SouthBoston
Boston Exam Schools Are Competing For Applicants With Charter And Private Options
Boston Latin School (BLS), Boston Latin Academy (BLA), and the O’Bryant have been considered a watershed achievement for many young students and their families. They require solid grades and test scores for admission, with high graduation rates, impressive college admissions, extracurricular programs, and a vast alumni network.
Starting in 2020, Boston Public School (BPS) officials tried to ad-
dress race and academic disparities in acceptance to these schools this by establishing exam school admission by geography. Using US Census tract data, applicants are now placed into one of eight “tiers,” with 125 exam school seats available in each tier. Regardless of the overall number of students qualified or applying, students compete for exam school seats with other students of similar socioeconomic status. In addition,
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We truly believe that God has blessed the South Boston Community as well as surrounding areas by sending us the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm to care for and provide comfort to those in need for more than 7 decades. They did this through their good work at the Marian Manor. Over the many years they’ve lived among us, they have been like Angels of compassion, love and caring, providing the assistance to their patients at ‘The Manor’ as well as comfort to the loving families who have trusted these wonderful women with the safety and well being of their family members and friends.
The Sisters themselves have given hands-on care to the residents at the facility and have over seen the professional doctors and nurses who are experts in their field and perfectionists in all that
they do. The Carmelite Sisters are more than just regular care givers. They are dedicated to treating their patients as if they were members of their own family. In fact, family members themselves have come to consider the good sisters as part of their families as well. The bonds and relationships have become that strong in so many cases.
This coming Sunday, August 25th, at the 9:am Mass at Gate of Heaven Church, it will be South Boston’s chance to say thank you and God speed to these good Samaritans who have served so many, so well, for so long. The Mass will be followed by a reception downstairs in the lower Church Hall to honor the Carmelite Sisters and all are welcomed to attend and to take part in showing the Sisters how much they are appreciated and to wish them well on their new assignments
where they will continue doing God’s work.
As most know, the Marian Manor will be closing its doors after more than 70 years of serving those in need in ways that only they could have done. By how they have help so many for so long and the comfort they have given to their patients, there is
no doubt that South Boston’s great loss will be a gain and a true blessing to those who will benefit in the future from all the Carmelite Sisters have to offer and to give.
So it is with great sadness that this and other neighborhoods say goodbye and fair well to these good people. We will
never forget the work you’ve done and the comfort you’ve given to those we love. You will always occupy a special place in the hearts of South Bostonians, and you will be in our prayers as we know that our community will always be in your prayers. GOD BLESS YOU and THANK YOU.
IInformation Center The
The Convention In Chicago: Trying To Spin Away The Failed Policies
’m not really sure how many of our readers are actually watching the Democrat Convention. The interest seems to be moderately low at best. Many people are questioning why that party even feels the need to hold a convention this year. The political conventions have, as their main purpose, to select the person they want to run as their presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Most of the time, the conventions tend to select the people who received the most votes in the primaries. But as we all know, this presidential election year is different. The person the party picked is Kamala Harris, the current vice president. And because the party chose to remove Joe Biden - some would say kicked him to the side or threw him under the bus - all those Democrat primaries that WERE held now mean nothing.
Now we all know and have known for quite a while, even though the White House and the news media lied to us and said he was fine, that Biden was not fine. He isn’t and hasn’t been, for years, capable of doing the job. So, he should absolutely not be on the ballot. But most people have figured out what the plan was. The plan was to lie and say Biden was fine and not give him the boot, until after most of the primaries were over. This would make it too late to hold new primaries and would allow the leaders of the Democrat party to hand pick the candidate, which is of course Kamala.
So even though she received NO votes for president in the primaries, she is now the candidate anyway. And even though she didn’t
receive even one vote, she is the candidate picked by a handful of party leaders and the delegates who do their bidding – NOT the voters. Mission accomplished. And you thought the Democrats were actually serious when they kept indignantly insisting that they were champions of and wanted to protect democracy. Well, not really. Most Americans weren’t buying that line for a minute. But nevertheless, here we are. Brilliant move, wouldn’t you say?
What isn’t a brilliant move, however, is the city they selected to host the Democrat Convention. Chicago of all places is no city to put on display for their failed policies. That city is right up there with New York, San Francisco, Detroit, Baltimore and other ‘Blue’ cities being destroyed by that party. There are murders every day and dozens on weekends. Citizens there get stabbed, clubbed, shot, mugged and car jacked in large numbers. Home invasions, sexual assaults and kidnappings happen so often that it isn’t even considered newsworthy anymore. The city government allowed itself to be overrun with illegal immigrants and now has to shell out countless millions of taxpayer dollars to support them. The cost of buying food and other necessities is out of control. The citizens themselves are furious and complaining about the conditions they are living in under the current Democrat political machine. The police have been limited in what they can do to enforce the laws because of liberal policies, businesses are boarding up their buildings and fleeing to other states because of the crime. The word coming from interviews from people on the street is that
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
the citizens themselves are being ignored, as Chicago’s city government is passing them over and catering to the illegals. In short, things are a mess in the ‘Windy City’ and the blame is being placed directly on the Biden/Harris Administration and the Democrat party itself. And THIS is what the DNC wants to showcase? The mess they’ve made and the failure their policies have caused is what they are running on, and asking voters to allow them to continue doing for another four years?
The only logical explanation, at
least the way I see it, is that they are hoping the voters have short memories and actually believe that, this time, the promises made to them by this party will be kept and that, this time, they won’t be forgotten and ignored the day after the election as has been the case for 50 plus years, which is how long the democrats have been running the show.
It has been said for several years but even more so now that the City of Chicago was run much better and with even less corruption when Al Capone was in charge.
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
GALVIN IS IN CHARGE – FOR A FEW DAYS
Secretary of State William Galvin is at the helm as acting governor this week, with a few busy days expected ahead that have him serving on the state’s frontlines. This isn’t Galvin’s first rodeo — he’s been around for so long that he basically created the rodeo — but this week will force him to switch up his usual low-profile status while Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention. Galvin was at the DNC Monday and Tuesday morning, but participated in what he called a “relay race” with Driscoll beginning Tuesday afternoon,
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.
arriving back in state to grab the baton before she departed. While State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said she’d been told to expect a few hours as acting governor this week — the auditor comes next in the pecking order after the secretary, attorney general and treasurer — the duty went to Galvin. It’s a brief few days as acting governor, during which Galvin can file and sign bills, and maintains responsibility for things like state emergency response and being the federal spokesperson for Massachusetts. It’s also nothing new for the secretary, who has served as acting governor under seven different gubernatorial administrations during his 30 years in the seat.
The week started off with Galvin tapped to make remarks at a DNC delegation breakfast Monday. Back home, today Galvin is speaking in Springfield about early voting opportunities in the upcoming primary elections, from mail-in voting reminders to November general election expectations. Yesterday, Galvin and his acting title became the subject of discussion on a different note when MassGOP called on him to release details about state emergency assistance shelter spending and what the party calls “serious incidents” that have happened in taxpayerfunded shelters.
MassGOP claims the HealeyDriscoll administration has “refused” to release the information to Bay State residents and wants Galvin to step in; the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities says the administration publishes financial estimates and projections every two weeks, and that vendor details are publicly available online. Galvin will take the smoke and ensuing responsibility until Friday afternoon, when Healey and Driscoll make their scheduled return. Until then, the future is in Galvin’s hands.
The state’s Steward plan doesn’t have a certain path forward
While the state unveiled its plans for Steward Health Care’s Massachusetts hospitals last week, there’s still no easy path forward. Whether it’s the disputes between Steward and some of its creditors within bankruptcy court filings, the lack of response to the state’s offer for St. Elizabeth’s from private equity firm Apollo, or the lenders’ extending hundreds of millions in loans to Steward before and after it filed for bankruptcy, the case in the short-term and long-term will be complicated and potentially riddled with blockades. The Globe’s Robert Weisman details all the conflicting interests in the Steward case and what the future could hold. Boston Globe
Anti-abortion crisis centers sue Healey
A group of pregnancy crisis centers filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Boston against Gov. Healey and women’s reproductive health groups, claiming they violated the groups’ constitutional rights with a campaign of “harassment, suppression and threats,” reports the EagleTribune’s Christian Wade. Pregnancy crisis centers advertise free services and counseling for women who are facing unplanned pregnancies, but Healey and women’s reproductive rights groups say the crisis centers are anti-abortion and intend to block women from receiving the full scope of reproductive health care.
VNA nurses on Cape Cod authorize strike
Nurses who work for the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod Healthcare voted unanimously to authorize a strike. The BBJ’s Isabel Tehan reports that more than a dozen bargaining sessions between the VNA and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the union representing the nurses, have failed so far to strike an agreement. — Boston Business Journal
Boston a top 10 Labor Day motoring destination nationally Boston is among the top 10 destinations for Labor Day travel nationwide, according to an American Automobile Association analysis, the Cape Cod Times’s Catherine Messier reports. The Times, which cited data produced by the nonprofit association of automobile clubs, ranked Boston fifth, behind New York City and ahead of Las Vegas, Nevada. The top automobile travel destination for the long weekend is Seattle, Washington, according to AAA.
Councilor Flynn Urges Neighbors to Apply for CPA Funds by August 30th
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is urging residents of Boston and District 2 neighbors to apply for the 2025 funding round of the Community Preservation Funds. Every year, the Community Preservation Act (CPA) uses revenue from a 1% property tax-based surcharge on residential and commercial property taxes to fund the initiatives of affordable housing, historic preservation, parks and open space. For the 2025 funding round, there is $38.2 million available for CPA projects.
Over the last few months, the CPA Team has been engaging the community across the City to inform and educate residents about the benefits of Community Preservation Funds. In June, Councilor Flynn, in partnership with CPA Staff held an information session to keep residents informed of this program and learn about a variety of projects that were funded over the past five years.
The deadline to submit an eligibility determination form for the FY 2025 round is Friday, August 30th at 5:00 pm. Interested applicants can apply online by visiting www.boston. gov/cpa or calling 617-635-0545 and filling out the Eligibility Determination Form. If eligible, individuals are invited to submit an application to the nine-member Community Preservation Committee for consideration.
“I cannot stress enough the positive impact that the Community Preservation Act has had in my District and the City,” said Council President Flynn.
“In the last round alone, District 2 received $8.5 million in CPA funds for projects that improve our neighborhoods and better the quality of life of all residents. I have given my support to many worthwhile projects aimed at affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space and recreation. I encourage residents to fill out an eligibility determination form by August 30th and speak with the CPA team to
see if their project would qualify.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.
gov. For a list of previously funded projects, please see below.
Previous projects that have been funded over the last three years in District 2 include:
2024
Christopher Lee - N St. Field, South Boston - $586,000
Camp Harbor View Campus, Waterfront - $119,747
League of Women, South End$711,392
Old Corner Bookstore, Downtown$500,000
Tremont Temple Baptist Church, Downtown - $375,000
Chinatown Stream Fountain Repair, Chinatown - $250,000
Phillips Square Plaza, Chinatown$700,000 2023
McDevitt Senior Homes, South Boston - $2,500,000
Congress Street Fire Station / Boston Fire Museum, South Boston - $395,500
Union Church Boston Building Preservation, South End - $500,000
Tremont Temple Phase 1 Façade Restoration, Downtown - $750,000
St. James the Greater Church, Chinatown - $400,000
Parcel R-1 (Rental), Chinatown$1,266,513
Parcel R-1 (Ownership), Chinatown - $3,000,000 2022
Barnard Place Park, South Boston$34,390.00
Christopher Lee Playground / Little League Field, South Boston - $650,000
Congress Street Fire Station / Boston Fire Museum, South Boston - $327,000
The Crite Park Revitalization Project, South End - $250,000
Francis Dane House / South End Historical Society Headquarters - $300,000
Schooner Roseway, Downtown$360,000
95 Hudson Street Row House Preservation, Chinatown - $150,000
288 Harrison Residences, Chinatown - $2,000,000
Over the weekend, Councilors Flynn and Murphy joined the West Broadway Task Force for Unity Day. They met with residents and volunteers and celebrated the summer with food, music and entertainment.
Senator Nick Collins will be hosting district office hours this Friday.
Friday August 23, 2024 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Exam Schools continued from front page “bonus points” are awarded for the lowest-income students (typically those residing in public housing) and students attending schools with larger proportions of low-income students.
With racial and residential segregation so inextricably tied in Boston, the tiers also track along the lines of race. BPS also changed the way it counted applications three years ago, and now excludes from its numbers, students who do not have at least a B average in English, math, science, and social studies. Previously, there was no GPA cutoff for admission consideration.
Consequently, the number of applications to Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, and the O’Bryant School of Math and Science for grades 7 and 9 has tumbled from 4,010 for the 2020-21 school year to 2,014 for the upcoming school year — a 49.8 percent drop, according to a Globe analysis of school data.
Despite the anecdotal evidence that suggests there has been an increase in the percentage of Latino and Black students attending the exam schools, data from Boston Public Schools and a 2021 court case challenging new admission policies indicate that the number of applications to these schools has dropped 50 percent in the last four years.
One reason is that there are fewer young children in the city, declining over the last 8 years by approximately 10,000. Another is that parents are looking for other school options impacted by the quality of the education and the cost of living in Boston.
Included in those options are Charter Schools that operate independently of the local school districts and have proved to be a sought-after alternative, offering families enrollment from kindergarten or middle school all the way through high school. Enrollment in grades seven through 12 has tripled. Boston charter schools serve a student population that is nearly 100 percent Black and Latino, and overwhelmingly low-income. There is data that indicates that Boston’s charter school students do not apply in large numbers to exam schools,
even though they now have a better chance of admission to them.
Then there is also evidence that many families are choosing to apply to private schools. While private school enrollment both in and outside of Boston. Applications to exam schools are substantially lower in the city’s higher-income neighborhoods. Apparently, families have either moved out or selected private schools outside the city, both parochial (Catholic) and private prep schools. These include the communities
In other words, many families from neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill, Back Bay, East Boston, Charlestown, and West Roxbury, many of whom have criticized how the new admissions system affects their children’s chances of admission, are not applying at all. Many of these parents are hesitant about exam schools over concerns BPS has watered down curriculums following the pandemic and these admission changes.
It has been reported that as the student population declined in Boston, only Boston Public Schools lost a substantial share of students, while the overall level of enrollment in charter and private schools and the Metco program stayed constant. On top of that, a majority of Boston parents consistently give the Boston Public Schools system a C grade or lower. Curiously, BPS itself does not rank BLS or BLA as highestquality in the information it provides to families. Basically, the school district’s enrollment systems and communication continue to lack the accuracy, transparency, and familycentered orientation experts say is needed to build trust.
Exam school demand, or lack thereof should be a wake-up call. Continued enrollment decline does not just present a problem for the school budget, it indicates potential greater instability and decline in a community. The dwindling exam school applications come as BPS boasts that it has made significant strides in increasing the racial, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity of students offered exam school admission. In a city and a state facing serious demographic headwinds, no one should take for granted that any of our schools will continue to be full.
Reps. Lynch and Pressley Release Joint Statement to Keep Steward Hospitals Open
U.S. Representatives Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued a joint statement on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s preliminary agreement to keep six Steward hospitals open under new operators. Last month, Rep. Lynch and Rep. Pressley rallied with colleagues, patients, and providers to speak out against Steward’s abrupt closure of Carney Hospital in Dorchester.
“The public health crisis created by Steward Health Care’s shameful greed demands an aggressive response that holds Steward accountable and protects the patients, providers, and communities they have failed. The agreement announced yesterday by the Healey-Driscoll Administration—especially the seizure of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton—is the type of pivotal action needed in this moment, and we urge the Commonwealth to move with the same level of urgency to keep Carney Hospital in Dorchester open as well.
“We remain outraged and devastated for everyone who will be harmed by Carney’s closure, including the veterans, low-income, Black and Brown communities, and non-English speakers who depend on Carney for lifesaving care. Since 2022, Carney Hospital has helped tens of thousands of patients that reside in Boston, and we are very concerned about the lack of nearby healthcare sites that have the capacity and resources to provide emergency room services to residents in the area.
“This crisis was entirely preventable, were it not for Steward Health Care putting profits over people, and their CEO Ralph De La Torre will leave a damning legacy of hurt and harm in the Massachusetts 7th and 8th Districts and across the entire Commonwealth. We will continue to demand full accountability and work together to build a just healthcare system that affirms it as a human right and prevent crises like these from ever happening again.”
Dear Fellow Suffolk County Residents,
I am Erin Murphy, and I am humbly seeking your support in the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, September 3rd. Over the past three years, it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve the vibrant and diverse communities of our great City as your AtLarge City Councilor. I want to share with you why I am the best choice for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County.
1. A Record of Results: During my time as a legislator on the Boston City Council, I have been dedicated to delivering tangible results for our neighborhoods. I have consistently lifted the voices of my neighbors and championed important causes that directly impact our community. From advocating for better schools, more services for our seniors and veterans, safer streets, the cost of housing, and delivering on constituent services. I have demonstrated my commitment to improving the quality of life for all Bostonian’s.
2. Proven Leadership and Integrity: My successful career in public service and education underscores my leadership abilities and commitment to ethical standards. These qualities are crucial for a role that demands impartiality, transparency, and reliability. The Clerk’s role is to ensure the smooth operation of the court system by managing documents, scheduling, and ensuring procedural compliance. This is a neutral, administrative function that does not require legal interpretation. Combining these factors, I offer a blend of practical experience, a deep understanding of public service, and a personal commitment to fairness and community.
3. Extensive Public Service Experience: My tenure as a Boston City Councilor, my decades as a public-school educator, and my lifelong community advocacy demonstrates my expertise and capability to handle complex administrative tasks, manage substantial amounts of information, and interact with a diverse range of people. This experience,
combined with my strong work ethic, shows that I am more than capable of managing complex responsibilities and advocating effectively for the community.
4. Education Expertise: My twenty-four years as a Boston Public School teacher and special education coordinator highlight my deep understanding of education and administrative processes. Managing over 150 IEPs each year reflects my organizational skills and experience managing extensive records and coordinating services. It also highlights my attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all students. These skills are transferable and valuable in the administrative role of Clerk for the Supreme Judicial Court.
5. Accessibility and Transparency: Your voice matters. I have always made it a priority to be accessible to residents, attending community meetings in every neighborhood and listening to your concerns. It is a priority of mine to make sure everyone feels welcome when they access the
court. I will continue to champion transparency and speak my mind to stand up for you.
6. Local Knowledge and Network: As a citywide elected official, I have a comprehensive understanding of Boston, Winthrop, Chelsea and Revere, and its residents, which will be beneficial in a role that requires close interaction with the public and various legal stakeholders. My existing relationships and network in the community will help facilitate smoother operations and improved communication.
7. Single Parent perspective: My experience as a single mom adds a unique and empathetic perspective. It demonstrates my resilience, ability to balance multiple responsibilities, and commitment to making decisions that positively impact families and individuals.
8. Bostonian Through and Through: I love our city, and I am deeply committed to its future. As a lifelong Bostonian, Boston Public School teacher, former BPS student, BPS parent, and a single mom who raised her four children here, I understand our unique challenges and opportunities, and I will continue to be dedicated to making not just Boston, but all of Suffolk County a better place for all of us!
On September 3rd, I ask for your vote for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court. I believe you; the people of Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, and Revere deserve an elected official who is committed to providing access to justice and will bring transparency and accountability to the role. When you vote for me, you know exactly what you are getting. I will bring the same work ethic and integrity that marked my time in the classroom as a Boston Public School teacher, and as a legislator on the Boston City Council. Together, we can achieve remarkable things for Suffolk County. Thank you for your trust and support.
Sincerely,
Erin Murphy
Boston City Councilor At-Large
Guy The Wine Thinking Ahead
I’m pretty sure that it’s been lost on nobody that the evenings have been distinctly cooler recently; with that, wine drinkers are looking to get back on, “the red side”. Here are some wine suggestions, with both great taste and value for the money that I think you’ll enjoy….
True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, ($19.95) Pure Paso Robles, this rich yet smooth Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with elegant aromas of blackberry, blueberry, pepper, and cassis which lead to flavors of dark red fruits with hints of cedar spice, cocoa powder, and caramelized oak. These persistent flavors create a long
lingering finish. While very accessible now, this wine will continue to evolve nicely for years to come.
The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021, ($17.99). Classic aromas of blackberry and plum are wrapped in toasted caramel and dark chocolate and mouthfilling tannins. This wine has the structure you expect from Cabernet Sauvignon but is also elegant and supple. A fun start or end to any meal or friendly gathering. Enjoy it with grilled flank steak, beef brisket, or portabella and grilled onion burgers as a vegetarian option.
Golden West Pinot Noir, 2020, Chas. Smith Wines, ($19.99). Mineral notes dominate at first,
followed by subtlety, refinement and purity. Black cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, hibiscus, and wet soil flatter the senses until we take a sip and then there is an overdrive of complexity. Crushed rose petals, tarragon, turmeric, spice box, worn leather and crushed rocks. Jeb Dunnuck Reviews said the following in giving it 90 points “Made by the team at K Vintners, the 2020 Pinot Noir comes from the Royal Slope and saw 25% whole clusters and 12 months in barrel. Classy notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, leafy herbs, leather, and scorched earth all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium-bodied, up-front, nicely textured, and has a great finish. Readers looking for a classic Pinot Noir that has real varietal character and won’t break the bank will absolutely love this. It will keep for 3-5 years. Best After 2022.”.
Smashberry Red Wine, 2022, Paso Robles, ($15.99). This California region continues to be one of my favorite areas of California. This one, like many other reds from this AVA, is a vibrant and fruit-forward blend. It showcases aromas of ripe berries, cherries, and a hint of spice. The palate
offers flavors of juicy fruit, subtle oak, and a smooth texture, with soft tannins and a refreshing finish. This versatile red wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to pasta dishes.
Christopher Michael Red Wine, Washington State, ($20.99). Christopher Michael Red Wine is a versatile and approachable blend that reflects the artistry and passion of California winemaking. Crafted by Christopher Michael Wines, a boutique producer known for its dedication to quality and innovation, this red wine is a harmonious marriage of several grape varieties, resulting in a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. It offers aromas of ripe berry fruits, plum, and spice, with hints of vanilla and oak. On the palate, it is mediumbodied and smooth, with flavors of red and black fruit, chocolate, and a touch of earthiness, framed by supple tannins and a lingering finish. Christopher Michael Red Wine is a versatile companion to a variety of dishes, from grilled burgers to pasta with marinara sauce, making it a favorite choice for any occasion.
CORE INVESTMENTS, INC. ANNOUNCES FOUR FALL EVENTS FOR ‘The LOT’
Taylor Swift Movie, Flea Market, Oktoberfest, Halloweenfest at
‘On the Dot’
Core Investments, Inc., a quarter-century-old Boston real estate investment and development company, announced four significant fall public events as part of its 2024 fall program of music, food, and fun events at The LOT.
The second annual lineup of activities represents Core Investment’s commitment to the emerging On the Dot neighborhood in South Boston and includes Taylor Swift Movie Night on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024; the Flea Market on Saturday, Sept. 28; Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 12; and Halloweenfest on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The first event following the August end of summer is Touch-a-Truck, on Saturday, Sept. 7, featuring big rigs, first-responder vehicles, and other large-wheeled rolling stock to be of interest to kids and adults. Neighborhood residents and visitors can learn about and explore a range
of trucks that will be on The LOT for up-close, first-hand experiences.
Like some of Core’s other events on The LOT, Touch-a-Truck will have a familiar giveback element, with community organizations participating and offering donation opportunities for groups including the Andrew Square Civic Association, South Boston Boys & Girls Club, South Boston Moms Club, Girl Scouts, Boston Lyric Opera, and South Boston Neighborhood House.
The event is free, and sign-ups via Eventbrite are recommended. Of course, all events on The LOT take place outdoors and are weather-dependent, so dress accordingly. The rain date for Touch-a-Truck is Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. Photography and videography will be taken at the event.
On Friday, Sept. 13, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” will be shown, the movie version of her live tours, beginning at 7 p.m. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with
a live performance of some of Swift’s greatest hits, and bracelet-making materials will be available from Boston Beaded.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, noon-5 p.m., Core’s Flea Market will feature small businesses for the public to browse and shop for art, jewelry, clothing, and more. The rain date for this event will be on Sept. 29.
On Saturday, Oct. 12, 1-7 p.m., Oktoberfest will be celebrated, with live music, authentic German beers, games, mouth-watering food, and well-supervised ax throwing. The rain date for this event is Oct. 19.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-8 p.m., The LOT will celebrate Halloweenfest, a family friendly event where kids can wear costumes, carve or paint pumpkins, and participate in other Halloween-themed activities. The rain date for this event will be Oct. 27.
Gillette Moves Forward with Plans to Transform South Boston CampusLOT’
Master Plan for 31-Acre Site to Expand Public Open Space, Create New Housing, Create New Resiliency Measures, and Boost Economic Development in Key Waterfront Location
P&G Gillette launched the next phase of its plans to reshape its current South Boston manufacturing campus as the company filed a Letter of Intent for its Master Plan with the City of Boston’s Planning Department. The comprehensive redevelopment project is expected to transform an industrial site into a vibrant mixeduse community, enhancing access to the waterfront for the South Boston and Fort Point Channel neighborhoods and beyond.
The redevelopment, spanning Gillette’s 31-acre site, represents a unique opportunity to plan for the future of a pivotal site and create a sustainable, transit-oriented development. A defining feature of the proposal is its publicly accessible green and open space; with nearly 50% of the site devoted to this use, the development will unlock a site that has been inaccessible to the public for decades, welcoming the community to an inclusive, resilient waterfront park. The master plan also anticipates a transition of the site from one that currently allows for primarily commercial and industrial use to a site zoned to include residential uses.
As a result, the proposed plan includes a minimum of 30% housing, as well as commercial development (lab, office and retail) and significant, public open space.
Gillette plans to maintain its Headquarters and Technical Innovation Center in South Boston, hosting commercial, engineering and R&D functions in an area known for its strong innovation ecosystem. The company plans to transition South Boston manufacturing operations to a 150-acre campus it already operates in Andover, building a new, cutting-edge manufacturing center at the site. The operational transformation at both sites will bring the single most significant investment P&G has ever made in Massachusetts – including its single largest investment in Boston.
“This is an important moment for our business and for Boston. Redeveloping our 31-acre South Boston site will create exciting new possibilities for the continued evolution of the city,” said Kara Buckley, Vice President of Community Affairs at Gillette. “Our early conversations with the community have been helpful in guiding us; we hope to develop a project that will address some of Boston’s most critical needs – from resiliency and open space to housing and economic op -
portunity – reflecting both citywide priorities and the interests of the South Boston community.”
In addition to public open space, sustainable building design and access to transit, the project will address the need for long-term climate resiliency. The open space and resiliency design reflect the site’s position as a gateway location that can protect both the immediate Fort Point and West Broadway neighborhoods and the broader community. The precedent-setting climateresiliency features include green infrastructure to address district stormwater concerns and promote coastal resilience, helping to protect both the project area and the neighborhoods beyond.
Gillette, a South Boston community fixture for over 120 years, is committed to working with neighbors, community leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders throughout the planning and development process. In Fall 2023, the company hosted a virtual public meeting to share early concepts and hear thoughts from city residents. The company has also met with multiple community groups, nonprofits and neighbors to understand their perspectives. The Gillette team expects to host both a site tour and multiple topic-specific meetings
to share some planning concepts and to solicit feedback. Meetings will begin in September and will be posted on both the city’s planning website and on the project website: GilletteBostonUpdate.com.
“It is important to us that Gillette serves as a steward for the future of the place we have called our home for more than a century,” continued Buckley. “This is a generational opportunity to strengthen Gillette’s business and establish a foundation for continued success as a proud South Boston-based company, while also providing significant new benefits to our neighborhood, the surrounding community, our city, and our state. We look forward to collaborating with our neighbors, community groups and elected officials in this effort.”
About Gillette
For more than 120 years, Gillette has delivered precision technology and unrivaled product performance – improving the lives of over 800 million consumers around the world. From shaving and body grooming to skin care and sweat protection, Gillette offers a wide variety of products including razors, shave gel (gels, foams, and creams), skin care, aftershaves, antiperspirants, deodorants, and body wash. For more information and the latest news on Gillette, visit gillette.com.
Unity Day Celebrated At Anne Lynch Homes At Old Colony 2024
On Wednesday, the residents at Anne Lynch Homes At Old Colony celebrated Unity Day in style with Tex’s BBQ Express, cotton candy, slip & slide, a bouncy house, raffles, give aways from Xfinity as well as signups for Julie’s Learning. The children had their faces painted while the adults enjoyed mini messages which were said to be divine. The Fire Department gave out fire hats and safety coloring books, while BPD and Longwood engaged in conversation and the festivities. State Rep. David Biele was in the crowd speaking to residents, socializing and being a proud Dad, showing off baby photos. OC Task Force, organizers, vendors and Beacon Properties did a great job in organizing the event and you can see it was a success with all the smiles and fun!
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS
Grant program totaling $300,0000 will support community-based sports organizations that offer out-of-school sports programs across Boston neighborhoods. Mayor Michelle Wu and the Human Services Cabinet today announced applications are now open for the Community Sports Grant, a grant program totaling $300,000 to support volunteerled youth sports organizations that provide high-quality, engaging athletics programming for Boston youth ages 8-18. The goal of this grant is to increase the variety of youth sports pro -
gramming in the City and provide a positive outlet for youth when they’re not in school.
Applications will be open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024. This initiative is aligned with the Mayor’s Connect, Learn, Explore program, her commitment to Boston’s youth by ensuring every child is empowered to explore and find their passions.
“Part of our responsibility for keeping Boston’s young people healthy and happy is ensuring each of them has access to enriching experiences outside of the classroom,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “It is a joy to partner with youth sports programs across the City to keep our kids in motion.”
Neighborhood sports leagues are often the place where the city’s youngest athletes are first exposed to sports. As the foundation of youth sports programming in the City of Boston, volunteer-led sports organizations involve a diverse range of young people in their community, providing them with
the opportunity to stay active, bond with friends, and develop character. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with neighborhood-based sports organizations,” said Chief of Human Services José F. Massó. “As a youth basketball coach, I know these programs are a labor of love for the many volunteers that keep them going and I’m glad that we’re able to offer this infusion of resources to make their work easier.”
The Human Services Cabinet will distribute grants of up to $10,000 to support increasing access to sports opportunities for Boston youth. Applicants must intend to use funds to (1) reduce the registration fee, (2) purchase new equipment or uniforms, and/or (3) cover rental space costs. The grant funding will support fall, winter, and spring sports and must be used by June 30, 2025. “Access to quality youth sports experiences that eliminate barriers to participation is critical for the health and wellness of our young peo -
ple,” said David Shapiro, CEO of YMCA of Greater Boston. “It offers them the opportunity for meaningful relationships, development, discovery, teamwork, and joy.”
Creating easier access to athletic opportunities is a part of Connect, Learn, Explore, Mayor Wu’s initiative to ensure Boston’s youth are empowered to find and pursue their passions. In May, the Mayor announced the launch of the Boston Youth Sports Hub, a one-stop website that offers a directory of Boston’s neighborhood sports leagues for families, links to city-run programs, and stories of athletic achievements by Boston youth sports teams. In addition to providing grant support to youth sports providers, the Youth Sports Initiative aims to increase participation of youth who have been historically underrepresented in youth sports, improve the quality of coaching in the city, and enhance the variety and quality of sports offered by city departments.
End of Summer Barbeque At St. Monica Church
St. Monica’s hosted their annual Peace Picnic and Barbeque event on Wednesday, August 21.The lawn was set up with games for the children to participate in and backpacks stocked with school supplies were available for each child to receive. The burgers and hotdogs were delicious along with the sides and of course, ice cream for dessert! Big shout out to the volunteers who make this community event special every year.
As we get closer to Week 1 of the NFL regular season, the Patriots’ QB competition is heating up.
And while Pats coach Jerod Mayo says that Jacoby Brissett is still “QB1,” he also says that he won’t name the Week 1 starter until Monday night, after this weekend’s final preseason game against the Washington Commanders.
Which means, Drake Maye still has a chance to win this competition.
Here’s a portion of Mayo’s latest press conference from training camp, where he discusses that QB competition:
Q: How do you think that manifests itself in the way you conducted training camp this summer? I mean, as far as –this wasn’t a team that gave a lot of veteran days off and things like that.
JEROD MAYO: Yeah, because we just have to get better. Coming off of last year, we had a bad taste in our mouths. We still have a lot of players that returned from then. I would say they want to work, and that’s the most exciting thing for me. They want to be out here in pads. They want to
do live drills and things like that. So, that’s our goal, is to be a better team this year.
Q: Jerod, is the plan with Drake [Maye] this week to have him run off some of the cards like you’re talking about, doing scout team stuff, or is he going to be focused more on Patriots stuff?
JM: No, he’ll be focused more on Patriots stuff, and he’ll be focused more on Washington stuff, quite frankly.
Q: What do you want to see from the quarterbacks, Drake and Jacoby [Brissett] in particular, this week?
JM: Yeah, I think it starts with the operation. I always say, ‘Good huddle, good break, good play.’ So, it starts in the huddle, then getting guys lined up, going out there, executing the play, making the right reads and moving the offense down the field.
Q: When it comes to that pre-snap operation for Drake Maye, is he in a place where if he had to start, you feel like he’s ready, or do you feel like he’s still kind of coming along?
JM: 100%. I think he’s ready to run a huddle.
This week, Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots as they enter their final preseason game:
Q: Jerod, with those cuts looming, who has the final say to make those cuts, between you and Eliot?
M: Yeah, I thought I was pretty clear about this. You know, for me, Eliot and I are on the same page. I hope it’s always that way. You’ve heard the horror stories around the league as far as coach and GM [general manager] relationships are concerned. The final say-so is Eliot. We collaborate on everything. He collaborates on a little bit of scheme things. I collaborate with him as far as evaluation. But I lean on the experts in that world, and Eliot is that guy.
Q: Do you need to come out of Sunday night with a starting quarterback in your mind? And do you need to tell them that early? Or, what is your plan for that?
JM: I would say by Monday night, we should know who the quarterback is. A Sunday night game, it’s always hard to really crank through the film. Especially on the road. But I think Monday, Tuesday, you probably need to know who it is. Now, that doesn’t mean I’ll tell you on Monday or Tuesday.
Q: In terms of the starting quarterback decision, would you say that you have final say with that? Or is that another thing where Eliot [has final say]?
M: The players that go on the field, I would think I will have final say. Once again, I know I’ve used this word a lot. We will collaborate on that.
Q: I want to ask you about the starting quarterback a little bit more. One thing that I want to bring up is that in the beginning of the spring, you were very forward about that Jacoby’s your starter. There’s been a shift after this last game where it’s up in the air. It’s a big competition. Has that taken you by surprise a little bit with how things have gone? What has led to that?
JM: I would say, you come into camp, and you want to have an idea of how it’s going. It’s still a competition, and Jacoby is still QB1. It’s a competition amongst all the guys on the field, including the quarterback spot. So, hopefully that makes sense to you guys. But he’s still QB1. Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
SPORTS TODAY
PATRIOTS TRAVEL TO DC FOR FINAL PRESEASON GAME Tweet of the Week
The Patriots have one more tune-up before the 2024 regular season begins. It’s be this Sunday night on NBC against the Commanders in Washington.
New England is coming off a loss in its second preseason game last Thursday night at home. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Patriots 14-13. Wins and losses don’t matter right now though. Instead, all eyes were on Patriots rookie quarterback Drake
Maye, who is clearly emerging as the Pats’ No. 1 quarterback.
Maye finished the game 6-of-11 for 47 pass yards. He also rushed for 15 yards and scored one rushing touchdown.
“He had great composure,” Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said after the game. “I thought it was a good drive. I thought he went out there and did a lot of good things. Hopefully he can build on that and we’ll see how this
week goes.
“That was always the plan to play him more,” said Mayo. “It was the plan to play him in the third quarter so we can go through some of those adjustments and see if he can handle that stuff. And he did.”
“I think it’s an awesome opportunity,” said Maye in his postgame press conference. “I think there are definitely things I can clean up. I had some good things, had some bad
plays: dropped snaps – inexcusable from me. Other than that, sometimes I felt I was scrambling when I could sit in there, hang on, and try to make a throw. So, there are definitely a lot of things to learn from. It was good to get out there and get some tape to learn from. Other than that, the guys fought, played hard. You can look at a lot of things, but the one thing you can’t question is our effort and that really starts it all.”
AFTER CONTRACT DISPUTE, PATS TRADE JUDON TO FALCONS
It seemed somewhat inevitable.
Matthew Judon has been traded. The Pro Bowl linebacker was sent to the Atlanta Falcons late last week, in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick.
Judon, 32, is entering the final year of his contract, and had publicly expressed his desire for an extension. It then became apparent that the Patriots weren’t going to give him one. And now, Judon is a Falcon.
“Yeah, like I said on the broadcast [last Thursday night during the preseason game against the Eagles], all these decisions are difficult,” Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf told the media. “We have to weigh now, the future, what’s best for the team, what’s best for the player, and it was something that we just felt organizationally, and for Matthew, it was probably the best for both parties.
“Teams had been calling to check in,” added
Wolf. “He had voiced a little bit of displeasure with his contract at different times. So, whenever that happens, teams always check in on players. So, it’s just kind of something that came to fruition there at the end.”
Said Patriots coach Jerod Mayo of the trade: “You guys know how I feel about Judon. And obviously he’s moving on. I felt like it’s a win-win for both parties and I wish him nothing but the best. I always tell the guys these are long-term relationships and nothing’s changed.
“It’s hard to sit here and say one person can replace Matthew Judon, both on the field and off the field,” added Mayo. “But I think we have a good group ready to go and step into those shoes.”
After the trade, on instagram, Judon posted a series of photos with him in a Patriots uniform, with a caption that read: “Thank you for everything, New England. Atlanta, we ready.”
The Falcons are seemingly ready for Judon’s
arrival as well.
“You get a guy with the ability to come in here and be a game wrecker for you right now, you figure out those things,” Atlanta coach Raheem Morris told reporters. “I have one real key factor. We did that out in L.A. with Von [Miller]. Got him middle season doing a trade, he was able to come in [and] turn into a game wrecker. I got a chance to see playoff Von. Got a ring because of it. Got a lot of success.”
It’s possible that Judon won’t have a new contract extension with the Falcons before the season begins. But Judon doesn’t seem too concerned about that anymore.
“The Atlanta Falcons know nothing about me as a football player and as a man, Judon told the Atlanta media. “They really know my previous resume. I can’t really demand or ask for anything I haven’t worked for, and that’s where I’ve been my whole life. I’m going to work for it, man.”
The Patriots do not play the Falcons this season.
