Don’t Even Think of Dumping Proposition 2 1/2
any Americans nationwide derisively refer to this state as ‘Taxachusetts’. But as we all know, so many of those who live here are more in agreement than others who don’t because residents are the actual victims of overzealous – Socialist style elected officials and leftwing activist groups . Locals seldom take offense when people from other states throw that term at us because they know that the description is pretty accurate. Bay State residents have been burdened by so many excessive taxes; which always seem to be going up and new ones being created along with all the fees and regulations applied to what seems to be most everything, that they sort of just let out a sigh whenever they hear the word.
Well, if you haven’t yet heard the word, there
are some liberal politicians in MA; not satisfied with the amount of money they currently get to take out of the average family’s pay check, they would like to take even more. They seemingly look upon the constituents they claim to represent as ATM’S. Because they would just love to eliminate arguably the most important safeguard against gouging the taxpayers even more, much more - Proposition 2/12. As many know, Prop 2 ½ was passed by the voters back in 1980 by a ballot question with the goal of limiting property tax hikes. Back then, results of ballot questions were not ignored by the legislators at the state house (Where is the Audit?) Tax payers in the state had had enough of politicians raising property taxes, among so many other taxes whenever they had
the votes to do so. Prop 2 ½ was put in place to put a limit on how much cities and towns could raise those taxes. And though they can still be raised, there is a cap on how much and how high they can go. Though they are still outrageously high and still climbing, can you just imagine how much higher they would be if officials had no limits. Thank Heaven for Proposition 2 ½. It’s often said that to liberal politicians, taxes are like blood to a vampire, they continuously and forever crave more. It wouldn’t be a simple thing to eliminate Prop 2 ½ for Massachusetts. It would not only take a statewide ballot initiative, though as we said, voters have now received a stunning education and learned how seriously the state house takes those, but thankfully, it would also
take a state constitutional amendment; though individual cities and towns; by a vote of the public, can temporarily override Prop 2 1/2 for specific revenue shortfalls. But as difficult as it may be to eliminate Prop 2 ½, where there’s a will there’s always a way and if anyone can find the way, it would be some of the liberal Democrat politicians in this state who never saw a tax hike they didn’t drool over. Getting their hands on an additional pool of cash just sitting in their constituent’s
wallets is far too great a temptation for them.
The fact that there are actually some in positions of power in Massachusetts even suggesting eliminating Proposition 2 ½ isn’t just cold and cruel to the over burdened working families in this state; it’s an insult that shows a distinct lack of compassion to those who can least afford it. It’s the opinion of this newspaper that those who would do this should be voted out of office the next time they are up for re election.
TInformation Center The A Lit Up, Decorated Evergreen In December Is A CHRISTMAS Tree
o quote President Trump - “In America, we’re saying Merry Christmas again and making no apologies for it.” It’s good to hear those words from a sitting president. After the four years of Joe Biden (or whoever was calling the shots) and the eight years under Obama, it’s refreshing to see and hear the leader of our country, not taking part in the ridiculous effort to not offend anyone, not walking on eggshells or tip toeing around and expressing the politically correct or woke lines using safe generic wording such as Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings other such phrases. Other presidents have also used various words; anything designed to minimize that the birth of Jesus is the true reason for season; the Christmas Season. They seemed to forget, and hoped the public did as well, that in addition to being a festive but sacred Holy Day to the now more than 2.6 billion Christians around the world, it is also a federal holiday in the United States; designated as such on June 28th, 1870 when it was signed into law by then President Grant.
In 2025, the effort to refer to a Christmas tree as anything but has been diminished considerably. The campaign to intimidate people into referring to them as holiday trees, festive bushes, winter solstice shrubs or just plain ‘trees’ and other ludicrous names is a failing effort as most people are refusing to play that foolish game. While some; even those in public office give it their best shot to get the public
to not use the word Christmas in the name, the public is done with it. Remember, if it’s a lit up decorated evergreen in December, it’s not just ‘a tree’, it’s a CHRISTMAS tree.
Staying on the topic of the last two weeks in this column, the blowing up of the ‘narco boats’ carrying deadly drugs into our country is not in the news as much and for a good reason. There are far less attempts by the cartels to get their high speed water craft past the US Military. In fact, the number trying to get around them is practically zero. They’ve learned that while their boats, with the 5 high powered engines on each one are fast, they can’t out run a missile or a 5 inch shell fired from a Navy or a Coast Guard ship. Add to that, the fact that there are very few cartel volunteers still dumb enough to try it any longer and the word is out – try it and you’ll die.
The campaign by the military is a huge success and long overdue. Past presidents and administrations just let the drug smuggling continue. They ignored it all the while it was poisoning our people in massive numbers. President Trump, to his credit promised to put an end to it and he has. But even though the effort will have the effect of saving the lives of tens of thousands of Americans, some Democrats in Washington, among them Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Chris Van Holland and a number of others who think along the same lines continue to wring their hands, whine and protest the fact that the Narco boats are
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
being destroyed and cartel drug smugglers are being killed. Think about it. They can’t even support the President on this. Clearly their hatred for Trump is far more important to them than any love they claim to have for our country and its people. They are frustrated that all their protests and carping is having no affect. The administration is paying them no mind as was confirmed by Secretary of War Hegseth who announced this week that blowing up the Narco boats has ‘only just begun’. It’s a position
and a policy that the American people support by huge margins. And much like Secretary Hegseth has promised, Border Tzar Tom Homan has also reiterated his stand. He stated firmly that not only will the round up, arrest and deportation of illegal aliens; particularly the criminals continue, but come the new year, efforts will double and even triple as the hiring of 10,000 new ICE Agents come on board no matter how long the protests against it keep up. This is what the American people voted for in the past election.
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Window Into The State House
Competitiveness Council starts up as ballot questions simmer in the background
Union chiefs and business leaders on Wednesday took a brief break from the ballot question battlefield to gather at a State House table with Gov. Maura Healey and members of her cabinet.
The occasion was the first meeting of Healey’s Competitiveness Council, a roster of more than 20 people from not just business and labor, but also the research and state government sectors. Even more members are expected to be named in the weeks ahead.
Her executive order forming the council back in October called their insight “essential to identifying the challenges and seizing the opportunities now confronting the economy of Massachusetts.”
The council, cochaired by Harpoon Brewery’s Dan Kenary and Bain Capital alum Mark Nunnelly, comes as Massachusetts is buffeted by economic headwinds. Job growth is flat, and Trump administration policies have taken a hammer to immigration and free trade, as well as placed a target on research and higher education, a sector already facing a demographic cliff in the coming years.
“Don’t leave anything off the table” were Healey’s parting words for the group, as she got up to leave
after a round of introductions.
If the council follows the path already trod by Healey’s transportation funding task force, there will indeed be things left behind, as congestion pricing was. Whether anything surfaces before the 2026 election, when Healey is on the ballot again, is a big question.
Asked in a scrum with reporters afterwards whether she expects the council’s talks to turn into legislation, such as an economic development package, or regulations, Healey said, “It could be all the above. I’m not big on the form it takes. I think I want real-time recommendations. Some stuff might be implemented through legislation, some stuff might be implemented through executive or regulatory action, and some might just be new ideas and new initiatives, right?”
She added: “I want this to be nimble. I want it to be innovative. I want it to be really focused on action. Action and delivery of ideas and real recommendations to implement and to help us build what we need to build going forward.”
But first they have to agree on a definition for competitiveness. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation’s Doug Howgate suggested nailing that down, while outlining that his ambition is to produce something tangible,
whether it’s an economic development bill next year or something else. (Worth noting: Howgate, also a member of the transportation task force, was an architect of Healey’s $8 billion transportation plan undergirded by revenue from the millionaires tax.)
Working class people should be included in any definition of competitiveness, added the Mass. AFL-CIO’s Chrissy Lynch. They are human beings seeking to support their families, and “we don’t want to just be considered ‘talent,’” she said.
Both sides will be on opposing battlements on likely 2026 ballot question issues like the return of rent control (supported by some unions and opposed by business interests) and an income tax cut (vice versa). As the introductions kept going round the table, JD Chesloff, the president and CEO of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, expressed hope that the council would embrace the concept of “unlikely allies” coming together.
“I love the fact that we’re sitting next to each other,” he said to Lynch.
But where everyone sat was clear. Where they’ll be standing a year from now could come down to the overall economy and a competition outside that room, for voter support of their respective
ballot initiatives and the race for governor.
There’s been lots of talk about competitiveness over the last few years. Feel free to send along your definition of competitiveness: gin@massterlist.com.
FROM BEACON HILL TAX SHIFT TALK:
As Boston Mayor Michelle Wu presses again for her property tax shift proposal, senators are keeping her bill in limbo and preventing it from having a hearing. South Boston Sen. Nick Collins, who helped block last year’s version, fled from reporters at an unrelated event Wednesday and put out a statement afterwards that accused city officials of withholding data. He said he would oppose Wu’s “effort to circumvent Prop 2 ½.” –State House News Service
HEATING ASSISTANCE:
Massachusetts will receive $146 million from the federal Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Gov. Maura Healey had asked the Trump administration to speed up the release of the funding and said yesterday state officials would move quickly to distribute the money. – MassLive
VACCINE
WARS:
Gov. Maura Healey and top health officials said vaccines will remain available to families in Massachusetts as she said the federal government, under RFK Jr., is issuing “egregious untruths and misstatements” about vaccines. – WBUR
continued on page 6
Councilors Flynn & Coletta Zapata Passed a Unanimous Resolution in Support of Expanding Prevention of Drink Spiking
This week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata passed a unanimous resolution in support of prevention and public awareness campaigns related to drink spiking in the City of Boston. Drink spiking occurs when a person deliberately puts alcohol or drugs into someone else’s drink without their knowledge or permission. These drugs can include Rohypnol (“roofies”), GHB, or Ketamine. Instances of drink spiking can occur at bars, pubs, nightclubs, or even private house parties.
According to reports, in 2023 there were 107 reported instances of drink spiking in the City of Boston and 71 reported instances in 2024. While there has been a
decrease in reported incidents, many feel intimidated to report spiking to the Boston Police Department. It’s critical that we encourage survivors of spiking to immediately report to the police.
Physical symptoms of spiking can include confusion, nausea and vomiting, loss of effective communication, memory loss, and temporary paralysis. If someone suspects they or someone else have been spiked, it is critical to tell the establishment’s manager or party host and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Someone who has been spiked should never be left alone or continue drinking.
Currently residing in the Assembly Committee, New York State Bill A8613 “An Act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in
relation to requiring certain licenses to provide drink drug testing devices to protect consumers from drink spiking” would require bars and restaurants to make “drink drug testing devices” available to patrons upon request, while also requiring prominent notice that the devices are available. These devices can detect the most common controlled substances used for spiking within minutes.
“Drink spiking has been linked to very serious and violent crimes, including rape and sexual assault,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is critical for the City to launch a public awareness campaign to inform our residents on both the signs and dangers of drink spiking, as well as expansion of all available resources to improve public safety for pa-
trons, especially our young women, in our licensed establishments.”
“While we work with state partners on testing protocols and survivor support, we must also strengthen awareness and prevention efforts. Protecting patrons requires clear information, visible resources, and easy ways to report concerns. Drink spiking is not just a public health issue; it’s tied to sexual violence and predatory behavior,” said Councilor Coletta Zapata. “Everyone deserves to enjoy a night out in our city without fear, and building strong prevention and survivor-centered systems is essential to ensuring that.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
than almost any other major US municipality. Preliminary figures released by the city on Wednesday show office towers and lab buildings losing even more value than they did last year, when assessments fell 5% amid high vacancies and limited investor interest.
As commercial values drop while residential ones rise — and state law restricts how much Boston can rebalance its rates — a larger part of the responsibility shifts to homeowners, leaving residents with the biggest share of the tax load in at least four decades, according to Mayor Michelle Wu. The average single-family homeowner in Boston faces a 13% property tax increase, Wu said.
Wu, fresh off her reelection victory a month ago, is using the latest data to renew her push to increase commercial property taxes to lessen the burden on homeowners. The measure garnered support last year from the city council and the Mas-
sachusetts House of Representatives but failed in the state Senate over concerns about deepening the pain for the real estate sector. “This is something we can fix,” Wu said in a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon.
But the timeline is tight: Tax bills are set to be mailed to property owners in a matter of weeks, and Wu needs lawmakers to act quickly on her proposal to spare homeowners the shock of another tax increase. Taxes for the average single-family home in Boston are on pace to jump by 34% over the past three years, according to Wu.
Business groups argue that Wu’s proposal would punish the commercial sector at a time when it’s already struggling with empty offices and the economic uncertainty caused by tariffs and other federal policies. They’ve urged the city to cut spending instead.
Nearly 27% of downtown Boston office space was available for rent as of the third quarter, with similar vacancy levels in the region’s life sciences labs, according to CBRE data. The biotech-
IG ON BROCKTON: Brockton Public Schools’ fall into a deficit two years ago was the result of a “critical failure of leadership,” Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro found. The budget crisis can “largely be attributed to the inaction of individuals at every step of the budget planning and budget management phases,” he added. – WCVB-TV
NEWS NEXT DOOR
SEPARATION FEARS: Fears of federal detention are forcing immigrants to prepare guardianship paperwork in case they are separated from their children. – GBH News
CAMPAIGN VIOLATION: Political consultant Chris Keohan was accused of breaking
nology sector, once booming in the Boston area, has experienced a dropoff in investment and widespread job cuts. In Cambridge, home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, commercial property values are set to fall 12.5% in fiscal 2026.
“We continue to urge the city to really take a look at the many antigrowth policies that have hindered new development and all the revenue that comes with it, and to diversify its revenue streams,” said Tamara Small, chief executive of the real estate trade group NAIOP Massachusetts.
In a letter this week, Wu urged NAIOP and three other business groups to back her proposal to rebalance the property tax burden, saying the coalition had “abandoned” a compromise deal endorsing the tax shift last year.
Boston is particularly vulnerable to the office building slump because it relies on commercial property taxes for about a third of its tax revenue, a much higher rate
state law in the creation of campaign mailers for both Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy and the firefighters union supporting her in 2023. Keohan is paying $5,000 as part of an agreement with state regulators, who said they did not find evidence that he intentionally broke the law. – Boston Globe
REVERSE WIND: The Trump administration is attempting to take back a final permit issued by the Biden administration for a pair of offshore wind projects. – WBUR
INCLUSIONARY ZONING SUIT: The Pioneer New England Legal Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the city of Cambridge on behalf of a developer, claiming its inclusionary zoning ordinance “requires property owners to surrender
than other major US cities. Wu said on Tuesday that she’s asked city departments to curb spending growth as she prepares her next budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. She plans to assemble a task force next year to find new sources of revenue.
She has endorsed Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s proposal to give cities and towns the authority to raise some local taxes.
Wu also called for amendments to a state law known as Proposition 2.5 that limits the annual growth in a municipality’s tax levy to give the city more flexibility in how it balances rates for commercial and residential buildings. Wednesday’s data on building valuations in Boston excluded newly opened offices, which aren’t counted under Prop 2.5’s cap on annual property-tax increases
The city is waiting for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s final sign-off on the assessments, which it expects in a matter of days.- Bloomberg
fundamental property rights.” – Boston Business Journal
SECURITY BREACH: A masked man gained entry into Boston City Hall office suites and allegedly stole wallets, prompting two councilors to call for tighter security protocols as Mayor Michelle Wu’s office said security patrols have already increased, and a review is underway. – Boston Herald
BLADE QUESTIONS: Some remaining blades from the Vineyard Wind project may still need to be removed and replaced after the one crashed into the ocean in July 2024. A U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement investigation into the cause of the crash is still underway. – New Bedford Light
Hearts, Hugs & Hope Alzheimer’s Support Group at Compass on the Bay
December 17, 2025, 3:00 pm at Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is held both in person and virtually. Contact Director of Compass Programming Erin Bollinger at 617-268-5450 or email ebollinger@compasssonthebay.com to RSVP by December 15.
Senator Collins Offers Tax Relief Proposal For Boston Homeowners Senator also opposes the City’s position on removing Prop 2
Senator Nick Collins has sponsored two bills before the Joint Committee on Revenue, both aimed at delivering meaningful tax relief for homeowners.
UNH Research Finds Friendship Can Be an Important Lifeline For
Older Adults Without Children
New study shows social connection can significantly reduce loneliness later in life.
Friendship can be one of the keys to staying heathier later in life — that was one of the
“Unfortunately, the City has committed to raising property taxes on everyone during a time of financial strain. At the same time, the City is once again withholding critical valuation data from policymakers and the public. We are asking the City to release the data,” said Senator Collins. “I strongly support providing tax relief for homeowners but oppose the City’s effort to circumvent Prop 2½, which would remove the people’s right to vote on local tax increases. That is wrong and I will continue to support and defend
key findings from new research at the University of New Hampshire that took a closer look into the growing public health concern of loneliness. The study found that older adults without children are more vulnerable to loneliness, but good friends helped fill that void.
“Social connection is incredibly important. It’s linked to both physical and mental health outcomes,” said Alison Rataj, research scientist at UNH’s Institute for Health Policy and Practice and Center on Aging and Community Living. “Loneliness is a kind of a silent killer, that’s why we need to recognize it, talk about it and find ways to remedy it.”
In the study, recently published in the journal The Gerontologist, Rataj and her co-authors analyzed national data from the Health and Retirement Study, a long-running survey that tracks thousands of Americans age 50 and older. They examined responses from more than 11,000 participants who answered questions about loneliness, friendship quality and family structure, including how often they felt lonely and how much support or strain they experienced in their friendships.
Older adults without children were consistently lonelier, averaging 1.62 on a standardized loneliness scale compared with 1.52 for those with at least one child. Yet when childless adults had strong, supportive friendships, their loneliness dropped by roughly 20% more than it did for parents with similar friend support. Childless adults also
people’s right to vote.”
Senator Collins believes these measures will help stabilize property taxes without jeopardizing the local economy.
S.1935, An Act Relative to Municipal Tax Relief, would give cities and towns a new tool by allowing them to issue uniform rebates to homeowners who received a residential exemption in the previous fiscal year. The rebates would be funded through surplus revenue, making it easier for municipalities to cushion residents against sudden increases.
reported slightly higher overall friend support — 3.16 versus 3.05 on a fourpoint scale — suggesting they may invest more in friendships.
Rataj said that this is increasingly important as we head into the holidays when loneliness can increase due to many different factors including physical distance from loved ones, physical limitations or grief from lost loved ones.
“The holidays tend to be a time when togetherness is emphasized, so feelings of loneliness can be intensified especially for those who don’t have a strong social support system or are unable to connect with their loved ones,” said Rataj.
The study also found that marital status had a significant impact. Adults who were divorced, widowed, separated or never married reported higher loneliness than those who were married.
“You might have children, but you also might have close friends, a spouse or other meaningful ties,” said Rataj. “It’s not one-size-fitsall; loneliness can be eased through many different connections.”
The researchers said the study was partially motivated by current demographic shifts like declining fertility rates and the growing number of people without children living longer.
“Many in the Silent Generation (born between 1928 and 1945) tended to have larger families and more traditional lifestyles — long marriages, children and clearly
S.1933, An Act to Prevent Property Tax Bill Shocks, is designed to prevent large, unexpected spikes in property tax bills. It would phase in major increases over time and offer additional help for seniors, MassHealth members, individuals receiving unemployment assistance, and low-income residents.
Senator Collins is currently collecting signatures for a letter of support to present to the Joint Committee on Revenue. To add your name, please contact his office by email at Nick.Collins@ masenate.gov or 617-722-1150.
defined family roles,” said Rataj. “The Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and younger generations, though, are redefining what family looks like. We’re seeing more blended families, cohabitation without marriage and strong friendship networks or ‘chosen families,’ especially within LGBTQ+ communities. It’ll be fascinating to see how these changing dynamics shape loneliness as these cohorts age.”
Research into loneliness is important on multiple fronts, including informing social programming that could help older adults. The researchers said programs that bring people together, whether through volunteering or community events, can make a real difference. That is especially relevant in a state like New Hampshire, which has one of the oldest demographics.
“In New Hampshire, we have some challenges with transportation for older adults,” said Rataj. “Not everyone can just hop in a car and go somewhere, so it’s important to create opportunities in places they already visit, like libraries, senior centers or even online. Many older adults are tech-savvy and connected, so offering ways to build friendships through those channels can also have a big impact on their social health.”
Study co-authors include Andrew Alberth, Elisabeth J. Stam and Jeffrey E. Stokes all of the University of Massachusetts Boston and Yan-Jhu Su of Pennsylvania State University.
Guy The Wine Heureux Noel!
Located in the far south of France there are wines that are big and bold, just right for the kind of weather we’re feeling right now. I think the following are definitely worth your consideration….
E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge, ($19.99) epitomizes all the best of this appellationa nose of deep red fruit notes, along with forest floor scents. On the palette, there’s a smokiness with notes of caramel and a bit of butterscotch, as well. When the Guigal family has visitors, they put half a beef cow on a spit and start roasting it early in the morning. By late afternoon, it’s ready and delicious. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Rive de Malva, St. Joseph Rhone Rouge,2020, ($29.99) is made in the northernmost Appellation d’Origine Controlee in the Rhone Valley. It presents distinctive aromas of spices and peppercorns, as well as earthy undertones. On the palette, it breaks down into notes of cinnamon and cloves, giving a full, rich mouthfeel. Not surprisingly, the finish is long and very rich.
Jean Louis Chave,”Mon Coeur” Cotes du Rhone, ($22.99) is one that presents very distinctive notes of peppercorns and spices on the nose,while the palette has a full-bodied mouthfeel that’s best enjoyed with swirling as opposed to sipping. As with all reds from this region, the finish is notably long and full. The Chave family have been making wine since 1481 and have said that the wines of today are little changed from that time.
The Rhone River itself begins in the Alps and flows 515 miles, draining into the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhone Valley itself is made up primarily of steep hills, cut deeply by the Rhone glacier over 4,000,000 years ago. Like Sicily, the Greeks were the first to grow grapes here, but when France was known as Gaul under the Romans, winemaking became much more organized. Many of the villages and communes of today have the same place names that were given by the Romans. Sainte Cosme Cotes du Rhone, ($21.99) is one of
them. On the nose and palette, there are distinctive notes of blackberries, plums and violets. The mouthfeel is fresh and fruity, and the finish is pleasant and juicy.
Cotes du Rhone Classique, Domaine de la Présidente, ($37.99) is one of the older estates in the region, having first made wine in 1650.
On the nose, there are vibrant notes of Elderberry and Blackberry, while the palette also presents those, along with a tinge of butterscotch and salty caramel. You should try this one with a roast or
some ground Filet Mignon burgers with Bearnaise sauce- a great football Sunday meal! Last but not least, a mention about whites. Though far less produced than reds, there are some delicious examples, one being Henri Model, Cotes du Rhone Villages Blanc, Vaudun, ($31.99). This is a very structured white, made primarily with Viognier and a little Carcassonne. A great nose of mountain flowers and raspberries that go directly to the palette. The finish, while shorter than reds, is refreshing and fruity.
Pine Street Inn Thanksgiving Day
• Pine Street - Thanksgiving 2025 - 1: (l-r) City Councilor John FitzGerald, Pine Street President and Executive Director Lyndia Downie, Senator Edward Markey, Philip Hall—guest speaker and former iCater trainee, Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Bruins Defenseman Nikita Zadorov, State Representative John Moran
• Pine Street - Thanksgiving 2025 - 2: (l-r): Boston Bruins Defenseman Nikita Zadorov, Senator Edward Markey, Mayor Michelle Wu, Pine Street President and Executive Director Lyndia Downie, and City Councilor John FitzGerald prepare 150 bags with Thanksgiving meals to be distributed tonight by Pine Street Inn’s outreach teams to people living on the street.
• Pine Street - Thanksgiving 2025 - 3: Philip Hall, Guest Speaker, arranges 150 bags with Thanksgiving meals for those living on the street
• Pine Street - Thanksgiving 2025 - 4: Chef Thaddeus Williams with an iCater Trainee - Credit to Pine Street Inn.
Boston’s Enchanted Trolley Tour Continues the Festive Tradition of Lighting Holiday Trees Throughout Boston
For the 29th year, the Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event is sponsored by Bank of America, and includes visits with Santa, tree lightings, and more.
This year, the Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour will start on Saturday, December 6, and end on Sunday, December 7, in neighborhoods throughout Boston. ( *Please note that no one rides the trolley apart from working staff and the Christmas characters. )
ENCHANTED TROLLEY
DATES AND LOCATIONS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
• 11 a.m. - Hastings Lot, West Roxbury
• 12 p.m. - Wolcott Square, Readville
• 1 p.m. - Mattapan Square
• 2 p.m. - Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain
• 3 p.m. - J.P. Monument, Jamaica Plain
• 3:45 p.m. - Brigham Circle, Mission Hill
• 4:30 p.m. - Bolling Building, Roxbury
• 5:45 p.m. - Blackstone Square, South End
• 6:45 p.m. - Oak Square, Brighton SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
• 12 p.m. - Codman Square, Dorchester
• 1 p.m. - Adams Corner, Dorchester
• 2 p.m. - M Street Park, South Boston
• 3 p.m. - Beach Street and Harrison Ave, Chinatown
• 4 p.m. - Paul Revere Mall, North End
• 5 p.m. - Winthrop Square (the Training Field), Charlestown
• 6:15 p.m. - Maverick Square, East Boston
South Boston Christmas Stroll Dec. 4 kicks off month of holiday fun
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 upand-coming MusicBall singer spreading holiday cheer. Santa’s route will take him up Old Colony Avenue to Dorchester Street, with four stops along wreath-adorned 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.
Check the Chamber’s Instagram (@SouthBosChamber) for participating businesses that will offer special savings and promotions on Stroll night.
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
South Boston Catholic Academy News November Highlights
All the students at South Boston Catholic Academy loved getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with their classmates and family! The K2 students did a great job with their Turkey Disguise Projects and the other great Thanksgiving crafts they made. Thank you to Ms. Lauren Monaghan, our Director of Admissions/STEM Teacher, who organized the annual “Balloons Over Broadway”, a STEM class project using robotics. K1 did a fantastic job in their Annual SBCA Thanksgiving Day Parade in which they paraded around the school and then into the school Gym where their parents/families were eagerly waiting to see them as they paraded by holding their colorful floats. There were butterflies, pumpkins, Bluey,
princeses, batman and spiderman and much more colorful characters from different childrens’ stories. Thank you to Mrs. Valerie Hasko, our Art Teacher, K1 Teachers and Aides for making this festive event possible.
Thank you to Eversourse for sponsoring the Mass Save Energy Program and the “National Theater for Children” for coming to SBCA and teaching us all about Energy and how we can use it more efficiently and help our planet. The 3rd, 4th and 5th graders liked taking part in the 3 different skits showing how we can best use and conserve energy at home, some of which involved simple habits, such as turning off lights when leaving a room, using natural light and other energy saving tips.
Thank you to our SBCA students and families who have been busy this Fall helping with the Annual Food Drives, this time it was for St. Monica Food Pantry. Just before we left to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends our Student Council led us in the Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service. Our Student Council President welcomed the students and faculty that were in the school gym for this prayer service. The opening prayer was read by another student council member...”O Heavenly Father: We thank Thee for food and remember the hungry. We Thank thee for health and remember the sick. We thank Thee for friends and remember the friendless. We thank Thee for freedom and remember the enslaved. May these ememberances stir us to service. That Thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.” The students also read sections from several of the Psalms,
from Old and New Testaments, that reflected Thankfulness. We all joined in a response to our petitions for the many things we are Thankful to God for. Our response was...”Thank you, Lord.” Ending prayer ...Thank you God for this bounty which we are to receive this Thanksgiving. Thank you to Ms. Stephanie Olsen, our Director of Learning Support, for helping the Student Council prepare for this Thanksgiving Prayer ServiceFather Robert Casey, our Pastor and Father Peter Schirripa, our Parochial Vicar and Dr. Heleann Civian, our Principal wished everyone a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. We hope everyone had a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving beak. Now we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday on Christmas Day. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
THANK YOU TO THE 5TH GRADERS AT SBCA
Asincere and heartfelt THANK YOU to the 5th Grade class at South Boston Catholic Academy for the beautiful handmade ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ card they sent in. It’s awesome and no doubt took a lot of time, effort, creativity and talent to make. The message it sent was to wish all of us here at South Boston Today News a safe, enjoyable and blessed Thanksgiving holiday but also to express appreciation for the coverage SBT gives to all the wonderful activities and updates that take place at the school. But it is WE who thank the students, the teachers, the administration, the maintenance staff and of course the parents as well for all they do to provide an excellent traditional education in a safe, clean and happy environment for so many young students. SBCA is one of our great community’s most valued resources.
From me, Luanne and all of us here at South Boston Today, Thank you for all you do, Thank you once again for the beautiful card and have a Merry Christmas Season. God Bless you all. - John Ciccone
