South Boston Today December 21 2023

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December 21, 2023: Vol.11 Issue 51

Honorable Michael F. Flaherty Bids Farewell To Elected Office – For Now!

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

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outh Boston has been a proving ground for talented, hardworking, educated, hard scrabble and neighborhood oriented public servants. Political legacies have been created and the role of families of up-and-coming elected leaders have been fuel for spirited campaigns over the years.

The Town reveled in the impacts that those who ascended to powerful positions made South Boston the envy of the Commonwealth.

Michael F. Flaherty, born into a respected South Boston family, is entering a new chapter in his life, having decided not to seek reelection to the Boston City Council.

Flaherty took his job very seriously and was the author of many initiatives that affected the lives of his neighborhood and the City of Boston. Confident that he had the ‘chops’ to run the City as Mayor, he took on the unenviable challenge of CONTINUED ON page 10

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Merry Christmas

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December 21, 2023

EDITORIAL Merry Christmas To ALL

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here is no other time of the year that even comes close to being similar. Whether you celebrate it as a religious holy day, a nonreligious holiday or both, Christmas should still be kept in our hearts and celebrated – it is just too special to go without. To children, the Christmas season is magical. It’s a time in their lives when memories are made that will live forever. Yes, it’s a fact, children are brought up being told about people that may or may not exist. But does it really hurt anyone for them to have that handful of years believing in such colorful and good characters as Santa and Mrs. Claus, or cute helpful little elves. Ok, possibly the Grinch might bring on some bad dreams and vibes, so maybe some can do without that guy.

But even when we

become adults, those Christmas memories, especially if they are caught in photos or on video will bring smiles to our faces. It’s one of the good things in life; happy times to cherish forever and pass on to new family members as they arrive and grow.

The Brilliantly lit Christmas trees and neighborhood homes, the peaceful and Heavenly Nativity scenes, the parades, the special meals and desserts, the sweet smell of pine and sugar treats, the gifts, the music, the movies we look forward to year after year, the time spent with family and good friends and the image of Santa everywhere you turn adds to the tradition that so many people hold so near and dear to their very souls. That it was all started with the birth of the Baby Jesus; Son of God more than 2000 years ago is the

reason for the season and makes this time of year not only festive but also sacred to the now billions of Christians around the world and certainly to the people of South Boston. This is also a special and sacred time for people of the Jewish faith; where family and friends gather to share each other’s company and love and honor God as well. People of all faiths and no faith are always welcome to share in this special time and its a beautiful thing. From all of us here at South Boston Today to our friends and neighbors, have a Merry Christmas. May this year bring good tidings to one and all and may the coming new year bring happiness, good health, prosperity, and stability. And of course, to our friends of the Jewish Faith, we wish you all the same and a Happy Hanukkah.

“And know that I am with you always, yes, to the end of time.” - Jesus Christ

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Information Center The

Christmas is a Time for Everyone to Enjoy John Ciccone

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hristmas is a special season, a unique season that most look forward to each year, especially children. To the kids, the coming of Christmas is a magical time of the year where anything can happen – including miracles. And like any big event, there are going to be detractors and eye rollers who just wish the whole thing would go away and never return.

There are the people who complain that some put up their Christmas trees too early. I can’t understand why doing so bothers some others. Everyone has the right/the choice to put the tree up whenever the spirit moves them. Those that don’t like it can put theirs up later or have no Christmas tree at all if that’s their choice. Some people dislike Christmas music, Solution: don’t listen. Some don’t like the movies – then change the channel. And there are those who are ‘offended’ or in today’s words – ‘triggered’ by the decorations, the lights, Santa Claus everywhere you turn and of course, the sight of a Nativity scene sends them into a meltdown.

We even saw a report that was sent into the City of Boston’s 311 complaint line by a South End resident who was furious because someone, apparently in a festive mood and trying to spread the cheer of the season, actually had the nerve to hang a Christmas ornament on some neighborhood sidewalk trees.

Horrors!! The complainer demanded that the city immediately send crews out to remove those offensive ornaments from those trees. You have to ask yourselves, what has happened in that person’s life that made him so bitter that he/she would take offense and get so upset over someone hanging a Christmas bulb on a tree?

Apparently, the Grinch is alive and

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY

well in Boston. People who would go to these lengths fit right in with those who used to champion that now rapidly fading movement where anything having to do with Christmas was a target. They demanded radio stations stop playing the music, tried to have Nativity scenes banned from public and even privately owned locations. In some places the annual Christmas tree lighting events at the town squares were targets, they demanded the word Christmas be changed to ‘holiday’ when referring to the Christmas trees, parades and parties. We have some in positions of authority in our own town afraid to say the word Christmas and use the generic bland term ‘holiday’.

How sad that some have become so miserable that their goal in life is to make what many consider ‘the most wonderful time of year’ disappear. I wouldn’t suggest that those 3 ghosts that visited Scrooge be sent to harass them. The kind thing to do is show these people some kindness and understanding. The odds are that something very traumatic may have happened in their lives to make them want to target something so beautiful to many, especially kids.

To those who say putting up Christmas decorations and celebrating the season in public is a violation of Church and State as written in the Constitution they are misinformed. That argument is bogus and not true at all. Just suggest to them that they go and read the Constitution, because obviously they have not. Nowhere in the Constitution does Separation of Church and State’ appear – nowhere. To those who fret about store and other businesses being closed on Christmas, we can remind them that Christmas was declared a federal holiday in

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

1870 by President Ulysses S. Grant and the Congress of the United States. And because it is an official American holiday, Christmas celebrations and decorations and other symbols actually are allowed on public property.

So, in regard to Christmas and how to celebrate or not celebrate it, the bottom line is this. It’s a time that celebrates the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. It means a lot and is very special to the 2.2 billion Christians around the world. People are free to celebrate it as a religious Holy day, just as a holiday or both

OR not at all if that is their choice.

But, as we say every year, Christmas comes around at this time each year, whether you like it or celebrate it or not, it’s coming - get used to it. People shouldn’t get offended when someone wishes them a Merry Christmas. If someone takes the time to wish you a Merry Christmas, they legitimately want you to have one. So, my recommendation to all is to kick back and enjoy it. Everyone is invited to enjoy the season. Christmas doesn’t discriminate. Oh, and yeah, it’s not just for the kids.

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December 21, 2023

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.

Where Should Vocational Education Be Headed Should public vocational schools get to hand-select their students? The Gateway City Caucus doesn’t think so. The caucus wrote to Gov. Maura Healey and her administration urging them to change the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s vocational schools admissions policy.

They argued that the current selective admissions process discriminates against students of color, students from low-income families, English language learners and students with disabilities. Lawmakers instead encouraged the board of ed to mandate a lottery system. In 2003, vocational schools were directed to rank applicants based on middle school grades, attendance, disciplinary record and interviews, the signers wrote, saying this process edges out students who are more likely to benefit from vocational school but less likely to have the academic credentials to be accepted.

“DESE admissions data shows these criteria discriminate against three protected classes of students: students of color, students with a disability and English language learners. The criteria also significantly discriminate against economically disadvantaged students. In response to these inequities, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved new regulations in

2021 that permit districts the flexibility to change their policies to address these systemic opportunity gaps,” the letter says.

In last year’s admissions cycle, only two schools chose to adopt a lottery system for applicants: Assabet Valley in Marlborough and Worcester Tech. In the spring, Lawyers for Civil Rights and the Center of Law and Education filed a federal civil rights complaint against DESE on the same topic of vocational school admittance.

In the 2020-2021 school year, 18,500 rising 9th graders applied for 10,616 available seats in the state’s vocational schools, according to the complaint. Last year, 55 percent of students of color who applied to a vocational program were admitted, compared to approximately 69 percent of white students, and 54 percent of students from economically disadvantaged families received offers compared to 72 percent of their peers.

“Eighth graders who grow up in poverty in Massachusetts deserve the same opportunity as anyone else to attend a vocational school and learn a trade,” said Gateway Cities Caucus Senate Chair John Cronin. “Instead, our outdated system allows schools to discriminate against them in favor of top-performing, college bound applicants. It makes no sense, hurts kids, and is a key contributor to the workforce crisis in the trades we face today.

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

C. I. A.

Lotteries, used by all charter schools in Massachusetts, are not a theoretical or radical proposal. When implemented, they end discriminatory outcomes.”

Letter signers include high-profile players like Sen. Mike Rodrigues and Senate chair and vice chair of the Education Committee Sens. Jason Lewis and Sal DiDomenico. House leaders of the committee, chair Rep. Denise Garlick and vice-chair Rep. Steven Ultrino, were notably not listed amongst those who signed on to the call to action.

Wu apologizes to those falsely linked to Charles Stuart killing On Wednesday, Mayor Wu issued a formal apology from the City of Boston to the two Black men wrongly linked to the murder committed by Charles Stuart in 1989. While neither man was formally charged, they were publicly identified in the media as suspects in the shooting, and the apology comes after a Globe investigation and an HBO documentary series looking at the Stuart case. “What was done to you was unjust, unfair, racist, and wrong, and this apology is long overdue,” Wu said.

Clean energy lobbyists warn

lawmakers of emissions reduction failure to come Leaders of the Environmental League of Massachusetts warn Mass. is slated to fail to hit a major emissions reduction requirement in 2030 unless there’s significant legislation passed to accelerate progress. On Tuesday, the group issued an end-of-the-year call to action, calling on the state to focus on “electrifying the transportation sector, streamlining project siting and permitting, and boosting the offshore wind industry,” Chris Lisinski reports for the News Service.

Addressing firefighter PFAS exposure 97 lawmakers signed a letter to AG Campbell this week urging the state to support firefighters in Worcester diagnosed with cancer in the lawsuit they filed against companies that make firefighting gear alleged to include toxic PFAS chemicals. The letter asks Campbell to “join and expand upon” the suit and claims the gear was treated with PFAS before being sold to the departments, though the manufacturers knew the health risks of PFAS exposure.

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Council President Flynn Releases End of Year Report 2023

Dear neighbors, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!

As 2023 and my term as Council President draws to a close, I would like to provide a summary of my work this year.

In District 2, my work and advocacy continues in many key areas: pedestrian safety & public safety, quality of life issues, immigrant and civil rights, housing & development, and community preservation.

In the South Boston Waterfront, I was able to secure $4 million for the programming and design of a new firehouse, which will complement the $11 million we received last year for the design and construction of

the new EMS Seaport station. The construction and completion of both over the next several years will be critical to serving the area’s growing population. In South Boston, I secured $2.5 million for the McDevitt Senior Homes, an important affordable housing opportunity for seniors.

On transportation, the South Boston Elected officials and I continue to highlight our concerns and strong opposition to the Boston Transportation Department on their Summer Street Pilot due to traffic, congestion, and the potential to negatively impact our local, state, and regional economy. I also advocated for a 7 nights a week Residential Parking Policy Plan in South Boston, which I believe will protect neighbors, residents, and families from the unsustainable parking crisis and quality of life issues that occur every weekend.

In Downtown, I continue to work in collaboration with our public safety officers, residents, business community and non-profits. I submitted letters of support for the establishment

of a Holocaust Museum in Downtown and the soon-to-open WNDR Museum. In Chinatown, with the Mayor’s support, we received a $2.4 million grant from the Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities project for the initial study and design of a new park between Shawmut Ave and Washington Street above the I-90 highway. Through community preservation funding and my support, Chinatown also secured a total of $4.2 million for Parcel R-1 for the building of affordable housing for homeownership and rental. In the South End, I secured $1.1 million for the maintenance and repair of the Shawmut Ave Bridge.

At the Council, during this year’s budget process, my colleagues and I advocated against the removal of $30 million to the Boston Police Department and nearly $1 million to Veterans Services. In addition, Councilor Worrell and I co-sponsored, and the Council unanimously passed, an illegal gun trafficking ordinance requiring the Boston Police Depart-

ment to have an annual report with data on illegal firearms trafficking, which would help law enforcement and policymakers develop strategies on gun violence prevention. Through multiple working sessions with my colleagues, we also passed an antibullying policy at the City Council.

On pest control, I had the opportunity to speak with Kathleen Corradi, New York City’s first new Rat Czar, to get her insights and operations. While we were not able to hold a hearing in time before the year end to discuss the creation of an Office of Rodent Mitigation in the City of Boston, I will be re-filing this in the new year.

The list of what we have worked on is long, and I have included more details below.

As we gather with families and friends for the holidays, I encourage everyone to stay updated with their flu shots and boosters to keep each other safe. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, festive holiday season, and a Happy New Year!

Thank you, Ed

Council President Ed Flynn’s Highlights Of The Work Of His Office - 2023 Quality of Life & City Services • Filed a hearing to discuss setting up an Office of Rodent Mitigation in the City of Boston.

• Held a hearing to discuss bringing back City of Boston Board Meetings, Abutters Meetings, City Council Meetings, and Related Businesses Back in Person with a hybrid option for public accessibility and persons with disabilities.

Public and Pedestrian Safety & Transportation • Advocated successfully against $30 million budget cuts to the Boston Police Department • Sponsored and passed an ordinance requiring the Boston Police Department to have an annual report with data on firearms trafficking, which would help law enforcement and policymakers better understand the impact of illegal gun trafficking, and help us develop strategies on gun violence prevention.

• Secured $4 million for the

programming and design of a new firehouse in Seaport.

• Secured $1.1 million for the maintenance and repair of the Shawmut Avenue Bridge.

Affordable Housing • Supported the securing of $2.5 million for the McDevitt Senior Affordable Homes (formerly Paraclete Center) on E Street, South Boston.

• Supported the securing of $4.2 million for Parcel R-1 Affordable Housing (rental & ownership) in Chinatown.

• Sponsored and passed resolution calling on the Massachusetts Legislature to pass the act providing a local option incentivizing landlords to rent unsubsidized properties at below rent market.

• Voted to increase the affordable housing requirements for the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) from 13% to 17%, and advocated for family sized affordable units.

Parks, Open Spaces & Environment

• Supported $2.4 million for a feasibility study and initial design for a new Chinatown park built on a deck over the I-90 highway and MBTA tracks between Shawmut Avenue and Washington Street as part of the federal Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.

• Supported $50 million in funding for Moakley Park for the Implementation of master plan, including the redesign of the park with climate resilience features to mitigate flood risk.

Historic Preservation • Secured $750,000 for the Tremont Temple in Downtown Boston • Secured $395,500 for the Congress Street Fire Station and Boston Fire Museum in South Boston • Secured $500,000 for The Union Church in Boston’s South End Arts & Culture • Supported the development of the Holocaust Museum • Provided a letter of support of

the opening of WNDR Museum in Downtown • Supported PLAN Downtown and creation of a Chinatown Cultural Plan Human Rights Commission & Civil Rights • Wrote a letter in support of organizers for the Boston Pride for the People Parade.

• Sponsored and passed a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month.

• Consistently reported neo-Nazi & extremist behavior targeting our jewish, LGBTQ+ neighbors, immigrants, and communities of color to the Human Rights Commission; condemned these hateful behaviors.

• Stood by and supported LGBTQ+ community and the important work of our health care workers and medical professionals at Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital during targeted harassment of communities of color from far right and anti-LGBTQ groups. continued on page 18

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December 21, 2023

Rep. Lynch and Sen. Booker Introduce Bill to Help Students Earn their GED

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ast week, U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) introduced H.R. 6786, the Reengage the Workforce Act, which would provide federal grants to organizations that work with students who did not complete high school to help them earn their GED and offer additional workforce training and career support programs. The grants would be created within the Department of Labor, in consultation with the Department of Education, to help facilitate the advancement of education through in-person or virtual programs alongside any necessary support services. This bicameral legislation is led by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“It is important we are proactive in reengaging students who have not been able to complete high school and help them obtain the qualifications that will make it easier to join the workforce and support themselves in

Who Were the Shepherds at the first Christmas?

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ho the shepherds that were present at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem were has long been a story that has fascinated the masses over the centuries. Even today, in 2023 and with all the issues facing modern society, this ancient question remains a topic of discussion with theologians and historians, especially during this time of year.

Over 2000 years ago, some of the most notable people present after the Baby Jesus was born were the humble shepherds tending to their flocks. These shepherds of the time were considered to be of little

future,” said Rep. Lynch. “While the number of students who did not complete high school has fallen in the past decade, the percent of those students that are not in the labor force has increased. This bill will help enable organizations, like the Boston Public Schools Re-engagement Center, better assist those students by allowing them to reenter secondary school with support services, such as transportation or childcare, or enroll in flexible courses to earn their GED.” “For the tens of millions of Americans across the country without a high school diploma, the American dream is becoming increasingly out of reach,” said Sen. Booker. “Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, which is why I am introducing legislation to help people reconnect with educational opportunities and meaningful career paths.

By providing more opportunities for those who are not in school or in the workforce to get back in, we can ensure more people have the tools to build

importance; almost lowly as far as most people living then were concerned. The shepherds were wandering nomads thought to not even have dwellings to live in but rather actually lived out in the fields with their flocks. This was a lifestyle that existed long before the birth of Christ and still to this day, in parts of the Middle East, nomadic shepherds can be found living pretty much the way they did at the time of the birth of Jesus..

These shepherds have traditionally been without means or influence, yet God chose them over lawyers and scribes and wealthy landowners and other people of great wealth to send a group of Angels to announce that the Son of God had been born in a manger in the town of David.

As the story of the first Christmas goes, an Angel appeared to the shepherds who were at first terrified at the sight of the Angel. The Angel then said to the shepherds

brighter, more promising tomorrows for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who did not finish high school make up the highest percentage of unemployed people in the country and earn $162 less weekly than those who earned their diploma. Establishing this grant program will help organizations dedicated to reengaging students and allow them to offer more critical programs such as life planning workshops, career training, resume reviews and interview assistance.

The Reengage the Workforce Act is endorsed

by Jobs for the Future, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, National Skills Coalition, The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, National Youth Employment Coalition, Opportunity Youth Network, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), New Deal for Youth (ND4Y).

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths lying in a manger”. Then other Angels appeared and helped reassure the shepherds. When the Angels had left them, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see for themselves, this event that had happened. And they did and found it

to be true. They then went in all directions; far and wide to spread the story of the birth of the Baby Jesus, the Son of God. It has long been debated why it was shepherds that were chosen by God to be the first to receive the announcement of the birth by the Angels. But most believe that it is because God values all people, no matter what their status in life and chose the most humble and unassuming to be blessed with the good news first.

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Wishing you a Christmas filled with Peace & joy

We wish you a

Congressman & Mrs.

Stephen F. Lynch and family

Paid for by Lynch for Congress Committee. Nancy Conroy, Treasurer

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

From Senator Collins & Family

Happy holidays!

Warm wishes for the season, from our house to yours. /MassConvention massconvention.com

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The

Wine Guy

It’s That Time

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ell, by this time next week, it’ll all be done.

The mad dash to find whatever this year’s “must have” toy is, sitting up at 2am with a large box that has those three dreaded words on it-” some assembly required”, finally getting it assembled and then seeing that one extra screw and wondering when will Uncle Marty and Auntie Jenn finally leave. Before all that happens, however, don’t forget the wine! I think any of the following will enhance your din-

ner and make your Christmas Day even brighter…

Rondel Prosecco Brut Rose ($15.99) This one is light pink in color with fine, bright perlage. It has a delicate and complex bouquet with fruit notes of peach, green apple, and lemon. Floral notes of acacia and rose on the nose. Fresh and light on the palate with round structure and a pleasant finish. You can have this one for a toast, with dinner or even with dessert-very versatile!

Veuve Clicquot, NV, Rheims, France, ($57.99). Wine Spectator scored this spectacular sparkler 90 points and said “Hints of toast and biscuit accent lightly honeyed flavors of quince, apple blossom and peach in this fresh and balanced Champagne.”. Just as great for New Year’s Eve as it is for your Christmas dinner, so be sure to grab more than one!

Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, 2021, ($22.99).

Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a medium straw

color. On the nose, you are greeted with stone fruit aromas of peach and nectarine, oak spice with hints of vanilla, toasted nuts, light caramel, and subtle honeydew notes.

The creamy richness of this medium-bodied wine boasts flavors of ripe pear and Golden Delicious apple. This is an elegantly structured Chardonnay with lots of finesse and focused balance from start to finish. You will find SonomaCutrer’s signature vibrant acidity with nice length that rounds out to a pleasant, lush finish of lingering barrel spice.

If your taste runs to reds more than whites, consider a nice bottle of Barbera d’Asti. Vietti Barbera d’Asti, Tres Vigne, 2019, ($19.99) is in Piedmont Italy, and they produce a huge range of wines from super affordable to very expensive using grapes native to the region like Nebbiolo and Barbera. If you’re looking for a bargain wine that drinks like something much more expensive, this is it. It’s medium-bodied, full of dark fruit

December 21, 2023

flavor, and pairs with anything from grilled chicken to pasta, as well as your Christmas dinner.

Last, but not least, you might want to consider a nice bottle (or two) of Germany’s favorite white wine, Riesling. Germany is considered one of the world’s top producers of elegant white wines.

As the northernmost country of fine wines of the world, Germany’s cooler climate is responsible for wines with bright fruit, clarity, intensity, and high acidity. Georg Albrecht Schneider - 2020 - Niersteiner Paterberg Riesling Kabinett, ($19.99). This wine has an enticing and delicate floral notes to the luscious berry and dark current flavors. The finish exudes ripe apricot flavors and hints of cream.

Dashes of salt and dusty mineral tones lend nuance to bright, piercing lemon and lime flavors here.

Light footed and electric with acidity, it’s a mouthwatering offdry white with a refreshing, puckering grapefruit finish.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes News Mass and All of us in the Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes Religious Education Program Grades K to 6 want to wish everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Service Schedules Of South Boston Churches CHRISTMAS EVE: Gate of Heaven Church– 4pm, 9pm Saint Brigid Church – 4pm Saint Augustine Chapel – 4:30pm 4th Presbyterian Church – 10:30am/7pm with Pageant Saint Monica Church – 5pm (English and Spanish) Saint Peter Church – 4pn (Lithuanian) CHRISTMAS DAY: Gate of Heaven Church – 9am Saint Peter Church – 9am (English) Saint Monica Church -10:30am (English)

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Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR

David Biele

State Representative (paid for by the David Biele Committee)

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies Recipe Ingredients: • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 cup packed brown sugar • 2 eggs • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 2 packages (3-1/2 ounces each) cookand-serve butterscotch pudding mix • 3 teaspoons ground ginger • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs. Combine the flour, pudding mixes, ginger, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Decorate as desired. Yield: about 2 dozen. Nutritional Facts 1 cookie equals 194 calories, 8 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 38 mg cholesterol, 144 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein I

From Our Family To Yours,

Wishing You A Merry Christmas & Joyful Holiday Season!

Council President Ed Flynn and Family Paid for and authorized by the Friends of Ed Flynn

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Team Flaherty wishes you and your loved ones a happy, healthy holiday season and New Year!

Michael Flaherty for Boston City Council At-Large Paid for by the Michael Flaherty Committee P.O Box 122 Boston, MA 02127

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this role, he recommended pasunseating a popular incumbent sage of funding for 198 comMayor, Tom Menino. Though munity preservation projects unsuccessful, he maintained which total an approximate $92 his reputation as a politician to million over the past four years. be reckoned with, as he proved Michael has also been made such by later winning back his Chair of the Boston City Counat-large seat on the Council. cil’s COVID-19 Recovery ComMichael, as he is called at the mittee. This special committee insistence of his late mother, was created to help Boston Peggy McGlone Flaherty, was review and disperse tens of milfirst elected (with Peggy’s daily lions of dollars in critical COVhelp) to the council in 1999 ID-19 funding from the federal with a term starting in 2000, government. This committee he was elected council vice posting gives Michael the president in 2001 and served as chance to have a critical, handscouncil president from 2002 to on role in Boston’s recovery 2006. Flaherty’s dad, Michael from this pandemic by helping F. Flaherty, Sr., is a former to ensure we have a fast, strong, associate justice of the Boston and equitable economic revival Municipal Court and a former here in Boston. state representative.

Michael is the former Chair of Michael is a graduthe Committee on Government ate of Boston College High Operations and the current Vice School and Boston College, and Chair of the Committee on Govearned his law degree at Bosernment Operations, on which ton University. Prior to being he has ushered many pieces of elected to the Council in 1999, important legislation through to he was an assistant district passage. These include a number attorney in the Suffolk Counof ordinances aimed at supportty District Attorney’s Office. He ing housing affordability, includis also a practicing attorney. ing changes to the Inclusionary Flaherty was the top voteDevelopment Policy and zoning getter in the city council at-large code. Michael was the first Counrace in November 2003, Nocilor to call for updates to the vember 2005, and November Linkage formula, which ensures 2007. His margin of victory in that the boom of development in 2005 was the widest margin Boston creates affordable houssince the council was restrucing for those in need. Michael tured in 1983. In the November also worked with community 2013 election, Flaherty returned leaders and other stakeholders to the council as an at-large to pass regulations on short-term member. He has subsequently rentals, which will help return been re-elected in November countless, badly needed units 2015 and November 2017. He back to the housing market for was again re-elected in Novem- Boston families to access. ber 2019.] He was the lead voteMichael also worked on getter in the 2021 Preliminary legislation to increase voter Municipal Election. access to the polls and registraIn the last eight years, Mition, strengthening government chael has many accomplishtransparency through lobbying ments on the Council. In regulations, public safety issues 2016, Boston finally adopted like speed limits and gas leak the Community Preservation repairs, the energy efficiency of Act, a culmination of years of buildings, and healthy school Michael’s advocacy and leadpurchasing standards. ership on the issue. Michael Michael F. Flaherty with his now chairs the Community logic and institutional knowledge Preservation Committee, which will be missed in City government oversees the authorization of representing the people of the City recommended community pres- of Boston. See you around the ervation funding requests. In neighborhood Michael!

Flaherty continued from front page

December 21, 2023

December 21, 2023

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December 21, 2023

kids through a festive evening New Connections Enjoy the Magic of Season Together our of exciting events, but because they

“A

critical component of our mission at NFLSRE (Nan Fung Life Sciences Real Estate) and for me personally, is striving to be a positive and impactful member of our community.

As such, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to host the chil-

dren from the South Boston BCYF Condon Community Center (“CCC”) and especially thankful for Program Supervisor Barbara Kelly and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association for coordinating a great event.

“It’s very rewarding to see the joy and happiness that the great children

of the Condon experienced in receiving their gifts and taking photos with Santa,” stated Matthew Powers, CEO NFLSRE. “Partners like NFLSRE are invaluable to the children of the South Boston community, not only because they generously made the spirit of Christmas come alive for

are committed to the betterment of the entire community all year long. It is clear that NFLSRE will continue to be a great neighbor, supporter, and champion for our families, said Barbara Kelly.”

Photo Credit Amy Photography

December 21, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

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Rep. David Biele’s 5th Annual Toy Drive

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or the past week, the Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561 served as Santa’s workshop for South Boston as part of Representative David Biele’s annual toy drive.

This week, Rep, Biele and his team delivered upwards of over 1,000 toys to children throughout South Boston, including but not limited to West Broadway, Mary Ellen McCormack, Old Colony, through community partnerships with: Community Partners/Distribution Locations Condon Community Center Michael J. Perkins School South Boston Boys and Girls Club South Boston En Accion South Boston Seaport Catholic Collaborative Tierney Learning Center West Broadway Task Force A big shout out to Rep. Biele for helping Santa fill the need in our neighborhood for the past 5 years and making sure every child in South Boston has a toy to open this holiday season.

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St. Peter Academy

Tag Day Toy Drive and Snowman Shoppe

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riday was a busy day at St. Peter Academy. The students came dressed in festive attire for a Tag Day. They donated unwrapped toys to our State Representative David Biele’s Annual Toy Drive for the South Boston Community.

This year we brought back the

popular Snowman Shoppe! The students were so excited to shop for their family and friends. The staff assisted the students with their shopping lists and parent volunteers helped with the wrapping.

The students were so excited to pick out gifts for their loved ones.

It was a wonderful event and ev-

eryone is so happy it is back!

St. Peter Academy wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We cannot wait to see what the new year brings!

St. Peter Academy is accepting applications for the present and 20242025 school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program

December 21, 2023

(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 applicants for Grades 1 through 6. You may request scholarship information from the Front Office (spa@stpeteracademy.com). Appointments for private tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617268-0750 or by emailing spa@StPeterAcademy.com.

December 21, 2023

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A Big Thank to Mr. Carlo Bunyi, friend.” As we celebrate Jesus’ BirthSouth Boston Catholic Academy News cert. their Music Teacher, for helping them day, all of us at South Boston Catholic the great traditional Christmas Academy and at the Early Childhood A Blessed and Merry Christmas to All! learn songs that they sang for their families Center, wish everyone a Blessed and

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n December 12 the students in the SBCA Early Childhood Center did a fantastic job singing a medley of favorite Christmas songs at their Annual

Christmas Concert, entitled “Christmas in our Hearts”. Thank you to all our wonderful students, families, faculty, staff and all who helped the children prepare for this holiday con-

and friends.

“The Christmas Season gives us an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the hope, peace, joy and love, found in Jesus – our Saviour and

Merry Christmas! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

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December 21, 2023

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on the Boston Red Sox announcing their Hall of Fame Class of 2024:

A

re the Boston Red Sox alive?

Man, I remember when I used to live for the “Hot Stove” every winter, as the Major League Baseball offseason would be filled with juicy rumors of who the Red Sox were trying to acquire.

But that feeling no longer exists, because the Red Sox are no longer the organization that provides us with offseason buzz.

Ok, so the Sox reportedly are “in” on 25-year-old Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, Yamamoto also reportedly flew to the East Coast and only went to New York, shunning Boston.

That’s not good.

So what do you do if you’re the Sox? Well, of course, you announce the Red Sox Hall of Fame Class of 2024!

I’ll let the team’s press release speak for itself. Because I’m done talking about this team for a while: “Former Red Sox players Trot Nixon, Jonathan Papelbon, and Dustin Pedroia have been selected as 2024 Red Sox Hall of Fame inductees.

This year’s selections were made by a 21-person committee comprised of club executives, local and national media members, historians, and fan representatives. The Class

of 2024 will be officially inducted at the Red Sox Foundation’s Red Sox Hall of Fame & Fenway Honors event on Wednesday, May 29, then honored at Fenway Park during pregame ceremonies on Thursday, May 30, prior to Boston’s game against the Detroit Tigers. More details will be announced later.

Nixon was selected by the Red Sox in the first round (No. 7 overall) of the 1993 First-Year Player Draft. The former outfielder played in 982 games with Boston over 10 seasons (1996, 1998-2006), batting .278 (912-for-3,285) with a .366 on-base percentage, .478 slugging percentage, .845 OPS, 133 home runs, 523 RBI, and 547 runs scored.

Recognized as the 1999 BoSox Club Man of the Year for his community service, Nixon was named a First Reserve on the All-Fenway Park Team in 2012 as one of the 40 greatest players in franchise history.

He recorded an OPS of at least .800 in seven consecutive seasons from 1999-2005 and hit 24 or more home runs in each season from 2001-03, earning team MVP honors in 2001.

Nixon also appeared in 38 Postseason games for Boston, notably hitting a walk-off home run in Game 3 of the 2003 American League

Division Series before adding three home runs in the 2003 Championship Series. A 2004 World Series champion, he ranks fourth in Red Sox history with 869 games played in right field.

Papelbon appeared in 396 games (three starts) over seven seasons with the Red Sox (2005-11) after being selected by the club in the fourth round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. A four-time All-Star with Boston (2006-09), the former right-hander was named the club’s 2006 Rookie of the Year and Pitcher of the Year after recording a 0.92 ERA (7 ER/68.1 IP) with 35 saves in his first full Major League season.

Papelbon holds franchise records for most career saves (219), most saves in a single season as a rookie (35 in 2006), most consecutive saves converted to begin a season (20 in 2006), and most consecutive seasons with 30 or more saves (six, 200611), and also has recorded the most saves in Fenway Park history (104).

A 2007 World Series champion, Papelbon earned seven Postseason saves for Boston—tied for the most in franchise history—while posting a 1.00 ERA (3 ER/27.0 IP) in 18 games. In 2012, he was recognized as the closer on the All-Fenway Park

Team as part of the ballpark’s 100th anniversary celebration.

Pedroia spent his entire 17-year professional career in the Red Sox organization after being selected by the club in the second round of the 2004 June Draft. A three-time World Series champion (2007, ’13, ’18), he was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and Most Valuable Player in 2008. He earned four All-Star Game selections (2008-10, ’13), four Gold Glove Awards at second base (2008, ’11, ’13-14), and a 2008 Silver Slugger Award, and is the only second baseman ever named Red Sox MVP by the Boston Baseball Writers (2008, ’12). In 2012, Pedroia was named the starting second baseman on the All-Fenway Park Team. He made 11 consecutive Opening Day starts from 2007-17 and was the Red Sox’ starting second baseman in all 51 of the club’s Postseason games from 2007-17. In his Major League career, Pedroia batted .299 (1,805for-6,031) with a .365 on-base percentage, 140 home runs, 394 doubles, 725 RBI, 922 runs scored, 138 stolen bases, and only 30 fewer walks (624) than strikeouts (654).”

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

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December 21, 2023

SPORTS TODAY PATRIOTS Tweet of LOSE TO the Week CHIEFS, STAY IN HUNT FOR NO. 1 PICK

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SBT Staff

f the season ended after Week 15, the 3-11 New England Patriots would have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Mathematically, the Patriots still have a shot to land the No. 1 overall pick, which currently belongs to the Chicago Bears.

But it’s not the Bears that Patriots fans should be rooting against for the final three weeks of the regular season. It’s the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina, at 2-12, traded their 2024 first-round pick to the Bears. And the Panthers’ final three games are against the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

All three of those teams will most likely be playing for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season, and so, it’s probably unlikely that New England will end up with the No. 1 overall pick.

Which leaves the Pats at No. 2, if the 3-11 Arizona Cardinals don’t spoil that. Arizona’s final three games are against the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles,

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and Seattle Seahawks.

As for the Patriots, their final three games are against the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets. So who knows if the Patriots will even keep that No. 2 overall pick. It at least looks like New England will have a top-five pick.

Last Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs helped the Patriots remain in that No. 2 spot for the time being.

The Pats lost 27-17, with a brutal Bailey Zappe interception in the second half being a major factor in the outcome of the game.

Trailing 17-10 in the opening minutes of the third quarter, Zappe threw a first-down pass from his own 21-yard line right into the hands of Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay on the right sideline. Two plays later, Patrick Mahomes threw a six-yard touchdown pass to running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire that put Kansas City up 24-10.

“Just simply not good enough,” said Zappe in his postgame press conference. “Started out hot in the first half again, like we did the previous week. Came in here, made adjustments, understood what we wanted to attack. Went out in the second half, threw an

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interception on the first play of the second half, which is terrible on my part.

“You take away that, you take away seven points, it’s a whole different game. I mean, they got the ball on whatever yard line it was, and two plays later they scored. So I mean, that’s on me.

You take away that play, it’s a different game. Not good enough, there’s things that I’m going to clean up going into next week and get ready for the Broncos.”

Zappe finished the game 23-of31 for 180 pass yards, with one touchdown and one interception, while being sacked four times.

His lone touchdown pass came midway through the second quarter, as he found tight end Hunter Henry in the right side of the end zone for a 16-yard score, which tied the game at 7-7.

“Hunter is a great tight end, receiver,” said Zappe after the loss.

“He can do practically anything you want him to. We have a lot of guys like that in the tight end room and the receiver room. Personally for me it makes my job easier because I feel like no matter what they do versus Hunter, I feel like it’s a mismatch. I just let him have his time, let him get open, I can make a play, throw a good enough ball where he can

make a play. I think we’re filled with guys like that in our room.

It just comes down to me getting the ball to them, good ball placement, where they can get YAC after the catch. Just up to me to get them the ball.”

The Patriots actually held a 10-7 lead late in the second half.

But Patrick Mahomes was sure to spoil that with an 11-play, 75yard touchdown drive just before halftime that put Kansas City up 14-10.

Now, the Pats head to Denver for a Christmas Even game against the 7-7 Broncos. Denver is still alive in the AFC playoff race, even after losing to the Lions in Detroit last weekend.

Denver has had a turnaround of sorts this season. After losing their first three games of the season, and starting out 1-5, the Broncos then won five straight to get above .500, but they’ve since lost two of their last three, entering Sunday night’s game against New England.

In his regular-season career against Bill Belichick, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is 3-0 with 11 touchdowns and just one interception, while averaging 310 pass yards per game in those three games.

The Broncos are a 6.5-point favorite.

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Flynn continued from page 5

Labor

2024

• Sponsored and passed resolution in support of our Seaport Hotel Banquet Workers as they vote in their union election • Sponsored and passed a resolution in support of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) workers as they seek to unionize • Sponsored and passed resolution honoring the Health Care & Home Care Worker Members Of 1199SEIU • Sponsored and passed resolution in support of Boston Firefighters Local 718 and urging the Massachusetts Civil Service Human Resources Division to work in good faith on the issue of civil service promotional exams Immigrant Advancement • Sponsored and passed resolution celebrating Lunar New Year and the contributions Of our AAPI community • Sponsored and passed resolution in support of designating Lunar New Year as an official holiday in the City of Boston

December 21, 2023

• Sponsored and passed resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month Veterans • Advocated successfully against decreasing the budget for Office of Veterans Services • Filed a home rule petition to ensure that City employees who are military reservists and members of the National Guard on active duty receive fair pay, and that the City’s military leave policy is consistent with state statute • Filed hearing order to discuss the impact of a government shutdown on boston’s veterans, military members, and military families • Filed and passed a resolution designating a hero square at the intersection of Beach Street and Hudson Street in Chinatown in recognition of Wing O. Hom • Sponsored and filed resolution resolution commemorating Veterans Day and honoring all those who served our country For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.

MCM Properties

mcmproperties.com

T’was The Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”