South Boston Today May 5 2022 by SouthBostonTodayOnline

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Happy Mother’s Day From South Boston Today

o all those women whose dedication extends not only to one’s own family but to the breadth of humanity who cherish the female influence on their lives – Happy Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the month of May. It complements similar celebrations, largely

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May 5, 2022: Vol.10 Issue 18

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May 5, 2022

EDITORIAL

More Problems At The Condon School

he Condon School was in the news yet again and not for academic high achievement or for cutting edge safety and security policies. No, it received yet more negative publicity where none should ever be present and certainly not tolerated. Last school year the problem was with accusations of harassment of staff and what many consider anti-police and anti-American propaganda on display for the young elementary age students to read. The organization calling itself Black Lives Matter or BLM had

some of its ‘literature’ in the building, which is often seen as divisive and racist. In recent months there has been even more information about this organization and its handling of donations it receives, solicits and some would even say extorts from its donors. The group has been present during the violent riots, burning and looting in cities around the country during the summer of 2020 and beyond. Feedback from parents of all backgrounds have expressed openly and vocally that they feel that

this is not the type of influence they want in a school that their children attend. So why was it allowed in the Condon School? The most recent publicized incidents came to light last week when Nazi symbols were discovered in the building and a live .45 caliber handgun round was found in one of the bathrooms that students use. The school’s principal, who was also the principal at the school last year, didn’t feel the need to shut down or lockdown the building for a sweep. There is always a chance that when

one live bullet is found that there could be more, or maybe even the weapon it goes with. This response by the principal outraged parents and neighborhood residents and many people made their feeling known by going to the local newspapers and community social media sites, as well as contacting local elected officials. South Boston’s city councilors Michael Flaherty and Edward Flynn were quick to step forward and demand a thorough investigation into the incidents as well as the response by those who run the Condon. Boston’s Superin-

tendent of Schools, who publicly backed up the principal’s action and attitude was further cause for concern. Parents are questioning, and have been questioning, the effectiveness and yes, the competence of those who run the Condon School,l as well as their commitment to safety of not only the students who attend the Condon but in some cases the staff. Clearly, there is a lack of confidence in those responsible for maintaining the proper learning environment and safety at the Condon. So, the question being asked by parents is: why is the principal still there and what will it take to ‘clean house?’

“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot” - Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas

OBITUARY GUERRETTE, CARLA (CICCONE) of South Boston. May 1st, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Vernon Guerrette. Devoted Mother of Tanya( Larkin) Howard and her husband Anthony Howard of Atascocita, Texas, Sonya Larkin, Jade (Larkin) Walsh and Joseph Larkin all of South Boston. Dear sister of John Ciccone of South Boston and Robert Ciccone of Duxbury, Cherished Grandmother to Kayla Larkin and Virginia Howard of Atascocita, Texas. Loving Aunt to Cheryl Herrera of St. Petersburg, Florida, Jessica Mullin of Carver, Andrea Scott of Duxbury, Anthony Ciccone of Duxbury and David Ciccone of San Antonio, Texas. Great Aunt to numerous Grand Nieces and Nephews AND Cousin of many first, second and third cousins. Carla enjoyed many things in life but her pas-

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John Ciccone

sion was dancing. She also loved to travel many places, among them Aruba, Bermuda and even Las Vegas and Florida as well as to many trips to Foxwoods. One of her favorite places to be was at Castle Island in her home town of South Boston where she enjoyed socializing with friends and neighbors and where she spent many warm, sunny days with her friend Bill Ritchie. It was often said of Carla that she truly loved life. She would always greet family and friends with her famous friendly and loving smile. Her sweet tooth and sense of humor was well known and she brought a special glow where ever she went and shared it with everyone around her. Visiting hours will be held at the Casper Funeral Home located at 187 Dorchester Street in South Boston on Wednesday, May 11th from 10am till Noon, followed by a Christian Burial and internment at Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree, Massachusetts.

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More Comments About Free Speech SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

s the saying goes: “You know you’re on the wrong side once you start calling Free Speech racist and sexist”. That quote from Jesse Watters is relevant today more than it has ever been. Who would have thought that one day in America, there would be a group of people Americans - who are so against and so afraid of free speech that they go on the attack against the overwhelming number of their fellow citizens who view it as a sacred right? And the fact that a large part of the news media is also on the attack and playing a major role in censoring that freedom is mind boggling. Or is it? When you think about the news media in our country and what the leftists that run much of it and what it and they have become, it’s really not so hard to understand the motives behind what they are up to. You see, the press has long enjoyed a monopoly on what the public learns about what’s happening locally, nationally and across the world. They like that they can shape public opinion and bend it to their ideology. They get to decide who the bad guys and good guys are in conflicts everywhere simply by slanting the news coverage they present for people to consume. It’s what the media does in wars much of the time and certainly on political issues here at home. If news outlet were truly fair and balanced, the only way we’d know which candidates they liked would be by reading their editorials. But they are not fair and balanced; at least not most of them. You can quickly figure out which candidates and which issues the press favors and opposes by the type of coverage they give and by the way they report on it. And the fact that the

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

media has now realized that most people have certainly figured it out presents a big problem for them and they don’t like it. ‘The power of the Press’ is fading fast and they are in a panic over it. MSNBC is losing viewers faster than the SUBWAY sandwich chain is losing customers since they hired Megan Rapino as their spokesperson. CNN is so far down in the ratings that they are laying off workers and just shut down their new streaming service CNN+. Speaking of CNN, they just got a new CEO who has vowed to change that network’s leftist and bias ways, before they are left with no viewers at all no doubt. When the once mighty New York Times puts out hit stories on people they don’t like, their targets use the attacks as badges of honor and those targeted see their ratings and popularity sky rocket. The same goes for the Washington Post and other such liberal/ Democrat cheer leaders. Twitter, as everyone now knows, has been purchased by Elon Musk who has promised to change the company from one big censor machine to a forum for all views and it has leftists in America and their media allies in meltdown. The sound of exploding heads echo throughout the land. It’s actually a beautiful thing. Because as WE always say, here at this paper, whenever that bunch gets this upset about anything, it means something good is happening, or about to happen in America. In closing, just a mention about the situation at the Condon School. If you watch local news and read this week’s editorial in our paper, you know that there were more incidents at the Condon. Swastikas were found in the building along with a bullet in one of the bath-

rooms. This fired up local residents again, who are not happy with the response by the principal at the school, nor with what goes on at the Condon academically with radical literature on display, and in regard to safety policies. Residents made their displeasure known along with our local elected officials. In response, some faculty members issued a response which attempted to shift the blame from themselves to the South Boston Community and what they implied were this town’s racist ways and did not hide their disdain for local people. To those faculty members

and bosses at the Condon, who seem to find themselves in an environment that causes them to feel contempt for those around them, let me say this: No one is keeping you here. There are other jobs to be had, though personally, I hope any future employment would not be at a school. If you were to clean out your lockers and desks, pack up your belongings and your attitudes and just leave the Condon School, the students and parents and the South Boston Community itself, would be better off. You know where the door is, you know where not to let it hit you on the way out.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Window Into The State House

Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education. We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives. These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.

IN AN EXCLUSIVE interview, Gov. Charlie Baker says he’s open to the idea of a law to protect reproductive health providers who offer abortion services to patients from states where abortion is or may become illegal from legal liability. Baker’s comments come in response to this week’s bombshell leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade and leave abortion laws up to individuals states. NBC reports that abortion would immediately become illegal in at least 23 states, 13 of which have trigger laws that would take effect once Roe is overturned. While Massachusetts lawmakers have written the right to an abortion into state law, some advocates have said this week that more could be done by the Legislature in the event that the state becomes a sanctuary for women seeking reproductive health services

from states where abortion is illegal. RAKING IN THE MONEY Nope. Not talking about Attorney General Maura Healey’s campaign here (though she is). We’re talking about the state of Massachusetts. The Department of Revenue reported collecting over $2 billion more than projected in tax revenues in April, the largest month for tax collections in the fiscal year. The windfall has left state coffers bulging with over $4.2 billion in excess revenue that was not budgeted to start the year. Even after accounting for some tax changes impacting the timing of payments, officials say the state is at least $3.5 billion ahead of estimates. So what to do with all that money? Baker used the April revenue report to press his case for tax relief, arguing that even those worried about a looming economic downturn can rest easy knowing the

state has socked away what is approaching $6 billion in savings. “I don’t ever remember being in a situation like this where we had this kind of money,” Baker said in an interview. Furthermore, Baker says it’s the right thing to do. “Inflation isn’t going away. It’s not transitory. It’s for real. And people are paying it everywhere. They’re paying it in food costs. They’re paying it in gas costs. They’re paying it in rent. They’re paying it in property taxes as the value of their home goes up. And I think this is a time when we should give a piece of the benefit that’s being accrued here by the work of the people of Massachusetts back to them, because we can afford it,” Baker said. The Legislature has been cautious, even cryptic, about their plans for tax relief, though Wednesday’s news may have turned the tide. Senate President Karen Spilka issued a statement Wednesday af-

May 5, 2022

ternoon saying that in light of the April revenue report she has “asked Senate leaders to work with their partners in government to pursue a tax relief package for residents before the end of session.” “While the details remain to be worked out, I believe we can safely balance targeted spending investments to a number of crucial areas, such as housing, childcare and higher education, with tax relief for individuals and families who are feeling the effects of inflation and continued economic disruption,” Spilka said. The Democratic leader signaled that the debate over tax relief would come after the Senate passes its version of the fiscal year 2023 budget later this month. The Revenue Committee, which is considering Baker’s $700 million proposal, filed for an extension until the end of July to keep exploring their options. House Speaker Ron Mariano said Monday he didn’t know what would happen on the tax relief front, and declined to say more yesterday in light of the April revenue report. But Baker said there has been dialogue at the staff level about details of his plan. “That doesn’t mean they’re going to do it, but I think they’re interested,” Baker said.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! From Sen. Nick Collins & Family

A Mother is She Who Can Take The Place of All Others but Whose Place No One Else Can Take.

Celebrating All Moms on Their Special Day, Happy Mother’s Day With A Special Wish To My Mom. State Representative ~ David Biele 4th Suffolk District (paid for by the committee to elect David Biele)

May 5, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

What’s Next? A

public exchange aired out in both the news media and social media among the staff at the James F. Condon school, the elected city of Boston officials from South Boston, Michael Flaherty and Edward Flynn, and the reaction of the South Boston community, especially the parents of school children, underscores a deep-seated alarm over the state of affairs not only at the Condon but across the Boston Public Schools system. With a departing superintendent, it appears that the leadership at the Condon and several other schools unilaterally are imposing what they are calling programs that address racism and promote diversity by framing them through, among other things, the notion of a ‘white entitle-

ment’ backdrop, thereby suggesting that only white people are fundamentally racist or prejudiced. Who are they who have the right to essentially indoctrinate elementary school age children? Confusion and Anxiety are the likely outcomes at the very least. This is further indication that there is no real leadership on hand to collaborate with those charged with this responsibility on the most effective agenda to make a safe, educational environment, first and foremost, and then the curriculum to advance the school children to the next stage of their lives. This issue not only will not go away but quite simply it may be the very issue that defines the Mayor Michelle Wu administration the next three plus years. While national politics deals with climate

change, inflation, immigration and the Supreme Court, the mayor and the city council, the BPS leadership, if any, the teachers’ union and the teachers in the trenches need to pay attention to the fundamental value of quality public education across the city. Playing out prejudices, which all involved are complicit in, is disrespectful to the citizens and taxpayers who are funding a bloated school department budget. It is not unfair to say that safety issue inside the schools have taken away from education. Some would say that ‘the disrupters are running the schools’, getting a pass on their disruption, while leaders get up the nerve to call what is happening for what it

5 is – the unraveling of the Boston Public Schools. It cannot wait for a new superintendent who, as history has proved, will not have the tools or actual support to get the job done. That being the likely case, what are the options? Finally, categorizing the South Boston community in the way that the Condon statement depicted it on social media, pushes real meaningful dialogue backwards. It harkens back to the distrust that occurred when leaked texts were uncovered that bespoke volumes about the private opinions that two of the then school committee members had toward white parents from West Roxbury. Inevitably, the lack of firm and unwavering leadership will surely result in lost educational opportunity for many students caught in this time warp while adults rub their ‘worry beads’ trying to get it right so that the system stops the proverbial ‘bleeding’.

A Statement From A Few Of The Condon Staff Members – Statement Unsigned

Yesterday, we were informed by a Condon Community School parent that a live round .45 caliber bullet was found in a bathroom at the school. We were told that the principal did not authorize a protective K9 sweep. Due to the serious public safety threat to the students, faculty and our community, we immediately contacted the Boston Police Department (BPD) who confirmed a bullet was indeed found. We subsequently requested that BPD conduct a sweep of the school building and grounds after we learned the principal did not authorize one earlier for the safety of everyone in the building. In our follow-up discussions with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), the Mayor's office and City officials about this incident, we were also informed that a piece of paper or literature was also found at the school earlier this week displaying Nazi swatstikas. This disturbing discovery and lack of action underscores the principal’s failure to ensure public safety yesterday. When school leadership fails to take potential incidents of violence and hate seriously, it creates an environment that is indifferent to violence and inappropriate behavior. All of our children deserve to be in a safe, stable, and welcoming learning environment at our Boston Public Schools. As a result, due the the serious public safety concerns involving live ammunition and literature featuring Nazi symbols, we are respectfully requesting a complete and thorough investigation into both of these incidents. As this literature is potentially relevant to the lives, careers, and reputations of several Boston residents and employees, we also ask that the City provide a full and transparent accounting of the facts, wherever they may lead, to the students, parents, faculty, and South Boston community.

Ed Flynn Boston City Council President, District 2

Michael Flaherty Boston City Councilor, At-Large

e are the Condon staff! We represent the voices that have been fighting the true struggle with racism from within these walls, within this community, within this district. Historically, we have not been a school to practice transparency. We lacked the will, courage and means to tackle things directly. We have made a commitment to the work the district has asked of us. Once we began our journey we were quickly met with resistance and hatred. Hatred from fellow staff, resistance from the district and dismissiveness from this community. We have chosen to share our truth, to no longer wait to be handed a mic. To disrupt a system that abuses its power to harm and belittle our community. The recent narrative presented in the media and by city counselors portray our student community as violent and damaged, our staff as incompetent and neglectful, and our school community as unsafe. Within the last two years, our school community has criticism for our anti-racist work, our black and brown staff and students have been at the center of inequity and racial prejudice by individuals within and outside our school. South Boston is a community made up of students from all cultural, racial, and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Our diversity is our collective strength. We are here to reclaim our power. We still believe that unlearning racist harmful behaviors can be accomplished through unified commitment and dedication.

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Mother’s Day continued from front page

pushed by commercial interests, honoring family members, such as Father’s Day, Siblings Day, and Grandparents’ Day. While some countries have a multi-century history of a day to celebrate mothers, the modern American version of the holiday began in the United States in the early 20th century at the initiative of Anna Jarvis, who organized the first Mother’s Day service of worship and celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which serves as the International Mother’s Day Shrine today. It is not directly related to the many traditional celebrations of mothers and motherhood that have existed throughout the world over thousands of years, such as the Greek cult to Cybele, the mother deity Rhea, the Roman festival of Hilaria, or the other Christian ecclesiastical Mothering Sunday celebration (associated with the image of Mother Church). However, in some countries, Mother’s Day is still synonymous with these older traditions. The American version of Mother’s Day has been criticized for having become too commercialized. Jarvis herself, who began the celebration as a liturgical observance, regretted this commercialism and expressed that this was never her intention. In response, Constance Adelaide Smith successfully advocated for Mothering Sunday as a commemoration of a broader definition of motherhood in many other parts of the English-speaking world. Reflecting the day’s association with the story of the Gospel’s ‘Feeding of the Five Thousand, which prompted the association between Mothering Sunday and the ‘Gifts of Mother Earth, it provided a reprieve from fasting. Various types of cakes and buns have long been made for Mother-

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ing Sunday, especially Simnel cake, as gifts to parents, which was a traditional confection associated with both Mothering Sunday and Easter. In Bristol England and some other parts of the world, mothering buns remain a specialty for Mothering Sunday: “plain yeast-leavened buns, iced, and sprinkled, with hundreds and thousands, eaten for breakfast on that day”. Numerous newspapers across many decades attest to children gathering violets to present to their mothers on this day. In urban settings, churches supply the violets to the children. These historical references aside, modern parenting, especially by women, reveals a nontraditional household, but one that has love, care and nurturing at its heart. Today, American society displays greater diversity, and many American households can be considered non-traditional under this definition. Family structures that may be considered non-traditional or alternative include single parenthood, cohabitation, same-sex families, and polygamy. As society changes there are more “non-traditional” families, that is, families are not husband, wife, and children all in the same home. The Bottom Line is that no two families are the same. What may be “normal” for one family could be quite unique to another. Because families are so different, days such as Mother’s Day presents opportunities for families to celebrate diversity while honoring the woman in their family. Certainly, a person becomes a mother if she has given birth to a child. But motherhood is a much broader concept. Many women are mothers to children with whom they have little to no biological connection. Some may be relatives that filled the void left by a mother who passed away or was unable to care for children.

Anyone who has stepped into the role of caretaker can and should be celebrated on Mother’s Day. Many children have very close relationships with their stepmothers — even retaining relationships should the stepmother divorce out of the family. Modern families even include strong connections between stepmothers and biological mothers, with each doing her part to make sure children are getting the love and support they need. Families continue to evolve and same-sex couples are raising children. Among married same-sex couples, 18.9% of the households have children under age 18. These non-traditional families can be creative as they navigate holidays like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. One way to do so is to celebrate one parent on Mother’s Day and the other on Father’s Day. However, families also can remove gender labels and celebrate both days as Parents Day, casting love and affection on caregivers however they see fit. Some mothers are not present in children’s lives for various reasons. These can include death, incarceration, illness, military deployment or enrollment in a rehabilitation program. Mother’s Day can be a time of mixed emotions for individuals whose moms are not present, and families can work together to find ways to celebrate. This may be visiting the cemetery to pay respects or sending a letter to express one’s feelings. Individuals also can recognize those people who act as surrogate mothers, including special friends or coworkers who always listen and offer advice. Mother’s Day can be recognized with flexibility and creativity within non-traditional families. Whatever your family make-up is please celebrate Mother’s Day in all of its glorious aspects.

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May 5, 2022

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group

Offered by Compass on the Bay

ay 19, 2022, 6:00 pm. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group will be held in conjunction with our sister community, Standish Village. Call 617268-5450 or email Program Director Dean Tricarico at dtricarico@ compassonthebay.com for more information and to register for the virtual meeting. This is a virtual event sponsored by Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston.

May 5, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Three Workers Injured During Edison Plant Demolition, One With Life-Threatening Injuries

construction worker whose legs got trapped for more than three hours after a floor at the former Edison power plant in South Boston collapsed, has sustained life-threatening injuries, Fire Commissioner Jack Dempsey said at a news conference Wednesday. Two other workers had minor injuries and were taken from the scene immediately, Dempsey said. Dempsey said a large piece of cantilevered flooring fell, forming

photo credit to 617-Live

a void and trapping the worker’s lower legs. About 100 emergency responders helped in the rescue, including EMTs and paramedics who helped the victim with pain management. A surgeon was also brought to the scene due to the seriousness of the victim’s injuries. The collapse at the former Edison Power Plant occurred around 1:40 p.m. and the worker was extricated just after 5 p.m. The collapse was the second one at a

Boston construction site in the past few months. In March, a construction worker was killed in a partial collapse at a Boston parking garage that was being demolished. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Wednesday thanked emergency responders. “It is a near miracle that our third person was able to be transported to the hospital safely, and we are sending every prayer for a quick stabilization and recovery,” the mayor said.

Dempsey said the building is old and weak, and “demolition jobs are dangerous.” The worker who was trapped was conscious throughout the rescue, he said. The building was undergoing demolition at the time. A construction worker on scene told NBC10 Boston and NECN they were working when something fell on his coworkers. Several of the construction workers waiting for news of their colleagues had tears in their eyes and one had to rest his head against the building as they processed everything that just happened.

photo credit Boston EMS

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

The

Wine Guy

The Delicious, The Few, The Torrontes

hile most wine drinkers, especially those who love only reds, are big fans of Argentina’s outstanding Malbecs, you’d be hard pressed to name a white wine that enjoys the same kind of name recognition and support-unless you enjoy Torrentes. It’s a grape that has a pleasant bouquet of Apricots and Jasmine on its nose, is medium-bodied and has a crisp, fresh finish. Until recently, it was consumed almost exclusively at home and in a few neighboring countries-no more. You’ll be able to find more brands of this pleasing white than ever before in the US market; here are a few to start you off….

REAL ACCESS!

2020 Zuccardi Torrontés Serie A Salta Argentina, ($14.99). Sebastián Zuccardi is an Argentine Midas with a mile-long list of praise, including 99- and 100-point wines and back-to-back “World’s Best Vineyard” honors. However, when I tasted his Serie A I nearly forgot about all of that because this wine was the surprise of the tasting, with its crisp and exhilarating character. Torrontés is a grape grown almost exclusively in Argentina that combines the aromatic complexity of Riesling and the bone-dry palate of Sauvignon Blanc. Zuccardi’s version is energetic and textured. Its freshly cut pineapple, mandarin blossom, starfruit, and herb aromas are as dramatic and striking as its mountain home. On the palate, it’s dry and medium-bodied but clearly refreshing, with tropical fruit and cleansing acidity on a finish that lingers until the wine compels you to take another sip. This might be your new Summer Standard! Phebus Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina, ($11.49). From Argentina’s northern region of Mendoza comes this crisp and refreshing, oak-free wine made from 100% Torrontes. A nose of fresh cut lemons with a hint of lime is followed by layers of citrus on the dry and refreshing palate. Pair with ceviche and oysters. The

higher these grapes grow, the crisper and more refreshing the finished product is. Lemoncake, squeezed limes and other citrus notes emerge and are accompanied by a lingering finish. The fresher the seafood you serve this one with , the better. Santa Julia Plus Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina, 2019, ($9.99), is also emblematic of the value that comes with this quality wine. With notes of rose, orange peel, white peach, fruit salad, chamomile, and other aromatic herbs, this wine shows fineness in its aromas and flavors. Bodega Santa Julia was created in honor of Julia Zuccardi, part of the third generation of leaders from the Zuccardi Family. The Santa Julia winery represents the family’s commitment to producing the highest quality wines through sustainable practices that protect the environment and uplift the local community. Sustainable practices include organic farming, compost production, bottling in lightweight

May 5, 2022

glass, and solar power in the winery. With Santa Julia in your glass, you can be assured that you’re drinking a high quality wine that respects the land. Lastly, my final selection, while not Argentinian, is made right next door, in Uruguay Lastly, my final selection, while not Argentinian, is made right next door, in Uruguay.. Pisano Torrontés Río De los Pájaros ($17.99). Unlike Argentina and Chile’s Andean peaks and sprawling valleys, Uruguay’s vineyard regions fill a landscape of gently rolling hills. The terrain inspired the country’s 19th century immigrants from Spain and Italy to plant vines, which flourished in the abundant sunlight and cool breezes from the Antarctic. In Uruguay, everything is on the BBQ and this wine is a frequent companion; seafood, poultry and especially the country’s vaunted Angus beef all provide delicious complements. Talk To The Wine Guy at jd701562@gmail.com

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May 5, 2022

Boston Public Library Announces 1-Hour $200 Wedding Certemony

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

ayor Michelle Wu joined Boston Public Library (BPL) president David Leonard to announce that to accommodate intimate ceremonies and various budgets, the Boston Public Library will begin offering couples the opportunity to be married at the BPL in a one-hour, $200 wedding ceremony starting in June. Couples will have the opportunity to begin the next chapters of their lives by exchanging vows inside the historic Guastavino Room at the Central Library in Copley Square. Each couple may invite up to eight guests and following the ceremony formal photos can be taken within the Guastavino Room. “Our Boston Public Libraries are some of Boston’s most treasured spaces, and many a bride or groom have dreamed about celebrating their wedding day at the Central Library in Copley Square,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This new program offering one-hour wedding celebrations in the Guastavino room at the library will provide another

beautiful, intimate, affordable option for couples in Boston to celebrate their weddings in one of the most breathtaking spaces in our city. Thank you to our team at BPL for continuing to find ways to make their programs and services accessible to all Boston residents.” One-hour ceremonies will be offered on the first Monday of each month, beginning on June 6th. Accommodations will be made for Monday holidays. The registration period begins on May 1st. Bookings will be accepted within a 90-day window of the ceremony date. All couples must submit their registration online at bpl.org/1-hour-weddingceremony. Availability is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. “We are excited to have this opportunity to offer couples wanting an intimate ceremony a chance to have the Boston Public Library become a special part of their life together,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. “The McKim Building has always been the ‘palace continued on page 10

Happy Mother’s Day And Best Wishes Celebrating my Mom and All Mothers on this special day!

Ed Flynn • Boston Council • District 2District • @EdforBoston Boston CityCity Council President, 2 (Paid for by the Friends of Ed Flynn Committee)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

To my wife, sister and all mothers out there!

This Mother’s Day, I am missing and thinking of my own mother. I promise to honor her legacy and continue to advocate for all

City Councilor At-Large

Erin Murphy ErinforBoston.com

the South Boston mothers, women and girls, just like she did.

Michael F. Flaherty Boston City Councilor At-Large

www.MichaelFlaherty.com Twitter @michaelfflaherty

(Paid for by The Michael F. Flaherty Committee)

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Virtual Public Meeting

Parcel X (310 Northern Ave) IAG Meeting

May 5, 2022

Virtual Public Meeting

Parcel X , 310 Northern Avenue Thursday, May 19 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3Ktn70i Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 981 9901

Tuesday, May 17

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3vTqxEb

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Project Proponent:

Meeting ID: 160 369 2123

MP Properties II, LLC, an affiliate of Marcus Partners

Project Description:

Project Proponent: MP Properties II, LLC, an affiliate of Marcus Partners Project Description: The BPDA is hosting an Impact Advisory Group Meeting (IAG) and Article 80 Public Meeting for the proposed 310 Northern Ave (Parcel X). This meeting is organized in a working session format during which the IAG Members engage in discussion with the development team about aspects of the project at hand. The latter portion of the meeting will be organized to provide for questions and commentary from the general public who are in attendance as well. mail to: Daniel Polanco Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.304.8109 email: dan.polanco@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 5/30/2022

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

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Library Weddings continued from page 9

for the people,’ and we are excited to be able to make it available to couples that might not otherwise have access to this space.” The Boston Public Library hosts private events year-round featuring ornately designed spaces with a variety of capacities that are ideal settings for holiday parties, corporate conferences,

weddings, and more. The Boston Public Library only offers one-hour wedding ceremony packages through this monthly promotion. Any questions about the one-hour wedding ceremony or about event rentals in general, can be directed to the BPL Special Events Office at 617.859.2212 or at events@bpl. org<mailto:events@bpl.org>.

The BPDA is hosting a public meeting for the 310 Northern Ave, Parcel X project located in South End Waterfront. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public. The Proponent was assigned the existing ground lease for Parcel X, which has an address of 310 Northern Avenue, by the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (“EDIC”) in November of 2020. As detailed in the PNF, the Proponent proposes the demolition of the two (2) existing, single-story industrial buildings on the Project Site, and the construction of a new, two (2)-building, approximately 742,000 square foot life sciences/ research and development campus (the “Proposed Project”). mail to: Daniel Polanco Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.304.8109 email: dan.polanco@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 5/30/2022

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

May 5, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

St. Peter Academy Boston Fire Department Visit at St. Peter Academy

t. Peter Academy had the pleasure of welcoming Lt. Henry Perkins of the Boston Fire Department to the school last week. Lt. Perkins delivered an informative and interactive presentation about Fire

Safety to the students. Mrs. Kate Lee (Grade 1) teacher donned the heavy firefighter gear and rescued Erica from a (play tent) burning building. She told us how difficult it was to move and run in the gear that firefighters use every

day. We enjoyed the visit and learned so much about fire prevention and safety. We are so grateful for all our first responders. Thank you for keeping us safe! 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 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the

11 limited spaces available in the yearround 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 spa@StPeterAcademy.com.

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

April Highlights

rade 2B…What’s The Scoop you ask? It’s a very important concept when reading and also a delicious summer snack! The “SCOOP” helps students pull out the important topics in books that they read. As they go down the line they are Able to find the S. setting C. characters O. oh no! The problem O. order of events and P. problem solved. This was a fun activity that allowed the

students to really visualize the importance of details within a story and how to pull those details together! “Grade 3A celebrated Women’s History Month by conducting interviews of remarkable women that were in each student’s life. Students interviewed former teachers, family members, god parents, and others and created posters to share what they found with the whole school.” Grade 4 at South Boston Catholic Academy worked and collaborated on a poster for Earth Day. Each student made a square that tells their commitment to help the environment. Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern

environmental movement in 1970. The week of April 18 we had Spring Camp 2022. Here are some of the activities the kids did at Spring Camp. They had a fun filled week doing outdoor activities with a walk and playing at M Street Park, walks to the beach to collect shells, going to Story Hour at the library, and indoors activities, such as, coloring, painting, making Sand Art, Snow Globes, Lego challenges and Fitness Fun. On April 25, 2022, we were excited that our newly renovated SBCA-Early Childhood Center was able to open its doors to our current K0 (A, B, C, D) classes. We were so happy to be able to welcome our K0 students, families and faculty to the new building!

May 5, 2022

(YAMA) Young Audiences of MA came to school on April 28 and we were totally amazed with the wonderfully talented Acrobatic Performance they did at SBCA. The students thoroughly enjoyed watching the acrobatic performance. The students not only got a chance to actually participate in this program, and they also had a chance to learn a little about some of the Chinese Customs, Traditions and Language. We are so proud of our SBCA acrobats, too! Thank you so much, Li and YAMA for such a wonderful performance! New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.

May 5, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

This week, Danny reacted to what happened at this year’s NFL Draft:

f you know me, then, you know. I’m not a big NFL Draft guy. I’ve never been one to produce — or even care about — mock drafts. Some people go nuts about it. We all know the type. They sit there and watch the draft with their fantasy mock draft sheet in front of them, highlighting the picks they got right, but mostly, redlining the picks they got wrong. It’s just not my thing. Still, I do pay attention to the first round. Or at least, I pay attention to maybe the first 10-12 picks, then I’ll follow the rest of the first round on twitter and keep an eye on where the Patriots will move back to. This year, the Patriots moved back from No. 21 overall to No. 29 overall, where they drafted offensive lineman Cole Strange out of Tennessee-Chattanooga. It was an underwhelming pick, considering where all the mock-draft nuts had Strange projected to go, which was the third or fourth round. But at the same time, it was an exciting pick because after it was made, everyone and their mother around the league began mocking Bill Belichick. And that usually doesn’t

end well for everyone else. But overall, this year’s draft couldn’t have been more boring. All you have to do is look at the first five picks. All defensive players. And the No. 1 overall pick — Georgia defensive end Travon Walker — had a hilarious “pick analysis” on the NFL’s own website. “Walker is a Swiss Army knife with the capacity to play anywhere along the line. From nose tackle to edge rusher, the Georgia product possesses the speed, athleticism and burst to be an impact defender. Although he did not produce at a high level in college, he boasts intriguing athleticism and playmaking potential. -- Bucky Brooks” The funniest part of that analysis by Bucky is the “although he did not produce at a high level in college” line. What? Are you kidding me? So, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft didn’t produce at a high level? Ok. That’s all I need to see. Mock-draft nuts know more about this No. 1 overall pick than I do, for sure. But for average-levelinterest draft fans like myself, that analysis of the No. 1 overall pick explains why there seemed to be much less hype about this year’s

draft than drafts in the past. At least most sports fans knew who last year’s No. 1 overall pick was in Trevor Lawrence. Am I selling Travon Walker short here? Probably. But I don’t care. This year’s NFL Draft just didn’t do it for me. Even with some of the big wide receiver trades. That was really the story of the first round on Thursday night. Two big-name receivers who were taken in the 2019 NFL Draft were traded, as the Tennessee Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Baltimore Ravens traded Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to the Arizona Cardinals. For a moment, later in the weekend, it looked as if the San Francisco 49ers were going to trade star receiver Deebo Samuel to the Patriots, but so far, Odell Beckham Jr.’s tweet hasn’t proven to be true. Beckham Jr. tweeted: “Breakinnnngg NEWSSS @19problemz to the @Patriots WTFFFFFFFFFFFF”. FYI, “@19problemz” is Samuel. After that tweet was put out there, reputable NFL insiders quickly shot it down and claimed that it was not true. However, I’m not so

sure Beckham Jr.’s tweet wasn’t the result of some real-life conversations between the Patriots and 49ers about a Samuel trade to New England. Perhaps it was discussed and never agreed to, and Beckham Jr. heard about the discussion — probably from his agent, as they keep an eye on the offseason wide receiver market around the league. A Samuel-to-Patriots trade would make sense. Samuel has asked for a trade as he enters the final year of his very affordable 4-year, $7.2 million contract with San Francisco. And the Patriots should be looking to provide quarterback Mac Jones with some more weapons, as Jones enters his second NFL season. Since the draft has now come and gone, I don’t expect Belichick to make this trade, but given Beckham Jr.’s tweet, I do honestly believe that the Patriots and 49ers had some serious conversations about it. Samuel to New England last weekend would’ve been the move that saved the 2022 NFL Draft. For me, at least. Follow Danny on Instagram @ DannyPicard.

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SPORTS TODAY

PATRIOTS Tweet SELECT 10 of the Week PLAYERS IN ’22 DRAFT

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

NHL FRIDAY, MAY 6 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Gm 3: Carolina at Boston 7 P.M. TNT SUNDAY, MAY 8 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Gm 4: Carolina at Boston 12:30 P.M. ESPN

WHAT TO WATCH

May 5, 2022

NBA SATURDAY, MAY 7 Eastern Conference Semifinals Gm 3: Boston at Milwaukee 3:30 P.M. ABC MONDAY, MAY 9 Eastern Conference Semifinals Gm 4: Boston at Milwaukee 7:30 P.M. TNT MLB SATURDAY, MAY 7 Chicago White Sox at Boston 4:10 P.M. NESN SUNDAY, MAY 8 Chicago White Sox at Boston 11:35 A.M. NBC Peacock HORSE RACING SATURDAY, MAY 7 Kentucky Derby 7 P.M. NBC

SBT Staff

t the end of the day, Bill Belichick is going to be Bill Belichick. And in this year’s NFL Draft, which was held in Las Vegas over the weekend, Belichick was his usual self, beginning on Thursday night in the first round. The Patriots entered the draft with the No. 21 overall pick, but they wasted no time moving back to the No. 29 overall pick in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. With that No. 29 overall pick, the Patriots made a selection that nobody saw coming, drafting offensive guard Cole Strange from Tennessee-Chattanooga. Many draft “experts” and football analysts had Strange being drafted on Day 2 or even Day 3. When the Patriots took him in the first round on Thursday night, it was unexpected. But, knowing Belichick’s mindset, it probably shouldn’t have been much of a shock. “I was excited, I didn’t know exactly when I was going to go,” said Strange during his conference call with the media after being drafted by New England in the first round. “I knew I was going to go, but honestly, it was just excitement. I’m here at home with my Dad. I don’t know what to tell you other than we’re so excited and we got a village of new Patriots fans.”

Belichick said that, had the Patriots stayed at No. 21 overall, there was a “good chance” they still would’ve drafted Strange at that spot. “If we had stayed at 21, then we would have obviously picked somebody; probably a good chance it would have been him,” said Belichick in his post-draft press conference. “I don’t know, there were several teams that we talked to prior to when we made the trade. There were some other conversations going on there, but ultimately that’s the one we chose.” Probably the best reaction to Strange being drafted much earlier than anticipated, came from the Los Angeles Rams, who were holding a press conference on Thursday night as the Patriots were making their pick at No. 29. “How about that?” said Rams head coach Sean McVay with a big smile. “And we wasted our time watching him, thinking he’d be at [pick No.] 104 maybe.” McVay and the rest of the media he was talking to then erupted into laughter. For context, the Rams had the No. 104 overall pick, which was the second-to-last pick in the third round, where they also took an offensive guard. Instead of Strange, the Rams selected Wisconsin guard Logan Bruss. Strange, 23, stands tall at 6-foot-

6, and weighs 301 pounds as an interior blocker. The scouting report from NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter reads as follows: “Strange was an excellent defender for Farragut High School in Knoxville before signing with the [Tennessee-Chattanooga] Moccasins. As a redshirt freshman, he started six of 10 games played at left guard. Southern Conference coaches noticed his play in 11 games at left guard the following year, naming him second-team allleague. They repeated that honor for Strange in 2019 (11 starts at left guard, one at center) and 2020 (four starts in five games at left guard). SoCon coaches also voted him firstteam all-conference for his play in 11 starts at left guard in 2021.” The Patriots made one selection in the second round, drafting Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton with the No. 50 overall pick. They then took Houston cornerback Marcus Jones in the third round at No. 85 overall. New England made three selections in the fourth round, drafting Arizona State cornerback Jack Jones at No. 121 overall, South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong at No. 127 overall, and Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe at No. 137 overall. After no picks in the fifth round,

the Patriots made three selections in the sixth round, drafting South Carolina running back Kevin Harris at No. 183, NW Missouri State defensive tackle Sam Roberts at No. 200, and LSU center Chasen Hines at No. 210. Then, in the seventh and final round, the Pats drafted Michigan offensive tackle Andrew Stueber at No. 245 overall. Around the rest of the NFL, it felt like somewhat of a dud of a draft. Only one quarterback was drafted in the first two rounds, and that was Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett being taken at No. 20 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. It marked the first time since 2000 that only one quarterback was selected in the first two rounds. The No. 1 overall pick in the draft was Georgia defensive end Travon Walker, taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars.