Online Plus Edition Friday, August 13, 2004
|
PoliceB Salem Wednesday * A Swampscott man reported that his car was damaged and he suspects the culprits are people who work with his wife. According to police, the 2003 Jeep Liberty was completely covered with hair spray while it was parked on Federal Street right next to the Probate Court. Thursday * Kyle Kauth, 17, 36 Palmer St., Salem, was arrested on three outstanding warrants, two from Newburyport and one from Salem. According to the police report, "While booking the defendant, two glassine Ziploc baggies with what appeared to be Class D marijuana were found in his rolled up pant leg." Possession of marijuana was added to the charges against him. * Luis O. Sosa, 24, 292 Washington St., Salem, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana and operating an unlicensed vehicle after Patrolman Richard Wilcock stopped and asked him to move his van. * A store on Bridge Street reported that a papier mache tomato atop their roof was damaged when it was knocked to the ground. Vandals are suspected. Beverly Thursday * A 12-year-old boy was the victim of a hit-and-run accident yesterday at around 1 p.m. at Cabot and Bennet streets. Police had no information on the condition of the victim, Jesus Reyes, as of last night. Peabody Wednesday * Someone stole the "No Parking" signs on Ellsworth Road. Police have alerted the Public Works Department to replace them. * Christopher Brown, 27, 305 Boston St., Lynn, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Patrolman Sean Dowd made the arrest. * A Gardner Street resident reported a "white male wearing a silver jump suit with muscle shirt, peeping through windows across the street," late in the evening. Thursday * Four vehicles, with a total value of over $100,000, were stolen from the Avis Rent-a-Car lot on Route 1. Taken were two Ford Explorers and two Chevy Trailblazers. Danvers Wednesday * Scott Kentel, 43, 10 Freeman Court, Lawrence, was arrested and charged with drunken driving and a marked lanes violation. Swampscott Thursday * Police arrested William O'Neil, 20, of Swampscott, after answering a call of an intoxicated man at Cherry Street. O'Neil was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and assault and battery on a police officer. "There were no substantial injuries," said Lt. Thomas Stephens. "He fought the arrest." Making the arrest were Patrolmen Todd Pierce, Thomas Hennessy and Sgt. Joseph Kable.
DEATH NOTICESBy Julio Chuy Staff writer
AUBERTIN -- Of Salem, Aug. 11, George A. Aubertin, 81, devoted husband of the late Grace (LeBlanc) Aubertin; son of the late George and Clara (Mercier) Aubertin; father of Rene Jude Aubertin and his companion Kathy Lobao and Marc George Aubertin and his partner Michael Kleinschmidt. Funeral Saturday at 8:15 a.m. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (corner of North Street), Salem, to be followed by a funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours today, Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to College Scholarship Fund of A.A.R.P., Salem Chapter 2454, P.O. Box 4572, Salem, MA 01970-0902, the Richelieu Club, c/o Roland Pelletier, 22 Piedmonte St., Salem, MA 01970 or the Salem Council on Aging, 5 Broad St., Salem, MA 01970. For more information, call (978) 744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com. (8/13) DERBA -- Of Salem, formerly of Peabody, Theresa C. (Tobin) Derba, age 73, wife of the late James J. Derba; daughter of the late John and Anastasia (Fitzgerald) Tobin; mother of James J. Derba and Michelle Travis. Funeral Monday at 9:15 a.m. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (corner of North Street), Salem, to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Adelaide’s Church, Peabody. Visiting hours Sunday, from 2 to 6 p.m. Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Peabody. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. (8/13) GIAKOUMIS -- Of Lynn, Aug. 11, Theodora (Papanicolau), 85. Wife of the late Theodore Giakoumis; mother of Myra Armstrong of Florida, Elaine Merrill of New Hampshire, Dean Giakoumis of North Reading, Frank Giakoumis of Lynn and the late Carole Olivera. Sister of the late George and Peter Pappas and Cleo Lewis. Leaves 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral from Solimine Landergan & Richardson Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn Monday at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Service in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Lynn at 10 a.m. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Sunday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. For directions and guest book, visit www.solimine.com. (8/13) PLEASE RUN WITH FLAG HAYES -- Of Beverly, Aug. 11, 2004, Paul Martin Hayes Sr., 81, husband of Dorothy M. (Majeski) Hayes. Father of Paul M. Hayes Jr. and his wife Jessica of Beverly. Brother of Richard J. Hayes and his wife Dorothy of Revere and Eileen Perrotti and her husband Carmen of Florida. Grandfather of Michael and Ryan Hayes, and many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be from the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, Monday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, Beverly at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours are Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Beverly. (8/13) flag with kefalas KEFALAS - Of Peabody, Peter Kefalas, 78, formerly of Lynn, Aug. 9, 2004. Beloved husband of Demetria (Kooshkalis) Kefalas, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Loving father of Gail Goodman and her husband Gary and Linda Kefalas of Lynn; Nick and his wife Diane of Billerica and Stephen and his wife Robyn of Wenham. Dear brother of James, Esther Agganis and her husband Louis, and Delma Mamos and her husband Nick, all of Lynn and the late Arthur Kefalas. Brother-in-law of Kay Kefalas of Florida. Cherished grandfather of six and one great-grandchild. Also leaves many nieces and nephews. Funeral from Vazza's Lynn Funeral Home, 311 Western Ave. (Route 107), Lynn, today (Friday) at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral service in St. Vasilios Church, Peabody at 10 a.m. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery. Late U.S. Navy veteran, World War II. Late member of Saugus Italian Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 240 and Franco-American Club Post 161. Former employee of West Lynn Creamery. For guestbook and directions, vazzafunerals.com. (8/11) McNEILL -- Of Greensboro, N.C., and Salem, Robert P., 64, McNeill, died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004 at 11 a.m. at Saint James Church, Federal Street, Salem. (8/12, 8/13) RODERICK -- In Peabody, Aug. 12, Olen A. Roderick, 84, formerly of Salem. Son of the late Olen and Bertha Roderick. A graveside funeral service will be held Tuesday in Central Cemetery, Hale St., Beverly at 10 a.m. There are no visiting hours. Arrangements by the Lee, Moody and Russell Funeral Home, 9 Dane St., Beverly. (8/13) SHULAYKO -- Of Ipswich, Jean L., Aug. 12, aunt of Marlene Kelley, Patricia Achramowicz, Georgia Lewis, Stanley Hludzinski, Stephen Achramowicz and Keith Achramowicz. Her funeral will be held tomorrow, Saturday, at 8 a.m. from the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich, followed by a funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Church, Linebrook Rd., Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. There are no visiting hours. Interment in the Highland Cemetery, Ipswich. (8/13) SPAGNUOLO -- Of Swampscott, Aug. 11, Theresa Olga (Barbuzzi), age 72. Wife of the late Louis F. "Larry" Spagnuolo; mother of Julie Lanzi and Edward Spagnuolo, both of Swampscott and Lois Spagnuolo of Lynn; sister of Helen DeLuca and Jean Haberek, both of Lynn and the late Donald Alfred and Jerry Barbuzzi; cousin of Federico Casarano of Lynn; leaves six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral from Solimine Landergan & Richardson Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn, Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in Holy Family Church, Lynn at 11 a.m. Burial in Swampscott Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Friday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Directions and guest book at www.solimine.com. (8/13) TOOMEY - Catherine T. (Murray), of Brighton, Aug. 10, 2004, beloved wife of the late Edmund L. Toomey. Mother of Mary (Toomey) and her husband Robert Chalifour of Marblehead. Sister-in-law of Gert Toomey of West Roxbury. Grandmother of Tyler, Susan, Marc, and Jeffrey Chalifour. Great-grandmother of Joshua Chalifour. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home, 35 Henshaw St. (opposite St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and behind police station), Brighton, Saturday at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass in Our Lady of the Presentation Church at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours are Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to Our Lady of the Presentation Grammar School, c/o Sr. Mary Duke SND, 12 Tip Top St., Brighton, MA 02135 would be appreciated. Funeral home is accessible to all. (8/12, 8/13)
OBITUARIESBy Julio Chuy Staff write Peter Kefalas, 78 PEABODY - Peter Kefalas, 78, of Peabody, formerly of Lynn, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004. Born in Lynn, he was the son of Nicholas and Angela (Saradides) Kefalas. He was raised and educated in Lynn and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. Mr. Kefalas served as a first class seaman in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he was employed as a milkman for West Lynn Creamery. He is survived by his wife, Demetria (Kooshkalis) Kefalas; two daughters, Gail Goodman and Linda Kefalas of Lynn; two sons, Nick of Billerica and Stephen of Wenham; a brother, James, and two sisters, Esther Agganis and Delma Mamos, all of Lynn; a sister-in-law, Kay Kefalas of Florida; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. photo 040812_SN_OBIT_SPAGNUOLO Theresa Olga (Barbuzzi) Spagnuolo, 72 SWAMPSCOTT -- Theresa Olga (Barbuzzi) Spagnuolo, 72, died suddenly Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was the wife of the late Louis "Larry" Spagnuolo. Born in Lynn, Feb. 29, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Angelina (Lapomo) Barbuzzi. She grew up in Lynn and had lived in Swampscott since 1958. Mrs. Spagnuolo was an owner and cook at the former Napoli Pizza in Summer Street, Lynn. Previously, she had worked in Central Service at Lynn Hospital and was a former cashier at the Stop & Shop in Lynn. She enjoyed Bingo at the Moose Lodge in Salem. She was also a volunteer at the Swampscott Senior Center. She enjoyed baby-sitting for her grandchildren. She is survived by two daughters, Julie Lanzi of Swampscott and Lois Spagnuolo of Lynn; a son, Edward Spagnuolo of Swampscott; two sisters, Helen DeLuca and Jean Haberek, both of Lynn; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a cousin, Federico Casarano of Lynn and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Donald, Alfred and Jerry Barbuzzi. photo 040812_SN_OBIT_DERBA Theresa C. (Tobin) Derba, 73 Salem -- Theresa C. "Teri" (Tobin) Derba, 73, formerly of Peabody, died early Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004 following a long illness. She was the wife of the late James Derba Jr. Born in Everett, she was the daughter of the late John and Anastasia (Fitzgerald) Tobin. Mrs. Derba attended the Immaculate Conception Grammar School in Malden and St. Margaret’s Hospital Nursing Training School in Dorchester. She was employed in many hospitals as a registered nurse, including the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston City Hospital. An accomplished artist, she enjoyed writing and painting and while living in Swampscott, Mrs. Derba became a member of the Swampscott Arts Association. She had also been a member of the Danvers Arts Association. She also enjoyed music. She is survived by a son James Derba of the North Shore; a daughter, Michelle Travis of Barrington, R.I.; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Christopher and Lucas Travis, all of Barrington, R.I., and several nieces and nephews. 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. Filomeno Cipollone, 72 LARGO, Fla. -- Filomeno "Bob" Cipollone, 72, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004 at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Fla. Born in Salem, Mass., Mr. Cipollone moved from Bradford, Mass., to Largo in 1998. Mr. Cipollone served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While living in Massachusetts, he was employed as a civil engineer for the Massachusetts Highway Department and also was the co-owner of Time Machine in Tewksbury. He was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Largo. He is survived by his wife, Charlene, with whom he shared 24 years; sons, Lawrence Cipollone of Burke, Vt., Robert Cipollone of Boston, Mass.; daughters, Lauren Gonzalez of Largo, Elaine Tennant of Kansas City, Mo., and 10 grandchildren. Paul Martin Hayes Sr., 81 BEVERLY -- Paul Martin Hayes Sr., 81, died Wednesday Aug. 11, 2004 at Backus Hospital in Norwich, Conn. He was the husband of Dorothy (Majeski) Hayes, with whom he spent 52 years of marriage. Born in Plymouth. He was the son of the late Martin and Stella (Devine) Hayes. Mr. Hayes was an honorably discharged veteran. He served during World War II as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and during the Korea War in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the USS Harveson DE 316 Group. He attended the group's annual reunion. Mr. Hayes enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Paul Hayes Jr. and his wife Jessica of Beverly; a brother, Richard Hayes and his wife Dorothy of Revere; a sister, Eileen Perrotti and her husband Carmen of Florida; two grandsons, Michael and Ryan Hayes and many nieces and nephews. photo 040812_SN_OBIT_BARONI Ernest Lawrence Baroni Jr., 65 MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- Ernest Lawrence "Ernie" Baroni Jr., 65, of Middletown and Beverly, Mass., died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004 at home in Beverly. He was the son of the late Ernest and Lillian Baroni. Born in Middletown, July 28, 1939, Mr. Baroni Jr., served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1963. He is survived by two daughters, Tamara Lee Harley of Portland and Allison Elizabeth Baroni of East Dorset, Vt.; a son, Ernest Lawrence Baroni III of Boston; a sister, Beverly Watral of Higganum; and his companion, Karen Shea of Beverly. photo 040812_SN_OBIT_GIAKOUMIS Theodora (Papanicolau) Giakoumis, 85 LYNN -- Theodora (Papanicolau) Giakoumis, 85, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004 in her home, after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Theodore Giakoumis and the daughter of the late Meletios and Kaliroi (Panagopoulos) Papanicolau. Born and raised in Lynn, she lived in Lynn all her life. She was educated in Lynn schools. She worked as a cook at KinderCare in Salem for more than 20 years. She was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting and baking. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Giakoumis is survived by two daughters, Myra Armstrong of Oakland Park, Fla., and Elaine Merrill of Pittsfield, N.H.; two sons Dean Giakoumis of North Reading and Frank Giakoumis of Lynn; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Carole Olivera and the sister of the late George and Peter Pappas and Cleo Lewis. George A. Aubertin, 81 SALEM -- George A. Aubertin, 81, husband of the late Grace (LeBlanc) Aubertin of Salem died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004 at home following a brief battle with cancer. Born and educated in Lawrence, he was the son of the late George and Clara (Mercier) Aubertin. Mr. Aubertin received his degree in Industrial Chemistry from Franklin Technical Institute. In 1943, he began a 41 year career at General Electric Company. During his career, Mr. Aubertin’s projects included developing the first jet engine used during World War II and also working on the engineering team that developed the fuel cell for the Gemini Space Program. Jan. 1, 1984 he retired from General Electric as a member of the Quarter Century Club. For many years he owned and operated "At the Beach with Uncle George" in Seabrook, N.H. He and his late wife were one of the first couples to marry in St. Joseph’s Church, Salem in 1950. He was a lifetime member and founder of the Salem Richelieu Club and served as the first president in 1965. A former member of the Salem Jaycees, in 1967, he was recognized by Archbishop Richard Cardinal Cushing for the implementation of Operation Change Plate. He was a founding member and first president of the A.A.R.P. Salem Chapter 2454. He was also a "Silver Hair" legislator. From 1975 to 1998, he was a member the Salem Housing Authority and had served as both chairman and treasurer. Mr. Aubertin was also a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Veragua Council 76 and a Fourth Degree Member of the Fr. Gabrielle Druillette Assembly. He enjoyed people, cars and travel. During the winter for many years he would travel to Makaha, Oahu, Hawaii. Mr. Aubertin is survived by two sons Rene Jude Aubertin and his companion Kathy Lobao of Salem and Marc George Aubertin and his partner Michael Kleinschmidt of Boston; a sister-in-law, Teresa Gray of Danvers and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Clara Tessier. Olen A. Roderick, 84 PEABODY -- Olen A. Roderick, 84, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 at the Pilgrim Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Peabody. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Olen and Bertha Roderick. He was a former longtime resident of Salem. Mr. Roderick is survived by no immediate family. Barbara Cormier, 101 SALEM -- Barbara Cormier, 101, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004 at the Lafayette Convalescent Home in Marblehead. Born in Canada, she was the daughter of Samuel and Marie (Richard) Cormier. At the age of 10, she and her family moved to Salem, where she eventually worked as a spinner for the former Pequot Mills. When the mills closed, she began working as a nurse's aide and homemaker for the Bertram House in Salem. She later worked for the former Couillard Nursing Home of Salem and retired in 1972. She was a member of St. Joseph Parish and the Salem Council on Aging. Miss Cormier is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by five sisters, Amanda Goyette, Helene Cormier, Lea Talbot, Jeanne Caron and Phyllis Devoe and a brother, Oliver Cormier. Jean L. Shulayko IPSWICH -- Jean L. Shulayko, lifelong Ipswich resident, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 in the Caldwell Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, following a long illness. Born in Ipswich, she was the daughter of John and Ludwika (Lopata) Szulejko and stepdaughter of the late Stephen Achramowicz. She was a graduate of Ipswich public schools and the Burdett College, formerly in Lynn. For many years, she was employed at General Electric in Lynn and later for many years, at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles where she worked as a stenographer. She is survived by three nieces, Marlene Kelley and her husband, David of Safety Harbor, Fla., Patricia Achramowicz of Los Angeles, Calif., Georgia Lewis and her husband, Ralph of Papillon, Neb.; three nephews, Stanley Hludzinski of Phoenix, Ariz., Stephen Achramowicz and his wife, Susan of Alberquere, N.M., Keith Achramowicz and his wife, of Oklahoma City, Okla., and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was the sister of the late Mary Hludzinski and Walter Achramowicz; stepsister to the late Anna Brady, John Achramowicz and Stephen Achramowicz Jr.
LOCAL DEATHSBy Juli BEVERLY Baroni, Ernest Lawrence Jr., 65 Craig, Robert F., 74 Hayes, Paul Martin Sr., 81 IPSWICH Shulayko, Jean L. LYNN Giakoumis, Theodora (Papanicolau), 85 PEABODY Kefalas, Peter, 78 Roderick, Olen A., 84 SALEM Aubertin, George A., 81 Cormier, Barbara, 101 Derba, Theresa C. (Tobin), 73 SWAMPSCOTT Spagnuolo, Theresa Olga (Barbuzzi), 72 OUT OF TOWN Cipollone, Filomeno, 72, of Largo, Fla. Late deaths Mildred Pauline Baker, 92, of North Reading formerly of Peabody, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 in the Sunbridge Care Facility in North Reading. Funeral arrangements will be announced by The O’Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Square (At Salem Common), Salem. Patricia A. "Pat" Cormer, 57, of Salem, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 at her residence following a long illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Commons, Salem.
Chuy Staff writer
Coverage of horrific crime requires tough choicesBy Karen Andreas Staff writer
The newsroom phones have lit up the past several days with readers responding to the chilling news that a little Beverly girl had been sexually abused, allegedly at the hands of her own mother. Office workers who pooled money wanted to know where to send checks. One woman wondered what size shoe the girl wears. Others had stuffed animals to drop off. Many callers simply wanted to vent, offering choice words for Mary Jean Armstrong, who police say allowed two men to repeatedly rape her 9-year-old in exchange for drugs. But a handful of others have questioned our coverage of the story, some saying this type of news does not belong on the front page of their hometown newspaper. One Salem father told me he has two daughters, ages 12 and 9, and didn't want them reading the story and asking questions that no parent wants to answer. I understand. My 8-year-old likes to read the sports section and comics every morning, so I've been especially careful recently to make sure the front page is nowhere in his sight. I don't want him or any other child to read this story, but that doesn't mean it should be buried on page 10. It's an awful story, one that no one wants to read, never mind write. But there were pornographic pictures. Lives are ruined. And you look to The Salem News to tell you about it, but with sensitivity and discretion. That said, callers have also questioned my decision to identify in our news stories the relationship between Mary Jean Armstrong and her daughter, saying doing so in effect identifies the little girl, even though we haven't used her name. Our general policy is to protect the identity of victims of sexual assault, as well as minors. So on the day this news broke, the other editors and I discussed this long and hard. In the end, we decided we had to identify the relationship. That was what made this story so horrific, so troubling. It is not a story about a neighbor accused, or a camp leader, or a baby sitter. It is the mother. She is accused of prostituting her own daughter, bartering the child for drugs. It was that relationship, involving the sacred bond between mother and child, that was the critical detail. I felt we owed this information to our readers. Without it, one can't truly understand the complexities and true dimension of this story. It involves the evils of drugs, the evils of some people, and the need to speak up if you suspect something's wrong. Our reporters are privy to much more detail than we've chosen to write, knowing we must be incredibly sensitive to the child. So we've edited carefully, trying to tell the story in ways that make the facts known without being salacious. I know readers look to this newspaper for coverage that is fair, factual and truthful. In this case, the truth - however painful and disturbing - is that Mary Jean Armstrong is accused of prostituting her child for drugs. Karen Andreas is the editor of The Salem News. She can be reached at 978-338-2671 or via e-mail at kandreas@ecnnews.com
Court bill caps great careerBy Nelson Benton Staff writer
He spent much time during the first half of his 30-year career in the state House of Representatives fighting for the construction of a new bridge between Salem and Beverly, and J. Michael Ruane will leave office this winter having played a key role in brokering the deal that should allow his city to retain its role as the judicial seat of northeastern Massachusetts well into the 21st century. There's little wonder that the sometime irascible legislator was all smiles this week. Ruane had spent the waning hours of the legislative session running between the House and Senate leadership's offices at the Statehouse - he estimates he must have covered a total of 10 miles in a single day - making sure the courthouse bond bill stayed alive. In the end, with the help of state Sen. Frederick E. Berry, D-Peabody, and a unanimous vote of the House, a bill was approved authorizing funds for the modernization and expansion of the courthouse complex on Salem's Federal Street. The bill was signed into law this week by Gov. Mitt Romney, who cautioned that with the state bumping up against the legal debt ceiling, construction might still be years away. Nevertheless, Ruane can retire at the end of his current term knowing that once again he delivered the bacon for his city. * * * Talk of major construction projects like the courthouse and the planned new parking garage at the Salem train station had Ruane ruminating about the long fight to get the new bridge over the Danvers River built years ago. He spoke of the political courage displayed by former colleague Frances Alexander of Beverly, whose advocacy for the project may have been a factor in his losing her seat to a flash-in-the-pan Republican. And he expressed his continuing frustration over the delays in the construction of a bypass road that was supposed to connect the bridge with downtown Salem. * * * Pride in the city's schools helped propel Salem Mayor Stanley Usovicz to victory over challenger John Donahue three years ago. But given the current turmoil, particularly at the high school, he has to be wondering whether the education card will be a liability in 2005. Despite speculation to the contrary, by the way, Usovicz has made it clear to several people, including potential opponents, that he has every intention of running for another term next year. * * * State Rep. Ted Speliotis, D-Danvers, has picked up the endorsement of the Bay State chapter of the Sierra Club whose chairman, Mary Ann Nelson, describes him as one who has "shown a deep commitment to environmental protection to ensure a better quality of life for all and to protect the health and safety of our families." * * * The Beverly Democratic City Committee will hold its annual summer cookout next Saturday (Aug. 21) from 2 to 4 p.m. at the home of Gary and Lynne Barrett at 8 Shore Ave., Beverly. Tickets are $15 apiece. For additional information, call Duane Anderson at (978) 922-2368.
Another green light for Blue Line to LynnBy Nelson Benton Staff writer
Last month's Democratic National Convention gave North Shore commuters a taste - though not a particularly good one - of the potential benefits of a Blue Line extension to Lynn. All that week, those taking the train to Boston were let out at Central Square in downtown Lynn where they boarded buses that took them to South Station. On the way home they were encouraged to take the Blue Line to Wonderland in Revere from where buses would take them back to Lynn for the train ride home. By all accounts, people in Lynn did a wonderful job making the itinerants welcome, offering them coffee and doughnuts as they transferred from train to bus. They did so envisioning a time when Central Square becomes a true transportation hub, offering train service to North Station, rapid transit service to Logan Airport and Boston's Government Center, bus service to points throughout the North Shore, and perhaps even maritime service from the nearby waterfront to the airport and other Boston Harbor terminals. It's a dream well worth pursuing that promises vast benefits not only for Lynn, but the entire North of Boston region to which that city is an important gateway. Key to this effort is the extension of the Blue Line rapid transit service across the Saugus River and into Central Square where the train station and its underutilized new parking garage are located. Under the best of circumstances, we won't see the project for another 10 years, but it did get a major boost this week when Gov. Mitt Romney signed off on a transportation bond bill committing the state to paying half of its estimated $1 billion cost (in 2014 dollars), providing the federal government pays the other half. U.S. Rep. John Tierney, D-Salem, has thus far managed to keep the federal share of the project in the comprehensive transportation bill now making its way through Congress and is hopeful it will be part of the final document that will be voted on this fall. "It's looking very good," state Sen. Thomas McGee, D-Lynn, commented this week regarding the latest developments. That should come as welcome news to all those living North of Boston who would jump at the opportunity to escape the fumes and frustration a drive into Boston currently entails.
Looking for vision from Salem state rep. candidates
To the Editor: It is unfortunate that no more than 50 Salem residents showed up to meet the candidates at the forum sponsored by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association at the Knights of Columbus hall on Aug. 4. I enjoyed reading that both Democratic candidates support civil rights for all and will not consider a constitutional amendment removing rights from individuals. However, it appears that the leading candidates are still a bit far away with substance, relying on rhetoric and name recognition. Joan Lovely vows not to increase the state income tax and John Keenan promises to keep local real estate taxes in check. Both agree that prescription drugs are too expensive. I found all this laudable until I read in The Salem News that both candidates believe they must fight for affordable housing, the city's power plant and the construction of a new courthouse complex. I would much prefer to see the next state representative from the 7th Essex provide a view to the future. Salem needs to grow and we need to begin thinking about what happens when Salem Harbor Station is retired, not how to prolong feeding and patching a dirty and aging power plant of questionable value. The average lifespan of a coal-fired plant is 40 years. Salem Harbor Station has celebrated its 53rd birthday. Many experts believe that the plant has less than 10 years of productive use remaining. Salem has yet to initiate discussion on any reuse of the site. The community needs to determine how to increase the value of the real estate rather than assuming it is worth no more than the $4.5 million in taxes being paid now. With the views expressed above, neither Democratic candidate is providing input on our fiscal path to the future. I invite the candidates to respond with their vision, their beliefs and their commitments. And I look forward to being more informed about what the candidates can and will do before I vote in September. David J. Bowie Salem
Sad end for brave cat
To the Editor: It is with deep regret that we inform you Chico, the cat rescued from a burning home on Harris Street in Peabody last month, passed away on Monday, Aug. 9, 2004. Chico was certainly loved, not only by Peabody Animal Life Savers volunteers and the Borash Veterinary Clinic staff, but by the general public. The cards, donations and the calls of concern proved this. When the public responds as it did for Chico and our animal shelter, it makes our heartbreaking work as volunteers worthwhile. For this, we at Peabody Animal Life Savers would like to extend our appreciation. Without continual donations and fund-raisers, Peabody Animal Life Savers Shelter would be nonexistent. Thank you for your kindness! We would also like to thank Ben Casselman and The Salem News for their concern and assistance. Without them, you would not have known about our wonderful friend and trouper, Chico. Nina Capozzi For the Board of Directors and Volunteers Peabody Animal Life Savers (PALS) Peabody
Salem H.S. principal doing what's best for her students
To the Editor: After reading the story concerning the cancellation of the City Council meeting in regards to the School Department, I can't help but respond and applaud the actions of council President Leonard O'Leary. I am a proud parent of a just-graduated senior and an incoming freshman to Salem High School. The part of your article that stated Councilor Michael Bencal's comment about Dr. Papagiotas needing to learn how to communicate really got to me. I have had numerous scheduled meetings and chance meetings with her and have found her not only accessible and supportive, but kind, caring and with a sense of doing what is best for all students at Salem High School. When I had concerns last year with all the "chitchat" that I heard coming from the school, I went to see her. She met with me immediately. She helped me understand that even though as a parent I "think" I know what is best for my child, the administration has a larger picture and that is to do what's best for all children. Her kind words and articulate vision helped me understand the purpose of the restructuring and how it will in turn benefit all students. My daughter was the recipient of the Salem News Student-Athlete Award this year. She stated, she loved to go to school every day. Funny how some young students thrived in the wonderful building under Dr. Papagiotas' leadership. Jess could not have accomplished so many initiatives without the support of the administration and Dr. Papagiotas' commitment. I hope that in the future, parents and students that can see the vision of a "great" education experience in our nearby future are quoted in your articles alongside others. We all know that there may never be total resolution with these situations, but I hope that we are all resolved to getting on with the pleasure of participating in the education and the successes of the wonderful children in the city of Salem. I am a parent looking toward the future! Rhonda Andler Salem (Editor's note: Salem City Council President Leonard O'Leary announced earlier this month that despite a June council vote requesting same, he would not be scheduling a meeting to discuss concerns about the atmosphere at the high school and other educational issues. Both School Superintendent Herbert Levine and Mayor Stanley Usovicz, who serves as chairman of the School Committee, deemed such a meeting inappropriate.)
Salem linked to famous poetBy 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.
Church closingsBy Tom Dalton Staff writer
Parish City Closing Date St. Joseph Salem Aug. 15, 2004 St. Alphonsus Beverly/Danvers Aug. 29, 2004 St. Thomas* Salem/Peabody December 2004 St. Margaret* Beverly November 2005 * Under appeal
Postal workers raise $500 for abused girl, brotherBy Tom Dalton Staff writer
SALEM - Salem postal workers raised $500 for the children of the Beverly woman accused of prostituting her 9-year-old daughter in exchange for drugs. "The community does come together when something horrific like this happens," said Eddie Lendall, a letter carrier. "We took up a collection around the office ... The money just flowed as soon as we mentioned what it was for." The Salem postal workers issued a challenge to other government workers, unions and businesses to hold their own benefits for the daughter and 13-year-old autistic son of Mary Jean Armstrong of Beverly. Armstrong and two men accused of sexually abusing the girl are being held without bail. The children are in the custody of the state Department of Social Services. "This just gives those kids a sense that people do care," Lendall said.
Man sentenced to prison for attack on ex-girlfriendBy Julie Manganis Staff writer
SALEM - A Gloucester man admitted yesterday to beating and choking his former girlfriend as their 7-year-old daughter watched -- an incident that so traumatized the girl that she still wakes up in the middle of the night to check the locks on her doors and windows, her mother said. David MacDougall said he still doesn't know why he attacked his former girlfriend on July 15, 2003, when she showed up to pick up their daughter. "I wish I could explain it," MacDougall told a judge. "I really do." MacDougall, 39, of 7 Springfield St., pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault and battery yesterday during a hearing in Salem Superior Court, where Judge Patrick Riley sentenced him to four to five years in state prison, followed by three years of probation. Prosecutor Jessica Connors, who had asked for a longer, five-to-seven year term, said police were called to MacDougall's home by his own mother -- who had pulled MacDougall off his ex-girlfriend, who had gone unconscious from the attack, moments earlier. The attack was witnessed by their daughter, who yelled "Daddy, stop, Daddy, no, stop hitting Mommy," according to her mother. Police found both women outside, MacDougall's former girlfriend bloodied, bruised, with fingernail marks on her neck. MacDougall had left, though he told his mother he would turn himself in. "He tried to kill me," the woman told police. "He told me he was going to kill me." MacDougall yesterday tried to explain: "I was trying to get my daughter to stay with me," he said. Earlier that day he had gone to the Essex Probate Court, but a judge refused to change the custody order. Then he went to the Gloucester police station, asking if he could keep his daughter, and was told he would be in violation of a court order. When his former girlfriend showed up to pick up their daughter, "I was stressed out," MacDougall told the judge. "I don't know what happened. It all blew up. I think I may have been suffering from delirium." At the police station, he described pressing his thumbs into her throat, admitting that he almost killed her -- and, how, if given another chance, would do so. After explaining to the judge that he had been up for about four days, he added, "I obviously wasn't in my right state of mind, for me to turn myself in and to say the things I said." But his former girlfriend said the attack has had a lasting impact on both her and their daughter. Not only did the woman, 40, require physical therapy for damaged muscles and tendons in her arm, but her daughter has been in therapy ever since for the emotional trauma. "My daughter doesn't want me out of her sight," said the woman, adding that the little girl often wakes up in the middle of the night to check on her and to check the doors and windows to make sure they're locked. "(She) will never forget what she saw," the woman said in her victim-impact statement to the court, which was read by Connors. Though the woman, who sat in the back of the courtroom, had not wanted to directly address the judge, Riley ordered her to the witness stand so that he could question her. Riley wanted to know the potential impact of removing MacDougall from the girl's life for a long period -- a question the woman said she couldn't answer. "Is there any chance of restoration of a relationship?" Riley asked the woman, who again said she doesn't know. "Do you think he poses a threat to her?" the judge then asked. "Yes I do," said the woman. Defense lawyer Andrew Benson asked for a shorter prison term of three to five years, telling the judge, "I think the court can see his regret is very sincere." Benson said MacDougall also hopes someday to have contact again with his daughter. "Obviously on the day of this incident he lost control to such a degree that he almost killed a woman," Riley said. "What's before me is there was a violent attack on this woman, in front of her child. There were several victims here." Yet Riley said he was considering a jail term instead of prison, questioning the prosecutor's recommendation. "A typical sentence on a household abuse is not five to seven years," he told the prosecutor. Connors spoke up, arguing that her recommendation was based on the facts of the case. "He tried to take her life and he got very close," said the prosecutor. Riley went on to criticize the sentencing structure, which he said gave him little discretion, before imposing a four-to-five year prison term. He then added that MacDougall's lack of a record was a factor in his decision.
Storm clouds cast shadow on another summer weekendBy Ben Casselman Staff writer
Sailors are notoriously superstitious, so the fact that Bonnie -- the area's first tropical storm of the season -- is blowing into town on Friday the 13th is sure to set more than a few old salts on edge. Bad omens notwithstanding, all indications are that the region will get plenty of rain, but be spared the worst of the winds. But that's little comfort to North Shore boaters, who are facing yet another weekend washout in a summer that's seen far too few perfect summer Saturdays. And it's not just boaters who are suffering, but boating-related businesses as well. "It's just this weather," said Jeff Leblanc of Portside Marine in Danvers, which repairs boats. "Nobody's going out and breaking their boats." If the weekends have been bad, though, there have been more than a few pleasant weekdays. According to Assistant Beverly Harbormaster Edward Hathon, boaters frustrated with lousy weekends are starting to take advantage of the better weather during the week. "People have been calling in sick from work, and you see a lot of guys out there at two o'clock in the afternoon with their business suits on," Hathon said. "If you pay for the boat, you've got to get some use out of it." Batten down the hatches Of course, if you want to get use out of your boat, you have to make sure it doesn't end up washed up on the rocks in this weekend's storms. Local harbormasters recommended checking mooring tackle, testing bilge pumps and batteries, and securely stowing any loose items. That should keep boats safe if the winds remain moderate. But some forecasters are suggesting it could get windy - and if that happens, said Salem Harbormaster Peter Gifford, boats could break loose. "Once it gets to a certain point, there's nothing that can be done," Gifford said. "Brand-new pennants will chafe through in minutes if the waves get to a certain height." There is one thing you can do: haul your boat. Gifford said if forecasters predict high winds, it's safest to pull boats out of the water. Once the winds do kick up, though, leave your boat alone, Hathon warned. "Sometimes you have people that wait and they go out in the middle of the storm," Hathon said. "It's only property, so wait until the storm is over to check on your boat." Friendly waters One ship that won't have to worry about the coming storms is the tall ship Friendship. The Friendship set sail yesterday for Portsmouth, N.H., where it will spend the weekend. The trip had been planned for weeks and is unrelated to tropical storms Bonnie and Charley, but it does have the nice side effect of keeping the ship safe. The trip also provided anyone on the water yesterday with a rare and beautiful site: a tall ship under full sail. "It's a pretty cool site seeing that thing under sail," Hathon said. The trip, by the way, takes only a few hours - Friendship was safe in her berth well before any storms rolled in. Friendship is due back in Salem on Tuesday. Less friendly waters Let's hope the Friendship has better luck than the Islander, a 38-foot cabin cruiser that ran aground off Misery Island Monday night. The Gloucester-based boat struck bottom around 10 p.m. The accident ripped out the Islander's drive shafts, and the boat quickly began sinking. Fortunately, the harbormaster was nearby assisting the Salem Police Department's dive team with a training dive and was able to help. "We just happened to be out there," Gifford said. "He was lucky. ... He would've definitely sank." The boat's owner said he had been trying to cheat inside a channel marker, but Gifford said he suspected he was trying to cut between House Island and Manchester - not a good idea even in a smaller boat. "It's one thing to do it with an outboard," Gifford said. "It's another thing to try it with a cabin cruiser." Young guns When a 12-year-old boy and a bunch of friends pulled into Pickering Wharf this week in a massive, gleaming powerboat, something seemed amiss, and someone called the harbormaster. After all, it's not every day a middle-schooler cruises into port in an $80,000 boat with twin-225 horsepower engines. Indeed, Gifford called it "the most unusual call of the week." But that didn't make it any less legal. In Massachusetts, and in most states, anyone between 12 and 16 can drive any boat as long as they take a basic safety course. "It's all perfectly legal," Gifford said. "I just found it incredible that a kid that young could be driving something that big." Harbor Watch will run every Friday in The Salem News through the boating season. Have an event coming up? Seen something interesting out on the water? Contact staff reporter Ben Casselman at (978) 338-2529 or by e-mail at bcasselman@ecnnews.com.
Little bark means big win at dog show
SALEM - Six-year-old Bailey Roffman was pretty disappointed when he opened The Salem News on Sunday and didn't see his name listed. Because of an organizer's error, Bailey and Ena, his white Pomeranian, were left off the list of winners from Sunday's Heritage Days Dog Show on Salem Common. But indeed, the duo from Balcomb Street took home first place in the Americanine Idol (best singer) category. During the show, Ena proved both adorable and intelligent. With three barks she demonstrated how she can add two plus one. And when Bailey's dad Brian asked the dog if she loved him, Ena immediately howled her approval. - Sean Corcoran
Confusion reigns when it comes to tax holidayBy Sean Corcoran Staff wr Tomorrow's sales tax holiday could prove to be a blessing for area retailers, but store managers said many people are confused about how the program works - including them. "A lot of people are coming in with misconceptions," said Vinnie Politano, manager of In Home Furnishings in Peabody. "I've got customers that are having deliveries on Saturday, and they are calling up looking for 5 percent off." Managers don't mind answering the questions, but several retailers said they only learned about the tax amnesty program within the past few weeks themselves. Now they are scrambling to learn the rules, schedule extra workers and maybe even organize a sale or two. The tax holiday appears simple: Tomorrow, any item costing $2,500 or less is exempt from the state's 5 percent sales tax. But "there are a few devils in the details," said Jeff Worthley, executive director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce. For example, anyone considering buying a boat, a meal or a new cell phone is out of luck. All those items are exempt from the program. People also must pay all sales taxes on utility bills. John Psiakis, manager of Carrano Auto Sales in Salem, said he didn't know too much about the program, but was under the impression that people could buy a car for any price and get the sales tax waived for the first $2,500. It doesn't work that way, though, according to the Department of Revenue. Car purchases are exempt from the program, and anyone who buys one tomorrow -- no matter what the price -- will pay the full sales tax. "I don't think the state (did) enough to notify people how this was going to work," Politano said, adding that he was particularly irked that car dealerships were excluded from the amnesty. "God knows they need the help." Some store managers also are sorting through logistical problems, such as reprogramming checkout registers that automatically add in the sales tax. But retailers aren't complaining too loudly. While better publicity and more advanced notice about the program would have been nice, store managers are optimistic that tomorrow will bring in crowds typically only seen during the busy holiday season. At Mattress Giant in Peabody, manager Judy DePippo spent much of her time this week advising customers to put mattresses on layaway, and then call in on Saturday to finalize the sale and get the tax break. "It's going to be real crowded in here on Saturday, so that's what I'm recommending," she said. Craig Torres, the manager of Omni Fitness in Danvers, said he didn't know anything about the tax amnesty until a customer mentioned it two weeks ago, and at first he thought the guy was making it up. Now, Torres is using the day as a sales tool. "It's a good selling point," he said. "Summertime is slow for us. So if someone is on the fence, I'll tell them about the tax holiday." Staff writer Sean Corcoran can be reached at (978) 338-2527 or by e-mail at scorcoran@ecnnews.com. ter
Local church's claim to being first draws rebuttals
SALEM - This is a story with a point, if you don't mind waiting a moment or two. A headline on a story last Saturday read: "Salem church, oldest in America, turns 375." The story under it stated that The First Church in Salem, Unitarian, which began in 1629, was the first church "formed," or organized in North America. At the time, the claim seemed simple enough. But no sooner did it run, then we were hit with lightning bolts of protest, not from God but from members of his flock. A man from Danvers wrote to say that the Reformed Church in America celebrated its 375th anniversary last year. Indeed, the famous Marble Collegiate Church in New York City began in 1628 -- one year before the Salem church. "It seems, therefore," the Danvers reader wrote, "that the information provided in yesterday's article is not as factual as it could have been if some more research had been done." An e-mailer from New Mexico -- darn that Internet! -- had even choicer words. "The oldest church in America is in Santa Fe, New Mexico... 1520s," he wrote. "Get your story straight and learn some history. You New Englanders think you are the center of the universe. Believe me, you're not." Despite his disgust, he was kind enough to send along some links to New Mexico's oldest churches. From what we could discern, there is a San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe that traces its roots to 1610 and has a wooden sign proclaiming "Oldest Church Structure in U.S.A." Just down the road in Plymouth, the First Parish Church, which began in England in 1606, calls itself the "oldest continuous church in New England." It has been battling the Salem church for years over claims of primochurchiture. That's a word, isn't it? Last, but not least, we have Exhibit No. 4 -- St. Augustine, Fla., the oldest city in America. It was founded 42 years before Jamestown and established missions to the Indians before the Pilgrims were in diapers. OK, you get the point of all this. There are about a zillion churches out there that have some claim to being the first or the oldest. In its defense, The First Church in Salem, Unitarian, only claims it was the first church to be founded or organized in this country. The others were established elsewhere or were existing religions. But we are splitting hairs. The moral here is one taught in Journalism 101. Never say anything is the "first," or the "oldest," or the "tallest," or the "shortest," or even the "dumbest." Unless, of course, you are referring to yourself for getting involved in this whole mess. -- Tom Dalton
Kenny G tunes may drive away loiterersBy Tom Dalton and Suzanne Brow SALEM - You may have missed the note in last week's police log. On Tuesday around midnight, a bike was thrown through the window of Bernard's Jewelers on the Essex Street pedestrian mall. The store, which has been around since the 1930s, had to be boarded up. In fact, the boards were still on yesterday. Although there were reports of a suspect in his 40s, nobody was caught and the incident once again set off alarms about the large number of young people hanging out on the mall late at night. That same evening, there were still kids hanging around on skateboards at 3 a.m., according to one person who was there. The city has wrestled for years with the problem of teens and "kids" in their early 20s hanging out down there until all hours. That's the reason the Peabody Essex Museum removed the Paul Revere bell from Armory Park. Kids were jumping on it with skateboards. This summer, the city has made sure the Police Department's bike patrols go through regularly. That seems to be helping, officials said. Several cities across America have even more novel ideas, according to Deb Greel of Salem Main Streets. They pump Kenny G tunes through loud speakers and watch the kids run for their lives. A few cities, she said, have turned to classical music. How about Yanni? Or Barry Manilow? Come on, folks. Let's put our heads together. We can solve this problem. Chowda champs This week's Chowderfest drew around 500 people and was a big hit. Kudos to the Salem Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event. Rockafella's won the top prize for the best chowder and the Baybridge Restaurant on Bridge Street got an honorable mention. Bike run at the Baybridge Speaking of the Baybridge, they're holding a bike run Sunday morning to benefit the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute. The 33-mile motorcycle ride starts at 11 a.m. Check in is at 9 a.m. The restaurant is providing free continental breakfast and lunch. It costs $15 per bike and $10 per passenger. For more information, call the Baybridge at (978) 745-8881. Flower power Janice Charlton of 11 Orleans Ave. said she was "flabbergasted" when her meticulously kept window boxes took first prize in a recent city-sponsored window box competition. "I like pretty," the winner said. She said she changes her six window boxes "religiously" according to the season and also tends to a city-owned plot at the end of her street. Charlton said, "I just have a creative eye. I'm always clipping a dry flower here or fertilizing something there." Her work paid off this year. The first place title came with some "odds and ends for the garden." But for Charlton, "just the recognition is enough, especially because there are so many beautiful window boxes in the city." Winners of the city-sponsored competition were judged by the Salem Garden Club. For the window box event, second prize went to Susan Weldon, 106 Federal St., while Marcy Bergeron of 12 Winter St. took third place honors. Top prize for the traffic island contest went to Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, with Salem Loan & Jewelry taking second place. Third prize went to both Rose Insurance Agency and Camarda Music & Henry Derby Inn.
Staff writers
How to helpThe state Department of Social Services office in Salem is at Shetland Park, 45 Congress St., building 4. Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Anyone with questions can call (978) 825-3800. Checks to benefit the kids can be made out to the DSS Kids Fund, attention: Chris Marshall, 45 Congress St., building 4, Salem, MA 01970.
Salem church readies for final MassBy Tom Dalton Staff write SALEM - St. Joseph's Parish, which began as the spiritual home of French-speaking immigrants from Canada and ends serving the city's newly arrived Hispanic community, will hold its final Mass on Sunday. Although it will be a sad day for many parishioners, who are still puzzled and angered by the closing of the 131-year-old parish, the church community has focused the past few days on making Sunday's service a fitting tribute. "The Mass is going to be magnificent," said Andrea Lausier, the church's music minister. There will be a long procession into the Lafayette Street church before the 3 p.m. Mass, and readings and songs in French, Spanish and English. A dozen priests who served here or grew up in the parish will return to help preside over the Mass. The Rev. Lawrence Rondeau, pastor for the past 21 years, will be the chief celebrant along with Bishop Francis Irwin, who heads the North Region of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. Irwin is not expected to speak at the Mass, but may say a few words at a banquet afterward at St. James Parish Hall. Although plans are not final, the Mass is expected to end with the tolling of the church bells. "The idea was to ring it 131 times for 131 years," said Gisele Deschenes, the chairwoman of the worship committee. The parish has known about the closing since late May, when an announcement was made by Archbishop Sean O'Malley. The official closing letter arrived this Wednesday. St. Joseph's will be the first church in this region to close in this latest round of 82 announced parish closings throughout the archdiocese. St. Joseph's appealed the decision, but soon decided the fight was hopeless. Since the decision was made, St. Joseph's School has made plans to move into the former St. James School; the church's food pantry is relocating to Immaculate Conception Church. While parish leaders have kept busy, it has been difficult these past few weeks making plans to close a church that their grandparents opened. "I was at my computer (writing the final church bulletin) and I was crying the whole time," Deschenes said. Parish leaders say they are determined to hold their heads high and to look to the future, if not of their parish then of the church in Salem, which has had closings announced in the past two years at three of its seven parishes. "We are going to do this with grace, pride and dignity because that's who we are," Lausier, the music minister, said. "We're going out with class," Deacon Norman Lapointe said. In the closing Mass, Rondeau said he plans to stress that the grammar school is surviving and that the legacy of the parish will live on in the children. He also will share his hope that the church in Salem will grow stronger now that it is smaller. "For some people it will be (a death)," he said of the closing of St. Joseph's. "... I don't want it to be that. I want it to be a new life, a transfusion of new life into the (parishes) of this area." Deacon Lapointe said St. Joseph's parishioners are people of deep faith who will continue as strong Catholics and find new homes at new parishes. The Spanish Mass will move to Immaculate Conception, and many other parishioners are expected to go to St. James because it will house St. Joseph's School. "They came out of the ashes in 1914," Lapointe said of the fire that destroyed the church, "and they're going to come out of the ashes today." Staff writer Tom Dalton can be reached at (978) 338-2523 or by e-mail at tdalton @ecnnews.com.
St. Joseph's: faith tested by fireBy Tom SALEM - St. Joseph's Parish, which closes Sunday, has had an extraordinary life that is defined both by The Point and by the Great Salem Fire of 1914. The French-speaking immigrants who came here from Canada in the late 1800s settled in The Point -- or "la Pointe" as they called it -- a tightly packed neighborhood a block from downtown and next to the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Co. where they worked. Along with children and belongings, they brought their Catholic faith. They held their first Mass in 1872 in the basement of Immaculate Conception Church, and were ministered to by the Rev. Matthew Harkins, a priest who had studied French in Paris. They became a parish the next year and soon bought their first church, the old Seamen's Bethel on Herbert Street. In 1881, they acquired an estate on Lafayette Street and subsequently bought up more land to form one large church block. They built a small, wooden Romanesque church in 1884, but eventually outgrew it. It was moved to the back of the property and replaced in 1911 by a magnificent church with two stone towers that stood 185 feet high. It cost $120,000 and was la joie et l'orgueil -- the pride and joy -- of the parish. Three years later, the fire that destroyed much of the city also gutted the new church. All that was left was a shell and a large cement statue of St. Joseph that had been mounted on the church. Like many residents, the French parishioners lost their homes and had to move into tent cities on Salem Common and in other parks. One day, they celebrated a Mass in a field near Palmer Cove, expressing thanks that God had spared their lives. For many years, St. Joseph's held Masses in the basement of the burned-out church and saved money to build a new one. St. Theresa's Chapel opened in the 1940s on Summit Avenue, a half-mile away, providing additional worship space for the growing parish. The Rev. Arthur Mercier, who arrived in 1948 and was pastor until his death in 1966, is still fondly remembered. "He was a stickler about preserving French," said Police Chief Robert St. Pierre, a former St. Joseph's altar boy. "If you were anywhere on parish property, you had to speak French." Under Mercier's leadership, the present church was built in 1950. There is even a legend about the demolition of the old church and the fate of the huge concrete statue of St. Joseph. "According to my father, they dug a hole (in what is now the parking lot) and buried the statue of St. Joseph," St. Pierre said. The first St. Joseph School was built in 1892 -- with separate entrances for the boys and girls. For many years, there was both a grammar school and separate high school on the grounds. Three different orders of religious sisters have taught at the schools. The Sisters of the Assumption came in 1925 and remain in small numbers today. In more recent years, two events that shaped the parish were the arrival of Spanish-speaking immigrants from the Dominican Republic and other countries, and the appointment of the Rev. Lawrence Rondeau, who is in his 21st year as pastor. Rondeau, who continued a proud tradition of pastors of French ancestry, has been given the difficult task of closing the parish just a few years after presiding over its 125th anniversary. "I'm so very pleased and proud that God has chosen me to be their pastor," he said yesterday. "I love the city, the whole community and especially this parish. ... We did a lot of good here." Dalton Staff writer
Sports briefs
Baseball Gallant tourney results: Lynn opened up the Gallant Little League Tournament with a 6-2 win over Beverly last night at Salem's Forest River Park. Lynn scored four runs in the eighth to win it, keyed by a three-run homer by Cory Burt. Justin Sharkey (7 innings, 2 earned runs, 6 hits allowed) got the win and Brian Maynard picked up the save as he came on in the eighth and allowed one hit while striking out three. Josh Atherton collected two hits for Beverly, which is still alive in the double elimination tourney. Ryan Mahan, Austin Butler and Steve Dubois also had hits for Beverly. Mahan took the loss on the mound. In the nightcap, Salem downed Swampscott, 10-3, sparked by a five-run uprising in the fifth inning and a four-run spurt in the sixth. Manny Brea went the distance on the mound for Salem, giving up just one hit and two earned runs while striking out 15 and walking eight. Brea was also an offensive standout with a three-run homer and five RBI. Doug Garabedian had a double for Salem, as did Wesley Koen. Scott Kugel added a triple and Jesse Valerio had a single. Bo Shannon had the only hit for Swampscott, a single in the second. Jake Donahue was the losing pitcher. The tourney resumes tonight with Peabody taking on Gloucester (5:30 p.m.) and Marblehead going against Danvers (7:30 p.m.). 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.
St. Pierre welcomes pressure roleBy Bill Kipouras Staff writer
Nobody has said who's No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3, but Brian St. Pierre can do the math, just on who is getting the most reps. The Pittsburgh Steelers' depth chart at quarterback would be led by veteran Tommy Maddox, the No. 2 guy would be Ben Roethlisberger, the celebrated No. 1 draft pick who is the franchise's future, and then there's Charlie Batch and St. Pierre battling for the No. 3 spot. Bill Cowher, the coach, hasn't announced the allotted quarterback playing time when the Steelers open their NFL preseason at Detroit tomorrow night, but with Batch having his knee drained the other day and requiring an MRI, it's presumed Maddox will start, Roethlisbeger will follow in the second quarter and probably split the rest of the game with the 24-year-old St. Pierre, a fifth round choice out of Danvers, St. John's Prep and Boston College who did not get on the field as a rookie in the 2003 regular season. "I don't know what I can tell you for an update," St. Pierre said. "I guess I'm competing with Charlie for No. 3. All I know right now is that I'm having a real good camp and it's been noticed. Coach Cowher singled me out as a guy that's been impressive and is having a great camp. They haven't talked to me (about my status) and I don't read the papers, but since Coach Cowher cited me I've had a couple of TV interviews and some of the reporters spoke to me." He isplaying well in training camp. In 7-on-7 passing drills St. Pierre has completed 65 of 84 passes, but the 7-on-7's are conducted in the middle of the field, not the red zone, so there's no eyebrow-raisingTD total involved, but it still probably wouldn't make a difference. Brian St. Pierre is facing a prohibitive challenge. The question for Cowher went like this: Is there anything that you like from St. Pierre from the way that he has handled the situation? "He is handling it like he should. You don't worry about things you have no control over. He's obviously more comfortable in his second year in this system of running plays, his decision making, the group of receivers he's working with and there is a comfort level and confidence there. You're overwhelmed with everything your first year. So we're interested is seeing how he plays and transforms the practice into the games," Cowher said. But no one knows what's going to happen, although St. Pierre can make an educated guess. "Maddox is like a lame duck quarterback. They're already talking about Ben being the No. 1 in 2005, if not at some time this year. He's the kid of the future here. He gets more reps. He's set to start next year regardless of what Tommy does, but that's the way it works in the NFL. If you're a No. 1 pick, that carries a lot of weight," St. Pierre said. "My mindset is just to just to play well and force them to make a decision. I like it in Pittsburgh. The Steelers picked me. I am comfortable. But if it doesn't work out, then perhaps it will elsewhere." What the future holds, however, is unforeseen, and unpredictable. "So many whacky things can happen that you don't know," he said. Two more wins and the Steelers would have been 8-8 and not in a position to draft their first QB in the first round in 24 years. Color St. Pierre a victim of circumstances. "It is a tough situation for me. One of the toughest mental things I've had to do in football. I was always a starter, or the backup in line to be a starter. Every day is a test. I think for a second year guy that I've handled it well so far. I realize they have to give Ben more reps. They have to get him ready for taking over. It's set in stone. He'll be taking over, but that's what happens when a club takes a QB early. Ben? I know him some. I'll help him. He does some good things, but practice and the games are two different things. It remains to be seen how he'll handle pressure in a game. "But he'll have plenty of opportunity. I know that. Money does dictate a lot of stuff that goes on in this league," St. Pierre said. "It's a business. The NFL is as big a business as there is in this country. That's what we're dealing with here, big business." But if there's pressure on Roethlisberger, the same applies to St. Pierre. St. Pierre chuckled when asked if he were fighting for his life. "I don't want it to sound that serious," he responded. "I'm fighting for a job, but I really have no qualms about leaving. I don't know what's going to happen. But is there is pressure on me? Oh, yeah ... every day. Every rep is a big rep for me. Everything I do is a magnified. But that's part of being an NFL quarterback, and I like that part. I've always liked pressure situations." ... The Chicago Cubs and their 13th round draft pick, Ryan Moorer, of Peabody could not reach a financial agreement and the 6-foot-3 righthanded pitcher has committed to the University of Maryland. Cubs' scout Keith Stohr twice visited the Moorers and there were several followup phone calls, but the parties were far apart, even if the Cubs did say they were offering fifth round money. Moorer will be a business major at Maryland, will attend orientation Aug.23, and return on the 28th. Fall baseball starts Sept. 2. The Terps gave him a full baseball scholarship. "I'm really not disappointed. It was an honor to get drafted. I wish things had turned out better, but I'm excited about college and further developing my pitching. Hopefully, I'll be ready to be drafted my junior year. Maybe three years down the road I'll get a better deal. The negotiations dragged on a bit, but I understand they had to sign the kids they drafted before me. The ultimate decision was mine, but my parents feel the same way. I didn't think it was worth to go out (in the minors) for the money that was offered." Moorer, who said Maryland coach Terry Rupp mentioned the possibility of also playing third base, declined to give out any numbers, but friends said it was substantial. Moorer said he'll have a chance for the starting rotation with a good fall performance. "Hopefully we can make Maryland (of the Atlantic Coast Conference) a powerful baseball team," he said, "and I'll have a chance to get bigger, stronger and polish my skills. The decision I made was pretty much strictly financial. I liked the Cubs' organization." Moorer was projected higher than the 13th round, but slid as a result of an abundance of righthanded pitchers. ... John Lyons was a budget cut as the athletic director at Beverly High, and was slated to return to the system as a PE teacher at the middle school level. However, he's been named a curriculum coordinator at Westford Academy. "I saw the opening in a paper about the same time the budget cuts were announced. It's a better financial situation, but I would still like to be an athletic director," Lyons said. "What's sad about leaving the AD (post) at Beverly is that it was my dream job. I understood what the superintendent had to do." 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
Champions beat rain, Amesbury in Game 1By Ben Larsen Staff Writer
DANVERS - They knew they needed to beat the rain in order to finish Game 1 of the North Shore Baseball League championship series and Champions of Peabody starting pitcher Nate Jeanes had no problem working quickly. The incoming sophomore at Boston College cruised through the first four frames, not allowing a baserunner until a leadoff infield single in the top of the fifth as Peabody grabbed a one-game lead with a 4-1 victory over the Amesbury Reds in the best-of-seven series opener last night at Twi Field. After setting the first 12 Amesbury batters down in sequence, Jeanes allowed only three hits, two of which came in the seventh inning, and allowed one earned run while fanning 12 and walking three. "He's been really strong for us all year. He hasn't thrown this many innings in three years but has found what he was missing and it has been working really well," said Champions of Peabody assistant coach Steve Gridley of Jeanes, who was redshirted during his first year at B.C. and saw limited action in his freshman season this past spring. Jeanes received all the offensive support he would need in Peabody's half of the third inning. Rightfielder, Andrew O'Neill led off the inning with a bunt single before moving to second base on a Jeff Martin sacrifice bunt. After advancing to third on a ground out, O'Neill scored on a John Blodgett RBI single. With two outs and one on, second baseman Brian Marshall walked before Zack Keenan blasted a two-run double. Shortstop Derek Lyons wrapped up the offensive explosion with an RBI single to leftfield, scoring Keenan for a 4-0 lead. "Zack (Keenan) has been carrying us with the bat in the playoffs," said Gridley. "He has nine or ten extra base hits and is batting close to .500 since the playoffs started." Keenan may have been the offensive catalyst for Champions in the third inning outburst, but Jeanes certainly regained center stage, shutting the door on Amebury, which surprised people this season by reaching the finals in its inaugural year in the league. In his complete game, 12-strikeout masterpiece, Jeanes collected his 100th strikeout in only 65 innings this season. His highest strikeout total came in the first half of the summer when he whiffed 18 Haverhill batters. "It's just amazing what he has been able to do," said Gridley. "Last year he didn't throw too much for us but this year he has much better control and has really been great for us. And this was one of his better performances." After escaping elimination from the playoffs twice, Champions of Peabody is welcoming its early advantage in the final series. Peabody rallied from a one-game deficit to the Salem Legends before advancing past the best-of-three opening round. And after trailing two games to one in a best-of-five game series against the Night Owls of Kingston (N.H.), Peabody stormed back to win the final two games, setting up a Peabody-Amesbury championship series. "This is the first time we've had a lead in the playoffs," said Gridley. "We aren't too uncomfortable having to win to stay alive, but it certainly is nice not to have our backs against the wall.
Weekend Sports Schedule
TODAY'S SPORTS Pro Baseball<*C> Northeast League -- New Haven County Cutters at North Shore Spirit (7:05). Amateur baseball<*C> Gallant Tournament -- At Salem's Forest River Park: Peabody vs. Gloucester (5:30); Marblehead vs. Danvers (7:30). North Shore Baseball League Playoffs -- Champions of Peabody at Amesbury (6) TOMORROW'S SPORTS Pro Baseball<*C> Northeast League -- New Haven County Cutters at North Shore Spirit (7:05). Amateur baseball<*C> Gallant Tournament -- At Salem's Forest River Park: Beverly vs. Swampscott (11 a.m.); Peabody/Gloucester loser vs. Marblehead/Danvers loser (1:30); Lynn vs. Salem (4); Peabody/Gloucester winner vs. Marblehead/Danvers winner (7). Inter-Town League Playoffs -- Manchester at Rockport (2). North Shore Baseball League Playoffs -- Champions of Peabody at Amesbury (1).
Another lawyer bails out of McMullen caseBy Julie Manganis Staff writer
SALEM - A second lawyer has withdrawn from representing a Salisbury man charged with sexually abusing his own daughters, saying he can't afford to take the case even at the recently raised rate for private attorneys who agree to represent impoverished defendants. Patrick McMullen, 40, was arrested more than three years ago, back in May 2001, charged with multiple counts of child rape and other charges stemming from years of alleged abuse of his daughters - whose existence was all but unknown to the outside world. Police say McMullen kept his family in a ramshackle commercial building on Route 1 in Salisbury, where the children did not go to school or receive medical attention and where his daughters were prey to years of sexual abuse. Last month, just two weeks before his trial was set to start, McMullen asked a judge to appoint a new lawyer for him, saying that he and veteran public defender Lawrence McGuire were "not on the same page." McGuire said that the breakdown in communications between the two had led him to conclude that he could no longer represent McMullen. And because other attorneys in the Salem public defender's office were privy to the situation, they would be unable to take the case as well. Mark Schmidt, a Lynn attorney, was asked by the Essex County Bar Advocates program to represent McMullen. Schmidt, however, told a judge yesterday that he would agree to take the case only if he were paid more than the current $39 an hour rate for Superior Court cases. Legislators voted to give the private lawyers a $7.50 an hour raise but did not appropriate funding for it, and Schmidt told the judge yesterday that he was concerned about being paid. Even after speaking with an aide to the court system's chief justice for administration and management, "I'm concerned," Schmidt told Judge Patrick Riley. "I don't feel the security I need to feel to take this case." Private "bar advocates" like Schmidt have been at odds with Gov. Mitt Romney's administration over their low pay, and many have stopped taking the cases in protest, even after last week's raise. Administration officials counter that the bar advocate program was never intended to be a full-time job. The situation has become acute in some courts, and in Hampden County this week, three accused drug dealers were released because they had not been appointed lawyers. Prosecutor Kathe Tuttman expressed concern that the McMullen case has already taken more than three years to come to trial, as the children have waited all that time to testify in the case. And, she noted, the case is a complex one, with hundreds of pages of evidence -- one of the reasons why it had taken so long to come to trial. But Riley was unswayed, saying, "I'm not going to engage in the conscription of private counsel for $37 an hour (a reference to the lower, district court rate for lawyers). Until the Legislature addresses this there's very little I can do. We'll just have to try to find another counsel ... we'll have to just reach out and find another lawyer." He ordered the clerk to begin calling lawyers yesterday. McMullen remains held on $100,000 cash bail at Middleton Jail.
Peabody calendar
Friday, Aug. 13 Ryan & Ortolani performance, 7 p.m. Guitar duo performa Celtic, acoustic, country and jazz classics. Free. All welcome. Borders Books and Music, 151 Andover St. (978) 538-3003. Saturday, Aug. 14 Jazz for Kids Story Time program, 10:30 a.m. Make a musical instrument and sing along with Ella, Louis and Carmen. Free. All welcome. Borders Books and Music, 151 Andover St. (978) 538-3003. Eighth Annual Tribute to the King, 8 p.m. to midnight. Includes music, dancing, amateur Elvis contest, raffles and prizes. Tickets $10, benefits North Shore Association of Retarded Citizens. St. Mike's Hall, 15 Endicott St. (978) 532-4126. 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
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. LIBRARY SURVEY: The Peabody Institute Library will conduct a survey to measure the community's satisfaction with services and programs and to help plan future programs. Survey forms will be available through Aug. 15 at all library locations, the Peabody City Clerk's office, the Torigian Community Life Center and online at www.peabodylibrary.org. For information or to have a survey mailed to you, 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. YARD SALE: Peabody Glen Health Care Center will hold a yard sale Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the center's parking lot, 199 Andover St. Tables can be rented for $10; proceeds will benefit residents. For more information, call (978) 531-0772. 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.
Salem calendar
Friday, Aug. 13 Salem Academy Charter School, lottery for waiting list placement, 3 p.m., 35 Congress St. (Shetland Park, Building 2). Salem Heritage Days Kids Night, 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Salem Common. Includes moon bounces, giant slides, crafts, and games. $3 admission for unlimited rides. (978) 744-0351. Rain location at the Salem YMCA. "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. 14 Haunted City Youth Triathlon, for kids ages 7 to 14, 10 a.m. at Dead Horse Beach. Cost is $20, and proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem. (978) 744-0180. Heritage Days Essex Street Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Essex Pedestrian Mall and downtown Salem. Includes music, street performers and entertainment. Free. Sponsored by Heritage Bank. www.salem-chamber.org. Free walking tour of Hawthorne's Salem, 11 a.m. to noon, presented by Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Meet at Hawthorne statue on Hawthorne Boulevard. (978) 740-1660. Tour First Baptist Church, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. View historic building and memorabilia from last two centuries. Tea party and desserts. 56 Federal St. (978) 744-3780. Book signing, 3 to 5 p.m. with Valerie Carnevale, editor of "Poetry of Salem," and poets Claire Keyes and JD Scrimgeour. Open A Book Bookshore, 72 Loring Ave. "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. 15 Haunted City One Mile Swim, 10 a.m., Dead Horse Beach, Salem. Awards given in each age group; 18 and under up to 46 and over. Cost is $15. Proceeds benefit Boys and Girls Club. Visit www.active.com to preregister. Heritage Days Essex Street Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Essex Pedestrian Mall and downtown Salem. Includes music, street performers and entertainment. Free. Sponsored by Heritage Bank. www.salem-chamber.org. Free walking tour of Hawthorne's Salem, 11 a.m. to noon, presented by Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Meet at Hawthorne statue on Hawthorne Boulevard. (978) 740-1660. North Shore Old Car Club Show, noon to 3 p.m. Features live music of the '20s and '30s and antique cars. Stephen Phillips Trust House, Chestnut Street. (978) 744-0440. Tour First Baptist Church, 1 to 3 p.m. View historic building and memorabilia from last two centuries. Tea party and desserts. 56 Federal St. (978) 744-3780. Ensemble Chaconne concert, 4 p.m. "The Devonshire Treasures: A Musical Context" at Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square. Includes music by Handel and Vivaldi. Free with museum admission. (978) 745 9500. Salem High School Marching Band orientation, 7 p.m., Salem High School library. New students and parents interested in marching band should attend. Call (978) 740-1136. 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
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. 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. 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. TENNIS TOURNEY: The Park and Recreation Department will present the City of Salem Men's and Women's Tennis Tournament - singles, doubles and mixed doubles - Aug. 16 to 29. Applications and rules are available at the Mack Park office. Registration is open to Salem residents age 16 and older. Deadline is Aug. 14. (978) 744-0180. 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. 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. 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. CITY SWIM: The Haunted City One Mile Swim competition will be held Sunday, Aug. 15, at Dead Horse Beach, Salem Willows. Awards will be given in each age group from 18 and under up to 46 and over. Registration is at 10 a.m. Races begin at 11 a.m. All pre-registrants receive a T-shirt. Cost is $15; proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club. Visit www.active.com or the recreation department at 31 Grove St. 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. 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. AARP TRIPS: The Salem AARP will offer the following trips throughout the summer: • Aug. 18 - Parkers Maple Barn in Nashua, N.H. Includes breakfast. • Aug. 29 to 31 - 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. GOLF TOURNEY: The North Shore Chamber of Commerce will hold a high-quality golf tournament Monday, Aug. 16, at the Kernwood Country Club. Cost is $1,100 per foursome, $325 per single and $250 for tee sponsor. For information, visit www.northshorechamber.org/2004nsgolf.pdf. 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.
Traffic stop results in heroin bustBy Julie Manganis Staff writer
DANVERS -- Two men stopped by Danvers police on Watson Parkway are being held on $25,000 cash bail after being found with nearly an ounce of heroin, according to court papers. Miguel Angel Guzman, 26, and Brouleo Jubenico Guzman, 21, both of New York, are facing charges of heroin trafficking, conspiracy and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Police pulled their car over around 7 p.m. on Wednesday night. It's not clear why the 1995 Lincoln Town Car was stopped, but police quickly learned that the driver did not have a license. Police initially found a small amount of marijuana on Brouleo Guzman, and placed him under arrest, then impounded the car and conducted a search, according to the complaint. During that search, police found what looked like a bottle of diet pills, but the capsules inside were, according to police, filled with heroin, a total of 27.3 grams, just under an ounce and enough to charge them with trafficking. Prosecutors asked a Salem District Court judge yesterday to set high bail for both men, who are originally from Ecuador and have no local ties. Judge James O'Leary agreed, setting the $25,000 cash bail for each. As of yesterday afternoon both men were still being held.
Salem News obituary policyObituaries 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 numbersTo reach the newsroom with a news tip or request, please call the appropriate editor:
Alive with artStudents work brightens hospitalBy 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
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.
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.
CalendarArt 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.
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.
Business peopleAttorney 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>
Tax holiday is boon for some businesses, headache for othersBy 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
Plan now for safe, happy return to schoolBy Healthy Kids Dr. Edwar As summer draws to a close, millions of American children begin to dread the thought of returning to the structure, expectations and demands of the classroom. Parents often experience mixed emotions: sadness at the rapid passing of the lazy summer days and extended time for family, and relief at the thought that, with the children safely confined to the classroom, they might find a few extra hours to work, run errands or pamper themselves. Realize that these mixed feelings are nearly universal and quite appropriate. Many kids greet new situations with enthusiasm, while others yearn for the familiarity and comfort of home, family and friends. It is important to openly ask your children how they feel about school. Let them know that most of their friends are nervous and excited about starting a new year, that you understand their fears, and that it is OK to feel that way. Many children fear failure, while others worry about bullying and teasing. Many kids have fragile self-images or worry about being too fat or too short. Some worry about using a school bathroom. Others lose sleep worrying that their teachers will be mean or like the other kids better than them. When parents talk about these issues with their children, getting to the root of their worries and openly discussing realistic expectations in a supportive way, they can make the first day of school more comfortable and get the year off to a positive start. In addition to these preparations, working parents who juggle their own active schedules with the responsibilities of getting the kids ready for school can plan now to be ready for the start of the year. Planning for a smooth transition might include addressing the following questions: * What time must the child be awakened to allow time for toileting, washing, dressing, eating, and effortless exiting from the house? Who is in charge and responsible? * Who will meet the child at the bus stop or be home to greet them? Have plans been made for after-school care? Even adolescents should not come home to an empty house. * If a child walks to school, have you traced the best route, assuring a safe trip with crosswalks and crossing guards, and if possible, a buddy? Has the child been counseled to avoid alleys, woods and isolated areas and to never talk to or go with strangers? * If the child takes the bus, do they know appropriate bus etiquette and that they must wait in a safe place, away from the street, until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals them to board? Getting off the bus can be dangerous, as well, and they should take at least 10 steps away from the bus after disembarking so the driver can see the child is safely away. * What kind of a load is the child carrying? Overloaded backpacks cause countless back injuries to children each year. The pack should never exceed 20 percent of a child's weight. Rolling "backpacks" are a consideration, but remember that there are times when they too must be carried. With traditional backpacks, both straps and a harness that rests on the hips should be used to balance the load. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, making the most of family time and good weather, and I wish for you an organized system, to ensure a pleasant return to school. * * * Dr. Edward Bailey is chief of pediatrics at NSMC North Shore Children's Hospital in Salem and the father of three. Send your questions or comments to features@ecnnews.com. Bailey
Health Beat
WARNING SIGNS: Landmark at OceanView Assisted Living, located at 3 Essex St., Beverly, will host a free program Tuesday, Aug. 10 at noon on the risk factors and warning signs of stroke. Light lunch served. Call (978) 927-4227 Ext. 11 to register. LECTURE: A free lecture on incontinence and the overactive bladder will be held Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Heritage at Danvers Assisted Living, 9 Summer St., Danvers. Dr. Zachareas, urologist, will speak and answer questions. Must register by calling (978) 774-5959. WEIGHTY ISSUES: A free information session on weight management and gastric bypass surgery will be held Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the board room of the Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Registration is required. Call (888) 253-0800. 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. HEALING CHILDREN: 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 week-long 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 and 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.
Drug use at an early age can lead to emotional problems laterBy TAKE THE FIRST STEP Dr. Michael Levy Q: Do you know whether children who use drugs at an early age are more prone to develop emotional problems as they get older? I have two grown nephews who as adults have many problems and when they were younger, they both smoked a lot of marijuana and did many other drugs as well. A: You ask an excellent and complicated question. It is complicated because it is possible that early drug use is a symptom of early emotional problems, and drugs are used as a way to cope. So instead of drugs causing later problems, the drug use, at least in part, was due to having some psychiatric difficulties. However, it is also possible that early drug use can be a catalyst to bring out a pre-existing vulnerability to emotional problems or even cause them. This can occur because of either the drugs' direct effects on the brain or due to the social problems and stresses that drug use can cause, which, in turn, can precipitate other emotional problems. There recently has been some research that has tried to shed light on this issue. Essentially, this research demonstrated that individuals who use drugs in their early years seem to be more likely to struggle with depression in adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from alcohol and other drug problems. Researchers studied 700 people from early childhood into their late 20s. What they found was that the frequency of alcohol and substance use during the early years was related to later psychiatric problems, particularly depression. The researchers concluded that early drug and alcohol use should be taken seriously, and may be a signal for the eventual development of depression and other drug problems. Early drug use must be taken seriously, as whatever is going on, it will not help the situation in the long run. Q: I am looking for Al-Anon meetings in the area for my 9-year-old grandson. I would be attending with him. I know he is young but he needs to know how to cope with his father’s disease. A: Alateen meetings, which are like Al-Anon meetings, are designed for children who are affected by alcohol problems. Some Alateen meetings are geared for younger children and would be appropriate for your grandson. A national number that you can call to get a list of meetings is (888) 4AL-ANON. Also you can check out their Web site at www.al-anon.org/alateen.html. There is also a statewide Al-Anon number, which is (508) 366-0556. Hopefully this helps and I wish you the best. If I can be of further help, please contact me again. * * * 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.
North Shore support groups
PARKINSON'S SUPPORT: A North Shore support group for those affected by Parkinson's disease will meet Monday, Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St., Beverly. For information, call (978) 887-2248. 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. 10, Aug. 24, Sept. 14, and Sept. 28. Another group will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the following Mondays: Aug. 9, 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. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: The MS 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.
Treasure trove: Great art from one of England's great homes at PEMBy 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 PeabodyBy 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 Museum in Salem is seeking volunteers to share a hobby or talent, such as storytelling or craft making. Volunteers with administrative skills are also needed. Call Mary Sholds at (978) 741-1811. THRIFT STORE VOLUNTEERS: The Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help staff the Beverly Bootstraps thrift store at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean St. The thrift store provides clothing and household goods at low prices. Volunteers will sort clothing, price items and assist customers. The hours of the store are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (978) 927-1561. HOSPICE SUPPORT: VNA Care Hospice needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families. Training, supervision and support are provided. Call Nancy Barcelo at (888) 663-3688, Ext. 3471. More information is available at www.vnacarenetwork.org. MONEY MANAGEMENT: Volunteers are need to assist senior citizens with bill-paying. You would visit an elder's home once a month to help write out checks, balance their checkbook and reconcile bank statements. Call Joanne Hogan at (978) 750-4540, Ext. 288, or e-mail jhogan@nselder.org. DRIVERS NEEDED: Volunteer drivers are needed for the American Cancer Society's "Road to Recovery" program, a free service offered to cancer patients who need rides to their cancer treatments. Rides are provided Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients are asked to call in advance to arrange for rides. To become a Road to Recovery driver, or arrange for transportation, call (800) ACS-2345. MEALS ON WHEELS: Drivers are needed for the Meals on Wheels program in the communities of Beverly, Gloucester, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Rockport and Wenham. Call Jane Militello at (978) 281-1750 or (978) 927-1046. Drivers also needed for the Topsfield Council on Aging program; call Judy Tucker at (978) 887-1523. SHELTER VOLUNTEERS: The Inn Between and Inn Transition shelters are seeking volunteers for the following: * Help with homework for school-age children, Monday through Thursday, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers' choice of days. * Transport excess donations once a month from the two shelters to another site where donations are accepted (Goodwill, Salvation Army). Vehicle required. Call Karen Hall at (978) 531-9775. PETLINK: North Shore PetLink is looking for volunteers in the North Shore and Cape Ann area to provide foster care for the pets of people in need of temporary assistance. Call Rita at (978) 927-0217, Ext. 208 or e-mail rlevin@chaos-inc.org. HELP FOR MARINES: The Marine For Life program acts to assist Marines leaving active duty as they transition back to civilian life. The Hometown Link for the Greater Boston area is Maj. Kevin Coughlin. For information, visit www.marineforlife.com or call Maj. Coughlin at (978) 360-5064 or e-mail boston@marineforlife.net. DONATIONS: CAB Health & Recovery Services, a drug and alcohol treatment agency, needs new, unopened toiletries for its women clients. Wish list includes sample-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, deodorants and others. Donations of new socks, underwear items, new or used bed linen (twin size), towels and comforter sets (adult and kids) are also needed. Call (800) 323-2224, Ext. 685, or e-mail info@cabhealth.org. ADULT TUTORS: North Shore Community College is seeking volunteer tutors for the Adult Learning Center, located at NSCC's Institute for Corporate Training and Technology, Route 62, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 121E, Beverly. Work with adult learners in GED preparatory classes. Help students to improve in reading, math, language arts and English as a secondary language. Orientation, training and support is provided. Call Irene at (978) 236-1226 or e-mail ichristk@northshore.edu. DRIVERS: SeniorCare RSVP is looking for volunteer drivers in the Beverly area to transport seniors to medical appointments in other communities. Call Elaine at (978) 927-1046. HOME SUPPLIES NEEDED: The Housing Assistance Program, a division of North Shore Community Action Programs in Peabody, is accepting donations of bedding and towels, kitchen utensils and dishes, and small furniture. These items will help local low-income families as they set up apartments. Donations should be in good condition and can be dropped off at 98 Main St., Peabody, between 9:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Call Lee at (978) 531-0767 with questions. COMPANION PROGRAM: The Beverly Council on Aging is looking for volunteers for its companion program. Volunteers would visit isolated Beverly senior citizens. Call Pat at (978) 921-6017. COMPUTER TUTORS: Salem CyberSpace, a community computer learning center in Salem, is looking for volunteer tutors for its after-school program for youths ages 11 to 14. Tutors are asked to commit at least two hours per week. The program runs from Tuesday to Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Call Juan Hernandez at (978) 771-3023 or e-mail jhernandez@salemcyberspace.org. HOTLINE VOLUNTEERS: Help for Abused Women and their Children (HAWC) is seeking volunteers for a 24-hour hotline service to help end family violence. Volunteers must complete 30 hours of training beginning in March on evenings and Saturdays. The hotline can be answered from the volunteer's home. Call Sara at (978) 744-8552. COMMITTEE MEMBERS SOUGHT: Beverly Coalition for Diversity (ABCD) is seeking new committee members to work on issues of tolerance, understanding differences and building community in the city of Beverly. ABCD is part of a statewide program sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League. Call Steve Hoy, ABCD chairman, at (978) 921-1335 or e-mail papawheelie50@juno.com.
DONATIONS: The Housing Assistance Program, a division of North Shore Community Action Program, is seeking donations of bedding, housewares, clothing and small furniture. These articles will assist local low-income families with their new apartments. Donations should be in good condition an may be dropped off from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 98 Main St., Peabody. Call Lee at (978) 531-0767. HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS: Hospice of the North Shore in Danvers has volunteer opportunities in areas such as nursing-home visitation and bereavement. Nursing-home visitation offers an opportunity for volunteers to visit with hospice patients who live in local facilities. Bereavement volunteers are needed to provide ongoing support to patients and their families by staying in touch via telephone or visiting. Call Judy Soroko at (978) 774-7566 or e-mail jbsoroko@hns.org. INN BETWEEN: The Inn Between, 25 Holten St., and The Inn Transition, 42 Washington St., both in Peabody, currently have volunteer opportunities in the area of child care. Call (978) 531-9775 or (978) 532-2372. HELPLINE VOLUNTEERS: Substance Abuse Helpline seeks volunteers for 24-hour, seven day a week information and education phone service for people affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. The helpline provides training, supervision, flexible scheduling and is accessible by public transportation. Call (617) 536-0501, Ext. 201, or visit www.helpline-online.com. HOMELESS CHILDREN: Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers to play with children living in homeless shelters in neighborhoods throughout Greater Boston. A two-hour weekly commitment for six months is required. Call (617) 287-1900, Ext. 306 or visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: MAB Community Services, formerly the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, is seeking volunteers to read and shop with blind neighbors and help them maintain their independence. Two or three hours per week needed, hours are flexible. Training and support provided. Call Donna Bailey, director of volunteer services, at (617) 972-9119 or (800) 852-3029. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers in the following areas: * Drivers for Motor Corps, drive residents of Cape Ann to medical appointments in Boston, one day per month or one day per week. * General Office Assistant: duties include data entry, telephone, filing, and assisting with office projects. * Disaster Services: join the chapter's Disaster Action Team and/or work on the chapter's disaster plan and receive training in disaster services and responding to emergencies. * Public relations and special events, write press releases, newsletters and work on special events. * Web site: Keep the chapter's Web site current with events, photos and news. Call (978) 922-2224. * * * Good Causes appears Fridays in Arts & Leisure. If you know of a nonprofit cause worthy of consideration - whether a car wash, a blood drive, or a fund-raising dance - let us know. Mail submissions, which should include a phone number, to Good Causes, c/o Suzanne Brown, Essex County Newspapers, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, 01915, or e-mail to sbrown@ecnnews.com.
|
| |||||||
| ||||||||
