Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Superintendent Mary Skipper announced Tuesday that they plan to pursue a series of school closures and reconfigurations across the Boston Public Schools system that would largely go into effect at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Officials want to close Dever Elementary School, Excel High School, and the Mary Lyon Pilot High School. They want to merge the Winthrop and Clap
elementary schools, and substantially redesign the Community Academy. Finally, they want to reconfigure the Mary Lyon K-8 School, the Boston Teachers Union Pilot School, the Young Achievers Science and Math Pilot School, and the Dearborn STEM Academy.
Students and their families were notified about the proposed changes Monday night. Wu and Skipper detailed the specifics during a media
CONTINUED ON page 6
Southie High Closing. Was It Part Of The Long Range Plan?
The above title for this editorial asks the same question that many have suspected was the plan all along. And for the record, although the name of the school may have been officially changed to ‘Excel High School’, it will always be remembered as South Boston High School to the current long time residents and to the former residents who grew up here and now live elsewhere; especially if they are alumni of that ‘High School on the Hill’ as the song recalls.
Yes, the announcement has finally been made that it will be closing and that this school year will probably be the last for Southie High.
The announcement itself of course wasn’t a total surprise. The fact that it took this long in coming was the only mystery.
Following the news, neighborhood residents have come up with some excellent suggestions as to what should be done with the building when it no longer serves as a public high school. One such suggestion which seems to be popular with many current and former locals is to turn it into a training facility for the trades. A facility that prepares students to become skilled and licensed electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics etc. would be welcomed news and the goal would be to get young students trained for what
are high paying and much needed skills in today’s world. And with help from the unions, this just might be a doable goal. Another suggestion would be that in order to prevent the location from being turned into yet another condominium jungle, tear the building down and make it a big beautiful open space; an addition to the already present Dorchester Heights national memorial. The above possibilities and several other community friendly suggestions are something to think about. But the community shouldn’t wait too long to decide and push hard for what would be the most feasible and beneficial for the neighborhood before
out of town developers, which are probably salivating at the thought of buying up the area, jump in and claim it. Or is that plan already in the works?
The disaster that was forced busing began way back in the 1970’s, but there lies much of the blame. The so called ‘progressives’ and their social planning nonsensical and cruel ideas destroyed the Boston Public School System. More than half the student population and their families fled to either private or parochial schools; where their kids got a better education in a much safer environment, or fled the city completely. This was what caused the closing of so many public
schools and the odds are this was the long range plan to begin with. It was just another example of liberal/ progressive power brokers ruining everything they touch. Let’s put much of the blame where it belongs –we won’t mince words here. Now, to further erode traditional neighborhoods of Boston, the taxes are going up – again, adding more bike lanes which could further cause increased traffic and parking problems that plague the city in general and South Boston in particular, are making living in the city more inconvenient and expensive all the time. The question to be asked is ‘What new surprises will be coming down the line for 2025?
Gate of Heaven Parish News
All are welcome to come to the monthly Coffee and Conversation on Sunday, January 12, after the 9AM Mass In the Downstairs Hall at Gate of Heaven Church
YInformation Center The It’s Almost Over
es, the last four years in America were to say it gently, different. And hopefully, if they must be remembered, at least they won’t be repeated. Americans have learned from what many consider the debacle of the Biden Administration. The arrival of 2025 with many big changes on the horizon, should swing the pendulum back to normalcy. If you’re guessing I’m talking about a new president and DC administration, you guessed correctly. But yet, the exiting regime is doing its best to make the transition as difficult as possible for the new arrivals; much of which seems to be coming from spite and anger with little regard for the well being of the country. The moves being made during the last few days of the current occupants of the White House are a kin to spoiled children and sore losers. And the odds are that even though these moves are being signed by Joe Biden, it’s not really him behind most of it. He doesn’t appear now or for some time to be calling the shots or making these decisions. Let’s be honest, he is not capable mentally or physically to even know what he’s doing. I don’t say this with malice – I wouldn’t wish what’s happening to his health on anyone. No, most, if not all of the decisions being made on their way out the door are likely coming from the leftist radicals; the America haters, that infect this administration and the political party that has been lying to the American people about the man’s health for years. If you’ve been following the news, you know that they have pardoned some of the most vile creatures to ever walk the Earth; including murderers on death row - people responsible for killing and raping and child trafficking. At least one monster was on death row for the mass murder of an entire family including the children. Others who were convicted of working with the drug cartels to flood the country with the deadly Fentanyl drug which has caused the deaths of hundreds
of thousands of America’s youth have also received a new lease on life thanks to those in the current administration.
The news has been leaked that within recent weeks, this administration has quietly removed at least half of the prisoners being held at GITMO for terrorist acts against the United States including some for their part in the 911 attacks on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon. On our southern border, well aware that incoming President Trump will secure that wide open border with a finished wall and a border patrol that will finally be allowed to do its job, the sneaks in the administration have been working feverishly to bring in tens of thousands more illegal and unvetted migrants; putting out the word to other countries to send them here now as fast as they can before Trump takes over. It’s expected by anti- terrorism experts that the recent terrorist attacks will be just the beginning because of the hundreds of illegal’s on the terrorist watch list that entered the United States thanks to this administration. They are here, mingling among us because of Democrat party operatives and politicians.
On a related topic, the ‘Laken Riley Act’ looks like it will become law. Most know that this coming law is named in memory of 21 year old Laken Riley who was brutally murdered allegedly by an illegal immigrant criminal accused of other crimes and repeatedly released back into the public. It will mandate that illegal’s who commit crimes in our country will be immediately arrested, detained and deported. Sanctuary cities; including Boston have been put on notice that they had better not interfere. To sensible people, this sounds like a must do and perfectly reasonable act. So why did 159 Democrats in the US House of Representatives; several from Massachusetts vote against it? (Note: Congressman Stephen Lynch, to his credit voted in favor of its passage). What in hell is wrong with these people?
Note: talk back to John
by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
As we get deeper into the year 2025, surveys show that finally, after four years of turmoil and uncertainty, Americans by a large majority are feeling a sense of relief and hope for our country. They expect the economy to rebound, law enforcement and the military to once again get the respect and backing they deserve, soft on crime policies to be ended which will cause crime to go down, prices of food, fuel and other necessities to become affordable again, costly wars to be ended with no new ones to begin and an overall return of patriotism and pride in being an American. This of course was reflected in the landslide victory in the November
election. ‘Woke’ is on its last legs and will be out the door soon. Many businesses are tossing their requirements imposed on them by radicals – requirements that could actually cause people to be fired from their jobs and tossed out of colleges if they didn’t use ridiculous pronouns when addressing others and parents will once again, have their rightful say in what is being taught in school to their children. And while there will be those; a clear minority, who will hope that President Trump will fail in his goal to ‘Make America Great Again’; it will do them no good. With the backing of the American people, he will succeed.
Ciccone
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone
Ruling on MBTA Communities Act sets stage for dozens of other municipalities to make zoning changes
The Supreme Judicial Court on Wednesday upheld the MBTA Communities Act, the controversial law that requires cities and towns serviced by or near the T to zone in at least one district for multifamily housing by right.
While the decision sets a precedent for all communities like Milton who are out of compliance with the law or have actively fought its requirements, it comes with a slight asterisk: existing guidelines are “unenforceable” because the Healey and Baker administrations didn’t roll them out properly.
Although the ruling confirms Attorney General Andrea Campbell is, in fact, able to sue communities for not complying with the law, the Healey administration now has to file new emergency enforcement regulations. Healey said those should come by the end of the week, and likely in their wake will be next steps for all 31 towns that are either out of compliance or stuck in a referendum limbo.
Twenty-eight communities remain outright out of compliance with the law, and three others — Gloucester, Shrewsbury and Needham — have submitted zoning plans that would put them into compliance, but are facing referendum votes in 2025 that
Traffic Advisory
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.
seek to repeal said plans.
How those communities plan to move forward, with or without referendums in play, will be heavily determined by the regulations and deadlines the Healey administration decides to enforce, details that the governor did not immediately provide on Wednesday. The stakes are likely clearer for those cities and towns now that the state’s highest court concluded the law is constitutional and the AG can enforce it: come into compliance or remain resistant and face the consequences.
In Needham, Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick said in a statement that the ruling doesn’t affect “the timing or conduct” of Needham’s upcoming special election on Jan. 14, where voters are set to decide whether to affirm or repeal the zoning bylaw adopted in October. Fitzpatrick said the town will continue to monitor the state’s response to the decision. It’s not yet clear whether Gloucester or Shrewsbury’s elections will face any impacts as a result.
Other towns out of compliance, like Milton, may be hoping the incoming regulations to reclassify their stance as MBTA communities. Sen. William Driscoll, who resides in Milton, said the new regulations provide an opportunity for Milton to be “classified fairly and appropriately,” reflecting local con-
The New England Boat Show at the BCEC to Impact Local Traffic on January 8th, 2025 – January 12th, 2025, Local Parking Limited.
The New England Boat Show will be taking place from Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, through Sunday January 12th, 2025, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC). This is a large regional event (25,000 local and regional attendees expected) and most attendees are expected
cerns that the Mattapan trolley does not warrant “rapid transit” service as the prior guidelines declared.
Nursing board codifies shield law
Under new emergency regulations adopted by the state’s nursing board on Wednesday, Massachusetts nurses providing reproductive and gender-affirming care will have additional protections. The move comes as nationwide concerns continue to rise about shifts in abortion access under the new presidential administration. The state Legislature passed the abortion shield law in 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, protecting licensed health care providers from out-of-state legal action and patients traveling to the Bay State from other places.
Former Quincy official charged with embezzlement
Former Quincy Department of Elder Services Director Thomas F. Clasby was arrested Wednesday on multiple charges, including wire and mail fraud and stealing from a program receiving federal funds. Classy was indicted Tuesday for embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from the city over several years. The Globe’s Travis Andersen reports that Clasby spent the money on a range of things, including bulk orders of steak tips, a used Toyota Prius for
to drive, impacting the traffic in downtown Boston, and especially around the South Boston Waterfront.
Traffic in the area is expected to be heaviest on Friday, January 10th, to Sunday, Jan 12th, from 9am – 8pm each day.
Attendees, as well as local employees working in and around the South Boston Waterfront, are urged to make alternative plans for their commute. Use of public tran -
a friend, and studio time to record himself singing ballads for his wife.
Massachusetts man gets long jail time in drug rehab fraud
A Massachusetts man who operated what critics said amounted to “drive by” drug-rehabilitation clinics was sentenced Wednesday by a federal judge in Rhode Island to more than eight years in prison. Michael Brier, who owns Recovery Center of America, had been charged with defrauding the government and depriving patients of care. In addition to serving the jail time, he also was ordered to pay $3.5M in restitution. Some of his clinics were in the Boston area.
SJC decision could affect next Karen Read trial
A Supreme Judicial Court decision upholding the use by non-experts of Cellebrite software to extract information from mobile phones could play into the next murder trial of Karen Read, MassLive’s Charlie McKenna reports. Read, in her previous trial that ended in a mistrial, presented an expert who had used the software and then testified that a prosecution witness had used a Google search to learn how long a person would lie in the cold before dying. A prosecution witness provided competing testimony on the mobile phone search. Read’s new trial is scheduled for April.
sit is strongly encouraged. If you must drive, please allow additional time for your commute.
Parking in the South Lot of the BCEC is expected to fill quickly for this event. Additional parking will be offered at off-site lots in the South Boston Waterfront area. Signs will direct attendees to offsite parking.
Local and state police details will be in place to help direct traffic and pedestrians.
“Residents need relief.
That’s something the mayor was never offering by committing to raise taxes on residents at least 9 percent even if her failed tax scheme passed. Dramatically increasing spending and debt are not solutions. Misleading the public and the Legislature is not a solution. Increasing home value assessments and tax rates to pay for reckless spending
Senator Collins Encourages Homeowners to File for Abatements
are not solutions. I encourage my constituents to follow the advice of Secretary Galvin and apply for an abatement by February 1st. I also encourage the city to put the participatory budget surplus towards residential relief”.
Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin is reminding property owners receiving higher than expected third quarter tax bills this week that the deadline to file for a property tax abatement is just a few weeks away.“If you believe that the description of your property is inaccurate and overassessed, an abatement will be the only remedy available to reduce your tax bill,” Galvin said today. “Homeowners in some communities, including Boston, have already received their bills.
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and City Councilor
At-Large Erin Murphy have filed a hearing order to address the concerns with projected costs, community input, and transparency on the redevelopment of White Stadium. In addition, Councilors Flynn and Murphy also filed a resolution to support the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) at White Stadium and all city construction projects valued at or more than $35 million. With significant pushback on the White Stadium project from the community, as well as the substantial risk involved at nearly $100 million for the city thus far, it is critical that the Boston City Council does its due diligence in ensuring that residents’ concerns are heard.
With projected construction costs to the Stadium rising from $50 million to $91 million for the city- and $100 million to $182 million for the stadium overall when including the team’s contribution- it would be wholly appropriate for the Boston City Council
Now is the time to consider whether to apply for an abatement.”
In more than 80% of cities and towns in Massachusetts, abatement applications must be submitted by the deadline to pay third quarter tax bills. With that February 1st deadline falling on a Saturday this year, residents are advised to submit their applications early, to ensure there are no issues with filing.
If a request for an abatement is denied, the applicant may appeal to the State Appellate Tax Board. Guidance available from Secretary Galvin’s Citizen Information Service includes tips for homeowners to ensure they do not lose their right to appeal by missing key deadlines.
Abatement and property tax exemption forms are available at all municipal assessors’ offices. Exemptions are also available in many communities for disabled veterans, elderly residents, blind homeowners, and minor children of a deceased parent.
Homeowners may find more information here. Those who need assistance may call the Citizen Information Service at 1-800-392-6090 for additional resources.
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth of MassachusettssWilliam Francis Massac 1 Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108
1-800-392-6090
cis@sec.state.ma.us
Councilors Flynn and Murphy File Hearing Order on White Stadium and Resolution on Project Labor Agreements
to hold a hearing to discuss the cost increases and inherent risk for the city, as well as serious concerns brought forward by residents regarding a lack of community process, transparency, and the use of public land for private organizations. The newly signed 30-year lease has effectively placed a private-public venture on public land, despite White Stadium being funded by the George Robert White Fund - a fund to be used for “public utility”.
On account of these reasons and more, Councilor Flynn previously called for the current project to be cancelled in favor of a White Stadium project geared towards student athletes and residents instead, which economists reportedly indicated would cost approximately $20 million. Moreover, Councilor Flynn called for the city and BOS Nation FC to instead explore other options such as Nickerson Field at Boston University. If the White Stadium project continues to move forward, it is important that the construction workers are protected by a project labor agreement (PLA). A PLA is a project-specific col -
lective bargaining agreement on large scale development projects. This signed document establishes employment terms and conditions for a construction project. Project labor agreements often include hiring regulations that require contractors to hire local workers, apprentices, and underrepresented groups. Furthermore, they often include wage floors, ensuring the fair and equitable payment for all employed on the site.
President Biden declared that it is the policy of the Federal Government for agencies to use project labor agreements in connection with large-scale construction projects valued at $35 million or more. Additionally, Governor Healey signed an economic development bill late last year, including language about the positive impact that PLAs have on construction sites, not only for workers, but also small businesses and the owners of projects. PLAs are often set in place in private developments, however it is crucial that the agreements are more widely utilized in Boston and the Commonwealth and follow in the direction of the State and Federal governments.
“I am deeply concerned with the risk of investing nearly $100 million for a private organization at White Stadium instead of a project geared specifically towards Boston students and families, and that the concerns from residents on the escalating cost, transportation, and quality of life issues have not been taken seriously,” said Councilor Flynn. “If this controversial project continues to move forward, we must do everything we can to protect the workers with project labor agreements to ensure equal employment opportunities and set an important precedent for future developments valued at or more than $35 million.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
Closing of Schools continued from front page lies, or staff who are impacted by the changes that are being recommended.”
availability Tuesday morning. The changes are part of the larger implementation of the district’s Long-Term Facilities Plan.
That plan, finalized in late 2023, envisions a future where there are fewer BPS schools in total. Instead, officials would focus on supporting large schools with more diverse offerings. The closures still need School Committee approval. The administration will officially present these proposals to the School Committee on Jan. 22.
The proposals are the result of an intensive community feedback process and are the best way to make sure BPS students have access to high-quality learning environments, Wu said. These changes are a reflection of a mindset Skipper has sought to amplify since taking over as the head of BPS: that of a unified school district.
“We are one district,” she said. “While it is true schools all have different cultures and climates and foci, at day’s end we’re one district. What happens in one school impacts other schools. This is an opportunity … to be there for any of the students, fami-
Excel High School, a smaller school housed within the former South Boston High School building, had only 387 students last year, according to state data. This “dwindling” enrollment, as Skipper called it, trended down over the past decade or so from a peak of 660 students in 2011-12.
It takes up about a third of the South Boston High building, which the city wants to renovate and eventually use to house an “anchor” high school.
Dever Elementary has been under state receivership since 2013. Located next to Ruth Batson Academy, the Dever has a “very fractured walk zone,” Skipper said. Officials believe they can get Dever students into higher-quality seats at schools closer to home. There are currently 119 schools in the BPS system, many of which are aging and in need of significant upgrades, according to the district. Only about one third of BPS schools have comprehensive heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Only about 14% of BPS facilities were found to fully support a “holistic high-quality
student experience.”
The Facilities Plan and its vision of school mergers comes after the “small schools movement” of the ’90s. The district converted four large high schools, including South Boston High, into 13 smaller new schools in 2003. This resulted in a patchwork system where notable disparities in the opportunities available to students abound, the Globe previously reported.
Each school being recommended for closure had subpar “building experience” scores from district officials. They all also could not offer a full continuum of services for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. Finally, all the buildings themselves are being under-utilized by the current levels of students and staff.
In its response, the Boston Teachers Union called on BPS officials to ensure any school closures are paired with a “more aggressive and detailed commitment to the construction and renovation” of new and improved buildings. Specifically, the union said the district should commit to completing the construction of three buildings annually and share a
plan to do so with the public in the coming weeks.
“The conversation cannot be simply about whether to retain or close poorly crumbling and dilapidated buildings – the conversation must be about how soon the district can complete the construction and renovations necessary to provide high-quality learning environments for every single BPS student, without exception,” the BTU said.
Some elected officials are expressing concern about the availability of information on the proposed changes. City Councilor Ed Flynn called the closing of Excel High a “huge loss,” and also blasted BPS leaders and the Wu administration for a lack of communication.
“This is a tragic loss for the many families with graduates from both South Boston High School and Excel High School, as well as the community at large,” Flynn said in a statement. “It is imperative for Boston Public Schools and the city to provide clear information to the school community on their plan moving forward, while also exercising transparency with the people of South Boston regarding the future of the building.”
Hearts, Hugs & Hope Alzheimer’s Support Group at Compass on the Bay
January 30, 2025, 5:00 pm at Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is held both in person and virtually. Contact Director of Compass Programming Erin Bollinger at 617-268-5450 or email ebollinger@compasssonthebay.com to RSVP by January 27 and to receive the virtual meeting link.
Councilor Flynn Filed Hearing Orders on Boston 2024 Crime Stats & Boston Crime Lab
At this year’s first City Council Meeting, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing to discuss the Boston 2024 end-of-year crime statistics report and examine trends across the City, while he also refiled a hearing order to discuss the resources and status of the Boston Crime Lab.
According to the 2024 year-end crime statistics report released by the Boston Police Department, Part 1 crime increased by 1% from 2023 to 2024, firearmrelated arrests stayed the same at 436 arrests, and gunfire incidents decreased slightly from 107 to 105 incidents. In 2024, Boston also had the lowest homicide rate in almost 70 years. As we recognize the hardworking men and women at the Boston Police Department for their dedication to keep our city safe, it is important to discuss the increases in Part 1 crime, especially in the categories of domestic and non-domestic assault, up by 43 and 23 incidents respectively, commercial burglary, up by 17 incidents, and other lar-
ceny, which saw the most notable increase by 645 incidents. Dis cussing these statistics will help our communities understand the scope of crime in their respective neighborhoods, as well as inform successes and shortcomings of different strategies.
Last year, it was reported that the Boston Crime Laboratary was severely lagging behind on the testing of sexual assault kits within a state-mandated testing timeline of 30 days. At a hear ing to discuss resources for the Crime Lab last year, the delays were attributed to understaffing and a lack of stable leadership. Since then, the City Council voted to internally reallocate $1 million within the Boston Police Department to support the work of the Boston Police Crime Lab during the FY25 budget cycle, in cluding $700,000 to increase the hiring of lab techs and to fill the director vacancy, and $300,000 to purchase new sexual assault testing equipment with DNA test ing capacities, such as Y-Screen ing. This new hearing will follow up on last year’s discussion and reallocation of funding to see if any progress has been made, and whether the Crime Lab needs ad ditional resources.
“It is important to discuss last year’s crime statistics to help our communities understand the prevalence and types of crimes occurring in their neigh borhoods, which can inform our policy decisions, as well as guide our neighbors, fami lies, and our seniors on ways to prevent and report crime,” said Councilor Flynn. “On the Crime Lab, the City Council voted last year to approve an amendment for a $1 million funding reallo cation within the Boston Police Department to support personnel and upgraded testing capabili ties. It is critical that we work to ensure Boston is in compliance with the state mandated testing timeline of 30 days for sexual assault kits.”
KEEP T H E S KIES MERRY AND BRIGHT
FLY Y OUR DRONE SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY SEA SON
•Register your drone
•Never fly near any aircraft, airports or other controlled airspace without prior FAA approval
•Keep your drone in sight at all times
•Always fly below 400 feet
•Learn the rules for Remote ID and flying over crowds
•Breaking the law will lead to penalties
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
Guy The Wine Winter Warmers
With the weather outside being what it is, anything to warm you up is always appreciated. The following red wines fit that bill; (I’ve also included a few whites, which you can chill pretty quickly by walking slowly from the car to your front door.).
Hahn’s Founders Pinot Noir, California ($15.99)
Vibrant aromas of red and dark cherry, raspberry and plum with subtle touches of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, silky tannins and excellent acid balance are joined by delicate flavors of red cherry and raspberry, culminating with notes of earthiness on a long and lingering finish. These Pinot Noir grapes were primarily grown in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, which sits on a gravelly alluvial plain beneath the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cool winds from Monterey Bay ensure gradual ripening and development of vibrant flavors. The rocky soils allow excellent drainage, enhancing intensity and promoting balanced
ripeness and acidity.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, 2022, ($37.99). On the Nose, this wine exemplifies the classic “Willamette Valley style” with aromas of red fruits including cherry, raspberry and cranberry accented by notes of florals and baking spice that create an elegant bouquet. On the palette, this wine is round and full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel and flavors of dark fruit, earth, game and minerality. Exceptionally balanced with seamlessly integrated tannins, balancing acidity and a lingering finish.
River Road Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve, 2022, ($21.99). James Suckling says, “This is fruity and fresh, with white peaches, pears and hints of spicy herbs and zesty, savory nuances.
Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and a little waxy on the palate, with a flavorful finish.”
Trimbach Riesling 2020, Riesling from Alsace, France, ($25.99). Its delicate bouquet, beautiful balance, dry character, distinguished fruitiness and natural liveliness contribute to its exceptional richness. As required by the house style, it is vinified dry, straight, and precise, every year.
Graham Beck Brut, NV, South Africa, ($22.95). Graham Beck Brut is a South African sparkling wine known for its elegance and fine bubbles. It offers crisp apple and citrus notes and is perfect for celebrations or as an aperitif. This is one you can have at the beginning, the end or both!
Edward Flynn U.S Navy (Retired) 2025 Evacuation Day General Chairman
South Boston Citizens’ Association President Thomas E. McGrath has announced that Edward Flynn of the U.S. Navy (Retired) will serve as General Chairman of the Association’s 2025 Evacuation Day commemoration by the SBCA Executive Board.
“The executive board and I look forward to working with Ed, to ensure once again the success of this unique community celebration, the commemoration of the British evacuation of Boston in 1776,” said McGrath. Eddie is a lifelong resident and active member of the SBCA his entire adult life. His dedication to the South Boston Citizens’ Association and the neighborhood of South Boston will continue to make it a great place for all
who live here. We are honored to list him as a member, and even prouder to name him this year’s General Chairman.”
Ed Flynn enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1987 and retired from military service in 2014. While in the U.S. Navy, Flynn served on active duty at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, with the Navy’s 5th Fleet in the Persian Gulf and on the Iraqi oil platforms, and served on a U.S. Department of Defense task force in Washington, D.C., helping coordinate transportation services for the 2005 presidential inaugural.
Flynn served as public affairs coordinator at the U.S. Naval War College and completed training in homeland security, public safety and leadership development. He retired from the Navy and is Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.
In his professional life, Ed Flynn served as a Probation Officer at Suffolk Superior Court and helped coordinate their reentry program and works with local law enforcement officials on public safety concerns and community policing efforts.
As the District 2 City Councilor and former Boston City
Council President, Ed Flynn is currently in his fourth term. His work at the Council has included securing tens of millions of dollars in funding to support projects like the renovation of the Curley Community Center, a new Boston Fire Department and Boston EMS presence in the South Boston Waterfront, and the study for a new South Boston Public Library.
Additionally, Flynn worked at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., and worked on efforts to increase the federal minimum wage, the Family and Medical Leave Act and for safer working conditions for millions of American workers.
Ed Flynn is married to Kristen and they have two children, Caroline and Stephen.
The Association, along with Mass Bay Credit Union , Comcast ,Liberty Bay Credit Union and others will once again be sponsoring a full roster of civic and sporting events over a threeweek period as part of its annual commemorative celebration of Evacuation Day.
The Association’s events begin with the Jimmy Flaherty KickOff Breakfast on Saturday March 1st, at the Sea-Point Restaurant
10:00A.M., where the Henry Knox Un-sung Hero Awards will be presented, followed by a host of educational and athletic events throughout the month of March. This year’s SBCA commemorative events will also include, the 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet at the Boston Convention Center on Friday, March 14th , followed by the Memorial Mass and Memorial Exercises at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club on Monday, March 17th with a quick wreath laying stop at the base of Dorchester Heights due to the renovation project.
The full schedule of events, as well as the identities of the 2025 Henry Knox Award, John W. McCormack Public Service Award, The SBCA Presidents Award and James “Jim” Kelly/Margret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Community Service awards, will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I remind everyone that a limited number of tickets are available for our Banquet, which is the capstone event of the 2025 commemorative activities,” Stated McGrath. “Anyone who is interested in purchasing tickets to the banquet should email me as soon as possible at tmcgrath1963sb@gmail.com Or call at 857-204-5825 ”
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES VOTING STAGE OF THE PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING INITIATIVE, “IDEAS IN ACTION”
Residents can vote for their top five city project proposals starting January 15
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Participatory Budgeting (OPB) announced voting will soon start for participatory budget project ideas previously submitted by residents. Voting will take place in person at City Hall, designated Boston Public Libraries, and online through the Participatory Budgeting (PB) voting website from January 15 through February 15, 2025. The Participatory Budgeting Initiative, “Ideas in Action,” empowers residents to decide how $2 million of the City budget should be allocated. Over 1,000 proposed ideas were gathered from residents earlier this year on how this $2 million could be invested. These ideas were narrowed to 14 final proposals, and now residents will vote on their top five projects that they believe should receive funding. Once residents select the top ideas, OPB will then work with departments and its External Oversight Board on awarding projects, with an implementation timeline for spring 2025.
“We’re excited to have residents vote on these initiatives to help drive how the city can deliver on the issues that matter most in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Thank you to every community member who shared an idea and got
Councilor
involved to shape our work.”
This initiative started as a community effort that led Boston voters to approve a ballot measure in the 2021 Municipal Election to create an Office of Participatory Budgeting. Mayor Wu and the City Council adopted the ordinance establishing the Office in the spring of 2023.
From January 15 through February 15, 2025, Boston residents can vote on their top proposals and decide on how $2 million of the City budget can be invested in one-time and nonrecurrent, community-driven projects across the City. Boston residents have helped shape and prioritize 14 project proposals for the voting phase of participatory budgeting. Examples of these proposals include developing more economic opportunities for low-income entrepreneurs, expanding access to fresh foods in Boston, and enhancing access to essential items for Boston’s senior population.
“For this first year of Participatory Budgeting in Boston, our Office proudly established a process where residents’ voices and ideas directly shaped the final proposals on the ballot. This was purposely achieved through close collaboration with our External Oversight Board, City Departments, and community partnerships. Our team is excited to see the
voting results in February and begin implementing the winning proposals,” said Renato Castelo, Director of the Office of Participatory Budgeting.
For the launch of “Ideas in Action” this summer, several public engagement channels were utilized to collect ideas from residents, allowing the City to better understand how to continue supporting its residents. These channels included an interactive mapping website, a multilingual participatory budget phone line, paper in-person submissions through Boston Public Library branches and at City Hall, and 19 co-sponsored events hosted in partnership with community organizations across the City.
In October 2024, OPB partnered with community organizations and co-hosted three in-person Visioning Forums in East Boston, Roxbury, and Dorchester, where residents, in collaboration with City staff, reviewed and assessed the feasibility of the collected ideas and drafted ballot proposals for participatory budget voting. For those who could not attend these forums but wanted to provide feedback, OPB held an online meeting in early November as well as a two-week public comment period.
Following the Visioning Forums, OPB collaborated with City Departments on refining resident proposals
to ensure they are feasible to implement while keeping residents’ original ideas and intent. Departments also provided cost estimates for each proposal. OPB will work with City departments to refine the timeline and implementation details after the public voting phase is concluded, and the most voted projects are selected.
The participatory budget voting requirements are as follows:
• All Boston residents age 11 and older, regardless of citizenship, are eligible to vote.
• Voting is limited to one vote per resident.
• Each resident is encouraged to vote for their top five (5) projects.
In February of 2025, the proposals with the most votes will receive funding up to the $2 million total funding cap for participatory budget projects for this first cycle. OPB will then work with departments and its External Oversight Board on awarding projects, with an implementation timeline for spring 2025.
Flynn’s Statement on the closure of Excel High School January 7, 2025
The closing of Excel High School, formerly South Boston High School, is a huge loss to the school community. As the District Councilor of South Boston, I am disappointed with the lack of communication from the Boston Public Schools Department and administration.
This is a school with a diverse population. We have to ensure students, parents, school staff and teachers are properly informed about next steps. There must be clear communication, support and guidance for the concerned school community going forward. We also take great pride in the robust Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Leadership Program at Excel High. We need to ensure this program does not get cut, and that students who are part of this program can continue to complete their training.
South Boston High School produced veterans who served in both
World Wars. There is a World War I Memorial on site, as well as other veterans-related memorabilia in the building. It is critical that we continue to preserve our memorials and monuments dedicated to the remarkable service and sacrifice of our veterans and military families, as well as any other memorabilia related to the history of South Boston and its people.
With the closing of Excel High School, we will lose the remaining High School in South Boston. This is a tragic loss for the many families with graduates from both South Boston High School and Excel High
School, as well as the community at large. It is imperative for Boston Public Schools and the city to provide clear information to the school community on their plan moving forward, while also exercising transparency with the people of South Boston regarding the future of the building.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft made the right decision in firing Jerod Mayo. Now, Kraft should probably mail Bill Belichick a blank check to lure him back, but we all know that’s not going to happen.
Instead, it’s probably going to be Mike Vrabel who gets the job. But to be honest, I wouldn’t mind Byron Leftwich, who is also rumored to be on the Patriots’ radar.
Either way, firing Mayo was the right move. Here’s what Kraft had to say about it this week in his press conference:
ROBERT KRAFT: I’m going to be very brief here and say this whole situation is on me. I feel terrible for Jerod [Mayo] because I put him in an untenable situation. I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job. In the end, I’m a fan of this team first. Now, I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships.
Q: Robert, when was the decision made in your mind? When was it that you felt you needed to let him go?
RK: This whole situation
evolved, but I’d say over the last month, I went back and forth. In my life, in my business, I make certain decisions I know when it’s right and it just happened. It was very hard because of the personal relationship. I feel for Jerod and the human being he is. I felt guilty I put him in that position, but we’re moving on.
Q: Hi Robert. What will happen with, for instance, the personnel department? What decisions will be made with whoever the next coach is, having the latitude to bring in his own players, his own scouting staff, his own coaches?
RK: Yeah, we’ll wait until we bring that coach in. Obviously, he’s going to have big input on who the players are and who the coaches are. It’ll be his decision.
Q: At this juncture, would it be status quo for everybody on the staff until an individual is found?
RK: Yes. Look, we move fast and we’re going to let him make those decisions.
Q: Robert, I know that you don’t make snap decisions. I was wondering, at what point during the season did you sense something was not right? If you could
This week,
Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots firing Jerod Mayo after just one season as head coach:
expand on that, what caught your attention that something was not right?
RK: Well, in the important decisions in my life, I’ve always said I measure nine times and cut once. This was one of those situations. I guess the main thing for me is I felt we regressed. The high point of everything for me was winning the Cincinnati game. Then mid-season, I just think we started to regress.
Q: Robert, how significantly has fan reaction to the product on the field and to Jerod specifically played into your decision?
RK: Well, I’m the biggest fan, so I understand. Since the day we bought this team, I realized what a privilege it was and how lucky we were as a family, that this is the only business we’re involved in where I see ourselves. We don’t own this team. It’s owned by the fans of this region. We’re custodians of a very special asset of the community. That helps me try to make decisions that, if it was just personal, it would be different.
Q: Robert, aside from yourself and Jonathan [Kraft], who will be involved in the head coaching interviews and what traits are you
looking for?
RK: Well, we’ll have Alonzo Highsmith and Eliot [Wolf] be involved. We’re going to try to understand who can help us best get back to the playoffs.
Q: Robert, does that mean Eliot and his staff are going to continue on, or will the coaching hire also impact your front office?
RK: We are looking for people working together and they will be staying on.
Q: Robert, when you say that the situation was untenable, what about it specifically did you find untenable, and how will that influence how you approach this search?
RK: I don’t like losing. I don’t like losing the way we lost. Things were not developing the way we would have liked. It was time to move on.
Q: Robert, how big of a coaching search do you plan on conducting?
RK: Well, we want to interview as many people as we can that we think can help us get to that position that we want to be in. So, we have put out requests and Stacey [James] will be filling you in on that.
Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
SPORTS TODAY
PATRIOTS FIRE MAYO AFTER JUST ONE SEASON
The writing was on the wall in New England. But the timing was somewhat of a surprise.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft wasted no time announcing he was parting ways with first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, right after the team won their Week 18 game, which cost the organization the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Not even two hours after that final game, Kraft released a statement via the team’s social media pages, saying that Mayo would not be returning as the Patriots’ head coach next season.
Here’s the full statement:
“After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025,” said Kraft. “For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community. When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evident, as I saw how the players responded to him.
Tweet of the Week
When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach. Winning our season-opener on the road at Cincinnati only strengthened my convictions. Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.
“Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset. We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years. I apologize for that. I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our return to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time.
“I am grateful for Jerod’s many contributions to the New England Patriots throughout his career and will always be rooting for his success. I appreciate all his hard work and hope the experiences gained will help him in the future, as I still believe he will be a successful head coach in this league. I wish Jerod and his family nothing but success in the future.”
This news came after Mayo’s postgame press conference, in which it did not sound as if he was preparing to be fired.
“Just what I told the players in there, just proud of the way that they
came out and competed today,” said Mayo in the press conference, just moments before being fired. “Obviously there were some guys that hadn’t played as much football the rest of the season that really showed up today. Just there in the locker room, pretty emotional, but at the same time, these guys have been turning the page, ignoring the noise, and just coming to work every day, and I’m very appreciative of that. Told them after the first win of the season, coaches are nothing without the players, and I just told them that again, and I just appreciate all the effort. Also told them, look, today it’s all about the game. We’ll have enough time here tomorrow and the next couple of days to address all the other things. At some point in time here, I’ll have my normal meeting with the Krafts and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
Well, Mayo had a meeting with the Krafts right after that press conference. And now, the Patriots are on a search for a new head coach.
At least there was something positive to come out of Week 18 for the Pats: Joe Milton III.
Milton led the Patriots to a 23-16 win over the Josh Allen-less Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Sure, the win bumped New England from the No. 1 overall pick down to the No. 4 overall pick in the Draft, but at least
Milton gave the Patriots something to be excited about, in the event that maybe Drake Maye doesn’t end up being the quarterback savior everyone thinks he might be.
In the Week 18 win, Milton finished the game 22-of-29 for 241 yards, one touchdown pass, and one rushing touchdown.
The Patriots drafted Milton in the sixth round of last year’s draft out of Tennessee, the same year that they drafted Maye with the No. 3 overall pick out of North Carolina.
A quarterback “controversy” with Maye and Milton would be a good problem to have, at this point. But now, the Patriots turn their full attention to hiring a new head coach.
