SouthBoston
Mayor Wu’s State Of The Boston Public Schools Address October 28 at 7 PM
Mayor Michelle Wu is scheduled to deliver a “State of the Schools” address on Oct. 28, Boston’s first such speech detailing progress and plans for BPS. The speech is scheduled to stream on boston.gov. The address will begin at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the recently built Josiah Quincy Upper School facility in Chinatown, the city said.
“The country’s oldest public school system should be the best, and our city has the resources and vision to make it happen,” Wu said in the announcement. “I look forward to delivering this first ever State of the Schools address to showcase the work of our school communities and invite our entire city in pushing forward progress for our young people and families.”
The city’s announcement stated that “in a moment when public
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EDITORIAL
Illegal Car Racing, Riots And Soft On Crime Courts
Recently, on October 6th to be exact, there was another illegal street takeover. This one didn’t happen in Boston proper, but in a suburb close to this city that is cause for concern. It’s concerning because this particular one isn’t the only time it’s happened and it HAS happened here in Boston over the years; including several times in South Boston itself. Many residents will remember how Day Blvd was taken over on more than one occasion and one even occurred on E. Broadway. When the participants and what sometimes could be hundreds; even a few thousand spectators take a street, it’s for the purpose of car racing and sometimes two wheeled vehicles all modified and jacked up to travel at maximum speed. It happens late at night; it’s noisy, dangerous and causes sleeping residents to be scared. It used to be, these ‘events’ would last until police arrived at which time the participants and spec-
tators would scatter and reassemble at a later date, at a new location and begin the process all over again. But these days, something new has been added. At some of these locations of late, the crowds are not scattering when police arrive. Instead they are actually attacking police officers who respond with rocks, bottles and even commercial grade fireworks. Full blown riots against police have been happening and police are being injured for doing their jobs trying to keep the peace and protecting the public’s safety. So what changed? Why are participants no longer scattering or at least peacefully leaving the area when the cops tell them to? Could it be the court system in Massachusetts and the lenient treatment of violent, mostly young criminals who seem to think injuring law enforcement is a badge of honor and that raising hell and causing havoc in city neighborhoods is something they have a right to do? The answer is yes.
When the rioters are arrested and given slap on the wrist penalties; even when police are being attacked and injured and walk free; sometimes no later than the next morning with little to no bail being issued, the word spreads fast. It’s automatically assumed by the rioters that there’s little to no punishment coming with their violent acts. There’s really no deterrent so they’ll keep on doing what they want to do no matter who gets injured or even killed. The practice of late night illegal car racing on city streets and to make it even more exciting, having the option of maybe getting to attack and injure police grows in popularity for some.
Massachusetts, and that includes Boston, has a reputation of being soft on crime. And in so many cases, that reputation is well deserved. When court rooms run by ‘progressive’ judges allow the judicial system to be turned into a ‘turn style’ for violent offenders and drug
dealers who are often let go with what amounts to a wink and a nod, it makes everyone less safe. Too many in positions of authority whose duty it is to protect
“Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”- Martin Luther
the public safety just aren’t up to the task. Maybe they should resign, retire or just seek different careers where keeping the peace isn’t in their job description.
BInformation Center The Comments On The ‘No Kings’ Protest
efore getting into the attendees of No Kings Day, mention must be made of the continued dishonesty of the left leaning news media in our country. They are still using their same old tired tactics of over inflating the size of crowds at events that they are aligned with while down playing crowd sizes of gatherings that they oppose. Last weekend’s ‘No Kings’ rallies across the country is a typical example of how they operate in the effort to make the public believe what just isn’t true. Now we can expect the organizers to exaggerate the numbers because it makes them look good and that they have more support than they actually do. And of course, the news media jumps in to back it all up knowing full well that they’re lying. Organizers say 7 million people participated in protests across the country; media echoes the claim even though the data from law enforcement agencies in the places where the protests took place, when all the data was combined say no way, not even close. The real estimate came in as low as a total of 650,000 and as high as 3 million. Nowhere near the 7 million mark. Is 3 million or even 650,000 a lot of people? It sure is but it’s NOT 7 million.
The media looked absolutely ridiculous covering the protests as they tried to lead with new deceptive tricks to add to their old ones. And they got busted; caught in the act. They tried to fool the public in many cases using Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated photos making the crowds look bigger than they were and in some cases, actually used crowd photos from different rallies from years past. The local fake attempt as most now know was at the rally here in Boston.
That failing leftist network formerly known as MSNBC showed what they claimed was a crowd picture taken from drones to be millions of people on the Boston Common. But with fact checkers on the ball, it was exposed as a deliberate deception. Yes, the photo was of a rally on the common but it was not from last weekend. It was from August 17th, 2017. They couldn’t deny it, they didn’t try to defend I when they were caught, they just kept silent after being exposed in yet another sleazy lie. And Boston wasn’t the only place the same tactic was tried.
You see, the media apparently doesn’t get it. They can’t pull the wool over the public’s eyes like they once could. Between social media, legions of fact checkers and the fact that just about every American over the age of 12 has a camera in their pockets, faking the news no longer works on Americans who have become wise to their tricks. But the media keeps on trying just the same and it’s the reason they are only still trusted by the dwindling number of the hopelessly gullible and naïve.
Now as for the protesters themselves, many of them were a bit strange as was expected. I had to laugh at a phone call I got from a good friend who asked me a question. He said the following: “Why is it that each time I watch these lefty protest on TV, it looks like a parade on Halloween night?” He spoke of one location in particular where he mentioned the Democrat politician making a speech from a podium who was ranting and melting down, furious because so few Americans were taking the protests seriously. But as he was screeching and yelling over his mike, a man wearing a hot dog costume walked by, followed by a group of women
dressed like cats and one as a giraffe. And directly in front of the raging speaker was Darth Vader. A scan of the crowd showed a group holding signs reading ‘F- Trump’ along with other obscene words. This group had so many piercings in their face that a large magnet aimed in their direction could have easily taken them down. Many in the crowd made the event look like a circus side show. And the raging politician up on his podium can’t understand why Americans aren’t taking them or their silly cause seriously but instead they are just rolling their eyes and laughing or just
ignoring them.
There is not a king running our country, just a president who is working harder than any other for America with the possible exception of George Washington. America hasn’t had a king since we booted the English out of here during the Revolution. If Donald Trump were a king, the protests of last weekend would have never been allowed to happen. Many people scoff at what the organizers say was a ‘No Kings’ protest and feel a more fitting name to it would have been the ‘Hate America Rally’.
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Pot Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien Back In Charge
The years-long legal battle over Shannon O’Brien’s chairmanship of the Cannabis Control Commission exposed the factionalism within the regulatory agency, as it struggled with in-fighting and finger-pointing over a toxic work culture.
A Superior Court judge, in a September ruling eviscerating Treasurer Deb Goldberg’s attempt to oust O’Brien, wrote that O’Brien’s “concededly ill-considered remarks and other putative failures of leadership reflect, at most, errors of judgment falling far below the statute’s ‘gross misconduct’ threshold for removal.”
Lingering factionalism, with one commissioner accusing another of bullying, was still apparent during the Oct. 15 meeting, which featured O’Brien back in the chair.
O’Brien and Commissioner Kimberly Roy pushed for a vote on approving a $200,000 report dealing with areas disproportionately affected by the federal war on drugs.
The report is several years old, which may feel like a lifetime for the
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.
commission. Along with O’Brien and Roy, Bruce Stebbins, who came over from the Gaming Commission, is among the last people standing.
(Because the five-member commission is down to three people, all the decisions must be unanimous, further hamstringing the agency.)
Stebbins said he didn’t feel comfortable voting to accept the report, since he still had questions about getting information from Boston, Worcester and Springfield.
O’Brien pressed for acceptance, questioning whether Stebbins’ stance does not preclude them from having conversations with municipal officials, and she demanded a yes or no answer from the general counsel, who said he couldn’t give it. The vote failed, with Stebbins voting no.
“Commissioner Stebbins, when will you be comfortable to vote on this?”
Roy said.
“Let’s stop for a second,” said the normally mild-mannered Stebbins. “Don’t try to bully me into a vote.”
“I’m not,” Roy responded. (In a statement later, she said the report, by the “nationally recognized” UMass
Donahue Institute, was completed nearly five years ago, and its approval would be a “critical step” for people affected by incarceration and prohibition of marijuana.)
O’Brien kept sparring with the general counsel, Kajal Chattopadhyay, who was hired in her absence. O’Brien noted that a legal budget set at $100,000 had tripled, and tens of thousands of dollars were billed as “general matters.” “There are almost two sets of books,” she said. “There are ones that are available to a handful of people inside the commission” and “lack of transparency” for the rest. Chattopadhyay repeatedly said the practice is consistent with public and private sector entities.
O’Brien, who has argued that Treasurer Goldberg originally brought her in to clean up the agency before they turned on each other, said the commission should be held to a higher standard of transparency.
In September’s ruling, the Superior Court judge wrote that laws “governing the workplace do not prescribe codes of general civility,” and a level of “friction and discord” can be a
feature of having an independent state agency. Whether Beacon Hill leaders agree on that last point is unclear. House lawmakers passed a bill overhauling the agency in June. It’s now sitting in the Senate, and could be caught in the dynamic that bills sometimes face when they pass one chamber: The other chamber puts it aside as a bargaining chip.
A spokesman for Senate President Karen Spilka said she and her colleagues are “closely” following what’s happening at the commission, and the House bill remains under review.
Is the Senate slow-rolling the restructuring of the Cannabis Control Commission as Shannon O’Brien berates people and the agency thrashes around in public? If you know, let me know: gin@massterlist.com.
FROM BEACON HILL
EXIT RAMP: Monica TibbitsNutt, Gov. Maura Healey’s departing transportation secretary, said she had weighed her departure for months and started exit conversations over the summer. – Boston Globe
‘DEEP DIVE’: The Senate plans
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Fall/Winter Commuter Rail Schedules to Take Effect on October 27
The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operations and maintenance partner for Commuter Rail, have announced the new Fall/ Winter schedule which will take effect on October 27. Schedules for all lines are available online at mbta.com. The Fall/Winter schedule maintains consistent service throughout the day, late at night, and on weekends. Minor adjustments have been made to allow for fall/ winter weather conditions and to
improve resiliency on several lines.
On the Newburyport/Rockport Line
The last weekday train to Rockport will depart from North Station at 11:55 PM and make all stops to Rockport. Passengers previously had to take a Newburyport train and connect to Rockport service at Salem.
On the Haverhill Line
A new weekday inbound train from Haverhill to North Station has been added to the schedule and will depart at 8:27 PM.
On the Lowell Line
A new weekday outbound train from North Station to Lowell will depart at 9:45 PM, maintaining hourly
service throughout the evening.
The Franklin/Foxboro Lines
They remain on temporary construction schedules as Amtrak’s emergency infrastructure repairs will continue beyond October 27. The Providence/Stoughton Line construction schedule has been adjusted, and those changes will go into effect on October 27. The updated schedule is available on mbta.com
The Fairmount Line
Remains on a temporary construction schedule as the rail replacement project to prepare the line for battery-electric trains continues. Additional schedule adjustments on
most lines are required for operational changes related to weather considerations for this time of year. Each autumn, falling leaves on the tracks are crushed under train wheels leaving behind a slick film that can create slippery conditions. To ensure safety in these conditions, locomotive engineers accelerate more slowly and apply the brakes earlier. As a result, minor schedule adjustments are needed to accommodate these operational requirements. The Mass by Train has itineraries, trip ideas, and information about riding the Commuter Rail to destinations across Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Councilor Flynn Respectfully Asks For Your Vote Tuesday, November 4th
It is an honor to serve as your District 2 City Councilor, and I have worked hard each and every day for our residents and community. With multiple challengers now also on the ballot with me this year, I am respectfully asking for your vote again on Tuesday, November 4th so that I may continue to focus on constituent services and advocate for quality of life issues in District 2. Over the last few years, with the help of strong neighborhood advocacy, we were able to share some key victories. These include new Boston EMS & Boston Fire Department stations in the South Boston Waterfront, a new Josiah Quincy Upper School and affordable housing developments in Chinatown, a new Thomas C. Foley Little League Field at Major Christopher Lee Playground in South Boston. We helped to secure funding for the South End Library, reconstruction to Crite Park, and improvements to several others like Titus Sparrow Park and the Peters Park Little League Field. We established the One Downtown Task Force to address public safety concerns around the Boston Common area. Moreover, we were able to preserve Sister Mary Veronica Park in South Boston, and advocate effectively against the impracticality of the bus lanes at both Summer Street and Boylston Street, with each ending over the last year. I advocated for additional Copley Library funding and continue to work with Back Bay neighbors
on public safety quality of life issues, such as the drag racing that took place last year.
Throughout my time in office, I have used my position of public trust to speak out on many important issues impacting the city. As an elected official, my focus has always remained on public safety, housing stability & affordability, social & economic justice, and quality of life issues for our residents and families.
In terms of public safety, I have been a strong advocate of pedestrian safety. I advocated for a 12 point safety plan and held hearings to advocate for traffic-calming infrastructure improvements on high traffic roads, slower speeds and increased enforcement. I’ve held hearings on many other public safety issues in the City of Boston. In addition, I have consistently called for hiring hundreds of Boston Police Department officers every year for the next ten years to address long-standing issues of forced overtime, overstretched resources, and looming retirements.
When it comes to housing, I held hearings during my time in office on affordable housing and the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) to help keep working families in Boston. I have held hearings and advocated for property tax relief for longtime neighbors. I also passed an ordinance previously to help our seniors who have fallen behind on their property taxes to pay with reduced interest and on more affordable terms. I continue to advocate for neighbors and civic groups when it comes to zoning and licensing matters at City Hall. Moreover, I have always stood with our working families seeking fair and living wages, affordable healthcare, safe working conditions and a secure retirement. Whether it was United Steelworkers during the National Grid lockout, Unite Here Local 26 at
Marriott Hotels, UFCW 1445 at Stop & Shop or Macy’s, my family and I have always been proud to stand with organized labor.
With accessibility and inclusion in mind, I continue to advocate for improved language access at all levels of our city government. My social media posts are translated into Spanish and Chinese, and I have several women of color on my staff who are bilingual. In addition, I have been working on the issue of digital equity and ensuring that our residents have access to affordable internet and digital resources. I also work closely with the Disability Commission on accessibility for our persons with disabilities.
I continue to advocate at City
Hall when it comes to many neighborhood and quality-of-life issues, including a dedicated Office of Pest Control to provide this public health issue the attention it deserves.
Government serves us best when it takes the legitimate concerns of its citizens seriously. I have not only listened to your concerns, but have taken the lead on issues affecting our most basic government services. I promise to continue to advocate on behalf of the people of District 2, listen to your feedback, be accessible in our community, and work hard to deliver results for all of our neighbors.
Thank you, Ed
Flynn
Boston City Councilor, District 2
education is under attack, Mayor Wu will celebrate Boston’s educators and lay out a shared agenda to make BPS the first choice for Boston families.”
The announcement comes just over two weeks after the release of BPS’s MCAS and state accountability targets results, which showed some gains but students continuing to lag behind pre-pandemic academic scores and what officials called “sobering” challenges ahead.
BPS touted some gains in MCAS performance, chronic absenteeism drops and other areas in the recent release of state data for the 2024-25 school year, while school committee members locked in on major underlying challenges.
The research group Boston Policy Institute leadership called the speech “exactly what Boston and BPS need, especially in light of mounting evidence that BPS is not recovering from COVID-era learning loss,
More than 150 members of the New England Council met recently at a Congressional breakfast program at the Hampshire House featuring Congressman Steve Lynch. The Congressman discussed legislation and initiatives on healthcare, tariffs and international relations.
The New England Council is the nation’s oldest regional business organization dedicated to promoting economic development in New England.
let alone reversing the pre-COVID decline in academic performance.”
The group cited the MCAS data, along with their March 2025 report “Beyond Small Fixes” finding a lack of improved academic outcomes after the 2020-2025 state intervention in BPS.
“I know for me, this data is always very sobering,” said School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson, as the about five-hour meeting reached its conclusion. “In terms of thinking about what’s next, I only have two words: urgency and accountability. And I think those are the two things I’m really most interested in understanding as we take this information back to individual schools and teachers.”
BPS officials presented the MCAS and district accountability data released by DESE statewide recently. Along with standardized testing scores, the data includes growth metrics, high school graduation rates, English proficiency,
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chronic absenteeism and advanced coursework completion.
“I’m pleased to share that the district is moving in the right direction,” Superintendent Mary Skipper began the presentation. “Boston’s data shows encouraging progress in literacy for grades 3 through 8, with more students meeting or exceeding expectations in both Math and English Language Arts across nearly all student groups. For grade 10, ELA and Math remain areas for continued focus. According to our analysis, Boston outperformed districts across Massachusetts and other large cities in the Commonwealth.”
Despite the progress made in certain areas, school committee members noted, the underlying levels remain areas of concern.
“It doesn’t sit well with me that we can say, that the state can say we’re making moderate progress, and just 29% of kids in grades 3 to 8 meet or exceed expectations
a “deep dive” on a fund that helps cover uninsured Massachusetts residents as it faces a shortfall, Senate President Karen Spilka said. – State House News Service
NEWS NEXT DOOR
TAX HIKE: Cambridge city councilors okayed a 22% commercial property tax increase, drawing outcry from local businesses who say some may be forced to close as a result. The spike is to pay for a $991.2 million municipal budget. –Cambridge Day
WALSH ENDORSES VALDEZ: Marty Walsh, the former Biden labor chief and ex-mayor, has endorsed Alexandra Valdez, a City Hall aide who is vying for one of the four City Council at-large slots. (Walsh has also endorsed childhood friend Frank Baker.) Valdez also has the support of Mayor Michelle Wu, who included her among her three votes for at-large in September, as first reported by MASSterList. – Boston Globe
COURT CRISIS: An ongoing labor dispute with defense attorneys was on display as a judge dismissed multiple criminal cases due to absence of legal counsel for defendants who were accused of gun possession, sexual assaults, attacks on police officers and child molestation. – Dorchester Reporter
PAYING DEBTS: Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch’s presentation on the city’s $1.6 billion debt load drew protesters who are also upset with the mayor’s 79% salary raise. Koch argued the city remains on sound financial footing. – Patriot Ledger
BOSTON ZONING: Michael Nichols, who chairs the Boston Zoning Commission and chairs a downtown business advocacy group, will recuse himself on a vote that would allow for more skyscrapers. – Boston Herald
POLICE UNION: The New England Police Benevolent Association, headed by former Baker cabinet chief Thomas Turco, has cut off an affiliate union after allegations of misappropriated funds. – Worcester Telegram
CLERK ACCUSED: A clerk magistrate in Salem District Court has been indicted on embezzlement charges, as prosecutors allege she misused bail funds and attempted to cover up the crime through forgery of a form. – MassLive
FLANAGAN STABBING: Police arrested a man in connection with the stabbing of former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan outside a marijuana dispensary.
in ELA,” said member Brandon Cardet-Hernandez. “That doesn’t feel like real progress.” Though the district made headway in terms of chronic absenteeism, Cardet-Hernandez called it “alarming” that still almost half of high school students miss at least 10% of school days throughout the year.
Despite rises or flatlines in MCAS scores in lower grades, the district remains behind its pre-pandemic testing performance from 2019. This reflects a lag on a statewide level, though BPS outperformed the state in several categories.
Officials presented on steps to be taken, marking a continuation of long-term strategies, including a focus of chronic absenteeism, the continued implementation of inclusive education, equitable literacy programs, and student support as graduation requirements change.
Mayor Wu’s address may shed light on the actual plan to make more significant progress.
Boston Water and Sewer Commission Drinking Water Notice
Some homes have high levels of lead
This notice contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you or speak with someone who understands it home that may contain lead.
Our water system exceeded the lead drinking water action level. This notification is being sent to Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) customers and media outlets; however, it is of greatest importance to homes that still have a full or partial lead water service line, old plumbing fixtures, or lead solder still in place. During our recent lead monitoring round for the Fall 2025 monitoring period, BWSC’s water system exceeded the lead drinking water action level at four locations. BWSC routinely monitors for lead in water in homes with lead service lines as they are more likely to have elevated levels. We are required to collect 33 samples for the current July 1 through October 31, 2025, round. Four of these higher risk homes had elevated lead levels. The results of these routine samples for lead indicate a level of 22.5 parts per billion. This level exceeds the lead action level of 15 parts per billion. This means that more than 10 percent of the lead samples collected were above the lead action level. For consumers, “the longer water remains in contact with plumbing materials containing lead, the greater the possibility that lead will dissolve into the drinking water, “said John P. Sullivan, P.E., Chief Engineer and Operations.
What does this mean to residents and businesses in Boston?
Our system’s water mains that carry the water to you are made mostly of iron and steel and therefore do not add lead to water. However, lead can get into tap water through the service line that connects your home to the water main if it is made of lead. Lead may also come from lead solder used to connect pipes in home plumbing, and from some faucets and fixtures.
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of these harmful health effects. Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks.
What should I do to reduce my exposure to lead?
• Check whether your home has a lead service line. IF YOU DO, HAVE IT REMOVED AT NO COST USING THE BWSC NO COST PRIVATE LEAD REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. Please contact the Communications Department at 617-989-7888 for more information about your home’s service line, how to have it removed, or for information about plumbing materials in your
• Check your home address at https://www.bwsc.org/environment-education/ maproom/water-service-map
• See: https://www.bwsc.org/environment-education/lead-your-water/leadreplacement-incentive-program for more information about your home’s service line, how to have it removed, or for information about plumbing materials in your home that may contain lead.
• Use only cold, fresh water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Run the water for at least 1 minute or until after it turns cold. For more guidance on the use of filters, cleaning aerators, how to flush you water lines to reduce lead in drinking water exposure, and how to have your water tested, see this MassDEP webpage https://mass.gov/info-details/guidance-for-single-family-residents-atrisk-of-lead-in-drinking-water-exposure.
• Do not boil the water to remove lead.
• Contact your health care provider if you have any health-related questions or contact your local health department to find out if your child needs to be tested for lead. A blood lead level test is the only way to know if your child is being exposed to lead. For more information on Massachusetts’ childhood lead testing program, contact the Boston Public Health Commission at (617) 534-5965 or see: https:// www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/healthyhomes-and-environment/lead-poisoning-prevention and https://www.mass.gov/ orgs/childhood-lead-poisoning-prevention-program .
• Check out BWSC’s latest PSA on Lead, including a scratch test on how we check for lead service lines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBJVEtz_3T4
What is our system doing?
Our public water system is taking the following actions to address the situation:
• BWSC offers the “No Cost Private Lead Replacement Incentive Program”. Eligible property owners who have a lead service line to the property can participate in this program and can have the replacement work completed at no cost.
• Since the beginning of the year, BWSC has conducted 645 inspections and replaced over 300 lead service lines through our No Cost Private Lead Replacement Incentive Program.
• BWSC will conduct monitoring of 33 homes semiannually.
• A public educational brochure will be provided to all consumers.
• BWSC continues to identify and reach out to property owners with suspected lead service lines advising customers to take advantage of the No Cost Private Lead Replacement Incentive Program.
• For more information, contact our Lead Hotline at (617) 989-7888 or leadprogram@bwsc.org;
• For more information on lead see https://www.bwsc.org/environment-education/lead-your-water/lead-replacement-incentive-program.
Due to the exceedance, BWSC is also required to provide this notification to its customers and the public.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by Boston Water and Sewer Commission PWS ID#: 3035000
Date distribute October 17, 2025
Distributed media type print, TV, radio, website
Guy The Wine
Tucked Away
Idon’t know about you, but it seems as though the summer just flew by; it’s hard to believe that the next holiday we’ll be celebrating will be Thanksgiving. In any event, before we get there, I think any of the following will provide some delicious relief…..
Josh, North Coast Chardonnay, California, ($18.99). This one is made by blending juice from several vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma AVAs, as well as Lake and Mendocino Counties. The blend has a nose of mountain flowers, lemon and orange
zest, as well as honeysuckle. On the palate, it has a noticeable chewiness and a full mouthfeel, while the finish is surprisingly long for a white blend. You can pair this one with any grilled white meat, especially marinated chicken or Cornish Hen, as well as Pork loin.
While it’s not usually on the top of anyone’s list, a bottle of chilled Riesling can be a nice accompaniment for summer salads and seafood. Jos. J. Prum, ($21.99), has a crisp, balanced sweetness that can turn tangy with fruites de mare, especially lobster
and soft shell crab. Grilled tails with this wine will make any cookout that much more special.
If your occasion is special, make sure the wine is, too. Something bubbly usually fits the bill and the choices are many. My personal favorite is Veuve Clicquot, NV, ($55.99). Its effervescence is distinctive, but not overwhelming; the nose has notes of citrus and jasmine, while the finish is longer than many other sparklers.
Chateau St. Michelle, Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington, ($33.99). This is a complex, layered wine. Notes of cherries, blackberries, caramel and earth tones almost smother your palate; the finish is long and multi flavored. This one is not only good with the usual items, but especially good with grilled chicken, pork loin or brauts.
Eroica Riesling, Ch. Ste. Michelle/ Dr. Loosen, Washington, ($22.99). This Riesling, a wine whose style is an homage to Dr. Loosen, captures a great balance of sweetness and body.
Notes of mountain flowers, turmeric and peppermint on the nose give way to a pleasant finish. Best with poultry and pork dishes.
Woodward Canyon Artist Series, Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, ($55.99). This isn’t just another Cab. It’s full of structure, balance and distinctive notes and aromas. I’d suggest letting this one breathe for 30-45 minutes. Then just sip. Also, if it’s steaks on your grill, be sure to have a glass of this in your hand.
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful things that are going on in South Africa. The country’s winemakers continue to refine many varieties, especially Chenin Blanc. Beaumont Chenin Blanc, 2023, ($23.99), is crisp and refreshing. Notes of orange blossom and mountain flowers on the nose lead to a palate that’s balanced but layered. This one is especially good with any kind of salad as well as Asian cuisine. This wine is so easy to drink that you might want to pick up more than one.
of a special dedication ceremony as the field is officially named Billy Baker Field, a lasting tribute to a true son of South Boston.
Born and raised in Southie, Billy Baker embodied everything this neighborhood stands for: loyalty, heart, and a deep belief in giving back. In 1985, with nothing but a passion for soccer and a mission to make the game accessible to all, Billy founded the South Boston Youth Soccer League. What began as a modest effort quickly grew into a cornerstone of the community, welcoming more than 1,000 kids each season.
For 35 years, Billy led the league with an unwavering commitment to inclusion. He made sure that no child was ever turned away, regardless of background or financial situation. Whether a first-time player or a seasoned striker, every child was met with encouragement, fairness, and opportunity.
This Saturday, the community will come together at Joe Moakley Park to honor a man whose life’s work left an indelible mark on the hearts of thousands. At 11:00 a.m., rain or shine, Saunders Stadium will be the site
Billy believed that every kid deserved a chance, not just to play soccer, but to be part of something bigger. He didn’t just build a program. He built a community at Moakely.
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Leashed Dogs Welcome in Boston Parks…With a Few Important Rules
Boston parks are going to the dogs and that’s a good thing! City officials are reminding residents and visitors that dogs are welcome in Boston’s parks, provided they are leashed and their owners follow a few simple but important rules.
The leash requirement, as outlined in the Parks Rules and Regulations, is in place for the safety of both pets and people. Leashes must not exceed eight feet in length. This allows dogs to enjoy their time outdoors while owners maintain full control.
“We love seeing dogs in our parks,” said a spokesperson for Boston Parks and Recreation. “Leashing your dog protects them from traffic, other animals, and unexpected interactions. It’s about keeping everyone safe.”
There is some off-leash fun to be had, too. Dogs can run freely in designated Dog Recreation Spaces, where leash rules are relaxed. However, outside of these areas, leash laws are strictly enforced.
It’s not just about leashes, though. Dogs are not permitted in areas specifically designed for children. This includes tot lots, play areas, sandboxes, ball fields, and other fenced or posted child-focused spaces. The city wants to ensure a clean and safe environment where children can play without concern.
“Our parks are meant for everyone,” the spokesperson added. “That includes kids, seniors, families, and pet owners. Clear boundaries help everyone enjoy the outdoors safely.”
Scoop the Poop!
One of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership is cleaning up after your dog. Pet waste left on the ground poses serious health and environmental risks. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission urges dog owners to properly dispose of waste to keep the city’s stormwater and its waterways clean.
Here’s what dog owners need to remember:
• Always carry a plastic bag to collect pet waste.
• Dispose of the bag in a proper trash receptacle.
• Never dump waste into catch basins, which drain directly into public waterways.
• Do not place pet waste near trees or in soil, it’s not fertilizer and contains harmful bacteria.
As long as owners follow the rules, Boston’s parks remain a welcoming, dogfriendly part of the city’s green spaces. So grab that leash, pack a bag (or two), and enjoy the fresh air with your pup right by your side.
Howloween Event & Dog Costume Party
South Boston Bark Park presents Halloween, a fundraiser for the community dog park. There will be a dog costume contest, prizes, raffles and pooch party favors. Judging for the contest takes place at noon.
South Boston Bark Park – 1280 Columbia Road, South Boston
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Virtual Public Meeting
Register: bosplans.org/460WestBroadwayPublicMeeting1014 Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
Meeting ID: 160 652 6403
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City Planning Department is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss the recently filed Small Project Review Application for 460 West Broadway in South Boston. The proposed Project includes the adaptive re-use of vacant former bank building, with a commercial addition, up to six stories; new occupancy to include courtroom and offices/support space for use by the Trial Court of Commonwealth; with 20 garage parking spaces for court and residential use. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update to the design of the proposed project. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public.
For more information about the project visit: bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/460-west-broadway
Mail to:
Nick Carter Planning Department
Phone: Email:
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.5303 nick.carter@boston.gov
Free: (833) 568 - 8864
ID: 160 975 8267
This is a Public Meeting for the proposed 391 D St project, located in the South Boston neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the overall potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public.
New England Aquarium celebrates Halloween with family-friendly activities
Guests encouraged visiting in costume for special programming, themed treats, and underwater pumpkin displays on October 25 and 26
To celebrate Halloween this year, the New England Aquarium is hosting “Sunken Pumpkins: Halloween at the Aquarium,” a weekend-long event with special themed programming. Families and guests of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes* (see guidelines below) while touring the exhibits. Aquarium staff will be joining in on the fun with their own costumes.
While inside the Aquarium, guests can:
Puttshack
• Take part in a fall-themed animal scavenger hunt.
• See animal skulls and bones up close with Aquarium educators.
• Hunt for “sunken pumpkins” hidden throughout various exhibits.
• Stop by the Exploration Station, an interactive learning space, for guided and self-led activities.
• Enter raffles to win prizes.
• Enjoy Halloween treats for sale at the Harbor View Café.
Visitors can also join in on Boston Public Market’s annual Pumpkin Stroll on Sunday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Aquarium will be a stop along the Greenway, featuring a colorful pumpkin near the Atlantic harbor seals exhibit.
*For the safety of the Aquarium’s animals, costume restrictions apply. Costumes may not be inflatable or contain balloons, lights, reflective materials (mirrors, metals, etc.), sharp objects, or pointed objects. Costumes must comply with our attire policy and cannot include any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon, or any materials that may accidentally injure or frighten another guest, staff, or the animals in our care.
Seaport Coat Drive
Puttshack Seaport is giving guests another reason to feel good this season by turning a night out into an opportunity to give back. From October 15 through November 15, the Puttshack Seaport will host a coat drive
in partnership with One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that provides free coats to children and adults in need.
Guests are invited to donate new or gently worn coats at Puttshack Seaport, and as a thank-you, Puttshack will gift a free game card to each donor. All coats collected will be distributed directly to local Boston nonprofits, ensuring the impact stays close to home.
Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 during regular Aquarium hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Regular admission rates apply. Tickets are available for purchase at the Box Office or online at neaq.org.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England
Billy Baker continued from page 8
Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.
Generations of South Boston families have grown up on the field Billy helped shape, where the values of teamwork, respect, and resilience took root under his watchful eye. His legacy lives on not only in the victories and goals, but in the friendships, volunteers, mentors, and memories that continue to flourish because of him.
Saturday’s ceremony will be more than just a naming. It will be a celebration of a man whose vision created a home for kids to dream, play, and grow. As the new Billy Baker Field becomes a permanent fixture in Moakley Park, so too does his spirit remain a guiding light in South Boston.
All are welcome to attend. Bring your stories, your gratitude, and perhaps your cleats, for Billy, it was always about getting out there and playing the game.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Kahn, New England Aquarium
Boston Prepares for General Municipal Election on November 4 As Voter Registration Deadline Approaches
As Boston gears up for its upcoming General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, city officials are reminding residents that the deadline to register to vote is fast approaching. Eligible voters must ensure they are registered by Saturday, October 25, 2025, to cast their ballot in the local election.
Residents have multiple options to register, each with a different cutoff time:
• In-person registration must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25.
• Online registration is available until 11:59 p.m. that same day.
• Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked no later than October 25, 2025.
The General Municipal Election will give Boston voters the opportunity to have their say in key local decisions, including city council races and various ballot
initiatives that shape the future of the community.
City officials encourage all eligible Bostonians to check their registration status ahead of the deadline and to make a plan to vote.
To register or check your voter status, visit the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website or contact the Boston Election Department for assistance.
With local government directly
impacting everything from public safety to schools and housing, voter participation is crucial. Don’t miss your chance to have your voice heard on November 4.
St. Peter Academy
First Responder week at St. Peter Academy
Last week was filled with First Responder visits at St. Peter Academy. On Wednesday Officers Ayesha and Dave O’Connor, Greg Lally from the Boston Police Department, Stacey from Sheriff’s Department and Andrew Galvin from Councilor Erin Murphy’s Office visited for an Informative Safety Presentation and brought pizza for lunch. The students learned about crossing the streets safely. Always hold a grownups hand, look both ways, walk in a crosswalk, and wait for the walk signal. We learned
about how to be extra safe on Halloween by staying with our families and having our families check our candy first before we eat it. If we get separated from our family, we should look for safe adults. Some examples are police, neighbors we know, and teachers. We learned to call 911 if we need the police, fire, and ambulance to come and help us. Officer Ayesha told the children it’s important to learn their parent’s names, addresses and phone numbers if they ever need to call 911 or get separated from their families.
On Thursday, Grades Toddler through 1st visited the D Street Firehouse for Fire Prevention Week! Thank you to all for letting us explore the firehouse and the fire trucks. The students learned a lot and had a blast.
On Friday, Lieutenant Gary Eblan visited the school to conduct a safety presentation during our Staff Professional Development. He was informative and gave a great details on how to keep our students and school safe in case of an emergency. We want to thank all our Community First Responders for keeping us safe every day!
St. Peter Academy is accepting applications for the current school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-
based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K (School Year and Full Year Programs), Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Financial Aid Available. 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 individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing spa@StPeterAcademy.com.
South Boston Catholic Academy News Grade 1 News
The First Grade students in Ms. Peggy Byrne’s and Mrs. Caroline Cole’s classes at South Boston Catholic Academy have been learning a lot and having fun along the way, especially when working on their classroom projects...The children shared how they felt about beginning a new school year. They enjoyed reading a story entitled: “First Day Jitters” by Julie Dan. The children were surprised by the ending! (Author’s message -
even teachers can be nervous on the first day of school). Then, they had a chance to drink some “Jitter Juice” during Snack Time, just in case there were still some jitters lingering! The special “Jitter Juice” was made by combining Sprite and Hawaiian Punch. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss.
The students also filled out a poster telling us about themselves, some
of which included... “My Birthday is, My Favorite Color, My Favorite Food, My Favorite Animal, My Favorite Subject, My Favorite Book and what I want to be when I grow up.” After learning about bins of legos falling overboard many years ago, the legos are still being washed up on the shores of many countries. The children pretended to be on a beach and found legos!! They wrote about it and then built different things. The parents were impressed! It’s always exciting when the parents attend Open House and see the classroom. Subsequently, they know what their children are talking about and how they are learning. They also
did Math Strategies to solve Math problems. “Math is like a puzzle, fun to figure out!”- Mathematics Master, Martin Gardner. They put on their Fire Chief Hats and with clipboard in hand they did a thorough Fire Inspection throughout the school and everything checked out...A-Okay! It has been a great beginning to a great new school year for the First Grade students and all the students at South Boston Catholic Academy and at the Early Childhood Education Center! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicacademy. org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
