South Boston Today September 22 2022

Cameras In The Classrooms May Be Exactly What’s Needed

Summer is officially over now. The students are back to school and parents re ally and seriously need to be on top of just what the school,; especially public schools, plan to teach their kids. It would have been inconceivable just a few short years ago that there would be some teachers, not all, backed by left leaning teacher union officials, who would go to great lengths to indoctrinate young students with lessons and curriculum that would go against the wishes of parents. That in so many locations in schools around the country, students would actually be instructed by school personnel to not tell their parents what they were being taught boggles the mind. How did we come to this?

What is thought and what is even proven in many places to be the anti-police and anti-American propaganda by groups like Black Lives Matter is readily made avail able to impressionable young children even after BLM has been implicated in violent behavior and other activi ties of questionable legality, there is a problem. When the Critical Race Theory (CRT) which openly advocates divi sion among students, often encouraging distrust and suspicion among children

of different races and ethnic backgrounds, something is clearly wrong and those push ing such programs and their motives behind it should be subject to investigation. Yes, despite the indignant denials by those who secretly push CRT, it advocates for the teaching that white students are the offspring of oppres sors and children of color are oppressed. If this seems divisive, that’s exactly what the goal Studentsis. go to school to learn and be educated in the subjects that will serve them and prepare them for their future. Math, read ing, writing, REAL history and other basics are what’s

necessary and is what is expected by parents. The radical ideology of school board members, teachers’ union officials and politi cal activists and operatives of any stripe don’t belong in schools polluting young minds. We’ve all heard about such controversies in Boston’s schools. Many par ents were outraged. But be ing outraged or upset alone isn’t enough to put an end to it. Letters and press confer ences in opposition to inschool indoctrination by our elected officials is fine and needed. But, when parents themselves come forward and demand, loudly and clearly, that their children

be educated NOT indoc trinated, it sends a power ful message and is what is necessary to put an end to these practices. Whether it’s political indoctrination or lessons with sexual content, it does not belong in el ementary schools. Educators need it made clear to them that these are not THEIR children. They belong to the parents. And parents have every right to know what their children are being ex posed to in school and they also have a right to ques tion and to oppose anything that they feel is harmful. Be prepared to get involved this coming school year. There is currently, in other

parts of the country, a grow ing movement by parents to actively work to mandate that cameras be placed in each classroom. There are few proposals that frighten edu cators who actively indoc trinate young students with their own political ideology than cameras in classrooms. But why is that? If there is nothing to hide, what’s the problem? Classroom cam eras just may be the best thing to prevent potentially rowdy students from acting up, since their parents might be watching and may deter activist teachers from forcing their political beliefs on other peoples’ children. It sounds like a win-win all around.

Information Center

Have The People On The Vineyard Shown Their True Colors?

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

“So, it seems that Martha’s Vineyard is allowed to have a border but Texas is not.” That’s a quote attributed to US Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas and from what we’ve all been witnessing this past week and a half, it would seem he’s absolutely correct. After being bombarded with the expose’ on ‘The Vineyard’, most of us have formed our views on the situation. Here is mine. What we’ve learned is that to a majority, thankfully not all, of liberal Democrats, hundreds of thou sands of illegal migrants overwhelming the border towns of Texas and Arizona is a good thing. But 50 of them being flown to Martha’s Vineyard is a crisis and a burden so devastatingly huge and unmanageable that 300 National Guard troops had to be called up and rushed to the scene and remove them in less than 48 hours. The locals greeted the new arrivals with open arms, gave them sumptuous and nutritious meals of corn pops and fruit loops, told them all they were welcomed and loved and showed them all the signs they have around the island that read that No Human is Illegal and Migrants are Wel come etc.. But as it turns out, it was all a big act for the TV cameras to cover up how they really felt. Because then the oh so tolerant Vineyard folks went immediately to work to have them ‘de ported’ off their island, saying they just didn’t have the services or the room on the land of the rich, the famous and the liberal. There are words for these kinds of people. Four of those words are fak ers, phonies, frauds and hypocrites.

For example, the Obamas, even though they lecture us all about Global Warming causing ocean levels to rise and eventually drown us all, have a recently purchased a 21 million dollar ocean front mansion so large with 29 acres of land to go with it, and they could house huge numbers of the migrants they scold the rest of

us about who dare to demand a secure southern border. But it’s a funny thing. They haven’t stepped up with an offer to take them in – not even one fam ily. Come to think of it, neither have David Letterman, Spike Lee, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Diane Saw yer, Meg Ryan or any other liberal Democrat celebrity who own homes on the island. And it shouldn’t sur prise anyone to learn that the rich and famous types I just mentioned all have expressed support for those illegal immigrants who are flowing like a river into the United States. Um, let me qualify that: They support illegal immigrants coming in as long as they don’t show up in their neighborhoods and they certainly don’t want to have to deal with them or even see them, unless of course they are carrying garden sheers, lawn mowers and leaf blowers or for a quick photo-op to show how compassionate they are.

Now, many of you, who write in to us, have asked if anyone has a count of how many bleeding hear, vocal, open border advocates, be they local or liberal Americans anywhere, have offered to take in an illegal immigrant family? And we all know that the odds of many, if any of these bloviating hypocrites doing so, are slim to none. Let them over run the small towns in Red States but keep them the hell away from us is apparently the way they think. And it’s not just the people on the ‘Sanctuary Island’ of Martha’s Vineyard who have shown their true colors and what fakers they are. The ‘Sanctuary’ locations of Washington DC, New York, Chicago and others, are outraged when Red State Gov ernors actually had the nerve to send bus loads of border jumpers into their cities. In shock, they demand federal assistance and even the deployment of troops to deal with it saying they are being overwhelmed by the influx of illegals sent to them by the heartless,

monstrous Republican governors. They are getting a very tiny taste of what the border states are forced to deal with every single day because the Demo crats who are currently, and it looks like, temporarily running the federal government refuse to secure the border and they don’t like it one bit.

The whiners in the liberal news me dia are actually calling the ‘offending’ governors ‘human traffickers’. The fact that the Biden Regime has been doing this very thing, literally busing and flying tens of thousands of illegals to locations around the country for more than a year and just dropping them off, is not even being mentioned.

But the American public has seen the live videos of this going on. So, the denial by omission being commit ted by the media and the Democrats is fooling no one. Now the question to be asked as threats of many more to come by Governors DeSantis and Abbott toward the liberal sanctuaries so upset at being targeted is ‘How does it feel?’ And if the residents of the Vineyard didn’t have enough going on to upset them, they were furious on Wednesday when they looked up in the sky and saw a plane circling the island dragging a banner behind that read in big bold print let ters “Vineyard Hypocrites”.

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SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

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.

-- Protesting Climate Activists And More

First thing’s first. Climate pro testers are attempting to disrupt the morning commute around Boston today. The State Po lice said that five people had been taken into custody on the ramp from Leverett Circle to Route 93, and other activity has been report ed around the city.

The White House said Tuesday that 813,000 borrowers in Mas sachusetts would qualify for debt relief under President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt. The impact of the debt cancellation in the Bay State was detailed dur ing a conference call with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Georgia Con gressman Hank Johnson.

Biden’s plan provides up to $20,000 in debt relief for Pell grant recipients and up to $10,000 for other federal student loan bor rowers, and it’s projected to im pact more than 40 million borrow

ers nationwide. In Massachusetts, the White House said 401,200 bor rowers are expected to be eligible for the maximum loan forgiveness as Pell Grant recipients. Carmel Martin, White House deputy assis tant to the president for economic mobility, said the program reflects Biden’s belief that a “post-high school education should be a ticket to a middle-class life.”

Warren, addressing critics who say taxpayers should not be pay ing for the wealthy to attend elite private schools, said 90 percent of the relief will go to people earning less than $75,000, and 99.7 percent of borrowers did not attend Ivy League schools like Harvard. “For those who aren’t dealing with student loan debt right now, it might be hard to see just how soul crushing this debt can be,” Warren said. “People are frightened about what this debt means for their fu tures and ashamed of what it says about their pasts.”

Pressley said that more than 102,000 student borrowers, includ

ing over 60,000 Pell Grant recipi ents, live her Seventh Congressio nal District, which covers some of the most diverse neighborhoods in Boston. Officials said the applica tion window is expected to open in October, and the U.S. Department of Education hopes to process all requests for debt cancellation by the end of the year. ONE OF THE ARGUMENTS for student debt cancellation is that it will ben efit the economy as a whole by freeing up millions of Americans to open small businesses or buy homes that they would otherwise be waiting on.

The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS on Tuesday re leased new data showing that the red hot housing market continued to cool in August, with the median sale price of a single-family home down 1.32 percent from July to $599,000. MAR President Dawn Ruffini, however, told MASSterL ist that the market isn’t necessarily less competitive. “If anything is priced well, there are still going to

be multiple offers,” Ruffini said. That’s because inventory re mains lows, and will stay that way until the state figures out how to spur more housing produc tion. New listings for single-family homes were down 12.06 percent in August from July, and condos listed for sale were down 18.68 percent. That will continue to put pressure on housing costs, with af fordability at a 33-year low. “If in flation doesn’t settle I think people are going to continue to get pushed out of the marketplace,” she said. Rising interest rates are also making homebuyers more scru pulous in what types of proper ties they chose to invest their money into, Ruffini said. While closed sales of single-family homes increased 6.68 percent from month-to-month in August and 0.41 percent for condos, Ruffini said sellers are trying to catch up with buyers’ new ex pectations and shoppers are more likely to try to negotiate and less willing to waive inspections and other contingencies.

Ruffini described the current trend as “coming back to nor mal,” and expects it to remain this way at least through the election as uncertainty about inflation and interest rates has a slight chilling effect on activity.

Flooding continued from front page zoned with a drawing of an hourglass and the words “UNDERWATER BY 2050, ACT NOW” written in bold black capital letters.

In the morning of September 21st, while walk ing on Purchase Street in downtown Boston, on their return to Post Office Square, one pass erby, who said she lives in the neighborhood but declined to give her name, rode up on a bike and accused the protesters of blocking students’ routes to school. “Don’t you care about the children?” She called, following alongside the marchers for at least two blocks. “You’re acting like a child, walking on the streets, this is where cars go!”

Extinction Rebellion planned the march as part of its self-proclaimed “week of rebellion” to de mand a shift from an economy and society relying on fossil fuels for energy needs to one that uses renewable energy alternatives, according to the group’s postings on social media.

Meanwhile, rising seas along the South Coast are projected to have catastrophic effects, inun dating towns around Buzzards Bay and Narra

ganset Bay, flooding out roads, and wiping away salt marshes that store vast amounts of carbon, accord ing to a new report.

The report, issued by the conservation group Trustees of Reservations, details how more than two feet of projected sea level rise by 2050 would affect communities along Massachusetts’ South Coast, offering a grim view for planners as they look to shore up the most vulnerable parts of their towns and cities. In some case, it gives reason to consider retreating from the shoreline.

“These low-lying communities, especially in areas along the coast, are potentially going to start see ing sea water impacting low-lying roads and these areas on a daily basis, or multiple times a year,” said Brittany Hoffnagle, a climate resiliency specialist at the Woods Hole Group, a Bourne-based interna tional environmental services company, who led the analysis in the report.

The projections in the report are based on a worstcase, high-emissions scenario in which the world fails to halt emissions from fossil fuels. The state recom mends that planners use that scenario in plotting future

growth in their communities, said Hoffnagle. To produce the report, the Trustees and the Woods Hole Group took publicly available state and federal data on future flooding, saltwater marsh risks, and erosion and overlaid it with com munity data on where buildings and roads are. The report covers the coastline from Seekonk to Falmouth, zeroing in on the 14 towns that border Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. While the seas there have risen roughly 9 inches in the last 75 years, that’s minuscule compared to the 2.6 feet of rise that could occur by mid-century.

Boston’s flood risk is on the rise. Boston’s sea levels are projected to rise by three feet or more by the end of the century. This will make floods from today’s harshest storms more likely to occur. Coastal and riverine flooding is expected to lead to the most significant climate hazard consequences. Flooding will be concen trated in low-lying waterfront neighborhoods, particularly Charlestown, Downtown, East Boston, South Boston, and, later in the century, the South End and Dorchester.

Loyalty, Pride and Gratitude at Sunday’s Vietnam Memorial

Tom Lyons and his great and truly magnificent committee had been working hard as they do every year putting together the lineup of speakers, the logistics and program for the event; no easy task. The 41St rededication would take place no matter what the weath er. He was hoping for a great day as

far as weather and turnout. He got his wish on both. The morning was picture perfect; with just the right temperature to make it comfortable for everyone and the sun could not have been any brighter. And the turnout? This is South Boston and even after 41 years the spirit remains and the 25 men from Southie who gave their lives for their country during the Vietnam War are still in

the hearts and minds of a proud and grateful community.

It was an impressive event to be sure. The 10:30am Mass at St. Brigids Church is almost always crowded, but this event was special as it is every year and the beautiful and spacious house of worship was jammed for this very moving memo rial service. The Bagpipes and Drums were a symphony of perfection as

they accompanied the United States Marine Color Guard. All were wel comed at the church and words were spoken that everyone in attendance were surely feeling themselves. Praise was given to the memory of those fallen veterans, as well as to the many Vietnam Veterans who did return home, who were dutifully in attendance. Praise was also given to the current active military who con tinue to serve our country today and always stand guard in a dangerous and uncertain world.

After the Mass, the crowd which had swelled in size made its way over

to Medal of Honor Park just across the street for the dedication itself. As the color guard, the many veterans in attendance and the families of those being remembered were filing to the park, neighbors and residents current and former, could be heard talking with one another and it was clear that a strong and glowing sense of pride in what was taking place filled them with emotion. Could there be any other urban community anywhere in the Northeast that could have pulled off something so spectacular as what took place last Sunday? Doubtful. Could anyplace in the entire world have it continue just as big and with such enthusiasm for 41 years? Most would say that would be Impossible.

For 41 years, South Bostonians have crowded into the same church and attended the ceremony at the same park, somehow always under the same beautiful sunny skies and paid tribute to 25 of this town’s he roes because, here in South Boston, we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for their neighborhood. That enthusiasm and pride and gratitude felt about having the opportunity to honor them was just as strong last Sunday as it was that first Sunday more than 4 decades ago when the Vietnam Memorial was first unveiled.

The honorable guest speakers and local officials spoke with heartfelt sincerity, as they praised the fallen heroes and also the heroes who each year, honor their brothers in arms who never returned.

In South Boston, it is undeniable and a matter of pride among those who reside here now and have at one time resided here that ‘promises made are promises kept’. When you pledge friendship and loyalty to each other it is most often kept for life. When the Southie Vietnam War Veterans who made it home made that promise 4 plus decades ago never to forget their fallen brothers, it wasn’t just noble talk made at an emotional time, it was a ‘vow’ they intended to honor. There was never any doubt that they would. Their makeup and character would never allow it. These great men; proud veterans and patriots who do this each year are truly a special breed and they deserve very special praise. God Bless every one of them.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW FORESTRY DIVISION AND URBAN FOREST PLAN

Mayor Michelle Wu an nounced efforts to bolster the City of Boston’s tree canopy to enhance livability and public health throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. As part of today’s announcement, Mayor Wu is launching a new Forestry Division within the Boston Parks and Recre ation Department (BPRD) to expand Boston’s ability to maintain existing and plant new trees. The Forestry Division will grow the City’s treerelated workforce from 5 to 16, with dedicated leadership and resources to plant new trees as well as proac tively inspect, maintain, and prune existing trees, focusing on undercanopied and environmental justice neighborhoods. This intentional focus on Boston’s trees follows the recommendations of Boston’s newly-released Urban Forest Plan (UFP), an assessment of Boston’s

urban forest with recommendations to improve the way trees are cared for and ensure the urban forest is available to the entire community.

Mayor Wu made the announcement today at the Arnold Arboretum of Har vard University, a nonprofit partner that has gifted the City of Boston 10 dawn redwood trees – descended from the first such trees to grow in North Amer ica in over two million years, known as “living fossils” – to be planted in neighborhoods across Boston.

“Trees are our best green technol ogy to fight climate change and build healthy, beautiful communities, espe cially as heat and storms intensify,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Dedicat ing staff and resources to our new Forestry Division will empower the City of Boston to strengthen our tree canopy citywide so every commu nity benefits from these treasured resources. I’m especially grateful

I Was Just Thinking…

maintain our constitution and sustain our constitutional republic.

The Roman historian, Polybius, wrote that “the Roman Republic’s constitu tion—its way of life—was the source of its greatness. By separating the powers of government into three parts—con suls, the Senate, and the people-the mixed constitution of Rome secured stability in peace and strength in war.”

Apprehensive about dictatorial rule, John Adams believed a government com posed of one body would not long survive.

That it would be corrupted from within by its own making.

for the partnership with the Arbore tum in sharing the wonder of dawn redwoods citywide as a connection to our legacy of research, discovery, and global collaboration here in Boston.”

“Boston’s trees beautify our com munities, create oxygen, and mitigate the urban heat island effect while cleaning pollution from our air,” said Reverend Mariama White-Ham mond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “We know that Bos ton’s history of disinvestment has led to inequitable access to trees. I am thrilled that the City’s new Forestry Division will take proactive steps to correct these inequities by plant ing and protecting trees and creating good, green jobs.

“Our new tree division will sig nificantly expand the City’s capacity to plant and care for trees in every neighborhood,” said Ryan Woods, Boston Parks and Recreation Depart

free, nor ever happy, whose govern ment is in one Assembly.”

All three branches of government must act in accordance with powers derived from their oath of office.

They are not self-sufficient and if one branch oversteps boundaries, their designs must be counteracted by the other two branches to main tain order, cohesion, and democracy.

When we hear members of Con gress or the president verbally attacking each other or question ing the legitimacy of the Supreme Court, it’s a direct assault on our Constitution, our Democracy.

They need to stop fighting, stop the bickering and mudslinging.

ment Commissioner. “We are com mitted to increasing the survival rate of our new plantings and supporting the growth and maturation of trees across Boston, particularly in com munities that need more canopy.”

The Forestry Division will include a Director of Urban Forestry, which is currently accepting applications, three arborists, three 3-person main tenance crews, and several support staff. The larger workforce will complement new investments in the City’s FY23 Operating and Capital Budget, totaling about $5.9 million. continued on page 12

very important one at that, because they control rewards and punishments” and if those who hold office do a poor job; “when the difference between better and worse is ignored, or when it is recog nized but poorly managed, no business that is taken in hand turns out well.”

If that happens, they no longer should be allowed to serve in office since the people elect those in power to represent them.

The people are the sovereign power. Surely something our leaders have forgotten.

by Kevin Devlin

The Roman Constitution helped pave the way for our way of life, our Constitution, that being the separation of powers (of the executive, the legislature, and judicial branches) which complements but limits the pow ers of the other branches, each providing the necessary checks and balances to

Adams was influenced by Poly bius’ writings concerning the need for the separation of powers.

“A representation of the people in one assembly being obtained, a ques tion arises whether all the powers of government, legislative, executive, and judicial, shall be left in this body?” he wrote. “I think a people cannot be long

They must do what’s best for the people they serve.

Because their true purpose is to work together and solve problems, set policy, and do what’s best for the greater good.

If they can’t do that; they should resign from their positions and fade away into the sunset.

“Polybius also wrote that “…the people do have a part to play, and a

It’s time our leaders realized that fact moving forward and changed their ways before they are voted out of office for betraying the trust of the people and the sanctity of their office and our Constitution.

Providing the greatest comfort, se curity, and happiness for the greatest number of citizens “in the greatest degree” is the true and noble pur pose of government.

And can be preserved by maintain ing the necessary checks and balance of governmental power vital for the survival of our Constitutional Republic.

Guy WineThe

Time To Cool Off

As the days, especially the evenings, get cooler, it’s time for some heartier wines. So, some reds, some whites and hopefully, some time to try the following…

I’ve talked about this one before, but it bears re-visiting, both because of its price and quality.. Carson Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018, Paso Robles, Central Coast, Cali fornia, ($13.99) is a great wine for Pulled Pork, other BBQ fare or Angus beef Bacon Cheese burgers. You’ll find pleasant but not over bearing notes of dark berry fruit and

cherries, with soft oak notes and a pleasant finish. It’s balanced, with deep coloring and a very satisfying moth feel. Frankly, this one drink scloser to a $20.00 bottle than its posted price; you might want to pick up more than one!

Craggy Ridge Pinot Noir, Martinbouough, New Zealand, ($37.99). When Craggy Range owners Terry and Mary Peabody first set out to start a winery with world class aspirations, their search quickly brought them to New Zealand. Looking down from Te Mata Peak onto the land where Crag gy Range now stands, they were clear that they wanted to create a winery and an experience which truly evoked the unique landscapes and heritage of the region. This Pinot will remind you of some of the better Burgundies- lay ers of dark fruit, beautiful nose and a long finish. Veal Marsala or marinated Flank steak from the grill will be memorable with this oneBeaumont Chenin Blanc, 2020, Stellenbosch, South Africa, ($19.99), is a pleasant and surpris ing break from your typical Chenin Blanc. You’ll find that the fruit notes of melon, kiwi and citrus are subtle

but, combined with an unexpectedly long finish for a white, will give you a great taste. The South Africans have been growing a number of Loire Valley varieties for over a century now and this one represents the en hancements that come from attention to detail and the unique weather pat terns of the country. Any seafood or

poultry dish will be better for it!

2020 Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio, ($19.99). The grapes sourced for Bottega Vinaia’s Pinot Grigio come from a tiny cluster of vine yards located 400 meters above the sea level in the Dolomite Alps, farmed by the same two families for over 100 years. This crisp, clean, dry unoaked white is the hallmark of Bottega Vinaia craftsmanship. The high quality Pinot Grigio also pos sesses an intense aroma uncommon in Pinot Grigio, as a result of unusu ally cool nighttime temperatures in the region. I’m sure all the PG drinkers out there know what they like to have it with, but don’t forget Chicken Picatta or Braised Scallops.

2019 Paul Dolan Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino, Califor nia, ($22.99) Minty and spicy in aroma, showing deep fruit, tobacco and leather flavors, this full-bodied wine is generous, complex and well structured. It compares to wines two or three times more expensive. Firm tannins and full body do a great job of supporting all the ripe black cher ries and spicy oak notes. Best from 2023. ta Cool My Friends!

South Boston Residents In Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk

Sarah Fay, Joseph McCarthy, and Alexa Ramer will join thousands in the iconic fundraising walk for DanaFarber Cancer Institute to support all forms of cancer

Sixresidents from South Boston will participate in the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on Sunday, October 2.

Sarah Fay, Joseph McCarthy, Alexa Ramer, Kali Kearns, Linda DaCorta, and Thomas Grenon, along with thou sands of other walkers, will participate in the iconic annual event that will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pedi atric care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, DanaFarber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $155 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Insti

tute in its 33-year history.

“Throughout the past 33 years, the Jimmy Fund Walk has continu ously supported life-saving research and cancer care at Dana-Farber. And the pandemic didn’t stop us,” said Zack Blackburn, Director of the Jimmy Fund Walk. “Over the past two years, participants walked virtually and celebrated in their own unique ways. Now, we welcome them to walk the course in person. We are back, we are together, and we are stronger than ever.”

Participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: 5K Walk (3.1 miles from Dana-Far ber Cancer Institute), 10K Walk (6.2 miles from Newton), Half Marathon Walk (13.1 miles from Wellesley), or Marathon Walk (26.2 miles from Hopkinton). Participants can also choose to join the event virtually by “walking their way” from wherever they are most comfortable—in their

neighborhood, on a favorite hik ing trail, or on a treadmill at home. Virtual programming and supporting materials are available.

Along the course, walkers are treated to 12 refueling stations as well as poster-sized photographs of patients – Jimmy Fund Walk Heroes – displayed at each mile and halfmile marker as inspiration. All four routes of the Jimmy Fund Walk end at the Copley Square Finish Line

Powered by Schneider Electric with a celebration complete with food, music, and a speaking program.

To register for the Jimmy Fund Walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker, visit www.Jim myFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. All registered walk ers will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.

If you require interpreting services, please contact the following: (Nick.Carter@Boston.gov) (617-918-5303) The meeting is scheduled for 06/27/2022. Please request interpreting services no later than 5 days before the meeting date.

St.Productions02127Sponsored½WayToPatrick’sDayFundraiser

LastSaturday night at Flo rian Hall, 02127 Produc tions held a fundraiser to benefit The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council for the South Boston Evacuation Day Parade/St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Commander Susan McDonough made major an nouncements regarding the parade for 2023. She stated when she files for the permit for 2023, she will be requesting the full parade route and starting from ANDREW SQ., around the Dorchester Heights and end ing at Broadway! How’s that for an announcement? Commander Mc Donough wants to engage the com munity and put the emphasis back on honoring our veterans. She is asking for people to get involved. Susan, Randy and Brian have great ideas and the support of the E-Board to make the 2023 parade something special not just for spectators but for the South Boston Community. Stay tuned! The fundraiser was a success with great music and dancing. The highlight of the evening was when an announcement was made that Abbey O’Connell from Kenmare, County Kerry was turning 100 years young. Abbey was up danc ing and singing and enjoying the “Time”. She and her family came to support the SBAWVC.

Southie Street Festival 2022

East Broadway was the place to be last Saturday. The weather was perfect as resi

dents old and new strolled along East Broadway to see the wares, games, give aways and services offered by businesses and mer chants. The music was delightful,

the food was delicious and the best part is the lines weren’t long! Fun was had by all, including our fur babies. (See our Facebook page for more photos)

Increased staffing will empower the Parks and Recreation Depart ment to respond more quickly to tree maintenance requests submitted by residents through 311, clearing the maintenance backlog, decreasing tree mortality, and focusing resources on under-canopied neighborhoods.

The creation of the Forestry Division executes on the first recommendation of the newly-released Urban Forest Plan, a product of years-long, extensive engagement driven by a Community Advisory Board. The Urban Forest Plan outlines seven major strategies for tree canopy management citywide:-

* Engaging in comprehensive, pro gressive, and proactive urban forestry work across City departments.

* Conducting proactive care and protection for existing trees across public and private land, involving a cyclical care program, and a welldefined risk management approach.

* Expanding the tree canopy in line with broader citywide goals of equity, resilience, public health, and community well-being.

* Creating solutions to make space for trees in Boston, as well as im proving the quality of planting sites to allow trees to thrive.

* Improving communication be

tween the multiple City departments, agencies, non-governmental organi zations, and citizen groups that plant and care for trees within Boston.

* Improving access to neighbor hood tree data to give local groups the tools to make decisions and improve ments for their own communities.

* Utilizing and developing local talent to grow workforce opportuni ties in alignment with fulfilling the goals of this urban forest plan.

The UFP also includes neigh borhood-specific strategies for tree planting, preservation, and care. Each neighborhood plan includes local information on canopy and land use

trends, priority planting zones, and existing physical and environmental conditions. The new Forestry Divi sion will use these neighborhood plans to develop specific planting and maintenance programs across Bos ton’s

Theseneighborhoods.newinvestments in tree can opy create an opportunity to support biodiversity by planting a variety of tree species throughout our communi ties. The new Forestry Division will be charged with ensuring that a variety of trees are planted in strategic loca tions that support species diversity, while increasing resilience to climate change and urban conditions.

The CelebratingFestivalHarvestPolish-Heritage

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish hosted Boston’s Polish Harvest Festival last Sunday at 655 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston. This is an area that most locals refer to as the Polish Triangle. The festival was open air with traditional foods, pony rides, raffles, music, polish dancing and children’s activities to name a few. The crowd was large and the fun was mighty for all ages. It was an enjoyable day for everyone, especially for the Polish to celebrate their heritage.

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Having fun in the Idea Lab!

The K1 students all love spending time in the Idea Lab area where they can imag ine, discover, explore and achieve. As you can see by the photos of Ms. Court ney’s K1 students, they are having a fun time ex ploring and learning. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at: Catholicinfo.olicacademy.orgadmissions@sbcathformoreaboutSouthBostonAcademy.

St. Peter Academy

Sports Tag Day at St. Peter Academy

FirstTag Day of the School Year was Sports Day! SPA students and staff made a monetary donation and came to school dressed in their favorite sports/team apparel. The donation was made to our neighbor the

Marian Manor Activities Department in honor of Grandparents Day. All sports teams were represented Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and we even had Yankee fans! Thank you to all that participated, it was a fun day for a great cause.

St. Peter Academy is continuing to accept applications for the 2022-2023 school year. St. Pe ter 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. Two Scholarships will be offered this year for appli cants for Grades 1 through 6. You may request scholarship information from the Front Office (spa@ stpeteracademy.com). Appoint ments for individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing spa@StPeterAcademy.com.

This week, Danny reacted to Zdeno Chara retiring with the Boston Bruins:

It’s a scene that I expect we’ll one day see at Gillette Sta dium. Tom Brady, signing a one-day contract with the New England Patriots, sitting next to Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, and Bill Belichick, with Julian Edel man, Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty, and Matthew Slater — just to name a few — sitting in the front row of the press conference.

Brady officially retiring as a Pa triot. That day will most certainly come. And it will look similar to what we saw at the TD Garden this week.Zdeno Chara, signing a one-day contract and officially retiring as a Boston Bruin, hold ing up his black B’s jersey, stand ing next to Charlie Jacobs, Cam Neely, and Don Sweeney, with Patrice Bergeron and Brad March and sitting in the front row. It was a special day, for sure. And one that makes you remem ber just how difficult it is to win the Stanley Cup. Chara’s No. 33 will undoubtedly be lifted to the Garden rafters one day. He’ll soon be heading to the Hockey Hall of Fame as Defensively,well. he was as physi cally dominant as they come. So physically dominant, that it also

became a major mental advantage for Chara, as he was constantly matched up with the NHL’s most talented forwards. Perhaps Patrice Bergeron described it best, as he spoke with the media following Chara’s retirement press confer ence this week.

“On the ice, we all know how he was, he really leaded well,” said Bergeron. “How talented he was, how gifted he was. A real shutdown D-Man, but also of fensively to have that shot and to make those plays. He was a force to be reckoned with.

“I was happy to be on his side, to be honest with you,” added Bergeron. “I played against him when he was in Ottawa, and he was just so hard to play against. And to have him on your side it just gives you a lot of confidence. Off the ice as a leader, the way that he competed, the way that he demanded guys to give their best, and the work ethic. Touched on the culture that he brought in, and it’s been a great journey to be with him.”

Ask any elite forward in the NHL that played against Chara, and they’ll tell you the same thing Bergeron said. He was just so

hard to play against. Nobody, not Sidney Crosby, not Alex Ovech kin, not Patrick Kane, not a single NHL forward that stepped on the ice when playing against the Bruins wanted to see Chara jump over those boards and protect his defensive zone.

Go ahead, try to dump and chase on him. You’ll get crushed. Even better, try to stick handle around that 10-foot twig he had in his hands. Good luck with that. There’s a reason why Neely ac knowledged Chara to be the best free-agent signing in franchise history, because, in the grand scheme of things, it was.

“Yeah, absolutely, I would agree with that statement, especially where the team was at that partic ular moment in time,” Neely told the media this week. “Then what Zdeno not only brought on the ice but also in the locker room. We touched on it today. The leader ship abilities and qualities he has and the demand that he had for his teammates to follow a certain lead and to really build back the culture of this organization, I think, was key. And it certainly led to the success that the teams that Zdeno had brought. Yeah, ar

guably the best free agent signing probably in history.”

Chara’s legacy will always be the image of him in the road white Bruins jersey, hoisting the Stanley Cup over his head in Vancouver in 2011. For Bruins fans, it was a surreal moment. For Chara, it’s the best memory he has. “If you say what it means to me, I would correct you — what it means to us,” said Chara at his press conference this week. “We won it together. It’s not me because I was the captain. We did it together. We had such a com mitted group. We all bought in to what we did prior years in the practices. Every day, we made commitments to each other and to the team and the organization.

“To finally accomplish it in win ning the Stanley Cup, it was such a relief and such a happy moment for everybody, because we did it together. We did it as a group. And the celebrations are just something we will never forget. If you ask any of us, that’s the best memories we have.” Thanks for bringing the Cup to Boston, Zee. We’ll never forget it.

Follow Danny on Instagram @ DannyPicard.

SPORTS TODAY

NFL THURSDAY, SEPT. 22

Pittsburgh at Cleveland (-4.5) 8:15 P.M. PRIME

SUNDAY, SEPT. 25 Baltimore (-3) at New England 1 P.M. BuffaloFOX(-5.5) at Miami 1 P.M. CBS

PATS WIN

WHAT TO WATCHTweetoftheWeek

Green Bay at Tampa Bay (-2) 4:25 P.M. FOX

San Francisco (-1.5) at Denver 8:20 P.M.

MONDAY,NBCSEPT. 26

Dallas at NY Giants (-2.5) 8:15 P.M. ABC/ESPN

NCAAF SATURDAY, SEPT. 24

#20 Florida at #11 Tennessee (-11)

Gunner Olszewski no longer plays for the Patriots, but he still helped them out on Sunday in Pittsburgh.

The Pats’ former return man muffed a punt late in the third quarter that ultimately led to a New England touchdown, and was a con tributing factor in the Patriots’ 17-14 win over the Steelers in Week 2.

Up 10-6 at the time of the muffed punt, the Pats took over at the Pitts burgh 10-yard line, where it took them just three plays to score on a Damien Harris third-down touchdown run, putting New England up 17-6.

The Steelers responded on the very next drive with a touchdown pass from Mitch Trubisky to tight end Pat Freiermuth. After a success ful two-point conversion, Pittsburgh

RETIRESCHARAPITTSBURGH,INHEADHOMETOHOSTRAVENSSIGNSONE-DAYCONTRACT,WITHBRUINS

Zdeno

Chara is back. Kind of.

The former B’s captain signed a one-day contract with the team this week, but only to officially retire from the NHL as a member of the Boston Bruins.

trailed by just three points, 17-14, in the fourth quarter.

But the Patriots’ defense held their ground the rest of the way, and the Patriots picked up their first win of theMacseason.Jones played the entire game for New England, despite suffering a back injury in Week 1, and missing a practice last week with an ill ness. Jones finished the Week 2 win 21-of-35 with 252 pass yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He wasn’t sacked a single time.

Jones’ lone touchdown pass came on a 44-yard throw, deep down the right sideline, in the final minute of the second quarter, putting the Patri ots on top 10-3 at halftime.

Nelson Agholor leaped at the 5-yard line to make an aggressive

catch over the head of Steelers cor nerback Ahkello Witherspoon on a slightly under thrown ball by Jones. After pulling it in, Agholor skipped into the end zone for his first touch down of the season.

Agholor finished with a game high 110 receiving yards on six catches. Jakobi Meyers — who’s turning into Jones’ security blanket — was right behind him, finishing with 95 receiving yards on nine catches.

In the run game, Harris had a game-high 71 rush yards on 15 car ries, while teammate Rhamondre Stevenson finished with 47 rush yards on nine carries for the Patriots.

New England’s defense held Trubisky to just 168 pass yards, sacked him three times, and picked him off once. The sacks

He made the announcement with an instagram post that read:

“After 25 seasons of professional hockey, 1,680 NHL regular season games, 200 Stanley Cup Playoff games, and hundreds of international games I am proud to announce my decision to retire from the National Hockey League. In doing so, I am honored to return to TD Garden to day to sign a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins and officially finish my career with the team that

has meant so much to me and my family. There are so many people that have helped contribute to my success, including all of you, and I look forward to properly thanking everyone this afternoon.

Thank you,

Big CharaZee”and the Bruins held a press con ference at the TD Garden on Tuesday to all but solidify that Chara’s No. 33 will one day be raised to the Garden rafters.

The 45-year-old spent the last two

WisconsinCBSat#3

3:30 P.M.

7:30 P.M. ABC

Ohio State (-18.5)

were made by Matthew Judon, Jahlani Tavai, and Christian Barmore. Cornerback Jalen Mills came up with the interception.

Cornerback Myles Bryant led the Pats in tackles with eight total and fiveThesolo.Patriots are now 1-1. They return to New England for their first home game of the season, hosting the 1-1 Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, this Sunday at 1 p.m.

Baltimore is coming off a crazy loss to the Dolphins, in which Miami trailed 35-14 in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins outscored the Ravens 28-3 in that fourth quarter to come from behind and win the game,Both42-38.thePatriots and Ravens have lost to the Dolphins this season.

seasons with the Washington Capi tals (2020-21) and the New York Islanders (2021-22).

Chara played 14 seasons with the Bruins, leading them to a Stanley Cup in 2011. Chara led the B’s to the playoffs 11 times in those 14 seasons. He ranks sixth in franchise history in games played with 1,023. Chara also ranks third in points by a Bruins defenseman, with 481, behind Ray Bourque (1,506), and Bobby Orr (888).

SBT Staff