Opinion

By Phil Orlandella

Old Neighborhood Shops Fading Away

Another neighborhood business is closing its doors this September and will be gone forever.

Maria’s North End Pastry Shop located at 46 Cross St. is the latest community business that has gone by the boards because of the Big Dig and several other major projects on the outskirts of the North End.

It appears that more and more old-time North End businesses will begin to become extinct in the near future.

It’s this sign of the times. Too bad.

Gun Background Checks Should be a Priority

Gun related incidents continue to make the headlines in Boston, proving that gun-control reform action needs to take place as soon as possible and it’s long overdue.

Strong and sensible gun laws is in the hands of the Federal Government that has the power to make this happen but the leadership in the Senate has gone out to lunch on the two bills passed by the House and Senate that will close serious holes in the Nation’s background check system.

These bills have been sitting in the Senate for about 7 months and unless some real pressure occurs, they could remain in limbo for some time.

Stopping gun violence and combating illegal gun trafficking should be a public safety priority, so let’s make some needed changes to at least begin dealing with background checks.

District A-1 Police Honor Martignetti

Lifelong North End resident Ralph Martignetti (known as the Comish) has been honored by the District A-1 Boston Police for his many years of community service.

Ralph has taken a so-so North End Athletic Association (NEAA) baseball program and made it an outstanding hit in the neighborhood.

Besides Little League, a slumping Minor League program was

re-established along with a Clinic and T-ball program by the Comish.

In addition, Ralph took a defunct Babe Ruth League and created the Dodgers traveling teams for older baseball players. Even a girls’ softball league popped up on short notice.

Besides volunteering his time making the baseball programs available to local girls and boys, Ralph is also involved in many other neighborhood activities and endeavors.

District A-1 Police belted a grand slam selecting Ralph for this prestigious community award that was well deserved.

NEAD ‘It’s All About Family’

For 30 years, North End Against Drugs (NEAD), a non-profit all volunteer community group, has taken on the challenge of preventing drug use in the community.

Through educational activities and family neighborhood events, NEAD appears to be making a huge dent in the local program.

Drug use clearly affects users, their families, friends and the community as well.

NEAD’s logo: “It’s All About Family,” expresses the goals of the organization.

Committee Planning Columbus Day Parade/Events

The North End will host the 2019 Christopher Columbus Day Parade featuring many bands, entertainment, and a wide range of organizations participating in the semi-annual parade through the streets of the North End and Boston.

Coordinating this special event is the North End Columbus Day Committee who are working diligently to produce an enjoyable day for local residents and others that plan to attend the Sunday, October 13 event that begins at 1 PM at City Hall Plaza.

Kudos to the Committee, City Hall, Boston Police and everyone else that is helping to make the parade a success in the historic neighborhood.

North End Feasts Went Smoothly

When everything is said and done, the 2019 religious feasts held in the North End went smoothly.

Coordination between residents, Societies, Boston Police and the Mayor’s Office made for an enjoyable and fun filled festivals that drew thousands of people into the community.

Public safety and health issues were prioritized by all the players involved with managing these very popular and well attended community events.

School’s In/Drive Safely

September marks the beginning of the school year. A reminder to motorists to drive slowly, especially in school districts and bus stops.

Thousands of students will be making their way to public and private educational facilities and need to be safe from vehicular accidents.

The Golden Rule is to pay close attention to what is happening when behind the wheel.