News, Notes and Whatever

By Phil Orlandella

FOCCP makes Columbus Park a community place to be

For 25 years, a group of residents calling themselves “Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) committed to taking care of the park.

The all-volunteer nonprofit group, right from the start, worked with the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, as caretakers of the beautiful park and its gardens have kept the park in tip-top shape.

Located on Atlantic Avenue on the outskirts of the North End, Columbus Park has become an asset to the neighborhood in many ways.

In addition to caring for the park, FOCCP has presented many events, activities and programs for the community to enjoy throughout the years.

FOCCP has been dedicated and determined to continue its mission of public service for another 25 years, or more!

August activities at Armenian Park

August events at Armenian Heritage Park hosted by the Friends of the park located on the Greenway are listed below.

Sunday, August 9 at 7:30pm-Let’s Get Together under the August Moon. Meet and greet, old and new friends. Dan Teager’s Black Sea Salsa Combo.

Sunday, August 23 at 7pm-Celebrating What Unites Us! Highlights: Barbados (rain date August 30).

FIFA Watch at Columbus Park

Christopher Columbus Park on Atlantic Avenue in the North End was packed with soccer fans and others to view a FIFA World Cup Soccer Game between France and Morocco on a huge wide screen.

The quarter final game won by France 2-0 was hosted by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP),

With the American team out of the picture, fans quickly found the best spot possible to cheer and watch the game.

Armenian Independence Day celebration September 19

A celebration of culture, tradition and heritage through music, dance, cuisine, storytelling and community in honor of Armenian Independence Day will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 1-8pm at Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway.

Celebrate Armenia is a collaboration of Kamurjner (Bridges) Cultural Connections and Friends of Armenian Heritage Park, an initiative of the Armenian Heritage Foundation, together with everyone joining in the celebration.

NEWNC supports 139-140 Richmond Street proposal

A request to change the legal occupancy at 139-140 Richmond Street to 20 residential units, restaurant with takeout, retail store, beauty salon, wireless communications equipment and roof deck was supported by the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) at their July monthly meeting.

NEWNC’s agenda also included a request to build a four-story, single house with an in-law unit on the first floor with a garage on the bottom level at 6 Thacher Street.

NEWNC did not take any vote on this request because the owner/contractor Abdel Khalil was a no show.