South Boston Today February 22 2024

SouthBoston

Congestion Pricing Needs A Functioning MBTA

Drivers in, around and to Boston spend the equivalent of almost three weeks of work commuting. That’s 134 hours idling in a car, or on a crowded train or bus. According to a survey from INRIX analytics company, this makes Boston the fourth worst commuting city in the world — behind London, Paris and Chicago.

One potential tool to ease that problem being considered is congestion pricing, which implements fees for people driving in a designated area during peak times. Could congestion pricing work for a city like Boston, which has a relatively small downtown and hyper localized economic activity?

Jon Gruber, chair of MIT’s economic department, joined Boston Public Radio last fall to give an economic perspective on the costs and benefits of congestion pricing.

Giving Thanks To The Volunteers Who Make Our Celebration

While the calendar tells us we’re still in the month of February, March is fast approaching and of course, in South Boston, that means the St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day celebrations are on the horizon. Tradition is important to most South Bostonians and events have been in the planning stages for weeks. A variety of events are on the listsomething for everyone of every age and interest. From sporting competitions, to concerts, military

and religious ceremonies to breakfasts, dinners, banquets and much MUCH more, all leading up to the gigantic parade on March 17th, itself this year.

South Boston’s biggest celebratory season has sometimes been compared to Mardi Gras in New Orleans - only green. Many of our residents who’ve been to Louisiana’s biggest festival have made that comparison. There is something to that line of thinking. St. Patrick’s Day/ Evacuation Day isn’t just a ‘day’ of celebrating as the name would suggest, it lasts for weeks.

In past years, as we’ll do again in 2024, we’ve sung the praises of the many volunteers who make the festivities possible by their hard work, their expertise and their amazing organizational skills. Add to that, their love for this community and its people and their willingness to put in countless hours to make sure everything goes off

perfectly, it’s a team that is impressive in every way because it truly is a labor of love. But, as impressive as this team is, its members can always use some extra volunteers to lighten the load so to speak.

If you’re a resident, long time or new arrival, and you find yourself with some extra free time, why not contact the good people at the South Boston Citizen’s Association, The South Boston Allied War Veteran’s Council, The Parade Committee, the community school programs or the offices of our local elected officials and ask them if there is some way you could help with one or more of the events.

If it weren’t for the above-mentioned people and groups, March would be just another cold and dreary winter month in the neighborhood, with residents just waiting for spring to begin. But because of what these wonderful community activists have given of themselves, March is

alive and festive. Maybe there is a place for you.

It’s also important to remark on the multitude of sponsors that have stepped forward to help fund these events and especially the parade. They make an effort to give back to the community with their financial support just as this community has supported them with its patronage. Their generosity makes what is a great celebration even better. They will be acknowledged in the coming weeks.

But there is another group that should be mentioned as well. That group is the celebrants themselves. And no, we’re not talking about the hundreds of thousands, perhaps even a million or more people that visit South Boston for the parade itself, though they are welcome too, at least the ones who behave themselves. We’re talking about the people who attend the other events as well. Participation is key to making it all a success.

The Ward 6 and Ward 7 Democratic Caucus will take place at 9:00AM, February 24, 2024, at the Curley Community Center, located at 1663 Columbia Road, South Boston, MA 02127 in preparation for the Convention on June 1, 2024 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Per Caucus rules, in order to be elected, delegate nominees must be present either in person or virtually for the vote. This meeting is hybrid for those unable to make it in person. The link is www.teams.live.com It should not go beyond 10:00AM.

Sincerely,

Bob O’Shea – Chair, Ward 6 Committee

Paul Dooley – Chair, Ward 7 Committee

AInformation Center

The Comments Coming In Pro And Con

John Ciccone

lot of comments came in regarding the topic of last week’s column. Overwhelmingly positive and supportive regarding all the problems by the flood of illegals that have been pouring into the country for the last three plus years. But there were two people who had an issue with what I said. Only two were a bit disappointing. Commenters with different views are always welcome. Basically, the questions the negative commentators, who by the way were very polite college students, reasonable in their comments and much different than some of the lunatics that write in were: ‘Dude, what’s your problem with immigrants? ‘Don’t you think they have a right to be here?’ My response was a polite NO. Not unless they come here the right way –the legal way.

Like many of our readers, I’m the grandson of immigrants. They arrived from Italy to seek a better life by getting on a waiting list, waiting their turn, and immediately went to work when they arrived. Learning the language was a priority and becoming Americans citizens was something they were so proud of and dreamed of prior to coming. What my grandparents, and I’m pretty sure yours, did not do was arrive with their hands out and demand perks and benefits.

The majority of those coming in now over the southern and even now the northern border were enticed here by unscrupulous forces, both foreign and domestic with promises of free food, shelter, healthcare and so much more and all at the expense of American tax payers. Taxpayers who are just barely able to feed their families because of Biden Administration policies. And that’s what the thrust of this week’s column is about – the total unfairness by Biden, or whoever calls the shots for him and so many,

in fact most of the Democrats in Washington, as well as certain governors of blue states, you know, like Healey in Massachusetts.

Its unclear how many of you watched or heard the speech by Senator Tom Tuberville, Republican from Alabama, a few days ago. It was enlightening. He announced that he is working on a bill that would put a stop to the Biden Administration taking money from the funds designated to care for our country’s veterans and using it to pay for all the illegals coming in.

Yes, you read that right, now they are tapping into the funds specifically meant to help our vets. There are currently 19 million veterans in America and there is only enough money put aside to provide for 9 million. While not all veterans need government assistance of course, many of them do. As Washington is sending so many billions to Ukraine and much of it unaccounted for, sending foreign aid to countries that hate us and now showering billions on people who broke our laws to get here, Americans are struggling to buy groceries, fill their gas tanks, heat their homes, pay their rents and mortgages and pay for health insurance. With growing anger, as they watch illegals being given money for housing, credit and debit cards, lots of cash, paid cell phones and so much more, it gives our citizens cause to feel that our own government is deliberately putting US citizens last. And they are right to believe that now because that’s exactly what’s happening.

Who has given Washington the ok to do this? Certainly not the American public that they are supposed to be representing. Our history tells us that action like this was one of the main reasons that brought on the American Revolution. It was called

‘taxation without representation’ The American colonists took it for only so long and then they took it to the streets and then to the battlefield. The odds that most of the Democrats in Washington will oppose Senator Tuberville’s effort to stop money being taken from our veterans to support illegals are way up there.

It’s not really known why it took the State of Texas so long to realize that they were not going to get any help protecting their border. But finally, they took the action that the federal government was supposed to take. Texas has now enlisted thousands of heav-

ily armed troops, their own National Guard, at their border with Mexico and strung razor wire as well, and they have begun renewed construction on a stationary, permanent border wall.

The effort has been a success. The flow of thousands of illegal crossings every week has now gone from a flood to a trickle. Arizona and New Mexico need to do the same. California is a lost cause. Their border is still wide open, their governor is an idiot, and that state is a mess. Liberals just have that knack of destroying everything they touch, and California is a perfect example.

Steward Health Is In Trouble

Looks like Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre has made the governor’s naughty list.

After “many months of discussion” about the fiscally flailing hospital system, Gov. Maura Healey took pen to paper on Tuesday to demand de la Torre clue the state in on the details of their financial peril, and prepare a plan to transfer the system’s seven running for-profit hospitals to another operator “as soon as possible.”

“You have refused to comply with the court order and continued to delay and obfuscate,” Healey wrote to de la Torre, referencing a prior push to get the system to hand over some financial information. “During that time, there have been reports of mismanagement, unpaid vendors, legally questionable practices and exorbitant profits for your equity partners and yourself, all while your hospitals continued to struggle financially.”

That makes two of the Beacon Hill “Big Three” that have strongly rebuked the Steward Health Care operator in the past month. House Speaker Ron Mariano still seems

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.

miffed over the closing of Stewardoperated Quincy Medical Center in 2014, which left Quincy as the largest city in New England without a hospital. “I’ve been dealing with Ralph for a long time and I am suspect of everything he tells me,” Mariano said of de la Torre last week.

Steward, for its part, contends that it in fact provided “audited financial documentation” to state regulators late last year and early this year, and that it wants to work “cooperatively with the Governor on a solution we all agree must be found to guarantee continuity of care for more than one million patients in the vulnerable communities we serve throughout the Commonwealth.”

Should any of the system’s facilities fail to provide proper staffing and supplies, Healey warned the state will take “all actions necessary” — potentially including pausing admissions, canceling procedures or shuttering beds. And while de la Torre is facing the heat, at least he reportedly has a $40 million yacht where he can kick up his feet.

Steward landlord provides bridge funding as it tries to get out Medical Properties Trust is pro-

viding millions to Steward Health Care as additional bridge funding to keep Steward’s Mass. hospitals open, reports BBJ’s Cassie McGrath. At the same time, the landlord is seeking to sell off its nine Steward properties across the state, as MPT’s fourth-quarter earnings report saw a total quarterly revenue of negative $122M — a massive plummet that was ultimately caused by Steward’s recent financial crisis. As of January, Steward owed MPT $50M in unpaid rent, though MPT continues to work to keep the system afloat as it seeks potential buyers for the hospitals.

Milton to lose

out

on state grants due to MBTA Communities noncompliance

After its voters rejected a zoning plan that would put the town in compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and clear the way for more multifamily housing, Milton is now losing out on state funding, the Healey administration announced Wednesday morning. Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus wrote a letter to Milton Town Administrator Nicholas Milano,

confirming that Milton is no longer eligible for a recent $140,800 seawall and access improvement grant, will be ineligible to receive MassWorks and HousingWorks grants, and will also be at a disadvantage when applying for other state funding.

Who exactly is Warren’s GOP challenger?

Lawyer, cryptocurrency advocate, Republican and first-time political candidate John Deaton has entered the U.S. Senate race, challenging twoterm incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Until recently, Deaton lived in Rhode Island — something Warren was quick to point out — and based on his campaign launch video, he says he’s running to continue to “shake things up for the people who need it most.”

Gaming Commission Chair

Cathy Judd-Stein to retire

Cathy Judd-Stein, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, is retiring in March at the end of her five-year term, a move that was announced Tuesday morning by the governor’s

continued on page 10

Tim Smyth, Jr. & Elizabeth Hinds-Ferrick for Republican State Committee

Iam proud to support Tim Smyth, Jr. and Dr. Elizabeth Hinds-Ferrick in their campaign to serve a full-term on the Massachusetts Republican State Committee. For those who are unaware, the MassGOP State Committee is the governing board of the state Party and is elected every four years in the Presidential primary. One man and one woman must be chosen to represent each of the Commonwealth’s 40 state senate districts. Any registered Republican or unenrolled voter can vote in this

election on Tuesday, March 5th.

Mr. Smyth and Dr. Hinds-Ferrick are principled conservatives who will fight to elect Republicans who will lower inflation and decrease the cost of living, end waste, fraud, and abuse in state government, support our police to be tough on crime, and stop the migrant crisis at our Southern border. As a retired Boston Police Detective myself, these values are important for any candidate that I consider voting for.

Heading into this crucial 2024 election year, I believe that it is

important the MassGOP has members who will stand up for common sense and decency, especially in the City of Boston. This pair of candidates will actively seek to grow the Republican Party in Boston where GOP registration currently hovers around 7%. Looking around at the disaster that one-Party control has wrought on Beacon Hill, I urge all registered Republicans and unenrolled voters to cast their ballot for Tim Smyth, Jr. and Elizabeth Hinds-Ferrick for Republican State Committee on March 5th.

ANELISE LAGO JOINS CORE INVESTMENTS, INC. AS GENERAL COUNSEL

Core Investments, Inc. announced today that Anelise Lago, an attorney with extensive experience in real estate, has joined as General Counsel of the Boston real estate development and investment company as of January 2024. Lago, who brings 18 years of legal experience in the real estate, finance and corporate space and executive leadership, assumes the responsibilities previously handled

by Gary Lilienthal, who is transitioning after several years as Core Investments’ General Counsel to a new role as Special Counsel.

“We feel lucky and are extremely happy to have someone with Anelise’s skill and wide-ranging experience in the law and real estate joining our growing team,” said Brett Lazar, President of Core Investments, Inc. “With her counsel and judgment, we look forward to continued progress with On the Dot© and our other projects.”

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Core at such an exciting time for the company,” said Lago. “Core is transforming a portion of our city and committed to building and activating the community.”

Lago is the latest addition to a growing firm that is now planning and engaged the permitting processes of the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts for On the Dot©, a 21-acre planned mixed-use neighborhood in a former industrial area along Dorchester Avenue adjacent to Andrew Square in South Boston. Core Investments also is engaged in development in

Randolph, MA, and in other Greater Boston projects.

Lago joins Core from Senné, a real estate advisory and investment firm where she served as Chief Legal Officer. She previously served as Assistant General Counsel at The RMR Group, Corporate Associate in the Real Estate and Investments and Transactions group of Ropes & Gray LLP, Corporate Associate in the Debt Finance group of Locke Lord LLP, Vice President of Loan Administration for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and Senior Associate in the Corporate Department of O’Neill & Borges LLC. Lago earned a J.D. from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, an LL.B. from at the University of Barcelona, Spain, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Hispanic Studies from the University of Puerto Rico.

On the Dot©, a future development of underused formerly industrial land along the west side of Dorchester Avenue, is highly accessible by public transportation and has significant potential for growth including housing, hotel, laboratory and office and open space. Existing

buildings on the property have about 40 small to medium-sized tenants.

Core Investments’ Master Plan for the On the Dot© neighborhood was unanimously approved by the Boston Planning and Redevelopment Agency’s Board of Directors earlier this year, and buildings in the first phase, including residential apartments, are now under review.

The future of On the Dot© is being planned with a vision consistent with existing residents’ 21st century needs and preferences, in collaboration both with the neighborhood and the City of Boston.

P.I.C. ENTERTAINMENT ADDS NEW PARTNERS TO BROADWAY GOLF CLUB OWNERSHIP GROUP

Broadway Golf Club is the first indoor golf club in South Boston, located on West Broadway and F Street. With construction ongoing inside the 7,300 SF partially belowgrade space, the anticipated opening date is Spring of 2024.

P.I.C. Entertainment LLC announced they have agreed to a deal with Scott Farrell and his equity partner to join the Broadway Golf Club ownership group, partnering with member Tommy Noto and founder Danny Picard.

“On behalf of myself and my business partner, Tommy Noto, we’re excited to join forces with Scott Farrell,” said Picard. “Scott’s passion for the game of golf, and his desire to help us take Broadway Golf Club to the next level, make him and his equity partner the perfect fit for the company.”

“When I was first approached about a Broadway Golf Club investment, I was in love with the idea from go,” said Farrell,

who is also a Managing Director at COMPASS real estate, and a partner at Eva Restaurant on Newbury Street. “Being able to come in with new capital and energy to an already amazing project is a dream. Golf as a pastime is growing exponentially, and we are seeing that trend stronger than ever in South Boston specifically. Knowing this and seeing Danny’s vision for the project, I worked quickly to get involved.”

Founded by Picard, a lifelong South Boston resident, Broadway Golf Club will showcase six state-of-the-art golf simulators, all powered by Trackman. It will also feature a “19th Hole” bar and lounge.

Along with tee times for recreational play and a virtual driving range, Broadway Golf Club will be the home to private lessons, club-fitting events, tournaments, corporate outings, community programs, in-house leagues, and limited memberships.

For more, follow Broadway Golf Club on instagram @golfbroadway.

To implement this program, overhead cameras at all entry points into downtown would record when vehicles enter and leave the designated area. The cameras would be unobtrusive, similar to the toll cameras on the Mass Pike according to Gruber. Drivers would pay a fee based on when they entered downtown and how long they stayed. Policymakers must decide on the specific details of a congestion pricing plan, including the boundaries of downtown, fees, and any vehicle exemptions.

New York is on track to becoming the first place in the United States with such a plan. last summer, it approved congestion pricing for Lower Manhattan. The proposed fees for driving below 60th Street are between $9 and $23, and lower during the latenight hours.

Here in Massachusetts, former Gov. Charlie Baker opposed congestion pricing, while Gov. Maura Healey has said it could

be on the table.

Now, a Boston City Council proposal to consider bringing congestion pricing to Boston has proven to be politically polarizing, however, Jim Rooney, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce president and CEO says it has to be under consideration given the state of traffic and public transit funding challenges. He stated further that congestion pricing, or an additional tolling tax for drivers, is among the strategies the governor’s new transportation funding task force, of which he is a member, will be considering in a 12-month study set to start soon. But, hitting drivers with higher taxes to get more people onto public transit at a time when the T is not reliable will be a major obstacle to consider.

When it comes to funding transportation, Rooney said it’s not difficult to come up with ways to raise money. Rather, the challenge is centered around the “political feasibility” of those strategies, he told the Boston Herald. “Certain people will like congestion pric -

Virtual Public Meeting

CORE on the Dot Phase 1b

ing; I’m sure that environmental advocates, for example, to the extent that it reduces emissions and traffic, will like congestion pricing,” Rooney said. “Others may feel like it’s not a good idea.”

“I can’t think of a proposal that is not going to be without some measure of controversy, but we’re going to have to make some hard decisions,” he added.

Congestion pricing has been kicked around at the state level for years. A bill that would have created a mobility pricing commission to look into such a tax was vetoed a number of times, including by former Gov. Charlie Baker in the summer of 2022, when he cited equity concerns. Gov. Maura Healey has been more receptive to the idea. She created the transportation funding task force last month, an entity that will look into the mobility pricing strategies the vetoed legislation would have considered.

The idea has also regained traction due to the hearing order brought last week before the Boston City Council, which will debate the impacts of adding a congestion fee to drivers for Hub access. Rooney said, however, that the policy would take at least five years to implement, if it proves to be politically palatable.

“Congestion pricing is actually a form of tolling so we would need to embrace more broad-based tolling,” Rooney said. “What we have today is just the Mass Pike and

tunnels and bridges, so that’s the only place technically we could implement congestion pricing, under today’s structure.” If the commonwealth was to embrace congestion pricing either in or out of Boston, like what New York City is planning to implement, or different parts of the state, that would mean implementing the same technology and system we have for tolling and then use congestion pricing to help manage the flow.

In New York City, which is moving forward with plans to implement the country’s first zonebased congestion pricing model, it has been 14 years since the idea was formally proposed by thenMayor Michael Bloomberg and five years since it was approved by the state Legislature. Other U.S. cities have experimented with mobility pricing. Seattle and San Francisco, for example.

The type of zone-based congestion pricing New York City is trying to implement, and that the Boston City Council is considering, has been implemented abroad in London, Stockholm and Singapore, but there are no operating examples in the U.S., the department said.

“At the end of the day, doing nothing is not an option,” Rooney said. “There’s a bunch of things that have positive and negative aspects to them, but doing nothing is not an option, particularly when the gas tax is going away.”

St. Peter Academy Snow Day Zoom Learning, Valentine’s Day & Pink/Red Tag Day

What a busy week we had at St. Peter Academy.

Tuesday was a Snow Day without snow! St. Peter’s motto is “No Days Off” so learning continued without a hitch, students brought their snow packets and devices home on Monday. Zoom learning happened in the morning and the children were allowed some reading or downtime for the rest of the day. Wednesday we celebrated Valentine’s Day with class parties, decorations, and treats. Friday was our monthly tag day. Students wore pink or red

and the donation will be made to this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Happy President’s Day. Tuesday the Toddler Program February Vacation Camp will be in session.

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 individual 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 email spa@stpeteracademy.com or call 617-268-0750.

St. Peter Academy is an independent 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 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 PreK (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.

Guy The Wine Second LabelsPart One

When we hear the word, “second ‘’, various things run through our minds; most of them fall along the line of, “maybe good, but not first” and most of the time, it’s true. In one case, however, while second labels of “Premier Cru” wines must be called that by law, the quality and taste of these wines is anything but, “maybe good”. Over the last 20 years, as the market for all wine has become “locally global”, like so many other goods and services, the number of second labels has increased

substantially; hence, the reason for a two-part article. While the prices aren’t cheap by themselves, they are still a bargain, in that they offer the buyer an opportunity to taste the next best thing to some of the best wines on the planet or hold them and let them age further. It is a rare, sumptuous treat to have any of the following....

2010 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases ‘Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases’ Saint Julien, France, ($92.99). Relatively new, ‘Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases’ is the true ‘second wine’ of Chateau Leoville-Las Cases. ‘Clos du Marquis’ is technically a second vineyard rather than a ‘second wine’. Attractively ripe, this second wine from Château Léoville las Cases is initially fruity. The structure comes through only slowly to reveal itself. This wine is ripe, yet shot through with acidity; it easily has another 10-12 years to develop, yet is really enjoyable today. Any higher-end beef dish, from N.Y. strip to Filet to Chateaubriand will bring out this wine’s plush structure, as well as flavors that you’ll rarely find in other wines.

South Boston Citizens Association Reminder of the Henry Knox Unsung Heros

SBCA President Tom McGrath and Executive Board are pleased to announce that on Saturday, March, 2nd, 2024, at the Kick-off Breakfast, The Henry Knox Award Presentation will take place at the Seapoint Restaurant, 367 East 8th Street, at 10AM.

Family, Friends and Neighbors are respectfully invited to attend this wonderful event. A $15.00 donation is requested at door to help off-set costs. This year’s event will once again feature great music of Bob Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy and be catered once again by Deja Brew.

The event Chairman, once again will be South Boston’s own State Representative David Biele, who continues to lead the fight to preserve the historical importance of Evacuation Day while

serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. “As president of the Association, it is an honor for me to work with David to kick-off the festivities. David’s commitment and involvement with the SBCA and our community has been a tremendous asset to me and the Executive Board.” Said McGrath.

The awards are presented to everyday volunteers in the community who seek no recognition,

Who are considered who are considered “Unsung Heroes”, kicks off the monthlong celebration for one of the most important events in American history.

This year’s recipients are BPD Officer Billy Connors, Jay Arthur, Shannon Maloney, Anne Marie Adduci and Billy Allen.

Tom McGrath, President of the SBCA, said “It is an honor to recognize these individuals who dedicate their time and energy to the South Boston Community. I hope the community will join me and others on Saturday, March, 2nd to honor these men and women.”

Tickets are available at the door for a15.00 donation. Doors open at 9:30AM.

2009 Echo de Lynch Bages Chateau Haut-Bages Averous, Pauillac, France, ($73.99), is the second label of Ch. Lynch-Bages, whose first growth label from the same year retails for between $575-$600.00 per bottle. It has a deep, inky color with a cavalcade of red fruit and baking spice notes, as well as a smoky, earthy body that will be optimized if you have the patience to let it decant for about two hours. Again, for the money, this is a super rich, heady taste experience, with a nose, palate and finish that you’ll remember for a long, long time. Like the others mentioned here, it’s a rare combination of smoothness and powerful structure.

Château Montrose, La Dame de Montrose, St.-Estephe, Bordeaux, ($52.99) is the second wine from Chateau Montrose. It presents as a very deep, dark ruby-red; the wine is practically opaque, with a purple rim. The nose is comprised of very strong and brooding dark fruit, plum & damson fruit notes that combine harmoniously with fresh acidity on the palate. The wine has a creamy texture with a

The 2024 SBCA Evacuation Day Banquet Award Recipients Announced

SBCA President Tom McGrath and Executive Board are pleased to announce that on Friday, March, 15th, 2024, at the 144th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, at the South Boston Convention Center, the following awards will be presented to the following individuals; The John “Joe” Moakley Outstanding Citizen will be given to Tomas MacCormiac of the Irish Village , The John McCormack Award for Public Service will be presented to former Boston City Councilor Frank Baker, The Jimmy Kelly/Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Award will go to Mark O’Leary of the (O’Leary Foundation and Chippewa Club) and Chief Marshal Appreciation Award to Gerard Wheeler.

smooth,yet rich mouthfeel. At the end, there are multiple flavors and textures that all combine to give an extraordinary finish that’s long and fresh. While this wine will enhance any red meat dish, it’s often enjoyed by the Bourdelais with dishes of pheasant, quail and boar.

Château le Puy, Émilion Francs, Côtes de Bordeaux, 2015, ($54.99) has a nice, deep ruby color that is complemented by a beautiful nose of dark cherry, tabac and caramel notes as it sits in the glass, along with structured black fruit- an amazing nose for such a young bottle. Like the other wines mentioned here, it can be enjoyed now, but it’s widely felt that it will only get better with another 10-15 years in the cellar. If you’re having it, try a Lamb shank braised with garlic and rosemary or a Steak Tartare.

More info on the awardees will be coming in the next few weeks. Family, Friends and Neighbors are respectfully invited to attend this wonderful event.

Individual and Tables can be purchased by contacting Tommy McGrath at 857-204-5825.

This year’s event will once again feature great music of Bob Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy.

Tommy McGrath

Topics for the 2024 South Boston Citizens’ Association’s Evacuation Day Essay and Poster Competitions have been announced by the SBCA for the 248th Evacuation Day

South 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 resi-

dents 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.

2023 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.

CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

Early voting will take place February 24 - March 1

The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The Presidential Primary determines the presidential candidate who will represent their political party in the November State Election. Voters can update their voting status including party affiliation, new address, or name change until February 24. Early voting begins Saturday, running through March 1.

Voter Registration Deadline and Registration Information

The Voter Registration Deadline for the Presidential Primary is Saturday, February 24, 2024. Registration must be postmarked by February 24, 2024. Voters can register in person at the Boston Election Department, located in City Hall Room 241, by 5 pm or register online by 11:59 pm.

In-person Early Voting

In-person early voting begins Saturday, February 24 and runs through Friday, March 1. City Hall is Boston’s primary early voting site, with voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Voters are encouraged to enter City Hall through the Hanover Street entrance to access the early voting location on the second floor, Haymarket Room.

Neighborhood early voting locations will be available throughout the city on Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25 from 11 am to 7 pm, and from noon to 8 pm. on Tuesday, February 27 and Thursday, February 29. .

All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check in. Early voting locations are well staffed with poll workers and interpreters, and fully accessible to voters with disabilities.

Vote-by-Mail

Voters may also choose to vote early by mail. Applications to request a vote-by-mail ballot must be received by Tuesday, February 27 at 5 pm.

Vote-by-mail ballots may be returned using one of 21 drop boxes located throughout the City; in-person at the Boston Election Department located at City Hall Room 241; at an early voting location during the prescribed hours for voting; or via U.S. Mail. Voters are asked to return all signed ballot packages, whether using a drop box or the US Mail in the white postage paid return envelope included with their vote by mail ballot. Ballots must reach the Boston Election Department or a ballot drop box by 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 5 to be counted. Ballots cannot be delivered to a polling location on Election Day.

Voters can track the status of their vote-by-mail ballots. If there is no movement indicated in the “Track My Ballot” system, voters should plan to vote in-person on Election Day.

Accessible Voting

The Accessible Electronic Voting System allows voters who are unable to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate or mark ballots to submit their ballot via a secure electronic delivery system. Voters who qualify for an Accessible Electronic Ballot may apply. The deadline to ap-

Window continued from page 4 office. Judd-Stein began at the MGC in 2019 after being designated by former Gov. Charlie Baker and oversaw a transformative time in the industry. Gov. Healey will now have to tap a new chair for the commission, and MGC is also already in the process of finding a new executive director.

ply for an accessible ballot is Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5 pm. Please note: To get access to the electronic ballot, you will need to provide your email address.

Voting on Election Day

Polling locations open at 7:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. A list of polling locations can be found here. As a reminder, voters should check their registration status via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish. Chinese and Vietnamese ballots will be available where required. Language interpreters will also be available upon request. All voting locations are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with AutoMark Voter Assist Terminal for voters with visual or hearing impairments.

Unofficial Results

After polls close at 8:00 pm, the Election Department will receive and upload unofficial results of ballots counted at polling places as they are returned from each precinct.

Media Guidelines:

Where to Stand

Members of the press must remain behind the guardrail. While many polling places are not equipped with a physical guardrail, the area within the “guardrail” encompasses the check-in table, the voting booths, and the ballot box. Only poll workers and voters should be within this area.

Interacting with Voters and Poll Workers

Members of the press, like all other observers in the polling place, may not interact with voters while they are in the

Towns neighboring Quabbin Reservoir facing water quality issues

Towns closest to the Quabbin Reservoir don’t have access to the water supply provided to eastern Mass., and several, like New Salem and Ware, are experiencing water quality problems due to old water infrastructure and PFAS discovered in the water in some spaces. The issues are built upon the long

polling place. Further, observers who have questions about where they should stand and what they are allowed to do while observing should ask to speak to the warden. The warden may provide members of the press with information regarding their rights as observers.

Photography

Photography of the voting process in the polling place is permitted, though marked ballots may not be photographed. Photographers are allowed inside the polling place to photograph the area from outside the guardrail. The warden may instruct the photographer not to take photos of any marked ballots.

Video & Audio Recording

As with photography of the polling place, video recording of the polling place is allowed. Audio recording of the polling place is not permitted under state law. Anyone recording in the polling place must have the ability to record without capturing audio and should be instructed to do so by the warden. Those who are using electronic equipment may not use the electricity in the polling place to power their equipment.

Exit Polling

Exit polling and interviews of voters are permitted outside the polling place, even within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling place, but only those voters who are leaving the polling place should be stopped. Voter access to the polling place should not be impeded in any way.

history of sacrifice by communities that used to exist, and still do exist, near the Quabbin so that eastern Mass. could “thrive,” reports Alden Bourne for NEPM. Sen. Jo Comerford cosponsored a bill that would create a new trust fund generated millions annually for the watershed towns and reassess land PILOT payments communities receive.

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on the retirement of Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater:

How many special teams players get as much love as Matthew Slater gets in New England? Not many.

But Slater’s praise from us is well deserved. If for nothing else, for his leadership.

I was a reporter for Slater’s early days in the NFL. The Patriots drafted him out of UCLA in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. I covered the Patriots from 2009-2013. I was in the locker room mostly every day after practices and home games. And Slater was always one of the go-to media scrums.

A media “scrum” is when, the reporters, surround a player in front of his locker. And in the Patriots’ locker room, not many players in the Bill Belichick era were willing to give a decent, honest interview. Slater was the exception. He still played by the Belichick rules, but he did so with extreme humility, if that makes sense.

Anyways, I’ll always remember Slater as being a go-to voice in he locker room. I covered a lot of leaders for different teams in different sports as a reporter, and Slater is right there at the top of the list for me.

So, I thought I’d share some

quotes from people inside the Patriots organization — past and present — who also have nothing but praise Slater via press releases:

PATRIOTS OWNER ROBERT

KRAFT: “Matthew Slater wasn’t just a special teams player for the Patriots. He was a special team player who helped us win three Super Bowls and made a positive impact on the many lives he touched, both on and off the field. On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day alongside his father. Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more. He is a role model, not just for young players, but for everyone. He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Matthew, in partnership with his wife Shahrzad and the entire Slater family, for his remarkable 16-year Patriots career. Matthew’s dedication, leadership and talent have been instrumental to our success, and his impact extends far beyond the field. His character and commitment to our organiza-

tion, his teammates and the game of football are unparalleled. We are all better for knowing Matthew Slater, and while we will miss his presence on the field, we look forward to celebrating his many future contributions and accomplishments. We know there will be many.”

PATRIOTS COACH JEROD

MAYO: “Matthew Slater – my friend, former co-captain, threetime Super Bowl Champion, fivetime first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro-Bowler – is an all-time great. He is an incredible human being and an extraordinary father, husband, son, friend and teammate, to name just a few of the many key roles he plays for countless people who have been fortunate enough to be graced by his presence. Matthew and his lovely family, including his wife, Shahrzad, and beautiful children, Jeremiah, Hannah, Noah and Micah, are led by faith and commitment, example and action. Matthew and I entered the NFL together in 2008, and I was fortunate to play my entire career with him. Matthew’s leadership, attitude, intelligence and dedication created a professional football career that will most definitely earn him enshrinement in both the Pro Football Hall

of Fame and Patriots Hall of Fame. Matthew is a winner in football, but his accomplishments far exceed the field. He is a winner in life. I know that Matthew will continue to make profound impact on so many in his community, both personally and professionally. Matthew is my dear friend for life. I thank him for the man he is and wish him the very best in all future endeavors. I know he will be great at whatever he chooses to do next.”

FORMER PATRIOTS COACH

BILL BELICHICK: “Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams players & coaches) that I have coached. Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.”

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

SPORTS TODAY

PATRIOTS CAPTAIN SLATER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

New England Patriots special teamer Matthew Slater announced his retirement on Tuesday. Here’s a trimmeddown portion of the retirement letter he released:

“For as long as I can remember, football has been one of the passions of my heart. Some of my earliest memories of the game are of watching my dad prepare for training camp with the Los Angeles Rams. We spent every summer in Meridian, Mississippi visiting my grandparents. During those hot summer days in Meridian, I would often tag along with my dad to the local high school field. While I sat in the shade asking for snow cones, my father would methodically put himself through the paces. I remember those days more clearly than I remember his games. They weren’t glamorous. There was no crowd around to cheer him on. There were no lights flashing. There were no critics critiquing. Just a man, my hero, dedicating himself to the game he loved so much. Never burdened by the work, he understood it was a blessing to do what he loved. It was a gift from the Lord. To experience the love that my hero had for the game in word and deed was transformative. I soon began to develop those same feelings for the game

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that had been so good to our family.

For the last 25 years of my life, 16 of them as a New England Patriot, I have been incredibly blessed to be able to emulate the man I saw on those fields in Meridian by playing the game that I love so much. I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game. Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime.

As a player, God used the game of football to instruct, discipline, encourage, and develop me as a person.

In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.

Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years. Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year. To the people of New England, thank you for welcoming my family and me into your community and allowing us to call New England home. We are beyond humbled and blessed. You the fans make an NFL player’s experience what it is. Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.

I am a firm believer that in life any experience we have is only

made possible by the people surrounding us. My story in football is not my own. I have been supported by hundreds of people along the way. I would like to take the opportunity to thank some of them now.

To my mother and father, Annie and Jackie Slater: Thank you for committing to raise and support me the way you did. Thank you for instilling in me the importance of faith in Christ and the importance of loving the people around you. Mom, you are the backbone of our family. You sacrificed so much, and your belief in me never wavered. To my brother David, my biggest fan, thank you for doing life with me and always having my back. I love you all.

To my wife, Shahrzad: Thank you for the sacrifice, grace, forgiveness and everything else you did to support my dream and our family. To my children, Jeremiah, Hannah, Noah, and Micah: Thank you for inspiring daddy every day. The five of you have seen me at my very best and at my very worst. Through it all, your unconditional support has bolstered me. I love you all.

To every teacher, mentor, pastor, coach, agent, physical therapist, athletic trainer, massage therapist, chiropractor, nurse, doctor, friend, roommate, and family member:

THANK YOU! To every member of the weight room staff, equipment staff, support staff, public relations staff, custodial staff, dining room staff, football staff and so many more: THANK YOU! You all supported me from my time growing up in Southern California to my time here in New England. You all helped me take my career in football from a dream to a reality. Thank you. WE did this as a collective! I love you all.

To the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization: Thank you for your continued support and belief. Thank you for always treating me and my family like your family. I truly believe I have been a part of the best organization in all of pro sports.

To Coach Belichick: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my childhood dream. Thank you for your belief in me. You took a chance on me and kept me around when many would not have. It is a great honor to know that I played for the best coach in the history of our league.

‘How do I feel about being a Patriot for life?’

‘AWW YEAH!!!’

May God Bless you all!

Sincerely,

Matthew Slater”

The entire letter can be read at Patriots.com.

South Boston Citizens’ Association

Thomas E. McGrath, President

“The Nation's Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization”

248th Annual Evacuation Day Events

2024 Evacuation Day Committee

Clerk of Courts, John Powers, General Chairman

Governor Maura Healey, Honorary Chairperson

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Honorary Chairman

Mayor Michelle Wu, Honorary Chairperson

State Senator Nick Collins, Honorary Chairman

State Representative David Biele, Honorary Chairman

Former City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty, Honorary Chairman

City Councilor Erin Murphy, Honorary Chairperson

District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, Honorary Chairman

Suffolk Register of Deeds Stephen Murphy, Honorary Chairman

March 2nd through March 17th

Jimmy Flaherty

Kick-Off Breakfast

Saturday, March 2nd

State Representative, David Biele Honorary Chairman

Seapoint Restaurant -10:00 AM

Suggested Donation $15.00

21+Bowl-A-Rama

Sunday, March 10th

Cheryl Joyce, Andrea Flaherty, Rich Devoe, Pauline Bare and Joyce Higgins

Honorary Chairpersons

Sponsored by South Boston Bowl 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND

Basketball Free-Throw Competition

Monday, March 4th

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Former Mayor Ray Flynn

Bernie O’Donnell, Kathy Davis, John Lydon

Honorary Chairpersons

Tynan Community School Gym 6:00 PM

The Swimming Competition

Tuesday, March 5th

City Councilor Erin Murphy

Honorary Chairperson

Boys and Girls Club Pool Registration 6:00 PM, Meet 6:30 PM

Our Sponsors

Ice-O-Rama

Wednesday, March 6th

State Senator Nick Collins

State Rep. David Biele

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Honorary Chairmen

Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard - 6:00 PM

Boxing Tournament

Saturday, March 9th &16th

Sanctioned by USA Boxing

Sponsored by Peter Welch’s Gym

Noon - Doors open at 11:30 am

144th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet

Friday, March 15th

BCEC 2nd Floor Ballroom

New England Boiled Dinner

Entertainment by Curragh’s Fancy

Reception 5:30 PM-----Dinner 7:00 PM

FOR TICKETS CALL 857-204-5825

Tom & Eddie Butler

St. Patrick’s Senior Salute

Saturday, March 9th

Mayor Michelle Wu, Michael Flaherty & Thomas Butler Jr. Chairmen

Mary Collins, Kathy Flynn and Joyce Biele Honorary Chairwomen

Curley Community Center - 11am to 2pm

Athletic Competition Condon School Gym

Thursday, March 14th 4 PM-6 PM

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Joe Curran and Barbara Caputo Kelly

Honorary Chairpersons

Boys and Girls ages 10 to 14

St. Patrick's Day Road Race

Sunday, March 17th

Proceeds Benefit

South Boston Boys & Girls Club PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED 617-516-5441

Race begins at 11:00 AM at the Club

Evacuation Day Memorial Mass

Friday, March 15th

Fr. Joe White

Margaret Lynch, Honorary Chairwoman

St. Augustine's Chapel - 9:00 AM

Memorial/Historical Exercises

Friday, March 15th

US Congressman Stephen Lynch

State Senator Nick Collins

Old Harbor & Telegraph Streets - 10:00 AM

Essay & Poster Competition Event

Wednesday, March 13th

Bernie O’Donnell, Past President SBCA

Robert Allison, S.B. Historical Society

US Congressman Stephen Lynch

State Senator Nick Collins

Marry Collins, David Biele and Ed Flynn

Honorary Chairpersons

The Broadway - 5 to 7:30pm

St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade

SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH - 1 PM

Gerald Wheeler - Chief Marshal

SB Allied War Veterans Council