SouthBoston
Boston school officials are proposing a change to the admissions policy for the city’s exam schools that they say will create a more equitable system for gaining acceptance into the elite schools. The proposal follows a recent five-year analysis of exam school admissions data, which found that while racial and socioeconomic diversity increased under the current policy, a significant number of academically-strong applicants were not gaining admission.
The new proposal would reserve 20% of seats for top-scoring students no matter where they live in the city. The remaining 80% of seats at the three exam
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EDITORIAL
The Persistence of Truth Facts, Fear, and Facebook: The New Frontline of Local Democracy
In today’s world, truth isn’t just outpaced by distortion; it’s chased down, tripped, and sometimes left behind. Social media hasn’t slowed public discussion; it’s put it on rocket skates, tossing aside caution and integrity with every click and share.
Journalism once earned trust through patient factchecking and deep reporting. Now, online platforms reward outrage, amplify fiction, and spread manipulation faster than facts can catch up.
This erosion of truth isn’t just happening in national politics, it’s creeping into our neighborhoods. Civic associations, zoning boards, school councils, and even meetings about who gets to use the local park are increasingly battlegrounds for culture wars instead of spaces for civic discussion.
South Boston has long been proud of its strong civic engagement through neighborhood associations, elected leaders, and generations of residents who step up to speak out and
participate. But even here in South Boston, where civic pride runs deep, we’re seeing the impact of these national trends.
We see it too often, residents who volunteer their time or speak out on community issues are met with online smears, anonymous accusations, and gross mischaracterizations. People who care about the truth worry not about disagreement, but about being dragged online or shouted down in public for simply participating.
This kind of intimidation doesn’t just silence voices, it redefines engagement. When people are too discouraged or afraid to show up, the only voices left will be those who are either sheep, or those who are driven by financial gain or accumulating power. That’s not a side effect, it’s the strategy. When civic meetings become distorted and hostile, people with facts and good intentions walk away. The void they leave behind is quickly filled by those who seek to manipulate and divide. And with every departure, the foundation of our local democracy weakens a little more.
But it doesn’t have to be this way, nor is it something communities should have to accept.
Trust in public policy is built not on popularity, but on persistence, on honesty, transparency, and the courage to uphold process, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. That kind of integrity starts with each of us and is an individual and collective responsibility.
So before you click “share,” take a moment. Ask yourself, what’s the source?
What’s the motive? Who benefits? Be curious. Demand facts over fiction. More importantly, show up. Push back against distortion. Speak up when neighbors are misrepresented. Defend transparency, even when it’s inconvenient. Silence isn’t neutrality, it’s complicity. When we stay quiet in the face of falsehoods or intimidation, we help those who benefit from confusion and chaos.
Democracy begins with neighbor-to-neighbor trust, and it survives only when truth is its foundation. If we normalize distortion, we trade away what matters most: fairness, accountability, and community.
Paraphrasing Thomas Jefferson, “an educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” Refuse to be misled. Refuse to let fiction and mistruths write the future of any community. Defend accurate voices and authentic leadership. Be informed, stay engaged, speak up. Because the future of every community is written by those who refuse to be silent.
OInformation Center The
The Government Shut Down - Who’s Fault?
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
f course, the hot topic this week nationwide is the government shutdown. At this point and so far, both sides are digging in their heels. Every Republican in the senate is holding firm; joined by a smidgeon of Democrats while most of the Democrats are doing the same.
While Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries attempt to pull their usual sleight of hand act; trying to convince the American People that they aren’t plotting to give free healthcare, paid for by hard working Americans to illegal’s, most people see right through their attempted deceit. These are the same people, along with their equally as corrupt and dishonest allies in the press and many of their supporters who for four years, lied to their voters, saying that Joe Biden was as sharp as a tack, at the top of his game and as alert as ever. They insisted that the border was secure, their economy was great, that they never tried to defund police and that endlessly long list of so many other lies that the public realized was a bunch of crap. So why would anyone believe these people now, or for that matter, ever again.
The good news is that most Americans don’t believe them. And as it stands now, the Democrats are in an unenviable position, They know that the way things have de veloped, circumstances pretty much guarantee that for them to win future elections, they’ll need millions of illegal voters and make no mistake, if nationwide Voter ID laws become the law of the land; and there is an ever increasing chance that it will come to pass sooner than later, it could be ‘game over’ for the Dems. They realize this, and it’s believed by many political analysts on both
sides of the isle, that it’s the reason they are so determined and so desperate to stop the mass deportations.
To those who are raging about ICE, the US Marshals, The Border Patrol and other federal law enforcement agencies coming in to areas and rounding up increasing numbers of illegal’s; especially the violent criminals and gang members, saying it’s cruel, that it should not be taking place and blaming President Trump, I say you’re blame is misdirected. Why blame him. Sit back and take a reality check. If the Biden Administration and the leftists that ran it didn’t deliberately throw open the southern border and bring in millions of illegal’s, fly in hundreds of thousands more on chartered planes, none of what’s taking place would be happening at all. What Trump is doing now is cleaning up the mess that the previous administration left for him. So toss your blame where it belongs. It’s mind boggling that liberals games with organizations like ANTIFA and other punks that were taking over whole sections of cities, at-
tacking police, terrorizing residents and deliberately causing destruction. Since the democrat politicians couldn’t and in some cases wouldn’t deal with the problem he will do what he must to protect American citizens and will authorize whatever force needed to get the job done. In addition to dealing with the rioting punks directly, he has unleashed the Justice Department with orders to seek out certain billionaires; George Soros comes to mind, who are said to be funding the terrorists and hold them accountable. Does prison await those behind the curtain funding
these problems? We can only hope.
The liberal governors and mayors of these blue cities under siege for so long have only themselves to blame for federal law enforcement coming in. They refused to deal with the problem, demanded that Trump not get involved and actually called his bluff; almost daring him to intervene. They threw down their gauntlets, and he picked them up and most residents are grateful that he did. Finally, someone with the will and the stones has come to the rescue. That old saying “There’s a new sheriff in town’ rings true again.
We wanted to take a moment to thank all our family and friends who extended many a kind word and a helping hand during this very difficult time.
In contrast to our usual ad (Let OUR Family Help YOUR Family), it was YOUR family who helped OUR family And for this, we are eternally grateful.
It is our steadfast commitment to honor “Joe” and to show our gratitude by continuing his legacy of providing a helpful hand and a listening ear in hopes that he continues to be proud of what he built.
Warmly, The Casper Family
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Gov. Maura Healey Meets
Trump Energy Chief Chris Wrght At Devens Facility
Between a “solar summit” in Boston and a “public safety roundtable” out in Holyoke, Gov. Maura Healey made a pit stop in Devens for a private meeting with President Trump’s energy chief.
The Monday meeting came as Healey, emerging from a summit with solar industry leaders, flayed the Trump administration for “restricting supply and driving up costs” in its energy policy moves. She has also been critical of the administration’s war on wind.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright had made his own news the same day, promoting a new effort to “reinvigorate the American coal industry.”
Their meeting wasn’t on Healey’s public schedule, but her account on Twitter, the social media site currently
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.
known as X, highlighted the gettogether the next day.
Wright did not tout the meeting with Healey, but he did spotlight where they met: the facilities at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, which takes up nearly 60 acres on land that once was a military post. Wright’s team let Healey’s office know he was coming to Massachusetts and asked for the meeting, according to a Healey official.
The company, which as its name suggests, focuses on fusion energy, is a spinoff from MIT, Wright’s alma mater. The company recently raised $863 million, for a total of nearly $3 billion, from investors that included the venture capital arm of chipmaker NVIDIA, according to the Boston Business Journal.
In a release from the company, Wright called fusion potentially “transformative for the world’s energy
security.” On that, Healey and Wright seem to agree. Healey, when asked about it later, did not indicate points of disagreement brought up in their private meeting, which occurred in a sideroom on company property. Rebecca Tepper, Healey’s energy chief, was also present.
“We talked a lot about a range of energy sources, and the ways in which we can work together, Massachusetts and the federal government, New England states and the Northeast states working with one another and the federal government, hopefully as a partner in bringing more energy into the region,” Healey said. Energy and its costs will likely be a hot topic in the 2026 race for governor, as her GOP rivals have hit Healey for a shift from opposition to new gas pipelines as attorney general to recent support for a natural gas transmission project.
When I asked her whether they discussed Trump’s hostility towards offshore wind, Healey said that’s come up in previous discussions with the administration. “They know where I stand on that,” she said. “It makes no sense to take wind away from us on the East Coast. We need it. We need it for reliability. We need it so they will help us lower energy costs, and electricity costs in particular. And also we’ve got jobs. Jobs up and down the East Coast that have been built around the wind industry. Vineyard Wind (near Martha’s Vineyard), right now, as we speak, is powering 200,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts. So I’m all of the above, and I’ve said, ‘Don’t take wind away from us.” Asked if “all of the above” includes coal, Healey said, “No, no, no, no, no.”
She defines the term “all of the
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Sen. Collins, Rep Biele Support Relief for Strained Health Care Providers
Bill Directs $234 Million in Aid to Hospitals and Community Health
The Massachusetts Legislature today enacted a supplemental budget bill that prioritizes care for the state’s most vulnerable populations by strategically targeting support to fiscallystrained hospitals and community health centers.
“Community health centers are the backbone of care for our most at-risk neighbors. By investing in these institutions, we ensure that the priority remains connecting people with the treatment they need and providing that care within their own commu-
nities,” said Senator Nick Collins. “This funding strengthens our commitment to equity in health care and helps safeguard access for those who need it most.”
The legislation addresses a widening funding gap in the Health Safety Net program, which pays acute care hospitals and community health centers for necessary medical care for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Massachusetts residents. Reckless federal policies and funding shortfalls have exacerbated the fiscal strain on these vital institutions that serve people most in need.
“This funding will ensure that our local community health centers can continue to provide high quality medical care to our neighbors and most vulnerable residents,” said Represen-
Centers Around Massachusetts
tative David Biele. “I was proud to join my colleagues in the Legislature in supporting this crucial legislation.”
This legislative response provides critical relief in the face of an unfriendly federal government and economic headwinds, distributing aid based on criteria that directs funding to vulnerable populations most in need of assistance.
The funding agreement provides $199 million to eligible high public payer acute care hospitals across Massachusetts, using an approach that maximizes federal reimbursements, stabilizes the Health Safety Net Trust Fund, and targets payments for the greatest taxpayer impact. Of this, $122 million goes to acute care hospitals based on criteria that prioritize those serving the largest share of low-income
patients, offering the most affordable services, and facing the most severe financial strain. Another $77 million is directed to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund to stabilize support for hospitals caring for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations.
Community health centers, which serve the largest share of vulnerable residents but face federal funding delays, Medicaid cuts, and rising medical costs, will receive $35 million in relief. This includes $2.5 million for the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to advance regional savings initiatives such as shared service models.
Both chambers of the Legislature voted to enact the supplemental budget on Thursday, sending the legislation to the Governor for her signature.
REP. BIELE FILES BILL TO INCREASE TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS FOR VETERANS
Recently, State Representative David Biele testified in support of legislation to increase benefits for veterans in Massachusetts relating to service on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Currently, active-duty military personnel can ride the MBTA for free if in uniform or by presenting a valid military identification card if in plain clothes. However, that benefit does not extend to veterans after their discharge from service.
The bill filed by Rep. Biele, entitled An Act relative to fares for veterans (H.3626), would direct the MBTA to convene a working group with the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services to analyze implementation of reduced or free public transportation fares for veterans and solicit input from the public and stakeholders. Recognizing that transportation needs differ across
Massachusetts, the bill also directs the MBTA to work with the state’s Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) on public engagement regarding implementation of a free or reduced fare program for veterans across the Commonwealth. The legislation is modeled on the process utilized to study and implement the reduced fare program currently offered by the MBTA for income-eligible riders.
“In talking with local veterans in South Boston, I heard stories about the importance of public transportation in getting to and from work, medical appointments, and around our city and our state” said Rep. Biele. “This bill recognizes the service and sacrifices of our veterans, and the benefits they have earned in defense of our country, through the continuation of a fare program extended to veterans while on active duty in the military. I am grateful to veterans who shared their
Councilors Flynn, Murphy & FitzGerald Pass Unanimous
Resolution in Support of a Recovery Campus for the City of Boston and Greater Boston Area
This week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy, and Councilor John FitzGerald filed a resolution in support of prioritizing a recovery campus for the City of Boston and Greater Boston area. This follows a resolution last week in opposition to safe injection sites in the City of Boston, which was only supported by the original co-sponsors - Councilors
Flynn, Murphy, and FitzGerald. However, at today’s meeting, the Boston City Council voted unanimously in support of prioritizing a recovery campus and treatment-first approach to address underlying mental and behavioral health issues to help break the cycle of addiction.
Recent reports indicate that rebuilding the Long Island Bridge and an addiction recovery center is still a
stories and discussed the importance of transportation in their daily lives with my colleagues who are charged with reviewing this legislation.”
long-term plan that will potentially take years or decades, and conservatively cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Continued and protracted legal battles have left residents wondering when, if ever, that a recovery campus will open on Long Island once again, and what will become of Mass & Cass in the meantime.
In the FY 2026-2030 Capital Plan, $108,758,144 is reserved to construct a new bridge to Long Island, $8,220,000 is set aside to repair and upkeep buildings that may be utilized for a recovery campus, and an additional $2,000,000 to renovate existing buildings. However, previous estimates pegged repairs at more than $550 million, while recent reports are now over $1 billion due to inflation, tariffs, and increased construction costs since that time.
On September 4th, the City Council held a hearing on-site at the Hampton Inn, where approximately 200 constituents shared their lived experiences on public safety, public health, and quality of life issues due to the Mass & Cass crisis. These included public drug dealing, public drug use, human trafficking, violence, public urination and
The bill was heard before the Joint Committee on Transportation at a public hearing and is currently under review.
defecation, and shoplifting. A number of residents shared that beyond these unacceptable and existing conditions, concerns on public safety have increased significantly due to a series of recent break-ins and people sleeping in resident’s homes and cars, or trespassing in backyards.
At that time, the overwhelming majority of the public testimony from neighbors, small businesses, and nonprofit partners emphasized the need for the city and state to make a recovery campus a top priority for the City of Boston and Greater Boston area, and a treatment-first approach.
“With deteriorating conditions due to the Mass & Cass crisis, and continued uncertainty regarding the status, timeline, and feasibility of Long Island - it is critical that the city and state work collaboratively to take concrete steps that would allow for a recovery campus to be built for the City of Boston and Greater Boston area - not only to provide necessary treatment programs for our most vulnerable, but to address the public safety, public health, and quality of life of neighbors, small businesses,
schools — Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy and John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science — would still be apportioned across four tiers, which are grouped by neighborhoods that have similar socioeconomic characteristics, according to Census data.
“We think these changes will lead to a system that is overall clearer and more equitable,” Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper said at Thursday’s committee meeting. She said the proposal will ensure “there is a pathway for the highest scoring students citywide while preserving the basic structure of distributing invitations equally across each socioeconomic tier.”
The proposal also would change how points are allocated to applicants in the socioeconomic tier system. Students would not be given bonus points for attending a low-income school, and points for housing hardship — like living in public housing — would decrease from 15 to 10.
Over the past several years, the tier-based admissions policy has increased the share of Black and Hispanic students as well as students who are multi-lingual and have disabilities at exam schools while decreasing the share of white students. The school district is defending an ongoing federal lawsuit by a parent group called Boston Parent Coalition for Academic Excellence that claims the tier system is racially discriminatory against white and Asian students.
Prior to 2021, the exam schools used a citywide application system based on grades and entrance exam
scores. The recent analysis of the current policy’s impact on demographic shifts at the schools found “a significant number of students” with high scores based on their GPA and entrance exam were not invited to an exam school.
Skipper said it has become “mathematically difficult” for some students who attend a certain elementary school or who live in a higher-income neighborhood to get an invitation to these rigorous schools that are often a stepping stone to selective colleges.
Applicants are invited based on how they score against other applicants in their socioeconomic tier on a scale of 100 based on grade point average and an entrance exam in reading and math. Each year, about 1,000 new invitations are sent out for the exam schools, which span grade 7 to 12.
The current policy was approved in 2021 to make exam schools more racially and socioeconomically representative of Boston’s schoolage population at large. The school committee will vote on the proposal Nov. 5. If passed, it would start next school year. At a meeting Thursday evening, many parents supported the proposal and pointed out the imperfections of the current system where there are limited spots.
Shamieh Wall, a Dorchester parent of a second grader and O’Bryant alumna, said she supports the change. “I am pro merit. May the best child win,” she said. “However, true equity only exists when we properly resource the rest of our schools. Exam schools can’t be the only option.”
Imtiyaz Hussein, a parent in
Jamaica Plain, said he too supports the proposal, particularly the elimination of bonus points to students who attended low-income schools. “In recent years, some families have tried to switch schools when their child was going to fifth grade in order to benefit from the points. And surely this type of school shopping is not what the district wants to see,” he said.
However, researcher Rosann Tung, who served on a prior BPS task force to craft the current admissions policy, said the shift will disadvantage marginalized groups.
“The vast majority of BPS schools had no hope of their students getting invited until the policy changed [in 2021],” she said. “Giving 20% of seats to the affluent and powerful would contradict the task force recommendation of no set-aside.”
In an analysis provided by the district, the policy shift would result in modest changes to the percentage of invitations by race. For example, white students would see a small bump while Hispanic students a slight decrease. It would also reduce the percentage of invitations to low-income students and former English learners. The district is proposing the change last for at least three years to prevent confusion and whiplash among parents.
School committee chairman Jeri Robinson said the proposal reflects “a decent compromise.” “I mean, some win, some lose — there’s never going to be the perfect policy, unless we make every seat a seat at Boston Latin School for the whole district,” she said. “Then everybody would be happy.”
-courtesy of WBUR Suevon Lee-
Windows continued from page 4
above” as “wind and solar and hydro and gas, fusion.” She added: “I’m talking about geothermal, battery storage, you know, all of those things, and we just need to continue to work on that in Massachusetts.”
FROM BEACON HILL
DONOR TO GOV CANDIDATE: Michael Minogue, a top GOP donor and Donald Trump supporter, is entering the 2026 race for governor with a video launch. – Boston Herald
HEALEY ON SHUTDOWN: Gov. Maura Healey backed Democrats in the shutdown fight with the Republican-led federal government, but said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is not always “the best messenger.” Massachusetts has 25,000 federal workers and receives roughly $15 billion in federal funding. – GBH News and Axios Boston
TAX TAKE: State budget overseers say revenue estimates could be too high and they see “a lot of options” before taking scissors to spending plans. Top budget writers from the executive and legislative branch met yesterday for an economic roundtable as the federal government barreled toward a shutdown. – State House News Service
NEWS NEXT DOOR
ILLEGAL DEPORTATIONS: A Bostonbased federal judge, appointed by Ronald Reagan, ripped into Trump administration’s attempt to deport pro-Palestinian academics and activists, calling it an attack on freespeech rights. Further judicial proceedings are planned. – POLITICO
NEW TOWER: Mass General Brigham announced plans for a new inpatient building at Brigham and Women’s Hospital to replace its existing tower in the Longwood neighborhood. – Boston Business Journal
CAMBRIDGE SUPER PACS: Super PAC leaders in Cambridge say candidates overstate their impact on local politics. – Cambridge Day
MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL FALL PERFORMANCE SEASON OF BOSTON FAMILY DAYS,
EXPANDING FREE CULTURAL ACCESS FOR BOSTON STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of the inaugural fall performance season of Boston Family Days, which will provide Boston students and their families with free access to live performances at Boston’s premier venues this fall. This new program builds on the success of Boston Family Days museum partnerships, expanding cultural access to performing arts institutions through free tickets, wraparound programming, and family-friendly events.
“The addition of free performing arts tickets to Boston Family Days with a spectacular fall lineup builds on a transformative program for our students and their families,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful for the enthusiastic support of our incredible partners, which has enabled the City to expand the range of opportunities to new historic heights. By offering activities to spark wonderful curiosity, and discovery in all our students, we are investing in lifelong learning in our city.”
“Boston Public Schools is committed to expanding students’ access to robust
and enriching learning opportunities that encourage creativity and meaningful engagement with the world around them,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “This fall, we are again proud to partner with the City of Boston and Boston Family Days to offer our students and families free access to some of the city’s most renowned performing arts institutions to experience the power of live theater. ”
From October 2025 through early January 2026, participating institutions – including the American Repertory Theater, ArtsEmerson, Berklee, Boch Center, Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Huntington Theatre, and Wheelock Family Theatre – will host designated Boston Family Days performances offering over 2,500 free tickets for Boston students and up to two guests.
“Boston Ballet is proud to welcome families to our season opener of George Balanchine’s Jewels. Participating in Boston Family Days is an extension of Boston Ballet’s ongoing efforts to make ballet accessible to
all. We deeply believe in the transformative power of the arts, and we are excited to share the magic of live performance with our city’s youth,” said Executive Director Ming Min Hui of the Boston Ballet.
“As we celebrate the Wang Theatre’s 100th year, we’re proud to join Mayor Wu’s Boston Family Days and welcome families from every neighborhood into the heart of the city for a wide variety of performances this fall. From our free Behind the Curtain
Community Celebration to holiday favorites like ‘Twas the Night Before and Urban Nutcracker, we’re here to make the Boch Center a place where every Boston family belongs,” said J. Casey Soward President and CEO, the Boch Center.
“At the BSO, access to arts and culture is a fundamental value, and we are proud to stand with the Mayor and our peer organizations in ensuring that kids and their families across our city
continued on page 12
Councilor Flynn Holds a Hearing on Financial Literacy in Boston Public Schools
Last Thursday, September 25th, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn held a hearing to discuss the inclusion and status of financial literacy programs in Boston Public Schools. The hearing discussed the importance of having students learn about finance in high school to help prepare them for balancing the responsibilities of everyday life, and planning for their future post-graduation.
The hearing included panelists from the Boston Public Schools such as Development Officer for Strategy, Partnership, and Innovation, Anne
Roger Clark, Executive Director of Post-Secondary Initiatives, Marsha Inniss-Mitchell, and Chief of Teaching and Learning, Angela E. HedleyMitchell. Councilor Flynn also invited industry experts, including the Executive Director of Early Investors, Nislo Galvao, and Managing Partner of City Real Estate Development, Stephen Whalen.
Councilors asked if there was a way to facilitate a requirement on educating every student on financial literacy. Chief of Teaching and Learning, Boston Public Schools, Angela E. Hedley-Mitchell noted, The DESI’s High School Graduation Council is looking at creating seals, or certification, for financial literacy, as well as civics. Financial literacy is not one of the approved courses under Masscore graduation requirements, but the State Graduation Council is looking to adopt a certification process.
Financial literacy involves critical thinking and planning to solve the real world problems each of us face upon entering the workforce and life on our own. Students should become familiar with monthly budgeting and expenses, gain an understanding regarding the cost of living and housing, and be able to comprehend various financial vehicles like checking and savings accounts, or the importance of investing in retirement accounts at an early age due to the power of compounding.
In 2023, The Boston Globe reported that the number of states that have approved legislation for financial literacy programs in public schools have increased from eight to twentythree - yet Massachusetts remains behind on this effort. Although 70% of Massachusetts’ schools offer some electives in financial literacy, most students graduate with little to no
knowledge of the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, investing, and maintaining good credit.
“Time and again, I hear neighbors say that our kids are not armed with the knowledge they need to make sound financial decisions when they enter the real world. While some high school students may already work part-time jobs, and have debit or credit cards at a young age - it is eye-opening for many when confronted with monthly bills, the cost of living, and long-term financial planning,” said Councilor Flynn. “As our students prepare for life after high school, it is critical that we provide them with an understanding of the demands of being an adult, as well as knowledge of basic financial tools they need to succeed.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Guy The Wine Cooler Weather Wines
Located in the far south of France there are wines that are big and bold, just right for the kind of weather we’re feeling right now. I think the following are definitely worth your consideration….
E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge, ($19.99) epitomizes all the best of this appellation-a nose of deep red fruit notes, along with forest floor scents. On the palette, there’s a smokiness with notes of caramel and a bit of butterscotch, as well. When
the Guigal family has visitors, they put half a beef cow on a spit and start roasting it early in the morning. By late afternoon, it’s ready and delicious. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Rive de Malva, St. Joseph Rhone Rouge,2020, ($29.99) is made in the northernmost Appellation d’Origine Controlee in the Rhone Valley. It presents distinctive aromas of spices and peppercorns, as well as earthy undertones. On the palette, it breaks down into notes of cinnamon and cloves, giving a full, rich mouthfeel. Not surprisingly, the finish is long and very rich.
Jean Louis Chave, “Mon Coeur”
Cotes du Rhone, ($22.99) is one that presents very distinctive notes of peppercorns and spices on the nose,while the palette has a fullbodied mouthfeel that’s best enjoyed with swirling as opposed to sipping. As with all reds from this region, the finish is notably long and full. The Chave family have been making wine since 1481 and have said that the wines of today are little-changed from that time.
The Rhone River itself begins in the Alps and flows 515 miles, draining into the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhone Valley itself is made up primarily of steep hills, cut deeply by the Rhone glacier over 4,000,000 years ago. Like Sicily , the Greeks were the first to grow grapes here, but when France was known as Gaul under the Romans, winemaking became much more organized. Many of the villages and communes of today have the same place names that were given by the Romans. Sainte Cosme Cotes du Rhone, ($21.99) is one of them. On the nose and palette, there
are distinctive notes of blackberries, plums and violets. The mouthfeel is fresh and fruity, and the finish is pleasant and juicy.
Cotes du Rhone Classique, Domaine de la Présidente, ($37.99) is one of the older estates in the region, having first made wine in 1650. On the nose, there are vibrant notes of Elderberry and Blackberry, while the palette also presents those, along with a tinge of butterscotch and salty caramel. You should try this one with a roast or some ground Filet Mignon burgers with Bearnaise sauce- a great football Sunday meal!
Last but not least, a mention about whites. Though far less produced than reds, there are some delicious examples, one being Henri Model, Cotes du Rhone Villages Blanc, Vaudun, ($31.99). This is a very structured white, made primarily with Viognier and a little Carcassonne. A great nose of mountain flowers and raspberries that go directly to the palette. The finish, while shorter than reds, is refreshing and fruity.
Could This Year’s Drought Dull Fall Foliage Viewing? You May be Surprised
Fall is in the air and thoughts turn to pumpkins, cider and brightly colored leaves. According to experts at the University of New Hampshire’s Extension, despite drought conditions in the Northeast there should be plenty of leaf peeping opportunities this year, it is just happening a little earlier.
“The drought is still pretty widespread but luckily there are still a lot of leaves out there and as long as there is a green canopy we’ll be able to enjoy the colors of the fall foliage,” said Steve Roberge, professor of natural resources and UNH Extension forestry specialist. “The dry conditions are causing the leaves to show off their colors earlier, and in some cases may not be as bright, but I’ve driven all around the state in the last few weeks and there is still a lot of foliage boasting those expected hues and should be more well into October.”
According to Roberge, colorful fall foliage is guided by the weather and needs sufficient rainfall during the growing season and plenty of warm, sunny days and clear,
cool nights in the late summer and early autumn. He points to the fact that this year’s growing season was quite wet but there was not a lot of leaf damage or fungal issues.
“Even with all the drought, you still see color because it is already in the leaves from the rainy weather we had this spring,” said Roberge. “The color’s reveal is controlled by the length of the days and nights as we head into fall. What has been great so far are these lovely 45 degree nights that help to bring out the first reds and deep purple colors.”
When the days are warm, around 70 or 80 degrees, and the temperature drops back to around 40 degrees at night, the trees’ cells start to break down sugars. That causes the production of chlorophyll — the green color in leaves — to slow down. When that happens, the hidden pigments in the leaf, known as carotenoids and anthocyanin, are revealed causing the deep fall tones — the yellow, brown and russet, or the red and orange.
One concern for forestry experts, not related to the drought, is the spread of beech leaf disease which can claim a beech tree in one to two years. Beech leaf disease was first observed in the midwest in 2012 and has now spread to over a dozen states, including all six New England states.
Roberge said beech trees are known for their russet yellow hue — the golden glow seen near the end of fall foliage season. The disease can cause issues with photosynthesis and the heavy infestation is killing trees so there is a noticeable loss of canopy which could impact fall foliage viewing in some areas, like the New Hampshire Seacoast.
For the rest of the trees populating New England, it should be business as usual. Each tree species starts to shut down chlorophyl production at its own pace with red maples in low lying areas and swamps showing off their colors first, often in mid-August. Other species like oak, ash, birch and other maples, need the long cool
nights to show off their yellows, oranges and purples.
“People always ask me when peak leaf peeping season is going to be and I always say whenever you have the time to get out and enjoy it,” said Roberge. “If you go for a drive, or a walk or simply look around, there are already plenty of red maples and yellow birches starting to show off their bright hues and are just glorious.”
South Boston Catholic Academy News
SBCA was delighted to take part in this year’s South Boston Street Fest!
From our Director of Admissions and Lower Elementary STEM Teacher, Ms. Lauren Monaghan... “South
Boston Catholic Academy was delighted to take part in this year’s 25th South Boston Street Festival, a wonderful community tradition
that brings neighbors and families together. Our team enjoyed connecting with past, present, and future SBCA families, sharing stories, smiles, and school spirit. It was a beautiful day to celebrate our community and showcase the joy of being part of the South Boston Catholic Academy fam -
ily.” Thank you to the SBCA families, teachers and everyone who helped to make this special Saturday event in South Boston possible! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
Free: (833) 568 - 8864
ID: 160 652 6403
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.
Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival returns to Boston Common October 17 Registration Now Open for Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament Taking Place November 7-9
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the fourth annual Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival on the Boston Common Parade Ground at the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets on Friday, October 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Skating Club of Boston. The key sponsors are Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and HP Hood LLC. Additional support is provided by New England Dairy Council and Polar Beverages.
Adults and children alike are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy an array of activities including a Fun House Maze, Jumpin’ Pumpkin, Scarecrow and Alpine Slides, and field games facilitated by Knucklebones.
A “monster mash” of entertain-
ment on our stage featuring live music from Matt Heaton, Mike Bent’s AbraKidabra, Ventriloquism by Kevin Driscoll and more. Families can also ride the trackless train, create arts and crafts, and visit the Boston Music Project instrument petting zoo.
Special offerings include frozen treats from HP Hood, sparkling water from Polar Beverages, and dairy samples from New England Dairy’s Mobile Dairy Bar and Mobile Dairy Experience, and mini cookies from Flour Bakery + Cafe.
Attendees will also find giveaways from Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and activities with the Boston Park Rangers, Boston Public Library, Friends of the Public Garden, University of Massachusetts Early Minds Lab, Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, four labs from the Institute for Cognitive and
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced that registration is open for the 2025 Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament and Festival, returning to Moakley Park in South Boston this November. The tournament will take place on Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Young athletes from across Boston will compete for the title of “Boston’s Best” in both competitive and recreational divisions. Teams must register by Friday, October 17, 2025, with final rosters due by Friday, October 31, 2025.
ing Grades 3/4, Grades 5/6 , and Grades 7/8 teams for both boys and girls. The EFL Division (Recreational) will also feature 7v7 play with a maximum roster size of 12 and will include Grades 3/4, Grades 5/6 , and Grades 7/8 teams for both boys and girls. Teams are required to provide their own uniforms. All participants will receive exclusive Mayor’s Cup swag.
New this year, the 2025 Mayor’s Cup will debut the Challenger Division, reflecting Boston’s commitment to inclusive and accessible youth sports. In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester, the Challenger Division will expand opportunities for children with disabilities to join the tournament. Games will be played on Saturday, November 8 at Moakley continued on page 12 continued on page 12
Tournament play will be organized into two divisions. The Premier League Division (Competitive) will feature 7v7 play with a maximum roster size of 12, includ-
St. Peter Academy Apple Picking Field Trip
The weather for St. Peter Academy’s annual apple picking trip was perfect! We packed up two school buses with Toddlers through Grade 5 and made our way to Danvers. Connors Farm did not
disappoint! We rode the train to the Orchards and picked some apples, got through the corn maze, snacked on some cider donuts, visited the farm animals, checked out the cool farm equipment and enjoyed lunch at the
picnic tables. What an amazing field trip that ties nicely into our Fall curriculum. Can’t wait until next year!
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.
can enjoy the singular experience of live performance,” said Chad Smith, President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
The fall lineup will include family favorites such as the Boston Pops, Annie the musical, Cirque du Soleil, and dozens more. Each performance will feature free tickets for Boston students in grades Pre-K through 12, with additional opportunities for families to participate in artist talks, backstage tours, and other educational programming.
“The Huntington is thrilled to participate in Mayor Wu’s Boston Family Days. This program allows us to both expand access to families whose students are served by our robust Education Department, and to wholeheartedly welcome brand-new families into our theaters. Come to experience stories that spark imagination, amplify important voices, and connect communities. We look forward to inviting families to Fun Home later this fall, a beloved musical centered on love, community, and the transcendent power of looking back in order to move forward,” said Loretta Greco, Artistic Director and Christopher Mannelli, Executive Director of The Huntington Theatre Company.
“At ArtsEmerson, our core belief is that art catalyzes civic transformation. We are over the moon to be part of this impactful initiative that invites Boston’s families to experience bold new theater and shape the conversation of what we want Boston to be. We are particularly thrilled to offer tickets to SpaceBridge, which puts young Russian asylum seekers and their American friends centerstage - showing our own young people the power of empathy and friendship,” said Ronee Penoi, Interim Executive Director of the Office
of the Arts & ArtsEmerson Director of Artistic Programming.
“Wheelock Family Theatre is thrilled to join the City of Boston for Boston Family Days. This program is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue our commitment to access and affordability, welcoming families to enjoy high-quality performances like Leonardo! A Wonderful Show
About a Terrible Monster and Annie this fall. With 45 years of experience creating award-winning productions for audiences of all ages and one of the region’s largest theatre education programs, we are proud to collaborate with the City to bring the joy of live theatre to children and families across Boston,” said Nick Vargas, Executive Director of the Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University.
The fall season will be followed by a spring performing arts season through June 2026, continuing to build new audiences for Boston’s performing arts institutions and expand cultural access and belonging through live arts experiences.
“Berklee is thrilled to join the inaugural Boston Family Days performing arts season. We applaud Mayor Wu’s vision and share her commitment to making our stages places where Boston’s young people feel at home and inspired. This November, we’re opening the doors of the Berklee Performance Center for Watching the River Flow: Tribute to Dylan (11/5), A Cappella Showcase (11/10), Singers Night: Tribute to Queen (11/18), Hansel and Gretel (11/20), and Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite (11/25), and welcoming families to the Boston Conservatory Theater for Little Women on 11/22,” said Jim Lucchese, President, Berklee.
“The arts have a vital role to play in engaging our hearts and minds, and to building community,” said American Repertory Theater Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director Diane Paulus. “We are thrilled to be part of Mayor Wu’s Boston Family Days Program and look forward to welcoming students and their families to A.R.T. in January for Wonder, a world premiere musical adaptation of the beloved novel about the power of choosing kindness.”
“At Boston Lyric Opera, we believe opera is for everyone,” said Bradley Vernatter, BLO’s Stanford Calderwood General Director & CEO. “That’s why we’re partnering with the City to bring youth and families opera to schools, libraries, and community centers across the city — and why we’re excited to welcome BPS students and their loved ones into the theater this season, from Macbeth in October through Daughter of the Regiment in May. Boston Family Days is the perfect capstone to BLO’s partnership programs throughout the year.”
Boston students and their families can register for Boston Family Days through the City’s enrollment platform. Boston Public Schools students are automatically enrolled. Prior to each event, registered families in the Boston Family Days program will receive ticket reservation links and instructions from the City.
“Having worked with young people, I’ve seen firsthand how live performance can spark something profound—opening up new ways of seeing, feeling, and imagining the world around them,” said Kenny Mascary, Interim Chief of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. “Boston Family Days is essential to removing barriers
continued from page 10
Cup
and ensuring that students and families across the city have direct access to experience that magic for themselves.”
The Boston Family Days Performing Arts program is made possible through a public-private partnership between the City of Boston, participating arts organizations, and generous philanthropic and corporate supporters, including Amazon, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Barr Foundation, Bob and Michelle Atchinson, and Jim and Cathy Stone.
Mayor Michelle Wu launched Boston Family Days; a public-private partnership among the City, corporate and philanthropic partners and cultural and performing arts institutions in Boston. The program provides all students who live in Boston and two guests free access to 14 cultural institutions. On the first and second Sunday of the month, participating cultural institutions include: Museum of Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science, Boston Children’s Museum, New England Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo, The Museum of African American History, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Paul Revere House, Old North Illuminated, USS Constitution Museum, Revolutionary Spaces (the Old State House and Old South Meeting House), and MassArt Art Museum.
More than 65,000 Boston students and their families have already enjoyed free visits through Boston Family Days, including thousands who are experiencing these institutions for the first time.
For more information about Boston Family Days and to view the full performing arts season calendar, visit: boston.gov/bostonfamilydays
from page 10 and nonprofit partners,” said City Councilor Ed Flynn.
“It was great to have unanimous support of the Boston City Council to support a recovery campus, with the intention of filling the gaps in the continuum of care for those struggling with addiction, as this is an issue that impacts the entire city,” said City Councilor John FitzGerald.
“With the steep costs and lengthy timelines ahead, we cannot afford delay in creating a recovery campus. Today’s unanimous City Council vote marks a long-overdue acknowledgment that Boston and Greater Boston desperately need a dedicated space for healing. As a lead sponsor, I am happy all of my colleagues signed on in support of this treatment-first vision. Our city must turn rhetoric into reality,” said Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy.
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Brain Health at Northeastern University, and more.
For more information, visit boston.gov/falloween. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
Park, and families, friends, and community members are encouraged to come cheer on the athletes. The Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, please contact Woodley Auguste at (617) 961-3084 or woodley.auguste@boston.gov. Learn more and register for the 2025 Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament at boston.gov/parks-sports. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
Wu continued from page 7
Recovery campus continued from page 5
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Mayor’s
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Aquarium offering discounted tickets for homeschooling families
Special ticket prices available every Tuesday
This fall, the New England Aquarium is offering discounted admission for homeschooling families to learn about the wonders of the ocean.
Every Tuesday through December 23, 2025, homeschool families have access to special ticket prices: $12 for children and $21 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 617-973-5206 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. More information is available on neaq.org.
Included in admission, the Aquarium offers a variety of programs, presentations, and feedings each day:
• Guests can stop by an interactive educational space on the third floor called the Exploration Station, which offers both guided and self-led themed activities. Families
Fall is in
the air at Castle Island!
The Castle Island Association’s Annual Halloween Weekend Celebration, a festive, familyfriendly weekend is near and filled with fun, laughter, and amazing costumes. This free celebration is perfect for all ages, so bring the whole family and enjoy a weekend of Halloween magic by the water. From creative costumes to cheerful activities, there’s something for everyone, even those who prefer the spooky theme..
Special thanks to our incredible CIA volunteers and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for making this event possible and keeping it a free event. Stop by Sullivan’s before or after the festivities, lunch is always delicious at Sully’s!
can engage with sensory activities, pretend to be an Aquarium veterinarian, and spend some down time reading books.
• Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about the secret world of lobsters, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
• Aquarium guests can enjoy daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and residents of the Giant Ocean Tank, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.
The Aquarium also has a host of fun and educational activities on its website that can engage young learners before or after a trip to the Aquarium. The activities help visitors
explore the Aquarium more deeply, encourage content learning, and improve science skills as well as support math and literacy development.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM:
The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and
conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 50 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.
guests participate in an activity in the Aquarium’s interactive educational space, the Exploration Station.
GATE OF HEAVEN & ST. BRIGID PARISHES WITH ST. AUGUSTINE CHAPEL NEWS
In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, all are Welcome to the Annual Blessing of the Animals that will take place this coming Sunday morning, October 5th, 2025, outside of Gate of Heaven Church, downstairs in the I Street Courtyard, near the Celtic Cross, after the 9AM Mass at 9:45AM. Please have your lovable family pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.
Young
CREDIT: Vanessa Kahn/ New England Aquarium
