The Prop. 2½ override campaign is on...

Jun 21, 2018 by

Published in the June 22, 2018 edition MELROSE — The drumbeat in support of an override of the tax hike-limiting Proposition 2 1/2 will continue, according to Mayor Gail Infurna this week. The mayor, who called for an override in early May, writes in a column this week that there simply is not enough money coming in to match what municipal services cost to provide. Monday, the aldermen formerly passed a $79,399,946 operating budget for the year beginning July 1. That includes $27,596,824 for Melrose’s public schools, a 4.15 percent increase over what education leaders received for the current fiscal year. Infurna writes: “The Board of Aldermen recently approved the fiscal year 2019 budget. While it is a balanced budget, I still have concerns regarding our schools and their needs. Therefore, I want to...

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Rebecca Parris to be honored June 30...

Jun 21, 2018 by

Published in the June 22, 2018 edition MELROSE — Many music lovers in the Boston area are mourning the passing of longtime jazz vocalist Rebecca Parris. She was scheduled to perform in Melrose at Temple Beth Shalom’s “Keeping Jazz Alive” concert series on June 30. Berklee bass professor Bruce Gertz, who organized the concert, says the show will go on, but will now focus on celebrating Rebecca Parris and her contributions to jazz in Boston and beyond. Donna McElroy, another frequent collaborator with Gertz and beloved in her own right as a talented vocalist, has stepped up to perform. The Grammy-nominated McElroy is a voice professor at Berklee, with performances in several genres including jazz, R&B and country. She has also appeared at Temple Beth Shalom in the past. Regarding the passing of Rebecca, Bruce...

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Hazel M. Martel, 92

Jun 21, 2018 by

Published in the June 22, 2018 edition MALDEN — Hazel M. (Amirault) Martel, 92, of Malden, formerly a 42 year resident of Melrose, passed away on June 13, 2018. Hazel was born in Malden on June 12, 1926 to Deremie and Annie (LeBlanc) Amirault. She was raised in Malden and graduated from the Cheverus High School. Hazel worked as a machinist at Spirit Inc. in Wakefield for over 25 years, was a member of the Ladies Auxillary at the VFW Harold O’Young Post #2394, and was a big supporter of the Shriners. She was an amazing baker and an excellent cook. Hazel would travel to wherever her family was, traveling to Germany, Georgia, Florida and all over New Hampshire. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. She was the...

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Heather N. Ostertog, 41

Jun 21, 2018 by

Published in the June 22, 2018 edition MELROSE — Heather Noelle Ostertog, 41, of Melrose, passed away on June 16, 2018 at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington. She was born in Milford on December 31, 1976. Heather went through the Milford School system and went to Northeastern University, graduating with a Civil Engineering degree. She earned a masters degree in Transportation Engineering from the University of Tennessee and then obtained her Professional Engineering license. While at the University of Tennessee she met her husband Justin, the love of her life. They were married for 14 years. Heather enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends, particularly beach destinations in South Carolina and Florida. She also had a love for music and going to concerts. Heather worked for several Civil Engineering companies in Massachusetts and completed...

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Eleanor M. O’Brien, 85

Jun 21, 2018 by

Published in the June 22, 2018 edition MELROSE — Eleanor M. (Kiley) O’Brien, 85, a lifelong resident of Melrose passed away suddenly at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on June 12, 2018. Eleanor was a graduate of St. Mary’s Elementary School and St. Mary’s High School. She enjoyed being a devoted wife and home maker and raising her children. In later years she was employed by Metropolitan Credit Union until her retirement. Eleanor’s childhood was spent on the Kiley Farm which later became the location of the Parish of the Incarnation Church. She was a founding member of the church and continued to be an active member to this day. She loved talking about her family history both in Ireland and of those who came to the US. Any holiday or major event was a special time...

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