SouthBoston
The Boston Herald, in an editorial, wrote the “Boston City Council scored a Win after landing 225 liquor licenses”. It went on to write, “It will lead to more economic growth in areas that could use a shot in the arm. This is the City Council Boston wants to see — one that focuses on what residents’ needs and solutions. We look forward to more of the same”. Boston is set to add these 225 liquor licenses to its minority neighborhoods over the next three years, and making sure restaurateurs are aware of the “golden ticket” is essential for success, city officials say. In the 13 zip codes the liquor licenses are designated for, 587 food businesses are operating without
Though the Columbus Day weekend is still a week away, the woke attacks to cancel it have already begun. In the world of Politically Correct, Woke and Cancel Culture Bullying, it is believed by the advocates of that train of thought, that all they need do is claim they are offended by something they don’t like and it will be removed. Claiming it’s racist, gives the effort an even bigger boost. Those pushing this movement believe this because in some cities around the country, they are correct. They’ve seen the results – the fruits of their labor. ‘Ban everything we don’t like or we’ll protest; maybe even violently if we must’. And the cowardly authorities bow and grovel to these demands and do the bidding of the radicals. Whether it’s a statue, a song on the radio, the name of a street or a picture on a tub of butter, it had been working. But it’s high time we put a stop to the tantrums of the over sensitive cry babies and bullies.
This brings us to the upcoming Columbus Day holiday itself. There are
those who demand it be eliminated. They don’t like the Italian explorer so they want statues of Christopher Columbus torn down and the name of the holiday changed to things like ‘Indigenous People’s Day’, ‘Fall Festival, Pumpkin Seed Jamboree and other such names dreamed up by those with a toddler mentality. The fact that millions of Italian Americans like Columbus Day just the way it is and look forward to it each year, matters not to the ‘Woke’ crowd. They want what they want and tradition be damned. The statue of Columbus in Boston had been removed because a tiny group demanded it. And this is why the cancel culture mob keeps coming for more and more. There will be no end to the traditions they want gone and there never will be until people stand up to them and say ‘NO’. It’s the same way an unruly, spoiled child should be dealt with. There are some who don’t like Thanksgiving. They have been actively working over the years to end this uniquely American and beautiful tradition. Give in
to them and they will set their sights on getting rid of Christmas in an even bigger way than they have been trying already for many years. The thought of one day, eliminating America’s Independence Day celebration every year held on July 4th, makes those who hate our country salivate. All those Red, White and Blue Flags, fireworks and patriotism makes them nauseous. That would be perhaps the biggest feather in their caps
if they could cancel that one. Think about it. If people don’t step up and draw that line in the sand and face down the radicals whose goal it is to eliminate every cherished American tradition, they will just keep on coming. If elected officials, whether federal, state or municipal continue to duck and run for cover every time the malcontents with a chip on their shoulder for one holiday and tradition or another and don’t stand up to them,
our country will one day lose its identity completely. Americans; no matter what their background, are welcomed to celebrate the long Columbus Day weekend. If the radical/politically correct/woke/cancel culture types don’t like it or if it offends them well, that’s just too bad. They can curl up in the corner of their safe spaces until it’s over. It’s Columbus Day and will always BE Columbus Day whether they like it or not.
TInformation Center The When Natural Disaster Strikes Our Country, Americans Respond With Open Hearts And Open Wallets
he statement by a Conservative TV celebrity issued this week in regard to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene reads as follows: “If the Biden/ Harris Administration can airlift thousands of migrants into the country and set them up with housing, food and plenty of cash, they can certainly do a hell of a lot more to help the American families in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and other areas of the American South who lost everything including in some cases the lives of their loved ones”. Is he right? Of course he is. It’s long past time the feds, under Biden/Harris; well now mainly just Harris, stop making flooding our country with migrants and making them priority over American citizens. That’s exactly what they’ve been doing for going on four years and everyone knows it.
I’m well aware that the Biden supporters who read this column don’t want to hear this, but Donald Trump has temporarily suspended his campaign so he could go there and help. He was and still is on the scene in these devastated areas of the country raising money for relief and recovery and is also reaching into his own pocket and using his own personal funds to donate to the effort. He’s working with relief workers all the while; as of this writing, Harris and the vice presidential candidate Wals were attending ritzy fundraisers with Hollywood celebrities and billionaires in California.
Here at this newspaper, we’ve been receiving a steady stream of inquiries by locals concerned and heartbroken at what they are watching going on and the hardships their fellow countrymen and women are going through. They wanted to know what they could do to help, how to send
supplies, food, clothing and cash. Some towns are actually submerged in water, streets and roads look like rivers and lakes and even entire homes were being carried away by flood waters. So in response to those inquiries, we did some checking to see which organizations, in addition to government agencies could they make their donations to.
In this day and age, with all the hackers just waiting to pounce on innocent people who want to donate, the big question by people is which organizations are safe to donate to. Which are real and which ones could be scams? Well, there are a lot of good ones that can be trusted but we can name a couple for you that can be trusted to make sure all the money goes directly to help victims and not to high salaried CEO’s. Of course, the American Red Cross is on the sites and the governments at all levels are working at response and recovery efforts. But if you are looking at other organizations that can be trusted to get the biggest bang for your bucks in actual relief efforts, some of the religious organizations are on the job as well – organizations that come highly recommended with a proven track record of giving much needed aid and using their resources to those in need because of emergencies.
One organization recommended is of course ‘The Samaritans’ run by the Reverend Franklin Graham, son of the late and beloved Billy Graham. The Samaritans immediately rushed to the different locations hit hard by the storm bringing truck convoys filled with much needed supplies such as tents, clothes, nutritious food, clean drinking water, medical supplies and much more. Other Christian groups such as ‘The United Church of Christ’ and the ‘Alliance
talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
Fellowship’ have arrived as well with supplies and have also put hundreds of their volunteers on the ground to assist. While there are other groups as working hard to help, these 3 organizations were the names given to us when we reached out to authorities in the affected states to get information. The groups mentioned are among those that can be trusted and are safe, legitimate and not scammers. Their contact information on how to donate can be found online (Google, Duck Duck Go and other search engines will have the necessary contact info).
So many people willing to help
their fellow Americans in need is one of the many things that make our country great. Reports of literally thousands of people heading south to assist is heartwarming to hear. As Americans, we may have our differences but when the call goes out to come to the rescue, it always seems to be answered in a big way. Even when the economy is doing badly as it certainly is, Americans send their hard earned cash, purchase and send the necessary supplies and even show up in person to lend a helping hand. It’s a beautiful thing.
Note:
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Democrats In Conflict
When we’re talking about ballot questions, all expectations fly out the window — especially when it’s related to the political clout unions wield behind the proposals.
Democrats are a bit fractured this year, and not necessarily along traditional progressive-versus-moderate fault lines, over Question 2, which would eliminate use of the MCAS as a high school graduation requirement. Most recently, both Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan backed the “Yes on 2” campaign, putting them on the opposite side of Gov. Maura Healey and her deputies, who want the exam score requirement to remain in place. The question is 100 percent backed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association — no piece of its $2,336,858.07 raised in 2024 has come from any other group.
Large unions are uniquely powerful. Some ballot questions historically have garnered so much attention — and gotten to the ballot in the first place — because unions decide to bring issues stuck in legislative mud to the voters, who they think will support the idea instead. Union-
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.
backed questions don’t always win (think: the failed 2018 question backed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association that would have implemented patient-to-nurse limits) but they do have a tendency to split Democrats here.
Democrats are traditionally prounion, and many here also tend to fall in line behind the governor and legislative leadership. As voters are seeing with this year’s MTA-backed question, unions wield their political power and financial wherewithal to win lawmakers’ support. The MTA, and other large unions like it, hold so much sway that lawmakers are forced to weigh what union support means to them in their professional futures. More than 50 lawmakers, per the “Yes on 2” campaign, have come out in support of this question. What we won’t ever know is entirely political: how many are supporting the question because they believe in it, and how many are supporting it because they want to stay in MTA’s good graces.
Longshoremen are striking. What does that mean for the ports?
About 300 Boston dockworkers
are on strike — one fraction of the 25,000 International Longshoremen’s Association members who walked off the job across East and Gulf Coast ports on Tuesday. Union members want better wages and a stop to automation taking over their jobs; the union’s six-year contract with the United States Maritime Alliance expired at midnight. The Port of Boston is closed until the strike concludes, and potential price hikes could be on the horizon if the strike lasts more than a few weeks. The Light’s Will Sennott reports that in New Bedford, Local 1413, the city’s 45-member ILA chapter, supports those on strike but won’t stop their work — work that involves loading and unloading the massive ships in the harbor carrying parts to build offshore wind farms. The strike is mostly focused on ILA locals that wok with container ships carrying consumer goods and raw materials, Sennott reports.
Boston officials working to spread word about new liquor licenses
City of Boston officials are making plans to ensure operators of restaurants in the city’s predominantlyminority neighborhoods know how to apply for 225 new liquor licenses being made available over the next three years, the Herald’s Lance Reynolds reports. Some 587 licensed eateries fall within the 13 ZIP codes where licenses officials are calling “golden tickets” to success are set to be awarded.
Healey to sign emergency preamble for gun law, immediately protecting it from repeal efforts Gov. Healey plans to immediately put her recently passed gun law into effect today in an effort to halt gun rights activists’ efforts to suspend it. The emergency preamble she plans to sign comes after months of an opposition campaign’s action to gather thousands of signatures to support a referendum petition, which, if successful, would get a question on the 2026 ballot to repeal the gun law. If enough signatures were gathered, the group could have had the law suspended until the ballot question vote — Healey’s move disables that possibility.
Senator Collins & Representative Biele Vote to Increase the Commonwealth’s Competitiveness for Federal Dollars
The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that will allow the Commonwealth to more effectively compete for federal funding that could be invested in transformative projects related to transportation, housing, climate, economic development, and technology.
S.2954, An Act to provide for competitiveness and infrastructure investment in Massachusetts, takes advantage of the interest accrued from the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund and leverages that interest to ensure the state receives the maximum possible share of federal funds. The Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund has an all-time high balance of over $8 billion. It is currently estimated that Massachusetts could receive up to $17.5 billion through historic, once-in-ageneration federal funding opportunities.
“Federal funding opportunities is crucial for Massachusetts to thrive. Diverting interest from the Stabilization Fund is a can significantly benefit Massachusetts,” said Senator Nick Collins. “With over $8 billion available, reallocating these funds allows us to tap into the $17 billion in federal resources and enhance our regional projects. The additional $12 million for municipalities will empower them to compete effectively for federal matching funds, fostering local growth. This approach not only supports immediate investments but also accelerates our ability to address long-term liabilities, strengthening our financial position.”
“Over the last few years, we have seen the positive impact from federal resources in our community, our city, and our state,” said Representative David Biele. “This legislation will leverage our state resources to ensure that Massachusetts is in a strong position to compete for federal resources to invest in our communities and bolster our economy. I was proud to vote for this legislation which will support job creation and infrastructure in Massachusetts.”
The initiative requires the Comp-
troller to transfer interest from the Stabilization Fund to the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund on a quarterly basis if the stabilization balance reaches certain benchmarks. The Secretary of Administration and Finance (A&F) would then pursue federal funding opportunities available due to the availability of federal funds for infrastructure, resiliency and economic development projects.
At its current level, the Stabilization Fund is anticipated to accumulate approximately $250 million in interest annually. Currently, that interest is deposited directly back into the fund. Once signed into law, this bill will require the Comptroller to transfer interest from the Stabilization Fund to the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund when amounts exceed 10 per cent of budgeted revenues of the previous fiscal year; and the balance of the fund has not decreased in the previous year. When a diversion does occur, the interest will be used for two key purposes, including matching funds for federal grants, during this unique opportunity of Federal investments; and long-term debt management strategies.
Over the coming years, this bill is expected to unlock more than $800 million in funds that will be used to fund the state or municipal match requirement for federal competitive grant opportunities, as well as planning work that will help municipalities with the process of preparing applications for federal grants. Once federal grant opportunities expire, money in this fund will go toward reducing the Commonwealth’s long-term liabilities.
Through three pieces of federal legislation—the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act—over $2 trillion in spending is being made available to states through competitive grant programs and formula allocations. With this bill, the Commonwealth will be maximizing its position to capitalize on these substantial federal funding opportunities.
Having been approved by the House and Senate, the bill was signed by the Governor into law on September 24, 2024.
MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green Joins Inaugural Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society Distinguished Fellows
The MBTA today announced that MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green has been named one of the inaugural Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society Distinguished Fellows by the Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society and Northeastern University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
With nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Chief Green began his career in 1983 as a patrolman in Winchester, MA. He joined the MBTA Transit Police Department in 1991, advancing through the ranks from Sergeant to Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, Interim Chief, and finally becoming the permanent Chief in 2015.
“Chief Kenneth Green has led the Transit Police force with integrity and professionalism and we are pleased that he is being recognized for his strong leadership skills,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica TibbitsNutt. “Chief Green is a credit to the MBTA workforce and the communities served by the MBTA as his daily actions demonstrate empathy and compassion for the public he serves.”
“Chief Green is integral to our leadership team leading our dedicated Transit Police, keeping our riders and workers safe. He serves with great pride and this well honor is well deserved recognition for his contributions throughout his career and unwavering commitment. Under his leadership, I see the excellence exhibited from our amazing officers as we make the MBTA safer for all but. Congratulations, Chief Green, on this well-deserved honor,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng.
“It’s an honor to be named a Distinguished Fellow by the Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society. This recognition reflects not only my values, but the values of the MBTA Transit Police Department — our commitment to safety and community engagement. We are committed to maintaining as safe a com-
muting environment as possible for all to utilize and enjoy,” said MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green.
“The Ruffin Society Board is pleased to celebrate 40 years, and to honor the Class of 2024, as it reflects the success of our founding principles and mission. The members remain committed to the work ahead, and are pleased to recognize individuals for their leadership and commitment to the communities they serve,” said Ruffin Society Board President Anthony Owens.
Chief Green is recognized along with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden, and Former US Marshal for Massachusetts John Gibbons, among other distinguished law enforcement leaders.
As Chief, Green manages a department responsible for policing across 175 cities and towns serviced by the MBTA. He oversees daily operations, ensures the safety of riders and staff, and fosters relationships with community organizations and various law enforcement agencies.
Under Chief Green’s leadership, a new patrol plan tailored specifically for transit policing has led to record-low crime rates on the MBTA. He also established a juvenile unit aimed at building positive connections with young people, which has significantly reduced juvenile arrests.
Chief Green earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University, where he played college football, and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He completed Law Enforcement Executive Development Training at Roger Williams University and participated in Boston University’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the National Counterterrorism Summit in Israel.
Additionally, Chief Green attended the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he successfully completed rigorous academic and physical training alongside 227 fellow law enforcement executives from across the U.S. and 27 other countries.
Liquor Licenses continued from front page neighborhood battles over distribution,” Worrell said at the time.
liquor licenses, with many owners unaware of how to apply for one or that they exist at all, officials said during a hearing Tuesday. Officials met to discuss how to flip that narrative just weeks after Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation representing the first major expansion of alcohol-serving establishments in Boston in a decade.
The Council stepped up to the plate for Bostonians and hit one out of the park, ultimately landing the liquor licenses earmarked for minority neighborhoods over the next three years, as the Herald reported.
It started back in March of 2023 with a proposal by Councilors Brian Worrell and Ruthzee Louijeune. It aimed for 250 new licenses and was in response to the boom of bars and restaurants in neighborhoods near downtown and, particularly, the Seaport. The usual transferrable licenses were getting snapped up in those areas, leaving little in the rest of Boston. Restaurants in underserved neighborhoods were priced out of the so-called secondary market, where liquor licenses are sold for as high as $600,000.
“This method will help ensure neighborhoods have the opportunity to grow at their own pace, and avoid
“As neighborhoods develop it will attract outside visitors and investments, building Boston’s reputation as a diverse, exciting destination.”
It was this measure, supported by Mayor Michelle Wu, that helped shaped state legislation with Gov. Maura Healey giving it the official thumbs up last month.
A council hearing worked out ways to get the ball rolling with restaurant owners. As a first step to get in front of interested restaurateurs and would-be owners, the Boston Licensing Board held a webinars on the licensing process. The Office of Small Business will be holding neighborhood-specific information sessions for – Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain and Roxbury on individual Thursdays this month, starting next week.
Officials are contemplating engaging in a door-knocking campaign while conducting direct outreach with main street organizations. “We are very excited to have this conversation,” said Segun Idowu, chief of economic opportunity and inclusion. “Normally, we’re having to deliver not great news that unfortunately we don’t have any licenses to support the growth of a business, particularly
in (these) neighborhoods.”
Of the 225 liquor licenses, 195 would be non-transferable licenses targeted to 13 ZIP codes in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Charlestown, East Boston, and the South End. The licenses are set to 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. The bill also tethers three new allalcohol licenses to Oak Square in Brighton, and 15 community licenses for sales of all alcoholic beverages to nonprofits, small theaters and outdoor spaces.
Officials received 16 applications for the first batch of licenses in September, with a deadline set for Dec. 6, Licensing Board Chairwoman Kathleen Joyce said.
Kyisha Davenport, general manager at Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester, called the 225 liquor licenses a “dream,” one that will lead to a more inclusive restaurant scene in the city. She is urging the city to be adaptable with restaurateurs’ work schedules. “I heard the word ‘golden ticket’ earlier, and I kind of tweaked,” Davenport said, “because you just don’t know how much work goes into this whether it’s free or not.”
International Longshoreman On Strike!
The Conley Terminal is shutdown as of October 1, 2024.
The ILA is hoping to be listened to in their request to receive better wages and protection against automation. They are asking for a competitive/ living wage to feed their families.
ILA leaders Bernie O’Donnell and George McEvoy were joined by Teamsters General President, Sean O’Brien, in solidarity along with other unions who support their brothers and sisters. This strike is very well organized, strong and
they are determined to get the respect and recognition they deserve.
Hopefully the strike won’t last too long but in the meantime, stop by and say hello, give a honk or raise a fist to support our dock workers at the Conley Terminal.
Guy The Wine
This Week’s Ideas
Phantom Proprietary Red 2020, California ($21.99). This wine is deep, opulent dark garnet hued with aromas of Black currant compote, blackberry, cumin, florals, and earth on the nose. The flavors on the palate are black berry, boysenberry, bruleed orange slices, clove, interlaced with toast oak, black peppercorn, bittersweet chocolate, sweet cigar and a long finish. Pair
with BBQ Chicken. Rescue Dog ,2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi AVA, ($29.99). This line of wines is not only great tasting, it’s also doing one of the greatest things that people can do. 50% of the profits from all their wine sales support dog shelters across the U.S. So, if you want to taste something great and do something great at the same time, here’s your “something”.
This one is big, with a 14.5% ABV, with notes of fig, dark cherries, creme de cassis and caramel. Its deep reddish/purple color and velvety, round mouthfeel come from a considered blend of 69.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.5% Malbec, 6% Merlot, 6% Zinfandel, 3% other reds, partially aged on oak.
2021 Cooper & Thief Red Wine Blend Aged in Bourbon Barrels, California, ($19.99). A daring red blend aged in Bourbon Barrels which produces a more complex, smooth and rounded wine. Hints of bourbon on the finish are complemented by dark, deep fruits and floral notes. While other wines
Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) 980 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02119
WATER MAIN FLUSHING NOTICE
Boston Water and Sewer Commission will commence Water Main Flushing in the South Boston/Seaport area starting: September 30, 2024, through November 5, 2024
The boundaries for the areas being flushed are Boston Harbor to the north, Dorchester Bay/William J. Day Blvd to the south, Pleasure Bay/Castle Island to the east and the Southampton MBTA /Yard Fort Point Channel to the west.
The purpose of the Water Main Flushing Program is to improve drinking water quality for residents and businesses.
Water Main flushing will take place between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.
The flushing process may cause discolored water and a reduction in pressure. The discoloration of the water will be temporary and is not harmful. If the condition persists, please contact BWSC’s 24 Hour Service at (617) 989-7000.
BWSC appreciates your patience as we work to improve the quality of drinking water we will provide to the residents and businesses of Boston.
If you have any questions, contact BWSC’s Night Operations Manager at (617) 989-7000 or visit our website @ www.bwsc.org.
celebrate doing the same thing for centuries, Cooper & Thief celebrates doing things differently. Their bourbon barrel-aged red wine blend challenges tradition, which makes for a much more interesting story.
2020 Turning Tide Red Blend Santa Ynez Valley ($26.99). Winemaker Alisa Jacobson helped usher the Joel Gott wine label from obscurity to the globally recognized and iconic brand it is today. She recently passed the baton back to Joel and Sarah Gott and set out to forge her own path with a renewed and passionate focus on making wine from sustainably farmed vineyards in coastal regions. An avid diver, her personal Instagram account chronicles up-close, intimate encounters with a wealth of underwater sea life. As for this red blend, it’s a combination of Grenache and Mourvèdre from a vineyard she co-owns outside Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez AVA. Scrumptious and juicy, with black and red berry fruit and loads of heady baking spices that offer a deep dive into the realm of the delicious.
2019 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc California ($28.99). The king of California Cabernet Franc, anthropologist-turned-winemaker John Skupny has done it again with his 2019 release. Fashioned from the tiny-berried Cab Franc sourced from sites in the Central Coast and all the way up to northern Sonoma, it offers a unified snapshot of the great vintage. Fragrant red berry fruit and floral notes open to wild crushed herbs, while savory minerality underscores gentle tannins and juicy acidity. Enjoy it with your favorite charcuterie platter. And if you’re cruising through St. Helena in Napa Valley, stop off at the new Lang & Reed Tasting Salon on Main Street for indoor and outdoor experiences.
2018 Qupe Grenache Santa Barbara County ($29.99). Mostly known for its lemon-kissed, candied-ginger-tinged Chardonnays, this red offers a welcome departure for the iconic Qupé label, and it’s only the second vintage of this Grenache from the winery. Give it a few big swirls (so long as
you’re not wearing white) and let the delicate red florals and heady oak spices entice the nose. Take a sip and discover a silky-smooth red that unfolds in waves of cherries, plus, and pomegranates, and becomes richer on the finish with savory baking spices and salty dark chocolate flourishes.
2019 Minus Tide Feliz Creek Vineyard Carignan ($32.99). Get ready for a trip to the south of France, told through the eyes of Kyle Jeffrey, Brad Jonas, and Miriam Jonas, co-owners of the uber-small production Minus Tide wines, including this Carignan. Jeffrey says that Carignan is one of the heritage varieties of Mendocino County, and their grape source at Feliz Creek Vineyard is among the oldest, with vines dating back to 1908. Florals such as rose petals and violets join thinly sliced saucisson sec, black olives, and white pepper. Soft, silken dark fruit rides along a salty finish. Pair this with cured meats and a hearty cassoulet.
2020 Kings Carey Mourvèdre Dogged Vine Vineyard Los Olivos District ($37.99). Though best known for producing the highly sought-after Liquid Farm Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, James Sparks shows another gifted side of his winemaking chops under his own Kings Carey line. But even the mesmerizing artwork on the label can’t distract from the utterly delicious Mourvèdre sourced from an exciting new vineyard in Santa Barbara County called Dogged Vine, owned by Ike Zekaria and his wife, Lara. This is an unexpectedly elegant, red-berry-driven take on the typically muscular and deeply colored style of Mourvèdre that is more common in the Central Coast and Santa Barbara. The only caveat is you have to become a wine club member, but it’s worth the modest price of admission.
Cops For Kids With Cancer In The South Boston Community
On Tuesday, Cops For Kids
With Cancer along with BPD C-6 welcomed a very special South Boston family. Franyelis Guzman Baez, 16 years old was diagnosed with cancer in April. This sweet young lady has been undergoing treatment
with her medical team. Franyelis lives with her Mom Johanna and her twin sisters, age 5. Johanna has had to leave her job and that’s where Cops For Kids with Cancer stepped in. Paul Ivens, Captain Boston Police (Ret.) and Stephen DaCorta, Sgt., Boston
Police (Ret.) representing the CFKWC organization and Board Members, presented Franyelis and family with a donation and gifts to try to make life a little easier. Captain Joe Boyle (C-6) and team were present to support this program and the Baez family. Frany-
elis was surrounded by high fives, shouts of ‘you got this”, “keep fighting” and well wishes. As you go about your day, say a little prayer for this beautiful 16 year old and her family. This community is here for you Franyelis – You Got This!
South Boston Street Festival 2024 – Success!
Last Saturday celebrated the 24th year of the South Boston Street Festival on East Broadway. This year Mona Connolly Casper of the Seapoint Bar &Grill was the recipient of the Thomas J. Butler Small Business Award.
There was food abundance from the many bars/restaurants from both West and East Broadway. Balloon man, face painters and caricatures were some of the children events which brought smiles and giggles.Many vendors displayed their wares and local busi-
nesses lined the street. Residents new and old were seen carrying prints and notecards from the South Boston artist community. The CIA did well with new membership sign up and the popular item seen everywhere were the Saint Peter Academy green balloons.
The music, dancers and activities were spectacular as always. As always, an outstanding job!
(The 2024 SB Street Festival was dedicated to one of the founders and Southie’s own, Karen Stanley –Rest In Peace)
Hearts, Hugs & Hope Alzheimer’s Support Group at Compass on the Bay
October 31, 2024, 5:00 pm at Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is held both in person and virtually. Contact Director of Compass Programming Erin Bollinger at 617-268-5450 or email ebollinger@ compasssonthebay.com to RSVP by October 28 and to receive the virtual meeting link.
Each year, the New England Governors and the eastern Canadian Premieres, meet to discuss issues of shared concern. This year’s event took place in Boston and included a Reception at Fenway Park.
In the photo: John Hailer, Chairman, New England Council; Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Jim Brett, President & CEO, New England Council
St.
Brigid & Gate of Heaven Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News
Silent Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and Confession Monday Evenings Beginning Monday, October 7th, we will offer adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Monday night from 5PM7PM at St. Brigid Church on East Broadway. Confession will also be available during that time should you wish to go to confession.
South Boston Catholic Academy News
The students in the ECC enjoyed Apple Week!
Ais for Apple! Ms. Taylor and Ms. Denise’s students in K0C, at South Boston
Catholic Academy’s Early Childhood Center, getting ready for fall with some Apple tasting! They got to try red, green and yellow apples but the class favorite was most definitely the red apple! The students in Ms. Alexa, Ms. Caitlyn’s and Ms. Gretch-
en’s K0A class had fun using apples to make colorful paintings for their families using the Apple Stamping Art method. In Ms. Samantha and Ms. Shalynn’s Toddler 3 class, the students loved learning about and exploring all the many differ-
ent types and flavors of apples and getting to taste each one, and loved them! Apple week was definitely a fun treat in the ECC. What a great way to celebrate the beginning of Fall! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News
Annual Blessing of the Animals
In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, all are welcome to the Annual Blessing of the Animals that will take place on this coming Sunday, October 6, 2024, outside of Gate of Heaven Church, downstairs in the I Street Courtyard, near the Celtic Cross, following the 12 Noon Mass at 1PM. Please have your lovable family pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.
We get it. The Patriots’ offensive line is brutal. And the news didn’t get any better during the week. Now, center David Andrews is having season-ending shoulder surgery.
Everyone’s initial reaction seems to be, “Don’t start Drake Maye and ruin him.” As you know, I am not one of those people with that reaction.
This Patriots team needs a spark on offense. Put the kid in and let’s see what he can do.
Here’s what Patriots coach Jacoby Brissett had to say about it all in Wednesday’s press conference:
JEROD MAYO: Hello, good morning, friends. I’m excited to get back on the practice field, go out there and compete and get ready to play against a good football team. I don’t want to sleep on these guys; I know they had some struggles and things like that, but this is still a very good football team with weapons across the board, offensively, defensively and also on special teams. So, like I said, we’re excited. I think the guys, they came in today, we changed the page, we’re moving forward. We understand what we have to do to win this game. Just
like every week, we have those targets out there; we just have to go out there, execute and hit those targets, and that’s what we fully anticipate. I know a lot of you guys are wondering about Dave Andrews, so, it’s already out there at this point. It’s going to require surgery, and he will probably go on IR and be done for the season. Fire away.
Q: How big of a blow is that to you guys?
JM: It’s tough. One thing about Dave, the first word I would say is just toughness. He’s a guy who, he’s been a captain here, he has great leadership ability, he’s tough, he’s able to communicate across the front, and it’s definitely a huge loss. With that being said, we’ve got to – next man up. Next man up, and I know that sounds very cliché, but that’s the mentality. We fully expect him to still be around the building, and maybe he’ll be a future coach at some point in time, but we’ll see.
Q: You talked about next man up. It seems like Nick Leverett is the one to step in. What’s your confidence level in Nick, and what have you seen from him?
JM: Yeah, I thought Nick did a
This week,
Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots after another loss in Week 4 in San Francisco:
decent job stepping in there this past game, and now that he’ll get more reps during practice, you expect him to continue to get better every single day. So, that’s our expectation.
Q: Jerod, you mentioned earlier this week that you and Eliot [Wolf] were going to meet and talk about the alignment and stuff, the people that were out there and talk about that. Any updates on that about possibly bringing somebody in?
JM: Not at this current time. We talked about the – the question here was about the veteran offensive linemen that were out there. So, we’re not on that at this current time.
Q: How important is the position of center in this offense as far as being kind of the one in charge?
JM: It’s very important. I always say, you want to see the same picture, and it starts with the center, and it starts with the quarterback. The center and the quarterback, I would say. So, it’s definitely important as far as being on the same page, ID’ing the mic points and all those things. So, with that being said, Nick, he can do it. He’s proved that he can do it, and hopefully, he continues to get better.
Q: Understanding how impor-
tant David is to the offense, how does his injury affect the plan for Drake [Maye]?
JM: I would say those are independent of each other. You always want to have a veteran center in there, but with that said, they don’t tie in together.
Q: How do you not let a ‘woe is me’ attitude take hold when you see the injuries starting to affect you guys?
JM: For us, it’s about mental toughness. It’s about mental agility. We won’t be rigid in our thought, and we’re going to try to put the best team out there. I’m not really a big ‘woe is me’ or anything like that. We knew going into the season we would take our lumps, and even after the first game when we beat Cincinnati, we understood that this is unsustainable as far as winning that way. With that being said, there have been things that we’ve done well, especially after the first two games. Those were competitive games. The third one wasn’t so competitive, and this past one, we still had an opportunity as bad as we played. I think it still comes down to execution.
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PATRIOTS LOSE THIRD STRAIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO Tweet of the Week
Sunday was another forgettable game for the 2024 New England Patriots.
The Pats lost to the 49ers, 30-13 in San Francisco. It was New England’s third straight loss. They’re now 1-3 on the season, and head home to host the 1-3 Miami Dolphins in Week 5.
As has been all season long, the story for the Patriots in Week was their struggling offense. And that begins with another poor performance from the offensive line.
It continues with Jacoby Brissett’s struggles at quarterback, and a run game that was once again turning the ball over and finishing with under 100 yards on the ground.
“I think there is a combination of schematically, we have to do a better job of getting the ball out of our hand right now,” said Patriots coach Jerod Mayo after Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, when asked about the team’s future at QB. “And then secondly, I would say the offensive line just has to do a better job holding up in protection. We’re trying to find different ways to do it. It’s easy on some of those sacks when you go back and watch the film, the ball should be out. It’d be
easy for you guys and everyone else to say, well, the offensive line should have done that. So I wouldn’t rush to that conclusion. But we have to coach better. We have to play better and execute.”
Brissett finished 19-of-32 for 168 pass yards with one touchdown, one interception, and one lost fumble.
The fumble came in the final minutes of a game that was already over, but the interception was a Fred Warner pick-six in the second quarter that gave the 49ers a 13-0 lead and plenty of momentum. It also came just one possession after Rhamondre Stevenson lost a fumble.
“We can’t give them two turnovers like that,” said Brissett after the loss. “We can’t put our defense in a bad position like that. I think that’s where it really starts. And then it comes back down to the fundamentals and execution. We really beat ourselves. We get a drive going and then something happens. We’re not good enough to be able to play against ourselves and the defense. So, we got to just go back to practice, go back to the drawing boards and keep getting better from it.”
“Yeah, it’s frustrating,” said Patriots tight end Hunter Henry after the loss. “Nobody’s a good enough
team to give two turnovers. One is a touchdown, and basically you give them another one. We’re not built to turn the ball over. Nobody is in this league. You get freebies, it’s really hard. But coming out, we felt good. That was a good fast start coming out of the half. Obviously special teams made a great play. And then, like you said Jacoby man, Jacoby is just a warrior standing back there and continuing to take hits and continuing to battle. I love playing for Jacoby.”
Stevenson’s performances have also been sub-par. The struggling running back finished with 43 rush yards on 13 carries while losing a fumble for the second straight game. Stevenson had just 23 rush yards the previous week against the Jets. He had 81 rush yards in the Week 2 loss to Seattle. His best game of the season by far was in Week 1, when he had 120 rush yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in a win over the Bengals in Cincinnati.
The Patriots need him to find that Week 1 confidence again.
“Well to me, a lot of this stuff goes back to body language and showing disappointment,” said Mayo after the loss in San Francisco, when asked about his sideline conversation with Stevenson. “I always talk about those
types of things. And there’s no one out there more disappointed than Rhamondre as far as his ball security issues are concerned. It is what it is. Change the page and let’s move forward.”
Now, the Pats move forward against a beatable Dolphins team that’s without Tua Tagovailoa. Tua’s absence is so bad for Miami that the Patriots are actually a 1.5-point favorite at Gillette Stadium on Sunday in this divisional matchup.
“Yeah, it’s a huge game for us,” said Mayo. “A divisional game and you always want to win those. We want to take the good things that we did today and carry those over and get rid of the bad football and that’s my job.”
“Well, you know, it’s Week 4 so it’s still early in the season,” said Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr after Sunday’s loss. “I’ve been on this team for a longtime. I feel like we definitely had seasons where we didn’t start great, but we finished strong. So going into the next quarter of football next month we need to learn from everything we did in September, good and bad, fix everything bad and continue doing the good stuff. We need to continue building on that, and then put together a great game next week.”