Week in Review: Solutions to Charlestown's Grocery Problem

Life gets busy, and Patch certainly understands that. So with that in mind, here are a few stories you might have missed on Charlestown Patch this week:

1. Whole Foods To Offer Free Charlestown Shuttle—Whole Foods Market, which in late October confirmed its purchase of six Foodmaster stores in the Boston area, announced Friday it would provde a complimentary shuttle service for residents in the Charlestown and North End communities.
2. Charlestown's Generosity Evident in Response to Johnnie's Closure—With Johnnies closing in less than a week, Charlestown will be without a supermarket until the construction of Whole Foods is completed. In such little notice, the Townie Association quickly responded to the issue by starting a petition for shuttle services. Sean Boyle, president of the Townie Association, wrote this letter thanking the community for its support.
3. Charlestown Native Scores First Goal for BU Hockey—Charlestown native Matt Grzelcyk scored his first collegiate goal in Boston University hockey’s Nov. 11 game against Boston College.
4. 5 Questions For Pura Vida—Daren Lechner, owner of the new shop Pura Vida, talks with Charlestown Patch about how he chooses what to sell in his shop, where he gets it, and the unique experience of shopping at Pura Vida.
5. Neighborhood Council Election Set Saturday—Eight local residents were in the running for seven at-large seats on the Charlestown Neighborhood Council in this Saturday’s election.
6. Charlestown Woman Kidnapped from Boston Club—A Charlestown woman reported being kidnapped after she blacked out after leaving a club in downtown Boston on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
7. Police Reports: Purses Snatched in Charlestown—These reports were collected from the Boston Police Department and took place between Nov. 6 and 12 within Charlestown's District A-15.
8. Charlestown Holiday Stroll Coming Up Soon—Plans are taking shape for Charlestown Chamber of Commerce’s annual Charlestown Holiday Stroll, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 1.
9. Childcare Company Eyes Bunker Hill Pavilion—Charlestown could be getting a new option for childcare with the renovation of the former Bunker Hill pavilion. Jerome A. Kyllingstad, vice president of National Development, presented an early look at the project at the Nov. 8 Charlestown Neighborhood Association meeting.
10. Charlestown Residents Help 'Shine a Light' on Lung Cancer—A group of Charlestown residents, joined by others from around Boston, prepared to “shine a light” on lung cancer during an awareness event scheduled Tuesday at the Prudential Tower.

Celebrate Small Business in Charlestown

Charlestown certainly has its fair share of great small businesses. Today, and all next week, Patch wants to celebrate these guys. If you're a small business owner, and you're planning a big sale, special deal or event in the coming weeks, tell us about it by emailing becca.manning@patch.com, tweeting @CharlestwnPatch, posting a note on our Facebook page or leaving it in the comments below. And if you're a Charlestown resident, tell us what small business you can't live without. Where do you shop till you drop? What restaurant serves up the best food? Where do you go for that important first coffee of the day? What local business just knows how to do customer service?

Talk About It

Charlestown Patch is all about you—the news and issues that matter to Charlestown readers. That’s why we occasionally ask readers to respond to polls, talk about local or state issues and submit their own photos and videos as part of our online community.

• Who Should Run For Governor?
• How Would You Use MBTA Mobile Ticketing?
• Who Will Run for Kerry's Seat if He's Appointed Secretary of Defense?

Did we miss something? Send news tips, comments and suggestions to becca.manning@patch.com.