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August 12, 2021: Vol.9 Issue 31
SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE
Crime Statistics Irrelevant To Victims Of Crime And The Criminals Who Commit Them
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woman was killed, and five others wounded, at a large Mattapan gathering early Monday morning, where yet another fatal shooting led to a call on City Hall to “step up” and address violence in city neighborhoods. Boston police officers responded just after midnight to a report of shots fired on Irma Street in Mattapan. Upon arrival, officers found a woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
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August 12, 2021
EDITORIAL Parents Should Consider Becoming Activists This Coming School Year
W
hile it’s still August and warm outside, the new school year is right around the corner. And if there was ever a time in our nation’s history that parents of school age children need to get more involved in what their children are being taught – or not taught - it’s now. By this time, just about everyone in America has heard what’s happening in the nation’s schools, particularly the public schools. The stealth campaign to add Critical Race Theory
(CRT) to the curriculum was going strong as last school year was coming to a close. Some suspect it was calculated that way, so upset parents would have the summer break to forget about it or lose interest in protesting what CRT teaches or indoctrinates children with. CRT is a racist effort which serves to separate children by race and even financial status. Upset and protesting parents have been mobilizing against CRT because they believe, with good reason, that it promotes anti-
police and anti-American beliefs among easily influenced young kids. That the radical group known as Black Lives Matter (BLM), some of which leadership are avowed Communists and Marxists, are inundating schools with its literature and is adding to the concern of parents of every race. Even locally, at the Condon School, the controversy is raging. Just last week, the Democrat governor of Oregon, Kate Brown, signed into law, a bill that eliminates the
requirement that graduating students in those states public high schools will be required to even prove they can read, write or do math to receive their diploma. The same types of laws are also being considered in other states run by ‘progressive’ politicians. It would seem the effort to dumb down America’s school children is in full swing in some of the nation’s Blue States and it has parents; and again, these are parents of ALL races, shocked and furious. Parents in many states
are now organizing to combat these attempts to indoctrinate their children and lower the educational standards at these schools and their activism is paying off in many locations. The same needs to happen in Boston’s schools and in fact every school in this area of the country. The time for parents to rise up and put a stop to these efforts by school districts and the radical, agenda driven teachers’ unions is now. The future of America’s children depends on it.
“I’ve got friends who didn’t vote. I want to smack them upside the head” - Kid Rock
Gate of Heaven & St Brigid of Kildare Parishes & St. Augustine Chapel News New Weekend Parish Mass Schedule for September Begins Labor Day Weekend 3 Weekend Masses at Gate of Heaven Church 4:00PM - Saturday 9:00AM - Sunday 12Noon - Sunday 3 Weekend Masses at St Brigid Church 8:00AM - Sunday 10:30AM - Sunday 6:00PM - Sunday 1 Weekend Mass at St Augustine Chapel 5:00PM Saturday Please notice time change - this begins Saturday, September 11th. Daily Mass (Monday - Friday) Schedule remains the same
7AM at St. Brigid and 9AM at Gate of Heaven Publisher
John Ciccone
This change is based on Mass attendance the past 2 years, as well as the availability of priests 52 weekends a year. 20 years ago, there were 4 full-time priests covering the same number of Masses, Funerals, Weddings, Baptisms, etc. Today we have 2 full-time priests (Fr. Casey and Fr. Boyle) and the gift of a “priest in residence” (Msgr. Liam). With vacations, retreats, days off and other responsibilities - there may only be one priest available on many weekends. We thank the many visiting priests for their continued ministry to our Parishes, but we understand their many responsibilities elsewhere. Thank you for your understanding. Registration is now open for Religious Education: K-6 & Confirmation Grade 7-9. Visit the Religious Education web page: www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org/parish-life/education to see the schedule and sign up! Grade 9 Confirmation Fall Class Schedule: September 12th, 19th, and 26th 4:30PM - 7PM in Cushing Hall Confirmation Retreat: Sunday, October 17th 11:30AM - 7PM St. Brigid’s Cushing Hall Confirmation Rehearsal: Sunday, October 24th 12PM - 2PM Gate of Heaven Confirmation Ceremony: Thursday, October 28th 5:30PM Gate of Heaven Class Schedule for Grades 7 & 8 can be found on our website: https://www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org/sacraments/confirmation
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August 12, 2021
Information Center The
Among The Privileged: Covid Precautions For Thee – Not Me SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone
T
he biggest quote going viral around the country this week is as follows: “If they were truly worried about new Covid variants, they would close the southern border, dumbass”. Has anyone heard Fauci even mention the hordes of Covid infected illegals storming the open border? No. Why? Because he’s not saying a word about it. While he’s scolding the bikers that were at the big annual Sturgis Motorcycle event the past week for taking part in what he calls a ‘super spreader’ event, not a word did he say or will he say about Obama’s maskless birthday bash with hundreds of people in attendance all dancing and partying up a storm. Or how about the Lollapalooza held in Chicago, with tens of thousands of concert goers crammed shoulder to shoulder? Nope, not a word. So, what’s the story with the double standard by Fauci, Biden, Pelosi and so many other liberals? Well, that’s an easy one to figure out and most Americans now seem to be getting it. The massive flow at the open border, Obama’s party and Lollapalooza are gatherings that the News media, the Hollywood so-called elites and the Democrat party all support, while Sturgis and for that matter any gathering where flag waving patriotic Americans meet are not. Fauci has been working hard to get to the top of the political hack ladder and he has made it. Just look at the guest list at Obama’s party. It was inundated with those who scold the ‘common folk’ about not wearing masks and not social distancing. And yet, there they were, the rich and infamous, crammed together enjoying all the freebees and glitter. The
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
rule was, no media were allowed to film or photograph the party. Because the Obamas claimed that they would downsize the guest list to just a small group of family and close friends, because they were getting flack for not practicing what they preach to others. But of course, they lied. But since everyone carries a cell phone with cameras now, the videos and still shots leaked out as some were bound to. So, they were caught in yet another lie. But since they were exposed, they just put out the attitude of yup, we had the big party – so what? We’re special. Their allies at the New York Times even defended it, saying it was ok, because those in attendance were vaccinated and sophisticated. This is how these people look upon the rest of America: “Rules for thee, but not for me”. The warnings and threats by government and Fauci of ‘if we don’t do what we’re told and mask up again, stay inside, get the shot, the second shot and now even a 3rd shot, we’ll be punished’, won’t be anywhere near as easy to enforce this time around as it was last time. That’s mainly because a rapidly growing percentage of the population has had enough of the lies, the contradictions, the incompetence and certainly the double standard being exhibited with each passing day by those who apparently would like this all to go on forever. Control, once some people get it, they just don’t want to let go of it. And its apparent, this is what’s going on. ___________ Moving on to the latest fear mongering by the UN and other Global Warming alarmists, the earth is approaching the point of
no return, we’re once again being told. We are doomed and soon. Said one critic of these scare tactics, ‘If we listened to the UN over the last 50 years, the planet would have been uninhabitable 35 times already. It was learned this week that John Kerry, the nation’s ‘Climate Envoy’, who insists that everyone but he and his family ride bikes for travel, have been flying all over the world in their private jet at least 18 times this year so far. No one should be surprised at this. And I’ll close with a beautiful
story about ‘Karma’. In the town of Knoxville, Iowa, the local city council members voted 3-2 to remove a veteran’s statue, because it showed a soldier kneeling in front of a Cross. The vote was taken because one atheist complained about the religious symbol on public property. So, in response, the town’s residents immediately called a special election and voted to remove those 3 council members and replace them with new members that have spines. Don’t you just love happy endings?
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
Window Into The State House
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.
Return of the mandates: More communities tee up mask rules Who needs an order from the governor? A growing number of Bay State communities are taking matters into their own hands and passing local ordinances requiring mask wearing in public settings amid surging coronavirus cases driven by the Delta variant. Belmont on Monday became the second community in the state to reinstate its mask mandate, after Provincetown did so last month and a host of communities could soon follow suit., Felice J. Freyer, John R. Ellement and Julia Carlin of the Globe report. Northampton’s own mask mandate returns on Wednesday, Brian Steele of the Daily Hampshire Gazette reports. That city’s health department also says it is investigating a cluster of cases tied to a local indoor business. Meanwhile, the city of Salem is poised to bring back its mask rules, with the Board of Health meeting today to consider several new measures. Dustin Luca of the Salem News reports the changes come as Witch City’s businesses say the local economy was just getting its tourism-heavy groove back. Still more communities are taking half-measures, with a slew requiring mask when entering municipal buildings, creating a confusing patchwork of suburban
rules, Lillian Eden of the MetroWest Daily News reports. Breakthrough breakdown: State details deaths in the vaccinated The backdrop for the masking debate, of course, is the Delta variant-driven surge and the Mass Department of Health has shed new light on the scale of the spike in cases, with a focus on so-called breakthrough cases. DPH says there have been 100 deaths in the Bay State cases involving vaccinated individuals, though 73 percent of them had at least one underlying condition and their average age was 82.5, Rick Sobey of the Herald reports. Still struggling: Food insecurity in Massachusetts well above prepandemic levels It’s going to be a long road back. The p andemic ignited a striking surge in f ood insecurity, and Massachusetts is s till f eeling the impacts, w ith a bout 1 in 6 residents n ow c onsidered f ood insecure. Many o f those r esidents are not e nrolled in f ederal programs b ecause they d idn’t believe they w ere e ligible f or benefits, WGBH’s Z oe M atthews reports. Before the p andemic, around 1 in 1 2 Mass. r esidents were considered f ood insecure.
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Big money, big plans: Worcester outlines how it will spend $111 million in federal aid Affordable housing, parks, local businesses and public health initiatives are all in line to share in the bounty as Worcester distributes at least $111 million--and as much as $150 million--in federal Covid relief funds coming its way, but Steven Foskett Jr. of the Telegram reports some community groups are already clamoring for a more transformative and focused use of the American Rescue Plan Act windfall. No more zeroes: Warren plan wouldtaxpubliclyreportedprofits U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and progressive allies in Congress will unveil a plan to slap a 7 percent tax on windfall earnings that public companies tout to their investors-regardless of how much they work down their tax bill via the IRS. Emily Cochrane of the New York Times reports Warren wants the tax to help pay for Democrats’ $3.5 billion budget framework and that it takes direct aim at companies that show profitstoshareholdersbuttell the IRS their tax bill should be a big fat zero. Bring it on: President of Boston Teachers Union supports vaccine mandate for educators
August 12, 2021
The head of the Boston Teachers Union, Jessica Tang, said on Monday that she would support a vaccine requirement for educators this fall. She said those with religious or medical exemptions should have to submit to regular COVID-19 testing, the Boston Globe’s Felicia Gans reports. The union and its umbrella organization had previously opted to make vaccines optional for educators. Bad for business? Construction on Green Line has some restaurant owners worried Business owners along the MBTA’s Green Line E Branch are worrying an ongoing construction project could drive customers away. An effort to upgrade worn tracks between South Harrington and Brigham circle will shut down the branch for the next month, Boston.com’s Dialynn Dwyer reports. Still recovering from the economic devastation of the pandemic, some restaurant owners will be forced to curb outdoor seating and worry their businesses may suffer as a result. The ‘F’ word: Mayoral hopefuls lay out ways to make Boston more fun Block parties. Later closing times. And lots more liquor licenses. Janelle Nanos of the Globe asked the candidates hoping to be Boston’s next mayor what they would do to liven up the Hub and shake off both its staid image and the lingering effects of the pandemic and found a focus on building out the city’s nightlife infrastructure and creating more places where residents can mingle.
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August 12, 2021
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
Joseph Hamilton to Receive Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship
The annual scholarship honors the late Massport Director and Community Leader
T
he Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced the recipient of the annual scholarship honoring the memory of Tommy Butler, the long-time Massport Director of Government and Community Affairs and South Boston community leader. The 2021 Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship was awarded to South Boston resident and St. Sebastian’s School graduate, Joseph Hamilton. Hamilton plans to attend Providence College in the fall and pursue studies in areas of political science and finance. He has volunteered for several local organizations, including the Paulist Center Food Pantry, Miracle League, Tynan Community Center, and South Boston Youth Hockey. Hamilton will receive $5,000 for college. “One of Massport’s goals is
to always be a good neighbor. We applaud Joseph’s commitment to the same values through the many volunteer efforts he has participated in. Even at a young age, he has shown a passion for serving not only his neighbors in South Boston, but also other communities in need,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “We congratulate Joseph for continuing to strive to make a positive impact on so many lives through his community service and keeping the legacy of our dear friend and colleague, Tommy Butler, alive.” The Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a high senior student who resides in South Boston, is actively involved in community service, and plans to pursue a college degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Pub-
lic Service or Social Service. Butler was the former mayor of the South Boston Boys Club, Youth Counselor and then Director of Little City Hall in Charlestown, former president of the South Boston Citizens Association and member of the South Boston Irish American Society. When he arrived at Massport in 1987 as a manager of intergovernmental relations, he was a licensed social worker who had worked in the Boston Juvenile Court and for the City of Boston. To be considered for the Thomas J. Butler Scholarship, students are required to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and submit an essay of 1,000 words describing their career interests or how their community service has affected their outlook on life. In his essay, Joseph wrote, “The South
Boston community has changed a lot since the days before Mr. Butler ’s passing, but the values and sense of community remain. I love living in South Boston and am proud to call it my home. Because of this, I try to give back to my community as much as possible.” Applications are judged by a committee made up of Massport employees and a representative of the Butler family. Students interested in applying for the 2022 scholarship should visit www.massport. com/scholarships for eligibility requirements. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport. For more information, please visit Massport.com.
Photo credit: Massport Pictured L-R: Lisa Wieland, Massport CEO; Joseph Hamilton with his parents Joe & Teresa Hamilton, Thomas Butler, Jr. (Tommy Butler’s son); Alaina Coppola, Massport’s Director of Community Relations & Government Affairs.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
Crime Stats continued from front page
She was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman who was killed in the shooting was the third life lost to violence in Boston over last weekend. Police Reform is on the agenda for politicians and social justice activists, but Public Safety is at the very top of the agenda for Boston residents and the victims of crime – any level of crime. The progressive agendas of those who wish to minimize low level crimes, and deal with them as social service challenges, seemingly put reform at all costs before dealing with the ‘criminal element’ in our midst and on our streets. Crime, as defined, is an unlawful act punishable by a state or other authority The criminal is an individual who has been found guilty of the commission of conduct that causes social harm and that is punishable by law. What are the types of crimes: murder, assault, kidnapping, manslaughter, rape, property crimes, arson, vandalism, burglary, theft, shoplifting, public order crimes. None of these crimes are victimless. “It’s very unfortunate,” Acting Mayor Kim Janey said after the deadly shooting early Monday morning. “Obviously any
shooting is one too many”. “I don’t want any shootings to happen in our city,” she later added. “As someone who has experienced this firsthand in the neighborhood that I live in, I know how traumatic this is for the residents of Boston.” With all due respect to Janey’s experience growing up in this City, she should have a better agenda than simply “understanding the trauma”. Furthermore, with respect to the life experiences of all of the candidates for mayor, each come up short. Nonetheless, if they are serious about leading this City through this next period, their self-serving soundbites many collectively present a viable action plan that together may have a solution. City Councilor Andrea Campbell, who’s running for mayor, said, when interviewed by the Boston Herald, that the city must have a “more proactive response” to addressing such gatherings and violence in the city, said. “It’s just another example I think of where the City of Boston really needs to step up,” she said. The Boston Police Department must “get back to community policing,” Campbell emphasized. And as for rolling out homicide crime statistics, it only tells a part of the story. Shootings are down in Boston this year
Hearts, Hugs & Hope A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Compass on the Bay
August 19, 2021 6:00pm
Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group will be held in conjunction with our sister community, Standish Village. Call 617268-5450 or email Program Director Dean Tricarico at dtricarico@compassonthebay.com for more information and to register for the virtual meeting.
This is a virtual event sponsored by Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community
1380 Columbia Road, South Boston
compared to in 2020, and Janey said, she “was encouraged that homicides are down overall as compared to last year”. BPD reports that there have been 125 shootings in Boston so far this year, compared to 166 at this time in 2020 and 15 fatal shootings, compared to 32 at this time last year. Where are we as a city? Faith-based organization involvement on the streets and in the neighborhoods, where crime is focused, along with broad community outreach and with both working cooperatively with Boston Police and other law enforcement is the essence of a successful ‘community policing’ program. On a Fox News program over this past weekend Rev. Eugene Rivers, whose Seymour Institute is focused on Black Churches and Policy Studies and who has been dealing with the root causes of gang violence for decades, called out Congresswoman Cori Bush of Missouri saying that her call for de-funding police was not simply wrong, but was absurd. He went on to tout the efforts of Boston’s approach to community policing, as described above. Over the weekend, all of the candidates responded to a plea by the clergy in Boston led by Rev. Rivers, who in the wake of recent gunfire in Roxbury, part of a surge in gun violence on city streets, posed a challenge to the five candidates running for mayor: “Spell out how you’d stop gun violence in the poorest, predominantly Black neighborhoods of Boston”. Here are excerpts from their responses, as reported in the Boston Herald. John Barros, former city economic development chief, Dorchester resident: “…I’ll tackle the root causes of violence by creating better opportunities for people in all of Boston’s neighborhoods, creating summer learning and working opportunities for Boston’s youth, and embracing early-stage intervention for highrisk youth. I’ll also take immediate action to address trauma and cycles of violence by creating a new non-law enforcement “Safe and Healthy Communities Agency” to respond to mental health issues, public health issues, and behavioral issues in schools. This action will free up police to focus on their most important job: preventing and solving violent crimes. Kim Janey, Acting Mayor, Roxbury resident: “Our Boston Police Department and our Summer Safety Plan continue to ensure safety and healing for all of our residents. Our Summer Safety Plan strengthens intervention efforts, and our trauma response teams are constantly ensuring that neighborhoods
August 12, 2021
are supported and residents are connected to resources to help them recover from incidents of violence. I want to thank the Boston Police Department for their continuous hard work to keep all of our residents safe, and I appreciate Rev. Rivers’ engagement on this important issue.” Andrea Campbell, District 4 city councilor, Mattapan resident: “Police alone will never be able to eradicate incidents of violence, and to bring crime and violence down in our communities we must impactfully address the root causes of it. I’m proud to be the only candidate in this race with a specific, actionable plan that would transform our approach to public safety by restructuring our department to ensure our police districts have the adequate number of officers to respond to incidents of crime while reining in a ballooning overtime budget and freeing up resources for the city to support effective community-based strategies…” Annissa Essaibi George, at-large city councilor, Dorchester resident: “Gun violence will not end with defunding the police or hastily slashing the Boston Police Department budget. It requires a multifaceted and coordinated response and investments in community policing, relationship building with neighborhood leaders and organizations, appropriate police staffing and enforcement, and community programming and initiatives across our city.” In regard to federal funds: “I would put this funding towards establishing and strengthening partnerships with evidence-based and faith-based programs doing the work on the ground in our neighborhoods.” Michelle Wu, at-large city councilor, Roslindale resident: “Gun violence in our city is unacceptable. As mayor I’ll partner with community, including our faith leaders, to create jobs for our young people, safe spaces for celebration and recreation, mental health supports, major investments in community-led anti-violence programs, and immediate action to address the impacts of violence and trauma on our communities.” In last week’s edition of this publication, the focus was on the need for a collective plan of action to deal with the epidemic that is symbolized by Mass & Cass. In the run up to the election in September, because of the seriousness of the problems each pose for public safety, there are two public policy issues that demand coordination and cooperation and not competition – COMMUNITY POLICING and MASS & CASS.
August 12, 2021
The
Wine Guy
Value All Around!
S
ince we’re now in the “home stretch” of the summer, I thought it might be helpful to start looking at some great reds to reach for as the weather starts to get cooler. These wines are not only great-tasting and versatile with food, they are also not going to dent your budget! The Purple Wine Company, located in the Napa Valley, makes a number of great wines under the very capable management of its Senior Winemaker, Antonio Trevino. One of his best, for both flavor and
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
value, is Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2019, ($10.99). The wine is made each year by blending grapes from three of California’s best areas: • Lodi: Adds the Yum Factor represented in wines from warm growing regions. Lodi’s East Side vineyards’ red soil and Mediterranean climate produce rich wines with plush tannins. • Paso Robles: Their Paso Robles vineyard selections add powerful elegance as well as dark fruit flavors and deep crimson color. • Monterey County: Monterey’s cooler climate adds bright red fruit and light herbal tones as well as acidity. This cab is versatile; you can have it with everything from burgers to pasta with red sauce, to Mexican or BBQ. If you’re going to a party, bring an extra bottle! And if it’s a special occasion, they also make a 100% Napa Cab for around $18.00 a bottle and, believe me, it tastes a lot more expensive than it costs! Paso Robles county is, in my humble opinion, one of the great value spots in California today. Overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma coun-
ties, it’s been shining over the last few years, with big and bold reds and lots of good value. One in particular, is Straphanger Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2018 vintage ($12.99) is typical PR: great, deep color, structure and a finish you’d expect at a higher price point; a perfect match for grilled shrimp, veal parm or many kinds of Tapas dishes. Further north, in Washington State’s Columbia Valley, there are Merlots being made that are a value for a simple reason: they’ve been overshadowed by the area’s Cabernets. One great example is the 2019 Waterbrook Merlot, Columbia Valley, ($14.99). In this one, you get cherry blossom aromas with bright acidity, bringing forward fresh flavors of red delicious apple and sweet pomegran-
7 ate. A subtle finish of mixed red fruits round out this full-bodied wine. If you’re thinking about a late summer prime rib or salmon on the grille, this wine is a great complement. Finally, going all the way down the Pacific Coast, Chile’s Colchagua Valley is one of the most prolific wine-growing regions in the Western Hemisphere. One of the oldest names in the area, Los Vascos, has been a collaboration between two of the most famous families in the wine and spirits business-the Rothschilds, of wine and finance fame and the LaPostelle family, owners of Grand Marnier. In addition to the Los Vascos main brand, they make a Cabernet Grand Reserve; the blend is similar to their much more expensive Bordeaux wines-85% Cabernet, 5% each of Syrah, Carmenere and Malbec. This wine, currently available from the 2018 vintage, is drinking really well right now, but it’s a big, big cab; open it an hour or so before drinking. At around $17.99 a bottle, it’s a tremendous value for the money. Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris888@gmail.com
American Lung Association Launches Vape-Free Schools Scholarship Fund Vape-Free Schools Initiative aims to educate about the need to address youth vaping in Massachusetts schools.
C
urrently, nearly 1 in 5 teens are vaping and close to 1 in 4 teens are using at least one tobacco product – becoming the next generation addicted to tobacco. In Massachusetts , our high school tobacco use rates are an alarming 37%. We are proud to share that today, Thursday, August 5, 2021, the American Lung Association announced the Vape-Free Schools Scholarship Fund, a new effort to fund schools’ implementation of the Vape-Free Schools Initiative so that more kids can access cessation, support and education. The scholarship drive seeks to
raise funds to give schools across the country access to the program. With a cost of $400 per training seat, the goal is to raise $400,000 to serve 1,000 schools in need by the end of 2021. Through this scholarship drive, the Lung Association will enable faculty and students in Massachusetts to access the Lung Association’s proven vaping intervention and cessation programs. “With 37% of Massachusetts high school students using tobacco products, our communities need help in supporting students impacted by tobacco use. As the nation’s trusted champion of lung health, the American Lung Association is proud to off offer Massachusetts schools, parents and students proven approaches to end youth vaping in our communities and help local students quit their addiction and prevent future genera-
tions from getting hooked,” said American Lung Association Chief Mission Officer Deborah Brown. The Vape-Free Schools Initiative provides school administrators and educators with training to offer an alternative-to-suspension program for students found vaping, smoking or chewing on school property, and a voluntary vaping/ tobacco cessation program for youth wanting to quit for good. • Alternative to Suspension (INDEPTH®) an alternative for students who face suspension for violating school vaping and tobacco use policies. As teens continue to get hooked on vaping, this is a supportive program that teaches students about nicotine dependence and establishing healthy boundaries, rather than focusing solely on punitive measures.
• Vaping Education & Tobacco Cessation Program (Not-On-Tobacco® N-O-T) is a teen smoking/vaping cessation program for students that want to quit. The 10-session program provides the tools, information, and support for teens to end their addiction to tobacco. Participating schools will be recognized as part of the American Lung Association Vape-Free Schools Initiative in their communities. To make a donation, visit Lung. org/scholarship. To get more information about the Vape-Free Schools Initiative or submit your school for scholarship consideration, visit Lung. org/vape-free-schools or contact Vapefree@Lung.org. To speak with a lung health expert about e-cigarettes and vaping cessation, contact Val Gleason at Val.Gleason@Lung. org or 717-971-1123.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 12, 2021
Cradles to Crayons Ready for Learning Initiative
Nonprofit aiming to prepare 65,000 children from head to toe
W
hile school may look a little different again this fall, Cradles to Crayons® is working to ensure every student enters the new year prepared, empowered and excited to learn. The organization’s Ready for Learning initiative is underway and aims to provide 65,000 children living in low-income and homeless situations across Massachusetts with the supplies necessary to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA and TJX Companies, Inc., Ready for Learning aims to distribute age-appropriate, critical learning supplies and other items necessary for a new school year – such as backpacks filled with school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items
– to students up to age 12. With the help of a network of 100+ Service Partners, Cradles to Crayons intends to assist thousands of local children and families, many of which continue to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For families severely impacted by the pandemic, purchasing new school supplies and fitting clothes for growing kids can be unrealistic and unaffordable. Though without them, children oftentimes disconnect from the classroom and fellow students. 88% of teachers say that poverty is one of the top obstacles to students’ success. “As we look ahead to fall, we recognize that now, more than ever, all children deserve the proper tools to learn and grow, no matter what
the new school year will look like,” said Aubrey Conquergood, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Boston. “There are many families who are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is critical we work to remove as many barriers as possible to learning. Through our Ready for Learning initiative, we’re aiming to boost kids’ confidence and set them up for success.” Those interested in Ready for Learning can learn more by visiting Cradles to Crayons’ website or by viewing their 2021 initiative video. About Cradles to Crayons Cradles to Crayons launched in Boston in 2002 and currently has operations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The nonprofit provides
children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities. Cradles to Crayons collects new and high-quality used children’s goods and engages thousands of youth and adults in volunteer activities each year on behalf of local children in need. For more information, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston.
South Boston Movie Night at Moakley Park
‘ONWARD’
August 17th at 7:45pm
Two teenage elf brothers living in a post-magical world stumble upon a spell that can bring their father back to life. They embark on an epic, heartwarming adventure to see the spell through when it initially only brings back their father’s lower half (i.e. his legs).
All shows begin at dusk. This series is sponsored by Highland Partners Charitable Fund and hosted by Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment. No pre-registration needed to attend! Mayor Kim Janey’s Movie Nights give residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy popular films under the night skies in City parks in August and September. For further information or for citywide free movies, contact Parks & Rec. at PARKS@BOSTON. GOV or 617-635-4505
9
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 12, 2021
Recent South Boston Real Estate Sales Property/Type
133 Seaport Blvd UNIT 2108
Price
Sale Date
Rooms Baths
$1,460,000,
6/4/2021
3
1.5
777
Sq Ft
$1,643,200
6/14/2021
4
2
1,159
$1,639,000
6/17/2021
4
2
1,064
$1,490,000 6/15//2021
6
2.5
1,638
$1,485,000
6/11/2021
7
2.5
1,893
$1,395,000
6/4/2021
3
1
857
$1,350,000
6/18/2021
4
2
2,075
$1,140,000
6/1/2021
4
2.5
1,427
$1,125,000
6/14/2021
4
2.5
1,909
$1,105,000
6/10/2021
3
1
648
$1,089,000
6/1/2021
5
1
1,474
$1,085,000
6/4/2021
6
3
1,850
Condo 135 Seaport Blvd UNIT 809 Condo 133 Seaport Blvd UNIT 602 Condo 340 West Second St UNIT 25 Condo 505 East Broadway UNIT 2 Condo 135 Seaport Blvd UNIT 1603 Condo 150 Dorchester Ave UNIT 301 Condo 201 West Eighth St UNIT 1 Condo 525 East First St UNIT 6 Condo 225 Dorchester St UNIT 3 Condo 135 Seaport Blvd UNIT 1216 Condo 150 Dorchester Ave UNIT 304
Virtual Public Meeting
555 East Broadway Monday, August 30 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/3is7Bqs Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 379 5340
Project Description: This meeting will discuss a new four-story residential building of approximately 22,244 square feet containing fourteen (14) residential condominium units, including two (2) IDP Units, with twenty-one (21) garage parking spaces. mail to: Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4418 email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov BostonPlans.org
Close of Comment Period: 9/10/2021
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
Condo 615 East Sixth St UNIT 2
$1,050,000
6/11/2021
4
2
1,500
$1,050,000
6/15/2021
8
2.5
1,950
$979,900
6/4/2021
3
1
873
$975,000
6/18/2021
5
2
1,240
$975,000
6/18/2021
5
2
1,240
Condo 613 East Sixth St UNIT 2 Condo 602 East Second St UNIT C Condo 420 West Broadway UNIT 604 Condo 533 East Second St UNIT 201 Condo
COMMUNITY MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT In accordance with the Boston Parks Commission, this announcement for a community meeting is being called to discuss the naming of the new public park located at 174 West Second Street, South Boston, MA (between B and C Streets) as The Brian R. Mahoney Memorial Park at Nook Hill.
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617-268-4662
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Meeting Date:
Monday, August 23, 2021
Time: 6:00pm
Location:
174 West Second Street (between B and C Streets), South Boston The Evolution of Oil heat
10
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 12, 2021
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This week,
Danny reacted to the UFC’s handling of COVID-19:
I
don’t care who’s running for President of the United States of America in 2024. I’m writing in Dana White. It’s amazing to me how many Americans have become prisoners of the [COVID] moment. If the Teachers Union wants to correctly portray our country’s history 20 years from now, then they’ll portray the UFC President as an American legend; one of the few who actually followed the science, and allowed Americans to be Americans, during a time in which bureaucrats tried to lock everyone down, force people to wear masks, push for mandated inoculation, and basically, take away the basic freedoms that made this country the greatest country in the world. “But Danny, it’s a global pandemic!” The most corrupt part of everything COVID-19 related is how we, as a planet, refused to acknowledge the virus’ demographics. Meaning, even though we all know who’s most vulnerable and who’s not vulnerable at all to the novel Coronavirus, we decided to follow through with an “it affects everyone equally” narrative. Dana White understands this is not true, as does anyone else who hasn’t
Drink
been brainwashed into fear and submission by someone like Dr. Fauci, who is on the record contradicting himself on Covid protocols many times. Not everyone is affected equally. These are facts. But look, all of that is obvious. White and the UFC understood those facts from the beginning, and they decided to fill arenas before anyone else. Because, after all, this is America. Now though, there are cities mandating COVID vaccines. New York City is the latest. You can’t go anywhere without showing your papers. No, I’m not talking about 1930’s Germany. This is 2021 New York City. And that’s now a problem for White and the UFC, who are scheduled to host UFC 268 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 6. White recently spoke about this issue with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, and he said that the plan for UFC 268, right now, is still New York City. “The plan is New York, but if New York doesn’t work out, I’ll move it somewhere that it will,” said White. White also said: “I told you guys a million times, I’m gonna go wherever I can run a normal event. I said
that I would do the first indoor soldout arena with no social distancing and no masks and none of that stuff. We did it in Florida. We did it in Texas. We did it in Arizona. We did it in Vegas . . . So, I don’t care what happens, how it goes, how these different states run their stuff, I don’t care anymore. I’m ready to roll. I have plans now.” White is a man of his word, because he just recently announced that a UFC event in London on Sept. 4 will be moved to Las Vegas, due to COVID vaccine mandate concerns. Why do vaccine mandates concern White and the UFC, out side of the obvious fact that’s just insane to mandate inoculations? Well, that’s because White — who’s handled COVID better than anyone else in the sports world — isn’t going to force anyone in UFC to get the COVID vaccine. “I would never tell another human being what to do with their body,” said White in his TSN interview. “If you want to get vaccinated, that’s up to you. That’s your choice. You’re never gonna hear me say, ‘I’m going to force people to get vaccinated.’ Never gonna happen. “They’re telling you, in New York, you can’t go into a restaurant or a
OPEN
gym unless you’re vaccinated and can prove it, and things like that. Some people are getting fired if they don’t get vaccinated. Ya, that’s not gonna happen here. “If you want to get vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you don’t, that’s your decision, your body.” Amazingly, there will be people who read these quotes and get outraged. “How dare he allow people to choose what to put into their bodies,” they’ll say. These people are irrational. You shouldn’t listen to them. And White and the UFC certainly won’t. Dana White should be proud of the way he’s handled a completely irrational situation, led by fear mongering from people we never voted into any office. The irrational ones will also read this and think White isn’t taking COVID seriously. Again, these people will be wrong. They are taking it seriously. But they’re choosing to do so while also understanding the scientific data, and — most importantly — while allowing people fighters and fans to make their own decisions. What a concept. Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 12, 2021
SPORTS TODAY
WHATTOWATCH
SALE TO MAKE Tweet RED SOX of the RETURN THIS Week WEEKEND
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MLB THURSDAY, AUG. 12 Tampa Bay at Boston 4:10 P.M. NESN FRIDAY, AUG. 13 Baltimore at Boston 7:10 P.M. NESN SATURDAY, AUG. 14 Baltimore at Boston 4:10 P.M. NESN SUNDAY, AUG. 15 Baltimore at Boston 1:10 P.M. ESPN GOLF THURS, AUG. 12 - SUN, AUG. 15 Wyndham Championship 3 P.M. GOLFC/CBS
SBT Staff
oston Red Sox ace Chris Sale is schedule to make his first big-league start of the season this Saturday against the last place Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Sale, 32, hasn’t pitched for Boston since August of 2019. He underwent successful Tommy John surgery in March of 2020, forcing him to miss all of last season. Now, after five minor-league rehab starts, in which he allowed just three runs and struck out 35 batters in 20 total innings, Sale will return to the mound for a Red Sox team that desperately needs him. Boston has played under-.500 baseball since returning from the All-Star break, and has fallen out of first place. The Tampa Bay Rays are now the first-place team in the AL East. The New York Yankees are in third, and the Toronto Blue Jays are in fourth, but both the Yankees and the Blue Jays are right on the Red Sox’ tail. If he remains healthy, Sale’s presence in the Red Sox rotation could feel like a major trade-deadline acquisition, even though it’s just a return from injury.
NFL THURSDAY, AUG. 12 Preseason Week 1 Washington at New England 7:30 P.M. NFLN
TATUM, USA WIN OLYMPIC GOLD IN TOKYO
T
SBT Staff
he USA Men’s Basketball team defeated France, 87-82, over the weekend in Tokyo, Japan to win the Gold Medal in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Kevin Durant scored a game-high 29 points in 35 minutes in the Gold Medal win. Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum scored the second-most points
in the game, finishing the win with 19 points, while also grabbing seven rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. Former Celtics Evan Fournier and Guerschon Yabusele were each in the starting lineup for France in the Gold Medal game, combining for 29 points. Team USA finished the Olympics with a 5-1 record. USA’s only loss came against France on July 25, so the win in the Finals
PATS’ HENRY OUT WITH SHOULDER INJURY
A
SBT Staff
s the New England Patriots get set for their first preseason game of the year this Thursday night at Gillette Stadium against Washington, one of their key offensive pieces has gone down with an injury. Tight end Hunter Henry is expected to miss “a couple of weeks” with a shoulder injury that he suffered over the weekend at practice, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Henry, 26, reportedly injured the shoulder during a one-on-one blocking drill in a full-pads practice on Sunday. While there is no definitive timetable for Henry’s return, the time that he will miss could be strictly precautionary, as Schefter also reports that the shoulder
injury is “not serious.” In a press conference on Tuesday, Bill Belichick said Henry was “day-to-day.” “Hunter has participated in everything he’s been able to do since he’s been here,” said Belichick. “He’s gained a lot of experience in the time that he’s been here. I would say he’s day-to-day. As players improve, this goes for everybody not just specifically him, but as players improve and they can do more, then we can gradually work him into things. “He’ll come back as he can come back, and we have many other players in that same category,” added Belichick. “Hunter’s a smart guy. He has a lot of experience. He’s been here and done everything that we’ve done as a team, and so when we get him back, we’ll get
was a little extra sweet for the Americans. Durant finished the Olympics leading Team USA in scoring, averaging 20.7 points per game, which ranked sixth in the Olympics. Tatum finished second on the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game, which ranked 13th. Spain point guard Ricky Rubio led the Olympics in scoring with 25.5 points per game.
him back there, and the pace and the schedule that fits his physical situation, but he’ll continue to make progress.” The Patriots signed Henry to a three-year, $37.5 million contract in the offseason. Thursday night’s preseason opener in Foxboro will be the only preseason game that New England will play at home this year. With the new league schedule decreasing the number of preseason games for every team from four down to three, the Patriots’ final two preseason games will be in Philadelphia next Thursday, and then in New York against the Giants on Sunday, Aug. 29. The Patriots open the regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 12 with a 4:25 p.m. kickoff. Three of New England’s first four regularseason games will be at Gillette Stadium.