North End Columbus Day Committee Honors Friends of Christopher Columbus Park [Photos]
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The North End Columbus Day Celebration Committee hosted an evening of celebration and commemoration on Friday, October 9 at The Living Room on Atlantic Avenue. The reception featured music, prizes, refreshments and cocktails. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the bi-annual North End Columbus Day Parade being held on Sunday, October 11th (Parade Information).
This year, the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park were honored with the 2015 Michael A. Nazzaro Community Service Award. “The Friends have been excellent caretakers of our beloved Christopher Columbus Park” said Committee Chairman Louis Strazzullo, “Their partnership with the city and their stewardship has made Columbus Park a waterfront oasis for our neighborhood and another jewel in the City’s park system. We are happy to honor The Friends with Mike’s Award to say thank you for their years of commitment!”
Mike Nazzaro was born and raised in the North End, was a small business owner and served as our State Representative. During his tenure, Mike protected the neighborhood from the era’s urban development push and helped make the neighborhood the vibrant community it is. The Committee is recognizing The Friends for that same commitment and dedication to our community and our great city.
A surprise commendation by City and State officials was made for longtime committee friend and supporter, Francine Gannon. In addition to City Hall and State House citations, the Mayor’s Office declared October 9th as “Francine Gannon Day” in the City of Boston.
Friends of Christopher Columbus Park accepting Michael A. Nazzaro, Jr. Community Leadership Award (L-R) Parade Chair Louis Strazzullo, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Carla D’Orio (daughter of Michael Nazzaro), FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines and Laurie Strazzullo (granddaughter of Michael Nazzaro)Francine Gannon (center) accepts City and State commendations (L-R) Michael Flaherty, Michelle Wu, Stephen Murphy, Aaron Michlewitz, Anthony Petruccelli and Sal LaMattinaColumbus Day Celebration Committee (L-R) Maria Puopolo, Carla D’Orio, Aaron Michlewitz, Laurie Strazzullo, Sal Diecidue, Louis Strazzullo, Anthony Petruccelli, Therese Diecidue and Maria LanzaCrowded room at the Columbus Day Parade FundraiserState Rep. Aaron Michlewitz presents the Nazzaro Award to FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-RinesFrancine Gannon speaks after receiving city and state commendationsFOCCP Executives accepting the Michael A. Nazzaro, Jr. Community Leadership Award (L-R) Meredith Piscitelli, Meghan Denenburg, Joan Murphy, Joanne Hayes-Rines, Ann Babbit, Audrey Tortolani and Patricia ThibotoutCelebrating Francine Gannon Day, (L-R) Sal LaMattina, Aaron Michlewitz and Anthony Petruccelli(L-R) Maria Lanza, Stephen Passacantilli, Karen D’Amico and John Romano(L-R) Michael Magner, Sal LaMattina, Aaron Michlewitz and Anthony PetruccelliMichelle Wu speaks at the Columbus Day parade celebrationLorraine and Daniel PassacantilliCity Councilor Stephen Murphy speaks at the Columbus Day Parade celelbrationCity Councilor Michelle Wu and Francine GannonRepresenting the North End, (L-R), City Councilor Sal LaMattina, State Representative Aaron Michlewitz and State Senator Anthony PetruccelliCity Councilor Michael Flaherty speaking at the eventThe Gannon Family celebrating Francine Gannon DayHost and State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Columbus Day Commitee Chair Louis Strazzullo
State Senator Anthony Petruccelli visited the volunteers of the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park at this week’s meeting. With the State budget under pressure, the Senator thanked the members for their efforts to look after the flagship park. Over the last few years, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has lost over 30% of Read More…
We are fortunate in the North End / Waterfront to have two model “Friends” groups helping out our neighborhood jewels, the Friends of the North End Branch Library and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park. These all-volunteer groups can only thrive with the support of neighbors, both in time and money. Why not become a Read More…
What was the name of one of Christopher Columbus’s ships? The Queen Mary, the Titanic or the Nina? That is one of the questions that will be part of a very unique “Scavenger Hunt” in Columbus Park on Monday, October 13, as the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) hosts its annual Columbus Day Celebration. Read More…
