Check out What’s Happening at the East Boston Branch Library in August!

Meet a Park Ranger
Wednesday, August 1st at 2 p.m.
Join us and a Park Ranger for a family-friendly afternoon! Read a book with a Park Ranger, become a Junior Ranger, and learn more about Boston Harbor Now's Library Pass Program. 

Summer Eats at the East Boston Branch Library
Monday-Friday, lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m. and snack 3:30-4:30

This summer, children and teens can enjoy free, healthy meals at the East Boston Branch Library through the Summer Eats Food Service Program. Children are also invited to join in the fun at the library during this time which includes Read Boston on Mondays in July and drop-in arts and crafts and board games Tuesday through Friday in July and Monday-Friday in August.

A nutritious snack will also be served at 3:30 p.m.each weekday.

Summer Eats will provide nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and under through the federal Summer Food Service Program. Working in partnership with local communities, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Project Bread – a leading statewide anti-hunger organization – support Summer Eats programs across the state to reach as many children and teens as possible.


Break-dancing with the Floor Lords Crew
Saturday, August 11th from 1-4 p.m.

The Floor Lords Crew will be showcasing the foundational  steps and history of hip-hop culture in Boston here at the East Boston Branch at 1:00pm on Saturday August 11th @ 1:00pm!
The Floor Lords was established in 1981 at the adolescence of the Hip-hop culture. Two groups formed into one, to create a powerhouse crew. Since then, they have played a significant role in the growth of Hip-hop culture, contributing wholeheartedly by helping to define and ultimately expand upon the art of break dancing or more commonly known as “B-boying” around the world. 

Historic New England:  The Magic of Music:  Melba’s Triumph
Friday, August 10th at 3 p.m.


Historic New England invites students to explore the life of Melba Liston. Using the book, Little Melba and her Big Trombone, students will meet Melba, an extraordinary jazz trombonist who faced numerous challenges in her life to create toe-tapping tunes. Students will look at instruments from the past, listen to Melba’s music, and create a musical instrument to take home with them.
For ages 6-12.


Senior Sock Hop
Thursday, August 16th from 1-4 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes and travel back in time to the 1940’s and 50’s! Strike a pose at our  photo booth, test your knowledge of all things 50’s in a fun trivia game and dance the afternoon away!

Boston Carmen’s Union Endorses Greg Henning for Suffolk County DA

Henning Seeks to Replace Outgoing Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley

BOSTON – Candidate for Suffolk County District Attorney Greg Henning today announced that he has received the endorsement of the Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents over 6,000 MBTA bus drivers, subway and light rail operators, repairers, maintenance-of-way staff, and other MBTA union transit professionals.

“Greg Henning has a long track record with a proven commitment to public safety and a depth of experience that will be an asset to the working men and women of Suffolk County,” said James O’Brien, President of the Boston Carmen’s Union. “The Boston Carmen’s Union is proud to endorse Greg for Suffolk County District Attorney.”

“The hard-working men and women of the Boston Carmen’s Union do challenging work every single day to keep our city moving, and I’m deeply honored to have their support,” said Greg Henning. “Bus drivers and other MBTA workers often see the effects of gun violence in our neighborhoods, and they’re regularly the first public officials to respond to opioid overdoses. As DA, I’ll be dedicated to keeping our neighborhoods safe by combating these two epidemics, while building trust within every community in Suffolk County. I’m thankful to have the Carmen’s Union supporting my vision of a safer, more vibrant Suffolk County.”

The Democratic Primary for the open race to replace outgoing Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley is on Tuesday, September 4, and the General Election is on Tuesday, November 6.

About Greg Henning

For ten years, Greg has worked as an assistant district attorney in the Suffolk County DA’s office, including time as head of the Gun Prosecution Task Force and as head of the Gang Unit, which is focused on shootings and other violent crimes in Suffolk County. In addition to his work at the DA’s office, Greg built a reputation as a beloved teacher and mentor in the community, and his career has been marked by a deep passion for reaching young people.

In 2009, Greg started volunteering, coaching, and tutoring at College Bound Dorchester. He left the DA’s office in 2011 to become a teacher at Boston Preparatory Charter Public School in Hyde Park, teaching eighth grade English and twelfth grade constitutional law. Even after he returned to the DA’s office in 2013, he remained a consistent part of his students’ lives.

Greg grew up in Boston, graduated from Harvard in 2002 with a degree in Government, and received his juris doctorate in 2005 from the University of Virginia School of Law. He completed a clerkship for the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Macon, Georgia, before returning to Boston to begin work as a prosecutor. Greg lives in Dorchester with his girlfriend, who is a special education teacher in Boston.

You can read more about Greg Henning and his vision for Suffolk County at his website www.greghenning.com.

Source: Henning campaign 7/26/2018

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project Work Begins Next Week

July 26 through August 11: MassDOT will replace westbound side of the bridge

Intensive construction operations will mean significant travel impacts throughout the region

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding members of the public that significant travel impacts will begin next week as part of the intensive construction operations to replace the westbound side of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

On the evening of Thursday, July 26, a section of Commonwealth Avenue and the Boston University Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, and MBTA bus detours for the CT2 and 47 routes will go into effect. The MBTA Green B Line will be replaced by shuttle buses at the start of service on Friday, July 27, and lane reductions on I-90 in Boston will then begin later that evening.

Crews will start demolishing the westbound side of the bridge on the morning of Saturday, July 28. The MBTA Commuter Rail Worcester/Framingham line and the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited line will be replaced by bus shuttles throughout the weekend, and during the following weekend, in order to ensure adequate room for operations. The new westbound side of the bridge will then be constructed with steel beams, prefabricated concrete deck panels, and asphalt by August 11.

(A photograph taken in summer 2017 of MassDOT’s construction operations to replace to the eastbound side of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.)

This $110 million bridge replacement project, which would take an estimated four to five years using conventional techniques with significant lane-takings and service disruptions, is scheduled for completion in 2019 under the accelerated plans. The westbound side of the bridge will be constructed this summer using 3 cranes that weigh 600 tons each. Crews will utilize this equipment to put in place 45 steel beams and 214 pre-fabricated concrete deck panels along with 680 cubic yards of concrete and 520 tons of hot mix asphalt.

The full upcoming travel impacts will be as follows:

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Pedestrians and bicyclists will have access across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge on the eastbound side throughout construction.

Download the Blue Bikes app on the App Store or Google Play to find a station near you. For a limited time, Blue Bikes is dropping their Single Trip Pass to $1 from July 26 - August 11, available in the Blue Bikes app.

MassDOT is also partnering with the City of Boston to provide an additional temporary Blue Bikes station at Silber Way on Commonwealth Ave during the construction period.

For more information, visit www.bluebikes.com. 


Drivers

Commonwealth Avenue

Commonwealth Avenue (between Packard’s Corner and Kenmore Square) will be closed to vehicular through traffic (local access only) from 7:00 p.m. on July 26 to 5:00 a.m. on August 11. 

Access through this area will be maintained for local businesses and customers, residents, MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists during this time.

See the “Commonwealth Avenue Closure Detour” on the Traffic Management page. 

Boston University (BU) Bridge

The BU Bridge will be closed to vehicular and bus traffic from 7:00 p.m. on July 26, to 5:00 a.m. on August 11. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and bicyclists only.

See the “Boston University (BU) Bridge Closure Detour” on the Traffic Management page.

I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike

From 9:00 p.m., on July 27, to 5:00 a.m., on August 6, I-90 (between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass in Boston) will have no more than two lanes open in each direction during peak hours. 

I-90 in this area will be further reduced to one lane in each direction at various times during off-peak, weekend, and weekday overnight hours.

The I-90 eastbound on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldiers Field Road will be closed during this entire period.

• The I-90 westbound Exit 20 off-ramp to Brighton/Cambridge will be closed intermittently.
• I-90 will fully restored to four lanes in both directions at 5:00 a.m., on August 6. 
• See the “I-90 (Mass Pike) Ramp Closures Detour” on the Traffic Management page.

 Memorial Drive

 ·         The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will allow vehicular traffic on Memorial Drive in Cambridge on Sunday, July 29, and Sunday, August 5, in order to minimize impacts on local roadways and allow for safe and reliable travel throughout the area.

 ·         DCR will add an additional Sunday closure of Memorial Drive in Cambridge this fall meaning vehicular traffic will not be allowed between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street from 11:00 a.m., to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 18.

Sumner Tunnel

The additional “swing lane” on Route 1A southbound at the Sumner Tunnel will have extended hours so that it is opened at 3 p.m., on Friday, July 27, and will remain open through 5 a.m., Monday, July 30.

The swing lane will then be opened daily from 1 p.m., through 10 p.m., between Monday July 30, and Thursday, August 2.

The swing lane will also be opened at1 p.m., Friday, August 3, and will remain open through 5 a.m., Monday, August 6.

I-93 HOV Lane

The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will be open during the normal morning hours of 5 a.m., through 10 a.m., from Monday, July 30, through Friday, August 3.

The HOV lane will open early for the afternoon commute at 2 p.m., from Monday, July 30, through Thursday, August 2, and will then open at 1 p.m., on Friday, August 3.

MBTA Green B Line

The Green B Line will be replaced with shuttle buses between Babcock Street and Blandford Street Stations from 5:00 a.m. on July 27, to 5:00 a.m., on August 11. The MBTA will be providing regular service updates to customers.

MBTA Commuter Rail

The Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line will operate regular service on weekdays.

On the weekends of July 28-29 and August 4-5, bus shuttles will replace Commuter Rail service in this area.

Free bus shuttles will replace Commuter Rail train service between Framingham and Wellesley Farms. After Wellesley Farms, the shuttle bus will then continue nonstop to Riverside, where riders can connect to the Green D Line. 

In addition to the local shuttles, express shuttle service will be available between Framingham and Riverside.

MBTA Bus

MBTA Bus Routes CT2 and 47 will be detoured from their normal routes from 7:00 p.m. on July 26, to 5:00 a.m. on August 11. These detours are expanded from the 2017 detour routes due to the closure of the Boston University Bridge this summer to all vehicles including MBTA buses.

The Route 57 Bus will operate its normal route and will not make outbound stops in the construction area.

See the “2018 MBTA CT2 and 47 Bus Detour Map” on the Traffic Management page.


Amtrak

Amtrak’s Lakeshore Limited Line will be replaced by shuttle buses between South Station and Albany, NY for the weekends of July 28-29 and August 4-5.


MassDOT asks for the community’s help to reduce traffic volume in the area as much as possible. MassDOT encourages the public to consider:

• REDUCE – Work with employers on flex time or telecommuting as an alternative to travel during this time period. Take your summer vacations during this time and avoid traveling through the area if at all possible
• REROUTE – Plan alternative travel routes around this construction area during the times mentioned.
• REMODE – Consider using alternate modes of transportation which may include public transit, walking or biking.

The Baker-Polito Administration appreciates the cooperation and patience of the traveling public as core transportation infrastructure is improved. Members of the public are encouraged to utilize the appropriate technology tools including mass511.com, our GoTime travel app, and other wayfinding resources to find the most appropriate route, mode, and timing of travel during our construction operations.

Individuals are encouraged to sign up for email notices to receive public meeting notices, construction updates and traffic alerts. The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project website also contains specific details and maps and individuals can contact MassDOT with questions at: CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us

Committee on Planning, Development

Mark the date! Wakefield's "Festival Italia" set for Sat., August 18

EVERYONE’S INVITED TO FESTIVAL ITALIA 2018

Mark your calendar  August 18th – Festival Italia

Plans are being formulated  to put on another free, fun, family-friendly event featuring food, music, entertainment, children’s’ event and more.  

To date the Wakefield Community Partnership has planned the following:  

• Boys & Girls Club will sponsor a Kids’ Zone at the Lincoln St. Parking Lot;
• Street performers will be entertaining along Main & Albion Streets;
• Hartshorne/Curley Insurance will set up a kids area across from their office on Albion St.;
• LaPiazza, hosted by the Wakefield Community Partnership, will be set up in front of The Savings Bank, a great place to meet up with friends and family; 
• Three stages will be featuring music.  
• The popular train ride will return, as well as the Wheel of Chance. 

Merchants and organizations will be set up along Main St. and Albion St.
Food Vendors are still welcome to  participate in this event, contact us at info@wakefieldcommunitypartnership.com 

Check our new website at www.wakefieldcommunitypartnership.org  to stay updated.  
The WCP is always looking for volunteers to help out the day of the festival. Send us an email to Volunteer@wakefieldcommunitypartnership.org  

Gove Street Citizens Association Meeting Set for July 23

Gove Street Citizens Association Monthly Meeting Agenda 

Monday, July 23, 6:30-8:30pm
Catherine Leonard-McLean Community Room  
(formerly Noddle Island Community Room) 
Logan Airport Rental Car Center

1. Welcome & Project Updates

2. GSCA Updates: Project tracker, website  

3. City of Boston Office Neighborhood Services Updates 

4. Project Presentations

• a. 197-207 Maverick Street  This project consists of the demolition of the existing commercial structure containing Maverick Street Market (ask 205 Maverick) and construction of a new 5 story, community based redevelopment (without displacement) containing a new home for the existing marketing and potential laundromat operation, if desired, along with 55 residential units and 34 off-street parking spaces. Attorney Joe Hanley.  
• b. 175 Orleans Street This project consists of the rehabilitation of the historic structure at 175 Orleans Street into a 127 room hotel. The rehab will include one additional story and 65 parking spaces with retail space on the bottom level. The owners will be present to provide updates on the status of this project.  

Next Meeting date: Monday, August 27, 2018

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

At the border: Capuano: What President Trump Wants Us to Forget

by Congressman Michael E. Capuano

By now, nearly every American has seen the terrible images of children being torn from their families, heard the sound of children begging immigration officers to call their relatives. Those images and sounds are the truth of what has been happening at our border because of Donald Trump’s despicable and immoral immigration policies. Now, the Administration officials who said they could easily reunite children and parents are failing to meet a court order to do so, because it turns out they can’t do what they said.

I traveled to the Texas border a few weeks ago to get more information about what the federal government is doing to families there. Along with Congressional colleagues, I traveled to the Centralized Processing Center in McAllen, Texas, where those who are detained at the border are first sent. We went to the McAllen Border Patrol Station and Intake Facility, where officials monitor the border and detain individuals. We went to the Port Isabel ICE Detention Center, where detainees are kept. 

We visited the “processing center,” as it’s called, and saw rows and rows of  silver Mylar blankets, with small figures lying underneath. Children. We saw a half-used box of diapers sitting out. Some of the children being taken from their parents are no more than infants. 

When I was in Texas, I saw children in cages, scared and confused. These children will suffer lifelong trauma and consequences as a direct result of Donald Trump’s hateful policies. The detainees I saw were terrified and confused. Many did not know where their children were. Some knew where their children were being held but had not spoken to them in a long time. No one knew when they might see their children again. And no officials could answer our questions on how families would be brought back together. 

Today, Donald Trump would like that all swept under the rug. Hesitantly, and with great delay, his administration is reuniting select families. This is not enough, and it’s not acceptable. Donald Trump wants us to forget about the horrors created by his policies -- but we can’t and we must not. I will not stop working to bring each and every family back together. That’s why I attended a rally in Boston the day after I stepped off the plane from Texas, why I joined protesters during the Keep Families Together march, and why I’ve been sharing what I’ve seen with you. 

Bearing witness to this trauma isn’t enough – pointing out that what’s happening is wrong doesn’t stop it. That’s why we need policy change, and why I have introduced legislation to stop the deportation of families at the border and reunite separated families quickly. To be clear, it won’t be easy to pass anything in the Republican-controlled Congress. It will be a battle. But it is a battle we absolutely must fight. 

We must continue to stand up to Donald Trump and make sure this policy ends and never happens again. Without all of us standing up to Donald Trump and fighting for what is right, nothing will change. We must pressure the party in charge -- the Republicans -- into listening to America’s conscience. Ripping families apart is, simply put, evil. I will do everything in my power to bring these families back together. Together, we will end this policy and make a difference. Trump’s horrible policies deny who and what we are as a nation, our deepest held values and beliefs. We are a nation of immigrants, stronger because of it.

Submitted by the campaign on Congressman Mike Capuano, July 13, 2018.

Eastie Week 2018: July 7 - July 15

Eastie Week is celebrating its 5th Year Anniversary of highlighting East Boston’s people, community, culture, and history. Join us for over a week of free and low-cost public programming ranging from Community Cruises, cultural events showcasing the neighborhood’s music, food & culture!

Details here.

Fr. John Nazzaro Receives New Assignment from Salesian Provincial

(East Boston - July 11, 2018) Fr. Tim Zak, Provincial of the Salesians of St. John Bosco last month informed Fr. John Nazzaro of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club that he will be transferred officially to Don Bosco Prep High in Ramsey, N.J. in August.  Before assuming his new responsibilities, he will be attending classes at the Chicago Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois.  

Fr. John has been associated in a variety of responsibilities at the Salesian Boys Girls Club in the past 35 years, more recently as Executive Director for the past 11 years.  

Fr. John expressed his deep filled gratitude for the young people and the business community who have supported the club.  “I have received much more than I have given to the community of East Boston and its surrounding areas,” Fr. John Said.  Fr. John expressed his appreciation to God for not only allowing him to be a youth leader in the Community but also as Salesian Priest who has ministered to this community through Baptisms, marriages, reconciliation, counseling and unfortunately many funerals. “I love this community and I truly love being a Priest. If I was not a Salesian I would never have had the opportunity to work with young people over these past 35 years.  East Boston is my home and I will miss a lot of the wonderful people I have worked with as well as a lot of my old friends.”

Fr. John grew up on Falcon Street and has great memories of the Presto, Mario, Baglio, Scalifani and the DiMarco families who made Eastie special to grow up in.  As kids we were a band of brothers hanging out, playing sports and memories that have lasted a life time.

As a young person going to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club and Dom Savio High School I fell in love with the Salesian Spirit and the traditions of its founder, St. John Bosco.  As a boy a Salesian Brother gave me a book “Wolves to Lambs, it was about how St. John Bosco changed young people from wolves to lambs by being kind to them and giving them a safe place to play.  Once I finished that book I was ready to save the world.  Over the years even though its not been easy I feel we have changed a lot of young people’s lives at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club.  Legends like Fr. Sid, Fr. Bob, Dave Ferrara and Wally Bowe just to name a few had a tremendous impact on my life.

Fr. Tim Zak has expressed his commitment to the community of East Boston by committing 5 Salesians to live at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club.  

This past January Fr. John announced that the Salesian Boys & Girls Club’s Board of Trustees appointed a new Executive Director, Mr. Michael Triant.  Since January Fr. John and Mike have been working on a smooth transition for the young people, staff and the community.  “Mike is ready and able to take over the reigns as leader of our Salesian Boys & Girls Club as well as keep some of our great traditions but also bringing some fresh new ideas.  He knows the Salesian Spirit and with the help of our community the Salesian Boys & Girls Club will continue to help thousands of young people in the future, Fr. John said.”

“I would like to thank everyone who has been so supportive of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, the Salesian Community and to me personally.  I leave East Boston a very rich man.  Not monetarily but because I have met so many wonderful people who have Graced me by their presence.” 

“Our job in helping young people will never be done.  Transitioning young people from Wolves to Lambs still is a challenge and we need your help. I am truly grateful to my Earthly family, my Salesian Family and my Salesian Boys & Girls Club family.   I am so Blessed these years to be able to come home and experience a little bit of heaven in my life.  If there is any gift people would like to give me or an expression of thanksgiving please continue to support the Salesian Boys & Girls Club.”

-30-

Boston East Gallery Grand Opening Set for July 26

https://t.co/90J7WJi8G6 My 1981 article on Kevin White's "Block Grants and Payroll Charlies" from the libertarian INQUIRY magazine. How the White machine worked in #EastBoston pic.twitter.com/lSzjDPzBxl

— Frank Conte (@EBDotCom) July 5, 2018

Progressives Logroll Themselves Out of a Pro-Tax Constitutional Amendment … But For How Long? | NewBostonPost

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s recent rebuke to supporters of a graduated income tax amendment showed how progressives failed to understand the checks and balances of the state’s constitution —conceived admirably by John Adams and amended narrowly and —perhaps ironically —by turn-of-the-20th-century Progressives. 

The ruling was a stinging defeat for Raise Up Massachusetts, the union-backed coalition that spearheaded the petition drive, and state Attorney General Maura Healey, who certified the petition last year. Healey, and others, made clear that, even in defeat, they intend to pursue higher taxes.

Both the Attorney General and her allies expected the court to overlook the niceties of constitutional law in favor of vague sentiments such as fixing potholes and reducing income inequality. 

Read more here.