A simple sign hung on the front door Thursday morning at Wonderland Greyhound Park.

There were no press conferences held or historic photos rolled out, leaving many Chelsea residents without a job.

It was Revere’s largest employer also, for decades and its claim to fame for years just sputtered out of existence with only a handful of words.

"Wonderland Park is closed and has ceased all operations. Thank you for 75 great years," read the sign, which was accompanied by another sign explaining how to redeem winning tickets.

It was a sign that everyone’s been expecting for the last 10 years, but somehow a sign that the track’s ownership has avoided time and time again.

Not this time.

"All I’ve been saying all day is that it’s a very emotional day," said Wondy CEO Dick Dalton on Thursday afternoon, just after a License Commission meeting in City Hall. "Beyond the history of the track, it’s just dealing face to face with people who have been co-workers of mine for 37 years. That’s a real challenge for me to deal with and will continue to be."

Some 150 or so workers left at the track said they found out about the closure when they arrived on Thursday. Like everyone else, they discovered the news when they saw the sign on the door.

"I have no idea what I’ll do now," said Revere resident Paul DeFilippo on Thursday in front of the track. "I’ve been here for 33 years. It’s a good job. This was a great place to work. I guess I’ll collect unemployment and you can add me to the 10 percent unemployment rate we have going now."

Dalton said that other track workers echoed those sentiments to him.

No one knows just what they will do.

"I talk to many of our workers – they’ve been there for 30 years or more and they’re in their 50s or late 50s; they’re saying, ‘What do I do now at my age?’ A lot of them are maybe 57 years old and they want to know who is going to hire them at their age. They’re very down."

Dalton added that the state Secretary of Labor brought down a quick response team on Monday and Tuesday to meet with the newly unemployed track workers. That included setting them up with unemployment benefits, new job offerings and job training.

Dalton said the true end of Wonderland was not the recent ban on dog racing or the failure of expanded gaming, but rather the opening of Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut in 1992.

"When I look back and see it was only 1990 when we set a world record for annual pari-mutuel handles and we were having million dollar nights and everything was going unbelievably," said Dalton. "Then Foxwoods opened and everything changed for us. That’s really when we started our fall. You can even graph it out and see it. It’s very clear."

Meanwhile, track workers at Wonderland had their own opinions as to who had put them out of work.

Many workers had been slated to transfer to Suffolk Downs had expanded gaming come to fruition.

Late last week, they weren’t blaming Wonderland for their lost jobs.

"This is the fault of the three goons on Beacon Hill," said DeFilippo and a handful of other workers. "We’re talking about [Gov. Deval] Patrick, [Sen. President Therese] Murray and [House Speaker Bob] DeLeo. They played a game of Russian Roulette with us. We are the people who got hurt on this. They’re going to go out to their fancy restaurants tonight and have not a thing to worry about. These three goons played with our lives and they have been doing so for 10 to 12 years."

When asked by reporters if they blamed Wonderland for the closure, it was unanimous that the track was not the focus of their ire.

"We’re blaming the politicians," said DeFilippo. "[Wonderland] is fortunate they kept this place open as long as they did. The money ran out. The politicians put us in this position and money can only last so long."

Special to the Record

To hear Representative Eugene O’Flaherty talk about it, State funding for local roadway projects is always a hot topic for debate at the State House. While he was joined by Senator Sal DiDomenico and City officials last week to view another project funded with Chapter 90 roadway funds from the State, O’Flaherty said he believes the State can never do enough when it comes to providing for local infrastructure.

“It’s a top priority for me and many of my colleagues,” explained O’Flaherty. “We know that getting Chapter 90 funding to Chelsea and other communities can be the difference between a roadway project being undertaken, or else it’s another year of dodging potholes for motorists and cracks in the sidewalk for pedestrians. Given that local budgets are strapped and simple roadway projects are so expensive to fund locally, I’m pleased and proud this funding source has survived that cuts that have befallen many other State programs.”

Sen. DiDomenico reports that $710,000 is being earmarked for Chelsea roadway projects this year.

“That’s a pretty significant amount that should allow for a handful of locally important projects to be done. It’s for that very reason that Chapter 90 will always be a priority of mine as well,” stressed DiDomenico.

City Manager Jay Ash confirmed that four projects were being financed through the State’s annual Chapter 90 allotment.

“We’re doing portions of Chester Avenue, Marlboro Street and Spencer Avenue, as well as a single project on County Road, Bassett Street and Reynolds Avenue. The State funding to support these projects is critical. Without the State funding, water and sewer ratepayers would have paid for the County Road project, meaning higher water rates. None of the other projects would have gone forward this year,” confirmed Ash.

Surveying the work done on Chester Avenue, Council President Leo Robinson described the pounding his car took when he drove home while living there several years ago.

“At times it seemed like a mine field, where you needed to dodge one problem after the other. As much as we’d try to patch the potholes, the rain and freeze would eventually win out again. This roadway, in fact all of the roads and sidewalks being done were priorities for my colleagues and me. We’re all grateful that our legislators continue to champion such critical municipal support,” stated Robinson.

Although she was unable to attend the inspection of Chester Avenue, Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein said that she knew full well that the State funding was being put to good use.

“There’s nothing like a new street and new sidewalks to give an old neighborhood a new life. That’s what Chapter 90 is about and that’s why I’ll continue to defend it as a great expenditure of our State revenues,” pledged Reinstein.

Although Chapter 90 was left intact in this year’s budget, there have been times over the State’s fiscal crisis when the same could not be said.

“It’s one of the last places we should look to trim,” proffered O’Flaherty, “because it’s one of the most tangible and appreciated expenditures we make.”

Ash, upon being informed of the Chelsea delegation’s pledge to continue to deliver future funding, noted that many other neighborhoods would benefit from future Chapter 90 work.

“We have many other streets that need resurfacing and sidewalks to be repaired. Being able to count on future funding means we can start planning for improvements now, so that we’ll be ready to be in the ground next year on another round of neighborhood improvements,” commented Ash.

Although he was unsure as to which streets those would be, he said he was busy putting together the next CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) for the City, which will be filed with the Council in early 2011.

“We’ve got major roadway projects and minor ones to try to figure out how to fund. Chapter 90 will be part of the funding strategy, so our construction efforts can go a bit farther next year,” Ash concluded.

Over 100 golfers participated in the seventh annual Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Golf Tournament, held at the Andover Country Club on August 16. The event raised more than $75,000 to support CHA’s critical community health mission.

The CHA Golf Tournament was established to raise money for CHA’s Whidden Hospital campus, which serves the 200,000 residents of Everett, Malden, Revere, Chelsea, and Winthrop. Proceeds from past tournaments have been used to fund a complete renovation of the Emergency Department and expand vital Radiology and Cardiology services. This year’s event will benefit CHA’s new Patient Experience of Care initiatives recently introduced at the Whidden campus.

Earlier this year, Whidden staff implemented numerous changes that have positively impacted patients and improved patient satisfaction scores. For example, a new “intentional rounding” program ensures that patients see a nurse or certified nursing assistant every hour during the day and every two hours overnight. Additionally, patients receive a free daily newspaper, food and nutrition services have been improved, and rooms are outfitted with whiteboards to better communicate clinical team member names. CHA’s innovative Patient Family Advisory Council has also been expanded to help develop programs and improve processes.

Early results of the Patient Experience of Care initiatives have seen significant improvements in several key statewide metrics. CHA’s Press Ganey scores in almost all categories rose from the January-March reporting period to the April-June reporting period, with especially dramatic gains in the number of patients rating the Whidden campus a “9” or “10” as well as the scores measuring the “Responsiveness of Hospital Staff.”

“We are extremely pleased that incorporating some of the comforts of home and enhancing communication with clinical staff have profoundly affected our patients’ experiences here,” said Deborah Murphy, RN, Site Administrator of CHA’s Whidden Hospital campus. “The generosity of those who contributed to the golf tournament will allow us to continue these important patient-centered process improvements and staff training programs.”

Cambridge Health Alliance is an innovative, award-winning integrated health system that provides high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north communities. It includes three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices, the Cambridge Public Health Dept., and the Network Health plan. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine. Visit us online at www.challiance.org.

Nominations are currently being solicited for the Ninth Annual “All-Chelsea Awards.” The awards are given to recipients who have distinguished themselves, improved the lives of local residents or enhanced the city’s overall civic standing. Ten individuals and entities will be recognized in a variety of categories.

“There are so many working so tirelessly in our community to advance our mutual goals for our residents and our city. This award program allows us to recognize the best among us as we celebrate the contributions made by individuals and organizations that continue to make Chelsea the special place that it is,” said City Manager Jay Ash, a founder of the ACA Program.

Three residents, one each in the categories of “under 21 years old,” “21-64” and “65 and older” will receive awards. Also to be recognized will be a “Public Official of the Year,” who may be an elected or appointed member of government; a “Business or Businessperson of the Year,” and a “Community Based Organization or Person of the Year.” The latter distinction will recognize a local non-profit organization, staff member or volunteer who is typically engaged in human services, cultural or recreational programs, civic betterment, or the like.

Other awards will go to a “Project of the Year,” which can recognize either a new or existing program or development that has had a substantial impact on the quality of life enjoyed by local residents, and a “Contributing Stakeholder of the Year,” which will recognize a non-community person, business or organization that has made a recognizably positive local contribution.

For the aforementioned awards, distinguished service over the previous twelve months will be the key criteria for recognition. Two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” will also be given out annually to recognize a resident, business or organization for extended outstanding service to the community or unparalleled individual accomplishment.

Last year’s recipients were: Public Official – Chief Brian Kyes of the Chelsea Police Department; Community Organization – Barry Berman of the Chelsea Jewish Foundation; Business – Robert Cashman of Metropolitan Credit Union; Youth Resident – Molly Bourque; Resident 21-64 – John Kennard; Resident 65 and older – Judith Dyer; Contributing Stakeholder – Bob Hildreth, Chelsea Public Schools benefactor; Project – Market Basket, and Lifetime Achievement – the late John Donovan, a former State Representative, House Counsel and Red Sox General Manager, and the late Paul “Choc” Glazer, the former director of the Chelsea YMHA and a member of the School Committee.

“This award program is an important statement about a great community,” said Councillor President Leo Robinson, a former award winner. “I am continually impressed with the work so many are doing. It’s great that those champions among us get recognized.”

The ACA Committee, comprised of residents and leaders from government, business and community based organizations, will seek nominations from the community and make nominations on their own. An ACA Selection Committee, comprised of ACA Committee members and their appointees, will determine the award winners.

Nominations are due by September 10 to the City Manager’s Office. Nomination forms can be found online at www.chelseama.gov, or at the City Manager Offices. Forms will also be emailed by request to jash@chelseama.gov or mailed by calling 617-466-4100.

“Each and every day, someone is making a difference in our community,” suggested Joe McNamee, the Chamber of Commerce President and former award recipient. “I encourage those being touched by a selfless individual or a terrific program to let our committee know by submitting a nomination form.”

Winners will be announced in the September 30 edition of the Chelsea Record and recognized at a City Hall event the evening of October 28th.

Chelsea Police are also conducting an investigation.

The officer involved in the accident has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Conflicting reports by alleged eyewitnesses about whether or not the blue lights on the police vehicle were flashing and whether or not the siren was on are being aided by technical data and some video, according to police sources.

Charges of speeding and determinations of what speed the police vehicle was moving at will be determined by the State Police.

According to local Attorney Richard Clayman, State Police Reconstruction Teams are very accurate at making such determinations which are based on the injuries suffered by the dead man, damage to the police vehicle, skid marks on the road, if any, and interviewing with eye-witnesses.

This much is agreed – Burgess stepped onto Broadway in the darkness and the police vehicle couldn’t stop in time to avoid the accident.

Witnesses all said after Burgess was hit there was a loud bang that could be heard from two blocks away. Witnesses also said that the police officer got out of his vehicle and tried to aid Burgess.

Both City Manager Jay Ash and Police Chief Brian Kyes have commented on the issue of speeding public safety vehicles – which the chief said is a major bone of contention with him.

“Our department does everything it can to train our officers about the protocol to use on our city streets when responding to a call. At every level of the training, safety is the main issue. I am especially saddened by this accident,” added Chief Kyes.

Friends and acquaintances of Burgess have been dropping off candles and flowers near to the place where he was hit. The collection of memorial offerings has taken on the look of a small shrine on Broadway between Eleanor and Parker Streets.

Burgess was well known to the residents of the Parker – Eleanor Street area.

He was a constant presence seen standing at the corner of Eleanor Street and Broadway by the variety store on that corner.

This writer knew the deceased man and had stopped to speak with him in the early morning hours in Bellingham Square by the Store 24 where he was very often seen.

As many others have said, he tended always to ask for a cigarette and then for a few dollars.

Burgess was hit by a Chelsea Police car as it sped to a call for aid from the Everett Police about 11:15 p.m. last Thursday night.

The accident took place on Broadway, close to the intersection of Parker Street.

Burgess had apparently wandered onto Broadway trying to get to the other side when he was hit full force.

He lived alone but apparently has a brother living in Florida.

It is a tragedy of the first order.

First, there are the nearly 100 longtime employees who have lost their jobs and some of those employees are from Chelsea.

Second, it is the end of an industry, which came to exist only electronically in its last and most current incarnation.

What might have been is what the closed track is all about.

The expanded gaming bill intended to save Wonderland has instead killed it.

What seemed certain at the beginning of the summer turned to failure by the end of it.

When the state government killed the expanded gambling bill, Wonderland came close to death.

It finally died and shut its doors last Friday.

The once proud and busy track, one of the busiest in the nation at its height, is now officially a largely empty parking lot set for sale to Suffolk Downs and then given for development to the highest bidder.

Wonderland’s time had long ago passed it by.

The times changed but the track never really changed with it.

The Lottery ruined it.

The proliferation of Lottery betting and casinos in Connecticut also cut into it.

Then dog racing was banned – and then the track was left with simulcasting – that is – broadcasting races from other tracks across the nation.

In its final months, Wonderland went from bad to worse.

Near the very end, it was a track and an industry on intensive care without a future.

The halcyon days of dog racing are forever over.

We are left with a lifetime of memories – those of us who remember the track when it was busy and the place to go.

We are saddened by its closing.

Hillario Buenaventura-Flores, 30, 73 Essex St., Chelsea, was arrested for operation of motor vehicle unlicensed, stop sign violation, possessing open container of alcohol in motor vehicle.

Olvin Amaya, 24, 191 Lexington St., East Boston, was arrested for assault and battery.

Mirna Gonzalez, 33, 44 Addison St., Chelsea, was arrested for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Jose Benites, 29, 1666 North Shore Rd., Revere, was arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to commit crime.

Jesus Zavala, 34, 115 Washington Ave., Chelsea, was arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to commit crime.

Jose Alvarado, 34, 111 Essex St., Chelsea, was arrested for stop sign violation, operation of motor vehicle unlicensed.

Wilver Merino, 31, 20 Marion St., East Boston, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, one way violation, reckless operation of motor vehicle.

Luis Bercian, 24, 170A Harris St., Revere, was arrested for operation of motor vehicle unlicensed.

Cheyenne Socobasin, 20, 67 Clinton St., Chelsea, was arrested for possessing open container of alcohol in public, person under 21 possessing alcohol.

Martika Feliz, 17, 51 Grove St., Chelsea, was arrested for possessing open container of alcohol in public, person under 21 possessing alcohol.

Monday, August 16

Oscar Armando Portillo, 22, 55 Grove St., Chelsea, was arrested for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Arinel Castro, 26, 30 Phillis St., Lynn, was arrested for throwing object on public way, operation of motor vehicle unlicensed, possessing open container of alcohol in motor vehicle.

Alfonso Barroso, 39, 37 Malden St., Everett, was arrested for operation of motor vehicle with suspended license (criminal).

Danyelle Wallace, 29, 46 Veterans Memorial, Peabody, was arrested on a warrant.

Tuesday, August 17

John Hose, 61, 72 Washington St., Lynn, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Corey Rezendes, 19, 113 Spencer Ave., Chelsea, was arrested on a warrant.

Jessie Pizarro, 29, 527 Bennington St., East Boston, was arrested for operation of motor vehicle unlicensed, negligent operation of motor vehicle, speeding.

Jose Pujols-Tejeda, 36, 26 John St., Malden, was arrested for possessing Class B drug, use of motor vehicle without authority.

Jason Sacco, 36, 111 Moore St., East Boston, was arrested for warrants, larceny over $250, assault and battery (2 counts).

Fabian Aguilar, 22, 88 Grove St., Chelsea, was arrested for disturbing the peace.

Wednesday, August 18

Santos Mauricio Flores-Aviles, 33, 280 Spruce St., Chelsea, was arrested for aggravated assault and battery, felony warrants, threat to commit crime, witness intimidation, breaking and entering nighttime for felony.

Ihar Lukyanau, 29, 28 Sidlow Rd., Brighton, was arrested for crosswalk violation, operating motor vehicle with suspended license (criminal).

Jason Vaccaro, 33, 4 Crescent St., Everett, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Kelvin Sunsin, 19, 31 Irving St., Everett, was arrested for distributing Class B drug, possessing Class D drug.

Andrew Babigumira, 24, 62 Garden Circile, Waltham, was arrested on a felony warrant.

David Ruiz, 43, 188 Chestnut St., Chelsea, was arrested for assault and battery.

Edgar Ivan Rivera, 33, 42 Carroll St., Chelsea, was arrested on a warrant.

Thursday, August 19

Pedro Samuel Garcia, 20, 262 Washington Ave., Chelsea, was arrested for operation of motor vehicle unlicensed.

Antonio Portillo, 18, 58 Grove St., Chelsea, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Iris Cruz, 42, 62 Washington Ave., Chelsea, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Noemi Melendez, 27, 111 Winnisimmet St., Chelsea, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Norma Cruz, 28, 3 Parkway Ct., Chelsea, was arrested on felony warrant and default warrant.

Dennis Oviedo, 24, 39 Page Terrace, Stoughton, was arrested for operation of motor vehicle unlicensed, stop sign violation.

Robert Stephens, 30, 84 Beacon St., Chelsea, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Friday, August 20

Gloria Sandoval, 21, 911 Broadway, Chelsea, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Philip Rosa, 19, 4 Webster Ct., Chelsea, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Dawn Tilton, 26, 58 Chestnut St., Chelsea, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Jorge Lopez, 57, 6 Ellsworth St., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Oscar Diaz, 44, 407 Chelsea St., East Boston, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Rafael Padilla, 48, 132 Bellingham St., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Joaquin Tolentino, 35, 112 Essex St., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Jonathan Breda, 22, 153 Concord Rd., Billerica, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Jose Orosco, 37, 73 Congress Ave., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Flores Rembert Moris, 25, 319 Washington Ave., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Edicson Fuentes, 18, 85 Maverick St., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Nery Sanan, 30, 204 Chestnut St., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Avalino Antonio, 31, 641 Broadway, Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Hussen Garama, 35, 439 Broadway, Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Edgar Cruz, 34, 74 Spencer Ave., Chelsea, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Luis Mercado, 35, 12A San Juan St., Boston, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Alfredo DeLeon, 36, 7 Essex Circle, Lynn, was arrested on warrants, operating motor vehicle unlicensed, stop sign violation, operating motor vehicle with revoked/suspended license (criminal).

Juan Francisco Pleitez, 35, 32 Wise St., East Boston, was arrested for sexual conduct for a fee.

Saturday, August 21

Alfonso Bautista Cruz, 36, 84 Bellingham St., Chelsea, was arrested for furnishing false name, operating motor vehicle with suspended/revoked license (criminal), possessing false/stolen RMV document, stop sign violation.

Jose Hernandez, 35, 280 Spruce St., Chelsea, was arrested for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Emil Monge, 19, 285 Elm St., Evertt, was arrested for unarmed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

8/22

Brian Amirault, 23, 22 Webster St., Somerville, was arrested for speeding, operating motor vehicle with suspended/revoked license (criminal).

Santos Reyes, 45, 58 County Rd., Chelsea, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, possessing open container of alcohol in motor vehicle, license not in possession/fail to show after accident.

8/23/10 Manuel Arzola, 41, 209 Chelsea St., Everett, was arrested on a felony warrant.

Maria DeSimone, 37, 15 Maggi Rd., Revere, was arrested for trespassing.

Longtime construction foreman

James C. Cunningham Jr. of Chelsea died on August 20.

He was the son of the late James C. Sr. and Rose Marie (Cullen) Cunningham; father of Clifford James Cunningham and Harold Brown, both of Chelsea; brother of Patricia Cuningham and William Craig French, both of Seabrook, NH and Robert French of Chelsea.

A Memorial Service was held at St. Michael’s Chapel at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. Funeral arrangements were by the Smith Funeral Home of Chelsea.

Giovannina ‘Jennie’ Abbatangelo

Dedham resident

Giovannina “Jennie” Abbatangelo of Dedham, formerly of Hyde Park, died on August 20.

She was the beloved wife of the late Pasquale Abbatangelo; devoted mother of Joan Cannistraro and her husband, Vincent, of Dedham and the late Frank Abbatangelo and his wife, Janice, of Norwood. She is also survived by six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was the sister of Lydia Police of Chelsea and the late George, Benjamin and William Ferzoco, Mary Ciavola, Helen Colella, Eva Curran.

Funeral arrangements were by the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, Dedham. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Hyde Park.

Joan Rizzuti

Of Chelsea, formerly of East Boston

Joan E. (Parziale) Rizzuti of Chelsea, formerly of East Boston, died on August 19.

She was the beloved wife of Joseph P. Ruzzuti with whom she shared 26 years of marriage; loving mother of Suzette Mathews and her husband, David, of Milford and Rochelle Gore and her husband, David, of East Boston; cherished grandmother of David Jr. and Teddy Gore.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Vazza’s “Beechwood” Funeral Home, Revere. For guest book visit: www.vazzafunerals.com.

Josephine Moschella, 100

Chelsea resident

Josephine (Mirabella) Moschella of Chelsea died on August 19. She was in her 100th year.

The beloved daughter of the late Frank and Theresa Mirabella, she was the loving wife of the late Joseph Moschella; loving mother of Anthony Moschella of Revere, Marie Salvati of Boston, Theresa Moschella of Chelsea, and the late Robert Moschella; loving sister of the late John, Anthony, Mary, Joseph Mirabella and Marguerite Tucker. She is also survived by 10 cherished grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were by the Smith Funeral Home, Chelsea. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.

Anthony Curcio

Of Orleans, formerly of Chelsea

Anthony W. Curcio of Orleans, formerly of Chelsea, died August 16. He was 58 years old.

He was the loving son of Mary (Donovan) Curcio of Orleans; beloved brother of Michael Curcio of Orleans, Christopher and his wife, Jennifer Curcio, of Peabody and Marie and her husband, Dennis DeMeo, of Lynn; loving uncle of Michael, Rachel, Maria, Elizabeth, Anthony and the late Michael DeMeo.

Services were private. Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601. Notes of sympathy and comfort may be made to the family at www.MorrisOConnorBlute.com

Bertha Kalfin

Sears retiree, member of many organizations

Bertha (Levovsky) Kalfin of Peabody died at home on August 19. She was 93 years old.

She was born in Chelsea, the daughter of the late Jacob and Minnie (Dorfman) Levovsky. She worked at Sears in Saugus for more than 35 years and was a life member of Hadassah, The Order of Eastern Star and the Women’s Auxiliary of the New England Sinai Hospital. A member of HONS, Daughters of the Nile and the Jewish War Veterans Womens Auxiliary for many years, she was a volunteer and donator to many charitable organizations. She especially enjoyed attending the Roger B. Trask Adult Health Center at the Peabody Torigian Senior Center.

The beloved wife of the late Simon Kalfin, she was the devoted mother of Elaine Kalfin and Gale Kalfin, both of Peabody, and Michael Kalfin and his wife, Carol, of Georgetown; cherished grandmother of Lisa Kalfin, Shahar Shatzberger, Elizabeth and Lauren Kalfin; loving sister of the late Simon and David Levovsky, Louis Lyle, Lena Siegel, and Phyllis Holzberg. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, Salem-Swampscott. Burial was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be donated to the charity of your choice.

Governor Deval Patrick delivered stirring remarks to a large crowd of dignitaries and residents following a tour of the Leonard Florence Center for Living – the nation’s first specialized ALS Residence last Friday morning.

The governor’s cabinet held its weekly meeting in private at the facility.

All the cabinet members were present and toured the LFCL as well.

Governor Patrick spoke with City Manager Jay Ash and Chelsea Jewish Foundation CEO Barry Berman by his side.

The governor said he was overwhelmed by the good going on at the center, and by the facility itself, which uses state of the art technology for those with ALS to live despite a challenging condition.

“I am absolutely amazed at the effort for others being made here everyday. This is what life as we want it to be is about,” he said.

The grand opening of the LFCL center with the governor delivering remarks helped to showcase the LFCL, which is richly appointed and staffed, giving an unusually spectacular presence to an architecturally designed showcase that sits atop the rear of Admiral’s Hill.

The ALS residence was created and designed by Steve Saling, a landscape architect who has ALS.

The governor met with Saling, visited in his room and introduced him to the crowd at the opening.

“The ALS residence offers unprecedented automation that provides unparalleled independence and productivity. People with ALS come here to live with the disease, not to die of it,” he added.

For Chelsea Jewish Foundation CEO Berman, the ground breaking was a dream come true after many years of hard work.

“The mission, concept and design of the Leonard Florence Center for Living and its receptive specialized houses is truly revolutionary in that it is changing the way in which we conceive of long and short term care not only for resident but also for the staff and the medical professionals who care for them,” Berman said.

The LFCL consists of ten condo-style homes with each residence containing ten private bedrooms arranged around a dining room, open kitchen and common living room area. It is conceived largely for the elderly and the disabled as well as those seeking short –term rehabilitation.

The grand opening attracted people from all walks of life including the governor and his cabinet members – among the most notable, Ian Bowles, secretary of the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan, City Manager Jay Ash, State Senator Sal DeDomenico, Representatives Gene O’Flaherty and Kathi Anne Reinstein, Police Chief Brian Kyes and Chelsea Councillors Brian Hatleberg, Richard Maronski and Dan Cortell.

Also present were members of the late Leonard Florence’s family, staff members of the facility and dozens of invited guests.

“I am taking nothing for granted. We are working hard throughout the district – and especially in Cambridge,” he said with some satisfaction.

Cambridge is the hometown of his rival, Attorney Tim Flaherty.

Earlier this week, Flaherty came up with the endorsement of former Senator Jarrett Barrios, a coup by the estimates of some observers.

“I’m honored to have his endorsement,” Flaherty said following its announcement.

Flaherty’s stock went up a bit with the re-emergence of Barrios as a factor in the race.

Barrios held great sway in Everett during his tenure in the state senate.

Both candidates are working hard to make a difference in the hometown of the other.

DiDomenico has lately spread his political signs throughout the Cambridge portion of the district – an impressive show of force far away from the Everett home base.

Flaherty has continued his constant visitations to Charlestown, Chelsea, Revere in addition to campaigning in Everett.

Both candidates need to erode the other’s strength in their home bases in order to win.

DiDomenico must score a larger Cambridge vote than he did last time around if he hopes to retain his seat.

Flaherty must do the same in Everett, where DiDomenico buried him.

However, the votes scattered around the district are such that in this go around coming up, if Flaherty scores well in Cambridge than he may have the advantage over DiDomenico.

That vote alone, if it comes out, again, will likely give Flaherty a number of votes difficult to overcome even if Everett comes through again for DiDomenico.