My Charlestown

Charlestown Open Market

2010-05-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Charlestown, one of Boston's historic neighborhoods, hosts a yearly open market on the Saturday prior to the Bunker Hill Day Parade, which showcases local artisans, artists, businesses and community organizations. This year the Open Market will be held on June 12 (rain date June 19). This is a great day for retailers and home-based business owners to highlight their products and services and for the community to meet their neighbors, shop for unique and original items and learn about the various community groups in Charlestown. When: June 12 10-3pm Where: Charlestown Ma, near west school street and main

Charlestown Retail

2010-02-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

The Charlestown Retail Organization has launched a great new website detailing all the fabulous retail businesses in Charlestown. The highlight of the site is the Charlestown Walking Map, which is an attractive collection of information on the town, shops, and restaurants. You can download the map HERE . Meeting locations & times, as well as information on recent and upcoming events is available as well. Check out this website: Charlestown Retail . Charlestown Retail is looking for your input. Click here to contact them. LynneLevesque@CharlestownRetail.org

Run My Errand!

2009-05-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

Run My Errand, a concierges/errand service originated in Charlestown and has spread across the city. It is a great concept for busy city dwellers hassled with deadlines, meetings, and demanding schedules. Online at www.RUNmyERRAND.com you can see how simple it is to post an errand. The website is simple but has excellent functionality, including real time feeds for errand updates. If you want to be a runner, you can sign up on the website as well. RUNmyERRAND has a network of Runners, with Senders posting errands from all over the city, including the South End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, and Cambridge. They have recently launched a new promotion called "First Errand FREE". Actually, it is better than FREE, because they are PAYING for every user's 1st errand (as long as it is $10 and under). Check it out at www.RUNmyERRAND.com.

"The Red Coats Are....Buried?"

2009-03-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

A group of archeological experts believe that a number of British soldiers from the Battle of Bunker Hill are buried in Charlestown, northwest of the Monument, near Concord Street. Residents where the burial site is believed to be located have been approached. Some are eager to assist with the efforts and would welcome the digging project, while others are more interested in keeping their lives untouched and in allowing the dead to remain buried and in peace. For more information on this new discovery click HERE

02129 Food Reality Website?: Charlestown Culinary

2009-03-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

Charlestown Culinary is a website powered by a local cook and photographer. The author describes the food she prepares during the week and provides some foodie humor along the way. When she and Mr. Charlestown Culinary go out to eat you get a table side seat with them as well. The picture above is taken from the website and is of a chicken burrito dish from ORALNDOS.

You can subscribe to the blog and even try some of her recipes. See below for the mystery blogger's profile:

"The creation of this blog is the result of a New England snow storm. Being stuck indoors all weekend gets you thinking of way to occupy your time! The premise of my blog is simple – FOOD. I love cooking, eating and talking about food. In fact, my dream is to open up my own restaurant and winery. Kudos go out to my husband who came up with the name of my blog AND is also the one that took the header picture of Charlestown from our roof. P.S. Unless otherwise noted, all pictures are of items I have personally prepared and photographed."

SHUCK OFF, MAN!

2009-01-28T09:52:00.001-08:00

Shuck Off at Tavern on the Water! Competition to determine Charlestown Oyster Shucking King/Queen. Shuck Off! LLC, a salty apparel line, based out of Charlestown, and corporate sponsor of The Massachusetts Oyster Project is having a benefit event at Tavern on the Water, Pier 6, 8th Street in Charlestown on February 23 from 6-9 PM. $10 get you 4 Island Creek oysters and a beer, a chance to flaunt your shucking skills by entering a shuck off, and an opportunity to win Shuck Off! apparel, along with other shucking awesome prizes. Tickets will be available at the door and online at: http://www.shuckoff.com More information for the Massachusetts YOU could be crowned the King/Queen Shucker of Charlestown. It will be a shucking good time! Let the oysters flourish!

Stay Current On School Closings-Snow Days

2008-12-25T20:03:00.001-08:00

The Boston Public Schools' website has an RSS feed that allows visitors to get an auto-feed as to what schools in the Boston Public system are canceled, delayed, etc. The feed can be found on this website on the right hand column, or you can copy and paste the below into your own reader for your desktop. http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/alerts/rss.xml

Local Residents Grace Bloodwell and Ken Stone Join Keller Williams

2008-12-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

www.bloodwellstone.com

Every Block Boston: Stay Up To Date On Local News

2008-12-22T05:32:00.000-08:00

Check out the RSS feed in the right hand column of this blog. The feed is from Every Block Boston, a website which gathers news pertanent to a specific part of Boston. Reviews of restaurants, building permit pulls, and news articles pop up daily. An easy way to stay up to date on your town.

CNC, Charlestown Neighborhood Council Rolls Out Website

2008-11-15T05:39:00.001-08:00

Last week the CNC, Charlestown Neighborhood Council launched a working website. The organization was founded in 1986. The website will provide contact information for the CNC members, the schedules of future meetings, as well as agendas and notes from past general and committee meetings. A comprehensive list of community links and lists of head officials will be showcased as well. The website is Charlestownneighborhoodcouncil.com

Charlestown Navy Yard Harbor View Rental Prices, DROPPED

2008-11-15T05:29:00.001-08:00

Roseland Properties have recently reduced the rental rates for the units at the Charlestown Navy Yard's HarborView. Each week local Realtors are being provided with a showcase of one of the units.

This week, is it unit #809, a split level two bedroom, two full bathroom apartment ( 1718 square feet). It has a downstairs prep kitchen located next to the guest bathroom, and a large dining area located adjacent to the upstairs kitchen. This unit comes with an extended outside terrace, with views of the Boston skyline and the Harbor. The appliances are also high end, with a SubZero refridge, Viking stove(electric) and a Bosch dishwasher. The price tag? $5360.00. There is currently a two month concession on this unit, and there is no fee for tenants. To view click HERE.

The Mayor's Holiday Special , Open Table, and The Grinch

2008-11-15T05:07:00.000-08:00

The Mayor's office has rolled out a website offering deals at restaurants, hotels, suggestions for free (and almost free) holiday events, as well as discounted show tickets. One of the most notable holiday bargains is being offered by Open Table, the online reservation portal for restaurants. It is called the "Open Table Appetite Stimulus Plan". Patrons can make a free (it normally is free) between November 17 to 21 to receive $35 dinner and $24 lunch specials. During this time period patrons also receive double Dining Reward points.

Of note on the shopping front: The Downtown Crossing Shopping Pass. Pick up a card and receive discounts in over 130 Downtown Crossing retail outlets, hotels, restaurants and parking. Details found at www.downtowncrossing.org.

Of note on the show front: Limited tickets to "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" at the Wang are available through the website.

The website is connected to ArtsBoston.org a great site for deals year round on shows in the Boston and greater Boston area. Some of the best deals to be had are the last-minute deals where you buy a 1/2 price ticket for the same day/night. "The BosTix Booths are Boston's exclusive half-price, in-person day-of-show ticket booths. The Booths offer tickets to performances all over town, from touring blockbusters to hot local productions. Listings change daily and include theatre, music and dance."

The BosTix Booths are located on Copley Square and at Faneuil Hall.

The Oysters Released In Boston Harbor Are Surviving

2008-11-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

The 150,000 oysters placed by the Massachusetts Oyster Project in the Boston Harbor out of Constitution Marina in Charlestown on Saturday October 25th are doing well. Matt Brevard and aspiring astronaut Rich Bradshaw dove under the surface just off the bank near Stillman Skating rink. Both divers made the trip from Worcester to check up on the oysters on a purely volunteer basis. They reported less than 1% mortality so these little mollusks are doing quite well. On their dive they also saw lobsters, crabs, starfish, mussels and the remains of a very old car! In addition to observing the oysters actively filtering they placed marking devices that will allow for scientific tracking of survival.

The Massachusetts Oyster Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving Boston's water quality, as well as attracting other sealife including crabs, eelgrass, shrimp bluefish and striped bass.

Charlestown and Boston Flu Statistics

2008-11-12T05:35:00.000-08:00

Interested in seeing if the flu is headed your way? Google Flu Trends provides the view with estimates of flu activity in the United States. Google bases its information on aggregated search queries. A view can download a CSV file for an analysis or can look at the Google Flu Trends website

As one may expect, the peak for the flu is in the winter months. Currently Massachusetts is in a “low” flu stage according to Google Flu Trends, which again, base their stats on how many times people like you and I search for terms such as “flu”, “head ache”, “feel like I am going to die”, and that sort of thing.

Now, go wash your hands.

Getting a New Car in Charlestown, Massachussetts

2008-11-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

Last month I looked at the statement I get in the mail from Honda every fourth of the month telling me, "congratulations, we have successfully debited $356.04 from your bank account". Hooray! The auto-debit was a success! Now I can take on the day.

I live two blocks from my office, one block from my favorite pub, and approximately two-hundred and twenty-three paces from the liquor store; another words, I do not use my car a whole lot, and decidedly not enough to to warrant these triumphant monthly auto-debits.

I felt the solution was to call Mike at Honda Cars of Boston to get into a cheaper lease. The lease part started out easy enough. We did the normal car-leasing dance and settled on a price. I was to come in the following day (because the deal was only good for that week because of the trajectory of inventory minus the productivity of the company doubled then divided by two again.) Or something. Whatever.

Problem number one. My registration had just expired two days before and I had to wait. The three consecutive tickets I received clued me in on this, two of which were given to me after I re-registered the car online but had not yet been given the little red sticker to apply to my license plate. The little "please do not ticket me again" note was apparently not convincing to the meter ladies. So, I had to wait.

Annoyance number two: Tobin Bridge Resident Program. When you switch cars your little transponder must correspond to the car you have. Boston now requires you to come into the FastLane Tunnel Administration Building on 145 Havre Street in East Boston on H yearly, in person, to re-apply for the transponder discount. Same deal when you get a new car or switch cars. If you do not have the correct transponder on the properly assigned car they will fine you fifty dollars per incident if they catch you. As I waited in line I realized that more than half of the people in line came to East Boston for the transponder renewal had failed to have the proper paper work, thus making their trip even more insulting because they had paid the full rate of $3 to get into the city in order to get the discounted rate, had to pay another $3 on the way home, and would have to pay another $3 to come back in with the proper paperwork. That day alone, I saw the turnpike authority make $250 on the backs of people who cannot read directions. But, I digress.

Back to the Registration: Once the lease was drafted and signed they had to change over the registration that I just got for the old car. Good thing Honda has a registration service in-house.

Another Visit to City Hall: I had to get a new Charlestown Resident Sticker or suffer the cost of countless parking tickets. Most people do not know this, but if you do not physically PEAL off the existing sticker and bring it to city hall they will not reissue you a new sticker for your new car. So, if, after you take a razor blade to the sticker and it comes off in unrecognizable scrap, you must take it to city hall along with proof of residency, a bill, license, and registration. If you lived in Charlestown 5 years ago and return they expect you to retain your old permit and to bring it in if you want to get a new sticker. Hard enough finding people who keep their tax records for 5 years, much less their parking permit stickers.

The Biggest Problem of them all: Remembering where I park. Now that I have a gray honda civic (I might as well have a black Corolla) like everyone else it takes me ten minutes to find my car in the morning...

Parking Permit Gophers Take Over 02129

2008-10-24T11:14:00.001-07:00

Too busy to get your parking permit? Just get a $40 ticket for an expired resident sticker? Let the Gophers get your parking permit for you. $30 and a 48hr turnaround (usually quicker). Contact Us 617-512-4939

Charlestown Dog Walker

2008-10-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

If you need a dog walker for your pooch contact us by clicking here. Dog "running" services also available.

The Oysters Are Coming!!

2008-10-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Join the Massachusetts Oyster Project this Saturday at Constitution Marina in the Charlestown Navy Yard at 2pm for the highly anticipated RELEASE of THE OYSTERS!

There will be a reception at 2pm and the release to follow at 3-3:30pm.

The Massachusetts Oyster Project is dedicated to the restoration of oysters to marine estuaries initially in the Boston area.

They wish to re-establish protected reef populations on suitable areas on the Charles River, Mystic River, Neponset River, and Chelsea Creek to improve water quality, offset run-off pollution, attract other sea life and help perpetuate the species.

Visit : http://massoyster.org/ to get more information on this new group.

Pet, Plant, House-Sitting Service

2008-09-27T06:34:00.001-07:00

Have you recently moved to Charlestown and can't figure out what to do with Fido while you are at work? Dog walking/sitting, yard maintenance, house-sitting, snow shoveling and general concierges services available now for reasonable rates ($15/hr for most services). Contact Us with your request:

Local Charlestown Resident To Open Bead and Fiber Gallery in South End

2008-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Bead and Fiber Opening Late September 460 Harrison Avenue Boston MA 617/426-2323 http://beadandfiber.net/

Andrea Garr has been addicted to crocheting beads for almost 8 years. She finds the traditional technique, relaxing and meditative, and loves to explore with a variety of bead materials, combinations, colors, styles and patterns. She has adorned a traditional art form with her contemporary styling. Her studio is where she spends most of her time developing new ideas. Andrea is excited about the opening of her store at 460 Harrison Avenue, called BEAD + FIBER.

Andrea gladly turned her out of control hobby into a full time business about four years ago. Throughout her life, finding an expressive outlet in various arts and crafts, she considered a career in art (until the financial reality set in) while taking art classes at the Museum School in college. Now a recovering employment lawyer, she particularly loves making this jewelry, taking the technique to new undiscovered levels. She now features an extensive ever changing collection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings comprised of glass, crystal, pearl, semi precious stone and precious metals.

Have Your Child Photographed!

2008-08-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Joceyln Gabriel is on her way to becoming Charlestown's new premier photographer. Having graduated The New England School of photography, majoring in photojournalism and documentary, Jocelyn (25 years old) moved to Charlestown to bolster her growing Boston-based business. She is very easy to work with, and extremely passionate when it comes to photography. So, attention mothers of Charlestown! If there are any mothers who were interested in having family, baby, and/or maternity portraits taken Jocelyn is a great person to get in touch with. She is also skilled in shooting events (ie. birthday parties, christenings, anniversaries). She prides herself on making people feel comfortable having their picture taken, rather than it be an intimidating process. You may view her work at www.jocelyngabriel.com. She can be reached by email jocelyngabriel@gmail.com or by cell phone at 207-415-9098.

Has Charlestown Gone To The Dogs?

2008-02-10T05:19:00.000-08:00

Charlestown's budding canine population seems to have spurred numerous "Canine Careers". Most notable, Boston Dog, which has grooming services, funky (and tasty so I've heard) treats, and other services. Visit www.thebostondog.com

Dog walkers fill the streets of Charlestown mid-day on the Monument, sometimes leading 3 or more pooches down the street.

The Friends of The Charlestown Dog Parks has recently been formulated to advocate for a dog park in a section of Paul Revere Park: www.charlestowndog.com

It would seem that Charlestown would be an excellent place for a veterinary group to start up given the growing population and lack of nearby vets. With Angell Memorial difficult to get to from Charlestown in an emergency, Charlestown residents with pets would be, it would seem, glad to embrace a local vet.

Get Your Taxes Done For Free

2008-01-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

Bunker Hill Community College is continuing its free tax assistance program for those with incomes up to $50,000. BHCC operates one of the largest VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs in the region, preparing returns for thousands of taxpayers each year. BHCC volunteers will be available in room D206 at the College’s Charlestown Campus, 250 New Rutherford Avenue, through April 15, 2005. Appointments are not necessary, but community members are encouraged to arrive with time to spare as customers are taken a on a first-come, first served basis. Parking is limited and patrons are encouraged to take the MBTA Orange Line to the Community College station. The VITA hours of operation at BHCC are Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click HERE for more information.

Charlestown Notices

2007-12-31T04:56:00.000-08:00

Cityofboston.gov offers automatic email notices sent to you personal email regarding inspectional board of appeal issues and other neighborhood matters. You can find January's current Board of Appeal Notices in the Right Hand Column of this website. In this weeks notice there are three properties that are seeking approval for plans; 39 Belmont, 70 High Street, and 42 Elm Street. Charlestown Notices will be posted on Mycharlestown.net as well as mycharlestownrealestate.com as they are sent out.

Parks and Recreation New Open Space Plan

2007-11-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

The City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department has prepared a new draft Open Space Plan that is now available online by clicking a link at http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/ . It will soon also be available to view as a hard copy at all local library branches.

The plan specific to Charlestown can be found by clicking: http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/pdfs/os3d.pdf.

Boston Public Library: Put Books On Your Ipod For Free

2007-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

Audible.com charges over $15/month to download digital books. Most people do not realize that you can also download books from the library's resources, FREE. The titles are not usually from the newest inventory, but there are plenty of books to chose from. The Boston Public Library Website provides you with a link to the (FREE) "overdrive" software necessary to download and access the digital files. Click here for a link to the downloading section. Or visit the Boston Public Library for more details.

Search MLS Sold Data

2007-11-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Fill Out This Form In Order To Get Information On Sold Data Boston Wide.

Preservation Society Raises $13,000 For Statue

2007-10-29T07:04:00.001-07:00

The Charlestown Preservation Society raised $13,000 as part of their initial phase in their campaign to preserve the Training Field Statue. Marilyn Darling, campaign chair, announced this milestone last week when the 13,000th dollar was raised. CPS has pledged $5,000 of its own funds and obtained a $1,000 Small Changes grant from the City of Boston for this project. The Training Field statue, known as the Soldier's and Sailors Monument, honors veterans of the Civil war. It was created in 1872 by Martin Millmore, a prominent Victorian-era-sculptor. The CPS sites the small tree growing out of the statue, the moss accumulation, and general disrepair of the statue as cause for the campaign. The statue will be re -pointed, cleaned, and will endure granite repairs. Additionally, the campaign will provide for weeding and landscaping where needed around the stature. The next phase of the campaign has begun. Donations can be made to CPS Statue Fund, Box 290201, Charlestown, Ma 02129

NEWSFLASH: French Bistro Set To Occupy 100 City Square Park

2007-10-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

In early 2008 the site which formerly hosted Copia and before it, Meze, will be home to a not-so-petite French bistro, named Petite Robert Bistro. Loic Le Garrec, co-owner Petit Robert Bistro, also has restaurants in Kenmore Square and on Columbus Avenue in the South End. Le Garrec has joined forces with co-owner and French Chef Jacky Robert, who served as the executive chef of Maison Robert. The owner of Lock-Ober, Paul Licari, rounds of the triumvirate spearheading the ambitious venture. The Charlestown site would host 180 customers, thus making it the largest Petite Bistro to date. It will have a full liquor license, pastry bar, and there are plans for an outdoor oyster bar. Copia closed its doors in July after less than a year of operation.

Do I Have To Move My Car This Morning?

2007-10-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Street cleaning in Charlestown has taken on a whole new meaning since they've begun towing cars violating street cleaning signs. In the months of April, June, July, and August, over 20,000 cars have been towed. The private tow companies contracted by the city earn $100 for each towed car. Do the math on that and you have more than $2 million in a little over four months...

Do I Need To Move My Car For Street Cleaning?

Where Was My Car Towed To?

I Can't Find My Car In Any Lot!

Did You Know?: Where The MBTA's Colors Come From

2007-10-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

There is a reason the MBTA subway lines have the colors they do.

Red Line: The Red Line used to end in Harvard Square. (Crimson is Harvard's color).

Blue Line: The Blue Line is named after the color of water since it runs along the ocean.

Green Line: The Green Line is so named because it connects Boston to the grassy-green suburbs.

Orange Line: The orange line used to run above Washington Street, which used to be named Orange Street.

NEWSFLASH: Knights Of Columbus West School Street Project Proposal Approved By CNCC

2007-09-29T04:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday September 24th, 2007, The Charlestown Neighborhood Council Committee Voted 6 to 4 in favor of approving the plan to construct a 99-unit building at the current site of the K of C on West School Street. The original 9-story, 150-unit design was modified to a 7 and 5 story 99-unit design in order to satiate opponents who bemoaned the height of the proposal. The new design will allow for 312 parking spaces, 228 of which are garage spaces. The building will be composed of two wings with 1 and 2 bedroom condos. Click HERE for Neshamkin French Architects, Inc.'s site renderings for the Knights of Columbus project and more information.