Mayor Michelle Wu delivered her third annual State of the City speech on Wednesday March 19, 2025 at MGM Music Hall. Her office shared her prepared remarks. Here are excerpts from her address. Good evening, Boston! Thank you to our hosts at the MGM Music Hall, and to all our interpreters tonight. Governor
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By now, everyone who is/was interested in how this year’s parade turned out has heard all or most of the stories. Those who attended were also curious about how things went along the entire route of the procession since the crowd size and activity varied depending on where people watched it from. Were there problems with crowds? Sure there were. It would be near impossible to have a parade that travelled 3 long miles with more than a million spectators in town for the event not to have some problems. But in comparison to the magnitude and size of the event those problems should not define how the day went. Read on, and we’ll touch on that part of the day shortly. It’s to be expected that if the weather is nice; and it certainly was for the Month of March, crowds will be bigger than on those cold wet or damp years that kept the numbers relatively low. Parts of Broadway; East and West saw thousands of green clad celebrants of all ages primed for a good time.
And those here to actually watch the parade were not disappointed if their hope was for an impressive show because they got what they came for. We have to hand it to the South Boston Allied War Veterans, their parade committee and the many volunteers that worked tirelessly to give our neighborhood and our visitors one of the best parades ever. Over the more than 100 years that South Boston has hosted the St. Patrick’s Day/ Evacuation Day Parade, public opinion during the days following liked what they saw this year.
The parade organizers outdid themselves lining up the many beautiful floats, marching bands, was of the utmost importance and it clearly showed. The focus of the organizers was and always is to make this a fun time for all but also a safe time as well. military units, clowns, cartoon characters and the literally thousands of others in the parade line of march; all here to entertain the crowds and to make this the biggest time of the year
“Spring
for Southie. The organizers left nothing to chance and their attention to detail was on the mark. Working with police, the fire departments and the many units of other first responders; safety
As for the problems: According to city officials and news reports, there were nine arrests. And we’re happy to confirm that when the identities of those arrested were made known, none of them – not one was a local resident. There are those, and this is common knowledge, who each year, come in from surrounding towns, cities and even from other states whose plans are to get as drunk as they possibly can and cause problems. They wind up fighting with each other and this year, a few even fought with police officers. Swaggering punks, with 30 packs of beer and of course, the latest trend, ‘borgs’ (gallon sized plastic milk containers filled with their choice of hard liquor and mix) falling over each other and acting like the fools they are. But kudos to the police who were quick to respond and dealt with the
punks before things could get too out of control. It’s unfortunate that this element can’t be kept out of our town; especially on parade day. But with just several hundred police to deal with over a million people, they just can’t screen everyone, but the job they did was impressive to say the least. Again, the relatively few bad actors were contained and removed so that everyone else could enjoy themselves in safety.
And so ends another ‘High Holiday ‘season in our town
– another one for the books. Well done to all involved for making it possible. In addition to our veterans, the parade committee, the elected officials and the businesses who were generous sponsors, there are the dedicated volunteers from the South Boston Citizens Association which always comes through with so many great events to please people of every age and interest and in cooperation with the afore mentioned and others, work and succeed at keeping out traditions alive.
t’s now pretty apparent that the leftists in our country; thankfully a rapidly dwindling part of the US population, has an intense hatred for President Trump, Elon Musk and in most cases for the United States as a nation. The TDS seems to not only be consuming them, but it also seems they’re at the point that they can think of nothing else – it’s eating them alive. But, how much do you have to hate America to actually be fighting to stop the deportation of the most violent, heinous, evil and dangerous gang members in the world that have invaded our country compliments of the Biden Administration? They are literally shopping around to find leftist judges, who are equally as consumed with anti-American hatred for the purpose of stopping the president from shipping the gangs out and into El Salvadoran prisons. A quick background history on these gang members for those who may not have heard: They murder and rape. They are proud to confirm that in order to get the gang tattoos that they wear; they must kill at least one person. They kidnap women and children and sell them to the highest bidder. They flood our country with Fentanyl that has killed over 300,000 young Americans over the past 4 years. They have been terrorizing more than a dozen American cities. They were so bad in their own countries; particularly Venezuela, that their government didn’t even want them in their own prisons. They let them go free if they promised to go to the United States and thanks to Democrat politicians – they did come and have been roaming our country ever since. When they arrived, they and went right to work committing their same crimes and killing Americans. What’s been going on is
something you’d think happens in the movies. But it’s real and happening in America. And to think that there are actually Americans who are defending them and doing everything they can to keep them from being deported is almost beyond belief. But this is also real. If it wasn’t actually happening most would never believe that it could take place here. Obviously, the overwhelming number of Americans are opposed to stopping these deportations. Most Americans; Democrats included, love our country and want these gangs gone. But many in leadership positions in the Democrat party and the hate filled radical Obama and Biden appointed judges don’t care. They are fighting tooth and nail to keep these killers here. Many are also even fighting to keep the non citizen Hamas supporters who have been harassing and assaulting Jewish students on campuses from being deported. The term ‘sick’, in the opinion of many, is the perfect word to describe those opposing the deportation of these America hating radicals and murdering gangs. Thankfully, the new administration in Washington isn’t going to tolerate what’s going on. President Trump made a commitment to the American people that they would put an end the craziness that nearly destroyed our country during those last four years.
News reports tell us that the leaders of the Democrat party have been in closed door meetings and conferences to try to get the American people public back on their side. They are trying to figure out what they did to cause them to lose the last election so badly. And yet, by the policies they continue to advocate and the new leaders they are electing to run the party; who are just as out of touch as the old leaders, it appears they
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
haven’t learned a thing. Apparently, they just can’t help themselves and refuse to change and acknowledge that Americans aren’t buying what the party is selling any longer. If they continue to not change their ways they are done for and it explains why their approval rating is down to 27% as their voters are deserting them by the hundreds of thousands as shown by the most recent data. There has always been somewhat of a divide among the American public. Everyone has the right to their own views and to vote the way they choose. But when so
called leaders actually fight to allow murderous foreign gangs to remain in this country, demand that our borders remain wide open allowing deadly drugs to keep pouring in, do everything they can to stop the theft and fraud that has been depleting our tax dollars by the hundreds of billions and much of it sent to countries that are our sworn enemies and so much other rot to weaken our nation, that’s when patriotic Americans rise up and say enough! That’s exactly what’s happening now, regardless of what a corrupt and dishonest news media says.
Medicaid uncertainty hits Massachusetts budget planning, children’s hospital research
The News Service’s Chris Lisinski reports that the questions remaining about how congressional Republicans will cut Medicaid will likely cause complications in Massachusetts’s budget process. Budgetwriters here are uncertain about how much federal funding they can rely on to help cover the program, which accounts for the state’s largest chunk of budgetary spending — about $22.6 billion in the governor’s fiscal year 2026 proposal. Potential cuts to Medicaid would significantly impact Massachusetts, as about 2 million residents receive health care coverage through the state’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program, which combined together create MassHealth.
The Trump administration has said it will not cut Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security benefits in its quest to cut wasteful and fraudulent spending. Many
Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education. We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives. These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.
— including Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh — say, however, that they’re not sure how the federal government could manage to reach its dollar-figure goal without touching the pot of Medicaid funding.
In other health care news: Gov. Maura Healey visited Boston Children’s Hospital on Monday, an institution that says it has already been feeling the consequences of the Trump administration’s cuts impacting the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Food and Drug Administration. Hospital officials said Monday that the hospital’s research, including work being done on vaccines, has been among the first practices to see changes.
The News Service’s Sam Drysdale reports that Boston Children’s Hospital is estimating a $54 million reduction in funding under Trump administration cuts. The hospital is the leading pediatric care recipient of NIH grants in
the country and the fourth largest recipient total. Healey said Monday that 46% of the patients at Boston Children’s Hospital are enrolled in Medicaid.
UMass Amherst makes plan to replace any lost federal research funding
University of Massachusetts Amherst leaders have created a plan to divert money from other uses to replace any federal research funds cut in the near future, the Gazette’s Scott Merzbach reports. The Research Continuity Emergency Matching Fund, or ResCoE, will use money that had been earmarked for maintenance or new investments to make up for the possibility of losing $150 million in research funding from federal grants and contracts secured by UMass each year.
Mass General Brigham reveals part of post-Dana-Farber plan Mass General Brigham Health Care unveiled plans on Tuesday for $400 million in cancer-care
investments — part of the system’s response to the upcoming relocation of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to Beth Israel Deaconess Health Care, the News Service’s Alison Kuznitz reports. The new investments follow the recent layoffs of about 1,500 people within the system in recent months.
MGB Chief Executive Dr. Anne Klibanski said in an email to staff that the $400 million will “advance medical oncology, radiation oncology, cancer surgery, digital pathology, technology upgrades, support staffing, and patient navigation across MGB.” The health network added that the funds will be used to “recruit top oncologists, implement digital pathology and enhance clinical support staffing.” Pending state approval that could come as soon as Thursday, Dana-Farber is slated to open a freestanding cancer hospital with Beth Israel Deaconess in fall 2028.
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SBT STAFF REPORT
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, with the support and approval of President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Mr. Todd Lyons to the position of Acting Director of I.C.E. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). In an article that appeared in the Boston Herald and other news outlets around the nations, Secretary Noem announced that there will be a leadership shake up at the agency.
Mr. Todd Lyons is the son of South Boston Native Thomas Lyons who is well known for his long time advocacy and dedication to veterans and veteran’s affairs, both in government positions and for his ongoing volunteer efforts – a true labor of love, to keeping the memory alive for the South Boston Vietnam Veterans who lost their lives in that war. Tom Lyons, who also served in Vietnam as a United States Marine, and his committee made up of other South Bostonians who served in that war are responsible for the creation of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial located at Medal of Honor
OPark at M St. which has been rededicated faithfully for 4 decades.
Todd Lyons comes well prepared for his new appointment and is the type of person well known for hitting the ground running no matter what the assignment. Secretary Noem released the following remarks when announcing the changes at ICE
‘For the past 4 years, our brave men and women of I.C.E. were barred from doing their jobs. I.C.E. needs a culture of accountability that has been shredded under the last Administration. With the support of President Trump, I have appointed new leadership to develop the results that President Trump and the American people demand. Todd Lyons will serve as Acting I.C.E. Director. Noem referred to Mr. Lyons as a work horse, a strong executor and an accountable leader who will lead the men and women of I.C.E. to achieve the American Peoples’ mandate to target, arrest and deport illegal aliens’.
Todd Lyons’ experience in government work at the federal level is extensive and his outstanding performance at every position he has
n Monday, March 24, City Councilor Ed Flynn will hold a hearing before the Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology to discuss the status of the South Boston Branch Library Study, which was the first formal step toward redevelopment of the library. The South Boston Branch Library Study has been marked as “to be scheduled” since first appearing in the FY 2022 Capital Plan as a New Project. Including this upcoming fiscal year, the project will have been on the City’s Capital Plan
held is what makes him a standout and shows him to be such an excellent selection for performing his new duties. He was a member of Senior Executive Service, is the Acting Associate Director of ICE Removal and enforcement Operations. He was the former Assistant Director of Field Operations of ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations), overseeing all 25 offices and Domestic Operations across the United States. Mr. Lyons also held the role of the Deputy Assistant Director of Western Operations and the South West Border. Lyons served as the Field Office Director (FOD) for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), US Immigrations and Customs operations, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Boston Field Office. As the FOD for the Boston Field Office, Mr. Lyons oversaw all ERO activities within the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont. He also served as an Assistant Field Office Director in ERO Dallas,Texas and Chief of Staff for the ERO Dallas Field Office.
Todd Lyons began his federal service with the United States Air
Force in 1993 and began his civilian law enforcement career in the State of Florida in 1999.
One only need look at the extensive and very successful career of Todd Lyons to see the vast amount of experience he has had leading up to his current appointment to know that without a doubt, he will be the perfect fit for this demanding new position that he has accepted.. And with the fine and impressive record of accomplishment he has amassed, his outstanding work ethic, dedication to duty and love of country, The Secretary of Homeland Security and The President of the United States have made an excellent choice with this appointment. And as expected, Tom Lyons, Todd’s Dad, couldn’t not be more proud of his son and rightfully so.
Budget for four years.
Since 2022, the City of Boston has allocated $250,000 in the Capital Plan for a South Boston Branch Library Study to conduct a facility assessment and develop a building program that reflects the BPL’s Compass Principles and supports the needs of the neighborhood. This Study would then contribute towards the design and construction of a new branch library in South Boston to meet the growing needs of the community.
It has long been a goal of Councilor
Flynn to have updated and state of the art basic city services and public safety facilities throughout South Boston. A new and updated South Boston Branch Library would follow other significant investments in recent years including the Boston Centers for Youth and Families Curley Community Center (nearly $31 million), along with Capital Budget funding in place for a new EMS Station ($13 million) and Boston Fire Department ($4 million) so far - both to be located in the South Boston Waterfront.
“The South Boston Branch of the
Boston Public Library provides a space for learning, access to critical sources of information, and educational resources for residents in the South Boston neighborhood,” said Councilor Flynn. “South Boston residents deserve a new South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library. It is appropriate for the community to receive an update on the status and timelines associated with this important project.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Mayor Wu continued from front page
Healey, Congresswoman Pressley, Council President Louijeune, Chair Robinson, Mayor Janey, and all our city, state, and county officials: Your partnership makes our work possible. Thank you. To our City workers: At a time when public servants are being dismissed and discredited, you continue to show up for our residents and remind us what good government looks like. Thank you for setting the standard every day. To my family here tonight — my husband Conor; the best big brothers, Blaise and Cass; and baby Mira—I am so lucky; I love you so much.
And to the people of Boston: Thank you for the honor of doing this work alongside you.
…Two weeks ago, I went down to D.C. because Congress had some questions about how we do things here in Boston. It might have been my voice speaking into the microphone that day, but it was 700,000 voices that gave Congress their answer: This is our city.
No one tells Boston how to take
care of our own. Not kings, and not presidents who think they are kings. Boston was born facing down bullies. In D.C., during the breaks to nurse the baby, I caught up on the scene unfolding back home: Hands joined in prayer across an interfaith circle at St. Paul’s; bright letters illuminated on the Old State House bricks; homemade signs held high among the crowds on City Hall Plaza: “We stand with immigrants,” “You belong here,”
“Somos una ciudad de inmigrantes,” “Boston doesn’t back down.”
…We are a city that values hard work—where the members of UNITE HERE Local 26 secured a nationleading contract so that, for the hotel and hospitality workers who drive Boston’s tourism industry, one job is enough. We are a city that drives innovation — where the scientists at Vertex invented life-changing nonopioid relief, to tackle pain and an epidemic. We’re a city focused on the everyday fundamentals — filling 15,000 potholes; cutting the ribbon on 20 parks and playgrounds; planting more than 5,000 trees and
The South Boston Foundation is a not-for-profit Trust formed in 2019 to administer a $1.5 million commitment from Massachusetts Port Authority over 10 years to the South Boston Community youth educational, fitness, wellness and athletic programs in South Boston. Grants will be awarded to organizations that comply with all submission procedures and granted on the basis of available funds. To be eligible to apply, one must be a non-profit agency or organization located in South Boston with a focus on youth educational, fitness, wellness or athletic programs in South Boston. Applications are available beginning April 1, 2025 on the website: https:// southbostonfoundation.wordpress.com/ Applications must be complete and submitted on or before April 30, 2025 and decisions will be made in May 2025.
expanding library service by 10,000 hours; repairing more than 30 miles of sidewalk and 60 miles of roadway.
…Four years ago, gun violence in Boston had just hit a ten-year high. Every year since taking office, we’ve set new record lows. Thank you to Commissioner Michael Cox and the entire Boston Police Department.
…Four years ago, racial health disparities had deepened. Today, the Boston Public Health Commission is making progress tackling those disparities through targeted intervention on drug overdoses, infant and maternal health, and chronic disease. Thank you, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu and all our health equity partners.
…Four years ago, businesses like Eli Lilly, SAP, Roche, LEGO, and NVIDIA called other cities home. Today, they have all chosen Boston. To keep up that momentum, tonight I’m announcing the City will launch a Business Recruitment Office to fill commercial vacancies, retain and attract talent, and continue revitalizing Downtown. Thank you to our Business Recruitment Task Force and the Boston Employer Working Group for partnering with us to make Boston the best place to do business.
…Four years ago, Boston had just a handful of Black-owned spaces for community to come together and connect. Since we took office, they have more than doubled: From Grace by Nia in the Seaport, Hue in Back Bay, and Park 54 in Hyde Park, to the Mix in Dorchester, and Jazz Urbane opening this summer, right around the corner from Soul & Spice in Nubian Square. Thank you to all our entrepreneurs for investing in Boston…. In the last year alone, we’ve awarded over $150 million in city contracts to businesses owned by people of color — more than double the value in 2021.
…And four years ago, BPS student athletes were left with a sports facility that was rarely open and had been crumbling for four decades. Today, we are renovating White Stadium into a world-class athletics hub guaranteed for BPS students, coaches, and residents 15 hours a day, more than 345 days of the year. And I will never stop fighting for what our city kids deserve. Thank you to all our coaches, students, advocates, and the Franklin Park Coalition for guiding us.
…We are home to the nation’s best hospitals, best colleges and universities, best labs and research facilities — they drive our economy, employ our residents, and make Boston America’s engine of innovation. And today, they are all under attack. Boston is the target in this fight for our future because we are the cradle of democracy, pioneers of the public good, the stewards and keepers of the American Dream. We were built on the values this federal administration seeks to tear down.
…But for 395 years, come high water or hell — no matter who threatens to bring it — Boston has stood up for the people we love and the country we built. And we’re not stopping now. To be a home for everyone, we must be the best city for families, and there’s more work to do. Since taking office, we’ve helped more than 850 residents buy their first homes. We’ve built more than 11,000 new units, and the most affordable homes in at least 25 years. In the last three years, we’ve taken more than 700 homes off the speculative market to make them permanently affordable.
…We’re also working with developers to convert unused office space into more homes for families. By next summer, we’ll have 1,000 new homes under construction in the heart of Downtown. Tonight, I’m announcing that we are expanding this office-toresidential conversion program to universities and employers looking to reactivate office buildings as dorms or workforce housing. We are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to building, preserving, and reimagining housing all over our city.
…Tomorrow, we are releasing our first-ever Anti-Displacement Action Plan, because Boston’s growth should stabilize families and deepen their roots. I’m also proud to announce the launch of our city’s Co-Purchasing Pilot Program: Helping households combine their purchasing power to buy multi-family homes with 0% interest deferred loans from the City.
…Household budgets are also strained by higher energy bills. So we’ve harnessed our collective buying power to provide energy that’s affordable and clean through Boston Community Choice Electricity — saving residents and businesses more continued on page 15
enator Nick Collins has been appointed to the Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission, a body dedicated to evaluating the economic interests of, and reviewing ways to strengthen the relationship between, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Republic of Ireland. The Commission will focus on bilateral trade and investments, policy issues, business and academic exchanges, mutual economic support, infrastructure investments, and the creation of economic and educational opportunities.
Senator Collins expressed his pride in accepting the appointment, stating, “I am deeply honored to serve on the Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission. The shared history between the city of Boston and the Republic of Ireland runs deep, and this appointment is an opportunity to build on that legacy by fostering stronger economic and cultural ties. I look forward to working with my colleagues to create
meaningful opportunities for our Commonwealth and the Republic.”
The Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission was established to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the Commonwealth and Ireland, two regions with deep historical, cultural, and economic connections. The Commission will study key areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and policy collaboration, while also exploring ways to enhance educational and business exchanges.
“Senator Collins represents a community with deep roots and a proud heritage in Ireland,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The culture and economic fabric of South Boston and the entire state have been intertwined with Ireland for generations, and the Senator’s thoughtful approach and passion for his community make him an outstanding choice to represent the Senate on this Commission. I’m grateful for Senator Collins’ service and look forward to his work in deepening the economic ties between the
Commonwealth and our Irish friends.”
Representative John Lawn, chair of the Irish American caucus in the legislature, had this to say, “I am pleased to congratulate Senator Collins on his appointment to the Irish American State Legislator’s Caucus.” Lawn added, “his personal connection to the Irish American heritage of his district uniquely positions him to advocate for the shared interests of both regions. This appointment is a testament to his dedication to strengthening the ties between our state and Ireland while promoting shared opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
Senator Collins brings a wealth of legislative experience and a commitment to fostering international partnerships to his new role. His appointment underscores the importance of the Massachusetts-Ireland relationship and the potential for continued collaboration in areas of mutual benefit.
This Friday, March 21 at 10:00am, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Veteran - Operation Enduring Freedom, U.S. Navy (Retired) will be holding a hearing on various veteran-related issues. The topics will include services for women veterans, lung cancer rates among African-American veterans, as well as cancer presumptions announced by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) included in the PACT Act signed by President Biden in 2022, with many having become effective in January. Women are the fastest growing demographic at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and make up
20% of the nine million veterans enrolled in VA services annually.
According to the VA Office of Women’s Health, women comprise 30% of all new Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients. This hearing will focus on improvements to VA services for women, resources available and existing gaps that still need to be addressed here in Boston, including to ensure the VA provides necessary and adequate maternity care for women veterans and adequate mental health support. Women veterans continue to face many challenges when returning home and it is important that they receive the necessary healthcare and support.
This hearing will also address the unique challenges AfricanAmerican veterans face in lung cancer care. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among U.S. Veterans, and African-American veterans face higher risks due to military-related exposures like asbestos. Mem -
bers at the VA Boston Center of Health Optimization and Implementation Research (CHOIR) will share their research and findings on this topic.
In addition, the hearing will also discuss new cancer presumptions that came into effect in early January of 2025. The VA announced that it has expanded several types of cancers to be presumptive for service-connection, which includes acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis, urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers. The expansion will lower the burden of proof for veterans to receive medical care and assume the conditions are service-related, allowing treatment at no-cost. Veterans who are eligible for the presumption include Gulf War Veterans and Post 9/11 Veterans.
This important announcement follows the signing of the PACT Act in 2022 by President Biden,
which expanded benefits to over 3.5 million U.S. service members and veterans who were exposed to Burn Pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances while serving overseas, many of whom developed an onset of diseases such as sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, and other respiratory conditions after returning home. Prior to the PACT Act’s passage, many veterans lacked the proper documented evidence to prove these toxic exposures to receive treatment.
“In light of serious concerns about recent cuts to Veterans services at the federal level, it is all the more critical to discuss the challenges our veterans face, as well as the services and resources that the City of Boston and VA Boston provide for our veterans each and every day..” said Councilor Flynn. “When we send our veterans in harm’s way, we have an obligation to care for them when they return. We must treat them with the respect, dignity, services and benefits that they earned and deserve.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Since this continues to be one of the coolest March in memory, the following wines are still a good play. Try one or more of the following to warm things up a bit….
Catena Alta, Malbec, 2018, ($51.99). This big red wine makes a real statement about the varietal, with distinctive notes of raspberries and smokiness on the nose. On the palate, it’s deep and chewy, with a long, palpable finish. Great with any red meat or distinctive cheese. This one will definitely warm you up.
Double Diamondback Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Napa, California,($95.99). This wine is all about what Napa does best- structure, high ABV, extremely long finish. Notes of blueberries, caramel and cherries, along with leather aromas on both the nose and finish. This is definitely a”sipper”, especially good with a Sunday roast.
Bedrock 2022 Old Vines Zinfandel, ($24.95). Elements of cherries, cinnamon and pepper on the nose and a long finish give way to a toasted, chocolate, raspberry profile. Try it with a meaty Bolognese or Filet puffs with a bearnaise sauce.
Ruffino Riserva Ducale, Chianti Classico, 2014, ($29.99). As always, an outstanding presentation of 100% Italian Sangiovese. Beautiful notes of tabac, chocolate and cherries on the
nose. Long finish on the palate, this one is simply just big, but not to the point of being overwhelming. Very reminiscent of a high-end Barolo.
Hahn’s Founders Pinot Noir, California ($15.99). Vibrant aromas of red and dark cherry, raspberry and plum with subtle touches of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, silky tannins and excellent acid balance are joined by delicate flavors of red cherry and raspberry, culminating with notes of earthiness on a long and lingering finish. These Pinot Noir grapes were primarily grown in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, which sits on a gravelly alluvial plain beneath the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cool winds from Monterey Bay ensure gradual ripening and the development of vibrant flavors. The rocky soils allow excellent drainage, enhancing intensity and promoting balanced ripeness and acidity.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, 2022, ($37.99). On the nose, this wine exemplifies the classic “Willamette Valley style” with aromas of red fruits including cherry, raspberry and cranberry accented by notes of florals and baking spice that create an elegant bouquet. On the palette, this wine is round and full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel and flavors of dark fruit, earth, game and minerality. Exceptionally balanced with seamlessly integrated tannins, balancing acidity and a lingering finish.
River Road Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Reserve, 2022, ($21.99).
James Suckling says, “This is fruity and fresh, with white peaches, pears and hints of spicy herbs and zesty, savory nuances. Medium- to fullbodied, creamy and a little waxy on the palate, with a flavorful finish.”
Trimbach Riesling 2020, Riesling from Alsace, France, ($25.99). Its delicate bouquet, beautiful balance, dry character, distinguished fruitiness and natural liveliness contribute to its exceptional richness. As required by the house style, it is vinified dry, straight, and precise, every year.
Graham Beck Brut, NV, South Africa, ($22.95). Graham Beck Brut is a South African sparkling wine known for its elegance and fine bubbles. It offers crisp apple and citrus notes and is perfect for celebrations or as an aperitif. This is one you can have at the beginning, the end or both!
In attendance: Jim Brett, President of The New England Council and Former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn
“The
In the photo (L-R):
1. City Councilor Erin Murphy
2. Maura Hennigan, Clerk of Court Criminal Business, Suffolk Superior Court
3. Gerry McDermott, Executive Director, Irish Cultural Center
4. Irish Consul General, Sighle Fitzgerald
5. Jim Brett
6. John Powers, Clerk of Civil Court for Suffolk Superior Court
7. City Councilor John Fitzgerald
The 21+ Pop Lynch-Bowl-A-Rama returned to South Boston Bowl and it was a day filled with laughter, friendly competition and memories that’ll last a lifetime. This annual event is always a favorite and this year did not disappoint! Happy Birthday shout out to Keven Conroy.
Massport is currently accepting applications for the following Scholarships:
• DEBORAH HADDEN GRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
• DONNA RAUSEO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
• LOWELL L. RICHARDS III MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
• THOMAS J. BUTLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
• STEM SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship applications must be received by Massport no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025
For more information on these scholarships, including application checklist and criteria please visit www.massport.com/community/ scholarships-and-internships
Alanna Devlin Ball, a native of South Boston, served 12 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander and serving with SEAL Team
TWO. Alanna holds an MBA from Saint Leo University, is married to James Ball (USN) and is the daughter of Mary and Kevin Devlin.
The SBAWVC held the Chief
Marshall Banquet at the Aloft Hotel, where many friends, family, neighbors and community came together to say “Thank you” to Alanna and to wish her well and good health. Alanna
received citations and resolutions from the South Boston Elected Officials as well as gifts and flowers. It was a night filled with patriotism and pride for one of our own in South Boston.
The South Boston Citizens Association President Tommy McGrath and team did a fantastic job once again in choosing and honoring community members who give of themselves, unselfishly and always doing what’s in the best
interest of our neighborhood. Special guests in attendance were Lt. Commander (ret), Chief Marshall Alanna Devlin Ball and Commanding Officer of the USS Thomas Hudner, Cameron Ingram. This year, the awardees were Danny Lynch, Kelly
Coyne Conroy, Brian Yanovitch and Kristen Donoghue McCosh. All well-deserved! Bravo!
Guests dined on Shepherd’s Pie while members of the head table spoke and presented the awards to the honorees. The Banquet was
filled with family, friends, neighbors and elected officials and guests, all in attendance to show support and appreciation to the SBCA and their wonderful representation of our neighborhood. Congratulations to all and to SBCA, see you next year!
All the South Boston Catholic Academy Boys and Girls Basketball Teams had another fantastic season. They led us in the School Mass for Ash Wednesday and did a great job as Greeters, with the Scripture Readings and bringing up the Gifts to the Altar. Father Peter Schirripa, our Parochial Vicar, was the celebrant at this Mass. The Altar Serv-
ers did a great job, also. The SBCA Children’s Choir, led by our Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi sounded wonderful as always.
Congratulations to our SBCA 5th and 6th grade boys in the SBCA Basketball Team who are the SSPSL and RCAB 2024-2025 Basketball Champions! As stated earlier it has been another fantastic Basketball season for the students in 3rd, 4th, 5th
and 6th grade! We are so proud of each and everyone of them! We want to say a Special Thank you to Mrs. Patricia Coleman, the Athletic Director, and all the Couches and Parents for taking the time to make this basketball season possible and helping the children to try their best and to learn the true meaning of what it is to be part of a team. “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” - Henry Ford
As we are getting ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we wish everyone
a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day! A Prayer of St. Patrick, “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me......Amen.” New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
than $260 million. But if your home isn’t well insulated; you’re using space heaters or an outdated boiler, you’re spending too much to stay warm. So, tonight, I’m announcing the Boston Energy Saver: A historic new partnership with Eversource and National Grid that will deliver more than $150 million in state funding for our residents to upgrade their homes and lower their bills. If you need new windows or an updated heating system, we’ll find every dollar available to get the job done. And because buildings are the biggest source of our city’s emissions, starting this summer, all new big buildings in Boston will be net zero from day one. Our climate leadership is making homes more affordable, big buildings greener, and creating opportunities for young people like Slader — who
had been living in a shelter four years ago. He came to the U.S. at seven from Haiti, left home at 18, and ended up on the streets.
…And in the city that created public education, we must set the standard for others to meet. We aren’t there yet, but today, our public schools are on the right track and steadily building momentum: BPS enrollment is growing for the first time in ten years. Graduation rates are up, chronic absenteeism is down, and our state accountability results show meaningful progress. And we’re making the hard but necessary decisions to right-size our district and best serve our students.
…we reached a tentative three-year agreement with the Boston Teachers’ Union. These school nurses, counselors, and educators serve in some of the most important jobs in our city.
TD Bank scaling back in New England
TD Bank plans to close six branches in Massachusetts and dozens in New England as part of a nationwide cost-cutting plan, Globe’s Camilo Fonseca reports, citing federal filings. By early June, the Canadian bank plans to close branches in East Longmeadow, Tewksbury, Holyoke, Framingham, Haverhill and Methuen. TD Bank didn’t indicate how many employees will lose their jobs. A spokesman said the bank remains “committed to Massachusetts.”
The Brookline School Committee voted 5-to-4 to eliminate the system’s Office of Institutional Equity, citing the need to address a $5 million budget shortfall, Brookline. News’s Vivi Smilgius reports. By the end of its most recent meeting, the committee had cut the deficit to $4.3 million. The committee, meeting in a room packed with local union members, rejected a possible partial privatization of food services. Administrators had said the move could have saved $222,000 annually.
Thank you for continuing to put our students first every day. …As soon as last school year ended, summer learning began: We set new records for students enrolled in 5th Quarter summer learning and working paid summer jobs; and gave more than 3,000 free bike lessons and 6,000 free swim lessons.
…Tonight, I am excited to announce that we are standing up a new set of Advanced Math programs inside the Boston Public Schools! Partnering with the Young People’s Project and the Calculus Project, we’re launching math clubs, competitions, and advanced math communities, so students like Miguel know that advanced math courses are where they belong.
…And, tonight, I am announcing the launch of BCYF Creates, an investment in free arts program-
ming that will more than double arts instruction across our community centers. So if you’re a student excited to explore our nation’s history, take in a show, try a new sport or join the math team, all you have to do is live in Boston.
…Boston is not a city that tolerates tyranny. We are the city that leads in the storm; that stands up under pressure, together; and finds strength in each other. We will defend the people we love with all that we’ve got. I couldn’t ask for more in a family.
God bless our City, God bless our people, and God save whoever messes with Boston.
The full Mayoral address can be found at :
https://www.boston.com/news/ local-news/2025/03/19/read-mayormichelle-wus-2025-state-of-thecity-address/
