SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017 Marblehead superintendent Housing vows to address hate crimes court By Bridget Turcotte tance of paying attention to racial in- Superintendent Maryann Perry said ITEM STAFF justices within the walls of the building. in a statement Friday afternoon that in moving “We did this for people to understand light of Thursday’s events, “we continue MARBLEHEAD — A day after more that the administration needs to do to move forward as an agent of change than 100 students protested what they considered a lack of response from the more about this and the kids should in our community. be more educated that that word is not “As a result of ongoing conversations to Salem school’s administration to racially-mo- tivated incidents, the superintendent supposed to be used,” said Lany Marte, that have been occurring, including dis- vowed to give them a voice. a 15-year-old student who helped orga- cussions with students and staff that By Thomas Grillo When the clock struck noon on Thurs- nize the protest. “We’re going to be with took place today, we will be working ITEM STAFF day, schoolmates stood in solidarity out- each other for four years and by saying closely with Team-Harmony and other side Marblehead High School, holding that word and spreading hate around LYNN — Despite opposition from ten- signs and speaking about the impor- the school, it’s not good.” MARBLEHEAD, A7 ants and landlords, the Lynn Housing Court will move to Salem next month. The decision, by Chief Justice Timothy F. Sullivan, comes on the heels of a public hearing on the court’s closing this week where dozens of housing advocates told the judge to consider alternatives. “Nothing changed my mind as a result of the hearing,” Sullivan said. “It would be irresponsible for me to do nothing. The question is what would be the best avail- able option.” Court of cials say the number of cases in Lynn’s housing session has increased by more than 40 percent since 2014. As a result, corridors, conference and court- rooms are jammed, making a stressful situation, where people are dealing with possible eviction, even worse, the court argues. Opponents say the travel time and ex- pense to Salem will increase defaults and lead to more evictions. While some recommended the Lynn court be expanded in the city, Sullivan said the court cannot afford to lease space. State Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn), who along with the rest of the city’s delegation on Beacon Hill opposed the move, said he was disappointed it has to come to this. “We are still talking and will convene a working group with the goal to approach housing court differently,” he said. “Many issues can be resolved outside the court- room and that’s our goal.” Thomas Grillo can be reached at tgrillo@ itemlive.com. Peabody artist Gina Hagen Peabody artist paints stands with her watercolor painting that INSIDE a greeting of hope was commis- sioned by the By Bridget Turcotte donated gifts that are sold to bene t Da- Dana-Farber In Medford Neighbors raise concerns over ITEM STAFF na-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. Cancer In- “It seems like everytime I turn around in Tufts housing proposal. A2 PEABODY — Living through a medical cri- stitute to be my life, somebody is affected by cancer. As an sis can be a black and white issue, but artist turned into a In Peabody artist, this is one of the few ways I can give Gina Hagen is trying to bring a little color Christmas card. Council seeks more information into the lives of cancer patients. back. Some people are doctors and nurses on purchase plan. A2 The Peabody artist creates watercolor and can give back in that way. I create water- ITEM PHOTO | SPENSER HASAK paintings and donates them to Dana-Farber color paintings.” In Opinion Shribman: And now, on to spending ... A4 Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund each Since the program began 15 years ago, Christmas season so the hospital can turn about $8 million has been raised. In Sports them into holiday cards, and sell them to This year’s gifts are available online and in- Spartans start season with a sweep. B1 raise money. clude a $32 handcrafted Tree of Life bracelet, The gesture is part of Dana-Farber’s holi- day cards and gift collection, which includes ARTIST, A7 Saugus developer seeks to extend work hours By Bridget Turcotte year’s end. But they need city approval As a result, the matter will be taken up space, and three four-story apartment ITEM STAFF to expand construction hours. in January, said Rossetti. buildings will be in the rear. Developers were scheduled to appear If the request is granted, developers The plan calls for 280 studio, one-bed- SAUGUS — AvalonBay Communities before the Planning Board on Thursday will start work a half hour earlier in the room and two-bedroom units, and a wants to work nights and weekends night. But after chairman Peter Rosset- morning and continue for an extra 30 one-story clubhouse with an outdoor to build their $100 million apartment ti recused himself, the meeting lacked minutes at night. swimming pool. community at the former Hilltop Steak enough members for a vote. Rossetti ex- Plans include turning the 14-acre Each dwelling will feature a bay win- House. cuses himself from all matters related site into a mixed-use development with dow and most will have a balcony. The The Virginia-based real estate invest- the Hilltop property, which he represent- apartments and shops. The front of the ment trust is set to break ground by ed as an attorney. project will house one story of retail SAUGUS, A7 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP PERSON OF THE YEAR Who had the most positive impact in your city or town this year? Santa warms hearts We at Essex Media Group — which publishes The Item and Itemlive.com — want to honor a Person of the Year in each of the and brightens smiles 10 communities we cover: Lynn, Lynn eld, Malden, Marblehead, Medford, Nahant, Peabody, Revere, Saugus, and Swampscott. ITEM STAFF REPORT gave out. “Both of our children have gotten a We ask you to re ect over the last year and identify those who Bad breaks happen to everyone, but have made a positive impact on your city or town. EMG, which severe medical diagnosis in which we some folks aren’t able to absorb a - need our car to be in running order. also publishes The Peabody Weekly News, The Lynn eld Weekly nancial hit. When you’re living to pay- We just had to run a tab at our me- News, and La Voz newspapers; and several other magazines, will check to paycheck, a bad medical diag- chanic’s of ce of upwards of $800 just take your recommendations and name a person of the year in nosis, trouble with the car, or losing a to keep it running. We have no idea each of the communities. job can spell disaster for hard-working where we are going to get that money, Visit Itemlive.com and submit your nominations until Monday, parents — and especially their kids. nevermind money for food or Christ- One such parent wrote to Item San- mas.” Dec. 18, at noon. ta outlining a series of bad breaks. Sadly, medical emergencies, chronic We can’t wait to hear from you. Their kids have new and signi cant medical problems, and the family car ITEM SANTA, A7 OBITUARIES ..............................A2 POLICE/FIRE .............................A6 COMICS/DIVERSIONS ........... B4-5 HIGH 33° VOL. 140, ISSUE 2 LYNN .........................................A3 LOOK! .......................................A8 CLASSIFIED ........................... B6-7 LOW 31° OPINION ...................................A4 SPORTS ................................ B1-3 REAL ESTATE .............................B8 PAGE A8 ONE DOLLAR A2 THE DAILY ITEM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017 OBITUARIES Vivian Hoomis Kassiotis, 95 Peabody council seeks more 1921-2017 LYNNFIELD — Vivi- and had a song or information on purchase plan an (Velamina) Hoom- Greek dance when- is Kassiotis, of Lynn- ever the occasion By Adam Swift communities preserve nothing unusual about formation included with field and formerly of allowed. She had a ITEM STAFF open space and historic the process for the land the requests for money,” Lynn, was born Dec. ready smile for all sites, create affordable purchase. He said CPA said Manning-Martin. 6, 1921, and died she met, whether at PEABODY — Details on housing and outdoor rec- fund requests are typical- “We shouldn’t be doing it peacefully of natural Dunkin Donuts, Co- the mayor’s request to buy reational facilities. ly referred to the council’s this way.” causes Dec. 5, 2017. lonial Village, Greek a building near City Hall “It’s strange to me that finance committee where The mayor said details At a day short of 96 restaurants she fre- will be discussed at a City there is no other informa- details are discussed. on the purchase will be years, she left us too quented, or the cor- Council meeting Thursday. tion other than a request “When it is an agenda available before the Dec. soon. ner store where she But one councilor to transfer money,” said item as it is listed in (the 14 finance committee Vivian was born on Boston bought scratch tickets in her questioned the plan to Manning-Martin. council) packet, there’s meeting. Street in Lynn, where she re- later years. Vivian, a master of purchase 10 Lowell St. Mayor Edward A. Betten- typically a cover letter,” he The two restaurants in sided for most of her life. Her resourcefulness and collector Councilor-at-Large Anne court is asking the council said.