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Christmas Has A Curious History
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December 23, 2021: Vol.9 Issue 50
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hristmas is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for coming together with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love. Christmas, the Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin. It was this love for which Jesus came to this world and sacrificed his life. Though originated by the Roman Catholics
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December 23, 2021
EDITORIAL Truly a Special Time of the Year - Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
T
here is no other time of the year that even comes close to being similar. To children, the Christmas season is magical. It’s a time in their lives when memories are made that will live forever. Even when we become adults, those Christmas memories; especially if they are caught in photos or video will bring smiles to our faces. It’s one of the good things in life; happy times to cherish forever and pass on to new family members as they grow. The brilliantly lit Christmas trees and neighborhood homes, the gifts, the pageants, the music, the movies we look forward to year after year, the time spent with family and good friends and the image of Santa everywhere you turn adds to the tradition that so many people hold so near and dear to their hearts. That it was all started with the birth of the Jesus more than 2000 years ago is the reason for the season and makes this time of year not only festive but also sacred to more than 2 billion people Christians around the world and certainly to the people of South Boston. But you don’t have to be a Christian to
Publisher
Church Mass and Service Schedules Christmas Eve and Christmas Day St. Peter Church: Christmas Day – 9am English, 10:30am Lithuanian St. Monica Church: Christmas Day - 10:30 English, 12:30 Spanish Seaport Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage: Christmas Eve – 4pm, 7pm and 11pm, all in English Christmas Day – 9:30am and 11:30am all in English
celebrate Christmas, just as you don’t have to be of the Jewish faith to celebrate Hanukkah. In America, all are invited and welcome to enjoy. Though there are those who feel too much is made of this beautiful holiday/Holy day, the option is always there to not celebrate or take part in the festivities. But they should remember, that whether they like it or not, whether they wish to celebrate it or not, Christmas is a federal holiday and will come around every December 25th – on that we can all be sure. So why not get in the spirit and enjoy what so many refer to as ‘The most wonderful time of the year’. From all of us here at South Boston Today to our friends and neighbors, have a Merry Christmas. May this year bring good tidings to one and all. And also, to our friends of the Jewish Faith, Happy Hanukkah.
John Ciccone
St. Brigid Church: Christmas Eve – 2pm, 4pm. Christmas Day – 8am, 10:30am Gate of Heaven Church: Christmas Eve – 2pm (Children’s Pageant), 4pm, 9pm Christmas Day – 9am St. Augustine Chapel: Christmas Eve – 5pm (Limited Seating) St. George Cathedral Albanian Orthodox: Christmas Eve – 6pm Christmas Day – 10am Fourth Presbyterian Church: Christmas Eve – 7pm
To The Flynn Family The staff and team at South Boston Today extend the very best wishes to former Mayor of Boston and Ambassador to the Vatican, Ray Flynn, for a speedy recovery from his recent medical challenge. We hope to see Cathy and Ray out and about in the community once again and soon. Rest well during this Christmas and Holiday Season and may 2022 be healthy for the entire Flynn Family.
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December 23, 2021
Information Center The
The ‘Non-Woke’ New Spiderman Film
Finally a New Movie That Doesn’t Lecture And Preach. No Propaganda! SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone
R
egular readers of this column know that it’s not a forum for movie reviews. But this week, I’d like to make an exception if you’ll indulge for at least part of it. The Christmas season is traditionally the time of year when Hollywood releases the largest number of new films. There was a time when Americans flocked to theaters by the many millions to catch the latest releases around Christmastime and often on Christmas Day afternoon. But, as has been the case for the last several years, attendance at movie theaters has been dropping faster than what’s left of Brandon’s favorability ratings. And one of the biggest reasons that most Americans know, but Hollywood will never admit, is because basically, the majority of new releases are boring propaganda that seek to lecture, scold and shame people for the lives they lead. The well-known fact that most Americans are turned off when they are being preached to and insulted has caused movie theater attendance to be sparse and the money made by them to fall off drastically, because the majority of new films do just that. But ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ is different – and thank God. It’s totally ‘non-Woke’. In other words, it doesn’t tell the viewers that they are racists, shame them if they are White, chastise them if they own guns, make fun of them if they are Christians and refer to anyone who lives in the South or traditional urban or suburban communities as rednecks, hillbillies and “uneducated rubes”, as fading actress Bette Midler recently stated. And because of this, the word of mouth from those who have seen it has caused the theaters to be jammed. The concept is simple really: Start making films again about topics that most Americans can relate to and that really entertain, and they will come. But continue to put out political trash, based on the
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
agendas of its leftists producers and directors, and the movie industry will continue to wither away and die. ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ is action packed and fast moving, it might start off slightly slow, but that’s done in an effort to let the momentum build. The acting is great, the story is upbeat, and the special effects will dazzle. And something that has been noticeably missing in films made in recent years - acknowledging that America is a good country - has returned with this film. So many modern-day movies contain that not-so-subtle message that pride in being an American is somehow ignorant and evil. You won’t find that in this film, and this is one big reason that its blowing away the competition. While all the new Woke films are going down in flames as far as box office success, Spiderman: No Way Home is going through the roof. So, will this be the beginning of the resurgence of the crowds returning to the theaters and save Hollywood from going out of business and extinct? That’s hard to tell. It could be, but that would mean those who produce the films will have to change their ways and finally return to giving the public what they want. So many Hollywood policy makers, being the arrogant, joyless liberal elitists and yes, perverts that they are, would probably prefer to have all their teeth pulled out than to produce movies that provide real entertainment with values that most Americans can relate to. Moving on to the latest round of announced mandates, the recent announcements remind several of our readers of that well known definition of insanity: ‘Keep doing the same things over and over and expect different results’. We’re into the second year of this and if what we’re being told is true, and at this point,
most are skeptical of anything that is announced from official sources, particularly from the federal level, that cases of Covid and new ‘variants’ are continuing to climb, apparently mask and vaccine mandates don’t work. I say that because those states that have stopped mandates are showing the most progress. I was told by a doctor who spent nearly a half hour telling me how important getting the shot(s) was that even though he strongly recommends the shots, there is no way, at this point, that anyone, medical expert or not, can know for sure if there will be any serious future
negative effects from the vaccines and now these boosters. He stated further that anyone who says its known either doesn’t know what they are talking about, or they are lying to you. I personally don’t judge others on this issue. Those who want the vax should by all means get it. Those who don’t should have that right as well. But when the city tells dedicated police officers, firefighters and other city employees who have serious concerns about what is certainly the unknown, that if they don’t get the shots, they will lose their jobs and their pensions, in my view, that is dead wrong.
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
December 23, 2021
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.
Senate President Spilka reveals she had a ‘mild stroke’ in November After five weeks of absence from the State House, Senate President Karen Spilka took to the chamber Monday morning. The reason for her leave? In an interview with NBC10 Boston, Spilka said she experienced a “mild stroke” on Nov. 15, the same day she was scheduled to travel to the White House for the signing of a $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill. The trip was called off that Monday and the Senate president was not seen in the building in for weeks. “I had what my doctors diagnosed as a mild stroke. I’m fine. In fact, I’m feeling great now. But I wanted
to speak out because I think it’s really important for people to hear about what happened to me from me,” Spilka said in the interview. “I was very tired. I was very fatigued afterwards. And my doctor said to rest, that was his prescription to me.” Good news We have some good news for the MASSterList community! Two weeks ago we told you about a shortage of toys for ABCD’s annual winter holiday toy drive. Well, because of you and many others, the organization managed to reach their toy drive goal of 6,000 toys. “With the pandemic still impacting the
families we serve in Boston and the Mystic Valley region – with jobs lost and soaring prices – many parents had very limited resources for buying gifts for their children this year,” said ABCD President and CEO John Drew. “We knew we had to help them put smiles on their children’s faces after this difficult year, as the ABCD Toy Drive has done for more than 50 years.” ‘Exponential rise of omicron’ Omicron is starting to create a deluge of cases in New England. Specialists with the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness warned that the new variant is leading to a surge
in cases all around the region. Boston Globe’s Travis Andersen reports that the consortium is led by Harvard Medical School and officials there are cautioning of an “exponential rise of omicron everywhere” in New England. ‘Near-universal protection’ A new report from the state Department of Public Health finds that even though cases of COVID-19 are climbing among vaccinated people, the effects are not leading to serious illness. MassLive’s Noah R. Bombard reports that DPH says 97 percent of all breakthrough COVID cases have not resulted in hospitalization or death.
South Boston Students Inducted into National Honor Society at BC High
B
oston, MA: The following students have been inducted into the Robert J. Fulton, SJ Chapter of the National Honor Society at Boston College High School: • Hayes McCarron (Class of 2023) • Patrick McCarron (Class of 2023) • Eddie Tirabassi (Class of 2023) The National Honor Society (NHS) was created by the Na-
tional Association of Secondary School Principals to recognize high school students who have distinguished themselves in their school and community. Each year eligible juniors and seniors are invited to apply for membership in NHS. Applications are reviewed by a committee of BC High teachers to confirm that each student
has attained a high standard of each of these characteristics: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. At BC High, NHS members are committed to service in the school and in the broader community. All students applying for membership must be current with the completion of required community services hours for their
grade level at BC High. After induction into NHS, all members are expected to offer significant service to the school community as tutors in the Academic Resource Center, as ambassadors at Open House and Admissions events, and in other capacities. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is required of all applicants. Beyond the grade point average, applicants must be a positive presence in their academic classes. They must show initiative and dependability, work well with other students, exhibit a strong work ethic, and demonstrate openness to growth. About Boston College High School: Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in grades 7 to 12. Founded in 1863, the school enrolls approximately 1,500 students from more than 140 communities in eastern Massachusetts. For more information please visit bchigh.edu.
December 23, 2021
Dear Neighbors
I
hope you and your families are staying safe and well during this Christmas and holiday season. As 2021 draws to a close, I am writing to provide you with a summary of the key areas of our work at the City Council this year: public health & vaccinations, pedestrian & public safety, housing & development, environment & resiliency, civil rights, and quality of life issues. With a new surge of COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant quickly becoming the dominant strain in the country, I will continue working closely with Public Health officials, local nonprofits and community partners to continue our efforts to encourage people to get vaccinated and to get their boosters to combat the virus. With holiday gatherings taking place soon, it is critical that everyone gets vaccinated, boosted, and rapid tested if possible before seeing family and loved ones. We know that vaccines are currently the most effective way of providing protection against COVID-19 and preventing serious complications, hospitalizations, and death. We have to work together as a City to do our part so that we do not overwhelm our first responders and healthcare providers during this wave. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, and a safe and happy holiday season. Ed
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
Below are highlights of our work this year: Public Health • Refiled hearing to discuss the creation of a Frontline Workers COVID-19 Health Registry; • Refiled hearing to discuss ways for the City to be more proactive in providing services, educating the public, and raising awareness for those infected with HIV/AIDS; • Refiled and held a hearing to discuss large house parties and gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic; • Sponsored and passed a resolution supporting our nurses and healthcare workers at the Boston VNA; Quality of Life • Refiled and held a hearing and working session to discuss pest control and illegal dumping; • Refiled hearing to discuss updates on the status and enforcement of the Short Term Rentals Ordinance; • Called and held hearing to discuss the proliferation of electronic billboards in the City of Boston; • Called and held hearing to discuss increasing fines for large house parties disturbing neighbors’ quality of life; Environment and Resiliency • Called for hearing on the process for tree removals in the City of Boston; • Called and held hearing to discuss investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure & electrifying the City of Boston’s vehicle fleet; Traffic and Public Safety • Refiled and held a hearing to discuss safety of construction sites; • Called and held a hearing to discuss water rescue infrastructure in the City of Boston; • Refiled hearing to discuss establishing a traffic master plan for South Boston; • Called for using the a portion of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funding for the city to be dedicated to address pedestrian safety infrastructure needs; Civil and Human Rights • Refiled and held a hearing on internet access and digital equity; • Called for a hearing to discuss ways for the City to prevent and investigate incidents of hate crimes and discrimination;
• Co-sponsored hearing to hearing on domestic violence and sexual assault in the City of Boston; • Called and held hearing to discuss ways for the City to increase communication access for people with disabilities to public-facing televisions; • Sponsored and passed resolution in support of H. 3115 “An Act Ensuring Equitable Representation in the Commonwealth”; • Sponsored and passed resolution in support Of S.D.972 And H.D.1653 “An Act To Reform The Hate Crimes Statutes”; Housing and Development • Called and held hearing to discuss zoning and the community outreach process for life sciences laboratories in the City of Boston; • Opposed projects unfavorable to abutters & neighborhood associations; • Brought Inspectional Services to meet with concerned neighbors; Social and Economic Justice • Called for hearing to discuss renewal fees for restaurants and food establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic; • Called and held a hearing to discuss the impact of CORI on access to employment and other opportunities; • Called and held hearing and working session to discuss property taxes and assistance programs for seniors & long-term residents facing difficulties during COVID19; • Co-sponsored and held a hearing regarding maximizing workforce de-
velopment opportunities in biotechnology for Boston residents; • Called for hearing to discuss renewal fees for restaurants and food establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic; Veteran Affairs • Called and held a hearing to hearing to discuss services for women veterans; • Sponsored and passed a Resolution celebrating Always Ask, Proud to Tell Day; • Sponsored and passed resolution commemorating Memorial Day and honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice for our country; • Sponsored and passed resolution recognizing April As Month of The Military Child; Other Actions • Sponsored and passed a resolution in support of H.D.4120 “an Act Relative To The Educational Needs Of Students Whose Education Was Negatively Impacted By The Covid-19 Emergency”; • Sponsored and passed resolution in Support Of S.D.1313, “An Act Relative To The Structure Of The Fiscal Management And Control Board”; • Sponsored and passed resolution In Support Of H.D. 1167, “an Act Concerning Genocide Education” And S.D. 1592, “An Act Advancing And Promoting Genocide Education”. For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
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December 23, 2021
MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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ayor Wu announces studies to assess Linkage fee and inclusionary development levels, updated transfer fee legislation, audit of City-owned
property, and plans for a rent stabilization advisory group, led by newlyrenamed Mayor’s Office of Housing Mayor Michelle Wu announced a series of actions to increase affordable housing and stabilize communities, commissioning two feasibility studies to shape updates to Boston’s policies. First, a study of the existing Inclusionary Development Program requirements and market conditions will consider how Boston can achieve or exceed 20 percent affordability in new construction, up from the current level of 13 percent. The Mayor is also considering taking executive action alongside the study to reduce the number of units that trigger affordability rules and deepen affordability levels. Secondly, a study of Linkage fees will assess the
Article 80 Meeting Schedule
Dorchester Bay City The BPDA will be hosting a series of Virtual Public Meetings in connection with the submission of the Draft Project Impact Report for the proposed Dorchester Bay City project. These upcoming topic-specific Public Meetings follow an initial Kick-Off Public Meeting, which was held on December 15th.
January 10,2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting | Transportation, Infrastructure, Sustainability and Resiliency Register Here: bit.ly/3ysaUEy January 20th, 2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting | Housing & Economic Development Register Here: bit.ly/30szFDY
January 31, 2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting | Inclusive Public Realm Improvements and Placemaking Register Here: bit.ly/3s9UXC2 February 17, 2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting |Urban Design & Open Space Register Here: bit.ly/3J3mbjI
All vital project documents, including an Executive Summary of the Draft Project Impact Report, are available for review in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese on the Dorchester Bay City project webpage on the BPDA’s website. Interpretation will be provided for all Public Meetings in Spanish, Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, and Cantonese. To submit a comment on this Proposed Project in a language other than English please email bpdawebcontent@boston.gov. If you have any questions about the BPDA review of the Dorchester Bay City project, please contact: Aisling Kerr at (617) 918 - 4212 or by email at aisling.kerr@boston.gov BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
feasibility of increasing funding for affordable housing and workforce training from new development, including from lab space. Mayor Wu also announced the start of an audit of all City-owned property to leverage the city’s significant real estate holdings to create more affordable and supportive housing. The Mayor confirmed that she will be submitting a revised home rule petition in January for a real estate transfer fee to generate new resources for affordable housing, while expanding property tax relief for senior homeowners who have been longtime owner-occupants of their homes. Finally, Mayor Wu announced that she will be forming a Rent Stabilization Advisory Group to consider the tools available and necessary to protect tenants and stem displacement, with a goal of drafting legislation for the next state legislative session. “With these actions, we’re taking our first major steps towards addressing Boston’s housing crisis,” said Mayor Wu. “Our city must build more affordable housing, leverage our wealth and resources to fight displacement, and protect tenants. Housing must be the foundation for our recovery, and this work begins immediately.” “The Office of Housing is ready to implement these new policies to create additional affordable housing and increase tenant protections, ensuring that all Bostonians have a safe, affordable home,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “The pandemic has shown everyone what we always knew – safe, affordable housing is critical to maintaining good health, economic stability, and is the cornerstone of stable neighborhoods.” “This is the bold leadership that Boston needs. I am incredibly excited by these steps and am confident that they are only the beginning of Mayor Wu’s push for housing equity,” said Councilor Lydia Edwards. Inclusionary Development Program The newly-named Mayor’s Of-
fice of Housing is commissioning a feasibility study, to be completed within 150 days, to evaluate how to meet or exceed a 20 percent affordability requirement, up from the current level of 13 percent. The Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) was initiated in 2000 to require private residential developers to contribute affordable housing resources as part of their market rate development. Through November 2021, developers have created a total of 3,627 units of incomerestricted housing through on-site or off-site units. Contributions by developers to the IDP Fund have led to the creation or preservation of 2,319 additional income-restricted units, for a total of 5,946 units created because of the IDP. The IDP was last revised in December 2015. “I applaud Mayor Wu for putting our communities first with these steps to reform IDP and make housing more affordable in Boston,” said Noemi Ramos, Executive Director of New England United 4 Justice. “We are in a housing crisis with rising rents and soaring costs. We need leadership to move quickly and place housing at the top of the agenda, and that’s exactly what the Wu administration is doing today. I support these measures as a first step toward delivering housing justice, and I look forward to partnering to make the urgent changes we need.” Linkage Mayor Wu also announced today the commission of a new study required to make significant changes to Boston’s commercial Linkage policy. Through the Linkage policy, large commercial real estate developers building new commercial space are required to make payments to the Neighborhood Housing Trust and the Neighborhood Jobs Trust to fund affordable housing and workforce training. This study is expected to be completed within 150 days. As with the IDP feasibility study, recent legislation requires the completion of a new Linkage study in order for the City
continued on page 18
December 23, 2021
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
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B Together: Mayor Wu’s Statement Regarding Vaccine Requirements Dear Residents, As COVID-19 cases rise, the best way for Boston to stay healthy and support our communities, our businesses, and cultural institutions is for more people to get vaccinated. That is why today, we are announcing B Together — Boston’s COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Select Indoor Spaces — which will take effect on a rolling basis by age group starting on Saturday, January 15, 2022. For more information, please visit boston.gov/b-together. A summary of the information available on the B Together webpage is included below. Starting on January 15, people in the City of Boston will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to enter certain indoor spaces in Boston: • Indoor dining, including bars
and nightclubs • Indoor fitness • Indoor entertainment People working in those locations will also be required to be vaccinated. Businesses are responsible for placing a public notice at the front entrance stating that proof of vaccination is required, and checking proof of vaccination upon entry. To enter one of the establishments listed above, you will need to show that you are vaccinated against COVID-19. That verification can be done with: • A CDC vaccination card • A digital image of your CDC card • An image of any official immunization record • A City-designated app or any other COVID vaccine verification app The City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commission will
Boston Looks To Proof Of Vax Requirement To Curb Cases
B
oston Mayor Michelle Wu’s has issued a new order requiring proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, theatres, sports venues, and gyms that kicks in next month. The mandate extends to city workers, who will need to have at least one jab by Jan. 15 and two doses by Feb. 15. At her announcement at Boston City Hall, protesters started outside and then moved inside during the announcement. They could be heard chanting, singing the Star-Spangled Banner, and yelling “shame on Wu.” “There is nothing more American than coming together to ensure that we are taking care of each other, that each and every one of our community members is safe, is healthy, and has access to the future and the opportunities they deserve,” Wu said in response to protestors. Some feel the new rule will cause more problems than it solves. “This is really going to hurt consumer confidence in all and I think it’s going to be really tough for small business,” said Chris Coombs,
the owner of Deuxave restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay. “The logistics around auditing vaccinations. Are they real? Are they fake? Did the guests forget one? Do we take them at their word if they say they got one? The logistics around this are going to be really challenging.” Other support the move. “It really takes the onus off of us,” said Temple Gill, spokesperson for the Huntington Theatre Company in the South End. The venue has been requiring customers to show proof of vaccination since it reopened in August. “Vaccine checks have been going very smoothly. Our audiences are very appreciative of all of the protocols that we have put in place,” she said. The requirement will likely draw legal challenges, with Boston Herald’s Erin Tiernan reporting that unions for city employees are in talks with attorneys and reviewing legal options. An organizer for Boston First Responders was blunter, saying the organization is ready to “take this to court if we have to.” The legal question is interesting and
continue to support public vaccination clinics across all Boston neighborhoods throughout the coming weeks. Vaccines are free and you do not need to make an appointment or show proof of insurance. For a complete list of the places you can get vaccinated in Boston, please visit our COVID-19 vaccine In Boston resource page.
Individuals can also get vaccinated at pharmacies, community health centers, and through their healthcare providers. The state also continues to run an At-Home Vaccination Program. You can read more about that program online. The City of Boston is committed to keeping everyone in our city safe and healthy in order to continue our pandemic recovery. Vaccinations are the most powerful tool we have to fight this pandemic, save lives, and support our communities, workers, businesses, and cultural institutions. B Together is a necessary step in the fight against this pandemic, and I thank all our residents for your help in making sure we continue to protect our families, our neighbors, and ourselves. Thank you, Michelle Wu - Mayor of the City of Boston
we’ll be watching closely for any action in court. It is important to note here that there is an already ongoing legal battle at the federal level with President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 employees or more. A ruling in November had blocked the mandate but a federal appeals court in Cincinnati reinstated the measure last week. There are already calls from Republicans and businesses across the nation asking the United States Supreme Court to halt the order. Even here in Massachusetts, a challenge from a State Police union to Gov. Charlie Baker’s vaccine mandate for executive employees was dismissed by the Department of Labor Relations earlier this month. As to how much precedent all of that sets for any potential legal chal-
lenges here in Massachusetts, we’ll have to wait and see. But what we do know is that requiring proof of vaccination to enter establishments isn’t a new tactic. New York City put one in place months ago and released a proofof-vaccination app where residents could virtually store their vaccination card and ID. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker even teased a digital COVID-19 vaccine passport his administration is developing in conjunction with a dozen states. Digital infrastructure is crucial when pushing out a policy like this. Will there be a Boston app like the one in New York? If so, will the city have the capacity to develop one in a timely manner that lines up with the start of the mandate? And will that app have the bandwidth to support at least a good majority of the city?
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
December 23, 2021
Wishing you a Christmas filled with Peace & joy
Congressman & Mrs.
Stephen F. Lynch and family
Paid for by Lynch for Congress Committee. Nancy Conroy, Treasurer
Nick Collins STATE SENATOR Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
December 23, 2021
Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season! MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR
David Biele
State Representative (paid for by the David Biele Committee)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Team Flaherty wishes you and your loved ones a happy, healthy holiday season and New Year!
Michael Flaherty for Boston City Council At-Large Paid for by the Michael Flaherty Committee P.O Box 122 Boston, MA 02127
From Our Family To Yours,
Wishing You A Merry Christmas & Joyful Holiday Season!
Councilor Ed Flynn & Family Paid for and authorized by the Friends of Ed Flynn
Happy Holidays! M MC Proper ties
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Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!
C. I. A.
Castle Island Association
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
December 23, 2021
The South Boston Special Kids and Young Adults Together Again For Christmas!
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ast Sunday, the SBSK were able to celebrate Christmas in person at the South Boston Yacht Club. A luncheon of Chinese food, laughter, good company, music, gifts and photos with Santa delighted
everyone. The emphasis of the day was togetherness. They could not be together in 2020 due to Covid. SBSK is a family; kids, young adults, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters as well as volunteers and board
members. You could see the excitement and joy on their faces and that’s the best feeling of Christmas joy. A second Christmas party was held at the SBNH (The Ollie) on Monday night for those who
couldn’t make the Yacht Club. A big Southie shout out to everyone who provided donations, support and space to this extraordinary group of which we are so proud of. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
December 23, 2021
SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com
December 23, 2021
The Shepherds At That First Christmas
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ho were the shepherds, that were present at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, has long been a story that has fascinated the masses over the centuries. Even today, in 2021, and with all the nonstop talk of viruses and politics, this ancient question remains a topic of discussion with theologians and historians, especially during this time of year. Over 2000 years ago, some of the most notable people present after the Baby Jesus was born were the humble shepherds tending to their flocks. These shepherds of the time were considered to be of little importance, almost lowly, as far as most people living then were concerned. The
shepherds were wandering nomads thought to not even have dwellings to live in but rather actually lived out in the fields with their flocks. This was a lifestyle that existed long before the birth of Christ and still to this day, in parts of the Middle East, nomadic shepherds can be found living pretty much the way they did at the time of the birth of Jesus. These shepherds have traditionally been without means or influence, yet God chose them over lawyers and scribes and wealthy landowners and other people of great wealth to send a group of Angels to announce that the Son of God had been born in a manger in the town of David.
As the story of the first Christmas goes, an Angel appeared to the shepherds who were at first terrified at the sight of the Angel. The Angel then said to the shepherds “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths lying in a manger”. Then other Angels appeared and helped reassure the shepherds. When the Angels had left them, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see for themselves, this event that had happened. And they did and found it to be true. They then
Spreading Good Cheer Southie Style!
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hile volunteering at the Men’s Shelter on Thanksgiving Day, Robert Pacitti asked how things were going at 112 South Hampton, a shelter that has 480 beds but is only able to use 300 per Covid protocol. The shelter was not allowed to hand out dinners last year due to Covid and was negatively impacted. The answer was the shelter needed a little help this year to meet the goal of giving a gift to the men who use the facility. The requested item was for boots. Everybody deserves a present this time of year,
especially to keep warm in the harsh winter weather. Christmas is the time of giving and caring. Robert heard the need and went to the “Mirisola Dinner Crew” for support and together they were able to make Christmas happen at 112 South Hampton. The group was able to provide a couple of hundred boots of various sizes and styles to the men’s shelter. They were also able to donate two 75 inch Samsung televisions for the men’s dining room! Then Robert asked about the women’s shelter, Woods Mullen at 794 Massachusetts Avenue, who has
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222 beds but can only utilize 100 due to Covid protocol, could use a little help as well for the same item, boots. The Mirisola Dinner Crew got busy and reached not only into their own pockets but out to various friends and business associates for donations. Woods Mullen received the boots they so desperately needed, without hesitation. Dave Moynihan, owner of The SPOT at 380 Dorchester Avenue housed the staging area for pickup of the televisions and boots. Dave is always giving back to the commu-
went in all directions; far and wide to spread the story of the birth of the Baby Jesus, the Son of God. It has long been debated why it was shepherds that were chosen by God to be the first to receive the announcement of the birth by the Angels. But most believe that it is because God values all people, no matter what their status in life and chose the most humble and unassuming to be blessed with the good news first.
nity of which he was born. Boston Public Health, Corey Grier, Director of Strategic Planning, brought staff from 112 South Hampton to load the truck along with State Rep. David Biele, Dave Moynihan and Robert Pacciti. The truck drove off and there are going to be some very happy men and women this year. Donations and support from Broadway Group, The Ollie, The Spot, The Cronin Group and The Mirisola Dinner Crew. “The greatest gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy and compassion”
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L to R Back Row: Robert Pacitti, Corey Grier, State Rep. David Biele, Pedro Rodriguez, Ben Williams, Dave Moynihan. L to R Front Row: Dwayne Brown, Samuel Odige and Ricardo Gonzalez
2.
A job well done!
December 23, 2021
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It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
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tate Representative David Biele saw an increased need in his district for the third consecutive year at Christmas time. Children of the 4th Suffolk District were in need of toys under the Christmas tree. Many local groups reached out to Rep. Biele in hopes he could provide some help. Well help he did! Rep. Biele sponsored a toy drive called Neighbors Helping Neighbors and collected over 1,100 new toys and giftcards for ages 0-16 years. It truly takes a village and that’s what South Boston is and has always been; a kind, giving, caring group of residents, neighbors and businesses connected by community of which the Rep. reached out to. The Massachusetts Convention Center was transformed into Santa’s workshop once again. Toys, mounds
of toys were dropped off, Amazon packages opened, sorted by age and delivery locations. Santa’s Elves and Helpers for this massive undertaking were Rep. David Biele and his family, Karen Zirkle (Rep. Biele’s office),MCCA Mark O’Leary (Community Affairs at Convention Center), MCCA sleigh drivers - Omar Arias and Johnny Figueroa. The Families Served are from West Broadway BHA, Old Colony, Mary Ellen McCormack, Harbor Point and the Perkins School. Distribution Locations included; Anne Lynch Homes at Old Colony and Mary Ellen McCormack via Tierney Learning Center, Mary Ellen McCormack BHA via South Boston En Accion, Harbor Point on the Bay via the Task Force, Laboure Center and the Perkins School. This was an impressive operation
put together with the goal of no child goes without a gift at Christmas time. Under the leadership of Rep. David Biele, the goal was accomplished and surpassed from last year. There was more of a need this year in 2021 and the Rep out did himself. When asked if he was worried about not being able to collect enough toys/giftcards so that every child receives atleast one toy, Rep. Biele said “failure was never an option.” Children will wake up on Christmas morning, knowing that Santa thinks they’re special with a gift directly from the big guy. So yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and all is merry and bright! Supporters Rep. David Biele and family Karen Zirkle (Rep. Biele’s office) Mark O’Leary (MCCA) South Boston MOMS Club
Moonshine 152 Chef Asia Mei Higgins family Boston Police Dept. C-6 International Longshoremen Association Massport Mass State Police WS Development Oxford/Pappas CORE Investments Boston Realty Related Beal Omni Hotel Lincoln Properties Davis Company Broadway Group City of Boston Credit Union Keegan Werlin LLP Elected Mayor Wu Senator Collins Councilor Flynn Councilor Baker Councilor Murphy
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December 23, 2021
St. Monica Christmas Peace Breakfast Santa Claus Came To Town!
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ast Saturday at St. Monica’s Church Hall, the spirit of Christmas was alive and well, in true Christian like service. Deacon Paul and the many volunteers who support the Good Samaritan Ministry were busy setting up shopping stations for men and women’s clothing and toiletries. Christmas is about the
children and there were tables of toys, puzzles, dolls, trucks, crafts, books, which parents could take for their families. Santa came by to the delight of the children. Photos with Santa and whispering their most wished for Christmas present in his ear, brought smiles of glee and joy. Santa had a box full of teddy bears
The Magic of Christmas
Deanna – Age 8 and Darrion – Age 9
Wonder and Joy
for each child to bring home and snuggle with while they await the big guy on Christmas Eve. After the visit with Santa and the shopping for the families was done, breakfast plates to go were being served. Some chose to eat and have coffee in the outside tent while others took their plates home to enjoy in their homes.
Matching PJ’s
Father Pete, Captain Boyle & Boston Police CSO C-6, Santa - Officer Stanley Pina C-6, Sergeant Joe, Gavin Foundation and the many volunteers and elves that did a spectacular job in supporting this ministry in the South Boston community. Merry Christmas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
We love Santa!
Natalie – Age 9
We are Santa’s Elves
Super Hero just like Santa
December 23, 2021
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Santa’s Management Team
We are Santa’s Elves!
Gloria – Age 16, Mom Veronika, Angelina – Age 12
Twins Camryn and Hayden, Age 9 with Mom Lisa
Cathy with BPD and Santa
Community!
Captain Boyle, Sgt. Joe and Sgt. McNeil
Santa, you’re the best!
Mom Seanny with Aleah, Age 5
Breakfast and Shopping
Breakfast Anyone?
Coffee & Conversation
Andrew Sullivan, BPD Cadet – Sgt. Joe – John Ridge Riley, ABW Class of 2021
Anna Williams with Santa
I just heard Santa is here!
‘Tis the season to be jolly!
Fr. Peter, Santa, Capt. Boyle and Sgt. Joe
The many volunteers speading Christmas joy in the community!
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The
Wine Guy
The Happiest Time of the Year
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here are so many reasons that the title of this week’s column are true that it’s hard to single out any one reason, though I think everyone would agree that one of the biggest is the joy of giving. And while you might not immediately think of hospitality as a “gift”, the giving of one’s home, food, drink and fellowship is among the oldest of good and generous human instincts. So, to all the givers of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, “thank you”!
The custom of bringing a bottle of Champagne as a gift for the host and hostess really began in Georgian England, where tradition held that the “pop” of the cork would ward off negative feelings and provide a clean start to the New Year. The word “toast” actually comes from an Old German word meaning “to cleanse”. So, if you’re bringing a cleaning agent anywhere on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, make sure it’s tasty! Here are a few suggestions: Westport Rivers, 2013 Blanc de Blancs, South Coast, Massachusetts, is the newest vintage from this incredibly beautiful vineyard and winery right here in Massachusetts. My friend Marco Montez, a very talented winemaker says this, ”Our newest vintage of Blanc de Blancs begins with a hint of brioche and soon youthful fruits emerge. This is a rich, delicious wine, bursting with young apple and citrus flavors, giving it a fruity start with great long-term potential”. Store it away for that special occasion! Enjoy it with oysters, triple-creme cheese, aged cheddar or even chips and dip. Anything, really… a wonderful traditional method reserve sparkler. Over the last few years, there’s been a trend towards sweeter sparkling wines and one of the most popular names in that category is
Roscato. The Roscato Sparkling White Moscato, NV, is a popular choice for Bellinis and Mimosas as well as on its own. This wine is great for a toast before the meal or with desert. Its fresh fruit notes of melons and pears are a great compliment to virtually any kind of food and if any of your guests find it too sweet, you can cut down the sweetness with club soda and a twist of lemon. If you prefer a more traditional wine, like Champagne, there are obviously many options. A personal favorite of mine is Veuve Clicquot, NV. The “NV” stands for ‘non-vintage’, which is what the vast majority of Champagne is declared to be. This category of sparkling wine also includes “cuvees” or special blends from different years’ harvests; if you see a cuvee from this label, grab it, as it’s always extra good and rare-almost as rare as the “Grande
December 23, 2021
Dame” label, which is the name of the House’s Vintage Year designation wine. Rare and expensive, but always outstanding! The word, “veuve” means “widow” in French and the widow Clicquot was probably the world’s first female super business executive. After the death of her husband, the young widow not only took over, she grew the business dramatically. Today, it remains one of the world’s most iconic labels, loved by everyone who likes to have, “a drop of the widow” as they say in Britain. If you’d like to offer your guests a glass of Port at the end of the meal, consider Ramos Pinto Late Bottled Vintage Port, 2012, Quinta do Bom Retiro, Portugal. With an LBV, or Late Bottled Vintage, the grapes are picked after the regular harvest, giving the wine its fruity intensity and earthy notes. While this wine goes with many types of deserts, it’s especially good with a stronger cheese, like Stilton or Aged Cheddar and some fresh fruits. I hope you all give and get some nice gifts and spend Christmas Day with the people who mean the most to you, like that little family did all those years ago in Bethlehem. Merry Christmas! Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
Msgr. Thomas J McDonnell & Frank Kelley Christmas Dinner Please call
617-586-5824
if you would like a meal delivered to your home. Meals will be delivered on December 24th between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (City of Boston Covid-19 protocols in place).
We will not be able to gather at the hall to enjoy a meal together. Volunteers and delivery drivers greatly needed and should meet at St. Monica’s @ 9:30 a.m. on December 24th. Any questions email: manning.danielr@gmail.com
Checks can be made payable to: South Boston Seaport Collaborative (memo: Holiday Dinner) Please mail or deliver checks to: Deja Brew 704 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127
The Tradition Continues
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December 23, 2021
It’s Unanimous! South Boston’s Emmet Forde Nabs 3rd All-America Award
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he Associated Press released its Division III All-America Team. Hobart College linebacker Emmett Forde earned first team acclaim. Forde, who was also named a first team All-American by the AFCA and D3football.com, is the first Statesman to be a unanimous All-American since D3football.com debuted its All-America team in 1999. Coming into this season, Forde was one of only two Statesmen during that time to be a consensus All-American (named to at least half of all first teams). In 2019, he was a first team pick by the AFCA and D3football.com and a second team selection by the AP. He joined Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ali Marpet ‘15, who was a 2014 AFCA and D3football.com first team honoree and an AP second team pick. Forde is the first Hobart player to be an AP All-American twice since Hobart Hall of Famer William Morton ‘55 (1953 honorable mention,
1954 second team). In nine games this season, Forde made 51 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, three pass breakups, a fumble recovery and an interception. Despite missing two games due to injury, he led the Liberty League in tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles. He ranked 20th in the nation in forced fumbles per game
(0.33) and 25th in tackles for loss per game (1.7). The performance earned him his second Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year award. Forde was named the Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Week after logging five tackles, all solo, including three for loss, with an interception in the season-opening win at Alfred. He notched a season-
high nine tackles at nationally-ranked Ithaca. He had eight tackles, including a season-high two sacks, in Hobart’s win over NCAA quarterfinalist Rensselaer. Forde also had eight tackles at nationally-ranked Union. Forde led Hobart to four straight winning seasons, including 9-2 marks in 2019 and 2021. He and his teammates won the 2019 New York State Bowl 30-10 at SUNY Cortland and the 2021 ECAC Asa S. Bushnell Bowl 21-3 at Westminster (Pa.). The 2021 Statesmen ranked 11th in the nation in team passing efficiency defense (95.74), 12th in scoring defense (12.6 ppg), 14th in passing yards allowed (152.5), 15th in third down percentage defense (.286) and 16th in total defense (252.9). Hobart received votes in the final AFCA poll and D3football.com Top 25. The three-time All-Liberty League selection appeared in 39 career games, producing 190 tackles, 43 for loss, 14.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. Forde finished sixth on Hobart’s career tackles for loss list and 11th on the career sacks list.
Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes & St. Augustine Chapel News
A Blessed and Merry Christmas to All! All of us in the K to 6th Grade Religious Education Program Hope and pray that everyone will have a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year! God Bless Everyone!
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Christmas History continued from front page
who commemorate December 25th as the day of the birth of Christ Child, it has gradually come to be celebrated by the non-Catholics as well. Much of the world was already well into Christmas celebrations by the time the United States began to wake up. By 1893 all the states and territories had made similar acknowledgements. Here is a story of the Birth of the Christ Child offering a short tour across the world to know the way Christmas is celebrated in different parts. The whole world goes into the celebration mood during the midwinters. Long back even before the arrival of Jesus, Europeans started celebrating the light in the gloomiest days of winter. Norse celebrated Yule from December 21 in Scandinavia. To celebrate the magic of sunlight, fathers and sons used logs and set them on fire. People around enjoyed these 12 days until the logs were not burned out completely. It was their belief that each fire spark represented a new pig or calf that would be born in the coming year. Mesopotamians used to celebrate 12 days long New Year festival before 4000 years. This festival was called Zagmuth. The Mesopotamians, believers of multiple deities, started the celebration to honor their chief deity, Marduk. They used to believe that Marduk fought against the monsters of chaos at the onset of each winter season. It was believed that this was the festival where from the 12 days long Christmas had originated. During mid-winter, German people honored the time-honored Pagan God Oden. People of Germany were afraid of the nocturnal sky flights. They used to think that the Almighty
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had created that to observe and monitor his people of this world. They had also thought that the Almighty had the power to decide who would live and who would perish. Many of them decided to stay inside due to his presence. Saturnalia Rome celebrated holidays in honor of the God of agriculture, Saturn. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice was a special period when residents had bountiful food items and drinks to celebrate with. The month-long celebration had the charm to convert slaves to even masters. Peasants used to control the city. To celebrate the time with fun and frolic all the schools and business organizations had decided to close their shutters. Juvenalia, the feast honoring the Children of Rome, celebrated during winter solstice, was a prime carnival for Roman people as well. On December 25, the upper class of Rome used to celebrate the birthday of the infant God of the unconquerable sun, Mithra who was born of a rock. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religions. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today’s Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the “lord of misrule” and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined “debt” to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.
Affordable Housing continued from page 6
to make changes to the policy. Possible changes that will be considered include: increasing the per-square foot fee to invest in housing and job training, lowering the square footage threshold that triggers Linkage payments, applying the fee to each square foot of new developments that are subject to Linkage, speeding up the payment schedule by requiring full linkage payment for each building at the time that the building receives a building permit, and assuring that the City is maximizing fees received from all commercial uses, especially from Boston’s current lab space boom. These changes would generate more funds for affordable housing and workforce training. “We’re delighted that Mayor Wu is moving forward on linkage, and that she’s committing to a 150 day timeline,” said Symone Crawford, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance. “Linkage was designed to mitigate the increased housing pressure and displacement of lowand moderate-income residents caused by large scale commercial development. The current linkage fee doesn’t do that. We look forward to working with Mayor Wu to fix this.” “Linkage is the primary source for job training funding through the City, so we are thrilled that Mayor Wu is taking action on a nexus study,” says Amy Nishman, Senior VP of Strategy at JVS Boston and president of the Job Training Alliance. “As Boston continues to recover, the development pipeline is strong, and the only way to ensure that Boston residents are eligible for the jobs being created is to fully fund effective job training programs.” Audit of City-Owned Property for Housing Meeting a goal that Mayor Wu established on the campaign trail, City agencies have begun an audit of City-owned property and parcels to identify opportunities to develop supportive housing and affordable housing. The audit will be completed within the first 100 days of the Wu Administration.
December 23, 2021
Transfer Fee Mayor Wu further announced that she will be pursuing a revised Home Rule Petition to establish a transfer fee to support the creation of affordable housing. The petition would authorize the City of Boston to impose a fee on real estate sales above a certain threshold value. The funding generated would be dedicated to the Neighborhood Housing Trust for affordable housing development and preservation. The Home Rule Petition would also include property tax relief for senior homeowners who are longtime owner-occupants of their homes. A previous version, passed by the City Council in 2019, failed to pass the MA legislature. The Mayor will be submitting the new version of the transfer fee legislation to the Boston City Council in the new year. Rent Stabilization Mayor Wu is also taking the first steps towards implementing rent stabilization in Boston by forming a Rent Stabilization Advisory Group. The members of this new advisory group will study local housing conditions, rent stabilization programs being administered in other cities and be tasked with making recommendations on the available and necessary means to protect tenants from displacement, with a goal to shape language for the next legislative session on Beacon Hill. Mayor’s Office of Housing Finally, Mayor Wu and Housing Chief Sheila Dillon announced that they are renaming the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) as the Mayor’s Office of Housing. This name change more accurately reflects the role that the former DND plays in the creation and preservation of affordable housing, and helping Bostonians obtain, maintain, and retain safe, affordable housing. The Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) will develop and implement the City of Boston’s housing creation and homelessness prevention plans and collaborate with local and national partners to find new solutions and build more housing affordable to all, particularly those with lower incomes.
December 23, 2021
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This week, Danny gave “Pic’s Picks” for Week 16 in the NFL:
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went 3-2 against the spread in Week 15. My record on the season is now 42-33. We’ve only got three weeks remaining in the regular season, so I would need to have a disastrous three weeks to finish below .500 with my picks. I’m 8-2 against the spread over my last two weeks, so I’m feeling good. And I always feel more comfortable at the end of the season, because it’s a lot easier to pinpoint which teams have something to play for, and which teams don’t. There are no more byes on the schedule from here on out. And in Week 16, we’ll have a pair of Christmas Day games on Saturday, with Green Bay hosting Cleveland at 4:30 p.m., and then Arizona hosting Indianapolis at 8:15 p.m. Week 16 begins with Tennessee hosting San Francisco on Thursday night. It ends with New Orleans hosting Miami on Monday night. The Sunday Night Football game of the week is Dallas hosting Washington. Here in New England, we’ll be focused on the Patriots hosting the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at 1 p.m. And of course, I’ll also be focused on my five bets. Hopefully, my Christmas gift to you is a handful of winners. Here are my picks for Week 16:
GREEN BAY PACKERS (-7) over Cleveland Browns -I feel bad for the beat-up Browns having to play at Lambeau on Christmas. But I don’t think Aaron Rodgers and the 11-3 Packers will feel bad for them. Green Bay has won three straight is the only team in the league to have clinched its division. That doesn’t mean they have nothing left to play for in the final three weeks of the regular season. They do. Because right behind them in the battle for the No. 1 seed in the NFC are four teams with a 10-4 record: Dallas, Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Los Angeles. Right now, the Packers are the No. 1 seed. I expect them to stay there after they take care of a 7-7 Browns team that’s been hit hard by COVID-19 in recent weeks. Give me a motivated Packers team to win by 10 at home on Christmas day. ARIZONA CARDINALS (-1) over Indianapolis Colts -I feel like this is stealing, but I’ll do it anyways. The 10-4 Cardinals host the 8-6 Colts on Christmas night. Arizona has lost two straight. Indianapolis has won two straight. And while it might feel as if both of these teams are suddenly going in different directions, I cer-
tainly don’t think the Cardinals are anywhere close to as bad as they played in an embarrassing loss to the lowly Lions last Sunday. I also don’t think the Colts are as good as they looked in a huge win over the Patriots last Saturday night. I think reality shows up on Christmas in Arizona. And reality says that these Cardinals — even without an injured DeAndre Hopkins — should be able to beat these Colts, in Arizona. I’ll take the Cardinals to win by at least a field goal. LOS ANGELES RAMS (-3) over Minnesota Vikings -I get that the 7-7 Vikings have won two straight and would be in the playoffs as the No. 7 seed if the playoffs began after Week 15. But the 10-4 Rams have won three straight and are clearly the more talented team, top to bottom. This game is Sunday at 1 p.m. in Minnesota, and I’m a little surprised at how low this spread is. Give me the Rams to take care of business on the road against a Vikings team that’s bound to blow it, because that’s just what Kirk Cousins does. Rams win by a touchdown. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-2.5) over Buffalo Bills -The 9-5 Patriots are the No. 2
seed in the AFC, and if the playoffs began after Week 15, they would actually be hosting the No. 7 seed Bills in the Wild Card round. So, this game on Sunday at 1 at Gillette Stadium could be a playoff preview. New England beat the Bills in Buffalo a few weeks ago in a Monday night game that saw Mac Jones only throw the ball three times. I’m not sure you’ll see that same strategy again, but you will see the Patriots finding a way to beat the Bills again. I’ll take New England to win and cover at Gillette, because, well, it’s just obviously going to happen. LOCK OF THE WEEK: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (-10) over Houston Texans -Not much needs to be said here, other than, it’s a must-win game for the 8-6 Chargers, who are currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC, and the 3-11 Texans are one of a handful of teams that have already been eliminated from playoff contention. It’s in Houston on Sunday at 1, but I don’t care. The Chargers — who are coming off an overtime loss to the Chiefs — win this game by at least two touchdowns. Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.
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SPORTS TODAY COLTS END Tweet PATRIOTS’ of the SEVEN-GAME Week WIN STREAK
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was 26-of-45 for 299 pass yards in the loss to the Colts, while throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. On the other end, Indianapolis quarterback Carson Wentz threw the ball just 12 times, while his star running back, Jonathan Taylor rushed 29 times for 170 yards and a touchdown. After falling behind 20-0 at the
WHATTOWATCH NFL THURSDAY, DEC. 23 San Francisco (-3.5) at Tennessee 8:20 P.M. NFLN SATURDAY, DEC. 25 Cleveland at Green Bay (-7) 4:30 P.M. FOX/NFLN Indianapolis at Arizona (-1) 8:15 P.M. NFLN SUNDAY, DEC. 26 Buffalo at New England (-2.5) 1 P.M. CBS Pittsburgh At Kansas City (-9.5) 4:25 P.M. CBS Washington at Dallas (-10.5) 8:20 P.M. NBC MONDAY, DEC. 27 Miami at New Orleans (-3) 8:15 P.M. ESPN NBA SATURDAY, DEC. 25 Boston at Milwaukee 2:30 P.M. ABC
SBT Staff
t was a rough night for the New England Patriots on Saturday in Indianapolis. The Colts took a 20-0 lead into halftime, and held on to win, 27-17, snapping New England’s sevengame in streak in the process. With the loss, the 9-5 Patriots got knocked down to the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture. Kansas City moved up into the No. 1 seed at 10-4. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones
December 23, 2021
half, the Patriots scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, cutting Indy’s lead to 20-17. But Taylor finished off the Pats with a 67-yard touchdown run with 2:01 left to play in the game. Up next for New England is the 8-6 Buffalo Bills this Sunday at Gillette Stadium. It’s a rematch from three weeks ago, when the
Patriots went into Buffalo on Monday Night Football and beat the Bills 14-10. The Pats have three games remaining on their regular-season schedule. After Sunday’s game against the Bills, they’ll host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17, and will then head to Miami to take on the Dolphins in Week 18.
NFL, NBA WON’T PAUSE SEASONS BECAUSE OF OMICRON
A
SBT Staff
s the world shifts into complete hysteria mode over a new, yet less severe COVID-19 variant, at least two professional sports leagues are committed to staying the course and keeping their seasons alive. NBA commissioner Adam Silver went on ESPN, Tuesday, and said that while about 90 percent of the current COVID cases in his league are of the new Omicron variant, there are no plans to put a stoppage on the season. “No plans right now to pause the season,” said Silver in the interview. “We’ve, of course, looked at all the options, but frankly, we’re having trouble coming up with
what the logic would be behind pausing right now. “As we look through these cases literally ripping through the country right now — putting aside the rest of the world — I think we’re finding ourselves where we sort of knew we were going to get to for the past several months, and that is that, this virus will not be eradicated, and we’re going to have to learn to live with it,” added Silver.” And I think that’s what we’re experiencing in the league right now.” The NFL is also learning to live with it, if it hadn’t already after finishing a full season last year with only a few regular-season postponements. In a joint statement made by the
NFL and NFLPA late last week, they announced that a new set of COVID protocols have been put into place, which include “a more targeted testing plan, more flexibility for players to attend meetings virtually, and also a high-risk player opt-out for the remainder of the season.” As part of their “more targeted testing plan,” fully vaccinated, asymptomatic individuals will no longer be subject to weekly testing. High-risk players who wish to opt out for the rest of the season had until this past Monday to do so. In a memo written by Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner said, “Our experience with the Omicron variant is fully consistent with this expectation – while more players
and staff are testing positive, roughly two-thirds of those individuals are asymptomatic, most of the remaining individuals have only mild symptoms, and the virus appears to clear positive individuals more rapidly than was true with the Delta and other variants. In many respects, Omicron appears to be a very different illness from the one we first confronted in the spring of 2020. “The NFL and NFLPA medical teams believe that this comprehensive approach to testing, which mirrors public health recommendations and best practices employed in healthcare, offers the best opportunity for identifying and treating cases promptly and avoiding spread within the facility.”