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ot getting vaccinated will limit your freedom, as rules are being instituted in many venues and aspects of our lives, including houses of worship, colleges, schools in general, restaurants, public transportation and the mother
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Freedom To Get Vaccinated (Or Not) Is A Risky Proposition For Many
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August 19, 2021: Vol.9 Issue 321
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
EDITORIAL
Good News About Local Artist Tony Maiullari Supporting Police/ and the PAINTBOX Program Backing The Blue L
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or the last 15 or so months, a dangerous movement was gripping many large cities in America. The battle cry of some leftist radical groups was ‘Defund/ Disband the Police’. An idea so ludicrous was actually catching on among those who enjoy seeing our nation in turmoil, as well as people who don’t think clearly and are easily manipulated to follow the latest trendy issue. But according to some reports, that’s all turning around and doing so rapidly. Though there are still a few isolated holdout locations dominated by ‘progressive’ politicians in Blue States standing firm with their antipolice policies, the Defund/Disband crowd is being drowned out by the commonsense voices of reason. Certain municipalities are reporting an increase in recruitment for new police officers, reversing a worrisome trend of declining numbers. The abuse and disrespect so many members of law enforcement were being subjected to on a regular basis, and the fact they often got no back up or support from city officials, which caused many young people considering a career as a cop to seek alternative employment, is being replaced by a new respect and understanding by most, as to just
how important and necessary police are to the public’s safety. In Boston, police for the most part are held in high esteem by a majority of residents. In South Boston, we’ve always been proud of the way our locally assigned officers are treated by residents and how they in turn respond to the needs of our community. The relationship between law enforcement and civilians in our neighborhood is a good example of how communication and cooperation should work. It’s not uncommon for South Bostonians and the officers assigned to Area C – District 6 and some of the Troopers stationed at the Old Colony Division, to be on a first name basis. While this is common in rural areas and even some suburban communities, it is rare in city environments, but not in Southie. And for the most part, people like it this way. The point of this editorial is not only to reiterate our support for our police and this newspaper’s proud ‘Back the Blue’ position, but also to help spread the good news that the Defund/Disband the police movement could finally be in a hasty retreat all across America. And that really is good news.
ook who we spotted beautifying one of the two electrical gray boxes at the corner of L & Broadway! Tony Maiullari, was one of the applicants chosen to showcase his artistic capabilities in beautifying a gray electrical box under the City of Boston PAINTBOX Program. Tony has just started the project and we’ll keep you informed as it nears completion. What will the finished project look like? It’s a surprise!
“If America oppresses, why do so many people risk their lives to be oppressed?” - Greg Gutfeld Publisher
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
Information Center The
The Debacle In Afghanistan Is NOT The Fault Of The Troops SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone
W
ith the debacle that just took place and continues in Afghanistan, the following statement that is appearing virtually everywhere pretty much speaks to how the overwhelming majority of Americans feel. It reads as follows: “Dear Veterans, Who Served in Afghanistan, You kept terrorism at bay for 20 years. You served with bravery and honor. You were there for those serving alongside you. What you did matters to us.” Sincerely, The American People It’s a disaster and most everyone knows it. The blood that was shed, the lives lost, and the sacrifices made by America’s finest, our military, was a heavy price to pay, only to see it wind up in a disorganized mess and hasty retreat ordered by the incompetent administration that currently occupies the White House. General Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who paid more attention to pushing Critical Race Theory among the troops and trying to understand the mythical bogeyman of White Rage, rather than what was about to happen in Afghanistan, because of the personal politics of himself and Joe Biden, is also being blamed. President Trump would have never let this happen. He had the plans laid out for an orderly, safe and tactical withdrawal over an adequate period of time. It was taking place, methodically, until Biden had to jump in and yank everyone out quickly. Of course, Biden actually blamed Trump. But that was to be expected. Biden is a Democrat, and they haven’t taken responsibility for their screw ups since the days of JFK.
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
As the withdrawal, which turned into turmoil in Kabul was taking place, CNN acted true to form and actually had kind words for the Taliban terrorists. Dressed in a Burka, standing in the crowd, the reporter stated that “Yes, the Taliban was chanting ‘Death to America’, but they seemed so friendly”. No surprise there. Many believe that to CNN, anyone who chants Death to America are friends, as far as CNN is concerned. It might even be something that’s done every day in that network’s editorial room. And the way things seem to be going in this country, there are some who suspect it also happens among members of ‘The Squad’ and at DNC headquarters. After watching news reports and hearing statements issued by Biden, Milley and Harris, one soldier apparently unafraid of repercussions for his statement, stated that if this is what’s in charge of America’s fighting forces, the country is in real trouble. He asked that Americans pray for the troops and the country in general now more than ever. The other big topic in the country is still the ‘Pandemic’. The CDC is really on the hot seat after last week’s discovery. As most know, Biden and his supporters are on the attack against the states of Texas and Florida, because the governors there refuse to allow any return to mandates and lock downs. The two governors, along with governors of a growing number of other states are slamming Biden for the open border which is bringing a surge of Covid infected illegals into the country. Mysteriously, the CDC released a report claiming that Texas and
Florida were inundated with new cases of Covid and hospitalizations of victims were overwhelming. This of course, was because of the policies by the two governors they claimed. But, after an investigation of the CDC claims by the two states’ health departments, it was found that the numbers were inflated by thousands by the CDC at which point the CDC had to admit, agree and retract its original reports. Did it strike anyone as strange, that the two states that the Biden Administration is battling with
over the virus are the ones labeled as super spreaders by the CDC? Well, yes, it sure did. Surveys are now showing that a rapidly growing number of Americans have lost all trust in anything the CDC says and Anthony Fauci is in the same category. People are just not buying into the continuous fear they are pushing. What this is saying is that there are less Americans willing to go along with any new or even old Covid restrictions than there were last year - a LOT less. And who can blame them?
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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.
Mayor’s Race -Who’s With Whom? There’s a decent endorsement opening in the Boston mayoral race that seems to have been glossed over in recent weeks. With Rep. Jon Santiago out of the race, the Beacon Hill lawmakers who previously supported him are potentially up for grabs. While one of those legislators, House Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, threw his support behind City Councilor Michelle Wu on Tuesday, endorsements from State House leaders like House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz could help shift the tide. Michlewitz endorsed his House colleague in early March and after Santiago dropped out, told reporters that he was in conversation with the other candidates. “I’ve been talking to the candidates one by one and I’m certainly paying attention to the race. My district is entirely the city of Boston,” Michlewitz said in early August. “Who the next mayor is going to be is going to be a very important point to how we come back from this, recover from COVID, and also how we continue to let the city grow in a positive and fruitful manner. So I think certainly I’m taking a look at it, but I haven’t made a ... decision at the moment.” An endorsement from the House Ways and Means chair is a powerful one among Beacon Hill political types considering the influence the committee has in the legislative process but it remains to be seen how much influence it would have among residents. Other legislators whose endorsement could carry some weight? How about newly minted Boston Delegation Chair Rep. David Biele. The South Boston Democrat has not made an endorsement in the Boston
mayoral contest though his predecessor, Rep. Chynah Tyler, did back City Councilor Andrea Campbell. (Biele’s office did not respond to a MassterList request for comment.) Travel a bit outside of Boston and there’s the question of whether House Speaker Ronald Mariano will throw his hat into the ring again. The Quincy Democrat endorsed Santiago - a fellow member of the Legislature - at an event best remembered for an inside joke the speaker made about getting his car stolen in the South End. That drew swift backlash, including from candidate John Barros. House Majority Leader Claire Cronin of Easton backed Santiago at the same event, but has not jumped back into the fray and at this point she might be more focused on her nomination to become the next ambassador to Ireland in the Biden administration. And among the gubernatorial candidates from Boston, Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz has not endorsed a candidate, a spokesperson confirmed to MassterList. Other Boston Democrats to keep an eye on who previously endorsed Santiago: Rep. Edward Coppinger, chair of the Community Development and Small Business Committee, and Rep. Kevin Honan, chair of the Steering, Policy, and Scheduling Committee. Baker: ‘Mismanagement’ in Afghanistan endangered allies A day after Massachusetts lawmakers at multiple levels called on federal officials to ensure a safe evacuation of Afghan allies, Gov. Charlie weighed in on the news, saying the “mismanagement” that led to collapse of the country’s Western-backed government “needlessly endangered Americans and our allies,”
reports State House News Service’s Chris Lisinski. The governor also said the state is “ready to assist Afghan refugees seeking safety and peace in America,” reports Boston Globe’s Amanda Kaufman. Next phase of child-care crisis It’s the next phase of the child-care crisis. A center may have space for your kid but it might not have a teacher to care for them. Boston Globe’s Stephanie Ebbert dives into what one child-care center executive described as “not a financial crisis. This is not an enrollment crisis. This a staffing crisis.” A staffing crisis that has led some centers to up their hourly rates and offer signing bonuses. More from Ebbert: “Despite loosened pandemic restrictions and heightened demand from parents eager to return to the workplace, child-care directors say they can’t find enough certified employees to fully staff their centers, part of a hiring shortage felt across the US economy.” Back and forth on the appbased worker ballot question One thing is clear: Both opponents and supporters of a ballot question redefining workers status for app-based drivers want state agencies to intervene in some form or fashion. State House News Service’s Chris Lisinski reports on the recent back and forth between the Coalition to Protect Workers’ Rights (opponents) want Attorney General Maura Healey to declare the proposal unconstitutional. The Coalition for Independent Work (supporters) asked the Office of Campaign and Political Finance to investigate some of the other side’s contributions and expenditures. A guide to Boston’s munici-
August 19, 2021
pal election Still not caught up on the details of Boston’s mayoral election? No worries, WBUR’s Lisa Creamer put together a comprehensive guide that details each candidate’s policy positions, key dates, and information on how to vote. So, no sweat if you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or have just tuned out politics. And if you’re not from Boston, the guide also includes other key municipal elections to watch. Go to: https://www.wbur.org/ news/2021/08/17/2021-bostonmayor-election-mail-votingcandidates It’s the Charles River Regional Chamber now Don’t call it the NewtonNeedham Regional Chamber anymore. After 106 years, the local business organization is changing its name to the Charles River Regional Chamber after recent expansions led it into Wellesley and Watertown. The chamber says the rebranding is an effort to better represent itself as the “voice for business and nonprofits in Greater Boston’s western inner suburbs.” “We wanted an inclusive name that reflects our mission, our identity, our history, and our future,” said chamber President and CEO Greg Reibman. “We selected the Charles River because the river flows directly through each of the communities we represent: Newton, Needham, Watertown, and Wellesley.” You could be the winner of $500,000 You better start looking around if you bought a lottery ticket in the past year. A winning ticket for $500,000 is about to be forfeited, reports Boston Herald’s Joe Dwinell, who notes that the state’s lottery commission sent out an alert Tuesday advising the public of the upcoming expiration date. It was bought in South Dennis and if it’s not claimed, the cash heads back to the state.
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
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Councilor Flynn Seeks Hearing on Expanding Communications Access for People with Disabilities
B
oston City Councilor Ed Flynn is partnering with the Boston Disabilities Commission to file a hearing order at this week’s Council meeting about ways to ensure public facing televisions provide closed captioning for persons with certain disabilities. As TV programming is an important part of relaying information, especially in this pandemic, it is critical that our residents with disabilities are able to access information from televisions in public spaces. This hearing aims to discuss ways for the City of Boston to expand communications access through public facing televisions, and ensure that persons with disabilities have full access to information and resources shared to the public. Televisions in public places have often played an important role in conveying information to the public in states of emergency. During the
COVID-19 pandemic, TV stations have broadcasted press conferences from public officials, breaking news, public health updates, and other critical programming that provides information and resources to residents. Unfortunately, many of these public-facing televisions do not enable closed captioning, and therefore are not accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing, or have hearing loss due to age or illness, developmental disabilities, sensory disabilities. To mitigate this barrier, businesses can enable the “closed captions” function on their TVs, so that a live transcript of the program’s audio content is shown scrolling across the bottom of the screen. Having visible captions eliminate a significant communication obstacle for people with hearing loss and other disabilities, and would also increase access to information for the gener-
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al public, as TVs are often located in crowded and noisy commercial spaces where everybody may have difficulty hearing. “Public-facing televisions have always been a crucial mechanism in the dissemination of information, and we need to ensure that all of our residents - especially persons with disabilities - are able to access and understand information that is shared on public television screens. I’m proud to partner with the Disabilities Commission to file this hearing order so that we can find a way to ensure that televisions in public areas turn on their closed captioning, so that we can reduce these communications barriers faced by our persons with disabilities. I look forward to working with the Disabilities Commission, advocates, and businesses on this issue.” According to Disabilities Commissioner and ADA Title II Coordinator
Kristen McCosh, “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the barriers that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. As the City reopens, Mayor Janey, the City Council, and my Commission are committed to ensuring equity for those with disabilities. Communication access is a key piece of this work. I appreciate Councilor Flynn’s efforts to support our initiative on enabling captions on public facing TVs.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
I Was Just Thinking…
W
by Kevin Devlin
e’ve all heard about the mythological story of King Midas and the Midas Touch. Midas was a legendary king of Phrygia (in modern-day Turkey). For doing a good deed, he was given one wish by the god Dionysus. He asked for the power
to turn everything he touched into gold. He soon discovered that this was a mistake. His food, drink, and even his daughter, turned to gold so he begged Dionysus to rescind the gift, and Dionysus agreed. Which brings me to President Joe Biden. Everything he touches doesn’t turn into gold. It turns into chaos, division, disorder, and defeat. His administration has allowed hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to walk across the southern border, many Covid-19 positive. While Americans are told to mask up and get vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus, these illegal immigrants are transported to other areas of the country; and more than likely spreading the virus amongst the general population.
Vaccinated continued from front page
of potential ‘spreaders’ - ‘live’ concerts. Indeed, Live Nation, a leading concert promoter, has recently announced it will be requiring proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test in order to attend shows this fall. Live Nation, which has major concert venues in Massachusetts, announced the policy change as the Delta variant is sparking a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States. It will start requiring performers and concert goers at their fully owned and operated venues to offer proof of vaccination or a negative test result starting Oct. 4. Boston-area Live Nation venues include the House of Blues, Leader Bank Pavilion, Xfinity Center, Orpheum Theatre, Paradise Rock Club and Brighton Music Hall. “Vaccines are going to be your ticket back to shows, and as of October 4th, we will be following the model we developed for Lollapalooza and requiring this for artists, fans and employees at Live Nation venues and festivals everywhere possible in the US,” Live Nation Entertainment CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement. The Massachusetts Teachers Association, the state’s largest teacher’s union, this week called for the state to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees and eligible students in the state’s public schools and colleges and with advice to ‘deal with the matter’ through local collective bargaining agreements. MTA President Merrie Najimy said in a statement “Requiring vaccines for educators and eligible students is a reasonable measure to take for the common
August 19, 2021
The American withdrawal from Afghanistan is a disaster. But Biden ignored that part of the story and said he was just doing what we wanted, which was true. Get out of Afghanistan. Enough American blood was shed. Taxpayer’s money wasted. Nevertheless, the administration blew it. Their only plan was that they really didn’t have a plan. and now lives will be lost. But that’s okay. Nothing to see here. The Afghan president fled the country, and his army didn’t want or seemingly have the will or nerve to fight anymore. It was their fault, not Biden’s. Inflation, escalating violence throughout the nation, disastrous energy measures, confusion and concern over mask and vaccine mandates, unrest about what is being taught in our schools, namely Critical Race Theory, as well as the widening threat of censorship by the press and social internet, have all worsened and been al-
good.” All students age 12 and above are currently eligible to be vaccinated. For those not yet eligible for vaccination or who can’t receive one for medical reasons, MTA supports regular COVID-19 testing in lieu of vaccination. Recently, the vaccine dilemma made for an opportunity for Mayoral candidates to take swipes at one another and it appears that Acting Mayor Kim Janey led with her chin, resisting the requirement of residents to show proof of vaccination to dine indoors or work out at gyms, while invoking slavery and birtherism in the process. She walked back that statement after it was characterized by her opponents as feeding into fears, unnecessarily. She quickly tweeted that she was merely trying to point out “several hurdles facing communities of color with lower vaccination rates.” With the coronavirus resurging, Janey continues to find herself at odds with her mayoral rivals and Democratic leaders over how best to get people vaccinated and stop the Delta variant’s spread. It began when she opted for not requiring city workers to get vaccinated or get weekly Covid-19 tests after Boston City Council President Pro Tempore Matt O’Malley implemented such a policy for inperson council employees. Three of Janey’s mayoral rivals, City Councilors Michelle Wu, Annissa Essaibi George and Andrea Campbell, all support requiring proof of vaccination for various indoor activities and instituting a vaccine mandate for city employees. Another competitor, former city economic development chief John Barros, also supports vaccine requirements for city workers, and his campaign
lowed under his watch. The Buck does indeed stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Used today, the moral of the Midas Touch tale of greed is usually ignored. Biden’s Touch is another story. It is one of ineptitude that can’t be ignored any longer. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. One look at his facial expressions, his eyes and words lost in confusion, tells you he’s not with it. He loses his train of thought and can’t even properly read from the teleprompter. Biden’s mental impairment is obvious, and in all fairness, he is not to blame. But those who surround him and allow this to continue, are culpable in this charade. I thought he’d resign by July. I was wrong. But, not for long I don’t think, because the pressure is mounting, the problems are too severe, and he is simply (and sadly) incapable of performing the duties of his office.
said a New York City-style policy is on the table if cases continue to rise. Campbell took the strongest tone in her statement, declaring that Janey’s “rhetoric is dangerous.” “Showing proof of vaccination is not slavery or birtherism. There is already too much misinformation directed at our residents about this pandemic, particularly Black and brown residents,” said Campbell, who is also Black. “It is incumbent upon us as leaders, particularly those of us who are Black, not to give these conspiracies any more oxygen.” Acting Mayor Janey’s position, in a broad sense, is not entirely antithetical to the effort to vaccinate. She is right to take measures that incorporate and balance the varying concerns of residents whose background and history may be rooted in skepticism or past bad experiences with government mandates. Human behavior and the forces of nature together create the ‘virtual petri dish’ that can harbor, exacerbate and accelerate the spread of a Covid variant that the scientific and medical communities do not have an absolute answer for. The stories of unimagined and unusual physical reactions to both the virus itself and the vaccine, some of which result in death, are good reasons for some to be distrustful, especially seniors and others with underlying health problems, and on the other hand, fully determined by many to maximize safety through vaccines. In this case, FREEDOM has a price either way. The question is – “What is the price to insure public health for the good of the majority?”
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
MAYOR JANEY FILES HOME RULE PETITION FOR PAYMENTS OF 2% ON REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS OVER $3 MILLION
M
ayor Janey filed a Home Rule Petition with the Boston City Council to generate an estimated $65.3 million to expand affordable housing in the city. The petition creates a fee of up to two percent on real estate sales over $3 million. If passed, the measure will increase funding available for affordable housing in Boston, including preserving existing and creating new incomerestricted housing. After passage by the Boston City Council, the legislation must then be approved by the Massachusetts State Legislature and signed by the Governor. “As a person who has experienced housing insecurity, creating more homes that Boston residents can afford is my priority,” said Mayor Janey. “It’s important that the City of Boston is creative in generating funding for incomerestricted housing. I look forward to working with the Boston City Council and the Massachusetts Legislature to pass this critical legislation that will allow more housing opportunities to keep and attract residents.” This legislation builds on a 2019 Home Rule Petition that passed the Boston City Council, but has not advanced in the Massachusetts State Legislature. The 2019 version proposed a fee of up to two percent on real estate sales
over $2 million. The fee will instead be applied to the sales value above $3 million. This change limits the fees borne by longterm, middle-class homeowners. Based on 2020 sales over $3 million, a two percent transfer fee would yield an estimated $65.3 million for affordable housing production and programming from 219 transactions. The largest number of transactions were in Back Bay/Beacon Hill (90) neighborhoods, the Central/Downtown neighborhoods (27), the South End (24), and South Boston/Seaport (24) area. This Home Rule Petition builds on the City’s efforts to generate affordable housing for residents. This year, the Janey administration has invested $11.5 million in city resources into income-restricted, affordable housing which leveraged another $82.4 million in other public and private investment sources for a total $94 million investment. The recently adopted FY22 budget included $6 million in new City funding for affordable housing programs - a 21 percent increase - including funding for City-funded vouchers and housing support for homeless households. In addition, the City has allocated $27 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds for housing initiatives, including $20 million to acquire and convert market-rate
properties to income-restricted affordable housing and $2.3 million for assistance to homebuyers and homeowners. This is in addition to $145 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding the City has received and is using to support renters and homeless households impacted by the pandemic and to build more housing for low and moderate income residents. Earlier this year, the City of Boston modified the Linkage program, requiring a 44 percent increase in the Linkage fees collected by large scale commercial developments over 100,000 square feet in Boston to support the creation of affordable housing. In 2020 alone, new development approved by BPDA is estimated to generate over $43.2 million in Linkage fees to support affordable housing. In the future, a similar level of approvals would generate $63.2 million. The funds collected through Linkage are administered by the Neighborhood Housing Trust through the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND). Since 2014, funding from the city’s operating and capital funding for housing programs has increased by more than 300%, while adjustments to the Inclusionary Development and Linkage Policies, and the
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adoption of the Community Preservation Act have resulted in tens of millions of dollars of additional revenue for housing. This funding has supported the creation of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities, the development of permanent supportive housing for homeless households, and assistance for renters facing eviction. It has also supported the conversion of hundreds of market-rate units into income-restricted affordable housing and the creation of the first City-funded rental voucher program for low-income Bostonians. Also earlier this year, Mayor Janey announced the Boston Home Center’s first-time Homebuyer Program has been expanded to provide up to $40,000 in assistance to income-eligible, first-time homebuyers who seek to purchase a home in Boston.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
The
Wine Guy
It’s Time
T
emperatures recently were and perhaps likely again will be in the high 90’s with
a Heat Index of 100;(when the report is excessively bad, they’re always right). So, it’s time to focus on wines that are at their best when super cold from a bucket of ice-a smooth Sancerre, a tangy Rose, a really superior Chard and superb Sparkling White. So,... Romana Sancerre Blanc Loire, France, 2019,($26.99). This is a great expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with flavors of peach, pear, and violet. Perfect for seafood or goat cheese, this vineyard is located on the north side of the town, giving lots of sun during the longer days of Summer and the greatest amount of “cool time” in the evenings, which allows for greater structure on the palette. Hold it in your mouth for a moment and you’ll experience several different tastes in a short time. Make sure it’s extra cold-it’ll be extremely refreshing and with the wait! Domaines Ott Château de Selle, Côtes de Provence Rosé, 2020, ($49.99). It’s not very often that you use words like, “huge” and “full-bodied” when describing a Rose wine, but you will with this one. The vines of this
vineyard slope from North to South, producing distinctly different flavors that are carefully blended and bottled within weeks of fermentation. Plumb, citrus and wet stone notes abound in this one and, unlike many other Rose wines, it doesn’t just complement food , it stands up to it. Salads, seafood, grilled white meats and pungent cheeses are all excellent pairings for this, “Special Occasion” wine. When you think of top-notch Chardonnay, California’s Napa Valley should always be at or near the top of your list and one of the consistently best from there is Far Niente. The 2019 Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa, California, ($69.99) is a stunning wine- huge body and a distinctive structure that will present multiple profiles from start to finish. Gil Nikel, its Winemaker says, “Classically beautiful, my 2019 vintage opens with aromas of honeysuckle, white peach blossom and citrus zest, along with soft accents of vanilla. Silky stone fruit, lemon curd and honeydew flavors flow across the round, full palate, with lightly toasted oak, cool min-
August 19, 2021
erality and a lingering citrus note adding texture and depth. This is our 40th Anniversary vintage and I’m extremely proud of the hard work that’s been put in over the years”. Finally, the 2017 Schramsberg Brut Rose, North Coast, California, ($45.99), is the epitome of a superior Sparkling wine. 72% Pinot Noir; 28% Chardonnay. Hugh Davies and Sean Thompson, the winemaking team, have this to say:” This is an exceptionally well focused Rosé that, while deftly infused with a keen streak of yeasty richness, conveys continuous, fresh cherry fruit from start to finish and comes up a winner for its lively balance and its lovely finesse. It is long on effusive, very fine bubbles that simply refuse to quit and shows no small degree of complexity in a mannerly, neatly measured mix that, at every turn, is marked by exacting champenization, and it is wholly free of the vinous astringency to which some Rosés are prone”. This one is a great way to start or end a meal, especially with people that are special to you. Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo, Julia Mejia to Introduce a Home Rule Petition for an Elected Boston School Committee
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uring Wednesday’s Boston City Council meeting, Councilors Ricardo Arroyo (District 5) and Julia Mejia (At-Large) will introduce “An Act Relative to Reorganization of the Boston School Committee,” a Home Rule Petition that would alter the way the governing body of the school district is formed. If adopted and signed by the governor, Boston would move away from its all-appointed School Committee model and join the other 350 cities and towns of Massachusetts in allowing residents to decide the makeup of the committee by the year 2026. The home rule petition will mark the beginning of a robust public process that will include significant public input.The goal is to arrive at the eventual School Committee structure in partnership with residents all across the
City of Boston, ensuring the needs of students, families, and other stakeholders are incorporated into the final version of the home rule petition that is ultimately passed by the Boston City Council. Councilors Arroyo and Mejia believe that an elected school committee will lead to more community representation on educational matters and restore confidence in the decision-making process when it comes to our Boston Public Schools. “I believe an elected Boston School Committee will lead to greater community input and accountability,” said Councilor Arroyo. “I believe the residents of Boston are fully capable of deciding for themselves who should sit on the Boston School Committee and ensuring that those who do honor the best interests of our BPS families and stakeholders.”
“We’ve always said that nothing about us, without us, is for us. For too long, we have not had a voice in deciding who represents our parents, our teachers, and our children when it comes to designing the future of our school district,” said Councilor Mejia. “Changing to an elected School Committee is an opportunity to lead with the people’s voice, and we would not be here if it weren’t for the advo-
cates holding us all accountable to the work.” A recent Suffolk University and Boston Globe poll found that voters overwhelmingly oppose the appointed School Committee model, and groups, such as the Boston Coalition for Education Equity, are working toward a ballot question that would address the dissatisfaction Bostonians have with the current structure.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
Recent South Boston Real Estate Sales Property/Type
295 K Street Single Family 836 East Fourth Street Single Family 545 East Sixth Street Single Family 155 Dorchester Street Single Family 4 Godwin Court Single Family 155 Dorchester Street Single Family 155 Dorchester Street Condo 450 East Third St UNIT 2 Condo 139 M St UNIT 3 Condo 732 East Eighth St UNIT 1 Condo 545 East Fifth St UNIT 2 Condo 103 Old Harbor St UNIT 3 Condo 562 East Eighth St UNIT 1 Condo 103 Old Harbor St UNIT 1 Condo 154 F St UNIT 2 Condo 31 West Fifth St UNIT 3 Condo 19 Knowlton St UNIT 2 Condo 350 West Fourth St UNIT 304 Condo 571 East Broadway UNIT 1 Condo 45 West Broadway UNIT 205 Condo 125 Farragut Rd UNIT 32 Condo 26 Ward St UNIT 1 Condo
Rooms Baths
Virtual Public Meeting
Price
Sale Date
Sq Ft
$1,925,000
6/30/2021
10
2f 2h
2,721
$1,825,000
6/24/2021
7
1
1,711
$1,275,000
6/30/2021
10
3.5
2,470
$940,000
6/23/2021
7
2.5
1,788
$885,000
6/16/2021
10
2.5
2,280
$560,000
6/3/2021
5
1
763
$549,000
6/2/2021
3
1
632
$545,000
6/14/2021
4
1
560
$540,000
6/24/2021
3
1
645
$535,000
6/14/2021
3
1
500
$528,000
6/9/2021
3
1
520
$522,900
6/16/2021
4
1
614
$519,900
6/29/2021
3
1
611
$512,500
6/11/2021
4
1
592
$499,000
6/2/2021
4
1
556
$489,900
6/2/2021
4
1
556
$489,000
6/1/2021
4
1
630
$480,000
6/25/2021
4
1
472
$475,000
6/16/2021
3
1
609
$436,827
6/17/2021
3
1
740
$426,000
6/4/2021
3
1
450
Pier 4 Public Meeting
$380,000
6/4/2021
2
1
475
Thursday, September 2
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
Public Meeting
6:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/3yAI8AY Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 781 5760
Project Description:
Family Owned & Operated Since 1929
617-268-4662
Automatic Delivery Quality Fuel Oil Service Contracts Budgets Discounts Expert Oil Burner Service Complete Heating Service Boiler and Furnace Installations Oil Tank Protection Plans ORDER OIL ONLINE
MetroEnergyBoston.com 641 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127
Public meeting to discuss the Notice of Project Change and the Planned Development Area (PDA) amendment. The notice of project change for Pier IV is to describe the proposed work and formalize the approval of the development of a public marina facility including a floating marina support building for a restroom/ storage/service uses in the watersheet around Pier 4 (“the Marina”). All benefits of the previously approved project phases will be maintained. 作为波士顿居民和利益相 关者，所述文件包含对您来说至关重要的信息。可以提供翻译服务以传达这些文件的内容， 您无需承担任何额外费用。如果您需要翻译服务，请通过以下方式进行联系：(caitlin. coppinger@boston.gov) (617-918-4280) 作為波士頓居民與利害相關者，所述文檔包含對 您來說至關重要的資訊。可以提供翻譯服務以傳達這些文檔的內容，您無需承擔任何額外費 用。如果您需要翻譯服務，請透過以下方式進行聯絡：(caitlin.coppinger@boston.gov) (617-918-4280) Project URL: bit.ly/3jEDETK mail to:
phone: email:
Caitlin Coppinger Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4280 caitlin.coppinger@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 9/9/2021
BostonPlans.org
The Evolution of Oil heat
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
Coffee With The Mayor At Medal Of Honor Park
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n the dog days of August and Wednesday was one of those days, the annual Mayor’s Coffee Hour was held at M Street Park. Mayor Kim Janey out did herself in her first Coffee Hour in South Bos-
ton. She and her staff from various departments were on hand to listen and speak to residents in the South Boston community, while enjoying an iced coffee from Dunkies, raffles, giveaways and receiving a potted
plant to bring home. Haley Dillon, South Boston Liaison from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services did an outstanding job in planning this event. The children’s portion of the event
was one of the best and it showed as summer camps, children of all ages, parents, grandparents, nannies, etc… were in attendance enjoying pizza, Richie’s Slush, bouncy houses, face painting and a take home book.
August 19, 2021
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Youth Fishing Tournament at Fan Pier Marina
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his event is one of the highlights of the summer for the 34 Boston area high school students we employ to help lead our free youth and beach programs each year,” said Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Executive Director Chris Mancini. “They work hard to help us share Boston’s spectacular harbor all summer long. Today’s a chance for them to enjoy it for themselves.” “This event is about more than just
fishing,” said tournament host Ann Legasse of Fan Pier Marina. “It is about actually catching fish on one of the cleanest harbors in the nation. It is great to see so many young winners on the dock at Fan Pier.” According to Save the Harbor’s Director of Strategy & Communications Bruce Berman, who organized the tournament from his boat “Verandah”, recent changes to regulations designed to protect the larger spawnng age female fish, which can
From left to right: Front Row: Qalid Hassan of South Boston and Jason Rundle of Allston. Back Row: Danny Nguyen of Dorchester, Aidan Haney of Holbrook, Mary Kate Hart of South Boston, Treyvon Morning of South Boston, Julian Naggy of Dorchester, McRae Weiderer of South Boston, and Kasey Corra of West Roxbury.
Trupanion Reveals Top 10 Dog Names and Breeds in Celebration of National Dog Day 2021
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n advance of National Dog Day (August 26), Trupanion, the leader in medical insurance for pets, has released its anticipated list of most popular dog names and breeds for 2021. Surveying its database of more than 600,000 insured pets, Trupanion has compiled a tail-wagger of a top 10 list.
carry half a million eggs, made this year’s tournament better for the fish and for the anglers. “Rather than targeting big striped bass as we have in the past” said Berman, “this year we focused on safely releasing bigger fish and catching fish in the new slot limit, bigger than 28 inches but smaller than 35 inches in length overall. Though we couldn’t keep any “trophy fish” this year there were plenty of fish for everyone. It is an important first step towards mak-
Mary Kate Hart of South Boston (with fish in center) fishing on Marine Max was one of 4 South Boston teens who were among the winners at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Youth Fishing Tournament at Fan Pier Marina.
After ranking third in 2020, dogs named “Bella” put their zoomies to good work over the past year, bursting to the top with the most popular name in 2021. New names to the list this year include Molly and Lola. National Dog Day honors all breeds, and it is indeed the lovable mixed breed that always tops the charts. After that, the Labrador Retriever leads the pack for most popular breed in 2021; a lead they have enjoyed for decades. Top 10 most popular dog names for 2021 1. Bella 2. Luna 3. Charlie 4. Lucy 5. Max 6. Daisy
7. Bailey 8. Cooper 9. Molly 10. Lola Top 10 most popular dog breeds for 2021 1. Labrador Retriever 2. Golden Retriever 3. Goldendoodle 4. German Shepherd 5. Labradoodle 6. Shih Tzu 7. French Bulldog 8. Chihuahua 9. Yorkshire Terrier 10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Founded in 2000, Trupanion’s first pet ever insured was Monty - the adorable adopted dog of Trupanion’s founder and CEO, Darryl Rawlings. Since then, Trupanion has gone on to insure more than 2 million pets over the past two decades.
ing this iconic fishery sustainable for future generations. “ Each of the captains who donated their boats for the tournament received gift packages of wasabi, soy sauce and ponzu to make sashimi, as well as garlic, lime and sirracha hot sauce to make a spicy ceviche at the start of the tournament, and a case of Harpoon Beer when they returned to the dock for lunch and an award ceremony at Fan Pier. “Salt water, sunshine and fishing are the perfect recipe for a great day on the water,” said Berman. Thanks to everyone who took part and helped make this great event a success.”
9 local teens were big winners at this year’s Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Youth Fishing Tournament at Fan Pier Marina on August 10, including four from South Boston
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
August 19, 2021
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This week,
Danny reacted to Bill Belichick still not publicly committing to Cam Newton:
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here is only one reason and one reason only for Bill Belichick to be creating a quarterback “competition” right now in New England. And that’s to motivate Cam Newton. No, Mac Jones should not be the Patriots’ starting quarterback in Week 1. I don’t care how high he was drafted. I don’t care how good he is in his first training camp. I don’t care how high his ceiling is. There is absolutely no need to rush Jones to the No. 1 QB spot. Since the day the Patriots drafted Jones out of Alabama with the No. 15 overall pick in this year’s draft, I’ve told you that Belichick is still going to stick with Newton as his top dog. Even though there are some in the media who are singing high praise of Jones right now as the preseason rolls on, I’m sticking to my guns on this one. And Belichick is sticking with Newton. So why leave room for speculation by still refusing to name Newton your Week 1 starter, if you’re Belichick? Again, there’s only one reason for that. Motivation. Newton is 32 years old. He was horrible last year in his first season
Drink
with the Patriots. He’s now returned for a second year in New England on another one-year deal. Yes, the contract has incentives. But those incentives didn’t really work last year. So what other incentives can you add? There’s really only one other thing you can do, if you’re Belichick. And that’s to create a fake QB “competition” in training camp and through the preseason. So, that’s exactly what we have now, a phony competition to see who the Patriots’ Week 1 starter will be. Even though, deep down inside, Belichick knows he’s not going to rush Jones into that spot, as long as Newton is healthy and able to start against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 12 at Gillette Stadium. If I’m wrong on this one, I’ll be shocked. I realize some of you won’t be shocked at all, because many in New England view Jones to be the next franchise quarterback. Your eyes light up when you see him complete a pass over the middle in the preseason. You want Jones and you want Jones right now. Your mindset is probably, “What do they have to lose?” My mindset is similar, only I ask that same question with regards to Newton as the
Week 1 starter. What do the Patriots really have to lose if they start the season with Newton under center, and let Jones begin his NFL career on the bench? Keep in mind, I’m functioning as someone who is still upset that Tom Brady is not the Patriots’ quarterback. And I understand that it’s never going to get better than that. Jones is not going to be Brady. And obviously, neither is Newton. But at least Newton has been to a Super Bowl. Plus, it’s not as if Jones’ career is going to suddenly spiral out of control if he has to hold the clipboard his rookie season. It’s been done before. And it’s worked before. Does that mean we don’t ever see Jones as the Patriots’ starter this year? I never said that. If Newton struggles the first four or five weeks of the regular season, then yes, you can expect Belichick to make a change. But it’d be utterly ridiculous for the greatest coach of all time to prepare for failure. So, what is Belichick doing instead? He’s preparing Newton for success. And what better way to do that? Keep him motivated with something more than con-
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tractual incentives. Because let’s be honest, Newton’s bank account is probably set for life. But clearly, he doesn’t want to be embarrassed by a rookie QB. Just look at his instagram post the day after the first preseason game in which Jones came off the bench and showed some promise. “I’m far from perfect…but loyalty, I deserve it,” Newton wrote in the instagram caption. He said later that the post had nothing to do with football. Oh ok. Sounds good buddy. The reality is, that “loyalty” post is exactly what Belichick wants to see from Newton right now. He knows Newton can still play. That’s why he re-signed him. He wants Newton to take this QB “competition” personal. He wants to keep Newton motivated. And as long as Jones’ presence on the Patriots’ sideline pushes Newton to play every snap as if his job is on the line, then the Patriots — and Newton — will be far better than they were last season. Remember that the next time Belichick says “We’ll do what’s best for the team.” Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.
i ng k r p a do w n h t t h a wa l k b e ac e s e Thursday - Sunday t l o a k e a e r t h o us ’ n “Do t !” T r af t f am i p s . i ng 10am to 12 Midnight e sp o o re o y t h e a k t me t h ge t Friday & Saturday b e f e n jo c k s t d s o ’t f o r d n a n am ro o d a . Do n 10am to 1:00am h t f o o ne S a y Stoli Blueberry Vodka G re e ve r d ays . and Pink Lemonade! f o r h Fr y PUB & GRILL Fi s The Shamrock Pub & Grill - 501 East Eighth Street - South Boston - 617-268-0007 www.shamrockpubboston.com
of the Week
The Shamr ck
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
SPORTS TODAY
August 19, 2021
WHATTOWATCH
CELTICS, Tweet SMART AGREE of the TO FOUR-YEAR Week EXTENSION
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MLB FRIDAY, AUG. 20 Texas at Boston 7:10 P.M. NESN SATURDAY, AUG. 21 Texas at Boston 7:10 P.M. NESN SUNDAY, AUG. 22 Texas at Boston 1:10 P.M. NESN GOLF THURS, AUG. 19 - SUN, AUG. 22 The Northern Trust 1 P.M. GOLFC/CBS WWE SATURDAY, AUG. 21 SummerSlam 8 P.M. ET WWEN/Peacock
SBT Staff
he Boston Celtics and point guard Marcus Smart agreed to a four-year, $77 million contract extension this week, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Smart, 27, was entering the final year of his previous four-year deal, which was worth a total of $52 million. The new four-year extension won’t kick in until after the 2021-22 season, which essentially puts him under contract with the Celtics on a five-year, $90 million deal, worth an average annual salary of $18 million. With the Celtics trading Kemba Walker, Smart looks to be Boston’s starting point guard for the foreseeable future. Smart will be sharing time with newly signed point guard Dennis Schroder, who agreed to a one-year “bet on yourself” deal with Boston last week, that’s worth just $5.9 million. Schroder, 27, was an unrestricted free agent. He averaged 15.4 points per game and 5.8 assists per game in 61 games with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. He reportedly turned down a four-year, $80 million extension to stay with the Lakers last season.
NFL THURSDAY, AUG. 19 Preseason Week 2 New England at Philadelphia 7:30 P.M. NFLN
SOX NOTES: SALE SUCCESSFUL IN RETURN, SHAW CLAIMED OFF WAIVERS
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SBT Staff
hris Sale is officially back. The Red Sox’ ace made his first start since 2019 on Saturday, picking up a win over the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Sale struck out eight in five innings. He allowed two runs on back-to-back solo home runs in the third inning, while walking none and throwing 89 pitches. Sale is scheduled to start again on
Friday night at Fenway on five days rest, against the Texas Rangers. -Speaking of returns, infielder Travis Shaw is back in Boston. The Red Sox claimed Shaw off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend. Shaw, 31, played in 56 games for the Milwaukee Brewers this season, hitting just .191 with an abysmal OPS of .616. Spending most of those 56 games at third base, Shaw had six home runs
and 28 RBI while striking out 51 times in 178 at bats. The Red Sox drafted Shaw in 2011, and Shaw made his debut with Boston in 2015. In two seasons with the Red Sox — before being traded for reliever Tyler Thornburg before the 2017 season — Shaw hit .251 with a total of 29 home runs, 107 RBI, and an OPS of .754. Shaw, a left-handed hitter, is expected to split time at first base.
PATRIOTS QB BATTLE HEATS UP IN WEEK 2 OF PRESEASON
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SBT Staff
n an instagram post after the Patriots’ preseason win over Washington last week, Cam Newton took to instagram, posting a compilation of 10 pictures of himself, with a caption that read, “I’m far from perfect…but loyalty, I deserve it.” Some in the media took that to be a message from Newton to the Patriots, who drafted Mac Jones in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. Jones, is undoubtedly in a real competition with Newton for the Patriots’ starting quarterback job when the team begins the regular season on Sept. 12 at home against the Miami Dolphins.
In the first preseason game against Washington — a 22-13 win, Newton made the start under center for New England, playing in just two offensive possessions. On those two opening possessions, Newton went 4-for-7 for 49 yards passing, throwing no touchdowns and no interceptions. Jones entered the game at the end of the first quarter, and stayed in the game through the third quarter, finishing 13-of-19 for 87 yards passing. He also threw no touchdowns and no interceptions. Veteran Brian Hoyer played the fourth quarter and went 2-for-4 for 14 passing yards. Newton later said the instagram post about “loyalty” had nothing to
do with football. However, considering the circumstances of him not yet outplaying the rookie out of Alabama, it’s not too conspiratorial to admit that the timing of his “loyalty” instagram post definitely questionable. Bill Belichick is on the record saying Newton is his starting quarterback. And Newton was in the first preseason game, and Newton most likely will be again in the second preseason game this week in Philadelphia. But Belichick has not yet committed to anyone specific at the quarterback position in Week 1. Newton will most likely play the entire first half against the Eagles in this week’s preseason game. Needless to say, his job might be on the line.