South Boston Today November 23 2022

Teenagers Are The Main Focus Of Public Safety Concern

Extolling the virtue and joy of Thanksgiving Day should be the front-page article. How ever, too much violent behavior by today’s teenage generation, both in and out of the school classrooms of Boston, call into question the bed rock spirit of this holiday. The long dark shadow of the pandemic played a major role in the dumbing down of our school-age children, but it has also become a convenient excuse for justifying the tentative approaches to what is the stark reality: The lack of Standard Modes Of Discipline for the undisciplined, in every aspect of a teenager’s life at a key time in their road to maturity, is destroying

Thanksgiving, So Much to be Thankful For…

Wasn’t it just Summer time? The months seem to fly by but for those who like the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, ringing in the New Year, cold temperatures and all, this too is a happy time. And now, what can we say about Thanksgiving?

It seems to be considered by many Americans as that laid back, uniquely American holiday where people kind of just kick back, relax and enjoy the official start to the holiday season. No pres sure. Others feel that it’s the calm before the storm as the day after, Christmas Season begins and the mad rush to shop for those special gifts, make social plans and frenzied decorating commences. Perhaps it’s some of both. How ever you view it, why not make it a time to savor and cherish

The football games on this day, High School football is king, the gathering with family and close friends and of course the food – oh yes, the food and often so much of it/too much of it.

But it’s also a time to reflect on the fact that in America, when you compare our situation with that of so many other places

around the world, we really do have much to give thanks for. At least so far, we have our freedom and liberties that people in so many other countries can only dream about. And freedom is something that all Americans should vow to protect for future generations. The overall living standard is the envy of most of the world and we are not a nation that is ravaged by war. With mil lions all over the world clamor ing to come here, we can give thanks that we ARE here. While there are actually some those who strive to make Thanksgiving something to be looked upon negatively, because of some political issue they may have, it is a relatively tiny minority. The overwhelming majority of Americans of every background look favorably on Thanksgiving and look forward to its arrival. And why not? It’s truly a beautiful holiday.

So, from all of us at South Boston Today to all of our readers, our neighbors, family and friends, we wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you. It truly is a time and season to savor.

“State Representative David Biele of South Boston visited the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry to distribute 250 turkeys to the neighbors of Dorchester on the Thanksgiving, Day of Giving.”

Henry David Thoreau

It Seems There

Before getting into the topic above, I just have the urge to mention the departure of Nancy Pelosi from the Speaker of the House position. Some of you have asked how I feel about her departure and what I think of her, in general, since I have mentioned her so often in this column. Let me an swer that question in a way that can be printed in a family newspaper such as South Boston Today. The images that keep coming up in my mind when I think of her leaving are several. It brings back memories of the scene in the Wiz ard of Oz movie, where Dorothy splashed water on the witch. Also, the many MANY recent cartoons and memes picturing her riding a broom heading back home to California also come to mind. But what really stands out is reality. For example, there is the sight of her sneering in defiance at the Ameri can people when they demanded to know what was in the Obamacare healthcare plan that she was pushing when, using her usual fake smile, she scowled into the TV cameras and said ‘you’ll just have to wait until we pass it before you can see what’s in it’. Then there was the night during the State of the Union speech where she stood and tore up the printed speech for the whole world to see, because she was so filled with hate for President Trump. And, who can forget her reaction when asked what she thought about the Antifa rioting, looting and burn ing of American cities for 3 solid months during the summer of 2020. She shrugged her shoulders and with her usual nasty facial expres sion her response was “People are going to do what they’re going to do”. In other words, she pretty much approved of it. And there is so much more that, in the opinion of tens of

Still Some Afraid To Say the Word Christmas

millions of Americans, made her unfit to serve.

Here is a woman, who is entic ing millions of illegal immigrants to cross our border and makes Ameri can taxpayer foot the bill, while her own district of San Francisco is filled with homeless camps, because people cannot afford to pay the outra geous taxes, sky high rents and un touchable mortgages. That city now literally reeks of human waste and is no longer safe because of the climb ing crime rate. So, with these words, I stated how I feel about Pelosi without using profanity(difficult) – except to use a quote going viral once again by a Conservative politi cal pundit: “Nancy, just pack your bags, leave the gavel, take your broomstick and go.”

Moving on, it’s amazing that in 2022, there are still some politi cally correct and ‘Woke’ types who are afraid to utter the words Merry Christmas for fear of offending someone. And they are hesitant to call a Christmas tree by its actual name. For several years they tried to rename it a ‘Holiday tree’, but that description never took and brought those who used the term derision and laughter. Now, the same people; still fearful of using the word Christ mas, are describing it as just a ‘tree’ – such as the Boston Common Tree or the Copley Tree etc. And try as they might, this name won’t stick either as long as the public doesn’t go along with it. We’ll say it again – If it’s a lit up, decorated evergreen in December, it’s a Christmas Tree. It’s not a holiday tree or winter sol stice shrub or any other ridiculous Woke name they can think up. It has always been a Christmas tree; it still is and always will be. To call it, or the Christmas holiday, anything but is disrespectful to Christians.

To those who would like nothing

better than to phase Christmas out completely, you have a problem. Have you nothing better to do? And here’s another reminder. Christmas is a federal holiday and was desig nated as such in 1870 by the United States Congress. Whether you like it or not and whether you choose to celebrate it or not, it comes around on December 25th each year- get used to it. So, when people take the time to wish you a Merry Christmas, they mean it sincerely – they want you to have one. Take it as a compli ment and a friendly gesture of good will. Yes, it’s a Holy day for the now more than 2.2 Billion Christians

around the world in celebration of the birth of Jesus, as well as a National holiday. But everyone is welcome to celebrate whether you do so religiously or not and whether you are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim and yes, even atheist or agnostic.

With that, once Thanksgiving has come and is over, it traditionally means the Christmas season has arrived. And as was stated, whether you choose to celebrate or not, it’s here. So why not make the most of it and enjoy this very special time of the year with family, friends, neigh bors and even strangers?

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

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY

John Ciccone

David Casper

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.

HEALEY TRANSITION TAKING ITS TIME

Gov.-elect Maura Healey has had plenty of time to think about how she wants to staff the governor’s office and fill her Cabinet, but the just-elected Democrat is taking her time announcing any final decisions.

Despite Healey’s huge polling leads throughout the campaign and the prov en-out likelihood that she would cruise to victory, the attorney general’s team was careful not to get too far ahead of itself. Now with Thanksgiving ap proaching, it’s possible, if not probable that Healey will go into the holiday without having made a single pick for her new administration.

This stands in contrast to Gov. Char lie Baker, who despite being locked in a tight contest in 2014 against Martha Coakley named his first Cabinet pick within five days of winning - Democrat and Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash for economic development secretary. But as State House News Service’s Sam Doran has reported, it’s not abnormal.

By this date, Baker had actually named three Cabinet secretaries - Ash, former

Energy and Environmental Affairs Sec retary Matthew Beaton and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sud ders - and picked his friend and former colleague Steve Kadish to become his chief of staff. By Nov. 23, 2014 (four days before Thanksgiving) Kristen Lepore had been announced as incoming administra tion and finance secretary, allowing her to get straight to work on a looming budget shortfall. If Healey has made any of these types of decisions in her mind, she and her team are not letting on despite the swirl of names around the transition. Last Friday, Healey named Danielle Cerny her tran sition director and announced six policy committees and their co-chairs. Those committees are expected to get filled out in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Healey herself has been logging some air miles and also has to think about transitioning the attorney general’s office to the hands of Attorney General-elect Andrea Campbell. She met with Campbell at her offices on Monday. Midweek last week, Healey was in Wash ington, D.C. for the Democratic Attorneys General Association’s Policy Conference before traveling to South Carolina on

Thursday, to attend the National Gover nors Association’s New Governors Semi nar through Saturday. State House News Service’s Colin A. Young also reported yesterday that Healey snuck in a trip to Florida over Veterans’ Day week end, but her campaign declined to say whether it was business or just a little post-election R&R.

Baker’s request for migrant housing help may be too late

Ever since a planeload of migrants landed on Martha’s Vineyard courtesy of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Gov. Charlie Baker has been beating the drum of im migration reform. While Baker would like to see Congress come up with a comprehensive plan to deal with border crossings and asylum seekers, he says he would settle for a relaxation of the restrictions on who qualifies for work permits. In the meantime, the state’s emergency family shelter system to deal with an influx of migrants is at capacity and Baker last week filed a bill seeking $130 million to help cover the growing costs of providing shelter to new arriv als. The legislation also proposes to cre

Massport Helps Feed Neighbors This Holiday Season

Donations will benefit five community programs

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is again lending a hand to neighbors in East Boston, South Boston, Winthrop and Worcester through their annual food drive to help feed families this holiday season. Massport employees donated over 40 boxes filled with hundreds of non-perishable food items in cluding cereals, canned soups, canned vegetables, peanut butter and rice, and collected nearly $400 dollars in gift card dona tions for the Authority’s annual food drive that benefits several community organizations.

“With rising food costs driv ing hunger to unprecedented levels, it is more important than ever that we look out for our neighbors and provide comfort to those experiencing food insecu rity this season,” said Massport Director of Community Rela tions and Government Affairs Alaina Coppola. “We hope these donations are enjoyed by the many families that receive support from their community organizations. We thank our employees for their continued generosity.”

This year, Massport provided all food donations to five com

munity programs: Crossroads Family Center in East Boston, East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, South Boston Commu nity Health Center Food Pantry, Winthrop Community Food Pantry and Veterans Inc. Food Pantry in Worcester. These organizations serve hundreds of local residents each month and provide critical assistance and support year-round.

South Boston: Pictured L-R: Thomas Butler & Alaina Coppola, Massport; Susan LaPaglia & Nathan Martin, South Boston Community Health Center; Audrey Nagle, Massport

ate a state-run center to to help newly arrived migrants find housing and ac cess state and federal benefits, report the Globe’s Mike Damiano and Matt Stout. One hitch, however, might be the timing. Damiano and Stout write that it’s unclear if there’s an appetite in the Legislature to take this up before the end of the year and the changeover in administrations.

Potential sports betting landscape takes shape

The deadline for companies interested in operating a sports book in Massachu setts passed yesterday, and MassLive’s Alison Kuznitz has the details on the 15 entities that applied - about half the number that initially signaled interest. Of course, Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino are in the mix, while DraftKings and FanDuels are among the six groups seek ing mobile sports betting licenses.

What new movie? Theaters hurting for new releases

When’s the last time YOU went out to a movie? With so many streaming ser vices and new releases on platforms like Netflix and Hulu, the box officers are hurting. But there’s apparently another issue to contend with. Not enough mov ies? The Globe’s Brittany Bowker re ports that COVID-19 production delays have led to a fall swoon for megaplexes, while indy theaters are keeping it going by rerunning the classics.

Governor Baker signs Public Lands Preservation Act into law!

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law An Act preserving open space in the Commonwealth (H.5381), capping a more than two-decade effort by conservation advocates.

The new law helps ensure no net loss of public land designat ed as protected open space by:

• Requiring replacement land of comparable natural resource value if existing parks and con servation lands are converted to a different use.

• Providing transparency and accountability in the limited cases when cash payments are allowed in lieu of contemporaneously des ignating replacement land.

• Requiring that any cash pay ments be expended on compa rable replacement land within three years.

The bill’s lead sponsors, Rep resentative Ruth Balser (D-New ton) and Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Action), were joined by a coalition of 13 statewide and regional conservation groups in celebrating the new law.

“I have worked for the entire 24 years I have served in the legislature on this bill because I love the outdoors and cherish our protected land,” said Represen tative Balser. “It is clearer than ever that natural areas are critical to the well-being and resilience of communities, given that they help us mitigate and adapt to a changing climate and contribute to cleaner water and air.”

“I’m grateful to Governor Baker for signing what is the landmark public land protection bill in a generation,” said State Senator Eldridge. “Our cher ished public lands will be more strongly protected now, for all of the public to enjoy.”

“We are thrilled the Governor Baker signed this critical legisla tion into law and are grateful to legislative leaders for their sup port,” said Dot McGlincy, Execu tive Director of the Massachu setts Association of Conservation Commissions. “The protection of open space is critical to pro tecting wetlands and mitigating impacts from climate change.”

We must avoid converting precious parks and conservation land to other uses -- and when there is no alternative, we must dedicate new conserved land in its place,” said Robb Johnson, Executive Director of the Mas sachusetts Land Trust Coalition.

Other environmental organi zations leading a broad coali tion that advocated for this law include The Trustees, Mass Audubon, Sierra Club Massa chusetts, Clean Water Action, The Nature Conservancy Massa chusetts Chapter, The Environ mental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Massachusetts Conservation Voters, Charles River Watershed Association, and Massachusetts Society of Municipal Conserva tion Professionals.

REP. BIELE AND SHERIFF TOMPKINS ANNOUNCE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

State Representa tive David Biele and Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins jointly announced a special ini tiative to recruit and hire correction officers at the Suffolk County Depart ment (SCSD) in Boston.

Sheriff Tompkins has always been committed to recruiting residents of Suffolk County to fill the great jobs available within the Department. And, because of the national staffing shortage, the Department is actively recruiting candidates for a variety of positions. These

are good jobs with good pay and great benefits.

“I am asking Represen tative Biele to help me in form our mutual constitu ents of my Department’s need for correction officer recruits,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “While SCSD cannot guarantee that we will be able to hire every constituent whom my partners in government prospectively refer to our attention, we will ensure every applicant will get a very serious scrutiny of their ability to meet basic qualifications, and every chance to succeed in meeting the writing and

physical requirements of our Correction Officer Training Academy. No se curity of law enforcement experience is required.”

“I’m happy to work with Sheriff Tompkins to inform residents about these these good paying jobs and career opportuni ties,” said Rep. Biele. “I’m grateful to Sheriff Tomp kins on being proactive in his recruitment effort by getting the information out to our mutual constituents. I would encourage all interested residents to learn more about these oppor tunities and my office is

Thanksgiving 2022 The Tradition Remains

It’s safe to say that nearly every American knows the story of how the Thanksgiving holiday came to be. It’s a story of hardship being over come by success that finally led to the first Thanksgiving feast where the Pil grims gave thanks to the local natives and of course to God for the bountiful food that was finally available which enabled them to survive.

The Pilgrims were seeking freedom from the religious persecution they had suffered in England and courageously set sail for the new world. Packing all the belongings they could carry onto what would now be considered a tiny,

unsafe and very fragile ship; they made the perilous journey and landed on the east coast of what is now America. This is history; most of us know this from our lessons at school. But what many may have forgotten was that this was not the beginning of what is today a uniquely American holiday. The first Thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1620 was not observed in the years following. It became an official holiday in 1863, when President Abraham Lin coln proclaimed it to be so, and it has been an American tradition ever since. Today, Americans often sit down to sumptuous turkey dinners with all the ‘fixins’ and still give thanks to God for

all that we have in our country. This is often followed by watching football games and taking part in other holiday activities; one of which for some could simply be an after-dinner nap while waiting for dessert and coffee. Histori ans still aren’t positive that turkey was part of the first Thanksgiving feast. However, they do seem pretty sure that sumptuous main courses like wild duck, goose, venison and even clams and lob ster were high at the top of the menu followed by fruits such as plums and boiled pumpkin. No pumpkin pies. But happily, turkeys today are plentiful and if cooked just right, delicious and now cooked by several different methods. Though tradition still reigns on Thanks giving Day, much has changed since that first feast in 1621. The 46 surviv ing Pilgrims were joined and helped by 91 American Indians and together they worked hard and in cooperation at mak ing sure that from then on, food and shel ter; two things that were certainly a must

for survival in those days in such a harsh environment, would follow and endure well into the future. Today, what often follows a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday spent with friends and family is frenzied shopping sprees and a head long rush into the Christmas Season and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. And this is something that millions of Americans also look forward to. Times change for sure, but the good thing about this very special holiday is that even though in this modern age; nearly four centuries since the first Thanksgiving feast was enjoyed, where things are so much different with new customs and habits, most Americans still hold on to part of that tradition. It’s what caused this Thanksgiving holiday of 2021, to begin the same way back when the Mayflower first landed at Plymouth Rock. And that is an appreciation of fam ily, good friends and neighbors helping neighbors and slowing down, even if it’s just for a day to give thanks for all that we have in America.

ready to connect individuals with additional information about these jobs and how to ap ply for these opportunities.”

Donations Needed For The Chelsea Soldiers Home

The Thomas J. Fitzger ald VFW Post 561, 715 East Fourth Street (behind the Stop & Shop) will be accepting Christmas dona tions for the Chelsea Soldiers Home on Saturday, Decem ber 3rd between 9:00AM and 12:00PM: gift cards, hats, socks, scarves, toiletries, etc. Please support these men and women for their service

Correction officer applicants must be a U.S. citizen, a High School graduate. At least 21 years of age at appointment and in possession of a valid license to operate a motor vehicle. If successful in passing the Suffolk County Correction Officer Training Academy, benefits available to first- year Correction Officers include an average first -year starting salary of $49,000-$69,000 (with applicable bonuses and overtime), enrollment in the MA Group Insurance Commission for generously subsidized health insurance, free dental, and vision insurance coverage, availability of a tuition remission program and entry into the MA State Employee Retirement System.

South Boston residents interested in learning more about this special recruit ment imitative and Correction Officer Training Academy requirements are invite to visit the careers section of the Department’s website at www.scsdma. org/careers,or by calling 617-704-6463 during normal business hours.

Biele/Tompkins continued from page 5

Guy The Wine

In last week’s piece, I talked about some non-turkey Thanksgiving options, as well as wines that would comple ment them; this week, let’s look at some options with the “Bird of the Day”….. River Road Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, Reserve, ($21.99) This one is flavorful without be ing overpowering. Butter and oak on the nose and a carry through to the palate where they are joined by apple, pear and melon is where this one begins. The fla vors unfold nicely against a touch of acid in this big but drinkable wine. The Russian River region of Sonoma County has an abundance of ecosystems within it and one of the best, especially at this price, shows in this wine. Don’t just think about this one for Thursday; if it’s hot Turkey sandwiches or Turkey soup over the weekend, have this one again.

From Martisborough, New Zealand comes a Pinot Noir with just the kind of taste that will make your dinner even bet ter. Craggy Range Pinot Noir, ($29.99). This wine is medium red in color to match its bright red fruit aromas such as raspber ry, red cherry, and strawberries. It also has some hints of earthy notes like mushrooms, oak, and spice on the nose.

The palate confirms the smell of this wine includes strawberries, red cherries, and earth. There are notes of licorice and chocolate which creates a nice long finish. Just a solid and balanced wine

with medium acidity, high alco hol, and soft tannins. Very enjoy able

LAVAU COTES DU RHONE BLANC, ($16.99). Wine made from the Viognier grape is a great choice for Thanksgiving wine pairing if you aren’t a big fan of the mouthwatering acidity pres ent in Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, but still want an aromatic white grape to stand up to strong flavors. In that case, go to the old world with the Lavau Côtes du Rhone Blanc from France, a blend of Viognier and Grenache Blanc. The palate offers crisp red-apple and citrus flavors kissed with honeysuckle, with a brisk but clean finish. This wine will go with all Thanksgiving dishes, but will do especially well next to a roast ham.

Not forgetting something spar kling, whether it’s at the begin ning of the meal as a toast or, served with dessert, you can’t go wrong with Chandon Brut, NonVintage, California, ($21.99). This sparkler, from Moet & Chan don’s California properties, of fers the balance and elegance that has become Chandon’s hallmark style. When you taste Brut Classic, look for nutty flavors with hints of brioche that build to a refresh ingly dry finish. The wine delivers complex apple and pear character istics accented by citrus spice over notes of almond and caramel in the bouquet. It really is the perfect allaround sparkling option.

We hope you have lots to be thankful for, especially the food on the table and the people around it.

Pinot Noir.

Virtual Public Meeting

Seaport Square

Monday, December 5

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Project Proponent: W/S

Project Description:

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3TE5q2y

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 714 8957

The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting meeting for the proposed Notice of Project Change for the Seaport Square project, in the Fort Point neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the project, and discuss the potential impacts and mitigation for the project. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public.

For more information visit: www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/seaport-square

mail to: Nick Carter

Boston Planning & Development Agency

One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.5303 email: nick.carter@boston.gov

DO YOU WANT TO BE THE MAYOR OF SOUTHIE?

A fun and unique way to raise funds for the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day. The individual who is elected Mayor of Southie will be rewarded with the following honors:

• A prominent spot in the 2023 Parade for the Mayor and up to five supporters

• Mayor of Southie 2023 sash

• Two free tickets and recognition at the Evacuation Day Banquet

• Media attention and interviews from local media and parade website/social media

• A surprise gift

TO REGISTER YOUR CANDIDACY, YOU MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:

Dec. 6, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Roza Lyons, 709 E. Broadway Dec. 11, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Martin F. McDonough Post, 329 West Broadway

Dec. 13, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

L Street Tavern, 658A E. 8th Street For more information, visit southbostonparade.org/mayor

Virtual Public Meeting

7 Channel Center Public Meeting

Wednesday, December 7

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Project Proponent:

7 CC 73 Owner, LLC

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3FVFLzi

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 161 716 4623

Project Description: 7 CC 73 Owner, LLC (the “Proponent”) proposes to redevelop 7 Channel Center Street in the Fort Point neighborhood of Boston (the “Redevelopment Site”), by constructing a new office/research and development (“R&D”) building (the “Redevelopment”). The Redevelopment is a part of the Channel Center Project (the “Channel Center Project” or the “Project”) which was originally reviewed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (“BRA”) in the early 2000s. Since that time, six Notices of Project Change have been submitted for review and approval. This seventh Notice of Project Change (“Seventh NPC”) is for the Redevelopment Site only; the remainder of the Channel Center Project will remain as previously approved.

mail to: Daniel Polanco

Boston Planning & Development Agency

One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617-918-460 email: dan.polanco@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 12/9/2022

@BostonPlans BostonPlans.org

Teresa

@BostonPlans BostonPlans.org

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

I Was Just Thinking…

ebrated by early settlers, after their first harvest in 1621 in Plymouth, on what was then known as the Plymouth Plantation. One year prior to this, about 102 Pilgrims endured a sixty-six-day voyage from England across the At lantic Ocean, on the now-famous ship Mayflower, in search of a new life and freedom from religious persecution. This first feast lasted three days and was attended by ninety Native Ameri cans and fifty-three Pilgrims, the other half succumbing to untimely deaths.

slow down, reflect on life, and embrace gratitude. Daily life can be hectic and it’s important that we take the time to enjoy life’s blessings with family and friends. Enjoy and be thankful for our good fortune because “The unthankful heart…discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so will it find, in every hour, some heav enly blessings!”

by Kevin Devlin

Thanksgiving Day and the holi day season are once again upon us and hopefully we’ll appreci ate what we have, be thankful, reflect on our yesterdays, and take inventory concerning what is of importance to us at this moment in our lives.

The first Thanksgiving was cel

Teenagers Safety continued from front page

the learning and social environments of the majority of teenagers. Disci pline is nearly non-existent. Spoil ing, inattention, lack of boundaries, family-imposed curfews, lack of consequences for actions, immediate gratification, and on and on, cannot be blamed on the pandemic.

Recently, a group of what police estimated to be between 40 and 50 adolescents were loitering in the Forest Hills Station in Jamaica Plain when violence broke out, ending with assault charges against three of the children, according to the Transit Police Department (TPD). The TPD had assigned officers to the station at 3:55 p.m. following the Boston Pub lic Schools’ break, the department stated. The department said the large group of adolescents were refusing to “move along” and use the train, which was causing “public incon venience and creating an unsafe environment within the station,” the TPD said.

A transit police officer went up to the children and told them they would have to leave the station if they weren’t using the train — and that’s when the group began kicking and punching the officer all over his

Originally known as the harvest fes tival, Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789, after Congress requested a proclamation by President George Washington. Then, on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln announced that (the last Thurs day in November) Thanksgiving would be an official holiday in the country and proclaimed it as a day of “Thanksgiv ing and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” Thanksgiving gives us the time to

Today our nation is divided by intol erant, hypocritical, and close-minded people on both ends of the political spectrum. Moderation and compromise are orphans. Reason has been aban doned. We only look down upon one road and ignore the other roadways as irrelevant and the wrong direction in which to travel.

Yet I have faith in our resiliency and resolve to restore reason and success fully combat these differences, this di visiveness, so that a new dawn, a time for new beginnings, can shine like the sun and guide us down a better path.

On a relative note, our problems pale in comparison to those suffered by people in other countries, and notwith standing our problems, we are fortu nate to be Americans because America is still the greatest country in the world. So, enjoy Thanksgiving and remember that “It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation of which thankfulness is the indispens able ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast.”

Have a great Thanksgiving!

(This article first appeared in South Boston Today in November of 2018, yet much remains the same in our country today. Nevertheless, I won’t lose faith that the flames of hope, love, and resolve will continue to burn and never be extinguished within the American spirit as we move forward together towards a brighter future.)

body, the department said. According to the TPD, the officer was knocked to the ground, where the children continued kicking and began drag ging the officer across the floor.

The TPD stated the other officers at the scene requested backup and received a response from additional TPD members along with the Bos ton Police Department and Massa chusetts State Police. Three female adolescents, aged 14, 15 and 16 years old, were placed into custody on charges of assault battery with a dangerous weapon on a police of ficer based on a preliminary inves tigation, the TPD said. They added that there could be more charges and additional individuals charged in the ongoing investigation.

Last year, a student assaulted the principal of the Henderson School, and another student assaulted a blind student in the school bathroom. At tempts at discipline were mitigated by BPS central administration, with any action taken under advisement, while law enforcement investigated.

Just last month WBUR reported that an investigation is underway af ter a girl, whose mother said was bul lied since the start of the school year, was attacked by a group of students.

The attack was caught on video. The attack happened at the Young Achievers School in Mat tapan, a pilot school for students from kindergarten through eighth grade that focuses on science and math. The video starts by showing a group of students chastising the girl, and then, as the girl begins to walk away from the group, she is attacked by several juveniles. In the video, the victim is seen getting her hair pulled, punched and kicked in the head. The girl’s mother said the assault goes on for several minutes before an adult stepped in. “The fight was eventually broken up by adults who appear to be employees of the school,” according to a police report filed about the incident.

CHROMEBOOK CAPERS!

Earlier this year, parents reported incidents of their children being as saulted by other students wielding Chromebook laptop computers at Boston Public Schools three times in the last month, police reports show. On April 28, a mother of a student at the Murphy K-8 School in Dorchester told police that her daughter was “resting her head on her desk when she was hit with

something, and blood was show ing.” According to a police report, the girl was hit in the head with a Chromebook and required five stitches at the hospital.

On May 2, an eighth grader at the Kilmer K-8 School in West Roxbury told police about an incident in science class with a former friend that turned violent and left her hospitalized.

“The suspect took her Chromebook with both hands and hit the victim on the top of her head more than six times,” the police report stated, while also noting the parents of the victim declined to press charges.

And on May 3, police responded to Boston Latin Academy in Roxbury, where parents reported that their son “was intentionally hit over his head with a Chromebook laptop” over a dispute involving a classroom seat.

The officer in that case noted he was “unable to input suspect infor mation because of restrictions pro hibiting BPS to share information with BPD.” Student confidentiality laws restrict how much informa tion schools can share with police, unless there’s an urgent health or safety emergency.

In each of these incidents, here are

Stop & Shop shopping carts in the South Boston neighborhood

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing today regarding issues related to Stop & Shop’s shopping carts in the South Boston neighborhood. I have received a few complaints from neighbors in South Boston, who have unfortunately experienced multiple incidents wherein either young adults leav ing restaurants and bars or teenagers are using shopping carts to careen through the streets. This is very concerning to Councilor Flaherty and I, both from a public safety and personal property perspective.

One cart with teenagers riding inside recently rode the shopping cart down the pedestrian ramp from the I Street side of the Tynan School down towards the parking lot on East 4th St, subsequently crashing into a neighbor’s new vehicle. This was caught on video outside the Tynan School after midnight. Unfortunately, another cart crashed into their car in the weeks just prior to this video as well.

We have been following up with Captain Boyle from Boston Police C-6 and Principal Gant at the Tynan School to provide footage from security cameras to the police to pay more attention to the area, as well as the neighbor’s insurance carrier. We have also reached out to other City Depart ments to see what improvements can be done at the school and at the bottom of the ramp to deter this behavior.

Meanwhile, in the interest of public safety, personal property and quality of life issues, I would like to respectfully request that Stop & Shop work to address this matter by looking to maintain their shopping carts on-site, perhaps via technological upgrades and an electronic system, and prevent them from being taken off premise. This is an issue that requires multiple partners to work together. We ask that Stop & Shop, as a critical part of the South Boston community, to please step up as a good neighbor and be part of the solution.

If you have any questions, please do not hesi tate to contact our offices directly.

Sincerely, Ed Flynn

Boston City Council President, District 2 Michael Flaherty

Boston City Councilor, At-Large

Arbitrary closings of the pharmacy within Walgreens

Dear South Boston Walgreens:

In recent weeks, I have heard from residents who were unable to fill their prescriptions at the South Boston Walgreens due to the pharmacy closing for the day without prior notice- most recently in the ear ly afternoon and the remainder of the day on Thurs day, October 27th. This is concerning to me as both the Boston City Council President and the District 2 Councilor representing this neighborhood, as these unannounced closings of the pharmacy negatively impact my constituents who are reliant on Walgreens for their medications. In the interest of my constitu ents’ health and wellbeing, I respectfully request that you look to take any steps or action necessary to address this issue and prevent future unannounced closings of the pharmacy.

Constituents have told me that when they went to Walgreens to drop off or pick up their prescriptions, they found the pharmacy closed, even when it was within the opening hours as advertised online. This es pecially impacts those who need medication urgently on the same day after a medical procedure or appoint ment, including our seniors and persons with disabili ties who make the trip to Walgreens by walking or tak ing public transportation, only to see that it’s closed.

In addition, neighbors and customers informed me of the unnecessary difficulties they encountered trying to pick up a prescription medication elsewhere after

the prescription had already sent to Walgreens. They were forced to navigate the convoluted process of speaking to their medical provider to send elsewhere, another pharmacy that could not fill all their prescrip tions with the current ones already sent to Walgreens, and their health insurance companies to request an override to fulfill urgently needed medications.

Closing the pharmacy arbitrarily and without pri or notice is not only inconvenient to some, but can pose health risks if the customers could not pick up their prescription that they urgently need because the pharmacy is closed. It is therefore important for Wal greens to address this, whether by increasing staffing levels and hiring more pharmacists, providing bet ter notice about pharmacy hours, or other ways to ensure that customers can pick up their prescriptions elsewhere if the pharmacy is closed.

I hope that Walgreens will do what is in the best inter est for their customers and our community, and work to provide reliable pharmacy services to South Boston. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to con tact me at 617-635-3203 or ed.flynn@boston.gov.

Sincerely, Ed Flynn Boston City Council President, District 2

Boston’s Enchanted Trolley Tour continues the festive tradition of

lighting

holiday trees throughout Boston

For the 26th year, the Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the fes tive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event is sponsored by Bank of America, and includes visits with Santa, tree lightings, and more.

December 4th at 2 p.m. - M Street Park, South Boston

St. Peter Academy

Thankful for our St. Peter Academy Community

We cannot believe it is Thanksgiving Week! The month of Novem ber started off with the students sharing what they are grateful for every morning, such as their fam ilies and friends, community, and St. Peter Academy! Tomorrow we will gather in our Community

Room with families and staff to celebrate the Holiday Season. We are looking forward to watch ing K2 perform their Thankful Song, they have been practicing all month. St. Peter Academy is grateful for our wonderful fami lies, students, staff, and partners that make our community so

awesome! We could not do it without you all. Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

St. Peter Academy is continu ing to accept 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 limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and

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

the standard BPS public statements.

“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. BPS policy requires police to be notified whenever there is an imminent risk to the health and safety of staff and/ or students,” Boston Public Schools said in a statement. “All incidents involving student safety require BPS

staff to notify parents and/or guard ians. In addition, BPS staff work with students and families to create individual safety plans to ensure that our students and staff experience a safe environment.”

“BPS is committed to investigat ing all allegations of bullying and working closely with schools, stu dents, families to fully and holisti

cally support our students as they heal from the trauma caused by the pandemic.” New Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skip per said she is committed to this issue, and BPS has a new bullying hotline that people can call or text at 617-592-2378.

Families, the local community programs, law enforcement and the

church communities, need to col lectively set the parameters of a plan to find and address the root cause of a young adolescent and teenager’s behavior, including past history and mental health status and impose a discipline that could “nip bad be havior in the bud” before the school system has to suffer the consequenc es of this societal indifference.

South Boston Catholic Academy News

K2A News and Happy Thanksgiving Wishes to all!

All the students at South Boston Catholic Academy have been busy focusing on learning, enjoying the great outdoors with the marvelous weather and getting ready for the holidays. Mrs. Susan Connolly’s K2A students have been busy learning the importance of Voting, Honoring our Veterans and getting ready for the Thanksgiving Holiday with their families.

The K2A students held their very own Voting Poll in their classroom to get an idea of what voting is about. They voted on what their favorite pet is and

dogs received the winning vote! One of the student’s dad is in the Army and in honor of Veteran’s Day they made special cards thanking him for his ser vice to our country. In their classroom they have a special place with photos of Very Important People (VIP) that are a part of our everyday life, in addi tion to our families and friends. K2A is, also, getting in the Thanksgiving mood by sharing what they are most thankful to God for…some said they are thankful for… family, mom and dad, school, my teachers and class mates, pets, nature, colors and trees.

Mrs. Connolly and her K2A Assistant, Mrs. Ellen O’ Callaghan, are thankful for their wonderful students in K2A. The children in K2A, as well as some of the other SBCA students, did a classroom project inspired by read ing the book, “Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano. The goal was to draw a turkey and disguise it for Thanksgiv ing. The students worked with their families to come up with the perfect disguise. The students, also, made colorful decorations to bring home for their Thanksgiving celebration with their families.

A BIG Thank you to our very kind and generous 3rd grade par ents for arranging to have a deli cious lunch brought to the school on Friday afternoon, November

18, 2022. Thank you, also, to the parents that covered their child’s classroom so the teachers and staff at SBCA could enjoy this special Thank You lunch. We are thankful to all our wonderful parents/fami lies for all their help and support throughout the school year. “We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”

-John F. Kennedy

On behalf of our Principal, Dr. Hel enann Civian and all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy, we wish everyone a Very Happy Thanksgiv ing! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at: admissions@sbcatholicacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

I’m not a soccer guy. But I do enjoy the World Cup.

And this year, the World Cup is taking place during an unusual time. Typically, the tour nament is held in the summer. But because of Qatar’s extreme temperatures in the summer months, FIFA decided to hold the Middle East’s first World Cup in the winter.

The initial thought would be that this is a bad idea for the sport, seeing that it would be competing with the NFL, col lege football, the NHL, the NBA, and college basketball. But, I’m not going to lie, I’m enjoying it so far.

As for having a horse in the race, of course I’ll be rooting for Team USA. That’s obvious. But it would be nice to think that they have an actual chance of winning it all. And this year, the odds of Team USA winning the World Cup are not great, at +15000.

The favorite is Brazil, at +333. After that, it’s Argentina at +550, England at +750, France at +800, and Spain at +1000.

Though, there’s already been at least one major upset, as Argen tina lost to Saudi Arabia, 2-1,

in their first game. Saudi Ara bia has the second-worst odds of winning the World Cup, at +75000.

USA tied Wales, 1-1, in their first game. Team USA plays its second game on Friday against England at 2 p.m., and its third game against Iran on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Neither Wales nor Iran have better odds than the U.S. to win it all.

After watching all of Team USA’s first game, it did feel like they let one slip away. USA took a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute when Timothy Weah scored. But then, in the 82nd minute, Wales’ Gareth Bale scored on a penalty kick to tie it at 1-1, which is how the game ultimately ended.

The penalty was the right call, and the goal was a straight mis sile into the top-right corner passed USA’s diving goalkeeper, who even guessed the right way, but still had no chance as he dove to his left.

Probably the only thing you could question is the U.S. de fender’s decision to make the vicious slide tackle inside the box. I didn’t feel as if it needed to happen, but he did it any

ways, and it resulted in an obvi ous penalty call.

So, there’s your breakdown. I wish I could tell you more, but again, I’m not a soccer guy. Overall, I do think Team USA looked good. And after watch ing a few other games with other countries, I definitely don’t feel as if the U.S. doesn’t belong. And if they belong, then maybe that +15000 is a tempting bet. Is it re ally as much of a longshot as the odds suggest?

We’ll find that out in the next few weeks. But in the meantime, I thought it would only be fitting to close out this once-in-a-life time soccer column from me, by sharing a FIFA press release that announces they’ve removed all alcohol sales inside the stadiums.

It’s the World Cup. How are you not going to serve alco hol at the games? I don’t care where it’s being held — that’s just crazy. It’s even led to fans chanting “We want beer” during the games.

Here’s a FIFA press release you never thought you’d see: “Following discussions be tween host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been

made to focus the sale of alco holic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.

There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums.

Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, re spectful and pleasant experience for all fans.

The tournament organizers ap preciate AB InBev’s understand ing and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️.”

Between that, the time of year it’s taking place, and the poten tial corruption being linked to the tournament in Qatar, this year’s World Cup is one of the more wild World Cups we may ever see.

The only thing more wild would be if Team USA took it home.

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

This week, Danny shared his thoughts on the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar:

SPORTS TODAY

PATRIOTS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT, PREPARE FOR THANKSGIVING SHOWDOWN

The New England patriots won their third straight game on Sunday, defeating the New York Jets, 10-3, at Gillette Sta dium, in what was an ugly offensive display for both teams.

Only six total points had been scored in the game, until Marcus Jones returned a punt 84 yards for a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Up until that punt-return touchdown, the score was 3-3, and had shown every sign of a game that was going to overtime. But Jones had other plans, and helped New England to its sixth win of the season.

The Patriots improved to 6-4, and

Tweet of the Week

Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron picked up career point No. 1,000 on Monday night in Tampa Bay.

It came in the form of an assist on a Brad Marchand goal in the second pe riod, which gave the Bruins a 4-1 lead, and proved to be the eventual game-

if the playoffs began after Week 11, they’d be the No. 6 seed in the AFC, and would be going to Tennessee to take on the Titans in the Wild Card round. But there’s still plenty of football left to be played. And for the Patriots, they have to get right back to work with a game in Minne sota on Thanksgiving night.

At 8-2, the Vikings enter Week 12 as the No. 2 seed in the NFC play off picture. They look to be a much tougher offense to stop than the Jets.

Credit can’t be taken away from the Patriots’ defense though, who held New York’s Zach Wilson to just nine completions for 177 yards pass ing, while sacking him four times.

Linebacker Matthew Judon had 1.5 of those sacks, as he leads the NFL

with 13 total sacks on the season.

The Patriots’ offense was a little more productive than the Jets’ of fense in this game, but they still couldn’t get into the end zone. Mac Jones was 23-of-27 for 246 pass yards while being sacked six times.

Damien Harris had a game-high 65 rush yards on eight carries. Rham ondre Stevenson had a team-high 15 carries, but rushed for just 26 yards.

Stevenson led the team in recep tions, catching six passes for 56 yards. Jakobi Meyers and Jonnu Smith each had four catches, with Meyers having 52 receiving yards, and Smith finishing with 40.

Nick Folk missed two field goals in the game. The only field goal he did hit came in the opening minute

WHAT TO WATCH

NFL THURSDAY, NOV. 24

Buffalo (-9.5) at Detroit 12:30 P.M. CBS

NY Giants at Dallas (-9.5) 4:30 P.M. FOX

New England at Minnesota (-2.5) 8:20 P.M. NBC

SUNDAY, NOV. 27

Tampa Bay (-3.5) at Cleveland 1 P.M. FOX

LA Rams at Kansas City (-14.5) 4:25 P.M. FOX

Green Bay at Philadelphia (-7) 8:20 P.M. NBC

MONDAY, NOV. 28

Pittsburgh at Indianapolis (-2.5) 8:15 P.M. ESPN

SOCCER FRIDAY, NOV. 25 World Cup England (-188) vs USA (+500) 2 P.M. FOX

of the second quarter. Folk’s 24-yard kick gave New England a 3-0 lead.

The Jets quickly responded with a 46-yard drive that resulted in a Greg Zuerlein 45-yard field goal that tied the game at 3-3.

After that, nobody else scored until the final seconds of the game, when Jones returned a Jets punt for the game-winning touchdown.

The Patriots now play four straight games in prime time. Following their Thanksgiving night game in Minnesota, New England plays Buf falo on Thursday Night Football at Gillette Stadium in Week 13, then travels to the West Coast to take Ari zona on Monday Night Football in Week 14, and Las Vegas on Sunday Night Football in Week 15.

accomplishment. Just ask his longtime linemate, and the man who scored the goal that led to Bergeron’s 1,000th point.

winner in a 5-3 win over the Lightning.

The win was Boston’s seventh straight, and improved the B’s record to an astounding 17-2.

But all the talk after this one was about Bergeron, who became just the fourth player in Bruins history to reach 1,000 points. The other three are Ray Bourque (1,506), Johnny Bucyk

(1,339), and Phil Esposito (1,012).

Bergeron is the eighth active NHL player to reach 1,000 points, joining Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Evgeni Malkin, Anze Kopitar, Eric Staal, and Niklas Backstrom.

The Bruins’ captain is ultimately known for his two-way play, which makes his 1,000 points such a remarkable

“For a guy that plays so hard defen sively, to achieve that — it’s one thing when you’re just a high-end point guy, but for him to essentially take over the Selke name and get 1,000 points at the same time, it’s an incredible stat,” Marchand told the media after the game. “It’s impressive. Couldn’t happen to a better guy. We’re all so happy for him and it’s fun for us all to be a part of.”

SBT Staff