THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
“Every Day Is an Adventure” UPDATE: O’Connor Way Senior by Rick Winterson
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hose a re t he words spoken by K at hy L a f fer t y, Executive Director of the South Boston Neighborhood House (also known as “The Ollie” or abbreviated “SBNH”), when South Boston Online asked her how it was going at the SBNH. Kathy then quickly replied, “Every Day Is an Adventure.” And it certainly has been. More than four months ago, Gov. Baker closed educational programs and most other forms of “gathering” in mid-March. This shutdown ultimately lasted 14 weeks. Many students and many elderly lost meals they had depended upon, so the Ollie responded by sending out more than 250 daily meals and 250 bags of groceries over weekends, including essential supplies like diapers and soap. To
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do this, they recruited volunteer delivery people. This program continues in a smaller way now, but it certainly was/is a major departure from the regular SBNH programs. To open up once again, the SBNH Staff developed a detailed, 24-page program of operations. It is followed scrupulously by the Ollie’s Staff – just the cleaning and sanitizing procedures alone are impressively frequent and detailed. And be sure to take a look at the “Ollie Strong” kerchiefs – Marvelous! In past summers, the SBNH provided about 50 summer jobs to its student membership – camp assistants, phone call reception, some maintenance, and so on. That wasn’t possible this summer, so the young students learned “virtual” skills instead. And the organizations that were willing to support student jobs came through and paid the young students to learn instead. Contiued on Page 3
Housing to Open This Fall
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s you can see, the affordable Senior Housing Project on O’Connor Way is heading towards completion. The exterior is shaping up; much of the remaining work will be done on the interior. When completed, the Project will contain 46 one-bedroom, 600 square foot apartments along with numerous amenities and services. You must be 62 or more to live there. Occupancy
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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Councilor Flynn Files Resolution Recognizing Purple Heart Day
B
oston City Councilors Ed Flynn f iles a resolution at this week’s City Council meeting to recognize National Purple Heart Day, which is observed on August 7th of every year. The resolution
recognizes the military members, veterans, and fallen heroes who sacrificed for our nation, and calls for the City Council to continue supporting our veterans and military families. The Purple Heart is awarded to American Service members who served in the U.S. military who are injured, wounded or died while a prisoner of war (POW). The Purple Heart was known as the Badge for Military Merit in the Revolutionary War, and is the oldest American military decoration for military merit. It was created by General George Washington in 1782, and the design included a purple heart-
shaped piece of silk, and symbolized the devotion and courage of an American patriot. General Douglas MacArthur received the first modern day Purple Heart for his actions in World War II, and since 1944, the Purple Heart is only awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat. It is estimated that nearly 1.9 million service members have earned Purple Hearts since its creation. National Purple Heart Day is now a day when Americans pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. “It is important that we
recognize the brave men and women who received the Purple Heart for their sacrifice for our country, and continue to support our veterans and military families ot just on National Purple Heart Day, but everyday,” said Councilor Flynn. “I will continue to be a strong advocate for our veterans and military families, and work with our City, Veterans Services, a nd vetera ns org a ni z at ions to honor and recognize our veterans for their ser vice.” For more information, ple a se c ont ac t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Last Friday Night’s Games – A Few Thoughts by Rick Winterson
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few sporting thoughts and commentaries, generated by incidents and events from last Friday: Last Friday evening, professional Boston sports began once again in Boston. At Fenway Park, it was the 2020 Opening Night for the muchshortened Boston Red Sox regular season – or with only 60 games, what’s left of it. Slowly, slowly, other sports are getting their schedules into shape as well. The Bruins will play round robin elimination games early in August, before their post-season starts later in the month. The NFL parties finally agreed – training camp will begin as scheduled, with daily COVID-19 testing. But there’ll be no pre-season games, and a complex set of regular season rules is now in effect. However, NFL Commissioner Goodell promises a “ … complete 2020 Season …” The Celtics played a disappointing scrimmage on Friday with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which the Celts lost big at 98-84. Something was lacking. Was it due to being in the Orlando “bubble” (oddly enough,
the Celts wore their at-home “whiteswith-green-trim”)? Or was it simply because there were no fans in an empty stadium? Celtics Coach Brad Stevens did not play his starters in the second half. Is he seeking to establish a strong, go-to, second team, since he has two decent centers on the roster (Enes Kantor, Daniel Theis), along with AllStar Kemba Walker, who sat out the game with a left knee sprain. Another “Green Team” is an interesting thought – do you recall the Celtics’ 1986 first “Green Team”, that very powerful second squad led by Bill Walton? And then came the Red Sox opening game against the Baltimore Orioles. The Sox crushed the Orioles, 13-2 – very gratifyingly. But there were certain specific moments that generated quick, elevated feelings, even though there were no fans in Fenway. The very first pitch from Nate Eovaldi crossed the plate for a strike at 100+ miles per hour. Eovaldi’s fastball speed is well-known – it averages over 97 MPH! Also in the first inning, back-up right fielder Kevin Millar obliged with an acrobatic catch that crashed him into the right field wall. Millar went on produce 3 RBIs, as did designated hitter J.D. Martinez. It’s a real treat to
watch truly aggressive baseball players. Manager Ron Roenicke deserves credit for starting Millar in the first place, and for positioning DH J.D. Martinez second in the order, after Andrew Benintendi. The Red Sox pitchers let in only two runs; the only error was committed by Rafael Devers. And the Sox hit eight (yes, 8) doubles. As a season opener: Not too shabby! And inevitably, the lopsided 13-2 score brought to mind that the Red Sox have been a “hitting team” for a century – Ruth, Williams, Big Papi, and Mookie, with Yaz, Fred Lynn, and so many other sluggers in between them. This was the Red Sox’ 120th Opening Game, extending back to 1897, with just a few “misses” mixed into that 120
figure. It was quite a commentary on COVID to see Gerry Remy, Dave O’Brien, and Dennis Eckersley sitting at six-foot Social Distances. To this writer, the only broadcast downer was the synthetic crowd noise. It not only sounds fake, it simply doesn’t belong with an empty Fenway Park that sits in the background. I mean, who’s kidding whom?!? You well may ask, “Why so much emphasis on the first game of an asterisked (***) season?” Well, it not only showed how the Sox might play, it’s that old, old baseball cliché, “You gotta win the first game to win ‘em all!” Enough said. And don’t forget the Celts go against the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow (Friday, July 31) at 6:30 p.m.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020
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Continued from Page 1
Adventure Clearly, during 2020, the SBNH/Ollie has had to be f lexible, inventive, and most of all, hard-working. When asked about the Ollie’s plans for the rest of 2020, Kathy replied that she and her Staff are awaiting news about what the City of Boston will be doing to reopen their schools safely and effectively. If more remote learning in “virtual classrooms” is planned, it’s possible that the SBNH could re-imagine itself as some sort of “Learning Center” for its student members during “virtual” schooldays. As mentioned, the SBNH already put its summer interns to work on ZOOMbased student learning projects. As well they might, the senior members in the SBNH have spoken about loneliness as a major problem during these months of quarantine and Social Distancing. More skills in electronic or “virtual” meet-ups and communications are partial answers. Already, the SBNH has put in a program they named “Ollie Calls”, which is a senior phone check-in. Added training in these electronic ways to communicate (including ZOOM as well) might provide a good basis for new, pandemic-related senior programs between now and year-end. A word about money, and your donations to a non-profit,
community building agency like the Neighborhood House. There have been hugely increased demands for their services, such as the surge in demand for food as COVID19 cases grew during the spring. But that’s not the only source of the economic difficulties that are arising. The preventive measure we call “Social Distancing”, which is highly important, also means that less people can be accommodated in a recreation area, a classroom, or a gym. Receiving money for operations depends on the number of people served. When that drops, operating funds also automatically decrease. It’s really a very simple equation – less people served means less funds. Please keep that fact in mind when you are asked to donate. Only we the people sharing together, along with the businesses that we own or work for, can resolve the economic problems created by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Kathy Lafferty closed this
interview by mentioning the selfless devotion her Staff has shown in reacting to the pandemic. Not for a moment did any of them ever forget the SBNH’s Central Mission: Improving family and
neighborhood life in South Boston. She spoke eloquently about how the Ollie’s Staff constantly came up with safe activities for both kids and seniors that were fun as well. “Our Staff are awesome,” she concluded.
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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Outdoor Dining at The Lawn on D by Rick Winterson
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outh Boston Online has been encouraging our readers to get out and gather safely during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dining outside is a great way to enjoy yourself in a safe way, while taking advantage of the summer weather – the Coronavirus disperses better and is much more limited in its contagious behavior out of doors. And you can get a healthy tan as well, along with lots of anti-viral Vitamin D. You are aware of the large number of outdoor dining areas that have been created in South Boston, in answer to the restrictions that limit the spread of Coronavirus. Well, here’s another one for you to consider: On South Boston’s “The Lawn on D” (on D Street, of course, at No. 420), the venue inside and around the central tent has become an indooroutdoor place to drink and dine quickly and informally. The staff is still their courteous best, and all of the precautions connected with the pandemic are carefully observed. You don’t have to be told that these precautions are so well practiced both in Boston and across Massachusetts that we are among the best in America for preventing pandemic contagion.
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The Lawn on D is open for drinks and dining seven days a week, from 12 noon until 9 p.m. There are occasional “quiet hours” there, but usually you should reserve in advance before going there. Google up The Lawn on D and go to their overview. You’ll see “Find a table.waitlist.me” under Overview, or you can call their given number - (877)393-3393. Their menu includes sandwiches, salads, snacks, and smalls. The other side of this menu lists many liquids. The cocktails are fetchingly entitled “Seaport Mule”, “Summer Street Sipper”, and “Southie-Rita”. This is a place to bring your children after a day at the beach (in South Boston, of course) or before
an evening back at the apartment watching TV. There’s plenty of space for them to play while awaiting dinner. Or stop in for drinks and a snack or two before you and a friend go somewhere that evening, even if it’s only for a walk along the
ever more attractive Waterfront/ Harbor Walk in South Boston. The writer and friend visited The Lawn on D for a bacon cheeseburger and a (large) chicken Caesar salad before going over to Trader Joe’s on Thomson Place to shop.
Shop South Boston’s Farmers Market During August
he month of August is at hand, and farm harvests are coming in – even in highly urbanized areas like South Boston, America’s hometown. We are referring to South Boston’s Farmer’s Market, which is open every Monday through October from 12 noon till 6 p.m. Our Farmer’s Market is located in Perkins Square by the parking lot at 446 West Broadway. This year, the Market is operated by R iverd a le
Fa rm from Groton; it is sponsored by the South Boston Neig hborhood Development Corporation. Riverdale Farm is a nearby, diverse, professional agricultura l enterprise that cares for the environment. They even produce their own compost from waste materials. For truly tasty, nourishing, E a r t h-f r iend ly food s, t r y our Fa rmer’s Ma rket a nd Riverdale Farm next Monday.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020
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Rep. Biele’s Stand up for At-Risk Children and Families
Votes for legislation to help children served by the Department of Children and Families
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e c e n t l y, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing An Act relative to accountability for vulnerable children and families, which strengthens the laws
protecting the Commonwealth’s youngest and most at-risk children. The legislation addresses the needs of vulnerable children that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Many children have not been seen by their educators, care providers or other mandatory reporters due to the pandemic and there has been a precipitous drop in reports of child abuse during the same time period. In response, the legislation strengthens policies and operations at the Department of Children and Families (DCF), helps foster families, and requires timely and accurate reports on the well-being of children. The legislation also calls for a public service campaign to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect. “This bill will help protect our most vulnerable children from harm, especially those who are not being seen by educators, early education staff, or child care providers as
frequently as before COVID-19,” said Rep. Biele. “This legislation will prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable children and give state agencies the tools needed to serve and protect children across Massachusetts during these unprecedented times.” The legislation addresses the needs of at-risk children and families through several major initiatives: Measuring the Impact of COVID-19. Requires DCF to implement a public information campaign to improve awareness of child abuse and neglect and directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to work with DCF on engaging the most vulnerable and at-risk students and families. Quality Improvement. Bill installs certain safeguards to protect children from harm and improve protocols for complex cases and critical incidents involving children. The bill also requires social services
programs to communicate more promptly with social workers conducting client and collateral checks. Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights. Bill requires DCF to create a Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights outlining the relationship between the DCF and foster parents to increase confidence and trust. Strengthening the Integrity of the Office of the Child Advocate. Requires the Child Advocate to report ON findings from a reasonable belief that a state agency failed in its duty to protect a child that resulted in the death of a child to the Governor, Attorney General, Speaker of the House, and Senate President before the agency in question. Data Reporting Initiative. This bill updates and streamlines DCF reporting requirements to ensure the delivery of timely and relevant data. Having pa ssed the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
More Than Five Miles by Rick Winterson
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ou have heard that being outside whenever possible is a healthy way to get exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only that, it’s also does people good to get out of their houses for a while after being confined. Pandemic preventive measures must still be followed of course – face coverings, frequent handwashing, and most of all, effective Social Distancing (six feet or more). Take a long walk along South Boston’s achingly beautiful shorelines and beaches. Not only are the beaches here extremely clean according to the recent report from Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay (SHSB), our beaches are also among the most scenic in the nation. This writer and friend walked them on Sunday, starting at 10 and ending at 2 p.m. We traveled on foot from the Mother’s Rest dome, where Carson Beach ends, until we got to Sullivan’s on Castle Island (where else?). It was nearly six miles, but we went slowly, in masks all the way and carrying our own water. That may sound like a long distance, but we did it in parts, with frequent stops just to take in the views. Six miles in about four hours is only a slowpoke mile-and-a-half per hour. Mother’s Rest, erected by the DCR when it was called “Metropolitan District Commission”, is a classic Greek enclosure with 16 Doric columns supporting the upper dome. The view from Mother’s Rest covers the entire, mile-plus sweep of Carson Beach, over to where it ends at the
The Old Harbor view highlighted by JFK, the EMK Center, and UMass Boston. Curley Community Center (now being renovated). Off to the left of the dome is the beginning of the striking Harbor Walk along Dorchester Shores out to JFK Library, the Ted Kennedy Center, and UMass Boston. But that’s for another pandemic walk, and another day. Prominent on Carson Beach is the Edward McCormack, Jr. Bathhouse, upgraded some 25 years ago during the City’s “Back to the Beaches” program. It is still a fine facility with many uses; it’s decorated with pots of lilies, too. As we walked along, past beach volleyball players and many sunbathers, we noted that a volunteer beach cleanup was underway. Members of the Surfrider Foundation, an international environmental group headquartered in San Clemente, was picking up trash and noting down what was recyclable. Thanks, Surfriders! On the other (eastern) side of the currently closed “L” – the James M. Curley Community Center – the increasingly renowned M Street Beach begins. We passed by there before midday, so it wasn’t very crowded. But no masks were being worn, and the crowds
The sweep of Pleasure Bay and its beach beckons to you.
quickly began to build up around noon, still without any masks. It was on its way to looking like a human pushcart meat market, as pictured in the Globe recently. And please make no mistake, the drinking on M had already started. In one corner of the beach, a quarter-keg of beer had been buried with only the spigot showing above the surface of the sand. Since many of the M St. Beachgoers are from City Point, it’s possible this could cause a COVID-19 “hot spot” to form. This sounds harsh, we admit, but for public safety, M Street Beach should be totally shut down until next year. But then, what would the Globe have to write about after that happens? Our walk continued on to the John E. Hicks Memorial Park – cool, dense shade with bright views. It’s this writer’s favorite place to sit and look out at Old Harbor. Indeed the short walk from the Park, past the historic boat houses, and along the shaded grass to Kelly’s Landing is a walk everyone should take now and then. And the view of Spectacle Island is unmatched. The Pleasure Bay causeway gets you hundreds of yards out in Old Harbor,
and swings back to the beach areas along Pleasure Bay at Head Island. Head Island eventually became known as “The Sugar Bowl” because it had windsculptured sand dunes that look like a gigantic sugar bowl. The tidal flows to and from Pleasure Bay are especially visible through the causeway’s flumes. Fort Independence will open for weekend tours in August, 12 noon till 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Walk around the sidewalk on top of the ramparts at the foot of the Fort’s walls, and you’ll get one of the best views of Boston Harbor and the President Roads (with container ships) in the City. Then stop at Sully’s for lunch. A few recommendations: obviously a Sully’s hot dog is a South Boston tradition. But the devoted meat eater should try their double cheeseburger. The fried fish sandwich is surprisingly good. For a celebration, dive into a lobster roll or two. Or more. So, take a walk on our beaches. Or a hike. But please remember to obey all pandemic precautions. Bring your own water; take it slowly and enjoyably.
Shaded hammocks are increasingly popular along our shoreline.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020
Trash removed by volunteers from Surfrider Foundation.
The Curley Center (under renovation).
The historic South Boston Yacht Club (SBYC) – 150 years of age.
The world famous Sullivan’s (a.k.a. “Sully’s”).
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The classic McCormack Bathhouse is 95 years young, and still useful.
Mornings at M St. Beach aren’t crowded.
A pergola adorns Head Island, a.k.a the Sugar Bowl.
The sally port into Fort Independence (weekend tours begin in August).
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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Councilors File Resolution Commemorating the Centennial Adoption of the 19th Amendment Granting Women’s Right to Vote
B
oston City Councilors Ed Flynn, Andrea Campbell, and Kim Janey sponsored a resolution at this week’s Council meeting commemorating the centennial adoption of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution on August 26th, 1920, and this year marks the 100th anniversary of this monumental act. In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the f irst women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls to demand better educational and employment opportunities for women, thus sparking a national movement for women’s rights. Activists such as Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth,
Lucy Stone, Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, Maria Baldwin, Sarah Parker Remond and many others later raised public awareness and lobbied the government to grant women the right to vote. For decades, activists organized locally and nationally to advocate for women’s suffrage, and by 1916, a majority of women’s suf frage organizations were calling for a constitutional amendment to grant women the right to vote. A frican A merican women suffragists worked tirelessly to advocate for the 19th A mendment, even as Jim Crow laws in the South prevented African A merican men from voting, and would prevent A frican American women from voting. Massachusetts was a big
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part of the suffrage movement. In February of 1919, a group of women were arrested for protesting President Wilson on his visit to the Massachusetts State House, and to lobby him to put pressure on the U.S. Senate to pass the 19th Amendment. Twent y-t wo suffragists were arrested, and eighteen were imprisoned in Boston’s Charles Street Jail. They would be the last suffragists jailed of the seven decades long suffrage movement in the United States. A s we commemorate t he centennial adoption of the 19th Amendment, it is important to recognize the work and sacrifice of women suf fragists, and celebrate their achievements. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution in commemoration of the centennial adoption of the 19th Amendment, which was a giant step in furthering equality for all. This would not have happened without the work of brave women suffragists, who faced f ierce opposition but never backed down,” said Councilor Flynn. “Thank you to Councilors Campbell and Janey for sponsoring this, as well as to the organizations who are furthering the work in the spirit of these suffragists. It is important that we honor this history and all the women suffragists, not only by using this resolution but also by voting and protecting voting rights.” “We made history this year swearing in the first majority women Boston City Council: a sign of incredible progress toward equal representation for women in government, but that also shows how long it took,” said Councilor Campbell. “We would not be here without the courageous work of suffragists and their movement, so much of which happened here in Boston, and I am proud to honor them
today. As we mark this important centennial of women’s suffrage, we must also highlight the voting rights battles still being fought, particularly in communities of color across the country, which ser ve as a reminder that formally having the right to vote does not mean all are equally able to exercise that right, and this work continues.” “The centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment comes at a critical time in our nation’s history. Even after its initial passage, it would be decades before African Americans would win their right to vote. While we have made many strides over the past hundred years, there is much work left to be done,” said Council President Janey, “with oppressive and stringent voter ID laws in the South and the closing of polling stations in communities of color. The good news is that more and more women of color are running for office, so hopefully this will change.” “Suffrage100MA commends Councilor Flynn, Councilor C a mpb e l l, a nd Pre sident Janey for their Women’s Suf frage 100th A nniversar y Re solut ion c om memorat i ng the centennial of the adoption of the 19th Amendment,” said Suffrage100MA. “This resolution honors all suffragists who worked so hard to achieve the vote for women. Most importantly, the resolution also recognizes the many barriers that women of color faced and continue to experience when accessing the polls today. We hope that in learning about the suffragists and all they did, we will all be inspired to remember to VOTE!” For more information, please cont act C ou nci lor Fly nn’s of f ice at 617- 635 -32 03 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020
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Councilors Flynn and Mejia File Hearing Order on Internet Access and Digital Equity
B
oston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Julia Mejia are f iling a hearing order at this week’s City Council meeting to discuss strategies to ensure internet access and digital equity in Boston. As the internet is becoming increasingly indispensable to everyday life, especially during this pandemic, it is important that we discuss ways to make sure that residents have access to affordable internet services and digital resources. E duc at ion, bu si ne s s e s , work, and other services are now increasingly reliant on the internet, and with the COVID19 pandemic, having internet access and knowing how to use digital resources is now a
necessity for many. However, some areas of the City are still currently underserved in terms of internet access, and still have a lack of choices in choosing an affordable and reliable internet service provider. As access to the internet becomes more critical, some communities are exploring the idea of municipal broadband where local governments invest and build their own internet infrastructure, and the City of Boston has partnered with Verizon to expand its f iberoptic network to offer high speed broadba nd i nternet ser vice to the entire cit y. The lack of competition for internet service providers can make it difficult for families to
Ottavio’s Barber Shop Reopens Saturday, August 1
There’s an old saying that states, “You can’t keep a good man down!” One such good man is Ottavio LoGrasso, who closed his barber shop on West Broadway after more than 40 years in Perkins Square. This closing took place just one short month ago on June 30. Well, South Boston Online is pleased to announce that Ottavio will reopen his vital small business once again – on Saturday, August 1, at 7 a.m. He has relocated to the fresh, new, street level space in the building at 377 West First Street. Views of the Seaport and the Boston skyline will replace the ambience of Broadway. Don’t miss his reopening. We will repeat ourselves – “You can’t keep a good man down!”
find affordable internet service and negotiate a better rate, which can be a burden because many families are seeing f inancial loss due to job losses because of COV I D -19. More over, our working class families, immigrants, communities of color, and seniors are the most likely to have issues with lack of internet access and knowledge in digital skills, and we need to ensure these residents have the resources they need to use the internet to participate in work, education, and civic life. “Having access to the internet and the knowledge of how to use digital resources are crucial for our families and residents to engage in everyday life, especially during t he COV ID-19 pa ndemic,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is important that we continue to work to ensure internet access and digital equity for everyone, and I want to thank Councilor Mejia for her partnership on this. I look forward to working with the City, internet service providers, and civic organizations
on expanding internet access and digital education for our residents, so that everyone has the opportunity to access services and resources on the internet.” “Internet and technolog y access have become a necessity as we navigate working and learning from home,” Councilor Mejia said. “Parents are being asked to balance their work responsibilities while helping their children complete their school work. It is challenging for everyone. We have heard from our people that internet access is something they need right now and it is causing another point of anxiety during an already stressful time.” Councilor Mejia also noted that “This is a civil rights issue and the city must act with urgency to ensure all of our people have the same access. We look forward to working with Councilor Flynn and uplifting the voices of our community to understand what we can do to support them.” For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
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