Commissioner Gross Guest Speaker at Nead Family Dinner/Family Talk

A standing room only group of residents and other members of the North End Against Drugs (NEAD) filled the Nazzaro Community Center Hall for the November 18 Family Dinner/Family talk event that featured guest speaker Boston Police Commissioner William Gross.

The first half of the community event, the Commissioners spent time sitting with the participants, talking with parents and children.

He colored and made crafts with the children and posed for photos with them and their parents.

As the dinner, prepared by Mangia, Mangia on Endicott Street, was over and dessert was being served, the Commissioner spoke to the group.

He spoke about growing up on a farm moving to Boston when he was about 11 years old, and the importance of family, a solid foundation and trust, according to NEAD President John Romano.

“He’s stressed the importance of working together, having each other’s back and taking care of each other,” Romano noted.

“Not only was his message powerful it was amazing the way he talked directly to each and every child, teenager and parents,” Romano added.

The Commissioner praised everyone for taking the time out to attend the NEAD event to help lay out a strong foundation by attending the important meeting. He also praised community leaders for working with families, children and teenagers.

He let everyone in the room know they had a friend in him and that he was proud of his police officers, thanking them for their hard work.

Helping to coordinate the special event were: NEAD Board Members, John Pregmon, Ann Fitzgerald, Maria Lanza, Karen D’Amico, Mike Giannasoli, Maria Michlewitz, Teddy Boyle, Olevia Scimeca, Laurie Melendez, Patricia Romano and Steven Siciliano.

The event also kicked off the Friends of Saint Francis House winter hat and glove collection drive.