Daniel Canney, III

Of Charlestown

Daniel E. Canney, III of Charlestown died suddenly on April 8.

He was the beloved son of Daniel E. and Margaret T. (Meehan) Canney; loving brother of Michael G. Canney of Charlestown, Catherine T. Donahue and her husband, Dana of Ohio and Mary Beth Hetherton of Winthrop; nephew of Mary Canney of Medford and Patricia Meehan of Quincy; uncle of John, Kimberly, Nicole Donahue, Jaclyn, William, and Carolyn Hetherton and is also survived by many cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Saturday April 12 in the Murphy & Turnbull Funeral Home, 322 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA 02129 from 8 to 10 a.m. To be followed by a Funeral Mass in the St. Francis de Sales Church, Charlestown at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Danny’s name may be made to the St. Francis de Sales Building Fund, 303 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA. 02129. Interment will be private.

For acknowledgements and memories, visit: murphyturnbull.com

The Charlestown Mite A team began the season in the Fall of 2013 with big changes.  Its former league, the Greater Boston Youth Hockey League (GBYHL) had recently folded.  The GBYHL’s former teams, which were primarily comprised of teams from Boston’s larger neighborhoods, disbursed to find new leagues.  Many of those teams found a new home in the Valley Hockey League, one of the largest youth hockey leagues in the nation.  The Mite teams alone are comprised of over 70 teams from Boston, Metro West, North Shore, Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire.

Being new to the league, the Charlestown Mite A team was placed in the middle of the pack for the “Parity Round”, which is a series of seven games at the beginning of the season that determined the level of play for the teams’ regular season.  After outscoring their opponents 134 to 12, the team was placed at the Mite Elite level, where it would face big suburban programs and old cross-town rivals.  As the season progressed, this team with a small roster would go on to skate stride-for-stride with opponents and find a way to win.

During the season, the team experienced the highs of beating Dorchester in sudden death overtime to win the Mayor’s Cup.  It also experienced the lows of a heartbreaking defeat to a former GBYHL rival, South Boston, in the finals of Charlestown’s Bryan McGonagle Tournament.

As the regular season came to a close, the team earned a first seed in the playoffs by winning the Valley League’s National Mite Elite Division.  The team advanced to the playoff finals where it would face the same South Boston team that had handed them defeat in the McGonagle Tournament.

In the playoff finals, the team built a 3 – 0 lead in the first period.  Aggressive pursuit of the puck and excellent defense would eventually lead to a 12 – 2 Charlestown victory.  After shaking hands and receiving their trophies, both teams showed great sportsmanship by joining for a combined team photo, celebrating the fact that two “City” teams and old Boston rivals had made it to the championship game in their first year of a much larger league.

Robbery-Knife-Taxi

04/01/14 – A victim reported that he picked up two fares in Somerville, and when he dropped them off on McNulty Court, one suspect grabbed him from behind while the second punched him with a knife handle.

The victim bit one of the suspects to get free. The second suspect then attempted to stab the victim before grabbing loose change and fleeing into one of the buildings.

The victim sustained a minor cut during the altercation.

Motor Vehicle Accident- Leaving Scene

04/03/14 – Officers responded to Spice Street for a report of a person struck by a motor vehicle.

Upon arrival, police learned the victim had succumbed to his injuries. As a result of the subsequent investigation, the suspect’s vehicle was located and the driver taken into custody.

Shots Fired

04/03/14 – Officers responded to the Bunker Hill housing development for a report of shots fired and located 16 spent shell casings in the area of Walford Way. At that time, no one was injured.

Detectives are investigating the incident.

Drugs

04/03/14 – As a result of a drug investigation in the area of Decatur Street, three individuals were placed under arrest for possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute.

Trespassing

04/06/14 – Officers in the area of Medford Street placed an individual under arrest for violation of a no-trespass order.

On page 12 of this week’s newspaper, there is the story of local veterans donating their time and talents to help restore the USS Cassin Young.

We want to publicly thank these volunteers for doing this work.  We know that given the tight budget constraints as well as the ever increasing need of tax dollars to help just maintain an ever shrinking safety net that repairs to an old destroyer would be put off to the point of where officials would just sink the old ship — almost the fate of our USS Constitution.

What is important is not the fact that this was a ship that was used in both World War II and Korean War, but the fact that men served and died on this ship that helped protect the liberties that we enjoy today.

The USS Cassin Young and many of the other battleships of previous wars that are on display throughout the country are a tangible reminder of the human cost of war.

Today, unlike many of our previous wars, like the Civil War, a smaller percentage of families are personally affected by the high cost of war.

We hope that the stories of just ordinary citizens who served on the USS Cassin Young and who did extraordinary deeds in the heat of battle will continue to remind an ever-increasing removed population of the terrible cost of war.

After 18 years of dedicated work in Boston Police District A-1, Sergeant Tom Lema will be moving on to another assignment as a Lieutenant.

Sergeant Lema has worked hard has worked with the community to reduce crime. He was committed and dedicated to make the neighborhood safe and was available 24/7 to respond to any problems in the community.

Sergeant Lema also did a great job with the monthly Boston Police Charlestown Public Safety meetings where the community had the opportunity to relate to police on a first hand basis.

Congratulations, Sergeant Lema, on your promotion. You will be missed.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority is floating an idea in Charlestown to begin using Impact Advisory Groups or IAGs for large projects in the neighborhood.

Historically since the 1980s the Charlestown Neighborhood Council (CNC) has been the overseer of projects in the neighborhood. The CNC has given recommendations to the City of Boston in regards to design, scope and mitigation regarding any project being constructed in the neighborhood.

While other, larger neighborhoods in Boston have used IAGs successfully as a way to bring representatives from across a neighborhood together to focus a neighborhood-wide effort on a project. For example, in neighboring East Boston, an IAG was formed to oversee the design and construction of the new branch library. There, representatives from Eastie’s three neighborhood councils and residents in the impacted areas were appointed to make sure the project ran smoothly.

However, Charlestown’s relatively small size (one square mile) has made the CNC the defacto IAG for all projects over the past three decades.

Now, there are a lot of unanswered questions of why Charlestown would need IAGs and whether or not an IAG would be repeating work the CNC is already doing in the community.

CNC board member Dave Whelan said there’s some conflicting information on how the IAGs would operate in the neighborhood.

“The biggest question I have is how an IAG would work in concert with the CNC,” said Whelan. “With the CNC already making recommendations, some accepted and others rejected by the city, would using IAGs for projects be redundant?”

Whelan said it’s his understanding that the CNC would still be part of a community process on large projects before an IAG steps in and makes recommendations to the city on size, mitigation, etc.

“We have to see how the creation of IAGs would impact a process that has been in place since the 1980s,” said Whelan.

Following formal approval on April 1 by the Charlestown Neighborhood Council (CNC), the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved placing a cell phone tower by AT&T at St. Francis Church on Bunker Hill Street.

There was no opposition to the proposal at the March 31 community meeting that was held prior to the monthly meeting by the CNC and CNC board member Dave Whelan called the meeting a ‘love fest’.

“There were no concerns from the community what so ever,” said Whelan. “The cell tower proposed will be placed inside the church’s steeple so there will be no disruption to sight lines.”

Charlestown’s preservation society also signed off on the project citing no disruption to the church’s historic architecture.

St. Francis in return will receive monthly payments for the use of the steeple. However, that figure was not released but it was one of the reasons for community support.

“It’s a win win for the neighborhood,” said Whelan. “The church is going to get some money and the neighborhood will have better cell phone reception.”

The cell phone tower will be placed behind the louvers of the steeple and will not be visible from the street.  AT&T  is seeking to boost reception in the small area of Bunker Hill, Greene and Medford Streets.

The Charlestown Preservation Society was honored for their community service by the New England Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers on March 20,. The ASIDNE Awards Gala, held at the Mandarin Hotel Boston, brings together the whole interior design community to celebrate the achievements of five interior design professionals as well as one design-related community non-profit.
This year the event was the kick-off to the 1st Annual Boston Design Week a ten day festival of design.
In the photo, Charlestown resident and ASIDNE Chapter president, Jeanne Finnerty,, presented the award to CPS president, Nick Kraman. Interior designer and CPS past- president (2011-2013), Cris Cavataio, was also present to celebrate the honor.

James Soares, Arabic Teacher, and Alex Kalamaroff, Programming Development, standing in front of a mural created by the Arabic Summer Academy in 2013.

Charlestown High School (CHS) offers one of the longest running Arabic programs in the country to introduce students to the language and culture of the Arabic world. Students examine art, music, poetry, food, religion, and architecture of various regions in Africa and the Middle East.

“I love this school because it’s open enrollment,” said James Soares, Arabic Teacher. “I think it’s great that we’re offering a unique opportunity for our students. It’s indicative to Charlestown. We like to cater to the students to make them successful.”

Arabic I explains fundamental linguistics such as the 28-character alphabet and grammatical markings. Students learn to write a new script, describe themselves and others, and hold basic conversations.

Arabic II is an intimate class that delves deeper into the Arabic culture. The first unit explores popular themes found in Arabic literature. Soares takes the class on field trips to Arabic restaurants to get a taste of the cuisine. Students also learn to play traditional rhythms on Arabic percussion instruments.

“It’s interesting to see how students react to it,” Soares said. “A lot of kids feel they have a blank slate.”

Outside the classroom are posters of students’ dream houses that’s items are labeled in Arabic. The class is also in the process of writing/performing a soap opera screenplay with quintessential intrigue, scandal, and cheating.

“The goal is full immersion,” Soares said. “Whenever I design lessons, I try to maximize the amount of Arabic I speak.”

There have been students whose first language is Arabic, but many of them are only familiar with their country’s dialect. Soares focuses on teaching his students Modern Standard Arabic, the formal, written form of the language.

Soares studied Political Science and Philosophy at UMass Amherst, where he enrolled in an Arabic program and traveled abroad to the Jordan and Egypt.

“I fell in love with it. It’s such a beautiful language. It’s very much a rules-based language,” Soares said.

CHS has an Arabic Summer Academy for students to study during the summer and earn high school credits. With there being so few Arabic programs offered in high schools, Soares aspires to ease the transition between high school level courses and the curriculum colleges provide.  This was the first year that Arabic has been offered to sophomores, and Soares hopes to offer Arabic III within the next two years.

Warrant Arrest

04/09/14 – Officers in the area of Decatur Street placed an individual under arrest for an outstanding Roxbury Court warrant charging larceny and a Chelsea Court warrant charging trespassing.

Sexual Assault

04/09/14 – A victim stated while in the area of Concord Street, she was indecently assaulted. The sexual assault unit is investigating the incident.

Breaking and Entering

04/09/14 – As a result of a building fire on Cambridge Street, tenants were forced to leave the premises. The victims said a state insurance company told them to leave their property behind. Upon returning, the tenants discovered that copper piping, fixtures and personal items had been stolen from the apartments.

Willful and Malicious Destruction of Property

04/12/14 – Officers responded to Austin Street for a report of a larceny.

As a result of the subsequent investigation, an individual was placed under arrest for willful and malicious destruction of property.

Drugs

04/14/14 – As a result of a drug investigation in the Bunker Hill housing development, three individuals were placed under arrest for possession of a Class A drug (heroin) with intent to distribute.

This week and especially on Sunday, many churches will be overflowing as parishioners go to church to celebrate Easter.

Easter is always a magical time for children.

As a family, we always held off hiding the Easter candy around the house until after Mass.  This action prompted our youngest to go to church a few years back and pray that the Easter Bunny remembers to come to our house and then he proceeded to put our address in his prayers just in case the bunny might have forgotten where he was to go in all his haste.

For adults, Easter usually means putting on a new spring outfit that celebrates the arrival of warmer weather after a too long and cold winter.

However, Easter is more than just these two events.

For Christians, Easter is a celebration of eternal life as shown by Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

At many of the churches in our neighborhood on Sunday morning, there will be visitors who are in Boston to run the Marathon on Monday.

This is what will make this Easter all the more meaningful.

As one thinks back to the events of last year’s bombing, for some it is the memories of how they were spared any injuries as they were on these very streets on that Monday.  For others, it will be the painful reminders of being forever scarred either physically or emotionally by this tragedy.

The courage and fortitude of those of who suffered from last year’s bombings and to overcome what to us are the insurmountable experiences are truly what Easter should mean for all of us.

On Saturday, April 26, the Charlestown YMCA is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® , the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features games, sports clinics, arts and crafts and more to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long – a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.

“One in three U.S. children is obese. This statistic, coupled with the fact that once summer hits, children will be more idle, demonstrates why it’s important to help families develop healthy habits now,” said Ashely Filipp, Operations Director at the Charlestown Y. “As part of the Y’s commitment to healthy living, through YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day our goal is to improve the health and well-being of kids and inspire habits they can continue into adulthood.”

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:

High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development.

Foster an Early and Onging Passion for Books – Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development.

Team Up for Athletic Events – Set a family goal of great health by teaming up for community or charity events like races, walks, fun runs. Bike rides, etc.

Volunteer Together – Find a cause that matters to the kids. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come from making a difference.

Lead By Example – Be a good role model – kids can be influenced by seeing how hard their parents work at home or on the job, and how rewarding that experience is.

The Charlestown Y’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at the Charlestown Y from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features fun, active play and educational activities, such as diabetes prevention, outdoor Zumba, family bootcamp and more.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported by Whole Foods Market and national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.

For more information, contact Colleen Hyde at 617-826-1220 or visit ymcaboston.org.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Four candidates have submitted nomination papers and are currently out soliciting votes for the prestigious office of “Mayor of Charlestown.”

This race, sponsored by the Townie Association, and organized by the Mayor of Charlestown Committee, allows the candidates to “buy” votes, with each vote granting the buyer a chance to win a grand prize of $500.00.

The four candidates seeking the office of “Mayor” are: Dave DelMedico of Tufts Street, Kelliegh Harrington of Old Ironsides Way, Teri Muscarella of Dunstable Street, and Mike Sullivan of Ferrin Street.

Whoever wins the honorary title of “Mayor of Charlestown” will win a trip to Ireland, for two and will represent Charlestown for an entire year, participating in various community events and volunteer activities in the neighborhood.

The winner of the 2014 “Mayor of Charlestown” race will succeed 2013 “Mayor” Shannon Lundin. The 2014 “Mayor” will be announced at the Night Before/Chief Marshals Banquet on Friday, June 13 at the Knights of Columbus. Candidates have until June 12 to sell ballots in their name. The winner will also march in the 2014 Battle of Bunker Hill Parade.

Each ballot cost $1.00. You can vote however many times for as many candidates you would like. You do not have to live or be from Charlestown to vote. To “vote” contact the candidate:

Dave DelMedico (857) 615-1872

Kelliegh Harrington (617) 233-5813

Teri Muscarella (617) 242-2682

Mike Sullivan (781) 228-0161

Proceeds from the Mayor of Charlestown race benefit the Townie Association Inc.

Timeline of Mayor’s of Charlestown:

1983: Lillian Boutilier

1984: Marty O’Brien Sr.

1985: James O’Brien

1986: Joe Crilley

1987: Jim Fitzgerald

1988: Claire Lynch

1989: Renie Murphy

1990: Flo Johnson

1991: Linda Howell

1992: Pat Hardy

1993: Erin Sullivan

1994: Michelle Cannizzaro

1995: Tom Donohue

1996:

1997: Patty Kelley

1998: Debbie Lang

2013: Shannon Lundin

Townie Triva: Can you name the Charlestown Rose for each Mayor?

The state’s environmental secretary has determined the proposed Charlestown Maritime Center project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIP) for an organic material processing and transportation facility at the site.

According to the Charlestown Maritime Center proposal at 200 Terminal St. the plant would ‘produce a clean feedstock material for introduction into the Anaerobic Digestion facilities at MWRA’s Deer Island Treatment Plant (DITP)…The anaerobic digestion feedstock Engineered Fuel Source (EFS) bioslurry will be delivered by barge to the DITP facilities.”

This would remove all the trucks from neighborhood streets delivering the alternative fuel source to Deer Island.

According to the Charlestown Maritime Center’s Environmental Notification Form (ENF) the owner proposes the construction of a new 9,900 square foot structure serving as an organic material processing and transportation facility all with water dependent uses.

The proposal will also relocate a small 7,200 square foot building that will be used for “swing space” for the adjacent water-dependent use. The building will be relocated to 333 Terminal Street.

The project supports the State’s long term plan for a greener Commonwealth of Massachusetts by diverting 135 tons of source separated food organic waste material otherwise destined to be landfill.

In his ruling Secretary Richard Sullivan wrote, “The ENF has sufficiently defined the nature and general elements of the project for the purposed MEPA review and demonstrated that the project’s environmental impacts will be avoided, minimized and/or mitigated to the extent practicable. I find no further MEPA review is required at this time.”

There has been a regional push to get the state to quickly approve the proposed organic material processing and transportation facility at the Charlestown Maritime Center.

The MWRA has begun a co-digestion program for the Deer Island Treatment facility in Winthrop, Mass. The program would ship organic fuel processed from the Charlestown facility to Deer Island via barge.

However, without the Charlestown plant up and running, the MWRA is seeking to ship eighteen truckloads per day, seven days per week, of food waste from other facilities using community roads surrounding the Deer Island plant. This has neighbors of Deer Island up in arms over the plan.

Standing in front of Brian Fox’s painting are members of the Boston Police Force and standing from left Steve Pagliuca, Boston Celtics; Brian Fox; Marathon Survivor Heather Abbott and Melida Arrendondo (far right). Kneeling is Carlos Arrendondo.

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital hosted a dedication reception on Thursday, April 3 at the hospital’s flagship location in Charlestown, where 32 of the Boston Marathon bombing survivors went for rehabilitative care and many still come for outpatient care and support.  Survivors, first responders, families, clinicians, corporate leaders and local celebrities such as former New England Patriot Matt Light, New England Patriot Rob Ninkovich and Kevin Chapman of CBS’ Person of Interest joined together for an exclusive unveiling of the powerful painting “Endurance” donated to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital by celebrity artist, Brian Fox. The marathon prelude event honored the perseverance of survivors and their families, celebrated Boston Strong, recognized Spaulding’s expertise and showcased Fox’s tribute piece.

Long-time Boston Marathon commentator and WBZ-TV News Anchor, Lisa Hughes emceed the ceremony. David E. Storto, President of Partners Continuing Care and Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, marathon survivor Heather Abbott and Steve Pagliuca, Boston Celtics Managing General Partner, a Bain Capital Managing Director, and ONE Fund supporter offered remarks and individual perspectives as we approach the one year anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Marathon survivor Heather Abbott said to the attendees, “I can’t tell you how much this piece means to me and will mean to the others who lost their limbs last April. It truly represents what happened to us and how far we have all come.  It is a true symbol of our resilience, the City’s support and our collective ability to ‘cross the finish line’. When others come through the doors of Spaulding feeling down and hopeless this painting will remind them hope exists.”

It was also announced that signed limited edition prints are available for purchase at www.brianfoxstudios.com. Proceeds from the purchase will go towards Spaulding’s Race for Rehab Marathon team which raises money to support Spaulding’s care and research programs. This year’s Spaulding team has over 100 members many of whom cared for marathon survivors and are running in their honor. For more information or to support the team visit http://giving.spauldingnetwork.org/raceforrehab.

Storto announced, “We are thrilled that Brian Fox has donated the “Endurance” piece to Spaulding. His captivating painting not only honors a significant event in Boston history and the motivational Boston Strong attitude, it reinforces Spaulding’s “Find Your Strength” messaging that we share with patients, families and practitioners on a daily basis, in all our locations. Prior to contacting us, Brian was unaware of the extensive, therapeutic art collection at our new waterfront facility.  He simply, and selflessly, was motivated to honor the survivors and the city with his creative abilities – and wanted to be sure his painting lives on in a space devoted to Boston Marathon survivors. Brian Fox’s enduring gift will inspire patients and staff as they work toward healthier outcomes.”

Fall River-based Brian Fox is a tremendous talent best known for his iconic portrait of the New England Patriots pointing towards the heavens and the initials MHK, a tribute to Myra Kraft. The local artist talent has captured sports and entertainment greats including Tom Brady, Steven Tyler, Bono, Matt Light, Mark Wahlberg, Micky Ward, Curt Shilling and Jerry Remy. Fox has done work for Disney, Major League Baseball, the NHL and corporate leaders, and his paintings have been showcased in Boston, New York and Los Angeles galleries. The well-connected, unassuming painter explains, “I felt compelled to capture this heartbreaking moment in history and honor the incredible spirit of the survivors, the city of Boston and the running community. “Endurance” was a labor of love and I cannot think of a better recipient for this gift than Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.”

Drugs

04/22/14 – As a result of a drug investigation in the area of Lexington Street, two individuals were placed under arrest for possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute.

Violation of the Auto Laws

04/22/14 – As a result of a traffic stop on Main Street, an individual was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Violation of the Auto Laws

04/26/14 – As a result of a traffic stop in the area of Chelsea Street, an individual was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Ballistic Evidence Found

04/27/14 – Officers responded to Carney Court for a report of shots fired.

Witnesses stated that they heard three or four shots and saw three black males running towards the A-15 police station. Officers were unable to locate the suspects, but did find four shell casings on a walkway near Bunker Hill Street. no personal or property damage was reported at that time.

We want to take the time to acknowledge all the behind the scenes work from thousands of Marathon officials, Boston and State Police and city officials who worked together to make this year’s Marathon a memorable experience.

Living in Boston we were front and center in last year’s cowardly act that left hundreds injuried and four dead.

As a parent, the memory of my 10 year-old son walking up Fairfield Street crossing Newbury Street just seconds before the second bomb went off is still as vivid today as it was a year ago.

Having run in the Marathon and experiencing the crowds and the whole atmosphere of the weekend, it is truly a special memory.

Now more than 34,000 runners share the experience of a great community event from  Hopkington to the Back Bay.

To all these officials, we say thank you for a job well done and returning to us our Marathon.

Charlestown will be featured front and center during National Historic Preservation Month beginning May 1. Mayor Martin Walsh announced that the City of Boston will have a calendar of special events under the theme of “Buildings and Grounds.” The City will host a variety of tours, talks and exhibits that celebrate and promote Charlestown and Boston’s history, architecture, archaeology, and historic neighborhoods.

“Boston’s historic buildings and landscapes enrich our neighborhoods. They enhance the daily experiences of our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Walsh. “I hope residents and visitors alike will take advantage of all the excellent programming we’re offering this month.”

The month-long celebration will kick off in Charlestown on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS) hosting a spring clean-up. The event will start at the Phipps Street Burying Ground and continue to Preservation Park. If necessary, a rain date is set for Saturday, May 10.

Then on Saturday at 11 a.m. the CPS will host a Charlestown archaeology walking tour. Sharing his vantage point as the City of Boston’s Archaeologist, Joe Bagley leads a walking tour through historic areas of significance where digging has recently occurred. A luncheon in the Training Field follows. Residents can meet Bagley at the Bunker Hill Memorial, Charlestown. A $15 donation is recommended.

On Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. CPS will host a digging in Charlestown’s Training Field where Bagley will present the most recent findings and answer questions about last summer’s dig. Snacks and coffee will be served. Residents can meet at the Bunker Hill Museum, 43 Monument Square, Charlestown for this free event.

Finally on Saturday, May 31 at 1:30 p.m. the CPS will host a walking tour of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Jack Glassman will lead architecture, history and preservation enthusiasts through the captivating stronghold offering expert insight to the many historically significant and charming spaces of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Residents can meet Glassman in the courtyard at 1 First Avenue, Charlestown.

“Boston’s buildings and grounds are inextricably linked,” said Nancy L. Girard, Commissioner of Environment. “Combined, they create a unique urban landscape that continues to be shaped by the City’s development and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

The Boston Landmarks Commission was established in 1975 to identify and protect historic buildings, structures, areas and sites, review development and demolition activities affecting older properties, provide public information and assistance related to preservation and archaeology, and provide staff support to the local Historic District Commissions. There are over 8,000 properties within local Historic Districts or designated as individual Boston Landmarks by the Commission. The City is pleased to partner with organizations across the City to offer a wide array of events focusing on Boston’s unique architectural and historic landscape heritage.

The full calendar of events for National Historic Preservation Month is available at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks/pdfs/2014_Preservation_Month.pdf.

Two Boston men are the first individuals to complete CHART, the Charlestown Addiction Recovery Treatment, the alternative drug recovery and treatment program. The program launched last year through a partnership between the Charlestown Division of the Boston Municipal Court (BMC), its Probation Department, and the Charlestown Substance Abuse Coalition. The celebration was held at the Boston Municipal Court House in Charlestown.

CHART is a specialized court session which helps individuals on probation who suffer with chronic substance abuse. Gilbert Peterson, 33, and Jouseph Martinez, 24, voluntarily participated in court-stipulated drug treatment as an alternative to prison. A U.S. Department of Justice drug court study found that, when appropriately implemented, drug courts can reduce recidivism, decrease the chances of future drug use, and promote positive cost-saving outcomes.

Peterson said the first substance he used was marijuana, and later on he became addicted to heroin.”I decided to enroll in drug court because I wanted a better life, a sober life. I know I was an addict, and I needed help with my addiction. I have tried to quit so many times. I just wasn’t ready to stop at the time.”

His treatment and recovery process included going to meetings with groups and with addiction counselors and working as a cook. Getting sober this time was different. “This time I was ready. I’m 33 years old. I have a family. Charlestown Drug Court was the program to help me.”

Peterson said the completion of his drug court sentence made him feel ecstatic. “I’ve been sober for two years. I’m thrilled every day. I have had total support from my family.”

Martinez started using marijuana when he was 12 years old. He later used cocaine, pills and heroin.  “I realized that I had a problem when I started stealing from everybody. I looked at myself in the mirror, and said to myself, ‘That’s not me’.” He said that his drug court sentence worked for him because he kept busy with a routine of meetings and appointments. At Project Place, Martinez took English lessons to improve his speaking and writing skills. He received help writing a resume, looking and interviewing for jobs and finally getting hired at the Atlantic Fish restaurant. “I have goals now. I have earned a Customer Service certificate and my GED. I want to go to Bunker Hill Community College in their nursing program. I want to find permanent housing.”

The Charlestown Appreciation Awards Committee with Mayor Marty Walsh, City Councilor Sal LaMattina, and State Representative Dan Ryan.

The 22nd Annual Charlestown Community Appreciation Awards were held on April 25 at the Knights of Columbus to recognize nine outstanding locals. These individuals are always willing to help, are heavily involved in their community, and enhance the lives of others throughout the neighborhood. Their actions have contributed exceptionally to the quality of life in Charlestown.

“Congratulations on the 22nd Annual Charlestown Community Appreciation Awards,” said Mayor Marty Walsh. “Thank you to all of the award winners for everything you do to enrich the lives of residents of Charlestown.”

2014

PETER L. LOONEY

CHARLESTOWN COMMUNITY APPRECIATION AWARDEES

Special Committee Recognition Award: Jose Lopes

Robert Wallace Business Award: Carr Funeral Home

William McCabe Public Servant Award: Mimi Wrenn

New Resident: Beth Rosenshein

Kathleen “Kay” Whelan Senior Award: Jack Duffy

Mel Stillman Organization Award: Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard

Youth: Dennis Taylor

Alumnus: Tom Gorsuch

Dennis McLaughlin Unsung Hero Award: Sharon Fidler