PHOTO FROM THE LYNN POLICE DEPARTMENT
In total, 38 grams of cocaine and 36.06 grams of heroin were seized.

LYNN — Three men and one woman were arrested for drug trafficking after police seized nearly 75 grams combined of cocaine and heroin on Saturday.

Police responded to the area of Robinson and Hart streets shortly after 1:15 p.m. after getting a call about possible drug activity, Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.  

Police had been receiving complaints from neighbors in that area about drug activity, and one of the residents called about possible active drug transactions out of a car in the vicinity. When officers responded, the car was pulling away, but the neighbor who called pointed it out and told them it was the suspect vehicle, Kmiec said.

Police also recognized one of the suspects, 28-year-old Alexander Castillo. Castillo and Theresa Seigart, 24, both of Lynn, had walked away from the car. Jered Jones, 37, of Mechanic Falls, Maine, and Matthew McAlister, 31, of Buckfield, Maine, were in the car, Kmiec said.

After Jones and McAlister pulled the car over on Nash Terrace, they were approached by police. Officers noticed them moving around a lot in the car, and could see a white powdery substance, straws and scales. After searching the glove compartment, police found 29 individually wrapped bags of heroin, weighing 27 grams, and a large bag of cocaine, weighing five grams, Kmiec said.

It’s fireworks time again

Both men were arrested. Jones and McAlister were each charged with heroin trafficking, cocaine possession, conspiracy to violate the drug law, and drug violation near a school.

Castillo and Seigart were stopped by officers as they were walking on Marion Street. Police found three bags of heroin, weighing 9.06 grams, and four bags of cocaine, weighing 33 grams, down Seigart’s pants, Kmiec said.

No drugs were found on Castillo, but a witness told police he had handed Seigart a bag of drugs that she stuffed down her pants. Cash was seized from both Castillo and Seigart, $640 and $155 respectively, Kmiec said.

Castillo was charged with cocaine trafficking, heroin distribution, heroin possession with intent to distribute (subsequent offense,) cocaine possession, conspiracy to violate the drug law and drug violation near a school. Seigart was charged with cocaine trafficking, heroin possession with intent to distribute, marijuana possession with intent to distribute conspiracy to violate the drug law and drug violation near a school.

In total, 38 grams of cocaine and 36.06 grams of heroin, with a combined street value of about $7,400, and $795 in cash was seized by police.

Gayla Cawley can be reached at gcawley@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — There were two confirmed shootings over the holiday weekend, but no victims have come forward.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a report of gunshots at 379 Chestnut St. At least nine shots were fired, as nine shell casings were recovered, Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.

A 52-year-old witness said he was walking outside when a man pulled out a handgun and fired numerous rounds at a blue vehicle driving past, Kmiec said.

No victims were reported at the hospital and police never received any reports of anyone getting hit. It was later reported to police that a house on Chestnut Street was hit, with one round going into the garage and two going into the structure of the home, but nobody was injured, Kmiec said.

The suspect is described as a man about 5 feet 9 inches tall. The incident is under investigation.

Shortly before 6 p.m.Monday, police responded to multiple shots fired into a home at 57 Cook St. Bullets hit the window and the siding of the house. Three shell casings were found, Kmiec said.

There were residents home at the time of the shooting, but nobody was injured. It’s unclear if someone was firing at the house or at a person in front of the house, with bullets inadvertently hitting the home, Kmiec said.

No victims have reported being hit.

Gayla Cawley can be reached at gcawley@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.

COURTESY PHOTO
Evelyn Lawson graduated from North Shore Community College with her associate’s degree.

By MATT DEMIRS

LYNN — No matter rain or shine, sleet or hail, you can find Evelyn Lawson on the 6:05 a.m. bus every day. Some 53-year-olds might think about winding down, but not Lawson: She is hungry to learn and that appetite isn’t getting any smaller with age.

On Thursday, Lawson graduated from North Shore Community College with her associate’s degree in criminal studies. After taking years off from when she originally started classes in 1982, she finally began walking the halls again in 2013.

Lawson’s journey wasn’t an easy route to achieve such a success. In fact, adversity challenged her at just about every corner of her life. She remained hopeful.

“My life has been really tough,” Lawson said. “I was in a lousy marriage. I was responsible for taking care of my Down syndrome sister and my sick mother.

“On the night my mother died, I was raped by my husband.”

Knowing that she deserved better, Lawson took her kids and left her husband.

Right around this time Lawson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and body.

Unable to work, Lawson received a notice she had three days before she would be evicted from her home and forced into a homeless shelter with her two children. She remembers the towers of boxes around her home. She began to feel helpless.

Then came a glimmer of hope.

A woman named Kim Cole, who worked for Martha Coakley and John Kerry at the time, was able to find Lawson and her family a home.

Lawson was overcome with joy.

“I believe it was a gift from God.” Lawson said, “He was answering my prayers.”

After her family settled in their home in West Lynn, Lawson put education on the forefront, not only for herself, but her children too.

Four years later, Lawson is graduating with her son from North Shore Community College while her daughter will be graduating from Essex Agricultural and Technical High School. Her son, Andrew, will be studying engineering at University of Massachusetts-Boston, while her daughter Amanda earned a full scholarship to the University of New England in Maine.  Both children earned academic honors throughout their school career. Their mother is proud that both of her children are off to four-year institutions.

Lawson will be continuing her education at Salem State University. Her dream is to become a juvenile probation officer because she believes she can make an impact on the youth.

“You can mold them because they are children,” she said. “Children sometimes come from bad homes, have bad relationships, are malnourished and are lost. They just need some nurturing and attention.”

Lawson couldn’t be happier with her decision to attend North Shore.

“The support from the faculty and staff at North Shore has been incredible,” she said. “I encourage the youth to go there. You will get an affordable education.

“Everybody in that school is an asset to your life.”

Donna Davis, an academic counselor at NSCC, worked closely with Lawson during her transition back into school.

State OKs $150K for algae cleanup

“She’s full of life and doesn’t let any obstacles get in her way — that’s the key,” Davis said.

Lawson gives a lot of credit to Davis for taking care of her and making her feel special. Davis even went so far to schedule a day of beauty for Lawson with the cosmetology department. There she got a haircut, pedicure, manicure, and more.

“The makeover transformed her,” Davis said. “She felt and looked like a super star.”

Davis said the cosmetology department loved Lawson and she made everyone feel good about themselves.

Above all, Lawson is thankful to the staff at North Shore because they’ve made her feel more human, even when she didn’t feel like one herself.

Lawson will always remember something she was told by her math teacher, Professor Judith Carter, whom Lawson says is one of the first people who believed in her.

“I call her the gem. She was the first person to push me and believe in me.

“We were in her office doing an equation and I just couldn’t get it. After we worked on it, she stood up from the table and looked at me and said ‘Evelyn, I know you know this.’”

That’s when Lawson slowed down, stopped panicking, and focused. After a few deep breaths, she re-did the problem and got the correct answer.

“I did it,” Lawson said.

With her arms raised above her head, Professor Carter shot back.

“Eureka!”

Although Lawson’s son believes education is just as important, he acknowledges he doesn’t have the same kind of work ethic as his mother.

“I’ll come home from work at 11:30 p.m. and see my mother doing homework at the kitchen table. I’ll wake up at 6:30 a.m. for school and find her in the same place I left her,” he said. “There has been times where I’d ask her. ‘Did you even sleep last night?’’’

Although her son doesn’t necessarily know yet what he wants to be in life, he’s got one thing certain.

“I really just want to be happy.”

Lawson will miss her children as they leave the nest and go off to college, however she knows they are dedicated and prepared.

“My son wants to help people. He wants to make changes,” She said. “I’m going to miss him when he leaves. He’s my right-hand man, my best friend. He is my everything.”

Lawson believes her journey has helped her kids realize the importance of education after years of never giving up.

“I just keep my eye on the prize,” she said, “My kids know that the prize I’m talking about is my education.”

Matt Demirs can be reached at mdemirs@itemlive.com

LYNN — Brian Edward King, a longtime resident of Lynn and part-time resident of Naples, Fla., passed away in his Lynn home after a brief illness on Monday, May 29, 2017 at the age of 63.

Born on Sept. 25, 1953, he was the son of the late former Gov. Edward J. King and Josephine T. (Hurley) King. Brian was raised in Winthrop and was a graduate of Dom Savio High School in East Boston. In June of 1975, Brian married Kathleen M. (Leary) King in Winthrop and the couple soon settled in Lynn to begin their lives together.

Brian was an avid reader and loved to get lost in books. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and he also traveled throughout the United States; he recently completed his mission of visiting all 50 states. Brian was a passionate referee for EMOSA (soccer), ANEFO (football), NSSUA (softball), BFHUA (field hockey), FSHAA (soccer in Florida) and EMWLUA (lacrosse).    

In addition to his wife, Kathleen, Brian leaves his cherished daughters, Lauren Davis and her husband Kevin of Andover and Meredith King of Watertown; his grandsons, Owen and Andrew Davis of Andover; his loving brother, Timothy King and his wife Mary of Middleton; his nieces and nephews, Ryan Leary and Kathryn Leary, both of Winthrop, Timothy King Jr., Edward King, and Elisabeth King, all of Middleton, and his mother-in-law, Ellen Leary of Winthrop, as well as many cousins, friends and family. Brian also leaves his beloved canine companions, Lucy and Penny and the late Scarlett.

Service information: Funeral from the CUFFE-MCGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church, 215 Maple St., Lynn, at 11 a.m. Interment services will be held privately. Visiting hours will be held in the funeral home on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s memory may be made to either the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 or Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Co., 100 Cummings Center, Ste. 222c, Beverly, MA 01915. However, Brian would also be very happy if you just kept your money! For directions or to sign the online guestbook, please visit Cuffemcginn.com.

All address information, particularly arrests, reflect police records. In the event of a perceived inaccuracy, it is the sole responsibility of the concerned party to contact the relevant police department and have the department issue a notice of correction to The Daily Item. Corrections or clarifications will not be made without express notice of change from the arresting police department.

LYNN

Arrests

Ronald Allen, of 126 Winnepurkit Ave., was arrested on warrant charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, registration not in possession, speeding and operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license at 10:03 p.m. Tuesday.

Breanna Bradlee, of 9 Relay St., was arrested on warrant charges of assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious wanton property defacement at 10:29 p.m. Tuesday.

Natacha Mora, 29, of 43 Lafayette Park, was arrested and charged with sexual conduct for a fee, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, threat to commit a crime and resisting arrest at 3:59 a.m. Wednesday.

Roy Sanders-Riley, 27, of 10 Flint St., was arrested and charged with unarmed robbery and on a warrant at 11:36 p.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday at 30 Elm St.; at 3:22 p.m. Tuesday on Lloyd Terrace; at 3:22 p.m. Tuesday at 89 Western Ave.; at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday at Caribbean Auto Body at 18 Alley St.; at 8 a.m. Wednesday at Bennett and Commercial streets; at 10:06 a.m. Wednesday at 423 Boston St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 4:34 p.m. Tuesday at Boston and Park streets; at 1:37 a.m. Wednesday at Light and Summer streets.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 6:08 p.m. Tuesday at 92 Broadway; at 1:34 a.m. Wednesday at 1 Chase St.; at 7:47 a.m. Wednesday at Shepard and Warren streets.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 3:27 p.m. Tuesday at 10 Farrar St.; at 8:18 p.m. Tuesday at 18 Lawton Ave.; at 5:37 a.m. Wednesday at 103 Liberty St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 4:16 p.m. Tuesday at 19 East Highland St.; at 4:46 p.m. Tuesday at 6 Hood St.; at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at Garelick Farms at 626 Lynnway; at 8:28 p.m. Tuesday at 16 Southside Ave.; at 4:51 a.m. Wednesday at 26 Newhall St.

A report of a gunshot at 9:57 p.m. Tuesday at 25 Park St.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 12:57 a.m. Wednesday on Churchill Place.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 11:33 a.m. Tuesday at 82 Green St.; at 1:44 p.m. Tuesday at Richdale at 149 Walnut St.; at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday at 35 Washington St.; at 4:44 p.m. Tuesday at 229 Lewis St.; at 5:08 p.m. Tuesday at 814 Western Ave.; at 5:08 p.m. Tuesday at 97 Curwin Circle; at 6:44 p.m. Tuesday at 30 Sherbrook Place; at 7:58 p.m. Tuesday at 103 Liberty St.; at 9:13 a.m. Wednesday at 300 Washington St.

A report of motor vehicle theft at 11:59 a.m. Tuesday at 14 Sheilas Way.

A report of a robbery at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday at Hanover and North Common streets.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 5:46 p.m. Tuesday at 132 Beacon Hill Ave.; at 10:02 p.m. Tuesday at 69 Gardiner St.; at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday at 501 Washington St.

Police log: 5-31-2017

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of a vehicle blaring the horn at 12 p.m. Tuesday on Humphrey Street. The secretary from the high school reported one of the teachers stated there was a white pickup truck driving around the school blaring the horn, and disrupting school activity.

A report of a foul smell at 5:09 p.m. Tuesday on Barnard Street. Someone stated that it smells “like s–t” in the area of the fish market on Barnard Street. There was a second call on that from a business owner. A man stated he attempted to use bleach and soap to clean rusty chains from the harbor and that’s what the smell was.

A report of suspicious activity at 5:51 p.m. Tuesday on Pickwick Road. A caller reported there was a suspicious man in the area who was “shuffling back and forth” on the street. She wasn’t sure if the man was under the influence.

A caller complained about an aggressive man at 8:08 p.m. Tuesday on Turner Road. A caller reported that every so often, he will drive through his old neighborhood and that night, he stopped by and saw a familiar face. He stated that when he and the person were having a conversation, a man came up in a car and started to act aggressively. He stated that the man became agitated that they were talking in the road and exchanged words and then he called him an expletive. The man then quickly reversed back up the road at a high rate of speed.

PEABODY

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:47 p.m. Tuesday at 39 County St. and 2 Maple St.  A two-car accident was reported. Vidal Bonilla, 43, of 540A Summer St., Lynn, was summoned for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; at 9:08 p.m. Tuesday at 7-Eleven at 100 Lynn St.; at 8:28 a.m. Wednesday at 0 Bartholomew St. and 378 Lynnfield St.; at 8:58 a.m. Wednesday at Eastern Bank at 37 Foster St.; at 12:27 p.m. Wednesday at 60 Central St. A single-car accident was reported. A tree was knocked down in the area. The vehicle was towed and the occupants were taken to Salem Hospital; at 3:29 p.m. Wednesday at 2 Emerson St. and 156 Lowell St.  

Complaints

A report of threats at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday at Spring Pond on Sunset Drive. A caller reported a man threatened him and harmed his dog while on the walking path near Spring Pond. The caller reported his dog had been running after the suspect’s dog in a playful manner, and the suspect struck the caller’s dog with a ski/trekking pole and also threatened to shoot his dog.

A report of a disturbance at 10:07 a.m. Wednesday at Boston Bounce at 5B Webster St. An employee reported that the driver of a vehicle had illegally dumped items in the dumpster and then started to yell at her. Police spoke with the employee who stated nothing was actually dumped–she was upset that the driver had some words with her.

A report of a road rage incident at 3:06 p.m. Wednesday at Wilson Square Citgo at 2 Andover St. A caller reported a person from a black Camry threw two water bottles at them on Route 114. Police spoke with the mother of the suspect who threw the water bottles, and told her that her daughter needed to come to station to be spoken to.

Fire

A report of a house fire at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday at 15 Wheeler Ave. The fire department put the blaze out.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 4:17 p.m. Tuesday at First Brazilian Baptist Church of Greater Boston at 10 First Ave. Vandalism at the church was reported–$200 worth of vandalism of a trampoline; at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at 418 Lowell St. A house was egged. Police reported there was no damage and all of the eggs that were thrown were cleaned up; at 1:58 p.m. Wednesday at 13 Bay State Blvd. A caller reported vandalism to his property. A woman reportedly spray painted a box spring that was discarded.

REVERE

Arrests

Anthony S. Esposito, 76, Apt. 310, was arrested and charged with rude and disorderly conduct at 3:11 p.m. Tuesday.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 10:38 a.m. Tuesday on Proctor Avenue; at 11:26 a.m. Tuesday at Shirley Avenue Train Station; at 3:11 p.m. Tuesday on Dolphin Avenue; at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday at Vertuccio Funeral Home on Broadway; at 10:19 p.m. Tuesday at Revere Housing Authority on Dolphin Avenue.

Overdose

A report of a possible overdose at 4:08 a.m. Tuesday on Beach Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 9:11 a.m. Tuesday on Woodland Road; at 2:29 p.m. Tuesday at Enterprise Rent A Car on Beach Street.

SAUGUS

Arrests

Kayla N. Guzman, of 94 Saugus Ave., was arrested and charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, selling/delivering liquor to a person under 21, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest at 11:17 p.m. Tuesday.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 70 Broadway. A caller reported a tool was stolen out of his truck.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:34 p.m. Tuesday at Avalon Motel at 1529 Broadway.

A report of suspicious activity at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday at 1500 Broadway. A caller reported her purse was stolen out of her carriage, but she didn’t see who took it. An officer reported she left the purse in a different carriage, and it was found with all of its contents.

SWAMPSCOTT

Arrest

Taylor Phillips, 26, was arrested and charged with speeding, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor second offense at 10:46 p.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 10:04 a.m. Tuesday at Capen Road and Essex Street.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 7:02 p.m. Tuesday at 7 Arbutus Road.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 9:26 a.m. Tuesday at 60 Humphrey St.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — A 33-year-old man was robbed by two other men while walking at the intersection of Hanover and North Common streets Tuesday night.

At approximately 11:15 p.m., the man was walking home from work when he was approached by two men, 27-year-old Roy Sanders-Riley, of Lynn, and another unknown male suspect, who demanded money from him, Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.

Another house hit by gunfire

Sanders-Riley and the other man allegedly pushed the victim, and grabbed money out of his hand. The victim took off running and was able to flag down a nearby police cruiser for assistance, Kmiec said.

The unknown male suspect took off running across the Commons with a stolen $40, but Sanders-Riley stayed on scene and was arrested for unarmed robbery, Kmiec said.

The incident remains under investigation.

Gayla Cawley can be reached at gcawley@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley

By ADAM SWIFT

LAWRENCE — A Lynn man was sentenced to up to nine years in state prison for his role in running a major drug operation in the Merrimack Valley.

Sterling Guerrero, 25, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Essex Superior Court to possessing a firearm during a felony, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, trafficking 36 grams of oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute morphine, and illegal possession of ammunition, according to a news release from state Attorney General Maura Healey’s office.

Judge Joshua Wall sentenced Guerrero to seven to nine years in state prison, followed by three years of probation with the conditions that he get and keep a job and not possess weapons or firearms.

$7,400 drug seizure brings 4 arrests

In June 2015, Guerrero was arrested in a joint operation involving Massachusetts State Police assigned to the attorney general’s office, the Massachusetts State Police Transportation Drug Unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lawrence Police Department.

During that operation, law enforcement officials seized more than 2,500 grams of fentanyl, more than 900 pills, two guns, and more than $73,000 in cash.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — Another shooting was confirmed in Lynn on Tuesday night, after two were reported over the holiday weekend.

Police responded to gunshots shortly before 10 p.m., and learned that an Asian male on a bicycle had fired five to six rounds into a house at 25 Park St. Six shell casings were located at the scene, Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.

Kmiec said four to five rounds went into the structure of the house, but there were no victims, and nobody appeared to be home.

Witnesses told police the suspect fired at 25 Park St. It’s unclear if he saw somebody or not, but the bullets hit the home, Kmiec said.

No arrests have been made and the incident is under investigation.

Peabody man arrested after police chase

Two shootings, with no victims, were also reported over the holiday weekend.

Police responded to 379 Chestnut St. on Saturday around 4:30 p.m., where at least nine shots were fired, as nine shell casings were recovered.

A 52-year-old witness said he was walking outside when a man pulled out a handgun and fired numerous rounds at a blue vehicle driving past, Kmiec said. No victims were reported but a house on Chestnut Street was hit by multiple bullets.

Shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, police responded to multiple shots fired into a home at 57 Cook St. Three shell casings were found, Kmiec said.

Residents were home at the time, but there were no reported injuries. It’s unclear if someone was firing at the house, or at a person in front of the house, with bullets inadvertently hitting the home, Kmiec said.

Gayla Cawley can be reached at gcawley@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley

ITEM PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
Lisa Rainer slides paper into the shredder as her sister Julie Cummings looks on.

By PAUL HALLORAN

The Rainer family has gone to great lengths to provide their daughter and sister, Lisa, with the best opportunities for a healthy and productive life, despite the challenges of a physical and developmental disability. And they would be the first to admit Northeast Arc has been a valued partner in that endeavor.

“We’ve been given supports we didn’t even know we needed,” said Julie (Rainer) Cummings, Lisa’s sister.

Lisa, 58, who is deaf and intellectually disabled, has been living in an Arc-supported house in Swampscott for the past 25 years. She loves her full-time job at Northeast Arc’s Heritage Shredding company in Danvers, and enjoys traveling. She also participates in Arc recreation programs.

“We love the supports she gets, the opportunities she’s had, and the unending love she receives from Northeast Arc,” Cummings said. “We couldn’t be happier with her program.”

When Lisa was a toddler and Ron and Carol Rainer were looking for play groups appropriate for her, they found Northeast Arc. Lisa would join other children with developmental disabilities in church halls and at local Elks Clubs, wherever space could be found. It turns out that she wasn’t the only one who benefited from the experience.

Ron and Carol got to meet other parents and share stories and frustrations faced by families in that situation. It brought into focus the challenges that lay ahead.

Lisa was enrolled in a school in Randolph but she was not progressing. At that time, Ron explained, deaf people were actually discouraged from learning sign language, and her inability to communicate led to frustration that at times manifested itself in physical behavior.

The Rainers looked far and wide for the right placement for Lisa, and their search resulted in Carol and Lisa moving to Wichita, Kan., when Lisa was 10 so she could attend the Institute of Logopedics.

Ron still remembers the first time his daughter communicated with them, using sign language to say, “Hi, mom. Hi, dad.”

“I could cry again just thinking about it,” Ron said.

Killing a beast in Malden

After 10 years in Kansas, Lisa moved back to Swampscott and rejoined the Arc family. After she graduated from the Protestant Guild for the Multiply Handicapped in Watertown, the Rainers were looking for a residential placement that worked for her, but  at that time there were no residences for individuals with hearing impairment and developmental disabilities. They would change that.

Ron and Carol collaborated with Temple Israel in Swampscott to host a fundraiser, with half of the proceeds going toward a down payment for an Arc residence for the deaf and developmentally disabled. That led to the purchase of a Victorian on Wave Street in Lynn, where Lisa lived with seven other individuals facing the same challenges. It was the first residence of that type in the region, if not the country, according to Susan Ring Brown, chief development officer at Northeast Arc.

“We had to create a community experience for her,” Ron Rainer said.

Helping Arc open that residence was just one instance of the Rainers’ long-standing support for and involvement with the Arc. Everyone in the family has donated time and treasure to the organization. Carol, Julie, and Lisa’s brother, Rob, have all been board president, with Carol serving four terms. Julie is currently a board member. The Rainers have donated and raised money for the Arc over the years.

When health issues forced Carol to take a step back, she had a frank conversation with Julie. “My mom told me it was my turn to step in,” said Cummings, who embraced the mandate from mom. Julie is active on the Arc board, and she especially enjoys meeting and helping individuals who benefit from the services the Arc provides.

“I prefer the doer side and being hands-on,” said Cummings, who enjoys being on the board’s residential committee. “It gives us a chance to get out to houses and meet the staff and residents in a private setting.”

As if they needed more evidence of the profound effect of Northeast Arc in their lives, the Rainers were overwhelmed with the level of support provided to Lisa – and, by extension, the entire family – when Carol died last November.

“Lisa was so supported by her team,” Cummings said. “They were able to explain to her what happened. The support from the staff was unbelievable.”

That was simply the latest example of the Arc being there for Lisa as she continues her life journey as a happy, productive member of society who does not allow her disabilities to hold her back.

“We couldn’t be prouder of what she’s accomplished,” Ron Rainer said, and you can certainly understand why.

For more information visit www.bit.ly/possibilityfund?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Victoria Say receives the Carol Ruggiero Memorial Scholarship.

By MATT DEMIRS

LYNN — Memorial scholarships carrying on the legacy of two longtime Lynn educators were awarded to three graduating seniors at Lynn English High School Senior Awards Night.

Scholarships were awarded in memory of Tim Ring and Carol Ruggiero, who both died this past school year.

Graduates of Lynn English High School, Ruggiero and Ring both returned after college to become educators in the Lynn Public School system, before retiring after decades at their alma mater.

The recipients of these awards joined more than 80 graduating seniors receiving scholarships for their achievements.

Applicants for the Ruggiero Memorial Scholarship were asked to write an essay describing Mrs. Ruggiero as a teacher.

“One student described her perfectly,” said Principal Thomas Strangie, who presented the $2,000 scholarship.

“Mrs. Ruggiero had no videos or anything fancy. She sat behind her podium, lectured and kept me interested,” said Victoria Say in her essay.

Say said Ruggiero inspired her curiosity and sparked her interest to study history, which she plans to continue at Bryn Mawr College.

Ruggiero was a history teacher in the Lynn School System for 51 years. She often joked about teaching two generations of students.

Later in the ceremony, Lily Vu, Kiana Palomares, and Say were all awarded scholarships in honor of Tim Ring. Vu, student council president, earned the $2,500 scholarship awarded on behalf of the student council in honor of their beloved adviser.

Palomares and Say were awarded the Tim Ring memorial scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship for each student.

Arc keeps family afloat in Swampscott

“The passing of Mr. Ring was a sad time for Lynn English High School,” said guidance counselor Matthew Wilkins, who presented the award. “He added so much to this community.”

Ring was responsible for the restoration and preservation of the Lincoln statue and foyer, the addition of “Champ” the bulldog to the school’s foyer, and a successful yearbook while serving as the adviser.

Not to mention, Ring always contributed his fun-loving personality.

Wilkins told his favorite memory of Ring, which best exemplified the psychology and Lynn-History teacher everyone adored.

“He used to have an lesson that was entirely dedicated to Fluff in Lynn and he would tell kids that Fluff oozed up from the ground like oil and lava,” he said. “It’s the city of Lynn white gold, he would say.

His fun and loving nature was able to capture their attention and get the students interested in local history,” said Wilkins, remembering his silly yet sincere colleague.

Ring was a teacher at Lynn Public Schools for 39 years.

“They were two English grads who continued to give well after they graduated. Scholarships were established so they could keep giving long after they are gone,” Strangie said.

Ring and Ruggiero were only two of the many awards on the two-page spread on the program. In fact, scholarships awarded to seniors on Wednesday night totaled almost $600,000, said Wilkins.

“These benefactors, alumnae, school and community organizations, and everyone else providing scholarships for our seniors want to make sure you, as students, feel accomplished and worthy as anyone out there,” he said.

Matt Demirs can be reached at mdemirs@itemlive.com

COURTESY PHOTO
Federal Street will be closed to through traffic until 5 a.m. June 5.

By MATT DEMIRS

LYNN — Delays when commuting around Federal Street and Magrane Circle in Lynn are expected to continue through Monday, June 5.

Department of Public Works Commissioner Andrew Hall is asking drivers to seek alternative routes since the roadways will be closed to all through traffic, although access to businesses will remain.

These closures are to allow for a rapid reconstruction of one intersection and one roadway segment in a short period of time.

Police details will be stationed to detour drivers through construction zones, in addition to the variable message signs and well-marked detour signs. The construction will take place in two phases.

In phase 1, Federal Street will be closed from Marion Street to Western Avenue between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Western Avenue will have one lane of traffic in each direction during construction.
South Street will be local access only from South Common Street to Western Avenue.

Roadwork is anticipated to be complete on Friday, June 2.

In phase 2, Federal Street will remain closed from Marion Street to Western Avenue. Western Avenue will be closed to all traffic from Spencer Street to Centre Street.

Medford could become park place

Work begins Friday, June 2 at 7 p.m. and will continue around the clock all weekend with anticipated completion by Monday, June 5 at 5 a.m.

South Street will be local access only from South Common Street to Western Avenue.

Detour locations will be Mall Street and Centre Street for southbound traffic and Summer Street for northbound traffic.

Closures will also affect MBTA bus routes through the construction zones. Hall asked drivers to check with the bus routes to see how they will be affected.

All anticipated completion times and dates are weather permitting.

Ward 5 City Councilor Dianna Chakoutis said people she knows are looking past the traffic snarls to the opening of the new Federal Street Market Basket. The store is scheduled to open in August.

“Everyone’s excited,” she said.

For additional information, the public can visit the city of Lynn Department of Public Works website at http://www.ci.lynn.ma.us/.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

Matt Demirs can be reached at mdemirs@itemlive.com

LYNN — Joseph A. Palmerini, 72, of Lynn, died Monday in Union Hospital, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Bonnie H. (Murray) Palmerini, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. Born and raised in East Boston, he was the son of the late Luigi and Mary (Zitano) Palmerini. He had lived in Lynn for the past 41 years.

Joseph served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1962-1964. He had worked as a production control supervisor for General Electric in Lynn for 40 years until his retirement. After his retirement, he shuttled vehicles for Atlantic Toyota in Lynn. He loved animals and children, and often gave to various charitable organizations that he felt needed his help, in particular those that helped children and animals. He enjoyed riding his bike on the beach, watching sports, playing solitaire, and going to the shooting range. He loved to dine out with his family and enjoyed weekends away; going to flea markets, sightseeing, and driving along the coast. Everyone was always welcome in his home, and he will be remembered as an excellent cook.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters; Heather Palmerini Geib and her husband Jeremy of Snoqualmie, Wash., and Jaime Palmerini and her fiancé David Scurrah of Danvers; two grandsons; Caleb and Nicholas Geib; his sisters; Jeanette Arsenault and her husband Walter of Malden and Anna Papa and her husband Patrick of Fitchburg; his brother, William Palmerini of Saugus, as well as several nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat Milo. He was the brother of the late Marie Pollicelli.

Service information: His funeral will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Rt 129), Lynn. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem MA 01907 or to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714. Directions and guestbook at Solimine.com.

All address information, particularly arrests, reflect police records. In the event of a perceived inaccuracy, it is the sole responsibility of the concerned party to contact the relevant police department and have the department issue a notice of correction to The Daily Item. Corrections or clarifications will not be made without express notice of change from the arresting police department.

LYNN

Arrests

Allison Avagianos, 35 of 262 Den Quarry Road, was arrested and charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle at 10:23 p.m. Wednesday.

Elodia Carrillo, 47, of 100 Willow St., was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a person over 60/disabled at 2:37 p.m. Wednesday.

Quevin Perez, 26, of 37 Hamilton St., Everett, was arrested and charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle at 7:55 a.m. Thursday.  

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 12:03 p.m. Wednesday at 112 Market St.; at 4 p.m. Wednesday at 50 Ashland St.; at 6:25 p.m. Wednesday at Eastern Avenue and Erie Street; at 7:01 p.m. Wednesday at 630 Western Ave.; at 7:11 p.m. Wednesday at Olympic Auto Body at 174 Broad St.; at 9:48 p.m. Wednesday at Dana and Essex streets; at 5:38 a.m. Thursday at 100 Essex St.; at 7:03 a.m. Thursday at Boston Street and Broadway; at 9:28 a.m. Thursday at Game Stop at 39 State St.; at 11:07 a.m. Thursday at Broad and Washington streets; at 11:18 a.m. Thursday at 84 Franklin St.; at 11:53 a.m. Thursday at 307 Eastern Ave.; at 12:07 p.m. Thursday at 84 Franklin St.; at 1:05 p.m. Thursday at Alley and Commercial streets; at 2:31 p.m. Thursday at Linton Road and Western Avenue; at 2:38 p.m. Thursday at Commercial Street and Lynnway.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 1:51 p.m. Wednesday at Broadway and Conomo Avenue; at 7:36 a.m. Thursday at 1000 Western Ave.; at 7:39 a.m. Thursday at Shaw’s Supermarket at 43 State St.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 1:07 p.m. Wednesday on Willow Street; at 2:54 p.m. Wednesday on Green Street; at 4:25 p.m. Wednesday on Lewis Street; at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday on Light Street; at 12:38 p.m. Thursday at Hamilton and Lawton avenues.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday at 30 Union Court; at 11:58 p.m. Wednesday at 11 Union Place; at 12:51 p.m. Thursday at 25 Pleasant St.; at 1:58 p.m. Thursday at 6 Nichols St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 1:38 p.m. Wednesday at 526 Western Ave.; at 2:27 p.m. Wednesday at 30 Rock Ave.; at 4:17 p.m. Wednesday at Autumn and Bassett streets; at 6:11 p.m. Wednesday at 40 Spencer St.; at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday at 17 N Ridge Circle; at 8:16 p.m. Wednesday at 33 High St.; at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday at 24 Burrill Ave.; at 11:28 p.m. Wednesday at 19 Sagamore St.; at 11:31 p.m. Wednesday at 185 Chestnut St.; at 12:35 a.m. Thursday at Asian Garden at 8 Market St.; at 1:08 a.m. Thursday at Franklin Street and Western Avenue; at 2:15 a.m. Thursday at Union Hospital at 500 Lynnfield St.; at 8:25 a.m. Thursday at Harrington Elementary School at 21 Dexter St.; at 11:25 a.m. Thursday on Morrill Place; at 12:43 p.m. Thursday at Herbert and Hollingsworth streets

A report of a gunshot at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at 28 Amity St.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 9:07 p.m. Wednesday on Essex Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 12:47 p.m. Wednesday at 39 Market St.; at 2:27 p.m. Wednesday at 20 South St.; at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fecteau Leary Middle School at 33 North Common St.; at 10:25 a.m. Thursday at 32 Ocean Ave.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 12:08 p.m. Wednesday at 7 Howard St.

Police log: 6-1-2017

PEABODY

Arrests

Christian A. Castillo, 22, of 1 Goldberg Road, was arrested on a warrant at 1:58 p.m. Thursday.

Sebastiao Alves Cavalcante, 52, of 3 Center St., Apt. 1, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license at 7:07 p.m. Wednesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:29 p.m. Wednesday at 2 Emerson St. and 156 Lowell St.; at 8:18 a.m. Thursday at Peabody Fire Department Engine 7 at 601 Lowell St.; at 9:36 a.m. Thursday at 280 Lynn St.

A report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle at 9:32 p.m. Wednesday at 12 Hourihan St. A caller reported that he had struck a pedestrian that was walking in the roadway. The person was taken to Salem Hospital

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 11:21 p.m. Wednesday at 32 Keys Drive; at 12:03 a.m. Thursday at 47 Raymond Circle; at 12:13 a.m. Thursday at 4 Lincoln St.; at 5:28 a.m. Thursday at 6 Marion Road; at 9:22 a.m. Thursday at Dunkin’ Donuts at 162 Washington St.

A report of suspicious activity at 1:21 p.m. Thursday at 9 Roycroft Road. A caller reported a suspicious person seemed to be checking the doors and windows of his neighbor’s house. An officer reported there was an electrician working next door.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 10:43 a.m. Thursday at Speedway at 545 Lowell St. Theft by an employee was reported, and the business decided to handle it themselves.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 5:44 p.m. Wednesday at Police Department at 6 Allens Lane. A woman reported past vandalism to her vehicle; at 3:19 p.m. Thursday at 124 Foster St. An officer was flagged down and notified of malicious damage to a motor vehicle, and reported the person’s car was keyed.

REVERE

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 6:34 a.m. Wednesday on North Shore Road; at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at Check Cashing on Beach Street; at 1:03 p.m. Wednesday at Market Basket on Squire Road; at 3:16 p.m. Wednesday at Stop & Shop on Squire Road; at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday on Washington Avenue; at 7:23 p.m. Wednesday at Sons of Revere on Revere Street.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 10:23 a.m. Wednesday at Market Basket on Squire Road; at 12:37 p.m. Wednesday on Mahoney Circle; at 2:32 p.m. Wednesday at Revere Animal Clinic on Broadway; at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday on Brown Circle; at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday at CVS on Squire Road. Matthew F. Forshay, 36, of 55 Dexter Road, Melrose, was summoned for leaving the scene of property damage.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 10:18 a.m. Wednesday at Flynn Electric on Mccoba Street; at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday on Glover Drive; at 7:52 p.m. Wednesday on Cushing Avenue.

Theft

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 12:49 p.m. Wednesday at New Revere Police Station on Revere Beach Parkway; at 1:26 p.m. Wednesday at Market Basket on Squire Road; at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank on Broadway.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 8:43 a.m. Wednesday at Kelly’s Roast Beef at 595 Broadway.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 12:16 a.m. Thursday at Walnut Street and Birchwood Avenue.

Complaints

A caller reported a man left the store and threw his iPhone at the windshield of her vehicle and damaged it at 4:44 p.m. Wednesday at Sprint at 114 Broadway. Police spoke with the man involved who agreed to make restitution.

A report of gunshots at 8:31 p.m. Wednesday on Eustis Street. A caller reported she heard a sound of gunshots in the area. Police checked the area and reported the sound was more of fireworks than gunshots.

A report of a disturbance at 9:01 p.m. Wednesday at 48 Denver St. A caller reported a group of youths setting off fireworks in the gazebo in the area. Police reported the youths’ vehicle had broken down and they were waiting on AAA.

A report of suspicious activity at 3:03 a.m. Thursday at 120 Fairmount Ave. A caller reported three men breaking windows on a white Ford pickup truck, and that it had occurred after an argument.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 2:22 p.m. Wednesday at Chestnut Woods at 73 Chestnut St. A caller reported he was missing $20 from his drawer; at 3:55 p.m. Wednesday at Bank of America at 948 Broadway. A caller reported he made a couple of transactions at the bank, including a $200 withdrawal, and forgot to take the cash with him when he left. He thought the woman behind him took the cash and left. He has already informed the bank.

SWAMPSCOTT

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 7:54 a.m. Wednesday at Elmwood and Paradise roads.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 11:02 a.m. Wednesday at 30 Danvers Road.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 5:08 p.m. Wednesday at 646 Humphrey St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 2:13 p.m. Wednesday at 441 Humphrey St.

ITEM FILE PHOTO
Pictured is Lynn City Council President Darren Cyr.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — City Council President Darren Cyr is floating an idea to turn the shuttered Armory on South Common Street into a small performing arts theater.

But there’s just one problem. The Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND), whose mission is to provide safe and affordable housing for the needy, has spent nearly a year developing a plan to turn the 124-year-old landmark into veterans’ housing.

Cyr confirmed he’s interested in finding the money to buy the 37,602-square-foot facility that was once used to store weapons. “It’s just a way of thinking outside the box,” he said. “We’re in the discussion stages right now and trying to figure out if it can work.”

The idea would be to convert the cavernous space into a 500-seat theater that would book acts that could not fill the 2,100-seat Lynn Memorial Auditorium.  Once known for classic rock concerts featuring headliners such as Kansas and Foreigner, the stage has also featured William Shatner, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, and Melissa Etheridge.

James Marsh, community development director and general manager of Lynn Auditorium, said the reason to add a second theater would be to compete with places like the Larcom Performing Arts Theatre and Cabot Theatre in Beverly.

“Lynn used to have more than a dozen movie theaters and they’re gone,” he said. “So we are missing out on those smaller shows and losing them to the competition.”

But Marsh was quick to add that he is not in competition with LHAND.

“The housing authority is looking at it and they have first dibs,” he said. “If they don’t find a suitable use for it or they end up not bidding on it, then we would take a look to see about the viability of a 500-seat venue.”

Fecteau-Leary class receives mayoral salute

When contacted last week by The Item, Charles Gaeta, LHAND’s executive director, said he had not heard of Cyr’s plan. Since then, he has talked to the council president about the agency’s vision for vets housing.

In an interview Thursday, Cyr said the two different uses are not incompatible.

“If we could build a theater and housing for veterans that would be a win win,” he said.  

Under LHAND’s proposal, the nonprofit would transform the Romanesque-style building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places into 20 micro-units that measure between 250 and 350 square feet. The nonprofit has hired an architect to devise a housing plan for the building and come up with a cost estimate for renovation.

The property is owned by the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), the agency that handles the state’s real estate. It has declared the armory as surplus property.

DCAMM did not return a call seeking information on the status of the sale.

The next step is an appraisal. DCAMM and LHAND will then negotiate a price. The property is assessed at $1.7 million by the city.

Thomas Grillo can be reached at tgrillo@itemlive.com.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Former Lynn Mayor Thomas P. Costin Jr. recalls his friendship with President John F. Kennedy.

By BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN — History was brought to life Thursday night in a crowded room at the Lynn Museum.

In honor of what would have been President John F. Kennedy’s centennial birthday, former Lynn Mayor Thomas P. Costin Jr., told hundreds of listening ears about their unique and loyal friendship.

“Jack told me to make sure that, in the days leading up to an event, to make sure you get a little tan,” said Costin. “And on the night of the event, to make sure you wear a blue shirt. And so I did.”

The 35th president of the United States would have celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday, May 29, 2017.

The event was hosted by the Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts and Essex Media Group (EMG) and moderated by EMG publisher Ted Grant.

In a forum called “Jack and Tom: The Friendship of President John F. Kennedy and Mayor Thomas P. Costin, Jr.,” Costin, 90, described how he formed his longstanding friendship with Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963, while Kennedy was taking a bath at his Bowdoin Street apartment on Beacon Hill.

The year was 1947 and the then-U.S. Representative was planning to expand his base beyond the 8th Congressional District.

But it was his father, Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., who was responsible for their initial meeting. Shortly after Costin was elected, the youngest serving mayor of Lynn, a stint that lasted six years, he received a call from the Ambassador, who requested to meet with him over lunch.

“I said ‘I’m awful busy, I was just elected mayor,’” said Costin, then 21, who eventually gave in and arranged to meet with him.

City slows construction as population grows

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. wanted to build an organization around his son for young people, like Costin, who had ambition, he said. It wasn’t long before Kennedy and Costin were bantering over ice cream drinks and tie clips.

“Jack would call me at City Hall and say ‘Tom, I’m coming in. Can I drop in and see you?’ and before he hung up, he would say ‘I’d like to get a frappe and a chicken salad wrap at that place across from City Hall.’ He always wanted a frappe. And of course I always had to pay,” he said.

During one such visit, Kennedy left behind his tie clip. He called the next day and requested Costin send it to him in the mail, but Costin refused, claiming finders rights.

“I said ‘Jack, someday in the near future you’re going to be president of the United States,’ and he said ‘you’re nutty,’ and hung up,” he said.

The tie clip was eventually given back to Kennedy, who gifted it to Costin outside the White House while looking at the new, navy blue presidential limousine with a plastic, bulletproof top, said Costin.

“He said, ‘no one I talked to in those days thought I could be president,’” said Costin. “He said ‘I’m the president now and I’m giving you a present.” I haven’t worn it since that day until now.”

In the days leading up to Kennedy’s assassination, Costin mentioned the president would soon visit Dallas, Texas, and was greeted with a common, unexpected response that should he arrive in Dallas, he would be killed. He spoke to cab drivers who repeated the same warning.

On Nov. 11, 1963, Costin rushed to the White House to tell Kennedy he could not go to Dallas. The president was visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and had plans to share lunch with members of the military who were guarding the tomb. Costin was assured that the president would be using the new clear top for the first time, and would bring the first lady with him.

“I went home for lunch on the (22nd) and I made a sandwich and turned on the TV,” said Costin in tears. “I heard three words: Dallas, Kennedy, shot. I wept. He was my personal friend.”

Bridget Turcotte can be reached at bturcotte@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.

ITEM FILE PHOTO
Newton Mayor Setti Warren speaks with The Item in this February 2017 file photo.

During his regular morning commute to Boston from his Swampscott home today, Gov. Baker will have a chance to glance to his left along the Lynnway where the city’s abandoned ferry landing is located and to his right where the MBTA commuter garage sits half empty.

Baker pulled the state financial plug last year on the ferry, ending two years of summertime water-transit service from Lynn Harbor to Boston. Ferry riders loved their scenic and stress-free commutes, but Baker and his aides said pouring money into the ferry no longer made sense.

Never filled to capacity except during blizzards, the commuter garage is a concrete testament to why commuter rail is, at best, a mediocre public-transportation connection between the Lynn and Boston.

Newton Mayor Setti Warren evidently understands why the commuter ferry worked and why commuter rail doesn’t. He also understands that we have reached the point where the cost of not building mass transit exceeds the expense of building it.

Warren is a Democrat running for governor, and if the Democratic primary election were held tomorrow, this newspaper would endorse Setti Warren as the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s gubernatorial nominee in 2018.

We would endorse his vision, his common sense, his fortitude, and his ability to listen to what Lynn needs.

Warren campaigns on transportation promise

Warren came to Lynn one week ago to underscore why he thinks a Blue Line extension running from Wonderland to Lynn makes sense. Riders can board a Blue Line train and travel to downtown Boston in the same way Revere and East Boston residents currently utilize the Blue Line.

The Blue Line extension has been supported and endorsed by Lynn business leaders and elected officials, as well as officials in other communities, for 70 years. The Blue Line isn’t just a  simple and straight-forward solution to pulling people off increasingly crowded highways; it is a litmus test for the willingness on the part of public officials to map out a better future for Lynn.

Commuter rail does not work for Lynn. With its limited connection points to other destinations and costly inefficiency, it is an example of how one governor after another has come to Lynn and touted commuter rail as efficient transportation instead of listening to Lynn talk about the transit option we need.

Setti Warren is listening. He is also stating an indisputable fact when he points out the costs to the Massachusetts economy and to commuters if alternative transportation options are not available.

Building new roads isn’t the answer. Warren knows this, and he is not afraid to say new tax revenue is the only way to pay for needed transportation improvements. He is ready to run for and win the Democratic nomination by boldly saying, “We need more revenue.”

Like Setti Warren, we realize the time for alternative transportation solutions has arrived and the economic future of Lynn and other cities depends on those solutions.

ITEM PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
Cristian Delgado gets embraced by friends after graduation.

By MATT DEMIRS

LYNN — Cheers from proud families and guardians carried throughout City Hall Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday for the 24 students graduating from Fecteau-Leary Junior/Senior High School.

Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy delivered the opening words to an eager audience.

“It’s always a very special day when Fecteau-Leary graduates,” she said. “We are happy and proud the city of Lynn has another arena for kids to be able to graduate and and earn their diploma.”

The alternative school serves students who struggled in a traditional school setting for a variety of reasons, such as chronic absences, behavior issues, or the need for smaller class sizes with specialized attention. Nonetheless, these students are moving forward with a degree that speaks volumes.

“High school graduates over their lifetime earn half a million dollars more than someone who doesn’t graduate,” Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham said. “Sixty percent of job opportunities are tied to your high-school diploma.”

Latham offered advice for the Class of 2017.

“Take shots, dare to fail, and don’t be discouraged when things don’t turn out how you planned. Success is in each and every one of you.”

Fecteau-Leary alumna, Kiki Cromwell ’13, told of her personal experiences when she was in high school that showcased her ability to overcome adversity, something a lot of students could relate to.

Tech students cap off high school careers

“During part of my high school career I was homeless. I slept in the Lynn Commons and almost lost my brother in a shooting,” she said.

Like the students sitting in front of Cromwell, she graduated and earned her associate’s degree in fire science from Bunker Hill Community College. She attends Salem State University now, all while raising an 11-month-old child.

“Don’t let anyone dull your shine or tell you that you can’t do it,” she said.

Lucy Pecina, a proud member of the Class of 2017, shared a list of thank-yous on behalf of her class.

Pecina, along with almost every speaker, thanked the faculty at Fecteau-Leary for their unwavering support.

“Thank you for the teachers for believing in us and making us laugh to make the days a little less gray,” she said. “The memories I made here will never be forgotten.”

Soon after, the Class of 2017 moved their tassels and strode out of the auditorium to a song by The Script, “Hall of Fame,” which best fit the graduates’ futures.

“You can be the greatest. You can be the best. You can be the King Kong banging on your chest …”

Matt Demirs can be reached at mdemirs@itemlive.com

LYNN — Mary J. (Maguire) O’Leary, 93, of Lynn, formerly of Swampscott, died Tuesday in a local nursing home after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late James J. O’Leary. Born in Lynn, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Ellen (Gilbane) Maguire. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, class of 1943. She worked for General Electric until her retirement in 1989.

Mary was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott and was a member of the Ladies Sodality, the Dawn Patrol and the Purl girls.

She is survived by her daughter Kathleen O’Leary and her husband Joseph Grzybowski of Pittsburgh, Pa.; her son Patrick O’Leary and his wife Mary Rose Fabio of Newton; three grandchildren; Dominic, Angela and Vincenté; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Thomas, Terrence and Kathleen Maguire and Theresa Chapski, and the fond aunt of the late Timothy Maguire.

Service information: Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 67 Ocean St. (Rt 1A), Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, Swampscott. Burial will be in Swampscott Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Monday from 3-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John the Evangelist Church, 174 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA 01907. Directions and guestbook at Solimine.com.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Jennifer Lopez cheers on her fellow graduates as they parade into the field house at graduation.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — Graduates of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute received a rousing send off Thursday as they grabbed their diplomas and headed into the next chapter of their lives.

“No one can tell us what lies ahead,” said graduate Ashley Pimentel. “But there is one thing I am sure of: high school graduation is just the beginning of the long journey that lies ahead.”

The class valedictorian was one of 179 graduates who took center stage before an excited audience in the school’s gym.

Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy kicked off the afternoon with a congratulatory message of hope and inspiration.

“I wish everybody congratulations and much success on your future whether you are going on to higher education, joining the military, the workforce or taking time to figure out your next step,” she said. “I wish you much happiness on behalf of the city of Lynn.”

Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham said high school graduates earn more than $500,000 more over a lifetime than those who fail to complete school.

She invoked the name of Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League.

“Gretzky was right when he said, ‘You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take,’ so take your shots and don’t be afraid to try,” she said.

A rapid endorsement

Principal Robert Buontempo Jr., gave graduates three pieces of advice: take chances; use your words to bless yourself and others; and wished they always be surrounded by people who love them.

“Don’t listen to doubting voices,” he said. “The saying is true that doubt has destroyed more dreams than failure.”

Salutatorian Taylor Seger said the day everyone has worked towards is here.   

“I’m still in shock graduation day has arrived,” she said. “Look at us now, four years gone in a blink of an eye. We are going our separate ways, whether attending college in the fall, joining the armed forces, or going straight into a trade. Some of us will become nurses, pharmacists, electricians and much more. No matter what we do, we can say Lynn Tech helped us in figuring it all out.”

Marissa Colon, class president, who received the loudest applause, said Tech students gave back to the community during their four years at the high school.

“We raised more than $9,000 for My Brother’s Table,” she said. “We also helped victims of the New Year’s Day fire on West Baltimore Street, and honored the first responders of 9/11.”

In his commencement address, state Rep. Brendan Crighton drew laughs at his acknowledgment that he is the least tech-savvy person of anyone at the ceremony.

The Lynn Democrat also drew a few tears when after introducing his parents and praising them for always being there for him, he asked graduates to rise and turn to the parents, grandparents, siblings, faculty, and friends and thank them for their encouragement.

“Their support has helped you get where you are today,” he said.

Thomas Grillo can be reached at tgrillo@itemlive.com.

LYNN — Margaret C. O’Brien, a lifelong resident of Lynn, died peacefully at home on Monday May 29, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Thomas R. and Margaret (Curran) O’Brien. She was predeceased by her brother T. Robert O’Brien and sister Marilyn E. Fogarty. A graduate of St. Mary’s Girls High School Class of 1947, and Regis College Class of 1951, she also received her Master of Education from Salem State College. Her career as a Lynn Public School teacher spanned 42 years, most of which were spent at Shoemaker School.

A dedicated and committed parishioner at Saint Mary’s Parish, Margaret was involved in many projects throughout her life for the Church and also as a volunteer for Catholic Charities. She had a deep sense of community and devotion to her family, church and her God.

Her surviving nephew and nieces are Stephen Fogarty and his wife Susan, Carolyn Fogarty, Maureen Borek and Patricia Leslie and her husband Charles. She was also a loving aunt to her great-niece and great-nephews Heather Fannon, Brian Borek and Andrew Fogarty, as well as great-great-nephew Aidan Fannon and great-great-niece Lily Fannon.

Service information: A Visitation will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the CUFFE-McGINN Funeral Home 157 Maple Street, Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Lynn at 11 a.m. Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Mary’s Restoration Fund, 8 South Common Street, Lynn, MA 01902. For online guestbook please visit Cuffemcginn.com.