Good Morning, You're Eligible For The Vaccine: The HUB

The HUB is a rundown of the stories people in Boston are talking about. Patch publishes the HUB every weekday.

Good morning, Boston! Today is Monday, April 19. We're talking about what's happening on Patriots' Day, a push to rename Maverick Square and the passing of the Wahlberg matriarch.

But first...

This feels good to say: You're eligible for the coronavirus vaccine. Yes, you. As long as you're over 16 and live in Massachusetts, then today's the day.

Now there might be a bit of a wait: More than 3 million adults here have already received at least one vaccination shot, which leaves more than 2 million still jockeying for open appointments. The Johnson & Johnson pause instituted last week won't make things go any faster. Gov. Charlie Baker said those newly eligible should expect a wait of several weeks before they can book a slot.

Still, it's a gargantuan step forward in the state's months-long battle to deliver vaccines to all who want them. While the road to this point has been bumpy — remember this octopus? — the decision to inoculate the most vulnerable people first significantly cut the death rate.

You can go here to pre-register or here to find appointments, but my best suggestion is to follow @vaccintime on Twitter. The automated account finds open appointments across the state and lets you bypass the state system.

Check it out

Happy Patriots' Day. There's no Boston Marathon today, but the Red Sox are still playing their traditional morning game in Fenway Park at 11:05, taking on the Chicago White Sox. It's a state holiday, so things like City Hall and state courts are closed, but retail businesses are open. Banks will also be open. Schools will be closed for April Vacation week. Julia Remick has a piece in Boston College's The Heights about Bostonians facing another Patriots' Day without the Marathon.

Ever hear of John Maverick?. That's who Maverick Square is named after. Ever hear of what Maverick was up to on these shores in the 17th century? Annamarie Hoey at CommonWealth has the sordid details in her take on why Maverick Square must be renamed.

The Wahlberg matriarch has died. Mark and Donnie Wahlberg took to social media to announce the death of their mother, Boston native Alma Wahlberg. The mother of nine was 78. People has more on Alma's passing.

What I'm reading today: Score one for the news! A Newton man who had his bike stolen two months ago spotted his ride while watching a WCVB story about a local break-in. Donald Murray has his bike back — it even still has the evidence tag on it.

Weather

The National Weather Service says: During the day — A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%. At night — A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Have a swell Monday.

You can email me at mike.carraggi@patch.com and follow me @PatchCarraggi.