WAKEFIELD: Living healthy

NORTH READING: A future in law enforcement

LYNNFIELD: First responders honored as 9/11 remembered

MELROSE: Karate Demonstration at the Victorian Fair

Healthy Living Expo draws hundreds

Posted by on Sep 18, 2017 in Local Headline News, Wakefield Daily Item, Wakefield News | Comments Off on Healthy Living Expo draws hundreds

Published in the September 18, 2017 edition. By GAIL LOWE WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce along with the Board of Health for Wakefield, Melrose and Reading, held their first annual Healthy Living Expo on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Americal Civic Center on Main Street. The free Expo focused on health, wellness, fitness, lifestyle changes and financial retirement health, along with complimentary and interactive health screenings, fitness demonstrations, healthy food presentations, giveaways, prize drawings and a flu clinic. Hundreds of people attended to receive flu shots from Hallmark Health Medical Associates, watch fitness demonstrations, participate in music thearpy and meet the Boston Bruins mascot Blades. The Expo also featured a raffle for prizes such as a Mary Kay basket and amazon.com gift card from The Savings Bank. A face painter and balloon artist were also on hand to delight the younger set. Co-chair Roseann Russell, owner of Move to Joy, a company focused on yoga and mind/body movement classes said that since health is her passion, she volunteered her time to help move the Expo along for the Chamber of Commerce. She shared responsibilities with Co-chair Sarah MacDonald and Janice Casoli, president of the Chamber’s board of directors, to get the event off the ground. Marie Smith, administrative assistant for the Chamber, was also instrumental in helping to make the Expo a success. “Former Executive Director Marianne Cohen started the Expo,” said Russell. “It was the signature program...

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Sex for a fee charges imminent

Posted by on Sep 15, 2017 in Local Headline News, Wakefield Daily Item, Wakefield News | Comments Off on Sex for a fee charges imminent

Published on the September 15, 2017 edition. WAKEFIELD — Police continue to investigate a couple of local establishments where they believe employees offer sex for a fee. Undercover officers went to an address in the 100 block of Albion Street yesterday morning and another in the 800 block of Main Street in Greenwood in the afternoon after Wakefield detectives found various services offered on the internet. At about 10:30 a.m., after detectives noticed an advertisement on backpage.com, an undercover officer was sent to the Albion Street business. He went in for a massage and reportedly a 34-year-old woman made “an inappropriate advancement” toward him. At that point local detectives went into the establishment, investigated and in all likelihood will file a sex for a fee violation, a spokesman reported. Just before 2 p.m. police conducted the same type of operation at the Greenwood location after seeing an advertisement on Craigslist. This time, a 46-year-old woman solicited an undercover officer. —– A 32-year-old Lynnfield man was charged with drunk driving and other offenses last night after he reportedly rear-ended a motor vehicle stopped at a red light at the Four Corners intersection of Lowell and Vernon streets. Sometime around 9:35 p.m. Mark Monkiewicz, 18 Temple Rd., Lynnfield was driving a 2008 Mercury Sable and collided with a 2017 Toyota RAV 4. He then took off. Police gave chase and initially Monkiewicz did not pull over, officers said. When he did,...

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Dog park grand re-opening Sept. 23

Posted by on Sep 15, 2017 in Local Headline News, Wakefield Daily Item, Wakefield News | Comments Off on Dog park grand re-opening Sept. 23

Published on the September 15, 2017 edition. WAKEFIELD — The Town of Wakefield would like to welcome the canine public and their human companions to the grand re-opening of the Wakefield Dog Park located at 667 Main St. on Saturday, September 23, at 12 noon. There will be a ribbon cutting as well as light refreshments. The park has recently undergone a renovation to include dog and human friendly water stations, benches and friendlier turf. “We are excited to see this park become a reality for Wakefield Citizens” said Selectman Peter May. The park was initially created in the Fall of 2016 and has undergone several upgrades and feature enhancements since opening as resident feedback came in. With increased usage, positive feedback and help from the Department of Public Works, we were able to resurface the entire park and make it an even better resource for our canine public and their human companions. “This is a great example of resident feedback being put into action” said Town Administrator Stephen Maio. The ribbon cutting will happen at 12 noon sharp. Gone to the Dogs pet supply store of Albion Street will be at the event handing out doggie treats and information. For more information about this event or if your business would like to participate in the Wakefield Dog Park Grand Re-opening event, please e-mail Chris J. Carino at...

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School enrollment hits 2,494 on a smooth opening day

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, North Reading News, North Reading Transcript | Comments Off on School enrollment hits 2,494 on a smooth opening day

Published in the September 14, 2017 edition By MAUREEN DOHERTY NORTH READING — The opening day of school on September 6 went off without a hitch despite a slightly higher tally of students reporting to the town’s five schools than had been projected. The first day enrollment figures of 2,494 students represents 41 more students than anticipated. The Class of 2018 still represents the highest number of students across the board, with 217. At the middle school level, grade 7 has the largest class, at 195, while at the elementary level, the fourth-graders represent the largest class at 204. But the biggest surprise came at the kindergarten level, with an enrollment of 179 (kindergarteners started school last Friday). Originally projected to be around 150, based on the birth rate of five and six years ago plus other demographic factors, such as the number of families moving into town with young children, the first indication that this number would be on the upswing came last February during the kindergarten screening process, Michael Connelly, the district’s Director of Finance and Operations, told the board. In total, the schools welcomed 1,135 students at the elementary level, from pre-K through grade 5; 548 students in grades 6, 7 and 8; and 811 students at the high school, which includes three post-graduates. “Honestly, I could not be more pleased with the opening to the new school year. All reports from the schools that I’ve...

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One injured in early morning accidental fire at The Greens

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, North Reading News, North Reading Transcript | Comments Off on One injured in early morning accidental fire at The Greens

Published in the September 14, 2017 edition NORTH READING — At 2:11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, the North Reading Fire Department (NRFD) received a 9-1-1 transfer call from the North Reading Police (NRPD) followed by an automatic fire alarm reporting a fire in a residence at 4 Mid Iron Drive in The Greens condominium complex off Elm Street. NRPD reported heavy smoke with fire visible through a window. The duty crew of Captain Rick Nash, Deputy Chief Barry Galvin, and firefighters Vincent Zarella and Chris Hadley arrived on the scene and were able to knock down the fire within 10 minutes, according to a statement released by the Fire Department. “The recent increase in manpower funded by the ALS program allowed for one firefighter to hold the fire in check through a window while the remaining two firefighters forced entry and searched the residence. All residents made it out of the home prior to arrival of emergency personnel,” Galvin stated. “One of the residents received burns and smoke inhalation injury while escaping the fire. She was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital by Reading Fire Department paramedics,” he added. Middleton’s Fire Department also responded with an engine to assist NRFD on scene. Wilmington provided station coverage. NRPD along with the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted in the investigation. The fire has been determined to be accidental. All units were clear at 6:29...

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Public comment welcome during OTM informational hearings Monday

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, North Reading News, North Reading Transcript | Comments Off on Public comment welcome during OTM informational hearings Monday

Published in the September 14, 2017 edition By MAUREEN DOHERTY NORTH READING — The public is invited to comment on any of the proposed October Town Meeting warrant articles during the informational hearings being held at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Monday, Sept. 18. The warrant for the Monday, Oct. 2 Town Meeting includes 19 warrant articles and was signed by the board at its Sept. 5 meeting. The board will meet in Room 14 at North Reading Town Hall, 235 North St., at 7 p.m. and the informational hearing portion of the agenda will be discussed starting at 8 p.m. Any interested citizen is welcome to attend and participate in these hearings. The board holds these informational hearings prior to the fall and spring Town Meetings to foster greater public participation in the decision-making process that affect the town and its citizens. The information and concerns brought before the board by the public on these matters also enables the board members to make informed recommendations to the voters at Town Meeting. The approved October Town Meeting warrant is as follows: Article 1 – Hear and Act on Reports of Town Officers and Committees Article 2 – Prior Year’s Bills Article 3 – Transfer Funds to Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund Article 4 – Appropriate Money to Stabilization Fund Article 5 – Transfer Funds to Other Post Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund Article 6 – Amend FY 2018 Operating...

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MSO celebrates 100 years in style

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, Melrose News, Melrose Weekly News | Comments Off on MSO celebrates 100 years in style

Published in the September 15, 2017 edition By JESSI EISDORFER General Manager Melrose Symphony Orchestra MELROSE — Over 5,000 residents from Melrose and surrounding areas gathered on Morelli baseball field Saturday evening to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the nation’s oldest, all-volunteer orchestra — our very own Melrose Symphony Orchestra. The field was covered in a sea of blankets and lawn chairs spilling over into the adjacent football field; children danced and waved light sabers as the orchestra played music from Star Wars; even the mayor made his conducting debut, pausing only to take a selfie onstage with the orchestra. The weather was perfect, just as Mayor Dolan promised, and the evening was capped off with a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display which left residents buzzing with excitement. Audience members took to Facebook, sharing their photos and accolades of the event: “The performance and fireworks just blew us all away — exceeded any of our expectations by a hundred and then some — wow, wow, wow — thank you and congratulations!” “I’ve lived in Melrose all my life – this was probably the best community event ever!” Conductor Yoichi Udagawa was awarded the key to the city, only the second non-Melrose resident in history, for his 20-year tenure as the orchestra’s Music Director. State Representative Paul Brodeur presented the orchestra with a Resolution from the House of Representatives to mark the anniversary season. Maestro Udagawa commented, “The musicians of the...

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Commission on Women issues stat of childcare survey

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, Melrose News, Melrose Weekly News | Comments Off on Commission on Women issues stat of childcare survey

Published in the September 15, 2017 edition MELROSE — On Sept. 12, the Melrose Commission on Women released a survey for parents or guardians of pre-school aged children to better understand the current state of childcare in Melrose. “The increase of families with young children and the perceived shortage of childcare options in our area have driven up the cost of care to a level that makes it difficult to pay,” said Sam Hammar, Women’s Commissioner and Childcare Subcommittee Chair. “Women are impacted the hardest by this issue since we are more often the partner (if there is one) that makes a lower salary and thus have to be more flexible with our careers, or even stop working for time when the cost of childcare is too high. In a high cost-of-living area, these years lost are devastating for re-entering the workforce and maintaining financial stability.” “As a parent, I understand the challenges associated with quality, affordable childcare in Melrose and throughout Massachusetts,” said Melrose Mayor Rob Dolan. “I applaud the Melrose Commission on Women for their efforts exploring this important issue and gathering feedback from the community.” “The cost of care is not just a women’s issue. It is a working family issue,” Hammar continues. “The reality of low supply and high costs have raised the issue of dependent care to the forefront of our policy dialogue.” The Melrose Commission on Women is gathering experiences with finding and...

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MHS students are National Merit semifinalists

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, Melrose News, Melrose Weekly News | Comments Off on MHS students are National Merit semifinalists

Published in the September 15, 2017 edition EVANSTON, Illinois — This week officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. Melrose High’s Tara O’Shea and James M. Talbot are among this year’s semifinalists. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors,...

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First responders honored as 9/11 remembered

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, Lynnfield News, Lynnfield Villager | Comments Off on First responders honored as 9/11 remembered

Published in the September 13, 2017 edition By DAN TOMASELLO LYNNFIELD — On Monday, over 200 residents gathered on the Town Common to mark the 16th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as well as to pay tribute to the town’s first responders during the second annual First Responders Day. Rotary Club Board of Directors member Jason Kimball, who organized the event once again, served as the master of ceremonies during First Responders Day. He said the event serves as a tribute to first responders. “In the wake of the two hurricanes with the great things first responders have done recently, it’s great we are back here doing this event again,” said Kimball. “It’s also a day to reflect and memorialize the tragedy that occurred on 9/11.” After a moment of silence in honor of the 2,996 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, Kimball thanked the town for funding First Responders Day. “Last year, the Rotary Club put this together and raised a lot of money to pay for the barbecue and DJ services,” said Kimball. “This year, the town of Lynnfield by way of our three selectmen and town administrator were able to come up with funds to support this event that way our kind sponsors can raise money for our Police and Fire departments.” After Kimball thanked the event’s sponsors and the town, Fire Chaplain Rev. Robert Bacon of St. Paul’s Episcopal...

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Suspects sought in Brook Dr. home invasion

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, Lynnfield News, Lynnfield Villager | Comments Off on Suspects sought in Brook Dr. home invasion

Published in the September 13, 2017 edition LYNNFIELD — A search is underway for two men suspected of committing a home invasion at 34 Brook Dr. on Friday, Sept. 8. In an interview with the Villager, Police Chief David Breen said the home invasion took place at 1:54 p.m. Breen said the victim was near his car in the home’s driveway when he was approached by two Asian men. He said the two suspects spoke Vietnamese and the victim also spoke Vietnamese. Breen said one of the suspects allegedly brandished a gun at the victim. He said the suspects brought the victim inside and bound his hands inside of the home’s bathroom. “They took money and other items of value,” said Breen. Breen said the victim was able to break free and called police. He said the suspects fled the scene in a brown Honda. “It doesn’t appear to be a random act,” said Breen. Breen said the two men were not apprehended when the Villager went to press on Tuesday morning. He said, “Lynnfield police are working to acquire video evidence of the...

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Gold Star street signs proposed

Posted by on Sep 14, 2017 in Local Headline News, Lynnfield News, Lynnfield Villager | Comments Off on Gold Star street signs proposed

Published in the September 13, 2017 edition By DAN TOMASELLO LYNNFIELD — Local officials are looking to create new street signs that will pay tribute to Lynnfield veterans who gave their lives while fighting for the United States. The Board of Selectmen recently discussed a proposal to create signs that would recognize Lynnfield veterans killed in action and have town streets named in their honor. Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett said Todd Lane resident Louis Trapasso first approached the town about the proposal about a year ago. Barrett noted Todd Lane is named “in honor of two American heroes who gave their lives for Lynnfield in World War II.” “They were brothers,” said Barrett. In an interview with the Villager, Barrett said Trapasso has been making sure American flags are located on the Todd Lane street sign as part of an effort to recognize David and Charles Todd and their heroism. “Mr. Trapasso has been maintaining the street sign by making sure there are American flags on it in order to honor the Todd family and the two brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States,” said Barrett. Barrett said during a recent selectmen’s meeting he “always noticed there were flags on the street sign.” “I thought it was possibly from the town,” said Barrett. “But I learned Mr. Trapasso put those flags there to bring great honor to those individuals.” Veterans Services Agent Bruce Siegel agreed. “Lou...

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