Kathleen Speranza working in her studio in the Lydia Pinkham building on Western Ave. in Lynn. (Item photo by Owen O’Rourke)

By Bill Brotherton

LYNN — The Lydia Pinkham Building on Western Avenue has long been a center of innovation and creativity. The historic building’s namesake was known throughout the world in the 1870s for inventing a “women’s tonic” that claimed to provide relief from menopausal pains. Today, the building is home to dozens of artists who make magic in studio spaces scattered throughout its four floors.

For the first time, several of those artists are banding together to show their creative works off-site. Starting Saturday, the “Fine Artists of the Lydia Pinkham” show occupies gallery space in the Lynn Arts building on Exchange Street. It continues there through Nov. 15.

Participating artists are Jackie Diehl, Rolf Flor, Todd Gieg, Christine Johnson, Jill Madigan, Freda Nemirovsky, Kathy Speranza and Mary Spitzer. They are excited about sharing their paintings, sculptures and photographs with a whole new audience.

Flor, a watercolorist and the group’s newest member, came up with the show idea after being wowed by his fellow artists’ works. Attending an open studios event here two years ago spurred him into revisiting his love of painting. “I thought it would be fun to see all of these works in a proper gallery,” he said, relaxing in Speranza’s spacious third-floor studio. “The talent here is incredible.”

The art show is long overdue, agree his supportive colleagues.

“It’s going to be exciting. There’s a great synchronicity between us and LynnArts,” said Speranza. “I’ve been here the longest, people come and go … this is the best group of people. Something is in the air now, a lot of people are serious about art.”

“I think the show is a terrific idea,” added Diehl. “Creative work has been going on here for many, many years. ”

Speranza, the most senior person of the group, has been at the Pinkham since 1999, which is across the street from her home. Her paintings of ocean and sky are breathtaking. She teaches painting and drawing at the Rhode Island School of Design and in her studio.

Gieg, a photographer, moved to Lynn from Boston’s Fort Point artists community. “I felt isolated at first, but by dumb luck I heard about the Pinkham space. There’s a better rapport here than I had in Boston; everyone is so supportive and enthusiastic.” Gieg is currently preoccupied building a diorama of the Narrow Gauge Railroad that ran from Boston to Lynn. “I’m looking for a home for the diorama,” he said, “but it’s complicated. It’ll take another 15 or 20 years to finish it.” The diorama will not be at the gallery show.

Diehl got back into painting after being laid off from her graphic design job in 2009. “I live in Nahant, surrounded by water, and that’s my subject,” she said.

“Jackie magically makes acrylics look like oils,” praised Flor.

Spitzer, a sculptor who works primarily with wood, moved here from New Jersey six years ago. “It was important to me to find someplace I could be part of a studio setup. I was accepted here from day one; everyone was so welcoming from the start, not only other artists but the business owners in the building too.”

“It will be a really good show,” said Flor. “It’ll be tough to curate, but it’s going to be really good.”

“Fine Artists of the Lydia Pinkham” show, Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, LynnArts Gallery, 25 Exchange St. Admission is free. An opening reception will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Wanted: A buyer for the Lynn Armory. Must have vision for what the property could be. State auction to be held on November 17. (Item Photo by Owen O’Rourke)

By Thomas Grillo

LYNN — For sale: a 123-year-old red brick facility on South Common Street. Needs work. Lots of potential. Make offer.

The Lynn Armory, a Romanesque-style building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is scheduled for an onsite auction on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. by the Zekos Group, a Shrewsbury-based auctioneer.

The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), the agency that handles the state’s real estate, has declared the 37,602-square-foot armory and a storage building behind it as surplus property.

Eugene Clements, broker-owner of Clements Realty Group in Lynn, said the highest and best use of the landmark would be market-rate condominiums.

“This is a big opportunity for a private developer to do condos where unit owners can take advantage of the concerts at the Lynn Auditorium, downtown restaurants and the nearby beach,” he said.

Louis Minicucci Jr., co-developer of the $80 million waterfront project on the former Beacon Chevrolet site at the Lynnway that will feature 355 apartments, said reuse of older historic buildings are a challenge, but can result in a unique development.

“Typically, rehabbing historic properties to maintain the original history, character and architectural features is always more expensive than to build new,” he said. “But there are federal historic tax credits that make it more attractive for contractors.”

About 6,000 square feet of the building will be lost to common areas and hallways, which would leave about 31,000 square feet for condo development or about 30 units that would feature 1,000 square feet of space.

“That unit total is kind of small and it would be even smaller if the units are larger, but it could work depending on market pricing,” he said. “Also, providing parking spaces is key to make them sellable.”

One thing is for sure, the city will not be bidding on the building that is assessed at $1.7 million. DCAM gave the city the right of first refusal on the three-story landmark. But Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said no thanks, noting it would be too costly for the city to take on.

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

Are you prepared to join in? Are your skills ready to give you the opportunity to share in this new vision?

Want to find out?

Come join with your neighbors and friends and enroll in a course or two with the Lynn Community Enrichment Program.

The people that are shaping Lynn’s future are helping to subsidize courses so that Lynn’s residents can grow with the city.

Find out more at our Facebook page.

Cost for most classes is $60 for six weeks and are held from 6-8 p.m.

Classes at LVTI:

Mondays
• Citizenship
• Computer applications
• Engineering design
• Foundations of childcare work
• Intro to blueprints
• Writing for all ages

Tuesdays
• Cake decorating
• Conversational Spanish
• Intro to the internet
• Intro to oil burner technician
• Curso interactivo para padres con hijos de 0 meses a 5 años

Wednesdays
• Carpentry
• Curso intermedio práctico y actualizado de Microsoft Office
• Intro to Welding
• Yoga

Registration
Lynn Vocational Technical Institute – Library
80 Neptune Boulevard

October 18, 2016
6-8:00 p.m.
Classes are scheduled to begin on October 24, 2016
This program is a partnership of Lynn Public Schools and the New Lynn Coalition

Gene Constantino (Item file photo)

By Bridget Turcotte

LYNN — Students take days off from school for many different reasons, a principal told school committee members Thursday, but relatively few abuse the attendance policy.

Committee members weighed these words before deciding to leave the current policy intact.

The current policy, last reviewed in 2014, allows seven days of unexcused absences per academic quarter.

Committee member Lorraine Gately requested a closer look at the policy at a meeting last month. She expressed concern that many students are taking advantage of the policy and aren’t developing good work habits.

Gene Constantino, principal of Lynn Classical High School, spoke in favor of the current policy, pointing to the high-needs students who could suffer from a lesser amount of unexcused days.

“We have kids that take days like vacation days,” he said. “I think the key is to try to change that. We have a high-needs group. Many of our students miss school for legitimate reasons.”

Some students face unique challenges with their family or home life, he said. Others miss school because they need to take care of their younger siblings.

“What would happen to that student who already knows he’s failing?” he said. “What hope am I giving that student if I say ‘I’m sorry, you already have four absences for the quarter.’”

Rather than change the policy, he suggested principals and teachers handle the problem within the school. Making each day and class important and offering incentives for perfect attendance will encourage students to go to school, he said.

“The kid who is taking extra days, yeah, it will prevent that kid from taking those extra days,” Constantino said. “But the kid who is struggling with trauma is going to suffer.”

Committee member John Ford said he would rather have a few children who know how to cheat the system than make it impossible for students who are struggling to succeed.

“We want the kids who can graduate to graduate,” said committee member Jared Nicholson. “Not to push people off the edge who are close.”

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

SALEM — Barbara Ann Keenan, 68, died after a brief, but difficult struggle with cancer surrounded by family and friends on Oct. 13, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

She is survived by her mother, Mary (Krol) Keenan, her aunt Helen Krol, her cousin Benny Krol, his wife Suzanne and their children, as well as many near and dear friends. Barbara was predeceased by her father, Edward Pennel Keenan of Lynn and her cousin John Krol of New York.

Born and raised in Lynn, she attended Lynn schools and graduated from Classical High School in 1966. Barbara was accepted to Salem State for the Teachers Education program. She lasted over three years, including her student teaching, but at this time she knew she wanted more, to see and expand her horizon, and during her final year, left to become a flight attendant for the Northeast Yellowbird. This provided her the opportunity to travel, see new areas with a fondness for the turnarounds to West Palm and back. In 1972 Northeast became part of the Delta group, she continued her path to Florida, for many of her trips. Her favorite route was the Red Sox Charters, which were very near and dear to her heart. She was with them through the good times and bad and had more autograph balls than anyone. One of the greatest thrills of her life was flying the World Champion Boston Red Sox home from St. Louis after they won the 2004 World Series. The team loved her and when she got sick many called or inquired about how she was doing. Over the years she met many wonderful people and stayed in touch with many.

Barbara “Babette” was a friend to many. She often had “nick names” for her friends, such as Mickey, Daphne, Katrina, Jackie, Farm Girl, Hop Sing, Stephen, Mr. Thom-as, Baby-Bob, Papa Kelley, Sid and many more. She took advantage of many of the perks working with the airlines, visiting the West Coast, Las Vegas where she especially enjoyed “Circus Circus” and San Francisco. Her passion was dancing. She loved disco and would hit all the hot spots on a Saturday evening. She loved many things including the theatre, getting there by limo and any show with lots of tap dancing and singing. While living in Winthrop Halloween was a big occasion for her and her friends, affectionately known as “The Derelicts.” They enjoyed annual Halloween festivities and made many great memories along the way.

With a truly gregarious personality, when anyone ever met Barbara they never forgot her. Full of life, full of fun Barbara was unforgettable. She will be greatly missed by her family and her family of many friends. She will always be with us in our hearts, and although we will physically miss her, her spirit will always be with us.

Service information: A Celebration of Life for Barbara Ann Keenan “Babette” will be held in November. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O’DONNELL Funeral Home, 46 Washington Square (at Salem Common), Salem. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Barbara’s memory to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 124 Bridge St., Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.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

James Dryer, 22, no address listed, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, shoplifting, disorderly conduct, possession of a Class A drug, and a marked lanes violation at 2:41 p.m. Thursday.

Justin McFadden, 41, no address listed, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and a moped violation at 3:23 p.m. Thursday.

Kenneth Rudolph, 54, no address listed, was arrested and charged with assault at 10:13 a.m. Friday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:44 p.m. Thursday on Maple Street; at 3:22 p.m. Thursday at 149 Chatham St.; at 4:13 p.m. Thursday at 535 Lynnway; at 4:51 p.m. Thursday at 103 Liberty St.; at 5:38 p.m. Thursday at 714 Summer St.; at 6:46 p.m. Thursday at 72 Cottage St.; at 8:04 p.m. Thursday on Cottage Street; at 9:37 p.m. Thursday on Eastern Avenue; at 10:57 p.m. Thursday at 258 Chestnut St.; at 6:49 a.m. Friday on Broadway.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:01 p.m. Thursday at 13 Nahant St.; at 12:03 p.m. Thursday on Andrew Street; at 12:05 p.m. Thursday at 780 Lynnway; at 1:12 p.m. Thursday at 162 Boston St.; at 2:59 p.m. Thursday on Cottage Street; at 5:04 p.m. Thursday at 17 Oakville St.; at 7:02 p.m. Thursday at 72 Washington St.; at 7:16 p.m. Thursday at 33 Mall St.; at 7:28 p.m. Thursday at 182 Chestnut St.; at 10:43 p.m. Thursday at 500 Essex St.; at 11:13 p.m. Thursday on Joyce Street; at 12:22 a.m. Friday at 119 Lewis St.; at 12:55 a.m. Friday at 101 Park St.

A report of neighbor problems at 1:19 p.m. Thursday on Haviland Avenue.

A report of a fight at 3:08 p.m. Thursday at 303 Broadway; at 4:28 p.m. Thursday at 7 Tilton Terrace.

A report of larceny at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at 285 Lynn Shore Drive.

A report of a gunshot at 7:38 p.m. Thursday on Jefferson Street; at 7:39 p.m. Thursday on Sheridan Street; at 12:08 a.m. Friday on King Street; at 12:09 a.m. Friday on Burrill Avenue.

A report of shoplifting at 11:23 p.m. Thursday at 65 Boston St.

LYNNFIELD

Complaints

A report of an accidental burglar alarm at 11:23 p.m. Wednesday at 716 Main St.

A report of an abandoned 911 call at 12:59 a.m. Thursday on Barnsley Road. Caller found and removed to hospital.

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of a lost phone at 9:17 a.m. Thursday on Humphrey Street.

A report of a car blocking a fire hydrant at 10:50 a.m. Thursday on Washington Street.

A report of an unintentional 911 hangup at 1:39 p.m. Thursday on Village Street.

A report of trash dumped in a parking lot at 5:24 p.m. Thursday on Seaview Avenue.

PEABODY

Complaints

A report of larceny at 1:06 p.m. Thursday at 24 Collins St.

A report of a neighborhood dispute at 2:22 p.m. Thursday on Batchelder Avenue.

A report of a person with a hand caught in a car door at 2:50 p.m. Thursday at 12 Crownshield St. Patient transported to hospital with possible severed finger.

A report of graffiti at 3:13 p.m. Thursday at Ross Park on Johnson Street.

A report of a domestic disturbance at 5:33 p.m. Thursday at the North Shore Mall; at 11:05 p.m. Thursday on Esquire Circle.

A report of threats 9:44 p.m. Thursday on Kittredge Street.

A report of possible internet fraud at 8:42 a.m. Friday at 100 Corporate Place. Caller suspects someone is using the company name  to make internet purchases.

A report of a lost/stolen license plate at 10:34 a.m. Friday at 65 North Central St.

A report of suspicious activity at 11:38 a.m. Friday on Washington Street.

REVERE

Complaints

A report of a burglary at 6:02 a.m. Thursday on Squire Road.

A report of a stolen license plate at 7:50 a.m. Thursday on Pearl Avenue; at 2 p.m. Thursday on Union Street.

A report of larceny at 10:11 a.m. Thursday on Central Avenue; at 10:41 a.m. Thursday on Fernwood Avenue; at 12:04 p.m. Thursday on Ocean Avenue; at 6:21 p.m. Thursday on Beach Street; at 6:34 p.m. Thursday on Broadway.

A report of threats made at 11:01 a.m. Thursday at City Hall on Broadway.

A report of vandalism at 11:44 a.m. Thursday on Cooledge Street.

A report of suspicious activity at 11:50 a.m. Thursday on Pemberton Street; at 2:56 p.m. Thursday on Lambert Street.

A report of a stolen vehicle at 1:23 p.m. Thursday on Gage Avenue.

A report of a disturbance at 4:42 p.m. Thursday on Carleton Street.

SAUGUS

Complaints

A report of a 911 hang up at 2:06 a.m. Thursday at Red Roof Inn, 920 Broadway. It was confirmed to be accidental.

A report of suspicious activity at 2:59 a.m. Thursday at 1325 Broadway.

A report of larceny at 10:01 a.m. Thursday at 10 Cheever Ave.

A  report of a motor vehicle leaving the scene of an accident at 12:35 p.m. Thursday on Walnut Street. Caller reports white SUV fled the scene.

A report of a non-stop barking dog at 7:40 p.m. Thursday on Staaf Road.

A report of shoplifting at 8:43 p.m. Thursday at Square One Mall.

A report of vandalism at 11:55 p.m. Thursday at 19 Parker St.

A report of a suspicious motor vehicle at 7:45 a.m. Friday at 1075 Broadway. Occupant was arrested for outstanding warrant.

SWAMPSCOTT

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 4:45 a.m. Thursday on Norfolk Avenue; at 8:52 a.m. Thursday on Pierro Terrace; at 6:06 p.m. Thursday at 51 Essex St.

A report of noise at 12:18 p.m. Thursday at 42 Pleasant St.

A report of a hit and run accident at 12:38 p.m. Thursday at 331 Paradise Road.

A report of a disturbance at 7:32 p.m. Thursday at 104 Stetson Ave.

John and Louise Wallace work with third-grader Charly Chiulli. 

By Bridget Turcotte

LYNN — North Shore Christian School celebrated its Grandparents Day tradition by inviting 100 grandparents to visit with students last week.  

“The kids are so proud to have their grandparents come and be able to show them their world,” said Barbara Delaney, a second grade teacher. “It’s a delight when everyone has a special guest. And as a grandmother, I can say that this time is special because it’s about grandparents getting to spend time with their grandchildren and not having to share them with their parents.”

North Shore Christian School is an independent Christian school serving students in pre-K through grade 8. It was founded in 1951 as a one-room school in Saugus with only 12 students. Today, there are more than 200 students on two campuses in Lynn and Beverly.

Last Friday, grandparents spent the afternoon completing projects and playing games with the children. The tradition dates back several years, said Priscilla Miro, director of admissions for the school.

“They day starts with all guests in the multipurpose room for student choruses, reflection on grandparents and prayer,” said Miro.

“I like Grandparents Day because I like to have time with my grandparents and make cards with them,” said Charly Chiulli, a third-grader who had four grandparents attend.

Chiulli added that he was happy to see all the grandparents watching as he and his classmates were singing during chorus.

Joao Gabriel Gomes, a third-grader, liked having his grandmother help him put together a project related to a book he is reading in class, “The Chocolate Touch,” by Patrick Skene Catling.

“I could see and feel the joy that filled the room as we watched and waited for the children to enter,” said Jan Rinne, a grandmother of a seventh grade and first grade student. “It just seemed that the room was overflowing with great pride and pleasure and love. I was blessed to have been able to spend such a wonderful day with both of my granddaughters.”

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

Good Scout Award winners Helen Mihos and Officer Ryan McDermott flank Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy with Oct. 20 scouting breakfast coordinators David Solimine Sr., Ahmadou Balde and Alan Kline.

By Bridget Turcotte

LYNN — Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy scouted out Helen Mihos and Lynn Police Officer Ryan McDermott to be honored with the Good Scout Award.

The honor will be presented at the Annual Mayor’s Breakfast for Scouting on Thursday at 7:30 a.m.

Since 1985, the mayor has been given the responsibility of choosing a worthy recipient for the community service award, said David Solimine Sr., who chairs the event committee alongside Alan Kline. Recipients are distinguished servants in the community who follow the ideals of Scout Law in their everyday lives.

“Basically, these are people who are doing the right things in the community,” Solimine said. This year, both a man and woman were chosen to provide a positive role model for young boys and girls.

Mihos retired from Lincoln-Thomas Elementary School in August, where she was the principal for a dozen years. She began her teaching career in 1979 with Lynn Public Schools as an English as a Second Language teacher. She later served as the vice-principal, then principal, at Ingalls Elementary School.

McDermott, who was born and raised in the city, is co-director of the Lynn Police Summer Academy, a six-week summer program for Lynn teens.

The mission of the academy is to educate the young cadets in law, policing, courts and corrections while furthering the values of teamwork, responsibility and self-confidence, promoting community leadership and integrity. Since 2012, the academy has graduated more than 225 students.

“This year’s selections are great,” Solimine said. “Ryan works with the Police Academy and does other great police work. Helen is famous for being a great teacher and principal. I’m very pleased with the choices that the mayor has made.”

Andrew Krause will be the featured Eagle Scout speaker. He’s the son of Item Sports Editor Steve Krause and his wife, Linda.  

He joined Cub Scouts at age 8 and became an Eagle Scout just before his 18th birthday in 1999. He’s the scoutmaster of Troop 121 at St. Mary’s Church. His troop consists of boys of all ages who spend a lot of time camping, hiking and completing service projects.

“Eagle Scout is the highest award that a scout gets,” said Solimine. “Typically they talk about their own experience in scouting and how it has affected their life so far.”

Tickets cost $50 each or $350 for a table of 10 seats. They can be purchased by contacting Solimine at 781-595-1492 or Shannon Murphy in the mayor’s office at 781-599-1444. All proceeds will benefit local Scouting programs.  

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

By Thomas Grillo

LYNN — With less than four weeks until one of the most contentious presidential elections in recent memory, the North Shore has seen record numbers of people register to vote.

The total number of voters since the last presidential race has swelled by the thousands in the eight communities covered by The Item.

As of this week, 12,822 new voters have registered in Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Peabody, Revere, Saugus and Swampscott, bringing the total to 173,829.

In Lynn, Karen Richard in the City Clerk’s office said as of this week, the city has 51,795 eligible voters, that’s up nearly 4 percent from 49,851 in the 2012 race for president.The region’s city clerks say the high turnout is likely due to the increased interest in this year’s election that pits Democrat Hillary Clinton against Republican Donald Trump.The deadline for registration in Massachusetts is Oct. 19 to vote in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Also new this year is early voting, as voters will be able to cast their ballots before Election Day, starting on Monday, Oct. 24.

“In my dozen years of experience, every presidential election is like this, people want to vote for the next president,” she said. “I will say this year’s race is getting even more attention.”

In Saugus, the latest number of registered voters has reached 18,644, up from 13,736 at the close of 2012, according to Ellen Schena, town clerk. The growth over the four-year period is 4,908 voters or nearly 36 percent.

“Oh my God, I have to tell you voter registration in Saugus has been unbelievable,” said Schena. “Last Monday and Tuesday alone, 250 registered online and they’re still coming in fast and furious.”

Based on in-person registrations, Schena said she can’t predict who will win the race for the White House.

“It’s evenly split between the two candidates based on the people who come in and make comments about who they will vote for,” she said. “We had a 91-year-old woman who said she had not voted in 40 years and wanted to be a part of this election.”

Robin Michaud, town clerk in Marblehead, reported 15,699 registered voters this week, up from 15,392 four years ago.

“It’s a modest increase,” she said. “But that number is changing daily and we still have a few days to go.”

In Peabody, the number of new voters has increased by more than 4 percent in the past four years to 37,400. City Clerk Timothy Spanos said in the last month alone, 758 new voters have registered and they’re still coming in.

“There’s been a spike from the governor’s race two years ago and four years since the presidential election,” he said. “It’s very busy now and has been for the last month. We are processing about 50 new voters every day either through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, online and mail-ins. There’s obviously more interest this year with the presidential election.”

In Revere, where voters will also be asked whether to approve a slots parlor next week, there are 27,727 voters, up from 26,204 in 2012, a nearly 6 percent hike.

“We are straight out,” said Diane R. Colella, election commissioner.

Lynnfield has seen among the largest increase as the number of voters reached 9,262 this week, up from 6,932 four years ago, according to City Clerk Trudy Reid.

“I’m seeing huge increases in voter registration online and through the Registry of Motor Vehicles. I am amazed,” she said.

“We’re precessing lots of new registrations and they are not just people who are turning 18.”

In Nahant, the number of new voters this year increased modestly to 2,684, up from 2,547 two years ago, and 2,512 in 2012, according to City Clerk Peggy Barile. That’s 172 new voters or a nearly 7 percent hike.

“In the last month, we’ve seen 70 new voters and that’s a lot for a small town,” said Barile. “We are very busy, that’s for sure, I’m thankful these elections are only every four years.”

In Swampscott, there are 10,618 registered voters today, up from 9,979 two years ago and 9,684 in 2012, a nearly 10 percent increase.

“I will be glad when it’s over,” said Susan Duplin, town clerk.  “We have been registering about two dozen people online a day and that doesn’t include the number of new voters who walk in to register.”

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

Pickering Middle School (Item file photo)

Is there anyone who wants Lynn middle school students to continue getting an education in the dilapidated Pickering Middle School with its water-stained walls and World War I-era classrooms?

That is exactly what is going to happen if local leaders and residents living off Parkland Avenue cannot come to an agreement over a proposal, endorsed by a 10-1 vote on Oct. 7 by the city’s School Building Committee, to build a new middle school near Breeds Pond.

The choice of woodland near the pond as a school site reflects the never-changing dilemma burdening Lynn when it comes to building new schools. The city, plainly speaking, is land poor.

Marshall Middle School occupies a former industrial site. The other site for a second, new middle school is McManus Field, where there is no outcry over putting a 1,000-student school between Commercial Street and Lynn Vocational Technical Institute.

Breeds Pond site opponents launched a barrage against the proposed site this week by sending state School Building Authority officials a big stack of 19th-century documents outlining, according to opponents, the intended use of the Parkland Avenue land by Pine Grove Cemetery.

If a middle school cannot be built near Breeds Pond, where is it going to go to be built? No one is standing up and saying, “Hey, we don’t need a school” or suggesting one school built at McManus Field is going to house a tidal wave of students rolling out of elementary schools and into local middle schools.

Suggestions for building a middle school on the site of Union Hospital or in Gallagher Playground and Magnolia Avenue Playground range from problematic to patently absurd.

The former site is a battleground for local efforts to preserve acute medical care in Lynn and both playgrounds are well-used recreation locations where a strong coalition of neighbors backed by local elected officials are never going to let a school be built.

Is Breeds Pond an ideal site with minimal traffic and neighborhood disruption? The answer is no. But if the city fails in its bid to get Massachusetts School Building Authority approval for two new schools, the middle-school-siting-debate will become fodder for what is sure to be a highly contentious 2017 election year.

Turning middle schools into a political football will potentially delay by one year, maybe two or more, the push to get new schools built. In the meantime, Pickering students will continue to go to school in a physically deficient building and the city will continue throwing good money after bad to patch and upgrade Pickering.

It’s time for a calm and reasonable meeting of the minds to sort out the Breeds Pond disagreement. If the cemetery is in need of future additional land, then let the search begin to determine how to meet that need even as a school site is carved out of land off Parkland Avenue.

New schools are the single most expensive project a municipality can tackle and, arguably, the most important. Competition among cities and towns for state school building dollars is fierce and state officials won’t wait around for Lynn to get its act together and settle arguments over building near Breeds Pond.

The time for the city to move forward and build new middle schools is now.

Participants in Pirates Day in Lynn Woods sing during their walk on Saturday. (Photo by Scott Eisen)

By Leah Dearborn

LYNN — Aaaargh, matey, a good time was had by all during Saturday’s annual Pirates Day in Lynn Woods hosted by the Friends of Lynn Woods.  

This year’s family-friendly adventure was oriented around the theme of “pirates” waiting in the woods for the visitors.

Dressed in their own eye patches and bandanas, more than 800 visitors took advantage of good fall mid-afternoon weather to walk about a mile in from the woods’ Pennybrook Road entranice. Groups of costumed actors enacted a total of nine skits along the way.

“We moved to Amesbury from Lynn but we drive down every year for this,” said parent Allison Hallissuey as she walked along the designated route.

Woods Ranger Dan Small emphasized that Pirates Day is not a fundraiser. Instead, it’s meant to get people to take a walk in the woods.  

“Lynn Woods is still recovering from a bad reputation. It’s not deserved anymore,” said Small, who added that the old cars and appliances that once littered the reservation have long since been cleaned up. “Pirates Day is the best thing we ever did as far as getting people up here again.”

Saturday’s pirate participants were recruited in part by Small from people who frequent the woods, including runners and those who asked if they could help out with Pirates Day. The Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Lynn English High School and  Peabody Veterans Memorial High School students also participated.

Many of the volunteers, like North Shore Community College graduate Alisha Raby Cefalo, were veterans who returned from previous years to don pirate garb once again.   

“I wanted to help the woods,” said Raby Cefalo. “And they said the biggest help would be to be a pirate.”

Pirates Day ties into the legends surrounding a pirate ship that appeared in Lynn Harbor in 1658.

According to the Friends of Lynn Woods website, three of the pirates on the ship were captured by British soldiers. The final buccaneer, named Thomas Veal, escaped into the woods and lived there in a cave for some time.

Although many adventurers have searched for Veal’s supposed buried pirate treasure in the woods, none have ever been successful.

Jamie Cornacchini, left, has worked at Charlie’s for 16 ½ years while Larry Corea has worked there for 40 years. (Item photo by Owen O’Rourke)

By Gayla Cawley

LYNN — Charlie’s Seafood, a restaurant staple on Essex Street, recently turned 55 with little celebration, other than an expression of joy from the owner that people still come in and enjoy the food.

“We’re still doing business so the food must be good,” said Susan Panagakis, owner of the eatery opened by her late husband, Charlie, in 1961. “We’ve maintained the same flavor, quality and quantity, and that’s what keeps people coming back.”

Panagakis said the restaurant, which offers seafood favorites such as clams, shrimp and scallops, does everything the old-fashioned way. She said the batter, tartar sauce and coleslaw are homemade. Everything is battered fresh, and baked with bread crumbs, she said, and nothing is salted.

Charlie’s celebrated its 55th anniversary on Aug. 30, but Panagakis remembers the first time she walked in. She was a 16-year-old living a few houses down on Essex Street. She and a friend saw two men working inside and decided to go in, splitting a small french fry between themselves to scope the pair out.

As soon as she walked in, Panagakis said, she knew that she was going to marry Charlie. Her friend ended up marrying the man who was with Charlie inside the restaurant all of those years ago. After their marriage when she turned 18, the couple ran the restaurant together until Charlie’s death at 61 in 1999.

But before Charlie opened up his seafood place, he was on a different career path. He served as a weatherman in the Air Force, before being discharged in 1961. He came to Logan Airport, looking to continue his career, but couldn’t find a job anywhere as a weatherman except for the Thule Air Base in Greenland.

This led Charlie Jr. to follow in the footsteps of his father, Charlie Sr., who had owned Charlie and Bob’s, a former seafood place on Lynnfield Street. He had worked there for his father in the past.

Charlie and Susan Panagakis owned two other restaurants besides Charlie’s Seafood at one point, managing a roast beef place in Lynn and another clam shop in Peabody. But eventually, they ended up just keeping their Essex Street location.

“He (Charlie) had visions of moving this business elsewhere, but this store has always been good to us,” Susan Panagakis said.

Charlie’s continued a tradition of 100 years of Lynn business in the Panagakis family. Charlie Jr. and his father had their seafood restaurants, one of his grandfathers had a sweets parlor on Union Street and his other grandfather owned a grocery store on Western Avenue. Panagakis said her two sons, Randy and Mark, worked at the restaurant when they were kids and still help out, but each has their own business, in Marblehead and Wakefield respectively. She said her sons own their own businesses, rather than sharing ownership at Charlie’s, because as her husband used to say, “there’s only room for one boss.”

Another factor to the restaurant’s success, Panagakis said, is a close-knit staff. Larry Corea, the manager, has been there for 40 years, and as is the nephew of former Boston Red Sox player Johnny Pesky. The late ballplayer was a frequent diner, she added. Kids of former staffers are typical hires.

After more than a half century of business, Panagakis keeps the restaurant going because of her late husband.

“We had a wonderful life and I take care of this store because of Charlie,” she said.

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

On Oct. 17, 2014, The Item turned a page.

By Bill Brotherton

People are always telling me to “Have a good one.” I’m not quite sure what that means. Have a good day? Have a good life? Have a good night’s sleep?

There’s a lot of good in my life these days. Near the top of the list, I recently rejoined The Item after 18 years at the Boston Herald, where I ran the Features desk and wrote about popular music. This is my second stint at The Item, where I learned the business from Red Hoffman, John Moran, Fred Goddard, the Gamage family and others in the 1980s and ’90s; and where I’ve worked side-by-side with some incredible journalists, including current News Editor Thor Jourgensen and Sports Editor Steve Krause.

I began my Item career with Ted Grant and Jim Wilson. Ted was a sports writer and now owns the place. Jim was a young photographer back then, and recently “retired” as deputy director of the photo department at the Pulitzer prize-winning Boston Globe. Today is his first day as chief operating officer of The Item.

Beth Bresnahan, a lifelong Lynner, is CEO of The Item and we consider her as the most significant hire of all. The impact she makes on a daily basis is remarkable.

Why would Bresnahan leave the high-profile job as executive director of the Massachusetts Lottery, the most successful in the country, to run this newspaper?

Why would Wilson leave the Globe to work at a paper with a daily circulation that’s about 230,000 less?

Why would I leave a job where I interviewed rock stars and reviewed hundreds of concerts? Why would anyone leave that job?

What gives? There’s no way a newspaper the size of The Item should have this pool of talent.

It’s because we want to reimagine newspapers. It’s why I’m here.

Today is a momentous day at The Item. Two years ago today, Ted (full name: Edward Michael Grant) and Essex Media Group (EMG: coincidence? I don’t think so) bought The Item from Hastings & Sons Publishing Co., which had owned the paper since 1877. Grant, the publisher, recruited six associates to invest in the operation and serve on its board of directors.

Each of the so-called EMG 7 has either a direct connection to the city or to the paper: Ed Cahill, who grew up on Cherry Street in Lynn, is a partner of HLM Venture Partners and is the son of Ed Cahill, the longest-serving sports editor in The Item’s history; John Gilberg has developed, owned and managed property in the Lynn area since 1989; Gordy Hall has run the Hall Company Inc, a real estate management firm, since forming it in 1981; Monica Connell Healey is a daughter of the legendary Bill Connell and wanted to “give back to the community that meant so much to my father”; Pat Norton, a lifelong Marblehead resident now retired, was managing director of PD-FAB LLC; and Mike Shanahan,who grew up in the Wyoma Square section of Lynn, is CFO of SevOne, a 450-member network software company. Shanahan is chairman of EMG. Shanahan, just out of Holy Cross, and Grant, just out of Boston College, met while both worked as sports writers at The Item; Shanahan covered high school hockey, and Grant covered high-school basketball.

The EMG 7 appreciate the history of The Item. Cahill spoke for the group when he said “We grab the wheel and initiate change. That’s what this group is about, to be a successful media company in the 21st century.”

Grant views it as “a 138-year-old start-up.”

“Our job,” he says, “is pretty straightforward: We’re to hold up a mirror to our communities. We’re to be neither positive nor negative, simply factual.”

The group undertook the most comprehensive survey of readers in the history of the paper, and learned that Item readers were more loyal to their paper than is the industry norm. We listen to our readers and respond accordingly. Grant cites a line from “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles: “With every mistake, we must surely be learning.”

“Do we get everything right?” Grant asks. “No, but we’ll keep working at it until we do.” He encourages readers to give feedback, good and bad — particularly bad. “It’s the only way we’ll get it right,” he says.

When Grant walked into the old Item building on Exchange Street on Oct. 17, 2014 to address the staff, The Item was EMG’s sole asset. Today, EMG is one of the most ambitious, dynamic media companies in New England, maybe the country.

Throughout America, media companies are cutting back and slashing jobs. EMG is bucking the trend. It’s growing. In addition to the six-day-a-week Item, which covers eight cities and towns (Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Marblehead, Peabody, Revere, Saugus, Swampscott), EMG also publishes the Peabody and Lynnfield Weekly News, a twice-monthly real estate guide and two quarterly glossy lifestyle magazines (01907 and ONE) that were started by Grant and his team. EMG has also developed an innovative mobile-first website and is about to relaunch the long-dormant, beloved North Shore Golf magazine.

And next month, Essex Media Group makes its boldest move yet, starting up an every-other-week Spanish-language newspaper, La Voz (The Voice), under the direction of Carolina Trujillo, a native of Colombia who most recently held a management position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Trujillo is building relationships with the city’s Latino and business communities, with hopes that La Voz will evolve into a weekly newspaper. “I appreciate the trust and leadership of Beth and Ted. I feel really supported … and the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” Trujillo says. The ambitious plan also includes a Web-based product, a strong social media presence and live daily news reports.

Starting tomorrow, The Item introduces Scene, with a Lifestyle-oriented focus that will report on the region’s burgeoning arts/culture and restaurant community, gradually beef up its Food, Look! and Real Estate pages and establish a weekly Travel section. The Scene pages will be my responsibility.

Jourgensen, The Item’s award-winning news editor, has been with the paper for more than 28 years. He’s never enjoyed his job more. … or worked harder. Every day is like the first sip of water when you’re thirsty, he says, adding that more than ever the stories The Item covers reflect residents and what they mean to the city. He is quick to praise the staff, from longtime Item staffers like Krause, Owen O’Rourke and Ryan York to veteran reporters like Thomas Grillo and Adam Swift and young reporters who have really developed, such as Gayla Cawley and Bridget Turcotte. Also, a Sports department with an abundance of promising young talent and a the newest member of the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame, Anne Marie Tobin. Thor’s news meetings are fun; everyone on the staff participates and there’s lots of laughter. And he even breaks into song on occasion.

He is most excited about La Voz, which will give a voice to Lynn’s Spanish-speaking community. “I can’t overemphasize how important this is for Lynn. We are giving a voice to people who have an elemental role in this city, the middle class of the future,” says Jourgensen.

Krause, the Item’s second-longest-serving sports editor, has been with The Item since 1979. He said the March 2015 move from its longtime home at 38 Exchange St. to new space at 110 Munroe St. was significant, a new beginning.

Wilson grew up on Collins Terrace in East Lynn and still sees himself “as a Lynn kid in jeans and sneakers.” The opportunity to rejoin a paper that remains independently owned and share his experience with young journalists thrills him.

“Bill,” he said to me, “you and I went to the big-city papers to learn all we could … and now we’re back to help the next generation. I talked with Ted the day he bought it. I saw the risk that Beth took. I saw the risk that you took. That was enough for me. I wanted in.”

It’s like the band is getting together again. The Item’s mission statement is to inform, educate, provoke thought and prompt a smile in reflecting the communities we cover. Every staff member aims to do just that.

Thomas Wolfe said “You can’t go home again.” What a misguided fool! Tom Wolfe said “Put your good where it will do the most!” He was right. Peter Wolf said “I musta got lost, somewhere down the line.” The Woofa Goofa nailed it. I was lost; now I’ve re-found happiness at The Item.

It’s great to be home.

LYNN — June (Larrabee) Lombardi, age 81, of Lynn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. She was born on Sept. 13, 1935, in Beverly, the daughter of the late Dexter and Ruth (Harrison) Larrabee. She was raised and educated in Beverly. June had worked at Boyd’s Potato Chip Company in Lynn and at Millipore at Beverly Farms for many years. June enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners for her family and going dancing with her friends. She liked games of chance, especially playing the Massachusetts Lottery, playing BINGO and the occasional trips to Foxwoods and Twin Rivers Casinos.

June was predeceased by her husband, Leonard F. Lombardi, and her son, Mark A. Lombardi. She is survived by her son, Leonard F. Lombardi Jr. and wife Deborah of Groveland. Her daughter Brenda McFarlane and husband Ernie of Peabody. Her sisters Margie McMahon of Beverly and Susan Valdes of Ipswich. Her granddaughters Brea Plummer and husband Andrew of Groveland, and Ashley Carabin and husband David of Hyde Park. Her great-grandchildren Rowynn Plummer, Siena Carabin and Braelynn Carabin. Several nieces and nephews also survive her.

Service information: Funeral services will take place at CUFFE-McGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow the service in Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn. Family and friends are invited to attend Mrs. Lombardi’s visitation on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, from 4-8 p.m. Donations are requested to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311. For directions, or to sign the on-line guest book, please visit Cuffemcginn.com.

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

LYNN

Arrests

Angelia Ard, 24, of 85 Main St., Peabody, was arrested and charged with an unnatural act at 7:49 p.m. Sunday.

Cory Berard was arrested on warrant charges of disguise to obstruct justice, possession of a Class B drug, unlicensed moped operation, moped violation and motor vehicle operator refuses to identify self at 11:08 a.m. Monday.

Ray King, 33, of 1753 Broadway, Apt. 23, Saugus, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and failure to stop/yield at 12:08 a.m. Monday.

Tyrone Lites, 37, of 34 Trotter Court, Boston, was arrested and charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, drug possession with intent to distribute, firearm violation with violent intent, firearm without a firearm identification card, possession of a firearm with a defaced number, possession of ammo without a firearm identification card, failure to stop/yield and defacing a firearm serial number at 10:52 p.m. Sunday.

Bartolome Ramirez, 30, of 16 Rockaway St., was arrested and charged with an unnatural act at 7:57 p.m. Sunday.

Herbert Smith, 28, of 6 Lewis Lane, was arrested and charged with possession of a Class A drug at 11 a.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 10:52 a.m. Sunday at 110 Marianna St.; at 11:05 a.m. Sunday at 95 Ashland St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:15 a.m. Sunday at Broad and Market streets; at 12:50 p.m. Sunday at Essex and Fayette streets; at 4:34 p.m. Sunday at Boston and Federal streets; at 5:07 a.m. Monday on N Federal Street; at 5:35 a.m. Monday at 331 Western Ave.; at 6:58 a.m. Monday at 279 Chestnut St.; at 10:45 a.m. Monday at Auto Zone at 86 Boston St.; at 12:30 p.m. Monday at Bank of America at 1 State St.; at 12:36 p.m. Monday at Family Dollar at 200 Union St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 11:57 a.m. Sunday at Lynn Shore Drive and Prescott Road; at 7:04 p.m. Sunday at North Shore Community College at 300 Broad St.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 1:26 p.m. Sunday on Boston Street; at 6:24 p.m. Sunday on N Common Street.

A report of an assault at 10:20 a.m. Monday on State Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 11:07 a.m. Sunday at 18 Porter Ave.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 1:47 p.m. Sunday at Barry Park at 20 Waterford St.; at 6:16 p.m. Sunday at N Common and Park streets; at 9:15 p.m. Sunday at 20 W Green St.; at 9:49 p.m. Sunday at 264 Essex St.; at 11:31 p.m. Sunday at 134 Chestnut St.; at 2:05 a.m. Monday at 39 Rogers Ave.; at 3:55 a.m. Monday at 78 Central Ave.; at 4:34 a.m. Monday at 25 Ontario St.; at 7:34 a.m. Monday on Endicott Street; at 11:42 a.m. Monday at 100 Willow St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 6:40 p.m. Sunday at 513 Western Ave.; at 8:28 a.m. Monday at 52 Howard St.; at 9:31 a.m. Monday at 235 Jenness St.; at 10:56 a.m. Monday at 16 Newhall St.; at 12:41 p.m. Monday at 5 Greenwood Place; at 12:53 p.m. Monday at 33 Beacon Hill Ave.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 2:35 p.m. Sunday at 52 Broad St.

A report of vandalism at 4:38 p.m. Sunday at 2 Rogers Ave.

MARBLEHEAD

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 10:20 p.m. Sunday on Pleasant Street.

Complaints

A caller from the donut store reported a young child wandered into the shop, while still in pajamas, with no parent around at 8:31 a.m. Sunday on Pleasant Street. The child was reunited with the family.

PEABODY

Arrest

Novia Turkette, 47, of 116 Foster St., Apt. 1, was arrested on a warrant at 12:54 p.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 6:37 a.m. Monday at 130 Main St. An officer reported a truck parked up on a tree, but there was no accident.

A report of a man hit by a car at 7:41 a.m. Monday at 125 Main St. He was taken to Salem Hospital.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 12:39 p.m. Monday at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates at 2 Essex Center Drive.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 12:04 a.m. Monday on Dexter Street. An officer reported assorted credit cards and $40 cash was stolen.

A report of a burglary attempt at 2:22 a.m. Monday at 4 Sherman St. A resident reported a break-in and might know who was the responsible person.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 10:56 p.m. Sunday at 149 Washington St.; at 7:11 a.m. Monday at 4 Silverleaf Way; at 1:15 p.m. Monday at 95 Main St.

A caller reported two people were becoming friendly in a brown Mini Cooper at 8:23 a.m. Monday at 9 Tracey St. An officer sent the couple on their way.

A report of suspicious activity at 1:49 p.m. Monday at 27 Centennial Drive. A woman reported a black box near the dumpster looked out of place. An officer reported the box was a rat trap.

Theft

A report of a stolen bicycle at 12:06 p.m. Sunday at 261 Newbury St.

REVERE

Arrests

Jonathan J. Alvarez-Maldonado, 18, of 77 Beach St., was arrested and charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and disturbing the peace at 3:53 a.m. Sunday.

Juliano B. Amado, 34, of 68 Bellingham Ave., Apt. 2, was arrested and charged with OUI liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle at 3:57 a.m. Saturday.

John Cardarella, 50, of 418 Revere Beach Parkway, Apt. 96, was arrested on a warrant at 2:31 p.m. Friday.

Taurek Musa Dugha, 35, homeless in Boston, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and cruelty to animals at 5:36 p.m. Saturday.

Alfonzo Ellis, 27, of 232 Seaver St., Roxbury, was arrested on warrants at 12:13 p.m. Friday.

Corey Matthew Piper, 22, of 51 Holyoke St., Lynn, was arrested on a warrant at 9:21 p.m. Sunday.  

Lester Miguel Robles, 34, of 6 N Federal St., Apt. 3, Lynn, was arrested and charged with OUI liquor second offense, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and marked lanes violation at 1:21 a.m. Saturday.

Kevin E. Rodriguez, 49, of 111 Washington St., Apt. 4, Lynn, was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Thomas J. Roklan, 42, of 100 Western Ave., Lynn, was arrested and charged with marked lanes violation, OUI liquor second offense and negligent operation of a motor vehicle at 12:32 a.m. Saturday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 8:57 a.m. Friday at North Shore Road and Mills Avenue; at 11:09 a.m. Friday on Endicott Avenue; at 5:21 p.m. Friday at Ray’s Sunoco Service on Broadway; at 6:26 p.m. Friday at Mountain Avenue and Broadway; at 8:19 p.m. Friday at Blanchard’s Liquors on American Legion Highway; at 10:25 a.m. Sunday at Pizza Hut on Everett Street; at 3:49 p.m. Sunday on Brown Circle; at 4:50 p.m. Sunday at Peter’s Super Beef on North Shore Road. Leocadio Ayala, 12 Nahant Ave., Apt. 2, was summoned for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; at 10:18 p.m. Sunday at Master Auto Repair on Broadway.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 11:06 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Lords Church on Endicott Avenue; at 2:19 p.m. Saturday on Lynnway.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 6:48 p.m. Friday on Proctor Avenue; at 7:52 p.m. Saturday on Cushman Avenue.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 5:22 p.m. Friday on Pierce Street; at 6:09 p.m. Sunday on Beach Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 8:51 a.m. Sunday on Marble Street; at 4:01 p.m. Sunday on Sprague Street; at 5:54 p.m. Sunday on Proctor Avenue.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:06 a.m. Friday at Cinco De Mayo on Centennial Avenue; at 12:46 a.m. Friday at Squire Lounge on Squire Road; at 1:20 a.m. Friday on Harrington Street; at 4:03 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony’s Church on Revere Street; at 3:58 p.m. Friday at Broadway Towers on Broadway; at 5:25 p.m. Friday on Dashwood Street; at 10:14 p.m. Friday on Revere Beach Parkway; at 2:05 a.m. Saturday on Highland Street; at 2:06 a.m. Saturday on Butler Circle; at 2:19 a.m. Saturday at 7-Eleven on North Shore Road; at 3:47 a.m. Saturday on Revere Beach Parkway; at 3:57 a.m. Saturday on Winthrop Avenue; at 8:49 a.m. Saturday on Folsom Street; at 5:36 p.m. Saturday on Fairfield Street; at 5:55 p.m. Saturday at Burlington Coat Factory on Squire Road; at 12:06 a.m. Sunday on Kingman Avenue; at 12:27 a.m. Sunday on Beach Street; at 12:55 a.m. Sunday on Johnny Road; at 1:35 a.m. Sunday on Steeple Street; at 2:27 a.m. Sunday on Centennial Avenue; at 3:26 a.m. Sunday at IHOP on Squire Road; at 12:36 p.m. Sunday on Lynnway; at 6 p.m. Sunday at Wonderland MBTA on Ocean Avenue; at 7:50 p.m. Sunday at Parkway Convenience on Revere Beach Parkway.

A report of shots fired at 4:34 a.m. Sunday on Francis Street.

Overdose

A report of a possible overdose at 2 p.m. Friday on Campbell Avenue; at 8:54 p.m. Friday on Rice Avenue; at 11:19 p.m. Friday on Squire Road; at 8:35 p.m. Saturday on Furlong Drive; at 9:47 p.m. Saturday on Wave Avenue.

Theft

A report of auto theft at 5:44 p.m. Friday on Proctor Avenue.

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 1:19 p.m. Saturday at Burlington Coat Factory on Squire Road.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 10:17 p.m. Friday on Amelia Place.

A report of vandalism at 7:26 a.m. Saturday on Reservoir Avenue; at 6:26 p.m. Saturday on Morris Street; at 10:42 a.m. Sunday on Temple Street; at 4:26 p.m. Sunday on Crescent Avenue.

SAUGUS

Arrest

Andre G. Brown, of 63 Veterans Memorial Drive, Peabody, was arrested on a warrant at 7:45 a.m. Friday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 10:25 a.m. Friday on Main Street; at 12:39 p.m. Sunday on Broadway; at 2:44 p.m. Sunday at 307 Main St.; at 2:51 a.m. Monday on Broadway. A rollover accident was reported.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 12:13 p.m. Friday at CVS at 1075 Broadway; at 1:25 p.m. Saturday on Salem Turnpike; at 3:49 p.m. Friday on Essex Street; at 7:44 p.m. Saturday on Central Street; at 5:44 p.m. Sunday at Saugus Italian American Club at 1 Beachview Ave.; at 5:54 p.m. Sunday on Essex Street.

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 11:55 a.m. Friday at Stevens Pond at 1 Founders Way. A man reported numerous people go in and out of building 41 at Stevens Pond at all times of the night and hang out in the lot. He found an empty bottle in the lot, which contained empty baggies and spent twists, which were discarded.

A report of a disturbance at 3:32 p.m. Friday at 38 Hesper St.; at 8:32 p.m. Saturday at Target at 400 Lynn Fells Parkway; at 12:57 a.m. Monday at 43 Lincoln Ave.

Fire

A report of an outside fire at 5:57 p.m. Friday at 21 Newhall Ave.

A report of a car fire at 10:35 p.m. Friday at Hilltop Steak House at 855 Broadway.

Theft

A report of motor vehicle theft at 8:24 a.m. Friday at 36 Newhall Ave.

A report of a larceny at 11:13 a.m. Friday at 11 Dudley St. A woman reported two bikes were stolen; at 6:56 p.m. Friday at Chestnut Woods at 73 Chestnut St. A nurse reported his wallet was stolen while he was at work.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 11:34 p.m. Sunday at Square One Mall at 1201 Broadway. A caller reported his girlfriend’s tires were slashed while she was working.

SWAMPSCOTT

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 5:13 p.m. Sunday at 104 Stetson Ave.

Today begins Year Three of the Daily Item under the ownership of Essex Media Group (EMG).

On Monday, EMG employees celebrated two years that saw a new and freshly reimagined Item reject negative perceptions of Lynn as a crime-ridden city and balance the paper’s pages with the names and faces of local residents and the positive impact they have on the community at-large.

In two years, a new Item has given a voice to the concerns and issues people care about not only in Lynn, but in the seven surrounding communities. No achievement, no success, no new idea, no accomplishment in the paper’s coverage communities has been too small or seemingly trivial for the Item to cover.

In two years, the Item has brought together a staff with fresh visions and decades of experience; with well-honed skills and new ideas, from a variety of backgrounds, to remake the Item and provide its advertising partners with multiple media platforms to connect with their target audiences.

And we haven’t stopped there in the quest to deliver relevant news and information. We launched a unique, mobile-friendly website that allows readers to access information at their convenience.

And now the third year begins with the debut of La Voz, (The Voice), a Spanish-language newspaper scheduled for publication every other week starting in November.

Year One for EMG meant reimagining and reviving the Item. Year Two meant giving readers and advertisers greater opportunities online.

Year Three brings a bold invitation for readers to join us in giving voice to a Spanish-speaking population in Lynn and surrounding communities that has been short-changed on media coverage for years.

The Item is EMG’s flagship publication and we appreciate and value the patronage and loyalty, you, our readers, have demonstrated over the last two years. We also value your support of the new itemlive.com.

We will continue to make the Item a paper that reflects our communities and to strive to better serve the interests of our readers and advertisers. We want your suggestions for improving the Item: It is the only way we will improve.

Thank you for reading us.

William Shatner performs his monoluge during his show “Shatners World: We Just Live In It” at the Lynn Auditorium on Sunday night. Photo by Paula Muller.

By Bill Brotherton

LYNN — Do anything fun on Sunday? I spent the day downtown, admiring the work of local artists, howling at an outrageous musical based on “Silence of the Lambs” and enjoying William Shatner’s entertaining one-man show.

In downtown Lynn? Really? Word about the burgeoning arts scene here is busting out beyond the city’s borders. Many of the folks I chatted with at the “Fine Artists of the Lydia Pinkham” opening reception in the LynnArts gallery took the train up from Boston or Newburyport. And the majority of those laughing at “Silence! The Musical” and Shatner’s show-biz stories were out-of-towners.

The city of Lynn is increasingly becoming a destination for arts lovers. And at suppertime many  downtown restaurants were busy, filled with “Star Trek” aficionados anxiously awaiting the Lynn Auditorium show by their hero, Captain Kirk.

Add in the Lynn Museum, which had a German film crew onsite Sunday, numerous programs at North Shore Community College, a growing music scene and more, and it’s obvious there’s a lot happening here.

First stop on Sunday was the LynnArts building on Exchange Street, where more than 100 persons mingled, sipped wine, ate munchies and applauded the work of eight artists whose studios are in the Lydia Pinkham Building. The paintings on the gallery’s walls by Jackie Diehl, Rolf Flor, Christine Johnson, Jill Madigan, Freda Nemirovsky and Kathy Speranza drew much praise, as did the photographs by Todd Gieg and the wood sculptures by Mary Spitzer.

The “Fine Artists of the Lydia Pinkham” show continues through Nov. 15. Admission is free.

Next was a walk down the hallway to LynnArts’ Black Box Theatre, where Arts After Hours presented “Silence! The Musical,” the New England premiere of a parody of “Silence of the Lambs,” that wowed a matinee crowd. The gruesome 1991 film that starred Jodie Foster as a young FBI cadet seeking help from Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter, an incarcerated and manipulative murderer, to help capture a serial killer is an unlikely subject for a stage musical.

It works, in a sick, perverted sort of way. Most of the sight gags are priceless, and videos add to the mayhem. There’s a hilarious dance number in a morgue. The songs are raunchy and rude (and catchy, though most of the titles can’t be printed in a family newspaper; one song will stick in your brain, and it’s the most vulgar of all). And there’s a Greek chorus of lambs that’ll shock you with inappropriate behavior.

There are some strong voices in the talented cast, especially by Chas Kircher (Hannibal). Jeremiah O’Sullivan (serial killer Buffalo Bill) steals every scene he’s in, and Lisa McDonough (Clarice) is solid in the production’s “normal” role. Michael Barry’s terrific, especially as Clarice’s papa. None of the lambs are sheepish about going gonzo. And Priscilla Strom of Bent Water Brewery aced her guest cameo.

“Silence” continues through Oct. 29. Buy your tickets, $20-$30, at artsafterhours.com, before Salem’s Halloween crowds scare them all up. Leave the kiddies at home though.

Truth be told, I’ve never seen a single second of “Star Trek.” That didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the 90-minute one-man show by Shatner, that show’s iconic Captain Kirk, at Lynn Auditorium.

Dressed in jeans, a tight black T-shirt (more than the universe is expanding) and dark cardigan, Shatner got his loudest cheers from an appreciative crowd whenever “Star Trek” was mentioned or shown on a video screen behind him. A filmed sit-down with Patrick Stewart, who is known more for playing Capt. Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” than theater’s classic roles, was particularly touching.

The affable Shatner, whose booming voice echoes many a Shakespearean actor, is a born storyteller. “Shatners World: We Just Live In It,” his look back at his career — in movies, TV, on stage and on record — was filled with humor, heart and sarcasm. The video of the many parts he’s played, from “TJ Hooker” and “Twilight Zone” to “Boston Legal” and numerous live appearances in the early days of TV, were consistently entertaining.

His most prominent prop was an ergonomically-friendly chair, broken in by Lynn’s Community Development Director

in his office for the past month. It was used to best effect when Shatner rode the chair like a horse, during a revealing monologue about horses and his love of animals.

For a look at Lynn Auditorium’s upcoming shows, go to lynnauditorium.com.

Sky Blue Pink, by Christine Johnson, is on display in the gallery of LynnArts, as part of the “Fine Artists of the Lydia Pinkham” show.

Paula Muller

The Arts After Hours rendition of “Silence of Lambs,” “Silence! The Musical,” will run at The Black Box Theatre through Oct. 29.

Once a place to store arms, the Lynn Armory could become a home for veterans under a plan by the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND). Item file photo.

By Thomas Grillo

LYNN — Built as a storehouse for arms, the next life for the Lynn Armory could be housing for vets.

The Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND), whose mission is to assist low- and moderate-income families, individuals and veterans with safe and affordable housing, has proposed to buy the 123-year-old landmark on South Common Street.

“The historical significance of this building would make a great spot for veterans housing,” said Jeff Weeden, LHAND’s planning and development manager. “That’s a great story.”

The plan was submitted to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), the agency that handles the state’s real estate. It has declared the 37,602-square-foot armory and a storage building behind it as surplus property. Under the proposal, the nonprofit would transform the Romanesque-style building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places into 20 so-called micro-units, tiny apartments that measure between 250 and 350 square feet.  

Last week, DCAMM scheduled an auction on the three-story facility for November. But the housing authority’s plan cancels the public sale to the highest bidder since the city has the right of first refusal.

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

“Once the appraisal is done, we will discuss it further with the state to see if our housing plan is feasible,” Weeden said.

James M. Cowdell, executive director of the Lynn Economic Development & Industrial Corp., said turning the vacant armory into housing for veterans makes sense and LHAND has the experience to do it right.

“The city is proud of all of the projects they have done, and I am 100 percent confident in their ability,” he said. “The housing authority is aiming for 0 percent homelessness among vets, so this fits nicely.”

Earlier this year, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development praised the city for what has been called a minor miracle — the elimination of homelessness among veterans in Lynn.

LHAND spearheaded the local battle to take veterans off the street by getting them one-on-one counseling and getting them services provided by federal Veterans Affairs workers.

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

PEABODY — Norma B. (Gandolfo) Noone, age 82 years, of Peabody, died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016 at her home following a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Robert V. Noone, and the daughter of the late Nicholas and Lena (Ruggiero) Gandolfo.

Born and raised in Lynn, she was a graduate of Lynn English High School, Class of 1951. Prior to her marriage Norma was employed at the General Electric Company.

She then spent the rest of her life dedicated to raising and caring for her family. She was active in her community. Norma was one of the founding members of Salem State’s Explorer’s program, a member of the Peabody Democratic City Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of Citizens for Adequate Housing and a delegate several times at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention. She attended numerous Rhode Scholar Expeditions, often with her grandchildren. She also was a volunteer tour guide at Brooksby Farm. Norma was a world traveler, she and her husband visited six of the seven continents.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Stephen and Donna Noone of Peabody, Eileen and Jeffrey Bresnahan of Peabody, Annemarie and Jeffrey Adams of S. Burlington, Vt., and Claire and Robert Church of Peabody; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca, David, Robert Noone and Chelsea Lackey of Peabody, Amy Taylor of Peabody, Emily DePlacido of Raymond, N.H., Jimmy Adams Jr. of Peabody, Marguerite and Kevin Adams of S. Burlington, Vt., and Anna Church of Peabody, three great grandchildren, James Taylor Jr., Jason Latham of Peabody and Shelbie Coviello of Derry, N.H.; a brother, Ralph Gandolfo and his wife Ann of Peabody, and their daughters Lori and Donna, as well as many nieces and nephews and a large circle of special friends.

Service information: Her funeral will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. in the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Donations in her memory may be made to Citizens Inn (formerly Citizens for Adequate Housing), 25 Holton St., Peabody, MA 01960. 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

Nestor Delacruz, 30, of 22 Valley Ave., was arrested and charged with trespassing, disguise to obstruct justice and on warrant charges of three counts of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of failure to stop/yield, OUI liquor, resisting arrest, motor vehicle operator refuses to identify self, threat to commit crime, disorderly conduct, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to wear a seatbelt, number plate violation and speeding at 7:42 a.m. Monday.

Gregory Gilchrist, 21, of 23 Hilda Road, was arrested on warrant charges of assault and battery, destruction of property, larceny, possession of a firearm without a firearm identification card, OUI drugs and marked lanes violation at 3:24 p.m. Monday.

Bobby Glenn, 68, of 41 Light St., was arrested and charged with drinking in public at 9:52 p.m. Monday.

Wendys Gonzalez, of 27 Burchstead Place, was arrested on warrant charges of reckless endangerment to a child, assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious wanton property defacement, threat to commit crime, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of property damage at 3:24 p.m. Monday.

James Hayes, 49, was arrested and charged with destruction of property at 8:48 a.m. Tuesday.

Dustin Holmes, of 10 Harvard Ave., Saugus, was arrested on warrant charges of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, failure to stop/yield, state highway wrong way, larceny of a credit card, disorderly conduct, failure to wear a seatbelt and trespassing at 11:55 p.m. Monday.

Renso Lino-Ramos, 18, of 445 Essex St., was arrested and charged with trespassing at 7:17 p.m. Monday.

Roni Mendez, 26, of 15 Mall St., was arrested and charged with malicious damage to a motor vehicle at 12:49 a.m. Tuesday.

Taylor Mills, 25, of 48 Rainbow Terrace, Salem, was arrested and charged with possession of a Class B drug at 2:54 p.m. Monday.

Alejandro Rodriguez, 22, of 20 South Elm St., was arrested and charged with distribution of a Class A drug, Class A drug trafficking more than 36 grams and drug violation near a school at 10:59 a.m. Tuesday.

Marilyn Rubbico, 45, of 100 King Rail Drive, Lynnfield, was arrested and charged with possession of a Class A drug at 11:08 a.m. Tuesday.

Steven Sutton, 51, of 3 Light St., was arrested and charged with violation of the open container law at 9:40 p.m. Monday.

Michael Victoriano, of 42 Moulton St., was arrested on a warrant charge of assault and battery at 1:36 p.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 1:52 p.m. Monday on State Street; at 2:23 p.m. Monday at Boston and Stetson streets; at 7:18 a.m. Tuesday at 126 Beacon Hill Ave.; at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Union Hospital at 500 Lynnfield St.; at 8:09 a.m. Tuesday at Chatham and Crescent streets; at 8:20 a.m. Tuesday at Boston and Hesper streets.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 3:17 p.m. Monday at Classical High School at 235 O’Callaghan Way.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 10:22 p.m. Monday at Boston and N Federal streets.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 10:23 a.m. Tuesday at 127 Allen Ave.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 2:01 p.m. Monday on Central Square; at 4:44 p.m. Monday at 65 Timson St.; at 6:50 p.m. Monday at 23 Mall St.; at 8:03 p.m. Monday at 22 Livingston St.; at 10:03 p.m. Monday at 135 Lawton Ave.; at 4:09 a.m. Tuesday at Speedway Gas Station at 120 Liberty St.; at 4:48 a.m. Tuesday at Cheever Place and Essex Street; at 5:19 a.m. Tuesday at 500 Lynnfield St.; at 7:21 a.m. Tuesday at Lynn Shelter at 100 Willow St.

A report of an injured police officer at 9:58 p.m. Monday at 300 Washington St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 2:15 p.m. Monday at 35 Washington St.; at 11:19 a.m. Tuesday at 115 O’Callaghan Way.

A report of a robbery at 4 p.m. Monday at Sagamore and Washington streets.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 4:35 p.m. Monday at 27 Empire St.; at 11:24 p.m. Monday at 185 N Common St.; at 6:35 a.m. Tuesday at 135 Chestnut St.; at 7:42 a.m. Tuesday at 41 Hanover St.

A report of vandalism at 8:47 a.m. Tuesday at 300 Washington St.

MARBLEHEAD

Accidents

A report of a car on its roof at 12:49 p.m. Monday on Grant Road. An officer reported an occupant was out of the car and bleeding. One person was taken to Salem Hospital.

PEABODY

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 9:38 p.m. Monday at Peabody Fire Department on Prospect Street. A Verizon pole was struck in a single-vehicle accident. The driver was taken to Lahey North; at 1:19 a.m. Tuesday on Route 128 South. A caller reported an accident with a vehicle flipped over; at 10:05 a.m. Tuesday at North Shore Community Health Center at 89 Foster St.; at 11:44 a.m. Tuesday at Blinds to Go at 201 Andover St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 1:15 p.m. Monday at 95 Main St.; at 3:23 p.m. Monday at 326 Lowell St. and 2 Summit St.; at 8:39 p.m. Monday at 14 Grant St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 4:25 p.m. Monday at Friendly’s Restaurant at 250 Andover St. A caller reported his tablet was stolen.

REVERE

Arrests

Miguel A. Santana, 54, of 18 Intervale St., Apt. 2, was arrested on a warrant at 12:30 a.m. Monday.

Thanh H. Thang, 41, of 444 Harrison Ave., Boston, was arrested and charged with shoplifting of a shopping cart third offense at 12:44 p.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 12:20 a.m. Monday on Washington Avenue; at 8:41 a.m. Monday on Mccoba Street; at 10:14 a.m. Monday on Rand Street. Nicholas Joseph Servideo, 31, of 91 Lynn St., Everett, was summoned for operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license; at 11:14 a.m. Monday at New Revere Police Station on Revere Beach Parkway; at 12:51 p.m. Monday at Dunkin Donuts on American Legion Highway; at 2:34 p.m. Monday at Circle Auto Gallery on Beach Street; at 2:44 p.m. Monday on Larkin Street; at 5:53 p.m. Monday at Price Rite on Squire Road.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 6:15 p.m. Monday on Broadway.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 2:31 a.m. Monday at Malden and Newhall streets; at 2:47 p.m. Monday on Ocean Avenue; at 4:39 p.m. Monday on Francis Street; at 5:24 p.m. Monday at Shirley Avenue and North Shore Road. Pasquale Andreottola, 60, of 32 Centennial Ave., was summoned for bribing a public employee; at 6:35 p.m. Monday at Gasco Oil on Broadway; at 11:28 p.m. Monday at Bank of America on Squire Road.

Overdose

A report of a possible overdose at 9:30 a.m. Monday on Revere Beach Boulevard; at 6:12 p.m. Monday on Revere Beach Boulevard.

Theft

A report of a larceny from a motor vehicle at 11:08 a.m. Monday at Sunoco Gas Station on Lee Burbank Highway.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 3:08 p.m. Monday at Central Street and Crimson Court.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 5:24 p.m. Monday at 69 Essex St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 9:34 p.m. Monday at Saugus Center.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 11:03 p.m. Monday at Red Roof Inn at 920 Broadway.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 11:38 a.m. Monday at Veterans Memorial Elementary School at 25 Hurd Ave. An officer reported vandalism to the playground.

SWAMPSCOTT

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 4:19 a.m. Tuesday at 82 Essex St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 3:16 p.m. Monday at Linscott Park at 9 Monument Ave.

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.