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.

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

Join Our Salesian for a Special Family Night! 

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

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

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

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

Sponsorship Opportunities Available 

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

All proceeds to benefit programs for our kids. 

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

July 24: Gove Street Citizens Association to meet

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• Legislative Update – Senator Joseph Boncore and Representative Adrian Madaro.
• 90-94 Cottage Street – A preliminary presentation to erect a 4-floor, 7 unit condo ownership building with one handicapped unit and 6 on-site parking spaces. Owner Marc Savatsky (No vote to be taken) 
• 67 Lubec Street – A proposal to erect a 4-floor, 7 residential condo unit building with 6 parking spaces in the rear of the building. - Attorney Jeffrey Drago, Developer Thomas Falcucci. (1st presentation / No vote to be taken.) 
• 287 -293 Maverick St. (Pickle Factory)- A proposal to demolish an existing vacant industrial building and erect a 5 story (with setback) mixed-use development of 37 multifamily residential units and café/restaurant at ground level with 31 on-site parking spaces. This project is subject to a BPDA Article 80E-2 small project review. - Attorney Richard Lynds (2nd presentation / No vote to be taken.)

MEETING DATE: Monday, July 24, 2017  

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building. 

The Farmers Market Is Back! Healthy Summer Food and Fun at EBNHC

This just in from the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center:

Summer is officially here! What better way to celebrate warmer weather than enjoying delicious food with friends and neighbors? The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center makes eating healthy easy and fun with our food access programs!

Food is a basic necessity. The World Health Organization and the United Nations deem access to safe and nutritious food a basic individual right, but many of our community members may face barriers to accessing healthy and affordable food. As a proud member of this community, we work to overcome food access issues. Here's how!

East Boston Farmers Market: It's that time of year again: The East Boston Farmers Market returns July 5! The Let's Get Movin' program at EBNHC runs a bustling farmers market through the summer and early fall. Come have fun while you shop for fresh produce and other healthy foods!

Hours: Wednesdays, 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Dates: July 5 through October 18
Location: Lewis Mall, behind the Maverick T station
Payments accepted: Cash, credit, debit, WIC Coupons, Senior Coupons, SNAP/food stamps
Learn more about the Farmers Market!

EBNHC Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA): Our CSA connects community members interested in supporting local agriculture with Farmer Dave's, a farm located in Dracut, MA. Members of the CSA purchase a "share," or part of the farm's harvest, and receive convenient weekly shipments of healthy, affordable produce that change with the growing season! The program began June 15, but we accept applications on a rolling basis. Please join us! Learn more about our CSA!

Healthy Incentives Program: The East Boston Farmers Market and CSA are proud to participate in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). HIP is a statewide program that provides SNAP recipients with a 100 percent incentive -- a dollar-for-dollar match -- for each SNAP dollar spent on fruits and vegetables purchased at farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and CSA programs. By increasing access to locally grown fruits and vegetables for SNAP clients, the program seeks to benefit family and community health, and support farms and the local economy. Learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program!

Fair Foods: On the first and third Friday of every month beginning at 2:30 pm, community members can purchase mixed bags of fresh produce for $2 per bag. Fair Foods is open to all and aims to increase access to fresh, affordable, healthy food in Boston communities. Learn more about Fair Foods! 

EBNHC Wellness Garden: Our Wellness Garden is a collaborative project throughout which participants share in the maintenance and products of the garden, including healthful and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables while building gardening skills, engaging in physical activity, skill building, and creating green space. Learn more about our Wellness Garden >>

Our community initiatives coordinator, Gabrielle Witham, is deeply connected to these programs. "It feels very meaningful to be able to help people gain access to healthy, fresh, affordable foods," Gabrielle says.

Jan. 23: Gov Street Citizens Association Monthly Meeting

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• Is ‘Imagine Boston 2030’ climate ready? / New South Boston zoning proposals – Open Discussion
• 114 Orleans St. (Rick’s Auto) - Proposal to erect a six-story, with setback, residential building, with 28 market-rate condominiums and 15 parking spaces located on the ground floor. (Article 80 Small Project Review Process) – Attorney Jeffrey Drago (3rd Presentation with project changes/ No vote to be taken)

MEETING DATE: Monday, January 23, 2017

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel.        

DRIVING – Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting: August 29

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• 161 Cottage St. – Proposal to renovate the existing building, build a new addition at the rear of the building with new handicap access, and change occupancy from 8 to 9 residential units (Penthouse). – Attorney Richard Lynds (3rd Appearance / Vote to be taken)
• 46 Geneva St. – Proposal to erect a 3 story, 3-family residential building, with a roof deck and head house. – Attorney Jeffrey Drago (3rd Appearance / Vote to be taken)
• 157 Cottage St. – Proposal to increase living space by combining 1st floor with basement. – Brian Scagliola (2nd Appearance / No vote to be taken)
• 10-16 Everett St. (Ani’s Auto Body) – Proposal to erect a five-story, residential building, with 20 market-rate condominium and 18-20 parking spaces, located on the ground floor. (Article 80 Small Project Review Process) – Attorney Jeffrey Drago (2nd Appearance / No vote to be taken)

MEETING DATE: Monday, August 29, 2016 
TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel.          DRIVING – Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Gove Street Citizens Association to meet on Monday, June 27

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:
   
EDUCATION / PRESENTATION 

• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• 161 Cottage St. – Proposal to renovate the existing building, build a new addition at the rear of the building with new handicap access, and change occupancy from 8 to 9 residential units (Penthouse). – Attorney Richard Lynds (1st Appearance / No vote to be taken)
• 46 Geneva St. – Proposal to erect a 3 story, 3-family residential building, with a roof deck and head house. – Attorney Jeff Drago (1st Appearance / No vote to be taken)
• Presentation of the Mayor’s Imagine Boston 2030 Initiative to establish the first comprehensive citywide master plan in 50 years.

MEETING DATE: Monday, June 27, 2016 
 
TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
 
LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Rental Car Center at 15 Transportation Way.                                                                                                                          

DRIVING – Free event parking available in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.                                                                                                                                                 

WALKING - Situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel. 
 
Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month except for Holidays.

A night with the musicians: June 18

March 28: The Gove Street Citizens Association Meeting

EDUCATION / PRESENTATION 

• Meet & Greet the Democratic Candidates for the First Suffolk and Middlesex District State Senate seat.
• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• 202 Maverick Street – Proposal for a 23 Multi-Unit Residential Dwelling with 20 parking spaces
• (2nd appearance and vote) – Attorney Richard Lynds

MEETING DATE: Monday, March 28, 2016

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Rental Car Center at 15 Transportation  Way

DRIVING – Free event parking available in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building

WALKING - Situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel. 
 Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at the above location.

Kiwanis Club to host guest speakers from Pace Elder Service Plan on March 15

The Kiwanis Club of East Boston will host guest speakers from the PACE Elder Service Plan at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center at the Kiwanis meeting set for Tuesday, March 15, starting at 6 p.m. at Spinelli’s Function Hall, Day Square in East Boston.

Trisha Diaz will lead the discussion of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) network, which enables adults age 55 and over to continue to live full and meaningful lives as their health needs change. PACE helps older adults in East Boston, the North End and surrounding communities stay healthy, active and independent in the place they call home.
      
The public is invited to attend by contacting a Kiwanis Club member, including club President-elect John Schwagerl at 617-592-6773, club Secretary Ed Coletta at 617-697-6179 or Director Marisa DiPietro at 617-650-3442.
     
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. The East Boston Kiwanis Club meets every first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Spinelli’s in Day Square, East Boston.
 
Source: Ed Coletta

EB Kiwanis to hold Halloween "Monster Mash" : October 28

The Kiwanis Club of East Boston will host a Halloween “Monster Mash” costume party on Wednesday, October 28th, from 7-11 p.m. at the Beachmont VFW, 150 Bennington St. in Revere. The party will feature the music of DJ Michael Anthony Gaeta.

Tickets to the Monster Mash are $20 per person, and include light refreshments, raffles, a cash bar and a Halloween Costume Contest with prizes.
      
The public is invited to attend, and tickets can be obtained from Kiwanis Club members, including club President-elect John Schwagerl at 617-592-6773.
      
Any funds raised by the club during the Halloween Monster Mash will be used for the club’s charitable activities in East Boston. So please join the club for a ghoulishly good time!
      
Kiiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. The East Boston Kiwanis Club meets every first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Spinelli’s in Day Square, East Boston.

Sept. 28: Gove Street Citizens Association Meets

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

EDUCATION / PRESENTATION

• Update on current status of GSCA area projects.
• Boston Water & Sewer Commission – Presentation on conditions that contributed to the two Cottage Street sinkholes. 
• 80 Everett Street – Proposal to erect a 3 story residential dwelling on a vacant lot. (1st appearance / Non-Vote) Atty. Richard Lynds

MEETING DATE: Monday, September 28, 2015
 
TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
 
LOCATION: 

DRIVING - The Noddle Island Community Room is located on the first floor of the Logan Rental Car Center at 15 Transportation Way. Parking available in the Porter Street lot adjacent to the building.

WALKING - Situated at the end of Porter Street, just a 4 minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel. 
 
All meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at the above location except for Holidays that are on Monday when the meeting will be held on the following Tuesday.

Ed Coletta chosen as Kiwanian of the Year; Banquet, Sept. 26

EAST BOSTON KIWANIS CLUB TO HONOR LONG-TIME MEMBER
AS 2015 ‘KIWANIAN OF THE YEAR’

Tickets Now Available for Sept. 26 Banquet to Honor Ed Coletta’s Community Service
   
    The Kiwanis Club of East Boston has selected long-time Kiwanis member Ed Coletta as the club’s 2015 “Kiwanian of the Year,” and his service to Kiwanis and to the East Boston community will be commemorated at a banquet set for Saturday, September 26 at 6 p.m. in Spinelli’s Function Hall in East Boston.

    Mr. Coletta is an East Boston resident, and he has been a member of the East Boston Kiwanis Club for 28 years. During that time, he has twice been club president and currently serves as the club secretary. Over the years, he has served on numerous committees that have assisted children, senior citizens and those-in-need within the East Boston community.

    The cost of a sit-down dinner at the Kiwanian of the Year banquet is $60. Tickets are available from Kiwanis Club Director Marisa Di Pietro by calling 617-650-3442 or e-mailing her at mdipietro@ebsoc.org and from Kiwanis Club President Clark Moulaison at 617-699-7172 or at carmellasmarket@verizon.net. Tickets are also available from any Kiwanis Club member.

    The club membership is also marking the occasion with a commemorative souvenir program and advertisement booklet, which will be distributed at the banquet and within the East Boston community. To book a quarter-page, half-page or full-page ad in the booklet, also contact Marisa Di Pietro; the ad deadline is Sept. 6.
   
      Funds raised during the Kiwanian of the Year banquet are used to fund the club’s community service projects, which include support for youth organizations such as the East Boston Little League, East Boston Girls Softball League, Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading, the East Boston YMCA, the Salesian Boys & Girls Club and the East Boston Social Centers. The club also supports the East Boston High School Key Club, the Grace Church and Meridian House food pantries, local EBARC activities, the Christmas Caroling Party at the Don Orione Home, the Kiwanis-Station 7 Bicycle Safety Rodeo, the Kiwanis One/Belle Isle Marsh Cleanup event and the senior citizen summer picnic trip to Salem Willows.
     
       Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. The East Boston Kiwanis Club meets every first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Spinelli’s in Day Square, East Boston.
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EB Kiwanis Club to Honor Three Long-time Members: Judge Ferrino, Dennis Lombardo, John Nucci to be feted May 19 at Spinelli’s in East Boston

(EAST BOSTON, April 26, 2015)  – The Kiwanis Club of East Boston will honor three long-time club members – Judge Joseph V. Ferrino Sr. (ret.) of Winthrop, Dennis Lombardo of Randolph and John Nucci of East Boston – for their years of dedication and service to the community of East Boston and to the children of the world.

The Kiwanis Club will present Legion of Honor awards to Judge Ferrino for his 50 years of service to Kiwanis and community, Mr. Lombardo for his 40 years of service and Mr. Nucci for his 30 years of service.

The Legion of Honor ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 starting at 6 p.m. in Spinelli’s Function Hall, 282 Bennington St., Day Square, East Boston.  Dinner tickets are $25 per person, which includes one 50/50 raffle entry.  Dinner tickets are open to the public, but are limited in number.
 
For more information on tickets or to RSVP, please contact Kiwanis Club President Clark Moulaison at 617-699-7121 or at carmellasmarket@verizon.net
 
The Kiwanis Club of East Boston was founded in 1947, and like Kiwanis International, it is an organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. 

Find the club on Facebook at “Kiwanis Club of East Boston.” 

Mailing address:
Kiwanis Club of East Boston, P.O. Box 83, East Boston, MA 02128

May 15 Deadline for E.B.L.U.C. Grant Applications; Leonard Florence Mem. Trust and Bulgroup Scholarship Trust

This is from Joe Mason:

(EAST BOSTON, April 22, 2015) The East Boston Land Use Council is accepting applications for the Leonard Florence Memorial Trust and the East Boston Bulgroup Scholarship Trust Fund. Due to the extreme winter, our program was delayed. There are also numerous changes in this year’s program, we strongly advise you to print this notice and save it.

The rules are: 

1. You must be an East Boston Resident with proof;
2. We make Vendor payments only; (It is your responsibility to provide exact vendor information with your application);
3. You must include all information in your application, as there will be no “do-overs.” If incomplete, your request will be DENIED!

The biggest change is in the categories:
 
There will be:

•     ten (10) $500.00 dollar Scholarship Grants,
•     ten (10) $500.00 Senior Citizens Groups Grants, and
•     ten (10) $500.00 Children’s/Sports Grants.

It is important for us to remember the legacy of Mr. Leonard Florence, and his successor Bulgroup Properties. These trust funds were left to East Boston’s poorest of the poor, and to the neediest. If you do not see your cause, such as a grant to rent a bus listed, it’s because we will no longer be providing those types of grants.

The deadline to file is MAY 15, 2015.
 
Please mail your requests to:
The East Boston Land Use Council
2 Neptune Road Suite # 352
East Boston, MA 02128

Thank You
Joseph J.Mason President, E.B.L.U.C

Please no email, hand-delivered, or phone applications.
Again, to reiterate, you must provide all information in your request.

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


# # #

Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation to Present George Washington Honor Medals: Nov. 15

Former Boston Mayor Menino, Operation Troop Support in Danvers and Community Activists from East Boston, Boston and Winthrop to be Honored at Ceremonies in Lynnfield
   
The Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will present prestigious George Washington Honor Medals in memory of former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and to Operation Troop Support in Danvers and its founders Dick and Christine Moody.

The Chapter will also present “Spirit of '76” Awards for meritorious service and patriotism to East Boston businessman and philanthropist Benito Tauro and honorable mentions to businessman and activist Donato Frattaroli of Boston and community volunteer Lt. Frank Scarpa Jr. of Winthrop.

The awards will be presented at the Bay State Chapter’s 34st Annual Awards Luncheon on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at 12:30 p.m., in Spinelli’s Banquet Facility, Rt. 1 South in Lynnfield. Tickets are $50.

"Our long-time friend Mayor Menino, who recently passed away, and Dick and Christine Moody of Operation Troop Support represent the best ideals of America – selfless service to community, helping those in need and working to provide a better tomorrow for the generations to follow," said Joseph V. Ferrino, Sr., Founder and Executive Director of Bay State Chapter, Freedoms Foundation. "We honor these individuals and their work with a national George Washington Honor Medal because they have made a difference in the lives of countless citizens in our city and across our state."

Thomas Menino was the mayor of Boston for 20 years before retiring in January 2014, and he served as a city councilor from Hyde Park from 1983 to 1994. During his unprecedented service to the city, he was known as “The People’s Mayor” and “The Neighborhood Mayor” because he was beloved by its citizens and he never forgot the people who inhabited the city’s many distinct and diverse enclaves.

Mayor Menino’s legacy can be seen throughout the City of Boston in new infrastructure, schools, parks and playgrounds, community gardens, public art, libraries, police and fire stations, better housing, renovated school yards, professional development programs for teachers, higher test scores for students and a reduction in crime rates across the city. He also championed many worthwhile development projects that made Boston a better place in which to live and work. He was also compassionate, never forgetting the homeless person who needed a meal, the child who wanted to go to summer camp or the teenager who needed a summer job. And when tragedy struck, such as the 9/11 terrorist attack or the Boston Marathon bombing, he was the leader who helped comfort the victims and honor their sacrifices.

Operation Troop Support was begun in 2003 by Dick and Christine Moody of Danvers to help veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and to boost the spirits of wounded veterans coming back from the battlefield. The Moodys began collecting badly needed items, packaging them and sending the care packages to military hospitals overseas and then directly to soldiers in the field. As word spread, more and more of the troops sought to receive the care packages.

The Moodys and volunteers who assisted them soon widened their mission to include Christmas gifts, a monthly military family support group and free legal advice for soldiers in need. During the 12 years of serving the troops, Operation Troop Support has shipped more than 250,000 care packages to deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. This work was accomplished with the help of thousands of volunteers from hundreds of supportive organizations in the Greater Boston area.
   
Benito Tauro of East Boston will be honored with the Bay State Chapter “Spirit of '76” Award for his dedication to the good works of Freedoms Foundation, and his many years of community service and philanthropy. He is a long-time member of the Bay State Chapter and has served on many Chapter committees, including Youth Activities, Christmas Gala and Finance. He owned and operated a number of businesses in the East Boston area, which included sportswear, dry cleaning, hardware and later the Rapino and Kirby Rapino Funeral Homes. He was a member and past president of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce, and an active member of the Dante Alighieri Society and the Kiwanis Club.

Donato Frattaroli of Boston will receive a “Spirit of ’76” honorable mention for his long-time success as a restauranteur and his community service. He has owned and operated restaurants such as Lucia, Fillippo, Via Veneto and Artu. Besides the Freedoms Foundation, he has also been active in such community organizations as Casa Monte Cassino, Order Sons of Italy in America, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, the North End Business Alliance, the Dante Alighieri Society, the Pirandello Lyceum, the North End Athletic Association and Italia Unita-East Boston.

Lt. Frank Scarpa Jr. of Winthop will receive a “Spirit of ‘76” honorable mention for his successful career in law enforcement and his commitment to the children of Winthrop. During his long career, he has started programs in the Winthrop schools about drug and alcohol awareness, mock trials, “stranger danger” and “sacred straight” that help keep local youth involved in positive activities. He has championed town-wide programs like “Operation Blue Light” and “National Night Out” as a way to fight crime. And he has been actively involved in the successful Winthrop Police Explorers Post #99, which has earned numerous state and national awards for its youth members.

Tickets to the Bay State Chapter awards luncheon are $50 and are available from Chapter Founder and Executive Director Joseph V. Ferrino by calling 617-846-2122.

Freedoms Foundation honors Americans who go above and beyond in their efforts to educate their communities about the values of good citizenship. The foundation has recognized several thousand dedicated individuals and organizations in its 63-year existence. Freedoms Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching all citizens the principles upon which our nation was founded. The organization seeks to convey the close link between the rights and the responsibilities of citizens in a free society.

June 28: Freedoms Foundation to Install New Officers and Members, Honor High School Students during Annual Meeting in East Boston

(East Boston, June 10, 2014)  The Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will host its Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 28, starting at 12:30 p.m. in Spinelli’s Function Hall, Day Square, East Boston.

The meeting will feature the installation of new officers, board directors and new members for the 2014-15 chapter year and a chapter business meeting.
 
The meeting will also feature a video report on the Youth Leadership Conference to the Freedoms Foundation campus in Valley Forge, PA back in April, which was attended by 10 high school juniors sponsored by the Bay State Chapter and its members. 

Those students, from East Boston High School, Boston Latin School, Revere High School and Winthrop High School, will be honored for their efforts.
 
To RSVP for the annual meeting or for more information on the Bay State Chapter, contact Freedoms Foundation Executive Director Joseph Ferrino Sr. at 617-846-2122. Lunch will be served during the meeting.

Local Big Sister celebrates one-year anniversary with Little Sister

East Boston (January 10, 2012) — East Boston resident, Big Sister Kim and her Little Sister Amanda, of Revere, recently celebrated their one year anniversary.   

Big Sister Association of Greater Boston asks for a minimum commitment of 12 months in their Community-Based Mentoring program, though many of our Big and Little Sister relationships last for several years, and even develop into lifelong friendships as the Little Sister becomes an adult. Research has shown that mentoring relationships lasting at least one year, particularly for girls, result in more positive outcomes in a girl’s social-emotional development, academic performance, and ability to make healthy decisions.  

 The success of the relationship is a direct result of the volunteer’s commitment and the professional assessment, training, and support the volunteers receive from the agency’s social work staff.  Big Sister wishes to congratulate Kim on making a difference in the life of her Little Sister as a caring, supportive friend and mentor.

About Big Sister Association of Greater Boston

Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, founded in 1951, is New England's leading advocate for the healthy development of girls. They are the only mentoring organization in Massachusetts that combines the established, research-based practices of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with a gender-specific lens proven to increase positive outcomes for girls. In 2011, Big Sister mobilized 200,000 volunteer hours to mentor 2,956 girls in Boston and inspire them to excellence in school, at home, and in the community. For more information about Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, visit www.bigsister.org .

MS Support Group forming in East Boston

Additional information on MS-Support group enclosed from a press release to eastboston.com

NEW LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

EAST BOSTON- Individuals who have multiple sclerosis have a new local support group. The East Boston MS Self-Help Group meets the second Wednesday of every month, from 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. at the East Boston Social Center, located at 68 Central Square in East Boston. The group’s first meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 14th. Formally affiliated with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central New England Chapter, the group is free and welcomes individuals who have MS, and their family members and caregivers. Group Leader Annette Puccino is available by telephone, 617-561-5850, to talk with anyone who is interested in attending.

"It’s a great way for me to deal with the frustrations of having this disease. Everyone in the group understands what it’s like. We just talk and it’s okay," is a common sentiment by group members.

MS self-help group leaders are volunteers, who have MS and are trained by the National MS Society to provide opportunities for people living with multiple sclerosis, their family members, and their friends to meet with others who are affected by the disease. The group meeting is a safe setting to share common experiences and concerns, to give and receive emotional support, and to obtain MS-related information from peers and from guest professional speakers.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, sometimes disabling neurologic disease that affects the central nervous system, causing unpredictable and possibly severe symptoms, including fatigue, blurred vision, and loss of mobility. Commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 50, about two-thirds of the 400,000 people in the US who have MS are women.

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867) to learn more.

The Central New England Chapter provides help for today, and hope for tomorrow to 17,000 individuals who have MS in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, using 85 percent of Chapter contributions to fund MS education, support, advocacy, and research. If you have questions about MS, please call 1 800 344-4867, or visit www.MSnewengland.org.