Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Egyptian Revolt's Unlikely Fuse

The Daily Beast:
There are many roots of the Egyptian revolution. But one of the most unlikely goes back to an East Boston rowhouse, where an 83-year-old named Gene Sharp runs a shoestring operation called the Albert Einstein Institute—and arguably just changed the course of history.
Read the whole article.

Monday, February 14, 2011

ABCD: Fight the Obama fuel aid cuts now! Call the White House!

"The Obama Administration has proposed devastating cuts and changes to Community Action. Anti-poverty agencies nationwide will be hit hard if these changes go through. More important, critical services for low-income families will be lost."
Call the White House today 1-202-456-1111.

Maverick Square comes alive with 2011 Chinese New Year Celebration

(East Boston, MA. 12-February-2011- EBMainstreets) On Saturday February 12th the owners of Hong Kong Harbor Chinese Restaurant welcomed in the year of the rabbit. The annual celebration is an important event on the Chinese calendar. Read more at eastboston.com.



EBNASA Unveils Community Champion Award

First Recipient Is Boston Police District A-7 for Their Work on Tobacco

Boston, MA - East Boston Neighborhood Against Substance Abuse (EBNASA) awarded their first Community Champion Award to Boston Police Captain Frank Mancini and his officers at District A-7 for stopping the illegal sale of tobacco products to youth at a local East Boston convenience store through education and enforcement.
While it is prohibited to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 in the United States, some store owners are either not informed or ignoring the law. What make this so dangerous, says the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, is that those who start smoking young are more likely to have a long-term addiction to nicotine than people who start smoking later in life. Read more at eastboston.com

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Pioneer Institute's 20th annual Better Government Competition

Pioneer Institute invites you to enter its 20th annual Better Government Competition (BGC). This year's competition is focused exclusively on the issue of budget-busters - those programs that are growing unsustainably and in need of dramatic change. We believe that this is the central issue, at present, for state and local governments as they struggle with lower tax revenue and built-in structural costs, and adopt new accounting standards that require them to declare and fund liabilities for health care and pensions.

Pioneer seeks entries from concerned citizens, businesses, public policy makers, and academics, anyone who wants a chance to help state and local government weather the current fiscal crisis and emerge with a more effective overall budget strategy. Submitters to the competition are asked to describe proven programs that have recently delivered measurable benefits, or draft innovative ideas to reform existing budgetary policy.

The winning entrant will receive a $10,000 prize and each runner-up will receive a $1000 prize. The BGC Awards Dinner, to be held in June, will announce the winners and celebrate their efforts.

To learn more about the Better Government Competition, please visit: http://www.pioneerinstitute.org/programs_bgc.php. You can reach Shawni Littlehale slittlehale@pioneerinstitute.org, or by calling 617-723-2277 x 207.

Emergency Snow Removal Operations Continue Throughout Boston Through the Weekend

(BOSTON - February 4, 2011) Residents are reminded to adhere to Temporary Parking Restrictions and avoid parking in areas that could impede traffic flow.

Boston Public Works, Transportation and Police continue to conduct Emergency Snow Removal activities throughout the city today and through the weekend.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Eagle Hill Civic Association meets on Wednesday, Jan. 26

The next Eagle Hill Civic Association (EHCA) meeting will be this Wednesday, January 26th from 7:00PM to 8:00PM at the High School.


The Eagle Hill Problem Property Task Force (PPTF) will hold its first meeting of the year from 6:00PM to 7:00PM also at the High School. The meeting will probably be in the library if it is available. The PPTF was created by City Councilor Sal LaMattina and holds meetings every other month with police, Inspectional Services Department, Neighborhood Services, and other relevant agencies attending. Residents can bring up a specific problem with a property in the neighborhood (trash, noise, crime, lack of maintenance, etc) and the assembled team of City officials can take appropriate action to address the problem. Please attend if you have a specific property to discuss.


For the general EHCA meeting begining at 7:00PM, we have the following agenda (order subject to change):


1.) NOAH will present on the "Renew Boston" Energy Efficiency program that allows residents a free energy audit and up to $3,500 in air sealing and weatherization funding. Not to mention that it will help you immediately reduce your heating bills!


2.) Two properties with matters before the Zoning Board of Appeals would like to present their projects to the EHCA:


a. 414 Meridian Street. Owner Richard Cifuni has submitted a petition to construct addition and add an additional story to 8 unit dwelling. No additional units are proposed.


b. 169 Princeton Street. Owner Ana Sarnaglia has submitted a petition to extend living space into the basement to add additional floor space to 1st Unit of 3 family dwelling. No additional units are proposed.

Source: James Bowen

Thursday, January 20, 2011

East Boston Branch Library to discuss Zadie Smith's "On Beauty"

The East Boston branch Library will hold a book discussion group on Zadie Smith's On Beauty on Monday, February 7th at 6:30 until 7:30. If you are need a copy of this book title please feel to go to the library of call (617) 569-0271. EBBPL looks forward to your attendance and being part of the conversation with patrons.

Eastboston.com 1/20/2011 Snow emergency effective 9 p.m. tonight

CITY HALL:
With a forecast expected to dump heavy snow during tomorrow morning’s commute Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that a Snow Emergency and parking ban for the City of Boston will go into effect tonight at 9 PM and Boston Public Schools will be cancelled on Friday, January 21st.


According to the National Weather Service, the City of Boston and surrounding areas could receive between 5 to 10 inches of snow at an average of two inches per hour between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The City of Boston is expecting a significant drop in temperatures immediately following the snow fall as well as additional snow early next week and must clear roadways to provide wider access on all streets throughout next week.



Mayor Menino has directed all City of Boston employees to take their time coming into work tomorrow morning and has asked businesses to do the same as the heaviest snowfall is expected during the morning commute. The Mayor reminds people that if they must travel into the city to take public transportation.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Lamattina named vice president of City Council

District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina was named Vice President of the Council last week by President Stephen Murphy, a move that recognizes the hard work and collaboration that have characterized LaMattina’s time as a councilor.

“I am truly honored to take on this role,” said LaMattina, “and I want to thank Councilor Murphy for placing his trust in me. I will continue to work every day for the people of my district and for everyone throughout the City of Boston.”

LaMattina was also appointed to six standing committees of the Council, including the City, Neighborhood Services & Veterans Affairs Committee, which he will chair for a second consecutive term.

“Providing day-to-day services is an essential duty of city government,” LaMattina said. “People have a right to expect that basic functions – like having snow cleared, clean streets, potholes filled and street lights fixed – will happen without fail. When these things happen smoothly the public generally doesn’t notice – and that’s the way it should be.”

LaMattina will also serve on committees that oversee city policy on Economic Development & Planning, Education, Environment & Health, Rules & Administration, and Ways & Means.

“It’s always been my belief that public service is among the noblest callings that an individual can have,” said LaMattina. “I try to never forget that I have been entrusted by citizens to be their voice, and that is how I approach my work every day.”

LaMattina has represented the neighborhoods of District 1 – Charlestown, the North End, East Boston and downtown – since the summer of 2006. He is a native of East Boston.

Source: Office of City Councilor Sal Lamattina (District 1).

Massport closes Piers Park for de-icing

According to Massport's Office of Government and Community Affairs, Piers Park will be closed. "Due to the heavy ice and cold temperatures, Massport has closed Piers Park as a temporary safety precaution. Massport personnel are working to de-ice the walk ways throughout the park. Once our personnel feel that it is safe to ‘walk-around’, the park will reopen. We hope to have the park opened shortly depending on the weather."

Monday, January 10, 2011

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.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

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.)

Google Map:
View Larger Map
 

Friday, January 7, 2011

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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.


View Larger Map

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

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

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