South Boston Today March 10 2022

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March 10, 2022: Vol.10 Issue 10

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

Tradition Revived And Is ‘LIVE’

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Senator Nick Collins To Host The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast

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ith the Covid-19 restrictions lifted and the gradual return to some level of normal day to day living, as evidenced by typical commuting traffic congestion, the tradition of the Saint Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day Breakfast will be held, live and in person, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on March 20, 2022, starting at 9:00 AM. The breakfast will coincide with the Parade which will kick

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March 10, 2022

EDITORIAL To Those Littering Our Streets With Discarded Face Masks – Please Stop

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he feeling of most people in the neighborhood about the fact that the City of Boston has finally, FINALLY, for the most part, shed its indoor mask wearing mandates is welcome news. Of course, there are some who aren’t sure about the wisdom of that decision and would seem to prefer that everyone be forced to wear them forever, or at least indefinitely. To each their own view. Everyone has the right to their opinions. But the purpose of this editorial isn’t to debate the wisdom of wearing a mask, or if doing so was even effective or just political theater

by power hungry politicians and medical ‘experts’ for the last two years. The reason is to make an appeal to those who, as they shed their masks, make the small, extra effort to dispose of them in a safe, sanitary way – not throw them all over the streets.

Take a walk around the community. No matter what section you go to, you cannot help but see them unless your vision is impaired. Crumpled up, soggy and filthy used face masks are everywhere. If there is a full city block that does not have at least five of them lying in the gutter, on the sidewalk or thrown

on someone’s front stairs, we haven’t noticed. It’s pretty disgusting. There is no need of this. Littering is illegal. Tossing candy bar wrappers, coffee cups and Styrofoam food containers on the street is being is bad enough and it is an eyesore.

But nasty old face masks are - well, disgusting. And while everyone knows better than to do this, some do it anyway.

As we said, we are echoing the feelings of many residents who have contacted this newspaper to complain about this when we ask – what is so difficult about putting your used masks in one of the many barrels

located around the neighborhood? Or better still, just put them in your pocket until you go home and dispose of them with your household trash. To say that leaving used, germ-filled face masks all over the place is ignorant is an understatement. Eventually, someone has to pick them up and dispose of them. To assume that someone else, be they city maintenance workers or neighbors just trying to keep the front of their homes clean, should do it for you is just plain wrong.

Let us be clear. The overwhelming majority of residents and even visitors to our neighborhood

are not responsible for all the discarded face masks littering our streets. Again, most people know better.

This editorial is directed to those who seem to think it’s no big deal to throw their no longer needed masks on our streets for others to deal with. Our request to those who do this is to grow up and stop being so inconsiderate.

“We Americans are as great as we’ve ever been. But our government is broken” - Marco Rubio

Boston Urban Forest Plan Virtual Open House March 14

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esidents interested in the future of trees in Boston are invited to join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for a virtual conversation about the progress of the Urban Forest Plan on Monday, March 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. To join the discussion, follow the event link at boston.gov/

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urban-forest-plan.

Boston’s first ever Urban Forest Plan will help prioritize, preserve, and grow the tree canopy throughout Boston for decades to come. In Boston, all residents depend on the many benefits provided by the trees in our urban forest. The issues being addressed include policy, funding, workforce development, design, climate resilience, and

John Ciccone

more. The goal is to create a strategic plan based on science and defined by the needs and desires of the community to ensure that the urban forest will be better managed both today and in the future.

This project is a part of Healthy Places, a collaboration between the Heat Resilience Study, Urban Forest Plan, and Open Space and Recreation Plan. Healthy Places looks at

cooling the city, expanding the urban forest, and improving the park system. For more information on any of these projects, please visit boston. gov/healthy-places.

Interpretation and translation services are available for the March 14 Open House at no cost. Please contact program manager Maggie Owens if you cannot attend this meeting, have any questions

or comments, or if you need interpretation services, translated materials, or disability accommodations by emailing maggie.owens@boston.gov or calling (617) 961-3025 by February 28, 2022.

To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, call (617) 635-4505, visit Boston. gov/Parks, join our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails, and follow our social channels @ bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Information Center The

Will It Take A Second Mortgage To Fill Your Gas Tank By Next Week?

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

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ticker Shock at the gas pumps. The topic is on the minds of most. To those out there who still might not understand that the soaring price of fuel is exactly what so many liberal Democrat politicians, celebrities and leftists in the news media want, you really aren’t paying attention.

One headline reads “Nancy Pelosi unfazed by the rising gas prices her constituents are paying”. Brandon-appointed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says, “Just go out and buy a $55,000 electric car if you don’t want to pay the high gas prices”. Multi-millionaire and late-night TV talk show buffoon Steven Colbert says he’s happy to pay the high prices. Doing so will ease his conscience. And on it goes. It brings to mind that old saying “Let them eat cake”.

While most working-class Americans are struggling and trying to figure out how to come up with the money to put gas in their cars and pay for necessities like food, clothing, household goods, etc., all of which are skyrocketing in cost because of the rising price of fuel, the smug Democrat elites are, not only, not affected by this themselves, but they could not care less about hurting American families. In fact, if you listen closely to their agenda and what their vision of a future America should be, you realize that they actually want Americans to be hurting. The way they see it, if the people can no longer afford to purchase what is needed, they will come to rely more heavily on big government subsidies, making them more and more dependent on the government. To cover the cost of supporting more people, huge tax hikes will be needed to pay for it.

This is what happened to Venezuela and other Socialist/Communist countries. This is what the Demo-

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

crats want for America.

Of course, being who they are, the politicians never accept blame for the messes they make. They are experts at shifting blame to others.

And before the public finally wised up to their tactics, they used to get away with fooling us.

Even though the price at the pumps started climbing the day after Brandon was sworn into office over a year ago and hasn’t stopped yet, they are claiming its all being caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began last week. Then they get indignant when everyone calls ‘bs’ on these bogus claims. The country is a mess and Americans know it, as polls show that now 78% of the people believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction and in serious trouble under the current leadership in Washington. It’s a good bet that many of the other 22% know it too, but are hold out Biden voters who are too stubborn to admit they blew it by voting the way they did.

Here is what people know to be true no matter how hard the Democrats try to deny it and put their own phony spin on it: Our country was finally energy independent under President Trump.

America was awash in clean natural gas and all the other fuels needed to support our thriving economy at the time. We were producing so much of our own fuel that we were able to tell OPEC, the Russians and any other country that used to hold America hostage to take a hike. Our factories were humming, our border was secure and prices on almost everything were more affordable than they had been in decades. And then the Democrats took control after an election with questionable results. And then, like a dark storm cloud and plague casting a shadow over the land, so much started to go downhill. It is truly amazing how little time it took for the greatest country

in the history of the world to go from thriving to hurting. It couldn’t have happened if it wasn’t planned and deliberate and most Americans are smart enough to realize it.

What the leftists currently in power will continue to push for as long as they have the power to do it, is to turn our country into a weakened nation, where personal freedom and liberties are chipped away and an all-powerful Socialist government calls all the shots.

They never want to see prices come down, especially fuel prices because they hate fossil fuels nearly as much as they hate America itself. They want everyone to believe that the country can

exist powered by windmills and solar panels, even though they themselves know it cannot.

This is why it’s so important that these people in charge are tossed out of office beginning this November and continuing into November 2024.

They know the destruction their policies are causing, and that people have had enough of it and of them. So, they are moving as fast as they can to hurt and weaken the nation as quickly as possible because they can see the writing on the wall. They will be getting the boot in the coming elections.

But this time, they must be tossed out permanently – never to return.

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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.

Average gas prices keep climbing higher as inflation and the war in Ukraine drive the cost of a gallon to $4.306 this morning, according to AAA Northeast. That’s the third record set in as many days after reaching a short-lived high of $4.24 on Tuesday. The political fallout has led to increasing calls from Republicans for a suspension of the state’s gas tax to help offset at least a small portion of the higher price. For the second day in a row on Tuesday, Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Doughty said residents “need relief from skyrocketing prices across the board” in an appeal to temporarily suspend the tax.

The House of Representatives plans took up the Ways and Means Committee’s $1.6 billion spending bill during a formal session on Wednesday. Report to come later.

Asked if she would support suspending the tax and what she would do as governor to offset recent price increases on commuters, Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz said, “once again, wealthy fossil fuel executives are taking advantage of a fragile political situation, just like they did last year.” “In 2021, oil companies raised

gas prices while pocketing over $100 billion dollars in profits — in the middle of a global pandemic,” she said in a statement to MASSterList.

“They don’t need to be raising prices to absurd levels now and we must not strip-mine the state budget so they can line their pockets.”

Maura Healey (in her capacity as the AG) said her office is monitoring increases in gas prices after receiving price gouging complaints.

MassLive’s Will Katcher reports this came hours after Secretary of State William Galvin called for an investigation into price hikes.

Galvin wants state to investigate rising gas prices Secretary of State William Galvin is wary about the recent rise in gas prices and wants the state to look into potential price gouging. WBZ NewsRadio’s Kyle Bray reports Galvin said “the lack of explanation” for the increases needs to be examined. Here’s the full quote: “The rapidity in which the prices have increased and the lack of explanation of why they’ve increased, when in fact it has no direct relation to Russian supplies, needs to be examined,” Galvin said. “If they have nothing to hide then we will know that, but I think it is urgent that we do something about this.”

‘There is no equal opportunity’ in Boston Boston city workers of color decried what they called a culture of nepotism and unfair treatment within city departments, reports Boston Globe’s Danny McDonald. One public works department employee said, “There is no equal opportunity, because if I go ... into the interview with 20-plus years of experience, they turn around and give the position to an individual with six months to a year just because he’s a friend of the person who’s interviewing.”

AG Healey monitoring gas price increases Separately, Attorney General

The legacy of DA Rollins What’s does Rachael Rollin’s exit from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office mean for local progressives? Eoin Higgins for Bolts Magazine writes Boston-area advocates are worried her successor -- interim DA

March 10, 2022

Kevin Hayden -- is stymying Rollinsera policies like the list of lower-level offenses the DA’s office previously declined to prosecute. More from Higgins: “Progressives are now aiming to reclaim the office in the 2022 elections. Ricardo Arroyo, Boston councilor known for left-leaning politics, is challenging Hayden. The two are expected to meet in the Democratic primary in September.”

Lawsuit seeks millions in damages for Boston vax mandate A group of people filed an updated lawsuit in federal court that seeks $6 million each in damages from Boston for what they allege are violations of their constitutional rights as a result of COVID vaccine mandates. Boston.com’s Christopher Gavin reports the group first filed the lawsuit last month hours before the city lifted its vaccine mandate.

More from Gavin: “Several of the plaintiffs, all of whom have not been vaccinated against the contagious virus, allege they have suffered humiliation, anxiety, embarrassment, and ‘mental anguish’ as a result of being denied service or barred entry to places such as restaurants, gyms, museums, and other venues.”

Assumption President Cesareo latest to join retirement trend Assumption University in Worcester will be joining a slew of other Bay State institutions seeking a new continued on page 7

Could Receivership Actually Benefit The Students?

That’s The Ultimate Goal, Is It Not?

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he education of a significant segment of Boston’s elementary and secondary student population of the last half decade has deteriorated far beyond the pre-existing record of dismal performance in the three R’s, not to mention any Advanced Work or AP performances. The administration’s back-room handwringing, the system’s unions ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude, the media’s accusatory posturing regarding equity, parents’ rigid demands and the collective finger-pointing has put the

future of Boston’s school children at risk.

The competing politics behind the decision-making of the Boston School Department including elected officials, appointed officials, salaried staff, the teacher’s union, custodial union, bus driver union and organized parents is now running into the oversight and authority of the Commonwealth’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In ‘one fell swoop’, the stagnation of indecisiveness and the resulting gridlock

has been called out.

A review by the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released in February of 2020 found that 34 of the city’s schools had student populations who scored in the lowest 10% on the state’s MCAS standardized exam. BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius in March of 2020 signed a memorandum of understanding with the state, agreeing to take actions to improve instruction and conditions in the 34 lowranked-schools and districtwide.

After a year-long pandemic pause, that MOU is again in force, with

district officials reporting progress.

Cassellius agreed to the MOU after DESE officials released a scathing audit of BPS that found that the district wasn’t making progress in turning around schools where students had low test scores.

Well, here we still are. And with the American Rescue Plan funds, money should not be an issue. The Pioneer Institute, an education think tank, is urging Massachusetts education officials to appoint a receiver to address what it calls the district’s chronically low performing schools. The Institute is reccontinued on page 6

March 10, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES 2022 OUTDOOR DINING PILOT PROGRAM

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ayor Michelle Wu announced the return of the Outdoor Dining Pilot Program, a collaboration of the Licensing Board, Boston Fire Department, Inspectional Services Department, Boston Transportation Department, Public Improvement Commission, Disabilities Commission, Public Works, Office of Economic Development, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services. The Outdoor Dining Program is a citywide initiative that allows restaurants the use of expanded public spaces for outdoor dining. The applications for the 2022 Outdoor Dining Pilot Program are now open.

“For the past two years we’ve seen

The

Wine Guy

All-Weather Wines

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iven the weather, all the kinds of weather that we’ve had in the last few weeks, it seems to me (and hopefully all of you) that it would be a good idea to focus on wines that work in hot, warm, cool and cold weather. So, please consider the following…

Named for its grayish-hued skin, Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is the second most popular white varietal in the United States. Thought to be a mutation of the red Pinot Noir grape, Pinot Grigio is a staple of northern Italy’s wine regions, where its dry zestiness and refreshing acidity pair beautifully with seasonal pastas, cured meats, and salty

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how outdoor dining activates public spaces, helps small businesses, and creates connected communities for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m excited to bring outdoor dining back this spring to support our small businesses and continue to make public spaces more accessible and enjoyable for residents, business owners, and visitors across our neighborhoods.”

The 2022 Outdoor Dining Pilot Program season will begin on Friday, April 1, 2022, except in the North End. The North End is currently undergoing a community review of the outdoor dining program as special considerations are needed due to the density of the restaurants in the neighborhood. North End

restaurants can still submit an application while awaiting follow-up information from the City of Boston on how the program will proceed in the neighborhood.

“We are excited to see the Outdoor Dining Pilot Program return to the City of Boston,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “This program not only provided much needed support for our small businesses, it also activated spaces across our neighborhoods and helped keep our city vibrant as we recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Restaurants that participated in the 2021 outdoor dining program must re-apply for 2022.

The City has made significant changes to the outdoor dining guidance including: • New closing hours; • Sunday - Thursday at 9:30 p.m. (all patrons off premises by 10:00

p.m.) and Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (all patrons off premises by 11:00 p.m.)

• Updated barrier safety requirements; • Updated fire safety guidance; • New insurance requirements; • An evacuation plan Visit boston.gov/outdoordining for more information and ongoing updates about the 2022 Temporary Outdoor Dining Program. Questions and concerns about the program can be sent to outdoordining@boston. gov<mailto:outdoordining@boston.gov>.

cheeses. Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia, 2020, ($23.99) is what this grape wants to taste and feel like. The structure of this wine is on point, with frothy acidity and calm, refreshing fruit notes that will remind you of lemons, wet rocks after a rainstorm, and fresh herbs. It is such a well-done wine and is easy on the wallet. It’s also a screw cap, so you can grab a bunch of them and have one hell of an afternoon brunch or lunch with friends. Get ready for fist bumps and high fives.

Chinon, from the area of the Loire Valley by the same name, is another “all weather” wine. Joguet Chinon, Cuvee Terroir 2018, ($19.99) is a wine of high intensity; notes of raspberry, tobacco and oak fill the nose.

Medium- bodied, it has soft tannins and high acidity, with raspberry, blackberry, vanilla and floral tones on the palate, as well as a smooth finish, which make this beauty not only weather-versatile, but also one that can be served with a wide array of meats, seafood and cheeses. You might want more than one bottle!

My friend and fellow writer, Vicky Denig, recently had this to say about one of her favorites, G.D. Varja Moscato d ’Asti, ($23.99),”In its most popular form, Moscato

d’Asti hails from Italy’s Piedmont region. The wine is generally off dry to sweet and ranges in effervescence levels from frizzante to spumante. G.D. Vajra is one of the region’s most respectable producers and is best known for their responsible farming practices, longstanding history, and well-crafted bottles. Notes of juicy pears, lychee, honeysuckle, and rose petals jump from the wine’s frothy and fruitdriven palate. Try it with any type of desert and fresh strawberry splits on the rim of the glass.

Pinot Noir is a wine with great

diversity of structure, often displaying a plethora of notes on the nose and palate. Fresh Vine Wines Pinot Noir, Napa, ($19.99), makes a great Pinot Noir. Ruby in color with a big floral nose of rose petal, dark cherry, and baking spices. Secondary notes of raspberry, mint, and tea, as well as medium-bodied flavors of blackberry, red raspberry and ripe plum.

You get a tasty, long finish of red plums and baker’s chocolate with a hint of acidity. Terrific with lamb, gamebirds and lighter beef dishes.

Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com

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off later that day at 1:00 PM. It is a welcomed revival of the decadesold celebration of the confluence of HISTORY and HERITAGE that invites and welcomes all walks of life, culture and ethnicity to one of the premier neighborhoods in Boston and the country. To borrow a quote from sports commentator Jim Nantz, “it is a tradition unlike any other”.

Reviving the spectacle of the sometimes politically incorrect exchanges among the self-proclaimed amateur comedians of the public realm, Senator Collins wants to remind his neighbors from South Boston, Dorchester, Hyde Park and Mattapan, friends. colleagues and interested onlookers from other parts of the region that TRADITION – in this case history and heritage – is honored, respected and celebrated.

When asked his thoughts about the return of The Breakfast, Senator Collins had the following to say: “We are excited and grateful to be in person after two long and difficult years. The political landscape has changed both locally and nationally since I last hosted the breakfast in person, so there will be some new faces but the same political banter.”

“It is also the occasion to showcase the rich Irish traditions of laughter and song, our nation’s immigrant roots and the historical importance of the British evacuation of Boston on March 17th, 1776.”

Said Collins.

To say that the last two years have been a disappointment to those who look forward to all the festivities surrounding South Boston’s Saint Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day celebrations would be an understatement. In Boston, this time of year - often referred to as the ‘High Holiday’ - is a season that almost rivals Christmas and Independence Day, as far as locals are concerned.

Although some events were held virtually in 2020 and 2021 because of virus precautions, there is nothing like the real, in person live gatherings to satisfy the celebrating crowds. So, it comes as no surprise, that this year, 2022, the anticipation and party spirit is back as the live events are once again on.

The local community activities organized and operated by the dedi-

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cated members of the South Boston Citizens Association and the Allied Veterans Council give substance and opportunity to residents and others who wish to participate. Community leaders and unsung heroes are recognized, and sporting events offer ways for youngsters to learn about the traditions, from essay contests to boxing matches to hockey skills competition among many others.

For those not attending in person, the event can be watched from the comfort of home as it will be televised and live streamed on the following outlets: -CBS News Boston -WBZ- TV’s free streaming service -CBS News Boston can be streamed for free on CBSBOston.com -WBZ App -CBS News App and on the streaming channel Pluto TV. It will also be broadcast live on Boston News Network BNN, RCN Channel 15, Verizon Fios 2161 and other providers in Boston. It will also be aired live at WROL Irish Radio 950AM. Senator Collins has made sure that that the tradition of featuring a Who’s Who of Boston politics will be honored once again this year.

This includes Members of Congress,

the Governor and other holders of statewide office, the Mayor of Boston, members of the Boston City Council and more. Confirmed participants this year include Governor Baker, Attorney General Healy, US Reps. Stephen Lynch and Ayanna Pressley, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka, Mayor Michelle Wu, Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins, Suffolk County Clerk Michael J. Donovan, Boston City Council President Ed Flynn, At-Large Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty, State Representative David Biele and more.

So, if you’re looking for some great humor and some memorable jokes to be told, tune in to the Annual St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 20th beginning at 9AM hosted by Senator Nick Collins. Senator Collins has taken the time and put in the effort to make sure that this year’s event will be entertaining and fun for everyone.

It’s important to the Senator that after two years in hiatus, this year’s breakfast be well worth the wait.

The Senator and the South Boston Community only ask that the ‘revelers’ who come to enjoy our neighborhood and tradition be respectful of one another and our properties.

March 10, 2022

BPS continued from page 4

ommending receivership.

But Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has made it clear that “receivership is not an option” for Boston Public Schools, and that she would fight any attempts from the state to intervene. “Long-lasting reform in our district is happening. We are urgently investing in the strategies that will enhance our academic offerings and provide students with the support they need to be successful. Our students can’t wait, so we are delivering for them now,” Cassellius said in a statement. “This work will fundamentally change for the better how students are served in Boston Public Schools for years to come. To make this a reality, we look forward to continued partnership with leaders at DESE, but receivership is not the remedy for the issues we face.”

This new study from the Pioneer Institute published on Tuesday recommends state receivership for the city’s school system — a controversial move the report contends is now necessary for meaningful reform. The think tank’s 22-page report, “Boston Public Schools’ Road to Receivership,” draws heavily from a 2020 review from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of the school district, which, among other conclusions, found BPS lacked a standard strategy for better-equipping lowperforming schools with what they need to succeed.

The path depends on LEADERSHIP in its rarest form. Quoting a Bill Taylor article – Do You Pass The Leadership Test? “The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action — an unconventional business strategy, a unique product-development roadmap, a controversial marketing campaign — even as the rest of the world wonders why you’re not marching in step with the status quo. In other words, real leaders are happy to zig while others zag. They understand that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special.”

March 10, 2022

South Boston Community Health Center Wins MHQP Patient Experience Award SBCHC is among the top pediatric primary care practices in the state recognized for best-in-class patient experience.

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outh Boston Community Health Center is pleased to announce that it has received an award from Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) for being one of the top practices in Massachusetts for patient experience in pediatric primary care.

The “MHQP Patient Experience Awards” is an annual awards program introduced in 2018 by MHQP, a nonprofit measurement and reporting organization that brings together providers, health plans, and patients to improve the quality of patient care experiences in Massachusetts. MHQP conducts the only statewide survey of patient experience in primary care in Massachusetts.

Awards were given to top overall performers in adult primary care and pediatrics in each of nine performance

categories. SBCHC received recognition for the following awards for pediatric care: ·Distinction in Coordinating Patient Care ·Distinction in How Well Providers Know Their Patients ·Distinction in Office Staff Professional Excellence “Our staff at South Boston Community Health Center have a relentless focus on the needs of our patients. It was wonderful to see their hard work and our patient-centered mission recognized,” said William J. Halpin, Jr, CEO of South Boston Community Health Center. “I think the difficulties of Covid brought out the very best in our people. They rose to the extraordinary challenges every day and they found safe ways to care for people

when they needed us the most.”

“Although the pandemic continues to have an immeasurable impact on healthcare everywhere, the 2021 winners of the 2021 MHQP Patient Experience Awards found a way to rise above this crisis and provide best-inclass patient experiences during a very challenging time,” said Barbra Rabson, MHQP’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to congratulate each of them on behalf of their patients for their exceptional commitment to excellence.”

“Primary care is the heart of healthcare in Massachusetts,” said James Roosevelt, Jr., MHQP’s Board Chair.

“The practices from all across the state recognized with this award have distinguished themselves where it matters most – in the experiences of their own patients.”

About South Boston Community Health Center The South Boston Community Health Center is a full service health care facility that has been serving the South Boston community since 1972.

With a staff of over 150, the Health Center provides over 70,000 service visits a year to almost half of South Boston’s population. Services include Adult Medicine, Family Medicine,

Rob Fitzharris To Be Presented The John “Joe” Moakley Award

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he South Boston Citizens’ Association is honored to announce that Robert Fitzharris of Roza Lyons will be the recipient of the Joe Moakley Award at the 142nd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, March 18th at the South Boston Convention Center.

For Robert Fitzharris, charity and generosity is a family trait. It is something that has been instilled in him since birth. Born to Geraldine and Arthur Fitzharris, raised in Bray, Ireland.

Rob is one of four siblings. Growing up, Rob saw firsthand his parents’ constant and tireless acts of compassion and charity and it began to shape him into the man he is today.

As an adolescent, Rob excelled in the culinary arts. He developed a passion for cooking, working in some of Ireland’s most renowned restaurants, receiving

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much acclamation. His outstanding skills helped to pave the way to the United States when he was awarded a scholarship to Johnson & Wales. Upon graduation of culinary school, Rob followed in his older brothers’ footsteps, into South Boston and the restaurant industry.

In 2016, Rob went out on his own and opened Roza Lyons in South Boston. Roza Lyons quickly became the new neighborhood bar, a meeting place for the old and the new, a place of community. Through Roza Lyons, Rob has been afforded the opportunity to be able to give back to the people and community that embraced him as family, over 20 years ago.

From the endless list of organizations, to support for our local schools and sports teams, the everyday donations, countless fundraisers, clothing, food & toy drives, Rob’s giving spirit

Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, Dental, Eye, Radiology, Mammography, Pharmacy and specialty services that include Podiatry, Dermatology, Cardiology and Pulmonology. The mission of the Health Center is to provide health care to the entire community while ensuring care to those most in need. The governing principle is “all who seek care are welcome here.”

About Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) Since 1995, MHQP has been leveraging its unique position as an independent coalition of key stakeholder groups (providers, payers and patients) in Massachusetts healthcare to help provider organizations, health plans and policy makers improve the quality of patient care experiences throughout the state.

Window continued from page 4

leader after President Francesco Cesareo announced he would step down in June after 15 years at the helm of the school, Katherine Hamilton of the Worcester Business Journal reports.

knows no bounds. His dedication to giving back to his community can only be matched by his support to the city and country he now so proudly calls home.

His support, love and gratitude for our first responders and men and women in service is never-ending. Rob has dedicated his life to giving back.

His kindness, generosity and drive show no signs of slowing down. Robert Fitzharris is a shining example of what it is to be the American Dream.

For Ticket info contact Tom McGrath at 857-204-5825.

Cape trash could be headed out of state on the rails Solid waste generated on Cape Cod could soon be heading to Virginia or Ohio via railroad under a plan being mulled to address a pressing shortage of landfill space and rising trash collection costs for residents. Asad Jung of the Cape Cod Times has the details.

Lowell High School project $30 million over budget...and climbing What was supposed to be a $270 million project to build a new high school in Lowell is now going to cost at least $300 million and contractors say the city may not have seen the end of pandemic-related cost increases just yet, Jacob Vitali of the Sun reports.

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March 10, 2022

Jackie Woods and Danielle O’Brien Lydon to Receive Shamrock Awards

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outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board has announced the Association’s 2022 recipients of the James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/Margaret “Peg” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service are Jackie Woods and Danielle O’Brien Lydon, for their diligent volunteerism in the community.

“I have known Jackie my whole life and he is most deserving of this award. He never hesitates to get involved in something he believes in, especially if it involves the quality of life in South Boston, and Danielle through her nomination we learned so much of the work that she has done .It is remarkable” McGrath stated.

As a lifelong South Boston resident with a deep connection to this neighborhood and his Irish heritage, Jackie Woods exemplifies the Boston Irish in the utmost way. As the oldest of five children

to Mary and Jack, he was born on Ticknor Street in a triple decker surrounded by three generations of the family, including his Galway grandparents, who were natives from Rosmuc (Grealish) and Lettermore (Bailey). Here, Jack learned a true appreciation for Irish culture in which his mother, Mary played a pivotal role, shaping their love of Irish history, Irish Dance and Irish traditions that they have shared throughout the South Boston community.

Growing up in the neighborhood with his siblings, cousins and friends, he spent his time on the beaches at the L Street Bathhouse and on the corner of L and 8th so it was a natural fit to buy L Street Tavern twenty-five years ago this month. Jack sees this community as an extension of his family roots in Ireland and is always happy to contribute to the betterment of South Boston.

Jack has been an ardent supporter to the many local charities and nonprofits with annual donations to South Boston scholarship funds, local schools, sports sponsorships, golf tournaments and youth programs but most importantly, he has a generous heart for those who are in need.

Whether he is hosting the Governor, elected officials, dignitaries from Ireland, Irish tenors, sports stars, movie stars or the locals,

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Jack greets all with a cold pint, a hearty laugh and some true Irish hospitality. Though many miles from Ireland, he still encapsulates the fun and neighborly atmosphere of an Irish pub through his wit and storytelling.

Like most of the Irish, he has deep faith and love for his closeknit family. And although his pride of his Irish lineage and South Boston are at the forefront, nothing could exceed his pride in being a son, brother, husband to Susan (Hart) and a father to Jake (BPD), and the Triplets: Shannon, Lauren and Catherine. We are certain that Mr. Woods is sending down a heavenly blessing and proud of how all are carrying the Woods family name.

Our next Shamrock recipient is Danielle O’Brien Lydon, as a native South Bostonian, she has spent nearly ten years working in the recovery industry, starting as a community outreach specialist at the Devine Recovery Center and working her way to becoming a program director at the Gavin Foundation. She is currently the Recovery Community Support Coordinator for the Department of Public Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where she manages programs for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder.

Danielle has done so much for the South Boston Community, helping to establish the Devine Recovery Center and expand its influence on the neighborhood.

She pioneered several programs to help men and women in recovery, while helping to raise significant funds to help the center grow.

She is now with the Department of Public Health helping those in need statewide.

“Danielle is one of the hardest working and most caring people ever to work with the Gavin Foundation, and we are so proud of everything that she has been able to accomplish. I know that she will continue to help the community for many years to come,” said John McGahan, President and CEO of the Gavin Foundation.

Danielle is married to Patrick Lydon and is the daughter of Cindy O’Brien and the late Lawrence “Laury” O’Brien. They reside in South Boston.

Danielle attended St. Brigid’s School and graduated from Fontbonne Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications, graduating Cum Laude from Suffolk University. She completed the Addiction Counselor Education Program at the University of Massachusetts and holds an LADC II and CARC. Danielle is an experienced substance addiction treatment and recovery services professional with a history of business administration, professional leadership, and community building at the Gavin Foundation.

She has been a speaker at conferences and panels throughout the state, advocating for supports to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction.

Danielle brings a commitment to advocacy, service and support to the South Boston community and a firm belief that recovery is possible for all.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce these awards,” said McGrath. Tommy also stated. “These are truly dedicated and committed individuals who have contributed so much in their own unique ways.

It is fitting for the Citizens’ Association, and the South Boston community, to honor these individuals.”

The awards will be presented at the Association’s 142nd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, to be held this Friday evening, March 18th, at the South Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, with a 5:30PM Cocktail hour and a Corned Beef Dinner served at 7:00PM. A host of special invited Dignitaries are expected to attend this year’s banquet. Curragh’s Fancy will provide the entertainment.

McGrath cautioned that tickets are being purchased at a good pace, with so many of South Boston’s most valued community leaders receiving awards. I urge those that are planning to attend to act fast.

For information on tickets call Tom McGrath at 857-204-5825.

March 10, 2022

SB HEALTH CENTER TO BE PRESENTED THE JOHN “DOC”TYNAN AWARD

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he South Boston Citizens’ Association is honored to present to the John “Doc” Tynan Profile in Courage Award to the South Boston Community Health Center. The award is named after the late “Doc” Tynan, a 16-year State Representative and decorated WWII fighter pilot and is meant to recognize dedication and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, South Boston Community Health Center has always been at the healthy heart of our community, offering primary and preventive care to nearly half the population of South Boston. Their motto is “all who seek care are welcome here” and they live that motto every day - for longtime residents and newcomers; insured and uninsured; old and young. But it was in facing the overwhelming odds of the Covid-19 pandemic that the health center really showed just how capable, professional and dedicated they are to their mission and the people of South Boston. “We are blessed to have witnessed the work the Health Center did during the pandemic and what it continues to do every day in our community. It is with great pleasure we recognize their efforts.” Said President Tom McGrath.

For the past two years, the Health Center has risen

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to the enormous challenges presented by the pandemic. To date, they have distributed over 33,000 Covid vaccines. Since the early dark days of the pandemic, they have tested tens of thousands of people for the virus with a combination of in-house, drive-up and pop-up Covid testing – paying special attention to elderly housing residents.

Because of their early preparation and foresight, they were the very first (and for some time the only) site offering the Covid-19 vaccine to the public in ALL of Suffolk County and they were among the first centers in the state of Massachusetts to be awarded a direct federal Covid-19 vaccine supply.

Early on, they quickly pivoted to telehealth visits to maintain care and keep their patients safe. They expanded their Food Pantry to meet the rise in requests for food assistance. They brought in engineers to ensure that air exchanges in all their patient care areas not only met, but exceeded the recommended CDC guidelines.

At every step of the way, with every challenge that presented itself, South Boston Community Health Center, the management, and every member of the staff rose to meet and exceed the challenges on behalf of our community. Because of their dedication and commitment to excellence, South Boston Citizen’s Association is thrilled to award the John T. “Doc” Tynan Profile in Courage Award to the staff of South Boston Community Health Center.

Tickets are moving fast and it is recommended that if you intend to go please call Tom McGrath at 857-204-5825. Event will be held at the South Boston Convention Center. Cocktail hour 5:30-6:30 with Dinner served at 7pm and award presentations to follow. Music by Bobby Fowkes and Curraghs Fancy.

Virtual Public Meeting

34 B Street Tuesday, March 22 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/34BST-3-22 Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 889 6143

Project Proponent: Joe Hassell Project Description: Meeting of the general public to review the proposed 34 B st project in South Boston. This meeting will be focused on the proposed 34 B st development. Please note that this is a combined Task Force and Public Meeting. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by 45-minutes of public Q&A. The information at this meeting is crucial to you as a City of Boston resident, and stakeholder. Interpreting services are available to communicate the content of these documents at no additional cost to you. If you require translation services, please contact the following: Tyler.C.Ross@boston. gov. The meeting is scheduled for 3/22/2022. Please request interpreting services no later than 5 days before the meeting date. mail to: Tyler Ross Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 857.334.8952 email: tyler.c.ross@boston.gov

BostonPlans.org

Ready to Register?

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

South Boston Citizens Association List of Events 3/12/22 – Tommy & Eddie Butler Senior Salute 10:30am – 1:30pm St. Peter Church 75 Flaherty Way 3/13/22 - Ice-O-Rama 9AM Murphy Skating Rink 3/16/22 - Flag Football Condon School Gym 4pm 3/17/22 - Evacuation Day Mass 9:30 at St. Augustine’s Chapel 3/17/22 - Historical Exercises, Essay /Poster Awards Ceremony 11:00AM Dorchester Heights 3/18/22 - 142nd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet Convention Center 5:30pm

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

March 10, 2022

Tynan BCYF Basketball Free Throw Competition

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oop time! Monday night at the Tynan Community School gym, there was some excellent talent on display for the annual Evacuation Day/St. Patrick’s Day Basketball Free Throw competition, sponsored by the South Boston Citizens’ Association. Both

the boys and the girls in each age group were on fire, as they dazzled the crowd with their hoop shooting skills. Cheers could be heard throughout the entire night as basket after basket hit the many nets.

The competition was fun yet competitive and there were trophies

handed out to the winners of each age group by State Rep. David Biele, City Council President Ed Flynn, Kathy Davis - Tynan Supervisor, Officer Sullivan C-6 CSO, Rich Devoe and Pat Dillon, Mayor of Southie candidate.

Greg Lally and Allison Baker along with a few volunteers and friends

kept the competition moving. John Lydon, Administrator at the Tynan Community School said ”I think this is one of our bigger turn outs.” It’s good to have our events back again.

Boys Ages 8 - 10 1st Place - Will Zinter (m); 2nd Place - Jake Lamonica (r); 3rd Place - Louie Lamonica (l)

Girls Ages 8 – 10 (L to R) 1st Place – Kaelyn Byrne; 2nd Place – Mairead Nolan; 3rd Place - Ezri Dunn

Boys Ages 11 – 13 1st Place – Sean Costello (l); 2nd Place – Matt O’Connell (r); 3rd Place – Jake Rae (m)

Girls Ages 11 – 13 1st Place – Lucy Ruof (r); 2nd Place – Brooklyn Dunn (l); 3rd Place – Liza Boughner (m)

Boys Ages 14 – 17 1st Place – Robert Wiesnieski (m); 2nd Place – Aidan Kinneavy (r); 3rd Place – Derek Austin (l)

Girls Ages 14 – 17 (L to R) 1st Place – Cara Pierce; 2nd Place – Lexi Prakapas; 3rd Place – Bella Thomas

March 10, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

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St. Peter Academy

Read Across America Celebrations

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By: Mrs. Kate Lee, Grade 1 Teacher

tudents at St. Peter Academy had lots of fun celebrating Read Across America day on Wednesday, March 2nd. Students and teachers alike were encouraged to dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss or storybook character for school. Students participated in a variety of activities to celebrate their love of reading!

Many classrooms completed personal hot air balloons after reading Oh The Places You’ll Go! as a class, reflecting on the adventures and things students want to do and see. Students voted on trying Green Eggs and Ham, and even designed their own Dr. Seuss characters! Students made book jackets representing their favorite books and decorated a reading rug with their favorite storybooks characters, quotes, and book designs. In every classroom, there was celebration to be had as students reflected on the joys of curling up with a good book!

St. Peter Academy is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K (School Year and Full Year Programs), Kindergarten and grades 1-6.

Financial Aid Available. Three Scholarships will be offered this year for applicants for Grades 1 through 6. Appointments for individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing m.blasi@StPeterAcademy.com.

March 10, 2022

March 10, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

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n Wednesday, March 2, our Pastor and celebrant, Father Casey, South Boston Catholic Academy students, families and parishioners attended the Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Brigid Church. Grade 4 wonderfully participated in the Mass as greeters, did the readings and led the Prayers of the Faithful, while our new 5th grade Altar Servers did a fantastic job assisting at Mass.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Holy season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter. This

year, Lent began on Wednesday, March 2, and ends on Saturday evening, April 16, 2022. Lent is an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’.

Lent is observed in spring when the days begin to get longer. It is a period of waiting and preparation for the big day-Easter when Jesus was resurrected from the dead. In church, we are reminded to focus on forgiveness and how we can be better Christians.

The traditional Lenten practices are: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Pope Francis has referred to Lent as a time

for renewing faith, hope, and love, all things greatly needed during these challenging times.

On Monday, March 7, Sister Evelyn Hurley celebrated her 107th Birthday! The 4th Graders made beautiful birthday cards to celebrate her 107th Birthday and sent them to her. Sister Evelyn Hurley says she “…has loved every minute of her 60 years as a classroom teacher, and that God has Blessed her in many, many, many ways.” She tells us that we have all been in her Prayers daily! We in turn love and pray for her and are very grateful

13 to her. We Thank God for her and for her many years as an amazing teacher and friend to generations of students, families and Parishioners here in South Boston. Dear Sister Evelyn, all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy hope and pray that you had a Wonderful 107th Birthday and wish you all the very best! Thank you and God Love and Bless you always, Sister Evelyn!

New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@ sbcatholicacademy.org for more information about South Boston Catholic Academy.

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Reading Between The Lines By the late Brian Mahoney

“The Battle” The third of a 3-part series on the History of Evacuation Day that was first written in 2011- reprinted

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xperience has taught us in Boston that rain, sleet, snow, gale force winds and freezing temperatures that arrive sometimes in February and March are known as a “Nor’easter”. Unaccustomed, The British could only equate this phenomenon to as “Hurrycane”.

The British plan was to cross to Castle William (Castle Island), assemble, and then assault across at “Dorchester Point”. Instead, General Howe later wrote a “Hurricane” had forced the cancellation of the assault ‘in the fear they would all be lost” due to the weather. The same storm that drove the British indoors was used by the Americans as a fortuitous opportunity to strengthen their defenses, so that when the storm abated by noon on March 6, the British realized their chance to assault had passed.

Undeterred, a squadron of warships weighed anchor and with sails full attempted to close on the North Shore (First Street). The looming Heights of the “Bush Tree” Hill forced the British to attempt a dangerous maneuver.

Shifting nearly every cannon to one side of the ship, the British intended this would allow the few cannons remaining on the other side to gain enough elevation to strike the American position on “Bush Tree”. This rarely used tactic carried the danger of swamping or even capsizing the ship. The North Shore at the time was riddled with inlets, barely submerged mud flats, and deepwater channels.

This unpredictability, plus the batteries at “Bush Tree” and “Dorchester Point”, made the danger of grounding a ship under American guns too great to allow

the British ships’ cannons to continue firing and this action was halted.

At “Dorchester Point” the Americans were giddy at the British ships retreat. They began waving flags, gesturing, and generally taunting the British Troops at Castle William (Castle Island). The British at the castle had fired but found the range prohibitive.

To counter this, the British attempted a double load of powder. Unfortunately, this caused cannon to explode killing and wounding several British. That ended the day’s events and on March 7 an unspoken truce seemed to be in place and the British began making preparations to pack up.

On March 8 the intently watching Americans were dismayed to observe and receive reports that the British efforts toward withdrawing had turned into looting and destruction. It was then Washington played his final card.

With sunset the Americans, who had kept their last 10 cannons behind the base of “Nook Hill” at “C” and 3rd Street, began the construction of the final and closest battery. Late into the night the American troops labored.

Then, perhaps due to overconfidence, a soldier lit a fire for warmth.

Almost immediately the British “Green” Battery (at Washington and Berkeley Streets), alerted to their location, began a deadly fire. A company of the 10th Artillery Regiment under Captain Thomas Pierce continued to work under this withering fire. This unfinished position attempted to return fire. A 17-year-old Private, Stephen Jennings of Norton, dashed back and forth bringing powder to the cannons.

It was during one of these runs he was felled by a bursting shell. Watching this was 25 yr old Sgt. Obadiah Adams from Littleton and 33 yr old Surgeon Enoch Dole from Lancaster.

Along with two other soldiers, they grabbed a litter and ran to aid Jennings. Sadly, as all four gathered round his fallen form, yet another British shell exploded, killing all four of the rescue party. Ironically, the act of aiding and hovering over Jennings, by the four, shielded him and he survived with the loss of a hand and eye.

The firing continued all night, ending at sunrise after over 800 cannon balls had been fired and the American abandoned the fortification attempts This action seems, at least initially, to have prompted the British to cease

March 10, 2022

WHATTOWATCH

the town’s destruction and continue the evacuation. Still by the morning of the 14th Washington had tired of the British stalling tactics. He was well aware more troops had already sailed from England. In any event, Washington was spoiling for a fight. “If the enemy will be kind enough to come out for a fight, I mean to give them one” he stated. In full view and in broad daylight, the very place that the very first soldiers of this new army of this new nation, under this new commanding General had given the “last full measure”, he ordered to be fortified.

By late afternoon on March 16th, this final and most ominous position was completed. The next day, March 17th, the last British ship cleared Boston Harbor by noon as American troops entered the city. These troops discovered the final contempt of the British who had looted and used churches and meeting houses cavalry stables.

In fact, in violation of the cease fire, they set Castle William ablaze as they left. Washington, expecting English treachery, placed in command as Officer of the Day (O.D.) General John Sullivan of County Wexford and made the password “St. Patrick”. So in effect the great British Empire surrendered their first American Colony to an Irish Catholic. This would probably be comparable to a former plantation slave owner working and taking orders under former African slave. “Those that laugh last, laugh best.”

How did this action, without which, arguably, the revolution would have failed, become a footnote in history? Would the Revolution have survived without their secure base in Boston? The British successfully moved in and occupied New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Over the next year, the only other American victory was the Christmas raid at Trenton, so how did the victory at Boston become so overlooked?

When the British fleet sailed away on that St. Patrick’s morning, they left behind their hatred of the Irish and Catholics that remains with us in some

form and by some people to this day.

Consider that the battle occurred 240 years ago but for the first 130 years it was never observed. This is only the 114th observance. The ruling political elite were determined to keep the Irish in their place, but the joining of St. Patrick’s and Evacuation was seen by the Irish, as divine intervention.

That and the flood tide of Irish Immigration swelled their ranks to political power. Prior to that, every undesirable activity was placed in South Boston by the ruling elite. The poor house and insane asylum were placed in South Boston. Except for the “Twin Hills”, all of our “Heights” were leveled to fill in the Back Bay. A 45-acre park created for South Boston residents was first re-claimed by the Government as a military base and is now site of the Convention Center.

When the Dorchester Heights Monument was dedicated in 1902 the guest speaker referred to the longstanding discrimination toward the Irish South Boston by noting “The Mayflower and the Shamrock have finally joined”. Even then St. Patrick could only be celebrated under the umbrella of Evacuation Day. Yet, even today, a simple parade to honor the military birth of America and our cultural heritage is constantly under attack, No where else and no other parade is singled out to be the target of others’ political agenda. Not a single court in Massachusetts had the courage or honesty to give us the right that was so obvious the U. S. Supreme Court upheld it unanimously. 9-0!

I have a framed sign in my house. It was printed AFTER my mother was born. It reads “No Irish Need Apply”.

As we watch officially sanctioned assaults on our parade and us continue, it’s obvious that some things haven’t changed all that much. Still, here we stand and will always stand. Celebrate with pride.

Happy Evacuation and St. Patrick’s Day. Take care until next week.

March 10, 2022

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This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on the Celtics retiring Kevin Garnett’s No. 5 this weekend:

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his Sunday, the Boston Celtics will retire Kevin Garnett’s No. 5. Garnett will be the 24th member of the Celtics organization to have his number hung in the Garden rafters. And even though he spent just six of his 22 NBA seasons in Boston, this honor is well deserved.

The ceremony will take place after the Celtics’ nationally televised game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. It will be an awesome celebration, with plenty of familiar faces returning to the Garden. But I’d be lying if I told you there won’t be the thought of “what ifs” running through the building that day.

As in, what if Garnett remained healthy while he was here? And what if Ray Allen didn’t leave?

These are questions that will undoubtedly arise during Garnett’s ceremony. Whether those thoughts will be spoken about out loud or not, that remains to be seen. Make no mistake about it though, it will be the elephant in the room. I’m willing to bet that Allen will not be in attendance. Crazier things have happened, I guess, but Allen was not

in attendance for Paul Pierce’s number-retirement ceremony back in 2018 at the Garden.

Sure, time heals all wounds. Or most of them, at least. And over time, we’ve seen the Celtics’ anger towards Allen cool down a bit. In fact, just a few weeks ago, at the 75th Anniversary Team ceremony at NBA All-Star weekend, Pierce posted an Instagram photo of him, Garnett, and Allen all posing together with big smiles on their faces. The caption read, “About last night.”

For all the personal drama that we hear still exists between Garnett/Pierce and Allen, it sure didn’t look like they were still mad at each other in that photo a few weeks ago. But who knows?

It could’ve been a simple “smile for the camera” only moment.

Or maybe Garnett and Pierce have finally come to grips with the fact that, without Allen, this “Big 3” in Boston would’ve never existed. There are some rants I go on that I will continue to rant about forever. This is one of them. Garnett and Pierce should be thanking Allen for his presence in Boston. At the 2007, NBA Draft, Danny Ainge traded

for Allen, which then led to Garnett finally waiving his no-trade clause to join forces with Pierce and Allen on the Celtics.

Prior to the trade for Allen, Garnett had rejected a trade to Boston. But once Ainge acquired Allen on Draft night, Allen reportedly got on the phone with Garnett and convinced him that this new “Big 3” would be something special. And as we know, it was.

Everyone wishes Allen didn’t run off to win a championship with LeBron James and the rival Miami Heat in 2013, but what’s done is done. There will always be that big “what if” whenever anyone thinks about the six seasons Garnett spent in Boston. Would they have won more than one NBA championship had Allen stayed?

Maybe. Then again, maybe not.

We’ll never know.

This Sunday at the Garden, everyone in attendance and watching on TV will be asking themselves the same question. I’ll be interested to see if anyone brings it up.

Perhaps someone should. If Garnett truly wanted to do the right thing and end the “beef” he has with Allen for jumping ship, then he should not only personally in-

vite Allen to the ceremony, but he should also talk about it publicly for the basketball world to see and hear, with Allen in attendance.

It doesn’t have to be hostile. It just needs to be mentioned, in order for them to completely move on. Because they should move on from it. They had a great run together as the Celtics’ “Big 3.” As short-lived as it might have been, it was as special a trio as you’ll see in professional sports.

At the time in 2013, Allen made a business decision to leave Boston for Miami. As much as we here in Boston might hate that decision he made, we can’t sit here and say he made the wrong decision. After all, he did win a championship with the Heat. And since he was a crucial piece of the Celtics’ 2008 NBA title — and perhaps the most crucial piece, as I explained moments ago — I believe the Celtics should one day retire Allen’s No. 20 and toss it up there right next to Pierce’s No. 34 and Garnett’s No. 5.

Sunday is Garnett’s moment, sure. But it’s a moment he certainly wouldn’t have, if not for Allen.

Follow Danny on Instagram @DannyPicard.

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WHATTOWATCH

SPORTS TODAY CELTICS TO RETIRE GARNETT’S NO. 5 ON SUNDAY

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SBT Staff

fter being postponed a full year because of COVID-19, the Boston Celtics will finally be putting No. 5 into the TD Garden rafters this weekend.

Kevin Garnett will have his No. 5 retired on Sunday, immediately following the Celtics’ afternoon game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Tip off is at 3:30 p.m. and will be nationally televised on ABC. It’s the latest ceremony to honor Garnett’s legendary NBA career.

Last year, Garnett was officially inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2020.

That ceremony was also delayed a year due to the pandemic.

Garnett will now be honored by the Celtics, and he’ll become the 24th member of the C’s organization to have his number retired. The last player to have his number retired

I

t’s being called one of the biggest trades on NFL history.

The Seattle Seahawks have traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. In return the Broncos are sending the Seahawks a package that includes quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two secondround picks, and a fifth-round pick.

Seattle will also be sending Denver

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 Arizona at Boston 7 P.M. NESN/ESPN+

Tweet of the Week

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 Boston at Chicago 8:30 P.M. NESN/ESPN+ NBA FRIDAY, MARCH 11 Detroit at Boston 7:30 P.M. NBCSB SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Dallas at Boston 3:30 P.M. ABC GOLF THURS, MARCH 10 - SUN, MARCH 13 THE PLAYERS Championship 1 P.M. GOLFC/NBC

with the Celtics was Paul Pierce, when his No. 34 was put in the Garden rafters in 2018.

Pierce and Garnett will forever be connected in Green, thanks to their 2008 NBA Championship. Garnett averaged 20.4 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game in the 26 playoff games during that championship run.

Garnett spent six seasons with the Celtics after agreeing to a blockbuster trade in the summer of 2007 that sent him from Minnesota to Boston, in exchange for Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, and two

MAJOR QB SHAKEUP IN AFC AS BRONCOS ACQUIRE WILSON SBT Staff

NHL THURSDAY, MARCH 10 Chicago at Boston 7 P.M. NESN/ESPN+

a fourth-round pick in the trade.

Wilson agreed to waive his notrade clause for the move to be finalized. However, it can’t be officially announced until the start of the new league year, on Wednesday, March 16 at 4 p.m.

Rumors had swirled in the offseason about he potential for Aaron Rodgers to become the next Broncos quarterback, but just hours before news of the Wilson-to-Denver trade broke, it was reported that Rodgers was returning to

first-round draft picks.

Prior to being traded to the Celtics, Garnett spent his first 14 NBA seasons with the Timberwolves.

Minnesota drafted Garnett out of high school with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft.

In the summer of 2013, Garnett, Pierce, and Jason Terry were traded from the Celtics to the Brooklyn Nets.

Boston received a haul in return, which included five players and four first-round picks. Two of those firstround picks turned out to be Jaylen Brown at No. 3 overall in 2016, and Jayson Tatum at No. 3 overall in 2017.

Green Bay for another season in 2022.

Wilson, who turns 34 in November, has two more years and $51 million remaining on his current contract.

He signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Seahawks in April of 2019. He’s scheduled to make a base salary of $19 million in 2022, and $22 million in 2023, with a $5 million roster bonus each year.

As a Super Bowl XLVIII champion, Wilson will become the first quarterback to start for a team that he beat in the Super Bowl. Wilson threw two touchdown passes in the Seahawks’ 43-8 Super Bowl blowout win over Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

BRUINS TO HONOR RASK ON MARCH 31

T

SBT Staff

he Boston Bruins have announced that recentlyretired goaltender Tuukka Rask will perform the ceremonial puck drop before the B’s game against the New Jersey Devils at the TD Garden on Thursday, March 31.

Rask announced his retirement last month after an unsuccessful return with the Bruins. Along with the puck drop, the Bruins will honor Rask’s 15-year career in a pregame ceremony.

The former Vezina Trophy winner spent all 15 seasons in the NHL with the Bruins, finishing with a record of 308-165-66, a 2.28 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage. Rask is Boston’s s all-time leader in wins with 308, and is second among the franchise’s goaltenders in shutouts with 52.

Puck drop on March 31 will be at 7 p.m. and can be seen on NESN and ESPN+.