Opinion

By Phil Orlandella

Read between the lines

A recently published Herald article claiming Mayor Martin J. Walsh save the North End Nursing Home on Fulton Street was not fair to the many other groups and elected officials who were involved in the neighborhood endeavor.

Yes, the Mayor was instrumental in keeping the doors open at the 34-year-old community facility but, the person interviewed failed to mention anyone else for their time-consuming, outstanding and dedicated effort that helped make it possible for the home to remain open and operational.

Not mentioned in the article were: Senator Joe Boncore, Representative Aaron Michlewitz, City Councilor Sal LaMattina, the Adhoc Committee, NEWRA, NEWNC, North End Waterfront.com, Post Gazette and the Regional Review.

This was a neighborhood effort that kept the Nursing Home open and it should have been published in that manner.

Read between the lines!

Mayoral race could get out of hand

Boston’s upcoming mayoral election has all the makings of a possible mudslinging campaign.

Depending on what the polls start to indicate and what and how the media plays it, will dictate the tune of this election.

It’s possible, the race for the city’s top post, could get out of hand. Hopefully not, but don’t count on it.

Voters should decide who is the best qualified candidate.

NEAA needs volunteer baseball coaches

It’s only February but the North End Athletic Association (NEAA) is already looking for 2017 baseball season coaches.

Commissioner Ralph Martignetti is seeking volunteers to help staff the baseball program. Coaches are specifically needed for age groups 4-9.

This is a great opportunity to work with children and to get involved with the neighborhood. The commitment is usually weekdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

For details contact Martignetti at rmartig5@gmail.com.

Protecting Hanover Street trees

The North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) Parks and Open Spaces Committee is seeking to protect the trees on Hanover Street by placing a specific kind of barrier around them at a cost of $800 each.

            Since the Boston Public Works Department will not pay for them, the committee is looking at some sort of fundraiser to get the job accomplished but needs additional volunteer members to come up with ideas and implement them in order to protect these trees that add some beautification to the neighborhood.