SouthBoston
Legislature Reaches Agreement On New Liquor Licenses
Massachusetts House and Senate leadership have reached an agreement on a compromise bill that would add 225 new liquor licenses to the city of Boston over the next three years, many of which would be targeted to minority neighborhoods. 1st Suffolk District State Senator Nick Collins was an early proponent of how the ‘increased opportunities’ this legislation would positively affect the small business and commercial aspirations of his constituents.
Senate President Pro Tempore
William N. Brownsberger, D-Belmont, and House Majority Leader Michael J. Moran, D-Brighton, announced the compromise legislation advanced out of the House and Senate Conference Committee on Tuesday.
“On behalf of our fellow conferees, we are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement on compromise legislation to expand the number of alcohol licenses in the city of Boston, dramatically expanding equity for restaurant owners in neighborhoods across
Was Student Move-in Time Really That Bad?
Labor Day 2024 has come and gone and though summer doesn’t officially end until September 20th, many consider the Labor Day long weekend to be the ‘unofficial ‘end to the season. It’s a time of weekend get a ways, BBQ’s and back yard cook outs and maybe getting some of that last chance beach time in. But it also brings with it; at least to South Boston, what so many residents consider the horror show that is also known as student move in time. Oh yes, and in many locations around our town it certainly was a horror show. Traffic on that weekend and during several days leading up to it can be even worse than normal. Parking is a nightmare as hundreds of new and returning college students descended on our neighborhood to move into to their new apartments and dwellings to prepare for the coming academic year. Cars, U-Hauls, moving vans etc. are lined up on most streets double and
in some cases even triple parked making navigating our streets into obstacle courses. It’s was noisy and congested but that’s not even the worst of it. What really had residents ticked off is the mess. Virtually every block had old discarded junk in the form of furniture, broken TV’s old clothes and trash bags –lot’s of trash bags and some of the trash isn’t even in bags, air conditioners etc, piled up on the sidewalks and even spilling out of the streets left by those who have moved on prior to the new group coming in who are bringing with them their own possessions.
We mentioned the parking. Not only is the double and triple parking a problem, but there are some students and even some of their parents who come along to help them move in, who apparently couldn’t care less about blocking driveways, fire hydrants and even taking up handicapped parking spots and then give an attitude when
asked to move. In short, the whole experience is one big crap show each year and an inconvenience. And to be clear, it’s not only lifelong and long time residents who dread the thought of it. Even many of our newer residents were complaining. Do people have a reason to complain? Is it all that bad?
Well yes, it is. But is every student that’s moving in along with their friends and/
or parents in tow rude, loud and messy? Absolutely not. Actually most of them were considerate, neat, friendly, pleasant and sensitive to the fact that they are in a sense invading someone else’s neighborhood. They aren’t the problem. They are certainly welcome.
The problem is caused by those afore mentioned pests who think its their right to disrespect and disrupt South
Boston and the lives of the people who call it their home. The attitude seems to be we’ll all just have to get used to their behavior. But that’s not how it works – not here. Remember, when you move into someone else’s community, it’s not the locals who need to adjust to you, it is you who need to adjust to your new surroundings, your neighbors and the customs and culture.
OInformation Center The It Gets Harder By The Day To Fool The Public
n several occasions, this column has shed light on people; often politicians, and almost always left wing members of the news media who really hate it when Americans actually believe what they see. Not that long ago, the media and its political allies had a near total monopoly on what news the general public received. Very often reporters and ‘journalists’ and their editors would cover stories and rather than report what happened accurately, they would instead slant it to fit how they wanted it to be. And to the media’s delight, the public would simply take what they read, heard on the radio or saw on TV to be the way it actually went down. What choice did they have really? Back then, the news media was trusted. The feeling was that if it was in the news, it must be true. But that trust by the segment of the public that can think for itself and refuses to be fooled, misled or conned is long gone and for good reason. But why? Could it be that now, virtually every American over the age of 12 walks around with a phone containing a video camera; not to mention most homes now have security cameras? Yup. And the media hates it.
Which brings me to the latest blatant example of the public being told, ‘don’t believe your lying eyes’. Most of you saw the reports on the news coming at you from two different angles. That incident in Aurora, Colorado had on display the arrogance of politicians who demand we believe what they say, not what we saw and they have their stooges in the press back them up.
It’s an established fact that the violent Venesuelan gang allowed into our country by the Biden/Harris Administration called Tren de Aragua; one of many such gangs, are active in Denver, Colorado and surrounding cities and towns. Actual video footage from security cameras of gang mem-
bers armed with illegal hand guns and rifles invading a housing complex and smashing in doors to gain entrance to the homes of residents was on display all over the nation. The whole country saw what was going on. It’s so bad that residents of the complex are fleeing and being relocated because of the danger. And it’s not just that complex, it’s happening in other locations as well. Millions of Americans saw it, the scared out of their wits residents who live there are actual victims and are in hiding. But liberal Democrat governor of Colorado, Jared Polis says it’s not happening. He says it’s just in peoples’ imagination and it’s a hoax by right wing activists. Here again, that ‘don’t believe our lying eyes’ demand is front and center.
Luckily, not all politicians are corrupt liars. The Mayor of Aurora, Mike Coffman, stunned at the governor’s denial, says the gang activity and their attempts to take over housing complexes in his city certainly is happening and he wants law enforcement help to deal with it from the governor. But not a chance he’s told. The mayor and the terrified residents are demanding help for a problem that doesn’t exist says he.
Let’s look at and try to figure out why there is all the denial by the governor and the news media. The country saw the videos, the footage was clear as a bell and they heard from residents who are being terrorized. And yet, they STILL deny it. What could be the motive? Let’s try this: The Governor and the liberals in his state’s legislature backed up by those in the media, thought it was a wonderful idea to open the State of Colorado to tens of thousands of illegal immigrants. They invited them to pour in with massive waves to back up what the Biden/Harris Administration wants’ for every state in the country and the hope of getting millions of federal dollars as
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a reward. But just like so many other states learned the hard way, with the massive influx of illegals comes a percentage of criminals, gang members, and drugs. They are being over whelmed and over run. There’s just not enough money to deal with supporting them and the crime that is coming with it is spiraling out of control. These liberal states blew it, just like most every liberal idea, it was a disaster. Governor Polis knows that he’ll rightfully get the blame for this, so he resorts to the ridiculous tactic of denying it’s even happening. According to him and now the news media backing him up, those
saying the gangs are running amok in Colorado are imagining it or crazy or just creating a hoax to cause trouble. But it’s not working. People saw what they saw and the old tactic of you can’t believe your lying eyes is falling flat. It’s 2024 and it’s a whole new era. More Americans by the day are refusing to be fooled by a dishonest news media and their politicians. The media has, in a sense, become obsolete and irrelevant. People don’t need them any longer. Technology has provided the tools to do our own research check the facts and discover the truth. And as was stated above – the media hates it.
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
House advances Martha’s Vineyard transfer tax
The House, in an informal session on Thursday with fewer than 10 reps in the chamber, gave initial approval for a transfer tax on real estate transactions over $1M on Martha’s Vineyard. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Fernandes, would create a housing bank to acquire property to create year-round affordable and community housing. The concept of transfer fees has been controversial this session — the governor backed them as a statewide local option along with some advocates and lawmakers, but real estate groups piled opposition onto the idea, and lawmakers opted against including the measure in a housing bond bill. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, however, have continued to argue their islands’ needs, stemming from plentiful
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.
tourism and vacation homes, call for a transfer tax.
The toll of the opioid crisis on Massachusetts Ahead of International Overdose
Awareness Day on Saturday, more than 22,000 purple flags were planted on Boston Common on Thursday to signify the number of opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts between 2012 and 2023, and the extent to which the overdose crisis has impacted the state. The display sits with a backdrop of the State House, where lawmakers still haven’t come to a consensus on this session’s substance use disorder bill, part of which could include overdose prevention centers. OPCs have been backed by the Department of Public Health, the Senate and advocates.In Worcester, the city’s annual vigil took place on Thursday to mark the day of awareness,
where speakers shared accounts of their loved ones’ deaths due to opioid overdoses. While overdoses seem to be falling yearover-year in Worcester, the city is still working on increasing resources. The Worcester Board of Health voted in unanimous favor in March to pilot an overdose prevention center, though it has to wait for legislative action before any further moves can be made.
Amherst Black Reparations Committee a vote away from existence
A committee that will regularly consult with the Black community to recommend how reparations money should be dispersed in Amherst is closer than ever to fruition. The Town Council’s Governance, Organization and Legislation Committee just approved the charge for the Amherst Black Repara -
tions Committee — the last step before the new committee is established by the council itself.
The Gazette’s Scott Merzbach reports that the committee’s members would be appointed by Town Manager Paul Bockelman to look at proposals for using up to $100K annually to address harms against Amherst residents of African heritage.
Pittsfield makes long-stalled move to large recycling bins
After years of controversy and related delays, the city of Pittsfield is about to switch to distribute large, rolling plastic recycling and trash bins for use by residents, the Eagle’s Greg Sukiennik reports. The city will charge households for additional trash “toters” but will not charge if they request more than one recycling
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MBTA Announces Opening of Newly Built Dorchester Ave Bridge September 23
Route 18 buses to resume use of bridge September 25
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) today announced that the newly constructed Dorchester Avenue Bridge will open at 4 am Monday, September 23, 2024. The bridge, located between Von Hillern and Kemp Streets, will carry vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists over the Red Line as well as the Old Colony Commuter Rail and Cabot Yard maintenance tracks.
The sidewalks are accessible for pedestrians on both sides of the street along the new bridge.
The MBTA’s Route 18 bus service will revert back to its typical routing via Dorchester Avenue between Columbia Road and Andrew station on September 25. Route 18 will no longer serve any stops on Columbia Road or Boston Street, which will continue to be served by Routes 16 and 17. No routing changes are planned for the segment of Route 18 between Ashmont station and Co-
lumbia Road at this time.
The MBTA minimized ridership impact by executing strategic work activities over multiple weekend blocks in 2024. Pictured above was the erection of structural steel girders in May 2024.
“The Dorchester Avenue Bridge Replacement Project is an example of the MBTA delivering on major projects which benefit all members of the traveling public,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We have a leadership team and workforce at the MBTA who have been successfully completing projects that are part of our core infrastructure and our public transportation system is getting rebuilt so that it is safer for all users.
“We are pleased to announce the completion of the Dorchester Avenue Bridge. We know how important Dorchester Avenue is to the community and I’m proud of the MBTA team that made this a priority and got it done,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “This new bridge
enhances safety for all that use it and ensures safety of the Red Line and Commuter Rail below. This is another important step forward as we rebuild our infrastructure to give the public we serve a safe, reliable transportation system that they deserve.”
The MBTA recognizes Our Lady of Czestochowa, a member of the Archdiocese of Boston, for allowing the project access to the right of way through a portion of their property.
The Dorchester Avenue Bridge Replacement began in summer 2022. The bridge was originally erected in 1925 and was rehabilitated previously in 1975.
With a construction cost of approximately $34.5 million, the Dorchester Avenue Bridge Replacement project entailed a full replacement of the bridge, Red Line tunnel roof, and the rehabilitation of the Von Hillern Street retaining wall to maintain its structural integrity.
Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy to Discuss Boston Police Department
Staffing Levels this Thursday, September 12th, at 2:00 PM
Taking place today. Boston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy will have a Hearing to discuss Boston Police Department (BPD) staffing levels. The Hearing will be held jointly with a Ways & Means Hearing to discuss causes of increases in Boston Police overtime spending. The Joint Hearings will be chaired by Councilor Brian Worrell and Councilorat-Large Henry Santana. Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person and provide testimony if they so choose, and the Joint Hearings will also be live streamed at boston.gov/city-council-tv and televised on Xfinity 8/RCN 82/Fios 964. Those who wish to provide written commentary can send their testimony to Boston City Council Central Staff Liaison Karishma Chouhan at karishma.chouhan@ boston.gov, and those who wish to provide virtual testimony can email Ms. Chouhan for a link and instructions to do so as well.
Councilor Flynn has consistently advocated for hiring hundreds of additional police officers every year for the next decade to address long standing issues of understaffing. overstretched resources, and forced overtime for Boston Police officers, as well as looming retirements. This not only impacts the public safety of our city, but also the physical and emotional well-being of our officers and their families.
Police understaffing is also exacerbated by voluntary retirement and resignations, as resignations rose from one in 2018 to thirty-six in 2022, and voluntary retirement rose from seventeen in 2018 to 127 in 2022. This means that current officers are mandated to fill in the gaps with forced overtime, which leads to burnout in
officers, and potentially negatively impacts their ability to serve.
Moreover, the Boston Municipal Code mandates that after July 1st, 1980, the number of Police Officers on the force shall, at no time, be less than 2,500. It is therefore imperative that the Boston Police Department consistently recruits and retains police officers to stay comfortably above that number, as well as fostering an environment that allows officers to feel valued while building strong relationships with residents through community policing.
“Having sufficient police staffing levels is critical to help make the streets of Boston safer for all neighbors, and to improve the health and quality of life of our dedicated police officers. The issues of understaffing, mandated overtime and overstretched resources will not be resolved without a commitment to hire hundreds of officers every year for an extended period of time,” said Councilor Flynn. “In my opinion, it is not okay for officers to be mandated to work excessive hours. This is a public health and public safety issue that we need to address for our residents, our police officers, and their families.”
“An unacceptable risk to individual and public health arises in all of Boston’s neighborhoods when the people who are entrusted with keeping the City safe are overworked and stretched too far,” said Councilor Erin Murphy. “The hiring, retention, and full staffing of our Police Department provide the people of Boston with the highest quality public health and public safety services possible, and those services are essential to ensuring Boston is the world-class city it can be and the world-class city the people of Boston deserve.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston. gov, and Councilor Murphy’s office at 617-635-3115 and Erin.Murphy@ Boston.gov.
Legislature Passes Compromise Legislation Adding 225 Alcohol Licenses for the City of Boston
Licenses will breathe new life into communities systemically excluded for decades
The Massachusetts Senate gave final passage to compromise legislation adding 225 new alcohol licenses for the City of Boston over the next three years.
The licenses would be distributed across 13 Boston zip codes, expanding equity for restaurant owners in historically underrepresented parts of the city and boosting economic opportunity in communities of color that have been systemically excluded for decades.
The compromise legislation includes a total of 225 new licenses in the coming three years for the city, including:
• 12 new unrestricted licenses.
• 195 new restricted licenses for 13 Boston zip codes, distributed as five per year, per zip code, for three years. Of the five licenses, three would be for all alcohol sales, and two would be for sales of beer and wine.
• 15 community licenses for non-profits, small theaters, and outdoor spaces, for all alcohol sales.
• 3 for Oak Square in Brighton, for all alcohol sales.
“I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House and Senate to add additional liquor licenses to underserved neighborhoods across Boston. These additional licenses will improve the sustainability of existing small businesses, create opportunities for new businesses, and create economic vibrancy on our main streets,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston), a member of the conference committee, who advocated strongly for the inclusion of the Lower Roxbury and South End communities in the legislation.
Having been passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the legislation will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
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:
Phone: Email:
Website: bit.ly/3AIRvnU
Close of Public Comment Period: 9/23/2024 Zoe Schutte
Liquor Licenses continued from front page
and Dorchester.
If signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey, the bill would deliver Boston its first major expansion of alcohol-serving establishments since 2014, when 70 liquor licenses were added via a city home rule petition.
The legislation had stalled at the end of formal lawmaking about a month ago, after it was approved in different versions by the House and Senate, which favored 205 and 264 liquor licenses, respectively. The city had initially been seeking 250 new non-transferable licenses, through a home petition that was sent to Beacon Hill.
According to a Boston Herald report, the compromise legislation, which the two lawmakers expect will be sent to the governor’s desk by the end of the week, would add 225 new liquor licenses in Boston over the next three years. It would target 195 non-transferable licenses to 13 ZIP codes in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Charlestown, East Boston, and the South End, according to the office of state Sen. Liz Miranda, who sponsored the initial Senate bill and represents parts of Roxbury
Window continued from page 4 the city and increasing economic opportunity in communities of color that have been left out for too long,” Brownsberger and Moran said in a joint statement.
Per Conference Committee leadership, the licenses would be distributed as five per year, per ZIP code, for three years, in those neighborhoods. Of the five, three would be for all-alcohol sales and two would be for sales of beer and wine. “This bill is about providing us with gathering spaces in our own communities, but more so, it is about making strides to close the racial wealth gap that has created stark disparities across the city of Boston, particularly in the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park,” Miranda said in a statement.
That “lack of opportunity,” Miranda said, “has stripped some of our neighborhoods from having successful restaurants and nightlife, a core tenet of thriving cities. Blue Hill Avenue was once a cultural mecca in our city with successful black-owned restaurants and nightlife, and I believe we can be that again.”
Today, liquor licenses are capped at 1,400 in Boston, per state law, according to Miranda’s office, which said the cost of a license on the so-called secondary market can average $600,000, thereby “excluding neighborhood-based startups and entrepreneurs unaffiliated with chains and conglomerates.”
Miranda’s office said the “legislation will expand economic
toter. The plan will save the city about $80K based on current recycling use and the figure could increase to $500K in annual savings if residents significantly increase the portion of household refuse they recycle.
Deals finalized for sale of four Massachusetts Steward hospitals
Steward Health Care announced Thursday that it reached final agreements to sell four of its Massachusetts facilities to new operators. Providence-based Lifespan Health System will take over St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton; Lawrence General Hospital will take over Holy Family Hospital’s Methuen and Haverhill campuses. Steward is still finalizing agreements to sell St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and Good Samaritan
development in our most underserved neighborhoods who’ve seen a pattern of removal of their liquor licenses to downtown and the Seaport. Of the 1,400-plus liquor licenses in the city of Boston, only 2% were held by Blackowned businesses in a city that is nearly 25% Black and over 50% of color,” her office added. “The secondary market, without needed reform, of sit-down restaurant and bar liquor licenses in the city of Boston has perpetuated the growing racial wealth gap.”
The bill would also tether three new all-alcohol licenses to Oak Square in Brighton, and 15 community licenses for sales of all alcoholic beverages to nonprofits, small theaters and outdoor spaces, according to the statement from Brownsberger and Moran.
Twelve of the 225 new licenses would be unrestricted, or transferable between different neighborhoods, the two lawmakers said.
Mayor Michelle Wu thanked “House and Senate leadership and members, especially members of the Boston delegation, for their partnership to advance this important legislation.”
“Each of these licenses represents new life and economic prosperity for an entrepreneur, a business, a neighborhood, and families throughout our city,” the mayor said in a statement. “We look forward to these 225 opportunities to
Medical Center to Boston Medical Center, while it plans on shuttering Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center on Saturday. Court filings Thursday showed that the state agreed to pay Steward $42M to support hospital operations through September, and that if the deals aren’t closed by the end of that month, Steward or the buyers could terminate them.
Ware Selectboard member wins residency dispute
A Ware Selectboard member who says he is temporarily staying in a cottage he and his wife own in Shutesbury while living separately due to marital challenges was unanimously declared by the Ware Board of Registrars to still be a resident of the town, the Republican’s Emma Rindlisbacher reports. Board member Terrance Smith’s residency was challenged by fellow board member Josh Kusnierz.
address disparities in our city and strengthen economic opportunity in our neighborhoods.”
State Sen. Nick Collins, whose district includes South Boston and parts of Dorchester, the South End and Roxbury, previously said greater access to liquor licenses could add roughly 30% additional revenue to a restaurant’s bottom line, while citing Senate conversations with owners, and would increase the meals tax in Boston. “This is going to bring great economic opportunity and equitable economic development to businesses in our city that deserve it,” Collins said during the July 29 Senate session where that chamber’s initial version of the bill was approved.
The legislation was borne out of a home rule petition introduced by Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell, passed by the Council in April 2023, and signed by Mayor Wu, who joined Worrell and cosponsor, Ruthzee Louijeune, now the Council president, in lobbying for the legislation on Beacon Hill last October.
Its future appeared uncertain, however, after House and Senate leadership were unable to reach a compromise by the end of formal lawmaking. The House and Senate approved different versions of the bill, in late May and two days before the end of formal sessions, respectively.
Vance follows Walz at Boston firefighters conference
One day after Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz spoke at the International Association of Firefighters conference in Boston, Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance did the same. Vance walked onstage to both boos and cheers, going on to paint a different picture than Walz — one of Republican support for unions.
These are the most-expensive Massachusetts towns for vacation homes
A Boston Business Journal ranking of the most-expensive ZIP codes for second homes in Massachusetts put Nantucket at the top of the list with an average price of $2.7m, the paper’s Grant Welker reports. All five most-expensive communities for second homes were on the Cape or Islands.
43rd Anniversary of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial to be Celebrated Sunday, September 15, at Medal of Honor Park
Medal of Honor Recipient Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, Ret., will be the keynote speaker and the Purple Heart will be presented the family of a late Vietnam veteran
South Boston Vietnam Veterans will celebrate the 43rd Anniversary of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial, located in Medal of Honor Park on East Broadway, on Sunday, Sept. 15.
Medal of Honor Recipient Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, Ret., will be the keynote speaker. The event will also include the presentation of the Purple Heart to the family of the late John Nee, USMC, who was wounded in Vietnam in 1968 but did not receive a Purple Heart.
A Memorial Mass will be held in St. Brigid Church, 841 East Broadway, South Boston, at 10:30 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. rededication ceremony at the memorial.
Mayor Michelle Wu, Congressman Stephen Lynch, and other local elected officials are scheduled to attend with the families of the 25 men from South Boston who were killed in ac-
tion during the Vietnam War, along with many South Boston Vietnam Veterans.
The South Boston Vietnam Memorial was among America’s first formal memorials for Vietnam Veterans – predating the dedication of the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. by 13 months. It honors 25 men from South Boston who gave their lives during the war. South Boston suffered one of the highest losses of men killed in action in the country for a community of its size.
The South Boston Vietnam Memorial was dedicated on Sept. 13, 1981, and a rededication ceremony is held every September.
The 25 men honored on the South Boston Vietnam Memorial are: Joseph J. Agri, LCpl USMC; Charles A. Bazzinotti, 1stLt USA; Richard J. Borovick, SP4 USA; John C. Calhoun, LCpl USMC; John H. Cole, PFC USMC; Paul M. Daley, SP6 USA; Ronald L. Delverde,
PFC USMC; Joseph F. Desmond, PFC USMC; Joseph W. Dunn, PFC USMC; Devon M. Enman, Sgt USA; Gene D. Grover, SSgt USMC; Frank C. Hubicsak, PFC USA; Douglas J. Itri, SP5 USA; John P. Jacobs, Cpl USMC; John G. Joyce, Cpl USA; Edward W. Milan, Sgt USAF; James O’Toole, PFC USA; Burton Peterson, LCpl USMC; Paul H. Sheehan, 1stSgt USMC; James J. Stewart, PFC USMC; Edward Stone, PFC USMC; Edward M. Sullivan, PFC USMC; Joseph Thomas, E. PFC USMC; Donald J. Turner, LCpl USMC; James K. Wheeler, SP6 USA.
24th South Boston Street Fest to be held Sept. 21
The South Boston Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (South Boston NDC), is excited to announce the 24th South Boston Street Fest, happening on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (In case of rain, the festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28.) East Broadway, between I and L streets, will be transformed into a bustling celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Building on a rich tradition, the 2024 Street Fest is set to be the biggest yet, with nearly 100 local businesses, artists, and community organizations participating, along with many of the neighborhood’s top restaurants. With more
than 5,000 attendees expected throughout the day, the event has solidified its place as a beloved community tradition.
Entertainment will be in full swing with two stages hosting a diverse lineup of performances for all ages. Highlights include performances by Southie’s own Thomas Park, a classic rock and Top-40 cover band; country singer/songwriter Houston Bernard; Shanel Sugar and Friends, who will get people dancing; The Far, a highenergy cover band; and emerging talents from Michael Caputo of MusicBall Entertainment, including the return of up-and-coming superstar Lauren Mahoney. The festivities will kick off with The
Late Risers performing the National Anthem and roaming the festival grounds. Attendees can also enjoy local dance showcases by Woods School of Irish Dance and Miss Linda’s School of Dance, as well as self-defense demonstrations from Ultimate Self-Defense.
The Thomas J. “Tommy” Butler South Boston Small Business Leadership Award will be presented to Mona Connolly Casper of the Seapoint Bar & Grill. The presentation will take place at 11:15 a.m. on the Library Stage.
Children will be treated to a host of fun activities, including balloon twisters, caricature artists, face painters, and appearances by costumed characters and princesses.
Keep an eye out for Bluey!
For all of the foodies out there, you will find plenty to enjoy, with alfresco dining and drink options available from The Broadway, Roza Lyons, Deja Brew, Café Porto Bello, The Playwright, and the Paramount. Grab-and-go favorites from local hotspots like Publico, Sal’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Capo, Lincoln, Hunter’s, Loco, Fat Baby, Layla’s, and Larry J’s BBQ will also be available.
Shoppers can take advantage of exclusive one-day-only deals from local retailers; art enthusiasts will be able to explore the vibrant local art scene, with works from acclaimed South Boston artists; and South Boston’s essential non-profit organizations will be on hand to share information about their services.
The South Boston Street Fest has become the most highly anticipated event in the neighborhood and surely a fun-filled day for the entire family!
For more information and the latest updates, visit the official South Boston Street Fest website at www. southbostonstreetfest.com.
Guy The Wine A Tasty Corner
The region of Alsace-Lorraine, located in the Northeast of France, has been making wine since the Romans occupied it. Moving forward a bit, today’s wines, made primarily from Riesling and Pinot Gris, offer some of the best value in the country. Look for the following wines, which are available locally; I believe you’ll be pleased with any of them. Domaines Schlumberger Spiegel, Grand Cru Pinot Gris, 2022, ($29.99). Domaines Schlumberger is renowned for its luscious wines, full in body
and flavor. Their richness and delicate sweetness is balanced by excellent acidity. As a result, the wines are never cloying or overly heavy. Even the vendange tardive, or late harvest dessert wines - the Gewurztraminer Cuvée Anne and Cuvée Christine- capture delicious, honeyed flavors with an ethereal lightness. This wine will be even more enjoyable with pungent cheese, shellfish and dishes like Chicken Piccata. While it’s very enjoyable today, it can be laid down and enjoyed for up to five years.
Trimbach Pinot Blanc, Alsace, 2021, ($16.99). This family has been making wine since 1626. In Old World terms, you can take that to mean that they’ll probably be around for a bit longer and why not? With wines of this quality at such competitive price points, it’s no surprise. Its delicate bouquet, the beautiful balance between its dry character, its distinguished fruitiness and its natural liveliness contribute to its exceptional richness.As required by the style of the house, it is made in a dry, straight, precise style. As far as food goes, try it with cooked and raw fish, shellfish and seafood, white meats, white wine sauces, Asian fusion items, especially Beijing
Don’t Forget Pick Up After Your Pet!
Pet waste discarded on the street or in catch basins carries harmful bacteria straight into the waterways we rely on for recreation.
Proper disposal of pet waste protects the environment and our waterways from contamination.
Remember to “Scoop the Poop” and dispose of pet waste in the trash.
Duck. As with most Alsace wines, it’s delicious right now, but can be aged for anywhere between 3-5 years.
Willm Riesling Reserve, 2021, ($18.99). Willm Riesling Reserve is limpid pale yellow with green hues. The nose presents notes of fresh fruit and citrus aromas. In the mouth, the attack is fresh and well-structured, and the flavor is reminiscent of fresh fruits and citrus. A persistent, slightly spicy finish. If Willm isn’t in an American history book, it should be. The winery was the first producer in Alsace to export to the United States after prohibition, and it’s said that Al Capone favored the wines after his release from Alcatraz. Though the Willm family has been making wine in Alsace since 1896, their French heritage dates back to 1398. Willm’s portfolio includes four Grand Crus, sparkling Cremant d’Alsace and late-harvest sweet wines, in addition to their reserve range. The winery is known for its easy-drinking, well-priced Riesling that pairs well with shellfish, grilled seafood and white meats. Among Alsace’s rarer sparklers is Willm’s Crémant d’Alsace Blanc de Noirs, a white bubbly made from 100% Pinot Noir. The vineyards span the Haut-Rhin (upper Rhine) and the Bas-Rhin (lower Rhine) in three locations, encompassing a diversity of soils and allowing Willm to produce a range of styles. The winery received its organic certification in 2012.
BCYF Curley Community Center Open House
Tuesday, September
24
Learn about new and expanded programming for fall
Pierre Sparr Riesling, Alsace, 2019, ($19.99), is the latest example of the Sparr family’s centuries-old love affair with the land.Maison Pierre Sparr was established by the Sparr family in 1680 in the desirable Haut Rhin area of Alsace. Today, quality remains Pierre Sparr’s primary focus and the winery consistently exceeds AOC guidelines (Alsace produces only AOC level wines). Minimal intervention in the winery preserves the characteristics of the land; gentle whole cluster pressing followed by slow, cool fermentation. Sparkling wines are all traditional methode (as in Champagne) and the grapes are farmed sustainably. Pierre Sparr wines are a pure expression of Alsace with its varied geology and topography; authentically Alsatian wines - aromatic, fruity, elegant, clean and vibrant. Pierre Sparr wines are food-friendly and accessible for everyday consumption. I’ve known the Sparr family for more than 30 years and can tell you that their commitment to quality has always exceeded any questions regarding quantity. Poultry, seafood, cheese and rich, creamy desserts will all taste better with this one.
BCYF Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road in South Boston, invites you to stop by their fall Open House on Tuesday, September 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Learn what’s planned for fall programming including new classes, see what’s planned for older adults, view the Children’s Room schedule and hear about expanded capacity and frequency of fitness classes. There will also be class demonstrations and the opportunity to take an informal tour of the facility and speak with staff. Staff will also be available to assist with membership registration.
Whether you are a current member or have never been there we would love to see you there!
ABOUT BCYF
Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 35 community centers in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees many citywide programs.
HUNDREDS MORE BOSTON HOTEL WORKERS STRIKE AT FOUR HOTELS
UNITE HERE Local 26 Workers at Moxy Boston Downtown, The Newbury Boston, W Boston Hotel, and The Dagny Participate in a Second Wave of Citywide Strikes
returned to work, but hotel workers at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront remain on strike.
Hotel workers including Room Attendants, Housepersons, Front Desk Agents, Doorpersons, Bellpersons, Cooks, Dishwashers, Banquet Servers, Engineers, and others at four hotels walked off the job today. The workers are members of Boston’s hotel workers union, UNITE HERE Local 26, and they say they are protesting arduous workloads and wages that aren’t enough to afford the cost of living.
The second wave of hotel worker strikes in Boston comes after 900+ hotel workers walked off the job for three days during Labor Day weekend at four properties: Hilton Park Plaza, Hilton Boston Logan Airport, Hampton Inn & Homewood Suites at the Hilton Seaport, and Fairmont Copley Plaza. The striking workers’ previous contract expired on August 31st. On September 1st, over 10,000 hotel workers from 24 properties in nine cities went on strike. Most of those workers have
Thousands of hotel workers with the UNITE HERE union have authorized strikes at Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni hotel properties that are locked in unresolved contract negotiations. To date, strikes have been authorized in 12 cities across the U.S., including Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, Greenwich, Kauai, New Haven, Oakland, Providence, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. Strikes at any of these cities may begin at any time as hotel workers fight for meaningful raises, fair workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.
Room rates are at record highs, and the U.S. hotel industry made over $100 billion in gross operating profit in 2022. But hotel workers say their wages aren’t enough to cover the cost of living, and many have to take on additional employment to make ends meet.
“I’m on strike because I need higher wages to pay my bills and support my daughters through col-
lege. It’s also really important that I maintain my health insurance and make sure I have a pension that will enable me to retire with dignity,” said Alicia Cacho, a Front Desk Agent at The Newbury Boston for 12 years. “Going on strike is a difficult thing to do, but I’m thinking about my family’s future in the long term. The hotel owners know how hard we work and how expensive it is to live in Boston. We know our worth, and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to win the raises, benefits, and job security that we deserve!”
“The Union and the hotel companies are still far apart on strike issues including raises, workloads, and COVID-era cuts,” said Carlos Aramayo, President of UNITE HERE Local 26. “Without a significant wage increase, many hotel workers simply cannot afford to live in Boston, the city that they welcome guests to. Our members shouldn’t have to work more than one job. We’re asking the hotels to hire and schedule more staff because strenuous workloads are
breaking workers’ bodies. The travel industry is booming in Boston, and it’s unacceptable for hotel companies to boost profits by cutting their offerings to guests and abandoning their responsibility to workers.”
UNITE HERE Local 26 warns travelers that labor disputes are active in Boston. Negotiations are ongoing, but strike issues have not been resolved. More strikes are possible at any time should issues remain unresolved. The Union urges guests not to eat, sleep, or meet at any hotel in Boston or nationally that is on strike. Guests should consult UNITE HERE’s travel guide and use its Labor Dispute Map at FairHotel.org, where they can search hotels by name or city to learn whether a hotel is on strike and find alternatives.
UNITE HERE Local 26 represents workers in the hospitality industries of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Our members work in Boston and Providence’s best hotels, restaurants, and university dining halls in addition to the Boston Convention Centers, Fenway Park, and Logan International Airport. We clean hotel rooms, greet guests, and prepare and serve food for hundreds of thousands of travelers to Boston and the northeast.
UNITE HERE is the hospitality workers’ union in the U.S. and Canada, representing workers in hotels, gaming, restaurants and food service, airports, and more.
All Access Cruises improved the summer for South Boston families!
Hiking, learning, and playing on Spectacle Island, groups of kids and teens from all over the region take advantage of Save The Harbor’s free cruise program.
This summer over 6,000 youth, teens and families joined Save the Harbor/Save the Bay for free harbor island cruises to Georges and Spectacle Islands, including 534 kids and teens from South Boston.
“We had some very hot and humid days this summer, which made a dip in the Harbor that much more refreshing,” said Save the Harbor Executive Director Chris Mancini. “Swimming in the clean waters off Spectacle Island and exploring the ‘Dark Tunnel’ in Fort Warren were two of the best places to be during the muggy heat this year.”
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 300-500 kids from around the region met at the Leader Bank Pavilion or Fan Pier to join the free cruises. The excursion starts with Harbor Historian David Coffin explaining to groups how Spectacle Island went from a landfill on fire to the beautiful park it is today.
“The history of Spectacle Island is one of my favorite stories to share with the kids,” said Coffin, “And it emphasizes the importance of the park’s carry-in, carryout policy. They experience that idea in real time, and then take that experience home with them, encouraging the next generation of environmental stewards.”
The trips are programmed by Boston Public School students in Save the Harbor’s Youth Jobs Program, who spend their summers gaining realworld leadership experience and expanding their education on ecological protection. Once on the island, they lead fun, STEAM-based education activities like Fishing 101, the Treasures of Spectacle Island archaeology exploration, and hikes through Fort Warren on Georges or to the top of Spectacle’s drumlins for a great view of the Boston Skyline and the outer harbor.
“We’re particularly proud that the program offers guided audio tours and information in six languages,” said Deputy Director Kristen Barry. “This way, native speakers in Mandarin, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole can more easily participate in our programs. When we say All Access, we mean it!”
Mancini went on to emphasize how these free cruises are made possible with leadership support and partnership from key organizations like Bay State Cruise Company, Mass Bay Lines, .
Save the Harbor’s free harbor cruises begin running every year in June and run until October. Upcoming cruises in 2024 include September 15, September 24, September 29, and October 6. These cruises are are free and open to all to join through Save the Harbor’s website, along with other evening and weekend Share the Harbor tours.
To learn more about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s free All Access Boston Harbor excursions or upcoming free events on the waterfront or your favorite beach, visit their website at www. savetheharbor.org and follow @savetheharbor on social media.
Teens from South Boston’s Neighborhood House get ready to board Mass Bay Lines “Freedom” to George’s Island.
Save The Harbor’s Historian David Coffin tells tales of George’s and Spectacle Island to kids and families prior to boarding.
South Boston Catholic Academy News
Welcome Old and New Families to SBCA and the ECC!
“We hope everyone had a great summer and we are all looking forward to another Wonderful school year here at South Boston Catholic Academy! We are honored to be able to
Welcome all our old and new students, families, faculty and staff to SBCA. We are excited to work closely with our families to ensure the success and well-being of all of our students. We are honored to ensure they are learn-
ing and receive the highest quality of support, love and education. We are so thankful that we are starting the school year with such a dedicated and talented faculty and staff. All I can say is that our students are amazing!” From our
Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian
“A Big Welcome to all the students, families, faculty and staff in the Early Childhood Center. We are very excited for the 24/25 school year at the ECC. We had a great first week!” From our ECC Director, Mrs. Kara Murphy. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
How could you not be impressed with the Patriots’ win on Sunday in Cincinnati to begin the season?
I’ll be the first to tell you I disagree with pretty much every move the organization has made since firing Bill Belichick. I think Drake Maye should be the starting quarterback. I believe they should have paid Matthew Judon instead of trading him.
But I’ll also be the first to tell you how impressive the Pats looked with Jacoby Brissett as their quarterback, and a defense that was led by Keion White and Ja’Whaun Bentley, who combined for three sacks and 16 tackles.
Brissett was pedestrian. But at least he didn’t turn the ball over. And the defense looked great. Now, that said, I still wish Belichick was here. And I do still think we should — and will — see Maye at quarterback in the very near future. Because the schedule doesn’t get easier after their winnable Week 2 game this Sunday at home against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Patriots should beat Seattle at Gillette Stadium. But after that, they go up against a much-improved Jets team, the San Francisco 49ers,
the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Jets again.
I just think there are going to be some really bad games in that stretch, which will make everyone around these parts question whether or not the Patriots should just see what Maye can do, instead of Brissett.
For now though, it’s a 1-0 Patriots team getting ready for their home opener on Sunday. Here’s some of what Mayo had to say about it at his mid-week press conference:
Q: Jerod, what did Seattle show you offensively that has your eye on Sunday?
JEROD MAYO: Most of the time, we always talk about the quarterback, which they have an experienced quarterback. What I would say is the run game. I think Kenneth [Walker III] doesn’t get a lot of hype. I don’t know what his Madden rating is or anything like that, but when you turn on the film, this guy pops off the film. He’s a very aggressive runner. He can do it all. Then you look at the receivers. They have different skill sets. There’s a huge contrast between [Tyler] Lockett and [DK] Metcalf, but they have a good team. They
have a good offense.
This week,
Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots opening the 2024 season with an unexpected win:
Q: Jerod, how difficult is it to game plan against a team that only has one game of film?
JM: This is why I always preach about awareness. It goes back to that conversation about awareness. You can watch the film and at some point during the game, they will revert back to who they are. In saying that, most teams script the first 15 plays as key plays to get the ball in the hands of one of the guys that has to get started early. Same thing in the second half. You take the first 15 plays that are scripted to break the tendencies that we’ve watched on film. This is why awareness, in my opinion, is more important than, ‘60% of the time when they’re in the gun, they’re doing this,’ for example.
Q: You talked a little bit about Jacoby Brissett’s ability to make plays with his legs. What have you seen from him and his ability to evade pressure?
JM: He [Jacoby Brissett] has a good pocket presence. This is a veteran player that went out there and did everything we expected him to do. We talk about not turning over the ball, and not taking negative plays. I thought he did a good job
with that. Historically, he has done a good job with that. Hopefully this week, we’ll see some progress.
Q: Jerod, you quoted Mike Tyson the other day, ‘everyone has a gameplan until they get punched in the mouth.’ Going into that first game, you had some ideas of what this team’s all about. How important is that second week getting ready now that you have a better idea of the team?
JM: From an individual perspective, the biggest jump you should see out of your players is from year one to year two, or week one to week two. I would say this week, not to look back at Cincinnati, but there are a lot of plays that we left out there. I think the players recognize that. Once you go to week two, we expect everyone to be better. We know who’s going to be out there in our units. You guys can stop asking about the offensive line and the quarterback [laughs]. Now it’s the time for those guys to gel. We as coaches expect them to be better. And I did let them know, ‘what got us the win in week one won’t get us the win in week two if we don’t continue to improve.’
Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
SPORTS TODAY
PATRIOTS UPSET BENGALS IN SEASON OPENER Tweet of the Week
The New England Patriots were a 7.5-point underdog on the road to begin the 2024 regular season. With Jacoby Brissett under center, and Jerod Mayo in Bill Belichick’s old spot on the sideline, the Pats had a major challenge in front of them in Cincinnati against Joe Burrow and the Bengals.
And they rose to the occasion, holding Burrow to just 164 pass yards and defeating the Bengals, 16-10, getting Mayo his first win as an NFL head coach.
“The guys went out there, competed hard,” said Mayo in his postgame press conference. “We talked about establishing the run game. We were able to stop their run game, they did a good job with that. We left a lot of plays out there, but we’re going to enjoy this one on the flight home and get ready for next week. Very proud, but my message to the players, after they gave me the Gatorade shower was, without them I’m nothing, and I made sure they knew that. They crossed the white lines, I talk about empowering the players to go out there and play. We talk about awareness being the
No. 1 thing, and those guys take advantage of that. Those guys did a great job.
“The day started off solid like any other day,” added Mayo. “Walking off the field though, getting in that victory formation, you get the feeling rushing over you. I’m going to enjoy this one for the next couple of hours, and truth be told, it’s a ‘what have you done for me lately’ type of business. It’s time to turn the page. Not trying rain on anyone’s parade, but turn the page and get ready for the next game.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft even gave Mayo the game bacll in the locker room after the win.
“It was special,” said Mayo. “I just want to thank the Kraft family — Robert, all of them, Josh — just for the opportunity here, for not getting in the middle of anything that we do, football-wise. Pretty much handed the keys over to Elliott and myself and the rest of the staff. I’m just appreciative of the opportunity. We came in here today and represented the Krafts in a good light.”
The Patriots’ winning formula was solid defense and a formidable run game.
Rhamondre Stevenson had more rushing yards than the entire Bengals team. Stevenson finished with
120 rush yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.
“I challenged Rhamondre in the spring,” said Mayo after the win. “I said, ‘Look, you don’t get a lot of love.’ And I have always believed he’s one of the best running backs in the league. When we signed him to the extension, there was no one more happy than me because I know what he’s capable of, and he showed that today. He can catch the ball, he can run, he can do all those things. He’s a great player.”
“I don’t want to say the sky’s the roof because that’ll put a limit on it, but it was definitely fun turning it around and handing the ball and seeing the patience that [Stevenson] runs with, the aggression he runs with, how fast he was,” said Brissett. “He was pulling away from DBs that had angles on him. He’s such a smart back. I’m excited to see how this progresses in this offense. It was just a lot of fun to watch him play.”
New England’s other nine points came from three Joey Slye field goals, with the longest being a 37-yarder. Slye finished 3-for-3. Brissett finished the game 15-of24 for 121 pass yards. He didn’t have any touchdowns, but he did one of the most important things the Patriots asked for. He didn’t
turn the ball over.
“We said before the game, it’s going to be a certain point in the game where we’re just going to overpower them,” said Brissett after the win. “We’re going to out condition them and do all the little things right more than them, because of all the work that we put in. And I think that was on display. “Everybody in the stands knew we were running the ball at the end of the game,” added Brissett. “And we still get first down after first down. We’re there in pass situations, and our defense is hunting down and brought it back in, taking away their best players and limiting a really good quarterback. Once you do that, you know that’s the identity we want to create, and I think we did that. We did a good job of establishing that on one game this week.”
