Nov 3 is the day the East Boston Branch of the BPL celebrates the 5th Anniversary of its facility on Bremen Street

5th Birthday Celebration at the East Boston Branch Library!
Saturday, November 3rd

11 a.m.-Harry Potter Hogwarts Academy Training 

Celebrate the East Boston Branch Library's 5th Birthday with a special performance from Jungle Jim! Jungle Jim participated in our opening festivities in November 2013 and now he is back to continue the party! Harry Potter Hogwarts Academy Training prepares participants  to become wizards themselves! Professor Jungle-Flick teaches children how perform their own magic, play some Quidditch and even learn Defense Against the Dark Arts.

1 p.m.- Cake Cutting

3 p.m. - Going Shopping:  A lecture by Anthony Sammarco

In the late 19th century the rise of the department store changed the face of downtown Boston. Beginning with Jordan Marsh, founded in 1851, these large stores would cater to the rising middle class with every sort of luxury and staple goods that went the gamut from dry goods, furs, paintings, and every sundry item that could lure the shopper into the stores. This illustrated lecture  will outline how downtown Boston evolved in the 19th century to become the premier shopping district in New England.

Inclusive Community Resilience Building in East Boston

Date: Thursday, November 1, 2018Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation:  Simons IMAX Theatre New England Aquarium

More information on Facebook. 

Boston named winner in Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge

Challenge awards winning cities with resources and technical support to help achieve their ambitious climate goals

BOSTON - Sunday, October 21, 2018 - Further strengthening Mayor Martin J. Walsh's commitment to protect Boston against rising sea levels and climate change, the City of Boston was today named a winner of the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge as Boston works to strengthen and accelerate its progress toward reducing carbon emissions. The City will receive a support package, valued at up to $2.5 million, to increase low-carbon mobility choices and improve energy performance of Boston's building sector.

"We're serious about building a more climate-ready Boston. If we're to be effective in preparing for rising sea levels and more intense storms, we have to accelerate our actions to reduce carbon emissions. Addressing climate change now is critical to ensuring a greener, healthy Boston for future generations," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm grateful to Bloomberg for recognizing the power of cities to address climate change as we continue to move forward with our ambitious climate goals."

Earlier this week Mayor Walsh laid out a comprehensive and transformative vision that will invest in Boston's waterfront to protect the City's residents, homes, jobs, and infrastructure against the impacts of rising sea level and climate change. Announced in his annual speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor's plan, "Resilient Boston Harbor," lays out strategies along Boston's 47-mile shoreline that will increase access and open space along the waterfront while better protecting the city during a major flooding event. This week's announcements demonstrate Boston's commitment to building a more resilient Boston through both adaptation and mitigation.

Resilient Boston Harbor builds off of Imagine Boston 2030 and uses the City's Climate Ready Boston 2070 flood maps and coastal resilience neighborhood studies to focus on Boston's most vulnerable flood pathways. The strategies laid out in the plan include elevated landscapes, enhanced waterfront parks, flood resilient buildings, and revitalized and increased connections and access to the waterfront. The strategies will require collaboration and funding between federal, state, private, philanthropic and nonprofit partners.

Further strengthening the City's commitment to addressing climate change from all angles, Boston was selected as a winning city in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge because of its innovative and ambitious climate action plans to reduce air pollution and city-wide emissions from its building and transportation sectors. Boston will use the support to accelerate climate action by:

    Supporting further deployment of the Go Boston 2030 bike network and neighborhood slow streets traffic-calming program to create safe and stress-free walking and biking in the areas that need them most,
    Introducing additional programs to reduce single-occupancy car use and support electric vehicle adoption to make low-carbon transportation the mode of choice for residents and commuters alike,
    Providing Boston's commercial and institutional buildings access to innovative project finance programs to improve their energy performance,
    Helping large buildings to benefit from existing energy performance incentives and cutting-edge technologies, and
    Building workforce development programs and an energy resource center with an emphasis on serving low-income communities.


"When Bloomberg Philanthropies announced the Climate Challenge, cities all across the country, with both Republican and Democratic mayors, put forward thoughtful and innovative proposals," said Michael R. Bloomberg. "Selecting the ones with the boldest goals - and the most realistic plans for reaching them - was not easy. But Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, and D.C. all stood out, and we're glad to include them in the group of winners. With our federal government asleep at the wheel, cities are more important than ever in the fight against climate change - and these cities are stepping up to the challenge. Congratulations to them all."

The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge is a $70 million dollar program that will accelerate 20 ambitious cities' efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for residents. Through the Climate Challenge - which is part of Bloomberg's American Cities Initiative, a suite of more than $200 million in investments to strengthen city halls and advance critical policies - Bostonis accepted into a two-year acceleration program, will be provided powerful new resources and access to cutting-edge support to help meet or beat the city's near-term carbon reduction goals.

The program is led by experts at the Natural Resources Defense Council, Delivery Associates and others, to help winning cities meet - or beat - their near-term carbon reduction goals, from creating high-impact policies to putting them into action. The resources include a philanthropy-funded team member to facilitate the development and passage of high impact policies, training for senior leadership to assist with implementation of their proposed climate plans, and citizen engagement support to maximize community buy-in.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies works in 480 cities in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2017, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $702 million. For more information, please visit www.bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter.

About the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge
Recognizing that cities account for more than 70% of global carbon emissions, the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge was formed with an investment of $70 million to enhance the work already being done by mayors across the U.S. and to support cities in the fight against climate change. The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge aims to go beyond the theoretical and scale up high-impact urban climate solutions that are already proven to succeed - specifically, from the buildings and transportation sectors. World-class partners for the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge will be led by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Delivery Associates. The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge is part of Mike Bloomberg's American Cities Initiative, a suite of more than $200 million in investments to strengthen city halls and advance critical policies.

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IDEA Boston: I AM Books launches IDEA Boston festival: Nov 2-3

Two-day event celebrating books and culture to feature over 20 events, 50 speakers

Boston, MA - One of Boston's smallest bookstores has big plans for the fall. On Nov. 2-3, 2018, the North End's I AM Books will be organizing IDEA Boston, an Italian-inspired festival of books, authors, and culture. With 24 events and more than 50 speakers, the two-day festival is gearing up to be a major event in New England's cultural and literary panorama.

This year's inaugural IDEA Boston (ideaboston.com) will feature several big names in the publishing world, including Caldecott Honor recipient Tomie dePaola, Ciao Italia host Mary Ann Esposito, actor and screenwriter Marianne Leone, award-winning musician John T. La Barbera and Europa Editions Editor-in-Chief Michael Reynolds.

"IDEA Boston represents what we do at the bookstore day in and day out," says Nicola Orichuia, co-founder of I AM Books. "We offer culture through our books but also organize events on a weekly basis. We thought it was time to create a bigger event where we could highlight some of the best authors and most inspiring topics we came across over the years."

All events during IDEA Boston will take place at the Dante Alighieri building, situated at 41 Hampshire St., Cambridge, Mass., just a few steps away from Kendall Square and at the crossroads between MIT and Harvard University.

IDEA Boston is organized by I AM Books, an independent bookstore opened in Boston's North End neighborhood in Oct. 2015, by co-founders Nicola Orichuia and Jim Pinzino. The bookstore was listed among Boston Globe Magazine's Best of the New in 2016. The festival dates coincide with the bookstore's third anniversary.

IDEA Boston has also partnered with FILL, the Festival of Italian Literature in London (fill.org.uk), which will take place the weekend of Oct. 27-28. "Their festival inspired us to start something on this side of the Atlantic," says Orichuia. "Our hope is to create a network of Italian-inspired cultural festivals that will keep growing with time."

Full Schedule Nov 2 & 3

IDEA Boston
ideaboston.com
When: Nov. 2-3, 2018
Where: Dante Alighieri, 
41 Hampshire St., Cambridge MA 02169 

Source: Nicola Orichuia
nicola@iambooksboston.com
857-263-7665

The Great Savio Reunion II

Come join alumni and friends from all classes in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Savio's founding at "The Great Savio Reunion II."

Saturday, November 24 at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club of East Boston (150 Byron Street)
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

To purchase tickets visit EventBrite.

Tickets include a special 60th T-Shirt and proceeds will go to the Spartan Fund.
Refreshments will be served. 

NOTE: The Alumni Mass preceding the reunion will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. 

Councilor Edwards to Call Hearing on City Regulation of Bars, Liquor Stores, Cannabis Establishments Near Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

Regulation intended to explore distance-based buffer while leveling playing field between alcohol and cannabis establishments

WHAT:  This week, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards will call a hearing to discuss potential policy changes affecting the siting of enterprises serving alcohol and cannabis in the immediate vicinity of substance abuse treatment facilities.

Currently, the City of Boston regulates the distance between cannabis establishments at one-half mile and creates a 500-foot buffer between such businesses and K-12 schools. The City also regulates businesses that serve or sell alcohol through licensing and zoning, but has not enacted a similar distance-based buffer.

Zoning changes typically do not impact existing enterprises but would apply to new development and could potentially apply to substantially renovated buildings. The hearing will explore whether such a buffer should be created, potential impacts and how to create parity between industries.

WHERE: Curley Room, 5th Floor, Boston City Hall
WHEN:  12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 17th, 2018

**Please note the councilor will file on 10/17 for a hearing to take place a later time. 

Mayor Martin J. Walsh: How We're Creating More Affordable Housing

By Mayor Martin J. Walsh 

Boston is going through a period of historic growth--- the kind our city hasn’t seen in decades. More people are choosing to put down roots and start families here. More businesses are choosing to open their doors here. Students from all over the world come to attend our universities and colleges each year. As Boston grows, we must keep our focus on the families and communities that make our our city the diverse, welcoming and world-class place it is. To do that, residents must be able to afford to live here in the city they love, families must be able to grow, and young people must be able to make our city their home. 

To achieve that, we’re working hard to increase Boston’s affordable housing stock -- that includes building housing across a range of incomes, and focusing on ensuring there are income-restricted homes being built throughout Boston. 

Just last month, we increased our overall housing goals from creating 53,000 units to 69,000 units by 2030 to meet Boston's growing population and increase the number of housing opportunities available to residents. These new housing goals, which were first set in 2014 through our housing plan, build on our commitment to increasing access to home ownership, preventing displacement and promoting fair and equitable housing access.

As we build more housing in Boston to relieve housing pressure, our regional partners are also working to ensure their cities and towns keep up with the demand for affordable housing. Boston can’t do this alone -- and that’s why I’m proud earlier this month, I joined leaders from 14 surrounding communities who are part of the Metro Mayors Coalition to announce a new regional housing production goal for coalition cities and towns to meet the demands of a robust regional economy and a growing population in Boston and surrounding areas. Together, the 15 members of the Metro Mayors Coalition announced a target to create 185,000 new units of housing across the region by the year 2030. 

We are at a pivotal time in Greater Boston as our economy continues to grow and thrive, and more people move to our communities. I know housing is the number one concern for so many families in Boston, and addressing it is my top priority. Of the 69,000 new units that will be created by 2030, 15,820 of them will be income restricted. By 2030, the total number of income-restricted housing units in Boston will be nearly 70,000. We are also committed to acquiring 1,000 market-rate rental units from the housing market and making them income restricted units.

If you think finding affordable housing, or becoming a homeowner, isn’t a reality for you -- explore the resources the City of Boston offers. Take a home buying class. Apply for an affordable home buying opportunity. Apply for an income-restricted apartment. All our resources are available at https://www.boston.gov/departments/neighborhood-development, and we’ll continue to work hard to make sure all families who want to live in Boston are able to.  

Source: Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Walsh appoints Kathleen Joyce as Chairwoman of Boston Licensing Board

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Kathleen Joyce as Chairwoman of the Boston Licensing Board, a regulatory board that grants and regulates various types of food and alcohol licenses for restaurants and other establishments in Boston. The Board is also responsible for holding hearings on violations and license applications.

"The Licensing Board serves an important function in the City of Boston in making sure that our restaurants and entertainment establishments are regulated and in compliance with the law," said Mayor Walsh. "Kathleen has years of experience advising on legal and public policy matters, and I am excited that she will be able to take her extensive knowledge and expertise to Boston's Licensing Board."

As Chairwoman, Joyce serves as the lead commissioner in regulating licenses pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 138 and 140, and the Rules of the Board. The board consists of three commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor. Each commissioner serves a six-year term.

"I am proud to be named Chairwoman of the Licensing Board, and thank Mayor Walsh for this incredible opportunity," said Kathleen Joyce. "My entire career has been grounded in providing legal support and promoting justice, and I am honored to be able to serve in this capacity."

Joyce most recently worked as Senior Counsel at the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), the urban planning and economic development agency for the City of Boston. In her role as Senior Counsel, Joyce provided legal support and counsel on real estate, government and policy matters.

Prior to joining the BPDA in 2014, Joyce spent nearly seven years working at the Boston Bar Association, a 10,000 member nonprofit organization, as the Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, where she worked with organization's leadership teams to advance and coordinate policy positions to promote justice and improve access to the legal system in Massachusetts.

Through her former roles, Joyce has accumulated extensive experience cultivating relationships with and convening various stakeholders to identify areas of common interest and consensus. These stakeholders include legal experts, city, state and federal leaders, and members of the judiciary.  

Joyce is a past member of the editorial board of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and serves as a committee member of The Friends of the Mass General Cancer Center and is a board member of the Dorchester Running Club and her alma mater, Mount Alvernia High School.

She lives in Dorchester and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School.  She will begin her new role as Chairwoman today on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

Source: Mayor's Press Office

What's happening at the East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library: October 2018

Countdown to Kindergarten Playgroups

Fridays at at 10 a.m.
Parent-child playgroup for childen 1-5 years old. Moms, dads, grandparents and other caregivers are welcome!

Little Groove Concert

Wednesdays, October 10th  and 17th at 10:30
Little Groove presents music classes for toddlers and preschoolers. Come sing, move, play instruments, and more. Ages 0-5, accompanied by a caregiver. Groups welcome.

USCIS Information Session

Friday, October 12th from 10-1 p.m.

In this drop-in session, a USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration) officer will answer questions about immigration issues, including: 

• Naturalization and Citizenship 
• Permanent residency 
• Immigration benefits 
• Avoiding immigration scams 
• Finding low-cost and safe legal advice  

NOTE: Staff will not be able to address specific case questions. If you need case-specific information, visit your local USCIS office or call the USCIS Customer Service Center at 1.800.375.5283. 

This is a cooperative effort of USCIS, BPL and the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement.

Salsa Storytelling Series

Mondays, October 15, November 5th and December 10th from 12-1:30 p.m.

Have you lived the kind of stories that can’t be made up? Have you always wanted to write down your life experiences? Everyone has a story and only you can tell yours. During each of the three workshops in this series, we’ll listen to classic salsa songs for inspiration. The great salser@s can teach us a lot about making characters come to life, social commentary, and simply great storytelling.  Bilingual in Spanish and English according to the preferences of the group. Some class materials are in Spanish only.

October 15-Theme: “La vida es un carnaval,” Celia Cruz

November 5-Theme: “Guajira ven,” Hector Lavoe con Willie Colón

December 10,-Theme: “Chica plástica,” Ruben Blades

Bremen Street Fall Festival

Saturday, October 20th from 12-3 p.m.

Enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, Halloween crafts and more!

Sponsored by the Friends of the East Boston Branch Library and presented in conjunction with Excel Academy.

Senior Social Club

Thursday, October 18th and Monday, October 29th  from 1-3:30p.m.

Join us for a new club at the East Boston Branch Library. Make new friends and meet old ones over a cup of coffee, some snacks and some fun activities.  Some of the activities that will be offered are film screenings, games, dancing, and book discussion.  

Thomas Jefferson, the Foodie

Thursday, October 18th at 6:30 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson is considered the most complex of America’s Founding Fathers. His influence on the American system of government is well known, but what is not is Jefferson’s influence on American Cuisine.  A former faculty member of  Salem State University’s History Department, Massport’s Anthony Guerriero paints a unique picture of Thomas Jefferson one that might make you rethink his legacy.  Sponsored by the Friends of the East Boston Branch Library

Halloween Dance Party

Tuesday, October 30th, 10:30-11:30 am.

Let's Boo-gie! Wear your Halloween costume and come dance with us to silly songs. For ages 5 and under, accompanied by an adult. Groups welcome.

Score Boston Workshop: Starting Your Own Food Business:  What You Need to Know

Thursday, October 25th at 6 p.m.

In this workshop, you will learn initial steps to take in starting your own restaurant or food-service related business.  The workshop will address not only the basics of starting a business of this type, but also many important do’s and don’ts of undertaking a very rewarding but sometimes risky, start-up of a food business.  To register, visit:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pwjaircab&oeidk=a07efpa8cfgd15ae369

Meet Julia Child!

Monday, 5th at 6 p.m.

Meet Julia Child! - the beloved French Chef. A live performance featuring Lynne Moulton as Julia Child doing what she did best.Learn more about her life – from her privileged childhood in California when she had no interest in food, except for eating what the family’s private chef prepared – to becoming one of the culinary legends of all time. The audience will have the opportunity to view Julia on the set of The French Chef television show, an amusing and fun experience! After the performance, the cast will open up for discussion regarding Julia Child. Sponsored by the Friends of the East Boston Branch Library.

Columbus Day Parade: Community-wide effort ensures another successful event as weather holds for marchers, bands and community groups

Another successful Columbus Day Parade. Thanks for the Columbus Day Parade Committee of East Boston for organizing this traditional cultural event.

More photographs at www.eastboston.com.

Salesian Community's 12th Annual Pasta Dinner: November 16

Join Our Salesian for a Special Family Night! 

12th ANNUAL PASTA DINNER A NIGHT OF FRIENDSHIP, FOOD and FUN 

Friday, November 16, 2018 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Tickets $10 - Club Members are Free Delicious Food Provided by Our Friends At: Jeveli's Restaurant, Sammy Carlo's Delicatessen; Muffin Town 

Many Raffle Prizes!! - Mariecarole and Steve's Famous Gift Baskets!! 

Sponsorship Opportunities Available 

• Platinum Sponsorship $5,000 
• Gold Sponsorship $2,500 
• Silver Sponsorship $1,000 
• Red Sponsorship $500 
• White Sponsorship $250 
• Green Sponsorship $100 

All proceeds to benefit programs for our kids. 

For More Information, Please Call Anita @ 617-567-0863 www.salesianclub.com facebook.com/salesianclub

NOAH proposal for Condor Street housing and art studios headed to City for approval: 40 units total