Appreciation, Praise, and Even A Little Work For Selectmen

With a high school hockey team that played in the state championship game Sunday, and a snowstorm that was apparently being downgraded, there was much to celebrate as the Stoneham Board of Selectmen were called to order by chair George Seibold Tuesday night. And once things got under way, a quieter celebration took place for two residents with longtime contributions to the town.

It started with a certificate of appreciation for Marie Christie for her 36 years on the School Committee.

"Marie is a shining example of what true public service looks like," said Selectwoman Shelly MacNeill, who went to praise her "unwavering support of the children of the community."

Moments later it was Jennifer Welter's turn, given the same honor for her six years as Executive Director of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce.

A third resident had his supporters as well. Cindy Hemenway asked the board for a warrant item at May's Town Meeting for $8,000 for a sign on the Greenway to honor Cameron Bain, a longtime supporter of the recreational path scheduled to open this summer. The board had already authorized money for a sign and the discussion centered on how best to make it happen. In the end, the board agreed the article should appear before Town Meeting.

School Superintendent John Macero also came to the board to get approval of the town's Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The School Committee had approved the town's application last week and the board did the same Tuesday. With the goal a new high school, Macero has until April 6 to submit Stoneham's application which he said is "relatively the same" as the previous application.

Maureen Buckley, chair of the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, appeared before the board looking for support for this year's parade (May 28, 10 a.m.) and also asking residents to nominate individuals to be grand marshal, build floats, encourage veterans to attend, and of course, pray that it doesn't rain again.

The board also spent time going through the warrant for the May Town Meeting.

Photos by Bob Holmes