East Boston: Club Holds Year-End Festival

By Br. Bob Metell, SDB

(East Boston, MA – July 10) – This year’s year-end celebration got a damp start. Just as we were about to begin, a thunderstorm rolled in. Fortunately, it was brief, and the festival kicked off.

This year’s festival featured a banquet with a Chinese buffet, food provided by China Dragon, an East Boston Chinese restaurant.

A local clown was the central attraction as he performed magic tricks and made animal balloons. The New England Revolution Soccer League set up a soccer kick-off booth with prizes and awards for the Salesian Boys and Girls’ Club members. They also ran a soccer clinic.

Other fun-filled events included two bounce houses. One was an obstacle course, while the other was jack-in-the-box themed. Face painting and the cotton candy stand were always big hits.

On a sadder note, in early June, the Club’s staff and members bid farewell and best wishes to Fr. Bill Bucciferro, SDB, who left us to join the Salesian community in Port Chester, NY. For many years, Fr. Bill served as the Club’s youth minister. Fr. Bill and I worked together with the weekly Faith Time sessions and Good Nights. In the past few years, Fr. Bill worked closely with Maria, the Club’s arts and crafts instructor, and used art projects to evangelize the Club’s members and staff. Everyone truly loves and misses Fr. Bill.

On behalf of the Club members, the Salesian community of East Boston and its staff and administration, I express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support.