At age 85, Paul Schratter believes that his public service has kept him feeling young.  For focusing his energy on promoting the welfare of those in his community, the North End/West End NSC acknowledges Paul Schratter. 

Ten years ago – after 50 years in the business world – Paul retired.  Since then, he has dedicated himself to improving the quality of life for his neighbors in the West End of Boston.  He first got involved in his community when his neighborhood was overcome by new construction.  He joined the West End Civic Association (WECA), serving as President and board member. 

During his tenure, WECA has dealt with numerous development projects that contributed to the re-establishment of the West End. The development of a shopping center along Cambridge Street and the expansion plans of Massachusetts General Hospital moved forward, but the needs of the elderly and handicapped remained at the forefront. 

Paul also helped to garner support for development projects in the area by serving on several Impact Advisory Groups appointed by Mayor Menino. He is a volunteer public relations consultant and member of the Advisory Council of Boston’s Commission for Elderly Affairs.  For the past three years Paul has been a member of the NE/WE NSC’s Advisory Board, where he and his wife Marlis have advocated for critical issues like an affordable, accessible supermarket for seniors in the West End. 

“Thanks to Paul’s staunch advocacy, a senior center will soon be opening in our neighborhood,” said Lia Tota, director the NE/WE NSC. “This is just one example of many in which his efforts have resulted in real action and positive change.”