South Boston Today March 21 2024

SouthBoston

The Future Of MCAS

In August of last year The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) had unanimously voted to support a ballot question aimed at eliminating the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam as a high school graduation requirement. Teachers say the lengthy exam forces them to prepare their classrooms to take it. The MTA collected more than 130,000 signatures and the ballot question was cleared for the first step in appearing on the November 2024 ballot.

“We are a union that is committed to fixing a key part of what’s wrong in public schools, that is this over-reliance on high stakes testing,” said MTA President Max Page. “What students will be judged on is successfully passing the curriculum that shows they have mastered

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EDITORIAL

Comments On The Parade

The 2024 Saint Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade has now come and gone. But the commentary in the aftermath from locals continues. The positives dominate but there were some negatives as well. We’ll get to those in a bit. The makeup of the parade was absolutely beautiful say most South Bostonians – current and former. The procession was overflowing with excellent and talented marching bands, beautiful floats and costumed characters from popular movies. The heavy presence from every branch of the military, First Responders from our police, firefighters, EMS, EMT etc. they were received like conquering heroes; as they should be and so many more participants that thrilled adults and children alike.

The line of march was awash in Red, White and Blue and of course the traditional Irish green made the entire 3 mile route look festive, bright and cheerful. Of course the weather was perfection. It’s rare that

the day of the parade is not cold and blustery, but this year the weather cooperated to make being outdoors for hours a real pleasure. Sunny and mild is always welcome like sweet frosting on a tasty cake.

Ok, yes, there were some negatives, in the form of rowdies that descend on our community each year for the celebration who have no respect for anything or anybody and feel like it’s their obligation and their right to act like total clowns and ass hats. Though their numbers, compared to the size of the size of the crowd of approximately one million spectators were small, people who had the unfortunate experience of being anywhere near them, in some cases had their day ruined. Rude, nasty, rowdy and ignorant is no way to be when in someone else’s neighborhood. Some of them were downright disgusting. They need to stay home next year – never to return. To their credit, the police were able to deal with problems when they happened. Dealing

with such a massive crowd is never easy; the logistics involved are difficult to say the least. And yet, the police were up to the task.

And now, the incredible job the parade organizers did must be acknowledged. The months of planning,

the long hours involved and the hard work not only on the day of but leading up to the big event itself was in a word, ‘magnificent’. Lining up the bands, the floats, all the many marching units and color guards was apparently a labor of love by all involved. It had to be for it to turn out so well. It went off with military precision

and on time. The attention to detail was apparent and the satisfaction they must have felt for such a job well done had to be way up there. Thank you ALL.

As another St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day celebration goes down in the history books; everyone involved deserves very special praise and our appreciation.

“Time

TInformation Center The Remember, The Public Gets What It Votes For

John Ciccone

he saying ‘You get what you voted for” has taken on new meaning in the last 3 and a half years. - Especially in the Liberal run inner cities in Blue States across America and in particular the City of New York. We’ve all seen the recent headlines. The mass exodus of people moving out continues and the latest shock poll has more than half the people who still reside there saying they want out as soon as they can.

New Yorkers, who voted for Biden and the Democrats who run that city are walking around dazed and confused. Many are wondering out loud ‘What Happened’? By the votes of the citizens, the place went from ‘we are a sanctuary city’ to ‘We can’t handle this anymore, we’re being overrun’. And remember, they went from ‘Let’s defund the Police’ to begging for the National Guard to come in to patrol their subways. Did you ever think the day would come when armed soldiers would be needed to protect citizens on public transportation in America’s cities?

New York City dwellers; who always voted for anyone with a ‘D’ next to their name are complaining that they not only don’t feel safe walking in their own neighborhoods at night, but they are even frightened when out in the day time. And the fact that they still don’t seem to understand what and why it’s all happening, by the surprise they show about the demise of their city, there are probably still a large number who still don’t get it – that by their votes, they’ve brought this on themselves. Just to be clear, its not the whole of New York State that’s in shambles, upstate New York has not descended into a crime infested battle field. Most of the people there actually think before they vote. But NYC itself is pretty much gone.

Unfortunately, New York is not the only city suffering from the effects of voting stupidly. Look at San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, Atlanta, Los Angeles and so many others. Businesses are closing up shop and fleeing so fast that the places are starting to look like boarded up ghost towns in many sections. The crime, the constantly rising taxes, the dwindling city services and decaying public school systems are turning once world class destinations for tourists into stay away zones. There is not enough money for city services and infrastructure repair even though the city governments keep on raising taxes. But, there seems to be more than enough money to shower the influx of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants with loaded debit cards, housing, free food and healthcare services. The citizens are becoming furious over this as they realize that they are no longer the concern and certainly not the priority to the liberal politicians that have been running things for the last 50 years. And it looks like these politicians will get the message loud and clear in the next election. OH, wait; did I just use the term illegal immigrants? Ooops! I forgot. Biden says we can’t use that term anymore and we had better start referring to them as ‘Undocumented Migrants’ or else we’ll be accused of hate speech. Fat chance. Woke speak will never be used on this page. We’ll speak plainly, bluntly and truthfully. What’s happening in those larger big cities is starting to trickle into to Boston, only so far, on a much smaller scale. But if the Boston and Massachusetts’s politicians don’t wise up and take a hard look and learn a lesson from what everyone can clearly see happening around so many other urban areas, it can hap-

pen here and quickly.

I’ll close with some good news about a positive event that took place in another part of the country and seems to be spreading to other places. A student attending a high school in Indiana drives to school each day with a huge American flag flying from the bed of his pickup truck. The school officials told him to remove it; it wasn’t allowed in the school parking lot. He refused and was told he had better obey or he would face suspension or even expulsion. The word spread quickly through the school and the next day, a whole convoy of

student s driving their own pickups and cars flooded the school lot with large flags flying of their own in support of their class mate. The parents got involved as well and soon the entire parking lot was a sea of giant flags waving in the breeze. One look at the defiance taking place on such a massive scale, the school officials the very next day issued an apology and admitted that they made a big mistake. Yes, they sure did. God bless those students and may they serve as an example to other students and as a lesson to school officials everywhere in America.

Clemency For Old Pot Smokers?

Gov. Maura Healey’s looking to answer President Joe Biden’s call today — his call to action from a couple of years ago, when he urged governors to follow up on his move granting pardons for federal marijuana possession convictions. Healey is set to announce her own large-scale pardon covering state-level cannabis possession convictions.

The president raised the issue just last week in his State Of The Union speech, referring to the expungement of “thousands of convictions for the mere possession” of marijuana. “No one

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.

should be jailed for simply using or have it on their record,” Biden said on Capitol Hill.

On Beacon Hill this morning, Healey isn’t just looking to follow in Biden’s footsteps — she’s also looking to build out her own record on executive clemency, which is already well ahead of the curve, at least for recent history.

Last year, the Arlington Democrat broke a 26-year mold by recommending a batch of pardons during her first year in office, something not done since Gov. Paul Cellucci in 1997.

Clemency is a tool that governors once dispensed with fre -

quency, like Gov. Mike Dukakis, who in his first year in office (1975) recommended 119 pardons and 16 commutations. Gov. Bill Weld recommended a single pardon in1991, his first year, and Cellucci had four pardons and a commutation in 1997. Healey’s already up to 13, all from her first year, and all of which won overwhelming approval from the elected Governor’s Council.

If a baker’s dozen seemed like a lot, just wait for the first official estimate of how many convictions will fall under the proposed “blanket pardon” for cannabis possession. Thousands? Tens or hundreds of thousands? At least one member of the Governor’s Council, which has the final say over any pardon actions, said Tuesday that he still had “a lot of questions” about “unknown ramifications” of Healey’s move, some related to cases where simple possession was just one charge out of many. That was Councilor Joe Ferreira, and maybe he’ll get some answers out of this morning’s press conference.

BU graduate student workers vote to authorize strike

Unionized graduate student workers at Boston University have voted to authorize a strike as talks with the school drag on over boosting health care coverage and increasing stipends. The 3,000-member union, formed late in 2022, says 90 percent of members voted to support a strike during an election that began last month, while BU says it continues to negotiate in good faith.

Wu on Boston’s White Stadium renovation

Boston is waiting on a judge to make the decision about whether the city can renovate White Stadium to host

Boston’s professional women’s soccer team. 20 neighbors and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy have sued the city to halt the project because they say it would illegally transfer public lands to a private party, and the ruling to the conservancy’s injunction is coming on March 22. Mayor Michelle Wu said Tuesday on GBH that the stadium would be open for community use more than 90 percent of the time post-renovation, and that without the $30M contribution from Boston Unity Soccer Partners, the city wouldn’t be able to afford a renovation.

Healey appeals federal denial of disaster relief

Gov. Healey sent the president a letter on Monday via a FEMA regional administrator asking the Biden administration to reconsider its initial rejection of the state’s request for a major disaster declaration as a result of last September’s major flooding. Healey outlined the millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and property as a result of “devastating” storms, pointing to the recovery process many communities are still facing now.

A massive decline in primary care access

Mass. is facing an “exodus” of primary care physicians — a group of doctors who earn lower salaries, longer hours and higher stress levels than most specialty physicians. More PCPs are quitting private practice and fewer PCPs are coming into the industry than ever before, pointing to research showing that the amount of patients who could get in to see their pre-established PCP when needed hit a new statewide low in 2023.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu recently spoke to the New England Council at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. In the photo: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu with Jim Brett, President and CEO, The New England Council.

Guy The Wine Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

I’d like to suggest that you get out of your comfort zone the next time you have a glass or get a bottle of wine. I believe that the following will make interesting, tasty alternatives to your usual stand-by………

It’s been mentioned many times that Chardonnay is the most-consumed

white wine on the planet. For those of you in that category, here’s an alternative: Chenin Blanc. This grape originally comes from France’s Loire Valley, but it’s produced all over the world today; it’s the most-planted grape in South Africa. One of the best from the current vintages is Lievland Old Vines Chenin Blanc, 2022, ($21.99). Made from old vines ranging between 38 to 45 years old, this wine has a light straw color. On the nose, you’ll notice elements of white peaches, citrus fruits and pineapple; the mouthfeel is rich and ripe with a vibrant acidity; tying everything together on the finish is a pronounced acidity. While the ‘22 is drinkable now, it can be laid down for 5-7 years.

If you like your Cabernet, then you really owe it to yourself to try some Pinotage. Pinotage, a distinctive South African grape variety, is a captivating fusion of Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Developed in the early 20th century, it thrives in the nation’s diverse terroirs. Known for its inky hue and complex flavors, Pinotage offers a medley of red and dark fruits—cherry, plum, and blackberry—alongside earthy, smoky notes. This grape’s character is a nod to

Virtual Public Meeting

South Boston Transportation Action Plan

APRIL 4

6:00 PM - 8: 00 PM

Project Description:

Zoom Link:

bit.ly/SBTAP-presentation

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 160 386 2979

The BPDA, in close partnership with the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) and Boston Public Works Department (PWD), is evaluating transportation challenges in South Boston through the South Boston Transportation Action Plan. The South Boston Transportation Action Plan will evaluate safety concerns in South Boston and focus the City’s resources on proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate serious and fatal traffic crashes in South Boston. The goal of the Transportation Action Plan is to build upon the vision and goals as set forth in Imagine Boston 2030 and Go Boston 2030. The Transportation Action Plan will study key transportation connections to and within the South Boston area and recommend improvements that can be implemented immediately, within the next 15 years, and beyond. The recommendations will reflect an understanding of South Boston as it exists currently as well as the forecasted effects of new development. The virtual meeting will include a presentation of the draft recommendations followed by question & answer, and comments. Translated materials and interpretation services will be provided in Spanish.

mail to: Sam Roy

B oston Planning & Development Agency

O ne City Hall Square, 9th Floor

B oston, MA 02201

phone: 603.960.0781

email: sam.roy@boston.gov

Close of Public Comment Period: 4/19/2024

Website bostonplans.org/ SouthBostonTAP

@BostonPlans BostonPlans.org

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

its dual heritage: the elegance of Pinot Noir and the robustness of Cinsault. South Africa’s diverse climates, from coastal regions to inland valleys, contribute to a spectrum of styles, from fruit-forward and approachable to more intense and age-worthy. With its proudly South African identity, Pinotage showcases the nation’s winemaking ingenuity and the rich tapestry of flavors that the country’s terroirs offer.

Kanonkop 2022 Estate Pinotage, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, ($47.99) is a tremendous example of this delicious red. It’s got a big ABV, 14.5% and notes of bramble, earthy flavors, as well as tropical fruits and bananas. Drink it now, (let it breathe for about 30 minutes) or lay it down for 7-8 years for an even richer taste experience.

While sparkling wine alternatives to

continued on page 6

In-Person Public Meeting

South Boston Transportation Action Plan

APRIL 10

6:30 PM - 8: 30 PM

Project Description:

Location:

James F. Condon School (200 D St, Boston, MA 02127)

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and Boston Transportation Department (BTD) will provide an overview of the draft recommendations for the South Boston Transportation Action Plan—a collaboration with the community, other City departments, and state agencies. The draft recommendations will include proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate serious and fatal traffic crashes, and create a safer and more efficient network for all modes of transportation—walking, biking, transit, and vehicles. The open house will include materials highlighting the draft recommendations and staff on-hand to answer questions. Translated materials and interpretation services in Spanish will be provided.

mail to: Sam Roy

B oston Planning & Development Agency

O ne City Hall Square, 9th Floor

B oston, MA 02201

phone: 603.960.0781

email: sam.roy@boston.gov

Close of Public Comment

Period:

4/19/2024

Website bostonplans.org/ SouthBostonTAP

@BostonPlans BostonPlans.org

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

our state standards. Grades in courses.” The ballot measure wouldn’t eliminate the test entirely – it would only eliminate the requirement that students must meet a certain score to get a high school diploma.

Meanwhile, Gov. Maura Healey and her education secretary Patrick Tutwiler oppose the ballot question that would allow Massachusetts students to graduate high school without achieving sufficient MCAS scores. Secretary Tutwiler made clear in an interview that he and Healey believe the measure backed by the powerful Massachusetts Teachers Association is the wrong approach, while leaving open the door to reforming the exams.

“I support the idea of there being a standard, a state standard for high school graduation,” Tutwiler said in an interview on WBZ’s Keller @ Large. “That question, if it passes, would deliver us to a place of no standard — essentially, 351 different standards for high school graduation. I don’t believe that is the direction to go. The governor does not believe that is the direction to go, so no, I do not support it.” Tutwiler said the field is already flooded with “misinformation” about the proposal, stressing that it would not eliminate the MCAS altogether but would instead decouple results from high school graduation requirements.

Healey and Tutwiler waded into the debate one day before lawmakers kick off their formal review of the measure and hear arguments for and against the proposed MCAS ballot question ahead of a May 1 deadline for lawmakers to approve it or propose a rewrite.

If the Legislature takes no action by that date, sponsors of each ballot question need to complete one more round of signature-gathering to secure a spot on the November ballot — and if the MTA and their supporters succeed on that front, they will then need to convince voters to back a measure opposed by the governor. While lawmakers consider whether to try and broker a compromise, Tutwiler signaled the administration could be on board with changing the tests themselves.

“I think that assessment is important, we need to be able to assess how our young people are doing. So, I do not support getting rid of MCAS,” Healey said. “I think there’s a question about what do we do for young people, and there are about 700 each year, who are unable to pass MCAS and therefore do not receive a high school diploma. We’ve got to find a way to take care of those young people, get them what they need, and see them through. So that’s a different discussion that my team is engaged on right now. But

I think that it’s important to maintain the ability to assess our young people.”

The question that could go before voters in November would not get rid of the MCAS tests but would decouple the standardized test results from graduation requirements. Instead, each district could set graduation requirements based on completion of coursework that’s certified as demonstrating mastery of the competencies contained in the state academic standards.

A special legislative committee heard testimony from both sides of the MCAS issue in early March. The Legislature can either approve the ballot question, pass an alternative bill or let the question go to the ballot. If the House and Senate take no action by May 1, sponsors must collect more voter signatures to secure a spot on the November ballot.

Last month, the Senate chair of the Education Committee presented an order giving the committee until the end of June to keep working on 10 bills related to assessments like MCAS.

“And because we are currently working to evaluate that ballot question -- and potentially see if there is a path to resolve that issue through the legislative process and not the ballot -- that’s why those bills are being extended, while that work continues,” Sen. Jason Lewis said on Feb. 29.

Healey creates Labor Advisory Council

Gov. Healey signed an executive order Tuesday to create a Labor Advisory Council to advise her on organized labor matters, which will include at least 15 members from a number of different public and private sectors. The governor named former VP of Massachusetts AFL-CIO Roger Brunelle, who has spent decades in the organized labor field, as her labor advisor. Healey made the announcement at MGM Springfield during the Massachusetts Building Trades Union’s Annual Convention

Champagne abound, there’s currently a great range of styles and price points in the North American market. Prosecco, which is both a place in Italy, as well as a type of sparkling wine, offers value for the money and great taste to boot. It comes in dry, semi-sweet and sweet styles, as well as white and rose hues. Zardetto Rose Prosecco Brut, ($16.99) is a pale and delicate pink with violet hues, obtained from short contact with Pinot Noir skins. It has a lively, elegant and persistent profile and it’s exuberant, lively and fragrant on the palate. With refreshing acidity, this sparkling wine is an aperitif for discerning palates and a versatile companion to a variety of foods.

Finally, if you find yourself drinking Moscato all the time, put it down and try a glass of good Riesling. Originally from Germany and Austria, there are many sub-styles within the category; to get familiar with it, I’d suggest a bottle of 2022 Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany, ($59.99). The Wine Enthusiast gave it 92 points, saying, “This shows very little sweetness, but is harmonious and well-integrated despite the firm acidity that fuels it. Stone- and orchard-fruit notes are flecked by chrysanthemum and cardamom to create the full-spectrum. The finish is long and persistent.”

So, as I said at the beginning, resolve to put something new and different in your wine glass- you might be pleasantly surprised!

HOLY WEEK & EASTER MASS SCHEDULE:

Robert W. Bolster

VETERAN

Holy Thursday -- March 28, 7:00PM at St. Brigid Church

Good Friday -- March 29, 3:00PM at Gate of Heaven Church, 4:00PM St. Augustine Chapel, 7:00PM at St. Brigid Church

Easter Vigil -- March 30, 3:00 7:30PM at Gate of Heaven Church

Easter Sunday -- March 31, 6:27AM Sunrise Mass on Castle Island

8:00AM -St. Brigid Church

9:00AM -Gate of Heaven Church

10:30AM-St. Brigid Church

12:00Noon -Gate of Heaven No 6PM Mass

Let us mourn the passing of Robert W. Bolster, March 8th, 2024, brother to Alice Doherty of Marblehead, MA & her husband, Al, and the late Penny Bolster of Quincy, as well as Karen Needle of Abington. Born on September 9, 1935, Bob grew up with his family in the Old Harbor area of South Boston, MA. He would go on to raise his family as a proud Quincy resident.

After graduating from South Boston High School, class of 1953, young Bob Bolster spent time as a service member with the United States Navy during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Antietam. Bob attended the University of Idaho on a Boxing scholarship. His determination for the sport would later earn him an induction into the Ring Four Boxing Hall of Fame (2008).

A constant seeker of knowledge, Bob went on to earn two master’s degrees, one in Education, and the other in Criminal Justice, from Northeastern University, Boston, MA. He began his career in juvenile justice and was a respected member of the MA Parole Board until 1976. In 1980 Bob would return to Northeastern, this time as a professor in Criminology. He also took great pride in being a successful entrepreneur and offered opportunities and mentorship to many friends, family members and neighbors throughout the years. He was a true friend to all who knew him.

Husband of the late Dorothy (Brissenden) Bolster, Bob is survived by his five children, Denise Guest & husband Bob, of Weymouth, MA, Robin McEachern & husband George, of Carver, MA, Kerry Doherty & husband Jack, of Saco, ME, Bob Bolster, Jr. & his wife, Amy, of Hollis, NH, and Jack Bolster & wife, Debbie, of Plymouth, MA, as well as friend, Kerry Nash, of Quincy, MA. His legacy lives on through his 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Finally, Bob is survived by his life-long best friend, Tom Finnerty, of Hanover, MA. Bob will be remembered as a vibrant man who lived life to the fullest and told a story in a way that made you want to listen. Brother, Dad, Papa, Friend, may you rest in eternal peace.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday, March 28th, from 10AM-12PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. Funeral service will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at 12 PM in Keohane Funeral Home, Quincy. Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

Donations in Bobby’s memory can be made to the South Boston Boys and Girls Club, 230 W Sixth St., Boston, MA, 02127.

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Last week was a celebration week!

Last week we celebrated Pi Day on Thursday, March 14. “Every year Pi Day provides us with a way to celebrate math, have some fun and recognize how important math is in all our lives,” said Jason Gershman, chair of NSU’s Math Department. Every year students in grades K15 at South Boston Catholic Academy enjoy this special math lesson;

planned and delivered by our grade 6 student teacher scholars!

Last Friday’s events included the students in the Early Childhood Center and at South Boston Catholic Academy in K1, and K2 classes making and setting up their very creative leprechaun traps, but the clever leprechaun got away again this year! Our Evacuation Day Essay and Poster Contest Winners attended

Mass at St. Augustine Chapel. Awards were presented by South Boston Citizens’ Association at the Broadway Restaurant on Wednesday evening. At 1:15pm our Irish Step Dancers wonderfully performed a celebration of dance on the turf playground at SBCA. Thank you to Ms. Taylor Thomas, K0C Teacher and Ms. Caitlyn Jackson, Grade 2A Teacher for helping the students prepare for their wonderful performances. The students, families, teachers and staff thoroughly enjoyed the students’ performances. These

wonderful Irish Step Dancers truly helped us all to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Traditional Irish Blessing...“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@ sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

St. Peter Academy St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Peter Academy celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with many fun learning activities. We built Leprechaun Traps and wore Green for a donation to Liam’s Lucky Charms MS Society. We also learned about the history of Evacuation Day. It is so exciting to have so much history right in our own neighborhood! Bring on the Spring!

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 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.

Ican now exhale. Mac Jones will never play another game in a Patriots uniform. That’s because he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick.

The return is irrelevant. He stinks. And he’s as soft as they come.

The media loves him though, so you saw them continue to kiss his behind on his way out of town, as they crushed Bill Belichick for “ruining” the young quarterback.

Please.

If the real ones in the Patriots organizations — the ones not part of ownership — thought that Jones was tough enough to overcome what the media perceives to be career-ruining coaching, then Jerod Mayo and his staff would’ve pushed to keep Jones around and then draft Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft.

But the reality is, the real ones knew what they had. They knew what Jones is. And they were done with him. Much like I’ve been done with him for two years now.

So I’m excited to see Jones shipped out of town. And I don’t care what they got in return. The Patriots could’ve straight up released him, and I would’ve been just as

happy, knowing he’ll never play for the Pats again.

It’s worth sharing Jones’ “thank you” letter to the Patriots that he posted on social media:

“The last three seasons with the New England Patriots are years I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will always be grateful for my time in New England and for the opportunity to start my career in the NFL.

“To Mr. Kraft and the Kraft Family, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make my dream of playing in the NFL come true. To Coach Belichick, and all the coaches and support staff, who helped me each and every day, including training, equipment, strength, staff, and everyone in between, thank you for all that you did to help prepare me over the years. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

“To my teammates alongside you, these last three years, and I will always cherish the friendships that we built. And finally, thank you to the fans for always showing up and supporting me and the patriots. It has been a blessing to be a part of the Patriots organization, and I will always have love for the New England community.

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots trading Mac Jones:

“With that being said, I am thrilled to go home and get to work in Duuuuval! Thank you to the Jacksonville Jaguars organization for this opportunity.

“Let’s go! #DTWD.”

Jones is from Jacksonville, which is why he’s enthusiastic about going home. Ok, fine. But have you ever seen a first-round pick be so happy to become a backup quarterback?

The Jaguars aren’t moving on from Trevor Lawrence anytime soon. Lawrence is 24 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the same draft as Jones in 2021, where Jones was drafted by the Patriots at No. 15 overall.

Lawrence is under contract for this season with a fifth-year option in 2025. According to reports, contract extension talks between the two sides have already begun. Jones seems to be nothing more than insurance, in case Lawrence decides he wants to test free agency when the time comes.

So, why is Jones so happy to become a team’s backup plan?

“My goal was to kind of get the train back on the track, said Jones at his press conference with the Jaguars. “I think I can do that here. The coaches here

have talked to me about that and just how I can help the room and how I can learn from Trevor and everybody here.”

Added Jones: “It’s about confidence, it’s about putting in the work and doing everything right that you can. I feel like I did that and I’m going to continue to do that. The results may have been there some days and may not have been there the others. But I think the important part for me is sticking to that process like I’ve always done and just trying to get back to that – at the same time, just knowing my role, knowing where I’m at, understanding that this is a great spot for me in my hometown.”

The hometown thing is cool. But he seems to be just a little too happy to “get back on track” as a backup, when he was drafted in the first round just three years ago to be a starter.

But again, we shouldn’t be surprised with this type of mentallysoft mindset. After all, that’s why it never worked out for him with the Patriots. And ultimately, it’s why he was traded.

Have fun in Duval.

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

WHAT TO WATCH

SPORTS TODAY

BELLO NAMED RED SOX OPENING DAY STARTER

It’s almost here. Opening Day is right around the corner. Next week, to be exact.

The Boston Red Sox will begin their 2024 season with a 10-game West Coast road trip. Game No. 1 of 162 will be next Thursday night in Seattle.

And with Chris Sale having been traded to the Atlanta Braves this offseason, the Red Sox will turn to 24-year-old righty Brayan Bello as their Opening Day starter.

“I felt happy, super happy to be told that I was going to be the Opening Day starter,” Bello told reporters in Fort Myers on Tuesday. “From now on, I just need to keep working hard to be the best starter than I can and to help my team win. Yeah, I was surprised. I thought they were going to say Nick [Pivetta] was going to be their Opening Day starter, so yeah, when they told me, I was super excited.”

Bello is entering his second full Major League season. Last year, Bello finished 12-11 with

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a 4.24 ERA, 132 strikeouts, and 45 walks in 28 starts.

Earlier this month, Bello signed a six-year, $55 million extension with the Red Sox, which includes a seventh-year club option that’s worth $21 million. Needless to say, the entire organization feels comfortable with Bello on the hill to start the season.

“I think this year for me, the next goal is to win 17 to 20 games and to help my team win,” Bello told reporters this week. “That, for me, is my next goal this year. I always think big. I always set my bar really high.”

“I do believe he’s in a stage in his career and in the organization that he is the right one for that game,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters at JetBlue Park on Tuesday. “It’s only [one game], but we made a big commitment with him a few weeks ago. He made a big commitment with us. It goes hand in hand. Last year, he proved that he belongs here. Just feels like he’s done everything that we asked him to do throughout the offseason, in Spring Training. He keeps improving, and he’ll be the guy in Game 1.”

Of course, in order to make the Opening Day start, Bello had

to make a sacrifice. He had to accept not pitching in the Red Sox’ spring training games in the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago, in order to be on the correct schedule.

“[Red Sox GM Craig Breslow] asked me about if I’d rather pitch in the Dominican Republic or one of the first two games in Seattle,” Bello told reporters. “And then obviously, I told him that I wanted to start one of the first two games in Seattle. So when he told me that, ‘Now, you earned it,’ that was something really nice to be told I was going to be the Opening Day starter.”

The Red Sox have also named veteran righty Nick Pivetta their Game 2 starter, next Friday night in Seattle. The rest of the Red Sox’ rotation for their four-game series against the Mariners is not yet known, publicly at least.

After four games in Seattle, Boston heads to Oakland for three games against the Athletics, and then to Los Angeles, for three games against the Angels.

The Red Sox’ home opener at Fenway Park is on Tuesday, April 9 against the Baltimore Orioles.

In Seattle though, Bello will go up against Mariners righthanded All Star Luis Castillo on Opening Day. We know what

Bello brings to the table. Here’s a breakdown of Castillo, via Mariners insider Daniel Kramer on MLB.com:

RHP Luis Castillo

-Previous Opening Day starts: 2019, ‘21 with Reds and ‘23 with Mariners

-2023 Season: 14-9, 3.34 ERA, 197 innings, 33 starts, 219 strikeouts Castillo was the obvious choice this spring, even within a loaded Mariners rotation, thanks to his track record. Beyond his veteran pedigree within a young starting five, the righty earned his third career All-Star selection last season and placed fifth in the American League Cy Young Award vote.

In three career Opening Day starts, Castillo is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA (nine earned runs in 15 innings), with 14 strikeouts, five walks, one homer allowed and a 1.07 WHIP. He did not factor into the game’s decision last year, when he twirled six shutout innings and gave up just one hit in an eventual win over Cleveland.

“I think Luis is looking to establish himself as maybe the elite pitcher in our league, instead of one of the elite pitchers in our league,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said.

SBT