Fixing elections

Dec 5, 2019 by

Published in the December 5, 2019 edition. By MARK SARDELLA When any person or group tells you that they want to “reform” the way we conduct elections to make voting more “fair” and increase voter “participation,” your BS detector should go off. Because when it comes to elections, one thing and only one thing matters: winning. When proposals are advanced to change how elections are run, the first question you should ask is, “Which group, party or candidates will benefit from these changes?” People who say they care about voter turnout and making it easier to vote are lying. This may come as a shock to you, but people are willing to lie to win elections. Another red flag is the label “nonpartisan.” When any group seeking to tinker with our elections goes out of...

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Holiday fun in store Saturday

Dec 5, 2019 by

11th Stroll & Shop begins at 2 Published in the December 5, 2019 edition. WAKEFIELD — The town’s 11th Annual ‘Tis the Season Holiday Stroll and Shop kicks off Saturday at 2 p.m. As always, this edition of the Stroll promises something for everyone. Hosted by the Wakefield Community Partnership with the help of many sponsoring merchants, the Stroll allows everyone to walk the Square, enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the holidays and to shop at local businesses. Get your favorite winter hat decorated and drag out your ugliest sweater because there will be judged contests for both. Judging begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Drill Hall of the Americal Civic Center. Then the annual Hat Parade steps off from the Civic Center at 2 p.m., heading north on Main Street into the Square. At the...

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Marie M. Crouse, 88

Dec 5, 2019 by

Published in the December 5, 2019 edition. WAKEFIELD — Marie Margaret Crouse, 88, a longtime Wakefield resident, died Monday, December 2, 2019 at the Massachusetts General Hospital after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Medford on January 14, 1931 she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret A. (Hickey) Ryan. Marie was raised in Medford and had attended St. Joseph School in Medford and Medford High School, as well as attending secretarial school. She had worked many years in accounting for a number of town entities, including the town hall and the Wakefield Public Schools until her retirement in the 80’s from the Superintendent’s Office. Alongside her husband, the late Harold F. Crouse, Marie was very involved in the formative years of The Wakefield Citizens Scholarship Foundation; as well as numerous other...

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Alexander E. Geljookian

Dec 5, 2019 by

Published in the December 5, 2019 edition. WAKEFIELD — Alexander Eghia Geljookian, born in 1924, died December 2, 2019. Affectionately known as “Al” and “Grampy” to all. Al grew up in Dorchester and was a longtime resident of Wakefield since 1957. He passed peacefully at the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers after a valiant battle with heart failure. Al was predeceased by his parents, Eghia and Katoon (Vartikian) Geljookian of Armenia, his beloved wife of 67 years, Ann (Rigione) Geljookian, his sister Alice, brother George, sister Alice Elaine and dear grandson, Andrew Geljookian. Al’s endless quick wit and generosity was the pleasure of all who knew him. He always had a kind word of praise to offer and was an eloquent speaker, fluent in several languages. A lover of music, he enjoyed singing and...

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Seven Warriors named football All-Stars...

Dec 5, 2019 by

Andrews, Cosgrove make All-Conference team Published in the December 5, 2019 edition. WAKEFIELD — The Middlesex League’s football coaches met recently to vote on All-Stars for the 2019 season. The Wakefield Warriors, who finished the season third in the Freedom Division with an overall record of 6-5 and a league record of 3-2, had seven All-Stars selected. In addition to division All-Stars, the league voted on an All-Conference team with 11 starters on offense and defense from both divisions. The Warriors had two selected to the All Conference team: seniors Taaj Andrews and Liam Cosgrove. Andrews made the list as one of the best four defensive linemen in the league along with Stoneham’s Chris Belliveau, Reading’s Dom DeCrescenzo and Woburn’s Jimmy Pappas. Cosgrove made it as one of five offensive lineman, along with Lexington’s...

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Expanded TV coverage of meetings eyed...

Dec 4, 2019 by

Published December 4, 2019 By MARK SARDELLA WAKEFIELD — Local viewers may soon be able to watch more meetings of their favorite boards and committees, assuming the town can come up with the money in next year’s budget for a video system at Town Hall and WCAT can find the manpower to cover those meetings. A couple of members of the Town Council have been pushing for the expanded meeting coverage and last week Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio provided an update on efforts in that area. Maio reminded councilors that the Board of Selectmen’s meetings were at one time televised from the first floor conference room at Town Hall, before the meetings were moved to the WCAT studio. However, the system that was used to televise those Town Hall meetings is outdated and...

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