Councilor calls for 'friendly' hours at City Hall
LAWRENCE — City Hall needs to become more "citizen friendly," says City Council President Patrick Blanchette.
To accomplish this, he proposed Monday that City Hall stay open late one night a week, perhaps Tuesdays, and close at noon on Fridays to make up for the hours. That would be a change from the traditional Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule.
Other city and town halls in Essex County have already done this, Blanchette said.
"We live in a city of working-class people and oftentimes it's difficult for people to get to City Hall to conduct business during the normal 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours," Blanchette told fellow councilors, who seemed to agree.
He also said the city clerk and a few other offices have begun closing for an hour at lunchtime to save money in a tight budget year.
"So if a person comes during their lunch break to conduct business, it may be a wasted trip," he said.
Blanchette's idea now goes to the personnel committee for further discussion. The change will likely have to be negotiated and approved by various labor unions.
Councilor Nick Kolofoles questioned whether City Hall hours can be changed with an executive order from Mayor Michael Sullivan.
Whatever the change requires, Councilor Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez said she believes City Hall needs to be open at diverse times.
"I'm 100 percent behind this and I'm so glad you are doing this," Alvarez-Rodriguez said.
Boy Scouts get help with education funding
Sometimes, it pays to be a Boy Scout.
With more than $44,000 in scholarships and grants awarded recently to Scouts bound for college, the organization has made membership a rewarding experience.
Twenty-five boys, many Eagle Scouts, from the Yankee Clipper Council of northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire, were given educational stipends through a trust from the Rev. Robert B. Parker Memorial Fund, as part of a $55,000 distribution to benefit Scouts.
The scholarships and grants "recognize the young men's active involvement in Scouting, their acceptance of undergraduate study and the ability to maintain a required cumulative grade-point average," according to the organization.
The awards were presented July 7 at the Danversport Yacht Club of Danvers.
Additional money was received for camp equipment, including a rock wall and an 18-foot teepee. More funds went to staff training and "campership," or assistance to Scouts in need.
The Memorial Fund was established in 1939 by Parker's widow, Sarah Parker, who wanted to honor her late husband for his work with local youths at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Marblehead.
Since its inception, the fund has given more than $750,000 to young scholars involved in the Boy Scouts.
The six local winners are Matthew O'Brien of Boxford, who will attend Providence College; Nathan Gibson, Dracut, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Matthew Wood, Georgetown, Keene State College; Timothy Gordon, Methuen, Elms College; Addison Minott, North Andover, University of Vermont; and Mark Svendsen, North Andover, Merrimack College.
MSPCA needs home for confiscated cats
METHUEN — The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm has taken more cats from a hoarder in Lowell.
The MSPCA, located at 400 Broadway, first took 14 kittens from the home, saying they would periodically take the rest of the cats. The house was unsanitary and had close to 40 cats living in it, said Mike Keiley, manager at the animal adoption center.
Authorities ended up condemning the home, so the MSPCA returned for the remaining 24 cats, Keiley said.
The cats are healthy, friendly and ready to be adopted. The MSPCA has spayed and neutered them, Keiley said.
North Andover selectmen reorganize board
NORTH ANDOVER — Rosemary Smedile is taking over as selectman chairwoman as part of the board reorganization done every summer.
Former Chairman Mark Caggiano will take on the role of clerk of the board. Selectman Richard Nardella will stay as licensing chairman.
Donate supplies for students in need at Staples
NORTH ANDOVER — "American Idol" pop star Jordin Sparks is encouraging local teens to collect school supplies for students who can't afford them.
The supply drive is organized through DoSomething.org, which urges teens to make a difference in their community. The supplies can be dropped off at Staples, 73 Turnpike St., through Aug. 31. They will be donated to the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club.
Staples is donating $50,000 worth of school supplies to the drive. Customers can also donate $2 at Staples stores, which will go to local teens in need.
For more information, visit dosomething101.com.
