A fond farewell to Henry Walsh

Friend and well-known Charlestown figure died today

By Will Collette

Henry Walsh, husband of former state Representative Donna Walsh, died today, March 12, while under hospice care at South County Hospital. He died with his family around him.

Our sincerest condolences to Donna and to all of their family and friends.

Henry suffered a massive stroke while he and Donna were flying back from a vacation trip where they got to enjoy some sun and surf instead of most of our miserable February weather.

* * * * *

Henry and Donna moved to Charlestown 46 years ago after Henry served three years in the Army. Here they raised their son, Henry Jr. and became active members of the community.

In only four days, you're in for a treat

You will be truly amazed by the Charlestown Dems July 7 tag sale

Rev. Harold Camping predicts you will feel better if
you spend lots of money at the CDTC's tag sale on July 7

By Will Collette

The Charlestown Democratic Town Committee (CDTC), of which I am a proud member, is gearing up for one of its world-renowned tag sales on July 7, starting at 8 AM on Old Post Road near the corner of Genwood Drive.

I looked in Frank Glista's garage earlier this week and it is literally packed to the rafter with goodies for the sale. And, believe me, not all of it is junk.

I've also seen the great collection of jewelry that Cathy Collette has collected - at the last two sales, Cathy has coordinated the special jewelry table that, to my surprise, has turned out to be one of the big hits of the sale. Cathy has shaken down just about every member and friend of the Committee to put together a first-rate collection of very nice costume jewelry.

And, at this tag sale, you'll get a chance to meet the Charlestown Democrats' slate of candidates. There will be a special table where you can sign the Nomination papers for these candidates to ensure they get on the November ballot.

Reminders for Charlestown residents

Coming up over the next seven days

By Will Collette

Get help for federal problems.

On May 31^st, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is sending his constituent service staff to set up a shop in Charlestown. If you have trouble with a federal agency – e.g. veterans’ benefits, Medicare, Social Security, small business loan, etc. – the Senator would like to make it more convenient for you to sit with one of his staff who can help you with the problem. 

His staff will be set up at the Cross Mills Public Library on Thursday from 5 PM to 7 PM. To ensure they have enough people on hand, they’re asking you to RSVP for Thursday, May 31st

Duck and Cover.

Putting the "fun" in fundraising

Representative Donna Walsh (D-Dist. 36) and other members of
the Democratic Town Committee ready to greet the hordes of
buyers at Saturday's tag sale. (Photo courtesy of Henry Walsh.)

Charlestown Dems hold another successful tag sale—even without a duck plucker.

By Linda Felaco

Check your garage, attic

Hoping to repeat the success of the "It's not the end of the world" tag sale last May, the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee is looking at Labor Day weekend to do another sale.

Money raised at the sale will be used to Help Make Charlestown More Democratic.

Got stuff? Dems want it.

The "It's not the end of the world" tag sale was such a success (netting almost $1000) that the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee is planning to do another sale at the end of the summer.

If you were among the many who came to the May tag sale, we had a lot of choice stuff for sale at incredible bargain prices - among the highlights was an entire table of very nice jewelry and Henry's Walsh's famous duck plucker. After donating the duck plucker for at least 30 straight years, Henry and the rest of us were shocked when somebody (a) actually knew what it was on first sight and (b) actually bought it.

If you have stuff lying around your house, in your basement or attic, or in your garage that is in good condition and saleable - we want it. Please box it or bag it, if appropriate or if its furniture or appliances, leave it as is, and contact CDTC Treasurer Frank Glista  at 364-3723.

Charlestown Dems Tag Sale a Hit!

Thank you to everyone who came out in the fog, and later under cloudy skies, to the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee tag sale today. Lots of Progressive Charlestown readers were there. Rep. Donna Walsh was there for about half the day, spending most of her time talking to constituents. Later in the day, our friend Rep. Larry Valencia stopped by and dropped some money (thanks, Larry). His district covers the northern end of Charlestown while Donna represents the southern half.

I don't have the official numbers yet, but it looks like the final tally may end up doubling last year's take. And we were happy with last year's take.

Boosting sales this year was an entire table just for good quality jewelry.

Henry Walsh's famous duck plucker

But the highlight of the day was Henry Walsh's duck plucker. Henry has donated the duck plucker for each year's CDTC tag sale since 1956. But until today, no one was either worthy, or savvy enough to appreciate its potential.

But later in the day, I was at the table when a gentleman took one look at it and said, "ah, that's a duck plucker - I've got buddies in New Hampshire who've been looking for one for years."




SOLD!

 Now, I don't know if he's going to use it himself, or give it to his New Hampshire buddies, or use it for enhanced interrogation, but I'm glad to see the duck plucker go to someone who appreciates it. And the Henry Walsh Duck Plucker has made its last appearance at the annual Charlestown Dems sale.

Wonder how Henry is going to top that.

Author: Will Collette