US Census: Suffolk County was the fastest growing county in Massachusetts

This just in from the US Census:

New Census Bureau Population Estimates Pinpoint Fastest-Growing Counties in Massachusetts

March 24, 2016 ─ The U.S. Census Bureau reported today on where the heaviest population growth in Massachusetts was concentrated last year.

The fastest-growing county in Massachusetts between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015, was Suffolk county, whose population rose 1.1 percent over the period. Suffolk county was followed by Nantucket (1 percent), Middlesex (0.8 percent), Essex (0.7 percent) and Plymouth (0.7 percent).

With respect to numerical growth, Middlesex county added 12,616 people over the period, more than any other county in the state. It was followed by Suffolk, which grew by 8,312 people, Essex (5,557), Worcester (3,991) and Plymouth (3,343).           

Middlesex is the most populous county in Massachusetts, with 1,585,139 residents, followed by Worcester and Suffolk.

This information is based on annual population estimates for each of the nation’s counties, county equivalents, metropolitan statistical areas, and micropolitan statistical areas since the 2010 Census and up to July 1, 2015. Internet tables are available showing rankings and components of population change (births, deaths, migration).

Link: MA

State Senate Candidate Diana Hwang Delivers Over 1,000 Petitions to Save Late Night T Service

(BOSTON- March 23, 2016) State senate candidate Diana Hwang delivered almost 1,100 petitions yesterday to the MBTA’s Fiscal Management Control Board urging them to restore late night T service.  The service’s last night of operation was Friday, even after a decision by the control board to cut the service drew criticism from Federal officials for failing to determine if cutting the service would unfairly impact low income communities and people of color.

Two weeks ago, Hwang, along with State Senators Linda Dorcena Forry and Sonia Chang-Díaz who have endorsed her candidacy, called on the control board to complete their equity analysis before closing the service.  The analysis, which was completed last week, showed exactly what Hwang, Forry and Chang-Díaz suspected – that it will have a disparate impact on low income and minority residents.

“Over a thousand people joined me today in saying ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to decisions being made behind close doors that hurt our communities,” said Diana Hwang.  “There are so many residents in the 1st Suffolk and Middlesex district who rely on the T operating at later hours on the weekend so they can go to and from work.  People feel like they aren’t being listened to, and that they need a voice in the halls of power.  That’s why I’m running for State Senate.”


Delivered with the over one thousand petitions from residents was the following letter:


March 21, 2016

Dear Members of the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board:

The MBTA’s financial difficulties are well-known and documented. We have a history, as a state, of under-investing in public transportation and last year’s deplorable service interruptions brought this issue to a painful head.  I certainly appreciate the difficult work you are doing to rectify the situation and I fully support raising the revenue we need for public transportation by increasing the tax rate on millionaires.

However, I feel strongly that we cannot cut MBTA costs at the expense of the hard working men and women who use late-night service to travel to and from the jobs they desperately need to feed and shelter their families. Your own equity analysis showed that these cuts hurt low-income riders the most. East Boston is ground zero for this concern.  It is physically impossible for late-shift workers who work downtown or in other parts of the city to walk home to East Boston after their shift ends.  And a cab ride can cost them hours of pay.  Late-night service shouldn’t be a luxury. Rather than eliminating it on weekends we should be working towards expanding it to weekdays.

Recently, I urged the MBTA to reconsider and now, more than 1000 individuals have joined me by signing a petition asking you to do the same (see an enclosed list of their names).   I ask that you do whatever you can to accommodate the transportation needs of those who so desperately rely on recently terminated late night service.

Sincerely,

Diana Hwang

Candidate for State Senate, 1st Suffolk & Middlesex District

Diana Hwang, a Democrat of East Boston, is a candidate for State Senate for 1st Suffolk and Middlesex representing Chinatown, Downtown, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, parts of Cambridge and North Suffolk County including East Boston, Winthrop and Revere.  The special election democratic primary is on Tuesday, April 12.

Source:  Cayce McCabe
press@dianaforsenate.com

Morabito opens up headquarters in Orient Heights

(EAST BOSTON - March 23) On Saturday, March 19th., Steve Morabito, candidate for state senator of the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, opened his campaign headquarters in Orient Heights East Boston at 1002 Bennington St. Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Steve celebrated this joyous occasion as an important step in his campaign to be elected to the state senate. East Boston is an area where Steve has held signs, knocked on doors, met with members of the business community as well as attended countless community meetings. He has been overwhelmed by the reception he has received from the people of East Boston as well as the people of Cambridge-port, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, the North End, Chinatown, Winthrop and of course, the people of his hometown, Revere.

During this campaign, Steve has listened carefully to the concerns and suggestions of the people throughout the district. From the problem of gangs and violence in East Boston to the horrendous situation with opiates everywhere he has been, he has been able to gather a great deal of information that will be helpful to him when he  serves in the state senate. While many of these issues do not come before the city council, as vice president of that body he has often thought that he could help more people as a state senator. Helping people is the very essence of public service and this is what motivated Councillor Steven Morabito to enter public service.

Steve would like to invite all the citizens of the district to visit his newly opened campaign headquarters in Orient Heights and looks forward to meeting as many people from the First Suffolk and Middlesex District as possible. He asks that anyone with a suggestion, a concern, or an idea to reach out and contact him.

March 28: The Gove Street Citizens Association Meeting

EDUCATION / PRESENTATION 

• Meet & Greet the Democratic Candidates for the First Suffolk and Middlesex District State Senate seat.
• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• 202 Maverick Street – Proposal for a 23 Multi-Unit Residential Dwelling with 20 parking spaces
• (2nd appearance and vote) – Attorney Richard Lynds

MEETING DATE: Monday, March 28, 2016

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Rental Car Center at 15 Transportation  Way

DRIVING – Free event parking available in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building

WALKING - Situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel. 
 Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at the above location.

New Book: "The Boston Economy" Understanding and Accessing One of the World’s Greatest Job Markets (2016 edition)

(BOSTON, MA- March 21, 2016)  Boston, Mass. — Boston’s strong economy and the opportunities it offers for college students and job seekers is the focus of a new book by George Donnelly, former editor of the Boston Business Journal.

THE BOSTON ECONOMY: Understanding and Accessing One of the World’s Greatest Job Markets explores the makeup and outlook in the Boston region’s various sectors, including startups, biotech, health care, commercial real estate, and professional services. It also provides advice from area executives and recent graduates on gaining a foothold in the Boston economy and examines key economic policy challenges for Boston and Massachusetts.

“Boston has one of the strongest and most balanced economies in the country, but most of its activity is a mystery to its students and recent grads,” Donnelly said. “Boston excels at many things, but not at promoting its own economy to the next-generation workforce living right under its nose. My book is a first-of-its-kind resource for people to better grasp and take advantage of our dynamic and rapidly changing economy.”

Among the topics covered in The Boston Economy:

• Fascinating local startups and how to join one;
• Understanding Boston’s changing marketing and media industry;
• Boston’s growing role as an international business hub;
• Opportunities and challenges in financial services;
• Understanding the leading biotechs and the science behind their success;
• Who’s who in the Boston business scene;
• Challenges to Boston’s growth: Transportation, housing and workforce development issues.

The Boston Economy is an invaluable resource for exploring both the granular detail and big-picture themes of a vibrant business scene.  Published by Boston Economy Publishing Inc., the book is available via www.bostoneconomy.com or on Amazon. 

Contact author George Donnelly at gdonnelly@bostoneconomy.com or at 781-223-4389.

April 23-April 24: East Boston Open Studios at Atlantic Works Gallery

(EAST BOSTON- March 20, 2016) The 16th annual East Boston Open Studios will be held on Saturday April 23rd from noon to 6pm and on Sunday April 24th from noon to 6pm. Over 30 artist studios and the Atlantic Works Gallery exhibiting the Boston Biennial, will be open at the Atlantic Works artist building at 80 Border Street.

You are invited to tour the artist's building and talk to the artists, see them at work and learn about art. Original artwork including jewelry, sculpture, figurative and abstract painting, pottery, drawings and photography will be for sale in all price ranges.

Participating Open Studios artists in the Atlantic Works building include; Cindy Bishop, Domenic Chavez, Chris Chou, Nick Costopoulos, Darlene DeVita, Rick Dorff, Jessica Dungan, Jason Fitz-Gerald, Kevin Frances, Jesse Kahn, Kim Kent, Maureen Kirra, Jaime Min, Diane Modica, Liz Nofzinger, Maureen O'Connor, Moni Oolyonghai, Jane O'Reilly, Juliann Rubijono, June Krinsky Rudder, Sarah Rushford, Anna Salmeron, Carmen Sasso, Loretta Shoemaker, Larry Volk, and Jaye Woodstock.

During Open Studios weekend you can also sample artwork, music and performances at these other neighborhood locations: ZUMIX at 260 Sumner Street, Harbor Arts @ the Shipyard at 256 Marginal Street.
 

If you have not yet discovered East Boston, you are in for a treat. The Boston Writer blog says "...East Boston is an easy point of access to downtown Boston, a community of vibrant businesses, tasty restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and gorgeous parks". East Boston Open Studios is organized by the East Boston Artists Group, a volunteer organization made up of artists living and working in East Boston. The group sponsors arts events throughout the East Boston neighborhood including an Open House and Holiday Sale in December. The Open Studios event is supported by a grant from the East Boston Foundation with administrative support from ZUMIX. Come see what makes East Boston shine: the art, the people, and the vitality of life on Boston Harbor.
 
The Atlantic Works building is a quick 5-minute walk from the Maverick Station on the Blue Line. If driving, there is plenty of free on-street parking.
 
For more information and directions, visit our website at www.eastbostonartists.org. You can email us at eastbostonartistsgroup@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook @East Boston Artists Group or on Twitter @eastbostonart.

April 7: East Boston Social Centers Pizza & Comedy Night in Saugus

PIZZA AND COMEDY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

All proceeds to benefit the East Boston Social Centers’ programs

Thursday, April 7, 2016 - 6:30 PM
Please RSVP by April 4th – no tickets sold at door!

Prince Pizzeria, Restaurant & Bar
Route One South, Saugus

Tickets: $30
Purchase online at: http://ebsoc.org/events
Includes: unlimited cheese pizza, soda,
and a comedy show featuring:

Lenny Clarke

Johnny Pizzi

Artie Januario

Dave Russo

DALSO - Raffle for Gift Cards to Restaurants, Events and Services,
Baskets and many more prizes TBA!
Chances 10 for $20
(Need not be present to win)

(There will also be a 50/50 Raffle at the event)
For Information or Tickets call MARISA at
(617) 569-3221 ext.107 (office) or 617-650-3442 (cell)
Mdipietro@ebsoc.org

Or contact any of our Social Centers Board of Directors!
You may also purchase tickets online at: http://ebsoc.org/events

Kiwanis Club to host guest speakers from Pace Elder Service Plan on March 15

The Kiwanis Club of East Boston will host guest speakers from the PACE Elder Service Plan at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center at the Kiwanis meeting set for Tuesday, March 15, starting at 6 p.m. at Spinelli’s Function Hall, Day Square in East Boston.

Trisha Diaz will lead the discussion of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) network, which enables adults age 55 and over to continue to live full and meaningful lives as their health needs change. PACE helps older adults in East Boston, the North End and surrounding communities stay healthy, active and independent in the place they call home.
      
The public is invited to attend by contacting a Kiwanis Club member, including club President-elect John Schwagerl at 617-592-6773, club Secretary Ed Coletta at 617-697-6179 or Director Marisa DiPietro at 617-650-3442.
     
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. The East Boston Kiwanis Club meets every first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Spinelli’s in Day Square, East Boston.
 
Source: Ed Coletta

April 1: Wally Bowe Fundraiser for Salesian B&G Club and EBHS

March 16: Ward 1 Democratic Committee Meeting in East Boston

(EAST BOSTON - March 4, 2016) A meeting of the Ward 1 Democratic Committee has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2016 to be held at 6:00pm at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, 150 Byron St., East Boston.

The ward caucus will elect delegates to attend a conference to vote on who will be elected to fill a vacant Male caucus seat on the Democratic State Committee for the First Suffolk & Middlesex Senate District. The conference take place on March 26 at 2:00 PM at a location to be determined.

All Democrats are welcome to attend the meeting, but only those registered as Democrats at an address within the ward as of January 31, 2016, will be eligible to be elected a delegate or to be nominated as a delegate.

This will also be an organizational meeting and will be used to elect officers for the ward committee. 

Again, all Democrats are welcome to attend. 

However, only current members of the ward committee can seek leadership positions and will be eligible to vote for officers. Those interested in becoming new members of the ward and city committees are encouraged to attend. 

Questions? Contact Ward 1 chairman Michael Sulprizio at msulprizio@comcast.net. You can also follow the Ward Committee on Twitter @wardldemsEB or "Like" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ward1dems/ 

Agenda 3/16/2016

1. calling the roll of members
2. reading the minutes of the previous meeting
3. report of the Treasurer
4. report of other officers and of committees or sub-committees
5. reading of communications
6. unfinished business - new business

•  Election of conference delegates
•  Election of officers
•  Vote on by-laws
•  First Suffolk Middlesex Senate Seat endorsement
•  Endorsement rules

    7. comment period
     8. adjournment

Source: 

Contact: Michael Sulprizio, Ward Committee Chair, 617-438-0952, msulprizio@comcast.net

State Senate Forum March 14, 2016 at JPNA

New England Regional Council of Carpenters Endorses Diana Hwang for State Senate

Source: Hwang Campaign

(Boston, MA 3/2/2016)– The New England Regional Council of Carpenters today endorsed Democrat Diana Hwang for State Senate.  Hwang, a local non-profit founder and former State House staffer, is a candidate to replace Anthony Petruccelli in the Democratic primary special election for Massachusetts’ First Suffolk and Middlesex State Senate District.

“We're proud to endorse Dianna because she understands and cares about the issues in our industry and in our members' day-to-day lives. The construction trades have traditionally provided career options with good pay and good benefits for those who aren't able or willing to follow the college path. Unfortunately, we've seen industry standards eroded as too many vulnerable workers have been the victims of contractors and an underground economy that thrives on wage theft, misclassification and dangerous worksites,” said Mark Erlich, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, New England Regional Council of Carpenters. “We're confident that Diana's knowledge and experience will help us in our fight to provide justice, safety, training and jobs with good wages and benefits for all of the workers in our industry, whether they belong to a union or not.”

“I’m a candidate for State Senate because I will be a voice for working families, which is why I’m proud to have the Carpenters by my side in this race,” Hwang remarked. “The Carpenters have been fighting for living wages, health care, quality jobs, safe working conditions and other critically important issues for many years. I have spent my career working within the system to change the system so that families like the ones represented by the Carpenters have a voice on Beacon Hill. If elected I will work as a full partner with the Carpenters on issues I know are important to both of us – and to the people of the First Suffolk & Middlesex District.”

The NERCC represents over 20,000 carpenters, pile drivers, shop & millmen, and floorcoverers working in the New England States, including all across Massachusetts. NERCC is part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, one of North America’s largest building trades unions, with nearly a half-million members in the construction and wood-products industries.

The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Diana Hwang is the founder of the Asian-American Women’s Political Initiative – the country’s first political leadership organization for young Asian-American women.  She previously served as a legislative aide in the State House and a Chief of Staff in the Boston City Council.  Diana serves as Board member of the UMass Center for Women in Politics, served as co-chair of the Boston Women’s Fund and is a founding member of Mayor Walsh’s Women’s Commission.  Diana currently lives in East Boston and previously lived in Revere.

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