From the ground up: Locals honor Dr. John Penta, 1953 graduate of the Barnes School and section chief of the National Institutes of Health

Dr. John Penta was for 25 years, a section of Chief of the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In addition, he was Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine Division of Medical Oncology at Duke University of School of Medicine.

Dr. Penta was involved in clinical research studies evaluating experimental treatments in very sick cancer patients who has short life expectancy and in whom conventional treatment options were exhausted. He was part of national team that developed an active chemotherapy regimen for osteogenic sarcoma in children and young adults in the late 70’s.

Read more at eastboston.com

Advice on spyware

Tunku's ordeal has a lesson for everyone!

David Bavaro to be honored by Italian HOF

David Bavaro may have been the younger, smaller, overlooked football playing Bavaro brother from Danvers.

His older brother, Mark, was perceived as one of the toughest tight ends in the history of the National Football League, spent mostly with the New York Giants. He was an All-Pro, a two-time Super Bowl champion and a Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee.

David Bavaro, now a 42-year-old physical education and health teacher at Malden Catholic High School, played five seasons as a physical linebacker in the NFL. He'll be be recognized for athletic achievement with four different NFL clubs and a great college career at Syracuse University when he is inducted in the National Italian-American Hall of Fame's New England chapter on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Danversport Yacht Club.

Pushed by neighboring states, NH catches gaming fever

Mass. gambling push may force N.H.'s hand - Fosters

Voters in November 2008 defeated a previous proposal to create a casino in Oxford County as well as an attempt by the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Indian tribes to create a $650 million casino in Sanford, Maine, in 2003.

But Maine voters did approve a racino, which led to Bangor's Hollywood Slots complex.

Rich Killion, a spokesman for Fix It Now NH, a coalition of pro-gambling groups, said New Hampshire would be wise to approve casino gambling before other nearby states because it would give Granite State businesses "a leg up."

There are 1.25 million potential customers within 25 miles of Rockingham Park in Salem and another 1.3 million just beyond that radius in the Greater Boston area, he said.

"New Hampshire not doing it would allow them to get all the revenue," Killion said of Massachusetts.

EBSB Parent, Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Reports Net Income

REUTERS: Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc., Reports Results for the Three and Nine Months...

BOSTON, Oct. 22, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company" or "Meridian") (Nasdaq:EBSB), the holding company for East Boston Savings Bank (the "Bank"), announced net income of $1.9 million or $.09 per share (basic and diluted), for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to net income of $2.1 million, or $.10 per share (basic and diluted) for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The Company recorded net income of $1.7 million or $.08 per share (basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to a net loss of $394,000 for the comparable 2008 period. Earnings per share information is not applicable for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as shares were not outstanding for the entire period.

Notable items in 2009 include the following:

* Total loans increased by $74.7 million, or 10.5% from December 31, 2008.

* Deposits increased by $125.2 million, or 15.7% from December 31, 2008.

* The net interest margin improved for the sixth consecutive quarter, increasing from 3.18% for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 to 3.35% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

* To increase the Bank's brand exposure in Suffolk County, the Company initiated a new strategic marketing campaign in September 2009, which is entitled "Hard Work" and highlights the Bank's community focus and commitment to hard work.

* In September 2009, the Bank hosted an open house at its newest branch in Medford, MA, bringing the number of locations to provide convenient customer service to 13.

Richard J. Gavegnano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, noted that, "The Bank continues to see great opportunities in lending and healthy growth in deposits. Yields on new loans remain stable, and the Bank's cost of funds has decreased sharply, enhancing net interest income. Our capital position is a source of stability for the Bank and provides us the ability to capture relationships from customers disaffected by larger institutions."

More here.

Meanwhile, the stock closed at $8.61 today.

Halloween Party at District A7: Police hold fun Friday session for kids!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM District A7 (East Boston)
TRICK OR TREAT ON PARIS STREET!

WHO: Boston Police Captain Robert Cunningham along with police officers from District A7 parents and trick-or-treaters 13 years and under.

WHAT: Boston Police District A7 is hosting an afternoon of fun for local trick-or- treaters. The district has planned a number of exciting and fun activities, entertainment and family festivities:

• Candy
• Costumes
• Hot Dogs
• Giveaways
• Music and MUCH More

Captain Cunningham will also be available to provide Halloween Safety Tips.

For additional police-sponsored Halloween activities in other districts citywide, please visit bpdnews.com.

WHERE: Paris Street Gym
112 Paris Street

WHEN: Friday, October 23, 2009
3:00PM- 5:00PM

Eastie Women Connect:: Public Speaking for Busy People"

Eastie Women Connect (EWC) A Committee of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce
Presents

“Public Speaking for Busy People:
Pitching Your Idea in a Tough Market”
Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Mimi Goss
President of Mimi Goss Communications, Inc.

at
Atlantic Works, 80 Border Street, East Boston
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
6:00PM-8:00PM

Registration will begin at 5:45PM. The EWC will be serving a light supper at 6:00PM, courtesy of generous donations by Italian Express Pizzeria and Scup’s in the Harbor, with space and equipment accommodations provided by Atlantic Works and Piers Park Sailing Center.

The presentation will begin at 6:30PM.

Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards and other materials for networking purposes.

Tickets are now available, $20 per person.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
Major credit cards are accepted.
To purchase your tickets or for more information,
call the East Boston Chamber at
617-569-5000 ext. 221
www.EastBostonChamber.com

Yep the Gummit

Makes everything possible. Fear not, my friends, we are good hands with the folks who brought us "hope and change."

Chamber Hosts Comedy Cabaret With Joey Canzano

On Thursday, November 19, in the Topsider Room at Suffolk Downs, the East Boston Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first-ever Comedy Cabaret Night. Open to the public, come enjoy a warm and entertaining evening, headlined by a performance of unparalleled celebrity impersonator and singer Joey Canzano, who captures the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, and Elvis Presley, among others. The night also features one-of-a-kind comedian Paul Gilligan and a buffet dinner. You’ll feel like you’re in Las Vegas! The evening starts at 7:00pm, with buffet dinner beginning promptly at 7:30pm. The comedy cabaret begins at 8:00pm.

Tickets are just $35 per person. Reserved tables of ten are available as well. To purchase tickets, please contact members of the Chamber Board of Directors or call the Chamber directly at 617-569-5000. For additional information and audio samples of Joey Canzano, please visit www.JoeyCanzano.com. For information on the Chamber, please visit www.EastBostonChamber.com.

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Soverign Bank supports East Boston Main Streets

On Wednesday September 23, 2009 Representatives from Sovereign Bank presented East Boston Main Streets with a check to support their efforts in improving the community.

EastBoston, MA.23-September-2009 East Boston Main Streets received a grant from its Corporate Buddy Sovereign Bank.
Sovereign Bank has provided annual grants to East Boston Main Streets as part of its commitment to community reinvestment. Managers Carolina Monney and Antonio Pineda were on hand with Main Street board members to accept the support.

Ana DiMaria, President of East Boston Main Streets and Mike Moscone, Main Streets board member thanked Sovereign Bank for their support. Special thanks to East Boston branch employees, Loida Morales, Christopher Stewart, Marlende St. Louis and Ron Baker.

The staff has volunteered many hours during the year to help beautify East Boston and promote local businesses.

About East Boston Main Streets. EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts that improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.

Source: Clark Moulaison
East Boston Main Streets
617.561.1044
ebmainstreets@verizon.net
www.ebmainstreets.com

October 2009 is Italian Heritage Month in Massachusetts!

The Italian Heritage Month Committee is pleased to celebrate the 11th year of October as Italian Heritage Month. A kick-off event is planned on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the State House in Boston. Nurses Hall will be filled with those celebrating the many contributions by Italians and Italian Americans throughout the centuries. Participants will be eagerly awaiting the reading of the Governor's Proclamation, the musical performances and heartfelt words from local dignitaries. This event is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there. But, remember that October 1st is just the beginning! The month-long celebration will have events planned throughout the State and it will not be difficult to find something to please the diverse tastes of all those who join us in celebrating this year. Celebrate and explore the history, culture, language, genius, artistry, and centuries of discoveries and accomplishments. Please see www.ItalianHeritageMonth.com for a complete list of events.

For more information contact:
Rina Crugnale Burgey and Anna Quadri
Directors of Public Relations
Italian Heritage Month Committee
www.ItalianHeritageMonth.com
(617)499-7955

East Boston chamber throws weight behind more gaming at Suffolk Downs

East Boston Chamber releases letter of support for casino at Suffolk Downs.

Why Eastboston.com is the place to advertise

More businesses are turning to eastboston.com for advertising. Last month's stats:

EASTBOSTON.COM STATS FOR AUG 09 Average Page Views/ Day: 1,577.45; Average Hits/ Day: 6,034.55 Source: Urchin @ Hostway

JUSTINIAN LAW SOCIETY HONORS JOSEPH FERRINO

JUSTINIAN LAW SOCIETY HONORS JOSEPH FERRINO. Fri., October 9, at Lombardo's in Randolph. Tickets call P. Caraozza at 10978-681-5444

An idea no more: Blue Line extention to Lynn

Forget about that long-sought Blue Line extension.

Because Massachusetts could not come up with more money for transportation projects, as required by the federal government, 17 projects were eliminated in the Boston metropolitan area, including eight on the North Shore.

"We take no pleasure in the dramatic cutbacks included in the new Regional Transportation Plan,” said Marc Draisen, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, “but they represent a realistic assessment of funds currently available and likely to be available in future years."