Opinion

By Phil Orlandella

Mayor’s Neighborhood Coffee Hour sets a good tone

Each year, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, holds a North End Coffee Hour in Christopher Columbus Park to meet with residents, answer their many questions and talk about happenings within the neighborhood.

Residents seem to enjoy meeting with the Mayor and expressing their point of view on ongoing and future developments in the neighborhood.

Discussing issues over a cup of coffee and a donut seems to work out for both the Mayor and community residents.

Held in a pleasant atmosphere, the community Coffee Hour with the Mayor, is a nice touch for an informational and productive public meeting with the neighborhood in general.

It’s something that probably should occur more often.

NEAA Dodgers Baseball Program needs financial support

Another season of North End Athletic Association (NEAA) Dodgers baseball traveling teams is about to begin with four teams participating in several leagues this summer.

Basically, teens have been selected and are rearing to get the season underway. Home games will be played at Puopolo Park on Commercial Street.

Participating in the summer leagues provides valuable baseball experience for players and coaches. It’s a great opportunity to improve baseball skills and travel to different cities and towns to compete against other teams.

Having local teams participate in the state-wide games is extremely expensive.

In an effort to continue to provide the opportunity for local teams to compete outside of the neighborhood, the NEAA is seeking financial support in the form of paying for umpires. ($150 per home game)

This is a great opportunity for the neighborhood and the business community to support a major baseball program for local youth.

North End remembers a special person

The annual Anthony “Wrinkles” Morella Memorial Street Hockey Tournament, once again held in the Polcari Playground (Gassy) grows bigger and better each year.

It seems more and more North End and former North End residents are involved with the special event coordinating and attending the tournament which benefits the Fund for Autistic Children.

Anthony, a lifelong resident of the North End, was stricken with autism. He was probably one of the nicest people you could have ever met.

It’s totally nice at the North End remembers the special person that made everyone happy.

NEAA Majors All Star Game a smash

Langone Field was full of spectators for the 2017 North End Athletic Association (NEAA) All Star Game, featuring the best players participating in this year’s Major’s Little League season.

As usual, the players were all geared up to showcase their baseball talent and they did just that and more.

Many team and individual awards were presented following the traditional All Star Game.

            This game seems to get bigger and better.