Public meeting Dec. 16 on proposed new library for East Boston

Eastboston.com: The city should declare
this building a landmark. But will it?

William Rawn Architects will make a presentation on plans for a new East Boston library on December 16 at the current library (pictured left) on Meridian Street. Details available at eastboston.com.

The story of the Luongo Fire of 1942

Local historian Michael Laurano recalls the devastating Luongo restaurant fire in Maverick Square that killed five firefighters 68 years ago.

How East Boston voted: State Election 2010

EastBoston.com has published the latest election results for East Boston (Ward 1) covering most of the statewide competitive races and all three of the ballot questions.

Chelsea Street Bridge to close this weekend; to close nightly for six weeks beginning Nov. 15

From 6:30 a.m .to 5:30 p.m on Saturday and Sunday (November 13 and 14) the Chelsea Street Bridge will be closed for construction.

Next week the closings will become more frequent. Starting on Monday, November 15, the bridge will be closed each night from Monday through Friday, 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM for approximately the next six weeks. Residents are urged to watch for messages on the variable message electronic board next to the bridge for any last minute changes.

Public Health Commission to Host Health Forum in East Boston on Nov. 17

BOSTON – The Boston Public Health Commission, in partnership with the East Boston Adult Education Coalition, the East Boston Neighborhood Against Substance Abuse (EBNASA), and the Boston Alliance for Community Health, is hosting a community dialogue on the health status of East Boston residents.  The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 17 at the Umana Middle School Academy cafeteria, 312 Border Street, East Boston.

The third in a series of 2010 health forums, the meeting is a platform for people living and working in East Boston to discuss health issues specific to their neighborhood.  Participants will learn about the findings of the latest Health of Boston report, and will have the opportunity to discuss two key health issues affecting their neighborhood – substance abuse and obesity.

“This dialogue presents a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to brainstorm new ways to address health challenges,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “Everyone has a role to play in making our neighborhoods healthier.”

The Commission, the East Boston Adult Education Coalition, EBNASA, and the Boston Alliance for Community Health are working collaboratively with residents, businesses, community agencies, faith-based institutions, elected officials, and others to develop creative ideas that will help build a stronger, healthier East Boston.

“The impact these issues have on our community, which are by no means limited to East Boston, cannot be overlooked.  I encourage all East Boston residents to attend this community dialogue to learn about these issues and how we – as a community – can work together to address them and make East Boston a healthier place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Andrew Kenneally, EBNASA coalition coordinator.

The event is free and open to the public. Dinner, childcare, and interpreter services (Spanish and Portuguese) will be provided at no charge. For more information, contact Pam Jones at 617-534-7195 or pjones@bphc.org or Andrew Kenneally at 617-635-5114 or akenneally@ebnasa.org.

How East Boston voted in the Governor's Race 2010

How East Boston voted in the Governor's Race 2010

With help from Mayor Menino, state workers and the Democratic GOTV machine, Patrick sails through with support from East Boston, (Ward 1-Boston).

The results,which include final tallies for Question 1,  are here. Results from other races will be forthcoming.

Kiwanis Club of East Boston launches 2nd Annual Food Drive

Eastboston.com 11/03/2010: Kiwanis Club of East Boston launches 2nd Annual Food Drive

As with last year, the need to help those who help others with the gift of food is greater than ever! They say unemployment is down….but that does not take into account those that have expired their benefits or those whom are now under employed!

The Kiwanis Club of East Boston along with the support of East Boston Savings Bank is running its 2nd Annual Food Drive to benefit the Grace Federated Church and the Fran Rowan Meridian House.

Here are some good examples of what would be most appreciated for donated goods:

1.) Any canned food
2.) Cereal
3.) Powdered Milk
4.) Bagged or Boxed Pasta and/or Rice
5.) Macaroni and Cheese
6.) Pancake Mixes
7.) Condiments
8.) Flour, Corn Meal
9.) Cooking Oils

Any other non-perishable items that you think might come to good use. Note: Please make sure items donated are NOT expired! If you wouldn’t consume it yourself, don’t donate it!

Bins will be set up by this Friday, November 5th at the following locations:

4 East Boston Saving Bank locations: 1.) 10 Meridian Street East Boston, MA 2.) 1 Bennington Street East Boston, MA 3.) 856 Bennington Street East Boston, MA 4.) 67 Prospect Street Peabody , MA

A collection bin will also be set up at the East Boston Main Streets office located at 146 Maverick Street East Boston, MA

Organizers say last year's effort was a great success and with YOUR generosity we helped feed many families and individuals! Let’s do it again!

Candidate Kennedy Calls for Transparency in the Selection of Judges and Operation of Governor's Council

Eastboston.com: Candidate Kennedy Calls for Transparency in the Selection of Judges and Operation of Governor's Council

Democrat is seeking 6th District seat.

Local veterans to honor the late Brig. General John White, a "Son of East Boston"

This coming Saturday local veterans and the East Boston community will honor the late Brig. General John F. White at a ceremony at 9 a.m. in Maverick Square. An honor guard from East Boston High School will be in attendance. City Councilor Sal Lamattina will speak and the pastor from the Logan Airport Chapel will offer an invocation. The ITAM on Meridian Street will be hosting a reception. 

(The following was based on material submitted by John White's son, Stephen).

John F. White was a lifetime resident of East Boston. He owned and operated White's News which employed many of the neighborhood's youth including current city councilor Sal LaMattina.

Each year, White organized and officiated at the Memorial Day Services at East Boston’s Central Square He was Past President of the East Boston Little League Association; a Member of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce; The Grand Marshall of East Boston’s Columbus Day Parade in 1980. He was an active member of the East Boston Athletic Board and advocate for the Junior ROTC at the Umana School here in East Boston. For 25 years, he was the Grand Marshall and Master of Ceremonies for the City of Boston’s City Hall Fourth of July Parade. 

His Military accomplishments and associations began when he enlisted in 1944 in the U.S. Army Air Forces, being deployed with the Eight Air Force in Europe as a B-17 Bombardier. From there he joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 102nd Fighter Group at Logan Airport, Commanding its Supply Squadron at the time of his retirement.

Governor Edward King appointed him Brigadier General and Military Aide de Camp to the Governor.

He also served city government as a special assistant to the Commissioner of Veteran Affairs. For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts he was Chairman of the Soldiers Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke.

White graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a four year degree in 1992 and made himself available as a substitute teacher at the Umana Middle School and the East Boston High School.
 

As the United States Air force Academy Liaison Officer for Massachusetts, he encouraged and recruited East Bostonians as viable candidates to enter the academy to become Officers in the United States Air Force.

The following organizations are just a few of the many involvements he dedicated his life to be a part of:

• Past President of the local ITAMS Post 6, East Boston;
• Member of the Beachmont Revere VFW
• Member East Boston’s Vietnam Veterans Post;
• Founding member for the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans on Court Street in Boston;
• Patients' advocate at the Veterans Administration Hospitals;
• Chairman & Board member of the Armed Forces YMCA Constitution Inn, Charlestown Navy Yard;
• Lifetime member and three-time President of the Massachusetts Air Force Association;
• And member of the Military Order of World Wars and an advocate for “Gold Star Mothers”

John as a family man, an athlete; a dedicated military man; a son of East Boston who always was willing to pitch in to help his Community.

Should you have had the occasion to call his home and he was not there, you would have heard his voice mail say the following: “Hi, I am not available to take your call right now, I am out enjoying Life!!!!!!

And indeed he did! 

Remembering Brig. General John Francis White of Eagle Hill.

Police Commissioner Ed Davis to Speak at Main Streets Networking Breakfast

East Boston Main Streets cordially invites you to its Fall Networking Breakfast on Thursday October 14, 2010 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at Spinelli's, 282 Bennington Street. The guest speaker will be Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis. The event is sponsored by East Boston Savings Bank. Tickets are priced at $20.00 per person or $175.00 for a table of 10. This event usually sells out quickly, so call 617-561-1044 or email ebmainstreets@verizon.net now!

Ernani Dearaujo named to BHA's Monitoring Committee by Mayor Menino

East Boston Neighborhood Coordinator Ernani Dearaujo has been named to the Monitoring Committee of the Boston Housing Authority. The new responsibilities will be in addition to his current duties as coordinator from the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services. The city council is set to confirm Dearaujo on Monday, September 27.

Said Dearaujo: "I am honored to be named to this committee by Mayor Menino and confirmed by the City Council. I will serve as Chairman for a two-year term."

The nine-member, BHA Monitoring Committee is appointed by the Mayor of Boston to periodically review matters relating to the management and performance of the agency, and to report them to the Mayor.

The committee reviews and approves the annual federal and state operating budget; the annual modernization applications; and all property dispositions which would reduce the total number of housing units owned by the housing authority that have not been approved prior to the enactment of an act (Case of Armando Perez v. BHA) by the Massachusetts Superior Court.

From the U.S. Attorney's Office:

BOSTON, MA—An East Boston man was convicted today (September 21) in federal court of armed bank robbery. United States Attorney Carmen M Ortiz and Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Boston Field Division, announced today that BRIAN FEBONIO, 41, of East Boston, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge George A O’Toole to armed bank robbery. At today’s plea hearing, the prosecutor told the court that had the case proceeded to trial, the government’s evidence would have prove that on the morning on September 18, 2009, two masked and armed individuals entered the Sovereign Bank in Peabody. One of the robbers, later identified as Febonio, climbed over a teller’s counter and began ransacking cash drawers while displaying a firearm.

While Febonio emptied the cash drawers, the other robber, Michael J Peters pointed his weapon at the other employees and ordered them to the ground. The robbers stuffed the currency into a black nylon bag and fled the scene. A post robbery audit revealed that $26,433 was taken during the robbery The two individuals were observed by a bank employee entering a black sedan and fleeing the area. Video surveillance at the bank captured the robbers during the robbery and as they fled.

The vehicle was eventually recovered and determined to have been purchased by Febonio on the day before the robbery. Febonio was identified by witnesses from the video surveillance, and an arrest warrant was issued resulting in Febonio’s capture a few days later in a New Hampshire motel. Information linking Peters was seized from Febonio’s motel room and an arrest warrant was issued for Peters who was subsequently taken into custody without incident. Judge O’Toole schedule sentencing for December 21, 2010.

Febonio faces up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution in the amount of $26,433. The co-defendant Michael Peters was sentenced on September 9, 2010, by Judge George A O’Toole, to 108 months in custody to be followed by five years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $26,433. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police and the Peabody Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth G Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crime Unit.

Main Streets to Host Fall Networking Breakfast on October 14

On Thursday October 14, 2010 East Boston Main Streets will hold its Fall Networking Breakfast

East Boston, MA. 20-September-2010 East Boston Main Streets will host a networking breakfast on Thursday October 14, 2010, from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at Spinelli’s in Day Square. Guest speaker is Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis. This event is sponsored by the East Boston Savings Bank. Tickets are $20.00 each or a table of 10 for $175.00.

This event usually sells out quickly. For tickets call 617.561.1044 or email us at ebmainstreets@verizon.net. For more information about our organization visit www.ebmainstreets.com

City responds to issues around former Hess site on Condor Street

Ernani DeAraujo of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services responds to a recent article in the Boston Globe detailing a dust-up between City Hall and local residents over the Hess oil farm site on Condor Street.

The recent stories in the Globe and East Boston Times about the former Hess site owned by the BRA were incomplete. I hope the following gives a clearer picture of the issues:

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (“BRA”) applied for funds to transform parts of Chelsea Creek into saltwater wetlands. The funds, derived from a legal settlement over oil spilled in the Chelsea Creek by ExxonMobil, are managed under the North American Wildlife Conservation Act (“NAWCA”). The BRA hired a grant writer to apply for the NAWCA funds and hopes to be awarded money to transform 5 acres of City of Boston land along the Creek. The City has experience in saltwater wetland creation from its work at Belle Isle Marsh. Contrary to the concerns of some, wetlands will NOT cause flooding on Condor Street. In fact, they could help water management.

As for the former Hess site, which used to house oil tanks, that parcel is slated for the creation of green technology jobs along with a direct public connection to the waterfront. The BRA originally purchased the site to prevent a heavy industrial, polluting company from buying the land. In January, the Eagle Hill Civic Association will help determine the design and usage of the site.

The BRA is optimistic about attracting a green jobs tenant, as Boston has been nationally recognized for its work on Climate Change and the development of “Clean technology” jobs. A green jobs company will help create new, good paying jobs for East Boston and the City will be able to take advantage of the multi-billion dollar investments of the Green Jobs Act of 2007 and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to create green jobs.

Finally, Eagle Hill residents have clamored to reduce or remove truck traffic and create more pedestrian friendly areas on the hill. Earlier in the year, at the request of residents, the City unanimously rejected a zoning board proposal by a developer seeking to create a new towing company on Condor Street.

Condor street’s future is bright as it was fully repaved this year; is awaiting the implementation of traffic calming measures; and will experience relief from truck traffic once the multi-million dollar Chelsea Street bridge is completed next year.

How East Boston voted on major races - September 2010 Primary

Eastboston.com has the latest results for the competitive Governor's Council, Auditor and Treasurer races. Find out how East Boston voted at the neighborhood's best web site.

James O. Taylor, MD of EBNHC to receive Samuel U. Rogers Achievement Award

An honor well-deserved for one of the "tireless footsoldiers in the Community Health Center Movement," East Boston's Dr. James Taylor. 

Food and Fitness Fun: EBNHC Kicks off East Boston Bike Week with the First Annual Bike to the Farmers Market Event

East Boston, September 13, 2010—Cyclists and locavores, rejoice! The East Boston Farmers Market’s first annual Bike to the Farmers Market is bridging the worlds of local food and active transport in this unique event to take place on the afternoon of Thursday, September 16th.

The farmers market, sponsored by the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center’s Let’s Get Movin’ program, runs from 3:00 to 6:30pm and will feature special bicycle-friendly activities this week. 

Kathy Field, Director of Let’s Get Movin,’ sees this event as a way to highlight the many sides of being healthy and to empower even more East Bostonians to eat well and keep moving.  “This is a great opportunity to get the community involved in the development of a healthier lifestyle through staying physically active and eating healthy,” she says.  “These messages are exactly what Let’s Get Movin’ promotes.”

At the market this Thursday, the Boston Cyclists Union (BCU) will be providing free bike tune-ups and repairs in their third visit to the market this season, and the Boston Public Health Commission and EBNHC are sponsoring a helmet giveaway. Chef Kirk Conrad from Project Bread and the Umana Middle School Academy will also be at the market sampling some of the tasty homemade dishes that he prepares for the East Boston public middle school students.

To add to the festivities, there will be a group bike ride to the market, which will leave from the East Boston YMCA at 4pm (Note: this time has changed; the ride was previously advertised with a 3pm start time). Those who do not own a bicycle may rent one free of charge from Boston Bikes, who will be stationed at the YMCA starting at 3:30. Helmets will be included in the rental. The ride will head down the East Boston Greenway, turn up Sumner Street to Border Street, and will end at the farmers market. There will be a bike corral at the market so that cyclists have a safe place to leave their bikes while they shop.

Everyone who arrives at the market on bike will receive a free $5.00 coupon towards any farmers market items to be purchased that day. In addition, each bicyclist will receive a sticker, which can be presented at participating local restaurants for a discount during “East Boston Bike Week,” a week of restaurant discounts for bicycle riders. East Boston Bike Week runs from Friday, September 17th to Thursday, September 23rd. Participating restaurants include 303 Café, Café Gigú, El Jardín, Meridian Market, Montecristo, Rosticería Cancún, and Sonny Noto’s.

Contact: Alison Smizer, Community Initiatives Coordinator, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, (617) 568-4783, smizera@ebnhc.org

East Boston Main Streets Announces Historic Walking Tour

On Saturday September 25, 2010 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, East Boston Main Streets and the Boston Preservation Alliance will host an interactive walking tour of Maverick and Central Squares with Support from Historic Boston Incorporated and the National Trust for Historic preservation.

Participants will share stories of how East Bostonians have built, worked and played in, preserved and given new life to the neighborhood’s special buildings and places – from the 9 Chelsea Street Sidewalk Clock to the Piers, from Engine 40 Firehouse to the Barnes School. Refreshments will be served. To join the walk, meet at ZUMIX, 260 Sumner Street (Engine 40 Firehouse) 


View Larger Map

This event is FREE, but space is limited. Please contact Clark Moulaison at EB Main Streets to RSVP: 617-561-1044, ebmainstreets@verizon.net

This project is one part of an exciting new historic preservation outreach initiative in Allston and other parts of the city: the Neighborhood Preservation Partnership of Boston. With funding and support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Partners in the Field Program, two local historic preservation organizations, Historic Boston Incorporated and the Boston Preservation Alliance, are using this initiative to extend historic preservation field services to Boston neighborhoods through workshops, priority planning and one-on-one assistance to property owners, residents, Boston Main Street districts, and community-based organizations.

East Boston Columbus Day Parade Committee Jail Day 2010

On Friday September 17, 2010 volunteers from East Boston will hold a Jail Day fundraiser.

(East Boston, MA.- September 5, 2010) Volunteers from the East Boston Columbus Day Parade Committee along with officers from the Suffolk County Sheriffs Department and Boston Police will round up local residents and merchants to raise funds for this years’ Columbus Day Parade.

Offenders caught smiling; cleaning up the streets or being good neighbors can be detained at the Central Square Jail on Friday September 17th between 11 am and 3 pm. To obtain a warrant and have someone arrested contact Clark Moulaison at 617.561.1044 or email at ebmainstreets@verizon.net. Warrants are $20.00 made payable to Columbus Day Parade.

This year's Columbus Day Parade will step off from Orient Heights at 1 PM travel down Bennington Street to Chelsea Street to Maverick Square and turn down Meridian Street into Central Square.

Marching bands from all over New England, Military and Civic groups will make this years parade special. Chief Marshall John Cotter along with Civic Chairman Joe Ruggeiro, Parade Chairman Buddy Mangini and Producer Joe Kehone is asking for your help. If you would like to donate to the parade or attend one of the pre-parade events contact Joe Ruggeiro at 617.590.3035.

Other Columbus Day Parade events are here.

Hitchens, religion and the public square: Not a good mix

HITCHENS:

Those who wish that there would be no mosques in America have already lost the argument: Globalization, no less than the promise of American liberty, mandates that the United States will have a Muslim population of some size. The only question, then, is what kind, or rather kinds, of Islam it will follow. There's an excellent chance of a healthy pluralist outcome, but it's very unlikely that this can happen unless, as with their predecessors on these shores, Muslims are compelled to abandon certain presumptions that are exclusive to themselves. The taming and domestication of religion is one of the unceasing chores of civilization. Those who pretend that we can skip this stage in the present case are deluding themselves and asking for trouble not just in the future but in the immediate present.