News, Notes and Whatever

By Phil Orlandella

NEWRA/NEWNC seek memberships

Both the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) and the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC), volunteer neighborhood groups that care and lookout for the welfare and safety of the community can use additional members to service on the boards and their respective committees.

Becoming a member provides residents an opportunity to get involved in community related issues and concerns.

NEWRA and NEWNC conduct monthly meetings, (that are open to the public) to address agenda items that relate directly to the community.

The only difference is NEWNC members are elected by the community for two-year terms. Candidates must secure signatures of residents on a nomination paper and placed on a ballot for a public election (one day) at a designed site determined by the active group. Eight seats (half the committee) are elected every other year and results are announced the day of the election,

NEWNC will promote the election with flyers and press articles.

FOCCP Horticultural Committee captures Garden Contest

Hard work, dedication and creativeness to keep the gardens beautiful, healthy and clean earned the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) Horticulture Committee the 2025 Mayor’s Garden Contest.

Many visitors and residents visited the garden and enjoyed the flowers and took photos.

Reportedly, the all-volunteer group is already gearing up to win again next year.

Poetry Readin at the Library

            A poetry reading featuring local author and poet Harris Gardner was held at the North End Library sponsored by the Friends of the North End Library (FONEL).

Gardner read from his latest poetry collection, “No Time for Death”.

After the reading, there was an open mic for anyone who wanted to share their own work.

Gardner has been featured at many venues in New England over the years.

Old North Illuminated digital Speaker Series

Old North Illuminated will feature a compelling online conversation with Historian Jen Manion exploring queer and trans histories from early America as they appeared in print.

Set for February 11 from 7-8:30pm, Manion will explore how people understood and talked about gender identity and sexuality before modern terms like Transgender or homosexual existed.

Using newspapers, magazines and children’s literature from early America, Manion will share stories of queer pioneers.

The program is part of Old North Illuminated ongoing commitment to public history and community dialogue.

To register visit www.oldnorth.com/events.

NEAA Baseball Opening Day April 25

This year’s North End Athletic Association (NEAA) Baseball Opening Day will take place on Saturday, April 25 and run through mid-June.

All teams will play on Opening Day and games will continue Monday through Thursday at Langone Park on Commercial Street.

“We (NEAA) are looking forward to another great year of baseball.” Commissioner Ralph Martignetti said.

Opening Day will provide players the opportunity to showcase their baseball talents and offer residents a special day at the ball park that will also offer refreshments, food, several activities and events for everyone to enjoy.

Families and fans, if they choose can make a donation to the NEAA at this community event.