Save the Date: The Great Savio Reunion: Saturday, March 10, 2012

The Great Savio Reunion for all St. Dominic Savio High School and Savio Preparatory High School alumni will be held on  Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club of East Boston (former Savio Gym, Savio Hall), 150 Byron Street, East Boston, MA 02128.  Read more about the reunion plans at eastboston.com 

East Boston Chamber to elect officers and directors on December 15

This just in from the EB Chamber of Commerce.

Notice of 2011 East Boston Chamber of Commerce Election of Officers & Directors

Officers:

(One to be elected, per each position)

President, Diane Modica, Law Office of Diane J. Modica

1st Vice President, Pasquale ‘Pat’ Todisco, Todisco Towing

2nd Vice President, Marisa DiPietro, East Boston Social Center

3rd Vice President, Scott Heigelmann, Heavy Advertising

Treasurer, Kim Altschul, East Boston Savings Bank

Secretary, Joanna Cataldo, East Boston Chamber Boston Neighborhood Health Center

Board of Directors:

(Four to be elected)

Pedro Cordano, Cordano Real Estate

Phil Giffee, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH)

Bobby Martin, Piers Park Sailing Program

Mike Sulprizio, East Boston Community Development

The elections will take place at the Chamber offices at 175 McClellan Highway Suite 1, on Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 11:30am-2:00pm and also 4:30pm-5:30pm. (Candidates for Officers and Directors are typically present at this time.) 

All East Boston Chamber of Commerce members in good standing as of November 15, 2011, are eligible to vote. Good standing requires that members be current on their membership dues. Each member business of the Chamber is allowed one vote; however, Chamber by laws stipulate that any member who joined the Chamber after August 31 of the current year shall not be entitled to vote in this election; voting by multiple representatives of the same business is not allowed. 

Proxy voting and absentee voting are not allowed. 

All voting results will be counted and reported after 5:30 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Chamber office; results will then be made available on the Chamber website and by phone call request as well.

A nominations committee is selected each year and is responsible for identifying candidates for the board of directors. This year, several members of the Chamber were recognized by the committee and invited as candidates, including: Citizen’s Bank, Meridian Insurance, First Priority, Cordano Real Estate, East Boston Community Development Corporation (CDC), Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) , and  Piers Park Sailing Center.  As of the response deadline, November 10, four of these members, Michael Sulprizio of East Boston CDC Board of Directors, Robert Martin of the Piers Park Sailing Center, Pedro Cordano of Cordano Real Estate and  Phil Giffee of NOAH,  replied that they were able to accept candidacy for board service at this time.

Any other eligible candidates seeking to run for the four open Board positions are invited to run through the process for independent nomination outlined below. According to the by-laws of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce, any member of the Corporation that has been in good standing for a minimum of one year as of January 2010 may run for office by Independent Nomination. To be placed on the ballot for Director, independent nominees must obtain the signatures of at least ten (10) members of the corporation and forward them to the Chamber Secretary, Joanna Cataldo, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, 175 McClellan Highway, no less than 10 days prior to the day of elections on December 15, 2011.

Independent nominees for any of the Officer positions must meet the above requirements as well as have been a member of the Board of Directors for at least two of the previous five years. 

If you have questions regarding nominations, elections, or responsibilities of board directors, please contact Eden Smith, Executive Assistant of the East Boston Chamber, at (617) 569-5000.

For most part at-large status quo reigns in East Boston too.

Eastboston.com has the unofficial results of the At-Large race for Boston City Council in Ward 1. (PDF)

With the exception of Michael Flaherty's fourth place finish in East Boston, the election results in Ward 1 were very similar to the citywide totals for the four winning candidates. Ayanna Pressley who topped the ticket citywide finished fight in East Boston.

East Boston Main Streets to hold annual meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15

On Tuesday November 15, 2011 East Boston Main Streets will hold its annual meeting and it is open to the public.

(East Boston, MA. November 4, 2011) East Boston Main Streets will host its annual meeting on Tuesday November 15, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Main Street office; 146 Maverick Street East Boston. Board members will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the activities and events the organization is sponsoring. All members are encouraged to attend. For more information call 617.561.1044 or visit www.ebmainstreets.com.

This post has been corrected.

East Boston High School to retire the numbers of Wiggins Coach Sousa

East Boston -- East Boston High School (EBHS) will retire the numbers of former NFL player Jermaine Wiggins (18) and retired football coach John Sousa (66) on Friday, November 4 at Sartori Stadium when the EBHS Jets host The English High School. 

More at eastboston.com.

Grateful for all those who helped residents displaced by 45 Chelsea Street collapse

The following letter was sent to eastboston.com from the office of State Representative Carlo Basile early today.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Dear East Boston Community:

On behalf of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Senator Anthony Petruccelli, Representative Carlo Basile, and City Councilor Sal LaMattina, we express our gratitude for the support shown to the victims of the Chelsea Street building collapse. In total, 70 individuals were displaced and the residents of 45 Chelsea Street were left with only the clothing they wore while being evacuated.

Thanks to the financial support of our community, the families at 45 Chelsea Street each received over $4,000 to help replace their clothes, furniture, beds, and other belongings. The remaining money collected is being distributed to the families of 53, 43, and 41-39 Chelsea in the form of gift cards. This extraordinary outpouring of financial support—nearly $17,000 in cash or gift cards—is a testament to the strength of our East Boston community.

We especially want to thank the individuals and businesses that dug deep into their pockets to help these families, including: Richard Goldberg of Logan Communications; Richard Gavegnano of East Boston Savings Bank; John Zirpolo of Cora Electric; the Fields Family Foundation of Suffolk Downs; the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center; and McGladrey Inc.

We also want to thank all the businesses that stepped up to feed the displaced families including: Kelley’s Square Pub; Great Chef Chinese Food; Goody’s Catering; Italian Express Pizzeria; Meridian Food Market; and La Hacienda. Additionally, we want to thank DJ Chris Fiore and Balloon City for generously providing music and balloons at the fundraiser for the displaced residents. Finally, we want to thank the owner of 43 and 41-39 Chelsea Street, Jim Zarella, for going beyond his responsibilities as a landlord to house his tenants at a hotel for one week and for helping each of them to find new apartments.

It is said that in times of crisis, you can see the true character of a community. We are proud that East Boston has shown itself generous and resilient during this challenging time.

Thank you all.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino

Senator Anthony Petruccelli

Representative Carlo Basile

City Councilor Sal LaMattina

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is dead at 56, Apple Computer is reporting.

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us that have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

There will never be another Steve Jobs. The man invented the idea of creative drive. He will be missed.

Dorchester Reporter: Vote should be citywide

Bill Forry's signed editorial in The Dorchester Reporter:

One aspect of the House bill that absolutely needs to be changed is a provision that would limit the rights of citizens in larger municipalities— like Boston— to have a voice in whether or not a casino is sited in their community. As it stands now, the bill would permit only voters of the ward of a city in closest proximity to a proposed casino to go to the polls to approve or shoot down the idea. In the case of Boston, with all signs pointing towards a likely site in East Boston on the current Suffolk Downs property, that would mean that only East Boston voters would be asked to make the decision about siting a casino in the city.|

State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz has filed an amendment to the Senate version of the casino bill that would require that all of the voters of a municipality will have a say. In the case of a Boston proposal, that would give us a chance to have a voice in whether our city welcomes a casino or not.

Chang-Diaz told the Reporter this week, “These consequences will affect all municipal residents, not just those within a few blocks’ radius of the casino. It’s only fair that all affected residents have an equal say in whether or not the positive impacts of a casino outweigh the economic and social costs to their cities.”

The senator has got it right. All Boston residents deserve a right to have a say in whether or not resort-style gambling sets up shop in our backyard.

Read the entire editorial from the Dorchester Reporter.  What do you think?

Learn about the branch library's programs

Over at Eastboston.com!

Opposition mounting to entertainment license for Taco-Mex

This email arrived today from Susan Van Tuyl, a resident of Maverick Square.

As a resident of Maverick Square I am sending you this notice as to the change in use of Taco-Mex.  Taco-Mex located at 65-67 Maverick Square, is applying for an entertainment license.  Given the history of the owner's previous venue with an entertainment license in Orient Heights (involving police and numerous arrests), this is not, in my opinion, the best thing for Maverick Square, especially neighboring residences.  Those of us that front on the Square already have to deal with the noise generated by Eddie C's.  Having entertainment on this side of the Square - directly below our windows - can only add to the disturbance.  The Owner of Taco-Mex has stated that the entertainment will only be one classical guitar. But that detail has been omitted from the petition to the Board of Appeal.

The hearing is scheduled at City Hall on September 20th, at 10:30 a.m.  If you have an opinion on this matter; if you have a concern, either for or against - just showing up at the hearing will have little or no affect - by then approval will be a done deal.  Opinions must be voiced to the Commission in advance.  The telephone number is 617-635-4775.  I will try to find an e-mail address.

ZUMIX 5K Run to the Beat ! Lace ’em up — let’s run.

This notice just in:

Run to the Beat 5K
Sunday, September 18, 9 a.m.
Piers Park
95 Marginal St.
East Boston, MA 02128

Description:
Come experience the race hundreds raved about last year – the second annual ZUMIX Run to the Beat 5K. Once again,  we’re running for ZUMIX, one of the city’s beloved music and arts nonprofits. We’ll start and finish in East Boston’s magnificent Piers Park, which offers expansive views of our city’s historic skyline and harbor that can only be described as … stunning. In between, enjoy our flat, fast course along Eastie’s wooded Greenway and two magnificent new parks. We’ve got prizes for the fastest runners, live music along the course, free food, and plenty of other goodies, T-shirts for runners and giveaways. Whether you’re running for time, fitness, charity, or all of the above, you won’t want to miss this fun-filled event.

For more information or to register online, visit www.zumix.org

Online Registration: https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/77742

Another success!

EBMS Kindergarten Parade a success! 

Eastboston.com is on vacation

Eastboston.com is honoring Labor Day by taking a few hard-earned days off. Coverage of local issues and news will resume on Sunday, September 4. Have a safe holiday weekend.

Meeting on East Boston's Golden Stairs & Park set for August 30

Eastboston.com: has the details.

A couple of neighborhood assets! "Champions in Health Care," James O. Taylor and John P. Cradock of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center

The Boston Business Journal lauds as one of its "Champions in Health Care"
James O. Taylor and John P. Cradock,

The city of Boston has long been a leader in providing world-class health care, but back in the early 1970s residents of East Boston hardly benefited from the city’s medical reputation.
The neighborhood lacked primary care doctors, and its isolated location with limited access to the rest of Boston meant residents sometimes had to travel up to two hours via public transportation for treatment.

Community members wanted something better and envisioned a facility that would serve the area’s diverse population without sacrificing quality. Their efforts led to the creation in 1970 of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.

Dr. James O. Taylor worked with the first board of directors to help launch the center. John P. Cradock joined the center in 1978 as the administrative director. Their leadership has helped the EBNHC become a cornerstone of the East Boston community as well as a model for the delivery of health care services, all while providing a wide range of health-related services that have expanded dramatically during the past four decades.

Rita Sorrento, chairman of the center’s board of directors, dubs the pair the “dynamic duo.”

“It’s very appropriate, if you knew them personally. They complement each other,” Sorrento said. “And they’re both so compassionate and committed to our mission and to East Boston.”
Taylor and Cradock came to the health center with a passion for serving the underserved.

“What we share is a philosophy about how people should be cared for, and we both have a deep personal commitment to people who haven’t had a break in their lives, people who are underserved, or immigrants, the elderly,” Cradock said. “We both have the deepest commitment about making people’s lives better.”

For those of us who remember the old relief station on Porter Street as the only place to get health care quickly, the EB Neighborhood Health Center was a great gift when it was established in 1970. Thank you Dr. Taylor and Mr. Cradock!

Salesian Boys and Girls Club After school programs begin 9/19

Salesian Boys & Girls Club: The After-School Program begins September 19, 2011. The club is open Monday to Friday from 2:30 to 9:00 for ages 9 to 19 and 2:30 to 6:00 for ages 6 to 8. See the Calendar for schedules during school breaks and holidays. Please see the applications here or download an application from http://www.salesianclub.com/index.html.

The March of the kindergartners

(EastBoston, Ma.11-August-2011) East Boston Main Streets and Countdown to Kindergarten along with Boston Main Streets, the East Boston Social Center, YMCA, Little Folks, Head Start, the Boston Police and the MBTA will host the 11th Annual Countdown to Kindergarten parade. With the help of many groups and individuals and the generosity of local merchants every child in East Boston who is entering Kindergarten will receive school supplies, a brand new backpack and enjoy a festive day designed to provide a positive experience as they begin their education. Read more at eastboston.com

R.I.P. Father Patrick Diver, S.D.B. (1943-2011)

Father Patrick Diver, S.D.B. (1943-2011) former director of St. Dominic Savio High School has died.

Red Sox coaches and players to appear at East Boston Stadium 7/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2011
CONTACT: Sandy Holden
617-635-4920 x2213

RED SOX TALKS/FENWAY CHALLENGE COME TO EAST BOSTON THE 26TH
Get Individual Hitting And Pitching Tips From Sox Players And Coaches

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) invite Boston youth to meet players and coaches from the Boston Red Sox organization and compete in a baseball skills session at the annual Red Sox Talks/Fenway Challenge on Tuesday, July 26th at East Boston Stadium in East Boston.

Hosted by Boston Centers for Youth & Families in conjunction with the Boston Parks Department, the Sox Talks/Fenway Challenges are sponsored by the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Police Activities League. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Fenway Challenge, a skills competition in running, hitting and throwing for boys and girls ages 7-14. At the completion of the Fenway Challenge around 12:30 p.m., members of the Red Sox organization will arrive and work one-on-one with each young person on their batting and pitching skills. It’s always a surprise who will show up, but there are usually several players, members of the coaching staff and others.

The winners of each Fenway Challenge competition will receive two tickets to a Red Sox game in September and will be recognized on the field before the game. Camps and summer programs are welcome to attend. Please contact mike.devlin@cityofbostongov to reserve a spot.

Source: Boston Centers for Youth & Families

Eastboston.com Guest Column: Setting the record straight on East Boston's waterfront development

Some commentary on recent coverage of East Boston's waterfront over at Eastboston.com