SouthBoston
Tuesday September 3 – Please Vote – You Count
Election Polls will open at 7:00am of Tuesday September 3rd. US Congressman Stephen Lynch, State Senator Nick Collins, State Representative David Biele, City Councilor SJC Clerk candidate Erin Murphy, Superior Court Civil Clerk candidate John Powers, Superior Court Criminal Clerk Maura Hennigan, Reister of Deeds Stephen Murphy and Register of Probate Stephanie Everett and Governor’s Council candidate Ron Iacobucci are on the ballot. There are contests for the 40 seats in the state Sen-
ate and 160-member House, both controlled by Democrats, and are largely challenger-proof. About two-thirds of state House and Senate incumbents appear set to cruise to reelection this fall, according to an analysis by State House News Service. Why? Well, a few things. Namely, a political culture that favors the well-connected and a historically disorganized Republican Party. Put it all together, and you get one of the least competitive climates for legislative races in the nation, according to Ballotpedia.
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Early Voting Not Checking IDs – WHY?
Early voting has begun for the upcoming Massachusetts state primary including in Boston. Boston has provided locations around the city for those who, for whatever reason, would like to get their ballot in before the rush. Mail in voting is also ongoing.
As the process continues, we are hearing complaints by upset voters who made the trek to the assigned polling locations that no one at those locations asked for identification, and even when it was offered, they were told it wasn’t needed. Now with all the voter fraud that has been reported in recent years around the country - much of it proven with people caught, convicted and sometimes sent to jail - when poll workers go out of their way to decline to check an ID that would prove that a voter is actually who they claim to be, it raises suspicion and rightfully so. Oh, and so there is no misunderstanding at what we’re saying, the dedicated
people who were and are working at the polls didn’t make the rules about no ID needed. They are doing their job as they were told to do it. The ruling is coming from higher up. When the workers were asked why there was no requirement, they responded how they were directed to respond with two reasons: One reason was that there are some voters who just don’t want to produce and ID and feel they shouldn’t have to. To which our response would be that’s too darn bad. You show an ID at the bank to cash a check to prove that you are who you say you are, at the airport, when driving a car, picking up a prescription and for just about everything else in today’s world and showing an ID to vote is just as important. The other reason given for no ID requirement is that well, they have the official voting lists at all the polling locations so they can check it next to the address. But that still doesn’t prove you are who you say, because
there is no photo ID to prove it. There have been instances where people have gone in to vote, only to find that someone had already cast a vote in their name. Add to that, the multitude of names of people who are deceased and those who have moved out of the area whose names have mysteriously never been removed from the voter lists but still somehow manage to vote. This gives cheats another opportunity to cast an illegal vote.
Recent surveys have found that the number of Americans who no longer have confidence that our country’s elections are safe and above board has grown by leaps and bounds and are in favor of adding safeguards. And those surveys also show that 80% of Americans are strongly in favor of Voter ID laws and that includes a majority from every background, demographic and race and voters from both major political parties. But apparently, stubborn states like Massachusetts refuse to follow the trend of most of
the rest of the country that already have or are in the process of making Voter ID the law. This resistance from Massachusetts is also causing suspicion.
Before casting your next vote, we suggest you contact City Hall and the State House and demand to know
why IDs are not required to vote at your polling location and then demand that the policy be implemented. If Americans are ever again going to have the confidence that our elections are not ‘rigged’, every city, state and town needs Voter ID laws in place and enforced.
TInformation Center The Is America Better Off Now Than 4 Years Ago?
his edition of South Boston Today has as its weekly quote on page 2, a quote from Ronald Reagan in the form of a question put to his opponent AND the voters in the election of 1980. He was debating what many Americans at the time and millions to this day still view as a weak, failed and incompetent opponent – President Jimmy Carter. He looked across the room to the podium where Carter was standing, then looked into the TV camera and asked the American people the following: “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” It was considered one of the questions that was said to define how the election campaign between Carter and Reagan was going. As history will show, under the Carter Administration, the economy was terrible, there were gas lines all around the country, our nation had been embarrassed militarily in the eyes of the world as the Iranians held over 100 American citizens hostage and refused to release them and an attempted rescue mission of those hostages resulted in the attempt winding up in shambles. The photos of wrecked and disabled American helicopters lying broken and wrecked on Iranian soil were shown around the world. So, the answer to Reagan’s question was a loud and clear ‘NO’ as most Americans were concerned. And of course, Reagan won in a landslide. Even though that debate happened over 40 years ago, the question asked by Reagan back then could and should be asked today by former President Trump of Kamala Harris in an upcoming debate. ‘Are we better off today than we were 4 years ago’? No matter what party you belong to, if people are honest, the answer today, as it was back in
1980 is of course NO.
During the recent Democrat convention, the speakers kept saying over and over again – ‘We don’t want to go back’. ‘We won’t go back’ meaning the four years Trump was in the White House. But the question people are asking those speakers is - Back to what? I’ll repeat the words from a meme that is going viral across the nation which asks AND answers that question at the same time: What don’t they want to go back to: 1.4% inflation?, Affordable interest rates?, Affordable groceries?, $1.80 a gallon gas?, Peace in the Middle East?, Strong standing in the world?, A president not afraid to stand up to other countries for the betterment of America?, The most secure borders in history?, Making history by visiting and meeting with the North Koreans for better relations? If all voters were smart, they’d be chanting ‘We don’t want to go back to the last 3 years’.
Of course, not everyone would be honest when answering a question like that. It’s unfortunate that there are so many people who put the success of their political party over the well-being of their country. Many have blinders on and refuse to see, or at least to admit the reality that has gripped America. They’ll ignore the wide-open border, as millions of illegals pour in, among them criminals and people who hate us and want to do us harm. They’ll gripe and complain about not being able to afford groceries, gasoline and fuel to heat their homes, the skyrocketing crime in the streets of so many of our major cities, the billions of our tax dollars pouring in to other countries to fight foreign wars, while our homeless and many of our
live in the streets in
tent cities, but then refuse to lay the blame where it so obviously belongs because they choose loyalty to party over love of country.
Of course, what’s mentioned above isn’t really that new. There has been some of that in every election but never of the magnitude that’s taking place this time. And while no one has the right to tell anyone how to vote, and let’s pray that never changes in the United States of America, using common sense to select the right candidates to lead our great country should be priority to every American. That
statement that’s being uttered more each day which reads ‘If your hatred for one man is more important than what is best for your country, you aren’t just part of the problem – you ARE the problem’ rings true. If you’re happy with the way things have been going for the last 3 ½ years, well by all means vote for it to continue. But remember the question that Ronald Reagan asked back in his day. “Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago”? Is America? Think long and hard and choose wisely before you cast your vote on November 5th.
Ciccone
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Panel Discussion: Why Are People Leaving MA and What Is Being Done About It
More people are leaving Massachusetts than arriving in almost every demographic category. Among the culprits: Escalating housing and childcare costs, deficient public transportation infrastructure, and increased freedom to work remotely. And businesses naturally gravitate to less expensive areas with ample labor.
With the labor pool shrinking, Gov. Healey has made Massachusetts economic competitiveness one of the cornerstones of her administration and has reduced business taxes, recently signed a housing bill and proposed an ambitious climate tech initiative, among several efforts. And yet the need for bold and creative policy solutions persists, as the lifeblood of the Massachusetts economy is a skilled and growing workforce. Join leading legislators, business leaders, advocates, along with representatives from the emerging workforce, for a policy forum that explores challenges and opportunities to make Massachusetts an even greater place to live and work.
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.
IN-PERSON EVENT | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 MCLE Conference Center (Downtown Crossing) | 10 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108 Networking 8 AM, Program 9 - 11 AM
Dozens of migrants sleep outside Wollaston Station
About 50 Haitian people, half of them children, slept outside the Wollaston MBTA Station on Monday night. The Ledger’s Peter Blandino reports that they slept on the ground, provided with blankets and tarps from an immigrant advocacy group. As the state’s emergency shelter restrictions have increased, the Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network has been using grant money to put families up in hotel rooms and churches — but Monday night, the money was no longer available, and organizers had to send families to the streets.
SJC sides with Boston Teachers Union
in five-year-old contract dispute
The union says the Boston School Committee didn’t hire 18 substitutes to fill in for absent classroom instructional aides, and a lower court rul-
ing had favored the Committee. The new Supreme Judicial Court ruling requires BPS to hire and maintain 18 paraprofessional substitutes — a requirement under the union contract. The lack of adequate paraprofessional subs, the union said, left educators “scrambling” to cover, and the Globe’s James Vaznis lays out the details of a dispute that began back in the 2018-19 school year.
More state funding for Steward; “devastation” from Nashoba closure
The Healey administration plans on providing additional state aid to keep the doors of Steward Health Care’s remaining Massachusetts hospitals open into September. The state already “made good” on its deal to provide the system with $30M to keep hospitals afloat through August, but considering the U.S. Bankruptcy Court sales hearing has now been delayed until early September, more funding is required to ensure Steward hospitals can still operate during this transitional period.
While the state continues to funnel money to Steward’s Bay State facilities, experts are weighing in on the impacts
the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer would have on the community at large. The News Service’s Colin A. Young reports that according to the ombudsman monitoring patient care, Nashoba is the only emergency department within a thirty-minute radius of the community, in a place with already limited paramedics and EMS personnel. A five-minute trip to an ED could turn into a half-hour drive, weighing on staffing shortages and care. The state says it has been trying to work with the community to figure out how it can support services and care when the ensuing closure occurs.
Switchblade knife possession no longer a crime in Mass.
The Supreme Judicial Court unanimously decided that a 1975 law that banned switchblade knives couldn’t withstand two Second Amendment rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Globe’s John R. Ellement looks at the details of the case and those opposed to the decision, including Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s disappointment in the ruling.
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Councilor Flynn Files Hearing Order on BHA Elevator Systems
At this week’s City Council Meeting, Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order to discuss the current status of the elevator systems across Boston Housing Authority (BHA) developments. The elevator systems in many BHA developments are aging and frequent reports of breakdowns have negatively impacted the quality of life and raised public safety concerns for many residents, including seniors and persons with disabilities. The hearing will seek to address the ongoing safety and reliability of the elevator system across BHA developments and discuss a financial and maintenance plan. Over the last few years, tenants in BHA developments such as the Ruth Barkley Apartments in the South End, Torre Unidad at West Dedham Street, and St. Botolph BHA in District 2 have complained of recurring elevator
Boston EMS
“With the closure of Carney Hospital, Boston EMS’s priority is to ensure all patients continue to receive the prehospital care that they need, regardless of where in the city services are required. Without this hospital,
breakdowns and prolonged periods of maintenance and repair. Tenants have complained of getting stuck in elevators, elevators skipping floors, and elevator repair parts taking a long time to arrive. Seniors and persons with disabilities have been particularly impacted and have expressed frustration at not being able to leave their apartments for prolonged periods of time, resulting in missed medical appointments and not being able to pick up groceries.
“It is critical for the BHA to have a financial and maintenance plan to address our aging elevator systems across BHA developments,” said Councilor Flynn. “This is a public safety and quality of life issue - when elevators are constantly in disrepair, it is virtually impossible for tenants, especially those who live on higher floors, and for our seniors and persons with disabilities to get out of their building. It is imperative that the BHA conducts a comprehensive review and inspection on the status of every elevator in BHA developments, including the repair history of each elevator, the frequency it has been shut down, and how often first responders have had to visit.”
Councilor Flynn’s Statement on the Vandalism at the New England Holocaust Memorial
The people of Boston unequivocally denounce the hate and disgusting vandalism that took place over the weekend at the New England Holocaust Memorial located across the street from Boston City Hall. Following the October 7th horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel last year, we unfortunately continue to witness a dramatic increase in antisemitism not only nationally, but here in Boston - including defacing memorials at the Boston Common and Public Garden with both antisemitic and antiAmerican veteran messages. We must continue to stand with our Jewish neighbors by calling out acts of antisemitism, as well as reporting incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism. I am respectfully asking anyone with information on this act of hate to please contact the Boston Police Department Civil Rights Unit at 617-343-4527.
Statement and Plan RE: Carney Hospital
patients in need of emergency care will be transported to other Boston hospitals, some of which are already experiencing capacity issues. This is likely to result in increased transport times for patients traveling farther to the nearest hospital as well as prolonged turnaround times for ambulances. With some of the most highly skilled EMTs and Paramedics, we remain committed to clinical excellence and are prepared to adjust, adding resources, to continue to provide compassionate care and timely delivery of lifesaving care.”
As of today, we continue to transport to the hospital.
Boston EMS is adding an additional ambulance that will be staffed 24/7 to increase coverage of the Dorchester neighborhood in the near future.
Boston EMS Paramedic 3 Ambulance operates out of a station at Carney Hospital. As of August 27, 2024, Boston EMS has not received official notice about the future of this station from Steward Health Care. We will have a contingency plan in place. There will not be a lapse in coverage.
In 2023, Boston EMS transported 91,369 patients total, with 6,313 (7%), 17 per day, taken to the Carney. Most patients transported to
Carney (72%) are adults between the ages of 23 and 65. For comparison, Boston EMS transported 6,769 patients to Carney in 2022.
Most patients transported by Boston EMS to the Carney originate from an incident location of Dorchester or Mattapan.
Caitlin McLaughlin Director of Media and Public Relations Boston Emergency Medical Services Boston EMS, the provider of emergency medical services for the City of Boston, is committed to compassionately delivering excellent pre-hospital care and to protecting the safety and health of the public.
VOTE continued from front page
But even with all that. There are still a few House and Senate races that bear watching this primary season. Here’s a quick rundown of those contests.
In the state Senate
1st Suffolk District
Incumbent Democratic state Sen. Nick Collins, whose district includes Boston’s largest neighborhood, Dorchester, faces a challenge from entrepreneur and advocate Juwan Skeens. Collins, who has been vocal on issues surrounding the closing of the Steward-run Carney Hospital in the heart of Dorchester, appears concerned enough about his challenger that he blasted out a text message on Tuesday touting his record and appealing for support on Sept. 3.Because there is no Republican candidate, the winner of the primary likely will be the winner of the Nov. 5 general election.
2nd Bristol and Plymouth District
Veteran Democratic state Sen. Mark Montigny, who’s been in office for more than 30 years, will face his first primary challenger since 2008, in Molly Kivi, an accountant making her first bid for public office, according to The New Bedford Light. Once again, because there’s no Republican candidate on the ballot, the primary winner also is the likely winner of the Nov. 5 general election.
Plymouth and Barnstable District
There’s only one Democrat in the race to succeed Sen. Susan Moran, who’s giving up the Cape Cod-based seat she’s held since 2020 to make a run for Barnsta -
Window continued from page 4
ble County Superior Court clerk. But state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, D-Barnstable/Dukes/Nantucket, who’s stepped up to replace her, has attracted some pretty highprofile support in the closely watched Senate contest.
David Plouffe, a former top adviser to President Barack Obama (and Ferndandes’ uncle) was set to host a Woods Hole fundraiser for his nephew, according to Politico. Plouffe, a veteran Democratic operative, also is advising Vice President Kamala Harris’ White House campaign. The state’s top, elected Democrat, Gov. Maura Healey, also is backing Fernandes, who worked on Healey’s 2014 campaign for state attorney general. She has served on Bourne’s school committee since 2021. She took 44% of the vote in her Senate bid against Moran in 2022.
In the state House of Representatives: 1st Bristol District: There’s a three-way Democratic primary for the seat being vacated by Republican state Rep. Jay Barrows, a 17-year incumbent who announced his retirement on March 5. The candidates are: Kostas Loukos, of Mansfield, David Martin, an attorney, has lived in Mansfield and Michael E. Toole, a former local select board member, 1st Plymouth District
Four Democrats and two Republicans are competing for the seat held by GOP Rep. Matthew Muratore, who’s running for the closely watched Plymouth and Barnstable state Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Susan Moran.
New cell phone policy hits Worcester Public Schools
In June, Worcester Public Schools approved a revised cell phone policy, limiting students’ use of phones, earbuds, tablets and cameras. It’s one new policy in a slew of others across school districts, though Worcester isn’t taking more of a “strict” ban because administration says children and parents want to be able to reach each other throughout the school day. In WPS, unless approved by teachers and used for educational purposes, the tech has to stay out of sight — a
South Boston residents participate in Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk
Charlotte White, Linda DaCorta, and Joseph McCarthy will join thousands in the iconic fundraising walk for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support all forms of cancer research and care
Five residents from South Boston will participate in the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on Sunday, October 6. Charlotte White, Linda DaCorta, Joseph McCarthy, Sarah Fay, and Michael Stalteri, along with thousands of other walkers, will participate in the iconic annual event that will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $176 million for Dana-Farber in its 35-year history, raising a record-breaking $9.4 million in 2023.
“For 35 years, the Jimmy Fund Walk has continuously supported lifesaving research and cancer care at Dana-Farber. Our goal is to build off of the momentum we’ve established throughout that history, and in 2024, aim to surpass our total from last year by raising $9.5 million,” says Caitlin Fink, assistant vice president of event fundraising. “Fighting cancer is what we do. The Walk unites our community under a common goal —to defy cancer together.”
One Walk, Four Distances, For All Cancers
The Jimmy Fund Walk is the only organized walk permitted to use the famed Boston Marathon® course, and participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: 5K walk (from Dana-Farber’s Longwood Medical Campus); 10K walk (from Newton); Half Marathon Walk (from Wellesley); and Marathon walk (from Hopkinton). Walkers can participate virtually as well.
Whatever route participants choose, they will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and treated to refueling stations with refreshments throughout the course. Poster-sized photographs of patients—Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes—are the heart of the event and appear along the course as inspiration. All routes will conclude at the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line Powered by Schneider Electric at Boston Common, by the corner of Charles and Beacon Street. Finish line activities will include a celebration with food, entertainment, and more.
To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. All registered walkers will receive a bib, medal, and Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.
policy school officials think will help model for students what is correct phone usage in the workplace.
Massachusetts hospitals get outsized share of NIH funding Massachusetts hospitals in 2023 received 53 percent of all National Institutes of Health funding that went to independent hospitals, according to a Massachusetts Biotechnology Council report examined by the BBJ’s Hannah Green. Mass. General Hospital topped the list with $675M, its usual ranking, but Brigham and Women’s Hospital slid to third place behind Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
MetroWest high schools make the grade nationally
A national ranking of high schools by U.S. News & World Report put three MetroWest schools among the top 100 nationally, the MetroWest Daily News’s Tom Benoit reports. Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School in Marlborough, Hopkinton High School and Dover-Sherborn Regional High School are the three ranked. The top-ranked Massachusetts high school was Boston Latin School, which placed number 27 among the 25,000 that were examined.
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.
Proven Leadership and Integrity: My successful public service career underscores my leadership abilities and commitment to ethical standards. These are crucial qualities for a role that demands impartiality, transparency, and reliability. I will ensure the smooth operation of the court system through managing documents, scheduling, and
ensuring procedural compliance.
A Record of Results: 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. I have demonstrated my commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents in Suffolk County as an Advocate for better schools, more services for seniors and veterans, safer streets, and affordable housing.
Extensive Public Service Experience: My tenure as a Boston City Councilor, my decades as a publicschool educator, and my lifelong community advocacy demonstrate my expertise and capability to handle complex administration, manage substantial amounts of information, and engage with a di-
verse range of people. I will be an effective advocate for all.
Education Expertise: My twenty-four years as a Boston Public School teacher and special education coordinator underscore my deep understanding of education and administrative processes. Managing over 150 IEPs yearly highlights my organizational skills and experience in managing extensive records and coordinating services. I am dedicated to ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of all. Accessibility and Transparency: Your voice matters. I have prioritized being accessible, attending community meetings in every neighborhood, and listening to your concerns. I will prioritize making everyone feel welcome when they access the court. I will ensure that all individuals have equal access to information and services through a fair and equitable legal process. I will continue to champion
transparency and speak my mind in standing up for you!
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 Watch The Squirrels
When I was little, I remember my grandfather telling me that you could see how cold the winter was going to be by looking at the ground around oak trees. If there were no acorns on the ground, it meant that the squirrels were hoarding them all, sensing that a long, cold winter was coming. While we’re not squirrels, it never hurts to have some hearty reds on hand to ward off those cold winter nights; here are some wines to beat the chill…….
Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River,
Australia ($24.99). A remarkably ripe and soft wine. The individual batches were destemmed and fermented as whole berries using only wild yeast residing on the fruit. Cabernet parcels underwent a suitable duration of maceration to extract a fine backbone of structural tannins and blackcurrant laden fruit. Malbec and Petit Verdot were pressed off skins earlier to maintain a soft and luscious mouth feel. The resulting wines were matured in fine French oak for 12 months prior to blending. Limited racking was used to help preserve the delicate wild characters captured in this low intervention approach. A deep perfume with blackcurrant, blueberry and coffee mocha complexities. Notes of dusty earth and woody perennial herbs mingle with hints of nori, dried forest leaves
and wild mushrooms to create an inviting aroma. A light fragrant entrance with blackcurrant, raspberry and pot pourri builds to earthy complexities and fine dry dusty tannins which serve to frame the fruit. A comfortable, soft, juicy body and tannin profile finishes the wine fresh and long.
Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Altavilla Della Corte, Sicily, ($17.99).
The complexity of the different climatic conditions and the orographic variability of the soils of the Tenuta di Borgo Guarini, in western Sicily, contribute to creating that ideal and necessary habitat for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon.
From the fusion of Sicilian and French imprints, this wine with a remarkable absorbency is born. A pure Cabernet Sauvignon that attests to the surprising versatility of
the French grape and, at the same time, the natural vocation of the Sicilian territory to quality viticulture. The grapes cultivated in Borgo Guarini perfectly enhance the synergy between the territory and the wine art that has always characterized Firriato’s wines. In the Borgo Guarini Estate, in Sicily, the French variety has found a loving adopted land, which recalls the pedoclimatic characteristics of its homeland in a Mediterranean key. Lot 466, 2021 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, ($21.99). Lot 466 is a 100% single-vineyard old-vine Zinfandel from a Dry Creek winery’s flagship program, which routinely scores 90-92 points from the top names and has a devoted, cultish following. Their winemaker selects the finest fruit from 50 to 70-yearold vines on the winery’s best vineyard plot, producing a gorgeously intense wine that comes at a hefty price. Worth every penny! Heritiers Benoit Pepe Maurice Pinot Noir, 2022, ($19.99). Sourced by Patrick Luquet of Domaine Luquet, this is a juicy pinot with forest wood, cloves, mushrooms and red berry fruit on the nose. It’s mediumbodied, gently spicy and fresh. Easy tannins make for a pleasant finish. Try this one with a French Dip or a Duck Confit.
H A P P Y Labor Day
LaborHappyDay
THappy Labor Day!
Thank you to the men and women in our workforce for your hard work each and every day and for all you do to support our City and our State.
David Biele State Representative 4th Suffolk District
and authorized
Happy Labor Day!
To all the working families that helped build our City and Country Boston City Council President • Ed Flynn and Family (Paid for and authorized by the friends of Ed Flynn Committee)
Labor Day Celebrates the Greatness of the American Worker
o many people, Labor Day often means the unofficial end to the summer vacation season. The days grow shorter and there is that distinctive chill in the air. It also means time to kick back and enjoy that last long weekend for the warm season. But as we all know and according to the US Department of Labor, it’s a federal holiday with a history leading up to its designation. Labor Day is always celebrated on the Labor Day Celebrates the Greatness of the American Worker first Monday in September and is dedicated to the American worker. It constitutes and recognizes the many great contributions and achievements by America labor. On June 28th, 1894, it was officially designated as a legal holiday by the Congress of the United States. The character of the Labor Day celebration has changed in recent years; especially in large industrial areas where there
are sometimes parades, large gatherings with speeches and special tributes that recognize the contributions made by the American labor movement and the organized labor unions that make it up. The vital force of Labor added to higher living standards which includes higher wages and job protections in many industries. So, it is appropriate that the nation pay tribute to those who made it all possible – the American workers themselves. So, this year, during the Labor Day weekend of 2024, whether you are relaxing at home, visiting with family and friends, enjoying a back yard barbecue or maybe even travelling, be sure to remember the true meaning of the holiday and who made it all possible: The American worker, the work ethic that they possess and the creativity that is ingrained in so many. And of course, the labor movement itself. Enjoy!
(paid for
by the David Biele Committee)
Improvements to Major Christopher F. Lee Little League Field
Last Thursday, South Boston Little League and Boston Parks and Recreation Department Broke Ground on Major Christopher F. Lee Little League Field. The Community Preservation Act (CPA) previously awarded $650,000 for the rehabilitation and restoration. Capital improvements include new irrigation and drainage, benches, batting cages and chain link fence.
South Boston Little League players review plans for improvements to Christopher Lee Little League.
Boston Parks and Recreation.
South Boston Little League players and coaches, City Councilor Ed Flynn, CPA Manager of Projects and Planning Kenya Thompson, Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods, State Representative David Biele, and community members broke ground on improvements to Christopher Lee Fields at Medal of Honor Park. Photo: Boston Parks and Recreation.
Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods speaks about investments coming to Christopher Lee Field, with construction slated to begin in the fall. Photo: Boston Parks and Recreation
Zero Waste Day Drop-Off
Bring your household hazardous waste and certain waste ban items to a Zero Waste Day for safe disposal, September 28, 2024 from 8:30am to 12pm, 400 Frontage Road, Central DPW Facility, Lower Roxbury, MA 02118 – Department of Public Works. Please note:
• We only take waste from Boston residents. You need to show us a photo ID, utility bill, or lease as proof of your residency. We will not take any waste from businesses.
• We reserve the right to reject any materials that do not meet our regulations.
• Latex and acrylic paint are NOT hazardous. Just let the paint dry out in the can and put it out on your trash day.
• We offer paper shredding at all of our events. We will shred up to 10 copy paper size boxes or containers of your personal documents.
• We accept all clothing and textiles, including pants, coats, hats, and suits. As long as it’s dry and not moldy, we want it. But, there are certain items that we can’t accept.
• You can recycle electronics at this event. We don’t take commercial material from businesses. Learn more about what electronics you can and can’t recycle.
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South Boston Catholic Academy News More SBCA’s Summer Camp Fun!
As we wrap up another wonderful summer for the children at the South Boston Catholic Academy’s Summer Camp Program, we want to say a special Thank you to all those who made it possible, our wonderful families
and their children, our amazing lead camp counselors, Mrs. Erin Finn, Mrs. Ellen O’Callahan and Couch Erin Brogan who organized and ran the camps for the children in the Early Childhood Program and the K2 and Up Students Programs. Thank
you to all our talented summer camp counselors, to all those who came and provided all the different and fun-filled activities and programs that the children loved taking part in and to all those who helped in any way to make this year’s SBCA’s Sum -
mer Camp Program possible. We are looking forward to a wonderful 2024-2025 new school year as we welcome families old and new to another great school year here at SBCA. Looking forward to seeing everyone at SBCA in September! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy. org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
South Boston Proposed Development and Transportation Updates
SOUTH BOSTON TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN
South Boston Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP) Draft Recommendations Report
The draft recommendations include proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate severe and fatal traffic crashes and create a safer and more efficient network for all modes of transportation—walking, biking, transit, and vehicles.
The SBTAP project team invites public comments and questions regarding the Draft Recommendations Report. Please feel
free to email comments to SouthBostonTAP@Boston.gov. PLEASE NOTE: Comment period concludes September 13th.
SUMMER STREET PILOT PROGRAM
The City of Boston has concluded forums for the Summer Street Pilot Program. Please feel free to continue to engage with the City and share your feedback via email at transit@boston.gov. Visit boston.gov/summerstreetpilot to stay up to date.
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
645 E Second St: Bottega Del Sud
Proposal: New Italian restaurant Time: Aug 29, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87459061690
Meeting ID: 874 5906 1690
One tap mobile +13092053325,,87459061690# US +13126266799,,87459061690# US (Chicago)
80 G St (NEW)
Proposal: Build 3 story addition to existing 3 family to convert to 6 family. Demolish existing 3 car garage.
Time: Sep 5, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86550409331
Meeting ID: 865 5040 9331
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,86550409331# US +13092053325,,86550409331# US
125 B St (NEW)
Proposal: DISH Wireless Rooftop Cellular Installation: Antennas with support equipment. Zoning relief required: Wireless Communications Equipment - required setback from roof edge not met.
Time: Sep 9, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82904257110
Meeting ID: 829 0425 7110
One tap mobile
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Register: bit.ly/4dlhJeO
Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
Meeting ID: 160 612 2952
PROJECT PROPONENT:
Monarc Development LLC
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The proposed project plans to erect a new four-story building to contain 12 dwelling units, with a ground-floor restaurant and six off-street garage parking spaces in the South Boston Neighborhood.
Mail to:
Zoe Schutte
Planning Department
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201
Phone: Email:
617.918.4311
zoe.schutte@boston.gov
Website: bit.ly/3AIRvnU
Close of Public Comment Period: 9/23/2024
Director/Secretary
06web.zoom.us/j/81588895331
Meeting ID: 815 8889 5331
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ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, please monitor this page for instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.
To track and participate in Licensing hearings, please monitor this page.
275 Gold ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1630349
Hearing Date 9/10/2024
Project Description: Erect new family 4 story building with three car parking no elevator Fully Sprinklered HP variance required from AAB lift access to grp 1 designed dwelling
400 to 408 W Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1625940
+13017158592,,82904257110# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,82904257110# US
85 Damrell St / Common Craft
Hospitality (NEW)
Proposal: New restaurant
Time: Sep 11, 2024 07:00 PM
Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82105904760
Meeting ID: 821 0590 4760
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,82105904760# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,82105904760# US
200 Seaport Blvd / USHG Boston Seaport F&B LLC
Proposal: CV All alcohol 2AM close
Time: Sep 16, 2024 06:00 PM
Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us-
Hearing Date 9/10/2024
Project Description: Change Occupancy to RESTAURANT which is conditional use
PLANNING DEPARTMENT / SOUTH BOSTON PROJECTS
736-742 East Broadway Street (NEW) 49-51 D Street
243-245 Dorchester Street
295 West First Street
43 Preble Street
147 West Fourth Street
6 Elkins Street
99 A Street
246-248 Dorchester Avenue
Channel Center / 7 Channel Center Street
South Boston Innovation Campus / 2 Harbor Street
Reserved Channel Development / 300 West First Street
150 Pier 4 Blvd
Leaf and Yard Waste Composting
We pick up leaf and yard waste from April to December on scheduled days and host drop off events throughout the year. Leaf and yard waste is turned into compost, and used throughout the City as soil for community gardens, parks, and schools.
Leaf and yard waste is collected the same day as regular household recycling. If you have two recycling collections per week, your yard waste collection will be on the first recycling day of the week. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to view your collection schedule.
Leaf and yard waste curbside collection is only available certain weeks. See schedule below.
Leaf and yard waste drop-off events are for Boston residents only. You must provide a photo ID, utility bill, or lease as proof of residency. We will not accept any waste from businesses. We also reserve the right to reject any materials that do not meet our regulations.
Premier Lacrosse League Announces Green Beret, Navy SEAL Stars & Stripes Classic
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) today announced a partnership with the Green Beret and Navy SEAL Foundations to establish the Stars & Stripes Classic, an exhibition game between Green Berets and Navy SEAL veterans to be held ahead of the PLL Quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium on Monday, Sept. 2 at 1 pm ET. PenFed Credit Union is a founding partner and the Official Credit Union of the inaugural Stars & Stripes Classic.
great uniforms and some experiential elements never seen before at a PLL event.”
The Green Beret vs. Navy SEAL exhibition will feature former elite military operatives showcasing their athletic prowess and competitive spirit. This event aims to honor the bravery and dedication of these soldiers while raising funds and awareness to support their respective foundations.
“We are honored to partner with the Green Beret Foundation and the Navy SEAL Foundation to celebrate the great history of our special forces and our sport,” said Mike Rabil, cofounder and CEO of the PLL. “This game is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the courage and sacrifice of our military heroes.”
“We’re overjoyed for our fans to experience everything we’ve been working on behind the scenes with both foundations,” said Danny Passovoy, VP of Ticketing and Fan Experience at the PLL. “This game provides an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for two incredible communities and utilize our platform to educate fans on the connection between lacrosse and our military. Expect some hard hits,
“The Stars & Stripes Classic will highlight the strength, resilience, and teamwork embodied by our Green Berets and Navy SEALs,” said Charlie Iacono, President and CEO of the Green Beret Foundation. “Lacrosse exemplifies the values of unconventional warfare, strategy, and camaraderie integral to the SOF community. We are excited to collaborate with the Premier Lacrosse League and the Navy SEAL Foundation in this inaugural exhibition, bringing our communities together to show support for our nation’s most elite warfighters.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Stars & Stripes Classic in collaboration with the Green Beret Foundation and the Premier Lacrosse League,” said Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation. “This event not only showcases the remarkable athletic talents of our nation’s elite warriors but also underscores the shared values of courage, resilience, and teamwork that define the special operations community and the sport of lacrosse. We are excited to join forces in celebrating the dedication and sacrifice of our Green Berets and Navy SEALs while raising vital funds and awareness to support our missions.”
Tickets for the Stars & Stripes Classic and the PLL Cash App Playoff Quarterfinals are on sale now www.premierlacrosseleague. com/quarterfinals. Each ticket grants admittance to all three games.
By the time you see this, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo will most likely have named his starting quarterback for the 2024 season.
In his press conference on Wednesday, he revealed that, internally, he has made his decision, but he had not told the quarterbacks what that decision is, as of his Wednesday press conference.
So, here’s what he said at said press conference on Wednesday. Regardless of the decision — and I think the decision should be Drake Maye — these answers will still be relevant, as to how the quarterback situation was handled:
Q: Jerod, can you give us any information on the starting quarterback?
JEROD MAYO: Yeah, so I know everyone wants to know that. I’m going to talk to the individual players [on Thursday]. I’m going to have a team meeting tomorrow and then I’ll get it to you guys.
Q: So, does that assume you’ve made a decision, you just haven’t communicated it yet to them?
JM: Yes, we’ve made a decision, just haven’t communicated. Honestly, I want those guys to hear it first from me before they hear it from someone else.
Q: Why can’t it be done this morning?
JM: Because I’d rather do it tomorrow. Today, look, this morning was a hectic day. We were still working through the roster and things like that. As much as you want to have squad meetings, sometimes the time just doesn’t permit that.
Q: Jerod, you talk about collaboration and being on the same page. How many people are involved with the decision to name the quarterback? How many people are in the room setting specifically?
JM: Really, if you want to talk about the process, Alex [Van Pelt], myself, we just have those conversations, but he gets input from his coaches as well. Ultimately, it’s my decision to make.
Q: Jerod, since we won’t get to talk to you [on Thursday], just when it came to making that decision, when was it made on the starting quarterback?
JM: I mean, it’s hard to nail down a particular date. If you want me to, I’ll say yesterday. I’m not sure what that date is. I just know I feel like I’m doing what’s best for the team and the decision that I’ve made.
Q: Was it a long process of conversation between you and Alex? You mentioned that you guys were kind of at lockstep a couple of
This week, Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots as the Preseason comes to an end:
weeks ago. Did it remain that way?
JM: Yeah, it remains that way. Once again, you have to have those candid conversations. You go back and forth; you weight things differently. When it’s all said and done, you just want to make sure you’re doing what’s best for the team and what’s best for this organization.
Q: I’m curious what you made of Jacoby Brissett’s comment on the radio where he said he still believes he’s the QB1 for the team.
JM: Yeah, I think all the players, not just quarterbacks, they have to have that confidence that they should be starters. So, I’m not going to dig too far into that. That’s his opinion, and we all have one.
Q: Do you feel like you have to – when you tell the team who’s going to be the starting quarterback – do you have to explain it to them, do you think, or do you just make that announcement, that’s it and it is what it is?
JM: Look, they’ve gone through the process as well. They’ve gone through the spring with these players. They’ve gone through training camp with these players. I’m sure they all have an opinion on who they think should be the starting quarterback, but I don’t think I have
to explain it to anyone else. It’s my decision. Look, if it doesn’t work, blame me, blame me. I would say one thing, I think it’s important to remember what’s good for the team today may not be good for the team weeks down the line. So, I think the challenge is you want to win every single game now, but also we’re trying to build something special here in New England. So that to me, that was a challenge.
Q: I wanted to ask you about [Bailey] Zappe. What went into the decision to keep Joe Milton on the roster over Zappe? Then, as a separate question, what’s your reaction now seeing that he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad?
JM: Yeah, one thing I’ll say about Zappe, look, he has been the ultimate professional. Even before I took this role, we’ve had a good relationship, and I’m always going to root for a guy like Zappe. He always had a great attitude, even though things weren’t probably ideal for him personally. In saying that, we think that these three quarterbacks have a chance to be better than what Zappe displayed.
Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
SPORTS TODAY
PATRIOTS MAKE FINAL MOVES TO CUT ROSTER DOWN TO 53-PLAYER LIMIT
With the preseason now finished, and the regular season beginning next week, the New England Patriots have cut their roster down to 53 players.
They did so by releasing 16 players, placing three players on Injured Reserve, placing three players on the PUP List, and placing one player on the Non-Football Injury List. Here’s a portion of the breakdown from the Patriots’ website: RESERVE LISTS
The Patriots placed WR Kendrick Bourne, G Cole Strange and LB Sione Takitaki on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List, DT Christian Barmore on the Reserve/ Non-Football Injury List (designated to return) and OL Calvin Anderson, S Marte Mapu (designated to return) and DT Armon Watts on Injured Reserve.
RELEASED PLAYERS
The Patriots released the following players: S Joshuah Bledsoe, T Kellen Diesch, OL Liam Fornadel, LB Joe Giles-Harris, RB Kevin Harris, RB Terrell Jennings, LB Kobe Jones, WR Matt Landers, G
Tweet of the Week
Atonio Mafi, DE Jotham Russell, K Chad Ryland, S A.J. Thomas, CB Shaun Wade, WR David Wallis, TE Mitchell Wilcox and QB Bailey Zappe.
Bledsoe, 25, originally was drafted by New England in the sixth-round (188th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Missouri.
Diesch, 27, was signed by New England on Aug. 2, 2024. The 6-foot7, 300-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Miami Dolphins on May 13, 2022 out of Arizona State.
Fornadel, 25, was signed by New England on June 18, 2024.
Giles-Harris, 27, was originally signed by New England on Aug. 9, 2023 and spent the entire year on the practice squad.
Harris, 23, was drafted by New England in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft (183rd overall) out of South Carolina. The 5-foot10, 225-pounder, began each of the last two seasons on the practice squad.
Jennings, 23, was signed by New England as a rookie free agent on May 13, 2024 out of Florida A&M. Jones, 26, was signed by New England on Aug. 20, 2024. Landers, 25, was claimed off waivers from Cleveland on Aug. 20, 2024. The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder, originally entered
the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Seattle Seahawks out of Arkansas in 2023.
Mafi, 23, was drafted by New England in the fifth-round (144th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of UCLA.
The 6-foot-3, 330-pounder, played in all 17 games last season with five starts at left guard.
Russell, 21, was signed by New England on May 13, 2024. The 6-foot-4, 239-pounder, is an Australian rugby player who is converting to defensive end.
Ryland, 24, was originally drafted by New England in the fourth-round (112th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Maryland.
The 6-foot, 195-pounder, finished 16-of-25 on field goal attempts as a rookie last year and 24-of-25 on extra points. He also handled kickoff duties during his season with the Patriots.
Thomas, 24, was signed by New England on Aug. 2, 2024.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder, spent the 2024 spring season with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, seeing action in 12 games and finishing with 23 total tackles and 3 interceptions. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Chicago Bears out of Western Michigan in 2022.
Wade, 25, was acquired by New England in a trade with Baltimore
on Aug. 16, 2021 in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round draft pick and a 2023 fifth-round draft pick. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick (160th overall) by Baltimore out of Ohio State in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has played in 20 games with six starts and 26 total tackles.
Wallis, 22, was signed by New England as a rookie free agent on June 4, 2024 out of Randolph Macon. The 6-foot, 184-pounder, played in 42 games and finished with 146 receptions for 3,144 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Wilcox, 27, was signed by New England as an unrestricted free agent from Cincinnati on April 22, 2024. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder, originally signed with Cincinnati on April 27, 2020, as a rookie free agent out of South Florida.
Zappe, 25, was drafted by New England in the fourth-round (137th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder, has played in 14 games with eight starts for New England, completing 192-of-304 passes for 2,053 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He began last season on the practice squad, before being signed to the 53-man roster and started in six games.
