Arlington residents, union members and Arlington public school staff members gathered at the Sons of Italy Hall on the night of Saturday, Oct. 4, to support Stavroula Bouris, former Ottoson Middle School principal, and Chuck Coughlin, former Ottoson technology teacher. Both were present. The event, the second of its kind in a year, was called ThanksForGiving II. The 2007 event, the first benefit for the pair last November, was called ThanksForGiving because it occurred the day after Thanksgiving Day.

Turnout, lower than in 2007, was still strong. Approximately 80 people in the room were counted at one point. The event spanned the entire evening, so the total number of attendees likely exceeded 100. Last November, the hall was packed with at least 300 people.

Among those present were Frank Mondano, the attorney representing Coughlin in arbitration, and his wife.

The purpose of the event was to financially support Bouris, Coughlin and their families. The pair were dismissed by Nathan Levenson in August 2007, when he was superintendent. Levenson resigned this past August. The pair were dismissed for alleged improprieties in their use of the school e-mail system and alleged unprofessional behavior.

The allegations and terminations were highly controversial and may have been connected to Levenson's resignation.

The amount raised Oct. 4 remains unknown. Ron Colosi Jr., president of the Arlington Education Association, has been asked for an estimate and for comment.

The mood in the room was noticeably more upbeat than it was last year, likely due to the recent developments regarding Levenson and the arbitration case involving Coughlin. The pair are seeking to have back their positions in the Arlington public schools.

Fund-raising activities included ticket sales, a silent auction offering Patriots tickets, computer services, food and wine, jewelry, and artwork, among other items, in addition to donations made by attendees and other donors.

To donate, those supporting Bouris and Coughlin request checks payable to the Thanks For Giving Foundation be sent to:

Arlington Education Association
637 Massachusetts Ave.
Arlington, MA 02476

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