News

by Rick Winterson   Credit the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council (the AWVC) with making an excellent choice.  They have selected South Boston’s John Beatty to be the Chief Marshal of the 2019 St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade.  In this function, John will assume a leadership position in the Parade itself on Sunday afternoon, March 17, as well as hosting the Parade Chief Marshal’s Banquet on the evening of March 2, and performing numerous other functions during our “Parade Season” this year. And to use a phrase, John is a “dyed-in-wool” South Bostonian.  He was “born down on I Street; raised up on Fourth Street”, to use another paraphrase.  His mother, Carol, still lives here also – in Castle Cove.  She’s the lady who brings [...]

Cites Quality of Life Concerns Throughout District   Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn announced that he will call for a hearing next week regarding the issue of after hours and weekend construction. Flynn relayed concerns brought to his office from residents throughout District 2 related to construction work being done outside permitted hours - early in the morning, late in the evening, or on the weekend or holidays without permits. Moreover, community leaders called attention to permits granted for after hours and weekend work in the South End, while others pointed to issues of public safety, rodent control, and adhering to approved plans. "Whether I am in the South End, South Boston, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Bay Village, or Downtown - residents frequently express concerns [...]

On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to join regular weekday commuters as the City of Boston celebrates another Patriots’ championship.  Parade-goers travelling on the MBTA are encouraged to visit mbta.com/patriots for full information on service, service adjustments, and purchasing fares. All customers are strongly urged to purchase roundtrip fare in advance. Parking availability can be checked at some of the busiest MBTA stations on Twitter @MBTA_Parking. Daily parking rates are $2 – $15 with cash, credit, or mobile phone.  As a result of the anticipated crowds, trains and platforms will experience extremely heavy volume. Customers should exercise caution, stay safe, and be prepared for longer commutes and crowded conditions associated with the high demand for service. The MBTA thanks our regular riders [...]

By Ray Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston   Every Saturday around 2 p.m., ten men and one woman from the Boston area would stop their busy lives and head to St. Peter and Paul Church in South Boston to sing in the Men’s Choir at the 4 o’clock Mass. Most of the men lived in South Boston at one time.  Some of them, like Bob Buckley, moved  to communities like Arlington, while others came from places like East Boston and the South Shore. One choir member, Jim Ryan, Southie’s first Commissioner of Little League, continued to live on Athens Street.  Everyone in our group, including our organist Mazzie and organizer Marty Quinn, had proud Southie roots. We also sang at various civic and religious events [...]

 by Rick Winterson   Sometimes, an event is so enjoyable, and what’s more important, so meaningful, that it’s difficult to know where to begin writing it up.  That was certainly with case for the recent tribute paid to the military veterans, who are now residing in Compass on the Bay at 1380 Columbia Road.  But, as some famous author must have once said, just “begin at the beginning”.  So here goes. Dianne Paull and Joanne Miller are the two Receptionists at Compass on the Bay.  During a conversation they had late last year, they came up with the idea of somehow recognizing and honoring the twelve veterans living at Compass on the Bay.  Well, Receptionists (as everyone knows) are on the front lines of communications.  [...]

The Boston Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify the male in the photos above in connection to the investigation into missing person Olivia Ambrose who was last seen in the area of 25 Union Street in Downtown Boston on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Investigators have reviewed surveillance video and marked a timeline of events and locations in the areas of both Downtown Boston and Charlestown in hopes of better understanding the facts and circumstances surrounding Olivia Ambrose’s disappearance. 11:04 PM: Ambrose is seen leaving a bar located at 25 Union Street (Hennessy’s) with a white male who has since been determined to not be involved in her disappearance. 11:42 PM: Approximately 40 minutes later, two unknown males are observed inviting Ms. Ambrose [...]

by Rick Winterson      Last Tuesday, two evenings ago on January 15, Boston’s Mayor Martin J. Walsh delivered his 2018-2019 “State of the City” address.  It was the fourth annual such presentation by Walsh, in which the Mayor described two visions of his administration - the vision based upon past achievements, and the vision he and his team foresee in the City of Boston’s future. As it has in years past, this event was held in Symphony Hall.  The Orchestra and First Balcony seats were filled by the estimated crowd of some 2,000 attendees.  The evening had a definite festive tone to it; the extensive program included many local performing artists, who began their performances at 6:15. Mark Volpe, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s President [...]

By: Tara Kerrigan Hayes   Take any given Sunday fun day or game night in Southie, jump in an Uber, and head down East Broadway. Pass all the lines sprouting from the doors of The Broadway to Capo, Lincoln, Loco and keep going ‘til you hit the end of West Broadway, where you can waive at the ghost of  Stephis, and blow a kiss to the fading shadow of The (sorely missed) Maiden, before turning the corner to arrive at Moonshine 152.  In the vortex of closing establishments, it would seem any other restaurant in this spot would be in danger, but this is not a ship that’s going down any time soon - not with owner, Asia Mei, at the helm. Former Sous Chef [...]

by Rick Winterson   South Boston Online had the privilege of an extensive interview with State Senator Nick Collins.  Nick had first assumed his State Senate seat (1st Suffolk District) last May, after it had been vacated by Linda Dorcena-Forry.  Prior to that, Nick had served four terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Senator Nick won a full term in the 1st Suffolk State Senate seat this autumn, and was sworn in at the beginning of the new state Senate session on January 2 by Gov. Charlie Baker.   He is from South Boston, and is a family man.  He and his wife Olivia (Liff), a family-care physician, welcomed their daughter Justine into the world last January. His length of service as an elected official [...]

South Boston Native Sworn-In as Senate’s Chief Parliamentarian.  As the 191st General Court was officially sworn in for the 2019-2020 session on Beacon Hill last week, State Senator Nick Collins (D- Boston) stood to recognize the achievements of a neighbor and colleague, Michael Hurley, and to nominate him for the post of Clerk of the Senate.  “I rise today with pride to nominate Michael Hurley of South Boston as the Clerk of the Massachusetts Senate,” said Senator Nick Collins. “I am honored to nominate my neighbor, my constituent, friend, and colleague, and I am confident that he will serve this chamber with unrivaled professionalism and expertise.” Michael Hurley, a son of South Boston, attended Boston Public Schools, the John Boyle O’Reilly and the Governor James [...]