Death Notices

HUGHES -- On Aug. 11, 2004, Elisabeth "Bebe" Hughes, daughter of the late Ethel Maude and Joseph Irving Ball, mother of Penelope Cook and her husband Donald, and grandmother of Whitney Marshall, Alexis Marshall, Victoria Fallon and Scott Marshall. A memorial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the John Scott Hughes Scholarship Fund, Gloucester High School, c/o Joan Dallin, 32 Leslie O. Johnson Road, Gloucester, MA 01930. Arrangements are being conducted by the James C. Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester.

BRADSHAW -- Of Gloucester, formerly of New Jersey, Aug. 12, 2004, Robert G. Bradshaw, 89, Gloucester artist and New Jersey educator, husband of Jean R. Bradshaw, father of R. Bruce, Joan, Sally M., George D. and Wendy Bradshaw, and grandfather of Robert J., Lori, George R., Carey, Clinton W., Joanna J. and Tristan E. Bradshaw. Family services will be private. Contributions in memory of Robert G. Bradshaw may be made to the Cape Ann Symphony, P.O. Box 1343, Gloucester, MA 01930.

LOW -- Of Gloucester, Aug. 11, 2004, Howard J. Low, 89, husband of the late B. Isabelle (Tossell) Low, father of Suzanne Degagne and Richard Low and his wife Elaine, and grandfather of Michele Bonna, Jeanine Boyers, Joshua Degagne and Samantha Low. There are no funeral services. Contributions may be made in his name to the Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

Funeral Notices

Cherry Nichols Clark

A memorial service for Cherry Nichols Clark, 86, wife of the late John L. Clark, of Rockport, formerly of Providence, R.I., was celebrated in the First Congregational Church of Rockport yesterday at 11 a.m.

The Rev. Rona McLean Tyndall, pastor, officiated.

The organist was Dr. Philip Swanson, who led the congregation in singing "Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness," "Fight the Good Fight," "Let There Be Peace On Earth" and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

Words of remembrance were given by John G. Clark, a son of Windsor, Conn.; Charles L. Clark, a son of Rockport; Andrew Clark Swayze, a grandson of Burlington, Vt.; and Madeline Rappoli, a granddaughter of Rockport.

A poem, "The Ship," was read by Thomas Clark, a son of Beverly.

The ushers were grandchildren Olivia Clark, John Clark, Leila Clark, Reed Rappoli, Joanna Clark and Gilman Clark.

The church was filled to capacity with family and friends, including town of Rockport officials led by Rockport Selectmen Chairman Roxanne Tieri, and officers and members of the Sandy Bay Yacht Club.

Following the service, the family and friends gathered at the Clark residence on Eden Road.

Arrangements were by the Burgess and Mackey Funeral Home, 201 Main St., Rockport.

Robert H. Fiers

The funeral service for Robert H. Fiers, 78, husband of Shirley (Pooler) Fiers, of Gloucester, was held in the James C. Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester, Thursday at 8 p.m.

Deacon Daniel Dunn, of St. Ann Church, officiated.

The American flag of the World War II, U.S. Naval veteran, was presented to his daughter, Phyllis J. Allen of Essex.

The funeral home was filled with family and friends.

Burial will be held privately.

Neil C. Strong

Funeral services for Neil C. Strong, 80, of 122 Western Ave., were held Friday at 10 a.m. in the Independent Christian Church, Unitarian Universalist. He was the husband of Grace L. (Atkins) Strong.

The Rev. Wendy Fitting, pastor, officiated before the many family members and friends in attendance.

The organist, David Bergeron, led the congregation in singing "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Special words of remembrance were offered by his daughter, Janiel C. Rey. The Rev. Fitting shared a reflection from his son, Thomas C. Strong.

His granddaughter, Shelby E. Strong, read "A Parable of Immortality" by Henry Van Dyke.

The pallbearers were his sons, Ronald B. Strong, Thomas C. Strong and Donald K. Strong; a grandson, Jared C. Strong; his son-in-law, Alberto E. Rey; and family friend, Gary W. Thurston.

The honorary pallbearers were close family friends, Neil Marshall, George A. Grammas and Grier Grammas.

Prayers of committal were given by the Rev. Fitting in the Washington Cemetery.

The American flag, which represented Mr. Strong's dedicated service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, draped the casket. The flag was folded and presented to his wife by Cmdr. Eric B. Lantz and CS2 Susan L. Pearson of the U.S. Naval Reserve, Quincy.

Cmdr. Lantz sounded "Taps," which was echoed by bugler Gerald Silviera.

A collation followed the services at the Manor Inn on Essex Avenue.

On Thursday evening at the funeral home, the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892 conducted memorial services under the direction of Exalted Ruler Jon J. Curley, assisted by Leading Knight William F. Hinckley Sr., P.E.R., Est. Loyal Knight Elizabeth Hinckley, Tiler William F. Hinckley Jr., Inner Guard Mickey MacKillop, Esquire Diane Havener and Trustees Willie Greeke and John E. Degnan.

Soloist Everett Knowlton, L.M., sang, "How Great Thou Art" and "Vacant Chair."

Arrangements were under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle St., Gloucester.

Starting over: Soldier returns home from 20 months of duty

By Greg Cook

Staff writer

Since returning home last week, Sgt. Jerry Ciolino Jr. has found it hard to lose the work, work, work schedule of 12 to 16 hours a day, with no down time, that he had while away for 20 months with the 94th Military Police Company, an Army Reserve unit that became one of the longest serving American units in Iraq.

He's been running errands and hanging out with buddies, his parents and his wife, Melissa, and step-daughter Caroline Gaipo, who turns 8 next month.

"I figured I'd come home and relax," the 27-year-old said, "but I can't sit still right now."

The excitement of finally being home -- after his unit was twice held over in Iraq -- may be part of it.

Ciolino is 6-foot-2, with a broad frame, smooth-shaved head (earning him the nickname "Bald Eagle" when he served in Bosnia from 2000 to 2001) and an affable disposition. He is thinking of getting back to work in a few weeks with the Gloucester Police Department, where he's a reserve officer.

And he and Melissa are beginning to think again about buying a house and having another child, plans that were put on hold when he was called to active duty Dec. 5, 2002.

"It's like restarting our whole family over -- me, Melissa and Caroline," Ciolino said. "We've got to all start from scratch. We've changed in different ways."

Rather be lucky

When Ciolino returned to Iraq from 15 days leave in Gloucester last October, he learned that while he was away a close friend in his company had barely escaped becoming a victim of one of Iraq's ubiquitous improvised explosive devices -- roadside bombs jury-rigged from old munitions.

The reservists were patrolling outside a town near Hit, when they stopped their Humvees to examine a narrow bridge leaving the city. Ciolino's friend leaned over a guard rail and there, maybe two feet away, spotted an 155 mm artillery shell rigged to blast the troops.

He turned and ran, dashing about 100 feet before it exploded. They figured he was saved because the bomb was triggered by a cell phone, and the signal relayed just slow enough for him to escape.

"I always said to my squad I'd rather be lucky than good," Ciolino said. "... You can be the best trained soldier, you can be alert, and you're not going to see an IED."

The roughly 160 men and women of the 94th flew to Kuwait on April 20, 2003, and drove into Iraq at the end of that month, spending much of their time in the so-called Sunni Triangle to the west of Baghdad, which has seen the greatest guerilla activity since the end of major combat in early May 2003.

Nine members of the company, including Ciolino, received Purple Hearts for being wounded in action. Some sustained relatively minor shrapnel wounds. One soldier was hit by shrapnel in his eye, requiring three surgeries over the past five months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to try to restore his vision.

Ciolino was guarding the front gate of an 82nd Airborne Division base at Ar Ramadi with three other men about 20 minutes after midnight Sept. 12, 2003, when a robed man walked up the base's access road, turned suddenly and hurled a grenade at the Americans. It exploded about 15 feet from Ciolino, throwing shrapnel into his right arm and left calf.

The Americans fired at the man, hitting him several times, before they dove behind sandbags to the left of the gate. A couple of other guerillas popped up down the road and shot AK-47s at them. American reinforcements ran to the gate. A couple of the Iraqis ran away, never to be found, while the robed man stood and jogged toward the Americans, tossing a second grenade before American bullets cut him down.

The attack left Ciolino with a piece of shrapnel the size of a pencil eraser lodged about 2<1/2> inches into his arm. Army doctors left it in, saying it would work itself out eventually and would only do more damage to remove it. So far it hasn't limited his use of his arm.

The second grenade threw shrapnel into the leg of one of the soldiers who ran to Ciolino's aid and will likely require him to use a cane to walk for the rest of his life, Ciolino said.

"I'm extremely grateful. I feel happy and honored to have the fellow soldiers in my platoon," Ciolino said. "When they knew we were being attacked ... they came running down the street to help us out."

Dangerous roads

Ciolino spent last winter training some 2,400 Iraqi border patrol guards. The company's tour in Iraq had been extended the previous fall, but in March they began preparing to return to the United States.

They packed up their gear and drove to Kuwait. But the night before they were to leave for home, Ciolino recalls a colonel arrived to tell them, "We need you guys to get back to the fight and help your fellow soldiers up there."

At the time, American leaders were boosting troop levels to deal with the insurgency and battles flaring in places like Fallujah. Two dozen relatives of the company's 152 members took a bus from Tewksbury to meet with Lt. Gen. James Helmly, chief of the Army Reserves, and other Pentagon brass on June 7, asking to know why their loved ones had been kept in Iraq so long. They were told specialized companies like the 94th, which does combat support and convoy escorts, needed to be kept in Iraq longer because of their particular expertise.

The 94th spent the spring and summer escorting convoys of five to 60 trucks hauling ammunition, food, water and vehicle parts from Kuwait to Tikrit, Baghdad and places nearby. Ciolino's group was attacked a few times with small arms, but fortunately not rocket-propelled grenades or roadside bombs.

"On the exact same roads we were traveling, soldiers were dying every other day," Ciolino said.

Ciolino found the insurgents used crude tactics during the first months he was in Iraq -- firing from places without cover, not bothering much to camouflage roadside bombs. Before long, they switched to using garage door openers and cell phones to trigger explosives.

They buried bombs two feet under the sand beside roads, hid them in hollow light poles, inside the carcasses of dogs and cows. Sometimes they put bombs in riderless carts pulled by ponies. Sometimes they blew up a bomb behind the troops to study how the Americans would drive up the road before pulling over to make sure they were all OK. Next time, the insurgents would place bombs further up the road to take advantage of the Americans' practice.

"They got a lot smarter as time went on," Ciolino said.

Patrolling cities was especially unsettling. With so many people around, anyone could have a bomb strapped under their clothes or aim a rocket-propelled grenade from an window.

The soldiers returned to base camps at night, where they might be shaken awake by mortars landing 100 to 500 yards away. Ciolino said they'd look for cover, but sometimes there was none and they would remain in the open, praying they didn't get hit, and run if the mortars fell too near.

"Some people are afraid to admit it," he said, "but I think everyone has the same feelings. You have anxiety, you're very nervous, you're very tense, you're scared for your life almost every second you're working because you know anything can happen any second."

Slow progress

"I know we are making progress by building these schools and hospitals and putting all this money into education and health care, and there are a lot of people who like us, but there is a small percentage that is attacking us every day," Ciolino said the other day at his Ferry Street home in Gloucester. "... Those are the people who are preventing that country from getting on the right track."

"From the way I see it, my opinion from when I was there and what I hear in the news and on TV, I don't think it is under control yet," Ciolino said. "It's gotten better than it was a few months ago, but it's not where it needs to be to change that place."

"The troops are doing a great job keeping us safer back home, keeping us free back home," he said.

He thinks about Iraq a lot, but he said he hasn't dreamt about it. He can't stand loud noises now, finding himself startled by the pops of toy firecrackers at Gloucester's sidewalk bazaar last weekend. Back in Iraq, loud noises only signaled bad news.

"I've done a lot, and I've seen a lot," Ciolino said. "I've seen a lot of horrific things, from dead bodies to blown up bodies. Some people handle it differently. I can't say how I'll be in a year, but right now I'm fine."

Waterfront lot for sale for $1.5M;Mayor tries to remove development hurdles for vacant parcel

By Richard Gaines

Staff writer

Mayor John Bell has begun the process of untying the legal knots that have held back development of a prime piece of waterfront real estate for nearly half a century.

Bell last month moved to bring into the hands of the city, through the Waterways Board, a sliver of land between the harbor and the vacant two acres on Rogers Street known as I-4,C-2.

He has said I-4,C-2 would be an ideal home for the regional offices of the nearly 200 employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has outgrown its rental offices at the Blackburn Industrial Park and is about to publish requests for proposals for a new home here or elsewhere on the Essex County coast.

Boston real estate executive Jeffrey Cohen purchased the uplands acreage in 1986, but the semi-independent Gloucester Redevelopment Authority has since held the deed to the waterfront parcel below I-4, C-2.

Cohen's plans for a shopping complex with underground parking were confounded, and ultimately dashed, by a legal tangle that kept him from waterfront access across the GRA's sliver of waterfront property.

A possible turning point in the stalemate came in February, when the Massachusetts Appeals Court rejected Cohen's lawsuit for $4 million to cover his carrying costs during a long struggle to develop I-4,C-2, so named because of its urban renewal designation.

Cohen, who is president of Metropolitan Properties of America, a $500 million luxury apartment development firm, renounced further hope of, or interest in, doing anything with his two acres between the Building Center and the Gloucester House restaurant. He put the property on the market.

Cohen said Thursday the selling price is $1.5 million.

But Cohen also said he would be surprised to find a buyer so long as the property remained bound by the same legal limits that frustrated him.

Bell's initiative aims to remove them.

The mayor cited "the need to encourage final resolution of all the issues and encumbrances that remain with the property" in a July 21 memo to GRA Chairman Barry Pett, the GRA's attorney, John Cunningham, and Waterways Board Chairman Peter Bent.

Bell asked that they transfer the deed and eliminate or reconfigure easements to allow "availability of water access" from the uplands parcel to the harbor.

Bell said he wanted the waterfront parcel in the hands of the Waterways Board, as the city agency responsible for governing the waterfront. The transfer would also leave the GRA, created to oversee the vast urban renewal of the 1960s, with nothing important left on its plate.

Because the GRA is legally autonomous and the Waterways Board a legal creature of the city, the transfer also would eliminate a legal complexity.

The distinction between the city and the GRA played a crucial role in thwarting Cohen's effort to develop I-4, C-2. He had the GRA's assurance of cooperation in obtaining a Chapter 91 permit from the state to put the property to a non-industrial use, but he was frustrated by the separate opposition by city mayors during earlier times.

In a lower court ruling upheld by the Appeals Court, the GRA was found to be "a separate entity, managed, controlled and governed by its members," and so could not be held liable for any breach of its agreement with Cohen committed by the city and its mayors.

A transfer of the waterfront property to the Waterways Board would mean owners of the uplands parcel would have only the city to deal with in negotiating use of the property.

"We're doing this to help the seller," Bell said. "We want to offer flexibility on easements," which a developer would need in order to reach the waterfront.

Pett said the GRA "shouldn't have been involved" in negotiating dockage contracts. About 10 commercial boats have contracts allowing them to dock from the float that is below the GRA's parcel.

Cohen said he was skeptical the transfer would prove useful in his effort to sell.

"If the city feels good about it, that's great," he said. "But I'm sitting here, and nothing's happening."

He suggested the city buy I-4, C-2, clear permits needed for the building to house NOAA, and then sell it to a developer who could build to NOAA's specifications.

"If the city wants to do something," said Cohen, "that's the only way it works."

City continues land sales to boost rainy day fund

By Richard Gaines

Staff writer

The City Council has set $250,000 as the minimum price for a quarter-acre parcel in Bay View about to go on the auction block.

Buoyed by the success of two recent auctions -- for the former Maplewood School and the former Action Inc. offices on Elm Street -- the council Tuesday pushed the minimum price for the property on South Kilby Street higher than those recommended by the city's Property Disposition Committee and the council's own subcommittee.

The sales are essential to a defense of the city's bond rating, which was reduced earlier this summer from A1 to A2 by Moody's rating service.

The sale of surplus city property was organized last summer to replenish the city's stabilization fund, after the city turned to the rainy day account to help cover operating costs during its budget crisis. With the fund reduced from $2.4 million to about half that amount, Moody's found the city's overall fiscal stability had eroded enough for the downgrade.

The $250,000 price for the raised, triangular parcel on South Kilby Street was proposed by Ward 1 Councilor Joseph Ciolino. The Property Disposition Committee, headed by purchasing agent Everett Brown, had recommended offering the land for $200,000. The council's Budget and Finance Committee thought the city should take no less than $217,900.

Ciolino noted the Maplewood property sold for $715,000, which was $65,000 more than the minimum bid price, and the Elm Street property sold for $210,000 after being put on the block for $190,000.

The South Kilby Street parcel contains an abandoned and condemned day care center. The buyer would need to raze the wooden structure to make way for a one- or two-family home, which could have a limited view of Ipswich Bay. The city probably will begin accepting bids within a matter of weeks.

Brown said a parcel on Cherry Street near the Beeman School will be prepared for sale next. The School Committee transferred three potential parcels to the city, but Brown said one is probably not buildable. He said no decision has been made on whether to auction off a second parcel.

In its downgrade notice, Moody's supported the replenishing of the stabilization fund from the sale of surplus property. "Positively," it said, "the city is expected to add nearly $1 million to the stabilization fund in fiscal 2005 with revenue generated from two land sales (the Maplewood and Elm street properties)."

Children ride home happy from bike auction

By All Hands

Gus Foote will again take on the role of midsummer Santa this morning.

At 10 a.m., behind the police station, the city councilor will "auction" off an estimated 50 bicycles that have ended up in the city's possession, repeating what has become a tradition.

City Clerk Bob Whynott, in the guise of Foote's spokesman and event promoter, says "no bid will be rejected."

In past years, and again this morning, children will be able to win the surplus bikes with the spare change they might have gathered.

Foote has been known to overlook better bids to ensure a fair distribution.

A helping hand

In the acknowledgements to Russ Cohen's book, "Wild Plants I Have Known and Eaten," which was published by the Essex-based Essex County Greenbelt Association earlier this summer, the Arlington author and naturalist thanks Rockport's Toad Hall Bookstore for giving Greenbelt a grant to help produce the book.

Toad Hall was founded in 1972 with environmental aims. Its parent organization, the Essex County Ecology Center, donates all its after-tax proceeds to environmental causes -- more than $100,000 over the years. The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team and the effort to restore the Saratoga Creek salt marsh in Rockport are recent beneficiaries.

"We're there trying to make people aware of things," Toad Hall's Nancy Sullivan said.

And so the bookstore, located at 51 Main St., is happy to host Cohen at 7:30 p.m. Thursday for a slide show and to sign copies of his book. In it, he discusses when and where to forage, safety and etiquette.

Cohen is expert at making meals of wild plants -- Japanese knotweed stalks, lamb's-quarters stalks, black locust tree flowers, jewelweed seeds, blackberries, blueberries, milkweed pods, chokecherry berries -- and will prepare some of the recipes in his book for attendees to sample.

"We're looking forward to it," Sullivan said.

Call (978) 546-7323 for more information.

Cafe society

Summer brings an explosion of activity, some of it technically illegal.

Building Inspector Bill Sanborn notes as many as 10 restaurants have taken to putting tables on the sidewalks, creating ad hoc cafes, without the necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

On Main Street and elsewhere, these tables have sprung up, creating something of a nuisance to walkers and residents, who've registered complaints.

Letter-of-the-law letters have been sent to alleged violators. If they want to put out tables next summer, they'd best get their permits.

As for this summer, well, the wheels of justice just don't turn fast enough in this town. The technically improperly placed outdoor tables are likely to stay just that for now.

Cricket time

They are -- thanks to Walt Disney's creation of everyone's conscience, Jiminy -- far and away our favorite insect. They hop around at our feet in the grass and twigs, and give not an iota of grief.

In recent days, their unmistakable chirping has returned, as it does every midsummer.

Entomologists tell us the crickets mate in the fall. Those that are until now buried in shallow cribs, under leaves and sand, emerge to start the process again.

The chirping, the rubbing of their legs, intensifies through September.

The early chirping is designed to stake out territory, but at nightfall in the lush last days of summer, it's romance on their minds.

It keeps them awake even as it helps us drift off.

Everywhere a sign

Warm, sunny weekends are a perfect time to clean out the attic and peddle away dusty treasures at a yard or garage sale.

Trees and utility poles, according to a city ordinance, are not the perfect place for signs advertising those sales.

Patti Amaral, co-chairwoman of the Clean City Commission, said this week she had received a package of 20 signs for yard sales and concerts someone had collected from trees and telephone poles. Amaral, who collects similar signs herself, said she called every phone number listed.

Her message to those homemade merchants and band promoters: A city ordinance bans their signs from trees and poles. In addition, a fallen sign could bring the person responsible for placing it a $300 fine for littering.

Amaral, who said the signs "make our city look terrible," is now urging people not to put them on trees and poles in the first place.

"It's getting out of control," she said.

Northern Lights

Local followers of the bluegrass band Northern Lights will get a surprise performance tonight from the band's founder, Taylor Armerding of Ipswich.

Northern Lights is having an outdoor performance at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center at Harbor Loop at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each, $13 for members. Seating is first-come, first-served, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available.

Armerding, a lead singer and mandolin player (and columnist and editorial writer for the Eagle Tribune Publishing Co. newspapers) retired from the band at the end of last summer. But he will join again tonight to replace an ailing Dave Dick, who is out with a bad back.

Honored veteran

A flag will be flown at the veterans center this week in honor of Gil Anthony Roderick, a World War II veteran who died Feb. 17, 2002.

Born Aug. 22, 1920, Roderick entered the U.S. Navy on Sept. 22, 1942. A ship's service man, third class, he worked as a laundryman aboard the amphibious assault command ship USS Panamint.

Roderick served in Newfoundland and the Pacific, including Okinawa. He received the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal with one bronze star, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 5, 1945.

The flag is flown at the request of his wife, Priscilla M. Roderick.

Anyone wishing to have a flag flown in honor of a deceased veteran should contact the Office of Veterans' Services at (978) 281-9740.

Weather

Weather

LOCAL FORECAST: Today, partly cloudy with highs around 80. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, partly cloudy in the evening, then mostly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming southeast after midnight. Tomorrow, a chance of showers in the morning, then a 70 percent chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow night, mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the evening, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows around 60. Chance of rain 50 percent.

MARINE FORECAST: For coastal waters from the Merrimack River to Watch Hill, R.I.: Remains of tropical storm Bonnie were expected to have headed for northern New England, with a weak high pressure system moving over the waters today. Remains of Hurricane Charley should move up the coast tomorrow, passing over southern New England or just to the west tomorrow night and Monday. High pressure will then build across the waters Tuesday. Both Bonnie and Charley have the potential to produce tropical downpours and strong gusts over the coastal waters. Refer to the latest advisories from the tropical prediction center. Today, southwest wind 10 to 15 knots, decreasing to 5 to 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 4 feet. Tonight, south wind 5 to 10 knots, becoming southeast after midnight. Seas 1 to 3 feet. Tomorrow, east wind 10 to 15 knots. Seas 2 to 4 feet. A chance of showers in the morning,

then showers likely in the afternoon. Tomorrow night, southeast wind 10 to 15 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Monday, southwest wind 10 to 15 knots, becoming west after midnight. Seas 3 to 5 feet. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning. Tuesday, west wind 5 to 10 knots, becoming southwest. Seas 2 to 4 feet.

EXTENDED FORECAST: Monday, partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s. Monday night through Tuesday night, partly cloudy with lows in the mid-60s. Highs around 80. Wednesday, mostly cloudy with highs around 80. Wednesday night, partly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s. Thursday, partly cloudy with highs around 80.

Obituaries

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Elisabeth "Bebe" Hughes, 91

Elisabeth "Bebe" Hughes, daughter of the late Ethel Maude and Joseph Irving Ball, died Wednesday at her home surrounded by her family.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and was loving, loyal and supportive to all.

She graduated from Cushing Academy and Colby Junior College.

While a member of Melrose-Wakefield Hospital Auxiliary, she was instrumental in creating the gift shop and coffee shop. For many years she drove for the Red Cross, making frequent trips to Boston.

An avid golfer, she was always proud of her hole-in-one at the Equinox Country Club in Vermont. She enjoyed playing the piano and summer trips to Lake Winnepesaukee with her two sisters.

She leaves a daughter, Penelope Cook and her husband Donald; grandchildren, Whitney Marshall, Alexis Marshall, Victoria Fallon and her husband Rob, and Scott Marshall and his wife Kathleen; four great-grandchildren, Dakota and Chelsea Hamill, and Griffin and Bridget Marshall.

She was predeceased by her son, John Scott, and her sister, Virginia.

A memorial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the John Scott Hughes Scholarship Fund, Gloucester High School, c/o Joan Dallin, 32 Leslie O. Johnson Road, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Arrangements are being conducted by the James C. Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester.

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Robert G. Bradshaw, 89

Robert G. Bradshaw, 89, Gloucester artist and New Jersey educator, died Thursday night at Greycliff, after a 55-year struggle with diabetes.

He was surrounded by family members including his wife, Jean, whom he married in 1941.

He was born in Trenton, N.J., and attended Trenton Art School, where he was instructed by his father, G.A. Bradshaw, a famous etcher and founder of the school now known as Mercer County College.

He was an accomplished musician who won the title of flute champion of New Jersey in 1933. He played flute in both the Trenton and Cape Ann Symphonies.

He received his degree in art and archaeology from Princeton University in 1937, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with highest honors. He was awarded a master of fine art degree in art education at Columbia University in 1939, with highest honors.

He was a distinguished lecturer and full professor of art and art history at Douglass College, Rutgers University, in New Jersey, from 1947 to 1979.

Summers were spent with family on Cape Ann in the Rocky Neck art colony, painting, exhibiting and sailing his beloved sailboat, Sesshu, in Gloucester Harbor. As a young man in the 1930s, he sketched and painted Gloucester with his father and their friend Gordon Grant. His love of Gloucester and nautical subjects was developed at that time.

In the '40s, '50s and '60s on Rocky Neck, he came to specialize in watercolor and acrylics and often was seen sketching in East Gloucester with his good friends, artists Tom O'Hara and Bruce MacPhail.

His spent his retirement in East Brunswick, N.J., and for the past five years on Rocky Neck.

He was a well-known watercolorist who exhibited widely in the northeast. He was a member of the North Shore Art Association and was president of the Cape Ann Modern Art Association. His prizes include best in show in the New Jersey Watercolor Society, and first prize for figurative watercolor at the New Jersey State Museum. His works had often been showcased by the American Watercolor Society in New York.

He is survived by his wife, Jean R. Bradshaw; children, R. Bruce, Joan Bradshaw and Sally M. Bradshaw, all of Gloucester, and George D. and Wendy Bradshaw, both of Providence, R.I.; grandchildren, Robert J. and Lori Bradshaw, both of Gloucester, George R. and Carey Bradshaw, both of Brooklyn, N.Y., Clinton W. Bradshaw, Joanna J. Bradshaw and Tristan E. Bradshaw, all of Providence, R.I.; and great-grandchildren, A. Reid and Sarah E. Bradshaw, both of Gloucester.

Family services will be private.

Contributions in memory of Robert G. Bradshaw may be made to the Cape Ann Symphony, P.O. Box 1343, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Howard J. Low, 89

Howard J. Low, 89, husband of the late B. Isabelle (Tossell) Low, of Gloucester, died Wednesday at Addison Gilbert Hospital.

Mr. Low was born in Gloucester on May 2, 1915. He was a graduate of Gloucester High School, class of 1935, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He worked as a deliveryman for Railway Express for many years until his retirement.

He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Degagne of Gloucester; son, Richard Low and his wife Elaine of Gloucester; grandchildren, Michele Bonna of Malden, Jeanine Boyers of Sacramento, Calif., Joshua Degagne of Salem, N.H., Samantha Low of Gloucester; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Ethel Markuson.

There are no funeral services.

Contributions may be made in his name to the Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

Service will remember Corinthian tragedy

By Peter K. Prybot

On Sept. 19, 1949, at 7 p.m., in thick fog off Halifax during a redfishing trip, "I was on deck working the aft port gallous," recalled Jerome Noble Jr., the youngest crewman on the Gloucester dragger Corinthian, one of the huge Gorton Pew fleet.

Noble's father, nicknamed "the redfish king" by his peers, skippered the 111-foot former schooner, which was built in Essex in 1928. Besides the Nobles, the Corinthian's 11-man crew included another Noble, Percy, as well as George Gordon, Ted Decker, George Hemeon, Okie Peterson, Harry Sluchter, Manley Goodick, Stan Zeeman and Jack Amaral - mostly Gloucestermen with Nova Scotian roots.

Within the hour, Gordon, Decker, Hemeon, Peterson, Sluchter and Percy Noble would lose their lives.

"We were hauling back the net when we heard a foghorn. My father answered with the Corinthian's foghorn," remembered Jerome Noble Jr., then 25. "The sound got closer and closer. He felt a crash was imminent. He ordered everyone up on deck and soon unlashed the dories on top of the wheelhouse,"

"I saw it when it came out of the fog," he said. "The ship hit the stern and went right through the dories. I put my hand up and felt the ship move by before the impact threw me."

Mor Mac Fer, a 450-foot freighter of American registry, hit the Corinthian with a deadly blow while steaming 14 knots, loaded with steel bound for Copenhagen, with its radar turned off.

Ward 2 City Councilor John "Gus" Foote, then a teenager, was redfishing nearby on his father's dragger, Gloucester, when "news of the collision went all over the air," he said. "I knew all the crew members real well."

The Gloucester Fishermen's Memorial Service Committee has planned another special service to honor and remember the 5,388 Gloucester fishermen lost at sea, and also to mark the 55th anniversary of the Corinthian tragedy.

These services began in 1997. This year's powerful, succinct service will take place next Saturday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. at the Man at the Wheel statue and Fishermen's Memorial Cenotaph site. There will be no rain date.

"We plan for the service to occur during high tide on a Saturday in August at 5 p.m.," said committee member Lucia Amero. "This way, most people are done with what they are going to do, and they can attend."

High tide also makes tossing the remembrance flowers easier.

"I will be speaking my father's story," said Noble's son, Stephen, 47, who will give the keynote speech and tell the whole Corinthian tragedy story, including its aftermath.

Jerome Noble Jr. kept a diary while fishing. Stephen's address is based on that diary.

"My father thought it would be emotional for him to give the speech," Stephen said. The Noble family will also place a committee wreath in front of the Man at the Wheel statue during the service.

Jerry Noble Jr., now 80, stopped fishing after the Corinthian disaster.

"My wife wouldn't let me go back fishing, and we just had a new baby added to the family," he said.

"Jerry has had nine lives," said Virginia, his wife of 61 years. One of those lives involved surviving a Kamakazee attack in the Pacific during World War II, which inflicted 1,500 casualties and nearly sank the aircraft carrier he was on, the USS Franklin.

Noble later became an electrician and established Jerry Noble Electricians. His son has taken over the popular Gloucester business.

The 2003 service, which marked the 25th anniversary of the Alligator and Capt. Cosmo sinkings, saw a doubling of attendance to well over 500 people.

This year's service will begin with a procession led by flag bearer and retired fisherman Alfred Piscitello. It will include city dignitaries, Fishermen's Memorial Service Committee members and fishermen carrying oars representing their vessels. The procession originates at the American Legion square.

The ceremony will follow and include an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Timothy Harrison of St. Ann Church, an introduction by Mayor John Bell, hymns by the Fishermen's Memorial Choir, directed by Dee Caruso Mahoney, the keynote speech, student essay awards and the reading of the essays.

Marge Frontiero, mother of Tom Frontiero, who was lost on the Starbound, will read a special poem written by her son Anthony, titled, "They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships." The committee will memorialize member Leo Amero, who recently passed away.

Joel Rodriguez will act as master of ceremonies. The placing of wreaths and tossing of remembrance flowers will end the ceremony.

"Like everyone else on the Committee, Leo wanted the service done right," Amero said. Other Committee members include Thelma Parks, David Rose, Joel Rodriguez, Sue Silveira, Joseph Novello, Barry Pett and Joseph Parisi III.

"I have the best committee," Amero said. "There are no egos. Everything is done from the heart." Many members have lost fishermen friends and family at sea.

For many families, aside from memories and photos, the Fishermen's Memorial Cenotaph and the annual service are all they have left of loved ones who vanished at sea.

The service is open to the public, many of whom share Gloucester's long fishing legacy, which includes losses along with all the gains.

Technology or not, tragedies still occur at sea.

"We want people to cry, to show emotion for all of us (during the service)," Amero said.

br> Correspondent

Eagles look to climb to top with Miami and Virginia Tech gone

Associated Press

BOSTON - Boston College believes its chances of winning the Big East have become a lot more realistic with the departure of conference powerhouses Miami and Virginia Tech.

The Eagles, going into their final season in the league before joining the Hurricanes and Hokies in the Atlantic Coast Conference next year, play their season opener at Ball State on Sept. 2.

With two perennial powers departed, BC coach Tom O'Brien figures things have got to be a little easier for his team.

"Since we haven't beaten Miami since 1984, I would say that it is," BC head coach Tom O'Brien said yesterday afternoon. "Every year the goal is to win the (conference) championship and get in a BCS (bowl game). With Miami not here, the road is not as hard."

The Eagles, who have placed no higher than third in the Big East during O'Brien's seven seasons, were fifth the past two years. They see an easier schedule ahead.

"I think it will be," said senior quarterback Quinton Porter, in a battle with 24-year-old senior Paul Peterson for the starting role. "With those two teams leaving, it gives us our shot."

BC, winners of four straight Bowl games, elected to join Miami and Virginia Tech last October. Having spent a portion of last season as an outcast, they know they'll face more hostile crowds on the road than usual.

"They didn't like us last year," O'Brien said. "If it was 95 percent last year, maybe 100 percent this year. We've dealt with it. We'll be fine."

The Eagles will try to continue their success on the ground, where they've produced six consecutive 1,000 rushers. Derrick Knight, the school's all-time leading rusher, graduated last year, so they'll rely on an untested backfield.

"Deciding on a running back," O'Brien said. "I think that's a major concern. We don't have a lot of experience back there."

BC has three freshman - two redshirts - and a sophomore with six career carries fighting for the starting spot.

Either Porter or Peterson will be the starting quarterback, with the other likely to red shirt.

"Right now the intention is to play one and red shirt the other," O'Brien said.

But the questions clearly are easier to handle without having to face Miami and Virginia Tech this year.

"The way it is now, this definitely is our shot," defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka said.

Teammates rally for Olympian who faces jail

By Tim Dahlberg

Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece - They've trained together 10 hours a day for two years, and now time is running out for the women of the U.S. synchronized swim team. When the Olympics are over, they'll split up, with some going to college and others making their way into the real world.

Tammy Crow has more immediate plans. When she gets home, she'll begin serving a 90-day jail sentence for a crash last year that killed her boyfriend and a 12-year-old boy.

The fact that she's here is upsetting to some people, who don't believe Crow deserves to be an Olympian.

Her teammates, who believe she's done nothing wrong, do.

"People have said things about our very good friend and teammate which aren't true," team captain Lauren McFall said. "She's been working 20 years to be here, and she wants to do this for the people back home."

At the synchronized swimming pool yesterday, Crow was almost indistinguishable among the nine women in deep blue suits kicking their legs and moving their arms in unison. They were going through routines they had practiced thousands of times before, but with the games about to begin there was added urgency.

When the music stopped blaring, Crow's coach and some of her teammates came over to talk. They knew the questions weren't going to be about American medal chances, but they came anyway.

They were there to defend their friend, which is what teammates do.

"We're pretty much all we've got," McFall said. "We're our own little society. It's very easy for us to keep outside things out because we're very close-knit."

It hasn't been so easy to keep this thing out. Synchronized swimming is usually starved for attention, but not this kind.

Crow, a 27-year-old Californian with stringy blond hair, was driving her boyfriend's SUV up a snowy mountain road early the morning of Feb. 16, 2003, when the car slid out of control and plowed sideways into two trees.

Brett Slinger, a star Little Leaguer and aspiring Olympian himself, was crushed to death in the back seat. Her boyfriend, Cody Tatro, wasn't wearing a seat belt and was killed when his head hit the steering wheel.

It could have been chalked up as a tragic accident. But Crow had been drinking with teammates at a San Francisco restaurant only hours before, and witnesses said she was speeding as she passed another car just before the crash.

Tatro taught at Slinger's middle school, and they were going up to meet Slinger's parents for a day of snowboarding.

A year later, Crow entered a small courtroom packed with Brett Slinger's friends and family in Sonora, Calif., and pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter. A judge gave her 90 days in jail, then postponed the sentence until after the Olympics so she could train with her teammates.

Crow overcame her grief and injuries that included a broken arm to make the team, then had to win approval from U.S. Olympic officials to go to Athens. Her teammates embraced her all the way.

"It's definitely brought us all closer together," Kendra Zanotto said. "It's like when your family has a tragedy. It brings you together. We're happy she's with us. We're trying to support her in her grieving."

That support was evident yesterday when Crow slipped away so she didn't have to talk. Her teammates came out to speak for her.

If Crow does decide to say something, she might begin by telling Brett Slinger's parents how sorry she is. Mike and Devon Slinger remain upset that she has never apologized to them in person and contend she has never accepted responsibility for her actions.

When Crow was officially approved for the team two months ago, Mike Slinger questioned the decision.

"It looks to me like they just wanted a win at all costs," he said at the time. "It doesn't matter if you're a morally responsible person as long as you're a good athlete you get your way."

Crow's coach, Chris Carver, says the crash has taken a bigger toll on Crow than what she allows others to see.

"She's not the same person she was before the accident," Carver said. "She's not back all the way. It has given her a kind of unholy view of life."

Carver also sees a different side of the swimmer. She sees a woman who kept plugging away after nearly making the team four years ago because she wanted it so much.

"She's an only child who's done it the hard way," Carver said. "She's a good kid, a very good kid."

Mike and Devon Slinger like to think they had a pretty good kid themselves.

"He may not have been an Olympian, but he was pretty special to us," Mike Slinger said.

Tim Dahlberg is a national columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlbergap.org

Open wide, Athens: Record parade for opening ceremony of Olympics in Athens

By Brian Murphy

Associat

ATHENS, Greece - With five rings ablaze in the middle of a manmade sea, the Olympics returned to its birthplace yesterday in an epic homecoming heralded by a pounding heartbeat, a mythological centaur and an array of Greek gods followed by the biggest parade of nations in the games' history.

"The Olympic Games: Welcome back to Greece!" an announcer cried to kick off the opening ceremony, which culminated with the Greek windsurfing champion from the 1996 Games, Nikolaos Kaklamanakis, lighting the cauldron at the end of a slender 102-foot arm that rose slowly over one end of the stadium.

It was a moment many doubted Greek organizers could pull off, after years of worrisome delays and constant pressure to bolster the most expensive security network at an Olympics.

The ceremony also closed an important circle in sports, from the games' innocent rebirth in 1896 to the latest gathering of the world's greatest athletes under 202 flags in an age beset by fears of terrorism and instability.

"Greece is standing before you. We are ready. ... We have waited long for this moment," said the games' chief organizer, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, standing under an model of an olive tree.

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge urged athletes to "show us that sport unites by overriding national, political, religious and language barriers."

"We need peace, we need tolerance, we need brotherhood," he said.

At dusk, a countdown video filled the screen at the Olympic Stadium - whose new weblike canopy was bolted into place only last month. The numbers clicked down from 28: one second for each of the games scheduled since the first modern Olympiad in an all-marble arena in central Athens. Each tick of the clock was accompanied by the amplified sound of a human heartbeat.

Then, with a blast of fireworks around the stadium roof, the ceremony was fully under way. Minutes later, the five Olympic rings were ablaze.

"We did it! We did it!" chanted a group of flag-waving Greeks in the stands.

A round-the-clock work blitz - under broiling sun and blinding spotlights - managed to pull together the vast network of venues, transport links, villages and security needed for the athletes and heads of state at the first Summer Games since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

A sign of the security measures floated overhead - a blimp with supersensitive spyware. Outside the stadium sat symbols of the delays - dirt expanses instead of landscaped paths, idle cranes and trees planted just last week.

Earlier, an International Olympic Committee member who helped oversee the preparations noted how much was at stake if the Greeks failed the task.

"I think you have saved Greece and saved the IOC from great humiliation," Alex Gilady told Athens organizers.

The spectacle of the opening ceremony - tradition mixed with Las Vegas-style fanfare - celebrated Greek history, culture and civilization.

After the burning Olympic flames subsided, a boy on a replica of a ship sailed into the arena, waving a small Greek flag. Then the centaur - the mythological half-man, half-horse - waded into the water and tossed a spear of light representing a javelin. From the center of the stadium rose a statue representing an ancient form from Greece's Cyclades islands. The form broke apart to reveal other figures from Greek history.

The ancient god of love, Eros, flew above two lovers dancing and playing in the water. Then Eros hovered over a procession of figures from Greek history - from ancient vase paintings to a tribute to the Greek shepherd, Spiridon Louis, who won the first Olympic marathon.

"The great moment has come!" cried the announcer in the stadium. Moments later, the parade of nations began with the appearance of Greek weightlifter Pyrros Dimas, who is seeking his fourth consecutive gold medal at the games.

Behind him more than 10,500 athletes streamed into the stadium.

There was huge applause for Afghanistan on its return to Olympic competition after an eight-year absence and with its first female athletes. Coach Nina Suratger, in a shimmering green robe and head scarf, carried the flag.

The entrance of the more than 500-member U.S. team - led by basketball guard Dawn Staley - drew cheers. But some people also stood and put their thumbs down in an apparent show of displeasure for the war in Iraq. Moments later, the Iraqis entered to a roaring ovation.

The Chinese team was led by 7-foot-6 Yao Ming, who towered over even other baskeball giants in the main stadium field.

Paraguay carried a banner that read "From Horror to Hope" in apparent reference to the supermarket fire that killed nearly 400 people earlier this month.

For nearly two hours, the teams filed along a black walkway into the stadium: Russians in '20s-style white outfits, first-time Olympians from the tiny Pacific nation of Kiribati in woven grass costumes, Tajik female athletes in gold headdresses, women from Moldova in hot pink pantsuits, and men from Burundi dancing with spears.

Greece, because of its links to the ancient games, entered first, as usual. But, as the host nation, the more than 440 Greek athletes also were the last into the stadium - walking single file as the crowd chanted "Hellas, Hellas," as the country is called in Greek.

But the Greek team had two glaring holes. A doping scandal threatens the country's biggest track stars - 200-meter champion Kostas Kenteris and 100-meter silver medalist Katerina Thanou.

Kenteris had been considered the favorite to light the Olympic cauldron. Instead, he and Thanou were hospitalized with minor injuries following a motorcycle wreck. The accident came after the two were accused of evading a drug test, and they might miss the games.

But it was Kaklamanakis, the champion from the centennial games, that took the honor. For Greeks, it was a poignant choice in a country that felt it should have been awarded the games instead of Atlanta.

All along, Greek officials continually described the Olympics as a way to shed the country's reputation as a parochial and unruly corner of the European Union. The transport minister even said drivers' respect for Olympic lanes shows Greece can be "civilized."

The Olympic deadlines forced projects long taken for granted in other European capitals: highways around city centers, a serious subway and rail network and efforts to preserve architectural landmarks.

"No country has been more underrated than Greece," Angelopoulos-Dasalaki said.

Windsurfer lights the flame

The Greek athlete who lit the Olympic cauldron to open the Athens Games is a three-time world champion windsurfer who won a gold medal in Atlanta in 1996 and carried his nation's flag in Sydney four years ago. Nikolaos Kaklamanakis, who turns 36 next week, won the gold in the windsurfing Mistral class at Atlanta and placed sixth in Sydney. The world champion in 1999, 2000 and 2001, he competes in Athens starting Sunday.

At the Olympic test event leading up to the Athens Games, Kaklamanakis accidentally ran into a group of women's competitors and knocked over one near the finish. She injured her shoulder, but Kaklamanakis stopped and stayed with her until an emergency craft arrived.

d Press

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - A multiplayer trade between the Lakers and Celtics was amended yesterday because Gary Payton refused to report to Boston for a physical by a deadline, the Lakers said.

But a Celtics spokesman said Boston had agreed in advance to waive the requirement that Payton undergo a physical exam.

"The team waived his physical as part of the amended trade," Celtics spokesman Bill Bonsiewicz said last night. "It (the physical) obviously became moot as part of this deal."

The amended trade will now give Los Angeles 6-8 forward Jumaine Jones instead of guard Marcus Banks and Boston will no longer be required to give up its second-round draft choice, the Lakers said.

Lakers spokesman John Black said the trade had to be amended because it was contingent upon all players reporting to their new teams for physicals by 2:30 p.m. PDT yesterday.

"Gary Payton refused to go to Boston and do that," Black said.

Boston waived the Payton contingency and in consideration the Lakers had to switch terms of the deal, he said.

The Celtics expect Payton to report for training camp Oct. 4, Bonsiewicz said.

The terms of the original Aug. 6 trade called for the Lakers to send Payton, Rick Fox and a conditional first-round draft pick to Boston in exchange for Chucky Atkins, Chris Mihm, Banks and a second-round draft choice.

Sports in brief

Gloucester High School sports

Football mini-camp starts Monday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m. at Gloucester High School. Players will need a physical form signed by a doctor and a $75 user fee check they can bring to high school. All other sports start Aug. 26. Cross Country is a $50 user fee. All other sports are $75. All athletes need a physical form signed by doctors.

Youth track

The last youth track clinic will be Monday night at 6 p.m. at the O'Maley Middle School track for ages 5-8, 9-10 and 3-4 (and no one younger). There is no charge. Officials will sign participants when they show up. For returnees, note the change in nights for the program, and that the program is at O'Maley and not the high school. It is sponsored by Gloucester Beach and Recreation.

Gloucester High School boys track and field coach Jim Munn will conduct a series of Saturday morning clinics for boys and girls in grades 4 through 8 who are interested in running cross country in the fall. Participants should bring their their own water bottles, come dressed to run and meet at the bandstand at Stage Fort Park by no later than 9 a.m. The clinics are free and open to all Cape Ann area youngsters. For more information, call Coach Munn evenings at (978) 281-0266.

Native to play in Boston

Gloucester native Mike Francis, who now lives in Florida, will be playing in the Boston Open for golf professionals Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Franklin Park Golf Course in Dorchester.

Gloucester High School football

Equipment will be issued for juniors and seniors Monday, Aug. 16, at 4:30 p.m. at the high school; freshmen and sophomores Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 4:30 p.m. Mini-camp will start Monday, Aug. 23, at 1 p.m. at Gloucester High School.

Gloucester Field Hockey Camp

It will be held Aug. 23-27 at the O'Maley School field. The camp is for girls age 8-15. The field hockey program begins daily at 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Fee for the camp is $45. Players should bring sneakers and cleats if they have them, as well as a mouthguard. Sticks will be available. If it rains we will be inside the O'Maley Rink. Registration information can be obtained by calling Kim Patience at (978) 281-3765.

The Gloucester High school field hockey team will start practice at Fuller School field on Monday, Aug. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It will break for lunch and meet again from 2 to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in joining, including incoming freshmen, must have completed physicals and authorization form at this time, and also a user fee. Players can pick up forms at the high school. Practice will be rain or shine.

Cape Ann Youth Hockey

Cape Ann Youth Hockey is looking for Mite players to fill out their 2004-2005 roster. Any player born 1996 or after is eligible. Contact Paula Fulford at (978) 281-3442 if interested by Aug. 15. Players need no prior hockey experience.

Cape Ann Youth Hockey is also having a fund-raising cruise aboard the Hurricane II on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased from any board member or by contacting Donna Balestraci at (978) 546-7857. It will have a 50/50 raffle. Music is provided by D.J. Scotty Mac.

Youth soccer

Fishermen Youth Soccer still has some openings for the fall soccer season for many age groups. The U7 group in particular has many openings for players and for coaches. Go to www.fishermenyouthsoccer.org for details or call (978) 525-3389. The season begins in September after school starts.

Manchester Essex field hockey coach

Manchester Essex football needs a junior varsity field hockey coach. If interested contact athletic director Hardy Nalley at (978) 526-2066 or e-mail Chris Horne at hornec@mersd.org.

Rugby

North Shore Rugby is looking for new players for the upcoming fall season. Players are needed for both the men's and women's clubs, and no experience is required. See www.NSRFC.com for more information or call (781) 771-1127.

Swimming

The YMCA of the North Shore Sharks will be holding registration for new swimmers for the fall/winter team on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 7, and Sept. 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm at the Ipswich, Salem and Beverly (Sterling Center) branches, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 14, and Sept. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Marblehead/Swampscott branch. Interested swimmers should bring a swimsuit and towel to registration. The Marblehead/Swampscott, Salem, Ipswich and Beverly/Cape Ann teams all have openings for boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 18. For more information, call Anthony Sakakeeny at the Salem YMCA at (978) 744-0351, Susan Guertin at the Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA at (781) 631-0870, Adam Memont at the Ipswich YMCA at (978) 356-9622 or Kevin Tyrrell at the Beverly YMCA at (978) 927-6855.

Sports schedule

Today

ROAD RACE: Seacoast Seven (10:30 a.m., starts at Stage Fort Park tennis courts); INTERTOWN: Championship, best of five: Game 1: Manchester at Rockport (2 p.m., Evans)

Tomorrow

INTERTOWN: Championship, best of five: Game 2: Rockport at Manchester (2 p.m., Hyland); CAPE ANN INDUSTRIAL SOFTBALL: Poliskey's vs. Galante's (9 a.m., Burnham's I); Bresnahan's Enterprises vs. C.A.P. Construction (10:30 a.m., Burnham's I); Coopers Bulldogs vs. Giacalone's Construction (10:30 a.m., Burnham's II)

Custom Finish locks a spot on top

Staff report

With just two games remaining in the Cape Ann Industrial Slow Pitch Softball League's regular season, Custom Finish clinched at least a tie for first place in Division 1.

They led all the way in last week's 10-4 triumph over the Lobster Trap. Doubles by Aaron Williams and Mark Salah sparked a 3-0 first inning.

After the Trap cut its deficit to 3-2 in the fourth frame, the Finishers pulled away with four runs in their next turn at bat, with Kevin Collins and Mark Fulford delivering key doubles. Fabio Palazzolo and Bryan Lafata were the only Trappers with more than one hit.

Coopers Bulldogs outlasted Preferred Auto/North Shore Builders, 12-11, in the battle for the final playoff berth in Division 1. Both teams scored eight runs in a wild fourth inning. Jason Harrington's single after two errors put Coopers ahead 12-9 in the last inning.

Ray LaChance Jr.'s two-run homer left PAB/NSB just short. Steve Maniaci had a round-tripper while Chris DeWolfe collected three hits. Nathan Bertolino and Kevin Riley had three hits each for the Bulldogs.

Hampden Hill remained entrenched at the top of Division 2 by cruising past Galante's, 11-6. Nine of the runs came in the fourth inning; John-John Nicastro and Phil Mineo homered. Brian Macchi (triple) and Mike Favazza (double) had three hits each.

Nick and Chris Giacalone and Jay Perrotta did most of the hitting for Galante's, which remained in a tie for the last playoff berth in Division 2 with C.A.P. Construction.

The Construction Crew fell to second-place Poliskey's, 9-5. Bob Harnish the elder and son John homered as Poliskey's broke open a 2-1 contest with four runs at the midway point. Brian Harnish contributed two doubles and a single, and Brian Anderson went 3-for-3. Peter Sutera did the same for C.A.P. while Jason Elliott had a solo shot.

...

Lauria Waddleton won the Gladys Smith 1st Flight Championship with a net score of 156 at the Rockport Golf Club women's championship. Pat Dagle finished second in the 36-hole event.

...

Freddy Cicerchia, 51, of Manchester tells of his ride in the Pan Massachusetts Challenge:

"This was my seventh year riding the PMC. I ride as part of Team Martignetti. ... We had 37 riders this year, and as a team will raise approximately $200,000. This year members of our team from the North Shore area were P.J. O'Clair from Manchester, Tina Ambrose, George Thompson and Mark Beaulieau, all of Beverly. Mark is a cancer survivor and works for Seaside Cycle in Manchester.

"Why do I ride? To try to make a difference. I have a lot to be grateful for in my life, and I think it is important to express that thankfulness by giving back. I have lost a lot of good friends to cancer, and it is the cause among many good causes that I have chose to be part of. The children are also a huge motivator. To see young people suffer and then have their lives changed at such a young ages: so innocent, so heart-breaking.

"... Within our lifetime we may see cancer go from the major killer to a manageable disease. The end is in sight, all the more reason to keep the research dollars flowing. Anyone who does the ride realizes that it is a life-changing event for them. It is an experience that can't be put fully in words and gives a reward that no one would expect."

...

The Gloucester eighth-grade boys team ended its season with a loss to the Pentucket Regional ninth-grade team in the semifinals of the Hamilton-Wenham Summer League playoffs. Two nights earlier Gloucester had lost a hard-fought defensive struggle in overtime against one of Hamilton-Wenham's teams.

During the regular season the team's only loss was to Pentucket. The team was coached by Jon Pratt, with the help of his sons, Jon and Jay, along with Chris Hand. The team was led by Derek Pratt's scoring and leadership. Pat George and Carson Stevens contributed rebounding and scoring. Mark Alves, Rick Gallante and Brian Hand rounded out the backcourt and provided scoring and defense.

Trevor Adkins, Dylan Maki and Ben Moore were the frontcourt specialists and helped with their offense and boardwork. Jay Destino was injured early in the year and was sorely missed.

...

The team going to Cooperstown, N.Y., for a Little League all-star tourney has a Cape Ann flavor to it. The Gloucester players are Brett Cahill, Phil DiMaio, Tim Labrecque, Santo LoGrasso, Sean Martin, Adam Philpott, MacKenzie Quinn and Caulin Rogers. Rockport is represented by Michael Emerson and Connor Ressel. Cody Ferriero of Essex is also on the team, which will be playing in the Cooperstown Dreams Park National American Tournament of Champions.

This will be the third visit for the Fighting Fishermen of Gloucester to the Invitational Tournament. The team's coaches are Bucky Rogers, Dave Quinn, Bruce Emerson and Dan Labrecque. Last year the team placed 30th overall out of 64 teams from all over the United States. The Web site is www.cooperstowndreamspark.com.

...

The following Cape Ann runners competed in the 37th annual Beverly Yankee Homecoming Race last week.

Matthew Curran, Gloucester, 47 (fifth, 17:00); Wesley Lassen, Gloucester, 26 (sixth, 17:35); Rick Ciolino, Gloucester, 39 (17th, 18:28); Joe Iacono, Gloucester, 38 (18th, 18:29); Jennifer Brooks Lassen, Gloucester, 25 (22nd, 2nd woman, 19:03); Danielle Baker, Gloucester, 27 (31st, 19:47); David Geary, Gloucester, 38 (32nd, 19:49); Layce Alves, Gloucester, 24 (35th, 19:57); Steve Davis, Gloucester, 44 (46th, 20:42); Lauren Houde, Manchester, 18 (88th, 22:55); William Bodie, Essex, 58 (108th, 23:30); Jennifer Houde, Manchester, 16 (150th, 24:50); Anthony Giambanco, Gloucester, 47 (177th, 26:09); Daniel Houde, Manchester, 46 (198th, 26:54); Catherine Meany, Rockport, 54 (202nd, 27:01); Livia Cowan, Gloucester, 44 (256th, 28:47); Tom Davis, Rockport, 53 (270th, 29:59); Linda Davis, Rockport, 53 (271st, 30:01).

For Iacono, who weighs more than 200 pounds, it was his first time averaging less than a six-minute mile.

"For a guy his size with no running background, that is very good," Gloucester High School track coach J.D. MacEachern said. "Joey is a good athlete, and I'm sure he started running to stay in shape. I know that he trains, but he has innate running ability, so the training pays off. If they had an Olympics for big guys who started running later in life, Joey would be a good candidate."

...

The winners of The SunBanque Cape Ann YMCA Bench Press Challenge are: Overall: Justin McEachern (405 pounds); Weight Class, 211-plus: Alec Johnson, who weighed in at 212 and benched 405; Weight Class, 176-210: Justin McEachern, who weighed in at 196 and benched 405; Weight Class, 175 and under: Dom Ciolino, who weighed in at 160 and benched 295.

...

Update on the Cape Anners in professional baseball: Gloucester's Rusty Tucker, on the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery, threw one inning for Single A Lake Elsinore. He allowed one hit, struck out one and walked none while allowing no runs.

Manchester's Brian Lentz, a player for the Seattle Mariners' Single A Inland Empire 66ers, has played in 33 games and is batting .244 (21-for-86). He has 14 RBI and has struck out 29 times while walking eight.

If you have an item for the Local Notebook, please e-mail Sports Editor Dom Nicastro at dnicastro@ecnnews.com, fax to (978) 281-5748 or call (978) 283-7000, ext. 3450.

Industrial League standings

Division 1<*C>

Custom Finish 10-2

Lobster Trap 9-4

PAB/NSB 6-7

Coopers 5-7

Giacalone's 3-8

Division 2<*C>

Hampden Hill 12-1

Poliskey's 9-4

C.A.P. 4-8

Galante's 4-8

Bresnahan's 0-12

Top three from each division make playoffs

Family stricken by disease motivates native to compete

By Steve Maniaci

Staff writer

Few experiences in life are as painful as losing a child, a fact Gennaro and Anabela Barbiero of Albany, N.Y., know all too well. Their 9-year-old daughter Sabrina died March 21 of a rare and newly discovered disease, neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation.

The gene, discovered two years ago, was misdiagnosed as Parkinson's, cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. It is a rare, inherited, neurological movement disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of the nervous system. Only one of every 3,000,000 people suffer from NBIA, and there isn't a cure.

While the odds of contracting the disease are low, the Barbieros were also hit with the news that their other daughter, Alyssa, 8, also has the disease. Her chances of survival, according to medical estimates, is poor at best.

Gloucester native Mark Michalsin and his family are neighbors of the Barbieros. After watching the family suffer through the loss of Sabrina, then hearing the news about Alyssa, Michalsin decided to do something to help cure NBIA.

The 32-year-old 1990 Gloucester High School graduate will participate in an Albany-area triathlon tomorrow to raise money for NBIA.

"It was gut-wrenching to see what my friends are going through," Michalsin said. "This disease is basically a death sentence, and I don't want my friends to have to go through that again. I am a father of two boys, and they mean the world to me. So when I found out about Sabrina and Alyssa, it really hit me hard, and I knew I had to do something to help. Sports is what I know best, and competing in a triathlon is the best way to get the NBIA message out."

Michalsin, who has already raised more than $4,800 in donations before the event, has been competing in triathlons for the past few years. He said the challenge to compete is a motivator.

"Like most people, I was going to the gym to work out," Michalsin said. "But I was not doing anything in the way of competition. A friend of mine suggested I try a triathlon, and at first I was skeptical because even though I grew up in Gloucester, I didn't do much swimming. But as soon as I tried my first one, I was hooked."

For someone who said he struggled with running as a child, Michalsin said it is the easiest part of the triathlon. The swimming is the hardest part, he said, while the biking is something at which he is getting better.

"The key to performing a triathlon is getting all the muscles in your body to work for you," Michalsin said. "It also becomes a mental game, but thankfully I have the motivation to do this in Sabrina and Alyssa. Those poor girls and the family have gone through a hundred times worst the pain that I go through in a triathlon, so I'm not going to complain."

Michalsin does not have a certain time goal for the event, but he has completed the course in 2<1/2> hours during training. He said the only goal for his race is to spread the word about NBIA. He hopes the message will motivate people to help.

"As much as I want, I can't do this alone," Michalsin said. "But the more people that know about NBIA, the better chance we have to save Alyssa's life. This is what I want to do, and it would be wonderful if we can find a cure in time."

A paper products salesman for SCA Tissue, Michalsin has lived in the Albany area for the past 10 years with wife Renee and sons Logan (5), and Lucas (20 months). He comes home to Gloucester at different points during the year and plans to visit after the triathlon.

Michalsin said he is ready for the challenge.

"If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be competing in triathlons, I would have said you were crazy," Michalsin said. "But I love the challenge, and I hope to raise money for a good cause. Hopefully, we can find a way to beat this horrible disease."

Running for a cure

Gloucester native and current Albany N.Y., resident Mark Michalsin is competing in an Albany-area triathlon tomorrow to raise money to find a cure for neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. If you want to learn more about NBIA or if you want to send a donation to help find a cure, e-mail Michalsin at mmichalisin@nycap.rr.com.

Chunking up the big bass

By Dave Sartwell

Correspondent

Outdoors

Dave Sartwell

The boat came easily into the wind with the anchor line stretching out toward the Eastern Point Light House. The gray overcast skies and the constant howl out of the northwest made for a sort of dismal morning, but the weather report held promise for the day to come.

The big bass had been here by the groaner all week, so we started to work.

Bart pulled the half tub of herring into the center of the boat, got out his cutting board and started to carve the small baitfish into chunks. Within minutes he had a really good chum line floating out behind us.

While he did that, I rigged up the four rods that we would be using. Attaching about two feet of 50-pound test mono to the small barrel swivel at the terminal end of the line, I then used a clinch knot to tie on a small but rugged treble hook. Bart handed me a big chunk of bait, and I buried the hooks deep into the flesh.

The other three rods were similarly rigged. On one we put weight just in front of the swivel to get the herring down into the water column. We then tossed them out one at a time and let the bait drift on out behind us.

The chunks dropped just beneath the surface of the ocean, but were not down more than a few feet because the tidal current kept them active. The weighted line slipped deeper to about 20 feet. We let the spools run until the lines were out at varying lengths from 40 to 70 yards from the boat. Setting the reels, we now had four baits trailing the boat at different depths and distances.

All the while, Bart had kept up a steady line of herring chunks out the back of the boat. The oil of the chopped bait could be seen for a few hundred yards. We could only hope that the ability of the big stripers to smell bait over long distances would bring them to the feeding lane. Once there, we wanted them to follow it back to our hooked baits.

Within 30 minutes, one of the port rods dipped, and the reel began to spin. We had the brake set really soft so that the fish would take the bait deep before it felt the sting of the barb. With a quick twist the drag was set hard, and the rod pumped vigorously at least twice. Bart knew what to do.

The hook was set, and the fight was on.

I grabbed the other poles one at a time and reeled for all I was worth. We wanted to get the other lines out of the water as soon as possible to lessen the chance of tangles. Soon, all there was behind our boat was the Boston skyline, a bent pole and a sweating fisherman.

Bart leaned into the fish, and the pole bent into a satisfying arc. At first the fish had his way. Line went screaming out over the transom as the brake was overcome by the tremendous power of this huge fellow below. There was a great amount of tension on the line, but not so much as to break it.

The young fisherman was wise beyond his years. He kept the pressure on the fish without overwhelming his equipment. He let the fish run, let him waggle his head and thrash about, let him use up all of his energy by pulling against a line that ran when he jerked but worked back when he rested.

And, he was patient.

After about 15 minutes the big fish began to tire. Slowly the line began to spool back on the reel. Although the fish had never sounded, it did come to the surface and stay there. Now it was just a matter of getting him to the boat. Bart has fished enough to realize that it is here that many fishermen lose the battle. When a big fish sees the boat he will often make a sudden run. If the line or brake is set too hard, the fish can use his weight to roll on the line and break it.

This fish, however, was done. He slid in next to the boat. I reached over and caught him by the lower lip and slid him up over the side of the boat. What a monster.

Bart got out the measuring tape and ran it along the heaving side of the big linesider. Forty-three inches. We picked him up, took a picture or two and slid him into the barrel. In minutes we had re-baited, set out the lines and were adding to the chum line.

Tuna Hunter, a big boat near us, had a stern full of people regularly pulling in fish. From another boat a hundred yards to the west of us came the exited shouts of a successful angler. We watched as one fellow pulled in a fish that looked to be at least 35 inches long.

This time one of the starboard lines went off. The same struggle as before ensued. This time we were not so lucky. First he was there, and then he was gone. I reeled in the line and discovered I must have made a mistake at the knot when I tied it on before. The very tip of the line had a bunch of kinks in it, indicating that the line had pulled through the eye of the hook. My young friend appropriately made a bunch of derogatory comments that I had earned.

We fished away the morning. The wind died down, and the surface of the water pancaked out. We brought three more fish in over the transom that were all over 40 inches and let them go. A bluefish whacked a bait and then cut a line. We were lucky in that the dogfish stayed away.

I caught a seagull that swooped down and plucked up one of our baits as it was spooling out the back of the boat. Bart reeled him in and laughed as this big-winged bird kicked the stuffing out of me as I tried to get the hook out of his beak.

At 3 p.m., Bart kicked the big engine to life. We hauled in the anchor and headed toward the harbor. The ride under the three bridges and then up the Mill River was wonderfully uneventful. We filleted the fish we had kept, cleaned up the boat and washed down our gear.

Another great day on Cape Ann.

Red Sox always put fans in lather

By Bill Reynolds

Scripps

One day it's Nomar Garciaparra being traded, one of the greatest players in Boston Red Sox history, being sent shuffling off to Chicago essentially for two guys no one ever heard of.

One day it's Kevin Millar upset because he's not in the lineup, and letting everyone around him aware of it.

The next it's Nomar and Sox management firing verbal barrages at each other, each trying to outspin the other, like analysts at a political convention.

Then there's Manny Ramirez, out with the flu, complete with the speculation about whether he's really sick, or is it just another case of "Manny Flu," the mysterious disease that occasionally seems to creep into Manny's locker.

There always seems to be something.

And all the time there is manager Terry Francona with a target on his back, bombarded from pillar to post on talk shows, called everything from Grady Francona to Terry Francoma, the new scapegoat for a region's frustration.

Ah, the Red Sox.

Our daily soap opera.

"As The World Turns" in doubleknit uniforms.

Remember when we used to make fun of women who lived and died with TV soap operas, when Harry met Sally and all of that, the endless peregrinations of characters who bounced from bed to bed, crisis to crisis? Ah, but we were so much older then. We're younger than that now, right?

For the Red Sox are nothing if not a soap opera, the daily emotional journey we go through. Feeling good about the team one day, writing them off the next. That's the carousel we're all on, one that goes round and round, and where it's going to one day stop no one knows.

Up one minute, down the next. "Days Of Our Lives" in cleats.

That's the cost of rooting for the Red Sox, which might be akin to rooting for a broken heart. They aren't bad enough to totally dismiss, aren't good enough to feel secure about. So we all seem caught in the middle, waiting for that one big winning streak that's supposed to turn this season around, the run that's going to catapult this team into the playoffs, the run that's finally going to convince us this is not really a team that's been playing .500 baseball since the first of May, but merely a team that just took a while to find its rhythm.

So we all hang on the result of every game, as if each one is a referendum on the season, a precursor of how the rest of the year is going to play out.

Passions. Especially this year.

Maybe this is the price we pay for this obsession with the Red Sox, this sense that the world will not seem right unless the Sox can somehow win a World Series, sweet retribution for 86 years of never winning, the history that now stares down at every Red Sox team like an accuser.

As though every year the Sox don't win the World Series is another in a long laundry list of failure. Maybe this is the price we pay for surrendering our hearts every year to a franchise that's commonly called cursed, one that's now come to chase its own history, not just its opponents.

And the most frustrating thing? This is the season that began with such promise, expectations as high as the Green Monster. The acquisition of Curt Schilling. The acquisition of closer Keith Foulke, closer by committee sent to a graveyard. A team that had been oh so close to the World Series. All this and the dreaded Grady Little gone, too, as if Grady's banishment to the baseball woodshed was reason enough to get excited about this year.

Is it any wonder there was such optimism? The Guiding Light in a batting helmet.

From the beginning, though, this has been a team in search of an identity, a team whose doesn't seem to add up to the sum of the parts, a team that so far hasn't come close to finding last year's karma.

Blame it on the early-season injuries to Nomar and Trot Nixon. Blame it on Derek Lowe's funk. Blame it on the ongoing organizational culture where the stars are pampered like house pets, the culture that never seems to change, regardless of the manager, regardless of the ownership group. Blame it on Francona, who seems like the classic enabler in the dugout. Blame it on the old sports adage that no two years are ever the same.

Blame it on anything you want.

But now the Red Sox don't look as good as they did back in spring training, and every day seems to give us a new plot twist, new pages from the script department, the storyline that always seems to be in flux, the emotional journey that every Red Sox season has become.

The ongoing soap opera.

Howard

It's the stupid economy

By Dan K. Thomasson

Scripps Howard

WASHINGTON -- The Clintonian warning that when it comes to presidential elections "it's the economy, stupid" actually was a transposition that should have read: "It's the stupid economy."

Since 1932 (at least), the re-election hopes of incumbent presidents have hinged to a large extent on something over which they have little or no control - the nation's economic well-being. A good economy on Election Day is a leg up to another four years in the White House, and one that is not so good is just the opposite. It is that simple in American politics - even during times of war.

Now and then a candidate can blow the advantages of a long period of prosperity during an incumbent administration, as then-Vice President Al Gore managed to do in 2000. But most of the time voters are willing to forgive any number of other presidential shortcomings or indiscretions as long as they feel safe about the current and future status of their pocketbooks.

That is, of course, what George W. Bush faces as he tries to convince voters that he deserves an extended tour in the Oval Office despite an economy that once again seems to be slowing and a situation in Iraq that appears always to be going from bad to worse.

This election clearly will be decided on whether Americans believe that his claimed strengths as a fighter of terrorism override his alleged deficiencies as a fiscal leader; whether the tax cuts that he instituted were the lasting antidote for a faltering economy or merely a relatively short-lived shot of feel-good medicine. At the very least, the reductions pumped some blood back into the system when the dot-com vein ruptured.

The chances are good that if voters answer that question negatively and elect John Kerry, they will soon find that he, like Franklin Roosevelt, had no more solutions to the economy than his predecessor did. Jobs, for instance, are still going to go to the cheapest bidder overseas without a major overhaul of global policies, and that will require some dangerously draconian trade and tariff measures.

The Federal Reserve, by raising the interest rate a quarter point, has come down on the side of those who argue that oil prices mainly have caused only a temporary glitch in the economy's continuing growth mode. But that hasn't stopped Democrats from pointing out that Bush probably will be the only president since Herbert Hoover to end his first term with fewer jobs than when he began it.

Like most things in American politics, the truth rarely catches up with the myth. Running against Hoover has been at the forefront of Democratic strategy off and on for more than 70 years, so why should it change now? Never mind that FDR's New Deal programs failed to break the grip of the Depression. World War II finally returned the country to prosperity.

There are those who believe Richard Nixon might have survived Watergate had the economy been better, and that Thomas Dewey probably would have won the 1948 election had not the country still been in the throes of a new postwar prosperity.

Have Bush's chances been hurt by the latest job reports? There seems to be little doubt that a stronger recovery would have gone a long way in improving his standing in the rust-belt battleground states. On the other hand, Kerry has failed to propose any real solutions other than changes in the tax law that now encourages the exportation of jobs to cheaper overseas markets.

The truth is, an economy the size of America's is pretty much unmanageable by anyone. All any president can do is establish a positive atmosphere, use the bully pulpit and hope for the best.

Dan K. Thomasson is former editor of the Scripps Howard News Service.

LNG shipment and storage not just an East Coast problem

By Michael Fumento

Scripp

Texas-based Excelerate Energy LLC has proposed spending $200 million for the construction of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal 10 miles southeast of Gloucester. The company is currently building a similar facility more than 100 miles off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico.

While company officials say they hope to complete the North Shore facility by 2006, it must obtain permits from the Coast Guard and other agencies before work can begin. Elected officials including Gov. Mitt Romney and Congressman John Tierney, D-Salem, have said they need more information before weighing in on the project, but it has already drawn opposition from representatives of the fishing industry locally who have expressed concerns about its safety and potential impact on marine life.

Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, one reason it provides almost a fourth of U.S. energy and heats over half our homes. But already North America can't meet the continent's gas needs. With America's growing energy requirements, the amount we'll need to import is expected to double within 20 years. If some people have their way, though, that supply - and we - will be choked off.

For shipping, natural gas is liquefied through super-chilling. This reduces the volume by 600 times. LNG also doesn't burn. At the receiving terminal, it's warmed back into a gas and piped where needed.

Currently, the United States has only four receiving terminals, none west of Louisiana. We need more and it's obvious where. California's population is huge and surging, as are its energy needs. It also has the nation's strictest environmental laws, thereby favoring natural gas. But although various companies have proposed terminal locations, over two-dozen environmental groups are fighting them all.

Why? Environmental activists hate all affordable forms of energy, no matter how clean, because it's the lifeblood of industry. To them, Saddam Hussein may be bad, but industry is absolutely evil.

Although not building a terminal "would be a recipe for unacceptable economic hardship for those who can least afford it," according to two true top-ranking California environmentalists in a recent op-ed, the activists in green paint couldn't care less. There are also the NIMBY groups, who recognize California's need for a terminal but Not in My Back Yard. They don't want any new industry near them that is heavier than, say, flower arrangement.

But such ideas can't be sold to the broader public, so other reasons are concocted. Since fear sells, naturally, activists point out that natural gas can explode.

In reality, LNG has a terrific safety record. There has never been a shipboard explosion, and while there are 113 active LNG facilities in the United States, only one has had an accident with outside fatalities. That was in 1944, caused by a holding tank that was improperly made because of a wartime shortage of materials. Further, safety technology continually improves.

Algeria had a fatal LNG explosion last year attributed to a steam boiler, but boilers are only used at the shipping end. Over 40 LNG receiving terminals operate worldwide; none has had a significant accident.

True, some proposals do have pitfalls.

For example, Japan's Mitsubishi wants a terminal in Long Beach Harbor. That's a bad place for something to go boom because it's also the location of the nation's busiest port. Since Mitsubishi also has a nasty history of price fixing regarding such things as plastic wrap, fax paper and graphite electrodes, it's natural that Californians would be worried about giving it the state's first LNG terminal.

ChevronTexaco of San Ramon, Calif., proposes a terminal near the Marine Corps' Camp Pendleton, but it's still near a population center (the base), near a nuclear power plant, and it could disrupt the flow of goods and services along one of the state's major transportation corridors (Interstate 5).

Sempra Energy of San Diego wants a terminal in Baja Mexico. That's certainly out of California's back yard. But placing it in Mexico runs the risk the government could nationalize it. It could then divert some or all of the gas or simply charge whatever it feels like. Californians are also distrustful of Sempra because of its role in the 2000 energy crisis.

On the other hand, BHP Billiton plans to build a floating terminal 14 miles offshore so that there would be no impact on land, no interference with shipping - and the largest possible explosion wouldn't singe a single hair on the mainland. As one of the largest proposed terminals, it would supply almost a fifth of California's gas needs by 2008.

Yet since environmentalists are dead-set against any terminal, they're fighting even this one. And, yes, NIMBYs oppose it, although by definition it's in no one's back yard.

At some point, still another California terminal will be required. But if Ahnuld's state terminates even this one, surely the others have no chance. Then when the energy shortage hits, the consumers' fuel of choice may be burning activists at the stake.

Michael Fumento is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a nationally syndicated columnist with Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail address is Fumento@pobox.com

Howard

The Internet: Blessing or curse for society?

Riddle me this

Question: What would you get if all of the military computers in the world crashed?

Answer: Peace on Earth

James Stanley Hale

Beverly

Both

Just like the advent of the automobile, it's both a curse and a blessing. Yet who could live a productive life without a motor vehicle?

Imagine our society without cars. Do cars cause death? Do some people use them irresponsibly? Yes, some do - not all.

The business and communications opportunities that have cropped up because of the Internet are astounding. The Internet - like the automobile - is simply a vehicle allowing us to get from one place to another at previously unheard of speeds.

The horse-and-buggy ride that took two days turned into a two-hour drive. Who would want to go back to those days?

An e-mail takes a millisecond to travel as opposed to a stamped envelope that can take days.

However, as with a car, the young and irresponsible should be kept at bay. Our children are growing up too fast as it is.

Keith Roberts

Rockport

Users beware

The Internet today is growing, thanks to a lot of Web sites, as well as our ability to find almost everything from A to Z out there in cyberspace.

When you use the Internet, you have to be careful because you don't know who you are dealing with when you communicate via e-mail. If you do suspect anyone of using a computer to download child pornography, this person needs some form of psychiatric help.

Michael A. Daley Jr.

Danvers

Computer Age great for kids

Definitely a blessing.

Though I do not have the Internet at my fingertips like I used to, I loved the days where I could post up a newly written poem on poetry.com or watch a stick-figure experience his demise in the most comical way on stickdeath.com.

The Internet has made life so much easier for all of us in some way, shape or form. I'm not just talking about Bill Gates, who is laughing all the way to the bank with a big sack draped over his shoulder with a huge dollar sign on it, either.

It's too bad the Internet didn't come out sooner. I'm envious of the way elementary and middle school kids have it now as opposed to when I was their age. A few clicks of the mouse and they've got what they need.

I had to go to the library! I got to deal with a three-century-old woman named Delores who had Coke-bottle glasses and didn't know which way was up. I had to walk through aisles and aisles of 10-foot-high shelves and look through 55 books before I finally found what I needed.

Lucky kids today. When I was their age, I had to walk through 3 feet of snow with no shoes ... .

Christopher A. Pizzo

Salem

More trouble than it's worth

As far as I'm concerned, it's more of a curse than a blessing.

I personally know of a woman's daughter who left home for an "on-the-net" affair. She was underage and missing for a month. Thank God it ended well.

I know of a lady who was scammed out of a small amount of money via the Internet.

There are marriage problems because one spouse finds another's computer messages as happened with the mayor of Newburyport.

Add on the scams such as the Salem couple that was selling stolen goods, and the beat goes on. One can get into another's bank account, etc.

So it's a curse. It can be a blessing at times for shut-ins and friends keeping in touch from distances apart. But parents: Please check on kids' computer use!

Terry McDonald

Salem

Big factor in U.S. job losses

Yes, it's a shame that companies can operate on the Internet and do business from overseas, as do crooks, thieves and people who make threats via the Internet.

It's not a blessing, we should tax those companies using the Internet to move jobs overseas.

Mark Jones

Beverly

Internet isn't the problem, it's the people using it

Most of the problems with the Internet mentioned in your question of the week are not really problems with the Internet. They are problems with the character of those using the Internet, including the mayor of Newburyport.

There are far more benefits than problems with the Internet. I can sit here at home and read the news from my parents' hometown paper. I can read the Washington Times, the Washington Post, U.S. News, etc. I can read the Congressional Record. I can search library databases for books I want to read.

I can communicate with family and friends.

People with character flaws will still be there with or without the Internet.

Barbara Bartholomew

Ipswich

Point of comparison

When weighing its good and bad points, compare it to the automobile!

Dan Killoran

Lynn

Mixed blessing

I think that society itself has been both blessed and cursed by the Internet. I think the creators of the Internet must be absolutely horrified that they have produced a medium that has been taken over by society for pornography and pop-up advertising.

Just like any other form of communication, the Internet has been used for the evil purposes of men such as scams and child predators. I can't understand where people get the idea that this electronic form of communication has the ability to filter out dishonesty in people.

On the other hand, the Internet has been a blessing for cheap and instant communication for those who wish not to talk to others over the phone or meet to talk to them face to face. I'm from the old school of people who like to write with pen and paper, but I am slowly finding myself being sucked into the ease of e-mail.

I think the use of the Internet can be likened to the use of a television. One can use them both to educate and entertain wisely or one can find that both sometimes have very little to offer.

The biggest blessing of the Internet is online shopping and information at your fingertips. You can get anything you want and find out anything you want to know on a whim.

Going back to curses would be the privacy issue. It's amazing how many cookies are inserted by Web sites and how much spam mail one can receive in a day. I view spam in the same way as those telemarketers who call during supper. I really don't need four ads for Viagra a day unless my computer is so smart that it knows something I don't.

Dean Burgess

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Was sales tax holiday a good idea?

Today, all day, you can purchase any item valued at $2,500 or less from a Massachusetts retailer and not have to pay the normal 5 percent sales tax.

The proposal to have the Bay State become New Hampshire - where there is no state sales tax - for a day, was conceived on Beacon Hill last spring as a means of helping retailers through the summer doldrums and also attract back-to-school shoppers. Many stores were anticipating a healthy increase in traffic, with some adding staff and expanding their hours to accommodate the additional shoppers.

State officials hope the sales tax holiday will help spur the economy and allow local retailers to grab some of the business that might otherwise have gone to their competition to the north.

On the other hand, even as this big day approached, there was confusion as to how this program would work. Could consumers buy something today and pay for it later without having to pay the sales tax? (No). Does it apply to all purchases? (No. Motor vehicles, boats, meals and telecommunications services, including cell phones, are not exempted from taxation.)

During the debate on this measure, objections were also raised to the fact that rather than encourage new purchases, the one-day tax holiday would hurt early-summer sales as people held off on major purchases in anticipation of the Aug. 14 tax moratorium. And some said the state could not afford to forego even a single day of sales tax revenue.

What do you think? Was the sales tax holiday a good idea? Should the state be sacrificing money that would otherwise go to providing needed governmental services? Or should the sales tax be eliminated altogether?

River otter preserved at Halibut Point

By Spencer Baselice

Staff writer

ROCKPORT -- A river otter struck by a car near the Gloucester/Rockport line on Nugent's Stretch has been preserved in almost lifelike form at Halibut Point State Park.

The freshwater otter is rare, said Marianne Edwards, a representative of the Friends of Halibut Point.

"They're very evasive," Edwards said. "They aren't seen very often, and it's unusual that people have them."

Edwards said several groups were involved in bringing the otter to the park.

The otter was discovered about a foot from the road last summer by Vernal Pools Foundation director Richard Roth, who kept the animal because it was in near perfect condition. He put the otter in his freezer.

"It was almost as if it had died from exhaust fumes," said Edwards, who frequently talks with Roth on the phone. Edwards said she wanted the otter after Roth mentioned he had found it. She thought it would make a good exhibit for Halibut Point State Park and started calling people to help set up a display.

"A lot of people don't even know we have the otters," she said, noting that freshwater otters are different from sea otters, which are common in this area.

Edwards and the Friends of Halibut Point made arrangements to have the otter preserved by a semi-retired, local taxidermist. Halibut Point State Park staff found an old glass case to use as the otter's new home. A staff member created a sign to post near the otter, describing what types of food freshwater otters eat and where they live.

Roth said otters frequent vernal pools, which are dry in the summer but can grow to the size of small ponds. The pools are important to local wildlife populations.

"They're a lunch counter for wildlife," he said. The otters, which have a range of 20 to 30 miles, dine on the frogs, turtles, salamanders and whatever else is alive in the pools.

Roth said the otter was about 20 feet from a vernal pool when he found it. It was the first otter he has found that had been hit by a car, he said.

Art and Photo Days

About 45 artists and photographers flocked to Thacher Island on Wednesday to shoot photos and create paintings that will go on sale in September to help benefit the island.

They were scheduled to return today. Dr. Sydney Wedmore, chairman of the town's Thacher Island Committee, said a few slots may still be open for anyone interested in trying their hand at interpreting the island.

The first boat leaves the island at 8 a.m. and will make several trips throughout the morning.

Paul St. Germain, president of the private, nonprofit Thacher Island Association, said this year's art and photo days so far appear to be another success. He hopes many will come to the art sale Sept. 5 and 6 at the Old Firehouse Trust on Dock Square. Proceeds will go toward remaining projects on the island.

For more information or to reserve a spot on the launch, call (978) 546-9278.

Bill of Rights meeting

Ann-Patrice Hickey, secretary of the Rockport Bill of Rights Committee, said a second forum to discuss issues surrounding the new initiative will be held Sept. 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the Rockport High School auditorium

The League of Women's Voters is hosting the forum where U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan and Nancy Murray, who is on the ACLU board of directors, are scheduled to speak about the USA Patriot Act.

June Michaels, president of the Cape Ann League of Women Voters, has asked the public to generate questions for the forum. All questions should be mailed to her at P.O. Box 244, Rockport, Mass.

Acoustic Music in the Park

The 25th Rockport Acoustic Music Festival will be held today, across from Front Beach. The free festival is open to all ages. The rain location is in the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway, near Five Corners.

More information can be found at www.rockportfestival.com.

The lineup for the festival is as follows:

12 p.m. -- Sound check jam

12:30 p.m. -- Will Diehl

1 p.m. -- Barry Michaud

1:30 p.m. -- Singing Sgt. Tony Hilliard

2 p.m. -- Redheaded Stepchild

2:30 p.m. -- Brian O'Connor

3 p.m. -- Deb Hardy

3:30 p.m. -- Brian King

4 p.m. -- Joanne Schreiber

4:30 p.m. -- John, Josh & Caroline

5 p.m. -- Karen Ristuben

5:30 p.m. -- Inge Berge

6 p.m. -- Sonny Fishcakes Music Revue

Pulse Pursuit will play between bands all day. Also, Fishtown Artspace will hold a musical parade through downtown Rockport at 1 p.m.

Legion concert

The Rockport Legion Band is celebrating its 71st summer concert season from 7:30 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at the Legion bandstand between Front and Back beaches. The band will play a mixture of marches, light classics and pop and novelty tunes. The next free concert is tomorrow.

The program, which is subject to change, includes:

Conductor, Robert E. Puff

Commentator, Dr. Ralph M. Mann

"Star Spangled Banner" -- Francis Scott Key

"Argonne" -- K.L. King

"Rhinefels" -- Gruenwald

"The Girl I Left Behind Me" -- Anderson

"Twilight Dreams" -- H.L. Clarke

"Our Favorite Regiment" -- D. Ertl

"Das Pensionat" -- Franz von Suppe

"Under Paris Skies" -- Arr: Harold Walters

"Little Italian Rhapsody" -- Arr: Walter Beeler

"Eisugs Marsch" -- J. Strauss

"Gypsy Love Song" -- Victor Herbert

"One O'Clock Jump" -- Count Basie

"El Alamo" -- Akers

"Annen" -- J. Strauss

"Dixieland Strut" -- Frank Cofield

"The Gladiator" -- J.P. Sousa

"What a Wonderful World" -- Arr: G. Sebesky

Bridge club scores

Recent scores for the Rockport Duplicate Bridge Club:

Saturday, July 24: First place, Marge Baker and Lynn Fitzgerald, 51<1/2> points; second place, Elaine Luongo and Gus Lawson, 50; third place, Barbara Curran and Ann Millar, 47<1/2>; fourth, Muriel Davis and pat Sylvia, 45.

Tuesday, July 27: First place, Muriel Davis and Elaine Luongo, 56; second place, Molly Foster and Joan Mann, 51<1/2>; third place, Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 48.

Thursday, July 29: First place, Marge Baker and Elaine Luongo, 51<1/2>; second place, Molly Foster and Joan Mann, 47<1/2>; tied for third place, Muriel Davis and Barbara Beyea/Lynn Fitzgerald and Agnes MacQuade, 43<1/2>.

Saturday, July 31: First place, Muriel Davis and Pat Sylbia, 48<1/2>; second place, Leonne Cocchiarella and Agnes MacQuade, 48; third place, Milt and Helen Lauenstein, 44; fourth place, Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 43.

Tuesday, Aug. 3: First place, Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 53; second place, Lynn Fitzgerald and Ann Millar, 50<1/2>; third place, Lib and Harry Godfried, 41<1/2>; fourth place, Alex McKenzie and Leonne Cocchiarella, 41.

Rockport Ramblings was compiled this week by correspondent Spencer Baselice.

Rockport police notes

• Police received a report of a pocket bike racing around Hodgkins Street at 7:26 p.m. Thursday, but officers did not find a bike in the area when they arrived.

• Officers spoke to people at a party on Granite Street at 12:22 a.m. yesterday, after a noise complaint.

• An ambulance took a South Street woman to the hospital at 11:13 p.m. Thursday.

Rockport goings on

Goings on and calendar announcements should be sent to the Gloucester Daily Times, Whittemore Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. The fax number is (978) 281-5748. Items can also be dropped off at the police station.

'Brighton Beach Memoirs'

Theatre in the Pines, under the direction of Nan Webber, will present "Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Neil Simon Aug. 26 through 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockport Center for the Performing Arts, Rockport High School. Cost is $10. Tickets are available at Toad Hall Bookstore, Rockport; The Bookstore, Gloucester, and at the door. Call Carol at (978) 546-2770 for more information.

Star gazing

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will sponsor this month's star gazing program at Halibut Point State Park Friday, Aug. 20, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Frank Sienkiewicz of the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will present an indoor tour through the constellations of the summer and early autumn skies, followed by an outdoor viewing through telescopes. Those attending should meet at the Visitors Center. The program is free and open to the public. Call (978) 546-2997 for more information.

Rockport Art Association

The Rockport Art Association will host its fourth summer artist and photo member's exhibition Aug. 21 and run through Sept. 21. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. The schedule for artist demonstrations is Aug. 19, batik with Judith Goetemann; Aug. 24, oil with Bob Blue; Aug. 26, portrait with Paul LeVeille; and Aug. 31, oil with David Curtis. Doors open at 7 p.m. Demonstrations take place at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 or free for RAA members. Call (978) 546-6604 for more information.

Bill of Rights Committee

The Rockport Bill of Rights Committee will present a forum titled "A Community Discussion with North Shore Citizens Supporting Resolutions Critical of the United States Patriot Act" Thursday, Aug. 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4 Cleaves St., Rockport.

Author to speak

Award-winning novelist Andre Dubus III will speak at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Rockport Library, which will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. at the library. His novel titled "House of Sand and Fog" became a 2004 Academy Award-nominated film. Dubus has also written acclaimed short story collections and the novel "Bluesman." The event is free and open to the public.

Scavenger hunt

The Friends of Rockport Athletics will host its 13th annual scavenger hunt Saturday, Sept. 11, at 4:30 p.m. at the Rockport Country Club. Cost is $120 for a team of six. A Polaroid camera with enough film for 25 photos is needed. BYOB. Call Alison at (978) 282-0438 to register or for more information.

Water, sewer bills

Water and sewer bills were mailed Friday, Aug. 6, and are payable by Sept. 7. When mailing a payment, use the envelope enclosed with the bill to assure efficient processing. Town hall office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A lockbox is located inside the back door at Town Hall for after-hours payments. Call the Treasurer/Collector's office at (978) 546-6648 for more information.

Used book sale

The Rockport Community League's monthly used book sale will take place Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway. Proceeds will benefit preservation of the building.

Pathways preschool

Pathways for Children will offer Pathways preschool in Rockport at the Jerden's Lane center on the campus of the Rockport Schools. The program will offer a rich school readiness curriculum, including literacy, math, science and social skills and is fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Call Theresa Folse at (978) 281-2400, Ext. 280, for more information.

Crafts fair

A crafts fair will be held today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Firehouse Trust, 3 Dock Square. Upcoming crafts fairs will be held Sept. 4, Oct. 9 and Nov. 27. Call (978) 546-7949 for more information.

Slide show, book signing

Local author and naturalist Russ Cohen will present a slide show based on his new book "Wild Plants I Have Known and Eaten" Thursday, Aug. 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Toad Hall Bookstore. Cohen will be available to sign copies of his book. Free wild food samples prepared from recipes in the book will be available. Call (978) 546-7323 for more information.

Beginner computer access class

The Rockport Public Library will offer an introductory class for people who want to use the library catalog and look up information online. The computerized catalog enables people to place requests and to renew materials from terminals in the library or at home. This is a one-session, hands-on class. The next class will be Tuesday, Aug. 24, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Group size is limited to five. A library card is required and prior practice with a computer mouse is recommended. Advance registration is required. Call the library at (978) 546-6934 or stop by the main desk to enroll.

Rotary lobsterfest

The Rockport Rotary Club will host its eighth annual lobsterfest today from noon to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall park and bandstand, Back Beach, Rockport. The event, which will take place rain or shine, will feature live music by the Cape Ann Jazz Band. Cost is $20 and includes homemade chowder, a boiled lobster dinner, corn on the cob, rolls, a beverage and watermelon. A cash menu of burgers and hot dogs will also be available. Tickets may be purchased at Granite Savings Bank, Rockport National Bank, John Tarr Store, Village Silversmith, Woodbine Antiques or from a Rockport Rotarian. Proceeds benefit local scholarships and community service projects. All are welcome. Call (978) 546-9694 or visit www.rockportrotary.org for tickets or for more information.

Acoustic music festival

The 25th annual Rockport acoustic music festival will take place tomorrow from noon to 6 p.m. in Millbrook Meadow, across from Front Beach. Admission is free. All are welcome. Visit www.RockportFestival.com for more information.

Conservation Commission

The town of Rockport, in partnership with Mass Audubon of the North Shore, will organize a volunteer-led purple loosestrife eradication effort at Waring Field and Cranberry Marsh today from 9 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to participate in this effort to stop the spread of this highly invasive, non-native species by hand-pulling the plant and their roots. The Waring Field wet meadow complex is home to a variety of grassland birds, butterflies and wildflowers. Call the conservation office at (978) 546-5005 for more information.

Priest says farewell to church he helped expand

By Anna Scott

Staff writer

IPSWICH - John Hooker stumbled into the priesthood by chance. His career as a concert organist was just taking off when a debilitating muscular disease cut it short.

Friends at an Arizona church where he was music director suggested he become a priest. Armed with a deep faith, and faced with the pain of never playing the organ again, he gave it a try.

"I was losing control of my feet and ankles, and my hands didn't always do what I wanted them to do," Hooker said. "When I couldn't meet my own standards, that's when the whole ordination thing opened up."

He graduated from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge in 1992, and stayed on as a teacher there until 1998. He came to lead Ipswich's Ascension Memorial Church in 2000.

It is his first position as a full-time rector, and it will be his last. On Sunday, his parish will celebrate both his 60th birthday and his going away party. His disease is forcing him to retire early and return to Arizona, where the dry weather is expected to help his muscle pain.

While his stay in Ipswich has been short, his trail of accomplishments is long. During his years at the helm, attendance at Sunday Masses increased 44 percent, up to about 155 people every Sunday. He created a family Mass just 30 minutes long, drawing up to 80 newcomers each week. He held healing ceremonies every Tuesday for sick parishioners.

In turn, he found a community of friends who embraced him and his partner David Bucchiere. The two married this summer after gay marriage became legal, and celebrated with church friends.

"Obviously it's not something everyone is comfortable with, so from the beginning I tried not to push it. I said my family structure doesn't have to have an impact on the church," Hooker said. "They said, 'Don't be silly. Your family is important to us.' They made it obvious to us from the beginning we would be accepted."

Stable leader

Before Hooker arrived in Ipswich, the County Street parish had been without a full-time minister for more than five years. The last minister was traditional, recalls 69-year-old Gini Player, who has been a member of the church since birth.

"(Hooker) brought stability," Player said. She said he brought a unique experience to the church, unlike other ministers who treated the congregation more formally.

He often invited people to his home for dinner. When the church hosted brunch after service, Hooker was there to set up the tables, bake the coffee cake, and clean up afterward. And when parishioners needed to talk, Hooker always had time.

"He really is a people person," Player said.

Peg Whittier, a church member since 1950, called him "the most caring rector we've ever had."

The search committee selected Hooker from a dozen applicants. They liked that he wasn't a career priest.

"He sent a copy of a piece of music he wrote that had been played at a national church convention," said Kathy Hirbour, who chaired the committee. "He struck us as someone out of the ordinary."

Though he once played with famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Hooker's health has allowed him to play the parish organ only twice. Now, he cannot play at all.

"People say, 'How can you stand that?' I tell them I have no choice about it," Hooker said. "Because I know real disappointment, I think I have something to say about that. It's been a gift."

A different type of Mass

Barbara DiLorenzo began attending Hooker's family Mass with her husband and 2-year-old son in January, after neighbors told her the rector was "very talented."

What she found was a Mass where Hooker often acted out the Bible stories, and rambunctious children were welcome.

"I'm just so worried they're going to get a minister who is ho-hum, nothing too earth shattering," she said. "In some of his sermons I felt he was breathing life into things I knew before."

Parishioners praise Hooker's sermons for their ability to link ancient stories with modern living -- a trait Hooker said he learned by going to church his whole life.

"I've heard an awful lot of (sermons)," he said. "I try to think what's going to help you get up on Monday morning and put one foot in front of the other. If it doesn't do that, why are we bothering?"

Hooker plans to leave Ipswich in September, after selling his home. His going away party starts at 9:40 a.m. Sunday after the family Mass. It will be held at the parish center on County Street.

Staff reporter Anna Scott can be reached at ascott@ecnnews.com or by calling (978) 338-2664.

Julia Child, tv cook, 91

NEW YORK (AP) - Julia Child, whose warbling, encouraging voice and able hands brought the intricacies of French cuisine to American home cooks through her television series and books, died in her sleep three days before what would have been her 92nd birthday.

"America has lost a true national treasure," Nicholas Latimer, director of publicity for Alfred A. Knopf publishing, said in a statement Friday. "She will be missed terribly."

The statement said she died Thursday at her home in Santa Barbara, Calif. The cause of death was not given.

A 6-foot-2 American folk hero, "The French Chef" was known to her public as Julia, and preached a delight not only in good food but in sharing it, ending her landmark public television lessons at a set table and with the wish, "Bon appetit."

"Dining with one's friends and beloved family is certainly one of life's primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal," she said in the introduction to her seventh book, "The Way to Cook." "In spite of food fads, fitness programs, and health concerns, we must never lose sight of a beautifully conceived meal."

Chipper and unpretentious, she beckoned everyone to give good food a try. She wasn't always tidy in the kitchen, and just like the rest of us, she sometimes dropped things or had trouble getting a cake out of its mold.

In an A-line skirt and blouse, and an apron with a dish towel tucked into the waist, Julia Child grew familiar enough to be parodied by Dan Aykroyd on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" and the subject of Jean Stapleton's musical revue, "Bon Appetit." She was on the cover of Time magazine in 1966.

Active and a frequent traveler in her 80s, Child credited good genes and a habit begun in her 40s of eating everything in moderation.

Susy Davidson, a consultant who worked with Child on "Good Morning America," called Child's friendship a great gift.

"She's helped me redefine age, No. 1," Davidson once said. "She is the standard by which I judge all professionals. She's always eager to learn something, to try something new. She just has this generosity of spirit."

She was foremost a teacher and never lost sight of the goal set out in volume one of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking": "Anyone can cook in the French manner anywhere, with the right instruction. Our hope is that this book will be helpful in giving that instruction."

Like her friend James Beard, Child was influenced but not battered by the popularity of fast food, low-fat food, health food.

She aimed "The Way to Cook" at a new generation and while it offered plenty of recipes using butter and cream, it left room for experimentation and variation in its blend of classic French and free-style American techniques. It was a hit, with nearly 400,000 copies in print just four months after publication.

She worried, however, that the health craze was overdone.

"What's dangerous and discouraging about this era is that people really are afraid of their food," she told The Associated Press in 1989. "Sitting down to dinner is a trap, not something to enjoy. People should take their food more seriously. Learn what you can eat and enjoy it thoroughly."

Child did not take a cooking lesson until she was in her 30s. And she was in her 50s when her first television series began in 1963.

Born in Pasadena, Calif., Child once said she was raised on so-so cooking by hired cooks.

She graduated from Smith College in 1934 with a history degree and aspirations to be a novelist or a writer for the New Yorker magazine. Instead, she ended up in the publicity department of a New York City furniture and rug chain.

When World War II began, she joined the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA. She was sent off to do clerical chores in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where she met Paul Child, a career diplomat who later became a photographer and painter, on the porch of a tea planter's bungalow in 1943.

They married in 1946 and two years later were sent to Paris.

Child enrolled in the famed Cordon Bleu cooking school, motivated at least in part by a desire to cook for her epicure husband. She was considered a bit odd by her friends, who all had hired help in the kitchen.

"I'd been looking for my life's work all along," she told the AP. "And when I got into cooking I found it. I was inspired by the tremendous seriousness with which they took it."

In France, she also met Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, with whom she collaborated on "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," which was nine years in the making and became mandatory for anyone who took cooking seriously.

It was published in 1961 and was followed by "The French Chef Cookbook"; "Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. II," with Beck; "From Julia Child's Kitchen"; "Julia Child & Company"; "Julia Child & More Company"; and "The Way to Cook," in October 1989.

She was 51 when she made her television debut as "The French Chef." The series began in 1963 and continued for 206 episodes. Child won a Peabody award in 1965 and an Emmy in 1966, and went on to star in several more series for Boston's WGBH-TV.

Russell Morash, Child's director from the beginning, recalled her as "spontaneous from the outset, a natural television talent - very relaxed but very professional."

"I happened to be the right woman at the right time," she said, noting that John F. Kennedy had a French chef at the White House and more Americans were traveling abroad.

Since the 1980s, she devoted attention to promoting the serious study of food and cooking. She co-founded the American Institute of Wine and Food in San Francisco in 1981 and co-founded the James Beard Foundation in New York City in 1986.

More recently, she teamed with fellow television chef Jacques Pepin for the 1994 PBS special, "Julia Child & Jacques Pepin: Cooking in Concert" and a 1996 sequel, "More Cooking in Concert."

Paul Child died in 1994, and in late 2001, Julia Child, a longtime resident of Cambridge, Mass., moved to Santa Barbara. The couple had no children.

Essex goings on

Goings on and calendar announcements should be sent to the Gloucester Daily Times, Whittemore Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. The fax number is (978) 281-5748.

Lobster feast

St. John the Baptist Parish, 52 Main St., Essex will host the annual August lobster dinner Saturday, Aug. 28. Tickets will be for sale at the entrance of the church after each Mass: Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 7 and 10 a.m. Tickets are also available by calling the rectory at (978) 768-6284 until Tuesday, Aug. 24. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Music festival

The Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 11th annual Essex music festival Saturday, Aug. 28, from noon to 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Grove, Essex, Route 22. Cost is $5 for adults and free for children. The festival is wheelchair-accessible. No pets. All proceeds go to restoration of Centennial Grove. For more information, visit www.essexmusicfest.com.

'Manet and the Sea'

The Essex Shipbuilding Museum will present a talk titled "Manet and the Sea" Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m. in the Waterline Center. The guest speaker will be Ann Smallidge McPhail of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Admission is $6. Light refreshments will be served. The center is handicapped-accessible. Call the Museum at (978) 768-7541 or e-mail info@essexshipbuildingmuseum.org for directions or for more information.

Vacation Bible school

North Shore Bible Church, 65 Eastern Ave., Essex, will host Vacation Bible school for children ages 5 to 10 during the week of Aug. 16 through 20. The program will run from 6 to 8:15 p.m. each day. All are welcome. Parents are encouraged to attend. Call Pastor Jack Brown at (978) 768-3539 for more information.

Travel Club trips

The following Travel Club day trips offered by the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging are sold out: Kennebunkport, Down River Cruise and the Rockettes at the Wang Center. Space is still available for the following trips: Sept. 9, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Deerfield. Cost is $49 per person. Departure at 7:15 a.m. Return at 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 5, Winnipesaukee train trip and turkey dinner. Cost is $50 per person. Departure at 10:30 a.m.; and Nov. 10, Lantana's Randolph and dinner. Broadway Revue with Scott Wahle and Suzanne Lobel. Cost is $56 per person. All trips are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All checks should be made payable to the Travel Club. Call the Senior Center at (978) 768-7932 to register or for more information.

Public notice

As required by state law, the Manchester-Essex Regional School District is providing notification to parents and students who attended Manchester or Essex schools and graduated in 1997 that all temporary records will be destroyed on August 27, 2004. Anyone wishing to obtain records prior to destruction should call (978) 768-1192 by Aug. 16.

Striders for Sarah

The Lufkin Family is looking for team members to join them for the 16th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on Sept. 19. The walk is a fund-raising event for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Institute. The team, "Striders for Sarah," consists of family and friends of Sarah Lufkin, who lost her battle with leukemia in April 1997. Call Kim Lufkin at the Essex Marina at (978) 768-6833 for more information or to join.

File of Life

File of Life packets are available at the Essex Senior Center on Pickering Street. File of Life is a red envelope ready to be attached to the hinge side of a refrigerator door. The envelope contains a card with medical information, which would be readily available to emergency personnel responding to a call. Each household member should have a card. File of Life packets are a free. They are sponsored by the Essex Fire Department, Essex Fire Company and the Essex Veteran Firemen.

Cuvilly Photo Collection

The Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center is celebrating 20 years of educating North Shore children and adults about the earth and our place on it. The center is collecting pictures from the past -- of students, gardeners and artists -- who have attended, worked and volunteered at Cuvilly and made it the vibrant place it is. Those willing to share should call Annie Cameron at (978) 356-4288 or (978) 768-3826.

Rotary Club

The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club meets Wednesday mornings at 7:15 to have breakfast and fellowship, to hear interesting speakers and to plan community service projects. For more information about the club, call Brian Butler at (978) 526-4561 or Arlene Taliadoros at (978) 768-7810.

Weight-training

A weight-training class for beginners will be held at the Senior Center on Pickering Street every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Seniors are invited. Cost is $4 per session. Some equipment is necessary. For more information call Charity Lower at (978) 283-9542.

Money management

SeniorCare is offering a money management program as a free service for low-income seniors who have trouble writing checks, balancing checkbooks and managing money. To sign up or volunteer, call Debby Beveridge at (978) 281-1750, Ext. 374.

Small-business counseling

The Cape Ann Chamber is offering free small-business counseling at its office at 33 Commercial St. in Gloucester the first and third Thursday of each month. Anyone who is considering starting a business or has questions about an aspect of their current business can make an appointment to meet with a representative from the Small Business Development Center of Salem State College. For more information or an appointment, call the Chamber at (978) 283-1601 or e-mail info@capeannchamber.com.

BNI meeting

The Hamilton Chapter of BNI -- the business referral organization -- meets every Thursday at the Hamilton Community Center, Bay Road, Hamilton. Business breakfasts are held from 7 to 8:30, and visitors are invited. For more information or a reservation to attend, call Laurie at (978) 768-6334.

Library home delivery

The TOHP Burnham Public Library offers home delivery for any homebound individual. Choose from a selection of books, tapes and other material. Call the library for details at (978) 768-7410.

BIRTH NOTICES

CRACCHIOLO -- To Grace Maria Cracchiolo and Vincenzo Cracchiolo of Gloucester, a daughter, Julia Maria Cracchiolo, 8 pounds, 12 ounces, 21 inches long, born July 16 at Beverly Hospital. Sister to Carola Cracchiolo. Grandparents are Anthony and Rita Noto of Gloucester and Giuseppe and Rosa Cracchiolo of Sicily. Great-grandparents are Grazia Noto and Rosalia and Vito Purpura, all of Sicily.

SHEA -- To Robert and Kelly Shea of Gloucester, twin daughters, Emily Alexis Shea, 5 pounds, 8 ounces, 19 inches long, and Haily Morgan Shea, 5 pounds, 12 ounces, 19 inches long, born July 16 at Beverly Hospital. Sisters to Lacey Olivia Allen and Kylie Madison Allen. Grandparents are David and Judi Beeman and Robert and Sandra Shea, all of Gloucester. Great-grandparents are Mary Frances Danna and Irene Shea, both of Gloucester, and David Beeman Sr. of Ipswich.

SCHROCK -- To Jennifer and Jay Schrock of Gloucester, a daughter, Kylie Mae Schrock, 7 pounds, 21 inches long, born July 20 at Beverly Hospital. Sister to Jake Schrock and Whitney Schrock. Grandparents are Maria and James Parisi of Gloucester and Carol and Gerald Schrock of Hamilton. Great-grandparents are James E. Chute of Winchester and Hazel Schrock of Green Srings, Ohio.

MOSES -- To Paula Johnson and Jason Moses of Gloucester, a son, Ethan Scott Moses, 7 pounds, 2 ounces, 19 inches long, born July 25 at Beverly Hospital. Brother to Joshua. Grandparents are Paul and Roberta Johnson and Jack and the late Donna Moses, all of Gloucester.

HAGALA -- To Bernard and Kim Hagala of Gloucester, a son, Dakota Joseph Hagala, 6 pounds, 14 ounces, 20 inches long, born July 25 at Beverly Hospital. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. William Markuson of Gloucester and Mr. and Mrs. John Hagala of Homer, Ala.

QUINTANILHA -- To Celio and M. Luciene Quintanilha of Gloucester, a daughter, Lidia U. Quintanilha, 8 pounds, 3 ounces, 21 inches long, born July 22 at Beverly Hospital. Sister to Scheneider Siqueira. Grandparents are Jose Quintanilha Jr. and M. Aparecida de Paula Quintanilha, both of Brazil. Great-grandparents are Valdir Umbelino of Brazil.

MUSTONE -- To C. Joseph Mustone II and Michelle Bader Mustone of Gloucester, a daughter, Sophia Geneva Mustone, 5 pounds, 4 ounces, 19 inches long, born July 21 at Beverly Hospital. Sister to C.J. Mustone and Ryder Mustone. Grandparents are David and Barbara Bader of Gloucester and Chris and Jacqueline Mustone of Reading and Woburn.

COX -- To Ryan and Lindsay Cox of Gloucester, a son, Eli James Cox, 9 pounds, 10 ounces, 21 inches long, born July 28 at Beverly Hospital. Brother to Owen Ryan Cox. Grandparents are Donna Tirrell of Beverly and Kitt and Theresa Cox of Gloucester. Great-grandparents are Donald and Pheobe Carr of Beverly and Charles and Oleda Dady of Reading.

CROWELL -- To Christopher and Barbara Crowell of Gloucester, a son, Peter Christopher Crowell, 9 pounds, 15 inches long, born July 26 at Beverly Hospital. Grandparents are Salvatore Sciortino and the late Antonia Sciortino, and Kevin and Susan Crowell, all of Gloucester. Great-grandparents are Francesco Gusmano and Peter Mione, both of Gloucester, and Sam and Janice Lupo of Italy.

JOHNSON -- To John and Christine Johnson of East Gloucester, a son, Hutton James Johnson, 8 pounds, 4 ounces, 21<1/2> inches long, born July 26 at Beverly Hospital. Brother to Tanner Johnson. Grandparents are Jim Johnson of Sonoma, Calif., Nancy Johnson of Albany, Calif., and Patricia Huff of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Great-grandparents are Ann Skudlark of Manchester.

GROVER -- To Kim and Robert Grover of Gloucester, a son, Seth Michael Grover, 8 pounds, 13 ounces, 22 inches long, born July 31 at Beverly Hospital. Brother to Kerri Downer, 14, Devin Grover, 10, and Hannah Grover, 4 <1/2>. Grandparents are Bob Grover and Diane Grover of Gloucester, and Henry Downer and the late Mildred Downer of Amesbury. Great-grandparents are Lil Frost and the late Arthur Frost and Florence Grover, all of Gloucester.

DOANE -- To Julie and David Doane of Essex, a son, Colby John Doane, 7 pounds, 18 <3/4> inches long, born July 4 at Beverly Hospital. Brother to Courtney Elizabeth Doane. Grandparents are Janet Cooney and the late John Cooney of Essex. Great-grandparents are Roselyn and Dave Doane of Essex.

District Court

• Charges against a Gloucester man for violating a restraining order were continued for six months without a finding by Judge Richard Mori in Gloucester District Court yesterday.

Thomas J. Cain, 48, of 3 Hickory St., was arrested June 28. He was assessed $75 in court costs.

• Leeann Lodge, 28, of 5 Wishart Ave., was found guilty of assault and battery charges and sentenced to 30 days in jail.

• Charges of assault and battery against an Essex man were continued for a year without a finding.

Andrew Marshall, 21, of 245 Western Ave., was assessed $50 in court costs.

• An assault and battery charge against Ron Thibodeau, 57, of 5 Hawthorne Road, was continued for three months without a finding. He was assessed $50 in court costs.

• A Gloucester woman found guilty of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle was assessed $150 in court costs. Maria Bonisegna, 23, of 8 Old Ford Road, was cited June 29 for hitting a taxi on Railroad Avenue, according to a police report.

• Mori dismissed an assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charge against Prudencia Avila, 26, of 2 Rocky Neck Ave. She was arrested May 2.

• Charges against a Boston man for driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage were continued for a year without a finding.

Marco A. Costa, 30, of 376 Chelsea St., was assessed $1,150 in court costs and lost his license for 45 days.

Mori dismissed a plate violation against Costa but found him responsible for having no inspection sticker.

• Mori sentenced a Rockport man to 2<1/2> years in jail after finding him guilty of leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, breaking and entering, malicious destruction of property over $250, assault, resisting arrest, larceny over $250, assault and battery, threatening to commit a crime, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

David Helfant, 35, of 180 Granite St., was assessed $90 in court costs. He was found not responsible for a marked lanes violation and for operating an unregistered vehicle. A charge of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle was dismissed.

According to a police report, Helfant was seen trying to break into a residence on Taylor Street.

Engagements

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Finney-Nicastro

Jodi Ann Finney, daughter of Earl and Sharon Finney, is engaged to Samuel S. Nicastro, son of Dominic and Cathy Nicastro of Gloucester. Finney is a 1995 graduate of the University of New Hampshire. She is employed by ReMax Advantage. Nicastro is a 1991 graduate of Gloucester High School. He attended Salem State College. He is employed by Merrimack Valley Distribution Co. A wedding is being planned for Oct. 30, 2004.

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Johnson-Parsons

Kristen Johnson, daughter of Kurt and Trish Johnson of Wilmington and Diane and Tim Landers of Newburyport, is engaged to Robert Parsons, son of Robert and Almy Parsons of Gloucester. Johnson is a 2004 graduate of Wheelock College. She will begin teaching at Fuller Elementary School in September. Parsons is a 2003 graduate of Harvard University. He is employed by Axiom Inc. as a mechanical engineer. A wedding is being planned for Aug. 13, 2005.

Accident witness corners hit-and-run driver

By Lisa

A pickup truck hit a midtown woman standing outside a Washington Street convenience store and kept going at 5 p.m. yesterday, police said.

Police arrested Gerald C. Rose, 36, of 100-5 Main St., Stoneham, and charged him with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving negligently to endanger, and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.

Police said a witness to the accident followed the pickup onto a dead-end side street, blocked in the truck, then escorted the driver back to the accident scene. Patrolman David Quinn said police at the scene arrested the man.

Margaret Bouchie, 38, was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital. Police said the impact knocked her 42 feet.

Bouchie was still being evaluated about 8 p.m. yesterday, hospital spokesman Shawn Middleton said.

Police said the witness deserved a pat on the back for his part in the arrest.

"He really did go above and beyond," Quinn said.

Arsenault

Staff writer

Judge to begin ordering lawyers to represent indigent defendants

By DENISE LAVOIE

Associated Press

BOSTON - The chief administrative judge for the district courts in Hampden County said yesterday he will begin ordering private lawyers to represent indigent defendants, with or without their consent, to ease a lawyer shortage brought on by a pay dispute.

Judge William W. Teahan Jr. said in a letter to the president of the Hampden County Bar Advocates that he was taking the step in response to "emergency circumstances."

The private attorneys, known as "bar advocates," assist the state's public defender agency in representing poor defendants. But many have refused to take cases over the past few months, saying they can no longer afford to work at the low rate of pay set by the state Legislature.

The pay dispute has resulted in a shortage of lawyers in both district and superior courts.

Ruling in two lawsuits filed over the issue, the state's Supreme Judicial Court said last month that defendants cannot be held more than seven days without a lawyer and charges must be dropped against defendants who have not been represented by a lawyer for more than 45 days.

Earlier this week, a Superior Court judge in Hampden County freed three defendants facing drug charges on bail, resulting in an outcry from Gov. Mitt Romney, State Attorney General Thomas Reilly and local law enforcement officials.

On Thursday, Hampden Superior Court Judge Peter Velis said the Superior Court may also begin assigning lawyers to represent indigent defendants.

Teahan said he will assign attorneys dates and cases in the county's five district courts as needed.

"The attorneys' consent is not sought under present emergency circumstances," Teahan said in his letter.

"If they are on the list (of bar advocates) of August 2, 2004, they are going to be subject to being assigned, so their subjective feelings about whether they wish to appear unfortunately are not the issue," Teahan said in a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It's most regrettable that we have to do this."

Anthony Bonavita, president of the Hampden County Bar Advocates, said the judge's decision is a short-term step toward easing the lawyer crunch.

"I don't think we have a choice at this point," Bonavita said.

"But I think long term, there is going to have to be something done to address the issue of compensation," he said.

In its July 28 ruling, the high court said the shortage of lawyers caused by the pay issue is violating the constitutional rights of some defendants.

The court noted that the $30-per-hour pay for bar advocates who represent defendants in District Court has barely changed over the last two decades and is among the lowest in the country. Bar advocates get $39 an hour for Superior Court cases and $54 per hour for murder cases.

The Legislature recently approved a $7.50 across-the-board hike in the bar advocates' fees, but lawmakers ended their two-year session on July 31 without funding the pay increase.

The state's public defender agency, the Committee for Public Counsel Services, has about 110 staff lawyers - not nearly enough to handle the more than 200,000 cases involving indigent defendants each year. The agency relies heavily on bar advocates.

Lawyers from across the state have complained about the low rates, in some cases refusing to take any new cases.

Bonavita said even with the $7.50-an-hour raise, many lawyers cannot afford to take the cases.

"I pay my telephone bill, my secretary, my rent, my malpractice insurance, my workers' compensation taxes just to open my doors," he said. "Right now, the state is essentially getting a bargain for what they're paying, so I think the solution is coming up with a reasonable increase of something more than $7.50."

Goings on

Events listed here are open to the public and sponsored by nonprofit groups unless otherwise noted. Press releases may be sent to Goings on, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, faxed to (978) 281-5748 or sent via e-mail to gdt@ecnnews.com. Please include a contact person's name and telephone number, and send at least two weeks prior to the event.

Sunset cruise, comedy night

A Gloucester Harbor sunset cruise and comedy night to benefit the Vikings Tri-Team Hockey Boosters will take place Saturday, Aug. 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. The Cape Ann Whale Watch boat will depart from Rose's Wharf. A cash bar and raffles will be available. Entertainment provided by Boston comedian Frank Santorelli and D.J. Scotty Mack. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Lenny's Auto Supply, 9 Railroad Ave., Rockport and at Cape Ann Whale Watch, Rose's Wharf, Gloucester. Call Cheryl Yemma at (978) 356-5588 for more information.

GHS football cruise

The GHS football boosters are planning a cruise during the parade of lights on Sept. 4. Tickets are limited. Call Patrick Barry at (978) 281-0930, Toni Ciluffo at (978) 283-2704 or Cindy Muenzner at (978) 281-1786 to reserve tickets or for more information.

AMVETS drawing

AMVETS Post 32 will hold its "Friends of AMVETS, 500-Club" monthly drawing Monday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. in the Post Hall, 14 Prospect St. This will be the 100th drawing of the "500-Club" and in celebration, over $2,700 in prize money will be awarded, along with special door prizes. All members who have paid all dues are eligible. The drawing is open to the public. A 50/50 raffle will also be held. Cost is $5 per number. All profits benefit AMVETS scholarships. Light refreshments will be served. Call Tom Glenn at (978) 283-7516 or Pete Tibbetts at (978) 281-0681 for more information.

Mother of Grace benefit

An Italian night to benefit the Mother of Grace Club will take place Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. at Capt. Carlo's restaurant. A family-style dinner will be served. Entertainment, door prizes and a <50/50> raffle will be available. Cost is $30 per person. Call Gus at (978) 283-8709.

Bicycle auction

A bicycle auction will take place today at 10 a.m. on Rogers Street, behind the police station. Councilor Gus Foote will auction bicycles not claimed over the past year.

Body composition testing

The Cape Ann YMCA Fitness Center will offer body composition testing. Those who are interested may visit the fitness center to get started. No appointment is necessary. Computerized body composition is a preferred method of tracking a person's workout progress. Cost is $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Call Matt LaFlamme at (978) 283-0470 or e-mail laflamme@northshoreymca.org for more information.

Lobster scavenger hunt

The Sawyer Free Library will offer a scavenger hunt for children in preschool to sixth grade through Aug. 26. Children interested in joining the scavenger hunt for the lobster sculptures around town should register in the children's library at Sawyer Free Library. Pick up a scavenger hunt booklet, visit the lobsters and answer questions about them, then return with the booklet to the library and pick up a prize for participating. Anyone who has pictures of themselves taken with the lobsters will be part of a library display in September.

YMCA birthday celebration

The Cape Ann YMCA will celebrate its 146th birthday by waiving the new member fee for any past member who rejoins anytime through Aug. 20. Call Rick Doucette at (978) 283-0470 or e-mail doucetter@northshoreymca.org for more information.

Art in Lanesville

The Lanesville Community Center will sponsor the second annual Art in Lanesville Aug. 20 through 22. The free event, which features the works of 30 artists who reside in or maintain studios in Lanesville, will begin with an opening reception Friday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St. The event will continue Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. A wide range of artwork will be displayed including the pottery of David Archibald; paintings by Pia Nadel, Bill Woodhead and Ann Marie Crotty; lamps by Jan Weinshanker; clothwork by Margaret Derby; Camilla McFadden and Christine Sidon; and mosaics by Judith Wright. Some of the artwork will be available for purchase.

Tall Ship Appledore

The Tall Ship Appledore V will sail into Gloucester harbor Friday, Aug. 27 to participate in the Gloucester Schooner Festival, which will be held Sept. 3 through 5. The public is welcome to view the 65-foot two-masted, gaff topsail schooner while in port. Limited space is available for the public to participate in sailing the vessel in the Gloucester Schooner Race on Sept. 5. Space is also available to join Appledore crew for a six-day sail and training adventure departing Rockport, Maine, on Aug. 22 and arriving in Gloucester Aug. 27, or a five-day sail and training adventure departing Gloucester on Sept. 6 and arriving in Newport, R.I. on Sept. 10. While onboard, participants will be involved in every aspect of running the vessel: from watch duty to taking the helm to ship maneuvers and galley duty. Appledore IV and Appledore V are owned and operated by BaySail, a Michigan-based

nonprofit organization. Contact BaySail at (888) 229-8696 for more information or to register for a voyage.

'Spinning into Butter'

Gloucester Stage will host Cape Ann Night for Rebecca Gilman's drama "Spinning into Butter." A limited number of discount tickets are available to Cape Ann residents for the 8 p.m. performances on Wednesday, Aug. 18 and 25. Cape Ann residents can purchase tickets for these performances for $15, half the regular ticket price of $30. Advance reservations are suggested. Year-round Cape Ann residents must identify themselves when making a reservation. Proof of Cape Ann residency must be presented at the box office the night of the performance to receive the discount. Cape Ann Night tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. "Spinning into Butter," set at a small New England college, explores the dangers of racism and political correctness. "Spinning into Butter" runs through Aug. 29 at Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St. Performances are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8

p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. Call the GSC box office at (978) 281-4433 or visit www.gloucesterstage.org for reservations or for more information.

Fishermen Memorial service

The Fishermen Memorial Service Committee will hold the annual Fishermen Memorial service to remember fishermen lost at sea Saturday, Aug. 21. A procession will begin at 5 p.m. from the American Legion Square and march to the Fishermen's Monument on Stacy Boulevard. A ceremony will follow. Loose flowers will be scattered in the ocean and wreaths will be placed at the monument.

Food for Pets program

Cape Ann Animal Aid will sponsor a Food for Pets program, which is designed to help pet owners in the community who have fallen on hard times and are having difficulty in purchasing pet food. CAAA will provide pet food free of charge to eligible pet owners. Transportation for food delivery will also be arranged upon request. Anyone needing assistance in providing food for pets may call Julie Borge of K9 Kuts at (978) 282-0989 for more information.

Student artwork

The Cape Ann Historical Museum, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester, will display work by students enrolled in Annisquam Arts and Cutler School in its Education Room through the month of August. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Call (978) 283-0455 for more information.

Foxwoods trip

The Council on Aging will sponsor a day tour to Foxwoods Casino Wednesday, Aug. 25. A motor coach will leave from the Rose Baker Senior Center at 6:30 a.m. and leave Foxwoods at 4:30 p.m. Return will be at approximately 6:30 p.m. Cost is $19 per person, due with reservation, and includes a Foxwoods bonus of $29.68, which contains a $14.68 buffet coupon and $15 lucky seven Keno. Reservations and payment are due by Aug. 20. Anyone 21 and over is eligible for the tour. Call (978) 281-9765 for more information.

Networking seminar

The Cape Ann Business Incubator, 8 Blackburn Center, Gloucester, will host a free seminar titled "Networking for Desired Results" Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn the ABCs of networking to help move businesses or careers forward. Cape Ann Chamber member Anthony Burnham of Heartland Payroll Systems, current president of the Gloucester chapter of Business Networking International (BNI), will be the guest speaker. All are welcome. To RSVP, call Erika Hansen at (978) 282-7779 or e-mail info@businc.org.

Pathways preschool

Pathways for Children will offer Pathways preschool at the facility on 29 Emerson Ave. The program will offer a rich school readiness curriculum, including literacy, math, science and social skills. Accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children is pending. Part day and full day options are available. Call Theresa Folse at (978) 281-2400, Ext. 280, for more information.

Seniors arts and crafts

An arts and crafts session for seniors will take place Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 9:30 a.m. at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Call Alma at the COA at (978) 281-9765 for a list of supplies or for more information.

Red Hat casino cruise

The Dogtown Ladies of the Red Hat Society will host a casino cruise aboard Horizon's Edge for all Red Hatters and their guests Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and includes free parking, boarding pass and taxes, an all-you-can-eat buffet, entertainment, raffles and surprises. Boarding will take place between 10 and 10:45 a.m. at Rowe Square Dock, Rogers Street. Those attending must be 21 or over. A valid picture ID is required. Members of the Red Hat Society will wear full regalia. Registration and payment should be made with Horizon's Edge; call (800) 582-5932. For more information, e-mail fqm@dogtownladies.com.

'Lobster Landings' discussion

The Artist on Artist series sponsored by SEArts, Society for the Encouragement of the Arts of Gloucester, will host a discussion titled "Lobster Landings: The True and Exceedingly Interesting Story Concerning the Perils, Disappointments and Pleasures Arising from the Manufacture and Public Display of Art Involving the Joint and Cooperative Efforts among Artists, Businesses, Government and the Good Citizens of Our Local Community" Thursday, Aug. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the North Shore Arts Association, 197R East Main St., Gloucester. Jeff Weaver, designer and maker of the fiberglass lobster molds; Susan Erony and Paul Cary Goldberg, artists and collaborators in the beautification of one of the lobsters titled "Homarus Americanus"; and John Byrnes, director of Pathways for Children will lead the discussion. Admission is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Call Jo-Ann Castano at (978)

283-1694 or visit www.searts.org for more information.

Fund-raiser wine tasting

A fund-raiser summer wine tasting to benefit St. Ann School will take place Thursday, Aug. 19, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Cape Ann Marina Resort. Tickets will be sold at Railroad Ave. Liquors. A $20 donation is suggested. Door prizes, raffles, appetizers, sample wines, beers and cordials will be available. The event is sponsored by Railroad and Seabreeze Liquors.

Book signing reception

The Sargent House Museum, 49 Middle St., will host a book signing reception Thursday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. for the authors of the newly released work "Gardens of the New Republic." Copies of the book, which explores the history of Newburyport gardens, will be for sale. Refreshments will be served and the Sargent House will be open for viewing. Call the museum at (978) 281-2432 for more information.

Astronomy Club

The Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will meet Friday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. at Halibut Point State Park visitor's center. Note the location and date change. Frank Sienkiewicz, a GAAC member, will lead a tour through the constellations of the summer and early autumn skies, pointing out the prominent signposts for finding and viewing the deep sky in the Milky Way. A viewing will take place after the meeting, weather permitting.

Constituent service visit

Congressman John Tierney will hold a constituent service visit at the Rose Baker Senior Center Friday, Aug. 20. Ms. Cheryl Gresek will be available starting at noon. Call the COA at (978) 281-9765 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Seaport Festival

The fourth-annual Gloucester Seaport Festival, presented by Gloucester Adventure, will take place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harbor Loop. The festival will feature a variety of hands-on maritime-based learning activities, displays and demonstrations of various marine-based businesses and music all day. Children's activities are free. The Gloucester Adventure, a nonprofit historic preservation and educational organization, was established to restore the schooner Adventure as a historic community resource and living classroom. Visit www.schooner-adventure.org for more information. To learn more about support for Adventure, call Sally Curry at (978) 281-8079. Send contributions to The Gloucester Adventure Inc., PO Box 1306, Gloucester, MA 01931.

Casino cruise fund-raiser

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will host a fund-raiser cruise Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 7 to 11:30 p.m. aboard Horizon's Edge Casino Cruises. The boat will leave from Rowe Square dock, Gloucester, at 7 p.m. Passengers must board no later than 6:45 p.m. Chamber members are invited to bring family, friends, business colleagues and employees. Passengers must be at least 21 years old. Photo identification will be required. Tickets are $25 and includes admission, a lobster buffet dinner, entertainment, parking and special drawings. Call the Chamber office at (978) 283-1601 or e-mail info@CapeAnnChamber.com for reservations or for more information.

Paintings exhibit

The Cape Ann Historical Museum, 27 Pleasant St., will host an exhibition of paintings by 20th century realist Leon Kroll beginning today and running through Jan. 2005. The exhibition will include more than 40 paintings featuring the work he did on Cape Ann, as well as paintings done in his native New York City and on trips to Maine. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (978) 283-0455 for more information.

COA day tours

The Council on Aging will offer day trips. The schedule is as follows: Oct. 26, Italian Festival 2004 at Lantana's. Cost is $59 per person.; Nov. 9, "Showtime" featuring Scott Wahle and Suzanne McCarthy Lobel. Cost is $59 per person.; and Dec. 6, Bright Nights at Forest Park, 10th anniversary and Hukelau luncheon. Cost is $59 per person. All tours include transportation, lunch and entertainment. Call the COA at (978) 281-9765 to register or for more information. Stop by the Rose Baker Senior Center to sign up.

Back-to-school sale

The West Parish School PTO will sponsor a back-to-school sale in the school's cafeteria Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursday, Aug. 19, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. School supplies will be available at cost. Teacher's list items and W.P.S. clothing will be for sale. Any fifth-graders interested in volunteering should call Jayne Morse at (978) 281-5242 or Julie Ciaramitaro at (978) 281-4340, or for more information.

Florida Cape Ann Day

A Florida "Cape Ann Day" will be held for residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester Wednesday, March 2, at the Burnt Store Country Club, 301 Madrid Boulevard, Punta Gorda, Fla., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations required and payment must be received by Feb. 1, 2005. Tickets are $23 per person. Make checks payable to "Florida Cape Ann Day" and send to Cape Ann Day, c/o Gaspar Lafata, 6A Birch Grove Heights, Gloucester, MA 01930. For more information, call Gap or Sue Lafata at (978) 283-5250 or Jim or Judy Melanson at (978) 283-6435.

Football, cheerleading sign-ups

The Gloucester Raiders will hold football and cheerleading sign-ups at the Gloucester Police Station today from 9 to 11 a.m. Cost is $65 per child, with a $100 cap per family. After today, there will be a $10 late charge. Children ages 7 to 14, grades two through eight are eligible. Call Mary-Alice at (978) 281-1087 or Mary Ellen at (978) 281-5057 for more information.

American Legion

The Capt. Lester S. Wass Post 3, American Legion will hold its installation of officers tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Post function hall. A light buffet will be served. All members and guests are invited to attend.

After-school program

The Cape Ann YMCA is now accepting enrollment for the Gloucester Afterschool Program. The program will meet daily at the Fuller School from the dismissal of school until 6 p.m. Children attending the city's other elementary schools will be bused to the program site. Children will enjoy gym games, play with friends and do some art work. Homework assistance will be available. Snacks will be served. Call Cheryl Smith at (978) 283-0470 or e-mail smithc@northshoreymca.org for more information.

'Carousel'

The Annisquam Village Players will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel" through tomorrow at 8 p.m. at Annisquam Village Hall, Leonard Street. General admission is $15; $25 for reserved seats. For reserved seating, call (978) 283-2247. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets are available at: The Bookstore, 61 Main St.; the Annisquam Exchange, 38 Leonard St.; and at the door prior to each performance. Refreshments will be available. The Village Hall is air-conditioned and handicapped-accessible.

Soccer camp

A Soccer Night Camp for the Gloucester High School girls soccer team, including freshmen, junior varsity and varsity players, will run Aug. 16 through 20 from 4:30 to 8 or 8:30 p.m. at the Magnolia soccer fields. Cost is $70 per player. The camp will offer an additional opportunity to develop and practice soccer skills before the season starts. Sammy Yawson, the girls varsity soccer coach at Marblehead High School, will conduct the camp. Medical forms will be required prior to Aug. 16. Medical forms on file at GHS are valid for two years. Those interested in participating should register as soon as possible. At least 10 to 15 players are needed. A $25 deposit is needed upon registration. Checks should be made payable to Sammy Yawson. The balance must be paid by the first day of camp. Call Arlene Evans at (978) 283-8651 or Barbara Richards at (978) 283-8460 for more information.

Hebrew School registration

The award-winning Sylvia Cohen Hebrew School is accepting registrations for children through Monday, Aug. 16. The school will offer classes Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings for students from kindergarten through seventh grade and a confirmation class for older students. The school, located at 86 Middle St., Gloucester, is affiliated with Temple Ahavat Achim, a 100-year-old conservative synagogue serving all of Cape Ann's Jewish community. Call the temple office at (978) 281-0739 for registration materials or more information.

Youth football

The Chargers Youth Program will hold registration for football and cheerleading at the Scout House, Concord Street, today from 9 a.m. to noon. Children in grades two to eight are eligible to play. Fees are $45 for the first child, $35 for the second child, with a family cap of $100.

Library travelog series

The Sawyer Free Library travelog series schedule is Aug. 18, "Mountain Adventures: Hiking in Peru, Italy, France, Iceland and North America;" and Aug. 25, "Vietnam: Forty Years After." For more information, call (978) 281-9763 or visit www.sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Fishbox Derby

The Fishbox Derby will be held Sunday, Sept. 12. Anyone interested in racing should call (978) 281-6057 or (978) 283-1909 for more information.

SeniorCare trips

SeniorCare RSVP will offer two trips this fall. A four-day trip to Quebec City will take place Sept. 19. Cost is $469 per person, twin, and includes five meals. Highlights include old Quebec, the Citadel, St. Louis Arch, Place Royale, St. Anne de Beaupre Shrine and Canyon Falls. An eight-day Alpine Christmas trip will take place Nov. 26. Cost is $1,399 per person, twin, and includes 10 meals. Highlights include Innsbruck, Golden Roof, Munich, Oberammergau, Salzburg and Christmas markets. Call Lydia or Jackie at SeniorCare RSVP at (978) 281-1750 or (978) 468-1193 for reservations or for more information.

Senior art classes

Ongoing art projects take place Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the Rose Baker Senior Center art room. Call Juni Van Dyke, Council on Aging art instructor, at (978) 281-9765 for more information.

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State looks into protest of treatment plant project

By Richard Gaines

Staff writer

The state Department of Environmental Protection yesterday heard citizen watchdog Stevan Goldin ask it to overturn local permits for an impending $3 million odor control project at the sewer treatment plant on Essex Avenue.

DEP held a site visit in response to a suit by Goldin and a group of 10 citizens who seek to stop the project on grounds that the plant itself is a pollution maker and ought to be scrapped.

Goldin told DEP's Jill Provencal the city was guilty of "deception, misjudgment and outright lies ... leading to outright disaster." The plant is outdated, he argued, because it is required to give sewage only minimal treatment before flushing it into the open ocean.

The city will open bids next Thursday on the odor control project, but the work is on hold until the DEP rules on the Goldin-sparked suit. Provencal gave no timetable for her decision.

DEP has severely narrowed the grounds for ruling on the complaint.

It threw out a demand that the project include state-of-the-art air pollution controls and require optimum quality fuel for machines used in the odor control effort. It also rejected a claim the Essex Avenue sewering project warranted review under the state's Environmental Policy Act.

That left Goldin's challenge to a storm water runoff provision of the odor control plan.

On this question, Goldin deferred to the agency's expertise, but noted the plant exists in a riverfront resource area that requires the highest degree of protection.

"Air pollution comes down as water pollution," he said.

Steve Perdios, project engineer for Brown and Caldwell, which has designed the project, told Provencal the runoff controls had been upgraded. The water now will be gathered in four catch basins and directed back into the plant.

Goldin said he thought that showed the state's oversight "has already paid off."

People

College student Peter Marecka of Gloucester has returned from Haiti, where he was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

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Mary Ann DiMarino of Gloucester has received a bachelor's in nursing from Regis College.

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David Aiello of Gloucester made the dean's list and the honor roll for the third term in a row at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Aiello is a graduate of St. Anselm College and of St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers. He is the son of Garland and Patricia Aiello of Gloucester and is married to Samantha Aiello.

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Kyle T. Jones of Gloucester, a student in the School of Communication at Northwestern University, has been named to the spring quarter dean's list. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in communications in June.

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Kristy Asaro of Gloucester has been awarded a bachelor of fine art degree in illustration from Massachusetts College of Art.

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Peter L. Couture of Gloucester, a computer information systems major, graduated cum laude from Westfield State College.

...

Army Pfc. Amber J. Deltorchio has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During nine weeks of training, she studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises. She is a 1997 graduate of Gloucester High School and the daughter of Lisa Deltorchio of Gloucester.

...

Air Force Airman Craig M. Lopiccolo has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During six weeks of training, he studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches; and received physical training, rifle marksmanship training, field training exercises, and special training in human relations. Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force. A 2003 graduate of Gloucester High School, he is the son of Rosemarie and Robert Lopiccolo of Gloucester.

...

John Destino of Gloucester has graduated from Saint Joseph's College in Maine.

People items may be sent to Christina Morais, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, faxed to (978) 281-5748 or sent via e-mail to cmorais@ecnnews.com. Items may also be dropped off at the Gloucester Daily Times. Please include a contact person's name and telephone number.

Police notes

Arrests

• Police arrested James M. Beauparlant III, 19, of 10 Arthur St. and charged him with violating a protective order after a woman called the station to report a violation at 10:36 p.m. Thursday.

Accidents

• No one was injured yesterday when the driver of a tractor trailer truck missed his turn from East Main Street and pinned a car coming in the other direction against a curb around 2:30 p.m.

Owen Michaelson, 40, of East Osakis, Minn., was cited in the accident for failure to keep right, according to a police report. A driver's education student on his first lesson was driving the other car, the report said.

Department of Public Works employees, a firefighter and police guided the 48-foot truck and driver's education car out of harm's way. The road is narrow and difficult for the drivers of large trucks to navigate, police said.

• A bicyclist who fell off her bicycle on Prospect Street was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital by ambulance at 3:01 p.m. yesterday. The woman suffered minor injuries to her left arm and right leg, according to a police report.

Thefts

• A Stanwood Avenue woman reported possible credit card fraud about 1 p.m. yesterday. Someone stole money from her bank account by gaining access to her debit card, according to a police report.

• A purse was reported stolen from a Washington Street nursing home at 2:23 p.m. yesterday.

Other incidents

• A girl digging for clams in the Annisquam River off Washington Street found a large bone about 7 p.m. Thursday. The bone was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital, where it was determined not to be human.

• Police were called to Eastern Point Boulevard, where a man was reported to be bleeding and passed out at 7:37 a.m. yesterday. Officers found a Manchester man walking down a driveway with dried blood on his head. Police will seek a complaint against him for possession of marijuana. He was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital.

Fire report

• Firefighters used sand to put out a small fire at the Good Harbor Beach footbridge at 9:10 p.m. Thursday.

• Burnt food caused a fire alarm at a Pleasant Street home at 12:24 p.m. yesterday.

• The rescue squad took people to Addison Gilbert Hospital from Pleasant Street, Eastern Point Road, Eastern Point Boulevard and Bass Avenue.

Religious services

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL: The St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St. The summer Sunday schedule includes Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and Sung Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Child care is available from 9:15 a.m. until the conclusion of the Sung Eucharist. Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. service of Holy Eucharist or noonday prayers. The church is open Monday through Thursday for prayer and meditation.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST: Independent Christian Church, Unitarian Universalist, corner of Church and Middle streets. "Woodstock: What Did We Want?" is the title of the Rev. Wendy Fitting's sermon this Sunday, Aug. 15. Worship begins at 10 a.m., with the children's program starting at 10:20 a.m. Music will be provided by organist David Bergeron. Peggy Kimball and Jane Goodwin will serve as ushers. All are welcome to the after-worship coffee hour hosted by Patty Poore and Carl Thomsen.

UNITED METHODIST: The Gloucester United Methodist Church, 436 Washington St., will have Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Pastor Ardis Mayo-McNeil will be preaching. The organist will be Louise Deacon. Coffee and fellowship will follow the service in Fellowship Hall. For more information see the church's Web site at www.faithwebsites.com/gloucesterumc.

ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL: Lanesville Orthodox Congregational Church, 1120 Washington St., holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m., with Sunday school starting at 9:10 a.m. Men's Bible study is held on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. On Thursdays, family night with dinner, women's Bible study, other adult classes, classes for youth preschool to fifth-grade, and middle school youth fellowship are held from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

CAPE ANN BIBLE: Cape Ann Bible Church, 8 Thompson St., West Gloucester, holds family worship Sunday at 10 a.m., beginning with the opening of praise music. Nursery care is provided during the worship. Sunday school for all ages is held at 9 a.m. Coffee and refreshments follow the service. Choir practice begins at 4 p.m.; an all church prayer meeting is held at 5 p.m.; an evening worship, praise and teaching service is at 6 p.m. and Light House for Christ practice for ages 12 and older is from 7 to 9 p.m. The Awana Club is held on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. for children in grades kindergarten through 6. A general home Bible study is held in Gloucester at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Women's Ministries are scheduled in sessions. DivorceCare and GriefShare counseling programs are available on an as-needed basis. For more information, call the Rev. Robert Jarvis or assistant pastor Mike Savelyev at

(978) 281-3941.

ST. PETER'S: St. Peter's Church, 23 Sayward St., holds Masses on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. Confessions are held on Saturdays, from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. Weekday Masses are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m. Call (978) 283-0874 for more information.

ST. ANTHONY'S CHAPEL: St. Anthony's Chapel at the corner of St. Louis and Farrington Avenues on Eastern Point, holds Masses Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. Call (978) 283-0874 for more information.

ASSEMBLY OF GOD: Gloucester Assembly of God, 211 Washington St., will hold Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Nursery service provided. There will be no Sunday school until the fall. Midweek praise is Wednesday at 7 p.m., the TV ministry program, "Good News" will be aired on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on Channel 12.

THE COMMUNITY OF CHRIST BRAZILIAN: The Community of Christ Brazilian Church holds services every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. The Ladies Society meets on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., and the Mission Outreach Committee also meets on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. All families are invited for this Portuguese service. The church is handicapped accessible.

CALVARY CHAPEL: Sunday services at Calvary Chapel Baptist Church, 384 Washington St., begin at 10 a.m. and Bible study and Sunday school for all ages is held at 11:30 a.m. Nursery care is provided for both. A women's bible study will be held on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the worship team meets at 6:15 p.m. The prayer and Bible service will be held at 7 p.m. For more information call the interim pastor, the Rev. Ed Linquist, at (978) 283-8856.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE: Sunday's service at the Christian Science Church, 6 Wonson St., Rocky Neck, is held at 10 a.m. Sunday school is also available for children and young people up to age 20.

TEMPLE AHAVAT ACHIM: Temple Ahavat Achim, 80 Middle St., with Myron Geller, rabbi, holds services on Saturday morning at 9. Monthly renewal services are held. The temple is a conservative synagogue that is home to all of Cape Ann's Jewish community. For more information, call (978) 281-0739.

ASSEMBLIA DE DEUS: Assemblia De Deus, a Brazilian church in downtown Gloucester, 196 Main St., meets on Sunday and Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It is led by the Rev. Tulio de Mello. The services are spoken in Portuguese, but translators are available. For more information, call (978) 281-9446.

COMMUNITY CHURCH: The Community Church of East Gloucester is a nondenominational congregational church with an emphasis on biblical preaching and contemporary worship. The worship service begins at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Children’s Sunday school is offered during the service, and nursery care for children up to age four is available. The Community Church of East Gloucester is located at 7 Chapel St. For more information leave a message at (978) 283-5527, visit the Web site at www.cceg.org, or e-mail information@cceg.org for more information.

ANNISQUAM VILLAGE CHURCH: Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington St., is a community nondenominational church, with the Rev. Fayette W. Severance, pastor. Services are at 10 a.m. The church has the same time schedule throughout the year and has special holiday services and events.

WEST GLOUCESTER TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL: The West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 488 Essex Ave. (Route 133), worships at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join the service on the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Paula Elizabeth's sermon is titled "Extravagant Faith." Music will be provided by Patricia Ktistes, organist, and Jocelyn Chaparro, pianist. The Church Council will meet following after-worship refreshments. The Ladies Aid harvest craft fair, bake sale and luncheon will be held Saturday, Oct. 9. Call Lois Serrin at (978) 281-4148 to reserve a craft table. Church member and Gloucester firefighter Stephanie Eaton will be riding in the Lance Armstrong Foundation Bike Race/Ride in Texas in October. Anyone wishing to contribute may call her at (978) 282-6596.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN: Morning worship begins at 10 a.m. This Sunday the church will celebrate Mary, mother of the Lord. Pastor Anne Deneen will preside and preach. Susan Taormina, music director, will play the organ. Refreshments will be served outside, weather permitting, following the service. Nursery care is provided. Monday through Thursday, during office hours, the church is open for prayer and quiet meditation, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Use the front side door. Rebecca's Story Hour will be held Wednesdays throughout the summer, at 10 a.m. at Rebecca's Playground. In case of rain, it will be held in the Undercroft. Donations for the annual yard sale on Aug. 21 can be dropped off during office hours, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Large and small items are welcome. Items should be in good condition. Clothing should be clean. St. Paul is an ELCA branch of the Lutheran Church and is located at 1123

Washington St. in Gloucester. Call the church office at (978) 283-6550, or visit the Web site at www.stpaulcapeann.org.

TRINITY CONGREGATIONAL: Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. Praise music begins prior to the service at 9:50 a.m. Coffee and fellowship will immediately follow the service. Back cushions and personal hearing devices are available. Also available are large print bulletins, complete with hymns. The services are family-friendly and children (of all ages) are encouraged and invited to join the service. The church is located at 70 Middle St. The telephone number is (978) 283-1442. The thrift shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

FIRST BAPTIST: First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Ave., will hold worship service at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Deborah Lindsay. Nursery care is provided during the worship. Canned and packaged foods will be received. The greeter will be Gerry Flory. The ushers will be Joanne Amero and Christine Garron. Large print bulletins and seating cushions are available. Coffee fellowship, hosted by Josephine Wright, will follow the service. The Diaconate will meet following the worship service. Bloodmobile will be at First Baptist Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. Early morning prayer will be Tuesday at 7 a.m. Wednesday evening prayer will be at 6 p.m. Bible Study will be at 6:30 p.m. The church is handicapped accessible.

Reunions

Navy reunion

The 10th annual reunion of the USS Point Defiance LSD-31 will be held Sept. 29 through Oct. 2 in Woburn. Contact John Nicolosi at (978) 283-9024 or e-mail at johnick@webtv.net for more information.

Class of 1985

The Gloucester High School class of 1985 is planning its 20th class reunion. A committee is being formed. Anyone interested in helping out should contact Pam at (978) 282-3132.

Class of 1944

The Gloucester High School class of 1944 will hold its 60th reunion Wednesday, Sept. 15, with a luncheon at the Emerson Inn in Rockport. A final mailing was sent to all known classmates July 10, including members of the St. Ann High School class of 1944. A reply and check must be returned by tomorrow, Aug. 15. Call (978) 546-3674 or (978) 546-2790 for more information.

USS Sperry

The USS Sperry (AS-12) Association is holding a reunion from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, at the Days Hotel Timonium in Baltimore, Md. The association is looking for shipmates who served on the USS Sperry at any time from 1942 to 1982. Contact Arnold Ross, vice president, 2916 Colonial Dr., Dickinson, Texas, 77539, at (281) 534-2459 or e-mail ARoss14573@aol.com for more information.

USS Saint Paul

The USS Saint Paul (CA-73) and the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (SSN-708) Association will hold its 11th reunion in Boston from Aug. 24 to 28. The organization is trying to contact former crew members. For more information, call George Takis Jr. at (978) 393-3185 or e-mail gtakisatlcom.net@mindspring.com.

Kerry, Bush both members of elite Yale secret society

By DIANE SCARPONI

Associated Press

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - In a stone tomb that has slits for windows, President Bush and Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry took oaths that are bound by traditions almost as old as the United States itself.

Both men were members of Skull and Bones, a secret society, when they were seniors at Yale University in the 1960s.

The group's activities are swathed in secrecy, leading to wild rumors that its members are grave robbers, murderers and thieves.

A more plausible story is that Bonesmen, as its members are called, rule the world.

Besides this year's election, which would be the first between two Bonesmen, two other presidents have been members: William Howard Taft and George H.W. Bush. The club's alumni have also included numerous members of Congress, media leaders, Wall Street financiers, the scions of wealthy families and agents in the CIA.

"There's a general theory that Skull and Bones runs the world. It doesn't, but there is the undeniable fact that you've got Bush and Kerry and other prominent people," said Yale historian Gaddis Smith.

At Yale, which is already among the most elite schools in the United States, Skull and Bones represents the elite of the elite. Each year, 15 seniors are chosen, or "tapped," to join.

A snub from the group drove students in olden days into fits of melancholy and shame. In years past, being tapped was such a big deal that The New York Times would publish the names of the initiates.

While Skull and Bones' influence at Yale has diminished over the decades, and some students decline membership, a tap from the society - in some circles - is still the biggest honor a Yale senior can enjoy.

The inner workings of the club have been the subject of fantastic lore ever since it was founded in 1832 by William Russell, a Yale student who got the idea from secret societies that were flourishing at the time.

Members swear an oath of secrecy about the group and its strange rituals, which includes devotion to the number "322" and initiation rites that include confessing sexual secrets and kissing a skull.

Still, stories leak out about Skull and Bones, although the uninitiated can never be sure if the stories are true or are carefully but intentionally leaked lies designed to further increase the group's mystique.

This atmosphere makes Skull and Bones favorite fodder for conspiracy theorists. A simple Google search of the group's name turns up more than half a million hits - each Web page spinning stories more fantastic than the next.

A recent book about Skull and Bones, however, makes the present-day club sound like little more than a bunch of self-absorbed Yalies who just sit around in the tomb and talk about themselves.

"Skull and Bones is, at its core, equivalent to the Wizard of Oz, the puny but cunning man hidden behind a curtain of mystique, projecting images that inspire awe and terror in order to expand himself into something great and terrible," Alexandra Robbins wrote in her book, "Secrets of the Tomb."

Robbins, a Yale alumna and member of another Yale secret society, interviewed about 150 Bonesmen for her story and reviewed the scant source documents that have endured in an attempt to get to the trust behind some of the fantastic stories about the club.

The grisliest and most enduring Skull and Bones story concerns the American Indian leader Geronimo, who was buried at Fort Sill, Okla.

According to lore, members of Skull and Bones - including the president's grandfather, Prescott Bush - dug up his grave when a group of Army volunteers from Yale were stationed at the fort during World War I.

A purported diary of the event, sent to a leader of the San Carlos Apache tribal nation in the 1980s by an anonymous Bonesman, records that the Bonesmen took from the grave some bones and several pieces of tack for a horse.

Geronimo's great-grandson, Harlyn Geronimo of New Mexico, thinks the story is probably true.

"The people who mess with it don't know what they're actually dealing with. It's very dangerous and spiritual and sacred," Geronimo said. "This is desecrating a grave, and they've been a party to it. This is serious. They might think it's a joke, but we Apache people don't think so."

Army leaders at Fort Sill are exasperated by the Geronimo story. The legend has been investigated many times and proven false, said Nancy Elliott, spokeswoman for the fort.

"It is a rumor that was never substantiated. There is no evidence there ever was any desecration of the tomb," Elliott said. "It's not true."

But Robbins points to the diary and the presence of bones in the tomb, which Bonesmen call "Geronimo," as evidence that the story may be for real.

"I would say that of all the myths and legends of Skull and Bones, the idea that they robbed Geronimo's grave and have remains in their tomb is one of the more plausible ones," Robbins said.

The tomb is on the Yale campus but is not part of the university, although the club has enjoyed a close relationship with Yale's leaders. Throughout history, Skull and Bones has counted a few Yale presidents in its membership rolls, as well as many professors and benefactors, including Roland Betts, a Texas developer and friend of President Bush's who is the senior fellow on Yale's board of trustees.

Skull and Bones also owns Deer Island in the St. Lawrence River, between the border of New York and Canada. This property, and the club's bank accounts and other assets, are held by the Russell Trust Association.

The island ownership leads people to believe the club has scads of cash, and graduation awards of $15,000 per Bonesman have been rumored. But Robbins said the trust is actually hard-up for money and frequently goads alumni for donations.

Skull and Bones operates today in the 21st-century kind of way that values diversity and scholarship over wealth and connections.

It started accepting blacks and Jews in the 1940s, but was all-male until 1991, and not without protests and a lawsuit from the old guard, led by Bonesman and conservative commentator William F. Buckley.

The lawsuit in effect wrested control of Skull and Bones from the alumni, which had formerly had great influence over who was tapped and who was not, Smith said. With the admission of women and the changes brought on Yale during the 1960s and 1970s, Skull and Bones' influence declined.

"If it weren't for Bush and Kerry bringing a lot of attention to the society at the moment, no one would be paying any attention to it. It's not the big thing on campus that it was 50 years ago," Smith said.

Today, the focus is on leadership, which may explain why so many Bonesmen have gone into politics.

"Skull and Bones refines its members with the idea that they are going to go out into the world, be a success, attain positions of power and hire other members to prestigious positions, and at Skull and Bones, because it's a microcosm of Yale, public service is at top of the list," Robbins said.

SJC issues landmark ruling in "light cigarette" lawsuit

By THEO EMERY

Associated Press

BOSTON - The state's highest court ruled yesterday that smokers of so-called "light" cigarettes can pursue a class-action lawsuit against Philip Morris USA, based on the smokers' claim that the tobacco giant advertised Marlboro Lights as less harmful than other brands.

The Supreme Judicial Court's 4-3 decision marks the first time any state's high court has allowed smokers to go forward with a class action against the industry over the marketing of light cigarettes. Class-action status means smokers with similar complaints against Philip Morris can join the suit and potentially be included in a monetary judgment against the company.

Steve Sheller, a lawyer in the case who is also pursuing similar class-action lawsuits across the country, called the SJC ruling "the most important decision in tobacco litigation in many a year" because 90 percent of cigarettes sold in the country are marketed as "light."

"Millions of consumers have been deceived by these cigarettes, and the court has made it clear that this is not something that they're going to accept," Sheller said.

The high court's ruling dealt with the question of whether smokers who brought suit under the state's consumer protection laws represent a class of plaintiffs who can sue Philip Morris over its marketing of Marlboro Lights. In finding that the case does merit class action status, the SJC overturned a lower court ruling.

"We conclude that a class action is not only an appropriate method to resolve the plaintiff's allegations, but, pragmatically, the only method whereby purchasers of Marlboro Lights in Massachusetts can seek redress for the alleged deception," Justice John M. Greaney wrote in the majority opinion.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Robert Cordy said it will be impossible to prove which smokers belong in the class of plaintiffs.

Philip Morris said in a statement that the ruling is limited to Massachusetts and will have no bearing on similar cases elsewhere.

"Philip Morris USA believes that plaintiffs will not be able to prove at trial that there was any deceptive conduct ... or that consumers were actually damaged as a result of the purchases," said William S. Ohlemeyer, Philip Morris USA vice president and associate general counsel.

He also said all cigarettes have the same health warnings, and that light cigarettes cost the same as regular cigarettes. Many smokers continue to smoke Marlboro Lights despite knowing they may not be getting lower tar, Ohlemeyer said.

The case now returns to Superior Court, where it will proceed toward a trial.

The ruling marks a turning point in the history of tobacco litigation, according to Mark Gottlieb, senior attorney with the Tobacco Products Liability Project at Northeastern University.

Similar lawsuits over light cigarettes have been filed in at least 11 states. Others were decided by lower courts or are still under review.

While the SJC ruling will only directly affect the lawsuit by Massachusetts smokers who sued Philip Morris, it will likely influence courts in other states that have not yet decided the issue of class certification, Gottlieb said.

"This is a pivotal decision," he said. "Had it gone the other way, I think it would similarly have been quite influential."

Philip Morris argued that proof of damage was needed for each individual smoker, but the court rejected that argument, saying it would "eviscerate (the state's consumer protection law) as a remedy to abate this deceptive advertising."

A similar lawsuit against Philip Morris in Illinois resulted in a $10.1 billion verdict last year, but the question of the class status for those plaintiffs is still pending in the Illinois Supreme Court.

Todd S. Heyman, an attorney for Lori Aspinall and Thomas Geanacopoulos, the two Massachusetts smokers who filed the lawsuit in 1998, praised the ruling.

Aspinall, of Boston, and Geanacopoulos, of Ashburnham, claimed in their lawsuit that the nation's biggest tobacco retailer deceived smokers into thinking Marlboro Lights were better for them than regular Marlboros.

A Superior Court judge gave them the go-ahead to make it a class-action suit. But Philip Morris appealed, and Appeals Court Justice Janis M. Berry decertified the class, ruling the plaintiffs did not have enough in common to join in the suit.

That ruling was appealed to the SJC, which heard arguments in April before overturning Berry's decision yesterday.

Marlboro Lights, which went on the market in 1971, are the nation's most popular cigarettes, according to Philip Morris. The company removed the phrase "lowered tar and nicotine" from packs of Marlboro Lights last year.

UMass must end fee for foreign students

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) - An arbitrator has ruled that it is discriminatory for the University of Massachusetts to extract a $65-per-semester fee from foreign students.

Ruling earlier this week in a grievance filed on behalf of foreign graduate students by the Graduate Employee Organization, arbitrator James S. Cooper directed the university to stop charging the fee and refund the money collected since January.

Edward Blaguszewski, a university spokesman, said yesterday that several key administrators were on vacation and the university would respond to the ruling early next week.

He said many of the operations of the university's international programs office rely on the $150,000 the fee was expected to generate annually.

Part of the money was to go toward operating the student tracking program, called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems, which Congress set up after the Sept. 11 attacks to prevent terrorists from entering the country on student visas.

Administrators will be discussing the future of those operations, Blaguszewski said. About two-thirds of the office's funding was cut last year after the university's state appropriation was reduced.

The university began the practice in January, assessing the $65 fee to about 1,600 international students, including about 1,000 graduate students.

About 250 refused to pay, and the Graduate Employment Organization, a union that represents teaching and research assistants, filed the grievance on their behalf.

In June, the students got backing from the Amherst Town Meeting, which voted to urge Chancellor John Lombardi to find other funding sources for international programs.

"I'm very happy, and I hope this will be an example for students at other universities," said Yassir Munif, a graduate student in sociology from Syria, who had been among the students who balked at paying the fee.

Worthy causes

STRIDERS FOR SARAH: The Lufkin Family is looking for team members to join them for the 16th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Sept. 19. The walk is a fund-raising event for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Institute. The team, "Striders for Sarah," consists of family and friends of Sarah Lufkin, who lost her battle with leukemia in April 1997. Call Kim Lufkin at the Essex Marina at (978) 768-6833 for more information or to join.

SCHOONER ADVENTURE: The schooner Adventure needs volunteers for the upcoming season. Scheduled events include the Schooner Festival Mayor's Reception on Sept. 3; Souls of the Sea Benefit Concert on Sept. 5; and Adventure Annual Auction on Oct. 2. Volunteers are also needed for office support, exhibit development, event organizers, photography, public relations and the Ship's Store. Anyone interested should contact Joanne Souza at (978) 281-8079 or e-mail at jsouza@schooner-adventure.org. The Gloucester Adventure Inc., a non-profit historic preservation and educational organization, was established to restore the schooner Adventure as a historic community resource and living classroom. Volunteers help year-round with vessel restoration, educational programs, events and fund-raising. Visit www.schooner-adventure.org for more information. To learn more about support for Adventure, contact

Sally Curry at (978) 281-8079 or send contributions to the Gloucester Adventure Inc., P.O. Box 1306, Gloucester, MA 01931.

RAPE CRISIS CERTIFICATION: The North Shore Rape Crisis Center is seeking the support of North Shore residents to help those affected by rape and sexual abuse. The center is looking for volunteers who are willing to become rape crisis counselors and staff the organization's 24-hour hotline, (800) 922-8772. Upon completion of the training, volunteers will be certified to counsel victims of rape and sexual abuse. The classes will occur on Thursdays and Saturdays for five weeks. The training is open to all North Shore residents, and registration is free. All classes will be held at the HES North Shore Rape Crisis Center, located at 156 Cabot St., Beverly. Additional information can be obtained by calling (978) 927-4506, Ext. 208. Health and Education Services offers programs in mental health, substance abuse, victimization, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, primary prevention, outpatient treatment,

emergency care and residential placement. HES is part of an integrated network of health care services operated under the support of Northeast Heath System, Inc. For more information, log on to www.hes-inc.org.

MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER: Volunteer opportunities are available at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center on the working waterfront at Harbor Loop. The site features the oldest continuously operating marine railway in the country, historic fishing vessels, a boatbuilding shop, diving exhibit and he Sea Pocket Lab, an outdoor aquarium that houses the MIT Sea Grant Finfish Hatchery. Volunteers are needed to provide tours to visitors, to help restore a 1936 fishing vessel and to assist with special projects and events. Training will be provided. Volunteers must be 18 years or older. Those with a love for the seafaring and natural history of Gloucester who wish to contribute their time to the growing community organization may call (978) 281-0470 or email seapocketlab@yahoo.com.

LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION: Gloucester firefighter and paramedic Stephanie Eaton has signed on to be a Peleton Project Member for the Lance Armstrong Foundation to raise money for cancer research and survivorship. Last year Eaton raised $10,670 for her 100 mile ride through Austin, Texas, along with 6,000 other cyclists. This year Eaton's goal is $20,000. The foundation raised a total of $4.3 million last year. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.legrandtriomphe.com. Checks can be made payable to the Lance Armstrong Foundation Peleton Project, Lock Box 1597, San Antonio, TX 78296-1597; include in the memo portion of the check Stephanie Eaton's name and peleton number: 200060588. Call Stephanie at (978) 282-6596 for more information. Lance Armstrong, six-time Tour de France winner, survived testicular, abdomen, lung and brain cancer prior to winning his six tours. He

then founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a grassroots organization which raises money to help cancer patients and their families.

FUND TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS: The nonprofit organization based in Manchester provides one-time assistance to families in Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Manchester, Rockport and Wenham who do not qualify for any state funding. The fund, which gives 100 percent of contributions to families in need, will observe its 15th anniversary with a first-ever corporate fund-raising appeal. The fund defines families as a minimum of at least one parent and one child in the home. The board utilizes a volunteer professional intake coordinator to evaluate and assess the needs of families requesting assistance. Most families are referred by social service organizations or clergy. All inquiries and contributions may be sent to The Fund to Prevent Homelessness, P.O. Box 17, Manchester, MA 01944.

STEPHEN B. ROSS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Stephen Ross was a Gloucester High School freshman who was struck and killed by a drunk driver while walking home one night in 1993. This scholarship is given to deserving Gloucester High School seniors every year. Those wishing to donate to this scholarship may send contributions to Bob Gillis at the Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

VNA CARE HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS: VNA Care Hospice, an affiliate of VNA Care Network, needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in the North Shore, Cape Ann, Merrimack Valley and other areas in eastern and central Massachusetts. Volunteers receive ongoing supervision and support. A training program will be held in the fall. Dates, time and location to be announced. Call Susan Smith, volunteer coordinator, at 888-663-3688, Ext. 1402 or (978) 777-6100, Ext. 1402 for more information or to register for the fall training program. Information about becoming a hospice volunteer is also available at www.vnacarenetwork.org.

POLICE MEMORIAL: Members of the Gloucester Police Department are looking for volunteers to help in the building, erection and dedication of a police memorial. The area outside the police station, near the flagpoles, will be remodeled and dedicated in the memory of all those who have served with the police department. Members of the department have donated a large sum of money toward this project and will also be volunteering time to help. Donations are needed, and checks can be made payable to the Gloucester Police Memorial Fund and mailed or brought to the police station. For more information, contact Officer Mark Foote or Chief Michael McLeod.

VISITOR CENTER: The Gloucester Visitor Center at Stage Fort Park each year greets 35,000 to 40,000 visitors. The center needs volunteers who are knowledgeable about Gloucester's history, enjoy meeting people from all over the world, are able to give directions and are capable of working in a hectic environment. Call Suzanne Silveira at (978) 281-9781 for more information.

WHALE CENTER OF NEW ENGLAND: The Whale Center of New England is looking for volunteers to oversee its visitor's center in Gloucester. The center focuses on the biology and conservation of New England's whales. Responsibilities include answering visitors' questions and staffing a small gift shop and gallery. Morning, afternoon and weekend positions available. Training will be provided. Call (978) 281-6351 or email info@whalecenter.org for more information.

JAMES EASON SCHOLARSHIP: A scholarship in memory of James A. Eason has been established. The criteria of the scholarship require that the applicants plan to pursue a career in the trades or are seniors currently enrolled in automotive tech, carpentry, electric tech, machine tech or cabinet making at Gloucester High School. Applicants must be committed to giving their best at all times, have integrity, strength of character and don't let adversity slow them down. Strong academics are not a requirement. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can send contributions to The James A. Eason Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Rockport National Bank, Railroad Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930, attention Cathy Ketchopolus. For information on applying to this scholarship, see Joan Dallin at Gloucester High School.

HELPING AT THE HOSPICE: Hospice of the North Shore has volunteer opportunities for nursing home visitation and bereavement. There are many other types of volunteer assignments also available, all offering flexibility, training and ongoing support. Volunteer assignments are suited to fit each individual’s preferences, location and availability. Because HNS covers a wide geographic area comprised of more than 40 communities, volunteer opportunities are available in many locations. HNS is offering ongoing training sessions for volunteers throughout 2004, with the next training session starting in late March. For more information please contact Judy Soroko at (978) 774-7566 or by email at jbsoroko@hns.org.

YOUNG FAMILIES INITIATIVE: The Young Families Initiative Program provides quality child care for parenting teens to enable them to finish high school, further their education and transition to employment. Pathways for Children needs volunteers to help support the staff by caring for the children, both infants and toddlers, a few hours a week. Contact Beth Parsons at (978) 281-2400, Ext. 154, for more information.

NURSING HOME OMBUDSMEN: SeniorCare Inc., the agency serving elders on Cape Ann, is looking for dedicated volunteers to help five to 10 hours per month as nursing home ombudsmen, who will advocate for patient's rights and help residents live their lives with dignity and respect at a nursing or rehabilitative center. Volunteers will work with the residents and facility staff to resolve concerns about the residents' quality of care and life. Volunteers will receive extensive training, certification and supervision. A one-year commitment is necessary. For information on the Danvers three-day training class in August, call SeniorCare, in the mornings, at (978) 281-1750 or (978) 281-3093, Ext. 336.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: The Greater Beverly Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers in the following areas: drivers for motor corps to drive residents of Cape Ann to medical appointments in Boston one day per month or one day per week; general office assistance for duties include data entry, telephone, filing, typing, copying and assisting with office projects; disaster services to join the chapter’s Disaster Action Team and/or work on the chapter’s Disaster Plan and receive training in disaster services and responding to emergencies; public relations and special events to write press releases and newsletters; working on special events; and work on the Web site to keep it current with events, photos, news, etc. Call Elizabeth Macomber, executive director, at (978) 922-2224 for a volunteer application or for more information.

BIKE TREK TO FIGHT LUNG DISEASE: The American Lung Association of Massachusetts is holding registration for its 20th annual Autumn Escape Bike Trek, which will take place Sept. 17 through 19. The three-day, 160-mile trek from Plymouth to Provincetown will feature Cape Cod Canal, the Falmouth Shining Sea Bike Trail, the Old King's Highway, the Cape Cod Rail Trail and the Cape Cod National Seashore. The trek provides accommodations in Sandwich and Brewster, breakfasts and dinners, a sag wagon to carry gear, a mobile bike repair shop, experienced leaders, frequent rest stops, snacks, and communications and check point teams for safety. Three-day riders must raise a minimum of $500 in pledges and wear an ANSI-approved helmet. A two-day Saturday to Sunday option is also available with a pledge minimum of $400. Call the American Lung Association of Massachusetts at (508) 947-7204 or visit

www.autumnescape.org for more information on how to register.

VOLUNTEER MENTORS NEEDED: The One Family Scholarship Program based at Wellspring House is looking for volunteer mentors to guide and support low-income women scholars in education, career development and leadership potential. Women of all ages and life experiences who are self-aware, supportive, reflective, organized, motivational, positive and willing to commit to a one-year relationship and receive training and support are invited. The mentoring program matches scholars with professional women in or close to their fields of study, who provide educational and career guidance, networking, help accessing resources and moral support. Mentors help scholars to balance their roles as single parents, students, community leaders and workers. Scholars and mentors meet once a month and keep in contact through phone and e-mail. Mentors receive initial training and regular support/supervision

sessions. The One Family Scholarship provides support to single mothers who have been homeless or are at risk of being homeless. The scholarship offers a safe and comfortable base from which scholars gradually learn to shift their efforts from a struggle for survival to improving their own lives, those of other families in need, and their communities. Call Mentor Coordinator Betsy Simmons at (617) 796-9066 or email betsy.simmons@verizon.net for more information.

PORT O' CALL CONSIGNMENT: Port O'Call, 67 Main St., a non-profit handcraft consignment shop that has operated in Gloucester for 28 years, offers many unusual and popular items, along with baby clothing and blankets. Crafters receive 70 percent of the item price, the remainder pays for shop expenses and charitable donations, including an annual Gloucester High School Scholarship. The shop is staffed by volunteers and is in need of assistance. Many of the crafters are elderly or have health problems which prevents them from assisting at the shop. Those interested in donating three hours weekly or monthly, call Barbara Main at (978) 546-2246 or Port O'Call at (978) 283-4899.

PATHWAYS VOLUNTEERS: Pathways for Children has moved to its new home at 29 Emerson Ave. and has ample room for volunteers to come in and share their time and talents with the children enrolled in the programs. Volunteers are needed to help support the staff in the classroom and bring a special interest or skill to share with the children and help with homework. For more information or to volunteer, call Beth Parsons at (978) 281-2400, Ext. 154.

LISA SPARACO SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Donations are being accepted in memory of Lisa Sparaco, who was killed in November in a drunk driving accident. A scholarship will be given to an Ipswich High School senior in need of assistance to attend college. Please send donations to: The First National Bank of Ipswich, Lisa Sparaco Scholarship Fund, Att: Jenny, 31 Market St., Ipswich, MA 01938.

BOOK BUDDIES: Pathways for Children's year-round Book Buddies Project continues to look for book buddies to purchase a book for a preschool child. Each gift book becomes a part of that child's classroom for one month and then, once a sense of true ownership has been established, the book will go home with the child to share with family. A new quality preschool picture book/board book or a monetary donation can be dropped off or sent to the Book Buddy Project at Pathways for Children, 29 Emerson Ave., Gloucester. If you would like to share the joys of books and reading by donating a book, please call Martha at (978) 281-2400, Ext. 285 for more information on becoming a book buddy.

FLIPTOPS WANTED: AMVETS Post 32 is collecting "fliptops" from any type of aluminum cans for recycling to profit the Veteran's Hospital Programs. Fliptops may be dropped off at AMVETS post 32, 14 Prospect St., or for pickup, call (978) 283-7516.

LISA BETH CURCURU MEMORIAL FUND: A memorial scholarship fund has been established to remember Lisa Beth Curcuru. All proceeds will go directly toward an annual scholarship to be awarded to a Gloucester High School student. Donations may be made to the Lisa Beth Curcuru Scholarship Fund, c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank, 94 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

GHS LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER: The Gloucester High School Library Media Center is in need of video cameras (camcorders). Teachers borrow video cameras from the school library media center to videotape student presentations and model lessons for evaluation, and students use the equipment to make presentations and to record significant events at the school. If any area residents have upgraded to digital video cameras and no longer need their analog video camera, the library media center would welcome donations.

NEXT STEP: Aria Goldenbaum of King Street in Rockport is helping launch a new nonprofit organization, Next Step, that will provide education, medical support and friendship for teenagers and young adults who have survived childhood cancer, HIV and chronic blood diseases. To make a donation, call (978) 546-5065. For more information, visit www.nextstepnet.org.

GLOUCESTER ARCHIVES: The Gloucester Archives Committee is looking for a volunteer who knows how or is willing to learn how to operate a Minolta DR 1600 microfilming camera for a long-term project of microfilming films and correspondence. For more information, call Janie or Sarah mornings at (978) 282-3043.

NEED CLOTHING DONATIONS: AMVETS Post 32 is collecting clothing to be donated to the Chelsea Soldier's Home, winter clothes are in particular need at this time of year. For information, call Tom Glenn at (978) 283-7516.

MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS: SeniorCare Inc.'s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers daily lunches to elders who cannot leave their homes, is in need of drivers in West Gloucester, Magnolia, Essex and Manchester. Anyone who can spend an hour or so of their time, one day a week or more, will be greatly appreciated. The hot meals are prepared and packaged for delivery in Manchester at Newport Park. Anyone able to help is asked to call Jane Militello at (978) 281-1750 or (978) 927-1046.

WELLSPRING HOUSE: Wellspring House has several volunteer opportunities currently available. Possibilities range from mentors, tutors, child care, house volunteers and parent aides. Call Cara White, volunteer coordinator, for more information at (978) 281-3558, Ext. 303.

FOSTER HOMES NEEDED: The Massachusetts Department of Social Services needs homes for adolescents in the Gloucester area. Training sessions for foster parents will be held in Gloucester. For more information, call Carla King at (978) 825-3862.

HELP LINE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: The substance abuse help line seeks volunteers for 24-hour, seven days per week information and education phone service to persons affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. Close proximity to the MBTA. For more information or to volunteer, call (617) 536-0501, Ext. 201, or visit the Web site at www.helpline-online.com.

THRIFT SHOP: The Cape Ann Thrift Shop at the Trinity Congregational Church, 70 Middle St., is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The dollar rack offers daily bargain items in assorted sizes. There is also a display of household items, children's clothing, bric-a-brac, and toys. Donations of spring/summer clothing, bric-a-brac, or any unusual household items are being accepted at this time.

READING PROGRAM: The SeniorCare Retired and Senior Volunteer Program America Reads Challenge is recruiting volunteer reading coaches for their after-school program. Spend one hour once or twice a week helping a K-3 child learn to read in a community library. Our partner libraries are currently located in Gloucester, Rockport, Rowley, Essex and Ipswich. Volunteers willing to work in Gloucester and Rockport are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information, call Joan at (978) 281-1750, Ext. 377.

SECOND GLANCE: The Second Glance Resale Shop, 2 Pond Road, is looking for volunteers to help during store hours with clothes hanging, customer assistance, accepting and sorting donations, cleaning, etc. Many shifts are available. Call Elizabeth Moulton, Second Glance manager, at (978) 283-4298. All store proceeds support The Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry.

RENEW GIFT SHOP: The North Shore AIDS Health Project (NSAHP) is operating a the RENEW gift shop and resale boutique to benefit its programs. The shop will be open on Saturdays, at 67 Middle St., from 9 a.m. to noon. RENEW sells gently used or never worn clothing for women and men, as well as housewares; note cards and other items made the NSAHP; and jewelry and other fine crafts made by local artists. For more information, call Erika Hansen at (978) 283-0101 or e-mail erikansahp@adelphia.net.

CHILD CARE VOLUNTEER: Wellspring House Inc., 302 Essex Ave., needs a child care volunteer every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. To volunteer call Cara White at (978) 281-3558, Ext. 303.

VNA CARE NETWORK: VNA Care Network's hospice program needs volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families in the North Shore, Cape Ann and Merrimack Valley areas. Volunteers receive training and ongoing supervision. For more information, call Elizabeth Keane at 888-663-3688, Ext. 1402, or (978) 777-6100, Ext. 1402.

Massachusetts in brief

Associated Press

SJC issues landmark ruling in "light cigarette" lawsuit

BOSTON (AP) - The state's highest court ruled Friday that smokers of so-called "light" cigarettes can pursue a class-action lawsuit against Philip Morris USA, based on the smokers' claim that the tobacco giant advertised Marlboro Lights as less harmful than other brands.

The Supreme Judicial Court's 4-3 decision marks the first time any state's high court has allowed smokers to go forward with a class action against the industry over the marketing of light cigarettes. Class-action status means smokers with similar complaints against Philip Morris can join the suit and potentially be included in a monetary judgment against the company.

Steve Sheller, a lawyer in the case who is also pursuing similar class-action lawsuits across the country, called the SJC ruling "the most important decision in tobacco litigation in many a year" because 90 percent of cigarettes sold in the country are marketed as "light."

"Millions of consumers have been deceived by these cigarettes, and the court has made it clear that this is not something that they're going to accept," Sheller said.

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Judge to begin ordering lawyers to represent indigent defendants

BOSTON (AP) - The chief administrative judge for the district courts in Hampden County said Friday he will begin ordering private lawyers to represent indigent defendants, with or without their consent, to ease a lawyer shortage brought on by a pay dispute.

Judge William W. Teahan Jr. said in a letter to the president of the Hampden County Bar Advocates that he was taking the step in response to "emergency circumstances."

The private attorneys, known as "bar advocates," assist the state's public defender agency in representing poor defendants. But many have refused to take cases over the past few months, saying they can no longer afford to work at the low rate of pay set by the state Legislature.

The pay dispute has resulted in a shortage of lawyers in both district and superior courts.

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Universal health clinic opened on Vineyard

EDGARTOWN, Mass. (AP) - On Martha's Vineyard, summer playground for some of the nation's wealthiest people, a new health clinic delivers medical care to the poor in an ambitious new experiment in universal health care.

Island Health Inc. opened the clinic on the outskirts of Edgartown for the island's low-income and uninsured residents.

Despite the Vineyard's reputation as a haven for the rich and famous, its 16,000 year-round residents are three times more likely to be uninsured than people in mainland Massachusetts. There are only seven primary care physicians on the island, and it can take up to a year to get a routine medical exam.

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Two officers dunked in Charles River after van falls from highway

BOSTON (AP) - A transit police van went off a bridge and into the Charles River on Friday morning, and the two officers inside were plucked safely from the water by a passing boat.

The officers were responding to a call around 7:45 a.m. as they drove north on O'Brien Highway near the Museum of Science, MBTA spokeswoman Lydia Rivera said.

The van collided with another vehicle, then went over or through a railing into the river. A passing private boat fished the officers out of the river, Rivera said. The names of the officers were not immediately known. No other details were available.

The two officers were taken to nearby Massachusetts General Hospital as a precaution, but Rivera said they were not injured.

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Auto insurers ask for 5.8 percent rate increase

BOSTON (AP) - State auto insurers have asked for a 5.8 percent rate increase for next year, citing a slight increase in major policy claims, including bodily injury, property damage, comprehensive and collision.

The average annual insurance rate paid by drivers would jump $62 from $1,082 to $1,144 if the new rate is approved.

The request, filed Friday with state regulators, is relatively modest compared to previous years in part because changes in the average size of claims were mixed, according to Daniel Johnson, president of the Automobile Insurers Bureau of Massachusetts, the industry group making the request.

Johnson said the state's insurance market remains tenuous, noting that just 19 companies offering auto insurance remain in Massachusetts - the lowest number in the country. The state has been unable to attract new companies because of the state-mandated low rates, he said.

Climber overcomes illness, McKinley

By Lisa Arsenault

Staff writer

MANCHESTER -- Wendy Booker's celebration was short lived after she reached the summit of Mount McKinley on June 27. She pumped her fists in the air like Rocky. She cried a little. Then she began the long climb back down the mountain.

Now she begins the second part of her journey -- sharing her story.

"My message to everyone is to climb their own mountain," said Booker, who will be at the Manchester Athletic Club at 10 a.m. Wednesday to talk about her trek to McKinley and the training it took. "When your mind is engaged, you gain back a piece of your soul."

The 50-year-old mother of three was an unlikely candidate to make it to the top of one of the world's highest peaks, even before she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years ago.

Booker had passed off numbness in her leg for four months before she went to a doctor in 1998. Dozens of tests later, she was told she had the debilitating disease of the central nervous system, which can start with loss of balance and muscle coordination before it puts people in wheelchairs.

After her diagnosis, lifelong hobbies like running seemed like they might be impossible. Booker decided to fight back.

She gave up her job as a interior designer and ran a marathon instead. Once she conquered that, she set a bigger goal -- climbing Alaska's Mount McKinley.

Climbing the 20,000-foot mountain is not an easy task, even for someone without MS. Booker worked with a trainer at Manchester Athletic Club nearly every day for nine months to prepare. Her training included filling a hiking pack with 50 pounds of birdseed and walking on a treadmill in winter hiking boots.

"Climbing is a dangerous sport," she said. "You have to have complete confidence in yourself, your equipment and whoever you're climbing with."

Booker and her trainer, Cathy Sullivan, had to re-teach some of her muscles how to move. Sullivan said it was important to make sure Booker would be ready for whatever obstacles the mountain would pose.

"It was pretty amazing to watch," said Sullivan, who has never worked with an MS patient before.

Booker first attempted to reach the McKinley summit of in May 2002. Her team made it to 17,000 feet and had to turn back because of bad weather. She returned for another try this summer, after two more years of training.

"I felt like it was unfinished business," she said.

Booker doesn't take much of the credit herself. She attributes her success to Sullivan and the support of her husband.

Good weather on the climb was a blessing, she said. Her team only faced one blizzard during the second climb, which blasted them with 70 mph winds at 11,000 feet for three days.

"I didn't come back the same person," she said. "I don't care what color someone else's sofa is anymore."

Now Booker, who has been touring the country since 2000 to give motivational speeches for people with MS, hopes to climb even bigger mountains. She plans to scale the seven summits, a renowned list of the highest mountains in the world.

"Climbing symbolizes what life with MS is like," she said. "You have to try and try again."

Manchester police notes

MANCHESTER -- Police directed traffic three times on Lincoln Street yesterday, as the drivers of tractor trailer trucks too large to fit under the Lincoln Street pedestrian bridge turned around. The trucks were stuck at the bridge at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:25 p.m.

• A man was taken to Beverly Hospital by ambulance from Masconomo Park at 7 p.m. Thursday.

• A Forrester Road man was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital by ambulance at 12 p.m. yesterday.

Manchester goings on

Goings on and calendar announcements can be mailed or faxed to the Gloucester Daily Times, Whittemore Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. The fax number is (978) 281-5748.

New voter registration

The Board of Registrars will be in session at the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall for the purpose of registering new voters Wednesday, Aug. 25, until 8 p.m. This is the last day to register for the Sept. 14 state primary election. Residents may register before the deadline at the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours: Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by the Aug. 25 deadline.

Absentee ballots available

Absentee ballots for the Sept. 14 state primary election are now available at the Town Clerk's office. Those who will be out of town on the day of the election may vote in person during regular Town Hall hours: Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The deadline for absentee voting is noon on Monday, Sept. 13. Applications for absentee voting by mail may also be sent to the Town Clerk's office. Call Gretchen Wood, town clerk, at (978) 526-2040 for more information.

Trail walk

The Chebacco Woods Management Committee will offer a guided walk through part of the Chebacco Woods tomorrow at 1 p.m. Those interested should meet at the main trail entrance on Chebacco Road, Hamilton, off of Essex Street/Route 22. The committee offers walks on the third Sunday of each month, weather permitting. Call (978) 468-7715 for more information.

Rockettes performance

The Manchester Council on Aging, along with the Beverly Council on Aging, will offer a trip for seniors to attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes at the Wang Center Wednesday, Dec. 15. The trip, which includes admission to the holiday show and transportation into Boston, costs $72 per person. The motor coach will leave at 9:30 a.m. with a return at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at the Beverly Senior Center, 90 Colon St. Call Carol Pallazolla at (978) 921-6017 for tickets or for more information.

Annual barbecue

The Manchester Council on Aging will sponsor its annual senior citizens barbecue Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 11:30 a.m. at Tuck's Point. The menu will include barbecued chicken, ribs, summer salads, cookies and lemonade. Cost is $6. Reservations and prepayment are necessary. Call the COA office at (978) 526-7500 for reservations, for transportation or for more information.

Public notice

As required by state law, the Manchester-Essex Regional School District is providing notification to parents and students who attended Manchester or Essex schools and graduated in 1997 that all temporary records will be destroyed on Aug. 27. Anyone wishing to obtain records prior to destruction should call (978) 768-1192 by Aug. 16.

Tennis tournament

The Manchester Recreation Department will offer a tennis tournament for resident children during the week of Aug. 16. Matches and games will be played each night. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each age group. Also, the Manchester fall tennis program will begin the week of Aug. 23 and run through Sept. 24. The instructors will be Jeanne Stanton and Darren Becker. Youth, adults and doubles classes are available. Call (978) 526-2019 to reserve a spot or for more information.

Free fishing clinic

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Angler Education Program will conduct a one-day fishing clinic for children ages 6 to 14 Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Tuck's Point rotunda. Participants will learn about the types of local fish, how to fish and how to use the tackle, reel and rod. Participants will also have time to practice off-the-dock fishing with professionals. Class is limited to 40. Preregistration is required. Motor boat fishing is available with parental permission slip. Equipment is provided. Children under 10 must have parental supervision. A $5 donation is recommended to cover bait, equipment maintenance and prizes. Call (978) 526-2019 for more information.

Football sign-ups

Sign-ups for the Manchester-Essex Junior Hornets football season will be held today from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Manchester Community Center. Practice will start Monday, Aug. 16. Cost is $125 for football and $65 for cheerleading. Any family members willing to help in any way during the season are welcome. Call Daniel Houde at (978) 526-8050 or Loyd Waites at (978) 768-0127 to volunteer or for more information.

Housing applications

Applications are available for housing for the elderly/handicapped and may be obtained by calling the Manchester Housing Authority Office at (978) 526-1850, by mail at PO Box 608, Manchester MA 01944 or in person at the MHA Office, The Plains, off Old Essex Road, Manchester. Office hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Age and income criteria for Chapter 667 housing for the elderly/handicapped are as follows: minimum age for elder applicants is 60; handicapped/disabled individuals may be younger than 60; net income limits are: $40,800 for one household member, $46,650 for two household members. Actual interest/earnings from assets or imputed interest (2.3 percent of assessed valuation) from real property is combined with other income sources, deductions applied to arrive at a net income figure, which must conform with the net income limits listed

above. The Manchester Housing Authority owns and manages 80 one-bedroom units of housing for the elderly/handicapped. Residents pay 30 percent of month net income for rent. All utilities, except telephone and cable television, are included in the rental amount charged.

Art exhibit

The Manchester Historical Society will sponsor a summer art exhibit titled "Manchester Through the Eyes of the Artist -- Images of Yesterday and Today" Saturdays and Sundays, through August, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Trask House Museum, 10 Union St. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will feature paintings from the Historical Society's permanent collection as well as contemporary work from local artists. Call (978) 526-7230 for more information.

Waterviews photography

The Manchester Coastal Stream Team, a town committee affiliated with the nonprofit environmental organization Salem Sound Coastwatch, will host a photography contest and exhibition, which will be held in conjunction with the Manchester Arts Gala the holiday weekend of Oct. 8 to 11. The exhibit will extend until Saturday, Oct. 16. The contest is open to everyone, professionals and amateurs, and there will be separate adult (14 years and up) and youth (13 years and under) categories. Submissions may be in color or black and white, 35 mm or digital format. Photographs must be taken in the town of Manchester, and the subject must be water: streams, brooks, ponds, marshes, swamps or coastal areas, like the shoreline or tide pools. The Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust will sponsor the event and will offer a cash prize for best photograph. Other prizes will be awarded. Packets including

exhibition details, submission rules, entry forms and a map of Manchester's watery areas will be available at Town Hall or Manchester Library. Visit www.salemsound.org/mcst.htm for more information.

Items needed

The Cape Ann YMCA will collect old cell phones and accessories, pagers and printer and toner cartridges. These donated items will be recycled with proceeds benefiting the future YMCA/Rockport Collaborative Youth and Teen Center at Evan's Field. Construction is expected to begin this fall. Call Rick Doucette at the YMCA at (978) 283-0470 or e-mail at doucetter@northshoreymca.org for more information.

Museum passes

The Manchester Public Library offers passes for reduced entry fees to the following museums: the New England Aquarium, the Boston Children's Museum, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Cape Ann Historical Museum, the Garden in the Woods and the Wenham Museum. The passes are checked out on the library card the night before or the day of use and may be reserved in advance. The pass program is sponsored by the Friends of the Manchester Public Library.

Books at the beach

The Manchester Public Library will offer books at Singing Beach this summer. A display of donated paperbacks for adults and children can be found in the beach house Mondays through Wednesdays. These books are borrowed on the honor system and returned to the display or the library.

North Shore goings on

Annual peach festival

Russell Orchards, 143 Argilla Road, Ipswich, will present its sixth annual peach festival today and tomorrow, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include live music, facepainting, balloon twisting, hayrides, wine tasting, peach shortcake, picnicking and raspberry picking. The event will take place rain or shine. Call (978) 356-5366 for more information.

North Shore Business Forum

The North Shore Business Forum (NSBF) is a group of small-business owners that meets every Friday morning, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., at the Danversport Yacht Club, Route 62 East, Danvers, for informal lectures given by business owners on a variety of topics. Members introduce and describe their businesses at each meeting. All business owners are welcome. The $7 admission fee includes a continental breakfast. The upcoming schedule is as follows: Aug. 20, use of the Internet in your business; Aug. 27, Web site design for visibility; and Sept. 3, how to keep in touch with clients. Visit www.nsbforum.org for more information.

Small-business tax workshop

A free federal and state small-business tax workshop will be offered Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex St., Beverly. Those interested in learning how to bring business into the electronic age and what other free resources are available are invited to attend. To pre-register or for more information, visit www.dor.state.ma.us, call Brian Lynch at (617) 887-5332 or e-mail lynchb@dor.state.ma.us

Kidgit carnival

The Simon Kidgits Club will offer a Kidgit carnival Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northshore Mall in Peabody. Entertainment, prizes and games will be available. Tickets are $3. Proceeds benefit the Simon Youth Foundation, a nonprofit organization that fosters educational and career development for at-risk youth. Simon Kidgits Club members can attend with proof of membership. Nonmembers may sign up at the event. Visit www.simonkidgitsclub.com for more information.

Trail walk

The Chebacco Woods Management Committee will offer a guided walk through part of the Chebacco Woods tomorrow at 1 p.m. Those interested should meet at the main trail entrance on Chebacco Road, Hamilton, off Essex Street/Route 22. The committee offers walks on the third Sunday of each month, weather permitting. Call (978) 468-7715 for more information.

Live animal program

The Trustees of Reservations will offer a live animal program titled "Snakes of the Farm and Massachusetts" today, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Appleton Farms, located off Route 1A in Ipswich and Hamilton. Those attending should park in the Waldingfield Road area. Cost is $5 for nonmember adults, free for members and children. Call the farm at (978) 356-5728 or visit www.thetrustees.org to pre-register or for more information.

Needlecraft Guild

The Essex County Needlecraft Guild will meet Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Emerson Center, East Common Street, Topsfield. A coffee/social gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a brief business meeting. The September program will include a presentation combining creativity, needlework and storytelling. Those attending should bring a lunch and a needlecraft project to stay for an informal stitch-in and socializing. Guests are welcome for a $3 donation.

Horse show

A Paso Fino horse show titled "Fandango at Topsfield" will take place tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Topsfield Fair Grounds, Topsfield. Admission is free. Entertainment for Saturday evening includes a stallion parade, largo races, a lobster festival and a trail ride to Bradley State Park.

'Architecture and Automobiles'

The Stephen Phillips Memorial Trust House, 34 Chestnut St., will host "Architecture and Automobiles: Car Meet on Chestnut Street" tomorrow from noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. The North Shore Old Car Club will line up their antique vehicles on historic Chestnut Street. Tours of the Phillips House and carriage house will take place. Music from the '20s and '30s will be provided by Carlton and Nancy Lutts. The event is free. No reservations are required. Regular tours of the Phillips House take place every half-hour Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Oct. 30. For more information, call (978) 744-0440 or visit www.phillipsmuseum.org.

Eucharistic celebration

The Boston Area Voice of the Faithful and all affiliates will sponsor a Eucharistic celebration on the Boston Common tomorrow, at 4 p.m. The purpose of the Mass is to bring together all Catholics of the Archdiocese of Boston.

'Venetian Vespers'

ARS et AMICI, under the direction of Sheila Beardslee, will present a concert titled "Venetian Vespers: Music from San Marco" tomorrow, at 5 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean Ave., Beverly. The concert, which takes the form of a vespers service including psalm settings and a sung "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis," will feature the works of Monteverdi, Gabrieli, Wert, Priuli, Lappi and others. An informal reception will follow. Cost is $10, $20 for families. Call (978) 922-3438 for concert information. Visit www.stpetersbeverly.org for directions.

'Taming of the Shrew'

Theater in the Open will present William Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" directed by Michael Thurston Saturdays and Sundays, through tomorrow, at 4 p.m. at Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for students, seniors and children. All shows are outdoors. Call (978) 465-2572 or visit www.theaterintheopen.org for more information.

Appleton Farms tour

The Trustees of Reservations will offer tours at Appleton Farms, one of the oldest working farms in New England, off Route 1A in Ipswich and Hamilton, Sundays, tomorrow and Aug. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. The tour includes historic buildings, the dairy operation, unique landscape features and parts of the farmstead that are not normally open to the public. Those interested should meet at the Waldingfield Road parking area. Cost is free for members and $5 for adults. Pre-registration is required. Call Appleton Farms at (978) 356-5728 or visit www.thetrustees.org to register or for more information.

Golf tournament

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce will sponsor an invitational golf tournament Monday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Kernwood Country Club in Salem. Cost is $1,100 for a group of four and includes lunch, an awards reception and free corporate company Tee-sign. Cost is $250 for a single corporate company Tee-sign. Proceeds will benefit projects and programs of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce aimed at improving the economy and quality of life on the North Shore. Call (978) 774-8565 or e-mail 2004golf@northshorechamber.org to register or for more information.

Quilters Guild

The Crossroads Quilters Guild will meet Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, Route 1A, Beverly. The program will include an ice cream social followed by a paper-pieced workshop. Project kits of "seasons" will be available. Guests are welcome with a $5 fee. Call Nancy Whitney at (978) 922-2632 for more information.

Career night

North Shore Community College's Corporate and Community Education Division will hold a free career information night Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at NSCC's Institute for Corporate Training and Technology, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 121E, Beverly. Instructors and career service representatives will offer information and answer questions on non-credit programs such a A+, AutoCAD, fiber optics, Oracle 9i, MCSA, MCSE, Cisco, web and graphic design and Network+. Other fields and courses to be discussed are floral design, landscape and garden maintenance, interior design, accounting and bookkeeping software, food service director, landscape design and basic culinary arts. Call (978) 236-1200 for more information.

Chamber auditions

Cantemus, the Virtuoso Chamber Chorus of the North Shore, will hold auditions for new singers in all voice parts Tuesday, Aug. 24 and Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Christ Church, 149 Asbury St., Hamilton. For audition details and to make an appointment, call John Hoffacker, music director, at (888) CHORUS 1 or (978) 922-6990. Visit www.cantemus.org for more information.

Campus tours

North Shore Community College will offer free tours of its Danvers Campus, 1 Ferncroft Road and its Lynn Campus, 300 Broad St., every Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. through Aug. 25. Call (978) 762-4188 or (781) 593-6722, Ext. 4187 for more information.

'The Scarlet Letter'

History Alive and Salem 1630 Pioneer Village will present performances of "The Scarlet Letter" Saturdays through Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. at Pioneer Village, Salem. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students and free for Salem residents and children 6 years old and under.

School items needed

Help for Abused Women and their Children (HAWC) has organized its eighth annual Back to School Drive. Items needed include: backpacks, lunch boxes, thermoses, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, crayons and other school supplies for children. The items will be distributed to children in HAWC's shelter, as well as to the children of battered women that HAWC assists through its support groups, counseling and legal advocacy program. In addition, boys and girls need new clothing, not used, such as socks, sneakers, shoes, jackets and hats. Back to school packages may be delivered to the HAWC office, located in the Shetland Office Park, 27 Congress St., Suite 201 in Salem, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (978) 744-8552 for more information.

Kindermusik program registration

Gordon College is accepting registration in its Kindermusik program for children between the ages of 4 <1/2> and 7. Kindermusik is designed to teach children the fundamental musical concepts involved in instrument instruction, vocal study and musical composition. Children will learn how to properly vocalize and sing, move and dance expressively, play instruments, understand basic musical concepts and listen actively. Classes begin during the week of Sept. 13 and will run for 13 weeks. Level one classes, for children 4<1/2> to 5, will be available Wednesdays from 10 to 11:15 a.m., or Tuesdays or Thursdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Level two classes will be available Mondays or Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. All classes will be held on the Gordon College campus. Cost is $230 per semester and includes all materials. First-year students will receive a CD, glockenspiel, carrying bag, children's

folder and games bag. Second-year students will receive a CD, dulcimer, children's folder and games bag. Payment plans are available. Registration is limited. For more information or to register, contact Norma Brunner, Kindermusik instructor, at (978) 867-4102.

Swim lessons

The Ipswich YMCA will offer morning and afternoon swim classes. Call (978) 356-9622, Ext. 106 to register or for more information.

Scholarship Open

North Shore Community College will host its seventh annual Scholarship Open Monday, Sept. 27 at the Gannon Golf Course, Lynn. Cost is $125 and includes 18 holes of golf, a cart and dinner. Prizes will be awarded. All proceeds go to the NSCC Foundation Inc. for student scholarships. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Space is limited. Call the NSCC Alumni and College Relations Office at (978) 762-4000, Ext. 5483/5482 or e-mail canderso@northshore.edu to register or for more information.

Foster parents needed

Foster parents are needed throughout the North Shore. Those interested in becoming a foster parent should call Carla King at (978) 825-3862 or (800) KIDS-508 for more information.

Photo exhibit

A photo exhibit by Kim Mimnaugh titled "Salem: Place, Myth and Memory" will take place through Aug. 31 in the Winfisky Gallery, Ellison Campus Center, Salem State College, 352 Lafayette St., Salem. Call (978) 542-6642 for more information.

Grant funds available

The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation will have grant funds available for organizations located in the North Shore area, operating after-school, extended-day or out-of-school programs, to purchase nonconsumable, education-related classroom program supplies. For more information, visit www.thetowerfoundation.com.

Baseball Club

The Essex Baseball Club of Danvers is looking for players and fans. Anyone interested in learning more about 1860s baseball may contact Brian Sheey at (978) 790-5707 or e-mail at historyball@yahoo.com.

Ghost stories

"Ghost Stories of New England," a video/film program by producer Dan Tremblay, will be presented Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Roosevelt's, 300 Derby St., Salem. Short films of the unexplained, including the ghost at Roosevelt's, will be shown. Call Dan Tremblay at (978) 777-2711 for more information.

Open mike and music night

Country and folk open mike and music night takes place every third Saturday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Danvers Art Association building, Williams School, 105 Elliott St., Danvers. Cost is $5 per person, $10 per family. Call Dan Tremblay at (978) 777-2711.

American Red Cross seeks volunteers

The Greater Beverly Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers in the following areas: drivers for motor corps to drive residents of Cape Ann to medical appointments in Boston one day per month or one day per week; general office assistance for duties include data entry, telephone, filing, typing, copying and assisting with office projects; disaster services to join the chapter’s Disaster Action Team and/or work on the chapter’s Disaster Plan and receive training in disaster services and responding to emergencies; public relations and special events to write press releases and newsletters; working on special events; and work on the Web site to keep it current with events, photos, news, etc. Call Elizabeth Macomber, executive director, at (978) 922-2224 for a volunteer application or for more information.

Seeking military stories

The Justin Online Military Oral History Collection is seeking the stories of Military Veterans, War Industry Workers and those who supported the troops on the home fronts during World War I, World War II, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and all other eras for publication to this online historical resource. To participate, send stories, with name, rank, unit and locations and dates of service, if known, to James F. Justin CCC Museum, P.O. Box 5, Woodbury, N.J., 08096 or e-mail JFJmuseum@aol.com.

Cuvilly 'artifacts'

The Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center is celebrating 20 years of educating North Shore children and adults about the earth and their place on it. The Center is collecting pictures from the past -- of students, gardeners and artists -- who have attended, worked and volunteered at Cuvilly. If willing to share memorabilia, call Annie Cameron at (978) 356-4288 or (978) 768-3826.

School registration

St. John the Evangelist School in Beverly has openings in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth for the coming 2004-05 school year. St. John, located at 111 New Balch St., Beverly, serves students of the North Shore in grades pre-kindergarten through grade eight. Call Lois Felteau at (978) 922-0048 to register or for more information.