East Boston News: Senator Petruccelli joins with Senate colleagues in asking State Parole Board for moratorium

The following is a press release from the office of State Senator Anthony Petruccelli;

Senator Anthony Petruccelli (D-Boston) joined with several of his Senate colleagues in asking the Massachusetts Parole Board to place a moratorium on all future parole hearings until a full, comprehensive review of the Board’s policies and procedures could be conducted.

In a letter to Parole Board Chairman Mark Conrad, Senator Petruccelli and his colleagues urge Mr. Conrad to halt all scheduled hearings in light of the tragic shooting death of Woburn Police Officer John Maguire.

"In the wake of the senseless shooting death of Officer Maguire, it is incumbent upon the Parole Board to fully investigate how a violent career criminal like Dominic Cinelli could be paroled and allowed to walk our streets," said Senator Petruccelli. "I strongly urge them to take any and all measures to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again.”

The letter, a bi-partisan effort aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the residents of the Commonwealth, was mailed on January 6, 2011. The Senators are currently awaiting a response.

Commonwealth ready to auction off two surplus buildings in East Boston, along Chelsea Creek

Two surplus MWRA buildings in East Boston, along Chelsea Creek, will be auctioned off later this month. What will be the land use implications? Will a designated commercial, industrial or airport-related use increase truck traffic? How much tax revenue will a refurbished property  generate for the City of Boston All good questions.

According to the auctioneer, the building is an architectural gem and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register. (Photograph:eastboston.com.)

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Redesigning Central Square

City of Boston's Transportation Department to hold Jan. 19 meeting on the redesign of East Boston's Central Square. Read more at eastboston.com.

LaMattina: Grace Federated Food Pantry needs donations!

Eastboston.com received this letter from District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina this evening.

Dear Friends:

The cupboard is almost bare.

East Boston’s Grace Federated Church food pantry supports local families who otherwise would not get enough to eat, but the current economic slowdown is straining the program’s resources. If you are able, please contribute canned goods and other non-perishables by dropping them off at East Boston Main Streets, located at 146 Maverick Street, or at one of the following East Boston Savings Bank locations:

- Maverick Square branch, 10 Meridian Street

- Central Square branch, One Bennington Street

- Orient Heights branch, 856 Bennington Street

- Northshore Mall branch, 67 Prospect Street, Peabody

Let’s do our best to make sure none of our neighbors go to bed hungry during this holiday season.

Sincerely,


Salvatore LaMattina

District 1 City Councilor

TIs the season for giving. Let's all step up to the plate

Press release from EBNHC on plans for new Winthrop Health Center

EBNHC to Present Plans for New Winthrop Community Health Center at Chamber Breakfast

December 7, 2010, East Boston, MA—The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) will present its exciting plans for a new Winthrop Community Health Center at the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce’s Business Breakfast on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The breakfast will be held at Winthrop Elks, 191 Washington Avenue, Winthrop, Mass. The public is warmly invited to attend. Tickets for the breakfast are $10 and may be purchased at the door; no rsvp required.

Sited prominently in the heart of Winthrop Center, the new 9,000–square-foot environmentally green LEED-certified facility will be built on Somerset Avenue, replacing a currently vacant building. The health center will house a Family Medicine practice with care management and ancillary services, including an on-site laboratory and ultrasound department. The center’s walk-in "open-access" clinic will enable rapid growth and preventative community outreach. EBNHC’s new Winthrop location is projected to serve 5,000 individuals per year, 70% of whom are expected to be Winthrop residents.

In June 2009, EBNHC created a clinical presence in Winthrop by assuming the private family practice of Dr. Usha Desai. After renovating Dr. Desai’s Washington Avenue facility, EBNHC reopened the practice as the Winthrop Community Health Center, providing services to 880 patients, 550 of whom live in Winthrop. When the French Square facility is completed, the new building will absorb the Washington Street practice.

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has been a vital part of its community for 40 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop. EBNHC handles 300,000 patient visits per year—more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.

The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a wide selection of businesspeople working in conjunction with the Town’s elected and appointed officials. Its goal is to foster the economic enhancement of Winthrop’s businesses and business districts so as to maintain long-term economic vitality and growth. Find out more at www.winthropchamber.com.


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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
Michael Nicastro
Director of Outreach
East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
617-569-5800
nicastrm@ebnhc.org

Preserving East Boston's history

A meeting is scheduled for December 8, to discuss plans and ideas on how to best preserve East Boston's landmarks.

Italia Unita Sponsors Gift Drive for The Italian Home for Children

Italia Unita is once again gathering gifts for children at the Italian Home For Children in Jamaica Plain. Remember all gifts should be unwrapped and they MUST be brand new.

Italia Unita will collect your items on December 11, 2010 at Italia Unita office: 35 Bennington Street, East Boston from 10AM-12 Noon. Refreshments will be served!

Thank you so much for taking part in our drive to make a child's Christmas special!

To learn more about the Italian Home for Children visit www.italianhome.org

Carlo Basile Needs Help With Thanksgiving Dinner

EaEach year State Representative Carlo Basile sponsors a Thanksgiving Dinner for those without a place to go on the holiday. The dinner is held at the Sacred Heart Church and Basile and organizers are looking for contributions to help defray the costs. Details at eastboston.com

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.