East Boston Visitor Center & Museum Meeting on November 3

This just in from EBVC&M:

The next monthly meeting of the East Boston Visitor Center and Museum will be held on Monday, November 3, 2014, 6:00 P.M. at Maverick Landing Community Room, 31 Liverpool Street,East Boston.

This month we will be joined by Susan E. Schur, an independent museum curator and  publisher/editor of Technology and Conservation of Art, Architecture and Antiquities.  Susan will be sharing her museum and exhibit knowledge with the group, particularly around immigration.

All are welcomed to attend.  Hope to see you there!

East Boston YMCA offers free community cooking classes

Tuesday Night Classes Focus on Fresh Ingredients & Healthy Cooking on a Budget

The East Boston YMCA Cooking For Life programs offers free community cooking classes every Tuesday evening that teach basic cooking skills and emphasize healthy cooking on a budget. All of the classes are taught by the Y’s Director of Kitchen Services, Chef Meg Tallon.
 
"These classes are a great way to learn the basics of healthy cooking," said Tallon. "We’ll help you feel more comfortable in the kitchen and expand your cooking repertoire with simple healthy meals that make the most of your food budget.”

The next session of free classes include:

October 28 - Kitchen Basics: Learn how to stock your home pantry with kitchen essentials and master basic cooking techniques like sautéing, braising and roasting. 

November 4 - Make-Ahead Meals - Learn how to prepare sauces and main dishes like Beef Stew that you can prepare days, and even weeks, before you need them. With our make-ahead staples and you’ll be able to enjoy a home-cooked meal every night.

November 11 - Healthy Cooking Basics - Keep the flavors you love while focusing on fresh healthy ingredients. You’ll make over recipes like Chicken and Rice and Lasagna and see just how delicious healthy cooking can be.

November 18 - Tastes of the Season:  Fall Harvest - Cooking with seasonal ingredients ensures maximum freshness and helps you get the most for your food dollars. This class uses the fruits and vegetables of the fall harvest season to create a fall feast on a budget.

Classes are held at the Y Teaching Kitchen at 54 Ashley Street on Tuesday evenings, 6:00-8:00 pm. Free on-site childcare is available to participants. Sign up for one class or for the entire four-week session. Advance registration is required. Please call Meg Tallon at 617-418-7331, ext. 203, to reserve your spot.

In addition to the free community cooking classes, the East Boston Y also offers a wide array of cooking master classes --- including Decadent Desserts, Easy Italian and Extreme Holiday Meal Makeovers. Master classes are $40 for members and$50 for non-members. The proceeds from the master classes support the Y’s free community cooking and nutritional education programming. To find out more about the master classes, visit www.ymcaboston.org/eastboston/kitchen.

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Massport Contributes $170K to East Boston Health Programs

2005 DPH survey outlined specific needs in the community
 
BOSTON  --  The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced a $170,000 contribution to the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center to address early symptoms of childhood asthma and adult COPD in East Boston. The money will help fund the salaries of community health workers and purchase home health asthma kits for families the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified at risk. Other communities immediately surrounding Logan Airport and part of the DPH study, including Winthrop and South Boston, will also receive contributions.
 
State Senator Anthony Petruccelli spoke about the efforts over the years that both he and House Speaker Robert DeLeo had made to get a healthy study done for their communities. “This is the cornerstone of what we were looking for.”

 “With the creation of this program, Massport and the East Boston Health Center are working together to address long standing health issues that affect our communities,” State Representative Carlo Basile said. “I feel positive it will bring results and I want to thank both Massport and the East Boston Health Center for their hard work.” 

 The Logan Health Study was launched in 2000 and released in May 2014. It involved a telephone survey of 6,072 adult residents within 5 miles of Logan in 2005 and also provided information for 2,215 children.  Findings indicated that children in the high exposure area to Logan Airport were estimated to have three to four times the likelihood of probable asthma, although there was no statistical difference in diagnosed asthma. The study also found an elevated likelihood of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in those adults who had lived in the immediate vicinity of Logan for many years.

 “East Boston Neighborhood Health Center is very grateful for the collaboration it enjoys with Massport,” said EBNHC CEO Manny Lopes.  “The vital funding being provided today will significantly help our health center in treating and managing asthma and COPD, illnesses that not only affect residents of our service area, but are leading national health concerns.”

Nurses and health workers at the East Boston Health Center will reach out to East Boston families and identify children in need of asthma services. Nurses will work with families of children diagnosed with asthma and relevant school health care workers on ways that the illness can be treated through:

• the creation of individual plans,
• management of medicine
• distribution of health kits to address environmental asthma triggers in the home

The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers will conduct the evaluation of this program and the impact of this effort to provide more services to children displaying early asthma symptoms in targeted neighboring communities.

“This effort keeps the promise we made to the community to be part of the solution and not the problem,’’ said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “We are proud to be part of an effort, under the leadership of Speaker DeLeo and Senator Petruccelli, among others, that connects state and local resources to identify these public health issues and then ensure everyone gets the screenings and treatment they need.’’

Massport has made great strides to reduce emissions ever since Speaker DeLeo and Senate leaders first commissioned this study in 2000. Emissions are down 49% since 2000, representing the balance Massport tries to achieve between fulfilling our transportation mission and protecting the quality of life of residents who live next door. Massport continues to promote the various public transportation and HOV options for travelers and employees at Logan Airport.

Inquiries about this program may be directed to the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center at 617-569-5800

You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/bostonlogan and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/bostonlogan.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities.  

For more information please visit massport.com. 

Pirandello Scholarship Drive hosts Wine Tasting Event Nov. 16

Join  Pirandello Lyceum for it’s first Wine Tasting event to support the Pirandello’s Scholarship Fund.  

President Rosario Cascio is extending an invitation to all members and non members  who like to enjoy good company, good food, good music and good wine.  We have a limited  number of tickets available.
 
“ This is our first Wine Tasting, “ said President Cascio, “ and it’s certain to be a hit with those who appreciate good  talian wine. “
 
However, said Cascio, the number of tickets is limited so individuals planning on attending should make reservations early.
 
The event will be held on November 16, 2014 at Spinelli’s in East Boston, from 4 – 7 P. M. and will feature wines from Friuli ( Pighin Refosco and Sauvignon)   and wines from Piemonte (Ca' Rapulin Barbera d'Asti and Moscato d'Asti). Jean Paul Onofri and Tino Valdesolo will be presenting and describing the wine’s origin and unique characteristics. 

Refreshments and Italian music will make the evening enjoyable.  

There is convenient parking near Spinelli's.
 
Tickets are $ 40.  Please call Nicolane Domond  at 617-710-8260 for reservations. Checks should be made out to the Pirandello Lyceum, and mailed to P.O. Box 565, Boston, MA 02128.  Any questions should be directed to President Rosario Cascio at : Pirandellolyceum@aol.com. 

Spinelli’s is located at 282 Bennington Street (Day Square)  East Boston, MA.
  
 

YMCA of Greater Boston’s Teen Director East Boston's J. Gaeta Honored with Community Call’s 2014 Young Leader Award

EAST BOSTON | East Boston resident and the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Association- Wide Director of Teen Programming, Joseph Gaeta, 31, will be awarded with Community Call’s 2014 Young Leader Award.

The award honors a young leader who has made a positive impact and whose civic, social, and community leadership sets an inspiring example to the community. Gaeta was chosen from dozens of candidates for his work helping to keep East Boston High School students in school and on track to graduate on time.

“When a student fails even one credited course their odds go up of not graduating on time, or worse, dropping out altogether,” says Gaeta. “In East Boston, the situation is even worse. More than 100 students are not moving up to the next grade and half of those students are expected to drop out. As someone from the community, who went to East Boston High, it’s important to me to help change the fate for these students.”

In partnership with East Boston High, Gaeta helped to launch a program at the East Boston Y to build a Credit Recovery (CR) Center for high school student on site. Students work at their own pace to recover missed credits they need to graduate. Since the CR Center opened its doors, 73 students participated and successfully completed 97 courses. This allowed fifteen at-risk students to graduate with the class of 2014.

Unlike the school setting where the majority of credit recovery programs are held, the air-conditioned CR Center at the Y is well equipped, comfortable and welcoming. An East Boston High guidance counselor is onsite, able to help students gain access to the online curriculum, problem solve and ensure that the students stay focused.  As an added incentive, a free unrestricted Y membership is provided to students who enroll in the program. A free, healthy snack is available for students as well.

During the summer of 2014, Gaeta also managed a summer program that provided free access to more than 800 activities for more than 10,000 teens across the City of Boston.

“One third of the population in Boston is under the age of 35, and each of these people has the power to make a difference in the community. The Community Call Young Leader Award is an opportunity to recognize someone who is in this group that sets an example of giving back,” said Carolyn Edwards, Executive Director of Community Call. “Joseph exemplifies someone who has taken the time to invest in his community with outstanding results and serves as a wonderful role model to our students.”

Community Call works to develop critical thinking, confidence and self-empowerment with Boston area at-risk high school students through community event planning. Students of Community Call are inspired to look beyond themselves and collaborate with their peers to identify a social need, develop a plan and produce an event that benefits the broader community. Students learn organizational, business, and life skills influencing all aspects of their lives.

The Community Call 2014 Young Leader Award is presented to provide role models to its students regarding the impact they can have on their community. The award was inspired by the work of community activist Lenny Zakim to help identify young role models. Presenting the award for
a second year is Lenny Zakim’s son, Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim.

The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Pegasystems’ Stand-Up Boston Comedy Challenge at Laugh Boston, 425 Summer Street, in Boston’s Seaport District.

About the YMCA of Greater Boston
The YMCA of Greater Boston is the state’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities.  Every day the Y works with thousands of men, women and children to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. With 13 branches in and around Boston, the Y partners with 250 organizations to meet unique needs of the communities it serves. The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

About Community Call
Community Call's (www.communitycall.org) mission is to develop critical thinking, confidence, and self-empowerment with Boston area at-risk and opportunity high school students through community event planning. Our students are inspired to look beyond themselves and collaborate with their peers to identify a social need, develop a plan, and produce an event that benefits the broader community. Students learn organizational, business, and life skills influencing all aspects of their lives.  

Our enrichment program produces a variety of entirely student-run community events providing unparalleled opportunities to learn first-hand about business and leadership and giving back to the community. By using their passion, talents, and skills, these students are more likely to believe that they can make a difference in their community while making a difference in their own lives.

JP Planning and Zoning Meeting slated for 10/22

The next Planning & Zoning Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22nd at

7pm at the Jeffries Point Yacht Club.

The agenda is as follows:

• An update on 20-22 Haynes street in preparation of a vote at the November meeting
• 64-66 Gove Street, a 6 unit Development on a vacant lot
• 265-267 Sumner Street, re-zoning for rehab
• Frankfort & Maverick Street, 1st presentation
• 14-16 Geneva Street, 1st presentation

We hope you will join us.  As a reminder, to vote on a project you must be
present at the meeting a project is voted on, and have attended one MONTHLY
meeting within the previous three months.

Project Oscar and the City of Boston's Pilot Composting Program; Register Now!

The residents of East Boston can now drop off their food scraps (see information below on what is acceptable to compost) with the City of Boston's Pilot Community Compost Program at the padlocked communal compost container called Project Oscar located at Maverick Square in East Boston by the flag poles/Lewis Mall until November 30, 2014. To participate, East Boston residents, please register here:

https://newurbanmechanics.wufoo.com/forms/city-of-boston-project-oscar-east-boston/

Once you register, an email will be sent to you with a code for the padlocked compost bin.  If you have an questions, please email Oscar@boston.gov or call the Environment Department at 617-635-3850!

Why compost? There are a ton of environmental and economic benefits to composting. It helps prevent pollution by diverting waste from landfills, helps enrich poor soil, and cleans up contaminated soils by eliminating pesticides and toxins in the ground. It can reduce the need for water, fertilizer and pesticides, and can be sold as a valuable produce to local farms and gardeners. Boston also has a growing urban agriculture movement and composting is an inexpensive and green way to fertilize your crops with your food scraps!

Please share this with your friends, family and neighbors in East Boston!

Source: Maverick Association of Residents

ABCD urges immediate release of federal fuel assistance funds

(BOSTON, October 1, 2014) As cold weather looms and electricity costs spike, Action for Boston Community Development urges the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to release all funding for the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program now, so that fuel assistance programs in cold northern states can expedite planning and implementation of fuel delivery to millions of low-income families and seniors who depend on the program to survive the bitter winter months.

ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew thanked the many U.S. Senators who have signed on to a Continuing Resolution LIHEAP Release Letter that is being sent to HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell requesting that HHS release LIHEAP funds as quickly and at as high a level as possible under the current Continuing Resolution that is funding the government until December 11.

“We are grateful to our Massachusetts Senators Warren and Markey and to the many others who have signed this letter,” Drew said. “At ABCD we already have more than 10,000 applications for fuel assistance and there are thousands more statewide. Working poor families and seniors are facing the cold with very limited resources as fuel prices rise once again.”

More than one-third of the more than 20,000 fuel applications received last year at ABCD were from seniors or persons with disabilities.

“These are the most vulnerable members of society, facing yet another frigid New England winter,” said Drew. “If HHS can release ALL the LIHEAP funds now, we are able to establish maximum benefits at the beginning of the winter so people have some idea how to budget to meet their needs.”

Drew pointed out that knowing the maximum benefit also gives ABCD and other programs the ability to negotiate payment plans with utilities to get customers whose electricity or gas was cut off during the summer turned back on before the moratorium on utility shut-offs begins. (The “moratorium” means that utilities are not allowed to turn off customers’ gas and electricity during the winter months. However, if a customer was shut off in the summer and doesn’t have the funds to get reinstated, they are left without gas or electric for the winter.)

ABCD is launching its Winter Emergency Campaign to raise funds, gather warm clothing, and carry out a number of initiatives to help people in need survive the cold winter months.

To donate to Fuel Assistance/Winter Emergency Campaign please go to www.bostonabcd.org or call (617) 348-6559.

About ABCD:
ABCD serves more than 100,000 low-income Boston-area residents through its central offices and a decentralized network of Neighborhood Service Centers (NSCs), Head Start centers, Family Planning sites and Foster Grandparent sites. Programs and affiliations include Fuel Assistance; Head Start; Child Care Services; Child Care Choices of Boston; Education; Career Development; Housing and Homelessness Services; Health Services; Family Planning; Urban College of Boston; University High – an Alternative High School; Ostiguy High School for high school students in recovery; Weatherization; Foster Grandparents; Elder Services; Intergenerational Programs; management of the Combined Federal Campaign, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and City of Boston employee giving campaigns; advocacy and consumer services.

Source: ABCD

October is Italian-American Heritage Month: Kickoff tonight

America in History Landing of Columbus
Designs created & implemented by Constantino Brumidi (1805 - 1880)
the Michelangelo of the United States Capitol

A grand ceremony will kick off a month-long series of Italian-related events and happenings all across the Commonwealth.  

The ceremony will celebrate the impact Italian culture and language have had and continue to have in American society. 

The evening’s master of ceremonies will be Radio Hall of Famer Ron Della Chiesa.  

The evening’s honorees include State Rep. Angelo Scaccia (D-Readville), who serves the Commonwealth since 1973; retired Judge Joseph V. Ferrino, founder of Italian-American Heritage Month; and Pamela Donnaruma, publisher and editor of the Boston Post-Gazette, one of the country’s oldest ethnic newspapers and a recent addition to Washington D.C.’s Newseum. 

An In Memoriam award will be given to the late Gov. Argeo Paul Cellucci and will be accepted on his behalf by his wife Janet Cellucci.

Details about Italian-American Heritage Month can be found here.