South Boston Today March 31 2022

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March 31, 2022: Vol.10 Issue 13

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

Millennial Entitlement Is A Reality That Needs Adjustment

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ave you ever met someone who seems to act like the whole world owes them?

Someone who is not satisfied unless their own needs are being met?

In reality, in society, this type of behavior typically attracts strong criticism and condemnation. A sense of entitlement is a personality characteristic based on the belief that someone deserves special treatment or recognition for something they didn’t earn.

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March 31, 2022

EDITORIAL Suspension Of The Gas Tax Gets Nixed in Taxachusetts

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t is often said that in the State of Massachusetts, giving people even the slightest tax break is like pulling teeth. One resident likened the majority in the Massachusetts legislature giving up a bit of tax revenue, even temporarily during a crisis, to denying a vampire his daily supply of blood.

As most people have now heard, a proposal to suspend the state tax on gasoline at the pumps was slapped down hard by 29 of the 37 Democrats in the Massachusetts State senate.

Eight Democrats voted in favor of the suspension as did all three Republicans.

This comes as many states around the country are moving in this direction in an effort to give their citizens at least some relief as prices of gas are rising sky high and are having the effect of raising the cost of most other necessities.

We’re told that Massachusetts has a healthy revenue surplus. If that really is the case, wouldn’t this be the time to use some of that surplus to ease the burden of the average family in the Commonwealth that

is struggling to pay bills and make ends meet? Our neighbor to the south, the State of Connecticut has voted to temporarily suspend its gas tax; a state also run by Democrats and our neighbor to the North, New Hampshire; which is run

by Republicans is said to be preparing to suspend its gas tax as well. So, these proposals are not or should not be partisan issues. They are sincere efforts to give some relief, even if a small amount to the citizens who actually are paying those taxes. Political affiliation should not matter. But apparently, in Massachusetts, it does.

What will most likely happen, is people who live even somewhat in proximity to those two afore mentioned border states will simply choose to drive across state lines to fill their tank to take advantage of the lower prices per gallon. Some will do it to save money while others will do it for the same reason but also as a matter of principle. The result will cut into the amount of tax revenue coming into Massachusetts.

Governor Baker, who

hinted that he is leaning in favor of the gas tax suspension said the following: “I think it’s going to be really important as a Commonwealth to take seriously the fact that not only are we going to put our people in a position where they will be significantly disadvantaged if they buy gas in Massachusetts, it also creates a

dynamic where we are not really helping them with this particular cost.”

Massachusetts has the reputation of being a state where politicians ‘have never met a tax they didn’t love’. The name ‘Taxachusetts’ is a term everyone is familiar with and for good reason. To have a policy of continually trying to raise

existing taxes and always frantically searching for ways to add new ones and then being unwilling to give even a little of it back when there is a specific need as there certainly is now, shows that far too many of those in elected office are tone deaf and out of touch with the people they are being paid to represent.

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

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Information Center The

It Took A Slap To Bring Attention To The Boring OSCARS SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

“T

he Academy should thank Will Smith and Chris Rock for making the public aware that the OSCARS were even happening last Sunday night” read the meme going viral. Yes, it seems the boring Hollywood award show finally got a slight boost in viewers after ten years of sagging ratings from a very disinterested public. Though most of the additional viewers just watched the replay the next day of Mr. Smith Smacking Mr. Rock, the producers will take whatever boost they can get. But the thinking of many is that a heck of a lot more people would tune in to these shows if they knew they could get to see these insufferable celebrities beating each other up. Now THAT would really be entertainment.

To most people, the OSCARS and in fact most of these celebritydriven spectacles have become less events that put real talent on display, and more of a parade of obnoxious scolds lecturing the rest of us on how we must live our lives. Because, after all is said and done, these actors and actresses are such symbols of morality and decency. And even though they don’t have a clue about the real world, real life and real people, they think everyone waits with bated breath to hear what they think and say about what’s going on in the news because well, they are famous. Maybe that was the case many years ago, but not anymore.

According to several reports, Democrat Party pollsters and operatives are in a panic as their in-house polling is said to be showing some devastating news in regard to the party’s chances in the upcoming November midterm elections. The predictions are pointing to a disastrous defeat.

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

Their positions on border security, inflation, public school education, domestic oil drilling and social and economic issues in general are not sitting well with a large majority of the American public.

They are not only shedding young voters but actually hemorrhaging minority voters as well.

What’s happening seems to be that the people who set the agenda for the Democrat party are listening to what the radical leftists in their party are telling them to do, while ignoring what regular voters, including minority citizens, actually want. The ‘defund the police’ movement is considered a Democrat policy position and yet, all surveys show that African Americans want MORE police in their neighborhoods – not less.

Black voters also overwhelmingly support school choice and voter ID laws. And yet, the Democrat party opposes these hot button issues. Black Lives Matter, or BLM, is shown to be losing its approval rapidly and does not speak for the majority of African Americans any longer, if it ever did at all according to surveys. Programs that advocate the separation of children by race like Critical Race Theory (CRT) do not have the support of the majority of minority parents. Race hustlers like Al Sharpton are considered more of a nuisance than a help and inflame rather than solve racial disputes.

In short, there is a growing disconnect between activists, including white so-called elites on the left and minority voters. And, by the way, a rapidly growing majority of Hispanic Americans do NOT favor open borders. But these are all positions that the Democrat party is pushing for even though the voters are adamantly opposed.

It’s no wonder Democrat party operatives are in a state of panic when they see the results of their own polling. But though they can see disaster on the horizon as November rapidly approaches, they most likely won’t be able to change direction because they are held hostage to the crazy leftists who, in reality, are the one’s calling the shots. And even if the Democrats all of a sudden were able to change their ways, it’s probably much too late. Because most American voters have had enough of what’s going on in this country and they intend to do

something about it at the ballot box next Fall.

In closing, if there is anyone the liberal news media and Hollywood celebrities hate more than Donald Trump, it’s probably Florida governor Ron DeSantis. He takes none of their ‘bs’ . They cannot intimidate him, and he never backs down from his positions. So, they attack him nonstop. In a statement last week, his response to all their attacks is that he wears their opposition and hatred toward him as a Badge of Honor. This statement sent his critics into total meltdowns. God bless the guy.

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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.

E-Bikes Have you ever ridden an electric bicycle? They look like regular bikes except they typically have a small battery and motor that in most cases either helps people pedal or powers the wheels entirely. They’ve been growing in popularity of late and are seen all over downtowns.

In Boston, they’re viewed as one solution to congestion caused by the rise in on-demand delivery services. At a rally in front of the State House hosted by Boston Cyclists Union, Boston Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge said the Wu administration is wrestling with challenges presented by the large number of vehicles working for app-based delivery services.

E-bikes, he said, could play a role in clearing up the streets.

“It is fundamentally, from a transportation perspective, ridiculous that we’re using 4,000-pound fossil fuel vehicles to move a chicken sandwich or a bowl of Thai food one or two miles through our very congested city,” he said. “We think that e-bikes have a role to play in delivery and in commercial services in the city as well.” It’s an interesting concept that has drawn the attention of lawmakers on Beacon Hill, where a bill filed by a trio of Democrats would classify electric bicycles into three different categories. The idea is that by defining different types of e-bikes in state law, municipalities would have a legal framework to regulate their use.

Franklin-Hodge says the legislation would help Boston set up

Senator Nick Collins invites you to a reception to benefit his re-election campaign.

L Street Tavern Thursday, April 7, 2022.

5:30 - 7:00pm Please join Nick as he gears up for this year's campaign.

You may donate at the event or online at bit.ly/collinsapril7

programs for e-bikes, allow bicycle sharing companies like Bluebikes to start offering e-bikes at their rental stations. The bill faces a Friday deadline to move out of committee, and Boston Globe’s Taylor Dolven reports Rep. William Straus, co-chair of the Transportation Committee, said he’s confident the legislation will move forward.

The Senate is also preparing to consider an energy bill in April that Senate President Karen Spilka has said will have an electric vehicle component -- but she didn’t say how many wheels.

Boston City Council approves protest restrictions Boston City Councilors voted 9-4 Wednesday to approve an ordinance restricting hours people can protest outside private residences. Boston Globe’s Danny McDonald reports the proposal would bar people from demonstrating at private homes between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. Critics of the idea say it may infringe on First Amendment rights.

GBH News’ Adam Reilly writes about how the ordinance stemmed from protests outside Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s house. The proposal, filed by Wu, would fine people $50 for a first violation and $300 for third and subsequent violations. It now goes to the mayor’s desk for her signature.

‘Processing:’ Rock nods to Oscar slap, but mostly sticks to script in Boston show In his first show since the instantly infamous Oscar slap, Chris Rock spent little time addressing the weekend’s events, telling a raucous crowd at the WIlbur Theater he is “still processing” what happened on the awards show stage, the Globe’s James Sullivan and Flint McColgan of the Herald report.

Still, Rock was welcomed with standing ovations and once again showed grace under pressure when a disturbance broke out that brought

March 31, 2022

Boston police to the venue.

Military plane’s ‘unplanned stop’ prompts investigation A U.S. Air Force reserve unit out of Mississippi is investigating an “unplanned stop” by one of its cargo planes at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport last week that reportedly had the island buzzing.

Martha’s Vineyard Times’ George Brennan and Rich Saltzberg report the plane stopped only briefly and picked up a motorcycle before taking off again, sparking wild speculation on social media about who the bike belonged to.

Massachusetts could be heading back to all-Democrat control Massachusetts is getting a call from 2014, the last time the Commonwealth was a single-party state.

GBH News’ Alexi Cohan writes that with Gov. Charlie Baker exiting the stage, Massachusetts will likely be controlled by a Democratic governor and a Legislature that boasts a Democratic super-majority. The last time this happened was from 2007 through 2014 when former Gov. Deval Patrick was in office.

Barnstable paid out over $500K to settle claims against police Barnstable has paid over half-a-million dollars since 2017 to settle claims against its police department. Cape Cod Times’ Jeannette Hinkle reports most of the money was paid by the town’s insurers, but that taxpayers could still end up footing the bill.

The Democrats are back House Democrats were back in the building Wednesday for their first in-person caucus in two years. State House News Service’s Katie Lannan reports House Speaker Ronald Mariano said there was “a little excitement in the room” as they gathered to discuss a local road and bridge repair funding the bill the branch ended up passing later in the day.

Judge revives suit over remote learning at Harvard Law A judge has given new life to a lawsuit filed in 2020 that sought tuition reimbursement for students at Harvard Law School and two CONTINUED ON page 6

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Mass Bay Credit Union Shred-It Events - Open to the Community Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 9:00AM-11:30AM at the Rivergreen Park Parking Lot in Everett “We enjoy bringing this FREE opportunity to the community, and we’re very excited to have two April dates planned,” says Mass Bay CEO Terry Dorilas.

“Information Security plays an essential role in banking and we want to provide a safe, secure and convenient process for the community to dispose of their confidential documents.”

The Shred-It events are open to all living or working in the community. There is a 5-box limit per person. Like all credit unions, Mass Bay Credit Union is owned by the Members who choose to do business there. Membership eligibility, such as living in Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk counties or a dozen other towns, is located on massbaycu.org. Opening a savings account establishes Membership and opens availability to all other products offered by the credit union.

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

The Swan Boats Are Back!

end of the opera, the hero crosses a river in a boat drawn by a swan.

2022 marks the 145th season for the Swan Boats. The oldest and smallest boat in the fleet just celebrated its 112th season, while the newest was launched in 1993. The swan on today’s boats is made from either copper or fiberglass, depending on the age of the boat, and encloses a paddle mechanism that is used to foot

propel the boat through the water.

Fully loaded, each Swan Boat weighs three tons and is powered by the driver using a foot-propelled paddle wheel. The Swan Boats are built on oak framed pontoons sheathed in copper just as they were initially constructed in 1877. After being stored in a safe place for the winter, the boats are returned to the Public Garden Lagoon each spring.

S

hred your old documents – and forget ‘em – FREE – at Mass Bay Credit Union’s Shred-It Events! Two dates and locations: Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 9:00AM-11:30AM at Mass Bay Credit Union 147 West 4th Street in South Boston

M

ayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are pleased to announce that the popular Boston Swan Boats will open for the 2022 season at the Boston Public Garden lagoon on Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m.

ABOUT THE SWAN BOATS: Launched in 1877 by Irish immigrant and shipbuilder Robert Paget, the Swan Boats continue to be owned and operated by the Paget family. Mr. Paget designed the Swan Boats after attending the opera Lohengrin in New York City. At the

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Millennial Entitlement continued from front page

In this modern world, the reality is that the specter of inflation and high gas prices are forcing a generation of “entitled” younger Americans to learn the pain of not being able to buy things at the store. “For the first time, this generation is going to go into a store and not be able to get what they want,” BlackRock President Rob Kapito told a conference in Austin, Texas, recently. “And we have a very entitled generation that has never had to sacrifice.” Kapito’s remarks went on to say, “put on your seat belts because this is something that we haven’t seen”.

Kapito’s comments came on the heels of a similar warning from BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who, in a report from the New York Post, said last week that the Russian invasion of Ukraine “has put an end to the globalization we have experienced over the last three decades.”

Millennials are an “entitled” generation that never had to “sacrifice” and is now feeling the pinch of inflation, according to Kapito. The head of the world’s biggest asset manager sent a letter to shareholders on Thursday warning of dark days ahead for the world economy, signaling that inflation is of particular concern.

Fink predicted that the war would force countries to re-evaluate the extent to which their economies are interdependent on others. It could also spur economies to develop greater reliance on local manufacturing, according to Fink.

Entitlement is perhaps the top word associated with the Millennial generation. In fact, 71 percent of American adults think of Millennials as “selfish,” and 65 percent think Millennials are “entitled.” Whether or not you believe the “entitlement” label is accurate, perception is reality.

Inc Magazine columnist Ryan Jenkins writes that there are 5 Contributors of Millennial ‘Entitlement’.

1. Parenting - To a high degree, entitlement is a learned behavior.

Millennials never thought of themselves as entitled, but their parents believed they were entitled to everything--thus the emergence of “helicopter parents.” It may have been a noble parenting style, but it had unexpected ramifications that infused different behaviors and ex-

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

pectations into an entire generation.

2. Human Nature - Entitlement is a human condition that is not exclusive to Millennials. Humans are selfish by nature. We have to work hard and intentionally to overcome or suppress our selfish behaviors.

3. Knowledge and Skill Shift – 68 % of hiring managers say that Millennials have skills that prior generations do not. For the first time in history, the emerging generations have knowledge and skills that previous generations do not.

4. Ownership - The connected world has empowered Millennials to take ownership. Glassdoor and LinkedIn allow ownership of one’s career. YouTube allows ownership of one’s content. Instagram and Snapchat allow ownership of one’s personal brand. Netflix allows ownership of one’s content consumption.

The Internet has offered Millennials personalization and customization at every turn of their lives, and now they expect the same control at work and in their careers. Millennials are interested in ownership, freedom, legacy, and impact during their careers, not just at the end. This is a noble quest that any generation can get behind.

5. Fast Times - We live in fast times, changing times. In fact, famed futurist and author Ray Kurzweil believes that we will experience not a hundred years of progress in the twenty-first century but twenty thousand--thanks to technology. Millennials have new expectations of what’s possible and are less tolerant of what once was because of today’s fast times.

This all results in behaviors that are perceived as “entitled,” because Millennials are less tolerant of not moving fast. They are better educated on today’s “new world”, where success can be achieved faster. In addition, they have mastered tools (technology, apps, software, etc.) that have leveled the playing field and have been empowered by a freelance economy to create something for themselves. Because Millennials have an abundant and boundless mindset that provides them with endless optimism, confidence, and passion, their behavior may smack of entitlement or it might make them the next generation of empowered and engaged workers.

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Window continued from page 4

other graduate schools after the university went fully remote at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Cara Chang and Isabella Cho of the Harvard Crimson report.

Mariano backs Andrea Campbell’s AG bid House Speaker Ronald Mariano has another endorsement to show off.

MassLive’s Alison Kuznitz reports the House’s top Democrat backed Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell in her bid to become the state’s next attorney general.

BE AWARE!

STREET SWEEPING RESUMES April 1, 2022 DAYTIME STREET CLEANING

T

he Daytime Street Cleaning Program runs from April 1 to November 30 in most Boston neighborhoods. Check the posted street sweeping signs on your street for the schedule and parking restrictions. Search for your street in our database. After you find your street, we will give you an option to sign up for our No-Tow reminder service with your email. If the City’s website or the email we send you is different from the posted street sweeping sign, always obey the posted street sign.

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Remembering Medal of Honor Day At Medal of Honor Park

March 25, 2022

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The

Wine Guy

McLaren Vale

T

he McLaren Vale wine region, home to around 65 wineries, is near Adelaide, South Australia. It’s the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s wine-growing area, between the Gulf St. Vincent inlet and Mount Lofty Ranges. Olive and almond groves are scattered among its vineyards. The town of McLaren Vale, the region’s hub, is the starting point for the Shiraz Trail, named for its most famous style of wine. If you haven’t had a sip or two of world-class Shiraz lately, consider the following….

2019 Molly Dooker, “The Boxer”, McLaren Vale Australia, ($29.99).

Its winemaker describes it as, “an alluring and unashamedly bold Shiraz with hints of spiced plums, blackberry jam and cherry all at the fore and a finish of coffee cream, licorice and vanilla. Full bodied, with vibrant berry fruit characteristics, yet elegant with restrained tannins, resulting in a soft mouthfeel. Consistently impressive and seriously good, this wine is not short of character.”. He’s not boasting; if anything, he’s being a little modest.

Down the road about 7 miles is Coriole Vineyards. Their 2020 Estate Shiraz, McLaren Vale, ($32.99) is,” ink black color at the core, with hints of deep purple and blood-red at the rim, featuring blackberry,

licorice and mint aromas. Dark fruits, black olive tapenade and meaty characters fill the mouth with balance and poise. The tannins are sandy but sit in the shadows as a guiding hand. There’s precision and attention to detail in this wine. 93 points”, says The Real Review.

One of the oldest vineyards, not just of this region, but in all of Australia, Wirra Wirra Vineyards dates back to 1894. Its superior soil profile and sustainable farming methods consistently produce some of the country’s best wines, especially their Shiraz. Their RSW Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Blewitt Springs and McLaren Flat, ($69.99) is just big, big wine. Lifted raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are infused with dark chocolate and sweet spicy notes as well as hints of violets and French oak. There is a concentrated core of red and dark fruits which imbue it with weight and richness. These are fused with fine, chewy tannins, as well as savory features of toasted barrels and of leather and cocoa characters.

The elements of this wine come in waves, producing a layered effect of depth, complexity and finesse.

This one can be enjoyed right now but will live for 20+ years with careful cellaring.

Fork In The Road Wines produces one of the best Single Block Shiraz wines in the region. Their 2017 Shiraz, McLaren Vale, ($31.99), uses grapes sourced entirely from Old Oval Estate vineyard on Sand Road in McLaren Vale. This Shiraz is deep in color and soft on the palate. Concentrated dark berries combine with spice and a touch of mocha from 18 months in seasoned oak barrels. A rich and complex wine with generous length, it can be enjoyed young or reap the rewards of patient cellaring for an even bigger finish.

Talk To The Wine Guy at jd701562@gmail.com

March 31, 2022

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON BLOOMS BLOCK PARTY

A

n initiative aimed at welcoming workers, visitors and residents back to Downtown with free coffee, entertainment, a beer garden, food trucks and community.

Mayor Michelle Wu, in partnership with the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, and the Greenway Business Improvement District, today announced Boston Blooms, an April 13 block party welcoming employees, residents, and visitors back to Downtown Boston. As the City of Boston continues to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal is to bolster our local economy by encouraging everyone to support Boston’s Downtown.

Stretching from South Station to Downtown Crossing on Summer and Winter Streets, the all day event will consist of food trucks, live music, local performers, street art installations, and a pop-up beer garden. This kick-off event will be followed by a series of ongoing programming that will run throughout the summer across Downtown Boston as part of Mayor Wu’s Downtown revitalization plan.

“As we plan for our long-term economic recovery, bringing people back together in person will help our small businesses, restaurants, and arts and culture scene grow. We look forward to highlighting the vibrant commu-

nity possible with revitalizing our downtown with events, arts, and place-making,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful to all of our partners for working to ensure that Downtown remains a vibrant and inclusive destination and encourage everyone to stop by the Boston Blooms Block Party.”

“The Greenway is all about connections. Just as the park connects neighborhoods and Downtown Boston to its waterfront, we are thrilled to partner with Mayor Michelle Wu on reconnecting with what makes Downtown so special - the people who live, work and visit there,” said Chris Cook, Executive Director of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy.

Boston Blooms Schedule: 7:30 - 10:00 a.m.

• Music & breakfast food truck (North American Catering), hosted by the Greenway Conservancy and Greenway BID • Free Coffee, hosted by Downtown BID • Music by Fabiola Mendez and DJ Dephase 11:30 - 2:00 p.m.

• Music & food trucks at Dewey Square hosted by the Greenway Conservancy and Greenway BID • Performances by OrigiNation and JunkMusic, hosted by Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture • Plant giveaways, hosted by the Boston Parks & Recreation Department and Downtown BID • Street Theory- 2 Walls, hosted by Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• Beer Garden at Downtown Crossing hosted by Democracy Brewing and Downtown BID • Lawn Games, hosted by Downtown BID • Performances headlined by the rapper Oompa, hosted by Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture • Mural Crew/Photo booth, hosted

by Boston Parks & Recreation • Plant giveaway, hosted by Boston Parks & Recreation

March 31, 2022

MAYOR’S CUP STREET HOCKEY TOURNAMENT BEGINS APRIL 21 Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the 2022 Mayor’s Cup Street Hockey Tournament in partnership with the Boston Bruins Foundation during the April public school vacation week.

“W

e’re looking forward to providing a year-round schedule of healthy outdoor activities for all ages in our neighborhood parks,” said Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Ryan Woods. “Thanks to our partnership with the Boston Bruins Foundation, our young street hockey players will once again get the opportunity to meet kids from throughout the city and compete for the title of ‘Boston’s Best’ in the Mayor’s Cup.” The Tournament will begin April 21 and continue through the April school vacation week. All games

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

will be played at Garvey Playground at 340 Neponset Avenue in Dorchester. Additional support is provided by P&G Gillette.

Teams will compete in three age groups: Mite (ages 6 to 8); Squirt (ages 9 to 10); and Pee Wee (ages 11 and 12). Please note that preregistration for teams is required with a limit of eight teams per regional division.

To register or for more information, please contact Damien Margardo at damien.margardo@ boston.gov, Jennifer Misiaszek at jennifer.misiaszek@boston. gov, or call 617-961-3083.

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.

Virtual Public Meeting

202 W. 2nd St. Wednesday, April 6

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3uwPPaH Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 827 1778

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Project Description: The Proponent seeks to transform the Project Site by constructing a new four (4) story mixed-use commercial office building of approximately 42,000 gross square feet, for life sciences, research/ development uses, and including active ground floor space, with a main Building Height of approximately 60-feet and six (6) inches (as defined by the Code) and a screened mechanical level of no more than 14-feet tall (at the 5th level), along with garaged parking for 24 vehicles and bicycle storage, widened sidewalks and improved connections to South Boston’s lower end. mail to:

phone: email:

Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4418 stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Virtual Public Meeting

330 C Street Wednesday, April 20

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3tdutzn

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 324 0184

Project Description: The proposed project consists of a new six-story 74-room hotel, with a ground-floor restaurant, situated at 330 C Street in South Boston. The lot size is approximately 8,202 square feet and is currently occupied by a vacant single-story concrete block building which formerly housed a repair garage.

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: 4/29/2022

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Snapshots of our students enjoying Spring Spirit Week!

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rom March 14 through to the 18, all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy Celebrated Spring Spirit Week. This busy week started off with a weeklong Penny War! Each grade had their own bucket for collecting the funds.

Students brought in coins all week.

A penny in a grades bucket is a point for that grade. Penny Wars help generate funds for many school activities planned by the Student Council for the entire school. Our Student Council did a phenomenal job counting all the coins with guidance from our Physical Educational Director,

Ms. Erin Brogan. The winning grade received a Pizza Party and 10% of the Penny Wars Fund was donated to Ukrainian support efforts.

Monday was Flannel Day and Pi Day… We came dressed in our favorite flannel outfit and enjoyed some fun math activities to acknowledge Pi Day. Each year, Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Pi has

been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. Pi Day gives math enthusiasts the opportunity to celebrate their love for numbers and the enigma that is the infinite Pi. Our 6th graders did a fantastic job going to the different classrooms to teach about the meaning of Pi Day! A Big Thank you to our Vice Principal, Mrs. Denise Moriarty, a true math enthusiast, for coordinating this activity for the students at SBCA and to our wonderful 6th graders who took part in this fun and educational project! Tuesday was Mismatch/Wacky Wardrobe Clothing Day… As you can see from the photos, everyone loved this day and Wednesday was Neon Day, when everyone got to shine!

Thursday was St. Patrick’s Day, and we wore green to celebrate our Irish friends. Parents, families and friends

March 31, 2022

were welcome to come to the school yard to watch many of our very talented students give a superb performance of their Irish Step Dancing. A pesky messy leprechaun visited some of the classrooms and was able to avoid being caught in the leprechaun traps the children had made. We hope everyone had a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Friday was Sports Day, and we had a chance to represent our favorite sports, sports team or athlete…

We all had a great time watching a fun and exciting basketball game between our 6th Graders and our Teachers. It was a great way to end a great school week and welcome the beginning of Spring!

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

March 31, 2022

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on “The Slap” heard ‘round the world:

T

ime flies. I can’t believe it was 24 years ago, this week, that Iron Mike Tyson helped Stone Cold Steve Austin win the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 14 at the Fleet Center here in Boston. And we’re all lucky that what ensued after the match happened in 1998, and not in 2022.

My view was from the Premium Seating section. Great seats. Got them as a Christmas gift. I was a Shawn Michaels fan. He entered the main event as the WWF Champion. At the time, Tyson was on Michaels’ side, as a member of Degeneration X. It was the best time to be a wrestling fan. But the match ended with a new champion, and Tyson turned his back on Michaels, playing the role of referee as he counted to three to give Austin the win. Tyson raised Austin’s hand in victory, to which, Michaels was in shock. The entire building was in shock. And then, as Michaels and Tyson stood face to face in the middle of the ring, Tyson connected with a right hand, sending Michaels to the mat.

Fifteen-year-old me will never forgive Tyson for turning his back on the Heartbreak Kid. How could

he do such a thing? He cost Michaels the most prized possession in sports entertainment. It was diabolical. And 15-year-old me is still pissed off. Luckily, here in the year of 2022, I understand that 15-yearold me was irrational. I realize that Tyson did not actually connect with that right hand, and all of it was predetermined. Michaels was in on the act. That’s wrestling. Or, as Vince McMahon now likes to call it, sports entertainment.

But I’m curious. What if that happened in 2022? What if Tyson threw that right and sent Michaels hard to the mat for the world to see right now? How would they be reacting to such a thing on Twitter during these wacky times?

Well, consider Will Smith the modern-day Mike Tyson of WrestleMania 14. And Chris Rock is Shawn Michaels. The punch heard ‘round the world on the biggest stage. Substitute “punch” for “slap” and you get the scene from The Oscars last weekend. Luckily, here in the year 2022, I understand that I can’t react to things like the 15-year-old me reacted to the outcome of professional wrestling matches. That would be irrational. So, forgive me if I’m having a hard time understanding all the

irrational takes around me, regarding Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at The Oscars.

I’m absolutely stunned at how many people believe this was real.

I mean, I really just can’t find it in my brain to comprehend the exorbitant amount of humans whose reaction to Smith’s slap was “this HAS to be a 100 percent authentic moment in Hollywood history!” We should be manipulated this easy.

Then again, I still see people wearing masks while walking out Castle Island alone, so maybe I shouldn’t be as surprised that a majority of the world thinks Will Smith actually slapped Chris Rock in a moment of anger and frustration.

I’ve heard everyone’s reasoning as to why it was “real.” The most prominent reason has come in the form of a question: “What does Smith have to gain by faking it?”

Well, for one, who’s to say it was Smith’s idea? Rock is currently on a brand new worldwide standup tour. No coincidence that it began this week, just days after the slap heard ‘round the world. Rock is doing 50 shows, beginning March 30 here in Boston, and ending on Nov. 18 in Hollywood.

You just can’t make it up. Only,

you can. And they did.

I find it ironic and laugh-outloud funny that people think the guy who — on the very same night — won the Oscar for “Best Actor” is somehow not capable of perfectly acting his way through a controversial publicity stunt. And then there’s the actual slap itself.

Slow that down. Zoom in. Look at Smith’s follow-through. It couldn’t be more clear that Smith took something off the slap. So, when he walks back off stage, sits down, and yells repeatedly, “Keep my wife’s name out your [expletive] mouth,” that doesn’t sound like a guy who would intentionally take something off his right-handed slap in defense of his wife.

I can’t even believe I have to go this far to break it down for people, but here we are. If you wanted to be realistic about the situation, all you really should’ve needed to hear was that Rock is beginning a worldwide standup tour, in order to understand that this was all predetermined.

And they make fun of me for still watching pro wrestling. Happy WrestleMania weekend!

Follow Danny on Instagram @ DannyPicard.

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March 31, 2022

12

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

SPORTS TODAY CELTICS’ WILLIAMS OUT INDEFINITELY WITH KNEE INJURY SBT Staff

I

t was all going so well for the Boston Celtics. And then, the team got some bad news earlier this week.

Center Robert Williams III suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee and will be out at least three weeks, according to an initial report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Williams, 24, has been one of Boston’s leaders on defense, a defense that’s turned into one of the best — if not the best — de-

Tweet of the Week fenses in the NBA. He suffered the injury during Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. It marked the C’s 24th win in 28 games.

Boston has catapulted into the top of the Eastern Conference

SBT Staff

fter losing cornerback J.C. Jackson to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, the New England Patriots have since attempted

N

ew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft spoke to reporters at the NFL’s annual owners meeting in Florida this week, and shared his thoughts on the 2022 season.

After losing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season, Kraft believes this group of Patriots will put it all together in quarterback Mac Jones’ second NFL season.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 Columbus at Boston 7 P.M. NESN/NHLN NBA FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Indiana at Boston 7:30 P.M. NBCSB SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Washington at Boston 1 P.M. NBCSB MLB SATURDAY, APRIL 2 Spring Training Pittsburgh vs Boston 1:05 P.M. NESN

standings with just a handful of games remaining in the regular season. With no specific timetable for Williams’ return, the Celtics will be missing a key piece of their identity to begin the playoffs.

Williams is in his fourth NBA

to re-load their defense, signing cornerback Malcolm Butler and safety Jabrill Peppers over the last week.

For Butler, 32, this will be his second stint in New England. The Super Bowl XLIX hero was brought back on a two-year deal worth up to $9 million. Butler did not play last year. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but was placed on the reserve/retired list before the regular season began.

After spending his first four NFL seasons with the

“I expect [to be in contention] as soon as this year,” said Kraft. “I think we’ve made the commitments as an organization. I think we have a lot of talent, and some wonderful young men from last year, and a couple in the weeds from before. It’s a chance for them to grow, and hopefully come together and the team comes together.

“I think these young quarterbacks, the good ones, in the second year have usually grown a great deal,” added Kraft. “And I’m a big fan of Mac

season after being drafted by the Celtics in the first round (27th overall) in 2018. The 6-foot-9 Williams was having the best season of his career, averaging 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.

Patriots from 2014-2017, Butler signed with the Tennessee Titans and played with them from 2018-2020.

Peppers, 26, signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. He’s coming off an ACL tear that ended his 2021 season early. Peppers has spent the last three years with the New York Giants. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round (25th overall) of the 2017 draft, and was traded to the Giants in a deal that sent Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland before the 2019 season.

KRAFT EXPECTS PATRIOTS TO BE CONTENDERS IN 2022 SBT Staff

NHL THURSDAY, MARCH 31 New Jersey at Boston 7 P.M. NESN/ESPN+

WWE SAT, APRIL 2 - SUN, APRIL 3 WrestleMania 38 8 P.M. Peacock

PATRIOTS BRING BACK BUTLER, SIGN PEPPERS

A

WHATTOWATCH

Jones. I see how hard he works. He wants everything to go right. He puts in the time and energy. His personality, he’s a team guy. So, we have a chance.

Because, without a good coach and a good quarterback, no matter how good the other players are, I don’t think you can win consistently. I believe we have both, an outstanding coach and a good young prospect at quarterback.”

The Patriots haven’t won a playoff game since the 2018 season, when they beat the Los Angeles Rams in Super

Bowl LIII. Kraft expressed his frustration about that at the owners meetings.

“More than anything, it bothers me that we haven’t been able to win a playoff game in the last three years,” said Kraft. “And I’m happy that we had a great — I think we had a great draft last year, and that made up for what happened the previous four years or so.

“After my family, there’s nothing more important to me than the New England Patriots and winning football games. That’s my passion.

“I’m not happy that we haven’t won a playoff game in three years,” said Kraft. “So I think about that a lot.”