In a neighborhood where cash is king, does phasing out pennies really save?

I was shocked to see a credit card terminal appear in Sulmona last year. And I'll never get used to being asked "cash or credit" in Parziale's. So we're headed in a cash-less direction in the North End. But there are still many hold outs that only accept cash in our little corner. How will the Treasury's plan to stop minting pennies play out?

Hospitalization and psychiatric evaluation order issued for for accused Margaret St attacker

Cornelius Ivey Williams appeared today with his attorney in front of Judge Richard Sinnott at Boston Municipal Court Central where a Doctor Jackson recommended hospitalization and a psychiatric evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital for Williams.

Williams was arrested in connection with the assault that took place the night of May 14th on Margaret street and has been charged with INDECENT A&B ON PERSON 14 OR OVER and ASSAULT TO RAPE.

72 species of birds reported in Downtown in third annual Big Day Boston birding event

The third annual Big Day Boston downtown birding event was held Saturday May 3rd at Copp's Hill Terrace. Participants competed to spot the most species of birds during a six hour window in the Downtown area including the North End, Charlestown, and Beacon Hill.

The winner, Patrick Fellion of Milton, saw 51 species including a Louisiana Waterthrush. 72 total species were reported.

Full event recap on the Big Day Boston website ↗️.

Third annual Big Day Boston downtown birding competition to be held in May

The third annual Big Day Boston downtown birding competition will be held May 3rd at Copp's Hill Terrace.

Register for Big Day Boston 2025

Described as the anti-competition birding competition, Big Day Boston aims to bring awareness of the abundance and diversity of birds in Boston's downtown.

Last year, participants reported 66 species; in 2023, we saw 78!

Chocolate & Wine on Salem? Neighborhood Council Meeting Monday, April 14th

A single voting item is on the agenda for Monday's Neighborhood Council meeting. Betty Petrova seeks to obtain a Beer & Wine license to sell specialty European wines from her proposed store, Petrova Chocolates, at 61 Salem.

In addition to the voting item, the Neighborhood Council will also hear a presentation from Mark Callahan, head of development for the firm that wishes to convert 123 North Washington under the City's office to residential conversion program.

NEW Health Lunch and Learn for older North End adults

Next Friday, March 14th. Noon at Nazzaro.

NEW Health will be hosting a Lunch and Learn for older North End adults at the Nazzaro Center on Friday, March 14th at 12 pm. This class will be led by Dr. Yassi Zarbafian, a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health.

Space is limited for the event. If you wish to join, please email Danny Coakley or call (617) 643-8105.

Patrick Mendoza released from Suffolk County House of Correction - time served

You may see a familiar face wandering the North End - just not on Hanover Street between Cross and Parmenter. Pat Mendoza has been released from prison roughly 18 months after he fired several rounds at acquaintance Rocco Giovanello on a busy Hanover Street in front of Modern Pastry back in July 2023.

Mr. Mendoza spent the following week on the run before turning himself in to police from a treatment facility on the Cape.

He was held until April 2024 at which time he was released on bail with restrictions which included wearing a GPS bracelet.