East Boston Malden Youth Hockey Weekly Round Up #11

As 2013 comes to a close we want to thank all of our players, families, and fans who made this year so great. 2014 will be even better! Don’t forget the new session of our Learn-to-Skate and Play Hockey classes begin on January 12th. See our website for details.

SQUIRT (9-10 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 2, Needham 3
Simoni Rink, Cambridge

PEEWEE (11-12 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 3, Waltham 3
Ice Palace, Burlington

In a weird one which included an already short bench losing two players mid game due to the flu, the M.E.B. Mustangs skated to a tie. Waltham got up early on the Mustangs despite the aggressive play from M.E.B. The penalty box door may need new hinges at the Ice Palace after the Mustangs played short-handed for most of the first two periods. At the end of 2 it was Waltham up by three goals. The M.E.B. Peewees found their stride half way through the third when Marc Giordano found the back of the net to make it 1-3. A deflected puck minutes later in front of the Waltham net touched not only the stick of Giordano but Sean Noonan and Ryan Gray to bring the Mustangs within 1. Gray wasn’t finished yet as he lit the lamp with 3:00 remaining in the 3rd and that’s how it ended, tied 3-3.

BANTAM AA (13-14 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 2, Nashoba 6
Valley Rink, Haverhill MA

M.E.B. traveled North to take on Nashoba. The Mustangs got on the board first with a goal by Ryan Tosto.  Nashoba responded quickly by scoring three unanswered goals. The first period ended with Nashoba leading 3-1. The second period started off with Michael Giordano crossing the blueline into the Nashoba zone and beating the Nashoba goaltender with a beautiful wrist shot high on the stick side, cutting the deficit to one.  Nashoba responded once again by scoring two goals in the second period and increasing its lead to 5-2 after 2. Nashoba added another goal in the 3rd period for a final score of 6-2. 


Malden/East Boston 2, Concord, NH 5
Valley Rink, Haverhill MA

The Mustangs were once again in Haverhill to take on Concord, NH. M.E.B. got on the board first with a goal by Michael Giordano off of a beautiful feed from Curtis Taddeo. The 1st period ended with the Mustangs in front 1-0. Concord got on the board with a goal early in the second period to tie the game.  The Mustangs answered that goal midway through the period when Marty Taylor beat the Concord netminder after a nice drop pass from Taddeo. The 2nd period ended with the Mustangs in front by a score of 2-1. A penalty-filled third period saw Concord with the man advantage throughout most of the period. Concord capitalized on their opportunities by scoring 4 unanswered goals and taking a 5-2 victory.

BANTAM AAA (13-14 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 7, Waltham 0
Veterans Rink, Waltham MA

Malden/East Boston 2, Arlington 4
Allied Rink, Everett MA
   
MIDGET (15-18 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 6, Reading 2
Valley Rink, Malden MA


If you or someone you know has a child who wants to play hockey, we have open enrollment. For more information visit http://www.mebhockey.com/  Email us your questions @ mebhockey1@aol.com
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Source: EB-Malden Youth Hockey

Rep. Basile reports on the state legislature's accomplishments

Focuses on Fiscal Management and Economic Growth through Investments in Transportation, Education, Reforms to Welfare System 

(BOSTON) – State Representative Carlo P. Basile joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in reviewing recent session accomplishments as the Legislature prepares for the 2014 session. 

As of November 27, 2013, the House passed major legislation pertaining to economic development, transportation, education, welfare, compounding pharmacies, and election laws. 

 "This year, through strategic investments and reforms, we positioned the Commonwealth for even greater growth as we continue to strengthen our economy," House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. "I'm proud of the work we’ve done to support our citizens and municipalities, and believe the legislation we’ve passed this session will improve the lives of people across Massachusetts." 

"I am very proud of the work my colleagues and I have accomplished in this session. We have strived to support the people of the Commonwealth and have ensured that Massachusetts will continue to be successful in the years to come." Carlo P. Basile (D – East Boston) House Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs said. 

 "What was passed is a reaffirmation of our commitment to bolstering the economy, improving our education system, and properly serving our veterans." 

 This session the House passed two major finance bills, the FY14 budget and the transportation finance bill, both of which are designed to stimulate economic growth. The FY14 budget, a $34 billion plan, allocates essential funds that advance the growth of the local economy and support the Commonwealth’s essential services and programs, including local aid, education, housing and health and human services. 

 In addition to funding essential services, the budget prioritizes education-related items, including increased Chapter 70 funds. It takes decisive action to bolster funding for the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges, including a $478.9 million allocation for UMass that will prevent tuition and fee increases in the upcoming school year. The House is committed to again working toward this goal in fiscal year 2015.This focus underscores Massachusetts’ ongoing commitment to strengthen our education system as a means to create jobs and provide residents with a competitive edge. 

This year’s budget also provided new funding and resources for various programs enacted through the 2012 economic development legislation, including the Manufacturing Futures Program and the Mass Works Infrastructure Program, to foster job creation for employees of all skill levels across numerous industries. The transportation finance bill, passed in August, is designed to solve long-standing financial problems within the state’s transportation system through continued reforms and a future, stable funding source without placing too great a burden on working families. The bill continues on the promise of the 2009 transportation reform law by enhancing efficiency and accountability, providing revenue to initiate economic growth and supporting necessary infrastructure projects. 

Following the 2012 meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated drugs, Massachusetts became the first state to pass comprehensive legislation relative to compounding pharmacies. In October, the House unanimously voted on a bill that will help the Commonwealth better regulate the industry. This legislation addresses a previous lack of consistent standards, at both a state and federal level, governing the operations of specialty pharmacies engaged in sterile compounding by improving oversight, licensing and quality standards. 

Throughout the year the House renewed its dedication to the Commonwealth’s citizens and municipalities by providing for existing needs while preparing for the future through provisions like increased local aid and welfare reform. The Economic Independence Act enhances the efficacy of the state’s welfare system through new initiatives and reforms, including the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency program which provides numerous resources designed to help recipients achieve financial independence. 

The bill also builds on the House’s unyielding commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Massachusetts’ welfare system through new reform measures, including an expanded scope of prohibited actions to include foreign transmittal agencies, and increased resources for the Department of Transitional Assistance. These measures follow electronic benefit card reforms made in the FY13 budget and two subsequent supplementary budgets, passed in July and October, respectively. 

In the midst of the federal government shutdown the October finance legislation allocated additional and immediate funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, an indication of Massachusetts’ government’s ongoing commitment to working together. Aware of the difficult circumstance some families face, the House passed legislation and enacted numerous provisions to help residents secure safe and stable housing including a $1.4 housing bond bill which modernizes public housing and allows for home modification for elderly or disabled homeowners. 

This fall the House passed two bills related to the military and veterans. Veterans affairs are a major priority for the House and because of this, Massachusetts is consistently ranked among the top state for veterans. The 2013 VALOR Act builds on existing legislation to provide increased property tax relief and enhance employment, educational and healthcare support services. The House also passed a military bond bill which funds projects at military installations around the state. Other session accomplishments include: 

• Approval of election legislation that establishes early voting for presidential elections and provides resources to local officials and residents to make the voting process more efficient. This bill is expected to significantly decrease wait times on Election Day and allow greater access to voting; 
• Increased the maximum penalty for corporate manslaughter from $1,000 to $250,000; 
• Passed legislation to ensure that students with disabilities have Individualized Education Plans (IEP) that includes short-term objectives and benchmarks. The inclusion of short-term goals in a student’s IEP is important in order to measure the impact of special education instruction and services; 
• Expanded efforts to require national background checks through fingerprinting of teachers, daycare providers, and persons living or working on facility premises. The new law, which stemmed from the Federal Bureau of Investigation recommendations, also requires address-based sex offender checks of early education and care facilities; and the 
• Creation of another August sales tax holiday in an effort to boost sales for local businesses.

Week 9: East Boston Youth Hockey Wrap-up

It was another great week of M.E.B. Youth Hockey. Don’t forget the new session of our Learn-to-Skate and Play Hockey classes begin on January 12th and make a great Christmas gift. See our website for details.

Mite K (5-8 Years Old) 
Malden/East Boston 5, Agawam 7 Kasabuski Arena, Saugus MA Jake Simpson had a pair of goals, with Chris Cecca, Chris Hanifan, and Lukas Deguire each adding a goal apiece. Chad Robertson invoked images of the 1980 version of Jim Craig making many spectacular saves. The MVP's of this game have to be the Moms and Dads that shoveled heavy, wet snow to get the little guys to the rink.  

SQUIRT (9-10 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 2, Masco 1 Kasabuski Arena, Saugus MA 


BANTAM AA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 3, Lexington/Bedford 0 Valley Rink, Malden MA Thomas Guarino logged a shutout as the Bantam AA’s hold onto a piece of 1st place.  

BANTAM AAA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 5, Needham 0 Simoni Rink, Cambridge A big W Saturday night for the M.E.B. Bantam AAA's as they faced Needham. Pucks weren't bouncing M.E.B.’s way until Needham committed an infraction and put the M.E.B. boys on the man advantage. That's when Ryan Noonan opened the scoring, banging in a rebound off a Nick Miller shot. It would take a buzzer and a new period before the scoring would pick up again when Noonan introduced the puck to the upstairs of the opposing net for his second of the night. Not to be outdone, Louis Staffieri wanted to add some sound to his goal clanking it off the post and in to put M.E.B. up by three. Entering the 3rd, the boys didn't let up as Ryan Noonan and Nick Salgado demonstrated the fine art of tic-tac-toe passing, putting on a clinic through the offensive zone, moving the goalie like he was playing Dance Dance Revolution and Salgado throwing the puck into an open net, for a four point lead. With the game winding down, the gritty Mike DeFillipo worked himself another goal sneaking one in on the short side to cap off a commanding 5-0 win and another shutout for goaltender Anthony Giuliano. Malden/East Boston 4, Lynnfield/Saugus 0 Valley Rink, Malden 

At the Malden Valley Forum, M.E.B. battled a strong Lynnfield/Saugus team. The 1st period showed a physical, back and forth game with few scoring chances for either team. When the 2nd period started the M.E.B. boys stepped it up with Noah Carlson unloading a wrist shot into the opposing net and put M.E.B up 1-0. Not long after Carlson once again let a shot from the point go, this time finding the stick of his twin brother Johna Carlson who tipped the shot into the net. With the period winding down, Nick Capillo finished off a Nick Salgado pass to add to the lead. The 3rd period continued to be a back and forth struggle but Anthony Giuliano was solid between the home team's pipes. Continued hard work paid off with Ryan Noonan tipping home a James Pandolfo shot, redirecting the biscuit into the short side and finalizing the game at 4-0. 

If you or someone you know has a child who wants to play hockey, we have open enrollment.

For more information visit http://www.mebhockey.com/  Email us your questions @ mebhockey1@aol.com  Like us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/MaldenEast-Boston-Youth-Hockey/179711587493 Follow us on Twitter @MEBHorsePower Follow us on Instagram @ mebhockey

A vision for Suffolk Downs: Former Secretary of Transportation and Local Urban Development Experts Announce New Vision for Suffolk Downs Site

This just in from EastBoston2020:
 
Community group offers five guiding principles to Boston elected officials for development on Suffolk Downs site since casino was voted down


(BOSTON, Mass., Dec. 10, 2013) -- Led by former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi, a largely East Boston-based group of urban planners, architects, public infrastructure experts, and representatives of various community groups today released an alternative vision to the proposed casino at Suffolk Downs that was voted down as a result of the November 5 election.


The newly-formed group’s two-page guidance titled “Overarching Principles For Development in East Boston” outlines five principles by which all future significant development proposals in East Boston – and Suffolk Downs in particular – should be measured. The principles, including job creation, community inclusion and a transparent process, environmental impact, transit-oriented development, and economic feasibility, present a framework to ensure that this critical and unique site is developed in a way that enhances quality of life, job creation and return on investment for all residents of Boston and surrounding communities.


"Although Suffolk Downs is privately owned, it is supported by a highway and transit system owned and operated by the state and paid for by the taxpayers of Massachusetts," said Aloisi, a native of East Boston and whose parents still live in the neighborhood. "It is only fair and just that any major development on its grounds be thoroughly vetted by local citizenry and surrounding communities. We hope these principles, which express a positive and forward looking vision for the future of this site and community will be embraced by a broad spectrum of state and local decision makers."


As many real estate and other investment experts contend, the Suffolk Downs site offers a wealth of development possibilities beyond a casino. For example, Banker and Tradesman recently noted that "At a time when home and condo prices are soaring out of reach for middle class families in Boston, Suffolk's 110 or so Boston acres are a huge potential asset, ground zero for the Hub's next big mixed-use neighborhood of shops and homes." (1)


Desirable factors such as quick access to downtown Boston, Logan Airport and the emerging Innovation District in South Boston via the Blue Line and soon the Silver Line, as well as a shared economic center for the communities of East Boston, Revere and Winthrop make Suffolk Downs an exceptional candidate for a mix of housing and commercial development opportunities, according to the group. Also, the adjacent Belle Isle Marsh provides abundant green space and offers potential connections to the East Boston Greenway.


A full version of the  “Overarching Principles For Development in East Boston” can be found at  https://sites.google.com/site/eastboston2020/.  For more information, please contact east.boston.visioning@gmail.com


(1) Banker and Tradesman, "Forget Gambling: Suffolk Downs Has Mixed-Use Development Potential" Sunday, November 17, 2013 http://www.bankerandtradesman.com/news157396.html

Latest: No Eastie Casino Calls on Massachusetts Gaming Commission To Uphold Expanded Gaming Act and Declare Revere-Only Casino Illegal

Download the full PDF version of No Eastie Casino's comments  

In advance of the Commission's public meeting
BOSTON, Mass., Dec. 9, 2013 - Today, No Eastie Casino, a registered municipal ballot question committee organized to stop a casino at Suffolk Downs, again registered its disapproval with a plan to push forward with a Mohegan Sun casino on the Revere side of the track's property -- despite a clear "no" from 8,513 residents of Revere and East Boston in referendums on Nov. 5.

No Eastie Casino is joined by all of East Boston's elected officials and the editors of theBoston Globe in declaring the completely new plan for a Revere gaming license advanced by former applicant Suffolk Downs and the city of Revere as an affront to the letter, spirit, and clear intent of the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act. As stated in formal comments submitted to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, No Eastie Casino demands that the City of Revere and the applicants follow the law as written. Full public confidence in the casino licensing process requires nothing less.

"We believe that public confidence stands in imminent jeopardy of irreparable harm for as long as this Commission continues to consider the gaming establishment presently proposed for development in Revere in the absence of a new host community agreement and referendum, both of which are required by law," writes Matt Cameron, No Eastie Casino's general counsel, in the group's comments to the Commission.

The comments go on to lay out a thorough case for why the Commission must deny Mohegan Sun's request to move forward with casino plans on the Suffolk Downs property in Revere without a new host community agreement and vote. Countering the narrative put forth by officials from Revere, Suffolk Downs and Mohegan Sun -- essentially that the affirmative vote on Nov. 5 was a blank check for casino anywhere in the city -- No Eastie Casino asserts that the revised casino proposal bears no resemblance to the deal Revere officials negotiated and that voters approved. Suffolk Downs is no longer an applicant for the casino
license on its property, nor is horse racing directly tied to casino operations -- two assumptions voters heard repeatedly throughout Suffolk Downs' campaign leading up to the Nov. 5 referendum. 

"No one has voted on the plan that Mohegan Sun is presenting. The players, the project and the details have changed," said Celeste Myers, co-chair of No Eastie Casino. "We cannot assign votes to an entirely different project that the public has not considered."

Proof the Mohegan Sun Casino Proposal is Not What Revere Voters Approved on Nov. 5

As a supplement to its written comments, No Eastie Casino also submitted to the Commission a collection of video clips showing Revere and Suffolk Downs officials contradicting the narrative they've been telling of the casino proposal since the referendum. In one clip, dated Oct. 19, Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo is seen telling constituents that Suffolk Downs' plans called for "not one ounce" of construction within Revere city limits. Several video clips show Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle telling audiences prior to Nov. 5 that Suffolk Downs was the entity seeking a casino license, and "has been all along." And in another clip, Suffolk Downs co-owner Joseph O'Donnell, speaking the day the track signed its host community agreement with the City of Boston, appears to say the track would respect the decision East Boston voters make at the polls on Nov. 5.

"The community, East Boston, will make that decision," O'Donnell, the a co-owner at the track for more than 27 years, said at the City Hall press conference. "That's why they'll have an election, and that's a decision that's up to them. Far be it from me to tell them what they can do. We'll live with whatever that answer is."

Within minutes of word that East Boston had resoundingly voted down the Suffolk Downs casino plan, however, track officials were already talking to the press about plans to develop the casino on the Revere side of its property. But the law required that the proposal earn an affirmative vote in both communities to advance, and Myers said the democratic process may be at stake if the Commission chooses not to respect her neighborhood's vote. 

In addition to its legal analysis of a revised Mohegan Sun casino, No Eastie Casino in its written comments to the Commission also called on Chairman Stephen Crosby to recuse himself from any further deliberations or decisions pertaining to a casino in Eastern Massachusetts. Last week, the Boston Globe reported that Crosby had waited more than 10 months to disclose a decades-long personal and business connection to the co-owner of the Everett parcel where Steve Wynn has proposed a casino. Crosby also has admitted to being a longtime acquaintance of Suffolk Downs' O'Donnell, with whom he played football at Harvard.

In calling for Crosby to recuse himself from Region A casino deliberations, the group refers to a statute in the Massachusetts General Law that prohibits even the appearance of  impropriety or bias with regard to public officials.

"We believe it is imperative that Mr. Crosby comply with the terms of the conflicts law and make public a letter outlining in detail why no reasonable person can conclude that his participation meets the test of the law," No Eastie Casino's comment states. "That letter should be approved by his appointing authority, prior to his taking any further action on this matter."

The Gaming Commission will take up the issue of a Mohegan Sun casino in Revere at its meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m., in room 151 of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Casino opponents from Revere and East Boston will be present at the meeting, as will spokespeople from No Eastie Casino.

East Boston and Revere Clergy Call on Gaming Commission to Respect Nov. 5 ‘No’ Vote, Law in Revere Casino Decision

From Friends of East Boston:

A network of more than thirty ministers in East Boston are standing in solidarity with fellow clergy in Revere calling for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to adhere to the law regarding the outcome of the Nov. 5 referendum in East Boston and Revere.

On Tuesday, the Commission is expected to decide whether a proposal for a Revere-only casino can move forward without a new host community agreement and vote – despite a new applicant, a new location, and a definitive “no” vote in East Boston on Nov. 5.

In a letter and press conference Monday morning, the group says the Suffolk Downs casino proposal was officially ruled dead when East Boston voters struck it down.

"On Nov. 5, a total of 7,637 East Boston citizens voted, and of those, 4,283 voted ‘no’ to that ballot question," the group wrote in a letter to be submitted to the Gaming Commission Monday morning.   "Elected officials from Revere and officials from Suffolk Racecourse, LLC are attempting to deny the clear intent of the Boston Host Community Agreement and the East Boston ballot question and ultimately subvert the very democratic process that has been foundational for our Commonwealth.  We call upon the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to recognize the truth that this proposal was never about a casino in East Boston or Revere."

A joint press conference organized by ministers in East Boston and Revere – representing multiple faith traditions and ethnic heritages – will be held on Monday, December 9, at Tabernaculo Evangelico de las Asambleas de Dios, 957 Broadway, Revere, at 11 a.m.

"What the Mass Gaming Commission appears poised to do is an absolute outrage,” says Rev. Dr. David Searles of Central Assembly of God in East Boston, "and we will not stand by idly while our community is assaulted by this illegal proposal and the ideals of democracy are threatened by powerful interest groups."

For media inquiries, attend the press conference Monday or contact Trent Sheppard at 816.719.8746,  friendsofeastboston@gmail.com, or at www.friendsofeastboston.com.



*****


Letter to Be Submitted to Gaming Commission



09 December 2013



To the Members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission,

We are writing on behalf of the Friends of East Boston, a network of more than thirty local ministers who believe our community deserves better than a casino, and on behalf of other individuals and communities of faith in Revere who share that same vision.

On November 5 the people of East Boston exercised their rights as citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by voting on a host community agreement between the city of Boston and Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC which is the owner of 161 acre parcel located in both East Boston and Revere.  The East Boston (Ward 1) ballot question said that “A NO VOTE from a majority of votes cast in this Ward referendum would prevent Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC, from proceeding with its application to obtain a gaming license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to operate a gaming establishment at the specified location.”  That specified location includes the property in both East Boston and Revere.   On Nov. 5, a total of 7,637 East Boston citizens voted, and of those, 4,283 voted “no” to that ballot question.

Senator Anthony Petruccelli, a casino proponent who represents East Boston and Revere and who helped write the law regarding the host community agreement, clearly agrees with this assessment.  He recently stated in a letter to the MGC that: “Only favorable referendum results in both host communities allow the applicant to proceed to Phase 2.  That did not happen with Sterling Suffolk's Project.  Because one host community voted in the negative, the Project proposed for Suffolk Downs is dead.”

Elected officials from Revere and officials from Suffolk Racecourse, LLC are attempting to deny the clear intent of the Boston Host Community Agreement and the East Boston ballot question and ultimately subvert the very democratic process that has been foundational for our Commonwealth.  We call upon the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to recognize the truth that this proposal was never about a casino in East Boston or Revere.  To accept the premise that this process includes an option of a casino in Revere only is to pretend that the Boston Host Community Agreement did not exist, that the East Boston ballot did not exist, and ultimately that the East Boston vote did not exist.  We call upon the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to do the right thing and deny the post November 5 proposal for a casino on the Revere only property of Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC. 

A full list of East Boston and Revere signees – representing various faith traditions, ethnic heritages and congregations – will be available Monday.

Speaker on "psychic intuitives," MaryLee Trettenero at BPL 12/5

Malden/East Boston Youth Hockey Wrap-up Week 7

December is here and it’s prime time for hockey. Don’t forget that the new session of our Learn-to-Skate and Play Hockey classes begin on January 12th and make a great Christmas gift. See our website for details.

Mite S (5-8 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 1, Stoneham 5
Stoneham Arena, Stoneham MA

Preston Tully made a great effort in net and Lucas Laverde scored his first youth hockey goal!

SQUIRT (9-10 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 4, Haverhill 5
Valley Forum, Malden MA

PEEWEE (11-12 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 2, Newton 6
Veterans Rink, Somerville MA

Malden/East Boston 2, Wakefield 7
Valley Forum, Malden MA

BANTAM AA (13-14 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 1, Belmont 1 
Cronin Rink, Revere MA

The Mustangs traveled to Revere on Saturday to take on the Belmont Bantam II team for a battle of first-place teams, in what turned out to be an exciting game. In the 1st period, both the Mustangs and Belmont played a physical game and both goaltenders made some key saves. The 2nd period continued to be a defensive struggle, but Belmont was able to get on the board with the first goal of the game and the period ended with Belmont leading by a score of 1-0.

The Mustangs got their legs and controlled play territorially throughout most of the 3rd period, but still could not find the back of the Belmont net. The Mustangs got called for a penalty with 1:31 remaining in the game.  Although they would end up having to finish the game shorthanded, they did not give up. With 47 seconds remaining in the game, Mike Giordano took a pass from John Spadafora, eluded two Belmont defenders, and beat the Belmont goaltender to tie the score at 1-1.  The game ended in dramatic fashion, as Belmont remained on the power play until time expired. Thomas Guarino made several key saves to earn the tie and help the Mustangs maintain a share of first place.

BANTAM AAA (13-14 Years Old)

Malden/East Boston 1, Belmont 2 
Cronin Rink, Revere MA

The 1st period had the Belmont boys forcing a lot of work on the M.E.B. defense. M.E.B. gradually stretched the rink but had a tough time getting quality shots on net. With nothing on the board, the 2nd period saw much the same as the Mustangs couldn’t bring the finesse to the table. The mood changed a bit with Anthony Cecca banging in the opening goal and giving the Mustangs some jump with a 1 goal lead entering the 3rd. Belmont capitalized on some sloppy play resulting in the equalizing goal on a nice tic-tac-toe passing play by the opposition. This really brought the struggling home team down a notch and with minutes left to play, Belmont cut out into the front of the M.E.B. net untouched and banged home the game winning basket. This was the M.E.B. Bantam AAA’s 1st regular season loss. Great goaltending Anthony Giuliano who played despite being under the weather, making some big saves but no excuses for this loss.

If you or someone you know has a child who wants to play hockey, we have open enrollment. For more information visit http://www.mebhockey.com/  
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Meridian Street library plaque to be moved after all; victory for preservationists in East Boston!

Here's the latest on the plaque issue at the Bremen Street Library from Maddy McComiskey:

Just a happy note to let everyone know that Copley has consented to installing the Meridian St. Library Plaque in our beautiful new library as a momentous reminder of the fact that the first public branch library in the City of Boston and in fact the country was in East Boston. It is a great day for history and heritage of the Boston Public Library at the East Boston Branch Library. "It is a great time to be a Friend of the Library.

Earlier Christine Schonhart, Director of Branch Libraries for the BPL, wrote Maddy McComiskey of the East Boston Friends of the Libraries.

Maddy,

We have the plaque and I'm sure we can find a place for it at the new branch. I will ask our Facilities department to begin that process. It was certainly not a slight to the East Boston history, only that we had only discussed adding the Druker plaque to the quiet reading room and had not planned for the East Boston plaque. But we can make it happen in the quiet reading room...

Sincerely,
Christine Schonart

Here's a picture of the plaque!

Patrons upset at the failure to move historic plaque from Meridian Street library to new one at Bremen Street

[Editor's note: The following letter was sent to the city of Boston's Public Library department by the East Boston Friends.]

I am writing you because I am troubled about the decision not to include the Meridian St. outdoor Plaque in the new library.  (I don't want to hear there wasn't any room.)

I was in the library looked around and was pleased the plaque from Orient Heights was installed prominently in the adult reading room.

Much to my chagrin after looking around at the entire library I realized the Meridian St. Plaque was not anywhere I could see.  I asked the librarians where it might be thinking perhaps it was on an outside wall.  I was told it was at Copley in the archives.  Really!

Over and Over this plaque was mentioned as something that should be installed at the new library.  I really do not remember who I myself spoke to about it.  All I know is it was mentioned.  From now on that will make me put everything in witting.

Anyway I feel that again the opportunity to promote the history and heritage of East Boston's legacy of being East Boston's first branch Library in the country has been put put in the archive at Copley.  That plaque distinctly mentions that the First Branch Library in the country was in East Boston.  I strongly feel the plaque should be retrieved and installed at the new library for generations of East Bostonians to be proud of.

I am writing this as a citizen of East Boston.  Believe me I am not the only one that feels this way. 

John Riberio, myself, and Susan Brauner would like to meet with you at your office or at the new library this coming Friday.  Let me know how that is for you.

Maddy

Wrap up from latest meeting of the Friends of East Boston Library

[Editor's Note: The following is from  Maddy McComisey, President Friends of the Library East Boston Branch, a wrap up of its November 25th meeting.]

The Friends of the Library East Boston Branch met on Nov. 25th 2013.  We had a full agenda beginning with a request that the library implement ongoing programs presenting authors, music, culture and art for adults, teens and children.  A collaboration of local schools, dance studios, music venues (locally Zumix) playing out their art, music, writing poetry etc. Things mentioned by patrons was the desire to have many, many, many more books on the bare shelves.  Not only are the shelves bare they said, but it is hard to find books look for books because of the bending down.  It was requested something be done to heighten the existing book shelves and again more more more books.  Compared to the 65,000 available at the old libraries in East Boston, 18,000 or 20,000 books is  skimpy

Commenting on the library everyone agreed it was a beautiful building and state of the art and it will win a prize but commented the adult reading room is small.  Where are rest of the the paintings (FLK)? How come there aren't any young children's tables and chairs? And where are the local artists and schools going to display their work?  There isn't a good display system anywhere in the library.  A good quality permanent hardware system to hang and display exhibits could be installed throughout the library.  It wouldn't be nice to hammer nails to hang a display.

Friends of the Library need an ongoing book sale.  Friends needs this to help fund the $400.00 Zoo passes every year.  Patrons like to buy books on the cheep.  Who doesn't like a bargain?

The community needs a large bulletin board in the front of the building.  Our community likes to know what is going on.

These comments were put together from comments from patrons who have called, stopped us in the street, walked to our houses to let us know what they thought because they know we are affiliated with the library somehow.  Patrons have commented on what they see and would like to have fixed.

We ended the meeting with the Friends agreeing to contact the people in command to request these things be fixed or implemented as soon as possible.