South Boston Today April 18 2024

SouthBoston

Chronic Student Absenteeism Is Still A Challenge

In school year 2022-2023, Greater Egleston High School on the border of Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, saw a 98.9% rate of chronic absenteeism among students, according to data from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This was reported by MassLive sometime after the end of the school year when records were available. Ninety students were enrolled in the small pilot school for 2022-2023, meaning about 88 of them missed 10% or more of the 180-day school year calendar, the metric by which the state of Massachusetts defines chronic absenteeism. Schools across the Commonwealth – and especially in Boston – have been trying to rebound from the national explosion in absenteeism that descended with the COVID-19 pandemic and are still. Former Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said

Enjoy The Coming Good Weather And Southie’s Many

At some point soon; if all goes as nature plans, the sunny, warm and pleasant days will begin to outnumber the cloudy, raw and wet ones. As we get deeper into springtime, we will hopefully see longer stretches of good weather. Because no one has to be reminded about what a wet and soggy year 2024 has been so far. And as the good weather does settle in, it will bring more opportunities for everyone who is able to get out and enjoy the treasure chest of great natural resources; among them, all the active and passive recreational areas at our disposal that we can take advantage of and enjoy.

It’s no surprise that South Boston has become such a popular destination in recent years to not just visit, but also to move to. Of course, we cannot ignore our awful parking situation that exists here or the outrageous rents and congestion. Every neighborhood has its problems. But not every neighborhood has so many plush green parks and well kept playgrounds and ball fields; especially big city neighborhoods. And only a tiny percentage of residential neighborhoods in cities all across the nation can boast 3 miles of sandy ocean beaches which has over the last ten years had the quality of water at those beaches become consistently cleaner and safer.

So, the above stated facts about the condition of our outdoor natural resources and excellent facilities being the incentives to go outdoors and play or relax, why not get out and enjoy it all as the improving weather makes everything so much more inviting? An early morning walk or bike ride to Castle Island to watch those beautiful sunrises would be a great way to start the day. Bringing the family down to Carson or M Street Beach could be the perfect way to close the day out as you watch the sun setting in the west. If you’re fortunate enough to have time on your hands, grab some friends and use one of the two outside street hockey

rinks at Farragut Road and Moakley Park. The opportunities for the kids to participate in organized team sports in the fresh air are many. With excellent Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, Softball, Soccer, Basketball and even Lacrosse leagues always looking for players, local families have some good choices to keep the kids busy, If you are an adult with some free time, volunteer to be a coach; there are almost always openings.

Now we at South Boston Today are not trying to tell you how to spend your free time outdoors this spring and summer. We’re just making suggestions about some of the many ways and opportu-

nities that exist locally - right here in our own community and to remind everyone of what South Boston has to offer to our neighbors in the way of exercise and fun. But whatever you decide about how you’ll spend your time during the coming good weather, we hope everyone enjoys whatever you choose to do and that it brings all a happy, healthy, safe and enjoyable next few months as the good weather beckons.

Sen. Collins and Rep. Biele Hosting Park Serve Clean-Up Day This Saturday

On Saturday April 20, 2024, Sen. Nick Collins and Rep. David Biele are partnering with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and volunteers to clean up Pleasure Bay. This will be primarily a litter clean-up and there won’t be any heavy lifting.

Each year during Earth Week the DCR hosts a statewide clean-up effort with community partners to help get our state park and beach system ready for the busy spring and summer season. If you would like to participate, the group will be meeting at 9:00 AM by the Murphy Memorial Rink. DCR will provide equipment. After the clean-up ends at 11:00 AM, all are welcome to lunch at Sal’s on the Lagoon at the Murphy Rink.

What: Park Serve Day Clean-Up @ Pleasure Bay

When: Saturday April 20th, 2024 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: Francis L. Murphy Memorial Rink 1880 William J Day Blvd South Boston, MA 02127

IInformation Center The The FBI Has Confirmed What Americans Already Know

t’s being called ‘unsettling’, ‘not since before 911 has it been this bad’, ‘red light warnings are everywhere’, ‘the possibility of attacks on our country are extremely elevated’. These are the words that Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher A. Wray used to describe and warn Americans of the potential danger facing the United States regarding our national security. He stated this ominous warning when he was called before the United States Congress just two weeks ago. America needs to be on high alert and all Americans need to be aware of the situation he added. The threats he said, are posed by terrorist organizations in the Middle East, from the Communist government in China, human traffickers and other dangerous elements coming across our southern border. Wray also said that the ‘blinking red warning lights are everywhere’.

Now why should we believe these warnings are true this time and not just more government hype to scare the hell out of Americans which seems to be the norm as of late. Between the bogus tactics warning us of the coming end of all humanity and the Earth itself because of so called Climate Change and more scary predictions of deadly viruses and plagues heading our way just in time for the next election, (Whatever became of the Murder Hornets scare and Monkey Pox?), it’s difficult to believe anything anymore. But this threat to America’s national security is something most Americans have seen coming and have been predicting ever since Biden and those in his administration who are actually calling the shots took over. Of course, there are the dwindling numbers of Biden supporters, who probably see it too, but their blind loyalty to their

political party and having their heads buried in the sand prompts them to deny the obvious.

Just look at what they’ve done. They have thrown open the Southern Border and invited the whole world in. They know full well that included in that flood of illegal’s is a horde of dangerous criminals, drug cartel members and violent gangs, human traffickers, people well known to be on the terrorist watch list and massive amounts of Fentanyl that has killed hundreds of thousands of young Americans. And yet the federal government continues to fight tooth and nail to keep the border open and threatens those who attempt to secure that border. And now we’ve learned that those migrants who can’t make it here on foot, on chartered buses and rafts crossing the Rio Grande, get brought here compliments of the Biden Administration sending planes to pick them up in their own country and shuttle them in. They kept the plane rides quiet until they were caught but openly admit it now and keep the flights coming. This invasion is actually good news to the country of Venezuela. That country’s crime rate is said to have gone down by 65% because so many of their criminals are coming here, special delivery across the border.

What does it tell us, when the illegal immigration is so bad and so massive that Texas is now building its own military bases on its border with Mexico? They had to do it to house that state’s National Guard troops to defend itself because the federal government is refusing to do the job, that by United States law it’s required to do but won’t.

So yes, this time we can believe FBI Director Wray. There certainly is an elevated national security

Note:

threat to America - the most dangerous in more than 20 years – maybe more than any time in our country’s history. And the blame rests directly at the feet of the Biden Administration and the leftists associated with it. The way it looks now, it’s not a matter of IF we can expect terror attacks on our homeland but more than likely it’s how soon they will begin. The stage is set. Enemies of our country are no longer trying to get here, since most accounts say they have arrived. Sad to say, some were born and raised in America; citizens who’ve harbored a hatred

for this country, its culture, traditions, and liberties for years.

One more thing to consider since the FBI has now confirmed what most Americans already figured out: With the increased danger to Americans and vulnerability that comes with it, liberals in public office with their allies in the media have actually increased their efforts to disarm law abiding Americans. They work feverishly to dilute and even eliminate our Second Amendment rights, including of course those office holders in Massachusetts. And as Americans, we need to make sure they will not succeed – ever.

02127 617-269-1930

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

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY

John Ciccone

Greater Boston Area Mayors Support Transfer Fee

It’s been six months since Gov. Maura Healey filed her $4 billion housing bond bill, and nearly a year and a half of lawmakers saying the Bay State’s expensive and paltry housing stock is one of the biggest issues in Massachusetts — and representatives seem to finally be readying to try to tackle the problem.

The House sent Healey’s bond bill to its Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, and Speaker Ron Mariano said last week that his chamber’s rewrite of the massive bill would come up for consideration “shortly after the budget.” So far in the initial debate over Healey’s blueprint, one item in particular

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.

seems to be drawing the most attention: transfer taxes.

The governor’s proposal would authorize local-option transfer fees (also called transfer taxes, usually dependent on whether the speaker is a supporter or opponent) of between 0.5 percent and 2 percent on the portions of a property sale above a certain amount. (One lawmaker quipped months ago that housing advocates had “shot for the moon” of progressive housing policy — pushing to legalize rent control — and are content with “landing amongst the stars” via authorizing transfer fees.)

The idea has gotten backlash from the real estate community, but on Tuesday lawmakers received a let-

Public Meeting

Reserved Channel Development

APRIL

22

ter from 42 leaders representing 29 cities and towns urging them to give municipalities the power to tax highvalue real estate transactions. Signatories range from greater Boston — Cambridge, Somerville, Watertown, Medford, Malden, Winthrop and Boston itself — to each end of the Bay State, with municipal leaders from Great Barrington and Provincetown signing on their support.

To date, 17 communities have sought permission to impose the fee, many of them municipalities where tourists have pushed out locals, like on Cape Cod. “Our housing crisis is simply too great to leave funding and financing tools on the table,” the letter says. “We must be able to use this tool that will allow us to generate additional resources for local affordable housing.” Mariano indicated last month that he’d be open to considering a local-option transfer tax, but warned he may not have the votes in the House.

Greater Boston home prices hit March record high

The median price of a singlefamily home in Greater Boston hit $900K in March, according to figures from the Greater Boston Association of Realtors — a new March record and a more than 9 percent increase from last year at this time. The figure is not a good sign for housing affordability, and the region’s housing supply shortage teamed with high interest rates are to blame, reports the Globe’s Andrew Brinker. With a lackluster number of listings and potential buyers being left in a frozen, inhospitable housing market, will something have to give soon?

Rollins wins back her Massachusetts law license

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 160 913 3690 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Project Proponent: Oxford Pappas (OXP)

Project Description:

The BPDA is hosting a virtual Community Advisory Committee (“CAC”) meeting to discuss the recently filed Reserved Channel Development project in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the project, and discuss potential impacts and mitigation with the CAC as well as give an overview of the role of the CAC. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the CAC. This meeting is one in a series of meetings to review the entirety of the proposed project.

Please note that the purpose of this meeting is different from that of a traditional community meeting, and will focus on the conversation between the CAC, the development team and members of review agencies present at the meeting.

phone: 617.918.5305

email: nick.carter@boston.gov Zoom Link: bit.ly/4cyFujD

Wu tax shift plan draws sharp questions from Boston City Council

As Boston city councilors continue to review Mayor Michelle Wu’s home rule petition that proposes a temporary, increased shift of the city’s tax levy onto commercial property owners, questions are being raised. At a more than four-hour hearing on Tuesday, some spoke to concerns about the “blanket” nature of the measure, while backers said the temporary measure would enable Boston to manage the decreasing commercial property values over time.

Wu’s plan follows a report published by the Boston Policy Institute that estimates such a decline in commercial real estate values that the city will face a more than $1B commercial property tax shortfall. How to balance this potential shortfall before it hits, and how to ensure the city isn’t making decisions with too much haste were among councilors’ worries.

Former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins has had her license to practice law in the Bay State restored by an appeals court, Joe Dwinell of the Herald reports. Rollins, who was forced to resign from her federal post last year, had her license to practice law in the state suspended in March by the Board of Bar Overseers for failure to pay annual licensing fees. Word of the suspension came just days after Rollins reportedly was hired to a $96K-a-year position at Roxbury Community College.

Governor’s grants to bolster women’s health research

Gov. Healey announced almost $3M in grant funding for 15 projects meant to support women’s health research Tuesday morning at a stop on Healey’s eco dev “roadshow” at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She noted the money is a reflection of the state’s push to maintain leadership in the life sciences and health care sectors, and to honor Black Maternal Health Week, while continuing to support women’s health especially when it comes to disparities along racial lines.

Related Beal and DREAM Development To Redevelop BWSC Parking Lots

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors today awarded tentative designation to Related Beal and DREAM Development for the redevelopment of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) Lots located in Roxbury into 402 housing units. This designation is in direct response to the City’s 2022 land audit, which identified this site as a high-priority opportunity site for community planning and redevelopment. The new mixed-use development will help address the City’s most urgent needs including affordable housing, community development, and climate resilience.

“This critical designation moves us forward to turn parking lots into housing that addresses residents’ needs,” said Mayor Wu. “I’m grateful to our City teams for their cross-departmental collaboration to take stock of all of our City-owned

properties and ensuring that our redevelopment efforts truly advance public land for public good. We look forward to partnering closely with Related Beal and DREAM Development to ensure the community’s vision for this critical development is realized.”

“We were very fortunate to receive two great proposals for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission Lots, which made for a competitive process, and I’m grateful to both teams for their participation. I’m excited to move forward with this designation for such a large amount of land in our City, with a proposal that will add significantly to our housing stock, and genuinely advance this disposition of public land for public good” said Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison. “Ensuring that this land is a public benefit for the future responds to years of engagement with the community through the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan and PLAN: Nubian Square. I’d like to thank our staff for helping make the community’s vision here become a reality.”

“We look forward to partnering with DREAM Development and Related Beal, alongside the Roxbury community, to transform the Boston Water and Sewer parking lots into much needed housing and community assets,” said Housing Chief Sheila Dillon. “This project will deliver a variety of housing types, including rental, homeownership and homes for our older adults. However, this initiative is more than just a housing solution; it’s a commitment to undoing the damage of urban renewal, fostering inclusive growth and contributing to a resilient, thriving community.”

The five parking lots cover 17 parcels

in Roxbury between Melnea Cass Boulevard, Harrison Avenue, and Washington Street. The Related Beal and DREAM Development proposal would convert those parking lots into 402 residential units, 89 percent of which would be income-restricted rental and homeownership opportunities. The proposal includes 79 homeownership units, 229 rental units, and 94 senior housing units. In addition to housing, the team intends to create wealth building programs that would help renters become first-time homebuyers. The final phase of the project will include homeownership units, with the goal of making them available to residents who live in the rental units built in earlier phases after generating equity through said wealth-building programs. This development would also include an acre of new green space, ground floor spaces including retail, dining, community services, and incubator and startup spaces. The project will be designed as LEED Platinum, with all electric buildings, and with elevated floors to protect against flooding.

“We are grateful to the City of Boston, BPDA, and the Mayor’s Office of Housing for this incredible opportunity to bring affordable housing, wealth generation, workforce development and open space to Roxbury’s Nubian Square,” said President of Related Beal Kimberly Sherman Stamler, and Managing Principal for DREAM Development Gregory Minott. “Together as partners, Related Beal and DREAM are excited to work closely with the city, local stakeholders, and the Roxbury community to create a development that provides new housing opportunities and upholds the character

and legacy of this historic neighborhood.” The redevelopment of the property will comply with the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan RSMP, a neighborhood-wide planning strategic framework to guide change and economic growth in Roxbury, as well as PLAN: Nubian Square (2019) which is an implementation plan to mobilize development on publicly owned parcels in Roxbury’s Nubian Square. PLAN: Nubian Square’s planning objectives include job creation for the community, development of diverse and affordable housing options, creation of resilient and sustainable design, and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the development process.

BPDA staff held five community meetings to inform the draft of the RFP to ensure that this project is community-led development in action. From those engagements, and in concert with the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan and PLAN: Nubian Square, the development objectives for this RFP included: equitable and affordable housing and wealth creation, bolstering of community infrastructure such as small business development, daycares, laundromats, etc, addressing urban heat island effect, and development without displacement. In line with the BPDA’s RFP standards, the selected development team was required to submit a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. The redevelopment at this site has also been identified as a potential recipient of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the Mayor’s Office of Housing.

Absenteeism continued from front page

chronic absenteeism in the state’s public schools had grown by 72% between 2019 and 2023. Greater Egleston High School, whose students are majority Hispanic and Black, is among nine other schools in Boston Public Schools’ Region 8 – zones in which the district categorizes its 119 schools – that have been identified by the state as “attendance priority schools.” More than 90% of Greater Egleston’s students are classified as having “high needs,” and 85% of them are low-income.

“A larger message we are trying to sound the alarm on is our kids’ problems are bigger than their attendance, and if we don’t acknowledge that, that the very journey to get from waking up to your seat is a challenge …” Cory McCarthy, chief of student support for Boston Public Schools, said at the time.

Beginning March 11, the city’s school system launched a multipronged, targeted effort to curb chronic absenteeism in Region 8 in 50 days. While the participating schools already have high absenteeism rates, springtime is when attendance starts to slip in general. The “Win the Day” campaign will utilize what McCarthy called a “kaleidoscope of perspectives”: innovative engagement strategies, direct interventions, and incentive programs to target the root causes of absenteeism and reframe it as an issue meriting

broader community ownership. It will run through May 20.

In a statement, Boston School Committee Chairperson Jeri Robinson called it “a rallying cry for everyone invested in the future of our students to come together and make a difference.” Absenteeism is often much higher in districts that serve large percentages of students of color and those who are lowincome, according to the Center for Racial Equity in Education, a North Carolina-based nonprofit working to close achievement gaps.

And it goes far beyond “skipping school” – students who are chronically absent often face barriers such as food and housing insecurity, health problems, trauma in their family situation, poor transportation and lack of access to technology. They’re likely struggling behaviorally and academically, are disengaged from the school community and may not have any significant relationships with staff members. McCarthy said the correlation between absenteeism and poverty, as well as a student’s nuanced relationship to school as an institution, isn’t discussed enough.

“We need to be creative, especially coming out of the pandemic,” McCarthy said. “During the pandemic, if I was able to work and bring $1,600 home every two weeks and somebody says, ‘go back to school,’ am I going? Or am I walking away with my $1,600 every two weeks?”

Last year, nearly 1 in 4 Massachusetts students missed 18 or more days of school, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said. And rates were highest among the state’s youngest and oldest students (pre-K/kindergarten and grades 9-12).

While the most recent numbers show statewide attendance has improved by about 7 percentage points since the end of the 20202021 school year, education officials remain laser-focused on this key indicator of student success.

McCarthy said innovative strategies deploying with the “Win the Day” campaign include:

• Intramural basketball, soccer and volleyball in the mornings to get kids to school.

• A partnership with Lyft to provide rides.

• A “tag a friend” program, where 10 students from each Region 8 school are trained and tasked with “contacting, calling and chasing down” five other classmates.

• Utilizing community assets within one mile of a school, such as barbershops, hair and nail salons, and YMCAs

• A partnership with ACE Tickets to offer free Red Sox tickets as an incentive.

• “Win the Day” signage featuring a QR code, where anyone can submit a form seeking support on behalf of a student.

Simultaneously, McCarthy said the city’s schools are reimagining what constitutes a learning experience. One example is a cybersecurity “pathway,” where students can be awarded $1,000 after completing the program. They’re also offering after school and Saturday opportunities to recoup credits and missed days, “because this is the time of year where [students feel like] they don’t have a route to recovery.”

The participating schools in Region 8 include Another Course to College; Boston Arts Academy; Boston Community Leadership Academy-McCormack; Boston International Newcomers Academy; Boston Collaborative High School; Excel High School; Greater Egleston High School; Henderson K-12 Inclusion School; Margarita Muniz Academy; and New Mission High School. All 10 schools had chronic absenteeism rates above 40% during last school year, state data show. Staff at many of these schools, McCarthy said, do house calls to check on students.

In January, the state Board of Education rejected a proposal that would have increased the weight of chronic absenteeism in Department of Elementary and Secondary Education accountability measures, metrics that evaluate how a district is performing. Opponents of the proposal argued that “punishing” schools for absent students doesn’t account for the reasons students are missing school.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BRIAN SWETT AS BOSTON’S FIRST CHIEF CLIMATE OFFICER

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the appointment of Brian Swett as the City of Boston’s Chief Climate Officer, leading the Environment, Energy and Open Space (EEOS) Cabinet. This Cabinet is currently overseen by Reverend Mariama WhiteHammond who will be transitioning out of her role on April 26. In this role, Swett is charged with spearheading the Mayor’s bold agenda on climate action while advancing Boston’s commitment

to sustainability, resilience, and environmental justice. The EEOS Cabinet includes the Environment Department, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Office of Historic Preservation, and the Office of Food Justice. In this expanded role, Swett will also work to develop and co-lead a new Climate Cabinet alongside Boston’s Green New Deal Director, Oliver Sellers-Garcia. The Climate Cabinet will implement innovative climate policies and programs to support decarbonization and resilience, reaffirming Boston’s role as a national leader in climate action.

Swett is a nationally recognized leader in climate change and sustainability strategy with over two decades of leadership experience in municipal

government, private sector real estate development, federal government, and non-profit sectors. He combines his advanced business, policy, and science background to lead effective policy development and management for built and natural environments. Swett’s expertise includes sustainability strategy, energy and climate policy, green buildings, policy and program development, and performance management. He is currently a Principal at Arup, a global engineering, design and consulting firm focused on sustainable development.

Based out of Boston, he is a board member of its Americas Region and leads Arup’s East Geography, composed of Arup’s offices in Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Chicago,

and Washington, DC. Prior to joining Arup, Swett served as Boston’s Chief of EEOS from 2012 to 2015. Over his tenure, Swett led a variety of major policy and program initiatives including developing and passing a rental inspection ordinance and Boston’s energy benchmarking ordinance, BERDO. He launched Climate Ready Boston, the City of Boston’s initiative to plan for the near and long-term impacts of climate change and led the update of the 2015 Climate Action Plan. Under his leadership, Boston was recognized by the American Council for an EnergyEfficient Economy (ACEEE) as the #1 city in the country for energy efficiency policies and programs in their 2013 and

Beacon Communities Runs for Tierney

One day after thousands of runners trekked 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to the Back Bay finish line, The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony hosted a shorter fun run involving runners who work for Beacon Communities, team members from the Tierney Learning Center (TLC), and kids from the community center to show support for the Run for Tierney Boston Marathon team. The marathon team, consisting of Beacon team members, TLC staff, and TLC partners, will donate 100% of the money they raise to programs and services at the TLC that promote education, empowerment and self-sufficiency for families living at Old Colony.

“The inspiration for this fun run stems from a team of dedicated runners participating in the Boston Marathon on behalf of the Tierney Learning Center. We wanted the children to get a glimpse into the marathon atmosphere and foster enthusiasm as they observe the community’s support for the Tierney Learning Center,” said Jenn Boylan, Community Engagement Director of Program Implementation at Beacon Communities.

The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony was originally built in the 1940s as one of the nation’s first

federal public housing communities. Beacon is currently working on the final phase of a decade-long transformation, reimagining the historic community into a sustainable, modern, quality space that residents are proud to call home. Beyond the physical improvements of the new buildings and open space, residents can access health and educational opportunities at the Tierney Learning Center and through the on-site community engagement team. In addition, they can take advantage of targeted social services and partnerships with providers such as the Boston YMCA and Head Start.

“Running the marathon isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about crossing boundaries to support our community.” said Beacon’s Toya Irish, Senior Vice President, Community Relations. “With each mile, I’m raising awareness and funds for the TLC, empowering individuals of all ages to thrive.”

Since 2012, the Tierney Learning Center has offered programming with educational interventions and supportive services at no cost for households living at Old Colony, targeting early childhood, school-aged youth, teens, and adults. Tierney partners

with mission-aligned organizations, including but not limited to ABCD Head Start, The Boston YMCA, Doc Wayne, Foodlinks – MA, and Boston After School and Beyond, all of whom are dedicated to providing educational, economic, and social support for families in need.

About Beacon Communities

Beacon Communities LLC is a privately owned real estate firm that develops, acquires, invests in, and manages a wide range of multi-family housing. Their portfolio includes affordable housing, market-rate housing and mixed income-housing. Their developments range from new construction, to historic adaptive reuse, to the renovation of existing housing. They take on challenging developments and make them

succeed. Their driving passion is to create well-designed, healthy homes that enhance the neighborhoods in which they are located. For more information about Beacon Communities LLC please visit www. beaconcommunitiesllc.com

About Tierney Learning Center

Located at The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony, South Boston, the Tierney Learning Center (TLC) has served over 1,400 residents since 2012. They offer diverse, no-cost educational, economic, and social support services, addressing needs across all ages and backgrounds. With a focus on creating a safe, caring, and inclusive environment, TLC is operated by The Beacon Communities Charitable Fund, providing collaborative programs to help residents Learn, Grow, and Connect.

Report shows antisemitic incidents spiked across region in 2023

Antisemitic incidents spiked across the state and region last year, according to a new report from the AntiDefamation League. The annual Audit of Antisemetic Incidents totaled 440 antisemitic incidents in Mass. last year — triple the 2022 numbers — and 623 incidents in the New England region, which was the highest number ever recorded in the region. A “dramatic spike” of acts was reported across the region following the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks.

Finally: Cannabis equity

grants awarded after years of delay

After years of delay, the state’s Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund has delivered $2.3M worth of grants to 50 businesses across the state. The fund, first established in 2022, sat empty until last year, when a legislative fix cleared the way for the money to begin flowing to pot businesses that qualify as having been negatively impacted by cannabis prohibition. Businesses received between $20K and $50K each and the Healey administration says the first round of cash distributions is going to startups that have demonstrated urgent need.

Councilor Flynn and Councilor Murphy were proud to join South Boston neighbors over the weekend to recognize Charlie Trapano for over 60 years of service and dedication to the community at Broadway Haircutters. We extend our best wishes on his welldeserved retirement.

Window continued from page 4

Guy The Wine In The Pink

It’s been awhile since we’ve focused on Rose wines and given the fact that it’s definitely the time of year when wine lovers, especially in Europe, love to sit outside their cafes and bistros and have a glass or two, these wines come out for another season. Consider the following as part of your own “Bienvenue au Printemps” or, “Welcome Spring”......

Guy Mousset Côtes du Rhône Rosé, 2021, ($13.99) Seriously pink color. Nose of strawberry--although the pink

visual might be prejudicing me. On the palate, notes of plumb, pomegranate and a zest of blackberry; there is no denying the sweet factor of this wine. Its sense of freshness comes from the chill--right out of the refrigerator. Perfect with a seafood salad or a platter of fruit and lighter cheese; the finish is unusually long for a wine this light.

Marcelline Côtes De Provence

Rose, ($19.99). Pale pink in color with delicate aromas of ripe red berries and white flowers. Expressive on the palate with a nice freshness throughout the finish. Excellent as an aperitif, or paired with salads, BBQ, and Mediterranean dishes. The Marcelline family has been making wines in Provence for five generations and the proof of their expertise is in every sip.

Domaine De Bendel Rosé, Côtes De Provence, ($17.99). With notes of wild strawberry, red currant, a hint of citrus, and mineral, this elegant Provence rose is perfect with a meal or on its own! This family-owned estate is located in the Sainte Victoire area of Provence, known for making some of the best roses. Grilled Calamari or Shrimp would be a great compliment for this one.

Destino Fifth Empire Vinho Verde Rosé, Portugal, ($14.99). Often overlooked, even in its own country, Portuguese Rose wine is delicious for the same reasons as its better-known white variety, this is a fresh, crisp Rose filled with tropical berry flavors and a floral nose. Light- bodied but definitely not light in flavor. The palate is nicely balanced by a bit of minerality on the finish. Fun fact: the label glows in the dark! Tesoro Della Regina Rose, Veneto, Italy, ($13.99). You’ll be transported to the Italian Riviera! Refreshing and light as a summer breeze. Goes well with a crisp Caesar salad, a platter of grilled veggies and friends. Floral, fresh notes on the nose, raspberries, and lemon zest on the palate with a satisfying finish.

2015 biennial rankings.

“Boston Harbor Now is thrilled that Brian Swett is returning to the City of Boston to lead Mayor Wu’s visionary work to tackle the climate crisis,” said Kathy Abbott, President and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “With his extensive knowledge and experience spanning government, the private sector, and non-profits, Brian is an exceptional candidate for this critical role. I cannot think of a better leader to make real progress on Boston’s climate actions.”

Swett’s appointment builds on the Wu administration’s commitment to enhancing climate resilience and green spaces through a citywide Green New Deal. Last week, Mayor Wu shared her FY25 Budget which included groundbreaking investments in climate action and adaptation. These investments range from new personnel investments, such as a park administrator and six new maintenance staff to maintain Franklin Park, to transformative Capital investments, such as a new $75 million City fund that leverages State and Federal climate resilience grants. Swett will begin his new role on June 10, 2024.

ATTENTION BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION CUSTOMERS

You may have noticed some changes in your most recent bill from Boston Water and Sewer Commission. As of April 1, 2024 BWSC customers will now see three separate line-item charges on their bill, for water, sewer, and stormwater. Now, paying for stormwater separately will lower the sewer rate while showing the charges attributed to stormwater activities for the property. This is a more equitable way to fund improvements for the stormwater system because everyone pays for the service they use. Here are key highlights of the bill:

• Stormwater charge will be $8.98 per month for each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) attributed to the property.

• All property owners with more than 400 square feet of impervious area will be billed.

• 60% of residential households will see a reduction in their overall bill.

• The 30% discount extended to seniors and disabled residents will automatically apply to the new stormwater fee.

• Credits and grants are available for customers who implement green infrastructure measures on their property.

For more information, contact us at: stormwaterinfo@bwsc.org; website: bwsc.org/stormwater; or 1-800-442-1519

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Grade One News

The students in the First Grade at South Boston Catholic Academy had a chance to meet and talk with Dr. Dwyer, who is a Pediatric Dentist and our Grade

1D Teacher Miss Keough’s cousin. Dr. Dwyer, visited the First Graders to discuss her role as a pediatric dentist! The First Graders focused on dental hygiene in their science

unit throughout the week and were thrilled to have a real life dentist as their guest visitor! The first graders loved seeing Dr. Dwyer’s dental tools, sorting good foods for our teeth from bad ones, and completing a writing craft on ways we can keep our teeth healthy! Miss Keough and Dr. Dwyer grew up having fun playing school and dentist together!

It was so special to have Dr. Dwyer visit us. A Big Thank you to Dr. Dwyer for coming to SBCA and to Miss Keough for organizing this special visit for all the students in grade one! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

Afew weeks ago, it was Shohei Ohtani who was linked to a gambling scandal. Now, it’s Jontay Porter.

And OK, I know what you’re thinking. Porter and Ohtani aren’t even close to being in the same category, when it comes to marquee names. And technically, Ohtani has never been accused of gambling himself. He blamed the millions of dollars sent from his bank account to an LA bookie on his interpreter. And everyone believed him.

I’m not sure I believe Ohtani, because I’m not a brainless sportsmedia mark. But that situation is what it is. Ohtani seems to be just fine with Major League Baseball. It’s back to business with one of baseball’s biggest stars. Nothing to see here.

With the NBA though, this week, they came down hard on Porter, who, in the grand scheme of things, is really a nobody undrafted center who’s averaged 11 minutes a game off the bench in two NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and most recently, the Toronto Raptors.

On Wednesday, the NBA hit Porter with a lifetime ban, for betting on NBA games and tipping off other prop bettors about his own participation and in-game production.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is clearly making a statement with this one, and rightfully so.

Sports betting is everywhere. It’s on everyone’s phones. It’s on advertisements on billboards, the sides of buses, on your TV, and internet. There’s no escaping it. And now, if you want to get nuts as a player and participate — in the NBA at least — then you’ll never step on the court again.

Here’s the full press release from the NBA Communications website, which includes details of exactly what Porter was doing:

NEW YORK – The NBA announced today that Jontay Porter, a two-way player recently under contract with the Toronto Raptors, has been banned from the NBA. A league investigation found that Porter violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games.

The league’s investigation found that prior to the Raptors’ March 20 game, Porter disclosed confidential information about his own health status to an individual he knew to be an NBA bettor. Another individual with whom Porter associated and knew to be an NBA bettor subsequently placed an

This week, Danny reacted to the latest gambling scandal involving a professional athlete:

$80,000 parlay proposition bet with an online sports book, to win $1.1 million, wagering that Porter would underperform in the March 20 game.

The league’s investigation also found that Porter limited his own game participation to influence the outcome of one or more bets on his performance in at least one Raptors game. In the March 20 game, Porter played only three minutes, claiming that he felt ill. Due to the unusual betting activity and actions of the player, the $80,000 proposition bet was frozen and was not paid out.

In addition, from January through March 2024, while traveling with the Raptors or Raptors 905, the Raptors’ NBA G League affiliate, Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games using an associate’s online betting account. These bets ranged in size from $15 to $22,000, for a total of $54,094. The total payout from these bets was $76,059, resulting in net winnings of $21,965. None of the bets involved any game in which Porter played. Three of the bets were multigame parlay bets that included one Raptors game, in which Porter bet that the Raptors would lose. All three bets lost.

The suspicious bets involving Porter’s performance in the Raptors’

March 20 game were brought to the NBA’s attention by licensed sports betting operators and an organization that monitors legal betting markets. These findings are based on the information available to league investigators at this time. The league’s investigation remains open and may result in further findings. The NBA has shared and will continue to share information with federal prosecutors about this matter.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said: “There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment. While legal sports betting creates transparency that helps identify suspicious or abnormal activity, this matter also raises important issues about the sufficiency of the regulatory framework currently in place, including the types of bets offered on our games and players. Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game.”

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

SPORTS TODAY

VOICE OF THE BRUINS, EDWARDS, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

If you’ve been watching the Boston Bruins on NESN the last couple years, then you most likely had a feeling this news was coming. Jack Edwards, the longtime play-by-play voice of the B’s on NESN, is calling it a career once this season is over.

The Bruins’ regular season is in the books, as Boston finished in second place in the Atlantic Division with 109 points. That sets them up with a first-round playoff matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who finished in third place in the division with 102 points.

Typically, NESN broadcasts the entire first round. So Bruins fans will get at least four more games with Edwards on the call, and at most, they’ll see him seven more times.

Edwards has noticeably been dealing with a speech issue, and acknowledged such a few months ago, while also expressing his confusion with his slowed-down speech, claiming that, medically, he’s fine.

The Bruins honored Edwards during a pregame ceremony on Tuesday night at the TD Garden. They also announced they’ll honor Edwards throughout all of next season.

Here’s the full press release from the team, officially announcing Edwards’ retirement:

BOSTON – After 19 years as the Boston Bruins Play-by-Play broad-

Tweet of the Week

caster on New England Sports Network (NESN), Jack Edwards has announced his retirement following the 2023-24 postseason games on NESN. As a New England native and University of New Hampshire graduate, Jack retires from a 45year career through sports journalism and play-by-play, culminating with what he described as his “dream job” with NESN and the Boston Bruins.

“I grew up a Bruins fan, and who had more fun than us over the last two decades?” said Jack Edwards. “In collaboration with Bruins and NESN leadership, I recently decided that the time has come for me to finish my shift as the voice of the Boston Bruins. I am no longer able to attain the standards I set for myself, to honor the fans, the players, the Bruins organization and NESN with the best they all deserve.

“I retire from broadcasting not with a heavy heart, but gratefulness for a 19-year-long joyride,” Jack continued. “I owe my career, my own pursuit of happiness, to the love and support of my family. I thank every member of the Bruins and NESN for your loyalty, helping me to achieve and live out a lifetime goal, high above the ice.”

Jack began his play-by-play career with NESN in 2005. After holding several reporter and anchor positions

in New Hampshire and Providence, Jack came to Boston in the 1980s as a sports anchor and reporter at both WCVB and WHDH. He also worked as a reporter for ABC’s Wide World of Sports and Olympic coverage on both ABC and CBS. He joined ESPN in 1991 as an anchor and reporter for SportsCenter and won an Emmy award for his ESPN reporting. He has also done play-by-play for ESPN’s coverage of hockey and soccer, including the 2002 World Cup finals, and the Little League World Series. Jack’s Bruins passion and knowledge has educated decades of fans. With unique phrases such as “tumbling muffin” and “high above the ice”, his iconic style has set him apart in the league and all of sports broadcasting.

“I join the Bruins organization, NESN and hockey fans everywhere in congratulating Jack on an incredible career,” said Charlie Jacobs, CEO and Alternate Governor of the Boston Bruins. “Jack’s voice has been the soundtrack for generations of Bruins fans that have experienced so many incredible moments. His presence has been felt around the globe and he will forever be a part of the Bruins legacy.”

Jack will continue calling games for the reminder of the 2023-24 season through NHL playoffs. The Boston Bruins and NESN will conduct a nationwide search for

WHAT TO WATCH

MLB FRIDAY, APRIL 19

Boston at Pittsburgh

6:40 P.M. NESN

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Boston at Pittsburgh

4:05 P.M. NESN

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

Boston at Pittsburgh 1:35 P.M. NESN

NBA SUNDAY, APRIL 21 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Gm 1: TBD at Boston 1 P.M. ABC

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

Gm 2: TBD at Boston 7 P.M.

the next play-by-play voice to join Color Commentator Andy Brickley for the 2024-25 season.

“Congratulations to Jack on a remarkable career of calling Boston Bruins hockey on NESN,” said Sean McGrail, President and CEO of NESN. “Jack brought a distinctive and colorful personality to our broadcast that was unmistakably his own. I’d like to join everyone at NESN in thanking Jack for his contributions over the past 19 years.”

In addition to honoring his career [Tuesday] during the pregame ceremony, the Boston Bruins and NESN plan to further celebrate Jack Edwards and his impact during the 2024-25 regular season. More information will be shared at a later date.

SBT Staff