Councilor Flynn Calls for E-Bike Regulation & Ban from 3rd Party Food Delivery
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed four pieces of legislation aimed at improving pedestrian safety in Boston. He re-filed an amended ordinance to effectively ban mopeds and e-bikes from thirdparty food delivery services, and filed a new ordinance regulating all e-bikes in the City of Boston. He also re-filed a hearing order to advocate for traffic-calming infrastructure on main streets and areas of high foot traffic, and joined Councilor Enrique Pepen on a hearing order regarding school zones in Boston.
In April 2024, the Council passed the Mayor’s Ordinance to require third-party delivery giants (Uber East, Grubhub, DoorDash) to obtain a permit; however, it’s unclear drivers will be able to obtain liability insurance, and concerns on enforcement remain. Last fall, a person tragically passed away weeks after a collision near Copley Square. Councilor Flynn maintains it is critical that the Council act to prevent more people from getting hurtincluding the drivers themselves. There have also been reports on how third-party companies have potentially incentivized workers to prioritize speed over safety in order
to receive more orders and tips, to keep high ratings, and their jobs. Councilor Flynn has emphasized that food delivery wasn’t always this way until just a few years ago.
In 2022, with the demand for food delivery higher with remote work - the city reported that their goal was for third-party deliveries to shift away from cars towards two-wheeled vehicles due to the loss of a travel lane on Boylston Street. However, in June 2024, the City subsequently launched the Boylston Street Better Bus and Bike Lane Project, eliminating two lanes and over 90 parking spaces. In February 2025, the City announced removal of the bus lane. In a letter to the City Council, Uber Eats confirmed that the city encouraged use of two-wheel delivery vehicles to decrease cars on the road, and the company had a 9 month pilot program to incentivize drivers to do so
Moreover, on Councilor Flynn’s ordinance to regulate all e-bikes in the City of Boston, according to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 90, Section 1, electric bicycles are excluded from the definition of motorized bicycles, which are separately defined by engine capacity, transmission type, and maximum speed. This ordinance intends to provide clarity and consistency on the regulation of e-bikes, including Class 3 e-bikes, which are currently classified as mopeds in the City of Boston. It is critical that there are strict regulations and enforcement measures to protect operators and pedestrians, and also prevent further tragedies.
companies also incentivized workers to prioritize speed over safety to get more assignments and higher ratings. The result has been a significantly worsened pedestrian safety crisis, with mopeds and e-bikes going over 20 mph through red lights and stop signs nearly every day,” said Councilor
Flynn. “No reasonable person believes the rules of the road can continue to be optional. It can no longer be the Wild West on the streets of Boston.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
The students at South Boston Catholic Academy and in the Early Childhood Program had a chance to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day by making beautiful Valentine’s Day cards for their family to
let them know how much they love them. In class the students exchanged Valentine cards with their classmates. The students in Mrs. Cole’s Grade 1A class made
“Since 2022, the City of Boston encouraged large third-party food delivery companies to have drivers use two-wheel vehicles, while the Continued on Page 8
Jimmy Flaherty Kick off Breakfast Saturday, February 28th
SBCA President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board are pleased to announce that on Saturday, February 28th, The Henry Knox Award Presentation will take place at the Seapoint Restaurant, 367 East 8th Street, at 10 a.m.
Family, friends and neighbors are respectfully invited to attend this wonderful event. A twenty dollar donation is requested at door to help off-set costs. This year’s event will once again feature great music by Bob Fowkes and Curraghs Fancy.
The event Chairman, once again will be South Boston’s own State Representative David Biele, who continues to lead the fight to preserve the historical importance of Evacuation Day while serving in the Massachusetts
House of Representatives.
“As president of the Association, it is an honor for me to work with Dave to kick-off the festivities. Dave’s commitment and involvement with the SBCA and our community has been a tremendous asset to me and the Executive Board.” Said McGrath.
The awards are presented to everyday volunteers in the community who seek no recognition, and the event kicks off the month-long celebration for one of the most important events in American history.
Barbara Caputo Kelly
Barbara Caputo Kelly is a proud lifelong resident of South Boston. She has been married to Joe Kelly nearly 40 years and is a loving Mom to Christine, Brendan and Patrick
and recently has been blessed with an ever-growing family.
Barbara is an accomplished basketball, volleyball and softball athlete, and in following her parents’ footsteps, she wanted to give back to her community. She has been working with youth & families of South Boston as early as 1985 beginning as the Gatey Girls Instructional Basketball Coach.
In professional career, Barbara is currently in her 14th year with Boston Center for Youth and Families. Starting as a Youth Worker at the Curley Community Center, she orchestrated the designing and transformation of an empty oversized room into a state of art computer lab, a vibrant after school program and a teen center. She also helped to revitalize the popular “L” Summer Program on the beach with hundreds of kids participating. This was just the beginning of her going above and beyond for the neighborhood.
Upon her promotion and relocation to the Condon Community Center, Barbara’s dedication, commitment & hard work to the families and youth of South Boston continued. She jumped right in and implemented multiple programs and schedules for all members to enjoy. Along with the outstanding staff around her, the gym programs were reorganized and the amount of young neighborhood children and teens increased dramatically.
Barbara quickly learned that many families struggled with food insecurity. Funds were secured to provide this much needed assistance for the participating youth & teens in the After School and Saturday Programs. She created many solid relationships with businesses and local politicians in and around South Boston which also includes BPD. Barbara secures winter coats, hats and gloves on a yearly basis through generous partnerships.
Christmas is a favorite time
for her, as she works together with CCC staff to make the Holiday Season magical for the families she cares for every day. She also adores the Southie Seniors and works on Special Event Celebrations & Luncheons for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Saint Patrick’s Day yearly.
Barbara’s good nature and big heart is what stands out most - a close second to how much she cherishes her own family and the families she serves.
Caitlyn and Cam Murphy
Caitlyn and Cam Murphy have made an extraordinary impact on youth and families in South Boston through both their professional roles and extensive volunteer work.
Caitlyn serves as the Education and Career Development Coordinator at South Boston Neighborhood House (The Ollie), leading programs such as SLIP and teen employment initiatives, and is a Resource & ESL teacher at the Condon K-8 School. She has helped build and manage the Condon Middle School basketball program, including launching a JV team, organizing fundraising efforts that raised $10,000, and creating a before-school workout program that improved student attendance, behavior, and academic performance. She also volunteers as President of the South Boston Soccer League, expanding affordable soccer opportunities for local youth. In 2025, she was recognized on the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll for her outstanding service.
Cam works as Boston Public Schools Pool Maintenance Supervisor and serves at The Ollie as a SLIP Assistant and Boys2Men Coordinator. He volunteers as a Condon Middle School basketball coach, South Boston Soccer League coach and board member, K4K Flag Football coach, and BNBL summer basketball coach, mentoring youth year-round.
Continued on Page 3
Continued from Page 2 Kick Off Breakfast
Together, they are also foster parents, opening their home to a Condon student in need. The Murphys exemplify leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting South Boston’s young people.
Jerry Galvin
Jerry is a lifelong South Boston resident who truly embodies the meaning of an unsung hero.
For more than 25 years, Jerry has volunteered as a coach in numerous South Boston youth sports programs, including softball, baseball, and basketball. The sport never mattered to Jerry — his priority was always keeping kids active, safe, and learning important life lessons. Known for his dry humor, calm demeanor, and steady leadership, Jerry was never one to yell from the sidelines or criticize. His positive approach is exactly why so many kids enjoyed playing for him and kept coming back year after year. Over the decades, he has quietly influenced and mentored hundreds of young people in our community. Beyond the playing fields, Jerry has remained deeply involved in South Boston. A past board member of the South Boston Yacht Club, he now successfully runs its dart league. He has recently taken over organizing the club’s longstanding Children’s Christmas Party — no small task — ensuring that cherished tradition continues. Jerry also serves as Treasurer of the LST Brownie Board and has contributed his time on numerous other boards and committees whenever needed. Simply put, Jerry steps up wherever help is required.
Above all, Jerry is a devoted family man to his wife Carol and their children, Sarah, Emma, and Ryan. He is the kind of person who never says no when someone needs help. For decades, he has served South Boston quietly and without fanfare. We believe it is time to recognize one of Southie’s very best with the Henry Knox Award.
Audrey Nagle
Audrey Nagle is a lifelong resident of South Boston, raised on East 2nd Street by her parents, Joan and David, alongside her sisters, Caitlin and Kara. From an early age, she learned the importance of giving back by watching her parents actively participate in community events and volunteer throughout the neighborhood.
She attended St. Brigid Elementary School and is a graduate of Boston Latin School. Over the years, Audrey has remained deeply involved in local youth and community programs, crediting much of her personal and professional success to the incredible mentors who guided her along the way.
Audrey began her career at Massport in 2008 as an intern under the guidance of the late Tommy Butler, Sr. past President of the South Boston Citizens’ Association. Today, she serves as Manager of Charitable Giving Programs, where she proudly supports a wide range of South Boston nonprofits, including the South Boston Neighborhood House, Condon Community Center, South Boston Boys & Girls Club, Tierney Learning Center, and many others. In addition to program grants, Massport provides funding for college scholarships and youth employment opportunities each summer.
A full-circle moment in Audrey’s career is her work with the Community Summer Jobs Program. As a teenager, she participated in the program and worked at the Harry McDonough Sailing Center. Today, she helps provide those same opportunities for the next generation — an experience she considers both meaningful and deeply rewarding.
Beyond overseeing Massport’s grantmaking efforts, Audrey also organizes several employee donation initiatives each year that directly benefit the South Boston community, including a backpack project, winter coat drive, and Thanksgiving food
drive. Being a good neighbor is a core value at Massport, and for Audrey, giving back to South Boston is not only personally fulfilling — it is truly an honor.
David A. Casper
David A. Casper is a funeral service professional and community leader serving families through Casper Funeral & Cremation Services. With a career dedicated to compassionate care, David is recognized for guiding individuals and families through life’s most difficult moments with dignity, clarity, and respect.
David has also served in leadership roles within the profession, including as Past President of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, reflecting his commitment to high standards, advocacy, and the advancement of funeral service across the Commonwealth.
Beyond his work in funeral
service, David is active in community support and local leadership. He serves on the Credit Committee at Taupa Lithuanian Federal Credit Union in Boston, contributing to community-focused financial stewardship and governance.
Dave has been a strong supporter of the South Boston Citizens’ Association, especially during the historical Exercises every year providing parking for the re-enactors and the church attendees for the Evacuation Day mass at the chapel, making sure the events go off without a hitch.
Tom McGrath, President of the SBCA, said “It is an honor to recognize these individuals who dedicate their time and energy to the South Boston Community. I hope the community will join me and others on Saturday the 28th to honor these men and women.” Tickets are available at the door for a 20.00 donation. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
SouthStage Theatre Works Presents Songs for a New Year: A Benefit Concert at The South Boston Neighborhood House
by Rick Winterson
On Saturday evening, January 31, a concert featuring twenty two performers, both solo and in groups, took place in the South Boston Neighborhood House at 136 H Street. The concert was notably successful. From 7 until 9 p.m., the South Boston Neighborhood House (The Ollie) echoed with music, laughter, and much applause from the concert’s full house audience.
SouthStage Theatre Works (SSTW) is a professional theatre company with an emphasis on career development for young emerging artists. Founded in 2023, SSTW’s mission is to provide a professional platform for teens to grow their careers as emerging theatre artists. The company, resident of the South Boston Neighborhood House, is now entering its third year. We interviewed Brenny O’Brien, South Boston native and SSTW’s Founder and Artistic Director during and after the concert.
Saturday’s concert was a benefit event, fetchingly entitled “Songs for a New Year”. It was presented by SSTW in support of their efforts to connect professional artists with teen emerging
artists, all the while raising funds for their 2026 Summer Season. The concert was totally enjoyable and professionally performed throughout.
Arianna Shepherd, SSTW’s Executive Director, was a competent Mistress of Ceremonies throughout the evening. She presented some twenty-two (22) talented performers in a paced manner that made the audience anticipate each one of them. These performers included solo singers, duets, and emphatically interesting and humorous speeches from Isiah Smith and Jeaon Lafleur, members from
SSTW’s first cohort of their Company Member Program. A particular favorite of this writer was “The Wandering Songbirds” – a group made up of seven professional artists in the Greater Boston area, who tunefully began
and concluded the evening’s concert. And mention should be made of the concert’s pianist, sixteen year old Leonardo Dello Russo. He steadily and artistically accompanied each and every other performer without a break.
We’ll close by repeating that “Songs for a New Year” took place in the South Boston Neighborhood House at 136 H Street, where South Boston’s Kathy Lafferty serves as Executive Director. The South Boston Neighborhood House is where SouthStage Theatre Works – created by Founder/ Artistic Director Brenny O’Brien, with SSTW team; Arianna Shepherd (Executive Director), Fiona McCusker (Director of Community), Haven Foley (Director or Marketing & Social Media), and Caitlyn Murphy (Events Director) all South Boston residents – first began.
For more about SouthStage Theatre Works, visit www.sstw.org for information, ways to donate, and upcoming productions.
Senator Collins Votes to Improve Literacy Standards
Legislation Ensures Early Dyslexia Screening So No Child Falls Behind
The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that supports young learners by ensuring reading instruction is rooted in
proven, evidence-based practices.
The bill creates new statewide standards for literacy education and assessment, offers professional development resources for educators, and offers flexible options and supplemental funding for public schools that work to implement evidence-based curricula.
“Massachusetts’ reputation for academic excellence precedes itself, and I am proud of the steps the Senate is taking to support children from the very beginning of their educational journey,” said Senator Nick Collins. “We know early childhood is a critical time for intervention, and with reading proficiency declining in the wake of the pandemic, the time has come to correct course, and this legislation is an important step toward doing just that.”
The bill, S.2924, An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy, ensures that every Massachusetts student from kindergarten to 3rd grade learns to read using phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness—practices that data show as the best building blocks for lifetime learning.
To support school districts and educators with implementation, the legislation would create a new Early Literacy Fund seeded with $25 million in ‘Fair Share’ funding to help districts with costs and support educators’ professional development. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would also make additional professional development resources available.
Schools would have three DESE-
approved options to implement the new curriculum requirement: utilize a complete curriculum that is made available for free by DESE; use a curriculum from a list that meets evidence-based criteria; or receive a waiver authorizing the use of another curriculum that meets the same standards but had not been previously reviewed and approved by DESE.
The legislation makes sure parents and schools engage in constructive communication about student progress. It requires twice-yearly assessments to gauge every young learner’s reading progress and to screen for dyslexia, and requires schools to contact a parent or guardian within 30 days if a student has fallen significantly behind and propose a response if that is the case.
Rep. Biele Joins House in Passing Bill to Increase Apprenticeships in Public Construction Contracts
Bill seeks to increase the workforce in the building trades Massachusetts
Recently, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation that seeks to increase the state’s trades’ workforce by requiring the hiring of apprentices for all contracts awarded for public works projects over $10 million. Effective a year after signed into law, this bill would require projects to hire apprentices to work 5 percent of the total amount of hours worked, which would scale up to 10 percent in three years and 15 percent in four years.
“This bill invests in our workforce by creating opportunities and career pathways in the construction industry,” said Rep. Biele. “As the son of a union laborer and someone who worked in the building trades to save for college and graduate school, I understand the positive impact the trades can
have on individuals and families through opportunities in the construction industry. I was proud to join my colleagues in passing this bill to create sustainable jobs that pay fair wages and allow individuals to provide for their families.”
Public agencies must require, as a condition of awarding a construction contract over $10 million for any public works, that all construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors maintain or participate in an apprentice program, approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS), for each apprenticeable occupation represented in their workforce.
Construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors must register all apprentices with DAS and comply with applicable apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios established by a trades licensing board or the Division.
The bill provides for an exemption upon a written determination by the public agency that, after good-faith
solicitation, no qualified and responsible bidder maintaining or participating in an apprentice program is reasonably available for a specific trade or scope of work.
Any construction manager, general contractor and subcontractor who fails to maintain or participate in an apprentice program and is not exempt cannot be deemed a responsible and eligible bidder.
The bill also requires prevailing wage payments by employers to include apprenticeship programs
approved by DAS within Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and operated in compliance with DAS. The bill establishes a Special Commission on Apprenticeships to study and make recommendations on the development, accessibility, quality, funding and utilization of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across all industry sectors. The bill passed the House of Representatives 154-1 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Boston is Writing an Opera
A FREE Community Opera Public Workshop with poet Tracy K. Smith
Presented by Boston Lyric Opera in partnership with Boston Symphony Orchestra, the City of Boston, and Boston Public Library.
February 14, 2026 | 2:00-3:30PM
Boston Public Library | South Boston Branch 646 East Broadway, Boston, MA 02127
Want to help create a new opera—by Boston, for Boston? Share your stories! Join Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize–winning poet and 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States, for a community workshop and listening session that invites your voice into the making of a brand-new opera.
This gathering is about more than listening—it’s about authorship. Together, we’ll explore poetry and storytelling as tools for connection, reflection, and collective imagination. Participants will hear poems by Tracy and other contemporary poets, and will be invited to respond—by speaking, writing, or simply sharing what resonates.
Over the coming months, dozens of community listening sessions across the city will inform a libretto shaped directly by the lived experiences of Bostonians. Your stories, language, memories, and questions will help inspire an opera that reflects the richness, complexity, and spirit of this city.
Boston Parks and Recreation Department
February school vacation week. From sports clinics, to our annual Children’s Festival, and nature exploration with the Park Rangers, these activities are FREE and open to all. To learn more and register, visit boston.gov/parks.
Softball Hitting and Fielding Clinics
Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18, 2026
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Bubble at Carter Field, 709 Columbus Avenue
Stable Tour with the Park Rangers Mounted Unit
Thursday, February 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Franklin Park Maintenance Yard 275 Canterbury Street, Dorchester Boston.gov/park-rangers
Snowshoeing Safari with the Park Rangers
Thursday, February 19, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
William Devine Golf Course Parking Lot 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester
Horse-of-Course with the Boston Park Rangers
Friday, February 20, 2026
2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
William Devine Golf Course Parking Lot 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester boston.gov/park-rangers
Baseball Hitting and Fielding Clinics
Thursday, February 19 and Friday, February 20
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m
The Bubble at Carter Field, 709 Columbus Avenue
Winter Festival at Franklin Park
Saturday, February 21, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
William Devine Golf Course, 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester boston.gov/winterfest
Open Gym
Thursday, February 19 and Friday, February 20 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Bubble at Carter Field, 709 Columbus Avenue
Open Gym is available to students, families, and community members to play pick-up sports such as kickball, wiffleball, soccer, football, run laps, and more. Pre-registration required. Note: There will be no open gym on Monday, February 16 due to President’s Day. Boston.gov/parks-sports
Crafting Masks and Dancing the Night Away at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club
Continued from Page 1 Valentine’s Day valentines cards for their parents telling them what they love about SBCA. Some of them said ...”I Love SBCA because we learn about God,... I Love my Teacher,... I Love Art Class,...I Love Books,...I Love Gym, and
I have a lot of Friends.” “How do you spell Love? -Piglet...You don’t spell it, you feel it. -Pooh” Sending cards to loved ones possibly began with St. Valentine himself. There are popular legends about St. Valentine, one which claims that while imprisoned, Valentine
befriended or fell in love with the jailer’s blind daughter (sometimes named Julia) and, before his death on February 14, he sent her a note signed “From your Valentine”. Some versions add that he miraculously cured her blindness. New families are welcome to email our
admissions team at admissions@ sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@ sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
Celebrating 107 years of life
Honored to celebrate Arthur M. Rose as he marked an incredible 107 years of life. A World War II Navy veteran, a Korean War veteran, and a cherished neighbor, Arthur’s life reflects service, resilience, and quiet strength. Being surrounded by family, friends, fellow veterans, and neighbors who clearly adore him was a reminder of what community truly looks like. Grateful to celebrate a man who has given so much and continues to inspire everyone around him.
WITNESS, Hon. Janine D Rivers, First Justice of this Court.
Single-Family Report
South Boston Single-Family Homes Recently Sold
