VOL. 115 - NO. 52 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER 30,...

News Briefsby Sal Giarratani

(Continued on 0)

$.30 A COPYVOL. 115 - NO. 52 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER 30, 2011

THE POST-GAZETTE SATELLITE OFFICE IS NOW OPEN AT 35 BENNINGTON STREET, EAST BOSTONTHE POST-GAZETTE SATELLITE OFFICE IS NOW OPEN AT 35 BENNINGTON STREET, EAST BOSTONTHE POST-GAZETTE SATELLITE OFFICE IS NOW OPEN AT 35 BENNINGTON STREET, EAST BOSTONTHE POST-GAZETTE SATELLITE OFFICE IS NOW OPEN AT 35 BENNINGTON STREET, EAST BOSTONTHE POST-GAZETTE SATELLITE OFFICE IS NOW OPEN AT 35 BENNINGTON STREET, EAST BOSTONThis office is open on Tuesdays Tuesdays Tuesdays Tuesdays Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Thursdays Thursdays Thursdays Thursdays Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM,

for the convenience of our East Boston and North Shore clients and contributorsCall 617-227-8929 for more information

The Vast “Get Ron Paul Conspiracy”Wingnuts at it Again

Latest news out of the Ron Paul campaign is arecent media interview over the views expressedin Ron Paul’s newsletters from 20-30 years ago.Some of the stuff published in those newslettersis so lame and seemingly racist that it reallycan’t be justified. When a reporter interviewinghim brought up the subject, he didn’t deny any-thing. However, he said he did not write nor didhe believe in views that were expressed in thosepublications which raked in millions for him.When the reporter pressed forward that the news-letters were written in the first person, it didimply that everything in the newsletter waswritten and supported by him. He responded bysaying he disavows any of those opinions, hedidn’t apparently write them, see them or believein them.

Now his supporters are saying the media is outto get him and that there is a conspiracy to pre-vent him from winning the GOP nomination.Back almost 16 years ago, he once commentedthat 95 percent of Blacks living in Washington,DC were either criminal or semi-criminal. Inanother newsletter, he commented that youngBlack thugs were ‘fleet afoot.” Ouch!!!

There is much stuff Paul says I support buteven more stuff that just makes him lookcuckoo/bananas too.

2012

HappyNew Year

from Pamela Donnarumaand the Staff of the Post-Gazette

❄❄

❄❄❄

❄

20 11

The Annual North End Christmas FundLuncheon was held on Thursday, December15th at Fillipo’s Restaurant. Over 200 peopleattended the event to raise money for NorthEnd seniors, families and children. Over$7,000 was donated with approximately 232checks sent out this year.

This year the Christmas Fund Commit-tee honored two individuals for their con-tribution to the Christmas Fund and theNorth End community over the years.

The Annual Uncle Fred CarangeloHumanitarian Award was given to DonatoFrattaroli.

This year the Committee gave out a newaward in memory/honor of Ernest Natalewho died serving our country in the Warwhen he was 27 years old. This award, givenout for the first time, was presented to

Robert E. Travaglini, former Senate Presi-dent and State Senator representing theNorth End and East Boston.

Both men have contributed in manyways to the success of the luncheonand to many endeavors in the North Endinvolving children families and seniorcitizens.

The Christmas Fund Committee is madeup of members of local non-profit agenciesincluding: the North End Athletic Associa-tion, North End Against Drugs, Nazzaro Com-munity Center, North End Waterfront Health,North End Seniors, ABCD Head Start Pro-gram, North End/West End ABCD ServiceCenter and several others. The committeeis led by Robert “Ted” Tomasone and co-chaired by James Luisi of North EndWaterfront Health.

Annual North End Christmas Fund Luncheon— A Huge Success —

For the second consecu-tive year, NECN will bringthe Boston Family Fireworkscelebration to nearly 4 mil-lion New England homeswith its one-hour New Year’sEve Live special featuring a12-minute fireworks displayat a family friendly time.NECN’s special coverage,hosted by The Only News at 9anchor Latoyia Edwards and

New Year’s Eve Live: Boston Family Fireworksmorning anchor Erick We-ber, begins live from the Bos-ton Common at 6 p.m. onNew Year’s Eve.

The Boston Family Fire-works are an annual tradi-tion established in 1999 byMayor Thomas M. Meninoand The Mugar Foundation.Boston 4 Productions, inter-nationally recognized fororganizing the Boston Pops

Fireworks Spectacular whichis televised annually tomillions, produces the Bos-ton Family Fireworks eachyear.

New Year’s Eve Live will fea-ture a main stage on BostonCommon near the corner ofBeacon and Charles Streets,plus live reports by NECN’s

Christmas Fund Luncheon Committee.

(Continued on Page 12)

(Photos by M. Morgan)

Left to Right: Jim Luisi, Kathy Carangelo,Mayor Thomas Menino, Donato Frattarolirecipient of the Uncle Fred CarangeloHumanitarian Award and Robert “Ted”Tomasone.

Left to Right: Jim Luisi, Al Natale, MayorThomas Menino, Robert Travaglinirecipient of the Ernest Natale Ward andRobert “Ted” Tomasone.

POST-GAZETTE, DECEMBER 30, 2011

Res Publicaby David Trumbull

Boston Water and Sewer Is Coming to Your NeighborhoodA Boston Water and Sewer Commission Community Services Department representative will be in your neighborhood at the place, dates, and times listed here.

Our representative will be available to: Accept payments. (Check or money order only–no cash, please.) Process discount forms for senior citizens and disabled people. Resolve billing or service complaints. Review water consumption data for your property. Arrange payment plans for delinquent accounts.

Need more information? Call the Community Services Department at 617-989-7000.

NORTH ENDNorth End Public Library

25 Parmenter StreetThursdays, 10 AM–12 PM

January 5February 2

MARK THE DATES!

NORTH EPRINTING

Quality Printingfor all your

Commercial and Personal NeedsStationery • Business Cards • Menus • Flyers

Program Books • Wedding and Party InvitationsAnnouncements • Business Forms and Documents

5 PRINCE STREET • NORTH END • BOSTON, MA 02113

617-227-8929— COMPETITIVE PRICES —

Owned and operated by Pamela Donnaruma, Publisher, Post-Gazette

ND

617-227-8929

The reign of MarcusAurelius is said to have beenmuch more eventful thanthat of his predecessorAntoninus Pius. He carriedon the Pannonian war inperson. This was a five-yearstruggle to put down allresistance in the province ofPannonia, a district betweenthe Danube and the Alps.One particular battle of thisentire campaign had becomequite famous during thosetimes. This was a battle inwhich the Roman armieswere in serious danger ofbeing overwhelmed, but forthe advent of a sudden stormof rain, hail, and lightning,which completely confusedthe barbarians. The emperorand his Romans attributedthis miraculous storm to thetimely intervention of Jupi-ter. The Christians claimed,however, that victory wasgranted by God, and werepleased when their groupwas granted the title of “TheThundering Legion.” Afterthe absence of eight years onthe fighting front, Marcusreturned to Rome where hereceived a hero’s welcome ofthe highest degree.

Meanwhile it had becomecommon knowledge that theemperor’s wife Faustina hadprovided herself with anassortment of lovers fromamong the gladiators. Whenthis was brought to the

attention of the emperor,and divorce was suggested,he said, “If I divorce her Imust also return her dowry.”The wisdom of his statementwas in the fact that her dowrywas the Roman Empirewhich Marcus had inheritedfrom Antoninus Pius throughFaustina.

Aurelius remained inRome for the next twoyears where he affected sev-eral popular reforms. Mostnotable of these were: Theabolition of common bathsfor both sexes, taking addi-tional steps to reform themorals of the matrons andyoung nobles which hadgrown lax, inflicting lighterthan normal penalties uponthose found guilty of crimes,and forcing the carefuladministration of justice inall cases.

After falling seriously illfor a lengthy time, he at-tempted to hasten his deathby refraining from food ordrink. After six days of fast-ing he called all of his closefriends to his bedside andsaid to them, “Why do youweep for me instead ofthinking about the deathwhich will someday takeyou?” He also said, “Grant mepermission to leave, andI will bid you farewell.” Hethen covered his head withthe bedclothes and tookhis last breath. He had ruled

jointly with Lucius Verusfor eight years, and after thedeath of Verus he con-tinued for an additional ten.His death came on March17, 180 A.D. at the age of 61.

The death of MarcusAurelius Antoninus wasmourned throughout theempire. The Senate and thepeople quickly acclaimedhim a god and his image washeld in veneration for hun-dreds of years after hisdeath. So great was theirlove for him that anyone whocould afford it and did notkeep an image of MarcusAurelius in their home wasconsidered to be guilty ofsacrilege.

Unfortunately, MarcusAurelius was never con-sidered to be friendly towardthe Christians, who werepersecuted during his reign.Although those persecutionswere not characteristic ofsuch a merciful person, theyseem to have been causedby the influence of many ofhis close associates. He isconsidered to have been oneof the most excellent emper-ors in recorded history, andhis only weakness was inhis concern for his illegiti-mate son Commodus, and inhis constant efforts to reformthat brutal bastard, who was,in truth, begotten in theadultery of Faustina.

NEXT WEEK: Lucius Verus

ADORATION OF AURELIUS

“I am a big believer in the ‘mirror test’. All that matters is if you can look in the mirrorand honestly tell the person you see there, that you’ve done your best.”

— JOHN MCKAY The Agency for all your Insurance Coverages

SPECIALIST in RESTAURANT and BUSINESS POLICIES

Experience makes the difference

AUTO HOMEOWNERS TENANTS

COMMERCIAL

1 Longfellow - Place Suite 2322 - Boston, MA 02114

Conveniently located with Free Parking

Richard SettipaneInsurance Services

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR QUOTE

617-523-3456 - Fax 617-723-9212

On the elevator this morn-ing someone asked me whoI thought would win in Iowa;I responded that I don’t reallyfollow sports. Friend SharonH. responded: “If it’s a race,the handicappers must bebeside themselves with thebest challenge that they’veever had.”

“Horse race” coverage —who’s ahead in the opinionpolls, who’s trailing in thepolls — is how the mediareporting on the Republicanpresidential nominationcontest is disparaged. Youcan just hear the typicalnews reporting, “They’re offand it’s Romney in the lead.And now they’re at the firstturn and Newt is pullingahead. And now they’re inthe straight-away and Mittis back in the lead againfollowed by Ron Paul withPerry nagging in the rear.”

Actually, it is a nastyslur on the racing indus-try, handicappers, and thewagering public to compare,to a horse race, the nationalpress coverage of a presiden-tial election. You’ll learn agreat deal more about thecondition of the entries andtheir history on the track byreading the Daily RacingForm than you’ll ever learnabout any candidate in theJanuary 3rd Iowa caucus byreading the Boston Globe orthe New York Times.

I was thinking more “rollerderby” than “horse race,” butperhaps friend Kevin R.

nailed it when he replied:“Does it matter? The Iowacaucus looks to me like avery formal game of musicalchairs.” Libertarian friend,Alan C., commented: “It’sa real test of endurance,following a sport where itusually seems like all thecontenders are losers.”

My West Coast liberalfriend Dave S. pointed outthat “the successful presi-dencies of Tom Harkin andMike Huckabee tell us allwe need to know about thecaucuses.” And old highschool buddy Carl P. re-minded me that “The Iowacaucus, another legacy ofJimmy Carter.”

The latest news on regard-ing the Republican contend-ers is that two entries, RickPerry and Newt Gingrichhave been disqualified fromthe March 6th meet in Vir-ginia for failure to satisfyrules regarding nominationsignature. Virginia votershave their ballot choiceslimited to Mitt Romney andRon Paul.

Rick Perry, this pastTuesday, filed suit in U.S.District Court challenging,based on First and Four-teenth Amendments to theU.S. Constitution, Virginia’srequirement that nomina-tion petition circulators beeligible to vote in Virginia.The Supreme Court in thepast (in a 1999 case relating

Win, Place and Show



Send letter to: Pamela Donnaruma, Editor,

The Post-Gazette, P.O. Box 130135, Boston, MA 02113

GUEST EDITORIAL

The opinions expressed by our columnists and contributorsare not necessarily the same as those of The Post-Gazette, itspublisher or editor. Photo submissions are accepted by thePost-Gazette provided they are clear, original photos. Thereis a $5 charge for each photo submitted. Photos can besubmitted via e-mail: [email protected]. If you want yourphotos returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Vol. 115 - No. 52 Friday, December 30, 2011

Pamela Donnaruma, Publisher and Editor5 Prince Street, P.O. Box 130135, Boston, MA 02113617-227-8929 617-227-8928 FAX 617-227-5307

e-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.BostonPostGazette.com

Subscriptions in the United States $30.00 yearly

Published weekly byPost-Gazette, 5 Prince St., P.O. Box 130135,

Boston, MA 02113USPS 1538 – Second-Class Postage paid at Boston, MA

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to thePOST-GAZETTE - P.O. Box 130135, Boston, MA 02113

James V. Donnaruma Caesar L. Donnaruma Phyllis F. Donnaruma 1896 to 1953 1953 to 1971 1971 to 1990

OUR POLICY: To help preserve the ideals and sacred traditionsof this our adopted country the United States of America:To revere its laws and inspire others to respect and obey them:To strive unceasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty:In all ways to aid in making this country greater and betterthan we found it.

The Ausonia Council Knights of Columbus#1513, located on North Margin Street inthe North End, will be making their annualcharitable donations to North End neighbor-hood nonprofit agencies and Catholicchurches. As we have for the last severalyears, Ausonia Council K of C has madeseveral donations to help children, seniorsand families at Christmas time. The follow-ing nonprofits have recently been sent adonation to help continue their importantmission of helping the children, seniors andfamilies in the neighborhood: St. JohnSchool, Eliot School Parent Council, NorthEnd Against Drugs, Nazzaro CommunityCenter, St. Leonard’s Church, St. Mary’sChurch Activity Fund, St. Stephen’s Church,Sacred Heart Church, ABCD Senior Group,North End Senior Group, North End Christ-mas Fund, St. Agrippina’s Children’s Christ-

mas Program, North End Music and Perform-ing Arts Center and the ABCD Children’sChristmas Party.

During the year the Ausonia Council alsomade a generous donation to help supportthe North End Athletic Association LittleLeague Baseball Program and sponsored twoscholarships in the name of long-time mem-ber and Chaplain Father Fredrick Bailey.

“The Ausonia Council is proud to be partof the North End for over 100 years, statedGrand Knight John Pagliuca, we know howhard each of these organizations workthroughout the year for our community andwe are glad to help them to continue to dogood work throughout the year.”

The officers and members of AusoniaCouncil #1513 would like to wish all of ourfriends and neighbors in the North End/Waterfront Community a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Knights of Columbus Makes Annual Donationsto North End Non-Profits and Churches

On Sunday, January 29th

from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm,North End Against Drugswill have a fundraiser atthe Steriti Skating Rink dur-ing the regular free publicskating hours. There will bea raffle, bake sale, musicfrom the Nazzaro CenterChildren’s Band, communityorganization tables and abocce tournament indoors.The event is free but if you

want to play bocce the costis $10 per player and eachplayer will receive a freeNorth End Against Drugs “T”shirt with their paid regis-tration. There will be a lim-ited number of spaces avail-able for bocce. Winners willreceive trophies. Fourpeople per team.

Also, there will be a lim-ited number of tables avail-able for rent for vendors

and merchants. No food orbeverage can be sold at thesetables.

Thanks to the generosityof Fred White of the NorthEnd Skate Shop, cost of skaterentals and a portion of pro-ceeds from the snack shackwill be donated to NEAD!

For all you football fans,please note this is the NFLbye week before the SuperBowl.

NEAD FUNDRAISERSUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

UNINSURED CARS OFF THE ROADby Sal Giarratani

Recently, the City of Dallas, Texas, passed anordinance stating that if a driver is pulled over by lawenforcement and is not able to provide proof of insur-ance, the car is towed.

To retrieve the car after being impounded, they mustshow proof of insurance to have the car released.

This has made it easy for the City of Dallas to removeuninsured cars.

Shortly after the “No Insurance” ordinance waspassed, the Dallas impound lots began to fill up andwere full after only nine days. 80% or more of theimpounded cars were driven by illegals.

Not only must they provide proof of insurance to havetheir car released, they have to pay for the cost of thetow, a $350 fine, and $20 for every day their car iskept in the lot.

Accident rates have gone down 47% and Dallas’solution gets uninsured drivers off the road WITHOUTmaking them show proof of nationality.

Wonder how the ACLU or the Justice Departmentwill get around this one?

Learn-to-Skate classes as well as figure, recreational andhockey skating skills for children ages 4½ and up and adultsare at noon.

Greater Boston rink locations: Brookline - ClevelandCircle, Brookline - Larz Anderson, Cambridge, Hyde Park-Dedham, Medford, Newton-Brighton, Quincy, Somerville,South Boston, Waltham, West Roxbury and Weymouth. Useeither hockey, recreational or figure skates. Beginner,intermediate and advanced classes taught by professionalinstructors, 43 years of experience. For information and toregister, call Bay State Skating School at 781-890-8480 orvisit online at www.BayStateSkatingSchool.org.

Bay State Skating SchoolLearn-to-Skate Classes

The Massachusetts Family BusinessAssociation, a statewide organizationcreated to honor family businesses and theirachievements, awarded the MerrimackValley Chamber of Commerce with the firstever Massachusetts Family Business Asso-ciation Family Business Advocacy Award.

The FBA Advocacy Award was presentedto the MVChamber at the Royal SonestaHotel in Cambridge, at a dinner attended bynearly 500 people, and moderated by TVpersonality David Wade of TV-4. This awardwas presented in recognition of theMerrimack Valley Chamber’s support andwork on behalf of family-owned businessesin Massachusetts.

Merrimack Valley Chamber of CommerceHonored with Statewide Economic Development Award

Pictured is Atty. Al DeNapoli, a foundingmember of the FBA, presenting MVChamber President Joseph Bevilacquawith the FBA Advocacy Award at theChamber’s recent Women in BusinessConference.

The President and Board ofGovernors of the PirandelloLyceum, have announcedthat the Pirandello annualgala Italian opera concert willbe presented on Sunday,January 15, 2012 at 3:00 PMand held at the DanteAlighieri Cultural Center, 41Hampshire Street, Cam-bridge, MA, 617-876-5160.

The repertoire for theconcert will be entirely Ital-ian. The renowned BostonBel Canto Opera Company,artistically directed byBradley Pennington, willpresent arias from favoriteoperas such as CavalleriaRusticana, Tosca andMadama Butterfly.

This exciting Boston BelCanto Opera event is free toall Pirandello members ingood standing. There is a fee

PIRANDELLO LYCEUM ANNOUNCES

The Annual Bel Canto Italian Opera Concert

Bradley Pennington

for non-members; checkpayable to the PirandelloLyceum. You have the op-tion of signing up for a mem-bership at the door and at-tending the event for free.

Free parking is availablefor early birds at the DanteAlighieri Cultural Center.Additional parking is avail-able at the Kendall Theatergarage at a reduced ratewith validation from theDante. Follow signs toKendall Theater. For moreinformation about thePirandello Lyceum log on towww.pirandello.com

For further informationcall 781-640-3637; or [email protected].


THINKINGby Sal Giarratani

OUT LOUD

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

FinanciallySpeaking with Ben Doherty

JUSTINE YANDLEPHOTOGRAPHY

781.589.7347 [email protected]

WWW.JUSTINEYANDLEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

As one of the early babyboomers born in 1948, Iheard that America had justcome off victory against theforces of evil and was bothfeared and respected world-wide. We were a compassion-ate nation and a militarypower too. The world lookedto us for leadership. We wereat peace and had prosperityagain. The long night of theDepression had ended withhope and opportunity for all.We had jobs. We were livingin the American dream withhome ownership almostguaranteed to all who strivedfor that goal.

President Dwight D. Eisen-hower was inside the WhiteHouse after having been awell-known military generalduring the War. Americanswere buying cars it seemedevery two years at pricesaffordable to nearly all. Homesubdivisions sprouted allacross America as the coun-try grew out from the urbaninner city to tree-linedsuburbia.

The cost of living was quitewell. Workers could retirefrom their jobs and didn’tneed a post-retirement job tosurvive. Education in the pri-vate sector was economicalfor all. Consumers purchasedthings with real cash. Creditcards were unheard of bymost and our debt was shortterm rather than genera-tional. We purchased onlywhat we could afford. Ourdollar was solid here andaround the whole world.

Today, we have lost therespect of the world commu-nity. We are laughed at fromthe largest to the smallestnation around the world. Ourjobs and goods are mostlybeing outsourced due to theexistence of cheap laborabroad. We are now a greatdebtor nation who owes ev-erybody around the worldsomething instead of theworld owing us. The more wetry to get out of trouble, thefurther into the cesspool wemarch quietly. They’vebrought back the lay-a-wayplan for those willing to over-look the need for immediategratification. More back tothe future stuff is almostmandated.

The sixties and seventieswere a great time for musicbut not for Americans whodeveloped a more narrow vi-sion of their future and thatof their families. Inflation,war, racial unrest scarred

the Americas soul. Thesongs were nice but themusic held us together likean old band-aid. Things weregood for a while. LyndonBaines Johnson was in theWhite House when the Gulfof Tonkin Resolution waspassed up on Capitol Hill.Johnson led us to a long anddeadly war in which victoryeluded us.

By the Seventies trueleaders like Martin LutherKing Jr. and Bobby Kennedyhad both been assassinated.The vision and hope spokenby a young President John F.Kennedy didn’t last longenough for us as a people.

Today, America has be-come a mere shadow of itself.We owe too much to othercountries especially toChina. The world is nowbeing held hostage by thosesmaller nations over in theMideast. Thanks to ourdependence on their oil.When our president speakstoday, no one listens. Wehave a president who seemsclueless on how to fix whatis wrong, He can deliver agreat speech but there is nosatisfaction in knowing heunderstands so little of thiscrisis we live in. Thingseither go bad to worse orstagnant in one unmovingspot.

Unemployment continuesas more and more folks justgive up completely. The per-centages of those who seehope at the end of this finan-cial hole we’ve dug for our-selves grows smaller.

We have an election com-ing up next year, an impor-tant election, one that coulddecide the very fate of thisRepublic of ours. I wonderhow many Americans won’teven bother to vote? Despairand frustration fills the land.Hope for better looks likean allusion. Candidatesrun for an office in a coun-try they don’t even seem toknow or even understand.This Republic is in troubleand the trouble has beengoing on since the guns ofwar stopped firing nearly 70years.

My generation saw thiscountry at its best and sadlynow at its worse! It may welltake generations to fix ourship of state. Government isour business. Either we runit or it runs us. America wasa great nation and it can beagain if only “We, the People”make it so!

What Happened to Post-WWII America?

R I S T O R A N T E & B A R

415 Hanover Street, Boston617.367.2353

LUCIA

Make Reservations NOWfor New Year’s Eve

Donato Frattaroli

11 Mount Vernon Street, Winchester781.729.0515

[email protected]

www.luciaristorante.com

Private Function Rooms for any OccasionPrivate Function Rooms for any OccasionPrivate Function Rooms for any OccasionPrivate Function Rooms for any OccasionPrivate Function Rooms for any Occasion

Traditional Italian Cuisine

First volume was low sug-gesting that institutionalinvestors were not partici-pating, (2nd) low industrygroups were not participat-ing and (3rd) breakoutsamong top-rated stocks werenon-existing. While Euro-pean debt has dominated thenews while economic newshas topped the streets esti-mator. Still the economy hasa long way to go. Third quar-ter economic data providedrevised ammunition for thebulls and the bears. Stillother data showed the lead-ing indicators for Novembertopped the streets estimatesbut we have a long way to go.GDP was revised downwardto 1.8% from 2% from 2.5%.The Chicago GDP growthwas revised downward to1.8% from 1.8%. The Chi-cago Fed Index reportedgrowth of 2.0% from 2.5%.Top-rated stocks reportedearnings that were belowtrend growth. The 4th quar-ter earnings will begin re-porting earnings in the sec-ond week of January. Therecession was severe. Weunderstand it was bad buthad no idea it was as bad asit was. President Obamadidn’t know how bad theeconomy was. The originalGDP had already been re-vised downward to 2.0% from

2.5%. We understood it wasbad but had no idea how badit could be when Obama wassworn in. He called it theworst Depression since1981-82. That one lasted 18months and pushed unem-ployment up to 10.8%. At thecomparison point in 1982the recovery had grown 12%.

Everyone knew the recov-ery would take a long time,more than a year, morethan two years, more than aterm. He was wrong as hesays now my long-term pro-jections were highly optimis-tic. He later dropped 2011growth to 3.8% and unem-ployment @ 8.6%. So far thisGDP year unemploymenthas averaged 8.6% andgrowth @ 1.16%. This couldhave been much worse hadPresident Obama not acted.He pushed unemploymentand did all the right thingsto get the economy workingagain but it hasn’t made upfor the hole in the first sixmonths before his stimulusbill took effect. Several stud-ies have shown that withoutthe $825 million stimuluswith auto bailouts, etc., therecession would have beendeeper and longer leavingmillions more unemployedand spending restraints anda service of temporary taxcuts. He didn’t as the

economy had started to bot-tom out and it officiallyended just five months afterhe took office when only asmall fraction of stimulusmonies was at work in theeconomy. Obama in his lat-est projections pegged 2011GDP growth at a healthy 3.8%and jobless a healthy 3.8 andjobless @ 8.6% so far thisyear quarterly growth hasaveraged a mere 1.16% andunemployment @ 9%. At atown hall in April PresidentObama predicted that theeconomy will average 8.6%after a financial crisis, of3.9% is a drag on theeconomy for a long period oft ime.

It’s clear that PresidentObama didn’t prevent a re-cession from happening.The stimulus officially endedwhen only a small fractionof the stimulus money wasat work in the economy. Inhis May speech, he forecast“the economy would be cook-ing and jobless growth downto 7.1%. The recession hadstarted to bottom out in Feb-ruary when only a smallfraction of the stimulusmoney was at work in theeconomy.

It’s time to call yourFinancial Advisor or call meat 617-337-5712.

Adult Italian classes will beoffered by the Appian Club ofStoneham starting on Tues-day evenings, January 17th.A beginner’s class will startwith the basics (pronuncia-tions, phrases, etc.) and giveyou a firm foundation forthe language. A more ad-vanced class will also beavailable on Tuesday eve-nings for those with knowl-edge of Italian. The eightweek classes will be held onTuesday evenings.

Instructor Tiffany Bis-tocchi, is a graduate ofDickinson College (2003)with a major in Italian anda Master’s in Italian fromMiddlebury College (2006).She has travelled exten-sively throughout Italy andhas taken courses there.The class is casual, interest-ing and the experience willbe enjoyable. If you are trav-eling to Italy or just want torelive your heritage roots,this class is for you.

ITALIAN CLASSESSponsored by Appian Club of Stoneham

Small AdsGet Big ResultsFor more information,

call 617-227-8929.

Contact coordinator JohnNocella for further details at781-438-5687 or, preferablyby email, at [email protected]. Pleasepass along to family mem-bers, friends and neighbors.

The class is sponsored bythe Appian Club of Stone-ham, a non-profit, socialcharitable organization501(c)(7) whose mission is topromote Italian culture andheritage.

WWW.BOSTONPOSTGAZETTE.COM

STOCKS NOTCH GAINS IN DWINDLING TRADES


The Bay State Chapter ofFreedoms Foundation atValley Forge recently pre-sented prestigious GeorgeWashington Honor Medals toa community assistancefoundation, a young man whoovercame tragedy, and volun-teers at a senior citizencomplex to honor their dedi-cation to community serviceand patriotism. The Chapteralso presented a “Spirit of ’76”Award for meritorious ser-vice to a long-time educatorin the Boston Public SchoolSystem.

The Honor Medals were pre-sented to: The Viking PrideFoundation of Winthrop;Cullen Dwyer of Pembroke;and the volunteers at Brooks-by Village of Peabody.

“The Viking Pride Founda-tion, young Cullen Dwyer,and the volunteers at Brooks-by Village all represent thebest ideals of America —caring for others less for-tunate and selfless serviceto community,” said Joseph

Ferrino Jr., President of BayState Chapter, FreedomsFoundation. “We honor theseorganizations and individu-als with the George Washing-ton Honor Medal becausethey have made a differencein the lives of countless citi-zens across our state.”

Peter Ingeneri of Wakefield

Viking Pride Foundation, Cullen Dwyer of Pembroke, Brooksby Village Volunteers,and Peter Ingeneri of Wakefield Honored at Ceremonies in East Boston

Bay State Chapter of Freedoms FoundationPresents George Washington Honor Medals

Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation award presentation are: (l-r) FreedomsFoundation event emcee Ron Vecchia, Mr. and Mrs. David Dwyer, awardee CullenDwyer of Pembroke, present Ed Coletta, Freedoms Foundation President JosephFerrino, Jr., and Freedoms Foundation Executive Director Joseph Ferrino, Sr.

Shown (l-r) are: Freedoms Foundation event emcee RonVecchia, Freedoms Foundation Executive DirectorJoseph Ferrino, Sr., Peter Ingeneri, and FreedomsFoundation President Joseph Ferrino, Jr.

Presenting the Bay State Chapter of FreedomsFoundation George Washington Honor Medal are (l-r):event emcee Ron Vecchia, Richard Fucillo of the VikingPride Foundation in Winthrop, presenter DottieD’Onofrio.

was honored with theBay State Chapter “Spirit of’76” Award for his dedica-tion to the good works of Free-doms Foundation, and hismany civic and charitableendeavors.

The Viking Pride Founda-tion of Winthrop was formedafter major fiscal cutbacksthreatened to devastate theschool curriculum and schoolsports programs that were thelife-blood of the community.The non-profit Viking PrideFoundation was formed byconcerned citizens in 2004,and from the first meeting,more than $50,000 wasraised to help the schools andthe sports programs. Sincethen, hundreds of thousandsof dollars have been raised tosupport the schools, includingthe purchase of four schoolbuses that were donated tothe school system. The fundshave also supported art,music and theater programs,and provided mini-grants toWinthrop teachers.

Cullen Dwyer of Pembrokehas turned a tragedy in hisown life into a life-long pas-sion to help others avoid asimilar fate. As a 10-year-old,Dwyer was struck by a carwhile in-line skating. He wasnot wearing a helmet, andthe accident put him in acoma for six weeks. When heawoke, it took him seven

member of the Bay StateChapter of Freedoms Foun-dation, where he has servedas president and as vicepresident for the Youth andEducation Committee. Hewas a long-time educator inthe Boston Public Schools,teaching math and scienceat Boston Latin School andrising through the ranks tobecome Deputy Superinten-dent. He is also active withthe Pirandello Lyceum, theBoston Kiwanis Club and St.Florence Parish in Wakefield.

Freedoms Foundationawards Americans who goabove and beyond in theirefforts to educate their com-munities about the valuesof good citizenship, eitherthrough teaching or by ex-ample. The foundation hasrecognized several thousanddedicated individuals andorganizations in its 61-yearexistence.

Freedoms Foundation is anon-profit organization dedi-cated to teaching all citizensthe principles upon whichour nation was founded. Theorganization seeks to conveythe close link between therights and the responsibili-ties of citizens in society.

Shown at the Freedoms Foundation presentation of theGeorge Washington Honor Medal L-R: FreedomsFoundation event emcee Ron Vecchia, award co-sponsorFlorence D’Avila, Brooksby Village representative LizHemp with the award, award co-sponsor Dr. EdithDeAngelis.

years to learn how to walk,speak, dress and feed him-self. In the ensuing years, hehas dedicated himself tobringing young people themessage of safety alwayswear a helmet when ridinga bike, in-line skating orskate-boarding. He hasbrought that message tomiddle and high schools,college campuses, and toBeacon Hill and CapitolHill, where he helped tochange laws that will protectchildren.

In 2010, the volunteers atBrooksby Village in Peabodyrecorded more than 51,000hours of volunteer servicewithin this senior com-munity and in the commu-nity at-large. Their effortsincluded fundraising andservice projects that sup-ported a student scholar-ship fund, local food pantries,the Special Olympics, Opera-tion Troop Support, a batteredwomen’s shelter and a home-less shelter, a children’s or-ganization in El Salvador,Habitat for Humanity, andmilitary veteran’s activities.

Peter Ingeneri of Wake-field — the Spirit of ’76 Awardwinner — is a 30-year, life


FRANK J. CIANOGENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW

230 MSGR. O’BRIEN HIGHWAY • CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 02141

DIVORCE • WILLS • ESTATE PLANNING • TRUSTSCRIMINAL • PERSONAL INJURY • WORKERS COMP.

617-354-9400Si Parla Italiano

LAW OFFICES OF

ALL THAALL THAALL THAALL THAALL THAT ZAZZT ZAZZT ZAZZT ZAZZT ZAZZby Mary N. DiZazzo

A New Year, A New Attitude for 2012Ciao Bella,

As the old year closes on a beautiful Christmas holiday,we can reflect on what we gals can do to make ourselveskeep the beauty going. Remember to work hard is also toplay hard! Life is short, so treat yourselves well! Don’t thinktwice about any beauty treatment in the New Year. Thereis Spa Week here in Boston and in many suburbs. It’spromoted a few times a year. The best salons and spas offer2 for 1 deals along with half price offers from specialtymassages to youth altering facials to aromatherapy mani/pedicures. These services are our own “thank you” toourselves. We gals deserve it!

Did the boss forget that pat on the back? Kids were run-ning out the door for the next thing and forgot the usualkiss goodbye and thanks Mom? And the hubby in our lives?Anything is possible there for error! So take it all in strideand go for that hot stone massage or exfoliating skin treat-ment! The treatments out there are boundless!

What you need they have it. Sign up at www.spaweek.comfor the dates and offers for acupuncture, electrology(permanent hair removal), skin and body treatments fromA to Z. I will keep an eye out in 2012 for the promotions ofthe year! I’ll keep you all updated on the dates. In fact onthe last day of 2011 my husband David and I are treatingourselves to pedicures in Newton at Beautifica Day Spa!Cynthia Ruggere the owner of this unique spa not only offersspecialty services, but uses the best products to performall services. This spa is located at 415 Lexington Street,617-431-1200. For more info on Cynthia’s promotions andservices go to www.beautifica.com.

David and I are so excited to pick out a toe color that willbring in the New Year with a sparkle or two!

Wishing all my treasured readers and all my blessedcolleagues at the fabulous Post-Gazette a healthy, happy andprosperous New Year. Buon Anno and God bless the UnitedStates of America!

—Mary DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks’ “All That Zazz” columns atwww.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetolo-gist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rosehip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 [email protected].

West End16th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

On Saturday, December10, 2011 the West End heldtheir 16th Annual ChristmasTree Lighting Ceremony atRichard Cardinal CushingMemorial Park hosted byNorman R.E. Herr, West EndNeighborhood Associationand The friends of RichardCardinal Cushing MemorialPark, Inc.

This year’s tree lightingwas dedicated to the memoryof Kip Tierman (founder ofRosie’s Place), and alsomarking the celebration ofthe 150th anniversary of St.Joseph’s Parish.

Rev. Daniel C. O’Connell ofSt. Joseph’s Church blessedthe Christmas tree.

Rev. Daniel C. O’Connelland Norman R.E. Herr

Tree lighting supporters, left to right: Florence Poth,Georgia Mattison and Donna Pomponio.

St. John School Choir

All the left over goodieswere donated to St. JohnSchool Head Start on MoonStreet in the North End andto Rosie’s Place.

The celebration featuredSt. John School Children’sChoir, North End; TheEastwood Production Duo;Holy Trinity German Singer,South End and the U.S.Coast Guard Honor GuardB.S.U.

We would like to THANK thefollowing for their generousdonations: The Davis Com-pany; Charles River PlazaParking; Turner Construc-tion; Whole Foods, CharlesRiver Plaza; Franco Pezzano& Family; Equity Residen-

tial, West End Apartments;Church on the Hill, Rever-end Dr. Ted Klein, Sr. Pas-tor; Enterprise Car Rental,Somerville; Robert Beal;Michael Bancewicz; Rever-end Daniel O’Connell;St. Joseph’s Church; HolyTrinity German ChurchSingers; Gene-vive Schmidt,George Krim; St. JohnSchool Children’s Choir;Sr. Eileen Harvey Princi-pal; Mary Beth Ustarch; Holi-day Inn, West End; SuperStop & Shop, Somerville;Peter Limone and Family;Antonio’s Cucina Italiano,West End; Dr. Frank Campo,North End Foot Center;J. Pace & Son; Suffolk Uni-versity, John A. Nucci; JimNelson, Athletic Director;Eastwood Production DuoLive Music; Action for Bos-ton Community Develop-ment (ABCD); John Drew,President; Andrew Johnson& Company, Inc.; Laura J.Beck & Staff; Mr. MichaelLatkowitch; Ms. Mary Gaur-ino; Martha Maguire; Fam-ily Dollar Store - Cambridge.

EAST BOSTON SATELLITE OFFICE

IS NOW OPENMARIE MATARESE

35 Bennington Street, East Boston617.227.8929

TUES. 10:00 A.M. - 3.00 P.M.THURS. 11:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M.

General Advertisements • Sales and RentalsMemorials • Legals

ADVERTISING WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

POST-GAZETTE

ACCEPTING Advertisements

For information on placing a Legal Notice in the POST-GAZETTE, please call(617) 227-8929; or mail notice to: POST-GAZETTE,

P.O. BOX 135, BOSTON, MA 02113 Attn: Legal Notices

AAAAATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTTTTTTTTTORNEYSORNEYSORNEYSORNEYSORNEYSThe POST-GAZETTE newspaper is a paper

of general circulation. We are qualified to accept legal noticesfrom any court in each town that we serve.

LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES

Rev. Daniel C. O’Connelland Santa Claus


FreewaySays ...

Due to his increasing popularity and several suggestions from readers (and after muchnegotiating on our part with his huge salary demands), our friend Freeway has consented to tryto answer readers’ questions concerning him or any of our little four-legged friends. You canemail your questions to [email protected] to the attention of Freeway. Don’t forget folks,Freeway is not a vet, so please keep the questions light-hearted! Thanks.

• Financial Services• Professional Tax Consultant• Personal & Business• Year Round Service

INCOME TAX PREPARATION

M.P. & CO. TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES

GRACE PREVITE MAGOON, EA

617-569-0175146 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA 02128

ESTABLISHED IN 1938 e-mail: [email protected]

VOTED #1 VOTED #1 BEST PLACE BEST PLACE

TO SELL COINSTO SELL COINS& JEWELRY& JEWELRY

$

$$

$

$10.00 BONUS COUPON

$10.00 BONUS COUPON

Jewelry BoxHonest & Trusted for 33 Years!!

www.sellgoldmass.com

345 Broadway, Revere781-286-CASH

CASH In Your Gold

GUARANTEED HIGHEST

PRICE PAID

I may be just a pooch but Iam well aware of whatevents are going on in theNorth End. I had just at-tended on December 7, 2011Toys for Tots at Elite BostonLandmark Realty, located at350 Commercial Street, wasproud to announce they werecollecting toys for the MarineCorp’s the best ever. Thegenerosity of everyone waswonderful, toys in the boxeswere over-flowing. Peoplefrom the North End just kepton coming in and broughttoys. The heartfelt warmthof this event made everyonefeel good. The best part wasthe food was to die for cookedby my friend Janet Gilardi. Icouldn’t believe the food:homemade meatballs, sau-sages, calzone with eggplant,jumbo coconut shrimp, etc.,

etc., white wine, red wine,water and soda, oh! home-made cookies, too. MariaDiTuttio and Toni Gilardiof Elite Boson LandmarkRealty made you feel so wel-come and they were so happyto see everyone that couldattend this special event.

Also, on December 10, 2011at the Sterite Skating Rinkon Commercial Street theyhad a Merry Santa Skate& Toy Drive another greatevent and my friend JasonAluia invited me and I had agreat time. Raffle, prizes,holiday music, cookies, cake,coffee and cider and of coursephotos with Santa. So manypeople had given in spite ofthe hard times they allthought of the children fromages 1-13. The North End isa wonderful place to live and

I have lived here as a poochfor 12 years and love it,wouldn’t live anywhere else.I even won a pair of iceskates, but I won’t have timeto use them because I amalways working so I donatedthem back to the toy drive.My purpose in life as a poochis to keep everyone happyand to write my column asI have worked at the Post-Gazette for six years. I mustbe doing a good job I haven’tgotten fired yet! Right Boss!

For now I say “THANK YOU”TO EVERYONE THAT AT-TEND THESE EVENTS ANDHAD BEEN SO GENEROUSAND WONDERFUL TO THESESPECIAL CHILDREN.

That’s all for now!Remember to pick up after

your pet and keep our NorthEnd streets CLEAN.

Mrs. Murphy . . . As I See It

Promises made to be broken … Predictionsmade … and Best and Worst of 2011 … Thank

goodness 2011 is over and time to cheer on a bright andprosperous New Year … With Christmas behind, peopleshould hopefully become more kind … Mayor Menino prom-ises to focus on East Boston and her beautiful waterfrontwelcoming investors to build high end condos … Eastieschools promise to excel in academic excellence … Theword Christmas will not be stricken from our traditionallanguage … The Atheist movement will disappear … Thecity will make it easier for new and attractive businessesto open in East Boston … The Lombardo family will build abeautiful condo complex in the heart of the city … Spinelli’swill introduce a huge pizza pie for Super Bowl Sunday …Eilte Restaurant will offer early bird breakfast specials …Pericola’s will give a free T-shirt to every fiftieth customer… Kelley’s will entertain you with new sports celebritieseach week … Santarpio’s will make a pizza that no onecan duplicate … Dunkin’ Donuts will brew better coffee …Banks promise to lend out more money … Predictions:Bennington Street will become a one way … Central SquarePark will become a tourist attraction … It will be againstthe law to throw cigarette butts on the streets … Peoplewill be more courteous to one another … Suffolk Downswill be given a green light for a gaming casino … PresidentObama will lose the election BIG TIME … Unions will losetheir clout … The economy will begin to improve … RealEstate will once again dominate the economy … East BostonMain Streets will be recognized for making a difference inEastie … Al Caldarelli, Executive Director of CommunityDevelopment Corp., C.D.C. will be given an award for out-standing service in building low income and elderly hous-ing … A wave of new community activist will emerge …Most Revered Man in 2011: Steve Jobs … Fraud Award:Al Gore for bogus global warming hysteria … Most hatedin America: Casey Anthony … Prediction: Barbara Walterswill retire … Most popular teen idol: Justin Beiber … Bestchic restaurant: Ecco … Most delightful waterfrontrestaurant & bar: Renzo Pizza, Revere … Predictions:Whoopi Goldberg will keep her pro communist commentsto herself … Ultra liberal loonies will go in hiding … Ameri-cans will rise against anti-American organizations tryingto take away their traditions … Santa Claus will continueto visit school children … America will become greaterunder new leadership … Happy New Year and God Bless …Till next time!

The promises and predictions areMrs. Murphy’s opinions. Wishing you all a happyand healthy New Year.

Dear Ms. Donnaruma,On behalf of the staff, volunteers and animals here at

the MSPCA Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, Iwould like to thank you for your donation of the deliciousfood, wonderful bedding, treats, and other supplies. We arealways in need of things like this and we are particularlytouched by the generosity of supporters, like you, who in-spire others to help animals. The Adoption Center is verylucky that you chose to show your passion for animals bysupporting the animals here.

As you may know, the MSPCA does not receive any fed-eral, state, or local aide. We depend on the kindness ofpeople like you. Last year almost 7,000 animals camethrough our doors and without people like you and yourreaders we would not be able to care for them all. I knowthat you share and support of our mission of care and kind-ness for animals.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if we can be of anyassistance to you in the future.

P.S. Give Freeway a treat for us!

Sincerely,Cindy Jaynes, Adoption Counselor

MSPCA Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center

Letter to the Editor:

Thank You Post-Gazette Readers

Noah the Neighborhood ofAffordable Housing commu-nity organization recentlyheld their 24th Annual Din-ner to honor the folks whowork tirelessly to ensure

that working families cansurvive in these harsh eco-nomic times. NOAH providesthe tools necessary to stayafloat.

At the 24th Annual NOAHDinner held at Spinelli’s inDay Square on Thursday,December 15, more than200 folks showed up from thecommunity and agenciesprivate and public that workwith NOAH on housing is-sues. Special Guest Speakerwas Speaker Bob DeLeo whowas born and raised in EastBoston and has alwaysbeen there for East Bostonduring his long tenure up onBeacon Hill. He was intro-duced by City Councilor SalLaMattina who made refer-ences to DeLeo’s roots to thisdiverse community. DeLeomentioned NOAH’s “huge

role” in the struggle faced byworking families and hous-ing. He added NOAH’s prin-ciples like his own havealways been about “fairnesscompassion and loyalty.”

Said the Speaker, thecountry may be in a reces-sion but blue collar workersare experiencing a greatdepression of their own. Headded that unemploymentin Massachusetts has nowdropped to 7 percent but7 percent is still too high.DeLeo stated that the state’snew gaming bill can hope-fully stimulate our economicgrowth. It isn’t the cure allbut it can create thousandsof new jobs and enableBeacon Hill to have morerevenue for local aid, eco-nomic development and pub-lic education. He personally

NOAH HOLDS 24TH ANNUAL DINNERby Sal Giarratani

Speaker Bob DeLeo andPhil Giffee, NOAH execu-tive director chat followingthe Speaker’s address tothose at the dinner.(Photo by Sal Giarratani)

Cousins Samantha “Sami”Giarratani and the Post-Gazette’s Sal Giarratanicatching up on family newsat the dinner.(Photo by Sal Giarratani)


Newly

Renovated

280 Bennington Street, East Boston, MAPlease Call 617-567-4499 spinellis.com

Specializing in the art of celebrationWedding, Anniversary, Quinceañera, Reunion,

Birthday, Social and Corporate Events.Convenient location and valet parking makes

Spinelli’s East Boston the perfect location.We are dedicated to the highest level of service and

professionalism to ensure the success of your special occasion.



The Socially Setby Hilda M. Morrill

Call 617.783.2300 | Reginapizza.com

|

FREEParking

Catering | |

Real Estate•

oo

Mattéo Gallo

AppraisalsSales & Rentals

376 North Street • Boston, MA 02113(617) 523-2100 • Fax (617) 523-3530

DIAMONDSR O L E XR O L E XR O L E XR O L E XR O L E X

ESTATE JEWELRYBought & SoldJewelers Exch. Bldg.

Jim (617) 263-7766

As 2011 comes to a close,it’s the perfect time to reflecton the past, especially inregard to this Socially Set col-umn, which will be my last.It was in 1993 when at theinvitation of publisher PamDonnaruma I began to writethe weekly column on aregular basis after the deathof John Lanouette Brenner.

If it weren’t for John, Inever would have begun towrite for the Post-Gazette atall.

The year was 1977 andJohn and I were both writ-ing for “T” Magazine — hewrote about fashion, the artsand society events, and Iwrote about gardens. Itwas also the year thatmy husband and I boughta store on Hanover Streetin the North End, not farfrom where John lived (onTileston Street) and near thepaper’s office (on PrinceStreet). I had also been writ-ing a short weekly columnin my hometown paper

since 1973.In addition to The Socially

Set, John wrote Lifestylefeatures and a column titledAdam Looks at Madam, inwhich he would answerreaders’ questions abouttheater, fashion, the arts,food, and opera, about whichhe was extremely knowl-edgeable.

His column was syndicatedand he suggested that Isyndicate my columns too.But the fact was that I hada full time job that I lovedas director of public rela-tions for a home furnishingscompany based in Natickwith locations throughoutNew England, New York andthe Washington, D.C. region.Travel was often required.

But, John was charmingand in no time we wereattending events together. Ialways learned so muchfrom John, and he alwaysmade a point of introducingme to all his friends andacquaintances.

One whom he adoredwas the lovely YolandaCellucci, whom he dubbed“Boston’s First Lady of Fash-ion.” Although known for thefantabulous women’s fash-ions sold in her famousWaltham salon, Yolanda wasthe one who made sureJohn was always dressed tothe nines. If I happened toadmire a particularly attrac-tive dress shirt, he wouldinvariably say, “Yolanda gaveit to me.”

John was a bit of a lovablecurmudgeon, though, and Icould write many funny sto-ries about him. One imme-diately comes to mind. Myhusband would often bringhim leftovers from our home

cooked dinners and Johnwould take them to thelovely Barbara Summa ofLa Summa Restaurant onFleet Street for her to “warmit up” for him since he hadno oven in his flat. However,he would insist on eating atone of her establishment’stables, denying a payingguest a place to sit.

Very supportive of all I did,John once traveled to NewYork City to attend an eventI planned for my company atthe famous restaurant

Tavern on the Green. I men-tioned that he could bringa guest, and he broughtYolanda’s daughter SondraCelli. He wrote a wonderfulcolumn about the event,which honored the Prince ofDenmark, although he kid-ded me that “the Queendidn’t show up.”

Through John I also metEdward Addison, PaulMcMahon and Ralph Hodg-don, Martha Walters, SmokiBacon and Dick Concannon,Dr. Helene Day, Caron LeBrun, and the very talentedphotographer Roger Farring-ton, to name a few. All wouldbecome dear friends andinfluence/support my writ-ings in innumerable ways.

Following John’s lead, Ifound that the majority ofevents that I attended were“column” material, whetherit was a New Year’s Eve partyat Carol Nashe’s home, abirthday celebration forEdward Bernays or SadieStepner, or a radio interviewwith Sybil Tonkonogy andBetty Levin.

But, of course, the majorblack tie galas and annualcharity balls have alwaysbeen popular with our read-ers and provided the mostmaterial. People often askme which have been myfavorites and it’s really hardto choose just one becausethey’ve all been special inone way or another.

Some that come to mind:The Wang Center Restora-

Movie and stage sensation Chita Rivera, center, iswelcomed to Boston by John Lanouette Brenner and HildaMorrill, left, during Boston Ballet’s “Bravo Bujones!” gala.

(File Photo, 1991)

Oscar de la Renta and HildaMorrill at the Wang Centerfor the Performing Arts.

(Photo bySam Greenwald, 1990)

tion Ball, The Mad HattersBall, The Consuls’ Ball, TheCamellia Ball, The RoseBall initiated by Dr. SimonDevine, the Unicef Ballhonoring Harry Belafonte,and the Bal de La Rose tobenefit the Princess GraceFoundation.

The Anthony SpinazzolaGala is easier to recallbecause of the wine glassesthat were always includedin the bountiful guestswag bags. In fact, even as Itype this column, I have aglass by my side whichreads: “The 12th AnnualAnthony Spinazzola Gala,February 7, 1997.”

Speaking of swag bags,just like the White Houseparty crashers, for yearsBoston’s social events havebeen crashed by its own“Captain Crash.” In fact,many years ago at a BostonBallet reception held at theDomain store on NewburyStreet, I photographed himwalking out with at least fivebags. Of course, to manyevent planners his gate-crashing was just plainfraud. However, once at aninvitation writing commit-tee meeting at The Ritz,when his name came up,one of the grande dames ofsociety came to his defenseby mentioning that he wasa good dancer after all!

Mentioning The Ritz bringsback so many memories!

Edward Bernays, knownas “The Father of PublicRelations,” welcomes HildaMorrill to a very socialparty at his home inCambridge.

(File Photo, 1990)

A white-water rafting adventure was enjoyed by severalnewspaper columnists and editors at the invitation ofZoar Outdoor/Mohawk Trail of Charlemont, Mass. Amongthe intrepid participants were Ron Morrill, left; PamelaDonnaruma, center rear; and Hilda Morrill, center right.

(File Photo, 1994)


Boston Harborside HomeJoseph A. Langone

580 Commercial St. - Boston, MA 02109617-536-4110

www.bostonharborsidehome.com

A Service Family Affiliate of AFFS/Service Corporation International206 Winter St., Fall River, MA 02720 Telephone 508-676-2454

Augustave M. Sabia, Jr.

Frederick J. WobrockCourtney A. Fitzgibbons

Trevor Slauenwhite

Dino C. Manca

MILDRED PIERCE:THE COLLECTOR’S

EDITION (4-DVD)HBO Home Ent.

Having it all would cost hereverything. But for MildredPierce (Kate Winslet), suc-cess was worth the price. Asa struggling single mother inDepression-era Los Angeles,Mildred is determined to ful-fill the demands of her eldestdaughter Veda (Evan RachelWood), surpassing societalexpectations and the be-trayal of lovers along theway. In this 5-part mini-series, filmmaker ToddHaynes transforms the origi-nal James M. Cain novelinto an epic movie event.

ACCORDING TO JIM:FIFTH SEASON (4-DVD)

LionsgateABC’s breakout family se-

ries According to Jim reachesnew heights of hilarityas Jim (Jim Belushi) triesto assert control over thefamily — but Jim’s wifeCheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith) has other ideas! Inthis traditional blue-collarfamily comedy, he is thequintessential guy and fam-ily man. Proud of his Mid-western values, Jim is anaccessible and likeableeveryman. Crazy about eachother, Cheryl calls Jim on hischildish antics but enjoysthe playful banter, his hon-esty, passion and steadfastloyalty to her and the kids.

SUPER BOWL XLV -AMERICA’S GAME: 2010

GREEN BAY PACKERS(DVD)

NFL Films-VivendiEntertainment

When the Green BayPackers snuck into the 2010playoffs as a sixth-seededwild card, little was expected.But one month later, theywould hold the LombardiTrophy in their hands afterGreen Bay topped the Pitts-burgh Steelers, 31-25, inSuper Bowl XLV. After 13seasons, the Vince LombardiTrophy returned home toGreen Bay. Their story istold through the eyes ofhead coach Mike McCarthy,Quarterback Aaron Rodgersand Cornerback CharlesWoodson.24/7 PENGUINS/CAPITALS:

ROAD TO THE NHLWINTER CLASSIC (4-DVD)

HBO Home Ent.On New Year’s Day 2011,

two of the NHL’s premierteams — the Pittsburgh Pen-guins and the WashingtonCapitals faced off in the openair of Heinz Field in Pitts-burgh for the 4th Annual Win-ter Classic. The once-a-yearextravaganza brings stadium-sized audiences and mil-lions of TV viewers into thefast-and-furious realm of prohockey. Get the inside scoopon the pre-game prepara-tions — as well as behind-the-scenes footage from boththe NHL Winter Classic and

a December regular-seasonpreview between the teams.

CONFESSIONS OF ADANGEROUS MIND

(Blu-ray)Lionsgate

George Clooney makes hisdirectorial debut and starsalongside Drew Barrymore,Sam Rockwell and JuliaRoberts in the comedythriller that poses an irre-sistible question: What hap-pens when a wildly success-ful TV producer was also a topsecret CIA assassin? A gameshow creator’s double lifebegins to spiral out of con-trol as he’s drawn into aworld of danger as a covertgovernment operative. Basedon Chuck Barris’s cult clas-sic autobiography.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE:FIRST SEASON (5-Blu-ray)

HBO Home Ent.Boardwalk Empire begins

in Atlantic City in 1920, andit is the eve of Prohibition,and country treasurer Enock“Nucky” Thompson (SteveBuscemi) is looking to cashin. As the undisputed “Boss”of Atlantic City, Nucky leadsa double life as politician andbootlegger; Prohibition mayhave outlawed alcohol, but inNucky’s world it has openedup highly lucrative opportu-nities for gangsters andrum runners looking to pro-vide “liquid gold” for a thirstynation. Nucky must battlewith a relentless federalagent, ambitious underlings,and rivals as Arnold Roth-stein, Lucky Luciano, and AlCapone.

LEGO HERO FACTORYSAVAGE PLANET (DVD)

Warner Home VideoThe Hero Factory’s mis-

sion: to build the bravest,most advanced heroes in thegalaxy! When rookie Rockaresponds to a civilian dis-tress call from the planetQuatros, he discovers it’sactually the planet itself thatneeds help. Former Hero Pro-fessor Aldous Witch, who hasnow become a power-madWitch Doctor, takes hostageRocka. It’s up to pros Bulkand Stringer and rookiesFurno, Nex and Stormer torescue Rocka, destroy thesinister Witch Doctor andsave the once beautifulplanet. But time is runningout! Will the Heroes becomemonster chow? Will Quatrosbe destroyed? Only by work-ing together to restore theplanet’s core will the Heroessucceed.IGGY AND THE STOOGES-RAW POWER LIVE (DVD)

MVDvisualSix fans were selected to

film Iggy & the Stooges’ leg-endary 2010 reunion as theband performed “Raw Power”to a stunned crowd at the AllTomorrow’s Parties Festival.The fans witnessed a clas-sic performance that bringsthe fans closer to the band,and the music closer to you.

Aren’t Corporations Justa Bunch of People Too?Liberals say corporations

aren’t people and arelivid over that recent USSupreme Court decision lastyear. Well, if corporationsaren’t people, does the samehold for SEIU, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, etc.? This is a freecountry. If labor unions wantto buy time on TV to push orbash political campaigns,they have a right to do so.However, the same thinghas to apply to corporationstoo. Just because corpora-tions have lots more moneyto spend, doesn’t mean theydeserve less free speechrights? What’s fair is fair!Elizabeth Warren Looks

Like Another Out ofTouch Bay State LiberalThe only thing that differs

her from the rest of our packof political liberal elites isthe fact she grew up in Okla-homa. She may have grownup in the Plains but she isfar more Harvard Yard thanshe is an Okie. So far, shesounds no different thanMartha Coakley or any otherliberal from these hereparts. Outside groups work-ing in her favor are reallybashing Scott Brown aroundbut that’s okay because asthe election draws closer,more folks will see thatUS Senator Brown is justwhat Massachusetts needsdown in Washington. Do wereally need another liberalvoice in Washington sprout-ing the party line of moretax revenues for moreentitlements?

House Rejects DealThe US House of Repre-

sentatives has rejected atwo-month temporary dealpassed by Democrats andRepublicans across the aislein the US Senate and calledfor new talks on the expir-ing tax break. However, Sen-ate Democratic leader HarryReid said he would not recallthe Senate back into ses-sion. The Senate passed thetwo month stop-gap measurebecause it could not agree atthis time with a full year’sextension.

Shortly before the vote, USSen. Scott Brown, (R-MA)lashed out at House Repub-licans. The House and Sen-ate Republicans seem atodds about strategy. Browncalled this confrontationabout compromise “irre-sponsible and wrong.” SaidBrown a day before HouseRepublicans shot down thecompromise measure, “Wecannot allow rigid partisanIdeology and unwillingness

to compromise stand in theway of working together forthe good of the Americanpeople.”

House Speaker JohnBoehner from Ohio says hedoesn’t want the can kickeddown the road. He says hewants the nonsense stopped.However, in the court ofpublic opinion, it is the Re-publicans who now hold thismess about lower payrolltaxes and making theDemocrats look like tax-cut-ters which they are never.Perhaps, the Republicans inthe House, especially TeaParty Republicans need toget real here otherwise theywill come out looking likethe bad guys.I Don’t Like Barney Frank

Either But …

Apparently, Donald Trumpdecided to bash US Rep.Barney Frank by tweetingBarney’s wardrobe malfunc-tion. The Donald lashed outat Frank’s choice of clothingfor an appearance on C-Spanbefore Congress. Trumpcalled it disrespectful. WhileFrank could have dressedbetter, he probably wasspeaking from the well of theHouse Chamber maybe toone or two folks in his audi-ence. Sometimes, congress-men actually speak beforeno one as they sprout somenonsense for district con-sumption. I would neverwear a clingy nylon, blue-colored, nipple-protrudingpolo jersey at any podium.

Doesn’t Trump have any-thing better to do with hisfree time? How about run-ning for president from theNational Trump Party?

One Dead Man toAnother Dead Man?

Recently, Mitt Romney gothimself endorsed by 1996GOP nominee Bob Dole. Tome this was a game-changer NOT. When OneDead Man Walking endorsedanother Dead Man Walking,it only means two dead menare walking together. Whatwould you call a sit-down din-ner between Romney, Doleand John McCain? It is anexecutive board meeting ofthe Dead Men Walking

Society. The only things thatseparate Dole and McCainfrom Mitt Romney? One is,he ain’t no war hero. Two,Mitt’s got two good arms.However, like the scarecrow,if he only had a brain to gowith them.

Holder: Pick a Card,Any Race Card

Our US attorney generalsays both he and the presi-dent get bashed becauseeach is African-American.Hearing that charge, I amreminded of the words ofSamuel Johnson who oncepenned, “Patriotism was thelast refuge of a scoundrel.”It now seems that racismhas become the last defenseof the incompetent and mis-guided. Those who havecalled for his resignation,says he, is racially-moti-vated. This is apparently thenew post-racial era publicdiscourse.

US Rep. Allen West, (R-FL),a Tea Party favorite electedin 2010 says Holder can’tassign race as a motivationbehind criticism of theHolder Justice Department.Says West, “It has nothing todo with race — it has every-thing to do with competence,with your character andwith your ability to lead theDepartment of Justice.”

2012: An ElectionAbout Our Future

Recently, in an op-ed inUSA Today, Mitt Romneysays, The question we willdecide is this:

Will the United States bean Entitlement Society or anOpportunity Society? Goingback decades, the questionwill once again be asked ofvoters later next year onNovember 6, 2012. Thinkback to 1964 when it wasPresident Johnson versusBarry Goldwater or RonaldReagan versus PresidentCarter in 1980. To date, weare neither; either a fullEntitlement nor a completeOpportunity society. How-ever, we keep moving closerand closer to the day whenthose pulling the wagon orsleigh during the Christmasseason are vastly outnum-bered by those taking thefree ride. We are quicklybecome Greece without theFeta cheese and Ouzo.

The Nation“Worries” Too Much

I like reading “The Nation”magazine not because Iagree with anything theywrite but to hear what theother side is wrong about.Recently, while bashing bothNewt and Mitt, this liberaltract said it most feared the‘silent candidate’ in therace. The Nation opined,“the flood of corporate andWall Street money that willpour into the election.”They’re kind of talking aboutthat recent US SupremeCourt decision allowingcorporations to donate topolitical campaigns. Whatliberals forget is that thesame court decision also al-lows big unions like SEIU,AFSCME, AFSCME, Team-sters, etc. Also, do the verysame thing. If liberals at the“The Nation” see “the threatposed to our democracy bythis one (silent candidate),”why are they seeing thesame threat posed by liberalunions too?

• News Briefs (Continued from Page 1)

The Federal Trade Commissionworks for the consumer to prevent

fraud and deception.Call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)

or log on to www.ftc.gov.


With gratitude and appre-ciation, the East BostonAdult Ed. Center (Commu-nity Ed. Center) would liketo thank the East BostonSavings Bank Foundation,(10 Meridian Street, EastBoston) and the East BostonFoundation (1216 Benning-ton Street, East Boston).Their support and concernfor our Center and for otherEast Boston communityagencies is second to none.Mr. Richard Cavignano,President of the East BostonSavings Bank Foundationhas visited centers likeours and has assisted themfinancially, morally, andwith unwavering support. Ashas the East Boston Founda-tion under Mr. RichardLynds, Esq., President, whohas also visited Centers likeours and has also encour-aged us to work closely withthe East Boston Communityand to offer assistance forthe community in every waypossible.

The East Boston Adult Ed.Center offers 18 differentservices to the immigrant,refugee, and U.S. schooldrop-outs. “It makes us proudto see so many of its gradu-ates open businesses in EastBoston: Perlera Realty, LaHacienda Restaurant, MiPueblito Restaurant, etc.,grocery stores (Jacqueline)on London Street, BeautyShop (Oxygen) on MeridianStreet, auto mechanicshops, electricians (Patri-celli), plumbers (VictorTejeda), policemen, firemen(Mr. Espitia), teachers (PhonHem), and more,” statedDom Avellani, the programdirector. The East BostonAdult Ed. Center does notrely on city, state, or federalfunds and is truly indebted

and appreciative to the EastBoston Savings Bank Foun-dation and the East BostonFoundation and others fortheir assistance and sup-port. The East Boston AdultEd. Center will celebrateits 40th anniversary in 2012and the school will continueto assist over 250 youthsand adults per week (over3,000 per year) in: GEDPreparation, U.S. Citizen-ship Prep. (to legal resi-dents), English as a SecondLanguage, Computer andVocational School place-ment, administer vocationalschool entrance exams, pub-lic notary services, immi-gration services, jobs andapartment placement (when-ever possible). In the nearfuture, in order to servicethe East Boston Communitybetter, the Center wouldlike to open a Food Pantrywhere the needy would pick-up a bag of groceries at nocost.

As president, Mr. RichardCavignano from the EastBoston Savings Bank Foun-dation stated in one of hismany conferences, “Every-thing is possible when youhave tenacity, creativity,and determination behindit.” Although over 80% of theschool population comesfrom East Boston, the othersare from Chelsea and otherBoston Communities. Theschool has no waiting listsand will assist anyone withthe above services and more.

Interested individuals areencouraged to call Mr.Avellani (617-567-7873) orvisit the Center at 119 Lon-don St., East Boston, MA (nextto Sumner Tunnel).

Happy Holidays and have aHappy and Prosperous NewYear!

Kudos to the East BostonSavings Bank Foundation andto the East Boston Foundationby Dominic Avellani, Director of E. Boston Adult Ed. Center

Tickets: $150$100 of the ticket price is tax-deductible

Reserve Now!Space is limited.

Please join us for a

five-course dinner with

wine pairings at your choice

of one of Boston’s exclusive

North End restaurants.

Proceeds benefit

Joslin Diabetes Center’s

High Hopes Fund.

Sunday, January 29, 2012 6:00 PM

Visit www.joslin.org/cityfeast to make your reservations online.

Participating restaraunts:

to Colorado) ruled a similarrule to be in violation ofthe First Amendment rightof free speech. So Virginiavoters may yet get anotherchoice on the ballot.

Here in Massachusettsthe certifying candidates’nomination signatures for

our March 6th election hasnot been completed. We’llknow in a few days whowill be the entries in thatrace. Given my personhistory of voting for los-ing candidates, I’m moreinterested in the openingof the live racing season

• Res Publica (Continued from Page 2)

at Suffolk Downs in May.At least at the track Iwin once in a while. Andeven when I lose I’mdown but a few dollars,which better than Ican say about the admin-istration of the currentPresident.

The Federal Trade Commissionworks for the consumer to prevent fraud and deception.

Call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or log on to www.ftc.gov.

EXTRA InningsInningsInningsInningsInningsby Sal Giarratani

Out on the Open MarketTexas Rangers have posted

the top bid for Japaneseright-hander Yu Darvish andhave one month to sign himup. According to the New YorkTimes, Texas offered $51.7million to talk with him.Texas gets that money backif Yu isn’t signed up forthe Rangers ... The Philliesfinalized a $33 million,3-year deal with shortstopJimmy Rollins ... Mets reliefpitcher Frank Francisco justsigned a 2-year, $12 milliondeal. He saved 17 games forBlue Jays this past season... NY Yankees are bringingback Freddy Garcia on aone-year deal worth inthe neighborhood of $44.5million, not a bad neigh-borhood for a 35-year-oldpitcher. Last season, he was121-8 with a 3.62 ERA ... RoyOswalt, 34, is still out therein the marketplace. ThePhillies decided againstpicking up his big pricedoption. He went 9-10 with a3.69 ERA in 2011.

The Red Sox might beable to get him for say, $28million ... Grady Sizemore

is back for more with theIndians for a one-year, $5million deal plus incentives... The Twins signed up JoshWillingham on a 3 year,$21 million deal. Last sea-son, he hit .246 with 29homers and 98 RBIs for theOakland A’s in 2011 ... ThePhillies signed up DontrelleWillis to a 1 year contract atthe bargain basement priceof $850,000. Willis was the2003 Rookie of the Year withthe Marlins. He posted a 1-6record with a 5.00 ERA in2011 for the Reds. He is 72-69 with a 4.17 ERA in nineseasons ... Tampa Bay isbringing back right-handedrelief pitcher Joel Peralta ona one-year contract. He went3-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 71appearances this past sea-son. He helped the Raysdown the stretch with foursaves in September andhelped Tampa leapfrog overthe Sox into post-season.

Clubs Close in on JohnsonThe Chicago Cubs are clos-

ing in on outfielder ReedJohnson for a one year deal.He batted 309 in 111 games

last year for Chicago. He wasalso with them in 2008 and2009. He played with theBlue Jays for his first fiveseasons and played for theLA Dodgers in 2010. He playsall three outfield positionswhich is probably one of hisbiggest pluses for any majorleague team.

Valentine Appears Readyfor McClure as Pitching

CoachBobby Valentine is on the

reported verge of naming BobMcClure as the new Red Soxpitching coach. He spent sixseasons as pitching coachfor the KC Royals before get-ting dumped this past Sep-tember and has coachedsomewhere since joiningthe Colorado Rockies in1999. He spent 19 seasonsin the majors as a reliefpitcher. He spent 10 yearswith the Milwaukee Brewersas well as several otherteams. He went 68-57 witha lifetime 3.81 ERA andappeared in five games dur-ing the 1982 World Seriesand taking a Game 7 loss tothe Cardinals.

Saint Stephen, whosename means crown, livedduring the first century ofthe Church and is one ofthe first Christian deaconsand the first Christian mar-tyr. The apostles found thatthey needed help takingcare of the poor and widowsand in the distribution ofalms, so they ordained sevendeacons, Stephen is themost well-known of theseven.

Little is known of Stephenbefore his appointment, hisname is Greek suggestinghe was a Hellenist, that is,a Jew born in a foreign landwhose native language wasGreek. The question of hisorigin remains uncertain.

We do not know whenStephen became a Chris-tian, we do know that hisministry as deacon appearsto have been mostly amongthe Hellenist converts andthe fact that the oppositionhe met with sprang upamong the Libertines whowere the children of Jewstaken captive to Rome in63 B.C. then released toreturn to their homeland.The fact that Stephen wasappointed deacon gives evi-dence that he was wellsuited to preach to theHellenistic Jews.

Saint Stephen, First MartyrPatron of Stonemasons

by Bennett Molinari and Richard Molinari

We are told that Stephenwas “a man full of faith”, andthe Holy Spirit, he was ableto communicate with peoplethrough his convincing logic,his preaching was filled withDivine energy to which Godadded the weight of “greatwonders and signs” stilldespite the wisdom andspirit of his words, he couldnot change the minds ofthe unwilling who would soonbecome his enemy. Stephenwas accused falsely byhis enemies of blasphemyagainst Moses and God, no

charge could be more apt torouse people to anger, hewas brought before theSanhedrin and condemnedto be stoned to death. It issaid that the accusations lefthim unperturbed and “allthat sat in the council ... sawhis face as if it had been theface of an angel.”

While during his trial,Stephen declared whilelooking up to heaven: “Be-hold, I see the heavensopened, and the Son of manstanding on the right handof God”, they cast him out ofthe city to stone him todeath. Custom required thatthe person to be stoned beplaced on an elevation fromwhence with his handsbound he was to be throwndown. While waiting to beexecuted, it is reported, thatStephen, falling on hisknees, cried out: “Lord, laynot this sin to their charge.”Stephen was then stonedwith stones some of whichtwo men were needed tocarry, before he died he criedout, “Lord Jesus, receivemy spirit.” Saint Stephen’srelics reside in a basilicabuilt on the site of his mar-tyrdom just east of Jerusa-lem, outside the DamascusGate. His Feast is celebratedon December 26th.

WWW.BOSTONPOSTGAZETTE.COM


Recipes from theHomelandHomelandHomelandHomelandHomeland

by Vita Orlando Sinopoli

COPYRIGHT, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Vita can be reached at [email protected]

CAPONACAPONACAPONACAPONACAPONATTTTTAAAAA

1st Generation

Italian-American

Vita Orlando SinopoliShares with us

a delightful recollection

of her memories as a child

growing up in

Boston’s “Little Italy”

and a collection of

Italian family recipes

from the homeland.

Great as GiftsFROM MY BAKERY PERCH available on AMAZON.COM

and in local bookstores — ask forHard cover #1-4010-9805-3 ISBNSoft Cover #1-4010-9804-5 ISBN

Wow! Tomorrow we grieve! It’s the last dayof the year! Ah, New Year’s Eve! Many Ameri-cans no longer celebrate the arrival of theNew Year — they celebrate the survival ofthe old year.

Many people look forward to the New Yearfor a new start on old habits.

Peter Beatrice of Swampscott, says, “A NewYear’s resolution is something that goes inone year and out the other.”

Lovely Bridget Manganelli of East Boston,says, “A New Year’s resolution is a promiseto stop doing everything you enjoy most.”

Good catch! Police officers John McKennaand Paul Sandoval pulled over a stolen ve-hicle in Chicago last week, only to discovera brand-new wedding dress in the trunk.When they tracked down the car’s owners,they found that it had been stolen from acouple preparing to tie the knot the follow-ing day. The officers volunteered to drive thecar — and the dress — to the distraughtcouple in time for the wedding. “There wasother stuff missing from the vehicle,” saidSandoval. “But as soon as the bride saw thewedding dress she was ecstatic.”

Proprio Stronzo, says, “The most difficultyears of marriage are those following thewedding.”

Bella Culo of Chestnut Hill, claims, the bestand surest way to save a marriage from di-vorce is not to show up for the wedding.

Huh? Time changes things. Nowadays thecouple has the honeymoon first, and if it’s asuccess, they have the engagement, and ifthat works out all right, they may have a wed-ding.

The unofficial mayor of Medford, ThomasAnaletto, says, “People cry at weddings be-cause they have been through it and knowit’s no laughing matter.”

The astute and charming Lisa Cappuccioof picturesque East Boston, says, “The manleads the woman to the altar at a weddingceremony — after which his leadershipends.”

Some interesting useless information:Where is the Blarney Stone? Ireland. In theBlarney Castle in the village of Blarney. Whydo people kiss it? So they can acquire a giftfor blarney or the knack of smooth, persua-sive talk. What is the correct way to kissthe Blarney Stone? You lean backwardsuntil your lips touch the Blarney Stonewhich is located between the castle wall andthe parapet. It’s probably a good idea to grabon to the iron bars provided or have some-one hold you by the ankles while you attemptthis very acrobatic maneuver. If not, theBlarney Stone might be the last thing youkiss. We did visit the site of the BlarneyStone and my dear wife Marilyn managed tokiss it!

Some fascinating facts! In ancient Romeit was considered a sign of leadership to beborn with a hooked nose. Until the time ofCaesars, all Romans were vegetarians. An-cient Romans always entered the home of afriend on their right foot — the left side ofthe body was thought to indicate evil.

We should have mentioned in our last col-umn the idea of Christmas tree ornamentsoriginated back to the time of the Romans.During the Saturnalia, which coincidesroughly with our Christmas holiday, the Ro-mans hung little masks of Bacchus on pinetrees. Vergil refers to these dangling orna-ments as oscilla and describes how duringthe December season evergreens were ladenwith them.

Be aware, the great pioneer of frozen foods,Jeno Paulucci has passed away. The son ofItalian immigrants, Paulucci grew up in direpoverty. His Chun King label has become anational brand. In brief, Paulucci remainedfiercely to his roots, funding half a dozencivic organizations in Minnesota and co-founding the National Italian AmericanFoundation. At a ceremonial dinner in 1976,President Gerald Ford hailed Paulucci’s riseas a symbol of the “magic of America.” Whatcould be more American, the presidentasked, “than a business built on a good Ital-ian recipe for chop suey?”

Poor people! It was announced that newausterity measures would freeze the

British royalfamily’s gov-ernment sti-pend, limit-ing QueenElizabeth andthe royals to $50 million a year.

Tubas are in demand! High schools acrosssoutheast Los Angeles are reporting a stringof unsolved tuba thefts. Teachers believe thearea’s banda music craze — dance musicwith brass and woodwinds and anchored bythe tuba-may be behind the disappearances.Tubas can fetch as much as $2,000 apieceon the black market.

Butter shortage: A crippling shortage ofbutter in Norway has sent the price soaringduring the Christmas season. Online retail-ers charged desperate cooks more than $400a pound. Authorities blame the shortage onpoor grazing conditions for cows, as well ason the current low-carb, high-fat diet fadsweeping the nation.

How sad! Katie Couric and her youngerboyfriend are splitting, said UsMagazine.com.The former CBS Evening News anchor, 54,and Brooks Perlin, a former hedge fund man-ager 17 years her junior, said they are sepa-rating after five years. “Katie is incrediblyversatile and in high demand, and he justcouldn’t keep up,” said a source. “Brooks is anice guy, but their age difference made it achallenge, too.”

Salma Hayek was flat-chested until sheprayed for bigger breasts. The famouslybuxom Mexican actress, 45, says that shewas a much-teased “skinny tomboy” as anadolescent and was “really scared” that herbreasts would never develop. So she soughtdivine intervention. “I went to a church thathad a saint that was supposed to do a lot ofmiracles, “she says. “I put my hands in theholy water and went, ‘Please, Jesus, give mesome boobs.’” There was no overnightmiracle, but within a couple of years, herprayers were answered.

Achtung! Forget gold, said Stefen Ulrich,German newspaper columnist. Today’ssophisticated thieves are trafficking in rhi-noceros horns, which can fetch up to$300,000 each. The horns are grinded downand sold to the Asian market, where rhino-horn powder is believed to cure everythingfrom migraines to cancer, but most oftenmarketed to treat male impotence. This yearalone, robbers have stolen rhinoceros hornsfrom museums, antiques stores, and evenprivate collections in at least eight Europeancountries.

For know-it-alls! Did you know in 1621 aPilgrim band began playing because theywanted to see Plymouth Rock! Did you knowGUM was first sold on a CHEW-CHEW Train!Did you know Venetian blinds are made byshady characters! When the first miniskirtbecame popular, worried husbands said theTHIGH was the limit. Did you hear about thetwo kangaroos that lived HOPPILY ever af-ter? And there’s a woman in the North Endwho has taken up bird watching. She watchesher husband like a hawk!

Some show biz reminiscing with the statelymusicologist Albert Natale. Singer DonCornell, while popular with the Sammy KayeBand in the early and mid 1940s, had sev-eral hits on his own, beginning with “It Isn’tFair” in 1950. Noel Coward was not only asuccessful playwright, he was an actor anda songwriter as well. Although he couldonly play the piano in three keys, he stillpoured out the songs, including “Someday I’llFind You” and “Mad About The Boy.” Musi-cian Eddie Condon, best remembered for hisDixieland style, when asked his feelingson “bop” style music, was quoted as saying,“We don’t flatten our fifths, we drink ‘em.”The song “You’re Sensational,” contained inthe 1956 film “High Society,” and sung byFrank Sinatra, was one of the last balladswritten by composer Cole Porter. AndJacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis’ highschool yearbook lists her favorite song as“Lime House Blues.” Her ambition was “notto be a housewife.”

AMERICA IS A BEAUTIFUL ITALIAN NAME

Wash eggplant whole, (without removing outer skin), anddice. Heat five tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and adddiced eggplant to simmer until it softens. Add sliced onionto skillet and one or two teaspoons of additional olive oiland fry until onion is lightly browned. Add tomato sauceand diced celery. Simmer mixture until celery is tender. Ifneeded, add a tablespoon of water before adding capers andchopped green pimento olives. Stir frequently to preventsticking.

Slightly heat wine vinegar separately. Add sugar and stir.Then pour vinegar gently over eggplant mixture in skillet.Simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. (Optional) Add a sprinkleof cayenne pepper). Salt to taste.

Serve this hot or cooled as a side dish with broiled lambchops, breaded fried cutlets or roast beef. It is also deliciouson crackers or toasted bread to serve as hors d’oeuvres.

Caponata can be refrigerated for future servings. It canalso be frozen and reheated.

NOTE: My husband and I met Louis and Rose “Dolly”Sorrentino on Cape Cod in the 1980’s. They were formerNorth End neighbors of ours for many years. We renewed ourfriendships.

While having lunch at their Cape Cod home one day, Dollyserved us some homemade Caponata. I mentioned how muchI had enjoyed it when my mother served it. But my motherprepared Caponata only during the summer when eggplantswere available. Like so many of her friends, Mama never hada written recipe. I was delighted that Dolly offered me a copyof her recipe. Because eggplants are now available year round,we can enjoy homemade Caponata throughout the year.

1 medium eggplant diced6 or 7 tablespoons olive oil1 sliced onion3 tablespoons prepared

tomato sauce2 stalks celery diced2 tablespoon wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar1 tablespoon Capers4 green pimento olives¼ teaspoon salt1/8 tablespoon ground pepperA sprinkle of Cayenne pepper

(optional)

Matt Noyes, Danielle Nilesand Ally Donnelly from TheBoston Common Frog Pond,site of a Skating Club ofBoston exhibition and twoother locations downtown.

New Year’s Eve Live willalso feature a performanceof “So Good (The BostonSong)” by Boston area vocal-ist Dis Vincent. “So Good”has become an unofficialanthem of sorts for the Cityof Boston and the area,thanks in part to its catchybeat and lyrics that spot-light all that’s great aboutBoston.

“The Boston Family Fire-works are a wonderful wayfor Boston families to cel-ebrate the New Year. It’s aspecial event for the city anda great way for everyone to

ring in 2012,” said MayorMenino.

The Boston Family Fire-works ring in the New Yearat an earlier hour (approxi-mately 6:46 p.m.) so childrencan attend before midnight.Atlas PyroVision Productionsof Jaffrey, NH will producethe fireworks display, whichwill include 3,800 pyrotech-nic effects all choreographedto a vibrant musical score.

“Mayor Menino and TheMugar Foundation have cre-ated this great annual tra-dition. Last year’s specialwas a tremendous successand we are happy to onceagain bring the event to allof New England,” said BillBridgen, NECN executivevice president and generalmanager.

• New Year’s Eve Live (Continued from Page 1)


• The Socially Set (Continued from Page 8)

— FOR YOU WHO APPRECIATE THE FINEST —

THE

Johnny ChristyOrchestra

MUSIC FOR ALLOCCASIONS 781-648-5678

The Christmas seasonwas a bit different for theChristoforo/Contini clan,back in the day. Babbononnowas a musician and broughthis sons up to be musicians.His daughter married amusician and they broughttheir only son (me) up to bea musician.

But, back in the day, amusician could make a liv-ing at playing music in themajor cities of the country,and my uncles and father didjust that.

At Christmas time, mostbusinesses and companiesheld Christmas parties fortheir employees. More oftenthan not, the heads of thebusinesses would have liveentertainment. DJs hadn’tbeen invented yet. To thisextent, the Globe had anarticle about my fathermany years ago, callinghim Boston’s busiest bassplayer. At Christmas time,he would hire someone tochauffer him around asmany of the parties would beduring the day and within ahalf hour of one another.Trying to find parking indowntown Boston was diffi-cult, even back then. UnclesNick and Paul did the samething.

The only night that wassacred was Christmas Eve.During the day, the men inmy family played the last ofthe Christmas parties dur-ing the day light hours. Ifthere were any jobs thenight of December 24, theywould ask Jewish musi-cians to cover for them. Theywould reciprocate when thesame men wanted to cel-ebrate Jewish holidays.Things worked out ratherwell, all those years.

On Christmas morning,Dad and his group would playfor the crew of the USS Vul-can, a Boston-based navalaircraft repair ship. Many ofthe crew were locals and thecaptain would host an earlymorning Christmas partywith Santa present for thekids of the sailors. Dadbrought me a few timeswhen I was young, and theywere fun times. By Christ-mas afternoon, the familywould gather around Nannaand Babbononno’s Christ-mas table and stay there forthe next few hours. Latein the day or early evening,paisani and relatives,mainly the old timers, woulddrop by for a cup of coffee ora glass of wine. They consti-tuted an extended family,and looking back, it was awarm comfortable feeling of

security that we kids grewup with in our family.

Between Christmas andNew Years Eve, there wasn’tmuch work to be had. All themusicians in the familywould be anticipating NewYears Eve. The union rateswere always better for thatone night than any othernight in the year. If you werea band leader and had sev-eral jobs booked on thatnight, you could make your-self quite a few dollars.

When I was young, Iremember Dad heading outto play on New Year’s Eve.Back then, most jobs endedat midnight. The night-clubs, restaurants, supperclubs, etc…, all stopped serv-ing liquor at midnight. NewYears Eve would be theexception according to theMassachusetts Blue Laws. Asa result, the bands playeduntil 1:00 or 2:00 am. Onseveral of those occasions, Iwould wake up to a commo-tion as Dad would invite theband back to the house forcoffee and bagels. He, on theway home, would stop at Ba-gel Bakery in Chelsea, buyfreshly made plain bagels,cream cheese and maybelox. Mom would have set thealarm so she would get up intime to make a pot of coffeefor the entire band. Theywould sit around the kitchentable and tell stories aboutthe bands they worked forthrough the years and notleave until the sun came up.After a couple of hours sleep,Dad would be back in histuxedo and off to play a NewYear’s Day brunch at one ofthe country clubs. When itwas time, we would all beback at Nanna and Babbo-nonno’s table for yet anotherdinner celebration.

This was the atmosphereI grew up in, and when Iturned 18, I became a pro-fessional musician and tookmy place among the men inmy family. Back then, Dadwas in partners with a localband leader named RayDigg. Their home base wasthe Ocean-view Ballroomlocated at the beginning ofRevere Beach, but on NewYear’s Eve, they would booka nationally known big band.As a result, Dad, Ray and theother band members wouldbe free for December 31.This wasn’t a problem asthey would book several jobsand Ray would lead a comboat one, Dad at another andUncle Nick at still another,and so forth, depending onhow many parties theybooked in.

New Year’s Eve was ap-proaching and Ray bookedthe Sons of Italy in EastBoston. Dad was going tolead another job and Rayasked me to take his placeas the bass player. This wasmy first job working withDad’s crowd, the older musi-cians who were some of thebest in Boston. Babbononnomade sure that my tuxedowas pressed just right andmy shoes were spit-shined.After examining my finger-nails to see if they wereclean, he gave me the OK togo to work. We lived aroundthe corner from the Sons ofItaly hall, so I walked therewith my bass violin undermy arm.

The band was a 10 pieceensemble with arrange-ments for every tune. Webegan at 8:00 pm, and bymidnight, I had blood blisterson several fingers, and theyhurt. I struggled throughAuld Lang Syne at midnightand then an extended lastset. At 12:30 am, the personwho hired Ray climbed thesteps to the stage and askedhim if we could play anotherhour. Ray asked the rest ofthe musicians, and seeingthe overtime rate was rathergood for New Years Eve, theyall agreed to one more hour.I made it to 1:00 am withmost of my fingers bandagedby that point in time. Theblood blisters all had brokenand the blood oozed out of theband aids and ran down thestrings of the bass. I was inpain. Just when I thought Icouldn’t play another note,Dad walked through the frontdoor. His job finished earlierthan ours. After saying helloto everyone, he saw my con-dition, took off his coat andtook my place behind thebass violin and saved thenight. The next day, I sat atNanna and Babbononno’stable with fingers sore andrebandaged. I had survivedand would go on to playanother 50 or so New Year’sEves.

As time went on, I devel-oped thick calluses onseveral of my fingers andbecame a combat veteranwhen it came to playing theupright bass. By the mid1960s, I amplified my bassviolin and added bass guitarto my instrument list. Play-ing became a lot easier, butI was well seasoned by thenand blisters were a thing ofthe past.

Well, here we are facinganother new year and I’mlooking forward to bigger andbetter things. But, before Iclose for this week, I wouldlike to wish each and everyone of you a Very Happy NewYear from the Christoforofamily and MAY GOD BLESSAMERICA.

Small AdsGet Big ResultsFor more information,

call 617-227-8929.

Martha Walters, a societywriter and TV hostess fromNantucket who orchestratedmany wonderful events onthat island to benefit itsdying trees, was not happywhen The Ritz became TheTaj, and she let us all know.After all, that was where shehad her coming out party. Iloved Martha and I miss hervery much.

The sacrifices we colum-nists have to make! Therewas the first time I visitedArrows Restaurant in Maine.We were picked up by awhite stretch limo at theBoston Park Plaza Hotel andenjoyed chilled flutes ofchampagne on our ride up toOgunquit. Talk about goingto heaven! Mark and Clark’sculinary creations were andare to die for. And, they havea glorious vegetable gardenand greenhouse adjacent tothe restaurant.

Food! Ah, yes! We havesavored many foodie andtasting events through theyears: Joyce Della Chiesademonstrating and prepar-ing an incredible mushroomrisotto at the Copley Plazawhile hubby Ron delightedguests with tales of Italianopera; Boston University’sSeminars in Food andWine where we got to meetand interview the likes ofMarcella Hazan, JacquesPepin and Nancy HarmonJenkins; and of course, thefunny and incredible JuliaChild, who would alwayswrite a thank-you note after

I mentioned her or photo-graphed her for one of mycolumns.

For sure the Museum ofFine Arts and The IsabellaStewart Gardner Museum,among many others, haveoffered countless opportuni-ties to learn about the artsand interview some of theworld’s artistic luminaries.

Then, there were theinvitations to speak or beinterviewed: The Women’sItalian Club, the North EndLibrary, The Ritz CulturalFestival, The Emily RooneyShow, The Barbara Brilliant“Time for Living” Show, “DeTodo Un Poco” with DaliaDiaz, “Women on the Move”with Laraine Stepner, TheBernice Speen Show, and“On the Town” with SmokiBacon and Dick Concannon,to name but a few.

This columnist still hasmuch to learn and we arehonored that Pam Donna-ruma has asked that Isubmit an occasional fea-ture during my upcomingsemi-retirement — maybememory pieces, travel orgardening!

The various technologyupgrades since we beganhave been amazing and weare most grateful to the pastand present staff of the Post-Gazette for their patienceand encouragement as wetried to learn the ropes. A bigthank you also to our won-derful readers.

A Peaceful and Happy NewYear to all!

(Be sure to visit Hilda Morrill’s gardening Web site,www.bostongardens.com, where she may be reached viae-mail: [email protected].)

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�� !

From the left: Columnist Hilda Morrill, Vidal Sassoon,Yolanda Cellucci and Count Pablo Manzoni at “AnEvening of Eloquence” at The Ritz-Carlton honoringMarian Christy for her 25 year anniversary of writingher syndicated column “Conversations” for the BostonGlobe. Proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society.

(File Photo, 1990)


The time has come, the walrus said,

TO TALK OF MANY THINGSof shoes and ships and sealing wax of cabbages and kings

by Sal Giarratani

Greater Boston’s Affordable Private Cemetery

617.524.1036www.stmichaelcemetery.com

Traditional Burial Plot(for 2) Starting at $1500

500 Canterbury St.Boston, MA 02131

COMMUNITY MAUSOLEUMS GARDEN COLUMBARIUMS

Serving the Italian community for over 100 years!

THAT TREE INTHOMPSON SQUARE

It appears that the “tree inThompson Square” is lookingmuch better lately. I stoppedby to see it on December 15th

and it was standing tall andproud. Rumor has it, thismiracle didn’t happen eitherby accident or on 34th Streetbut due to combined efforts ofTownies stopping by calling ita “Christmas Tree” over andover again.

NICK’S NEW PLACEI often eat at Nick’s Place

in Winthrop but the other dayI went to the new Nick’s Bis-tro on Squire Road in Revere.The food there is also greatand as Kostas told me, it don’tcost a lot either. I had thestuffed shells and sausageand it was out of this world. Ieven showed him that I wassemi-fluent in Greek by say-ing Nick’s Bistro was defi-nitely not a “skartar” place.He laughed at that one. Youwant good food at good prices;you can’t go wrong at any ofNick’s places.

BOB DeLEO:AS GOOD IT GETS

I consider Bob DeLeo, thecurrent Speaker of the Houseup on Beacon Hill a realfriend. He has always been avoice and vote up on BeaconHill for working familiesacross the state. He has beena good Speaker and really isspeaking for all of us. He hasnever forgotten his roots orthe reason why he first ranfor elected office. He is hon-est, sincere, caring andknowledgeable. He has beenadding some much neededshine to the leadership posthe holds in high esteem.

He reminds me of anotherSpeaker of the House back inmy younger days. Anotherguy named Bob. I first methim back in the ’60s whenhe was a state rep for SavinHill Dorchester. His namewas Bob Quinn. He would goon to be Speaker and thenwas elected the state Attor-ney General. He and I still tothis day are friends.

Both these Bobs have sev-eral things in common. Nei-ther forgot their roots andboth see elective office as atrust from the people.SLICK WILLIE STILL AT IT

I don’t live in Lawrence. Ihave no plans to move toLawrence. I don’t vacation inLawrence. The only timeyou’ll find me in Lawrence isif I got caught driving my carwith my GPS on me. Latestnews from inside MayorWillie Lantiqua’s kingdom.Some 10,000 signatureshave been re-gathered to re-call Lantiqua but City Hallhas a printing error on itspart and new signature formswill be re-printed. Signatureswill have to be re-gathered.How many times, Mr.Speakah must the people ofLawrence endure this %#*?.

THE IOWA CAUCUSESThe caucuses are coming

up fast. Personally, I thinkthis big political event is wayoverrated. At the moment itlooks like Ron Paul might winthe January 3 voting there. Ihave, however, been listen-ing to Simon Conway’s Iowa

reports on the Iowa Caucuson Radio 1200 Boston on theJeff Katz morning show.Conway is a very uniqueguy. A British, conservative,Jewish, journalist who lovesto wear his cowboy boots. He’sinformative and quite enter-taining too.NORTH END CHRISTMAS

FUND LUNCHEONUSUAL SUCCESS

This year’s North EndChristmas Fund Lunch fetedformer Senate PresidentBobby Travaglini for his“years of service and contri-butions to the neighborhood.”Mayor Thomas Menino wasalso on hand to presentDonato Frattaroli, owner ofLucia Ristorante with the“Ferdinand Carangelo Hu-manitarian Award.”

DOWN IN NEW HAVENIt seems Mayor DeStefano

of New Haven is trying toengage the 10,000 or soillegal’s in his city. He iseven filing legislation at theirState House to allow undocu-mented New Haven residentsthe right to vote in city elec-tions. He wants to engagethem in the community.Nice gesture but totallyillegal. If he wants to “engage”then have city governmenthelp them with the processof being in New Havenlegally.NO CELL PHONES AT ALLThe National Safety Trans-

portation Board is now seek-ing to change the law ban-ning use of all cell phones atall times while driving. Isn’tthe job of the NSTB to inves-tigate horrible crashes, land,sea and air? Why does gov-ernment keep trying to saveus from ourselves? We don’tneed Mommy Governmentprotecting us from everythingall the time. Why stop withcell phones? Why not ban thedrinking of soda and coffeewhile driving? Why not out-law car radios too?

CONDOLENCES GO OUTTO THE BEASON FAMILYJoel E. Beason, Sr., 70, hus-

band of Susanne (Neubauer)Beason passed away on Fri-day, December 16th in OldLyme, Connecticut at thehome of his daughter WendyGavin. He was born inTitusville, PA. He graduatedfrom Slippery Rock State Uni-versity where he was a threesport athlete playing football,basketball and track. He re-ceived his master’s degree ineducation from SouthernConnecticut State Univer-sity. He resided in Florida. Heis also survived by his chil-dren: Joe Beason, Jr., WendyGavin, Gary Beason, eightgrandchildren and AnneZimmerman his sister. Hewas also a foster dad to fiveboys.

I never met him but I workwith his son Joel Beason, Jr.,and have heard of his father’sbattle recently with pancre-atic cancer. There is no goodtime to die for those left be-hind. Now he will live in theirmemories forever and as longas they remember, he trulylives.

SANTA 1 - SAUGUS 0The politically correct police

took a big hit up in Saugus

as Santa Claus has onceagain won the day and rodehis fire truck to the Sauguspublic schools to the enjoy-ment of all but a few who un-successfully tried to suck allthe joy out of Christmas. Ho,ho, ho, Santa rides again.America has lost its way sobadly in the past 30 yearsthat now even Santa is calleda religious figure. And wethought the fight over the “x-mas” terminology was theworse things could get, eh?

THANK YOUNorth End Athletic Associa-

tion, North End AgainstDrugs, the Nazzaro Centerand St. Agrippina Society forall they do for the North Endchildren for all these years.In the end, all that counts ishow strong we all work tomake our communitiesstrong and always safe, espe-cially for our children.

MURPHY SO RIGHT ONFEENEY APPOINTMENTThe Boston City Council

recently appointed former9-term City CouncilorMaureen Feeney to the posi-tion of City Clerk. Whilemany in the media lashedout at the City Council for aseemingly bag job, I think theCity Council made the rightchoice to replace the out-going Rosario Salerno whoDapper O’Neil dubbed “SisterSunshine.”

City Council PresidentSteve Murphy defendedFeeney getting the nod fromher former colleagues andsaid she was the best candi-date for the job. This was nota joke appointment. The votewas 10-1 with Charlie Yanceyvoting for another job appli-cant and Tito Jackson notvoting due to what he calleda lack of “transparency” inmaking Feeney the newclerk.

I’ve known Maureen formost of her 18 years on thecity council representingDorchester’s District 3. Shewas a great voice and vote forher constituents and will bean effective City Clerk, Shewas more than qualified forthis appointment.

As for the issue of perform-ing marriages during CityHall work hours, CouncilPresident Murphy and CityCouncilor Michael Ross havepresented an ordinance be-fore the council in the nextsession next month. An ordi-nance by the way I fullyendorse.

PETER BLUTE NEWDEPUTY GOP CHAIRMANFormer US Congressman

Peter Blute is back in poli-tics after just being appointeddeputy chairman of the Mas-sachusetts Republican Party.Since last in the public sec-tor, he spent seven years asa radio talk show host atWRKO in Boston and fivemore years at WCRN inWorcester. His job will beto help recruit candidates,delivering the GOP messageand media voice.

There’s new blood runningthe Bay State GOP and hope-fully with new blood will comenew ideas, focus and actionin re-building the slumpingpolitical party.

believes that the legislaturemust continue to advocatefor increased revenues forour community colleges be-cause it will lead to morejobs for our young people.He supports creating those“jobs of tomorrow” in bothbiotech and the allied healthfield.

NOAH has a good friend inSpeaker Bob DeLeo. He un-derstands quite well the rolethis and other communitygroups have on the future ofour urban neighborhoodslike East Boston.

As someone who has cov-

ered the news in East Bos-ton for almost 35 years, Iknow that the East Bostoncommunity succeeds be-cause of the constant workof community groups suchas NOAH and the consistentadvocacy of elected officialssuch as: Speaker Bob DeLeo,Sen. Anthony Petruccelli,Rep. Carlo Basile and CityCouncilor Sal LaMattina.

Kudos to Phil Giffee and allthe folks at Neighborhood ofAffordable Housing for a jobwell done!

• NOAH Holds 24th Annual Dinner (Continued from Page 7)

Run date: 12/30/11

Commonwealth of MassachusettsThe Trial Court

Middlesex Probate and Family Court208 Cambridge StreetCambridge, MA 02141

Docket No. MI11D4742DRDIVORCE SUMMONS BY

PUBLICATION AND MAILINGTADESSE ASSEFA TEGENA

vs.MESERET YITBAREK ABEBE

LEGAL NOTICE

To the Defendant:The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for

Divorce requesting that the Court grant adivorce for Irretrievable Breakdown of theMarriage 1B. The Complaint is on file at theCourt.

An Automatic Restraining Order has beenentered in this matter preventing you fromtaking any action which would negativelyimpact the current financial status of eitherparty. SEE Supplemental Probate CourtRule 411.

You are hereby summoned and requiredto serve upon: Derege Demissie Esq.,Demissie & Church, 929 MassachusettsAvenue, Suite 01, Cambridge, MA 02139your answer, if any, on or before February 7,2012. If you fail to do so, the court will pro-ceed to the hearing and adjudication of thisaction. You are also required to file a copy ofyour answer, if any, in the office of theRegister of this Court.

WITNESS, Hon. PETER C. DiGANGI,First Justice of this Court.

Date: December 28, 2011

Tara E. DeCristofaro, Register of Probate

To all persons interested in petitiondescribed:

A petition has been presented by MehdiBoujane requesting that: Mehdi Boujane Jr.A Minor By Mother Tina Saengsombat beallowed to change his/her/their name asfollows: Michael Joseph Saengsombat.

IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO,YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILEA WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAIDCOURT AT CAMBRIDGE ON OR BEFORETEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM)ON JANUARY 19, 2012.

WITNESS, HON. PETER C DiGANGI,First Justice of this Court.

Date: December 19, 2011Tara E. DeCristofaro, Register of Probate

Commonwealth of MassachusettsThe Trial Court

Middlesex Probate and Family Court208 Cambridge StreetCambridge, MA 02141

Docket No. MI11C0463CANOTICE OF PETITION FOR

CHANGE OF NAMEIn the Matter of

MEHDI BOUJANE JR.A Minor By Mother

TINA SAENGSOMBATOf WALTHAM, MA

LEGAL NOTICE

Run date: 12/30/11

LEGAL NOTICECommonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial CourtMiddlesex Probate and Family Court

208 Cambridge StreetCambridge, MA 02141

Docket No. MI11P6016EAIn the Estate of

STEPHEN D. RICHMONDLate of READING, MA 01867Date of Death June 28, 2011NOTICE OF PETITION FOR

APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATORTo all persons interested in the above

captioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that Mark Travers of Provincetown,MA or some other suitable person be ap-pointed administrator of said estate to serveWithout Surety.


MUPC SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICETo all persons who may have an interest in

the above-captioned estate, the Division ofMedical Assistance and, if interested, to theOffice of the Attorney General and the UnitedStates Department of Veterans Affairs;

Notice is being sent to you as you may havea legal interest in this case, in order to informyou of your rights.

Under the new Massachusetts UniformProbate Code Inventory and Accounts arenot required to be filed with the Court, butinterested parties are entitled to noticeregarding the administration from thePersonal Representative and can Petitionthe Court in any matter relating to the estate,including distribution of assets andexpenses of administration. Interestedparties are entitled to Petition the Courtto institute formal proceedings and toobtain orders terminating or restrictingthe powers of the appointed PersonalRepresentative.

Petitioner requests to be permitted to filea MUPC Bond.



Tara E. DeCristofaro, Register ofProbate Run date: 12/30/11

The Post-Gazetteaccepts memorials

throughout the year.

Please call

617-227-8929

RememberYour

Loved Ones

BOSTON POST-GAZETTE, DECEMBER 30, 2011

LEGAL NOTICECOMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Suffolk, SS. PROBATE COURTCase No. SU11E0154

To Ralph J. DeLeo of Middleton in the County of Essex and to all other persons interested.A petition has been presented to said Court by Joseph T. DeLeo of Mattapoisett in the County of

Plymouth representing that he holds as tenant in common undivided part or share of certain landlying in Boston in said County of Suffolk, and briefly described as follows:

1. Now comes, Joseph T. DeLeo, c/o Joseph V. Cattoggio, Jr., Attorney at Law. One SpragueStreet, Revere, MA 02151 (hereinafter referred to in this Petition as “Petitioner” and herebyrepresent the following:

2. Petitioner owns as tenant in common an undivided share of the following described Land(hereinafter referred to in this Petition as the “Land”) which Petitioner hereafter wishes to ownseparately;

A certain parcel of land with the buildings thereon now known and numbered 163 SaratogaStreet, situated in that part of Boston, Suffolk County, called East Boston, being part of lot 40 on a planby R.H. Eddy, dated June 1844, recorded with Suffolk Deeds, Plan Book 1, Plan 26, bounded anddescribed as follows:

Beginning at a point on the Southerly side of Saratoga Street distant twenty-five (25) feet from thecorner of Brooks Street, thence running

SOUTHEASTERLY: at right angle with Saratoga Street by land now or late of McIntire to the cornerof a fence, sixty (60) feet; thence running

SOUTHWESTERLY: by said fence and land of McIntire, twenty-five (25) feet; thence runningNORTHWESTERLY: by land now or late of the East Boston Company, sixty (60) feet to Saratoga

Street, thence runningNORTHWESTERLY: by Saratoga Street, twenty-five (25) feet to the point of beginning.Containing fifteen hundred (1500) square feet more or less or however otherwise said premises

may be bounded, measured or described, and be any or all of said measurements more or less.For Grantors title see deed recorded with the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds at Book 44265,

Page 306.The street address of the Land is:163 Saratoga Street, East Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts3. The common title to the Land is derived as tenants in common from a quitclaim deed

recorded on November 24, 2009 in Book 44265, Page 306 of the Suffolk County Registry ofDeeds.

4. The Land is all of the real estate held under that common title.5. The name and addresses of all the co-tenants and petitioner along with their respective inter

ests is as follows:1. Joseph T. DeLeo, 2 Marina Drive, Mattapoiset, Massachusetts (50%)2. Ralph J. DeLeo, 2 Town Road, Middleton, MA 01949 (50%)

6. Petitioner and each respondent/co-tenant have an estate as tenants in common in suchproperty to the extent of an undivided one-half interest in fee simple as tenants in common.

7. To the best of petitioners knowledge the following persons either are or claim to be mortgagees, lienors, attaching creditors or other persons having encumbrances on the Land: NONE.

8. Petitioner desires that the Land be sold at private sale for not less than fair market value butnot less than $255,000.00

Accordingly, Petitioner prays that the Land be partitioned according to law, and to that end that aCommissioner be appointed to make said partition by division of the Land or by sale, either publicor private, and conveyance of all or any part of the Land which the Court finds cannot be advanta-geously divided, said Commissioner to distribute and pay over the net proceeds of any sale in suchmanner as to make said partition just and equal or in proportional interest as aforesaid.

I, as “Petitioner” certify under the penalties of perjury that the statements set forth above are trueto the best of his or her knowledge, information and belief setting forth that he desires that - all thefollowing described part - of said land may be sold at private sale for not less than $255,000.00dollars and praying that partition may be made of all the land aforesaid according to law, and to thatend that a commissioner be appointed to make such partition and be ordered to make sale andconveyance of all, or any part of said land which the Court finds cannot be advantageously dividedeither at private sale or public auction, and be ordered to distribute the net proceeeds thereof

IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY SHOULD FILE A WRITTENAPPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT BOSTON BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE FORENOON-ON THE5TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2012 THE RETURN DAY OF THIS CITATION.

WITNESS, JOAN P. ARMSTRONG, Esquire, First Judge of said Cour t, this 6th day ofDecember, 2011.

Sandra Giovannucci, Register of ProbateRun date: 12/30/11




Docket No. MI11P5925EAIn the Estate ofPAUL J. RYAN

Late of WALTHAM, MA 02451Date of Death October 14, 2011

NOTICE OF PETITION FORPROBATE OF WILL

To all persons interested in the abovecaptioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that a document purporting to bethe last will of said decedent be proved andallowed and that Paul T. Ryan of North Billerica,MA be appointed executor/trix, named in thewill to serve Without Surety.


In addition, you must file a written affidavit ofobjections to the petition, stating specific factsand grounds upon which the objection isbased, within (30) days after the return day (orsuch other time as the court, on motion withnotice to the petitioner, may allow) inaccordance with Probate Rule 16.













JENNIE M. SCHIPANI a/k/aJENNIE SCHIPANI a/k/a

GENEVIEVE M. SCHIPANILate of NEWTON, MA 02458Date of Death JULY 20, 2006NOTICE OF PETITION FOR

APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATORTo all persons interested in the above

captioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that JESAMINE F. FUCCI of New-ton, MA or some other suitable person be ap-pointed administrator of said estate to serveWithout Surety.














THOMAS F. WALLACELate of BILLERICA, MA 01821

Date of Death November 25, 2010NOTICE OF PETITION FOR

PROBATE OF WILLTo all persons interested in the above

captioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that a document purporting to bethe last will of said decedent be proved andallowed and that Patrick Wallace of SouthHamilton, MA be appointed executor/trix,named in the will to serve Without Surety.















MILDRED AUSTINLate of MELROSE, MA 02176

Date of Death December 15, 2011NOTICE OF PETITION FOR


captioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that a document purporting to bethe last will of said decedent be proved andallowed and that F. Peter Waystack of Melrose,MA be appointed executor/trix, named in thewill to serve Without Surety.















EDNA E. GAY a/k/a EDNA GAYLate of STONEHAM, MA 02180

Date of Death November 6, 2011NOTICE OF PETITION FOR


captioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that a document purporting to bethe last will of said decedent be proved andallowed and that Agnes Dawson of Stoneham,MA be appointed executor/trix, named in thewill to serve Without Surety.















MARGARET M. GUNNINGLate of MEDFORD, MA 02155

Date of Death December 4, 2011NOTICE OF PETITION FOR


captioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that a document purporting to bethe last will of said decedent be proved andallowed and that Mary-Ellen Gunning ofStoneham, MA be appointed executor/trix,named in the will to serve Without Surety.















ALBERT LALUMIERE a/k/aALBERT P LALUMIERE

Late of MEDFORD, MA 02155Date of Death October 3, 2011

NOTICE OF PETITION FORPROBATE OF WILL

To all persons interested in the abovecaptioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that a document purporting to bethe last will of said decedent be proved andallowed and that Stephen Williamson ofSudbury, MA be appointed executor/trix,named in the will to serve Without Surety.















DOROTHEA R MINDENa/k/a DOROTHEA EILEEN MINDEN

Late of CONCORD, MA 01742Date of Death July 30, 2011NOTICE OF PETITION FOR


captioned estate, a petition has been presentedrequesting that a document purporting to bethe last will of said decedent be proved andallowed and that Henry T Minden of Concord,MA be appointed executor/trix, named in thewill to serve Without Surety.











Small AdsGet Big Results

BOSTON POST-GAZETTE, DECEMBER 30, 2011

by Richard Preiss

HOOPS and HOCKEY in the HUB

TOPS AT THE BREAK —The Bruins, who are, ofcourse, the defendingStanley Cup Champions,looked every bit as good asthat title suggests as theNational Hockey Leaguepaused for its recent Christ-mas Break.

The B’s entered the breakhaving won 20 of their last23 games, a rocket ship ridethat saw them climb frombeing a last place team atthe end of October to first inthe Eastern Conference asChristmas approached.

The Bruins owned a con-ference pacing 23-9-1 markthrough 33 games and per-haps just as importantly,were setting the standardfor the entire league in twovital statistical categories.

For the Black and Goldwere showing they could ac-complish things at both endsof the rink — on offense aswell as defense. The lastgame before the break theB’s put on an impressivedisplay of offensive power,downing the Florida Pan-thers, the leading team in

the Southeast Division, byan 8-0 count.

The eight goals enabledthe B’s to become the leagueleader in goals scored with119 while the shutout meantthe team was also pacing theNHL in fewest goals allowedwith 63.

Those were a pair ofmighty fine stars to put atopthe Bruins’ Christmas tree— resting just below the onethat represented the Stanley

Cup Championship. Addanother for leading theEastern Conference with47 points (just one behindthe league-leading ChicagoBlackhawks) and you had aYule tree blazing like a bea-con in the Bruins offices onCauseway Street.

So all was well at Christ-mas time at the Garden asthe members of the Bruinspaused to reflect on theaccomplishments attained

Boston Bruins versus the Florida Panthers.(Photos by Rosario Scabin, Ross Photography)

CORNER TALK by Reinaldo Oliveira, Jr.

It’s Buone Natale — ItalianFeliz Navidad — Spanish

Nollaig Shona Dhuit — IrishJoyeux Noel — French

Froehliche Weihnachten — GermanFeliz Natal — Portuguese

I’d miilad said oua sana saida — ArabicMerry Christmas — English

Greek Kala Christouyenna — GreekMo’adim Lesimkha. Chena tova — Hebrew

Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun — ChineseWesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia — Polish

LET’S REMEMBER THIS MESSAGETo all Fight Family Members,

I hope you had a “Merry Christmas!” and some punch! “God Bless America!” “POW!”

& God be with you all!

HOPE YOU ALL HAD A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

during the calendar year of2011. A Stanley Cup Cham-pionship in June, leadingthe Conference and first inthe league in most goalsscored and fewest goals al-lowed through Christmasplus the continued outstand-ing performances by goaliesTim Thomas and TuukkaRask.

Yes indeed, a banner yearfor the B’s as the calendarpages change to 2012. Whatthe New Year holds for theBruins remains to be un-veiled but if it’s anythinglike 2011, buckle your seatbeats and be prepared foranother memorable ride.

CAM COMMENTS — Inthe December issue ofSporting News MagazineBruins president Cam Neelyreflected on a number ofpoints concerning his ten-ure with the Bruins, bothas a player and front officeexecutive.

Neely, who retired some 15years ago in 1996 at age 31(has it really been thatlong?), noted that the B’scame close to winning theCup twice during his playingdays then added: “Winningthe Cup is what you getinvolved with an organiza-tion for. To have an opportu-nity to get back with anorganization in a mannerthat I felt worked for meand where I felt I could havesome kind of impact — itwas the right goal for me andthe right opportunity.”

He recalled that one of thebest times during his play-ing days was when the cir-cus came to town just astraining camp was ending.“We were gone for two weekson a West Coast road trip. Ithought it was fantastic tobreak camp and get away ona long trip.”

Neely was forced into earlyretirement by injuries. Buthe says he doesn’t dwellon it.

“I try not to worry abouthow things might havebeen different if medicaltechnology were betterwhen I played. I try not tolook at that — it’s too frus-trating and you’ll make your-self sick.”

IN MEMORIAM — Re-membering veteran Bruinsgame-night staffer JohnMossman, who died oneyear ago (January 1, 2011).Having a conversation withJohn was like talking to aworld guide from NationalGeographic. John and hiswife often took cruises — butnot the leisurely type thatlast for a week or so. Someof the ones they went onlasted up to 90 days.

Let’s see, there was theone that took them toNew Guinea, another thatexplored a good portion ofthe upper Amazon River inBrazil and yet another thatstopped at many of the portsin the various nations thatline the coast of Africa. Thatbook that lists a thousandplaces to see before onepasses on — John was for-tunate enough to live it.

COMMENTARY — It wasChris Ford, then serving ascoach of the Celtics, whoobserved that Christmas “isthe No. 1 family day of theyear.”

Yet it is the NBA thatcontinues to go againstthat value, choosing toplay five games on the daythat means family to somany. Some may say thatthe millionaire playersshould play on a day such asthis.

But such a view neglectsto take into account thesmall army of people whoalso must work on the dayof a game, even if that dayis Christmas Day. For in-stance, there are box officepersonnel, ticket takers,ushers, food vendors, park-ing lot attendants, securitypersonnel and sanitationservices staff that never geton TV but still must reportto work. Across the NBA it isindividuals such as these,performing thankless tasksin low paying positions, whoare deprived of being withtheir loved ones.

In the future let’s have amoratorium on Christmasgames so everyone mayenjoy “the No. 1 family dayof the year” with thosewho are near and dear tothem.

Heating & Air ConditioningSales, Service & Installation

Ken Shallow617.593.6211

Fully InsuredLic #017936

[email protected]

VOL. 115 - NO. 52 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER 30,...

Documents

Transcript of VOL. 115 - NO. 52 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER 30,...