2 - June 22, 2012 | Salem Community Patriot Golf Classic a Driving Success Accolades


Julie Hillner was among the 232 students who received graduate degrees from Providence College during the College’s 94th Commencement Exercises held on May 20. Hillner received a master’s degree in Secondary Education. Following residents graduated from Merrimack College at the


school’s 62nd Commencement Exercises held on May 20: Nathan Meisner, Bachelor of Arts in Economics; Kevin Breen, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, summa cum laude; Alexandra Gallant, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Education; Adriana Estevez, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, magna cum laude; Cassandra Cipriano, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, cum laude; David Gerry, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, cum laude; Patrick McLaughlin, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering; Jessica Harb, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology; and Anneris Estevez, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, cum laude . Colby-Sawyer College has named Michael Wesley Sapochetti to the


Dean’s List for academic achievement during the spring semester. Michael Giovanni Lepore, Jr., graduated from Colby-Sawyer College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Lepore majored in Graphic Design.


Kacie Scarlett Austin of Mathews, VA, has been named Valedictorian of Mathews High School, Class of 2012. Miss Austin has been accepted to the University of Virginia where she will begin undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences (Pre Med). She plans to specialize in Pediatric Medicine. Miss Austin is the daughter of Royce and Karyn Austin of Mathews and the


granddaughter of the late John Duston Austin and Bernice Marie Austin, both of Salem.


The following residents graduated May 12 from Worcester


Polytechnic Institute (WPI): Alex Pittera, Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering; Daniel Savastano II, Master of Science in mechanical engineering; Di Yang, Doctor of Philosophy in computer science; Hajar Jaffferji, Master of Science in civil engineering; Joshua Bernier, Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering; Justin Gostanian, Bachelor of Science in computer science; Ryan West, Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering; and Valerie Boutin, Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering with distinction.


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Resident Floods Selectmen with Drainage Concerns


by S. Aaron Shamshoyan A request by a Tyler Street resident for an increased culvert to alleviate fl ooding from his property was denied by selectmen Monday evening. Raymond Harmacinski, a resident of Tyler Street for 54 years, said a 12 inch culvert running under Butler Street was leading to a hydraulic constriction allowing for up to fi ve feet of water


to accumulate in the area. “We’ve had a long problem with fl ooding,” he said, “The culvert there never really worked right.” The concern comes after a recently approved development is


scheduled to be constructed close to Harmacinski’s property, and neighbors fear an increase in fl ooding. A lack of rain this season had allowed Harmacinski to enjoy some relief from fl ooding. He suggested replacing the culvert would be possible with the lack of water. Plans to repair Butler Street are underway and Harmacinski hoped the replacement could be preformed in conjunction with the project.


Harmacinski said in past fl oods, he had water front property.


The constriction caused fi ve feet of water to acuminate in his back yard requiring a canoe to access his garage. The water took weeks to drain he said. Town Manager Keith Hickey said reclamation of Butler Street was currently underway. Hickey said he consulted with the Department of Public Works and was told the pipe was functioning correctly and had not failed within the last decade. He said a catch basin located across the street would expel water if the pipe was over capacity, and said that was not the case. Selectman Michael Lyons was comfortable leaving the current


culvert in place saying water from the new development would not affect the area. Lyons cited planning board approval of the development project, saying he was comforted by their decision. Selectman Everett McBride felt an increased culvert could violate wetland protection laws. “You can’t drain a wetland,” he said, adding an increase in culvert size would drain wetlands in the area. McBride said wetlands bordering Harmacinski’s property were causing the fl ooding, and not the culvert. Selectmen James Keller said he lives in the area and hadn’t seen Butler or Tyler Streets fl ooded. He felt the current culvert was suffi cient to keep the roads open during fl oods. “The property or properties are as they are naturally,” said Keller, adding a low election contributes to the fl ooding. Selectman Lyons suggested Harmacinski bring the matter to


town meeting for a vote by residents. He said the road would continue to be paved as planned, and could be cut in two years if a new pipe were to be approved.


Woodbury Celebration


Country Club. A raffl e was also used to raise money for the Chaplain Emergency relief fund. “We donated $1,000 to the Chaplain Fund,” said Morris. The organization is designed to temporally help military members along with their families in emergency situations. These moneys are primarily used to help with rent, mortgage, fuel, and utility assistance. After the fi nal putt was sunk and scores were totaled, one four sum took home the title they were looking for.


Jamie Santo, Mark


McGinn, John Pappalardo, and Scott Pellerin received the trophy. Morris was pleased with the success of the second annual event saying funds generated will help keep member rates low.


A Big Drive by Peter Rayno at the Second Annual Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic.


by S. Aaron Shamshoyan A morning away from the offi ce brought local business people to the golf course Monday competing in the annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic. Over 100 golfers came to try their luck at taking home the title of best area golfer teeing off at 8 a.m. sharp in a shotgun format at Windham Country Club. An overcast sky and lack of rain made for a pleasant golfi ng experience. “It was a beautiful day,” said Executive Director Donna Morris of the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce. “Joanne Flynn did a beautiful job.” Flynn owns the Windham


Edward David tees off .


Philip Lopez celebrates his time at Woodbury


by S. Aaron Shamshoyan Hundreds of grade eight students celebrated their time at


Woodbury gathering in the Salem High School gymnasium surrounded by family and friends. The annual celebration for incoming freshmen presented


awards, certifi cates, and speeches for the students. Student Essayist Colleen Parisi spoke on friends and memories she had form the school. “Woodbury had something for everyone,” she said noting the annual Olympics events, fi eld trips, sports, music program, and plays. Following the speakers, certifi cates were handed out to students


congratulating them for their middle school success. A teacher from each of the four eighth grade teams called up students, shaking hands and exchanging hugs with team teachers. Family and friends of students fi lled the high school gymnasium and auditorium for the event.


Staff photo by S. Aaron Shamshoyan


Staff photos by S. Aaron Shamshoyan


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