South Boston Today October 6 2022

The Economic And Political Impact Of OPEC Oil Production Decisions

The Organization of Petro leum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its oil-producing allies, known as OPEC+, agreed to cut oil production by 2 million bar rels per day (bpd), with the decision coming at their Oct. 5 meeting in Vienna. The cuts came as little surprise to markets, which had been expecting the cartel to slash output, even as the White House reportedly

Columbus Day Is Coming. Whether The Woke Crowd Likes It Or Not

In the world of Po litically Correct, Woke and Cancel Culture Bullying, it is believed by the advocates of that train of thought, that all they need do is claim they are offended by something they don’t like and it will be removed. Claiming its racist, gives the effort an even bigger boost; or at least it used to. Those pushing this movement be lieve this because in some cities around the country, they are correct. They’ve seen the results – the fruits of their labor. ‘Ban every thing we don’t like or we’ll protest; maybe even vio lently if we must’. And the cowardly authorities bow and grovel to these de mands and do the bidding of the radicals. Whether it’s a statue, a song on the radio, the name of a street or a picture on a tub of butter, it has been working. This brings us to the upcoming Columbus Day holiday. There are those who demand it be elimi nated. They don’t like the Italian explorer so they want statues of Christopher Columbus torn down and the name of the holiday changed to things like ‘Indigenous People’s Day’,

‘Fall Festival’ or Pumpkin Seed Jamboree etc. The fact that millions of Italian Americans like Columbus Day just the way it is and look forward to it each year, matters not to the ‘Woke’ crowd. They want what they want and tradition be damned. The statue of Co lumbus in Boston was re moved because a tiny group demanded it. And this is why the cancel culture mob keeps coming for more and more. There will be no end to the traditions they want gone and there never will be until people stand up to them and say ‘NO’.

There are some who don’t like Thanksgiving. They have been actively working over the years to end this uniquely Ameri can and beautiful tradi tion. Give in to them and they will set their sights on getting rid of Christ mas in an even bigger way than they have been trying already for many years. The thought of one day, eliminating America’s In dependence Day celebra tion every year held on July 4th, makes those who hate our country salivate. All those Red, White and Blue Flags, fireworks and patriotism makes them

nauseous. That would be perhaps the biggest feather in their caps if they could end that one.

Think about it. If people don’t step up and draw that line in the sand and face down the radicals whose goal it is to eliminate every cherished American tradi tion, they will just keep on coming. If elected officials, whether federal, state or municipal continue to duck and run for cover every time the malcontents with a chip on their shoulder for one holiday and tradition or another and don’t stand up to them, our country will one day lose its iden tity completely.

Americans; no matter what their background, are welcomed to celebrate the long Columbus Day weekend. It belongs to everyone. If the radical/ politically correct/woke/ cancel culture types don’t like it or if it offends them well, that’s just too bad. They can take their whiny, entitled attitudes and go somewhere to pout. The name of the holiday is Co lumbus Day, it will always be Columbus Day NOT indigenous peoples’ day whether the woke crowd likes it or not.

DAY

“Hello October, let the fall colors begin” SBT Staff

Information Center

Ballot Question 4 Mysteriously Missing From Voter Information?

Ifyou’ve received your Massachu setts Voter Information Booklet in the mail and read it, you may have noticed that there is something missing in the Ballot Questions section. Many people have noticed and aren’t a bit surprised that one question in particular doesn’t appear. Of course, its Ballot Question #4 – the move to stop the law passed by the Democrats at the state house that would give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. The law is set to take effect in July of 2023. A ‘NO’ Vote would stop the practice from becoming Massachusetts law.

The talk around the Massachusetts State House is that there are quite a few Democrat senators and reps that are not happy that the opposition actually got enough signatures to put it on next month’s election ballot. (November 8th). This also goes for liberal members of the state’s news media, the crazy leftist college pro fessors who spend much of their time preaching Socialism and dislike of America to gullible students and of course, the illegal immigrant lobby and activists. Not only did the op position to this law get the required number of signatures, but they also got thousands more than they actu ally needed. If you remember, the bill was passed by an overwhelming number of Democrat legislators and opposed by every Republican and a hand full of other Democrat legisla tors. It was vetoed by Governor Baker, but his veto was overridden by the Democrats.

The so called ‘pundits’ said it couldn’t be done. Their cocky, smug attitude was that no way would a hastily formed group of disorganized commoners – I guess that means the actual voters, with little to no money or political power, could ever get the re quired number of signatures to put the question on the ballot in such a short period of time. Certainly not in liberal

Massachusetts. But they were wrong. They got them in every Massachusetts county and in some locations, people waited in long lines to sign.

If the opponents of the law are successful, and there is now a good chance they will be, it should be a big embarrassment to those politicians who voted FOR the law. That it was passed overwhelmingly by those in elected office only to be overturned by a vote of the people, will show just how out of touch they are with the constituents they are supposed to be representing. So now, the voters are being bombarded by a massive and expensive media campaign trying to convince everyone that giving illegal immigrant’s driver’s license by Vot ing yes on Question 4 will make the state’s roadways much safer. Do you get the impression that the Bay State’s politicians and media allies believe that voters are stupid? Giving people who broke state and federal laws by jump ing our border will make us all safer is a stretch even for liberal Democrats. And by the way, the campaign pushing this law is being fueled by quite a bit of out of state money. If this bunch fol lows their usual tactics and playbook, they will also go on a personal smear campaign against the people behind the overturn effort, hitting them with all the usual code words like racist, bigot, xenophobe and the rest of those labels used to destroy opponents.

Let’s not pull punches here. Many of those who are pushing for licenses for illegals don’t have compassion as their motive. The goal is to bring in as many new Democrat voters as possible, since the party’s numbers are declining. The claims that there will be safeguards put in place to prevent illegals from voting in elections is to be blunt, more BS. While those safeguards might be written down on paper, the will to enforce those rules

political power structure in

state will be in serious doubt. It so often seems to work that way. But let’s get back to the mystery of how and why Question #4 didn’t make it on the Voter Information booklet sent out to every registered voter in the state. The desperate excuses we’re hearing in defense of the missing question is well, the signatures didn’t get in on time – more BS. The signatures were submitted before the deadline. If the printing had to be delayed a day or two to include Question #4, by all means it should have been. Are the voters not entitled to ALL the information they need to make a

decision on how to vote on EVERY question affecting this state? Is there reason to at least suspect that leaving out Question 4 was a delib erate and calculated political move? I’d say its plenty suspicious. Will some accuse me of pushing forth a ‘Conspiracy Theory’? Probably, but isn’t it amazing just how many conspiracy theories have turned out to be accurate these past couple of years? No one should be able to tell you how to vote. The decision is yours, but you should be informed. Voting YES will give illegal immi grant’s driver’s licenses. Voting NO will stop it from happening.

-- Migrants to be off JBCC by the weekend

Hotel Joint Base Cape Cod is closing this weekend. The Baker administration announced yesterday that the temporary accommodations set up in Barnstable for the roughly 50 migrants flown from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are ending. Since arriving on the Vineyard and ac cepting a short-term place to stay at JBCC, 14 individuals - including some families - have left the base for opportunities in Massachusetts or other states, according to the administration. Thirty-five more migrants are working with case managers, and it’s expected that

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.

they will finalize more permanent housing options this week as they transition off the base.

-- NU “explosion” report linked to injured university tech manager

Federal investigators have charged Northeastern University’s new technology manager with fabricating the reported explosion on campus last month that put the university and the city on edge. Jason Duhaime reported the incident, as well as supposed injuries from the blast. But the F.B.I. said evidence contradicted the report of a powerful explosion, and an electronic copy of the letter railing against virtual reality and Facebook was found on a computer

in Duhaime’s office. The Associated Press has more detail.

-- How would that millionaire’s tax money get spent

This has been the argument of op ponents from day one. The proposed income surtax on millionaires could raise anywhere from $1.3 billion to $2 billion in new tax revenue, and the ballot question before voters this fall says the money should be spent on education and transporta tion. There’s just no guarantee. The Globe’s Matt Stout walks readers through what it means to be “subject to appropriation” and what legisla tive leaders are saying about how they’ll spend the money if Question 1 passes. Spoiler: this current crop of legislators wants to hew closely to the intent of voters, but “educa tion” and “transportation” is a pretty broad umbrella. Ten years from now? All bets are off.

of South Boston Marine MultiPort

--Enrollment declines spark wor ries of school closures in Boston

Continued enrollment declines in Boston Public School has some parents worried about additional school closures, GBH’s Meg Wool house reports. Over the past seven years, the number of students in Boston’s public school system has dropped 15 percent - or about 8,000 students - to 46,000. The trend is adding to pressure for the mayor and new superintendent to come up with a master plan for the city’s school buildings.

-- The fight that wasn’t over alcohol sales

The Globe’s Jon Chesto breaks down the ballot battle over alco hol licenses that is surprisingly a one-sided affair. As I’ve previ ously reported here at MASSterL ist, food stores like Cumberland Farms and Stop & Shop have opted against using their millions

of dollars to oppose the ballot question backed by small pack age store owners, which would increase the number of beer and wine licenses a single retailer can hold, but reduce the total number of all-alcoholic beverage licenses available to one licensee from nine to seven. Instead, no matter what voters decide in Novem ber the food stores will be back before lawmakers next session asking again for them to create a special license for food stores that would allow them to sell booze. If that fails, they could be back with another ballot question, but Chesto reports it could fall to the courts to decide how soon another alcoholic beverage license ballot question can be put to voters.

-- Non-English speakers gain improved access to city’s helpline

The city of Boston has added 10 language options for residents who use the city’s 3-1-1 system to report non-emergency issues like potholes, part of an effort by Mayor Michelle Wu to improve digital equity in the city. In addition to English, callers can now access the system in Spanish, Haitian Creole, traditional and simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Cape Verdean Creole, Arabic, Brazilian Portu guese, and French.

-- Hands off: Judge rules diocese can’t see reporter’s notes

A Hampden County Superior Court judge has ruled that the Ro man Catholic Diocese of Springfield is not entitled to see the notes of a reporter related to an unnamed source who shared claims of clergy abuse, though she has left the door open to other efforts to press the journalist to reveal his sources. The Berkshire Eagle’s Heather Bellow has the details on the latest ruling in the case and what may come next.

SEN. COLLINS, REP. BIELE ANNOUNCE INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT

Increased investments for local and statewide programs

State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts State Legis lature to pass the Fiscal Year 2023 budget (FY23 budget), which in cluded crucial investments in mental health, and substance use treatment services throughout the Common wealth of Massachusetts, the City of Boston and South Boston.

Overall, the FY23 budget allocates over $113 million for mental health care for children and adolescents, an almost $15 million increase from

FY22 budget. The FY23 budget also invests $518,651,841 for adult mental health services, an almost $9 million increase from last year’s budget.

Additionally, the FY23 budget directs $274,928,823 for hospital facilities, continuing care beds, and community-based mental health ser vices, an increase of $19 million over last year’s budget. The FY23 budget also allocates $22.2 million for acute inpatient mental health services and emergency service programs for be havioral health crisis response.

Regarding treatment programs and

services, the FY23 budget allocates $5,275,000 for grants and contracts with substance use programs to provide comprehensive prevention,

intervention, and recovery services across the Commonwealth. This includes $2 million for RIZE Mas continued on page 12

I Was Just Thinking…

He has been in politics for a long time and obviously loves what he’s doing, otherwise he’d be sitting on his front porch every evening leisurely enjoying life. I empathize with our president. I officiated basketball for a long time and loved doing so, but when my legs failed me, I reluctantly and unhappily took my whistles and ref shirt and tucked them away in one of my closets.

He needs cue cards to tell him when to stand and where to sit. He falls off bikes. He stumbles going up stairs. His gait is shaky. He yells or whispers when he speaks instead of talk ing the good talk, by uniting instead of dividing people.

person they voted for in 2020 really isn’t the person they thought he was.

Does he have dementia? We don’t know. But something os tensibly isn’t kosher and those close to him know the truth.

by Kevin Devlin

Most people know when it’s time to retire from their jobs. And some don’t.

Some people are forced to re tire due to their age or their in ability to perform the duties of their jobs in an impactful, posi tive manner. And some aren’t.

Witness one Joe Biden, the President of the United States.

It was time to pack it in. There wasn’t any time for de lay. I had officiated my final game. Yet Biden didn’t heed the warnings. Unlike me, his legs didn’t fail him, but his mind certainly has.

After speaking on stage, Biden wanders around lost, searching for invisible people to shake hands with. He’s con fused. He forgets. He mumbles incoherently when he loses his train of thought. He mis pronounces names and places.

OPEC continued from front page launched a last-ditch effort to persuade OPEC to not go ahead with the cuts. Draft White House talking points to the U.S. Treasury Department, which were reported by CNN, described the expected cuts as a “total disaster” and stated that they could be seen as a “hostile act.”

At a press conference following OPEC’s meet ing, Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Prince Ab dulaziz bin Salman dismissed suggestions from reporters that the cuts could be seen as “belliger ent,” arguing instead that the decision is meant to provide stability to oil markets.

Crude prices jumped upon news of OPEC’s cuts. Some analysts say OPEC’s move to cut out put was an effort to stem the decline in oil prices, which hit about $120 per barrel during spring but have since slumped to roughly $90 per barrel on fears of an economic slowdown. Stephen Bren nock, of oil broker PVM, told Reuters that “$90 oil is non-negotiable for the OPEC+ leadership, hence they will act to safeguard this price floor.”

Faced with soaring inflation, the Federal Re serve and other major central banks have hiked interest rates aggressively, cooling economic growth and denting demand. Some observers and analysts are concerned that the Biden administra tion doesn’t properly know how to handle OPEC production cut decisions, which collectively must fill a consumer demand of 100 million bar rels per day of oil.

In a move that causes national security con

His stares are revealing. The eyes they say are the window to the soul and what can be seen inside Biden isn’t hearten ing. It’s unsettling. He appears lost, a man not in control of his surroundings, himself, or the duties of his office. It seems he’s in a fog, simply just not with it. Period.

Yet for some strange reason, people are too polite to call it like it is. Strange because he has such an important job, the most important one in the Free World. It’s so darn unbeliev able that millions and mil lions of Americans have been sidetracked by denial; know ing deep down inside that the

cerns, President Biden’s response is his plan to release 10 million more barrels of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to combat rising prices. The US Oil & Gas Association’s response is for the Administration to counter rising gas prices by turning to the U.S. oil industry and jump start domes tic oil and gas production.

Demand for oil dropped in 2020 during the pan demic when lockdowns led the price to fall below zero for the first time in history due to a major down turn in economic activity. Oil prices have since risen sharply to nearly $120 per barrel following strong economic recovery post-lockdowns.

As the economy grows so does the demand for oil. And, rising geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East are stoking supply fears. This the contributes to rising inflation and concerns about economic recovery. Oil accounts for approximately 3% of GDP and is one of the most important commodi ties in the world – petroleum products can be found in everything from personal protective equipment, plastics, chemicals and fertilizers through to aspirin, clothing, fuel for transportation and even solar panels.

Supporting a global movement towards sustainabil ity (i.e., green economy) is foundational to President Biden political agenda and he has stated that “the pain of higher consumer costs is the price of this tran sition”. The jury is out on the capacity of Americans to tolerate this pain. However, the first verdict will come in on November 8.

As this press toward energy transition continues, it’s important to understand how supply and demand

They should be ashamed of themselves, especially his wife, Dr. Jill, for perpetuating this fa çade, because allowing Biden to remain in office is dangerous to all of us, and to the entire world considering what is transpiring on the world stage these days.

Biden will be celebrating his 80th birthday soon. His mind won’t be getting any sharper, his thoughts not clearer, his words not more convincing, as he continues to battle the forces of time. Many people much younger than him are forced to retire and walk away towards the beckoning horizon to behold another view on life. And it’s time Biden did the same, for his sake and for ours as well.

factors influence the price of oil and therefore the wider economy. The key factors which determine oil prices, their impact on the global economy, and the implications for the energy transition are economic growth, limited supply due to cautious capital investment cycles and geopolitics. Infla tion then kicks in starting with the reactionary monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Bank and other countries’ central banks. Then oil prices are factored in because oil is basically in everything, and it impacts price of almost every thing. An increase in oil price will not only be seen at the gas station, but it will be felt in virtu ally all the goods and services we use. Because oil is a feedstock, source of energy and is used in the transportation of many things.

As for the true cost for consumers, this is where the government impact is realized. De pending on where you are, 50-60% of what consumers pay at the pump is tax. There is a ten dency to focus on the fluctuation in the crude oil price, which is important, but the really big thing that people don’t know is that in every $1.50 spent on a gallon of gas, they pay 70-80 cents to the government. Importing countries like the EU, and now the US, make more money from taxing oil than producing countries do from exporting it.

OPEC, and Venezuela Oil, whom the Biden Administration is also appealing to, are now fac tors in the US election dynamic and we will soon know if and how this geopolitical development will affect voters come November.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW VERSION OF BOSTON 311 APP

Mayor Michelle Wu an nounced the launch of a new version of the Boston 311 mobile app, aimed at improv ing user experience with expanded language access and redesigned features. The City of Boston 311, in partnership with the Department of Innovation and Technology and the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics, updated the app to offer increased language access capa bilities and a user experience that is easier to navigate.

Boston 311 is a 24-hour service that works with various City de partments to fulfill non-emergency service requests across the city including potholes, park mainte nance, litter, and parking enforce ment. Launched in 2009 as Citizens Connect, constituents can use the 311 hotline, mobile app, or online website to make a service request. Over the past 13 years, residents have submitted 1.1 million requests through the app. More than 50 per cent of all the requests that constitu ents report today are through the Boston 311 mobile app.

“Tackling the big challenges our city faces starts with addressing the daily constituent issues that our residents experience across Bos ton’s neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The 311 app helps instantly alert City teams to neigh borhood issues, and now that it is available in 11 languages, the app is more accessible and easy to use than ever before. I want to thank all the City departments who worked on this upgrade, and encourage all residents to use it where needed.”

“Our goal at the City of Boston is to put our residents’ needs at the forefront of our work, and to use their feedback and input to continu ally improve how we’re delivering services online,” said Julia Gutier rez, Chief Digital Officer for the City of Boston. “By providing our 311 app in the City’s top 11 languag

es, we hope to empower members of our communities who may not have otherwise interacted with the City.”

The new Boston 311 app, which is now available for download, enables users to submit service requests in 11 languages — English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Cape Verdean Creole, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, and French. These are the top 11 most common languages in Boston. The old version of the app only included an English language option.

The updated app also incorporates design recommendations based on a six-week user research study, conducted by the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics. Interviewees gave feedback on the new design and features of Boston 311. Thirty-one residents from seven neighborhoods were interviewed; they represented seniors, immigrants, people with dis abilities, youth, City employees, and native speakers of Boston’s mostspoken languages. By listening to resident feedback, the City was able to identify key usability concerns and create a more accessible app with app developer Connected Bits.

Additionally, users can now view the Status of City Services, a section that was previously only available on the Boston.gov homepage, in the above 11 languages. This upgrade builds on the City’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have equitable access to City services and information. Constituents can also now submit multiple photos as part of their service request.

The City’s Community Engage ment Cabinet will host a 311 app training session on Friday, October 7 to help constituents learn how to use the app and what kinds of ser vice requests it should be used for. At the training, which will be 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Bruce Bol ling Building, residents will be able to view 311 employees navigating

the application on a projector and ask any questions they may have.

Neighborhood liaisons in the Office of Neighborhood Services have al ready been testing the new 311 app while out in the community. Inter pretation will be available in Span ish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Vietnamese, and Cantonese.

“The 311 app is a crucial tool for connecting with our constituents, but it only works if residents know how to properly use it,” said Chief of Com munity Engagement Brianna Millor. “The expansion of language options in the app and the upcoming City-run training are critical to ensuring resi dents can effectively use City services. Together we can use the experiences of our constituents to fix problems and create a Boston for everyone.”

“The new update to the 311 app is wonderful and more user friendly,” said Annie Le, President of the board of Boston Little Saigon. “It also has resources that are available in one place with direct links. The language additions open the City’s resources and lines of communica tion to ALL of Boston’s residents, making it easier for residents to ac cess information and communicate

their needs. The app makes it faster and easier to communicate than calling 311, which may not have a translator available.”

The new version of the Boston 311 app is free to download and is avail able for both iPhone and Android or can be accessed by visiting boston. gov/311. Those with the automatic update feature enabled on their mo bile device would have received the new version of the Boston 311 app. Those without automatic updates will have to manually update the app in the App Store.

Please note, the app should not be used to report emergencies, such as medical emergencies or criminal activities. To report an emergency please call 9-1-1. For questions and more information visit boston. gov/311 or call 3-1-1. Residents are encouraged to share feedback about their experience with the app via the Boston 311 Feedback Survey.

The Wine

Guy

After the past few days, I think it’s safe to assume that the best beach weather is behind us. Colder, windier days mean that it’s time to start looking at heartier wines;

while the following may not be at the top of everyone’s list, I think they’ll certainly be ones that you’ll want to add to yours…. 2016 Marie de Beauregard Chi non, Loire Valley, ($17.99). Chinon is one of the most famous red wine appellations of the Loire Valley. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc sourced from long-term grower partners in the region, this iteration from Saget La Perrière is a beautiful expression of darker fruits, blackberry and cassis; subtle woody notes are the result of 9 months of barrel aging. A full and el egant palate finishes with silky tannins and stewed sweet spices with a hint of vanilla. Try this one with a plate of assorted cheese and fruit after dinner or Asian fusion cuisine.

Worth A Taste continued on page 12

Pinotage is a hybrid between Pinot Noir and Cinsault that’s grown almost

exclusively in South Africa. It produces deep red wines high in tannins with smoky dark fruit flavors accented by earthy bramble characteristics. South African wine making began in the 17th century, with early Dutch settlers planting vines and making wine for export back to their homeland. But a renaissance of the industry began just 20 years ago, when historic politi

cal reform in South Africa ended the country’s social and economic isola tion. Today, South Africa is attracting educated winemakers and investment from around the world and expanding its traditional winemaking.

One of the best examples of these trends is Neethlingshof Pinotage, Stellenbosch, South Africa, ($17.99).

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes with Augustine Chapel News

The Annual Blessing of the Animals

In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, all were welcomed

and many came to the Annual Bless ing of the Animals that took place this past Sunday, October 2, 2022, outside of Gate of Heaven Church at 1:00 PM, downstairs in the I Street Courtyard, near the Celtic Cross, following the 12 Noon Mass. This annual event is held in honor of St. Francis who is one of the most venerated religious figures in Ro man Catholic history. He founded the Franciscan orders, including the

Poor Clares and the lay Third Order. He and St. Catherine of Siena are the patron saints of Italy, and he is also the patron saint of ecology, as well as of animals.

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instru ment of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair,

hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to un derstand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. May God Bless all families and all their dear and lovable family pets.

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Ms.

Jessica Genovese, our new K0-K1 STEM Lab Teacher. She has been with South Boston Catholic Academy for the last 6 years as a K0 Teacher. Ms. Jessica is a graduate of Bridgewater State College where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. After gradu ation, she obtained her Infant, Toddler, Preschool Teacher EEC Certification

through the state of MA. She com pleted her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education through the Lynch Foundation at Cambridge Col lege. This year she has switched gears to teach early childhood STEM classes for our K0 and K1 classes, helping them explore science, technology, en gineering, and math concepts! In her spare time, Ms. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Ms. Lauren Monaghan, is our new K2 to 6th Grade STEM Lab Teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy. While this is her first year with us, she cannot wait to be a part of the SBCA family and grow, learn, and thrive right alongside her students. She is a graduate of Bloomsburg University

of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Educa tional Technology. Ms. Monaghan was born and raised in Pennsylvania and relocated to Boston about a year and a half ago. For almost a decade, Ms. Monaghan has worked with children of various ages in a multitude of settings, cherishing the importance of being a positive influence and helping to guide students to success both within the four walls of the classroom as well as the community. In her spare time, Ms. Monaghan enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors. This coming school year, she is hoping to bring the STEM Lab to life as well as cultivate meaningful memo ries, magic, and instruction.

STEM is a curriculum based on

the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines- science, technol ogy, engineering and mathematics- in an interdisciplinary and applied ap proach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate subjects, here in our lab, we are going to integrate them into a cohesive learning program based on real-world applications. With that being said, throughout the academic year, we will be focusing on hands-on instruction which gets students involved in their own learn ing. We look forward to giving you a look at all of the magic that we will be creating in the STEM room this upcoming school year! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at: admissions@sbcatholi cacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

This year, SBCA is happy to bring the STEM Lab to life again!

A BIG Welcome to our New STEM Teachers…

St. Peter Academy

Back to School BBQ

St. Peter Academy’s Annual Ap ple Picking Field Trip happened on Thursday September 29th. Toddlers through Grade 6 students and staff traveled via school bus to Tougas Farms, where they were welcomed by the knowledgeable and interactive staff of the farm. The students took a

tractor-trailer ride through the orchards and picked a bag of delicious apples and their very own special pumpkin. The visit was super organized and educational. We had lunch in the pic nic area and had a chance to play in the playground. The field trip paired well with the September curriculum

as the students learned about Johnny Appleseed, Apples and all things Au tumn. The weather was perfect and everyone had a fantastic day!

St. Peter Academy is continuing to accept applications for the 2022-2023 school year. St. Pe ter 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 limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (be

ginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K (School Year and Full Year Programs), Kindergar ten and grades 1-6. Financial Aid Available. Two Scholarships will be offered this year for applicants for Grades 1 through 6. You may request scholarship information from the Front Office (spa@stpe teracademy.com). Appointments for individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing spa@StPeterAcademy.com.

sachusetts for its work addressing the opioid crisis and $250,000 to Walker, Inc. to support education and community organizations ad dressing child and youth behavioral health needs.

The FY23 budget also directs over $218 million to the Bureau of Sub stance Addiction Services, an increase of over $42.5 million from last year’s budget, including $10 million to ex pand low-threshold housing for home less individuals with substance use and mental health conditions, $4.5 million for step-down recovery services, $3 million for recovery support for indi viduals with or at risk of developing opioid use disorders, and $7 million for 10 new recovery centers.

At the city level, the FY23 bud get builds on last year’s funding to create low-threshold housing for the crisis at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard by creating a substance use disorder services team focused on Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in the City of Boston while funding for supportive housing for mentally ill men and women who have been chronically homeless and are cur rently living in emergency shelters or on the streets in Boston.

Locally, the FY23 included language filed by Sen. Collins and Rep. Biele to

provide funding for the Gavin Founda tion to provide comprehensive sub stance use and narcotic use reduction programs; the Joseph “Dodo” Nee Col laborative for substance use disorder programming; and the South Boston Community Health Center for compre hensive substance use and narcotic use reduction programs.

“We are at a time when these investments into our substance abuse and mental health services are more important than ever, both throughout the Commonwealth and here in the First Suffolk,” said Senator Collins, “and I am very proud of the work of my colleagues, especially Representa tive Biele, to increase funding where it was needed most in our district.”

“This year’s budget increases investments for substance use treat ment programs and mental health services, providing resources across the Commonwealth and locally in our community,” said Rep. Biele. “I was proud to partner with Senator Collins in advocating for increased resources to respond to the opioid epidemic, and I’m thankful for the support of my col leagues in the Legislature in prioritiz ing those investments.”

Having been enacted by the Massa chusetts Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the budget has been sent to Governor Baker to be signed into law.

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION (APCC)

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the City of Boston Air Pollution Control Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on October 19 at 1:00 p.m. at https://us02web. zoom.us/j/86329377111. The Commission will consider the proponent’s request for a modified permit for a facility located at 776 Summer St, Boston, MA, pursuant to the Procedures and Criteria for the Issuance of Parking Freeze Permits adopted under M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 31C.

This application consists of 650 commercial parking spaces for the construction of two underground garages, with spaces to be shared between employees, tenants and visitors of the project, including up to 60 spaces to be made available to South Boston residents. Issuance of the exemption certification would withdraw 375 commercial spaces from the South Boston parking freeze bank.

Delicious notes of Plumbs and cooking spices open onto cherry and cinnamon apple layers; you’ll notice that it softens quickly and finishes long and pleas antly. Sunday roast, burgers and salad or a Bolognese would all be better with this one.

2019 Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi, California, ($17.99). My friend and fellow writer, Jennifer Havers, described it this way:”Rich and flavourful, aromas of blackberry, cara mel and eucalyptus with hints of earth and warm spice. Full bodied on the palate with some medium tannins, and lovely balancing acidity. Fruit notes are rich and jammy on the palate, balanced with some of those rich caramel tones and a drying, cedar-spiced finish. Enjoy it with ribs or any grilled meats.” I had this wine last week at a friend’s house and was struck by its fullness and fin ish; this is a relatively new wine in our

area, but worth the search. You might want to pick up more than one.

This is also the time of year when people start drinking Port wine more, as well. Whether you know your way around Port wine or would like to ex pand your palate, one of the top-rated Ports over the years is Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port ($28.99). Among the first makers of port to invest in their own vineyards back in the 1890s, Graham’s has earned the accolades as a major port producer to this day. The Six Grapes label has been produced in Portugal’s Douro Valley for over a century and remains one of their most desired wines. Here’s a little secret: in years when Graham’s declares a vin tage, the best of the best grapes go into the vintage bottling and the remaining, equally remarkable grapes, are blended into Six Grapes. The vintage-dated bottle runs into triple digits, while Six Grapes remains a sturdy under-$30!

NOTE: In accordance with Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022, this meeting will only take place virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86329377111. If you are unable to access the internet, you can call 1-929-2056099, enter Meeting ID 863 2937 7111 # and use # as your participant ID.

Translation and sign language interpreters will be provided upon prior request. A copy of the application is available for public inspection at Boston City Hall, Room 709, from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (by appointment only), or you may request a digital copy by email at APCC@boston.gov. Questions should be directed to: APCC@boston.gov or 617-635-3850.

For the Commission, Katherine Eshel, Interim Executive Director Air Pollution Control Commission City of Boston Environment Department Boston City Hall, Room 709 Boston, Massachusetts 02201 617-635-3850

This week,

Danny reacted to the Patriots’ current QB situation:

As I was watching rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe enter the game for the New England Patriots last Sunday in Green Bay, I asked myself a question.

Is there anything, right here, right now, at Lambeau Field, that Zappe can do to steal Mac Jones’ job?

For what it’s worth, Zappe didn’t necessarily do anything to warrant a Jones benching once Jones returns from his high ankle sprain. But, also, the answer to that question, might have more to do with Jones than it does with Zappe.

Jones hasn’t necessarily done anything to make him an un touchable quarterback. Mean ing, if Jones misses a significant amount of time with this ankle injury, and Zappe is just good enough to the point where Bill Belichick thinks he can win with Zappe — and then, if they begin to win with Zappe while Jones is out — well, all options are on the table.

In the three games he played this season, Jones was 64-of-97 for 786 yards, two touchdowns, and five in terceptions. Before getting injured in the final minutes of the Patri ots’ Week 3 loss to the Baltimore

Ravens at Gillette Stadium, Jones had thrown no touchdown passes and was picked off three times. It wasn’t a good showing for the kid, to say the least.

Jones did rush for a touchdown early in the game, but his celebra tion afterwards was a little too much. Especially when you know that Lamar Jackson is on the other side of the field, waiting patiently for his turn to respond.

In my own personal football opinion, Jones doesn’t throw a great ball. There are one too many floaters he leaves up over the middle of the field. Even some of his completions make me sweat as they sail in the air. He lacks a certain zip on the football that I believe is necessary to be put in the same category as some of the elite quarterbacks in the league.

But right now, in 2022, I get it, Belichick and the Patriots aren’t asking Jones to be “elite.” They are asking him, however, to be avail able. And that right there might be something Jones and his agent want to think about.

Last week, prior to the Patriots’ Week 3 game against the Packers, a report from NFL Network’s Mike Giardi said that Jones was seek

ing a second opinion on his ankle. The specialist? His name is Dr. Martin O’Malley, team doctor for the Brooklyn Nets. He operated on Kevin Durant’s achilles in 2019, and recently performed J.C. Jackson’s ankle surgery.

That report came on the heels of an ESPN Adam Schefter report that said Jones is “likely to miss multiple games” and that his ankle sprain “would cause many to have surgery.”

Interesting.

The question I have here is: who is Schefter’s source? Is that infor mation coming from the team? Or is that coming from the player and his agent?

Given the Patriots’ history of not talking about injuries, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Schefter spoke directly to Jones’ agent. Because for someone to go to Schefter and say “this injury would cause many to have sur gery,” that type of claim is given with a purpose. So what would that purpose be?

That purpose would be to pro tect the player. It’s clear — to me, at least — that whoever talked to Schefter was on the defensive with that comment.

Let’s break this down honestly. Belichick doesn’t have much time left to win a Super Bowl without Tom Brady. And we all know he’s trying to do that.

On the other side of it all, Jones’ agent has one job here. And that’s to make sure his client, Jones, isn’t sacrificing his career for Belichick’s short-term gains.

I’m not saying there’s definitely a serious rift here between Belichick and Jones. But if Schefter is get ting that information from Jones’ camp, and then Jones goes to get a second opinion on his injured ankle, it’s clear that the first opin ion from the team doctor was that it wasn’t all that devastating of an injury. At least, not as devastating as everyone initially thought it was as Jones had to be carried down into the Patriots’ locker room, a la Tom Brady in 2008 after he tore his ACL and MCL and had to miss the entire season.

And if there’s a disagreement about how Jones’ injured ankle should be treated right now, then perhaps Belichick will entertain the idea of giving Zappe a chance to earn his title shot.

Follow Danny on Instagram @ DannyPicard.

SPORTS TODAY

PATRIOTS

LOSE TO PACKERS, HOST LIONS IN WEEK 5

That’s two losses in a row for the New Eng land Patriots.

The Pats took Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to overtime last Sunday at Lam beau Field, but it was Mason Crosby who delivered the gamewinning 31-yard field goal to give the Packers a 27-24 win over the Patriots.

New England is now 1-3 and in last place in the AFC East.

The Patriots will return home for Week 5 to host the 1-3 De troit Lions, who also enter the game having lost two straight.

Mac Jones is expected to miss his second straight game. Vet eran backup quarterback Brian Hoyer is also expected to be out, meaning rookie Bailey Zappe would make his first NFL start.

Zappe entered last Sunday’s game in Green Bay late in the first quarter, after Brian Hoyer took a big hit in the previous possession. Zappe finished the game 10-of-15 for 99 yards pass ing, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He was sacked three times and lost one fumble.

Sunday was Zappe’s NFL debut. The 23-year-old was

Tweet of the Week

drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, out of Western Kentucky. He became the first rookie to throw a touchdown pass this season, when he hit a wide open DeVante on the right side, who ran it into the end zone for a 25-yard score. The touchdown, with five minutes left in the third quarter, put New England up 17-14.

Green Bay responded with a game-tying field goal. But then, the Patriots drove back down the field and scored another touch down, to take a 24-17 lead with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. This touchdown came in the form of a five-yard run by Damien Harris.

Rodgers responded by prov ing why he’s one of the game’s best, putting together a nineplay, 75-yard drive that resulted in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs with six minutes left in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 24-24.

After the game, Rodgers and Bill Belichick shared a warm embrace and had a long conversation at midfield, by Belichick standards.

Rodgers finished the game 21-of-35 for 251 yards, with two

touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked only one time.

The lone interception that Rod gers threw was a game-changer at the time. It came with just 13 seconds left in the second quar ter, as Patriots rookie cornerback Jack Jones jumped a route to Rodgers’ right, picked off the pass, and ran down the left side line into the end zone to put the Patriots up 10-7 at the half.

Jones, 24, like Zappe, was also drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 Draft, out of Arizona State. He finished Sunday’s game in Green bay with the interception, seven tackles, and a fumble recovery. His hero ics in Week 4 weren’t enough though, as the Packers went on to win their second straight game and improve to 3-1.

Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley finished with a gamehigh nine tackles.

On the offensive side for New England, Harris led the team in rushing, with 86 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Rham ondre Stevenson finished with 66 rush yards on 14 carries. Stevenson also led the team in catches, with four for 23 receiv ing yards.

Wideout Nelson Agholor had

WHAT TO WATCH

NFL THURSDAY, OCT. 6

Indianapolis at Denver (-3.5)

8:15 P.M.

SUNDAY, OCT. 9

London Series

NY Giants vs Green Bay (-8)

9:30 A.M. NFLN

MONDAY,

three receptions for a team-high 46 yards. Parker had the lone touchdown reception.

Now, all eyes will be on how the Patriots respond against a Lions team that’s in the exact same position: in last place in their division with just one win.

The Lions are in last place in the NFC North. Their losses have come to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, the Min nesota Vikings in Week 3, and the Seattle Seahawks last week. Detroit’s lone win came against the Washington Commanders in Week 2.

New England will be rock ing its throwback uniforms in this one, with the red jersey and white helmet. The Patriots might also be suiting up with a throw back linebacker.

According to reports, Jamie Collins has signed with the team for a fourth stint in New Eng land. The move comes after the Pats allowed 200 rush yards to Green Bay last Sunday. Aaron Jones had 110 rush yards on 16 carries, while AJ Dillon had 73 rush yards on 17 carries.

New England is a 3-point fa vorite against Detroit at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

SBT Staff