Candidates for Saturday’s election for North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council, NEWNC, introduced themselves this week at the council’s monthly meeting (see video). There are six candidates running for six open two-year term seats, before any write-in candidates.

The election is scheduled for May 19, 2012, 10am-2pm at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street. All North End / Waterfront residents are eligible to vote with proof of residency.

The ballot order is as follows:

1. Anne Devlin Tagliaferro,* 63 Atlantic Ave., #4
2. Ryan Kenny,* 10 Thacher Street, #309
3. John Pregman 163 Endicott Street, #2
4. Marie Simboli,* 61 Prince Street
5. Toni Gilardi, 133 Fulton St.
6. Allan Danley, 82 Commercial St.

*Incumbents

Filling out the 12-seat Neighborhood Council are previously elected residents with one more year left on their two-year terms include Philip Frattaroli, Bill Lane, David Marx, Jorge Mendoza and Stephen Passacantilli. Incumbents not running for re-election include President Donna Freni and Giancarlo Tiberi. The seat formerly occupied by the late Mario Alfano is also up for election this year.

More information on NEWNC can be found at NEWNCBoston.org.

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Residents File Papers for Election on Neighborhood Council, NEWNC
2. Nine Candidates on Ballot for North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) Election Set For May 14, 2011

The North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council, NEWNC, voted to support four North End restaurant applications currently pending in front of the Boston Licensing Board and/or the Zoning Board of Appeals. This video includes the applicant presentations, public discussion and NEWNC vote.

00:00 on video
78-80 Salem Street, Trattoria Pulcinella:  Giovanni Oliva has applied to the Licensing Board for the sale and transfer of the Wine and Malt License from Cibo Con Amore (Marissa Iocco) to a new restaurant, Trattoria Pulcinella.
NEWNC Vote: 8-0 in support.

13:00 on video
371-373 Hanover Street, Cafe Strega, formerly Casa di Stile:  Nick Varano has applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals for zoning relief to change the use of the first floor from a retail clothing store to a restaurant with take-out service.
NEWNC Vote: 7-1 in support.

31:50 on video
350-352 Hanover Street, Locale, formerly Hanover News:  Jennifer Pittore has filed an application with the Zoning Board of Appeals for zoning relief to change the use of the first floor from a retail store to a restaurant with take-out service.  She also intends to apply to the Licensing Board for a Wine and Malt License at this location.
NEWNC Vote: 8-0 in support.

43:20 on video
266 Hanover Street, Il Panino Express:  Frank DePasquale has applied to the Licensing Board for a new Wine and Malt License at this location.
NEWNC Vote: 8-0 in support.

Both NEWNC and NEWRA neighborhood group votes are advisory to the City of Boston Licensing Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. NEWRA previously considered these applications, voting in support of Trattoria Pulcinella and Locale but in opposition to Cafe Strega and Il Panino Express (see post).

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Bricco Restaurant Receives Unanimous Support for Take-Out Service from Neighborhood Council
2. “My Cousins Place” Receives Unanimous Support from Neighborhood Council for Hanover St. Coffee Shop

Where & When

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. NEMPAC Winter Concert Series Presents: An Evening of Chamber Music on Friday, March 23, 2012
2. NEMPAC Presents Scott Boni Jazz Trio on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Old North Church

Kingfish Hall in 2011 at Faneuil Hall

Celebrity chef and restaurant owner Todd English is facing a $1 million+ lawsuit due to unpaid rent at Kingfish Hall at Faneuil Hall that closed in March 2012 and remains vacant. The suit comes from the former leaseholder of Fanueil Hall Marketplace, General Growth Properties, claiming failure to pay on a judgement last year in Boston Municipal Court. Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp. took over the Faneuil Hall Marketplace lease where the buildings are owned by the City of Boston.

The news might be a bit surprising given recent quotes by English about ongoing negotiations to re-open Kingfish Hall. The closing of Kingfish Hall came one month before Olives re-opened in Charlestown, after numerous delays and two years after a grease fire closed the flagship restaurant.

The Kingfish Hall suit brings the total against the celebrity chef to five, according to the the Globe that reports more on the story.

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Faneuil Hall Marketplace Gets New Operator
2. Regina Pizzeria Anniversary at Faneuil Hall – 35 Cent Pizza for 35 Minutes on September 8th

North Ender, NEWNC member and Ducali Pizzeria & Bar owner, Philip Frattaroli, ran the 2012 Boston Marathon raising $30,628 for the UMass ALS Champion Fund, a special program created by Governor Paul Cellucci in his personal fight against ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Philip trained for the marathon over four months, and despite the grueling heat conditions, pushed through this once in a lifetime challenge inspired by his dear family friend, Gov. Cellucci. He also held a huge fundraiser at Ducali. In his own words:

It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t fast, but I finished. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Thank you to all of you who donated to the UMass ALS Champion Fund on behalf of my run, I literally could not have done it with out you. Special thanks to my marathon coach Kelly Fagan who helped me get through the training, and the race. Thanks again!

To learn more about the Champion Fund, you can click here.

Phil is at the 4:57 mark of the video shown below:

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. North End Family Runs Boston Marathon for Mass. Down Syndrome Congress Team
2. North End Resident to Run Boston Marathon for the Blind

Martin Lomasney Legend & Wit Live on in New Exhibit (May 15 – August 4, 2012)

Ward Boss Lomasney, a new show at the West End Museum, commemorates the legendary status of Martin Lomasney, the undisputed boss of Boston’s Ward 8 (later Ward 5, then Ward 3 under re-districting) from about 1885 until his death in 1933. Reproductions of W. Norman Ritchie’s political cartoons from the Boston Post and others from the Boston Globe will be on display together with graphic panels featuring related articles and Lomasney’s most renowned quotes, including “Don’t write when you can talk. Don’t talk when you can nod your head.” (Download Lomasney photos and drawings here.)

The show runs in the Members Gallery and is curated by West End Museum Executive Director Duane Lucia. The exhibit reception takes place on June 16 at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, including the “Ward Eight”—a cocktail created in 1898 at Locke-Ober in honor of Lomasney’s election to the state legislature and the district largely responsible for his victory.

“Martin Lomasney is without a doubt one of the central figures in West End lore,” says Lucia. “His influence on the community, both socially and politically, cannot be overstated. To this day, the street named after him (Lomasney Way) is a testament to the legendary status he holds with many current and former residents of the area, and we felt the Museum should honor that.”

Born in Boston in 1859, Lomasney was the son of Irish immigrants who fled to the U.S. during the great potato famine. After leaving school in the eighth grade, he befriended a local ward boss, who steered him from trouble and gave him a job as a lamplighter and health inspector. In 1875 he entered politics as an aide to Boston’s Democratic boss, Michael Wells. Often referred to as the “mahatma” or “czar,” Lomasney gained political prowess and wielded substantial control over city and county politics. He served as State Senator, State Representative and Alderman while conducting business out of his West End headquarters at the Hendricks Club.

Lomasney and his brother Joseph founded the Hendricks Club in 1885 at the corner of Lowell and Causeway streets. What began as a social club became the heart of Lomasney’s political machine. For nearly 50 years, no political candidate from his district was successful in being elected without Lomasney’s endorsement.

Visit our website, The West End Museum
Join our facebook page, The West End Museum

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Historical Preservation Tour Series Features Visits to Notable West End Sites
2. Ward Three Democrats Endorse Menino

Armenian Heritage Park is located on Parcel 13 on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston between Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Christopher Columbus Park.

Consistent with the key themes of the Greenway to acknowledge the history of Boston as a port of entry for immigrants worldwide, Armenian Heritage Park celebrates the immigrant experience and those who have migrated to Massachusetts shores, contributing to the richness of American life and culture, and commemorates lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and all genocide that have followed.

Designed to engage children and adults, Armenian Heritage Park consists of two key features surrounded by seating and landscaping.

The Labyrinth, a circular winding path paved in granite set in lawn, celebrates life’s journey. A single jet of water and the symbol of eternity mark its center, representing hope and rebirth. Art, Service, Science and Commerce are etched around its circle in tribute to accomplishments and contributions made.

The Abstract Sculpture, a split dodecahedron mounted above a reflecting pool, commemorates the immigrant experience. The waters from the reflecting pool wash over its sides and re-emerge as a single jet of water at the center of the Labyrinth.

Annually, the Sculpture will be reconfigured, symbolic of the immigrant experience and all who left their countries of origin and came to our Massachusetts shores, establishing themselves in new and different ways. The Sculpture is dedicated to lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and all genocides that have followed.

Plantings include shade and ornamental trees, shrubs, groundcover and perennials to provide seasonal interest.

Endowed funds support the Park’s ongoing care and maintenance, annual reconfiguration of the sculpture, and public programs including the annual Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall.

A gift to the City of Boston and the Commonwealth from Massachusetts Armenian-Americans, Armenian Heritage Park has been funded by the generous support of individuals and organizations. The Park and its endowed funds are a key initiative of the Armenian Heritage Foundation comprised of representatives from 37 Armenian-American churches and organizations within Massachusetts.

For further information, please visit www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org

Photo by John Soursourian

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Armenian Heritage Park – Almost!
2. Immigration and Armenian Memorial Monument “The Armenian Heritage Park”

by Ralph Martignetti, Commissioner

With the season about one third of the way through, the pecking order of team strength is being established and it looks like the Cubs and Tigers are becoming a heated rivalry. The teams met for the second time this season and again both teams were ready play. Colman Shea who was nearly unhittable in the first meeting was touched up for two runs early when Kyle Bernardini scorched a laser beam to the gap in right center field. The young pitching staff of the Tigers were able to keep the Cubs off balance all game long as Fortunato D’Ampoli, Phil DiBlasi, Edward Ardolino and Evan Frechette pitched six solid innings allowing only three runs. Defensively, Richard Pagliuica for the Tigers was outstanding behind the plate while offensively DJ DiCenso had two hits and drove in three runs.

However, the play of the game was made by the Cubs defense. The Tiger’s spark plug Nick Seaver was on first and a ball was shot into the right field corner. Nick raced to second and then rounded third were he was waived on (this is when Nick decided to ease his helmet upward so the home town crowd could get a good look at his determined face) and after a fabulous relay which included John Paul Anderson and Brianna Campincharo, there was a tremendous slide, a massive cloud of dust and an umpire shout of “you’re out” roared through Langone Park.

The Cubs continue to improve with both DelPeschia’a girls being important factors along with their many other young players. Although the Tiger’s bested the Cubs for the second time players for both teams are anxiously awaiting their next game.

Read more at NEAABaseball.org.

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. NEAA Baseball: Cardinals 13 – Tigers 3
2. NEAA Baseball: Cardinals 20 vs. Cubs 0

A representative from the Fox TV production, “Kitchen Nightmares,” also known as Upper Ground Enterprises spoke at Monday’s North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council meeting regarding its plans for filming at La Galleria 33. The production will be located on Salem and Cooper streets from May 16 – 22, 2012.

Watch the video for more information. Residents seeking replacement parking should visit the production early in the day (they start at 7am) for available vouchers good at the Pilgrim lot on Cooper Street.

Questions or complaints can be reported to the production at 323-556-3888 (L.A.) or 323-834-9776 (Boston). Ask for Jackie.

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Kitchen Nightmares – Not a Dream
2. Gordon Ramsey’s “Kitchen Nightmares” TV Show to Film at La Galleria 33 on Salem Street

There is high praise coming from all sides regarding the “win-win” agreement of expanding the Eliot K-8 Public School into the existing North Bennet Street School properties that would also allow NBSS to grow its trade and craft school in the North End. Through a cash and building swap valued at $11.4 million, NBSS, a private non-profit trade school, would relocate to the former city-owned police station and printing plant on North and Richmond Streets.

The building on the corner of North Bennet and Salem Streets will become the expansion campus for the Eliot K-8 public school on Charter St.

The Eliot School Family Council, a parents group, calls the outcome “truly amazing” in a statement:

Great News!  Today the Eliot School Community learned that the City of Boston has acquired the North Bennet Street School buildings (as part of a widely-publicized proposed property swap) and will turn them over to the Boston Public Schools (BPS) to be used to expand the Eliot School.  This announcement is truly amazing for the children of the Eliot and families who want to raise their children in the City of Boston.

Principal Traci Walker Griffith, Assistant Principal Lydia Torres and the incredible Eliot School faculty have built a school over the past few years that is a standard bearer for BPS and a place that gives our children a wonderful education.  We look forward to working with the City and BPS now to literally build facilities around our administrators and faculty that are as fabulous as they are!

Former city printing plant on Richmond Street that will make up the new home for the North Bennet Street School.

North Bennet Street School also issued a positive statement on its website, citing the opportunity to stay in the North End and consolidate its programs in one location.

The move to North Street will reunite our eight full-time programs under one roof, expand our continuing education program, provide meeting space for students and for the community and greatly enhance our ability to operate as a vibrant education and cultural organization in the city. The printing plant’s industrial space is uniquely suited to our educational needs and the adjacent police station will provide space for administrative offices and meeting rooms.

150 North St. - Former Tunnel Building and Police Station to house NBSS offices.

The opportunity to stay in Boston’s North End as we reunite our programs and expand our visibility in the city is one we hope you will join us in celebrating.

City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino is excited enough about the transaction that he wants to share it in person, next Tuesday on May 22, 2012, 6pm at the Eliot School. In a note to area parents, he writes:

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. City Agrees to North End Eliot School Expansion Through $11.35 Million Swap With North Bennet Street School
2. Eliot School Parents Hear From North Bennet Street School President About North St. Buildings, Potential Swap And Eliot Expansion

There were plenty of witnesses, with slightly varying stories, of an attack and robbery on Salem Street at 9:50 pm on Monday night. According to Officer Teddy Boyle, detectives are following up on accounts of a suspect jumping out of a car to grab a woman’s bag. The woman fought back and the suspect punched her before taking the bag and getting back in the car heading toward Charter Street. The car was reported as a black Charger (or Chrysler). Police say they do not have a license plate number, but detectives are looking at video in the area. The victim was not seriously hurt and discharged from Mass. General Hospital.

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Weekly Police Blotter: Robbery at Knifepoint and Drug Arrest on Salem Street
2. Woman Assaulted on Salem Street

This video includes announcements and committee reports at the May 15, 2012 meeting of the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council, NEWNC.

Video Index:

00:00     Welcome, Roll Call and Introductions
02:30     NEWNC Recognizes Service of President Donna Freni
04:00     Nicole Leo, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
04:50     Stephen Passacantilli, Report from Councilor Sal LaMattina’s Office on Noise Ordinance Review
09:20     Ryan Kenny, Traffic and Parking Committee Report – Update on Resident Parking in Visitor Spots
10:15     Bill Lane, reporting for David Marx, Public Safety Committee Report

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. July 2011 Announcements & Committee Reports from the Neighborhood Council (NEWNC)
2. Neighborhood Council Meeting Agenda Includes Tecce’s Properties, New LuLu’s, Paul Revere House & Laz Parking

by Ralph Martignetti, Commissioner

The Cardinals broke open a tight game with a 7 run 6th inning to run their record to 3-0. Fred Moseley had the big blow in the inning with a shot into the left center field gap with the bases loaded that saw him fly around the bases for his second inside the park grand slam of the season and his second homer of the game.

The Cardinals started the scoring in the first when, with one out, Moseley hit a towering drive over the center field fence. On the next pitch, Owen Locke’s drive followed the same path to give the Cardinals a 2-0 lead. They would add another run as Oliver Franklin scored on a throwing error. Over the next 2 innings, the Cardinals and Tigers traded runs on some excellent baserunnung and shoddy fielding.

With a 6-3 lead heading into the 4th, William Marchi came on to pitch for the Cardinals and proceeded to shut the Tigers down on 2 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 5.

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. NEAA Baseball: Cardinals Beat Indians 6-2 in Nitecap of Saturday’s Doubleheader
2. NEAA Baseball: Cardinals 20 vs. Cubs 0

Mirabella Pool at Sunrise

Mirabella Pool 2012 Registration – Sign-ups begin Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Nazzaro Center

Early Bird Special – Sign up at the Nazzaro Center before the pool opens and deduct $5 from the Adult & Young Adult rate

Tentative opening date is June 23, closing on September 3

Questions? Call the Nazzaro Center at 617-635-5166

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Mirabella Pool Registration
2. North End Grace Mirabella Pool Registration 2011

Friends of the NE Branch Library President Robin Ardito and daughter Olivia at the 2011 Book Sale

The Friends of the North End Branch Library welcome you to stop by their annual Book Sale on Saturday, May 19^th, 2012 from 10 am – 3 pm.  Come browse the terrific selection of new and gently used Books – hardcovers and paperbacks, DVD’s, Videos, CDs, and Books on Tape for both adults and children. The sale will be held outside the library at 25 Parmenter St., North End.

Book donations are welcome until Friday.  Volunteers to move books and tables on Saturday are still needed.  If you can help, please contact us at info@friendsnelibrary.org.

Previous posts that you may find interesting:

1. Book, DVD, CD Sale – Saturday, May 22 – North End Branch Library
2. Successful 2011 Book Sale Held by Friends of the North End Branch Library