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Vol. 2, No. 25
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Friday, June 23, 2017
A day of reflection Window of Saugus Police Officer Harold L. Vitale finds joy in scholarships given in her late husband’s honor By Mark E. Vogler his time of year usually stirs up bad memories and heartache for Eileen Vitale, the widow of the late Saugus Police Officer Harold L. Vitale. Last Sunday – Father’s Day – was especially difficult, as it marked the 32nd anniversary that Officer Vitale was killed in the line of duty. “June 18 is always a tough day for me, it always has been and always will be,” Mrs. Vitale said last Saturday morning, as she joined a small gathering at the Ballard Street park named in honor of Officer Vitale. But it was evident from the smile that beamed across her face that she enjoyed the occasion – the 23rd annual Vitale Memorial Fund Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Seven students from area communities – three of them the children of police officers – each received a $1,000 scholarship this year. “I love to see the recipients get the rewards for their hard work,”
cording to Les Vitale, of Peabody, a brother of the late Saugus officer and president of the fund. “Despite the years we enjoy the opportunity to award scholarships to these kids,” Les Vitale said “His premature death meant he missed a lot, like his children’s graduations, their marriages, the birth of grandchildren, but we carry on for him. This year marks 23 consecutive years of granting scholarships – we couldn’t be prouder,” he said.
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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: PVMHS graduate Chloe Gizzi, left, received a scholarship check from Bob Vitale at the Vitale Memorial Fund Scholarship Award Ceremony last Saturday in Saugus. Bob Vitale is a brother of the late Harold L. Vitale, the Saugus police officer who was killed in the line of duty 32 years ago. This marked the 23rd year that scholarships were presented to area students in memory of Officer Vitale.
Mrs. Vitale said in an interview after the ceremony. “It’s good for them and it’s good for me. It’s great that we’re able to continue to do this – to honor Harold and to
keep his memory alive,” she said. The Vitale Memorial Fund has presented scholarships totaling $120,000 to 120 students over the past two-plus decades, ac-
An optimistic Bettencourt presents 2018 Budget By Melanie Higgins ast Thursday the city approved its annual budget. The budget calls for a $5.1 million increase, bringing this years’ budget up to $164,517,574 (a 3.2% increase from last year). Mayor Ted Bettencourt expressed optimism at the city’s future and satisfaction with the city’s continuing reputation for exceptional value. Here are some basic facts about the 2018 budget: –Up $5.1 million (to $164,517,574 – 3.2% increase) –The average annual residential tax bill might increase approximately $156.73 –Preliminary estimates indicate that Residential Values will increase by 5%. –Peabody remains having the 2nd lowest tax bill in Essex County. –Investments will be focused in four major areas: Education, Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life “My message for you tonight is a positive one,” Bettencourt began. “Although our budget obligations have increased, we are still able to invest in Peabody’s future thanks to our city’s financial strength and thanks to the strong partnership we have forged together.” Bettencourt touched on four major areas that the city will be targeting with its increased tax revenues: Education, Public safe-
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ty, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life. In the area of Education, spending is up 2.3%. The School Department will be focusing mainly on improving its Guidance Department. Superintendent Herb Levine has emphasized his belief that the effort to improve guidance will be what Peabody’s schools need to rise in their ranking. Despite the increased funds, the schools will be cutting many staff, owing to the schools’ decrease in enrollment. In the area of Public Safety, the city is adding eight new firefighters. Adding more firefighters, the mayor said, “increases the safety of our residents, but also our firefighters themselves.” The additions will ensure that there are at least three firefighters at each of the city’s five fire departments “at all times.” In the area of Infrastructure, the city is making investments to the city’s downtown area. The High School will also see upgrades to its roof this summer. In the area of Quality of life, the city is undertaking the Peabody Square “redesign project” and downtown revitalization. The mayor said it is also working to enhance open spaces. Bettencourt thanked the City Council in closing: “Together we have invested in Peabody’s future, improving quality of life and maintaining affordability that has long been Peabody’s calling card.”
Peabody Veterans Memorial High School student honored All of the recipients are college-bound and each has a special connection to the Vitale family – either through friendships or ties to law enforcement. “I’m the third one in my family to receive the scholarship,” said Chloe Gizzi, of Peabody, a graduate of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School
(PVMHS). “For years, I’ve heard about the Vitale name. This scholarship is very important to me,” she said. Gizzi, a member of the National Honor Society, enrolled in many Advanced Placement Courses at PVMHS and was active in student government – serving as Student Council President. She played Soccer and Lacrosse, captaining both teams and winning numerous awards and recognition. She also caught the attention of multiple college scouts. She was accepted at Bentley University and Babson College – being recruited heavily for soccer by both schools. She plans to attend Bentley in the fall. “Her family are close personal friends of my family and her siblings are prior Vitale Memorial Fund recipients,” Les Vitale said. Christina A. Gizzi was a 2011 recipient and Christo-
REFLECTION | SEE PAGE 5
Going out on top Garabedian says he will not seek re-election to City Council By James Mitchell olitical careers, whether on a national, state or city level, can easily be measured in terms of success not by votes alone, but by self-worth; if one can look back with one’s head held high and still be smiling, then you’ve done something right. In a recent interview with the Peabody Advocate, longtime City Councillor-at-Large Michael Garabedian is calling it a career following his 24 years serving the citizens of Peabody. Born and raised in Peabody, the Democrat began his political career as a two-term School Committee member, followed by eight terms on the City Council, calling it “24 years of stellar service.” “I thought it was time to get out, that I couldn’t give it 100% anymore,” said Garabedian, adding, “Working every day with the public, you have
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Michael Garabedian
to give it 100%.” Garabedian said he missed out on a lot of family time over the years and thoughts of retiring from the council have been in the back of his mind; he felt that now was the time to give someone else a chance. “You have a really good couple of guys running,” he said, pointing to Tom Rossignol and Ryan Melville, who have tossed their
GOING | SEE PAGE 4