ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Bobbi Merryman, a kindergartener at the Sacred Heart School in Lynn, programs “Kibo,” the classroom’s robot.

By MICHELE DURGIN

LYNN — Sacred Heart School is putting technology and instant access to information into its traditional curriculum with the addition of a robotics program, created by Kindercare Robotics, Inc.

“This is a great age to introduce a program that promotes team building, along with problem-solving skills and twenty-first century technology, in a fun and different way,” said Rosemary Mathias, 64, a 30-year veteran educator, who is in her fourth year as the school’s Kindergarten teacher.

According to Mathias, the 14 students in her class are enthusiastic and motivated  to work with “Kibo,” their classroom robot, and always give their undivided attention when the robot is involved.

Five-year-old Jacob Trahan was excited about creating a program that directs Kibo to perform movements that he and his partner, Maurice Cordy, 6, have selected.

“I liked that we could program Kibo to do things that we picked for him. We made him flash and light up. When I clapped in his ear he would spin around,” said Trahan. “But, my favorite part was making Kibo beep.”

Classmate Milani Montesinos, 5, said, “Bobbi (Merryman) and I made ours glow red, white and blue and we put the clapping cube on the robot. And then we scanned it. That’s what made it work.”

First-year principal, Mary DeAngelo, 31, is pleased with the addition of the robotics program and hopes to see it used throughout the school, over time.

“To see the excitement on the kids faces is terrific,” she said. ”They truly look forward to doing the Science and Math pieces every day, because the robot is involved.The future is now, and we must keep up with it, especially in the classroom.”

Harrison Hearns, 5, summed up Kibo’s positive impact in the classroom when he said, “I like to scan Kibo’s blocks and make him spin and march. I count his spins. But I really love when he sings because he’s a bad singer and that make me laugh!”

DeAngelo said the two-day training program that Mathias and fellow Kindergarten teacher,Tammy Hovey participated in was well done and informative. She added that both she and the school’s computer teacher, Phil Duffy, would love to see all of the teachers on staff  be given the opportunity to take part in future training sessions.

PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Danny Balencuela shovels snow off the sidewalk and co-worker Jesus Tavarez runs a snow blower behind him on Liberty Street in Lynn during Winter Storm Helena.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — City councilors armed with bolt cutters removed chains from closed school parking lots during Winter Storm Helena to open them for parking on Saturday, sources told The Item.

Ward 7 Councilor Jay Walsh didn’t say if he was one of the snowstorm bandits. Instead, he offered: “You can just say we opened the lots. It was the right thing to do. We did it together collectively.”

The action underscored varying accounts highlighting the city’s preparedness in advance of what was the biggest snowstorm in nearly two years.

“What we did was, we made sure through a collaborative effort of everyone to get all the lots open Saturday morning so residents could use them for parking during the snow emergency,” said Darren Cyr, Ward 3 councilor.

Cyr also declined to name the councilors who may have cut the chains.

The city issued notice Saturday that parking was not allowed at the following schools: Aborn, Brickett, Callahan, Cobbet, Fallon, Hood, Lynn Woods, Sewell-Anderson and Washington. But a 1 p.m. an examination by Item reporters found the gates at several of those schools open with cars parked inside.

Schoolyard gates were installed last summer to prevent car owners from parking on the school lots during snow emergencies. In an earlier interview, Cyr said the council came up with alternative parking sites because residents often failed to leave the school property by school start time following a storm.

Cyr said a sense of urgency preceded the move to open lots Saturday morning as snow fell steadily.

“The School Committee, the mayor’s office and the council all talked Saturday morning and decided that we had to get those open as quickly as possible,” he said. “For the concern of the public’s safety, the council did what they had to do.”  

But Michael Donovan, the city’s Inspectional Services Department director, offered a different account of the Saturday lot openings.

He said parking was initially banned at all 18 of the city’s elementary schools. But early Saturday morning, he received a call from the city’s law department telling him that parking should be allowed at eight of the elementary school lots.

“By about 11:45 a.m. our people were opening the locks,” he said. “I did not receive a single report of a broken lock.”

Cyr said the school committee had previously voted to allow residents to park in the schoolyards during snow emergencies. He expects the committee to approve keeping the gates open when the panel meets on Thursday.

Patricia Capano, committee vice-chairwoman, said there was some miscommunication among school officials about closing and opening the gates before storms.

“The school committee certainly didn’t make any requests to limit the school parking lots,” she said. “If we need to take a vote to continue open parking lots, that’s what we’ll do. If an owner is there after 6 a.m., as has been in the past, then the responsibility is on the owner, be it towing and ticketing.”

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

Gayla Cawley contributed to this report.

KIPP Academy Lynn Elementary, Middle, and High Schools are free, open enrollment, charter public schools serving students grades K-2 and 5-12 in the 2017-2018 school year. KIPP welcomes all families interested in enrolling their children at KIPP to fill out an application to enter into the random lottery, which will be held the week of Feb. 27, 2017. Lottery applications and additional information are available at www.kippma.org/enroll?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss or can be picked up at 90 High Rock St., and 20 Wheeler St., Suite 404.

The deadline to submit lottery forms is Friday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. Late applications cannot be accepted.

KIPP staff and leadership will be hosting Open Houses at 90 High Rock St. (middle and high schools) on Thursday, Jan. 26 and Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5-7 p.m.

KIPP’s program is based on a longer school day and year, academic and character development, a relentless focus on student outcomes and college graduation, and support for students to and through college and career.

If you have questions, please call:

KIPP Academy Lynn Elementary School (grades K-2)
Rebecca Hazlett 781-558-9263

KIPP Academy Lynn Middle School (grades 5-8)
Mariela Alvarez 781-598-1609 ext 1133

KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate High School (grades 9-12)
Monica Bruno 781-598-1609 ext 1134

PHOTO BY NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD
Lt. Jon Godbout of Engine 3 Medic 1 holds up a Narcan shot on Sunday, at the Western Avenue firehouse. 

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — The Lynn Fire Department revived 94 percent of the patients their emergency personnel treated with Narcan, the lifesaving overdose drug, attributing the high figure to proper training and rapid response.

In 2016, the department documented 116 saved lives, out of 124 patients treated with Narcan. Five of those people died and in three cases, it’s unknown if the person survived. The numbers are not citywide figures, as they do not include Medic 1, Lynn Police or Atlantic Ambulance statistics. Heroin is the most common overdose.

But, firefighters from Engine 3, who treated 32 patients last year, and administered 64 doses of Narcan, said chances of survival are all about timing. Early reporting to emergency personnel helps.

“If we don’t find them in time, it’s not a miracle drug,” said Lt. Jon Godbout.

Stephen Harer, a firefighter and paramedic, said it’s important to find the overdose victim soon enough so they don’t go into cardiac arrest. There was an incident two weeks ago where one person went into cardiac arrest, and didn’t make it, Godbout added.

Narcan was added to fire trucks in the past two years, according to Lynn firefighters who spoke with The Item on Sunday. Before that, it was just on ambulances. A person can also go and buy their own Narcan at a pharmacy.

Firefighter Stephen Stille said there’s been an increase in people receiving Narcan before first responders arrive.

On a typical call, Godbout said fire personnel would be dispatched for an unresponsive overdose. The fire engine would arrive before the ambulance. He said the patient would be assessed, with a friend or family member usually on scene.

Most of the time, the person’s face is ashen-colored or blue, with pinpoint pupils. He said drug paraphernalia is not always visible so it’s not clear if the person shot up, took pills or did a mixture of things. If they’re breathing, nasal Narcan can be administered, Godbout said.

“They’ll go from death’s doorstep to walking and talking,” he said.

But once they’re revived, Godbout said patients aren’t required to go to the hospital. If they don’t seek medical attention, they can relapse back into an overdose when the Narcan wears off.

Stille said many people are overdosing because the drugs are stronger. He said patients have told him that they don’t understand why they overdosed, after taking the same amount of the drug they always do, not realizing that it’s laced with something else, such as fentanyl.

Firefighters said there are many repeat offenders after having been revived with Narcan. Stille said people can be discharged from the hospital after an overdose, and use again the same day. He said there can be multiple overdoses from the same person during one shift. Stille and Godbout said the overdoses that hit the hardest are the ones that happen around kids.

“Those are the ones that you seem to think about the most,” Godbout said. “It’s disturbing that there’s young children at home.”

Godbout and Stille said high revival rates are also attributed to good training and the luxury of having multiple fire stations across the city.

“That’s what it comes down to is timing,” Stille said. “Having the ladders and engines across the city to get to those people.”

EMT training is required for the fire department, Godbout said, along with a certain amount of continuing education every two years. He said that includes a continuing education class on the Narcan itself. Around the station, firefighters go over patient assessment, how to assemble Narcan and how to use it.

On calls, after a patient has been revived with Narcan, Godbout said they’ll sometimes still deny having used opioids. They might attribute it to sleeping or seizures, anything except using drugs. He said it’s important for people to tell emergency personnel what they overdosed on so the correct reversal drugs can be given.

The denial might be for fear of getting trouble with police, who are often on scene, Stille added.

Despite the positive lifesaving statistics, the Lynn Fire Department acknowledges that the heroin epidemic is not a problem that’s going away. It’s always been around, but is finally recognized by state officials, Godbout said.

“It ruins people’s lives,” Godbout said. “It ruins families. You can do it once and get hooked. All walks of life … it doesn’t matter where you came from, poor, rich. We see it in every part of the city.”

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

COURTESY PHOTO BY UNION ATHLETICS
Union College hockey star and Saugus native Mike Vecchione stands second in the nation in both points (39) and goals (18) and third in faceoff wins (329) through just 21 games. 

By JOSHUA KUMMINS 

Mike Vecchione and the Union College hockey team spent much of December on the road, and that’s where they were again last Thursday night.

However, this was no ordinary road game for the Saugus native and Malden Catholic product. This time, Vecchione was back home to lead the Dutchmen into Boston University’s Agganis Arena.

“It was definitely a special night,” said Vecchione, a second-year captain for the nation’s No. 11 team. “You get a lot of fans at Harvard, but the support I had at BU was overwhelming with all my friends texting me to say they were going to be there and wishing me luck.”

A 5-4 overtime loss was not the outcome Vecchione had hoped for against the Terriers, but he continued a stellar senior campaign with two assists.

Vecchione scored 34 points as a freshman and followed that effort up with 16 more to finish his sophomore year as ECAC Hockey’s second-leading scorer. While his nine goals and 29 points last season may pale in comparison, sixth-year head coach Rick Bennett saw Vecchione learning important lessons on the fly.

“People looked at Mike’s points and feel that he had an off year, but we felt as a staff that he actually had a good year,” said Bennett. “His points did suffer a bit, but he learned a tremendous amount in the fact that if ‘I’m going to play great defense, I’m going to have that puck a bit more.’”

That learning has paid dividends as Vecchione was the top scorer in Division 1 college hockey for more than a month, until New Hampshire’s Tyler Kelleher passed him with five points against Brown the other day.

He now stands second in the nation in both points (39) and goals (18) and third in faceoff wins (329) through just 21 games, and needs just six points to pass his two-year teammate and current Montreal Canadien Daniel Carr as Union’s all-time leading scorer at the D1 level.

While reaching milestones (including being named a Sports Illustrated Face in the Crowd last week) are special, the greatest are the trophies that lie ahead in March and April. With a 14-5-2 overall record and first-place mark (8-1-1) in the ECAC, the Dutchmen are making steps towards the postseason and the ultimate goal of a national championship that Vecchione experienced as a freshman.

“That’s kind of what us seniors are trying to do. We want to go out with a bang,” Vecchione said. “I want to win some of those trophies back, so that’s our No. 1 goal. I think the (national championship) experience does help and definitely fuels the fire. You want to get back to that place and enjoy it, because it was such a special moment.”

Two great linemates have also helped Vecchione write a strong Hobey Baker Award resume, as sophomore Sebastian Vidmar and junior Spencer Foo have formed one of the nation’s best combinations and combined for nearly 45 percent of the team’s point scoring.

College hockey’s top prize has resided in the Boston area for the last three years as Boston College’s Johnny Gaudreau, Boston University’s Jack Eichel and Harvard’s Jimmy Vesey won it in succession. All three were on outstanding lines, and Vecchione’s scenario is no different.
“I think our games just complement each other pretty well,” Vecchione said. “I’m out there trying to win faceoffs, get puck possession. Me and Foosy are the faster of the two, so we’re getting up ice with speed and transition. We all have good hockey sense and know where each other are going are going to be and what they’re going to do with the puck.”
It is that long-standing local hockey tradition that appealed to Vecchione, who was a senior captain when Malden Catholic won its first-ever Super 8 title in 2011.

“When I was growing up, me and my friends or my father would go to the BU-BC games and watch them duel it out because they were winning national championships every other year,” Vecchione said. “That’s what drew me into college hockey, being around that.”

After watching some of the nation’s best while growing up, he committed to the University of New Hampshire. It didn’t work out, but he said “everything happens for a reason” and made his way to Schenectady, N.Y., and has put together a banner career.

Vecchione has been a leader in hockey for a long time, and Bennett too saw no better leader for his program.

“Everyone in our locker room respects him because he not only brings it on the ice, but in the classroom,” Bennett said. “I don’t think he’s missed much in his four years here. And, you never have to ask it. There’s a huge difference in asking players versus players who are willing to do it. To me, that’s a hockey player. He checks off all the boxes.”

Names and notes

• Lynn’s Marcos Echevarria led all scorers with 25 points and hit a running jumper as time expired to lift the Nichols College mens basketball team to an 85-84 win over Gordon in a clash of two Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) unbeatens last Tuesday night in Wenham. Echevarria posted a team-high five rebounds and three steals in the contest and remains the CCC’s leading scorer with 24.9 points per game.
• Lynn’s Stephen Basden grabbed a team-high eight rebounds in the Endicott mens basketball team’s 84-83 win Thursday over Gordon. Five came on the offensive glass, moving the Governor’s Academy product into ninth on the Gulls’ career list with 130.
• Lynn’s Katie Burt led the sixth-ranked Boston College womens hockey team to a pair of positive results this past week as she posted 28 saves ― matching her second-highest total this season ― in Saturday’s 1-1 tie with Hockey East archrival Boston University and 25 in a 4-3 win over Syracuse last Wednesday. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last eight games entering tonight’s Frozen Fenway game against Harvard.
• Saugus native Norma Waggett shot 14-of-28 from the field and averaged 5.5 rebounds in the Salem State womens basketball team’s most recent action against conference foes Framingham State and Worcester State. She was team’s leading scorer in both contests, posting 22 points and five rebounds in the latter.
• Danvers’ Allison Butler scored two goals and added two assists in the Saint Anselm womens hockey team’s 5-1 win Saturday at Franklin Pierce. She ranks in a tie for fourth in the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) with 18 points this season.

LYNN — Donnalee “Donna” M. (Thompson) Jones Barnes, age 65, of Lynn, passed away Jan. 1, 2017. Born in Lynn and a lifelong resident, she attended Lynn schools and was a manager in the hospitality industry. She was the daughter of the late Marilyn Hayward and Stanley Thompson. She is the mother of Donna M. Jones of Nevada, the late Robert C. Jones, Sircecil Jones of Boston, Renee Jones of Fall River and Ricky Cameron of Lynn, sister of Stanley Thompson, Darleene Ferrara, Daniece Ferrara-Cruz, DeeAnne Walker and Frederick Walker Jr., grandmother of Chynaha, Tiana, Zaria, Mason, Cyrus, Cecil and Janayah and is also survived by her beloved cat “Boo”.

Service information: Her funeral service will be private. Arrangements by the GOODRICH Funeral Home, 128 Washington St., Lynn.

LYNN — Alville Junior Collymore, 68, a Lynn resident for 27 years, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Born and educated in St. Thomas, Barbados, he was the son of Kenneth Gilkes and the late Miriam (Collymore) Gilkes. He was the loving father of Angeleen Haynes of Barbados, Coleridge Collymore of Lynn, Timothy Walker of Boston, and Shekora Eversley of Chelsea; the brother of Angeline “Patsy” Elmore, Basil Collymore and Anderson Gilkes, all of Boston, Kenneth Smith Jr. of the U.K., Patricia, Ulrick and Morrison Smith, all of Barbados, and the late Resetta Smith, Reynold Collymore, and Shirley Jones; the cherished grandfather of Jamaine, Kristina, Jamie, and Julisa of Barbados and Corey, Carla, and Ayden of the USA; great-grandfather of Kassidy, Soriyah, and Jakeema of Barbados and Tahari of the USA; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Alville worked as a laboratory technician at the Whitehead Institute, now the Broad Institute, in Cambridge for more than 18 years until his retirement.

Service information: Alville’s funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 74 S. Common St., Lynn, MA. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Visiting hours are at CUFFE-McGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, MA from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13. Donations in Alville’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or via www.heart.org.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss For more information and the online 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

Tarik Bakkal, 24, of 139 Kimball, Revere, was arrested and charged with OUI drugs, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and Class B drug possession at 3:47 p.m. Sunday.

Naomi Brown, 35, of 8 Lafayette Park, was arrested and charged with shoplifting by concealing merchandise at 2:57 p.m. Sunday.

Adam Mitchell, 29, of 89 Clark St., was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license at 10:53 a.m. Monday.

Francisco Yool, 37, of 682 Summer St., was arrested and charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and on warrants at 9:46 p.m. Sunday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 8:19 a.m. Sunday at 12 Regina Road; at 3:47 p.m. Sunday at Greystone Park and Lynn Shore Drive; at 8:22 p.m. Sunday at 160 Neptune Blvd.; at 8:49 p.m. Sunday on City Hall Square; at 10:06 p.m. Sunday at 57 Rogers Ave.; at 12:12 a.m. Monday at 35 Mt Pleasant St.; at 6:06 a.m. Monday at 605 Chestnut St.; at 10:08 a.m. Monday at MBTA Parking Garage at 186 Market St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 2 p.m. Sunday at 221 Lewis St.; at 8:20 p.m. Sunday at 116 Lewis St.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 8:42 a.m. Monday at 112 New Park St.; at 9:08 a.m. Monday at 157 Walnut St.; at 10:42 a.m. Monday on Wyoma Square.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 7:59 p.m. Sunday at Chestnut and Union streets.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 10:12 a.m. Sunday at 12 Concord St.; at 1:06 p.m. Sunday at Dunkin’ Donuts at 577 Walnut St.; at 3:51 p.m. Sunday at 244 Ocean St.; at 4:11 p.m. Sunday at 19 Olive St.; at 6:39 p.m Sunday at 130 Neptune Blvd.; at 7:24 p.m. Sunday at 320 Lynnfield St.; at 8:50 p.m. Sunday at 10 Joyce St.; at 9:35 p.m. Sunday at Dollar Tree at 759 Lynnway; at 11:17 p.m. Sunday at 500 Lynnfield St.; at 11:27 p.m. Sunday at 130 Union St.; at 11:27 p.m. Sunday at 35 Tracy Ave.; at 2:08 a.m. Monday at 115 Adams St.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on Willow Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 12:52 p.m. Sunday at 498 Essex St.; at 4:56 p.m. Sunday at 6 Porter Ave.

A report of motor vehicle theft at 4:24 p.m. Sunday on Woodman Street; at 9:49 p.m. Sunday at 28 Essex St.; at 10:23 p.m. Sunday at 11 Mountain Ave.; at 11:57 p.m. Sunday at 109 Broad St.

A report of a robbery at 7:14 p.m. Sunday at 57 South St.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 4:39 p.m. Sunday at 203 Euclid Ave.

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 10:44 a.m. Monday at 55 Baker St.

Lynn tax preparer sentenced for fraud

MARBLEHEAD

Arrests

Brendan J. O’Connell, 21, of 22 Royall St., Medford, was arrested and charged with OUI drugs at 10:31 p.m. Sunday.  

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 4:20 p.m. Sunday at West Shore Drive and Cornell Road; at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street. A car into a snowbank was reported. The car was pushed out of the snowbank.

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 4:07 p.m. Sunday on Woodfin Terrace. A caller reported three youths inside the dump playing on one of the hills. Police reported a few kids walking through the snow in the area, but they left.

A caller reported he and a friend were following behind a vehicle where the “driver appeared to be drunk” and was “weaving in and out of the yellow line.” Brendon J. O’Connell, 21, of Medford was arrested for OUI drugs.

PEABODY

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 9:42 a.m. Monday at Christian Book Distributors at 140 Summit St. Police reported that an unknown person tried to steal a plow and plow harness off of a vehicle.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 5:40 p.m. Sunday at Sylvan Street Grille at 12 Sylvan St.

A report of suspicious activity at 2:38 a.m. Monday at 2 Main St. A caller reported people in the apartment building were trying to open multiple doors.

REVERE

Arrests

Troy R. Thiboutot, 48, of Lynn, was arrested and charged with larceny at 6:19 p.m. Sunday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 8:09 a.m. Friday on Park Avenue; at 8:16 a.m. Friday at Janvrin Avenue and Beach Street; at 8:28 a.m. Friday on Mountain Avenue; at 8:55 a.m. Friday on Thurlow Avenue; at 9:51 a.m. Friday at BJ’s Wholesale Club on Ward Street; at 9:38 p.m. Friday at E Mountain and Cary avenues; at 2:38 a.m. Saturday at Route One Copeland to Lynn Street; at 12:07 p.m. Saturday on Salem Street; at 2:09 p.m. Saturday at Wonderland Auto on North Shore Road; at 3:13 p.m. Saturday at Ambassador East Condos on Revere Beach Parkway; at 4:29 p.m. Saturday at Olive and Penn streets; at 6:06 p.m. Saturday at Beach Street and North Shore Road; at 8 p.m. Saturday on Beach Street; at 1:07 a.m. Sunday at North Shore Road and Revere Street; at 8:50 a.m. Sunday on Malden Street; at 3:23 p.m. Sunday at Beach Street and North Shore Road; at 4:19 p.m. Sunday on Mahoney Circle; at 6:04 a.m. Monday at North Shore Road and Gladys Street.

A report of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian at 1:02 p.m. Friday on Malden Street.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 6:31 p.m. Friday on Brown Circle.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 4:02 p.m. Saturday on Eastern Avenue.

Complaints

A report of shots fired at 6:12 a.m. Friday on Fenno Street.

A report of a disturbance at 6:29 p.m. Friday at Carlyle House Condominiums on Ward Street; at 8:16 p.m. Friday on Ocean Avenue; at 9:25 p.m. Friday on Derby Road; at 11:44 p.m. Friday at Exeter House on Charger Street; at 12:03 a.m. Saturday at Greater Boston Indoor Sports on Charger Street; at 12:48 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony’s Church on Revere Street; at 1:05 a.m. Saturday at Gladys and Glendale streets; at 9:23 p.m. Saturday on Hall Street; at 9:47 p.m. Saturday at Roseland Properties on Parkside Place; at 1:10 a.m. Sunday on Library Street; at 12:10 p.m. Sunday on Francis Street; at 9:43 p.m. Sunday on Winthrop Avenue; at 1:21 a.m. Monday on Ridge Road.

Theft

A report of auto theft at 7:27 p.m. Friday on American Legion Highway.

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 8:09 p.m. Friday at Seawatch Tower on Ocean Avenue; at 11:55 a.m. Saturday at New Revere Police Station on Revere Beach Parkway.

A report of a robbery at 7:57 p.m. Sunday on Kimball Avenue; at 8:36 p.m. Sunday on Garfield Avenue.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 8 a.m. Friday at 66 Water St. A caller reported a motor vehicle crashed through a fence near the golf course; at 8:29 a.m. Friday at 32 Hanson Road. A caller reported a vehicle into the stone wall outside her residence. Police reported the vehicle slid off the icy roadway, with the front left tire over the one foot high cement wall. The vehicle was lifted off the wall by the tow company and the driver declined medical attention; at 12:09 p.m. Saturday at Rhodes and Hamilton streets; at 1:53 p.m. Saturday at 78 Water St. A car through a fence was reported; at 4:59 p.m. Saturday at Oaklandvale Avenue and Lynn Fells Parkway; at 11:35 p.m. Saturday at Walnut and Central streets. A caller reported a vehicle slid and took down a light post.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 8:53 a.m. Friday at Bob’s Store at 1020 Broadway; at 4:03 p.m. Friday at Aldo Hair Salon at 26 Hamilton St.; at 7:17 p.m. Saturday at Petries Flower and Plant Shop at 409 Lynn Fells Parkway; at 1:16 p.m. Sunday at 6 Vine St. and 104 Main St. DPW reported a sidewalk plow took down a traffic light pole.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 12:13 p.m. Saturday at Salem Turnpike and Ballard Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 8:15 a.m. Sunday at 11 Seagirt Ave. Three vehicles were broken into; at 5:40 p.m. Sunday at 32 Seagirt Ave. A woman reported her vehicle was broken into and $850 in cash was stolen.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 11:48 p.m. Friday at 7 School St.; at 11:49 p.m. Friday at Continental Restaurant at 266 Broadway. A caller reported a male punched a female in the face. Both people were gone upon officer arrival; at 8:14 a.m. Saturday at Walmart at 770 Broadway; at 2:33 a.m. Sunday at McDonalds at 738 Broadway.

Fire

A report of a building fire at 3:52 p.m. Saturday at 52 Juniper Drive. A caller reported a chimney fire in his home. The fire captain reported fire showing from the chimney, but it was contained to the flue of the chimney.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 3:08 p.m. Friday at Sears/Square One Mall at 1325 Broadway. Sears Loss Prevention reported approximately 40 stolen chains.

SWAMPSCOTT

Arrests

Christopher Smith, 21, of 100 Newhall St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with failure to stop/yield and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle at 10:54 p.m. Sunday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 3:20 p.m. Sunday at Swampscott High School at 200 Essex St.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 2:58 p.m. Sunday on Humphrey Street.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 9:52 a.m. Sunday at 21 Roy St.; at 4:39 p.m. Sunday at 43 Hillside Ave.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

SWAMPSCOTT — Mounir Rhoulam, 39, of Swampscott, was arrested Monday in connection with several assaults that have taken place over the past month in the area of Beach Avenue and Essex Street.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., an officer saw Rhoulam walking on Columbia Street near the train station, which is in the area where several women have been assaulted by a man wearing hooded jackets or sweatshirts, according to Swampscott Police Sgt. Tim Cassidy.

During the reported assaults, the suspect was also reported as wearing various bandanas covering his face. Rhoulam was allegedly wearing a black and orange mask covering his face and a black and white checkered jacket. When police attempted to speak with Rhoulam, he fled on the train tracks toward Lynn, before he was caught and charged with disorderly conduct, trespassing and resisting arrest. He was also carrying a knife, Cassidy said.

After Rhoulam was arrested, police learned that he is a registered sex offender on probation, and is monitored by a GPS ankle bracelet. After contacting the suspect’s probation officer, police learned through the tracking device that he was in the area of five recent assaults in Swampscott and Lynn, Cassidy said.

A search warrant was conducted at Rhoulam’s address at 12 Hillside Ave. His probation was violated on Monday at Lynn District Court and he will be additionally charged, Cassidy said.

Swampscott police are investigating three assaults in the area. One occurred on Dec. 7, when a woman told police she was knocked to the ground by a man wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, work boots and a bandana covering his face. On Jan. 4, a woman told police she was walking her dog when a man walked up to her and grabbed her buttocks. Swampscott police are also investigating a Jan. 7 incident in which details were not provided.

Lynn police are investigating two incidents this month including one from Jan. 5, where a woman also reported being grabbed by a man in a hooded sweatshirt.

Could it be same suspect grabbing, pushing women?

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

LYNN — Mrs. Phyllis Mary “FiFi” (Camuso) Amaral, age 92, of Lynn, died on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, at North Shore Medical Center, Union Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Leonard Amaral and the late Clinton Smith.

Born in Cambridge on Dec. 25, 1924, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Alfonso and Mary Grace (Annese) Camuso. She was raised in Wakefield, attended Wakefield Public Schools and graduated from Wakefield High School. She married Clinton Smith and the couple moved to Melrose, where they raised their four children. For many years, Phyllis worked as a billing and payroll clerk at the G.E.M. Store in Saugus and later at Safelite AutoGlass in Cambridge and Transitron in Melrose. During WWII, she was a proud part of the “Rosie the Riveter” campaign and worked as a welder at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Following retirement, Phyllis and her husband Leonard Amaral moved to Derry, N.H., Hampstead, N.H., and later to Florida. She was a resident of Crystal River and Homosassa, Fla., for more than 27 years and returned to Lynn three years ago. She enjoyed playing tennis and bridge and was an avid dancer. Phyllis loved crocheting, gardening, traveling and throwing parties to entertain her family and friends. She was a volunteer for many years at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, Crystal River, Fla., and collected bottle tabs for the Lions Club.

Phyllis is survived by her loving children Scott Smith of Derry, N.H., Nancy Miller of Colonie, N.Y., Suzanne Brown and her husband Alan of Gray, Maine, and Pamela Gallant and her husband Dick of Lynn, her grandchildren Tiffany, Janice, Christine, Robin, Dan, Nick, Micah, Jolene and Brad, her 17 great-grandchildren, her brother Richard Camuso and his wife Evelyn of Saugus, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and close friends. In addition to her parents and husbands, Phyllis was predeceased by her brothers Julio, Gerry and Anthony and her sisters Camille, Dorothy and Eleanor.

Service information: Her funeral will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at 9 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Rt. 129), Lynn, MA, followed by a funeral Mass in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Lynnfield, MA at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ memory may be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or at www.dementiasociety.org?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Directions and online guest book at Solimine.com.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Carolyn Cole is the new director of the Lynn Cultural District.

By BILL BROTHERTON

LYNN — Carolyn Cole, who grew up in the Pine Hill section of the city, remembers elementary school field trips to the “shoe museum to make paper shoes.”

It started a love for the arts that continues to evolve. Cole is the new director of the Lynn Cultural District, having been promoted from her position of program manager. She succeeds Kate Luchini, who is devoting more time to her burgeoning jewelry business and other artistic endeavors.

The sweetest thing: U2 to play Gillette

Making those paper shoes unleashed a creativity that has stayed with Cole. As a youngster, she took acting classes in the LynnArts building, participated in the theater program at English and Bishop Fenwick high schools and got a scholarship to New England Conservatory, where she studied and trained. After earning a musical theater degree, she acted in Rhode Island, moved to New York City, got an office job on Wall Street and landed a few singing and acting gigs. She moved to Washington, D.C., in 2011 after winning the role of Tracy Turnblad in the Signature Theatre’s production of “Hairspray.”

“After about three years, I started really missing Lynn. I missed the community. So I moved back to my parents’ basement,” she said, then laughed. That was a little less than two years ago, and she’s been active in the arts community since returning. She took odd jobs, taught musical theater to school kids and gave voice lessons at School of Rock in the LynnArts building. She volunteered with Arts After Hours, Girls Inc. and other nonprofits. She met Emily Ruddock, the director when Lynn was first designated as a Cultural District, and got involved. She, Luchini and Drew Russo, executive director of the Lynn Museum, teamed as formidable leaders of the city’s growing arts coalition.

She’s come full circle.

“I love to meet people and I’m always asking how I can help,” said Cole. “I learned so much from Kate, and Drew and his staff have been so supportive. I am so happy to be here, to be home where so much is happening.

“I’ve met so many people who say ‘Nothing is going on in downtown Lynn. Where do I park? Where do I eat?’ Well, so much is going on in downtown Lynn. I tell them about six places to park, seven places to eat, places to shop, places to see art and music and black-box theater. This Lynn Museum is a gem. People who come here for the first time can’t believe how wonderful it is. The same with the LynnArts gallery,” she added. “There’s a lot of incredible talent in this city.”

A blazing goodbye to Christmas in Marblehead

In her new role, Cole will continue to work with the museum and LynnArts, reaching out to the community in a collaborative effort to get the word out about Lynn’s arts and culture scene.

“I’ve lived in New York and D.C.; I’ve traveled to many of America’s biggest cities … I’ve never been to a place as special and unique as Lynn,” said Cole. “I joke that I was born at Stop & Shop, in aisle seven,” she added, referencing Lynn Hospital, the former occupant of that parcel.

Cole and her husband of eight years, Michael Fogarty, an NCAA basketball official, are expecting their first child, a girl, next month. It was Michael who suggested they move to Lynn, and Carolyn was only too happy to accommodate him. “We met in Rhode Island, he followed me to New York and I took him around with me all these years and places,” she said, smiling. They have bought a house in the Euclid Avenue/Wyoma Square area.

“People ask ‘How are you going to run a Cultural District and raise a baby at the same time?’ That’s just what a woman does, isn’t it?” said Cole.

Russo said Cole is bright, creative and talented and he is looking forward to working with her in her new position. The two grew up in Lynn and took acting classes together.

“Carolyn has a tremendous work ethic. Everyone enjoys working with her. She loves theater and the arts and has been a successful singer, actor and teacher. We are so lucky to have her here in Lynn,” Russo said.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council believes a thriving creative sector is a powerful economic development asset. In support of this, the MCC’s Cultural Districts Initiative was authorized by the state legislature in 2010 and implemented in 2011. Lynn was approved as one of the first five Cultural Districts.

These cultural districts help local arts, humanities and science organizations improve the quality and range of their public programs so that more local families can benefit from them. They enhance the experience for visitors and thus attract more tourist dollars and tax revenue. And they attract artists, cultural organizations, restaurateurs  and entrepreneurs of all kinds, enhancing property values and making communities more attractive.

Lynn’s Cultural District designation expires in June, and a committee is now working toward renewing and expanding the program for another five years. A recent meeting at the Lynn Museum was led by Cole and attended by representatives from the arts community, the city of Lynn, the city of Peabody, Mass Development, The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce, the Food Project, the Lynn Food and Fitness Alliance, the media and others.

Bill Brotherton can be reached at bbrotherton@itemlive.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

Amanda Dexter, 25, of 11 Cook St., was arrested and charged with trespassing at 8:25 p.m. Monday.

Franklin Evans, of 7 Temple St., Cambridge, was arrested on a warrant charge of trespassing at 3:29 p.m. Monday.

Luis Gonzalez, of 183 Beacon Hill Ave., was arrested on warrant charges of breaking and entering nighttime for a felony, malicious wanton property defacement, forgery of a check, uttering a false check, attempt to commit a crime and receiving stolen property at 8:07 a.m. Tuesday.

Judith Phillips, of 11 Pattys Way, was arrested on a warrant charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon at 9:23 a.m. Tuesday.

Anthony Rando, 34, of 6 Perkins St., was arrested and charged with trespassing, motor vehicle breaking and entering with nothing stolen and attempt to commit a crime at 2:45 p.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 3:39 p.m. Monday at 40 Franklin St.; at 1:36 p.m. Tuesday at 140 Union St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 6:38 p.m. Monday at Essex and Liberty streets; at 8:36 p.m. Monday at 395 Essex St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 7:08 a.m. Tuesday on Olive Street; at 7:43 am. Tuesday at 7 Birch St.; at 1:16 p.m. Tuesday at 1067 Western Ave.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 9:43 a.m. Tuesday on Light Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 1:25 p.m. Monday at 124 Green St.

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 2:59 p.m. Monday on Liberty Street.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 2:43 p.m. Monday on O’Callaghan Way; at 2:55 p.m. Monday at 342 Walnut St.; at 4:13 p.m. Monday at 303 Broadway; at 5:48 p.m. Monday at 303 Broadway; at 12 a.m. Tuesday at 170 Oxford St.; at 2:14 a.m. Tuesday at 107 Myrtle St.; at 8:36 a.m. Tuesday at Connery Elementary School at 50 Elm St.; at 1:58 p.m. Tuesday at 20 Huss Court; at 2:24 p.m. Tuesday at 335 Union St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 1:12 p.m. Monday at 8 Amity St.; at 5:04 p.m. Monday at 24 Estes St.; at 7:08 p.m. Monday at 145 Lewis St.; at 10:43 p.m. Monday at 26 W Baltimore St.; at 11:58 a.m. Tuesday at 22 Elmwood Ave.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 9:28 a.m. Tuesday at 5 Keslar Ave.

Police log: 1-10-2017

LYNNFIELD

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 9:12 a.m. Friday at Durham Drive and Willowby Way; at 6:35 p.m. Friday at 771 Salem St. and 462 S Broadway; at 10:13 p.m. Friday at 807 Salem St. and 5 Canterbury Road; at 11:59 a.m. Saturday at 585 Salem St. and 1087 Summer St.; at 5:08 p.m. Sunday on Route 128 Southbound.

Fire

A report of a fire coming from across the pond at 8:15 p.m. Monday at 2 Wymon Way. The fire department reported burning of christmas trees on the pond behind 159 Bourque Road.

MARBLEHEAD

Arrests

Kevin Patrick Driscoll, 50, of 38 Cloutmans Lane, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and on a warrant at 12:57 a.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a car vs. truck at 7:56 a.m. Monday on Turner Road.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 8:05 a.m. Monday on Turner Road; at 1:48 p.m. Monday on Roundhouse Road.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 9:05 a.m. Monday on Tower Way; at 12:57 a.m. Tuesday on Cloutmans Lane. A single car crash into a pole and curb was reported. Kevin Patrick Driscoll, 50, of Marblehead, was arrested.

A caller reported a customer was inside the store and was a little shaken up after striking a few parked vehicles on the street at 11:01 a.m. Monday on Pleasant Street.

Complaints

A report of an oil spill outside school at 7:26 a.m. Tuesday at Gerry School on Elm Street. A caller reported an oil leak in the basement. The caller stated a nozzle snapped off and there was a reportable quantity of oil spilled outside the school. The school was closed and children were relocated to Coffin School. The fire department responded.

PEABODY

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:34 p.m. Monday at 105 Lowell St. and 6 Crowinshield St.; at 4:08 p.m. Monday at 6 Essex Place; at 7:54 p.m. Monday at McDonalds at 133 Main St. A caller reported a dark colored sedan struck the building. Police reported the vehicle was removed from the side of the building; at 12:28 a.m. Tuesday at YMCA at 259 Lynnfield St. A vehicle off the road into the woods was reported; at 10:24 a.m. Tuesday at Route 128 Overpass on Farm Avenue; at 12:13 p.m. Tuesday at Container Store at 210C Andover St.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 10:02 a.m. Tuesday at West Branch Library at 603 Lowell St.

Complaints

A report of a suicide attempt at 5:57 p.m. Monday on Newbury Street. A caller reported her adult son cut himself and locked himself in his room. He was taken to Beverly Hospital.

A report of a disturbance at 7:18 p.m. Monday at 4 Lincoln Road.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 4:33 p.m. Monday at 56 Pine St. A caller reported she never received a package, but FedEx told her it was delivered. The package of assorted charms was valued at $1,142.

REVERE

Arrests

Judith A. Cerundolo, 53, of 101 Pearl Ave., Apt. 2, was arrested and charged with trespassing at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Nicholas M. Couch, 26, of 252 Cooledge St., was arrested on a warrant at 11:31 a.m. Monday.

Steven Michael Hescock, 19, of 27 William Road, Billerica, was arrested on a warrant at 5:24 p.m. Monday.

Grace M. Serrano, 27, of 28 Constitution Ave., was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault with intent to murder, assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon at 11:52 a.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 6:47 p.m. Monday on Copeland Circle; at 5:28 a.m. Tuesday at North Shore Road and Mills Avenue.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 9:20 a.m. Monday at Washington Avenue and Bruno Street; at 3:47 p.m. Monday on Lincoln Street; at 4:08 p.m. Monday at Laundromax on VFW Parkway; at 5:45 p.m. Monday on Emanuel Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 2:02 p.m. Monday on Arnold Street.

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 10:15 p.m. Monday on North Shore Road.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 4:49 p.m. Monday on Wentworth Road.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 10:06 a.m. Monday at Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St.; at 8:56 p.m. Monday at Walgreens at 166 Walnut St.; at 7:25 a.m. Tuesday at Goddard School at 248 Lynn Fells Parkway.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 4:06 p.m. Monday at Spring and Walnut streets; at 5:29 p.m. Monday at Jo-Ann Fabrics at 1073 Broadway. A three-car accident was reported. One person was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital; at 9:33 p.m. Monday at 400 Lynn Fells Parkway. A caller reported two vehicles hit each other head on.

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 12:02 a.m. Tuesday at Soc’s Ice Cream at 67 Lynn Fells Parkway. A caller reported a man walking down the street dressed in all black with a black ski mask.

SWAMPSCOTT

Arrests

Luis Lopez, 18, of 53 Chatham St., Apt. 3, Lynn, was arrested and charged with failure to stop/yield and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle at 9:24 p.m. Monday.

Mounir Rhoulam, 39, of 12 Hillside Ave., was arrested and charged with trespassing, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct at 6:28 a.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 5:08 a.m. Tuesday at Paradise Citgo at 219 Paradise Road.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 1:05 p.m. Monday at 34 Crescent St.; at 2:33 p.m. Monday at 25 Crescent St.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — There’s new leadership on the Lynn City Council. Ward 3 Councilor Darren Cyr was unanimously elected president while Councilor-at-Large Buzzy Barton notched the vice president post.

In a short speech, Cyr recalled his father, the late David Cyr, a former city councilor who served in the 1970s.

“I wish my dad were here,” he said. “I’ve tried to follow in his footsteps. He was the kind of guy you could always depend on. He taught me to stand by your word.”

Cyr also praised outgoing president Daniel Cahill, and called him an “extremely unbelievable” council president.

“Me and Dan have had some rocky times over the years, like in a marriage,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from Dan, I hope he’s learned some things from me. I’ve come to respect him and call him a friend. He’s done the council and the city proud and always strives to do the right thing.”

A new direction for the arts

Cyr presented Cahill with a framed watercolor of City Hall on behalf of the council.

“Darren Cyr is a perfect example of how a councilor should do his job, and it’s really touching that he mentioned his father,” Cahill said. “I hope one day my son could say something like that about me. Congratulations.”

In other business, the council amended an ordinance that will increase fines for false alarms for the first time in seven years.

Under the new measure, the first two false alarms are forgiven. But a third will cost home and commercial property owners $100, up from $50. And it increases from there with $200 for the fourth, up from $150, and $300 for five or more.

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

LYNN — Rev. Dr. Matias Gonzalez Regalado, age 67, of Lynn, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Beverly Hospital, with his family by his bedside.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1949, in San Francisco de Macoris, DR, the son of the late Manuel and Marcela (Regalado) Gonzalez.

Dr. Matis Gonzalez Regalado was the senior pastor at Congregacion Candelero de Dios in Lynn for more than 40 years. As a minister of the Gospel, Dr. Matias exemplified Christian values and faith. His pastoral leadership demonstrated love, care and restoration to everyone who was in need. He always had something special to say and went above and beyond to extend a helping hand. As an ordained minister for the Free Methodist Church, his leadership was profound. He served in many leadership capacities, including assistant superintendent and district leader of New England for many years. He established a strong organization among Hispanic ministers in the region. He taught and prepared many pastors in leadership and paved the way for their ordination. Many of those individuals are now serving in various ministry capacities. He has been an influential leader within the Free Methodist Church USA, while serving as president of the Latin Network (La Red Latina), just retiring in September 2016. Dr. Matias published the book, La divinidad de Jesus.

He also served on many boards and community organizations, including COPAHNI (Confraternidad de Pastores Hispanos de Nueva Inglaterra), UMIHNS (Unidad Ministerial Hispana del North Shore), ECCO (Essex County Community Organization) in Lynn and was actively involved with the City of Lynn (city council, Lynn Police Department, school board) and its surrounding areas.

Dr. Matias will be dearly missed by the countless people he has greatly touched. His legacy will live on in the many he ministered to. Even to his last breath, he proclaimed the hope that we have in Jesus, and he now rests in the arms of the One who brought him hope.

He is survived by his wife, Lourdes (Mendez) Gonzalez of Lynn; his daughter, Raisa Fabre and her husband Lewin of Dracut; his son, Joel Gonzalez of Lynn; his siblings, Melba, Ramona and Jedalia Gonzalez of Lawrence, Aura Gonzales of Florida, Elijah Gonzales and wife Olga of Lawrence, Nicolas Gonzalez and wife Noris of Lawrence and Fidel Gonzales of Lawrence. His grandchildren, Elise Gonzalez, Samantha Fabre, Jeremy Fabre and Justin Fabre, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews also survive him.

Service information: Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 from 3-9 p.m. at Congregacion Candelero de Dios, 216 Lynnfield St., Lynn, MA 01904.  There will be Celebration of Life services at 5 and 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 from 10-11 a.m. at the church. A graveside service will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery on Boston Street in Lynn at 11:30 a.m. Donations may be made to Candelero de Dios General Fund, 216 Lynnfield St., Lynn, MA 01904. Flowers should be sent directly to the church. Arrangements are entrusted to CUFFE-McGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple St. in Lynn. Please visit Cuffemcginn.com to sign the online guestbook.

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

Ivan Andujar, of 16 Essex St., was arrested on warrant charges of two counts of witness intimidation at 10:25 a.m. Wednesday.

Matthew Donovan, of 3 Kingsley Terrace, was arrested on a warrant at 3:44 p.m. Tuesday.

Anfernee Ortega, 19, of 28 Curwin Terrace, was arrested and charged with speeding, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, failure to signal and Class D drug possession with intent to distribute at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Daniel Reynoso, of 39 Newhall St., was arrested on warrant charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and state highway signal/sign/marking at 10:03 a.m. Wednesday.

Jonathan Roy, of 1 Loring Ave., Swampscott, was arrested on warrant charges of larceny, breaking and entering nighttime for a felony, receiving stolen property and larceny at 4:39 p.m. Tuesday.

Mark Szczesuil, 49, of 163 Hamilton St., Saugus, was arrested and charged with probation/parole violation at 12:16 a.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:28 p.m. Tuesday at Silsbee and Union streets; at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at Eastern and Western avenues; at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday at Broad Street and Oxford Terrace; at 11:37 a.m. Wednesday at Spencer Street and Western Avenue.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 2:54 p.m. Tuesday at 261 Boston St.; at 8:02 a.m. Wednesday at Goldthwait Street and Western Avenue.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 3:51 p.m. Tuesday at 84 Orchard St.; at 6:28 p.m. Tuesday at Commercial and Summer streets; at 2:44 p.m. Wednesday at Goodridge Street and Tracy Avenue; at 2:59 p.m. Wednesday at Richdale at 149 Walnut St.

Assaults

A report of a sexual assault at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday on Fayette Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 2:36 p.m. Tuesday at 224 Washington St.; at 3:46 p.m. Tuesday at 31 Franklin St.

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 10:31 a.m. Wednesday at 18 Lloyd St.; at 12:25 p.m. Wednesday at St. Michael’s Hall at 61 West St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 2:55 p.m. Tuesday at 5 Roy Terrace; at 4:57 p.m. Tuesday on Common Street; at 6:58 p.m. Tuesday at 162 Washington St.; at 7:39 p.m. Tuesday at 62 Johnson St.; at 10:07 p.m. Tuesday at 178 Chestnut St.; at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday at 25 W Green St.; at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday at 7-Eleven at 3 Lynnfield St.; at 10:48 p.m. Tuesday at 25 W Green St.; at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday at Lido Cafe at 106 Federal St.; at 8:34 a.m. Wednesday at 17 Linden St.; at 10:16 a.m. Wednesday at 50 Andrew St.; at 11:48 a.m. Wednesday at Bank of America at 1 State St.; at 2:19 p.m. Wednesday at Brothers Deli at 41 Market St.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 12:28 .m. Wednesday on Broad Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 3:01 p.m. Tuesday at 80 Park St.; at 3:06 p.m. Tuesday at 40 Baltimore St.; at 6:52 p.m. Tuesday at 20 Astor St.

A report of motor vehicle theft at 4:33 p.m. Tuesday at 217 Washington St.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at 39 Mountain Ave.

Beverly restaurant owners plead to $6M fraud

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 8:21 p.m. Tuesday on Beringer Way. A caller reported she could see on her “nest camera” that it appeared that four males entered her work’s warehouse and “came out holding something.” She did not know if they left in a vehicle and believed that the items that were taken were about the size of a pizza box.

PEABODY

Arrests

Querene Q. Joseph, 54, of 96 Edith St., Apt. 1, Everett, was arrested and charged with larceny at 6:19 p.m. Tuesday.

Angel C. Merida, 64, of 61 Newhall St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, no inspection/sticker and failure to yield at an intersection at 5:51 p.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday at 2 Warren St. and 52 Central St.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 6:13 p.m. Tuesday at 278 Lynn St.; at 7:03 p.m. Tuesday at 272 Lynn St.

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 3:04 p.m. Tuesday at 25 Dudley St. A caller reported two males in the vicinity carrying what appeared to be rifles. Police spoke with the men and learned the rifles were actually pellet guns.

A report of a disturbance at 6:11 p.m. Tuesday at 2 Truman Road. A caller reported someone was possible trying to gain entrance into her residence. An officer checked the residence with the homeowner and there was no one in the cellar, no tracks in the snow and no signs of forced entry; at 11:44 a.m. Wednesday at Mobile Store at 100 Main St.

Fire

A report of a car fire at 8:34 a.m. Wednesday at 8 Holden St.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 8:55 a.m. Wednesday at 22 Dalton Court. A broken rear windshield was reported; at 11:50 am. Wednesday at 10 Holten St. An officer reported that the windshield was smashed.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 8:41 a.m. Tuesday at 50 Forest St. A vehicle into a pole was reported. Police reported significant pole damage.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 1:32 p.m. Tuesday on Sampson Street. A caller reported a male trapped in an oil truck that rolled over and was leaking oil. The person was extricated and taken to Melrose Wakefield Hospital.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday at Main and Franklin streets.

SWAMPSCOTT

Arrests

Putney Eskridge, 23, of 95 Cook St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor at 2:28 a.m. Wednesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 5:08 a.m. Tuesday at Paradise Citgo at 219 Paradise Road.

Vandalism

A report of a motor vehicle vandalism at 2:36 p.m. Tuesday at 65 Buena Vista St.; at 4:57 p.m. Tuesday at 84 Essex St.

BOSTON – The owners of Nick’s Famous Roast Beef in Beverly, and the wife and son of one of the owners, pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Boston to skimming nearly $6 million in cash receipts from the business over six years and failing to report the cash as income on their tax returns.

Nicholas Markos, 69, of Lynn, Nicholas Koudanis, 65, and Eleni Koudanis, 60, of Topsfield, were charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. by obstructing the IRS and 10 counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns. Steven Koudanis, 39, the son of Nicholas and Eleni Koudanis, was charged with one count of obstructing and impeding the IRS laws.

Nicholas Markos and Nicholas Koudanis own Nick’s Famous Roast Beef in Beverly, which only accepts cash payment, according to an indictment.  From 2008 to 2013, both men allegedly skimmed more than $1 million in cash receipts each year which they failed to report on either corporate tax returns or their personal tax returns. As a result, they avoided nearly $1 million each in personal income taxes, the indictment said.

The two split up the cash receipts weekly, determining how much to deposit into the business’s bank account and report on their tax returns, how much to use to pay suppliers and employees, and how much to keep for themselves, according to the indictment.

Police log: 1-11-2017

Law enforcement officials said Eleni Koudanis had primary responsibility for the bookkeeping and recruited employees, including her son, Steven, to create false cash register receipts to use in connection with an IRS tax audit of the eatery.  

The actual cash register receipts were allegedly destroyed and not provided to the tax preparer who prepared the business and personal tax returns. The indictment said Nicholas and Eleni Koudanis also amassed more than $1.6 million in cash as of December 2014, which they kept in a safe in their home.   

Sentencing is set for April 26. The defendants could face up to five years in prison on the charge of conspiracy to defraud the IRS, three years of probation and a $250,000 fine. Judge Patti Saris will make the final determination.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — A Wednesday traffic stop led to the arrest of a Lynn man for marijuana distribution.

Police say they pulled over Anfernee Ortega, 19, at approximately 2 p.m. in the Highlands for driving his car erratically and speeding. Ortega told the officer his license was suspended and that he had marijuana in the car, Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly said.

Police reportedly seized two ounces of marijuana, which were packaged for sale in several bags, $298 in cash and three cellphones.

Ortega was charged with speeding, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, failure to signal and marijuana possession with intent to distribute.

Beverly restaurant owners plead to $6M fraud

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

ITEM FILE PHOTO
Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin administers the oath of office Jan. 4 to Kevin Coppinger during his swearing-in as Essex County Sheriff at Lynn Auditorium.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — The first priority for the new sheriff of Essex County is to fix an $18 million budget deficit.

In a presentation to the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said his first days on the job have been spent meeting with the House leadership and the Lynn delegation including Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) and Rep. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) to supplement his $70 million budget.

“Right now, my payroll will cease in about the second week of March,” he said. “Obviously we need some money pretty quick. If we don’t get the money what will we do?”

Coppinger also fielded a question about the number of halfway houses in Lynn. While the sheriff said he did not know how many such homes operate in Lynn, he stressed that the burden of these facilities, typically in residential neighborhoods, should be located throughout the county.

He agreed that Lynn should do its fair share of providing supportive networks to recently released prisoners, “But they should be equally distributed across Essex County.”

Coppinger pins on a new badge

Coppinger said his goals include strengthening skills training and improving and expanding detox, opiate and mental health counseling programs.

During the campaign he touted his skills in law enforcement as a police officer and chief, budgeting and communications and the support he received from fellow law enforcement officials nationwide.

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

LYNN — Earl (Ken) Kenneth Johnson, 91, of Lynn, died Thursday at the Woodbridge/Kaplan Estate Assisted Living in Peabody after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of the late Carolyn E. (Spongberg) Johnson with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn he was the son of the late Erick T. and Olga T. (Soderstjerna) Johnson. He attended Lynn schools and graduated from Lynn English High School, Class of 1943. Ken served in the United States Army during WWII, as a Corporal, seeing action in Northern France and the South Pacific. He was employed as a Tool and Die Maker at the General Electric Company for 43 years until he retired in 1991. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church where he was a member of the choir. Ken enjoyed bowling and was a member of both the GEAE and the GLCC bowling leagues; Earl “Flames” Johnson was also a member of several First Lutheran “Swedes” Championship teams in the Greater Lynn Church Softball League. Ken and his wife and family spent summers at Camp Calumet Lutheran in West Ossipee, N.H.

He is survived by one son Steven and his wife Maureen Johnson of Lynn, one daughter Kristine L. and her husband Wayne Johnson of Lynn, four grandchildren, Wayne Johnson Jr. of Wilmington, Brett Johnson of Lynn, and Rachel and Emily Johnson both of Lynn, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Service information: Funeral services will be held at the First Lutheran Church, 280 Broadway, Lynn, on Monday at 11 a.m. to which relatives are invited to attend. Visiting hours are at the PARKER Funeral Home 35 Franklin St. Lynn on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Please make memorial donations in Ken’s name to Camp Calumet PO Box 236 W. Ossipee, NH 03890 or Care Dimensions 75 Sylvan St. Suite B-102 Danvers, MA 01923.

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

Axel Augustin, 18, of 52 New Park St., was arrested and charged on a courtesy booking at 6:14 a.m. Wednesday.

Raymond Bryant, 63, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct at 9:03 p.m. Wednesday.

Benjamin Caron, 30, of 40 Cedar St., was arrested and charged with Class B drug possession and Class C drug possession at 8:39 p.m. Wednesday.

Daniel Caron, 27, of 6 Beach Ave., Swampscott, was arrested on warrant charges of Class A drug possession, Class B drug possession, destruction of property and disturbing the peace at 8:25 p.m. Wednesday.

Aneudy Cleto-Bello, 20, of 172 Washington St., was arrested and charged on a courtesy booking at 6:45 a.m. Thursday.

Jhonny Gonzalez, 31, of 96 Alley St., was arrested and charged on a courtesy booking at 6:33 a.m. Thursday.

James Hickey, 28, of 133 Franklin St., Stoneham, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and Class B drug possession at 8:28 p.m. Wednesday.

George Morales-Tapia, 23, of 182 Chestnut St., was arrested and charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle and on warrant charges of two counts of trespassing, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, Class B drug possession, Class E drug possession, destruction of property, and breaking and entering for a misdemeanor at 10:50 a.m. Thursday.

Aaron Mwankuga, 25, of 78 Central Ave., was arrested and charged with shoplifting by asportation at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Ashley Thibault was arrested on warrant charges of Class A drug possession and sexual conduct for a fee at 11:11 p.m. Wednesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:03 p.m. Wednesday at 143 South St.; at 4:35 p.m. Wednesday at 85 Euclid Ave.; at 5:16 p.m. Wednesday at 240 Broadway; at 5:22 p.m. Wednesday at 335 Union St.; at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday on Chase Road; at 12:42 p.m. Thursday at MBTA Garage at 985 Western Ave.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 3:11 p.m. Wednesday at Commercial and S Common streets.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 5:51 p.m. Wednesday at AL Prime Energy at 969 Western Ave.; at 6:38 p.m. Wednesday art 156 Broad St.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 10:20 a.m. Thursday at 51 Franklin St.; at 12:13 p.m. Thursday at 3 Drexel Terrace; at 12:32 p.m. Thursday at 29 Morris St

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 3:44 p.m. Wednesday at 127 Washington St.; at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Chestnut and Union streets; at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday at 16 Etna Place; at 7:42 a.m. Thursday at 53 Groveland St.; at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at 303 Broadway; at 8:56 a.m. Thursday at 303 Broadway; at 10:20 a.m. Thursday at 161 Broad St.; at 10:51 a.m. Thursday at Essex County Juvenile Court at 139 Central Ave.

A report of a gunshot at 4:14 a.m. Thursday at 11 Margin St. The call was unfounded.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 4:31 p.m. Wednesday on Sagamore Street; at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday at Taco Bell at 126 Boston St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 6:22 p.m. Wednesday at CVS at 200 S Common St.; at 8:11 p.m. Wednesday at 43 Childs St.

A report of motor vehicle theft at 8:37 a.m. Thursday at 185 Lewis St.
Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 1:28 p.m. Thursday at 133 Broadway.

Police log: 1-12-2017

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 10:14 a.m. Wednesday on Elm Street. An oil delivery man reported that when he made a delivery, there was a real sketchy man outside the residence he had not seen before. The man was pacing back and forth while talking on a cell phone. Police reported the man in question was taking down his Christmas lights and has lived there for two years.

A report of kids on the pond at 2:51 p.m. Wednesday on Marion Road. A caller reported kids on the pond and he could see open water near the middle. Police reported no broken areas on the ice.

PEABODY

Arrests

John Paul Nelson, 42, of 24 Emily Lane, was arrested and charged with OUI drugs and reckless operation of a motor vehicle at 9:25 a.m. Thursday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:18 p.m. Wednesday at Sullivan Tire & Auto Service at 175 Washington St.; at 4:23 p.m. Wednesday at Trader Joe’s at 300 Andover St.; at 9:25 a.m. Thursday at 19 Benevento Circle. A car into a pole was reported. John Paul Nelson, 42, of Peabody was arrested for OUI drugs.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 11:29 p.m. Wednesday at 210 Andover St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 7:27 p.m. Wednesday at Gulf Station at 136 Newbury St. A clerk reported a U-Haul driver filled up with gas and left without paying.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 4:38 p.m. Wednesday at 10 Holten St.; at 8:29 a.m. Thursday at 5212 Crane Brook Way. A caller reported damage to her vehicle. An officer reported that an unknown person let the air out of the tires on the left side of the vehicle.

REVERE

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 7:52 a.m. Wednesday at Oxford Park and Revere Street.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:29 a.m. Wednesday on Brown Circle; at 1:17 p.m. Wednesday on Mahoney Circle; at 4:32 p.m. Wednesday at Blanchard’s Liquors on American Legion Highway; at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday at Lyn’s One Hour Cleaners on Atlantic Avenue; at 7:03 p.m. Wednesday at Mobil Gas Station on Squire Road; at 10:14 p.m. Wednesday at Ray’s Sunoco Service on Broadway.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 5:23 p.m. Wednesday at Revere Housing Authority on Adams Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 1:35 a.m. Wednesday on Cushman Avenue.

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday on Proctor Avenue; at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday on Arnold Street; at 9:08 a.m. Wednesday at Caruso Northgate Apartments on Lantern Road.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 9:48 a.m. Wednesday on Kimball Avenue; at 3:01 p.m. Wednesday at Belle Isle Condo Trust on Bennington Street; at 10:27 p.m. Wednesday on Endicott Avenue.

Theft

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 9:26 a.m. Wednesday at Surfside Apartments on Ocean Avenue; at 7:04 p.m. Wednesday at Walgreens on Broadway.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 2:51 p.m. Wednesday at Beach Street and North Shore Road.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a dog struck by a motor vehicle at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday at 26 Saville St. The caller reported the dog was still breathing, but no owner was on scene and there were no tags on the animal. Police reported the dog was a Jack Russell terrier. Animal Control removed the dog and took it to the pound.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 10:12 a.m. Wednesday at Chestnut Woods at 73 Chestnut St. A fight between two females was reported; at 10:17 p.m. Wednesday at Saugus Mobile Home Park at 846 Broadway. A caller reported hearing gunshots earlier that morning and came across a bullet in her trailer.

A report of suspicious activity at 3:08 p.m. Wednesday at Franklin Street and Lincoln Avenue. A caller reported three males, with one possibly in possession of a small handgun. The man reportedly with the handgun was described as wearing a blue t-shirt and green track pants. Police reported searching to the Revere line and were unable to find the caller or man matching the description; at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday on Prankers Pond. Police reported discovering three tents in the woods with propane tanks, but nobody was in the area.

SWAMPSCOTT

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 2:39 p.m. Wednesday at 21 Erie St.

Complaints

A report of an injured police officer at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday at 531 Humphrey St.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 11:47 a.m. Wednesday at 20 Outlook Road.