Continued from Page 1 Comon Sense vs Rats

sense. Yes, common sense. Rats are attracted by three things: an opportunity to breed, a “hiding place” where they can nest and sleep, and most important of all (!), plenty of food to eat. Start with nesting places: check your basements. Are there corners where old boxes or trash have accumulated? Go outside. Do you have a woodpile or stacked construction materials close to your home? Is there an old empty pipe near or inside your property? Common sense says you must remove anything you find like that.

However, the key item you must check for is food that rats can get at easily. Without knowing specific home and apartment layouts, we can only recommend a common-sense approach. Obviously, you have to clean up spills right away. Don’t leave dirty dishes out (their smell will attract rats). Store all packaged foods either in metal containers, or in your ‘fridge, or in wall cabinets –not in floor level cabinets and drawers. Do you have a breadbox perhaps? Be sure it’s shut and latched at all times. And please make sure you quickly bring in any and all food deliveries of any kind and immediately put them securely away.

What do rats really like to eat? Well, in the wild, rats love nuts, seeds, grain, and fallen fruit. But in the City, they have learned to eat almost anything they can chew, including insects, mixed garbage, and even empty cardboard food containers.

Simply stated, rats must have food. If you make sure that they don’t, they will leave. Common sense works! Rats cannot survive without a reliable food supply.

Applications are available for 17 days, from Monday, July 10th, 2023 Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

To request an application online, visit: www.SouthStandardLottery.com

. To have a hard copy of the application mailed to your mailing address, please call (617) 639-3064 Ext 787 or email SouthStandard@MaloneyProperties.com

Applications are also available in-person on the following days, dates, and times in the following place(s)

Thursday July 13th 3 PM - 7 PM South Boston Public Library 646 East Broadway Boston, MA 02127 Saturday July 15th 10 AM - 2 PM South Boston Public Library 646 East Broadway Boston, MA 02127

Thursday July 20th 3 PM - 7 PM South Boston Public Library 646 East Broadway Boston, MA 02127

Saturday July 22nd 10 AM - 2 PM South Boston Public Library 646 East Broadway Boston, MA 02127

Fully completed + signed applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Mailed to: Maloney Properties, Inc.

27 Mica Lane ATTN: South Standard Lottery Wellesley, MA 02481

There are other steps you can take, too. If you see a rat outside where you live, report it to 3-11. Do that again if the sightings continue. Talk this over with your neighbors – neighborly agreements to keep everyone’s surroundings clean will certainly help. If you know a competent craftsperson, ask him or her whether there are ways a rat can get into the place where you live, and then have these ways blocked off and sealed. You might consider hiring a professional exterminator or licensed pest control outfit. That’s up to you, of course, but If you do, make sure they are licensed, get written quotes and references from them, and ask other people who have used them for recommendations. There are certain “do-ityourself” steps that can help eliminate rats. Obviously, having a pet cat is one of them. In addition, rats are repelled by certain odors. In our check of the literature, peppermint, eucalyptus, cloves in bunches, citronella, and white vinegar were the most frequently mentioned. And your local hardware store certainly carries rat traps. Ask for their advice on which one to use.

But the best weapon against rats is your own common sense. That includes safely stored food and clean, sealed up homes.

● Selection by Lottery.

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For more information, language assistance, or to make a request for reasonable accommodations, please call (617) 639-3064 Ext 787 or email SouthStandard@MaloneyProperties.com

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Continued from Page 1

Lili Latin Dance

There is a partner tricks class for advanced dancers and wedding choreography classes for engaged couples. She has four other instructors who teach classes.

“I like to let people know the anatomy of things,” said Lili, who has a nursing degree from Northeastern University and worked in nursing for a while before realizing she loved dancing more.

“Working with different body types, we can achieve a lot of things. Having that knowledge, it gives a lot of power to people who will think, ‘Oh, just because I’m taller doesn’t mean I can’t dance. If I’m shorter or I’m bigger, that doesn’t mean I’m unable to do it.’ We will find solutions for your physical capabilities and then show you that it doesn’t matter what limitations you have. So there’s zero excuse. I will find an answer.”

Lili, 38, had been an instructor at Rumba y Timbal Dance Studio in Cambridge for many years before branching out on her own. She was thrilled to find a space in South Boston.

Boston has a really welcoming community for Latin dance, she said. “I’m just trying to show people that Latin dance is not scary. A lot of people seem to be intimidated by it and they shouldn’t.”

In her studio, the bachata style is more popular than salsa. Lili, who was born in Puerto Rico but raised in Boston, explained that salsa is a more structured, more strict style of dance whereas bachata has a simpler structure and easier steps.

She currently has about 30 students. New dancers can sign up for class packages or memberships on Lili’s website: www.lili.dance. After getting to know each dancer’s experience, Lili suggests a starting level.

“I want people to know they can dance,” Lili said, “and this is an amazing way to meet new people and not feel like they have to be in a relationship or they have to be dating.”

Lili has heard from many students who were experiencing rough times and the partner dancing pulled them through depression.

“That’s just the power of community dancing,” she said. “And you don’t have to be a pro to do it. You just need to know the basics and you’ll have a great time.”

The benefits of dancing are many. Dancers feel more confident, have more self-esteem, make new connections, and feel happier, Lili said, noting it’s ideal for introverts and extroverts. In addition, it’s a fun way to get fit.

Back in college, a friend invited Lili to go salsa dancing. Being from Puerto Rico, she thought she would be fine. “And I was very humbled by what I saw. I was mortified that I didn’t know what I was doing. So I immediately was like, ‘I have to take classes.’”

Dance teacher Vera Rowe whipped Lili into shape. “I was told I had the flavor, but I was definitely missing a lot of steps. I had a lot of cleaning up to do.”

If anyone is hesitant to try dance, Lili tells them about her journey. When she started dancing, she could barely touch her toes. “But through hard work and patience, I was able to achieve my goals.”

Lili has always loved dancing and is a natural teacher, so she is living the dream.

“I want everyone to know that we are very welcoming and everyone is invited to dance!” Lili said. “Our goal is to just make sure you have a great time and you enjoy it.”

Follow Lili on Instagram at @ LiliLatinDance

Marissa Walsh Receives the Commonwealth Heroine Award

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women recognized South Boston resident Marissa Walsh as a Commonwealth Heroine as part of the 20 th Annual Commonwealth Heroines, Class of 2023.

The Commonwealth Heroine Award is presented to women who have a significant, positive influence in their communities, improving the lives of others and making the most of their time, ability, and passion. The Commonwealth Heroine Awards provide the opportunity to acknowledge and honor these outstanding individuals who constantly work to strengthen their community. Each year the Commission partners with state legislators to identify women who are making extraordinary contributions in their communities but not necessarily making the news.

This year, Marissa Walsh was nominated by State Representative David Biele for her dedication and efforts to support the most vulnerable in South Boston, while supporting local youth organizations and veterans.

The Farmers Market has been bustling on Mondays!

For years, Marissa has been a constant fixture at the annual Msgr. Tom McDonnell and Frank Kelley Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners, preparing thousands of holiday dinners for neighbors who would otherwise go without a hot meal. Outside of the holiday season, Marissa has been an active supporter of multiple youth organizations, including the Perry School, the South Boston Girl Scouts, and South Boston Pop Warner, while also leading efforts to collect donations for the New England Center and Home for Veterans.

“I’m honored and humbled to have received this award,” said Marissa Walsh. “There are so many women in South Boston who serve our community on a daily basis and for me to be chosen is truly an honor.”

“I was proud to nominate Marissa Walsh as a Commonwealth Heroine for her many contributions over the years to the South Boston community,” said Rep. Biele. “Marissa has invested her time and talents to provide thousands of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for neighbors in need, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry on the holidays. She has also helped foster positive youth development through her work with the Perry School and Girl Scouts, and goes the extra mile to support our veterans in South Boston and beyond. I’m grateful for Marissa’s efforts to support our community and her steadfast dedication to helping others.” Marissa was honored as a Commonwealth Heroine alongside over one hundred other Massachusetts women for their civic leadership and service that improves the lives of residents in their communities.