South Boston Today August 3 2023

Mass & Cass Problems Rise; Solutions Elusive

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city’s community partners are pulling outreach workers from a troubled area of the city known as “Mass & Cass” — an area of the city plagued by homelessness and substance abuse — amid growing concerns for public safety. In recent months, Wu said, police officers and others have been attacked in the area around the intersection of Mass. Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. City data shows Boston EMS responses to the area have doubled from a year ago. Wu said the city needs to find a better way to separate those who need treatment from those who are causing problems.

“We’ve seen the crowding of people who very much need services, but then with additional drug activity, human trafficking activity, and violence,” Wu said. “The number of emergency calls has gone up significantly. And most of all, the feedback

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An Old Tradition Seems To Be Making A Comeback

tention and give praise to the kids. There have been no complaints at all, just one somewhat cautious person wondering if the beverages being sold were FDA approved.

As the warm summer month of August settles in, many people are often reminded of summers past and how things once were compared to how so much has changed. But among the things that always remain are the beautiful sunsets visible during every clear cloudless evening and the rising moon that follows the long span of daylight that can be viewed along South Boston’s 3-mile shoreline. And/ or, if you’re an early riser, there’s always the sunrise that starts the day. Many people take those longawaited vacations and spend much more time outdoors. But what we’ve noticed is the return of the once common sight of the kid-run lemonade stand that for the most part has been rarely seen for several years. These lemonade stands

are popping up in several parts of the neighborhood and most residents seem to be pleased that they are.

Many long-time residents are happy to see this near forgotten tradition return while many of our new arrivals seem to like it too and might be a little intrigued by the concept of our local young entrepreneurs going into business for themselves. And both long timers and newcomers have been quick to show their support by stopping by the stands and purchasing a tasty cool glass of refreshing beverage and buy a cookie or two. This is to the delight of the hard-working youthful go getters.

This newspaper has received quite a few calls, emails, Tweets and other social media comments and even one handwritten letter in the mail from neighbors who wanted to bring the return of this old tradition to our at -

Most editorials that appear in newspapers, including this one, so often deal with serious, even negative issues. But every once in a while, it’s nice to be able to take a break and talk about something pleasant and positive. And the way we see it, what could be more pleasant than giving praise to local young people who show incentive to earn their own money while serving their neighbors?

(But here’s hoping that the city and state and maybe even the feds don’t think of a way to hit these kids up for license requirements and taxes).

So, we’d like to make a suggestion. If you’re out and about and you happen to come across one of these kid-run lemonade stands, why not stop and make a purchase? And it would even be nice if you gave them a few words of praise for their efforts. You’ll be doing your part to help encourage a good work ethic while bringing smiles to the faces of some great local kids. And from all the reports coming in, its unanimousthe lemonade is delicious, and the price is always reasonable.

SOUTH BOSTON MOVIE NIGHT MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU

Park’s Movie Nights give residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy popular films under the night skies in City parks in August and September.

In the 1970s, 12-year-old Gru schemes and plots (with the help of the Minions) to become a member of Vicious 6, an infamous group of supervillains. Chaos, adventure, and hilarity ensue after he manages to steal a valuable object from their headquarters. (2022; Rating: PG)

All shows begin at dusk. This series is sponsored by Highland Partners Charitable Fund and hosted by Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment.

No pre-registration is needed to attend! August 8th!

Here’s Hoping The US Women’s Soccer Team Loses

Personally, I’m no real soccer fan. Maybe if I had played as a kid I’d feel differently. Not knocking the sport, it just doesn’t interest me. But it’s popular worldwide, it’s a good agility builder for kids and it gets a lot of media attention on the national and world levels. But even the majority of Americans who are, or were big soccer enthusiasts, are turning away from the disgraceful behavior on display by the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team. They have openly and deliberately disrespected our country for the whole world to see during the World Cup Championships.

As the National Anthems of the participating countries play, it’s wonderful to watch the team members from those nations proudly stand and sing the words that honor their homelands. You can see the pride in their faces as they are honored to represent their people. But then you look at the US Women’s team. As our National Anthem plays, most of the team (thankfully not all) stand with sullen, sour faces; in some instances, actually scowling, silently protesting. They refuse to sing, won’t place their hands over their hearts as is tradition and most won’t even stand – they kneel. The message they clearly try to send is – they are not proud of their country, the country that sponsors them, sent them there and gave them this great opportunity that so many other young women would give the world to have.

Now, there is not a doubt in the minds of many observers of this behavior, that this is a direct result of the influence of Megan Rapinoe. She, with hair colored to resemble a Taffy Apple, has long made her disdain for our country known. It’s her trademark, her

claim to fame. She’s known for this much more than she is for her fading soccer skills. She seems to have been able to convince the majority of her team mates to display the same obnoxious, anti- American attitude during award ceremonies as she does. Why anyone would want to follow Rapinoe’s lead is a mystery. But they made their choice; they’ve thrown in with her. The only thing these other players have gained is the anger directed at them by the American people. Who would have thought that the day would ever come, where American sports fans would actually be rooting for an American sports team to lose games when playing against other countries? But it has come to this.

All over social media, you can hear and read the posts by American sports fans. They are hoping the home team is defeated. By the tens of thousands, American soccer fans, and certainly those who may not even follow soccer, are rooting for the other side. Spectators watching from home here in the states, as well as Americans who have travelled to be at the games in person are disgusted by the behavior of the United States Women’s Soccer Team.

A tiny sample of the reaction of comments coming in here by locals watching this disrespectful display by the US Team sums up the feelings of many. “Why are they allowed to stay on that team?”. “Hope they lose every game by humiliating large scores”, They should be ashamed of themselves”, “They shouldn’t be allowed to play under the United States name”, “Go Sweden”, “Why are we even calling them Team USA?”, “Stop all taxpayer funding to that team”, There are

plenty more; some with language that cannot be printed here. But you get the message.

As has been stated prior, there are thousands of young women in America who have the athletic talent to play at World Cup level that would give anything for the opportunity to do so and would represent our country proudly. Instead, we send a squad of ungrateful, self-absorbed brats who do the bidding of the perpetually angry, disgruntled, America hating Megan Rapinoe.

Again, personally, I find myself agreeing with some of those who wrote in and said they hope these

disrespectful American team losses and loses big. Many more are saying the same thing. How can patriotic Americans wish defeat on a team representing the United States against other countries? Well, this year’s US Women’s Soccer Team made that all possible. Who would have thought? The team is a disgrace and I’ll come right out and say it: I really do hope they lose and that all those who cannot bring themselves to proudly stand for our nation’s Anthem when they are there to represent the United States never again get to represent our country for any reason.

RENT CONTROL BILL INCLUDES KITCHEN SINK

Fed up with inaction on Beacon Hill, one state representative is threatening to take his fight for affordable housing straight to the people. It’s a battle he may wage without the vocal support of housing advocates hesitant to get tangled up in a power play to sidestep the Legislature where dozens of reform bills sit pending.

Cambridge Rep. Mike Connolly, alongside a group of renters from Cambridge and Somerville, filed a ballot question yesterday that would grant cities and towns new “tenant protection” options — including rent control. It mirrors several provisions outlined in

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.

his Tenant Protection Act bill.

Announcing the move on Twitter he said, “This afternoon, acting in my personal capacity as a renter, I filed a petition with 15 residents of Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston to preserve the option of a 2024 ballot question relative to lifting the ban on rent control and enabling local tenant protections. More to come!” Landlord groups — predictably — pounced in opposition, but it was crickets from housing advocacy groups, including those that back legislation proposing similar reforms.

One advocate told MASSterList that proponents need to “play their cards right” as they lobby lawmakers in support of dozens of housing

reform bills currently pending before the Legislature.

“It’s not a matter of supporting rent control — we don’t want to do something that could alienate the effort on Beacon Hill,” said the advocate, who asked not to be named.

Another of the 42 ballot initiatives filed yesterday takes a shot at the Legislature’s authority. That potential question attempts to put an end to state Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s ongoing feud with top Democrats over her authority to probe the Legislature by adding “the general court itself” to the list of covered entities outlined in the state Constitution. Wednesday’s filing is the first step in a long road to the ballot. If Connolly’s petition

moves forward, it would punt the question of rent control back to voters — who banned the policy statewide in a 1994 ballot question.\

Quincy asks federal delegation to halt Long Island Bridge plan

Some elected officials in Quincy want the state’s congressional delegation to intervene to slow down or stop Boston’s plan to rebuild the bridge to Long Island, Peter Blandino of the Patriot Ledger reports. Quincy has fought plans to reopen the bridge since it was closed in 2014 and some in the city want the feds to press the U.S.Coast Guard to further explain its recent decision to green light the rebuild.

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Vertex and the South Boston Boys & Girls Club STEM Day

In partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s (BGCB) Edgerley Family South Boston Club hosted a STEM activation day on Friday, July 28. 32 Vertex high school interns led more than 150 BGCB campers through hands-on activities to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. The day included projects such as strawberry DNA extraction, cystic fibrosis mucus modeling, 3D pens and microtube holder challenges.

As BGCB and Vertex continue to invest in Boston’s urban talent pipeline, this event aimed to generate excitement in STEM careers for those from historically excluded communities.

From The Office of Council President Ed Flynn

A statement from Council President Flynn on increased assaults on Boston police officers:

“Boston police officers have experienced an increased level of physical and verbal assaults as they respond to emergency calls and patrol our neighborhoods. This violence against police and first responders is unacceptable, and needs to be condemned.

Mass and Cass continued from front page

from our community partners on the ground, that even the outreach workers, who have been out there day after day after day are not feeling comfortable, not feeling like they can physically, safely be there anymore.”

Wu said that city teams are continuing the ongoing effort to connect people in the area with treatment services, when appropriate.

The mayor went on to say that the city needs to develop a different approach to the area but did not elaborate on what that may be. Wu said she’s still looking toward putting a facility on Long Island but that’s still four or more years away.

Adding insult to injury, updated grades from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for Boston Harbor show the beleaguered Fort Point Channel was given an F and a D in the past two years. This comes after the Boston Herald first reported this week that the city is applying for a grant from the CDC to monitor for communicable diseases in runoff flowing into the channel.

The MWRA poor grades are a result of fecal coliform and enterocci in the water — the EPA states both are “indicators of the presence of fecal material in water and, therefore, of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.”

Both the Boston Water and Sewer

The men and women of the Boston Police are our partners in government and an integral part of our city. They are also our neighbors, family members, youth sports coaches, veterans advocates and community leaders. Our residents rely on the Boston Police Department for the critical role they play in ensuring public safety and quality of life, and our police officers work hard everyday to keep our city safe and thriving. Our dedicated officers often do so while working long hours and forced overtime, which also has a significant impact on their families.

Boston police officers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and we must all work together towards the common goal of public safety for all.”

Commission and Boston Public Health Commission acknowledged the grant application to the CDC’s Center for Outbreak Analytics and Disease Modeling has been submitted, but the Health Commission did not return Herald calls Wednesday to explain the application further. This comes as city officials — both Beacon Hill lawmakers and councilors — have had enough with the Mass and Cass needle-strewn and crimeridden wasteland.

“This is a crisis and we need to start addressing it that way,” said AtLarge City Councilor Erin Murphy, who chairs the council’s Committee on Public Health, Homelessness and Recovery, told the Herald. She added the businesses along the so-called Methadone Mile zone are “struggling” along with youth sports teams being “disrupted” by the overflow and dirty needles tossed about. And now the stormwater flowing right into the Harbor raw. Lawmakers are pushing the CDC to award the grant because “urgent attention” is desperately needed.

On the other side of the city, a proposal to get people off the streets of Boston is creating controversy. People who live near Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, which is on the outskirts of Franklin Park, are sounding the alarm over a plan to transform the hospital’s campus.

A statement from Council President Ed Flynn regarding the situation at Mass and Cass:

“It is critical that Mass and Cass be declared both a public safety and public health emergency as it requires resources at the city, state, and federal levels. I continue to advocate for the urgent need to immediately arrest individuals breaking the law, committing acts of violence, and showing no regard for human dignityincluding gun traffickers, those engaged in the exploitation of women, and individuals assaulting outreach

workers or first responders with weapons. Additionally, I recommended a plan to operate a ferry service to the Long Island campus in 2017, and we desperately need to expedite the rebuilding of the Long Island Bridge and building facilities to provide substance use and recovery services. These public safety and public health issues are also continuing to impact neighborhoods like Andrew Square, Nubian Square, and Clifford Park on a daily basis, negatively affecting the quality of life for neighbors, and harming our small businesses and economy.”

As problems with homelessness and drug use deepen near the Mass and Cass area, Boston Medical Center is looking to redevelop the Shattuck Hospital by building hundreds of housing units on the Jamaica Plain campus for people who need mental health and substance abuse treatment. “They’re proposing 851 people with substance use disorder in one area,” said Rory Coffey, who lives near the hospital. “We’re going to find bodies in the park.”

A number of Boston residents who live near Franklin Park expressed their concerns about BMC’s proposal this week during a community meeting at Brooke High School. Most

complaints were focused primarily on the density of the project. “We’re really advocating to spread this throughout the state,” Coffey said. “This is a statewide problem that needs statewide solutions.”

More than a year ago, temporary housing units were built on the Shattuck Hospital campus to house a few dozen people who had been relocated from Mass & Cass. But the new proposal is on a much bigger scale, which has prompted louder resistance. According to reports, Boston Medical Center officials were not available for an interview with NewsCenter 5 to discuss what they are calling a ‘transformative’ housing proposal.

MAYOR WU SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING FOSSIL FUELS IN NEW CITY-OWNED BUILDINGS

Executive order also applies to major renovations of existing City-owned buildings

Far out: Ballot question aims to legalize psychedelic plants in therapy

Mayor Michelle Wu joined Green New Deal Director Oliver Sellers-Garcia, the Operations Cabinet and local climate, and labor advocates to sign An Executive Order (EO) Eliminating the Use of Fossil Fuels in New Construction and Major Renovations of City Buildings. Through signing the EO, Mayor Wu is demonstrating her commitment to accelerating climate action by requiring that all new municipal buildings and major renovations operate without fossil fuels, reducing emissions from Boston’s building sector while creating high-quality jobs, improving public health and quality of life, and advancing racial and economic justice. Mayor Wu previously announced her intention to draft and sign this EO during her 2023 State of the City Address. The functions of the EO will take immediate effect, exempting projects currently in procurement, design, or construction. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also joined for the signing ceremony.

“Week after week, we see the signs of extreme heat, storms, and flooding that remind us of a closing window to take climate action,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The benefits of embracing fossil fuel-free infrastructure in our City hold no boundary across industries and communities, and Boston will continue using every possible tool to build the green, clean, healthy, and prosperous future our city deserves.”

“As part of the Green New Deal

for Boston, we are taking an all-ofgovernment approach, finding ways for our Cabinets and departments to play a role in climate action,” said Green New Deal Director Oliver Sellers-Garcia. “This Executive Order directs and empowers the Operations Cabinet and facilities managers across the City to lead the decarbonization of our building portfolio. In addition to new buildings, this order applies to major renovations because, often, the most sustainable way to make a green building is not to start from scratch.”

In Boston, municipal emissions constitute 2.3% of all of Boston’s carbon emissions, and over 70% of the City’s emissions are from buildings. Through the Executive Order, the City is leveraging the opportunity to ensure every new capital investment in new construction or major renovation project catalyzes the decarbonization of Boston’s building sector by constructing or retrofitting buildings to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in building operations.

This Executive Order puts in place a clear path to decarbonizing the City’s building portfolio. As the owner of over 16 million square feet of property, the City’s commitment to fossil fuel free buildings will add substantial demand to the many trades and professions that are part of the green building ecosystem. The City will lead by example with its own buildings, and will contribute to the creation of new jobs in the building trades as well as building design and maintenance, expanding local opportunities to strengthen workforce development programs, apprenticeships and other training pipelines for Boston residents to gain access to high-quality employment in the building sector.

PowerCorpsBOS in collaboration with the Department of Youth

Employment and Opportunity . The third cohort of the program began last week.

With the implementation of the EO, all new buildings will be planned, designed, and constructed so that HVAC, hot water, and cooking systems will not combust or directly connect to fossil fuels for all municipal buildings. In addition to applying to all new buildings, it also impacts alterations where structural work is planned in 75% or more of the building’s square footage. Any project that replaces a building’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning or hot water system, or cooking equipment must eliminate fossil fuel combustion in the affected system.

In addition, the executive order will improve public health and save the City money. Highly efficient fossil fuel-free buildings create immediate health benefits for building occupants by improving indoor air quality, increasing resilience, and lessening the symptoms of existing respiratory and other health conditions. These buildings will also be cost-effective to operate in the long run, reducing municipal energy costs and creating cost savings that can be reinvested in local municipal services.

To support the implementation, the Operations Cabinet will be launching a Facilities Condition Assessment that will identify decarbonization projects. The FY 24-29 Capital Plan includes $132,510,000 for building design projects that will advance decarbonization.

Signing this executive order complements the work of the City’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). This ordinance sets emissions standards for large existing buildings, requiring all covered buildings, including municipal buildings, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The 2024 ballot could include a question that would legalize the use of plant-based psychedelic substances for therapeutic use in Massachusetts, reports WBUR. The proposed law would create a commission to regulate use of substances including psilocybin mushrooms. People 21 and older would be able to legally consume psychedelics at a licensed therapy center.

Rising fascism: New England neoNazi group growing

A self-described “pro-white” group from New England that has targeted and harassed drag performers, immigrants, Jews, communists, people of color, and, sometimes, law enforcement is growing. The Globe’s Hannah Krueger reports NSC-131, which was founded in 2019 and now has some 30 to 40 members. At least ten military veterans have been linked to the group that openly embraces Nazism, her reporting reveals.

Namaste: Somerville yoga teacher turned convicted insurrectionist appeals sentence

Somerville yoga teacher Noah Bacon, 30, said he plans to appeal a one year and one day sentence handed down for his conviction in the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol. Universal Hub reports Bacon decided to travel to Washington for Jan. 6 after “a frustrated attempt to organize a meditation retreat.” He reportedly entered the Senate chambers not long after the initial breach of the Capitol, then joined the mob chanting “Nancy, Nancy, Nancy” as it made its way up to the second floor and around the Capitol.

Ethical dilemma: State climate czar took weeks to tell feds about Massachusetts job offer

Healey Administration climate chief Melissa Hoffer violated ethics rules at the EPA after she started the process negotiating a job with the state, reports Matthew Medsger for the Herald. An Aug. 1 letter sent to Environmental Protection Agency officials claims Hoffer failed to follow the agency’s ethics rules for seeking work outside of the federal government and took three weeks to notify the agency of her plans.

We’re Changing the Way We Charge for Stormwater

What is stormwater, and how does it become a source of pollution?

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or snowmelt that does not soak into the ground. As stormwater flows over hard (impervious) surfaces, it collects trash, sediment, and pollutants like motor oil and fertilizer. Impervious surfaces like roofs, patios, roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks prevent water from absorbing into the ground. Stormwater is not treated, so these surfaces allow more pollutants to enter local waterways. The image below shows a Boston cityscape and the features of our stormwater system.

Next year, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission will launch an expanded stormwater program that meets an elevated need for investment in stormwater infrastructure and green solutions. The program will include the creation of a proposed separate stormwater charge and credits/grants for customers who work to reduce stormwater runoff from their property.

For more information visit: www.bwsc.org/stormwater

Guy The Wine

Mendocino

Mendocino is a region in California that is much more known for its huge Redwood trees than its wines; however, in the last few decades, wine growers and makers have taken advantage of the incredible terroir that exists there to grow and make wines that have a real quality that seems to get even better with each successive vintage. The following are several good reasons to give this region a serious look…

Founded in 1932, Parducci Wine Cellars has crafted elegant wines for more than 85 years. As the longest running winery in Mendocino

County and a cornerstone of California winemaking, our decades of experience are bound to a tradition you can trust will be delicious. Parducci is locally owned and operated in California’s Mendocino County. They are committed to sustainable winegrowing practices that yield top quality grapes and wines while protecting the environment and supporting their community and its local farmers. Parducci Small Lot Pinot Noir,2021, ($15.99) has very distinctive notes of Pomegranate, red plum and leather which lead to bright fruit flavors of red cherry and rhubarb with hints of toasty oak and cranberry. A medium bodied, easy drinking wine with a long fruity finish. For our Vegan readers, you’ll be pleased to know that this wine, like all the Parducci wines, is produced in a “California Certified Sustainable Winery” (CCSW). The blend is also pretty interesting: 90% Pinot Noir, 5% Syrah, 4% Merlot and 1% Grenache. The Wine Enthusiast has given it 92 points and an Editor’s Choice designation, saying,” This well-structured and moderately tannic wine boasts generous black fruits,

beef jus and toasted oak flavors that mingle beautifully on the palate. Its savory, woodsy notes make it complex and appealing. Substantial value for the price.

Husch Vineyards, 2021 Chardonnay, Mendocino, ($16.99) showcases fruit, balance and the beauty of Mendocino. Enchanting aromas and flavors of white peach, freshly cut apple and Meyer lemon zest are beautifully framed by a light touch of oak. This well-structured wine is rich on the palate and sustained by its natural acidity. While it’s great on its own, it can also be paired with roasted lemon pepper chicken, grilled lobster tail, creamy Alfredo pasta or a chilled butternut squash soup.

France’s Louis Roederer calls its U.S. facility in Mendocino home, where it produces some of the best Sparkling wine in the country. Roederer Multi Vintage Sparkling Wine, California, ($25.99) the first California sparkling wine produced by Champagne Louis Roederer, builds upon a 200-year tradition of fine winemaking that has made Roederer champagne among the most sought-after in the world. Roede-

rer’s winemaking style is based on two elements: ownership of its own vineyards and the addition of oakaged reserve wines to each year’s blend or cuvee. All the grapes for the Anderson Valley wines are grown on the Estate.

Barra of Mendocino is one of the oldest sustainable wineries, not just in Mendocino, but in all of California. Before there even was an option of organic produce, Barra has been one of the few Mendocino wineries that has been producing organic grapes since 1955. You can see when you walk the vineyards that they have been lovingly cared for over the years. The Barra winery is located close to the Russian River which allows for a great local source of water for the vines. Barra 2021 Reserve Chardonnay ($24.99) is their newest release and I have to say, it’s one of their best efforts!

You’ll immediately taste very distinctive notes of warm caramel, ripe pears, and vanilla. The mouthfeel is chewy, and I have to say that this one makes you sip it, with a rich and long finish. This is balanced by a crisp acidity with peach and honeysuckle overtones.

returns August 15

Boston Children’s Rec Fest

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department invite city youth to come celebrate the summer at the 2023 ParkARTS Boston Children’s Rec Fest on Tuesday, August 15 at Franklin Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Boston Children’s Rec Fest is presented with the support of title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsors College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving and H.P. Hood, LLC. Additional support is provided by LEGO Discovery Center Boston.

Children and families from throughout Boston have the opportunity to participate in a variety of free activities from various exhibitors including Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets, ParkARTS arts and crafts, and face painting. The event will showcase active sports and play with exciting inflatable attractions such as

the All-In-One Sports Arena, a family Zumba class, and hands-on clinics hosted by sports professionals teaching tennis, baseball, and soccer skills. The event will also include free treats from HP Hood LLC.

The location of the festival is at 25 Pierpont Road in Roxbury near the rear entrance of the Franklin Park Zoo. By MBTA, take the Orange Line to Forest Hills and the #15 bus to the Zoo. By car, the park can be reached from Blue Hill Avenue, Seaver Street, or Circuit Drive. Ample free parking is available and the park is ADA compliant.

Visit boston.gov/childrens-rec-fest to learn more. Stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks by signing up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and following our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Boston’s Fisherman’s Feast Returns to the North End for its 113th Year from August 17 through August 20

Boston’s Fisherman’s Feast is back for the 113th anniversary, bringing the one-of-a-kind festival back to Boston. Boston’s longest-running Italian festival will be celebrated from Thursday, August 17 through Sunday, August 20, 2023.

Dating all the way back to 1910, this hugely popular annual Italian festival is held throughout the streets of Boston’s North End district to celebrate the devotion of immigrant Sicilian fishermen to the Madonna del Soccorso di Sciacca (Our Lady of Help). This year will see the usual enticing selection of entertainment, food, cooking demonstrations, and traditional parades, including a religious procession through the district’s narrow streets

carrying a statue of the Madonna, street vendors, and the 5th Annual Best Meatball Competition.

Boston’s most beloved festival will once again perform the ‘Flight of the Angel.’ Called a “spectacle not to be missed” by National Geographic, this year’s Flight of the Angel will close out the 113th Fisherman’s Feast at 8 pm on Sunday, August 20th. This year’s Flying Angel is April Palazzolo Cedano (9) with side angels Jillian Fialkosky (13) and Sarah Bramante (11).

The festival is free to enter for all. A full schedule of events can be found at fishermansfeast.com.

Massport CEO Lisa Wieland to Step Down in Fall

Aviation Director Ed Freni Will Act as Interim

sition the Authority for future success and contribute to the Commonwealth’s economic development, transportation and climate goals,” said Wieland.

After four years of serving as Massport’s CEO, today Lisa Wieland announced she will be leaving the Authority in November. Following the announcement, the Massport Board voted Director of Aviation Ed Freni as Interim CEO upon Wieland’s departure. Freni will continue his duties as Director of Aviation during this time.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as Massport’s CEO, which makes the decision to leave a difficult one,” said Wieland. “I am so grateful for the talented, dedicated and collaborative team I have been fortunate to work with each day, and for the support of the Massport Board through the many challenges and accomplishments over the last four years.”

Wieland became CEO in August of 2019 at a time when Massport was experiencing strong growth across aviation, maritime and real estate operations and making significant investments in critical infrastructure at Logan Airport and in the Port of Boston. When the global pandemic hit in March of 2020, the Authority faced a significant loss of business activity and an ensuing financial crisis.

“Because of our amazing team, we restored activity across our business lines, delivered strong financial performance, and invested in strategic initiatives to po-

In addition to successfully navigating the pandemic, Wieland’s tenure has led to new markets opening up in Massport’s aviation and maritime business lines, an expansion of the “Massport Model” incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion into procurements, and the launch of an ambitious effort to make Massport Net Zero by 2031. Under Wieland’s leadership Massport has also completed and advanced strategic infrastructure projects, including the dredging of Boston Harbor, the modernization of Conley Container Terminal, and multiple important projects at Logan Airport, including the soon-to-open modernized Terminal E featuring four new gates.

“Lisa Wieland has been an outstanding CEO whose clear strategy, get things done approach, and collaboration with business partners and communities have led to a lot of success,” said Massport Board Chair Patricia Jacobs, who was last month reappointed to another seven year term and named chair of the board. “Her leadership has expanded Massport’s existing strengths while ensuring the organization is more agile for today’s ever-changing competitive landscape. I am confident in Interim CEO Ed Freni and the senior management team to keep Massport moving forward as the board undertakes the process to find the next CEO.”

“Lisa Wieland has been a valued partner to our administration. Her leadership on transportation, climate, economic development and public safety has made Massachusetts stronger and more competitive,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m confident that Massport, with its incredible Board and executive team, will continue to deliver excellent service and play a critical role in the global economy during this transition and beyond.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, Wieland said she will work with the Board, Freni and the leadership team over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.

Massport Announces Schedule for Summer Runway Work at Boston Logan

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has announced the Runway 15R-33L Safety and Pavement Rehabilitation Project schedule for this summer. In collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Massport will begin work on Runway 15R-33L in August, with construction planned for approximately 100 days.

Serving as the longest runway at Boston Logan, Runway 15R-33L is primarly used by the FAA during northwest winds, which are typically prevalent in winter and spring months, and is the preferred late-night over Boston Harbor runway for noise abatement purposes. Runway 15R-33L was last rehabilitated in 2012.

Beginning August 14, Runway 15R-33L will be closed to all aircraft arrivals and departures. Consistent with FAA requirements, the project will improve runway safety by enhancing the lighting and the surface conditions. Work will be done in several phases to include the following:

• Replacing pavement and improving runway and taxiway intersections;

• Upgrading electrical infrastructure;

• Converting runway lights to energy efficient LEDs.

In addition to the runway rehabilitation elements, FAA recommended safety improvements will be made to several taxiway intersections to reduce the potential risk of aircraft runway incursions and to enhance airfield safety overall.

This August date was determined based on close coordination with the FAA and airline stakeholders while being mindful of the Sumner Tunnel closure. During the first few weeks of the closure, pavement will be removed and electrical elements will be installed. The majority of the pavement installation will occur in September and October.

Comprehensive mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce construction noise and other impacts to the surrounding communities. Those measures include:

• Reducing noise from truck back-up alarms within OSHA guidelines and other regulations;

• Maximizing daytime work, particularly noise producing activities;

• Establishing airside haul routes that will maximize distance from neighboring homes, particularly at night;

• Hauling waste and other materials during the day to the extent possible;

• Prohibiting trucks from using City of Boston streets to and from the airport

o All construction traffic will access the airport via Routes 90/93/1A and Coughlin Bypass Rd.

• Aiming all lighting used for night operations away from the communities.

National Night Out At The Basketball Courts - Moakley Park

NNO Southie was held Tuesday at Moakley Park. NNO is a national community building campaign that promotes police – community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Mayor Wu, Commissioner Cox (BPD), Commissioner Burke (BFD), Chief

Hooley (EMS), along with Captain Joe Boyle and the Community Service Officers of C-6, Massport, MSP, Sheriff Tompkins and elected officials came together to honor Rob Hutton of the Dorchester Heights Neighborhood Association for the Crime Watch Group of the Year and

Nancy and Simon Pongratz from the West Broadway Neighborhood Association for the Community Service Award for taking pride and beautifying their neighborhood.

A special shout out to Hercules and his dog Molly. They were the hit of the night with both adults and

kids. The many activities included a scooter raffle sponsored by Kickoff 4 Kids, face painting, spin the prize wheel, the candy table, give aways of fire hats, ice cream, BPD tattoos, coloring books and Pizza! It was a good night of building relationships in the community.

They say you should never meet your heroes. I’ve spent enough time around pro sports teams to know that’s true.

As a green and still-starstruck reporter from 2009-2013, I was in locker rooms, dressing rooms, and clubhouses — for home and away teams — every single day, covering some of my favorite athletes, managers, and coaches. I’ve been humiliated by Terry Francona, yelled at by Jason Varitek, disrespected by Dustin Pedroia, mocked by Tim Thomas, put in my place by Marc Savard, and laughed at by Randy Moss. I don’t have enough time to list all the unnecessary disrespect.

To be fair to one of those players I just called out, Varitek did apologize to me in the Red Sox’ clubhouse — after a game — for snapping back after I asked a question about the historic number of stolen bases they had just allowed to the Texas Rangers. He went out of his way to find me, put his hand on my shoulder, and say he was sorry.

It was something he didn’t have to do. I get it. I was a reporter asking a question about a touchy subject immediately after an emotional game. He didn’t even know who the hell I

was, but he still felt the need to find me and offer an apology. I’ll always admire him because of it.

You know who would never have to apologize for something like that?

Patrice Bergeron.

Everyone knows what type of player and person Bergeron is. You don’t need me to tell you he’s a future Hall of Famer, or that his No. 37 will one day be raised to the TD Garden rafters, or that he was one of the most respected leaders a professional sports organization will ever see. We all witnessed it.

But after having spent so much time inside the Bruins’ dressing room over the span of five years at their old Ristuccia Arena practice facility and at the TD Garden, I was able to also witness Bergeron’s greatness behind the scenes. I don’t really have any mind-blowing stories to prove this. You just have to trust that I’m a good judge of character, especially given everything you already know about “Bergy.”

And honestly, in a perfect world, it really shouldn’t be a big deal that a pro athlete is constantly respectful and approachable to everyone he comes across. But I’ve spent enough time around these pro athletes to

know that, unfortunately, the really good ones do need to be amplified and praised. One specific example I do remember, is showing up a little late to an optional skate at Ristuccia, and walking into a Bergeron media scrum inside the dressing room as he was just wrapping up his post-skate session with reporters. I can’t recall the exact situation, but not many other players were around, so I believe he was nearing a return from some type of injury.

As Bergeron was leaving the scrum and I was walking into it a little too late, I tried to see if I could get him for a few quick questions. It was clear he was in a rush and had to be somewhere. I don’t know if he needed to go get treatment, or talk with someone in the organization, or something else. But he could’ve easily just told me he already talked to the media for the day and that was it. Instead, he told me he’d be right back.

So, I waited around the corner, in the hallway next to the stick rack, and a few minutes later, Bergeron walked over and I asked him what I needed to ask. The exact content of this conversation escapes me years later, but I do recall feeling as if we spoke for 10 minutes, only to look

down at my recorder afterwards and see that, surprisingly, it was actually no more than two minutes. The length of the conversation is irrelevant though, as are its details. The point is, Bergeron didn’t have to come back and do the interview. And since he did, he had every right to make sure PR Directors Matt Chmura and Eric Tosi were overseeing it. But neither of them were hovering over us.

I was a nobody. Had I tried this with any other star player, on any other team in town that I covered, I can promise you that this situation would’ve played out much differently, and perhaps not at all.

Do you think Tom Brady would’ve come back and given me an extra two minutes of his time? Or how about David Ortiz? Is it possible that Big Papi would’ve let me hit him with a few questions after his media availability had concluded? No, and no. It’s laughable to even consider, actually. So, I guess the moral of the story here is, they’re right, you should never meet your heroes. Unless, of course, your hero is Patrice Bergeron.

Merci, Bergy.

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

This week, Danny shared more of his thoughts on Patrice Bergeron announcing his retirement

At the end of the day, Bill Belichick is going to be Bill Belichick. And he’s proven that once again during training camp, when discussing the New England Patriots’ quarterback situation with the media.

After Tuesday’s training camp session at Gillette Stadium, Belichick was asked if the quarterback position was open for a competition, between projected starter Mac Jones and backup Bailey Zappe.

To which, Belichick responded, “Everybody is out here competing, all 90 guys. That’s what we’re all here for is to go out and compete.”

Last season, Zappe took over for an injured Jones for several weeks, and

Tweet of the Week

a “quarterback controversy” storyline was almost immediately created. Belichick added fuel to that fire by not publicly expressing his 100 percent full support of Jones as his starter.

That, compared with reports of a potential rift between Belichick and Jones, has led to even more speculation as to where Belichick’s head is at with the QB position. But does any of it really mean that Belichick is seriously considering making Zappe his Week 1 starter over Jones?

When pressed about the QB battle

BELICHICK ON QUARTERBACKS: EVERYONE IS COMPETING RED SOX ADD URIAS AT TRADE DEADLINE

at training camp between Jones and Zappe, Belichick is staying true to his usual self.

A follow-up question was asked on Tuesday. That question was, “So Mac Jones isn’t necessarily your day one starter?”

Belichick responded with nearly the same answer, saying, “Everybody is out here competing. Everybody is out here competing, that’s what everybody is doing.”

Belichick was then asked to “characterize” his relationship with Jones.

To which, Belichick said, “I think my relationship is good with every player.”

Then, a few questions later, he finally said something positive about Jones, when asked if he had seen a lot from Jones in the offseason.

“Yeah, he had a good offseason, really good,” said Belichick. “That’s why he was recognized [with a team offseason award]. On and off the field, participation, production, yeah.”

Stay tuned for what Belichick, the mastermind motivator, says next.

The Boston Red Sox entered the post-trade deadline portion of the schedule in fourth place in the AL East — nine games behind the first place Baltimore Orioles, and two games out of the final AL Wild Card spot, which is held by the Toronto Blue Jays.

After trading away Kike Hernandez to the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom didn’t necessarily turn the Red Sox into fullblown sellers at this week’s trade deadline, but he also didn’t go out and add any pieces that make the 2023 Sox a World Series contender.

Before Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Red Sox acquired 26-year-old infielder Luis Urias in a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, in exchange for 22-year-old minor-league right-handed pitcher

Bradley Blalock. After the trade, the Red Sox then optioned Urias to Triple-A Worcester.

Internally, Bloom has his eyes on several key pieces returning from injury: Chris Sale, Trevor Story, Garrett Whitlock, and Tanner Houck. Prepare yourself for the team to portray those returning pieces as their “trade deadline acquisitions.”

“I think we were on the phone almost constantly [Tuesday] and through a lot of [Monday], just looking at all sorts of possibilities and just trying as much as we could to stay true to everything I’ve talked about,” Bloom told reporters after the trade deadline passed. “We really like what we’re building. You’ve seen it now. It’s not something that we’re asking people to close their eyes and dream on. You’re seeing it more and more each night on the field, the core we’re

building, what we’re building towards.

“So, understanding that we’re underdogs this year right now, where we are in the playoff odds, we just tried to stay true to that,” added Bloom. “There are different things that could have meant. That could have meant going out and adding. It could have meant, if we’re able to go get a core player, and as I told you guys leading up to the Deadline, that might result in guys leaving our club.

“But ultimately, at the end of the day, we didn’t match up on any of those things. We’re ready to roll with this group. We like where the arrow is pointing and hopefully we can do some special things the rest of the way, and certainly feel very confident that we’ll be able to continue building on this next year and beyond.”

SBT Staff