South Boston Today June 29 2023

Independence Day: America’s Birthday For All Patriots To Celebrate

Independence Day to the hundreds of millions of Americans who love and take pride in our great country, is more than just barbecues, parades, summer fun and of course, the beautiful fireworks display put on by cities, towns and rural areas all across America. These things are part of the tradition of course but take a back seat to the real meaning. Though our nation is

going through some tough times right now, we as a people are strong enough to get it back on track and come hell or high water, we will. We can be proud of our history and the fact that an upstart bunch of poorly armed patriots, so determined to be free, could succeed in throwing off the shackles of an oppressive and mighty military power ruled by an

arrogant and cruel British king more than 200 years ago. It shows us just how much that true American grit and courage can accomplish when the cause is just.

Let this coming Independence Day - this Fourth of July holiday weekend - be one of the happy celebration of the most amazing nation in the history of the world. Celebrate with family, with

Fun On Pappas Way

3great events were put on by the team at Recreation Station. So many people showed up for Game Day on Pappas Way, a

series of bingo nights with a unique musical twist. By replacing numbers with top-tapping tunes, families and visitors alike

friends, with neighbors and everyone else that possesses that uniquely American spirit. Though our nation’s detractors might cringe at the sight, the land will be awash, from sea to shining sea in Red, White, and Blue and will bring proud smiles to the faces of patriots, young and old alike.

This is our party, America, and without hesitation, we should enjoy every last

were able to jam out to some of their favorite songs together. Recreation Station started the weekly evening series on June 8 with Family Pop and Disney Hits Bingo, followed by Travel Through the Decades Musical Bingo June 15, then Taylor Swift and Family

minute of it and celebrate. Our wonderful country is what our Founding Fathers envisioned when, with assistance from God, they created America- a free, proud, prosperous and happy nation. And it’s what so many of our men and women in uniform fought to preserve throughout our history. So, stay safe and enjoy the biggest of all summer events –America’s party.

Pop Hits on June 22. It was a perfect way to start the summer and there will plenty more to come at Recreation Station! We’ll keep you posted on that.

Photos are courtesy of Aram Boghosian

“Talk is cheap if it doesn’t motivate action.” - Dan Bongino

Could Boston Go The Way Of San Francisco?

This column frequently comments on the foolishness (insanity) of those Blue State cities, where so called ‘progressive’ politicians and left-wing activists advocate for making drastic cuts to their police budgets. In some cases, they even push for totally defunding and disbanding the entire departments. What would they replace police with?

Well Social Workers of course.

Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of hardened, violent criminals like a patrol of social workers rushing to the scene of a crime to counsel muggers, bank robbers, home invaders, car jackers and mass shooters. Shop lifters, strolling out of retail stores with flat screens, lap tops and armloads of expensive clothes, will instantly return the merchandise they just stole when confronted by someone with a Master’s Degree in Criminology who shows up to share their feelings.

Of course, most people with an IQ above 12 can easily figure this out. This makes most people wonderwere the Democrat mayors and city council members in cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Oregon and so many other urban areas that have descended into 3rd world like warzones screened for intelligence?

Or is being reality-challenged a requirement to their positions in those cities and do the voters who put them in office even know how to spell their own names?

This brings us to the recent news out of San Francisco, a once beautiful and model city that has now been reduced to a crime infested, feces covered nut farm that people are fleeing by the thousands. High priority to that city’s leaders was to take being ‘woke’ to the extreme and not only gutting the law enforcement budget, but also hamstringing the remaining cops from properly doing

their jobs. It has become a city where criminals have more rights than law obeying citizens and police are given virtually no support when they try to do their jobs.

Well, that saying “the chickens have come home to roost” can certainly fit here as the crime is now so bad, that California’s governor, Gavin Newsome (Nancy Pelosi’s nephew) has announced that the situation in San Francisco has come to the point that it might take the National Guard being deployed to protect the remaining citizens in that city. Sane people could have easily predicted that gutting the police department, not enforcing laws or prosecuting criminals would be the result. But here again, that would be easy for any sane person to predict. But we’re talking about ‘progressive’ politicians and leftist activists.

In addition to the usual causes of violence and other crimes that always occur when there’s a breakdown in law enforcement and when radical incompetents are running cities, San Francisco is being flooded with the deadly drug Fentanyl. Here is a drug that is pouring over the southern border being carried in by the hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants that the Biden Regime is not only allowing to invade us, but actually encouraging them to come. It’s a drug so dangerous that its now estimated to be causing tens of thousands of deaths, mostly to America’s youth.

Now some readers might be asking, why spend time talking about what’s happening in San Francisco and all those other cities when Boston has enough problems to worry about. And some would argue that Boston is nowhere near the level of lawlessness as those other places – and that would be correct. But if we’re not careful, the same situation could develop in Boston as well, including all the sur-

rounding suburban areas north and south. Because let’s not forget, even though the Boston City Council has some good members who operate with common sense and actually care about this city, I’ll call them the ‘good guys’ – namely Flynn, Flaherty, Murphy and Baker and sometimes Colleta, who voted to protect the Boston Police from budget cuts AND cuts to Veteran’s Services, they are outnumbered on that council by San Francisco style progressives, sometimes referred to as ‘The Crazies”, namely Braedon, Anderson, Lara, Mejia, Loujeune, Worrell and Arroyo - all of whom voted to cut 31 million dollars

from the police (and $900,000) from the Veterans.

The question could be asked: Do ‘The Crazies’ er, I mean the ‘Progressives’ not understand what will happen if the Boston Police have their resources cut? Or could it be that what’s happening in San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit and all those other Democrat run cities would be just fine with these councilors? Does personal politics and ideology mean more to them than protecting and serving their constituents? Judging by how these progressives vote and the policies they push, I believe these are reasonable questions to ask.

Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at

John Ciccone

TAX REFORM!

There’s a $600 million-dollar question confronting lawmakers tasked with hashing out differences in House and Senate versions of tax reform: Should the state crack down on married couples filing taxes separately to skirt the state’s new millionaire tax? The state’s 6-monthold millionaire tax is expected to bring about $1 billion in new revenues for transportation and education spending this year, but the left-leaning Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center has estimated Massachusetts is leaving $200 million to $600 million on the table each year from married couples filing two single tax returns, each reporting less than $1 million in income, rather than a joint return that triggers the surtax.

Tucked inside the Senate’s plan for relief is a policy proposal that would change that. It would require married couples filing taxes jointly at the federal level to also file jointly at the state level.

Progressives in support of the change have downplayed the

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.

switch as a “technical fix” to “close a loophole.” But fiscal watchdogs are calling it a bit of a bait-and-switch. Elizabeth Mahoney, vice president of policy and government affairs for the Massachusetts High Technology Council pointed out that the language used by millionaire-tax proponents Raise Up Massachusetts and the Fair Share Coalition in promoting the policy last year frequently referred to the surtax’s applying to “individuals” making more than $1 million a year – not couples, households or families.

“This proposal is actually a significant policy change that contradicts all of the assurances made to the voters by the proponents of the new income surtax that it would only apply to individuals earning more than $1 million,” Mahoney told MASSterList.

Cindy Rowe, of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action and a member of Raise Up’s steering committee, said the current policy “creates an incentive for shifting of income between members of a married couple in an attempt to game the system.” The

text of the amendment voters approved in November called for “an additional tax of 4 percent on that portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) reported on any return related to those taxes.”

Conference committee representatives have asked the Healey administration for more information about how the joint-filer language would impact the overall tax relief package.

Families or individuals? Fair Share Massachusetts on its website pushing the ballot question behind the surtax wrote: “Only the wealthiest Massachusetts residents — individuals who earn MORE THAN $1 million per year—will pay more: just 4% on the part of their annual income that is ABOVE $1 million.”

A MASSterList review of campaign materials found most advertising referenced “a person’s annual income” and “those who earn more than a million dollars in a single year.”

A paid ad told voters, “Anyone who makes less than $1 million a year doesn’t pay an extra cent.”

Jammed: Stuck doors delay Orange Line commute, too Universal Hub reports the MBTA’s door problems are becoming a “royal pain” after the Tuesday-morning commute included 15-minute delays on the Orange Line when one of those brand-new trains suffered another embarrassing “door issue” — this time at Green Street.

State auditor needs broader leeway to investigate MBTA, she says Auditor Diana DiZoglio is looking for legislative approval that would allow her to regularly audit the MBTA with more frequency. DiZoglio has cited “profound concerns” over a spate of safety issues, including an Orange Line train catching on fire last year and a Red Line passenger being dragged to his death, reports Alison Kuznitz for State House News Service. Bills that DiZoglio filed with Rep. Christopher Worrell and Sen. Liz Miranda (H 3132 / S 2032) would allow the auditor’s office to conduct audits of the MBTA once every two years and “as often as the state auditor determines is necessary.”

Independence Forever!

J. Allison, Historian Exemplar

John Adams thought that Independence Day would be celebrated “as the Day of Deliverance,” with “solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty” as well as “Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Adams wrote this to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He predicted that “The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most memorable Epochal, in the History of America.”

Adams was wrong about the date, but not about the way we celebrate Independence Day - parades and fireworks, sporting events, games, “Guns, Bells, Bonfires”, as well as solemn acts of devotion. Adams saw the importance of the date and the many

ways Americans would celebrate.

In the early 1990s, I met with a group of students from the Czech Republic, who arrived for a tour of the United States on July 3. They were worried when they learned that they would arrive the day before our great patriotic holiday. Growing up under a Communist regime, they learned to dread the forced patriotic devotion and crashing boredom of their country’s anniversary days. Our Fourth of July astonished them. There were appropriate markers of the day’s historical importance, and reminders of the sacrifices made to sustain independence. But these were not the grim parades of military might. What struck them most was that people they saw were having a good time.

Independence is something to celebrate. It is what allows us still to enjoy July 4, and the other days of the year. Adams knew this, when he wrote to Abigail on July 3, 1776. He

knew that achieving independence would not be easy. “I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. —yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even

although we should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

It would be a sacrifice his generation would make for those to come.

Why July 2? We know that July 4 is the great anniversary day. On July 2, Congress had voted to declare Independence; on July 4, Congress adopted the formal Declaration of Independence. For Adams,

continued on page 10

HEALTH WELLNESS & HEALING FORUM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER

30

Don’t Miss Out Free and Open to Public

Events Held Across The RCC Campus!

This two-day forum gives our community an opportunity to heal, prioritize wellness, and get moving! Featuring panel discussions, town hall forums, athletic events, and more, friends and supporters of all ages are invited to attend.

More details coming soon – including the full schedule for the Day of Play on September 30, from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

www.rcc.mass.edu/hwh

South Boston Today Guest Contributor Robert

I Was Just Thinking…

ing independence, the colonists continued to fight against the might of the British Empire, and seemingly against all odds, officially defeated Great Britain in September of 1783.

The first organized celebration of Independence Day occurred in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. A “grand exhibition of fireworks” was set off and “the city was beautifully illuminated.” Cannon from ships fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the thirteen colonies, and in Boston, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

fireworks, and reading the Declaration of Independence out loud followed by musket and cannon fire to the delight of those assembled. Americans were (and still are) proud to celebrate the birth of their new nation, a free and democratic one.

So is that of every other nation.

But this is not a rationale, simply a fact, because when mentioning the bad we have inflicted upon others we cannot summarily dismiss the good we have done which undoubtedly outweighs many other nations.

by Kevin Devlin

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one Nation, evermore!” (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

In June of 1776, members of the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and then on July 4th, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted, declaring America a free nation. After declar-

In 1781, several months before the crucial American victory at the Battle of Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson was the first president to celebrate Independence Day at the White House. The celebration included food, drinks, horse races and parades. And in 1870, Congress made July 4th a federal holiday.

Early Fourth of July celebrations included bonfires, parades, concerts,

Budget & Power continued from front page and was spiked with anger and hostility between some city councilors. On four separate override votes to the mayor’s budget the Council failed to garner the necessary two-thirds support of its 12-members. Eight votes were needed.

Before last year, the council could only approve or deny the mayor’s overall budget proposal and could not move money between line items unless the mayor had requested it. That system had long frustrated councilors. Now, the council has more power over the city’s purse strings, but under current budget protocols, the council cannot propose an operating budget that exceeds the $4.2 billion total Wu outlined earlier this year. That means if councilors want to add somewhere, they must subtract somewhere else.

The Council rejected overrides Wednesday that would have cut funding to a number of city services including the Boston Police Department and public works’ snow and ice budget. They ultimately passed one of their proposed measures that provided raises to its staff members, to which Mayor Wu’s administration plans “a review of the legal validity of the override provision, as the Boston City Charter places the authority to contract with municipal unions solely with the administration, and not in the purview of the Council”. The City Council votes on appropriating funding for collective bargaining after each contract is settled, not before, a city spokesperson added. The final vote allows the city’s $4.2 billion operating budget, largely representative of the

Now, we listen to “The StarSpangled Banner” being played at events. We wave American flags and display them in front of our homes. We attend concerts and go to parades. We go to the beach for some sun and then a quick dip in the ocean or the nearest pool. We attend barbecues with family and friends. We drink and eat. Watch fireworks and enjoy the day. And we can do all this because we are free.

I appreciate being an American and living in the greatest country in the history of the world.

I feel fortunate beyond belief. I know.

Some may differ, take offense. I understand.

Our history is tainted with indefensible deeds.

final spending plan proposed by the mayor, to go into effect days before the new fiscal year begins on July 1. The rancor ensued because, rather than seek a total rejection, as some of her colleagues had expected, City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who chairs the body’s budget committee, put forward a more complicated proposal that sought five partial overrides to the mayor’s final spending proposal. The overrides were presented to the Council at the same time they were proposed by Fernandes Anderson, prompting some backlash from her colleagues, particularly Frank Baker, who indicated the plan was a last-minute change from what he had expected to be voting on. “I think it’s dirty,” Baker said. “I’m not comfortable taking votes this way.”

A ‘recess’ was taken after the overrides were proposed by Fernandes Anderson, to give councilors a chance to review the seven-page document. Baker said, as of the night before, he had been expecting to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the $52.9 million in amendments the Council had approved two weeks ago, as part of a 7-5 vote on the operating budget that was promptly rejected by the mayor two days later. The initial amendments included millions of dollars in cuts to the Boston Police, Veterans, Transportation, Public Works, and Library departments. There was significant backlash to two cuts that would have decreased the police budget by nearly $31 million and the Office of Veterans Services by $900,000.

City Councilor Kendra Lara supported the overrides, saying they were a reflection of Fernandes

I understand we cannot change the past.

Only learn from it.

So, we must move forward with open hearts to remedy our shortcomings and hope for a better life for all Americans.

We need to respect our neighbors and help them when they need assistance.

Our leaders need to compromise, seek resolution, not sow discord, and protect the innocent and the vulnerable by embracing law and order.

And then we can declare to the world, without hesitation or doubt, that our nation, our way of life, our democratic institutions, our “government of the people, by the people, for the people” are the best and must “not perish from this earth.”

(So, enjoy the Fourth!)

Anderson responding to the backlash she had received from the first budget she put forward in her capacity as chair of the Ways and Means committee. The overrides had sought to increase funding to a number of city departments, while decreasing funding to many others. Fernandes Anderson had said the cuts would not result in any layoffs to city workers, but Baker disagreed, saying that the poor state of the economy would lead to layoffs in the future, should cuts to certain departments stand. This override, as presented by Fernandes Anderson, would have increased the City Council staff salary budget by $829,385. It passed with an amendment from Baker, which decreased the salary increase to $581,386, thus decreasing a resulting cut to the human resources contractual line. It passed via a 10–1 vote, with Councilor Gabriela Coletta voting present and Michael Flaherty voting ‘no.’

City Councilor Liz Breadon, who voted against four of the five partial overrides, spoke against collective proposals that would have cut more than $1 million from the city’s snow and ice removal budget. Breadon was one of two city councilors to flip somewhat from their earlier stance on the mayor’s budget. Breadon and Brian Worrell had voted for the Council’s amended operating budget two weeks ago but voted against all but the one partial override that passed on Wednesday.

The power of the purse comes full circle and the Mayor has the purse power.

The Wine

Guy

In addition to being a wine guy, I’m a history guy as well. One of history’s most fascinating figures, in my humble opinion, was the Emperor, Charlemagne or, “Charles the Great”. He was responsible for creating what we know today as France, saving the West from the onslaught of Islam, enhancing what came to be the first modern banking system and more.

One of the things he’s less wellknown for, however, is his role in the development of the great white wines of Burgundy. Charles was a very fastidious man, a detail-oriented person, who never left even the smallest detail to chance. This in-

cluded his personal appearance and though he loved his red Burgundy wines, he was annoyed that it left stains on his beard. So, he decreed that all of the vineyards in Burgundy dedicate a part of their land to the growth of white wine. Thus, a cleaner beard and great wines began. I’m sure that the following would have pleased him and will please you as well - beard or not…

Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet, Cotes d’Or, France, ($87.99). This wine packs a serious punch. Rich and creamy flavors of brioche, stone fruit, vanilla and salted butter lead to a tremendous palate-coating finish. Although vinified in 25% new oak, the wine’s mouth feel remains balanced by truckloads of refreshing acidity. Sip it with buttery lobster or cream-based dishes for an out-ofthis-world pairing.

Heritiers du Comte Lafon, Macon-Milly Lamartine ,2019, Chardonnay Mâconnais, Burgundy, France, ($29.99). While priced at the low end of White Burgundies, don’t let the price fool you. Decanter magazine, which I consider to be one of Burgundy’s toughest critics, gave this wine 94 points. It said, “Blended from several parcels on the steep slopes above MillyLamartine at elevations between 400 - 450 meters, these grapes give

the wine a lemony zip and a hint of spice. The fruit is whole cluster pressed and fermented in a combination of foudres and demi-muids. The texture on the palate is very lively ,yet substantial with a finish that is surprisingly persistent.”.

Simon Bize Savigny Les Beaune aux Grands Liards, Burgundy, 2019, ($59.99). After the unexpected passing of her vigneron husband, Chisa Bize took the reins at the family’s eponymous estate, now overseeing all aspects of the Savignyles-Beaune domaine. In this bottle, ripe citrus, matchstick, honeysuckle and grilled nuts are beautifully interwoven by the wine’s undeniable minerality, making for an approachable splurge that promises to blow your mind.

Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Blanc, Clos du Château,2019, ($52.99). 100% Chardonnay from the walled vineyard right in front of the Château inside the village of Puligny-Montrachet, this sublime Bourgogne Blanc is stellar year in and year out. It definitely shows the floral and mineral notes in the nose that make the village famous. Good length and buttery, citrus fruit make this a great wine at any price, but this “little” wine from an estate with an embarrassing array of riches can stand up to the best of them. While it’s wonderful by itself, you might

want to pair it with French Hen grilled with butter and Rosemary or Beijing Duck.

Domaine de Montille Clos du Château de Puligny-Montrachet, ($53.99). Domaine de Montille was one of the early adopters of organic and biodynamic farming in Burgundy. Today, their beloved, sitespecific wines are best known for their simultaneous approachability in their youth yet ability to withstand the test of time in the cellar. This 100% chardonnay comes from a 5-hectare clos (walled-in) vineyard located just in front of the famed Château de Puligny. Fruit grows in silty clay soils and is fermented in demi-muids, followed by aging in a combination of steel and demimuids. Despite its Bourgogne Blanc appellation, this wine undeniably shows the acid-driven, mineral-laden qualities of wines from Puligny; it is truly a steal for the price.

Vive La France!

The StarSpangled Banner

O say can you see by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Day!

We pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom and future.

Boston City Council President Ed Flynn & Family

Fireworks, Once A Welcomed Entertainment Has Become A Public Hazard

Not only can fireworks be stressful on dogs during the 4th – they can also lead to dogs getting lost and separated from their pet parents. “Dogs commonly become anxious or fearful around loud and unpredictable noises –which would certainly include fireworks that take place on, and around, the 4th of July,” said Dr. Sarah Nold, staff veterinarian at Trupanion – a leader in medical insurance for pets. In fact, Trupanion receives more anxiety-related claims (on average 45% more) in July than any other month of the year.

Dr. Nold suggests these three things to consider to help your pet during the

4th of July firework celebrations.

1) Make sure your dog has access to a familiar environment – whether you’re at home with them or not –where they will feel most secure. This could include:

- their kennel

- your bedroom

- a gated-off area where your dog spends a lot of their time

2) You can also leave the television or radio on, or just turn on a fan in the room to help sound-sensitive pets get through the evening.

3) Body wraps, pheromone diffusers and calming collars may help some dogs. In severely anxious dogs, anxiety medication could be

necessary. Talk to your veterinarian to determine what treatment, or often combination of treatments, are best for your dog.

Additional tips to consider:

Beat the Heat: If your 4th of July plans involve being outdoors with your dog, make sure your pet has access to shade and plenty of water throughout the day. During the month of July in past years, Trupan-

ion has paid out more than $16,000 in dehydration claims alone.

Barbecue Buster: Nothing says the 4th like firing up the grill, but avoid the temptation of feeding your dog table scraps which can cause a serious stomach ache. Beware of bones and corn-on-the-cob as well to avoid any unexpected trips to the veterinarian.

Keep identification on your pet at all times: Unfortunately, many pets get lost during the first week in July, especially on July 4. Even if you follow all of these tips, your stressed pet may find a way to get out of the house. Always keep an ID on your pet with updated information.

Bob Allison continued from page 5 the fact was more important than the statement. On the afternoon of July 4, after Congress adopted the Declaration, which explained why it had declared the United States to be independent, it voted to have the Declaration printed and circulated throughout the American states.

John Dunlap, a Philadelphia printer, received the draft—not the familiar parchment copy which reposes in the National Archives, but a simple draft of Congress’s Declaration. He set the text in type, and at the top, in bold letters, three lines stand out:” IN CONGRESS. July 4, 1776”

This document, Dunlap’s printed version, gives us an anniversary date—July 4—and a name for the new country: The United States of America. It was meant to be read aloud, and publicly proclaimed throughout the land. On July 9, it reached New York, where Washington had it read to his army at the tip of Manhattan Island; his troops hearing the bold declaration could see in the distance British and German soldiers disembarking on Staten Island, the largest military force the British, up to that point, had ever sent abroad, coming to suppress their rebellion. After hearing Independence proclaimed, the soldiers and New York citizens tore down a statue of George III, melting it down to make bullets.

The Declaration reached Boston on Thursday, July 18. Thomas Crafts read it from the Old State House balcony. As he concluded, the crowd cheered, “God Save our American States,” gave three cheers, church bells rang, guns fired, “and every face appeared joyful,” Abigail Adams reported. Then the crowd took the royal coat of arms down from every public building and burned them in the middle of King Street. “Thus, ends royal Authority in this State,” Abigail wrote, “and all the people shall say Amen.”

Amen—but what was next? After forcing the British out of Boston, and declaring Independence, the Americans had a tough year. The British took New York easily, and would hold it for the next seven years. By the end of the following summer the British would also occupy Philadelphia. The British would not return to the Boston area, which had been heavily fortified during the siege. “I think of nothing but fortifying Boston Harbor,” John wrote to Abigail in March, just a few weeks after the British had evacuated Boston. “I want more Cannon than are to be had,” and he wanted the harbor islands fortified.

The British destroyed the fort on Castle Island on their way out of Boston. Congress rejected Massachusetts’ request for aid in rebuilding the Castle William, but Abigail reported that six hundred men met every morning to rebuild it. The war shifted out of Boston. But Massachusetts still sent

men to the war—in fact, a third of the men who served in the Continental Army came from Massachusetts.

Fortifying Castle Island seemed less pressing until 1798, when France went to war against the United States. France was at war with England in the 1790s, and wanted the United States—recipients of French aid during the Revolution—to join in. The United States proclaimed neutrality, and France began to capture American merchant ships.

President Adams sent diplomats to France, who were told bluntly that before any negotiations could begin, the Americans would have to bribe a series of French bureaucrats. President Adams vowed that he would never send another diplomat to France, unless the French would receive him as the emissary of an independent people. In 1776, John Adams had thought of nothing but fortifying the harbor islands against the British; now, as President, he thought of nothing but fortifying the entire coast. Castle William, which had languished since the men of Boston rebuilt it twenty years earlier, now was fortified again against a new enemy. President Adams gave the fortification a new name, Fort Independence.

That same year, the USS CONSTITUTION had its first fight, against the French in the West Indies. Built in the North End in the 1790s, the CONSTITUTION is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world. At

noon on July 4, if you venture out to Castle Island, you will see the ship fire a salute to the flag on Fort Independence, and gunners on Castle Island will return the salute to American independence and the men and women who have made it possible.

John Adams had been invited to attend the celebrations in Washington on July 4, 1826. (But at the age of ninety was too feeble to leave his home in Quincy). He had also declined an invitation to speak at the local celebration in Quincy. The Quincy organizers asked if Adams would like them to read a statement at their commemoration. Knowing this might be his last public words, Adams wanted them to count. He and his generation had achieved independence; the next generations would have to defend it. He gave his statement:

“Independence Forever!”

They waited. Would he like to add more?

“Not a word.”

Adams could hear the celebrations on July 4, 1826—the “Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells” he had predicted fifty years earlier. We can still hear them, and see the fireworks and illuminations. We also know what has made this celebration possible, from one end of the continent to the other.

Robert J. Allison is President of the South Boston Historical Society and Chair of the History Department at Suffolk University.

“DECLARATION,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Declaring Independence Was About Intolerance

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, celebrates the American colonies severing ties with the British and the beginning of what we know now as the United States of America. But how did America win its independence from Britain, and why do we celebrate America’s freedom on July 4?

In December 1773, an incident took place in Boston that set in motion a chain of events that led to the American Revolution. Also known as the Boston Tea Party, 342 chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company were thrown from ships into the Boston Harbor. It was done by American patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians to protest taxes on tea and the monopoly of the East India Company. In retaliation, the British Parliament put into place the Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts, in 1774, which closed down Boston’s port, rendered the Massachusetts government useless, and gave protections to British troops while in

the American colonies. Resentment from this enforcement resulted in the coming together of the First Continental Congress, who met in Philadelphia in September 1774. Peyton Randolph, a Virginia representative, was elected president. This, and the term Congress, are used today by the current U.S. governments. This Congress wanted to reject the British rule and establish themselves as an independent group of colonies. In October 1774, it petitioned the British crown for a redress of grievances accumulated since 1763, and to force compliance, it called for a general boycott of British goods and eventual non-exportation of American products, except rice, to Britain or the British West Indies. Alongside this, the colonials were rebelling against General Thomas Gage, who was put in charge by the British after the Boston Tea Party. Groups such as the Sons of Liberty worked to uncover British plans, which led to the storming of Fort William and Mary.

Virtual Public Meeting

475-511 Dorchester Avenue

Wednesday, July 19 6:00 PM

Project Proponent:

CORE Development

Project Description:

The proposed development filing is a PDA Master Plan Area comprised of approximately 21 acres of land, bounded generally by Southampton Street to the south, the Southampton/Amtrak rail yards to the west, private property at 365 Dorchester Avenue to the north, and Dorchester Avenue to the east. The development concept will construct twelve (12) new buildings with significant open space and public realm components as a vibrant mixed-use extension of the neighborhood including ground floor retail, residential units with associated amenities, and commercial development including office, lab, and R&D areas with associated mechanical and support spaces. The total development will be constructed in four phases and include approximately 3,771,000 square feet of new commercial and residential buildings. The masterplan includes four (4) new publicly accessible open spaces totaling approximately 2.9 acres, including a new 1.5 acre green space adjacent to a new, realigned D Street.

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

Close of Comment Period: 7/26/2023

This was the start of the U.S. War for Independence, which didn’t end until October 1781. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom and two days later they formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Hence why we celebrate Independence Day on July 4 every year.

This declaration was used throughout the American Revolution to inspire troops to carry on fighting against the British. On July 9, 1776 General George Washington ordered the Declaration to be read aloud to his men to help them find new meaning in the war for independence. In a letter to his wife on July 3, 1776, Founding Father John Adams wrote:

“The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devo-

tion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Virtual Public Meeting

475-511 Dorchester Avenue

IAG Meeting

Monday, July 10

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Project Proponent: CORE Development

Project Description:

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3pktNt8

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 161 523 2217

The proposed development filing is a PDA Master Plan Area comprised of approximately 21 acres of land, bounded generally by Southampton Street to the south, the Southampton/Amtrak rail yards to the west, private property at 365 Dorchester Avenue to the north, and Dorchester Avenue to the east. The development concept will construct twelve (12) new buildings with significant open space and public realm components as a vibrant mixed-use extension of the neighborhood. The total development will be constructed in four phases and include approximately 3,771,000 square feet of new commercial and residential buildings. The masterplan includes four (4) new publicly accessible open spaces totaling approximately 2.9 acres, including a new 1.5 acre green space adjacent to a new, realigned D Street.

Note this is an IAG meeting and will focus on the conversation between the IAG and the Development team.

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

Close of Comment Period: 7/26/2023

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

INGREDIENTS

Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings SPARKLING RED, WHITE AND BLUE SANGRIA

• 1/2 c. Ketchup

• 2 tbsp. cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar

• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped

• 1/2 c. sour cream

• 1 lime

• 1/4 c. Fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

• 3 lb. chicken wings (about 36) split

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• kosher salt

• black pepper

• 4 ears fresh corn, halved

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1 Heat grill to medium-low. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire, and chipotle.

STEP 2 Place the sour cream in a bowl. Finely grate the zest of the lime on top, then squeeze in juice (about 2 tablespoons). Add cilantro and feta and mix to combine; set aside.

STEP 3 In large bowl, toss the wings with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brush the remaining tablespoon oil on the corn.

STEP 4 Grill the chicken wings, covered, turning occasionally for 12 minutes.

STEP 5 Place the corn on the grill. Grill the wings and corn, basting the wings with some of the sauce and turning the corn occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the corn is slightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Serve the corn with the wings, any remaining chipotle sauce and sour cream sauce, for dipping.

DESCRIPTION

This Sparkling Red, White and Blue Sangria recipe is fun, delicious, easy to make, and guaranteed to be the hit of your patriotic party!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bottle dry white wine, chilled

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 cups fresh blueberries

• 1 cup fresh raspberries

• 1/2 cup brandy or orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)

• 1 bottle sparkling white wine, chilled (such as cava or champagne)

• 3–4 Granny Smith apples, cut into star shapes if desired

• ice

INSTRUCTIONS

1.Stir together white wine, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and orange in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours*, so that the flavors can meld.

2.Once you’re ready to serve the sangria, stir in the sparkling white wine, apples and a handful of ice.

3.Serve immediately over ice and enjoy!

NOTES* Recipe Update: The original version of this recipe called for 1 cup of apple juice (or white juice) instead of the brandy. I prefer the liqueur to give it more of a kick and reduce the sweetness of the sangria.

*Chilling Time: Heads up that the longer the sangria sits, the redder it will likely become. So if you would like a whiter sangria, I recommend serving it immediately.

Well, that was awkward. Just two months after being upset by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Boston Bruins cleaned up at the annual NHL Awards, which were held over the weekend in Nashville. Patrice Bergeron won his sixth Selke Trophy, for best defensive forward. But that wasn’t the awkward part. The awkward part was when Linus Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender in the league, and Jim Montgomery won the Jack Adams award for top coach in the league.

Ullmark didn’t play like a Vezina winner in the first round against Florida. And Montgomery, well, the guy he replaced — Bruce Cassidy — won the Stanley Cup this season in his first year with the Vegas Golden Knights. “The actual award is, to me, a reflection of the historical and great season that we had,” said Montgomery. “It’s rarely been seen, the kind of success that we had in the NHL historically. I think it’s also because the players win games and coaches give them an opportunity to go out and play game. I mean, it’s such a dedicated group and it

was so much fun. It was like going to Disney World every day because there was a different ride. It was a different person that was pushing the gas to success.”

Disney World, only, after waiting in line for hours to ride the Tower of Terror, a mechanical issue prevents you from ever making the drop, sending you back to your hotel pretty disappointed. But hey, at least you got to ride the Teacups!

The Bruins also made several trades last weekend, as they prepare for the 2023 NHL Draft this coming weekend. Boston traded Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defensemen Alec Regula and Ian Mitchell. The B’s also traded forward Shane Bowers to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Reilly Walsh. Now, all eyes are on Bergeron and David Krejci, and whether or not they will return for another season.

“Well, congrats to Patrice on his sixth Selke,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. “He and Steph are eagerly awaiting the birth of a fourth child. I’ve had some conversations with Patrice, he’s taking his time and he’s going to take all the time necessary, there’s

no pressure from the organization.

“If and when Patrice makes a decision, we’ll respect it and welcome him back, whether that is now or between now and whenever, to tell you the honest truth. He just wants to make a concrete decision on what’s best for him and the family. He’s got a lot going on, so you have to afford him that opportunity. It won’t affect what we’re trying to accomplish as an organization between now and when he makes the decision.” Sweeney said he’ll “respectfully” wait for Krejci to make his decision as well.

Bruins president Cam Neely said the team has to prepare this offseason as if Bergeron and Krejci won’t return. “Yeah, I mean for us, we have to kind of plan like they aren’t coming back until we hear otherwise,” said Neely. “We would not be doing the organization a service if we planned that they are coming back and then they weren’t. So, you know, for us it’s kind of two paths, going down two paths. Hopefully we’ll hear something soon, but we’re certainly going to give those guys the time that they need. “I think as a player, you may think that you’re done, but then a month or two into the offseason you’re

like, ‘Oh, what am I going to do next winter.’ And let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than playing hockey or playing a sport, so when it’s over, it’s over for good for the most part.”

Neely added, “They absolutely understand. We’ve been very open, and we’ve told them we understand that they need to take some time to make decisions, but we have to do our jobs too.”

As for what the identity of the Bruins will be next season if Bergeron and Krejci decided not to return, Neely said that will depend on who steps up. Because somebody will have to. “We’re going to need some of that next core group of guys, the younger guys, to step up from a leadership perspective if Bergy doesn’t come back, if Krejci doesn’t come back,” said Neely.

“The great thing about having [Zdeno Chara] and Bergy for so long in this organization,” added Neely, “is guys should have learned something from them.” Indeed. But I think Bergeron and Krejci will be back to try and finish the job. So we don’t have to worry about that just yet.

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

This week, Danny shared his thoughts on what’s next for the Boston Bruins:

CELTICS TRADE SMART, ACQUIRE PORZINGIS

Brad Stevens apparently got his guy.

After a three-team deal between the Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers fell apart on the day of last week’s NBA Draft, Stevens got the Memphis Grizzlies involved to replace the Clippers, and finalized a trade that brings Kristaps Porzingis to Boston, sends Marcus Smart to Memphis, and sees the Celtics’ No. 35 pick in the 2023 Draft — plus Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and Tyrus Jones — going to Washington.

Originally, the three-team trade that involved the Clippers had Malcolm Brogdon going to LA, instead of Smart going to Memphis, but the Clippers reportedly backed out over concerns with Brogdon’s health.

“On behalf of everyone here, I would like to thank Marcus for his many contributions, both on and off the court, as a Celtic,”said Brad Stevens. “The greatest legacy you can leave is to make a place better than you found it. We are all better for getting to compete with Marcus Smart these past nine years.”

Porzingis, who turns 28 in August, was the No. 4 overall pick in 2015.

Tweet of the Week

Last year with the Wizards, he had career highs in points per game (23.2), assists per game (2.7), and steals per game (0.9). Along with Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid, Porzingis was one of only three NBA players last season to average at least 20 points, eight rebounds, and one block per game. He’ll wear No. 8 with the Celtics.

“We are very happy to welcome Kristaps to Boston,” said Stevens. “He brings a skill set and ability to impact the game that not only fits the needs of our team, but is elite for his position and size. The ability to play to his strengths with any combination of players is unique.”

Smart made an emotional post on social media that read:

“Where do I even begin…As I start to think about the last nine years I have a lot of emotions running thru me. I came to Boston as a naive kid from Dallas not really knowing what to expect. All I knew was the type of work ethic my momma instilled in me and I was going to work my ass off and make sure I EARNED the respect of each and every one of the fans in Boston. Which is why this was tuff.

“Boston, you are a very special place to me. I grew up here and met some of my best friends here. I’ll never forget my time here. Ultimately we didn’t get that 18th banner but I’m VERY VERY proud of the success we had. I’m going to miss so

many things about Boston but mainly my teammates, fans, and kids and our hospital charity work. It was a great 9 years Boston, thank you for all the love…but now it’s time to look forward.

“I can’t wait to get to Memphis and get started. We have something special brewing here! Am blessed to be a part of Grizzly nation. Let’s get to work.”

On instagram, Celtics All Star Jayson Tatum posted an emotional response to the trade, directed towards Smart in his story: “My dawg Forever grateful for you and how you pushed me and helped me along this journey. Never change keep being you, one of a kind can never be replaced! My brotha for life. We gone link back up one day and get us one no doubt about that! Until then, Much love Brodie!”

The Celtics also tweeted this about Smart, thanking him for his contributions to the team and the city: “You set the ultimate example of what it means to be a Boston Celtic. Thank you for your tireless commitment to the community, for giving it your all every time you stepped on the court and for being our heart and soul for nine years. Thank you for everything, @smart_MS3.”

As for the future with Porzingis, Stevens is excited to see him in Green.

“[Porzingis] has just gotten better and better and better,” said Stevens. “You see what he was doing this year, and I thought the games that we played against him and the games that I watched with the most intent against other teams, I thought he just had really taken another step. He was already good, but he just took another step.”

SBT Staff

Boston Harborfest Announces Schedule for June 30 - July 4

Entertainment, parades, and historic reenactments return to Nation’s largest Fourth of July Festival

doo-wop, puppetry, and more.

Saturday, July 1

Live Performances and Historical Reenactments

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.: The Steps at Downtown Crossing

An array of local performances across all musical genres will perform from a stage in Downtown Crossing, free and for all to enjoy. Also, step back in history as living historians demonstrate life in colonial America. Fife and drums corps, military exercises and colonial crafts all add to the excitement.

Crossing, while historical re-enactors and costumed entertainers will engage with visitors to the area. Free for all to enjoy!

Tuesday, July 4

The City of Boston’s 247th Independence Day Celebration

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Boston Harborfest is proud to release its preliminary event schedule for 2023, spanning five days at locations throughout Downtown Boston. As the nation’s largest Fourth of July Festival, Boston Harborfest brings arts, music, and entertainment to land and sea for thousands of Boston’s residents and visitors.

The summer tradition kicks off from The Steps at Downtown Crossing (Washington St. at Franklin St.) with music and remarks from Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and continues through Tuesday, July 4 with historical programming for all to enjoy. The latest schedule of performances, events, and partner events can be found at www.bostonharborfest.com.

For more Harborfest information and the latest of activities, please visit www.bostonharborfest.com, and follow event updates on Harborfest’s Facebook page, @BOSHarborfest on Twitter, @bostonharborfest on Instagram, or follow the conversation using #BostonHarborfest

2023 Boston Harborfest Schedule

Times subject to change - For the latest schedule, visit www.bostonharborfest.com

Friday, June 30 Harborfest Kick-Off

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: The Steps at Downtown Crossing (Washington St. and Franklin St.)

A public kick-off with public officials and hospitality leaders will help launch Boston Harborfest 2023. Roving re-enactors and staff from the USS Constitution will engage visitors, while the Massachusetts 215th Army Band plays an afternoon of performances.

DTX Arts and Crafts Market (Summer Street Plaza)

11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Summer Street in Downtown Crossing

This free and vibrant arts market will showcase local artists and craftsmen.

DTX Musical Performances

11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.: The Steps at Downtown Crossing

A range of musical performers will bring brass,

Macy’s Great American Fashion Show

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: The Steps at Downtown Crossing Amateur models who are Boston citizens show off the latest trends in summer fashion as Macy’s curates new lines and sleek looks.

Pre-Fireworks Concert

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Christopher Columbus Park

A dynamic lineup of musical performances will perform for audiences from the lawn at Christopher Columbus Park before the evening’s fireworks

Harborfest Fireworks

9:15 p.m.: Long Wharf – Boston Inner Harbor

Visible from nearly all of Boston Harbor, the Harborfest Fireworks return to provide a spectacular display for all to enjoy. The fireworks will be launched from a barge at Boston’s Long Wharf.

Sunday, July 2

Live Performances & Entertainment

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Downtown Crossing

An array of local performances across all musical genres will perform throughout Downtown Crossing, while historical re-enactors and costumed entertainers engage with visitors to the area.

Patriotic Poochapalooza

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Summer Street, Downtown Crossing Dogs and their humans vie for prizes as guest judges crown winners in several categories including the Most Patriotic Pooch. A Doggie Marketplace and free treats for all.

Christopher Columbus Park Concert

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Christopher Columbus Park

A range of musical performances will fill the harborside park for all to enjoy.

Monday, July 3

Live Performances & Entertainment

12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Downtown Crossing

A range of local performances across all musical genres will perform from a stage in Downtown

A short parade will step off from City Hall Plaza and pass the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths will be laid on the graves of patriots. The parade continues to the Old State House where the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company will continue its tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence from the balcony. Parade viewing will be available along the route and in Downtown Crossing.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.: Old State House

Annual Oration

10:30 a.m.: Faneuil Hall

USS Constitution’s Boston Harbor Sail and Salute

11:30 a.m.: Boston Harbor

See the ship depart from the Charlestown Navy Yard and cruise through Boston Harbor and pass Fort of Independence for a 21-gun salute.

Middlesex County Volunteers Fife and Drums Concert

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Downtown Crossing

The Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums is a repertory ensemble that performs martial, dance, and folk music drawn from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries on regimental fifes and drum corps.

A Day of Unity: Reading Fredrick Douglass

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: The Steps at Downtown Crossing

The Downtown Boston BID presents “A Day of Unity,” a free event centered on a community-led reading of Frederick Douglass’s abolitionist speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Embracing both stirring historical and joyful contemporary elements, the event includes a variety of music from Darlene Wynn, Tempo International Rhythm & Steel, African Drum Circle and DJ Joe Johnson. Uprising Dance Theatre performs and the event concludes with a free ice cream social.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Esplanade

An annual tradition, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will delight the masses with an evening concert and fireworks display.