East Boston High School to retire the numbers of Wiggins Coach Sousa

East Boston -- East Boston High School (EBHS) will retire the numbers of former NFL player Jermaine Wiggins (18) and retired football coach John Sousa (66) on Friday, November 4 at Sartori Stadium when the EBHS Jets host The English High School. 

More at eastboston.com.

Grateful for all those who helped residents displaced by 45 Chelsea Street collapse

The following letter was sent to eastboston.com from the office of State Representative Carlo Basile early today.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Dear East Boston Community:

On behalf of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Senator Anthony Petruccelli, Representative Carlo Basile, and City Councilor Sal LaMattina, we express our gratitude for the support shown to the victims of the Chelsea Street building collapse. In total, 70 individuals were displaced and the residents of 45 Chelsea Street were left with only the clothing they wore while being evacuated.

Thanks to the financial support of our community, the families at 45 Chelsea Street each received over $4,000 to help replace their clothes, furniture, beds, and other belongings. The remaining money collected is being distributed to the families of 53, 43, and 41-39 Chelsea in the form of gift cards. This extraordinary outpouring of financial support—nearly $17,000 in cash or gift cards—is a testament to the strength of our East Boston community.

We especially want to thank the individuals and businesses that dug deep into their pockets to help these families, including: Richard Goldberg of Logan Communications; Richard Gavegnano of East Boston Savings Bank; John Zirpolo of Cora Electric; the Fields Family Foundation of Suffolk Downs; the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center; and McGladrey Inc.

We also want to thank all the businesses that stepped up to feed the displaced families including: Kelley’s Square Pub; Great Chef Chinese Food; Goody’s Catering; Italian Express Pizzeria; Meridian Food Market; and La Hacienda. Additionally, we want to thank DJ Chris Fiore and Balloon City for generously providing music and balloons at the fundraiser for the displaced residents. Finally, we want to thank the owner of 43 and 41-39 Chelsea Street, Jim Zarella, for going beyond his responsibilities as a landlord to house his tenants at a hotel for one week and for helping each of them to find new apartments.

It is said that in times of crisis, you can see the true character of a community. We are proud that East Boston has shown itself generous and resilient during this challenging time.

Thank you all.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino

Senator Anthony Petruccelli

Representative Carlo Basile

City Councilor Sal LaMattina

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is dead at 56, Apple Computer is reporting.

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us that have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

There will never be another Steve Jobs. The man invented the idea of creative drive. He will be missed.