Many residents turned out to attend the Charlestown Neighborhood Council meeting.

The Transportation Committee of the Charlestown Neighborhood Council hosted a meeting with residents and officials from the Boston Transportation Department at the Knights of Columbus on Medford Street, to discuss plans for the redevelopment of the Rutherford Avenue and Sullivan Square area.

Rutherford Avenue is many things – a speedway for some, an over -commercialized roadway for others. To create a safer environment for Charlestown residents, three options have been proposed as solutions to the problem. But the real conundrum is choosing the solution. The first option, and seemingly the most popular, is the “surface option,” which would eliminate the underpasses on Rutherford Avenue.

Alternatively, the “tunnel option” would ensure the permanence of underpasses at Sullivan Square and Austin Street, while the “surface option” would only guarantee the Austin Street underpass, but would add more greenery in the form of recreational parks on Austin Street and in City Square.

Congressman Michael Capuano is an advocate of the “hybrid option.” With this choice, elements from the “surface option,” favored as the most aesthetically pleasing of the three, would be combined with some avenues the “tunnel option” explores. Regardless of which option is chosen, the main priority is to alleviate traffic in the discussed dense area.

“We want an option that will create an opportunity to take your children to the park and cross the street safer than you do today,” Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Thomas Timlin said to the large crowd of over 100 Charlestown residents.

“We’re going to come back here as many times as you want,” he added.

After Timlin’s introduction, Michael Paul from Tetra Tech monopolized most of the meeting with his slideshow presentation of the anticipated changes. “We’re going to focus on Austin Street…and look at some of the issues, as well as see some options to keep the underpass,” Paul voiced.

Some of the project goals were outlined and discussed in detail, but the highlighted issue was that of traffic control. Comprehensive graphs were illuminated against the wall as Paul pointed out that from 2008 to 2011, traffic in the morning has remained the same. “Volumes haven’t changed much,” he said.

There are currently six lanes in the underpass, three northbound and three southbound. “The high left-turn volume in the afternoon is a problem,” Paul said, switching slides.

Another issue noted was that the area is an extremely unfriendly pedestrian environment. A sketch of the alternative underpass was then projected. “We feel it will improve safety…But nothing’s carved in stone. It’s a rendering of what could be there,” Paul said, also noting that additional space could be gained by reducing the number of lanes from three each way to two.

Some of the same issues that surfaced four years ago have since been refined, culminating in this presentation.  “When concerns were raised four years ago, Austin Street came up 1,000 times,” Paul said. “If that’s the concern, then we, as government, need to come back and try to address it.” But some residents still remained unconvinced, voicing their hesitations within the parameters of the interactive forum.

“If there was ever an emergency in Charlestown, you’d be better off staying in your house,” said one female resident of how the seven-year construction plan would impact traffic in the area.

Nathan Blanchet spoke on behalf of the Charlestown Neighborhood Coalition. “We came together last fall, and in January started having neighborhood meetings. We studied the design and history of big changes in Charlestown, and we’re really thrilled at tonight’s turn out. The majority of people are in support the surface option because of safety,” Blanchett said. “Rebuilding a tunnel is unnecessary and undesirable,” he said of another proposed option.

The older residents sat complacently through the presentation, except for when some controversy arose over the action of removing the footbridge to Boston, to which one woman shouted, “It’s full of garbage. No one cleans it.” Another resident pushed back, claiming the bridge is a necessity.  “What we’re doing is giving one more option,” said Paul. “We’ve heard you. This is what transparent government does,” he added. The community will continue to be involved as stages in the project progress. The city cannot move forward with any plans until the community reaches a consensus, so, every meeting, and every opinion counts.

The decision follows months of turmoil at the Life Focus Center where its accounting practices and other matters regarding its administration have been called into question by Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne Bump.

Bay Cove presently services 4,000 individuals and families who face the challenges of developmental disabilities, mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction and aging. Bay Cove has 130 sites in Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts.

According to Bay Cove officials, that organization will begin providing services directly at the Life Focus Center on June 17.

The transition is expected to be seamless with nearly all present employees at Life Focus staying on under the new administration.

In the meantime, Larry Tummimo, the Department of Developmental Services Deputy Commissioner said that his agency will be going through the Life Focus Center Books and that whatever is owed to the state will be repaid.

It was Tummimo who asked Bay Cove to make an effort to consider hiring Life Focus Center employees to avoid any disruption in the programs.

This was the premier day of the year for the Charlestown Mother’s Association. With their multitude of events hosted every year, the Charlestown Mother’s Association has done great advances for Charlestown families and this is expecially so on Mother’s Day.

After its inception in 1997, the Charlestown’s Mother Association became a powerful force of volunteerism and family programming. Thousands of parents and children participate in enjoyable events run by the group’s many members whom are all dedicated to making Charlestown a vibrant place for families to live and grow.

The Charlestown Mother’s Association works with community-based organizations including Harvest on the Vine, The Community Center, Charlestown Life Focus Center, Special Townies, The Charlestown Lacrosse and Learning Center, Little League, Rookie League, Youth Football and Cheerleading, The Kennedy Center, Boston Inner City Children’s Choir, Charlestown Votes, CHAD, The Boys and Girls Club, the Charlestown Working Theater and others. The hard-working mothers are always fundraising to raise awareness for local needs, and now it’s their turn to be recognized.

The Charlestown Mother’s Association Board of Directors is comprised of Co-presidents Leigh Hurd and Rebecca Love, Secretary Sarah Newlin, Treasurer Becky King, Laura Carroll, Kristen Flores, Virginia Mansfield, Jen Rossi, Jane Reitz, Lynne Soutter, Deanna Sutton, Ann Harrer and Sue Lacey. So when you’re out to brunch at Figs, or the Warren Tavern, recognize fellow Charlestown mothers for all that they do for this community, and for you.

Mother’s Day went well. The day reserved for Mom was exactly that.

At first blush, the entire notion of such an effort seems more like a bit advertised for a television reality show than anything else but it isn’t.

Child obesity in Boston and in every great American city is a huge problem growing larger, literally, in every way. Adult obesity is also reaching staggering heights among huge percentages of the population.

The problem with obesity whether it is with children or adults is that ultimately it impacts on personal health.

Diabetes is growing rampant because so many Americans consume so much sugar. Then there are the chemicals and food dyes, artificial flavorings and foods sold in huge amounts which have zero nutritional vale.

Mayor Menino is meaning well by urging Bostonians to watch what they eat and to join him in the commitment to lose 1 million pounds collectively.

Sounds corny but it isn’t.

Tufts Professor

James A. Whelton, M.D. of Wayland, who served 25 years as chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and was a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine died peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Saturday, May 12.

Dr. Whelton was born at the family home in Charlestown, the youngest of nine children of Michael and Margaret (Hayes) Whelton who emigrated from Ireland.

He was a graduate of Boston College High School, Boston College and Tufts University Medical School. He served his internship at Carney-St. Margaret’s Hospitals in Dorchester and did his surgical residency at Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in New York.

He received a fellowship from the New York Academy of Medicine and did further graduate study in Stockholm, Paris and Munich. Upon his return, he practiced in Boston and then sailed on the ship Hope to provide medical care to the people of Ecuador. He had a lifelong interest in the Spanish language and culture and was a strong supporter of Boston College.

The author of numerous publications on obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Whelton was a longtime member of the Mass. Medical Society, the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a past president of the Boston Obstetrical Society. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy.

Dr. Whelton will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his profession and his faith and he gave his very best to all three.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Louise (Mahoney) Whelton of Wayland, his sons, James and his wife Mary, of Quincy, David and his wife, Anabel of Dorchester and Matthew and his wife, Kristin of Newton; grandfather of Marcos, Santiago, Mateo and Samuel and uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are by the John C. Bryant  Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Route 30) Wayland. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated today, Thursday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Parish at Saint Ann’s Church, 124 Cochituate Road (Route 27), Wayland. Burial will follow in the Whelton family lot in North Cemetery in Wayland. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations in his memory may be sent to Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, 558 South Avenue, Weston, MA 02493 or to Boston College Irish Studies Department, Office of University Advancement, Alumni Center, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. For on-line condolences and directions visit johncbryantfuneralhome.com.

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Maureen Brassil

Charlestown Resident

Maureen P. Brassil of Charlestown died on May 13. She was 52 years old.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas E. and Margaret (Toomey) Brassil; devoted sister of Margaret Cameron and her late husband, Paul of Hanson, Thomas Brassil and his wife, Pam of Florida., John Brassil and his wife, Marilyn of Charlestown, James Brassil and Sandy McCabe of Revere, Paul Brassil of Charlestown, Robert Brassil and his wife, Lillian of Florida., Mary Luzzo and her husband, Vincent of Lexington, Fred Brassil and his wife, Linda of Wilmington, Richard Brassil and his wife, Joyce of Seebrook, N.H., Joseph Brassil and his wife, Deidre of Bridgewater, William Brassil and his wife, Katherine of Charlestown, the late Dorothy Gavin and her surviving husband, Tom of E. Bridgewater and the late Rita Carroll and her surviving husband, Joe of Halifax. She was the loving aunt of many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and is also survived by many friends at The Life Focus Center. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral on today, Wednesday,  at 9 a.m. from the Frank H. Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Arlington.. In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in her name to Beacon Hospice, 529 Main St., Suite 101, Charlestown, MA 02129. For obituary, directions and online condolences, please visit www.carrfuneral.com

Karson Tager and wife Lana

No other radio host expresses candid remarks, personal anecdotes, and a passion for his community quite like Karson Tager. The Mix 104.1 morning radio personality is the friendly voice that makes traffic a little more bearable on your commute to work, along with co-host Kennedy Elsey. Unlike most talk show host duos, Karson and Kennedy are longtime friends, adding a unique and personal dynamic to the growing show. “You get into the studio and it’s you and your friend sharing stories,” Tager said fondly.

The Charlestown resident wakes up at 3:50 a.m. every morning, long before Zume’s has even brewed their first batch of coffee. “I’m usually at the station at 4:30, and the bulk of the morning is spend reading newspapers, national websites and magazines. We have a small meeting at 5:15 to hammer out last details and go on the air at 5:45,” Tager said of his morning routine.

But he doesn’t resent his early wake-up call. “Nobody wants to tune into a radio station and everybody’s grumpy. We have fun. You’ve got to be in a good mood and tune everything else out. For those four hours we get to sit in there and laugh and have a good time, and make fun of Kim Kardashian,” Tager said.

One of Tager’s favorite parts of the morning is a game they play on the air called “Can’t Beat Kennedy,” a trivia competition where a caller battles Kennedy in cultural knowledge. “It’s good interaction,” Tager, who loves speaking to listeners, said. “It’s such a weird word, fan,” he added. “I look at it like a radio family. They’re fantastic. The second I do something wrong, listeners are quick to point it out. They’re also quick to help out.”

Recently, a young, engaged couple whose wedding day is approaching lost their home, belongings and wedding day necessities in a fire. “We asked listeners to call in if they had anything they’d be able to donate, and over the course of two or three hours, we put together an entire wedding. For a young couple about to get married that’s a big deal. We appreciate the people who listen to the show,” Tager beamed.

The radio station isn’t the only place Tager feels the warmth of the Boston community. After living in Charlestown for three years, he has been embraced by the affable residents and rooted his family in the characteristic town. “I broke my leg in February and three neighbors volunteered to take me to the hospital, and help me get around. They’re always there. That’s my next door neighbor right there,” Tager said, waving over to a man seated at a nearby table at Tager’s locale, the Grasshopper Cafe.

“He’s the Ryan Seacrest of Charlestown,” the neighbor shouted. And aside from standing in front of a green screen with Guiliana Rancic, it’s not far from the truth. Tager also involves himself heavily in the community by mentoring at The Boys and Girls Club. “It’s evolved over time,” he said. “I started out as being there for the boy I mentor as a friend, and as he’s gotten older, I’ve become more of a big brother figure in his life for things he’s going through as a teenager.” Tager has three children of his own, including twin girls who are starting college together this Fall, and a 17-month old son whom Tager is eager to see when the work day ends.

“I’m usually done with my day by lunch. A lot of people come home at six or seven p.m., but I get to spend the best part of the day with my son…I’m very lucky with my children,” Tager said. And his family knows that if something happens, it will likely end up being told on the show. His wife Lana knows this more than anyone, having experienced Tager’s radio antics early on in his career.

“When I was hosting a show in Alabama, my wife came down to the station with her friends  to vote for this contest, and the receptionist sent her back when I was on air. Normally I’d be upset, but she was so cute and she knocked on the window and I put her on the air. It turns out she was in a pageant and she sang this little song for the pageant that I made her recite on the radio. I kept playing the song every day, and eventually she called,” Tager reminisced.

He also worked at radio stations in towns in North Carolina and Tennessee before settling in Boston. “I’s an interesting dynamic because when you move, everyone has to move. It’s kind of like being in a band,” the longtime radio host said. But Tager sees himself as being the voice of 104.1 as long as people want to hear it. “I’ve traveled a lot and Boston is no doubt the best place. We just added a third person to the show, Salt. He’s great and we’re expecting good reviews. They want to grow the show, so we’re adding more people, more content, and we’re going  to continue to learn how to get better at what we do. Every day we come up with innovative ways to have more fun. We do four hours every day with a staff of five people. It’s a lot of work, but every day we are making sure that what we’re doing is the best possible,” Tager said.

Although some other Boston stations have been around for decades, Tager hopes that listeners will appreciate the Karson and Kennedy show for its embodiment of their honest banter. The close friends share their lives with people, and say things off-the-cuff to each other, and to callers. But it’s their unparalleled rawness that sets Mix 104.1 apart from the competition.

Even when he’s speaking to globally recognized celebrities, Tager remains as cavalier as he does when gabbing with Kennedy. “There are so many intellectual people in the music industry. Some of them can be eccentric, but most of them are pretty easy to work with. One of the standout moments was having Steven Tyler in the studio. He’s done it all. He’s had this crazy life and he came into our studio and it was great. That band is something a lot of people can relate to, and having him in the studio was a surreal moment. People that will open up make it really easy,” divulged Tager.

But when an interview doesn’t go so swiftly, Tager just lets the custard filling fall out of the Boston cream donut. “Sometimes it gets so derailed you can’t do anything about it and you just have to laugh,” Tager admitted. “We make mistakes all the time and we learn from what we did…We’re always poking fun at ourselves, and we always will.”

05/02/12 – A victim reported while on Bunker Hill Street, she was approached by two individuals, one of whom, after a brief dispute, began to punch her in the face while the other held her. The suspects then fled the area. The parties are known to each other, and the matter is under investigation.

Ballistic Evidence Found 

05/03/12 – At about 2 p.m., officers responded to a rooftop on McNulty Court, where four shotgun shells were recovered. The shells appeared rusted and very old. There were no witnesses. The shells were sent to the Ballistics Unit.

Warrant Arrest

05/07/12 – Officers on Carney Court placed an individual under arrest for an outstanding Charlestown court warrant charging shoplifting.

Larceny from Vehicles

Also, over the last week, there were several incidents involving Honda Acuras in which the suspects broke into the vehicles and attempted to steal the air bags. On one occasions, they were successful.

U13 Girls 

The Charlestown U13 Girls lacrosse team showed their determination on Sunday defeating a tough North Reading team 10-7.  Newcomer Molly McGurty played center for most of the game, scoring two key goals in the first half and hustling hard on defense.  Chloe Shea and Kate Wilson made excellent passes and finished with 2 goals and 1 assist each.  Margaux Dowdle and Carly Heffernan anchored the Charlestown defense with several key ground ball pickups and interceptions, and Tessa Wright scored her first goal in the first half and then transitioned seamlessly to defense for the second.  It was an incredible team effort, and the girls are ready for the challenge of next week’s game against Hamilton-Wenham.

U9 Girls 

The U9 girls had a great win over Reading making them 3-0 for the season.   Everyone tried playing offense, midfield, and attack and worked really hard at picking up ground balls and making complete passes.  The coaches were very impresses with the hustle on the field.  Sophia Allen Garduno, Bella Carr, and Devon Herlihy played great defense stealing the ball from the Reading attack and holding them to only 3 goals.  Hazel Collier, Molly McGuinness, Eliza Nilson, Laurel Nyhan,  Annie O’Keeffe, and Fiona O’Keefe had a great game in midfield transitioning the ball from defense to offense and using the entire field.  Katherine Lamanna, Jackie McCormick, McKay Pratt, and Mackenzie Strachan played amazing on offense taking good shots on goal.  Good work U9 girls!!

U11 Boys White

The boy’s tenacity was high and the teamwork strong. From the starting whistle, the boys did a great job transitioning the ball from defense to offense with precision. The offense was brilliant, working the ball from behind and feeding it to a teammate in front of the net and yes, scoring. On the defensive end, the boys started to stay closer to the net and would successfully strip the ball away from the Sharon offense and transition it back up to the waiting attack. The boys played the best game of the season against a tough Sharon squad.

U9 Boys 

The boys played another great game on Sunday.  Each player tried many different positions and it worked well. Charelstown ended with a 4-1 win over a tough South Boston team. Coach Paul Gamble was most impressed by the teams passing as it continues to improve each Sunday. They team an excellent job in transition from defense and on the offensive side of the field. The byproduct of the good passing was a different scorer on each one of the teams goals, which were scored by Nico Berger, Tanner Creelman, Thaddeus Foote and Richard Bova.  Adam Higginbottom continues to defend the goal making great stops and holding the South Boston attack to only one goal.