Activities (Ages 8+)
Arts & Crafts
Computer Clubhouse
Pre-Teen Center Full Time Summer Program
School-Aged Child Care (SACC) is a year-round after-school program focused on homework completion and educational development
Serves youth ages 6 to 12 with individualized support and full access to Club programming. Dedicated staff assess each child’s academic and emotional needs to tailor their experience Licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and accepts daycare vouchers.
Eligibility: Children must be at least 6 years old, in first grade, and no older than 12
It has been a great start to another wonderful school year here at South Boston Catholic Academy and at the Early Childhood Center. The children enjoyed all the Halloween Festivities and now we are celebrating Thanksgiving! On behalf of our Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian, and all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy and the Director at the Early Childhood Center, Mrs. Kara Murphy, and everyone at the Early Childhood Center, we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! The students at both SBCA and ECC have been busy working on Thanksgiving Math Equations, making
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving crafts, Thanksgiving decorations and talking about what we are most Thankful to God for this Thanksgiving.
The children in the Early Childhood Center had so much fun dancing to “The Turkey Pokey”, in Music Class with the Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi and Mr. Ryan McLean, ECC Aide. In Yoga class with Mrs. Erin Holland they had fun with Thanksgivingthemed yoga poses like Turkey Pose and Pumpkin Pose to celebrate the holiday while promoting mindfulness and movement. Happy Thanksgiving to All from All of us at South Boston Catholic Academy and the Early Childhood Center!
Celebrating Kevin Delehanty
Parishioners at Gate of Heaven came together last weekend to celebrate and thank Kevin Delehanty as he retires after 10 years of dedicated service as sacristan for both Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid parishes. During last Saturday’s 4 p.m. Mass, Father Casey also blessed the newly installed organ — a beautiful addition to the church’s music ministry made possible through parishioner donations.
Virtual Public Meeting
4 ALGER STREET
The City Planning Department is hosting a joint virtual IAG/public meeting to discuss the recently filed Project Notification Form for 4 Alger Street, a part of CORE on the Dot, in the South Boston neighborhood of Boston. This PNF contemplates a change of use from industrial to active recreation. No other changes are proposed. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the proposed project. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public
MOH Income
Applications are available during the application period for 66 days, from 11/03/2025
We will hold informational meetings on November 12, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Community Room at 10 Bartlett Street - Roxbury, MA 02119, Join virtually, too, through the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85825011603?pwd=Ku7sES1ZYclR5oGW6SOZtGas4Nc6na.1
Meeting ID: 858 2501 1603
Passcode: 727332
Optional Dial In: (646) 558-8656 and November 24, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Community Room at 10 Bartlett Street - Roxbury, MA 02119, Join virtually, too, through the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85969755530?pwd=wjKW8v8zd1sP85aLBsaAWosBbdlrLK.1
Meeting ID: 859 6975 5530
Passcode: 838130
Optional Dial In: (646) 558-8656
DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than 4:00pm on January 8th, 2026
Mailed to: Bartlett Station F5, 233 Blue Hill Ave - Roxbury, MA 02119 Selection by Lottery - Asset & Use Restrictions apply - Preferences Apply. For more information, language assistance, or reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities please call 617-442-8472 or email skhemraj@winnco.com
SOUTH BOSTON EVENTS
Martin’s Park Ship Lighting
November 29th 5-6 p.m.
Watch the park’s wooden playship sparkle with over 7,600 feet of white and blue lights as Santa and The Grinch arrive by boat! Martin’s Park, 64 Sleeper St
Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour
December 7th, 2:00 p.m.
Join Mayor Michelle Wu for a tree lighting and festive holiday celebration. Meet some beloved Christmas and winter characters. Come together for hot chocolate and cookies with your neighbors. Medal of Honor Park, East Broadway between M and N Street
South Boston Liaison Office Hour
December 5th, 10:30 a.m
Deja Brew, 704 East Broadway,
