South Boston Today April 29 2021

SouthBoston TODAY Online • On Your Mobile • At Your Door

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONTODAY.COM hB

oston T

od

ay

Girl’s Lacross League Receives A Unified Welcome Back To South Boston’s Moakley Park

S o ut

April 29, 2021: Vol.9 Issue 17

@SBostonToday

O

n Tuesday evening, the South Boston community, elected leaders, District C6 Boston Police personnel, Superintendent Gerard Bailey, and parents and athletes participating in the lacrosse program and concerned residents gathered at Moakley Park to learn about the commitment of the city of Boston to install cameras and provide a police presence in one of the, if not the, most active

Office: 617.268.4032 or cell: 617.840.1355 or email at ads@southbostontoday.com

@SBostonToday

CONTINUED ON page 10

“ONE OF THE BEST RATES AROUND!” Home Equity Line of Credit

1.75%

APR* 1st 6 months then prime minus .75% for life

2.50%

Got Plans?

APR*

current fully-indexed rate

Apply Online, By Phone or By Appointment.

massbaycu.org

(617) 269-2700

SOUTH BOSTON – EVERETT – QUINCY – SEAPORT *APR= Annual Percentage Rate. 1.75% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an introductory rate for the first six months. After the introductory period, rate on the outstanding balances will revert to Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the calendar month minus (-) 0.75%. Prime rate as of 4/1/2021 is 3.25%. The APR may vary monthly. Minimum rate 2.50% and maximum rate 18.00%. 10 year draw period. 15 year repayment period. Minimum $10,000 draw at closing and $1,000 advances thereafter. 80% combined LTV to $200,000 (</=70% LTV $300,000). Proof of adequate property insurance required and Flood Insurance may also be required. Subject to credit approval. Other terms and restrictions apply including 620 minimum credit score. Offer subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #615913

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

2

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

EDITORIAL

Parties Parties Everywhere

W

ell, it seems its now official.

Whenever the weather goes above 60 degrees on the weekends, South Boston can expect to be inundated with house, roof deck and back yard parties. Apparently last weekend was a major kick off for the season. Now before the pro-party crowd becomes ‘triggered’ and defensive and braces themselves for what they anticipate to be another anti-party editorial, take a deep breath, let it out slowly and relax because its not. No one is saying people cannot invite friends over for a party and a good time.

Its not against the law, there are no ordinances against it

so yes, parties are allowed in this community - up to a certain hour.

However, the question that might be asked is, well, if there is no rule against it, what prompted all the calls and complaints; literally hundreds of complaints last Friday, Saturday and Sunday? And that’s a fair question to be asked by partiers who are considerate of the neighborhood and understand the difference between showing some of that consideration to their surrounding neighbors and those who couldn’t care less about anything but their own good time.

If those throwing parties can keep in mind that South-

ie is not Brighton/Allston or some college campus, it’s a residential neighborhood with many senior citizens; some of them sick and disabled as well as many young children and babies who also need their sleep at a reasonable hour, and tone the decibel level of the noise down to a less than ear splitting level, it would do a lot to cut the number of complaints and near physical confrontations. It would also do much to foster good will among everyone. Trust us when we tell you that families don’t want to hear your music blaring at 3 in the morning so loud that it sounds like its being played live in their living rooms. The sounds

of breaking bottles and the sight of people relieving themselves in neighbor’s yards and alleys doesn’t do much to win friends either.

And is it really necessary for 20 and 30 something’s to be screaming at the top of their lungs as they walk under people’s windows? It might finally be time to grow up.

The point is, if you show a little respect and consideration for others it will be returned and it could go a long way toward easing the tensions that were rising to a fever pitch last weekend.

Some self control would be appreciated too. But if that respect is not there, things will get worse and no one should want that.

“A limited government is much more likely to be a competent government” - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

SOUTH BOSTON

BABE RUTH LEAGUE TRYOUT SCHEDULE (13-16 Years Old) FOR THE 2021 SEASON FRIDAY May 7th 5:30 PM

SATURDAY May 8th 11 AM SouthBoston TODAY

All tryouts will be held on the Babe Ruth League Fields at Moakley Park, which are located by the club house directly across from St. Monica’s Church. Our League is open to all South Boston Residents and surrounding area’s if they do not have a Babe Ruth League Program. If you have any questions, please call Kevin Lally at 617-943-5238.

Or email him at lallycompound@aol.com Everyone Makes a Team Southie Babe Ruth is free There is no registration fee or any fundraising activity required to play.

Publisher • John Ciccone

info@southbostontoday.com • ads@southbostontoday.com

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY

Deadlines

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. SU21P0799EA Commonwealth Of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: Sheryl F Walker Date of Death: 03/09/21 Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617) 788-8300 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Frederick M Walker, Jr. of Watertown MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/03/2021. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

April 21, 2021 Felix D. Arroyo, Register of Probate April 29, 2021

PO Box 491 • South Boston, MA 02127

South Boston Today is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error.

All South Boston Today produced artwork, design, and layout remain the sole property of South Boston Today. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden. South Boston Today reserves the right to cut, edit or reject any copy without notice.

South Boston Today is a Series of the Today Publications Series LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company

917 East Broadway • 617.268.4032 • Office hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am - 2:00pm

Press Copy - Monday at 6:00pm • Advertisements Space Reservations - Friday at 6:00pm • Ad Material - Monday at 4:00pm • Camera Ready Ads - Tuesday at 6:00pm

3

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

Information Center The

As The Oscars Fall Like A Rock SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

T

he crisis at the Southern Border is still raging out of control. So what does Kamala Harris, the person put in charge of solving it do? She makes a trip closer to the Northern Border with a visit to New Hampshire last week. This just added to the outcry from Republicans demanding that both she and Biden travel to the out of control situation down south so they can see for themselves what’s going on, do their jobs and try to solve the problem. But they haven’t, nor are Democrats from congress making visits. But the demands that the Democrats do something are just a waste of time. So the next question to be asked is ‘why would they even bother going? What is taking place at the border is exactly what the leftists in this country want to happen. They have no intention of even trying to stop the drug cartels, the child smugglers, the MS13 type gang members and potential terrorists from pouring across.

President Trump had that border under control and the democrats hated it. He was interfering with their plans to bring in more future Democrat voters.

How low can the Oscar’s go?

Well, their rapid decent to the bottom is picking up speed. Personally, I wouldn’t watch the Oscar’s if my eyes were glued open to my TV screen. And according to the ratings this year, most Americans now feel pretty close to the same way. With each passing year, the number of viewer’s drops to half of what it was the previous year since the event has degenerated into nothing but a bunch of over paid, over rated, insufferable egotists, scolding the rest of us and telling us how bad we are. This

Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com

year, the overriding theme was anti-police. The public doesn’t like being lectured on how to live their lives by a group of people that has among it, some of the most notorious perverts alive today.

These Hollywood bores also make it quite clear each year how much they dislike America as a country and in particular, the disdain they have for Americans who do not do, think, say and vote how these ‘celebrities’ demand.

Here is how some of the professional ‘arts’ critics, who used to be fans of these celeb awards shows described this year’s Oscar’s: Dull, Soul less, a Train Wreck, A gigantic barrel of misery, Totally devoid of fun, Grim, Sanctimonious, Nothing but a preach session with no entertainment value…

It’s says a lot when even once big fans of everything Hollywood start attacking these shows with one critic stating sadly that they are totally dead now. And the thing is, some of these celebrities or ‘stars’ as they like being described, know they are turning viewers off but just keep doing it anyway. Actress Regina King said the following: “I know a lot of you viewers at home want to reach for your remotes because you feel Hollywood is preaching to you”. And then, she went on preaching anyway. Tone deaf or dumb? You decide.

Like many of our readers, if there is anything at all I find entertaining about the Oscar’s and Emmy’s and the rest of these award snooze sessions, its seeing the ratings numbers continue to drop like rocks with each passing year. At the rate they are shedding viewers, soon their entire TV audience will be able to fit inside a compact minivan. The word

‘Karma’ comes to mind.

I’ll close this week with a comment about the movement to defund and even eliminate police across the nation. It looks like it has hit it’s peak and is now in rapid decline. The few cities that tried it, are seeing massive increases in violent crime and want their cops back and plenty of them. The crazy leftists are still screaming to get rid of police but far fewer Americans are agreeing with them and they know it. The radicals have been trying hard to convince the country that most

African Americans don’t trust and even hate the police. But surveys released just last week prove otherwise. More that 70% of Black people support the job that law enforcement is doing and are totally against defunding it. In fact, interviewing people in minority neighborhoods around the nation shows that most would like to have even more police patrols. These results are taking the wind out of the sails of the anti-police crazies and their movement is beginning it’s long overdue journey to the ash heap.

May it die a quick death.

Let Our Family Help Your Family

CASPER

Funeral & Cremations Services Established in 1930

Serving Families with Dignity and Respect through the toughest of times for over 80 years Home of Personal Service Pre-Planning Specialists Casper’s specializes in Massachusetts Cremation Services & Veteran Services Please visit our website for information you may find helpful during a time of need www.casperfuneralservices.com

Casper Funeral Home 187 Dorchester Street South Boston, MA 02127

617-269-1930

David Casper Funeral Directors: Joe, Dave & Ken Casper

4

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

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.

The end is near: Baker eases outdoor mask restrictions, sets goal of full reopening by Aug. 1 It’s not over until it’s over. But it’s almost over – and yesterday Gov. Charlie Baker outlined a phased-in plan for a full reopening of the state’s economy by August 1. The staggered lifting of personal and business restrictions starts this Friday, when the state’s outdoor mask-mandate will be eased, followed by other measures next month. If all goes well ... it’s back to a new normal in August. SHNS’s Katie Lannan, a three-reporter team at the Globe, the BBJ’s Greg Ryan and CommonWealth Shira Schoenberg have more. Meanwhile, WBUR and the Herald have excellent summaries and timelines about what can reopen and when.

But Boston will delay its full reopening until late August The city of Boston plans to go along with the state’s move to ease outdoor face-covering restrictions effective Friday. But Acting Mayor Kim Janey said yesterday that Boston will follow a modified version of the state’s phased-in business re-openings, effectively delaying a full reopening until August 22, report WCVB and Universal Hub. Now the big question: What will Somerville do (Globe)?

The other big target date: May 17 for full in-person high school classes Now that the K-8 young ones are out of the house, it’s time to give high-school students the boot too. The Herald’s Alexi Cohan and SHNS’s Michael Norton report that state education officials have set May 17 as the deadline for school districts to resume full in-person learning in high schools. And we assume many parents think May 17 can’t come soon enough.

Baker and Healey differ over mandatory vaxes for state workers State required vaccine passports in order to work in Massachusetts? Nope. Gov. Charlie Baker yesterday said the state will leave it up to employers to decide whether to adopt mandatory vaccination requirements for employees and patrons – and, as an employer himself, Baker said he won’t require executive-branch employees to get shots, CommonWealth’s Bruce Mohl reports.

But Adam Reilly at GBH reports that Attorney General Maura Healey, a potential Democratic candidate for governor next year, is doubling down on her call for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for public employees.

So what’s on Baker’s post-pandemic TTD list? Go to a concert

CBS Boston reports Gov. Charlie Baker is among those starting to dream of a post-pandemic world – and he already has a top personal priority. “I want to take my kids and my wife and go to a concert. That’s what I want to do,” he says. Note: He didn’t say which concert.

Fight over education funding switches to the Senate The House didn’t give them what they wanted, so education advocates are now turning their focus to the Senate, where they hope members will appropriate more funds to education than what’s currently in the Baker administration and House budgets, reports SHNS’s Matt Murphy and CommonWealth’s Shira Schoenberg.

Keno sales: They’re back In other state budget/revenue news, SHNS’s Colin Young reports that Lottery Keno sales, which were hit particularly hard during the pandemic due to bar and restaurant closures, have recently rebounded -- and they’ve even topped pre-pandemic sales over the past eight weeks. Needless to say, that’s good news for lawmakers, as they continue to debate the House budget (and add millions of dollars in spending via amendments) on Beacon Hill, as SHNS reports. More SHNS budget news here and here.

Statement of Sen. Nick Collins

“A

fter much encouragement and consideration and discussions with family, I’ve decided I will not be a candidate for mayor. I remain dedicated to my job in the Massachusetts Senate and working with leadership and my colleagues on our shared priorities to help Boston and the Commonwealth grow and thrive. I look forward to working closely with City Hall to create a better Boston for all.”

Great Society II? Neal unveils ambitious social programs as part of infrastructure bill Universal paid family and medical leave.

Guaranteed child care. Permanently expanded Child Tax Credit. They’re all part of infrastructure legislation outlined yesterday

by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, chair of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.

They’re not classic New Deal-style ideas.

More like Great Society-style ideas – and they’ll transform more than just the economy if passed. CNN and MassLive’s Benjamin Kail have more.

Looks like Rachael Rollins is the frontrunner for US Attorney Suffolk DA Rachael Rollins is undergoing an FBI background check – the only finalist for U.S. Attorney to get the FBI treatment, reports the Globe’s Andrea Estes.

And that’s leading to speculation that she’s indeed the top choice to be the next federal prosecutor for the district of Massachusetts.

Sen. Collins takes a pass on mayoral contest It would have been a very late entry if he had decided otherwise.

The Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter and SHNS’s Matt Murphy report on the decision by state Sen. Nick Collins not to run for mayor of Boston in what’s already a crowded race. In other election news (of the state variety), SHNS’s Chris Van Buskirk reports that Secretary of State William Galvin is declining to say whether he will run for an eighth four-year term next year. Read into it what you will.

April 29, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Councilors Ed Flynn and Lydia Edwards File Resolution Recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child

C

ouncilors Ed Flynn and Lydia Edwards filed a resolution this week to recognize April as the Month of the Military Child. Designated in 1986 by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, April honors the sacrifices that military families make as their family members serve our country, and highlights the experiences and challenges faced by children of those who are serving in the military at home or overseas.

There are an estimated 1.2 million

military children in the U.S., and they face unique challenges as a result of their parent’s military service. On average, military families move every two to three years, so military children have to frequently change schools and adapt to new environments, resulting in transition challenges and disruptions in their education.

In Massachusetts, the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) addresses key issues encountered by military families, and provides resources in

easing transitions for military children and ensuring that they are afforded the same opportunities for educational success. On April 15th of every year, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) organizes a “Purple Up! For Military Kids” day to encourage communities to wear purple as a visible way to show support and appreciation to military children for their strength and sacrifices.

“Military families and military children are the indispensable part of our

SBNDC receives PPP funding with help from Dedham Savings

S

outh Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (SBNDC) is pleased to announce that it was awarded first- and second-round funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Dedham Savings Bank processed the nonprofit organization’s PPP applications and provided valuable assistance throughout the process.

This funding will allow SBNDC to

continue its services providing affordable housing, access to fresh produce, and economic development and small business support, in spite of the financial challenges caused by the pandemic.

“The PPP loans provided tremendous help to SBNDC, at a time when we were trying to do more with less,” said SBNDC Executive Director Donna Brown. “We are so grateful to Dedham Savings for assisting us with the application process.”

The pandemic came at a particularly challenging time for SBNDC. Construction of 46 new homes for seniors at O’Connor Way was nearing completion, representing a 35% growth in

SBNDC’s housing portfolio and a need to hire additional staff. At the same time, the pandemic caused construction delays, significantly increased costs, and reduced tenant incomes while increasing their expenses – all of which impacted SBNDC’s budget.

Brown said the PPP loans made it possible for SBNDC to maintain day-to-day operations, move ahead with hiring plans, and redirect some resources to provide emergency assistance to tenants and community members throughout the pandemic.

Dedham Savings has been a longtime supporter of affordable housing in South Boston and recently financed

Mass Bay Credit Union Shred-It Event Open to the Community

S

hred your old documents – and forget ‘em – FREE – at the Mass Bay Credit Union ShredIt Event! Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 9AM-11:30AM at Mass Bay Credit Union 147 West 4th Street in South Boston, and for the first time, a second location at Russell Park in Quincy, behind Quincy High School.

“We enjoy bringing this FREE opportunity to the community, and we’re very excited to be able to add a second location to this year’s event,” says Mass Bay CEO Terry Dorilas. “Information Security plays an essential role in banking and we want to provide a safe, secure and convenient process for the community to dispose of their confidential documents.”

The Shred-It event is open to all living or working in the community.

There is a 5-box limit per person. For everyone’s protection, social distancing will be in place and masks are required.

Like all credit unions, Mass Bay Credit Union is owned by the Members who choose to do business there.

Membership eligibility, such as living in Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk counties or a dozen other towns, is located on massbaycu.org. Opening a savings account establishes Membership and opens availability to all other

5 armed services community, and they provide the emotional support that anchors our military personnel as they serve our nation,” said Councilor. “I’m grateful for the support and sacrifice of my wife Kristen as well as my children Caroline and Stephen as I was serving overseas. Our military families and children deserve to be recognized for their important role in supporting our troops. I look forward to passing this resolution so that we can honor our military children.”

“I want to thank Councilor Flynn for his continued leadership on veteran’s issues,” said Councilor Edwards. “As the daughter of an Air Force veteran, I know firsthand about the experiences that come with being a child in a military family.

I’m looking forward to adopting this resolution so that we as a City Council can recognize the resilience and strength of military children.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-6353203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

SBNDC’s conversion of market-rate apartments into permanently affordable homes. In 2020, the Dedham Savings Community Foundation awarded SBNDC with a $25,000 grant to help reduce energy consumption and costs at two of SBNDC’s affordable multifamily properties.

SBNDC is South Boston’s nonprofit affordable housing and community development organization. SBNDC currently owns and manages more than 160 affordable homes, provides housing counseling to residents, operates the South Boston Farmers Market and the Chamber of Commerce, and organizes the South Boston Street Festival, Taste of South Boston, and the Christmas and Spring Strolls. Visit www.sbndc.org to learn more. products offered by the credit union.

In addition to its South Boston Headquarters, Mass Bay Credit Union has branches in Everett, Quincy and the Seaport. Over 19,000 people choose Mass Bay Credit Union for great rates, low fees and personal service. In addition to offering a full array of deposit and lending products, Mass Bay Credit Union Members have access to over 55,000 surcharge free ATMs and 6,800 credit union branches. In business since 1936, Mass Bay Credit Union has assets in excess of $275 million.

6

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

Save the Harbor Seeks Great Ideas for 2021 Better Beaches Program Grants Group issues Request for Proposals for $250-$5,000 grants to community organizations and individuals for free beach events and programs in Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull as part of their Better Beaches Program Partnership with DCR.

S

ave the Harbor/Save the Bay is now seeking proposals from organizations and creatives to help them “Reimagine the Beach” and find safe and unique ways to bring free public events and programs to the region’s beaches and the Boston Harbor waterfront this summer as part of their Better Beaches Program partnership with the Department of Conservation & Recreation.

Whether you are part of an organization, an artist collective, or are a creative individual, you can help Save the Harbor and DCR bring diversity and activity to the beaches in person or virtually in Boston’s waterfront neighborhoods and the region’s beachfront communities this year by submitting your proposal online today at https://www. savetheharbor.org/better-beaches.

Grant applicants can come from any community, as long as the free event or program activates one of the metropolitan region’s public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket.

Better Beaches Program typically grants range from $250-$5,000, though in some cases Save the Harbor may consider larger grants.

You can find information about past events and programs in Save the Harbor’s 2020 Youth & Beach Program Report, which is available at http://bit.ly/2020_YouthandBeach.

Funds to support the program

come from a legislative appropriation to the Department of Conservation & Recreation and the proceeds from this year’s Virtual Harpoon Shamrock Splash, which raised more than $50,000 in March.

In 2020, the Better Beaches Program awarded more than $200,000 in grants to 22 organizations who ran creative and socially distanced summer programs, including virtual circus performances, community music contests, virtual wellness and fitness classes, and virtual youth programs. In 2020, 25% of the grants went to providing safety equipment and support as organizations faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they worked to keep our beaches safe and open.

“The Better Beaches Program events are as diverse as the communities that host them,” said Metropolitan Beaches Commission Co-Chair, Senator Brendan Crighton of Lynn, “But one thing they all have in common is that they bring communities together to enjoy our region’s public beaches. Thank you to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and DCR for working together to strengthen our beachfront communities and waterfront neighborhoods.”

Representative Adrian Madaro of East Boston, Metropolitan Beaches Commission Co-Chair, agreed saying, “Free beach events and

programs are critical to Bostonians and the region’s residents who rely on these spectacular urban natural resources for recreation, especially during the pandemic.”

“Save the Harbor has recommitted ourselves to equity and antiracism in our programs and on our beaches and we are excited to see the creative ways organizations and individuals will be activating our beaches this summer.” said Chris Mancini, the organization’s Executive Director. “This year more than $40,000 in Better Beaches funds will be intentionally awarded to organizations, programs, individuals, and creatives who empower, amplify and invest in community members of color.”

“Our green and blue spaces are priceless locations and the betterment of these natural, cultural, and recreational resources continues to be a priority for DCR and the Baker-Polito Administration,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “I look forward to seeing Better Beaches programs that are accessible to many, work to achieve our shared goals and carry on DCR’s mission to protect, promote, and enhance the Massachusetts state parks system.”

From 2008-2019, Save the Harbor’s community partners in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester,

In 2020 Save the Harbor made 34 grants to support free beach events and programs, including Fire Juggling On The Beach by the Boston Circus Guild and the Beats on the Beach music competition.

Quincy, and Hull have leveraged $1,097,988 in small grants received through the Better Beaches Program with $3,617,741 in organizational support from Save the Harbor and cash and in-kind contributions from local government and small businesses. That resulted in a total investment of $4,715,749 in 870 free events and programs for the nearly 2 million regional residents who live within a short ride or drive to the beach.

The success of this program would not be possible without the support of Save the Harbor’s program partners and event sponsors, including Harpoon Brewery, JetBlue, Mix 104.1, The Blue Sky Collaborative, The Boston Foundation, The Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation, Beacon Capital Partners, P&G Gillette, National Grid, the Daily Catch, and Comcast.

Save the Harbor also thanks Metropolitan Beaches Commission Co-Chair’s Senator Brendan Crighton of Lynn and Representative Adrian Madaro of East Boston and the legislative and community members of the Commission for their support for our beaches and our communities. They also thank the Baker-Polito Administration, the Massachusetts Legislature, their partners at the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the YMCA of Greater Boston, and the hundreds of people who take part in the Harpoon Shamrock Splash every year, for their support.

For more information on how to apply for a Better Beaches Program Grant, please visit https://www. savetheharbor.org/better-beaches or contact Maya Smith at smith@ savetheharbor.org.

Applications are due by May 14, 2021, after which Save the Harbor’s Better Beaches Grants Committee will review the proposals and announce this year’s recipients in early June.

7

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

Boston City Council Passes Refiled Ordinance Restricting the Use of Chemical Crowd Control Agents and Kinetic Impact Projectiles; Mayor Expected to Sign it into Law

T

oday, the Boston City Council voted 7-5 to pass an ordinance refiled by Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo (District 5) and Andrea Campbell (District 4) that limits the use of chemical crowd control agents and kinetic impact projectiles. The measure now heads to the Mayor’s Office and must be signed in order to take effect.

Last December the Council voted 8-5 to pass a similar ordinance that was later vetoed by then Mayor Martin J. Walsh.

Then Council President Kim Janey voted to pass the ordinance and is expected to sign it into law as Mayor once it reaches her desk.

After multiple hearings and working sessions, the Council has passed the ordinance for the second time today (7-5) with Councilors Arroyo, Campbell, Kenzie Bok, Liz Breadon, Lydia Edwards, Julia Mejia and Mi-

chelle Wu voting for it. The ordinance restricts the use of chemical crowd control agents and kinetic impact projectiles by law enforcement agents operating in the City of Boston. It particularly limits the use of these weapons against individuals engaging in protest, demonstration, or gathering with more than ten people.

Weapons in the ordinance include, but are not limited to, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and beanbag rounds.

This ordinance is one of several measures the Council is taking to increase accountability and transparency in policing.

“Though I support an eventual complete ban of tear gas and kinetic impact projectiles.

This is an essential first step,” Councilor Arroyo said. “These restrictions will protect the residents of Boston from indiscriminate, dangerous, and even fatal impacts of such devices, especially during lawful pro-

tests or demonstrations.”

“This demilitarization ordinance is a necessary piece of our collective action to ensure transparency and accountability in our policing,” Councilor Campbell said. “While I personally believe we should ban weapons like tear gas and rubber bullets from ever being used against civilians, ensuring that the City has a specific, transparent, restrictive policy to guide how and when they are used is absolutely necessary to protect our residents, including our police officers, from harm and injustice at largescale events. I am proud to have partnered with Councilor Arroyo on this legislation since last Spring and to have passed an even stronger version of this ordinance today.”

Before deploying these weapons, a Boston Police Department (BPD) on-scene supervisor at the rank of Deputy Superinten-

ROLE CALL VOTE

NAY YEA

Frank Baker

Felix Arroyo

Kenzie Bok

Michael Flaherty

Liz Breadon

Ed Flynn

Andrea Campbell

dent or higher must personally witness ongoing violence or property destruction and determine that no reasonable methods of de-escalation will be successful. In addition, the same onscene supervisor must give two separate warnings at least two minutes apart announcing to the group that they must disperse, specifying which weapon will be deployed if they fail to disperse, and ensuring that the group has a way to exit.

Violations of the ordinance by any law enforcement member will be reported to oversight agencies and an annual report will be published by the City of Boston. The latest version of the ordinance also requires BPD to maintain, preserve, and produce body camera footage when these weapons are used. BPD will have 90 days to ensure that the provisions of the ordinance are met.

The ordinance requires the Boston Police Department to inform law enforcement agencies operating in Boston of the provisions of the ordinance, as well as incorporate the limitations outlined above into officer training.

Annissa Essaibi George

Lydia Edwards

Julia Mejia

Matt O’Malley

Michelle Wu

8

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

The

Wine Guy

The Lighter Side

S

oon enough, the heat of late spring will be here, (though if April is any indication, it might be a longer wait!) and the wines to have will all be white and rose. There’s still time, however, to have a few good lighter reds; here are some to consider….

Soter Vineyards ‘North Valley’ Pinot Noir 2017, ($25.99) is a Pinot Noir that exhibits strong aromas of bright red fruits, with baking spices and underbrush. The nose is bright and high- toned - very expressive.

Medium- bodied on the palate with a darker fruit profile, the wine is sleek and silky in texture. On the palate, you’ll find black mission figs and plums, with some anise, black

pepper and a little forest floor note.

In the finish, the wine reveals clove and hints of espresso. Soft, youthful tannins are nicely balanced with good acidity. A surprisingly seamless wine for the money.

Louis Jadot, Beaujolais Villages, 2019 ($15.99). This dense and fruity wine was made by Burgundy negociant Louis Jadot. Rich cherry fruits have a balance between dry tannins and juicy fruitiness. The Gamay grapes used to make it quickly turn ripe, giving this wine a pleasant, medium finish. You can try this one with Grilled Lamb Chops and asparagus.

Somewhere along the way, Lambrusco got a bad rap, and people began to see it as a sickly-sweet beverage for not-serious drinkers. I’m sure there is some bad Lambrusco out there, but it’s possible to find great bottles of this light red, fizzy wine from Emilia-Romagna, and you will be delighted at how refreshing, savory, and food-friendly the wines are.

The 2018 Medici Ermete Lambrusco Reggiano Concerto, ($19.99) is a great one to have at the end of the day, out on the patio - light effervescence, notes of cherries, plums and figs with a nice finish make this one

I Was Just Thinking…

by Kevin Devlin

“O

n April 20 in Columbus, Ohio, sixteenyear-old Ma’Khia Bryant was shot by police. Immediately those in the media rushed to judgement saying it was just another killing of an innocent black person

by a police officer. Systemic racism at work again. We must abolish the police. The system is entirely broken.

But their rush to judgement and irresponsible denunciations meant to feed the fire of racial divide were false.

Bryant was holding a knife and was ready to plunge the knife into a girl she had reportedly been arguing with outside on the street. The police officer who arrived on scene had to react immediately to save the life of the girl being attacked

by Bryant. Yes, it surely was a tragedy. Yet, truth be damned, the officer did what he had to do to save the life of another black girl.

Pundits in the media lashed out saying let kids be

kids. Knife fights are okay, an acceptable rite of passage for our youngsters, a normal endeavor to be experienced down their maturational path to adulthood. Progressives and media types who agree with this are being disingenuous to say the least. Open your eyes and speak the truth. And stop dividing us to advance your agendas.

“That’s wrong,” said my seven-year-old grandson, Kevin. “It’s not right to have knife fights.” Tell that to those who continue to twist the narrative while continuing their relentless attacks on the police.

Donavon Brinson, a neighbor, immediately came forward with home-surveillance video of the incident.

He didn’t witness the incident

a great pairing with burgers, pulled pork or pasta dishes.

The 2017 Markham Merlot, Napa, California, ($24.99) is made from several of its Napa vineyards and the relatively short skin contact time, as well as over 30% of it aged in New Oak, gives this one a lighter overall body, with notes of apricot and baking spices on the nose, a nice mouthfeel and a longer than expected finish. Put some Spareribs on the grill, fix a Spring salad and some French-style green beans and enjoy!

Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com

himself. He reviewed the surveillance footage from his home which is located across the street from where the tragic event occurred. On this video, Bryant can he heard screaming, “I’m going to stab the f*** out of you, b****.”

The officer “reacted with what he thought was his best judgement…and did what he thought was best,” Brinson said. “He could have either not fired and the young lady in pink could have got stabbed in the neck or would have been fatally injured and then responded and shot and that would have been two young ladies possibly dead, or he could have responded the way that he did and unfortunately one lady lost her life in the incident that probably could have been avoided,” he concluded.

“You didn’t have to shoot

her! She’s just a kid, man!” a man at the scene shouted at the police officer. Really? So, what should the officer have done? If the officer didn’t act to protect the girl who was “in clear and imminent danger of being stabbed” she would be dead, and the officer would be prosecuted for being negligent in the performance of duty.

But he did do the right thing at the right moment to save a life. Without doubt, it’s a tragedy, but without personal responsibility and self-control, people will continue to act irresponsibly, behave in a dangerous manner, and sadly suffer lifeending consequences. (p.s. For those who want to defund the police, last week in New York City, fifty people were shot and eight died from these shootings.)

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. SU21P0603EA Commonwealth Of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: James Patrick Connolly Date of Death: 03/05/1998 Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617) 788-8300 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy has been filed by Edward T. Ahern of Dorchester MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Edward T. Ahern of Dorchester MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 05/27/2021.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding.

If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court.

Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

April 14, 2021 Felix D. Arroyo, Register of Probate April 29, 2021

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. SU21P0602EA Commonwealth Of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: Lawrence Edward Connolly Date of Death: 02/08/1999 Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617) 788-8300 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy has been filed by Edward T. Ahern of Dorchester MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Edward T. Ahern of Dorchester MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 05/27/2021. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court.

Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

April 21, 2021 Felix D. Arroyo, Register of Probate April 29, 2021

NO MORE WAITING IN LINE !

BOOKING YOUR BARBERSHOP APPOINTMENT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER 649 EAST BROADWAY SOUTH BOSTON 617-752-4729

9

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

SCAN QR CODE WITH YOUR CAMERA PHONE OR BOOK ONLINE

L U X U R Y B O X B A R B E R S H O P . C O M

Family Owned & Operated Since 1929

617-268-4662

 Automatic Delivery Quality Fuel Oil Service Contracts Budgets Discounts Expert Oil Burner Service Complete Heating Service Boiler and Furnace Installations Oil Tank Protection Plans ORDER OIL ONLINE

MetroEnergyBoston.com 641 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127

The Evolution of Oil heat

www.mcmproperties.com

MCM Properties 917 East Broadway, South Boston

617-268-5181

Virtual Public Meeting

PLAN: South Boston / Dot Ave Transportation Study #3 Tuesday, May 11 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3dPI88i Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 639 2768

Event Description Please join the BPDA and BTD for an overview of the draft PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue Transportation Plan - a collaboration with the community, other City departments, and state agencies. The 2016 PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue recognized that as the study area changes in land use and density, the transportation network needs to change in order to make it safe and efficient for all modes of transportation—walking, biking, transit, and vehicles.

A presentation of the draft Transportation Plan and its recommendations will be followed by Q&A and comments. The draft Transportation Plan will also be available for review and comment prior to and after the meeting at bit.ly/plandotave We invite you to join the BPDA and the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) for this project’s third virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 from 6:00–8:00 PM. Please reach out if you require any interpretation or translation services.

Contact: Naoise McDonnell Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4458 | naoise.mcdonnell@boston.gov bostonplans.org

@bostonplans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

10 Girl’s Lacross continued from front page

sports and recreational tracts of land in Boston.

On the heels of what was described as a shoot out of gangs of roaming teenagers and adults, the community has demanded action and protection.

Notwithstanding the fact that this field has had a balance of safety over the years because of how well-maintained and utilized it has been, there has been a spate of bad activity that has to be nipped in the bud. So, the program plans to have surveillance cameras installed, monitoring the area and a more active police presence has begun and will continue.

Straight from its website: Parks and Recreation Division touts Moakley Park as one of its gems.

“MAKE MOAKLEY YOURS!” What is Moakley Park for you and your family? Explore your children’s imagination with our downloadable Moakley Park drawing and coloring activities! We love seeing everyone’s ideas. Share your finished masterpiece by tagging

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

#MakeMoakleyYours, or send an email back to us at allison.perlman@boston.gov.

But this vision was jeopardized by thugs and criminals who need to be removed from the civility that everyone should enjoy, not only in South Boston but in the neighborhoods all across the city. Working with elected officials, the City administration, residents and other users of the park, this is a step that needs to be taken and the decision to beef up police aggressively and utilize technology to add a layer of security is just as important.

This was a shootout that left a woman injured, striking fear into nearby kids playing sports and sparking furor among their parents and local politicians who want the big park to be safer.

“A lot of people were at that field just yards away from that shooting,” Ann Kane of Boston Youth Lacrosse said on a Zoom meeting last Wednesday night attended by parents, pols and cops a

day after the exchange of gunfire in the park. “We have a number of kids who were exposed to gun violence and an active shooter.”

One parent in the Zoom call said there were about 100 “hooligans” around the basketball court when someone opened fire, sending bullets right past him.

At the time, South Boston C-6 Police Capt. Joe Boyle told the parents there was a cookout there — and that there were people with “different affiliations with different gangs” in the park, leading to the “exchange of gunfire.” He said they’d beef up patrols in the park.

City Councilor Ed Flynn said he’d like to see 300 to 400 new cops hired every year over the next decade in order to fill out the force and keep up with the wave of retirements State Sen. Nick Collins, whose district includes the area, said, “People deserve to feel safe, and we need effective policing to make sure of that so you can go to a park.

That requires adequate funding of

April 29, 2021

our public safety departments.”

State Representative David Biele said, “Our children and families deserve to feel safe in their communities and I will work with colleagues in government so people can feel safe using our parks and fields.”

City Councilor Michael Flaherty said, “The Boston Parks Department and Boston Police Department need to collaborate immediately to get this under control,” Flaherty said. “That means no gangs, no guns, no public drinking, no discarded needles and no homeless encampments.”

Also, in addition to Lynch, Collins, Flynn and Flaherty, Representative David Biele, Councilor Frank Baker, Mayoral candidates Annissa Essaibi George and Michelle Wu were in attendance, as were Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods, Lacrosse league representative Erin Brogan, Ed Maguire as well as C-6 police – Captain Joe Boyle, Sgt. Steven McNeil, CSO Sean Sullivan and CSO Dudley Hill.

April 29, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

11

12

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

April 29, 2021

Mass! Grades 2, 3 and 4 attended the Easter Week School Mass at St. Brigid on Thursday, April 8, 2021 with Grades 4A & B leading in the celebration. All the other classes joined in the celebration by accessing the live link of the Mass on the St. Brigid Parish Website while in their individual classrooms. Father Christopher Boyle, was the celebrant at this Mass.

Thank you to Ms. Szmurlo, the Art Teacher, for the colorful Easter Art projects she did with the students.

This year for their Easter celebration, K1 read the book “Chicks Run Wild” Students then traced circles to

create their own crazy baby chicks.

In 5th grade, we worked on patterns and color to create Easter eggs!

Thank you to Ms. Brogan, the Physical Education Teacher, for organizing a fun Easter Egg Hunt for the students of South Boston Catholic Academy! Students had a chance to go on an Easter Egg Hunt at M Street Park and had a fun time finding and collecting Easter eggs and then they celebrated their hard work with some Easter candy! New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.

Compass on the Bay Hosts Spring Weekend of Service

event like this again in the future.”

Located on Columbia Road in South Boston, Compass on the Bay is an Assisted Living community dedicated exclusively to those with memory loss. For more information on Compass on the Bay or its enriching lifelong learning programming model, please visit www.

CompassontheBay.com.

April Highlights

T

hank you to Ms. Hoisl and her Grade 6 students for guiding us in a special prayer service on Holy Thursday, April 1, 2021!

Grade 6 did a wonderful job creating the 14 posters representing the Stations of the Cross and guiding us in praying as we reflected on Jesus’ crucifixion. The Stations of the Cross are commonly found in churches as a series of 14 small icons or images.

The Scriptural significance of the Stations of the Cross is to detail the

T

he outdoor gardens at Compass on the Bay in South Boston are looking as colorful as ever thanks to a group of volunteers who took part in the Memory Support Assisted Living community’s Spring Weekend of Service. During the weekend event, volunteers from

path Jesus walked on his way to the eventual redemption of humanity.

Father Robert Casey, the Pastor, and Father Christopher Boyle, the Parochial Vicar, came and said a special prayer and along with Dr. Helenann Civian, the Principal, wished everyone a Blessed and Happy Easter at this school prayer service.

Thank you to Ms. Gibbs and Mrs. Dawson and their students in Grades 4A & B for doing such a terrific job at the Easter Week School Mass and to Ms. Tynan, the Music Teacher, for providing the beautiful music at this

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services, Northeastern University, and the Sigma Kappa sorority at Northeastern spent time gardening, hosting trivia games, and getting to know residents.

“It’s always a fun time when we have students come in to take part

A Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences volunteer and Compass on the Bay resident Janice Andrews (right)

in intergenerational programming with residents, but to have them devote their weekend to service projects like this was really special,” said Compass on the Bay Executive Director Jenna Petrenko. “We really want to thank all of the volunteers and we hope to be able to host an

Compass on the Bay resident Edie Munroe (left) with volunteer Syra Medhi (right)

Compass on the Bay resident Jenna Fitzgerald

13

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

April 29, 2021

sdfg sdfgsdfg sdfgdsfgsdfgdsd

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on Massachusetts reopening stadiums to full capacity:

W

hen it comes to COVID-19, there’s never really been much that’s made sense. Even talking to typically logical human beings about the vaccine in recent weeks, the contradictions are endless.

So, it’s good to see that Massachusetts is ready to lift all capacity restrictions beginning on Aug. 1.

That means, the Red Sox can sell out Fenway Park for the final two months of this season, the Patriots can begin their 2021 campaign with a full house at Gillette Stadium, and the Bruins and Celtics can begin their 2021-22 seasons inside of a sold-out TD Garden.

I’m sure you’re going to get some that will push back on reopening these large venues to 100 percent capacity. But let us all remember, anyone who’s pushing back on that is truly a lost cause when it comes to dealing with COVID-19.

I had someone tell me the other day that they got the vaccine, but because they have young kids, they’re still going to “play it safe.” I don’t even know what that means. Neither did the person who said it. But they said it anyways, because they’re now

programmed to live the rest of their life as if they’re one handshake away from dropping dead to a COVID infection.

The way I see it, either the vaccine works or it doesn’t. If it works, and you want to get it, then get it. And if you get it, and it works, then don’t spend the rest of your life living in fear, bothering everyone around you with the same question at every turn: “Did you get the vaccine?”

If Fenway Park reopens to 100 percent capacity in August, and you go to a game as a fully-vaccinated individual, are you going to spend the entire game wondering how many people around you are also vaccinated? I would hope not. That’s the point of a fullyfunctioning vaccine. Once you get it — if it works — then you should have nothing to worry about, because, well, you’re vaccinated.

But if you’re telling me that you think the vaccine might not be fully-functional and you still have questions about it, then why are you going to continue to pressure others to get a vaccine that doesn’t actually work?

This all seems like a simple concept to understand. But the

SOUTHIE AUTO SERVICE EXPERT AUTO BODY REPAIRS

Insurance Work Our Specialty Free Estimates

Complete Automobile Service 24 Hour Towing

175 Old Colony Avenue • South Boston, MA 02127 Tel./Fax • 617-268-2772 • TONY • HUBIE

problem is, we’ve all been brainwashed by extreme fear over he last year, that the facts are being ignored by some really smart, usually-sensible individuals.

Given the state’s reopening plans in August, it would seem that everyone is functioning under the idea that the vaccines do work and that once you get the vaccine, you should have nothing to worry about, other than getting to the game or concert on time. So if you’re out there today, and you’re fighting this reopening strategy, please do us all a favor and take a couple deep breaths, go outside for a long walk, and understand that we need to stop living our lives in fear.

If it makes you feel any better, here’s a statement from Gillette Stadium officials, who seem thrilled to get things back to normal: “We are so excited to hear Governor Charlie Baker’s announcement today that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is officially increasing large venue capacities to 25 percent beginning May 10 and 100 percent on August 1. This is not only great news for our teams and all our fans, but

more importantly represents a final step in the state’s COVID response plan and a much-anticipated return to normalcy.

“After waiting more than 400 days, we finally reopened Gillette Stadium to fans this past Saturday when we welcomed over 7,000 Revolution fans to the home opener. With today’s news, we look forward to expanding our venue’s capacity and hosting full-capacity crowds once again at Gillette Stadium this summer.

“We can’t thank Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and their staff enough for their continued efforts to safely navigate the response to COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.

We have been partnering with the state for over a year and are proud that by the end of the week we will have successfully vaccinated over 500,000 people at Gillette Stadium since January. As we move forward with this final step, we are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for any fan attending an event at Gillette Stadium and look forward to advancing our plans to fully reopen.”

I’m looking forward to it as well.

Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.

The Shamr ck

501 East Eighth Street, South Boston, MA 02127

OPEN:

Thursday & Sunday 10:00 am – 12 MIDNIGHT Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 am Serving full menu till 8:00 pm - Revised menu after 8:00 pm

www.shamrockpubboston.com

14

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

SPORTS TODAY FENWAY, GARDEN Tweet of the TO INCREASE Week CAPACITY IN MAY

G

SBT Staff

overnor Charlie Baker announced this week that Massachusetts will take another step towards a full reopen by increasing capacity for large venues throughout the state.

Effective Monday, May 10, indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and ballparks that are currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 of Massachusetts’ COVID reopening

plan will be permitted to increase capacity from 12 percent to 25 percent. That includes Fenway Park and the TD Garden.

Both Fenway Park and the TD Garden reopened their doors to fans on March 22, allowing 12 percent capacity as part of Phase 4, Step 1. Since then, COVID case rates have dropped by 20 percent. The positivity rate has now dropped to the lowest levels recorded since last summer.

April 29, 2021

WHATTOWATCH

L

ast year’s NFL Draft was a virtual event, thanks to COVID-19. But this year, the league’s three-day event will return to the main event stage. This time, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The first round begins on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET. The second and third rounds will take place the following night, on Friday at 7 P.M. And rounds four through seven will start at Noon on Saturday.

All eyes in New England will be on the Patriots, who have the 15th overall pick in the first round on Thursday night. So far, there have been all kinds of rumors regarding what Bill Belichick will do with

that pick. Some reports have him trading back in typical Patriots fashion, while other reports are telling us to look out for Belichick to trade up in order to draft one of the quarterbacks projected to be taken early on.

Overall, the Patriots have 10 picks in this year’s draft. That number of picks could change, of course, and probably will. But heading in, the Pats own 10 picks.

After pick No. 15 in the first round on Thursday night, the Patriots have the 14th pick in the second round (46th overall) and the 33rd pick in the third round (96th overall) on Friday night. On the final day of the draft, on Saturday, the Patriots have

NHL THURSDAY, APRIL 29 Buffalo at Boston 7 P.M. NESN SATURDAY, MAY 1 Buffalo at Boston 1 P.M. NESN NBA FRIDAY, APRIL 30 San Antonio at Boston 7:30 P.M. NBCSB SUNDAY, MAY 2 Portland at Boston 7:30 P.M. NBCSB HORSE RACING SATURDAY, MAY 1 Kentucky Derby 6:57 P.M. NBC MLB SUNDAY, MAY 2 Boston at Texas 2:35 P.M. NESN

If all goes according to plan through the summer, restrictions on all businesses in Massachusetts will be lifted and capacity will increase to 100 percent for all industries on Aug. 1.

The Red Sox’ first game at Fenway Park with the increased 25 percent capacity will be on Tuesday, May 11 against the Oakland Athletics. Their first game at Fenway with 100 percent capacity will be on Tuesday, Aug. 10

2021 NFL DRAFT BEGINS THURSDAY NIGHT SBT Staff

NFL THURSDAY, APRIL 29 2021 Draft Round 1 8 P.M. ESPN/NFLN

three picks in the fourth round: 15th (120th overall), 17th (122nd overall), and 34th (139th overall). Then they have the 33rd pick in the fifth round (177th overall), followed by two picks in the sixth round: 4th (188th overall) and 13th (197th overall).

Their final pick in round seven is 15th (242nd overall).

There will be plenty of trade rumors all weekend long as well, and the Patriots will surely be mentioned as names like Jimmy Garoppolo and Julio Jones come up.

Some NFL insiders believe the San Francisco 49ers will be open to trading Garoppolo after they acquired the No. 3 overall pick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. However, Garoppo-

against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Over at the TD Garden, the Bruins’ first game with the increased 25 percent capacity will be on Monday, May 10 against the New York Islanders. That will be the B’s last home game of the regular season.

The Celtics’ first home game with the increased 25 percent capacity will be on Tuesday, May 11 against the Miami Heat. That will also be the C’s last home game of the regular season. lo’s hefty salary and no-trade clause will make that more difficult than the NFL insiders portray.

And as for Jones, reports suggest that the Atlanta Falcons are considering moving the star wide receiver.

Jones, 32, has three more years left on his current contract through the 2023 season, but with an opt-out after the 2022 season. Atlanta owns the No. 4 overall pick.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the team already on the clock though, as they have the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday night. All signs point to the Jaguars taking Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

The New York Jets will pick at No. 2 overall, followed by the 49ers at No. 3, the Falcons at No. 4, and the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 5, to round out the top five.