South Boston Today January 18 2024

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What’s With The Flooding And Its Impact

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he dramatic images of floating lawn chairs on the waterfront, impassable roads and docks under water are becoming a common reality in Boston and one that city officials say are, disputably or not, tied to climate change. On Saturday, high tide in Boston Harbor went up to 14.4 feet, the fourth highest level ever recorded in the city, just short of the major flood stage of 15 feet.

Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta saw significant flooding in her district, which ranges from East Boston to Charlestown and the North End. Coletta said that while the state and the city are both working to implement climate plans, the frequency of extreme weather is a call for more urgent action.

Governor Maura Healey’s administration launched a “Resilient Coasts Initiative” in November to address climate change in the state’s

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January 18, 2024: Vol.12 Issue 3

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January 18, 2024

EDITORIAL Cut Fire Dept. Budgets But Fund College For Illegals? Seriously?

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e’re hearing from people from all walks of life who say they are surprised, shocked, stunned and dismayed at the latest move

by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy. These are folks who are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Union members, white collar workers, civil servants – you name it. The full spectrum is represented by folks upset

by Healy’s plan to cut the fire department budgets of at least 33 Massachusetts’s cities and towns, including Boston. She also plans to cut millions from Medicaid, Children’s Healthcare Insurance/ Mass Health. But at the same time, she plans to make financial aid available to provide college education to illegal migrants.

She says the cuts are needed to offset what is SAID to be a billion-dollar deficit in the state’s revenue intake.

Is there really a shortage? In today’s world, the public has difficulty believing anything the news media says and, almost as distrusted as the press is, are many politicians; especially since they seem to work so closely together. This

time last year, there was talk of the state’s coffers being so full that refunds would be sent out to the taxpayers.

Virtually no one believed that would happen. This is Massachusetts, returning money to the taxpayers would be like pulling teeth.

Granted, certainly everyone who is upset about this didn’t vote for Healy in the last election, but many of them did. And as we always say in this newspaper, this is America, and Americans have the right to vote for whomever and whatever they see fit. But to those who did vote for Healy, we feel the need to ask the question – what did you expect?

Healy is a liberal, some would say radical Democrat. She doesn’t hide it, she flaunts it. And in the opinion of many, she doesn’t care what the voters want if it conflicts with her leftist ideology. She’ll do what she wants. One only need look at the fiasco she brought on with the influx of illegal migrants. She opened the doors to this state, invited them to come by the thousands with promises of benefits, so they came. Massachusetts is now

so overrun that Healy had to declare a state of emergency.

There’s not enough money to feed and house them. It’s so bad she was nearly begging citizens to take the migrants into their homes. She still hasn’t told us how many she has taken into her home.

The message we’re trying to convey is this. As voters, we all must pay close attention to

who and what we’re voting for. Much of Maura Healy’s vote came from people who, to be blunt, will vote for anyone with a ‘D’ next to their name. That saying ‘you get the government you vote for’ rings true and always has. In the opinion of this newspaper, Governor Healy has made it pretty clear that she considers those who come to our country

illegally to be more important than American citizens. She and her administration don’t even deny it. Have we forgotten how they wanted to kick veterans out of hotels near Foxborough during the Army/ Navy game so they could house the migrants? Their actions would speak louder than their words even if they did deny it.

“I might be crazy but at least I ain’t boring” - Hank Williams Jr.

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Information Center The

Sharing Video Of Thieves Stealing Your Stuff Might Violate Their Rights John Ciccone

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anada, our country’s neighbor to the north has made the news in recent days. I’ll give the reason in a bit. Because Canada is so close to us, we have much in common with them culturally (not just hockey), a large percentage of Americans have travelled there for a variety of reasons – among them business, vacation, to visit family and friends and because it’s a relatively stable country; not embroiled in turmoil and war.

Most Canadians like most Americans are friendly people and want to be free to raise their families and go about their lives with as little government interference as possible. The freedom and liberty cravings might not be quite as intense as they are to most Americans, but it is strong within them just the same.

But, like what’s happening in the United States, an over intrusive government run by politicians who seem to want to be able to control every aspect of our lives has taken power and has been tightening its grip continuously. Just as the saying ‘elections have consequences’ has meaning here in ‘The States’, so too in Canada.

In America, we are burdened with the Biden Administration, dominated and for all intents and purposes run by people who are not patriotic when it comes to doing what’s best for the American people and the country at large. In fact, many people have come to realize that the furthest thing from our so-called leaders’ goals is putting the needs of Americans as their priority and by their actions while in power, seem to have put America last - far behind their own cravings for power – Witness the opening of the floodgates at our southern border as the flow of illegals, drugs, gangs and people on the terrorist watch list just stroll on in. Ukraine’s border must be defended, but America’s border must not.

Up north, the Canadian people are burdened, some would say shackled, by the increasingly Socialist government

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of Justin Trudeau. This dainty wannabe dictator, by his own admission, is a big fan of the Communist Chinese government because China’s leader, Xi Jinping, doesn’t have to tolerate dissent among the people or even from opposition political parties. In other words, In China, the leader is the boss, and no one can question him. That type of system is what Trudeau dreams of.

During the Canadian truckers’ strike two years ago, in his effort to crush the truckers’ protests over Covid Vaccine mandates and working conditions, Trudeau took it upon himself to put a hold on the bank accounts of those truckers involved in opposing him.

Families lost their homes and often went hungry because they lost access to their money and because they dared challenge Trudeau’s policies. Can it get any more dictatorial than that? Not much. And there are many more examples of Canada’s liberal government riding roughshod over the people that they are supposed to be working for. Canada’s ‘Liberal’ party is much like our ‘Democrat’ party. It has forgotten that they work for the people, not the other way around.

This brings me to the most recent example of the leftward drift taking place in Canada and how one of the traits of this type of government is showing how little it cares about protecting its hard-working, law-abiding citizens and instead now gives priority to the predators among the populace. Here in some of America’s bluest states, police have been all but hamstrung trying to enforce the laws. Look at the stores and businesses closing their doors in cities in California, Oregon, Washington State and DC, in Chicago, New York and so many others. Crowds of thieves and looters are just walking into stores, grabbing arm loads of merchandise and walking out. No one gets arrested.

Canada is experiencing that too only now in some places, the local liberal

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

governments are going one better.

In some areas of Quebec, government officials have instructed police to issue warnings to citizens that they had better not share video from their security cameras on social media of ‘porch pirates’ stealing packages from the homeowners’ steps and mailboxes. For those who aren’t familiar with the term porch pirates, they are the people who creep around neighborhoods looking for delivered packages to steal from the property of others. People found sharing such video could be subject to legal fines and prosecution. WHY are officials demanding victims of these thefts

not share? TO DO SO WOULD VIOLATE THE PRIVACY RIGTHTS OF THE PORCH PIRATES/THIEVES. The message being sent is clear: The rights of the criminal are more important than the rights of law obeying citizens.

Could insanity like this, what’s happening in Quebec, Canada, be coming to America? Could be. And if you think our country doesn’t have some leftist politicians who think this is a great idea, you’re not paying attention. This is just one more reason that this coming election, we need to take our country back from the lunatics running the asylum that they are trying to make of our country.

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January 18, 2024

Window Into The State House

Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education.

We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives.

These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.

Healey State Of The Commonwealth By The Numbers In a 4,960-word, 17page, 57-minute State of the Commonwealth, Gov. Maura Healey addressed the House Chamber, proposing and referencing numbers galore.

So, let’s dive in! But wait for at least 48 applauses, and get ready to stand more than 25 times.

For the first time in 10 years, student enrollment in public higher education grew last fall.

Almost 3,000 newcomers to the state have work permits, the result of a November work authorization clinic. A billion-dollar tax cut was passed — the state’s first cut in taxes in 20 years. 13 people were pardoned in the administration’s first year — the first administration, Healey said, to have done so in 40 years.

Tax credits were tripled for new housing; 1,000 new rental vouchers were funded. The $4 billion Affordable Homes Act would put the most ambitious housing plan in state history into action, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into building and first-time homebuyer programs.

Half a billion dollars attempted to stabilize the childcare sector last

year. Healey promised last night a seat in the classroom for over 23,000 kids in the Gateway to PreK plan, guaranteeing affordable preschool for every 4-year-old in all 26 gateway cities. She slotted a goal for Mass. to be first in literacy.

26 Community Behavioral Health Centers opened to address in-person crisis response; Emergency Room stays for youth mental health were cut in half; and $10 million will come in the budget to develop service models. $3 billion came into Mass. in the transit sector: $24 million to rebuild Leonard’s Wharf in New Bedford; $33 million for electric school buses; $108 million to advance West-East passenger rail. $372 million was won for the Cape Cod bridge rebuild.

Everyone’s favorite: the T! A previously “underfunded, poorly managed” system with 1,100 vacant positions, a new labor contract hired 1,500 new employees in, apparently, what was the best hiring year the MBTA has ever had. There are over 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels of ridership on the commuter rail, and Healey promised to double support for MBTA operations. New wind power proposals could equate to 25 percent of the

state’s energy needs; and over 400 students will be trained in the coming year as part of a workforce that can install and maintain decarbonization tactics in buildings.

One number Healey didn’t mention. The $1 billion shortfall in the state budget.

Healey’s childcare announcements On Tuesday, Gov. Healey announced plans to pursue $93M in new child care spending in her FY25 budget proposal, which will also request $475M in grants to continue supporting early education providers, Chris Lisinski reports for the News Service. This is Healey’s attempt at helping Mass. families access and afford child care, with special attention to communities of color and those living in lower-income areas.

— State House News Service Another day, more MBTA delays Bostonians woke up on Tuesday only to experience massive disruptions on the MBTA Red, Orange and Green Lines — more than a dozen Red and Orange Line stops were shut down over the first half of the day with shuttle buses replacing regular service, and stretches of the Green Line were closed in a pre-planned manner. “Electrical problems” were

to blame at Downtown Crossing, expanding to the Orange Line, and though services regained steam after a short closure, buses again were sent out to replace some Red Line services Tuesday afternoon.

On Boston Public Radio Tuesday morning, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu apologized to those impacted by the MBTA delays, explaining that such problems are “a compounded effect of many decades,” though she believes the MBTA has “turned a corner” thanks to General Manager Phil Eng. Pembroke Schools votes down policy barring staff from displaying, discussing social and political views The Pembroke School Committee was considering implementing a policy “prohibiting teachers and administrators from displaying or discussing their political and social views on all school campuses,” the Globe’s Deanna Pan reports. The policy would have barred personnel from doing things like displaying Pride flags or wearing buttons supporting any type of partisan policy.

The School Committee convened for over an hour and a half on Tuesday night, where it saw over three dozen people testifying largely in opposition to the policy.

Postal Service seeks residents help clearing a path to mailboxes

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assachusetts – Snow and ice in New England this time of year are no surprise. We can’t control the elements that winter delivers but, for your letter carrier, these conditions can make delivering your letters and packages a lot more challenging.

Winter walking and driving are never easy, especially when days are at their shortest and carriers find themselves working more in the dark. We remind residents to watch

for letter carriers on foot and slow moving postal vehicles particularly during the winter months.

Of course, the main spots to be concerned about are right at your house where letter carriers, newspaper carriers, meter readers and even delivery personnel from a florist or pizza shop may come by. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you clear the snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, porches and steps to help prevent falls.

For mailboxes at the curb, we ask that snow and ice be removed regularly for safe access to the box by the carrier and uninterrupted delivery.

Regardless of the weather, we’ll be out there binding the nation together through mail. Doing your part to help keep our carriers safe is appreciated every step of the way.

Thank you for your cooperation, Your Local Postmaster

January 18, 2024

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.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), was named the lead Democrat to the House Financial Services Committee’s new bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will be co-led by Republican U.S. Representative French Hill (AR-02).

The bipartisan AI Working Group will explore how artificial intelligence is impacting the financial services and housing industries, including firms’ use of AI in decision-making, the development of new products and services, fraud prevention, compliance efficiency, and the enhancement of supervisory and regulatory tools, as well as how AI may impact the financial services workforce. The Working Group will also examine how existing regulation addresses the use of AI and how lawmakers can ensure that any new regulations consider both the potential benefits and risks associated with AI. The AI Working Group was formed by House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10), and is a continuation of the work conducted by the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in the 116th and 117th Congresses.

“As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion, I am proud to serve as the lead Democrat on the new bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence,” said Congressman Lynch. “While financial institutions, financial technology companies, and government agencies are already utilizing artificial intelligence to facilitate the detection of financial crime, risk analysis, personalized customer services, consumer lending, and other

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Rep. Lynch Named Lead Democrat to New Bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence critical functions, the evolving application of A.I. technologies must be paralleled by robust federal oversight and a regulatory framework that is adaptive to innovation and equipped to identify potential risks to American consumers. Following the recent determination by the Financial Stability Oversight Council identifying A.I. as an “emerging vulnerability,” I certainly look forward to working with Full Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, Chairman French Hill, and my Working Group colleagues on a bipartisan basis to better ensure that we are advancing responsible A.I. innovation in a manner that maximizes consumer safety and security, data privacy, and financial equity and safeguards the stability of our financial system.”

“I’m proud to announce the creation of this bipartisan artificial intelligence Working Group, as I’ve long called on both this Committee and Congress to move quickly to investigate the ways in which this technology may embed historic inequities in the financial services and housing markets through the use of data that reflect underlying bias or discrimination,” said Ranking Member Waters. “With this Working Group, I look forward to building on the work I established when I was Chair and created Congress’ first-ever Task Force on AI, where we held nearly a dozen hearings. I am also eager to get together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to examine the benefits and dangers of AI to ensure that this technology does not advance beyond our ability to regulate it, worsen existing inequities, and

that consumers are properly protected from harm or abuse.”

“The rapid advance of artificial intelligence technology holds immense promise to transform society and our economy for the better, but it also comes with risks,” said Chairman McHenry. “To help educate members, our Committee is creating a new bipartisan Working Group on AI. The Working Group will explore this technology’s potential, specifically its adoption in our financial system. It will also find ways to leverage artificial intelligence to foster a more inclusive financial system, while establishing the U.S. as the world leader in AI development and terms of use. The House Financial Services Committee will continue to build on our previous bipartisan efforts to chart a thoughtful course for AI’s future in America.”

“I am pleased that Chairman McHenry is creating a new bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, allowing us to explore AI’s potential in the financial system while also ensuring that the United States is a leader in this technology,” said Congressman Hill. “As AI rapidly advances, it is important that we examine its use, need for potential changes in U.S. laws and/or the regulatory framework for both effective oversight, and ensuring global competitiveness. The Working Group is a natural extension of our policy focus on the Digital Assets Subcommittee, and I look forward to building upon our prior Committee exploration from our 2019 – 2022 AI Task Forces.”

Members of the Bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence: Democratic Members: Con-

gressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA08), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-43), Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07).

Republican Members: Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Congressman French Hill (AR02), Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), Congressman Mike Flood (NE-01), Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03), Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09).

Background: * In 2019, Congressman Lynch was named the Chair of Congress’ first-ever Task Force on Financial Technology, which was created in alongside the first-ever Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. The historic Task Forces held a total of 22 hearings across the 116th and 117th Congress and led the way to encourage equitable and responsible innovation. * On June 15, 2023, Ranking Member Waters sent a letter<https://democrats-financialservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ai_hearing_req-06.15.23. pdf> to Chair McHenry (R-NC) urging McHenry to immediately convene a hearing to explore the implications of generative AI on housing and financial services.

Additional Background: On October 30, 2023, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of AI. The Bipartisan Working Group on AI will serve as a forum to examine the directives from the Executive Order related to the Committee’s jurisdiction.

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also investing in the eduMAYOR WU ANNOUNCES but cational journey and success of their children.”

THE RETURN OF The January incentive is especially critical as it encourages families to take the necessary ‘BOSTON SAVES’ first step of logging into their thereby unlocking the JANUARY INCENTIVE accounts, program’s benefits. More than

BPS families who log in to the Savings Center for the first time by January 31, 2024, will earn an extra $25 for their child’s savings account

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ayor Michelle Wu today announced that Boston Saves, the City’s children’s savings account program, is again offering a January incentive to encourage eligible Boston Public Schools (BPS) families to participate in the program.

Families of BPS students in grades K2 - 4th who log in to the Boston Saves online savings platform for the first time by January 31, 2024 will earn an extra $25 for their child’s account. This money, plus the $50 provided in every Boston Saves account and any additional incentives families earn, can be used to pay for their child’s future college or career training.

Findings from the first year of a three-year evaluation of Boston Saves link participation in the program to significant positive effects on students’ academic success, including social-emotional development and reading frequency, as well parental life satisfaction and educational expectations. Research shows that the mere presence of savings can motivate post-secondary success. In one study, low-income

children with less than $500 in an account dedicated to higher education were three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate from college than families with no savings.

“Boston Saves is critical to investing in Boston’s young people and families with every opportunity possible,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This program empowers families to plan early and save even more for their children’s future. I encourage all of our newly participating families to log in to Boston Save’s online savings platform and utilize this key resource.”

A joint program of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and Boston Public Schools, Boston Saves automatically provides every BPS K2 student with a college savings account (CSA) seeded with $50 to give families a boost for their child’s future.

The program also offers families the opportunity to earn additional Boston Saves Dollars for their child’s account through ongoing incentives and access to financial education resources that make saving easier. Since its launch in 2019, Boston Saves has allocated over $1.3 million, including $145,344 in familyearned incentives, to nearly 20,000 student accounts.

“Participation in Boston Saves opens doors to a brighter future for our children,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “By taking this simple step of logging into the Savings Center, families are not only securing financial rewards

500 BPS families earned a total of $14,575 for their children’s futures through last year’s January incentive. When a family logs in to the Savings Center, they can: * See the money in their child’s Boston Saves account * Link their own financial account to the Savings Center to track all their savings for their child in one place and earn an additional incentive * Earn more money for their child’s Boston Saves account by taking simple steps like reading with their child, or saving regularly “Boston Saves is an amazing financial tool that shows the City’s dedication to investing in our next generation of leaders,” said Rochelle Perry-Craft Ed.D., Kindergarten Teacher at the George H. Conley Elementary School. “The program is statistically proven to promote significant positive outcomes in our students. I strongly encourage all eligible BPS Families to take advantage of the program and start planning for their child’s future.”

Families of students in select older grades may also have accounts (and be eligible for the promotion) if they were part of the Boston Saves pilot program or joined a pilot cohort. Families that have eligible children should have received an email from bostonsaves@boston. gov<mailto:bostonsaves@ boston.gov> with a direct link to log into their child’s account. Parents/guardians who believe their child is eligible but did not receive an email can contact the Boston Saves team at bostonsaves@boston. gov<mailto:bostonsaves@ boston.gov> with their child’s name, grade, and school. For more information, visit boston. gov/boston-saves.

January 18, 2024

WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION TIPS TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES

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ith Boston about to experience its first sustained cold spell of the winter, with nighttime temperatures well below freezing until early next week, Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) is reminding people that there are proactive steps they can take to prevent interior pipes from freezing.

• Check for open windows, air vents, and wind drafts near water pipes • Seal leaks in the basement foundation where cold air may enter; fill holes with insulation as a tiny opening can cause an exposed pipe to freeze • Allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to water pipes that run through unheated spaces (the constant drip minimizes any ice buildup in the pipe, which helps to prevent pipes from bursting) • Keep sink cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes • Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces; inexpensive insulation can be bought at hardware and home supply stores • Locate the water shut off valve and know how to shut off water; if a pipe bursts, shutting off the water promptly can help minimize the damage (shut off valve is usually located by the meter) • If your pipes freeze, use a hair dryer to thaw the lines safely; thawing will not be fast, but it will be safe: NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME TO THAW PIPES If there is no water coming through any of your taps, there may be a problem in your street or yard. If so, call BWSC’s 24hour Emergency Assistance line at 617-989-7900.

January 18, 2024

Mayor Wu Signs Public Tree Protection Ordinance

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ayor Michelle Wu recently signed a public tree protection ordinance, a key recommendation stemming from

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the City’s Urban Forest Plan. The Urban Forest Plan, released in September 2022, outlines strategies to preserve, cultivate, and expand the city’s urban forest. A tree protection ordinance is a critical action item in preserving existing canopy cover. Mayor Wu’s enactment of the public tree protection ordinance underscores the City’s dedication to environmental justice, public health, and community resiliency. The City Council passed the ordinance on December 13, 2023.

“The signing of the public tree protection ordinance is a testament to our shared goal of building a city that prioritizes environmental stewardship and community well-being,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “In taking this step, we’re not only preserving our urban forest but also shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all residents.”

The Urban Forest Plan recommended changes in municipal code to protect mature trees and enhance the urban forest. By adopting a phased approach to tree protec-

tion regulations, focusing on public trees first, the City aims to lead by example before engaging with the community to extend regulations to trees on private property.

“As the department responsible for managing the implementation of the Urban Forest Plan, we recognize the importance of addressing trees on both publicly- and privately-owned land,” said Commissioner Ryan Woods of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. “Fostering a thriving urban forest that reflects the diverse needs of all stakeholders is a top priority.”

The recently signed ordinance establishes comprehensive regulations to preserve trees on City-owned parks, school grounds, libraries, and public housing, aligning with Boston’s commitment to protecting and enhancing green infrastructure. Construction projects on City-owned land will now require a survey of all trees on the site with a trunk three inches in diameter or wider. Furthermore, healthy trees can only be trimmed or removed with adequate

notice and a public hearing, ensuring community involvement in decisions impacting the urban forest.

The new ordinance will also improve the management of public street trees in Boston. It expands and clarifies the rules for the removal of healthy street trees, ensuring that they are replaced with trees of equivalent size and species in the same neighborhood. The City’s Tree Warden will be responsible for replacements, advancing the Urban Forest Plan’s objective of achieving equitable distribution of tree canopy. Closing the tree canopy gap among neighborhoods is crucial for mitigating the impact of urban heat islands, improving air quality for all residents, and accelerating the Green New Deal for Boston.

“Healthy trees play an important role in enhancing the health and quality-of-life of residents in Boston, as the City deals with climate change, more frequent heat waves, and extreme weather events,” said Councilor Liz Breadon, a co-sponcontinued on page 8

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The

Wine Guy

Winter Warmers

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ou probably know the joke that starts with the question, “How cold is it?” and the answer,”It’s so cold out that I went by City Hall and there were some politicians with their hands in their own pockets!”. Well, it’s that cold out as I’m writing this, so, let’s get to the heat of the matter, as it were; I’m sure that any of the following will get you warmed right up……

The Justin 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, ($29.99) is a consistently made wine from one of my favorite regions in California. Deep ruby red color, notes of salted caramel, sage and ripe blackberries on the nose with an extremely chewy mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. As you might guess, you could do far worse than this one with a pan-fried flank steak with butter, shallots and rosemary sprigs for flavoring and some fried fingerling potatoes to round it out.

Boneshaker Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel, 2021, ($17.99), from Hahn Vineyards is a bold and complex wine that will excite your taste buds. Its vibrant ruby red color and ripe cherry and blackberry aromas create a tempting first impression. The wine’s perfectly ripe red berry and other red fruit flavors, combined with subtle notes of spice and a hint of leather, offer a unique taste experience. This Zinfandel’s balanced structure and firm tannins make it an excellent wine to pair with rich and hearty meals. Its gentle toasty

finish with a touch of warm spice will leave you wanting more.

Malbec is a wine varietal that is full-bodied and known for its dark purple hue. Malbec plays an important role in a lot of Bordeaux Blends and is grown all over the world. I think that one of the most consistently well-made Malbec wines comes from Catena Vineyards in Argentina. Catena Malbec 2021, ($19.99) is a special wine crafted from high altitude estate vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina.

The wine is the result of years of exploration and study of the unique terroirs that make up the region.

Fourth generation vintner Laura Catena and chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil have combined their expertise to create a wine of unique character and natural balance.

This Malbec is a rich and complex wine with aromas of dark fruit and floral notes. On the palate, it delivers flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, with a touch of vanilla and chocolate. The wine undergoes an extensive cold maceration to extract its aromas,

can go home.” Emergency management is monitoring already saturated areas in town as the next storm sys78 coastal communities. It will “identify regulatory, tem arrives overnight. policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused It was a similar scene in Salem over the weekend, long-term solutions,” according to a press release issued as wave after wave crashed into town with unrelentthen. A new position for a Chief Coastal Resilience Ofing force. Saturday’s storm smashed into the Willows ficer within the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone section of Salem. By Saturday afternoon, the sun came Management was also created. out, the streets becoming rivers.

Several coastal communities in Massachusetts In downtown Boston on last Sunday afternoon, sevare still recovering from severe flooding over the weekend, while many are bracing for another round eral offices along Long Wharf had open doors drying them out. A day earlier, the ocean had reclaimed the of snow, sleet and rain headed our way overnight.

Social media posts from around area showed the ex- road there, transforming it into a waterway running past restaurants, tour companies, and hotels. “It looked tent of the flooding, including Everett and Chelsea, where roads and sidewalks were left impassable for like a river just going to Atlantic Avenue,” said Wilhours. With the grounds already saturated, concerns lie Carvajal, a manager at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf who said he was working Saturday during the were brewing Monday night with cleanup still unflooding. He said water didn’t get into the hotel, and derway just as this next storm moves in.

All of the sand that was washing up in Salisbury, guests didn’t seem to have problems coming and gofor example, was pushed back up against the beach ing, but flooding like this is something the hotel has to contend with. in hopes of creating somewhat of a barrier. It was Nearby in Christopher Columbus Park, North End actually already in place before Saturday’s storm resident Walter Dray pointed at some remaining but even that didn’t stop Mother Nature as powerpuddles and marveled at the flooding. It’s crazy,” he ful waves at Salisbury Beach took down walls of said. “I’ve never seen it that big.” Saturday’s high sand and flooded out nearby shops, streets and tide around noon in Boston Harbor peaked at 14.41 homes this weekend, creating a mess of a cleanup feet, which falls in the “moderate” flood category, for the town.

“Salisbury is 84% wetlands, so we’re surrounded by according to the National Weather Service. The record is 15.2 feet.The cold snap has set in, and icy the beach and the marsh. So any high tides like this, conditions make pedestrian and vehicle movement we suffer,” Salisbury Selectman Michael Colburn said. “We’ve been just trying to clean it up so people very difficult.

Flooding continued from front page

January 18, 2024

followed by fermentation for 12 days and post-fermentation maceration for 19-22 days. The wine is aged for 12 months in a selection of barrels, with the selection varying depending on the vineyard and vintage. Catena Malbec is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 20 years. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews. With its deep complexity and natural balance, this wine is a true reflection of the unique terroir of Mendoza.

Merlot has been in Cabernet’s shadow for the last few years, but there are still quite a few values to be found, if you’re willing to look.

La Renarde à Pattes Noires, 2019, ($19.99) is a true local discovery— from a village of only 1,000 people and vines grown in the volcanic soils of Côtes du Céressou. Boasting three gold medals, it’s brimming with silky, red fruit and spice.

The back label shares the legendary origin of the name. This one is a natural for stews and Boeuf Bourguignon, a perfect combination to shake off that cold!

Wu continued from page 7

sor of the ordinance. “This ordinance will protect existing trees, create more public awareness of the benefits of healthy trees, and help support urban forests in our diverse neighborhoods.”

Since the September 2022 release of the Urban Forest Plan, the Urban Forestry Division has implemented several recommended action items. In 2023, the division expanded its workforce, responded to over 7,500 requests through the 311 system, pruned close to 3,000 trees, treated 1,165 ash trees to protect them against the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle, and secured an $11.4 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program. In the coming year, the division will leverage funding and staffing investments to reduce response time for constituent requests, redouble maintenance efforts to preserve existing canopy, and expand tree planting efforts by partnering with community-based organizations.

January 18, 2024

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Councilor Flynn Joins National League of Cities (NLC) Communities Council

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ast week, Councilor Flynn was selected to join the National League of Cities (NLC) University Communities Council for their 2024 membership.

Prior to the selection, Councilor Flynn has been an active National League of Cities member and recently participated as a panelist at the Annual NLC City Summit and Council Presidents Convening in Atlanta, Georgia.

The objectives of the University Communities Council include sharing ideas and creative solutions to the challenges affecting university communities, as well as connecting municipal officials from university communities nationally to foster a spirit of cooperation between universities, colleges, and local governments. In March 2024, Coun-

cilor Flynn will join colleagues in government throughout the country at the NLC Congressional City Conference in Washington D.C. to discuss city and university relations and other issues impacting cities and towns.

“I’m honored to join the NLC University Communities Council this year. Boston is renowned for many outstanding colleges and universities, and we host a significant population of students in our city annually,” said Councilor Flynn.

“We value our relationship with these institutions of higher education, who partner with us on a multitude of issues, employ many of our residents, and whose students contribute so much to our city’s vibrancy and local economy. I look forward to working with members of the UCC to share insights and discuss the integral and indispensable roles these institutions play in Boston and the opportunities and challenges they bring.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.

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REP. BIELE VOTES TO PASS BILL TO PREVENT ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION

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ast week, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to unanimously pass legislation that will help to prevent abuse and exploitation, while also enhancing protections for survivors.

The legislation: addresses teen sexting and image-based sexual assault, commonly referred to as “revenge porn;” expands the definition of abuse to include coercive control for the purposes of obtaining a restraining order; and extends the statute of limitations for certain domestic violence offenses from six years to 15 years.

“This bill modernizes our criminal statutes to keep up with advances in technology by ensuring that individuals who share explicit images of others without consent are held accountable,” said Rep. Biele.

“This legislation also increases protections for survivors to include non-physical forms of abuse, such as coercive control. I was proud to join my colleagues in the House in passing this critical legislation to protect victims from increasingly prevalent harassing and intimidating behaviors.”

Currently, minors who possess, purchase, or share explicit photos of themselves or other minors are charged with violating Massachusetts child pornography laws and are required to register as sex offenders. The legislation passed today instead authorizes commitment to the Department of Youth Services (DYS), but also allows minors to be diverted to an educational program in lieu of criminal punishment. A district attorney, however, is allowed to petition the court to bring criminal charges in extreme cases.

The educational diversion program, to

be created by the Attorney General in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), DYS, and the District Attorneys Association, would provide teenagers with information about the legal and nonlegal consequences of sexting, which would be made available to school districts. DESE should also encourage districts to implement media literacy programs in their schools as a prevention measure.

In addition to teen sexting, the bill addresses the nonconsensual distribution of explicit images by adults by establishing a penalty in the existing criminal harassment statute, including up to two and a half years of prison time and/or a monetary fine of up to $10,000. The bill increases the upper limit of the fine for criminal harassment from $1,000 to $5,000. Under this bill, a victim may also petition the court for a harassment prevention order against a person who has violated this statute.

The bill passed by the House also adds coercive control to the definition of abuse. Coercive control is a nonphysical form of abuse which includes a pattern of behavior, or a single act intended to threaten, intimated, harass, isolate, control, coerce or compel compliance of a family or household member that causes the family or household member to fear physical harm or to have a reduced sense of physical safety or autonomy. Examples of coercive control include threating to share explicit images, regulating or monitoring a family or household member’s communications and access to services, and isolating a family or household member from friends or relatives.

The legislation passed by the House also extends the statute of limitations for assault and battery on a family or household member or against someone with an active protective order from six years to 15 years. This change brings the Massachusetts statute of limitations for these domestic violence offenses in line with the statute of limitations for rape, assault with intent to commit rape and sex trafficking.

The bill, entitled “An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation” (H.4241), passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 151-0 and now goes to the Senate for their consideration.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

January 18, 2024

Evacuation Day Essay and Poster Competitions Announced

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outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath announced today that because of the tremendous success of the poster and essay contest, the Association along with City of Boston Credit Union, Comcast and Mass Bay Credit Union a will once again sponsor the 2023 Annual Contests and. all other events associated with the Month-long celebration.

Because of the successful amount of poster entries and interest, we will be expanding the winners’ categories for the poster contest for grades 3,4 and 5. These grades will compete against students in their own grades.

Once again, after last year’s outstanding effort put forth by past President Bernie O’Donnell, Mary Collins and their committee, they have once again expressed an interest of taking on the challenge of chairing The Essay and Poster Contests. “Bernie always taught me that these contests are a great way to educate and strengthen the interest of the children of the community, I was more than pleased when Bernie offered to once again head up this Event for the children of South Boston. This year we will open up the High School competition to all students residing in Suffolk County or attends a

school in Suffolk County”, Remarked McGrath.

Bernie further expressed “One of the missions of the SBCA is to reach out to the young children of this historically rich community, joining the SBCA in promoting, organizing, and judging the Evacuation Day Poster and Essay Competitions is a most fitting way to improve on that mission.”

The current plan with respect to our annual Evacuation Day activities is to continue to host all the events as we have done in years past. We will continue to work with Governor Healey, Elected Officials from the City of Boston, the City of Boston Health Commission, and the National Park Service for the planning of our activities, as we do every year, and will follow any requirements and guidance on all aspects of our hosted events.

We look forward to working with the community again this year, which commemorates the 248th anniversary of Evacuation Day in Boston.

Celebrating Evacuation Day events in the community is a huge undertaking, but thanks to Volunteers and Community Business partners in past years, such as Comcast, Mass Bay Credit Union and City of Boston Credit Union, we at the SBCA are confident we will be able to complete the task and make it

possible for the entire community to safely enjoy this year’s commemorative events.

All entries should bear, in an attached envelope, the contestant’s name, school and a means of contacting the entrant, and should be submitted no later than Friday, March 8th, 2024 At 5 PM. All entries may be mailed to South Boston Citizens’ Association, P.O. Box 74, South Boston, MA 02127, or can be picked up at schools by a representative of the Citizens’ Association. Entries can also be dropped off at 170 M Street.

The poster competition is open to all students in grades 3, 4, and 5 who are either South Boston student residents or any student that attends a school in South Boston.

In any Medium at least 8 1/2 “x11”, but preferably larger.

The Essay competition is open to all students in grades 6-8, who are either South Boston student residents or any student that attends a school in South Boston.

The high School Essay competition is open to all students in grades 9-12 who are either City of Boston student residents attending any High School.

2024 Essay contest Topic for grades 9-12- How did the Sons of Liberty impact our history? Who were its Leaders?

What was their role in the Boston Tea party?

Essays should be at least 750 words; prizes are as follows: first prize $200, second prize $100, third prize $50.

Topic for Grades 6 to 8 – Describe the Events of the Boston massacre (March 5th, 1770) How many colonists died at the massacre? Who defended the British soldiers at their trial and why did he defend them?

Essays should be at least 500 words; prizes are as follows: first prize $150, second prize $100, third prize $50.

Poster Topics Grade 3 Illustrate Colonel Henry Knox and the Noble train of Artillery Grade 4 Illustrate Castle Island in Colonial times Grade 5 Illustrate General George Washington at Dorchester Heights Prizes are as follows: first prize $100, second prize $75, third prize $50.

St. Brigid Parish News All are welcome to come for Coffee and Refreshments on Sunday, January 21st, 2024 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass In the Downstairs Hall at St. Brigid Church

January 18, 2024

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

11

Citizens’ Association Announces 2024 Evacuation Day General Chairman

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outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Thomas E. McGrath has announced that Suffolk County Clerk of Courts (Civil) will serve as General Chairman of the Association’s 2024 Evacuation Day commemoration by the SBCA Executive Board.

“The executive board and I look forward to working with John, to ensure once again the success of this unique community celebration, the commemoration of the British evacuation of Boston in 1776,” said McGrath. John and his family are lifelong residents and active supporters of the SBCA. His dedication to the South Boston Citizens’ Association and the neighborhood will continue to make it a great place for all who live here. We are honored, and even prouder to name him this year’s General Chairman.”

John Powers is the Acting Clerk

Magistrate of Suffolk Superior Court Civil Clerk’s Office, filling the position previously occupied by long time Clerk Magistrate Michael Joseph Donovan. John has dedicated his professional life to public service for 35 years.

John began his legal career with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in 1989 where he handled a wide variety of criminal trials and investigations. He held a number of positions during that time, including prosecutor in the Homicide Unit, Chief of the General and Major Felony Units and eventually Deputy Chief Trial Counsel.

In 2008, he joined the Suffolk County Superior Court Civil Clerk’s Office as an Assistant Clerk. He was assigned to a busy courtroom with nearly 800 active cases. This position brought him into daily contact with judges, attorneys and litigants and allowed him to assist with a wide range of issues affecting all those with matters before the court.

In 2017, he was appointed First Assistant Clerk, where he assisted in the daily oversight of the entire Civil Clerk’s Office. He was a daily presence in the Clerk’s Office during the pandemic, working to ensure public access to the court in those challenging times.

Since 2015, he has been a member of the Superior Court Integrated Technology Governance Com-

mittee, a statewide governance committee, responsible for the implementation and improvement of the Massachusetts Trial Court case management system, e-filing, e-documents, and other technology related issues. He is also a member of the Civil Sub-Committee, which is responsible for the improvement of the system as it relates to civil practice and procedure.

John lives in South Boston with his wife Nancy, who by the way, was the first girl to play in the South Boston Little League, and his daughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth.

He has been honored to serve all who appear before the Suffolk Superior Court and would like to continue do so as the elected Clerk Magistrate.

The Association, along with The City of Boston Credit Union, Mass Bay Credit Union and Comcast will once again be sponsoring a full roster of civic and sporting events over a three-week period as part of its annual commemorative celebration of Evacuation Day. The Association’s events begin with the Jimmy Flaherty KickOff Breakfast on Saturday March 2nd, at the Sea-Point Restaurant 10:00A.M., where the Henry Knox Un-sung Hero Awards will be presented, followed by a host of educational and athletic events throughout the month of March.

This year’s SBCA commemorative events will also include the Memo-

rial Mass, 9AM St. Augustine’s Chapel and followed by the Memorial Exercises in the vicinity of Dorchester Heights (Due to Construction Renovations), after the mass on Friday, March 15th, with the 144th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet at the Boston Convention Center later that evening 5PM. ​The full schedule of events, as well as the identities of the 2024 Henry Knox Award, John W. McCormack Public Service Award, The John “Joe” Moakley Outstanding Citizens Award and James “Jim” Kelly/Margret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Community Service awards, will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I remind everyone that a limited number of tickets are available for our Banquet, which is the capstone event of the 2024 commemorative activities,” Stated McGrath. “Anyone who is interested in purchasing a table/ticket to the banquet should email me as soon as possible at tmcgrath1963sb@gmail.com.”

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

best me I can be.” “My dream for South Boston Catholic Academy News the the world is to end violence and war.” job 4A & 4B! Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was

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he students in Ms. Samantha Guildford’s 4A Class and Mrs. Patricia Coleman’s 4B Class at South Boston Catholic Academy had a chance to learn about and then do a special class project in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. based on his famous “I have a Dream Speech”... “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in

a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” - Martin Luther King Jr. They were given three categories to write about and share...

My dream for myself; My dream for my community; and My dream for the world. Some wrote... “My dream for the world is for everything to be fair.” “My dream for myself is to be

a prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, the working class, and the oppressed around the world. While others were advocating for freedom by “any means necessary,” including violence, Martin Luther King, Jr. used the power of words and acts of nonviolent resistance to achieve

January 18, 2024

seemingly impossible goals to make the world a better place for everyone.

MLK helped bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Each of these bills helped African Americans access civil rights across the country.

King’s speeches and writings allow us to continue learning from his beliefs and practices today. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

January 18, 2024

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

St. Peter Academy

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Pajama Tag Day!

ast Friday was Pajama Tag Day! We love our tag days. It is a fun way to raise money for our community and causes that are in need. The January fundraising efforts will go to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

The mission of St Peter Academy is to encourage lifelong learning through a rigorous differentiated curriculum.

Utilizing innovative best practices, each child is recognized as an indi-

vidual and is encouraged to attain their maximum potential – spiritually, emotionally, academically, physically, and socially. We are a close knit, diverse community of learners who foster social justice with a sincere understanding and respect for all. To learn more about our wonderful school, please join us for our Winter Open House on January 24, 2024, 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

St. Peter Academy is an indepen-

dent community based private school and is South Boston’s only Full Year Toddler Program through Grade 6 School. It is privately funded, enriched with extended learning hours and summer programs, and fosters a nurturing, safe and individualized environment. We welcome the opportunity to have you visit St. Peter Academy to see for yourself that ours is a unique and wonderful learning community. It is truly a “GEM” in the heart of the South Boston community.

St. Peter Academy is continuing to accept applications for the current and upcoming school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and

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

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

January 18, 2024

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots firing Bill Belichick:

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o they really did it. The Kraft family fired the greatest coach of all time.

They’re calling it an “amicable” split. But when Robert Kraft held his press conference and explained how pulling the GM title away from Belichick “just wouldn’t work,” he basically admitted that that was the issue.The Patriots didn’t want Belichick to shop for the groceries any longer. In fact, recent reports suggest that Kraft was the one who stepped in and made Belichick draft Mac Jones in the first round a few years back, as Belichick was planning on waiting until later in the draft.

So, yeah, I guess it was an amicable split, in a way, because a mandate like that from the owner most likely didn’t sit well with Belichick, especially after Jones proved to be a complete stiff. But at the end of the day, it was Robert and Jonathan Kraft’s decision to cut ties. So they fired him, and almost immediately hired Jerod Mayo.

It remains to be seen what type of job Mayo will do. But as for Belichick, he’ll probably end up in Dallas and win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys next season.

Anyways, I wanted to share

some of the comments from Belichick and Kraft from their press conference upon the announcement of the dynasty officially coming to an end.

BELICHICK: “Robert [Kraft] and I, after a series of discussions, have mutually agreed to part ways,” said Belichick. “For me, this is a day of gratitude and celebration.

“I’ll start with Robert and his family. Great. So much thanks for the opportunity to be the head coach here for 24 years. It’s an amazing opportunity, received tremendous support. We had a vision of building a championship football team here.

That’s exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations, the amount of success that we were able to achieve together through a lot of hard work and the contributions of so many people. I’m very proud of that, and I’ll always have those great memories. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life.

“And finally, to the fans. The fans here are amazing. I have so many memories of the fans – the send-offs, the parades, the Sundays, whatever the situations are. The letters of support, seeing the fans away from here, at a gas station, at a grocery store, or wherever you

bump into them – our Patriot fans here, not just in New England, but they extend nationally and even internationally as I’ve traveled. It’s amazing how far the arm reaches.

We saw that this year in Germany.

So appreciative of the fans for all the support they’ve given me, my family and this football team. It’s with so many fond memories and thoughts that I think about the Patriots. I will always be a Patriot. I look forward to coming back here.

But, at this time, we’re going to move on. I look forward, am excited for the future. But, I am always very appreciative of the opportunity here, the support here, and Robert, what you’ve done for me.”

KRAFT: “As Bill mentioned, yesterday, we met and mutually agreed to part ways amicably,” said Robert Kraft. “Like a good marriage, a successful head coach/ owner relationship requires a lot of hard work. and I’m very proud that our partnership lasted for 24 years. I don’t think in the NFL, there’s been any other partnership that lasted longer and has been as productive as ours.

“At heart, I will always be a sentimental sports fan. So, this is an emotional day for me. Some of

my happiest and most memorable moments were celebrated with my family during Bill’s tenure here.

I recognize that it also is a very emotional day for many of our fans, as it represents the end of an era, one that hopefully will always be celebrated in this region.

“Coach Belichick will forever be celebrated as a legendary sports icon here in New England and I believe go in as a Pro Football Hall of Famer on the first ballot. Why? Because he is the greatest coach of all time, which makes this decision to part ways so hard.

“But, this is a move that we mutually agreed that is needed at this time. What Bill Belichick accomplished with us, in my opinion, will never be replicated. The fact that it was done in the salary cap and free agency era makes it even more extraordinary. I thank Coach Bill for his hard work and dedication.

It will be difficult to see him in a cutoff hoodie on the sideline, but I will always wish him continued success, except when he’s playing our beloved Patriots. Thank you all for coming here today and being a part of this celebration.”

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

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January 18, 2024

SPORTS TODAY PATRIOTS FIRE BELICHICK, HIRE MAYO AS FRANCHISE’S 15TH HEAD COACH

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SBT Staff

fter 24 seasons and six Super Bowl championships, Bill Belichick’s reign in New England is over.

Late last week, the Patriots announced that Belichick and the organization have “mutually agreed to part ways.”

The news comes after weeks of speculation that Belichick would be done after the season. He had one year left on his contract, so technically, the Patriots fired Belichick.

Here’s the full press release from the team’s website: “FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have mutually agreed to part ways, concluding his 24-year tenure as head coach of the Patriots.

In 24 seasons with New England, Belichick delivered six Super Bowl titles, nine conference championships, 17 division crowns (with 2002 and 2008 lost on tiebreakers), including 11 consecutive division titles and 30 playoff victories.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Tweet of the Week

WHATTOWATCH NFL SATURDAY, JAN. 20 Divisional Playoffs Houston at Baltimore (-9.5) 4:30 P.M. ABC/ESPN Green Bay at San Francisco (-9.5) 8:15 P.M. FOX SUNDAY, JAN. 21 Tampa Bay at Detroit (-6.5) 3 P.M. NBC Kansas City at Buffalo (-2.5) 6:30 P.M. CBS NBA FRIDAY, JAN. 19 Denver at Boston 7:30 P.M. ESPN NHL SATURDAY, JAN. 20 Montreal at Boston 7 P.M. NESN GOLF THURS, JAN. 18 - SUN, JAN. 21 The American Express 4 P.M. GOLFC

Belichick, who was hired as the 14th head coach of the Patriots on Jan. 27, 2000, is the only head coach in NFL history with six Super Bowl titles. He joins Hall of Fame coaches George Halas and Culy Lambeau as the only NFL coaches with six championships since the league began postseason play in 1933. He owns the second-most wins overall with 333 total victories and led the Patriots to a winning record for 19 consecutive seasons (2001-19), behind only Dallas’ Tom Landry, who recorded 20 consecutive winning seasons from 1965 through 1985.

Belichick has also notched 31 postseason wins in his career, the most by a head coach in NFL history. His 44 postseason appearances are also a record among all head coaches. In addition, he was the head coach in 511 games, second only to the 526

by Don Shula.

He re-joined the Patriots in 2000 after three seasons as the assistant head coach and secondary coach of the New York Jets (1997-99).

Belichick spent five seasons as head coach of the Cleveland Browns (1991-95) and compiled a 37-45 overall record, including a wild card victory over the Patriots in 1994.

During the 1994 season, the Browns allowed an NFL-low 204 points which set a Cleveland Browns 16game record and was the sixth best

performance since the NFL went to the 16-game schedule in 1978.

Belichick began his coaching career in 1975 as a special assistant to then-Baltimore head coach Ted Marchibroda. A year later he joined the Detroit Lions as an assistant special teams coach and then instructed Lions’ tight ends and receivers. In 1978 he joined the Denver Broncos as assistant special teams coach and assistant to defensive coordinator Joel Collier. Belichick moved to the New York Giants in 1979 and served as a defensive assistant and special teams coach on Ray Perkins’ staff.

He drew added responsibility of instructing the Giants’ linebackers from 1981-82. In 1983, he began coordinating the defense and continued instructing what would become one of the most dominant linebacker units of all-time. In 1985, he was officially appointed as the team’s defensive coordinator, a position he held for six seasons, including the 1986 Super Bowl season. In 1990, the N.Y. Giants won their second NFL title in four years.”

Just days after parting ways with Belichick, the Patriots announced his replacement: former linebacker Jerod Mayo.

Mayo, 37, has been serving as a defensive coach for the Patriots since

2019, and was already in line to be Belichick’s successor, per his contract extension he signed last offseason, which allowed the Patriots to make the hiring without having to go through the NFL’s standard hiring process.

In his eight-year NFL career — all with the Patriots — Mayo played in 103 games and had 905 total tackles. He was a Patriots captain for seven seasons, and is a 2014 Super Bowl champion. He was originally drafted by the Patriots with the 10th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Tennessee.

Mayo was formally introduced as the Patriots’ new head coach on Wednesday at Gillette Stadium.

As for Belichick, all eyes will be on where he now ends up next season. The Atlanta Falcons announced that they have already interviewed Belichick for their head coach opening. But with the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round playoff exit, rumors continue to swirl that Jerry Jones could fire Mike McCarthy and replace him with Belichick.

Those rumors began before Dallas’ loss to Green Bay in the Wild Card round. They’re certainly more realistic now that the Cowboys actually did get beat at home by the Packers.

Other potential landing spots for Belichick include the Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, or Washington Commanders.