South Boston Today May 13 2021

SouthBoston TODAY Online • On Your Mobile • At Your Door

May 13, 2021: Vol.9 Issue 19

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

Americans Want To Work

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONTODAY.COM

P

oston T

ay

S o ut

hB

od

resident Joe Biden said on Monday, responding to last week’s underwhelming April jobs report, “We’re going to make it clear that anyone collecting unemployment, who was offered a suitable job, must take the job or lose their unemployment benefits,” and added, “We don’t see much evidence of that.

The report showed fewer jobs created than expected: 260,000 versus 1 million. It was the weakest month of job growth since January. “We knew this would not be a 100-day battle,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told reporters at

@SBostonToday

ads@southbostontoday.com

@SBostonToday

CONTINUED ON page 6

“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

May 13, 2021

EDITORIAL Progress On Loud Parties And More To Come

S

outh Boston was loud again over the weekend, but not quite as loud as the weekend before. Is progress being made? There were fewer reported raging parties and some of the ‘problem properties’ it seems got the message that this neighborhood is not an amusement park, a circus or Mardi Gras North.

Absentee landlords, whose properties are on the list as problems are receiving letters advising them to pay attention and commit to doing something about the issue, as it’s becoming a major concern to so many residents. Otherwise, consequences in the form of large fines could be coming soon.

And for those who are so irresponsibly allowing this community to be continuously disrupted from Friday evening till Sunday afternoon, and say it’s just the original Southie residents complaining, as it turns out, it’s not the case at all. People who are fed up with the noise are among all demographics who reside here.

There are just as many newcomers to the area calling in to complain as are long time residents, because people have had enough. Blaring music, yelling and screaming and the sounds of smashing bottles isn’t something most people want to hear all night and into the morning hours.

As was stated, it was a bit calmer last weekend, but more work needs to be done and is being done by concerned residents who have been working closely with police and local elected officials.

City Councilors Mike Flaherty and Ed Flynn are themselves doing drive arounds, monitoring the situation and observing firsthand the problem properties.

Again, it should be stated that a lot of the complaints and building tension could be avoided, if the partiers would show concern for the neighborhood. It’s a good bet that throwing trash around, causing vandalism, being loud enough to almost wake the dead are not

things they would do in the places that they originally came from.

Remember, to get respect, you must show respect. If not, the brewing resentment will turn to more serious problems and the trouble that could follow would be wise to avoid.

“I like to say what I think and if it happens to push buttons, sorry” - Miranda Lambert

Kevin Devlin’s trilogy of the “Southie Pact” & “A Collection of Stories” now available on AMAZON. COM

Publisher

John Ciccone

info@southbostontoday.com PO Box 491 South Boston, MA 02127

Advertising Office 617.268.4032

Mobile 617.840.1355

email ads@southbostontoday.com

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 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

3

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

May 13, 2021

Information Center The

Say Good-Bye To Hollywood And Hello To Gas Shortages?

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

T

he talk all over the country is that the possibility of gas shortages could be hitting the United States. Just the sound of that brings back memories of long lines at gas stations to buy a few gallons, if there were even any available. It’s a dark part of America’s history, when Jimmy Carter was president. Carter, a Democrat, is being compared in so many ways to the Democrat in the White House now. Carter and Joe Biden have so much in common. Incompetence and being in way over their heads are among the biggest comparisons. A faltering economy, weakness being projected to our enemies around the world, a renewed invasion at our southern border, declining confidence in what lies ahead for our country by much of the public and now possible gas shortages have arrived in less than 4 months.

As it’s being said – America had finally reached energy independence for the first time in 50 years under President Trump and now we may be at the mercy of OPEC once again with potential fuel shortages that would negatively impact our country and the lifestyle of its people. And it has happened just since Biden was sworn in. But it seems to some it was all worth it, because Trump said mean things.

In Arizona, the recount for the 2020 election is still going on because of growing evidence of massive voter fraud in that state, as well as other states. The Democrats are throwing up huge roadblocks and spending millions of dollars to stop the recount. They insist there was no fraud, but if they really thought that then they would want the recount to go on to prove it was fair. When such a big effort to stop this recount is happening, because

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

the Dems say there was no cheating, it just serves to convince even more Americans that yes - there was cheating.

From time to time, this column makes fun of all the Hollywood award shows such as the Oscars, the Emmy’s, the Golden Globes etc. They’ve become a spectacle and not in the way that they once were with great entertainment and talent on display. We make fun of them now, because they have turned into boring displays of egos by insufferable actors and actresses, preening for the cameras, giving each other awards and scolding the rest of America about how we live our lives. Seeing the size of the TV viewing audiences for these shows dwindle and drop by more than 50% with each passing season, I have to admit, gives many of us pleasure. Even the live, in person/on site audiences are being bolstered by paid seat fillers. Many have been predicting that, because these dismal shows are dropping so much in popularity that someday, they would not even exist any longer. Well, it looks like it has begun. The upcoming Golden Globes won’t even be televised this year. Hollywood is in turmoil and its ‘cancel culture’ is now actually cancelling itself. Talk about turning on one another and ‘eating their own’.

Actors like Tom Cruise and others are returning their awards from previous years, because they say Hollywood is guilty of racism, and that it has been promoting an intentional a lack of diversity.

Aren’t these some of the same things ‘Tinsel Town’ accuses the rest of America of?

Comedian Ricky Gervais, who is now hated by Hollywood be-

cause he calls out the hypocrisy of actors and producers, had this to say. “It appears that Hollywood seems to be cancelling itself. Who knew that it would actually ‘woke’ itself out of existence”? Personally, I’ve never been someone who takes pleasure in the misfortunes of others. Most Americans aren’t.

But in the case of the Hollywood hypocrites, many of us can make an exception.

To end with a good news note, it seems the anti-police movement that was spreading like wildfire by radicals in many parts of the coun-

try is in a free fall. Support for law enforcement is roaring back as millions of Americans, seeing the folly and the danger from those who demand that police be defunded and even abolished, are rising up and expressing solidarity with the men and women in blue. This week was ‘Support Police Week 2021’ and its being celebrated openly and with new meaning. ‘Back the Blue’ is the battle cry being shouted loudly and proudly at the leftists in this country who would tie the hands of those who are sworn to protect and serve. And that’s a beautiful thing.

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

May 13, 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.

Act I, Scene 3: Senate unveils $47.6B budget with film tax-credit plot twist Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts House have already unveiled their proposed budgets.

Yesterday, it was the Senate’s turn. From SHNS’s Chris Lisinski: “Senate Democrats rolled out their $47.6 billion fiscal year 2022 state budget proposal on Tuesday, proposing an annual spending plan that reforms taxes for pass-through companies, overhauls the film tax credit program, and expands support for lower-income residents in the wake of the pandemic’s devastation.” The Globe’s Matt Stout and the Herald’s Erin Tiernan have more – while CommonWealth’s Bruce Mohl zeroes in on the Senate’s proposal to pare back the state’s film tax credit, setting up a budget-talks showdown with the House. Meanwhile, from Christian Wade at the Salem News: “Senate budget calls for child care tax refund.”

Zero deaths As Universal Hub’s Adam Gaffin notes, the number may be revised upward in coming days. But it’s still a most welcome number: There were 0 (zero) reported coronavirus deaths yesterday in Massachusetts, the first time in a long time there were no recorded Covid-related deaths in the state. And another milestone was surpassed yesterday, as NBC Boston reports: More than 3 million people are now fully vaccinated in Massachusetts.

Biden to Baker: ‘You’re doing a hell of a job’ Can someone get Gus Bickford some smelling salts? Yes, President Joe Biden, a Democrat, yesterday heaped praise on Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, for his handling of the state’s vaccination efforts, as the Berkshire Eagle’s Larry Parness and the Herald’s Erin Tiernan report. You would think the

Massachusetts State Republican Party would be plastering Biden’s comments all over its website. But you’d think wrong -- at least as of this morning. Maybe Jim Lyons needs smelling salts too?

‘Charlie Baker’s big bounce back’ Gov. Charlie Baker was bouncing back before President Biden’s “you’re doing a hell of a job” comment yesterday. But the bounce was made bigger by the president’s praise of the state’s successful vaccination program that wasn’t so successful only a short while ago, as the Globe’s Scot Lehigh writes.

And along the same lines, there’s this from the Globe’s Emma Platoff: “For Baker, vaccine rollout has gone from political nightmare to point of pride.”

Throwing everything at it: Walk-in clinics, Lyft rides, gift cards, baseball tickets, even fishing licenses They’re going all-out to get as many people as possible vaccinated. In his virtual meeting with President Biden yesterday, Gov. Charlie Baker said the state’s new walk-in policy at massvaccination sites seems to be working, as MassLive reports (scroll down).

Meanwhile, from WCVB: “State, CIC Health program offering free Lyft rides to get vaccinated.” But it’s hard to beat this Maine program, via NBC Boston: “Maine Reveals Vaccine Incentives: Gift Cards, Baseball Tickets, Fishing Licenses.” And we’re talking LL Bean gift cards. Gov. Baker, take note: Dunkin’ Donuts is headquartered in Massachusetts.

The next vax battle: Requiring kids to get back-to-school shots Things could get testy this fall.

With the fed approval earlier this week of Pfizer’s vaccine for adolescents, the Globe’s Felicia Gans and Nick Stoico dive into the next logical continued on page 6

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 May 13, 2021

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. SU21P0602EA Commonwealth Of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: Lawrence Edward Connelly Also known as: 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 May 13, 2021

May 13, 2021

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF IN-PERSON CRITICAL CITY SERVICES Increased in-person service hours at City Hall, reopening of some BCYF day programs, and staggered reopening of BPL all eyed for June

M

ayor Kim Janey announced the upcoming expansion of in-person city services at Boston City Hall, the Boston Public Library system (BPL), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF). These

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

services will expand access to in-person city services and programming and opportunities for Boston families ahead of summer, as public health metrics continue to improve.

“As the City prepares for summer and our continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we bring more city services back in person, especially as our public health metrics improve,” said Mayor Janey. “I want to thank all of our city departments that pivoted at the beginning of the pandemic to continue to deliver critical services to residents safely.

I’m excited to welcome back more residents to City Hall and for the joy that reopening our libraries and city-sponsored summer programming will bring.”

As of May 4, 2021, 44.3 percent of Bostonians are fully vaccinated, and 64.5 percent have received at least one dose. The citywide community positivity rate continues to decrease, dropping to 2.4 percent, with no neighborhoods above the 5.0 percent threshold. New positive tests in the City of Boston decreased by 28 percent over the past week, averaging 80.1 new positive tests per day. The total number of COVID-19 tests conducted in Boston remained stable at 2,960 tests, a decrease of 1% in the past week.

COVID-related emergency room visits decreased by 6 percent over a two week period, and the percentage of occupied non-surgical ICU beds is 91 percent, under the

threshold of 95 percent. We currently have 75 COVID-19 patients in Boston hospitals. That is one of the lowest numbers recorded since the start of the pandemic.

The Boston Public Health Commission closely tracks six core metrics to monitor the progress of the City’s response, to guide decision making and to shape our response moving forward. The metrics being monitored include trends related to the number of positive tests, overall positivity and how COVID-19 is impacting our healthcare system.

Due to continuing improvement in the City’s COVID-19 metrics, the following service changes will take effect in the coming weeks: Boston City Hall Starting Monday, June 7, 2021, Boston City Hall will be open to the public by appointment only for a fourth day each week. In addition to Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, residents will be able to make in-person appointments on Monday as well. For the latest status of City departments, visit here.

Boston Public Library The Boston Public Library will reopen for limited in-person services in June. With these expanded services, BPL will prioritize bringing back critical services that help residents with economic and educational recovery, and will be scheduling robust summer programming for both adults and youth. All reopening plans will follow the latest public health guidance,

5 and BPL will provide further information in the coming weeks.

Boston Center for Youth & Families (BCYF) Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) will increase its youth programming to align with Phase Four, Step One of the Reopening Massachusetts plan.

This will allow for the expansion of programming for children and youth, including arts and crafts, fitness classes, and game nights.

Additionally, BCYF will offer summer day programs at several centers this summer, including Camp Joy, which provides programming for children and young adults with special needs. BCYF will provide further updates about their summer programming in the coming weeks, all in accordance with public health guidance. For more information, visit boston. gov/BCYF. “Boston’s long fight against COVID-19 is starting to bring the end of this pandemic into view,” said Mayor Janey. “I’ve asked my chiefs of Health and Human Services and Economic Development to take a look at accelerating Boston’s reopening timeline, in light of improving public health metrics across all of Boston’s communities.”

The City of Boston will continue to monitor public health metrics and adjust services and openings based on the latest COVID-19 data and trends. For more information on reopening, visit boston.gov/reopening.

2021 South Boston Sr Babe Ruth Baseball Tryouts Tryouts will take place on Tuesday May 18th and Thursday May 20th at 5:30pm at King Field at Joe Moakley Park.

All players aged 16-18 are eligible to play and those who have turned 19 on January 1st of this year or after are also eligible to play. We are hoping the regular season will be able to begin the first week of June.

Any player interested in signing up can reach out to Billy Connor at wconnor16@gmail.com.

6

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

I Was Just Thinking…

O

by Kevin Devlin

ne evening I was drinking in public down at the Savin Hill beach. I was

Windows continued from page 4

question: Should students be required to get shots in order to go back to school? It may come down to what individual school districts decide.

Joining in: In reversal, Salem rescinds outdoor mask order Everyone seems to be getting on the same page. The Salem Board of Health has voted to rescind its local mask mandate, making it one of the last communities to fall in line behind Gov. Baker’s move to relax the order statewide, Dustin Luca at the Salem News reports.

The amphibious option: Janey

a teenager and thought I knew everything and figured I had all the right answers. As I was enjoying a cold one up at the rock overlooking the beach, Boston Police arrived on scene. The two officers who approached me gave me a break and told me to leave. I left and so did they. Yet I returned shortly afterwards, grabbed the beers I had hidden away, and began drinking again. I showed them. But they returned and threw me, and rightfully so, into the squad car. My arrogance and disregard for authority and the law was my undoing.

As they were driving to Station Eleven the officer turned to me and said, in effect, “We gave

floats idea of ferries landing at Long Island Quincy had better shore up its beach defenses just in case. The Globe’s Danny McDonald and the Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter and Erin Tiernan report that Acting Mayor Kim Janey is now reviewing plans to turn Long Island into an addiction recovery center – and using ferries to get people there until, or if, a new bridge is built.

For the record: Boston’s mayoral field is indeed diverse The Globe’s Meghan Irons reports that a Tuesday deadline to pull

Work...continued from front page

the White House. “Today’s jobs report underscores the long-haul climb back to recovery.”

Some employers say that they’re finding it difficult to find workers, even though millions of people are still out of work and Republican critics argue that’s because of the checks Americans are receiving from the coronavirus stimulus package. Hiring unexpectedly slowed last month, as businesses struggled to keep pace with booming demand from newly vaccinated customers.

A fast-food restaurant in one town has a sign looking for people to staff the drivethru and they’re offering a $500 signing bonus, according to one report.

The unemployment rate rose to 6.1%, from 6% in March, partly because hundreds of thousands of people joined the workforce.

May 13, 2021

you a break but you’re a punk, nothin’ but an ass____.” My response was, I’m not an ass___, you’re the ass___.” With that the officer cracked me right in the face. And I deserved it. I was wrong. He was right. I abused their gracious gesture to allow me to leave without being arrested for public drinking.

Right there and then, at that moment in my life, the slap on my noggin made me realize how wrong I was, how stupid my behavior was towards the two officers. After that moment in my life, I never again disrespected the law. Never disrespected the police. I had learned my lesson that there are consequences for one’s behavior if one misbehaves and breaks the law.

And that brings me to what’s hap-

pening today in our nation.

People commit crimes, serious crimes including those of a violent nature, not just public drinking, and when they are brought in to face the music, the music is turned off. They walk out of the court smiling and laughing to themselves. Then commit the same crime again or other crimes because they realize suffering any consequences just isn’t going to happen to them.

They’re smart and know they can commit crimes with impunity because the system is inept, broken on purpose by those who prefer to cuddle the criminals rather than protect the general public.

Too bad those in authority weren’t as smart as the criminals who understand they don’t have to do the time if they do the crime.

papers for city office came and went in Boston – and so it’s official: “For the first time, all of the major candidates identify as people of color.”

Or as Universal Hub put it the other week: “Looks like no Irish-American candidates for mayor this year.”

In other mayoral-race news, from the Globe’s Adrian Walker: “Once an outsider, Barros now runs for Boston mayor from the inside.” And we’re not sure Acting Mayor Kim Janey can take too many of these types of headlines, via UH: “As Boston Covid-19 rate drops, city announces vague plans for re-opening libraries, offers a few more specifics

on community centers.”

Biden administration OKs Vineyard Wind, Trump warns Martha’s Vineyard Doug Fraser at the Cape Cod Times reports that the Biden administration yesterday approved construction of the Vineyard Wind project – which will make it the first commercialscale offshore wind project in the U.S., as the Washington Post reports.

But former President Donald Trump yesterday couldn’t resist bellowing his somewhat misleading thoughts on the matter, as the Herald’s Marie Szaniszlo reports.

The labor market is still far from fully recovered. Even with last month’s gains, there are still 8.2 million fewer workers on payrolls than there were before the pandemic.

Job gains for March were also revised down, from 916,000 to 770,000.

Nearly a third of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated. But many people are still vulnerable to COVID-19, and some are wary of returning to work, especially in settings where they could be exposed to the virus. Others are busy caring for sick relatives or looking after children whose schools have not yet reopened.

Rep. Kevin Brady, a Republican from Texas and the ranking minority member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee wrote “ The U.S. job growth for the month of April fell far below what experts had predict-

ed. Democrats are paying 4 in 10 jobless more to stay home than to return to work.”

In his Monday remarks to reporters, Biden pushed back on the suggestion that funds from the progressive relief package were being abused in any meaningful way and encouraged employers to offer competitive wages to court Americans back into the workforce, stating that “No one should be allowed to game the system.”

“We’ll insist that the law is followed with respect to benefits. But we’re not going to turn our backs on our fellow Americans. Twentytwo million people lost their jobs in this pandemic through no fault of their own. They lost their jobs to a virus, and to a government that bungled its response to the crisis and failed to protect them,” Biden said.

“Americans want to work, he said”.

7

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

May 13, 2021

ABCD Announces Summer Job Programs, Apply Immediately!

A

BCD (Action for Boston Community Development) announced the launch of their summer job programs for Boston youth ages 14 to 21.

Income-eligible youth are urged to apply to ABCD SummerWorks immediately. Participants can earn a paycheck while gaining skills that will help prepare them to return to school in person through meaningful work that gives back to the community, mentoring, and job readiness workshops. Together with partner employers, the programs will offer safe onsite opportunities as well as online project-based work.

After the most difficult year in memory, these programs also have the potential to bring peace, hope, and vision to young people, families, and the city overall. “Programs like ABCD SummerWorks allow our young people to access meaningful employment opportunities. These programs

are essential and allow for experiences and skills that can benefit participants and their host organizations for years to come,” said Mayor Kim Janey.

“If you’re a young person, apply. If you’re an employer, hire. Supporting our young talent and talent pipeline is more essential than ever.”

ABCD is a long standing partner in the Mayor’s Summer Jobs program.

President/CEO John J. Drew thanks Mayor Janey and her administration for deepening ABCD’s long standing partnership with the City. He emphasized that the need is greater than ever. “The pandemic compounded the social and economic obstacles that our youngsters already faced. They became isolated and, with COVIDrelated disruptions affecting their families, had a tough time keeping up academically. Today, we can provide them with a peaceful, purposeful, and productive summer,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew.

Thousands of youth would benefit Currently, ABCD can fund 1,000 youth, but the need is far greater.

No young person living in Boston who wants a paid summer job should be left behind. That’s why ABCD urgently requests Boston area businesses, funders, and philanthropists to step up and donate to our proven programs. Joining this effort will assure that all eligible youth get the opportunity to work while learning skills that will last a lifetime.

The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in Boston The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the lower-income communities of color. People have lost jobs; and many, considered essential workers, were exposed to the coronavirus more than other populations.

Their health suffered and they have lost loved ones in greater numbers than other communities.

In addition, due to the state of emergency, young people were

suddenly isolated, without access to technology, the internet, and their peers—the connections they needed to keep up in school and in life.

ABCD SummerWorks offers an immediate solution as well as skills and experience that will last a lifetime.

Refer youth to ABCD SummerWorks!

ABCD asks community organizations to refer prospective participants to their programs without delay.

CONTACT INFORMATION ABCD SummerWorks Boston youth who are 14-21 can apply via the SummerWorks application on summerworks.net.

Questions? Email summerworksinfo@bostonabcd.org or call 617.348.6548. Donations gratefully accepted.

ABCD is grateful for private donations to support our youth programs, emergency services including food security, rental assistance, and others. To make a donation, call 617-348-6559, email give@bostonabcd.org or visit bostonabcd.org/donate.

GoFundMe Effort To Support Will Good’s Recovery

W

ill Good, a popular South Boston resident from a close-knit family (parents-Jane and Bill, sister-Elizabeth), was an Uber passenger in a serious car accident on his way home from work, early in the morning of Friday, April 30th.

This is a statement from the GOFundMe page: “Will has suffered a significant neck and spinal injury and is currently in MGH’s Neurology ICU. We don’t know what the future will look like for Will, but we do know he faces a long road to recovery. Our goal is to raise funds to help cover his hospital and rehab needs and allow him to live independently. Will Good has touched our lives, whether through his work in so many of Boston’s great restaurants, screaming the lyrics of his newest song, bumping shoulders in the pit or on a bar stool, or walking through the

neighborhoods of Boston he’s called home his whole life.

We know this year has been financially straining for most people, and we thank you for any amount that you can provide. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts. Will is lucky to have so many people in his corner, any funds that are not used for his needs

will be paid forward in donation to Spaulding Recovery, whose mission is to provide care, promote education, and advance rehabilitative research.”

If you wish to help, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ s93t5-will-good-recovery- fund?utm_ campaign=p_cp_url&utm_ medium=os&utm_source=customer

380 Dorchester Ave. South Boston

“Your Local Print Shop”

thespotclothing.com

617-752-4771

8

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

The

Wine Guy

For The Warmth Ahead

W

hen the warmth inevitably arrives, it’ll better to have any or all of these on hand, than to run out looking for them. The consensus from people in the business is that the 2018 vintage from France will be not only the best quality of the last three years, but the great yields will take some pressure off price increases.

Wine like Figuiere Rose Signature Magali, 2018, Cotes de Provence, ($22.99) is a great example. Figuiere wines are the

product of an unparalleled union between Provence and Burgundy, the La Londe terroir and the mastery of craft winemakers specialized in great Burgundy whites. The result is mineral and fruity wines that are understated and unexpected, with citrus and red berry notes on the nose and strong peach and nectarine flavors on the finish.

Kettmeir Pinot Grigio, 2017, Alto Adige/Sudtirol, ($22.99), is another. Since 1919, Kettmeir has been at the heart of winemaking in Alto Adige, the lush Alpine region it calls home. This wine is naturally low in acidity but really bursting with flavors and aromas of stone fruit, citrus, honeysuckle, pear and almond. This style is aromatic (think rose and honey) and richly textured; it’ll stand up nicely to spicy Asian food, as well as grilled white meats and pungent cheeses.

Bodegas Muga Blanco, 2017, Rioja, Spain, ($18.99), is another wine that’s been overshadowed by the red wines from this area. Time to take a look at this surprisingly complex, yet, easy-drinking wine, though, as it’s now available in greater quantities in our area. Tim Atkins says, “Muga’s new-oak fer-

mented white blend of mostly Viura with some Malvasia and Garnacha Blanc is sometimes overlooked by Rioja lovers keen to sample their reds, but it’s a very well made wine with subtle wood, toast, pear and citrus flavours and poised, refreshing acidity.” This wine is great with vegetable dishes, rice, fish and shellfish, tapas and white sauce pasta recipes.

Domaine William Fevre, 2017, Chablis, AOC, France, ($29.99), is the quintessential

t u o heck

C

May 13, 2021

Chablis wine. The 2017 village Chablis has a dusty, chalky, austere, wet granite nose with a great crystalline purity and impressive saline notes. The palate is fresh and crisp, with an acidity that brings out green apples, crunchy fruits, lemongrass, pineapple and lime peel nuancesvery complex and layered. Like all the best 2017s, there is a potent marine, sea breeze influence on the finish. As you might guess, a natural for shellfish, especially lobster.

Gift Cards Available We Take Reservations

test t o h e th nt a r u a t es new r town! in

15% Off Before 6pm for Dine-In

617.989.9982

PuRPLE SHELL purpleshellboston.com Asian Fusion Tapas

Homeless Children Need Your Help to Get Back to Playing Upcoming Opportunities to Give Back

H

9

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

May 13, 2021

orizons for Homeless Children is working to improve the lives of homeless children and their families across Massachusetts. With new safety measures in place, they are back to bringing play opportunities to young children living in over 90 family homeless shelters throughout the state, includ-

ing Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brighton, Waltham, Dorchester, & Mattapan. With the continued increase in family homelessness, your help is needed more than ever.

Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers to support their Playspace Program, which hopes to serve over 1,375 children each week when back in full operation.

Each Playspace is supported by trained volunteers, called Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), who will be playing in shelters’ outdoor spaces. PALs will be supported with extra cleaning supplies—such as hand sanitizer, gloves, and disposable masks—to ensure that everyone feels safe playing in a socially-distanced way. Most of the outdoor Playspaces include a playground structure, but PALs are also given outdoor play toys, materials, and activity ideas to maximize the fun.

All Playspaces host two-hour volunteer shifts that occur throughout the week between Monday and Thursday. For children living in a shelter, Playspace visits with PALs may be the one of the only opportunities to receive undivided attention from a caring adult. Playspace Programs allow children to play catch, march in a parade, learn to hula-hoop, or have a dance party— and get some fresh air.

“Our Playspace Program helps make sure that children can experience the joys of childhood, no matter where they live,” said

M C M Properties

Kate Barrand, President & CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children.

“Critical developmental milestones happen at such a young age, and volunteers across Massachusetts help ensure children living in shelters are given the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive. They are an incredible corps of people that help make this program possible for us and our shelter partners.”

Horizons for Homeless Children created the Playspace Program with the belief that play is essential to healthy childhood development, and every child has the right to play. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many children in shelters have been staying in their rooms and have not had as many opportunities to socialize.

Through the Playspace Program, these young children are being given the opportunity to heal from the trauma of homelessness and gain the cognitive, physical, and social/emotional skills essential to future social and academic success. It also provides parents with free time to take a

class, make a meal, or take a shower.

Horizons will be hosting online New Volunteer Orientations in April, May, and June. Individuals who are interested in signing up can do so at http:// www.horizonschildren.org/playspace.

To learn more about Horizons’ Playspace Program, contact Meghan Schafer, Playspace Program Director, at mschafer@horizonschildren.org.

About Horizons for Homeless Children Horizons for Homeless Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young homeless children and their families.

Horizons provides high quality early education, comprehensive family support services, opportunities for play, and statewide advocacy work.

Today, Horizons serves more than 1,600 young homeless children each week in Massachusetts through three early education centers and more than 90 shelter-based Playspaces. For more information about Horizons for Homeless Children, please visit: www.horizonschildren.org.

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

www.mcmproperties.com 917 East Broadway, South Boston

617-268-5181

The Evolution of Oil heat

10

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

K2C News

F

rom Ms. Bourdon, the K2C Teacher...The students in K2C were surprised in early April with a class pet. They received 5 baby caterpillars. They were so excited and observed the caterpillars as they grew bigger and bigger, eventually entering their chrysalides, and then were amazed when they emerged as butterflies. After feeding and nurturing the butterflies for a few days, K2C released the butterflies, on May 6, 2021, into nature.

They will miss the butterflies, but were happy to see the butterflies soar and explore the world! New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.

Dedication and Blessing of the Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace

O

n Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. we will dedicate and bless Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace.

This garden is an extension of the Good Samaritan Ministry at Monica’s Kitchen where we are privileged to serve and accompany individuals and families living at the margins. Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace will be dedicated in

thanksgiving for all of the religious sisters who, for generations, have served as true Good Samaritans in South Boston!

Their example of humility, hospitality, and devotion are an inspiration and model for our ministry of hope and healing. We welcome you to join us at St. Monica’s Parish, 331 Old Colony Avenue, for this dedication!

Fr. Peter

May 13, 2021

11

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

May 13, 2021

sdfg sdfgsdfg sdfgdsfgsdfgdsd

This week, Danny reacted to some of the top stories in the sports world:

H

as there ever been a bigmoney athlete in Boston who’s avoided mass criticism like Kemba Walker has?

Seriously. Where do Celtics fans stand with this guy? Because I know where I stand. And I’ve said this from the day the team signed him: He’s overrated.

Now would be the perfect time for Walker to prove me wrong.

With the news that Jaylen Brown will have season-ending wrist surgery, many people in Boston are down on the Celtics.

People were down on the Celtics before Brown’s season was finished, so the pessimism is pouring down on them right now from all angles.

It looks as if the C’s will be participating in the NBA’s playin tournament this year, which is scheduled to begin this Tuesday, May 18. Last year, the Celtics were the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with 48 wins, so they were able to avoid the playin madness.

If you’re unfamiliar with the play-in process, here’s how it works: At the conclusion of the regular-season schedule, the No. 7 seed plays the No. 8 seed in a

one-game playoff, and the No. 9 seed plays the No. 10 seed in a one-game playoff. The winner of No. 7 vs No. 8 will earn the true No. 7 seed in the NBA Playoffs and will take on the No. 2 seed in the First Round. The loser of No. 7 vs No. 8 will then play the winner of No. 9 vs No. 10 in a onegame playoff to decide who will become the true No. 8 seed in the NBA Playoffs to take on the No. 1 seed in the First Round.

Anyways, back to Walker.

I realize he’s dealt with some injuries, but the time is now for him to step up and earn his massive contract that I feel gets overlooked because of the large deals that Brown and Jayson Tatum have recently signed.

Walker, 31, signed a four-year, $141 million max contract with the Celtics in the summer of 2019. At the time of the signing, it was the largest contract in franchise history. It’s since been topped by Tatum’s five-year, $195 million deal that he signed in November.

It’s clear that Boston’s main one-two punch comes in the form of Tatum and Brown. Since the news of Brown’s season-ending

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

injury, I’ve heard many people calling out Marcus Smart, or coach Brad Stevens, or even president of basketball operations Danny Ainge. Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t often hear many people questioning Walker.

The guy was brought in and paid to be a star. He hasn’t been bad. But he’s been no star, that’s for sure.

Walker is averaging 19.3 points per game in the 43 games that he’s played this season. Last year, in 56 games played, he averaged 20.4 points per game. In 17 playoff games last year, Walker averaged 19.6 points per game.

Again, those aren’t bad numbers. But when you’re two years into what was the largest contract in Boston Celtics history — at the time — then don’t hate me for wanting better numbers than that.

Look, I’m not running the guy out of town here. I’m just calling him out, now that Brown is done for the season.

Many have thrown in the towel on these Celtics. If Walker can step up and perform like the star that his contract shows him to be,

then I’ll be the first to tell you that these Celtics can actually still make some noise in the East.

It’s time for Walker to earn his contract. And I don’t think that’s too much for anyone in Boston to ask.

—The NFL schedule was released this week. The 2021 season will begin with the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Sept. 9 on NBC. As for the Patriots, they will open their 2021 season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 4:25 p.m. on CBS. The bigger news is that Tom Brady will be making his return to Gillette Stadium in Week 4, as the Patriots host the Bucs on NBC’s Sunday Night Football on Oct. 3. I expect nothing less than the loudest applause in the history of standing ovations for Brady when he takes the field once again in Foxboro.

And in case you were wondering, the Patriots will not play on Thanksgiving, and they will not be part of any of the NFL’s games in London.

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

12

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

May 13, 2021

WHATTOWATCH

SPORTS TODAY

NHL SATURDAY, MAY 15 East Division First Round Gm 1: Boston at Washington 7:15 P.M. NBC NBA SATURDAY, MAY 15 Boston at Minnesota TBD NBCSB

CELTICS’ Tweet BROWN of the SUFFERS Week SEASONENDING INJURY

I

MLB FRIDAY, MAY 14 LA Angels at Boston 7:10 P.M. NESN SATURDAY, MAY 15 LA Angels at Boston 4:10 P.M. NESN SUNDAY, MAY 16 LA Angels at Boston 1:10 P.M. NESN

SBT Staff

n a strange turn of events, Jaylen Brown was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left non-shooting wrist this week, and is now expected to miss the rest of the season and playoffs.

Here’s the press release from the Celtics on Monday: “This past weekend Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was diagnosed with a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. Brown is expected to have the torn ligament surgically repaired later this week, and will be out for the remainder of the 2020-

21 season. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”

Brown had been out of the lineup for the three games prior to this announcement, with what was believed to be an ankle injury after a scary leg-to-leg collision with teammate Jayson Tatum against the Portland Trailblazers on May 2. Reports suggest that Brown’s wrist injury was lingering, and was suffered at some point in April.

In a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 27, Brown landed awkwardly on his left

BRUINS TO FACE CAPITALS IN FIRST ROUND

T

SUNDAY, MAY 16 Boston at New York TBD NBCSB

SBT Staff

he Boston Bruins will begin their road to the Stanley Cup by taking on the Washington Capitals in the East Division’s First Round of the playoffs. Game 1 is scheduled for this Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. in D.C. Boston and Washington have played each other eight times this season, with the B’s winning that season series.

In this year’s newly aligned COVID-19 divisions, the winner of the Bruins’ best-of-seven series against the Capitals will

face the winner of the best-ofseven series between the East Division’s first place Pittsburgh Penguins and the fourth place New York Islanders.

The Bruins finished the regular season in third place in the East Division, with the Capitals finishing in second place.

It marks the fifth straight year that the Bruins have advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Last year, the B’s lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

hand after driving to the basket in the final minute. He remained on the ground holding his left wrist in pain. The next night though, Brown scored 38 points in a win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Needless to say, news of a torn wrist ligament, right now, is somewhat of a surprise. And the fact that it will be ending his season is a devastating blow to a Celtics team that’s likely going to be involved in the play-in tournament for a spot at the No. 7 or No. 8 seed in the NBA Playoffs.

SALE THROWS OFF MOUND FOR FIRST TIME SINCE SURGERY

B

oston Red Sox ace Chris Sale hasn’t pitched in a game since August of 2019, when he was shut down because of inflammation in his left throwing elbow. Then, last March, Sale finally underwent successful Tommy John surgery on that elbow.

Now, nearly 14 months after his surgery, Sale is finally back on the mound.

Sale, 32, threw off a mound last week for the first time since throwing a live batting practice session in March of last year. According to Red Sox chief

Brown was having the best year of his career, averaging 24.7 points per game and a 48.4 field-goal percentage in 58 games. He also played in his first NBA All-Star Game in March, and was part of the winning Team Durant. Brown scored 22 points in the All-Star Game, on 8-for-12 shooting from the field and 5-for-7 from the three-point line in 26 minutes off the bench.

The Celtics’ final game of the regular season is this Sunday against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

baseball officer Chaim Bloom, it was a “very light” session with only a “few” pitches thrown off the mound. Still, it’s an encouraging sign for a Red Sox team that’s in first place in the AL East without him.

The mound session for Sale came somewhat later than what the original timetable called for. That’s because Sale tested positive for COVID-19 in January, and he’s been dealing with other minor injuries to his neck and back.

In talking to the media last week though, Bloom described Sale’s neck and back issues as minor, and because Sale’s going through extensive Tommy John rehab, concern for his neck and back issues were strictly precautionary.