News 2008-08-01 Andanh.com

Mortgage company faces fraud charges Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:01:00 EDT
PLAISTOW, N.H. — The New Hampshire Banking Department has received nine consumer complaints about The Mortgage Specialists in the last few years, but it was the department's routine check of the business that led to fraud charges.

Just turned 22, he'd dreamed of a motorcycle Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:01:00 EDT
SALEM — Since he was a kid, Anthony Espinal had dreamed of owning his own bike someday.
"He always wanted a motorcycle," Amy Velardi said. "He always said that when he got enough money he was going to buy one."

Brophy again ordered to take drug test Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:01:00 EDT
PEABODY — A Salem Superior Court Judge yesterday gave the firefighter who slept through an emergency call one week to report for a drug test and physical.
It is the second time since May a judge has ordered John Brophy to submit to a hair-follicle drug test and physical examination and marks another round in a contentious legal back-and-forth between Brophy and the city that dates back to 2005.

'Are You OK' system saved local woman's life Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:01:00 EDT
SALEM — Thanks to a computer program, 76-year-old Carlene Comings can continue to enjoy Bingo Night at the Salem Senior Center.
Comings, who lives alone in Salem, fell at her home on the evening of July 16. She was unable to get up and remained on the floor for the entire night.

Peabody library enjoys the (sled) dog days of summer Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:58:00 EDT
PEABODY — Even in yesterday's summer heat, everyone inside the Peabody Institute Library South Branch was thinking Alaska cold.
Helping them do that were the Mountain Mushers — Harry, 68, and Lela Schlitz, 66, and their three-member sled dog team of Pixie, Su and Sorrel. They are the nation's only traveling sled dog education and therapy team.

Step 1 in pedestrian path: Kill the poison ivy Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
TOPSFIELD — They'll have to kill much of the vegetation along South Main Street in order to save it.
A coalition of eight or nine groups is working on a multiyear plan to create a pedestrian-friendly path along a rural stretch of the road. Herbicides could be sprayed as early as today to kill dense poison ivy, which has been keeping people from clearing other brush and repairing stone walls, said Selectman Martha Morrison, who began working on the project when she was on the town's Planning Board.

Civil Service board: Marblehead firing of reserve cop OK Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
MARBLEHEAD — The state Civil Service Commission has upheld the town's decision to fire reserve police officer Brian Palmer.
"The Appellant's employment history is so unstable and disjointed, it is understandable that employers and investigators for a police agency would have concerns," wrote hearing officer John Guerin Jr.

Headstone takes mystery route to Peabody Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
PEABODY — A headstone discovered in an undeveloped lot on Main Street was a duplicate grave marker for a World War II veteran buried in Salem's Greenlawn Cemetery.
Contractor Jeff O'Rourke called Peabody police Monday at 7:21 a.m. to report finding the simple soapstone marker.

Mayor expects 'higher bids' for McKay School Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
BEVERLY — The city expects to get better offers for the vacant McKay School when it puts the building up for sale again soon, Mayor Bill Scanlon said.
"We've had several parties show an interest in the property since we rejected the first round of responses," Scanlon said. "We expect higher bids."

Judge won't let molester return home Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
SALEM — A Salem District Court judge yesterday refused to allow a man who molested an 11-year-old girl to move back into a Salem home where three girls under 16 now live.
"He cannot go back to this household," Judge Dunbar Livingston said. "I'm not going to put the children at risk unless there's something that can convince me that they're not at risk."

Salem High grads form group to mentor local kids Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
SALEM — It didn't take long in their journey to adulthood for Anthony Valdez and his friends to feel the urge to help teenagers growing up in the city.
Valdez, 25, said his childhood involvement in the Salem Boys & Girls Club got him brainstorming about ways he could provide similar experiences to children.

Collaborative targets youth drinking, drug use Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
PEABODY — It takes more than money to combat the city's underage drinking and substance abuse problems, it takes cooperation, according to Mayor Michael Bonfanti.
"We need to do this together," Bonfanti said yesterday to a crowd in City Hall's auditorium that included representatives from the Essex County Sheriff's Department, the Essex County District Attorney's Office, Lahey Clinic, the Chamber of Commerce and various local social service agencies. "We need to do this to protect our children."

Summer fun capped off by annual Danvers parade Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
DANVERS — The 13 Danvers parks will be battling it out once again for top float at this year's playground parade on Wednesday.
The annual parade caps off the town's summer playground program. Children between 6 and 14 years old will participate in the parade, which will feature themed floats representing each park.

Report: Focus on Muddy Boo, rivers and swamp walks Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
DANVERS — The town's latest open space report calls on the preservation of wetlands known as Muddy Boo.
The town should also create a link along the Ipswich River from the trash transfer station to the former Danvers State Hospital, build a swamp walk to form the "Choate-Putnamville Connector," and stitch together and protect the shoreline of the "Four Rivers Estuary."

Heritage Days calendar Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
Friday, Aug. 1
Mayor's Night Out Restaurant Sampler, 5 to 7 p.m., Hors d'oeuvres with Mayor Kim Driscoll at three local restaurants. $20. Register at 978-774-0004. To benefit Salem Main Streets.

Cookout fetes revitalized Beverly neighborhood Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
BEVERLY — A cookout tomorrow in Gloucester Crossing will mark the transition of a neighborhood from "dingy and dirty," to a place where people want to live, says a local social services official.

Motorcyclist, 22, killed in crash after fleeing police Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:45:00 EDT
SALEM — Police said a 22-year-old Peabody man trying to flee them died Wednesday night after his motorcycle crashed into a seawall along a notoriously dangerous stretch of Lafayette Street.
Anthony Espinal of 75 Aborn St. was rushed to Salem Hospital but pronounced dead a short time later.

Antics aside, Manny's still the man to many Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:43:00 EDT
SALEM — Salem High School freshman Stharlin Nova won't be taking down the pictures and newspaper clippings of Manny Ramirez from the wall of his father's store, Reymira's Market, on lower Lafayette Street.

Toastmasters Club offers help for jittery public speakers Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:22:00 EDT
Do your knees knock when you have to speak in public?
That's what always happened to Pat Carrette of Peabody — and that was surprising since he was a teacher for most of his working life and admits that he was never intimidated by his junior high school science students.

Hit your stride in the Crane Beach sand Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:22:00 EDT
IPSWICH — There may not be a more beautiful backdrop for a low-key foot race than Crane Beach at sunset. More than 100 runners are expected to provide the foreground action during the 14th annual 3-Mile Sand Stride at the beach on Friday, Aug. 15.

Police Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 EDT
Beverly
Friday
r Brandon R. Sabbag, 22, of 10 Vine St., Beverly, was arrested at 12:40 p.m. after an incident at his home. In addition to charges printed in Saturday's edition, Sabbag was later charged with attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and two other counts of assault and battery. He is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing today in Salem District Court.

State faults engineer, outside inspector in fatal power plant accident Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EDT
SALEM — The state took disciplinary action yesterday against a former top engineer at Salem Harbor Station and an outside insurance inspector in connection with the steam tube explosion that killed three power plant workers in November.

State disciplines engineer, inspector in Salem plant fatalities Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:57:00 EDT
SALEM — The state Department of Public Safety has taken disciplinary action against two individuals in connection with the fatal accident at Salem Harbor Station last November.
The state announced today that it has revoked the license of Steve Dulong, the former engineer-in-charge at the Salem power plant. He was asked to step down from the position following the accident.

Fatal accident on Lafayette Street Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:04:00 EDT
SALEM — A 22-year-old Peabody man was killed in a motorcycle accident last night on Lafayette Street.
Anthony Espinal, of 75 Aborn St., died after the motorcycle he was operating struck a telephone pole and a seawall at 11:19 p.m. on a sharp curve in Lafayette Street heading toward Marblehead. The first police officer on the scene said Espinal had serious head injuries, no pulse and was not breathing. He was wearing a helmet, according to police.

Louisiana boy hospitalized after alligator attack Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:40:00 EDT
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Doctors were unable to reattach an 11-year-old Louisiana boy's arm that was retrieved from the belly of the alligator, a family friend said yesterday.
Doctors at Ochsner Hospital worked Wednesday night to reattach Devin Funck's left arm, which had been rushed to a hospital after its recovery about 31/2 hours after the attack. But family friend Cory Dunn said the effort was unsuccessful.

Manny being traded: Sox choose mental peace over slugger Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 EDT
Matt Williams
Saying goodbye to a Hall of Fame talent, as the Boston Red Sox did yesterday when they shipped disenchanted slugger Manny Ramirez out of town, is never easy. Saying good riddance tends to be a lot easier.

Veteran TE Pollard looks for chance with Patriots Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT
FOXBORO — When Bill Belichick calls, you answer even if you don't know it's him on the other end.
Veteran tight end Marcus Pollard was doing lawn work this spring at his home when the New England Patriots coach placed a call looking for some depth in his passing game.

Letter: Democracy demands simple voting process Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
To the editor:
If, as The Salem News claimed in a recent editorial ("Same-day voter registration a bad idea," Thursday, July 24), our forefathers "intended that the people would be an active and informed electorate, citizens who studied and understood the matters at hand before they cast their ballots," then someone since would have done what other democratic countries do with their elections — made them national holidays.

Our view: Two bridge closures one too many Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
It's unfortunate state highway officials haven't been able to act with the same alacrity as the Topsfield Highway Commission when it comes to fixing local bridges.
The Asbury Street Bridge over the Ipswich River has been closed to heavy trucks for several years due to its advancing age and deteriorating condition. When bids for the job came in higher than expected, Topsfield's highway bosses quickly scaled back on the project by removing repairs to another bridge from the bid request. That got them a price more to their liking and they're going to get the work done this summer and fall.

Our view: Weir deal cements tie between Salem and SSC Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
The loss of one of the Salem's last major manufacturing concerns could turn into a plus for the city based on the tentative plans Salem State College unveiled recently for use of the former Weir Valve property at the corner of Canal Street and Loring Avenue.

Letter: Bridge, road repairs require adequate financing Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
To the editor:
Your editorials of July 22 appear to be written by two different people who never talk to each other.
The one headlined "Bridge problems shrouded in secrecy," states, "It's well known that Massachusetts has mishandled the maintenance of its highways and bridges for years. As news of the Big Dig's enormous financial burden gets worse, and the link between that financial fiasco and poor maintenance on the rest of the state's roadways becomes clearer, we as citizens are left to wonder what our government has left unfixed...."

Letter: Hamilton firefighters need help with building project Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
To the editor:
We have been meaning to write this letter of thanks to our local public safety agencies that have come to our aid more than once in life-threatening circumstances.
We don't have to look far for heroes. We see them every day — they are always there for us putting their lives on the line for you and me. We owe them our eternal gratitude for what they and their families go through for us.

Nelson Benton: Legislators show shoppers the love Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
Retailers were celebrating this week as Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a bill suspending the state sales tax on many items the weekend of Aug. 16-17. Though some say the commonwealth can ill afford the lost revenue, lawmakers were clearly anxious to give consumers some sort of break. The only local legislator to vote against it was Rep. Mary Grant, D-Beverly. Even freshman Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, who'd opposed the sales-tax holiday in April, switched her vote, perhaps fearing it could become an issue in the fall when she faces off against Republican John Blaisdell.

Photo slideshow: Pictures of the week July 25th - July 31st Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:44:00 EDT
Peabody Western's Matt Hosman tags out Parkway National's Joseph Brennan during the first round of the state Little League Final Four at Joe Schwartz Field in Worcester. Parkway defeated Peabody 3-2. Photo by Deborah Parker/Salem News, Friday, July 25, 2008

Artifaktori Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:06:38 -0400

After inviting me to perch on either an elaborate, yellow velvet couch or a diminutive vanity stool, vintage boutique Artifaktori's Amy Berkowitz explains that the store "brings art, antiques, things I like, all together."

Nearly four months since its opening, the Somerville spot fuses vintage clothing, artwork, furniture and jewelry, with pieces—from feathered "fascinators" hairpieces to a dolls-gone-wrong "Baby Face Nelson throw pillow"—by local artists, including Berkowitz herself.

After recently graduating from MassArt's ceramics program, Berkowitz began the steps to open Artifaktori. Rather than going the way of a professional artist, "getting famous or selling in galleries," she preferred "using her hands creatively." A significant takeaway from the program was "not being scared anymore to pursue the ideas I had before."

Additional encouragement stemmed from many friends commenting on how creatively her house was decorated. "I've always had a thing for funky stuff," she explains, with a tongue-in-cheek confession, "I might have a shopping problem, too."

The modestly sized shop is, admittedly, a dense trove. Although the "saturation of the store," as Berkowitz puts it, might be intimidating to some, it's an organic kind of madness that can be more than enthralling to the curious.

Weathered trunks and suitcases splay open to stacks of old books (Tartuffe meets Backpack Fishing); apothecary vials share étagère space with old magazines and glittery baubles; leather watch fobs and bright, behemoth pulse telephones turn up in unexpected corners. The brilliant finds are sourced from all over, from estate sales to individual consigners to wholesale vintage warehouses. "I got connections," says Berkowitz assuredly.

After rifling through a rack of tops sewn together from vintage bedsheets (Pac-Man! TMNT! Smurfs!) by Stephanie Leonhardt, Berkowitz points out more art near the front of the store, casually remarking that a guy's "waiting for his pension" to purchase a striking "puppet person" sculpture by artist Eileen Gagarin.

"Some people get it, some people don't," she says, gesturing to the mishmash of objects, art and styles sharing close elbow space. "It's not for everyone."

Hence the upside—more for us.

[22a College Ave., Davis Sq., Somerville. 617.776.3708. artifaktori.com]

Photo Slideshow: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter: Flyingfish Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:59:00 EDT
The USCGC Flyingfish, out of Coast Guard Station Boston, was docked in Newburyport Thursday as part of Yankee Homecoming. Photo by Ben Laing

Photo slideshow: Yankee Homecoming Photos for July 31, 2008. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:08:00 EDT
Marisa Kouroubacalis, 11, sings and plays drums as her guitarist and singer brother, Michael, 10, performed in Market Square yesterday to a receptive audience. The sister and brother, from the North Shore who perform around New England, even have their own website and compact disc out.Photo by Bryan Eaton

Photos of the Week, July 25 through 31. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:44:00 EDT
Norm Hansen, assistant curator of the Custom House Maritime Museum, left, and curator Caroleann McPherson hang paintings from different artists of the life of the U.S. Coast Guard for an exhibit for Yankee Homecoming. Photo by Bryan Eaton

Former doctor indicted on sex assault charges Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:59:00 EDT
NEWBURY — A former physician who lost his license five years ago after allegedly fondling three young female patients has been indicted on similar charges involving two different girls.
David P. Ingalls, 63, of 47 High Road, was charged with six counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 by an Essex County grand jury on Wednesday.

Rape suspect apprehended in Lowell Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:58:00 EDT
NEWBURY — A Byfield man wanted on three counts of rape and thought to be potentially dangerous was captured yesterday, according to police.
Essex County Sheriffs arrested Daniel Noone, 26, of 55 Middle Road, Newbury, without incident at a Lowell residence yesterday afternoon, according to Lowell police.

Heard Around Town: Cousins brings in reinforcements Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:57:00 EDT
Along with volunteers and city workers, a group of prisoners from the Essex County House of Correction are also helping at Yankee Homecoming.
Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins, the chairman of this year's Yankee Homecoming, is using the resources from his professional job to help make the eight-day celebration run smoother. Cousins, a Newburyport resident, said two groups of four prisoners are helping out around town.

Police Log Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:56:00 EDT
NEWBURYPORT
The following item was recorded in the Newburyport police log:
r Logan Bryan, 26, of 6 Kimball Court, Woburn, was issued a summons yesterday at 12:37 p.m. for driving without registration, driving without an inspection sticker and a license plate violation. Officer Joshua Tierney issued the summons on Storey Avenue.

District Court Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:55:00 EDT
NEWBURYPORT: The following cases were recorded on Monday, July 28, in Newburyport District Court, with Judge Allen Swan presiding over the jury-waived cases:
Zlatan Sarajilic, 29, of 16 Prospect St., Everett; driving while under the influence of alcohol, guilty, one year of probation, 45-day loss of license, substance abuse program, $250 head injury fee, $250 operating under the influence fee, $50 operating under the influence victims fee, $50 victim-witness assessment; driving with an open container of alcohol, responsible, filed; speeding, responsible, filed (Newbury).

Newburyport: Owner distressed by condition of N. Atkinson St. home Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:54:00 EDT
NEWBURYPORT — Janet Moreland said that when she started the work on her property at 36 North Atkinson St., it was an attempt to build a "dream house" — not a project designed to enrage local officials for disregarding conditions of a special permit.

Amesbury looking to solidify image Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:53:00 EDT
AMESBURY — "Little Newburyport" it's not.
As the downtown revitalization moves forward with the development of the Upper Millyard and Lower Millyard, Stefanie McCowan, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, says she expects the town to begin marketing itself more and to start getting the word out about the Merrimack Valley's "best-kept secret."

West Newbury: Knowles joins race for selectman Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:52:00 EDT
WEST NEWBURY — The pool of candidates running for a spot on the Board of Selectmen continues to grow, with Albert Knowles Jr. pulling papers yesterday.
The lifelong resident joins Tom Atwood and Kristi Devine in a race for the seat left vacant when John McGrath resigned last week. The winner of the contest will fill McGrath's seat until the town elections in May.

Heard Around Yankee Homecoming Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:51:00 EDT
"I'll never forget the German word for 'mustard' "
A local woman was overheard speaking to Peter and Dorothea Meister about their native language. The couple is from Germany and recently moved to Newburyport. They have enjoyed Yankee Homecoming so far, especially the art at the mall, but are looking forward to the fireworks. "We've heard so much about the fireworks. We can't wait to see them."

YANKEE HOMECOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:50:00 EDT
FRIDAY, AUG. 1
TAI CHI WITH PAUL MAHONEY
8 a.m.
Market Landing Park, waterfront
Sponsored by Great Bay Tai Chi. Free.
OLD-FASHIONED SIDEWALK SALES
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Downtown, The Tannery on Water Street, Port Plaza on Storey Avenue

Rowley Town Notebook: Treasurer's office receives $18,500 in reimbursements Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:49:00 EDT
Town Treasurer Jacqueline Vigeant announced her department was in receipt of two reimbursement checks totaling $18,500 that were received this month from Medicare and the Essex County Retirement Board. The checks were a somewhat unexpected and welcome surprise, said Vigeant, who attributed the reimbursements to regularly scheduled Medicare reimbursements from the federal government and to the town's payment of its full assessment to the Essex County Retirement Board last spring.

Salisbury Beach trust fund could yield $250,000 annually Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:48:00 EDT
SALISBURY — A $2 surcharge on parkers and campers at the Salisbury Beach State Reservation would generate about $250,000 annually for beach preservation, according to figures released yesterday by state Sen. Steven Baddour's office.

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