PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Jeni Wheeler, with a display of some of the foods that she will offer at her new business in Lynn.

BY GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — Jeni Wheeler is planning to make Lynn healthier.

Wheeler, a Lynn native, is temporarily living in Marblehead after selling her Boston home. She had been commuting from Boston to Warren, Rhode Island, where she had shared kitchen space at Hope & Main for her start-up wholesale food business, Jeni’s Joy.

Her brand, that specializes in gluten-free soups and other foods, was launched last fall. Wheeler spent months in Rhode Island doing testing, where she decided that a purely, gluten- free kitchen is what she wanted. While there, she also had a retail shop, where people would come and pick up her products, which were mostly sold frozen.

“I focus on the integrity of the quality of the ingredients,” Wheeler said.

Her soups and egg bakes are the most popular, she said, with her chicken soup remaining the top seller. For her chicken soup, she has 12 vegetables in it, including some that are pureed, which adds to the flavor. All of her meats are organic. She tries to source all of her ingredients locally and organically.

Her egg bakes, or breakfast bakes, have no added preservatives, another key to most of her foods. They include some shredded organic potato, a homemade spice mixture, an array of vegetables, a homemade egg combination and cheese. Others are dairy-free but all are organic. While intended as a breakfast food, Wheeler said customers say they enjoy them with their salads at lunch.

Her other foods include spaghetti sauce, which also includes a dozen vegetables and gluten-free lasagna and meatballs.

After leaving from Hope & Main, a nonprofit which helps start-ups, two months ago, Wheeler started chose Lynn for her future kitchen, which will operate as a research and development center and will also be used for small batch production. Out of that kitchen will also come additional products.

Her background in Lynn is also strong as her grandmother, Linda Benson was the first woman to run for mayor of the city and was the first female councilor-at-large. She said that same grandmother had a huge garden when she was growing up. She said her love of food and cooking comes from growing up, cooking and growing fruits and vegetables with her.

Wheeler was also a champion swimmer while a student, with some of her records still standing at Lynn English High School. Her first business in Lynn was Jeni Wheeler Swim College, which started at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, but folded when she ran into zoning issues.

Wheeler has been working with the Economic Development & Industrial Corp. of Lynn and SCORE, a group of retired executives that volunteer to help start-ups, transition to Lynn. She wouldn’t say when her kitchen would open, but said it would be soon.

“There’s going to be a big announcement soon,” she said. “I’m very excited.”

Her plan is to sell most of her products wholesale through cafes and grocery stores within a year. She might also have a store, where customers can order food online and pick it up at the kitchen or have it delivered. However, she isn’t sure if she would open a storefront.

Some of her products will go to a co-packer, an established food company that processes and packages the product, to be produced and distributed on a larger scale. But her soups will remain small batch, because of the vast amount of ingredients.

Wheeler is also helped by her own background in business. She has MBA in entrepreneurship from Babson College, where she remains involved as an alumni. She intended to look into building a wellness center, but got sidetracked by a technology start-up.

Eventually, she focused on a gluten-free food brand. Her sister is highly gluten-sensitive, which served as an inspiration, and her father lost a lot of weight and saw his health improve after going gluten-free.

Wheeler said she also wants people to know that gluten-free can still be tasty. She said our society is one where faster and bigger is better. Very few people cook and processed food tend to be less expensive and not as healthy. Although she didn’t grow up gluten-free, she said she did not eat processed foods.

“Gluten-free can be delicious and nutritious,” Wheeler said. “My food brand is based on healthier eating and nutritional value. I don’t use any preservatives. It’s just a higher quality food. The start and end of any food brand is taste.”

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

PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
Kids hang out at the damaged concrete bleachers at Barry Park in Lynn.

BY THOR JOURGENSEN

LYNN — State Rep. Brendan Crighton and Ward 7 City Councilor Jay Walsh are renewing a push to remove Barry Park’s bleachers as a first step to restoring the park.

Crighton, a Democrat who represents West Lynn and Nahant on Beacon Hill, has filed a budget request for $200,000 for the renovations, starting with the removal of the concrete bleachers.

“They are a source of blight separating the neighborhood from the park,” he said.

The seats deteriorating condition and location are a frequent target for graffiti. The vandalism prompted former councilor Rick Ford before he left office to call for their demolition.

Walsh said he is carrying on that fight and vowed there is support among residents to replace the seats with a low, tree-lined hill providing shade and a buffer between the park and nearby homes.

“The neighbors take it upon themselves to clean the graffiti, but the bleachers have become a problem,” Walsh said.

Crighton’s proposed amendments to the state budget under debate for the spending year that begins on July 1 includes another $200,000 to repair the broken median fence on the Carroll Parkway.

From the Nahant Rotary to the Lynnway, the parkway with its pedestrian overpass linking the North Shore Community College campus to Heritage State Park is divided by the fence on a grassy strip of land.

Last year, Crighton supported efforts to repair the fence, citing its appearance.

“It looks even worse than last year,” he said.

He also offered an amendment to spend $25,000 to pay for state inspectors to check Breeds Pond and Walden Pond dams for structural integrity. The earth dams border local water reservoirs and Walsh said they receive routine maintenance, including trimming trees before their roots take hold and erode the dam slopes.

State Rep. Lori  Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) and Crighton co-sponsored amendments to allocate $50,000 in the state budget to clear algae from Kings and Long Beach. The algae prompts odor complaints on hot summer days.

The pair also proposed spending $90,000 from the state budget to support the Russian Community Association of Massachusetts. The organization is one of several immigrant and refugee assistance groups on Wheeler Street where the New American Center is located.

Crighton also filed another $90,000 amendment to assist the E-Team Machinist training program praised by Gov. Baker and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton.

Thor Jourgensen can be reached at tjourgensen@itemlive.com

Fort Myers, Fla. — Frank B. Demoree, age 85, of N.Fort Myers, Fla., died peacefully Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at the Hope Hospice Center. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Buz Doucette) Demoree, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born and raised in Lynn, he was the son of the late Frank Demoree and Ida (Bartoletti) Demoree. He proudly served in the Korean War with the Army Corp of Engineering, earning two purple hearts and a bronze star. He worked construction most of his life. He also built Demoree Terr., in Peabody. He did lobstering and was the owner and operator of Deanna’s restaurant in Ossippe, N.H., for several years. His passion was fishing, hunting and being with his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Charles (Butch) Demoree and wife, Janet, of Lynn, his daughter, Doreen Floyd and husband, Andrew, of Amesbury, and his son, Frank Demoree, and fiancé, Kim Rausschnot, of Effingham, N.H. He has nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He also has several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his sister, Jennie Ruggiero of Peabody, his brother, Robert Demoree and his wife, Pauline, of Santa Maria, Calif., and his sister, Gloria Hackett of Glendora, Calif. He was predeceased by his sister, Lena Gregg, Alfred Demoree and his beloved dog, Sparky.

Service information: A memorial service will be held in Lynn at a future date this summer.

SAUGUS — James W. Nollet, of Saugus, died on Thursday, April 14, 2016, in the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a long illness. He is the husband of Mrs. Virginia “Ginger” (Doonan) Nollet.

He was born in Quincy, the son of Rita (Nolet) Nollet, of Lynn and the late Walter Nollet. He was raised in Lynn and was a 1973 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He was also a graduate of Lowell Technological Institute (Now UMass Lowell) with a degree in civil engineering. He has lived in Saugus the past 20 years.

Jim enjoyed trips on his motorcycle and spending time with his wife and dogs. He was employed as a construction superintendent for Cutler Associates in Worcester.

In addition to his wife and mother, Jim is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Cowley and her husband, Jason, and Jessica Nollet all of Simpsonville, S.C., a grandson, Logan Cowley, his two dogs, Harley and Molly, his brothers, John Nollet and his wife, Donna, of Lynn, Jeffrey Nollet and his wife, Sylvia, of Epping, N.H., Joseph Nollet and his wife, Ann, of Storrs Conn. He also leaves an Aunt Marylou Nolet of Lynn and several nieces and nephews. He is the grandfather of the late Alexa Bridge.

Service information: His funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 11 a.m., in the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 67 Ocean St., (Route 1A), Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Donations may be made to Partners Home Health Care, 152 Conant St., #3, Beverly, MA 01915 or Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., Suite 102, Danvers, MA 01923. Directions and guest book 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

Nataly Correa, 31, of 47A Memorial Park Ave., was arrested and charged with breaking and entering daytime for a felony and an attempt to commit crime at 6:33 p.m. Monday.

Mandela Isaak, 22, of Rand St., was arrested and charged with drug possession to distribute, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle/trailer, license not in possession and number plate violation to conceal at 12:33 p.m. Monday.

Pedro Velasquez, 28, of 11 James St., was arrested and charged with retaliating against a witness at 7:51 p.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 10:46 a.m. Monday at 603 Boston St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:44 a.m. Monday at 87 Beacon Hill Ave.; at 12:41 p.m. Monday at 648 Boston St.; at 3:28 p.m. Monday at 510 Western Ave.; at 4:49 p.m. Monday at Franklin and Laighton streets; at 5:05 p.m. Monday at Chatham Street and Western Avenue; at 5:07 p.m. Monday at Oxford and Washington streets; at 6:05 p.m. Monday at Market and Andrew streets; at 4:33 a.m. Tuesday at Breed and Lewis streets; at 12:52 p.m. Tuesday at 35 Washington St.; at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday at Boston and Washington streets.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 1:21 p.m. Monday at 461 Western Ave.; at 5:53 p.m. Monday at 335 Broadway; at 6:08 p.m. Monday at Broadway and Richardson Road; at 1:57 p.m. Tuesday at Boston and Perley streets.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 12:35 p.m. Monday on Chatham Street; at 8:56 a.m. Tuesday at Bayridge at 60 Granite St.

A report of an assault and battery at 7:38 p.m. Monday on Lewis Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 2:22 p.m. Monday at 24 George St.; at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday at 37 Tilton Terrace.

A report of a breaking and entering at 5:37 p.m. Monday at 224 Washington St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 1:08 p.m. Monday at 34 S Elm St.; at 2:15 p.m. Monday at 170 Union St.; at 8:47 p.m. Monday at 25 Northern Ave.; at 8:58 p.m. Monday at Broad and Green streets; at 9:46 p.m. Monday at 20 E Highland St.; at 11:39 a.m. Tuesday at 22 Warren St.

A report of a fight at 12:12 p.m. Monday at Blake and Buffum streets; at 6:23 p.m. Monday at 50 Munroe St.; at 9:10 p.m. Monday at 168 Williams Ave.

A report of an uninvited guest at 12:49 p.m. Monday at 6 Commercial St.; at 1:25 p.m. Monday at 42 Lyman St.; at 4:25 p.m. Monday at 50 Central Ave.; at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at 280 Union St.

A report of a missing person at 3:39 p.m. Monday at 50 Newhall St.

A report of a juvenile problem at 9:57 p.m. Monday at 47 Glen Ave.

Theft

A report of motor vehicle theft at 3:30 p.m. Monday at 2 Rogers Ave.

A report of a larceny at 4:01 p.m. Monday at JME at 164 Blossom St.; at 5:40 p.m. Monday at 23 Breed St.; at 8:22 p.m. Monday at 80 Nahant St.; at 1:27 p.m. Tuesday at 20 Johnson St.

A report of a robbery at 8:50 p.m. Monday at 12 Houghton St.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 2:18 p.m. Tuesday at 42 Murray St.

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of a well-being check at 2:29 p.m. Monday on Conant Road. A postal carrier noticed a bunch of newspapers outside built up and he is concerned about the well-being of the resident as he said it is not like the neighbor to not bring in papers/mail. An officer reported the woman was fine and was at her son’s house recovering.

A report of a 14-month-old choking at 6:35 p.m. Monday on Hines Court. The strawberry was dislodged but the baby started crying.

A report of a knock and run at 9:53 p.m. Monday on Franklin Street. A caller reported three times over two hours he had knock and runs at his house. The last time, he saw a white male in a white T-shirt running from his door heading to meet up with friends in the church lot.

A report of loud kids at 10:08 p.m. Monday on Cornell Road. A caller reported loud kids in the area, stating they may have come from a party next door to her. She reported the group split up with some walking by the front of the school and some to the back field of the school. She also thought a couple of them appeared unsteady on their feet. An officer reported the group appeared fine.

A report of a disturbance at 10:46 p.m. Monday on Pleasant Street.

PEABODY

Arrests

Michael E. McDonald, 27, of 2 Davis Terrace, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and possession of a Class B drug at 9:17 p.m. Monday.

Paul J. Randall, 50, of 15 Orange Court, Everett, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, failure to display owner’s name and on a warrant at 9:56 a.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 10:22 a.m. Tuesday at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School at 485 Lowell St.; at 11:42 a.m. Tuesday at Sears Automotive at 210S Andover St.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 10:19 a.m. Tuesday at New England Engine & Machine at 50 Lowell St. An officer reported extensive damage to the steering column and vehicle door which happened sometime over the past week.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 7:24 p.m. Monday at 32 Keys Drive.

A report of problems with a tenant and possible drug use at 2:54 a.m. Tuesday at 17 Tuckers Court. An officer reported needles and syringes were removed from the property.

A report of counterfeiting at 12:35 p.m. Tuesday at Burlington Coat Factory at 310 Andover St. A $100 bill, believed to be a counterfeit, was turned over to security, who thinks they may have video of the transaction.

REVERE

Arrests

Hocine Cheballah, 36, of 596 Beach St., Apt. A, was arrested and charged with prohibited U-turn, marked lanes violation, OUI liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle at 1:52 a.m. Saturday.

Hilda I. Coronado, 40, of 25 Falls St., Apt. 2, Lynn, was arrested and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor at 6:29 p.m. Monday.

Francis Michael Forsyth, 43, of 4 Warren St., Apt. 1, was arrested and charged with possession to distribute a Class A drug subsequent offense and on a warrant at 7:58 a.m. Friday.

Mustapha Kabli, 34, of 41 Fellsway E, Malden, was arrested and charged with interfering with a police officer at 1:52 a.m. Saturday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 10:58 a.m. Friday at BJ’s Wholesale Club on Ward Street; at 12:07 p.m. Saturday in the vicinity of Copeland Circle; at 1:02 p.m. Saturday at Master Auto on Broadway.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:55 p.m. Friday at Revere Fire on Broadway; at 10:50 p.m. Friday in the vicinity of S Irving Street and Reservoir Avenue; at 5:58 p.m. Saturday on Mahoney Circle; at 10:33 a.m. Sunday at Fenley and Newhall streets; at 1:03 p.m. Sunday at Northgate Shopping Center on Squire Road; at 5:01 p.m. Sunday at Broadway and Tapley Avenue; at 5:12 p.m. Sunday on Lynn Street; at 3:47 a.m. Monday at General Edwards Bridge on North Shore Road; at 10:35 a.m. Monday at Oak Island and North Shore roads; at 2:13 p.m. Monday on Brown Circle; at 3:03 p.m. Monday at T-Mobile on Everett Street; at 4:12 p.m. Monday at Furlong Drive and Revere Beach Parkway; at 4:46 p.m. Monday on Brown Circle; at 5:20 p.m. Monday at Kellaway/Ocean Air Terminal on Lee Burbank Highway; at 6:29 p.m. Monday at Dimino’s Sub Sandwiches on Revere Beach Parkway; at 7:14 p.m. Monday on Mahoney Circle.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 12:32 p.m. Saturday on Malden Street.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 11:27 a.m. Saturday on Broadway; at 4:10 a.m. Sunday on Shirley Avenue; at 9:40 p.m. Monday on Mahoney Circle.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 2:20 a.m. Monday on Campbell Avenue.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:41 a.m. Friday at Volare on Broadway; at 12:54 a.m. Friday at R House 2 on Beach Street; at 2 a.m. Friday at Revere Housing Authority on Broadway; at 6:45 a.m. Friday on Mountain Avenue; at 10:29 p.m. Friday at Revere Housing Authority on Adams Street; at 11:05 p.m. Friday at Antonia’s at the Beach on Revere Beach Boulevard; at 9:41 p.m. Saturday on Dawes Street; at 10:01 p.m. Saturday on Shirley Avenue; at 10:16 p.m. Saturday on Patriot Parkway; at 11:23 p.m. Saturday on Highland Street; at 11:37 p.m. Saturday on Burnett Road; at 12:50 a.m. Sunday on Crest Avenue; at 1:01 a.m. Sunday on Patriot Parkway; at 2:52 a.m. Sunday on Beach Street; at 6:40 a.m. Sunday on Vane Street; at 9:10 a.m. Sunday on Highland Street; at 10 a.m. Sunday on Pemberton Street; at 12:11 p.m. Sunday on Broadway; at 3:53 p.m. Sunday at Revere Beach Train Station on Shirley Avenue; at 4:05 p.m. Sunday at Village Court Condos on McCoba Street; at 5:24 p.m. Sunday on Proctor Avenue; at 7:23 p.m. Sunday on Vane Street; at 7:38 p.m. Sunday at Harry Della Russo Stadium on Park Avenue; at 7:58 p.m. Sunday on Park Avenue; at 9:27 p.m. Sunday on Orvis Road; at 10:39 p.m. Sunday on Park Avenue; at 11:49 p.m. Sunday on Lambert Street; at 11:54 p.m. Sunday on Beach Street; at 3:11 a.m. Monday at Costa Park on Walnut Avenue; at 10:40 a.m. Monday at McDonalds on Squire Road; at 2 p.m. Monday on Glendale Street; at 2:16 p.m. Monday at Blanchard’s Liquors on American Legion Highway; at 2:46 p.m. Monday at Shirley and Nahant avenues; at 2:53 p.m. Monday on Shirley Avenue; at 3:48 p.m. Monday on Winthrop Avenue; at 4:36 p.m. Monday at Costa Park on Walnut Avenue; at 5:48 p.m. Monday at Shirley and Walnut avenues; at 9:06 p.m. Monday on Sigourney Street.

A report of an unwanted person at 12:02 a.m. Friday on Park Avenue; at 7:29 p.m. Friday on Hyde Street; at 5:03 a.m. Saturday at Shirley Avenue Apartments on Shirley Avenue; at 7:54 p.m. Saturday at Beachmont Laundromat on Winthrop Avenue; at 8:42 p.m. Saturday on School Street; at 4:05 p.m. Sunday at Lee’s Trailer Park on Revere Beach Parkway; at 7:47 p.m. Sunday on Thorndike Street; at 6:32 a.m. Monday on Ocean Avenue; at 11:28 a.m. Monday on Elmwood Street; at 6:32 p.m. Monday at Ocean View Kennel on North Shore Road.

A report of a missing person at 1:19 p.m. Friday at Police Station on Revere Beach Parkway

A report of shots fired at 12:54 a.m. Monday on Lowe Street.

Overdose

A report of a possible overdose at 3:06 p.m. Monday on Mountain Avenue.

Theft

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 10:32 a.m. Friday on Everett Street; at 10:05 p.m. Saturday at Laundromax on VFW Parkway; at 3:25 p.m. Monday on Linehurst Road.

A report of auto theft at 1:25 p.m. Saturday on Campbell Avenue; at 9:48 a.m. Sunday on Arlington Avenue.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 11:48 a.m. Friday on Lincoln Street.

A report of vandalism at 12:36 p.m. Saturday on Squire Road.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 5:49 a.m. Friday at Walnut Street and Broadway. 911 call for a rollover on the Walnut Street on ramp to Route One. Engine 3 and Ambulance 1 dispatched with one person transported to Mass General Hospital; at 8:25 a.m. Friday at 27 Hamilton St.; at 10:06 a.m. Friday at Edison and Walnut streets. One person was transported to Union Hospital; at 1:25 p.m. Saturday on Walnut Street; at 7:50 p.m. Monday at Essex Street and Hayden Road. A caller reported a car into a pole. An officer reported a small tree was struck prior to the pole.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 8:42 a.m. Friday at 8 Pemberly Drive. A woman reported she hit a fire hydrant. The vehicle was towed but the hydrant was not damaged; at 8:06 p.m. Saturday on Essex Street; at 2:45 p.m. Sunday at 7 Felmont Ave.; at 7:50 p.m. Monday at Kohls at 333 Broadway.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 12:35 p.m. Sunday at Route One South and Broadway; at 5:21 p.m. Sunday at Cogliano Plaza at 304 Lincoln Ave. A caller reported a three-car motor vehicle accident with one of the vehicles fleeing the scene.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 1:44 a.m. Saturday at 16 Columbus Ave.; at 5:20 a.m. Saturday at IHOP at 114 Broadway. A caller reported another customer assaulted him and threw hot sauce on him before leaving in a BMW. An officer reported a small cup of hot sauce was thrown at the man and the suspect fled prior to his arrival; at 12:21 p.m. Saturday at JAG Petroleum at 340 Lincoln Ave. A caller reported a gas station attendant scratched his car with the gas pumper and is refusing to exchange information. An officer reported damage to the rear door and the front bumper; at 5:22 p.m. Saturday at 44 Essex St.; at 11:48 p.m. Saturday at 41 Newhall Ave.; at 7:15 p.m. Sunday on Essex Street. A caller reported a man attempting to cut down a stop sign. An officer reported all of the stop signs in the area are intact.

A report of property damage at 8:27 a.m. Monday on Walnut Street. A woman reported that while she was driving on Route One southbound under the Walnut Street overpass, something fell from the bridge and damaged her sunroof.

Fire

A report of an outside fire at 10:04 p.m. Friday on Walden Terrace. A caller reported a fire in the woods. Engine 3 searched the area and reported the call was unfounded; at 12:08 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church at 105 Main St. Ladder 1 and Engine 3 investigated the smell of smoke in the area of Vine and Main streets. Ladder 1 reported an outside fire behind the house, left of the church. Unauthorized fire burning at 105 Main St. was reported with the fire extinguished; at 11:30 a.m. Monday at 79 Springdale Ave. A caller reported a brush fire; at 1:49 p.m. Monday at 80 Walnut St. A caller reported a large, outside fire pit in the backyard of a grey house. Engine 3 reported small, controlled outside burning, which was extinguished by the homeowner.

A report of smoke at 9:16 p.m. Saturday at Red Roof Inn at 920 Broadway. An employee reported smoke inside room 344, which was unoccupied at the time. The caller was advised to evacuate the building. The fire department reported engines were dispatched for radio box 1258 with a smoke condition in room 344. Upon arrival, firefighters found the audible alarms sounding and emergency strobes activated. Upon investigation, an odor of smoke was found on the third floor and east end of the building. Two firefighters stayed on scene for the evening.

A report of a fire at 11:49 a.m. Sunday on Fairmount Avenue. Engine 3 reported the odor of smoke coming from Kingswood Circle in Lynn. Lynn Fire was on scene extinguishing the fire.

A report of an oven fire at 1:59 p.m. Sunday at Heritage Heights for the Elderly at 19 Talbot St. Fire reported an oven fire on the second floor was contained and there was a moderate smoke condition in the apartment and light smoke condition in the hallway. Fire captain reported combustible materials accidentally left in and on top of the stove caught fire, which was extinguished with a dry chemical. The heavy smoke condition in the apartment and light smoke condition in the hallway was ventilated with a negative pressure fan. Housing Authority was notified about the situation.

Theft

A report of a larceny of a motor vehicle at 9:02 a.m. Saturday at 56 Hammersmith Drive. A caller reported his vehicle was stolen out of his garage; at 9:59 a.m. Monday at 19 First St.

A report of a larceny at 2:07 p.m. Saturday at Square One Mall at 1201 Broadway. A female stated she lost her wallet; at 5:36 p.m. Saturday at 203 Lincoln Ave. A man reported his work scanner was stolen out of his FedEx work van. When he made a stop for a delivery, he walked back to the van and saw that the passenger side door was open. When he looked inside, he saw that his package scanner was taken out of the van. He looked in the area to see if it had fallen out, but could not find it. He reported that the scanner is about $1,500.

SWAMPSCOTT

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at 200 Essex St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 6:52 p.m. Sunday at Humphrey and Salem streets.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 4:18 p.m. Monday at Stop & Shop at 450 Paradise Road.

Complaints

A report of a bomb threat at 9:07 a.m. Thursday at high school at 200 Essex St.

A report of a missing person at 7:03 p.m. Thursday at First Congregational Church at 40 Monument Ave. A trooper reported being approached by a young girl about being unable to find her friend.

A report of a juvenile problem at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at 143 Aspen Road.

A report of a squirrel on the porch at 8:37 a.m. Sunday at 128 Redington St.

A report of a gold Impala possibly dealing drugs at 10:33 a.m. Sunday on Beach Avenue.

A report of possible graffiti at 10:32 p.m. Sunday at Lewis Road and Pleasant Street.

A report of noise at 12:27 a.m. Monday at 11 Merrymount Drive. An elderly caller reported a sound in her bedroom and said the noise stopped before the officer arrived.

A report of youths in the woods gathering and causing a disturbance at 9:28 p.m. Monday at Nichols Street and Windsor Avenue.

BY GAYLA CAWLEY

REVERE — Police arrested a father and son from Lynn for heroin distribution last week, after the two sold the drug to an undercover officer.

Revere detectives spotted Glen Calef Jr., 29, and Glen Calef Sr., 51, on Revere Street. After selling an officer heroin, the two were charged with heroin distribution. Lynn Police detectives also assisted, Revere Police said.

The case is under review by the Suffolk County District Attorney, Daniel Conley’s office.

Daniel Cote, of Revere, was arrested last week after selling heroin and crack cocaine from his Cooledge Street residence to an undercover officer. He was charged with heroin and cocaine distribution. He was arraigned in Chelsea District Court and is being held on probation violations and a cash bail, police said.

A search warrant was executed at Cote’s residence where police found scales and packaging materials consistent with distribution of narcotics.

Revere police and the Massachusetts State Police Fugitive Team conducted a warrant sweep last Friday. They responded to a Warren Street residence, where Francis Forsyth, 43, was arrested on a warrant for heroin distribution. When police entered the residence, they observed Forsyth throwing a container of 10 grams of heroin to the floor, police said.

Alberto Ortiz, 28, of Lawrence, was arrested at his mother’s home in Lawrence last week by Revere and the Massachusetts State Police Fugitive Team. He was wanted on a warrant for heroin distribution, based on a Revere police investigation, which had led to two prior arrests, police said.

Ortiz and two others had sold heroin to an undercover officer from a Hillside Avenue residence. A search yielded heroin, a scale and packaging materials. Prior to his arrest, Ortiz tried to evade police by moving among family members. His mother was also arrested on two warrants for heroin distribution and shoplifting, police said.

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

LYNN — Mr. Sarandos “Sam” Markopoulos, 88 years, of Lynn, died on Monday, April 18, 2016, in Salem Hospital after a brief illness. He is the husband of Mrs. Joanna (Athanasopoulos) Markopoulos. He was born in Sellasia, Greece, the son of the late George and Elpinicki Markopoulos. He was raised in Greece. He has lived in Lynn since 1967.

Mr. Markopoulos was the owner and operator of Sam’s Grill on Broad Street in Lynn for many years. He was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. He enjoyed gardening. Mr. Markopoulos was a member of the Greek Military.

In addition to his wife, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage, he leaves a son, George S. Markopoulos and his wife, Marcella, of Lynn, a daughter, Elpinicki Markopoulos of Swampscott, two grandsons, Sarandos and Petros Markopoulos of Lynn. Mr. Markopoulos was one of 11 siblings and he leaves many nieces and nephews.

Service information: His funeral will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016, at 10 a.m., in St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are on Thursday from 4-8 p.m., in the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn. Donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 South Common St., Lynn. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.

LYNN — Robert A. Branden, age 77, of Lynn, died on Saturday, April 16, 2016, following a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Lois E. (Morse) Branden, with whom he had shared 48 years of marriage.

A lifelong resident of Lynn, he was the son of the late Charles W. and Mary H. (Hyde) Branden.

He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Berlin Crisis, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.

Robert had worked as the Greenhouse Foreman for the City of Lynn at Pine Grove Cemetery for over 30 years, until his retirement in 1999.

He was a member of the American Legion, Connery Post 6, and the Franco American Post 161, and the DAV Chapter 64, Lynn. He was also a member of the AOH Division 10, and of the Italian American Club.

He loved performing Karaoke in the area, especially at the Brandy Barrel in Lynn. He enjoyed horses, gardening, and fishing, and was an avid sports fan, particularly following the Red Sox and Patriots.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kelly Branden Gonzalez, two grandchildren, Angelica Marie Gonzalez and Jordan Robert Gonzalez, and many nieces and nephews.

He was also the brother of the late Margaret M. Fournier, John F., and Edward C. Branden.

Service information: His funeral will be held on Friday at 11 a.m., in the Solimine Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn. Burial will be in the Vietnam Veterans Lot of Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.

PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Pick Up Modern & More owner Laurence Elizabeth Howard will display the works of Jackie Singer of Nahant and other local artists in her new store in downtown Lynn.

BY DILLON DURST 

LYNN — Despite Lynn’s gritty image, Laurence Elizabeth Howard is convinced her new vintage store on Exchange Street will take off.

Howard, a 54-year-old Marblehead resident, is the owner of Pick Up Modern & More, which opened on Monday in the city’s Downtown Cultural District. The store buys, sells and consigns antique and modern collectables.

“I’m basically the one who says, ‘that’s not a $300 brass lamp, it’s an $11,000 brass lamp,’” Howard said.

The name of the store comes from its eclectic inventory, which features items such as a Herman Miller table for $750, a George Hunzinger lollipop chair for $675 and a set of 1940s bookplates for $10.

Her store will face competition from a number of other retailers including Treasures Too Consignments and North Shore Furniture, both on Union Street, W.F. Healey Co. on Western Avenue and R & B Consignments on the Lynnway.

Howard said she plans to distinguish her shop by providing expert guest speakers to teach customers about topics such as home decor.

Born in Argentina, Howard has been a North Shore resident for about 50 years. As a child, she attended church in Lynn and developed a love for the city and its rich culture.

“Right at street level there’s a multitude of ethnicities, that diversity is something that I really wanted to be a part of,” she said.

Howard purchased the building with her mother last fall for $280,000. It needed lots of work since it had been vacant for 15 years. There were pigeons and appliances that needed to be removed prior to renovations, Howard said. Not only that, she said the building lacked electricity or plumbing.

Prior to opening the shop, Howard worked as broker for Fidelity Investments and also served as a retail banking officer at the shuttered BankBoston.

The launch of the store was on her bucket list.

“I wanted to pick a place where I wanted to be, not just have a store where I’m selling things,” she said, “but have a way to be in a community and to join a community, which I feel like I have here.”

A friend recently suggested she open a discount store, but Howard declined. She said Lynn deserves more than another off-price shop.

“I feel strongly that Lynn is where I wanted to be, and I’m thrilled to be here,” she said, “I’m really excited about being a part of the downtown.”

Dillon Durst can be reached at ddurst@itemlive.com.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Lynn firefighters who are also veterans, from left,  Joe Roussin, U.S. Army, two years a firefighter; Andrew Scanlon, National Guard, two years a firefighter; and Jesse Affonco, U.S. Marine Corps, six years a firefighter. 

BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN — City officials prefer to hire veterans for public safety jobs but legislation filed by Gov. Charlie Baker would give communities more flexibility in applying veterans preference rules.

Included in Baker’s 1,000-page Municipal Modernization Bill  is a provision allowing municipalities to exempt positions from Civil Service rules by vote of the governing body or executive, rather than through special legislation, as is currently required.

Under civil service rules, if a vet attains a score of 70 percent or higher on their civil service exam, they go to the top of hiring lists, with disabled veterans having top priority, according to the Department of Veterans’ Services.

Fire Chief James McDonald said half of his hires are vets, while Police Chief Kevin Coppinger said most of his new employees have been veterans.

While the chiefs value the role veterans play in public safety roles, they differ in the importance of the veteran status of a job applicant.

“I’m a non-veteran and I fully support the veterans’ preference as it is right now,” McDonald said.  

The hiring split is 60 percent veterans and 40 percent non-veterans, which McDonald said is fair. Finding a good match for the department is more a matter of qualification and personal character, he said.

“Are veterans head and shoulders above everybody else as far as their personality and their capabilities? Not really,” he said. “We have a lot of non-veterans that are just as qualified at doing the job.”

Coppinger said there should be a conversation about changing the regulation that gives a preference to vets. Regardless of race, veteran status, education and several other factors, he said the most important thing is hiring the person who is most qualified.

“People are holding police to a higher standard,” Coppinger said. “We have some great police officers who are veterans. We need the best qualified officers, regardless of all other things. They may be the veterans.”

The municipal modernization bill first went to the Joint Committee on Public Service for review. The committee then established a special commission to study the impact of the Civil Service exemption on veterans’ preference.

Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) expects the bill will see revisions.

There are more than 300 cities and towns in Massachusetts and at least 11 give veterans preference, he said.

“I, myself, don’t support it,” he said. “If you have two candidates for a position with the same score on a civil service exam and one is a veteran, it’s only fair to hire the veteran.”

The Lynn City Council unanimously approved a resolution earlier this month, telling Baker and the Legislature to keep the veterans’ preference..

“We just want to put Lynn on record as being opposed to any attempts to eliminate veterans’ preference by the state or the Massachusetts Municipal Association,” said Peter Capano, the Lynn city councilor behind the resolution. “We want to support our veterans, not only on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but all throughout the year,” he said.

Mike Sweeney, director of Lynn’s Department of Veterans Services, said many city vets appreciate the council’s quick response to ensure Lynn is opposed to the change.

“The commitment that we make to veterans needs to go beyond parades,” Sweeney said. “Civil Service was originally intended to help veterans get into these jobs.”

When people come home from serving in the military, he said, they’ve had less of an opportunity to further their education and complete training that would better their chances at getting jobs.

“It’s about leveling the playing field,” Sweeney said. “This isn’t charity that’s being bestowed upon veterans. When they spend that time away in the military, they’re giving up opportunities that their peers don’t have to give up.”

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

LYNN — Stuart Forbes Richards Jr., of Lynn, formerly of Reading, passed away on Monday evening, April 18. He was 79 years of age.

Raised in Reading, he was the son of the late Stuart, and the late Edna May Richards. Stuart was a graduate of Reading Memorial High School, Burdett College and Suffolk University, Class of 1960 with a degree in accounting.

Stuart worked at his family’s store “Richards Apparel Shop” in Reading Square as an accountant and store manager. After the death of his parents, Stu moved to Lynn at the Curtis Care Center.

He was an avid tennis pro, and played at Jackson Park in Swampscott, and the Lynn Beach Tennis Courts. Stu enjoyed traveling across the country with his dear friend, Bill Curtis. He enjoyed the music of Johnny Mathis and Elvis Presley. He loved to read and talk sports.

Stu was a member of the Lynn Element Care Day Program, School Street Site, and the Caregiver Homes.

Stuart leaves his cousins, Judy and Dave Nass of Minnesota, and Lee and Janet Hurd of Vermont. He also leaves his longtime caretakers, Cathie and Dave Harris and their family, of Lynn.

Service information: A funeral service will be held at the DOUGLASS, EDGERLEY & BESSOM Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St., (Corner of Woburn Street) in Reading on Saturday, April 23, at 12 noon. Visiting hours will be on Saturday morning, prior to the service, from 10 a.m., to 12 noon. Interment at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Reading. For info, directions and register book, visit www.johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

Elaine Emily O’Connor Doten, 79, of Adrian’s Way, died suddenly April 18, 2016, at her home.

Elaine is predeceased by her first husband, Paul F. O’Connor Sr., who died in December of 1986 and her second husband, David W. Doten.

Elaine is survived by her children, Diane G. George and her husband, James, of Plymouth, N.H., Paul F. O’Connor Jr., and his wife, Janet, of Londonderry, N.H., Kathleen Ford and her husband, Thomas, of Rochester Hill, Mich., Ted E. O’Connor and his wife, Andrea, of Ridge, N.H., Karen A. Bownes and her husband, Jonathan, of Plymouth, N.H., Tod J. O’Connor of Manchester, N.H., 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her brothers, James Welsh and his wife, Cynthia, of Beverly, Wayne Welsh, of North Reading, and many nieces and nephews.

Service information: Calling hours will be held in the MAYHEW Funeral Home, 12 Langdon St., Plymouth, on Thursday, April 21, 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Holy Trinity Parish, Our Lady of Grace Chapel, on Friday, April 22, at 9 a.m. The Rev. Leo LeBlanc, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lynn, on Friday at 1 p.m. To sign Elaine’s book of memories, go to www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

LYNN — Lena J. D’Amico, age 88 years, and a longtime resident of Lynn, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in the Aviv Center for the Living in Peabody.

Born in Lynn, Lena was the beloved daughter of the late Salvatore and Filipina (Amico) D’Amico. She graduated from Lynn Classical High School. Lena was an avid Beano player and loved spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Lena is survived by her loving brother, Carmello D’Amico and his wife, Robin-Lynne, of Lynn as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis Timmons. Lena’s family would like to recognize and give a special thank you to all the wonderful staff at both the Aviv Center for the Living in Peabody and the Schwartz Hospice in Chelsea for all their care and compassion they showed to Lena through her final journey.

Service information: A funeral service will be held in the CUFFE-MCGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. For online guest book, please visit www.cuffemcginn.com.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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

John Erikson, 35, of 7 Central St., Nahant, was arrested and charged with possession of a Class A drug at 3:08 p.m. Tuesday.

Christopher Hadley, 45, of 62 Nahant St., was arrested and charged with distribution of a Class A drug at 3:17 p.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 4:55 p.m. Tuesday at Central Avenue and Sutton Street; at 5:59 p.m. Tuesday at 168 Eastern Ave.; at 8:52 p.m. Tuesday on Lynnway; at 11:04 p.m. Tuesday at 124 Green St.; at 8:17 a.m. Wednesday at 49 Johnson St.; at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday at 30 Curwin Terrace; at 1:43 pm. Wednesday at 256 Walnut St.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 12:59 p.m. Wednesday at 346 Boston St.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday at Chestnut and Howard streets; at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday on St. Clair Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 3:42 a.m. Wednesday at 21 Lily St.; at 10:02 a.m. Wednesday at 7 Cross St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday on Central Square; at 6:21 p.m. Tuesday at 130 Neptune Blvd.; at 7:50 p.m. Tuesday at 10 Farrar St.; at 8:29 p.m. Tuesday at 93 Glenwood St.; at 8:54 p.m. Tuesday at 8 Joyce St.

A report of an uninvited guest at 5:26 p.m. Tuesday at 131 Cottage St.; at 5:58 p.m. Tuesday at 40 Broad St.

A report of a juvenile problem at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Florence and Myrtle streets.

Theft

A report of motor vehicle theft at 4:02 p.m. Tuesday on Riley Way.

A report of a larceny at 5:33 p.m. Tuesday at 637 Lynnway; at 8:21 p.m. Tuesday at 47 Sheridan St.; at 10:51 a.m. Wednesday at 85 Eutaw Ave.; at 12:09 p.m. Wednesday at Lynn City Hall at 3 City Hall Square; at 12:37 p.m. Wednesday at 532 Western Ave.

A report of a robbery at 10:08 p.m. Tuesday at 355 Summer St.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at 7 Cross St.

MARBLEHEAD

Arrest

Brandie Lee Pelechowicz, 33, of 5 Barnard Hawkes Court, was arrested and charged with sexual conduct for a fee at 12:03 a.m. Wednesday.

Accidents

A report of a single car vs. a tree at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday on Humphrey Street. Debris was swept to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed.

Complaints

A report of a neighbor dispute at 12:31 p.m. Tuesday on Rowland Street. A woman reported her neighbor’s landscapers came onto her property and began to cut the trees. She told the landscapers to stop and she spoke to the owner of the property. She called again to say the landscaper would be coming back to haul away brush and to do more work. She has a call into an attorney but has not heard back. She has not had time to do no trespass letter. She was informed that it is a civil matter.

A report of littering at 2:57 p.m. Tuesday on Village Street. A caller reported someone throwing a bottle out of the window. An officer made the person go back and retrieve the thrown bottle.

A report of a person on the balcony at 9:21 p.m. Tuesday on Sevinor Road. A caller reported hearing someone on the balcony and stated his neighbor also observed someone in their backyard. An officer reported there are kids playing manhunt nearby. The kids were advised to stay away from going in other people’s yards.

Overdose

A report of a heroin overdose at 6:46 p.m. Tuesday at an unlisted address. Narcan was administered and the person was transported to Salem Hospital.

Theft

A report of a stolen bicycle at 3:59 p.m. Tuesday on Bayview Road. A caller reported her daughter’s bicycle was stolen, valued at $100.

PEABODY

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:14 p.m. Tuesday at The Vitamin Shoppe at 300 Andover St.; at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday at Lowell Street and Route 128 North; at 5:36 p.m. Tuesday at Azorean Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Ghost at 20 Howley St.; at 10:46 a.m. Wednesday at 2 Tremont St. and 63 Central St.; at 11:07 a.m. Wednesday at 3 Central St. and 2 Walnut St. One person was transported to Salem Hospital; at 12:11 p.m. Wednesday on Silverleaf Way.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 9:17 p.m. Tuesday at 22 Foster St.; at 6:54 a.m. Wednesday at 77 Aborn St.; at 1:04 p.m. Wednesday at 86 Main St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 9:34 p.m. Tuesday at 9 Northend St.

A report of a neighborhood dispute at 10:34 p.m. Tuesday at 9 Northend St. A resident stated that she confronted her neighbor about slamming the door and the neighbor keeps slamming the door. The officer spoke with both parties and they were advised to both go back to bed for the night.

A report of graffiti at 12:39 a.m. Wednesday at 60 Foster St.; at 1:09 a.m. Wednesday at Building Supplies Outlet at 20 Webster St.

A report of a man stuck in an elevator at 12:40 a.m. Wednesday at Upton Manor at 75 Walnut St. Fire department was able to open the elevator door.

A report of an unwanted person at 4:42 a.m. Wednesday at 11 Berkshire Road

A report of a missing person at 10:58 a.m. Wednesday at 4 Buxton St. A mother reported her son has gone missing and is believed to be in Boston to smoke marijuana with older men.

A report of a large pothole at 1:14 p.m. Wednesday at 111 Central St. and 2 Wilson Terrace. A caller reported the hole is large enough to damage motor vehicles. DPW reported it would be three to five days to repair the hole.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 10:29 p.m. Tuesday at 1A Burnham Road. A caller reported his house was just egged, which was the third instance of vandalism in the past few weeks. An officer reported one egg struck the residence; at 8:32 a.m. Wednesday at Spofford Auto at 55R Walnut St. A caller reported the front windows to her business were broken out; at 8:50 a.m. Wednesday at 65 Walnut St.

REVERE

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident with personal injury at 7:48 p.m. Tuesday on Beachland Avenue.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:11 p.m. Tuesday on Cooledge Street.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 6:18 a.m. Tuesday on Fenno Street; at 12:17 p.m. Tuesday on Endicott Avenue; at 1:33 p.m. Tuesday at Revere Housing Authority on Cushman Avenue; at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday on Orr Square; at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday at Revere Housing Authority on Eliot Road.

Overdose

A report of a possible overdose at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday on George Avenue; at 7:57 p.m. Tuesday on Malden Street.

Theft

A report of larceny of lawn furniture at 10:29 a.m. Tuesday on Dana Street.

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 1:27 p.m. Tuesday at Woody’s Liquor on Broadway.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 5:22 p.m. Tuesday on Malden Street.

A report of vandalism at 8:11 p.m. Tuesday on Eastern Avenue.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:31 a.m. Tuesday at Dunkin Donuts at 533 Broadway; at 6:02 p.m. Tuesday at 180 Main St.; at 6:36 a.m. Wednesday at Laurel Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday at 51 Jasper St. A man reported he left for Florida on Feb. 1 and when he came back to his home on April 14, he found one of the exterior screens was moved to the “up” position. The glass window was not damaged and no entry was made into the home.

A report of a disturbance at 10:12 p.m. Tuesday at Square One Mall at 12021 Broadway. A caller reported several cars spinning their tires in the lot.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 2:56 p.m. Tuesday at Square One Mall at 1201 Broadway.

SWAMPSCOTT

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:03 a.m. Tuesday at Wholefoods Market at 331 Paradise Road.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 10:09 p.m. Tuesday at 63 Pleasant St. A caller reported a rollover with two people trapped in the vehicle.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 5:58 a.m. Wednesday at 24 Columbia St.; at 6:07 a.m. Wednesday at 30 Maple Ave.

Complaints

A report of graffiti in the area at 7:53 a.m. Tuesday at Bradlee Avenue and Morton Road.

A report of an abandoned cat at 5:46 p.m. Tuesday at 132 Eastman Ave. A resident reported finding an abandoned cat in a crate. Animal Control was notified.

ITEM FILE PHOTO
Pat Byrne, left, of the Lynn Shelter Association, was the winner of the Lyons Muldoon Irish Person of the Year Award at the St. Patrick’s Day lunch at the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development. Beside him is Marjorie St. Paul, executive director of the Lynn Shelter Association.

Harry MacCabe’s career in local social service and housing assistance organizations spans decades. As a result, his words carry weight when it comes to praising peers like Marjorie St. Paul.

The Lynn Shelter Association announced St. Paul’s retirement on Wednesday. MacCabe described her as someone who “rarely said no” and who “was a builder.” Those words speak volumes about a person who worked in a field where money is scarce and where workers try day in and day out to help people with a multitude of problems.

St. Paul worked out of a little corner room in the nonprofit’s offices. She typically could be found wearing her glasses on the tip of her nose and engaged in two or three tasks simultaneously.

Her work style rested heavily on the philosophy that a liberal dose of humor mixed with a sprinkling of resolve is the best way to accomplish things. During her tenure at the shelter, St. Paul worked to open safe places for homeless women and their children to live. She supported street advocate Pat Byrne in his outreach work and on days when she wasn’t sitting in meetings or on the phone, St. Paul could be found talking and joking with the people who spend their nights in the adult emergency shelter and their days around the city.

St. Paul exhibited the skill of poking gentle fun at people even as she laughed along with them about their troubles, or life in general. She wore her heart on her sleeve and online where her Facebook page endorses veterans who ensure Chicago kids walk to and from school safely and efforts to improve mental health awareness.

Critics of people like Marjorie St. Paul like to cast them as social good-doers, “true believers” who make a buck off social service programs that are intended to never fully serve their clients because that would put the programs out of business.

St. Paul ignored that sort of cynicism in favor of working with police, city leaders and elected officials to find ways to solve problems. Sometimes the message she got from them was “downtown isn’t the place for a homeless shelter.”

St. Paul often invited her critics to step into her shoes and take a look around at Lynn and, indeed, America and ask: Where should we be helping the homeless and who is supposed to do the job?

She typically stuck around just long enough to wait for the answer before building new solutions to helping people who are unable — maybe unwilling — but certainly ill equipped to help themselves.

ITEM FILE PHOTO

BY THOR JOURGENSEN 

LYNN — The search is on for a new leader of the Lynn Shelter Association.

Marjorie St. Paul, the nonprofit’s executive director, is retiring. Founded in the 1980s, the group provides shelter options and programs for the homeless in the Greater Lynn area.

In a statement, the Association credited St. Paul with making financial improvements and forging community relationships during her tenure.

Charles Gaeta, the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development executive director echoed that praise.

“She was hard-working, compassionate and dedicated,” he said. “The organization had great growth under her tenure.”

Thomas Colligan will serve as the shelter’s interim director until a permanent director is found. He works for Third Sector New England, a Boston-based organization whose purpose is to provide management and leadership resources for nonprofits.

The Association’s statement said the group will continue to provide compassionate care and shelter to people who are homeless and at-risk of homelessness in the area, follow contemporary, evidence-based principles and best practices in harmony with other providers of services and shelter to the vulnerable population.

St. Paul could not be reached for comment. In a statement she said, “I was so proud to be part of a community that cared deeply for all of its citizens. The work being done in Lynn, not only for homeless people, but for the elderly, for veterans, and for all in need is unparalleled. I cannot think of a more community-oriented city and I leave it with a heavy heart.”

With a $4 million annual budget the shelter operates the adult emergency shelter downtown and three congregate shelters located on Western Avenue, Green and Baker streets. It also operates the Osmund, a former hotel opposite the shelter providing semi-independent living arrangements, as well as  case management for a shelter on High Street.

The charity’s board of directors hopes to hire a successor in a few months, said board chairman Allison Brooks.

With as many as 60 people sleeping in shelter beds on an average night with more sheltered in the winter, Brooks said the next executive director faces challenges, such as providing homeless individuals a place to go to during the day.

St. Paul’s successor must also broaden and deepen relationships with other social service agencies, she added.

“We would like to be the best we can be in terms of getting the support we need,” Brooks said.

Gaeta said the next shelter director also must contribute to changes in the way organizations aid the homeless, including strategies to rethink predominantly providing services in cities. He credited St. Paul with the mutual respect she enjoyed with city officials and her work with Association Street Advocate Pat Byrne.

Thor Jourgensen can be reached at tjourgensen@itemlive.com

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Assistant construction manager Tim Baker demonstrates how the mirror on the teacher’s table in the science lab at the new Marshall Middle School works.

BY GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — When Thurgood Marshall Middle School students return from spring break on Monday, they will be in for a treat.

The 1,100 students, from sixth to eighth grade, will enter the new $67 million building on Brookline Street for the first time. Each grade will enter through different doors on the first day, as the school is separated by Building A, B and C, all connected, and will be given a short orientation.

Molly Cohen, the school’s principal, declined to comment.

In a letter to parents she wrote, “This is an exciting time for our school community and for the city of Lynn. “After years of planning and building, we are moving into the first new school building in Lynn in close to 20 years.”

Tim Baker, assistant project manager for NV5, the Watertown project management firm contracted for the middle school, conducted a media tour in the 181,847-square-foot facility on Wednesday.

Students will be met with a colorful design as the building has been color coded. Classrooms have different color themes by subject, with the wall color matching the chairs at each desk. The building is also separated by clusters for students, each of which has its own color. Each cluster of classrooms is in its own wing.

Baker said each teacher has their own computer and desk. Each classroom also features an interactive projector. He said the device has a trace feature, which allows someone to write on the whiteboard as he would an iPad.

Science rooms are set up lecture style, with long table desks. The rooms feature extra counter space for the experiment the teacher has planned for that day. Baker said there is also a demonstration table with a mirror, where students can see the reflection of whatever experiment the teacher is demonstrating.

A skylight on the top floor brings a burst of natural light to the four floors below. The cafeteria is designed with a cloud ceiling which is supposed to resemble the sky. The white tiles are standard ceiling tiles, but the blue, green and grey ones are made of glass. Baker said the cafeteria could seat 350 students comfortably. In between the gym and cafeteria is a stage, where performances can take place.

Other features are a fenced in courtyard, an elevator, space for life skills classes, which include stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and a washer and dryer.

On Monday, students will follow a modified schedule and be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will not be served the first day, but school will resume to its normal routines the rest of the week.

Boston-based Walsh Brothers is the construction manager for the project, while Raymond Design Associates of Hingham, served as the architect.

If minor problems should arise in the first week, help will be on site.

“I will be here next week,” Baker said.

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

PHOTO BY MASS LOTTERY
Jeffrey Quiles and his girlfriend, Kelsey Simonian, pose with Quiles’ winning “100X The Cash” ticket.

BY DILLON DURST

LYNN — A part-time tire technician at RA Auto Repair on Marion Street won $4 million on a scratch ticket that he bought at a convenience store this week.

Jeffrey Quiles, a Lynn resident, purchased the $10 “100X The Cash” ticket at Lynn Convenience Store on Western Avenue, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery.

Quiles chose to receive the prize in annual payments of $200,000 spread out over 20 years, the lottery said. He is the first player to claim a $4 million top prize in the new game that hit stores in March. Quiles plans to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend and also plans to put some of the cash toward a new house and car, according to the lottery.

Quiles did not return calls seeking comment.

But his boss, Angel Ortiz, said he was thrilled for his employee who he considers a friend.

“He’s a real nice guy, and I’m happy for him,” Ortiz said.

The store where Quiles purchased the lucky ticket will also cash in on a $40,000 commission for selling the winning ticket.

Lynn resident and Lynn Convenience Store shopper Matt Feeley said Quiles stops by the store twice a week. He occasionally buys lottery tickets when he stops in, and had purchased a few scratch tickets Wednesday afternoon before leaving the store.

Kevin Farnsworth, also a Lynn resident, said he stops at the convenience store sometimes. While he purchases lottery tickets at the store, most of the time they’re for his wife.

“It’s a shame I couldn’t win,” Farnsworth said.

Lynn residents Ramonita Roldan, James Toomey and Jane Hoyt each recently won $1 million lottery prizes. Roldan won her prize last month in a previous version of the “100X The Cash” game. But she elected to receive a one-time cash payment of $650,000, less taxes. Toomey won in January on the “$4,000,000 Winfall” scratch ticket, while Hoyt won her $1 million prize — the second $1 million win in her life — in the “1,000,000 Holiday Bonus” game in January as well.

Dillon Durst can be reached at ddurst@itemlive.com.

NEW BEDFORD — Melissa M. Monteiro passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Born and raised in Lynn, she was the daughter of Barbara Monteiro of Lynn and the late William Stevenson formerly of Lynn.

Melissa was a very loving and caring person who loved her family. She had a beautiful smile and a wonderful laugh. She was loved by many and she loved butterflies.

Besides her mother she is survived by her children, Tyla and Madisen, granddaughter, Aniyjah, her brother, Anthony Mendes Jr., and his wife, Caroline, of Lynn, her sister, Celeste Portrait of Lynn, also her stepfather, Anthony Mendes of Haverhill and stepbrother, Lynell Mendes of Lynn, her close cousins, Craig High, Christina High Lessard and her husband, Jared, of Lynn, Richard Monteiro Jr., of Mississippi, Nicole Romiluyi of Atlanta, Fallon Monteiro of Lynn, very special close friends, Scott High and his wife, Shawn, of Revere. She also leaves aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, close friends and the love of her life, Daud Al-din of New Bedford and close family friend, Richard Woodworth of Nahant.

She will be sadly missed by all.

Services were private, arranged by Goodrich Funeral Home, Lynn.

LYNN — Richard J. Willey, age 78, of Lynn, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at a local nursing home. He was the son of the late Elmer and Katherine (Barry) Willey.

Born and raised in Lynn, he was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, Class of 1955. He was a United States Army veteran. Richard worked as a machine operator at General Electric in Lynn for many years, until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, Irish dancing, playing golf at Gannon Golf Course in Lynn and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his sister, Dolores Willey of Peabody, his nephew, Robert Willey and his wife, Lisa, of Lynn, and his nephew, Michael Willey of Lynn. He was also the great-uncle of Emma, Maegan, Brynn, Madison and Michael Willey. He was the brother of the late Robert, John, Paul and Jack Willey, and the uncle of the late Matthew Willey.

Service information: Funeral services will be held from the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn, on Monday at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Lynn, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation in the funeral home will be held from 9-10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pro-Life Office of the Archdiocese of Boston, 5 Wilson Road, Natick, MA 01760. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.