Joanne Hayes Rines, President of the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) plans to step down following her term as the leader of the non-profit, all-volunteer neighborhood group, but she will remain with the group at some capacity.
Recently honored by the Boston City Council for her 17 years with FOCCP, Rines has worked hard to make the public park a safe, beautiful and active place for residents and park goers to enjoy.
Joanne and FOCCP members are the caretakers of the popular public park along with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.
Her vision has kept the park a great place to visit and participate in the many fun-filled family activities held each year.
A well-deserved public recognition!
NEMPAC to honor Griffith and Sidell
Tracy Walke Griffith, Director of the Eliot K-8 Innovation School is retiring this summer after 34 years of successful and outstanding service with the school system.
She will be honored at the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) Soiree.
Also being honored at the event is Robin Sidell, Chef and owner of North Street Grille, a longtime leader who supports local organizations, including NEMPAC.
Owner of 139-145 Richmond Street proposes unit increase/roof deck
One possible voting agenda item that will be on the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) September 10 monthly meeting is a request by the owner of 139-145 Richmond Street who is seeking building and zoning code relief to do interior changes that will increase the number of residential apartments from 17 to 20 units and to also add a common roof deck on the six-story building.
NEWRA will meet at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street at 6pm.
Exciting line-up of events on the Greenway
It’s been another banner year for the Rose Kennedy Greenway with numerous events, activities and programs on the public park for thousands of visitors to take part in and enjoy.
More exciting events have been lined up by the Greenway Conservancy which manages the park and continues to make the park a welcoming place for recreation, relaxation and a community connection, while providing quality events throughout the year.
For a full listing visit www.rosekennedyhreenway.com.
Paul Revere House Theme of Crafts
Join the Paul Revere House to continue to explore the Theme of Crafts through 2026.
During the Paul Revere’s Boston event series that welcomes old and new friends, to carry on musical, artistic and even scientific traditions between 1-3pm each week.
Email [email protected] for a complete schedule and locations.
FOCCP meeting November 10
The Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Mariners House, 11 North Square,
NEWNC meeting September 14
The next North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) meeting will be held on Thursday, September 14 at 7pm at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street.
NEMPAC Soiree fundraiser
A magical evening of community cabaret, an evening to remember under the stars will be held by the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) in Paul Revere Mall on September 24.
The 10th annual Soiree fundraiser will feature theme décor and performances with guests encouraged to dress the part.
Following the Soiree there will be dancing at the DePasquale Ventures Mia roof deck. There will also be a silent auction.
For info visit www.cho.io/app/public/bidapp/nempac2026.
Armenian Independence Day celebration
The Friends of Armenian Heritage Park will celebrate Armenian’s Independence Day on September 19 from 1-8pm at the park. Rain date September 26.
Join the Friends in celebrating culture, tradition and heritage through music, dance, storytelling, cuisine and community.
FOCCP Family Fun Day
Stop by Christopher Columbus Park on Saturday, September 19 for FOCCP’s second Family Fun Day.
Thanks to the support of FOCCP’s sponsors and members of the all-volunteer group, the west lawn of the park will be filled with lawn games provided by Knucklebones from 12noon-3pm.
Enjoy giant Jenga, KidFit elliptical, badminton, mazes and much more.
Armenian Heritage Park fundraiser
Join the Friends of Armenian Heritage Park on September 24 to raise funds for the park’s endowed fund for the care and maintenance of the park.
The event will be held at the InterContinental Hotel. For more info email hello@armenian.
Paul Revere House Lecture Series
The Paul Revere House Fall Lecture Series: “Engrave, paint, weavers, craft person in Massachusetts” will be held at Smith Commons, Sargeant Hall, 5th Floor, Suffolk University free to the public with lectures recorded after the fact.
Join Executor Director Nina Zannieri and two noted silver experts for a thoughtful discussion on Revere perhaps best known as America’s best silversmith on Monday, September 14 and 28 and October 5 and 26 from 6:30-7:45pm. For info email [email protected].
First Tomasone scholarships applications available
The first North End Athletic Association (NEAA) Ted Tomasone annual Scholarship Program is currently accepting applications.
All North End residents, current 2026 NEAA players, coaches, directors and volunteers or children of current NEAA coaches, directors or volunteers are eligible.
Winners will be selected by the NEAA scholarship committee. The scholarships will be awarded at a small ceremony on Tuesday, October 20 at the Boston Center for Youth and Family, Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street.
Deadline for applying is Monday, September 28. Applications can be submitted at www.forms.gle/ydivGbBd6ZqKjCKe8.
Applications are available at the Center and returned to the Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 130784, Boston, MA 02113. All mail in applications must be postmarked no later than September 28.
How many scholarships will be awarded or the amount of the scholarships has not been determined as yet.