It was a grand affair for the sendoff for Carl Ameno, who is retiring as Director of the Nazzaro Community Center after 45 years in service to the City of Boston. The farewell dinner was held on Tuesday, May 8th at Filippo’s Ristorante in Boston’s North End.
State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz gave an impassioned speech recalling his fond memories growing up with Carl at the Nazzaro Center. He joined in presenting official citations with State Senator Joe Boncore and City Councilor Lydia Edwards. Also reminiscing were former House Speaker Sal DiMasi, Eliot School Principal Traci Walker Griffith, Carl’s partner Maria Shea and several neighborhood parents including dinner organizers Rebecca Griffin and Karen D’Amico.
As for the future of the Nazzaro Center, longtime staffer Laurie D’Elia is serving as Interim Director through the Summer months. City officials expect to begin a hiring process for a permanent director by the Fall of 2018.
The design of a new North End Community Center will begin in earnest this year at a to-be-determined location in the neighborhood. The City’s FY19 budget has funded $3 million toward the design effort, that will include public meetings.