Weekly News Digest 2000
Previously "Milestones"
Important events in Marblehead since the inception of legendinc.com,
as reported in the Daily Evening Item, the Salem Evening News,
the Marblehead Reporter, and The Boston Globe,
among other resources, including the official Selectmen's Minutes.


--December 28th: And, the year ends on a quiet-as-a-mouse note.

Mim Zora, a Marbleheader, has her thesis in film showcased at th Sundance Film Festival.

--December 21st: The Finance Committee has issued its "guidelines" for the budget process for fiscal year 2002: no surprise... "level funding."

The consruction of a new storm water collection system for the Commerical, Central and Chestnut Street area, known as "The Shipyard," will begin between Christmas and New Years. The project resulted from recent changes in the floodgates at Riverhead Beach which are currently left open to allow flushing to the salt marsh at Goldthwaite Beach, but in the past were used to restrain high tides and to create as a fresh water holding area for the Town's storm water runoff. With the gates open, which is the status currently mandated by the Conservation Commission, during a coincidence of high storm water runoff during a downpour and a high tide, the Shipyard area floods, sometimes to levels of five feet or more, resulting in extensive damage to residents and businesses of the area.

With the resignation of JoAnn Silva, Kris Olson is appointed the new Editor of the Marblehead Reporter. He comes to Marblehead from the editor's chair of the Swampscott Reporter.

-- December 14th: Tax rate announced, and it's going down from $11.14 per $1,000 of property valuation to $10.23. Marblehead's tax rate is one of the lowest of the 351 towns and cities in the Commonwealth, however, it should be noted that this year's reduction, like every year's tax rate, is mandated by Proposition 2.5. With the recent reassessment, and the resulting increase in the base of property tax levy calculation, to stay within the 2.5% increase parameters of the law, the tax rate must be reduced. So, while the tax rate is going down, it does not automatically follow that Marblehead's citizen are paying less taxes. The average tax bill for FY2002 will be $3,508.89, down $20.26 from the average of FY2001 of $3,529.15.

-- December 7th:
The Skating Rink Committee Co-Chaired by Bob Peck and Ray Katzen announced that the plan has "high feasibility" of making a profit and paying for itself, if it is built on Town land. The Selectmen praised the Committee and offered support for the project.

-- November 30th:
Marblehead wins a surprise upset victory in the Thanksgiving Game: 34 to 21.

Chamber of Commerce prepares for the Annual Christmas Walk, Selectmen to march in the Parade.

-- November 23rd: Town Officials break ground at the new high school site and Building Oversight Committee Chairman Rob Dana praises the progress as the school department hopes to open the new school in the fall of 2001.

-- The State report on MCAS tests came out and Marblehead Public Schools are up, including the Charter School.

-- November 16th: Town Meeting Votes 2 to 1 for Lights At Maple Street.

MHSlooks towards the Thanksgiving Day game with Swampscott with the trepidation of a 1-9 season and an exhausted, undermanned squad of football players. But Coach Wilcon stated that, "The kids are looking forward to it," as reported in the Marblehead Reporter.

-- November 9th: Town goes solidly for Gore Lieberman (6486) over Bush Cheney (4442), but the country itself is torn in indecision as the final count is still not complete.

Traffic light issue at Maple Street & Lafayette is shaping up as the big issue at Town Meeting.

-- November 2nd: Maple Street Traffic lights are heading to Town Meeting with the apparent support of the Finance Committee despite a 4-1 vote to indefinitely postpone the article by the Board of Selectmen.

The Town prepares for Presidential vote and to vote on 8 Articles on the ballot on November 7th.

-- October 26th: The College Board names 22 Marblehead students as Advanced Placement Scholars.

The Board of Selectmen and The Recreatin, Park and Forestry Commission become embroiled in a dispute about allowing the Marblehead Citizen's Scholarship Foundation to serve wine at a recognition banquest for Helaine Hazlett and the achievement of a $1 million level. So far, the Rec & Park said no, twice. The Council on Aging, co-custodian for the building, said yes. The COA wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen asking for advice. Town Counsel said the Selectmen have no jurisdiction, but some Selectmen sort ways to resolve the issue. Subsequently, Dennis Curtin, Chairman of the Commission, wrote an extensive letter explaining the Commission's point of. The Selectmen appointed their Chairman to discuss the matter with Mr. Curtin. As of this date the issue was unresolved.

The Selectmen, after expansive debate before inserting the Maple Street traffic light on the issue, decided this week to recommend "indefinite postponement" at Town Meeting. The vote was 4-1, Judy Jacobi opposed.

-- October 19th:
In addition to "unpaid bills" the Special Town Meeting to be held on November 13th will also decide the fate of traffic lights at Maple and Lafayette. After an extended debate the Board of Selectmen voted 4 to 1 to insert the article on the warrant for the meeting. Selectman Shribman was in opposition.

-- October 12th:
MHS Special Education teacher and her husband arrested in drug raid in Peabody. Kimberly and Mark Kooskalis were arrested with more than three pounds of marijuana, and five plants, plus some pschedelic mushrooms. No comment from the Marblehead School Department while the investigation continues.

-- October 5th:
Special Town Meeting is called for November 13th to consider payment of "unpaid bills" of $397,000, mostly in Special Education, for the School Department. Additionally, a few other issues will be discussed.

-- September 28th:
FinCom will not OK the traffic study requested by the Board of Selectmen for Maple and Lafayette. Citing a tight budget year, and a "borderline" case for a Reserve Fund transfer, which requires that the request be "unforeseen and unexpected" the committee voted 7 to 0 to deny the request, despite the appearance of Selectmen William Woodfin and Judy Jacobi at the meeting, as well as Town Administrator Anthony Sasso. Now, the Selectmen must decide on the lights without a traffic study.

The School Department requests a Special Town Meeting. Probably in late October or early November, the Board of Selectmen has agreed to call a Special Town Meeting to dispatch "unpaid bills" of the School Department totalling nearly $400,000. Most of the bills stem from increased Special Education costs, and the School Committee in budgeting for the current fiscal year included this amount in their budget, cutting programs and some staff to compensate. Town Bylaws require a 9/10ths vote of Town Meeting to use current funds to pay prior year bills. The Selectmen will probably set the date of the Special Town meeting at their 10/4/00 meeting.

-- September 21st: Ulrike Welsch publishes a beautiful book of Marblehead photographs to wide acclaim. Simply entitled, Marblehead, the work comprises more than 35 years of the former Boston Globe and photojournalist's career behind the camera. The book is available at The Spirit Of '76 bookstore in Marblehead.

The Board of Selectmen declared a "state of emergency" to exist concerning the outfall off of Crown Way to allow the Water & Sewer & Drain Department to begin repairs immediately utilizing the debt exclusion money authorized by referendum to repair the drains starting right away. The drain is collapsing and officials feared that a strong winter storm could cause damage to the structure and to the storm drain system that could be avoided with this effort.

-- September 7th:
PG & E, owner and operator of the Salem Power Plant, has nixed further forums pending new emission regulations due from the Department of Enironmental Protection. The forum, sponsored by the Marblehead Reporter, to bring the facts about the plant to the public in a public meeting.

-- August 31st. Marblehead Public Schools open for the school year.

-- August 24th: Bud Orne awarded the first "Marblehead Forever" Award by the Marblehead Forever Committee, the successor of the 350th Committee.

-- August 17th: The Marblehead Model Yacht Club celebrates its 75th anniversary with a regatta that draws sailors from all around the world.

Bud Orne receives the first-ever "Marblehead Forever" award from the newly appointed Marblehead Forever Committee, formed to administer and continue the 350th celebration recently concluded. The award is given to the person who best exemplifies the spirit of Marblehead each year. Mr. Orne's service to the Town of Marblehead spans sixty years or more including many years with the Recreation and Park Department.

-- August 10th:
Salem Mayor Stan Usovicz "blasts" neighboring communities of Marblehead and Swampscott for their statements at a recent public hearing in Salem held by the Department of Environmental Protection. He called the connection between the plant's actual compliance with the current emission regulations and the "anecdotes" of the Marblehead and Swampscott speakers, "absurd," according to local reporting.

-- A Marblehead disabled woman, a past Chairman of the Disabilities Committee, has filed suit against the Town of Marblehead for the placement of a refurbished playground at Gatchell's Playground. Citing "noise," as the major complaint, Joanne Shutz or Rainbow Road, stated that the placement of the playground has caused "screaming" to begin at 8:30 AM and continue all day long. Recreation and Park officials stated that the playground was placed in the current location after a review by the Town's insurance agent and a recommendation of the location as the safest place for it.

-- August 3rd:
Former Warwick theater is sold to Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA.

Board of Selectmen members appear and testify at DEP Hearing in Salem supporting stronger environmental protections.

Child falls from 12feet on Taft Street and is helicoptered to hospital, in stable but serious condition.

Town receives a state grant of nearly $10,000 for new signage at Fort Sewall as part of the Fort Sewall Study Committee's planning and renovation project.

-- July 20th:
Morris Larken, after 55 years, is awared the Distinquished Flying Award for his heroic actions in the 506th Bombardment Squadron/44th Bombardment Group. He is also scheduled to appear before the Board of Selectmen on August 2, 2000. Larken was shot down during his 34th mission and survived an ordeal that began with a split second jump from the plane which immediately exploded in mid-air, landing alone in the German front lines, immediately surrounded by German Wermacht soldiers, being discovered as a Jew, sent to a prison camp, forced to march, unfed and unprotected from the weather, for over 600 miles over 87 days, and finally freed when the Germans surrendered.

-- July 13th:
Alleged bank robber is captured. The North Shore Bank branch on Atlantic Avenue in Beach Bluff was robbed at knifepoint on July 5th. The alleged perpetrator was apprehanded on July 6th hiding in a Beverly apartment.

-- July 6th:
Two Teens Injured in Jaquar Crash Friday Night. With alcohol involved three Marblehead teenagers escaped injury miraculously as the car flipped over on Ocean Avenue near Desmoulin Lane. The "Jaws of Life" were required to extricate the victims at around 11:30 P.M.

Darrell Gallant, longtime YMCA Director and activist in Marblehead community affairs is departing to serve the YMCA organization in Sumter, South Carolina.

Selectmen name Captain James Carney as Acting Chief as the retirement of Chief John Palmer takes effect before a permanent Chief can be selected.


-- June 29th:
Marblehead Festival Of Arts is this weekend.

-- June22nd --
Voters support $5 million in storm drain repairs, but turn away a modest sum ($149,000) to make the Old Town House handicap accessible. In a very small turn out of only 14.5% of registered voters, the messages were mixed. Dsiability Committee members were struggling to interpret the vote.

School Superintendent Philip Devaux got mostly positives in his annual review. He received universal praise for his relationships within the Town government, but lower marks for his communication skills within the district and the department.

Selectmen, after a prolonged debate, decided to leave unchanged

-- June 15th:
Bomb threat disrupts, briefly, Class of 2000 graduation, but officials decided to proceed and all went according to plan. The call was considered a prank call.

A New Hampshire woman, Robyn Prentiss, drowns in Marblehead Harbor.

Voters prepare to vote on $5 million worth of proposition 2.5 debt exclusions for storm drains and for making the Old Town House handicap accessible. Election is scheduled for Monday, June 19th.

-- June 8th:
YMCA and Forest City Residential Group have annouced plans to develop the Leggs Hill area with a new Y 5500 square foot facility, aimed at the North Shore market, and 155 rental Townhouse complex. Some issue remain to be settled, access to the complex from Leggs Hill Road and Loring Avenue and addressing the concerns of the new Leggs Hill Association. The process is underway, and much discussion will inevitable ensue.

MHS Class of 2000 graduates on Sunday, June 11th. This year's ceremonies also include a "graduation" ceremony for many World War II veterans who, due to their enlistment as young men, were unable to complete their high school education.

-- June 1st:
Police Chief John B. "Buzz" Palmer retires after 32 years on the MPD.

-- May 25th:
No signficant events reported.

-- May 18th:
The Cable Committee negotiates a 10-Year contract with the Board of Selectmen. Basically the service will continue as before with several exceptions: extra channels for local programming, an option to manage local programming through a local non-profit corporation, should ATT falter in its services, staffing of the local channel will continue, and money for the Town to build its own municipal data transmission loop, a sort of governmental intranet. Selectmen reviewed the details in executive session while the broad aspects of the new contract were discussed by the Cable Oversight Committee Chairman, Paul Rabine, in the local press. Several steps remain before the contract is signed, but as Mr. Rabin stated, optimism about the contract and Marblehead's arrangement with ATT/Media for the next ten years is the mind set all around.

-- May 14th: Alec MacDonald, 92, a noted author, former owner of the Marblehead Messenger, and local and international columnist died on Mother's Day at Salem Hospital. Born in Boston in 1907, he graduated from Lynn English and Boston University's School of Journalism. At the outbreak of World War II, he was reporting for the Honolulu Advertiser. He joined the Navy on December 7, 1941 after witnessing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After the war he remained in Asia where he founded and edited the Bangkok Post. The paper became known as one of the finest international newspapers and Alec was flown back to the newspaper for its 36th anniversary. The author of several books included an unauthorized volume about his experiences with the intelligence community of the United States Government. He was also a frequent contributor to Marblehead Magazine.

-- May 11th:
Joan Rosenthal and Carl Goodman win election and reelection amid hotly contested campaigns. Four incumbent Selectmen, Bill Purdin,Diane St. Laurent, Jeffry Shribman, and William Woodfin, and a newbcomer, Judy Jacobi are reelected and elected, respectively, in incontested races. Overall turnout was average at about 30% of the registered voters.

May 10th: The 352nd Board of Selectmen is sworn in. In a mildly historic moment, the year 2000 Board of Selectmen was sworn in on May10th. Pictured left to right are: Diane St. Laurent, Judy Jacobi, Jeff Shribman, Bill Purdin and newly elected Chairman, Bill Woodfin. For the first time, two women will sit at the Selectmen's table.

-- May 4th:
Town Meeting approves tranferring the drain responsibilities to the Water and Sewer Department despite the department's unanimous opposition.

-- Town Engineer, Doug Saal, will become a part time conservation agent for the Conservation Commission.

-- The Old & Historical District Commission is given jurisdiction over grounds and driveways in the Historic District.

-- Retirement Board is given the power to approve Cost Of Living Adjustments each year in keeping with many other towns and cities around the Commonwealth.

-- A senior citizen tax work-off system is approved.

-- New voting machines, long sought by the Town Clerk, Betty Brown, were approved.

-- Selectmen suspend, on a Monday night, the liquor license of the Rio Grande Restuarant.

-- Bill Conly retires after 21 years as a Selectman, stating, "I'll be around."

-- The Third Annual Walk For A Beautiful Town attracted over 600 people on Sunday, April 30th.

-- April 27th:
Town moves towards Town Meeting, Candidates Night was held. Two races emerged: School Committee and Board of Health. Sort of a quiet week.

-- April 20th:
Marilyn Hurwitz, Principal of Marblehead High School, has withdrawn her application to the Andover Public Schools advertised position for Principal of their high school after an outpouring of support and affection apparently changed her mind. As reported in the Marblehead Reporter, she stated, "My heart wasn't in it." She also stated that she was overwhelmed by the support expressed by parents, Town officials, and School Committee members. Despite the outstanding issues of support structures at the high school that would allow her to be more proactive, and other issues of curriculum, Mrs. Hurwitz, after three school years at the helm, has allowed Marblehead and her students to win a place in her heart.

-- Bill Doane, local contractor, is appointed as Building Commission by the Board Of Selectmen to replace Alan Hezekiah, who left in recent months to teach in a neighboring town.

-- The Selectmen also appointed Robert Picarello to the post of Lieutenant. He had been serving as an acting lieutenant for over a year.

-- This week Howard's News sold a $2 million scratch ticket to William McKenzie, of Marblehead.

-- The total smoking ban in all public places and restuarants went into effect this week winning praise and criticism. Many towns around Marblehead have also enacted total bans and Carl Goodman, Chairman of the Board of Health sees is as inevitable that the ban will ultimately become universal.

-- April 13th:
Michail Gorbachev speaks at Temple Israel.

-- A law suit against former Coffin School principal Terry Boylan was settled out of court. This highly enflamed and controversal sexual harassment suit had been lingering for over a year. However the suit concerning another woman who worked at the school with Boylan continues and as reported there was little "optimism" that a full-fledged trial could be avoided.

-- As of 4/13 the universal smoking ban in establishments that hold Town liquour of food service licenses is in effect in the town of Marblehead. As we head into the election many wondered what effect this decision of the Board of Health would have on the reelection effort of the Chairman, Carl Goodman. He is being challenged by Harry Christensen, former Selectman and Commander of the Marblehead VFW Post and an outspoken opponent of the universal ban.

-- This week Marilyn Hurwitz, principal of the High School, was still thinking about leaving Marblehead for a principalship in Andover. Amid a public outcry over the possibility of losing this popular school official, many hope she will change her mind.

-- April 6th: It was announced that Marilyn Hurwitz, popular and ebullient principal of Marblehead High School is a finalist for a principalship in Andover. A public outcry over losing her was heard.

-- The Finance Committee is recommending a $19.8 million budget for the School Department along with a balanced budget for the Town. Town Meeting is coming on May 1st.

-- March 30th:
As reported in the Marblehead Reporter, debt exclusion overrides totalling over $5 million could be on the ballot in early June when the Town votes on proposition 2.5 overrides passed at Town Meeting in early May. Drain projects, new voting machines, and handicap accessing of the Old Town House are all on the Warrant. If current proposals were all passed, it would add $74 to the average tax bill.

-- Elise Caswell is named as Children's Librarian at Abbot Public Library.

-- The Water & Sewer Department is slated on the Town Warrant to be given the responsibilities for the Town drain system maintenance. They are resigned to the vote of Town Meeting, but warn in every forum that without depandable and sufficient funding they will be unable to perform the required work.

-- March 25th: Erin Brockovich announces that she will attend a Health Link sponsored fundraiser in Marblehead to assist in apposition to Pacific as & Electric's current operating standards of polution at their plant in Salem. Ms. Brockovich is the subject of a currently popular movie showing in theaters nationwide, starring Julia Roberts who plays the title role.

-- March 23rd: 200 residents turn out for a discussion about ways to force pollution reduction at the Salem Power plant. Healthlink, the organization leading the charge, called on the owners of the plant to "Clean up their act."

-- March 21st: Earl Newell Reynolds, 84 dies. A Marblehead philanthropist who gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Town who will be long remembered for his love of Marblehead and his generosity.

-- March 16th: The Board Of Health announced that the Town trash disposal service was going to increase by $500,000 and while they were expecting an increase, the scope of the increase was astounding. In the rebidding process the lowest bid came in at 40% over the current contract.

-- March 9th: ConCom gives OK to temporary tide gates at Riverhead Beach as a measure to give Town new options in the high tide, intense rainfall situation that recently resulted in 6 foot floods in the Central Street area. After a night of debate involving pro and con speakers, plus several members of the Board of Selectmen, the Conservation Commission voted unanimously to go ahead with the temporary measure, reevaluating the decision after a year. 

-- March 2nd:
The New High School at Tent's corner is going to require extensive revisions to the intersection and to surrounding neighborhoods, including a second exit, enlargement of roads, and installation of new lights. All of this is generating quite a discussion at forums held.

Mike Lane is returning to the Recreation & Park Department as the Town's Recreation Supervisor. Mr. Lane recently resigned from the the Rec & Park Board to participation in the job application process.

North YMCA is again negotiating with the property owners of Salem land off of Leggs Hill Road to build a new facility. The new YMCA is considering both a stand-alone facility and a facility built in conjunction with a proposed 200-plus two and three bedroom apartment complex. Neighborhood organizations are watching the situation.

-- February 24th:
Carl Goodman, Chairman of the Board of Health faces a challenge from former Selectman Harry Christensen over the Board's recent decision to ban smoking in Town restuarants. Plus incumbent Selectmen Bill Purdin, Diane St. Laurent, Jeffrey Shribman, and Bill Woodfin face challenges from two announced candidates: Judy Jacobi and Ginny Power. Paper for the May 8th Town election must be submitted by March 20th.

An assisted living complex, called Glover Estates, is planned for the Lead Mills property. The property will be owned and constructed by the Bane family, owners of the Devereux House. The owners stated that the project was in no rush and that they were looking for input from the area residents and the Town of Marblehead.

Dr. Robert Flbin, former Superintendent of Schools, dies at the age of 80.
Richard C. "Dick" Slee dies at 76.

-- February 17th: The Vinnin Square project continues to slowly to the inch by inch beginnings of a state project. In a meeting of the Swampscott Board of Selectmen, representative Doug Petersen and Senator Chip Clancy told the assembly which included a member of the Marblehead Board of Selectmen, that the project was "on schedule," which was met with some measure of incredulity by those in the room. The bidding process detated by Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts Laws requires an elaborate process to selected the builders and contractors, which could take up to six months. Additionally, funding became an issue of discussion due to the overwhelming impact of the "Big Dig" in Boston.

-- Local teenage, Michael Donawa, the driver in the automobile crash on Tedesco Street last October, has been indicted for motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol.

-- February 10th:
A "Summit" of Community Leaders met this week to discuss under age drinking in Marblehead. Members of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Board of Health, Department Heads and religious leaders from every congregation in Town met at Temple Emanuel to raise community awareness and discuss possible additional avenues of reaching young people concerning the issue of alcohol. Additional meetings are planned.

Veteran Selectman Bill Conly announces that he will not seek releection on May 8th. After 21 years (1973 to 1988, 1995 to 1999) he stated in an interview with the Marblehead Reporter, prior to his announcement at the Board of Selectmen table, "It's time for somebody else to step in. I need more time to pursue more historical things."

The Town Of Marblehead announced that $4.5 million worth of drain projects to permanently solve the Town's flooding problems at Central Street and Glendale Road would be on the Town Warrant for the Annual Meeting on May 1, 2000.

Shalane Flanagan, Marblehead High School running phenom, added another triumph to her list of achievements by winning the scholastic mile at Madison Square Garden in a time of 4:54.84, which was also the best in the nation.

-- February 3rd: Tension exists over the Board of Health's decision to ban smoking in restuarants. Many rumor of a law suit to challenge the Board and some discuss running to replace the current members up for reelection.

Captain Hooper Cutler announces his intention to retire from the Marblehead Fire Department after 33 years. As reported in the Reporter, Hooper looks forward to a retirement doing some carpentry, painting and relaxing. "Actually, " he said, "I feel kind of silly talking about Hooper Cutler. It's a department, a team. It's not me."

Barry Weed is named President of the National Grand Bank, succeeding Randolph Goodwin who recently died.

-- January 28th:
The Board of Health imposes a total ban on smoking in public places despite vigorous opposition by liquor-serving restaurants in Town. The ban will go into effect on April 15th and applies to all restaurants, bars and private clubs.

-- January 27th: James R. "Chummy" Frost dies at 91 years of age. Owner of the Marblehead Salvage Company and a veteran of World War II, he worked in the Building Department and later became Building Inspector. He was a past Commander of VFW Post 2005, and Chairman of the Council on Aging. He was a member of the Historical Commission and elected Chairman of the Board of Pulic Health. He appeared in Life Magazine after skippering the Sea Scout ship, Marblehead, and leading the members to become the National Flagship.

Superintendent Devaux outlines a $19.8 million school budget for the fiscal year 2001.

Joan Rosenthal announces her intention to run for the seat on the School Committee she lost last year.

-- January 24th: Randy Goodwin, longtime President of the National Grand Bank dies at the age of 62.

-- January 20th: Thomas A. McNulty announces that he has accepted a position as co-host of WESX's breakfast show. He will officially begin his new duties on January 31st.
-- Superintendent Philip Devaux presents a $19.8 million budget for the fiscal year 2001, an increase of nearly $1 million. The Superintendent's plans include staff reductions and predictions of more reductions if Marblehead's local contribution remains flat as it has for several years. And, "that is with enrollment increases,' stated Devaux.

-- January 19th: At their meeting the Board of Selectmen unanimously endorsed the concept and funding of a new Conservation Agent as proposed by the Conservation Commission.
-- Douglas Emond, Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee resigns during the budget period.

-- January 12th
: Board of Selectmen vote to declare Marblehead official a "No Place For Hate" community in a movement sponsored by the Town's Task Force Against Discrimination, the Anti-Defamation League and the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
--
The Selectmen continue to negotiate with North Shore Medical Center in an attempt to keep the Walk-in Medical Center at Widger Road open to serve Marbleheaders. The issues are financial feasibility for the hospital and the loss of convenient medical services for the Town. Also at stake is a ten-year lease and the loss of $14,000 monthly rent in a time of very strict fiscal restraints for the Town.

-- January 11th: The Board Of Health is in the midst of a controversial decision to ban all smoking in all public restaurants and bars. The final decision was postponed until January 27 at meeting where opposing liquor-licensed restaurants will present proposals that protect their businesses from a sudden change.

-- January 5th
: The Board of Selectmen welcomes Marblehead to the year 2000 and to the new Millennium.

-- January 2nd: The Marblehead Community Counseling Center celebrates its 30th Anniversary.


1999 -1996