The Salem News Online Edition           Monday, August 16, 2004
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Click Here. Email a News Tip	Almanac Weather art by TODAY'S FORECAST: Today cloudy with showers likely. Highs in the upper 60s, north winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent. Tonight mostly cloudy in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s, northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. . EXTENDED FORECAST: Tuesday mostly sunny, highs in the upper 70s. West winds around 5 mph, becoming southeast around 10 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday night mostly clear, lows in the lower 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. MARINE FORECAST: Small craft advisory. Today north wind 10 to 15 knots, seas 2 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 5 feet in the afternoon. Areas of fog early in the morning. Showers likely until late afternoon, a chance of showers late in the afternoon. Visibility one to three nautical miles early in the morning. Tonight northwest wind 15 to 20 knots, decreasing to 10 to 15 knots after midnight. Seas 3 to 5 feet, a chance of showers early in the evening. Tuesday west wind 5 to 10 knots, seas 1 to 3 feet. Tuesday night south wind 5 to 10 knots, seas 1 to 3 feet. Patchy fog early in the morning, with visibility one nautical mile or less. SUN and TIDES: SUNSET TODAY: 7:43 p.m. SUNRISE TOMORROW: 5:53 a.m. TODAY'S HIGH TIDE: 12:35 p.m. TODAY'S LOW TIDE: 6:27 p.m. TOMORROW'S HIGH TIDE: 12:41 a.m. TOMORROW'S LOW TIDE: 6:57 a.m. LOTTERY: Yesterday's Mass Daily 7-9-2-6 Payoffs (based on $1 bet) Exact Order All four digits - $4,292 First or last three digits - $601 Any two digits - $52 Any one digit - $5 Any Order All four digits - $179 First three digits - $100 Last three digits - $100 Saturday's Mass Daily 0-2-2-3 Saturday's Megabucks 19-20-26-32-37-39 Friday's Mass Cash 1-4-9-19-33 Friday's Mega Millions 14-31-41-45-48 Mega Ball: 20 'The fight of his life' By Paul Leighton Staff writer When Jeff Allison pulled into the parking lot, the crowd moved in for a closer look. The Peabody High senior had just been picked in the first round of the 2003 draft by the Florida Marlins. He was Baseball America's high school player of the year, a 6-foot-2-inch pitcher who could throw harder than many major leaguers, a kid from a broken family who was about to sign a contract for almost $2 million. Dressed in the teenage uniform of T-shirt, basketball shorts and sneakers, Allison stepped out of the passenger side of his father's white Jeep. As he looked at the sea of faces that had assembled for his first press conference at Extra Innings in Middleton, he said to no one in particular, "What do I do now?" More than a year later, that question has taken on a much more ominous tone. Instead of firing 93-mph fastballs on his way to big league stardom, Allison, 19, is battling a drug addiction that nearly cost him his life. Last month, he overdosed on heroin in Lynn. He spent three days in the hospital, and is now living back home with his mother and sister in Peabody, and hanging out with his friends. Trying to explain how Allison's addiction came about is difficult. He won't talk. The Marlins won't talk. And many of those close to him won't put their names to their comments. But in some ways, the tragedy of Jeffrey Mathew Allison is not hard to understand. He was a cocky star athlete who some say was showered with special treatment by authority figures when he really needed discipline, in a region suffering an epidemic of OyxContin and heroin use. "I've been screaming about this kid for two years, to administrators, coaches, the athletic director, and been pretty much told to leave him alone," said Peabody High teacher Jennifer Agganis-Neville. "Do I think he got preferential treatment in high school? Absolutely." Major league talent The rise and fall of star athletes is an oft-told tale, but rarely has the descent come as fast and furious, and from such heights to such depths, as the one that has befallen Jeff Allison. Allison was a hotshot almost from the time he picked up a baseball. He mowed down Little League batters with the kind of ease that shouted stardom from the start. When he was 14, Peabody won the Babe Ruth World Series in New York. Allison was named MVP. The team was honored before a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and in a parade through downtown Peabody. By the time he was a high school senior, he was so much better than his peers that games became his personal showcase. One time against Somerville, he struck out 20 of 22 batters. Dave Caiazzo, a former scout for the Cleveland Indians and Anaheim Angels, said Allison was the best pitching prospect he had ever seen from this area. "He had the competitive nature on the mound that everybody liked," Caiazzo said. "He looked like the kind of kid you wanted in your organization. He had that aura about him that was rare." John Doldoorian, a scout for the Chicago White Sox, said simply: "He was a major league talent." Allison's mother, Noreen, was a constant presence at her son's games. Noreen Allison raised Jeff and his sister alone after separating from her husband, Bob, when Jeff was 3. Noreen Allison refused to comment for this story. But in a Salem News story in 1997, when Jeff was 12, she talked about the problems facing single mothers trying to raise sports-minded sons. "I try to tell him stuff (about sports) and he's like, 'Yeah Ma, yeah Ma,'" she said. "With moms, I think they're a little skeptical." Noreen Allison said then that her ex-husband visited every other weekend and attended as many of Jeff's games as possible. "He's remarried and has another family now. He does the best he can to come see him play," she said. Preferential treatment While Allison could do no wrong on the baseball field, his behavior in school and around town was not so exemplary. Agganis-Neville, who had Allison in math class when he was a senior, said Allison got off easily because he was a star baseball player. "Do I think other kids got harsher penalties consistently for the same things Jeff did? Yes. Am I surprised? No. Am I disappointed? Yes." Agganis-Neville, a former volleyball coach, said coaches and administrators thought they were helping Allison by keeping him eligible to play baseball. But she kept hoping somebody in authority would take a hard line before things got out of hand. "I know with a lot of athletes they say, 'Just wait until their season begins. They need the distraction.' But it just doesn't happen. The biggest word I always go by is accountability. I see it with a lot of young athletes, not just Jeff -- the lack of accountability." Agganis-Neville would not comment on what kinds of transgressions Allison committed. But there is record of one incident. In April of his junior year, police were called to the high school when a female student complained about harassment from three boys, including Allison. According to the police report, the girl said Allison threw her boyfriend against the wall and threatened to kill him if he got his friends in trouble. The girl told police she did not want to press charges. Two former Peabody High administrators offer a different portrait of Allison. Former Assistant Principal Eric Tracy said he didn't remember any incidents "of note" involving Allison. "I think that's probably what shocks everybody," Tracy said. "... He wasn't one of those guys who was always in the unit director's office, to the extent that would lead you to heavy drug use." Michael Hickey, who was Allison's unit director, said Allison was "pretty quiet" in his senior year. "He pretty much stayed out of trouble," Hickey said. "He was always very respectful. He worked hard to graduate. He never appeared to me to have any issues with drugs." Two of Allison's coaches, Ed Nizwantowski and Chris Mastrangelo, also said they saw no signs of drug use by Allison. "It's all news to me what's breaking here," said Nizwantowski, the Peabody baseball coach. "I didn't see any indication," said Mastrangelo, his high school basketball coach. "Maybe other people could, I don't know. I coached the kid for four years. I knew him since seventh grade. I love the kid. ... It kind of hits you in the heart, regardless of baseball ability or basketball ability. I just hope and pray that he can get through it." Drug problems surface Allison did not return repeated phone calls from The Salem News and would not come to the door at his home. At the house on Hourihan Street last week, Noreen Allison held up her hand to stop a reporter who approached as she sat in a beach chair in her driveway. "We need our time and our space," she said. In a TV interview earlier this year, Allison said his drug problems began in Florida, after he reported to the Marlins' rookie league team in July 2003. But according to one person close to Allison, he first took the painkiller OxyContin in Peabody when he was still in high school. A teammate gave him the pill when he complained of soreness after their final regular-season game, the source said. The date was May 31, 2003, three days before he was drafted by the Marlins. On July 4 of that year, police responded to a phone call from Allison's house on Hourihan Street. Allison told police he had been getting threatening phone calls from three people, including a "major OxyContin dealer at the high school" who claimed that Allison owed him $80. Allison told police he did not owe money to anyone. He said he was being harassed because the callers knew he was about to sign a big baseball contract. Two weeks later, on July 22, Allison finalized his contract with the Marlins in a deal that included a $1.85 million bonus. Bob Allison, who lives in Beverly, became much more visible after his son developed into one of the country's top baseball prospects. He was front-and-center for the TV cameras at the post-draft press conference and was involved in contract negotiations with the Marlins. Allison had been drafted 16th in the first round, lower than many expected for the high school player of the year. Speculation at the time was that Allison and his father were asking for too much money. But looking back now, some wonder whether teams stayed away because they knew Allison had a drug problem. Caiazzo, who scouted Allison for the Angels, said he never heard rumors of drug use. He said the Marlins would have looked closely at Allison's background before investing almost $2 million in him. "They want to know what time you go to bed at night, what time you get up in the morning. They want to know everything about the kid," Caiazzo said. Marlins officials could not be reached for comment. Death of a teammate A week after signing his contract, Allison reported to the Marlins' rookie team in Jupiter, Fla. He was now a professional baseball player. He started three games and pitched well, allowing only one run while striking out seven in nine innings. He developed tendinitis in his right shoulder and the Marlins, cautious with their star prospect, decided to end his season early. But in that short glimpse of what Allison had to offer on the pro level, the Marlins liked what they saw. "He's exactly what we were looking for," Jupiter Marlins manager Tim Cossins said at the time. "It's going to be a good ride for him and the Florida Marlins." Allison, however, never pitched another inning for the Marlins. Back in Peabody, his troubles grew. A source said a Peabody police officer caught Allison with OxyContin, but somebody intervened to prevent an arrest. Peabody Police Chief Robert Champagne said he knew nothing about it. "I don't stand for that sort of stuff," he said. "If people get in trouble, then they have to deal with it. That's sort of 1940s policing. We're not supposed to be doing that." In another incident in Peabody, Allison and a friend smashed the car window of a known OxyContin user and stole his pills, according to a source. The incident was not reported to police. Allison was due to report to spring training in Florida in February 2004, but showed up five weeks late. Rumors of drug use swirled. In an interview with the Miami Herald, Allison avoided questions about drugs. "People are saying whatever they want anyway, so do what you want," he told reporter Kevin Baxter. Allison did provide one explanation for his late arrival: He was upset over the death of one of his teammates on the Jupiter Marlins. Greg Bartlett, a 20-year-old pitcher from Phoenix, died on Oct. 1, 2003, of a methadone overdose. "He was one of my good friends," Allison told the Miami Herald. "... It was a real sad thing that happened. And I was kind of struck by that. But I didn't do anything stupid." 'Flat-lined' Allison spent only four weeks at spring training in Florida before leaving without permission in early May of this year. The team placed him on the suspended list, which means he's not being paid. After ducking the media for a month, Allison went on New England Cable News and acknowledged that he had a "problem" with OxyContin. He said he failed a drug test for marijuana and forfeited $200,000 of his signing bonus. The Marlins placed him in what he called an "intensive outpatient treatment program." He said he had been in a rehab program earlier, but that it didn't work for him. With his high school baseball coach, Nizwantowski, sitting by his side, Allison vowed to the television audience that he had kicked his problem and would return to baseball. "I'm going to prove a lot of people wrong," he said. Any pretense that Allison was on the right track was shattered on July 17, the night he overdosed in Lynn. Allison and Jimmy Leontakianakos split a bag of heroin and then both passed out in their car on Rockaway Street. When Leontakianakos woke up, Allison was having trouble breathing. Leontakianakos drove him to Union Hospital, where Allison was treated for a heroin overdose. According to one person close to Allison, he actually "flat-lined" before he was brought back to life. He was injected with Narcan, an opiate-blocking drug used to revive a person who overdoses on heroin. An epidemic Many who know Allison are worried that the near-death experience has not scared him straight. And everyone wonders how a young man with such a bright future, with the All-American dream of fame and fortune laid out before him, can throw it all away. Andrew Moskevich understands. Moskevich is another Peabody High graduate who got hooked on OxyContin. He was an honors student, class treasurer and student representative to the School Committee who ended up arrested for repeatedly stealing money from his father. He spent one month in a locked detox unit in Bridgewater and is now living on the South Shore, where he says he has been sober for seven months. Moskevich said OxyContin is so addictive that it makes no difference if it's a million dollars or one dollar waiting for you on the side of sobriety. All that matters, he said, is the next high. "I read the paper and I see so many of my friends dying," Moskevich said. "It's scary. What happens to Jeff Allison is just one example of what happens every day." Nizwantowski, the Peabody baseball coach and a teacher for 23 years, said OxyContin addiction is affecting many kids, not just star athletes. "This OxyContin is bigger than Jeff Allison," he said. "I've had more kids OD in the last two years. I just went to a wake for a 24-year-old girl I had in high school. She was the sweetest girl, articulate, good-looking. This stuff has no prejudices. It's ruining a whole generation." Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett called OxyContin and heroin addiction "the biggest threat facing our youth today." Hitting home The fact that Allison went from OxyContin to heroin is not unusual. Both are opiates with similar effects, but heroin is much cheaper -- $4 per bag as opposed to $80 per pill for OxyContin, according to Blodgett. Dealers have flooded the market with heroin in the Northeast to artificially deflate the price and hook a new generation of children, Blodgett said. The heroin is also purer than ever, allowing users to get high by snorting it rather than shooting it. Snorting heroin is more socially acceptable among middle-class teens than intravenous drug use, Blodgett said. But eventually dealers will reduce the purity of the heroin, forcing addicts to turn to needles to achieve the same high. "Once these drug dealers have decided that enough of the populace is hooked, they're going to raise the price," Blodgett said. "You'll see a rise in robberies and break-ins. The only way to stop this is to choke off the supply, and the only way to choke off the supply is to get more information to kids that this is not the way to go." The Allison story hits home with Blodgett because he lives in Peabody and coached Allison in Little League. "It shows that it cuts across the entire spectrum of our society, not only somebody who's hiding in the shadows, but somebody who has an unlimited future in front of him," Blodgett said. The story of Allison's demise has run in newspapers throughout the country as a tragic tale of yet another fallen sports star. Former addicts have called The Salem News offering to help. A Catholic nun who used to live on the North Shore said she is praying for Allison. People close to Allison are devastated by his plight, and some are upset that his problems are laid out for everyone to read in the newspaper. "I know you hear a lot of the negative, but he really is a nice kid," said Phil Mitchell, one of his former coaches. "From the bottom of my heart, I feel bad for what he's going through." Caiazzo, the former scout, said Allison is young enough that he could still succeed in baseball if he can straighten out. But right now, Allison is facing a real-life opponent tougher than any hitter. "Forget about any batter he would've faced or game he would've played," said Mastrangelo, his basketball coach. "He's in the fight of his life." Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at (978) 338-2675 or by e-mail at pleighton@ecnnews.com. Police Salem Friday • Tina White, 38, of 7 Crombie St., Salem, was arrested and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest at 10 p.m. Patrolman John Doyle made the arrest after an incident at 117 Lafayette St. • Christopher P. Finn, 41, of 1 Harbor St., Salem, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime to commit a misdemeanor after an 11:15 p.m. incident on Williams Street. Patrolman William Riley made the arrest. Saturday • A 20-foot kayak valued at $2,000 was reported stolen from the Salem Willows at 8:33 p.m. • Phyllis Spector, 55, of 23 Brittania Circle, Salem, was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace at 11:30 p.m. after an incident at her home. Patrolman James Johnson made the arrest. Sunday • Two boys, ages 14 and 16, were arrested and charged with malicious destruction just before 1 a.m. after they damaged a refrigerator at the Plummer Home for Boys at 37 Winter Island Road. Patrolmen Marc Berube and Barry Driscoll made the arrests. • Matthew Kirby, 26, of Woolwich, Maine, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and assault and battery on a police officer. Patrolman Larry Puleo made the arrest at 4:12 a.m. after an incident on Loring Avenue. • Christopher McKay, 37, of 53 Lawrence St., Salem, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a fishing pole. Patrolman John Burke made the arrest after a domestic dispute at a Bridge Street home. Peabody Saturday • Julie Batchelder, 29, of 47 Riverside Drive, North Reading, was arrested and charged with driving after registration revocation, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, driving after license suspension, driving an uninsured motor vehicle and two number plate violations. Patrolman Michael Nary made the arrest at 5:23 p.m. on Roosevelt Avenue at Russell Street. • Tammy Denault, 40, of 16 Little's Lane, Peabody, was arrested and charged with driving after license revocation and failure to stop or yield. Patrolman Joseph White made the arrest at 8 p.m. on Foster Street. • Jane A. George, 49, of Kittery, Maine, was arrested and charged with shoplifting after a 9:11 p.m. incident at Filene's in the Northshore Mall. Sunday • Eric Cormier, 30, of 30 Lake St., Peabody, was arrested and charged with domestic assault and battery at 2:15 a.m. after an incident at his home. • Gervasio Chaves, 29, of 4 Shamrock St., Peabody, was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace at 3:17 p.m. after police got a call about a loud party on Sanborn Street. Beverly Saturday • Bryan S. Stoll, 20, of 209 Riverside Drive, Dedham, was arrested and charged as a minor in possession of alcohol after an incident on Route 128 north. Patrolman Dana Nicholson and James McInnis made the arrest. • Brian J. Pereira, 24, of 55 Ellwell St., Malden, was arrested and charged on a variety of illegal drug charges including illegal possession of heroin, illegal possession of a hypodermic needle and violation of the city's knife ordinance. Detectives Thomas Nolan and Richard Ganey made the arrest at 10:11 p.m. at Lothrop Street and Lyons Park. Danvers Saturday • Andrew Berfield, 18, of 103 Newbury St., Danvers, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering and larceny from a building after an incident at Shady Oaks Trailer Park, located at 103 Newbury St. Patrolman Olivia Silva made the arrest. • Dawn McKinley, 31, of 74 Timson St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with driving after license suspension at 6:30 p.m. on Route 1 south. Patrolman Richard Stoney made the arrest. Sunday • Manuel Lopez, 20, of 378 Summer St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with driving without a license at 3:20 p.m. Patrolman Jason Skane made the arrest at 3:20 p.m. on Route 114. Manchester Sunday • Jessie C. Williams, 19, of 6 Veteran's Way, Gloucester, was arrested and charged with illegal possession of marijuana. Patrolman Kevin Clary made the arrest on Rockwood Height Road at 12:45 a.m. after police were called there to investigate a report of a disturbance. Swampscott Thursday • William P. McNeil, 20, of 25 Cherry St., Swampscott, was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest and two counts of disorderly conduct. Patrolman Thomas Hennessey made the arrest at 9:42 p.m. DEATH NOTICES By Julio Chuy Staff writer BAKER - Of North Reading, formerly of Salem, Aug. 12, 2004, Mildred Pauline (O’Connor) Cloutier Baker, 92, wife of the late William Baker and the late Arthur J. Cloutier Sr. Mother of Arthur J. Cloutier Jr. of Peabody, Rosemarie A. Cloutier of Reading, Robert M. Cloutier of Salem and Richard D. Cloutier of Reading; grandmother of Marie K., Michelle N., Stephanie A., Michael D., Gabriel A., and Alexander R.; great-grandmother of Kitana. Her funeral will be held from The O’Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common), Salem, Tuesday at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Salem at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information, inquire at (978) 744-2350. (8/14, 8/16) BEATON -- Of Peabody, Aug. 14, 2004, Mrs. Elizabeth (Doucette), formerly of Lynn, 89. Wife of the late Angus Beaton, mother of Carol Whitten and her husband, Thomas, New Hampshire State Representative William A. Beaton and his wife Dianne, Peter Beaton and his wife Charlotte, and the late James Beaton. Sister of May Redder and Ernest Doucette. Funeral from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home 157 Maple St., Lynn, Wednesday at 8 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Ann Church, Peabody at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Donations may be sent to Hospice of the North Shore 10 Elm St. Danvers, MA 01923. Directions and guest book, www.cuffemcginn.com. (8/16,8/17) BIANCO -- Of Danvers, Aug. 13, 2004. Caroline E. Bianco, 94. Aunt of Mary-Jo Greaves of Danvers and Frank Casilio of Maine. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Mackey Funeral Home, 22 Conant St., Danvers. Visiting hours on Tuesday, from 5 to 8 p.m. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. If desired, donations may be made in Caroline's memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Franmingham, MA 01701. (8/16,8/17) BOUDREAU -- Of Danvers and New Smyrna, Fla., formerly of Beverly. Aug. 13, 2004, Alice E. (Witham) Boudreau, 88, wife of the late Joseph I. Boudreau. Mother of Joseph C. Boudreau, John T. Boudreau, Sally A. Boudreau, Betty Stillson, all of Beverly, Catherine Levesque of Haverhill and Lenora Corte, with whom she resided, of Danvers. Sister of Catherine Birkmaier of North Andover and Louise Fortunato of Georgetown. Grandmother of 22 and great-grandmother of 35. The funeral will be from the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, on Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. Alphonsus Church, Beverly/Danvers line, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours are on Tuesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. Burial in Cowles Memorial Cemetery, Ipswich. Donations may be made in Alice's memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. (8/16) BOURNE -- Of Bedford, formerly of Beverly, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004. Mary Nicholson Bourne, 98. Daughter of the late George James Guthrie and Sallie Elliot Nicholson. Wife of the late Phillip W. Bourne. She leaves two children, Sallie Bourne Harrison and Jonathon F. Bourne; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Philip Elliot Bourne. Funeral arrangements are private. Memorial contributions may be made to The Peabody Essex Museum, 144 Essex St. Salem, MA 01970. Attn. Donna Newcomb. (8/16) CARANGELO -- Of Swampscott, Ferdinand (Ted) Carangelo, Aug. 12, 2004. Husband of the late Dorothy (Lee) Booma Carangelo and the son of the late Louis A. and Julia (Garcia) Carangelo. Survived by his fiancée, Penny Wigglesworth of Marblehead; three children, Lisa and Theodore C. of Swampscott and David L. of New York City; and three sisters, Phyllis Zeuli of Winchester, Louise Lane of Norwood and Juliana Long of Worcester; and a brother, Louis Carangelo of Salem. Burial will be private, followed by a memorial observance for family and friends on Friday, Aug. 20, 2004 at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Name, 60 Monument Avenue, Swampscott. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com FLAG WITH MR. craig CRAIG -- Of Beverly, Aug. 8, 2004, Robert F. Craig, 74, of 29 Albany Circle, devoted husband of Eleanor F. (McLaughlin) Craig and beloved father of Kathleen E. Jensen and Maureen F. Palermo. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday in St. John the Evangelist Church, Beverly at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday in the Grondin Funeral Home, 376 Cabot St., Beverly, from 5 to 8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. (8/16,8/17) DOMBROSKI -- In Saugus, Aug. 14, 2004. Victoria (Szmyd) Dombroski, 97, wife of the late Joseph Dombroski and mother of Emil Szmyd of Peabody. Grandmother of Robert, Richard and Edward Szmyd. A visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 12 Chestnut St., Peabody facility. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. For directions and guestbook, visit www.ccbfuneral.com. (8/16) HEALEY - Of Marblehead, Josephine (Canvan) Healey, 98, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, in the Lafayette Nursing Home in Marblehead. She was the wife of the late Daniel J. Healey. She is survived by two sons, William Healey and his wife Suzanne of Marblehead and Daniel Healey and his wife Pamela of New Hampshire; two daughters, Joan Champlin, wife of the late Ronald Champlin; and Mary Healey, both of Marblehead; five grandchildren, Christine Speliotis and her husband Greg of Salem, Darlene Currier and her husband Henry of Marblehead; Jackie Colbert and her husband Dan of Marblehead; Kimberly Breier and her husband Peter of Alexanderia, Va., and Dan Healey and his wife Jana of Springfield; and six great-grandchildren, Ashley and Gregory Speliotis, Samantha and Ryan Currier, and Danny and Kelly Colbert. A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, at noon at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, followed by interment in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Eustis-Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm St., Marblehead. Friends and relatives are kindly invited to attend all services. (8/14, 8/16) KELLEY -- Of Fort Defiance, Ariz., formerly of Lynn, Kathleen M. R.N., C.C.R.N., 57, daughter of Elva Saulnier Kelley of Lynn and the late Edward J., sister of Mary-Jo DeJoy and her husband Anthony, Sue Anne Shea, and her husband Michael, Colleen Kelley Richards, and her husband Jay, all of Lynn and Joan K. Pelletier and her husband Marc, of Orlando, Fla.; dear friend of Dorothy and Silas Charley and their family of Arizona. Funeral Tuesday at 9 a.m. from the Solimine Landergan & Richardson Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Lynnfield at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Monday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. Those who prefer may make donations to the Komen Foundation. P.O. Box 650309 Dallas, Texas 75265-0309. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com. (8/16) KIELBASA -- Of Palm Coast, Fla., formerly of Salem, John S. Kielbasa, 81, husband of 56 years of Georgette L. (Pelletier) Kielbasa. His funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at the Blake Memorial Chapel at Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Burial is in Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice of The North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com. (8/16) REARDON -- Of Danvers, Aug. 14, 2004, Raymond F. Reardon, 84, son of the late John and Elsie (Connell) Reardon, husband of Mary Rita (Moran) Reardon, mother and mother-in-law of John and Cathy Reardon of Middleton, Michael and Nancy Reardon of Danvers and Nancy and Mark Corning of Danvers, brother of Betty Howard of Swampscott. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 9 a.m. in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, Conant Street, Danvers, burial to follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours are Monday, from 5 to 8 p.m. at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. (8/16) FLAG WITH MR. RYER RYER -- Of Danvers, Aug. 14, 2004, Mr. Leonard R. Ryer, 84, of Collins Street, Danvers and formerly of Lynn. Husband and best friend of Irma B. (Klein) Ryer. Father of Leonard J. Ryer of Grafton, Mass., and Marie Riva of Lynn. Grandfather of Rachel and Robert Goggin of Lynn and Meredith and Margaret Ryer of Grafton. Brother of Carleton Ryer of Long Island, N.Y., and the late Malcolm and Eleanor Ryer. Funeral from the Solimine, Landergan and Richardson Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn, Thursday at 8:30 a.m. followedby a funeral Mass in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, Danvers, at 10 a.m. Burial in St. Mary of the Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Donations may be made to the Shaughnessey Rehabilitaion Hospital, North Shore Medical Center, 81 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com. (8/16,8/17) SHAUGHNESSY - Of Marblehead, Aug 13, 2004, Gertrude M. (Lee) Shaughnessy, wife of the late J. Robert Shaughnessy, M.D.; daughter of the late George W. and Josephine (Hyde) Lee; mother of Mary Shaughnessy and her husband Stephen Schroeder and Sara and her husband John Hart; grandmother of Laura, Eric, and Anna Schroeder and Sam Hart. Funeral Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (cor of North St), Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Gift Processing, 1309 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02446 or Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For more information call (978) 744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com. (8/14, 8/16) STORY -- Of South Hamilton, Aug. 14., 2004, John "Win" Story, 70, beloved husband of Dian (Rutherford) Story and loving father of John W. Story Jr., Allison Desmond, stepfather of five and grandfather of 16. His funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, Main Street, Essex, followed by interment with military honors in the Spring Street Cemetery, Essex. Family and friends respectfully welcomed. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Memorial Gifts, c/o Mary Jane Keesling, Save the Manatee Club, 500 N. Maitlan Ave., Maitland, FL 32751 or to the charity of one's choice. St. Joseph's celebrates final Mass By Anna Scott SALEM - From where Pastor Lawrence Rondeau stood, St. Joseph's Church never looked so full as it did yesterday, when he celebrated the last Mass there. More than 500 people packed the pews and stood along the walls, including about 15 priests and a full choir. Camera flashes sparkled on the gilded altar, where two banners marked the somber occasion like a tombstone. One proclaimed "1873," the year the French Catholic church was founded, and the other, "2004." Yesterday, the 131 years in between became history. St. Joseph's became the first church on the North Shore to close by order of the Archdiocese of Boston. The two-hour final Mass was celebrated in French, Spanish and English. While the church was founded by the French, in later years it became the only church in the city to celebrate Mass in Spanish. "I didn't realize we had such a big family," Rondeau said at the opening of yesterday's service. A procession of former pastors, altar servers and longtime parishioners carried banners into the church. Sister Fernande Richard, one of four Sisters of Assumption stationed at St. Joseph's, walked shakily up the aisle with photographs of the order's founders. Sister Fernande, like many others in attendance, had grown up in the church and took the good-bye to heart. "I feel that there's a lot of fond memories, but there's sadness," she said. "Closing a building is like closing a family community." When Rondeau called for those in attendance to stand if they had been baptized in the church, the majority of the congregation stood. When he asked for those who had received the sacraments of First Communion, confirmation and marriage, even more people stood. During his sermon, he read aloud the letter he received from Archbishop Sean O'Malley last week formally announcing the closure of the church. "So that's the official word," he said when he finished reading the letter. "We'll learn to abide by it, naturally." But Rondeau's voice was shaking as he explained to the congregation that part of the problem was a lack of priests. He implored the congregation to encourage their sons to join the priesthood. "And I hate to say this, but one day even your daughters," Rondeau said. He was cut off by loud applause from those in the congregation. "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that response," he quipped. The service drew not only current parishioners, but those who had been emotionally attached to the church. Anne Kobuszewski, of the Curley family, attended the Mass with her six siblings and her mother. "I went to elementary and high school here, and I graduated from high school in this church," Kobuszewski said. "Those doors are going to close on a lot of good memories." The Rev. Laurier Martineau grew up at St. Joseph's and said his first Mass there. Under its roof he married his siblings to their spouses, baptized nieces and nephews, and said funeral Masses for his parents. He had become the pastor of a parish in Marlboro, which, like St. Joeseph's, was one of the 82 churches closed this year by the archdiocese. "People have been coming to this church for a long time," Martineau said. "They sit on the same benches. They come in the same door. It's home. That's the thing that's difficult, and you can't get away from it." Staff reporter Anna Scott can be reached at ascott@ecnnews.com, or at (978) 338-2664. Staff writer OBITUARIES By Julio Chuy Staff writer Victoria (Szmyd) Dombroski, 97 SAUGUS -- Victoria (Szmyd) Dombroski, 97, formerly of Peabody, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004 at Harborside Healthcare Northshore in Saugus after a long illness. She was the wife of the late Joseph Dombroski. Born in Newmarket, N.H. Dec. 18, 1906, she was the daughter of Wjch and Agunas (Mijal) Szmyd. She moved with her family to Poland, where she lived for 20 years before moving to Peabody. She later lived in Lake Alfred, Fla. for 25 years before returning to the North Shore 10 years ago. She enjoyed gardening, painting and sewing. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Emil and Teresa Szmyd of Peabody; three grandchildren, Robert Szmyd of Helena, Ala. and Richard and Edward Szmyd of Peabody; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. PHOTO 040815_SN_OBIT_KIELBASA John S. Kielbasa, 81 SALEM -- John S. Kielbasa, 81, formerly of Salem, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 following a brief illness at the home of his son in Peabody. He was the husband of Georgette (Pelletier) Kielbasa of Palm Coast, Fla. Born in Salem, he was the son of Joseph and Veronica (Pinkus) Kielbasa. He was a resident of Salem for most of his life and lived in the Salem area until moving to Florida in 1989. Prior to his retirement in the late 1980s, he was employed by the Boston local of the Carpenters Union, where he worked for many years. Previously, he was self-employed on the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire as a carpenter/contractor for Mainline Homes of Pennsylvania. Before working in the construction industry, he worked as a mechanic for 20 years at the former Lincoln Mercury dealership in Salem. An avid fisherman, he was an active member of the Plum Island Surfcasters. In addition to his wife, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, and his son and daughter-in-law, William and Helen, he is survived by his sons and a daughter-in-law, Thomas and Karen Kielbasa of Salem and Donald Kielbasa of Barrington, N.H.; five grandchildren, Thomas Kielbasa of Salem, Eric Kielbasa Victorine of Danvers, Michael Kielbasa and Christopher Kielbasa, both of Peabody and Jennifer Slack and husband, Jim, of Waynesville, Mo.; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Florence Patriarca of Johnston, R.I., Theresa Zamarchi of Portsmouth, N.H. and Rose Kotkowski of Saugus; a sister-in-law, Alice Kielbasa of Beverly; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Albin Kielbasa, Charles Kielbasa, Frank Kielbasa, William Kielbasa, Sylvester Kielbasa, Bernice Wladkowski, Louise Blagdon and Stella Cwalina. Robert F. Craig, 74 BEVERLY -- Robert F. Craig, 74, of Albany Circle, died unexpectedly Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004 in Beverly Hospital. He was the husband of Eleanor (McLaughlin) Craig, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Salem, Aug. 26, 1929, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary (Jondro) Craig. He was a graduate of both Salem High School, Class of 1946, and Merrimack College. He lived in Beverly for the past 52 years. Mr. Craig was employed as a supervisor for the Boston Gas Co. for 37 years before retiring in 1988. He was an avid golfer and gardener and enjoyed wintering in Fort Myers, Fla. for the past 16 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his twin daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen and Paul Jensen of Westford and Maureen and James Palermo of Andover; four grandchildren, Paul Jensen Jr. and Kristen Jensen, both of Westford and Jennifer and Michael Palermo, both of Andover; two sisters, Eleanor Meaney of North Andover and Helen and her husband, Ralph Beach, of Stuart, Fla.; a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Patricia and Daniel Parent of Sun City, Fla. and Theodore Kuszma of Topsfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, George Craig; and three sisters, Caroline Call, Dorothy Sullivan and June Bevens. Raymond F. Reardon, 84 DANVERS -- Raymond F. Reardon, 84, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004 at a local nursing facility. He was the husband of Mary Rita (Moran) Reardon. Born in Swampscott, he was the son of John and Elsie (Connell) Reardon. He was raised and educated in Swampscott and graduated from Swampscott High School. Upon graduation, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He then went with the Merchant Marine to radio school on Gallops Island. Mr. Reardon was a World War II veteran, having served with the Merchant Marine as a radio operator. He was a resident of Danvers for 47 years and was a communicant of ST. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Danvers. He retired from Western Electric in West Andover, where he was employed as a test technician for more than 25 years. He was an avid collector of lighthouses as well as other nautical objects. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Cathy Reardon of Middleton and Michael and Nancy Reardon of Danvers; a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Mark Corning of Danvers; a sister, Betty Howard of Swampscott; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Eleanor Boyden. Alice E. (Witham) Boudreau, 88 DANVERS -- Alice E. (Witham) Boudreau, 88, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 at the home of her daughter in Danvers. She was the wife of the late Joseph Boudreau. Born in Ipswich, she was the daughter of Zebulon and Annie (Comeau) Witham. She was a 1933 graduate of Manning High School in Ipswich. She was employed for many years as a secretary of international sales for the vice president of Compugraphics Co. in Wilmington. She retired in 1978. She was a Beverly resident for most of her life. For the last 25 years, she spent the winters at her home in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. She was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church in Beverly and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach. A lifetime member of the Legion of Mary Auxiliary, she also belonged to the Lady of Fatima Club and the Sacred Heart Council of Catholic Women, both of New Smyrna. She is survived by two sons, Joseph and John Boudreau, both of Beverly; four daughters, Sally Boudreau and Betty Stillson, both of Beverly, Catherine Levesque of Haverhill and Lenora Corte, with whom she resided, of Danvers; two sisters, Catherine Birkmaier of North Andover and Louise Fortunato of Georgetown; 22 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Judith McMahon; and the sister of the late Rose Chaput, Pauline Baron and Margaret Crosby; and Fred, Charles and Ed Witham. Caroline E. Bianco, 94 DANVERS -- Caroline E. Bianco, 94, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 at Haborside Twin Oaks in Danvers. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of Gennaro and Josephine (Greco) Bianco. She was a graduate of both Belmont High School and Burdett College. She was employed for many years by Sears, Roebuck and Co. as an executive secretary, working in the Boston and Natick offices. She was a member of the National Humane Society and enjoyed reading, cooking and animals. She resided in Danvers for the past 20 years. She previously lived in East Boston. She is survived by a niece, Mary-Jo Greaves and her children, Tiana O'Neil and Stacia Greaves, of Danvers; and a nephew, Frank Casilio and his wife, Ellen, of York Beach, Maine and their son, Anthony Robert Casilio of Maine. PHOTO 040815_SN_OBIT_STORY John W. Story, 70 SOUTH HAMILTON -- John W. "Win" Story, 70, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004 in Massachusetts General Hospital following a brief illness. He was the husband of Dian (Rutherford) Story. Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Essex shipbuilder Jonathan and Marion (Hayes) Story. He was raised in Essex and was a 1951 graduate of Gloucester High School. He was a 1954 graduate of Trinity Pawling Prep School in New York. Mr. Story enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, he was employed for 30 years as a lineman by New England Telephone Co. The Storys enjoyed wintering in Vero Beach, Fla. and spent their summers in Asbury Grove. In his retirement, his seasonal joy was being a lobsterman. He was a member of the Tyrian Masonic Lodge, AF & AM in Gloucester and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and was captain of the Essex Veteran Firemen's Association. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John Story Jr. and his wife, Darlene, of Gloucester and a daughter, Alison Desmond and her husband, Paul, of Ipswich; his stepchildren, Peter Rutherford and his wife, Kim, of Essex, Jimmy Rutherford and his wife, Donna, of Half Moon Bay, Calif., Debbie Ray and her husband, David, of Essex, Robin Turpin and her husband, Steve, of Hamilton and Lynda Smith and her husband, Mike, of Ipswich; and 16 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Diane (Jackson) Story. PHOTO 040815_SN_OBIT_BEATON Elizabeth Beaton, 89 PEABODY -- Elizabeth Beaton, 89, formerly of Lynn, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004 in Beverly Hospital after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Angus Beaton. Born and educated in Lynn, she was the daughter of Louis and Millie "Emily" (Muise) Doucette. She resided in Peabody for several years, having previously lived in Lynn for most of her life. She was a communicant of St. Ann Church, Peabody and was devoted to her family, children and grandchildren. She is survived by a daughter, Carol Whitten and her husband, Thomas, of Peabody; two sons, New Hampshire state Rep. William Beaton and his wife, Dianne, of Manchester, N.H. and Peter Beaton and his wife, Charlotte, of Salem; a sister, May Redder of Nahant; a brother, Ernest Doucette of Newburyport; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was mother of the late James Beaton and sister of the late George Doucette, Leo Doucette, Dell Mulheir, Elsie Clinch, Gladice Casey, Fran Krol and Rita Wilson. PHOTO 040815_SN_OBIT_RYER Leonard R. Ryer, 84 DANVERS -- Leonard R. Ryer, 84, of Collins Street, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004 in a local nursing home after a brief illness. He was the husband and best friend of Irma (Klein) Ryer, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Born in Lynn, he was the son of Walter ad Myrtle (Cole) Ryer. He was raised in Lynn, attended Lynn schools and was a 1939 graduate of Lynn English High School. He lived in Lynn for most of his life and in Danvers for the past 10 years. Mr. Ryer was a U.S. Army Air Forces veteran of World War II and served as a staff sergeant in England, France and occupied Germany. He was a member of IUE Local 201 in Lynn. He enjoyed traveling. He was employed as a spot welder for General Electric Co. in Lynn. He retired in 1981 after 41 years of service. He later worked for GLSS for three years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Leonard Ryer of Grafton; a daughter, Marie Riva of Lynn; four grandchildren, Rachel and Robert Goggin of Lynn and Meredith and Margaret Ryer of Grafton; a brother, Carleton Ryer of Long Island, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Malcolm and Eleanor Ryer. PHOTO 040815_SN_OBIT_CARANGELO Ferdinand (Ted) Carangelo, 71 SWAMPSCOTT -- Ferdinand (Ted) Carangelo, 71, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 at home after a brief illness. Born in Boston, he was a member of the classes of 1950 at Boston English High School and 1955 at Colgate University. Mr. Carangelo was a U.S. Marine. He rose to the rank of second lieutenant. After his military service, he moved to Swampscott, where he lived for the past 47 years. More recently, he split his time between Swampscott and Naples, Fla. At Colgate Mr. Carangelo was named All American for baseball and upon graduation spent a year playing for the Detroit Tigers farm team. He enjoyed playing golf and was the 1965 Massachusetts State Amateur Champion. He joined Tedesco Country Club in 1959 and while a member there he won the annual Club Champion award on seven occasions and with Jack Nies won the Tedesco Cup 17 times. Over the course of his golfing career, he shot 11 holes-in-one. Mr. Carangelo was club president at Tedesco from 1980 to 1982. In addition, he was the third person in the state to win the state amateur championship and serve as the president of the Massachusetts Golf Association, from 1981 to 1982. He was a member of the Royal Poinciana and Hole-in-the-Wall in Naples, Fla. and the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead. Mr. Carangelo joined Booma Oil in 1958 as a salesman. Over time he rose to the level of president. He also served on the Eastern Bank board for many years. Mr. Carangelo was the husband of the late Dorothy (Lee) Booma Carangelo and the son of the late Louis and Julia (Garcia). He is survived by his fiancée, Penny Wigglesworth of Marblehead; three children, Lisa and Theodore of Swampscott and David of New York City; three sisters, Phyllis Zeuli of Winchester, Louise Lane of Norwood and Juliana Long of Worcester; and a brother, Louis of Salem. PHOTO 040815_SN_OBIT_KELLEY Kathleen M. Kelley, 57 FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. -- Kathleen M. Kelley, R.N., C.C.R.N., 57, formerly of Lynn, Mass., died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 at Salem Hospital after a battle with cancer. Born and raised in Lynn, she was the daughter of Elva Saulnier Kelley and the late Edward Kelley Jr. She was a graduate of Lynn English High School, Class of 1964, and Melrose-Wakefield School of Nursing, Class of 1969. Miss Kelley worked as a registered nurse for more than 30 years for the United States government, Indian Health Services, in Winslow, Phoenix, and, at the time of her death, Fort Defiance. She served the Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes. Prior to working in Arizona, she worked as a registered nurse at both Melrose-Wakefield and Union hospitals. She enjoyed counter cross stitching, loved to travel and was an avid New England sports fan. She loved her dog and best friend, Leprechaun. In addition to her mother, she is survived by four sisters, Mary-Jo DeJoy and her husband, Anthony, of Lynn, Joan Pelletier and her husband, Marc, of Orlando, Fla., Sue Anne Shea and her husband, Michael, of Lynn, and Colleen Kelley Richards and her husband, Jay, of Lynn; her close friends, Dorothy and Silas Charley and their family of Arizona; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and great-nieces as well as many friends in Arizona. LOCAL DEATHS By Julio Chuy Staff writer BEVERLY Craig, Robert F., 74 DANVERS Bianco, Caroline E., 94 Boudreau, Alice E. (Witham), 88 Reardon, Raymond F., 84 Ryer, Leonard R., 84 HAMILTON Story, John W., 70 PEABODY Beaton, Elizabeth, 89 SALEM Kielbasa, John S., 81 SWAMPSCOTT Carangelo, Ferdinand (Ted), 71 OUT OF TOWN Dombroski, Victoria (Szmyd), 97, of Saugus. Kelley, Kathleen M., 57, of Fort Defiance, Ariz. Athletic fund report does not explain problems By Ben Casselman and Anna Scott Staff writers SWAMPSCOTT - School officials are criticizing the superintendent's report on an off-the-books athletic fund, saying the 20-page report offers no insight into why the secret account was created or who knew about it. "When I saw this, I said, 'OK, is this it, or is something else coming?'" School Committee member Paula Bonnazoli said yesterday. "I was hoping that it wasn't the whole response." Bonnazoli and the four other committee members, who received Superintendent Brian Coughlin's report Friday, still have few answers about how the fund went undetected for more than a decade. Except for a three-sentence memo attached to the top of the report, none of it was actually written by Coughlin. Most of the report contains copies of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletics Association's "Tournament Host Guide to Success," parts of which are available on the Internet. The report does not fulfill the committee's request and never mentions the unauthorized fund or who was responsible for it. At their last meeting, committee members criticized Coughlin's lax response to the discovery of the account and demanded a full report on how the fund existed for so long and how a similar scandal can be avoided in the future. "If we don't have a good understanding of how it all happened, there will be lingering doubts," said School Committee member Mary DeChillo. "What are they doing? What's going on? Should we give money to booster clubs? There's a cloud hanging over this stuff. My constituents are asking those questions and I think they deserve answers." The secret athletic fund existed for 14 years until its discovery earlier this year. According to an independent audit, the account's handlers - most recently, former athletics director Fran York and Town Clerk Jack Paster - used numerous fake signatures, failed to take bids and used cash for illegal purposes. York has retired. Paster recently completed an unpaid suspension for improper use of a town office in connection with the account. Swampscott police and the Essex County District Attorney's Office have opened a criminal investigation. Coughlin could not be reached for comment yesterday. New guidelines? Coughlin's report does include several forms for athletics department employees to use to keep track of money collected at games. And the "Guide to Success" contains several relevant sections, including one titled "financial responsibilities" that details how to collect and record ticket fees and how to handle the money afterward. The athletic association's guide also includes sections such as "sample public announcements for MIAA tournaments," "hints for effective crowd control" and "hints for effectively working with the media" that are unrelated to the athletics fund issue. "It provides guidelines for what to do, but it doesn't give any discussion on how we got into this," DeChillo said. "It's perplexing." DeChillo noted she was not present when the School Committee voted to request the report, and that her understanding of the committee's expectations was based on discussions at previous meetings. "People are wondering how the heck this happened," DeChillo said. "It's not enough to say we're going to go forward and do something. We've got to know the context." Coughlin discussed the issue in a memo to the board, but committee members said it did little to explain the problems with the fund or how to proceed. After several heated exchanges with the superintendent, the board voted unanimously earlier this month to request a more complete report. "Frankly, Dr. Coughlin, I'm a little bit disturbed by your reaction to all of this," School Committee member Dan Yaeger said at the time. "As a manager, I would have known that the buck stops here." Committee members asked Coughlin to include in the report a comprehensive plan for handling football ticket revenue and hiring seasonal athletics employees and a detailed organizational chart that will describe who reports to whom. In response, Coughlin provided the athletic association's guidelines and a cover letter in which he said he and high school Principal Steven O'Brien had agreed to follow the association's policies. "Accordingly," Coughlin wrote in the three-sentence letter, "you can expect that ticket sales, deposit of revenue, etc., will be conducted according to MIAA standards." Staff reporter Thomas Lake contributed to this article. Staff writer Ben Casselman can be reached at (978) 338-2529 or by e-mail at bcasselman@ecnnews.com. Staff writer Anna Scott can be reached at (978) 338-2664 or by e-mail at ascott@ecnnews.com. Journalists don't do the crime but risk the time By Paul K. McMasters When government officials commit the crime of leaking secrets, journalists usually are the first ones targeted for punishment. And right now, the nation's capital, which leaks like a sieve when it comes to government secrecy, is abuzz with the prospect of journalist after journalist marching off to jail rather than compromise their sources. Early last week, it was reported that U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan had found Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper guilty of civil contempt of court, ordered him confined "to a suitable place" and fined his employer $1,000 a day. The order was stayed until the newsmagazine can appeal the judge's decision. And what was Cooper's crime? Actually, he didn't commit the one under investigation. He just refused to testify before a grand jury about someone in the Bush administration who did commit a crime by leaking the name of a covert CIA operative. In that investigation, a number of other journalists face the same dilemma as Cooper: Burn a source or go to jail on behalf of the public's right to know. Most experts predict that Cooper could wind up doing the time - up to 18 months - even though he didn't do the crime. If so, he won't be the first and probably won't be the last. Some blame journalists themselves for this predicament. If they weren't so careless and casual in their dependence on anonymous sources, there wouldn't be a problem. That, however, ignores the realities of the political process in the nation's capital these days. First, Washington is awash in the most pervasive secrecy in modern memory. In addition, massive amounts of unclassified material are now being placed beyond the reach of the public and local and state officials, as well as the press, in the name of homeland security. Further, government officials have mastered the art of bending information to their needs. They have developed sophisticated news management techniques. They have a stable of partisan pundits at the ready. And when the political need arises, they are not averse to arbitrarily or spontaneously declassifying secrets that a moment before were absolutely crucial to our national security. There are few ways for government officials or others with information about mistakes, wrong-headedness or abuse of power to make that known, unless they confide in the press. And they won't do that if they fear that their careers and families will suffer because journalists under threat of jail will reveal their names. In this environment, journalists have had to develop work-arounds to meet the civic need and constitutional right of the American people to reporting that goes beyond being a transcription service for government officials. These work-arounds include the leaker, the anonymous source and the whistleblower, who provide nuance and balance coverage of government activities. Occasionally, a leaker tries to abuse the system to punish a critic, as some allege in the leak of the CIA operative's name. But mostly this system works remarkably well. Every day, Americans learn crucial information about government policies and performance from news stories that include official information leavened by information coming not from just one source, but in most instances, a cascade of leaks sorted and evaluated and balanced by the journalistic process. Judge Hogan's order threatens that system. In effect, the judge said that journalists who want to protect confidential sources don't have a First Amendment leg to stand on. Their choice is either to ignore the public's right to know or go to jail. Traditionally, journalists confronted with such a dilemma have felt so strongly about this that they have chosen jail rather than compromise their sources. The judge's confidence that the prosecutor has a right to require the reporters' testimony aside, there simply is no way for the government to force testimony by reporters in such instances without getting far beyond the mere naming of a source and into the reporting and newsroom decision-making process itself, a place the First Amendment says it shall not go. There has to be a better way. The problem is not leaks, of course. The problem is pervasive secrecy, only a fraction of which really protects our security. The rest is for cover and control and on occasion the punishment of someone in the press or government who provides a counterpoint to the message of the day or the spin of the moment. Until that problem is addressed, government officials will be tempted to intrude on the editorial process, journalists will have to choose between professional ethics or jail, and the public will have to worry about getting only the "official" story - or more chillingly no story at all. Paul K. McMasters is First Amendment ombudsman at the First Amendment Center, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22209. His e-mail address is pmcmasters@fac.org Peabody schools: Defining the problem By Robert Kelly First of three parts. Effective, costly education may be tolerable; ineffective, costly education is not. Peabody spends the money on its schools, but lacks congruent results. Taxpayers should apply the heat. The state should be more alert to Peabody's needs. The education establishment must either deliver a better product or it must explain the obstacles to success (in terms other than new buildings, teacher pay or class size) in a way that can be understood by interested citizens. The fiscal 2005 operating budget for the city of Peabody is $115.3 million, the school portion of which is $59.3 million (52 percent of the total). In short, it costs more to operate the schools than all other municipal activities combined. Most of that cost (70 percent) represents payments made to, or on behalf of, school personnel. In return, taxpayers get 10th-grade students, about half of whom are reasonably proficient in English and math, but most of whom are illiterate in history. That is not a good deal. School Superintendent Nadine Binkley is working on the problem. Citizens and their elected representatives will measure her progress. If a fair yardstick is used, she may be around long enough to make a difference. But what is fair? Measuring a superintendent's progress by comparing test results with those of surrounding communities is of some help if the environment in which those scores are achieved is appraised as well. But even when this dual analysis is diligently preformed, the answer is incomplete because the most meaningful relationship is absent - a comparison with the best. After all, Peabody's objective should not be to marginally outperform other mediocre districts; it should be to approach the performance of the best. How Peabody compares The city of Newton is an example of the best, 86 percent of its students being skilled in language, versus 50 percent for Peabody. But the parental support structure in Peabody is nowhere near as strong as it is in Newton, a fact demonstrated by the difference in average income per capita in both communities - Newton's $48,000 vs. Peabody's $38,000. Incidentally, the average income of a district's taxpayers is usually a sign of the presence of well-educated, supporting parents. Not that high income is the only meaningful standard, but in general it does imply the existence of positive attitudes toward education. Thus it would be unfair to set parity with Newton's scores on the language skills portion of the MCAS test as a short-term goal for Peabody. The at-home supports available to students from both communities are significantly different, and it is worth remembering that studies published in this newspaper and elsewhere have identified parental education levels as key determinants of the existence of quality education in a K-12 school system. The nearby town of Danvers, on the other hand, presents a level of achievement to which Peabody can aspire. Its literacy rate is 73 percent as opposed to 50 percent for Peabody. Average taxpayer income is about the same in both communities. But scholastic results are radically different. Why? Students from low-income homes do not have the family supports that are identified with academic success. Sixteen percent of Peabody's students fall into that classification versus 7 percent for Danvers. Reaching these youngsters is the problem Peabody must gradually conquer in order to challenge the Danvers standard. To do so will take time, and Peabody will need state help that is not available under the formula that currently determines the transfer of state funds to cities and towns. The superintendent's role The Peabody School Committee should establish a fair performance target for Superintendent Binkley that is regularly adjusted according to the availability of new programs developed by her, and by the willingness of the state to finance such documented needs. In terms of the analysis thus far presented, this means that to seriously reach for the literacy rate enjoyed by Danvers the superintendent must find ways to reach students from non-competitive home environments. This is not a small problem since Peabody's low-income student population is more than twice as large as Danvers'. The superintendent can take immediate steps in that direction that will need the full political support of the School Committee. For example, she can: * Modify teaching methods. * Shift personnel. * Audit language skills of all students. * Rule that no student shall advance until grade-level verbal skills are attained. * Construct remedial courses and programs, with the cost tag attached. Remedial courses will probably mean more cost - dollars specifically aimed at a student group that heretofore has been shuttled through the education system in the hope that something might stick. And that extra spending may not be supported by taxpayers who are already paying a larger portion of their annual income to support government services than their peers in, say, Beverly or Danvers. More money won't solve all problems State transfers of money attempt to equalize funding to all districts in the system. The money is welcome because most districts cannot afford their education systems by themselves. But the "money-solves-everything" approach is fundamentally flawed because it assumes that it, as such, cures all problems. Countless studies have proved that assumption wrong. If Peabody were a cookie-cutter replica of, say, Danvers, a system of state funding might work with modest variations. But Peabody does not have Danvers' student mix, and it does not have the equivalent at-home supports that are fundamental to educational progress. What it does have is a generally lower level of parental support and a much higher mix of low-income students. Districts like Peabody need direct support from the state for the cost of programs that will help those innocent students who enter a system that is not equipped to teach them. What we have right now is a sink-or-swim system in which too many drown. Superintendent Binkley needs tools that may not be part of the existing system. She requires researchers, for example, who can find answers to questions like: Who are these underachievers? What is their home life? What can be done to help them? What laws need changing that would minimize future problems? What will needed programs cost? Until prudent outreach programs are funded, Superintendent Binkley can only manage available resources professionally and point out what should be done. Thus the School Committee must appraise her progress realistically. She will not significantly advance toward the Danvers literacy rate until the costs of educating a student body like hers are recognized. State politicians: Change the funding system! Peabody needs intelligent help. Next: A look at the state's role in righting what's wrong with our public schools. Robert Kelly of Peabody writes a weekly column for The Salem News. His e-mail address is robert.kelly5@verizon.net Puritans made things painful for those who broke the rules By Jim McAllister In "Endicott and the Red Cross," Salem author Nathaniel Hawthorne provided readers with a look back at the types of punishments meted out by judges in Puritan Massachusetts. Under the noonday sun, says Hawthorne in his historical sketch, in close proximity to the meeting house in Salem's Town House Square, an admitted Episcopalian stands with his neck in a pillory. Nearby, a local resident who had become rowdy after a few drinks sits with his feet in the stocks. They are joined in the square by a suspected heretic wearing a sign that declared him "A Wanton Gospeller" and a woman who had sassed the church elders. Affixed to the latter's carping tongue - the "unruly member" that had gotten her in trouble - is a cleft stick. In the crowd that has gathered to view the spectacle are a number of individuals with cropped ears or slit nostrils, grim reminders of their own past brushes with the Puritan judicial system. Others have letters representing their particular crime branded permanently on their cheeks. One sad, solitary man wears a noose around his neck that he is forbidden to remove. "Methinks" says the sympathetic author, "he must have been grievously tempted to affix the other end of the rope to some convenient beam or bough." Punishments in 17th-century Massachusetts were diverse, creative, and often cruel. They ranged from simple fines to maiming to burning at the stake, although the latter was never used in Essex County. Instead, locals convicted of murder, like Dorothy Talby of Salem who capped a career of deviant behavior by killing her daughter, met their respective ends on the gallows. The pillory and stocks mentioned by Hawthorne, along with the whipping post, were fixtures in many local communities until they were outlawed in Massachusetts in 1813. The pillory could be a most uncomfortable instrument. The criminal's neck was placed in a stretched position in a hole between two pieces of hinged wood (in extreme cases, the offender's ears might be nailed to the pillory frame). Two smaller openings trapped the miscreant's hands, preventing him or her from warding off the rotten eggs or other foodstuffs thrown by onlookers. Those sentenced to spend an hour in the stocks sat upright with legs extended forward. The ankles were locked into small openings like those on the pillory. This punishment exacted a toll on the lower back which was unsupported. Adding to the sitter's discomfort was the shame of being an identified sinner or convicted criminal. Whipping, fines and short stays in very uncomfortable jails were the most common punishments in Puritan Massachusetts. Whipping was always painful and, in extreme cases, could be fatal. Normally the offender was lashed at a post in the town square, but those viewed as real threats to the Puritan order could be sentenced to be whipped at the "cart's tail." These offenders would be tied to the rear of a cart and transported from place to place. At each stop they would receive a handful of lashes with a knotted cord. Some of the Quaker missionaries who descended on local communities in the late 1650s were sentenced to be tied at cart's tail and whipped at each town between Salem and Boston. By the time the poor unfortunates reached their final destination, their flesh hung in strips on their blackened and bloodied backs. Quaker missionaries and sympathizers were among those sentenced to have "H" for heretic branded on their cheeks. Some would have had ears lopped off, an amazingly frequent occurrence in Puritan Massachusetts, or holes bored through their heretical tongues. Eventually the more persistent of their number would be sentenced to leave Massachusetts or to be executed by hanging. Branding was reserved for heresy and other serious, usually violent, crimes. A gentler form of this punishment was the wearing of an embroidered or printed letter, such as an "A" for adultery or "I" for incest, on the sinner's clothing for an extended period of time. In 1661, a Salem soldier was sentenced to ride the "wooden horse" for some unknown dereliction of his military duty. This little known and very painful instrument of legalized Puritan torture, usually reserved for military use, featured a inverted wooden "v" mounted on a frame. The soldier was forced to straddle the sharpened edge of the "v" with heavy weights attached to his feet. Like most other forms of Puritan punishment, it was both painful and humiliating. Jim McAllister of Salem writes a weekly column for Viewpoint on the history of the region. '04 Games have different feel By Bill Plante Staff writer "What do you make of the New Jersey governor resigning because he cheated on his wife by having an affair with another man?" I asked Big Freddy as he reached for his coffee. "I don't want to talk about that," Big Freddy said, "except nothing has been the same in New Jersey politics since Boss Hague died." "Then how about Kerry saying the president had the authority to go to war in Iraq?" I said. "Yackety yack," Freddy said, "and I don't want to talk about that either, because nothing gets serious until after the Republicans take their bite out of the Big Apple." "So what do you want to talk about?" I asked. "The Olympics," Freddy said, "which it will be interesting to see whether the fans of our boys and girls give it the old 'USA! USA!,' and what happens if they do." "You think the games will be politicized?" I asked. "Why not?" Freddy responded, "and do not give me that old Simon-pure line, because they always have been despite whatever. They gritted their teeth before the Iraq war when our fans gave it the old rah rah, but this is a today like no other yesterdays, and it is the day before a tomorrow nobody knows what's going to happen because no one has a handle on it. "Bin Laden uncorks the genie bottle on 9-11and they keep thinking that the U.N. should have been given the chance to talk him back in, and would have, if Bush hadn't gone to war with Iraq and got everybody stirred up just when France and Russia have this cushy deal going with Saddam. But I don't want to talk about that." "It seems to me you are," I said. "You miss my drift," Freddy said. "The Olympics used to be about the boys and girls from each country doing their thing. Now it's about money - under the table, over the table, around the table. I read where Greece has ponied up a billion and a half for these games. Greece is what? The size of Maine, maybe? And that's not counting what the sponsors for this and that pay to get their names on TV." "Well it is show-and-tell time," I said, "and the audiences will be huge, especially because it's Athens where this all began a very long time ago." "And now it's show-and-tell for everybody," Freddy said. "Well, so what?" I asked. "The tests are to see who is the world's best athletes in each sport, so the reward means more than just a national contest. World records are at stake." "That's not all that's at stake this year," Freddy said, "because the terrorists know we are in a world war that most of the rest of the world has no clue yet; because they think if Bush would just go away it would be peace, brother, because what's going on is all his fault. But I don't want to talk about that." Bill Plante is a weekly columnist for The Salem News. New voke school more critical than ever The question for parents and others in the region as work continues on the proposed merger of the North Shore, Peabody and former Essex County vocational schools, is not whether they can afford it, but whether they can afford not to provide an expanded, high-skills vocational program for their children. Regardless of whether it's George W. Bush or John F. Kerry in the White House next January, the flight of jobs from the United States to lower-wage countries is not going to dissipate. When product and services can be provided from offshore locations at a lower cost than here without compromising quality, profit-driven companies are virtually compelled to move their operations in that direction. But that doesn't mean this country can't produce new jobs in new industries, or figure out how to do things better and faster than the competition. That spirit of innovation, ability to adapt to changing times and penchant for hard work, has produced the economic miracle that continues to provide Americans a quality of life unsurpassed in the world. But those qualities must be nurtured in places like our vocational schools. For too long now teens opting out of the college track have had to settle for the limited career-training opportunities offered by their hometown school districts or at the small regional programs in Danvers and Middleton. In recent years, elected officials from many of these communities have been meeting in an effort to create a comprehensive vocational school that would be the equal of those in other regions of Massachusetts. Danvers Town Manager Wayne Marquis, who chairs the study committee, last week announced "three big steps forward": • The committee agreed that the new facility should be housed in a single, 450,000-square-foot building to be located on the current Essex Aggie campus in Danvers. • Legislators announced that a bill formally merging the Peabody, North Shore and Essex Aggie programs is before the House Ways and Means Committee and might be reported out before the end of this year. And, • Members of the merger committee viewed a 20-minute promotional video that represents the start of a campaign to move the project from the talking stage to actual construction. The problem, as Marquis and others freely acknowledge, is money. Estimated cost of the new facility is $100 million, which will be very hard to come by given the local school building needs with which many of the affected communities are struggling. But members of the region's legislative delegation including Senate Majority Leader Frederick E. Berry of Peabody have repeatedly said that given the importance of this endeavor, they intend to fight hard for the maximum state match. The cost of the new facility might also be offset by the sale of some of the Aggie land near the intersection of Routes 1, 62 and I-95 that will no longer be needed when the new school opens its doors. Ultimately, however, taxpayers in the members communities - Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Swampscott, Hamilton, Wenham, Middleton, Topsfield, Boxford, Essex, Lynnfield and Nahant - must come up with their fair share. Writing in a recent issue of The New Yorker, the respected journalist John Cassidy, noted regarding the outsourcing debate, "(the United States) will have to ensure that its scientists are the most creative, its business leaders the most innovative, and its workers the most highly skilled. ... A truly enlightened trade policy would involve increasing federal support for science at all levels of the education system; creating financial incentives for firms to pursue technological innovation; building up pre-school and mentoring initiatives to reduce dropout rates; expanding scholarships and visas to attract able foreign students and entrepreneurs to these shores; and encouraging the development of the arts." He adds: "In short, ensuring our prosperity involves investing in our human, social, and cultural capital. But don't expect to see that slogan on a campaign bumper sticker anytime soon." Cassidy may be right as far as the upcoming presidential campaign is concerned. But North Shore residents determined to give their children the kind of skills - in the trades, in computer technology, in business entrepreneurship - that will be critical to maintaining a healthy standard of living as we move through the 21st century, ought be get aboard the merger bandwagon now. Fine gesture spotlights city's shortcomings To the Editor: God bless Henry Swanson, and shame on Mayors Scanlon and Crean and the many firefighters who man the North Beverly Fire Station throughout the year. I grew up just around the corner from that station and also had the privilege of working for Henry's Market as a teenager over 30 years ago. A lot has changed since those days. Back then firefighters took pride in the station and the equipment the city provided. It was quite common for firefighters to be seen working about the station with a sense of duty. Mayors back then would never have accepted the indifference that the firefighters demonstrate today. They would have demanded more and gotten it, because back then the total good of the city went beyond a what's-in-it-for-me mentality. Old man time has robbed Henry Swanson of his youth, but within him youth runs eternal. His supermarket has withstood the onslaught of every major supermarket chain since he opened in the 1940s. Henry's success and longevity surely is rooted in the high standards that customers have come to expect. His business represents the best of what Beverly is about. Henry, you are my hero. I expect that in just a few short weeks the residents of Beverly will get to see firsthand what the wisdom of one of Beverly's living legends could accomplish single-handedly. Let this be a lesson to every apathetic public servant in the city of Beverly. Shame on you! David Manzi Beverly New Phillips Library policies still a matter of concern To the Editor: My recent letter regarding the newly shortened hours at the Phillips Library at the Peabody-Essex Museum omitted a couple of relevant facts, in light of which one of my statements about the new policy amounts to an overstatement of the case. John Grimes, deputy director of research for the museum, informed me that preapproved visiting researchers may examine the library's collections during more extended hours, provided that they tell the librarians in advance what they intend to look at. He also pointed out to me that the library has actually extended the number of four- to eight-week research fellowships it offers every year from two to six. In light of this, it was unfair of me to claim that they had effectively "sealed off" the collection, and I retract that claim. My larger point, however, that the new policies of the PEM are likely to distance the library and its unique collections from the Salem community, the wider public and much of the scholarly community still stands. For one thing, the library may have a policy of extended hours for preapproved scholars, but I do not find these spelled out anywhere on its Web site. If researchers are able to obtain such appointments, I do not see how their work in a collection the size of the Phillips Library can possibly be managed efficiently by a reading room staff of three. Nor has there been as yet any serious effort to find a trained librarian or experienced archivist to head up what remains of the staff. No historians I spoke with were ever consulted about these new policies (as for example did the Blunt Library at Mystic Seaport). And most importantly of all, no other important research libraries in New England with which I am familiar (the American Antiquarian Society, the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Blunt Library in Mystic, the Cape Ann Historical Society, the Nantucket Historical Society) are reducing their reading room staff and hours in this manner. Added to this, the museum has over the past decade effectively ceased publication of the Essex Institute Historical Collections, once the best county historical magazine in America; and it now seems to have suspended indefinitely the publication of American Neptune, America's foremost maritime historical journal. The museum claims that all of this is a necessary cost of modernization and that far from reducing services, it is redirecting its resources toward digitizing its collection in such a way that the library will be open to the world on the Internet. In a world of infinite resources this would be a laudable goal, but the cost of mounting even 5 percent of a collection the size of the Phillips Library on the Web far outstrips what the museum can possibly afford. The Blunt Library at Mystic recently considered doing a project of this sort with a much smaller collection, but after consulting the experts, they have decided that no electronic version of their collection can in the foreseeable future replace on-site research. The digitizing of certain images as illustrations of the materials held in the collection is fine, but that should supplement - not replace - real research. As things stand, the Massachusetts Historical Society, the American Antiquarian Society and the Blunt Library have all succeeded in generating much more Web-based material than the Phillips Library, while keeping their archives open five days a week. The new policy is reversible. No permanent damage to the collection, the pursuit of history or the Peabody Essex Museum's reputation has yet been wrought. I urge the trustees of the museum to act as proper stewards and see that this does not happen. Although the collections of the Phillips Library are in one sense the property of the PEM to do with what it pleases, they belong in a deeper sense to the public - to the American people whose history is connected with everything that happened in Salem and especially to the residents of Salem who have spent so many long hours over the years working in the library as volunteers or conducting their own investigations within its collections. They deserve better. Daniel Vickers, Chair Department of History University of California at San Diego Creature double feature debuts at No. 1 By DAVID GERMAIN Associated Press LOS ANGELES - Movie-goers were easy prey for a double dose of space invaders. The sci-fi smackdown "Alien vs. Predator," featuring the creatures of the "Alien" and "Predator" franchises, debuted as the No. 1 weekend movie with $38.25 million, studio estimates showed yesterday. "Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement," with Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews reprising their royal roles, opened in second place with a three-day gross of $23 million, pushing its total since premiering Wednesday to $37.2 million. That was about on par with the $37.9 million "The Princess Diaries" took in over its entire first week in August 2001. The new movies bumped the previous weekend's top film, Tom Cruise's "Collateral," to third place with $16 million. The animated kid flick "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie," adapted from the TV cartoon show from Japan, debuted at No. 4 with $9.4 million. "Alien vs. Predator," featuring Sanaa Lathan and "Aliens" and "Alien 3" co-star Lance Henriksen, centers on a human expedition that stumbles on a space-monster blood feud in an ancient pyramid buried below Antarctica. The movie debuted slightly ahead of the $36.4 million debut of last summer's horror hybrid "Freddy vs. Jason," which paired the slashers of the "Friday the 13th" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street" franchises. "This continues the trend of combining franchises to very strong box-office results," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "If you're a fan of the 'Alien' movies, you want to see this movie. If you're a fan of 'Predator,' you want to see this movie." Audiences shelled out $16.8 million to see "Alien vs. Predator" on Friday, but the movie's gross fell to $12.5 million Saturday, a steep 26 percent decline. Most new movies do better business on Saturday than Friday. That's a sign that "Alien vs. Predator" could follow the pattern of "Freddy vs. Jason" and other horror tales, which tend to open well then plunge in subsequent weekends. Still, "Freddy vs. Jason" topped out at a healthy $82.2 million domestically. Budgeted at $60 million, "Alien vs. Predator" would turn a solid profit for 20th Century Fox if it matches the gross of "Freddy vs. Jason." Preceded by "Alien vs. Predator" video games, the movie drew a largely male audience, most younger than 25. To broaden its appeal, 20th Century Fox brought the movie in at a PG-13 rating, though the previous four "Alien" films and two "Predator" flicks had hard R ratings for violence. "I don't think it's a cop-out at all," said Bruce Snyder, the studio's head of distribution. "This is based on a video game that did have a bit of a younger audience. There's a lot of action and violence, but most of it is creature to creature rather than creature to people." In limited release, the domestic drama "We Don't Live Here Anymore," starring Laura Dern, Naomi Watts, Mark Ruffalo and Peter Krause, opened strongly with $106,000 in just seven theaters. The film expands to more theaters this Friday. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through yesterday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released today. 1. "Alien vs. Predator," $38.25 million. 2. "Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement," $23 million. 3. "Collateral," $16 million. 4. "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie," $9.4 million. 5. "The Bourne Supremacy," $8.3 million. 6. "The Village," $7 million. 7. "The Manchurian Candidate," $6 million. 8. "Little Black Book," $3.7 million. 9. "I, Robot," $3.6 million. 10. "Spider-Man 2," $3.4 million. Tribe looks to D.C. for help in fight for casino PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - After losing another round in its long bid for a casino, the Narragansett Indian Tribe is looking to Washington for help. The tribe hopes to persuade Congress to get rid of a federal law that prevents them from opening a casino on their Charlestown land without approval from state voters. On Friday, a state court ordered off the ballot a question which would have asked voters if the tribe and Harrah's Entertainment could build a casino in West Warwick. The Narragansetts say other tribes in the United States are not subject to the restriction requiring voter approval. "I think it's time for Congress to take the issue up," the tribe's Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas told The Providence Journal. Thomas said he would ask the Rhode Island delegation for help, but also wants to speak with the leadership of the House and Senate, as well as President Bush and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., about the issue. The battle in Washington is predicted to be difficult. Some observers say the tribe's chances are slim and their allies few. U.S. Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., are firmly against changing the federal law. A spokesman for Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., said Kennedy would support such a change, but realizes it is unlikely. "If you were to look through the rolls of Congress and take a look at current sentiment when it comes to issues of Native Americans and issues such as gaming, it's pretty clear that the votes would be pretty difficult to come by," said Ernesto Anguilla, Kennedy's spokesman. A spokesman for Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., said he is unlikely to support changing the federal law. "He's reluctant to take any measure that would bring a casino to Rhode Island because he's fundamentally opposed" to a casino, said Michael Guilfoyle. But Thomas said the tribe can argue they have not gotten a fair deal in Rhode Island. "Our argument to the feds would be, 'Look at the track record. They've done the Rhode Island shuffle again and again." 1,000 Catholics celebrate Mass of unity By MARK JEWELL Associate BOSTON - More than 1,000 Roman Catholics gathered on Boston Common under gray skies yesterday for a Mass of unity organized by a lay group in response to a consolidation plan that will close dozens of churches. Members of all 357 parishes in the Boston Archdiocese were invited to the Mass by Voice of the Faithful, a group of lay Catholics often at odds with the archdiocese that was formed after the clergy sex abuse scandal broke in Boston two years ago. It was the first Mass held on Boston Common since a 1979 visit by Pope John Paul II. "This is about being pastoral and showing sympathy to the churches that are closing," said Leslie Dennis, a Voice of the Faithful member from the Charlestown section of Boston. "We're not agreeing to the closures of the churches. It was a rushed, unfair process." Many participants belonged to one of the more than 80 parishes scheduled to close this year as part of a massive restructuring brought on partly by the clergy sex abuse scandal. Three buses carried members of St. Albert's parish in Weymouth to the event, with most wearing yellow bumper stickers on their shirts that read "Keep St. Albert's Open." The parish is among several that have filed appeals with the archdiocese to keep from being closed. "It won't help us win the appeal to be here today, but they'll see there are a lot of people that are disturbed by this," said Vin O'Keefe, a 12-year parish member. Several participants at the two-hour Mass carried signs bearing messages such as "Save Sacred Heart Church" and "Accountability - The only hope for our future." Archbishop Sean O'Malley has said the archdiocese has seen declining Mass attendance, a shortage of priests and has been unable to support struggling parishes, many of which are in older buildings in need of repairs. The clergy sex abuse scandal has contributed to the problems. Donations have dropped in some dioceses, while others have seen abuse-related costs rise. Last fall, the archdiocese agreed to pay $85 million to settle lawsuits filed by more than 500 victims of clergy sex abuse. Despite the somber reason for the gathering and cloudy weather, music helped keep the tone upbeat. Many participants said they took part in hopes of fostering spiritual healing. "One of the things that's important about being Catholic is to observe ritual, in good times and bad," said Mary Sullivan, a Voice of the Faithful member from Weymouth. "A lot of people are being hurt, and we hope this helps." Press People Associated Press The Associated Press Trip to Haiti doesn't fit Glover MIAMI - Actor Danny Glover backed out of a cruise commemorating the Haitian bicentennial, saying he did not want to appear to support the government installed after Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted as president. Poet Sonia Sanchez also canceled. "Due to the increasingly critical political situation in Haiti, which resulted in a loss of life, oppression and incarceration of thousands of Haitians, I have canceled my participation," Glover told The Miami Herald before the Caribbean cruise set sail on Saturday. About 500 people paid $1,500 to $2,500 to take the seven-day cruise. Celebrities taking part include dancer Katherine Dunham and National Urban League President Marc Morial. A U.S.-led multinational force arrived in Haiti after a three-week rebellion. Aristide left the country on Feb. 29. From exile in South Africa, Aristide has accused the United States of being behind his overthrow, a claim Washington has denied. No second-hand knowledge of plot NEW YORK - It's set in Brooklyn in the 1950s, but that's all anyone is saying about the plot of Woody Allen's new play, "A Second Hand Memory," which will have its world premiere in November at off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company. The production, which opens Nov. 22, will be directed by Allen and will feature a cast that includes Michael McKean, currently playing Edna Turnblad on Broadway in "Hairspray"; Martha Plimpton, and Dominic Chianese, best known for playing Uncle Junior on "The Sopranos." Preview performances begin Nov. 3. In May 2003, the Atlantic premiered Allen's last theater effort, a collection of two one-act plays which went under the collective title of "Writer's Block" and starred Paul Reiser, Jay Thomas, Grant Shaud and Bebe Neuwirth. Evanescence singer heads on home NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Singer Amy Lee of the Grammy award-winning rock band Evanescence returned home for the final show of the band's latest tour. Lee said in an interview Saturday at Alltel Arena, across the Arkansas River from her hometown of Little Rock, that it was a bit "weird" to be home. "I don't like the attention of 'you're famous so talk to me," Lee said. "Well, why do you want to talk to me? Just because you think 'It's going to make me cool.' That's something I don't understand really." Lee said when she's in Little Rock, many fans ask if she remembers them. She said her family moved around a lot when she was young, but came to Arkansas when she was 12 or 13 years old. The band's debut album "Fallen" went platinum and earned them two Grammys last year for best new artist and best hard rock performance for the single, "Bring Me to Life." Evanescence and opening act Seether have been touring since early July. Salsa musicians gets government post PANAMA CITY - Famed salsa musician Ruben Blades will be Panama's new tourism minister, said President-elect Martin Torrijos. Torrijos, who takes office Sept. 1, announced Friday he would raise the Panamanian Tourism Institute to Cabinet level at the same time he named Blades to head it. The singer-songwriter and Harvard-educated attorney ran for president in 1994 but decided to back Torrijos in this year's election. Blades, 56, had said he wanted to work with the justice system to improve prison conditions. 'Hurricane' Carter resigns from group he founded TORONTO - Former boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, who spent two decades behind bars for a wrongful murder conviction, resigned from his position as executive director of a Canadian organization he founded to defend the wrongly convicted. Carter said Friday that five directors of the Association in the Defense of the Wrongly Convicted refuse to oppose the appointment of an Ontario judge. The judge, Susan MacLean, was a prosecutor in a case in which a man was twice convicted for the murder of his 9-year-old neighbor in Queensville, Ontario. Guy Paul Morin was later cleared of the crime. Carter said the position of his five colleagues has undermined the integrity of the organization. "I have to let this baby go," he said. Carter founded the Toronto-based association in 1993. It has garnered international respect for its work on behalf of the wrongly convicted. Carter was wrongly convicted of a triple murder in New Jersey in 1966. He cleared his name and regained freedom in 1985. Bob Dylan wrote a ballad about "The Hurricane," and Muhammad Ali championed his cause. His story was recently portrayed in the movie "The Hurricane," starring Denzel Washington. City considering fix to North Beverly flooding By Chas Sisk Staff write BEVERLY - City officials are weighing a $1 million fix to a long-standing flooding problem in North Beverly. City and private engineers are putting together a plan that would divert water from a brook that runs between Tozer Road and Cabot Street into a new underground pipe that would empty next to the Cummings Center. The project is meant to end flooding around the Beverly Commons apartment complex and the Shore Country Day School. The Cambridge engineering firm Camp, Dresser & McKee has told the city the project will cost $960,000, including design work and construction costs. City councilors will take up the issue when they return from their summer recess next month. The city has been planning for years to fight flooding along North Beverly Brook, a narrow, rust-colored creek that begins near the North Beverly Plaza shopping center and empties at Shoe Pond next the Cummings Center. In 1980, engineers drew up plans that would siphon floodwater into a 4-foot pipe that would run along Tozer Road. The plans would leave enough water flowing into the brook to keep it healthy, said Michael Collins, the city's director of public works. The project was pushed aside as the city worked on three bigger drainage projects. But now that the last of those - the construction of a retention basin on Chubbs Brook in Beverly Farms - is wrapping up, city officials are taking North Beverly plans off the shelf. No one disputes that there's a flooding problem along North Beverly Brook, and that it's getting worse as development accelerates further upstream. "We've had dead animals floating in here," said Jean Martin, a resident of Lexington Drive. "One time we had petroleum. It's just an ongoing flood problem that's not getting better." But city officials say they don't know how they'll pay for the project. The three previous drainage projects cost a combined $12 million - all of it from city coffers - and payments on Chubbs Brook are supposed to start next year. "The question is where the money is right now," Ward 5 Councilor Donald Martin said. But city officials say the project may be worthwhile anyway. "Ultimately what we're trying to do is stop flooding in a whole bunch of places," Collins said. "We're trying to get water into Shoe Pond, and by doing that we will also be eliminating flooding elsewhere." High school band gears up for new school year By Natalie Miller Correspondent BEVERLY -- The first day of school is rapidly approaching, which means stores are boasting back-to-school sales, football players are putting on their jerseys again, and marching band members are tuning their instruments. The Beverly High School Panther Marching Band will begin rehearsals Monday in preparation for the upcoming school year. Their destiny - home football games, four competitions and parades. This year, the band will play selections from the popular musical "West Side Story" at half-time and competitions. Band Director Ray Novak said shows will be very entertaining and something "the kids can sink their teeth into as well." Novak chose five songs, including "Maria," "Cool," and "Tonight" for the performances. The shows give the school "ample opportunity to feature the color guard," Novak said. Guard members - 23 in all - will be doing more dance work this year in addition to flag work, he said. "The color guard usually ends up being a backdrop to the band. Now it's more integrated," he said. As in past years, the band will perform at the Beverly Santa Parade, Salem's Haunted Happenings Parade and the Memorial Day Parade, in addition to state-wide competitions. Daily practices will be held at the school Aug. 16 through Aug. 21. On the last day, a demonstration for friends and family will be held from 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. After the performance, the music parents association will hold a cookout in the high school's lower parking lot. Municipal Calendar Tuesday, Aug. 17 Parking & Traffic Commission, 10:30 a.m., conference room B, City Hall, 191 Cabot St. Cable & Telecommunications Corp., 5:30 p.m., Beverly High School, 100 Sohier Road. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Building Commission, planning & construction committee, 7 p.m., Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex St. School Committee, 7 p.m., City Council chambers, City Hall. Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., conference room A, City Hall. By Salem linked to famous poet By Alan Burke Staff writer SALEM -- Two New England towns claim Anne Bradstreet, the first American poet, as their own. Neither one is Salem. Yet, thanks to Bradstreet, Salem has been named a National Poetry Landmark by the American Academy of Poets. The academy cited the presence of husband Simon Bradstreet's grave at the old burial yard on Salem's Charter Street as the reason for picking the Witch City. "The only thing you could visit is her husband's grave," says the academy's Robin Beth Schaer. No one knows where Anne is buried because women in that era weren't given headstones. Many, including Bradstreet descendants, believe Anne was laid to rest alongside her husband, the former governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. None of this has left Ipswich and North Andover very happy. The Bradstreets arrived in Salem from England in 1630 -- Anne was 18 -- aboard the Arbella, the ship that also carried Puritan leader John Winthrop. But they quickly established themselves in Ipswich before moving, years later, to North Andover, then called Andover. "Ipswich and North Andover fight over her," says former Ipswich Historical Society President Stephanie Gaskins. "But I've never heard of Salem being involved before." Lauren Towler of the North Andover Historical Society not only insists that Bradstreet is likely buried in North Andover, but that it is extremely unlikely she was buried in Salem. "She has no ties there. .... She died here and we know she was buried three days after she died," she says. Furthermore, Towler said Simon Bradstreet was probably buried with his second wife (Anne died before he did). What's more, his own whereabouts is not as certain as might be supposed. "His stone was found buried upside down in that cemetery," she says, with many headstones later rearranged. "No one knows where he's really buried in there." Because Anne's fame has spread in recent years, tourists often come to North Andover, seeking something of her. "They want to commune with her," Towler says. "They go into the cemetery and say, 'I can feel her.'" But her presence in the cemetery is, at best, a good guess. "We put up a dummy stone," says Towler. "It's a monument. But it looks like a headstone." No real landmark The American Academy of Poets in New York, established in 1934 to promote poetry and poets, is designating 31 poetry landmarks around the country, throughout August. That includes sites like Emily Dickinson's home in Amherst and the Poet's Corner at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York. All of the landmarks will be celebrated on the Academy's Web site -- poets.org -- with Bradstreet coming last, on Aug. 31, precisely because her landmark is so unique. In fact, she never really left a landmark, the academy's Schaer agrees. "Her house burned down," she says. That fire at her Andover home was the focus of one of her most famous poems, "Upon the Burning of Our House," where her most prized possessions are swept away in the summer of 1666. Typically, her poems dwelt on the joys and sorrows of everyday life, trials that could only be soothed by invoking God. "She's appealing to students," says Salem State College professor and author Nancy Shultz, "because she wrote passionate love poems to her husband. They're surprised to hear this kind of poetry come from a Puritan women." But even Schultz is hard-pressed to find a Salem connection for Anne Bradstreet. "I never thought of her as a Salem poet," she says. Towler thinks the academy chose Salem because it's better known than North Andover. Yet,she isn't particularly upset about all this. In fact, almost everyone agrees that the important thing is to celebrate Bradstreet's timeless poems. She might not be as well known as Emily Dickinson or Nathaniel Hawthorne or Walt Whitman. But she predated each. And that's also why she's special, says Schaer, a poet herself. "She is the mother of us all," she says. Part of old mill coming down to make for development By Tom Dalton Staff write SALEM - A large section of one of the few surviving mill buildings on the North River will soon be coming down. The Historical Commission recently approved a developer's request to demolish a portion of 28 Goodhue St., a sprawling, four-story wooden structure near the intersection of Bridge and Boston streets. The former tannery and shoe factory has been vacant for the past five years. Anthony Roberto of North River Canal LLC, who bought the building last December, had sought a waiver of the city's six-month demolition delay ordinance. He plans to demolish about half of the building while retaining the core of the structure for use in a proposed housing and retail redevelopment. He submitted a demolition proposal to the Historical Commission following discussions with Historic Salem, Inc., a private group that closely monitors development in and near historic areas of the city. This may be the only surviving shoe factory in the city built before the great fire of 1914, according to research by HSI. Even with this approval, it is not clear when Roberto will begin taking down part of the vacant building. He is waiting for the City Council to rezone the North River canal corridor, a stretch of land that follows the river from the North Street overpass to Boston Street. Under current zoning, a mixed-used housing development is not allowed. "We don't have the zoning," said Joseph Correnti, Roberto's attorney. "Right now, we're watching the (zoning) being discussed and seeing how that comes out." A committee that includes private citizens has met for two years with city officials to plan the future use of this area, which once was home to tanneries and mills. The committee is close to submitting a new zoning proposal to the City Council, which would allow mixed-use developments, according to an aide to the mayor. Roberto is considering 50 or more condos on this site, but his plans are not final, his lawyer said. He is still assembling financing and working on design and construction plans. The mill building at 28 Goodhue St. was built in the early 1900s and survived the Great Fire of 1914, which began in the "Blubber Hollow" factory district and destroyed many buildings there and throughout the city. The building, which housed more than 40 small shops and artists' studios in recent years, was condemned by the city in 1999 as a potential fire hazard. Businesses to discuss homeless concerns SALEM - A meeting will be held Wednesday morning to discuss concerns local businesses have about the homeless. Mayor Stanley Usovicz has invited business representatives to sit down with Thomas "Tiny" Caulfield, who is the co-director of the Crombie Street homeless shelter and also the city's street outreach worker. It will begin at 10 a.m. in the Planning Department office at 120 Washington St. This meeting follows a recent public session on the homeless shelter's planned move to the former St. Mary's Italian Church, at which many residents complained about problems they have faced the past few years. A few weeks ago, several downtown business owners met with the City Council about their concerns. Wednesday's meeting was called to let business people meet Caulfield and find out about the kind of assistance he, the shelter and other city and regional agencies can provide. Anyone who can't attend can reach Caulfield at (978) 744-0500 Ward 3 Councilor Jean Pelletier is working with the shelter to set up a committee of local residents to improve communication with the shelter, which will move to St. Mary's Church this fall. -- Tom Dalton Climber overcomes illness, McKinley By Lisa Arsenault Staff writer MANCHESTER -- Wendy Booker's celebration was short lived after she reached the summit of Mount McKinley on June 27. She pumped her fists in the air like Rocky. She cried a little. Then she began the long climb back down the mountain. Now she begins the second part of her journey -- sharing her story. "My message to everyone is to climb their own mountain," said Booker, who will be at the Manchester Athletic Club at 10 a.m. Wednesday to talk about her trek to McKinley and the training it took. "When your mind is engaged, you gain back a piece of your soul." The 50-year-old mother of three was an unlikely candidate to make it to the top of one of the world's highest peaks, even before she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years ago. Booker had passed off numbness in her leg for four months before she went to a doctor in 1998. Dozens of tests later, she was told she had the debilitating disease of the central nervous system, which can start with loss of balance and muscle coordination before it puts people in wheelchairs. After her diagnosis, lifelong hobbies like running seemed like they might be impossible. Booker decided to fight back. She gave up her job as a interior designer and ran a marathon instead. Once she conquered that, she set a bigger goal -- climbing Alaska's Mount McKinley. Climbing the 20,000-foot mountain is not an easy task, even for someone without MS. Booker worked with a trainer at Manchester Athletic Club nearly every day for nine months to prepare. Her training included filling a hiking pack with 50 pounds of birdseed and walking on a treadmill in winter hiking boots. "Climbing is a dangerous sport," she said. "You have to have complete confidence in yourself, your equipment and whoever you're climbing with." Booker and her trainer, Cathy Sullivan, had to re-teach some of her muscles how to move. Sullivan said it was important to make sure Booker would be ready for whatever obstacles the mountain would pose. "It was pretty amazing to watch," said Sullivan, who has never worked with an MS patient before. Booker first attempted to reach the McKinley summit of in May 2002. Her team made it to 17,000 feet and had to turn back because of bad weather. She returned for another try this summer, after two more years of training. "I felt like it was unfinished business," she said. Booker doesn't take much of the credit herself. She attributes her success to Sullivan and the support of her husband. Good weather on the climb was a blessing, she said. Her team only faced one blizzard during the second climb, which blasted them with 70 mph winds at 11,000 feet for three days. "I didn't come back the same person," she said. "I don't care what color someone else's sofa is anymore." Now Booker, who has been touring the country since 2000 to give motivational speeches for people with MS, hopes to climb even bigger mountains. She plans to scale the seven summits, a renowned list of the highest mountains in the world. "Climbing symbolizes what life with MS is like," she said. "You have to try and try again." Marblehead gets great rates By Alan Burke Staff writer MARBLEHEAD - The town seems to have hit the jackpot in a plan to sell $26 million in bonds by contracting Corby Capital Markets Inc. of Boston to negotiate the sale. In a brief meeting Friday, the Board of Selectmen approved the sale of the bonds to various investors at what Corby told them are remarkably favorable rates -- they range from 2 percent in 2005 to 5 percent in the last years of the bond, 2013 to 2024. "We got a wonderful window of opportunity," Chairwoman Judy Jacobi said. "We're told that this will save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the period of the bond," board member Tom McNulty said. "We were all pleased." "It seemed to work out pretty well," added Selectman Jeff Shribman. "We're going to be paying for it at very good interest rates." The money will be used to pay the town's share of the cost in the construction of the new high school and the renovation of the old high school -- the latter is scheduled to open as the new middle school in September. The remainder of the tab for these projects is being picked up by the state's school building fund. Previously, the town put such bonds out for competitive bidding. Selectmen conceded that Corby's plan, to negotiate the sale, waiting for the most favorable time to offer the bonds, represented a departure and a bit of a gamble. "It was a little risk," Shribman said. "But it was a risk worth taking." Selectmen made the decision to go this route after close consultation with veteran Finance Director Bart Snow. A number of factors seemed to put the town in a good position at the time of sale, according to Corby representatives, including the fact that the Federal Reserve was scheduled to raise interest rates later in the day and a disappointing jobs report in June, one that frightened investors away from the stock market and into the bond market. In addition, Marblehead enjoys a AA+ bond rating, only slightly lower than the top rate, AAA. "And the bonds sold better than AA+ bonds," said McNulty. Investors "just gobbled them up." In another unprecedented departure from past practice, Corby first offered bonds to Marblehead residents, sending out postcards. They responded by investing in the town to the tune of nearly $1 million. "I'm pleased there are several Marblehead investors," Jacobi said. It was only a small percentage of the overall total, she conceded. "But it says that we have people here in town who think this is a good community to invest in." Marblehead Municipal Calendar Tuesday, Aug. 17 Housing Authority, 5:30 p.m., Roads School, community room. Recreation, Parks and Forestry Board of Commissioners, 7 p.m., Community Center. Old and Historic Marblehead Districts Commission, 7:30 p.m., selectmen's meeting room, Abbot Hall. Recreation and Park Commission, 7:30 p.m., 10 Humphrey St. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., selectmen's meeting room, Abbot Hall. Thursday, Aug. 19 Conservation Commission, 8:15 p.m., lower level conference room, Mary A. Alley Municipal Building. History of 28 Goodhue St. Pre-1907 -- Site of George F. Putnam's tannery 1907 -- Property sold to North Shore Shoe Co. 1907-1910 -- Present building constructed 1916 -- Additions built 1930s -- Still a shoe factory 1950s -- Owned by Pioneer Plastics Corp. 1990s -- Small shops, artists' studios 2003 -- Sold to Anthony Roberto Note: This information is based on research by Historic Salem, Inc. Primary primer Peabody will hold its Democratic and Republican primaries Sept. 14. Here are the people who will be on the ballot: Democratic Primary, Wards 1-5 U.S. Congress John Tierney (incumbent) Governor's Council Mary-Ellen Manning (incumbent) State Senator Frederick Berry (incumbent) State Representative Joyce Spiliotis (incumbent) Anne Manning Joseph Silva Sheriff William Murley Republican Primary, Wards 1-5 U.S. Congress Stephen O'Malley Jr. State Representative John McCarthy Jr. Sheriff Frank Cousins (incumbent) Democratic Primary, Ward 6 U.S. Congress John Tierney (incumbent) Governor's Council Mary-Ellen Manning (incumbent) State Senator Frederick Berry (incumbent) State Representative Theodore Speliotis (incumbent) Sheriff William Murley Republican Primary, Ward 6 U.S. Congress Stephen O'Malley Jr. State Representative Judith Judson Sheriff Frank Cousins (incumbent) r> Two weeks left to register for quiet primary By Ben Casselman Staff writer PEABODY - Nov. 2, Election Day, promises plenty of excitement. The presidential race between George Bush and John Kerry is expected to be one of the most hotly contested and closely watched in the country's history. Democrats will be striving to take back one or both houses of Congress. And Gov. Mitt Romney, tired of watching the Democrat-controlled Legislature overturn his veto, is trying to return the state Republican Party to respectability. And then there's Sept. 14. In Wards 1 through 5, that day's Democratic primary will feature just one contested race - a hard-fought three-way race for state representative. Democrats in Ward 6 will have even less to think about - their representative, Ted Speliotis, is unopposed in the primary. And Republicans? Not only are there no contested races in the Republican primary, the party isn't even fielding candidates for state senator or governor's council. All of which has City Clerk Natalie Maga predicting low voter turnout, possibly in the single digits. "I don't think we'll get 15 percent," she said. "I really do not like to predict such a low turnout." Still, Maga will be preparing for 100 percent participation, and she's hoping she will be proven wrong. Residents still have two weeks - until Aug. 25 - to register to vote in time for the primary. City Hall will stay open until 8 that evening. Polls for the primary will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who will be out of town or cannot make it to the polls for physical or religious reasons can vote absentee. Voters can stop by the city clerk's office to vote any time between now and Sept. 13 at noon. Voters can also call the clerk's office at (978) 538-5750 to request an absentee ballot. "Certainly we encourage people to get it done soon," Maga said. Municipal calendar Wednesday, Aug. 18 Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m., 120 Washington St. Historical Commission, 7:30 p.m., 120 Washington St. City Hall hours: Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday closed. Charley has little left for North Shore By Jill Harmacinski Staff writer Residents spent the weekend keeping a close eye on Hurricane Charley as it cut a deadly trail northward. But by the time Charley arrived on the North Shore yesterday, the furious hurricane had mellowed to a soggy tropical rainstorm. Charley lingered here until noontime yesterday, dropping approximately 3 inches of rain before slowly moving north toward Maine and Canada. There was a minor power outage in Hamilton and Wenham yesterday morning, but no serious flooding, according to police. Meteorologists say it will rain today, but tomorrow will be sunny with a high around 80. Before moving up the coast, Charley killed 16 people and ripped a multibillion-dollar path of destruction in Florida. North Shore residents who have relatives or property in Florida monitored the hurricane and tried to find out if loved ones living in affected cities and towns were safe. Don Soper and his wife, Maria, of Salem own a time-share condominium on Fort Myers Beach. Maria's parents, George and Sylvia D'Iorio, former Salem residents, also own property in Fort Myers, where they now live year-round. "Luckily, they didn't have much damage in their area," Don Soper said yesterday. He said his in-laws live in a modular home park. In Charley's wake, they will have to fix broken windows and are still without power, but they are not complaining, Soper said. Just 45 minutes away from them, in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Hurricane Charley's devastation was estimated at $11 billion in personal property loss. "They're really the lucky ones," Soper said of his in-laws. "They are not complaining at all, particularly after what they've seen happen in other parts of the state." Danvers resident Aileen L'Abbe owns a campground in Juneau Beach, which is about 20 minutes north of West Palm Beach. Her property was subjected to driving rain and 45 mph winds. "But we were lucky," L'Abbe saidd, noting her campground, home to 140 seasonal and year-round residents, did not suffer widespread damage. "We were lucky in Juneau Beach and lucky in Danvers," L'Abbe said. Many areas in Florida, including Fort Myers, are still without electricity. Soper noted the weather in Florida this time of year is unbearable without air conditioning. "There's been no electricity since the storm struck, and it was 92 and humid (Sunday)," Soper noted. Emergency officials believe Hurricane Charley is the worst hurricane to wallop Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Twenty-six deaths were linked to Andrew, which caused $19.9 billion in insured property losses. Material from the Associated Press was used in this article. Staff writer Jill Harmacinski can be reached at (978) 338-2652 or by e-mail at jharmacinski@ecnnews.com. Swampscott Municipal Calendar Monday, Aug. 16 Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., Swampscott High School Library. Earth Removal Advisory Committee, 7:30 p.m., Douglas F. Allen meeting room, Town Hall. Wednesday, Aug. 18 School Building Committee, 7 p.m., Swampscott High School teachers room. Thursday, Aug. 19 Conservation Commission, 7:30 p.m., Senior Center. Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., Swampscott Town Hall. Cyber cafe wants to open earlier By Natalie Miller Correspondent SWAMPSCOTT -- James Puopolo opened the door to the town's first cyber cafe last November, and it quickly became the place for young "gamers" to hang out. Now, by opening earlier and adding to the menu, Puopolo hopes to capture the attention of the town's older generations. CapNet Cyber Cafe, located at 136 Humphrey St., opened with 13 computers fully equipped with Internet access, and a bar full of snacks and sodas. Doors opened at 3 p.m., after school let out, and the computers could be used for any kind of Internet browsing and for multiple player video games like Counterstrike, Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield Vietnam. Puopolo named his shop after his brother, Carmine Anthony Puopolo, who died two years ago. "I think about him every day," he said. "It feels good when people ask (about the cafe's name)." Right now, Puopolo only has approval from the town to open at 3 p.m. during the school year, and at 10 a.m. in the summer. He is allowed to open earlier in the summer since the temptation to skip school to play games is not a concern. Tonight, Puopolo will go before the zoning board, asking to be allowed to open at 7 a.m., year round. He is also asking for approval to sell baked goods. With few places in town to get coffee, he feels that the convenience of his cafe will appeal to adults commuting to work in the earlier hours. "Lots of cars drive by in the morning," Puopolo said. He is even offering free Internet for coffee drinkers, hoping to attract more adult customers. Puopolo and his girlfriend, Suzanne Bauer, who runs and maintains the network, decided to go cyber last year after a visit to the Liberty Tree Mall's cyber shop, Battleland. After doing some research, Puopolo decided that a cyber store would be profitable without a great deal of work. "Cyberlands are very popular in the West Coast and Europe," said Puopolo. "But there aren't many on the East Coast." The Humphrey Street property had been vacant for a while, and after the papers were signed, Bauer went to work setting up the computers and creating a decor that was fit for a spunky, new-age cyber store. In June, the young business underwent renovations. A full drink bar was installed with hot and iced coffee, frozen cappuccino, slush, and almost any flavor of smoothie imaginable. Packaged pastries and snacks currently line the shelves, but after the zoning meeting Puopolo hopes he will be able to sell real desserts and pastries. Though Puopolo said he is looking to attract more adult customers, he hasn't forgotten the kids. He would like to start hosting overnight tournaments, a phenomenon that is gaining in popularity across the country. Kids would sign up, with a parent's permission, for an all-night gaming tournament. "I have never done one," he said of the all-night tournaments. "It gives the kids a chance to come here with all their friends and participate." It's almost time to set the record By Natalie Miller Corresp SWAMPSCOTT - The sound of the sacred Jewish horn will radiate over Kings Beach tomorrow night at the annual Great Shofar Blowout, hopefully with enough people present to set a world record. After weeks of preparation, the Jewish Federation of the North Shore and members of the community will finally make some noise. The Guinness Book of World Records will be listening, and if at least 100 shofars are blown in unison for five minutes straight, the record will be set. The blowout will sound at 6:30 p.m. on Kings Beach. Registration is set to begin at 5:30 on the public lawn next to the Swampscott Public Library, said Debbie Coltin, executive director of the Jewish Continuity Center. "It's a wonderful time for the community to express Jewish pride and bring in the High Holy Days," she said. Judges will be present to make it official, among them state Rep. Doug Peterson, Swampscott Selectmen Chairman Dan Santanello, Lynn Mayor Edward Clancy and other area politicians. ndent Beverly calendar Monday, Aug. 16 Beverly Grange annual cookout for members, 5 p.m. at Nancy Benevento's home on Paine Avenue. Blind auction for Ways and Means, please bring a wrapped item. Rain date is Aug. 23. Tuesday, Aug. 17 Big Band Dance, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St. Free. (978) 921-6017. Crossroads Quilters Guild meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, Route 1A. Ice cream social followed by a paper pieced workshop. "Seasons" project kits will be available. $5 for guests. Call Nancy Whitney at (978) 922-2632. Evening Book Discussion Group meeting, 7:30 p.m., Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex St. Group will discuss "Seabiscuit" by Laura Hillenbrand. Public welcome. Call (978) 921-6062. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Free Blood Pressure Checks, 9 to 11 a.m., Beverly Council on Aging, health room. Call (978) 921-6017. Menopause program, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Esacpe Within Women's Fitness and Wellness Center, 131 Dodge St. Call (978) 236-1650. Thursday, Aug. 19 Beverly Senior Citizens Club meeting, 2 p.m., Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St. (978) 739-9155. State Rep. Mary Grant district office hours, 6 to 7:30 p.m., City Hall, City Council Chamber. (617) 722-2582. Book Discussion Group meeting, 7 p.m., Beverly Farms Branch Library, 24 Vine St. Group will discuss "Reading Lolita in Tehran" by Aaar Nafisi. Public welcome. Call (978) 921-6066. Friday, Aug. 20 State Rep. Mary Grant office hours, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Beverly Senior Center. (617) 722-2582. Wednesday, Aug. 25 "Charlotte's Webb," 7 p.m. presented by Neverland Theatre. Tickets $10. Temple B'nai Abraham Theater, 200 Lothrop St. (978) 948-7925 or www.neverlandtheatre.com. Thursday, Aug. 26 "Charlotte's Web," 7 p.m. presented by Neverland Theatre. Tickets $10. Temple B'nai Abraham Theater, 200 Lothrop St. (978) 948-7925 or www.neverlandtheatre.com. Sunday, Aug. 29 St. Margaret Catholic Church Religious Education registration, 9:30 to 11 a.m., parish rectory, 672 Hale St., Beverly Farms. Classes meet on Sunday mornings and are available for kindergarten through high school students. Parents of new registrants should call (978) 927-5302. "Charlotte's Web," 2 and 5 p.m. presented by Neverland Theatre. Tickets $10. Temple B'nai Abraham Theater, 200 Lothrop St. (978) 948-7925 or www.neverlandtheatre.com. Monday, Aug. 30 "Charlotte's Web," 7 p.m. presented by Neverland Theatre. Tickets $10. Temple B'nai Abraham Theater, 200 Lothrop St. (978) 948-7925 or www.neverlandtheatre.com. Tuesday, Aug. 31 "Charlotte's Web," 7 p.m. presented by Neverland Theatre. Tickets $10. Temple B'nai Abraham Theater, 200 Lothrop St. (978) 948-7925 or www.neverlandtheatre.com. Wednesday, Sept. 1 Reception for "Ocean View" exhibit at Monsterrat College of Art, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Featured artists include Jon Imber, George Nick and Jane Goldman. 23 Essex St. (978) 921-4242. Saturday, Sept. 11 Seventh annual Kelly For Cancer event, 7 to 11:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Herman A. Spear Post No. 133, 3 Judson St. Live music, featuring The Mud Bugs and Burma’s Bravest. Proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society. E-mail kelly4cancer@aol.com. Monday, Sept. 13 Gallery talk and booksigning, 11:30 a.m. at Montserrat College of Art's Carol Schlosberg Alumni Gallery, 23 Essex St. "Letter from the Road," photographs by Garielle Keller and text by Ethan Berry. (978) 921-4242. Thursday, Sept. 16 Gallery talk, 11:30 a.m. at Montserrat College of Art's 301 Gallery, 301 Cabot St. for "Private View: Paintings by Grant Drumheller." (978) 921-4242. Have mitt, will travel:Spirit catcher Charles winding down 13-year career By Ben Larsen The North Shore Spirit are atop the Northeast League in team earned run average, least hits allowed, wins, complete games, and shutouts. Frank Charles has a lot to do with it. As the Spirit's primary catcher, the 35-year old Charles handles the entire starting rotation and bullpen. With the recent departures of Spirit hurlers Jeremy Sugarman to the Cincinnati Reds organization and John Kelly to the Seattle Mariners' Triple A affiliate in Tacoma, Wash., and the arrival of replacement players, it would be assumed that Charles would have a hard time adjusting to his new battery mates. But with 13 years of professional experience under his belt, Charles has grown accustomed to the revolving door that is professional baseball. "Being in different organizations for so long years has made me comfortable to the constant changing of players. So what has been happening here is nothing new to me. It's just a matter of the pitchers and myself adjusting to each other and being patient with the learning curve," said Charles, who has been a part of six different major league organizations. The 6-foot-4 Rochester, N.Y. resident was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 17th round of the 1991 Major League Draft. After signing in the middle of the summer, Charles played a total of a season and a half in the Giants' organization before being released. In its first year of existence, the St. Paul (Minn.) Saints signed Charles for one year before beginning his longest tenure with any major league organization, which ended up being a four-year affiliation with the Texas Rangers. In 1998, Charles resigned with the Giants knowing that there wasn't much chance of a big-league call up since there were already two catching prospects rising through the minor league ranks. "I didn't mind because at the time, I had no offers and it was in the middle of spring training," said the Southern California native. "I just wanted to get back with somebody and I was fortunate enough to end up in Double A and actually made the (minor league) All-Star team that year." After a one year stint with the San Diego Padres system, Charles joined the Houston Astros. And it was that Texas town where he enjoyed the most success of his baseball career. Under the tutelage of manager Tony Pena, Charles worked his way up to a full time spot in Triple A New Orleans before being called up to join the Astros in September of the 2000 season. Charles had four hits and knocked in a pair of runs in his seven big league at-bats. He collected his first hit, a double off Oswaldo Mariena at Wrigley Field and picked up his RBI with a two-run single in his only start, which was the final game of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers. "That was a dream game for me," said Charles. "I was part of a double play with centerfielder Richard Hidalgo where I got to block the plate and also barehanded a bunt down the third base line and threw the runner out. It was definitely my best experience in baseball." In 2001, the Baltimore Orioles signed Charles and sent him to the Triple A Rochester Redwings. It was there that Charles met his future wife shortly before being sent back to the Astros organization to join New Orleans for the playoffs. Charles returned to New Orleans for the 2002 season before coming to the North Shore last year, but shortly after joining the Spirit in their first year of existence, the Boston Red Sox snatched up the catcher and sent him to Triple A Pawtucket. "I never really got things going while in Pawtucket," said Charles. "It's a great team and organization and I loved playing there, but with the way I was playing, I would have let me go too." His release from the Red Sox may have been a blessing in disguise in the eyes of Charles, who couldn't be happier coming to work at Fraser Field every day. He is hitting .289 this season and has made a substantial contribution to the team's success. "It's just the perfect situation here," said Charles. "Nick (referring to owner Nick Lopardo) and the rest of the staff are so gracious and generous. It's just an incredible experience and it's only six hours from home (Rochester), so my wife can come out here quite a bit. "But the main reason I came back was to have the chance to go out on top. We have a championship caliber team this year and it's great to know that I could finish up with a championship and a ring," said Charles, who plans to retire from professional baseball after this season. When the Spirit wrap up the 2004 season and Charles hangs up his spikes, he is looking forward to a career in pharmaceutical sales. "I've been on a few interviews and the field is really interesting to me," said Charles. "In many ways, it's similar to baseball. You need to be self-motivated and work as hard as you can by yourself but at the same time work together with team members." Working with teammates has been an enjoyable part of baseball, but it was something else that drove Charles for the last 13 years. While bouncing from team to team and sometimes not even knowing if there was a roster spot for him anywhere, Charles was guided by something more powerful. "Just knowing that there was a small chance of playing in the big leagues kept me going," said the veteran backstop. "I was fortunate enough to get a taste of it and that only made me want it more. "But after all these years, reality has set in. If the opportunity to play in the big leagues came to me at this point in my career, I can't say that I'd turn it down. Sometimes your priorities change and for now I'm at peace with what is going on and very happy with what I accomplished in my career." taff Writer Gallant tourney nears final By Ben Larsen Staff Writer In a game that was continued Saturday morning after being halted Friday evening due to darkness, Anders Gunderson collected his second hit at the perfect time as Marblehead completed its comeback to win a 5-4 thriller over Danvers in Gallant Tournament Action at O'Grady Field in Salem. Trailing 4-2 heading into the final frame, Marblehead put on it's rally caps and Gunderson's two-run, game-winning single was exactly what it needed. Marcus Ulian hurled three strong innings to pick up the win, allowing three runs and only one hit while striking out five. T.J. Patrikas led the Danvers offensive attack with two RBIs while Matt Lafleur suffered the tough luck loss. Ulian, Nick Haller, and Dustin Dana each had hits for Marblehead in its second game, but it wasn't enough as they dropped into the loser's bracket with an 11-0 loss to Peabody. John Nolan belted a two-run homer to spark the offense for Peabody while Sean Glavicky took care of things on the mound. Glavicky tossed a complete game to get the win, scattering seven hits while striking out 10. Pat Barrett and Ryan English helped out the cause with two hits apiece. Marblehead will look to stay alive when it squares off against Beverly tonight at 7:30, while Peabody will play Lynn in the winner's bracket final. Beverly 4, Swampscott 0 David St. Pierre fired a complete game, allowing only five hits and two walks while fanning three as Beverly advanced in the winner's bracket. Steven Dubois belted two hits and knocked in a pair while Dan Cook had two doubles. Austin Butler also chipped in offensively, finishing with two hits and an RBI. Jake Donohue led Swampscott at the plate, cracking three singles while Michael Nimkar suffered the loss after throwing a complete game. Danvers 6, Gloucester 1 John McGinnis blasted a solo homer and Greg Ladd shut down the Gloucester offense as Danvers moved ahead in the loser's bracket. Along with knocking in a run on three hits, Ladd fired a complete game, yielding one earned run and just five hits while striking out 12 and walking only a pair. Joey Guardino chipped in with a two-run double in the third inning. Bret Cahill led the way with the bats for Gloucester, belting a solo homer and collecting a single while Mckenzie Quinn took the loss. Lynn 14, Salem 0 Cory Burt blasted a three-run homer and Chris Butler followed it up with a solo shot as Lynn cruised past Salem, advancing to play Peabody. Manny Brea and Jesse Valerio collected hits for Salem, which will face Danvers today at 5:30 in an elimination game. Team Rourke victorious at Salem Classic By Ben Larsen Staff Write Hurricane Charley and its heavy rains may have washed away a good amount of tee times and local tournaments this weekend, but Kevin and Keith Rourke had no problems finding the hole at Salem Country Club this past Friday. The Rourke's combined for a 133 to claim first place in the gross division of Salem CC's Salem Classic, a two-day stroke-play, team event. The winners finished the first day with the lead and didn't give it up to gross division runners-up Wayne Guyer and Fred Green, who finished at 138. Phil Caron and Bill Elwell were the winners of the net division after firing a 128 to edge out runners-up Mike McDougall and Ziggy Parda, who came in one shot back at 129. On Tuesday, Shelia Sirois, Heidi Eramo, Ann Lundstedt and Andy Taffe combined to win the 2004 Ladies' Member-Guest tourney. Sue Flanders, Sharon Masterson, Judy McGuire and Judy Mosse weren't too far behind, finishing in second place. Tomorrow, ladies' tournament play will continue with the Sweater Tournament, which will feature groups of four and a best ball format. Tedesco ladies' club Mary Rice defeated Pamela Scangas on Friday to win the Tedesco Country Club Ladies' Club Championship. Ruth Hammer was victorious in the first flight while Sue Magrane won the second flight over runner-up Lisa Desalvo during the three-day event, which began Tuesday. Gail Roberts edged Shelly Plakans in the third flight and Molly Conlon outlasted Molly Bleasdale in the fourth and final flight. Meadow update Due to inclement weather, the Men's Club Championship at The Meadow will conclude next weekend. The group of Charles Tyner, Steve St. Armand, Frank Aiello and Bob Roche will be reduced to two and ultimately one when play resumes for the A-division on Saturday. In the B-division, Mike Frasca, Gerry Michaud, Jim Keenan, Alan Swerdloff, John Treadwell, William Murphy, Griff Nichols and Bob Gill will battle it out in the match play formatted final weekend. The tournament began last weekend with 16 players in the A-division, which allows players with handicaps less than 11 and 32 competitors in the B-division. "The tournament is really exciting so far," said Meadow head pro Rich Nagle. "All the players and myself love the match play format. Things always get a little more interesting with match play." Myopia results Leo and Wendy Kraunelis shot 36 to win Friday evening's Couples' Twilight tourney, which used a select drive alternate shot format. Wendy and Peter Richardson finished in a second place tie with Chip Curtis and Wendy Smith after both groups shot 37. The Richardson's took sole possession of second place after a card-matching tiebreaker. The foursome of Richard Gourdeau, Richard Osgood, Patrick Wilson and Barnard Bryant combined for a 64 to win Saturday's Men's Weekly Sweeps. Win or lose, it was all worth it Olympic Diary Jimmy Pedro EDITOR'S NOTE: Four-time Olympian Jimmy Pedro of Methuen, a graduate of St. John's Prep, will be competing in the 73-kilogram division for the U.S. Judo team today. He is rated by many as the greatest judo competitor the U.S. has ever produced and is considered the Americans' best hope for their first-ever gold medal in the sport. Pedro is providing The Eagle-Tribune readers an up-close-and-personal account of his experiences in Athens for the 2004 Summer Olympics. By the time most people read this, my judo career will be over. That's life. You have to deal with things and move on. Not competing any more will be tough. The reason I made a comeback two years ago was because I missed it so much. Yesterday was Alex Ottiano's (of Lawrence, my longtime training partner) last bout. Like I said, he had real tough draw in the first round against the Russian. He fought well, but the other guy was a little better. He will be getting married on Sept. 25, so he figures it's time to move on with his life. But knowing what I went through, he'll probably think about a comeback some day. It's just the way it is when you've done something as long as he and I have. Yesterday was probably the most relaxing day I've ever had at an Olympics. It's weird, I just don't feel the pressure right now. I know what's at stake, but I'm calm. I don't know if that's good or bad. I guess I'll find out. I didn't go over to the judo venue. I just hung out around the village. I watched Alex fight on TV. In fact, I watched judo most of the day on TV. There were two things I did for a little while to get away a little bit. I watched a movie, Pulp Fiction, which was a strange movie. And I got a message. When Alex came back to the village we talked a bit and then he went over with me to the American College in Greece so I could work out a little to make sure I'm under 73 kilograms (160.6 pounds). One of the funny parts of the day was when I went over the big cafeteria in the village. I saw Yao Ming, the 7-foot-6 hoop player from China. I've never seen a guy that big before. He seemed like a good guy, saying "hi" to people as they walked by. I also spoke to my wife (Marie) and kids (Casey, A.J. and Ricky). Of course, I'm trying to explain to them the importance about today for me, and my son A.J. said, "Good, Dad, when are you coming home?" To lessen the pain of me being away, Marie told the kids that we would go on a Disney Cruise if daddy won (a gold medal) in Athens. My youngest son Ricky asked, "If you don't win, are we going on the Disney Cruise?" I told Ricky it might be a little too expensive but I told him we'd see, so what does he say? "You know the chocolates and presents you were going to bring home to give to us? When you do, I'll give you a quarter for them." Talk about helping me put things in perspective. Well, this is it. I've been waiting for this moment for four years, 12 years, almost my entire life. When I won the bronze in 1996, it was one of the greatest feelings in the world, especially having to win so many matches after losing. It would be even better not losing at all. But win or lose, I know I've given myself the best shot. That's all you can ask for in this sport. I've had a lot of great experiences and met a lot of incredible people through judo. I feel like I've won already. But keep your fingers crossed. Femino enjoys another golden moment By Bill Kipouras Staff writer Len Femino is a very compassionate guy, as anyone who knows the Beverly attorney will attest. The 51-year-old Femino literally and figuratively cleaned up in his debut at the 2002 U.S. Transplant Games at Disney World, capturing a gold for winning the 800 meters in the masters division and adding silver medals on successive days in the his favorite event, the 1500 meters, the metric mile, and the 5K road race. He felt bad for those who finished fourth in the 1500 and 5K who missed a medal by one spot and said to himself, hey, those fourth place finishers had families there and deserved to share in the postrace recognition. "I made up my mind at that time that I would not do multiple events again," Femino said. He kept his word and kept his gold medal streak alive, too, at Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., in the 8th biannual Transplant Games, clocking the seniors' 1500 meters in 5:51.91 and his margin was decisive, 55 seconds. Had he run in the younger 30-39 age group Femino would have been the runnerup. What's more, he had to overcome some adversity, namely a nagging hamstring pull that hampered his training. It has been two weeks since he returned and he hasn't been out on the road since. He was planning to break five minutes, but had to refocus after suffering the hamstring in June. He had a lot of money vested into the trip, his wife Rona and daughters Carla and Allyse were joining him, and Femino wasn't going to pull out, but he restricted his preparation. No speed work. His training was at 40 miles a week and he found a way to stay in shape, all in the interest of getting through the race. With two laps left his hammy did surface, but his decision to run a six mile pace paid off in gold. Femino, a Salem native and Wesleyan football teammate of Bill Belichick, was reluctant to discuss his injury, pointing out that the Transplant Games aren't about celebrating medals, but rather a Celebration of Life. The participating athletes are all alive today as a result of an organ donor who provided them with a gift of life, a heart, a liver, kidney, lung, pancreas or bone marrow transplant. Running has always been a passion for Femino, who has become best friends with a number of colleagues, namely Roger Perham, Don Greenough, Jerry Beauchamp, Dan Peterson, Paul Harrington, Anthony Fusco, and Mike Woods, who have gathered for years every Sunday, 7 a.m. sharp, at Patton Park. "It's perfect for busy people who enjoy being fit. You get outside, do it efficiently, and get a lot done in one hour," he said. Who would have believed he'd be out on the road in nine weeks after a liver transplant, Sept. 14, 2000, at Tufts-New England Medical Center? "It was 8-10ths of a mile in the neighborhood and my wife was out there making sure I went no further," he laughed. "The doctors said I couldn't break any blood vessels, they were very specific about that, and I went from there. The 2002 Transplant Games was my first competition and it's quite an event. There are 2000 athletes in 12 sports and probably 8000 who descended on this latest meet. It's a pilgrimage for my wife, kids and myself. As is every day is a blessing to be alive. I don't verbalize, but personalize every day on what I've gone through and it becomes a very emotional week. You need a handkerchief. There are a lot of tears. It breaks your heart. It also makes you feel so proud of meeting these people from donor families who lost a loved one after a tragic accident and donated organs." Femino said there are 85,000 in this country on a transplant list. There will be about 6000 donors and about 6000 hopefuls will die for a lack of an organ donor. He lucked out after waiting on a liver list for three years and time truly was running out on him. He spent 52 days in the hospital in 2000 and was hospitalized every other week at the end of his battle. "I was dying. Time was running out on me. I had one bile duct open and it was fractional. It was ready to close out. That was it for me," he said. "I had a rare bile duct disorder. My great fortune was that my brother Dominic stepped up and gave me the right lobe his liver. What's good about the Transplant Games is we as a family don't talk about it at home, but get an opportunity to exchange things with these other families at an event like this. The nurses and doctors who saw me almost dead get a big kick out of something like this. It brings a lot of joy to them to see someone doing well, and I'm not talking about medals. You go to the Transplant Games, hear the stories, and it makes you happy just to be alive." ... Peter Soteropoulos wasn't expecting a starting role when he joined Greece's Olympic baseball team, but the St. Louis Cardinals' farmhand is slated to open against Italy tomorrow. Soteropoulos will be the first of three pitchers. Greece will use three pitchers for three innings each. The lefty middle reliever from Peabody worked a 1-2-3 inning vs. Canada in an exhibition and gave up a couple of runs and four hits against Australia in another pre-Olympic tune-up. Greece had to scramble its pitching plans when no fewer than four hurlers came up with arm problems and another tested positive. The former UConn star from Peabody is guaranteed three appearances in Greece's seven-game Olympic journey. He will be rejoining Class A Peoria in the Midwest League after the Games. ... Beth Kapnis Livermore, the Salem High girls' basketball coach, is three months pregnant, but planning to return to the bench next season. "I'm 99.9 percent sure that I'll coach. I'll talk it over with my family and then (athletic director) Sean Gallagher, but I'm planning on it," she said. The Livermores have a daughter Sydney, 3, and are expecting their second child Feb. 14, Valentine's Day. "That would be fantastic is she arrives on Valentine's Day, but it's tough timing, right in the midst of the tournament season. I'm sure it will work out with the (large) family I have." She also has two very capable assistants, Janna Ryan and Laury Kovalcheck. Livermore, 37, is a physical ed-health instructor at Wilmington High and will take a leave of absence in early February, if not sooner. ... The Beverly High hockey program has suffered a huge loss with the resignation of Todd Lampert. The 52-year-old Beverly alumnus has enriched the Beverly, Danvers and Curry College programs for 22 years as a goaltending coach, and did two terms at Beverly covering 22 seasons, but said his move had nothing to with the administration's decision to relieve Larry Jacobs. "I needed a break. I had told Larry about my intention before last season and informed Bill Gilligan after he was hired. I want to relax a bit. I do hope to get back in the future. I love coaching, but it's very time-consuming, so I decided to step back some. I was disappointed with the way things were handled. That was bad what they did to Larry. They were lucky to get someone like Bill. It took guts to step into that situation. He's a great guy and did a very good job," Lampert said. Clearly, Lampert, who operates Todd's Sporting Goods at the Cabot Plaza, wasn't enthralled with the upper echelon of the Beverly school administration. Lampert served five different Beverly hockey coaches, including Jerry Ryan, Ray Bastarache, Jay Polley, Mike Deering and Jacobs. Bill Kipouras is a staff writer at the Salem News. He can be reached at(978) 338-2615 or by e-mail: bkipouras@ecnnews.com. Moulton aiming for Vegas By Matt Jenkins Staff writer When it comes to sports, Steve Moulton likes to take chances. And he's willing to go wherever those chances might take him. A spontaneous decision made a year ago at a driving range just might lead Moulton back to Las Vegas for his second straight Junior Long Drive Competition. Moulton, a senior-to-be at Danvers High, is an avid golfer who was just working on his game last year when he was approached about entering a long drive contest. He gave it a shot and ended up advancing to the finals in Vegas, where he placed third. This year, he recently won a regional competition with a drive of 318 and is scheduled to head for Pennsylvania for the national qualifier on Aug. 28. Moulton will definitely attend the competition, but isn't sure if he'll participate. Unfortunately, those chances Moulton likes to take with sports just might cost him this year. He broke and dislocated his right pinky finger last week after a mountain biking accident. He'll be in a splint for three more weeks and will be a game-time decision. "It was pretty messed up, but it's just a little splint. The doctor said four weeks, so I'm going to hopefully take it off soon and try to compete," Moulton said. "I'll probably go down there and if I'm feeling up to it I'll swing a little before. It's my right hand pinky and that's what interlocks my hands, so it's kind of important. But that's probably the best one to break out of any of them." Those who know Moulton are willing to bet he gives it a shot. It's just a question of how comfortable it will be. It's hard to imagine that he'll be able to drive the ball anywhere near his all-time high of 351, but it might not take that much. Anyway, who would doubt a kid like Moulton? He's a three-sport standout for the Falcons in golf, hockey, and lacrosse and will serve as a captain in all three sports this season. As a goalie, he's the backbone for one of the top public hockey schools around and last spring he made a major sacrifice for the Danvers lacrosse team. Moulton started playing lacrosse as an eighth grader and always served as a midfielder. But when the Falcons lost one goalie to injury and the other because of a vacation, he volunteered to step between the pipes. It was a huge success. He led Danvers to a tournament run. "I figured I had more of an advantage than the other players to take that position. I thought I could help my team more," said Moulton. "In lacrosse the ball comes down on you and can go down or bounce up. In hockey, it's all coming from the ice." The difference between playing goalie in lacrosse and hockey is much like the difference between golf and long drive. "It's completely separate because you get six chances in a long drive. In golf you only get one mess-up," Moulton said. "In golf it's hard to win, but you get six tries to get it in the grid (for long drive). There's more room for fault." Moulton, who plays No. 2 behind friend J.B. MacDonald in the Danvers lineup, is shooting for a return trip to Vegas. "That's my goal, but you have to get lucky too," Moulton said. "Only one person goes down there and I think there are like 16 kids competing (in Pennsylvania)." ... Three-for-24. Are you kidding me? That's what Team USA shot from behind the international arc yesterday afternoon in an historic 92-73 defeat at the hands of Puerto Rico in the teams' Olympic opener. My heart was ripped out every time I saw multimillionaire Richard Jefferson spot up, wide open on the wing and find new and uglier ways to miss each shot. Commentator Doug Collins would then step on said heart by firing out statements like, "That shot is 20-feet, six-inches, while the NBA three-point line is 23 feet, nine inches." I know it's true that the rest of the world is catching up to us in hoop, but we've played a major part. In fact, I think we've met them halfway. If you need proof just watch some of the And 1 Mix Tape, then go to any park and watch young kids try to imitate it. My basketball heroes growing up were Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. Now, kids want to be Hot Sauce or the Professor. It's an absolute embarrassment where basketball in the United States has gone. Matt Jenkins is a staff writer at the Salem News. He can be reached by phone at (978) 338-2648 or by e-mail at mjenkins@ecnnews.com. By Hector Longo Staff Wr Baseball Champions takes 2-0 lead: Andrew O'Neill's pinch-hit double scored a run and set up a three-run fifth inning that carried Champions to an 8-4 victory over the Amesbury Reds Saturday night. After O'Neill delivered, Jon Blodgett, who was 2-for-4 with three RBI, knocked in two runs with a double for a 6-3 lead. Jeff Martin was 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI and Derek Lyons had a pair of hits with an RBI, a run, and a stolen base to also star for Champions, which hosts Amesbury at Twi Field in Danvers tonight (8 p.m.) hoping to take a three-game lead in their best-of-seven championship series in the North Shore League. Mike Maroney went the distance on the mound for the win. Hockey Viking Hockey School revises schedule: The Viking Hockey School at Salem State College has announced a revised schedule. The camp will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 at the following times: Mite/Squirt, 3:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.; PeeWee/Bantam, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Midget/High School, 6:30 p.m. to to 8:20 p.m.. All sessions are $150. For more information, call (978) 542-6575. ... Cape Ann Hockey School: Two-week session will run August 16-27 at Peabody skating rink and will feature camps for players in mites, squirts, pee wees and bantams. Please call the rink at (978)535-2110 or director Bob Driscoll at (978) 531-6779. Basketball Salem State College Hoop Dreams Girls Basketball Camp: Salem State College women's basketball coach Tim Shea is directing Hoop Dreams, a preseason basketball camp for girls ages 9-18. The camp consists of six two-hour Sunday morning sessions from 9:00-11:00 a.m. beginning on Sunday, September 12 at Salem State. Shea, Charlie Maihos and Paul Enfanto will headline the camp and Enrollment is limited. For an application, please call (978) 542-6517 or (978) 542-7260. ... North Shore Board of Officials: Anyone interested in becoming a member of the North Shore Board of Officials for basketball can contact Chairperson Minnie Dakos at (978) 532-0665. Athletic meeting Beverly High School/Middle School Fall Athletic Meeting: There will be a mandatory informational meeting for all athletes and their parents interested in playing a fall sport at Beverly High School on Monday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Beverly High School auditorium. Middle School cross country parents and their children are also required to attend. Tennis Tennis North fall registration: Entry deadline for the fall season at Tennis North in Swampscott is September 10. Call (781) 599-5634 for more information. Track 10th Annual Crane's Beach Sand Stride 5K: The 10th Annual Crane's Beach Sand Strike 5K will be tomorrow night at 6:15 p.m. beginning at the Crane's Beach Refreshment Stand. Post entry is $15 with the proceeds benefitting the boys and girls track program at Ipswich High School. For more information call (603) 382-8958. Baseball Salem Baseball Clinic: The Salem Baseball Clinic will be held on Aug. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at Palmer Cove in Salem. The clinic, run by the Salem High School coaching staff along with Salem State coaches, is open to players 13-17. The cost is $20. For more information call Salem High head coach Mike Ward at (978) 740-3730. ... North Shore Fall Baseball League: Extra Innings in Middleton is now accepting registrations for the North Shore Fall Baseball League. Individuals or teams, ages 8-18, may register to play. For more information call (978) 762-0668. Fund Raisers Peabody Police vs. North Shore Old Timers: The Peabody Police will play a group of North Shore Old Timers in the 48th Annual Labor Day Baseball Game to benefit the Jimmy Fund on Monday, Sept. 6 at Emerson Park. The North Shore Old Timers will feature former Major League Baseball pitcher John Tudor and former Boston Bruins goalie Reggie Lemelin among others. The day will begin with a Kids Clinic from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for players ages 8-12 with sign-ups beginning at 8 a.m. Donations can be made to the Jimmy Fund and all clinic participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The game will begin at 10 a.m. with raffles being held for autographed memorabilia and gift certificates for local restaurants. For more information contact Sgt. Rich Girolimon at (978) 538-6323. ... Swampscott American Legion fundraiser: The Swampscott American Legion baseball team will be holding a fundraising cruise on Horizon's Edge Casino Cruises on Thursday, Aug. 26. The ship leaves at 6:30 p.m. from 76 Marine Blvd. in Lynn. Tickets are $25, not including a $3 federal tax which must be paid prior to boarding. The Swampscott Mariners completed their season with a record of 21-3 and advanced to the state finals in Greenfield, Mass., where they finished sixth in the state. The team is attempting to raise money to defray the cost of participating in that tournament. For more information call either Paul Halloran at (617) 872-0384 or Jeff Newhall at (781)727-7623. Basketball Basketball Skills and Drills at Salem State College: Salem State men's basketball coach Sean Doherty is directing a six session pre-season basketball program for boys begining Sunday, September 12. The sessions run from 11:30-1:30 p.m. and consist of intense training in those skills and drills chosen by the player after consultation with the Salem State coaching staff. Enrollment is limited and there will be a player/coach ratio of 6 to 1. For an application call (978) 542-6564 or (978) 542-7260. Coaching vacancies Salem State College has openings: Salem State College is looking for head coaches in men's tennis and softball. Anyone interested should send a resume to athletic director Tim Shea by faxing him at (978) 542-2926, or by calling the athletic department at (978) 542-7260. ... Danvers High posts openings: Danvers High has several openings heading into the school year. The school is looking for a middle school field hockey coach for the fall season and needs coaches for girls indoor track and ice hockey cheering for the winter season. The spring season vacancies are for jayvee softball, freshman softball, jayvee boys lacrosse, freshman boys lacrosse and middle school track. Hall of Fame Salem High Hall of Fame nominations: Salem High Hall of Fame nomination forms for the 2004 inductions can be picked up at the high school athletic office from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 31. Golf Danvers High Alumni Tournament: The Danvers High School Hockey Alumni Golf Tournament will be held Monday, Aug. 16 at Far Corner Golf Course in Boxford. Shotgun start is at 8 a.m. Donation is $100 per player. Proceeds benefit annual DHS scholarships for a graduating hockey player and cheerleader. For more information, contact David Deluca (978-774-6671), Paul Munzing (978-774-2566) or Gary Munzing (978-922-9516). ... 2004 North Shore Amateur Championship: The 2004 North Shore Amateur Championship will be held on Aug. 24-25 at Far Corner Golf Course in West Boxford, MA. There will be two qualifiers from each club and the entry fee is $45 per person. Anyone interested should send entries to William Flynn, P.O. Box 429, Danvers, MA, 01923. Entries close Aug. 14 and must be made through your PGA Golf Professional. ... Johnson Jr. Open at Beverly G & T: The Johnson Jr. Open has been moved to Tuesday, August 17th at Beverly Golf and Tennis. The tournament is open to golfers ages 8-15 and the entry fee is $5 and includes greens fees and lunch. Registration will conclude Sunday, August 15 and you may call the pro shop at (978) 922-9072 ext. 111 to sign up. ... Ouimet Golf Marathon: Dick Duggan of The Meadows at Peabody played 175 holes, riding the first 100 and walking the remainder, at the 2004 Ouimet Golf Marathon yesterday at Stow Acres Country Club while Mike Zmetrovich of Marblehead finished with the lowest amateur gross score, 9-under through 100 holes of golf. Kernwood's Ron Northrup played 125 holes while George Demerrit and Greg DeMayo of Salem CC combined for 110 holes. Rugby North Shore Rugby Club looking for players: The North Shore Rugby Club is looking for new players to join the team this fall. Players are needed for both the male and female teams, and no experience is required. Call (781) 771-1127 or visit www.NSRFC.com for more information. Fall practices Beverly High fall practice schedule: The Beverly High fall practice schedule is as follows: Varsity football, Aug. 23 at 8 a.m., fieldhouse; freshman football, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m., fieldhouse; girls tennis, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m., Beverly High tennis courts; golf, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m., fieldhouse; cross country, Aug. 30 at 8 a.m., fieldhouse; field hockey and girls soccer, Aug. 26 at 8 a.m., fieldhouse; and boys soccer, Aug. 26 at 6 a.m., fieldhouse. All student-athletes must have a physical examination. Any questions should be directed to the athletic office at (978) 921-6141. Danvers High fall practice schedule: The Danvers High School practice schedule for fall sports will be held as follows: Cheerleading, Thursday, Aug. 26 (8:30 a.m.); cross country, Aug. 26 (8:00 a.m.); field hockey, Monday, Aug. 30 (8:30 a.m.); football, Wednesday, Aug. 25 (9 a.m. for seniors, juniors and sophomores and 10:30 a.m. for freshmen); golf, Aug. 26 (6 a.m.) at Far Corner in Boxford; boys soccer, Aug. 30 (6:45 a.m.); girls soccer, Aug. 30 (8:30 a.m.); and girls tennis, Aug. 30 (9 a.m.). All student-athletes must have a physical examination annually to participate in sports. All proper physical forms, permission forms and activity fees must be brought to the Athletic Department during the two weeks prior to the first day of practice or tryouts. Coaches will not collect these forms and fees and no student will be allowed to participate in any school sport or receive equipment or uniform until obligations are cleared from the Athletic Department. Any questions can directed to the Athletic Office at 978-774-7133. ... Marblehead High School tryouts and practice schedule: There will be a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. in the fieldhouse with District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, Principal Marilyn Hurwitz, and Athletic Director Rod Pickard. All coaches, athletes and parents are expected to attend. The tryout schedule is as follows: Boys/Girls Cross Country: Monday, Aug. 23, 8 a.m. at the high school field. Football Cheerleaders: Monday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an open clinic in the fieldhouse. Football: Monday, Aug. 23, meet at 2 p.m. and non-contact practice from 5 to 7 p.m. Girls Soccer: Thursday, Aug. 26, from 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. at the middle school field. Boys Soccer: Thursday, Aug. 26, from 7 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at the middle school lower field. Field Hockey: Thursday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seaside Park. Girls Tennis: Thursday, Aug. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. for freshmen and sophomores and 4 to 6 p.m. for juniors and seniors. Golf: Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 8 to 9 a.m. for a meeting in the high school cafeteria. ... Ipswich preseason meetings: The following is a list of preseason meetings for all of Ipswich High School's fall sports: Football - Aug. 9, seniors and juniors from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and sophomores and freshman from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ipswich Gym for equipment issuing Cheerleading - Aug. 24, 9 a.m. in Middle School Gym Golf - Aug. 24, 1 p.m. at high school cafeteria Boys Soccer - Aug. 25, 6 p.m. at Mile Lane Girls Soccer - Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Mile Lane. Field Hockey - Aug. 25, 5 p.m. at Bialek Park; Cross Country - Aug. 26, 11 a.m. in room B229 at Ipswich High No student/athlete will be allowed to participate until the school has received a valid physical examination which has been completed within the last 13 months. For more information contact Tom Gallagher at (978) 356-3137. ... Bishop Fenwick first day of practice dates: All fall athletes at Bishop Fenwick High School are asked to bring a copy of an updated physical exam to the first day of their team's fall practices and report behind the locker rooms at Fenwick. First day of fall practices, by sports, is as follows: Monday, Aug. 23: Football, 3 p.m. for grades 10-12. Friday, Aug. 27: Girls soccer, 8 a.m. for grades 10-12; Boys soccer, 3 p.m. for grades 10-12; Field hockey, 9 a.m. for grades 10-12; Volleyball, 9 a.m. for grades 10-12; Football Cheerleading, 9 a.m. for grades 10-12. Monday, Aug. 30: Cross country, 4:30 p.m. for grades 9-12. ... Peabody High fall tryouts: All athletes must have a valid physical, academic eligibility check and signed parental permission form to participate in Peabody High fall tryouts. The tryouts will be held on the following dates: Football - Aug. 23, 8 a.m. at the high school; Boys Soccer - Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. at Kennedy; Girls Soccer - Aug. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. at Kennedy; Volleyball - Aug. 26, 9 a.m. at the high school; Golf - Aug. 26, 2 p.m. at Beverly Golf & Tennis; Cross Country - Aug. 26, 9 a.m. at the high school; Field Hockey - Aug. 26, 1 to 5 p.m. at the high school. Physicals will also be held on Aug. 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Sports Medicine North. Student/athletes under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The Athletic Department is requesting all student/athletes with health insurance to make arrangements for physicals with their family physician. ... Salem High fall practice: Salem High fall practice begin shortly, but all students must have a physical examination to be eligible to participate. Forms can be picked up at the Athletic Department/Main Office from 8:00-2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every student participating in high school athletics is required to pay a user fee of $100 per year and can be dropped off at the Athletic Office during business hours. For more information, please the Athletic Office at 978-740-1113. The fall schedule is as follows: Football, Aug. 22 (6:00 p.m.) in the field house; Boys Soccer, Aug. 28 (7:00 a.m.) at McGrath Park; Girls Soccer, Aug. 30 (8:00 a.m) in the field house; Field Hockey, Aug. 30 (8:00 a.m) in the field house; Cross Country, Aug. 26 (5:00 p.m.) at Gallows Hill Park; Girls Tennis, Sept. 1 (2:00 p.m.) at the High School Tennis Court; Golf, Sept. 2 (2:00 p.m.) at Salem Municipal Golf Course. ter Rare occasion Yesterday's loss to Puerto Rico marked only the third time that the United States has lost a men's basketball game at the Olympics. The sport made its Olympic debut at Berlin in 1936, and the Americans are 108-3 all-time. Here are the three U.S. Olympic defeats: 1972, Munich - Soviet Union 51, United States 50 (gold-medal game) 1988, Seoul - Soviet Union 82, United States 76 (semifinals) 2004, Athens - Puerto Rico 92, United States 73 (preliminary round) By John Tomase Staff Writ BOSTON - Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis left yesterday's game with a sprained ankle and bruised shin after a collision at home plate and could be sidelined indefinitely. Youkilis, out trying to score on Orlando Cabrera's two-out double in the third, drove his right shin into the knee of White Sox catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. Youkilis hobbled a few steps, then collapsed behind home plate. He eventually walked off the field with assistance and was replaced immediately by Bill Mueller. Initial X-rays were negative, but Youkilis will be re-examined today. Manager Terry Francona did not sound hopeful. "He has a pretty good bruise on his shin," Francona said. "But he also twisted, inverted his ankle a little bit. He's pretty tender right now. I think the contusion will go away, but the ankle hurting like it did, we need to make sure it's OK." Youkilis wore a removable splint after the game, walking gingerly. A representative of the team's medical staff said his ability to play in coming days would be largely predicated on how he feels this morning. What a difference a manager makes Francona takes a lot of heat for never criticizing his players publicly, which made the comments of Chicago counterpart Ozzie Guillen all the more interesting. After needing to summon closer Shingo Takatsu in the eighth inning for the second time in three days, Guillen let his middle relievers have it. "You guys can blame (a two-run ninth) on Shingo, but every time I have to bring this kid in the eighth, I give the setup guys a chance to get just one out and they don't get it done," Guillen said. "I put Shingo on the spot. It's not easy to do, because the way he throws, I like (the opposition) to see him less." After reliever Damaso Marte allowed a pinch single to Kevin Millar with two outs in the eighth, Takatsu struck out Dave Roberts. But in the ninth, the Red Sox scored twice and had the tying run on third before Takatsu induced a comebacker by Orlando Cabrera to end it. "I brought him in to face a left-handed hitter (Roberts) in the eighth. I gambled a little bit," Guillen said. "But that's his job in the ninth, not the eighth. I hope my relievers do a better job next time they come out." Odds and ends The Red Sox lost to the White Sox for the 900th time in franchise history. They've won 927 times. ... Jason Varitek has five multi-hit games in his last six starts, and is hitting .522 (12 for 23) in the first seven games of the homestand. ... Rickey Gutierrez' leadoff single in the ninth was his first hit since he went 2 for 3 in place of the just-traded Nomar Garciaparra in Minnesota on July 31. ... Cabrera went 3 for 5, compiling his second three-hit game since Aug. 8 against Detroit. He went 3 for 24 in between. r Spirit crush New Haven, move to top of division By Ben L The North Shore Spirit saw themselves down a run early in Saturday's contest against New Haven and as the final score would suggest, they didn't take too kindly to the deficit. Rightfielder Joe Macchi collected four hits and knocked in a pair of runs while starter Justin Gordon and reliever Klae Calvert combined to nearly silence the Cutters' bats as the Spirit moved into a tie with Quebec for first place in the Northeast League's North Division with a 14-4 crushing of New Haven. Lucas Taylor led off the bottom of the first inning with a single and the Spirit began to pour it on. Nelson Teilon doubled before a Vic Davilla RBI single. Travis Oglesby drew a bases-loaded walk and Macchi reached on a fielder's choice before catcher Onix Mercado singled in the fifth run of the inning. Gordon tossed 4 2/3 innings, scattering five hits and striking out six before giving way to Calvert. The recently activated Calvert earned the save without allowing a run and scattering just four hits with three strikeouts. Leftfielder Joe Hastings finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs while Oglesby knocked in three runs. Mercado finished with three hits and two RBIs and second baseman Tanner Wootan had a pair of hits while knocking in a run for the Spirit, who weren't in action yesterday because of wet playing conditions. rsen Staff Writer ON BASEBALL John Tomase BOSTON - Some losses define a season. Others merely summarize one. Take yesterday afternoon at Fenway Park. Hurricane Charley stayed away long enough for the Red Sox to lose 5-4 to the White Sox by falling short in just about every area that's plagued them this year. To wit: * They wasted another strong start from Bronson Arroyo. * Alan Embree and Mike Timlin provided brutal middle relief. * Terrible baserunning cost them one, if not two runs. * Arroyo let Carlos Lee - who weighs about 245 pounds - steal third, then Bill Mueller didn't look him back to the bag on a tainted RBI groundout. * The Sox failed to capitalize on Mark Buehrle's early wildness. * They lost yet another one-run game. Unique, this defeat wasn't. "It was a good game, but that's just the way things are going right now," said David Ortiz. "What can you do?" Let's start at the beginning. Blessed with impeccable control but pitching on three days rest, Buehrle walked the bases loaded in the first with two outs. Fortunately for him, Orlando Cabrera stepped to the plate and promptly grounded to short. We'll come back to Cabrera, because he wasn't done failing to deliver a two-out hit. But the bungled first allowed Buehrle to find his rhythm and he shut out the Red Sox into the sixth. "If you're with this kid every day, you love him even more," saluted White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "Buehrle's a pitcher. He's going to give you everything he has every single day." Arroyo basically matched him pitch for pitch. Boston's fifth starter allowed two runs in the fourth, though one fell squarely on his shoulders. After Lee doubled in Timo Perez to give Chicago a 1-0 lead, Arroyo paid no attention to the big man. Lee responded by stealing third pretty easily, despite a strong, accurate throw from catcher Jason Varitek. "I hadn't seen him in a few years and he's a bigger guy," Arroyo said. "I didn't think he'd take third in that situation. And sure enough, as soon as I started going to the plate I heard, 'There he goes.'" Paul Konerko followed with a grounder to third. Mueller, who had just entered for the injured Kevin Youkilis, glanced at Lee, but not long enough to send him back to the bag. As he threw across the diamond, Lee broke for home, easily beating Doug Mientkiewicz's wild throw to the plate. Lee's baserunning stood out when juxtaposed against that of the Red Sox. Though third base coach Dale Sveum will undoubtedly catch more flak for sending Youkilis in the third ("Now he's getting our players killed,"), Youkilis didn't help his cause by making an inefficient turn around the bag. Center fielder Aaron Rowand cut down Youkilis, who appeared to slide underneath Sandy Alomar's tag by a hair, but with better baserunning, the play would not have been close. Youkilis and Alomar each eventually left with injuries. "Our lack of team speed cost us today," said Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon. "Youkilis and Ortiz just aren't that fast." The latter did his part later. He failed to score from second with two outs in the eighth on Kevin Millar's line single to left. Pinch hitter Dave Roberts struck out to end the inning. The Sox trailed by three runs at that point because Embree and Timlin, ostensibly their most trustworthy middle relievers, again failed to do the job. In the span of three batters in the eighth, they went single, sacrifice, two-run homer. The latter, served up to Lee by Timlin, turned a 3-2 game into a 5-2 game. "I've been doing this for 14 years," Timlin snarled before getting sarcastic. "I think I'm going to get sent down to Triple A." The Sox of the red variety still had a chance in the ninth. They touched White Sox closer Shingo Takatsu for a pair of runs and had runners on the corners with two outs when Cabrera batted once again. Already 3 for 4, Cabrera checked his swing at Takatsu's second pitch. He rolled it back to the mound. Game over. Even after going 3 for 5, Cabrera's only hitting .204 since replacing Nomar Garciaparra. "He needs to relax," Damon said. "There's a whole lot of pressure on him from everyone - the fans, the media. Taking over for a franchise player is tough." Plenty of Boston's problems existed before Cabrera's arrival. They fell to a league-worst 8-17 in one-run games. And they once again wasted a sterling outing from Arroyo, who allowed three runs in seven innings, but fell to 5-9. Eight times this year he's allowed two runs or fewer with only a loss or no-decision to show for it. "It's tough going out there and feeling like you threw the ball pretty good, but you know, little things come back to haunt you sometimes," Arroyo said. Those little things have haunted the Red Sox all season. It should comes as no surprise that they're still hindering their wild card chances today. John Tomase is an Eagle-Tribune writer. E-mail him at jtomase@eagletribune.com. Beverly news in brief TOZER ROAD WORK: The Tozer Road railroad crossing will be closed Saturday, Aug. 21, through Monday, Aug. 23, for upgrading, installation of new tracks and repaving. No traffic will be allowed over the tracks starting at 5 a.m. Saturday and continuing until paving is completed Monday. Tozer Road will be open from Route 1A, Dodge Street, to the driveway of Beverly Commons and from Sohier Road to the Comcast/U.S. Post Office driveways. For more information, call (978) 921-6051. HALLOWEEN EXHIBIT: Caladan Gallery will host an exhibit, "From Dusk Till Dawn: Rites, Rituals and Symbolism" and is seeking submissions from artists in the community. All media except for video are welcome. One participant will be awarded a solo show at the gallery. Entries must be submitted by Sept. 15. For more information, visit www.caladangallery.com or call (978) 741-7979. YMCA: The Greater Beverly YMCA will offer a variety of fall programs, including swimming, gymnastics, youth sports, dance, arts and more. The YMCA's new Teen and Enrichment Center will also open in September. Registration will begin Saturday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 a.m. for members and Thursday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 a.m. for the community. Register online at www.northshoreymca.org or at the 254 Essex St. or 245 Cabot St. locations. The fall session will begin Saturday, Sept. 11. For more information, call (978) 927-6855. CAREER NIGHT: North Shore Community College's Corporate and Community Education Division will offer a free Career Information Night Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. in Suite 121E of the Institute for Corporate Training and Technology, 100 Cummings Center, Beverly. Representatives and information on a variety of courses, fields and programs. Call (978) 236-1200. REUNION: The Beverly High School class of 1989 will hold its 15-year reunion in November. Organizers are looking for classmates' current addresses. E-mail Amy (Cook) Kearney at amyk61171@aol.com or call (978) 927-2643. CHILD SCHOLARSHIPS: Parents with young children living in Beverly may be eligible for child care scholarships from Community Partnerships for Children. Income guidelines apply; parents must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or attend college and cannot receive any other funding. For information, call North Shore Head Start at (978) 532-1179, Ext. 302. WRITERS GROUP: Established writers group is seeking serious writers, who are working toward publication, for membership. Group meets alternate Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Beverly. Interested applicants should submit a short story, three poems or a book chapter and contact information to Writers Group, 215 Newbury St., Suite 201, Peabody 01960. REGISTRATION: St. Margaret Catholic Church will hold registration for the 2004-2005 religious education program Sunday, Aug. 29, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the parish rectory, 672 Hale St., Beverly Farms. Classes meet on Sunday mornings and are available for kindergarten through high school students. Parents of new registrants should call (978) 927-5302. BACK TO SCHOOL: Beverly Bootstraps will hold a Back to School Bonanza Friday, Aug. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. School supplies will be distributed to low-income Beverly children. The organization seeks donations of notebooks, binders, pencils, folders, scissors, crayons, backpacks and calculators. Bring items to First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot St., before Aug. 23. For information, call (978) 921-1561. COA CLINIC: The Beverly Council on Aging will offer a Health Assessment Clinic, Mondays, from 9 a.m. to noon in the health room at the COA. Appointments are necessary. For more information or to register, call (978) 921-6017. VOLUNTEERS: Beverly Assisted Living Community is seeking volunteers to spend time with elders, help with activities, crafts or share ideas for a new program. Volunteers with friendly pets needed for the Alzheimer's unit. For more information, call Joyce Ramsey at (978) 927-4227, Ext. 31. SENIOR TRANSPORTATION: The Beverly Senior Center offers free curb-to-curb transportation to Beverly residents 60 and older, Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Rides may be requested two weeks in advance. Three days is the minimum amount of notice needed for scheduling rides. For more information, call (978) 921-6078. GOLF TOURNEY: The 2004 Charity Golf Tournament, a fund-raiser with prizes, a raffle, breakfast, lunch and reception will be held Monday, Aug. 30. Co-sponsors Beverly Bootstraps and We Care About Homes Ltd. seek any type of support, including tee or green sponsors, food sponsors and individual donations. Reply to: Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry, c/o Peter Simonsen, 240 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915. FOOT CLINIC: Podiatry appointments with Dr. Wayne McCullough are available for seniors every second and fourth Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Beverly Council on Aging. Call (978) 921-6017 to schedule a visit. HELP STUDENTS: Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry is in need of individuals willing to tutor high school students in math and English. The Pantry also seeks volunteers to help organize back-to-school items. For information, call (978) 927-1561. BIG BAND DANCES: The Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St., will host free "R & R Big Band Dances" from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday through Sept. 28, excluding the second Tuesday of each month. Refreshments served and raffle drawn. Call (978) 921-6017. OFFICE HOURS: State Rep. Mary Grant will hold her district office hours at City Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month. Grant will also hold a meeting at the Senior Center on the first and third Fridays of the month from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Call (617) 722-2582. WOMEN'S TALK: Gynecologist David DiChiara, M.D. will speak and answer questions about menopause Wednedsay, Aug. 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Escape Within Women's Fitness and Wellness Center, 131 Dodge St. Beverly. The program is free and open to all area women. Call (978) 236-1650. REUNION: The Beverly High School class of 1941 will hold their 63rd reunion Friday, Aug. 20, at the Danversport Yacht Club. A social hour will preceed the 1 p.m. sit-down luncheon. For information, call Rita (LeClair) Walker at (978) 536-2865. CANCER FUND-RAISER: The seventh annual Kelly For Cancer event will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, from 7 to 11:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Herman A. Spear Post No. 133, 3 Judson St. The family event includes live music, featuring The Mud Bugs and Burma’s Bravest, and door prizes. Dedicated to the memory of Bob, Bea and Bill Kelly formerly of Beverly, all proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. For more information, e-mail kelly4cancer@aol.com. COA EVENTS: The Beverly Council on Aging will offer the following events for seniors: • Manicures and pedicures - Thursday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Health Room at COA. $10 to $15. • Massages - Friday, Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Health Room. $15 for 15 minutes. • Horizon's Edge Casino Cruise - Wednesday, Aug. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Includes entertainment, gourmet lunch and games. $25. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call (978) 921-6017. BevCam Channel 10 program highlights By Julio Chuy Staff write Monday, Aug. 16 Midnight to 7 a.m. -- University of California TV 8 a.m. -- Democracy Now! 6 p.m. -- Perils for Pedestrians No. 91 6:30 p.m. -- New England Talk: Chris Spychalski, "Financial Planning, Part 2" 7 p.m. -- City Council Meeting (July 12) 9 p.m. -- Homecoming 2004: Loaded Dice 11 p.m. -- Democracy Now! Tuesday, Aug. 17 Midnight to 7 a.m. -- University of California TV 8 a.m. -- Democracy Now! 6 p.m. -- Army Newswatch 6:30 p.m. -- Air Force TV News 7 p.m. -- Guanci Live! (LIVE) 7:30 p.m. -- Rants and Raves: (LIVE) 8 p.m. -- Beverly's Times Past: World War II Remembered -- Don Gaucher, Preston Clark, Part II 9 p.m. -- Beverly Chamber of Commerce Business Review: "Get Organized! Get Energized!" 9:30 p.m. -- Kiwanis Conversations 10 p.m. -- Salem Faces: FEMA - Code Red 11 p.m. -- Democracy Now! Wednesday, Aug. 18 Midnight to 7 a.m. -- University of California TV 8 a.m. -- Democracy Now! 6 p.m. -- Perils for Pedestrians No. 91 6:30 p.m. -- New England Talk: Chris Spychalski, "Financial Planning, Part 2" 7 p.m. -- School Committee Meeting (LIVE) 11 p.m. -- Democracy Now! Thursday, Aug. 19 Midnight to 7 a.m. -- University of California TV 8 a.m. -- Democracy Now! 6 p.m. -- Army Newswatch 6:30 p.m. -- Air Force TV News 7 p.m. -- Guanci Live!: (Aug. 17) 7:30 p.m. -- Rants and Raves: (Aug. 17) 8 p.m. -- Beverly's Times Past: World War II Remembered -- Don Gaucher, Preston Clark, Part II 9 p.m. -- Beverly Chamber of Commerce Business Review: "Get Organized! Get Energized!" 9:30 p.m. -- Kiwanis Conversations 10 p.m. -- Salem Faces: FEMA - Code Red 11 p.m. -- Democracy Now! Friday, Aug. 20 Midnight to 7 a.m. -- University of California TV 6 p.m. -- Perils for Pedestrians No. 91 6:30 p.m. -- New England Talk: Chris Spychalski, "Financial Planning, Part 2" 7 p.m. -- Get Outside: June/July 7:30 p.m. -- North Shore Journal: Jim Lindley, Beverly Animal Health Inspector 8 p.m. -- Ford Hall Forum: Former CIA Director, Robert Gates, "From the Shadows" (1996) 9 p.m. -- Ford Hall Forum: Congressman Barney Frank, "Election 2000" (November, 2000) Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15 6 p.m. -- Fisher Academy Presents 6:30 p.m. -- The Smoki Bacon & Dick Concannon Show 7 p.m. -- Water from the Rock 8 p.m. -- Ford Hall Forum: Former CIA Director, Robert Gates, "From the Shadows" (1996) 9 p.m. -- Ford Hall Forum: Congressman Barney Frank, "Election 2000" (November, 2000) 10:30 -- First Amendment Center: "Media Coverage of the 2000 Election" (2001) Danvers calendar Monday, Aug. 16 Book Club meeting, 2 to 3 p.m., Heritage at Danvers, 9 Summer St. Anyone is welcome. Discussion on "Big Chief Elizabeth: The Adventures and Fate of the First English Colonists in America" by Giles Milton. For information, call (978) 774-5959. Summer Concert Series presents Round About, 6 p.m. Sponsored by Hartnett's Auto Body and Car Wash. Free. Rotary Pavilion, Peabody Institute Library lawn. Tuesday, Aug. 17 North Shore Community College Health Profession advising session, 2 to 3 p.m., Danvers Campus, 1 Ferncroft Road, room F119. (978) 739-5436. Music at Eden's Edge Senior and Family Series, 2 p.m., at Northshore Unitarian Church, 323 Locust St. Music of Vivaldi, Locatelli and Fontana. Free, families with young children encouraged to attend. (978) 768-6229 or www.edensedge.org. Riverside Squares Dance Club final summer dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Mainstream with 2 Plus tips. $6; free to watch. Knights of Columbus, 35 Elm St. (978) 774-8159. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Summer Concert Series presents Barrel House, a blues band, 6 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Danvers Recreation. Free. Rotary Pavilion, Peabody Institute Library lawn. Linnea, a Psychic Medium, 7 to 9 p.m., Danvers YMCA. (978) 774-2055. Friday, Aug. 20 Ice Cream Party, noon to 2 p.m., Danvers Savings Bank parking lot, 125 Canal St., in Crosby's Marketplace. Magic 106.7 Street Team and ice cream truck, music, games and free goodies. Monday, Aug. 23 Summer Concert Series presents Jump 'n' Jive Review, a swing and motown band, 6 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Danvers Recreation. Free. Rotary Pavilion, Peabody Institute Library lawn. Saturday, Aug. 28 DHS Falcon Marching Band Car Wash, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., parking lot across from Firestone Tire and Service, 159 Endicott St., in front of Liberty Tree Mall. Cost is $5; proceeds benefit Danvers High School Music Program. Monday, Aug. 30 Summer Concert Series presents White Lightnin,' an upbeat variety band, 6 p.m. Sponsored byJohn Doyle Insurance. Free. Rotary Pavilion, Peabody Institute Library lawn. Saturday, Sept. 11 Annual firefighter's ball, 8 p.m. to midnight in the gymnasium at St. John's Preparatory School. Featuring local band Overdrive. Tickets are $15 per person or $125 for a table of 10. Proceeds benefit the Danvers Fire Department Relief Association. (978) 774-3917. Tuesday, Sept. 14 Music at Eden's Edge, 2 p.m., at Northshore Unitarian Church, 323 Locust St. Families with children encouraged to attend. Music of Beethoven, Claude Debussy and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Free admission. (978) 768-6229 or www.edensedge.org. Saturday, Sept. 18 The Lighthouse Cafe, 7:30 p.m. featuring singer/songwriter and humorist Don White. Tickets $15. Reservations recommended. Calvary Episcopal Church, corner of Holten and Cherry streets. (978) 774-8171 or www.calvaryepiscopal-danvers.org. Friday, Oct. 22 Vox Consort, 7:30 p.m. "An Evening of Baroque: Concerti and Cantatas." Tickets range $12 to $25. St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St. (617) 281-8569 or www.voxconsort.org. Friday, Nov. 19 Vox Consort, 7:30 p.m. "George Frideric Handel: Acis and Galatea." Tickets range $12 to $25. Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 16 Sylvan St. (617) 281-8569 or www.voxconsort.org. Friday, March 18 Vox Consort, 7:30 p.m. "Johann Sebastian Bach: St. John Passion." Tickets range $12 to $25. St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St. (617) 281-8569 or www.voxconsort.org. Danvers news in brief SUPPORT TROOPS: Danvers Savings Bank and VFW Post 2359 seek donations for "Operation Troop Support," a program started by Dick and Chris Moody of Danvers, who have three children serving overseas. Items needed include toiletries, snacks and enteratinament iems, such as books, magazines and VHS and DVD movies for wounded soliders. Bring donations to the bank's main office, located downtown at 1 Conant St. For information, call (978) 739-0265 or (978) 774-5983. INDEPENDENT LIVING: North Shore Elder Services, located at 152 Sylvan St., offers a variety of services that make it easier for area seniors and their caregivers to live independently. Resources include home care service, meals on wheels, money management, grocery shopping, personal care and Lifeline. For information on these and other services, call (978) 750-4540 or visit www.nselder.com. VOLUNTEERS: Hospice of the North Shore in Danvers has volunteer opportunities in areas such as nursing home visitation and bereavement. Nursing home volunteers visit with hospice patients who live in local facilities. Bereavement volunteers are needed to provide ongoing support to patients and families by staying in touch via telephone or visiting. All positions are flexible; volunteers receive training and support. Call Judy Soroko at (978) 774-7566 or e-mail jbsoroko@hns.org. YMCA PROGRAMS: The Danvers Community YMCA is now accepting registration for its after school and middle school youth center programs for the 2004-2005 school year. Programs include floor hockey, karate, soccer, homework help, gym, swim and other special events. Call the Danvers Community YMCA at (978) 774-2055. HANDICAP HELP: The Danvers Disability Commission, established to support the Americans with Disabilities Act, is looking for new members. Through the group's efforts, Danvers has installed curb cuts that provide handicapped access to downtown, the library and the mall. The commission also created a program that provides temporary handicapped parking placards for people who are temporarily disabled. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:15 p.m. at Town Hall. You do not need to be disabled to serve on this Commission. For more information, call Susan Fletcher at (978) 777-0001, Ext. 3027. VETERANS POST: Veterans of conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Desert Storm and Korea are invited to join the C.W. Davis Post 2359 of Danvers. The organization will inform veterans of benefits. For more information, call Greg Strojny at (978) 774-5363, Frank Soucy at (978) 774-3707 or Dick Moody at (978) 774-5983. VAN SERVICE: The Danvers Council on Aging will offer van service to the new Stop & Shop Supermarket at the Liberty Tree Mall, Mondays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. Departure from the Danvers Senior Center with a return pickup at 2 p.m. Also, van service will take seniors to the Northshore Mall on Thursdays at 10 a.m. with a return of 2 p.m. For more information, call (978) 762-0208. SENIOR SERVICES: Volunteers are needed at North Shore Elder Services, a Danvers-based organization that aims to make life easier for seniors in all North Shore communities. Those who wish can volunteer to visit and call, go food shopping and/or provide transportation for a lonely senior citizen. Call (978) 750-4540, Ext. 288 for more information. REUNION: Danvers High School class of 1980 is planning its 25-year reunion for late summer 2005. The planning committee needs e-mail addresses, comments, and suggestions from classmates. E-mail ddeluca@harryfry.com. CAR SHOW: Danvers Kiwanis will host "Cruise Night," an antique car show, Wednesday nights through September at 5 p.m. at the Liberty Tree Mall, behind the Danvers Police Station. Money raised will benefit the DARE Program. For more information, call (978) 739-9004. YMCA CAMPS: The Danvers YMCA will offer the following camps: • Climbing/Adventure Camp - Aug. 30 to Sept. 3. Ages 9 to 14. $200 members/ $250 nonmembers. • Basketball Camp - Aug. 30 to Sept. 3. Beginner and advanced. $150 members/ $175 nonmembers. For more information, call (978) 774-2055. MOMS GROUP: North Shore Mothers of Multiples meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Hunt Center, 75 Lyndall St. Access through the Out Patient entrance. The group is for mothers of twins and multiples, but expectant mothers are welcome. For more information, call Christine at (978) 646-9406. SUMMER TOURS: The Judge Samuel Holten House will be open for summer tours Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. The historic residence at 171 Holten St. was home to Sarah Holten, who testified against Rebecca Nurse at Nurse's trial for witchcraft in 1692. (978) 887-8215. BIKING CLUBS: Landry's Bicycles of Danvers, 51 Endicott St., is accepting team members for its triathlon and mountain-bike racing clubs. For more information, call Jason Daoust (978) 777-3337 or visit www.landrys.com. BOOK CLUB: The monthly meeting of the Book Club of Heritage at Danvers will be held Friday, Aug. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join residents, family and staff as they discuss "Big Chief Elizabeth: The Adventures and Fate of the First English Colonists in America" by Giles Milton. The club meets monthly at Heritage at Danvers, 9 Summer St., Danvers. For information, call (978) 774-5959. REUNION: The Danvers High School class of 1984 will hold a 20-year reunion Oct. 2 at the Sheraton Ferncroft. Cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m. Visit classmates.com to receive more information via e-mail. Cost is $50 per person and includes dinner. Mail check to Sharon Trefry, at 2 Exeter St., Danvers, MA 01923, by Aug. 27. Contact Cindy Sousy Gross at cj.gross@comcast.net or Maureen McNulty Merritt at (978) 750-6754. COA TRIP: The Danvers Council on Aging will sponsor a three-day trip for area residents to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., departing Sunday, Aug. 22. The trip includes motorcoach transportation, lodging at the Queensbury Hotel, a Lake George Dinner Cruise, a day trip to Saratoga race track and sightseeing tours. Space is limited. For information or to register, call (978) 762-0208. SATURN PROGRAM: The Dunn Middle School Planetarium, 62 Cabot Road, will present "Ringworld" Friday nights at 7 p.m. from through Sept. 10. Explore the mysteries of Saturn, its rings and many moons in a NASA produced planetarium program. Admission is $2.50. For more information, call (978) 774-1801. CRAFT SALE: The Danvers Art Association Gallery, 105 Elliott St., will host a Craft Fair Saturdays and Sundays from Aug. 21 through Sept. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Items will include ceramics, jewelry, wood, lamps and dried flowers. For more information, call (978) 739-4934. YMCA: The Danvers Community YMCA is looking for people or teams interested in playing in fall sports leagues. Men's basketball, women's basketball, and volleyball are offered. The YMCA is located at 34 Pickering St. For information or to sign up, call (978) 774-2055. REUNION: Danvers Holten High School class of 1954 will hold its 50-year reunion on Nov. 6, at Danversport Yacht Club from noon to 5 p.m. Contact Paul and Doris (Getchell) Demers at (978) 356-3179 or pauledemers@comcast.net. Hamilton-Wenham calendar Saturday, Aug. 21 Wenham COA coffee and doughnuts social for Wenham residents, age 60 or older, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Recreation Building on School Street. Special guest is Arthur "Butch" Crosbie, president of the Hamilton Historical Society. 32nd Annual Summer Craft Fair, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. hosted by Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Sunday, Aug. 22 Sundays in Patton Park, 5 p.m., featuring the funk and rock of Overdrive. Free. All welcome. Patton park Gazebo, Hamilton. (978) 468-4818 or www.pattonparkconcerts.org. Saturday, Aug. 28 Benefit concert featuring young violinist Daria Kharivona of Russia, 7:30 p.m., followed by a reception. $10 general. $5 students/seniors. Christ Church, 149 Asbury St., South Hamilton. Tuesday, Sept. 7 Neverland Theatre auditions for its Halloween Spooktacular from 6:30 to 8 p.m. by age groups. Open to ages 7 to adult. Hamilton-Wenham Community House, 284 Bay Road. www.neverlandtheatre.com. Saturday, Sept. 11 Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library Book Sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 14 Union St., Hamilton. (978) 468-5577. Monday, Sept. 13 Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 14 Union St., Hamilton. (978) 468-5577. Tuesday, Sept. 14 Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 14 Union St., Hamilton. (978) 468-5577. Wednesday, Sept. 15 Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 14 Union St., Hamilton. (978) 468-5577. Thursday, Sept. 16 Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 14 Union St., Hamilton. (978) 468-5577. Friday, Sept. 17 Preschool program, "Apples, Apples," 9 to 10:15 a.m. or 12:45 to 2 p.m. $12 per child accompanied by adult. Registration required. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Wednesday, Sept. 22 Patton Lecture Series presents Martin Blumenson, author of "The Patton Papers and Patton: The Man Behind the Legend," 7 p.m. $7. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Wednesday, Sept. 29 Preschool program, "Orange, Brown, Red and Gold Leaves," 9 to 10:15 a.m. or 12:45 to 2 p.m. $12 per child accompanied by adult. Registration required. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Patton Lecture Series presents Brian Soel, author of "The Fighting Pattons," 7 p.m. $7. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Thursday, Oct. 14 Patton Lecture Series presents James Patton Totten, grandson of George Patton Jr. and son of Ruth Patton Totten, 7 p.m. $7. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Friday, Oct. 8 Preschool program, "Fire Safety," 9 to 10:15 a.m. or 12:45 to 2 p.m. $12 per child accompanied by adult. Registration required. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Tuesday, Oct. 19 Preschool program, "Pumpkinpalooza," 9 to 10:15 a.m. or 12:45 to 2 p.m. $12 per child accompanied by adult. Registration required. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Friday, Oct. 29 Preschool Halloween Party, 10 to 11:15 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. Costumes encouraged. $12 per child accompanied by adult. Registration required. Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377. Hamilton-Wenham briefs MIND/BODY CONNECTION: Early Childhood Partners will host Dr. Jonathan Inz, a licensed psychologist who will present "How the Mind/Body Connection Influences Self-Control in Young Children" Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. Light supper and child care will be provided. A $5 donation is suggested. Call (978) 468-5489 for location and to register. SENIOR SOCIAL: The Wenham COA will host a coffee and doughnuts social for Wenham residents age 60 or older on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Recreation Building on School Street. Special guest is Arthur "Butch" Crosbie, president of the Hamilton Historical Society. YARD WASTE: The Hamilton DPW will accept brush and yard waste Saturday, Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the landfill on Chebacco Road. Brush and branches up to 5 inches in diameter, lawn clippings, mulch or compost, soils, gravel, sod and similar materials will be accepted. No leaves will be taken. The landfill is open to all noncommercial Hamilton residents. Proof of residency will be required. (978) 468-5580. COA TRIP: The Wenham Council on Aging will sponsor a trip to the Cortina Inn in Killington, Vt. from Sept. 14 to 16. Prices range from $320 for a triple to $380 for a single. For more information, call Gladys at (978) 468-2808. CANTEMUS AUDITIONS: Cantemus, the Virtuoso Chamber Chorus of the North Shore, will hold auditions for new singers in all voice parts Tuesday, Aug. 24 and 31, 7 to 10 p.m. at Christ Church, 149 Asbury St., in Hamilton. For audition details or to make an appointment, call John Hoffacker at (978) 922-6990. COA TRIPS: The Wenham Council on Aging is offering the following trips: • Sept. 7, 8, and 9: Three-day, two-night stay on Nantucket Island. Cost is $401 and includes ferry ride, bus, lodging, and meals. • Wednesday, Oct. 13: Scenic Foliage Trip on the Conway Railroad in North Conway, N.H. Lunch at the White Mountain Hotel, and shopping afterward. Choice of haddock or chicken. Cost is $57. All trips include drivers' tips. For reservation or more information, call Joan Richardson at (978) 468-3486. TRAIL WALK: A guided walk through Chebacco Woods will be held by Chebacco Woods Management Committee the third Sunday of each month at 1 p.m., weather permitting, all year long. Participants meet at the trail's main entrance on Chebacco Road, off Essex Street, Hamilton. For more information, call (978) 468-7715 or (978) 468-3451. CHILDREN'S CHOIR: The Gordon College Children's Choir, the area's top youth choir, will hold open auditions through the end of August for children age 7 to 16. The season runs from September to May. Practices are held Monday nights. Cost is $310 and includes lessons, uniform and performances. Call (978) 867-4818 or e-mail sdoneski@faith.gordon.edu. WEEKLY TRIPS: The Hamilton-Wenham COA Van Program will provide a weekly trip for seniors to the Rowley Market Basket Plaza every Wednesday. The van picks seniors up at their homes at noon and returns between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The plaza also has a CVS, TJ Maxx, Agawam Diner and Spud's Restaurant. Donation of $1 accepted. For reservations and information, call (978) 468-5534. REUNION: The Hamilton High School class of 1959 is planning its first-ever reunion to be held in October. Organizers are hoping to contact several classmates believed to be living in the New England area. Call (781) 894-8361 with any information, or e-mail goldagoodie@yahoo.com. HOME SCHOOL LAW: Any family in the Hamilton-Wenham regional school district that plans to home-school one or more children for the 2004-05 school year is required by state law to file an education plan with the school district for each child. Plans must be approved and on file before Sept. 1, or the child(ren) will be considered truant. Plans do not need to be filed for children over the age of 16 unless they plan to play interscholastic sports. Forms are available by calling (978) 468-8418. RECYCLE: Wenham Boy Scout Troop 28 will hold a continuous redeemable cans and bottles recycling project at the Iron Rail Property on Grapevine Road. The recycling trailer is located next to the three-bay garage near the Scout Barn. All Massachusetts redeemable bottles and cans will be accepted for recycling, and proceeds directly benefit the troop. Donated cans and bottles may be left in the wooden depository next to the trailer. Call Brian Depiero at (978) 468-4097 for more information. PATTON LECTURES: The Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham, will present a George S. Patton Jr. Lecture Series. • Wednesday, Sept. 22 - Martin Blumenson, author of, "The Patton Papers and Patton: The Man Behind the Legend." • Wednesday, Sept. 29 - Brian Sobel, author of, "The Fighting Pattons." • Thursday, Oct. 14 - James Patton Totten, grandson of George S. Patton Jr., will share family stories and memories. All lectures begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 general or $5 for for members. A series pass may be purchased for $15 general or $10 for members. For more information, call (978) 468-2377 or visit www.wenhammuseum.org. READING COACHES: SenorCare RSVP America Reads is looking for volunteers to coach children with reading both in school and after school in the Hamilton/Wenham area. Training will be provided, and coaching will begin in the fall of the new school year. For more information, call Joan at (978) 468-1193. Ipswich calendar Monday, Aug. 16 Magic Happens, 1 p.m. Ipswich Public Library, 25 North Main St. Starring local magician Rich Nunziato. Call (978) 356-6648. Tuesday, Aug. 17 Dune Detectives Family Program, 10:30 a.m. to noon at Crane Beach. Identify signs of wildlife and search for clues. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5 per adult; children free. Registration required. Presented by Trustees of Reservations. (978) 356-4351. Thursday, Aug. 19 Land of Enchantment, 10 a.m., Ipswich Public Library, 25 North Main St. Outdoor puppet show; bring blanket or cushion to sit on. (978) 356-6648. Meet a Lifeguard Program, 10 to 11 a.m., for ages 14 and older at Crane Beach. Learn what it takes to be a lifeguard, use the equipment and try their workout. Free with beach admission. Registration required. Presented by Trustees of Reservations. (978) 356-4351. Picnic Concert featuring Pick 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Castle Hill on The Crane Estate, Argilla Road. $20 per car, $15 members. (978) 356-4351. Friday, Aug. 20 Meet the Appleton Farm Cows, 3 to 5 p.m., for all ages. Visit dairy barn at milking time and taste homemade ice cream. $5 adults; children free. Appleton Farm, off Route 1A. Registration required. Presented by The Trustees of Reservations. Call (978) 356-5728. Ipswich Family YMCA triathlon, 4:30 p.m., Crane Beach. Race begins at 5:45 p.m. and includes half-mile swim, 2-mile run and 9-mile bike ride. Cost is $35 for Ipswich resident, $40 for nonresidents, $50 for resident teams and $60 nonresident teams. Enter by Aug. 17. Call (978) 359-9622, Ext 110. Saturday, Aug. 21 Music at Eden's Edge, 8 p.m. at Castle Hill Concert Barn, Crane Estate, Argilla Road. Music of Vivaldi, Locatelli and Fontana. $22. (978) 356-7774 or www.edensedge.org. Thursday, Aug. 26 Ipswich Miniature Golf Open Challenge, 9 p.m., Tee Time Golf. Includes 18 holes of mini golf, use of batting cages and driving range, and refreshments. For ticket information, call (978) 356-9622, Ext. 109. Saturday, Sept. 18 Ninth Annual Ipswich Chowder Fest, tasting from 2 to 4 p.m. Downtown Ipswich. Ipswich news in brief SUMMER FUN: The Trustees of Reservations will offer two upcoming programs at Crane Beach: • Dune Detectives Family Program - Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m. to noon, includes guided trails walks. Children can identify wildlife, vegetation and animal tracks using clues. Free for children and adult members; nonmember adults $5. • Meet a Lifeguard program - Aug. 19, 10 a.m. Youths age 14 and above can learn what it takes to become a lifeguard. Free. For information on these and other programs, call (978) 356-4351 or visit www.thetrustees.com. ART SHOW: Three artists, Retta Gilmore, Jan Perry and Sandy Galanis, will participate in an art show and sale Aug. 30 to Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at The Hall-Haskell House, 36 South Main St. The show will include paintings, prints, cards and gifts. IPSWICH EXPLORERS: The Ipswich Historical Society will offer a summer Ipswich Explorers program for children. The 2004 series includes "The Salt Marsh" Friday, Aug. 27. Cost is $7 per session or $25 for the entire series. One adult is included in the cost, as well as museum admission. Registration is required, and enrollment is limited. For more information, call (978) 356-2811. TRIATHLON: The Ipswich Family YMCA will hold a triathlon at Crane Beach Friday, Aug. 20. Check-in is at 4:30 p.m.; race begins at 5:45 p.m. and includes half-mile swim, 2-mile run and 9-mile bike ride. Cost per person is $35 for Ipswich resident, $40 for nonresidents; cost per team is $50 for residents, $60 nonresidents. Enter by Aug. 17 to ensure a spot. Call (978) 359-9622, Ext 110. GOLF CHALLENGE: The Ipswich Miniature Golf Open Challenge will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. at Tee Time Golf. Includes 18 holes of mini golf, driving range and batting cage use, and refreshments. Proceeds benefit the Ipswich YMCA's Partners with Youth program. For ticket information, call (978) 356-9622, Ext 109. TENNIS ANYONE?: The Richardson Tennis Courts, located behind Ipswich High School, are available for use nightly after 7 p.m. Reservation permits will be issued to Ipswich Recreation Department members; nonmembers are welcome on a space-available basis. Annual fee to become a member is $25 per individual/$40 per family. Daily fee is $5 for nonmember/$3 for guest of member. CHOWDER FEST: The ninth annual Ipswich Chowder Fest will be held downtown Saturday, Sept. 18, with tastings from 2 to 4 p.m. Area restaurants are invited to enter the competition. To enter, call Chris Saulnier at (978) 356-0577 or visit www.ipswichchowderfest.com. BLOOD DRIVE: The Ipswich Community Blood Drive will be held Monday, Aug. 30, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 25 Green St., Ipswich. Anyone 17 or older in good health and weighing more than 110 pounds is urged to donate. The drive is sponsored by the Ascension Memorial Church and the American Red Cross. Call (800) GIVE-LIFE or visit www.newenglandblood.org for information. Manchester calendar Monday, Aug. 16 Free beginners and advanced quilting classes, 9 to 11 a.m., Plains Meeting Room. Manchester Singers rehearsal, Congregational Chapel, 7:30 p.m. Call Liz Murphy at (978) 531-6503 or e-mail feb3@earthlink.net. Tuesday, Aug. 17 Body and Sole walking club starts walking at 8:30 a.m. Call (978) 526-4515. Fishing Clinic, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuck's Point. Children age 6 to 14 (under 10 must have adult). Equipment provided; $5 donation suggested. Call Manchester Parks and Recreation at (978) 526-2019. Friday, Sept. 17 Free sample class of Family Music Makers, 10:30 a.m. First Parish Church, 2 Chapel Lane. Music adventure for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Must be accompanied by adult. Free. Reservations required. Call (617) 783-9818 or visit www.familymusicmakers.com. Manchester-by-the-Sea news in brief VOTERS: The deadline to register for the State Primary Election is Wednesday, Aug. 25, at the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall. The Board of Registrars will be available until 8 p.m. that day to register new voters. Residents may register before the deadline during the office's regular business hours, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by Aug. 25. ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Residents who will be out of town during the Sept. 14 State Primary Election may vote in person at Town Hall during regular hours, Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The deadline for absentee voting is Monday, Sept. 13, at noon. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk's office and by mail. Call (978) 526-2040 for more information. FISHING CLINIC: A fishing clinic for children age 6 to 14 will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Tuck's Point rotunda. The event will include lessons about local fish and use of tackle, reel and rod; off-the-dock fishing; and practice time with professionals. Motorboat fishing available with parental permission. Equipment will be provided. Children under 10 must have adult supervision. $5 donation suggested. Sponsored by the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Space is limited. Call (978) 526-2019. BARBECUE: The COA's annual Senior Citizen's Barbecue will be held Wednesday, Aug. 25, at Tuck's Point. Meal will be served at 11:30 a.m. and will include barbecued chicken, ribs, summer salads, cookies and lemonade. The cost is $6 per person, and transportation is available. For information, contact the Manchester Council on Aging, (978) 526-7500. VOLUNTEERS: The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for directors, instructors and volunteers to teach aerobics/health and fitness, arts and crafts, computers and other workshop topics. Also, supervisors for the women's basketball league are needed. No experience required. For more information, call Karyn Goodhue at (978) 526-2019. PHOTO CONTEST: The Manchester Coastal Stream Team will host a photography contest and exhibition Oct. 8 to 11. The exhibit will run through Oct. 16. The contest is open to professionals and amateurs and there will be separate adult (ages 14 and older) and youth (ages 13 and younger) categories. Submissions may be in color or black and white, 35 mm or digital format. Photographs must be taken in Manchester and the subject must be water (streams, brooks, ponds, marshes, swamps, or coastal areas). Sponsored by The Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust. Cash prize for best photograph. Information is available at Town Hall, the Manchester Library and at www.salemsound.org/mcst. WELL-WISHERS: The Manchester COA seeks volunteers to become COA Well-Wishers, a group of thoughtful citizens who extend notes and cards to hospitalized or homebound seniors. Call (978) 526-7500 to become a Well-Wisher. CHESS PLAYERS: The Manchester COA is seeking senior citizens to play chess against students from Manchester Essex Regional High School. For more information, call (978) 526-7500. Program schedule for MHTV-10 By Debbie Strong Staff writer Monday, Aug. 16 noon -- Headliner 12:30 p.m. -- Vivien and Her Energetic Seniors: Chair Exercises 1 p.m. -- Creating a Healthy Environment 6:30 p.m. -- Headliner -- The News of Marblehead 7 p.m. -- Marblehead Conversations: Larry Doliber and the OKOs, Part II 7:30 p.m. -- RUACH -- Religious Understanding and Community Harmony 8:30 p.m. -- RUACH -- Religious Understanding and Community Harmony 9:30 p.m. -- Headliner Tuesday, Aug. 17 noon -- Headliner 12:30 p.m. -- Marblehead Conversations: Larry Doliber and the OKOs, Part II 1 p.m. -- RUACH -- Religious Understanding and Community Harmony 5:30 p.m. -- Vivien and Her Energetic Seniors: Chair Exercises 6:30 p.m. -- Headliner -- The News of Marblehead 7 p.m. -- The Best of Painting the Town No. 94 7:30 p.m. -- "Alone in the Dark?" 8:30 p.m. -- "Paranormal" 9:30 p.m. -- Headliner Wednesday, Aug. 11 noon -- Headliner 12:30 p.m. -- The Best of Painting the Town No. 94 1 p.m. -- The Young Dance Company of America: "Come Fly With Us to Disney, Broadway, and Beyond" 5:30 p.m. -- JoJo's DreamCart 6:30 p.m. -- Headliner -- The News of Marblehead 7 p.m. -- Marblehead Commerce 7:30 p.m. -- The Selectmen will not be meeting tonight. Thursday, Aug. 12 noon -- Headliner 12:30 p.m. -- Marblehead Commerce 1 p.m. -- JoJo's DreamCart 5:30 p.m. -- North Shore Rock Church 6:30 p.m. -- Headliner -- The News of Marblehead 7 p.m. -- Get Outside 7:30 p.m. -- Painting the Town 8 p.m. -- Painting the Town 8:30 p.m. -- Painting the Town 9: p.m. -- Headliner Friday, Aug. 13 noon -- Headliner 12:30 p.m. -- Get Outside 1 p.m. -- Painting the Town 6:30 p.m. -- Headliner -- The News of Marblehead (New Edition) 7 p.m. -- Inside the Spirit 9 p.m. -- Headliner Marblehead/Swampscott calendar Tuesday, Aug. 17 Senior Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m. Featured book "Language of the Threads" by Gail Tsukiyama. Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., Marblehead. (781) 631-1481. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Rosh Chodesh Elul celebration, 7:30 p.m., home of Georgianna Sawyer. Sponsored by Lynn-Swampscott-Marblehead chapter of Hadassah. Song, prayer and discussion. Free; open to all women. For directions, information or to RSVP, call (781) 639-0210 or e-mail hadassahlsm@comcast.net. Thursday, Aug. 19 End of Summer party, 1:30 p.m. at Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., Marblehead. Features entertainment by Willmore the Magic Explorer. Saturday, Aug. 21 Public Safety Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Phillips Park, Humphrey Street, Swampscott. Demonstrations, raffles and refreshments. Sponsored by Swampscott Police and Fire Departments. Saturday, Aug. 28 Summer Jazz Series, 8 p.m. featuring Rebecca Parris. Tickets $23.50 in advance, $25.50 at door. Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead. (781) 631-1528. Saturday, Sept. 18 Wine and food sampling 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lee Mansion in Marblehead. "The Way We Cook: Recipes from the New American Kitchen," with cookbook authors Sheryl Julian and Julie Riven. Tickets $18 general or $15 seniors. Beneftis the Friends of Abbot Library and the Marblehead Museum. (781) 631-1768. Music at Eden's Edge, 8 p.m. at King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St., Marblehead. Music of Beethoven, Claude Debussy, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Tickets $20. (978) 768-6229 or www.edensedge.org. Sunday, Sept. 19 Nature program, 1 to 3 p.m. hosted by Marblehead Trails Committee, "Mushroom Identification" with Dan Small at Camp Shore Lea, Marblehead. Opportunity to purchase a bat house. Free for all ages. (781) 631-4103. Friday, Oct. 1 "Wine Tasting Under the Tent," 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lee Mansion Garden in Marblehead. Tickets $35 per person. Benefits Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools and Marblehead Museum. (781) 631-1768. Thursday, Oct. 7 Slide presentation, "Marblehead Pottery: An Ideal Place to Work," 7:30 p.m. with Marilee Meyer and Susan Montgomery. $10 general or $5 Marblehead Museum and Historical Society memers. 170 Washington St., Marblehead. (781) 631-1768. Sunday, Oct. 17 Nature program, 1 to 3 p.m. hosted by Marblehead Trails Committee, "Marblehead Trees, Bark and Leaves" with Tom Hammond and Joan McDuff at Camp Shore Lea, Marblehead. Opportunity to purchase a bat house. Free for all ages. (781) 631-4103. Thursday, Oct. 21 "Murders in Marblehead," a lecture by local historian Don Doliber, 7:30 p.m. $7 general or $5 Marlehead Museum and Historical Society members. 170 Washington St., Marblehead. (781) 631-1768. Marblehead/Swampscott news in brief THEATRE AUDITIONS: The Marblehead Little Theatre will hold open auditions for all ages for its fall production of "Gypsy" Sunday to Tuesday, Aug. 22 to 24. Audition times will be scheduled by age. Candidates for the role of Baby June should prepare "Let Me Entertain You." All others should be prepared to dance and sing a song of their choosing. Auditions will be held at the Tower School in Marblehead. For more information, call Lori Lord at (978) 750-4742. SENIOR TRIPS: The Swampscott Senior Center will offer the following trips: • Thursday, Sept. 9 - Mohegan Sun, $22. • Thursday, Oct. 14 - Turkey Train Foliage Trip, $48. • Wednesday, Nov. 10 - Warren's Lobster House and shopping in Kittery, Maine, $48. • Thursday, Dec. 2 - La Salette Shrine, $39. Early sign-up is recommended. For more information, call (781) 596-8866 or visit the Senior Center at 89 Burrill St. EXPLORE WORLDS: Children age one to 12 are invited to attend Swampscott Public Library's 2004 summer reading program, Explore Other Worlds. Activities and special events continue through August. Activities will include story times, T-shirt tie-dyeing, Kindermusik, puppet theater, special guest appearances and more. For information, call (978) 596-8867, visit www.noblenet.org/swampscott, or stop by the children's room of the library, 61 Burrill St. MUSICAL KEYBOARD LESSONS: The Swampscott Senior Center will sponsor musical keyboard lessons taught by Joe Stroup. The lessons will be held Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Swampscott High School. Cost is $48 for six weeks of lessons. For more information, call the Senior Center at (781) 596-8866. FAMILY NIGHT: Every Friday night is Family Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Marblehead Swampscott YMCA, 94 Pleasant St., Marblehead, featuring pizza, drinks and dessert and family swim or open gym. Registration is required by Friday at noon, and children must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Free for members and $5 for the community. For more information or to register, call (781) 631-0870. HEALING CAMP: The Hospice of the North Shore's Center for Grief and Healing and Marblehead YMCA will offer a summer camp for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The weeklong program will be held Aug. 16 to 20 at the Marblehead YMCA for ages 4<1/2> through 7 and at Children's Island in Marblehead for ages 8 through 12. Call (978) 744-5100. MOVIE NIGHT: The Marblehead Recreation department will sponsor a free movie night every Friday evening at dusk (about 8 p.m.) at Seaside Park. All shows are for the entire family. Bring seating and picnic dinner; refreshments are also available. Call (781) 631-3350 for information. SAFETY DAY: The Swampscott Police and Fire Departments will hold the annual Public Safety Day Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Phillips Park on Humphrey Street, Swampscott. Event includes demonstrations by various public safety agencies, tours of aircrafts and a ladder truck, raffles and refreshments. All ages welcome. GALLERY WALKS: The Marblehead Arts community will host weekend gallery walks: Aug. 21 and 22, Sept. 18 and 19, and Oct. 16 and 17. Enjoy art, entertainment, refreshments and a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on each day. Call (781) 631-2868. PARK YOUR BOAT: Parking for boat trailers and/or vehicles transporting boats is available at Riverhead Beach. Trailers or vehicles must be in the designated spaces and remain only for a maximum period of 24 hours. Vehicles parked in the incorrect area or for over 24 hours will be towed at the owner's expense. Call the Marblehead Recreation Department at (781) 631-3350 for more information. Peabody calendar Monday, Aug. 16 Story time featuring "Runaway Bunny" and other classics, 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover St. (978) 573-3261. Tuesday, Aug. 17 Meeting to discuss church closing, 7 p.m., AOH Hall, 104 Boston St., Salem. All parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish of Salem, Peabody and Danvers invited. (978) 922-7632. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Big Sister Association orientation meeting, noon, Peabody Office, 47-49 Central St. Women age 20 and up needed to mentor girls age 7 to 15. Call (978) 531-5405. Peabody Golden Age Club meeting, 1 p.m., Elks Hall, Oak Street. Author signing, 6 p.m. featuring Chuck Hogan, author of "Prince of Thieves." Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover St. (978) 573-3261. Gay and Lesbian Literature Discussion Group, 8 p.m. featuring "Leave Myself Behind" by Bart Yates. Free. All welcome. Borders Books and Music, 151 Andover St. (978) 538-3003. Thursday, Aug. 19 "Better Than the Movie" book group meeting, 7 p.m. featuring Nicholas Sparks', "The Notebook." Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover St. (978) 573-3261. Author signing, 7:30 p.m. featuring Rob Bradford, author of "Chasing Steinbrenner." Free. All welcome. Borders Books and Music, 151 Andover St. (978) 538-3003. Friday, Aug. 20 Story time featuring brand new releases, 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover St. (978) 573-3261. Comedy Night Fund-raiser sponsored by the Committee to Elect Anne Manning State Representative, 7 to 10 p.m. at the A.O.H., 58 Lowell St. Suggested donation $25. Summer Movie Series, 7 p.m., featuring "Peter Pan." $2 admission; bring seating. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus. 96 Main St. (978) 532-1660. Second Union performance, 7 p.m. Two self-taught musicians. Free. All welcome. Borders Books and Music, 151 Andover St. (978) 538-3003. Saturday, Aug. 21 Yard sale, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Inn Transition, 42 Washington St. $5 per bag of items. Volunteers needed. Call (978) 531-9951. White Elephant Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Peabody Council on Aging, 79 Central St. Tables available for $20. Call (978) 531-2254, Ext. 124. Yard sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Peabody Glen Health Care Center parking lot, 199 Andover St. Table rentals cost $10. For information, call (978) 531-0772. Simon Kidgits Club Carnival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Northshore Mall, Route 129 and 114. Entertainment, prizes, games, moon bounce and refreshments. Meet Scooby Doo. Public welcome. Tickets $3; Kidgit Club members free. www.simonkidgitsclub.com. Portuguese Story Time, 3 p.m. Includes story and craft. Registration required. Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main St. Call (978) 531-0100, Ext. 29. Sunday, Aug. 22 Family open house, 3 to 5 p.m., Temple Beth Shalom, 489 Lowell St. Meet the Rabbi, religious school directors and board members. Event also includes crafts and activities for children. (978) 535-2100. 12th Annual Summer Concert Series, 6 to 8 p.m. featuring Gopherbroke. Leather City Common. Bring seating. In case of rain, held in Wiggin Auditorium, Peabody City Hall. Free; all welcome. (978) 538-5700. Tuesday, Aug. 24 Family Picnic Night, 6 p.m., South Branch Library. Food and entertainment. (978) 531-3380. Wednesday, Aug. 25 Ice Cream Social, 1 p.m., South Branch Library. (978) 531-3380. Crazy Cards, 1 p.m., Peabody COA, 79 Central St. Card games, prizes and refreshments. Cost is $3. Call (978) 531-2254, Ext. 124. Mystery Discussion Group, 8 p.m. featuring "Bare Bones" by Kathy Reichs. Free. All welcome. Borders Books and Music, 151 Andover St. (978) 538-3003. Thursday, Aug. 26 Peabody Emblem Club #2 Embola Raffle, 6:30 p.m., Peabody Elks Hall, 40 Oak St., Peabody. Raffle, door prizes and refreshments. Friday, Aug. 27 Story time featuring children's favorite characters, 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover St. (978) 573-3261. 3 Feet Up performance, 7 p.m. Musical group draws from wide range of spiritual sources. Free. All welcome. Borders Books and Music, 151 Andover St. (978) 538-3003. Sunday, Aug. 29 12th Annual Summer Concert Series, 6 to 8 p.m. featuring Fortune featuring Mary Beth and Brian Maes. Leather City Common. Bring seating. In case of rain, held in Wiggin Auditorium, Peabody City Hall. Free; all welcome. (978) 538-5700. Tuesday, Aug. 31 PJ Party, 7 p.m., South Branch Library. Ages 3 to 8; bring blankets and wear pajamas. Stories and snacks. (978) 531-3380. Peabody news in brief YARD SALE: The Inn Transition, located at 42 Washington St., will hold a yard sale Saturday, Aug. 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit its homless program. Items will be sold for $5 per bagful. Volunteers are needed. Call (978) 531-9951. REUNION: The Peabody High School class of 1942 will celebrate a 62nd reunion with a luncheon at the Garden Terrace of the Danversport Yacht Club, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at noon. The event is free to class members. For more information, call Mary Franggos at (978) 531-1336 or (978) 777-5196. ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS: Peabody Rotary Club will offer free 2004 Entertainment Books with the purchase of the 2005 edition. This year's books may be used through Nov. 1 and offer savings at restaurants, hotels, movies and museums. Proceeds will benefit local charities. Call Mel at (978) 531-8605. REUNION: The Peabody High School class of 1944 will hold a 60th reunion in October. Class members interested in planning or attending should call Marie (MacLeod) Hathaway at (978) 777-2820 or Phyllis (Osgood) Gonet at (978) 739-4115. FOOD DONATIONS: Haven from Hunger, located at 71 Wallis St., is in need of the following food items: pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and jelly. For more information, call (978) 531-1530. ART VOLUNTEERS: The Peabody Essex Museum seeks people interetsed in learning and sharing art to become gallery docents or instructors. Volunteers will be trained to guide school groups and family visitors through the museum. For more information, call (978) 745-9500, Ext. 3043 for more information. FRIENDSHIP CLUB: Meets Mondays for lunch, friendly conversations and variety of programs at The North Suburban JCC, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call Carol at (978) 535-2968. USMC DETACHMENT: Marine Corps League, Essex County Detachment, is a group of active and former Marines. They meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 1011, 20 Stevens St. New members welcome. LIBRARY PASSES: The Peabody Institute Library offers passes to museums and educational institutions in the area. For more information or to reserve a pass, call (978) 531-0100. GIFT SHOP: The remodeled Gift Shop at the Peter A. Torigian Community Life Center is now open and is seeking donations of jewelry and summer clothes (must be in good condition). The Gift Shop Cafe is also open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menus includes sandwiches, salads and snacks. The center is located at 79 Central St. Call (978) 531-2254. REUNION: The Peabody High School class of 1994 is planning its 10-year reunion. Organizers need classmates' current mailing addresses. E-mail pvmhs1994@hotmail.com. For more information visit the reunion Web site at www.pvmhs1994.com. GO SWIMMING: The Peabody/Lynnfield YMCA Family Center Pool Club, located at 259 Lynnfield St., Peabody, will offer a daily swimming pool pass for $6 per person throughout the month of August. Pool hours are Monday through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m., and weekends, noon to 6 p.m. Call (978) 531-5650 for information. REUNION: The Bishop Fenwick High School class of 1964 will celebrate its 40-year reunion at the Lyceum in Salem on Sunday, Aug. 22. For more information, call Tim at (978) 927-7373 or Kathy at (978) 744-3857. CLASS REUNION: The Peabody High School class of 1942 is forming a 62nd reunion committee. Any classmate interested in being a member of this committee may call Mary at (978) 531-1336 or Marie at (978) 777-5196. TORAH CLASS: Chabad of Peabody will offer a weekly Torah Class every Sunday night at the home of Rabbi Schusterman, 459 Lowell St. He will cover basic Bible studies on the weekly Torah portion. For more information, visit the new Web site, www.chabadpeabody.com, or e-mail rabbi@chabadpeabody.com. LIBRARY FUN: Registration has begun for the South Branch Library's summer reading program, "Up, Up, and Away." Program runs through Aug. 25, and includes story time, crafts, parties and events for all ages. Call (978) 531-3380 for details. STICKER PROGRAM: The Peabody Department of Public Services will sponsor a sticker program for disposal of "white goods" and computer/television products. The program requires the purchase of a $10 sticker to be placed on the item, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, computer monitors and televisions left for curbside pickup and for units dropped off at the DPS facility. The stickers may be purchased at the City Clerk's Office at City Hall. For more information, call (978) 536-0600. CRAFTERS WANTED: Crafters are needed for the following craft fairs: * Knights of Columbus Craft Fair Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Craft tables available for $25. Call Maura Santos at (978) 532-2741. * Higgins Middle School Annual Holiday Craft Fair Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school gym at 1 King Street Ext. Crafters are invited to reserve tables now. Cost is $40 for an 8"x10" space or $46 with an 8-foot table. Original crafts only. For more information, call Linda Fabrizio at (978) 977-9699 after 6 p.m. * Peabody House Fifth Annual Holiday Bazaar, 18 Walnut St., Saturday, Nov., 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables available for $25 or rental space without a table for $20. Call (978) 538-0568 or (978) 531-5497. ESSAY CONTEST: The National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association are cosponsoring an annual essay contest, "The Millennial American Dream." Seven winners will receive a $3,000 scholarship and a trip to the NFWL's national conference. Female college-bound high school juniors and seniors are eligible. Entries must be postmarked by Monday, Sept. 21. For more information, call (617) 722-2090. CAMP CHEROKEE: Children between the ages of 2.9 and 5 are invited to attend the Peabody YMCA's Camp Cherokee summer program. Includes swim lessons, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor sports, and field trips. Days and hours are flexible. Call (978) 531-5650 or apply at the YMCA, 259 Lynnfield St. SUMMER CAMP: Registration is ongoing for the North Suburban Jewish Community Center of Peabody's fall after-school programs. Activities are available for children ages 18 months through elementary school. The center is located at 83 Pine St. in West Peabody and is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (978) 535-2968. REUNION: The Peabody High School class of 1949 will hold a 55th class reunion Saturday, Sept. 18, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel in Peabody. Festivities include a luncheon buffet and entertainment by Pete Saran and his orchestra. For more information, call (978) 530-1840 or (978) 531-6186. ANIMAL LOVERS: Peabody Animal Shelter is looking for volunteers to spend two to four hours per week caring for homeless animals. No experience necessary; training will be provided. Morning and evening shifts are available Sunday through Saturday. Call (978) 531-7478. BE PREPARED: The North Area of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay will offer a "Preparing for the Unexpected" workshop Tuesday, Aug. 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Peabody Office, 85 Lowell St. Topics include creating a personal disaster plan and the basics of treating injuries. A half-hour training session for volunteers interested in becoming community presenters will follow. Program is free; reservations required. For information, call (978) 531-2280 or e-mail wilsonjani@usa.redcross.org. SON GAMES: Children age 4 through sixth grade are invited to the Son Games, Aug. 23 through 27, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, 4 Coolidge Road, Peabody. Activities include Bible stories, crafts, skits, games, songs and snacks. For information, call (978) 531-0914. BIG SISTERS: The Big Sister Association of Greater Boston seeks women over age 20 to become Big Sisters to girls between the ages of 7 and 15. An orientation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 18, at noon at the Peabody office, 47-49 Central St. Call (978) 531-5405 or visit www.bigsisters.org for information. RUN FROM THE SUN: Runners and volunteers are needed for the Mystic Runners' annual "Run From the Sun," Sunday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. at One City Hall Mall in Medford. The event includes a 10K race, a one-mile walk and a kids half-mile run, as well as an after-party with refreshments, a DJ and prizes. Proceeds benefit the Melanoma Education Foundation of Peabody, a nonprofit organization started by Stephen and Gail Fine of Peabody whose son Daniel died of the disease in 1998. Race fee is $18 for 10K and $8 for kids run (or $15 and $5 if registered by Aug. 14). Call (781) 391-7327 or visit www.mysticrunners.us or www.skincheck.org. BABY-SITTING: The American Red Cross, located at 85 Lowell St., will offer a baby-sitting training course Aug. 21 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants must be between 11 and 15 years old and will receive a baby-sitting certificate and a child and infant CPR certificate upon completion. To register, call (978) 531-2280. Salem calendar Monday, Aug. 16 Summer Sing Festival with The Paul Madore Chorale, 8 p.m. "Carmina Burana" with assistant conductor Amanda Shelly. Singers or instrumentalists welcome to join. $6 adults, $4 seniors/students. Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. (978) 744-4898. Tuesday, Aug. 17 Meeting to discuss church closing, 7 p.m., AOH Hall, 104 Boston St., Salem. All parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish of Salem, Peabody and Danvers invited. (978) 922-7632. Thursday, Aug. 19 Salem High School class of 1943 reunion, Danversport Yacht Club. Call (978) 744-7751 or (978) 744-4005. Concerts on the Common 2004 presents a movie, "The Princess Bride," at dusk, approximately 7:30 p.m. Free. Salem Common. "A Chorus Line," 8 p.m. performed by Salem State College Student Theatre Ensemble. Mainstage Auditorium, Lafayette Street. $15 general, $10 seniors/students. (978) 744-8478. Friday, Aug. 20 "A Chorus Line," 8 p.m. performed by Salem State College Student Theatre Ensemble. Mainstage Auditorium, Lafayette Street. $15 general, $10 seniors/students. (978) 744-8478. Saturday, Aug. 21 Underwater Coastline Adventure (you stay dry), 10 a.m. departure from Hawthorne Cove Marina to Misery Island aboard HOBBES Science boat. For ages 8 and older. Tickets $12; advance payment and registration required. Presented by The Trustees of Reservations. Call (978) 526-8687. "A Chorus Line," 8 p.m. performed by Salem State College Student Theatre Ensemble. Mainstage Auditorium, Lafayette Street. $15 general, $10 seniors/students. (978) 744-8478. Sunday, Aug. 22 "A Chorus Line," 2 p.m. performed by Salem State College Student Theatre Ensemble. Mainstage Auditorium, Lafayette Street. $15 general, $10 seniors/students. (978) 744-8478. Wednesday, Aug. 25 Beacon Christian Academy Open House, 9 to 11:30 a.m., 8 North St. Parents and students grades pre-K to 8 may register, view facility and meet teachers. Call (978) 741-4200. Thursday, Aug. 26 Art show and sale, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. presented by Artists Among Us. Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. Concerts on the Common 2004 presents a movie, "Finding Nemo," at dusk, approximately 7:30 p.m. Free. Salem Common. Saturday, Aug. 28 22nd Annual Boston Antique and Classic Boat Festival, noon to 5 p.m. $5 adults, children under 12 free. Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St. Sponsored by Lowell's Boat Shop. (617) 666-8530. Sunday, Aug. 29 22nd Annual Boston Antique and Classic Boat Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 adults, children under 12 free. Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St. Sponsored by Lowell's Boat Shop. (617) 666-8530. Saturday, Sept. 4 Salem Common Neighborhood Association citywide yard sale, 9 a.m. to noon on Salem Common. Thursday, Sept. 16 Salem Council on Aging Lobster Bake, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets $10. Chowder, lobster, salad, dessert and live entertainment. Franco American Club, Park Street, Beverly. Thursday, Oct. 7 Nathaniel Hawthorne Bicentennial Lecture Series, 7 p.m. "Hawthorne's Friends in Salem: The Non-Literary Companions He Chose," with Thomas Woodson. Free. All welcome. House of Seven Gables, 54 Turner St. (978) 744-0991, Ext. 126. Salem news in brief AARP TRIP: The Salem AARP chapter changed the date of its trip to the Summit Hotel in Killington, Vt. The three-day trip is scheduled for Sept. 26 to 28 and includes a cruise on Lake Champlain and visits to the Shelbourne Museum and St. Gauden's National Park. Space is limited. For information, call (978) 744-6582 or (978) 745-2867. GOLF TOURNEY: The fifth annual Steve O'Grady Golf Tournament will be held Monday, Aug. 23, at Salem Municipal Golf Course. Enjoy morning flight followed by a luncheon, prizes, raffle, silent auction and awarding of the 2004 Stephen M. O'Grady Scholarships. For more information, call (978) 745-5949 or visit www.stephenogrady.com. REUNION: The Salem High School class of 1964 will hold its 40 year reunion Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Knights of Columbus in Salem. Contact Jim Solovicos at (978) 532-0031 or jtsolovicos@hotmail.com or Gail Annis at (978) 887-8681 or r.e.annis@verizon.net. HISTORY EXHIBIT: Salem State College Enterprise Center, located off Loring Avenue, will present an exhibit, "Stopping the Clock: A Time to Remember Salem's Pequot Mill Strike," through Aug. 27. The exhibit may be viewed Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (978) 542-6389. BABY SITTERS: North Shore Medical Center will offer a baby-sitting training course Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 17, 19, 24 and 26 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Davenport 6 conference room. Program costs $25 and is for young people age 11 and up. Preregistration and prepayment required. Call (978) 739-6908, or e-mail lmillar@partners.org. HELP CHILDREN: Help for Abused Women and their Children (HAWC) is in great need of back to school items for needy children in HAWC's shelter, support groups and counseling programs. Backpacks, lunch boxes, thermoses, notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, crayons and new clothing, such as socks, sneakers, shoes, jackets and hats are welcome. Donations may be delivered to the HAWC office, Shetland Office Park, 27 Congress St., Suite 201, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (978) 744-8552 for information. AARP TRIPS: The Salem AARP will offer the following trips throughout the summer: • Aug. 18 - Parkers Maple Barn in Nashua, N.H. Includes breakfast. • Sept. 26 to 28 - Summit Hotel in Killington, Vt. Includes pool, tennis, etc. • Sept. 18 - Deerfield Fair in Deerfield, N.H. Lunch included. • Oct. 7 - Turkey Train Ride and cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee. • Dec. 3 - Radio City Rockettes Christmas Show, Wang Center, Boston. • Dec. 5 to 7 - Atlantic City and New York City. Includes Radio City Christmas Show. Space is limited. For information, call (978) 744-6582 or (978) 745-2867. YMCA: The Salem YMCA will offer several new upcoming programs, including tai chi, adult fencing, kids fun night, teen strength training, swim lessons and Swim Team prep classes. Call (978) 744-0351 for schedule, fees and registration information. REUNION: The Salem High School class of 1943 will hold its 61st reunion at the Danversport Yacht Club Thursday, Aug. 19. All members of the class and their guests are welcome. Program includes dinner and cocktail hour. For more information, call (978) 744-7751 or (978) 744-4005. HABITAT HOUSE: Habitat for Humanity of the North Shore is currently renovating a house at 18 Crombie St. in Salem. Local families of four or five people with an income up to $33,000 may download an application at www.habitatforhumanity-northshore.com and send the completed forms to 215 Maple St., Lynn, MA 01904 by Aug. 30. CLASS REUNION: The 45th reunion of the Salem High School class of 1959 will be held Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Danversport Yacht Club. Classmates who have changed addresses should send new information to Joan Sobocinski Pizzello, 37 Endicott St., Salem, MA 01970. YARD SALE: The Salem Common Neighborhood Association will hold a citywide yard sale on Salem Common Saturday, Sept. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. All Salem residents are welcome to participate. For more information or to rent a table, call (978) 745-5907. All proceeds from table rentals will benefit the Roger Conant Restoration Fund. REUNION: The Salem High School class of 1979 will hold a 25-year reunion Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004, from 7 p.m. to midnight at K of C in Salem. Classmates whose addresses have changed or those with questions should call Caroline (Cheech) Garabedian at (978) 744-2333 or e-mail garoscmd@aol.com. WRITERS GROUP: Church Street Writers Retreat meets Thursdays, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 43 Church St. For more information, call (781) 592-0457. GOLF PASSES: Salem Park & Recreation Department is accepting applications for 2004 season passes to Olde Salem Greens Golf Course. Salem residents may purchase a pass at the Mack Park office or call (978) 744-0180 for more information. Tri-Town calendar Wednesday, Aug. 18 Topsfield COA Men's Club Luncheon, Michael's Harborside Restaurant. For time and to reserve a van ride, call (978) 887-6866. For information about the Men's Club, call (978) 887-5853. Wednesday, Aug. 25 Last day of Boxford voter registration, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Boxford Town Hall, 7A Spofford Road. Call (978) 887-6000, Ext 501. Saturday, Aug. 28 Drummer Boys Great Indoor/Outdoor Antique Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 250 dealers. $5.50 per person. Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1. (978) 535-4811. Sunday, Aug. 29 Drummer Boys Great Indoor/Outdoor Antique Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 250 dealers. $5.50 per person. Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1. (978) 535-4811. Middleton Kiwanis Club Concert, 5 to 7 p.m., bandstand behind Memorial Hall. Performance by Overdrive. Wednesday, Sept. 8 Terrific Toddlers program, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for families with children ages 2 and 3. Featured topic is insects. $8 adults and $6 children. Registration required. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield. (978) 887-9264. Friday, Sept. 10 Sunset Walk, 6 to 8 p.m. for families with children ages 6 and older. $10 adults and $8 children. Registration required. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield. (978) 887-9264. Wednesday, Sept. 15 Terrific Toddlers program, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for families with children ages 2 and 3. Featured topic is flowers. $8 adults and $6 children. Registration required. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield. (978) 887-9264. Wednesday, Sept. 22 Terrific Toddlers program, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for families with children ages 2 and 3. Featured topic is trees. $8 adults and $6 children. Registration required. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield. (978) 887-9264. Sunday, Sept. 26 Wonder Walk for families with children ages 3 and older, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Features topic is Incredible Insects. $9 adults and $7 children. Registration required. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield. (978) 887-9264. Wednesday, Sept. 29 Terrific Toddlers program, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for families with children ages 2 and 3. Featured topic is seeds. $8 adults and $6 children. Registration required. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield. (978) 887-9264. Friday, Oct. 1 180th Topsfield Fair opens, 4 to 10 p.m. Musical ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the arena, 7 p.m.; fireworks, 8:30 p.m. Topsfield residents admitted free. Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield. Wednesday, Oct. 6 Terrific Toddlers program, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for families with children ages 2 and 3. Featured topic is leaves. $8 adults and $6 children. Registration required. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield. (978) 887-9264. Tri-Town news in brief FAMILY PROGRAMS: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield, will offer the following family programs through the fall: • Terrific Toddlers meet Wednesdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, and Oct. 6, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for families with children ages 2 and 3. $8 adults; $6 children. • Family Campout, a river adventure, Friday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. to Saturday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. for families with children ages 7 to 11. $32 adults; $29 children. • Sunset Walk Friday, Sept. 10, 6 to 8 p.m. for families with children ages 6 and older. $10 adults; $8 children. • Saturday Exploration, Sept. 18, 1 to 2:30 p.m., for families with children ages 5 and older. $9 adults; $7 children. • Fours and Fives in Fall, discovery classes meet Tuesdays, Sept. 21, 28, and Oct. 5, 12, and 19. Choose from 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m. Also meets Fridays, Sept. 24, and Oct. 1, 8, 15, and 22, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Fee for five-week session, $72 per adults/child pair. • Family Paddle Saturday, Sept. 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m. for families with children age 6 and older. Must be able to swim. Equipment provided. $14 adults; $12 children. • Wonder Walk for Families Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m. for families with children ages 3 and older. Registration is required for all activities. Discounts are offerred to Massachusetts Audubon members. For more information or to register, call (978) 887-9264. NATURE PROGRAMS: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 89 Perkins Row, Topsfield, will offer the following adult programs through the fall: • Cuttyhunk and Elizabeth Islands Tours Sundays, Sept. 12, 19, and 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $50 per trip. • Plum Island Bird Walk Sunday, Sept. 12, 7 to 11 a.m. $18. • Saturday Morning Bird Walks, Sept. 11, 18, 25, and Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 23, 7:30 to 9 a.m. $6. • Twilight-to-dark Canoe Trip, Thursday, Sept. 16, 6 to 9 p.m. All equipment provided. Participants must be able to swim. $30. • Photographing Autumn Woodlands and Meadows Saturday, Sept. 18, 8 a.m. to noon with Bob Speare. Bring camera. $30. • Migrants at Mount Agamenticus, Maine, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring lunch, binoculars and field guides. $45. • Monhegan Island Weekend Friday, Sept. 24, to Sunday, Sept. 26., with Bob Speare and Carol Decker. $504 per person includes accommodations, all meals, transportation and field instruction. Registration is required for all activities. Discounts are offerred to Massachusetts Audubon members. For more information or to register, call (978) 887-9264. VOTE: The last day of voter registration in the Town of Boxford will be Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Boxford Town Hall, 7A Spofford Road, in the town clerk's office. This is also the last day to change party enrollment before the state primary election, Tuesday, Sept. 14., which will be held at the Spofford Pond School. Call (978) 887-6000, Ext. 501 for information. SENIOR SERVICES: The Topsfield Council on Aging will continue to offer ice cream socials, mystery ride days, van rides to medical appointments and shopping areas, and more. Volunteers are available to make an outreach visit to seniors at their homes to explain the many services available, and free booklets on elder programs are also available through the mail. Call the COA office at (978) 887-1523 for information. CLASSMATES SOUGHT: The Masconomet class of 1979 is looking for classmates for its 25-year reunion in August. Classmates should contact Michelle (McAdoo) Costanza at (978) 777-6483 or e-mail at mjcostanza@verizon.net. HOME SERVICES: During the summer months, the Topsfield Council on Aging offers home visits to Topsfield elders who are house-bound and would enjoy a social visit. Also, Meals on Wheels home delivery is available to elders Monday through Friday. Call (978) 887-1523. WATER BAN: The Topsfield Board of Water Commissioners has issued a Voluntary Water Ban due to increasing water demand and decreasing flows from the Ipswich River. Residents are asked to limit use of water outdoors and to irrigate lawns only one time per week for no more than two hours. For information, call (978) 887-1517 or visit www.topsfieldpw.org. r> Almeida fishing tournament set for Labor Day weekend By Thomas Lake DANVERS - Leo Almeida used to take his daughter Amy ice fishing at the Putnamville Reservoir. One day during spring thaw, Amy tried to jump the gap between the shore and the receding ice. She fell in and got a good soaking. He pulled her out and bundled her into the car. "He said, 'Quick, get close to the heater so you'll dry off before your mother finds out,'" recalls Betty Almeida, Amy's mother, who inevitably found out. Leo was organizing a bass fishing tournament last year when he died unexpectedly of liver cancer at age 69. His family decided to have the tournament anyway. More than 300 people turned out for the Leo Almeida Memorial North Shore Striped Bass Tournament, raising close to $3,000 for the Danvers People to People Food Pantry. It's happening again this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4 to 6, and this time the proceeds will go to three different food pantries. For a $10 entry fee, anglers can compete from shore or by boat for a $500 first prize. New this year, in memory of Leo's fishing trips with his children, is a youth division. Children 15 and under can compete for a $100 cash prize. Amy, now 38, is the tournament's chairwoman. Betty remembers when she was working on her Ph.D. in economics at Northwestern University. Just before summer break, she would call home to ask about the tides. If there was an afternoon tide, she would catch the first flight out of Chicago and be fishing by afternoon. Tickets for the tournament are available at the Cherry Street Fish Market, the Danversport Yacht Club and the Danvers harbormaster's office, as well as numerous other bait and tackle shops along the North Shore. For more information, call Amy Almeida at (978) 777-0026 or visit www.northshorestriper.com. Staff writer Senior town workers win a big one By Melissa Beecher Staff writer DANVERS -- They battled leg cramps, joint tightness and cold sweats. And they battled adversity and disappointment to clinch the most impossible of impossible dreams -- the title of 2004 softball champs. OK, so maybe it wasn't that dramatic, but the game between the employees of Town Hall and the Park and Recreation Department's summer staff still made for an interesting softball game. "We're all excited," said park and recreation employee and event organizer Lauren Sullivan. "It was back and forth all the way and somehow we managed to keep the lead. It was really fun for everyone." The eighth annual Town Hall softball game boasted town employees -- including Town Manager Wayne Marquis and Recreation Director David Mountain -- who secured a convincing victory of 28-14 over the summer squad. The Park and Recreation Department hires summer workers, usually high school and college students, to man playgrounds and summer camps during June through July. Those employees wrap up their last week of work this week. But Friday night, it was the town's more senior employees who showed the 30 or so summer staffers how to whack it out of Riverside Park. "Dave Mountain hit the biggest home run of the night. It was an out-of-the-park home run ... pretty impressive," said Sullivan. The win snaps a three-year loosing streak for the Town Hall employees. "We haven't won in three years and we needed this win," said Sullivan, who pitched several innings. "The most important thing is that most of the Town Hall departments were represented and the turnout of the summer staff was huge," Sullivan said. "It was a great event that really brought out the camaraderie of all employees." That is, until next year. Danvers municipal calendar The following meetings will be held in Danvers this week: Monday, Aug. 16 Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., Town Hall Wednesday, Aug. 18 Danvers Housing Assistance Trust, 7:30 a.m., Town Managers Conference Room, Town Hall Design and Construction Advisory Committee, 7:30 a.m., Town Hall Conservation Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall Board of Library Trustees, has been canceled Thursday, Aug. 19 Recreation Committee, 7 p.m., Senior Center, Stone St. Changed lives: Paralyzed Danvers woman recovers as family rallies around her By Melissa Beecher DANVERS -- Wendy Erikson has never been the kind of person to get overly emotional about the little things. The single mother of four barely found time for herself in between working, pursuing her degree, volunteering for sports teams' fund-raisers and the usual household chores. But now, Erikson finds herself in the most emotional -- and physical -- battle of her life. On June 23, Erikson took her new motorcycle out for a drive in Topsfield. When the Harley-Davidson clipped a telephone pole, she was thrown 30 to 40 feet. The helmet she was wearing was thrown off. Erikson broke her neck. Since the day she became paralyzed, the 42-year-old who has always done for others has been forced to put the maternal mental checklist on hold and focus on recovery. "She doesn't cry for herself," said friend Karen Devaney. "She told me, 'What good is crying going to do?' But she's upset for her kids. They're her biggest concern." Picking up the pieces While Erikson recovers from surgery that fused four of her neck vertebrae, her oldest daughter, Kim, 22, has stepped up to run the household. Kim has been forced to balance the responsibility of helping two of her younger siblings cope with their family tragedy while raising her own son, an active 2-year-old named Dylan. She said the past month has been one trial after another. "It's been hard. But I have to. Who else is going to?" said Kim McNutt. "I have to choose between doing dishes and laundry or visiting mom, but when I go visit her, the dishes are still here when I get back. It's things like that that make it hard." Levi Stanley, 16, and 12-year-old T.J. Stanley still keep up with their sports teams and spend time with friends, but McNutt says they both miss their mom terribly. Artie Stanley, 20, lives in Vermont with his newborn son, also named Artie. The young woman with a world of responsibility on her shoulders chokes up when asked to describe her mom. "She's awesome. You can't keep up with her. She's always running around nonstop. Things are totally different now. It's so hard not to have her here with us," said McNutt, fighting through tears. "I always helped out with laundry or things like that ... but she always found a way to do it all." Before the accident, Erikson left her job to go back to school to become a medical technician. On the night of the crash, she had received her report card. She earned straight A's during her first semester. "Here we are these soccer moms standing around at practice, and Wendy comes riding up on a Harley," said family friend Amy Ladd. "She's funny, friendly and outgoing. She'd do anything for anyone. That's why everyone loves her." Soccer moms unite Neighbors in the close-knit neighborhood around Crane Street have been supportive of the Stanley family's struggle. They've brought food and gift certificates for the children, and watched the house and baby Dylan while McNutt takes the older children to visit their mom at Boston Medical Center. But each day Erikson spends in the hospital is a day the family's modest savings gets further depleted. Knowing that handicapped accessible ramps and a first-floor bathroom will need to be added to the house when Erikson comes home, friends have issued a call to help the family. Parents of the Danvers National Little League, Danvers Youth Football and Danvers High baseball and football teams have rallied to organize a fund-raiser. Roger Day, coach of the Danvers High baseball team and assistant coach of the football team, says parents know the family well. "Wendy is one of those parents who always put in a ton of work," said Day, who coached Artie and Levi in sports. "When people found out what happened, they wanted to help right away." The Wendy Erikson Irrevocable Trust was started. The main fund-raiser to put dollars into that fund will be held Sept. 10. The Wendy Erikson Benefit Dinner Dance and Silent Auction is scheduled to be held at the Franco-American Club in Beverly at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Stanley children trust. The effort was spearheaded by friends like Devaney, who McNutt says has helped the family tremendously. "I know that if this happened to someone else, Wendy would be the first in line helping out," said Devaney. "When I asked her if she minded that we were doing (the fund-raiser) her first words were 'What can I do to help?' She's in the hospital and still thinking of ways she can help. I think that shows you the kind of person she is." As for the Stanley children, McNutt said they are all hopeful their mother will be home from physical therapy soon. "She just wants to come home," said McNutt. "And we all want her here. We're all trying to be strong for her ... be strong like her." "She's a fighter, though," McNutt added. "She keeps saying she'll walk again, and I'd doubt it, if it was coming from anyone else than my mom." Staff writer Melissa Beecher can be reached at (978) 338-2526 or by e-mail at mbeecher@ecnnews.com. Staff writer How to help the Stanley family What: The Wendy Erikson Benefit Dinner Dance and Silent Auction When: Friday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Where: Franco-American Club, 44 Park St., Beverly Ticket Cost: $25 per person, all proceeds will benefit the family Where to purchase: Doyle Insurance Agency, Seaquels, Four Sixty Six Restaurant For more information: Karen Devaney, (978) 774-0520, Amy and Tom Ladd, (978) 777-9218 or Karen McInnis, (978) 375-3053 How else to help: Donations and gift certificates can also be mailed to the Wendy Erikson Irrevocable Trust, P.O. Box 262, Danvers, MA. 01923 Municipal calendar Monday, Aug.16 Hamilton selectmen, 9 a.m., Memorial Room, Town Hall. Wenham Cemetery Commission, 3 p.m., Highway Department, 91 Grapevine Road. Wenham Town Hall and Police Station Building Committee, joint meeting with Finance and Advisory Committee, 7 p.m., recreation building. Hamilton Board of Health, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall. Tuesday, Aug. 17 Wenham Board of Assessors, 6 p.m., joint library. Joint Recreation Board, 7 p.m., 16 Union St., Hamilton. Wenham selectmen, 7:30 p.m., recreation building. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Hamilton Conservation Commission, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Room, Town Hall. Thursday, Aug. 19 Hamilton Personnel Board, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall. Wenham Historic District Commission, 7 p.m., joint library. Ipswich Municipal Calendar Thursday, Aug. 19 Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, meeting room C. Town Meeting warrant opens By Anna Scott Staff writer IPSWICH - Starting today, residents can submit petitions for the October Special Town Meeting. The Special Town Meeting typically addresses zoning and other town infrastructure proposals, but citizens can put other subjects to a vote by submitting a petition for the proposal that includes signatures from other residents. The deadline for citizens' petitions is Aug. 23, when the warrant officially closes. That night, the selectmen will present a formal list of warrant articles, with explanations of each. One article sure to be on the warrant will allow the selectmen to temporarily stand in for the town manager under the "Acting Town Manager" title. Although Selectman Jim Foley took the title after George Howe left the town manager position, Foley said last week the move did not comply with the town charter. "It's something that is really just a language issue," Foley said. The selectmen voted last week to rescind the vote that made Foley acting town manager and agreed to address the charter in the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Foley said the title would be appropriate so long as Town Meeting voted to approve it, but town lawyers had not made a final decision on the issue. Other potential topics to be discussed during the Special Town Meeting include: * Library parking access. * Review of the demolition delay bylaw. * Approval of the sale of the old Town Hall. Municipal calendar MANCHESTER -- The Finance Committee will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Town Hall, Room 5. The following other meetings are scheduled in Manchester this week: Tuesday Board of Health, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall, Room 5 Thursday Regional School Building Subcommittee, Jr. Sr. High School, Room 126 Litchfield Heights developer appeals 40B denial By Jamie Jamieson Staff writer PEABODY - The developers of the controversial Litchfield Heights project aren't giving up without a fight. Their lawyer has filed an appeal of the city's denial of a permit for the 200 Bartholomew St. development. The plan calls for the construction of 88 apartments -- 22 affordable -- using the state's affordable housing law, also known as 40B. There is usually very little a community can do to prevent construction of multi-family housing under the 40B statute, which applies to communities in which less than 10 percent of their housing qualifies as affordable. But last month, the Zoning Board of Appeals denied Litchfield's application for a comprehensive permit, citing health and safety issues. Because the project falls under the affordable housing law, the burden falls on the city to prove the project is flawed. And the appeal will be heard by the state Housing Appeals Committee, not Superior Court. "That means it will come up for a hearing on appeal quicker than it would in Superior Court," City Solicitor Lawrence O'Keefe said. Although he acknowledged the difficulty of arguing against an affordable housing project, O'Keefe said the reasons for denial given by the zoning board "have an awful lot of merit." The board noted that Bartholomew Street has become dangerous as a cut-through street between Lynn and Lynnfield streets, especially at the narrow point near the project where there are no sidewalks, and houses come close to the curb. Board members also cast a skeptical eye on the 1,100-foot entry driveway, which would have a steep slope. "If built as proposed, the roadway will rise steeply and suddenly, which will affect safe access and egress of motorists," the denial noted. If the project attracts elderly tenants, as the developer has suggested, older residents would find it difficult to navigate the neighborhood, especially in the winter, the zoning board noted. Furthermore, the 22 affordable apartments would be isolated from public transportation. In its appeal, the developer noted there are other steep entry drives in Peabody, and there are bus stops within half a mile of the project. In addition, the developer has agreed to donate money to the Council on Aging so the senior center bus can add Litchfield Heights to its route. The city has said that the project does not follow the goals of Peabody's master plan to develop more multi-family housing in the downtown area. The developer's appeal quotes the same master plan to support the creation of affordable housing in all neighborhoods. The developer also notes that Peabody has not met its affordable housing goal. But the city notes the goal is within reach and projects are in the pipeline to meet it, including two large 40B developments that the zoning board did approve. O'Keefe said the city has denied permits for two 40B projects in the past. "We were able to eliminate the Sherwood Estates project in the early 1980s," he said. The other project went forward, but the state housing committee added further conditions, and the project was scaled back. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR Tuesday, Aug. 17 Sign Review Board, 7 p.m., lower level, City Hall. Thursday, Aug. 19 Planning Board, 7 p.m., Public Services Department, 50 Farm Road. Voter registration deadline Voters have until Wednesday, Aug. 25, to register for the state primary election or to change their party affiliation. Registration can be done at the town clerks' offices in Hamilton and Wenham. If you aren't sure of your registered party affiliation, you can call the town clerks' offices, in Hamilton at (978) 468-5570, or in Wenham at (978) 468-5572. In Hamilton, voter lists are also kept at the joint library and both post offices. If you are registered as a Republican or a Democrat, you can only vote for those candidates in the primary. If you are registered as an unenrolled voter, you can choose which party ticket to vote. The state primary will be held Tuesday, Sept. 14. Teens critically hurt in Vinnin Square crash By Jill Harmacinski Staff writer SWAMPSCOTT -- Two North Shore teens were badly injured when they were hit by a car as they walked across Vinnin Square Saturday night. Police would not release the name of the driver, a 19-year-old girl from Marblehead, saying she hasn't been charged. Holly Pierce, 15, of Marblehead, and Camila Paiva, 16, of Lynn, were crossing Paradise Road when they were hit by a black Chrysler Sebring convertible at 10 p.m., police said. Pierce's friends held a vigil in Vinnin Square for hours last night. Bouquets of flowers were affixed to a telephone phone. Candles were lit below and set on the sidewalk. Close to three dozen teens gathered in the area, sobbing as they spoke about Pierce, whom they described as a vivacious, outgoing honor roll student. "It's terrible. Words can't describe how we are feeling right now," said Parker Khouri, 16. "The whole thing is so unreal right now." The driver was heading toward Salem when she struck the girls near the entrance to the Swampscott Mall and Vinnin Plaza Shopping Center. After the driver hit the girls, who police said were wearing dark clothing, "she pulled right over and stopped," said Swampscott Police Sgt. Timothy Cassidy, the department spokesman. The driver was "hysterical" when rescuers arrived at the accident, but did not appear to suffer any serious physical injuries, Cassidy said. Both girls suffered head wounds and internal injuries. Police said Pierce was the most gravely injured. She was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where she was listed in critical condition late last night. Paiva was treated at Brigham & Women's Hospital, also in Boston, where she remained in serious condition. At this point, investigators said they don't think alcohol, drugs or speed contributed to the crash. Cassidy said the accident remains under investigation and criminal charges could be filed. He would not say what charges the driver might face. "And there may not be any charges. It's too early to tell in the investigation," Cassidy said. Cassidy expressed concern and sympathy for everyone involved in the accident. "There are three lives here that have been torn apart," said Cassidy. "It's every parent's nightmare," he said. "Most of the guys on the department have kids and this affects them, as well. Honestly, our thoughts go out to everyone involved." Staff writer Jill Harmacinski can be reached at (978) 338-2652 or by e-mail at jharmacinski@ecnnews.com. New liquor license rules up for debate By Michael Puffer Staff writer TOPSFIELD -- Topsfield has been dry for about 70 years, but that's about to change. Business owners interested in selling alcohol in their restaurant or store will soon be able to compete for the town's single restaurant liquor license and its only store license. But exactly who will qualify for the new license has yet to be sorted out. After months of work by volunteers, the rules under which the licenses will be passed out will be reviewed by selectmen for the first time tomorrow night. The board will be responsible for adopting the rules and passing out licenses. The rules were drafted by the Alcohol Licensing Advisory Board with the goal of bringing new services to town -- a table-side service evening restaurant, and perhaps a little store that sold fresh meat, breads and produce in addition to a little alcohol, said advisory board member Stan Ragalevsky. "There has to be some benefit to the town over and above the actual availability of beer and wine," Ragalevsky said. Voters agreed to drop the town's "dry status" at last year's Town Meeting. Now, selectmen are responsible for deciding whether the new liquor rules will curb potential problems and promote desired services. The selectmen aren't likely to adopt the rules Tuesday night, Town Executive Secretary Roberta Knight said. First, changes brought by the town's lawyers will need to be considered, along with public comment gathered at tomorrow's hearing, Knight said. Ragalevsky said the liquor rules have a number of restrictions meant to ensure the sale of alcohol will only be an enhancement to new businesses, not their main product. For example, alcohol would only be allowed to make up 30 percent of a store's inventory under the proposed rules. The selectmen have scheduled a hearing on the new rules for Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Topsfield Public Library. Municipal calendar Monday, Aug. 16 * Boxford Board of Selectmen (warrant signing), 5:30 p.m., Town Hall * Boxford Community Preservation Committee, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall * Middleton Historic Commission, 2:30 p.m., Town Hall * Topsfield Board of Health, 8 p.m., Town Hall Tuesday, Aug. 17 * Middleton Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Fuller Meadow School * Topsfield Board of Selectmen, 8 p.m., Public Library Wednesday, Aug. 18 * State Rep. Brad Hill's Office Hours, 6 to 7 p.m., Flint Public Library * Middleton Board of Health, 7 p.m., Department of Public Works Building * Masconomet Regional School Committee, 7 p.m., Angelica's Restaurant * Topsfield Web site Committee, 9 a.m., Town Hall * Topsfield Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., Public Library * Conservation Commission, 7 p.m., Public Library Thursday, Aug. 19 * Masconomet Regional School Fiscal Management Subcommittee, 7:30 p.m., Administration Building * Topsfield Historic District Commission, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Friday, Aug. 20 * Board of Road Commissioners, 7:30 a.m., Public Works Building * Board of Assessors, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Commission looking for Town Hall comments By Steve Landwehr WENHAM - The Historic District Commission will offer residents a chance to comment on the most recent plans for a new Town Hall and police station at its meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at the joint library. Chairman Al Klebe said the commissioners hope voters will have a choice of more than one proposal at a special town meeting and election this fall. Klebe also said he's afraid if it comes down to an all-or-nothing vote on just one option, voters might reject it and maintain the status quo - a deteriorating historic building with no timetable to renovate or replace it. Klebe also said the plans recently accepted by selectmen aren't much different than those defeated by voters a year ago. The earlier proposal was to renovate the historic building and add a new police station behind it, but when bids came in at nearly $1 million more than anticipated, voters refused to spend the extra money. The new rendition comes with an estimated price tag about $400,000 higher than what the earlier project would cost today. Klebe said all he can see the town gaining from the additional expense is one more spot for a car in the sally port. "I haven't heard any justification for that," Klebe said. br> Staff writer Salem News obituary policy Obituaries are printed at no charge and include biographical information only. Death notices are paid ads and include information about services, Masses, burial, and memorial contributions. Cost is $37.65 per inch. If the deceased is a veteran, it can also include a flag logo for $5.25. All obituaries and death notices must be sent from or verified by a funeral home, otherwise a death certificate is necessary. Hours: The obituary clerk is on duty Sunday through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m. During the day, you may contact Suzanne Brown at (978) 338-2647. Deadlines: To have an obituary or death notice appear in the next day's paper, information must be received no later than 7 p.m. Phone: (978) 338-2656. Fax: (978) 927-4524. E-mail: obituaries@ecnnews.com, no attachments please Photos: Obituary photos should be e-mailed to snphotos@ecnnews.com. Color or black-and-white are fine. If photos are mailed or dropped off, and you would like them returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Billing: For billing information, call the Accounting Department at (978) 338-2510. Salem News access numbers To reach the newsroom with a news tip or request, please call the appropriate editor: Editor Karen Andreas, (978) 338-2671 for corrections or comments on overall editorial content and quality; e-mail kandreas@ecnnews.com. Metro Editor Helen Gifford at (978) 744-0600 for news coverage of Salem, Beverly and Peabody; e-mail hgifford@ecnnews.com. Assistant Metro Editor Linda Halfrey at (978) 338-2665 for coverage of Danvers, Marblehead, Swampscott, Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Middleton, topsfield, Boxford and Manchester; e-mail lhalfrey@ecnnews.com Sports Editor Phil Stacey at (978) 338-2650; e-mail pstacey@ecnnews.com. Editorial Page Editor Nelson Benton at (978) 338-2670 for letters to the editor and guest columns; e-mail nbenton@ecnnews.com. Editorial assistant Suzanne Brown at (978) 338-2647 for obituaries, calendar items and briefs, weddings/engagements, births; e-mail sbrown@ecnnews.com Night Editor Bill Kirk at at (978) 338-2673 for late-breaking stories or news tips after 5 p.m. Features Editor Christine Gillette at (978) 338-2507, e-mail cgillette@ecnnews.com Photo Editor Amy Sweeney at (978) 338-2684, e-mail asweeney@ecnnews.com Alive with artStudents work brightens hospital By Diane Nolan Correspond If these halls could talk What: ARTS ALIVE! exhibit Where: Lobby of Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital, 1 Dove Ave., Salem When: Through August; daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. How: Open to the public; admission is free. SALEM - From volunteering to exhibiting, this group of Salem High School students has their own way of saying "get well soon." Last spring, a group of 19 Salem High School students began a program at Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem volunteering with patients who were going through rehabilitation. Students spent time with patients making crafts and doing paintings with them for two hours every other week. "It's such a great socialization, these kids are marvelous," said Shaughnessy-Kaplan Activities Coordinator Karen Gibbons, who added that patients were able to take away a physical object from these visits. Now, the Salem students who donated their time are donating their artwork for the hospital's lobby. The "ARTS ALIVE!" exhibit by the Salem High students will run through August and will feature many different media, including oil paintings, pastels and photographs. There are 12 of the student-volunteers involved with the August exhibit. All of them are National Art Honor Society students. The society was founded in 1978 by the National Art Education Association and was brought to Salem High School in 2001 by art instructor Karen Lehman. Students involved in this group must be nominated for membership by an art instructor. After their nomination, each student must write a letter to Lehman about why they are qualified to be part of the group. In addition to GPA requirements, students must provide a letter of recommendation from an instructor outside of the arts discussing the student's character. Lehman said that the purpose of this group is to inspire and recognize those students who have shown outstanding ability in the visual arts and who are also good peer advocates. There is no theme for the students' exhibit. Lehman said landscapes and portraits among the various forms of artwork are included. "We chose what seemed like the strongest work," said Lehman, who added that it was challenging getting artwork together during the summer months when most students are away. Members of the Shaughnessy-Kaplan team wanted to start a program to bring art to patients and improve their emotional well-being, according to Gibbons. They believe that this is just as important to their physical needs when beginning the healing process. "It's extremely therapeutic for patients and people visiting," Lehman said. "The audience in the hospital lobby cuts through every community." Gibbons worked to bring artwork to the second floor hallway between Salem and Shaughnessy-Kaplan from students all over the North Shore with Anne Brown, who was a member of the former Essex Camera Gallery. "It has been so nicely received by everybody," said Gibbons, who added that some people who are being taken through the hallway on stretchers will ask to stop so they can take a look around. "You can see people brighten up a little bit when they look around." Gibbons also said that three pieces of the students artwork have been sold while on display at the hospital. The exhibits are changed each month. St. John's Prep in Danvers is scheduled to exhibit on the second floor during the month of August. nt Love him tenderElvis lives at Peabody tribute show By Diane Nolan Correspondent The King, by the numbers * 1,510,000: Elvis Presley Web sites found on Google * 8,375: Elvis Presley memorabilia items for sale on eBay (includes purses, knife sets, and trading cards) * 500+: official Elvis fan clubs * 46: countries with official Elvis fan clubs * 27: years since Elvis died (Aug. 16, 1977) PEABODY - Elvis Presley's popularity seems to grow the longer he's gone, and the North Shore ARC couldn't be more grateful. This Saturday, St. Mike's Hall in Peabody will host the annual Tribute to the King night from 8 p.m. to midnight featuring an amateur Elvis contest, impersonators, raffles, a cash bar, karaoke, snacks and dancing. Peabody resident Randy Smith started the tribute event on the 20th anniversary of Elvis' death in 1997. "I've always liked Elvis. I told my friends I was either going to go to Graceland or rent out a hall and have a party," said Smith. All proceeds benefit the Peabody House, part of the North Shore ARC, formerly known as the North Shore Association of Retarded Citizens, where Smith's uncle resides. "They are very well cared for there ... this money is just for extras," said Smith. Smith doesn't dress as Elvis professionally, though he will be dressed up on Saturday night, but there will be a few professional impersonators taking part in the festivities as well. There is a $200 cash prize to the winner of the amateur Elvis contest but "most of them would do it for nothing," said Smith. Jim Holden will be taking part in the competition for his sixth time. Holden, who came in second last year, worked as a professional Elvis impersonator about 15 years ago and still does so as an amateur. "It's important to keep Elvis' name going," said Holden, who plans to continue to attend the event as long as he can. "You can count on me to be there." Smith and his wife will work with friends and family to turn St. Mike's Hall, use of which is donated for the event, into a Las Vegas-style stage. Elvis memorabilia will add to the atmosphere. The Tribute to the King has grown steadily in popularity since it began. The first year of the event, Smith just broke even with the cost of the event and ended up making a donation to the Peabody House himself. Now, the program raises about $2,000 annually. "It is a great fund-raiser and a fun fund-raiser," said JoAnne Wahl, director of residential services and creative housing coordinator for the ARC. "It has really blossomed." More than 100 people attend the event, according to Smith, who added that if people don't get to the hall right when the party begins or even a little early, they may not get a table. St. Mike's Hall is located at 15 Endicott St., Peabody. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (978) 532-4126. Though it's not required, Smith said anyone who dresses up as Elvis for the party can forego the $10 entry fee per his discretion. The ARC presented Smith with a distinguished service award last year for all of the work he's done for the Peabody House. "We weren't looking for any type of fund-raiser," said Wahl. Smith approached the ARC with this idea himself. "It's special to me because it's my uncle," said Smith. "He loves it and it gives him something to look forward to." The ARC is now celebrating its 30th year of residential services, Wahl said. "It has grown so tremendously," said Wahl. The agency now runs 35 residential homes in addition to Peabody House and another is opening this fall. "Do something for any charity of your choice," said Smith. "It makes you feel good." Music for Little Children's Record Label Announces 3-Record Deal With Scholastic Entertainment Featuring Beloved Best Seller, Clifford The Big Red Dog Scripps Howard GARBERVILLE, CA -When was the last time you heard of a group of award-winning producers and songwriters collaborating on an album of music to honor their larger-than-life, very favorite pooch! Never? Sit back and open your ears as Grammy-nominated producer Leib Ostrow and acclaimed songwriter/producer Jody Gray present Music for Little People's first of three audio collaborations with Scholastic Entertainment, "Clifford The Big Red Dog(TM) -- A Really Big Musical Tribute." The CD features original songs written by Mike Himelstein ("Shrek," "102 Dalmatians"), Jody Gray ("Clifford's Really Big Movie") and Grammy and Emmyaward-winner Dennis Scott ("Sesame Street"). There are also featured audio clips by Clifford's best friends, Emily Elizabeth (Grey De Lisle), T-Bone (Kel Mitchell) and Cleo (Cree Summer), the television show's star characters. From the album's opening featuring the new revision of the television program theme song, "Clifford The Big Red Dog," written by Mark Motherspaugh (formerly of Devo), to the album's finale, "Once Upon A Lullaby," many of the lyrics (included in the CD packaging), center around the concepts and behaviors that have endeared Clifford to the world: Believe In Yourself, Be A Good Friend, Help Others, Be Kind. The lyrics on "Happy Being Who You Are" say it all: You gotta dance like there's no one looking Sing so they hear you near and far Making the most of every moment And be happy being who you are. Performed in a variety of upbeat musical styles, this celebration of Clifford's life, friendships and adventures will surely have the entire family howling and stomping their paws to the beat of everybody's favorite big red dog. The album concept was created in response to the popularity of Clifford TheBig Red Dog(TM) by Music for Little People and Scholastic and is being released in conjunction with the home video release of "Clifford's Really Big Movie" (featuring well-loved John Ritter in his last movie performance). With over 110 million books in print, his own television series, a new movie and a variety of videos, toys and plush on the market, "Clifford The Big Red Dog(TM) -- A Really Big Musical Tribute" is just what his fans have been waiting for. Salem Cutlines 040805_sn_out_wcal01-0812 'ITALY IN AUGUST' Music at Eden's Edge will present "Italy in August: Music of the Italian Baroque" featuring Aldo Abreu Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Northshore Unitarian Church in Danvers. 040805_sn_out_wcal02-0812 PARK CONCERT Quintessential Brass will perform a free concert Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Patton Park on Route 1A in Hamilton. 040806_sn_out_wcal05-0812 MARINE ARTS Marine Arts Gallery in Salem will present sporting and marine paintings by Richard Loud, including "Marblehead Harbor, 1920s." 040809_sn_out_wcal07-0812 SALEM POETRY Open a Book Bookstore in Salem will host a book signing with Valerie Carnevale, editor of "Poetry of Salem," Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. Poets in attendance will include Claire Keyes and JD Scrimgeour. 010912_0_lobsterbig ANNUAL LOBSTER FEST The Eighth Annual Rockport Rotary Club Lobster Fest will be held Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Bandstand across from Back Beach in Rockport. 040802_GT_HAND_VISIONS REGGAE BAND The Rhumb Line in Gloucester will feature the sounds of Inner Visions, a five-piece reggae band, tomorrow night. The lineup also includes Dave Sag's Blues Party, today; Groove Therapy, Saturday; and Rocky and Keri, Sunday. Magical world of Dr. Seuss comes to life'Seussical the Musical' to play this weekend in Danvers By Diane Nolan Correspondent If you go What: "Seussical the Musical," performed by the Danvers Youth Theatre Where: Maple Street Church, 90 Maple St., Danvers When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. How: Tickets are available in advance for $7 by calling (978) 777-9163; a limited number will be available at the door. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss DANVERS - The imaginative and colorful world of Dr. Seuss will come to life this weekend thanks to the Danvers Youth Theatre. The young actors, musicians and crew members will perform "Seussical the Musical" to benefit the Danvers Art Association. Having presented musicals such as "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Side Show" in recent years, the group's director and founder Tim O'Donnell said he's happy to be performing something lighter. "It's nice to do a family-oriented show rather than some of the edgy things we have done," he said. "Seussical the Musical" was conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Eric Idle and Stephen Flaherty. It was adapted from 16 stories written by Dr. Theodore Seuss Geisel. The entire two-hour show is set to music and about 30 songs will be performed. "I am excited to do a show that will bring kids back in. This whole show really is fun for all ages," said Michelle Sparr, an accounting major at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst who will be playing a bird girl this weekend. "It's stories that people have either read to their children or have had read to them as kids." Some of the familiar Dr. Seuss characters that play a role in the show include the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch and Horton. O'Donnell, who will also be playing Horton, saw "Seussical the Musical" for the first time during his sophomore year at Adelphi University in New York. "I said that when the rights became available, I'd do that show. The rights became available in April," said O'Donnell, who has since graduated with a bachelor's degree in fine arts with a concentration in acting and directing. Each year, the proceeds from the group's performance go to a different organization. This year, O'Donnell said they chose the Danvers Art Association because it has always been so supportive of the theater group and donated rehearsal space for the summer. Meeting four times a week for three-and-a-half hours, rehearsals of "Seussical the Musical" began on June 22. "I am a perfectionist," O'Donnell said. "This show is going to be great," said Lauren Drapek, who plays Mayzie. "Things came together quickly so we had some extra time for fine tuning." "If we had to go up (on stage) two weeks ago we could have," Sparr said. The Danvers Youth Theatre was started six years ago by O'Donnell, then 17, during the summer before he went to college. He said that there was a lack of theater organizations around the area for the age group he targets, 16 to 23, so he decided to create his own. "Everyone is originally from Danvers," said O'Donnell of his 22-person ensemble. All of the work for the theater troupe is done by the students, from fund raising to performing. Some of the fund-raisers have included collecting money at various locations around Danvers, car washes and selling ads to local businesses. This money goes towards securing rights to a musical and to fund the creation of sets and costumes. Parents of the group help sew costumes and some are borrowed, according to Sparr. Besides doing the Danvers Youth Theatre, O'Donnell is also working at the North Shore Music Theatre in the education department. "I love working with kids," O'Donnell said. Kids are very underrated ... it is amazing what they can do. I really believe that theater education is essential to ensure that the culture in this world survives." Head for the waterfront next weekend By The Lookout Robyn Day The 24th annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival, sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and produced by Castleberry Fairs and Festivals, will take place at Stage Fort Park Saturday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival will feature the work of more than 175 juried artists and craftsmen from across the U.S. Exhibits will include fine jewelry, watercolors, pottery, custom signs, bird houses, quilts, floral arrangements, wildlife art, dolls, pressed flowers, antiques, photography, metal sculpture, western wear, sand stone, carved birds, fiber arts, stained glass, masks, candles, nautical crafts, shaker-style furniture and folk art. The event will also feature ethnic foods and live entertainment. A Rotary Club pancake breakfast will take place Saturday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. An old-fashioned New England lobster bake will take place Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., along with a large array of antique autos on display by the North Shore Old Car Club. Admission is free and parking is available at Stage Fort Park and Gloucester High School. For information, call (978) 283-1601. Last-minute listings • Annual Rockport Acoustic Music Festival - The 25th annual Rockport acoustic music festival will be held Sunday, Aug. 15 from noon to 6 p.m. in Millbrook Meadow, across from Front Beach, in Rockport. Admission is free and all are welcome. For information, visit www.RockportFestival.com. • Dune Detectives Family Program - Trustees of Reservations will offer a family program, Dune Detectives, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m. to noon at Crane Beach in Ipswich. Participants will identify signs of wildlife and search for clues. Cost is $5 for adults and free for children. Registration is required. For information, call (978) 356-4351 or visit www.thetrustees.org. • Boogie-Woogie Bugle Girls performance - The Performing Arts Society of Middleton will present a youth cast in the production of "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Girls," Saturday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 15, 1 p.m. Performances will be held at the Masconomet Regional High School Auditorium in Topsfield. Admission is $10. For information, call (508) 246-9179. Birds of prey landing at Maudslay "Wingmasters" North American Birds of Prey flies into Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Julie Collier and Jim Parks will present a live birds of prey (raptor) program at the park headquarters on Curzon Mill Road. They will focus on five different types of birds, and explain their hunting adaptations and their place in the environment. Participants should bring a blanket or folding chair for comfort. The presentation is being offered in conjunction with an ongoing Junior Ranger Program at the park for children ages 8 to 12. The Junior Rangers-in-training will meet following the program, with an activity on Native American culture planned from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Youngsters who participate will earn credit toward their Massachusetts Junior Ranger certificates. Both programs are open free to the public. Registration is not necessary in advance. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All programs are cosponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Maudslay State Park Association. Call (978) 465-7223 for information. Children's dance party The grand finale of the Family Fare in the Seabreeze Air event series will be celebrated with a Children's Dance Party Sunday, Aug. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Waterfront Park on the Lynnway. The event will include a DJ, dance routines, party props and costumed performers. Families are welcome to bring picnics and seating. For information, call (781) 598-1974. Salem Picks 040805_sn_out_wcal04-0812 PASO FINO HORSE SHOW "Fandango at Topsfield," a Paso Fino horse show, will be held tomorrow through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. The Paso Fino horse is a combination of breeds: the Berber, the Spanish Jannet and the Andalusion. This Spanish horse was brough from Spain by Columbus and other explorers. Saturday's events include a Bradley Palmer State Park trail ride, a stallion parade, Largo races and a lobster festival. Admission is free. For information, call (978) 869-0932. 031215_NT_BEA_GIDDINGS PICNIC CONCERT IN IPSWICH The Trustees of Reservations will present a picnic concert today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. featuring the Orville Giddings Band at Castle Hill on Argilla Road in Ipswich. Concertgoers are welcome to bring seating and picnic dinners. Admission is $20 per car. For information, call (978) 356-4351. Calendar Art ARTS ALIVE! Artwork by Salem High School National Art Honor Society students through August. Shaughnessy Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital Lobby, 1 Dove Ave., Salem. (978) 420-0687. ARTSALEM. "Salem and North Shore Scenes" presented by ARTSalem through Aug. 15. Old Town Hall, Salem. (978) 744-1524. www.artsalem.com. BARN WORKSHOP. The Barn Workshop Gallery will feature "Sculpture 2004" through Sept. 17. Gallery located at 245 Maple St., Danvers. (978) 774-3042. BOXFORD LIBRARY. Watercolor paintings by Catherine Dullea on display through Sept. 18. 10 Elm St., Boxford. (978) 887-7323. BRYAN GALLERY. The Bryan Gallery features works by 19 artists. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. 53 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester. (978) 282-0917. CALADAN GALLERY. "Modern Visionaries: Mind, Spirit, and the Imagination," an online juried group exhibition featuring 34 artists through Aug. 30. www.caladangallery.com. (978) 741-7979. CLOISTER GALLERY. Collection of etchings, silkscreens and other printmaking in "Journeys" by Sandra Rowland through Aug. 29. Church of St. Andrew, 135 Lafayette St., Marblehead. (781) 631-4951. COOL CREAM. Beverly streetscape photographs by Michael Hercher, "Point of View," on display through Sept. 1. Cool Cream Gallery, 280 Cabot St., Beverly. (978) 927-3131. DCAT. Danvers Community Access Television will display the works of Brother Edward Rice through Sept. 10. 10 School St., Danvers. ERLICH GALLERY. "Entranced by Water" by international marine artists through Aug. 20. 96 Washington St., Marblehead. (781) 631-1202. GALERIE LUNA. "From Light to Life...and This is My Son," collection of photography. Artists include Henry Zbyszynski, Sharon Shea and Gail Handelmann. 197 Derby St., Pickering Wharf, Salem. www.galerieluna.com. GALLANT GALLERY. "Sail Power," a portfolio of Joseph Flack Weiler's photographs of schooners and tall ships is on exhibit. 181 Essex St., Salem. GROSVENOR PARK. Fifth annual Art in the Park watercolor painting show through Sept. 7. 7 Loring Hills Ave., Vinnin Square, Salem. (978) 741-5700. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION. Photography exhibition, "New Photographs," by Simone Salvo, freshman at Phillips Academy, on display through August. Also exhibiting "A Singular Vision," paintings by Leon Kroll Aug. 14 through January. Opening reception Saturday, Aug. 14, 3 to 5 p.m. Cape Ann Historical Association, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. (978) 283-0455. IPSWICH ARTS. The Ipswich Arts Cooperative Summer Art Show features works by Robin Silverman, Pam Turnbull, Deb Citron-Stevens, Susan Sanford and others. 59 South St., Ipswich. (978) 356-0239. LOCAL COLORS. Paintings by Joan Bediz and Larry Martin, photography of Rob Martin, jewelry and fabric art by Kate Webster and watercolors by new member Margaret Laurie-Albramo through Aug. 15. 121 Main St., Gloucester. (978) 283-2996. LYNN ARTS. The Greater Lynn Photographic Association juried member show through Sept. 3. Opening reception Thursday, Aug. 12, 6 to 8 p.m. Lynn Arts Gallery, 25 Exchange St., Central Square, Lynn. www.greaterlynnphoto.org. MARBLEHEAD ARTS. Marblehead Art Association will present watercolors of Carol DuMont and Judy Arnold through Aug. 29. Also exhibiting "Faces and Other Places" by Elissa Mandell, through Aug. 29. King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St., Marblehead. MARINE ARTS. Sporting and marine paintings by Richard Loud. Includes yachting scenes of Marblehead and beach scenes of North Shore. Marine Arts Gallery, 135 Essex St., Salem. (978) 745-5000. MERCURY GALLERY. "Two of the Ten," works by the late Louis Schanker through Septemer. Includes paintings and wood-block art. He was a founder of the groups The 10 and American Abstract Artists. 20 Main St., Rockport. (978) 546-7620. MINGO GALLERY. Annual Summer Show through Sept. 3. Includes works by Chris Flynn, Paula Borsetti and Jane Dubrow. 252 Cabot St., Beverly. (978) 927-5964. MONTSERRAT. "Ocean View" through Sept. 25 features variety of mediums and more than 12 artists including Jon Imber, Jane Goldman and George Nick. Montserrat College of Art Gallery, 23 Essex St., Beverly. PEABODY INSTITUTE. Peabody Institute Library features works by Terry Tobey and Mary Ellen Mullins through Aug. 31. Sylvan Street, Danvers. RIVER GALLERY. Summer Show by gallery members through Aug. 29. 4 Market St., Ipswich. (978) 356-1559. SALTBOX GALLERY. Exhibit of new members' work "Bold, Bright and Brassy." Includes works of 18 local artists. "Sailing Into Summer" exhibit through August. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 49 Main St., Topsfield. SAWYER LIBRARY. Photography exhibit "America the Beautiful" by Barbara Filo through Aug. 31. Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave., Gloucester. (978) 281-9763. TERI JO GALLERY. "Mother & Daughter Exhibition: 100 Years of Art" through Aug. 31. Works by Anne Byrd Smith and the late Eloise Pickard Smith. 15 Sewall St., Marblehead. (781) 990-1149. TOPSFIELD LIBRARY. Topsfield Town Library will present works by Miriam Gilman through August. Includes collage series "Tangible Memory Series." 1 South Common St., Topsfield. (978) 887-1528. WEILER GALLERY. August exhibit features "Seascapes of Cape Ann." All photos by Joseph Flack Weiler. Hours: Friday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 77 Rocky Neck Ave., East Gloucester. (978) 281-6443. WENNIGER GALLERY. August features "Miniatures" from around the world. Exhibit features "Bad Girls, Good Girls," small Hollywood prints and paintings. 19 Mount Pleasant St., Rockport. (978) 546-8116. Auctions/Sales ASBURY GROVE. Asbury Grove Fair Saturday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Front lawn of Asbury Grove, junction of Highland and Asbury streets, Hamilton. FARMERS MARKET. The Annual Topsfield Farmers Market Saturdays through Sept. 25, 7 a.m. to noon. Main parking lot of Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield. (978) 922-1648. OPEN STUDIOS. Wingaersheek Open Studios will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15, 2 to 6 p.m. Participating artists include Susan Daly, Susan White-Shaffer, Joann Phillips and Pat Lowery Collins. Maps available at 20R Bungalow Road or 2 Wyoma Road in Gloucester. (978) 283-2749. STREET FAIR. Annual Essex Street Fair Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music, street performers, and entertainment. Free. Sponsored by Salem Chamber of Commerce, part of Salem Heritage Days. Pedestrian Mall, Essex Street, Salem. www.salem-chamber.org. Children/Families BEGINNING BIRDING. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will host Beginning Birding for ages 3 to 10 Saturday, Aug. 14, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Must be accompanied by adult. Bring binoculars if available. Meet at observation deck of Parking Lot 1. 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. (978) 465-5753. JAZZ FOR KIDS. Borders Books and Music will present Jazz for Kids story time Saturday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. Make a musical instrument and sing along to jazz classics. Free, all welcome. 151 Andover St., Peabody. (978) 538-3003. KIDS NIGHT. Salem Heritage Days will host a Kids Night Friday, Aug. 13, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Moon bounces, giant slides, crafts and games. $3 per child for unlimited rides. Salem Common. (978) 745-9595, Ext. 342. NATURE ACTIVITY. Marblehead Trails Committee will offer "Drawing and Painting Nature" Sunday, Aug. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. for all ages at Camp Shore Lea, Marblehead. Free. (781) 631-4103. NATURE STORIES. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will host "Between the Tides" as part of the Children Reading with Nature program Saturday, Aug. 14, 10 to 11 a.m. Meet at observation deck of Parking Lot 1. 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. (978) 465-5753. PLAY GROUP. North Shore Children's Museum offers play group for adoptive families and grandparents second Thursday of each month. Free with admission to museum. 209R Essex St., Salem. www.nschildrensmuseum.org. STORY TIMES. A selection of stories followed by a fun craft. Mondays, 10 a.m.; Fridays, 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover St., Peabody. (978) 573-3268. Stories from new and classic picture books every Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Borders Books & Music, 151 Andover St., Peabody. Free. (978) 538-3003. YOUNG AT ART. Cape Ann Historical Association will present Young at Art for ages 3 to 5, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 10 to 11 a.m. Includes tour, story, and art activity. Free, reservations required. Adult must accompany child. 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. (978) 283-0455. Clubs BANGKOK PARADISE. Live jazz every Saturday, 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 14 features Anthony Weller and Maggie Galloway. 90 Washington St., Salem. (978) 825-9201. BAY BRIDGE. Restaurant features Eric Reardon and Friends, Friday, Aug. 13 ($5); Jet City, Saturday, Aug. 14 ($5); John Corcoran and Company, Sunday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Black Light Band, 9 p.m. 29 Bridge St., Salem. (978) 745-8881. CAPONE'S. Barbara and Al Boudreau Jazz Quartet every Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m. 147 Summit St., Peabody. (978) 977-0520. CONOMO CAFE. Music of Old Cold Tater most every Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. Main Street, Essex. (978) 768-7750. CULTURAL CORNER. SoulKore Productions presents Flashback Sundays at Kevin's Cultural Corner with DJ Nomadik every Sunday, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. 151 Central Ave., Lynn. (617) 306-7209. DOC RYAN'S. Pub features The Country Doctors and Sona Nyl, Friday, Aug. 13; and Count Me Outs, Saturday, Aug. 14. 109 Lafayette St., Salem. (978) 745-8927. DODGE STREET. Bar and grill features Northeast Rhythm Collective, Thursday, Aug. 12; Spike Emerson Society vs. The Vanilla Ninja, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13 and 14; Megawatt Blues Crushers, Sunday, Aug. 15; Open mike night, Monday, Aug. 16; and Fats Hammond, Tuesday, Aug. 17. 7 Dodge St., Salem. (978) 745-0139. FRANKLIN. The Franklin Cape Ann will feature Anthony Weller Monday, Aug. 16, and the Herb Pomeroy Trio, Tuesday, Aug. 17. 118 Main St., Gloucester. (978) 283-7888. GLENN'S. Glenn's Restaurant and Cool Bar live music every Tuesday with Instant Soul. 44 Merrimac St., Newburyport. (978) 465-3811. JALAPENOS. Authentic Mexican restaurant features music of Russ Lawton and Wolf Ginandes every Tuesday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 86 Main St., Gloucester. (978) 283-8228. THE LANDING. Weekend entertainment at 8:30 p.m. with the Michael Troy, Friday, Aug. 13, and Little Sister, Saturday, Aug. 14. 81 Front St., at State Street Landing, Marblehead. No cover. (781) 639-1266. LOBSTER TRAP. Pub features Divercity, Friday, Aug. 13, and World Premier, Saturday, Aug. 14. 127R Main St., Route 133, Essex. (978) 865-6840. LYCEUM. The Lyceum Bar and Grill will present The Catalinas, Friday, Aug. 13. 43 Church St., Salem. (978) 745-7699. MADFISH GRILLE. The Madfish Grille features live music by Fluffy Puppy, Thursday, Aug. 12; Thaddeus, Friday, Aug. 13; Chowda Heads, Saturday, Aug. 14; Jack Lee and Divercity, Sunday, Aug. 15; and Jesse Ciamataro and The Resodance, Wednesday, Aug. 18. 77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester. (978) 281-4554. PALMER'S. Restaurant and tavern features Eclipse Trio Thursday, Aug. 12; Groove Authority Friday, Aug. 13; and Drivin' Blind, Saturday, Aug. 14. 18 Elm St., Andover. (978) 470-1606. RED ROCK. Bistro features Bruce Katz Band , Thursday, Aug. 12, and Cheryl Arruda and Bill Duffy, Sunday, Aug. 15. 141 Humphrey St., Swampscott. (781) 595-1414. RHUMB LINE. Features Dave Sag's Blues Party, Thursday, Aug. 12; Inner Visions, Friday, Aug. 13; Groove Therapy, Saturday, Aug. 14; Rocky and Keri, Sunday, Aug. 15; Open Jam, Monday, Aug. 16; and Open Mike with Fly Amero, Wednesday, Aug. 18. 40 Railroad Ave., Gloucester. (978) 283-9732. ROCKAFELLA'S. Restaurant and bar features Jack Lee and Divercity, Thursday, Aug. 12; New Life, Friday, Aug. 13; Jumpstreet, Saturday, Aug. 14; and Jesse C., Sunday, Aug. 15. 231 Essex St., Salem. (978) 745-2411. THE RUDDER. Restaurant presents the Mike Tucker Trio, Thursday, Aug. 12, 9 p.m. 73 Rocky Neck, Gloucester. (978) 283-7967. WHITE RAINBOW. Restaurant and martini bar features the White Rainbow Jazz Trio Thursday, Aug. 12; Talk of the Town Jazz Duo, Friday, Aug. 13; Steven Spungin Saturday, Aug. 14; Live filming of "Simply Grilling Cooking Show" and music by Steven Spungin Sunday, Aug. 15; and Linda Amero and Adria Smith Jazz Duo, Wednesday, Aug. 18. 65 Main St., Gloucester. (978) 281-0017. Comedy COMEDY ESCAPE. Dick Doherty's Comedy Escape featuring Kevin Knox, Chris Oake, and Aimee Tee Friday, Aug. 13, and John Turco, Chris Oake, and Aimee Tee Saturday, Aug. 14, at 9:30 p.m. $12 cover at The China Blossom, routes 125 and 133 in North Andover. (800) 401-2221. COMEDY STOP. Nick's Comedy Stop will present Joe Yannetty, Larry Miles, and Carolyn Plummer Friday, Aug. 13, 9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 14, 8 and 10 p.m. $13 and $15. Kowloon Restaurant, Route 1 North, Saugus. (781) 231-2500. Dance RIVERSIDE SQUARES. Riverside Squares Dance Club final summer dance Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Mainstream with 2 Plus tips. $6 to dance, free to watch. Knights of Columbus, 35 Elm St., Danvers. (978) 774-8159. SWING DANCE. SeaSide Swing Dancing Monday nights, 7 to 11 p.m. Lessons 7 to 9 p.m. $10 before 9 p.m., $5 after 9 p.m. Rowley Country Club, 235 Dodge Road, Rowley. (978) 499-3958 or www.seasideswing.com. Fairs/Festivals ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL. The 25th annual Rockport acoustic music festival will be held Sunday, Aug. 15 from noon to 6 p.m. in Millbrook Meadow, across from Front Beach, in Rockport. Admission is free and all are welcome. For information, visit www.RockportFestival.com. PEACH FESTIVAL. Russell Orchards' Sixth Annual Peach Festival Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Includes live music, face painting, balloon twisting, hayrides, wine tasting, and lots of peach goodies. Argilla Road, follow signs to Crane Beach, Ipswich. (978) 356-5366. SEAPORT FESTIVAL. The fourth annual Gloucester Seaport Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harbor Loop. Children's activities free. Includes educational programs and music. Focus on history and cultural diversity of Cape Ann. (978) 281-9079 or www.schooner-adventure.org. Films ART EVENING. Dr. Ludmila Pruner will lead an Evening with Art & Film Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. Includes documentary "Early on Sunday," women in Russian art and cinema. Discussion to follow. Free; all welcome. Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex St., Beverly. (978) 921-6062. GHOST STORIES. "Ghost Stories of New England" every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Witch Village, 288 Derby St., Salem and every Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. at Danvers Art Association, 105 Elliott St., Danvers. Includes videos and photos. Donations accepted. For reservations, call (978) 777-2711. SCREENING ROOM. "Control Room," documentary about Al-Jazeera, Thursday, Aug. 12. "Bukowski: Born into This," documentary on poet and novelist Charles Bukowski. Friday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 19. 82 State St., Newburyport. (978) 462-3456. Food LOBSTER FEST. Eighth Annual Rockport Rotary Club Lobster Fest Saturday, Aug. 14, noon to 6 p.m. Lobsters, chowder, corn, watermelon and live jazz. $20. American Legion Bandstand, Back Beach, Rockport. (978) 546-9694 or www.rockportrotary.org. Lectures TRAVEL PROGRAM. Travelog, "Mountain Adventures: Hiking in Peru, Italy, France, Iceland, and North America," Wednesday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. Free, all welcome. Sawyer Free Library, Dale Avenue, Gloucester. (978) 281-9763. Museums CAPE ANN HISTORICAL MUSEUM. Special 45-minute tours of adjoining home of Capt. Elias Davis built in 1804, containing many family items. Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $6.50 general, $6 seniors, $4.50 students and under 6 free. 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. (978) 283-0455. CUSHING HOUSE MUSEUM. Collections of the Historical Society of Old Newbury including furnishings and portraits representative of Newburyport's past. Special exhibit, "Antique Toys," in new toy room. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday noon to 4 p.m., 98 High St., Newburyport. Free. (978) 462-2681. CUSTOM HOUSE MARITIME MUSEUM. Museum displays collection of Newburyport Maritime Society with exhibit annex at Lowell's Boat Shop, Amesbury. Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 25 Water St., Newburyport. $5 general, $4 children/seniors. (978) 462-8681. ESSEX HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Ongoing tours of the museum and working shipyard with hands-on demonstrations in the school house and changing exhibits in the Waterline Center. Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., Shipbuilding Museum, 66 Main St., Essex. $5, $3 seniors/students. (978) 768-7541. HEARD HOUSE. The Heard House Museum and Whipple House of Ipswich Historical Society features changing exhibit galleries. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. $7 adults, $3 children. 54 South Main St., Ipswich. (978) 356-2811. HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES. Site includes the House of the Seven Gables (Turner-Ingersoll Mansion) that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, his birthplace and other historic houses, Colonial Revival gardens designed in 1909 and costumed interpreters retelling the stories of the mansion's families. Open through Sept. 30. Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 54 Turner St., Salem. $10; $9 seniors; children 5 to 12, $6.50. Two-for-one admission for Essex County residents. (978) 744-0991. MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM. "Marblehead Pottery: 1904-2004 A Centennial Celebration." Museum also features J.O.J. Frost Folk Art Gallery. Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 170 Washington St., Marblehead. Free. (781) 631-1768. PAINE HOUSE. The Trustees of Reservations will offer tours of the 1694 Paine House at Greenwood Farm Sundays, through Oct. 10, 1 to 5 p.m. Focus on architecture, construction and Colonial Revival. $5 adults; $3 children. Ipswich. (978) 356-4351 or www.thetrustees.org. PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM. "American Fancy: Exuberance in the Arts 1790-1840," through Oct. 24. "Havana: Photographs by Robert Polidori," through Jan. 9, 2005. "Carved By Nature: Untamed Traditions in Chinese Decorative Art," through June 22, 2005. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students and children 16 and under and Salem residents free. (866) 745-1876 or www.pem.org. SALEM MARITIME. National Historic Site operated by the National Park Service. Free 18-minute film on the Golden Age of Salem, "To the Farthest Port of the Rich East," every 30 minutes. U.S. Park Rangers lead tours of the 1819 Custom House, the 1762 Derby House and the 1672 Narbonne House, and the Friendship, a full-size replica of a 1797 merchant vessel. 193 Derby St., Salem. Tours $5 adults; $3 children and seniors. (978) 740-1660. SALEM WAX MUSEUM. Self-guided tour based on witch trials of 1692 and Salem maritime history with activity area where visitors create souvenirs. Salem Wax Museum of Witches & Seafarers, 288 Derby St., Salem. (978) 740-2929. SALEM WITCH VILLAGE. Tour developed by Salem's witch community talks about origins of real witchcraft to modern day practices and beliefs. 282 Derby St. (rear), Salem. (978) 740-9229. SARGENT HOUSE MUSEUM. The 1782 home was built for writer and education advocate Judith Sargent Murray. Furnished with a collection of New England antiques, decorative arts and original artworks by portrait painter John Singer Sargent. Guided tours Friday to Monday, noon to 4 p.m., 49 Middle St., Gloucester. $5, $4 seniors. (978) 281-2432. SPELLBOUND. The Spellbound Museum features authentic supernatural curios and oddities from around the world. Open daily at 10 a.m. 190 Essex St., Salem. (978) 745-0138. STEPHEN PHILLIPS. The Stephen Phillips Memorial Trust House, a Federal mansion styled after the early 1900's, open through Oct. 30. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with tours every half hour. Free. 34 Chestnut St., Salem. (978) 744-0440. WENHAM MUSEUM. The Wenham Museum will present "Forward Knight: George S. Patton Jr., From Boy Dreamer to Military Legend," through Oct. 17. 132 Main St., Wenham. (978) 468-2377 or www.wenhammuseum.org. Music BORDERS MUSIC. Borders Books and Music will present the music of Ryan & Ortolani Friday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. Free, all welcome. 151 Andover St., Peabody. (978) 538-3003. COMMON CONCERT. Concerts on the Common 2004 Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. featuring the G. Ford Band. Free. Salem Common. EDEN'S EDGE. Music at Eden's Edge concert "Italy in August: Music of the Italian Baroque" Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2 p.m. Northshore Unitarian Church, 323 Locust St., Danvers. (978) 768-6229 or www.edensedge.org. HERITAGE CENTER. Northern Lights will perform Saturday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Tickets $15. Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester. (978) 281-0470. JAZZ SERIES. Summer Jazz Series Saturday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m. featuring Eric Alexander Quartet. Tickets $23.50 in advance, $25.50 at door. Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead. (781) 631-1528. KING HOOPER. King Hooper Mansion will host a performance by All About Buford Saturday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m. Band will be joined by Full Frontal Folk. Tickets $12, available at door. 8 Hooper St., Marblehead. MADORE CHORALE. Summer Sing Festival with The Paul Madore Chorale Monday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m. "Carmina Burana" with assistant conductor Amanda Shelly. $6 adults, $4 seniors/students. Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem. (978) 744-4898. MAUDSLAY MUSIC. Maudslay State Park will host a concert by The Fair Winds Trio, Saturday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. and a concert by The Innovata Brass Quintet of Boston, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m. $18 for patio seating, $14 for lawn, and under 12 free. Bring lunch/dinner. Newburyport. (978) 462-7335. OPEN MIKE. ideasAloft will present Slam at the Strand Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 to 9 p.m. Register to perform 6:45 p.m. Expressive extravaganza includes mime, step-dancing and poetry. $6 admission. The Strand Theatre, 15 Green St., Newburyport. (978) 462-0002. OPEN MIKE. Open mike every Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Performers must bring own equipment. $3 admission. Danvers Art Association, 105 Elliott St., Danvers. (978) 777-2711. PARK CONCERT. Patton Park concert featuring Quintessential Brass Sunday, Aug. 15, 5 to 7 p.m. Free, bring seating. Route 1A, Hamilton. (978) 468-4738. PICNIC CONCERT. Trustees of Reservations will present a Picnic Concert Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m. featuring the Orville Giddings Band. $20 per car. Castle Hill, The Crane Estate, Argilla Road, Ipswich. (978) 356-4351. PLAYHOUSE. The Amesbury Playhouse will host open mike nights the first and third Tuesdays of every month, 8 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $5 per person; free for performers. 194 Main St., Amesbury. (978) 388-9444. RED ROCK. Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach present Series 23 Thursday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m. Latin favorites. Free; bring seating. Red Rock Park, Lynn. (617) 951-8862. RENAISSANCE MUSIC. Ars et Amici presents "Venetian Vespers: Music from San Marco" Sunday, Aug. 15, 5 p.m. featuring soprano Marth Crain and tenor Michael McDonald. $10 person, $20 families. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean Ave., Beverly. (978) 922-3438. SUMMER CONCERT. The Danvers Recreation Department Summer Concert Series presents Round About, Monday, Aug. 16, 6 p.m. and Barrel House, a blues band, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m. Free. Rotary Pavilion, Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan St., Danvers. Reading/Signing JABBERWOCKY. Author Barry Miles will celebrate the publication of his latest book, "HIPPIE," Saturday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. with a Flashback Party. Prizes for best costume. Jabberwocky Bookshop, 50 Water St., Newburyport. (978) 465-9359. SALEM POETRY. Open A Book Bookstore will host a book signing with Valerie Carnevale, editor of "Poetry of Salem," Saturday, Aug. 14, 3 to 5 p.m. Poets in attendance will be Claire Keyes and JD Scrimgeour. 72 Loring Ave., Salem. Recreation METEOR WATCH. Trustees of Reservations will host a Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Thursday, Aug. 12, 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for all ages. Free; registration required. Stavros Reservation, Essex. (978) 526-8687. SNAKE PROGRAM. Trustees of Reservations present "Snakes of the Farm and Massachusetts" in a live animal program Saturday, Aug. 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Appleton Farms, off Route 1A, Ipswich. $5 adults, children free. Registration required. (978) 356-5728. TRAIL WALK. Guided walk through Chebacco Woods held by Chebacco Woods Management Committee third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m., weather permitting, all year long. Meet at main trail entrance, Chebacco Road, off Essex Street, Hamilton. (978) 468-7715 or (978) 468-3451. TWILIGHT WALK. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will host a Twilight Nature Walk Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 to 8 p.m. Meet at entrance to Hellcat Trail. 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. (978) 465-5753. Theater AMESBURY PLAYHOUSE. The Valley Players present "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," through Aug. 15. Based on novel by Mark Twain, music and lyrics by Don Schlitz. Tickets range $26 to $39; show only $15. 194 Main St., Amesbury. (978) 388-9444. BRITISH COMEDY. "Gods and Goddesses," a British comedy from England's O'Neil Award Winner, Thursdays to Saturdays, Aug. 12 to 14 and 19 to 21, 8 p.m. and Sundays, Aug. 15 and 22, 5 p.m. West End Theatre, 1 Washington St., Gloucester. (978) 283-2525. GLOUCESTER STAGE. The Gloucester Stage Company will present "Spinning into Butter" through Aug. 29. Clever drama by Rebecca Gilman. $30 adults; $20 seniors/students. Cape Ann Nights offer half priced tickets for Cape Ann residents, Wednesdays, Aug. 11, 18 and 25. 267 East Main St., Gloucester. (978) 281-4433. MYSTERY THEATRE. Mystery Dinner Theatre presents "Business is Murder" Saturday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. $40 per person, includes gourmet seafood dinner. Reservations required. Benefits Cape Ann Business Incubator. The Manor Inn, Essex Avenue (Route 133), Gloucester. (978) 282-7779, Ext. 5. PIONEER PARK. "The Scarlet Letter" will be performed every Saturday, 5 p.m. through August. Tickets $6 and $8; Salem residents free. Pioneer Village, Forest River Park, Salem. SEVEN GABLES. The House of the Seven Gables will present "Legacy of the Hanging Judge" every Friday and Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. through August. Interactive play recalls Witch Trials. 54 Turner St., Salem. SHAKESPEARE. Shakespeare in the Barn will perform "Richard III" Saturday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 15, 3 p.m. Castle Hill, The Crane Estate, Argilla Road, Ipswich. (978) 356-4351. STUDENT THEATRE. Salem State College Student Theatre Ensemble presents "A Chorus Line," Thursdays to Saturdays, Aug. 12 to 14 and 19 to 21, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 22, 2 p.m. $15 general, $10 seniors/students. Mainstage Auditorium, Lafayette Street, Salem. (978) 744-8478. THEATER IN THE OPEN. Theater in the Open will present Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" Saturdays and Sundays, through Aug. 15, 4 p.m. $8 adults, $5 seniors/children. Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. (978) 465-2572. VILLAGE PLAYERS. The Annisquam Village Players will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel" through Sunday, Aug. 15, at 8 p.m. $15 general, $25 reserved seating. Annisquam Village Hall, Leonard Street, Gloucester. (978) 283-2247. YOUTH THEATRE. The Danvers Youth Theatre will present "Seussical the Musical" Friday, Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 15, 3 p.m. $7, benefits Danvers Art Association. Maple Street Church, 90 Maple St., Danvers. For tickets, call (978) 777-9163 or visit www.danversyouththeatre.org. Tours FARMSTEAD TOURS. Trustees of Reservations will offer Farmstead Tours at Appleton Farms Sunday, Aug. 15, 3 to 5 p.m. Tour begins at Waldingfield Road parking area, Ipswich. $5 adults, reservations required. (978) 356-5728 or www.thetrustees.org. HARBOR TOURS. Yankee Clipper offers daily harbor tours and sunset cruises. Tickets range $6 to $18. 1 Merrimac Landing, Newburyport. (978) 462-9316 or www.harbortours.com. HISTORICAL TOURS. Salem Historical Tours through Oct. 31. Includes Cemetery and Witch Trial Memorial tours, 2 p.m. $5 to $7; Architecture tours, 4 p.m. $5 to $7; and Haunted Footsteps Ghost tour, 8 p.m. $8 to $12.50. 8 Central St., Salem. (978) 745-0666. HOLTEN HOUSE. Historic Danvers house open for summer tours Wednesdays, 2 to 4 p.m. 171 Holten St., Danvers. (978) 887-8215. MARITIME TOURS. Newburyport Maritime Society presents guided Maritime Tours every Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon through Aug. 28. $5 general, $4 seniors/children. Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water St., Newburyport. (978) 462-8681. RIVER CRUISE. Essex River Cruises and Charters offers trips on Essex River through October. Weekdays 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 7 p.m. $21 adults, $18 seniors and $10 children. Reservations accepted. 35 Dodge St., Essex. (978) 768-6981. SALEM STROLLS. Ninety-minute historical walking tours through October. Mansions and Mariners Tuesdays 10:30 a.m., Fridays 2 p.m., and first and third Saturdays 10:30 a.m. Meet at Armory Park, New Liberty Street, Salem. Midtown and McIntire Tuesdays 2 p.m., Fridays, 10:30 a.m., and first and third Saturdays 2 p.m. Meet at Lappin Park, Salem. $10 adults; $8 students. (978) 741-1154. SALEM TROLLEY. The Salem Trolley offers one-hour, narrated tours of Salem from through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Use for recreation or transportation. Special Salem Village tour Fridays to Sundays, 7 p.m. through Sept. 5 and month of October. Narrated, 90-minute, historical tour. Tickets $10 adults, $9 seniors, $3 children and under 5 free. (978) 744-5469. WALKING TOUR. Salem Maritime National Historic Site presents free walking tours of Hawthorne's Salem Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15, 11 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Hawthorne statue on Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem. (978) 740-1660. Etc. ANTIQUE CARS. North Shore Old Car Club Meet and Show Sunday, Aug. 15, noon to 3 p.m. Features live music of the 1920s and 1930s. Part of Salem Heritage Days. Stephen Phillips Trust House, Chestnut Street, Salem. (978) 744-0440. ART DEMOS. Rockport Art Association will offer Artists Demonstrations 2004 featuring acrylic with Eva Cincotta Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. $5 general, $3 seniors, $2 children and members free. Main Street, Rockport. (978) 546-6604. BENEFIT CRUISE. Cruise with Compassion Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. Boards at 6 p.m. Gloucester. Includes dinner and live entertainment. Tickets $30, free parking. Benefits North Shore AIDS Health Project. For reservations, call (978) 283-0101. KING TRIBUTE. The 8th Annual Tribute to the King will be held Saturday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m. to midnight. Features performance by "Elvis," dancing, amateur Elvis contest, raffles, and prizes. Tickets $10, benefits North Shore Association of Retarded Citizens. St. Mike's Hall, 15 Endicott St., Peabody. (978) 532-4126. PASO FINO SHOW. "Fandango at Topsfield," a Paso Fino horse show Friday to Sunday, Aug. 13 to 15, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield. (978) 869-0932. PLANETARIUM. The Dunn Middle School Planetarium presents "Ringworld" every Friday through Sept. 10, 7 p.m. Explore Saturn, its rings and its moons. Multimedia program produced by NASA. $2.50 per person. 62 Cabot Road, Danvers. (978) 774-1801. Plan Ahead ART DEMOS. Rockport Art Association will offer Artists Demonstrations 2004 featuring batik with Judith Goetemann Thursday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m. $5 general, $3 seniors, $2 children, members free. Main Street, Rockport. (978) 546-6604. AUTHOR SIGNING. Borders Books and Music will present Rob Bradford, author of "Chasing Steinbrenner," Thursday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Free, all welcome. 151 Andover St., Peabody. (978) 538-3003. COMMON MOVIE. Concerts on the Common 2004 present "The Princess Bride" Thursday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Free. Salem Common. LOBSTER ART. SEArts will present a lecture by Jeff Weaver, "Lobster Landings," Thursday, Aug. 19, 7 to 9 p.m. Focus on recent public art project sponsored by Pathways for Children. $5. North Shore Art Association, 197R East Main St., Gloucester. (978) 283-1694 or www.searts.org. PICNIC CONCERT. Trustees of Reservations will present a Picnic Concert Thursday, Aug. 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m. featuring Pick 3. $20 per car. Castle Hill, The Crane Estate, Argilla Road, Ipswich. (978) 356-4351. RED ROCK. Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach present Lois Lane and The Daily Planets Thursday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m. Rhythm and blues. Free, bring seating. Red Rock Park, Lynn. (617) 951-8862. Out of Town ARBORETUM TOUR. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University will offer a free walking tour Saturday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. Begin at steps of Hunnewell building, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain. No registration needed. (617) 524-1718, Ext. 100. CAR SHOW. Antique, Classic, and Street Rod Car Show Saturday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $10 per car, benefits Amesbury's Council of Churches. Raindate Aug. 15. Woodsom Farm, Lions Mouth Road, Amesbury. COLONIAL THEATRE. "Mamma Mia!" through Aug. 29. Tickets range $37.50 to $87.50. 106 Boylston St., Boston. (617) 426-9366 or www.mamma-mia.com. COMEDY CONNECTION. The Comedy Connection will feature Sue Costello of "Last Comic Standing" and the movie "Southie," Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13 and 14, 8 and 10:15 p.m. $21 to $22. 245 Quincy Market Place, Faneuil Hall, Bosont. (617) 248-9700. FINE ARTS. The Museum of Fine Arts presents "Games for the Gods: The Greek Athlete and the Olympic Spirit," through Nov. 28. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. (617) 369-3448. LOWELL MUSIC. Lowell Summer Music Series presents Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone Friday, Aug. 13, $10, and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers Saturday, Aug. 14, $10. Lowell National Historical Park, French and John streets, Lowell. (978) 970-5200 or www.lowellsummermusic.org. OMNI THEATER. "Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk," through Sept. 6. "Forces of Nature" through Oct. 1. Features infamous disasters. Mugar Omni Theater, Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston. (617) 589-0250. www.mos.org. OPERA HOUSE. Broadway's award-winning best musical, Disney's "The Lion King," through Dec. 26. Tickets $44 to $132. The Opera House, Boston. (617) 931-2787 or (800) 347-0808. SCIENCE MUSEUM. New exhibit "The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy: The Exhibition," through Oct. 24. Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston. (617) 723-2500. TURTLE LANE. The Turtle Lane Playhouse will present "Grease" through Aug. 15. $24 general, senior/student discounts. 283 Melrose St., Newton. (617) 244-0169. WESTERN DANCE. High-energy country western dance instruction is provided every Tuesday night, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Melrose Highlands Church, 355 Franklin St., Melrose. $6 donation. (781) 665-1881. WHISTLER HOUSE. Art Quilts at the Whistler, a juried exhibition, through Sept. 17. Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen St., Lowell. (978) 452-7641. WINNEKENNI CASTLE. Winnekenni Castle will host a free concert with The 60's Invasion Sunday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m. 347 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. (978) 521-1686 or www.winnekenni.com. Planting perennials can beautify a condo complex By NORTH SHORE GARDENER Barbara Barger Q: We have a small area here at our condo complex that needs some perennials. It is about 8 by 10 and is in front of an enclosure that covers the electrical box. We want to put in something that will bloom and is fairly easy to care for. Any ideas for us? It could be a mix of a few so that they will bloom at different times. I think roses might be too difficult to care for in this location. A: You didn't say whether the area is sunny or shady, wet or dry. For pure ease in a sunny area - and I believe you need tough plants, since maintenance personnel might need access to the box in all seasons - you might use daylilies, which come in all ranges of color and bloom, maybe mixed with another hardy perennial like echinacea, available in white, pinks, reds and yellows. Maybe you could put in some spring bulbs this fall. For shade, with moisture, maybe hostas, variegated ad blue leafed, mixed with annual impatiens next spring with strong color. If you use bark mulch, there would be little weeding. I agree that roses are harder to maintain, but you might reconsider if you have enough sun where you're planting. One of the many old-fashioned varieties of multifloras are relatively bug-free, long-blooming and a lot easier than hybrids. Q: My wife and I planted a set of male and female holly bushes about five years ago. They had been doing fine and grew to about 5 feet tall. We had quite a few trees taken down in an area bordering our lawn to clean it out and to make another garden out of part of it. Anyway, I got the bright idea to "transplant" the holly into this new area because the garden the holly was in was getting crowded. I carefully dug out both bushes, making sure I got most all of the roots, too. I then dug a large hole for them in the new garden and filled that hole with some very good quality new loam and replanted the holly there. The holly seemed to be doing just fine again for about the first six weeks after transplanting. Then both bushes started to turn brown. Now one bush has turned completely brown and the other is about 80 percent brown. Both look dead or dying. Are they dead? What did I do wrong? Is there any chance of saving them? A: I just happen to have a neighbor who is a holly guru. You didn’t say exactly when you moved the holly, but my neighbor tells me that the best time to move holly would be in the early spring, before the new growth begins. Did you keep the newly transplanted holly well-watered? Watering is crucial for any transplant - not for just a day or two but through the first season or two, right up until the ground freezes. Finally, are you absolutely sure that your holly is dead? Gently break a few branches to be absolutely sure before you replace the trees. The one that shows green sounds like it is only partially dead, but holly grows so slowly that the remainder of the bush, if you have to prune the really dead wood, could be very unsightly and it will take years to fill out with new growth. Q: I need help with teeny little ants that live in some portions of my flower border. When I kneel on my mat in my favorite weeding position and start digging, these little creatures climb onto my gloves, up my arms and legs, under my shirt and everywhere. I do not even know they are there until they have bitten me. Is there something I can spray on the soil before digging? It seems to not be quite as severe once the soil is disturbed. A: Wouldn’t you think that with all the rain we’ve had, at least some of the pests would have drowned? Try an Ortho product called Ant B-Gone. It’s primarily pyrethrum, which is considered nontoxic. Safer makes Ant and Crawling Insect Killer, which is even less toxic. Either should work well if you can find the anthills. What is happening is that you are disturbing the hill as you dig or pull a weed and they get mad and come to get you. There are also some herbal/natural substances that seem to repel surface ants: vinegar, cucumber skins, bay leaf, eucalyptus, citronella and orange peel to name a few. Many of the herbals could be rubbed on your skin or clothing. And any of the human insect repellants, like Off, that lists ants on the label would work, but I’d rather smell of orange peel. Be careful applying any herbals or any chemical product to your skin, if you think you might have sensitivity or an allergy. Q: I have three questions. What is red thread? How do you get rid of it? Can it transmitted from the bottom of a landscaper’s lawnmower? A: Red thread is a fungal lawn disease usually seen in the cool, damp spring weather. Sound familiar? It thrives between 68 and 75 degrees, in poorly fertilized (nitrogen-deficient) lawns, and in shady areas where lawns are constantly moist. Most gardeners, and lawn people, don’t bother to treat it, but chlorothalonil is most often used by the professionals. Red thread will disappear when the weather becomes hotter and drier. However, in the meantime, any changes you can make to your lawn environment - such as improving drainage, aerating, thatching, cutting back overhanging branches to promote better air circulation and allow more light in and watering deeply - will help the process. Also, mow correctly - not too short, but not so long that tall blades will shade the grass. There are some conflicting ideas on whether grass clippings should be picked up and disposed of during a severe outbreak. Don’t be too quick to blame the landscaper’s lawn mower. It is thought that red thread can be spread by mowing, but also by wind, animals and people walking though the lawn, or by running water (and we’ve had a lot of rain). It can remain dormant in your lawn for two to three years and can return when the conditions are right. This Week's Dirt Gardening is the second most popular leisure activity in the United States. Statistics show that 84 percent of Americans participate in gardening or yard work every year, but the scary thing is that 31 percent of tetanus cases reported between 1998 and 2000 came from garden, yard or farm injuries. Yet more than half of the adults in the nation are not adequately protected against both diseases, which are easily prevented by a combination tetanus/diphtheria shot called a "TD." Tetanus is serious stuff and the disease isn’t just for kids who step on rusty nails. Gardeners can be exposed through the bacteria in soil and it can be present in rusty implements, as well as from sharp objects in the soil or in bags of mulch and manure and potting soil. The bacteria enters the body through a cut and produces painful muscle spasms, which can necessitate a lengthy hospital stay. We used to get inoculated for it at the start of the school year and for summer camp, but as adults, we’ve forgotten that we still need it. Do it now and you’re protected until 2014. Preventing tetanus is as simple as getting a booster shot. As added protection, wear gloves while doing gardening and other household chores. * * * North Shore Gardener by Barbara Barger of Beverly is a regular feature of the At Home section. Reach Barbara by e-mail at nsgardener@comcast.net or write to her c/o Essex County Newspapers, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. Sensible SarahPragmatic spouse is critical to new house's solid foundation By Steve Landwehr Staff w IPSWICH - If there's one thing Sarah Cummings can't stand it's a house with peeling paint and a messy yard. That explains why she regularly mowed the grass in the back of her home on Central Street this spring and summer, before it was torn up and became a construction site. It also explains why the two huge mounds of dirt she's staring at have her nearly beside herself. "They're like mini mountains," she says, with a tone of exasperation in her voice. "It really bothers me; my whole karma is off because of that pile." The dirt awaits completion of the foundation of the new house Sarah and her husband, Mat, are building behind their three-family home. The soil will be pushed back into the trenches alongside the concrete walls, and Sarah is more than a little anxious for it to disappear. Sitting in the living room, her hands clasped, she quietly contemplates this offense to her sense of order. "I want the foundation work done as quickly as possible," she says firmly, turning her head from the window as if to put the mess out of her mind. Then there's the paint on her home, which isn't just peeling, it's being completely stripped. The second and third floor of the house vacant since the tenants' leases ran out, Mat and Sarah decided to have the house deleaded. And because of the construction out back, the shed where she keeps her yard tools is gone. Sarah can find little solace no matter where she looks right now. "I'm just glad there's no one here but us for the summer," she says. Balancing act It's always been this way in her marriage, Sarah says. Mat, an architect, thinks on a grand scale. While he envisions incorporating his ideas about what he calls "living sculpture" into their new home, Sarah pays the bills. "I'm the cost person," she says. "Being an architect, his dream was bigger than mine. I want to be expressive, too, but is it going to cost me an extra $25,000? The mortgage payment is my bottom line." Sarah says she was raised to be responsible about money and embued with the belief that your own home, and its maintenance, were the most important things to spend it on. As careful as she might be, she did get caught up in the excitement as the new home took shape on paper. "I think my bottom line was $250,000," she says with a wry smile. Estimates on the work mounted to $280,000. There was give and take throughout the design of the house. Mat insisted on an octagonal turret that is a focal point in the center of the house; Sarah relented. "It wasn't necessary to me, but it was necessary to him," she says. "I'd be happy to have a master bedroom, a garage and a proper laundry room." Most of the time, this balancing act works itself out. There was one nonessential design element Sarah herself lobbied for - the massive brick fireplace, with openings into the family room and the backyard. "It's going to be a lot of money," she admits. Mat's design for the fireplace is quite fancy, which increased its cost, but Sarah says ornate details are what she likes most about the house. "I always wanted a historical-looking house," she says, "and this will fit right in in Ipswich." Bringing down the house Mat's creative involvement is just about over, but Sarah's is just beginning. "I do pretty much everything," she says cheerfully. "I'm pretty much the labor here and I enjoy it." Sarah, 32, worked as a house painter in college, and painted the couple's home after they bought it four years ago. She helped choose the colors for the new home, and when it comes time to paint it, she knows who'll be holding the brush. "He can't paint at all," she says of her husband. As the final drawings were being completed, Sarah was already at work in the old house, which is nearly being destroyed to make way for the new one. Hammer and crow bar in hand, Sarah ripped out the lath and plaster on the second floor, filling a large Dumpster with the debris. There's more demolition to come, but until the new foundation is completed and back-filled, there's no way to get into the old house. Besides, those banes of Sarah's existence, the dirt piles, leave no room for a trash container. A middle-school teacher in Lynn, Sarah worries that her summer, which could have been spent finishing this work, will soon come to an end. More frustration awaits. Already there have been delays finishing the foundation, and although Sarah is anxious for the next step, framing the walls, it's uncertain when that will begin. Some people who looked at Mat's design say it's the most complicated framing plan they've ever seen in a house this size, and Mat will only leave it in the hands of the best framer he knows, Timothy Reynolds of New Hampshire. But Reynolds and his crew are in the middle of a huge project that will take a long time to complete. Mat can't just ask him to walk away from that home - Mat designed it. With so much depending on weather and other things Sarah and Mat can't control, they're not sure if it will be weeks or months before the skeleton of their home starts taking shape. Sensible Sarah is also pragmatic. "There's no looking back, we've got to look forward now." iter Project highlights so far September 2000: Mat and Sarah Cummings buy three-family home in Ipswich. Fall 2002: Couple buys single-family home on lot behind theirs. Throughout 2003: Mat Cummings works on design of new home. July 2004: Demolition of old home begins; excavation for new one in progress. August 2004: Footings poured for new home. Shaking hands is rarely optional By EVERYDAY ETIQUETTE Judy Bowman Q: I was on an interview and the person meeting with me was picking his ears. At the conclusion of our time together, I knew I had to shake hands with him and didn’t want to. This has happened to me more than once where it is a problem for me. What should I do? Is there an excuse I can give? Do I have to shake hands? A: If you saw the interviewer pick their ears in front of you, one might only imagine what else may have gone one while not in view. Donald Trump prefers not to shake hands with people for this reason. Not shaking hands is not the answer. Handshaking is a form of greeting, saying farewell or sealing a bargain and is the most common form of greeting in the world today. Particularly in an interview situation, your handshake is being used to help "size you up" and your opportunity to size the other person up. My advice is to shake hands. However, tuck this information about this individual away and use it to further empower you, e.g. this person is a slob with poor hygiene and no manners. He is a representative of this firm. Do you really want to work for this company? If an individual was sick, however, this would be an entirely different situation. In this case, it would be incumbent upon that individual to say, "I am sorry, I would like to shake hands with you, but I am not well and I do not want you to get my germs." Saying this is thoughtful, considerate and respectful. I suggest you carry little alcohol wipes or those little bottles of disinfectant to use on your hands until you can wash your hands properly and thoroughly if you must shake hands with someone you would rather not. Q: When it comes to prices, I was always brought up not to ask. If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. When I go out to eat lately, either with a date or a client, when the waitress says the special, she always mentions the price. This makes me feel uncomfortable. I want my dining companion to order whatever they want, without considering the price. What do you suggest I do to correct this in the future? A: Specials and their prices are an extension of the menu. Menus list prices, so your guests are certainly aware of the cost of a dish, which, by the way, is helpful to them in ordering as a responsible guest. If you are this sensitive to your guests knowing prices, then my suggestion is to go to restaurants that only give the price list to you, the host. Alternatively, when dining out, try this: While you are sensitive to the price for your own reasons, many others are sensitive to knowing the price in order to try to keep within certain dollar parameters. A responsible restaurateur will instruct staff to make prices known so patrons need not ask, as you were brought up, and appear gauche. Going forward, I encourage you to go with this and adjust the way you handle the situation rather than trying to change the system. As the host, it is your responsibility to make your guests feel completely comfortable. You might say, "You are my guest; I want you to order whatever you would like." Then you could specify select items in categories in various price points, so without actually saying, "You can order the most expensive item on the menu if you would like," you are subtly suggesting this. For guests, discretion is in order here and remember the rule: Do not order the most expensive or least expensive item on the menu - despite what your gracious host has said. Bon appetit! Q: When I shop, I have found a correlation in the way I am treated by sales associates when I am dressed and groomed nicely versus times when I am not. Do you have any suggestions regarding how to handle rude salespeople who literally ignore me when I am not at my best? A: Your question is reminiscent of what happened in the movie "Pretty Woman." Most sales associates work based on incentives and commission and might disregard you as a viable shopping candidate by your appearance. These days, with "casual" taking on an entirely new meaning, one can never tell by the way one is dressed if one might be a good prospect for a shopping spree where money might not matter. A wise sales associate will not discriminate. If you find you are being discriminated against, you might think twice about shopping at that establishment or be sure to visit your regular sales associates who know you to ensure that you get the attention you want. The way you dress, walk and carry yourself and your hygiene all reflect on you. The way we present ourselves to the world is a reflection of the way we are feeling about ourselves. If we want others to treat us with respect then, we should present ourselves to the world accordingly. * * * Judy Bowman is the president of Protocol Consultants International, providing etiquette training to corporate executives. Etiquette questions may be submitted to Everyday Etiquette, c/o Essex County Newspapers, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. "Wide Angle" Follows the Punishing Sahara Marathon, an Annual Race Through the Desert to Highlight the Plight of Sahrawi Refugees Scripps Howard At a time when the world's attention is focused on the Olympics, PBS offers a look at another international sporting event that is demanding notice. Sahara Marathon, premiering Thursday, August 19 at 9 p.m. (check local listings) is the story of a unique marathon that is staged annually - in one of the world's most punishing deserts - in the hope of drawing attention to the plight of the Sahrawi people. Torn by years of bitter guerilla warfare fought against Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara in 1976, the Sahrawi are still waiting for the referendum on sovereignty promised in a UN-brokered cease-fire more than a decade ago. The story focuses on two competitors - Abdullah Mohammed, a Sahrawi self-trained runner aspiring to win the race for his people, and Jorge Aubeso, a top Spanish athlete sympathetic to the cause - who race through brutal heat and the infamous sirocco sandstorms with winds up to 60 mph. The filmmakers - ironically, one of only two media crews covering the event - have full access to this unusual race and to the all-but-forgotten story of 165,000 people who sense that the global spotlight is no longer theirs and fear that their problem may never be resolved without a return to armed conflict. This poignant story is representative of the aspirations of small, forgotten minorities, and former Cold War conflicts, throughout the world. Former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who recently resigned his position as top U.N. envoy to Western Sahara citing "frustrations," is interviewed by series host Mishal Husain after the film to put the story into context, connecting the dots for American viewers. Says Baker: "This issue is really not unlike the Arab-Israeli dispute: two different peoples claiming the same land. One is very strong, one has won the war, one is in occupation - and the other is very weak." Sahara Marathon is part of PBS's acclaimed international documentary series WIDE ANGLE, which airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. through October 7. By exploring stories of real people affected by current events around the globe, WIDE ANGLE strives to present the humanity behind the headlines. Melon chicken salad is Asian-inspired Associated Press According to chef Martin Yan, acclaimed for his television cooking shows and cookbooks, Chinese cooking is essentially healthy and low-fat. That's the case with this recipe for melon chicken salad, a simply tasty dish to make for a summer meal. The recipe is among those featured in an article in Cooking Light's July issue, in which Yan demystifies traditional, healthful Chinese cooking techniques. His skill in balancing flavors and textures is evident in this main-dish salad -- sweet honey, salty soy sauce, tart vinegar, bitter daikon radish and savory chicken make an interesting interplay of flavors, while the crunchy walnuts and peanut butter contrast with the juicy melon. You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken to make the dish on a busy weeknight. Melon Chicken Salad <1/4> cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter 1 tablespoon honey <3/4> teaspoon dark sesame oil 3 cups (2-by-<1/4>-inch) strips honeydew melon 3 cups (2-by-<1/4>-inch) strips cantaloupe 2 cups (2-by-<1/4>-inch) strips daikon radish 1 cup (2-by-<1/4>-inch) strips peeled English cucumber 3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast <1/4> cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted Combine vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey and sesame oil in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add honeydew, cantaloupe, radish, cucumber and onions; toss well to coat. Place 2 cups melon mixture on each of four plates; top each serving with <1/2> cup chicken. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cilantro over each serving; top each with 1<1/2> teaspoons walnuts. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Nutrition information per serving: 293 cal., 9.9 g fat (1.8 g saturated), 22.6 g pro., 32 g carbo., 3.7 g fiber, 48 mg chol., 383 mg sodium. Down to earth By Steve Land Mathew and Sarah Cummings are building a new home for themselves on the lot behind the three-family home they own in Ipswich. We're following them on their journey, with stories of the frustrations and successes every homebuilder experiences. On Aug. 4, we talked to Mat, an architect who designed the home of his dreams. This week, Sarah talks about keeping the project grounded, and the mess it is temporarily making in her ordered world. Although construction has just begun, the project is already on hold. The carpenter who will build the home's frame is tied up with another large project and can't get to the Cummings' home yet. On Wednesday, Sept. 8, we'll look at some of the practical matters Mat and Sarah have dealt with already, from getting a zoning variance for their new home to obtaining a construction loan. We'll offer advice that could make those things easier for you, whether you're just adding a deck or building the home of your dreams. ehr Staff writer Scalloping on tires is the mark of strut or shock problem By AUTO SCANNER Larry Rub Q: Is there any gasoline company other than Texaco (which is getting harder and harder to find) that puts a good detergent formula in its regular gas? Also, my 1999 Dodge Caravan with 150,000 miles on it - and has never had an alignment - just started to show minor scalloping on the outside edges of the tires. I am sure the mechanic will check the ball joints and struts when I bring it in, but if they are good, how long can they last? I know that an alignment is needed after either of these repairs. Are there any other front-end parts that should be checked before an alignment? A: That’s a great question. Scalloping on a tire is usually caused from a suspension component known as a Macpherson strut, or a shock, depending on the particular year make and model. A vehicle that has a severe toe-in problem will give a similar pattern but more of a scuffed appearance. If your vehicle has ball joints that are serviceable (have a grease fitting), they may last forever if properly maintained. As far as a good gas, most gas stations have excellent detergent packages. Some are very similar. I would say any of the major brands of gas will do your engine well. Q: I have a 1983 Ford F-250 truck. I recently changed the spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires, points and condenser. Also, I changed the battery, battery cables and starter solenoid. My problem is that now the truck does not crank over, have headlights or any accessories. I didn’t have this problem before I did the work. Do you have any idea what might be going on? A: It is great to hear you did all of that work on this workhorse of a truck. I would bet that the wiring at the starter solenoid got mixed up, especially since there was no similar problem before doing the work. The starter solenoid has three terminals on it that are important to us. The two big terminals are the battery-in power, and the second is the power out to the starter. The third is the wire from the neutral safety switch or key, which tells the solenoid to activate and send power to the starter. On the terminal that has the battery wire, there are several other wires with large hoops on the end that are bolted to that same stud. Disconnect your battery, move the wires to the proper stud, reconnect your battery, and the problem should be gone. Q: Our 2000 Mercury Marquis has a loud hum coming from the dashboard when the car is going fast, especially on long trips. As soon as the car slows down it stops. What causes this and how can we fix it? A: This car has a known problem with the air bypass valve or the IAC (idle air control) valve. This valve, when it goes bad, causes what is called "hooting." Usually turning the air conditioner on will get the noise started. The repair of this problem, if indeed it turns out to be the valve, involves replacing some tubes with the updated style. Any service facility with an information system such as AllData or Mitchells will be able to find the proper technical service bulletin. Of course, most Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealers can do this as well. Car Care Tip: If you follow the 100,000-mile, no-maintenance schedule, you will more than likely find yourself in the showroom at 105,000 miles. * * * Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Tuesday in the Biz North section. Write to Larry at the Essex County Newspapers, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com. nstein Business calendar Wednesday, Aug. 11 Cape Ann Businesswomen sunset cruise, 6 to 8 p.m. on Essex River Cruises. Point of departure is Essex Marina, 33 Dodge St., Essex. Tickets are $25. Casual attire. (978) 283-1601. Thursday, Aug. 12 Salem Chamber of Commerce After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m. at Salem Waterfront Hotel, Pickering Wharf, Salem. Networking B4 Nine, 7:15 p.m., Peabody Chamber of Commerce, 24 Main St., Peabody. $5 for members. Call (978) 531-0384. Saturday, Aug. 14 Essex Street Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown Salem. To reserve a spot, call the Salem Chamber of Commerce at (978) 744-0004. Sunday, Aug. 15 Essex Street Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown Salem. To reserve a spot, call the Salem Chamber of Commerce at (978) 744-0004. Monday, Aug. 16 North Shore Networking Group, 2 to 4 p.m., North Shore Career Center, 70 Washington St., Salem. Topic is "Making the Most of Your Accomplishments: How to Create and Maintain a Professional Portfolio." Free. Call (978) 825-7299 for information or (978) 825-7200 to register. Wednesday, Aug. 18 Networking for Desired Results, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Cape Ann Business Incubator, 8 Blackburn Center, Gloucester. Free; all welcome. Call (978) 282-7779 or e-mail infor@businc.org. Thursday, Aug. 19 North Shore Women in Business Breakfast Meeting, 7 to 9 a.m. Holiday Inn, Route 1 North, Peabody. Executive coach Jean DiGiovanna will lead "Networking with a Twist." $15 for members and $30 for guests. For reservations, call (978) 741-3223 or e-mail info@NSWIB.org. Tuesday, Aug. 24 Exploring Franchise Business Ownership as a Career Option, 7:30 to 10 a.m., Enterprise Center at Salem State College, 121 Loring Ave., Salem. Free; reservations required. Call (978) 542-7528 or visit www.enterprisectr.org. Wednesday, Aug. 25 Ask the Expert, 3 to 5 p.m., Enterprise Center at Salem State College, 121 Loring Ave., Salem. Information on e-mail services available. Free; reservations required. Call (978) 542-7528 or visit www.enterprisectr.org. Thursday, Aug. 26 Writing Performance Appraisals, 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., North Shore Community College's ICTT, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 121E, Route 62, Elliot St., Beverly. Cost is $35 and includes breakfast. Limited space. Call (978) 236-1200. Beverly Chamber of Commerce After Hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Endicott College, Tupper Hall, 376 Hale St., Beverly. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. Call (978) 232-9559. Monday, Aug. 30 North Shore Networking Group meeting, 2 to 4 p.m., North Shore Career Center, 70 Washington St., Salem. Topic is "The Secrets of Marketing Yourself." Free. Call (978) 825-7299 for information or (978) 825-7200 to register. * * * Mail your upcoming business events to Suzanne Brown, Essex County Newspapers, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. Call her at (978) 338-2647; or e-mail her at sbrown@ecnnews.com. AMG posts quarterly increase, predicts decline in yearly earnings BEVERLY - Affiliated Managers Group Inc. posted second-quarter profits of $30.4 million, or $1 a share, compared to $24.9 million, or 77 cents a share from the same time a year ago (minus depreciation), according to figures released by the company. Net income increased to $18.9 million from $13.8 million in Q2 of 2003. However, 2004 earnings are likely to be lower than expected, between $3.90 and $4 a share, because of weak stock and bond markets, the company said in a conference call with analysts last week. Assets managed by the company remained flat quarter to quarter, valued at $102 billion. The company - which holds equity interests in several investment management firms - is headquarted at 600 Hale St. and employs 822 people throughout its operations. Investors, markets await word today on interest rates NEW YORK (AP) - Anticipation over today's Federal Reserve meeting and expected guidance on the economy had stocks up but trading light yesterday. The Fed's Open Market Committee will decide today whether to raise interest rates by a quarter point Climbing oil prices, climbing wholesale inventories, and only 32,000 new jobs created in July have hurt the stock market in recent days and left investors and analysts wondering if the Fed should act to raise rates to slow the economy. Prior to last week, the Fed had been widely expected to raise rates at today's meeting. Cathy E. Minehan, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, is among the members of the Open Market Committee, which determine Fed monetary policy and sets federal fund rates that in turn influence interest rates set by banks. Business people Attorney Vincent E. Bonazzoli of Swampscott made a presentation to estate planning attorneys in Boston recently. Bonazzoli, principal and owner of the Vincent E. Bonazzoli Law Firm P.C. in Lynnfield, spoke about the regulations regarding minimum distributions from retirement plans. * * * Bruce Whear was elected president of the Hamilton and Wenham Business Council recently. The Hamilton resident is president of Wire 4 Hire Inc. in Salem. * * * photo: biz_campbell Glenn F. Campbell, director of Campbell Funeral Home in Beverly earned the certified preplanning consultant (CPC) designation. CPC certification is awarded by the National Funeral Directors Association to consultants upon successful completion of an exam. Certified funeral directors help families plan funeral services in advance. * * * photo: biz_temkin Beverly's Alan Temkin, an associate financial planner, was honored for outstanding achievement at MetLife's Annual Leaders Conference in Florida recently. Temkin is the principal of Temkin Financial Group in Danvers. * * * Salem State College appointed Steven Carter chairman of the English department and Amy Everitt chairwoman of the Sports, Fitness and Leisure Department. Both professors are Salem residents. * * * Paul Coco earned the foodservice management professionals certification by the National Restaurant Association. Coco is director of dining services at Brooksby Village, a retirement community in Peabody. * * * photo: biz_oeveren Rudy Van Oeveren president of Peabody Financial Services Inc., has earned the designations general securities principal and municipal limited principal. He was also named Massachusetts division manager for NEXT Financial Group. * * * Heritage Bank branches in Danvers and Beverly recently celebrated Customer Appreciation Days. Red Sox tickets were given to Chad Macomber of Marblehead and Ken Gelpey of Peabody. Salem's James Walsh won tickets to a Jimmy Buffett concert. * * * Beverly National Bank was recognized by North Shore United Way for service and commitment to that organization. Bank employees raised $12,637 for local services and a corporate gift raised the total donation to $17,000. * * * Danvers Savings Bank recently donated $15,000 to the North Shore Community College's School-Age Child Care Program, which will provide courses on how to care for children age 5 to 14. * * * Mail your business people news and photos to Suzanne Brown, Salem News, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. Call her at (978) 338-2647; or e-mail her at sbrown@ecnnews.com. br> Sensitech makes third acquisition in 100 days By Diane Nolan Correspondent BEVERLY - Beverly-based Sensitech Inc. is expanding from national to global with its third acquisition in the past 100 days. The most recent deal came late last week with the acquisition of the owner of Temperature Data Systems for an undisclosed price. "This acquisition allows Sensitech to expand our cold-chain measurement and analysis services to a number of new markets and customers," Sensitech Chief Executive Officer Eric Schultz said in a written statement announcing the deal. The company acquired is Ryan Instruments International, which does business as Temperature Data Systems. Based in Holland, TDS is Sensitech's largest distributor and has been in business nearly 40 years. TDS employs 15 people and also has offices in Spain, France and Germany. Carel van Oosterzee - former director of TDS and current vice president and managing director for the company's operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa - said in a statement following the acquisition that customers can anticipate a smooth transition to Sensitech ownership and "a new level of analysis and insight." Sensitech is a leading independent provider of what is known as cold chain products and services. The company produces devices that monitor temperature during the transportation of perishable products, including medicines and food. Sensitech estimates that it has protected $200 billion of its customers' products in the last decade. "Our customers include most of the major supermarket chains and pharmaceutical companies," said Vice President of Marketing Susan Bonecci. "For supermarkets, it's mostly produce, although there are other perishable products as well ... and for pharmaceuticals, it's largely vaccines." The company also provides customers with database technology to manage perishables' temperatures during transport. The same tool allows Sensitech's customers to review data to ensure that products were not compromised. "We have a number of new products that are being launched this year," Bonecci said. In addition to Washington and California offices, Sensitech has service and distribution offices all over the world including Europe, Asia and Africa. Sensitech was founded by Beverly resident Ernest "Sandy" Santin in 1990 with a handful of employees, according to Bonecci. Since then, the Beverly headquarters has grown to 110 employees, the largest of the three U.S. offices. The two other recent acquisitions were competitor Cox Technologies Inc. of North Carolina, and distributor, Check-It, based in Denmark. A privately held company, Sensitech would not release details about the TDS transaction beyond that Adelphi Capital assisted with the transaction along with Key Bank, which has underwritten the company's last three acquisitions. "Business is growing steadily," Bonecci said. Sensitech is funded by a number of venture firms including Citizens Capital, GE Equity and Massachusetts Technology Development Corp. It was the recipient of a Smaller Business Association of New England award for innovation in 2002. SGPTV Marks First Anniversary - $20 million in sponsorships raised in inaugural year Sc BOSTON - The Sponsorship Group for Public Television (SGPTV) posted more than $20 million in sponsorship sales for public television programs during its first year of operation. Established at WGBH Boston in July 2003 to secure national sponsors for signature PBS programs, SGPTV exclusively represents WGBH's premier national sponsorship opportunities as well as series produced by other prestigious production partners. Its $20 million in sponsorships raised during its first year makes SGPTV the most successful national sponsorship organization for public television in America, offering a full-service team consisting of sales, client services, marketing and research. Suzanne Zellner, Group Director of SGPTV, credited flexible new sponsorship packages, SGPTV's experienced staff and its impressive portfolio of sponsorship opportunities for the organization's success during its first year. "We have the largest inventory of the highest-rated programs on public television--from primetime hits like Antiques Roadshow, Masterpiece Theatre, Nova and Frontline to many of the best kids shows, like Sesame Street, Zoom, Arthur and its new spin-off, Postcards from Buster," Zellner said. "Our top-notch client services, sales and marketing teams have also listened to the marketplace and tailored our opportunities to meet sponsor needs through shorter flights and customized packages." SGPTV sponsors are offered a robust package of on and off-air benefits. In addition to the on-air spots that appear in PBS' uncluttered media environment, sponsors receive such benefits as access to program talent, special events, and credit on a wide variety of program-related materials. "We pride ourselves on being a customer-focused operation," said Suzanne Zellner. "We work closely with our customers to create sponsorships that deliver a return on their investment." Recent changes to PBS on-air guidelines provide more flexibility to sponsors, said Zellner. Though PBS's non-commercial environment remains intact, certain rules have been revised to allow for people to speak on camera, to show people with products, and to have lyrics to music. "These changes to the on-air guidelines enable sponsors to sustain their messaging on-air," Zellner added. Sponsorship deals closed in the last year by SPGTV include the following: Ameriquest and Liberty Mutual for Antiques Roadshow; Subaru for The Victory Garden; Chick-fil-A for Between the Lions; the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for one episode of American Experience; Beaches Resorts for Sesame Street; Ocean Spray for Simply Ming; Olympus for They Made America, and Stanley Tools for MotorWeek. Recent sponsor renewals include Microsoft for Nova; Liberty Mutual and The Scotts Company for American Experience; Ace Hardware for Victory Garden; Minwax, Columbia Forest Products, Delta Machinery and Porter Cable for The New Yankee Workshop; McDonalds for Sesame Street; and Chuck E. Cheese's for Arthur. SGPTV recently launched a Web site, www.sgptv.org, developed specifically for ad agencies and corporate contacts. The Sponsorship Group for Public Television (SGPTV) is the exclusive representative for the best public television national sponsorships. SGPTV is based at WGBH Boston, the largest producer of primetime programs for public television. WGBH Boston is America's preeminent public broadcasting producer, the source of one-third of PBS's prime-time lineup as well as many public radio favorites. WGBH-produced Web sites generate 25% of the traffic to pbs.org, the most-visited dot-org on the Internet. WGBH is a pioneer in educational multimedia and in technologies and services that make media accessible to the 36 million Americans who rely on captioning or video descriptions. WGBH has been recognized with hundreds of honors: Emmys, Peabodys, duPont-Columbia Awards...even two Oscars. In 2002, WGBH was honored with a special institutional Peabody Award for 50 years of excellence. ipps Howard Tax holiday is boon for some businesses, headache for others By Kathleen McLaughlin and Christine Gillett If you're thinking about making a major purchase, you might want to wait a few days. That's because for one day, this Saturday, the state will let you buy nearly anything that costs less than $2,500 without paying sales tax. So you can't buy a new car, but other big-ticket items like furniture, appliances and electronics will cost you 5 percent less than it will the 364 other days of the year. Aaron Millett of Riverside Cycles in Newburyport said he didn't know that the tax-free day was coming up but now he plans to build a promotion around it. "Sales tax is insignificant, but there's a perceived savings for the consumer," he said. Massachusetts is the 10th state to declare a holiday on sales tax. Passed last year by the Legislature as part of an economic stimulus package, the tax-free day will cost the state $6 million to $10 million, the Department of Revenue estimates. While most states that have held tax holidays offer breaks just on clothing, school supplies and computers, the only exceptions in Massachusetts will be cars, boats, utilities and restaurant meals. Linens 'n Things is among the retailers getting aggressive about trying to capture sales on Saturday, with fliers posted around its Danvers store and being handed out at checkout lines to customers making purchases. While store representatives didn't want to speak on the record, the fliers and signs encourage shoppers to come in on Saturday ready to buy. Tri City Sales in Salem is also making its move with promotions - including calling past customers to let them know about the tax-free day - and expects as much as a 30 percent bump in sales Saturday on items from refrigerators to TVs and stoves, said Charles Hurley, sales manager. "We just found out last week (from a customer)," Hurley said, adding that the business, which also has an Ipswich location, will bring in extra staff and even tell customers to wait to make a purchase. "We're going to try to really promote it and if anyone's not in a hurry, we're telling them to come in Saturday." But not all local businesses were aware of the one-day pass on sales tax in time to mount campaigns of their own. "I didn't know anything about it," said Bob McDonald, service manager at Richard's Maytag, which sells appliances in Ipswich and Salisbury. McDonald said he's "very surprised" the state would waive sales tax on items less than $2,500 - which applies to most of Richard's inventory - for a day. "It might be an incentive enough to come in and buy something" for customers, he said. As a small business, McDonald said, Richard's is open on Saturday not to compete with Home Depot, Best Buy or Sears, but as a convenience for customers. "Unless we had some particular incentive or marketing or advertising, Saturday's not going to be a busy day for us," he said. "If we had put information out on this, it could be a busy day for us." For retailers that sell goods that usually aren't taxable, Saturday's tax-free holiday threatens to "siphon off" sales, said Mark Adrian Farber, owner of Mark Adrian Shoes in Gloucester. "We're not particularly looking forward to the tax holiday, because there's no tax on shoes anyway, and it's going to have the effect of...filtering people out from buying ordinarily tax-free products in favor of taxable products on that day," Adrian said. Saturday is usually the busiest day of the week for the Main Street shoe store, and Adrian said he'll be happy if he can make the usual number of sales this week but, he said, "I can't imagine people would be rushing in here." More foot traffic for other downtown retail businesses might help, he said, but "I don't expect people to use us as a destination store on that day." Department of Revenue spokesman Tim Connolly said the state has notified retailers through e-mail sent to tax professionals. Other than the personal-use certification, he said, there won't be any special forms to use. The department also issued a bulletin on how to deal with special circumstances, such as layaway purchases, coupons and taxes collected by mistake. "We've been in contact with the DOR, so we have all the personal-use forms," said Hurley. While the state is willing to take the loss for the day, the economic benefit is questionable, according to a retail consultant. Consumers tend to latch onto tax savings. But whether the holidays generate additional sales is unclear, and the red tape involved with the holiday can make it something of a headache for retailers. "It simply accelerates or delays purchases," Chicago-based retail consultant Diane Yetter said. "If you were not in the market for a big-screen TV, would you go out and buy one just because you could save 5 percent? It's probably more just shifting." Yetter said her clients, for whom she helps manage sales tax reporting, don't like the holidays because they aren't worth the hassle of reprogramming systems. She said the dollar-amount criteria in Massachusetts, instead of a list of specific items, might be easier to deal with, however. One drawback is that people buying items worth $1,000 or more will have to sign a statement promising that the purchase is for personal use, she said. Stores will have to keep those records for three years. "This is just one of many things that makes sales tax so confusing," said Jon Abolins, senior vice president of operations at Taxware, a Salem company that makes software to automatically calculate and remit taxes. Taxware's customers include Home Depot, Wal-Mart and other multistate businesses. "It is very gimmicky," Abolins said of the holiday. "This is a pretty cheap tax break to make for a state. People love to shop tax-free." The addition of Massachusetts to the list of states offering tax holidays was not enough to prompt any new software sales, Abolins said. The company will automatically update the software for its customers. * * * Information on provisions of the tax holiday, including the purchaser's personal-use certification form, are available online at www.dor.state.ma.us/ Staff Writers Beat the business survival odds with smart tax planning By Tax Time James Angelin Many people, at some time in their lives, contemplate starting their own business. Indeed, the backbone of our economy is made up of entrepreneurs who have taken this risk. Creating an idea, executing the idea and enjoying the fruits of your success can be one of the most satisfying events in a person’s life. However, starting a business is a high risk – high reward venture, and only for those willing to make the personal commitment. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than 50 percent of small businesses fail in the first year and 95 percent fail within the first five years. Apart from the personal challenges and commitment a business requires there are numerous tax considerations. Don’t even think about starting a business without legal, accounting and tax help. If you can’t afford these professionals then you are undercapitalized and should not start the business. The tax decisions you make up front can be crucial to the success of the business. Mistakes here can be very costly and very difficult to correct. There are many decisions to make but the important ones are: •What type of entity do you want to be? •Which assets do you want to transfer to the entity? •How will you finance the company (i.e. how much stock and how much debt)? It is easy to create an entity and often very difficult to change. Your choices are: • Self employed or sole proprietor • ‘C’ corporation • ‘S’ corporation • Partnership • Limited liability company Entities are either tax-paying entities or conduit entities. A conduit entity is one that passes all its income (or losses) through to owners. The entity itself does not pay tax, usually. There are only three types of entities subject to tax under the Federal income tax: • Individuals – sole proprietors (self-employed) file schedule C which is part of form 1040 • ‘C’ corporations; (file form 1120) and • Estates and trusts (fiduciaries) (file form 1041). Businesses are not normally operated in this form. There are also three conduit entities: • Partnerships (file form 1065) – Income or loss is passed through to the partners and is taxable to them. The partnership never pays any tax. • ‘S’ corporations (file form 1120S) – Income or loss is passed through to shareholders. The corporation usually does not pay tax, unless it was once a ‘C’ corporation and converted to ‘S’ status after the first year of its life. • Trusts (file form 1041) – Note that trusts are both tax-paying and conduit entities. Income is taxed to the beneficiaries if it is distributed to them. If it is retained by the trust then the trust pays the tax. • Limited liability companies (LLCs), if formed correctly, are usually taxed as partnerships for federal purposes, if you so choose, and if there are two members. Single member LLCs are allowed in MA. An LLC can also choose to be taxed as a corporation, via the "check the box" form 8832. The big advantage of a corporation (‘C’ or ‘S’) or LLC is the limited liability they afford. This means that creditors can take the assets of the entity but usually cannot take the owner’s assets. This protection is not available in a sole proprietorship. All corporations start out as ‘C’ corporations. They have to elect to be taxed as ‘S’ corporations within the first 75 days of the year (March 15 for most). If you miss this 75-day deadline (only 2<1/2> months) then you will be a ‘C’ corporation for the first year at least. This is a shame because often new businesses have losses and those losses are stuck in the ‘C’ corporation and are not deductible, rather than flowing through to an owner of an ‘S’ corporation, partnership or LLC, where they may be deductible. Missing this deadline is a common, but costly, mistake for new businesses. One note regarding the evil and ever growing Social Security (or self-employment) tax. There is a big difference between an ‘S’ corporation and a partnership in how this tax is imposed. In an ‘S’ corporation, the flow through of income, or payment of dividends, is not subject to self-employment tax. In a partnership the flow through of income is subject to this tax. This is a 15.3 percent difference on the first $87,900 and 2.9 percent after that. So, the ‘S’ corporation is preferable in this regard. A ‘C’ corporation pays tax on its taxable income. If a portion of that profit is distributed as a dividend, the distribution generally is taxed to the shareholder, but it is not deductible by the corporation. This represents double taxation of the corporate profits, once to the corporation and once to the shareholder when it is distributed as a dividend. ‘C’ corporations also pay twice on liquidation. When they liquidate, they pay tax at the corporate level on the gain on any appreciated assets, and then the shareholders pay tax again when they receive the liquidating dividend. So, try not to put assets that will appreciate, such as real estate, into a ‘C’ corporation. There are ways to avoid the double taxation of dividends by taking money out of the corporation as something else, such as rent or interest, which are deductible by the corporation. Electing to be an ‘S’ corporation will usually avoid this double tax also. The deductibility of company fringe benefits, such as health insurance, education, etc. is more restrictive for ‘S’ corporations and partnerships, than it is for ‘C’ corporations. This can be a major factor in the choice of entity decision. The second big decision you have to make early on in the life of a business is which assets to transfer to the entity and which to retain and lease to the entity. As mentioned, if you form a ‘C’ corporation you will avoid double taxation by taking rents out of the company, which are deductible, rather than non-deductible dividends. The other big advantage of extracting rents out of the business is that rents (of real estate) are not subject to payroll taxes. So you could reduce your salary and take out the difference as rent and save 15.3 percent Social Security and Medicare health insurance taxes right away. In addition, the real estate will generate depreciation deductions that are non-cash. The final big decision to make when forming the entity is how you will capitalize it. If it is a corporation, you can put the assets into the corporation in exchange for stock (equity) or stock and some debt (a note owed to you). The advantages of receiving interest on the debt, which is deductible by the corporation, are similar to the rent situation (no payroll taxes). Also, repayment of the principal is tax-free. However, debt is inflexible and many new businesses do not want to saddle themselves with too much debt, even if it is owed to the owners. Starting a business is exciting, yet risky. Don’t increase the risk unnecessarily by ignoring important tax issues. * * * North Shore resident James P. Angelini, Ph.D., MBA, CPA is s professor of accounting and taxation and director of the master of science in taxation program in the Sawyer School of Business at Suffolk University, Boston. Contact him at jangelini@adelphia.net. Biometrics: Using science to track consumers By Brian Bergstein Associated Press NEW YORK -- Stuffing something in a public locker usually isn't a memorable experience. You drop a coin, take the key and move on. But at the Statue of Liberty, recently reopened after a two-year closure, stashing a package offers a glimpse into the future. To rent, close and reopen lockers, visitors touch an electronic reader that scans fingerprints. "It's easy," Taiwanese visitor Yu-Sheng Lee, 26, said after stowing a bag. "I think it's good. I don't have to worry about a key or something like that." Like nearly every other tourist at the statue that day, this was Lee's first experience with biometrics -- the identification of an individual based on personal characteristics like fingerprints, facial features or iris patterns. While the technology is not new, having been used for years to restrict access in corporate and military settings, it is only now creeping into everyday life. Over the next few years, people unfamiliar with the technology will be asked to use it in everything from travel settings to financial transactions. The Nine Zero, an upscale hotel in Boston, recently began letting guests in its $3,000-a-night Cloud Nine suite enter and exit by looking into a camera that analyzes their iris patterns. A chain of grocery stores in the South just launched a pay-by-fingerprint system, though pilot tests elsewhere have had lukewarm results. "All these customer-facing applications, they're emerging," said Joseph Kim, a consultant with the International Biometric Group, which follows the industry. "We'll be seeing a lot more very, very soon. Whether that sticks or not depends on how customers feel about it." Feelings seemed mixed about the lockers at the Statue of Liberty on a muggy New York afternoon last week. Some people were befuddled by the system and had to put their fingers on the reader several times before a scan was properly made. Others forgot their locker number upon their return, or didn't remember which finger they had used to check it out. One young woman accidentally put her ticket to the statue in the locker, requiring her to open it and then re-register it all over again with another finger scan. With all the confusion, lines at the three touchscreen kiosks that control the bank of 170 lockers frequently stretched six or seven people deep, requiring a five-minute wait. "I think it's overly complicated. It takes too much time," said Stephen Chemsak, 26, who lives in Japan. To him the old-fashioned key system would have been much better. The lockers were made necessary by new security measures at the statue that include a ban on large packages. Brad Hill, whose family business, Evelyn Hill Inc., has run the island's concessions for 73 years, decided that the usual public lockers would be problematic because people often lose the keys. And that seemed to become even more likely now that tourists have to empty their pockets for a metal detector on their way into the statue. "Biometrics seemed the most logical choice," he said. After all, he added with a laugh, people "don't lose their finger." Hill expects visitors will find the lockers easier once they get used to them. Representatives from the locker maker, Smarte Carte Inc., say the biometric aspect often requires a fair amount of coaching, especially for people who aren't very familiar with computers. Smarte Carte's fingerprint lockers were introduced two years ago at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, and also can be found in Chicago's Union Station and the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks in Florida. The company adopted the biometric system for the airport lockers to assure the Transportation Security Administration that the bins could not be rented by one person then opened by someone else. Fingerprint biometric systems generally work by reducing the image of a print to a template, a mathematic algorithm that gets stored in a database and can be checked when the person returns for later scans. In applications like the biometric lockers, the print itself is not stored or sent to authorities. However, prints are being run through terrorist watch lists in the biggest deployment of biometrics yet -- the federal government's new system for tracking foreign travelers. Now in its early stages, the program, known as US-VISIT, calls for visitors to go through biometric scans to ensure that they are who their visas or passports says they are. Passports issued by the United States and other countries are getting new chips that will have facial-recognition data, and other biometrics might be added. Separately, iris-scanning systems have cropped up in European airports as a way to speed immigration controls. But you won't have to be a jet-setter to encounter biometrics more and more. For one, it's increasingly being used to control access to computers. And scattered grocery stores have tested systems that let consumers check out with a touch of a fingerprint scanner. A supermarket chain recently installed such a system at four South Carolina stores and expects to expand it to 116 other outlets, saying it offers speed, convenience and protection against credit card theft. Other pay-by-fingerprint systems, including one tested several years ago at a McDonald's in Fresno, Calif., haven't met with much enthusiasm. But that could change now that credit card fraud and identity theft have emerged as bigger problems, said Dean Douglas, a services vice president at IBM Corp., which is handling the back-end technology for the supermarket chain's finger-scanning system. "Within the next five to 10 years," Douglas predicted, "we're going to see biometrics play an increasingly large part of consumer transactions." Finding the right doctor is important health care choice By Family Medicine Dr. Er The last Family Medicine column generated a lot of questions about the role of physicians in a family's health. Here are some of those questions and some answers. Q. The world of medicine is very complex, a maze of specialists, tests, labs and procedures. How then can the average American possibly navigate through the complexities to receive proper care? A. The answer lies in an important ally: the primary care physician. Your PCP provides many services. One of the most important is to try to prevent disease through regular visits. When problems do arise, these doctors are trained to treat many common medical conditions saving you the time and cost of seeing a specialist. If specialty care is necessary, your PCP can help coordinate plans to see that you are not receiving duplicate tests or exposed to harmful medicine interactions. They should be an interpreter when you are trying to make important and often difficult health care decisions. Q. How do I choose a primary care physician for my family? A. Choosing a PCP is a very important health decision, and many factors should be considered when establishing the relationship. Of the 24 specialties in medicine, only four are usually designated as PCPs: family physicians (for patients of all ages), internists (adults), pediatricians (children and teens) and obstetrician/gynecologists (women). If your family includes individuals of different ages or sexes you may have the same PCP or be divided among different PCPs. When finding a physician, knowledge is obviously important. Board certification ensures a doctor has completed a rigorous training and passed standardized examinations. The office should be close enough to home for you to easily make appointments. As in real estate, location matters. Also, doctors are often limited to specific hospitals for admissions and referrals. If you absolutely must go to a particular hospital or see a particular specialist, make sure the doctor can provide that service. Finally, there is the intangible "bedside manner." Your doctor should make you a partner in your health care. You should feel treated with respect. Many doctors will allow a short introductory visit where you can ask them specific questions to decide if they are a good fit for your family. Q. Once having chosen a PCP, how do I make the most of my visits so I feel happy with the time I spent? A. Here are a few hints: 1. Come prepared with a list of your medications, or better yet, the actual pills in a bag. If possible have records available of your past medical history. 2. Remember the visit is confidential, and honesty about your lifestyle helps with treatment and prevention of disease. 3 .Let your doctor know up front what is most important for you to accomplish during the visit. A list is often a helpful tool to help prioritize your concerns and see that your needs are met. 4. At the end of the visit, make sure you understand when to return and how your lab results are going to be communicated. Do not just assume "no news is good news." The relationship you have with your PCP is one of the most important in your life. Over the years your doctor can learn about your health, family and personal values to help you stay healthy. With a little knowledge this can and should be a very enriching experience for both doctors and patients. * * * Dr. Erin Heiskell is a family physician in Ipswich who is affiliated with Beverly Hospital. Send her your questions at eheiskell@yahoo.com. n Heiskell Health Beat QUIT SMOKING: North Shore Medical Center will offer an eight-week smoking cessation program, "Quit and Quit for Good" beginning Aug. 16. Classes will be Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Salem Hospital. Cost is $140. Call (978) 741-4151. ANSWERS ABOUT MENOPAUSE: Gynecologist David DiChiara, M.D. will speak and answer questions about menopause Wednesday, Aug. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Escape Within Women's Fitness and Wellness Center, 131 Dodge St. Beverly. The program is free and open to all area women. Call (978) 236-1650. UTERINE HEALTH: "Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and Treatment" is the topic of the Lifestyle Management Institute's September lecture. Presented by gynecologist David DiChiara, M.D., is Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6 to 7 p.m. in the boardroom at the Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Advanced registration is required, call (888) 253-0800. WORK OUT TOGETHER: Endicott College and the National Exercise Trainers Association will sponsor a group exercise workshop Saturday, Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. and "Mindful Movement" Sunday, Oct. 3 at 8 a.m. The Oct. 2 program for current and potential fitness instructors, will cover the practical application of teaching group exercise. "Mindful Movement" examines several mind-body type exercises including yoga, pilates and Tai Chi. The classes are at Endicott's Post Center campus in Beverly. Call (800) AEROBIC or register online at www.netafit.org. LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER: Beverly Hospital will host the "Look Good, Feel Better," program Friday, Oct. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Garden Conference Room. The class, taught by professional cosmetologists, is free and open to all women undergoing cancer treatment and provides help in using makeup and skin care to counteract appearance-related side effects. Advance registration is required. Call Mary Ellen at (978) 922-3000 Ext. 2991. HEALTHY FAMILIES: Catholic Charities North will offer Healthy Families services for first-time parents age 20 and younger in North Shore communities. The home visiting program provides group-based activities to reduce isolation and promotes peer-to-peer support to young parents. Enrollment in the program is voluntary and may begin for parents prenatally or until the child's first birthday. Service continues until the child turns age 3. Call (781) 593-2312. SEEING STRAIGHT: The Seniors EyeCare Program will offer free eye-care information for patients who qualify. The program is designed for those age 65 and older who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years. Eligible patients will be matched with a nearby volunteer ophthalmologist. Call (800) 222-EYES (3937). MAKING A CHOICE: A free "Choosing Hospice" booklet answering common questions and providing a list of resources is available from the VNA Care Hospice. Call (888) 663-3688 Ext. 1206, or e-mail kstrogney@vnacarenetwork.org. HELP FOR STUTTERERS: Rehab Services at Northeast Health System provides a hotline to parents of children who stutter or who have other developmental problems. The phone line, (978) 777-3880, is open Friday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and is staffed by speech and language pathologist Kyle Kuboto. MOMS NEED PLAYTIME TOO: Mothertalk Too, a playtime for moms and babies 8 months and older, takes place every other Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Women's Health & Medical Arts Building, on the campus of Beverly Hospital, Herrick Street, Beverly. Cost is $5 a class. Call (978) 927-9103. BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK: A free blood pressure clinic is held on the first Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Geriatric Care Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. MEN'S HEALTH: The Gay and Bisexual Men's Health Program has drop-in hours Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. at 156 Cabot St., Beverly, and offers free and anonymous HIV testing, free condoms and information on HIV, STD, hepatitis and other men's health issues. Call David at (978) 927-4506 Ext. 219. INSURANCE COUNSELING: North Shore Elder Services in Danvers has trained volunteers to counsel Medicare beneficiaries about health insurance and benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs, HMOs, Prescription Advantage Program, long-term care insurance. Volunteers provide seniors with free, confidential, unbiased information. Counselors are available Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Appointments required. Call Kristin at (978) 750-4540 Ext. 231. YOGA CLASSES: Yoga classes for both beginners and experienced participants will be held at The Lifestyle Management Institute at the Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Classes include Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Men and Power Lunch. Call (888) 253-0800. CPR PROGRAMS: Education Services at Northeast Health System conducts American Heart Association basic life support classes that are available to the public: n Heartsaver (basic class) both adult and pediatric alternate monthly and are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Beverly Hospital. Cost is $35. n American Heart Association Health Care Provider, both certification and recertification classes are held monthly with occasional evening classes at Beverly Hospital. Cost for the initial certification is $50, and recertification is $35. Call Sally Kiesling at (978) 922-3000 Ext. 2236. MEDICATION MANAGEMENT: The VNA Care Network offers a free Medication Management Program to help seniors and their caregivers effectively manage seniors' prescription medications and reduce errors and adverse drug reactions. Participants must be age 60 or older and be a resident of Danvers, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody, or Salem. Call (800) 728-1862. HIV AND AIDS TESTING: Free HIV and AIDS testing is held every Wednesday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Health and Education Services, 156 Cabot St., Beverly. Testing is anonymous and confidential. Call Kate Perry at (978) 927-4506 Ext. 222. WOMEN IN NEED: VNA Care Network will provide financial assistance stipends to women in need with breast cancer. Stipends can be used for treatment, medication, child care, prosthetic undergarments, head coverings, and transportation. For more information, call (888) 663-3688 Ext. 2429. PERSONAL THERAPY: The North Shore Heart and Wellness Center at NSMC Salem Hospital will continue to offer private sessions in personal fitness training, reiki therapy, hypnotherapy for smoking patients, and therapeutic massage for illness. To schedule a session with an expert, call (978) 741-4151. BREAST CANCER STUDY: The NSMC Cancer Center in Peabody is seeking local women to participate in one of the largest breast cancer prevention clinical trials ever undertaken in North America. The research will target postmenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer. For information on the study or to take a breast cancer risk assessment, call (978) 573-5411 or visit www.breastcancerprevention.com. Clove cigarettes are just as dangerous as the rest By TAKE THE FIRST STEP Dr. Michael Levy Q: I have heard that some kids are smoking clove cigarettes. Do they contain any tobacco and are they dangerous? A: Clove cigarettes absolutely contain tobacco. In general, they are composed of 60 to 80 percent tobacco and 20 to 40 percent of ground clove buds. They are made in Indonesia and are exported worldwide. Research has clearly shown that they are as dangerous, if not more so, than regular cigarettes. While they contain less nicotine and tobacco, they deliver more nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide than regular cigarettes. Researchers attribute this to the lower porosity of paper wrappers used for clove cigarettes and lack of filter-ventilation holes, which are found on most regular cigarettes. Both of these features help to dilute the smoke that is inhaled. Researchers have also found that smokers take longer and more frequent puffs on clove cigarettes than on their own usual brand, which increases the amount of nicotine extracted from each cigarette. Q: I would like to know what would be the best program for my nephew. He is 21 and he was in Bridgewater State Hospital for 30 days in detox and then got into a sober house on Cape Cod. He was not really ready for this step; he wasn't working steadily and was unable to pay his rent. He is now back in the Boston area and homeless, but still off drugs. I'm afraid that if he doesn't get into some kind of program soon, he'll slip back into using drugs. He really wants to change but doesn't have the confidence needed. He needs a live-in structured program, with counseling, job training, schooling, etc. He quit school in ninth grade and has a hard time learning. He has an open court case from an attempted robbery last December when he was on drugs and is supposed to go back to court this month. He was told that he would probably get probation. A: Two options come to mind. One is a program in Tewksbury for homeless men who struggle with alcohol and drug problems. This is a structured residential program that offers case management, AA meetings and a variety of groups. This is a relatively short-term program, approximately 30 days, and the goals are to assist people in building a foundation for recovery and to get people placed into longer-term halfway houses. The number is (978) 851-8776. The other program is Transitional Support Services in Lynn. This is a similar program. Case management, groups and AA meetings are available daily, and after leaving that program, many clients, if they are interested, go into longer-term halfway house programs. The number is (781) 598-1270. I would also suggest that you can contact a state-sponsored helpline that can give you the names of other programs that would make sense for your nephew. The number is (800) 327-5050 and it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If I can be of further help, please contact me. * * * Taking the first step is the hardest part of all. If you have a question about your own or someone else's behavior that might be a result of an addiction, or if you need help preventing problems associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs, write to: Take The First Step, c/o Essex County Newspapers, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915; or send e-mail to michael_levy@cabhealth.org. Questions will be answered in confidence by a clinical team led by Dr. Michael Levy, director of clinical treatment services at CAB Health & Recovery Services in Salem. Miles of support: Governor's wife, others with MS ready for annual walk By Diane Nolan Correspondent Want to get involved? The 2004 MS Challenge Walk starts at Hyannis Village Green, Hyannis on Sept. 10 and ends at the same location on Sept. 12. * Registration is open for walkers until Aug. 26 * Donations to walkers can be made online at www.msnewengland.org More than 10,000 Massachusetts residents have been diagnosed with the unpredictable, debilitating disease multiple sclerosis. Ann Romney, wife of Gov. Mitt Romney, is one of them. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that 400,000 people have been diagnosed nationwide. It's estimated that with each diagnosis, the lives of seven people surrounding the person with the illness are also affected. Diagnosis of the disease, which affects the central nervous system, most commonly occurs between the ages of 20 and 50. Ann Romney was diagnosed in 1998, at age 49. "All of my priorities changed when I was diagnosed," said Romney. "I was used to making everything work with everybody. It's such an onslaught to your psyche. My husband and youngest son, who was a senior in high school and still living at home, were both so wonderful. It takes awhile to set in ... then you have to deal with it." Romney compared her diagnosis with running into a brick wall and then having to pick up the pieces. "It wasn't easy ... I went through a difficult phase." MS impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. It can cause tingling, numbness, fatigue, blurred vision, and loss of mobility. Romney, a board member of the National MS Society, will be participating in the 2004 MS Challenge Walk, which covers 50 miles of Cape Cod in three days, starting and ending at the Hyannis Village Green. She will speak at the opening ceremonies and lead the walkers in the beginning of their three-day journey. The first two days of the walk cover 20 miles each, with the last 10 following on the third day. "The hardest day is the second," said Ipswich resident and National MS Society volunteer Sue Knowlton, who will walk in the MS Challenge with her sisters Ellyn Ponkey of Beverly, and Ami Slejzer of Georgetown. Ponkey was diagnosed with MS 14 years ago. So far, 600 people have registered for the walk including 30 people with MS and 45 North Shore residents. "It's more intense emotionally than physically," said Knowlton, adding that participating in a physically challenging event makes one connect with people emotionally very quickly. "By the end, we're almost reluctant to go home. We've met people there that we have become very good friends with." Participants were each required to raise $1,500 for the National MS Society in addition to the $75 registration fee. Money is raised through donations from friends, family, local businesses, community members, and other personal fund-raisers like yard sales. This year's walk is expected to bring in more than $1 million for the National MS Society, which provides education and support for people with MS and their friends and family. Many types of services including classes, workshops and seminars are offered by the society. "We offer help for today and hope for tomorrow for the 13,000 families affected by MS in Massachusetts and New Hampshire," said Steven Sookikian, director of communications for the central New England chapter of the National MS Society. Some of the classes offered at the National MS Society focus on therapies that connect the body and mind. "They teach ways to use your mind to help alleviate symptomatic problems," said Sookikian. Romney said alternative therapies have been helpful for her when used in conjunction with traditional medicines. A few of these "complimentary therapies," as they are called by the National MS Society, include acupuncture, yoga, aquatics, and her own personal therapy, horseback riding. The society puts 83 percent of the money that they raise in fund-raisers like the walk toward research, education, support, and advocacy. The remaining 17 percent goes back into administrative use and fund-raising by the organization. The society helps bring together MS sufferers to provide peer support and advice. "It has provided connections for (my sister) to people who are in the same situation she's in," said Knowlton, who has participated with her sisters since the Challenge Walk's inception in 2002. "The first year is tough," said Romney, who advised that people who have been recently diagnosed learn as much about the disease as possible, and give the complementary therapies a try. "Get everything you can out of Western medicine, then try (adding) some Eastern practices." Currently, $11 million is being used for MS research in Massachusetts and New Hampshire with Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston receiving nearly $4.5 million for MS research, the third highest amount received by any hospital in the country, according to Sookikian. At the Movies: 'Alien vs. Predator' By David Germain Associated Press The PG-13 rating of "Alien vs. Predator" alone tells the story of this grudge match between space beasties. Before the lights go down, you know this will be a defanged resurrection of two venerable action franchises, crassly fashioned to bait the broadest opening-weekend audience possible before word spreads about how dumb the movie is. Its six predecessors -- two great "Alien" movies and two inferior sequels, one decent "Predator" flick and one so-so sequel -- had hard R ratings for graphic gore, violence and terror. Bringing this hybrid in at PG-13, the studio and filmmakers are sending a cynical message to viewers: We want your money, but don't expect to see anything new. In fact, we're going to show you less than any of the half-dozen previous movies did. Less is precisely what you get with "Alien vs. Predator." Lots less. The movie did not screen for critics until opening day Friday, a sure sign that a stinker is at hand. The skimpy story is about as clever as anything two teenage gamers might dream up over down time during a minor power outage. The human characters are little more than munchies for one space species and shooting-gallery targets for the other. Seriously censored by the PG-13 rating, the action is tepid, more a kitten fight than a to-the-death alien smackdown. And there's simply no suspense. The weakest of the "Alien" and "Predator" movies packed chills in triplicate compared to "Alien vs. Predator." The movie is written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, maker of such sci-fi twaddle as "Resident Evil" and "Mortal Kombat." Like those video-game adaptations, "Alien vs. Predator" plays out like a linear joystick pastime: Kill this creature, move up one level, vanquish that foe, advance to the next round. A prequel to the "Alien" films and a sequel to the "Predator" movies, "Alien vs. Predator" is set in Antarctica, where scientists are scoping out an ancient pyramid discovered below the ice. The gang stumbles onto two extraterrestrial races duking it out under the tundra (why they couldn't have chosen a more hospitable climate, like the French Riviera, is never explained). In this corner is the hissing, acid-slobbering alien race introduced in Ridley Scott's 1979 classic "Alien," which made a star of Sigourney Weaver. In that corner are the clicking, clacking creatures that debuted in 1987's "Predator," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a commando whose unit is being stalked by a space hunter seeking human trophies. Lance Henriksen, who played an android in "Aliens" and "Alien 3," stars as billionaire Charles Bishop Weyland, who finances the expedition. His name is a dual nod to Weaver's future battles with aliens in deep space: Bishop is the name of Henriksen's android character, while the company that dispatched Weaver's ship was the Weyland-Yutani Corp. Sanaa Lathan plays expedition leader Alexa Woods, essentially a poor director's substitute for Weaver's intrepid Ellen. Raoul Bova and Ewen Bremner fill up the principal cast as scientists along for the ride. The team learns that Predators have been holding an Alien queen captive, using her offspring for blood-sport initiation rites. Animatronic and puppet creature effects are solid enough, a mere technical accomplishment, though; the real creativity came with the earlier movies, which gave Anderson and crew easy blueprints to filch. Computer animation to create some creature effects looks cheesy, particularly in a flashback to an ancient Predator-Alien battle. The movie's tag line, "Whoever wins, we lose," could not be more appropriate. Any member of the human race who buys a ticket to "Alien vs. Predator" ends up losing. "Alien vs. Predator," a 20th Century Fox release, is rated PG-13 for violence, language, horror images, slime and gore. Running time: 101 minutes. One and a half stars out of four. ------ Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions: G -- General audiences. All ages admitted. PG -- Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. PG-13 -- Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children. R -- Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. NC-17 -- No one under 17 admitted. Health News Survey: Low-carb diets unhealthy One in five (20 percent) of adults are trying to lose weight by severely restricting carbohydrate consumption. But a new survey says by doing so, many low-carb dieters make unwise decisions about the amount and types of foods they eat every day, increasing their long-term risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer. Severe carbohydrate restriction also leads to such short-term side effects as severe constipation, gastrointestinal problems, nausea, repeated headaches, difficulty in concentrating and loss of energy, says the report, conducted for the Partnership for Essential Nutrition, a coalition of consumer, nutrition and public health groups. 040812_sn_out_vaccine Send in the clones The first license for human cloning, which many scientists believe may lead to new treatments for a range of diseases, has been issued by the British government. The British license went to Newcastle University researchers who hope eventually to create insulin-producing cells that could be transplanted into diabetics. This year, the United Nations will revisit the issue of whether to propose an international treaty to ban "therapeutic" cloning which produces stem cells from cloned embryos, as well as "reproductive" cloning which makes babies. Such work has run into fierce opposition from abortion foes and other biological conservatives who are appalled that researchers must destroy human embryos to harvest the stem cells. 040812_sn_out_microscope OR 040812_sn_out_strep Taking on a sore subject Scientists say they are making headway in developing a vaccine against a common strep germ, the cause of millions of sore throats. A test of an experimental vaccine prompted an immune response with no serious side effects, but it's still not known if the shot would keep people from catching the strep germ. It was the first human testing of such a vaccine in almost 30 years. Safety concerns arising from previous failed efforts discouraged research of the Group A type of streptococcus in humans, an endeavor that began in the 1930s. But the new vaccine, created through genetic engineering, does not include substances thought to have caused problems with earlier versions, said co-author Dr. James Dale of the University of Tennessee. The bacteria, commonly found in the throat and on the skin, cause more than 10 million cases of strep throat and mild skin infections each year nationwide. Untreated strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever and potentially rheumatic heart disease, which affects an estimated 12 million people worldwide and kills about 400,000 each year, mostly in developing nations. - Compiled from staff and wire reports North Shore support groups CANCER SUPPORT: The Cape Ann Cancer Support Group meets in the Longan Room at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Call (978) 283-4001, Ext. 559. - Beverly Hospital hosts a breast cancer support group the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Herrick House. Call (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2405. - Beverly Hospital's general cancer support group meets the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Garden Conference Room at the hospital. (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2710. - The Men's Group, a support group for men who have or have had cancer, meets the first Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the North Shore Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Drive in Peabody. Call Dr. Robert Cross at (617) 362-3139. - The Social Work and Oncology Department at Beverly Hospital conducts a free cancer support group that meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Garden Conference Room. Call (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2710. STROKE GROUP: The North Shore Medical Center Stroke Support Group will meet the third Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room D 102A on the ground floor of Salem Hospital. Meetings are free and feature speakers and camaraderie. Caregivers and family members are welcome. Call (978) 825-6286. LOSS SUPPORT: - VNA Care Hospice will continue to offer free bereavement support groups at the VNA Care Network, 5 Federal St., Danvers, for adults coping with the death of a loved one. A group will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Aug. 24, Sept. 14, and Sept. 28. Another group will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the following Mondays: Aug. 23, Sept. 13, Sept. 27. Call (978) 777-6100, Ext. 1401. - The Center for Grief and Healing offers support groups for those who lost a spouse or partner, and for those interested in exploring spiritual questions after the death of a loved one. The meetings are free and are held at the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers. For dates, times and details, call (978) 774-7566. - Loss Support Group for those with a loss due to death, divorce or separation and meets every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Mary of the Annunciation Rectory, 24 Conant St., Danvers. All are welcome. Call Doris Sevigny at (978) 282-7676. - A Bereavement Group meets on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., at St. Paul's Church Rectory, 50 Union St., Hamilton. To register, call Doris at (978) 282-7676. - An Infant Loss Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kauders Conference Room at Beverly Hospital. Registration is not required. - A Widowed Persons' Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Longan Room at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., Gloucester. Call (978) 283-7102. FAMILY HELP: Family members of people diagnosed with mental illness may find support at the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program, sponsored by the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Massachusetts. The 12-week course will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at North Shore Children's Hospital beginning Monday, Sept. 20. For more information, call (978) 744-7491. ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT: - Beverly Hospital hosts an Alzheimer's support group for patients, caregivers, family, and friends every first and third Wednesday of the month from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the board room at the Beverly Hospital Hunt Center in Danvers. Call (978) 774-4400, Ext. 3064. - Heritage at Danvers, 9 Summer St., Danvers, holds an Alzheimer's support group on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. Call Anne at (978) 774-5959. - Support group for children, ages 8 to 12, at the Geriatric Care Center at the Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers, on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call (978) 774-4400, Ext. 4007. MS SUPPORT: The Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Longan Room at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester. Call (978) 283-4001, Ext. 131. LUPUS GROUP: The North Shore Lupus Group will meet the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Lahey Clinic North in Peabody. Call Nan Hardigan at (978) 468-3524. MOTHER'S GROUPS: - The social work department at Beverly Hospital hosts a free program for young mothers, Connecting With Your Moms, on Tuesdays, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and Thursdays, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Women's Health Building at Beverly Hospital. Call (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2720. - The Mothertime Support Group meets Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Shore Birth Center at Beverly Hospital. Call (978) 927-7880. BABY/CHILD SAVER CLASS: Baby/child saver classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Beverly Hospital. The program helps parents, expectant parents and caregivers to recognize and cope with emergency situations involving babies and small children. Accident prevention and techniques are reviewed. Cost is $45. For upcoming dates, call the Parent Education Department at Beverly Hospital at (978) 927-9103. BATTERED WOMEN'S GROUP: Greater Lynn Senior Services is offering a weekly support group for women 50 and older who have experienced or are experiencing any form of abuse from a spouse or partner. The group is free for women living in the Greater Lynn area. Call Katie Galenius or Christine Elliott at (781) 599-0110. PARKINSON'S DISEASE: The Beverly Council on Aging hosts the North Shore Parkinson's Support Group meetings on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St., in Beverly. Call Peggy at (978) 887-2248. HIV/AIDS SUPPORT: The Visiting Nurse Association Care Network in Danvers will host a support group for friends and relatives of people with HIV/AIDS. These free meetings will be held at 5 Federal St. in Danvers, with dates and times to be announced. Call Mary McComish at (800) 457-8999, Ext. 1233, or at (978) 777-6100, Ext. 1233. DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP: A monthly peer support group for people with disabilities to share solutions and concerns with living independently will be held Thursdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann Inc., 27 Congress St., Suite 107. Reservations are required. Call Mary Margaret Moore at (978) 741-0077, Ext. 10 or e-mail mmmoore@ilcnsca.org. PHONE REASSURANCE: Jewish Family Services of the North Shore will offer a telephone reassurance program for senior citizens who are homebound. Seniors who wish will receive two to three phone calls per week from a volunteer to ensure their physical and mental well-being. More volunteers are needed. Call (781) 631-2704. ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE: A support group for families of drug users and problem drinkers meets at CAB Health & Recovery Services Inc. outpatient offices in Salem every Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. The group will learn about enabling, trust and legal issues and the 12-step recovery process. Call (978) 740-1580 or (800) 334-5512, or e-mail info@cabhealth.org. PFLAG MEETING: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons (PFLAG) will hold its monthly support group for North Shore residents on the first Tuesday of every month at the Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex St. All are welcome to attend and meetings are free. Call Marty Langlois or Jim Lynch at (978) 927-2059. LA LECHE LEAGUE: La Leche League of Beverly offers a monthly information and support group for pregnant and breast-feeding women the second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Peabody. Call Julie at (978) 745-5586. M.O.M.'s CLUB: North Shore Mothers Of Multiples, a nonprofit support group for mothers of twins and multiples, will hold monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Beverly Hospital Hunt Center cafeteria, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Expectant mothers are welcome. Call Christine at (978) 646-9406. CHRONIC PAIN: A Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain Support Group will meet the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Alternative Therapy Center, 24 Main St. in Peabody. Reiki and therapeutic massage clinic offered the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call Dot at (978) 538-3692. DEMENTIA SUPPORT: An early stage dementia support group for patients is held from 3 to 4 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Geriatric Care Center at Beverly Hospital. Call (978) 774-4400, Ext. 4022. LOW VISION: The Danvers Council on Aging offers a Low Vision Support Group on the third Thursday of each month from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Danvers Senior Center, 25 Stone St. in Danvers. Call Gerry at (978) 762-0208. CARDIAC REHABILITATION: The Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group, sponsored by Northeast Health System, is held on the third Wednesday of each month at noon in the Cardiac Conference Room at Beverly Hospital. Call (978) 922-3000, Ext. 2710. This weekend, it's All About BufordA cappella group melds funk and pop By Diane Nolan Correspondent If you go • Who: All About Buford and Full Frontal Folk • Where: Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St., Marblehead • When: 8 p.m. tomorrow • How: Tickets are $12 and available at the door; for more on the group, check out www.allaboutbuford.com MARBLEHEAD - An a cappella pop-funk band making a name for itself by playing at venues on the East and West coasts will return home this weekend. Amy Malkoff of Marblehead will get a chance to play at home tomorrow when she performs at the Marblehead Arts Association's Hooper Mansion with her band All About Buford. Malkoff's cat, Buford, is the band's namesake. "He's from Marblehead, too," said Malkoff, one of the band's vocalists. All About Buford members use only their voices as instrumentation. Malkoff started the band - which has performed in many locations including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and California - with fellow vocalists Taunia Soderquist and Shah Salmi in 2000. Vocal percussionists Wes Carroll and Ben Jackson joined Buford more recently. Soderquist said the addition of Jackson and Carroll has brought a new dimension to the band. "Wes is a very respected vocal percussionist," Soderquist said. "Ben is also very talented. He brings a playfulness to the stage ... a youthfulness." Jackson, who joined Buford last year, started vocal percussion while he was attending Harvard University as a linguistics major and a music minor. Jackson was a part of Harvard's a cappella group, The Harvard Callbacks. "Doing (vocal percussion) with a group is really the best practice," said Jackson. Carroll lives in San Francisco and performs with the band when he can, which Soderquist said is a few times a year. About 50 percent of the band's songs are covers, "but they are pretty obscure songs," said Soderquist, who said she tries to use "everyday things" as inspiration for her own songwriting. From lyrics to arrangements, each band member has had a role in putting songs together. "We all bring something to the table with that," Soderquist said. For Soderquist, who is also from Massachusetts, playing in Marblehead will give her friends and family who can't travel to other shows a chance to see her perform. "I know it sounds really cliche, but when I'm onstage, I feel like that's the real me," Soderquist said. The band's love of performing has led them to lots of positive feedback from their audiences. "The response has been excellent," Salmi said. "There are very strong performers in this group." Salmi was doing a solo act before joining All About Buford, but said that he enjoys the group atmosphere. "I have no worries about any of the members of the group. I trust them all," Salmi said. All the members agreed that they would like to increase their fan base and the number of shows they perform. "I would like to do this full time, ideally," Salmi said. The band's 2002 CD "Supercar" features songs like "Wolf at the Door," "My Funny Valentine" and "Car Wash." Its next CD is currently in the works. Buford released its first DVD early this year, which takes fans on a road trip with the band and to live concert performances. Full Frontal Folk, a contemporary folk band, will join All About Buford at the Hooper Mansion performance Saturday. Treasure troveGreat art from one of England's great homes at PEM By Alan Burke Staff writer SALEM -- They are collectors in the Cavendish family. But it's not the sort of collection found at your local garage sale. For one thing, this family has been at it for a very long time -- about five centuries. And they've had the money to do it right, a fortune earned through royal land holdings and shrewd investments, like shares in the East India Co. Of equal importance, generation after generation has consistently collected with a keen eye for beauty, filling a grand home, Chatsworth, including more than 100 rooms, with treasure. "They collected with a zeal," notes Dan Monroe, director of the Peabody Essex Museum. "Some of these things were collected to read," adds curator William Sargent. "Or to use -- like ice buckets. And some were collected as works of art." A stunning sampling of all will go on display from Saturday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 7 at the museum's presentation of "Treasures From Chatsworth, A British Noble House." It includes the works of masters like Rembrandt, handmade books from the Middle Ages, gleaming jewels, massive gold and silver containers, early scientific instruments, sculpture, furniture and even Henry VIII's oversized, carved wooden rosary beads. Today, sections of Chatsworth are open to the public, says Sargent. But some of what's on display in Salem is customarily locked away in the private quarters of the Duke of Devonshire. The only thing that ties all these wonders together is the family. Thus, the exhibit is organized chronologically, with information offered on each generation. Matriarch Elizabeth of Shrewsbury (1527-1608) built Chatsworth after amassing a fortune through a series of well-timed marriages. At the insistence of Queen Elizabeth I, her great home played a reluctant host to the captive Mary Queen of Scots. Shrewsbury and Mary quarreled and did needlework together. An amazing letter from Elizabeth Rex, on display at the PEM, urges everyone to get along. Later, the queen decided, in one fell swoop, to relieve Shrewsbury of her headache and Mary of her head. Although their home was deliberately set up away from cosmopolitan London, famous people flit in and out of the story of Cavendishes. Georgiana Spencer (1757-1806), who became the Beautiful Duchess, is an ancestor of the late Princess Diana. She was also one corner of a scandalous love triangle involving the Duke and the married Lady Elizabeth Foster. The latter would become duchess after Georgiana's death. Meanwhile, Georgiana's beauty is caught for all time in a famously unfinished Sir Joshua Reynolds painting featured in the exhibit. Nearby is a spectacular jewelry set created by her son, the sixth Duke, who "did not want his wife outshone on a trip to Russia," according to Sargent. The jewels include a tiara, stomacher, bracelets, headbands, necklaces, all in glittering gold, graced with gleaming gem stones and diamonds. During World War II, Kathleen Kennedy, sister of President John F. Kennedy, married William Cavendish, who would have become Duke had he not been killed in action a short time later. She died too, after the war, in a plane crash. The 11th Duke, who died recently, had his portrait painted by artist Lucien Freud, son of the famed psychiatrist. In the mid-20th century, British socialism began to take its toll on great houses and great families. Some of Chatsworth's treasures had to be sold off or turned over to the government. One of the family's three Rembrandts was taken by the National Trust. It was the 11th Duke and his wife, Deborah Mitford - one of the famous, even notorious Mitford sisters (Nancy was a writer and supporter of leftist causes, Diana was rumored to be Hitler's lover) - who began working to restore the home to its former glory. One method for this was investing in racehorses, including the fabulously successful Park Top. The home's art collection grew and it includes a bronze of the mare, now on display at the PEM. Opening their home to the public has been an adjustment for the family, Sargent says. He recounts the time the Duchess overheard a group passing her in the hall. "That's the Duchess before she died," someone whispered. The family has had some disappointments -- what was long assumed to be a Da Vinci drawing turns out to be the work of one of Leonardo's students. "You often collect something as one thing," Sargent explains, "and then you find out it's something else." And in a twist that would have pleased Elizabeth of Shrewsbury -- who had her house put to use by the queen -- the government took a closer look at the Rembrandt taken from Chatsworth. It was a fake. ShipshapeModel boat builders gather in Peabody By Club News Cynthia Garb Like clockwork, every Monday at 12:30 p.m., a clever group of artisans gather at the Peter A. Torigian Community Life Center in Peabody to build model ships. And the ships these craftsmen turn out are nothing short of superior. Marc "Marcy" Consalvo, 69, of Peabody, the unofficial head of the group, said he is not new to shipbuilding. In fact, Consalvo has been building model ships for more than half a century. "My mother and father bought me a ship model kit when I was 12 years old and I failed miserably the first time I tried back then," said the grandfather of two, who is a retired General Electric engineer. "But I've always known that the only thing that works in life is persistence. So I kept at it. And now that I'm retired, I have the time to work at it. That's because building these models takes a long time - I would say each model takes between 1,200 and 2,200 hours." Consalvo, who is also an accomplished artist, said he has probably built a dozen models since he began coming to the center about 1990. "I've kept some of my models and I've sold some of them," he said. "My wife allows me to keep a couple of models on display at home and the rest I keep in mothballs, then I take them out and show them from time to time." Peabody's Bert Cressey, a 60-year-old retired airline mechanic, comes by model shipbuilding naturally. His father was a sea captain for 50 years. "I always worked on models with him but I didn't know that this group even existed until my wife, who does Meals on Wheels, told me about it," he said. "These people have made a big difference in my life. I've been coming here now for about a year and a half and it's been wonderful, not only because of doing the boats but these gentlemen have such wonderful stories to tell and such colorful histories to share." Cressey's current project is a boat that will actually go into the water. "My dad retired from Boston Towing and I'm making this boat for a gentleman who actually owns Boston Towing. It's a model of a brand-new boat that is 965 feet in real life. But this will be three-eighths scale and will be radio controlled," he said. "I've been working on it for about 2<1/2> months here and at home as well. It should be done in about four months. But the beauty of this place is that there are plenty of guys to help you if you need help." John Vdoviak, 77, said he makes models of just about everything that moves - planes, trains, cars and ships. The retired GE engineering manager hails from Marblehead but said that coming to the group is more than worth the ride even with the high cost of gas. He enjoys the opportunity to spend time with other like-minded modelers. "This is a three-season, mostly wintertime activity for me. I live near the water so in the summer I sail boats and in the winter I make models of them," he said. "This group is a great thing for everybody. It doesn't cost anything and anyone who is interested is invited to come and join us, both men and women, and if they don't know how to do it, we will teach them." And, that's just why Bruce Bateman of Danvers decided to join the group. The 70-year-old historian, who calls himself a "neophyte" when it comes to model shipbuilding, spent a recent afternoon working on what he describes as a "Mickey Mouse dory." "I've built models all my life but these guys can really build them and I wanted to learn. Since one of the stories I talk about in my lectures is the story of Howard Blackburn, the fingerless navigator of Gloucester, and his dory, I wanted to make a model dory of my own and that's what I'm doing," he said. "This is good therapy and coming here I've met a great bunch of knowledgeable guys." George Sipple, 78, a retired loss control manager for West Lynn Creamery, is a prime mover in the formation of the group and has been very much involved with the model shipbuilders for more than a decade. Sipple said he began building ship models about 1972. "What happened was that my sister-in-law bought me a kit. But I put it aside for a year or two until one day, I had nothing to do, so I started building," Sipple recalled, adding that that particular model was not the place to start. "It was complicated and it took me seven years before I finally finished the job. But I've been building them ever since. In fact, my wife once said that the only thing I care about is boats and grandchildren," Sipple said with a grin. One day, Sipple, said, he saw a notice about the center's shipbuilding group in The Salem News so he decided to give it a try. He ended up mentoring the class, which has grown to become one of the most popular groups meeting at the center. "We're funded by the Peabody Cultural Council and the Friends of the Peabody Council on Aging," Sipple said. "They supply the funds so we don't charge for the lessons or the lumber; it's all free. All you have to do is come and bring your body with you and we'll tell you how to do it. We've even had women in the class and we encourage more women to join. We have plenty of guys here to help even people who have never built a model before." The group is now preparing for a model ship exposition that will take place at the Torigian Senior Center, 79 Central St., Peabody, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 6 and 7. Handcrafted miniature ship models on display will range from Colonial schooners to World War II warships. And, if you would like to meet some very friendly and interesting people and learn more about model ship building at the same time, then consider coming to the Torigian Center any Monday at 12:30 p.m. where the model shipbuilders assure you of a warm welcome. * * * Though the more than 50-year-old Peabody Lions Club has long been involved in eye research, the club reaches out to the community in many other ways as well. The club welcomes new members, both men and women. Meetings, which include dinner and a program, are held the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Angelica's Restaurant, Route 114, Middleton. Anyone interested in membership is invited to attend a meeting. For information, contact club President Barry Feinstein at (978) 531-7450; fax (978) 531-7123 or e-mail: Barry@BarryFeinstein.com. * * * And don't forget to circle the date of Sept. 28 and the time of 1 p.m. - that's when the first meeting of the season of the Peabody AARP Chapter 4806 will be held at the Torigian Center. And in the meantime, check out the local cable TV Channel 22 at 5 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month when the chapter's "Senior Corner" program airs with co-hosts Bill Toomey and Ray Stoey. If you miss the live broadcast, don't despair - the program is repeated at 5 p.m. on subsequent Wednesdays. The Club News column appears every other Friday in Arts & Leisure. If your club or organization has news to share, call Cynthia Garber at (978) 531-5863; e-mail: cgarber@star.net or fax: (978) 531-5863. r Good causes BIG SISTERS: The Big Sister Association of Greater Boston seeks women older than 20 to become Big Sisters to girls between the ages of 7 and 15. An orientation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 18 at noon at the Peabody office, 47-49 Central St. Call (978) 531-5405 or visit www.bigsisters.org. HABITAT HOUSE: Habitat for Humanity of the North Shore is currently renovating a house at 18 Crombie St. in Salem. Local families of four or five people with an income up to $33,000 may download an application at www.habitatforhumanity-northshore.com and send the completed forms to 215 Maple St., Lynn, MA 01904 by Aug. 30. SAVE LIVES: The local American Red Cross needs volunteer health and safety instructors to teach CPR, first aid, baby-sitting, and safety classes, which are held weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays at the Peabody office, 85 Lowell St. A commitment of six classes a year is ideal. An instructor's training course will begin in September. Call (978) 531-2280 for information. READING COACHES: SenorCare RSVP America Reads is looking for volunteers to coach children with reading both in school and after school in the Hamilton/Wenham area. Training will be provided and coaching will begin in the fall of the new school year. Call Joan at (978) 468-1193. HAVEN FROM HUNGER: The Haven from Hunger, 71 Wallis St., Peabody, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the distribution of groceries, and at 5 p.m. for dinner. All are welcome. Haven from Hunger is in need of the following food items: pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, and jelly. Call (978) 531-1530. HELP STUDENTS: Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry is in need of individuals willing to tutor high school students in math and English. The Pantry also seeks volunteers to help organize back-to-school items. Call (978) 927-1561. ANIMAL LOVERS: Peabody Animal Shelter is looking for volunteers to spend two to four hours per week caring for homeless animals. No experience necessary; training will be provided. Morning and evening shifts are available Sunday through Saturday. Call (978) 531-7478. CARS NEEDED: Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry, which offers many emergency services to local families in need, is looking for donations of vehicles. To donate a used car, call Cars Helping America at (866) 949-3668. DRIVERS NEEDED: The American Red Cross, located at 85 Lowell St. in Peabody, seeks volunteers to transport clients to and from medical appointments during business hours. Vehicle is provided; a current driver's license and clean driving record are required. Call (978) 531-2280. SENIOR SERVICES: Volunteers are needed at North Shore Elder Services, a Danvers-based organization that aims to make life easier for seniors in all North Shore communities. Those who wish can volunteer to visit and call, go food shopping, and/or provide transportation for a lonely senior citizen. Call (978) 750-4540, Ext. 288. HELP A CHILD: Due to a shortage of foster homes throughout the North Shore, children in need of help are sent to other communities, becoming separated from their schools, friends, family and other supports. To support a child in your community by becoming a foster parent, call (978) 825-3862 or (800) KIDS-508. HELP A NEIGHBOR: Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry seeks volunteers to pick up furniture donations and deliver them to needy families. Call (978) 927-1561. RED CROSS RECRUITS: The Greater Beverly Chapter of the America Red Cross seeks young adults ages 18 to 27 who are interested in becoming members of the NRPC-National Preparedness and Response Corps, a national young adult disaster response corps. Members receive an education award of $2,362 upon completion of the training program and a minimum of 900 hours of service. To apply, call (978) 922-2224. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: The Special Olympics Massachusetts is a rapidly growing organization, and the need for volunteers has greatly increased. It seeks people to help with mailing, phone calls, and other office work. Headquarters are located at 450 Maple St., Building 1, Danvers. Call (978) 774-1501, Ext. 221. MENTORS NEEDED: Children's Friend Mentoring Program is seeking volunteers for its mentoring program for children ages 7 to 14 in North Shore communities. Mentors and mentees spend about six hours per month together. Support for mentors is available. Call Sandi Fecteau at (978) 744-7905, Ext. 374 to register. VEHICLE DONATIONS: The Melanoma Education Foundation, a Peabody-based nonprofit that provides skin cancer education, is accepting vehicle donations. To donate a used vehicle or boat, call Cars Helping America at (866) 949-3668. MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS: The North Shore Children's