The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced on its website a groundbreaking agreement between MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and five statewide utility companies. The partnership will deliver automatic discounts on utility bills for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents receiving MassHealth, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children DATE:
South Bostonians, whether born and raised, long time residents, new arrivals and of course those who have moved to other locations as well, know that they are blessed to live or have lived in a neighborhood that boasts not just some truly great and inspiring neighbors, but many greats. More than probably 90% of other communities around the country and even the world, Southie, has always been crowded with very special people. In our unique town, our heroes have come in every form - young, old and in between, sports figures and
coaches, politicians, veterans, first responders and an endless list of people who work tirelessly with the goal of making the lives of others better. Certainly, among those we so accurately and affectionately call our heroes are the many clergy members that have graced our town. They have always been doing the work of God and bringing not just happiness and love, but also a bit of extra meaning and hope for those in need and there are often many in need of that extra guidance and even that extra friend. By now, most if not all have heard the news. We have lost one of the greats – a giant who has walked among us for generations. Sister Evelyn Hurley has been called home by God to her reward in Heaven.
Sister of Charity of Nazareth Evelyn Hurley passed away on Wednesday, October 16th. She was 109 years old. A full ninety years of those were dedicated to doing God’s work for the Church and for all of the people that she had come to serve, mentor and love. And 45 of those years were spent as a teacher, right here in the place of her birth – South
Boston, at what was once the Nazareth School, then St. Brigid School which is now known as South Boston Catholic Academy. Her compassion for others was almost legendary and virtually everyone who came to know her loved her for it.
But Sister Evelyn wasn’t just known for her work teaching school here in her neighborhood. When she wasn’t in the classroom, she could be found visiting people in hospitals, at the homes of residents whenever invited and needed, which was very often. She would be seen walking the streets of the community, at Castle Island, at charity events and any other and every other place she was needed. Her presence would brighten and lighten the atmosphere wherever she went as soon
as she arrived and the smiles of the people in attendance were instantly noticeable and genuine. To say Sister Evy, as she was so affectionately called, was welcomed everywhere she went would be an understatement.
Sister Evelyn had taught school in Kentucky and in Tennessee before coming back to South Boston to teach. She had a love for each and every student that she taught no matter what the location. She stated that “Though each student was different, she loved every one of them just the same” And her students loved her back. That’s the type of person she was.
Though her passing surely leaves emptiness in the hearts of her many admirers, we can all take heart that there will certainly be a special place in Heaven reserved for this kind and wonderful person. South Boston is very fortunate to have had Sister Evelyn for so many years. And we believe that she will continue to watch over our community and the people she loved so much. Farewell Sister Evy. God Bless you and Thank you for all you have done.
St. Brigid Parish News
All are welcome to come to the monthly Coffee and Refreshments on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after the10:30AM Family Mass
In the Downstairs Hall at St. Brigid Church Gate of Heaven Parish News
All are welcome to come to the monthly Coffee and Conversation on Sunday, October 27, 2024, after the 9AM Mass
In the Downstairs Hall at Gate of Heaven Church
“TInformation Center The Blocking Illegal Voters from Being Dropped From The Rolls = Desperation
talk back to John
by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
here’s only one reason anyone would be against removing ineligible voters from the voter rolls and that reason is because they want them to vote. They want to cheat in elections. There is no other explanation”.
And there’s just one reason that the Democrat National Committee (DNC) is so adamantly opposed to Voter ID laws. It’s for the same reason. Even though more than 80% of voters of all races, backgrounds and demographics, including a majority of Democrat voters are in Favor of showing identification before voting being a legal requirement, the DNC and the Biden/Harris administration is fighting tooth and nail to prevent it. Biden/Harris is now hitting states that are removing ineligible and illegal voters from their rolls with lawsuits to try to prevent it. The DNC, the news media and their political allies are now desperate. They’ve seen the polls, even the polls that they control and manipulate all pointing to a Trump win, so they are dipping into their bag of tricks and crimes to interfere in this coming election. In California, their leftist governor just signed into law a bill that makes it illegal to ask for an ID before allowing people to vote. Can it get any more blatant and obvious than that? The American public is now pretty certain why Kamala Harris, the border tsar, even though she claims she wasn’t given that title and that job, has flooded our country with millions of illegals. She and the DNC want them to vote in our elections. Finding the names of thousands of illegal migrants on the voter rolls and removing them as so many states are now doing ruins their scheme. There actually are some Americans who DO want the illegals voting to swing this election. Their reason is driven by their all-consuming hatred of Donald Trump which far outweighs their supposed love of country.
Of course, the news media is in full throated denial that there is any plan to have the millions in the US illegally able to vote, but few believe a word they hear from the mainstream news any longer. In fact, a recent Gallup Poll found that trust in the News Media has never, in the history of America, been lower among U.S. voters than it is now. If the news says the sun is shining, people will grab their umbrellas before going outdoors. If you want just one of so many examples of just how bias and out of touch with reality most reporters have become, read on…
One Martha Raddatz of ABC News, formerly of Boston, in a tense interview with vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance earlier this week chastised Vance for making such a big issue over the problem in the city of Aurora, Colorado. As live video has shown violent gangs of illegals from Venezuela, brought into the country by Biden/Harris policies have taken over apartment complexes and forcing residents, American citizens, out of their homes. Vance called the administration out on this and blamed the open border policies of Kamala Harris – the border tsar. Raddatz instantly jumped to the defense of Harris and denied it was a big issue because as she put it – it’s only a handful of housing complexes that the gangs have taken over. In other words, what’s the problem? Vance, in total disbelief at the statements and lack of concern by the so-called journalist looked at her and asked – ‘Do you hear yourself? Just a hand full of housing complexes being taken over by armed gangs of illegal’s here in the United States? And she seemed to be unconcerned by what’s going on. If it was happening in her neighborhood she’d of course feel differently and then it WOULD be a big deal. People, families with children, are having the doors to their homes kicked in, ordered out by gang members waving and threatening them with rifles and hand
guns, in an American city, but Martha Raddatz doesn’t see why it’s being made such a big issue. Even Megan McCain, no big fan of President Trump, told Raddatz her statement was something a psychotic would say.
If our readers remember, a few weeks ago when the story about Venezuelan gangs taking over the housing complexes In Aurora was first reported, there was a huge damage control effort by the Colorado governor and the media. They kept insisting that these reports were just the imaginations of MAGA types looking to stir up controversy. There were no such takeovers going on. But then all
the videos from the security cameras in those buildings showed the armed gangs kicking in doors and residents who were forced out were publically speaking out and showing proof confirming that it really was taking place. So then, the story was instantly dropped from the news and the politicians who kept denying it, suddenly went silent on the issue. But much to their disappointment, J.D. Vance and Donald Trump himself refused to let it just fade away and let the deniers get away with their lies. And the American citizens who were the victims of the gang activity have expressed their gratitude to both Trump and Vance.
Note:
Ciccone
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
New BOS Nation – Women’s Soccer in Boston
Boston’s newest sports team has a name, a ball-forward citywide advertising campaign, and high-profile investors. But it isn’t quite in the clear yet. BOS Nation — an anagram of “Bostonian” — still faces community opposition to the renovation of its future home: White Stadium.The team’s new site describes a commitment to honor the stadium’s legacy and a pledge to listen to the community with collaboration and transparency. It features quotes about hopes, suggestions and appreciation for community meetings, and a button links out to Boston Unity Soccer Partners’ 59-page White Stadium renovation proposal.
At the same time, the Franklin Park Defenders, who oppose the redevelopment, still won’t go quietly. Opposition to the project dropped into inboxes Tuesday claiming the exact opposite of what the team presented on the its site. The Defenders, made up of community groups like the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, still claim the White
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.
Stadium project needs further state approvals. Their top issues with the plan include a lack of adequate transportation available, gameday neighborhood restrictions, and the reduction of public access to green space in the center of multiple environmental justice neighborhoods.
That’s in addition to an “ongoing legal challenge” to the plan scheduled for trial in March 2025, involving a citizens lawsuit alleging the redevelopment plan would violate the state constitution by transferring public trust land to private use. A judge previously denied an injunction request against the project in March, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has repeatedly defended the plan, and in August, the Boston Parks Commission sided with her on it. With a new name comes momentum, matched with a reminder that there’s still significant disenchantment in play with the team and city’s plan.
Warren and Deaton debated. What were the highlights?
Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican chal -
lenger John Deaton met for the first time Tuesday night, debating issues including immigration, reproductive healthcare, cryptocurrency, war in the Middle East and healthcare. The debate was their first of the week — the two are set to go head-to-head again on Thursday. Deaton continued to posture himself as the moderate option of the two — someone who is not a part of the “broken system” he said Warren represents (telling Warren, “all of you suck in Congress”). Warren spoke about her record when it comes to getting legislation passed. Among numerous other issues, Warren spoke about the decisions that could impact Massachusetts (and the nation) if Republicans like Deaton were to take control of the U.S. Senate, altering the trajectory of issues like gun control, healthcare, abortion and climate. There were spars when it came to immigration and reproductive healthcare, specifically. The two also touched on ballot question 2 (Warren is a “yes”; Deaton is a “no”).
How is the attorney general voting on ballot questions?
AG Andrea Campbell shed some light on Tuesday’s “Ask the AG” on how she’s planning to vote on this year’s ballot questions. Campbell said she’s voting “yes” on Question 3, which would enable rideshare drivers to unionize, and “yes” on Question 5, which would increase the minimum wage for tipped workers and enable pooled tips. The AG said she’s “still confused” on Question 4, which would legalize some psychedelics. She also said she’s still not sure yet about Question 1, but believes in auditing the Legislature within “constitutional constraints.” Campbell reiterated that she’s voting “no” on Question 2, which would eliminate the MCAS as a high school graduation requirement.
Salem becomes latest Mass. city to launch guaranteed income program
Salem will provide guaranteed income to residents through Uplift Salem, a pilot program that will
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Enrollment Now Open for Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program
Eligible Massachusetts households can now apply for financial assistance for the 2024-2025 heating season
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities today announced that the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) enrollment period for the 2024-2025 winter heating season will open on October 1. This critical program provides financial relief to eligible households to help them pay their winter heating bills, ensuring they can keep their homes safe and warm during the colder months.
HEAP is a free, statewide resource that assists eligible renters and homeowners by paying a portion of their winter heating bills directly to their heating companies. Starting Oct.1, home-
owners and renters can apply online or through local administering agencies across the state. The assistance period runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. HEAP offers grants that do not need to be repaid; however, households must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify.
“No resident should have to worry about heating their home during the winter,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “With high costs continuing to strain household finances, the Home Energy Assistance Program is more critical than ever. We urge anyone in need of heating assistance to explore their eligibility by applying online or visiting the
nearest administering agency. Please share this valuable information with loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this support during the colder months.”
Eligibility is determined by several factors, including household size and the combined gross annual income of residents 18 and older. Qualifying households, including those with the cost of heat included in the rent, can receive assistance for all heating sources, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal. Households do not need to be on public assistance or have unpaid heating bills to qualify.
Councilors Flynn and Worrell Discuss Increasing the Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Boston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Brian Worrell will hold a hearing to discuss increasing Veterans Property Tax Exemption next Tuesday, October 22nd, at 2pm. In August this year, Governor Maura Healey signed the historic Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans Act, also known as the HERO Act. The act includes comprehensive spending and policy initiatives, such as benefits and property tax exemptions, to improve veterans welfare. This hearing will discuss expansions to property tax exemptions to provide the highest possible property tax relief for our veterans. Residents can provide in-person or written testimony by contacting Shane Pac at Shane. Pac@boston.gov. This hearing will be held in person at the Iannella Chamber in Boston City Hall, and
will be live-streamed at boston.gov/ city-council-tv.
According to 2022 U.S. Census estimates, Boston has over 13,000 veterans, with the largest age group being 75 and older. Currently, property tax exemptions for veterans are limited to specific groups, including Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans, with a maximum exemption of $400 for FY25. The recently passed HERO Act allows Boston to increase this exemption. With over $500 million available through the legislation, the City of Boston is financially positioned to offer a maximum property exemption of $840 starting in FY26.
“Our brave veterans who have served our country deserve our utmost care, respect and support,” said Councilor Flynn. “I look forward to working with Councilor Worrell and the administration to increase the amount of property tax exemption so that we can provide meaningful financial relief to our veterans and military families in Boston.”
For more information, contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-6353203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Councilors Flynn, Anderson and
Santana To Hold Mass & Cass Hearing
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Councilor Tania Fernandes-Anderson, and At-Large Councilor Henry Santana will hold a hearing to discuss ways to provide public safety support and address quality of life issues at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard (Mass & Cass) next Tuesday, October 22nd at 10am. The hearing will address the critical need to enhance city response and services, and will discuss strategies to provide support and resources for those who live and work in the area.
The discussion will include City officials, stakeholders from the business, residential and nonprofit community in Roxbury, South End, Dorchester, and South Boston.
Since the closure of the city’s Long Island recovery campus in the Fall of 2014, the opioid crisis has continued to drive those battling substance use disorder to Mass & Cass, where they can seek nearby methadone treatment or a bed at city-run shelters. While
State Representative David Biele is honored to announce that Boston Sword & Tuna is a 2024 recipient of the “Making it in Massachusetts” Manufacturing Award presented by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership skills and achievements in the manufacturing industry. Boston Sword & Tuna was presented with this award as part of the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony.
Each year, the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosts the Manufacturing Awards Ceremony to highlight
the encampments are removed, crowds continue to gather daily in the area, and violence and illegal activities, such as open-air drug dealing and drug use, have persisted. These activities have also spread to Roxbury, South End, Dorchester, South Boston and Downtown, which has negatively impacted residents and businesses. Trash, used needles, and human waste are also commonly reported in these neighborhoods.
Mass & Cass continues to pose public safety and quality of life challenges for our neighbors, residents and businesses on a daily basis,” said Councilor Flynn. “We need to continue to provide treatment and recovery services for people with substance use issues; however, we must arrest individuals who are breaking the law, including those who continue to deal drugs and prey on vulnerable people, as well as others committing acts of violence.”
To provide in-person or written testimony, please contact Shane Pac at Shane.Pac@boston.gov. This hearing will be held at the Iannella Chamber in Boston City Hall and live-streamed at boston.gov/city-council-tv. For more information, contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-6353203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
and celebrate the successes of local companies across the Commonwealth. This recognition is reserved for Massachusettsbased companies that exemplify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts” and propel their industry towards continued growth and innovation. This year, over 50 diverse Massachusetts-based companies were selected by legislators from across the Commonwealth to be recognized at the awards ceremony.
“Michael Scola and I want to thank Rep. Biele for acknowledging our efforts in the Boston fish business,” said Larry Dore, President, Boston Sword & Tuna. “We have had support
from Massport and all of our elected officials to realize our ambitious plan to build a stateof-the-art seafood processing plant on the Waterfront. We are humbled by this honor.”
Located in South Boston, Boston Sword & Tuna provides fresh, sustainable seafood to retailers, supermarkets, wholesalers, and consumers. Over several generations, Boston Sword & Tuna has grown exponentially and expanded its product line, adding new divisions as well as prepared foods to its offerings.
The growth and success of this family-owned business necessitated expansion into a free-stand-
Healey/Driscoll continued from front page
(EAEDC), alleviating financial burdens for low-income households across the state. The agreement expected to provide discounts of up to 25 percent on gas and 42 percent on electric bills.
MassHealth members and DTA clients will automatically receive discounts of up to 25 percent on gas expenses and 42 percent on electric expenses without individuals having to submit additional paperwork. MassHealth members that are eligible electric customers of National Grid could expect discounts of up to 71 percent after implementation of its new tiered discount program expected to go into effect later this year. The average residential customer on basic service can now expect to save up to $460 a year on their gas heating bills and up to $1,058 per year on electric bills.
“Far too many Massachusetts residents struggle to cover the high costs of gas and electric bills, especially as we head into the winter months. We are proud to deliver this landmark agreement that will automatically deliver significant savings for hundreds of thousands of households across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil as we work to make Massachusetts more affordable for everyone.”
“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between state agencies and the private sector can directly improve the lives of Massachusetts residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We
applaud this partnership between MassHealth, DTA, and utility company leaders and look forward to delivering these savings to the people of Massachusetts.”
“We’re always looking for ways to simplify paperwork for MassHealth members and DTA clients so eligible families and individuals don’t have to jump through hoops to access benefits and savings,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “This partnership means lower utility bills for the households in Massachusetts that need it most and is one of the ways we’re making good on this administration’s commitment to affordability.”
“We’re using every tool we have to cut energy costs for our residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re at a critical moment in the clean energy transition, and we are seizing this opportunity to rethink how we promote affordability. With tiered discounts and automatic enrollment, these discounts will be transformational for residents who are most in need.”
“This transformative partnership between MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance, and utility companies underscores our commitment to affordability and equity in Massachusetts,” said Mike Levine, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth. “I am grateful to the utility companies participating in this effort.”
“DTA is proud to participate in efforts like this that expand and streamline access to support for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable
give $500 monthly payments to 100 residents for a year as a means to help directly address poverty in the community, according to the mayor’s office. The Herald’s Lance Reynolds reports that residents qualifying for the pilot must live in Salem or be unhoused but spend the majority of their time in Salem, as well as have household incomes at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level based on household size. Salem joins the ranks of Cambridge, Somerville and Chelsea, cities that have launched similar programs in recent years in the midst of pandemic recovery. The program’s main funding source, the Ameri-
residents,” said DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue. “The money these individuals and families save on their utility bills will be critical in helping them pay for other necessities like food or housing costs.”
Five utility companies, Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil, have joined the agreement. Combined, the companies serve more than 3.5 million Massachusetts residents across their gas and electric businesses, underscoring the extensive reach and impact of this partnership.
Statements of Support
Bill Malee, Chief Customer Officer, National Grid:
“National Grid is committed to helping customers obtain the assistance they need to help manage their energy costs. Automatic enrollment in utility bill discounts unlocks additional customer benefits and is a welcome convenience for vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth.”
Kat Bourque, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Chief Customer Officer, Unitil:
“Ensuring energy remains affordable for all is central to Unitil’s mission, and we work hard to let qualifying customers know about discounted rates and other assistance programs. We see this collaboration as an excellent opportunity to automatically enroll customers, and we look forward to partnering with the Commonwealth to identify all who qualify for these rates,”
Tatiana Roc, President, Liberty –Massachusetts:
“Liberty is continuously looking for ways to better serve our custom-
can Rescue Plan Act, runs dry at the end of 2026, but a private contribution from national nonprofit UpTogether is also helping fund the pilot.
Broad Institute laying off I.T. workers
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, a genetics-focused research organization that has been a major life sciences center in Cambridge for 20 years, is laying off 75 information technology workers and a dozen workers from other departments, the BBJ’s Isabel Hart reports. The cuts come amid a number of recent layoffs in the life sciences and technology sectors in the state.
ers and is proud to partner with the state and other LDCs in the data matching agreement.”
Sue Kristjansson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Berkshire Gas:
“As we look to bring more awareness of the low-income assistance programs available to our customers, I am proud that Berkshire Gas will be part of this important statewide effort to deliver discounts automatically to the individuals who need them most. I am grateful to Governor Healey’s Administration for pioneering this important collaboration and look forward to exploring additional innovations to increase affordability for Massachusetts communities.”
Jess Cain, Vice President of Customer Operations and Assistance Programs, Eversource:
“Massachusetts has long been a national leader in providing energy affordability options to its residents, and this agreement builds on our longstanding agreements with the Department of Transitional Assistance and Division of Medical Assistance to ensure that all customers who qualify for discount rates and other financial assistance can most easily take advantage of the best programs, discounts and protections for them. We are constantly working with the commonwealth on additional opportunities to support our customers and look forward to this agreement advancing the work we do together every day to connect customers with the best energy affordability options, protections and discounts available to them.”
Biele continued from page 5
ing 60,000 sq/ft state-of-the-art facility which provides SQF Certification, the highest standard of food safety and operational management in the industry, allowing Boston Sword & Tuna to meet consumer and retail demand while adapting to changing trends in the seafood industry and creating good paying jobs. “Companies and manufacturers across the Commonwealth are leading in innovation and I was honored to nominate Boston Sword & Tuna for their outstanding achievements in the seafood industry,” said Rep. Biele. “Our local businesses are the backbone of our economies and the story of Boston Sword and Tuna, as a family-owned business that started on the docks of the Boston Fish Pier and has grown to become one of the largest and most trusted seafood providers in the country, is worthy of recognition and celebration. Congratulations to the entire team at Boston Sword & Tuna.”
CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS
Early voting will take place at sites throughout the city October 19 - November 1, including Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art
The Boston Election Department announced a reminder to voters that Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with early voting beginning October 19 through November 1. The City announced the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) will serve as early voting locations, along with several sites spread throughout the city’s neighborhoods.
The State Election will determine the outcome of multiple state and federal races, including President and five statewide ballot questions. A sixth public policy question will appear in State Representative Districts 2, 10, and 14. Voters may read translations of the ballot questions into 11 different languages.
Voters can update their voting status including party affiliation, new address, or name change until October 26.
In-Person Early Voting
In-person early voting begins Saturday, October 19 and runs through Friday, November 1. All voters registered in the City of Boston are eligible to vote at any early voting site. City Hall is
Boston’s primary early voting site, with voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Voters are encouraged to enter City Hall through the Hanover Street entrance to access the early voting location on the second floor, Haymarket Room.
Neighborhood early voting locations will be available throughout the city from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends (October 19-20 and 2627), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, (October 22 and 29), and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays (October 24 and 31).
All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check in. Early voting locations will be staffed with multilingual poll workers and over the phone interpretation. All sites are fully accessible to voters with disabilities, including electronic ballot marking devices at every location.
The City of Boston is working with two prominent cultural institutions to serve as early voting sites. The Museum of Fine Arts and The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston will host early voting sites. These sites expand access to voting within the Fenway and Seaport neighborhoods and underscore Boston’s proud cultural sector and history of civic engagement. The ICA
was an early voting site in 2022. This is the first time the MFA will serve as an early voting location.
“A museum at the intersection of contemporary art and civic life, the ICA is where Bostonians gather to share experiences, conversations and reflections on the ideas and issues of our time,” said Kelly Gifford, Deputy Director of the ICA. “We are thrilled that the City of Boston has selected the ICA as an early voting location and welcome all registered Boston residents to visit the ICA for early voting this fall.”
“We’re proud to serve as an early voting location to support Bostonians as they fulfill their civic responsibility. We take our role as a resource for our community seriously, and hope that voters will also choose to spend time in our galleries to find inspiration during election season,” said Director of the MFA, Matthew Teitelbaum.
“Art has played a role in shaping ideas about democracy for centuries, and we’ll have a new exhibition on view that will explore connections between past and present.”
The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston early voting site will be open on Tuesday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 29 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Museum of Fine Arts early voting site will be open on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Vote By Mail
Voters are encouraged to vote prior to Election Day through early voting or voting by mail or by visiting the Election Department in room 241 at City Hall. Voting by mail allows voters to fill out their ballot at home on their own time and return their ballot through the mail or by placing it into one of many ballot boxes across the city. Ballots sent through the mail must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 5 and reach the Election Department by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 8, or Friday, November 15 if sent from outside the United States. Ballots returned directly to the Election Department by hand must be delivered by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5. Likewise, ballot boxes will not accept any ballots after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5. Voters are strongly encouraged to mail in or drop off ballots ahead of these deadlines.
Guy The Wine Take The Chill Off
With temperatures dropping, I thought it might be interesting to look at what people in other areas are drinking to warm up with. Here are some ideas that will warm you up….. Joel Gott Palisades Red, California, ($15.99). This red wine features aromas of brambleberries, cherries and plum with notes of cola and graham cracker crust. On the palate, roasted blue fruit flavors with smooth tannins, subtle acidity and a long, delicate finish. Gott is widely recognized for his premium Cabernets and he brings a lot of atten-
tion to detail in this one. It’s great for pizza or burgers on a weekend afternoon, but also really nice for a Bolognaise or French Dip. 2016 Poggio del Moro Rosso, Toscana, ($22.99). Showing exquisite structure and charisma plus tons of complexity and power, it’ll remind you of bottles from Tuscan luminaries like Viticcio, Il Borro, and Romitorio—which usually start at $40 or $50 and ring up from there. This is one that has a nose of dark berries, oak and earth tones on the nose with a full, chewy mouthfeel and a long, smooth finish that’ll surprise you.
Really delicious with red meats, duck confit or game birds.
2021 First Drop Mother’s Milk Shiraz, Barossa, Australia, ($27.99). In 2023, only one Australian wine cracked Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, and it wasn’t a highdollar name like Penfolds Grange or Henschke’s Hill of Grace. It was First Drop’s 2021 Mother’s Milk Shiraz, a Barossa bottle that combines the region’s trademark power with grace, the product of an excellent vintage and a crack winemaking team. Australia’s most important wine publication, Halliday Wine Companion, exclaimed that “damn it’s delicious now” in their 94-point review and they really got it right. Worth going out to the grill and making with any red meat, you’ll be going out to get more.
2022 Lupo Meraviglia Tre di Tre Puglia Rosso, Italy, ($15.99). If you were going to design an ideal climate in Italy for growing bold and powerful red wines, you’d end up with something a lot like Puglia. The heel of the boot enjoys the sunshine you’d expect for such a southerly latitude, with rocky soils to challenge the vines and plentiful ocean breezes to ensure a long growing season. The region is much
more focused on agriculture than the culture of fine wine, which is why the Lupo Meraviglia is, get ready for this, an expensive bottle by local standards.
With an incredible 99 points from Italian critic Luca Maroni, this is one of the top bottles in the region—and one of my favorite reds that I’ve ever tasted at this price. Puglia grows an array of intense red grapes: Primitivo, which is nearly identical genetically to Zinfandel; Negro Amaro, named for its dark pigment; and powerful Aglianico, native to the area around Naples but also built to thrive in the heat of the Salento peninsula.
After picking the grapes at optimal ripeness, Meraviglia uses a “salasso” technique—the French call it saignée—bleeding off 20–30% of the liquid early in the winemaking process. It’s costly to discard this, but doing so increases the skin-tojuice ratio, providing deeper color and fruit, making for a more powerful, intense wine. This is dynamite with anything meaty and grilled, and inexpensive enough to pour for the backyard-barbecue crowd. Try pouring it with smoked chicken and garlic-butter crowned burgers, and it’s great with a veggie tagine when the weather cools.
Congressman Stephen Lynch spoke to members of the New England Council at a Congressional Roundtable Breakfast in Boston.
The New England Council, the nation’s oldest regional business association, regularly hosts members of the New England Congressional delegation at roundtable events throughout New England.
In the photo: John Hailer, Chairman, New England Council; U.S. Congressman Stephen Lynch; and Jim Brett, President & CEO, New England Council.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
4 246 -248 DORCHESTER AVE NOTICE OF PROJECT CHANGE
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Register: bit.ly/3BCAvjI
Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
Meeting ID: 161 758 1145
PROJECT PROPONENT:
Dot Ave Property LLC
DESCRIPTION:
The proponent proposes to revise the approved building to consist of ten (10) stories versus the original eight (8) stories (but of the same building height of 109 feet), to include ten (10) more hotel “keys” in a building of the same size of approximately 87,000 square feet but on a smaller subdivided lot of approximately 16,363 square feet (reduced from the previous lot size of 22,042 square feet) and to maintain the approved hotel use but to slightly shift programming to an extended stay model (again, the “NPC Project”)
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.
Mail to:
Phone: Email:
Zoe Schutte Planning Department
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4311 Zoe.schutte@boston.gov
Website: bit.ly/3ZMyg7y
Close of Public Comment Period: 11/7/2024 Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
Close of Public Comment Period: 1/15/2025
Don’t Forget
Pick Up After Your Pet!
Pet waste discarded on the street or in catch basins carries harmful bacteria straight into the waterways we rely on for recreation.
Proper disposal of pet waste protects the environment and our waterways from contamination.
Remember to “Scoop the Poop” and dispose of pet waste in the trash.
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.
Councilor Flynn: Let’s Move Past False Choice of Only Raising Commercial Or Residential Property Taxes
With ongoing discussions between city and state officials on a Home Rule Petition to address potential budget shortfalls in the years ahead, I continue to oppose the City of Boston administration’s plan to raise commercial property taxes beyond the state limit. The administration continues to present their property tax shift proposal as the only way to prevent what their recent predictions now forecast as a 28% tax increase, approximately $768, on annual residential property taxes. However, I believe that residents have been offered a false choice since April, as the city has disregarded a number of other alternative options recommended by fiscal watchdogs, relevant experts, and the business community.
Instead, we’ve continued to engage in an exercise of pitting whether the burden should be on residents or businesses. We’ve avoided working together on a difficult issue with partners and stakeholders across the city. It may be good politics, but it’s not what’s best for the long-term economic vitality of Boston. With the continued uncertainty in our economy due to the effects of post-pandemic inflation and higher interest rates, the city should first show our commitment to fiscal responsibility by examining areas to tighten our own belt after an 8% budget increase, implement a hiring freeze, and explore all alternative options provided by relevant experts
before we even think of raising property taxes on residents and businesses in this environment.
While it is critical that we look to maintain $1 billion in emergency reserves to display our fiscal responsibility to ratings agencies, whenever our “rainy day” surplus exceeds that figure- the remainder and interest should be returned to the city budget to help us meet our obligations and stabilize both commercial and residential property taxes. As of FY23, our reserves in the city’s budgetary fund balance were approximately $1.186 billion. In their May report, the Boston Municipal Research Bureau noted that the city looks to maintain an undesignated fund balance of approximately 15% of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) operating expenditures. This figure represents 29% and well above that. Moreover, despite several relevant experts calling attention to the heart of the issue being our tax structure- that Boston is more reliant on property taxes than any other city in the country- we have spent 6 months avoiding that long-term issue while focused solely on the administration’s proposal. We have not seen any analysis or debated whether a small local sales or food and beverage tax- with the burden also paid by visitors, tourists, and renters - would be less punitive than a significant property tax increase aimed at either homeowners or businesses.
With us now in mid-October, it’s worth noting how we got here. In the last couple of years, while serving as Boston City Council President, I continued to discuss the lasting impacts of work from home policies and the lack of foot traffic on our small businesses. As the District 2 Councilor who also represents parts of Downtown Boston and the South Boston Waterfront, I studied this issue and talked to Boston business leaders about our struggling Downtown office market
- where 20.1% of offices became vacant with post-pandemic challenges and shifts to remote work.
As a result, I advocated to shift back toward more city business and hearings being conducted inperson, with a hybrid option for persons with disabilities in mind, for the Boston City Council, the then BPDA Board, Zoning Board of Appeal, Licensing Board, Cannabis Board, as well as abutters meetings and other areas. Over a year ago, I held a hearing at the Council where panelist after panelist from the administration testified that despite concerning reports on downtown office vacancies and foot traffic, there was no cause for alarm when it came to this new normal.
Fast forward to mid-February, when a joint study authored by the Boston Policy Institute and the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University indicated that Downtown Boston’s vacant office buildings could decrease in value 30% by 2029, and lead to the City of Boston collecting $1.5 billion in less revenue over the next five years, or annual tax revenues $500 million below our current levels. Compared to other major cities in the United States, Boston is the most reliant on property taxes to generate revenue, approximately 72%, with commercial property taxes also accounting for more than 30% of our funding. The study noted our unique dependence on property taxes make us especially vulnerable to this dynamic.
Our heavy dependence on property taxes may have allowed us to weather previous storms like the Great Recession; but work from home policies and falling commercial property values has unfortunately made it unsustainable. After speaking with business leaders throughout Boston and concerned residents- I did not believe that the administration’s plan was the right solution. I was alarmed about exacerbating current issues in an already struggling development and real
estate industry, with the potential to lead to an urban doom loop- where cuts to city services would make Boston less desirable and further drive down property values. Cities are growing or they are dying. It’s a fine line, and we need to proceed with caution.
In March, I had called for the establishment of a Blue-Ribbon Commission made up of business leaders, labor leaders, government officials, relevant experts and neighborhood organizations to address this issue of Downtown office vacancies and our revenue concernswhich was unanimously passed as a resolution by the Boston City Council. I also called for a review of the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program with large nonprofits in the City of Boston. Our colleges, universities, and hospitals are crown jewels for the city in terms of the employment, research, care and services they provide; however, they have absorbed over 50% of our city and continue to expand. This was simply an unsustainable formula even prior to our recent revenue concerns.
Thus far, we have fallen short of the leadership required to meet this moment. Initially, instead of confronting this challenging issue with the seriousness it required- the administration initially downplayed the report and attacked its credibility, even after filing the home rule petition on April 1st.
But month after month, we have seen the study’s concerns born outwhether it be the Leather District, Downtown Boston, or Back Bay, real estate sales significantly lower than previous purchase prices. And although we continue to work on office to residential conversions- residential property is not taxed at the same rate as commercial, and those owners will also receive a 75% break in property taxes for 29 years.
During the budget process in May, the Greater Boston Cham-
ber of Commerce noted that when Mayor Menino’s administration implemented their tax shift, which this current legislation is based on, they exercised restraint with a modest budget increase of 0.55%, while being forced to eliminate hundreds of positions, along with a hiring freeze. At that time, the Chamber cautioned that 8% budget growth, while also increasing the commercial tax burden, would exacerbate these issues for already struggling downtown businesses. The Boston Municipal Research Bureau offered their own recommendations, including tapping the city’s reserve funds, controlling the budget and school spending, reviewing employee levels, revenue diversification, surplus property, and increasing the residential exemption.
Throughout the year, I’ve continued to work closely with business leaders across the city, while trying to convince them that Boston remains the place to grow and employ our residents. However, these conversations have only become increasingly difficult. Whether it be with businesses from the South Boston Waterfront about the Summer Street Bus Lane Pilot, the Back Bay on both a bus and bike lane on Boylston Street, or Tremont Street in the South End. They continue to explain their frustration on the difficulties coming out of the pandemic, that they will now be taxed to a greater degree, and that we are making it more difficult to deliver products and do business. I continue to relay their feedback to city officials while stressing we are in a worldwide economic competition, and we need to work closely with our business community who helps fund a significant portion of our budget.
Over the summer, despite repeated concerns from fiscal watchdog groups and the business community, the city administration publicly indicated that residents should place blame on the Massachusetts State Senate if their proposal does not pass this year. Senate President Spilka subsequently noted the outstanding concerns from reputable organizations about the economic impact from the administration’s plan. While negotiations have con-
tinued, there have been discussions on an Executive Order to set aside $15 million annually for three years for small businesses with under 50 employees and revenue under $5 million. In recent weeks, I called for a hearing on instead using these funds to provide property tax relief to the very people intended to be protected by this potential tax shift, our residents.
Recent surveys indicate nearly 80% of CEOs predict that full time office work may return in the next few years. No one knows for sure if that’s true, but this crisis has revealed that we need to rethink our balance when it comes to remote and in-person work. I continue to say that while it may not be popular, our city can no longer afford all sectors of our economy to work from home indefinitely and continue to contribute towards falling commercial property values. Whether that includes compromises of a 4-day work-week in exchange for more in-person workthe City of Boston, our private sector, and nonprofit partners need to work closely together to incentivize employees and bring back foot traffic to Downtown- so that
it continues to be a valuable and desirable place to do business, and remain a key driver of our city, state, and regional economy.
In times of great crisis, strong leadership can never be about pride of authorship. We can’t let our ideology cloud our judgment when it comes to practicality and what’s best for the City of Boston. Leadership requires us to have difficult conversations with our constituents. It may not be what they want to hear, but what they need to hear.
The authors of the relevant study and fiscal watchdogs noted that the issue lies with our tax structure. It’s easy politically to pit residents against businesses. It’s a lot harder to do the work to explain the ramifications of an unfriendly climate for businesses to stay and grow in Boston, that the city we all love will suffer, and that we need to explore areas of compromise.
No one likes taxes. But the people of Boston can be trusted to understand the situation we’re in when all information has been presented to them. We should talk to the people we represent about whether it’s more preferable for the cost of everyone’s coffee - also
including our visitors, tourists, and renters - to slightly increase, as opposed to a huge jump in property taxes for homeowners, or potentially harming the economic competitiveness of the city and a decline in city services. We have avoided any difficult conversation.
In the final analysis, I do not pretend to have all the ideas to respond to this once in a generation fiscal challenge. But I’m a good listener. What I do know, however, is that many reputable people, from the business world and otherwise, have all come to the conclusion that we should work on a compromise from a number of solutions so that we don’t harm an already struggling industry, stifle our economic growth, and perhaps lead us to becoming a less desirable place to live or do business.
It’s not too late to listen to them, reverse course, and collaborate. Boston works best when we work together.
Edward M. Flynn is the District 2 Boston City Councilor, formerly the Boston City Council President. He is a Veteran of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and served 24 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston Launches 2024-2025 Program
ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston, the free collaborative after-school program that introduces high school students to the architecture, construction management and engineering industries, as well as the trades professions, proudly returns for the 2024-2025 school year. The program, now accepting applications, allows volunteercoached students to go through an end-to-end interdisciplinary design project. The 2024-2025 program will feature interactive sessions, site visits and real-world problem-solving experiences designed to equip students with valuable skills and insights into these dynamic fields.
Students will reap the benefits of collaborating with mentors who are employed in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction management Gilbane, Procopio, Shawmut, Skanska, Turner Construction Company, PCA, Perkins&Wills, Stantec, SMMA, Langan and SGH are just a few of the organizations the students will have a chance to engage throughout the ACE program. Students gain the opportunity to build professional contacts, as well as secure opportunities for scholarships often provided by the same companies.
“Participating in the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston was pivotal for me in high school,” said Yordanos Tesfaye, Assistant Project Manager at Shawmut Design and Construction “My mentor’s guidance shaped my career path and opened doors to my passion. Now, as a professional, I’m excited to give back by joining the ACE Board, supporting the next generation and helping them pursue their dreams.”
In March 2024, ACE presented $250,000 in awards to graduating seniors, largely due to the loyal support from participating partners that believe in the mission of ACE and help fund the students’ education far beyond their high school careers. Sponsors are essential in supporting the ACE Mentor Program’s mission and ensuring its continued success. By partnering with ACE, companies are exposed to young, impressionable group of dedicated students where they can demonstrate their commitment to education and workforce development while gaining visibility among students, educators, and industry leaders.
“Being part of the ACE Mentor Program for over ten years has been a deeply rewarding experience,” said Anthony Jimenez, PE, Senior Associate Electrical Engineer at SMMA “Watching students’ enthusiasm and curiosity ignite as they dive into handson projects is incredible. Helping shape the next generation of professionals and guiding them
on their career paths is not only fulfilling, but also a privilege. I’m proud to play a role in their exciting journey into the industry.”
“As a parent, I’m beyond grateful for ACE Mentor of Greater Boston. My teen’s experience was so positive that I decided to volunteer to spread the word about the transformative impact,” says an ACE Parent of Alumni and Volunteer, “The program offers an ideal combination of handson learning and mentorship, as well as internship and scholarship opportunities. I encourage parents, guardians, and community leaders to support high school students interested in architecture, construction management, or engineering to register—ACE mentors provide invaluable guidance for their futures!”
Diversity and inclusion have remained a top priority for the ACE Mentor Program over the years. Within the ACE program, there is a nearly equal divide between female/nonbinary and males, students well as a comprehensive, diverse profile of students from varying backgrounds. ACE’s diversity of students – across racial, economic and gender lines –demonstrates its dedication to inclusivity. ACE’s leadership is committed to fostering a future where the talent in their fields truly mirrors the vibrant multicultural nature of their community. The 2024 ACE Recruitment team includes:
• Kristen Hurley, Executive Director
• Holly Ganser of Activitas, Student Coordinator
• Kyle A Karschner of SGH, Mentor Coordinator
• Anthony Jimenez of SMMA, Student Outreach Coordinator
For more information on the ACE after-school program and executive leadership, please visit the ACE of Greater Boston website. To apply to participate in the program as a student and/or mentor, please visit the registration site to find links for both options.
About ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston:
ACE of Greater Boston was launched in 2007 and is one of 70-plus affiliates under the ACE national umbrella. Through practical, projectbased, hands-on explorations, students work collaboratively and creatively to design innovative solutions to real world problems. With professional guidance by esteemed industry mentors who are full-time employees of construction, design and engineering firms, students embark on a five-month design project, through weekly sessions after school, to develop the professionalism, teamwork, and collaboration that the industry requires. During this time, the students construct a hypothetical project in order to learn about each discipline and take part in activities such as site visits, Revit training and trade day.
The LOT’s
Halloweenfest is back and better than ever! The event will take place on Saturday, October 26th, 2-8PM. This family-friendly event is our favorite to celebrate the holiday and fall season. Kids can wear costumes to carve or paint pumpkins and participate in Halloween-themed activities. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, while games, activities, and entry are free of charge! All events are weather-permitted and changes will be announced via social media, @onthedotboston. The rain date for this event will be October 27th! Event will take place outdoors, dress accordingly.
It’s hard to argue an NFL owner more deserving of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame than Robert Kraft. I mean, what else does the man have to do in order to get in?
There have been reports that some still hold grudges over Kraft about “Spygate” and “Deflategate” — which is absurd. They’re not really mad about that though. What they’re mad about is that Kraft and the Patriots dominated for so long, 20 years to be exact.
But let’s be serious, Kraft belongs in the Hall of Fame. And this week, he was named one of the 25 candidates in the “Contributor” category for the Class of 2025.
Here’s part of the press release from the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Each Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee member will cast an additional ballot later this month to reduce the list further — this time to nine (9) semifinalists. Results will be announced in about two weeks. Through a sequence of reduction votes over several weeks, the Blue-Ribbon
This week,
Danny shared his thoughts on Robert Kraft being named a candidate for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Committee will select one (1) Finalist for the Class of 2025. There is no waiting period (mandatory retirement) for Contributor candidates to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Below are brief bios on the 25 candidates remaining in the Contributor category for consideration as a member of the Class of 2025.
• K.S. “Bud” Adams: During his 54 years as founder, owner, chairman of the board, president and CEO of the Titans/Oilers franchise, Adams was a pivotal figure in the NFL.
• Roone Arledge: Television industry executive and producer whose creativity, leadership and technical innovations revolutionized the presentation of both news and sports.
• Chris Berman: One of America’s most respected, popular, and in many ways, most beloved sportscasters.
• Howard Cosell: A member of ABC’s original “Monday Night Football” broadcasting team, Cosell worked alongside football legends Don Meredith and Frank Gifford from 1970-1983.
• Otho Davis: Served as associate athletic trainer for the Baltimore Colts in 1971 and the head athletic trainer for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1973-1995.
• John Facenda: Beginning his career at NFL Films in 1965 until his death in 1984 at age 71, Facenda narrated numerous films and weekly highlights packages.
• Mike Giddings: Former player, coach and scout who created the NFL talent evaluation and analytics company called Proscout.
• Ralph Hay: Owner of the Canton Bulldogs from 1918-1922 and hosted the NFL’s formational meeting in his automobile dealership in downtown Canton.
• Frank “Bucko” Kilroy: Worked in player personnel and scouting for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. He was the Patriots’ general manager from 1979-1982 and vice president from 1983-1993.
• Don Klosterman: Built successful teams in three leagues (Chargers,
Chiefs and Oilers in the AFL; Colts and Rams of the NFL; and the L.A. Express in the USFL).
• Eddie Kotal: Scout for the Los Angeles Rams from 1947-1961 and was one of the first to scout Black colleges and universities.
• Robert Kraft: Owner, chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots from 1994 to present.
• Virginia McCaskey: Owner of the Chicago Bears from 1983 to present.
• Rich McKay: General manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1994-2003; general manager, Atlanta Falcons, 2003-2008; president/CEO, Atlanta Falcons, 2008 to present.
• John McVay: Joined the 49ers in 1979 as the team’s director of player personnel and spent 21 seasons there, ultimately presiding over five Super Bowl-winning seasons as vice president/director of football operations.
• Art Modell: Owner of the Cleveland Browns from 1961-1995 and Baltimore Ravens from 1996-2011.
• Lee Remmel: A sportswriter and columnist for the Green Bay PressGazette for 29 years, Green Bay Packers director of public relations from 1974-2004 and Packers’ historian from 2004-07.
• Eddie Robinson: Credited with sending dozens of players to the NFL as coach at the HBCU Grambling State. continued on page 15
SPORTS TODAY
PATRIOTS, MAYE TAKE FIVE-GAME LOSING SKID TO LONDON Tweet of the Week
The New England Patriots lost their fifth straight game on Sunday. But there were some positives.
Rookie Drake Maye made his first career NFL start in the 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. He finished the game 20-of-33 with 243 pass yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He was also sacked four times and lost a fumble.
So, needless to say, Maye saw it all on Sunday in his first career start.
“I thought Drake made some good decisions out there,” said Patriots coach Jerod Mayo in his postgame press conference. “I thought he had some good reads. I thought he tried to get the ball out of his hands. I thought he did a good job extending plays with his legs, picking up first downs. Just got to be better.
“And look, we fully anticipate or expect him to be better going forward. It was his first start. Obviously here at home there was a lot of expectations on him. I thought he handled it well. Got to build on it.
“I thought he showed a lot of poise,” added Mayo. “I thought he went out there and controlled the huddle, got those guys out of the huddle and once again, made some plays. It’s definitely encouraging. From a team-wide perspective right now, we let him down. It was his first game, and I feel like I let him down. I’m sure all the coaches feel like we let everyone down. We’ve just got to be better.”
Now, the 1-5 Patriots head to London to take on the 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Look, turning the page on to Jacksonville, a team that, even though their record may not be what they want it
to be, they still have weapons all over the place,” said Mayo on Wednesday. “They have weapons, obviously, on the defensive line, linebackers, really on all three levels defensively. I’ll say offensively, they also have big players over there. We’ve got to do a good job matching their intensity, or they have to match our intensity, and that’s going to be our focus this week. Our focus also is we’ve got to start games faster. We’ve got to start games faster, and that’s definitely a point of emphasis this week.”
Maye will remain the Patriots’ starting quarterback against the Jaguars in London. And he realizes he needs to limit the mistakes.
“Yeah, yeah, I think we just hurt ourselves today,” said Maye after Sunday’s loss to the Texans. “I think that’s the biggest thing. I think we put the defense in bad spots, and with how good our defense is, that’s the last thing we can do. We can’t — when the ball is in the red zone — giving the other team the ball in the red zone just makes it hard on them. It starts with me, and I feel like I wish I could have some throws back, and especially the first interception.
“After the touchdown, felt like kind of we were back in it,” added Maye. “Coming out of halftime, there goes another turnover in the red zone. Just kept hurting ourselves, and in this league, these teams are too good to do that. But some great stuff to watch on film. Sometimes out there it was a lot of fun
on offense. That’s what I told the guys in the huddle at the end, we got the guys in the huddle, we’ve just got to make a few more plays and play complementary football. That’s what Coach Mayo will just preach, play complementary football, and we didn’t do that today.”
Maye also led the Patriots in rushing on Sunday, finishing with 38 rush yards on five carries. But in the passing game, his most targeted receiver was DeMario Douglas, who had a team-high nine targets, while making a team-high six catches for 92 yards with a touchdown. New England’s other two touchdowns were caught by Kayshon Boutte and Hunter Henry.
The good news for the Patriots’ offense? Jacksonville has the secondworst defense in the NFL, statistically, allowing 29.7 points per game. The only team worse is the Carolina Panthers, who allow 33.8 points per game.
Mayo seems hopeful for better days ahead, perhaps as soon as this Sunday in London.
“I would say, looking back on that last game that we just played, there were times and things that you could pull out of that game and be encouraged about,” said the Patriots coach on Wednesday. “In saying that, I think we need to do a better job playing complementary football. Hopefully, a long trip across the pond helps us continue to build our relationships, chemistry, and start trending in the right direction.”
Picard continued from page 14
• Art Rooney Jr.: Employed with the Pittsburgh Steelers since 1961; from 1964-1986, he worked in the Steelers’ Scouting Department. Currently a Steelers vice president and member of the board of directors.
• Jerry Seeman: Worked as a line judge, head linesman, referee and director of officiating in a career spanning from 1975-2000.
• Seymour Siwoff: Owner and president of Elias Sports Bureau, the official statisticians of the NFL, from 1952-2019.
• Amy Trask: CEO of the Oakland Raiders from 1997-2013.
• Jim Tunney: NFL official from 19601991. Worked as a field judge from 1960-67 and a referee from 1968-1991.
• Doug Williams: Career with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1978-1982) and Washington Redskins (1986-89) included historic moment as first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl (XXII) with an MVP performance; credited with creating opportunities for future Black athletes.
• John Wooten: Director of pro scouting for the Dallas Cowboys from 1975-1991. Created player development programs for the NFL in 1991. Vice president/player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992 and assistant director, pro/college scouting for the Baltimore Ravens until his retirement in 2002.
Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
SBT Staff
South Boston Community Health Center & Laboure Center Invite You To A
Breast Health, Breast Screening & Breast Cancer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Kelley Tuthill, Ed. D
President & CEO, Catholic Charities
Former WCVB Reporter
Breast Cancer Survivor & Advocate
Dr. Sarah Sloan Board Certified Internist Provider at SBCHC, Special Interest in Women’s & Community Health
It’s breast cancer awareness month. Bring your questions and concerns and let’s talk about the best ways to detect breast cancer early. All are welcome!
Monday, October 28th at 5:30 PM
South Boston Community Health Center
409 West Broadway, Third Floor Community Room
If you have questions, please call Susan at 617-464-7504
