Councilor Edwards files city charter amendment to expand Council's budgetary power

BOSTON (July 6, 2020) - Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards has filed a proposed amendment to Boston’s city charter that would give the Boston City Council budgetary powers equal to those of the mayor. 

The historic proposal was filed under a provision in state law that allows local elected officials to propose amendments to city charters which has never been used before.

“I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few weeks thinking about how to answer the calls for systemic change and investment in our future,” said Councilor Edwards. “An annual up or down vote alone on the mayor’s budget cannot bring about the long term change that is needed and that people are calling for. That change will not come from any one vote or annual budget. It’s time to break the wheel of Boston’s budget making process. This will take time, research, negotiations, and sustained conversations about what we want to invest in as a city. Until we change the budget process, we don’t have an opportunity

to have those conversations in a meaningful way.”

The proposed amendment specifically targets the budgetary powers of the City and is separate from the complete charter reform Edwards proposed earlier this year. "Boston can move forward on specific reforms to our budgetary process even as we pursue a democratic process to examine the entire charter,” added Councilor Edwards. “That process will require much more organizing and eventually candidates will have to run for an opportunity to write the charter. I am still committed to writing a clear, accessible, complete charter but right now people are asking for direct impact and influence on our budget. We can give them that power by modernizing and democratizing the budgetary process and expanding participatory budgeting, which would give residents greater control over portions of the budget."

Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 43B, section 10, subsection (b), a member of the city council may suggest a charter amendment. After a hearing and final vote by the city council the Attorney General must approve the question's  constitutionality and then it will be put to the voters to decide in November 2021. This proposal would be the first known charter amendment to be implemented using this process.

If Boston voters approve this amendment next fall, the Boston City Council and the Mayor would share power over the city’s budget. This includes the ability to create proposals for the city’s capital and operating budgets, change line items within the proposals, allocate parts of the budget for a participatory budget process (voter direct allocation), and amend the budget for Boston Public Schools.

Additionally, this change would also give the city council tools to more quickly respond to the need for budget cuts in times of fiscal austerity and allow for public deliberation on what services could or should be reduced without lasting harm. This change also allows for earlier budgetary deliberation should either the Mayor or Council desire to do so.

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Boston Foundation announces first 15 grants from COVID-19 Response Fund: East Boston group among grantees

Fund has raised more than $2.2 million; TBF donors have granted over $3 million to support COVID-19 efforts from donor advised funds

(BOSTON, March 31, 2020) – The Boston Foundation today announced the first round of grantees from the COVID-19 Response Fund at the Boston Foundation, the community foundation’s effort to raise millions of dollars in support for Greater Boston nonprofits at the front lines of support for thousands of residents feeling the greatest impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Foundation today announces 15 grantees, each of whom will receive a $25,000 general operating support grant. The Foundation is working to award new grants on a rolling weekly basis during the coronavirus crisis, even as large and small donations continue to come in.

“The COVID-19 Fund is designed to be a rapid response solution to the ongoing challenge facing nonprofits who find themselves taxed to provide high levels of service and have been forced to cancel or suspend fundraising events that provide needed operating support,” said Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “The selected organizations are deeply embedded in the fabric of their communities. They inspire us – and we know they are just a sampling of the work we can and must support moving forward.”

The first grantees from the COVID-19 Response Fund include: Agencia ALPHA, Asian Community Development Corporation, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Centro Presente, Inc., Community Servings, Inc., Friends of the Children – Boston, Heading Home, La Alianza Hispana, Inc., Lawyers for Civil Rights, Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, Maverick Landing Community Services, The Record Co., Union Capital Boston, and Violence in Boston. 

“This first group of grantees provide a diversity of leadership, strategy and experience that represents the heart and soul of Greater Boston’s nonprofit community,” said Orlando Watkins, Vice President for Programs at the Boston Foundation. “They are not only doing remarkable work in the region, they reflect the best of the region in all its many faces, as we strive to both address the many needs made evident by the pandemic and foster greater racial equity in Boston.

Eleven of the 15 organizations are headed by women; ten of the 15 leaders identify as people of color. They each work in support of communities of color, immigrants, seniors, children and the homeless, among others. More details of each grantee’s work can be found at the end of this media release.

Fundraising for the Fund has reached well over $2 million, in addition to a seed grant from the Boston Foundation of $250,000. Boston Foundation program staff and a review team led by senior managers and Boston Foundation  Directors have established the grant application and review process and are conducting the ongoing review of applications and selections.

To date, the Fund has received about 400 requests for funding to date; as the fund is considering applications on a rolling basis, eligible nonprofits need only apply once.

Major donors to the COVID-19 Response Fund have included the Nike Foundation, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation, Wells Fargo, Comcast, Plymouth Rock Foundation, and the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. In addition, Boston Foundation donor advised funds have donated well over $3 million to COVID-19 related efforts at nonprofits and foundations, including a $1 million grantmaking effort by the Waldron Charitable Fund.

Grantees List:

Each grantee receives a $25,000, one-time general operating support grant from the COVID-19 Response Fund.

• Agencia ALPHA: to provide support to 50 undocumented families by providing $500/family, of which many will or have already lost their jobs due to COVID-19
• Asian Community Development Corporation: to provide financial, nutritional and medical support for elders, as well as support for community members facing racism and xenophobia
• Bridge Over Troubled Waters: to provide support for their work with homeless youth including distributing food and COVID-19 information via the Mobile Medical Van, in addition to providing overnight shelter, meals, day programming and hygiene products at their shelter
• Centro Presente: to support for their COVID-19 work with the immigrant community, including undocumented immigrants, by providing information, links to resources and connections to those who can help them navigate issues including immigration assistance, food assistance,  and child care assistance.
• Community Servings, Inc.: to provide support to distribute medically tailored food to sick and hungry community members.
• Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath): to provide support for housing and basic needs expenses of their client families in shelters and transitional housing
• Friends of the Children – Boston: to provide support for wrap-around services for Achievers and their families, including but not limited to: assisting caretakers access medical services, connecting Achievers and families to meal providers and  providing emotional and educational support to Achievers
• Heading Home: to provide support for emergency responsiveness care for 270 Boston families in their housing (inclusive of 525 children in shelters), and the 200+ chronically homeless Cambridge residents who are supported, many of whom suffer from disabilities and chronic health conditions.
• La Alianza Hispana, Inc.: to provide 125 low-income elderly Latino immigrants with critical health, educational, and social supports
• Lawyers for Civil Rights: to support their policy and advocacy work focused on immigration, education, housing, and the Census.
• Massachusetts Jobs with Justice: to provide financial assistance to undocumented individuals and families who have lost their homes, wages, and/or employment due to COVID-19
• Maverick Landing Community Services, Inc.: to provide support for COVID-19 response efforts in the East Boston community, including conducting basic needs assessments, distributing hygiene products, sanitizers and food, and producing face masks and shields for healthcare workers
• The Record Co.: to provide support to the Boston Music Maker Relief Fund to make $200 rapid-response grants to Boston music makers experiencing lost income as the result of  COVID-19
• Union Capital Boston Inc.: to provide support to distribute $150 gift cards to people in financial need in the Greater Boston area
• Violence in Boston: to provide support to feed BPS students both lunch and dinner, as well as the collection and distribution of toiletry items and cleaning products for low-income communities in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan.

Mayor Walsh, Commissioner Gross Announce Recipients of 2019 Boston Youth Development Fund: East Boston's Zumix on List with Roca's EB Youth Initiative

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 27, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross today announced the recipients of Boston's Police Youth Development Fund. The City of Boston has doubled last year's funding, and this year, $500,000 will go to the Youth Development Fund, which provides $25,000 to 20 organizations which work to provide development programs for Boston's youth, ensuring they have access to programs that give them more opportunities to thrive and succeed. In addition, the City has applied for funding through the Commonwealth's Shannon Community Safety Initiative to further support multidisciplinary approaches to curb youth violence through coordinated prevention and intervention programs.

"In Boston, we work every day to make sure our young people are lifted up, and given every opportunity to succeed. That means through education, through development programs, and through having a safe, stable environment that will give them the resources and opportunities they need," said Mayor Walsh. "The Boston Police are a major partner in this, and I'm proud that today we're able to fund 20 great organizations that will make a lasting difference in the lives of Boston's youth for years to come."

Under the leadership of Mayor Walsh, the Boston Police Department has prioritized community policing as an effective way to reduce crime, while building trust with the community. The Boston Police Department received national recognition from the Obama Administration in 2015 as being one of the top cities in the nation that is leading the way on community policing. Earlier this year, Mayor Walsh announced the formation of the Bureau of Community Engagement at the Boston Police Department, which is charged with overseeing a citywide effort to further strengthen community policing in Boston, and focused on ways to build relationships and trust between law enforcement and residents, creating new and innovative partnerships, and promoting inclusion and diversity within the department. Commissioner Gross appointed Superintendent Nora Baston to serve as Bureau Chief for the Bureau.

"As Commissioner, my number one goal to ensure all residents in Boston are safe -- and that includes Boston's young people," said Commissioner Gross. "We have the biggest opportunity to change lives by providing resources and support to Boston's youth, and through these programs, we are able to positively impact lives and create a better city for all."

As part of Boston's overall community policing strategy, the Boston Police Department prioritizes relationships with youth and the community as the key to building trust and creating safe neighborhoods. This starts with an emphasis on daily interactions on the streets and in school classrooms, and includes proactive prevention and diversion for at-risk youth and their families. In addition, the department provides positive pathways for our youth through programs such as Operation Exit and My Brother's Keeper. The BPD has strong partnerships and year-round district activities with residents through Coffee with A Cop, National Night Out, youth and police dialogues, teen police academy, flashlight walks, Shop with a Cop, and more.

"Our community is a caring one, one who seeks the best for its children, but caring for our youth comes with many responsibilities - not only from our families but through neighborhood partnerships and person to person interactions," said Candice D. Gartley, executive director All Dorchester Sports and Leadership. "All Dorchester Sports and Leadership sees their role in the community not only as a place to provide athletic activities and academic opportunities but also as a place for children to feel safe and cared for near their homes. With the City's help and the  Mayor's steadfast commitment of these grant dollars to organizations such as ADSL, we will continue to build and create more opportunities for youth and young adults in our organization and our city."      

"I was thrilled to make the Youth Development Fund my initial budget ask in my first term and am delighted to partner with Mayor Walsh to support the Fund and Shannon Grant to help dozens of programs expand their capacity to serve, empower, and educate our young people," said City Council President Andrea Campbell. "The jobs, skills, and relationships young people build through these programs are critical to breaking cycles of inequity, especially for young people of color, and ensuring they reach their God-given potentials."

A full list of recipients for the Youth Development Fund grants are as follows, with each recipient receiving a $25,000 grant:

•     All Dorchester Sports & Leadership - Educational Enrichment Programs

•     BalletRox - BalletRox

•     Boston Scores - Leadership in Action

•     Center for Teen Empowerment - Teen Empowerment Boston

•     Crossroads - Crossroads C5 Leaders

•     Dorchester Youth Collaborative - Focus and Finish After School Program

•     Friends of the Children-Boston - Long-Term, Professional Mentoring for the Highest-Risk Girls/Young Women

•     Madison Park Development Corporation - Soheil Turner Youth Leadership Institute- After School and Summer Youth Employment Programs

•     More Than Words - Youth Development Job Training for System-Involved Youth

•     Playworks New England - Playworks Junior Coach Leadership Program

•     Project RIGHT, Inc. - Grove Hall Youth Outreach Connection

•     Rehearsal for Life, Inc. - Urban Improv

•     Roca, Inc. - Roca's East Boston Central American Youth Initiative

•     Roxbury Youthworks, Inc. - Gaining Independence for Tomorrow (GIFT)

•     Shooting Touch - Getting Girls in the Game (G3)

•     Sociedad Latina - STEAM Team

•     Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center - HEY Sister

•     Teen Center at St. Peter's, Catholic Charities of Boston - Teen Center at St. Peter's, Focus Groups for Middle School Girls

•     Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center - Connections

•     ZUMIX - ZUMIX Creative Youth Development Programs

Source: Mayor's Press Office 11/27/2018

August 13: Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda

August 13th 2018,  7 p.m.  

East Boston Neighborhood Training Facility Center 
250 Sumner Street  

Agenda:

• Sgt Martin , Off. Simon -  Police Updates;
• Liaison Jesus Garcia -  Mayor's office updates;
• Christine Poff - Director Community Preservation;
• E. Boston Greenway update - Kannan; 
• Energy Efficiency and Household Hazardous Waste -- Gabriela Boscio
• Information only - Casa Romero 303 Sumner Street;  
• Somalian Cafe 389 Maverick Street - Yahya Noor;
• 9-15 Webster ave - Proposal to erect vertical, third floor addition on existing building at 11-15 Webster Ave. to create a 4-unit residential building. Build new 2-unit, 3-story residential building on vacant lot at 9 Webster Ave. Project includes a total of 6 residential units. No parking proposed. Attorney Mark Lacasse. VOTE;
• 210 Webster Street -  Extend rear . - Architect Lyle Bradley;
• 30 Orleans Street  -   Erect 2 family with car port on empty lot.  Joy Street Design.

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

Candidate Farmer: Last day to register to vote for September 26 is Wednesday, September 6

This just in from the Farmer campaign:

Boston, MA--Wednesday, September 6, 2017 is the last day to register for the primary elections in Boston. The Boston Municipal Preliminary Election includes the ballot for candidates for Boston City Council and the mayoral race. The primary election will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

“Elections work best when more people participate,” says Margaret Farmer, Candidate for Boston City Council, District 1. “I encourage everyone who can to take the time to vote in this important primary.” 

Farmer will be hosting an event for supporters on the evening of September 6, to thank everyone who has contributed to her campaign. For information about the event, please email contact@margaretfarmer.org.

Margaret Farmer is one of three candidates currently running to represent District 1 in the Boston City Council. District 1 includes East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End. You can read more about her candidacy and position on issues at her website http://www.margaretfarmer.org. 

Source: 
Margaret Farmer for Boston City Council
www.margaretfarmerforBoston.com
978-729-7771

My latest piece over at NewBostonPost.com

Titled, "Ambitious City Projects Benefiting from Building Boom in Boston," https://shar.es/1F3Fbr, the article examines the good luck Boston's enjoying as a result of the building boom. 

March 4: East Boston Democrats to elect delegates to state convention

Registered Democrats in East Boston will be holding a caucus at the Mario Umana Academy, 312 Border Street, on March 4th at 11:00am to elect twenty (20) delegates and four (4) alternates to the 2017 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Party Platform. The Convention will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. 

“People are excited about politics and want to make a difference. Our caucuses are a great opportunity for those who are interested to get involved,” commented Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford. “Delegates will be voting on our Party Platform in Lowell, and we want to make sure that every Democrat has a voice. This is a time to come together and speak to our shared Democratic values.” 

The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in East Boston, and the Democratic Committee welcomes participants. Pre-registered Democrats who will be age 18 by Sept 11, 2018, the anticipated date of the primary, will be able to participate in caucuses and run for delegate. 

Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written and secret. In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be add-on delegates, either at their caucus or online at www.massdems.org 

For more information on the caucus or the committee please contact Michael Sulprizio at Msulprizio@comcast.net / 617-438-0952 or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ward1dems/ or  follow them on Twitter @ward1demsEB.

Source: Michael Sulprizio, 617-438-0952 or msulprizio@comcast.net

Feb. 23 Meeting: Friends of the East Boston Greenway with the EB Greenway Council

Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Anna DeFronzo Center
395 Maverick Street, East Boston
Near the corner of Jeffries Street

AGENDA

1.  Introductions 

2.  Greenway Safety and Security Update 
Boston Police Dept. District A-7 Community Services Sergeant Martin and Officer Simons

3.  Greenway Flooding:  Galen’s proposal for elevated walkway; Galen was to discuss with Parks Dept.

4.  Greenway Extension to Belle Isle Marsh and Winthrop
Mark Warren
Gretchen Schneider Rabinkin

5.  New Business / Old Business

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS: All meetings on 4th Thurs at 6:30 PM

Upcoming meetings: 2017:
Feb. 23, 
Mar. 23, 
Apr, 27, 
May 25, 
June 22, 
July 27,       
Aug. 24, 
Sept. 28, 
Oct. 26, 
Nov. 16 (note change), 
Dec. TBD

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

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

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

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

Among the topics covered in The Boston Economy:

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

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

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

JPNA Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda For July 22

 
JPNA Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda For July 22 7 p.m


Where: Jeffries Point Yacht Club 565 Sumner st.

Time: 7 p.m. 

AGENDA

• 202 Maverick st. - Demo & construction, New multi unit residential building.
• 80 Everett st
• 14-16 Geneva St. New construction, residential on empty lot. Atty: Richard Lynds

May 4 Agenda of the East Boston Museum Meeting

This just in from S. Brauner:

EAST BOSTON MUSEUM AGENDA (4 May 2015)

I. Introductions
II. In The Community 
- Eastie Now Pupusa Event
- Flyers left at Open Studios
III. Board of Directors 
- Members and positions
        - New bylaws will soon be ready for dissemination
- Membership drive will be started
IV. Committees
- List of committees and Board chairs
- Community members interested in joining any?!
V. The Immigrant Groups That Make Up The Community
- Questions we will ask each group.
- Session One: The Arab Community
VI.     Marketing Plan
               Discussion to be lead by Suffolk University students  
VII. Other Business
               Note: Business plan will be completed after consultation with a CPA.
Next Meeting:
Monday, June 1st, 6:00PM, Maverick Landing Community Room

East Boston Main Streets to Host Second Monthly Merchants’ Meeting

This just in from Max Gruner at EBMS:

(EASTBOSTON, MA; MARCH 30, 2015) – East Boston Main Streets invites the East Boston small and micro business community, residents, as well as public employees and city officials to our second monthly Merchants’ Meeting on Tuesday April 8th from 11:00am-12:30 at the Market Place at 154 Maverick St. on the 4th floor.

Meet your peers, share ideas about how to make this summer the best yet for our small business community, discuss challenges and solutions to problems we all face in the community, and hear from our elected officials and the officers from the Boston Police about all that is going on in our neighborhood. 
 
We are proud to introduce Jose Luis “Pepe” Rojas from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation as our guest speaker to discuss financial resources available to businesses especially hard hit by this winter’s never ending blizzards.
Coffee and snacks provided.

For more details or ques tions please contact Max Gruner at mgruner@ebmainstreets.com or Antonio Arevalo at a.vip.guest@gmail.com or call the EBMS office at 617-561-1044.

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EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Its mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and do business in East Boston.

Malden/East Boston Youth Hockey: Help Us Reach Our Goal:

Today’s Top 10: Annual MEB 10K Raffle

As we watch our teams wrap up regular season play in preparation for playoffs (yeah, baby!), we are reminded that the foundation of our league continues to be our youngest players – like those pictured here in the Learn-to-Skate program.  These kids are the reason for many of our biggest fundraising activities, and why the feature of this week’s update is on our big event this Friday – the Annual 10K raffle.

Are you busy this Friday night, March 27, 2015? No, have we got a deal for you!!! Malden/East Boston Youth Hockey (MEB) is holding its largest annual fundraiser – the $10K Raffle and Dinner. For the past several years, this event has provided the league with funding greatly needed to finish off the season and prepare for next season. With ice rental fees continually increasing, we have used this event to help pay-off rinks and other fees owed at the end of our season. Admit it, you are thinking, “Why should I get involved in another fundraising event?" Here are 10 reasons (think of the David Letterman show as you read these aloud):

Top 10 reasons for buying a ticket for the Malden East Boston Youth Hockey (MEB) 10K raffle:

10.  You or a friend or family member have or have had kids in youth hockey in the last 10 years (so you know how expensive ice time is!)

9.  You are or have a friend or family member are from or live in East Boston or Malden (or have in the last 10 years)

8.  MEB has kept their annual tuition price virtually the same (or lowered it!) for players for the past 7 years through fundraising efforts like this

7.  You operate a business in Malden or East Boston, or one of several other surrounding communities, and enjoy supporting youth sports programs with a tax deductible donation

6.  The MEB 10K is an “elimination-style” raffle, where half of the fun is watching as your co-investors are “knocked out” of the running for the big prize

5.  You are a current MEB youth hockey parent and have at least three other friends to defray the cost of another chance at the jackpot

4.  MEB is an example of a great merger of two town teams, with drive and competitiveness resulting in multiple tournament and league championships over the past 7 years

3.  Your child is one of the 30+ current and former MEB players who for the 2014-15 school year were accepted onto their high school hockey programs

2.  The math is simple: 4 friends + you = 20 bucks a head for a ticket; heck, make it 9 friends (come on, you have more than 4, right?) and it’s only 10 bucks each for a chance at a share of TEN GRAND

1.  What else are you going to do this Friday night – KARAOKE? This is way more fun than embarrassing yourselves in front of your friends – err, scratch that – it’s about the same, but for a much better cause than your weekend-warrior, artificially induced delusions of fame and that crazy dream of making it on THE VOICE!

The details (our lawyer appreciates us including these):

The fundraising part is an “elimination raffle” drawing for $10,000*, whose tickets cost $100 each, and include dinner for two at the event, which takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight this Friday, March 27, at the Loyal Order of Moose Club, Broadway, Malden. A buffet dinner is served and families donate desserts, there are additional chances for winning baskets from each of the teams in the league, other donated goods and services, and a great silent auction of sports memorabilia is available as well. We'll have a DJ, and several participants will likely resort to dancing either as a result of their tickets being eliminated from the remaining eligible or just from the contagious fun all are having at the event.

Really, the event is truly quite fun, especially if you like watching people enjoy themselves while witnessing each other’s chances of winning wash away as the evening wears on – a bit of schadenfreude among the youth hockey parents. Remember, this is a chance at winning a few thousand bucks! That of course depends on your luck and the choices of some “finalists” in the process. Let me explain – this is an opportunity to enter an elimination-style raffle, where the total number of tickets sold generates the dollar amount available for winning. In this case, the tickets cost $100 each, and the goal is to sell 200 of them, so that the organization generates $10,000 and the winner receives $10,000 (or is split among winners). In the case of fewer tickets sold, the pot is slightly smaller, but the concept remains the same.

However it turns out, all who attend have fun, and all who buy a ticket start out with a chance at the final prize. This is a great opportunity to support one of our growing sports organizations, and a chance at winning. If you find you are not interested in buying a ticket individually, the concept of four friends pitching in $25 each works very well. Also, we see a lot of “group” tickets, which can work with your colleagues at work, friends in your circle, or among family members to spread the investment across a few more people. If you know of others who may be interested, please feel free to pass this information along.

One raffle ticket includes dinner admission for two, but you do not need to attend the event to win. You can choose to have a representative at the event if you cannot attend in person. If you are interested in either a single ticket or a group ticket, please contact us ASAP, as the event is this week, and we are stretching to reach our goal.

Ticket forms are available from one of our coaches or Board members, or on our website at http://www.mebhockey.com/Fundraising_Events.html

Thank you for your consideration, and if you choose to participate – good luck! If you attend, it really can be quite an entertaining evening and a great way to keep these little ones on the ice for a few more years.

* The total amount available for the winners is determined by the total number of tickets sold, and is a maximum of $10,000 (our goal).

Demolition Alert : The Old Storage Building on New Street

The Boston Landmarks Commission is holding a community meeting about a developer's  request to tear down the building. Thursday, March 19th, 6:00PM, Maverick Landing Community Room

Adrian Madaro Announces Plan To Alleviate Parking Shortage

(East Boston, February 16, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several policy initiatives to create more parking spaces as East Boston housing development booms.

“East Boston is fortunate that investors are creating much needed housing and jobs in our neighborhood” said Madaro. “With that development, however, comes the challenge of car congestion. South Boston failed to plan for increased car congestion during its growth and East Boston can’t afford to make the same mistake.”

Madaro proposed partially lifting the parking garage ban in East Boston thereby enabling private developers to build garages in presently industrial areas of the neighborhood, such as next to the Chelsea Street bridge. “In exchange for lifting the ban, private developers would have to offer discounted parking spots to East Boston residents and allow residents to use the garages during snow emergencies,” said Madaro. The garages would also be required to have chargers for electric vehicles and bike parking.

“Parking garages would help reduce the lack of parking in East Boston, especially during snow storms,” said East Boston resident Rashaun Martin. “If in the future car usage decreases, then the garages could be converted into other uses like for housing or business.”

Madaro also proposed exploring the redesign of East Boston streets for angled parking. “Striping the streets for angled parking is a more efficient use of space and could increase parking spots by 30%,” said Boston transportation expert and former East Boston resident Bob D’Amico. Madaro further pledged to explore siting smart parking meters in the neighborhood business districts to encourage car turnover. “As your State Representative, I will work to solve the current and anticipated parking problems and will develop creative solutions to benefit the quality of life of our residents.”

Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship.

Source: Madaro Campaign

Adrian Madaro Focuses on Creating Pathways to Careers through Improved Educational Opportunities, Including Vocational and Technical Programs

(East Boston- February 9, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several policy initiatives to improve educational opportunities for East Boston residents, including new technical and vocational training programs.

Madaro praised the existing schools in East Boston, citing innovators like the co-op model of the Harbor City preschool, Boston’s only public elementary Montessori school, the Dante Alighieri as well as two of the top performing charter schools in the state, Brooke and Excel Academy.  However, he said more Pre-K seats, advanced work classes, and vocational training programs would further strengthen opportunities for East Boston’s youth.

“Not every youth in East Boston will follow a traditional academic path” said Madaro. “Creating technical and vocational training programs in East Boston will prepare our young people for well-paying careers and future jobs”.

Madaro went on to emphasize the importance of internships, job training and continuing education for residents of all ages.

“I am proud of my role as Board President of the Harborside Community Council, the largest provider of adult education and ESL classes in East Boston” said Madaro.  “As State Representative, I will strongly advocate for these, and other continuing education programs so that all East Bostonians – newcomers and longtime residents alike – have the educational opportunities they need to succeed in their careers of choice.”

Madaro knows firsthand the role that internships can play in creating a pathway to careers. Throughout high school and college, he interned for several government entities in Boston and Washington D.C., eventually ending in Representative Carlo Basile’s office. After college, he went on to found the Mario Umana Fellowship Program, which provides paid internships to East Boston High School students interested in careers in public service.

“Adrian is someone who affected my life personally in the greatest way possible” said Thomas Travers, a recipient of the Mario Umana Fellowship Program and senior at East Boston High School. “Throughout the internship, Adrian served as an enormous mentor to me. Because of Adrian, I was able to gain a great insight into what it truly means to serve your neighborhood.”

Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship

Register of Probate Felix D. Arroyo endorses Joe Ruggiero for State Representative

(EAST BOSTON, February 9, 2015) – Felix D. Arroyo, Suffolk Register of Probate, has formally endorsed Joe Ruggiero for State Representative for the First Suffolk District. The endorsement announcement took place at the Ruggiero for Representative Maverick Square Headquarters yesterday, where Arroyo helped kick off a day of canvassing and business visits for volunteers and the candidate.

“I had the opportunity to get to know Felix following the Mayoral preliminary election, during our work to elect Mayor Walsh,” said Ruggiero. “He and I share the same values of community, opportunity and equality, and his contributions to the City have been considerable. I’m honored to have his support.”

“Joe is a smart and hard-working young man who approaches his community work with great passion,” said Arroyo. “I know that he is the best candidate in this race, and will work tirelessly to advocate for East Boston, supporting stronger schools, better access to health care, and safer streets. He has my full support.”

A native of Puerto Rico, Felix D. Arroyo has been an activist and elected official in Boston for decades. Arroyo served as the Latin American Affairs Director for former U.S. Senator John Kerry, and in the cabinet of former Mayor Raymond L. Flynn before resigning to become a member of the Boston School Committee. He went on to serve as Vice President and President of the School Committee. He served as Boston City Councilor At-Large from 2003 to 2008, and was most recently elected as Register of Probate for Suffolk County. He has been a leader in peace movements, advocating for antiviolence and social justice causes.

Arroyo is the latest in a series of strong endorsements from community leaders and labor unions, including:

    Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh (see video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeIWE48WsSI)
    Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3
    Construction & General Laborers’ Union Local 223
    International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Asbestos Workers Local #6
    International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103
    International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2222
    International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35
    Laborers' International Union of North America Local 22
    Pipefitters Association Local Union 537
    Service Employees International Union Local 509
    Service Employees International Union 32BJ - New England 615
    Service Employees International Union Local 888
    Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local Union No. 17
    Sprinkler Fitters Local #550
    UNITE HERE Local 26

Joe Ruggiero declared his candidacy for State Representative for the First Suffolk District in December, representing East Boston. Joe is a lifelong East Boston resident and small business owner. He is an active member of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce and a recent appointee to the Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan Committee. He has been a dedicated volunteer and leader for a number of youth-based organizations within East Boston, including the East Boston YMCA, East Boston Youth Basketball League, East Boston Little League, and the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). In addition to his roles in youth mentoring and neighborhood business development, Ruggiero is an active member of St. Joseph & Lazarus Parish, and an active organizer of East Boston Substance Abuse Awareness Day and founding organizer of the Mayor's Annual Family Fun Day. To learn more about Joe Ruggiero and his candidacy, visit www.RuggieroforRep.com.

Source: Kate Norton, 617-838-6083, knorton@ckstrategies.com

Jan. 24: East Boston Kiwanis Club to Host Winter Classic Half Ball Tournament this Saturday to Raise Funds for Charities

EAST BOSTON – The Kiwanis Club of East Boston will hold its second annual Winter Classic Half Ball Tournament this Saturday, January 24 from 5-8 p.m. at the Marty Pino Community Center, 86 Boardman St. in Orient Heights. Funds raised by the tournament will partially go to “The Eliminate Project” sponsored by Kiwanis International and Unicef and to the Kiwanis Club’s local Community Service activities.

Half Ball teams of four are invited to participate in the tournament for an entry fee of $100. To sign up, contact Kiwanis Club President Clark Moulasion at 617-699-7121 or by e-mail at: carmellasmarket@verizon.net. The tournament will also feature a basketball free-throw shooting contest.

Kiwanis International’s “The Eliminate Project” is raising $110 million to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus around the world and funds from this tournament will help to save the lives of mothers and their children in many underdeveloped countries. For more information on The Eliminate Project, turn here: http://sites.kiwanis.org/Kiwanis/en/theELIMINATEproject/home.aspx


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Renew Boston Workshop: January 13 at Social Centers

Renew Boston, a partnership of the City of Boston, NStar, National Grid, community non-profits and Mass Save-approved contractors will be holding a workshop on Energy-Efficiency on Tuesday, January 13 at the East Boston Social Center, 68 Central Square. 

 Join neighbors for a presentation in Spanish at 5:30 pm, in English at 6:15 pm and at 7:00 pm for residents and owners of buildings with more than 4 units. Free and open to the public. 
Children welcome. Light refreshments will be served. 

 Please share this notice with your all family, friends and neighbors and let's learn together what we can do save now with energy-saving products and services!