South Boston Today January 6 2022

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January 6, 2022: Vol.10 Issue 1

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Teachers And Staff Are Out Sick, Students are Falling Behind And There Is No Plan

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ike millions of students attending school ‘virtually’ this year, Boston Public School students are floundering academically, socially and emotionally. And as the pandemic moves potentially into a winter surge, new reports show alarming numbers of

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January 6, 2022

EDITORIAL Keeping Radicals At Bay In Boston Will Bode Well For 2022

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irst things first, Congratulations to South Bostonian and District 2 Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn for being elected to the presidency of that body. That his colleagues on the council have enough faith and confidence in him to pick him to lead them speaks well of the job he’s been doing. And at the risk of sounding a bit parochial, it’s nice to have one of our neighbors in that position once again. He follows in the footsteps of other members of our community, who held that job and did it

well. May he continue to be a counterbalance to the left leaning progressive members on the council, who, if given a free hand and no opposition, could one day reduce Boston into what cities like New York, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago, Minneapolis and so many others have become – unsafe, Socialist messes.

We’ve entered a new year, and some are saying that in 2022, Boston is at a cross road and the direction that it chooses to go in from here on will decide whether it becomes a great city mov-

ing forward or descends into what those afore mentioned municipalities have become.

Policies Boston should NOT continue are as follows: Taxes: Stop raising taxes.

The working-class families who still reside here have only so much money. The surest way to drive more people away is to increase their financial burden. Taxes, fees and penalties have been raised over and over again. It’s time to draw that line in the concrete and say ‘enough’.

Support for Police: There are radicals in this city who continue to push to reduce

funding for police and even defund the force altogether.

One look at any of the cities that have so foolishly chosen to do that confirms how dangerous doing so would be if done in Boston.

Covid-Related Mandates: Take a good look at New York City for one example.

Strict mandates and lockdowns haven’t helped in NYC. The massive increase in cases there tells any intelligent observer what New York residents have learned – the policies are not working.

Public Schools: The quickest way to infuriate

parents of every background is to indoctrinate their children with racist programs like Critical Race Theory (CRT). Regardless of what certain leaders of some Teachers Unions think, parents absolutely have a say in what their children are being taught.

If current city officials can resist the pressure and influence of the radical element that works hard constantly to take over Boston, our city can have a bright, safe and prosperous future. If not, well then ‘Boston, we have a problem’

“When I was born, I was so ugly the doctor slapped my mother - Rodney Dangerfield

The Massachusetts State Lottery and the Boston Celtics Call Upon New Englanders to Nominate “Heroes Among Us” Nominations for the 2021-2022 season are ongoing; New England residents encouraged to nominate their heroic peers WHO: The Massachusetts State Lottery and the Boston Celtics are teaming up once again to recognize and honor local individuals for their heroic actions at each home game during the 2021-2022 season.

WHAT/WHY: The Heroes Among Us

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program is one of the premier community outreach programs in professional sports. Established as an initiative of the Boston Celtics in 1997, Heroes Among Us honors individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others.

The Heroes Among Us Award is presented to an individual

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or individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community.

At every home game, the Celtics and their fans have saluted the exemplary efforts of these citizens during a special in-game presenta-

tion on the legendary parquet floor. To date, more than 1000 individuals have received the Heroes Among Us Award.

Nominations for the 2021-2022 Heroes Among Us program are open and ongoing. The Massachusetts State Lottery and the Boston

Celtics are calling upon New Englanders to nominate their peers who have made an impact on their community through their selfless, philanthropic, and sometimes lifesaving efforts. To nominate your local hero, please visit: https://www.nba.com/celtics/ community/heroes-among-us.

WHEN: Nominations are open year-round and are currently being considered for the 2021-2022 NBA season.

Heroes Among Us are recognized at every Boston Celtics’ home game.

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Information Center The

2022 Picking Up Where 2021 Left Off - No End To The Ridiculous SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

I

’ll start off the New Year by sharing a question by several readers: ‘Is it true, that the IRS has issued a demand to looters that they must declare as revenue and pay taxes on the merchandise that they stole from the stores they robbed?”. The answer seems to be yes.

We had our intern look into the story and it seems that the government wants the looters to do their patriotic duty and pay those taxes on their ill gotten gains. This would also, I’m guessing, apply to the ‘smash and grab’ artists wreaking havoc on Businesses in California. The feds might not be willing to step in and help these business owners stay safe, but they sure as hell plan not to miss out on their taxes. We’re just dying to see how many thugs will obey - lol.

Moving to the next silly news report to start off 2022: A school district in a small town in upstate New York has announced that for next Christmas season, it will ban the singing of ‘Jingle Bells’ during school events. Why? Well yes, of course it must be racist as is everything else from milk to apple pie to the loony liberal ‘WOKE’ gang.

But beyond just being the normal generic brand of racist, the school stated that Jingle Bells might possibly have its origins in Slavery. Now, we could take a wild guess and say that this is the limit to their absurdity, and they couldn’t get any more ridiculous. But we all have learned from experience that they just take that as a challenge and prove us wrong each time.

Continuing on with the ludicrous, another report, this one out of Washington State, tells of 2 state senators there, who are proposing a new law that would lower the penalties for people who commit murder during drive by shootings. It goes without saying that both of these politicians are Democrats. But they are also huge advocates of banning gun ownership from

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

law abiding American citizens, They have also been endorsed by anti-gun organizations vehemently opposed to the Second Amendment, And yet, if you murder someone in a drive by shooting, you will get your sentence reduced if these two senators get their way. Trying to make sense of this makes the average American’s head hurt, but senators say doing so will serve the goal of ‘racial equity’. And this of course, explains everything.

While on the subject of guns and gun control, we’ll once again venture into the land of fantasy and unicorns – California, specifically the city of Beverly Hills. That community is heavily populated with celebrities and self-proclaimed elitists. It’s the playground of the rich and famous, most of whom are vocally anti-Second Amendment. They never miss an opportunity to lecture the rest of us about how much they hate firearms (except when their making millions of dollars from films where guns are everywhere) and how no one should own them. Ah, but that seems to be changing. There is one Gun Shop in Beverly Hills, and the celebs are flocking to it and buying up anything they can get. The shop owner can hardly keep up with the demand. As soon as new deliveries come in, they are sold out. It is truly amazing how quickly these rich ‘progressive’ celebs change their view on gun ownership once the crime waves start hitting their communities. And the Biden/ Brandon crime waves are hitting all the locations where the activists who reside there are big advocates for defunding the police.

And I’ll close this week’s column, the first column of 2022 with a comment with one more example of just how silly leftists can be and how they never cease to entertain. And who could be sillier than crazy Democrat congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio

Cortez? She has spent the past 16 months insulting the state of Florida, it’s people and especially its Governor Ron DeSantis because of the state’s refusal to force Covid lockdowns, mandates and mask requirements.

She says, because of all the freedom that Florida encourages, the place is dangerous and has even stated that DeSantis wants to kill people. And yet, there she was, in Miami, sitting in a crowded setting, sipping drinks without wearing a mask enjoying all the freedom Florida has to offer. That she was caught embarrassed her. But the fact that Republicans are mocking her and using her as an example of

phoniness and hypocrisy has infuriated her. She responded that the Republicans are doing this because they hate her, and they hate her because they can’t date her. This is a statement that would be considered childish and worthy of mocking if it came from a middle school student. But coming from a member of congress must even embarrass the reality-challenged people in her New York district who voted for her.

As we move deeper into the year 2022, there is not a doubt in anyone’s mind, that there will be a never-ending parade of silly stories to keep us entertained.

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January 6, 2022

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.

Legislature set to kick off second year of legislative session Welcome to the second half of the 2021-2022 legislative session.

Both branches gavel into session later today to kick off the second year of session, with the House scheduled to hold an informal session and the Senate a formal. With lawmakers set to deal with a number of issues this year, here’s are three items that are on our mind: - Mail-in Voting: The Legislature let pandemic-era mail-in voting rules expire last year. And while leaders in both branches have expressed interest in passing new laws, nothing has been pushed across the finish line. The House and Senate have each taken up separate vehicles extending to some extent the voting laws. Expect something to come up soon, most likely before the state elections scheduled for later this year.

- Fiscal 2023: Budget season is nearly upon us. Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to release his fiscal 2023 budget later this month. From there, the House will craft a proposal, followed by the Senate, and later a compromise version that gets sent to Baker.

It’s a months-long process that has been made more uncertain by the continuing pandemic.

- Federal Dollars: There’s still a giant pot of American Rescue Plan Act dollars waiting to be allocated by the Legislature -- $2.3 billion to be exact. The Legislature sent Baker a $4 billion spending plan late last year that used $2.55 billion of the state’s share of ARPA dollars. How and when the Legislature decides to

spend the rest of the money will be crucial in the state’s recovery from the pandemic and ability to deal with additional surges like the one Massachusetts is experiencing now.

Major hospitals mandate booster shot for staff Better get boosted if you work at one of these major hospital systems. Boston Globe’s Amanda Kaufman and Felice J. Freyer report that Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Lahey Health, and Wellforce told staff Tuesday that they’ll need to get boosted to continue working as COVID cases and hospitalizations put a strain on systems across the state.

More from the Globe duo: “The requirement comes as hospitals in Massachusetts are seeing rising hospitalizations as a result of COVID and other ailments. At the same time, hospitals are grappling with their own employees becoming sidelined after being infected with the virus.”

Lesser centers east-west rail at heart of LG candidacy The newly fledged candidate for lieutenant governor will put east-west rail at the center of his candidacy. MassLive’s Alison Kuznitz reports that Lesser said the transportation project is important for both Boston and Western Massachusetts and has the potential to create 40,000 jobs over 30 years.

State reports more than 42,000 breakthrough cases More breakthrough cases are being reported in Massachu-

setts. Boston Herald’s Rick Sobey reports that more than 45,000 fully vaccinated people in the state tested positive for COVID-19, more than double the previous week.

Lowell mayor first Cambodian American to top muni office Lowell hit a historic milestone Monday. City councilors picked Sokhary Chau as the next mayor, making him the first Cambodian American mayor in the United States. Associated Press Boston’s Philip Marcelo reports that the 49-year-old came to the U.S. as a young refugee after surviving Khmer Rouge’s rule.

Some lawmakers makin sixfigures Want to be lawmaker? Well, these days it comes with a pretty decent salary. Boston Herald’s Erin Tiernan reports that after legislators pocketed a pay bump last year, most are taking home six figures. More from Tiernan: “State Sen. Cynthia Friedman was the highest-earning lawmaker of 2021, taking home $220,544, state payroll data shows. The Arlington Democrat earned more than $41,000 more than the next highest earner, Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano.”

Wu administration to continue fight to rebuild Long Island bridge Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is picking up a legal dispute regarding a new bridge to Long Island, where the city once hosted treatment services for people experiencing homelessness and dealing with substance use disorders. GBH News’ Saraya

Wintersmith reports that Wu said a December legal filing in the dispute was a key step to make sure the city has full authority to address homelessness and addiction issues.

Carrot and stick: Steamship Authority adopts vaccine mandate, bonus plan hey’re taking the kitchen-sink approach. The state’s Steamship Authority says it will ramp up pressure on its employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus and plans to use both incentives – employees can snag a $500 bonus for getting jabbed – and eventually moving to fire employees who don’t comply by next month. Rich Saltzberg of the Martha’s Vineyard Times has the details.

Nicole Obi named as next CEO of BECMA A serial entrepreneur is taking the top spot at the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts.

Boston Business Journal’s Steph Soli reports that Nicole Obi has been named the organization’s next CEO. Obi replaces Segun Idowu, who took over as Boston’s chief of economic opportunity and inclusion.

Quincy school committee member and basketball coach on leave A school committee member and girls varsity basketball coach in Quincy is on voluntary leave of absence as an investigation into his behavior as coach plays out.

The Patriot Ledger’s Mary Whitfill reports that Paul Bregoli agreed to the leave a month ago after complaints surfaced from parents about his treatment of students.

Happy New Year From South Boston Today!!!

January 6, 2022

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MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON POLICE COMMISSIONER SEARCH COMMITTEE

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hursday, January 6, 2022 Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the formation of a five-member committee to steer the public engagement and search process for the next Boston Police Department (BPD) Commissioner, a group of deeply respected law and public safety professionals and community leaders. The Committee will be chaired by retired Justice Geraldine Hines of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The Committee will engage first in public and stakeholder meetings to set parameters for the search, then identify and interview prospective candidates, and make recommendations to the Mayor in the coming months.

The search for the Boston Police Commissioner is a critical step in achieving reforms and stability in the nation’s oldest municipal law enforcement agency. Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory P. Long is currently serving as Acting Commissioner and will remain in the role until a permanent Commissioner is appointed. Commissioner Long will serve as an advisor to the Search Committee.

The members of the Search Committee are: • Justice Geraldine Hines (retired), Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, chair • Edward F. Davis III, former Commissioner, Boston Police Department • Bishop William E. Dickerson II, Senior Pastor, Greater Love Tabernacle Church • Abrigal Forrester, Executive Director, Teen Empowerment • Jasmine Gonzales Rose, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of Research & Policy, Center for Antiracist Research, Boston University “We know that investing in public safety and health, and achieving needed police reforms, will depend on committed and visionary leadership for the city and the Boston Police,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With the support of Justice Hines, Commissioner Long, and this remarkable group of civic leaders, we are taking a critical step in our

broader efforts to bring new standards of accountability and oversight to policing, enhance public safety for all our residents, and build community trust.”

“Serving as Acting Commissioner of the Boston Police Department is the honor of a lifetime, but one I intended to be temporary,” said Superintendent-in-Chief and Acting Boston Police Commissioner Gregory P. Long. “I am pleased to support and advise the Mayor and the search committee on the search for a permanent Commissioner and will remain in this role until my successor arrives.”

The members of the Committee each bring a deep commitment to public engagement and community outreach, which will be immediately reflected in the work of the committee.

Supported by staff in the Mayor’s Office, Justice Hines and members of the search committee will host their first two virtual public engagement sessions on January 20 and January 26, with more to follow. The Committee will also meet with community and law enforcement groups to ensure their views on BPD leadership are reflected in the process.

“The choice of the next Boston Police Commissioner is a decision of great consequence for our city and the people of Boston,” said Justice Geraldine Hines (retired) of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Chair of the Search Committee. “Starting this month, my search committee colleagues and I will be meeting with community leaders and members of the public to ensure that their voices are heard and included in this process. I thank Mayor Wu for entrusting me with this important responsibility as we begin the long and difficult task of reforming policing in our City and advancing a public safety agenda for all Bostonians.”

“From my seven years serving as Commissioner of BPD, I know that to truly deliver public safety, we need leadership that is committed to taking on the hard challenges of systemic reform,” said Edward F. Davis III, former Commissioner, Boston

Police Department. “I’m grateful for Mayor Wu’s leadership and I look forward to helping build a stronger Department and a safer city for all.”

“Our next Boston Police Commissioner must lead with a communitycentered approach that builds trust across Boston’s neighborhoods through positive engagement,’’ said Bishop William E. Dickerson II, Senior Pastor, Greater Love Tabernacle Church. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to incorporate the voices of those impacted by trauma and violence in our city.”

“As a first generation CaribbeanAmerican growing up in Codman Square, I experienced first-hand the root causes of crime and criminalization that Boston’s youth experience every day,” said Abrigal Forrester, Executive Director of Teen Empowerment. “I’m committed to elevating the voices of young people in this community-led process to reimagine our public safety systems from the ground up.”

“As we continue to reckon with the impact of systemic racism on policing and violence, this is an opportunity for Boston to reimagine the role of the police as part of our broader infrastructure for public safety and public health,” said Jasmine Gonzales Rose, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of Research & Policy, Center for Antiracist Research, Boston University. “I am honored to be chosen by Mayor Wu as a member of the Committee and for the opportunity to engage with Bostonians over this important choice for the city’s future.”

Committee Bios: The Honorable Geraldine S. Hines is a retired Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice. Appointed in 2014 by Governor Deval Patrick, Hines was the first female African American to serve on the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts.

Hines was appointed to the bench of the State Appeals Court in 2013 and to the Massachusetts Superior Court in 2001. Hines was a founding partner of Burnham, Hines & Dilday, New England’s first female African American law firm. At the Massa-

chusetts Law Reform Institute, she focused on the rights of prisoners.

At the Roxbury Defenders Committee, including a stint as Director, Hines also practiced criminal law.

She also explored police misconduct in communities of color through a Massachusetts Institute of Technology fellowship. Hines graduated from Tougaloo College, a historically black college in Mississippi, and was one of only four black students in her University of Wisconsin Law School class.

Edward F. Davis is the President and CEO of The Edward Davis Company. He served as the Police Commissioner of the City of Boston from December 2006 until October 2013. He administered 6 world championship celebrations and led the City’s response to the Boston Marathon bombing. Prior to that, Davis was the Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department, a position he held for 12 years and one he rose to after starting out as a patrol officer in 1978. Commissioner Davis has been recognized for his efforts locally and nationally, including through the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs Association, where he held a board position.

Davis is a past co-chair of the IACP, Research Advisory Committee and was inducted into Evidence Based Policing Hall of Fame, George Mason University, in 2011. He has received Honorary Doctorates from Northeastern and Suffolk Universities and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Bishop William E. Dickerson, II is the Senior Pastor for Greater continued on page 6

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Love Tabernacle Church, which he founded in 1989 with his wife Luella. In addition to this role, Bishop Dickerson has served as a Boston Public School teacher, adjunct college instructor, reentry consultant for the Department of Corrections, chaplain for the Boston Police Department and a member of the National Chaplains’ Association. He served on the transition teams for the late Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Under the Patrick administration, he served on an anti-violence council.

Bishop Dickerson has received numerous awards, including: the National Night Out Award from Lena Park for Spiritual leadership to end handgun violence, Boston Housing Authority’s Outstanding Award for Volunteerism and Leadership, and the Boston Celtics’

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Heroes Among Us Award. Bishop Dickerson also earned a Masters degree in Education (M.Ed.) from Cambridge College and a Master of Arts degree in Urban Ministry (MA) from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He also studied at Harvard University.

Abrigal Forrester is the Executive Director of Teen Empowerment. Before this role, Forrester was the Director of Community Action at Madison Park Development Corporation (MPDC) and worked at several organizations in and around Boston; YouthBuild USA; STRIVE, Boston Employment Service Inc.; The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts; and The Boston Foundation’s, StreetSafe Boston Initiative. He is a lifelong resident of Boston and grew up in the Codman Square section of Dorchester, MA. Forrester faced difficult challenges and choices

as a young man and found himself disconnected from positive opportunities. He also had a period in his life where he dealt with incarceration. Forrester attended the University of Massachusetts Boston and acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He is also an alumnus of Boston University’s Institute for Non-Profit Management and Leadership.

Professor Jasmine Gonzales Rose is a critical proceduralist and is particularly interested in the intersections of race and language within two areas: juries and evidence. She is a leading criticalist voice on evidence law, with a focus on the evidentiary issues raised by racialized police violence. Professor Gonzales Rose’s scholarship has appeared in several journals, including the Harvard Civil Rights Civil Liberties Law Review among others. Her scholarship is also forthcoming in

January 6, 2022

several books. Professor Gonzales Rose joined BU Law from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she taught for nearly a decade. At Pitt Law she received the law school’s Robert T. Harper Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Distinguished Public Interest Professor Award, the latter twice. Due to her commitment to racial justice, she was selected as a Derrick A. Bell Fund for Excellence Scholar two times. Professor Gonzales Rose is a graduate of Harvard Law School, where she served as an editor-in-chief of the Harvard Latinx Law Review and a member of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. Most recently she served on the boards of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Greater Pittsburgh and the Abolitionist Law Center. She is a member of the Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Committee on Massachusetts Evidence Law.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES FIRST SET OF CITY OF BOSTON JOB FAIRS

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uilding on her commitment to bring City Hall out of City Hall and into each of Boston’s vibrant neighborhoods, Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the City of Boston is holding various virtual job fairs, beginning on January 10th and on throughout January for Boston residents to learn more about employment opportunities with the City.

The first set of job fairs will start on Monday, January 10th at 5:30 p.m. with the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), a key City department that builds and maintains the technology tools that improve residents’ experience and keep the City running.

“As we take on our biggest challenges, there are many critical positions that we need to fill in city government,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our goal is to connect directly with community for job fairs to make sure the City’s workforce represents all of Boston’s diversity, reflects the expertise in our com-

munities, and moves with urgency to deliver for our families across our neighborhoods.”

“Getting dedicated, talented people to come be part of our workforce is one of the most important things we as City leadership can do,” said Alex Lawrence, Interim Chief Information Officer. “I am thrilled we are launching these job fairs, and that the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) will be piloting this program. We have so many critical roles open right now across the city-- especially in IT as technology continues to be an increasingly critical component of how we deliver services to our workforce and residents. For those who want to make a difference by serving Boston residents, I personally believe there is no better way to do that more directly than coming to work for the City.”

The job fairs are open to all Boston residents with the goal of reaching as many residents of

Boston that are currently seeking employment opportunities. This initiative will serve as an opportunity for individuals across each of our neighborhoods who may not have considered working for the City to gain a better understanding of what departments do and what roles are available.

Several departments will participate in one or multiple job fairs, including: Boston Public Schools, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), Boston Fire Department, Office of Police Accountability & Transparency, Environment, Parks and Recreation, Age Strong, SPARK Boston, Operations, and Inspectional Services Department.

The first round of Job Fairs in January will be held virtually through Zoom sessions in order to prioritize accessibility and participation. If an individual is unable to attend virtually, there is a form available that will allow you to schedule a conversation with a

relevant department’s Human Resources (HR) representative. If you are interested in DoIT’s January 10th Virtual Job Fair, you will have to register. please register Following registration, The Mayor’s Office will reach out to you to verify confirmation and provide additional information about the DoIT Job Fair.

To register for future Job Fairs with participating departments and any questions regarding participation in this initiative, your principal point of contact with the City will be: NAME: John Paul Gervais; johnpaul.gervais@boston.gov; 617-635-5795

January 6, 2022

District 2 Councilor Ed Flynn Elected President of the 2022 Boston City Council

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he Boston City Council held its first meeting of the year on Monday, with five new council members who had been sworn in just two hours earlier.

The Council welcomed -District 4 Councilor Brian Worrell -At-Large Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune -District 6 Councilor Kendra Hicks -District 7 Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson -At-Large Councilor Erin Murphy City Council General Rules state that the eldest member of the City Council presides over the meeting, if neither the president nor the president pro tempore are present. Therefore, Councilor Liz

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Breadon presided over the beginning of the meeting until Ed Flynn was elected the new council president.

After welcoming the new members, the Council then unanimously voted to elect Ed Flynn as the new council president, and he took over the rest of the meeting. “Thank you to my colleagues for placing their trust in me as your incoming City Council president,” Flynn said. “I am honored to be elected by my colleagues as president of the Council. I’m humbled by the trust you have placed in me.” He also said he was “honored” to have five new council members this term. “We’re so fortunate to have such well-experienced and educated incoming colleagues,” Flynn said.

Councilor Louijeune who lives in Hyde Park, is a “lawyer and advocate working for working people,” Flynn said. Councilor Murphy, he said, is “an educator with decades of experience in the classroom.” Councilor Worrell is a “small business owner with deep roots in his community,” Councilor Hicks is “an artist, a community organizer, an activist; and we know that she’ll continue her advo-

cacy for her district here at City Hall,” and Councilor Fernandes Anderson is a “strong advocate for our children and families,” Flynn said.

“Each of you have demonstrated your dedication to public service to earn this job, and I am confident—and I know our colleagues are confident— that you will make a difference for the people of Boston, and we look forward to working with you on many issues impacting now just your district, but also the City.”

Flynn then talked about the Council’s focus heading into this term, saying that civic groups and constituents have asked him about it. “During my time at the Council, this body has kept public health, housing affordability and stability, equity, social, and economic justice at the forefront of every discussion we have when it comes to our role in government, and I know that will continue,” Flynn said. ‘It is critical that we continue to always be mindful of issues impacting our seniors, persons with disabilities, working families, veterans, communities of color, and our immigrant neighbors

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as well. As councilors, our job is not always in the news, but the important work we do in city government and our neighborhoods is critical.”

Flynn also talked about the spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks as the Omicron variant continues to spread. He urged the importance of heeding “the guidance of our scientists and public health professionals, and to stress to our neighbors the importance of vaccines, boosters, face coverings to limit the spread of the virus or its impact when we have breakthrough cases.”

He continued, “Boston is a city with great spirit, history, and pride. Our communities deserve to have a city government that listens and works with them.”

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January 6, 2022

The

Wine Guy

It’s About Time

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ew week, new year. While lots of us have been ruminating about resolutions, I’ve been thinking about wine types that are popular, but ones that I should’ve paid more attention to in the past year. So, given that it’s cold and more often than not, bleak this time of year, I thought it might be good to suggest a wine that will take the chill off, is versatile and won’t break the bank.

Hello, Zinfandel!

Like other enduring varieties, this wine goes back through the millennia, with mention of it being grown in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Today, it’s grown in almost every major wine producing area in the world but enjoys many of its best brands grown in the various California AVAs. (In case you’re wondering, that’s short for American Viticultural Area, which is a designation much the same as an AOC, or Appellation d’Origine Controllee in France. These areas and their stringent quality controls help to assure the best wine, often for very attractive prices.)

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel, 2019, ($25.99) is a consistently big but smooth wine and has been the holder of numerous 90+ rankings by some of the toughest critics over many years. This one has an expressive burst of aromas of deep dark fruits, leading into layered tones of lifted red fruit and a soft, delicious mid-palate. A juicy, vibrant entry with notes of mint, sarsaparilla, and fresh plum

is interwoven with supple, textured tannins and acidity on the long, complex finish.

This wine is made to be paired with grilled steak, sausage and peppers with cheesy polenta, or pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces such as baked rigatoni or pappardelle Bolognese. Semi-hard cheeses such as dry jack – our favorite is from a local Sonoma producer, Vella Cheese Company – and aged cheddar or gouda are great pairing suggestions for happy hour or a last minute get together.

Oak Ridge Zinfandel AV Estate Grown Lodi, 2019, ($14.99) comes from one of my favorite areas in California, Lodi County. This county consistently produces high quality reds for tremendous value, especially this little beauty. Wine Enthusiast has consistently rated it a Best Buy, saying, “Smooth, supple and concentrated, this lavishly fruity and jammy wine coats the palate with blackberry syrup, maple and boysenberry flavors. It’s velvety and viscous”.

Open it about 30 minutes before you want a glass and you’ll be impressed by the body and depth, the resonant berry notes and long finish, despite the fact that, even with a 14% alcohol level, it’s not overly thick. Beautiful medium body and

a great change of pace if you’re a Cabernet Sauvignon drinker most of the time.

Probably the most dominant name in California Zinfandel, Ridge Vineyards produces a wide array of top-quality wines. The best value, imho, is their 2019 East Bench Zinfandel, ($29.99). Jeb Dunnock says” Based on 100% Zinfandel, the 2019 Zinfandel East Bench has a great perfume of red plums, wild strawberries, and flowery incense, with just hints of cigar and dried orange peel emerging with time in the glass. While it’s not a blockbuster, it brings huge intensity and richness in a mediumbodied, weightless, elegant package that delivers ripe tannins and notable acidity.” (95 pts.)

While not nearly as big a name as Ridge, Thacher Vineyards make some of the biggest Red Blends in the country. Their 2017 Thacher “Controlled Chaos”Red, Paso Robles, ($29.99) is a Zinfandel -dominated Red Blend comprised of tart and roasted cranberry aromas that meet with loamy soil and wild desert herbs on the nose of this blend of 64% Mourvèdre, 14% Zinfandel, 12% Grenache and 10% Counoise. There’s an eclectic mix of fresh red fruit, dried herbs, light pepper and crushed brick

flavors on the palate, which makes for an easy-drinking table wine.

You can have this one with any kind of meat or meat-dominated food; think Hanger Steak and Red Potatoes, Open-faced Steak sandwiches, with a warm Bernaise and Mushroom sauce or a Sunday Roast. Might be your best bet, no matter how many other bets you make, for the Playoffs.

The Prisoner, Salado Zinfandel, 2018, California, ($25.99) has a dark ruby color with bold aromas of black licorice, black pepper, cherry, and baking spice. The entry is rich, full, and scintillating. The palate is mouthwatering and smooth with a hint of chocolate and the finish is voluptuous with soft, velvety tannins. Wilfred Wong of Wine.com calls it,” robust, extracted, and long-lasting.

This wine plays up bold berries and wood nuances in its aromas and flavors. Pair it with barbecued skewered pork”, while The Wine Enthusiast says,”This posh, smooth and layered wine is well packed with blackberry and blueberry flavors and sprinkled with black and white pepper. A very full body and velvety tannins give it a broad, mouth-coating texture that helps carry all that tasty fruit flavor through the finish.

January 6, 2022

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Virtual Public Meeting

804 E.7th Street Wednesday, January 26

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3HwUXjO

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Article 80 Meeting Schedule

Dorchester Bay City The BPDA will be hosting a series of Virtual Public Meetings in connection with the submission of the Draft Project Impact Report for the proposed Dorchester Bay City project. These upcoming topic-specific Public Meetings follow an initial Kick-Off Public Meeting, which was held on December 15th.

Meeting ID: 161 077 0052 Project Description: The proposed project consists of the conversion of the existing 3-story building previously used as a nursing home into a residential building with twenty-one residential units and twentyone garage parking spaces.

mail to: Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4418 email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 2/1/2022

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

January 10,2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting | Transportation, Infrastructure, Sustainability and Resiliency Register Here: bit.ly/3ysaUEy January 20th, 2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting | Housing & Economic Development Register Here: bit.ly/30szFDY

January 31, 2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting | Inclusive Public Realm Improvements and Placemaking Register Here: bit.ly/3s9UXC2 February 17, 2022 | 6:00 PM Virtual Public Meeting |Urban Design & Open Space Register Here: bit.ly/3J3mbjI

All vital project documents, including an Executive Summary of the Draft Project Impact Report, are available for review in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese on the Dorchester Bay City project webpage on the BPDA’s website. Interpretation will be provided for all Public Meetings in Spanish, Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

To submit a comment on this Proposed Project in a language other than English please email bpdawebcontent@boston.gov.

If you have any questions about the BPDA review of the Dorchester Bay City project, please contact: Aisling Kerr at (617) 918 - 4212 or by email at aisling.kerr@boston.gov BostonPlans.org

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered

by Compass on the Bay January 20, 2022, 6:00 pm. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through.

You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group will be held in conjunction with our sister community, Standish Village. Call 617-268-5450 or email Program Director Dean Tricarico at dtricarico@compassonthebay.com for more information and to register for the virtual meeting.

This is a virtual event sponsored by Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston.

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

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January 6, 2022

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES SEVERAL CABINET REAPPOINTMENTS

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ayor Michelle Wu today announced several cabinet reappointments, shaping her new administration with proven leaders who are focused on equity, civic engagement and embracing Boston’s possibility.

Celina Barrios-Millner, previously Chief of Equity & Inclusion, will join the Mayor’s Office as Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Shumeane Benford will continue as Chief of Emergency Management (OEM), Kara Elliot-Ortega as Chief of Arts & Culture, Dion Irish as Chief of Operations, Justin Sterritt as Chief of Administration & Finance, and Rev. Mariama White-Hammond as Chief of Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space.

“I’m grateful for the continued leadership and service of these dedicated city officials,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “In this critical moment, their knowledge and passion for connecting our communities will guide our actions to make Boston a city for everyone.”

Celina Barrios-Millner, an immigrant from Venezuela, is a proven public sector strategist with two decades of experience serving the people of Boston by building systems and designing policies to ensure equity across major aspects of civic life. Since joining the City of Boston in 2014, Barrios-Millner has led Immigrant Integration initiatives, built the City’s first Supplier Diversity program, and most recently worked to ensure an equitable distribution of ARPA and other stimulus funds as Chief of Equity and Inclusion.

“I am honored by the opportunity to work closely with Mayor Wu and her administration to serve the people of Boston,” said Celina Barrios-Millner. “I am looking forward to working with such a talented and visionary team to ensure we are

responsive to the real challenges we face day to day while building systems that work for all Bostonians.”

Shumeane L. Benford is a veteran Boston Police Officer and proven reform-minded public safety leader with over 25 years of experience. Benford is a collaborator who has lent his experience and voice in the city’s discussion around police reform implementation. In addition to enhancing OEM’s service capacity, Benford most recently has led efforts to transform the Boston Housing Police into a 21st century service oriented department that centers its work around engagement, community partnership, alternative responses, transparency and accountability. Benford is a lifelong Boston resident, and received his Masters Degree from Suffolk University, and his BA from Curry College. He is an adjunct professor at Roxbury Community College, and lives in Dorchester with his family.

“It is truly an honor to be reappointed as the Chief of Emergency Management,” said Shumeane Benford. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue the important work of keeping our city safe and prepared under Mayor Wu’s leadership. I welcome the challenge of meeting the moment and being a productive contributor in delivering on Mayor Wu’s bold vision for transformative city services that are more connected, inclusive and equitable for all of Boston’s residents.”

Kara Elliott-Ortega has worked in the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture for six years, serving as Chief of Arts and Culture for the past three years. In that role, Kara led cultural space development and placekeeping efforts, the expansion of grants and services to Bostonbased creative workers and cultural organizations, and created new

programs to support public art and cultural activations across the City.

Kara previously worked for the City as the Director of Policy and Planning for the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. Kara is an urban planner and cultural organizer focusing on the role of arts and creativity in community building and government. She holds a Master in City Planning from MIT and is a graduate of the University of Chicago.

Kara is a resident of Roxbury and loves playing music and going to local shows.

“I am honored to continue to serve Boston and its creative communities under the leadership of Mayor Wu,” said Kara Elliot-Ortega. “As a lifelong advocate for artists and creative work, I am excited to be part of this administration that prioritizes inclusion and understands the necessary role that culture plays in all aspects of civic life.”

Dion Irish has served the city of Boston for more than 26 years in various leadership positions. As Chief of Operations, he oversees the Inspectional Services, Public Facilities and Property Management Departments; and coordinates multiagency operational initiatives. He is a dedicated and passionate public servant who held leadership positions in the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for over a decade, including serving as Commissioner 2019 to 2021. At ISD, he established nationally recognized policies and programs such as Breathe Easy At Home (BEAH), Rental Property Registration & Inspection, and the statewide comprehensive certification training for housing inspectors (MPHIT). Previously, Irish was appointed Commissioner of the Boston Election Department in 2015 and was appointed to lead Boston’s Office of Civil Rights in 2012. He is a

graduate of Dorchester High School; he earned a Bachelor degree in Political Science from Boston University, a Master of Urban Affairs from Boston University, and a Master of Public Administration Degree from Suffolk University.

“I’m both honored and excited to be part of Mayor Wu’s historic administration,” said Dion Irish. “As someone who was raised in this city, who attended our public schools and whose career has been dedicated to serving my fellow residents, I’m familiar with our challenges and opportunities. I’m eager to join Mayor Wu, and my colleagues, in executing on a bold agenda for Boston, while delivering on critical basic services.”

As CFO, Justin Sterritt is responsible for all aspects of financial management for the City of Boston. In this role, he will continue the sound fiscal stewardship of the City’s human and financial resources to support the long term growth and stability of the city. Sterritt previously served as Director of the Office of Budget Management for the City. Sterritt has also led key strategic efforts on behalf of the City including increasing engagement and equity in the annual budget process, managing state funding dynamics including efforts to increase state funding support and supporting the City’s response and recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic during a rapidly changing and evolving economic climate.

Prior to joining the City of Boston, Sterritt spent over six years in various finance and policy roles for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Collector-Treasurer for the City of Boston, and I’m thrilled to continue on in this role under Mayor Wu’s

continued on page 11

January 6, 2022

Wu continued from page 10

administration “ said Justin Sterritt. “The A&F team of professionals for the City is the envy of any major City in the country and I am proud to build on the City’s track record of fiscal responsibility while helping to implement an innovative and forward looking agenda for Mayor Wu.” Rev. Mariama White-Hammond was appointed as Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space in April 2021. As Chief, Rev. WhiteHammond oversees policy and programs on energy, climate change, sustainability, historic preservation and open space. Over the course of her time with the City, she has supported the amendment of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance to set carbon

Teachers Sick continued from front page

kids falling behind, failing classes or not showing up at all. Across the country, students are struggling to focus and retain information with online learning, and many feel they are learning less than past years.

For months, experts hoped a return to classrooms would allow teachers to address the lapses in children’s academic and social needs. For many students, that hasn’t happened. The goalposts are constantly shifting on a return to in-person learning, and about half of U.S. students are attending virtual-only schools. It’s becoming increasingly clear that districts and states need to improve remote instruction and find a way to give individual kids special help online.

At the moment, plans to help students catch up are generally evolving, weak or nonexistent. The consequences are most alarming for low-income and minority children, who are more likely to be learning remotely and less likely to have appropriate technology and home environments for independent study compared with their wealthier peers. Children with disabilities and those learning English have particularly struggled in the absence of in-class instruction. Many of those students were already lagging academically before the pandemic. Now, they’re even further behind – with time running out to

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targets for existing large buildings.

Rev. White-Hammond has also convened a city-led youth green jobs program. Rev. White-Hammond has extensive background in embedding equity and environmental justice into Boston’s communities. Rev. Mariama is the founding pastor of New Roots AME Church in Dorchester. She has received numerous awards, including the Barr Fellowship, the Celtics Heroes Among Us, The Roxbury Founders Day Award and the Boston NAACP Image award. She was selected as one of the Grist 50 Fixers for 2019 and Sojourners 11 Women Shaping the Church. Rev. White-Hammond was born and raised in Boston and began her community engagement in high school when she worked as a Peer Health Educator. She was par-

ticularly shaped by her involvement in Project HIP-HOP (Highways Into the Past - History, Organizing and Power), a youth organization focused on teaching the history of the Civil Rights Movement and engaging a new generation of young people in activism. After college, she became the Executive Director of Project HIP-HOP, where she served for 13 years. In 2017, she graduated with her Master of Divinity at the Boston University School of Theology and was ordained an elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2018, she founded New Roots AME Church.

“I want to thank Mayor Wu for her visionary leadership in tackling the structural changes so Boston’s young people have a healthy and sustainable planet to call home,”

said Reverend Mariama WhiteHammond. “Right now, we have the opportunity and obligation to create a city founded on equitable access to jobs, transportation, and open space through a city-level Green New Deal. I am grateful and enthusiastic to support Mayor Wu in this work.”

meet key academic benchmarks.

And our Boston Public Schools system has decided to spend their policy development time modifying the formula for access to the exam schools, while those aspiring are lagging in the fundamentals for achievement. Consequently, these students will not only not be prepared to close any quantifiable achievement gap, but they will also have to settle for accepting an overall achievement shortfall that will affect their academic competitiveness nationwide. These students are not only competing among their Boston peers but with students all over the country.

And now here comes the Covid -19 omicron strain resulting this week in over 1,000 Boston Public Schools teachers and staff members absent on Tuesday for a variety of reasons, including being sick from Covid-19, as schools reopened from the holiday break, district officials said. The total of 1,074, is roughly a tenth of all district employees: Data from late 2019, the most recent available, shows BPS budgeted 10,380 staff positions for the 2020 school year.

“As the Mayor and Superintendent stated during their press availability this week, we saw more than 1,000 school staff absences, which is inclusive of all people who work in schools — and not all of those are due to COVID, absences are being

seen for a multitude of reasons,” Jonathan Palumbo, a BPS spokesperson, told Boston.com in an email.

“Of that 1,000, approximately 450 are teachers.”

Palumbo wrote that the district was in close contact with school leaders on Monday and into Tuesday as officials tried to cover as many absences as possible. “We deployed 60 central office staff to cover core functions in schools and will stay in communication with schools and families all day,” he wrote. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius, addressing reporters outside the Margarita Muñiz Academy in Jamaica Plain, didn’t rule out personally pitching in to help.

“We have our central office teams,

many of us are licensed teachers, myself included. If I have to go out and teach in a classroom, I’m going to do that,” Cassellius reportedly said. “But our goal is to keep classes going and keep students in person.”

On Monday, BPS received and began to distribute 10,000 COVID-19 testing kits, according to WBUR. Teachers were also slated to receive 30 KN95 masks each as school officials work to navigate the surge in virus cases fueled by the omicron variant. Cassellius said BPS has a pool of 105 stand-by replacement school bus drivers, but families should still check their “Where’s My School Bus” transportation app this week as the district anticipates delays and shortages.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

December Highlights

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he South Boston Catholic Academy Student Council Hosted their Annual Toy Drive for Toys for Tots. Thank you to our terrific Student Council members for their great work, Ms. Brogan, our Physical Education Teacher, for organizing this drive, and to all our students, families, and friends that donated new and unwrapped toys to this year’s Toys for Tots drive @marinetoysfortotsfoundation!

Ms. Hoisl’s and Ms. Smith’s sixth graders did an amazing job with their class project of creating their very own Enchanted Village of South Boston 2021! The sixth graders also guided and helped the other students from grades K0 to 5 with the scavenger hunt that was included with this class project.

To celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Feast Day on December 12th, the students in Ms. Avery’s

Spanish Class learned how Mother Mary appeared to a farmer named Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531 and gave hope to the people of Mexico.

Our Lady gave roses to Juan Diego as a sign that she truly appeared, and our first and second graders made their own flowers that we put on the bulletin board. Students also took a virtual field trip via Google Earth to Mexico where we saw the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. May we remember to come to Mary as our spiritual Mother as she always leads us closer to her Son, Jesus.

The students in K2 did a fantastic job capturing the true meaning

January 6, 2022

of the Christmas season, celebrating Jesus’ Birthday, on their bulletin boards in front of their classrooms.

On behalf of our Principal Dr. Civian, the faculty, and staff at South Boston Catholic Academy we wish everyone a Healthy and Happy 2022! God Bless Everyone! “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” – T.S. Eliot. New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.

January 6, 2022

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This week, Danny gave “Pic’s Picks” for Week 18 in the NFL:

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here was no publication last week, so I didn’t have any picks for Week 17 on the record. The last time I gave you my picks was Week 16, and I got crushed, going 1-4 against the spread.

My record on the season is now 43-37. It’s not a bad record, considering I’m now guaranteed to finish above .500 in the regular season. But still, I have to be better than 1-4.

This will be the first time we have an 18th week of the regular season. The NFL extended its regular season by one game for each team this year, which gets us closer to what the league ultimately wants: the Super Bowl to be played on the Sunday before Presidents’ Day Monday.

In this Week 18, we’ll see two Saturday games: Denver hosting Kansas City, and Philadelphia hosting Dallas. The rest of the slate will be played on Sunday.

And whether it’s securing homefield advantage, or just clinching a playoff berth, many teams still have something to play for in this final week of the regular season.

That’s good news for bettors, in my opinion at least.

Here are my picks for Week 18: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-10) over Denver Broncos -This is the first game of Week 18, on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in Denver. The 11-5 Chiefs enter the final week as the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture. They’ve already clinched the AFC West, and so they know, at the very least, they’ll be hosting a Wild Card playoff game. But if the Chiefs beat the already-eliminated 7-9 Broncos on Saturday, and the Tennessee Titans somehow lose to the Texans in Houston on Sunday, then Kansas City will finish as the No. 1 seed in the AFC and get a first-round bye. If the Chiefs lose to the Broncos, they could also potentially fall down as far as the No. 4 seed, if both Cincinnati and Buffalo win on Sunday.

Either way, the Chiefs — who are coming off a loss to the Bengals — know that they have to win in Denver on Saurday. And the Broncos have nothing to play for.

Give me Kansas City to make a statement with a 20-point win.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (+5.5) over Baltimore Ravens -Currently, both the 8-7-1 Steelers and the 8-8 Ravens are

on the outside looking in at the AFC playoff picture. However, each team has a chance to sneak into a Wild Card spot. For both Pittsburgh and Baltimore, that would require a win in this game on Sunday at 1 in Baltimore, plus some other things to go their way.

The Steelers have the more hopeful scenario, seeing as they’d need to beat the Ravens, and also have the Colts lose in Jacksonville. The Ravens would need to win, and also have three other teams lose: Colts, Chargers, and Dolphins.

This could be Ben Roethlisberger’s final game in a Pittsburgh uniform. I think he’ll at least find a way to keep it close. Maybe Steelers won’t win, but I’m taking them to cover.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-8) over Carolina Panthers -For the 12-4 Buccaneers, it’s simple. Beat the already-eliminated 5-11 Panthers at home on Sunday at 4:25, and they’ll move up from the No. 3 seed to the No. 2 seed in the NFC, if the Rams also lose to the win-and-get-in 49ers.

I think San Francisco will put up a fight. Tampa Bay knows this, and the No. 2 seed is better than the No. 3 seed, to Tom Brady will

surely be playing to win, rather than just rest up for the playoffs.

Bucs win by two touchdowns.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-4.5) over Atlanta Falcons -If the 8-8 Saints beat the already-eliminated 7-9 Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday at 4:25, and the 49ers lose to the Rams in LA, then New Orleans will clinch a playoff berth and San Francisco will have its season ended. I love New Orleans here. The 4.5 points seems like a lot on the road, but I’m still doing it. Give me New Orleans to win and cover.

LOCK OF THE WEEK: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-6.5) over Miami Dolphins -The 10-6 Patriots can still win the AFC East if they beat the already-eliminated 8-8 Dolphins in Miami on Sunday at 4:25, and if the Bills lose to the Jets.

The reality is, the Bills probably won’t lose to the Jets. And even though New England has already clinched a playoff berth, they still have to play to win in Miami, just in case the Bills do lose to the Jets. I’ll take the Patriots to win by two touchdowns.

Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.

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SPORTS TODAY PATRIOTS Tweet CLINCH FIRST PLAYOFF BERTH of the Week IN POSTBRADY ERA

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division record. The Bills are 4-1 against AFC East teams, while the Patriots are 3-2.

Both the Patriots and Bills play against an AFC East team in Week 18. The Pats travel to Miami to take on the 8-8 Dolphins, while the Bills host the 4-12 Jets. Both games are on Sunday at 4:25 p.m.

The only way for the Patriots to win the division — and get a firstround playoff game at home — is to beat the Dolphins on Sunday, and hope that the Bills somehow lose to the Jets. If Buffalo beats the Jets, then the Bills will automatically clinch the AFC East.

There is a scenario in which the Patriots could do more than just clinch the AFC East. They could

WHATTOWATCH NFL SATURDAY, JAN. 8 Kansas City (-10) at Denver 4:30 P.M. ABC/ESPN Dallas (-7) at Philadelphia 8:15 P.M. ABC/ESPN SUNDAY, JAN. 9 New England (-6.5) at Miami 4:25 P.M. CBS LA Chargers (-2.5) at Las Vegas 8:20 P.M. NBC NCAAF MONDAY, JAN. 10 National Championship #3 Georgia (-3) vs #1 Alabama 8 P.M. ESPN NBA SATURDAY, JAN. 8 New York at Boston 7:30 P.M. NBCSB/NBATV NHL SATURDAY, JAN. 8 Boston at Tampa Bay 7 P.M. NESN/ESPN+

SBT Staff

he New England Patriots are back in the playoffs, officially, for the first time since Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay prior to the 2020 season.

Now, with rookie Mac Jones under center, all New England needed in Week 17 was either a win over Jacksonville or a Miami loss in Tennessee, in order to clinch a playoff berth after missing out on the playoffs last year. The Patriots got both.

They whooped the Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, 50-10, and the Dolphins got whooped by the Titans in Tennessee, 34-3.

Now, entering the final week of the regular season, the 10-6 Patriots are the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture. Buffalo, also at 10-6, currently holds the division lead over New England because of a better

January 6, 2022

also jump up to the No. 1 seed in the AFC and get a first-round bye if all of the following occur in Week 18: the Patriots beat the Dolphins, the Bills lose to the Jets, the Titans lose to the Texans, and the Chiefs lose to the Broncos.

So, it seems like the Patriots will need a miracle to get the No. 1 seed. Right now, all we know is that they’re in the playoffs, and they’ll need some help to win the division and host a playoff game at Gillette Stadium.

It’s very likely that New England’s 50-10 win over Jacksonville this past Sunday was the last game at Gillette Stadium until next season. At least the Patriots were able to put on a show.

Jones threw three touchdown passes and finished the game 22-of-30 for 227 yards. His three touchdowns were thrown to Kristian Wilkerson and Jakobi Meyers. Wilkerson caught two touchdown passes.

New England’s other four touchdowns came on the ground, from running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris. Both Stevenson and Harris each had two rushing touchdowns. Stevenson finished with a game-high 107 rush yards on 19 carries. Harris had 35 rush yards on nine carries.

The win snapped a two-game losing skid for the Patriots. New England is a 6.5-point favorite in Sunday’s game in Miami. The Pats lost to the Dolphins, 17-16, at home in Week 1.

GEORGIA FAVORED TO BEAT ALABAMA IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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SBT Staff

ollege football’s National Championship Game will take place this Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and it will be a rematch of the SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia.

Alabama won that SEC Championship in early December, by a score of 41-24. Georgia entered

that game as the No. 1 team in the country, with Alabama having been ranked No. 3 at the time.

Now, Alabama is the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoffs, and Georgia is the No. 3 seed. Still though, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs are a 3-point favorite over No. 1 Alabama in Monday night’s National Championship.

Georgia is coming off a 34-11

semifinal win over No. 2 Michigan on New Year’s Eve. Alabama defeated No. 4 Cincinnati, 27-6, in their semifinal game on the same day.

Now, both SEC juggernauts will go toe-to-toe once again to see who will claim the title of “Best in the Nation.”

Since the four-team “College Football Playoff” was instituted in 2014, Alabama has appeared in

seven of the eight playoffs. This will be Alabama’s second straight appearance in the National Championship Game. Alabama defeated Ohio State last year to win the National Title. The Crimson Tide have won three National Titles in the “College Football Playoff” era, which includes a 26-23 win over Georgia in the National Championship game in January of 2018.