South Boston Today February 10 2022 by SouthBostonTodayOnline

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February 10, 2022: Vol.10 Issue 6

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

The Octopus That Is The Boston Public Schools

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anaging public school systems in large urban cities like Boston is akin to appreciating the importance of all eight tentacles of an octopus and realizing that they must all work together in order to exist and thrive. Bear in mind that Octopuses are reckoned to be the world’s most intelligent invertebrates and are able to use tools with their suckercovered tentacles. Thus, the challenge for any and all of those who

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February 10, 2022

EDITORIAL

Is It Time To Eliminate School Mask Mandates?

ince the Covid issue came upon us back in 2020, there have been almost nothing but conflicting guidelines that the public has been pressured, if not mandated into following, by medical ‘experts’, the news media and power-driven politicians. And throughout this entire ordeal, it seems that what we are told one week regarding what the best course of action is to follow is changed again shortly after. Is it the result of trial and error, guess work, incompetence, the craving to stay in power and remain relevant or simply just not having all the facts and data to make educated decisions? Just maybe it’s been some of all of the above. Whatever the causes behind all the conflicting

information bombarding the public, there has been at least one train of thought that most of those charged with dispensing that information seem to now agree with is that the least vulnerable segment of the population to catching and spreading Covid - young school children. It seems their young age is a barrier in most cases that protects them. And yet, even though kids represent the safest group, it has been the kids who have been victims of what those same experts are now telling us are negative effects. Schools all around Massachusetts are now, finally, following the lead of so many other states around the country and lifting the mask mandates in the classrooms. Why? Because we’re now

being told by ‘experts’ that during the time that students have been forced to wear masks, they have suffered setbacks in their development. Reading and writing skills and even their social interaction and development abilities that come with being among other children have been damaged. It is said that in many cases, elementary school age children may never be able to catch up to where they should be, because of being forced to live behind cloth face coverings for 6 hours a day. No one here at South Boston Today Newspaper claims to be experts in the medical field, let alone the Covid virus issue. We have no doctors on the team. Like most Americans, at least from the early stages, we were will-

ing to follow directions and rely on those who claimed to be in the know. But as time passed and we saw the disarray and confusion coming from those in charge, the number of doubts about who, if anyone calling the shots even knew what they were talking about kept rising. If what so many are saying now, that forcing school children to wear masks has

actually been hurting them rather than protecting them is true, it has all been a tragic policy and one that should probably come to a quick end. Should this policy be allowed to remain in place if there is even the slightest chance of hurting the children or should the practice be stopped immediately before more damage can be done? Let us know what you think.

“I believe in faith, family and country. I really keep it that simple” - Sean Hannity

Boston Ward 6 and Ward 7 Democrats to Elect Delegates to Democratic State Convention

riday, February 11 at 6:00/PM Democrats will convene virtually to elect 19 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Ward 6 and 15 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Ward 7 at the 2022 State Democratic Convention. This caucus will take place

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remotely via zoom. PreRegistration is required. To attend the Ward 6 Caucus you must register in advance for this meeting at https://us04web.zoom.us/j/788 91480186?pwd=KBagg1d9nbL hF2YYGOQTfO8PCqywIF.1 To attend the Ward 7 Caucus, you must register in

John Ciccone

advance for this meeting at https://us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register/tZIucOuvqTstGtbcKlDBYmVCHjSQT2GSsqVZ Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Ward 6 and ward 7 who are 16 years old by February 4, 2022 may vote and be elected as dele-

gates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/convention.

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February 10,, 2022

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Information Center The

Protecting Our Freedom Of Speech – Part 2

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

n last week’s column, the main topic was about how important it was for Americans to preserve and protect free speech. I got a lot of feedback on that one. Readers feel very strongly about it as they should. Popular Podcast host Joe Rogan was under fire from the left side of the political divide, because he dares to allow opinions to be heard on his show that liberals/progressives don’t like or agree with and they are furious about it. And of course, typical of that group, any views they don’t agree with, they want silenced. The attack on Joe Rogan is still going on and, for the most part, he’s hanging tough and not backing down. Although for a while last week, it looked like he was starting to cave and apologize for allowing other opinions to be expressed on his show. That would have been a big mistake. Because what people should never do is apologize to the leftists in the news media, in Hollywood and in politics. Once you do that, they take it as a sign of weakness and increase their attacks on you. No, the best way to deal with their attacks is stand your ground, get in their faces and double down on your position. It’s a tactic that works. Leftists aren’t used to being stood up to – ever, but especially when they’re running a smear campaign where they’ve come to expect their targets to grovel and hide. This whole issue of ‘cancel culture’ and freedom of speech gained even more traction

Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com

when co-host of TV show ‘The View’, Whoopi Goldberg, got dragged into the fray with remarks she made about the Holocaust. She was suspended from her job because of what she said. My personal opinion of Goldberg and the other cackling hens on that clown show’s panel is that they are a some of the most ignorant, hate filled and vile people on TV. Goldberg’s Holocaust comments were hurtful to many and not based on facts. But as far as being suspended for them, NO, here again, she was wrong, but just as does Joe Rogan, she has the right to express her opinions. This is America and freedom of speech is guaranteed in our Constitution. For those who haven’t heard yet, Biden’s people had announced this past week that 30 million of our tax dollars would be allotted to provide free ‘crack pipes’ to those addicted to that deadly drug. The reasoning behind the Brandon Administration’s decision was said to be so that it could be smoked safely and for ‘racial equity’. The addiction rate to Crack is said to be spiraling out of control, especially in California cities. The Democrats in power think that somehow, giving out free pipes to smoke it will solve the problem. However, most people with the ability to think clearly understand that securing the southern border, where the drug dealers are bringing this deadly drug into our country by the truck load would be a better solution. And finally for this week,

a big shout out goes to our northern neighbors in Canada. Thousands of truckers driving their rigs continue to protest in that country’s cities causing the biggest protests in Canadian history. So far, their European style Socialist president Trudeau and his government seem shocked and powerless to do anything about it. The truckers and growing crowds of supporters are protesting their government’s fascist style Covid mandates. Taking their cue from the millions of Americans who are rising up

and throwing off the shackles of lockdowns, forced vaccinations and other losses of freedom, the Canadian truckers mean business and winning the support of the majority of Canadian citizens. For far too long, the people of Canada have been watching their freedom and liberties get steadily chipped away and not just in regard to Covid. They have apparently had enough and have put their government on notice that the dangerous trend ends now. Better late than never.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

February 10, 2022

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.

TODAY’S NEWS In the Legislature today both branches are scheduled to meet for what could be lengthy formal sessions. The Senate returns to prescription drug costs for the second straight session looking to limit the monthly cost of insulin for consumers to $25, create a fund to make medication for chronic conditions more accessible, and implement licensing requirements for pharmacy benefits managers. State House News Service’s Katie Lannan covered the full scope of the drug cost control bill last week, noting the Senate passed a similar bill in 2019 that was built on a proposal debated and approved in 2017. Previous efforts, however, have not been able to make it all the way to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk. Thirtyeight amendments are pending. Over in the House, lawmakers are expected to consider changes to the governance of the state’s soldiers’ homes in Holyoke and Chelsea. The House Ways and Means Committee released a bill early Wednesday morning that representatives will take up when they meet at 11 a.m. The legislation requires the next leader of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to be a licensed nursing home administrator while also implementing twice a year inspections of both homes by the Department of Public Health, reports WWLP 22’s Jodi Reed. The reforms proposal was prompted by a 2020 outbreak of COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers Home that left 76 veterans dead. The outbreak became the subject of an independent investigation led by former prosecutor Mark Pearlstein and a legislative investigation headed up by Rep. Linda Dean Campbell and Sen. Mike Rush. Republicans Likely Losing Another Seat State Rep. Sheila Harrington, a Groton Republican, goes before the all-Democrat council as Gov. Charlie Baker’s nominee to become the next clerk magistrate of Gardner District Court. If approved,

Harrington would leave the Legislature after more than 11 years and vacate a seat that has been in Republican control since 1985. Harrington has held the First Middlesex District House seat since 2011, taking over for Robert Hargraves, also of Groton. Before Hargraves, the district was represented by Groton’s Augusta Hornblower. Baker has not shied away from tapping like-minded elected Republicans for administrative roles in state government, though it hasn’t always worked out well for his shrinking party on Beacon Hill. The ranks of House and Senate Republicans have been dwindling from their most recent peak in 2010, where a wave of successful elections was fueled by Tea Party messaging Since then, a series of departures and Democratic successes have left the House GOP with 29 members, and Harrington would bring that to 28, at least for now. As State House News Service’s Sam Doran reported when Harrington was first nominated, House Republicans have lost six members in the last four years. Former Rep. Brad Hill was the most recent Republican to leave, when Baker named him to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. His seat turned blue after Rep. Jamie Belsito won a special election late last year, and that district has been reshaped in a way that will put another incumbent Democrat on the ballot against Belsito if she chooses to run reelection this fall. When Baker needed a new clerk magistrate for Dudley District Court, he nominated the only Republican on the Governor’s Council - Jennie Cassie. That seat, too, ended up going to a Democrat in Cassie’s wake. Harrington won’t resign until she is confirmed, which could be as soon as next week. Her hearing starts at 10 a.m. It’s been 700 days since the State House was last open to the public It’s been 700 days since the public last roamed the halls of the State House, watched a legislative session from the

Bonus payments heading to low-income workers next month Bonus payments in the order of $500 are heading to thousands of lowincome workers next month. Boston Herald’s Erin Tiernan reports the Baker administration has finalized the details for the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program, an initiative that was created under the $4 billion American Rescue Plan Act spending bill Baker signed into law in December. More from Tiernan: “[The] program is a $460 million initiative that relies on federal coronavirus relief dollars was initially intended to reward low-income workers who manned the front lines at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, but the eligibility criteria released by the Baker administration on Tuesday included no such parameters.”

public gallery, or demonstrated outside the governor’s office. Quite frankly, the building is a ghost of its former self, with only a handful of staffers, lawmakers, and other officials present each day. And at least one group in the state is taking notice. The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance said the “indefinite lockdown only benefits legislative leadership as they can exert more consolidated power.” The group launched a new social media and email campaign Tuesday in an effort to put pressure on Democratic leadership to reopen the building. Legislative leadership have said the decision to keep the building closed has been made out of concern for state employees’ safety and health. Senate President Karen Spilka said in late January that she is “optimistic that, hopefully next month, it can reopen.”

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Docket No.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

SU21P2367EA

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Estate of:

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

Michael G. Slyva

(617)788-8300

Date of Death: 09/06/2021 To all interested persons:

A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Joannie Auvil

Braintree

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Joannie Auvil

Braintree

be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before:

10:00 a.m. on the return day of 03/11/2022.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date:

January 28, 2022 Felix D Arroyo, Register of Probate

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE Tracy L Wilson, Esq. Law Offices of Tracy Wilson, P.C.

February 10,, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

SEN. COLLINS, REP. BIELE SECURE $250,000 IN STATE FUNDING FOR MARIAN MANOR

tate Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele announced $250,000 in state funding for the Marian Manor Nursing Home in South Boston. In 1929, Rev. Mother M. Angeline Teresa founded the congregation of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm to preserve the independence and personal dignity of the elderly. Then, in 1954, His Eminence Richard Cardinal Cushing invited Rev. Mother M. Angeline Teresa and the Carmelite Sisters to take over the facilities of what was then Carney Hospital on Dorchester Heights. The facility was transformed into a nursing home and became known as the Marian Manor. Since being founded, the Marian Manor has seen several additions, as a building with 100 beds was added to the facility during the 1960s with another 120 beds added to the facility in 1974. Today, the Marian Manor’s facilities consist of seven buildings covering almost two-acres

of land on Dorchester Heights, providing both short and long-term care. During the Legislature’s debate and passage of a $4 billion spending bill which included funds from the federal American Rescue Plan, Sen. Collins and Rep. Biele secured $250,000 for the Marian Manor to modernize and replace outdated mechanics and to recover extraordinary and unreimbursed expenditures from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Representative Biele did a great job leading this effort in the House and I was proud to support it in the Senate,” said Senator Collins. “Marion Manor has dutifully served South Boston’s elderly for decades, and we are excited to assist them in continuing their efforts.” “For decades, the Marian Manor has tended to the needs of our seniors with compassion, dignity, and respect,” said Rep. Biele. “Nothing is ever guaranteed in a spending bill, and I was proud to work with Senator Collins to secure funding for the

Marian Manor to make crucial upgrades at the facility that will benefit residents and the most vulnerable in our community.” “Marian Manor has a long history of serving the elderly in South Boston. The pandemic presented unprecedented new challenges to every component of the healthcare delivery system and the individuals served by that system,” said Administrator for the Marian Manor, Kahoney Anderson. “The Marian Manor and the Carmelite Sisters For the Aged and Infirm would like to acknowledge the efforts of State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele for their efforts advocate and prioritize stimulus funding to Marian Manor to help support the additional financial burden the pandemic has cause to our Home. We thank you for your guidance and support through these past 24 months” The spending bill was signed into law by Governor Baker in December 2021, and relevant state agencies are in the process of releasing funding allocations.

South Boston Citizens’ Association Announces the Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast, Saturday, February 26, 2022 Seapoint Restaurant

BCA President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board are pleased to announce that on Saturday, February 26th, 2022, at the Kick-off Breakfast, The Henry Knox Award Presentation will take place at the Seapoint Restaurant, 367 East 8th Street, at 10AM. Family, friends and neighbors are respectfully invited to attend this wonderful event. A $15.00 donation is requested at door to help off-set costs. This year’s event will once again feature great music of Bob Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy. The event Chairman will be Senator Nick Collins who will continue to lead the fight to preserve the historical importance of Evacuation Day while serving in the Massachusetts State Senate. “As president of the Association, it is an honor for me to appoint Nick to kick-off the festivities. Nick’s commitment and involvement with the SBCA and our community has been a tremendous asset to me and the Executive

Board.” said McGrath. The award recipients will be announced next week as the committee is putting final touches on the upcoming events while working within the City and State guidelines. The awards are presented to everyday volunteers in the community

who seek no recognition, who are considered “Unsung Heroes”, which kicks off the month-long celebration for one of the most important events in American history. Tom McGrath, President of the SBCA, said “It is an honor to recognize these individuals who dedicate

their time and energy to the South Boston Community. I hope the community will join me and others on Saturday the 26th to honor these men and women.” Tickets are available at the door for $15.00 and doors open at 9:30AM. Tommy McGrath

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

February 10, 2022

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BUDGET LISTENING TOUR

ayor, Budget Office seek community feedback on how Boston’s annual budget resources are allocated Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Budget Management (OBM) today announced a series of listening sessions in partnership with the Boston City Council to both educate residents and solicit public feedback on the FY2023 Operating Budget and FY23-27 Capital Plan, ahead of the Mayor submitting each to the City Council. At the sessions, OBM will outline the budget process and highlight changes made through the recent ballot initiative vote. Through its passage, it alters the City Council’s role in approving the budget and calls for the creation of a participatory budgeting model. The City will solicit public feedback to inform the

The Octopus continued from front page

have tried to handle the octopus known as the Boston Public Schools (BPS). Hello and goodbye, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius – thank ye, but we hardly knew ye. On Tuesday, following her Monday announcement that she would be stepping down from her role as superintendent through a letter addressed to the Boston Public Schools community, she addressed her planned resignation at the end of the academic year, but did not give a reason for her departure. The superintendent joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson for a news conference at Brighton High School. “Nothing is pushing me out the door,” Cassellius said. “I’m still here for five months. And rolling up my sleeves getting this work done each and every day.” Cassellius, who started with the district in May 2019, helped steer BPS through the COVID-19 pandemic. Wu said she never asked Cassellius

annual budget, federal recovery funding from the American Rescue Plan, and the new participatory budgeting model. “This came about after the leadership of community partners, along with City Councilors, to assure the City Council would have a larger partnership in ensuring our City’s dollars are equitably allocated according to the needs, interests and visions of our residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The community listening sessions represent an opening up of the process to residents from the very beginning.” “It is critical that we develop a budget for the City of Boston that addresses our long-standing needs, such as housing affordability and stability, public health, public and pedestrian safety, climate resiliency and sustainability, and equitable access to city services,” said Boston City Council President Ed Flynn. “Thank you to Mayor Wu and her team for working with the City Council and providing this opportunity for neighbors to offer feedback on the best use of taxpayer dollars that will continue to help move us forward in Boston’s economic recovery.” “With great enthusiasm, I look forward to the commencement of the Budget Listening Sessions on the horizon,” said Boston City Councilor Tania Fer-

nandes Anderson, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Ways and Means. “These sessions offer our city an opportunity to help inform, through the power of the purse, what policies we want to pursue and community enterprises we want to platform. I look forward, as Ways and Means Chair, in playing an integral role in the decision making processes that will distribute our city’s resources in an equitable and progressive manner.” The budget is the most direct way the City of Boston invests in its residents’ quality of life. Community engagement ensures that the City is spending its resources equitably and that the process is accessible for residents. Each listening session will be dedicated to collecting the public’s input, including through a survey. “It is crucial that we educate constituents about the City of Boston’s budget and the process in which these resources are allocated,” said Chief of Community Engagement Brianna Millor. “Engaging our constituents empowers them to vocalize their needs and ensure that their City is working to address them.” “OBM looks forward to sharing information on the annual budget process and welcomes collaboration with the Boston City Council and the residents

of Boston to establish budget priorities for the next fiscal year,” said Budget Director Jim Williamson. Residents are encouraged to share feedback at one of four virtual listening sessions, organized by City Council district: • Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 6 - 7pm | Districts 5, 6, 8 • Saturday, February 19, 2022, 1 - 2pm | Districts 1, 3, 4 • Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 6 - 7pm | Districts 2, 7, 9 • Friday, February 25, 2022,10 - 11am | Councilors-At-Large The Mayor will submit the recommended budget to the City Council on April 13. A series of Council hearings will follow in May-June. The Council will vote to adopt, reject, amend, or reduce the Operating Budget by June 8, and the budget will be resubmitted by June 15. The new Fiscal Year starts July 1. Interpretation services can be requested for the Zoom listening sessions upon registration. CART will be provided on February 15, 19, and 23. Feedback can be submitted in any language through the survey at bit.ly/3myT0LG, at the listening sessions, or by calling 311. For more information on how to participate, visit boston.gov/budget.

to leave her post. “She has truly led this district through what I believe are the three most challenging school years that we have ever seen in Boston,” Wu said. Wu acknowledged that the city is undergoing a lot of change, which includes hiring a new commissioner of the Boston Police Department. “We are asking our superintendents and our school leaders and our school communities to hold up the entire world right now, and it is just not fair,” Wu said. “This is not about creating the expectation that any amazing individual is going to step in and save the world. We all have to make changes together.” Ms. Cassellius’s tenure had its share of ups and downs. She played a big role in the district’s exam school admissions policy overhaul in the summer of 2021, which some have considered a step toward improving equity in the district. Her task force spent several months working on the issue. Members of the task force were planning to send the superintendent a proposal that allowed socioeconomic

factors to be considered — in addition to academics — in 100% of admissions decisions. For reasons that are unclear, the group changed its mind at the last minute and altered the proposal. Cassellius, however, fought to keep the provision and ultimately prevailed. She has been praised for raising graduation requirements to match university admissions requirements, among other things. But the superintendent has faced significant criticism during her three-year tenure. In December 2020, the Boston Teachers Union passed a vote of no confidence in Cassellius while negotiating conditions to reopen school buildings after the pandemic shut them down, sending classes remote. In 2019, a Boston Globe investigation revealed that many of the district’s bathrooms were often left in dirty and unsanitary condition. And Cassellius missed an important deadline in August to renew her certification to operate a school system. She did later earn the certification.

In a letter to the BPS community, Cassellius said when she arrived in Boston, she could not have predicted that eight months later the world would change. “We’ve confronted a global pandemic, reckoned with escalating racial division and civil unrest, and worked to repair community relationships that had eroded trust in our schools and confidence in our city,” Cassellius said in her letter to the BPS community. Cassellius said she’s been fortunate to work with a “talented team of education professionals, school leaders, educators and central staff personnel who have supported and challenged me, and who serve BPS with passion and distinction. I love Boston, and I’ve loved this job. My commitment to the district remains as strong as it was on the first day I arrived, and I will forever be a champion and supporter of the Boston Public Schools,” Cassellius plans to work with Wu and her incoming successor to ensure a smooth transition.

February 10,, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH BOSTON TEACHERS UNION ON KEY COVID-19 POLICIES

ayor Michelle Wu announced that the City had reached an agreement yesterday with the Boston Teachers Union, the City’s largest union, on key COVID-19 policies. The union ratified the agreement with 84% of members voting in favor of the agreement. The agreement is subject to the approval of the Boston School Committee. “I’m grateful for the vast majority of our teachers who have already gotten vaccinated,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This overwhelming ratification vote of a

policy that has already boosted vaccination rates across our workforce and will ensure that all new hires must be vaccinated will help us prioritize a safe and healthy environment for students and staff.” The signed MOA allows unvaccinated members to submit proof of two negative COVID-19 screening tests per week during periods of lower virus transmission, the specifics of which are outlined in the agreement. During periods of higher virus transmission, unvaccinated members will not be allowed in school buildings, but may use

some accrued time as an alternative to being placed on unpaid administrative leave. The union issued the following statement regarding the agreement: “We are glad to have reached an agreement with the district that will uplift the health and safety of our educators, students, and communities, while still being able to retain our educators who have chosen to remain unvaccinated. The agreement takes important steps to promote public health and to mitigate classroom staffing disruptions.”

City Reports Boston’s Most Popular Dog Names Reminder: Boston dog licensing deadline is March 31

he Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Animal Care and Control Division reminds city dog owners that the annual deadline for licensing their pets is March 31. All dogs in Boston require a new license each year. Pumpkin reminds Boston’s dog owners that March 31 is the deadline for licensing your pet. “Not only is licensing your pet the law, but a license is your pet’s ID and provides their fastest ticket home if they become lost,” notes Animal Care and Control Director Alexis Trzcinski. “We like to remind owners that if your dog ever gets out, the chances of being reunited are greatly increased with a license.” In preparation for the 2022 licensing deadline, the Animal Care and Control Division analyzed licensing data from the previous year to reveal the most popular dog names of 2021. The most popular male dog name in 2021 was Charlie with 82 registered in Boston, while Ziggy brought up the back of the pack with 27 males with that name. The top female name registered was Luna with

112 registered while 25th place went to Riley with 29 licensed. Other male names in the top ten were Teddy, Oliver, Max, Ollie, Milo, Cooper, Toby, Rocky, and Finn. The top ten female names included Bella, Lucy, Daisy, Penny, Lola, Stella, Molly, Bailey, and Rosie. The data also provided the most popular dog breeds registered in Boston. In 2021 the top breeds included Labrador Retriever with 1,833 registered, Golden Retriever (703), Chihuahua (442), German Shepherd (422), Beagle (345), Yorkshire Terrier (329), Miniature Poodle (307), Shih Tzu (303), Australian Shepherd (278), and Pit Bull (275). Boston Terrier came in at 143 while 25th place went to Miniature Schnauzer for the males with 75 and Pomeranian for the females with 53 registered. All dog owners need to license their dogs by Thursday, March 31, 2022. Dogs must be licensed if they are older than six months. Owners must provide a copy of their dog’s current rabies certificate. For spayed and neutered pets, owners must submit proof of spaying or neutering if they have not done so previously.

Licensing fees are $15 for a neutered male or spayed female or $30 for an intact male or female. The dog licensing fee is waived for service animals and residents age 70 and older. Owners must also pay any outstanding Animal Care and Control fines. The fine for an unlicensed dog is $50. Please call (617) 635-5348 or email animalcontrol@boston.gov with any questions about the licensing process or to update your information in the database. For an in-depth guide on dog licensing, including a link to license your dog online, visit Animal Care and Control’s how-to article. The City of Boston will also host a series of dog licensing and pet vaccine clinics from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from March 5 to June 4 at seven BCYF community centers. For details, fees, and locations please visit boston.gov/ animals, call (617) 635-1800. Animal Care & Control posts photos of adoptable pets on their social media accounts at instagram. com/bostonanimalcontrol, twitter. com/animalboston and facebook. com/bostonanimal.

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

The

Wine Guy

Game Wine

hether you still need to go out and get things for the Big Game or you’ve already done so, you should still consider these for the 13th, (or any other day, for that matter!). If Italian food is on your menu, Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso, 2018, ($22.99) should be on your table. The Antinori family owns vineyards all over Italy and around the world, but this beautiful and

expressive red is vinified at its primary facility in Bargino, the heart of Tuscany. Villa Antinori shows an intense ruby red color, and its nose is a complex one: there’s red fruit, cherries and plums, along with berry fruit and mint, all well balanced with the sensations of spices and vanilla from the oak barrels. The palate is round and rich, with supple and velvety tannins, as well as a long and savory finish and aftertaste. On the white side, try a bottle or two of Moscato D’Italia NV Candoni, ($16.99). Candoni is a family-owned company with a long, outstanding tradition of producing fine wines. Proud of the important contributions on Italian winemaking that came from the ancient Etruscans, each bottle of Candoni wine is adorned with a reproduction of an ancient Etruscan fresco, painted and fired onto the bottle making it a decorative piece unto itself. Moscato has become amazingly popular as wine drinkers have discov-

ered the delightful peach and apricot flavors that this ripe, sweet, lightly fizzy wine displays. This wine is also surprisingly refreshing with soft Italian cheeses, like Ricotta, as well as red sauce dishes. If you’re looking for something big and bold to go with BBQ, burgers or Bolognese, Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva, ($16.99) is one that will win you over by the second sip. This robust wine is made from mostly Tempranillo grapes, grown in the best clay-limestone soils of the Rioja Alavesa region. Riscal Reservas spend around two years in Americanoak casks, producing a classic Rioja: fresh, fine and elegant. On the palate, it’s smooth and deep, with notes of dark berries, earthiness and a light note of caramel that stays through a long, satisfying finish. Have this one with any kind of meat or vegetable Tapas and no matter who wins the game, you’ll be happy. Finally, if you just want to put out

February 10, 2022

some 1.5 litre bottles or, as they’re known at my house, “the Dysfunctional Family size”, you can always depend on Beringer Family California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, ($19.99/1.5 Ltr.). Still a family operation after nearly 150 years, these wines offer quality and consistency at a very reasonable price and while everyone may not be rooting for the same team, I don’t think you’ll have any arguments with these wines. We hope everyone enjoys the Big Game! Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com

Celebrating Valentine’s Day 2022 in Southie

SBT Staff Report

es, the weather has been mixed, mild to frigid, wet to dry, and we’ve had our share of snow. But hey, it could have been a lot worse and still can be. It’s only February. Yet, none of that should interfere with Valentine’s Day in South Boston – 2022, which arrives on Monday, February 14th. Flowers, candy, dinner, maybe a chilled bottle of wine in a romantic setting, all of these things and more, often come to mind when couples, whether married or dating think of Valentine’s Day. This unique, unofficial holiday is said to have been based on the legend of one or more early Christian Saints named ‘Valentinus’. The most well-known St. Valentine lived during the time of the Roman Empire and was said to have performed weddings for soldiers, who were forbidden to marry while in the Roman Army. Captured, arrested and later executed for his ‘crimes’, his fame lives on to this day. And still, here in 2022, Valentine’s Day means so much to so many. It

truly is a tradition that has endured the test of time. Certainly, the candy companies and florists love this time of year. It’s a huge business, as the mad rush for flowers to send to that special someone ups the prices to sometimes 3 to 4 times what they usually are the rest of the year. Diets are often put on hold so that the thoughtful gifts of chocolates can be enjoyed and savored. But those couples in love are more than happy to pay the higher prices. Well, if not happy to pay, willing at least. And as we’ve all noticed to be the case more each year, no sooner do the Christmas decorations and items come down from the shelves in many stores, the red décor of Valentine’s Day appears in their place. Restaurants prepare for the occasion by making their establishments extra appealing, creating that romantic atmosphere that softly states that yes indeed, this is a special day in the hearts of those in love. Reservations often need to be made well in advance if you expect to be able to get a table. And often the big question of ‘Will you marry me?’ is

popped, as many engagements, over the centuries, have commenced on February 14th. Here in South Boston, we have quite a few fine establishments more than capable of accommodating the most perfectly thought-out plans. Whether it’s a small venue or large, it can be found right here in our own neighborhood. We have some of the best restaurants and florists that can be found anywhere And if you really want to make it that special day to remember, well, gold, diamonds and other precious stones can be found locally at Murphy’s Jewelers at 403

W. 1st Street with selections to rival any of the larger chain stores. If you don’t see what you want, Bill Cosetta, owner of Murphy’s can get it for you. You may want to grab a warm cup of great coffee (or the famous Bucket of Ice coffee from PS Gourmet Coffee) some of the best that can be found anywhere in America and just take in a romantic sunrise or sunset walk at Castle Island or along Carson Beach and that part of the day won’t cost you a penny more but might bring rewards worth

continued on page 9

February 10,, 2022

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Valentine’s Day continued from page 8

far more than material items if it sets the mood just right. Whatever is needed to have a wonderful Valentine’s Day can be found right here in our town. Why not take advantage of the variety of selections?

So, if this coming Monday you get the feeling that love is in the air, maybe even more than any other day, a quick look at the calendar, February 14th just might explain why. It’s Valentine’s Day. And if you’re married, engaged or romanti-

cally involved in any way, here’s a bit of advice from your friends here at South Boston Today - particularly for the guys: You could be in for some serious trouble if you find that you have forgotten this of all days. And finally, if nothing else, stop and

Virtual Public Meeting

think back to the first time you saw that special someone and what it was that made your heart move like it never has before and celebrate the love of your life. Happy Valentine’s Day to all next Monday! May it be a memorable one.

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Project Description: The Project will construct a 13-story laboratory/research & development and office building located on Parcel H totaling approximately 587,000 GFA, a twostory job training/non-profit center on an adjacent parcel totaling approximately 16,000 GFA, and an elevated walkway that connects these two buildings and surrounding properties. Additionally, the Project will include commitments to improve the Silver Line Way station as well as other significant public realm improvements.

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mail to: Tyler Ross Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 857.334.8952 email: tyler.c.ross@boston.gov

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St. Peter Academy 100 Days of School at St. Peter Academy!

ow what a school year it has been so far! 100 days of the 2021-2022 school year in the books. The celebrations continued all day long. Students decorated T-shirts with 100 items, and dressed as centenarians. Grade K1 made a 100th day trail mix by sort-

ing treats into groups of 10, worked together to build a structure using 100 Solo cups and did 100 exercises! Grade K2 class sat around the annual 100 day camp fire counting to 100 by 2s, 5s and 10s and had to find the 100 hidden words in the classroom. Their math skills are beyond impressive!

Grades ½ put on their sleuth caps on and solved the mystery of the 100 words in the classroom, created 100 things I love posters in groups of 10, experimented how many licks (less or more than 100) till the end of a ring pop and read Jake’s ‘100th day of school’ book aloud. The upper grades wrote about 100 things they learned so far this year. It was a perfect day! St. Peter Academy is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15

February 10, 2022

months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K (School Year and Full Year Programs), Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Financial Aid Available. Two Scholarships will be offered this year for applicants for Grades 1 through 6. Appointments for individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing m.blasi@StPeterAcademy.com.

February 10,, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

anuary 30, 2022, marked the beginning of our annual celebration of National Catholic Schools Week, The theme — “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.”— During this school-wide celebration, we were able to focus on faith development, academic excellence, and dedication to community service. We are so very proud of each and every one of our wonderful students and very thankful to all our families, teachers, and staff for their dedication, hard work, and support. Each day of this week had activities planned around a special theme/ acknowledgment such as … Our Community, Our Students, Our Nation, Our Vocations, Our Faculty, Staff and Volunteers, and Our Families. Thursday was Student Appreciation Day and everyone got to enjoy pizza for lunch. Grades 3-6: had a Classroom Spelling Bee. Thank you to Mr. Chance Hebert, the Coordinator of Catholic Identity, for organizing these themes, to the students, families, teachers, and to all who helped to make this past week a very special, faith inspiring and fun week for all! “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 In 1A - Students did a fantastic job

writing about why they love attending our Catholic School. Some said, “At SBCA I learn about Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.” And “At SBCA I learn about Jesus and pray to God and learn the Bible.” In 1B - One of the songs we sing in the morning to start our day is- “Thank You God For Giving Us SBCA!” The children in Grade 1B were engaged in a brainstorming session to share ideas of what makes our school, “ A Special Catholic School!” Then, they got a picture that was close to their idea to color. In 1C- We wrote about why we LOVE SBCA. The students were so excited to share the many reasons they love going to this school, specifically for the teachers, being with their friends every day, and learning in math, reading, writing, and religion. We are so thankful to be a part of a great school and community! A little about SBCA… We are inspired by the traditions of our Catholic faith, family spirit, and academic excellence, we are committed to meeting the spiritual, academic, physical, and social needs of individual students within a learning environment that is both stimulating and supportive. New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org for more information about South Boston Catholic Academy.

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February 10, 2022

This week, Danny gave “Pic’s Pick” for Super Bowl LVI:

he Super Bowl is a week later than usual this year, thanks to the addition of an 18th week of the regular season. As I’ve said in the past, eventually, the Super Bowl will be pushed back even further into February, so that it takes place on Presidents’ Day weekend, which is always the third Monday in February. The NFL wants “Super Bowl Monday” to be a holiday of its own. And we’re getting closer to that. But for now, the Super Bowl is still taking place prior to that holiday weekend. And I’m here to make my final pick of the year. I went 1-1 against the spread in the Conference Championships. My record on the NFL season is 52-45. Not bad. Could be worse. Let’s wrap up the season with a winner. So, let’s get to it. Here is my pick for Super Bowl LVI: LOS ANGELES RAMS (-4.5) over Cincinnati Bengals -It’s been said many times before: the game will be won at the line of scrimmage. In my opinion, Super Bowl LVI on Sunday will be no different. Before I get into explaining

why, I do want to get something out of the way. I’ll be rooting for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals to hoist the Lombardi Trophy when it’s all said and done. Burrow is an easy guy to like, and I love the fact that his top wide receiver in the NFL was also one of his top receivers in college at LSU, in Ja’Marr Chase. Now, Burrow and Chase are proving to be one of the more dangerous offensive duos in the pros. And here they are, one win away from a Super Bowl championship. That’s not to say Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford isn’t an easy guy to like. His story is also very cool, having spent 12 years putting up big passing numbers with the Detroit Lions prior to be traded to LA this past offseason. Now, Stafford has a chance to win it all. Who would’ve been saying that about him last year at this time? Stafford’s success a feel-good story, for sure. But is it a “Cincinnati Bengals” feel-good story? Hell no. The Bengals have been the laughing stock of the NFL for years. They’ve teased their fans with success on several occasions, but it always resulted in predict-

able failure. Now? Things seem different in Cincy. Why? Because they have a quarterback who’s going to be an absolute stud in this league for a long, long time. Don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s not a quarterback league. It is. And regardless of what happens this Sunday at SoFi Stadium in LA, Burrow’s Bengals are going to remain in the “Super Bowl contender” conversation for at least the next decade. However — and you knew there was a “however” coming — I just don’t see the Bengals beating the Rams in Super Bowl LVI. And it all comes back to what’s going to happen at the line of scrimmage. If you’ve been watching the NFL Playoffs, there’s one thing that’s been made abundantly clear: the Bengals’ offensive line stinks. So much so, that it’s amazing they’ve been able to keep winning with the way Burrow is under pressure. Burrow was sacked more than anyone else in the regular season. He was sacked 51 times in the regular season. And in the postseason, it’s been the same thing. Burrow’s been sacked 12 times in three playoff games, which is

more than anyone else in the playoffs. This isn’t just a stat, either. Cincinnati’s inability to protect Burrow jumps off the screen every single game. And now the Bengals’ porous offensive line has to go up against a Rams defensive front that finished third in the NFL in sacks in the regular season with 50. I just think that, at some point, Cincinnati’s inability to protect Burrow is going to catch up to them, and it’s going to catch up to them this Sunday against the Rams. Sure, the Bengals’ defense is going to most likely prevent this from being a blowout. But the Rams should be able to take advantage of some good field position that’s given to them by their defense that’s going to be all over Burrow all night long. Stafford and Cooper Kupp are the favored to have big games, and I don’t see why they won’t. Cincinnati will have their Super Bowl victory at some point in the next five years. But it won’t be this Sunday. Give me the Rams to win by a touchdown, and Stafford to be named Super Bowl MVP. Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.

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SPORTS TODAY BRADY: Tweet ‘NEVER SAY of the Week NEVER’ TO A RETURN

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SBT Staff

ere we go. Only one week into his retirement, and Tom Brady is already planting the seeds for a potential return to football next season, perhaps with a different team. On his latest podcast with Jim Gray this week, Brady was asked about the possibility of coming out of retirement to play in the NFL next season. And it sounds as if Brady is leaving the door open. “I’m just going to take things as they come,” said Brady on his “Let’s Go!” podcast. “I think that’s the best way to put it, and I don’t think anything, you know, you never say never. At the same time, I know

that . . . I feel very good about my decision. I don’t know how I’ll feel six months from now. “I try to make the best possible decision I can in the moment, which I did this last week,” added Brady. “And, again, I think it’s not looking to reverse course. I’m definitely not looking to do that. But in the same time, I think you have to be realistic that you never know what challenges there are going to be in life. Again, I loved playing. I’m looking forward to doing things other than playing. That’s as honest as I can be with you there.” If Brady did ever decide to come out of retirement, he’s still under contract with the Buccaneers for next

season. However, it’s possible that if Brady had a specific team in mind that he’d like to play for in his return, then a trade is most likely in play. One of those teams would have to be Brady’s hometown San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco just lost to the Rams in the NFC Championship two weeks ago, and there’s been plenty of speculation that San Francisco is ready to move on from Garoppolo, who is under contract for one more season. Part of that speculation has to do with the fact that the 49ers traded three first-round picks to the Miami Dolphins in order to move up from No. 12 overall to No. 3 overall and

RAMS FAVORED TO WIN SUPER BOWL

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SBT Staff

or the second straight year, a team will play the Super Bowl in its own stadium. Last year, it was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who beat the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LV on their home field at Raymond James Stadium. This year, it’ll be the Los Angeles Rams who will play Super Bowl LVI on their home field at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams are a 4.5-point favorite over the Cincinnati Bengals in the big game this Sunday. The over/under is 48.5. Los Angeles beat the San Francisco 49ers, 20-17, at home in the NFC Championship, while Cincinnati went on the road in the AFC Championship and beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-24 in overtime. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is the favorite to win Super

Bowl MVP, at +115. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has the secondbest odds to win MVP, at +225, followed by Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp at +600, and Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald both at +1600. Taking a look at some of the props for Super Bowl LVI on Sunday in LA, the Rams are favored to be the team to score first (-135), and the

select North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft. The other part of that speculation is that maybe Lance, 21, isn’t yet ready to be an NFL starter. And if Brady really wanted to play for the team he grew up supporting, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for Lance’s career to learn from Brady for a year or two. It’s still early enough where a Brady-to-San Francisco rumor is somewhat far-fetched. But because Brady has left the door open with his “never say never” quote this week, the rumors and speculation are only going to pick up steam as we get closer to the NFL offseason.

odds say that their first score will be a touchdown pass to Kupp (+500). The only thing we know for sure is that Super Bowl LVI starts on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on NBC.