A R C H I V E S

September 1, 1996 - November 30, 1996
(approximately)

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Marblehead Loses Valiantly To Swampscott's Super Bowl Team (19-0)

It was Thansgiving Day, and the traditional rivalry went on the field between Marblehead and Swampscott, but everyone knew it was a long shot for the rebuilding Magicians to defeat the Superbowl powerhouse Big Blue. But in the defining moment of the game for Marblehead's defense, they held Swampscott scoring down to three touchdowns by stopping them on three occasions with courageous goal line stands.

"We were out scored, but not outplayed," was a comment heard often among the crowds heading back to the Marblehead for Turkey and all the fixings.


Chairman Magee Agrees To New School Committee Meeting Procedures
Everything changes eventually, apparently. For many years the School Committee meetings have been "working sessions" where members thought out loud about issues coming before them for the first time. The Committee has been both praised and criticized in the past for this sometimes rambling and time consuming format. But with new committee members, and a new superintendent, plus a very full agenda for all scheduled meetings the Committee has agreed to close the agenda at noon on Friday before the Thursday meetings to insist that all papers and reports be submitted ahead for the members to review prior to the meeting.
Chairman Jody Magee
The committee, acting on the motion of newly appointed member Robert Clayman, voted to reorganize their order of business, to come into compliance with the way the Selectmen run their meetings. Rather than throughout the meeting, the Chairman will ask the audience for anyone wishing to speak on an item not on the agenda at the end of the School Committee's meetings. People will have ample time to bring up topics and concerns, but only after the School Committee has dealt with its agenda. Chairman Magee hoped that these changes would bring out less "philosophizing, less redundancy, and to get our work done more expeditiously," as reported in the Daily Evening Item.

Other ideas of Clayman, setting office hours for people to speak to members, and the moving of the School Committee meetings to various venues: Council on Aging, Chamber of Commerce and so forth, were not acting on by the School Committee.



Marblehead Teachers Get A Pay Raise At Special Town Meeting.
(The Daily Evening Item) -- At perhaps the shortest Town Meeting in history, Marblehead voters approved 10 of 11 articles is short order, referring one article to further study. Included in the approvals was a retroactive payraise for Mabrlehead teachers and a jump in starting pay for new teachers to make Marblehead's system more competitive in the educational marketplace.

After override failures over the past two years, and a general feeling of discouragment in the teaching corps, this vote came as a "Morale booster," according to Greg Dana, President of the Marblehead Education Association.

The raises will be retroactive to September, and includes teachers, curriculum directors, school nurses, permanent substitutes, and teacher aides.

Superintendent Philip Deveux touted the Special Town Meeting vote as a "cornerstone of a multi-year plan to stabilize the school budget. A year ago at this time we had a $500,000 deficit and we've been able to resolve that at this point. We're now able to resolve our labor relations with faculty. This will be a tremendous boost in morale to our faculty."

For full information on the contract, see our previous story, "Teachers OK Contract"

North Shore Ambulance Releases Town From Contract
In what appears to be a blessing for the Town's financial picture, North Shore Ambulance has released the Town from contractual obligations between now and 1999 when the contract would have expired of $119,766 in annual payments. Diane St. Laurent, Selectman, stated that "What this means is that the Town will no longer have a contract where we would be paying them," as reported in the Salem Evening News. What the other implications of this change in relationship with North Shore Ambulance are, were not discussed, so it is assumed that there are no significant changes in the service provided by the ambulance company which also services the surrounding communities of Swampscott, Beverly and Salem.


Marblehead Man Wins $2M Jackpot

(11146) Salem News - William MacKenzie, a local contractor, won $2 million from a scratch ticket he purchased at Howard's News on Saturday. The ticket was purchased at 6:45 a.m. from Howard's News' longtime employee, Marilyn McClellan. A store employee stated that both the customer and Marilyn were amazed. "She said he bought the ticket and took it out to his truck, and then he came back in fast and he was shaking. He said, 'Marilyn, I won, take a look at this,' and when she read it she started shaking." MacKenzie lives with his wife, Jean, two daughters and a son.


Town Plans For World AIDS Day Events

(1196) Salem News - Marblehead is planning for World AIDS Day, Sunday, December 1, 1996. A "concert of commemoration" is planned, featuring the Paul Madore Chorale, Dane Vannatter, gospel singer Ole Smith, and chamber and dance music. The concert begins at 3:00 P.M. at Abbot Hall. Athough the admission is free, donations will be accepted with proceeds going to the Boston Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Also in conjunction with this event each school in Marblehead will be designing a 8-by4-foot canvas reflecting their concerns regarding this disease. Their works will be on display throughout December.


Marblehead Loses Beloved Canine Ambassador

Teddi in her favorite spot. Photo from the front
cover of Marblehead Magazine's Volume X
Number 3.


(1186) Salem News-- Everyone in Marblehead knew Teddi. For the last eight years she has sat herself on the steps of the Marblehead Kite Co. and whenever someone would extend their hand as they walked by she would raise her leg and shake, paw to hand. In the midst of storms and rain, perhaps many didn't realize that Teddi was absent from her usual spot. But the news did travel throughout town and flowers began to appear on Teddi's step. Betty Breuhaus admits to taking the loss hard but nevertheless she can not help to remember Teddi with a smile.


New Bridge Grows Out Of Toxic Waste Cleanup

(1176) Salem News-- The little old railroad bridge that crosses the Forest River was the first thing people would see as they passed from Salem into Marblehead. Many children could be seen jumping off the bridge into the water below. Now this bridge has become a hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists. But due to the environmental cleanup of the nearby lead manufacturing site a new bridge will be constructed in late November.

"We're doing our part to make the bridge safe and usable," said Robert Jolly.

The bridge will also carry electrical conduits and sewer lines. The electrical conduits replace wiring that is inadequate to the increased power demand in Marblehead, Swampscott, and Lynn.


Ipswich Approves New School Complex

(1166) Salem News-- Record breaking numbers of Ipswich voters approved a $31.9 Million school building expansion program.This plan to build a new high school and middle school won by 403 votes (1,996 to 1,593). At the Special Town Meeting on October 21, the plan was approved by a 671-77 Margin. This proposal asked the town to put education first and appropriate money to survey, design and construct the new middle school, high school, auditorium, athletic fields, and facilities at the existing high school.


Gene Map Placed On Internet

(1156) The Boston Globe-- A map of about 16,000 human genes can now be viewed on the internet. This is part of a project that will teach students and the public about heredity and will also help scientists working with disease-causing genes find information with greater ease.

For example, a click of the mouse and you can see basic information on Alzheimer's disease or juvenile diabetes. Another click will give scientists state-of-the-art information on the hunt for related genes and their functions. This information can help scientist speed up the process of finding specific genes that are related to illnesses.

This Website can be reached at <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SCIENCE96/

Police Say Car Caused Fire That Injured A Marblehead Man.

(1146) Salem News -- Police say they believe that the car itself caused the fire that injured Robert E. Hogan, 71, of 147 Front Street, and sent him to the hospital last Tuesday night with burns and life-threatening smoke inhalation. It is estimated that he was inside the car for about 10 minutes before someone noticed the car fire and called for help. Police Detective Marion Keating said that they believe the fire started in the engine compartment and spread inside the car by way of the accelerator. The vehicle will be turned over to Hogan's insurance company to determine what exactly caused the fire.


School Board OKs Traffic Studies

(1116) Salem News -- After arguing for some time last night, it was decided by the school board to recommend to a Special Town Meeting, trafffic studies for the proposed new Eveleth School and the present Glover and Coffin Schools. According to the consultant's report, the cost of the study for the Eveleth School will be $18,000 in addition to the $15,000 "geographical study" to determine if the land can accomodate a new building. The traffic studies of Glover and Coffin Schools will cost $5,000 each. The board is considering plans that include leveling the present Eveleth School and constructing a multi-level school that will replace Glover as well or they are considering making additions to all five elementery schools in Marblehead.


Marblehead Students Score Highly On Advanced Placement Tests, While Other Town Decline "Scandalously"

(10316) Salem News -- After the recent increase in SAT scores, now Marblehead students have excelled in AP testing. Superintendent Philip Deveux stated that he felt there is a clear trend, "that achievement tests are going." The tests measure improvement among a school district's elite students, and high scores can result in the award of college credits. Nationwide only 12% of those taking these test attain the highest levels. In Marblehead, those rated as "AP Scholars" are: Keely Ambrose, Jeremy Barnett, Todd Belf-Becker, Meghann Foye, Andrew Kerns, Brian Pierce, Jennifer Priluck, and Stephen Rabin. "AP Scholars With Honors" are: Tara Crowley, James Goloboy, Cyra Noorani.


Man Plotted To Kill A Marbleheader

(10316) -- In quiet Marblehead, on the eve of Halloween, a Marblehead hamburger merchant is breathing a little bit easier as police arrested Moussa Abdul-Kareen, 28, and charged him with plotting to kill the owner of Mino's Roast Beef, Konstantonis Trauagiakis. The police are reported in the Salem Evening News as stating the incident was "a business deal gone bad." No one was injured, but apparently Abdul-Kareem in making his arrangements with the killer stated that he did not want the potential shot, rather he wanted him dead.


Marbleheader Seriously Burned In His Car

(10316) -- Robert Hogan, 71, was airlifted to Briham and Women's hospital from Seaside Park, after being rescued from a car completely engulfed in flames. As reported in the Salem Evening News, a passerby noticed smoke coming out from under the car and in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue Hogan knocked on the window, Marblehead Patrolmen Thomas Sullivan and John Blaisdell found the car engulfed in flames, with its motor running, Hogan behind the wheel. With the help of the Marblehead Fire Department, they opened the car door and pulled Hogan out.


(10296) -- The School Committee Is Still Wrestling With A Vision For School Buildings

Joan Rosenthal (left) and Gretchen Vona (right) members of the School Committee

Harking back to a previous School Committee's decision to close the Gerry School without full across-the-board participation and debate of the full Town, and subsequently Jackie Belf-Becker and Helaine Hazlett were resoundingly defeated in the next election, current School Committee member Ron Grenier stated, "We're not interested in repeating that approach," as reported in the Salem Evening News.

There are a number of options now on the table, none with a clear consensus:
1. A new high school, then move the middle school to the old high school and aggregate the elementary schools at the current middle school.
2. A new central elementary school.
3. Combine the Glover and Eveleth elementary schools at a vastly enlarged Eveleth School (500 students).
4. Keep everything the way it is, systematically improve all schools over time.
5. One high school, one middle school, three elementary schools.

Joan Rosenthal raised the issue of "parity." "I cannot see having state-of-the-art schools that only educate a small amount of our students."

The next step will take place at a Special Town Meeting on November 18th, when voters will be asked to fund studies (Article 11) that will help resolve these issues. Plus, the School Committee plans to meet with the Capital Planning Committee in the near future.


(10286) -- Two More Citizens Call For New Skating Facilities.
Robert F. Peck, Jr.

Former Selectman and Former Chairman of the Finance Committee, Robert F. Peck, Jr. visited his old board last week to inform them about "Skate '98," which is a group of hockey, and recreational skating families and individuals who has accepted the task of raising the funds for a new skating rink. Many years ago, Bud Orne and a group of people in Marblehead attempted this project and failed. Their campaign was called, "Think Rink." But many observers who know Bob Peck's thoroughness and determination have cited this resolve as a new factor. Plus, as Mr Peck outlined, the nature of skating has changed since the 1970's. There a tremendous demand for "ice time" and Mr. Peck stated that in all likelihood the rink would be a money-maker for whoever sponsors it. Mr. Peck indicated that his group was even considering building a proposal that the Town fund the rink. The first step has been to hire a firm to conduct a comprehensive use analysis of the facility's potential.

On another skating angle, rollerblading, Mr. Fred Orne, the parent of one of these young daredevils seen weaving in and out of traffic and "grinding" down metal hand railings all over Town, is calling for the Town to "give kids a place to go." Actually, Mathew Orne's skill and ability has landed him a position on Rollerblade Corporation's "Stunt Team." Fred Orne would like to find a building that can be converted to an indoor skate facility and that could draw skaters from all surrounding towns. He states that the "skate park" off Green Street is really just some asphault and way too small for what he envisions.


November 18th Special Town Meeting Called By Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen in response to a letter from School Superintendent Philip Devaux requesting that Selectmen "schedule a special town meeting in November, 1996...the primary purpose is to present an article relative to teacher salaries," have schedule one for Monday, November 18th. The Selecmen opened the warrant at their meeting of October 9th and closed it at their meeting on October 16th. The following are the articles to be considered at the Special Town Meeting.

Art. 1 -- To consider articles in numerical order

Art. 2 -- Unpaid accounts: a standard article to straighten out the books. Generally small dollars.

Art. 3 -- Walls & Fences. Repairs of walls and fences, sponsored by the Town Engineer.

Art. 4 -- Repair, Reconstruct & Improve Tucker's Wharf. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money, in addition to the $25,000 previously appropriated, for the repair, reconstruction and improvement of and to the land and seawalls located at Tucker's Wharf, including engineering fees; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or therwise; or to take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Harbors & Waters Board.

Art. 5 -- Accept Statute. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of MGL Chapter 32, Section 20 (4) (d1/2) which sets the compensation of the Town Accountant for services rendered in the active administration of the retirement system at not less than two hundred nor more that three thousand dollars per annum. Sponsored by the Retirement Board.

Arts. 6 through 10 -- Collective bargaining funding articles pertaining to the schools.

Art. 11 -- Schools Design Studies. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to pay for traffic, environmental, architectural and other studies of school land and buildings, or take any other action relative thereto.

Town Meeting will begin at 7:45 P.M.


Storm Of 1846 Remembered.

Bill Conly, the Board Of Selectmen's unofficial historian


It was a storm that changed everything. Marblehead up to that point had been a fishing town, afterwards it became a shoemaking town. While there have always, and probably will always be fishermen in Marblehead, the Gale of '46 wiped out Marblehead's fishing fleet including 11 schooners and 65 men and boys drowned. Apparently the waves were so high on the shallow Great Banks, that some of the ships bottomed out in the toughs and were overwhelmed as the crest broke over them. This history was recalled by the Board of Selectmen's unofficial "historian," Bill Conly at a recent meeting of the Board. Mr. Conly was reported in the Salem Evening News as saying, "All the names of the sailors killed are on a monument on Old Burial Hill. I know because parts of my family are on there."


Greg Nadeau Reluctantly Resigns From Planning Board
(10206) -- Promising to continue to stay involved in Town Affairs and to participate in a new sub committee of the Planning Board focused entirely on long range palnning, Greg Nadeau officially informed the Board of Selectmen that due to his new marriage, move to Cambridge, and his promotion to Director of strategic Planning And Technology with the Massachusetts Department of Education he felt he had to reluctantly resign at this time. He was reelected in May 1996 to his third three-year term.

One of the only people in Town Government in his 20's, Mr. Nadeau's record of community service and working with Town issues, rivals many in Town Government who are much older and who have been in the government a lot longer than Nadeau. He served on the Planning Board for six years. Sleectmen Diane St. Laurent (acting as Chairman Pro Tem at this meeting) and Bill Purdin both stated the Town's appreciation for Mr. Nadeau's service to the Town and wished him well in his new position.


Weather Goes Bad As A Tough Nor'Easter Hits Marblehead

(10206) -- High tides, winds gusting to 50 MPH and boats breaking loose were all signs that the weather had made a big change for the worst. The harbor, thinning out its boats already, was battered with high seas and craching waves. The boat to the right broke its moorings and found its way to riverhead beach. Another boat, as this picture was taken, was attemption to be towed off the sand near the Neck side of the Causeway, with little hope.


Lee Mansion Being Fixed Up
The Lee Mansion

(10166) -- You may notice some scaffolding around the Lee Mansion. The Historical Society is quietly restoring the 1768 building to the best estimate they have of its original condition. Built by Jeremiah Lee at the height of his prosperity, the house has entertained George Washington, the Marquis Lafayette, however after Lee's untimely death in 1775 the building fell into disrepair and anonimity. In the process of evaluation, the Historical Society's experts discovered parts of the mansion that still held the original coats of paint, applied by Jeremiah hismelf, apparently, and they are busily restoring the outside of the building to the gray stone-like appearance that Jeremiah originally wanted. The outside appearance will be altered somewhat from what people have known over the past few decades, but it will be truer to the original design.


Marblehead's "Big Dig" Closes Humphrey In First Phase. Drivers Should Use West Shore Or Atlantic Avenue.

(10156) -- The installation of about 1900 feet and concomitant drain construction will cause major delays for motorists unaware of alternative routes around the project. Construction will occur Monday through Friday 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. The project will take, given seasonal weather, approximately 90 days, and will cost $345,900 which was authorized by the override election in June.

Lieutenant Dave Millett has cautioned motorists that there may even be delays on West Shore Drive in the morning and afternoon rush hours. The police department will have four patrol officers stationed strategically around the construction and traffic patterns to assist in expediting the passage of cars, but delays are predicted to be as long as 25 minutes.


The New York Times Lists The "Best Places To..."

(10146)

Boston made it under "...to do business" (#5). Obviously, they just looked at big cities because in the Best Town To Live In, you know who would top the ticket.


Communications Tower Proposal Activates Outraged Neighbors
10136- Robert Hansen and Ted Moore are planning to build a 175-foot communications tower on Tioga Way property owned by Hansen. The neighbors are in an uproar. Kevin McCarthy, president of the Lincoln Park Townhouse Association, stated that his organization wants no part of the tower which will offer space for rent to cellular phone and pager companies, including Sprint Spectrum. They state that the Continental Cable tower (150-foot) "...is an eyesore; it's horrible. We don't want another monstrosity there," as reported in the Daily Evening Item. Health Issues and property values are also central to their concerns. McCarthy was also very concerned that the neighbors were not notified of the plans in a timely way, but only found out at "the last minute." The Lincoln Park neighbor is closer to the Tioga Way Industrial Park than any other. Zoning Board Chairman David Delaney stated that the Board was gong to continue the hearing until December 3, 1996 to research the Tower's need and any legal implications that need to be taken into account. The Board also asked the proposers to erect a 175-foot high balloon so the Board could assess what the height of a tower that high would be and what kind of an impact it may have. (more to follow on this story.)


World's Population To Reach 6.1 Billion By 2000
10136- (Reuters) -- Starting today, the world's population will increase by 300 million by the year 2000 to 6.1 billion. Asia, Africa, and Latin America will account for 95% of the growth. The Census Bureau recently readjusted this estimate from 6.2 billion because of a lower-than-expected mortality rate in the former Soviet Union and a higher-than-expected mortality rate from AIDS. The pace of births is far higher than ever before, the Bureau spokesperson stated. It took thousands of years for the world to reach 2.6 billion by 1950, but just an additional 50 years to add another 3.5 billion. 132 million births per year are projected for the next 25 years. Africa will have the highest birth rate of all regions. India currently has the highest birth rate and is 19% of the population increase, leading all other countries.


Marblehead Patrol Officer Faces Hearing
Marblehead Police Officer Karl Person (Daily Evening Item Photo)

(10126) - Patrolman Karl Person, as reported in the Daily Evening Item, is in trouble for "verbally abusing" a female assistant district attorney for allegedly parking her car in a restricted zone. Steve O'Connell, spokesman for District Attorney Kevin Burke stated, "It doesn't matter if it was an assistant district attorney or not... some inappropriate things were said to the woman." The woman swore out a complaint against officer Person. Also, according to this article, Person was suspended earlier this week for 10 days without pay for another incident which occurred several weeks ago, in which a reportedly intoxicated woman struck a car with her car and minutes later did it again after having talked to off-duty officer Person and being allowed to leave the scene of the first accident. Tony Sasso, Town Administrator, has been appointed as hearing officier in that incident. Person is also awaiting trial (November 5) in Lynn District Court on drunk driving charges. Person has pleaded innocent in that case.


The Marblehead Reporter Announces

With An Extensive Marblehead News & Information Site
Before an audience that included a State Senator, a State Representative, a member of the Board of Selectmen, Publisher Charles F. Goodrich, Editor Diana Montogemery, George Derringer, Fraffie Welch and members of many other Town boards and associations, the Reporter announced the results of their subscription drive (84% of Town residents) and the money to be awarded to specified charities.

A presentation of the website (http://http://www.townonline.com/) was well attended as the webmaster toured the site on a projection screen originating from a lap top computer connected to the internet. The site includes both articles published in the regular Thursday Reporter and articles that are written between publications. Thus, people who surf the web and bookmark TownOnLine, will have more up-to-date access to breaking news stories. (NOTE: Marblehead_News-Digest will also be watching this new site, because as you know, we do not ordinarily originate stories (photo essays, yes, but not stories) so this new entrant to our news digest will be valuable).

The site includes (beyond the news) many sections familiar to readers of the Reporter: Real Estate, Entertainment, Community Events, and it has a search engine for easy reference to past articles or articles on specific topics.


Marblehead Dive Team Needs Support
In 1992, Marblehead Firefighters took the initiative and organized the Marblehead Fire Department Dive Team.

"We had to get the ball rolling," recalls diver Mike Porter. "After all, in Marblehead we're surrounded by water."

This group, comprised of seven men and one woman, not only enjoy what they are doing to help the town but also pay for much of their equiptment, training, and practice dives themselves. It was important for them to remain ready at all times without having to use the fire department's budget. Although, groups like the Rotary have donated some equiptment to the dive team, maintenence of the equipment can get expensive. Testing just an oxygen tank can cost around $90.

The team has already passed many diving tests, such as, night dives, search pattern dives, and open sea rescues. One of their next goals is to get trained for ice dives.

"On an ice dive you've got to know what you are doing," says Porter.

An account has been opened at the National Grand Bank for private donations. Contributions will be accepted for The Marblehead Fire Department Dive Team in care of Tom Adams.


Police Get $20,000 Grant For Community Policing
The Marblehead Police Department has received a $20,000 Community Policing Grant, to "support police departments efforts in working with and utilizing community resources." Beat patrols, neighborhood watches, and other local effort to eliminate crime are the targets of this money. Representative Douglas Petersen and State Senator Chip Clancy were instrumental in steering the money to Marblehead's Police Department, as reported in the Marblehead Reporter.


Finance Committee Unanimously Supports Teachers' New Contract, 9 to 0.
Charles Gessner, Chairman of the FinCom School Liaison

After the failure of the general override in June which sought to fund a new teachers' contract by enlarging the tax base, rather than from within the budget, the School Committee has renegotiated a new contract, subject to funding at a Special Town Meeting in November (date yet to be set by the Board of Selectmen) and has appeared before the Finance Committee (in liaisons and in full session) towin the ananimous support of the traditionally fiscally convservative board.

After a one hour debate, lead by Charles Gessner and participated in by Selectman Bill Conly the committee voted to support the contract's final funding with available funds, the majority of the raise will be funded by the$324,974 already included in the 14.6 million school budget appropriated by Town Meeting last May but contingent on the passage of the override.

The contract calls for raises each year of the three year contract as follows: FY97 (the current year) retroactive to the start of the school year, 4 percent in September, 2 percent in January, FY98 the same as FY97, and FY99 2 in September and 2 in January for a total over three years of 16%.




In reviewing this numbers (Source: Town & City, September 1996) some things jump out:

(1) Marblehead has the lowest Average Tax Bill in both FY95 and FY96.
(2) Marblehead's tax bill rank of 40 out 331 towns and cities reviewed is well below that of the rest of the comparable group.
(3) Our property values are 6th from the bottom (or put another way, in the middle) of the group
(4) Our tax rate is next to the lowest, higher than only Wellesley
(5) Our percent of change in property value is also 6th from the bottom (in the middle) of the group.

This list of "Comparable Towns" was selected through a process that began in School's Budget Subcommittee in FY94, and culminated with a Townwide Committee chaired by the Town Adminstrator and with representation from the Selectmen, School Committee and the Finance Committee.


School Committee Considers Options To Deal With Overcrowding In The Schools.
Ron Grenier, School Committee member and Chairman of the Schools' Facilities Subcommittee has asked the School Committee to give careful consideration to "Option 2." This option, one of five that the Committee is taking into account, would renovate the Gerry (K-2), the Coffin school would gain 31,000 square feet for a new library, gym and art room; the Eveleth would add 13,500 square feet and a connecting structure would be built at the Glover to tie the two buildings together. This option will generate $1.2 million in state aid for the projects.

Option 3 mandates that a new school be built to replace the Eveleth and the Glover Schools, in lieu of all the other renovations was at one time the favorite among School Committee members. This iption would bring in $5.5 million in state aid toward the construction of the $8.9 million, 500-student elementary school.

There are other options under consideration: the building a central elementary school and the elimination of the neighbor schools which are all old and require expensive maintenance. There also was a discussion of moving the elementary schools to the middle school, the middle school to the High School, and building a brand new state-of-the-art high school at the Sevinor property near Tents corner.



Whether The Harbor? A Continuing Discussion.

(10196) -- When the budgeting of the Harbor's facilities and services went to an enterprise fund some years ago, many questioned its fiscal viability, given the income potential based almost entirely on mooring fees. As a pay-as-you-go department (like other fee-based services such as Water & Sewer and the Municipal Light Department) the operating budget of the Harbors & Waters Board is funded by "ratepayers," boatowners who use the facilities. Now, members of the boating community have raised a number of issues:

1. Why should the Harbors & Waters Board be strapped with all of the bonds and interest of the Town's purchase of Tucker's Wharf, when those expenses were never in the original enterprise plan worked out by Terrence McGrath and Paul Williams, the past and current Chairmen of that Board?

2. Why should the Harbors & Waters Board pay $60,000, "in lieu of taxes."

3. Why doesn't the Harbors & Waters Board raise it "rates" and lower them based on the needs of the department, like other enterprise funds?

Robbie Doyle, Chairman of The Friends Of The Harbor, stated (as reported in the Salem News), "It's a structural problem to have the waterfront controlled through the enterprise fund, to have those properties maintained solely through mooring holders. The mooring holders are not benefiting from that real estate. About 80% of them are serviced by the yacht clubs anyway." Doyle also stated that with all of the land issues taking up the harbormaster's time, he is becoming a real estate developer and that that is not what has traditionally been expected of that position.

Town Administrator Tony Sasso stated that the issue of "in lieu of taxes" is being considered and hopefully will be resolved at Marblehead's Annual Town Meeting beginning on Monday, May 5, 1997.


(9156)


"Our focus is on developing a long-range plan. The harbor as a business growth item is headed in the wrong direction."
-- Robbie Doyle, Sailmaker

"Marblehead over the last 100 years, it is what it is. If there were going to be
changes, they would have been done by now."

-- Warner Hazell, Harbormaster


It's easy to see why these two men disagree. Doyle wants to the harbor to grow; more moorings, more large yacht facilities, easier access to the harbor, and more commerce. Hazell, as reported in the Salem News, responded, "he's way off base. He doesn't know what he's talking about. He's a sailmaker. He goes sailing." Doyle is currently being honored by the Chamber of Commerce for his efforts to promote the harbor. He is heading an organization, Friends of The Harbor, which is developing a long-range plan for the harbor and the surrounding access areas. Doyle says that he has seen boaters move away because of the difficulties of parking, access, and buying supplies in Marblehead. Plus, he says there has been a conscious effort in Marblehead Harbor to reduce the number of moorings. He says that with better planning we could have more moorings, not less.

As of now, these issues will continue to be discussed at the meetings of The Harbors & Waters Board.

 Marblehead Gospel Singer Serenades President Clinton
Evelyn McDonald, of Marblehead singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Fleet Center before an audience that included President Bill Clinton, Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator John Kerry and 13,000 people. (Salem Evening News Photo)


In a wonderfully surprising moment at the Fleet Center, Evelyn McDonald burst into a gospel-style rendition of the second verse of the Star Spangled Banner that brought the 13,000 plus audience springing to its feet in a spontaneous and very enthusiastic standing ovation for the singer. As reported in the Salem Evening News, she stated "I'll probably be remembering this for the rest of my life. My dream is now that he is going to say, 'I must have that woman come and sing at the White House.'"

Marblehead_News-Digest will relay that sentiment to the White House via Email... someone we know works there. A member of our staff was in the audience to witness Ms. McDonald's song and can attest that it was one of the defining moments of the event that included Peter, Paul and Mary, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Carly Simon, and Crosby, Stills and Nash... not to mention The President Of The United States.

And just in case you've never seen it, here is the entire Star Spangled Banner: all 4 verses...
The Star Spangled Banner

The Defense of Fort McHenry by Francis Scott Key
20 September 1814

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thought the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!


Tower School's Renovations Near Completion.

Founded in 1912, Tower School has grown steadily in stature academically and as a member of the Marblehead community. Tower has been recognized as a "School of Excllence" by the U.S. government. As the new $3 million renovations near completion optimism and excitment are the modus vivendi of the faculty and students.

A new, larger gymnasium, actually a athletic center is a better term, is the signature of the new contruction but there are other improvements equally as important. 14 new classrooms, and five new offices are included in the construction budget. The old gymnasium will be coverted into a performing arts center. The old building configurations were energy inefficient, and the classrooms were too small for the modern curriculum requirements of today's education. As reported in the Salem News, Headmaster, Dr. James K. Bonney stated, "Larger instructional space was the primary motivation of the project."


The majority of the school's 300-student (coeducational) body comes from Marblehead and Swampscott and runs from pre-kindergarten to the ninth grade. The current student-teacher ratio is seven to one, as compared to the public school's ratio of at least 18 to 1.

The renovation project has effected virtually every square inch of the school. Funding came from parents and grandparents of present students, alumni, foundations, and friends of the school.

The project is scheduled for completion in December and a general public grand opening will be scheduled after that.
(9306)


Housing Board Chairman Airs Concerns About "Function and Role Of Board Members"
In an unusual move, without prior discussion with his Board, Housing Authority Chairman Howard Gross stated that he had some very serious concerns about members of his Board "undercutting" the new Executive Director Nancy Marcoux, and trying to "micromanage" the authority's operations behind the scenes. It was clear from the general tenor of the comments, comments by members Rob Dana and Jeff Howlett, and an article which appeared in the Marblehead Reporter, that the Chairman's concerns were directed at two long-standing committee members, Jean Eldridge and Joyce Elliot. In previous months, prior to the sudden resignation of Jackie Williams as Chairman and from the Board, there was a furor of tenant complaints forwarded in great detail to the Board of Selectmen and others about misuse and abuse of authority. In a special portion of a Selectmen's meeting some of these concerns were aired. Since Mr. Gross's election as Chairman, many problems were routed out and resolved, but as Rob Dana stated at the meeting, "We are on the right track now, let's not change course."

In an article in the Salem News, Joyce Elliot was reported as saying, "The only thing I that I did, was a received several phone calls from tenants... Employees have called me -- I have't solicited any calls."

Anyone in the room at the September 17th meeting, could tell that there was some tension on the Board and some deep disappointment on the part of the new members attempting to rebuild the housing authority. Mr. Gross stated that if the problems persisted he would tackle the problem head on and resolve it once and for all.
(9276)


School Board Considers Building A New School At Eveleth, or Somewhere Else?
There are serious overcrowding issues coming the Marblehead Public School system, like most systems in the United States and New England. It seems obvious to the Board that a new elementary school is the first priority, because that is where the crush of students is hitting first.

As reported in the Salem Evening News, Jody Magee, Chairman of the School Committee, asserted that there exists a consensus for placing a new 500-pupil elementary school on the site of the Eveleth School. Some of the remaining issues to be settled revolve around environmental and traffic concerns. If this school were to be built, the Glover complex would probably be abandoned and returned to the Town, according to a highly placed school department authority.

Projections stated that by 2005 there will be at least an additional 97 elementary students in the system. For the current year enrollment is already up an additional 23 students BEYOND the projections.
(9246)


175-Foot Communications Tower Planned For Tioga Way. Neighbors Opposed.
An application submitted to the Zoning Board by a Mr. Robert Hansen of Goodwins Court specified a 175-foot tower, with a rotating top, will be used to facilitate the use of beepers and cellular phones and other communication devices. A waiver will have to be granted since the tower will exceed by 125 feet the zoned height limit of 35 feet.

A hearing was held and then rescheduled due to an error in the legal advertisement.
(9176)


legendinc.com passes the 500,000 visitor milestone!



Current count since inception 1/15/96

After only 30 weeks, legendincom.com has surpassed 500,000 hits on its website. The average number of hits per weeks has steadily increased to well over 20,000 per week. Last week 27,231 hits registered through the reporting system of shore.net. Here are the statistics of the site since its inception on January 15, 1996:


1-28-96 1714 || 2-4-96 2325 || 2-11-96 3244 ||2-18-96 || 2-25-96 3994 || 3-3-96 4288 || 3-10-96 5175
3-17-96 6742 || 3-24-96 11154 || 3-31-96 13116 || 4-7-96 || 14852 || 4-14-96 16264
4-21-96 20296 PASSES 100,000
4-28-96 17969 || 5-5-96 20055 || 5-12-96 17881 || 5-19-96 13820 || 5-26-96 14396 || 6-2-96 9311
6-9-96 13297 PASSES 200,000
6-16-96 14911 || 6-23-96 22214 || 6-30-96 15300 || 7/7/96 19086
7/14/96 20934 PASSES 300,000
7/21/96 20531 || 7/28/96 19577 || 8/4/96 20444 ||
8/18/96 21652 PASSES 400,000
8/25/96 25419 || 9/1/96 25690 || 9/8/96 21106
9/15/96 27,231 PASSES 500,000

The site's webmaster estimates that there are over 22,150 computers which have legendinc.com bookmarks. Maintaining an average of 20,000 per weeks since June 15th, is indicative of the site's arrival at a new level of popularity. All indications are that by its anniversary on January 15, 1997 legendinc.com will pass the 1,000,000 mark.
(9166)

Teachers OK Contract
After the failure of the general override in the spring for teacher's salaries 3373 to 2737, the School Committee was faced with the task of negotiating a contract, and winning teachers' approval, that would include raises to be funded from within the budget. On Tuesday, September 10th, the teachers met and approved the newly negotiated three-year contract. The contract provides for more work days, some longer hours and regular pay increases. The contract must still be voted by the School Committee, and then it will require a special Town Meeting in November. Once approved it will be retroactive to the opening day of school this year.

A 4% raise in September, a 2% raise in January in the first year; the second year will be the same, but the third year will be 2% in September and 2% in January. All increases are subject to funding by Town Meeting.
Also, teachers have agreed to work until 4:00 P.M. for up to four days a month on cirriculum and other classroom issues. Classes are also allowed to begin prior to Labor Day in this new contract.

In an article in the Salem Evening News, Ann Cohen, Co-Chair of the Teachers Association, stated that this contract "is not very different from the override," which failed. "There was a part of it that the Town was not ready for, and that was the longer school year."

The contract also eliminates the bottom two steps of the teachers' pay schedule, allowing new hires to made at more competitive pay levels.
(9166)

Superintendent Philip Devaux annouces a marked increase in Marblehead SAT Scores. Some Controversy About Why.

Superintendent Philip Devaux

(9206) -- It is true that The College Board reconfigured the numbers on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and many have been waitng in the wings for the new "inflated numbers" to come out. But School Superintendent Philip Deveux wants to set the record straight. As Reported in the Salem News he is telling everyone who will listen that Marblehead's score increases are real.

(9136) -- Apparently, Marblehead's increases of 13 points in verbal and 16 points in math from 1995 to 1996 came after the 1995 figures were adjusted to conform to the calibration. Thus, for Marblehead, the comparison of 1995 and 1996 is a true comparison, reflecting two years recalibrated under the new scoring system.

Superintendent Of Marblehead Public Schools, Philip Devaux, recently released a report which showed a signifcant increase in the scores of Marblehead students on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The average verbal score increased 13 points to 525, and the average math score by 16 points to 539, for a combined average score of 1064, the highest score in a five year profile. This increase in Marblehead was well above state and national average increases of only one or two points in both verbal and math scores.

In an Daily Evening Item article by Cary Shuman, Devaux was reported as also stating that the percentage of students scoring 600 or higher on the verbal portion of the SATs doubled from 15% in 1992 to 30% in 1996. The percentage of students scoring 600 or higher on math portion of the examination increase from 24% in 1992 to 30% in 1996.

One observation in the Superintendent's report showed that Marblehead High School students who ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class scored much higher than students in the same category at other schools. Devaux also observed that students outside of the Advanced Placement Program and Honors Classes at the high school also showed a marked increase in their scores, up an average 28 points, indicating that the increase was, as he put it, "across all levels."

(left) School Committee member Joan Rosenthal and (right) Chairman Jody Magee

As reported in the article, School Committee member Joan Rosenthal stated that she found the students' SAT score increases, "illuminating and exciting. I'm glad the score increased. I'm interested in further study of the scores and how our students ranked against our comparable communities."

School Committee Chairman Jody Magee called the scores "a nice accomplishment." And stated that, "Our goal is to keep improving."
(996)

Marblehead YMCA Seeks New Location Again.
After an abortive attempt to build a new YMCA facility on the Sevinor land at Tents Corner, in junction with the new Recreation and Park Department/Council on Aging's new "Communty Center," the YMCA has investigated the Mackey Land off of Leggs Hill Road, and is again interested in the Sevinor land (but recently the School Committee rescinded its permission for the YMCA to use the land and now that that the Committee's make up is quite different new permission would be unlikely). Darrell Gallant, General Director of the Y, stated that "It's a top priority and a goal we actively pursuing. We need additional space and are looking for the right piece of land to proceed."

(left) Potential new location for the YMCA at the corner of Leggs Hill Road and Londonderry.
(right) the YMCA sign hanging at their current site on Pleasant Street adjacent to Memorial Park.
-- Photos By Christy Wozniak
(936)


Riptide Lounge Gains Acquittal Of All Charges Of Liquor License Violation

The Riptide Lounge, scene of the allegations concerning serving an intoxicated woman. Note the proximity to the intersection (left) of Pleasant Street and School Street.
-- Photos by Christy Wozniak.

October 11, 1996 -- Selectmen voted unanimously on Wednesday night to dismiss all charges against the Riptide Lounge for the incident described below. The attorney for the restaurant/bar presented a very compelling case that the police did not have the evidence needed to convict his client. Citing confusing and conflicting testimony from the woman involved and offering affadavits from four people in the restaurant at the time that no alcohol was served to her,he called on the Board to dismiss as the only fair option available.

August 27, 1996 -- Selectmen have received reports detailing another investigation regarding a violation of the bar's liquor license. The owner, George Ciampa, is denying the allegation that a patron was served while "dangerously intoxicated," according to a recent article in the Salem Evening News by Alan Burke. In that article, Ciampa is reported as saying, "This is so ludicrous. It's unbelievable. There were so many witnesses in the bar who will say that she was never served anything, nothing. We refused to serve her." This citation is the third for the establishment (7/94, 4/95).

The woman involved, Christina Edwards of Fairview Road, told conflicting stories: that she was served "a couple of Zimas," "one drink," and that she had "three shot glasses in front of" her. Ms. Edwards also admitted that she had had two or three drinks at the VFW where she works before coming to the Riptide. Ciampa, stated that he and his staff were aware that she was drunk and that they had tried to help her, offering food and non-alcoholic beverages. But, he said, they couldn't physically restrain her. "She was in and out."

Police Lieutenant James Carney stated that the establishment should have called the police department for assistance and that they had a moral responsiblility to find the woman transportation home. "What if she went out and stepped in front of a bus?" he asked. Eventually, after a long evening which included repeated attempts to scale a high fence, and a boyfriend found lying an alley, locking herself in a ladies room, police took Ms. Edwards into protective custody and tested her sobrity (she tested at.19, but according to police, she was too drunk to adequately take the test, and her alcohol level was probably much higher).

The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to hold a hearing on the incident at 7:35 P.M. at their October 2, 1996 meeting.
(8276)

Camp Shore Lea to host the Marblehead Nature Center's First Annual Fall Festival On October 18, 19, and 20th.

Former Girl Scout summer camp, Camp Shore Lea has been vancant and repeatedly vandalized for the past three years. Attempts to utilize the property for a dog kennel were rejected by the Conservation Commission and the Rec & Park Commission. Now, the Marblehead Nature Center is planning to utilize the forested and isolated camp site for its First Annual Fall Festival. Some of the planned events and seminars are listed below:

The Bug Club -- Mary Franklin and Norm Sherman
The Joy Of Insects -- Mark Berman
Whale Day - Life Size Blowup Whale-- New England Academy
Native American Pow-Wow -- Peter Sawin
Exploring Marblehead's Nature Trail System -- Friends of the Path
Tidepooling -- Barbara Egan, Audubon Society
Campfire Sing and Ghost Stories-- Girl and Boy Scouts and George Ulrich
Marblehead's Nature Wonders: A slide show -- Dennis Curtin
Enjoying Bats: Making Bat Houses -- Janey Winchell, Peabody Institute
Exploring Children's Island -- YMCA and The Hannah Glover
Apple Tasting & Cider Making -- Jack Hamilton, Marblehead Orchards
Surf Casting -- Mark Fulton, Marblehead Surf Casters
Exploring Conservation Lands -- Conservation Commission
The Night Skies -- Marblehead Skywatchers
Paper Making -- Gail Herscher
Sea Shell Crafts -- Danille Chepes
Herbs -- Margi Flint
Exploring Science & Nature On The Internet -- High School Web Team
Identifying Trees & Fall Wildflowers -- Tom Hammond and Joan McDuff
The Art Of Field Sketching -- Clare Walker Leslie
Marblehead's Geology -- Fred Sullivan
Wild Edibles -- Russ Cohen
Birdwatching in Marblehead -- Jan Smith
Understanding Estuaries -- J. Moore
Nature Photography -- Fred Goodwin
Organic Lawn Care -- Lauren Lautner
Composting -- Deb Ketola
History of Marblehead's Farms -- Betty Hunt
Restoring the Cabin: A Vision of Sustainable Design -- Sarah-Lincoln and Robert Harrison
Kite Making -- To be decided
Minitaure Hot Air Balloon -- To Be Decided
Pumpkin Carving -- To be decided
Hay Rides -- To be decided
Native-Americans in Marblehead -- Virginia Gamage
Sailing At Redd's Pond -- To be decided
Whale Watch -- To be decided
To be decided -- Holly Hannaway
Marine EnvroLab -- Middle School
Nature Writing -- Linda Weltner

More events and seminars may added as the Festival approaches.
(8316)

High School's New Principal Selection Put Off.

Marblehead High School at One Duncan Sleigh Square. A new principal Will Be Selected.

While under the Education Reform Act, the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Philip Devaux will make the final decision, a process for the selection of a new High School Principal has been established and is well underway. 16-member screening committee consisting of five teachers selected by the faculty, five parents selected by the site based management team, two students from different classes (they can be freshman, sophomores, juniors, or seniors), one School Committee member, one administrator selected by Dr. Devaux, and two members of the community at large.

The time tables established are as follows: September 18: Devaux completes priliminary screening; September 21: Screening Committee interviews begin; September 30 - October 4: Dr. Devaux and the Screening Committee visit finalists present school settings; October 8: Announcement of the new principal.

As of now the position has been advertised in newspapers and journals and 45 applicants have submitted their names. Stephen Fines has been appointedActing Principal and has also applied for permanent appointment to the position. As reported in the Lynn Item, Dr. Devaux was quoted as saying, "We have a group of candidates from a very broad-based background. About eight or ten are current principals. A number of been assistant principals. We have college professors and people with all kinds of academic degrees. We have a couple of our own faculty members who have applied." The consensus is that from this list an excellect selection can be made.

Devaux is planning to visit two to four sites where the finalists selected are currently working and he would be accompanied by some members, perhaps three, of the Screening Committee.
(9236)

It's Topsfield Fair Time Again!

Beginning Saturday, October 5th through Sunday, October 14th The Topsfield Fair (founded in 1818) again brings its spectacle and excitment to town. The Topsfield Fair is America's oldest fair. This year The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be making a special appearance throughtout the fair days and will perform synchronized riding daily at 6 PM. Opening Day's famous Giant Pumpkin Contest, the flower show, the poultry, cattle, sheep, cock-crowing contests, goats and rabbit exhibits are all part of this traditional New Enland County Fair.

Featured entertainers this year are:Shangri Las, Stella Parton and her band, the Oakridge Boys, Johnny Maestro and Brooklyn Bridge, Tom Wopat and Blood, Sweat and Tears. All entertainment is free with the price of admission.

On closing day, October 14th, the Monster Trucks will return with two shows in the arena at 2 PM and 6 PM.

The Midway brings its rides and games to the grounds for everyone.

For more information see your local newspapers or call (508) 887-5000 which, when we called it, had a real person, not a recording, answering ready to help you. The Fair is open daily 10 A.M. to 10 P.M.. Admission on weekdays is $5 and on weekends & Columbus Day $7. Children under 10, accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Parking on the fairgrounds is $3. Senior Citizens: Monday, October 7th, only $2. Route One in Topsfield, Massachusetts.
(1036)

School Committee Renames Budget Subcommittee And Assigns New Goals To It For FY1997
The School Committee has renamed the Budget Subcommittee, now to be called the Budget Advisory Committee and has assigned its new FY97 goals to the committee for immediate action. Here are the goals:

1. Compile comparable community data: Produce a report that compares Marblehead's FY85 school spending to the eleven comparable communities (Andover, Belmont, Hingham, Lexington, Lynnfield, Needham, Swampscott, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and Winchester). The report should include Per Pupil Expenditures for the following categories: Elementary, middle school, high school, regular education, and special education. Per pupil expenditure comparisons and category as a percentage of total budget comparisons should be included for the following: Adminstration, athletics, maintenance, textbooks, transportation and teachers. In addition, this report should indicate where Marblehead ranks in per pupil expenditure as compared to the 350 other schools districts in the Commonwealth. All data should be compiled from the Department of Education's annual school expenditure report (April 1996). Report findings to be reported to the School Committee in January, 1997.

2. Revenue Study: Produce a 5-year trend analysis of school department revenue by source (local tax funding, state aid, state/federal grants, school user/program fee, school choice, etc.) for the purpose of evaluating the changes in school revenue sources over time. Report findings to the School Committee in January, 1997.

3. Identify Potential New Revenue Sources: Give input to the School Committee on potential additional sources of revenue, including further development of endowments and potential new grant opportunities. This report should be ongoing throughout the year.

4. Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Budget Related Issues: Produce a list of constantly asked questions relating to the School's budget and its process to ensure a better community understanding of the true cost of public education. Responses should be supported by research and documentation using reliable ata from other Town departments, the DOE's annual school expenditure report, etc. Report findings to the School Committee in January, 1997.

5. School Lunch Program: Produce an analysis of the school lunch program for the purpose of evaluating its benefit and cost as well as researching other options. Report findings and recommendations to the School Committee in May, 1997.

The Budget Advisory Committee is co-chaired by Margaret Sparks and Kathy Leonardson and meets once per month in the High School Library. Watch Marblehead_News-Digest's Municipal Meeting Calendar for postings of upcoming meetings.
(9256)


JCC Has A New President

The Jewish Community Center in Marblehead, MA

The largest Jewish agency on the North Shore, with members numbering over 5000, has elected a new President, Joseph Sontz, 52, a Lynn native to assume the reins of the organization. Mr. Sontz has stated, as reported in the Daily Evening Item, that the JCC represents "the strength of the Jewish community, a method of maintaining tradition and culture, and a focal gathering point for people of all ages and religions."

He will be the Chairman of the 39-member Board and a 10-member executive board and will work closely with the Executive Director, Gary M. Bernstein.

Mr. Sontz, is a partner in the Max Sontz Company and resides in Marblehead. The first order of business for the new President to raise the money for a 14,000 square foot addition to the building, which will include additional classrooms, aerobic space, meeting rooms, a fitness center and a women's health center.
(9216)


The Italians Are Coming! Monterosso's Our Sister City, And, Oh, Brother, Are They Excited!

Monterosso as seen from the surrounding hills.

You can only get there via railroad, no roads for cars. And some who've been there say that you should bring your hiking boots because if you want to see sorrounding villages that's how you get there. But other than the lack of cars, it's a lot like Marblehead: ancient homes line the seashore, a rocky coast and a small stretch of beach. A small fleet of fisherman. The summer fills the streets with tourists.

Tony Musso, President of Italian American Association and a resident of Marblehead, did a lot of hard work to convince the Board that an Italian City should joine Grasse, France as one of our Sister City associations. Now things are moving along. Former Selectman, Dwight "Bucky" Grader delivered Marblehead's official proclamation of sisterhood and the Town is expecting the Mayor of Monterosso to visit with a small delegation in later September. More later.
(9206)


Marblehead Reporter Annouces "1996 Readers' Choice Awards."

Just to summarize some interesting citations...

#1 Asian Restaurant: Mandarin - (617) 639-1540
Village Plaza
Marblehead, MA

#1 Auto Repair: Bartlett's Garage - (617) 631-0901
1 Stacey Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Bagel: Breugger's - (508) 741-7688
Vinnen Square
Salem, MA

#1 Bakery: Eat Your Heart Out (617) 639-0244
Village Plaza II
Marblehead, MA

#1 Bar: Maddie's Sail Loft- (617) 631-9824
15 State Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Barber: Silver Shears - (617)631-9740
4 Bessom Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Caterer: Fatfingers (617) 639-0521
160 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Cheap Eats: The Driftwood - (617)631-1145
63 Front Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Coffee Shop: Java Sun (617) 631-7788
35 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Community Bank: Marblehead Savings - (617) 631-5500
21 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Creative Cuisine: Pellino's - (617) 631-3344
261 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Deli: 5 Corners Deli- Cafe - (617) 631-3707
2 School Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Electrician: Macombers - (617) 631-5131
146 Village Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Fish Market: Marblehead Lobster - (617) 631-0787
Beacon & Orne Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Fitness Center: Phoenix Fitness - (617) 631-6533
46 Tioga Way
Marblehead, MA

#1 Florist: Osborne's - (617) 631-2467
10 Ocean Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Hair Salon: John Fagone - (617) 631-0564
22 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Ice Cream: J. Higby's Frozen Yogurt - (617) 639-2373
6 School Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Landscaper: Greg Carr - (617) 639-0223
10 Tioga Way
Marblehead, MA

#1 Lawyer: Harry Christensen - (617) 639-2719
40 South Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Liguor Store: Shubie's Liquors - (617) 631-0149
32 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Local Politician: Thomas A. McNulty - (617) 834-9899
15 Waldron Court
Marblehead, MA

#1 MicroBrewed Beer: Ipswich Ale - (508) 356-3329
25 Hayward Street
Ipswich, MA

#1 Optical Shop: Norman's Optical Image - (617) 631-3328
2 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 People Watching Spot: The Landing - (617) 631-1878
81 Front Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place For A Picnic: Crocker Park
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place For Dessert: Delphin's - (617) 639-2311
258 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place For Hamburgers: Jacob Marley's - (617) 631-5594
9 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place For Pizza: Marblehead House of Pizza - (617) 631-4898
7 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place For Quality Meats - Community Store - (617) 631-5085
214 Beacon Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place For Sandwiches/Subs: Marblehead Munchies - (617) 631-0605
Village Plaza II
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place To Jog: Marblehead Neck
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place To Meet People: Maddie's Sail Loft- (617) 631-9824
15 State Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place To See Theatre: Warwick Cinema - (617) 631-0350
121 Pleasant Steet
Marblehead, MA

#1 Place To Take Visitors: Fort Sewall
Marblehead, MA

#1 Playground: Headers Haven
Gerry Park
Marblehead, MA

#1 Produce Market: Fruit of the Four Seasons - (617) 631-9784
34 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Rental Store: Chet's Video - (617) 631-9550
1 Essex Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Restaurant For Ambiance: Michael's House - (617) 631-1255
26 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Restaurant For Breakfast: Driftwood Retaurant - (617) 631-1145
63 Front Street
Marblehead, MA

Restaurant For Brunch: Jacob Marley's - (617) 631-5594
9 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

Restaurant For Children: Jacob Marley's - (617) 631-5594
9 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

Restaurant For Seafood: The Barnacle - (617) 631-4236
141 Front Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Restaurant For Steak and Ribs: Sand Bar & Grill - (617) 631-1687
259 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Restaurant For Take-Out: Flynnies on the Avenue - (617) 639-2100
28 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Retirement Home: Lafayette Convalescent Home - (617) 631-4535
25 Lafayette Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Salad Bar: Sand Bar & Grill - (617) 631-1687
259 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Sporting Equipment Store: Marblehead Sports Shop - (617) 639-0661
145 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Tailor/Seamstress: Tad the Tailor - (617) 639-1252
199 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Travel Agent: Warwick Travel - (617) 631-3600
171 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA

#1 Veterinarian: Atlantic Veterinary - (617) 631-8881
385 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

#1 Women's Clothing - Casual: Bus Stop - (617) 639-0637
2 Market Square
Marblehead, MA

#1 Women's Clothing - Dressy: Irresistables - (617) 631-8903
50 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, MA

To subscribe to the Marblehead Reporter: Mail subscription $19 per year or $33 for out of town. Marblehead Reporter, P.O. Box 192, Ipswich, MA 01938

Marblehead Football Season Begins With Defeat
Bishop Fenwick soundly defeated a scoreless Marblehead squad on Friday. It was our first home game of the season.

Here is the roster of the team:

Andrew Whipple #7 -- QB/CB -- sophomore
Michael Baratz #8 -- FL/LB -- senior
Michael Shea #9 -- TE/E -- sophomore
Anthony Genest #10 -- HB/S -- senior
Joe Kelleher # 12 -- QB/S -- freshman
Keith Comeau #14 -- QB/S - junior
Matt Peterson #20 -- FB/LB -- freshman
J.P. Gleason #21 -- HB/CB -- senior
Todd Mitchell #25 -- FL/S -- junior
Michael Taylor #28 -- FB/LB -- junior
Brian Heaphy #30 -- HB/CB -- sophomore
Joshua Guthartz #32 -- FL/S -- sophomore
Charles Sinclair #35 -- SE/CB -- senior
Christopher Ward #40 -- G/DE -- freshman
Dan Raynes #41 -- FB/CB -- freshman
Matt Martin #44 -- FB/DE -- junior
Michael Donawa #45 -- HB/CB -- sophomore
Ed Desrosier #50 -- C/DT -- freshman
Jordan Chasnoff #52 -- T -- freshman
Chris Hartley #53 -- G/NG -- junior
Phil Norton #54 -- C/DT -- sophomore
Micahel Raimo #55 -- T -- senior
Russ Nizamov #56 -- T -- junior
Andrew Goloboy #61 -- G/NG -- junior
Geoff Hicks #62 -- G/DE -- freshman
Anrew Elliott #63 -- DE/T -- senior
Brett Santeusanio #64 -- NG/C -- senior
Michael Horgan #66 -- G/LB -- senior
Nick Venezia #67 -- G/DT -- freshman
David Jackman #70 -- T -- sophomore
Rocco Nuzzolo #71 -- G/NG -- sophomore
Jeffrey Marquis #72 -- T -- sophomore
Robby McDuffie #74 -- T -- freshman
John Valentini #76 -- T -- senior
Stanislav Gorelits #78 -- T -- senior
Chris Stanchfield #83 -- FL/CB -- freshman
Wesley Turner #88 -- FL/CB -- freshman
Colin Abercrombie -- G/LB -- junior
Chris Genest -- FL/CB -- freshman

Here is the team's 1996 Game Schedule: Home games in BOLD

September 13 -- Fenwick 3 P.M.
September 21 -- Westwood 1:30 P.M.
September 28 -- Danvers 11 A.M.

October 4 -- at Classical 7 P.M.
October 12 -- at Salem 2 P.M.
October 19 -- Saugus 1:30 P.M.
October 26 -- Gloucester 1:30 P.M.

November 1 -- at English 7 P.M.
November 9 -- at Beverly 1:30 P.M.
November 16 -- Winthrop 1 P.M.
November 28 -- at Swampscott 10 A.M.
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Legion Building, After Selectmen's Scrutiny: Tennants Evicted As Of September 1st, Now Board Must Decide What To Do With Bulding....

The American Legion building on Washington Street

1n 1995, then Selectmen Robert Peck, acting as a "Committee of One" was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to investigate and report back the condition, usage and potential futures of the Legion Building on Washington Street. In his report he stated that Post 32 of the American Legion had not met in six years, had been sub leasing space to private enterprises, and had seen its membership dwindle to 12 or less from a high of 400 members. He asked if this was the proper use of the building in the opinion of the Board. He stated that at the time he was working with the Legion to determine if there is still viability in the organization, whether or not the Legion Building is the right place or, if it is, do they need it all. He also recommended that the Board begin the process of eviction of the private leasees due to liability and other public safety issues.

As of September 1, 1996 the building will be empty, the Building Inspector will begin his inspections and determinations of expenses to repair and maintain the building and The Board Of Selectmen will begin its process of assessing what the best use of the building will be.

Hurricane Edouard Fizzles As It Passes Marblehead
More rain than hurricane, Edouard disappoints some and others are greatly relieved with the Harbor packed with boats.

Scenes at the Landing show Marbleheaders ejoying the weather and the in-Harbor rollers.

Near the Barnicle Restaurant off Front Street, the out Harbor was even rougher.

(left) Off of Preston Beach the waves were 3 feet, and from the Corinthian Yacht Club, the boats at moorings rocked roughly and stretched anchor lines.

The storm, while not really a hurricane was a tough little Nor'Easter, and held some hidden beauty as well. As of 12:20 P.M. Edouard had been declassified as a hurricane, but Fran and Hortense were already forming in the Caribbean.
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First Day Of School: Everything's Ship Shape, But Underlying Problems Of Funding Teachers' Raises Shade Somewhat Darkly The Beginning Of The School Year.

Two members of the Class of 2000 arrive early before the crowd for their first day at Marblehead High School.

The Class of 2000 enters Marblehead High, the class of 2004 enters the Middle School, and the Class of 2008 enters the first grade. As the Class of 1996 enters its graduation year, the Town's six public schools (not including the Marblehead Community Charter Public School), it's nearly 300 teachers and adminstrative staff and its 2600 students (and their parents) are still reeling from the failure of a general override in June to bring Marblehead's teachers pay up from dead last in our comparable towns, to third from last. At the same time as the Town resoundingly voted down the teachers contract, it also funded school renovations and generously supported the computerization of the classrooms. In a tours of the schools, everything appeared to be shipshape: many parking lots were repaved, all the floors were polished highly, and the schools all had new coats of paint everywhere.

Teacher's contraction negotiations in light of the failed override are proceeding, and have been reported near a settlement. Marblehead_News-Digest will publish the details when they are made public. But for today, try to remember your first day of High School, Middle School, or First Grade and imagine who excited those students are as they pass a milestone. It's a good day for kids.
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Devereux Beach Clean-Up Planned For Saturday, Sept. 21st, 10 A.M.
Every year local volunteers gather at 10 A.M. on a designated Saturday to spend time cleaning up Devereux Beach, the Town's largest and most popular beach. The community effort to remove trash and othe marine debris is part of Coastsweep '96, a state-wide effort to clean up the shore by the Massachusetts Coastal Zone Maganement. Approximately 125 people are anticipated to participate. This is the tenth year of Coastsweep.

For further information contact the Marblehead Recreation, Park & Forestry Department
at 631-3350. Anyone wishing to participate on Saturday, September 21st should just come to the beach ready to pitch in for however long as your time allows. Every minute will be appreciated.

Devereux Beach during the last beach days of summer.

Some of the debris targeted for cleaning up.
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There's Nothing Wrong With Marblehead Water!

(Left) Water & Sewer Department Superintendent Dana Snow. (Right) Marblehead's first line of defense against MWRA contaminates, the recently refurbished Tedesco Pumping Station

According to Paul DiNatale, of the Massachusetts Water Resrouces Authority (MWRA), "There is no problem with Marblehead's water," as reported in the Salem Evening News. "It's tested all the time. There has been a problem with algae in the system, but algae is essentially harmless. It's not something to cause a person to become ill."

Other Marblehead Officials are empathically dismissing rumors that unsafe drinking water has led to cases of salmonella or E-coli poisoning in Town. The public nurse has acknowledged a higher than usual number of infections, but adds that ones she has seen are all related to food not the water.

Dana Snow, Superintendent of the Water & Sewer Department also states that the water is safe. "All our test have been clean. This has been a cool summer, and Marblehead's water is extremely, extremely clean.

Marblehead's Water & Sewer Department tests the system twice a week.

The rumors concerning Marblehead's water as the cause of the problem are apparently not true.
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New Glover/Eveleth Principal Named
After the resignation of Susan Rubel, the search began immediately to replace the popular principal of what many consider to be the best two elementary schools in the system. The selection committee included Superintendent Philip Devaux who stated in a recent Salem News article, "We were thrilled because he showed an apptitude for really solid leadership. Robert Harrison of Amesbury signed a two year contract. Harrision offered a excellent resume, but more than that, stated Devaux, he displayed an ability to work in groups, was very articulate, straightforward and to the point.

Harrision holds a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of New Hampshire and a masters of arts in elementary education from Lesley College. He was selected from a field of 45 applications.
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New Skateboard & InLine Skating Park Launched.
Completing a two-year campaign to solve some of the problems associated with an every increasing number of skateboarders and inline skaters on the streets and park of Marblehead, Selectman Diance St. Laurent announced the groundbreaking of an newly expanded portion of the Green Street Playground for the sport and a fund raising campaign to complete the park with removable and multi-purposed equipment.
Selectman Diane St. Laurent.

Many observers have noted the inline skaters at the YMCA stairway, "grinding" down the railings, and recently an incident occurred that prompted Selectmen to take note of damage occuring in Memorial Park to the World War II Memorial marble and metal base by in skaters and skateboarders "grinding" on the sharp edges of the monument. "Grinding" is something all of these youngs athletes enjoy doing and is accomplished when with a small lead in the air they bring the non-roller portion the their skates into contact with the sharp or smooth edges of a slippery surface like a stairway metal bannister or a monument curbstone and then slide at a increasing rate of speed along its distance. This gives the skaters a sort of turbo lift and requires the agility to jump to the slicker surface, balance during the speeding grind, and then jumb off the surface and land again on the side walk or roadway. It might be the inline skater's equivalent of a moghole in downhill skiing.


While to many oridinary people what these young people are doing may seem foolhardy and dangerous, and while the YMCA has posted signs asking police to take notice of this unsanctioned activity, they still do it every chance they can. Because it takes great skill, is very difficult, and it's about as much fun, according to inline skaters interviewed, as you can have on skates.

Below is the start of the new area, pavement added to the old "bowl" which was used to some extent by skateboarders and rollerbladers. The next step is the fundraising for and ultimate purchase of the equipment that will make the park attractive to these young athletes: a half pipe, jumps and perhaps the popular rails for grinding, in addition to other obstacles.


The photos above show the area designated for skateboarders at Reynolds Playground.


Recognizing the tremendous athlete skills involved in skateboarding and inline skating, and the fact that inline skating is the fastest growing sport in the United States, Selectman St. Laurent is championing the outfitting of an enlarged portion of the Green Street Playground with everything skateboarders and inline skaters could want. "Hopefully," she stated, "this will give them a safe place to practice and workout away from Marblehead's busy streets and business community."

Anyone wishing to contribute should call the Selectmen's office at (617) 631-0000 or mail the check, specified for the Skate Park to Selectmen, Abbot Hall, Marblehead, MA )1945.
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New Salem/Beverly Bridge Now Open

(left) the final piece just put in place, and (right) the entrance to the bridge from Beverly lifting off into an August fog bank, just two weeks before opening.

NOW OPEN after five years of construction and inconvenience Salem, Beverly and Marblehead residents will suddenly able to drive across a 1500 foot bridge over 150 feet off the water without interruption. Many predict it will be a boon for the area's businesses. Actually, only half of the bridge will be open as of today and officials are being coy about the actual timing because of fears of large crowds attempting to be the first to cross the new Veterans Memorial Bridge. Your Marblehead_News-Digest staff will drive over and take a picture for you from the top of the bridge.
The bridge is finally open!
Salem News Photo by Jonathon W. Whitmore
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Selectmen & School Committee Robert Clayman To Belf-Becker Seat.

Many in Town felt that the vacated seat by Belf-Becker's resignation would create a free for all for the joint School Committee / Board of Selectmen appointment. But after more than two months after her resignation... the only one applicant was unanimously appointed. Robert Clayman is an attorney, father of two school age children, former Swamscott High School teacher, and currently executive director of the Judicial Institute where he trains judges and court personnel throughout the Commonwealth. Clayman holds a Masters Degree from Tufts and a Law Degree from American University. Clayman has served the Town in the past on the schools' Strategic Planning Committee.

The appointment was originally scheduled on the Selectmen's agenda for the meeting of August 21st, but because of a posting problem the School Committee was unable to attend the planned joint convention. Members of both boards have expressed surprise and disappointment that only one applicant has come forward. However, everyone quickly states that that one applicant is highly qualified and the Town would be well served if the appointment were made.

In a joint meeting on September 11th, the two boards met to make the appointment after a brief question and answer session and a statement by Mr. Clayman. Mr. Clayman will have to run for the seat in a municipal election in May, as is required by Town Bylaws. The appointment to elected boards' vacancies is always an interrim appointment until the next election. Mr. Clayman has indicated his intention to seek election in May.
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Selectmen Unanimously Deny NRA The Right To Use
The Spirit Of '76 On Their Membership Card!
The Spirit of '76 which hangs in Abbot Hall, Marblehead, Massachusetts. Considered the seminal icon of the American Revolution, it is under the protection of the Marblehead Board of Selectmen, who strictly control the use of its image.

After reading the letter to the Marblehead Board of Selectmen requesting the right to use the world famous image of the Archibald Willard's strikingly inspirational painting, The Spirit Of '76, on their plastic membership card, the Selectmen unanimously rejected the request. Routinely, these type of requests are granted for a nominal $100 fee to educational publications, magazines, and many other qualified sources. This request, however, met a fast fate almost without comment. It was clear, however, to an observor in the room, that each member of the Board had his or her own reasons. Clearly the nature of the National Rifle Association's membership and activities could have been a factor.
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North Of Boston Magazine Publishes Story On Birthplace Of The American Navy Dispute

----- v e r s u s -----

In an article that seems to confirm Beverly's well-known false claim to the title, North Of Boston Magazine has taken a tact that will be very unpopular in Marblehead. Read the article for yourself, then click your back button to return to the real birth place. Actually, Beverly could easily claim the Berth-Place of the American Navy, because we did tie up over there for a while.
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Royal Tape Promises To Vacate Premises By May 31, 1997. But, Some
Conditions May Be Attached...

The Royal Tape Factory off Green Street where the Board of Health declared a "public nuisance
and a health emergency" to exist, and an agreement to vacate seems to be in hand.

9/27/96: After air sample "grabs" by the Board Of Health showed that air quality was well below any standard for human danger, and probably because of the neighbors anger and emotional insistence that he leave, Tape Factory owner, Thomas Murphy, agreed to leave the premises no later that June 1997, and to sell the property only for residential development. Also the factory renegotiated a clause in the agreement that they would only operate 8 hours a day, to 12 hours a day, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Monday through Friday. They also promised to raise the height of air stacks picture above. As reported in the Salem News, Murphy stated, "We are leaving in order to accommodate the neighbors and not under any pressure. We want to be a good neighbor. If I say we're going out, we're going out. No matter what the consequences. If I make an agreement, it's going to be kept.
]
The neighbors continued to express the concern that the chemicals being released in the neighborhood over the past 25 years are cancer-causing.

The agreement will be reviewed by Town Counsel and take immediate effect.
9/12/96: In a meeting of the Powderhouse Neighborhood Association, neighbors abutting the factory from Curtis Street, from elderly housing at Powderhouse Court, and along Green Street vented frustrations and mistrust of Mr. Tom Murphy, the factory owner. David Belf-Becker, present as a representative of the Board Of Health stated that the May 31, 1996 was a "Drop dead date" which will marked the end of the neighborhood's twenty-year struggle with the nuisance and emissions of the factory. Over the past year and a half protests and citations have increased markedly, with three DEP citations and two OSHA citations, plus a Board of Health Cease & Desist Order and many, many neighborhood complaints.

One of the strings attached to Murphy's offer was that all environmental testing around the factory be discontinued. He stated that he is going to raise his smoke stacks to between 10 and 12 feet and that aperations would be scaled back from 16 hours a day to 12, and eventually to 8 hours a day. Mr. Belf-Becker was quoted in the Salem News as stating, "We are 100% concerned with the health of the neighborhood... If we feel there's a need to test, we will test."

Belf-Becker stated that The Board Of Health was going to ask Town Counsel to review all documentation to guarantee compliance.

Murphy also stated that when he sold the property it would be sold for residential housing, not another commercial use.

The next step will be the formal meeting of the Board Of Health and the decisions they vote on. More later.

8/27/96: In a Salem News article today, by Alan Burke, Tom Murphy, Owner of the Royal Tape Factory promised to accelerate the departure of the plant from Marblehead and to sell the land for residential use. He pledged to give specific dates at the next Board of Health meeting on September 24th. Meanwhile the hours of the factory f=have been reduced to 12 per day from 16 pending a clear air evaluation by the Board of Health.

In that interview Mr. Murphy was reported to be very frustrated and feeling that Petersen and Purdin were both of the same mind, "to shut the company down." Both Purdin and Petersen denied any such motivation. Purdin stated that his only concerns were the safety and protection of the neighborhood, and Petersen stated that he had never expressed any opinion on the factory and had never spoken to Mr. Murphy.

The Old Powderhouse Neighborhood Association is planning a meeting at the VFW at 7:30 P.M. on Spetember 10th to continue the discussion of this matter.

8/22/96:
In a previously scheduled meeting with the Town Adminstrator, Tony Sasso, neighbors to the Tape Factory discussed their concerns over the twenty year history of the Tape Factory in their neighborhood. Violations, citations, compliance then more violations, more citiation, more compliance. They expressed to Doug Petersen and Bill Purdin their concerns that this situation may be responsible for over 12 cancers on Curtis Street, the nearest street to the factory. Further meetings were established.

8/21/96:
The Board Of Health, Chaired by former Selectman Carl Goodman, issued a cease and desist order to the Royal Tape, Inc. at an emergency session held on August 19, 1996 at 12:15 P.M. for the purpose of investigating compalints about the emissions and odors in the surrounding neighborhoods.

After nearly 20 years of neighborhood complaints, numerous Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) citations for violations and two OSHA citations, the factory was shut down for two days. The photo on the right is of the DEP citationed-ordered vents which require a positive air flow into the factory, airtight enviornment inside the factory, and then an acclerated ejection of emissions into the air. Obviously, with the garage door and front door open (see left photo) the required air flow control system is "out the window," so to speak.

In the notification letter to the owers of the factory in Salisbury, MA the Board of Health stated: "The Board conducted a site inspection at the abutters' properties on Curtis Street and found that noxious odors orginating at the Royal Tape Factory permeated the abutters premises and that same affected the neighborhood at large causing residents to suffer physical aliments including but not limited to burning eyes, burning throat, interference with palate and olfaction." The letter went on to notify the owners that a finding of these conditions constitute a "public nuisance" and a health emergency exists.

A subsequent meeting was held with the owners on Wednesay, August 21st and the order was modified to reduce the hours of operation from 16 to 12 per day with further inspections to follow. This second meeting was attended by Channel 4 (WBZ) and reported on the evening news.

Want Some Lobsters?
A Marblehead_News-Digest Photo Essay by Jacob X. Harmony

It was a beautiful late-summer day in Marblehead. The sun was shining. People were out walking. And Paul Crowell was at his "store" selling lobsters.

The customer asked for six 1 1/4 pound lobsters. Paul said, "Yeaap, we've got it." And then he walked out back to the storage tank.

Where he carefully bent over to choose a few selects from his catch of the week.

Then he returned to the customer at the front of his store.

Carefully weighing the six lobsters, he came up with a price for the customer.
"$37.50." The customer said, "I thought it would be a lot more."

Paul said, "Weeeell, we're caught between a rock and a hard place. Low catches and low prices. But you make out pretty good."

The photographer asked him to hold one fine specimen for the internet audience, and he did. We thought it might be a good advertisement for this Marblehead entrepreneur, in his maginificent store, down at Fort Sewall steps. (Every Saturday and Sunday, 2 P.M. to 5 P.M.) Note: Paul's lobster prices are about $1 per pound under the "regular store" price. And the view is so much better at Paul's place.
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Another Photo Essay.... The Last Beach Days Of Summer!

Photos by Jacob X. Harmony.


It won't be long, and it's way too soon, before all of this will be a warming memory in the snow.

All these people will put down their sand shovels and pick up their snow shovels before long.

But just relax for now. It's still warm, it's still sort of summer, and the cold, don't worry yet.


Rosalie's Liquor License Finally Settled

Rosalie's former restaurant, now sold to George Harrington.

After nearly 14 months, the Board Of Selectmen finally were presented with a situation that they could vote yes or know on. In the past four meetings with George and Rosalie Harrington, long divorced, or their attorneys, the only option seen by the Board were continuations pending the decisions of the bankruptcy court with was deliberating on a complication raised by the Creditors Committee over the price and terms of the sale. Even in the final meeting prior to the decisive vote, it was discovered the the liquor license, apparently authorized, was never paid for by Rosalie Harrington who was at the time under pressure for back taxes and bankruptcy. And, then on the final night additional pressure was applied to the Board by the application for the unpaid liquor license by an business in good standing, The King's Rook. But faced with additional litigation and the willingness to clear up the upaid amount for the liquor license the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously (Bill Conly was not present) to stay the course of their previously indicated intentions and renew the liquor license for Rosalie's, clearing the way for a transfer to the new owner George Harrington, after the sale is completed.

At one time, Roslaie's was internationally famous, both for its Northern Italian cuisine and for its being featured in a long-running MasterCard television commercial. The original restuarant was founded and managed by the then married Harrington's. After the marriage's breakup,George started and has built The Liceum in Salem into one of the most successful restaurants north of Boston, while Rosalie's faded slowly into eventual bankruptcy and tax liens.

The new restaurant will not be called Rosalie's and will feature seafood as its signature.
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Middle School Teacher Sentenced To Three Years Probation After Admitting To Charges Of Indecent Assault And Battery On A 14-Year Old Student

Alan R. Morrell, a teacher at the Marblehead Middle School for over 25 years, recently answered, "Yes," the question of whether or the not he was guilty of the chanrges against him in Lynn District Court. A popular eighth grade math teacher, Mr. Morrell was accused on June 26 1995. As reported in a recent front page Marblehead Reporter article by Laurie Fullerton, Assistant District Attorney Kathy Tuttman stated, "Although the sexual touching was not highly invasive, it was on a scale of indecent assault and battery. I think it is very important that [the victim] and others came forward because it is celary a violation and manipulation of the trust we put into people of authority. We feel that we need to be very vigilant in addressing a situation with improper touching of students, as it is a violation of a person in a trust position."

Morrell's sentence of three years probation include mandatory sex offenders counselling and the prohibition of contact with the victim or her family, and he is forbidden from any employment or volunteer activities involving children under the age of 16.

Mr. Morrell chose not to stand trial by jury and accepted the sentence directly from the judge. When he completes his term of probation, the charges will be dismissed.
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Gail Pike Hercher, Historian, Chronicles Long-Forgotten Captains Meek Of Marblehead.
They were true globe-trotting, ancient mariners, the brothers Meek, John and Thomas. It was the early 1800's, and like astronauts of today, they went where no one had gone before. "It was dangerous, truly dangerous," Pike was quoted as saying about the voyages of Thomas and John Meek (Salem News, Alan Burke). They were two sons of five of a sea captain who all rose to the same rank as their father. Thomas and John sailed under John Jacob Astor to far distant lands like China, without today's navigational instruments. Trips would take two to three years. But, their historical obscurity resulted from the lack of any written journals, often common to ocean vessels. Hercher has pieced their history together from scrimshaw artifacts and documents and journals that mention the Meeks.

Hercher's lecture at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion in Marblehead dealt with the history of the Meeks' voyages with a special emphasis on their travels in Hawaii, where John Meek made a home and eventually died. "He was a handsome man," Hercher stated, "kind of a rogue, a gambler and a drinker. I've imagined, or tried to imagine their life in New England and then their arrival in Hawaii with all the flowers and all the colors and the women." It must have been a shock coming from cold, puritanical New England to sunny, natural Hawaii.
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