Wednesday, September 23, 2015

hey Jesus - Stiletto (An East Boston talent!)

Local artists to present at Friends of EB Library event: October 29

This just in from the Friends of the East Boston Library:

LOCAL ARTISTS DIOGARDI AND RILEY --- PLUS WOMEN'S CHORUS FROM YMCA ON SHOW ON OCTOBER 29TH AT 6:00 PM AT THE BREMEN ST. BRANCH LIBRARY. 

We have planned a spectacular evening.  You are all invited.    

Marie Diogardi a lifelong resident will be sharing her passion for Swedish Weaving.  Marie will be showing her pieces and explain how she became interested in this folk art medium and why.  

David Riley also a lifelong resident will be sharing his passion for art.  David will be showing his work and explain how he became interested in art and why.

A Touch of Class, The Bremen Street YMCA Women’s Chorus lead by Ed Meradith, Music Director will entertain us with the lovely autumn repertoire.

Marie and David have donated a piece of their art to be auctioned silently this evening.  Cash or Check will be accepted.  Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library.

On this special evening we are introducing the new President of the Friends of the Library.  The future is bright and the mission of the Friends of the Library will continue under her competent leadership.

Monday, September 21, 2015

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.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

9/14: Dog Park to Open in Eastie: More than 22,000 fenced in square feet for your dog to play at Bremen Street Park

The Massachusetts Port Authority officially opens the Bremen Street Dog Park offering a 17,000 square-foot fenced in area for large dog and a 5,500 square-foot fenced in area for small dogs to play, socialize, and exercise. (Total: 22,655 square-foot dog park divided for large and small dogs) The park’s features include five pieces of dog agility equipment, pet waste stations, and water fountains for dogs.

WHERE:       Corner of Bremen Street and Porter Street, East Boston, MA (by the Bremen Street Park)

WHEN:         Monday, September 14, 2015 at 10 a.m.




Thursday, September 3, 2015

Sept. 12: FMC ICE Sports & Porrazzo Arena invite you to our open house, come join the fun

FMC ICE SPORTS & THE PORRAZZO ARENA INVITE YOU TO OUR OPEN HOUSE

COME JOIN THE FUN!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH
12:20PM-2:10PM

·         FREE FAMILY SKATE WITH AN ICE-SIDE DJ
·         APPEARANCE FROM FELIX MCCOOL, THE FMC ICE SPORTS MASCOT
·         FREE SKATE RENTAL AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS
·         RAFFLES, ACTIVITIES, GIVEAWAYS & MORE!
·         $10 LEARN TO SKATE LESSON AVAILABLE! SEE BACK FOR DETAILS

TRY SKATING OUT!
$10 INTRODUCTORY LEARN TO SKATE LESSON
SEPTEMBER 12TH, 12:20PM-1:00PM
PORRAZZO ARENA

For beginners ages 5 and older. Participants receive a $10 off coupon towards a future program registration. Skaters should wear long pants and sleeves, gloves or mittens. Helmets, such as a bike helmet or HECC helmet are required. Space is limited and registration may not be available at the door.


REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.FMCICESPORTS.COM OR CALL 1-888-74-SKATE

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

The Ribeiros: They have talent and onstage too; Giana, EBCCS student, at the American Rep!

This message arrived from Auntie Celeste yesterday.
I hope this message finds you well.  Just thought I'd share some fun information for East Boston.com.  My niece, John's youngest, is performing in a professional American Repertory Theater production of 'Waitress', a musical scored by Sara Bareilles

Giana is 9 years old and a student at East Boston Central Catholic School.




https://ticket.americanrepertorytheater.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=15

http://americanrepertorytheater.org/person/giana-ribeiro
This is awesome!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Volunteers needed for after-school tutoring at McKay School

The College Success Academy offers rigorous, tuition-free programs to Boston Public Schools students seeking to succeed in high school and pursue a college education. In pursuit of this mission, CSA offers after-school tutoring to middle school Scholars at two of our partner schools: the Edison K-8 School in Brighton and the McKay K-8 School in East Boston. 

The East Boston neighborhood is new to us, and we are looking for dedicated young adults (high school to mid-20's) to work as volunteer tutors in our after-school program during the upcoming academic year.

Volunteer tutors will work at the McKay site on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 m to 5:30 pm from mid-September to mid-May.

If you are passionate about education, working with kids, or making sure that everyone has a chance to go to college, please e-mail Program Assistant Enya O’Riordan (eoriordan@tsf.org) and include “Volunteer Tutor” in the subject line.

Source: eoriordan@tsf.org

Monday, August 24, 2015

August 31: Gove Street Citizens Association to hold monthly meeting

LABOR DAY CELEBRATION SUPPER
Bring your appetite only 

Update on current status of GSCA area projects:

  • 202 Maverick Street – Awaiting 2nd presentation of revised plans by developer for possible vote.
  • 14-16 Geneva Street – Awaiting 1st presentation by developer.
  • 80 Everett Street – Awaiting 1st presentation by developer.
  • Loftel hotel – Developer to address GSCA and abutter concerns at September 30th meeting with the possibility of a vote.
  • Mount Carmel Church Property – Developer to contact GSCA to begin informal discussions.
  • East Boston Neighborhood Health Center – Preliminary project plans for 135B Bremen Street site to be presented to GSCA and abutters at September 30th meeting.
  • 173-175 Maverick Street (De Angelis Bakery) - partial building collapse.
  • Cottage Street - water pipe break/street collapse.


MEETING DATE: Monday, August 31, 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 Mondays. 

SEE YOU THERE!

Source: GSCA by e-mail

Live racing returns to Suffolk Downs with three racing and food truck festivals

EAST BOSTON, MA – Live Thoroughbred racing will return to Suffolk Downs after a ten-month hiatus. Starting Saturday, September 5 and continuing on Saturday, October 3 and October 31, the track will host three special festival days of racing which will include food trucks from over a dozen vendors, craft beer, live music and family fun activities for the whole family. 

“We are very excited for the return of the 80-year tradition of live racing here, for the opportunity to keep people working as we transition to the development of the property and to provide a venue for the NEHBPA and the Mass breeders for this year and next,” said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer at Suffolk Downs.

Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and first post for live racing is scheduled at 12:00 p.m. In addition to traditional flat racing, fans can expect to be treated to steeplechase racing for the first time at the East Boston oval since 1997. Some familiar faces from the trainer and jockey colony will be returning for the races as well as some of the top players from racetracks across the East Coast to compete for purse money in excess of half a million dollars.

“These will be three days of celebration, the last of which will coincide with the Breeders’ Cup on October 31st,” said Lou Raffetto, a consultant for the New England HBPA who is overseeing the planning of the festival. “We are inviting everyone who loves horses, loves Suffolk Downs, loves food trucks and craft beer and just wants to spend the day with us having family fun. We really see it as one big party during three great days.”

Some of Boston’s favorite food trucks will be part of these three race dates. Come enjoy a day of racing but be sure to come hungry and enjoy everything burgers to Asian to grilled cheese to sirloin sliders, hot dogs and more!  Twelve great food trucks will be on hand…including Bonetown Burgers, Yumm Bai, Trolley Dogs, Mommogoose and more!

For more information, visit www.suffolkdowns.com

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Friends of Meridian Street take on the Canton Eatery again

Paul Howes addresses the following to EastBoston.com:


This is again about the Canton Eatery at 339 Meridian St. East Boston, MA 02128 putting trash on the public sidewalk daily in front of their store. 

The Friends of Meridian Street has sent multiple letters to the owner asking that since the store is now open until 4am, seven days a week, that he please wait until 2am or 3am before he puts the trash out. He has completely ignored our requests without response. 

We spoke to the city about this and were told he has a contract with a private contractor and is allowed to put his trash out from 6 pm in the evening until 8am in the morning seven days a week. 

We know of no other contract in the city that allows a business to put there trash out on the public sidewalk at these hours. Or any respectable business that would do it. 

These are large trash bags filled with food trash, empty 5 gallon buckets of oil and large bags of trash. 

This so unsanitary as it draws dogs, rats, cockroaches, flies and gives the opportunity for our resident children to play with this trash. 

Everyone that drives down Meridian St. past the Canton Eater, walks by the Canton Eatery sees this as an example of how East Boston lives!!! The residents of East Boston are outraged about this having our public sidewalk blocked with trash on a daily basis. This is what we see looking out the windows of our homes. 

This is what our children see waiting for their school bus. This is what every vehicle (tourist, MBTA bus, taxi, residents driving)sees driving down Meridian Street. We are just asking that the trash not be put out until after 3am in the morning. Please pass this on to our public elected officials in East Boston and see if they will help. If you can talk to and convince the owner (and all his employees) of the Canton Eatery to do the right thing for the betterment of the "quality of  life" for our families this would be great.

Friends of Meridian Street

Monday, August 10, 2015

Historical lecture on "Lost Boston" at EB-BPL, August 27


The East Boston Friends of the Library invites you to a lecture by Anthony Sammarco titled Lost Boston Thursday August 27th at 6:pm. 

Local author and historian, Anthony M. Sammarco presents a fascinating look at many well known institutions that failed to stand the test of time, and were either demolished, lost to fire or neglect.  

Based on his book, Lost Boston, this presentation takes a look at both neighborhood and downtown institutions including The Boston Garden, City Point Aquarium, Jordan Marsh Department Store, Scollay, Haymarket and Pemberton Squares, as well as East Boston Airport and the Penny Ferry.  

Sponsored by the Friends of the East Boston Branch Library 365 Bremen St. 

Call 617-569-0271 for more information.

Father Thomas Domurat, Local Priest, Presides Nationally Televised Mass

WATERTOWN ,Mass (August 6, 2015) - The daily Catholic Mass was celebrated at the Watertown studios of CatholicTV in the Chapel of Holy Cross.

Father Thomas Domurat of Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Boston presided Mass in honor of the feast of St. Lawrence. Father Domurat was joined by parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer including Mr. James Molina and Mr. Moses Perez who served at the altar; as well as Mr. Kevin Martinez who served as lector.

Saint Lawrence was a deacon under Pope Sixtus II, who sacrificed his own life in response to a sudden persecution of the Church. The Prefect of Rome believed the Church had a large amount of money and valuables hidden away somewhere and demanded that Lawrence give them to him at once. Lawrence gathered all of the sick and poor people of the Church and presented them to the Prefect, stating, “This is the Church’s treasure!” (www.catholic.org).  In response the Prefect sentenced him to death and Lawrence gave all of his money and sold items of value to the poor. For more information please visit:  http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=366.

The mass will re-air tonight at 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST. For on-demand viewing of the mass please visit our website at any time at www.CatholicTV.com.

About the CatholicTV Network:

The CatholicTV Network is a national cable television network also streaming a live feed 24 hours a day at CatholicTVLIVE.com. The CatholicTV Network represents a cable TV station available in more than 14 million homes, an interactive website with television-like live and video-on-demand, mobile apps and a monthly printed and digital magazine.

East Boston Main Streets Highlights Acoustic on Main August 14-23

(EASTBOSTON – August 10, 2015)– Back by popular demand, East Boston Main Streets invites East Boston businesses to participate in “Acoustic on Main,” a 10-day event in East Boston’s Main Streets District celebrating and promoting local small businesses and musical performers. 

Beginning Friday August 14th through Sunday August 23rd, 10 am - 10 pm, all Main Streets small businesses are invited to host acoustic performances with up to 5 instrumental or vocal performers - no need to apply for a live entertainment license and no fees. The hours have been expanded from the last time we did this to encompass more daytime performance opportunities (brunch anyone?), and coincide with several great retail events including The Sales Tax holiday (Sat & Sun, August 15-16)

"We are excited to enliven our Main Streets districts with music to support our local businesses while also supporting our local musicians," said Mayor Walsh. "Consider shopping locally and taking in a performance during Acoustic on Main and empower our neighborhoods to thrive."

Businesses and musicians who wish to participate can register at the Acoustic on Main website (http://www.cityofboston.gov/acousticonmain/), and businesses hosting events are also welcome to submit those events to the City of Boston’s online calendar.  As the schedule develops, members of the public are encouraged to follow and engage with the event using #AcousticOnMain.  

Business Registration link:  http://bit.ly/1KCtWJ3
Musician Registration link: http://bit.ly/1SOQDMi

"This is a great opportunity to showcase acoustic performers and to highlight our thriving business district by connecting musicians to business owners.  We encourage East Boston residents and visitors alike to shop our local businesses, eat at our local restaurants, and cheer on our local musicians. Small businesses truly are the catalyst for so much positive change in our community – let’s get out and support them while also supporting local live music," explains Max Gruner, Executive Director of EBMS.

Acoustic on Main is a partnership of Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the City Council's Committee on Arts & Culture and Committee on Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Office of Arts & Culture, Consumer Affairs and Licensing and Office of Business Development.

EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Wakefield hosts 6th Annual Festival Italia: August 21 to August 22


6TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL ITALIA
August 21 – August 22

The Wakefield Event Planning Committee has been working non-stop on the upcoming Festival Italia 2015 events, and it will continue to grow as we approach the event.  This year’s festival will be the biggest and best yet.  The committee invites all to a fun-filled weekend.  The August 21 & 22 two-day Festival Italia celebration will have something for all. 

On Friday August 21st nine local restaurants to date will provide food for the Festival Italia Dinner Buffet, which will be held at the Four Points Sheraton Wakefield from  6 – 11:00 p.m.  We are excited  to announce that local favorite Valerie Giglio will perform, and a DJ will be providing music for the evening.  Tickets are $35, and can be purchased at Smith Drug, 390 Main St., Wakefield.
On Saturday, August 22rd, with a portion of Albion St. and Main St. closed to traffic, local merchants and restaurants will be setting up tents.  There will be shopping, music, an array of food,  beer and wine garden, wheel of chance, and car show to name a few.  An assortment of children’s events are scheduled for the day: face painter, balloon twister, all hands drumming, roaming railroad and model car race track.

To date, we have a great lineup of entertainment performing on three stages: Albion St. Stage: Karen K and the Jitterbugs, Jazzabelles, and The Morlocks Now. Main St. Stage 1: Natalie Joly; Betty’s Bounce; the North Ave. Band.  Main St. Stage 2: Joe Dias and Southern City.  We also have roaming entertainment: Boris, Italian Serenaders, Noodle Daisy, and local dance studios will be performing.  Go to our website www.wakefieldepc.com or follow us on Facebook for updated information. 

Friday, July 31, 2015

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.
# # #

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Countdown to Kindergarten & Airmall Boston Draw Winner of $5,000 College Scholarship

This just in from Main Streetsl

Representative Adrian Madaro, East Boston Main Streets, Countdown to Kindergarten, and Airmall Boston Draw Winner of $5,000 College Scholarship


Nicolas Morales, a kindergartener at the McKay school in East Boston

BOSTON, MA (July 28, 2015) – On Tuesday, July 28, East Boston Main Streets’ Executive Director Max Gruner was joined by Mike Caro, VP of Airmall Boston, members of the Countdown to Kindergarten steering committee, and State Representative Adrian Madaro to draw the name of the Kindergartener who is the winner of the $5,000 college scholarship provided by Airmall Boston.  “Our annual Countdown to Kindergarten Parade is a wonderfully joyous event that truly highlights the benefits of our vibrant public-private partnerships in East Boston,” says State Representative Adrian Madaro.

Last year, at the annual East Boston Countdown to Kindergarten Parade, EBMS and Airmall Boston announced a $5,000 college scholarship in the form of a 529 college savings account to be provided to one East Boston kindergartener with perfect attendance during the school year.  “This scholarship is important to us,” says EBMS executive director Max Gruner, “not only because it can make a real impact on the long-term educational opportunities of one of our kids but because it sends a threefold message: one, our East Boston community cares about education and our kids; two, it encourages parents to think about the importance of investing early in the long-term education of their children; three, it underscores the importance of attendance at school.”



The scholarship winner, Nicolas Morales, a kindergartener at the McKay school in East Boston, and his family will be presented with a ceremonial check at the 15th annual East Boston Countdown to Kindergarten Parade on Thursday, September 3rd, 2015. Also at this event, EBMS, Airmall, and the CTK steering committee are pleased to be able to announce the continuation of this college scholarship initiative and will be announcing the second annual $5,000 college scholarship for an East Boston kindergartener with perfect attendance at school. 

 “This event has been a long standing tradition for the East Boston community. It helps to create a solid foundation for the future of East Boston, and we at Airmall, who live and work in this community as well, are honored to play a role in this day," says Mike Caro, Vice President at Airmall Boston.

####
EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.

Drawing for Countdown to Kindergarten Scholarship: July 28

On Tuesday, July 28th, at 10:00am at the East Boston Social Centers in East Boston, Central Square, Adrian Madaro will be drawing the name of the Kindergartener with perfect attendance during the past school year who will be receiving the $5K college scholarship announced as part of the Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration and provided courtesy of AirMall.

The drawing will last 20mins from 10:30am-10:50am.  We would very much like media to be present.

Background:

    East Boston is the only remaining Boston neighborhood to celebrate its rising Kindergarteners with a celebration and Parade
    Last year, EBMS and AirMall announced the first annual Countdown to Kindergarten College Scholarship to be presented to an EB kindergartener with perfect attendance during the school year (note: excused absences do not count against the students attendance record)
    We have just received the list of eligible Kindergartners and will be drawing the name of the winner who will receive $5K in a 529 college savings account; the drawing will be promptly at 10:30am on Tuesday, July 28.
    The check will be handed to the family during this year's Countdown to Kindergarten Parade on Thursday, September 3rd from 10:30am-1:00pm.
    At the Parade, EBMS and AirMall will be announcing another $5K scholarship for this coming year.

Talking Points:

    Importance of early childhood education
    Importance of parent involvement in all aspects of child's educational experience, including attendance
    Importance of thinking ahead and planning for ongoing education of the child beyond high-school

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Main Streets Presents: Free English Language Classes for Business Owners and Employees


Starting September 2015 

  • Are you a business owner ready to build, grow, and improve your business?
    Are you interested in providing better customer service to English speaking clients?
  • Do you employ staff who will benefit from English classes?
If your answer is YES to any of these…

Join us on Monday, July 27th from 8:00-9:30 AM (continental breakfast provided)
 

Or
 

Join us on Tuesday, July 28th from 6:00-7:30 PM (light refreshments provided)

To Discuss Your English Language Needs and Availability
East Boston Harborside
Community School
Enfarrados (NFarra2) Community Room
127 Maverick Street, 2nd floor,
East Boston 02128


With Special Thanks to  Councilor Sal LaMattina & Representative Adrian Madaro


JPNA Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda For July 22

 
JPNA Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda For July 22 7 p.m


Where: Jeffries Point Yacht Club 565 Sumner st.

Time: 7 p.m. 


AGENDA
  • 202 Maverick st. - Demo & construction, New multi unit residential building.
  • 80 Everett st
  • 14-16 Geneva St. New construction, residential on empty lot. Atty: Richard Lynds

What we saw at the EB Public Library July 16




About 75 Friends of the East Boston Library showed up in the Thomas Menino Community Room to unveil the refurbished Queen Mary painting by Frederick Leonard King which was created with the support of the Works Progress Administration. With great pride song and community, the Friends restored what always belonged to East Boston. (photographs by Diane Modica).