PEABODY — Theresa “Terry” Diachisin, 84, of Peabody, passed away comfortably at her home on April 1, 2017. She was the sweetheart of William Roy Diachisin with whom she shared 55 devoted years of marriage.

Terry was born in Lynn on July 15, 1932, daughter of the late Donato and Antonietta (Caputo) Miraglia, who had immigrated to the U.S. from Forenza, Italy. After graduating from Lynn English High School in 1950 she fondly remembered working in the offices at Hoague Sprague Corporation and Nissen Bakery until shortly after July of 1961, when she married.

Terry had two children and lovingly devoted her life to caring for her family and home. She was understanding and supportive of her children and put their well being above all else. She was handy around the spotless house, taking care of many home-oriented tasks such as wallpapering, painting and sewing. Each week a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce was on the stove, certainly the influence of her Italian heritage. Terry loved to spend time with her sisters, going shopping, talking on the phone and walking along the beach at all times of the year. She enjoyed listening to popular music and would hum along to the tunes. She adored her grandson, whose presence would make her smile joyfully each time he visited.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, William “Bill” G. Diachisin of Peabody and Susan Diachisin of Andover. She also leaves a son-in-law, Susan’s husband Aaron Pawelek, and a grandson, Oliver Pawelek, also from Andover. Her Godchild, Carla Williamson, lives in Colleyville, Texas. Terry was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Miraglia, and sisters Mary DiCrescenzo and Elinor Grant.

Service information: A private burial was held at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Peabody. Donations made be made to Beacon Hospice c/o Amedisys Foundation, 100 Cummings Park, Suite 222C, Beverly, MA 01915.

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

Ismaila Bobb, 38, of 227 Maple St., was arrested on a courtesy booking at 8:56 a.m. Thursday.

Cricket Brown was arrested and charged with Class A drug possession and on a warrant charge of sexual conduct for a fee at 2:01 p.m. Wednesday.

Adonis Delgado, of 14 Tarmey Lane, was arrested on warrant charges of breaking and entering for a misdemeanor and trespassing at 11:23 p.m. Wednesday.

Kyle Farese, 24, of 63 Lynnway, was arrested and charged with Class B drug possession at 3:09 p.m. Wednesday.

Joseph Guzman, 24, of 9 Pearl St., Ayer, was arrested and charged with Class B drug possession and on warrant charges of assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Jackeline Hernandez, of 132 Elm St., was arrested and charged with assault and battery, unarmed robbery and larceny at 12:02 p.m. Thursday.

John Hodgdon, 23, of 9 Oakcrest Road, was arrested on a courtesy booking at 5:39 p.m. Wednesday.

Taylor Mills was arrested on warrant charges of Class A drug possession, Class B drug possession, Class E drug possession, larceny, receiving stolen property, uninsured motor vehicle/trailer, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and unregistered motor vehicle at 7:59 p.m. Wednesday.

Ercilio Salcedo, 40, of 47 Fales St., Worcester, was arrested and charged with Class B drug possession at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Adriana Solano, of 80 Sagamore St., was arrested on a warrant charge of witness intimidation at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 3:08 p.m. Wednesday at Hood School at 24 Oakwood Ave.; at 4:33 p.m. Wednesday at 235 O’Callaghan Way; at 5:41 p.m. Wednesday at 4 Brightwood Terrace; at 6:09 p.m. Wednesday at Lynnfield Street and Winslow Way; at 7:12 p.m. Wednesday at Chatham Street and Western Avenue; at 7:35 a.m. Thursday at 71 Linden St.; at 8:17 a.m. Thursday at Dunkin’ Donuts at 333 Lynnway; at 9:08 a.m. Thursday at 274 Union St.; at 1:02 p.m. Thursday at Caldwell Crescent and Marianna Street.

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 3:13 a.m. Thursday at 105 Linwood St.; at 1:05 p.m. Thursday at 193 Fayette St.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a breaking and entering at 7 p.m. Wednesday at 26 Evelyn St.

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 7:46 a.m. Thursday at 113 Maplewood Road.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 10:26 p.m. Wednesday on Red Rock Street; at 9:17 a.m. Thursday on Red Rock Street.

Complaints

A report of a disturbance at 2:42 p.m. Wednesday at 17 Collins St.; at 4:06 p.m. Wednesday at 881 Western Ave.; at 5:22 p.m. Wednesday at 41 State St.; at 7:11 p.m. Wednesday at 20 East Highland St.; at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday on Gray Circle; at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday at 22 Circuit Ave.; at 1:27 p.m. Thursday at 60 River St.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 7:52 p.m. Wednesday on Boston Street.

Theft

A report of a larceny at 3:37 p.m. Wednesday at 204D Blossom St. Extension; at 5:57 a.m. Thursday at 95 Tremont St.; at 7:55 a.m. Thursday at 8 Clark Circle; at 12:36 p.m. Thursday at 29 Elm St.

Vandalism

A report of vandalism at 2:33 p.m. Wednesday at 116 Adams St.; at 11:19 a.m. Thursday at 8 Lafayette Park.

A report of motor vehicle vandalism at 3:07 p.m. Wednesday at 80 Sagamore St.

Police log: 4-6-2017

MARBLEHEAD

Complaints

A report of an item found at the beach at 8:28 a.m. Wednesday on Ocean Avenue. A man came into the station with an item he found at Devereux Beach. He stated that he had seen something on the news where an item washed up on the beach and it turned out to be an explosive. Police determined that the item was a harmless piece of fishing equipment.

A report of a disturbance at 6:02 p.m. Wednesday on Ames Road. Police received a complaint of a child on a motorized scooter going up and down the street and path; at 10:07 p.m. Wednesday on Lime Street.

Theft

A report of a stolen phone at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday on Cloutmans Lane. A caller reported she was missing a phone and thought it was taken by friends of her children who had been staying at the house. She thought other items were missing from the house as well.

A report of a phone and wallet stolen at 6:14 p.m. Wednesday on Humphrey Street. While at track practice, a victim’s phone and wallet were stolen. The phone via an app was popping up in Dorchester.

A report of packages taken at 6:27 p.m. Wednesday on Jersey Street. A caller reported that a couple of packages were taken from his porch.

SAUGUS

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 1:37 p.m. Wednesday at Chisholms Motel at 1314 Broadway; at 6:41 p.m. Wednesday at Central and Saville streets.

Breaking and Entering

A report of a motor vehicle breaking and entering at 9:19 p.m. Wednesday at Flex Fitness at 304 Lincoln Ave.

Complaints

A report of property damage at 9:42 a.m. Wednesday at 27 Bow St. A caller reported a black Camaro was traveling at a high rate of speed cutting off a trash truck, causing property damage to the rocks in front of his home.

A report of a disturbance at 9:42 p.m. Wednesday at 18 Desota St.

SWAMPSCOTT

Arrest

Elizabeth Anderson, 50, was arrested and charged with marked lanes violation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor at 8:16 p.m. Wednesday.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 1:23 p.m. Wednesday at Uno Chicago Grill at 970 Paradise Road; at 7:23 p.m. Wednesday at 180 Norfolk Ave.

By LEAH DEARBORN

LYNN — The Lynn Disability Commission is looking to highlight an outstanding individual or group.

The commission is accepting nominations for its 2017 Achievement Award with a deadline of April 21.

Committee chair Lisa Malone said she sent out nomination papers to the Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, city councilors and other local organizations, but anyone can submit a bid for a worthy candidate.

The benefits of the award are not financial; it’s simply an opportunity to acknowledge some of the hard work that takes place in the city.

“There are so many people who are unsung heroes,” said Malone. “There’s people out there who should be recognized.”

Protect-Preserve needs to produce

The award looks to spotlight improvements to the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, advocacy or volunteerism, development of new programs or services, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship by an individual with a disability or who has a positive impact on individuals with disabilities.

The commission has been busy in its work across the city, recently touring parks and recreational spaces to ensure that they are handicap accessible.

Malone said nomination papers can be obtained by contacting Patrick Cogan at the mayor’s office.

She said this award marks the first that the commission has given out, and they’re hoping for a good turnout to serve as the litmus test for future nominations.

ITEM FILE PHOTO
An aerial view of North Shore Medical Center Union Hospital is seen in this August 2016 file photo.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — Union Hospital’s days are numbered.

Dr. David J. Roberts, who took over as president of the North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) this week, said the city’s only hospital will be shuttered in the fall of 2019 and sold.

Its closure will coincide with the opening of a $210 million campus in Salem. The new building will include an emergency room and two dozen medical/surgical beds. The Spaulding building will be renovated and become a mental health center. “The new NSMC facility will be completed in October of 2019 and at that point the Union campus will close,” he said.

Today Union Hospital offers an ER, inpatient pediatric and geriatric psychiatry,  intensive care units and a medical floor for patients recovering from orthopedic surgery.  

Last year, they served 20,000 ER patients and averaged about 50 medical/surgical patients.

Roberts said it’s still unclear what kind of urgent care will remain in Lynn.

Union Hospital could close earlier if demand for service continues to dwindle, he said.

“We are seeing fewer people using the hospital since we announced plans the closure,” Roberts said.

Disability Commission seeking unsung heroes

As Pilgrims HealthCare, which operates NSMC struggles financially, it recently eliminated 166 positions or 5 percent of its workforce.

“We are a financially challenged,” he said. “I don’t think patients are feeling significant effects of it because it was mostly administrative positions.”

Partners posted the biggest annual operating loss in its 22-year history in 2016 when it reported $108 million in losses on operations in the year that ended Sept. 30.

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

ITEM PHOTO BY JIM WILSON
State sens. Michael Rodrigues and Thomas McGee speak during a meeting with The Item.

State Sen. Michael Rodrigues delivered one of the all-time classic understatements on Thursday during an interview with fellow Sen. Thomas M. McGee and The Item editorial board.

“It’s very difficult to have an adult conversation about taxes,” said the Westport Democrat.

Truer words were never spoken.

A minority of Lynn voters went to the polls on March 21 and rammed a plan to build new public schools into the ground with the force of a piledriver. The argument against the schools revolved around protecting open space and cemetery land. But voters saw red when they were asked to approve a property tax debt exclusion to pay for new schools.

On the other extreme, statewide gambling proponents promised to open the floodgates and pour new tax money into Massachusetts. They pointed to tax revenue from two casinos and a slot parlor as a solution to everything from beefing up police forces to boosting the state’s economy.

Rodrigues and McGee have been crisscrossing Massachusetts with fellow senators as part of Commonwealth Connections. Billed as a listening tour, the series of forums, including one planned next Tuesday in Lynn and another scheduled for that night in Peabody, are aimed principally at collecting and prioritizing ideas for fixing Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure.

Opposition mounts to Munroe school site

As chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation, McGee has repeatedly pointed out how the state’s infrastructure is deteriorating. He has urged legislators, businesspeople, and fellow Lynn residents; as well as people statewide, to talk about how to pay for billions of dollars worth of needed transportation improvements.

He pointed out how tax discussion degenerate into “divisive” debates over prioritizing public spending. Echoing McGee’s point, Rodrigues observed how “everyone is dug into their own box” when it comes to protecting state-approved tax credits lessening the burden on a specific population or business sector.

McGee can’t be blamed for sometimes thinking he is whistling past the graveyard when he points out how improving transportation is a universal challenge everyone has to think about in dollars and cents. He points to the deteriorating General Edwards Bridge — a gateway to the city — as an example of a major expense that cannot be ignored.

Put in simpler terms, McGee is urging a statewide conversation on how to pay for transportation improvements that not only benefit Massachusetts’ economy but prevent disaster and loss of life.

He is not encouraged about the possibility of federal money flooding into the state for infrastructure repairs. But McGee isn’t giving up on the notion that Commonwealth Connections can inspire people across Massachusetts to focus on transportation improvement ideas and ways to pay for them.

It’s time for the adults in the room to start talking.  

Saturday, April 15 ~ 7:30 p.m.
Lynn Common and St. Mary’s Church

The Lynn Catholic Collaborative of St. Mary and Sacred Heart
Offices: 8 South Common Street Lynn, MA 01902 (781) 598-4907
admin@lynncatholic.org

Reawakening, growing and celebrating our Catholic Faith together—welcoming all.
All are welcome and invited to join!

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday

Palms distributed at all Masses

Saturday, April 8
4:00 p.m. Mass St. Mary
4:00 p.m. Mass Sacred Heart

Sunday, April 9
7:00 a.m. Mass Sacred Heart
10:00 a.m. Mass Sacred Heart
9:00 a.m. Mass St. Mary
11:30 a.m. Mass St. Mary
6:00 p.m. Mass St. Mary

Reconciliation/Confession

Wednesday, April 12 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart followed by Mass at 7:00 p.m.

Holy Thursday, April 13
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer at Sacred Heart
7:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Sacred Heart

Good Friday, April 14
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer at Sacred Heart
12:05 p.m. Stations of the Cross at St. Mary’s
7:30 p.m. Service at Sacred Heart

Holy Saturday, April 15
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer at Sacred Heart
7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Lynn Common and St. Mary’s

Easter Sunday, April 16
Same as the regular Sunday Schedule (below), but we will not have our 6:00 p.m. mass.

Regular Weekly Mass Schedule

St. Mary’s – 8 South Common Street Lynn
Saturdays – 4:00 p.m.
Sundays – 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,
1:30 p.m. (Haitian),
4:30 p.m. (Congolese), 6:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart – 571 Boston Street Lynn
Saturdays – 4:00 p.m.
Sundays – 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Weekdays
Monday – 8:15 a.m. Sacred Heart
Tuesday – 12:05 p.m. St. Mary’s
Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Sacred Heart
Thursday – 12:05 p.m. St. Mary’s
Friday – 8:15 a.m. Sacred Heart
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. St. Mary’s

LYNN — Mrs. Margaret M. (O’Brien) Bishop, age 67, of Lynn, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2017. She was the beloved wife of John Bishop, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage. Margaret was born in London, England on June 28, 1949, the daughter of the late Mathew O’Brien and Teresa (O’Brien) O’Brien. She was raised in Lynn and graduated from Lynn Classical High School, Class of 1967.

“Margie” was singularly devoted as a mother and wife, tirelessly providing love and care to all those around her. Her compassion extended beyond her family, when she obtained her nursing degree at age 50. She widened her circle of care with countless patients whom she nurtured and tended to with her signature mixture of wisdom, humor and no-nonsense New England pragmatism that made her a favorite among all those who were fortunate enough to receive her care. Margie was a lifelong supporter of the arts, music and theater and was a proud LEHS drama club booster. She played an instrumental role in all of her children’s after school pursuits and created a second home to three generations of kids who affectionately knew her as “Mrs. B.” or simply as “mom.” She was a lifelong advocate of AIDS awareness.

Margie’s greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother, never tiring and always ready to welcome you with an open door, a cup of tea and lots of laughs for anyone lucky enough to sit at her kitchen table. In addition to her husband, John E. Bishop, she leaves behind three children; Sean Bishop and his wife, Kelly of Pasadena, Calif., Matthew Bishop of North Carolina and Molly Ramsay and her husband, Brian of Lynn. Margie also leaves behind four grandchildren; Chloe and Kenley Bishop of North Carolina, Olivia Ramsay of Lynn and Ahbella Bishop-Adam of North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her devoted group of lifelong friends, “The Golden Girls”.

Service information: Margie’s visitation will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017, from 4–7 p.m. at CUFFE-McGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn, MA 01904. Her funeral will begin at the funeral home on Monday, April 10, 2017, at 11 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12 p.m. at St. Pius V Church, 218 Maple St., in Lynn. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery on Boston Street in Lynn. Please visit Cuffemcginn.com for directions, or to sing the online guestbook.

ITEM PHOTO BY JIM WILSON
State Sen. Thomas McGee speaks with The Item.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — It might be one of the few times when you talk and politicians listen.

Two dozen state senators are expected to attend the latest Commonwealth Conversations next Tuesday at the J. Henry Higgins Middle School in Peabody at 6:30 p.m.  

But don’t expect speeches, these Town Hall-style forums put the microphone in your hands.

“We don’t talk, we listen,” said state Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn). “You get two minutes to make a comment, ask a question or both.”

The Massachusetts Senate launched the statewide listening tour in 2015 designed to connect legislators with constituents to hear their ideas, concerns and suggestions.

“On that tour, we got input from the public that helped us develop our legislative priorities for the session,” McGee said.

Two years ago, legislators heard from the public about the cost of higher education, mounting student debt, college affordability and income inequality.

“As a result of those listening tours in eight Massachusetts regions, we passed legislation to create the college savings plan and expanded the earned income tax credit,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport).

Time for adult conversations

So far, the common denominator at forums in Greater Boston, the South Coast, South Shore, MetroWest and Western Massachusetts have brought out voters who are fired up about immigration issues, global warming and renewable energy.

“We’ve been surprised at how energized people are about what’s happening in Washington,” said Rodrigues. “We expected that in the more progressive parts of the state, like MetroWest, Northampton and Amherst, but we heard the same in Ashland.”

The sessions have had anti-President Donald Trump undertones, the senators said.

“There hasn’t been much speaking directly at the president, but clearly they oppose his policies on immigration and climate change,” said McGee. “That has been universal.”

A separate transportation forum will be on the same day from noon to 2 at the Lynn Museum. Sponsored by the Barr Foundation, the Boston-based nonprofit with assets of $1.6 billion, will explore ways to improve and increase investment in transportation.

“We need to transform our state so that it has a fair and equitable transportation system that benefits everyone,” McGee said.

The senators acknowledge the biggest challenge on transit and infrastructure improvements is raising the money.

“It all boils down to dollars,” Rodrigues said. “It’s difficult to have an adult conversation around taxes because there’s an innate mistrust of government that we don’t spend tax dollars wisely. Everyone thinks about tax policy on their own wallet … it’s challenging.”

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

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
A crowd attends the “Beyond Walls” fundraiser at the Lynn Museum.

By LEAH DEARBORN

LYNN — It was a party Thursday night at the Lynn Museum, with a colorful kickoff to fundraising efforts for downtown art project “Beyond Walls.”

“All aspects of the project are advancing,” said Al Wilson, founder and executive director of Beyond Walls.

The project will use funds raised from the campaign to install lighting in train underpasses and 12 vintage neon artworks in the city’s business district, as well as a sculpture that pays homage to Lynn’s industrial roots and 10 murals in the heart of Lynn’s Transformative Development Initiative District.

Wilson said they’re looking to raise $50-80,000 of the $255,000 minimum total needed for the project.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by May 22 at midnight, the project will win a matching grant with funds from MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program.

Lynn girls are strong, smart, and bold

Wilson said his inspiration for the project came from the Wynwood Art District of Miami, Fla., a warehousing area that was transformed through the presence of art. It was a success story that made him think more about the possibilities in Lynn.

“I think it will the give the area a real spark,” said state Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), who called the project an opportunity to take the arts and culture scene in Lynn up a notch.

“I love it. If I work late I get to walk that way,” said Wendolyn Gonzalez, an employee of Lynn Community Health Center.  

There are plans for future fundraising efforts at the Bent Water Brewing Company May 20 from 3-10 p.m. Wilson said another event will likely take place at the Blue Ox Restaurant sometime in May.

MassDevelopment and Lynn’s Neighborhood Development Associates announced the campaign through the civic crowdfunding platform Patronicity and the Commonwealth Places initiative.

Interested parties can learn more at www.patronicity.com/lynn?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss or www.beyond-walls.org?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

LYNN — Marie J. (Slate) Hartling, 85, of Lynn died Wednesday April 5, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong Lynn resident, she was born to the late Lamont and Florence (Lockhart) Slate, and was the wife of the late Carl Hartling Sr. Marie attended Lynn English High School and worked in the Medical Records Dept. at Union Hospital in Lynn. She was a member of the Eastern Star, and she loved rescuing dogs and cats from the animal shelter. She spent summers at Rangely Lakes, Maine, and she enjoyed knitting, reading, and crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her children; Carl Hartling Jr and his wife Nancy of S.C., Kenneth Hartling and his wife Nancy of Salem, NH, Carolyn Twiss and her husband David of Topsfield, son in law Stephen Butland, grandchildren; Tricia, Brian, Bethany, and Kevin Butland, Carl III and Adam Hartling, Kenneth Jr. and Kacey Hartling, Jessica and Zackary Twiss, Amy and Jody Coffin, great-grandchildren Kyle, Devon, and Dominque, and brother-in-law Gerald Hartling and his wife Patricia. She was predeceased by her parents, and her daughter Karen (Hartling) Butland.

Service information: A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2017, at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to meet inside the main gate. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Marie’s name to All Care Hospice, 210 Market St. Lynn, MA 01901. For directions and guestbook visit Solimine.com.

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

LYNN

Arrests

Elisha Davis, 22, was arrested at 7:17 a.m. Friday on charges of resisting arrest, witness intimidation and possession to distribute class drugs.

Accidents

A report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury at 3:13 a.m. at 105 Linwood Rd. Thursday; at 193 Fayette St. at 1:05 p.m. Thursday.

Assaults

A report of an assault and battery at 9:17 a.m. at 19 Red Rock St. Thursday.

Complaints

A report of noise at 1:17 a.m. at 113 Franklin St. #10 Thursday; at 2:08 a.m. at 12 Elizabeth St. Thursday.

A report of a disturbance at 47 Park St. at 7:01 a.m. Friday; at 196 Essex St. at 12:37 Friday; at 16 Flint St. #1 at 4:17 p.m. Friday.

Overdose

A report of an overdose at 61 Vine St. at 6:46 p.m. Thursday.

Theft

A report of larceny at 95 Tremont St. #710 at 5:57 a.m. Thursday; at 8 Clark Circle at 7:55 a.m. Thursday; at 29 Elm St. #2 12:36 p.m. Thursday; at 377 Lynnway at 2:10 p.m. Thursday; at Essex Street at 2:35 p.m. Friday.

Police log: 4-7-2017

MARBLEHEAD

A report of suspicious activity at 7:56 a.m. Thursday at Pleasant Street. A tree stump was misidentified as a man wearing camouflage and scaring children.

A report of two lacrosse sticks stolen and recovered at 2:43 p.m. Thursday at Humphrey Street.

NAHANT

A report of downed wires at 8:57 a.m. Thursday at Nahant Road.

A report of suspicious activity at 6:09 p.m. Thursday at Willow Road.

PEABODY

Nakimuli Kasolo Rose, 48, of 7 Heather Rd. in Watertown was arrested Wednesday at Andover Street for shoplifting over $100.

Roberson Jeanne-Pierre, 27, of 8 Lowe Street was arrested Wednesday at Lowe Street for disorderly conduct.

A report of a motor vehicle accident at 10:32 a.m. Thursday at Main and Wallis streets.

SWAMPSCOTT

A report of a disturbance at 2:08 p.m. Thursday at 46 Duncan Terr.

ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Cesar Santana says he was scammed by a mortgage company.

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — Cesar Santana thought he hit the lottery.

In January, the 45-year-old security officer at the Transportation Security Administration found a buyer for his three-bedroom condominium on Collins Street for $160,000.

Not bad, considering he paid about $52,000 for the five-room unit six years ago.

But Santana was in for a surprise.

While the closing documents reflected a profit of $101,825 after paying off his $45,000 mortgage and closing costs, Santana’s lawyer delivered bad news: the mortgage holder would receive nearly $76,000 in fees.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “That would leave me with just $26,000. I wouldn’t even have enough money to move anywhere with that.”

Santana’s troubles began in 2005 when he borrowed $186,547 from Beneficial Massachusetts Inc., to buy the 1,185-square-foot condo. Terms of the 30-year loan called for low payments in the first two years and higher payments for the rest.

“At first, my payments were $900 per month and then they ballooned to $1,300,” he said. “We couldn’t afford it, stopped paying the loan and went into foreclosure.”

Council supports medical marijuana zone

He tried to find a traditional lender to bail him out, but didn’t qualify. Later, Santana was referred to Boston-based NSP Residential LLC, an affiliate of Aura Mortgage Advisors LLC and Boston Community Capital, who offered a program that would buy the condo out of foreclosure and provide him a home loan at 6 percent.

NSP paid $38,300 for the property in January of 2011. The same  day, the firm sold it to Santana for $51,675, pocketing more than $13,000 in profit.

But Santana, who did not have a lawyer examine the closing documents, failed to see the promissory note calls for a 74.3 percent fee dubbed the “lender’s share” upon a future sale.

“I couldn’t get a standard mortgage at any bank, they were going to foreclose and this was the only place that would help,” he said. “I figured there would be some fee, but not 75 percent.”

While Santana said he tried to negotiate a deal with Aura Mortgage where he would be willing to pay them $35,000, but they refused.

“They did offer to pay the closing costs of about $5,000, but would not budge on the 75 percent,” he said.

Sharon Shepard, Aura’s chief operating officer, declined to be interviewed. She referred the call to Jessica Brooks, the company’s spokeswoman, who could not be reached for comment.

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

ITEM PHOTO BY JIM WILSON
Al Wilson, founder and executive director of Beyond Walls, stands with photos of the proposals.

By BILL BROTHERTON

LYNN — It appears the neon lights will be shining brightly in Central Square.

At a jam-packed, lively fundraising party Thursday night at Lynn Museum attended by an energetic, diverse crowd of more than 150 Lynners, Al Wilson, the “Beyond Walls” project’s founder and executive director, announced that $50,000 in donations had been reached.

“That means we will receive a matching $50,000 grant from MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program,” said Wilson to loud cheers.

“This is an incredible outpouring of community support and investment in the future of downtown Lynn,” said Wilson. “While our campaign goal has been reached, we still need to raise more funding to support our stretch goal; and all donations over our goal will go directly to Beyond Walls.”

“Beyond Walls” raised more than $38,000 through the event, bringing the total funds raised to $56,000.

Partygoers enjoyed beer, including the special Beyond Walls Wheat, by Lynn-based Bent Water Brewing, and adult beverages from Short Path Distillery of Everett. Several area restaurants including The Blue Ox, Eastern Harvest Foods/Lynn Meatland, Old Tyme Italian Cuisine, Brother’s Deli and Tacos Lupita provided food. DJ extraordinaire Seth Albaum of upsidemedia provided music for dancing.

Beyond Walls bringing electricity downtown

The fundraising campaign ends on May 22. But not before another attempt to raise the next goal of $80,000, which will leave them at $130,000 raised through Commonwealth Places, said Wilson. If an additional $30,000 is donated, it will expand the project to include the lighting of the full Washington Street underpasses. The project also received licensing from the MBTA to light the underpasses on Market Street.

A Bentwater Blastoff at Bent Water Brewing Company will feature lively bands, food trucks, a beer tent and live installations of street art. Wilson is asking attendees to make a donation on the day of the event.

“If we can continue to bring in more funds, we can continue to light areas of the city that right now are shrouded in darkness,” Wilson said.

“Beyond Walls” will provide multi-colored LED lights under the railroad tracks, vibrant vintage neon art and murals that will cover sides of buildings.

To donate, go to www.Patronicity.com/Lynn?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

FILE PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Bret “The Hitman” Hart was on hand to sign autographs at St. Michael’s Hall in Lynn.

By HAROLD RIVERA

LYNN– Five days after Wrestlemania 33 took center stage in Orlando, Florida, Lynn’s wrestling fans were treated to an action-packed treat on Friday night. BTW Pro Wrestling brought its ring stars to St. Michael’s Hall in Lynn, including an appearance from World Wrestling Entertainment Hall-of-Famer Bret Hart.

Hart took part in a meet and greet with fans prior to the start of the action. He also addressed the local fans with a brief speech about his best memories wrestling at the old Boston Garden.

“I always had great memories in the Boston area,” Hart said. “I have all these memories in the Boston Garden. I know they have a long history of wrestling here. For me, when I think of Boston, I remember the early days of the Hart Foundation and how much more fun it was in the early days when you’re not making the big money and things like that.”

Hart, a native of Calgary, Canada, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. From his days touring the United States as a professional wrestler, the Boston area always left a strong impression on Hart.

“In 1985-1990, they were such awesome years,” Hart said. “It was so much fun coming to Boston all the time. Boston was always one of my favorite cities, I was kind of a Red Sox fan growing up.”

Friday night’s slate of action included six bouts, one of which was a BTW title rematch between the champion, Flex Armstrong, and former WWE star Carlito Colon.

For Armstrong, a Billerica native, the night provided a special opportunity to fight in front of passionate fans from his home state.

“It’s exciting to be somewhat local because we travel all over the place,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong was also appreciative of the chance to shed a positive light on wrestling in a city full of sports history like Lynn.

“Anything to create any kind of awareness right now for wrestling and to try to bring it to forefront,” Armstrong said. “Lynn’s known for its high school football and things like that. To generate interest for a kid to take up wrestling, we’re more than happy to do that.”

Colon, who hails from Puerto Rico, made his WWE debut in Boston in 2004. In his first WWE match, Colon defeated John Cena, a Massachusetts native, for the United States Championship.

“I like doing these venues and going to these towns to meet people,” Colon said. “There are a lot of characters and they have very entertaining stories. I just want to give them a show that they won’t forget.”

Touring the country with BTW and a wrestling star of Hart’s magnitude is an experience that Colon has enjoyed being a part of.

“He’s one of the greatest of all time,” Colon said of Hart. “You can see how people love him, even after all these years. People still remember him and they still love him.”

BTW has been bringing its wrestling stars to Lynn since 2005. The organization looks to make two stops in Lynn each year.

“Lynn’s infamous,” BTW co-owner Stephen Perkins said. “Lynn’s a famous local town. We just build on it. It’s where we chose our home to be on the North Shore. We’re just building on Lynn’s sports tradition.”

Perkins said that Hart’s meet and greet with fans at St. Michael’s gives them a memory they won’t likely forget anytime soon. The pre-sale to Friday’s event was the largest BTW has ever had for an event in Lynn. Hart met over 200 fans on Friday.

“You see the faces of the fans, and the funny thing is, they all have their memories,” Perkins said. “These fans come here and have their stories about Boston. Bret remembers those matches because he’s the type of guy that’s proud of his work. He’ll be able to recount those memories with them when they meet him.”

By THOMAS GRILLO

LYNN — Every 98 seconds someone is sexually assaulted in the United States.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Now in its 15th year,  it is held to educate the public about sexual violence and how to prevent it.

At City Hall on Friday, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy called attention to sexual violence as a critical public health issue.

“I am a mother of an 18-year-old daughter and a 21-year-old son,” she said. “It’s important for them to understand what a healthy relationship is.”

Lt. Marie Hanlon, a 31-year veteran of the Lynn Police Department, encourages victims to report the crime and seek medical attention immediately.

“No one deserves to be sexually assaulted,” she said. “With the variety of services offered in our community, we should promote safety and encourage everyone to speak out against sexual violence.”

High school students sample life at NSCC

Brittny Maravelias, a 23-year-old teen health adviser at Girls Inc. of Lynn, knows more about this issue than most. As an eighth-grader at Pickering Middle School, she dated someone who became her abuser.

“It took me nearly two years to leave and another two years to figure out what happened to me was actually abuse,” she said. “It was the beginning of a long and and difficult journey to healing.” While she is encouraged that youngsters are more aware of sexual violence, it is often not a conversion between youth and adults.

“These conversations need to be started at an early age,” she said. “As much as we’d like to think these cases are rare, unfortunately they are not.”

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

LYNN — Mr. Terrence L. “Terry” Collins, age 74, of Lynn, died on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 after being stricken at work. He was the longtime companion of Patricia “Pat” O’Neil.

Born in Lynn in 1942, Terry was the son of the late Leo D. and Patricia A. (Lundquist) Collins. He was raised in Lynn, attended Lynn Public Schools and graduated from Lynn Trade.

Terry worked as a heavy machine operator at many local companies including Manter Company, Inc., Cushing Construction and Bacon Construction.

He was a member for many years at both the Volunteer Yacht Club and Lynn Yacht Club, and would help assist the Yard Master every spring and fall operating the crane for the boat owners. Terry was all about family, fun and outdoors. He loved his time off. He enjoyed boating and taking long rides to New Hampshire. He loved to cook for everyone and was most noted for the summertime lobster and steamer feasts he shared with his family and friends. “Weekend at Grampy’s” was a family favorite of popcorn, pizza, root beer floats and movies. Spending time with his family was what Terry enjoyed most.

In addition to his companion Pat of 23 years, Terry is survived by his four children, Kevin McCarthy of Lynn, Sean Collins and his wife Tracy of Peabody, Kathleen “Kathy” Gursky of Saugus and Heather Collins of Seabrook, N.H.; his six grandchildren, Michelle, Noah, Joseph, Jeremie, Samantha and Dayna Marie; his five great-grandchildren, Jacob, Dominic, Gabriella, Michael and Morgan; his sister, Linda Guerrette of Washington; his nieces, nephew and many close friends.

Service information: Terry’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4-8 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., Attn: Memorial Gift Dept., 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02115 or at www.joslin.org.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Directions and online guestbook at www.solimine.com.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Donna Marie Channell, 76, of Manchester, N.H., died Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Catholic Medical Center following a period of declining health.

She was born Sept. 5, 1940 in Lynn, where she was raised by Thomas and Julia (Conaboy) Gormley. She was wife the late Byron Channell, to whom she was married for 47 years.

Donna was a graduate of Lynn English High School. She went on to work as a machinist at the General Electric Plant in Lynn, where she built gyroscopes.

As a vibrant and adventurous youth, Donna enjoyed racing stock cars. She also enjoyed crafting, especially needlepoint, ceramics, sewing and knitting.

Donna leaves behind her son, Frederick Channell and his wife Mary of Corning, N.Y.; her son-in-law, John “Jack” Boyle of Hooksett, N.H.; her grandchildren, Paul and Helen Channell; step grandchildren, Michelle Pierce and J.D. Zimmer; as well as many extended family members and friends. In addition to her husband, she was pre-deceased by her daughter, Jennifer Boyle in 2013 as well as infant sons Brian and Paul.

Service Information: She will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Donna’s memory to the charity of your choice.

Assisting with arrangements is PHANEUF Funeral Homes & Crematorium. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.phaneuf.net.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

LYNN — Dorothy (Toomey) Mulcahy, age 61, of Lynn, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017. She was the wife of the late Curtis G. Mulcahy.

Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Florence (Lyons) Toomey. She lived most of her life in Lynn.

She enjoyed her grandchildren, planning parties, cooking and camping. Her favorite destination was the Harold Parker State Forest in Andover.

She is survived by her children, Gordon Laro of Georgia, Patricia Harper and her husband Mike of New Hampshire, Florence Soden and her husband Robert of Lynn, Curtis Mulcahy and his wife Angela of Lynn, Christopher Mulcahy of Lynn and Kellene Mulcahy of Lynn; siblings Mary and Phil Gay of New Hampshire, Patricia Tyler of New Hampshire, Walter and Yvonne Toomey of Lowell, James Toomey of Lynn, Joseph Toomey of Lynn; grandchildren Christopher Gonsalves, Kimberlee Gonsalves-Laro, Philip Harper, Kyle Harper, Madison Harper, Emma Harper, Tiana Hudson, Arianna Soden and Daenerys Mulcahy, great-grandchildren Dakota Hudson-Borden and Hunter Harper, and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late John, William and Edward Toomey and Debra Martin.

Service information: Dorothy’s funeral will be from the GOODRICH Funeral Home, 128 Washington St., Lynn, on Wednesday at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Union Street, Lynn, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday 4-8 p.m.

COURTESY PHOTO
Pictured are drugs and cash seized from Fard Muhammad’s apartment.

By GAYLA CAWLEY

LYNN – Fard Muhammad, 28, was charged with drug trafficking after a large amount of heroin and cocaine was seized from his apartment on Friday night.

Police seized approximately 61 grams of heroin and 34 grams of cocaine, with a street value of $9,500, $331 in cash, a scale and other paraphernalia, after an investigation by the Lynn Police Gang Unit led them to execute a search warrant at 119 Lewis St. around 6 p.m., Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.

After police announced themselves and entered the apartment, Muhammad dove out the second-floor window onto the fire escape. He was taken into custody from there, Kmiec said.

Lynn might bump smoking age to 21

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

LYNN — Ray Thomas Austin, age 45, of Lynn, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

Born in Delaware, he was the son of Ray T. Presberry and Jennifer L. Gould, and was adopted by the late Rudolph Austin and Lorraine Gordon Austin. The love of his life was family and music. His best friends are his nephew Shawn Coogan and Shab. Ray is also survived by his siblings, Tonya and Tiffany Coogan, BilliJo Castillo, Sonia, and Amanda Kendrick, Nikitya Clarke, step brother Brooksi Clarke, step sisters Mystique Campbell and Unique Echevarria and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Tina Grillo.

Service information: Visitation is Wednesday, 4-8 p.m. in the GOODRICH Funeral Home, 128 Washington St., Lynn. At the request of Ray’s family, burial will be private. For those desiring, memorials in Ray’s memory may be sent c/o GOODRICH Funeral Home.