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

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Street and Western Avenue; at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday at Shepard and Harbor streets; at 8:10 p.m. Wednesday at Eastern Avenue and New Ocean Street; at 2:12 a.m. Thursday at Eastern Avenue and New Ocean Street; at 7:32 a.m. Thursday at 9 Hamilton Ave.; at 9:29 a.m. Thursday at 43 Eastern Ave.; at 1:52 p.m. Thursday at 437 Western Ave.; at 2:09 p.m. Thursday at Adams and Chestnut streets.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery with a dangerous weapon at 9:19 p.m. Wednesday on Hanover

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 3:09 p.m. Wednesday at 33 Rowell Ave.; at 6:38 p.m. Wednesday at Alley and Shepard streets.

A report of a breaking and entering at 5:31 p.m. Wednesday at 15 Abbott St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 5:28 p.m. Wednesday at Mall Street and Western Avenue; at 6:17 p.m. Wednesday at 8 Joyce St.; at 6:44 p.m. Wednesday at Chestnut and Union streets; at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday at Barrett and Boston streets; at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday at 498 Essex St.; at 12:15 a.m. Thursday at 20 E Highland St.; at 4:15 a.m. Thursday at Harmon and Walnut streets; at 10:55 a.m. Thursday at 75 Haviland Ave.; at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at 792 Western Ave.; at 1:28 p.m. Thursday at 50 Kirtland St.; at 1:31 p.m. Thursday at 42 Whiting St.

A report of a missing person at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday at 52 Newhall St.; at 10:19 p.m. Wednesday at 25 Jefferson St.; at 10:43 p.m. Wednesday at 43 Elm St.

A report of a juvenile problem at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday at 9 Jackson St.

A report of an uninvited guest at 7:29 p.m. Wednesday at 501 Washington St.

A report of a fight at 3:42 p.m. Thursday at 80 Sagamore St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday at 32 Trinity Ave.; at 7:16 p.m. Wednesday at 30 Pleasant St.  

A report of motor vehicle theft at 12 a.m. Thursday at 12 Day St.

LYNNFIELD

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:21 p.m. Monday at 13 Fairview Road and 927 Salem St.

Complaints

A report of trespassing at 1:33 p.m. Sunday at Hawkes Pond on Walnut Street. An officer dispersed people who were fishing.

A report of by-law violations at 2:41 p.m. Sunday at Lynnfield Middle School at 505 Main St. A caller reported an ice-cream vendor at the school from Revere. An officer checked the school and reported there was no ice-cream truck around.

A report of vehicles speeding in the area ast 2:21 p.m. Monday at 5 Herrick Lane.

A report of a woman attempting to push a car with no one to steer it at 2:46 p.m. Monday on Walnut Street. An officer transported the car to get gas.

A report of kids ringing doorbells at 8:20 p.m. Monday on Trickett Road.

A report of fraud at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday at 3 Saunders Road. A man reported receiving a fraudulent check in the mail.

A report of a suspicious person at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday at 393 Summer St. A caller reported a man in his yard.

A report of a disturbance at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday at 32 Wildewood Drive; at 5:13 a.m. Thursday at Lynnfield Commons at 375 N Broadway. A caller reported people yelling at each other in the parking lot. An officer reported a fox in the back parking lot squealing every few minutes.

MARBLEHEAD

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 7:19 a.m. Thursday on Tedesco Street. A caller reported the accident and could be heard making noises like he was vomiting. When the caller came back on the line, he was asked if he was vomiting and he related that he had food caught in his throat.

Complaints

A report of a found bag at 11:33 a.m. Wednesday on Ocean Avenue. A woman found a large canvas tote with beach toys in it at the beach days ago.

A report of neighbor harassment at 12:18 p.m. Wednesday on Hanover Court. A woman said her neighbors are harassing her and her boyfriend about his motorcycle which he parks on the street near the residence. She said they are leaving notes on the bike and complaining about noise when he leaves for work at 6:30 a.m. She was told if it is a public way, he has every right to park there, as long as the bike is registered and insured, which it is. She said it is a Harley, registered at her boyfriend’s parents’ home in Saugus.

A report of a disturbance at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday on Rowland Street. A woman reported she went to Lynn District Court to have a no trespass order served. She stated that the other person involved was on her property “yelling and screaming.”

A report of a T-Bus complaint at 5:17 p.m. Wednesday at Pleasant and Humphrey streets. A caller reported an MBTA bus with a young, male driver passed him on the right in front of the high school and was going 50 mph. He clocked him. He said that it was an ongoing problem and has notified the T in the past.

A report of harassment at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday on Franklin Street. A caller reported he is being harassed again by kids in the area. He said the kids go to his door and then take off towards the Old North Church parking lot. He doesn’t want them arrested but would like those “punks” on vacation to stop harassing him. He said if they are spoken to, he is sure they will deny doing anything.

A report of missing headstones at 9:57 p.m. Wednesday on West Shore Drive. An officer from Salem called inquiring about any headstones missing from Marblehead. He stated that he is working on a report where someone reported multiple missing headstones being sold on Craigslist and one of them happened to be out of Marblehead. He was informed that nothing has been reported as of yet and he would be notified if it happens. An officer spoke with the cemetery department to ask if they were missing any headstones from the property. They will check the veterans area to see if they are missing.

A report of a motorcycle seat slashed at 6:36 a.m. Thursday on Front Street. A woman reported that her boyfriend parked on the motorcycle away from the house in an effort to not bother the neighbors and someone slashed the seat of the motorcycle overnight. She said the motorcycle was parked by Crocker Park. She said there is a dark blue Mercedes that parks in that area and last week, she noticed that the car was keyed.

NAHANT

Arrests

James V. Gennari, 64, of 131 Castle Road, was arrested and charged with an unregistered motor vehicle and operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license at 5:15 p.m. Sunday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 1:58 p.m. Monday at Wilson Road and Wilson Avenue.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 3:03 p.m. Saturday on Castle Road; at 10:10 p.m. Monday at East Point Parking Lot.

A report of a break in progress at 9:05 p.m. Saturday on Nahant Road.

PEABODY

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday at First Avenue and Jubilee Drive; at 3:02 p.m. Wednesday at 60 Central St.; at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday at 43 Gardner St. and 2 Seneca Road; at 7:57 a.m. Thursday at 17 Tremont St.; at 8:50 a.m. Thursday at Sunoco at 144 Newbury St.; at 1:46 p.m. Thursday at 9R Sylvan St.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 10:12 p.m. Wednesday at 393 Lynnfield St.; at 8:54 a.m. Thursday at Tremont Auto Sales at 97 Tremont St. Reporting parties stated that the rubbish truck hit the electrical pole that was on the property. The reporting party left the business to go to an auto auction.

A report of a truck striking a tree branch at 12:23 p.m. Thursday on Harris Street. An officer reported that the tree was off to the side of the road and cars can pass by.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 4:23 p.m. Wednesday at 8 Essex Center Drive. A caller reported a MacBook pro and a suboxone prescription were taken.

Complaints

A report of drug violations at 4:19 p.m. Wednesday at Northshore Mall at 210N Andover St. A caller reported two juvenile females smoking what appears to be marijuana. An officer reported there were no parties partaking in the vicinity.

A report of a disturbance at 9 p.m. Wednesday at 4 Goldthwaite Place. A call was received from Essex Regional from a frantic female. Essex Regional believed that there was a domestic at the address. The reporting party hung up the phone before more information could be gathered. An officer reported that the residents were upset that they were trying to put together a basketball net and were having a hard time; at 12:39 a.m. Thursday at Whispering Meadows at 278 Newbury St.

Fire

A report of a shed fire at 10:58 a.m. Thursday at 6 Barr Road.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 11:18 p.m. Wednesday at 17 Tuckers Court. A caller reported someone entered his home using a key and stole his copy of a 209A order.

REVERE

Arrests

Timmy R. Hem, 21, of 212 Revere St., Apt. 2, was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property over $250 and vehicle/boat breaking and entering daytime for a felony at 12:39 a.m. Wednesday; with trespassing at 7:41 p.m. Wednesday.

Peter M. Sanangelo, 33, of 625 Broadway, Apt. 20, Malden, was arrested and charged with shoplifting by asportation at 8:31 p.m. Wednesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:53 a.m. Wednesday on Lee Burbank Highway; at 12:59 p.m. Wednesday on Broadway; at 6:47 p.m. Wednesday at Bank of America on Squire Road.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 4:48 p.m. Wednesday on Brown Circle; at 6:33 p.m. Wednesday on Railroad Street.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday on Reservoir Avenue.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 4:23 a.m. Wednesday on Arnold Street; at 5:39 a.m. Wednesday on North Shore Road; at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday on Lawrence Road; at 12:37 p.m. Wednesday at Revere Housing Authority on Cooledge Street; at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday on Flint Street.

A report of an unwanted person at 9:37 a.m. Wednesday on North Shore Road; at 4:06 p.m. Wednesday on Shirley Avenue.

Overdose

A report of a possible overdose at 6:54 a.m. Wednesday on Adams Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 12:39 a.m. Wednesday at T-Mobile on Everett Street; at 11:36 a.m. Wednesday on Revere Beach Boulevard; at 2:58 p.m. Wednesday on Washington Avenue; at 7:18 p.m. Wednesday at Atlantica on Revere Beach Boulevard.

A report of auto theft at 4:38 p.m. Wednesday at Thrifty Car Rental on Lee Burbank Highway.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 12 p.m. Wednesday on Mountain Avenue.

SAUGUS

Arrests

Margaret A. Heinonen, of 2314 Founders Way, was arrested and charged with shoplifting by concealing merchandise over $100, trespassing and on two warrants at 11:27 a.m. Wednesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 8:37 p.m. Wednesday at YMCA at 298 Main St.

Complaints

A report of a man on a hoverboard in the middle of the road at 3:32 p.m. Wednesday on Walnut Street.

A report of suspicious activity at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Saugus Center. An officer reported witnessing a hand to hand transaction between two individuals in the area of Saugus Center. He uncovered no drug evidence with one person and was unable to locate the other person involved, who was riding a black scooter with a purple helmet.

A report of an injured coyote at 7:41 a.m. Thursday at Endicott Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Fire

A report of an outside fire at 1:51 p.m. Wednesday at 22 Wilbur Ave. A caller reported leaves burning outside. Engine 1 reported outside burning with a firepit that was extinguished by the occupant.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 9:41 a.m. Wednesday at Gregson Law Office at 325 Central St. A woman reported spray paint on the building and the firm’s sign.

SWAMPSCOTT

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.; at 7:28 a.m. Wednesday at 17 Park Square; at 8:36 a.m. Wednesday at 6 Maple Ave.; at 8:53 a.m. Wednesday at 36 Elwin St.; at 10:01 a.m. Wednesday at 46 Windsor Ave. A caller reported a basketball, Nike sneakers and a set of Apple earbuds were taken; at 10:39 a.m. Wednesday at 246 Burrill St. A caller reported nothing was taken but personal papers were thrown around two vehicles; at 10:42 a.m. Wednesday at 53 Burpee Road; at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday at 23 Roy St.; at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday at 531 Humphrey St.; at 6:26 p.m. Wednesday at 12 Elwin St.

Complaints

A report of a dead cat in the middle of the street at 5:46 p.m. Wednesday at 531 Humphrey St.

PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
Lilian Romero is the chief program officer with LEO.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — Lilian Romero has traveled far to get where she’s at.

The Peabody resident and chief program officer with Lynn Economic Opportunity Inc. (LEO) moved to Boston from Guatemala in 1989.

At the time, her parents had divorced, prompting her mother and sister to move to the U.S., where her mother’s family lived.

Romero, who arrived with a Green Card, was hesitant to  move. Her English was limited and she wanted to finish high school in her home country. It took her a year and a half to join her mother and sister. She came over to experience a harsh winter for the first time in her life.

“It was a cultural shock,” she said.

Romero said she also resisted the move because Guatemala was all she knew. But after arriving in Boston, she landed a job as a  receptionist at the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, where she was forced to learn English. She was on staff for 17 years and was promoted to manager of the Inspection Department. Upon leaving, she held the position of assistant director for the Section 8 program.

When Romero began working in the U.S., she struggled with the English language.

“It’s something that all immigrants struggle with,” she said. “It took quite awhile when I didn’t think in Spanish.”

Romero moved to Peabody more than two years ago to be closer to work. Prior to joining LEO last year, she also worked with the Department of Transitional Assistance for nearly a decade as the North Shore’s regional director.

At LEO, her goal was to do more outreach with the immigrant population in Lynn.

“I like working with the immigrant population in general,” she said.

To get to where she is now, Romero graduated from Northeastern University with a business management degree. College was something she initially had to put off, while she was learning the language. She had hoped to become a speech pathologist. Before Northeastern, she attended Emerson College after transferring from community college, before realizing that she wanted to do more with her career.

One of the things she remembers is she didn’t consider how long it would take to graduate. Romero said she took school one semester at a time, attending part-time before becoming a full-time student.

While her father died in February, giving her less reason to visit Guatemala, she still considers it her home. She said the secret to success is perseverance. For instance, she grew up in an era of turmoil in Guatemala, as the country was in the midst of a civil war.

“Once you have a goal, being able to accomplish your goal, no matter how hard it is to reach, is something that I learned with my upbringing in Guatemala,” Romero said. “My mother always taught us to care for people in need and be appreciative for what you have.”

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

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Talia Jorge holds “Spot,” the picture she drew that now hangs in LynnArts. 

BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN — Lynn sketch artist Talia Jorge doesn’t let blindness stand in the way of her passion for art.

The 15-year-old student at Lynn English High lacks vision in her right eye and wears glasses to improve the condition.

Despite the challenges, Jorge is one of about 275 students to be featured in the 2016 Lynn Public Schools All City Art Show at LynnArts.

The exhibition opened April 6 and was scheduled to run for two weeks. But because of its popularity, the display has been extended until May 6.

“It’s a no-brainer,” said Drew Russo, executive director of LynnArts and the Lynn Museum & Historical Society. “It really brings this room to life.”

A piece Jorge calls “Spot” was selected for the show. It’s a black-and-white portrait of a dalmatian.

Jorge was a toddler when she began drawing. Soon it became something she did in her spare moments. Each time she was given a stuffed dalmatian, she named it “Spot,” so giving her work that title was fitting.

When Jorge found out the portrait had been chosen to be displayed at LynnArts, she was very excited. But she was also nervous since Jorge had never been chosen for something so significant. While she’s only a freshman in high school, she is considering a future at art school.

“Ever since I was young I’ve loved dalmatians so I chose to draw one,” she said. “My grandfather loved dalmatians. He died when I was 2 and I started to love dalmations too.”

Joseph Picano, fine arts supervisor at Lynn Public Schools, said teachers and an art therapist selected up to a dozen works of art to be displayed in the exhibit.

The work can be seen in two galleries at the LynnArts building. And it’s drawing in a crowd, said Russo.

“It’s attracting a lot of walking traffic, people who see the art and come in,” he said. “We consider it a privilege to shine light on the talented students and the art program. Lynn clearly has a great art program.”

On opening night, the line to get in wrapped around the corner, Picano said. He has organized the show since 1999 and each year it grows.

Among the crowd was Jorge’s family, beaming with pride.

“She has seizures, she doesn’t see out of one eye,” said her mother, Helen Jorge. “She’s come so far. She started drawing when she was a little girl and it’s been one of her passions ever since.”

LynnArts is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

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

PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Liam Forry Grawe touches the skunk held by Sarah Soucy of Curious Creatures at Lynn Museum on Thursday.

By DILLON DURST

LYNN — In honor of Earth Day, children decorated pots and planted flowers and  saw curious creatures at the Lynn Museum & Historical Society/LynnArts “Free Family Fun Day” Thursday.

Children held frogs, snakes and other reptiles and participated in a scavenger hunt. The museum staff also read Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” to the children.

Drew Russo, executive director, said the museum hosts free family days periodically, but mostly during school vacations. He said it’s the museum’s mission to make these free, educational opportunities available to the community.

Elena Hirshman-Seidel, programs and events coordinator, said festivities like the free family days attract families and allow children to see the museum. She said Thursday’s curious creatures session is a great way to attract children to the museum.

Lynn resident Sierra Fonseca brought her two children to the event. Aside from the fact that the event is free, Fonseca said the family day is convenient because she lives just down the street from the museum. It gave her kids something to do while they’re on vacation.

Fonseca’s 4-year-old daughter Suraia Lopes said she was having fun at the event and enjoyed seeing the different creatures.

Jessica Sedgwick, also of Lynn, brought her 6-month-old daughter to the event. She said she likes it because it’s free and open to the public, and because it allows her daughter to see other children.

Since the museum is dependent on memberships and donations, Russo said he’s grateful for the contributions the nonprofit receives to be able to fund such events.

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

ITEM FILE PHOTO
Katie Burt helped lead the Boston College women’s hockey team to a 40-1 record in the 2015-2016 season.

Boston College sophomore goaltender Katie Burt has been invited to USA Hockey‘s 2016 U.S. Women’s National Team Goaltending Camp.

It will be held May 12-15 at Schwan’s Super Center in Blaine, Minn. This is the second straight season Burt will participate in the  camp.
The Lynn native is one of six goaltenders who played college hockey in the 2015-16 season who are set to attend. The list also includes two of the three goaltenders who won gold at the 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championships. Both goaltenders were members of the U.S. gold-medal winning team at the 2016 IIHF Under-18 World Championships.
The camp, now in its second season, consists of the nation’s top 18 goaltenders eligible for international play. The participants, from ages 15 to 24, represent 14 states. Robb Stauber, goaltending coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team, is the camp’s head instructor. He will be assisted by goaltending coaches Manon Rheaume and Steve Guider.
Burt was last called into U.S. National Team camp in December when she was one of five goaltenders who participated in the Women’s Winter Training Camp.
Last season at Boston College, Burt ranked third in the nation, and first in Hockey East, in goals against average (1.23). She was third nationally in shutouts (13) and fourth in save percentage (.943), both of which led the conference. Burt’s 35 wins – as part of a 35-1-0 record – led the nation, as did her .972 winning percentage.
After just two collegiate seasons, Burt is the Eagles’ career leader in most goaltending categories, including save percentage (.942), GAA (1.17) and shutouts (23). She ranks third in wins (65) and sixth in saves (1,326).
Burt is also a two-time member of the U.S. Under-18 team, winning a silver medal at the 2014 IIHF World Under-18 championships before backing the team to the gold medal at the 2015 event.
The Eagles, who wrapped up the 2015-16 season with a 40-1-0 record, finished the year with their best-ever final ranking of No. 2 in both the U.S. College Hockey Online and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls. The team’s 40 wins were the second-most in a season in NCAA history. In 2016-17, the Eagles are set to return 17 players from this year’s team and will add seven freshmen to the roster.

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

Robert Anderson, 29, of 47 Sevioan Drive, Methuen, was arrested and charged with destruction of property over $250 at 10 a.m. Friday.

Stephen Finegan, 66, of 35 Newhall Ave., Saugus was arrested and charged with possession of a Class A drug and failure to signal at 8:25 a.m. Friday.

Rocco Freni, 44, of 11 Chase St., Saugus, was arrested and charged with possession of a Class B drug, failure to signal and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license at 10:57 a.m. Friday.

Emilio Garcia, 18, of 16 Hathaway St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm without FID card at 10:17 a.m. Friday.

DJerry Lajeunesse, 30, of 9 Fay St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with distribution of a Class B drug at 10:35 a.m. Friday.

William Perez, 18, of 56 Lowell St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm without an FID card at 1:28 p.m. Friday.

Rhealynne Roberts, of 309 Boston St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with larceny, breaking and entering in the nighttime and receiving stolen property at 2:59 p.m. Thursday.

David Torres, 27, no address listed, was arrested and charged with trespassing at 6:28 p.m. Thursday.

Kenney Vasquez, 19, of 11 Nelson St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, and unlawful possession of ammunition at 10:56 a.m. Friday.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:15 a.m. Thursday at 20 East Highland St.; at 4:15 a.m. Thursday on Harmon Street; at 10:55 a.m. Thursday at 75 Haviland Ave.; at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at 792 Western Ave.; at 1:28 p.m. Thursday at 50 Kirtland St.; at 1:31 p.m. Thursday at 42 Whiting St.; at 6:20 p.m. Thursday at 61 Vine St.; at 7:18 p.m. Thursday at 8 Joyce St.; at 7:25 p.m. Thursday at 112 South Common St.; at 9:17 p.m. Thursday at 75 Haviland Ave.; at 10:32 p.m. Thursday at 8 Joyce St.; at 2:02 a.m. Friday at 547 Essex St.; at 4:05 a.m. Friday at 2 Johnson Terrace; at 6:38 a.m. Friday on Holyoke Street.

A report of an uninvited guest at 12:42 a.m. Thursday at 20 E Highland St.

A report of a motor vehicle theft at 7:18 p.m. Thursday at 149 Timson St.

A report of a suicidal person at 5:54 p.m. Thursday at 395 Lynnway.

A report of an overdose at 6:08 p.m. Thursday on Newhall Street.

A report of a missing person at 8:31 p.m. Thursday at 46 Lambert Ave.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 5:04 p.m. Thursday on Boston Street; at 5:13 p.m. Thursday on Western Avenue, at 6:35 p.m. Thursday on Union Street; at 8:07 p.m. Thursday at 7 Liberty Square; at 9:22 p.m. Thursday on Chatham Street.

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of an attempted phone scam at 10:40 a.m. Thursday on Summer Street.

A report of possible fraudulent activity at 11:20 a.m. Thursday on Chestnut Street.

A report of packages stolen from a porch at 12:15 p.m. Thursday on Humphrey Street.

A report of parking issues at 3:08 p.m. Thursday on Norman Street.

A report of an erratic driver at 5:23 p.m. Thursday on Atlantic Avenue.

A report of possible cyber bullying at 5:52 p.m. Thursday on Arthur Avenue.

A report of 10 kids sitting in a circle in the street at 9:32 p.m. Thursday on Cowell Street.

A report of a suspicious car in the neighborhood at 10:44 p.m. Thursday on Goldthwait Road.

A report of a car blaring music at 11:35 p.m. Thursday on Waterside Road.

A report of an unwanted guest at 12:46 a.m. Friday on Pleasant Street.

PEABODY

Complaints

A report of threats at 3:24 p.m. Thursday at 150 Lowell St.

A report of larceny at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at 80 Foster St.

A report of a neighborhood dispute at 6:16 p.m. Thursday on Batchelder Avenue.

A report of a disturbance at 8:02 p.m. Thursday at 210L Andover St.; at 8:04 p.m. Thursday on Endicott Street; at 1:10 a.m. Friday at 103 Tremont St.

A report of vandalism at 9:16 a.m. Friday at 9 Hamerick Road.

A report of a stolen bike at 11:14 a.m. Friday at 29 Holten St.

REVERE

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:05 a.m. Thursday on Gage Avenue; at 12:10 a.m. Thursday on Salem Street; at 12:19 a.m. Thursday on Furlong Drive; at 3:35 a.m. Thursday on Broadway; at 11:03 a.m. Thursday on Squire Road; at 12:27 p.m. Thursday on Eastern Avenue; at 1:56 p.m. Thursday on Beach Street; at 2:35 p.m. Thursday on Park Avenue; at 7:49 p.m. Thursday on Winthrop Avenue; at 8:02 p.m. Thursday on Walnut Avenue; at 8:13 p.m. Thursday on Revere Beach Blvd.; at 10:35 p.m. Thursday on Revere Beach Blvd.; at 11:44 p.m. Thursday on Kimball Avenue.

A report of harassing phone calls at 10:31 a.m. Thursday on Agawam Street.

A report of larceny at 1:20 p.m. Thursday on Parkside Place; at 1:40 p.m. Thursday on Park Avenue; at 4:27 p.m. Thursday on Shirley Avenue; at 4:32 p.m. Thursday on Oak Island Street.

Accidents

A report of an accident at 9:07 a.m. Thursday on North Shore Road; at 8:51 p.m. Thursday on Bay View Street; at 9:51 p.m. Thursday at Copeland Circle; at 11:36 p.m. Thursday on Campbell Avenue.

SAUGUS

Complaints

A report of vandalism at 8:40 a.m. Thursday at 41 Newhall Ave.; at 9:02 a.m. Thursday at 10 Innis St.

A report of identity fraud at 9:51 a.m. Thursday on Hamilton Street.

A report of road rage at 11:25 a.m. Thursday at 190 Main St.

A report of shoplifting at 1:16 p.m. Thursday at 1325 Broadway.

A report of a disturbance at 7:12 p.m. Thursday at 1069 Broadway.

A report of larceny at 8:55 p.m. Thursday at 7 Bayfield Road.

A report of a fight at 11:18 p.m. Thursday at 595 Broadway.

A report of a hitchhiker in the travel lane at 2:57 a.m. Friday on Broadway.

SWAMPSCOTT

Complaints

A report of larceny at 8:46 a.m. Thursday at 61 Burrill St.

A report of trespassing at 12:01 p.m. Thursday at 2 Ocean Ave.

A report of graffiti on the sidewalk at 4:13 p.m. Thursday at 15 Orchard Circle.

A report of a dead porpoise offshore at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at Phillips Beach.

A report of a large tree limb in the road at 10:34 p.m. Thursday on Alden Road.

A report of a fight at 11:38 p.m. Thursday at 15 Railroad Ave.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Hakeem Hall talks about his experiences in Roca.

BY THOR JOURGENSEN

LYNN — Hakeem Hall lives in Lynn. He has been to jail and he is one of 100 young local men a Chelsea-based program wants to nudge away from crime and substance abuse and into a productive life.

Roca workers said that process will take months and will be marked by successes as well as setbacks. Founded in 1988, the organization (Roca means rock in Spanish) reached out in 2014 and 2015 to 659 young men across Eastern Massachusetts, including Hall and 50 others in Lynn.

In their bid to reach another 50, Roca Lynn project coordinator Emily Fish and three youth workers have the support of Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, Police Chief Kevin Coppinger, state Sen. Thomas M. McGee and state Rep. Brendan Crighton.

“We’ve known (Roca CEO) Molly Baldwin for a while and Tom and Brendan are big proponents,” Coppinger said.

Police identified for Roca 100 “high-risk” men and secured $251,000 in state grant money to support the Lynn outreach program. The funds have enabled the organization to open an office on Andrew Street where they are working specifically with the Lynn men. Baldwin said Roca’s goal is to change behaviors in young men who grew up in homes where many were exposed to substance abuse, domestic violence and lack of structure or guidance.

Former Florida resident Tristen Lovett, 23, moved to Lynn when he was 16 and got involved in criminal activity, accumulating “quite a few bad charges.”

“Since then my life has been going downhill. I didn’t care if I died the next day,” he said.

A Roca worker reached out to Lovett a year ago. After hearing about the organization from other young men, Lovett made a decision.

“I looked at my past and said, ‘This could be a new opportunity for my life,’” he said.

Hall has also been involved with Roca for a year and his initial contact with the organization came while he was incarcerated in the Essex County Correctional Facility in Middleton. He said behavior that included “causing havoc wherever I was” put him in jail.

On Friday he recalled the words he said to end his initial conversation with the Roca worker who visited him in Middleton.

“I said, ‘I don’t know you.’”

That rebuff didn’t prevent Roca workers from continuing to reach out to Hall. Baldwin and Fish said gradual, persistent contact with men like Lovett and Hall defines the way Roca works.

“We meet young men where they are and we show up over and over again,” Fish said.

Roca defines its method of working with men as intensive engagement and relationships geared toward long-term behavior change. Baldwin said workers spend months stretching into a year or more trying to become a consistent presence in a young man’s life. They don’t work alone. Baldwin said mental health workers, probation officers and workers with Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy assist Roca to reach these men.

Hall eventually decided to meet with a Roca worker and, like Lovett, he credited Roca supervisor Henry Thai with convincing him to give the organization a second look.

“He’s a very down-to-earth-type of guy. He’ll make sure you’re in the right state of mind before he leaves you,” Hall said.

Hall, 25, got involved with Roca and entered a culinary program, but ended up in jail again for six months. Fish said Roca kept in touch with Hall while behind bars, contacting him and sending him literature. After his release, he renewed his Roca acquaintances and his goal is to become an understudy to a chef. He said the “genuine care — the love I got” from Thai and other Roca workers kept him interested in the organization.

Lovett is involved in a Roca program that includes park cleanup work and Baldwin said Roca’s goal is to get the young men its workers contact in Lynn into jobs they can keep.

“If I can get a young person to go to work for a few hours then that is how many hours he is not hurting anyone or hurting himself,” Fish said.

Coppinger said Roca’s track record underpins police department support for its outreach.

“You can’t argue with their success,” he said.

Thor Jourgensen can be reached at tjourgensen@itemlive.com.

PHOTO | PAULA MULLER
Edward Calnan, right, and his son, Edward Calnan Jr., talk over a photo of John Calnan, Edward Calnan’s father, who was a revolutionary in Ireland.

BY THOR JOURGENSEN

LYNN — Edward Calnan’s Christmas present didn’t arrive until Easter.

But the Lynn resident could not have been happier to receive it that day.

Calnan and his son, Edward, spent Easter in Dublin, Ireland, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising that struck a first blow for Irish freedom. The seven-day trip was a gift from the younger Calnan to his father, but both Edwards were thinking about John Calnan during the trip.

An Irish farmer turned volunteer fighter, John Calnan left his West Cork farm at 19 to fight for independence. He left Ireland for Canada and then Lynn in 1923. With his wife, Bridget, they raised sons John, Patrick, Edward, Frank and William and daughters Margaret and Eileen to love Ireland and remember its struggles.

He lined up his boys and put them through military drills in the same way “flying column” organizers trained Calnan and other volunteers in the rebellion years.

“He was one of the first volunteers,” Edward Calnan said.

Seventeen years after his death in 1953, the Republic of Ireland honored John Calnan with a medal saluting his volunteer service. His son keeps it in a commemorative box with a picture of his father.

The Easter Rising took place from April 24-29, 1916 with the centennial time this year to coincide with Easter. The Calnans said the centennial celebration drew people worldwide who marched in or watched a several mile-long parade. Giant screens set up around Dublin showed commemorations around the city.

“This was a worldwide event,” said the younger Calnan.

They attended a state reception that included Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland officials and attended the proclamation declaration reading in front of the Dublin post office — a significant site during the 1916 rebellion. The pair also traveled to Northern Ireland where they found former combatants dating back to the “Troubles” of the 1960s living and working in peace.

Their father and son trip was not a surprise to Calnan, 77. He traveled with his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Bridget previously to Ireland, including trips to southwestern Ireland where Calnan roots date back seven generations.

For Marblehead resident Edward Calnan, 44, the March trip with his father was special, even on the heels of five previous trips to Ireland.

“This was a once in a lifetime trip together,” he said.

Thor Jourgensen can be reached at tjourgensen@itemlive.com.

BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN — A 90-year-old man was arrested for soliciting a woman he thought was a prostitute.

Seriously.

George W. Eisener of Puritan Lane, Swampscott, was among eight arrested for agreeing to engage in sexual conduct with another person for a fee during an undercover operation.

The Special Investigations Unit conducted the sting Thursday night. Detective Kelly Aylward served as a decoy prostitute on the corner of Union and Pinkham streets, according to the Lynn Police Department.

Aylward said while working undercover as the decoy prostitute, she stood on the corner and observed a Chevy Equinox pass her multiple times. The vehicle pulled over on Union Street, across from Enjoy Liquor & Food Market, facing Chestnut Street.

As Aylward approached the car, the front passenger window began to roll down, the report said.

“I exchanged greetings with the white male operator, later identified as George Eisener,” Aylward’s report said. “He asked me if I was looking for a ride. I told him I was looking to make a few bucks. He replied, ‘So, two bucks; you said a couple.’

“I told him more like a couple of tens. He asked how many tens. I told him it would depend on what he was looking for.”

Aylward agreed to $20 for oral sex. She then gave a hand signal to police and Eisener was placed into custody.

Eisener pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday at Lynn District Court. He could face up to a year in jail and not more than a $500 fine, or both. His next court date is scheduled for June 1.

Also nabbed in the sting was Jonathan Perez, 22, of 26 Newhall St. #12, Lynn; Honorio Perez-Lopez, 32, of 27 Alice Ave. #3, Lynn; Jamil Thompson, 35, of 109 Green St. #1, Lynn; Jeobany Garcia, 19, 203 Eastern Ave. #1, Lynn; Alvaro Niz, 24, of 9 Moulton St. #1, Lynn; and Theobald Zitanga, 49, of 281 Essex St. # 2, Lynn, were also arraigned. Christian Solis of 16 Rogers Ave. #2, Lynn, will be arraigned April 26.

Eisener could not be reached for comment.

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

PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Nataya Grekova, right, and Jen Trahant pick up pine needles and dead leaves during the 16th Annual Earth Fest Lynn Woods Clean Up on Saturday.

By MICHELE DURGIN

LYNN — Despite gray skies and rain, more than 150 enthusiastic volunteers arrived early Saturday morning for 16th Annual Earth Fest Lynn Woods Clean Up.

Sponsored by Friends of Lynn Woods, the event is an effort to pick up litter and plant trees on a portion of the forest in West Lynn.

“This is my ninth year here,” said Susan Downey, a volunteer.  “Folks come together because they care, plain and simple.  I like to participate and see people uniting to accomplish a goal, and keeping Lynn Woods beautiful is a wonderful goal. Oh, and I also love meeting new people.”

Lynn Woods Reservation is a 2,200-acre, city-owned forest off Walnut Street. Created in 1881, it provides North Shore residents an opportunity to get away from the city, yet still be close to home. It’s open year round, from sunrise until sunset. There are marked hiking and bike riding trails. Horseback riding and dog walking are permitted. There are also several attractions including the Rose Garden, where weddings are held, along with Dungeon Rock, Stone Tower and two picnic areas.

Karen Searles, a member of the Friends of Lynn Woods board of directors, said she is committed to preserving the reservation and hopes people continue to make its upkeep a priority.

“People come here from all over the world,” she said. “Three years ago, I was here on Clean Up Day and I met  two young men from Great Britain who were biking through the reservation. They were very impressed with the surroundings. As they were leaving, one of them turned to me and said, ‘This place is brilliant.’ I was so proud and happy to agree with him.”

There was a large contingent of volunteers from North Shore Community College, led by Brian Falter, assistant coordinator of student life.

“I’m hoping that today is a positive, giving back to the community event for this group,” he said. “It’s important that we are a part of Lynn, not just located in Lynn.”

Becky Jones, youth coordinator for the New American Center, which assists immigrants new to the area, came to clean-up with a group from the nonprofit. The 10 volunteers, who range in age from 13-19, are from Nepal, Sudan, and Uganda. They expressed enthusiasm to be at Lynn Woods for the first time.

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for these teens who are new to the city of Lynn,” Jones said. “This will help to make it feel like home and it’s a chance to give back in a meaningful way.”

Overseen by the Department of Public Works, Park Commission and Lynn Water & Sewer Commission, the Lynn Woods encompasses nearly 20 percent of the land area of the city.

”It’s a nice turnout and I’m really enjoying the day,” Small said. “It’s not about how many people come. It’s about how much actual work they get done, and this has been a hardworking group today.”

PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
City of Lynn tree warden Jason Dumas talks about the greenhouse at Pine Grove Cemetery.

By BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN — Tiny insects, some no longer than an eighth of an inch, are killing trees in the Pine Grove Cemetery.

More than 5,000 trees, some up to 100-years-old, are threatened by a destructive inchworm and an aphid-like insect.

“Some of the older trees, because of their age, can’t stand up against them,” said Jason Dumas, the city’s tree warden and the cemetery’s greenhouse manager.

Among the threatened trees include the Norway Maple, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Red oak, White Oak, Hemlock, Colorado Blue Spruce, and Evergreen.

The pests attack the buds and leave the branches weakened, causing branches to die.

This year, Dumas is spraying the trees with an environmentally-friendly horticultural mineral oil to combat fight the pests.

“We spray with the horticulture oil and they crawl through and it clogs the holes they use to breath,” he said.

The Cankerworm is one of the biggest threats. Today, the tiny caterpillars are about one eighth of an inch, but will soon grow to an inch long and eventually turn into moths.

About five worms can be found in a single bud, chomping away at the blossoming leaves. He estimates that there could be several thousand of the insects on each of the trees.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid are attacking many of the hemlock trees on the property. These insects look like snow or cotton balls on the leaves. The insects are tough and typically feed during the wintertime.

The cemetery is having trouble combating the bugs this spring.

While the horticulture oil should destroy many of the insects, damage has already been done to several of the trees, Dumas said.

As Dumas works to defend the trees, it’s also a busy season for the three greenhouses, at the top of a hill in the cemetery.

Here, Dumas grows hundreds of plants and flowers to be planted at adopt-a-site garden beds around the city, including the yellow pansies in front of City Hall.

Maintaining the beds is a job that keep Dumas busy all season, he said.

Plants are also grown for the Perpetual Care graves throughout the park, which date back to the 1920s, when the cost was $60 for upkeep that would last for the life of the cemetery.

Perpetual Care graves are maintained by Dumas and the cemetery team. It began as a service where groundskeepers would plant elaborate gardens.

The service continues today, but the arrangements typically consist of pansies. The cemetery is bringing back the service with a cost of $500 for five years. It includes geraniums, pansies, and begonias, he said.

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

Leocadia A. “Lea” (Baranski) Daigle passed away peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2016, in the NSMC – Salem Hospital.

Born in Lynn on Feb. 22, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Bronislaw and Czeslawa (Rahcon) Baranski. Lea was the former wife of the late Donald E. Daigle. Lea worked for seven years as an administrative assistant to Attorney John Leonard before continuing her career as a Procurement Clerk for the Department of Defense. She ended her career with GE in Lynn after 13 years of service. In her spare time,  Lea loved to travel. She also was an avid Bingo player and made the rounds to all the area games, including some casinos. Lea was also a member of St. Michael’s P.N.A. of Lynn as well as the Polish Legion of American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary, Gen. Sikorski Post #56. She was also a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Assoc. Lea leaves behind three children, Julie Daigle of Lynn, Janet Mabee of Revere, and Paul Daigle and his wife, Laura, of Hawaii, five grandchildren, Christopher, Jessica, Caitlyn, Madison and Logan, one great-granddaughter, Audrey Jade, and her sister, Helen Malecki. In addition to her parents, Lea was preceded in death by her sister, Sophie Wilson.

Service information: Funeral services will be held privately. Arrangements under the care of the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn. For the online guest book please visit Cuffemcginn.com.

LYNN — Jane L. (Merrill) Thomas, 87, of Lynn, passed away peacefully at the Brudnick Center for Living in Peabody on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Born in Haverhill to the late Coleman and Louise (Pingree) Merrill, she was raised in Georgetown, and then moved to Lynn after marrying her late husband Stanley E. Thomas of Lynn in 1955. Jane was a 1946 graduate of Perley High School in Georgetown and a 1950 graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Maine.

In her high school years she worked in the old Georgetown Pharmacy in Georgetown Square, and played organ at the First Congregational Church. After graduating college, she taught French and physical education at Maine Central Institute in Waterville, Maine, from 1950 to 1952. From 1952 to 1956 she worked in the cost department at the General Electric Company, West Lynn plant, where she met her husband. Upon leaving General Electric, she dedicated herself to being a lifelong homemaker.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening and playing Bingo.

Jane is survived by her sons, William C. Thomas of Lynn and James S. Thomas of Rowley, her nephew, Daniel Merrill of Gaithersburg, Md., a nephew, Robert M. Merrill of San Miguel De Allende, Mexico, and a niece, Patricia Merrill Navarrete of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, an aunt-in-law, Barbara Pingree of Danvers and several grand nieces and nephews. She is the sister of the late Richard Merrill and the sister-in-law to the late Maria Marquez Merrill.

The family would like to thank the wonderful care by staff of the Arlington Household at the Brudnick Center for Living, Chelsea Jewish Foundation, North Shore Campus, where she was known to all as “Mama” or “Neighbor.”

Service information: Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at 11 a.m., in the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Route 129) Lynn. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday 10-11 a.m., prior to the funeral. Donations may be made to the Brudnick Center for Living, 240 Lynnfield St., Peabody, MA 01960. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.

LYNN — George Phillip Mancinelli, 94, a lifelong resident of Lynn, passed away Monday, April 25, surrounded by his family at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers.

Born in Lynn, George was the son of the late Vincent and Frances (DelMazio) Mancinelli, he was the beloved husband of 44 years of the late Helen (Fitzpatrick) Mancinelli, the loving father of John Mancinelli and his wife, Andrea, of Lynnfield, Lee Dieter and her husband, Ron, of Manchester, N.H., and Ann Marie McAdam and Jay Castle of Londonderry, the father-in-law of the late Daniel McAdam, the cherished grandfather of Luke and Zac Mancinelli, Catie Schwartz and her wife, Amanda, Chritopher Preczewski and Lauren and Mark McAdam, the proud great-grandfather of Weston, Cooper and Bennett Schwartz, the dear brother of the late Mary Ansley and Florence Fernandez and the uncle of Frances Ansley and Rita, Paul and Susan Fernandez.

George served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific, including Guam, during WWII and the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a firefighter for the City of Lynn and worked in every firehouse and engine in the city for over 30 years prior to his retirement in 1984. He was a member of Holy Family Parish and a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Lynn. George also enjoyed playing cards and bingo.

Service information: George’s funeral will be held from the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St., Lynn, on Thursday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., in Holy Family Church, 26 Bessom St., Lynn. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, April 27, from 4-7 p.m., in the funeral home. Contributions may be made in George’s memory to the Lynn Firefighter’s Relief Association, Attention Mario Lopez, 101 Fayette St., Lynn, MA 01902. For the online guest book please visit Cuffemcginn.com.

PEABODY — Robert Edward “Bob” Driscoll, 69, proud longtime resident of Peabody, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 24, 2016, doing what he loved most, playing hockey.

Born in Everett, he grew up with his loving parents, Dan and Marguerite, and his six siblings in Saugus. He matriculated at Saugus High School and graduated from St. Mary’s, Lynn, in 1964. He received his Bachelor of Arts from St. Dunstan’s University in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, and earned a Master of Arts in education from Salem State College in 1974.

Bob was known for his exceptional work as a teacher, a coach and a public servant. Teaching was his vocation in the truest sense of the word. He took particular joy in imparting his knowledge, experience, and joy of learning and competition to others, especially the youth he spent his life mentoring. He spent the greater part of his career teaching history at Northeast Regional Metropolitan Vocational High School in Wakefield.

He coached various sports, most notably ice hockey at Masconomet Regional High School, where he was hailed as a legendary hall of fame coach, winning games and awards, but more importantly shaping young people’s lives. Bob treated his students and athletes as though they were his own children, mentoring them and holding them to high expectations. He also served as the Ward 4 City Councilor in Peabody for 28 years, where he worked tirelessly to improve the city on behalf of its citizens.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 45 years, Sally, and his 10 children, Bobby Jr., his wife, Karen, and their three children of Scottsdale, Ariz., Sara Driscoll McKenna, her husband, Mark, and their four children, of PEI, Canada, Mark of Santa Barbara, Calif., Joseph of Eagle Point, Ore., Tisha Driscoll Tubbs, her husband, Curtis, and their two children of Oakland Calif., Bridget of Boston, Maggie Driscoll McCormick and her husband, Nick, of Tampa, Fla., Sean of Boston, Katelyn of Los Angeles, Calif. and Teddy of Los Angeles, Calif. He is also survived by his six siblings, Daniel and Ellen Driscoll of Lynn, Marybeth and Peter Wonson of Essex, John and Susan Driscoll of Lynnfield, Martha and Richard Healey of Kingston, N.H., David Driscoll of Salem, Stephen and Margaret Driscoll of Manchester-by-the-Sea, and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. His absence will be felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing Bob and his infectious positivity.

Service information: Visiting hours with the family will be held on Thursday, April 28, from 3-8 p.m., at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 29, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church at 16 Church St., Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Coach Bob’s Memorial Fund” Eastern Bank, 37 Foster St., Peabody, MA 01960, or electronically through PayPal www.paypal.me/coachbobsmemorial?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss (Account: coachbobsmemorialfund@gmail.com). Please visit Ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book

In words and deeds Swampscott has scorned the hatred visited on the town a week ago and renewed efforts to deny intolerance to set down roots.

The couple who discovered a swastika scrawled on a sidewalk near the middle school felt anger and a sense that they had been robbed — even briefly — of the sense of security that comes with living in the seaside town.

No one has confessed to the graffiti deed. A suspect or group of culprits may be responsible for drawing the symbol of hate and defacing the middle school and town property around it with additional graffiti.

Contemplating why someone scrawls hate-minded graffiti anywhere is like stepping into a dark alley of the mind that extends into grim and awful places. The swastika is a symbol dripped in blood, cloaked in horror and forever descriptive of the worst acts human beings are capable of performing.

There are Russian-Americans and Jewish-Americans living in Swampscott, Marblehead and Lynn who would gladly sit down with those responsible for last week’s hate-filled acts and explain why the swastika is an offensive symbol.

It is not only an affront to people who lost parents, grandparents or other loved ones in the Holocaust; it is also an insult to millions of Americans who fought and died or lost loved ones who died liberating Europe and North Africa from the Nazis.

With those sacrifices in mind, it is ironic that the Swampscott swastika scrawler(s) selected a significant historic date to express their hated. April 16 marks the start of the 1945 Soviet invasion of Berlin that extinguished Nazism.

To Swampscott’s credit, much has been done to banish hate and counter intolerance. Anti-Defamation League (ADL) officials said the high school enjoys an enduring partnership with the agency based on educating high school students to teach fellow students ways to avoid bias.

The ADL has recommended approaches to reinforcing those teachings by allowing high school students, with permission from school officials, to talk to middle school students about bias and intolerance.

Town officials and residents took their own steps in the wake of last week’s discovery to banish hate with the town issuing a statement condemning the graffiti and residents holding rallies. There are those who might suggest the scrawled swastika represented a cry for help as well as an expression of hatred. Thankfully, Swampscott has plenty of help to offer and no tolerance for hate.

BY GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — Lynn Police were initially looking to arrest one man on Friday, but stumbled onto two others.

Police learned that 18-year-old Emilio Garcia of 16 Hathaway St., was responsible for a robbery at gunpoint on Houghton Street last week. The victim, a 19-year-old Lynnfield resident, had arranged a marijuana purchase. Instead, he was robbed by Garcia, Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly said.

Police went to Garcia’s home to arrest him for armed robbery and larceny. After knocking on his door and identifying themselves as police officers, Garcia tried to flee. A struggle ensued and he was placed under arrest, Donnelly said.

While there, police found drug paraphernalia, leading them to secure the house and get a warrant. A search yielded two bags of marijuana, a bag of Acetaminophen pills, a black Luger 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a defaced serial number, seven rounds of ammunition and $792 in cash, Donnelly said.

Garcia was also charged with multiple firearm charges, marijuana possession with intent to distribute and resisting arrest, Donnelly said.

Police also checked the house for additional occupants and found Kenney Vasquez, 18, of 11 Nelson St., and a 17-year-old male juvenile hiding in a bedroom closet. As the handgun was found in the nearby bedroom, the two were also charged with firearm offenses, Donnelly said.

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

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

Courtney Avery, of 25 Paleologos St., Peabody, was arrested on warrant charges of two counts of shoplifting by concealing merchandise, uninsured motor vehicle/trailer, larceny from a building and four counts of larceny over $250 at 12:40 p.m. Monday.

David Bachand, of 51 N Federal St., was arrested on warrant charges of larceny over $250, larceny under $250 and receiving stolen property over $250 at 1:27 p.m. Monday.

Miriel Peguero, of 65 Mt. Pleasant St., was arrested on warrant charges of miscellaneous municipal ordinance, receiving a stolen motor vehicle and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle at 9:52 a.m. Monday.

Ingmar Pojoy, of 178 Chestnut St., was arrested on warrant charges of two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault and battery, two counts of resisting arrest, distribution of a Class B drug, breaking and entering nighttime for a felony, disorderly conduct and trespassing at 2:25 p.m. Monday.

Edwina Reyes-Pascal, 24, of 2 Curwin Terrace, was arrested and charged on protective custody at 3:52 a.m. Monday.

Jose Reynoso, of 58 Mount Pleasant St., was arrested on warrant charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and leaving the scene of property damage at 9:53 a.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:45 a.m. Sunday at 343 Chestnut St.; at 2:35 p.m. Sunday at Cleveland Street and Western Avenue; at 2:43 p.m. Sunday at Hanson Street and Lynnway; at 5:21 p.m. Sunday at 22 Childs St.; at 7:17 p.m. Sunday at Harwood and N Common streets; at 7:37 p.m. Sunday at 683 Lynnfield St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 2:49 p.m. Sunday at 9 Marianna St.; at 5:30 a.m. Monday at 230 Essex St.  

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 5:20 p.m. Sunday at 95 Woodman St.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 9:23 p.m. Sunday on Boston Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 12:37 p.m. Sunday at 86 Lawton Ave.

Complaints

A report of an uninvited guest at 1:25 p.m. Sunday at 170 S Common St.; at 5:04 p.m. Sunday at Salem Laundry at 190 Lewis St.; at 9:15 p.m. Sunday at 500 Lynnfield St.; at 10:32 p.m. Sunday at 149 Broad St.; at 10:35 p.m. Sunday at Richdale Convenience Store at 585 Essex St.; at 3:20 a.m. Monday at 4 Houghton St.; at 1:12 p.m. Monday at Lynn English High School at 50 Goodridge St.

A report of a disturbance at 4:07 p.m. Sunday at 30 Howard St.; at 4:15 p.m. Sunday at 8 Rantoul Ave.; at 5:38 p.m. Sunday at 100 Willow St.; at 11:44 p.m. Sunday at 130 Neptune Blvd.; at 12:43 a.m. Monday at 181 Beacon Hill Ave.; at 5:44 a.m. Monday at 21 Pond St.; at 8:11 a.m. Monday at 77 Chestnut St.; at 8:42 a.m. Monday at Lincoln and Union streets.

A report of a juvenile problem at 5:25 p.m. Sunday on Hutchinsons Court.

A report of a missing person at 1:31 a.m. Monday at 44 Newhall St.; at 11:23 a.m. Monday at 81 New Park St.

A report of a fight at 4:23 a.m. Monday at 17 Harvest St.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 5:21 p.m. Sunday on Douglass Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 1:02 p.m. Sunday at State Street Liquors at 44 State St.; at 1:10 p.m. Sunday at 40 Fair Oaks Ave.; at 4:51 p.m. Sunday at 175 Alley St.

A report of motor vehicle theft at 7:02 a.m. Monday at 20 Empire St.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 4:16 a.m. Monday at 500 Essex St.; at 10:13 a.m. Monday at 19 Willow St.; at 12:13 p.m. Monday at 354 Lynnway.

MARBLEHEAD

Arrest

Stephanie M. Gridley, 25, of 31 New Ocean St., Apt. 2, Swampscott, was arrested and charged with OUI liquor, second offense, operation of a motor vehicle in violation of a license restriction and negligent operation of a motor vehicle at 1:45 a.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle rollover accident at 8:47 a.m. Sunday on Atlantic Avenue. An occupant in the car stated she was uninjured, but was still in the car and standing up. She is unaware of what happened. One woman was transported to the hospital; at 1:45 a.m. Monday on Atlantic Avenue. The car was totally on its roof. One woman was taken to the hospital.

Complaints

A report of an overflowing toilet at 11:17 a.m. Sunday on Ocean Avenue. Race officials reported an overflowing toilet in the men’s room of the beach toilet.

Fire

A report of smoking mulch against the building at 7:08 p.m. Sunday on Lafayette Street. The mulch fire was contained.

Theft

A report of a stolen iPhone at 10:41 p.m. Sunday on Pleasant Street. A caller reported her daughter’s iPhone 5 was stolen from the Veterans Middle School at a basketball competition. After activating “find my iPhone, it showed a Boston location. Boston Police responded.

PEABODY

Arrest

Christopher Bissel, 34, of 145 Main St., Apt. 7, was arrested and charged with tagging property and malicious destruction of property over $250 at 8:03 p.m. Sunday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:28 p.m. Sunday at 148 Lowell St. and 2 Southwick Road; at 8:05 p.m. Sunday at 136 Newbury St.; at 12:10 p.m. Monday at Latitude Sports Club at 194 Newbury St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 4:14 p.m. Sunday at 286 Newbury St. A resident reported that there is a group in the trailer park and they are involved in drug activity; at 4:40 p.m. Sunday at 15 Central St.; at 11:33 p.m. Sunday at 1416 Crane Brook Way; at 2:50 a.m. Monday at 22 Keys Drive.

A report of suspicious activity at 5:12 p.m. Sunday at McVann O’Keefe Rink at 511 Lowell St. A woman reported that while she was in the woods, she believed a man was following her. The man was described as a white teenager wearing a blue and white shirt. An officer could not locate the man.

A report of graffiti at 8:03 p.m. Sunday at Statewide Services at 79 Forest St. A caller reported a man tagging a building in the area. An officer reported a man jumped over the fence by Sun Factory. An officer arrested the man, Christopher Bissel.

A report of a building check at 12:30 p.m. Monday at Rescue Motors at 55R Walnut St. A man reported catching someone trying to pry open the window of the business. He reported chasing the man down the tracks the previous night.

A report of a sick fox at 12:45 p.m. Monday at 20 Dublin Road. Animal Control was unable to locate.

Fire

A report of a wheelbarrow on fire at 12:57 p.m. Monday at 2 Gaywood Circle. The fire was extinguished.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 9:31 p.m. Sunday at 40 Murray St. A caller reported a stolen laptop.

A report of a stolen motor vehicle at 12:21 p.m. Monday at 133 Main St. and 2 Pierpont St.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 10:54 a.m. Monday at 1 McIntire Court. A woman reported damage to her fence.

SWAMPSCOTT

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 5:50 p.m. Saturday at high school at 200 Essex St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 9:39 a.m. Sunday at 440 Paradise Road.

Complaints

A report of an injured bird at 8:37 a.m. Saturday at 324 Essex St. The bird was removed.

A report of a squirrel under the dishwasher at 2:20 p.m. Saturday at 6 Fairview Ave. Animal Control was notified.

A report of a disturbance at 10:14 p.m. Saturday on Ocean View Road. A caller reported young men running up and down the street and then beeping a horn in a car; at 11:04 p.m. Saturday on Priscilla Road; at 3:45 p.m. Sunday at Jackson Park at 170 Essex St. A caller at the swings heard a kid yelling leave me alone up by the rocks. An officer reported kids were just playing.

A report of road rage at 9:31 a.m. Sunday at Burrill Street and Middlesex Avenue. A caller reported one vehicle chasing another towards the railroad station.

A report of suspicious activity at 10:56 a.m. Sunday at 3 Worcester Ave. A caller reported someone possibly stealing wood supplies off the front lawn.

A report of a woman going through trash at 5:50 p.m. Sunday on Pine Street. A caller reported it is an ongoing problem. An officer was unable to late the woman.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 11:09 p.m. Saturday at Home Goods at 450 Paradise Road.

Item Photo by Owen O’Rourke
Marshall Middle School students leaving school at the end of the first day of classes in the new building.

BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN — Thurgood Marshall Middle School students returned from April vacation to a new, 181,847-square-foot school.

The 1,108 middle school students saw the $67 million school for the first time during an early-release day Monday. After an assembly, they participated in an orientation, were assigned lockers, and got acquainted with the new building, said Principal Molly Cohen.

“This school has exceeded every expectation I had,” said Mayor Judith Flanigan Kennedy. “It’s beautiful.”

Superintendent Catherine Latham said it was like a dream to see everything that was envisioned in place and being used by the students.

The building is divided by clusters, each distinguished by a color scheme. Every classroom follows a different theme based on the class subject. The classrooms have chairs that match the wall color.

“The school is so big and pretty,” said Yailyn Mauricio, an eighth grader. “It’s so colorful. It’s way better than the old school.”

Like many of the other students, Mauricio said she was most impressed by the school’s gym and cafeteria.

“It was exciting and overwhelming,” said Shayla Morales, a sixth grader. “I didn’t want to sit down. I wanted to look at everything. I thought ‘oh my gosh, this is huge.’ “

Morales said she is most excited about the new band room because it is such an upgrade from the one at the old building.

“The kids were awestruck,” Cohen said. “Even the lighting fixtures are so modern. When I walk into the art room, I feel like I’m in a college art studio.”

The students took a particular interest in the ceiling murals in the cafeteria and the color coordination throughout the school, she said.

Overall, the first day went smoothly. There were a few bumps with crowding during dismissal. But teachers are figuring out the best procedures for entering and exiting the building upon dismissal, Cohen said.

Later, teachers will have the opportunity to provide feedback, she said.

“It feels surreal,” Cohen said. “There has been such a buildup to this move. A lot of collaboration. A middle of the year move is not easy to do. This school exceeds my expectations.”

Eighth graders will celebrate their graduation in the school’s new gymnasium on June 23 at 11 a.m., which will be the school’s first big event, she said.

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

LYNN — Willie Lester Jr., a longtime resident of Lynn, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016, in the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

Born on July 31, 1949, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the son of the late Willie Lester, Sr., and Phyllis (Wright). Willie was a dedicated employee of the Union Hospital in Lynn, starting out in the housekeeping department before becoming the warehouse manager before his retirement. Willie was also a devoted member and Deacon of the Greater Bethlehem Pentecostal Church in Lynn.

Willie leaves his loving wife, Cynthia (DuBois) Lester of Lynn, his sons, Willie Mollette-Lester and Eddie Lester, both of Las Vegas, his daughters, Katie M. Allen of Lynn, Arlene E. Louissaint of Woonsocket, R.I., Sonya Corbett of Stoughton, and Darlene Hill-Judge of Atlanta, Ga., as well as 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Trina Lester and his brother, Albert Lester.

Service information: A funeral service will be held in the Greater Bethlehem Pentecostal Church, 21 Light St., Lynn, on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held in the church one hour prior to the service from 9-10 a.m. Arrangements under the care of the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn. For online guest book, please visit Cuffemcginn.com.