Community Photos & Videos

North End Columbus Day Committee Honors Friends of Christopher Columbus Park [Photos]

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
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 LaMattina
Francine Gannon (center) accepts City and State commendations (L-R) Michael Flaherty, Michelle Wu, Stephen Murphy, Aaron Michlewitz, Anthony Petruccelli and Sal LaMattina
 Columbus Day Celebration Committee (L-R) Maria Puopolo, Carla D
Columbus Day Celebration Committee (L-R) Maria Puopolo, Carla D’Orio, Aaron Michlewitz, Laurie Strazzullo, Sal Diecidue, Louis Strazzullo, Anthony Petruccelli, Therese Diecidue and Maria Lanza
 Crowded room at the Columbus Day Parade Fundraiser
Crowded room at the Columbus Day Parade Fundraiser
 State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz presents the Nazzaro Award to FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines
State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz presents the Nazzaro Award to FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines
 Francine Gannon speaks after receiving city and state commendations
Francine Gannon speaks after receiving city and state commendations
 FOCCP 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 Thibotout
FOCCP 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 Thibotout
 Celebrating Francine Gannon Day, (L-R) Sal LaMattina, Aaron Michlewitz and Anthony Petruccelli
Celebrating Francine Gannon Day, (L-R) Sal LaMattina, Aaron Michlewitz and Anthony Petruccelli
 (L-R) Maria Lanza, Stephen Passacantilli, Karen D
(L-R) Maria Lanza, Stephen Passacantilli, Karen D’Amico and John Romano
 (L-R) Michael Magner, Sal LaMattina, Aaron Michlewitz and Anthony Petruccelli
(L-R) Michael Magner, Sal LaMattina, Aaron Michlewitz and Anthony Petruccelli
 Michelle Wu speaks at the Columbus Day parade celebration
Michelle Wu speaks at the Columbus Day parade celebration
 Lorraine and Daniel Passacantilli
Lorraine and Daniel Passacantilli
 City Councilor Stephen Murphy speaks at the Columbus Day Parade celelbration
City Councilor Stephen Murphy speaks at the Columbus Day Parade celelbration
 City Councilor Michelle Wu and Francine Gannon
City Councilor Michelle Wu and Francine Gannon
 Representing the North End, (L-R), City Councilor Sal LaMattina, State Representative Aaron Michlewitz and State Senator Anthony Petruccelli
Representing the North End, (L-R), City Councilor Sal LaMattina, State Representative Aaron Michlewitz and State Senator Anthony Petruccelli
 City Councilor Michael Flaherty speaking at the event
City Councilor Michael Flaherty speaking at the event
 The Gannon Family celebrating Francine Gannon Day
The Gannon Family celebrating Francine Gannon Day
 Host and State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Columbus Day Commitee Chair Louis Strazzullo
Host and State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Columbus Day Commitee Chair Louis Strazzullo

Photos by Matt Conti.