South Boston Today January 25 2024

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January 25, 2024: Vol.12 Issue 4

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

Migration Out Of Massachusetts

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ccording to a survey by a moving truck company, the exodus from Massachusetts continues, Neal Riley reports.

Massachusetts ranked seventh on the list of the “Most Moved From States” last year, United Van Lines found in its 2023 National Movers Study. The study found that 57% of customer moves in the state were outbound. That’s the same number as 2022.

According to survey numbers shared by United Van Lines, 28% moved out because they found a job somewhere else. Just over 19% left for family reasons, 18% said they were retiring elsewhere, and 16% departed due to “lifestyle

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January 25, 2024

EDITORIAL

Sticker Shock In The Mail Box And Everywhere Else Massachusetts and certainly

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he Boston Herald did a story on the ‘sticker shock’ felt by citizens as so many Boston home owners opened their property tax bills. That unpleasant surprised arrived in mail boxes on January 2nd. The first payment is due on or before February 1st. That was like a sucker punch to the faces of so many home ‘owners’. The next howls of shock will be heard sometime within the next month or so as renters are given notice by the owners that their rent will need to go up yet again to help the owners pay the hike that THEY received.

It’s an all too familiar story in Boston. It tends to repeat

itself almost every year now.

Recently, the news reported the data of population shifts affecting Massachusetts. The ‘Bay State’ has now joined so many other ‘Blue States that are losing residents as people are fleeing, by the thousands each month and moving to Red States where the cost of living is much more affordable. Massachusetts is now in the running and in heavy competition with California, New York, Illinois, Michigan and others to see which state can shed its tax base more quickly. Of course this is great news to UHaul and other moving companies.

They are doing a land office

business shuttling people to greener pastures located down south or up north.

At this newspaper, we constantly get calls, emails, texts and other communications from residents complaining about the cost of just about everything going up so fast and so high, that they just don’t know what they are going to do. Some of the stories we hear are truly heartbreaking. Many are seniors on fixed incomes who have lived in their family homes for generations but just don’t see how much longer they can afford to stay. Younger people including new couples who would like to remain and grow their families also say

they just can’t afford it any longer and will be moving not just out of Boston, but out of the state completely.

In her recent ‘State of the City’ address, Mayor Wu included the statement that one of her goals was to make Boston an affordable place for everyone. Those were encouraging words that should have given and maybe did give hope to some but became meaningless. Those words were washed away when the new property tax bills – hikes included, arrived at the door.

That saying you can’t get blood out of a stone has taken on more meaning than ever in 2024; especially in

in Boston.

Something this newspaper never hesitates to do, and we do it often, is to stress the importance of voting, whether it is on the local, state or national level. That should certainly include the upcoming presidential primary in March. To better put things into perspective and make your vote go to creating a better life for your family and our country, state, city or town - before you vote, go grocery shopping, fill your car’s fuel tank, pay your heating bill and other bills, check your 401K. You’ll be much more focused on the realities and burdens being thrown your way - THEN cast your vote.

Yankee Dental Congress and the Boston RV & Camping Expo at BCEC to Impact Local Traffic January 25 - January 28, 2024, Local Parking Limited

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ankee Dental Congress will be taking place from Thursday, January 25 through Saturday, January 27, and the Boston RV & Camping Expo will be taking place from Thursday, January 25 through Sunday, January 28 at the Boston Convention &

Exhibition Center (BCEC).

These are large regional events, with 43,000 anticipated attendees, and many event guests are expected to drive.

Yankee Dental Congress will also have school buses from approximately 25 schools coming to the event, as well as hotel

shuttle buses from throughout the region.

Attendees, as well as local employees working in and around the South Boston Waterfront, are urged to make alternative plans for their commute. Use of public transit is strongly encouraged. If you must drive, please allow additional time

for your commute.

Parking in the South Lot of the BCEC is expected to fill quickly for these events.

Additional parking will be offered at off-site lots in the South Boston Waterfront area. These locations are as follows: South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center (SBWTC); Channel

Center Garage; A St and Channelside Garages/Lots; Necco Street Garage and E St. at Fargo St. These locations will have shuttle buses to and from the BCEC at level 0. Signs will direct attendees to off-site parking. Police details will be in place to help direct traffic and pedestrians.

“The last thing our grandparents need is for the government to tax more money out of their pockets” - US Senator Tim Scott (R. South Carolina)

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John Ciccone

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January 25, 2024

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Information Center The

Electric Vehicles: Should Buyers Beware?

John Ciccone

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here are so many great things about living in America. So many people in other countries around the world would love to have the freedom we have here. And even though there’s an ongoing effort by certain people in power; such as leftist politicians in our own country and the Fascist like members that run the World Economic Forum(WEF) who meet each year in Davos, Switzerland to come up with more ways to control our lives, we’ll hopefully be rid of them all come next election.

One of the freedoms we enjoy here is the ability to choose what we buy. Though Biden wants to stop us from buying gas stoves for our kitchens, and the sinister characters at the WEF want us to eat bugs instead of meat, they won’t succeed. And that brings me to the topic of vehicles. As Americans, we are all now aware that there is a major push by government to eventually force everyone who drives a vehicle to switch to electric or ‘EVs’. That push to EV’s should be a choice, not a mandate as the Democrats seem hell bent on forcing. But as it’s turning out, that push is beginning to fizzle out. Why? Because most people just don’t want them and are refusing to buy them. The car manufacturers have started cutting way back on the number of EV’s they plan to build, because they are already finding themselves stuck with large inventories just sitting in their factories and on dealership lots. Even some car rental companies are selling their inventory off at discounted prices because most people demand they be able to rent the gas powered cars.

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But as is always stated here, Americans should have the freedom and the right to purchase what they want and can afford.

If someone wants an EV, by all means they should have the right to own one. But what Americans should also have the right to know about are the reported issues with so many EV’s happening all over the country. Many of them are catching fire. And if this extra cold North American winter is proving anything, it’s that EV’s might not do well in frigid temperatures. Not only are the vehicles themselves failing to perform properly, but the charging stations don’t seem to be able to function; leaving thousands of people stranded. This info is getting out to the public, despite some efforts to suppress that news. The point being made here is if you have your heart set on one day owning an electric vehicle, do your research and make sure doing so is the right move for you and your family.

Recent polling and surveys just released say that a growing majority of Americans no longer believe that Joe Biden is actually running things at the White House and certainly not in the country. Most now consider him to simply be a figure head (which is a nice way to say puppet). It’s now widely believed that his advisors and cabinet members are actually calling the shots in the country. And if you’ve been paying attention to the crackpots surrounding him, it does not bode well for our nation for the next 12 months until they’ll all be gone. This news explains a lot about what’s happening in America today. The leftists in charge don’t even come close to

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

believing in ‘America First’. If anything, ‘America Last’ is more their style and it’s becoming more obvious by the day. The media and the pollsters are shocked at the results of these surveys that say American’s don’t believe Biden is in control. And that might be the biggest news surrounding the issue. The fact that the pollsters and media are just now finding out how Americans think about this is a testament as to just how out of touch they are with the people.

Most of us have known it for at least 2 years.

In closing, our hearts and condolences go out to the families of two true American heroes; both US Navy Seals. Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Ingram and Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Chris Chambers have reportedly been killed in action in a boarding operation in the Arabian Sea. These were men who put their lives on the line and lost them, in defense of the country they love.

May God bless them both and may they be given a special place in Heaven.

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January 25, 2024

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.

The Massachusetts FY2025 budget season!

What’s that phrase that likes to be thrown around up here on Beacon Hill again? Ah, right — “Budgets are moral documents.” In other words, you fund what you value.

It’s trickier to fund what you value with less money in the bank — and that seems to be the position that Gov. Maura Healey is in today, as her string of spending promises comes up against the realities of slowing tax revenue.

As the governor reveals her budget document that will kick off months of discussion and debate under the Golden Dome, here are some of the things we’ll be keeping an eye out for new initiatives coming out

of the income surtax account; how Healey’s pledge to double support for the MBTA is laid out; MassHealth spending in the aftermath of “redetermination.”; new education investments; shelter money; a fiscal 2024 supplemental budget.

Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2025 budget compensates for slowing revenue growth and big spending priorities by tapping into a number of onetime funding sources — though she and her budget chief made a point of telling reporters Wednesday that they did not touch the state’s hefty rainy day fund, and in fact plan to add more to it next year.

“Even with this proposal, we continue to grow the Stabilization Fund, which has now Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Docket No.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

SU19P2084EA

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Estate of:

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

Stephen Andruszkiewicz

(617)788-8300

Date of Death: 09/30/2013 To all interested persons:

A Petition for S/A - Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment has been filed by Johanna Andruszkiewicz

of

Boston

MA

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Johanna Andruszkiewicz

of

Boston

MA

be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before:

10:00 a.m. on the return day of 02/23/2024 .

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

Date:

January 12, 2024 Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE Lawrence Lawson Lewis, Esq. Lemelman and Lewis

reached a record high of $8 billion,” Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowitz said during a Wednesday press conference. “I want to underscore the last point, this budget does not rely on the use of the Stabilization Fund.”

And though the governor’s budget plan would in fact deposit $97 million into the Stabilization Fund at the end of the fiscal year, a few hundred million dollars that otherwise would have been stored away for a rainy day would now be diverted before it flowed into that fund. Technically, by pulling the money before it gets there, Healey avoided suggesting tapping into the staunchly-guarded resource.

The governor would skim $375 million off the surface of next year’s excess capital gains to support budget spending. Plus, she recommended a change to the distribution of that revenue which would mean less for a rainy day.

Under the current formula, 90 percent of excess capital gains revenue goes into the Stabilization Fund. The other 10 percent is split evenly between pension liabilities and Other Post Employment Benefits, otherwise known as state retirement benefits.

Healey’s proposal would increase payments for pension liabilities and OPEB to 10 percent each, and divert 10 percent of excess capital gains revenue to a new disaster relief fund — lowering the amount paid into the rainy day fund to 70 percent. What’s unknown is arguably the biggest part of the equation — and it’s not fiscal, but political. Lawmakers have publicly pushed back against spending down one-time revenue sources and tapping into reserve funds over the past few weeks.

The Senate recently passed

its own bill to restructure the $8.2 billion Stabilization Fund, and was met with pushback from Senate Republicans. Meanwhile, Senate Budget Chief Michael Rodrigues has repeatedly warned against spending any reserve money that he says he’s “protective” over.

(Which, yes, Healey’s budget technically doesn’t do.)

But if you want to tighten your belt while still having a feast, you have to be creative.

Lawmakers discuss: how should Mass. address health equity?

Discussion by state leaders, lawmakers and industry officials surrounding the Health Equity Compact bill commenced on Tuesday morning. Panelists looked at efforts and intentions of bringing health equity to Mass., including reducing disparities in healthcare between People of Color and white people — especially rates of maternal morbidity — and ensuring the state is investing in its communities and workforce training so that institutions’ staff represent their communities.

Fines could double for Newton teachers’ union If it continues illegally striking, the Newton teachers’ union could face up to $200K in fines, according to a judge’s order.

The Newton Teachers Association already owes $25K due to its strike on Tuesday, and for every day this week it doesn’t end the strike before 8 p.m. Teachers say they understand the legal ramifications of their decision to strike and claim they’ll stay strong until the district recognizes and accepts their demands.

Despite fines, a new voice has shown support for Newton continued on page 6

January 25, 2024

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MAYOR WU AND CITY OF BOSTON REPARATIONS TASK FORCE ANNOUNCE RESEARCHERS SELECTED TO DOCUMENT HISTORY AND LEGACY OF SLAVERY IN BOSTON

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he selected research teams will produce a comprehensive report documenting City’s role in and ties to the transatlantic slave trade and institution of slavery, helping complete the first phase of the Task Force’s work and building the foundation for the Task Force’s recommendations on local reparations.

Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston Reparations Task Force today announced the two teams of historians selected to research and document the City of Boston’s role in and historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade and the institution and legacies of slavery.

Research teams will conduct both original historical research and provide a comprehensive review of major themes and findings on the City’s history from 1620 to the present. This announcement follows the City and Task Force’s release of a request for

proposals (RFP) seeking researchers to study the history and legacy of slavery in Boston last September. A budget totaling $500,000 has been allocated to support the comprehensive research effort, which will culminate in a detailed written report. Funding to support this research will be sustained by federal relief funds and the City’s annual operating budget.

Awardees and the Task Force will be present for the next Reparations Task Force public meeting on Tuesday, February 6th from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

More details (including opportunity for public comment) for the meeting will be available on boston.gov.

“I’m grateful to these teams of historians who will serve our city by documenting Boston’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the myriad legacies of slavery that continue to impact the daily lives of our city’s

communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through their scholarship and partnership with our task force, we will better understand the full picture of our city’s history and look forward to their comprehensive report that will build on our ongoing efforts.”

The City of Boston is awarding contracts to the following teams: * Dr. Kerri Greenidge, Mellon Associate Professor in Studies of Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora, Tufts University; Dr. Kendra Field, Director of the Study of Race and Democracy and Associate Professor of History, Tufts University; and Kyera Singleton, Executive Director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters and their team will cover 1620 to 1940 (Units of Study 1-5). * A coalition from Northeastern University led by Margaret Burnham, University Distinguished Professor

and Director of the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project, and Dr. Deborah Jackson, Managing Director of the Center for Law, Equity, and Race; and composed of a team including (but not limited to) Dr. Ted Landsmark, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Urban Affairs;, community leader Donna Bivens, and continued on page 6

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Wu continued from page 5

Richard O’Bryant, Director of the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute; will cover 1940 to the present (Unit of Study 6).

Awardees were selected following a comprehensive Request for Proposals process, including interviews and rigorous evaluations by a committee of both Task Force members and City staff. Candidates were evaluated based not only on the quality of their proposals, but also their dedication to Boston’s history both professionally and personally, demonstrated expertise within a specific time period, proficiency with community-engaged historical methods, and a commitment to transformative and restorative approaches to historical narrative.

In addition to their writing and research work, selected research partners will present updates about their findings throughout the research process, with the opportunity for community members to engage with their ongoing work.

“The research team of the African American Trail Project at Tufts University, in partnership with the Royall House and Slave Quarters, is excited to work with Northeastern University and the Boston Mayor’s Office to produce a report on slavery and its legacies in the city,” said Dr. Kerri Greenidge, Mellon Associate Professor in Studies of Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora. “We believe that understanding the city’s history is essential to building a more just and equitable Boston for all.”

“Our City’s leaders have opened up a vital opportunity for those who live and

work here to learn about how slavery and its wide-ranging aftermath have impacted our common history as well as our unique experiences,” said Margaret Burnham, University Distinguished Professor and Director of the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project.

“Our team at Northeastern University looks forward with great enthusiasm to providing research support. Our work will, we hope, both inform the mission of the Reparations Task Force and offer insights into these past events for constituencies across the city.”

The selection marks the first significant step towards completing the work of the Reparations Task Force, as obligated by the Ordinance passed on December 22, 2022. Partners are expected to complete their work with the Task Force within one year. The resulting report produced by the selected researchers will directly inform the Task Force’s recommendations for next steps towards truth, reconciliation, and reparations addressing the City of Boston’s historical involvement in the slave trade and the institution and legacies of slavery.

“The Reparations Task Force and the City of Boston are now prepared to examine the historical and current day impacts of slavery in the City of Boston”, said Joseph D. Feaster, Jr., Chair of the Reparations Task Force. “With the selection of our distinguished researchers to provide the underpinnings for our examination of the issue, I am confident that the Reparations Task Force, in collaboration with the community, will be able to present thoughtful and cogent recommendations on the

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mcmproperties.com

City of Boston’s reparations response.”

“Boston is on trial to redress historical injustices that flow directly and indirectly from the institution of chattel slavery, and the examination of the truth and expansion of the narrative that will give us that evidentiary pool from which to argue for repair,” said L’Merchie Frazier, Member of the Reparations Task Force. “Speaking as a member of the evaluation team from the Task Force, we strove to select the most competent researchers to frame this complicated history from an archival basis of truth and fact. I am certain that these teams will provide the critical information, across centuries of study, that will elucidate claims of individuals and their descendants as direct victims of the injustice of slavery; and, with the community, enable the Task Force to form our recommendations for local reparative justice.”

“At such a critical time in the city and nation, this historic milestone will define our pathway forward toward racial justice, truth and reconciliation that is centuries overdue,” said Lori Nelson, Senior Advisor for Racial Justice. “I commend the members of the Task Force and the resilience of Black community to ensure that we are authentic in our work toward preserving history, acknowledging harms, and repairing lives.”

The City of Boston established the Reparations Task Force in accordance with a 2022 City Ordinance. The members are as follows: * Chair Joseph D. Feaster, Jr., Esq., Attorney, former President of the Boston branch of the NAACP, current member of City’s Black Men & Boys Commission * Denilson Fanfan, 12th grader at Jeremiah E. Burke High School * L’Merchie Frazier, Public historian, visual activist, and Executive Director of Creative and Strategic Partnerships for SPOKE Arts * George “Chip” Greenidge, Jr., Founder and Director of Greatest MINDS * Dorothea Jones, Longtime civic organizer and member of the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee * Carrie Mays, UMass Boston student and youth leader with Teen Empowerment * Na’tisha Mills, Program Manager for Embrace Boston * Damani Williams, 12th grader at Jeremiah E. Burke High School

January 25, 2024

Window continued from page 4

teachers walking out this week, and it’s coming from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, though her district doesn’t include Newton. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, per usual, are supporting the teachers, and this is just another example of Pressley’s steadfast support for workers’ rights in Mass.

Business sector (heavily) backs DiZoglio and audit The campaign committee pushing a ballot question that could authorize an audit of the Legislature raised $300K last year, and much of that funding came from Democratand Republican-supporting donors and the business sector. Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s effort to get this proposal on the ballot is backed by many, from state officials, to restaurant owners, to the committee’s very own leaders.

…And out-of-state contributors are hugely helping most other Mass. ballot campaigns, too Out-of-state businesses like Uber, Lyft, Instacart and Doordash have heavily donated to the committee proposing the Flexibility and Benefits for Mass. Drivers ballot question — money that was reportedly spent on signature gathering efforts. The campaign aiming to decriminalize psychedelics for mental health treatment received millions from the company known as Dr. Bronner’s, as well as the founder of Toms Shoes and a leader in the Hearst Corporation.

Hopkinton could be latest to consider voting for non-citizens Hopkinton could become the latest community to attempt to extend the right to vote in local elections to non-U.S. citizens.

But Norman Miller of the MetroWest Daily News reports that long before the town meeting has a chance to weigh in, the proposal is already causing friction between the town’s select board and the town clerk.

January 25, 2024

Councilor Flynn Urges Neighbors to Attend Community Meetings in support of South Boston Community Health Center

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ouncilor Flynn is urging South Boston neighbors to attend future com-

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munity meetings to support the South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC). This is in response to a recent business proposal by a private company to establish a for-profit Urgent Care Clinic at 457-469A West Broadway. A community meeting scheduled by the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services for January 29th was postponed recently. The proponent had also been provided a Zoning Board of Appeal date for February 6th prior to receiving any feedback from the community or South Boston Elected Officials.

The proposed location of the new for-profit Urgent Care Clinic and its proximity (less than a block away) to the non-profit South Boston Community Health Center poses concerns for the financial stability and operations of the Health Center. Over the past 50 years, the SBCHC has provided important health care services in South Boston, servicing 70,000 visits per year

that includes families, seniors, persons with disabilities, immigrant neighbors, communities of color, and our most vulnerable in public housing. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, SBCHC was the first community health center in Suffolk County to provide vaccines for seniors and the immunocompromised, and delivered a total of over 35,000 doses to the community.

SBCHC also has an Urgent Care post on Congress Street in the South Boston Waterfront that takes non-patients with low cost, validated parking next door; and in addition, their main West Broadway office is accepting new patients, and also looking to expand urgent care to nonpatients in the coming months.

A considerable portion of SBCHC’s staff are currently represented by SEIU 1199, whereas the new for-profit Urgent Care Clinic is a non-union business.

“The South Boston Community Health Center has been a

long-time partner and an indispensable resource to the people of South Boston. The Health Center has a track record of delivering world-class healthcare families and residents across South Boston- including our seniors, persons with disabilities, immigrants, communities of color and neighbors in public housing,” said Councilor Flynn.

“I stand with my fellow South Boston Elected Officials and unequivocally oppose the for-profit proposal. I respectfully ask that my neighbors attend the upcoming community meetings - once more information becomes available - to help us protect public health in South Boston and ensure that no services, staff, or programs are jeopardized at the SBCHC. It is critical to show our support for the SBCHC and their staff.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.

Parks Department Hosts Winter Soccer Clinic

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he Boston Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Anthony Rougier Sports Foundation, is pleased to announce the 2024 Winter Soccer Clinic. This free clinic is designed to help aspiring athletes aged 10 to 18 maintain their skills during the offseason and gear up for spring soccer.

Winter Soccer clinic takes place at Carter Playground Bubble, 709 Columbus Avenue. Professional coaches and trainers will guide participants through specialized drills and exercises tailored to their age groups. This clinic caters to all skill levels, serving both junior players looking to improve their skills and senior athletes seeking advanced training.

Program Dates: Sundays, January 28 to February 18 Session 1: Ages: 10 - 14 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Session 2: Ages: 15 - 18 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Early registration is recommended as spots are limited. To register for the Winter Soccer Clinic, visit boston.gov/sports. For more information, contact woodley.auguste@boston.gov or call (617) 961-3084.

Sign up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and follow us on social media @bostonparksdept to stay up-to-date with Boston Parks and Recreation Department news and events.

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark recently spoke to the New England Council at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. In the photo: U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark with Jim Brett, President and CEO, The New England Council.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

The

Wine Guy

This and That

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ell, it’s that time of year where nothing of any note is on the near horizon; that being the case, I thought I’d put together some wines that really don’t have any common elements, except that they’re all good and are even a little better because of their price…

California’s Lodi region provides a near-perfect growing area for Zin and Prie Vineyards Soucie Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel, ($35.99) is an excellent example. Their vinesplanted in 1916-give grapes that can only be described as lush and robust.

The nose is soft, deep and elegant.

The palate is strong, with distinctive notes of apricots, boysenberries and a leathery undertone all combining for an unusually long finish, even for a Zin. If you haven’t had a good Lasagna on your table for a while, one might be a good time, and this is definitely the right wine.

Héritiers du Comte Lafon, Macon-Milly Lamartine, 2019,Chardonnay Mâconnais, Burgundy, France, ($29.99). While priced at the low end of White Burgundies, don’t let the price fool you. Decanter magazine, which I consider to be one of Burgundy’s toughest critics, gave this wine 94 points. It said, “Blended from several parcels on the steep slopes above Milly-Lamartine at elevations between 400 - 450 meters, these grapes give the wine a lemony zip and a hint of spice. The fruit is whole cluster pressed and fermented in a combination of foudres and demi-muids. The texture on the palate is very lively ,yet substantial with a finish that is surprisingly persistent.”.

If any kind of white meat is on your menu, you should have a bottle (maybe more than one) of Trimbach Riesling, 2020, Alsace, ($19.99). My friend and fellow wine writer, James Suckling, gives this

one 92 points, saying,” Although this is packed with citrus, pear and white-peach aromas, it’s so pure and straight that the simple description “fruity” would be far too one-sided to adequately describe what makes this wine stand out. So energetic that it feels much lighter than it really is (13% alcohol). Fine tannins at the finish underline the dry style.”.

Personally, I think you’ll find that it also plays really well against the saltiness of the gravy in the meat.

Just simply delicious.

Owned by the French Champagne house, Roderer, Scharffenberger Cellars, a California company, has produced sparkling wines with the same quality and philosophy since 1981. Winemaker Jeffrey Jindra uses the French “méthode traditionelle” on his wines, crafted from the best Anderson Valley and Mendocino fruit. Scharffenberger Cellars Brut NV, Mendocino County, California, ($19.99) is a classic. After approximately two years on the lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhance the more fruit forward style of the wine. Finally, after several months on the cork, the wine develops additional complexity, featuring essences of caramel and hazelnut. Wine Enthusiast gave

January 25, 2024

it a 91 score; try a glass and I think you’ll know why right away.

Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021,($10.99) is a wine with a lot of body for the money. On the palate, black cherry, red raspberry and plum are followed by a long, smooth finish. Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon’s ripe fruit and clean acidity make it a versatile food partner.

Enjoy a glass on its own or with appetizers like beef pastry puffs, Black Angus sliders or beef Empanadas.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, ($17.99) Chateau Ste. Michelle Altered Dimension Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium wine with an exceptional flavor profile. The intense aromas of dark and red fruits such as marionberry and cherry, combined with the eucalyptus and herbal notes create a unique and captivating scent. On the palate, the flavors of cocoa and graphite merge with the fruit to deliver a multi-dimensional taste that is both rich and balanced.

Crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the winemaker’s passion and expertise. The Altered Dimension Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes such as grilled meats, hearty stews, and pasta dishes.

February Service Changes Update: MBTA to Continue Repair Work to Improve and Deliver More Reliable Service

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he MBTA today announced service changes in February on the Red, Orange, Green, Fitchburg Commuter Rail, and Lowell Commuter Rail lines.

The MBTA will continue working to improve service reliability across the system, recognizing the challenges service changes cause for riders. The MBTA encourages riders to use alternative shuttle bus options available.

Riders can also find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/ alerts. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-

Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @ MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information.

Riders and the public are also reminded and encouraged to attend an in-person open house on Thursday, January 25, at Cristo Rey Boston High School in Dorchester from 6 PM to 7:30 PM to learn more about the 2024 Track Improvement Program.

For an up-to-date February work schedule, please see below: On the Red Line: • As previously announced, Red Line service will be suspended between Alewife and Harvard stations all day from start to end of service for 10 days from February 5-14. Beginning at approximately 8:45 PM through the end of service every day during

the same period from February 5-14, this Red Line service suspension will be extended to Park Street (meaning evening service will be suspended between Alewife and Park Street). o Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between these stations. A page with dedicated information for riders will be available at mbta. com/RedLine. o The Commuter Rail will be fare-free between Porter Square and North Station. Riders should note that regular fares should be purchased beyond Porter Square. o As a result of this service change, there will be longer than normal time between Red Line subway trains where service continues to operate. Riders are encouraged to plan extra time. o This service change is in

place as part of the MBTA’s Track Improvement Program.

Crews will perform track and tie replacement work; infrastructure upgrades; station amenity upgrades like new lighting, painting, tiling, and power washing; and more.

• Red Line service will be suspended between Harvard and Broadway stations all day from start to end of service during the weekend of February 24-25. o Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Harvard and Broadway. o There will be free fares at Harvard and Broadway stations with the fare gates open. o The Commuter Rail will be fare-free between Porter Square and North Station. Riders should note that regular fares should be purcontinued on page 10

January 25, 2024

9

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Councilor Flynn Selected to Serve on National League of Cities (NLC) Public Safety and Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee

C

ouncilor Flynn was selected to join the National League of Cities (NLC) 2024 Public Safety and Crime Prevention (PSCP) Federal Advocacy Committee. The selection comes in addition to the recent announcement of his selection to the Universities Communities Council. Councilor Flynn will serve a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on public safety.

As a member of NLC’s PSCP Committee, Councilor Flynn will

play an important role in shaping NLC’s policy positions on issues such as crime prevention, corrections, substance abuse, municipal fire policy, juvenile justice, disaster preparedness and relief, homeland security, domestic terrorism, court systems and gun control. He will advocate on behalf of the City of Boston, as well as for other U.S. cities, towns, and villages before Congress, with the administration, and at home.

“I’m honored to be selected to the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee,” said Councilor Flynn.

“During my time at the Boston City Council, I have held many public hearings and community meetings related to public safety and crime prevention. I have also recently successfully passed an ordinance aimed at studying the flow of illegal firearms with the

support of my colleagues this past November after years of advocacy. I look forward to working together with my committee members to share insights and contribute towards NLC’s policy

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Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

priorities on public safety and crime prevention.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S7KeUU Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 564 9668

Project Description: The Proponent is proposing to construct a six (6) story mixed-use residential building (approximately 48’6” along West Second Street to 69’11” along West First Street) of approximately 226,000 gross square feet, with up to 252 residential units, public open space with active ground floor community and retail uses (at its “Yard on Second” concept), on-site and above grade garaged parking for up to 126 vehicles, bicycle storage and on-site amenities (the “Proposed Project”).

mail to: Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617-918-4418 email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 2/9/2024 Website: bit.ly/295-west-1st-street

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

10

Migration continued from front page

changes.” Massachusetts, and especially the Boston area, is also known for its high cost of living, but only 2% of those surveyed said they were moving because of costs. The only states that saw a higher percentage of outbound moves were California, Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Illinois, and New Jersey at No. 1.

Despite the data on Massachusetts, the study found that other New England states are attracting new residents. Vermont was the top “inbound” state for the third-straight year. Over 65% of all moves were by people coming into Vermont. Those headed to Vermont said they moved there for family, lifestyle and job reasons. Rhode Island was fifth on the inbound state list, with 45% surveyed saying a new job attracted them to the state. The other states seeing the most inbound moves for 2023 were Arkansas (4), South Carolina (3) and Washington, D.C. (2). “We are continuing to see the trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower-density areas across the country, with many heading to Southern states,” Eily Cummins with United Van Lines said in a statement.

According to a 2023 MA Taxpayers Foundation report, 111,000 Massachusetts residents moved out of the state between April 1, 2020 and July 1, 2022, being the highest level of out-migration the state has seen in 30 years, the report says. Some of that population loss has been made up by new people moving to the commonwealth, including an estimated 61,000 people who relocated here from other countries. The report blames the exodus on a number of factors, including housing costs and unreliable public transportation. Middlesex and Suffolk counties have seen the largest migration loss.

38,000 residents between the age of 26 and 35 moved out of the state in 2020. “You expect to see 26- to 35-yearolds move in and out a lot,”

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

said Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate. “But the fact that it’s the biggest loss sector ... that’s a concern for that long-term workforce pipeline.”

The reasons people leave the state vary based on income level, the report says. On the lower end of income, MA has higher costs for childcare and it’s harder to find an apartment to rent here than in any other state, according to the report. The state had the nation’s lowest rental vacancy rate in the country in 2022. In March of this year, Boston had the second highest median asking rent in the country, behind New York, and the third highest year-overyear rent increases, the report says. The report also highlights the state’s transportation challenges, with Boston ranked fourth in the world for traffic delays and only about a quarter of customers saying they’re satisfied with MBTA services. For Massachusetts residents on the upper end of the economic ladder, Howgate said he’s concerned about the impact of the new 4% surtax on income over $1 million.

Part of the decline can be traced to losses in technology jobs within the commonwealth, Howgate said.

While other states, including Texas, Florida and Washington, have seen gains in that sector, Massachusetts has lost about 2,000 tech jobs in the last three years, according to the report. Also, the ability to work remotely is another key factor underscoring quality of lifestyle considerations.

Jon Chesto of the Boston Globe, recently reported that last month, news from the US Census Bureau indicated that the state’s population grew for the first time since 2020, rising back above the 7 million mark. One big reason, per the UMass Amherst Donahue Institute’s Susan Strate: net international migration reached its highest point in at least the past three decades.

And what about domestic outmigration? Massachusetts “only”

lost 39,000 people to other states in the 12 months that ended in June 2023. However, Massachusetts still loses thousands of people each year to places that are warmer, less expensive, or both, still exceeding traditional levels of net outmigration — usually in the mid-20,000-per-year range.

For its part the Governor Maura Healey administration is attempting to initiate policy initiative to curb and reverse outflow. Healey’s economic development secretary, Yvonne Hao touts the $1 billion tax relief package that the Legislature passed, and Healey signed into law in October, which included increases in child and dependent tax credits and estate tax reform, along with a list of other less expensive adjustments. She also recognizes that it’s also too early to know the impact of the new income tax surcharge — the voter-approved “millionaires tax” that raised fears it could chase away many high earners.

Although light on specifics, a new blueprint for economic growth in Massachusetts was filed by the Governor in December. It seeks to recapitalize the state’s life sciences funding and bolster the climate tech sector.

Tourism will be a big focus, particularly with plans underway to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the events that led to the American Revolution. For her part, Secretary Hao would also like to focus on artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and robotics.

The Healey administration also wants to tackle the high cost of housing, perhaps the biggest threat to the state’s economic competitiveness. On that front, Healey is promoting a separate $4 billion bond bill, loaded with policy changes, that she hopes will unlock more construction and boost funding. As Hao sees it, Massachusetts doesn’t need to grow its population by some enormous number. The key is retaining talent — young adults in particular — and attracting enough newcomers to help employers meet their needs.

January 25, 2024

MBTA continued from page 8

chased beyond Porter Square. o This service change is in place to allow crews to perform necessary inspections of Red Line tunnel infrastructure. Crews will also maximize the unencumbered access to the work area by performing power and signal work along the Red Line in the work area as well as station amenity upgrades like new lighting, painting, tiling, and power washing.

On the Orange Line: • Orange Line service will be suspended between Forest Hills and Ruggles stations all day from start to end of service during the weekend of February 17-18. o Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Forest Hills and Ruggles. o The Commuter Rail will be fare-free between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station. Riders should note that regular fares should be purchased beyond Forest Hills. o This service change is in place for crews to perform critical signal improvement work.

On the Green Line: • As previously announced, Green Line service on the B branch between Copley and Babcock Street, on the C branch between Copley and Cleveland Circle, and on the D branch between Copley and Brookline Hills will be suspended all day from start to end of service for 18 days from February 20-March 8. o A page with dedicated information for riders will be available at mbta.com/GreenLine. o B Branch: Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Babcock Street and Copley stations. Outbound B branch riders will not be charged a fare at Babcock Street (outbound only). There will be free fares at Copley Station with the fare gates open. Riders can also utilize free Route 57 bus service for alternate travel between Kenmore and Babcock Street. o C Branch: Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Cleveland Circle and Copley stations. There will be free fares at Copley Station with the fare gates open. o D Branch: Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Brookline Hills and Copley stations. Outbound D branch riders will not be charged a fare at Brookline Hills (outbound only). There will be free fares at Copley Station with the fare gates open. o The Commuter Rail will be fare-free between South Station, Back Bay, and Lansdowne stations during this Green Line service change.

Riders should note that regular fares should be purchased beyond Lansdowne. o This service change is in place as part of the MBTA’s Track Improvement Program.

Crews will perform track and tie replacement work; infrastructure upgrades; station amenity upgrades like new lighting, painting, tiling, and power washing; and more.

January 25, 2024

11

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

This week,

Danny shared his thoughts on Jerod Mayo’s introductory press conference with the Patriots:

L

ast week, I gave you the quotes from Bill Belichick’s departing press conference at Gillette Stadium.

I spent very little time breaking down Jerod Mayo’s introduction as the new Patriots head coach.

I’m still not sure what kind of job he’ll do. We’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, I thought it’d be important to share some of what Mayo and owner Robert Kraft had to say in Mayo’s introductory press conference last week: KRAFT: “It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since we announced a new head coach.

Today I’m happy to welcome you all here as we introduce the 15th head coach of the New England Patriots, Jerod Mayo.

“I’ve been running businesses for more than 50 years, and in my experience, the most successful leadership transitions happen when we’re privileged to develop talent from within. That allows us to create a succession plan that allows the candidate to better prepare for the opportunity when he arrives.

“I first met Jerod in 2008 after we drafted him 10th overall out of the University of Tennessee.

On that day, we introduced him to the media, and I remember him immediately coming up to me and saying, Kraft and Mayo, they go together pretty well. 16 years later, here we are.

“As a rookie linebacker, he made quite an impact, not just on me but on enemy ball carriers. That year he started every game for us, with 139 tackles and helped us to an 11-5 record and was named Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Despite joining a veteran-laden team, he immediately stepped into a leadership role and was voted a team captain in just his second year, and that leadership position as captain continued for the rest of his playing career. During his playing days, he was a student of the game who loved to watch film and was often described by his coaches and teammates as another coach on the field.

“Football is Jerod’s true passion. I believe coaching was always his destiny. His credentials garner respect, and he relates beautifully to the players. He has been on the coaching staff now for five seasons, and each year his role has grown

on the defense, which has now been ranked in the top 10 in the league in the four seasons he has coached them. His dedication, strategic acumen, and ability to inspire players have been evident. On the field, Jerod is a man of faith, has a good heart, and he’s often described as a leader of men, something I have been proud to witness firsthand.

“I’ve learned to trust my instincts throughout my career, and I trust that Jerod is the right person to lead the Patriots back to the championship level contention and long-term success. It is with great excitement and pleasure that I introduce the next Patriots head coach, Jerod Mayo.”

MAYO: “I appreciate you, Thunder. I call him Young Thunder Cat. He has a young heart . . . I know one thing that Thunder talked about was I had always been a coach in his mind . . . My calling is to be a teacher and to develop people and help them see pretty much what they don’t want to see but they need to see, so my job has always been, that is my calling.

“Becoming a Patriot, it’s never really felt like a job. When I first got here in 2008, I was a first-

round draft pick. 2007, you know the season 2007, don’t worry about that one. But I come into an organization where the culture was established, the people, not only the players, but the people that worked around the building, and I was like, man, maybe I’m the missing piece.

“I would say here the culture starts at the top. Mr. Kraft and the family, it starts at the top. But it also has to permeate throughout the organization, and I’ve always tried to carry that flag for the Kraft family. As he’s told you, look, they win a lot. They win a lot, and I love being here.

“One thing you’ll notice about me in our interaction as we continue to go, is I don’t like echo chambers. I want people around me that are going to question my ideas or yes question the way we have done things in the past because realistically this game is a lot different than when I was drafted in 2008.

“I’m an open book. I’m honored. I’m ready to go. I’m excited to be the next head coach of the Patriots.”

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

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SPORTS TODAY BELTRE, Tweet of the Week MAUER, AND HELTON ELECTED TO BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

T

SBT Staff

he 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame results are in, and three players have been elected to this year’s class. One of which is former Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre.

Beltre received 95.1 percent of the vote in his first year of eligibility, which was the most on this year’s ballot. He’ll be going into the Hall with Joe Mauer and Todd Helton.

Like Beltre, Mauer also gets in on his first year being eligible. He received 76.1 percent of the vote.

While Helton, in his sixth year on the ballot, received 79.7 percent of the vote.

You need to receive 75 percent of the votes to get in.

Here’s the official release from the Baseball Hall of Fame: “Adrián Beltré, a five-time Gold Glove winner and four-time Silver Slugger recipient at third base, and former batting champions Todd Helton and Joe Mauer were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Tuesday in the 80th balloting conducted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America

and tabulated by Ernst & Young.

Players are elected to the Hall provided they are named on at least 75 percent of ballots cast by eligible voting members of the BBWAA. With 385 ballots submitted in the 2024 election, candidates needed to receive 289 votes to be elected.

Beltré, who was on the ballot for the first time, earned the most votes of the 26 candidates with 366, which accounted for 95.1 percent of the electorate. Helton, in his sixth year on the ballot, was named on 307 ballots (79.7 percent) and Mauer, like Beltré a first-time honoree, got 293 votes (76.1).

They will be honored during Induction Weekend 2024 July 1922 in Cooperstown, N.Y., at the July 21 Induction Ceremony on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center along with Jim Leyland, who was elected by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee last month in Nashville.

Also being honored that weekend will be the Ford C. Frick Award winner for baseball broadcasting, Joe Castiglione, and the BBWAA Career Excellence Award winner for baseball writing, the late Gerry Fraley, July 20 at the Awards Presentation.

Beltré, 44, who spent 21 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers,

January 25, 2024

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Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers, finished second in the 2004 National League MVP race to Barry Bonds. Beltre played 2,759 of his 2,933 career games at third base, second only to the 2,870 by Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson. On career lists, Beltre ranks ninth in at-bats (11,068), 11th in doubles (636), 15th in total bases (5,309), 15th in extra base hits (1,151), 18th in hits (3,166), 25th in runs batted in (1,707) and 31st in home runs (477).

Helton, 50, whose entire 17-season career was spent with the Colorado Rockies, won the NL batting title with a .372 average in 2000, the same year that he topped the league in hits (216), doubles (59), total bases (405) and RBI (147). He is one of only seven players in history with at least two seasons (2000 and ’01) of 400 or more total bases. The five-time All-Star first baseman won three Gold Glove Awards and four Silver Slugger Awards. The .316 career hitter totaled 2,519 hits and had nearly the same amount of runs (1,401) as RBI (1,406) with more walks (1,335) than strikeouts (1,175).

Mauer, 40, who played in 15 major-league seasons, all with the Minnesota Twins, won American League batting titles in 2006,

2008 and 2009, the most by a catcher. He was the AL MVP in that 2009 season when he hit .365 with career-high totals in home runs (28) and runs batted in (96) and becoming the first catcher in either league to lead the majors in on-base average plus slugging percentage (1.031). Mauer, who spent his final five seasons primarily at first base, is the only catcher in history with at least 2.000 hits (2,123), a .300 batting average (.306) and a .380 on-base percentage (.388).”

The above press release also mentioned the players that didn’t get in. Most notably — and arguably two of the greatest players to ever play the game — Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez. For Rodriguez, this was his third year on the ballot, but he only received 34.8 percent of the vote, which is five less votes than last year.

For Ramirez, this was his eighth year on the ballot, and he only received 32.5 percent of the vote, which is four less votes than he received last year.

Both Rodriguez and Ramirez have been strongly linked to performance-enhancing drugs during their playing careers, and that’s seemingly been the one thing preventing voters from putting them into the Hall of Fame.