The high commercial tax rate is causing a negative impact to many businesses throughout the city and especially in the downtown area.

Coupled with the downturn in the economy, the commercial tax rate, which now stands at $37 per $1,000 – the second highest in the state – is making the sale of commercial buildings almost impossible and is causing rents to rise, as property owners try to pass on some of the cost of running their properties to tenants in order to pay their taxes.

“We are struggling with the high commercial tax rate,” a business owner told Mayor Carlo DeMaria at last week’s tax summit on the $37 commercial tax rate held Wednesday night at Orsogna Plaza.

More than 100 business owners and city officials who attended the meeting echoed this concern over the tax rate.

A review of commercial tax rates in neighboring communities reveals that Everett’s commercial tax rate is the highest in the area when compared with Revere at $26.84; Malden at $21.38; Boston at 32.68 and Medford at $21.69.

“I don’t mind paying as long as everything is being done to keep it as low as possible,” Dr. Paul Tesone said.

The mayor said that he is looking at the 2011 municipal budget increasing no more than two percent.

However, even a two percent increase will negatively impact property owners looking for some form of tax relief.

Last year the total 2010 budget for the city was $131M with the school department share representing more than $51 million with the vast amount of that money coming from the state funding.

The mayor noted that the recent valuations of commercial property show on average a 15% decrease in valuation.

“Despite the drop in valuations, we won’t see a decline. There will probably be an increase in the tax bill,” Bob Mitchell, a Chamber of Commerce member, told the audience.

The mayor said that no pay raises had been given to any city department heads and that as jobs become vacant those jobs have not been filled. He also noted that he has not laid off any city workers.

Stephen Sachetta, well known local businessman with substantial property holdings in Everett Square, questioned why there had been no layoffs stating, “We have had to do layoffs in our businesses.”

The mayor noted that if he did layoffs then the savings in the first year would be small as the city is self-insured and would have to pay the entire unemployment cost for each employee who had been laid off.

“There are many people in this room who can help the mayor come up with solutions,” Michael DellIsola said.

The mayor said he welcomed all outside help. He noted that presently his office is working with the Chamber of Commerce to look at the 2011 budget and propose new ideas.

This budget will take effect on July 1. He stressed that the fixed dual costs of health insurance and pensions liabilities are crippling the city.

One business owner asked that the interest rate on late payments for city tax bills be reduced from 14%.

Others business owners asked that the tax rate between commercial and residential be more equitable.

The current residential tax rate is $13.51 per thousand and the new taxable valuation of the residential properties for the 2011 budget has increased slightly.

Another business owner noted that the tax rate is forcing businesses to leave the city warning once Broadway is boarded up and plastered with graffiti then the city is going down the tubes.

The mayor conceded that he could base the commercial tax rate at a lower ratio then the present 175%. This ratio is a multiplier based on the residential tax rate.

Alderman Michael Mangan said that he is seeking legislation to have many multi-family buildings become condominiums that would help increase the tax receipts and more homeownership.

“The city’s issues are structural that you inherited,” Chamber member Mitchell said. “However there is a need for a great will to address change,” he added.

“It was a tough loss for us,” said EHS head coach Joe McLaughlin, whose 9-7-4 Lady Crimson Tide were seeded 25th in the North bracket and played against a 14-3-3 Framingham team that was seeded eighth. “We were unfazed by their record and we came to play, but a couple of breaks in the final minutes went their way and that proved to be the difference.”

Everett led almost the entire game, starting with a first period goal by junior Nicole Flores that left matters at 1-0 at the first horn. Nicole, who surpassed 100 career points this season and will enter her senior year with 112 points in the record books, made it 2-0 early in the second frame on a power play goal.

Although Framingham responded quickly to make it 2-1, sophomore Meghan Price, who finished tied for second place on the Everett scoring list this season with 19 points behind Flores’s 27 points, made it a two goal lead with an end to end rush that McLaughlin described as a “beautiful goal.”

However, Framingham hung tough and closed the gap to a single marker before the end of the second stanza, setting the stage for what would prove to be a dramatic final period.

Both teams skated hard and fast in the final period, but neither was able to dent the opposition goal. Everett’s netminder, senor Kristy Welch, was a bulwark for the Crimson Tide. Kristy, who ended up with 38 saves on the night, made numerous outstanding stops to preserve her team’s one goal margin.

However, with about four minutes to go, Framingham took advantage of a delayed penalty call and notched the equalizer with a 6 on 5 advantage. Then two minutes later, with another power play opportunity, Framingham pulled ahead for the 4-3 finale.

Although the defeat certainly was not the end to the season that McLaughlin and his squad had envisioned, the coach acknowledged that the tourney loss did not detract from an otherwise fine campaign that had been turned in by his Lady Crimson Tide.

“We had a great year and it was a pleasure to coach these girls,” said McLaughlin. “I’ve coached at all levels of hockey and this was the most fun season I’ve ever experienced.”

McLaughlin also noted that this was the last game for a special group of seniors. “Some of these girls have been with the program for five years and have made a tremendous contribution to girls hockey at Everett High,” said the coach. “We had superb leadership from our captains and our seniors both on and off the ice. They will be sorely missed.”

The seniors include Captains Brittany Delling, Alex Arvanaitis, and Sam Rebello, and goalkeeper Welch, Nikki Martinelli (who was tied for second on the scoring chart with 19 points on the season), Krystina Hogan, Barbara Pereira, and Ally Battaglia.

The team will hold its breakup and awards banquet on Tuesday, March 30, at Spinelli’s in Lynnfield.

Ragucci has his sights set on a vacant house at 73 Central Avenue. “This is a major eyesore for the neighborhood,” he said. Presently, the home is in the foreclosures process. The matter was referred to the City Clerk and City Solicitor.

New taxes

For docking

Councilor Peter Napolitano put in a resolution seeking to charge waterfront businesses that dock boats a usage fee. Citing that there are 700-800 ships a year that dock in Everett, Napolitano said, “if we are looking at other sources of revenues, then we should look at this.” Several councilors voiced their concern about over taxing these industries like Distrigas and Exxon. Napolitano said that this was only “exploratory.” The motion was referred to rules & ordinances committee and invited city solicitor, assessor and community development director to attend.

It turns out, Everett’s per employee cost for supplying city paid for health insurance is $26,000 a year.

According to the mayor himself, the tab for this city benefit is rising dramatically from year to year and this year alone will add $1 million to the city budget.

It is an added $1 million the city does not presently have.

One might reasonably suggest that something must be done.

It is certainly being done in private industry, where employee insurance contributions have been adjusted to reflect the difficulties caused by the economic downturn, lower profits and less cash available for such benefits.

Not so in the public sector where city hall passes on the spiraling health care hikes from year to year to the homeowners and the commercial property owners.

The mayor alone cannot fight the unions representing city employees – he is asking for help to have the state legislature pass new reform laws that will force the issues like health care coverage.

However, the state legislature does not have the political will to change anything.

During the past ten years, health insurance premiums paid for by the city have doubled.

If nothing is done, they will double again – but this time in five years or less.

Everett presently pays 11.9% of its fiscal budget for employee health insurance – or about $8 million a year.

A Boston Sunday Globe report last week revealed that a former Everett city employee, Elizabeth Debski (a good and capable worker who did her job well for the city) who worked here for 10 years, leaving at the age of 42, and is now receiving free health insurance from the city for her family for the rest of her life.

In fact, it was revealed by the Globe report that Everett’s cost for employee family premiums are the third highest in the state behind Framingham and Waltham.

Those of us who are small business owners or who work in the private sector understand that the world is changing.

At the municipal level, not many seem to share this understanding.

The spiraling cost for city provided and paid for health insurance must be dealt with or every city and town will go bankrupt.

One of those making the list was Representative Steve Smith.

We would urge Rep. Smith to pay his taxes like the rest of us.

He especially, should not be on this list.

Elena Aresco, 32, 21 Russell St., Everett, was arrested for illegal possession of C

lass A substance.

John Colon, 53, 157 Park St., Chelsea, was arrested for assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Tuesday, February 23

Cesar Delgado, 36, Homeless, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute near school zone, distribution of Class B substance.

Johnny Lewis, 25, 54 Constitution Ave., Revere, was arrested for lewd open & gross behavior, assault and battery and larceny on a person.

Juan Perez, 20, 73A Marlboro St., Chelsea, was arrested for breaking & entering nighttime, with intent to commit crime, possession of burglarious tools.

Linda Tomaszewski, 34, 38 Foster Ct., Medford, was arrested for distribution of Class A substance, possession with intent to distribute near school zone, illegal possession of Class B substance.

Thursday, February 25

James Dubuisson, 21, 8 Jefferson Pk., Cambridge, was arrested for domestic assault and battery.

Friday, February 26

Yue Yang, 46, 97 Broadway, Everett, was arrested for counterfeiting, selling without a permit.

Anthony Zammuto, III, 40, 15 Oliver St., Everett, was arrested for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Saturday, February 27

Jamey Corcoran, 35, 62 Woodville St., Everett, was arrested for domestic assault and battery, malicious destruction of property over $250.

Daniel Mullaney, 39, 22 Montrose St., Everett, was arrested for domestic abuse.

Cheryl Ann Walklett, 29, 136 Constitution Ave., Revere, was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor (2nd offense), and speeding.

Victoria Capone

Known for her quick wit and unique personality

Victoria R. (Domenichello) Capone of Everett died peacefully February 24 at The Lighthouse Nursing Home in Revere. She was 97 years old.

The wife of the late Anthony B. Capone Sr., she was born and raised in Chelsea, the daughter of the late Edward and Mary (Volta) Domenichello. She was a long time parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Chelsea, a life-long member of the Daughters of Italy, Onesta de Lavore Lodge, The Social Club of Everett and the Chelsea Moose Club.

She will be remembered most for her quick wit and that unique personality that made Vicki, “Vicki”. She loved “cheating” at cards and playing practical jokes. She was always good for a laugh. She especially cherished and adored her great-grandchildren who held a special place in her heart. Her face just lit up whenever they were around or anytime she had an opportunity to brag about them. She will be missed dearly by those who were closest to her and she leaves behind memories that will remain in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her son, Anthony B. Capone, Jr. and his wife, Margaret (Tomczak) Capone of Everett; grandchildren, Mary A. Ferullo and her husband, Ken, of Everett, Anthony B. Capone II and his long time companion, Jana Vachon, of Rochester, NH and Marcy A. Young and her husband, Steven, of Everett. She was the cherished great grandmother of Anthony, Kenny and Angelina Ferullo of Everett and Ryan Vachon and the sister of the late Edward Domenichello, Michael Domenichello, Rose Yanetti, Helen Cesareo and Lucy Brown. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Another member of the family that she shared a very special bond with was the family pet Bones who unexpectedly passed the day before. It is our hope and belief that he sensed what was to be and went first to meet her in Heaven. May they both rest in peace.

Services at the request of the deceased were private. Arrangements were by Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus.

Robert Tolley

Optician

Robert J. Tolley of Waltham, formerly of Chelsea and Malden, died on February 20 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington after a long illness. He was 61 years old.

A US Army Vietnam veteran, he was an optician in the Vision Center Dept. of Costco in Waltham for the past 10 years.

He was the son of the late George and Gertrude M. (O’Connell) Tolley; dear brother of Thomas F. Tolley of Boston, Donald T. Tolley of Malden, Susan M. Tatarouns-Ward and her husband, Edward W. “Buzzy” Ward, of Everett; brother-in-law of Judith Ann Tolley; uncle of W. “Brad” Tolley of Chelsea, Eric Tatarouns, Briana Tatarouns, both of Everett, and is also lovingly survived by special friends, Angel and Lori Flores-McLeod of Waltham.

Funeral arrangements were by the William R. Carafa & Son Home for Funerals, Chelsea.

Lorraine Doucette

Former Everett resident

Lorraine K. (Ball) Doucette died on February 26 at the Glenridge Nursing Care Center in Medford/Malden where she has been receiving supportive care for the past nine years. She was 91 years old.

Born and raised in Everett, she was the daughter of the late William and Ann (Sambri) Ball.

Mrs. Doucette devoted herself to family and home. She was predeceased by three husbands and her daughter Joyce McKeon. After the passing of Joyce, she immediately became mother to her grandchildren, Anthony and Denise, raising them as her own children.

She was the beloved wife of the late Philip J. Doucette, Benjamin Gurski and Harold Greenlaw; devoted mother of Patricia Cocorochio, Joseph Gurski and his wife, Carol, all of Saugus, Sandra Goodrich of Chelsea, Philip Doucette Jr. and his wife, Dolly, of Dracut, Michael Doucette and his wife, Cecile, of Revere, Anthony McKeon, Denise Ciulla, and her late dear sister Dorothy Gerrimmi. She was the cherished grandmother of Joseph Gurski Jr. and the late William Gurski and is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated in Our Lady of Grace Church on March 2. Services concluded with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home. For online guestbook, please visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com.

Charles Jones, 93

GE retiree, sports fan

Charles F. Jones, a lifelong Everett resident, died on February 23. He was 93 years old.

A US Army veteran of World War II, he served in seven major campaigns. He was a retired longtime employee of GE and was an avid fan of both local and professional sports.

He was the beloved husband of the late Florence (Parsons) Jones; son of the late retired Everett police officer William Jones and the late Mildred (Currier) Jones; loving stepfather of Doris Carlino of Everett, Margery Warford of Peabody, Muriel Roos and June Semon of Malden. He is also survived by many cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were by the J.F. Ward Funeral Home, Everett. Burial with Military Honors was in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chelsea Soldiers Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150. For online guest book visit www.jfwardfuneralhome.com

Margaret Kotkowski

Lynn resident

Margaret T. (Forrestall) Kotkowski of Lynn died at Salem Hospital after a brief illness on February 25. She was 84 years old.

Born in Everett, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Margaret Forrestall and the wife of the late Adam C. Kotkowski.

She is survived by two daughters, Margaret M. “Peggy” Shambarger of Peabody and Karen A. and her husband, Louis Sullo, of Lynn; two sons, Gerald A. and his wife, Barbara Kotkowski and Edward J. and his wife, Cynthia Kotkowski, both of Hampton, NH. She was the sister of Michael, Francis, James and Brenda Forrestall, all of Everett, Marion O’Hare of Medford; grandmother of 13, great grandmother of two and also leaves several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Lucy Furman, Katherine Pisano, Helen DeSantis, Cecilia Forrestall and Carol Julian.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nadworny Funeral Home, Lynn. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Robert Verhault

Stoneham resident

Robert J. Verhault of Stoneham died on February 24. He was 77 years old.

A US Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was the beloved husband of Theresa G. (Morrissey) Verhault; devoted father of Stephen and his wife, Sandra, of Quincy, Michael and his wife, Jane, of New Hampshire, Robert F. of Hawaii, Mark of Wakefield and Linda Verhault of Stoneham; loving son of the late Sarah (Caulderbank) and Stephen Verhault; cherished grandfather of eight; dear brother of the late Stephen Verhault and Virginia Gerbick. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were completed by the Barile Family Funeral Home, Stoneham. Burial with military honors was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Stoneham. In lieu of flowers, please honor Mr. Verhault by making donations in his memory to St. Patrick Building Fund, 9 Pomeworth St., Stoneham, MA 02180. To send a memorial condolence www.barilefuneral.com.

Michelina ‘Mickey’ Bruno

Stoneham resident

Michelina “Mickey” (Rozzi) Bruno died at the Eastpointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Chelsea on February 25. She was 83 years old.

Born in Boston on July 22, 1926, she was raised in East Boston and attended East Boston Schools. Mrs. Bruno moved to Chelsea in 1952 and lived in Chelsea for more than 30 years before moving to Stoneham in 1985.

She was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished the times spent with her family; she enjoyed bowling and was a longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Chelsea. The Bruno family would like to thank the nursing staff and her beloved friends at Eastpointe for the loving care shown to Mrs. Bruno.

She was the beloved wife of the late Carmelo C. Bruno; loving mother of Grace DiFilippo and her husband, Carmen, of Everett, Joseph Bruno and his wife, Karen, of Bourne, Michael Bruno and his wife, Marie, of Melrose and Carl Bruno and his wife, Sheila, of Everett; grandmother of Anthony DiFilippo, Karen D’Arco and her husband, John, Nicholas, Gina, Eric, Michael Jr., Tim, Peter and Christina Bruno; great grandmother of Jessica, Andrew, Lauren, Benjamin and Alison; sister of Theresa Bourque and her husband, Joseph, of Florida and the late Carmella DiGiovanni, Betina Labossier, Vincenzo and Carmen Rozzi; sister-in-law of Jennie and Joe Gulizia and Joseph Bruno. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Gately Funeral Home, Melrose. Entombment was at Woodlawn Mausoleum in Everett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Home for Little Wanderers, 271 Huntington Ave., Boston, 02115. To sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com

Judy Leighton

Malden resident

Judy (Evans) Leighton of Malden died on February 21.

The devoted wife of William R. Leighton, she was the beloved mother of William R Leighton Jr. of Malden; sister of Eugene Evans of Maine, Don of Connecticut, Lois Marshall and Barry Evans, both of Malden, Lee Glennon of Everett and the late Nancy Rivas. She is also survived by one granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the A.J. Spadafora Funeral Home, Malden. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701. For guestbook, see www.spadaforafuneral.com

Armand ‘Mindo’ Cericola

Of Medford, formerly of East Boston

Armand “Mindo” Cericola of Medford, formerly of East Boston, died on February 21.

He was the beloved husband of the late Rita F. (Scaramalla); devoted father of Rita Jean Giacobelli and her husband, Vincent, of Medford, Richard Cericola of Maui, HI, Lorraine Cericola and her husband, Ahmed Orchi, of Everett; loving grandfather of Robert and Gina Giacobelli, Ellissa Miguel and Jamil Orchi; brother of the late Mary Panetta, Helen Caccarillo, Joseph and Fred Cericola.

Funeral arrangements were by the Dello Russo Funeral Home, Medford. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in his name to the American Lung Association of Massachusetts, 460 Totten Pond Rd., Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451. For obituary and guestbook: www.dellorusso.net

Edmund Souza

Electrical Engineer

Edmund F. Souza died on February 18 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

An electrical engineer at Raytheon for more than 40 years, he was a talented musician, avid fisherman, and excellent photographer. Above all, he was a beloved and loving friend.

He was the beloved husband of Elinore (Fazzina) Souza of Everett; cherished father of Maria L. Souza of Medford and is also survived by his sisters, Lillian Pimentel and Norma Mattos and their families.

Funeral arrangements were by J.F. Ward Funeral Home (617) 387-3367

John DiCato

Owned Shiner Town of Everett

John A. DiCato of Everett died on February 21.

He was the 20 year owner and proprietor of Shiner Town, Chelsea Street, Everett and a member of the East Boston Yacht Club.

He was the beloved father of John Joseph “Jay”; son of Mary (Belluscio) DiCato and the late John; brother of Richard of Pennsylvania, Dennis J. of Revere and James A. of Melrose and is also survived by nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, Everett. Burial will be at a later date in the Holy Cross Cemetery. www.roccofuneralhomes.com

Alfred ‘Fred’ Chiavelli

Owned and Operated Chiavelli Electric

Alfred J. “Fred” Chiavelli of Wakefield, formerly of Everett, died on February 22. He was 97 years old.

He was the son of the late Joseph and Virginia (Cefalo). During the depression, Mr. Chiavelli went to live with his sister in Bangor, Me. where he met Ellen Ruth Keegan who he married in 1934. He later worked briefly in a furniture factory in Gardner and a shoe factory in Chelsea where he began learning the electrical trade. He earned his journeyman’s license during World War II and worked installing anti mine devices at the Charlestown Naval Yard.

After the war, he began Chiavelli Electric which he owned and operated for almost 40 years. An avid Red Sox fan, he was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

His first wife, Ellen, with whom he had two sons died in 1962. In 1965, he married Mary (Yanakopoulos) who died in 2007. He was the brother of the late Nicholas, Anthony and George Chiavelli, Rose Rift and Ann Ross. He is survived by his two sons James F. Chiavelli and his wife, Mary, of Malden, and Stephen Chiavelli and his wife, Patrice, of Wakefield; six grandchildren, James A. of Malden, Mark of Nashua, John and Stephanie of Malden and Stephen and Lindsay of Wakefield as well as five great granchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral arrangements were by the Salvatore Rocco and Sons Funeral Home, Everett. Burial was in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to VNA Hospice Care, 100 Sylvan Rd., Woburn, 01801.

Shirley Belmonte

Everett resident

Shirley E. (Bothroyd) Belmonte of Everett died on February 22. She was 91 years old.

The beloved wife of the late Pasquale Belmonte, she was the loving mother of Hank Belmonte of Everett, James Belmonte of Winchester and the late Shirley Griffin; loving sister of Thomas Bothroyd of Everett. She is also survived by six cherished grandchildren and three cherished great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were by the J.F. Ward Funeral Home, Everett. A graveside service was held in Glenwood Cemetery, Everett. In her memory, donations may be made to Bear Hill Nursing Center, 11 North St., Stoneham, MA 02180. For online guest book, visit www.jfwardfuneralhome.com

Sabato Ascoli

Everett resident

Sabato Ascoli of Everett died on February 22. He was 86 years old.

Born in Siano Salerno, Italy, he was the beloved husband of Maria (Perna); father of Gina Leo and her husband, Antonio, of Saugus, Rita Brandano and her husband, Richard, of Everett, Vincent of Everett and Tino and his wife, Libia, of Winthrop; brother of Emilia Lamberti of Everett and the late Vincenzo. He is also survived by five grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were by the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, Everett. Entombment was at Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Ascoli’s memory may be made to the American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

The Maran Gas Coronis, the LNG tanker carrying liquefied natural gas from Yemen to New England came into Boston Harbor on the low tide without incident early Tuesday morning and docked at the Distrigas Terminal in Everett.

Despite protests from Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Chelsea city manager Jay Ash and other local public officials and law enforcement officers, the Coast Guard allowed the ship to enter the harbor.

“One incident – that’s all it will take to change our world,” Mayor Menino told the Independent.

“I agree completely with Mayor Menino,” said city manager Ash.

Dozens of smaller Coast Guard vessels with armed seamen and Boston Police boat forces surrounded the giant ocean going LNG tanker as it made its way into the harbor.

Other patrol craft cruised the harbor perimeter while local police in all the communities involved – Chelsea, Charlestown and Everett, also employed extra caution as the ship came into its berth in Everett.

The Coast Guard decision two weeks ago to allow the ship entrance into the harbor was made because Coast Guard officials said the entry was not a danger and that everything relevant about the ship and its crew had been checked out.

Local officials, led by Mayor Menino, said they would prefer, as a measure of added safety, that the LNG be off-loaded offshore and outside of the harbor.

Distrigas officials insisted the delivery of the LNG to the Distrigas terminal in Everett is safe.

In more than 30 years of operation, LNG deliveries have been made there without incident.

However, in recent years, public officials have come to be nervous with the terrorist threat always hovering about.

“We won’t get a second chance if something happens inside the harbor,” said Mayor Menino.

“The team, particularly the seniors, were not ready to see their season end,” said Turner. “But I told them after the game how much they had achieved and what a great accomplishment it had been just to make the tourney.”

The Lady Crimson Tide shrugged off an early 10-0 run by Peabody at the start of the game and responded with a 14-2 tear of their own to take a 14-12 advantage at the end of the first period.

The teams battled evenly over the next eight minutes, though Peabody went into the locker room with a 32-26 lead. “We played very well in the first half,” said Turner. “I had told the girls that they could match up against Peabody (which was the fourth seed in the North bracket and sported a 16-4 record coming into the game) and to have confidence in themselves.”

The lone setback for the Lady Crimson Tide in the first half was foul trouble to senior Lisa Aylward, who has been a force for Everett over the last part of the season. Lisa had to hit the bench for part of the second quarter which hurt the Everett cause.

However, the third period saw Peabody move quickly to assert control of the contest. The Lady Tanners feature eight seniors and they soon showed why they finished only behind undefeated Lynn English in the Northeastern Conference.

By the time the third buzzer had sounded, Peabody had outscored the Lady Crimson Tide by a 25-6 margin to move out to a commanding 57-32 lead. Although Everett battled gamely over the final eight minutes and cut into the Peabody lead, it proved too little, too late.

Aylward capped her fine career with a 17 point effort to pace the Lady Crimson Tide in the scoring department. Tori Cyrus also reached double figures with 15 points, while Michelle Fenelon struck for nine. Amanda DeSouza hit for six points, followed by freshman Lexi Sowards with five and Taylor Sweeney with three.

The Lady Crimson Tide had tuned up for their tourney contest with a 59-45 win over Whittier Tech in their regular season finale last week, a triumph that assured Everett of a better than .500 record with an 11-9 mark for the regular season.

Fenelon led the point parade with 19 points, followed by Aylward with 16, Sweeney with 12, DeSouza with eight, and Jackie Hanlon and Cyrus with two points apiece.

Two members of the Lady Crimson Tide, Fenelon and Aylward, were named to the GBL all star team.

“Both Michelle and Lisa were great leaders for us and stepped up their game when we needed them to do so,” said Turner. “They have set a great example for the younger players in our program. Their selection as GBL all stars was well deserved.”

David Lima, competing in the 600 meter run, was the top finisher for the Crimson Tide, grabbing eighth place in the large field in a time of 1:25.24. David narrowly missed out on a ribbon, as he trailed the sixth place finisher, who had a time of 1:24.72, by just 1.52 seconds. The winning time was 1:23.20. Lima also just missed qualifying for the upcoming all state meet that will feature the top runners from all four of the schoolboy divisions.

“In order to qualify for the All State Meet in the 600, they take the top 5 finishers from Divisions 1-4 and then the next four fastest times across all divisions, equaling 24 athletes competing at the All States,” explained EHS head coach Shelanda Irish. “David had the fifth fastest time, so he just missed it.

“I think he ran a great race except for one of the most important parts of the race, which was the finish,” continued Irish. “He slowed up too soon as opposed to running through the finish line and I think that cost him going to the All States. But when all is said and done, David moved to the 600 meter in January. This was his first season running track and he’s done unbelievably in this event for our team. I think he’s still learning how to run the event in terms of how to pace himself and that will come with time. However, I think David will look back at this meet specifically and will see just how close he was to qualifying for the all states and it will be a motivator for him next year in this event.”

Irish also lauded the effort this season of Peter DuPerier, who competed in the 300 dash and finished in 10th place in a time of 37.09. The winning time was 35.27.

“Peter got out a little slow in the first 100 meters, so he ran a little slower than what he should have,” said Irish. “He missed getting into the final and looking at the overall times, he definitely could have made the finals based on his best time that he ran last week. Peter has done an outstanding job this season for the team and my guess is that he will be extremely close, if not definitely making it, to the all state meet next year in the 300. He really worked hard this season and he has become more confident in himself.”

Irish also applauded the effort of the 4 x 400 relay quartet of Lima, Ivan Velev, Jean Bourdeau, and Duperier. They sped over the track in 3:36.01. The winning time was 3:25.01.

“I thought our 4 x 400 team did great,” said the coach. “The boys ran their best time of the year, beating their previous best time from the GBL meet, so it was a great way to end the season for them. Ivan, Jean, David, and Peter did a terrific job in this particular relay.”

The Tide’s 4 x 200 relay foursome of Nick D’Angelo, Brian Panarese, Bourdeau, and Ian Syblis compiled a time of 1:38.36. The winning time was 1:30.02, a meet record. “The 4 x 200 should have run a little faster,” noted the coach. “The second exchange of the baton was a little shaky and it cost us some time.”

Ian Syblis, who has been battling injuries all season, competed in the 55 meter dash and finished in 16th position in a time of 6.87. The winning time of 6.41 tied the meet record.

“Ian’s start in the dash wasn’t his best, but he performed as best as he could at this point in the season,” said Irish. “I know Ian is disappointed because he really hasn’t run this season due to injury and he too, very well could have qualified for the all state meet. The person who got second is from Medford and Ian beat him in the first meet of the season. Despite only running twice in the dash this season, once in December and once in February, Ian still had the fastest time in our league. So like David and Peter, Ian will have hopes of qualifying in the all states next year.”

The other competitor for Everett was shotputter Ken Bailey, whose toss of 41 feet, 6.5 inches, earned him 25th place in the field.

“Overall, I’m very happy with the boys this season,” concluded Irish. “We had very strong representation at this meet, having boys in the 55, 300, 600, and shotput, as well as the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays.”