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November 23, 2023: Vol.11 Issue 47

The Migrant Arrivals And The Humanity Quotient

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he country is divided over the idea that the United States is obliged to allow migrants, undocumented individuals, questionable family units, unvetted (potential criminals) individuals, and who knows who else, to cross the border from Central America. It is a phenomenon that has been foisted on the citizens of the US, and particularly the southern border states in the interest of a ‘humanitybased portrayal by the White House. And, Central America is facilitating migrants from both South America and the Caribbean Islands, invited by our government. The impact on both major cities and rural communities, nationwide and here in Massachusetts, has taken a toll, both in financial costs and in overall tolerance as to how far these cities and towns are obliged to accept a decision that they had no input into.

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Wishing You A Happy and He althy Thanksgi ving! Warmly, SBT Te am

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November 23, 2023

EDITORIAL Thanksgiving Is A Day For All Of Us To Enjoy

here are groups and organizations that, each year, disparage the Thanksgiving holiday. They march, they protest, some have even vandalized statues and monuments to get their message out. Publicity is what they want and crave. This is America and people have a right to protest (peacefully) and to speak out – pro or con, against whatever issues they so choose and FOR those issues as well. But what they

do not have a right to do is to demand that the rest of us stop celebrating this or any other holiday or event simply because THEY don’t like it. The attempt at guilt tripping everyone into falling in line with the personal beliefs of the disgruntled might influence some – mostly easily manipulated college students, but for the most part, falls on deaf ears. So, to those who feel the need to scream and yell, whine and scold – go for it if that’s

your thing. But the overwhelming majority of Americans plan to go right ahead and celebrate Thanksgiving, because that’s OUR thing. Having said that, Thanksgiving is such a great holiday to take part in. It’s the ultimate low-pressure time where friends and families gather together and enjoy each other’s company and more likely than not, enjoy sumptuous meals as well. True, tempers might rise a bit if politics is brought

up or if there is a disputed call during one of the many football games on TV. But that is sometimes part of the tradition as too. And yet, the tradition on Thanksgiving that has survived the test of time is giving thanks for what we have. Yes, there are hardships and problems but there is also so much to be thankful about for those of us fortunate enough to live in America. Whether you plan to spend Thanksgiving travelling far

as many do on this coming long weekend, or if you’re staying local or staying home, spending time with family or with friends or maybe even just kicking back by yourself and enjoying the peacefulness that is also part of this unique holiday, the entire South Boston Today team – all of us, wish our readers, our neighbors, friends and family members a safe, happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you. Enjoy and may God bless everyone.

“Thanksgiving Day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving,.” - Amy Grant

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Cancel Culture And Everything Is Racist? John Ciccone

e’re now heading into the Christmas Season as you know. And the opinion of this time of the year varies among different people, from being ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ to hectic and too commercial. But let’s not forget the now more than 2 billion Christians around the world who know that it’s also a very spiritual time as Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. As we’ve seen over the years, there has been an organized effort by some who had been working overtime, it seems, to erase every part of the religious aspect of the season. Fortunately, those efforts have been fading during the last decade. The determination by believers to ‘keep Christ in Christmas’ is undergoing a revival and gaining ground each year now. There are of course some things that come with this time of year that are not so positive. Locally, you might want to keep an eye out for what you are waiting on to be delivered to your door if you are an online shopper. Because the season is unfortunately also a time when the package thieves are active. The package thieves are those crooks who creep around residential neighborhoods and steal items delivered by Amazon, FedEx and all the other shop by mail delivery companies from your doorstep. Be aware and take precautions. This is just a friendly reminder that they are coming for your ‘stuff’. This is pretty much a slow news week, as the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas often is. But no matter what time of year it is, there is always plenty of liberal silliness to report, usually of the ‘what is racist today’ kind. I touched a bit on it in last week’s column but as was stated, there’s so much more. The latest target is of all things – ‘democracy’. Yup, CNN, that quickly fading network that is now totally lacking any credibility

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has brought on a college professor (of course) who has labeled America’s Democracy as racist. To explain the reasoning behind these claims would lower IQ’s just by listening to or reading those explanations. But it seems our democracy has now joined the ever-growing list of liberal/progressive targets that they have labeled as racist. Among them are – French Fries, certain kinds of trees in our National parks, Ice Cream Trucks and even the music they play. A large rock on the University of Wisconsin campus, probably there since the beginning of time, was deemed to be racist by left wing students and their nutty professors so the school’s administrators had it removed – a racist ROCK? Teaching Math is racist, and of course English too, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are racist as is milk and lemonade and who can forget specific brands of butter and maple syrup. Traditional families, the Road Runner and Yosemite Sam cartoons, Clint Eastwood movies and by association, the great actor himself and police - no matter what color the officers happen to be – they are deemed by the radicals as racists. There are literally so many things the kooks are labeling as racist, that soon, the list of what isn’t racist will be much shorter than what is. And yet, the racist/racism labels have been used so often and for so long to target and brand anything and anybody that takes up space, that the effectiveness has worn off. To call something or someone racist now pretty much gets them an eye roll or it’s totally ignored. It just doesn’t intimidate like it used to. And that’s become a problem for those who throw it around so easily. So, they needed something new; something to add more bite. They’ve added the words White Supremacist Terrorist to accompany the racist

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

term. Of course, all of these labels are used in attempts to silence opposition. People who call others such names in most cases do so to try to gag others who they disagree with. As the saying goes, “Liberals insist that everything they don’t like must be banned, while everything they DO like must be declared a human right and paid for by others”. But here’s where it gets almost comical. Some of them, in an effort to silence those whose views they don’t like, have even resorted to calling Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Dr. Benjamin Carson, South Carolina US Senator Tim Scott, Alveda

King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Candace Owens and other prominent Black Conservative voices Racist White Supremacist Terrorists. Why? Because they have the nerve to express different views from the lunatics who now control the Democrat Party. That being said, it’s time to put politics and current events aside for this beautiful long holiday weekend that’s now upon us. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. Unique in every way, it’s a time to relax and enjoy the company of family and good friends and of course partake in the traditional feast that goes with it. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

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November 23, 2023

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.

Shelter System At Capacity In the days since the state’s emergency assistance shelter system hit a ceiling on the number of families it would take in, about 90 families have been added to a waiting list for shelter, said Kelly Turley, associate director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, at a candlelight vigil on the State House steps Monday night. Meanwhile, as of the most recently available data 40 families who were previously in the system have been exited out of shelter, according to State House News Service tracking of state data. Gov. Maura Healey has imposed a capacity limit for the EA system of 7,500 families. The cap was hit on Nov. 9, when data showing 7,517 families were enrolled triggered a new Healey administration regulation to allow the shelter system to begin to turn people away. By the next day, Nov. 10, state data reported there were 7,545 families in the system. That was the day certain families began to be added to a waitlist for eventual housing, and were directed to seek help from community groups. In the time since, reports show that families, many of whom are

immigrants and refugees, have been sleeping in churches, in Logan Airport, and in one instance — when they were directed to South Station at night — a nonprofit put up the money for hotel rooms. And now the state says it’s setting up an overflow site at its transportation building. And while close to 100 families are hoping for a way into the shelters, others are leaving out the other side. For four days, the EA system didn’t enroll any new families while it moved 22 out of the system. By Nov. 14, shelters housed 7,523 families — down nearly two dozen from a few days before. Healey has said her administration is focused on helping families get out of the EA system through programs like HomeBASE and helping to expedite work authorizations. Housing Secretary Ed Augustus also filed an emergency declaration that gives the state the authority to cut off how long a family can stay in shelter with 30 days’ notice, though it hasn’t yet been 30 days since he filed that directive, meaning families are not exiting the system through that route yet. As of Nov. 15, the system began enrolling families again. That day it brought

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on four new families, for a total of 7,521. In total, 15 new families have been added since Nov. 10. And as of the most recent public data, the number currently enrolled is floating right above Healey’s cap. Rooms in MBTA headquarters converted to overnight shelter as shelter crisis continues Officials announced Monday that conference rooms in the MBTA’s headquarters will temporarily house eligible families overnight who haven’t found space in the packed shelter system, reports State House News’ Chris Lisinski. Up to 25 families can reportedly fit, and the space has cots and limited amenities during evening and overnight hours. Gov. Healey’s team projects the site will operate for about two weeks until another safety net shelter program comes online. News investigation finds flaws, bias in Mass. police racial profiling study An investigation by the Cape Cod Times, Worcester Telegram & Gazette and USA TODAY questions how a study on racial profiling in traffic stops was “procured,

influenced and framed by staff at the state’s public safety agency.” Researchers found no support for patterns of racial disparity in traffic stops in the “independent” study, though reporters with USA TODAY have found hundreds of emails suggesting the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security “tightly controlled” the researchers’ work, along with a flawed methodology and data collection. Wu backs universal basic income, wants to move past limited pilots Boston Mayor Michelle Wu supports providing a universal basic income to struggling residents but rather than pilot programs being tested in other cities, wants Boston’s philanthropic community to back larger-scale efforts to deliver the direct payment help to everyone who needs it. Gintautas Dumcius of CommonWealth Beacon reports Wu’s recent comments come ahead of a City Council proposal to provide $7,600 worth of direct payments to all 115,000 people in Boston whose income falls below the federal poverty line. continued on page 5

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November 23, 2023

2024

South Boston Evacuation Day St. Patrick’s Day Mayor of Southie Campaign

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

he Allied War Veterans Council of South Boston is excited to announce sign ups for the 2024 Mayor of Southie campaign. Sign ups for those individuals interested in vying for the honor of 2024 Mayor of Southie will be held on 4 different dates at 4 locations. Individuals must sign up at one of the sign-up events. The Mayor of Southie Campaign has been an important fundraising tool to help fund the Evacuation Day/St. Patrick’s Day Parade in years past. The

campaign is open to residents of South Boston, Business owners and their employees located in South Boston. Individuals that have run campaigns within the last 5 years are not eligible to run campaigns. Signups will take place at the following locations and dates: Monday December 4th 5-7pm Roza Lyons, 709 East Broadway (K & East Broadway) Wednesday December 6th 6-7pm Laylas 332 West Broadway (Between D & E Street) Saturday December 9th 12-

2pm L Street Tavern 658 East 8th Street (Corner of L & East 8th St) Monday December 11th 6-7pm Loco 412 West Broadway (Corner of F & West Broadway) If you are unable to attend any of these sign ups you must email Commander@southbostonparade.org with your intentions to run a campaign before the last signup event. Individuals can fundraise from January 1, 2024, through February 17, 2024. The winner will be announced at a location to be determined on February 17, 2024.

A Message From The Fitzgerald Post - Chelsea Soldiers Home

he Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561, 715 East Fourth Street (behind Stop & Shop) will be accepting Christmas donations for the Chelsea Soldiers Home on Saturday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 9th between 9:00AM and 12:00PM. Examples: gift cards, hats, socks, scarves, toiletries, etc. Please support these men and women for their service to the Unites States of America.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES 2023 ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR

ayor Michelle Wu today announced the schedule for this year’s Enchanted Trolley Tour, a Boston holiday tradition of lighting trees throughout the city to spread joy. This year, the Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour will take place on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, in neighborhoods throughout Boston. This event is presented by Bank of America with a special thanks to CityView Trolley Tours and includes visits with Santa, Mayor Wu, Office of Neighbor-

Window continued from page 4

hood Services staff, tree lightings, and more. “This time of the year is the perfect time for the community to come together and celebrate, and I encourage Boston residents across our neighborhoods to join us as we kick off the holiday season with our annual Enchanted Trolley Tour,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to our partners for their valuable support for Boston to continue this treasured tradition and opportunity to connect with constituents.”

Push to reinstate masking in hospitals through holiday season At a virtual press conference on Monday, the Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity pushed health systems to revisit masking policies following the

The 2023 Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour schedule in South Boston is Sunday, December 3, 2023 * 2:00 p.m. - M Street Park, South Boston “The Enchanted Trolley Tour is more than just an event; it expresses the joy of the holiday season and brings people together from every neighborhood of the city in a spirit of good cheer. Bank of America is proud to join Mayor Wu and the City of Boston in celebrating the magic of the holidays by supporting the 2023 Enchanted Trolley Tour

CDC’s published outlook for the season, in which it predicted a surge of Covid-19, RSV and flu cases. Three Bay State synagogues targeted with bomb threats Bomb threats made via email and phone

and Tree Lightings,” said Miceal Chamberlain, President, Bank of America Massachusetts. The Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour is now in its 27th year. Residents are encouraged to join in the free tradition to unite with community members of all ages and to embrace the holiday season.

prompted the evacuations of three synagogues across the state on Sunday and prompted police to evacuate homes and close streets. While police say all the threats --in Hingham, Northampton and Needham-turned out to be hoaxes, they come amid a surge in similar anti-Semitic attacks.

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

I Was Just Thinking…

by Kevin Devlin

Our Christmas Tree Ritual

always knew when it was time to go out and buy our family Christmas tree, the one that would play a special part in our lives over the holiday season, when I saw the red and green tree holder lying on the parlor floor. My father, along with my brothers and I, would walk to Dorchester Avenue to purchase that perfect tree. In the sixties and seventies, up and down the avenue, there were always

empty lots that were seemingly transformed, in seconds, into temporary open-air Christmas tree outlets. My father would take his time and proudly choose what he considered, a flawless, symmetrically shaped, wholesome holiday tree. My father would let my brothers and I help him decorate the tree, but he made sure we all clearly understood that this was his project, and we would follow his lead and instructions throughout the entire operation. The lights and ornaments were stored away down in the cellar. With caution they would be brought up into the living room and placed carefully on the couch. The ornaments, previously maintained for years, were individually wrapped in old newspaper and tissue, to safeguard them against being broken. The lights were the first to be strung up on the tree. Six, eight and sometimes as many as ten sets of lights would be put on the tree. He would start from the bottom and go up and around the branches of the tree to the top. My father then checked each individual light to make sure every light was tightly secure in their sockets, and in good working order. Then he would replace whatever bulbs necessary. Blue, red, green, white, yellow, and

orange lights were now in place, and would eventually light up the tree like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The ornaments came next. Beautiful, bright and shiny ornaments depicting the glory, excitement, and enthusiasm of the Christmas celebration. Each ornament was carefully selected and hung in its designated area. Each ornament complemented the other, like the musical sounds of instruments in a symphony orchestra; and would magnify the tree light effect through their brilliant and distinct reflections. The garland, along with the glittering, silver tinsel, would then be placed on the branches of the tree. This was my favorite part of the entire undertaking. Shining brightly, the stringy tinsel would hang down from the branches like chilling icicles, visibly and strikingly pointing downward from rooftops on a frigid, wintry day. The final phase, the piece de resistance, was to place the beautiful, snow-white angel on top of the tree. An Angel of God overlooking the safety and security of the family during this season of peace, love and giving. After spending the better part of the day slowly and painstakingly piecing together (with our limited

November 23, 2023

assistance) his masterpiece, our Dad would sternly warn us not to touch or go too close to the tree, lest we cause a disturbance that would alter the delicate balance of the finished product. So, with his tree complete and his message conveyed, we would have our own tree lighting ceremony. And without failure, throughout those (now) cherished years, we would all simultaneously nod in silent, happy recognition, acknowledging Dad had indeed again captured the essence of the holiday and produced yet another glorious and stunning Christmas tree. (This Christmas Tree Story first appeared in SouthBostonOnLine in December 1998. It’s my favorite short story I’ve ever written. I was so proud of it I brought extra copies to my brothers on Christmas Eve. To my surprise, my late brother Jimmy -“Jumpin”- had procured Savin Hill artist James Hobin to create a drawing of dad decorating the tree. I can still remember that moment and shall never forget it. We were speechless. He didn’t know I was writing the story and I was unaware he had secured this drawing. Somehow, we didn’t think it was just a coincidence, sensing that dad was looking down from Heaven with a smile on his face.)

On November 9th The Arc of Massachusetts held their 70th Anniversary Gala. In the photo: Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director, The Arc of Massachusetts; with honorees: Jo Ann Simons, CEO, Northeast Arc; and Jim Brett, President & CEO, The New England Council.

November 23, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Giving Thanks On This Special Day

David Biele

State Representative

(paid for by the David Biele Committee)

FROM SENATOR COLLINS & FAMILY

Happy Thanksgiving, From Our Home To Yours Boston City Council President Ed Flynn and Family (paid for by the Friends of Ed Flynn Committee)

WISHING YOU A From Our Family to Yours,

Have a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving! The Castle Island Association (C.I.A.)

Wishing You A Happy & Blessed

Thanksgiving James T. Brett President and CEO The New England Council

(paid for by the committee to elect Michael F. Flaherty)

From our table to yours

Happy Thanksgiving

-The Murphy Family

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The

Wine Guy

Don’t Forget

ince many of you will be running around for last-minute items tomorrow, despite saying, “not this year!”, don’t forget the wine! Here are some suggestions for Turkey and Turkey alternatives; so, as we remember those who aren’t here and welcome those who’ve just arrived, raise a glass in thanks… Raeburn 2021 Chardonnay, Rus-

sian River, Sonoma County, California, ($16.99). This one displays an array of complex fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apples to nectarine. The fruit is complemented with toasted oak, vanilla and hints of Crème Brûlée with a balanced and elegant finish. Joseph Drouhin Chardonnay Laforet, Burgundy, France, ($19.99). The Drouhin portfolio is one of the largest in Burgundy and this blended Chard embodies all the best that it has to offer at a very reasonable price. Its winemaker, one of the Drouhin family, says: “Full of life! A bouquet of citrus aromas, and then we find honey and vanilla. In the mouth, it’s funky, spontaneous, and striking. Really charming. There is a good palette of aromas and flavors. Bourgogne Nord Auxerrois, for the freshness and character, the Côte d’Or for finesse and elegance, the Mâconnais to the south for the charm and fruitiness. With this structure, LaForêt is a faithful wine, and Joseph Drouhin rediscovers these traits from year to year.

2021 Saldo California Chenin Blanc, The Prisoner Wine Company, ($26.99). This one is a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc,7% Muscat and 3% Verdelho, which give it a slight natural effervescence on the palate. With notes of honey crisp apples and pineapple and aromas of white peaches and brown spice, this one is not only a great complement to Turkey, it also goes well with Ham and apple pie for dessert. Riesling has been appearing on more holiday tables over the last few years and with good reason. With five levels of sweetness, starting with the Kabinett style and very reasonable prices given the quality, it offers a range of taste options. Kreuznacher Kronenberg Kabinett, Nahe, Germany, ($15.99) is the driest of the five levels with notes of Honeydew and apple pie and aromas of cinnamon and cloves, it has a medium finish that’s easy on the palette. I think it enhances vegetables, especially sweet potatoes. Since this day is the beginning of

November 23, 2023

holiday dinners and parties, something sparkling is a great option, whether it’s a toast to the day or served with dessert. One Champagne that I find that’s hard to beat for the price is Veuve Clicquot Champagne, NV, Aye, France, ($57.99). This is still a family-run company and the attention to detail shows in its elegance and body. Tiny bubbles, classic aromas of fruit and wild mountain flowers combine with a long finish. For this day and all the days ahead leading up to New Year’s Eve, this should be your “go to” sparkler.

MAYOR WU HOSTS BOSTON COMMON TREE LIGHTING NOVEMBER 30

ayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and title sponsor The Province of Nova Scotia will host Boston’s signature holiday celebration, the 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting, on Thursday, November 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Boston Common, adjacent to the Visitor’s Information Center at 139 Tremont Street. Mayor Wu will be joined by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, marking the 52nd year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor. Within 24 hours of the disaster, a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia. “The Boston Common Tree Lighting has always been a special tradition kicking off Boston’s holiday season, and I’m grateful for Nova Scotia’s generous gift as we continue to honor our enduring friendship,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re

excited to welcome residents and visitors to the Common this winter with a symbol of the compassion and community spirit that the holiday season brings.” WCVB Channel 5’s CHRONICLE co-anchors Anthony Everett and Shayna Seymour will host Channel 5’s live broadcast of the event beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s entertainment includes musician, singer, songwriter and four-time Grammy Award winner PJ Morton of Maroon 5, cast members from “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” the Flutie Foundation’s Spectrum of Sound choir, Nova Scotia’s own Celtic super group Còig and soul, hip hop, R&B, and Gospel artist O’Sound Lee, and more surprises. The official holiday season kick-off in Boston includes the lighting of the City of Boston’s official Christmas tree and other trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden. Boston’s official 2023 Christmas tree is a 40-year-old, 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Bette Gourley of Stewiacke, N.S., and her family. The holiday lights throughout both

parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. when Mayor Wu is joined onstage by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The show will close with a pyrotechnic display by Pyrotecnico. The event is supported by title sponsor Province of Nova Scotia, presenting sponsor Amazon, signature sponsor Meet Boston, community sponsors Bank of America, JetBlue, The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID), and Constellation, and media sponsors WCVB Channel 5 and The Boston Globe. A sampling village will feature a photo-op, giveaways, and refreshments from several companies while supplies last. Sponsors of the “Make the Common Glow for the Holidays” who make the lighting of the Common and Public Garden possible include The Lynch Family Foundation, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Jim and Cathy Stone, the Friends of the Public Garden, and Gilbane Building Company. Immediately following the celebra-

tion on Boston Common, Mayor Michelle Wu, the Friends of the Public Garden, and the Committee to Light Commonwealth Avenue Mall will flip the switch to light up Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy and Charlesgate Alliance are building on this annual tradition and bringing their signature emerald green lighting to the Charlesgate Park block of the Mall for the third consecutive year. This event marks the first time that the lights on Commonwealth Avenue Mall will extend all the way to Kenmore Square. Please call (617) 635-4505 or visit boston.gov/boston-common-tree-lighting

November 23, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Thanksgiving 1620 to 2023: A Mix of Change and Tradition

SBT Staff Report

Today, Americans often sit down to sumptuous turkey dinners with all the ‘fixins’ and still give thanks to God ost adults today read about the first Thanksgiving while still in elementary for all that we have in our country. This of course is sometimes preceded or followed by watching football school. It’s a story of hardship begames and taking part in other holiday activities; one ing overcome by success that finally led to the first Thanksgiving feast where the Pilgrims gave of which for some could simply be an after-dinner nap while waiting for dessert and coffee. Historians still thanks to God for the bountiful food that was finally available which enabled them to survive. aren’t positive that turkey was part of the first Thanksgiving feast. However they do seem pretty sure that The Pilgrims were seeking freedom from the sumptuous main courses like wild duck, goose, venireligious persecution they had suffered in England and courageously set sail for the new world. son and even clams and lobster were high at the top of Packing all the belongings they could carry onto the menu followed by fruits such as plums and boiled pumpkin. No pumpkin pie. But happily, turkeys today what would now be considered a tiny, unsafe ship, they made the perilous journey and landed are plentiful and if cooked just right, delicious and now cooked by several different methods. on the east coast of what is now America. This Though tradition still reigns on Thanksgiving Day, is history; we all know this from our lessons at much has changed since that first feast in 1621. The school. But what many may have forgotten was that this was not the beginning of what is today a 46 surviving Pilgrims were joined and helped by 91 uniquely American holiday. The first Thanksgiv- American Indians and together they worked hard and in cooperation at making sure that from then on, food ing, celebrated in the autumn of 1620, was not and shelter; two of the most important things that observed in the years following. It became an official holiday in 1863, when President Abraham were a must for survival in those days in such a harsh Lincoln proclaimed it to be so and it has been an environment, would follow and endure well into the future. Today, what often follows a relaxing ThanksAmerican tradition ever since.

Migrant Arrivals continued from front page

Stepping outside of the practical reality that seems to be on a collision course with a utopian vision, how does the federal government ‘put the genie back in the bottle’? Leaving the definition aside at this moment, let’s explore the factors which make for a Humanity Quotient. How do we look at the world? Do we identify with a certain belief, religion, nation, region, skin color, language, gender, community, organization, caste, village, street, physical ability, mental ability, etc.; and at each of those levels do we feel superior to others in the same category? Do we hate others who are inferior, according to us? How much do we love people irrespective of their religion, nationality, skin color, language, gender, sexual orientation, etc.? How much are we willing to suffer for the benefit of other human beings, irrespective of their religion, nationality, skin color, language, etc.? Do we have compassion for those others? Americans are taken advantage of because of the ethic that living in a democracy instills. The current state of national politics has attempted to

exploit this phenomenon. However, reality has set in. Governor Maura Healey announced on Oct. 16 that her administration would cap shelter capacity at 7,500 families, and temperatures since then have continued their seasonal drop, with winter ready to take hold next month. House Speaker Ron Mariano last month said he was advised that declining temperatures wouldn’t make an impact, but Healey raised the weather recently when asked by a reporter if fewer families were arriving following her shelter cap announcement. Nobody really knows, since migrants have proven to be quite resourceful. With dozens of migrant families arriving daily in recent weeks ahead of her shelter cap announcement, Healey had expected the shelter would reach its limit by Nov. 1. But it took until Nov. 9 before officials had to start turning families away. Some 90 families were on a waitlist to access state-funded shelter on Monday, homelessness prevention advocates said Monday. While the humanity factor exists in some urban areas, in rural western MA, the humanity quotient seems to

giving holiday spent with friends and family is frenzied shopping sprees and a head long rush into the Christmas Season and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. Times change for sure, but the good thing about this very special holiday is that even though in this modern age; nearly four centuries since the first Thanksgiving feast was enjoyed, where things are so much different with new customs and habits, most Americans still hold on to part of that tradition. It’s what caused this Thanksgiving holiday to begin way back when the Mayflower first landed at Plymouth Rock. And that is an appreciation of family, good friends and neighbors helping neighbors and slowing down, even if it’s just for a day to give thanks for all that we have.

be higher. “Everybody needs food, a place to live. Everybody needs dignity. And I think everybody needs love. And if the communities, the other residents can provide those things, I think that’s all they need,” said Mary Lou Guarnera. For Guarnera, the Executive Director of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the current migrant crisis impacting Massachusetts means keeping busy and working hard to offer help. Guarnera and her team operate a food pantry inside the United Methodist Church in South Hadley. They’ve been working non-stop to help out their community like always, but also tend to the new migrant families that have arrived in Hadley. Hadley is now joining more than 90 communities across Massachusetts, offering emergency shelter to thousands of newly arriving migrants. This comes days after Governor Maura Healey announced the state’s emergency shelters are nearing full capacity and by the end of October, the migrant crisis will turn only to management of those already in the shelter system. Western Mass News spoke to state senator Jo Comerford about every-

thing unfolding at the Knights Inn Hotel. She tells us her main concern: finding proper management. “The number of providers that we are able to access, you know, is dwindling because they are stretched in their own ability to staff sites,” said Comerford. Police chief Mike Mason stated, “We have a task force set up which includes all of our Town departments to ensure that the families are getting the food, water, and other supplies that they need. The police department has set up a good communication stream with the National Guard to handle any issues which may arise at the site itself, but as of now, we have had no problems,” states Mason. Senator Comerford also tells us that, like Governor Healey, she believes direct help needs to come from the federal government. She is urging President Biden and Congress to act on drastic immigration reform plans to tackle the migrant crisis impacting Massachusetts and the entire country. Humanity is being challenged at a pace, as though meteor shards are hurtling at normally compassionate people. But everyone has their limit. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect.

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

November 23, 2023

We Give Thanks To Our Seniors!

ast Thursday, the Condon Community Council put together a lovely Thanksgiving luncheon, hosted by St. Peter’s, in the lower hall. Seniors (wisdom givers) were treated not only to

lunch and dessert but raffles, gift cards, European cookie tins and more. Condon staff, BPD – C6, State Rep. David Biele, elected’s staff members and members of the community did a great job in

serving, calling raffles and giving thanks to our senior communities. It wouldn’t be a true “Southie time” without the Macarena and Elvis being played on the dance floor. It was a great day with great people

and hosts. Long ago it was said that Southie had the best dancers and it’s still true across multi generations. See Everyone at Christmas to eat, laugh, be merry and rock around the Christmas tree!

November 23, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

for their families. South Boston Catholic Academy News cards The Meaning of Thanksgiv-

written by: Nicolette Lennert A Happy Thanksgiving to All! ing ...”Mashed potatoes, sweet pota-

he students in Mrs. Connolly’s in K2A class, Ms. Dolan’s K2D class and Ms. Gannon’s students in 1C class and all the students at South Boston Catholic Academy, as well as, the students in the Early Childhood Center have been busy getting ready for Thanksgiving. In 1C the students learned about

the word thankful and the many things we can be thankful for! On the feathers of their turkeys the children wrote six people or things that they are thankful for. We are so lucky that we have so much to be thankful for! The students in the Extended Day Program at SBCA also had fun making adorable Thanksgiving

toes, turkey, gravy, pie. Hope that you are hungry, there’s so much food to try! Cranberries, stuffing, green bean casserole Count blessings with your family. Fill your HEART and SOUL.” A Thanksgiving Prayer...”Thank You, God, for the food we are about to eat, for those who are here to share these blessings, for the generosity of our hosts that make this

November 23, 2023

possible. Bless those who are here and those who are in our hearts, and all those who are not as fortunate on this day. Amen.” “All Good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above then, Thank the Lord, O Thank the Lord for all his love.”... Happy Thanksgiving to All! From All of us at South Boston Catholic Academy! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@ sbcatholicadacademy.org for more information about South Boston Catholic Academy.

November 23, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

St. Peter Academy

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving at SPA

he Academy is abuzz getting ready for Thanksgiving! The Toddlers have been coloring and decorating their turkeys. PreK made their own turkeys and worked on their writing skills by writing what they were thankful for. Kindergarten read the book Turkey Trouble and made disguises for their

turkeys. They also practiced their Spanish colors using turkeys. The elementary grades created shelters to save Henry the Turkey from being eaten. Students learned about the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and created their own balloon floats. We really enjoyed all the Thanksgiving activities! We are

looking forward to our Thanksgiving Gathering in the community room as we kick off Thanksgiving Break. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! St. Peter Academy is accepting applications for the current and upcoming school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program

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

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

November 23, 2023

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on the PGA Tour’s new indoor golf league delaying its launch:

s you know by now, the PGA Tour is launching a professional “tech-infused” indoor golf league, called TGL. It was set to launch this coming January, but, because of a construction issue with their custom-built state-of-the-art indoor compound in Florida, the launch will now be delayed a full year, until 2025. As someone who’s experienced construction delays on the buildout of an indoor golf facility here in Southie, I completely understand what the TGL is going through. So, I’m sending you into Thanksgiving with their full press release, just so you know how real it is. Overnight on Tuesday, November 14, a failure of the temporary power system and backup systems used during construction caused the dome to deflate, which caused damage to the air-supported dome section of the site. There were no injuries, and most of the technology was not impacted. Following discussions with key partners, including players, our six team ownership groups, PGA TOUR leadership and our commercial partners, SoFi, ESPN and Palm Beach State College, the decision has been made to postpone the start of the TGL season until early 2025. This

decision came after reviewing shortterm solutions, potential construction timelines, player schedules, and the primetime sports television calendar. Despite this new timeline for the venue, we remain excited about the future of TGL and will continue to build excitement between now and the start of the season with our players, fans and teams. We have begun to update plans and timelines and are confident that the extension will only improve our delivery. Tiger Woods - “I’ve been a believer in TGL, and as the momentum has built this past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for fans of the game all around the world. Although the events of last week will force us to make adjustments to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great committed players.” Rory McIlroy - “The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement. Above all, we are happy that no one was injured. We are looking forward to the launch of TGL. Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.” Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Executive

Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions - “We are partners with TGL and fully support their decision. We have believed in them and their vision from the beginning, and that has not changed. The additional time to plan, test and rehearse will only make it better. We look forward to launching the inaugural season on ESPN.” Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi “From our very first conversation, there’s been a natural alignment between TGL’s tech-forward approach with SoFi’s approach as an unconventional financial services solution. Though unfortunate, launching one year later in 2025 is the best long-term decision and we are confident that the magnitude of appeal and interest will only increase over these next months. We look forward to introducing the future of the sport come early 2025.” Arthur M. Blank, Chairman and Owner, Blank Family of Businesses and owner of TGL’s Atlanta Drive GC - “We are fully committed to TGL, building Atlanta Drive GC into a premier team and doing our part to collectively grow the game of golf in 2025 when TGL brings the game to current and future golf fans in new and exciting ways. While this delay has slowed us down for a moment, I’ve always believed challenges

present tremendous opportunity. I’m confident this pause will allow TGL to present an even more compelling product, the teams to build stronger brands and audiences in our markets and partners more time to plan strong fan engagement programs. We’ll spend the year doing that with Atlanta Drive GC, while cheering for Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, and Lucas Glover as we all get ready to push for a TGL championship in 2025.” Fenway Sports Group Statement, Boston Common Golf - “We support the league’s decision to delay the start of the TGL season, affording the additional flexibility required for the completion of the new venue after last week’s setback. While we eagerly anticipate the debut of our new team, prioritizing the operational readiness of the venue is critical. Over the next year, Boston Common Golf will continue to build its following locally and enhance the connection the region has with its four remarkable PGA TOUR players. While disappointing, this delay will ensure the inaugural season is a highly successful one that allows the league to present the best first look at this new concept.” Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

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November 23, 2023

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SPORTS TODAY PATRIOTS Tweet of the Week RETURN FROM THE BYE WITH QB UNCERTAINTY

SBT Staff

he New England Patriots are in an unusual position as they enter their Week 12 game in New York against the Giants: they’re holding an open quarterback competition at practice. Bill Belichick spoke to the media on Tuesday, and was asked who his starting quarterback will be against the Giants on Sunday. His response? “I’ve told all the players the same thing, be ready to go,” said Belichick. A day before, on Monday, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien spoke to the media in a video conference call, and was asked the same quarterback question. O’Brien said that decision is ultimately up to Belich-

ick, but whoever it will be, that quarterback will have earned it at practice this week. “For me, I basically get everybody ready to play,” said O’Brien. “So what we try to do is, every week, get Mac [Jones] ready to play, get Bailey [Zappe] ready to play, and that’s what we do. “And so, at the end of the day, Bill [Belichick] will make that decision at some point, and we’ll go from there. But I do believe that we have to continue like we do all the time. You have to earn it on the practice field.” The Patriots are coming off the bye in Week 11. In Week 10, O’Brien had a viral video moment on the sideline, yelling at Jones, as the Patriots

WHAT TO WATCH NFL THURSDAY, NOV. 23 WEEK 12 Green Bay at Detroit (-7.5) 12:30 P.M. FOX Washington at Dallas (-10.5) 4:30 P.M. CBS San Francisco at Seattle (+7) 8:20 P.M. NBC FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Miami at NY Jets (+9.5) 3 P.M. PRIME SUNDAY, NOV. 26 New England at NY Giants (+3.5) 1 P.M. FOX Buffalo at Philadelphia (-3.5) 4:25 P.M. CBS Baltimore at LA Chargers (+4) 8:20 P.M. NBC MONDAY, NOV. 27 Chicago at Minnesota (-3.5) 8:15 P.M. ABC/ESPN

took on the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. New England lost that game, 10-6. It was the Patriots’ third straight loss, and it was the third time this season that Jones was benched mid-game. “That’s coaching, in my opinion,” said O’Brien, when asked about the video of him yelling at his quarterback. Jones finished the game 15-of-20 for 170 pass yards and an interception. Bailey Zappe replaced Jones for a final two-minute drill in the fourth quarter, but Zappe threw a gameending interception of his own. The Patriots are 2-8 on the season, and would have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

if the season ended after Week 11. After their Week 12 game against the Giants, the remaining schedule includes games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets. As bad as it’s been so far this season, the Patriots are still a 3.5-point favorite on the road against the Giants on Sunday. New York is 3-8 and is coming off a 31-19 win over the Washington Commanders. The Giants’ new starting quarterback, rookie Tommy DeVito threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in that win. Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for 1 p.m.

LUCIC ARRESTED, TAKES INDEFINITE LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM BRUINS

oston Bruins forward Milan Lucic was ar“The Boston Bruins are aware of the situation involving rested on Friday night, following a domestic Milan Lucic Friday evening. Milan is taking an indefinite incident at his home in the North End. leave of absence from the team. The organization takes A Boston Police Department report was released on these matters very seriously, and we will work with the LuMonday, and described an intoxicated Lucic denying cic family to provide any support and assistance they may accusations of assault and battery. need. We will have no further comment at this time.” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery also commented on the The woman who made the call to police identified herself as Lucic’s wife. On the call, she claimed Lucic situation over the weekend. attempted to choke her. But when officers arrived, she “We’re aware of the Looch situation, and as an organisaid Lucic did not attempt to choke her. zation it’s something we take extremely seriously,” said Lucic is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Montgomery. “Looch is taking a leave of absence from the Bruins. The team released a statement on Saturday morning: team right now and we support the Lucic family and we will

continue to provide support and help for the Lucic family. And out of respect for their privacy, that’s all I’m going to comment on the details right now.” Bruins captain Brad Marchand also shared his thoughts. “The biggest thing for us is we care a lot about their family,” Marchand told reporters over the weekend. “We’re a family in here. We’re all very, very close, so we’re also very concerned, you know, and upset for them and what they’re going through. “We have a lot of support for Brittany [Lucic] and the kids and Lucic himself,” added Marchand. “Because of that respect for them, you know, that’s going to be it for now.”