Jack learns about firefighting from Boston Fire Engine 8.

Hundreds of parents and neighbors pitched in at the annual Friends of Christopher Columbus Park tot lot cleanup. This year’s event was expanded to a full blown family social for kids of all ages. Boston Fire brought out Engine 8 and let the kids shoot water from the fire hose into Boston Harbor. Big Joe the Storyteller mesmerized dozens of kids with tales on the lawn. Benevento’s brought free pizza that was enjoyed by all. NEMPAC and the team from Kindercare entertained the kids with face painting and craft projects. The Parks Department helped out with the shovels, brooms, blowers, new sand and took away all the bags of trash. The event was held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Christopher Columbus Park.

Shown (l to r) NEWRA President Jim Salini, Clarke Hazelwood and NEWRA member Janet Gilardi.

The May “Good Neighbor Award” is presented by the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association to a person or business that helps keep the community clean has been given to Clarke Hazelwood, Maintenance Supervisor at the Nazzaro Community Center.

Clarke makes sure the Center’s trash is placed out properly on the day before pick-up. In addition, he cleans up Polcari Playground and most of North Bennet and Prince Streets on a regular basis.

NEWRA member Janet Gilardi said, “Clarke does an outstanding job helping to keep the neighborhood clean and the Association wanted to recognize the effort he makes to do so.”

Gilardi added, “He is a good example of what more people should be doing to keep the community clean and debris free.”

2013 Taste of the North End Award Recipients Barbara Summa and Matt Conti.

More than 60 North End residents turned out for last week’s North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association Parks and Open Spaces Committee monthly meeting held at the Nazzaro Community Center.

Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina and Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Antonia Pollak were invited to discuss several issues, concerns and answer questions relating to future plans for the neighborhood’s open spaces.

Representative Aaron Michlewitz, who is working with Councilor LaMattina to have the city take over some land on Cross Street between Hanover and Salem Streets, was also at the public meeting.

A report was given on the current restoration taking place at the Copps Hill Burial Grounds on the Charter Street side to replace the fencing.

Residents suggested that any future plans by the city at the site should include solar lighting at both entrances, tombstones should be remounted and repaired and more plants should be placed in the cemetery which is listed on the National Register.

Copps Hill Terrace, located on Charter Street across from the burial ground, was also targeted for some major repairs including the removal of growing ivy that is destroying trees and has grown between the granite stones pushing out the mortar that holds them in place. The terrace is also listed on the National Register.

Several other topics were part of the agenda including repairs to the Prado, Rachel Revere Park, DiFilippo Playground (Gassy), Foster Street Playground, Cross Street sidewalk, Cutillo Playground and the city’s FY 14 Parks budget related to the North End.

Currently, Foster Street Playground is being used as a residential parking lot based on an agreement with the city, according to Pollak. She noted that several sinkholes in the park need to be repaired and the cars will be removed.

When asked if the playground will be returned to a residential parking lot Pollak said, “That will be up to the community.”

Cutillo Playground on Morton Street appears to be in good condition, however, residents claim the park is hardly used because of a major trash problem on the street that’s creating a rodent problem.

Residents claim businesses and residents are dumping their trash on the street continuously. In addition, residents claim the street is in dire need of repair. The trash problem was resolved once before and Councilor LaMattina and Commissioner Pollak said they would “deal with it immediately.”

Usage of the three levels in the Gassy was also a topic of discussion. The playground, according to residents, is used as a hangout where drinking and drugs use are taking place. It is also being used as a toilet for dogs and desperately needs to be cleaned.

Residents would like to have lighting placed on the flights and possibly create social or recreational activities on them. Pollak noted that one of the flights could be used as a dog park and she is working with RUFF on this possibility.

Councilor LaMattina is attempting to create more activities on Cross Street and would like to place planters on the site as well.

Rachel Revere Park needs major repairs including a paint job and possibly new benches. The park is located across from the Paul Revere House is used by local schools for recess and recreational programs. Residents use the park as a place to sit and relax, enjoy the sun and the company of friends and neighbors.

“The committee is seeking to build a relationship with the Parks Department to improve open spaces within the North End,” according to committee member David Kubiak. “One of the committee’s priorities includes a needs assessment and master plan for the Prado (Paul Revere Mall between Hanover and Unity Streets),” he added.

“The flights in the DiFilippo Park (Gassy) on Prince Street needs restoration and a plan for reuse,” Kubiak noted.

The next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.

Now that the special election to nominate a Democrat and a  Republican candidate to compete for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Ted Kennedy is over, it’s time for voters to decide who should represent them in Washington.

Having a solid go to guy serving Massachusetts is extremely important for many reasons too lengthy to mention.

Massachusetts voters not only need to make up their minds who to vote for, they need to make sure they find the time to get to the polls.

Democrats, Republicans and Independents need to turn out in force to be a part of the election system in place in this country.

When the time comes, registered voters should make it their business to get to the polls and cast a ballot in the race for Massachusetts Senate.

The warmer weather is finally here and not a moment too soon.

People are now enjoying the various parks in the North End and especially the Greenway.

Thousands of visitors are expected to visit, the North End to shop, dine and go to the many historical sites the neighborhood has to offer.

North End residents have always welcomed those who wish to visit the community, however, they would like to have some peace and tranquility during the late night and early morning time period.

In addition, North Enders don’t want to wake up with trash all over the community and having their door steps used as toilets.

There is no question that these type of nasty activities will not go away permanently but it has to be cut down considerably.

Loud noise parties, rowdy streets and destruction of property needs to be curbed.

Not all of the above stems from outsiders, local residents play a part in these situations as well.

Residents need to pick-up the phone immediately and call 911 when they spot a problem. Remember to provide police with as much information as possible when calling in a complaint.

There is no question that the North End/Waterfront will be a very busy place over the next few months. However, visitors need to treat the community like they would their own neighborhood. This will certainly help eliminate most of the problems.

Game One: Tigers Vs Cubs

On a glorious Saturday afternoon, the NEAA kicked off their 2013 Little League Baseball Season with the early season favorite Tigers playing against a very young but inspired Cubs team.  The Cubs surprised early, a thunderous double by Soto got the game started.  He later scored on a fielder’s choice to give the Cubs the lead.   Undeterred, the Tigers powerful offensive line up which has drawn early season comparisons to the “Murderer’s Row” of New York Yankee fame quickly responded and put up a quick a handful of runs to take control of the game.  Consecutive hard hit balls by Pagliuca, Leavitt, DiCenso, Alcott, and D’Amplo propelled the Tigers.  The Cubs continued battling all day long but just couldn’t get that timely hit on offense or make that key out on defense when needed.  All in all it was terrific way to start the season for both teams and the Cubs have certainly put the Tigers on notice that they will provide tough competition for them this year.

Game Two: Tigers vs. Cardinals

The season’s first game under the lights came with a cost, a very chilly Friday evening but by looking at the enthusiasm of players on both teams you would have thought it was 80 degrees.  The Cardinals, the 2012 Champions began defense of their title with a very different line up but the same experienced and wily coaching staff.   The Cardinals started the ace, Vin Santaniello but the Tigers were hungry and seeking to reverse the results of the 2012 finals.  Quickly, the Tigers offense struck and took an early lead, one they would never relinquish.  Again, as in their first game,  the core line up was too much for the Cardinal pitching to contain.  Powerfully hit balls by Robert Alcott, Richard Pagluica and DJ DiCenso echoed through the field.  Evan Frechette added three timely hits and the electric arm of Fortunato D’Ampoli was able to silence the Cardinals offense.  Throughout the game the Cardinals continued to show flashes of brilliance from their young players like Peter Pagliuca and Danny Scibelli. 2012 rookie of the year, Francesca Rubino was her usual high energy self and full of positive production both offensively and defensively.  But the Tigers rookies shined as well. Amanda Forziati, had a two run single notching her first hit and two rbi’s as a NEAA Major Leaguer and both Daniel Toscano and Valentina D’Ampoli reached base. Without question, the Cardinals and Tigers rivalry will continue to grow with every game this season.

Game Three: Tigers vs. Indians

Nick Seaver, Richard Pagluica and Anthony DiCenso combined for five solid innings of pitching to help the Tigers get by the young, upstart Indians.  The Tigers were able to impose their offensive will on the Indians despite a very gutsy and determined effort by Indian pitcher Charlie Griffin.  The Tiger’s Eddie Ardolino hit the hardest ball of the day that was almost defended by Brianna Woods which might have made ESPN plays of the day if she was able to finish it.  Though the Tigers took control off the game early, there was no quit in the Indians as in the last at bat they pushed two runs across to give them some momentum for their next game.

John Colvario

Retired Truck Driver

John Colvario of Winthrop, formerly of the North End of Boston, died May 9 at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Cambridge. He was 66 years old.

Born in Boston, the beloved son of the late Madeline (Carterano) and Joseph Colvario, he lived in the North End of Boston before moving to Winthrop 45 years ago. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a truck driver for Carolina Freight and was a member of the Teamsters’ Union Local 25.

He was the dear brother of Joseph Colvario and his wife, Jean of Winthrop, Thomas Colvario and his wife, Claire of Winthrop, Maria Minchella of Peabody and the late Stephen and Anthony Colvario. He is also survived by one nephew and six nieces.

Funeral arrangements were by the Ernest P. Caggiano & Son – O;Maley Funeral Home, Winthrop. Burial was in Belle Isle Section of Winthrop Cemetery.

Captain Thomas Lee and Officer Ted Boyle proudly display their gifts from the residents.

District A-1 Boston Police Captain Thomas Lee and Officer Ted Boyle were given a rousing round of applause relating to police actions following the Boston Marathon bombings at last week’s North End Public Safety meeting held in the Nazzaro Community Center. Residents presented them with BPD Boston Strong t-shirts.

Captain Lee spoke about the incident and praised everyone involved, especially the citizens that helped to saves lives by assisting the injured.

The Captain also advised residents that Part One crimes are down in the community by twenty-five percent during the first four months of 2013.

According to a police report issued at the meeting there were no homicides, sexual assaults, aggravated assaults or community disorder reported during the month of April.

The report also indicated there were 2 breaking and entering, 1 robbery, 3 auto thefts, 4 larcenies, 3 larcenies from a motor vehicle and 1 case of graffiti reported during the same time period.

Two Revere residents were arrested for writing on signs. A female and a male were using magic markers to write messages on public property.

Three Larceny of vehicles took place on Cooper Street, Lewis Wharf and Battery Wharf. Four larcenies took place on Atlantic Avenue, Commercial, Charter and Prince Streets. Two breaking and entering occurred on Goodridge Court and Atlantic Avenue.

The next Public Safety meeting will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 6:30pm in the Nazzaro Community Center.

Lucy DeCristoforo, a life-long resident of the North End recently celebrated her 100th Birthday at the North End Spaulding Nursing Home with her family