Attorney Tim Flaherty and Everett Councillor Sal DiDomenico have positioned themselves as the candidates to beat in the war now being waged among a number of hopeful candidates all seeking the seat vacated by former Senator Anthony Galluccio.
Flaherty and DiDomenico jumped out to an early start in this race, which has attracted a wide variety of candidates.
One of those was Cambridge City Councillor Marjorie Decker.
She was expected to command a large vote in Cambridge which would have been problematic for Flaherty and DiDomenico, both of whom are expecting to gain large votes in the Cambridge wards in this senatorial district.
Both Flaherty and DiDomenico are expecting solid votes in Charlestown.
Right now, what the voters are thinking about this race – if at all – is up in the air.
Decker pulled out of the special election campaign Monday afternoon.
Although she wanted to be in this race, her campaign never caught fire and so she called it a day. It is also believed she was finding it difficult to raise money. Without money, this campaign is fairly impossible to wage.
Her announcement gave some momentum to Chelsea’s Michael Albano, who kicked off his campaign with a well-attended opening held in Charlestown on Saturday. Albano also gained the support of three progressive state senators, all of whom endorsed him.
“Decker pulling out helps me. It changes the dynamics,” Albano said.
Albano believes he will pick up Decker voters and progressives throughout the district and that this could be the difference for him and his campaign.
Also changing the dynamics in this race is Flaherty, who held a fundraiser over the weekend which netted him $60,000 – dwarfing all efforts in that category among the others who are running in this senatorial district.
Money to advertise and to organize for an Election Day get out to vote effort is believed to be crucial for the candidate hoping to win.
“We were very pleased and very excited by the turnout. And the money raised will help us to spread our message,” Flaherty said.
Campaign watchers believe Flaherty’s ability to raise campaign funds could be a defining element for him in his quest to become a state senator.
Everett’s Sal DiDomenico has been rolling along.
Large public signs dotting the district’s highways and by-ways were put up over the weekend, giving DiDomenico a public face where many of the others running have none.
Charlestown’s Dan Hill has been getting around the district and offering up policy pieces on various issues. Hill is a government specialist and an attorney.
His recent release on the LNG issue was well received throughout the neighborhoods involved in the public safety issue in the district.
Last weekend, Attorney Dennis Benzan announced that he is going to confront the housing and mortgage crisis affecting so many property owners throughout the district.

By Director Ms. Olivia Thompson, WP Music Teacher

Based on the beloved characters of Dr. Seuss, Seussical the Musical follows the adventures of Horton the Elephant, as he tries to save a small world of Who’s, living on a tiny speck of dust. You may recognize this story from the very popular Horton Hears a Who, but this is merely the backbone of this whacky tale. Along the way, we meet a variety of colorful Seussian characters who come out to play and mix things up a bit.
In Whoville, we’ll meet the Mayor, his wife, and their son Jojo. Jojo is a boy with an active imagination, which can sometimes get him in trouble. Also in the land of Who, we run into some familiar faces like The Grinch, and General Genghis Khan Schmitz with his cadets fighting in the Butter Battle. Everyone in Whoville is brought together in fear of getting lost forever. No one can hear or see them but Horton, their people are at war, and their whole tiny planet is in unspeakable danger.
In the Jungle of Nool, we’ll meet all the characters who don’t believe Horton when he tries to convince them that the Whos do exist. Leading the revolt is Sour Kangaroo, a sassy diva who passes on her pessimism to her two young children. She even takes Horton to court, where he has to face Judge Yertle the Turtle. Following close behind are the Wickersham brothers, some troublesome monkeys who like to stir things up – which doesn’t always bode well for Horton and his friends.
Horton isn’t completely alone, however. Gertrude McFuzz, the bird with a one-feathered tail, is Horton’s neighbor, and probably the only one who recognizes his “kind, and powerful heart”. Unfortunately he’s too busy saving the Who’s to notice her. Gertrude gets some unusual advice from Mayzie la bird and her clan of bird girls, which doesn’t exactly work out as planned. Speaking of Mayzie, somewhere along the way she finds time to con Horton into sitting on her egg while she flies off on vacation. So not only does Horton have to save the Who’s, he has to do it while sitting on a nest!
So that’s the story. But don’t worry, we wouldn’t let you try to figure all this out on your own. The Cat in the Hat is there every step of the way, guiding you through. Sometimes acting as a narrator, sometimes popping into the story to play a character or do a re-enactment. But most of the time, she’s there to push the story along by causing just the tiniest bit of trouble – that is, after all, what the Cat in the Hat does best.
With a fanciful script, written by Lynn Ahrens, and dance-in-your-seat score composed by Stephen Flaherty, it would be hard to walk out of the theater without a smile on your face. Join us in celebrating the extremely creative mind of Dr. Seuss as we learn, alongside the characters, about friendship, community, loyalty, and most importantly the power of the imagination. “Oh the thinks you can think!”
Seussical Cast: Angelica Acosta, Caroline Adduci, Amir Aitnouri, Adanna Badgett, Raymond Baez, Gabrielle Banzon, Dasha Belobokova, Kayleigh Brown, Rahsaun Brown, Chloe Cochener, Annie Coviello, Lucy Donovan, Malachy Donovan, Kamryn Eatherton, Alek Estrada, Mary Evers, Brandy Giles, Jessica Giles, Tanaya Hallqueen, Melvin Jones, Crizelda Joseph, Aidan Kelly, Caitlyn Killoran, Kaley Kyle, Alyssa Rae Llenas, Daniela Martinez, Daniel McMaster, Ryan Messer, Chloe Shea, Sophie Shea, Brian Santvil, Alexandra Tuite, Tiffani Williams, and Alicia Zhang.
Seussical the Musical, at the Warren-Prescott School, 50 School Street, Charlestown, 617-635-8346, Tickets $5, available Monday through Thursday 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. school lobby, or at the door before the show. Showtimes: Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 13 at 2 p.m.

The Flatley Company will host the annual St Patrick’s Day luncheon and party for Charlestown’s Seniors on Saturday March 13, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Schrafft Center 529 Main Street .  With over 200 people expected to attend, this annual party is one of the highlights on the social calendar for many people giving them an opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbors.
Local and state officials, along with staff members from The Flatley Company, will be in attendance. Invited guests include Gov. Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and Mayor Thomas Menino.  State Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty will be the master of ceremonies.
Corned beef and cabbage will be served and there will be plenty of good Irish music provided by Larry Reynolds and his band.  Irish step dancers will accompany the band with their elaborate costumes and impressive dance steps.
Reservations can be made at the Golden Age Senior Center, 617-635-5175 or the J.F. Kennedy Center, 617-241-8866.  The luncheon is open to all Charlestown residents over 60 years of age. Advance reservations are recommended as tickets are limited and attendees will need to have a ticket for admittance.  Transportation will be provided, the schedule will appear in The Charlestown Patriot-Bridge.
For further information please call The Flatley Company staff member, Liz Rubin, at 617-242-2700.

CNC meeting
The next monthly meeting of the Charlestown Neighborhood Council takes place at the Knights of Columbus Lower Hall, 75 West School St., on Tuesday, April 6, at 7 p.m.

CNC meeting re: use of space at 299/303 Main St.
The Charlestown Neighborhood Council will hold a public meeting on the application for the use of space at 299/303 Main St., 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the Knights of Columbus lower hall 75 West School St.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Rep. O’Flaherty
State Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty cordially invites the public to attend his St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 75 West School St., Friday, March 12, from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $20, but seniors are admitted free.

TODAY: Last Girl Scout Cookie sale
Charlestown Girl Scouts will be holding the last cookie sale of the season at Johnnie’s Foodmaster on Thursday, March 4, from 4 to 6 p.m.

One More Time at Constitution Co-op
“One More Time!” showcase opening at Constitution Co-op. Saturday, March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m..  Free coffee and cake as well as a bake sale, raffles and “White Elephant” room. 42 Park Street Lobby.

Night Before St. Paddys comedy night
The Tavern at the End of the World, 108 Cambridge St. will host a free comedy show on March 16 starting at 8 p.m. Featured comedians will be the world-famous Irish funnymen Joe Wong and Tony Moschetto.

Cook Street Play Area community meeting
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services invite the public to the third in a series of meetings to discuss improvements to the Cook Street Play Area in Charlestown on Tuesday March 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Charlestown Community Center, 255 Medford St. The proposed project includes a renovation of the park, which currently includes play equipment with resilient surfacing, fencing, concrete walls, trees, benches, and paving. For further information, please call 617-961-3058.

The Odyssey at CWT
CWT’s critically-acclaimed adaptation of The Odyssey has played to sold-out audiences and is returning for just two performances on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13. An adaptation of Homer’s epic poem for two people traveling together in a small boat, sailing across a half-real, half imaginary landscape. This tale of exile and return is told in fragments, floating on top of song, text, image, and physicality - a kaleidescope of one-eyed giants, voodoo priestesses, and seafarers, surrounding the story of Odysseus and Penelope. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/717625.
Don’t miss this extraordinary performance - seating is limited.

Operation Snowball
We are now ready to start collecting items for our Townie Troops who are serving in the armed forces. We are looking for disposable razors and other toiletries, prepaid phone cards, powdered Gatorade and green socks. Please do not donate any perishable goods. A collection box will be located in the lobby of the Charlestown Savings Bank on Main Street. Cash and check donations will also be greatly appreciated, and used to purchase more items and offset mailing expenses. Checks should be made out to ”Operation Snowball.” Monetary donations can be made at the bank, or sent to:
Operation Snowball
c/o The Abraham Lincoln Post 11
POBox 291797
Charlestown, MA 02129
We hope to have the packages in the mail by mid-April. If you have any questions, please call Billy Boyle @ 617-645-3279, or Joe Zuffante @781-389-4006 or email Joe at joezuff@yahoo.com.
Thanks from American Legion Post 26, Abraham Lincoln Post 11, C.H.A.D. and Fr. Mahoney.

Sorelle Celebrates with economic relief
Sorelle Bakery and Café will celebrate their 20th Anniversary with a month long price break. Enjoy a small coffee or tea for only one dollar (subject to MA meals tax). This offer is good at both the original Sorelle at 1 Monument Ave. and their new location at 100 City Sq. until the end of March.

Art Scavenger hunt benefit for the Kennedy Center
The Charlestown Mothers Association and the Artists Group of Charlestown are presenting an art scavenger hunt on Thursday, March 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the StoveFactory Gallery, 523 Medford St. to benefit the Kennedy Center. The evening will include drinks, light dinner and a fun “hunt” for things within local artists’ work. Tickets are $25 per person when purchased beforehand (via PayPal at www.kennedycenter.org) or $30 per person at the door. Proceeds to benefit the Kennedy Center, Charlestown’s human service agency. For further information call 617 241 8866.

Reading Readiness Program
A Reading Readiness Program for children ages 2 to 5 will be held Monday afternoons at 4, through April 5 at the Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library, 179 Main St.
Children will learn concepts such as body parts, colors, shapes letters and numbers through stories, books, cooperative games, singing, movement and art projects with follow up book list and activities.  Reading Readiness incorporates kinesthetic, auditory, and visual modes of learning. Led by Su Eaton of Magical Creations.

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament 
Texas Hold’Em Tournament to benefit Charlestown Veterans and Youth Organizations.
Saturday, March 6, 7 p.m. The event will take place at Memorial Hall, 14 Green St., buy in is $100. To register call Stan 617-877-2820.

Support Haiti fundraising at The Warren Prescott
The Haiti Fundraising initiative continues. On-line donations can be made to http://act.pih.org/page/outreach/view/earthquake_group/WarrenPrescott.  Your support of the Warren-Prescott’s Haiti fundraising initiative is appreciated!

Smart from the Start program
The Smart from the Start program, part of the City of Boston 0-5 initiative, will be offering a free prenatal program for residents of BHA, Mishawum Park and New Town.  Participants will meet other expectant mothers, receive gifts, participate in field trips, groups and workshops. Meetings will take place at the Charlestown Community Center, 255 Medford St., on Fridays from 10:30-12 p.m.  Lunch and childcare will be provided. Start date TBA.  For more information or to sign up, please call Dina Maldonado at 857-417-1871.

‘Charlestown Live’
“Charlestown Live,” the television program devoted exclusively to the neighborhood hosted by Peter Looney, this week will feature Kimmerly Perry, Executive Director Charlestown Lacrosse & Learning Center, tonight, March 4. The program airs every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on the Boston Neighborhood Network (Comcast Channel 9). Reruns air on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the week following the initial broadcast.

Special Townies Motown Night
The Third Annual Special Townies Motown Night Fundraiser will be held on March 20, at The Knights of Columbus Hall, 75 West School St. For more information contact Debbie Hughes 617-241-8865.

Seussical the Musical at the Warren-Prescott School
Join the Cat in the Hat, Horton, the Whos, and many more of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters at this year’s Warren-Prescott production of Seussical the Musical by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. Tickets will be on sale at the school during the week of March 8. Performances will be held in the school auditorium on: Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 13 at 2 p.m. The Warren-Prescott K-8 school is located at 50 School St., Charlestown. 617-635-8346.

Harvard-Kent Dolly Baker Scholarship
The Harvard-Kent School of Charlestown is pleased to announce the Second Annual Harvard-Kent School Dolly Baker Scholarship will be awarded to two deserving fifth graders in June 2010, as an ongoing remembrance of Dolly Baker’s dedication to the children and staff of the school. The students will be chosen on the basis of their fluency and expressiveness in their delivery of prose or poetry.
Anyone who wishes to contribute to this worthy scholarship may send a donation to: Harvard –Kent School Dolly Baker Scholarship, 50 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA 02129. All donations will be gratefully appreciated.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at CWT
William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed at the Charlestown Working Theater on Friday March 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday March 20 and Sunday March 21 at 3 p.m. The play will be performed by the CWT Advanced Acting Ensemble ages 11-16, directed by Jennifer Johnson, with musical direction by John Peitso, featuring the CWT Monday Musical Ensemble. Don’t miss Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece of love, fairies, and trickery.

O’Flaherty Office Hours
Representative O’Flaherty holds office hours on the last Friday of every from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Zume’s on Main Street. The next office hours will be Friday, March 26.

Children’s Programs at the library
Every Friday morning through April 16 the Charlestown Branch Library, 179 Main St., will hold 2 programs for young children. At 10 a.m. the will be Lapsit Storytime with bounces, rhymes and songs for babies 18 months and younger with their parents or caregivers. At 10:45 a.m. is Toddler Storytime with stories, songs, rhymes, movement and crafts for children ages 1 ½ to 3 ½ and their caregivers. For more information call 617-242-1248.

Boys and Girls Club Spring Fling
Save the date for the annual Boys and Girls Club Spring Fling, Saturday, March 6 from 7 p.m. to midnight. The fling will feature the musical selections of DJ Jim “Macca” MacDougall, tickets are $20.

Quinn Scholarship
The 2010 Michael P. Quinn Scholarship applications are available now. To be eligible for this scholarship a student must have been a Charlestown resident for the past four years and graduate with the class of 2010. The award is for five thousand dollars for the recipient’s first year of college only, application deadline is April 8. Applications are available at The Patriot-Bridge office. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please call Ronan J. Fitzpatrick at 617-242-5493.

Quinn Scholarship dinner
The 41st annual Quinn Scholarship Dinner will be held on on April 10, 2010, at the Malden Irish American Club, 177 West Street, Maiden, 781-321-7720, your genuine support is once again requested. The committee will salute Sean G. Smith, a 2009 graduate of Boston Latin School, as the only child of Mary Anne Regan, Sean is matriculating at Boston University with the class of 2013. Brigadier General Lew Craparotta, ADC, Marine Division, will be the featured speaker.
There will be a six-course meal prepared by Sandy Griffin Caterers, and the entertainment will be provided by Alan LaBella and his DJ Connection. The social hour will commence at 6:15 p.m., and the meal will be served at 7:30 p.m. For tickets please call 617-242-5493.
An evening of saluting Sean and his family, and perpetuating Michael’s noble courage and character, will continue the tradition of Quinn Scholars.

Joseph P. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Cooperative Bank (TCB) is accepting applications for the 2010 Joseph P. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund. Applications are available at any one of the Bank’s branches in Roslindale, West Roxbury, Westwood, or Charlestown, and also online at www.thecooperativebank.com. The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, March 26.
The Joseph P. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to honor the memory of Joseph P. Sullivan, the late president of The Cooperative Bank. Mr. Sullivan was dedicated to supporting the communities that TCB serves, and this continues to be an important part of the Bank’s mission. Each year, four $1,000 scholarships in his name are given to graduating high school seniors who are going on to college and reside in Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Westwood or Charlestown. The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, leadership qualities, community and citizenship activities, and scholastic performance.
The Cooperative Bank is an independent, mutual community bank dedicated to providing financial resources and support to the communities it serves with locations in Roslindale, West Roxbury, Westwood and Charlestown. Products and services include full service banking, residential mortgages, consumer and commercial loans, and investment services. Deposits are insured in full by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Share Insurance Fund. The Cooperative Bank can be contacted at 617-325-2900 or online at www.thecooperativebank.com

The Old Charlestown Schoolboy’s Association scholarships
The Old Charlestown Schoolboy’s Association announces the Schoolboys have 14 scholarships at $1,000 each for 2010.
This year, high school boys entering college or preparatory school and also college students entering their sophomore, junior or senior year will be eligible for the scholarships.
The Schoolboy’s Association encourages all schoolboys who have been a resident of Charlestown for at least 10 years to apply.
These scholarships are awarded to all boys whether they are A, B or C students. There is an award for athletes, scholars and others with various talents or community involvement. There aren’t any financial restrictions.
Scholarship applications are available at the Charlestown Patriot-Bridge, the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, and Charlestown Branch Public Library. Applications must be complete and received no later than April 7, 2010.

Operation Snowball
American Legion Post 26, Abraham Lincoln Post 11, C.H.A.D. and St. Francis de Sales have banded together to launch Operation Snowball ,an effort to reach out to our local active duty service members and help to supply them with items that are hard to obtain in the field. Operation Snowball needs your help in identifying any Charlestown residents who are currently on active duty anywhere in the world. If you have a family member or friend from Charlestown who is serving in the Armed Forces, they need their name and address. Operation Snowball plans on sending phone cards, socks, razors and anything else that our service members need. Please watch this space in the following weeks for drop off locations. We will also be accepting cash donations to help offset mailing costs.
Please send names and addresses to committee members:
Stan Leonard c/o Abraham Lincoln Post 11, 14 Green St.; Joe Zuffante, joezuff@yahoo.com, 781-389-4006; Billy Boyle, 617-645-3279; Dan Sheehan, 617-866-0136; Peter Looney, plooney40@verizon.net, 617-699-3501; Joan Rea, StFran303@aol.com, 617-242-0147, Jack Millerick and the Life Focus Center, 617-242-3423.

Boston Firefighter exam
The deadline for the written exam is quickly approaching.  Applications for the Written Examination received after March 16, will require and additional $50 payment. No applications will be accepted after April 1.  Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.cityofboston.gov/fire.

31st Annual USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild Exhibit
 Members of the USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild will display their finest work in hopes of capturing the spotlight during the 31st annual show at the USS Constitution Museum. Models in the Spotlight will run through Saturday, March 20. Admission to the Museum and the exhibit are free with donations welcome. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A total of 75 different ships created by modelers from across New England will be on display. Ranging from World War II vessels to fishing dories, ships-in-bottles to sailing vessels, these modelers have masterfully captured the richness of our maritime history in miniature. A panel of Guild members will judge qualifying entries, with awards being given to the top honorees.

Charlestown Waterfront Coalition
The Charlestown Waterfront Coalition meets at Building 114 at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month.

Please contact the District A-1 Community Service Office at 617-343-4627 with any questions
or concerns with regard to crimes or public safety. The Confidential Drug Line is 617-343-4879,
and the A-15 Neighborhood Station can be reached at 617-343-4888.


02/22/10 – Breaking and Entering Residence by Force
A victim on Ferrin Streety reported that someone broke into his home gaining entry through the basement window. Two iPods and some computer hardware were taken.

02/25/10 – Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon
As a result of a fight on Walker Street, a suspect was placed under arrest for assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.

02/25/10 – Breaking and Entering, Non-residence
A victim in Thompson Square reported that upon returning to work, he observed that the front door of his business had been pried open and his office door had been damaged. A 32” television had been removed.

02/26/10 – Drugs
As a result of an ongoing drug investigation on Bunker Hill Street, two suspects were placed under arrest for possession of a Class B controlled substance with intent to distribute.

02/27/10 – Drugs
As a result of a drug investigation in the Bunker Hill Housing Development, two suspects were placed under arrest for possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute.

02/27/10 – Breaking and Entering Residence by Force
Victims on Bunker Hill Street reported that someone gained entry to their home by breaking a pane of glass on the rear door. A television set and laptop were taken.

02/28/10 – Trespassing
Officers on Walford Way placed a suspect under arrest for violation of a no trespass order.