BOSTON TECHNICAL HIGH
Arecent Letter to The Editor in the Boston Globe said it all.
“I couldn’t agree more with Kara Baskin’s Oct. 4 Parenting Unfiltered piece (“October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Here’s what it’s like to be the parent of a dyslexic student in Massachusetts,” Living Arts), in which she describes the struggle to find the right educational resources for her son. Sadly, the same situation was true 25 years ago when my son was diagnosed as dyslexic — despite his elementary school’s refusal to classify him as such (I wondered whether it was to avoid triggering mandated services).
The special education team — in a school system often lauded by the state — was infuriatingly inad-
Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Our Fellow Americans Down South Need Our Help
The South Boston Community has always been looked upon as a cohesive, tight knit neighborhood where residents are acquainted with each other and consider each other almost like family. People who have lived here for many years seem to have a bond with one another. Even if and/or when after they’ve moved on to other locations there is always that closeness and familiarity with each other. The saying ‘Once a friend from Southie always a friend’ is considered a given to many. Though we are technically an inner city neighborhood, in many ways it has that small town feel to it because of the closeness of the people. And while it’s true, there has been a quite a bit of change over the years, that small town/close knit style culture remains to some degree. And as shown by the recent turnout in support for everyone’s good friend LeAnn Boylan last month, when one of us needs support, hundreds and sometimes even thousands rise to the occasion to help a neighbor.
For the most part, Americans everywhere feel the same way about supporting and assisting each other in time of need. And it has been obvious in the outpouring of assistance in regard to the terrible tragedy that has hit some of our nation’s Southern States in the form of violent and devastating hurricanes and all the lingering flooding that still has thousands of people in serious danger, the will to help is strong.
South Bostonians; current and former can relate to their fellow Americans in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and other locations who could really use helping hands. Just like the people of our community, the outpouring of help coming from neighbors there is impressive. In the absence of adequate help from the government, civilians have rushed into the affected areas; at times putting their own lives in danger to rescue those victims who need to be rescued as well as those who lost everything. But the level of destruction from the hurricanes and floods is so bad, that the victims could use as much
help as they can get. Last week we mentioned that many South Bostonians have asked how they can help. In fact, we have been informed that some South Boston residents are already on the scene in North Carolina and others are in the process of making their way down to volunteer their help. God bless them.
Also in last week’s edition of South Boston Today, in response to a couple of dozen inquiries, we relayed the names of organizations
that have rushed to the area; organizations that can be trusted and are doing great work in the rescue efforts and bringing desperately needed supplies to the people in need in those areas. We’ll mention them again for those still wanting to do their part and assist in the humanitarian effort. Not everyone has the option or the ability to physically travel south to help. But for those who want to donate to the cause; whether it be financially or by sending
supplies, here again are the names of a few trustworthy organizations – that are safe from scamming attempts, hard at work on location –these are legitimate organizations working in the area and doing a great job: Baptists on Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, North Carolina Disaster Relief, The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Contact information and how to donate can be Googled and found on most search engines.
“The military is arguably the most significant social institution in our country” - J.D. Vance
QInformation Center The
When Disaster Hits, So Called ‘Hillbillies’ Step Up
uestion: What group of people do West Coast Hollywood and Northeast liberals look down upon the most? Answer: Poor white southerners. They call them rednecks and hillbillies. They make fun of the way they talk, how they live and the way they vote. They mock their religious beliefs, the Bibles they carry, their fondness for and determination to defend the right to keep and bear arms. They roll their eyes at their fierce sense of patriotism and love of our country and the uncompromising belief in traditional family values. And one of the other big reasons the so called Progressives despise white southerners and others who consider themselves Conservatives is because these proud Americans couldn’t care less what the libs think of them.
If you’ve been following the devastation that has hit North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and other neighboring states caused by the recent hurricanes, it’s plain to see that if you and your family were ever caught in such severe natural disasters like Hurricane Helene or Milton or other such tragedies, you’d want these so called hillbillies and rednecks in your corner coming to your aid.
The response by the federal government, under the Biden/Harris Administration is said to be a disgrace and a failure. And if there was any doubt left about the priorities of the government agencies and leadership under the control of Biden/Harris, those doubts should be forever put to rest. To add insult to injury, the fact that they shower billions of our tax dollars on illegal immigrants and foreign governments like Ukraine but offer $750 to American citizens who lost everything; including family members in what is now hundreds of confirmed cases and speaks volumes about how they feel about American citizens in need. FEMA, when they finally did arrive on the scene in hurricane ravaged
American states, came in trickles; with limited supplies. But this is all taking place in the American south where these ‘hillbillies’ that liberals look down on don’t sit back waiting for government to get around to do its job. They mobilize and go into action – immediately.
From the mountains and the valleys, from the ranches and the farms, civilians loaded up their pickup trucks, brought in their ATV’s and their tractors and every other kind of vehicle they can get their hands on, fill them up with food, cases of drinking water, dry clothes, blankets and first aid supplies and get it all to the people in need as fast as they can. They are even bringing supplies into near impossible places to reach on horseback. They are organizing search and rescue teams to help find missing people.
Major stores like Home Depot are donating tools like chain saws etc. and other machinery to help rescue people trapped in their homes. Literally hundreds of Churches have mobilized their congregations and have been rushing bus loads of volunteers in to assist. And even Elon Musk has stepped up to help and brought in and set up hundreds of his ‘Starlink’ internet units which has provided many areas with the only source of communications. The entertainer Kid Rock has himself been donating millions of dollars worth of desperately needed supplies to the area. And yes, Former President Trump has also been in the area after putting his campaign on hold, helping with the volunteer efforts, raising money and even dipping into his own pockets for the victims.
It’s been reported that FEMA officials have been blocking some of the supplies and civilian help coming to the rescue; demanding that these volunteer efforts and the supplies as well be put under the direction of the federal agencies. But in many cases, the people are balking at these demands
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
by FEMA; deeming the agency’s efforts as not effective and are being told that if you can’t get the job done right, just stop obstructing local efforts and get out of the way. What’s going on in the hurricane hit southern states is a true testament to American pride and resourcefulness. It shows how when some of our countrymen and women are hurting, Americans rise to the occasion, roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand. And now, as the call for help has gone out, it’s being answered by good people from all across the nation. From the cities, the suburbs, from
the Heartland and now, pretty much every corner of the country. There is a steady flow of people heading south to help their fellow Americans recover from one of the worst natural disasters ever to hit our homeland.
America has its share of detractors; citizens who have never found a reason to show pride in their country. But the fact is, as much as they complain and disparage America, they always remain, they never leave. Because deep down, though they will never admit it, they know there is no place else in the world better to live and no better people can be found anywhere else.
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
NCAA On The Menu
One of the Bay State’s favorite, downright foundational VIPs — no, not Paul Revere or Tom Brady — is in Boston this morning to speak at a New England Council breakfast about... the NCAA. That’s right: former Gov. Charlie Baker, now president of the NCAA, is back, set to talk about name, image and likeness issues, along with “other NCAA matters” he’s privy to as head of the national albeit controversial collegiate sports powerhouse.
Though he still technically lives in nearby Swampscott, Baker isn’t actually in Boston that often anymore, spending his time traveling across the country for the NCAA and at its headquarters in Indianapolis. Most publicly this year, Baker sat for a press conference here about a new coalition meant to address the harms of youth sports betting — an activity that Baker helped shepherd into law in Massachusetts, and has taken on a life of its own across the country as both popularity and problematic trends increase.
Nearly two years into his job
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.
at the NCAA, Baker is showing face in Boston at a time when the state Legislature is unable to come to consensus on a number of massive bills — and as nowGov. Maura Healey is struggling to push not just her priorities, but also Baker hangovers. Healey is cleaning up the MBTA after a slew of problems erupted under Baker; the opioid epidemic he tried to prioritize is still alive in the state, and there’s no agreed-upon substance use bill to address it; and the clean energy innovation Baker tried pushing is facing obstacles of its own.
Don’t be surprised if Baker gets asked about his political future this morning. Last month, Boston Magazine asked him about a potential U.S. Senate run. He gave a quintessential Baker answer: “I obviously enjoy public service a lot. And I, generally speaking, would never rule out doing something in the public sphere. But I’m very happy where I am, and I don’t anticipate being anywhere else anytime soon.”
Wu says average single-family home in Boston to see property
taxes increase 14 percent
On Wednesday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and other city officials unveiled preliminary property valuation data to show just how much of an increase the average Boston homeowner would face in property taxes. The data shows commercial property values would drop by about 7 percent while residential values would increase by up to 4 percent — less egregious numbers than expected, but numbers that Wu still says will impact homeowners significantly and could be somewhat alleviated by her property tax shift petition now sitting before the Senate.
Protestors gather outside of state police ceremony calling for justice, accountability
A large group of protestors called for justice for Enrique Delgado-Garcia on Wednesday outside of the DCU Center, where a State Police graduation ceremony recognized a new training class, as well as his memory. DelgadoGarcia died less than a month ago after falling unconscious during an academy boxing exercise — the
incident is fueling criticism of the MSP academy training program, and an investigation into his death is ongoing. Telegram & Gazette
Longtime leader of Boston’s youth jobs program stepping down Neil Sullivan, the decades-long executive director of the nonprofit Boston Private Industry Council, has been a constant behind the efforts in Boston to connect young people with summer employment. The Beacon’s Gin Dumcius reports that while Sullivan is preparing to step away from the role, he still plans on working on the “issues” he cares about. The nonprofit helps thousands of young people get paid jobs and internships, even in spaces like hospitals, tech and financial firms. The board of directors is meeting this week to talk about succession plans.
Class action lawsuit alleging Souza-Baranowski prisoner abuse certified by federal judge
A federal judge in Worcester certified a class-action lawsuit alleging that inmates, especially
continued on page 6
Senator Nick Collins Votes to Modernize Child Custody Jurisdiction Laws Councilors Flynn and Murphy Filed Resolution in Support of The International Longshoremen’s Association
The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to simplify and modernize child custody jurisdiction laws in the Commonwealth.
An Act relative to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act would simplify custody jurisdiction laws and bring Massachusetts into conformity with other states around the country. By so doing, the Commonwealth would be creating a more streamlined process for families going through challenging times while supporting the safety and well-being of children who find themselves in custody challenges.
Under the new law, clear rules would be established for multistate custody cases, prioritizing the home state of the child and ensuring Massachusetts courts can work effectively with courts in other states nationally and in other countries for international
child custody orders. Going forward, once Massachusetts courts have exercised jurisdiction over custody, those courts would maintain jurisdiction over potential changes in the judgment or order, so long as a parent or the child remain in state. This will prevent forum shopping and competing lawsuits in multiple jurisdictions.
“This is a significant step towards modernizing child custody laws, that prioritizes the well-being of children across the Commonwealth and will ensure that families can navigate custody challenges more effectively,” said Senator Nick Collins.
The standard was established under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), drafted in 1997 by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. If passed, Massachusetts would join all other states in adopting the uniform laws.
The law would bring enhanced transparency and easeof-access to the custody jurisdiction process, by specifying notice requirements for hearings and enforcement actions, and allowing parties in child custody proceedings to participate by telephone, audiovisual, or other electronic means.
The Senate has twice previously passed a version of this legislation, in 2016 and in 2018.
Having been passed by the Senate, the legislation will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
At this week’s Boston City Council Meeting, City Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy filed a resolution in support of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The ILA is the largest union of maritime workers in North America and represents 45,000 members. Last week, they went on strike against the U.S. Marine Alliance (USMX) due to a labor dispute regarding fair wages, safe working conditions, and protections against automation.
At midnight last Tuesday, dockworkers at 36 ports along the East and Gulf Coasts went on strike against the USMX, an alliance of container shipping lines and port operators, after contract negotiations between the ILA and USMX reached an impasse. The ILA was seeking wage increases on par with West Coast workers, as well as a ban on the use of automated cranes and gates.
In the Port of Boston, longshoremen went on strike at the Conley Terminal last Tuesday and Wednesday, and Councilor Flynn, along with his father, former Mayor Flynn - who is still a longshoreman - joined the picket line in support of dockworkers and working families.
On Thursday, October 3rd, ILA suspended their strike after a tentative agreement was reached with USMX; however, the tentative agreement did not resolve the contentious issue of automation, and negotiations are expected to continue until January, 2025. In the meantime, Councilor Flynn
continues to support longshoremen on these and other outstanding issues.
At last Wednesday’s City Council Meeting, Councilor Flynn attempted to late file a resolution in support of the ILA. However, the late file was objected to by a member of the Boston City Council before he had the opportunity to speak on the Council floor. Councilor Flynn refiled the resolution this week to put the matter properly before the Council body so that he and his Council colleagues can vote on it.
“During these uncertain times, it is critical that the City of Boston and the Boston City Council always support our working families, the right to collectively bargain, and stand with our longshoremen seeking fair wages and protections. These are our neighbors, youth sports coaches, and volunteers recognized for dedication to our city,” said Councilor Flynn. “They worked every day during the pandemic to keep our supply chains moving. My father and I visited the workers last week. Both of my Grandfathers were longshoremen, as is my father, and active members of the union. In an unconscionable objection, when pressure was building across the country with working families looking for support, the Boston City Council would not even allow us to discuss the issue. We can never let politics get in the way of our support for working families and collective bargaining.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Student Disabilitie continued from front page
equate. They claimed to not understand how my son — so smart, funny, and verbal — could hardly read. After our fierce (and exhausting) advocacy, including expensive private neuropsychological and legal consults, we were able, miraculously, to get the city to pay for a Carroll School placement.
When my son returned to the public school system, years later in high school, luckily there were teachers who “got” him. He went on to success in college and graduate school, but those years of frustration, bewilderment, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil — his and ours — left their mark. I hope there is smoother sailing ahead for Baskin and her family.”
One year ago, after years of failing to appropriately educate its students with disabilities, Boston Public Schools (BPS) unveiled a multipart plan that would overhaul its special education system. The district planned to educate students with disabilities in general education classrooms whenever possible, a practice known as inclusion, in all grades and schools within three years. The district also intends to have all English learners in inclusive settings by the 2025-2026 school year.
“This work is complex. It’s also
Window continued from page 4
inmates of color, were targeted following an attack on guards at Souza-Baranowski in January 2020. Prisoners’ Legal Services filed the suit in January 2022, and while the Sept. 30 ruling doesn’t make any factual findings about the truth of the allegations, it’s a “significant step” forward for a classaction suit, reports the Gazette’s Brad Petrishen. PLS has, for years, pushed the state to address the maximumsecurity facility’s conditions.
Effort to repeal new gun law is moving ahead, according to gun owners
urgent,” Superintendent Mary Skipper said back then during a presentation by administrators to the School Committee outlining the changes. “We must confront more than 100 years rooted in systemic racial disparities that historically limited equitable access and outcomes for our historically underserved students.”
The district must overhaul its special education practices under a statemandated improvement plan the city agreed to in 2022 in order to avoid a state takeover of the district. The agreement came on the heels of a blistering state review of the district, in which state leaders described BPS’s special education services as being in “systemic disarray.”
The process of a BPS assessment, according to its website, starts with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). It is a plan for specialized instruction, supports, and services written to meet the individual needs of a student with a disability. It identifies students’ needs, sets goals and lists services in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to ensure high quality instruction and post-secondary success. The complexity Superintendent Skipper referenced has caused bottlenecks and arbitrary denials causing parents to either have to get aggressive
with the systems administrators or in some cases give up, which would harm the prospects for their child.
Families, school personnel, or an external partner may request a referral for an educational evaluation to determine if your student has a disability. This request may be verbal or written. It is important to include your areas of concern when requesting a referral. You may contact the Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) to discuss your concerns.
The COSE will provide you with an Evaluation Consent Form in order for the evaluation to take place. Once the signature is received, the evaluation process begins.
The purpose of the evaluation is to determine if the student have a disability that requires specialized instruction and/or related services; the student’s educational needs; and, if eligible, what specialized services and/or related services would address the students’ individual needs?
As a point of information, Dyslexia Awareness Month falls in October every year, and it’s the time of year when there is a focus on promoting a more accessible and inclusive world for people with dyslexia and low literacy, and other neurological and autism type diagnoses in children. It is observed
effort to challenge the new law, involving at least two lawsuits — with potentially more on the way. Healey signed an emergency preamble last week to put the gun law immediately into effect and protect it from being suspended until voters decide the question. The opposition says the governor signed the emergency preamble to “suppress a right.”
Holy
Moly! Holy Cross nixing tuition for families earning less than $100K annually
The campaign opposing Gov. Healey’s new gun laws, called the Civil Rights Coalition, says it’s in the process of submitting the over 90,000 voter signatures it received in support of putting a repeal question before voters in 2026. This move is one piece of an extensive
The College of the Holy Cross is eliminating tuition for families earning less than $100K annually, MassLive’s Juliet Schulman-Hall reports. The figure represents an increase from the previous $75K cap for free tuition. Without financial aid, Holy Cross costs almost $85K annually and even that sum is less than the tab for some other Massachusetts schools.
by people and businesses all over the world. It’s actually part of a whole landscape of neurodiversity awareness initiatives that run in the month of October.
It’s actually part of a whole landscape of neurodiversity awareness initiatives that run in the month of October. But it’s not just about dyslexia, either: October is ADHD Awareness Month, and the month where we celebrate Dysgraphia Awareness Day too. Some countries like Canada choose October as their Autism Awareness Month too, although many people also observe this in April, the same as Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Dyslexia Awareness Month is the opportunity for people to focus on their own experiences as well as align with wider awareness themes. Each year Dyslexia Awareness Week tends to have a unified theme. It centers on the idea that everybody experiences dyslexia and other neurological disorders and that no two people are the same.
Acceptance, Advocacy and Action is crucial. There are many success stories like the student of the author of the letter to the editor. The Boston Public School system needs to accept, advocate and take action, and not look for loopholes in assessments.
Councilor Flynn Filed Hearing to Explore Utilizing Surcharges to Provide Residential Tax Relief
At this week’s Council Meeting, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order to explore utilizing surcharges to provide residential tax relief. As the City of Boston faces projected budget shortfalls in the coming years, residents have also noted their concerns for an increase in residential property taxes. In the next year, residential property taxes are expected to increase at least 3.5 to 9%. To find ways to mitigate some of this tax burden, Councilor Flynn has called for a hearing to explore whether the City can utilize surcharges as a tool to provide tax relief for residents.
Currently in Massachusetts, the Convention Center Financing Act authorizes surcharges to finance the construction and renovation of convention centers across the State. This includes three types of surcharges - the Boston sightseeing tour surcharge (5% of the sale price of any ticket for any water or land based sightseeing tourist venue, entertainment cruise, trolley tours), Boston vehicular rental transaction surcharge ($10.00 for each vehicular rental contract that is signed or executed in Boston for passenger cars, trucks, vans and trailers), and parking facilities surcharge in the cities of Boston, Springfield and/or Worcester. In recent years, these fund surcharges have been used to balance the statewide budget. With the abundance of tourism that Boston receives each year, the City Council can explore whether it can redirect these surcharge revenues to support residential tax relief for Boston residents.
“As we brace for economically challenging times, we should look at different ways to help with residential property tax relief, including exploring how we can utilize surcharges, just like the State,” said Councilor Flynn. “Given the abundance of tourism that takes place in the City, we can explore whether it is feasible to redirect these funds to the City of Boston for residential tax relief.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Councilor Flynn Held St Patrick’s Day & Evacuation Day Parade Task Force Meeting
On Friday, September 27, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn hosted a St Patrick’s Day & Evacuation Day Parade Task Force follow up Zoom meeting with South Boston Elected Officials, leadership of the Allied War Veterans Council, and members of the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, MBTA Police, Boston Fire Department, and Boston EMS. There have been several meetings since the Task Force was set up following the incidents that took place at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in March.
At the meeting, the Task Force continued with discussions to strengthen public safety measures at problematic spots along the parade route, including increasing the number of law enforcement officers, working with stakeholders and partners like National Parks Services for additional support, aggressive confiscating of alcohol, and next steps. Councilor Flynn emphasized that he would like to make a zero tolerance policy a top priority in order to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all next year - particularly for our families with children, our seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
“The South Boston Electeds and I continue to work towards ensuring that next year’s St Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day Parade is a family-friendly event where the people of South Boston and our veterans community are respected,” said Councilor Flynn. “In the final analysis, this parade is about honoring our proud immigrant roots and our Veterans, Military and Gold Star Families. We cannot allow violence and inappropriate behavior to happen again and overshadow that.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
22 DRYDOCK AVE NPC
bit.ly/22NPC Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
ID: 160 200 2223
PROJECT PROPONENT: Vertex
DESCRIPTION: The information at this meeting is crucial to you as a City of Boston resident, and stakeholder. Interpreting services are available to communicate the content of these documents at no additional cost to you. If you require translation services, please contact the following: Tyler.C.Ross@boston.gov. The meeting is scheduled for 10/21/2024. Please request interpreting services no later than 5 days before the meeting date.
Meeting of the general public to review the proposed 22 Drydock Ave NPC project. This meeting will be focused on the proposed 22 Drydock Ave NPC project. Please note that this is Public Meeting. The meeting will begin with a 45-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by 45-minutes of public Q&A.
Mail to:
Tyler Ross
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201
Phone: Email:
617.918.4212 Tyler.c.ross@boston.gov
Website: bit.ly/22-drydock-avenue
Close of Public Comment Period: 10/23/2024
6 776 SUMMER STREET PHASE 2
Register: bit.ly/3XYOc5f
Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
Meeting ID: 160 198 2121
PROJECT PROPONENT: HRP 776 Summer Street PropCo, LLC
DESCRIPTION:
The Boston Planning Department is hosting a Virtual Public Meeting for the proposed project located at 776 Summer Street located in the South Boston neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Development Plan for Phase 2 and First Amendment to the Masterplan for Planned Development Area (PDA) No. 128 that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. HRP 776 Summer Street PropCo, LLC, (the “Proponent”) proposes the construction of four (4) new buildings, rehabilitation of an existing turbine building, and development of related parking, infrastructure and structures containing approximately [1,025,500] square feet of Gross Floor Area.
Zoe Schutte Planning Department One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4311
Website: bit.ly/3ZMyg7y
Close of Public Comment Period: 1/15/2025
Guy The Wine Some Italian Ideas
Barbera’s fruit-forward aromatics and high yields make this a popular grape worldwide, particularly in Italy’s Piedmont region, the grape’s spiritual home. Barbera is a go-to grape for many Italians, and depending on if you find it from Nizza, Asti, Alba or Oltrepò Pavese, the wine takes on unique traits from each region—showing how terroir-specific it can be.
Michele Chiarlo, 2021, Le Orme (Barbera d’Asti), ($15.99)
This is a CLASSIC Barbera. Vibrant and bright aromas of wild berries, fresh herbs and purple flowers all showcase the beauty of this wine. The palate shows hightoned red cherries and raspberries framed by elegant and fine tannins with that perfect pop of acidity on the finish. Though this wine is at the low end of Chiarlo’s offerings pricewise, it’s a real value; have it with any red meat entree, especially something from the grille.
Ezio T., 2020 Terra del Noce (Barbera d’Asti Superiore), ($19.99) Vietti continues to achieve year in and year out. The 2020 “Tre Vigne” Barbera continues that streak with a wine that begins with all bass notes. Deep and dark aromas of black cherry, roasted plums, candied violets and sweet spices. The wine is juicy and lush on the palate with lots of blackberries and a touch of dried lavender and savory spice, and it
finishes with a brightness needed to keep the wine fresh. This one is especially good with platters of fruit and strong cheese.
Terra D’Orzo, 2021, Amador County, California, ($22.99) Robust fruit makes this wine shine. Enjoy ripe aromas and flavors of black plum, boysenberry, blackberry and black cherry, with complementary notes of chocolate, vanilla, nutmeg, violets, tobacco and wet stone. A medium level of soft, mature tannins kindly coat the cheeks, while excellent acid structure adds a line of freshness. The finish is a lingering integration of all components. Try this one with Asian dishes, especially Beijing Duck.
Giribaldi Barbera D’Alba, Piedmont, Italy, ($19.99). Giribaldi Barbera d ‘Alba is an intense ruby red. Very vinous to the nose with notes of violet and cherry sensations, structure in the mouth, dry warm, with spicy notes. Great with Steak Pizzaiola, Bolognaise or a nice Antipasto.
Damilano Barbera D’Asti, Piedmont, Italy, ($17.99). Always consistent, Vintage-to-Vintage and one of the first Barberas that I always recommend to friends in search of the perfect accompaniment to pizza, pasta or a 24 ounce T-Bone. Beautifully balanced, Damilano “brings the heat” when it comes to affordable, easy drinking Piedmont reds. You’ll find this wine to be layered, almost jammy, with notes of cherries, plumbs and a hint of vanilla on the finish.
Gillette Celebrates 20 Years of Great Starts Grants Program
Program in collaboration with South Boston Association of Non-Profits (SBANP) supports substance abuse treatment and prevention initiatives
P&G Gillette celebrated 20 years of the Gillette Great Starts Grants Program, a collaborative initiative with the South Boston Association of Non-Profits (SBANP) aimed at tackling substance-use disorder. Through this program, Gillette has provided grants to the SBANP, which then allocates the funds to local organizations and groups that create significant community impact. This year, Gillette has committed a 2-year grant of $250,000 for 2024 and 2025, bringing its total contributions to over $3,000,000 since the program’s inception in 2005.
“At Gillette, supporting our community is woven into the fabric of our company, and we’ve been committed to partnering with nonprofits that make a positive impact in the neighborhoods
where we live and work.,” said Rachel Elwell, Community Affairs Manager for P&G Gillette. “It has been an honor to collaborate with the SBANP over the past two decades as they address the pressing needs of the South Boston community, including substance abuse treatment and prevention programs.”
The SBANP selected seven agencies to receive 2024 grants, furthering its mission to inspire a collective and powerful voice among South Boston’s nonprofit leaders to drive change and build a healthier community for all residents:
• South Boston Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
• South Boston En Accion
• Fourth Presbyterian Church
• South Boston Neighborhood House
• SPOKE Art
• South Boston Community Health Center
• Joseph Nee South Boston Collaborative Center
“These grants from P&G/Gillette help SBANP further our mission of inspiring a collective and powerful voice among the leadership of South Boston’s non-profits to influence change and build a healthier community for all of our residents and neighbors,” said Kathy Lafferty, President of the South Boston Association of Non-Profits.
P&G Gillette’s commitment to community support dates back over a century to its beginnings as a razor manufacturer in South Boston. Through its long-standing partnership with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Gillette has contributed hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours and tens of millions of dollars in donations. In addition to the Great Starts Grants Program, Gillette also hosts a bi-annual community grant process to support local organizations in strengthening the Greater Boston community. Learn more about Gillette’s community giving efforts.
Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News
Photos of the Annual Blessing of the Animals
In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, all were welcomed and many came with their lovable family pets to the Annual Blessing of the Animals on 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.
Deacon Tommy O’Donnell, SJ, was
so happy to be able to Bless all the lovable pets that came with their families to Gate of Heaven Church for a special Blessing in honor of St. Francis. We recently welcomed Deacon Tommy O’Donnell, SJ who was ordained a Deacon on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at Boston College. Tommy began his theology studies two years ago at BC. As many Jesuits have done in the past few years at our Parishes,
Tommy will be with us for the next 9 months. Tommy is a Jesuit in formation and a 3rd year graduate theology student at Boston College. Originally from Wisconsin, Tommy went to the University of Wisconsin, Madison and then worked in finance before switching to teaching special education in Milwaukee. He entered the Society of Jesus in 2014 and earned a Masters in Social Work. Before coming to Bos-
ton, Tommy, completed his “regency” in Chicago working as a social worker and campus minister at Arrupe College, part of Loyola University, Chicago. In his spare time, Tommy loves to play golf and is excited to further explore Boston! Our Pastor, Father Robert Casey and our Parochial Vicar, Father Peter Schirripa were also there to greet the families and the many wonderful pets.
USPS Announces Recommended Mailing and Shipping Dates for 2024 Holiday Season
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages today.
The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous United States (Lower 48 States):
• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18
• First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
• Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:
• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16
• First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
• Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 20
For customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, USPS suggests checking the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.
USPS urges customers to plan ahead and ship early during this holiday season. The earlier you send, the better; don’t delay — mail and ship today!
For tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local Post Office location hours, visit usps.com.
Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News
Confirmation Information
7
th Grade Students (or those students who have not completed a year of Confirmation classes) Fall classes held at 5pm, with 6pm Mass to follow: October 20th, November 17th, December 15th, 2024... http://www. gateofheavenstbrigid.org/religious-educationn For all questions, please contact Fr. Peter at: FatherPeterSchirripa6@gmail.com
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.
South Boston Catholic Academy News Honoring St. Francis at the Blessing of the Animals
On Friday morning, October 4, 2024, the students, families, faculty, and staff
at South Boston Catholic Academy were so happy to be able to see and/ or bring their lovable family pets to
be Blessed at the Annual Blessing of the Animals. Father Peter Schirripa, the Parochial Vicar, Blessed each of the pets.
This event was held to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy. St. Francis is the Founder of the Franciscan Order. St. Francis had a deep love and devotion to God, all God’s
people, God’s beautiful nature around us and all of God’s animals. St. Francis prayed to God to work through him to help animals as well as people. St. Francis, pray for us. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
Finally.
The Patriots are going to start Drake Maye instead of Jacoby Brissett, and it will make a difference, in my opinion.
Jerod Mayo made the decision this week, and spoke about it on Wednesday. So, here’s some of what he had to say at his press conference:
Q: Jerod, could you discuss your decision at quarterback and how you came to that decision?
JEROD MAYO: Yeah. I thought Jacoby [Brissett] – we say it all the time that it’s all about competition, every single position. I would say, as a coach – and I know the organization feels this way – we’re trying to win every game. At the time, we thought that Jacoby would give us the best opportunity to go out there and win games, protecting the football, really running the offense. With that being said, he was a warrior. As you guys know, he’s taken a lot of hits and just kept getting up. I would also say, for a guy like that to be voted as a captain in this situation
This week,
Danny shared his thoughts on the Patriots naming Drake Maye the starting QB for Week 6:
and continue to be very supportive of Drake Maye, I tip my hat to Jacoby for having that egoless mentality. Going forward, I think now, Drake gives us the best chance to win now and going forward. He’s been getting better every single week, as I’ve said before. At the end of training camp, he actually was trending at a very high rate. That has continued through the early part of the season. So, it was solely my decision to make this choice. I had a conversation one-on-one with Jacoby. I had a conversation with Drake. We’re all on board. I would also say Jacoby is a warrior, and he took the news very well, like a professional, like you would expect from a guy like that.
Q: Jerod, you said Drake is getting better. Now, there are two things: there’s physical, and there’s mental. Can you talk about if you talked to Drake about his football acumen? Has that improved from training camp through the beginning part of the season, which gives you more comfort in putting him in
at this particular point in time?
JM: I would say Drake’s a smart guy, and we saw that throughout the draft process. As far as understanding the offense, the language and just his overall football IQ, I think that continues to improve. I was actually pleasantly surprised. Even when he got here, it was never a question, ‘Was he smart?’ But I was pleasantly surprised, just his work ethic, out of this world, and studying the playbook and trying to get those reps. He continues to get better each and every day. Physically, look, this guy definitely gives us a chance to kind of get some of those off-schedule plays that you guys always see on TV.
Q: You said solely my decision. Does that mean that you kind of went to Alex Van Pelt and said, ‘We’re making the change, deal with it?’ Or how did the process work?
JM: No, that’s a great question. What I would say is I met with all the offensive coaches, and we had a conversation. Then we met together, AVP [Alex Van Pelt] and myself, and
he was fully on board. Once again, it goes back to who gives us the best chance to win this week.
Q: So, was that prior to the decision being made, or did you say, ‘Alex, we’re close here?’ Or had you had conversations leading up to the ultimate decision being made? ‘We’re close here. We might have to make this move.’
JM: Well, during training camp, at the end of training camp, we had those discussions on almost a daily basis. What do we want to do to open the season? I would also say, as the season continued to progress, we won the first game, and then the second game was a tight one. Then, obviously, you guys know what happened along the way. It wasn’t a conversation where I was like, ‘Alex, we’re close.’ For him as an offensive coordinator, for all the coordinators, they have to prepare to go out here and win the game. So, having those conversations during the regular season on a, let’s say, a weekly basis, is really unrealistic. Now, with that being said, we had the conversation. He agreed with the move. You know, it’s hard. It’s a hard move. One thing I have learned about quarterbacks is it’s a little different than any other position. So, what I would say is, we had the conversation, and both agreed that this was the right way.
Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
SPORTS TODAY
PATRIOTS LOSE
The New England Patriots are off to a 1-4 start after losing their fourth straight game on Sunday, falling to the Miami Dolphins, 15-10.
As a result, Jerod Mayo is making a change at the quarterback position. Rookie Drake Maye will start for the Patriots on Sunday against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium.
Maye will replace a struggling Jacoby Brissett, who finished Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins 18-of-34 with 160 pass yards and no touchdowns.
“Jacoby is out there trying to do what we’ve asked him to do from the start,” said Mayo in his postgame press conference, when asked about the team’s quarterback situation. “He’s taking some big hits, and his toughness continues to show up. Execution from the entire offense has to be better going forward.”
“Yeah, it was frustrating,” said Brissett after the loss to the Dolpins. “Honestly, nothing was good. Penalties taking us backwards, we just, honestly, we’ve just got to play better. It’s getting to that point where you’ve just got to play better. Penalties in the wrong situations, in bad situations. We’re not good enough to do that and to go backwards to try to score points. We need to continue to go forward. We’ve got to change that, fix that.
“You’ve got to go back and watch the film,” added Brissett. “That’s the part about this league is now it’s
taking it from the classroom to the field, and in those critical moments, treating every day in practice like it’s the last play of the game and we’re down and we need to make a play. I think that’s what it’s going to come down to, and it’s going to come down to, you watch all the penalties, and whatever the case may be, it all comes down to fundamentals and technique, and that’s what we’re lacking right now.”
The only bright spot for the Patriots’ offense on Sunday against Miami was running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who started the game as the backup running back to starter Antonio Gibson. It was clearly just a message being sent, and a message received, as Stevenson finished with a team-high 12 carries and a gamehigh 89 rush yards and a touchdown.
“Great play, I liked the play call,” said Stevenson after the loss when asked about his touchdown. “I got outside. I don’t really know exactly how it happened. I need to watch the film. Just got outside, a receiver was over there blocking. It was [Kayshon] Boutte. Boutte had a great block on the corner, and I just ran off the corner and saw the end zone. I had to get to it.”
Stevenson’s touchdown came late in the first quarter, and put the Patriots up 7-3. But they would only score three more points the rest of the game, on a third-quarter field goal by Joey Slye.
BRUINS, SWAYMAN
AGREE
TO 8-YEAR DEAL
Things got sticky there for a bit, but the Boston Bruins avoided a disastrous goaltender situation by agreeing on a new contract with Jeremy Swayman.
It’s an eight-year, $66 million deal, and it came after both the Bruins and Swayman had both expressed their displeasure, publicly, for the way the contract negotiations had played out.
Negotiation tactics or not, the new deal is done, and Swayman, 25, will be a Bruin through the 2031-32 season.
Here’s the full press release from the team:
BOSTON – Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, October 6, that the team has signed goaltender Jeremy Swayman to an 8-year contract extension through the 2031-32 season with an annual NHL cap hit of $8.25 million.
During the 2023-24 season, Swayman appeared in 44 games with the
Bruins, compiling an overall record of 25-10-8 with a 2.53 goals against average and a .916 save percentage. In 12 playoff games, he recorded a 2.15 goals against average and a .933 save percentage.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound goaltender has played in 132 career NHL games, all with Boston, posting an overall record of 79-33-15 with a 2.34 goals against average and a .919 save percentage. He ranks fifth in franchise history in goals against average and fourth in save percentage.
Among active NHL goaltenders with a minimum of 25 games played in 2023-24, Swayman ranked in the top-10 in goals against average (8th) and save percentage (T-5th).
The 25-year-old was selected to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game through the All-Star Fan Vote. In February 2024, he tallied a career-high 43 saves in the team’s 4-3 shootout win against the Dallas Stars.
In 2022, Swayman was named to the 2021-22 NHL All-Rookie Team after ranking first among rookie goaltenders with a minimum of 25 games played in wins (23), goals against average (2.41) and save percentage (.914).
The Anchorage, Alaska native was originally selected by Boston in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
