SouthBoston
Everything To Know About July 4 In Boston
From the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (and how to watch it on TV or in person) to the reading of the Declaration of Independence, here’s your guide to Fourth of July weekend in Boston. courtesy of boston.com
One of the best things to do on July 4 in Boston is to watch the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, the annual outdoor concert and pyrotechnics spectacle on the Esplanade. Whether you choose to head downtown to listen to the Boston Pops Orchestra or stay home and frantically scroll through cable menus trying to figure out how to watch the fireworks on TV, you’ll be taking part in a beloved tradition that has entertained Bostonians for almost a century.
But there’s more to July 4 in Boston than just the fireworks.
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Have Citizens Become An After Thought At Best In The Bay State?
So, Massachusetts
Governor Maura Healy has sent people to Washington to pretty much tell them that her state can’t take anymore illegal migrants. The message she wants to get across to the brass in DC is that the ‘Bay State’ is filled up; no more room, running out of money and places to put them.
Now of course, being the liberal Democrat that she is, she’ll never admit that the fact that Massachusetts is now overrun with migrants who should never have been allowed to cross the border is totally her fault to begin with. The MO is to blame others for her mistakes and yes – screw ups. She is a huge advocate of ‘sanctuary states’. But it’s kind of late now. But since they are here, phase two of what many people believe has been the plan all along is to somehow, figure out how to get them on the voter rolls. Those already here before the big flow in of course already have driver’s licenses – we can thank the geniuses/ the ideologues in the state legislature for that. And
“Those
that means that now, all of the thousands of new arrivals are also eligible to get those licenses – the perfect ID to show at the polls. But will they even be asked? Do elephants have wings?
Remember, Massachusetts is one of those states where even though the voters in both parties and in every demographic want Voter ID, the democrats in control are desperate to prevent it. Care to take a guess why?
The money Massachusetts taxpayers are shelling out to support these migrants is astronomical. To our knowledge, these so-called representatives of the people on Beacon Hill never got permission from the citizens that pay their salaries to spend those massive sums of our money for this purpose. With each passing year, many of these electeds tend to pretty much do what they want with those tax dollars, and it gets worse annually. Because they know if the money runs low, they can just add more taxes. Yes, elections sure do have consequences. So, can we say goodbye to any surpluses in
the state coffers? We notice that all that talk of the state being in the black and giving refunds to taxpayers has quietly faded. Here’s the bottom line as far as cost. Taxpayers are shelling out money to the tune of well over a half billion dollars already. It’s in the form of free housing, healthcare, food, clothing, transportation and cash –lots of cash and so much more. In the meantime, we have homeless citizens;
including veterans living in shelters and even in the streets who in many cases are not eligible for anywhere near what the migrants are getting. Our citizens are paying through the nose for almost every necessity, including food. And yet, we have some politicians in this state and their supporters who scoff at the phrase ‘Americans First’. They call it cold and intolerant. And that’s so easy to say when these conditions don’t affect
them or their families.
With every new revelation of how much Massachusetts is paying out to people here illegally and how citizens are just an afterthought, if that, as far as some of the people who run this state are concerned, it’s understandable how more people almost by the day are convinced that what matters to them just isn’t important anymore. Migrants take priority. Again, elections really do have consequences, don’t they?
WInformation Center
ow! Did it come fast or what? It seems like we were just in the grey days of winter and now we are preparing to celebrate the 4th. The Independence Day holiday is by far one of the biggest and best times of the year to those of us who proudly consider ourselves flag wavers. If you filter out the vitriol, the whining and the gnashing of teeth of our nation’s detractors and malcontents and the haters in Washington DC and in Hollywood who have made it clear that they will be working for those coming here illegally now and not for American citizens, most of our countrymen and women are proud to be Americans.
And the Independence Day weekend gives us the chance to celebrate the fact that we live in the greatest; most unique nation the world has ever known. Yes, the weather usually cooperates and is warm and sunny and there are great outdoor activities happening all around us to make it even better.
In addition to the great summer temperatures, this holiday brings with it so much more. The red, white and blue of Old Glory everywhere you look, the concerts, the parades, the fireworks and the patriotic ceremonies being held to observe the sacrifices that those who came before us and into the present day made and are still making on our behalf serve to remind us how truly fortunate we are to live here. This is a time to enjoy the cherished traditions that we as Americans have been observing for over 240 years and continue to enjoy so much.
It’s also a time to reinforce our commitment to never allow enemies; foreign or home grown; and yes, we certainly do have home grown/domestic enemies to accomplish their goal and take away those liberties and the freedom we should all cherish.
Our amazing Founding Fathers in their wisdom and with guidance from God had a vision of what a great and prosperous nation should look like. It was an experiment and a magnificent experiment at that. They worked long and hard to put together that incredible document; the Constitution of the United States which has guided us through all the good times and bad and still does so today. They sacrificed much to get our nation to where it is today. There are some who say and even some who hope that America’s best days are in the past. But most of us disagree. And though currently, our beautiful country is going through some trying times. With questionable leadership and yes, lacking in patriotism and love for our nation, proud American patriots are freedom loving and rugged individualists who are determined that as great as our country was and is, it will be greater still in the years soon to come because true Americans won’t have it any other way.
And yet, along with all the ceremony, pomp and circumstance that is still part of the tradition of Independence Day there are the other traditions that we can take part in and enjoy if we so choose. Why not get out and indulge in everything else this holiday has to offer. Some will travel, perhaps to Cape Cod
or a Rhode Island beach. Others might decide to take a trip to the Mountains of New Hampshire or Maine. If you stay local, there are 3 miles of beautiful beaches in South Boston along with parks for baseball, softball and other sports. And there is the concert and fireworks at the Esplanade as well and so much more.
Backyard gatherings with family, friends or neighbors will be happening everywhere or maybe you’d prefer to just stay at home and enjoy that much deserved day off from work.
Whatever you choose to do and however you decide to celebrate, its America’s birthday, we are Americans, and we deserve a party and we will surely have one. Let no one ruin or disrupt the celebration of our magnificent heritage and independence. And doing so with Old Glory proudly waving in the summer breeze will make it that much better and help put you in the spirit even more. At least it will for us ‘flag wavers’; so proud to be Americans and we make no apologies for it.
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Bottle Redemption Law Getting Attention
In 2014, voters rejected a ballot measure nearly three to one that would have extended the five-cent beverage container deposit to drinks other than beer and soda. Ten years later, senators last night revisited the topic with a new vision for reform. Senators tacked an amendment onto their climate bill via an unrecorded voice vote with an expanded version that would reach beyond what voters once shot down. The amendment, brought to the floor by Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, would double the existing five-cent deposit to 10 cents and expand it to most drink containers, including plastic nip bottles.
Creem said the amendment would double the bottle redemption rate in the Bay State, generating up to $210M in new state revenue in the first year and saving municipalities tens of millions of dollars.
The amendment received biparti-
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.
san support and zero opposition on the floor, though due to the nature of unrecorded voice votes, no one attached their name to the votes.
Minority Leader Bruce Tarr spoke in favor of the amendment, calling the need for dramatically increasing the rate of beverage container recycling, along with other consumer products, “urgent.”
Lexington Sen. Michael Barrett said many onlookers had assumed the state wouldn’t revisit the issue after voters struck it down in 2014, prompting Taunton Sen. Marc Pacheco, who supported the measure, to suggest lawmakers call the bill something else, considering how different it is from the decade-old ballot question and how little support that predecessor earned.
Pacheco’s comments highlighted the political risk: after a significant voter rejection a decade ago, does the latest “bottle bill” expansion represent what voters want? If and when the House takes
up the Senate’s clean energy and siting bill, will representatives also feel inclined to update the bottle redemption law? “I think to be transparent, it’s important to actively consider what the voters had to say about the issue,” Pacheco said. “I will be lobbying for the conference committee to consider this and consider letting the voters weigh in on another proposal.”
The bottle amendment is one of several senators added to their climate bill. Other changes included a Sen. Brendan Crighton measure calling for the MBTA to electrify its commuter rail trains and a Pacheco amendment updating statewide flood risk and assessment standards. The bill moves onto the House, where reps today are slated to handle a home equity theft bill and a fiscal year 2024 supplemental budget, and tomorrow an economic development bond package.
More power: Vineyard Wind says 10 turbines now generating electricity
JIM BRETT HONORED BY AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY
New England Council President & CEO James T. Brett was recently honored by the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) with the organization’s Robert E. Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at AMDMD’s annual conference in Chicago in recognition of Brett’s longtime advocacy for people with disabilities.
“I have long admired the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry’s work to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have access to top-notch medical and dental care” Brett said. “I am deeply honored to accept this award, and look forward to continuing to work with AADMD toward our shared goals of ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities to live healthy and fulfilling lives.”
In addition to his role as the CEO of The New England Council, the nation’s oldest regional business association, Brett is a lifelong advocate for improving the lives of people with disabilities. He currently serves as Chair of the President’s Committee
for People with Intellectual Disabilities, and has previously served on the Committee under several Administrations. In Massachusetts, he currently serves as the Chair of both the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disabilities and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry is a forum for healthcare professionals who provide clinical care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and improve the quality of health care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization’s One Voice Conference was held in Chicago, IL, from June 6-9, 2024. The Robert E. Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the late Robert E. Cooke, MD, a pediatrician who helped establish the Head Start program.
PHOTO: (Left to Right) Dr. Steve Perlman, DDS, (L) Co-Founder of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry and New England Council President & CEO James T. Brett, at the AADMD One Voice Conference in Chicago, IL.
Vineyard Wind says it now has 10 turbines fully operational, doubling the amount of electricity being sent to the grid since it last updated the public in February, Michael P. Norton of the News Service reports. Vineyard Wind 1 is now producing enough to power 64,000 homes and businesses and will eventually include 62 turbines and power 400,000 homes and businesses, though no firm completion date has been given recently.
The uncertain future of a widely supported PFAS bill Rep. Kate Hogan and Sen. Julian Cyr filed a bill that would ban PFAS, cleaning up contamination resulting from the “forever chemicals” and phasing out the use of PFAS in products from kids’ products to food packaging to firefighter protective gear. The PFAS Interagency Task Force released a report in 2022 with recommendations to handle the
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Rep. Lynch Hosts Bipartisan Financial Services AI Working Group Members at MIT
U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), lead Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee’s Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI), hosted fellow Members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for discussions with faculty and other field experts regarding the application of AI across industries. The Congressional delegation received briefings on the safety of AI, including the benefits and risks of its use, and the importance of verifying data sources to ensure AI models will lead to accurate outcomes. MIT presenters shared how AI is applied across different platforms, and explained how AI tools are impacting labor and
the economy. Attendees included Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-NC), lead Republican of the Working Group on AI Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Working Group on AI Member Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX).
“I was honored to have the opportunity to welcome my House colleagues to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to learn more about artificial intelligence and its evolving capabilities,” said Rep. Lynch. “We had in-depth discussions with several MIT professors, scientists, and leaders about the impact of AI within the Financial Services industry and how it is used to aid
cybersecurity, fraud detection, customer service, risk management, and credit decisions. We also met with the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab researchers and DynamoAI, who demonstrated how they are deploying AI and the potential impact the technology may have on workers. I am grateful to Daniel Huttenlocher, Dean of MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, David Goldston, Director of MIT’s Washington Office, and David D. Cox, VP of AI Models and MIT-IBM Director, for welcoming us and presenting the research and data MIT has compiled on AI and its impact on our industries and society. I am also grateful to all the MIT faculty and staff who participated on the various panels and to our Working Group on AI colleagues, Chairman Patrick McHenry, Rep. French Hill and Rep. Sylvia Garcia for traveling to the Boston area so we could learn more about AI and how we can better use it to the advantage and protection of the American people.”
“I am grateful to my colleagues Congressmen Lynch and Hill for organizing the bipartisan Congressional Delegation trip to MIT,
offering members of FSC the opportunity to learn more about the impacts AI can have on our economy,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia. “As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure we understand the guardrails that are needed to ensure the resilience of our financial system and protect the financial security of Americans across the country. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues to ensure Congress is doing everything we can to adequately provide oversight over AI.”
Rep. Lynch, Chairman McHenry, Rep. Hill and Rep. Garcia met with leaders and faculty of MIT’s Schwarzman College of Computing, Department of AI and DecisionMaking, Sloan School of Management, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and Data System and AI Lab, where presenters shared applications of AI across industries, technology developments and their research. After, the Members toured the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, which includes scientists from MIT and IBM who conduct research dedicated to pushing the frontiers of artificial intelligence and translating breakthroughs into real-world impact.
What Happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
-5 signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.
-12 had their homes ransacked and burned
-2 lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army/another had 2 sons captured.
-9 of the 56 fought and died from wounds or from hardships from the Revolutionary War They signed and they pledged their lives and their fortunes and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
24 were lawyers and jurists, 11 were merchants. 9 were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Inde -
pendence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his property and land to pay his debts and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in Congress without pay and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwynett, Heyward, Ruttledge and Middleton.
At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr. noted that the British general Cornwallis had
taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died a few months later.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill
were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your Independence Day Holiday and quietly thank these Patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: Freedom is Never Free, cherish it always and be ready and willing to defend it.
4th of July continued from front page
The dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House is one of many history-focused events scheduled around Independence Day. And the city’s restaurants, event spaces, and cultural institutions all lean into the spirit of America as well. While there is a heavy emphasis on helpful info for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular — including who is performing and how to watch the fireworks on TV — you’ll also find helpful resources for Fourth of July weekend events, info on other Massachusetts fireworks shows, and more.
What time does the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular start?
The 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will return to the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston for its 50th anniversary on Thursday, July 4. The annual concert kicks off at 8 p.m., and the 30-minute fireworks show starts at 10:30 p.m. Guests hoping to snag a seat at “The Oval,” the grass-filled area in front of the Hatch Shell, can begin to enter the area starting at noon. The seats are free and are first-come, first-served.
In previous years, many pedestrians who didn’t want to brave the Esplanade crowds chose to view the fireworks from the Mass. Ave. bridge. In its lengthy list of road closures and parking restrictions, the BSO notes that viewing from both the Longfellow Bridge and
Mass. Ave. bridge is not allowed. How do I watch the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at home?
If you’re not spending July 4 in Boston — or simply don’t want to deal with the crowds or the MBTA — you can still watch the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on TV or streaming online. The show will be broadcast nationally on Bloomberg TV and simulcast locally Boston’s WHDH-TV (Channel 7) from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The entire concert and fireworks display will be live-streamed on Bloomberg. com and on the Bloomberg mobile and OTT platforms, and will be available for 24 days following the concert.
Are you the type of person who ends up frantically pulling out your phone at 10:29 p.m. while asking everyone at your Fourth of July party, “Wait, what channel number is Bloomberg TV again?” We’ve got you covered.
Pay TV customers in the greater Boston area can view the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the following channels: DISH: Channel 203 … DirectTV: Channel 353 …RCN: Channels 325/672 … Comcast: Channel 45, 757, or 844, depending on your location in the Greater Boston area.
If you’d prefer to simply listen to the concert, the musical performances will be broadcast on bloombergradio. com and on the Bloomberg Ra -
dio and iHeartRadio apps. You can also hear the concert on the radio through Bloomberg’s Boston and Newburyport stations at 106.1 FM, 1330 AM, 1450 AM, and 92.9-HD2. Plymouth’s 99.1 WPLM will also broadcast the event to listeners on the South Shore and Cape Cod and in southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. National listeners can find the concert on SiriusXM channel 119.
Who is performing at the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular?
For its 50th anniversary, the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will once again bring the sounds of the Boston Pops to the Esplanade on July 4 with the help of headliner Kelli O’Hara. The Tony-winning actress is best known for her work on Broadway, including roles in “The King and I,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” and “Kiss Me Kate.” O’Hara also received an Emmy Award nomination for her work on the
webseries “The Accidental Wolf,” and she currently stars on HBO’s costume drama “The Gilded Age.” Joining O’Hara on the Esplanade stage for the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular are Americana group The Mavericks, soul singer Darlene Love, and the Singing Sergeants from the United States Air Force Band. As always, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops will be on hand at the Hatch Shell, finishing off an evening of performances with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and the annual fireworks display at 10:30 p.m. What you can and can’t bring to the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular:
July 4 in Boston will undoubtedly be filled with backyard grilling parties and lazy days at the beach alongside a cooler full of drinks. But if you’re heading to the Esplanade, leave the grills, glass bottles, and coolers on wheels at home.
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SUMMER STREET PILOT PROGRAM
Councilor Flynn Files Resolution Regarding All Steward Hospitals in Boston
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has filed a resolution this week calling for the
State Government to preserve all Steward Hospitals in Boston. This is in response to Steward Health Care System’s (Steward) recent filing for bankruptcy, which has impacted nine hospitals in Massachusetts, including St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Brighton and Carney Hospital in Dorchester.
Many of Steward’s hospitals are designated by the Commonwealth as “High Public Payer” hospitals and by the federal government as “Disproportionate Share Hospitals” as they have high ratios of low-income patients who are either uninsured or rely on government-sponsored insurance programs such as Medicaid (MassHealth) and Medicare. Both St. Elizabeth Medical Center
and Carney Hospital serve some of Boston’s most vulnerable communities, and the closure of either or both of these hospitals will have a devastating impact on the residents and the healthcare system of Boston.
Recently, with ongoing negotiations with potential buyers, there have been public statements and information from people with knowledge of internal conversations that the state government is not committed to the preservation of all Steward hospitals. Some facilities, including Carney Hospital, could be considered “collateral damage” if they do not find a new owner.
“I’m calling for our State Government to do all that it can to preserve all Steward hospitals and prevent a
Councilor Flynn Files Hearing to Discuss Operations
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will file a hearing order this week to discuss the operations of the 911 system and contingency plans in case of another 911 system outage. This is in response to the recent statewide 911 system outage on June 18th, 2024, where the emergency call system was down for two hours, preventing residents from calling for help in an emergency. When the system outage was announced, city and state agencies advised residents to call their local police and fire stations’ direct line for emergencies, or to pull the nearest fire box to notify
public safety agencies. Initial investigation indicated that the outage was due to a firewall malfunction, a feature that scans incoming packets of data and blocks out any type of malware or malicious data from coming into the 911 system.
Massachusetts’ 911 system is based on the same technologies that power the internet, which is called the Next Generation 911 system. This internet-based system is decentralized and allows for calls to be rerouted if one call center is down, so that issues can be localized and not impact the whole system. Therefore, it is even more alarming to see that a malfunc-
Gavin Foundation Appoints Peter Barbuto as New CEO
Thank You John McGahan for Years of
Gavin Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Barbuto as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2024. The Board of Directors unanimously selected Peter for this key leadership role. Peter brings a wealth of experience in recovery services, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at Recovery Centers of America and formerly serving at American Addiction Centers, the South Boston Collaborative Center and the Gavin Foundation. Peter has a personal and professional passion for recovery. As CEO, he will lead the Gavin Foundation in fulfilling its mission of the “restoration of dignity” in the lives of those seeking
Dedicated Service
recovery and furthering its impact on the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Peter Barbuto to our organization as our new CEO. He has the vision, leadership, and commitment to lead our organization to greater heights and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Willy Ostiguy, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors.
At the same time, the board and staff of Gavin Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to retiring CEO John McGahan for his many years of dedicated service and leadership. Under John’s guidance, the organization achieved amazing milestones, significantly grew its programs, and made a lasting impact on the recovery community throughout Massachusetts.
catastrophic loss of access to healthcare for Boston residents. It is critical that we stand with the doctors, nurses, janitors, and all the medical and support staff who provide vital care and service to the people of Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “Closure of either of these hospitals would have a devastating impact on healthcare access in the city, with already overcrowded facilities who will be tasked with absorbing a new population of patients, and disproportionately impact low-income patients, communities of color, and immigrant neighbors.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
of the 911 System
tion with the firewall was able to cause an outage in the entire system.
“We need to ensure that the 911 system has both the capability and plans in place to try to prevent a systemwide outage from ever happening again,” said Councilor Flynn. “But each department should also have contingencies in place as a precaution in the event of additional issues with the 911 system. We need to educate and inform residents now ahead of time on ways to contact their public safety departments in case they cannot dial 911 for an emergency.”
“We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to John McGahan for his incredible dedication, passion, and commitment to our organization. John’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Gavin Foundation into what it is today,” said Ostiguy.
“It has been an honor to serve the recovery community and Gavin’s board, staff and clients” said McGahan. “I would like to thank the South Boston community for embracing and supporting me and my family for over 30 years”. An evening of gratitude and recognition is being planned for the Fall to honor John’s legacy of leadership of Gavin Foundation.
Peter will work closely with John during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and a seamless leadership transition.
“I’m honored to join the incred-
ible team at Gavin Foundation” said Peter Barbuto. “Together, we’ll continue to drive positive change and make lasting impacts in the lives of those we serve. I am committed to follow the example of those who came before me in leading the foundation with compassion, integrity, and innovation as we work towards our shared goal of creating a brighter future for all who seek recovery in their lives.”
Guy The Wine Some Timely Candidates
Ithought that, for this week’s column, I’d like to head down south-way down south-to Chile and Argentina. While Argentina’s wine industry has long offered a tremendous array of great red and white wines, Chile has only really been on the radar for the last 20-25 years-merely the blink of an eye in the wine business. By global wine standards, Chile’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric and a few of the following will tell you why…. A nice wine to start with would be Natura Chardonnay, 2022,
($13.99). This one, from one of the country’s older producers, is a soft golden color, with tantalizing citrus aromas of grapefruit and lime blended with notes of pineapple. Juicy citrus and tropical fruit flavors reappear on the palate. Nicely balanced with a delicious finish, somewhat longer than I expected. This wine’s freshness and natural acidity make it the perfect food wine. Pairs especially well with salad and seafood dishes. Meanwhile, an Argentinian chardonnay, Heavenly Cream Chardonnay, 2021, Mendoza, Argen -
tina, ($16.99), drinks a lot better than its price. James Suckling says: “Aromas of baked mangoes, apple crumble, lemon curd, vanilla and buttered toast. Salted caramel, too. Full-bodied with a buttery and toasty yet bright palate. Toasted hazelnut notes on the finish.”. After tasting this one, it struck me that grilled chicken-no matter what’s on it- will really be better with this wine at the table. Try it with Lollipop Lamb as well.
Of all the Chilean wines that have improved in the last twentyfive years, their Sauvignon Blanc labels clearly lead the pack. A prime example would have to be Carmen Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, 2021, ($17.99). Suckling describes this one as, “Sliced apples, white pears, peaches, lemon curd, flint and smoked almonds on the nose. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity, yet it’s creamy. Fresh, clean and focused. This wine comes from Chile’s Casablanca Valley which, like the rest of Chile, benefits from cool night breezes from the Pacific. You should try this one with a seafood salad and marinated Chicken on the grill.
We shouldn’t forget those who enjoy a glass of crisp Rose. Wolffer Finca Wolffer Rose, 2021, Mendoza, Argentina, ($16.99) offers ripe fruit of pears, baked apple, and fresh hay in the glass. The mouthfeel is elegant and vibrant with refreshing acidity and is beautifully balanced with wonderful layers of clean fruit. There’s a classic flinty minerality and a savory long dry finish. It is an amazingly versatile partner to pair with food.
On Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Pageant Field, 1 Merrymount Parkway, Quincy, join Veteran’s Music Festival, VA Benefits & Career Expo for a celebration dedicated to veterans, first responders and their families. The event runs from 10:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. Attendees can enjoy a day filled with music, complimentary food and beverages, health screenings, guest speakers, and a wide range of activities. Professionals from The Michael J Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation, Mass General Hospital, Boston Scientific, St Elizabeth Hospital, and 110 Fitness will all be resources at the event.
New this year is The Wall That Heals mobile education center, a veterans Arthur corner, and a free cup of Marylou’s coffee! The U.S. Navy Seals Precision Parachute team will do a drop in.
This Event is presented by Veterans Voice Network, WATD 95.9, WMEX 1510, TIC Network, Wreaths Across America, the City of Quincy, the Town of Braintree, and VA Boston Healthcare System, with support from Marylou’s Coffee, Sullivan Tire, Quincy College, Our Heroes, 110 Fitness, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, and continued on page 18
Boston Police Officer CSO “Dudley Hill” Retires After 28 Years of Service
Last Wednesday at Amrhein’s in South Boston, Officer
Dudley Hill, patrolman, beat cop, traffic car, CSO and friend to the South Boston community, was greeted with applause at his retirement party. The makeup of the 100+ well-wishers speaks highly of this Officer and the relationships he has made throughout his service. Officer Hill came to C-6 straight from the Academy. He has been a Boston Police Officer for 28 years
in South Boston. Dudley is the proud recipient of the coveted Shattuck Public Service award given in 2003. Hill started his C-6 career serving under Captain Crowley and ending with Captain Joe Boyle.
Dudley’s graduating class is #3396 and his classmates Sandra Swain (C6), Tamiko Neal-Jackson (A1), Kathy Burke (HQ) and Jessie Goff (ASU) were all in attendance to wish their friend and classmate a wonderful retirement.
Officer Hill has been part of our community for his entire career. He was the traffic car for 12 years, CSO for 4 years and has trained many new officers who came on the force. One of those Officers is Shane Burke in 2005 that was with Officer Hill in the F202D. Burke had many funny stories to tell! Officer Hill had retired cops, active duty cops, new cops and elected officials/staff from across the City coming to wish this outstanding gentleman a happy re-
tirement. Dudley was humbled that his house, C-6 sent him into retirement with plaques and many gifts of appreciation. Dudley will miss the South Boston community and sends a big shout out for 28 years of service in Southie. He and his wife Suzette have plans on moving to the sunshine state for the next chapter in their lives. Thank you Officer Dudley Hill for your service, friendship, integrity and being a good friend/ cop to South Boston.
Boston Police Officer Dudley Hill (CSO) Officially Retired June 25, 2024
BPD Area C-6 held roll call as it does every morning at 7:30am, sharp. This particular Tuesday morning was a little different because it was Officer Dudley Hill’s final roll call before his well-deserved retire-
ment. Officer Dudley Hill has worn badge#4238 for 28 years. He started off on days and then went to the 4-midnight shift. Officer Hill thought it appropriate to have his last roll call where he began, on the day shift. Hill served in C-6 for his
entire career.
After the official business was taken care of, Captain Boyle made a speech and thanked Officer Hill for his friendship and service to the badge. There were smiles, cheers and a few tears shed on this morning as
Officer Hill, in full uniform, thanked his friends and co-workers for supporting him throughout his career. Best wishes for a healthy and happy retirement Officer Dudley Hill. The South Boston community salutes you! God Speed.
SPARKLING RED, WHITE AND BLUE SANGRIA
This Sparkling Red, White and Blue Sangria recipe is fun, delicious, easy to make, and guaranteed to be the hit of your patriotic party!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bottle dry white wine, chilled
• 1-pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup brandy or orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
• 1 bottle sparkling white wine, chilled (such as cava or champagne)
• 3–4 Granny Smith apples, cut into star shapes if desired
• ice
INSTRUCTIONS
1.Stir together white wine, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and orange in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours*, so that the flavors can meld.
2.Once you’re ready to serve the sangria, stir in the sparkling white wine, apples and a handful of ice.
3.Serve immediately over ice and enjoy!
NOTES*Recipe Update: The original version of this recipe called for 1 cup of apple juice (or white juice) instead of bra ndy. I prefer the liqueur to give it more of a kick and reduce the swe etness of the sangria.
*Chilling Time: Heads up that the longer the sangria sits, the redder it will likely become. So if you would like a whiter sangria, I recommend serving it immediately.
Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 c. Ketchup
• 2 tbsp. cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• 1 lime
• 1/4 c. Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 lb. chicken wings (about 36) split
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 4 ears fresh corn, halved
DIRECTIONS
• STEP 1Heat grill to medium-low. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire, and chipotle.
• STEP 2Place the sour cream in a bowl. Finely grate the zest of the lime on top, then squeeze in juice (about 2 tablespoons). Add cilantro and feta and mix to combine; set aside.
• STEP 3In large bowl, toss the wings with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brush the remaining tablespoon oil on the corn.
• STEP 4Grill the chicken wings, covered, turning occasionally for 12 minutes.
• STEP 5Place the corn on the grill. Grill the wings and corn, basting the wings with some of the sauce and turning the corn occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the corn is slightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Serve the corn with the wings, any remaining chipotle sauce and sour cream sauce, for dipping.
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say can you see by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The Pledge of Allegiance
“I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America; And to the Republic for which it stands, One Nation under God, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All.”
BCYF Tyan Summer Carnival…Fun, Fun, Fun!
On Wednesday, the BCYF Tynan Community Center brought back Carnival 2024. The South Boston community came together for fun, food, games and prizes. The Tynan Staff manned the many stations for ring toss, the dunk tank, face painting, hit the cans, cotton candy and more. The bouncy castle was a huge hit with the younger children as was awaiting the bike raffles. This event was truly a community enjoying and appreciating neighbors and quality of life. Hope there’s more to come! Shout out to John Lydon, staff and the Tynan Council.
Congratulations to the Florida Panthers for winning the Stanley Cup this week, a week after the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship.
And yes, on my latest podcast, I gave my annual rant on how ridiculous the NBA Championship Trophy celebration is, compared to the NHL’s Stanley Cup celebration. The NBA emphasizes the Finals MVP award by giving that out last, while the NHL does the correct thing and emphasizes the Stanley Cup by giving out the Conn Smythe MVP trophy first.
I’ll never understand the NBA’s logic with the way they celebrate the Finals MVP more than the Finals champion, but I guess it is what it is.
Anyways, speaking of the Stanley Cup and the NHL, there’s been a story in the league that I feel has been somewhat overlooked. At least, in my opinion, it’s an easy story to overlook. And that’s the new expansion team entering the league: The Utah Hockey Club.
That’s right. The Utah Hockey Club. Their colors are baby blue, black, and white. Similar to that of the Maine Black Bears. Fans are still voting for a permanent name for the team, but that name and logo won’t be official until its second season in 2025-26. For now, the
jerseys will just say “UTAH.”
Here’s the latest press release with more details:
SALT LAKE CITY (June 13, 2024)
– Today, the National Hockey League (NHL) and Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) officially closed on the agreement that establishes an NHL franchise in Utah. While the community continues to vote for the official name of the team, for the 2024-2025 season, the team will be known as Utah Hockey Club –leading proudly with the state identity and accompanied by a more formal naming convention used by many of the League’s other member clubs. The second round of the team’s multi-phase voting process on a permanent name runs through June 20th. Coinciding with today’s launch, Utah Hockey Club introduced their 2024-25 uniforms, color palette, and logos.
“Today is a monumental day for the state of Utah as we officially close on the establishment of a new NHL franchise,” said Ryan Smith, governor of Utah Hockey Club and chairman of Smith Entertainment Group. “The NHL has been incredible to work with throughout this process, providing us with invaluable guidance and support. We have a ton of work to do–training camp starts in less than 100 days–and could not be more excited about what’s to come.”
Year One Brand Identity
This week,
Danny shared his thoughts on the NHL’s newest team, in a week where the Stanley Cup was won by the Florida Panthers:
In collaboration with renowned design firm Doubleday & Cartwright, Utah’s NHL franchise has developed their 2024-2025 season identity.
The color palette consists of Rock Black, representing the darkness of night in the mountains and the volcanic rock of Utah’s deserts; Salt White, illustrating both the snow on Utah’s peaks and the famous salt flats; and Mountain Blue, a representation of Utah’s rich winter sports history and its clear skies for more than 230 days a year. The distinctive colors will establish the cornerstone of the club’s brand as it evolves through the team’s name selection ahead of the 2025-2026 NHL season. The selected color palette for Utah’s first NHL team is also intentionally complementary to that of the Utah Jazz – also owned by SEG – whose expanded colors were introduced last week and include a similar Sky Blue as a tertiary color.
Utah Hockey Club also introduced five marks, each inspired by the team’s 2024-2025 jerseys, which serve as a catalyst for the team’s visual identity and set the stage for future branding efforts.
Inaugural Season Uniforms
Reflecting their state’s long-standing reverence for the sport, the club will don two jerseys during the 2024-
25 NHL season that embody a clean, crisp, traditional aesthetic.
The team’s home uniform will be Rock Black with UTAH across the chest in stairstep lettering and feature Salt White and Mountain Blue striping across each arm, the bottom of the jersey, and on the socks. The team’s away uniform will be Salt White with UTAH across the chest in the same stairstep lettering. The away jersey will feature Rock Black and Mountain Blue striping. The inclusion of stairstep lettering, two-ply twill, zig-zag stitchdown appliqué, and triple striping on sleeves and socks complete the image of an emerging club steeped in the traditions of hockey’s heritage.
At the 2024 NHL Draft, Utah’s firstever draft selections will put on an exclusive sleek, all-black NHL authentic jersey adorned with the same UTAH stairstep logo design that will be featured on the team’s 2024 - 2025 season uniforms.
The team’s apparel will first be available for purchase at the Team Store at Delta Center during the team’s free-toattend 2024 NHL Draft Party on June 28. The 2024-25 uniforms will be available for purchase in Fall 2024.
Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
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SPORTS TODAY
BRUINS TRADE ULLMARK TO SENATORS
Don Sweeney made his decision. And he’s choosing Jeremy Swayman over Linus Ullmark.
The Bruins have traded Ullmark — who has one more year left on his contract, at a $5 million cap hit — to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for two players and a 2024 first-round pick. Here’s the full press release from the team:
BOSTON – Boston Bruins General Manager DonSweeney announced today, June 24, that the team has acquired forward Mark Kastelic, goaltender Joonas Korpisalo and a 2024 first-round draft pick (25th overall)
Tweet of the Week
from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Linus Ullmark. Ottawa will retain 25% of Korpisalo’s salary.
Kastelic, 25, appeared in 63 games during the 2023-24 season, recording five points and five assists for 10 points. The 6-foot-4, 226-pound forward has skated in 144 career NHL games, all with the Senators, tallying 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points.
LEACH RETURNS TO BRUINS COACHING STAFF
The Boston Bruins made a series of moves this week. One of which was bringing back Jay Leach to the organization, as an Assistant Coach for the 2024-25 season.
Here’s the full press release from the team:
BOSTON – Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, June 12, that Jay Leach has been named an Assistant Coach for the Boston Bruins. In addition, Joe Sacco has been named Associate Coach, and John McLean will join the Bruins player development staff as a Skating and Skills Coach.
“The Boston Bruins are excited to welcome Jay Leach back to the organization,” said Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney. “Jay was a very successful coach with the Providence Bruins where he greatly impacted our player development system, and he
also brings valuable experience as an assistant coach from the Seattle Kraken. We believe Jay will integrate quickly and complement our current staff as he comes back to the Bruins to work with our defense corps.”
“John is shifting back to a skating and skill development position where he will remain integrated with our current staff as well as broaden his scope to work with our entire player development system,” added Sweeney. “John was instrumental working with our medical staff on players returning from injury, and his experience as an assistant coach this season will provide great insights to young players throughout our organization to understand the individual work that is required to develop as a Bruin.”
“I’m thrilled to have Jay Leach join our coaching staff,” said Boston
Among Ottawa forwards in 202324, Kastelic ranked third in penalty minutes (63) and fourth in hits (126).
The Phoenix, Arizona native was originally selected by Ottawa in the fifth round (125th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Korpisalo, 30, appeared in 55 games with Ottawa during the 2023-24 season, recording a record of 21-26-4 with a 3.27
Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery. “Jay has an impressive track record at both the AHL and NHL level, and his experience connecting with players will greatly benefit our team.”
“I’d like to congratulate Joe Sacco on his promotion to Associate Coach. Joe has been an integral part of this staff due to his experience and the passion he brings to our group every day,” added Montgomery. “I also want to thank John McLean for his work as an Assistant Coach this past season, and I’m grateful his knowledge of the game will continue to be a tremendous asset for our player development group.”
Leach, 44, most recently served as an Assistant Coach of the Seattle Kraken from 2021-24. Prior to his time in Seattle, he spent five seasons with the Providence Bruins, acting as Head Coach from 2017-21. While at the helm in Providence, Leach compiled an overall record of 136-77-26.
Previously, Leach served as an Assis-
goals against average and .890 save percentage. The 6-foot-3, 189-pound goaltender has played in 276 career NHL games with Ottawa, Los Angeles and Columbus, compiling an overall record of 115-107-29 with a 3.06 goals against average and .901 save percentage. The Pori, Finland native was originally selected by Columbus in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
tant Coach for the AHL Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins (2015-16) and the Adler Mannheim of the Deutsche Eishokcey Liga in Germany (2014-15).
Leach played 11 seasons in the NHL and AHL from 2002-13. Through 70 career NHL games with New Jersey, San Jose, Montreal, Tampa Bay and Boston, the blueliner notched one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 464 career AHL games for the Albany Devils, Worcester Sharks, Lowell Devils, Norfolk Admirals, Portland Pirates, Providence Bruins, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Springfield Falcons, recording 25 goals and 61 assists for 86 points with a plus-38 rating. Prior to his professional career, Leach played four seasons (19972001) at Providence College.
Leach joins Sacco, Chris Kelly (Assistant Coach), Mathew Myers (Video Coordinator) and Dan Darrow (Assistant Video Coordinator), to round out Montgomery’s coaching staff for the 2024-25 season.
SBT Staff
central oculus, where they partake in a communal act of image-making with the changing sky.”
Urban Grove: Recharge & Reflect
This new cove features a network of shaded nest seating under mirrored leaf coverings. After dark, the huechanging lighting creates a shimmering canopy overhead.
first of several select Saturday events by Rebel Restaurants.
The Lawn on D Brings New Installations and Upgrades Mayor’s Garden Contest Deadline is July 10
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced that new interactive installations, a foodie-friendly bites and beverage menu, numerous infrastructure upgrades, and free community events highlight Season 11 at the Lawn on D, which opens on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Two marquee additions are now part of the Lawn on D experience: the Kaleidoscope Garden and Urban Grove interactive installations. Both installations are illuminated in the night sky with customizable LED lighting, giving visitors new spaces to reflect and relax at all times of the day.
Kaleidoscope Garden: Connect & Capture
This new light garden features a field of illuminated disks coated in dichroic film, each shifting in color and light as the sun shines and the wind blows. In the center is a mirrored kaleidoscope, great for capturing picture-perfect moments.
Kaleidoscope Garden is designed by Perkins & Will, a Boston-based studio established in 1935, under the direction of Lead Designer Sarah Brophy. The installation is produced by BRM, a certified woman-owned business founded in 2016, under the direction of General Contractor and Founder Bianca R. Mauro.
“We looked to the kaleidoscope as an awe-inspiring apparatus to create ever-changing experiences that set the imagination ablaze and capture the fleeting, light-filled spirit of summer,” said Lead Designer Sarah Brophy and Project Designer, Associate Katherine Chin. “Kaleidoscope Garden invites people to wander through an immersive particle field of firefly-like glowing discs before entering the
Urban Grove is designed by Arrowstreet, a Boston-based architecture and design firm established in the 1960s, under the direction of Principal Lauren Haggerty. The installation is fabricated in partnership with Image One, a service company founded in 2007, under the direction of Sales & Fabrication Expert Kyle Wolfe.
“The Urban Grove represents Arrowstreet’s goal of creating interactive experiences for communities to gather, reflect, and relax,” said Arrowstreet Senior Associate Jenna Carolan. “The installation symbolizes a commitment to preserving and expanding shaded green spaces within our city landscapes while also infusing the space with an element of whimsy and delight. We are excited to see the Urban Grove come to life, and we hope the community will take the time to reflect—both figuratively and literally—in this space and enjoy the renewed vibrancy of the Lawn on D.”
The MCCA has made a significant investment in upgrades to the Lawn on D’s infrastructure, adding more power and increasing Wi-Fi access. As a catalyst for development on the South Boston Waterfront, the Lawn on D is enhancing the customer experience by installing giant Adirondack chairs, pickleball court dividers and courtside benches, new artificial turf, and improved lighting that can extend pickleball court hours past sunset. Community programming Community programming will continue throughout the season, including the return of annual event favorites. The MCCA will host two Signature Series events for the community, including a summer event on Saturday, August 17 and a fall festival on Saturday, October 5. As always, all public events are free and open to all ages.
A free FitFest will provide complimentary fitness classes, themed gear, and more on Saturday, July 13, the
The 4th Annual Boston While Black Family Reunion returns to the Lawn on D on Saturday, July 20 for an allday celebration of Black community, culture, and joy in Boston.
Visitors will also experience live bands and free public programming through October.
Community access plays a key role in our programming at the Lawn on D. This season, we are excited for the return of Monday Fundays, building on our annual partnership with the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), with camps and community centers from across Greater Boston visiting the Lawn on D for fun in the sun and interactive programming provided by our local partners. “The MCCA is very excited for the highly anticipated opening of the Lawn on D for its 11th season,” said Gloria Larson, Interim Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “We have a lot of great programming built into the calendar this year, with returning clients and community partnerships, as well as new adventures at one of Boston’s most innovative, inclusive and dynamic outdoor event spaces.”
New craft bites and beverages premiere this season at the Lawn on D concessions, including elevated shareables, crafted sandwiches, and draft brews. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the MCCA as the F&B events and concession provider for the Lawn on D,” said Kristen Bonish, General Manager of Rebel Restaurants at the Lawn on D. “Throughout the season we will be introducing new offerings to suit all tastes. We look forward to delivering an exciting culinary experience at the Lawn!” For private events in Boston, the Lawn on D continues to be a sought-after outdoor venue, as a growing number of events are already contracted for 2024.
To stay up to date on the latest announcements, full program, and schedule of events, visit LawnOnD. com/calendar, follow the Lawn on D on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and sign up for the Lawn on D’s weekly newsletter at LawnOnD.com.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the 28th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest highlighting the accomplishments of Boston’s urban gardeners. The competition provides an opportunity to recognize the skills of all Boston residents who contribute to the beauty of the city’s landscape.
Boston’s growers have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, to submit their gardens for award contention. The contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, shrubs, and, in the process, helped beautify Boston’s neighborhoods.
Gardeners or those nominating their favorite gardeners may submit photos through the online application (our preferred method of entry) boston.gov/garden-contest. Alternatively, contestants may request an application by emailing their name and address to gardencontest@boston.gov. Paper applications are also available in English and 10 additional languages and can be found on the website.
Judges will be deployed to visit the garden of each finalist across the city during the week of July 22. Once the votes are tallied, first-place winners will receive the coveted “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor
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ever-present chemicals, and this bill reflects many of them. The measure has received two favorable committee recommendations, has the support of 101 lawmakers — reflecting majorities in each branch — and now sits in House Ways and Means. The News Service’s Sam Drysdale puts the bill into the context of Beacon Hill and the five weeks left in the legislative session.
Home equity theft, supplemental budget on House agenda
The House plans to vote today on a supplemental budget bill filed by the governor in March. House Ways and Means released its draft Tuesday with a total bottom line of $540M. The draft includes funding for health and human services workforce needs, income-eligible childcare and a funding plan supporting survivors of violent crimes, reports the News Service’s Colin A Young.
Reps are also slated to vote on a bill addressing home equity theft, which would ban municipalities and private companies from taking the entire equity of a home if a tax lien or foreclosure is at play.
I-90 Allston rebuild funds left out of MassDOT’s five-year capital plan
The most recent draft capital investment plan from the Massachusetts Department of Transporta -
tion contains hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of construction of a new Cape Cod bridge but none for the plan to rebuild the MassPike in Allston, Bruce Mohl of Beacon reports. The draft plan envisions just $62M in design and permitting costs for the Allston project but the lack of construction funds is raising questions about the timeline for the project, which is currently expected to be done by 2035.
Parking and transportation details for the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular:
Due to the number of street closures and parking restrictions typically put into place on July 4, the BSO advises those able to utilize public transportation to do so. The two closest stops to the Hatch Shell are Charles-MGH on the Red Line and Arlington Street on the Green Line. Starting at 9:30 p.m., the T will be free, so don’t worry about the fare for your ride home. Keep in mind that the MBTA is operating with a number of speed restrictions, so you’ll want to budget extra travel time. If you plan to drive to the 2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, you can search for a number of garages near the Hatch Shell. If you’re looking for nearby options on Google Maps, the address to use for the Hatch Shell is 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108.
That said, drivers should be careful to note the extensive number of road closures, which begin as early as July 1 and grow in number on July 4. Most travel on the river roads (Storrow Drive and Memorial Drive) near the Hatch Shell will be significantly reduced or closed completely. Though the BSO has not posted a final list of closures, typically more than a dozen roads in Boston and Cambridge have restrictions on travel or parking. To see a full list, check the BSO website closer to July 4. Members of the Middlesex County Volunteers fifes and drums watch as confetti falls after the reading of Declaration of Independence at the Old State House.
What are other fun things to do for July 4 in Boston?
With July 4 falling on a Thursday in 2024, there are Independence Day celebrations in both the weekend leading up to and following the holiday. Many of the most well-known activities are all part of a larger event known as Boston Harborfest, which celebrates our nation’s history with four days of activities from July 1 through July 4.
Along with daily drum and fife performances and regular tours of the Freedom Trail, here are a few of the highlights you’ll want to check out during the long weekend of events.
Harborfest Fireworks
You don’t have to wait until July 4 to see fireworks in Boston. The Harborfest display will begin at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, with the fireworks launching from a barge at Long Wharf.
Chowderfest
OK, chowder may not be the most summery of New England cuisine. But who can say no to free chowder, even in the heat of July? Harborfest is teaming up with local chowder purveyors to hand out free cups of the stuff at Downtown Crossing on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m., while supplies last. Parade and Declaration of Independence Reading
Finish your weekend off with a parade on the morning of July 4, which begins at 9 a.m. on Washington Street at the Franklin Street steps and ends at the Old State House, where a traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence will be held on the balcony of the Old State House.
the American Red Cross. About Veterans Voice Network
Veterans Voice Network is a radio show and website that provides resources and support for veterans and their families after service. The show covers topics such as educational paths, GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits, Military transfer credits, Benefit applications, Housing, Mental health. Hosted by Gregg Brasso the show also shares veterans’ stories and connects them with people who want to help them. The show and website offer practical advice and can help veterans feel less isolated. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, call 781-985-1551 or email greggbrasso@aol.com.
Wu while second and third-place winners will be awarded certificates.
Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years will be automatically entered into the Hall of Fame. These distinguished Hall-of-Famers are not eligible to enter as contestants but are invited to return as judges.
First-place winners are eligible for a drawing for a JetBlue Grand Prize consisting of roundtrip flights for two to any nonstop destination from Boston. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply. In addition, Mahoney’s Garden Centers will provide gardener’s gift bags to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates for the 2024 Hall of Fame winners.
Stay up to date with the Mayor’s Garden Contest as well as news, events, and design and construction work in Boston parks by signing up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and following our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Vets music continued from page 8 Mayor’s Garden continued from page 17
