November 9 East Boston Chamber's 2017 Prosperity Awards

The Board of Directors of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Prosperity Awards.  The recipients will be formally honored and recognized at the Prosperity Awards Gala taking place at 6pm on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the Hilton Logan Airport.  Our Presenting Sponsor is HYM Investment Group, and the Complimentary Cocktail Reception is Sponsored by the East Boston Savings Bank.  The individuals receiving this year’s award are among those who have made significant contributions to the economic and cultural prosperity of East Boston.

This year's distinguished honorees include*:

Claudia Y. Correa, City of Boston

Ernani DeAraujo, EBNHC

Amanda Donis, East Boston Beauty Academy

Phillip Frattaroli, Restauranteur, Cunard Tavern;

Joe Guarnaccia, East Boston Athletic Board

Robert Lewis, Jr., The BASE Founder & President

John Lynds, East Boston Times

Capt. Kelly McCormick, District 7 Police Captain

Michele McPhee, Bestselling Author, Talk Radio Host, and Journalist 

Lisa Melara, East Boston Soup Kitchen

Angus Mui, Great Chef Restaurant

Johnny Pizzi, Comedian/Entertainer

Louis Silvestro, Channel Fish

 Madeleine Steczynski, Zumix

Luis Vasco, Taco Mex Restaurant

*And a secret recipient of the “Buddy Mangini” Selfless Dedication to the East Boston Community Award!

The 2017 Prosperity Awards Gala will feature State Representative Adrian Madaro as Master of Ceremonies and a Keynote Address by Thomas N. O’Brien, Managing Director of the HYM Investment Group, LLC.   We ask that you join us in celebrating these remarkable achievements at this very special awards dinner and celebration. 

Tickets are $125 each (tables of ten-$1,250) and can be purchased over the phone, at the Chamber office or at Eventbrite: https://p2017.eventbrite.com.  

Tickets are available until Monday, November 6th and will sell quickly.  No Tickets will be available at the door.  Sponsorships and Program Book Ads are available

For more information, tickets and sponsorships, please contact the East Boston Chamber of Commerce at 617-569-5000, contact@eastbostonchamber.com.

Jack Kelly Endorses Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council

BOSTON (October 25, 2017) —Jack Kelly, lifelong Charlestown resident and former city councilor-at-large candidate, endorsed Lydia Edwards for district one Boston city councilor.

“I am proud to endorse Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council to represent East Boston, the North End, and my beloved home of Charlestown,” says Kelly. “Lydia will bring a fresh perspective, an independent voice and above all else, a relentless advocacy for all residents of Charlestown.”

“Lydia and I met initially as opponents. Over the course of the summer, she knocked on my door, as she did for many of my neighbors. I was impressed by her tenacious intellect, experience and desire to learn about all of the important issues facing our community.”

“In addition, Lydia's willingness to listen and receive feedback from those in recovery, demonstrate her ability to lead on day one for all.”

“We need bold, independent leadership as Charlestown faces major projects like One Charlestown, the North Washington Street Bridge, and Wynn Casino. I trust Lydia to do right by our neighborhood and I know she’ll stand with us.”

“I hope my neighbors in District 1 will join me in voting for Lydia on November 7th.”

"Jack's endorsement means a lot to me,” said Edwards. “His personal journey deserves an immense amount of respect.  But more than just his personal story, his work in Charlestown on many of the issues we face in District 1 - such as traffic, addiction prevention and housing is something I highly value.   I am beyond humbled to receive his support.”

“We met as opponents and became friends while we discussed ideas for recovery, traffic and the need for strong, independent leadership in Charlestown. If elected, I will continue to rely on Jack for his friendship, guidance and leadership for all of District 1, but especially Charlestown.”

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, is no stranger to public service. She has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia's top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner. The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.

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Source: Edwards Campaign 10/25

October 28: Massachusetts Italian American Police Officers Association to hold 49th Annual Awards

The Massachusetts Italian American Police Officers Association will be holding our 49th Annual Awards Banquet at the Hillview Country Club, 149 North St., North Reading, MA, on Saturday, October 28, starting at 6pm.  Tickets are $60 per person or $550 for a table of 10.

DIGNATARIES in ATTENDANCE; RECOGNITION AWARDS:

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito
Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans
A7 Captain Kelley McCormick, East Boston District 7
Director of Customs & Border Patrol, Mr. William Ferrara
Middlesex Sheriff Koutoujian

This year we will be honoring Boston Police District 7 Sergeant Norberto Perez, and Officers Eric Schmidt, Richard Cintolo, and Matthew Morris, as well Boston Police Officers Lenin Ortiz and Clifton Singletary, with the ITAPO Medal of Valor, for their outstanding service in the heroic efforts against an armed suspect on October 12, 2016, in Orient Heights, East Boston.

In past years we have honored Boston Police Officer John Moynihan, who was shot in the face by a gang member in Roxbury, as well as Boston Police Commissioner William Evans and Boston Firefighters Lt. Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy who were both killed while battling a fire on Beacon St. in 2014, along with Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn.

Last year we honored Boston Police Officers Eric MacPherson, Ellys Lee, and Michael Taylor of the Youth Violence Strike Force, and Detective James Coyne with the ITAPO Medal of Valor, for their outstanding service in the heroic shooting of an armed suspect firing at responding officers on Stanwood St., Roxbury, in February of 2016. 

Also receiving awards at the 2016 Awards Banquet were former President of the Red Sox, Larry Lucchino, and the family of former Navy Seal Glen Doherty who was killed in Benghazi defending the American embassy from terrorists. 

Also expected to attend this year is Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and A7 Captain Kelley McCormick.

Thanks and hope to see you and members of your organizations for a good cause supporting Italian-Americans and police officers.

Mayor Walsh, Massport announce new commitments to East Boston

City and Massport to partner on key projects to enhance East Boston neighborhoods

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced new commitments to the residents of East Boston, including Phase II of Piers Park on Boston Harbor, additional funding for the East Boston Foundation, operational funding for a new senior center for East Boston residents, and a traffic study to help mitigate congestion on Neptune Road. These commitments were identified as high impact projects by both the City of Boston and the community members and organizations of the Logan Impact Advisory Group (LIAG) through their review process for both the Terminal E modernization and the addition of 5,000 new parking spaces.

"I am proud to partner with Massport to enhance the thriving neighborhood of East Boston. These projects build on our commitment to provide new and additional pathways for economic mobility and avenues to improve quality of life for residents," said Mayor Walsh. "From improving and building upon our green spaces, to enhancing our streetscape, to providing members of our communities a new place to gather, when we invest in and improve our neighborhoods together, great things happen."

Mayor Walsh announced a new Orient Heights Senior Center to serve the senior residents of East Boston, with Massport providing operational funding for this important project. The City of Boston will help facilitate this plan, with vital input from the community incorporated into all aspects of the project.

"Community spaces and engaging programming create meaningful connections in our neighborhoods that are important for older adults," said Emily Shea, Commissioner on Affairs of the Elderly. "We look forward to continuing to build supports and services here in East Boston."

"As one of Logan Airport's host communities, East Boston has been impacted by the airport in many ways, and today, I'm proud to join my colleagues from the City of Boston and Massport to announce these new commitments which will, no doubt, have positive impacts on East Boston for many years to come," said State Senator Joseph Boncore.

The award-winning Piers Park is an active community center in East Boston with lush greenscapes, playground equipment, exercise equipment and a pier extending into Boston Harbor with gazebos highlighting the neighborhoods of East Boston. The park features some of the most spectacular views of the Boston skyline. Opened in 1995, the park won the 2014 "Best of Boston" Award for "Best Green Space" in the city. Several local organizations offer programming in the park, such as free concerts from Zumix, exercise offerings such as tai chi and yoga and the annual Eastie Pride Day.

"These commitments present exciting opportunities for East Boston and are the result of a collaborative, community-driven dialogue among local stakeholders," said State Representative Adrian Madaro. "A ten-year extension and increased funding for the East Boston Foundation, a new senior center, and an expanded Piers Park will have lasting impacts on our neighborhood that residents will enjoy for generations."

The extensive planning process for the highly anticipated Piers Park II is already underway as a collaborative effort between Massport and the residents of East Boston. The Piers Park Advisory Committee, an advisory group made up of East Boston residents, will work with Massport and its design and construction consultants to oversee the development of the park. The design, bid and construction process of Piers Park II will boast 4.5 acres of active green space and be located adjacent to the existing Piers Park. When added together, both parks will boast over ten acres of greenspace for the East Boston community.

"The partnership between the City of Boston and Massport on these important promises to the East Boston community will lead to improvements in the lives of a wide range of residents and I am looking forward to seeing these commitments come to life in the coming years," said Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina.  

In addition, Massport will also allocate funds toward the East Boston Foundation to enhance the community of East Boston and the organizations that contribute to the betterment of the neighborhoods within it. Created by Massport in 1997, the East Boston Foundation has provided more than $10 million in financial support to 95 community programs that benefit children, adults and seniors- from sports and recreation to education, training and childcare.

"As both a lifelong resident of East Boston and a member of the Massport Board, today is particularly special as we celebrate these significant commitments to the community," said Massport Board Member John Nucci. "I look forward to seeing Piers Park II grow alongside Piers Park I, one of the centerpieces of community life in East Boston, as well as continued support of the East Boston Foundation including funding regarding a senior center for our elders, and the commitment to a study of Neptune Road's traffic impacts."

In partnership with the Boston Transportation Department, Massport will also fund a traffic study to help mitigate congestion on Neptune Road extending to Day Square. Nitsch Engineering is working to complete the study, which includes traffic counts at eight intersections and five road segments, completed GIS maps of study area, including identification of land uses, and the building of a digital traffic analysis for the study area.

"We are proud to stand here with the community of East Boston and the leadership of the Mayor and the City of Boston as we celebrate four major commitments that Massport has made to the people of East Boston," said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. "Piers Park II, the traffic study for Neptune Road, funding to the East Boston Foundation and the Orient Heights Senior Center will contribute to the already vibrant community of East Boston."

Neptune Road is challenging for pedestrians as well as for drivers of large trucks who frequently have difficulty navigating the u-turn from the northbound off-ramp to 1A southbound due to an inadequate turning radius. This problem for oversized vehicles contributes to traffic delays on Neptune Road, a key connection for access to Route 1A, to Logan International Airport, for shuttle buses and other motor vehicles traveling between East Boston and Chelsea, and for local traffic.

"BTD is pleased to have this opportunity to partner with Massport on this transportation study as it is an opportunity to create a 'complete street' design for Neptune Road that is in keeping with our Go Boston 2030 and Vision Zero goals to provide safe and efficient access for all users of Boston's roadways," said Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca. "Through this process, we will take a forward-thinking approach to transportation management, looking at evolving transportation needs, changing roadway use and capacity on Neptune Road. Our focus will be on creating a comprehensive design that will work to mitigate current and future traffic impacts and enhance the surrounding East Boston community."

Massport and the community of East Boston have worked to build a strong partnership over the years. Through supporting youth employment at Piers Park Sailing Center, providing scholarship funds to students of East Boston High School, and creating safe and inviting green space for residents to enjoy, Massport and East Boston are continuing to work to make the community one of the most desirable urban areas to live in Massachusetts.

ABOUT MASSPORT
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 $15 billion annually and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. For more information, please visit massport.com.

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Source: Mayor's Press Office 10/17

Margaret Farmer Endorses Lydia Edwards for City Council

BOSTON (October 16, 2017) — East Boston resident and former candidate for Boston City Council Margaret Farmer endorsed Lydia Edwards for Boston city councilor.

“The issues that face the City of Boston, District 1 are complex, intertwining and far- reaching,”  says Farmer. “With a $3.1 Billion dollar budget to oversee, there is nothing “nuts and bolts” about the job for Boston City Councilor. Their work affects the lives of every resident, visitor, and business in the City of Boston, all day, every day. Lydia Edwards understands this. Lydia has worked in our community to effect far-reaching change and protect our most vulnerable residents.”

“For these, and so many more reasons, I support Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council.”

“I am extremely grateful for Margaret’s support” says Edwards. “She ran a strong, issues-driven race and helped bring into focus the top priorities of our district. Margaret and I listened to thousands of residents throughout the campaign and it’s clear what the requirements are for our next city councilor: responsiveness, accessibility, and creative-thinking in tackling some of our most complex problems.”

“I am confident that with vested community leaders like Margaret we can work together to continue building bridges and move our district forward.”

Farmer adds to the growing list of recent endorsements for Lydia including State Representative Adrian Madaro of East Boston; members of the Boston state delegation State Senator Linda Dorcena Dorry, State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, State Representative Russell Holmes; City Councilor Andrea Campbell, Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr., the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, and the Working Families Party.

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia promises to bring a bold, independent voice with a fresh perspective to City Hall and her top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner.

Lydia’s next East Boston event is an open reception co-host by State Representative Adrian Madaro on Monday, October 23rd at 5:30 PM at Angela’s Cafe in Orient Heights at 1012 Bennington Street in East Boston. All are welcomed to come and seniors are complimentary. For more information, please call Gabriela (617) 329-5172.

The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.

Source: Edwards Campaign

Two East Boston residents win a Pick Up each at STAR Awards

Local union members, Julia Cora and Oscar Mendoza each win new Pickup Truck as part of Safety Training and Recognition festivities.

BOSTON, MA (October 13, 2017)- Members of the Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 celebrated safety recently with an afternoon full of fun and recreation. The annual "STAR" awards – short for Safety Training and Recognition -- were held to acknowledge workers who had completed key industry safety training. One example would be the PFT training (Pulmonary Function Testing) to ensure proper use of respirators on the job to keep workers safe and healthy.

The event hosted over 1,400 IUPADT DC 35 members and family. There were two winners of the grand prize, Julia Cora and Oscar Mendoza, both from East Boston and each one took a Pickup Truck home. Jose Acevedo of Lawrence won an Indian Motorcycle, while Salvatore Gutierrez of Nashua, New Hampshire, won a Boston Whaler.  Door prizes this year included a new pair of Red Wing Boots, T-shirts, YETI travel mugs and drink koozies.

The Union hosts this event every year as a way to bring together the members and their families and to celebrate the importance of safety and training.

“Community and safety are a big part of our values here at IUPADT DC35. We organize this event so that our hardworking members have a chance to let loose and have fun with their families while also underscoring the importance of safety training. We want to ensure that training is incentivized and adhered to so that our members can stay safe and healthy on the job – and come home every day to their families," said Jeff Sullivan, IUPAT DC 35 Business Manager.

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Source: 617MediaGroup

Tech Goes Home: Free computer training through East Boston APAC

Tech Goes Home is a computer-based program with the goal of ensuring that all low-come residents of Greater Boston are equipped with the tools, training, and access to support the development of 21st Century skills. The TGH program offers resident the ability to improve their quality of life as new  member of the online community.

What's included for Boston residents?

• 15 Hours of  Computer training
• A web-based curriculum designed to help you access resources throughout the internet.
• The option to purchase a brand new computer for just $50
• Help in accessing significantly discounted high-speed internet for qualified participants

If you interested in participating or have any questions, Speak to a staff at ABCD East Boston APAC or Call 617-567-8857

November 17: Salesian Boys & Girls Club 11th Annual Pasta Dinner

Join our Salesian Community for a Special Family Night!

2017 Pasta Dinner

A Night of Friendship, Fun, Food and Many Raffles

11th ANNUAL PASTA DINNER

Friday, November 17, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Salesian Boys & Girls Club - 150 Byron Street, East Boston

$10.00 Donation

Food Provided by

Jeveli's Restaurant, Sammy Carlo's Delicatessen & Muffin Town

Many Raffles Prizes!! - Great Gift Baskets!!

All proceeds to benefit programs for our kids.

For More Information

Please Call 617-567-0863

www.salesianclub.com; facebook.com/salesianclub

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17th 2017 FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM

Please make checks payable to: 

Salesian Boys & Girls Club 

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 

Salesian Boys 8, Girls Club of East Boston, 

150 Byron Street, East Boston, MA 02128 

*www.salesianclub.com

Lydia Edwards wins East Boston; Challenges Opponent to Debates Across District

BOSTON (10/1/2016) —Lydia Edwards, Boston city council candidate to represent East Boston, Charlestown and the North End/Waterfront, today challenged Stephen Passacantilli to a series of debates throughout the district ahead of the November 7th general election.

“I am thrilled with the response of voters,” said Edwards. “Our communities are at a pivotal moment. My opponent and I have different perspectives on how to move the city forward and a substantive discussion on the issues facing this district is necessary.

“I look forward to highlighting those distinctions and therefore I challenge my opponent to debates in all three neighborhoods,” says Edwards. 

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, is no stranger to public service. She has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia promises to bring a bold, independent voice with a fresh perspective to City Hall and her top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner.

The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.
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Source: Edwards Campaign