By BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN — The School Committee voted to keep the city’s schoolyards open for emergency snow parking for the remainder of the year.

The panel will readdress the issue next year and make changes to its policy, depending on how the season goes.

The issue was raised earlier this month when parking during snow emergencies was limited to the city’s middle and high schools. In the past, parking has been allowed at some, but not all, elementary schools.

During Winter Storm Helena in early January, city councilors and members of the school committee heard from dozens of residents who were left without a place to park. A few councilors took a stand and opened the chains blocking off the lots.

During a school committee meeting following the storm, city attorney James Lamanna said in 2013 the school committee delegated its authority to determine which school lots are open and which are closed during a snow emergency to the city’s inspectional services director, Michael Donovan.

Donovan reminded committee members that vehicles were not removed from the lots the morning following many storms and, in 2015, the panel was displeased when schools could not open two days after a major snowfall.

“We felt that the need for the parking space overshadowed any potential problem,” said Committee Member John Ford. “Based on how it goes this year, we agreed to revisit it and see about next year. If it’s disastrous, we will have to come up with another plan or close the school yards again.”

Ford said city councilors are discussing a solution for next year that includes filing a parking application and using a car tag. Vehicle owners who violate the terms and leave their car in the lot after the designated parking hours will be ticketed, towed and have their parking privileges revoked.

The committee also voted on an updated job posting for a special education administrator  drafted by Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham.

Latham said she felt strongly that, though six candidates had been interviewed, they had not found the right fit for the job. Latham said none of the candidates had the district-wide experience in a large school system or strong curriculum background that she deemed necessary prerequisites.

The updated posting lists a salary starting at $111,000 with increments in accordance with the administrator’s contract, rather than listing a range of $115,000 to $128,000 based on education and experience.

A job description above the list of required qualifications was also removed from the listing.

Latham said she hopes to see the position filled by July 1.

Remembering America’s girl

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

Danny Donator, a Lynn Vocational Technical Institute senior, is in New York City to audition for the upcoming season of “America’s Got Talent.”

“Thank you so much for all the support,” the 19-year-old said in a short video posted Friday. “Thank you and wish me luck.”

Click the link below to listen to Donator sing his audition song, “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars.

Lynn teen sings his way from Tech to TV

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

Joshua Grout, 22, of 101 Grove St., was arrested and charged with larceny over $250 and destruction of property at 10:34 a.m. Friday.

Mandi Stanley, 35, of 821 Summer St., was arrested and charged with a parole/probation violation at  7:03 p.m.  Thursday.

Tina White, 52, of 124 Central Ave., was arrested and charged with shoplifting at 5:00.p.m. Thursday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 4:34 p.m. Thursday on Eastern Avenue; at 6:11 p.m. at 947 Western Ave.; at 8:30 p.m. on Washington Street; at 9:09 p.m. at 181 Fayette St.; at 9:11 p.m. on Collins Street; at 10:07 p.m. on Atlantic Street; at 11:14 p.m. at 50 Western Ave.; at 6:43 a.m. Friday on Laighton Street; at 7:50 a.m. on Broadway; at 9:19 a.m. on Pleasant Street.

Complaints

A report of larceny at 1:57 p.m. Thursday at 136 Western Ave.; at 2:16 p.m. at 501 Washington St.; at 3:02 p.m. at 37 Bay View Ave.; at 3:52 p.m. at 35 Tremont St.; at 6:45 p.m. at 24 Surfside Rd.

A report of an uninvited guest at 3:01 p.m. Thursday at 8 Silsbee St.; at 4:31 p.m. at 625 Boston St.; at 8:37 p.m. at 72 Woodman St.; at 8:42 p.m. at 5 Goldthwait St.; at 11:08 p.m. at 358 Chestnut St.; at 11:27 p.m. at 101 Grove St.

A report of a gunshot at 3:08 p.m. Thursday on Amity Street.

A report of a disturbance at 3:43 p.m. Thursday at 98 Warren St.; at 8:57 p.m. at 585 Essex St.

A report of a 911 hang up at 3:58 p.m. Thursday on Harbor Street.

A report of threats at 4:05 p.m. Thursday at 98 Warren St.; at 5:48 p.m. at 298 Union St.

A report of shoplifting at 4:44 p.m. Thursday at 21 Joyce St.; at 7:23 p.m. at 43 State St.

A report of a robbery at 4:55 p.m. Thursday at 127 Lawton Ave.; at 9:20 p.m. at 43 Laighton St.

A report of a fight at 6:52 p.m. Thursday at 25 Hamilton Ave.

A report of suspicious activity at 8:53 p.m. Thursday at 32 Walnut St.; at 9:57 p.m. on Strawberry Avenue.

A report of a motor vehicle theft at 8:59 p.m. Thursday at 7 Mt. Pleasant Pl.

Police log: 1-27-2017

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of a car parked in a crosswalk at 8:00 a.m. Thursday on Elm Street.

A report of a National Grid Scam call at 11:48 a.m. Thursday on Pleasant Street.

A report of a gas odor at 11:52 a.m. Thursday on Summer Street. Area checked.

A report of a possible computer scam at 9:25 p.m. Thursday on May Street.

PEABODY

Complaints

A report of a road rage incident at 9:33 a.m. Thursday on Lynnfield Street.

A report of a 911 hang up at 10:08 a.m. Thursday on Andover Street.; at 1:32 p.m. on Andover Street.

A report of wires in the road at 12:38 p.m. Thursday on Calumet Street.

A report of a missing person who was located at 12:46 p.m. Thursday on Goldberg Road.

REVERE

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident  at 8:05 a.m. Thursday on North Shore Road; at 4:36 p.m. Thursday on Beach Street.

Complaints

A report of an unwanted person at 12:11 a.m. Thursday on Morris Street; at 8:07 p.m. on Nahant Avenue; at 10:19 p.m. on Cushman Avenue.

A report of a disturbance at 1:22 a.m. Thursday on American Legion Highway; at 3:01 a.m. on Beach Street; at 3:27 p.m. on Squire Road; at 10:30 p.m. on Mountain Avenue.

A report of suspicious activity at 9:31 a.m. Thursday on Campbell Avenue; at 3:48 p.m. on Squire Road; at 11:17 p.m. on Tuttle Street.

A report of a 911 hang up at 2:43 p.m. Thursday on Garfield Avenue.; at 3:04 p.m. on Revere Beach Blvd.; at 3:58 p.m. on Revere Beach Blvd.; at 6:17 p.m. on Walnut Place; at 9:23 p.m. on Garfield Ave.

A report of threats at 8:26 p.m. Thursday on Squire Road.

SAUGUS

Complaints

A report of property damage at 11:56 a.m. Wednesday on Whitney Street. Chimney cap fell on parked motor vehicle.

A report of a rabid raccoon in roadway at 11:58 a.m. Wednesday on Central Street. ACO responded.

A report of a business receiving a counterfeit $100 bill at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday at 1201 Broadway.

A report of shoplifting at 1:46 p.m. Wednesday at 1020 Broadway; at 3:32 p.m. at 1160 Broadway.

SWAMPSCOTT

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:12 a.m. Thursday at 267 Humphrey St.; at 4:28 p.m. Thursday at 19 Cherry St.

Complaints

A report of a problem at 9:58  a.m. Thursday on Muriel Road; at 4:33 a.m. Friday at 33 Andrew Rd.

A report of a disturbance at 11:47 a.m. Thursday at 141 Humphrey St.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Allan Chinn, Todd LeBrasseur, Adela Medina, Cathy Boulay, Raymond Burns, and Steve Rima have all worked at the McDonald’s on the Lynnway for 15 years or more.

By BILL BROTHERTON

LYNN — It’s extremely rare these days for an employee to remain loyal to one company, especially in the ever-changing, fast-paced fast food industry. But at McDonald’s on the Lynnway, four workers are celebrating their 20th year with the burger giant this year.

Allan Chinn, Cathy Boulay, Todd LeBrasseur and Adela Medina all joined McDonald’s in 1996. Chinn and LeBrasseur started on the same day, April 29. Medina began on May 15, and Boulay on Sept. 12.

Their boss, Steve Rima, kicked off his McDonald’s career as a $1.75-per-hour dishwasher on the night shift 37 years ago in southern California. He’s owned the Lynnway franchise since May 1991 and is owner-operator of three other Mickey D’s restaurants in the area: inside Walmart in Lynn, Northshore Mall and Liberty Tree Mall. He credits his employees for every bit of his success.

“At our Christmas party every year I award years-of-service pins to employees. I was dumbfounded when I saw that four of my best people hit the 20-year mark,” said Rima. “The longevity of dozens of employees — of 100 total, about 33 have 10 years of service or more and another 30 or so have five to 10 years in — amazed me. I am the luckiest boss in the world. This is an incredible group of people. They work extremely hard, and Lynn has an amazing workforce to draw from.”

Chinn, a former Lynner who now lives in Salem, serves as director of operations for Rima’s four restaurants. “Working at McDonald’s has evolved into a full-time job. When I started, it was mother’s hours and high school kids making just enough money to put gas in dad’s car when they borrowed it,” said Chinn. “I like the business, but Steve is the main reason I’ve made 20 years. He’s a great boss. He cares about people and is always helping people out.”

Rima jokes that Chinn’s son, Luis, 14, is now old enough to cook fries and wash floors. “We have a history of many family members working for McDonald’s,” said Rima. Indeed, 17 members of Boulay’s family have served through the years; her son, Tim, is a 10-year-employee.

Boulay, a lifelong Lynn resident, said her mom earned a certificate from “hamburger school” and worked the day shift at the old Lynnway site, before Rima moved to the current location near Commercial Street. “My dad worked days at Nissen Bakery and nights at McDonald’s. McDonald’s has been very good to my family. I love the people I work with and I love the customers.” Her husband Jim plows snow from the lot.

“Cathy is instrumental in the growth of our breakfast business,” said Rima. “She knows customers by name and knows exactly how they like their coffee and breakfast sandwich.”

LeBrasseur, of Salem, is operations technician for Rima’s four stores; he’s the IT guy who keeps everything running smoothly. “I’m very happy here, love my job. I’ve been able to raise my family, put food on the table and have a nice roof over our heads. I work with great people,” said the English High and Salem State graduate.

Medina, a native of Guatemala, is manager of first shift, which begins at 4 a.m. “I love it here. Everyone works well together. This is like my house, full of love,” said Medina, who lives in Lynn with her husband and their three children.

Boulay mentions that McDonald’s has been responsible for many marriages. “Welcome to McDonald’s dating service,” she said, smiling. Rima said that even though dating a co-worker is prohibited, he knows of about a dozen couples who first met under the Golden Arches. Chinn and his ex-wife met at McDonald’s. Medina met her husband at a McDonald’s in Waltham. “I met my wife at McDonald’s,” piped in LeBrasseur, “and my brother met his wife at McDonald’s. … and my sister met her husband at McDonald’s,” he said with a chuckle.

Other longtime employees include Yudeklis Brito and Arabely Robles, 17 years; Milvian Aguilar-Chavez, 16 years; Raymond Burns, 15 years; Orlando Robles, 14 years; Aracely Jiminez and Rosaura Lopez, 13 years; Onelia Gomez, Hilda Estevan, Esperanza Vassallo and Maria Mendez, 12 years; Karla Vega and Delfina Zacarias, 11 years; and Tim Boulay and Karla Ramos, 10 years.

Lynn teen sings his way from Tech to TV

Bill Brotherton is the Item’s Features Editor. He can be reached at bbrotherton@itemlive.com.

ITEM FILE PHOTO
Mike Carr, seen at a fundraiser in this July 2016 file photo, died after a 10-month illness.

By STEVE KRAUSE

LYNN — Lynn English boys basketball coach Mike Carr died Friday night at Massachusetts General Hospital after a 10-month illness.

Carr, who was 51, was hospitalized last week. Steve Stranahan, his close friend and assistant, had been coaching the Bulldogs in his absence.

“The school is saddened by his death,” said athletic director Dick Newton. “He was a dedicated English guy. He gave his heart and soul to the school.”

Carr came from a coaching family. His father, the late Mike Carr Sr., was a longtime football coach and athletic director at Lynn Tech.

Carr began coaching at English in 2008 as an assistant to Buzzy Barton. In his first year on the bench, he helped guide the Bulldogs to the Division 1 state final. Two years later, after Barton stepped down, he became the head coach, and in 2013, he coached the Bulldogs to a spot in the Division 1 North final.

RIP Coach Carr. A very tough loss for the Bulldog family. We will remember you.We will honor you.Always a part of the family. #BulldogFamily

— LEHS Athletics (@BulldogAthlete) January 28, 2017

In March of last year, he began feeling ill and it was discovered he had a serious virus that had spread through his body. He endured 14 surgeries as the result of it, but he withstood it. However, while being treated for it, it was discovered he had cancer too.

By July, however, Carr was well enough to attend a fundraiser at the Hibernian Hall that he hoped would defray some of the medical costs he’d accumulated while being treated.

Despite his medical uncertainties, Newton said Carr was determined to coach this winter.

“I asked him,” Newton said. “And he said he really wanted to keep going as long as he could.”

Carr’s assistants, led by Stranahan, will continue to coach the team through the end of the season, Newton said.

SAUGUS — Mrs. Phyllis C. (Pettito) MacDonald, 92, died on Monday, Jan. 23, at the McLeod Loris Hospital in Loris, South Carolina. She was the husband of the late James J. MacDonald, Sr.

Born in Lynn and a lifelong resident Saugus, she was the daughter of the late Dominic and Anna (Nolan) Pettito. The United States Coast Guard World War II veteran worked for many years as a bench processor at the General Electric. She was a member of Local 201 of the IUE.

Mrs. MacDonald is survived by her children; James J. MacDonald Jr. of California, Michael L. MacDonald of California and Mary A. Koslouski & her husband Joseph of South Carolina, grandchildren; Jennifer Lusk and her husband Phillip of New Hampshire, Michael Koslouski and his wife Jessica of Dedham, one great grandson; Owen Lusk. She was the sister of Marilyn Fahy of Saugus and the late Donald J. Pettito. Mrs. MacDonald was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations in her memory maybe made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Service information: Visiting hours will be held in the BISBEE-PORCELLA Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., Saugus, on Sunday 3-7 p.m. Relatives and friends invited. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday at 11 a.m. Interment at Riverside Cemetery, Saugus. For directions and condolences at www.BisbeePorcella.com.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

PHOTO BY SCOTT EISEN
The scene of 2-alarm fire that took place in a second floor apartment at 333 Chatham St. in Lynn, Sunday.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — One woman was hospitalized and dozens of residents were left out in the cold for more than an hour after a two-alarm fire at a three-story brick apartment building on Chatham Street Sunday afternoon.  

Lynn District Fire Chief Stephen Archer said the blaze, reported shortly after 12:30 p.m., was caused by a cooking fire that started in the kitchen of a second-floor apartment at the 34-unit complex at 333 Chatham St. Most of the damage was confined to that apartment and the woman resident was taken to Salem Hospital as a precaution. There were no other injuries.

Archer said the woman would not be allowed to return to her apartment on Sunday. Her apartment, along with the unit below, will need extensive repair, and those residents will be temporarily displaced, he said.

The district fire chief commended the work of responding crews, who extinguished the fire quickly, and were on scene for a little more than an hour.

While fire crews and other first responders worked, residents were left outside the apartment complex in cold temperatures. One elderly man was wrapped in a blanket outside the front door, huddled with his dog. Other residents were still wearing pajamas and slippers. Some were concerned for pets who remained in the building.

Building superintendent Harry Thomas said the blaze was in Apt. 24. He lives near the building and got a phone call that there was a fire. When he came outside, the fire trucks were already there. He said between the 34 units, there were at least 60 residents.

Thomas said there are many elderly residents. No one was prepared to come outside, so he was working to calm nerves.

“Right now, it’s just trying to keep everybody calm,” Thomas said about an hour after the blaze started. “That’s the main thing and just wait for the OK to come back in.”

Residents didn’t get the all clear to return to their apartments until past 2 p.m.

Fire officials said the woman came out of her smoke-filled apartment on her own, but residents painted a different picture. One resident, who didn’t want to be identified, said the fire department used an ax to knock down her glass sliding door. In the back of the building where the fire unit was located, the sliding door and a glass window were shattered.

The man said there was lots of black smoke and the woman didn’t want to come out of her apartment. He walked over and all he could see was pillars of smoke coming out.

Susan Corrigan, who lives on the first floor in an apartment below where the blaze began, said firefighters took the woman out by force.

Corrigan, who has lived in the building for more than a decade, said she left for about an hour and came back to the fire. She said her family was safe, but they were anxious to go back inside. She had a cat and dog in her apartment, but said firefighters checked on the animals and reported they were fine.

When she came upon the fire scene, Corrigan said she was thinking that she lost everything. But she was relieved that the fire didn’t go into her apartment, and that she still has a home.

Bill Thibodeau, 57, said he wasn’t at home when the fire began.

“My girl called and told me (there was a) fire in the building,” he said. “She was concerned about her cat.”

Thibodeau said the cat stayed in the apartment after residents evacuated, but was fine. He said there was no damage to his unit, which was on the other end of the building.

Fred Currier, 66, a Vietnam War veteran, said he has lived in the building for 43 years. He was home and heard the fire alarms go off. He said the building used to have a problem with alarms, but he hasn’t heard them for awhile since the new system was put in. He wasn’t concerned about being displaced. He said the first responder response was great, along with the landlords, who got on the scene quickly and kept residents informed.

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

PHOTO BY SCOTT EISEN
Carol Jones, a former Civil Rights activist from Lynn during an interview with The Item at her home on Friday.

Editor’s note: This is the third of several profiles of Lynn residents the Item will publish during Black History month.

By BRIDGET TURCOTTE

LYNN —  Half a century after Carol Jones, 76, marched in the fight against discrimination and racial injustice, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are continuing her work.

Jones stood up with Clarance W. Jones, 78, former president the North Shore Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Abner Darby, a local leader in activism, to march through Lynn around the time of the 1963 Civil Rights march on Washington D.C.

The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

In the wake of the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she remembers the local anguish that caused teenagers to want to burn down Union Street in its entirety, echoing the riots in Detroit and other cities across the country. But she and her fellow activists knew violence wasn’t the appropriate cure for violence, she said.

“They wanted to destroy everything,” she said. “We had a march in Lynn. It started at City Hall. These kids were marching with us. At the time, people were burning things down because of the unfairness of the way they were being treated. Clarance Jones talked to the kids and said that’s not the way to do it.”

Jones said she was disheartened that decades later, some protesters are making the same mistakes and choosing to riot.

“They’re bad choices,” she said.

But she said that the need to fight for a change is still very much prevailing.

“All the lynchings and killings in the ’60s, really it’s still happening in 2017, but they’re doing it with bullets,” she said. “ It’s still happening from the ’50s and ’60s and even before that. Prejudice is still alive today.”

Jones said as a child, she doesn’t remember feeling the direct effects of racism in Lynn, which was comprised of immigrants of several nationalities and was more accepting of people of all races than Boston, she said. Though seeing the violence and segregation so close to home brought fear and unease to the community.

“I grew up with all white people — they were all nice,” she said. “I remember them going back to my house to have dinner and I would go to their houses to have dinner. That was back when the Lynnway was a two-way street. The only thing I remember there was the Donut Hole and Howard Johnson’s.”

She said that as a child, the black community gathered for regular celebrations and softball games. By the time she was raising her three children, she felt that sense of unity was gone. In the 1990s, while driving home from visiting her a friend who lived on Kimball Road, Jones took a wrong turn off of a one-way side street and quickly found herself lost.

“A police officer asked me what I was doing down there and he was very nasty to me,” she said. “He scared me. It was 11:30 at night. He pulled a gun on me. I put my hands on the steering wheel and told him I was visiting my friend. I gave him her name and everything.”

She drove home, shaken, and tucked the negative memory away, she said.

“It wasn’t as bad for us here in Lynn,” said her daughter Darlene Coleman. “But we got the tension from that in school.”

Coleman said those who came from the south brought the mentality of segregation and racism with them. She and her siblings learned more about black history from a program at the Community Minority Culture Center than they did in their classrooms, she said.

Her daughter Raven Coleman helped organize a March last year in the wake of a series of attacks on black men by law enforcement.

“Her statement was that black lives matter,” Jones said. “She was disgusted with policemen who were killing black men. She had seen so much on TV, she felt maybe she could do something.”

Raven Coleman contacted police and assured them that the protest would be peaceful and that organizers had no intention to spread violence. At the event, Jones’ 18-year-old great-granddaughter Arianna Jones spoke about ending racial injustice.

“I’m proud,” said Carol Jones. “It’s good — It’s a positive thing for my children. They’re not the ones to be fighting and burning things down. They do it in their own way.”

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

PHOTO BY SCOTT EISEN
The Humane League protests outside of the Walmart on the Lynnway as part of a nation-wide campaign to convince the food retailer to source 100 percent cage-free eggs in Mexico on Sunday.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — Animal rights activists are urging Walmart to extend its commitment to sell only cage-free eggs in the United States by 2025, to Mexico and Latin America.

About a dozen protesters associated with The Humane League stood outside Walmart’s parking lot on the Lynnway Sunday afternoon, holding signs reading “Stop Walmart Double Standards” and “End This Abuse.” The hashtag #walmartdoublestandards has been circulating around social media.

Since its founding in 2005, The Humane League has been committed to ending the caging of hens in the egg industry worldwide. Activists say the cage-free campaign highlights Walmart’s unjust food practices and its support of animal cruelty in Mexico by continuing practices that it has already committed to eliminate in the U.S.

“It’s important because right now, millions, actually billions of animals each year, chickens in particular, are confined to cages so small that they can’t extend their limbs and live comfortable lives,” said Chris Hendrickson, Boston grassroots director for The Humane League. “Battery cages have been an industry standard for chicken confinement, but as we saw with Question 3 passing here in Massachusetts, 78 percent of Massachusetts voters think that battery cages are not just animal confinement, but in fact, it’s cruelty and should be banned in the state.”
In November, Massachusetts voters passed Question 3, which prohibits the sale of eggs, veal or pork of a farm animal confined in spaces that prevent the animal from lying down, standing up, extending its limbs or turning around.

“We are simply asking them to extend this policy that they’ve already publicly committed to here in the U.S. to the Mexican stores and the Latin American stores,” Hendrickson said. “So, it’s extension of something they’re already actively working on and I commend Walmart tremendously for being so robust in modifying their animal welfare policies.”
A Walmart spokesman said the company has committed to implementing a cage-free policy in its stores by 2025 in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. The spokesman said Mexico presents different challenges, but that cage-free eggs are offered for sale to customers there by choice.

“We care about animal welfare and understand Humane League’s concerns, which is why we have implemented cage-free policies in U.S., Canada and UK,” said Kevin Gardner, senior director of global responsibility communications for Walmart, in a statement. “In Mexico, eggs are the most cost-effective protein people can buy. Moving to a cage-free policy there would increase the cost of eggs by 150 percent, thus possibly eliminating a key protein source for many of our customers.”

Hendrickson, a 28-year-old Medford resident, said he was proud of the “true animal heroes” who showed up for the protest, to show support for those who don’t have a voice in cages. He said simultaneous demonstrations were being held in Chicago and Denver.

“We’re not going to stop until they extend this policy to Latin America to end the cruel practice of using battery cages,” he said.

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

FILE PHOTO
Colin Reddy and the No. 6 Spartans will play No. 11 Reading in Stoneham. 

By SCOT COOPER

Midway through Monday night’s Division 1A play-in game, Austin Prep, with a three-goal lead, looked to be a cinch to beat Marshfield.

That would have given St. Mary’s (13-7-2) a bye in the Division 1 North hockey tournament, whose pairings were announced at the conclusion of the two play-in games.

Instead, Marshfield rallied back to win the game, 4-3, giving the sixth-seeded Spartans a first-round game at Stoneham Wednesday (7:30) against No. 11 Reading.

“We go from having a bye to playing Reading,” Lee noted wryly Monday night.

“Reading is always a team that goes deep in the tournament. They’re well-coached and have some talented players. They’re always a very good tournament team.”
St. Mary’s dropped a couple of games to close out the regular season: a 4-2 loss to Malden Catholic, the No. 1 team in the state, and 3-0 to Pope Francis, which occupies the third spot in the state rankings. Lee said that playing four out of the five top teams in Massachusetts, including BC High and Hingham, have prepared the Spartans for the state tournament.

“We’ve played some of the top teams in the state during our regular season, so we think that we’re tournament tested, certainly,” Lee said. “We came up a little short against Pope Francis and Malden Catholic, we played well in those games against two excellent teams.”

Lee will be counting on big offense from Mike Zampanti (8-20-28), Anthony Bono (19-8-27), Dante Maribito (9-17-26) and Lynn sophomore Colin Reddy (12-8-20) to put the puck in the net when the playoffs get underway.

Last year, St. Mary’s was the Division 1 state finalist, losing 4-3 to Franklin in double overtime.

Also in Division 1, No. 9 St. John’s Prep is in Chelmsford Wednesday (5) against No.9 Belmont; and No. 5 Medford is in Stoneham (5:30) Wednesday against No. 12 Winchester.

LYNN — Nicholas “Nick” P. Calos peacefully passed on Saturday, Feb. 25, after a lengthy illness. He joins his wife Sheila (Barrett) Calos in everlasting life.

Nick was transported Friday evening to Kaplan House Hospice in Danvers, surrounded by his loving children. As he left his home there was a burst of fireworks in the sky, not a usual occurrence in February. The family believes that Sheila stole someone’s celebration and was calling for Nick, who passed a few hours later. Although saddened by this loss his children find peace knowing Nick and Sheila are together again.

Nick was the son of Peter and Helen Calos. He lived in Lynn his entire life. Nick was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. Shortly after his graduation he proudly enlisted and served our country in the U.S. Army, upon his honorable discharge he married his sweetheart and began his 35-year career at GE, where he held various positions, retiring in 1991. Nick was a member of the IUE-CWA, Local 201 of Lynn.

His family was of utmost importance to Nick, he was always there for them. He was a quiet man of integrity, a great husband, father, grampy, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend. He was always so kind and always saw the bright side of everything.

He lived a wonderful full life and enjoyed golf, boating, traveling and simple day-to-day interaction with loved ones. Nick was an avid fan of the Boston sports teams. Everyone who knew him will surely miss his beautiful smile and will cherish many wonderful memories.

Nick is survived by son Nick Calos; daughters Doreen Dunlop and her husband Neil, Nancy Craig and her husband Christopher all of Lynn. Grandchildren Nicole Dunlop Torres and her husband Wil, Ashley Dunlop, Neil R. Dunlop and his fiancée Margaret Morris, Tyler Craig and Ryan Craig. He also leaves great-grand sons; Drake and Niko Torres who so loved their Papou.

In addition to his beloved wife, Sheila with whom he shared 58 years of marriage, Nick was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, Christos, William and Virigina Calos.

Service information: Nick’s funeral will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 9 a.m. from the CUFFE MCGINN Funeral Home 157 Maple St., Lynn with a funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church 8 South Common St., Lynn at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit www.stjude.org.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss For more information or to visit the online guestbook, please visit Cuffemcginn.com.

SAUGUS — Mr. Robert L. Dioguardo, age 60, of Saugus, formerly of Lynn, died on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading. He was the loving husband of Carla (DiGiulio) Dioguardo.

Born in Lynn, he was the son of Rita (Guy) Bucchiere of Saugus and the late Louis Dioguardo and step-son of the late Joseph Bucchiere. He worked at General Electric River Works in Lynn. He enjoyed golfing and he was an avid New England Patriots fan. Mr. Dioguardo was also a member of the Saugus Italian American Club. He had been a resident of Saugus since 1961.

Mr. Dioguardo also leaves two beloved daughters, Maria and Deanna Dioguardo both of Saugus; three brothers, Michael Dioguardo of Easton, Ricky Dioguardo of Saugus and Joe Bucchiere of Saugus. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Service information: Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the BISBEE-PORCELLA Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., Saugus, on Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Funeral from the funeral home on Thursday at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer St., Saugus at 10 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. For directions and condolences BisbeePorcella.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

William Coburn, of 50 South Common St., was arrested on warrant charges of two counts of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, larceny, miscellaneous equipment violation and failure to stop/yield at 3:08 p.m. Sunday.

Donald Dahlbeck, of 78 Hawthorne St., was arrested on a warrant charge of Class A drug possession at 8:50 a.m. Monday.

Samuel Poole, 19, of 250 Broadway Tower, Revere, was arrested and charged with motor vehicle breaking and entering with theft, possession of a burglarious instrument and receiving stolen property at 11:03 p.m. Sunday.

John Russo, 38, of 75 Willow St., Woburn, was arrested and charged with trespassing at 1:48 p.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:21 p.m. Sunday at Laighton and Washington streets;at 7:21 a.m. Monday at 421 Broadway; at 7:55 a.m. Monday at Boston and Ford streets; at 11:08 a.m. Monday at Boston and Franklin streets.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 3:43 p.m. Sunday at 35 Moon Road; at 5:12 p.m. Sunday at 35 Moon Road.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 6:13 p.m. Sunday at Bennett and Commercial streets; at 12:38 a.m. Monday at 11 South St.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 10:37 p.m. Sunday at MBTA Parking Garage at 186 Market St.; at 6:30 a.m. Monday at 15 Lewis Place.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 11:38 p.m. Sunday at 501 Washington St.; at 11:42 p.m. Sunday at 14 Bessom St.; at 1:45 a.m. Monday at 56 Johnson St.; at 1:52 a.m. Monday at 120 Liberty St.; at 2:48 a.m. Monday at 86 Mall St.; at 3:30 a.m. Monday at 108 Franklin St.; at 5:26 a.m. Monday at 51 Vine St.; at 7:01 a.m. Monday at Essex and Jackson streets; at 10:18 a.m. Monday at 31 Curwin Circle.

Theft

A report of motor vehicle theft at 7:56 p.m. Sunday at 300 Washington St.

A report of a larceny at 1:23 p.m. Monday at 153 Marianna St.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 12 p.m. Sunday at 15 Grandview Place; at 9:19 a.m. Monday at 26 Joyce St.

A report of vandalism at 5:02 p.m. Sunday at 58 Farrell Road; at 9:35 a.m. Monday at 48 Fernwood Ave.

Police log: 2-27-2017

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of a porta potty tipped over at 11:17 a.m. Sunday on Alden Road. A caller reported a porta potty appeared to be tipped over in the middle of the road and was concerned that “kids will play in it.” Police reported they didn’t foresee any children playing in it.

A report of a male harassing him at 11:22 a.m. Sunday on Pleasant Street. A caller reported he was in the area of the plaza and a male in his 60s was harassing him and his fiance. Police reported talking to the suspect, but after officers left, the caller said the man kept harassing them.

Fire

A report of a dryer fire at 9:39 p.m. Sunday on Devereux Street. A neighbor reported a possible house fire. The homeowner had extinguished the fire, but fire crews stayed on scene as it may have been chasing through the vents.

PEABODY

Arrests

Kevin Deleon, 23, of 426 Washington St., Apt. 3, Lynn, was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license at 11:06 p.m. Sunday.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:23 a.m. Monday at 54 Samoset Road and 24 Herrick Road. Gun shots were reported. Calls were coming from all neighboring streets. An officer reported fireworks; at 2:07 a.m. Monday at Fairweather Apartments at 20 Central St.; at 5:12 a.m. Monday at Qdoba Mexican Grill at 229 Andover St.

A report of suspicious activity at 1:50 a.m. Monday at The Buddha’s Tavern at 144 Washington St. A female crying on the street was reported. The woman was not in trouble and police services were not needed; at 1:34 p.m. Monday at Northshore Mall at 210N Andover St. A caller reported seeing a man with handcuffs. Police reported the man was spoken to and was found to not have any handcuffs.

REVERE

Arrests

Anthony Christopher Coleman, 23, of 840 Pleasant St., Apt. 1, Norwood, was arrested and charged with operating after license or right to operate was suspended, habitual traffic offender and on warrants at 4:45 p.m. Friday.

Scott A. Ferguson, 43, of 108 Kimball Ave., Apt. 1, was arrested and charged with assault and battery, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and public drinking at 2:05 a.m. Saturday.

Timmy R. Hem, 22, homeless, was arrested and charged with trespassing at 10:15 p.m. Saturday.

Frank S. O’Riley, 23, of 418 Revere Beach Parkway, Apt. 48, was arrested and charged with shoplifting by asportation at 1:42 p.m. Friday.

Ralph J. Romelus, 30, of 10 Winter Hill, Apt. 1, Somerville, was arrested and charged with rude and disorderly conduct and resisting arrest at 12:24 a.m. Sunday.

Kathleen Welch, 58, of 40 Main St., Apt. 2, Saugus, was arrested and charged with shoplifting by concealing merchandise at 10:55 a.m. Saturday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 9:39 a.m. Friday on Copeland Circle; at 10:37 p.m. Friday on Park Avenue; at 3:51 p.m. Saturday at Ocean Avenue and Beach Street; at 3:55 p.m. Saturday at Blanchard’s Liquors on American Legion Highway; at 6:32 p.m. Saturday at Broadway and E Mountain Avenue; at 9:11 p.m. Saturday at Bank of America on American Legion Highway; at 11:51 p.m. Saturday at Northgate Shopping Center on Squire Road; at 9:54 a.m. Sunday at Parkway Optical on Broadway; at 12:15 p.m. Sunday at Tedeschi Food Shops on Beach Street; at 4:20 p.m. Sunday at Malden Street and Asti Avenue.

Assaults

A report of an assault at 8:22 p.m. Friday on Cooledge Street; at 9:07 p.m. Friday on Revere Street; at 7:58 p.m. Saturday on Pleasant Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 3:04 p.m. Friday on Endicott Avenue; at 1:22 p.m. Sunday on Shirley Avenue.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 1:04 a.m. Friday on Beach Street; at 9:24 a.m. Friday on Walnut Place; at 11:23 a.m. Friday at Metro Transport on Broadway; at 11:53 a.m. Friday at Market Basket on Squire Road; at 9:41 p.m. Friday on Bay Road; at 11:25 p.m. Friday on Prospect Avenue; at 12:41 a.m. Saturday on Bellingham Avenue; at 2:01 a.m. Saturday at Cinco De Mayo on Centennial Avenue; at 2:25 a.m. Saturday on Prospect Avenue; at 4:51 a.m. Saturday at Comfort Inn & Suites on American Legion Highway; at 12:01 p.m. Saturday on Vinal Street; at 1:09 p.m. Saturday at Atlas Automotive on North Shore Road; at 5:06 p.m. Saturday at Harry Della Russo Stadium on Park Avenue; at 5:54 p.m. Saturday at Speedway on Lee Burbank Highway; at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Centennial Avenue; at 9:19 p.m. Saturday on Yeamans Street; at 9:24 p.m. Saturday on Proctor Avenue; at 10 p.m. Saturday on Arcadia Street; at 11:06 p.m. Saturday on Malden Street; at 12:24 a.m. Sunday at Squire Lounge on Squire Road; at 1:07 a.m. Sunday at Hill Park at Park Avenue and Allston Street; at 1:35 a.m. Sunday on Malden Street; at 1:41 a.m. Sunday on North Avenue; at 1:53 a.m. Sunday at Las Vegas Restaurant on Shirley Avenue; at 2:18 a.m. Sunday on Ridge Road; at 3:37 a.m. Sunday on Bradstreet Avenue; at 4:07 a.m. Sunday on Revere Street.

A report of shots fired at 5:31 a.m. Sunday on Fenno Street.

Fire

A report of a structure fire at 11:49 a.m. Saturday on Grand View Avenue.

Overdose

A report of a possible overdose at 1:32 p.m. Friday on Squire Road.  

Theft

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 4:38 p.m. Friday on Walnut Avenue. Youssef Boussecsou, 37, of 61 Pleasant St., Apt. 1, was summoned for larceny; at 5:41 p.m. Friday on Clinton Road; at 11:24 p.m. Friday on Jarvis Street; at 2:24 p.m. Sunday at Burlington Coat Factory on Squire Road.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN — A 26-year-old man was allegedly robbed at gunpoint outside a Chestnut Street apartment on Friday night.

Police responded to 135 Chestnut St. around 9 p.m., and met with a Charlestown man who told police a man came from the side of the front porch and pushed him into the lobby. The suspect was holding a handgun, Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly said.

The victim said the suspect pushed the gun into his ribcage, and said “give me everything in your pockets.” The man went through the victim’s pockets, and took $50 in cash, his credit card, and jewelry he was wearing, before running away in an unknown direction, Donnelly said.

Police described the suspect as a skinny, light-skinned man in his late 20s to mid-30s, with a scruffy beard. The incident is under investigation and no arrests have been made.

Police log: 2-28-2017

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

COURTESY PHOTO
Pictured is Lynn Classical High School graduate Tiba Faraj.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tiba Faraj, a recent Lynn Classical High School graduate and a refugee from Iraq, will accompany U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) to President Donald Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday.

Faraj, 22, came to Lynn in 2010, along with her parents and siblings. She became an American citizen last year.

“Like many before her, Tiba came to America seeking a better life,” said Warren in a statement. “Since arriving in Massachusetts, she has become a valued member of her community, through her commitment to volunteer work and academic excellence. Tiba’s courage, resilience and optimism embody the very best of the American spirit. Our strength as a country is rooted in our diversity, and Tiba’s many contributions have made us that much stronger.”

Faraj was unavailable for comment on Monday.

Warren’s decision to bring Faraj as a guest comes after Trump’s recent executive order, which temporarily banned entry to the United States by refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations. The order has since been blocked by a federal judge. Trump is reportedly expected to release a new executive order on immigration this week.

Faraj’s journey to the United States began in 2006, after her father was shot and left permanently disabled while working for an American-backed development organization in Iraq. The Faraj family fled to Jordan, and began the process of applying for refugee status. After a screening process, the family was granted admission into the country in 2010 and settled in Massachusetts. They now live in Boston, according to information provided from Warren’s office.

She graduated from Lynn Classical in 2014 and is a junior at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

“We are so proud of Tiba for pursuing her own American dream while overcoming the challenges she and her family have faced,” said UMass Dartmouth interim Chancellor Peyton R. Helm in a statement. “Her success is an inspirational testament to her own perseverance and to the enduring values of our university, Commonwealth and our country.”

Faraj spent time interning with state Rep. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn).

“It is fair to say that I learned more from Tiba than she did from me during her time with my office,” Crighton said in a statement. “Tiba truly represents who we are as a nation and we are so proud to have her join Senator Warren for this speech before Congress.”

ICE rumors send chill through North Shore

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

COURTESY PHOTO
An artist’s rendering of the proposed Pickering Middle School.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN  — If mother knows best, then an organized group of moms could be hard to stop as they push for two new middle schools in the city.

For the first time in Lynn’s history, voters will be asked to voluntarily raise their real estate taxes to pay for a school to be built near Pine Grove Cemetery and Breeds Pond Reservoir off Parkland Avenue and a second facility on Commercial Street for West Lynn. Local moms say it’s worth it.

“There’s simply not enough room in the existing middle school and the conditions are terrible,” said Christine “Krissi” Pannell, the parent of a 4-year-old who attends the Busy Bee Nursery School. “The reasons that people want to vote no are petty compared to the reasons why we should be voting yes.”

The special election, scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, is pitting mothers against a vocal opposition who insist they are not against new schools. Instead, they say the city should find an alternative to the Pine Grove site that has been reserved for the graveyard’s expansion.                                                            

If approved, voters will be responsible for $91.4 million or 51.5 percent of the total $188.5 million project cost. The city said the average homeowner will pay an additional $200 in taxes per year for 25 years. The rest of the cost will be picked up by the  Massachusetts School Building Authority, a quasi-public agency that funds school construction.      

Project Manager Lynn Stapleton said the actual cost of the project could be as much as $16 million less because the city is required to include contingencies that may not be needed. As a result, she said, the taxpayer contribution would be lower and the average cost per homeowner could drop below $200 annually.                                

“We are not opposed to the new schools, but we object to using Pine Grove Cemetery property and we oppose any effort to take that land for a school,” said Gary Welch, 63. “We are not anti-education and NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) activists. We are fine with the West Lynn site.”

Still, others who oppose the school have raised the issue of more traffic in the Parkland Avenue neighborhood, and the prospect of higher taxes.                                                                               

But the opposition hasn’t stopped moms from organizing to get out the vote in favor of the schools.                                       

Pannell said she has no patience with any of the arguments against the Parkland Avenue school.                                           

“I can’t believe people would vote no because they might have to wait a couple of extra minutes in the morning to get onto Parkland Avenue,” she said. “Traffic happens wherever there’s a school, so you plan ahead. Are we really going to deny these kids a better education and better conditions because we don’t want to figure out a little traffic pattern? As far as the cemetery is concerned, bury me anywhere. We’re talking about a new school for kids versus where we are going to bury people in 15 years when they die. Give me a break.”                               

Welch said opponents of the Parkland Avenue school are also concerned that the new access road would have a detrimental impact on the nearby reservoir. The city should consider other sites such as a parcel off Federal Street near Market Basket and one on Magnolia that would have less impact, he said.

But the School Building Committee said they vetted other sites and Parkland Avenue makes the most sense. They argued that no matter where a school is built, there will be opposition.         

Tara Osgood, whose two boys attend the Sisson Elementary School, said Pickering has outlived its usefulness.

“I attended Pickering when it was a junior high school when it had a seventh and eighth grade, and now there’s a sixth grade crammed into it,” she said. “It’s horrifying. It’s falling apart and there are 30 kids in a classroom. That’s major wear and tear on a 100-year-old building. It was never meant for that many kids and that many grades.”                                                        

Osgood said the condition of Lynn’s school buildings is driving parents out of the city.                                                          

“People who lived here their entire lives are moving out, not because of crime or taxes, it’s because the schools are falling down on the kids,” she said. “Nobody likes paying more taxes, but I am willing to pay a few hundred more for better school buildings for our children.”                                                       

But not everyone agrees. About 200 opponents packed the Hibernian Hall on Federal Street Saturday night to fight the proposal. The group, Protect Our Reservoir — Preserve Pine Grove, raised $7,200 to continue the battle, according to Donald Castle, one of the founders.                                                       

Despite the well-financed opposition, Kristen Hawes, whose children attend Lynn Woods Elementary School, said she intends to vote yes for new schools.                                     

“These schools will benefit our children,” she said. “I understand there are issues about the cemetery and taxes. But  I’d rather pay for two brand new schools than have my taxes go to another charter school.”                                                         

Emily LeBlanc-Perrone, who is pregnant with her first child, said voters need to invest in the city if they want Lynn to improve.                                                                                      

“It will cost a few hundred more, but that’s not much when you consider we are investing in our children and for the community,” she said. “These are the people who will run the city someday and we want to provide them with the best education we can.”

Swampscott is showing signs of love

Thomas Grillo can be reached at tigrillo@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

Timothy Ballard was arrested on a warrant charge of shoplifting by asportation at 3:28 p.m. Monday.

Marco Collins, 39, of 560 Boston St., was arrested and charged with two counts of Class B drug possession at 2:25 a.m. Tuesday.

Nelson Correa, 26, of 91 Central St., Peabody, was arrested on warrant charges of two counts of larceny at 1:16 p.m. Tuesday.

Nina Deza, 29, of 122 Essex St., was arrested and charged with Class B drug possession at 2:15 p.m. Monday.

David Garcia, 23, of 304 Boston St., was arrested and charged with OUI liquor, leaving the scene of personal injury, passing violation, leaving the scene of property damage, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and reckless operation of a motor vehicle at 8:31 p.m. Monday.

Joseph Hayes, 52, was arrested and charged with violation of the city knife ordinance at 11:52 a.m. Tuesday.

Luis Lopez, 18, of 380 Essex St., was arrested and charged with disguise to obstruct justice and on warrant charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stop/yield at 1:36 a.m. Tuesday.

Mayya Shoykhet, of 36 Keys Drive, Peabody, was arrested on a warrant charge of an unnatural act at 10:37 a.m. Tuesday.

Joseph Smith, 57, was arrested and charged with trespassing at 4:41 p.m. Monday.

Christine Zack, of 18 Cashman Road, Peabody, was arrested on warrant charges of Class A drug possession, Class B drug possession and Class D drug distribution at 11:20 a.m. Tuesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:34 p.m. Monday at Lynnway and Shepard Street; at 5:49 p.m. Monday at 700 Summer St.; at 6:44 p.m. Monday at Linden and Morris streets; at 7:44 p.m. Monday at Boston Street and Browns Avenue; at 8:11 p.m. Monday at Boston Street and Winnepurkit Avenue; at 8:14 a.m. Tuesday at 55 Lynn Shore Drive; at 9:07 a.m. Tuesday at Metropolitan Credit Union at 475 Western Ave.; at 10:49 a.m. Tuesday at 376 Washington St.; at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at Boston and Ford streets; at 11:47 a.m. Tuesday at 1 Market St.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 8:10 p.m. Monday at 66 High Rock St.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 8:29 p.m. Monday on Light Street.

A report of an assault at 8:30 p.m. Monday on South Common Street.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 4:04 p.m. Monday at 160 Neptune Blvd.; at 8:42 p.m. Monday at 371 Boston St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 4:06 p.m. Monday at Lincoln and Union streets; at 5:25 p.m. Monday at 710 Summer St.; at 7:39 p.m. Monday at 11 Breed Square; at 7:51 p.m. Monday at 34 Hanover St.; at 10:23 p.m. Monday at 60 Market Square; at 12:47 p.m. Tuesday at 50 Arlington St.; at 2 p.m. Tuesday at 399 Essex St.; at 2:22 p.m. Tuesday on Light Street.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 7:32 p.m. Monday on Union Street; at 8:24 p.m. Monday on Union Street; at 8:49 p.m. Monday on Jefferson Street; at 8:53 p.m. Monday on Green Street.

Vandalism

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 8:27 a.m. Tuesday at 40 Sewall St.

Police log: 2-28-2017

LYNNFIELD

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 6:34 p.m. Friday at Bali-Hai Restaurant at 93 Moulton Drive. John D. Diggins, 36, of 6 Algonquin Drive, Burlington, was summoned for leaving the scene of property damage.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 2:05 p.m. Saturday on Condon Circle; at 4:08 p.m. Monday at Kings Entertainment at 510 Market St.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 11 a.m. Friday at 511 Walnut St. and 199 Salem St. A caller reported an assault among other motorists; at 10:16 p.m. Saturday at Legal C Bar at 220 Market St.

A caller reported someone was blowing leaves into the street at 3:37 p.m. Saturday at Yorkshire Drive and Barnsley Road. Police spoke with the man in question, who agreed to clean up the street.

Vandalism

A report of malicious destruction of property at 8:41 p.m. Friday on Walnut Street. A caller reported youths threw something at her car.

MARBLEHEAD

Assaults

A report of an assault at 3:46 p.m. Monday on Anderson Street. A mother called and reported her 9-year-old son was jumped on his way home from school and was punched by kids for no apparent reason.

Complaints

A report of suspicious activity at 7:48 a.m. Monday on Atlantic Avenue. A caller reported he was walking his dogs by the tennis courts near the church and noticed a man wearing a red flannel with a hood, dark sunglasses, jeans and a wool coat looking through lawns. The caller also noticed the bulge of a knife in the man’s back pocket; at 8:50 a.m. Monday on Atlantic Avenue. A caller reported a man was in a tree by the seaside talking to himself with a bow. The man was taken to Salem Hospital and was later released in stable condition.

REVERE

Arrests

Patrick A. Jordan, 49, of 141 Constitution Ave., was arrested on a warrant at 12:36 a.m. Monday.

Demetrius Reese, 22, of 107 Constitution Ave., was arrested and charged with two counts of larceny at 5:38 p.m. Monday.

Anthony James Straccia, 42, of 242 Cooledge St., Apt. 1, was arrested and charged with three counts of intimidation of a witness, two counts of kidnapping of a child, kidnapping and assault and battery at 4:40 p.m. Monday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 1:12 a.m. Monday on Brown Circle; at 3:28 p.m. Monday at Hill School on Park Avenue.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 4:52 p.m. Monday on American Legion Highway.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 12:05 p.m. Monday at Revere Fire Department on Broadway; at 1:22 p.m. Monday at Revere City Hall on Broadway; at 2:02 p.m. Monday on Thurlow Avenue; at 6:03 p.m. Monday on Larkin Street; at 10:41 p.m. Monday at Wonderland Convenience on Shawmut Street; at 11:06 p.m. Monday at Belle Isle Condo Trust on Bennington Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny/forgery/fraud at 12:36 p.m. Monday at Revere Housing Authority on Adams Court; at 6:17 p.m. Monday at BJ’s Wholesale Club on Ward Street.

SAUGUS

Arrests

Rocco C. Freni, of 11 Chase St., was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, failure to stop for police, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, resisting arrest, assault with a dangerous weapon and on warrants at 1:38 p.m. Saturday.

Sean M. O’Connor, of 27 Meadow St., Dedham, was arrested and charged with two counts of larceny, two counts of resisting arrest, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shoplifting by concealing merchandise, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, trespassing and on warrants at 11:46 a.m. Sunday.  

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 12:53 a.m. Friday at South Car Wash. State Police reported a vehicle flipped on a guardrail; at 3:23 a.m. Friday on Walnut Street; at 8:06 a.m. Friday at Ballard Street and Salem Turnpike; at 8:52 p.m. Friday at Clean Joe at 390 Lincoln Ave. One person was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. One person was taken to Melrose Wakefield Hospital; at 4:14 p.m. Saturday at Kohl’s at 333 Broadway; at 6:46 p.m. Saturday at Polcari’s Restaurant at 92 Broadway.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 1:46 p.m. Sunday at Bob’s Store at 1020 Broadway; at 2:12 p.m. Sunday at Hockeytown USA at 953 Broadway. A six-car crash was reported.

A report of a motor vehicle hit and run accident at 3:07 p.m. Sunday at Target at 400 Lynn Fells Parkway.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 9:44 a.m. Sunday at 1 Atherton St. and 234 Hamilton St. Police reported two cars were broken into and the stereo systems were removed. The seats were destroyed with a razor; at 9:38 p.m. Monday at LA Fitness at 1450 Broadway.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 10:56 p.m. Friday at 77 Newhall Ave.; at 2:06 p.m. Sunday at Batteries Plus at 405 Broadway; at 7:16 p.m. Sunday at 26 Western Ave. A caller reported her husband had been in an altercation with the neighbor and was kicked in the face. Police reported the man had sustained injuries from attempting to climb over the fence and falling on his face. He was taken to Melrose Wakefield Hospital. Police reported no sign of a crime; at 10:12 p.m. Monday at 82 Newhall Ave.; at 10:35 p.m. Monday at Warden Street Apartments at 5 Warden St.

A report of a water rescue at 3:11 p.m. Friday at 177 Forest St. A caller reported a woman was on the ice trying to get her dog who had fallen through the ice. The caller further reported the woman fell through the ice into the water and made her way back to the shore.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 10:33 a.m. Monday at Walgreens at 1228 Broadway. A man reported he had money taken out of his bank account at Walgreens. He had used the ATM there and then it was used two more times for $203 and $103.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 9:24 p.m. Friday at 27 Spring St. A caller reported that someone had thrown ice cream all over her vehicle. Police reported someone threw an ice cream cone at the car; at 9:36 a.m. Saturday at 22 Foster St.; at 8:34 p.m. Monday at Dick’s Sporting Goods at 1201 Broadway. Mall security reported a car was vandalized in the parking lot.

PHOTO BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Donald Trump arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington.

By JULIE PACE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Heralding a “new chapter of American greatness,” President Donald Trump stood before Congress for the first time Tuesday night and issued a broad call for overhauling the nation’s health care system, significantly boosting military spending and plunging $1 trillion into upgrading crumbling infrastructure.

Striking an optimistic tone, Trump declared: “The time for small thinking is over.”

Trump’s address came at a pivotal moment for a new president elected on pledges to swiftly shake up Washington and follow through on the failed promises of career politicians. His opening weeks in office have been consumed by distractions and self-inflicted wounds, including the bungled rollout of a sweeping immigration and refugee executive order that was blocked by the courts.

Trump, who typically relishes flouting political convention, embraced the pomp and tradition of a presidential address to Congress. He stuck largely to his script, made occasional overtures to Democrats and skipped the personal insults he so often hurls at his opponents.

The president was greeted by enthusiastic applause as he entered the House chamber, though it was filled with Democrats who vigorously oppose his policies and many Republicans who never expected him to be elected. Most Republican lawmakers have rallied around him since the election, hopeful that he will act on the domestic priorities they saw blocked during President Barack Obama’s eight years in office.

Topping that list is undoing Obama’s signature healthcare law and replacing the sweeping measure. Trump offered a basic blueprint of his priorities, including ensuring that those with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, allowing people to buy insurance across state lines and offering tax credits and expanded health savings accounts to help Americans purchase coverage. He suggested he would get rid of the current law’s requirement that all Americans carry insurance coverage, saying that “mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America.”

Making a direct appeal for bipartisanship, Trump turned to Democrats and said, “Why not join forces to finally get the job done and get it done right?”

Democrats, now firmly ensconced in the minority, sat silently while Republicans stood and cheered. Some wore blue, pro-health care buttons that read “Protect our care,” and dozens of Democratic women wore white in honor of the suffrage movement.

Trump was vague in his call for tax reform, another Republican priority. He promised “massive tax relief for the middle class” and a reduction in corporate tax rates, but glossed over how he would offset the cuts.

The president also urged Congress to pass a $1 trillion infrastructure package financed through both public and private capital.

“The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding,” he said.

Trump sent unexpectedly mixed messages on immigration, one of his signature campaign issues. He pledged to vigorously target people living in the U.S. illegally who “threaten our communities and prey on our citizens.” But he told news anchors before his speech that he was open to legislation that could provide a pathway to legal status, and he told Congress he believed “real and positive immigration reform is possible.”

The president’s words on immigration and “extreme vetting” of immigrants and refugees had to have been of special interest to recent Lynn Classical High School graduate and a refugee from Iraq, Tiba Faraj, who attended Trump’s speech as the guest of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass).

Faraj, 22, came to Lynn in 2010, along with her parents and siblings. She became an American citizen last year.

Before the speech, Faraj said in a phone interview that she was excited to be attending.

The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth junior now lives in Boston. She used the services of the New American Center, which serves the refugee and immigrant population in Lynn, during her school years for help with homework. She said Lynn is great for immigrants and people of different races and religions, calling it a place of diversity.

Warren’s decision to bring Faraj as a guest comes after Trump’s recent executive order, which temporarily banned entry to the United States by refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations. The order has since been blocked by a federal judge. Trump is reportedly expected to release a new executive order on immigration this week, but didn’t specifically mention his plans in Tuesday night’s address.

Faraj said she sees the United States as the country to welcome everyone.

“I think, like refugees are the people who built the country,” she said. “I’m one of the refugees. I went to school like everyone else.”

Warren said in a phone interview on Tuesday that she decided to bring Faraj because she wanted people all across Massachusetts to hear her family’s story and to know how hard she has worked. The senator also wanted people to remember how Faraj and other refugees and immigrants have added to the country and helped make it safer.

Classical graduate goes to Congress

First lady Melania Trump sat with special guests who were on hand to amplify the president’s agenda, including the family members of people killed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The widow of former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia also sat alongside Mrs. Trump, a reminder of the president’s well-received nomination of federal appeals court Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill Scalia’s seat.

The majority of Trump’s address centered on the domestic, economic-focused issues that were at the center of his presidential campaign. His national security message centered largely on a call for significantly boosting military spending and taking strong but unspecified measures to protect the nation from “radical Islamic terrorism.”

Underscoring the human cost of those efforts, Trump honored Chief Special Warrant Officer William “Ryan” Owens, who was killed in a raid in Yemen during his first days in office. Owens’ widow sat in the guest box with tears streaming down her face as the crowd stood and applauded at length.

Owens’ death, as well as the killing of several civilians, have raised questions about the effectiveness of the raid. Pushing back, the president said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had assured him that the operation generated “large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies.”

Trump also voiced support for NATO but reiterated his call for partner countries to meet their financial obligations to the military alliance. Trump has previously called NATO “obsolete,” setting some allies on edge about his commitment to the partnership.

Gayla Cawley of the Item staff contributed to this report.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — Two missing words could cost the city as much as $9,000 after a typo was discovered on one of the ballot questions for the March 14 special election.

The hotly contested poll will ask voters to approve $188.5 million for the construction of a pair of middle schools to serve the city’s burgeoning school population.    

In the initial printing, Question 1 failed to include the words “be approved” following a description of the school building project that includes a new Pickering Middle School on Parkland Avenue near Pine Grove Cemetery and a new West Lynn Middle School on Commercial Street. Without those two words in the English and Spanish versions, it would be unclear whether the voter was in favor or opposed to the measure.

“No one caught the error, but the blame belongs to me,” said James Lamanna, the city’s assistant city solicitor. “I take full responsibility.”

The city received the new ballots on Monday. The cost to reprint them has been estimated at between $3,000 and $9,000.

Lamanna said he was contacted by the Secretary of State’s Election Division last week telling him they had received a number of calls reporting confusion over the ballot question.

About 200 ballots had been mailed to absentee voters before the error was spotted. A letter explaining the problem has been sent to those voters with a corrected ballot.  

Donald Castle, founder of the Protect Our Reservoir, Preserve Pine Grove, a grassroots organization that opposes the Parkland Avenue school site, said he saw a copy of the ballot question last week, noticed it lacked a verb and contacted the city and the Secretary of State’s office.

The group is opposed to the site for the Pickering Middle School on Parkland Avenue. They argue the land is for the expansion of Pine Grove Cemetery and the new road would impact the nearby reservoir.

Pickering in middle of ballot debate

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

LYNN — Joan Loretta (Armstead) Kimber, age 83, of Lynn, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2017. She was the wife of the late Richard Kimber Sr.

Born in Dorchester, one of 10 siblings, she was the daughter of the late Robert Armstead Sr. and Agatha Catherine (Wooten) Armstead Cassell. Joan spent much time growing up in a West Lebanon, Maine, farm.

Prior to her retirement, she had worked at Davis and Shoe, Shoe Factory and General Electric. Joan was a caregiver to many family and friends. She enjoyed bowling.

She is survived by her children, Robert L. Kimber, Joan L. Kimber, Richard H. Kimber Jr., Irene M. Kimber, Sandra L. Kimber-Sierra, Thomas J. Kimber and James W. Kimber; her brother, Raymond Armstead; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and by many who referred to her as “Mom” and “AJ.” She was the sister of the late Ronald Armstead, Robert Armstead Jr., Catherine Armstead Kimber, Sylvia Armstead Robinson, twins, Richard and Ralph Armstead, Roger Armstead and Barbara Armstead Hill.  

Service information: A funeral service will be held in the GOODRICH Funeral Home, 128 Washington St., Lynn, on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Visitation is Friday, 4-8 p.m.