Peabody/Lynnfield Weekly News

Activity has more than doubled

by Jeff Shmase

LYNNFIELD – The town remains a destination, if not an affordable, community for homeowners.

Data supplied by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) last week revealed home sales more than doubled compared to last year during the first six months of 2010. Fifty-six single-family houses changed hands during the period from Jan. 1-June 30, 2010; last year the number was 25.

by John Castelluccio

LYNN – A 23-year-old Lynn man was killed Friday afternoon when a flatbed tow truck crashed into the back of a Honda Civic on the Lynnway. The Civic had been stopped at a red light.

State police spokesperson David Procopio issued a press statement late Friday night, identifying the tow truck driver as 23-year-old Derek Gallien of Peabody. State police are still investigating the crash and haven’t determined yet if criminal charges will be filed against Gallien.

by John Castelluccio

PEABODY – School Business Manager David Keniston announced on Friday that parents will be able to split up payments for their children to ride the bus to school this fall rather than pay all at once.

He said Mayor Michael Bonfanti asked for the option in response to a number of requests from parents. The new rider fee is $300 per student with a $600 family cap and prior to Friday, the full amount was due July 23.

by Jeff Shmase

LYNNFIELD – The school system’s preschool program was recently accredited by a national organization that is considered tops in the industry.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) granted the Salem Street school accreditation for a five-year period through 2015.

“It’s a gold standard and the staff is very excited about it and should be proud of this recognition,” Superintendent of Schools Robert Hassett told the School Committee at its July 20 meeting.

by John Castelluccio

PEABODY – Thanks to the generosity of his younger sister, one local veteran who died overseas in World War II will soon get a whole display case in his honor at the high school.

U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class Philip Douglas Quinlan, for whom “C” House at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School is already dedicated to, died aboard the U.S.S. Juneau in 1942 in the waters of the South Pacific. Quinlan grew up on Linden Road, graduated from Peabody High School in 1940 and was the second military casualty from Peabody in WWII.

File photo Despite the 80-degree temps outside, Lynnfield’s Craig Cataldo (above) and Matt Kelly are back doing what they do best this week as they take part in the Hockey Night in Boston Summer Showcase.

By Bob Albright

HAVERHILL -- Only the plethora of flip-flops and sun tanned legs in the stands seemed out of place at a refreshingly chilly Valley Forum Sunday night as they dropped the puck in the 36th annual Hockey Night in Boston summer showcase. On the ice a couple of Lynnfield products, Craig Cataldo and Matt Kelly, looked right at home as they skated for the North Shore squad which was tripped up, 4-1, in itsHNIB opener by a talented Greater Boston Club.