South Boston Today September 30 2021

SouthBoston TODAY Online • On Your Mobile • At Your Door

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

After 25 Years Rent Control Is Again Rearing Its Head

hB

oston T

od

ay

I

n the race for mayor of Boston, the candidates have called attention to the city’s affordable housing crisis and made pitches for new investments in development and increasing first-time homeownership and, in the case of Michelle Wu, reviving rent control, or rent stabilization. The question is how does rent control, as it relates to

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONTODAY.COM

S o ut

September 30, 2021: Vol.9 Issue 38

@SBostonToday

ads@southbostontoday.com

CONTINUED ON page 6

@SBostonToday

SAVINGS NOW & DOWN THE ROAD! Auto Loans

as low as

1.99%

APR*

PURCHASE or REFINANCE Apply FAST at massbaycu.org or call (617) 269-2700

SOUTH BOSTON – EVERETT – QUINCY – SEAPORT *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. APR includes a .25% discount for automatic payments. 1.99% APR is for terms up to 48 months.

Monthly payment is $21.69 per $1,000 borrowed. 2.24% APR without automatic payments. Monthly payment without automatic payments is $21.80 per $1,000 borrowed. Other rates and terms are available. Up to 105% financing based on NADA retail value.

Qualification restrictions apply. Rate, term, and approval based on credit worthiness. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Federally insured

by NCUA

2

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

September 30, 2021

EDITORIAL November 2 Ballot Positions Chosen By Lottery

We Cannot Allow Our Freedom Of Speech To Be Chipped Away

M

ost folks have heard the story of the frog in the pot.

Put a frog in a pot filled with water and raise the heat on the stove little by little. It’s done in slight increments, so the frog doesn’t even realize he’s being cooked until it’s too late. The same concept applies to what’s happening to our freedoms in America – including our First Amendment and the right of free speech. It’s slowly being chipped away and finally people are starting to wake up and realize it.

It’s been happening for quite some time on college campuses, those supposed bastions of tolerance. They put out lists of what words are no longer allowed to be used and spoken and the list gets longer every year. Many colleges have even set up tiny outdoor areas called ‘free speech zones’, where students can say what they want but only in the ‘zone.’ Every

place else on campus is off limits to free expression of non-approved words and views and governed by Politically Correct-speak and rules. And if they are broken, students are punished. Even in the business world, some companies actually think they have the right to tell their employees what they are and are not allowed to do and say even on their own off-the-clock time.

Then there is the so called ‘cancel culture’. Dare to speak of, or advocate for, an issue or cause that doesn’t meet the standards of politically progressive tyrants and they’ll do their best to rain hell down on the offender(s) and destroy them. The few sane Hollywood actors, who espouse Conservative views are blacklisted by the movie industry and are out of work. Send a post into social media that that those in charge don’t like or agree with, and your account is suspended. With every passing day, the guardians of the spo-

ken and written words do their best to tighten the restrictions and add more rules. But now, finally, Americans seem to have had enough of it.

Unlike the college campuses that attempt to restrict freedom of speech with their banned guest speakers lists and childish ‘free speech zones’, all of America is a free speech zone.

Our Founding Fathers gave us that wonderful document called the Constitution of the United States, which guarantees our right to say anything we want to say. If speaking one’s mind is offensive to someone in earshot, well, that’s too bad. Most people are sensitive to the feelings of others and do their best not to offend, but it’s not a requirement and its certainly not the law.

The chipping away of our rights and freedoms must stop now. We cannot allow ourselves to be like the frog in the pot.

M

ichelle Wu will appear first on Boston’s Nov. 2 final election ballot with mayoral rival Annissa Essaibi-George.

The Board of Elections Commissioners rolled out the old Bingo drum and plucked Wu first. But with just two finalists, it won’t be difficult to spot your candidate who will make history as the first woman to lead the city.

As for the four at-large city council seats, the order is: 1. David Halbert 2. Bridget M Nee-Walsh 3. Julia Mejia 4. Carla Monteiro 5. Ruthzee Louijeune 6. Althea Garrison 7. Michael Flaherty 8. Erin J. Murphy

“I wish that every day was Saturday and every month was October” - Charmaine J. Forde 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

September 30, 2021

Information Center The

Questions Americans Are Asking But Not Getting Answered SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

W

ith so many hot spots and flare-ups taking place around the world, it’s hard to keep track of them all.

There are the Covid mandates/ masks/misinformation(lies)about the virus, Afghanistan, Leftist Indoctrination in our nation’s schools and of course, the situation on our southern border which gets worse by the day..

With all that’s happening, Americans are asking a lot of questions and unfortunately, and most likely by design, they are not getting truthful answers from the powers that be that are holding elected and appointed office. Here are just some of the questions/mysteries demanding answers: How is it possible, that more than 14,000 poor people from Haiti had arrived at and were camped under a bridge at Del Rio, Texas, since 2000 thousand miles and vast stretches of ocean (The Gulf of Mexico) separate the 2 locations?

Bring up a map, look at it closely and see for yourself. The real question to ask is who is transporting them to our southern border and why? Because it’s a sure bet, they didn’t walk there or take an Uber.

Next question: Public schools in many parts of the country are being caught and exposed for placing pornographic books in the libraries for grade school children to read. Add to this, leftist anti-American and anti-police literature is finding its way into the curriculum at American grade schools. So this question to ask is “Who is behind this effort to indoctrinate school children with Socialist politics and pornography AND, why are so many school administrators and YES, teachers too, allowing this and even pushing it? Furious parents are now storming school board meetings demanding these answers, which is exactly what they need to be doing.

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

Third Question: In Los Angeles, there is a specific mandate that says all indoor public gatherings require those in attendance to wear masks: Oh but wait. The question inundating social media is: ‘Why, did LA officials make an exception for celebrities attending the gathering of insufferable Hollywood egotists at last week’s Emmy Awards?” The headlines read “LA County Says Maskless Emmy’s Are OK” “Exceptions Are Made For Celebrities”.

But at this event and pretty much every event attended by the rich and famous and politically connected, it seems to be the same. The ‘elites’ as they view themselves can go maskless, but those working there (the servants and commoners) are required to wear masks. What does that tell us about who these people think THEY are and who they think the rest of us are?

And here’s another big question: Why are hundreds of cargo and container ships; piled higher than ever with goods just sitting off shore all over the coastal United States and even in the great lakes? Some say it is because there are not enough people willing to work unloading them.

Others are insisting that it’s a deliberate plan to create shortages and raise prices. Maybe it’s some of both.

Whether you are a fan of Donald Trump’s or hate the guy, it becomes more clear by the day to most everyone now that what’s going on are all things that he would have stepped in to combat or that never would have been happening at all.

No matter what political party you belong to, most Americans have finally realized that something big is happening to America and virtually none of it is good. Is it deliberate that prices are skyrocketing on just about every necessity and that inflation is out of control? Is

it by design that there is a coordinated effort to pollute the minds of America’s young people? Is what’s happening in Afghanistan; where we have literally armed the sworn enemies of our country to the teeth with sophisticated weapons and left American citizens stranded with their lives endangered a deliberate plan? How about the upcoming plans Washington and governors in blue states have for more lockdowns and endless vaccines and boosters with penalties for not obeying? And as mentioned earlier, having our country’s border wide open where the drug cartels, MS-13 gang mem-

bers, terrorists and disease infected illegals can literally and even by invitation, just walk right in with no resistance or interference.

As I said, no matter what political party you belong to, most are smart enough to now understand, that this is all being done by the Democrats in power. They are not only sitting back and allowing it; they are deliberately making it happen. So the next question is one that many believe the late President John F. Kennedy would be asking if he were to come back: “My God, what have you Democrats done to my party and to my country?”

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

September 30, 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.

Galvin joins other constitutional officers in implementing vax mandate Add another constitutional officer to the list of people implementing some sort of vaccine policy for staffers. Secretary of State William Galvin informed his staff Tuesday afternoon that they will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

State House News Service’s Katie Lannan reports that the mandate is “a condition of continuing employment, unless an accommodation or exemption is approved” and applies to all employees his office oversees.

Galvin joins Gov. Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey in mandating vaccines and is one of the last statewide constitutional officers to announce a policy. Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Auditor Suzanne Bump previously told their staff that they must show proof of vaccination or submit to weekly testing. Vaccine mandates are becoming more common in Massachusetts as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague the commonwealth.

But the debate over vaccine mandates is far from over. Take the back and forth between the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the governor. The union said dozens of officers were preparing to

retire as a result of Baker’s executive branch vaccine mandate but a spokesperson for the department said only one trooper had definitively said they were heading out the door because of the policy, reports Boston Globe’s Nick Stoico.

State House News Service’s Matt Murphy reports that union spokesperson Chris Keohan said the inconsistency -- dozens vs. just one -- is really just a matter of “semantics” and maintained that dozens of troopers turned in their 30-day intent to resign as a result of the vax mandate. That mandate doesn’t take effect until Oct. 17, so it’s certainly an issue worth keeping tabs on over the next several weeks.

Another example of how tense the conversations can get: the House debate over an internal vaccine mandate last week and the creation of a new working group to guide the branch through that policy and the phased reopening of the State House. Even with the debates, implementation of vaccine mandates by public and private officials point to a commonly held belief that they are the most effective strategy to get back to work and defeat the virus.

Get ready for the next Boston mayoral debate

Rent Control continued from front page

the affordable housing debate, benefit the city, and its economy, despite strong opposition from developers and landlords, whose business it is to create more housing.

Rent control, which would cap yearly rent increases in some residential homes, is prohibited under a state law approved by voters in 1994. Voters in communities, where rent control existed before then, opposed the statewide ban, and some municipalities had since sought to change state law to be able to adopt it locally.

But those efforts had failed.

The argument against rent control is that it discourages landlords from investing in their properties, which, in turn, lowers property values and local tax bases. Rent control also discourages

Another one is coming. Boston mayoral candidates Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George will take to the CBS Boston airwaves on Oct. 13 for the first 1-on-1 debate of the race. The station announced the debate Tuesday afternoon. WBZ-TV political analyst (and MASSterList columnist) Jon Keller moderates the debate.

Derailment Doozy A Red Line train derailed Tuesday morning at the Broadway station in South Boston. Boston Globe’s Taylor Dolven, Emily Sweeney, and Andrew Brinker report that the incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. and of the 47 passengers on the sixcar train, no injuries were reported.

The incident is the latest in a series of safety issues the MBTA has had to deal with recently. The derailment prompted calls from advocacy group TransitMatters for an “ambitious agenda to inventory and repair or replace aging infrastructure,” reports State House News Service’s Chris Lisinski.

Here’s an entertaining way to start a story CommonWealth reporter Shira Schoenberg’s story about the Massachusetts Democratic State Com-

housing construction, say opponents, who argue that policymakers should be encouraging more development, not less. Furthermore, it is the smaller property owner who will suffer the most.

The argument, by real estate asset class, from those in opposition is telling, showing that everyone is affected.

Single family homeowners would see higher property tax bills in order to compensate for lost tax revenue from deteriorating, rental-income-restricted properties devalued by rent control. Condo owners are affected the same. But the experience of condo owners in Cambridge was exacerbated by a stricter rent control ordinance that required all condos sold to be tenant-occupied only, and permanently rentcontrolled. The consequence becomes that seemingly ‘mild’ forms of rent control always get stricter,

mittee’s platform and a push for more legislative transparency is worth checking out. Here’s the first sentence: “In a sign of one-party dominance on Beacon Hill, it’s not just Republicans complaining about the Democrats who control the state Legislature in Massachusetts – it’s other Democrats.”

Shut down: Trial Court Officer Academy on pause as misconduct investigated Officially, it’s ‘on hold.’ The Massachusetts Trial Court Officer Academy, which operates out of an Air Force base in Chicopee and trains officers for all of the state’s trial courts, has been shut down while allegations of hazing and abuse at the academy are investigated. MassLive’s Douglas Hook has the details.

‘Deeply concerned’ about safety and quality of care A union leader is asking for a nurses’ strike in Worcester to come to an end as COVID-19 cases are rising in the area. MassLive’s Michael Bonner reports that Fernando Lemus, president of UFCW Local 1445, which represent over 500 employees at St. Vincent Hospital, sent a letter to state lawmakers Tuesday asking them to intervene.

Lemus writes that he is “deeply concerned” about the safety and quality of care members are able to provide “given the current condition created by Tenet Management in response to the ongoing nursing strike.”

once the door is opened up.

Two- and three-family, owner-occupied properties would be exempt, but would be hit with much higher property tax bills, given the shifting burden that would result. And, if owners wanted to move, they could not keep their properties as a rental investment because, having become non-owner-occupied, they would go under rent control.

Four-unit and larger owners would be rentcontrolled, resulting in lower income that would affect property repairs. And with the backing of advocates, owners could end up in costly disputes with tenants. In the case of Cambridge, where rent control was implemented, according to two MIT studies, the city had lost $1.8 bilcontinued on page 6

September 30, 2021

5

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Councilor Ed Flynn Opposes Supervised Consumption Sites

I

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn sent testimony in opposition to supervised consumption sites, also known as safe injection sites, to this week’s Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery hearing on the subject.

n his testimony, Councilor Flynn reiterated the urgent need for the increased resources on treatment, housing, mental and behavioral health services, and social support to address the deteriorating conditions at the area around Mass & Cass. Having witnessed firsthand the damage and pain that addiction and substance use disorders have inflicted on the residents as a former probation officer and now as a city official, Councilor Flynn believes that increased resources is the right way

to address these issues, not supervised consumption sites where those suffering can continue to feed their addiction. Councilor Flynn noted that in his conversations with South End residents, many neighbors are against the idea of supervised consumption sites, especially if it’s in the Mass & Cass area, and he urged the state to listen to our community’s concerns around supervised consumption sites, and not consider this as an option.

“I believe that increased services and better coordination for those suffer-

ing from substance use disorders and homelessness is the appropriate path forward to address the conditions at Mass & Cass, not supervised consumption sites,” said Councilor Flynn. “Unfortunately, supervised consumption sites would not solve the root cause of addiction, and South End neighbors have advocated that they not be located in the Mass & Cass area.”

For more information on the hearing, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Councilors Ed Flynn, Lydia Edwards & Liz Breadon to Hold Hearing on Pest Control and Illegal Dumping in Boston Boston City Councilors Ed Flynn, Lydia Edwards, and Liz Breadon will hold a hearing this Friday to discuss issues relating to pest control and illegal dumping in the City of Boston. The hearing is intended to discuss measures that the city can take to respond to the recent uptick in rodent activities, as well as ways to curb illegal dumping in our city. The hearing will be chaired by Councilor Ed Flynn in the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services, and will be held virtually on Friday, October 1st, 10am.

T

here have been increased reports of rodent infestations and activities during the past year in the city, as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this activity due to restaurants and other food sources for rats and rodents closing down. Unfortunately, this issue has persisted even while our economy contin-

ues to fully reopen. In discussing the issue of pest control, we should also talk about illegal dumping, as trash that is not properly disposed of can attract rodents and cause other public health issues, with frequent reports of illegal dumping in our neighborhoods. This hearing will discuss ways that the city can

adequately handle these issues, including increasing enforcement, and more public awareness and outreach about proper ways of disposing trash and preventing rodent activities.

“We have unfortunately seen a noticeable increase in rodent activities over the last year, therefore it’s important that we discuss mea-

sures for effective pest control and keeping our streets clean,” said Councilor Flynn. “Pest control and illegal dumping are critical issues that impact the quality of life and public health for our residents, and I look forward to further discussing how we can improve our strategies on these issues at this hearing with Councilors Edwards and Breadon, city and administration officials, neighbors and civic organizations.”

To watch the hearing, you can go to boston.gov/city-council-tv.

To submit written testimony or request to testify at the hearing, please reach out to Juan Lopez at Juan.Lopez@Boston.gov.. For more information on the hearing, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

6

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

September 30, 2021

BCYF Tynan

Happenings

T

he Tynan Council and staff were well represented last week at The South Boston Street Festival. Prizes were given out for corn hole games along with tee-shirt giveaways and a free raffle for Boston Celtic’s gear. The Tynan had lots of fun this day seeing all their youth and families and want to say thank you to Karen Stanley and Kathy Walsh for helping to put this event on each year.

Rent control continued from page 4

lion in property valuations and as an unanticipated by-product, crime had increased in rent-controlled areas.

It is further argued, more broadly, that rent control would have an impact on taxes, crime and housing deterioration. Gentrification becomes an outgrowth, in that it was determined that a small percentage of all rent-controlled tenants in Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline qualified as moderate- or low-income, elderly, or disabled. So, owners chose tenants who would reliably pay their low rents. Small landlords were pushed out, when they could not operate with low rents and hostile tenants.

Deteriorating housing resulted, because tenants preferred low rents and did not care about long-term housing preservation. Apartment conditions sank to the level of the rents. High property taxes came to all non-controlled owners, because the rent-controlled stock was being devalued by ongoing deterioration.

Reduced housing supply resulted, because space was so cheap that people lived alone.

The discussion has intensified in recent years amid proposals to end the statewide ban. The discussion is taking place at a time when a recent poll found a plurality of likely Boston voters view housing as the top issue that would affect their vote for mayor. Progressive advocacy groups use candidates’ positions on rent control to help decide endorsements.

Two years ago, the Boston City Council briefly considered a home rule petition that would ask state lawmakers for approval to enact rent control at the city level. Acting Mayor Kim Janey, who was a district councilor at the time, said then that policymakers should remain open to the idea, saying the issue was at the center of a community hearing she held to discuss gentrification in Roxbury. But this year, as she ran for mayor, Janey opposed rent control, which she said publicly

during the primary.

Former city economic development chief John Barros, a candidate in the primary, penned a guest column in CommonWealth magazine saying rent control is “not a real solution,” that it reduces the production of new housing, and puts more burden on those not governed by rent control protections. “The long term results are higher rent, more displacement, and reduced economic growth,” he wrote. He called for greater efforts to create more affordable housing on city land, encourage more affordable development, and support more homeownership.

After a forum during the primary, Annissa Essaibi George, now in the final, said during an interview that she expects rent control, which she opposes, to remain a focus down the stretch in the campaign. “I think that it fuels gentrification, it fuels disinvestment in our city, and it really doesn’t truly answer the need for more affordable housing in our

city,” she said. “That’s what we need to invest real dollars in.”

The Carpenter’s Union wants to send the message that development is good — for workers and the city as a whole. So, a group of pro-development forces, led by one of Boston’s biggest construction unions, wants to have some influence on the mayoral race, in which housing has emerged as a major issue with little consensus on how to tackle it.

Although not immediately endorsing a candidate, the Responsible Development Coalition, that includes the Boston-based North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and its developer partners have formed the coalition to launch television, radio, and digital ads urging candidates to support “responsible real estate development that is crucial to our future, our economy and collective quality of life.”

The pro-development forces, both large and small, and rent control advocates see things differently. How do the voters see it?

September 30, 2021

Southie Reunion In Honor Of Brian Wallace Was A Great ‘Time’

A

SBT Staff Report

s expected, the turnout was good for what’s been missing from the South Boston social scene for a long time. Many say it’s been too long.

An Old fashion Southie Reunion was held last Saturday, September 25th at Florian Hall in Dorchester.

It brought in South Bostonians, both current and former as well as friends of Southie from all around. People travelled from other towns and other states to be here to reunite and reminisce. It even brought in the famous Disc Jockey Dru Errico back up from Florida to provide the music that kept the party going from start to finish. The night was to honor former state representative and long time neighborhood son and activist Brian Wallace.

The crowd was dotted with elected officials; current, former and possibly a few future pols as well. There were dignitaries of every stripe. But most of all, it brought out friends – good friends, lifelong friends and friends forever to celebrate the hometown they are proud of and of course to show support for everyone’s friend, Brian Wallace.

Everyone in attendance seemed

St.Patrick’s Day/ Evacuation Day Parade Set For March 20, 2022

A

fter being cancelled for two consecutive years because of the Virus, it looks like the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day parade is a go and is currently in the planning stages.

The parade committee has announced that they intend for this year’s parade to go forward. Barring any unforeseen issues that may arise, that should be good news for all of those who enjoy the parade and look forward each year to this big and festive traditional celebration.

The date for the parade is Sunday,

7

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

March 20th. Dave Falvey stated that the parade committee is very excited that the parade will go on this year. The parade committee’s website, www.southbostonparade.org will have continuous updates on the progress of the planning and it’s also the site where potential participants can go to for registration.

As the date draws closer, updates as they are shared by the parade committee will appear in South Boston Today Newspaper as well as all other South Boston media and social media sites. Stay tuned!

to be in a great mood and why not, it was a Southie party and one that has been long overdue. As the night went on, you’d never know that it’s been many years since the last Southie Reunion. It was like those gathered had never been apart at all.

Dru Errico hasn’t lost a step as he was his usual hit of the night with the entertainment he provided.

Brian Wallace himself was thrilled to be in the company of so many

old friends and very thankful for the support and the love he was shown by so many.

When the night finally began to wind down and come to a close, the feeling among the crowd was that these Southie Reunions are traditions that are worth continuing and that they need to become more frequent. It was repeated over and over throughout the night that there is no reason to wait so long for the next one or the next…..

Mayor’s Pumpkin Carving Contest Begins October 12

T

he Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced that it will be celebrating the spooky season with Mayor Janey’s Pumpkin Carving Contest featuring a grand prize provided by the Farm Families who own Cabot Creamery Co-operative.

Mayor Kim Janey recognizes the effort that Boston residents of all ages put into carving their Halloween pumpkins and wants to give everyone the chance to display their artistry.

The Mayor and the Parks Department are hosting an online pumpkin carving contest with photo submissions welcomed from Tuesday, October 12, until Sunday, October 31.

Enter your jack-o’-lantern into the contest and find contest rules at Boston.gov/Pumpkins. Winners of each category will receive a $75 gift basket courtesy of the Farm Families who own Cabot Creamery Co-operative.

Winners will be selected from three categories: Most Creative; Scariest; and Inspired by Boston Parks.

Need inspiration? The Parks Department has downloadable, printable

stencils available for use as a guide to help you carve your pumpkin at boston.gov/pumpkins. Stencils include the Parks Department logo, a Park Ranger horse, a spooky death’s head from a historic gravestone, George Washington, Mrs. Mallard, Bagheera (from the Jungle Book and the Public Garden fountain), and a Boston Park Ranger. Share your work with us and we will publish our favorites on social media. Be sure to tag @cabotcheese and @bostonparksdept on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

After Halloween, please be sure to compost your pumpkin! To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, sign up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

8

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

The

Wine Guy

What’s For Dessert?

S

ince just about all of these columns have been about wines that go well both before and during a meal, I thought it might be a good change of pace to look at some suggestions for the other end of things, dessert.

To find out more about a dessert wine that’s one of the fastest-growing

in this category world-wide, we’ll start in an unlikely area-Canada and upper New York state- the “Finger Lakes” region to be exact. These areas are producing some of the finest “Ice Wines” in the world. The term, ”Ice Wine” comes from Eiswein, a German dessert wine, made from grapes that are picked literally when the first frost or, “ice” is on them. This type of white wine is very sweet and usually syrupy and is especially good in cooler weather with warm desserts like apple cobbler. The grapes must be picked by hand and the whole process is very labor-intensive, so, as you might guess, this type of wine is not cheap; however, if you’re looking for a special treat, you should try some.

Inniskillin, Canada’s first estate winery, began in 1984 and has vineyards in both the eastern and western parts of the country. Their 2020 Inniskillin Riesling Ice Wine, ($45.00, 200ml.) is a classic.

Layers of fruit notes, especially mango and peach, are enhanced by a naturally high acidity. Don’t be put off by the

smaller size of the bottle, by the way; the concentration of these wines is in a category of its own! In addition to warm desserts mentioned earlier, cold fruit tarts are also well-paired with this one.

Just south of the Canadian border, the Finger Lakes region offers its own version, made from not only the Riesling grape, but the popular French American hybrid, Vidal. A great (and relatively inexpensive) example is made by Knapp Vineyards, using an artificially induced freezing method.

The Knapp 2020 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, ($19.99,200ml.), is honey-like in both color and texture, with fruit and a slight nuttiness on the finish.

This one is especially good with chocolate-dipped fruits and mousse.

Going back to where it all began, in the vineyards of Germany and Austria, there are Eiswein sections in almost every vineyard, but the vast majority produce only enough for domestic consumption. Makers that distribute globally include Dr. Loosen vineyards, one of the country’s largest.

September 30, 2021

Their 2019 Riesling Eiswein, ($40.00, 187ml.). Is intense in both its concentration and finish, with notes of apricot and pear on a long finish, due to the brisk acidity of the thick juice.

Further east, in Austria’s Kremstal region, on the upper Danube, the Nigl 2019 Gruner Veltliner Eiswein, ($49.00, 375 ml.) offers a more citrusbased wine. Notes of orange and lemon peel on the nose give way to a slightly kiwifruit-based palate and a long finish that’s a bit salty at the end, which is typical of the grape style.

So, the next time someone says, “what’s for dessert?” at your table, make a move from the ordinary and serve one of these!

Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com

The Best Fall Foliage - Where and When to Go in 2021

T

he passing of summer sometimes brings a bit of sadness to people who really enjoy spending their free time outdoors. We tend to get used to the easy living and all those activities that the warm months encourage. The good thing is, to many, that sadness doesn’t last all that long because once we roll into October, New England explodes into a kaleidoscope of magnificent colors as the leaves turn into one of nature’s wonders and we still have a good dose of nice weather.

That’s right, it’s fall foliage time and ‘leaf peepers’ are in their glory.

2021 seems to be one of those rare years that come around every so often where an unusually warm September tends to delay the peak foliage in New England. But not this year. Some in the know are speculating that the color show is arriving a bit early this year.

But early or late, we’ll take it. If you don’t make an effort to get out there and enjoy the splendid display, you are really missing something special.

The Northeastern part of the United States is among the most picturesque areas in the world this time of year.

When peak foliage hits, it comes in

waves depending on what part of the region you choose. Enjoying one of the season’s best features is anywhere from a 20-minute drive to the edge of the Blue Hills just outside of Boston, to a weekend getaway to the Maine Wilderness - whatever makes you happy.

While some have their favorite spots to view autumn’s splendor, others are always looking for suggestions as to where they can see the best colors and really get into the spirit. For those of you who DO want some suggestions, South Boston Today might be able to help. The following locations are said to be some of the best places to see the brightest colors of the season.

Baxter State Forest, Maine: If you like long drives into some of north east’s true wilderness, and it’s soon you want to make the trip, Baxter State Forest in the state of Maine is one of the finest locales around for early leaf watching. It’s a long drive; between 5 and 7 hours; not something you’d want to try on a day trip. This requires at least two days; preferably a full weekend or more. There are many package deals and bus trips that will make it a great vacation destination.

This is also a good place to view wildlife as the area is teeming with moose, deer and black bears. It’s a great place to watch birds as the eagle and hawk populations there are thriving. And the scenery is breathtaking. Thick forests, rivers and lakes fill hundreds of square miles with beauty. And the colors; in early October are incredible. The area peaks early. Now is the time to go.

White Mountains, New Hampshire: In most years, as the calendar pushes deeper into October, New Hampshire’s White Mountains come alive with brilliant red, orange and yellow trees looking almost like a sunburst. Many believe this area is by far the best in the entire United States for viewing foliage. This is a trip that

can be made in just 3 hours to get the best effect. The ride up along Rt. 93 will show some great color once you get into the higher elevations. But if you want to see the White Mountain’s color at its absolute best, take some of the smaller country roads and really be impressed. The small towns along the way will often have Fall Festivals to add to the experience and this is an area too where the odds of seeing deer and other wildlife are very good.

The best time for foliage viewing in the White Mountain’s area is usually around the Columbus Day weekend.

Woodstock, Vermont: Once again, peak viewing should actually begin on Columbus Day Weekend. Here the Bill-

continued on page 10

9

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

September 30, 2021

Recent South Boston Real Estate Sales Property/Type

212 L St UNIT 2

Price

Sale Date

Rooms Baths

Sq Ft

$860,000

6/24/2021

4

2

1,102

$835,000

6/10/2021

7

2

1,686

$832,300

6/17/2021

4

1

725

$830,000

6/4/2021

5

1.5

1,294

$830,000

6/15/2021

4

2

1,056

$830,000

6/21/2021

5

2

1,072

$810,000

6/24/2021

5

2

1,245

$810,000

6/1/2021

5

2

1,150

$801,450

6/30.2021

6

2

1,100

$800,000

6/30/2021

4

1

1,002

$799,000

6/30/2021

4

2

1,045

$770,000

6/1/2021

4

1.5

1,269

$750,000

6/15/2021

5

1

1,080

Condo 443 East Seventh St UNIT 1 Condo 319 A St UNIT 202 Condo 7-9 Acadia St UNIT PH#3 Condo 315 West Third St UNIT 3 Condo 883 East Broadway UNIT 1 Condo 7 Douglas St UNIT 1 Condo 222 West Fifth St UNIT 1 Condo 728 East Eighth St UNIT 1

Virtual Public Meeting

44 Ellery Street Wednesday, October 13 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3un9xVT Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 347 1111

Project Description: The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the 44 Ellery Street project located in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Small Project Review Application proposal.

The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public. The Proposed Project will erect a new six-story residential building that will contain 18 condominium units, and 6 off-street parking spaces. Please register for the meeting using the information above.

Condo 36 A St UNIT Sb Condo 194 K St UNIT 3 Condo 120 West Seventh St UNIT 201

mail to: Ebony DaRosa Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4419 email: ebony.darosa@boston.gov

Condo 40 Middle St UNIT3A Condo 587 East Eighth St UNIT 2

$749,000

6/21/2021

4

1

968

$745,000

6/2/2021

4

1

1,174

$739,900

6/9/2021

4

2

1,000

$739,900

6/11/2021

4

2

852

$720,000

7/20/2021

1

2

894

$712,500

6/3/2021

6

2f 1h

1,365

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Condo 150 Dorchester Ave UNIT 206 Condo 83 Old Harbor St UNIT 2 Condo 545 East Seventh St UNIT 1 Condo 213 WEST Fifth St UNIT 1 Condo 20 Ward St UNIT 1 Condo

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

Notice of Community Update

Green Stratus Corp Notice is hereby given that Green Stratus Corp will hold a virtual meeting on October 14, 2021 at 6:30 PM relative to its proposal to site a Cannabis Establishment at 558-560 Dorchester Avenue in South Boston. This meeting will be held in accordance with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s Administrative Order Allowing Virtual Web-Based Community Outreach Meetings.

A copy of the presentation will be made available at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by visiting GreenStratusCorp.squarespace.com.

Interested members of the community will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from company representatives about the proposed facility and operations. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing GreenStratusMA@gmail.com or asked during the meeting.

Zoom Meeting Event Link: https://bit.ly/3AurXWF Meeting ID: 860 0153 0239

The Evolution of Oil heat

Meeting Passcode: 932974

10

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Foliage continued from page 8

ings Farm and Museum gives an added attraction. You not only get to see the autumn leaves in all their glory, but you get a taste of the Revolutionary War era culture that still holds on here. Old farmhouses and country stores make you feel like you’re visiting a bygone era. A drive through the forest lined roads leading to and from Woodstock can put you in awe of nature and make you forget the fast pace of the city while you’re there. And yes, here too, wildlife is abundant, but you also get to see many horse and dairy farms as well.

Berkshire Mountains, Western Massachusetts: You don’t have to travel north to see the sights of the season. A trip west, here in the Bay State will bring all the colors and festive autumn feel as the northern states do. The drive or bus trip a few hours along Route 2 heading west in mid to late October is absolutely beautiful. The farther west you go the higher the elevation becomes until you are in the Berkshire Mountains with all its scenic views. If you travel far enough, you’ll come to the Mohawk Trail area known worldwide as a destination to many tourists looking for that special fall atmosphere with all its history even before the

American Revolution. This is an area rich in farmland and dotted with lakes and ponds. The apple picking is excellent here. Orchards are everywhere and the sweet aroma from those apples will make you want to bite into one.

Blue Hills, Canton/Milton, MA: And finally, if you want to get to see the fall foliage but really don’t want to spend too much time getting to where the peak sights are, as we mentioned early on, there is always the Blue Hills, just a 20-minute trip from Boston. The colors in the Blue Hills peak late in the season, so when other more distant areas have become past peak and faded, the Blue Hills, especially along Chicatawbut Rd. are still bright and fresh. In fact, some years you can still see great foliage in the Blue Hills as late as Halloween and beyond.

Well, there you have it folks. South Boston Today’s picks for fall foliage viewing in 2021 for those who love being outdoors and seeing Mother Nature at her best this time of year.

We hope these tips are helpful and that if you go, you have a great time.

Oh, and be sure to bring a camera or a smart phone to capture some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth.

September 30, 2021

The Blessing of the Animals

In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals.

ALL ARE WELCOME TO THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS That will take place on

Sunday, October 3, 2021 outside of Gate of Heaven Church at 1:00 PM, downstairs in the I Street Courtyard, near the Celtic Cross, following the 12 Noon Mass.

Please have your lovable family pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.

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

380 Dorchester Ave. South Boston

“Your Local Print Shop”

thespotclothing.com

617-752-4771

September 30, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Grade 3A Highlights

F

rom Mr. Stautberg… The students in 3A built Marshmallow Spaghetti Towers as a team building activity on the first day of school!

They used communication and teamwork to build their towers from the ground up. Terrific job with your towers 3A! The students in grade 3 participated in the school Mass, on Sept. 16, 2021.

They did a wonderful job with the readings at this Mass! Father Casey, the Pastor, and Father Boyle, the Parochial Vicar, where the celebrants at this Mass.

From Mr. Espinal, the Music Teacher…The ukulele is one the perfect induction instruments for children. The guitar and Ukulele are similar enough that if someone is interested in learning the guitar the techniques are easily transferable. The students in 3A are doing a great job learning how to play the ukulele! New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@ sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.

11

12

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

September 30, 2021

GETTING OUR BEACHES READY FOR FALL 70 volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Vertex Pharmaceuticals helped Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay and DCR clean up Carson and M Street Beach in South Boston

Volunteers removed sand and debris from stairways, ramps and paths to make the beach more accessible for people with disabilities.

Last week 70 volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Vertex Pharmaceuticals teamed up with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to clean up South Boston’s Carson Beach and M Street Beach.

After a busy beach season, volunteers cleared ramps and stairways and removed trash and invasive weeds from the McCormack Bathhouse to M Street Beach.

Blue Cross Blue Shield volunteers join Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and DCR to get South Boston’s ready for fall.

20 Volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts spent their 11th annual Service Day cleaning up M Street Beach, collecting 16 bags of trash and debris. They also cleared sand from ramps and stairways to make them more accessible to people with disabilities.

“Blue Cross is proud to support Save the Harbor and their efforts to make Carson Beach accessible for everyone.” said Jeff Bellows, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs. “We’ve been partnering with Save the Harbor for over a decade through our annual Service Day and our always excited to give our colleagues the opportunity to come together to protect Boston Harbor and give back to the South Boston community.”

From left to right: Chris Mancini of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Alexis Higgins and Stacy McDonald of Blue Cross Blue Shield, and state Rep. David Biele at the M Street Beach cleanup on September 23.

“Thanks to Save the Harbor and their community partners at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Vertex Pharmaceuticals for helping to get our beaches ready for fall and for making them more accessible to people with disabilities,” said State Rep. and Metropolitan Beaches Commissioner David Biele.

DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery shared that sentiment. “We’d like to thank Save the Harbor and their corporate and community partners for volunteering to help DCR staff with two end of summer beach clean-ups last week. Save the Harbor’s year-round commitment to caring for the environment makes them valued collaborators in every season,”

Volunteers from Vertex spent their day at Carson Beach as part of their annual Day of Service.

50 Volunteers from Vertex Pharmaceuticals gathered at Carson Beach to clean up trash, clear paths, remove invasive plants, and trim bushes. As a result of their hard work, this beach is now ready for fall.

“Every year Vertex employees look forward to volunteering with Save the Harbor during our global Day of Service. We appreciate the partnership and opportunity to contribute to the local community,” said Katharine Jensen, head of Corporate Responsibility and Executive Director of the Vertex Foundation.

Save the Harbor’s Development Director Patricia Salic (left) and Vertex Pharmaceutical’s Senior Principle Data Scientist Lilly XU, PhD removed weeds and invasive plants from M Street Beach.

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Executive Director Chris Mancini was at both cleanups.

“South Boston’s beaches are important recreational assets for our community and all the region’s residents,” said Mancini. “Thanks to the great team at DCR and to Vertex and BCBSMA for their partnership and dedication to caring for and sharing these spectacular resources, and thanks to Rep. Biele and the Metropolitan Beaches Commission for helping us secure funds for mobility mats and beach wheelchairs.”

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is a non-profit, public interest harbor advocacy organization made up of thousands of citizens as well as civic, corporate, cultural, and community leaders and scientists.

Their mission is to restore and protect Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay and the marine environment and share them with the public for all to enjoy.

To find out more about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, visit their website at savetheharbor.org and follow @ savetheharbor on social media.

September 30, 2021

13

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

This week, Danny gave “Pic’s Picks” for Week 4 in the NFL:

T

here’s good news and bad news heading into my Week 4 picks. The bad news is I went 1-4 against the spread last week in Week 3. The good news is, it can’t get much worse than that.

My record on the season is now 6-9. Every once in a while you realize just how stupid this league can be. Last week, my only win was my “Lock of the Week” with Green Bay as an underdog over the 49ers in San Francisco.

This week, I need to be much better, or I’ll be digging myself out of a hole for the rest of the season.

Let’s get to it. Here are my picks for Week 4: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-7.5) over Philadelphia Eagles -This game is Sunday at 1 p.m. in Philadelphia. And given the fact that the Chiefs are 1-2 and have lost two straight, seeing them as a 7.5-point favorite on the road might scare many people away. Not me. The Eagles looked horrible in a 41-21 loss to the Cowboys on Monday night. And Patrick Mahomes is due to put the Chiefs on his back and get people talking about just

Drink

how good they are again. I don’t think there’s any question that Kansas City wins this game. The only question is whether or not they cover the 7.5 points on the road. I’ll answer that question for you. They will. Give me the Chiefs to win and cover.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (+4.5) over Los Angeles Rams -It’s a battle of the only two undefeated teams in the NFC West, in LA on Sunday at 4:05.

The Rams might win this game, but I think it will be settled with a field goal, or at the very least, I expect Kyler Murray to get me the back-door cover on a late drive to make things interesting.

Here’s the deal with the Rams: last week was Matthew Stafford’s Super Bowl. They beat Tom Brady and the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Watching that game, you could tell it wasn’t just any old Week 3 regular-season game. LA treated it like a playoff game.

That’s fine, because it worked for them. However, I expect a little letdown in Week 4 against a very good Cardinals team. Arizona is going to keep this close.

I’ll take the Cardinals to cover.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (-6.5) over Pittsburgh Steelers -Ben Roethlisberger has been really good in his career against the Packers. But if you’ve watched him this season, well, he definitely looks like he’s 39 years old. Big Ben is still going to throw the ball 40 times a game, but the results don’t look the same. This game is in Green Bay on Sunday at 4:25.

The Packers have won two straight after getting whooped by the Saints in Week 1. It’s safe to say that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will be Super Bowl contenders this season.

Meanwhile, the Steelers have lost two straight and look to be heading in the wrong direction.

If this game was in Pittsburgh, I’d probably just stay away from it. But it’s at Lambeau, and I like my odds that Rodgers leads the Packers to a sevenpoint win. Give me Green Bay at home.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-6.5) over New England Patriots -Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski make their muchanticipated return to New England on Sunday Night Football.

OPEN

The 2-1 Buccaneers are coming off a loss to the Rams. The 1-2 Patriots are coming off a loss to the Saints. I find it hard to believe that Brady won’t bring his best stuff to Gillette for this one.

I’ll take Brady and the Bucs all day to win and cover.

LOCK OF THE WEEK: BALTIMORE RAVENS (+1) over Denver Broncos -I feel like this game has blowout potential. As in, I feel like the 2-1 Ravens are going to roll on the 3-0 Broncos on Sunday at 4:25. Why, you ask?

Well, because I think the spread is highly deceiving. Denver is a favorite in this one because they’re at home, but more so because they’re 3-0 and have the best defense in the league so far, allowing just 8.7 points per game. However, you’d be a fool to not look at the three teams Denver has played so far to begin the year: the 0-3 Giants, the 0-3 Jaguars, and the 0-3 Jets. That makes them a favorite against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? Please. Baltimore wins.

It’s a lock.

Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.

ng i k r p a do w n h t t h a wa l k b e ac e s e Thursday - Sunday t l o a k e a e r t h o us ’ n “Do t !” T r af t f am i p s . i ng 10am to 12 Midnight e sp o o re o y t h e a k t me t h ge t Friday & Saturday b e f e n jo c k s t d s o ’t f o r d n a n am ro o d a . Do n 10am to 1:00am Sh at f o yo ne Stoli Blueberry Vodka G re e ve r d ays . and Pink Lemonade! f o r h Fr y PUB & GRILL Fi s The Shamrock Pub & Grill - 501 East Eighth Street - South Boston - 617-268-0007 www.shamrockpubboston.com

of the Week

The Shamr ck

14

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

SPORTS TODAY

BRADY Tweet MAKES HIS of the RETURN TO Week FOXBORO ON SUNDAY

T

SBT Staff

he last time Tom Brady was on the field at Gillette Stadium, he threw a pick-six to Logan Ryan in the final seconds of the New England Patriots’ Wild Card playoff game against the Tennessee Titans in January of 2020.

Tennessee won that game, and ultimately, ended Brady’s Patriots career.

Since, Brady has started a new chapter as quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who he chose to sign with before the 2020 season. In his first season with Tampa Bay, Brady led the Bucs to a Super Bowl championship, while also winning his fifth Super Bowl MVP. It was his seventh Super Bowl title.

September 30, 2021

WHATTOWATCH NFL THURSDAY, SEPT. 30 Jacksonville at Cincinnati (-7.5) 8:20 P.M. NFLN

SUNDAY, OCT. 3 Kansas City (-7.5) at Philadelphia 1 P.M. CBS Pittsburgh at Green Bay (-7) 4:25 P.M. CBS Tampa Bay (-6.5) at New England 8:20 P.M. NBC MONDAY, OCT. 4 Las Vegas at LA Chargers (-3.5) 8:15 P.M. ESPN NCAAF SATURDAY, OCT. 2 #7 Cincinnati (-2.5) at #9 Notre Dame 2:30 P.M. NBC MLB TUESDAY, OCT. 5 AL Wild Card Game TBD ESPN

Now, as he defends his championship with the Buccaneers, Brady makes his return to New England, where he’ll take on his former Patriots this Sunday night on national TV. Not surprisingly, Brady is downplaying the return.

“I’m not going to be thinking about 20 years of history,” said

Brady on his ‘Let’s Go’ podcast with Jim Gray. “I’m going to be thinking about one night of football, a Sunday night game coming off a really tough loss.”

The Bucs are coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

Tampa Bay is a 6.5-point favorite.

PATRIOTS LOSE TO SAINTS IN WEEK 3 RED SOX ENTER FINAL WEEK IN A ceremony, Jones’ second interception he New Orleans Saints rolled on of the day came on the first play of the WILD CARD RACE Mac Jones and the New England third quarter, in the form of a pick-six.

T

SBT Staff

Patriots this past Sunday, 28-13, at Gillette Stadium. The Pats are now 1-2 through Week 3.

Jones was 30-of-51 for 270 pass yards, but his three interceptions gave the Saints an edge that was too much to overcome.

Two of Jones’ three picks resulted in touchdowns for New Orleans. The first came in the final minutes of the second quarter, as Saints linebacker Kaden Ellis intercepted a fluttering ball at midfield and ran down to the Patriots’ 9-yard line. Three plays later, Saints quarterback Jameis Winston connected with Marquez Callaway on a touchdown that put New Orleans up 14-0.

The Saints led 14-3 at the half. But just moments after the Patriots honored Julian Edelman during a halftime

Jones threw a play-action pass over the middle to a crossing Jonnu Smith, but it hit his hands and ended up being caught by Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins at the Patriots’ 35-yard line, who ran it down the right sideline uncontested for the easy touchdown, giving New Orleans a commanding 21-3 lead.

The Patriots made it a one-possession game on a third-quarter field goal by Nick Folk, and then a 22-yard touchdown pass from Jones to Kendrick Bourne in the fourth quarter, cutting New Orleans’ lead to 21-13. But the Saints responded with a back-breaking 13-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a four-yard touchdown run by Taysom Hill with 2:37 left in the game, putting New Orleans ahead 28-13.

the regular season is Sunday afternoon.

The Red Sox were swept by the New York Yankees last weekend at Fenway Park, and entered this week’s final sixSBT Staff game road trip as the second ou can feel it in the air. Wild Card team in the American Playoff baseball is right League. But it’s a five-team race around the corner. And for both Wild Cards. the Boston Red Sox are right in Those teams include the the thick of a playoff race in the Yankees, Red Sox, Toronto Blue American League, as they’re Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Oaknow in the final week of the land Athletics. The top two Wild regular season.

Card teams will advance to a After having Monday off, the one-game AL Wild Card Playoff Red Sox finish their regularGame that takes place Tuesday season schedule with a six-game night on ESPN. road trip that began on Tuesday If necessary, a tiebreaker night in Baltimore. Once they game to determine the teams in conclude their three-game series the AL Wild Card Game will be against the Orioles, they’ll head played on Monday on ESPN. to D.C. to take on the WashThe American League Diviington Nationals beginning on sional Series begins next ThursFriday night. The last game of day, Oct. 7.

Y