Mayor Thomas M. Menino recently announced that at the July 16 Boston Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting approval was given for the $200 million Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and its Institutional Master Plan.  The new facility will be built on parcels 6 and 7 in the Navy Yard and it will be create 132 inpatient rehabilitation beds in an eight-story, 221,100 square foot building.  The facility will include a state-of-the art gymnasium, therapy rooms, swimming pools, and other uses that aid in patients’ recovery.  The site will increase public access to the water’s edge by completing a new link of the city’s Harborwalk program. Spaulding will also create 1.8 acres of new open space which will be available for community programming.
“This is exciting news. Spaulding Rehab is a Boston Institution with national prominence. Keeping medical and academic institutions in Boston is one of my administration’s top priorities, they create high-paying jobs and offer tremendous growth potential,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino.
The Charlestown Navy Yard was decommissioned in 1974 and acquired by the BRA in 1978. The BRA’s efforts have resulted in one of the most successful historic rehabilitation and preservation projects in the nation, combining residential, institutional, retail and public recreational uses. A former military base, the Yard’s End site will require remediation. Partners has retained Haley & Aldrich, one of the nation’s leading environmental consulting firms, and is working closely with the Boston Redevelopment Authority to coordinate the process.
The mission of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is to enable patients to regain their highest level of function, independence and performance. The hospital provides a full continuum of rehabilitation care and community-based rehabilitation services, contributing new knowledge and treatment approaches to rehabilitation and disease and injury management through research and outcome studies. Spaulding also provides training for physicians, nurses, therapists and other allied health professionals working in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Photo: Kimmerly Perry

Charlestown Lacrosse and Learning Center is pleased to introduce its new Executive Director, Kimmerly Perry. Perry will be responsible for overseeing the overall operation of the program.
Perry graduated with her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Wheelock College this past May. While receiving her MSW, Perry worked as a school clinician for the Boston Public Schools where she provided counseling services, created and implemented academic activities, and collaborated with parents, teachers and other school personnel. Perry also worked as a Campaign Coordinator for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she planned fundraising events, created promotional materials, and worked with hundreds of volunteers and corporations to raise money for the Society’s mission.
Perry received her BA from the University of Arizona and played on the women’s lacrosse team. She has played lacrosse for over 15 years and spent time coaching lacrosse in Tucson, Arizona. During college Kimmerly was a Big Sister for the Big Sisters Association and also worked as a camp counselor for 4 summers.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the Charlestown Lacrosse and Learning Center. CLLC does so much for the community of Charlestown by combing athletics and academics to help children succeed in school, on the playing field, and in life. I look forward to growing the program and providing even more opportunities for our youth.”
High on Kim's priority list is the success of the Surf & Turf tournament scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16 at the High School fields. Those interested should contact Kim or Vinny at the Center at 617-242-1813. Registration is now open and can be done at charlestownlacrosse.org.
Kimmerly and her husband Scott Perry have lived in Charlestown for the past two years.
Jed Raymond, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said "I know I speak on behalf of the entire Board of Directors when I say how excited we all are in having Kim take the reins at 14 Green Street. I would encourage any and all students, athletes and their parents to stop by and introduce yourselves to her as soon as possible."

The CHAD Tennis Club has begun it twentieth summer serving the youngsters of Charlestown with free clinics in the Navy Yard, Union Street and The Stillman Tennis Center. We would like to thank the many people of Charlestown and beyond who have shown their support over the years. For more information on the programs contact Tom Desmond at desmonds2@aol.com.
Front row from left:  Gian Carlos Marte, Brandon Huang, Ivan Huang, Jalynn Burrell, Nyair Sanjurjo, Rome Riddick and Hendrick Estrella. Second row:  Jennyfer Camacho, Gina O’Brien, Arlenys Ortiz, Donajae Small, Nevaeh Small, Alisha Marte, Sheila Pimentel, Sairy Gonzalez, Ashley Valbrun, Sierra Simmons and Victorya Pamais. Back row:  Nick Free (Kennedy Center Teacher),  Tim Soloman (CHAD Coach) and Diane Malloy (CHAD Volunteer).

‘Off the Wall’ movies
Movies at Doherty Park: Tuesday July 28, starting at dusk, all are welcome. Pizza and cold drinks will be served. Look for August listings in upcoming editions of the Patriot-Bridge and look for events to take place all over Charlestown this summer.

Calling all former Bunker Hillbillies
The Charlestown Historical Society is currently gathering historical data and information about the Bunker Hillbillies in hopes of producing an audio/video program to be shown sometime in November. Throughout their 50-year history, it is estimated that approximately 2,000 Hillbillies graced founder Bob Mundstedt’s “ranch house” at the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club. If any former Bunker Hillbillies are interested in getting together to renew acquaintances, wax nostalgic about past performances, or to even play a song or two (Bunker Hillbilly theme?), please e-mail Kevin Kelly at bunkerhillbillie@aol.com.

Charlestown Community Blood Drive
Knights of Columbus Bunker Hill #62 and Daughters Of Isabella #1 are co-sponsoring a blood drive on Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 75 West School St.

Parkarts Children’s Workshops
Boys and girls have a few more opportunities to take part in a series of creative children’s learning workshops sponsored by Comcast in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s annual ParkARTS program.
Children ages three to ten can enjoy the Artists in Residence Craft Workshops. Painting, mask, jewelry, and treasure bottle making are just a few of the crafts the children will be introduced to. Sessions are hosted by local artists from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday Aug. 7 and Friday Aug. 14 at John Harvard Mall with all materials provided. Participating children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of six or more must make prior arrangements with the artists.
For information on this and other ParkARTS programs, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505 or go to: www.cityofboston.gov/parks.

Third Annual Backyard Olympics
St. Mary – St. Catherine of Siena church of Charlestown is sponsoring an interfaith, community-wide “Backyard Olympics” for all Charlestown kids on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Charlestown High School football field on Medford Street.
Boys and girls, ages 6 to 13, can enter a variety of races, contests and games in four age-group divisions. Those who register early will receive an event T-shirt. Local teens are encouraged to come and volunteer.
Parents may sign-up their children after Masses on July 25 and 26 at St. Mary’s Church, outside Johnnie’s Foodmaster on July 26 abd 27 between 5 and 7 p.m., or by registering at the event.
Prizes will be awarded and the Olympics will conclude with a barbecue. There is no cost to participate. For more information and to register for the event, please call Sister Kathleen at 617-242-4664.

Old Charlestown Schoolgirls’ Association Reunion
The Old Charlestown Schoolgirls’ Association 29th Reunion will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 at the Somerville City Club, Inner Belt Road, Somerville.
Applications are available for the Bertha and Ralph Brown ($1,000 )and Winifred Talbot Duffy ($500) Scholarships. Scholarships are available to women entering their Sophomore, Junior or Senior year at a 4 year Baccalaureate program, who have been permanent Charlestown residents for at least ten years.
Scholarship applications can be picked up at: The Charlestown Patriot-Bridge office, One Thompson Square, The Charlestown Branch Library, 179 Main Street and The Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, 15 Green St. Applications must be returned by Friday, Sept. 25.
For more information, please contact Marie Walsh 617-242-5260

Charlestown Youth Soccer Association registration
The Charlestown Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) is accepting registrations for their Fall 2009 Soccer Season.
The Soccer Season will run from Saturday Sept. 12 through Saturday Nov. 7. 
To register visit their Web site, www.charlestownsoccer.com. From there you can Register Online, and pay via Pay Pal or a Check.  
You can also download an Application Form from our website, fill it in, and Mail it to us with your Payment. 
Pick up an application form at the Boys & Girls Club, at the Community Center, or at the Charlestown Library.
Spring registration ongoing for youth football and cheerleading
Registration forms are available at the Charlestown Community Center on Medford Street, or you can download the form by visiting our website at www.ctownyfc.clubspaces.com. In addition to completing a registration form, a parent or player must provide a birth certificate, a current physical form (dated from 2009) and a proof of grade (current report card). The $25 registration fee, making Charlestown one of the most affordable youth football programs anywhere, may be made when registering, or on the first practice (Aug. 17).
For any information or questions about the football program, please feel free to e-mail Tina Perito at tinaperito@yahoo.com, or John Taglilatela at ctownyfc@yahoo.com. If you are interested in coaching cheerleaders please e-mail Cheerleading Director Halle Melcher at halle.melcher@shawgrp.com. Also, cheerleading questions can be e-mailed to aileen.gorman@gmail.com.

Segway Polo Classic 2009
Boston Gliders, a tourist attraction offering Segway adventures and rentals located at 36 Warren St. will be hosting a Segway Polo tournament a Ryan Playground on Alford St. Wednesday, July 29 at 5 p.m. the event is free and open to the public. For more information go to www.SegwayPolo Classic.com

Free tennis for Charlestown children
Free tennis group lessons provided by the CHAD Tennis Club. Lessons held at Union Street Playground Tennis Court weekday mornings, Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. -12 noon for ages 4 -9 and 12 noon - 2 p.m. for ages 10 - 13. Program runs through the end of July (more dates to be added in August). Open to Charlestown residents ages 4 - 13 years old. No experience necessary. Bring racquet if you have one. Donations of tennis balls new and used, welcome.
Sign-up day of the lesson.Class size is limited, based on number of instructors.This is an outdoor event, so weather permitting.
CHAD Tennis Shirts and hats available for $14.00 each. Proceeds to support the program. Contact Tom Desmonds, desmonds2@aol.com.

Charlestown Farmers’ Market
The Charlestown Famers’ Market is back. The market operates on Main Street across from The Cooperative Bank from 2 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday through the end of October. Cash, Food Stamps and Farmers’ Market Coupons are accepted. The market is co-sponsored by the Kennedy Center and the Charlestown Business Association.

CYHA seeks coaches
Charlestown Youth Hockey is seeking coaches for the upcoming season. We have vacancies in all levels from Mites to Midgets. Anyone interested can get an application from their Web site at www.cyha.com

ONEin3 looking for Charlestown residents to fill leadership positions
Running a Neighborhood Group is easy and fun, and it's a great way to meet new people and make your neighborhood a more enjoyable place to live. This is a particularly exciting time to get involved with this program as it will play a major role in the city's upcoming financial wellness campaign.
Informational meetings will be held later this summer.
If you're interested in learning more about what you and ONEin3 can do for your neighborhood, please email our Neighborhood Groups coordinator Heather at: Heather.Green.BRA@cityofboston.gov, or call her at 617-918-4360.

Dancing in the Park
Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in July and August come try your hand at swing, salsa, Latin or ballroom dancing with a 20 to 30 minute dance lesson at Shipyard Park in the Navy Yard. Featuring local Charlestown dance studio and internationally acclaimed dance instructors from SuperShag dance studios. No experience is necessary and no partner is needed. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Chalrestown Navy Yard and the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

Sidewalk sale
Main Row Houses will be holding a sidewalk sale on Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 468 Main St. Items for sale will include artwork, TVs, furniture, books and more.

Charlestown Youth Soccer is looking for Coaches
Please help our children learn how to play soccer. The clinics and scrimmages are held Saturday mornings at the Charlestown High School Turf Fields. Charlestown Youth Soccer has an eight-week Season, which runs from Saturday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Nov. 7. The time commitment is about an hour and a half on Saturday mornings and free Coaches Training Sessions in early September are offered. They will also pay for an Online “G Level” Licensing Course for all of our Coaches. If you are interested, please contact Drew Thomas at: drewthomas@gmail.com. For more information about the Charlestown Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) please visit their Web site: www.charlestownsoccer.com.

Summer concerts and a square dance in City Square Park
Friends of City Square Park presents the 6th Annual Summer Series, Concerts in The Park. This year’s “twilight” 5:30 to 7 p.m. concerts, in fabulous City Square Park, are sponsored by Citibank. On Wednesday Aug. 12 (raindate: Aug. 13), Irie Roots performs reggae/ steel drum, sounds of the Caribbean. Enjoy this popular summer event with your neighbors in our beautiful setting. Bring a picnic! Mark your calendars and plan to join us.
Also, new this year, a community square dance, with live music, no experience necessary. Save the date! Sunday, Sept. 27 (raindate: Oct. 4) it’s going to be a hooting good time.