In his last official event as the group’s President, John Romano, hosted the North End Against Drugs Family Dinner / Family Talk on Monday night, January 7, 2013 at the Nazzaro Community Center.
City Councilor Sal LaMattina presented a citation on behalf of the Boston City Council to recognize Romano’s 23 years of service with North End Against Drugs. “The Boston Against Drugs groups were started in every neighborhood in the 1980s and there are only two left, here and in Charlestown. In the North End, NEAD is here to help the neighborhood today because of John Romano,” said Councilor LaMattina. Speaking about moving on, Romano said, “I want to thank everyone that helped with NEAD over the past 23 years and especially the families.”
After sharing a meal together, the dozens of families listened to featured speaker, Maureen McGlame, M. Ed., LADC1, LCSW, Director at Children’s Action Corps specializing in helping children of alcoholism and substance abuse. Ms. McGlame is also a North End resident and offered herself as a resource to neighborhood families. As a follow-up, Ms. McGlame agreed to set up a future date at the Nazzaro Center to work with interested parents and children.
The Family Dinner / Family Talk series was started by late NEAD President “Bobby D.” Decristoforo to allow North End families to share a meal and talk to each other.
As part of its charitable giving, NEAD also presented a check to the North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC), as they serve to bring affordable music programs to North End and city families.
NEAD thanked Massimino’s Cucina Italiana for preparing the pasta dinner and to contributors George Hadaya and the Musto Family for sponsoring the event.
Photos by Matt Conti
See also: John Romano Steps Down As President of North End Against Drugs; Debra DeCristoforo Elected
