02_19_2026

Rick Winterson Marks 25 Years of Telling South Boston’s Stories

From the opening of a long-gone waterfront restaurant to the rise of the Seaport skyline, from the heartbreak of 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombing to the resilience of a community during a global

pandemic … Rick Winterson has been there to document it all.

This month, Rick celebrates 25 years as a reporter and Senior Editor for South Boston Online — a milestone that represents thousands of stories, millions of words, and a quarter-century of faithfully chronicling the life of this neighborhood.

“All in all, I’ve written thousands of articles,” Rick reflects. “But my personal favorites always involved the local people, interviews, and happenings in South Boston.”

The First Byline

Rick joined South Boston Online in 2001 as a proofreader. Within a week, he was asked to

write a story about the opening of “Jimbo’s,” an addition to Jimmy’s Harborside. He gladly accepted. That February 2001 article — 500 words and three photos — became the first of what would eventually total thousands. Later that same year, Rick covered the passing of Congressman Joe Moakley and wrote about the devastating events of September 11 and the impact on South Boston. It was a baptism by fire into community journalism. He never looked back.

Chronicling a Changing Skyline

Over the past 25 years, Rick has carefully followed

one of the most dramatic transformations in Boston history — the development of the South Boston Seaport.

He covered:

The opening of the Institute of Contemporary Art; The debut of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center; Fallon’s VERTEX project; The massive WS Development complex, now nearing completion. Rick attended groundbreakings. He stood at ribbon-cuttings. He watched cracked asphalt and parking lots evolve into a bustling waterfront district.

“The Seaport is wonderful,” he has said. “It was badly needed.”

Continued on Page 2

Continued from Page 1 Celebrating 25 Years

Reporting

Through Crisis

Rick’s work has also documented some of the most difficult moments in recent history. He covered the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and its profound effect on South Boston, including the creation of Martin’s Park, named in honor of Martin Richard. He conducted an exclusive phone interview with Congressman Stephen Lynch, who called Rick from N’Djamena, Chad, to discuss his trip into Darfur during a devastating famine.

And during the COVID19 pandemic, Rick wrote steadily — before, during, and after — capturing the fear, uncertainty,

resilience, and recovery of the neighborhood he loves.

The Stories That Matter Most

While Rick has written about major developments and historic events, his personal favorites have always centered on local people.

He has profiled teachers, veterans, clergy members, scholarship winners, first responders, community activists, and lifelong South Boston residents. Among his most cherished subjects was Sister Evelyn Hurley, the beloved longtime educator at Nazareth (now South Boston Catholic Academy). Rick wrote many articles about Sister Evelyn, following her remarkable life and continued connection to the community well into her 100s.

A Recognized Community Voice

A graduate of MIT with a degree in chemical engineering, Rick served in the military working on nuclear weapons testing before spending 40 years in private industry across the United States and abroad. His professional work demanded clarity, precision, and technical writing — skills that later shaped his journalism.

Over the years, Rick has earned well-deserved recognition, including:

The Henry Knox “Unsung Hero” Award from the South

Boston Citizens’ Association and A Community Service Award from Boston Police Department Station C-6 Rick will turn 90 in June. He remains spry, sharp, and endlessly curious. He continues to attend events, conduct interviews, and submit articles with the same enthusiasm he brought to that first story in 2001.

For 25 years, he has captured the voices, milestones, celebrations, struggles, and spirit of this community. And for that, we are grateful!

Senator Collins Supports Fair Housing Bills

The Massachusetts Senate recently advanced a trio of bills focused on protecting consumers and expanding opportunity across the Commonwealth, headlined by major legislation strengthening fair housing protections. Together, the measures address discrimination in the housing market, bolster safeguards for car buyers, and modernize standards for the certified public accountant workforce.

“We are hitting the ground running this session and getting important work done to protect consumers across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Collins. “Ensuring fair access to housing is fundamental, but we’re also strengthening protections for car buyers and modernizing our professional workforce so Massachusetts families are treated

fairly in every part of the marketplace.” At the center of the package is S.2947, An Act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth, legislation aimed at preventing discrimination in housing. Complementing these housing protections, the Senate also passed S.2945, An Act modernizing protections for consumers in automobile transactions, to expand rights for car buyers and lessees. In addition, the Senate unanimously approved S.2946, An Act relative to modernizing the pathway to becoming a certified public accountant. The measure updates certification requirements and allows qualified out-ofstate CPAs to practice in Massachusetts. All three bills now move to the House of Representatives for further review.

New Hotel Approved in SouthBoston’s Seaport District near Thomas M. Menino Convention Center

438-Key Urban Lifestyle Hotel Added to the GHIG Campus

DGH Hotel Partners

JV, LLC, a joint venture between Global Hospitality Investment Group (“GHIG”) and a global investment management firm, is proud to announce the approval of a new hotel on Anchor Street, across from the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center.

The new urban lifestyle hotel will join the existing Aloft and Element Boston Seaport hotels as the newest component of a 968-key hotel and retail campus owned by the joint venture under a long-term land lease with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (“MCCA”). The Boston Zoning Commission (“Zoning Commission”) approved the project on February 11, 2026, following the Boston Planning Department’s (“Planning Department”) unanimous Board vote last month.

When completed, the final phase of the three-hotel development, initiated in 2016, will add 438 guest rooms across 160,000 square feet. The project will feature a new landscaped entry plaza on Anchor Street, a unique indoor/outdoor lobby bar, and a rooftop amenity space.

The campus currently includes approximately 18,000 square feet of retail space on D Street across from the Convention Center’s Lawn on D, and the combined development will reach 968 guest rooms across its three hotel brands. Designed to complement the modern aesthetic of the neighboring Aloft and Element hotels, the new hotel will further solidify the area as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.

“We’re thrilled to bring a new hotel to the heart of Boston’s Seaport District, across from the Convention Center, said Kevin Colket, Founder & CEO of Global Hospitality Investment Group.

“We look forward to growing our presence in Boston by expanding our footprint next to the Aloft and Element Hotels and completing the vision of delivering a mixeduse campus with a collection of hotel brands and active retail that supports the Convention Center and enhances the vibrancy of D Street.

We are excited to work with the new leadership of the MCCA and believe our additional rooms will help to support the Convention Center’s anticipated expansion goals. The tourism and hospitality industry is very strong here, and we’re excited to bring a new lodging experience for guests, significant economic activity, and additional jobs to the City and Commonwealth.”

During the recent permitting process, the project earned support from a variety of community stakeholders, including neighborhood leadership, local labor/trade representatives, and hospitality industry advocates.

“We are grateful for all of the time, leadership and guidance provided by the City’s Planning Department and Zoning Commission, along with the local elected delegation, neighborhood residents, and the MCCA,” said Kevin Colket.

The 160,000 square foot project will be sustainably designed

and constructed to meet LEED Gold Certification as an allelectric, resilient facility. The hotel will further activate the neighborhood with a pedestrianfriendly streetscape, improved connectivity, and the creation of hundreds of local jobs.

Global Hospitality Investment Group (GHIG) is a hospitalityfocused real estate private equity firm founded by Kevin Colket, with offices in Los Angeles and London.

GHIG currently has approximately $600 million in assets under management (AUM). The firm’s principals have invested more than $5 billion of capital across the United States, Europe, and Asia, executing complex transactions across cycles and delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns.

GHIG pursues an opportunistic and value-add investment strategy focused on hospitality and mixed-use assets, targeting single-asset, portfolio, and corporate opportunities across the capital structure. The firm partners with leading global operators and institutional capital providers to create long-term value through disciplined underwriting, active asset management, and strategic repositioning.

https://www.ghigroup.com/

Community Leaders Announce Framework to Integrate Public Health and Public Safety at Mass & Cass

Recommendations include enhanced access to treatment, expanded coordinated response teams, and a Specialty Court for those suffering from addiction

Local officials and neighborhood partners gathered at the Hampton Inn to announce a strategic, multidisciplinary framework to address the long-standing public health and safety crisis in the Mass and Cass area. Requested by Mayor Wu last summer, and developed by the South End/Roxbury/Newmarket Working Group on Addiction and Recovery, the proposal is the result of over six months of collaboration among healthcare providers, community leaders, and law enforcement. The integrated approach, informed by stakeholder input and a review of past practices, shifts away from fragmented activities toward a “Shared Vision” that connects public safety, judicial initiatives, and a recovery model focused on the long-term continuum of care.

“Alongside partners in community, public health, and across government, Boston is working to ensure strong pathways into recovery and quality of life in every neighborhood, including an end to outdoor substance use,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I thank the Working Group for carefully reflecting the shared progress of the many city departments engaged in our Coordinated Response Team, for their strong endorsement of the Boston Police Department’s NEST initiative, and for highlighting more opportunities to meet our shared goals. A Choice-Based Approach to Recovery. At the heart of the initiative is a “nonlinear” recovery model designed to ensure individuals stop falling through the cracks. Proactive Co-Response Outreach for Recovery Engagement (CORE) Teams will operate as the first and consistent point of contact. Individuals engaged in public drug use are offered a choice: immediate placement into a recovery program or entry into the justice system.

“I have learned from experts

throughout this exercise that everyone’s recovery journey is unique, with relapses common. This framework respects that. By meeting people where they are at any point in time, it supports those facing mental health and substance use challenges while also helping reduce public drug trafficking and use, and its harmful impacts on our neighborhoods,” stated South End-based State Representative John Moran. City Councilor John FitzGerald added, “Since taking office, I have heard time and time again from residents in the South End, Dorchester, South Boston and Roxbury about how their quality of life has been negatively impacted. Throughout these last 6+ months, the working group has strived to balance public health and public safety at the forefront of our approach, focusing on the continuum of care. We have heard recently from residents and those battling addiction that the Mayor’s Office Coordinated Response Team plus the NEST team working together has made a difference, and in anticipation of warmer weather on its way, these recommendations strengthen that work. In addition, our hope is that the quality of life for the residents and business owners improve while simultaneously ensuring that those who are sick and suffering receive the care, dignity, and attention they deserve in their pathway to recovery.”

Key recommendations:

Public Safety & Diversion:

Expanding specialized units like the Neighborhood Engagement Safety Team (NEST), which is trained in diversion and deflection, to work alongside individuals with lived experience.

Judicial Initiatives:

The establishment of a single Specialty Court to centralize resources and bypass traditional criminal charges for those who choose a recovery pathway.

Long-term Care:

A “Preferred Provider Network” and dedicated case management teams that follow patients through every step of the process, including physical and mental health support.

Rapid Re-Engagement:

Recognizing that relapse is often part of the journey, the model triggers immediate re-engagement by the CORE Team to restart the recovery pathway without unnecessary barriers.

City Highlights Coordinated Approach to Recovery and Public Safety Kellie Young, Director of the Mayor’s Coordinated Response Team (CRT), highlighted the City’s innovative partnership with the Boston Police Department’s Neighborhood Engagement Safety Team (NEST) to support individuals facing substance use challenges.

The initiative pairs individuals with lived experience in sustained recovery with public safety officers in a proactive co-response model, promoting long-term recovery and demonstrating the power of coordinated, community-focused solutions.

By making efficient use of public resources the initiative aligns treatment objectives and care with the justice system. The approach would fund a permanent, fully dedicated NEST team; expands and makes permanent the CORE team; establishes a Specialty Court and case management; adds supplemental clinical resources; and provides short-

term support for sober living housing.

“Leaving people suffering from addiction to live on city streets is not reducing harm; it is inhumane for the individuals and unsafe for all. Through this initiative, public safety will be enhanced and people will have a chance at real long-term treatment and care,” said Sue Sullivan, Executive Director of the Newmarket Business Improvement District. “If individuals are left on the streets to engage in outdoor drug use, clearly, their odds of survival dramatically diminish. This initiative gives people a fighting chance at recovery and a life of stability”.

The neighborhoods of the South End, Roxbury, Dorchester, South Boston, Newmarket and beyond have experienced crime, violence, and human trafficking. While there has been progress, vulnerable people with addiction and mental health issues find themselves on the street with inadequate long-term housing or recovery treatment options available.

The Working Group first met over a decade ago bringing neighbors, addiction/recovery, mental health, and policy practitioners together with city and elected representatives to focus on finding realistic solutions to the public health and public safety crisis that confronted us at Mass and Cass.

Stephen Fox, Chair of the South End Forum said, “The recommendations we are making today reflect that history and the contributions of a great many individuals, professions, and disciplines. Our mission to craft a set of recommendations that serve as a framework for a comprehensive and integrated approach to both public health and public safety elements in the Mass and Cass challenge is reflected in what we are presenting publicly today.”

New Quarters for SPOKE’s Art Complex and Studios

These are located in the newly constructed section of Anne Lynch/Old Colony Homes at Old Harbor and Eighth Streets, and are nearly finished. SPOKE will begin moving in on Sunday, the 1st of March. Beacon Communities is the extremely generous donor of this space, which cost a seven-figure amount. Executive Director L’Merchie Frazier said, “This facility will demonstrate the power of art. SPOKE’S Artistic Director added, “This creates a space for belonging.”

Senator Collins Presents Urban College of Boston with $100,000 Funding to Strengthen Student Services

Investment will enhance academic and financial support for nontraditional students across Massachusetts

Urban College of Boston welcomed Massachusetts State Senator Nick Collins to campus to celebrate $100,000 in state budget funding dedicated to strengthening the college’s student support services. The FY26 earmark will enhance academic and financial assistance for the college’s largely nontraditional student population, helping remove barriers that often stand between adult learners and degree completion.

The college will enhance key student support services, including academic advising and student financial services. These areas provide essential guidance such as academic planning, financial aid navigation,

tutoring, and technology support. For students who are balancing coursework with employment and caregiving, services are often critical to staying enrolled and progressing toward graduation.

“Urban College is doing the essential work of creating real pathways for students balancing work, family, and countless responsibilities,” said Senator Collins. “Having worked in communities from South Boston to Chinatown, I’ve seen how access to education can change the trajectory of someone’s life. Even in a challenging budget year, securing this funding is critical to ensuring Urban College can continue to help students climb the economic ladder across our city.”

During his visit, Senator Collins joined a panel discussion with current students and alumni who described how Urban College’s multilingual environment, flexible course options, and technology support make it possible for them to pursue degrees while working and raising families. Students highlighted the value of tutoring and culturally responsive

instruction and shared how faculty and staff help them navigate academic expectations and language learning.

After the panel, Senator Collins met with faculty and staff to discuss the needs of adult learners and the college’s role in Boston’s workforce pipeline. Faculty emphasized Urban College’s strengths in serving English language learners and first-generation students, its focus on digital literacy, and its commitment to wraparound services that keep students connected to their studies.

“Senator Collins has demonstrated remarkable leadership in securing this vital

funding and recognizing the profound impact it will have on our students,” said Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, president of Urban College. “This investment strengthens the academic and financial resources our learners rely on as they work toward their degrees while balancing complex responsibilities. We are thankful to Senator Collins and the Commonwealth for recognizing the importance and potential of Urban College students, whose determination and resilience enrich our city and state every day.”

To learn more about the Urban College of Boston visit: urbancollege.edu.

Sports by (Not too Many) Numbers – in and around Boston

by Rick Winterson

The best way to handle memories – including memories that are part of Boston’s strong and lively sports scene – is to look ahead. More memories are forming

The sports memory that most quickly comes to mind, of course, is the New England Patriots loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara. A pick 6+, an offensive touchdown, and a Super Bowl record of five field goals gave the Seahawks 29 points, while the Pats scored only 13, all in the fourth quarter. Before the Super Bowl, the Pats had a remarkable 14-3 W-L regular season record but an easy schedule. They won three AFC post season games, the last one against the Denver Bronco, who also had a 14-3 W-L record. However, the Seahawks were favored going in.

Enough said – Super Bowl LX is over. It’s time to move on. Look forward to the rest of 2026. You’ll have a second chance to cheer for the Pats. Later this year, starting on September 14, they’ll play some 15 games in their next regular season.

Think about the rest of 2026 in Boston’s other sports. You are aware that Boston is ranked as the best sports city in the U.S. by several surveys. So far during this century, we’ve had contenders during every year and in every sport.

The New England Revolution kicks off (literally) their 2026 game schedule on February 21 in Nashville, will take on the New York Red Bulls on February 28, and then return to Gillette to play the Houston Dynamo FC on March 7. And you’ve certainly heard about the two soccer stadiums planned in Everett and in Frankin Park – that’s two homes

in or near Boston for soccer (a.k.a. “futbol” elsewhere in the world).

Both the Bruins hockey and the Celtics basketball teams completed last year and came into 2026 with solid winning records; both look good to make the postseason playoffs. As of this writing, the Bruins are idle because of the Olympics in Milan, and the Celtics are on their All-Star break. But each team has approximately 25 regular season games left to play (out of 82 total), so keep an eye on the action to come, on the ice and on the parquet. The races for postseason playoff spots will become much more intense between now and midApril, and then might continue in Boston until June. Stay tuned.

The Red Sox have had their first full team spring training session in Fort Myers. They recently made news by trading for third baseman Caleb Durbin from the Brewers, measurably upping their infield strength. Baseball is also a defensive game – the Sox are attempting to find more late-ingame lefty pitching. They open in Cincinnati on March 26 and then return to Boston against San Diego on Friday afternoon, April 3, at 2 p.m. in Boston’s beloved, 114-year-old Fenway Park. The Sox have a good manager in Alex Cora – they look to be on the way to an interesting season.

Around here, Boston’s sports between now and the summer should prove to be very challenging. And if you do look back to earlier this year, please remember that the Patriots ended their entire 2025-2026 season and postseason schedules with an excellent 17-4 Win-Loss record –an .809 (!) winning percentage.

SBCA Announces 2026 Community Award Recipients

Lee Burke, Randy Greele, Richie Linehan and Bobby Ferrara to be honored

The South Boston Citizens’ Association has announced the recipients of its 2026 community awards, to be presented at the 146th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Thomas Menino Convention Center.

Association President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board have selected Lee Burke and the Michael Burke Foundation and Randy Greeley as recipients of the James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/ Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service. Bobby Ferrara has been chosen to receive the Joe Moakley Outstanding Citizen Award, and Richie Linehan to receive the John McCormack Award for Public Service. More information on these individuals

will be available in the coming weeks. The honorees are being recognized for their selfless efforts in assisting those in need and for consistently stepping forward to support benefits and worthy causes throughout South Boston and the surrounding community.

Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Curragh’s Fancy, along with appearances by a host of special dignitaries.

President McGrath noted that tickets and tables are being purchased at a strong pace due to the excitement surrounding the 250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day and the recognition of some of South Boston’s most dedicated community leaders. Those planning to attend are encouraged to act promptly. For ticket information, please contact Tom McGrath at 857-204-5825 or via email at tmcgrath1963sb@gmail.com.

The students, families, faculty and staff of South Boston Catholic Academy and in the Early Childhood Program had a chance to celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

A Special Thank you to Ms. Kayla Keough, K2C Teacher, for wonderfully organizing and reorganizing these great Catholic School Week’s events. Each day of the week we had special activities and events sharing the importance of Catholic Schools. We started this special week by celebrating a Family Mass. Father Robert Casey, our Pastor, spoke about how important it is for a child that a school is in partnership with parents. Our parents are our first teachers. The importance of a school working in partnership with parents cannot be

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

overstated. We at South Boston Catholic Academy and in the Early Childhood Program are trying to do just that. Thank you to Mr. Ryan Lynch our Parish Music Director for leading our amazing SBCA Children’s Choir and providing the beautiful music at this Mass and to all the students, families and faculty that participated, helped and attended this Mass and all the Masses that weekend.

We honored the contributions of students, families, faculty and staff, which highlights faith, academics, and service. We focused on: Giving back, Supporting local businesses, Celebrating our faith, Highlighting community members, Having fun together as one school and Celebrating the joy of teaching and attending a Catholic school.

Wednesday was Parent Career

Presentation Day. Thursday, Librarian Dani Crickman, from the South Boston Branch Library, visited K0 at the ECC. We also had Teacher Student Swap/ Free TAG Day/ Pizza for Lunch! During We also had a Tag Day for The Collins Joy Project and the Student Council organized and collected used blankets, towels and pet foods for the Animal Rescue League of Boston, who are in most urgent need of these items. We are trying to follow in St. Carlo Acutis’ steps.

On Friday we had a delicious Teacher Appreciation Breakfast provided by our terrific Home and School parents and one of the best Volleyball Games.

Thank you to all the wonderful families, to our dedicated Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian and all our wonderful teachers and staff at South

Boston Catholic Academy and the Early Childhood Center and to all who helped to make this a great Catholic Schools Week for the students. A huge thank you to all the people and local businesses who help make this week so special for our students, too. Thank you to all our parents for choosing a Catholic education and for being part of the SBCA family! Our Catholic Schools Week Prayer...Loving God, You shaped us in your image and likeness Giving us the gift of our brains And the ability to understand the world around us. Be with us today as we use those gifts to learn and grow. May all that we do in school today be a chance to praise You. Saints Thomas Aquinas and John Bosco, patron saints of students, pray for us. Amen.

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS

Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.

5 Colebrook St

Proposal: Back deck replacement. Includes demo of existing, install new footings, framing decks back on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and roof deck

Time: Wed, Feb 18, 6:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://www.zoomgov. com/j/1610103242

Webinar ID: 161 010 3242

25 Pier 4 Blvd / Ballers

Proposal: Transfer of a permanent wine and malt beverages license

Time: Mon, Feb 23, 6:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://www.zoomgov. com/j/1614438617

Webinar ID: 161 443 8617

324 A St / Celine (NEW)

Proposal: Beer and wine license transfer to new restaurant

Time: Thurs, Feb 26, 7:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://www.zoomgov. com/j/1614730190

Webinar ID: 161 473 0190

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

62 L ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 2/24/2026

Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck

634 Dorchester AV South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 2/24/26

Project Description: Change occupancy from 3 family dwelling to 4 converting full walkout basement into an additional unit No other work being performed to existing three units

EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Evacuation Day / St. Patrick’s Parade / March 15th

National Parks Service 250 Commemoration March 13th & 17th

Boys and Girls Club Annual St. Patrick’s Day Road Race March 15th

Condon Community Center Council Annual St. Patrick’s Day Senior

Luncheon / March 10th, 11am, 75 Flaherty Way, 02127

South Boston Office Hour

Fri, Feb. 27th, 10:00-11:00am

Annie’s Bakery & Cafe, 732 East Broadway

Single-Family Report

South Boston Single-Family Homes Recently Sold

Year-End