03_05_2026 by South Boston Online

South Boston’s 250th Evacuation Day Observance

by Rick Winterson

The South Boston Citizens’ Association (the SBCA) is planning a truly memorable Evacuation Day observance on March 17 – the 250th Anniversary of that historic Day.

In this year of 2026, March 17 occurs on a Tuesday, two days after our annual St. Patrick’s/ Evacuation Day Parade here in South Boston on Sunday, the15th. March 17 could well be the most important single day of the entire year. Please recall that South Boston played a key part – a truly

heroic part – on the first Evacuation Day, all the way back in 1776!

This South Boston Online article has only one purpose: To recommend – strongly recommend (!) – that on Tuesday, March 17, you attend the Evacuation Day ceremonies taking place from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Monument on Dorchester Heights. Bring yourself, your family, and your friends. It will be an unforgettable celebration, just like the 200th was back in 1976. Since Tuesday the 17th is a school day, perhaps our local history teachers should arrange an outing to this event for their students,

As we all know, St. Patrick’s Day is the same day as Evacuation Day, so you are entitled to ask why Evacuation Day by itself is so important to South Boston. On March 17, 1776, (the original Evacuation Day), the entire British army and naval contingent voluntarily left Boston, which they had occupied for eight years. The Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party had taken place during those years. The most important reasons

the British military evacuated were the colonial cannons emplaced on Dorchester Heights, which could have destroyed the British Navy’s ships below in Boston Harbor. Those cannons were secretly (and heroically) brought here from Fort Ticonderoga by Boston’s Henry Knox. The British departure was General George Washington’s first victory, earning him a gold medal! And the Evacuation of Boston was a major step towards our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, because it clearly showed that colonial American militias could beat the British.

On Tuesday the 17th, a formal procession to the Heights (in which all can take part) will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. It will start immediately after the 9 a.m. Mass to be said by Fr. Joe White in St. Augustine Chapel and followed by a brief rededication of key graves in St. Augustine Cemetery. For your information, the historic Chapel is now the oldest active church in America.

A procession will then form up and step off from Dorchester Street and West Sixth, proceed along Mercer to Telegraph Street, and turn up to the Heights where the Monument sits. A diverse and memorable 250th Evacuation Day program is planned, which will conclude around 1:30 p.m. Also, we’ve heard that the U.S. National Park Service will open the newly renovated Monument for guided tours afterward which, if nothing else, will give you and your kids unmatched views of Boston and its Harbor. Once again for your information, Dorchester Heights is the highest natural point in Boston.

The SBCA deserves much credit for all this. Led by its President Thomas McGrath, the SBCA has annually celebrated Evacuation Day with many kinds of activities leading up to the Day itself, including banquets, breakfasts, and “Unsung Hero” awards to worthy South Boston residents. These end with yearly patriotic observances on Dorchester Heights where the towering

John Mitchell

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Celebrating 250 Years

Evacuation Day Monument stands.

Given the importance of 2026 – the 250th year after the Evacuation of Boston – Tom has chosen John Mitchell to arrange this year’s observances. He appointed John to be the SBCA’s Executive Assistant responsible for the entire 2026 Commemoration Programming here in South Boston on the 2026 Evacuation Day.

John brings an astonishing public record to this task that includes significant charitable fundraising and direction of largescale commemorative programs.

Some of his more notable efforts were as a Board Member of the Mayflower’s 400th Anniversary, the Chair of the Grand Lodge of Masons’ 250th in Massachusetts, and the Chair of the Ancient & Honorable Artillery’s 250th in Boston. Right now, John is busily organizing a magnificent SBCA event to celebrate South Boston’s 250th Evacuation Day.

At this point, it’s too soon to list every single component of the upcoming Evacuation Day event –it’s still about two weeks away. But the roster will definitely include eight cannons, four of which can actually be fired. These will come from Fort

Ticonderoga drawn by oxen. On the Heights at the foot of the Monument, spaces and sound systems are going to be set up for an outstanding program, which includes many of our elected officials as well as some of Boston’s best-known historians. A large number of uniformed, musket-bearing marching units will also take part. As of this writing, expected units include the Sudbury Ancient Fyfe & Drum, the Bunker Hill Pipe Band, both of Boston’s Police and Fire Departments’ color guards, the Acton Minutemen, the British Officers’ Club of New England, the Lexington Minutemen (and the Lexington ladies), Prince

Hall Freemasons, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Boston Citizens’ Association, the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, and many, many more. During the so-called “RUN OF SHOW” – on Dorchester Heights itself – selected units will receive, control entry, guide, emplace in seats, render salutes, and play a final musical piece. At every point, the 250th Evacuation Day celebration will be lively, eyecatching, and forever memorable. We have much more to report to you. More details to follow. See you there on Tuesday, March 17!

South Boston Citizens’ Association

Thomas E. McGrath, President

“The Nation's Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization”

250th Annual Evacuation Day Events

2026 Evacuation Day Committee

Senator Nick Collins, General Chairman

Governor Maura Healey, Honorary Chairperson

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Honorary Chairman Mayor

Michelle Wu, Honorary Chairperson

State Representative, David Biele, Honorary Chairman

City Councilor Ed Flynn, Honorary Chairman

City Councilor Erin Murphy, Honorary Chairperson

City Councilor John Fitzgerald, Honorary Chairman

District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, Honorary Chairman

Clerk of Courts, John Powers, Honorary Chairman

February 28th - March 17th

Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast

Saturday, February 28th

State Representative, David Biele Honorary Chairman

Sea-Point Restaurant -10:00 AM

Suggested Donation $20.00

21+ Pop Lynch-Bowl-A-Rama

Sunday, March 8th

Cheryl Joyce, Andrea Flaherty, Rich Devoe, Pauline Bare

Donna Bohan and Joyce Higgins Honorary Chairpersons

Our Sponsors

Ice-O-Rama

Wednesday, March 11th

State Senator Nick Collins

Colonel Tim Murphy, US Army Honorary Chairmen

Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard - 6:00 PM

Boxing Tournament

Saturday, March 7th & 8th

Sanctioned by USA Boxing Sponsored by Peter Welch’s Gym 1st Bout – 1pm

146th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet

Friday, March 13th

Menino Convention Center Room 210

Shepherd’s Pie Dinner

Entertainment by Curragh’s Fancy Reception 5:30 PM Dinner 7:00 PM

FOR TICKETS CALL 857-204-5825

Tom & Eddie Butler

St. Patrick’s Senior Salute

Saturday, March 7th

Mayor Michelle Wu, Thomas Butler Jr. and The Butler Family Chairpersons

Mary Collins, Kathy Flynn and Joyce Biele Honorary Chairwomen

Kick-Ball Competition Condon School Gym

Thursday, March 12th 4 PM-6 PM

State Representative David Biele

Kathy Davis & Barbara Caputo Kelly Honorary Chairpersons

Boys and Girls ages 10 to 14

St. Patrick's Day Road Race

Sunday, March 15th

Proceeds Benefit

South Boston Boys & Girls Club

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED 617-516-5441

Race begins at 9:00 AM at the Club

Evacuation Day Memorial Mass

Tuesday, March 17th

Fr. Joe White

Margaret Lynch, Honorary Chairwoman

St. Augustine's Chapel - 9:00 AM

Procession: Boys and Girls Club - 10:15 AM

Historical Exercises/ Rededication of Dorchester Heights

Tuesday, March 17th

US Congressman Stephen Lynch

State Senator Nick Collins

Essay & Poster Competition Winners

Bernie O’Donnell, Past President SBCA

Robert Allison, REV250

US Congressman Stephen Lynch

Senator Nick Collins, Representative

David Biele and City Councilor Ed Flynn Honorary Chairpersons

St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade

SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH – 11:30 AM

Col. Tim Murphy - Chief Marshal SB Allied War Veterans Council

2026 “Unsung Hero” Awardees

A jam-packed record crowded into the Seapoint Bar & Grill for the SBCA Jimmy Flaherty kickoff breakfast. Many others stood for the “Unsung Hero” Awards ceremony, bringing the total to more than 200. It was a joyful event with laughter, applause, and general South Boston feeling during the five Awards was outstanding.

The 2026 “Unsung Hero” Awardees: David A. Casper, Audrey Nagle, Barbara Caputo Kelly, Jerry Galvin and Camryn & Caitlyn Murphy

Senator Collins Files Amendment to the Bright Act for UMass Boston Nursing School

Funding would also be set aside for a satellite campus at former Carney Hospital Site.

Senator Nick Collins, a member of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, this week voted to advance Senate consideration of the BRIGHT Act, a major higher education infrastructure bill, while filing an amendment aimed at building a new facility for UMass Boston’s nursing program on the Columbia Point campus, as well as a potential satellite campus on the former Carney Hospital site in Dorchester.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means voted to move forward the BRIGHT Act (S.2962), a $3.28 billion bond bill focused on modernizing facilities across Massachusetts’ public higher education system, including community colleges, state universities, and UMass campuses. The legislation addresses long-deferred maintenance needs, supports laboratory modernization and workforce training facilities, and invests in climate resilience and energy efficiency upgrades across campuses.

The bill also dedicates $125 million annually in Fair Share revenue to support

public higher education capital projects and encourages redevelopment of underutilized campus property into housing and mixed-use spaces.

“Putting our students in a position to succeed and ensuring Massachusetts remains a leader in education must be a top priority,” said Senator Collins. “To do that, we need high quality facilities. That’s what the Bright Act will deliver. My amendment seeks to build on what’s already a strong bill.”

In conjunction with the legislation, Senator Collins filed an amendment directing $130 million to the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences to construct new facilities on the Columbia Point campus, with a portion reserved for the potential to acquire or lease a satellite facility at the former Carney Hospital site. The amendment allows for long-term leasing agreements while requiring area standard wages and a project labor agreement.

The proposal would expand nursing education capacity and quality, while creating hands-on clinical training opportunities for those underrepresented in the field of nursing.

“The mission of the Manning Nursing School at UMass Boston is a unique one and one that deserves the state’s support,” said Senator Nick Collins, who pointed out that around 80 percent of UMass Boston graduates stay in Massachusetts after graduation.

The BRIGHT Act and accompanying amendments will be taken up by the full Massachusetts Senate for consideration on Thursday, February 26.

Julie’s Family Learning Program Honors Community Champion

Billy Higgins with Angel Award

For decades, Billy Higgins of William Higgins Insurance Agency has quietly stood beside Julie’s Family Learning Program (Julie’s), stepping in whenever families needed support. Whether offering trusted guidance, ensuring critical resources were in place, or championing Julie’s mission behind the scenes, Higgins’ unwavering commitment has helped countless Boston-area families stay on their path toward education, stability, and opportunity.

In recognition of this extraordinary dedication, Julie’s will present Higgins with its Angel Award at the organization’s annual Spring Gala on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the UMass Club at One Beacon Street in Boston.

“Billy is incredibly humble about his role, but his commitment has opened doors for generations of learners,” said Sharon Asiaf, Board President of Julie’s Family Learning Program. “His belief in our mission — and in the potential of every student — has translated into real opportunity and lasting change for families.”

Julie’s is a holistic, familycentered model that combines academic and life skills education, early childhood care, family literacy, workforce and college readiness, and wraparound family support.

The impact of Julie’s programs is best reflected in the voices of its learners. “When I came to Julie’s, I was a young mother with hopes and dreams, but I didn’t think they were attainable,” said Shaquillia Meadows, a Julie’s graduate. “Julie’s made learning easier to understand, helped me believe in myself again, and encouraged me every step of the way.”

After leaving high school in her senior year, Meadows came to Julie’s as a single mother. With support, childcare, and workforce preparation, she completed her

high school equivalency in just four months and has since earned an Associate’s degree in Health Careers, with plans to pursue nursing. Supporters like Higgins make these outcomes possible by ensuring Julie’s can provide the consistent, compassionate support families need to succeed. Mr. Higgins shares, “I couldn’t imagine my own mother, sisters, or my daughters in a place in their lives where they would need the help of a place like Julie’s. When I hear the graduates speak of their before and after Julie’s, it just takes my breath away. For Julie’s to provide a path forward for these women is truly remarkable, and I am humbled to be a small part of their success.” Higgins is a respected South Boston community leader with a strong commitment to supporting local children and families. In addition to his longtime support of Julie’s, has been actively involved with the Harry McDonough Sailing Program, South Boston Street Hockey, and the Donny Higgins Memorial Rink, and serves on the boards of the South Boston Community Development Foundation and the South Boston Foundation. Through his philanthropy and service, Billy helps create meaningful opportunities for young people in the community. For more information about the Spring Gala or to get tickets, visit https://www.juliesfamily.org/2026jflp-annual-spring-gala/ or contact Julie’s directly at info@juliesfamily.org.

Sullivan’s Castle Island Celebrates 75th Season

In a sure sign that spring is right around the corner, hundreds of people lined up to order their favorite Sully’s meal. With temperatures in the 50s, it was the perfect opening day! Since 1951, Sully’s has been more than just a spot for American classics; it’s been a gathering place for generations of families and friends. Here’s to another season of eating outside, battling seagulls, walks around the Island, and traditions that bring us back year after year. Welcome back, Sully’s!

Councilor Flynn Files Resolution In Support of 7 Night “Resident Parking Only” In South Boston

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a resolution in support of a seven nights per week “Resident Parking Only” policy in all areas of South Boston, as the majority of the neighborhood only has overnight parking restrictions four nights per week. For several years, Councilor Flynn made this recommendation for many reasons - including in the interest of fairness and consistency with residents in neighborhoods throughout South Boston, as City Point has had seven nights per week “Resident Parking Only” for over a decade, as well as other neighborhoods in similar proximity to Downtown currently having enforcement of an even stricter “24/7 “Resident Parking Only” policy than what Councilor Flynn is proposing.

For years, residents have highlighted the impact of decades of unprecedented growth in South Boston on parking and quality of life - including the unsustainable imbalance of currently issued resident parking stickers and available parking spaces, along with a number of largescale development proposals on the horizon that will include thousands of new residents and visitors alike. In addition, the City of Boston continues to hold South Boston to a different standard when it comes to a lack of sufficient parking with new Article 80 development projects. At the same time, neighbors have to consistently search for parking for a considerable period of time after taking their children to activities, helping an elderly parent, or enjoying a night out - they come home to circle for 45 minutes hoping to find a spot.

Over the last several years, the parking crisis in South Boston has become increasingly unsustainable. In 2023, a Boston Transportation Department (BTD) study indicated there were 28,900 active resident parking permits and only 10,600 on-street parking spaces. Although Councilor Flynn requested an audit

of all residential parking permits, and BTD subsequently revoked thousands that were ineligible, concerns remain for residents on enforcement and a policy of automatic resident parking permit renewals that has continued since the pandemic.

Meanwhile, South Boston continues to absorb a significant number of Article 80 development projects, with many currently either in the pipeline or now in community process - such as Washington Village, 776 Summer Street (Edison Project), Mary Ellen McCormack, On the Dot (Dorchester Ave), 244 A Street, Gillette, the Reserved Channel Development, and nearby Dorchester Bay City. There is an approved hotel on Cypher Street without parking, and resident parking is also currently not available on many areas of First Street. While there are projects that have gained support of the community in the midst of our housing crisis, development teams have reported being stalled with requests to cut already agreed upon parking ratios and closely adhere to BTD’s recommended guidelines of 0.5 spots per unit, instead of local zoning regulations. Residents then express concerns regarding sufficient parking on-site for new development, and question the ability of BTD to restrict residential parking permits for new rental developments and prevent an overflow of street parking.

Last year, thanks to the advocacy of hundreds of South Boston residents, local civic groups, and the South Boston elected officialsthe Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) denied a proposal that featured 70 units and zero parking spaces.

South Boston residents consistently report a large number of out-of-state plates and cars lacking a resident parking permit, even during hours of “Resident Parking Only”Monday-Thursday, 6pm-10am. With the neighborhood having become a destination for young people on the weekend, this dynamic increases

significantly - as many visitors park for several days beginning Friday morning at 10am through Monday evenings at 6pm. At the very time this influx of non-resident vehicles occurs each weekend, there are no “Resident Parking Only” restrictions to speak of, and BTD enforcement scales back drastically. As a result, neighbors report increased public safety issues, such as illegal parking in handicap spots, crosswalks, MBTA bus stops, blocking driveways and fire hydrants.

For years, residents have been told at development meetings that impacts on parking will be limited; yet, the abundance of parking on holidays tell us otherwise. As our City encourages use of the MBTA and other means to reduce traffic, congestion and single use vehicles - there should be no issue with an updated resident parking policy to help curb additional vehicles, dissuade young people visiting our local establishments from drinking and driving, provide relief for residents, and mitigate the negative

impacts to public and pedestrian safety from drivers unfamiliar with our roads or illegally parked cars.

Over the last two years, BTD informed Councilor Flynn that the City would implement his plan. In December 2024, the City conducted a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce regarding the South Boston Transportation Action Plan, where they also discussed implementing Councilor Flynn’s policy to convert remaining areas of South Boston to “Resident Parking Only” 7 nights per week, for all areas that currently lack overnight restrictions.

“In the final analysis, it is no longer tenable for the absence of an updated seven nights per week ‘Resident Parking Only’ policy for areas of South Boston that still lack one, and the consistent enforcement it requires,” said Councilor Flynn. “I understand that not everyone will agree with my proposal, and the need for the City to also explore caregiver passes and visitor zones; however, the status quo is simply unacceptable.”

South Boston Citizens’ Association Annual Basketball Free-Throw

South Boston neighbors and volunteers from the South Boston Citizens’ Association joined for the Annual Basketball Free-Throw Competition at the Tynan Community Center. Thank you SBCA and event sponsors for bringing us together for a fun night of competition!

by Rick Winterson

The third Mayor’s Youth Summit (hereafter referred to as “MYS”) took place last week at the South Boston’s Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, located at the intersection of A and West Second Streets. For more than 30 years, Artists for Humanity has been devoted to developing teen-aged arts and crafters. Currently, Artists for Humanity has more than 300 young Boston people on its arts studio roster.

MYS is a part of the Mayor’s Youth Council. Its get-togethers connect young people with the officials who run the City of Boston. The most recent MYS gathering began the anniversary year of 2026 and served to exhibit teenagers’ cultural works. It was a jampacked youthful success. The décor, the decorations, and the EpiCenter’s many works of art were highly colorful and

The Mayor’s Youth Summit

totally eye-catching. Boston certainly has some extremely talented young people.

The MYS 2026 entrance into the EpiCenter was through a brilliant, inflated gold star. Murals, balloons galore, and lots of original paintings and interactive installments greeted the guests. Food was served while music was played by DJ WhySham. Artist Nick Shea from East Boston quickly sketched those who lined up to pose for him, including this writer.And then

the stage presentation began. Talented Amanda Shea hosted the event as its Mistress of Ceremonies. The sevenmember (tuba to trombone) group called “Boston Music Project” performed swinging jazz. City Councilors John FitzGerald and Erin Murphy gave their greeting and encouragement to the full-house crowd. Murphy spoke of keeping in touch with City officials; FitzGerald spoke of his own role in Youth Summits in the 1990sMayor Wu

brought her daughter Mira with her to the MYS, and she capped off the stage presentation. Wu thanked everyone for coming and also spoke about the importance of young people staying in touch with Boston’s officials. Her most popular announcement was that – due to storms predicted in Boston – school will be closed on Monday. At its end, the 2026 MYS closed with an hour of entertainment for the young guests at Artists for Humanity.

On February 27, 2026 the students and teachers at South Boston Catholic Academy celebrated our 100th Day of School. For the 100th day of school, the students have a lot of fun, doing number-focused activities like creating 100-item collections (e.g., snacks, beads for necklaces), dressing up as 100-year-olds, some of the students also drew a picture of themselves as a 100-year-old person, they built with 100 items, and engaged in math/literacy games

Celebrating 100 Days of School

to celebrate reaching this milestone in learning. The younger students decorated and made 100 Day hats/ crowns. Activities often involve counting, grouping, and creative projects centered around the number 100. As you can see from the photos it truly was a fun and special school day for all at SBCA!

Also the first grade students in Miss Peggy Byrne’s class made a colorful banner with the help of our talented Art Teacher, Mrs. Valerie Hasko, wishing Miss Byrne a Very Happy 25th Birthday!