Morabito opens up headquarters in Orient Heights

(EAST BOSTON - March 23) On Saturday, March 19th., Steve Morabito, candidate for state senator of the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, opened his campaign headquarters in Orient Heights East Boston at 1002 Bennington St. Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Steve celebrated this joyous occasion as an important step in his campaign to be elected to the state senate. East Boston is an area where Steve has held signs, knocked on doors, met with members of the business community as well as attended countless community meetings. He has been overwhelmed by the reception he has received from the people of East Boston as well as the people of Cambridge-port, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, the North End, Chinatown, Winthrop and of course, the people of his hometown, Revere.

During this campaign, Steve has listened carefully to the concerns and suggestions of the people throughout the district. From the problem of gangs and violence in East Boston to the horrendous situation with opiates everywhere he has been, he has been able to gather a great deal of information that will be helpful to him when he  serves in the state senate. While many of these issues do not come before the city council, as vice president of that body he has often thought that he could help more people as a state senator. Helping people is the very essence of public service and this is what motivated Councillor Steven Morabito to enter public service.

Steve would like to invite all the citizens of the district to visit his newly opened campaign headquarters in Orient Heights and looks forward to meeting as many people from the First Suffolk and Middlesex District as possible. He asks that anyone with a suggestion, a concern, or an idea to reach out and contact him.

Party leaders endorse Laura Rigas for Republican State Committee for Suffolk and Middlesex District

REVERE — Today, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr endorsed Laura Rigas for Republican State Committee for the First Suffolk and Middlesex District. The district includes Revere, Winthrop, East Cambridge, as well as Boston's Beacon Hill, Chinatown, North End, and East Boston.

Rigas has already been endorsed by Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, and Revere City Councillor Anthony Zambuto.

“I am honored to be endorsed by Minority Leader Bruce Tarr in my campaign for Republican State Committee” Laura Rigas said. "Senator Tarr has led the fight for reform in the Massachusetts Legislature, is a strong leader among grassroots activists, and I've been proud to stand by him and help elect strong Republican leaders in the Commonwealth."

"We need leaders like Laura Rigas who can help us build a stronger Republican Party so we can build a stronger Massachusetts," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, a favorite among grassroots advocates.

Bruce E. Tarr is the minority leader of the Massachusetts Senate. He has been a member of the Senate since 1995, representing the 1st Essex and Middlesex District. He is a member of the United States Republican Party and a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

L-R: Revere City Councillor Anthony Zambuto, Laura Rigas, Senator Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, and Governor Charlie Baker. Photo Credit: Friends of Laura Rigas.

Laura Rigas, who lives and works in the district, is the Communications Director for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education in Boston. Prior to this, she worked as Vice President for Strategic Communications at Wise Public Affairs and National Communications Director for the American Conservative Union in Washington, D.C., which hosts the largest political gathering of conservatives in the nation, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). 

She served in several appointed leadership positions in the administration of President George W. Bush, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, and at the White House. She earned a Masters of Public Administration at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts at the College of William & Mary, where she was student body president and the first student member of the Board of Visitors.

She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Boston. She has assisted in numerous statewide and local Republican campaigns in Massachusetts and is an instructor at the Leadership Institute, where she helped found its first grassroots and campaign training for women by women. She and her husband, Michael J. Rigas, live in Revere.

For more information about Laura Rigas and her campaign, please visit www.LauraRigas.com.

Source:  Laura Rigas

Chinese-American Women Officials Endorse Diana Hwang: Hail Her Leadership on Mentoring Young Asian Women

(Boston, MA 2/16/2016) – Former Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong (Wong Sou Fun), Quincy City Councilor Nina Liang and Newton City Councilor Amy Mah Sangiolo (Mah Hwei Mei) have all endorsed Diana Hwang for State Senate, citing her work as a mentor for young Asian women across Massachusetts.

“The significant needs of young Asian-American women were largely neglected until Diana Hwang’s ground-breaking organization, Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI), began to reach out to them and awaken their interest in public service and political power,” said City Councilor Amy Mah Sangiolo.  “I have witnessed first-hand the power of Diana’s leadership to make a difference in these girls’ future.  As the longest serving Asian American in the state, I would be thrilled to see Diana elected to the State House.”  Amy Mah Sangiolo has served Ward 4, City of Newton since 1997, and was the first Asian-American elected to the Newton City Council.

Founded in 2009, the Asian-American Women's Political Initiative (AAWPI) is the nation’s first and only leadership organization for Asian-American women. The organization grew out of Diana’s direct experience of being the only Asian in the State House – and the recognition that those numbers would not increase unless the role of politics – and the power of government were better understood by the next generation of young women leaders.  Over the last 6 years, under Diana’s tutelage, more than three dozen young women completed a one-of-a-kind State House fellowship and mentoring program and most have gone on to work on campaigns, in legislative offices and actively participate in their communities.

Quincy City Councilor Nina Liang, the first Asian-American woman to serve on the Quincy City Council also cited Diana’s work for AAWPI in her endorsement.

“I had the privilege to attend one of AAWPI’s graduations and see the transformative difference that Diana Hwang had made in these young girls’ lives,” said Nina Liang.  “I encounter, in my own community, Asian youth who serve as their families’ only link to the outside world and yet feel intimidated by the power of the State House and the larger political community to affect change.  Diana and her organization made a difference to that with her leadership and passion, and she would bring the same commitment to changing the system from inside the building when she is elected to the State Senate.”

Lisa Wong, the former mayor of Fitchburg Massachusetts, was the first Asian-American Mayor in Massachusetts history. “Diana Hwang is a true trailblazer who has the proven ability to organize, lead and most importantly to listen to the needs of the community,” Mayor Wong shared.  “Diana has spent her entire career fighting for women, immigrants and working families.  As State Senator, she would fight fearlessly for the needs of the district as she has for the needs of the Asian girls she has mentored.”
 
Mayor Wong, Councilor Liang and Alderwoman Mah Sangiolo join a growing list of endorsements for Diana Hwang’s State Senate Campaign.  In previous weeks Diana has been endorsed by Boston State Representative Dan Hunt and the only two minority women in the State Senate, Senators Sonia Chang-Diaz and Linda Dorcena Forry.

The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Diana Hwang previously served as a legislative aide in the State House and a Chief of Staff in the Boston City Council.  Diana serves as Board member of the UMass Center for Women in Politics, served as co-chair of the Boston Women’s Fund and is a founding member of Mayor Walsh’s Women’s Commission.  Diana currently lives in East Boston and previously lived in Revere.

Source:

Cayce McCabe
press@dianaforsenate.com
617-615-7011

Billy Costa to host the 20th Taste of Eastie on Thursday, January 28th, 2016

East Boston, MA (December 14, 2015) – East Boston Main Streets Proudly Presents the 20th Annual Taste of Eastie on Thursday, January 28th, 2016. Billy Costa will serve as the MC for this very special evening highlighting Eastie’s amazing restaurants. 

East Boston Main Streets invites the public to the 20th Annual Taste of Eastie at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport Hotel on Thursday, January 28th 2016 from 6:00-9:00 pm. 

Food and fun highlight this wonderful evening including raffles and auctions. Over thirty local food merchants will showcase their delicious cuisine, including tastes from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, China, the Middle East, and Italy. 

Tickets are $25.00 until 12/24/2015, and can be purchased online at http://tasteofeastie2015.eventbrite.com or in person at at 146 Maverick St. or the Main Streets office at 154 Maverick Street, as well as at the Maverick Market Cafe at 154 Maverick St. 

For more details or questions please contact Max Gruner at mgruner@ebmainstreets.com or at 617-561-1044.

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.

Oct. 13: Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting

Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday October 13th 7pm 

at the Jeffries Point Yacht Club 565 Sumner Street

Agenda -

• Police JPNA Updates
• Downeast Cider House
• Annissa Essaibi George, City Council Candidate, At-Large
• 294 Sumner street - Long term use. Reviewing and voting on proposals for the site. 
• Senator Anthony Petrucelli, State Rep Adrian Madaro, City Councilor Sal Lamattina  (Giving legislative updates and taking questions.)

9/14: Dog Park to Open in Eastie: More than 22,000 fenced in square feet for your dog to play at Bremen Street Park

The Massachusetts Port Authority officially opens the Bremen Street Dog Park offering a 17,000 square-foot fenced in area for large dog and a 5,500 square-foot fenced in area for small dogs to play, socialize, and exercise. (Total: 22,655 square-foot dog park divided for large and small dogs) The park’s features include five pieces of dog agility equipment, pet waste stations, and water fountains for dogs.

WHERE:       Corner of Bremen Street and Porter Street, East Boston, MA (by the Bremen Street Park)

WHEN:         Monday, September 14, 2015 at 10 a.m.

JPNA Potluck is tonight!

Boston's Poet Laureate to visit East Boston Branch of the Public Library: June 27

Photo credit: Priscilla Harmel

BOSTON – June 24, 2015 – Boston Public Library and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture announce branch visits by the City of Boston’s Poet Laureate, Danielle Legros Georges, who will travel to Boston Public Library locations this summer to meet and engage with aspiring and practicing poets throughout the city. Interested participants can bring examples of their work for discussion, or questions and comments for the Poet Laureate Program. 

“The drop-in workshops from such a highly accomplished poet are a unique learning opportunity to develop one’s skills and celebrate creativity and the arts in the City of Boston,” said Christine Schonhart, Boston Public Library’s Director of Library Services for the Branches.

The following visits take place in Boston Public Library branches:

•   Saturday, June 27, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the East Boston Branch, located at 365 Bremen Street.
•   Saturday, July 25, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Mattapan Branch, located at 1350 Blue Hill Avenue.
•   Saturday, August 8, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Honan-Allston Branch, located at 300 North Harvard Street.

Danielle Legros Georges was appointed Boston’s Poet Laureate by Mayor Martin J. Walsh in December 2014 and teaches at Lesley University in the Creative Arts and Learning Division. She is the author of Maroon, a book of poems, and her poems have appeared in numerous anthologies. Her essays, interviews, poems, and reviews have appeared in publications including The American Poetry Review, The Boston Globe, Callaloo, Consequence, Salamander, spoKe, Solstice, Transition, World Literature Today, and the Women’s Review of Books. A resident of Dorchester, she was born in Haiti, has lived in Boston’s Haitian community of Mattapan, Chicago and New York, and has travelled to various parts of the world.

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.

United Way expands successful summer learning program; EB YMCA and Social Centers participate

Over 3,000 K-3 students expected to benefit from literacy programs proven to avoid summer learning loss and increase reading skills
 
BOSTON -- United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley is expanding its nationally-recognized Summer Learning Collaborative to reach over 3,000 elementary school-age children in 25 program sites in the region. This year’s funding of $260,000 – raised from diverse partners such as Alliance Data, Boston Consulting Group, Boston Financial Data Services, Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, United Parcel Service and United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council – enables the expansion to serve over 300 more children than last year and three additional locations. The 2015 locations will serve students from the communities of Lynn, Lawrence, Lowell, Salem, Winthrop, Peabody, Revere, Cambridge, Somerville and Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, East Boston, Allston Brighton, Chinatown and Roxbury.

Research shows that low-income children experience summer learning loss at a much higher rate than their middle-class peers, who typically benefit from enriching summer programs, learning experiences and homes filled with books and reading. Over the course of one summer vacation, this summer learning loss creates an approximate three-month achievement gap in reading skills between the two groups of children. By middle school, the cumulative effect adds up to a gap equal to two full years of achievement.

A partnership between United Way, BOSTnet, community-based organizations, and school districts, the Summer Learning Collaborative improves children’s literacy outcomes by integrating literacy activities in fun and meaningful ways into existing summer camp programs at community-based organizations in low-income communities. It also focuses on professional development for program staff to ensure the program’s success can be sustained and scaled.  Last year:

·         85% of the 2,700 participating children avoided summer learning loss;

·         82% of children said they enjoy reading more now than they did at the end of the summer;

·         69% of the participating children maintained or increased reading skills; and

·         85% of the participating children said the staff made reading fun.

“For too many children, summer time is when important progress made during the school year is lost,” said Michael K. Durkin, president at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.  “This partnership is specifically designed to target summer learning, helping children to maintain, and even increase, their reading skills over the summer to keep them on track to be proficient readers by third grade.”

The communities and locations for the 2015 Summer Learning Collaborative include:

Boston: Ellis Memorial, Dorchester YMCA, East Boston YMCA, Egleston YMCA, Oak Square YMCA, Wang YMCA, East Boston Social Centers

Cambridge: East End House

Lawrence: Lawrence YWCA, Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Merrimack Valley YMCA

Lowell: Girls Inc. of Lowell, Community Teamwork Inc. (at Murkland, Pawtucketville and McAuliffe schools)

Lynn: Camp Fire North Shore, Girls Inc. of Lynn, Gregg Neighborhood House

Peabody: For Kids Only Afterschool

Revere: For Kids Only Afterschool

Salem: For Kids Only Afterschool

Somerville: Somerville YMCA

Winthrop: For Kids Only Afterschool

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.

####
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.

Adrian Madaro Proposes Job Creation Plan for East Boston Residents

(East Boston - February 23, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several policy initiatives to create good paying jobs for East Boston residents.

“The number one concern I hear from residents is the need for good paying jobs” said Madaro. “I’ll work with the state to declare the Chelsea Creek a marine economic development zone which will attract companies to create jobs along Border, Condor, and McClellan Highway. I’ll also require those companies to participate in vocational training programs for local students.”

“To grow jobs, East Boston needs to capitalize on its access to the water,” said East Boston environmental activist Chris Marchi. “Giving companies low interest loans, tax abatements, and expedited zoning will unlock the potential of our waterfront to produce jobs for East Boston residents--just like South Boston has done with the Seaport.”

Madaro also committed to connecting East Boston residents with the booming Seaport district. “The Seaport district is the biggest job creator in the region producing jobs for low to high skilled workers. East Boston residents need access to these jobs” said Rick Dimino, President of the nonprofit firm A Better City. As Chief of Staff to Representative Carlo Basile, Madaro described how he supported the upcoming connection of Airport Station with South Station via the Silverline; the long awaited connection of the Red and Blue lines; and the expansion of water transportation to and from East Boston. “As your State Representative, I will work to create more job opportunities for East Boston residents by connecting residents with the jobs being created at the Seaport.”

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:
Liana LaMattina, Madaro Campaign

WEBN TV: East Boston State Rep Debate

Malden/East Boston Mites outplay Dorchester, winning 4-2 and Mayor's Cup

Malden/East Boston Youth Hockey Update

With two teams in the 2014 Boston Mayor’s Cup tournament on Sunday, January 4, Malden/East Boston Youth Hockey (MEB) was busy preparing after the holiday.  Our Pee Wee team played a tough-fought shootout with Dorchester, falling 2-1 in a classic goalie’s duel.  The MEB Mites were victorious earlier in the day, also playing Dorchester, winning 4-2.  Both games were played “on the big ice” at Boston College.  Congratulations to the Mites for the Championship win and to all teams who participated!

In regular games this past weekend, we saw a variety of games played and a lot of success from the MEB squads.  Beginning on Friday night at the Valley Forum Rink in Haverhill, the Bantam team took a 4-1 victory over Concord.  They continue to push ahead, playing around the middle of the division in standings.



Our youngest competitors on the Mite B team suffered a tough 2-11 loss to S&S in Revere, in the only game we had on the calendar for MEB on Saturday this weekend.  On Sunday, three other teams played, each scoring a ‘W’ in those contests.

Starting with the Mite A team on Sunday morning at the Malden Valley Forum, we won 8-2 against Melrose.  Another morning game was played in at the Devine Rink in Dorchester featuring the MEB Squirts versus Needham, with MEB coming out on top 4-2.  The Squirts are playing ion a new division with new results and a positive outlook for the rest of the season.  Finally, the Pee Wees played to a 4-2 win over NH East at the Valley Forum in Haverhill.  Fighting for top spot in their division, they continue to have fun and compete at a high level.

http://tinyurl.com/oy6cf2a

East Boston Visitor Center & Museum Newsletter #5

This just in from Susan Brauner:

Project Site Location Update
This month members of the committee made a presentation to the Piers Park Project Advisory Committee (PAC) regarding placing the project on Piers Park I or II.  Architects Lyle Bradley and designer Gabriela Dumitrescu donated their time and considerable talents to devise excellent project boards.  The result of the meeting was not encouraging.  Following consultation with several sources, however, we will request another time on a PAC meeting agenda for further discussion.

We are also reviewing other harbor locations.

Financial Analysis
In preparation for the PAC meeting we have a complete project cost/revenue analysis with gracious input from Deputy Director Maria Muller of the MFA, and  museum consultants.  Please let us know if you would like to review the package.

Real Money!!
This month we were awarded a $1,000 mini-grant from the East Boston Foundation, although it has not been received.  The East Boston Community Development Corporation will administer the funds for us.  The money will be used for filing required legal paper work with the Secretary of State and Attorney General, paying the fees for the web site domain registration, and presentation material.

Our First Collection Item
The Mercandetti family of Andover was kind enough to give us a 1864 carte-de-visite.  During the 1860s the exchange of photographs with family and friends was quite popular.  Our gift is a lovely tooled leather album filled with photographs of attractive strangers.  On the reverse side on most of the pictures  it states they were taken at various commercial photographers in Maverick Square.  The contents were digitized by an historical society which we will be given.  We think it might be fun to put some of the photos on the web site and see if the people can be identified.  If not, we could get some great captions!  The album is being held by the head branch librarian at the BPL East Boston branch.

Community Group Handouts
Some committee members are fairly regularly asked to speak to groups.  We have found it a helpful tool to have a one-page hand out of the project available.  We have them in both English and Spanish.  


WBUR
Reporter Fred Thys from the National Public Radio/WBUR  will be doing a story on the project in the near future.  We will advise you when it will air as well as where to find it after airing.  While we cannot yet legally raise money, i.e., until after we receive a Certificate of Solicitation from the Attorney General’s office, we thought it would be helpful, given the demographics of the audience, for the listeners to learn about the project.

New Officers
Debra Cave is not able to serve as Secretary. Fortunately, Bob Schmidt has agreed to act as both Secretary and Treasurer for the time being.  Also, AJ Castilla was no longer able to participate as Director of Communications and Marketing.  We are pleased that Theresa Malionek was able to fill this position.  We thank Debra and AJ for their service.  

We are also pleased that Neenah Estella Luna has agreed to act as our historical research coordinator.

Next Meeting
Monday, October 6th, 6:00PM, Maverick Landing Community Meeting Room, Liverpool Street.  Please attend, and feel free to bring other interested parties.  The more minds working on this the better, of course.

State Rep. Candidate Celeste Ribeiro Myers Blasts Opponent For Pledging to Defend East Boston Casino Vote, Then Accepting Thousands from Casino Lobbyists

[This just in from the Celeste Ribeiro Myers campaign]

(EAST BOSTON September 8, 2014)—On July 8, candidate Celeste Ribeiro Myers took the “People’s Pledge” to run a clean campaign, committing to voters that she would refuse any contributions from lobbyists, political action committees and other special interests. In a letter, she challenged incumbent Carlo Basile to do the same.[1]

The Basile campaign never responded to Myers’ invitation.

Now we may know why: Basile’s latest campaign finance report, the first since the start of the campaign, features a donor list that reads like a who’s who of casino lobbyists, Massport and various airport-based businesses, and numerous other special interest groups. With an astounding 47 percent of contributions coming from outside East Boston, the list of donors includes more than 25 lobbyists representing the casino industry – totaling more than $4,000 in contributions since January – including monetary support from a current Mohegan Sun lobbyist and a maximum contribution allowed by law from the Raynham Race Track, a former applicant for the state’s only slots parlor. (see the full list below)

These donations do not square with the image candidate Carlo Basile ran on in 2007, when he said he’d “be beholden to the people of East Boston, and not to anyone else.”[2]

Basile’s best opportunity to date to keep that campaign promise came on Nov. 5, 2013, when East Boston overwhelmingly rejected a casino proposal for Suffolk Downs. Within a few days, a proposal by Suffolk Downs to push the project a few feet across the town line into Revere was brought before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Basile opposed the new project in a letter to the Commission on Nov. 20 and promised his East Boston constituents that he would defend their “no” votes.

But campaign finance records show that Basile would accept more than $4,000 from more than 25 casino lobbyists over the next several months, including a donation in April from a Mohegan Sun lobbyist. Myers was quick to point out that taking campaign contributions from the casino industry not only disrespects the vote of the residents of East Boston, but clearly shows that Basile is beholden to special interests — not the people.

“It’s an obvious conflict of interest,” Myers said. “How can an elected official protect his neighborhood from outside corporations when he’s taking their money?”

Basile has also paid more than $20,000 in campaign consulting fees to Sage Systems, a Peabody-based consulting firm that represents the casino industry, including Mohegan Sun.

The only certain way to defend East Boston’s “no” vote and prevent a casino from being built at Suffolk Downs is to repeal the existing gambling law, which is on the ballot this November 4. Basile has repeatedly refused to support the repeal efforts. His campaign finance records show why.

Myers said she will reform the office of State Representative. Her robust platform includes plans to give residents more say in how Eastie develops; transportation improvements; job creation and economic development; health; and equality and inclusion for all. Most importantly, she said she will listen to her constituents over and above the special interests who will seek to influence her come January.

“The people of East Boston deserve better and have an important choice to make come this November,” she said.

Check out Celeste’s entire platform at www.celesteforeastboston.com.

Media inquiries: Steve Holt, 617-447-6519
* * * * *
Twitter: @celesteboston
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celesteforEB
Email: campaign@celesteforeastboston.com
[1] "Myers Refuses Donations From Special Interests," East Boston Times-Free Press, July 21, 2014.
[2] “Hubster Interview: Carlo Basile,” Hubster Blog, Sept. 12, 2007. http://thehubsterblog.blogspot.com/2007/09/hubster-interview-carlo-basile.html
------------------------------------
Since January, Carlo Basile has raked in more than $4,000 from known casino lobbyists[1]:

    George Atanasov, ML Strategies (represents Wynn Massachusetts LLC.) - $100
    John Bartley - $200
    William Cass – The Suffolk Group - $200
    Julie Cox, ML Strategies - $100
    Mark Delaney, Delaney & Associates - $100
    William Delaney, Delaney & Associates - $100
    Roger Donoghue, Donoghue, Barrett & Singal (represents the American Gaming Association) - $200
    Paul Donovan, Kearney, Donovan & McGee - $200
    Martin Fisher, Serlin Haley - $200
    Charles Flaherty, Capitol Consulting - $200 (currently lobbies for Mohegan Sun)
    Maureen Glynn, Murphy Donoghue - $200
    Dennis Kearney, Kearney, Donovan & McGee - $100
    Richard Lynds, fmr. attorney representing Suffolk Downs - $250
    William Malloy, The Malloy Group - $125
    John and Diane McGlynn, McGlynn and McGlynn - $300
    Kevin Mulvey, Dewey Square Group (PR for Friends of Suffolk Downs) - $100
    Martin Nastasia, Brown Rudnick - $200
    Nixon Peabody Attorneys at Law - $200
    Paul Pezzella, Dewey Square Group - $100
    Joseph Ricca, Dewey Square Group - $150
    Charlene Rideout, Kearney, Donovan & McGee - $100
    Robert Rodophele, Ferriter, Scobbo and Rodophele - $125
    Paul Scapicchio, Sage Systems - $200
    Patricia White, Robert F. White Associates - $300
    Robert White, Robert F. White Associates - $200
    W. Paul White, Robert F. White Associates - $100

[1] 2014 Pre-Primary Report for Carlo Basile (1/1/14-8/22/14), Massachusetts Office of Campaign Finance, http://www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us/DisplayReport.aspx?reportId=203888

East Boston Main Streets announces 14th annual Countdown to Kindergarten Parade

On Friday, September 5, 2014 East Boston Main Streets will hold the 14th Annual Countdown to Kindergarten Parade at 10:30 am at Central Square in East Boston.

(East Boston, MA 24-August-2014) East Boston Main Streets and Countdown to Kindergarten along with the East Boston Social Center, EBYMCA, Little Folks, Head Start, the Boston Police, and the MBTA will host the 14th Annual Countdown to Kindergarten parade. With the help of many groups and individuals and the generosity of local merchants every child in East Boston who is entering kindergarten will receive school supplies, a brand new backpack, and enjoy a festive day designed to provide a positive experience as they begin their formal education. 

file photo; EBMS

This year’s Parade is scheduled for Friday, September 5th at 10:30 am. Anywhere from 300 to 500 kindergarten-age children will gather at Central Square in East Boston with their parents, guardians, and volunteers from the various local early-education centers.

Before the children step off the curb, East Boston Main Streets will announce a $5,000 college scholarship in the form of a 529 college savings bond generously provided by Airmall Boston.  This scholarship will be tied to impeccable class attendance during the school year and will be awarded to one East Boston kindergartener at the end of the 2014/15 academic year.

During the Parade the children will wear yellow shirts saying “I’m Going to Kindergarten” provided by the City of Boston. Along the walk the children will stop at over 20 participating businesses in the neighborhood to receive small gifts.  At the end of the parade the children will return to the park for pizza donated by a local restaurant.

For more information contact Sonia Gomez-Banrey at 617.635.6816 or the East Boston Main Street office at 617.561.1044.  Also, please visit the Countdown to Kindergarten website at http://www.countdowntokindergarten.org  or visit them on Facebook.

State Representative Candidate Celeste Ribeiro Myers Calls for Three Public Debates in East Boston

(EAST BOSTON, MA July 31, 2014) —Celeste Ribeiro Myers, candidate for Suffolk County’s State Representative seat in the First District, today invited her opponent, Rep. Carlo Basile, to participate in three public debates or forums leading up to the Nov. 4 election. In a letter to the Basile campaign Thursday, the Myers campaign called for three public debates: one focusing on development in East Boston, another chosen by the Basile campaign, and a third debate covering a variety of topics.

“Voters should know where we come down on issues affecting East Boston and have the opportunity to hear our respective visions for this community, which no doubt differ in many ways,” the letter states.

The letter also requests a meeting between representatives of each campaign to finalize debate topics and discuss possible sponsors, venues and formats, and asks the Basile campaign to respond by next Wednesday.

Myers, a lifelong East Boston resident, is known for leading the ballot question campaign group No Eastie Casino, which successfully defeated a proposal to site a casino at Suffolk Downs in East Boston on Nov. 5, 2013. (Basile opposed an area casino as a candidate in 2007 but vigorously supported casino plans in the run-up to the vote).

Earlier this month, Myers asked Basile to join her in rejecting campaign contributions from special interest groups, including lobbyists. The Basile campaign has not yet responded to the request to take the “people’s pledge.”

Myers’ robust platform includes plans to give residents more say in how Eastie develops; transportation improvements; job creation and economic development; health; and equality and inclusion for all. Check out her entire platform at www.celesteforeastboston.com.

Source: Steve Holt, 617-447-6519

Celeste Myers, Candidate for state Representative, Statement on SJC casino ruling, Revere hearing

The following was submitted by Celeste Myers dated 6/25/2014:

"We, the people, are the winners and beneficiaries of yesterday's ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts that allows voters to decide in November whether or not to repeal the 2011 casino gambling law. Regardless of how you feel about casino gambling, this was an ill-conceived law from the start, a reality born out in a process marked with many missteps, a lack of transparency, and even the occasional end-run around the law.

The events in Eastern Massachusetts since last November's vote in East Boston and Revere should serve as exhibit A for the brokenness of this legislation. After being defeated at the polls in East Boston, the casino proposal for Suffolk Downs was given new life by the Gaming Commission to proceed as a "Revere-only" project. Even our local elected officials, and later our new mayor, wrote letters of objection to the commission's ruling vowing to defend Eastie residents' votes. The Mayor sought host community status for a "revised project" that has every bit as much of an impact on the the people of East Boston as the one we voted down in November. Last night, in Revere, residents and leaders of impacted areas had a final opportunity to speak out about this project before the commission decides between the two Eastern Massachusetts casino proposals.

Not a single local elected official (or any of their aides) representing Boston, let alone heavily impacted East Boston, showed up.

When I am your representative, I pledge to work tirelessly for you. When an opportunity arises to use my position to defend my neighbors or my neighborhood, I will not balk. My number one priority is the community, and I promise to show my dedication not only with words -- but action as well.

We can all celebrate that democracy will shine in November, when we have the opportunity to repeal a law that threatens both the Commonwealth and our neighborhood. While I do not know how residents of the Commonwealth will vote, I fully support their ability to do so. The stakes could not be higher."

Source: Celeste Myers