by Seth Daniel
GALLERY @SPENCER LOFTS
The Gallery at Spencer Lofts announces BIRDS ON BROWN PAPER, a solo exhibition of recent works by painter BRENDA WRIGLEY SCOTT. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, May 21, 3-6 p.m.
The subjects of Wrigley’s colorful and vivid acrylic-on-paper works are wild or companion animals; her most recent work focuses exclusively on birds, especially those found in marshes and on beaches. Often initiated in the field and expanded upon in the studio, Wrigley’s paintings are influenced by the avian illustrations of Audubon. Wrigley carefully prepares her paper with nuanced surfaces which serve as ground for her images of birds. A nationally exhibited and award-winning artist, and currently a resident of Little Compton, RI, Wrigley is most well-known for her four decades as a ceramicist whose works, both decorative and functional—including mural installations and custom interior tile—have been shown and sold at galleries and shops nationally.
BRENDA WRIGLEY SCOTT: BIRDS ON BROWN PAPER is the Gallery at Spencer Lofts’ second show of 2017. The Gallery is a unique exhibition space within Chelsea’s Spencer Lofts condominium complex. Reception and admission to the Gallery are free and open to the public. The BRENDA WRIGLEY SCOTT: BIRDS ON BROWN PAPER exhibition will run through Friday, June 23. The artist will hold gallery hours from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on three Saturdays: May 27, June 3, and June 17. Hours are otherwise by appointment; feel free to email the Gallery to request a convenient time to view the exhibit: [email protected].
SALVATION ARMY STORE CLOSES, DEVELOPMENT?
The long-time Salvation Army Store on Broadway in Bellingham Square has closed.
Salvation Army officials from the Chelsea headquarters said the store had closed as of May 1.
There was no reason given immediately.
That said, the store has been a bit of a thorn in the side of Police officials and City officials due to frequent donations that are often left on the sidewalk for the store. Those donations are frequently spilled or rummaged through, making a mess all over Broadway.
Rumors around City circles indicate that the City may be interested in purchasing the property and putting it out to bid for new mixed-use building.
FLORAMO’S NOT MOVING
The owners of Floramo’s Restaurant on Everett Avenue made it abundantly clear last weekend that they have no intention of opening a second location in Saugus on Rt. 1.
The Chelsea staple indicated in a post on Facebook last Saturday that rumors have been circulating that they are opening a second location on Rt. 1. They post said that is not the case.
“We at Floramo’s Restaurant are aware of the rumors that we are moving to Route 1 in Saugus,” read the post. “Apparently there are some individuals that are claiming to be affiliated with our family and our business, so we would like to set the record straight for those that are inquiring…We are not moving and not opening a second location.”
The post stated that the only owner of the location is John Thomas Floramo, and he has no business partners, silent or otherwise.
SALVATION ARMY APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
The Salvation Army of Chelsea and East Boston announced it is having its annual invitation luncheon on Monday, May 22, at noon in the Wyndham Hotel.
This year, Capt. Isael Gonzalez said they are honoring Carol Churchill of Distrigas/Engie with the Friends of the Army Award. Officer Sammy Mojica of the Chelsea Police will receive the Community Service Award. The fundraising luncheon is the annual kick-off of Salvation Army Week in Chelsea, and draws attention to great volunteers and local friends of the Army.
“The Salvation Army of Chelsea/East Boston continues to serve individuals who come through our front door, requesting the most basic things needed in life: a bag of food to feed their family, a hot meal, a safe place for their children, clothing or school uniforms, help with their utility bills or holiday gifts for children,” wrote Capt. Gonzalez. “We are very grateful for all your past support to the mission of The Salvation Army.”
CHELSEA CHASE 5K
The annual Chelsea Chase 5K race to benefit the Jordan Boys & Girls Club will take place on Saturday, May 13, starting in the Mystic Mall by Dockside Restaurant.
Start & Finish at the Dockside in Chelsea Market Basket Plaza. Post-event Celebration sponsored by Dockside Restaurant and Bar Chelsea, includes lunch and two drink tickets for all registered runners.
Runners and Walkers will start at 10 a.m. Please be aware that the race roads will only be closed until approx. 10:45 a.m., at which time we encourage all walkers to continue with the race on or near the sidewalk. Volunteers will still be on the course to direct you at busy intersections and turns, but we are racing through a very hectic area of Chelsea, so please stay aware and safe at all times.
The Chelsea Chase 5K supports two great causes: The Jordan Boys & Girls Club AND the Chelsea Police Relief Association.
The Chelsea Police Relief Association’s mission is to provide death benefits to families of officers. Since CPRA began, the City of Chelsea has lost six officers. This event takes the place of calls for support that took place in the past to support this very worthy cause.
Top three in all age categories will receive a certificate and small gift for their efforts and success. Age categories include 15 & under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & up for men and women. Also special awards for first Chelsea resident to finish, first Boys & Girls Club member, alum, and staff, and other special awards.
CLARK AVENUE PRESENTS HISTORY NIGHT
Come enjoy a night filled with the history of Chelsea presented by the students of the Clark Avenue Middle School (CAMS). Learn about how Chelsea was settled, the geography of Chelsea, immigration patterns through history, and the modernization of building in Chelsea. This school year, CAMS students participated in Service Learning. Service Learning is a way to incorporate meaningful community service with the topics students are learning about in school. Service Learning strengthens communities by teaching and reflecting upon civic responsibility. Their hard work will culminate in a project presentation at the Chelsea Public Library on Wednesday, May 31, from 5-7 p.m.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: SAVE THE DATE
Date: Monday, May 29
Start Time: meet at 8 a.m. in parking lot of Welsh Funeral Home, 713 Broadway.
End: Chelsea City Hall
Parade Marshal: We are honored to have Diana Ramirez, mother of the late Sgt. Nelson D Rodriguez, Afghanistan, serve as parade marshal. Last year, Ramirez was to be the Marshal, but he parade was completely rained out.
The Parade will be followed by the City’s Memorial Day Celebration at City Hall at 9 a.m.
BELLINGHAM CARY HOUSE ANNUAL MEETING
The Governor Bellingham – Cary House will hold its Annual General Meeting, followed by a lecture and slide presentation by Author/Historian Anthony Sammarco on Saturday, May 13, at 6 p.m.
FLAGS TO BE PLACED IN CHELSEA SQUARE
City Councillor Roy Avellaneda is calling for volunteers to help place flags in Chelsea Square at noon on Friday, May 19, in a new effort for Memorial Day.
Veterans Agent Francisco Toro and members of the Police and Fire Departments will join with residents to place the flags in honor of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
CHEL-YEA TO HOST RWJ DELEGATION
Come one, come all, and be ready to impress the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation delegation review team with some Chelsea charm at this month’s Chel-Yea event at the Mystic Brewery on Thursday, May 18.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is reviewing Chelsea as one of 11 finalists to win its public health award, and a team of reviewers are coming to town on May 18 and 19 to look at why Chelsea deserves to be recognized.
One of the events that the public is encouraged to attend is the monthly Chel-Yea gathering, where the delegation will come to socialize and learn about Chelsea’s ‘Off the Clock’ culture.
‘THE MOVEMENT’ SIGN UPS STARTED
Councillors Yamir Rodriguez and Damali Vidot announced on Monday night that sign-ups for the summer youth and adult athletic league, The Movement, have begun.
The popular outdoor basketball and volleyball league started last year and will continue once again, this time they believe even stronger.
The goal is to engage youth and adults with activities in the summer to keep them away from street violence.
LGBTQ FLAG RAISING
Join the Chelsea LGBTQ Coalition for their second annual rainbow flag raising for Pride Month. The flag raising will be on Sunday, May 28, at 2 p.m. at the City Hall flag poll. All are welcome, this is an inclusive community event.
COUNCILLOR TEJADA HOSTS SAFETY GATHERING
The annual Soldiers’ Home Safety and Awareness gathering will take place on Wednesday, June 7, 6 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 26 County Rd.
The meeting is hosted by Councillor Luis Tejada and invited guests will include:
- Bert Taverna and Mike Sandoval from DPW.
- Mike McAteer from Inspectional Services.
- Police Chief Brian Kyes.
This is the chance to ask all of the questions than one might have about he way the City is progressing from those that are in charge.
Pizza and refreshments will be served.
For more info, call Tejada at (617) 306-0732.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AT CPL
Local author Terry Greene will be at the Chelsea Public Library to talk about how to simplify the college admissions process for students.
Greene will talk about her book, ‘Demystifying the College Admission Process: A parent to parent guide to the reality of the college process.’
Learn about the college application process, finding “the right fit”, the SAT, college athletics, financial aid, and more. Light refreshments will be served. Open to all.
The event will be on Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m.
CAPIC 50TH ANNIVERSARY
In recognition of CAPIC’s 50th Anniversary of the Corporation, we are asking all former employees to register for recognition at the Annual Meeting, tentatively scheduled for September 28, 2017. It is our hope that past employees will register and possibly even attend the gala celebration, depending on the response. We ask that you please contact Cary Havey at 617 884-6130 (EXT. 122) and let her know when you were employed and what position you held. Please leave contact information and your availability for the event. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.
FREE CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP
The Chelsea Public Library will have a free Citizenship workshop on Weds., May 24, appointments necessary.
Project Citizenship will run the cars and to register, once must call (617) 694-5949.
To be eligible one must be 18 years old, be a legal permanent resident for five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen, and read, write and speak basic English.
Items to bring to the appointment include Green Card, all Passports, Social Security Number, employment records, home addresses for the last five years, and a $725 money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
CITIZENSHIP CLASSES
With support from the City, the Chelsea Collaborative will again be offering citizenship classes to Chelsea residents eligible to become a U.S. citizens. Classes include a free citizenship preparation course and application assistance. To learn more about the requirements for these classes and how to apply, please call the Chelsea Collaborative at 617-889-6080 —Monday- Thursday 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Classes will be at the Chelsea Collaborative located at 318 Broadway.
SPRING PROGRAMMING AT CPL
The Chelsea Public Library is in the midst of it’s spring programming scheduled for the Children’s Library, and Librarian Martha Boksenbaum said it is an exciting schedule that is well underway.
The schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, May 17 at 3:30 p.m.~ Movie: Star Wars Rogue One
- Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m.~ Star Wars Symposium
Thursday, June 1 at 5 p.m.~ Minecraft Modding with Raspberry Pi with the Rhode Island Computer Museum. For children ages 11 and up. Registration Required.
- Thursday, June 1 at 6 p.m.~ Chelsea Lego Club for all ages
- Read, Sing, Play is April 4 – May 23 on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3-5.
- Baby Lapsit is April 5- May 24 Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for babies 0- 24 months. Registration is required.
MASSPORT NOISE COMPLAINT LINE
Residents who are being disturbed by airplane noise are encouraged to call the MassPort Noise Hotline 24 hours a day. The phone number is (617) 561-3333.
SENIOR WATER AND SEWER DISCOUNT
Chelsea senior citizens are reminded to sign up for the new Senior Discount for water and sewer charges. Any senior 65 or older who owns and occupies his/her own home may apply. The discount is 10% off the monthly bill.