It’s not every day that someone reaches 100 years old — and it’s certainly not every day that an entire building comes together to celebrate it. The residents of South Boston NDC’s 376 West Fourth Street senior building gathered to honor Mary Shanley on her milestone 100th birthday, filling the community room with love and laughter as they celebrated a century of her life, faith, and friendship.

The celebration was a heartfelt surprise, organized by South Boston NDC, along with Carole Sullivan and Claire Lyons. Mary was truly delighted — and visibly surprised — when she arrived at the party, lovingly escorted by her daughter and son-in-law, Eileen and Ron Rumble.

Sister Mary Veronica Park, a cherished corner of South Boston, was saved with the help of neighbors.

South Boston has the second-lowest tree cover in the city, making every foot of green space “precious,” said Donna Brown, executive director of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, which holds the Conservation Restriction on the park.

“It has touched newcomers to South Boston as well as long-term residents because it is a rare open space in a really dense part of the neighborhood, and that’s why it means so much to people,” Brown said.

South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (South Boston NDC) proudly joined the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, and community partners on Monday to celebrate the acquisition and permanent preservation of Sister Mary Veronica Park, one of South Boston’s beloved pocket parks.

When Joey Arcari arrived in the United States from Dublin, Ireland in 1993, he was a college student working a summer job as a bartender in New York City. After that experience, he dropped out of school where he was studying accounting, moved to South Boston, and decided to chase the American dream.

It was a decision that would ultimately shape the dining and development landscape of South Boston for decades to come.

Margaret (Peggy) Gurnett and Donna Brown go way back. They first met through a parish book club at Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid years ago. That connection deepened in 2009 when Donna became Board President at Sancta Maria House, a former shelter for homeless women in the South End — where Peggy was already a volunteer.

It was through this shared commitment to service that Peggy came to admire Donna’s leadership and ultimately decided to become a monthly donor to South Boston NDC, inspired by her friend.

When South Boston’s inaugural StoopFest hits the streets, one of the driving forces behind the scenes will be local comedian and music enthusiast Jay Gillespie. Known for his sharp wit and generous spirit, Jay has stepped up in a big way to help South Boston NDC Event Planner Jenni McNeill bring this grassroots musical celebration to life — and he couldn’t be more excited.