Reflecting on the club being filled to capacity in tribute to him, Lamanna said, “I’m a lucky man to have that many friends, co-workers, and family come on that day. I didn’t expect that large of a turnout. But it was a day I’ll certainly never forget.”


The former assistant city solicitor and attorney in the law department, Lamanna took office as city clerk on March 2. He succeeded Janet Rowe in the vital position in city government.


Lamanna brings 30 years of valuable experience in city government, impressive academic credentials, and a passion for public service to his new role. Born and raised in Lynn, Lamanna is a graduate of St. John’s Prep, Boston College, and Boston University Law School.


His father, the late Paul Lamanna, was a vice principal at Lynn English High School. His mother, Joanne Lamanna, is a retired Lynn school teacher.


Mrs. Lamanna beamed proudly at the celebration, moving from table to table greeting family and friends and soaking in the warm reception that was accorded to her son.


“I think my mother was very proud of the turnout and the show of support and affection that was on display that day,” Lamanna offered humbly.


Lamanna has begun to put his professional and personal stamp on the City Clerk’s office.


“The job is a good fit for my skill set,” Lamanna told the Lynn Journal. “I’ve worked closely with city clerks for the last 20-plus years. I’ve worked very closely with the Lynn City Council during that same period. I’m hoping to modernize the office, get ordinances up on our website, and set up a process that would allow residents to order vital records like birth certificates and death certificates online and put their credit card information in, rather than having to come to City Hall and wait in line sometimes. So, I’m looking forward to making some tweaks to the office that I hope the residents of Lynn will find more convenient.” 


Judging by the immense turnout at the celebration and the number of well wishes he has received since being appointed, James Lamanna has the support, admiration, and appreciation of the Lynn community for his outstanding career in public service and his new role.

The administration’s “Summer Savings” initiative arrives as the state prepares for high-traffic events including the FIFA World Cup and the Tall Ships festival. Monthly passholders are expected to save between $321 and $639 over the three-month period. Governor Healey noted that the goal is to make public transportation a more convenient and affordable choice for residents heading to work or enjoying local businesses.


The following promotions will be available to Lynn riders and commuters across the system:


• Free Summer Fridays: All Commuter Rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August. This includes the Juneteenth holiday and July 3.


• 50% Discount on Monthly Passes: Monthly passes for June, July, and August will be half-price. This applies to full and reduced-fare passes for Zones 1 through 10. Note that Zone 1A passes are excluded from this discount.


• Expanded Weekend Travel: Monthly passholders (Zones 1–10) can travel to any zone on the network during weekends at no extra cost.


• $1 Summer Companion Fare: On weekends, monthly passholders may bring one companion for just $1 each way.


To accommodate the FIFA World Cup, the MBTA will temporarily adjust schedules in June and July. Officials stated these fare discounts are intended to offset the impact of those schedule changes for daily riders. Regular fares will remain in place for special event trains to Foxboro, such as the CapeFLYER and Boston Stadium trains.

“We are focused every day on lowering the cost of housing for people,” said Governor Healey. “This program lowers families’ upfront costs and their monthly payments so that more people can afford to buy a home and build their future right here in Massachusetts. Today, we’re bringing this assistance to a wider cross-section of the middle class who are being priced out of homeownership right now. We encourage any eligible first-time homebuyers to apply for this expanded assistance, and we’re going to keep using every tool at our disposal to lower costs for everyone.” 


“Making homeownership more affordable takes action on multiple fronts, and that is exactly what we are doing,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By expanding homebuyer assistance and supporting other tools that lower costs, we are helping more working families and middle-class residents take the first step toward buying a home of their own.” 


This program provides eligible buyers with up to $25,000 at 0 percent interest with deferred repayment terms to help cover a down payment, closing costs, prepaid mortgage insurance or reduce their interest rate. The program is available to first-time homebuyers who lock in their MassHousing mortgage between April 27 and July 31, 2026 and earn up to 135 percent of area median income, which includes many middle-class borrowers across the state. This assistance is available to people earning up to 135% of area median income – ranging from $205,335 in eastern Massachusetts, to $165,645 in Worcester County, to $137,565 in the Berkshires and $129,870 in Hampden County. 


Interested homebuyers can visit masshousing.com to learn more about eligibility criteria and application instructions. 


“For many families, the biggest obstacle to buying a first home is saving enough for a down payment,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “This expansion will help more Massachusetts residents become homeowners by tackling that barrier head-on.” 


“MassHousing is committed to expanding sustainable homeownership opportunities across Massachusetts and ensuring that homebuying opportunities remain within reach for working families,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “Homebuyer assistance, including down payment assistance, is critical to removing barriers to homeownership and ensuring that first-time homebuyers are positioned for long-term success. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s investment in Massachusetts families will deepen the impact of MassHousing’s homebuyer assistance program and accelerate the path to homeownership for middle-income families.” 


“We see owning our home like an investment for the future. We hope to grow our family and now we have something for us,” said Ilse Bellido, who with her fiancé, used MassHousing financing with down payment assistance to purchase their home in Lowell. “When I first walked into my house, honestly, it’s so beautiful, it’s new, and it’s mine.” 


MassHousing already offers up to $25,000 in down payment and homebuyer assistance loans to moderate- and middle-income households purchasing a first home in any Massachusetts community. Prior to the Governor’s investment, this assistance was offered in the form of a 15-year second mortgage with interest rates ranging from 2 to 3 percent, depending on household income. With the new funding, that assistance is now available at 0 percent interest with deferred repayment, significantly lowering upfront costs for buyers. 


Since the beginning of 2023, MassHousing has delivered more than $1.9 billion in mortgage financing, helping over 5,900 households become homeowners. During that time, the agency has issued 4,757 down payment assistance loans, with four out of five mortgages supported by this tool. Over the past 18 months, nearly all first-time homebuyers using MassHousing have relied on down payment assistance to purchase a home. 


The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also advancing the Massachusetts Homeownership Tax Credit (HTC), created under the Affordable Homes Act and administered by MassHousing, to increase homeownership opportunities for moderate-income households through the development of new homeownership units. The HTC provides up to $10 million a year for five years through calendar year 2029 to support the production of new homeownership units. It is the first program of its kind in Massachusetts and one of only three programs nationally to use state tax credits to support homeownership production. 


These initiatives complement existing programs that help expand access to homeownership through Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s (MHP) homeownership programs, including ONE Mortgage, ONE+ and ONE+Boston, which help eligible first-time buyers lower borrowing costs and access financial assistance. Since 1991, MHP has provided over $5.3 billion in below-market bank financing and made it possible for more than 26,000 low- and moderate-income families in Massachusetts to purchase their first home.

“MBTA and MassDOT employees take pride in the communities we serve, and these cleanup efforts along the Blue Line reflect our shared responsibility and desire to keep the environment clean and our system welcoming for all,” said Interim Secretary General Manager Phillip Eng. 


Sustainability if a core priority for the MBTA. Initiatives like the annual Earth Day cleanup support broader efforts to reduce environmental impact and build a more resilient transit network. Through its strategic planning and climate work, the MBTA is focused on modernizing infrastructure, improving sustainability, and supporting mode shift to public transportation. In September 2024, the MBTA released its Climate Assessment, which outlines progress to date and identifies next steps to advance sustainability and resilience across the system. 


In addition to its climate planning work, the MBTA is advancing sustainability through major fleet modernization and mode shift investments across bus and commuter rail. The agency continues to deploy hybrid and battery-electric buses and invested in supporting infrastructure like the fully funded Arborway battery-electric bus facility. 


The MBTA is in the midst of the Better Bus Project, which will help to make riding the bus a first choice for more riders by improving accessibility, reliability, safety, and the overall experience. 


The MBTA is also moving forward with Regional Rail modernization, including a new joint procurement for battery-electric and Tier-4 low-emissions locomotives that will support quieter, cleaner, and more reliable service, building on investments already underway such as battery-electric service on the Fairmount Line. 


The MBTA also thanks its riders for doing their part. Whether choosing the bus, subway, commuter rail, ferry, or paratransit, public transportation helps to reduce traffic congestion and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Public transportation in the region produces significantly fewer emissions per passenger mile than single-occupancy vehicles, and as ridership increases, the environmental and sustainability benefits are anticipated to grow. 


The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) opened America’s first subway tunnel in 1897, pioneering public transportation in the United States. Today, the MBTA is one of the largest public transit systems in the country, operating an extensive network of subway, bus, Commuter Rail, ferry, and paratransit services across 176 cities and towns. The MBTA is undergoing a transformative period, focusing on cultivating a culture of safety and excellence, modernizing infrastructure, and improving reliability and accessibility. Current priorities include accelerating critical infrastructure repairs, expanding accessibility, and reducing emissions. The MBTA is committed to providing dependable, frequent, and accessible service that riders can rely on while supporting the region’s economic vitality. Through initiatives like the unprecedented Track Improvement Program, the Better Bus Program, and the Rail Modernization Plan, the MBTA aims to connect communities and improve riders’ daily experiences and trips. For questions or assistance, riders are encouraged to contact the MBTA Customer Center at 617-222-3200. Members of the press are encouraged to contact mediarelations@mbta.com. For the latest updates on MBTA services, projects, and initiatives, visit MBTA.com or follow @MBTA on social media.

This year's Walk, set for Sunday, May 3, is expected to raise over $1 million to fund Project Bread's proven statewide programs. Participants can join the 3-mile loop on the Boston Common or walk virtually in their own neighborhoods. The event begins at 9 a.m. with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The fully accessible route accommodates walkers with mobility devices, young children, and those with special needs. ASL interpreters and multilingual staff will be on hand to ensure everyone can participate.


Now in its 58th year, The Walk for Hunger remains Project Bread's flagship community event, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors in a celebration of compassion and action. Launched in 1969 as the first pledge walk in the nation, the event has grown into one of New England's most beloved traditions for combating food insecurity.


“Every step we take at The Walk for Hunger is a step toward a future where no family has to worry about their next meal,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “Our walkers and supporters are turning their compassion into action. Together, we’re not just walking — we’re building a stronger, more food-secure Massachusetts.”


The Red Sox Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of youth, families, veterans, and communities across New England by expanding access to health, education, and recreational opportunities. Since 2002, the Foundation has leveraged the team’s iconic brand and fan base to deliver year-round direct-service programs—such as Red Sox Scholars, the Fenway Park Learning Lab, and Nike RBI leagues—while also supporting mission-aligned nonprofit organizations through grantmaking and strategic partnerships. Since 2025, the Foundation has deepened its commitment and partnership with Project Bread, supporting both its Healthcare Partnerships program and The Walk for Hunger. Through this thoughtful collaboration, Project Bread and its FoodSource Hotline program have also provided compassionate support and counsel to communities served by the Red Sox Foundation who have experienced food insecurity. 


“Consistent access to nutritious food is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve,” says Bekah Salwasser, Red Sox Foundation Executive Director and EVP, Social Impact, Boston Red Sox.. “Our mission is rooted in expanding opportunity—whether through education, recreation, or health—and food security is critically important. We are proud to support Project Bread in addressing both immediate hunger needs and long-term systemic change.”


Project Bread launched the joint-fundraising Commonwealth Program in 2019. Participating organizations receive 60% of the funds they raise to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% contributing to Project Bread's broader statewide efforts. In 2025, 51 nonprofits raised more than $200,000 through the Commonwealth Program. 


These four Boston-based nonprofits are just some of the organizations participating in the Commonwealth Program this year.


• The American Red Cross – Boston Food Pantry (ARC – BFP) operates a high-volume, barrier-free food access system centered at its onsite pantry at 1033 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. Programs include onsite and mobile food distributions, school-based pantry partnerships with Boston Public Schools, a satellite pantry partnership with NeighborHealth in East Boston, Food is Medicine initiatives with healthcare partners, home delivery for seniors and homebound clients, monthly USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program distributions, and an onsite Department of Transitional Assistance Benefits Kiosk supporting SNAP enrollment. The organization utilizes research, data and statewide insights from Project Bread to inform its programming and regularly connects clients to the nonprofit’s FoodSource Hotline for food assistance navigation. The American Red Cross Boston Food Pantry is a member of the Make Hunger History Coalition, led by Project Bread, helping to advance solutions to end hunger permanently in Massachusetts.


A founding participant of the Commonwealth Program with more than 30 years of continuous involvement in the annual community fundraiser, the organization will use funds raised to support ongoing pantry operations, emergency food distribution and high-volume service delivery. This year, a team of 10 to 20 walkers will lace up for The Walk for Hunger on the Boston Common with a goal of raising $1,000 to support hunger relief efforts.


"Food insecurity remains a persistent and growing challenge across the communities we serve, particularly among seniors and working families facing rising housing and healthcare costs," says David Andre, Director of the American Red Cross Boston Food Pantry. "Participating in The Walk for Hunger reflects our commitment to collective action, shared learning, and strengthening statewide efforts to ensure equitable food access for all Massachusetts residents."


• At Boston Latin Academy, addressing food insecurity is a critical part of supporting students’ ability to learn, grow, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom. For the past four years, the school’s Fresh Food Pick Up initiative has provided consistent access to fresh, healthy food for students and families, helping to remove barriers faced by many in their diverse and underserved community. Through their continued partnership with Project Bread, Boston Latin Academy has expanded this work while engaging students, staff, and families in meaningful service. This year, led by Family Liaison Ms. Medina, a team of 25 to 40 participants will walk in person on Boston Common, proudly representing their school in coordinated black and gold, with a goal of raising $5,000 to further expand food access programs, emergency grocery support, and essential resources for their community.


“Participating in The Walk for Hunger allows us to bring our entire school community together around a shared purpose,” says Ms. Medina. “It’s about raising awareness, taking action, and ensuring our students and families have the resources they need to thrive.”


• For more than 50 years, The Paulist Center’s Wednesday Night Supper Club has provided a welcoming space in Boston where neighbors experiencing homelessness and food insecurity can gather for a nutritious meal, companionship, and dignity. As the founding team of Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger in 1969, The Paulist Center has remained deeply rooted in the event’s mission, raising thousands of dollars annually to sustain its weekly meal program and related services, including distribution of hygiene items and seasonal clothing. This year, led by Sarah Branciforti, a team of 50 to 75 walkers will once again take to Boston Common in person, aiming to raise $60,000 to support food purchases and essential supplies that keep their operations running while continuing to foster a strong sense of community among volunteers and guests alike.


“The Walk for Hunger is not only essential to sustaining our program, it’s a meaningful way for our entire community to come together,” says Branciforti. “It reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors is met with nourishment, dignity, and connection.”


• Friday Night Supper Program, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving a hot, nutritious meal in a safe and dignified environment every Friday to anyone who wants one. Based in Boston, the organization provides a restaurant-style dinner alongside access to a clothing and toiletry closet and pantry table, supporting individuals experiencing low income, homelessness and food insecurity. Through its weekly meal service, Friday Night Supper Program not only addresses immediate hunger but also fosters community, connection and dignity for all who attend, aligning with broader efforts to combat food insecurity across Massachusetts. This year, more than 20 walkers will participate in The Walk for Hunger at Boston Common. The team’s goal is to raise $8,333 to support weekly meal service, including the cost of food, kitchen supplies and essential equipment needed to serve guests consistently and with care.


“Our partnership with Project Bread has been both meaningful and impactful,” says Aaidaliz Perez, Executive Director of Friday Night Supper Program. “Through The Walk for Hunger and The Commonwealth Program, we are able to raise critical funds while staying connected to a broader network committed to ending hunger. One of our most memorable experiences was walking alongside members of our community and even inviting guests to join us and cross the finish line together. It was a powerful reminder that this work is about more than meals—it’s about community, dignity and shared purpose. This year, we look forward to building on that spirit and continuing to walk together in support of our mission.”


To register as a participant for Project Bread's Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit give.projectbread.org/walk. All individual walkers are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $25 and teams $250. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear, free breakfast on Walk Day, and invitations to exclusive events.

The New England Produce Center is the largest wholesale produce market in the region and a cornerstone of the food supply chain, distributing fresh food to grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and institutions across Greater Boston and throughout New England and the Canadian Maritime provinces. 


The produce center sits in the floodplain of Island End River, a tidal tributary of the Mystic River that frequently overtops its banks. Flooding is growing more severe each year and will become catastrophic as sea levels rise.


Disruption to the produce center due to flooding would have consequences far beyond Chelsea and Everett, threatening regional food access, economic activity, and supply chain stability.


Officials used the visit to highlight the importance of the Island End River Flood Resilience Project, which has been under development by the Cities of Chelsea and Everett for more than a decade to address this critical vulnerability. Developed in response to growing risks from storm surge and sea level rise, the project is designed to protect the produce center, thousands of residents in surrounding neighborhoods, and interconnected transportation and utility infrastructure.


The project includes a linear flood barrier, underground tidal gates to prevent and manage storm surge, and new public access improvements, including an elevated riverwalk, a new Island End Park, and restored wetland habitat.


The tour gave legislators an opportunity to hear directly from Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez, Everett Mayor Robert J. Van Campen, and other local leaders about the urgency of advancing the project and the importance of sustained state and federal support to protect this critical regional asset.


“This visit made clear that protecting the New England Produce Center is not just a local priority, but a regional imperative,” said Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez. “For more than a decade, Chelsea and Everett have been advancing the Island End River Flood Resilience Project because we understand what is at stake. This project protects critical food infrastructure, strengthens supply chain resilience, safeguards surrounding communities, and represents the kind of forward-looking investment we need to meet the challenges of climate change.”


Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen said the flooding we see along the Island End River is not just a future threat.


“It is happening now, and it is getting worse,” Van Campen said. “Residents, businesses, and critical regional infrastructure like the New England Produce Center are all at risk. Chelsea and Everett have been driving this project forward for more than a decade, and we are grateful for the opportunity to show our state partners firsthand why this investment matters so much to our communities and the region.”


Participants in the tour included Senator Sal DiDomenico and members of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management and the Joint Committee on Federal Funding and Accountability. Committee members in attendance included Representatives Kathy LaNatra, Kate Donaghue, Steve Ultrino, Estela Reyes, and Jeffrey Turco.

Commonly known as “banjo rays” for their distinctive shape, eastern fiddler rays are native to the coastal waters of Australia, where they inhabit seagrass meadows, shallow sandy areas, and reefs. Their skin feels more like a shark’s than a stingray’s, though they are not sharks and are a close relative of guitarfish.


Viola and Tasman’s names reflect the species’ musical monikers and geographic roots. Viola is named for the string instrument, a nod to the fiddler ray name. Tasman is named after the Tasman Sea, situated on the southeastern coast of Australia, where the species is found. Guests who look closely may notice the two can be told apart by their markings, a fun challenge at the touch tank.


“Our new fiddler rays are a dynamic addition to the touch tank and have warmed up quickly to their surroundings,” said Sarah Tempesta, Manager of Interactive Exhibits at the New England Aquarium. “They are avid eaters of shrimp, clam, squid, silversides and capelin. Guests have had wonderful opportunities to interact with them already, and we can’t wait for more guests to meet them.”


Eastern fiddler rays can grow up to four feet long. Unlike stingrays, they do not have a stinging spine on their tail, called a barb. Females are also ovoviviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young from eggs that develop and hatch inside the mother. While the species is not endangered, fiddler rays face threats in the wild from being caught accidentally, or as bycatch, in commercial and recreational fishing.

This annual program is necessary to remove residual materials from the water mains and ensure high-quality water delivery throughout the summer months. Residents should be aware of the following schedule and impacts:


• May 4: Range Height Rd and Cannon Rock Rd neighborhoods (including side streets); Millar, Range, Longwood, Edgehill, Hollis, Saunders, Taylor, Log Cabin, and Glenwood Roads; and Uphill Ln.


• May 5: Jenness St (#66-249), Bay State, Moray, Lakeshore, Elsie, Marianne, Den Quarry, Cedarbrook, Ladd Hill, Janice, Kent, Cedardale, and Daytona Roads, and Orlando Ave.


• May 6: Lynnfield St (#307 to the Rotary), Ashwood, Lynn End, Vincent, Hilda, Tuscan, Conant, Bow Ridge, Nells Pond, Lansing, Regina, D’Ambrosia, and Gallo Roads; Cobb Ln; and Clearview Ave.


• May 7: Sanger, Ellen, Michael, Joel, Mary Ellen, Anchor, Bridle Path, and Apple Blossom Roads; Donnelly and Emerald Drives; Meghan’s and Sheila’s Ways; and Peach Tree, Judge, and Cherry Tree Lanes.


• May 11–14: Flushing will continue in the neighborhoods surrounding Parkland Ave, Broadway Cir, Euclid Ave, and Maple St.


Residents may experience temporary water discoloration ("rusty water") during and immediately after flushing. If this occurs, the LWSC recommends running the cold water tap for several minutes until it clears. Residents are also strongly advised to check the schedule before doing laundry to avoid staining.

The program runs every Saturday through December, providing a dedicated window for residents to dispose of organic yard debris.

Saturdays, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Season: Now through December

Where: DPW Leaf and Yard Waste Compound (Located at 250 Commercial Street)

Eligibility: Open to Lynn residents only.

To ensure a smooth process and maintain eligibility, the DPW has outlined the following requirements:

Identification Required: All residents must be prepared to show a valid driver’s license to verify residency.

Commercial Vehicle Rules: Drivers using non-landscaping commercial vehicles—including vans, trailers, marked business vehicles, or pickup trucks with commercial plates—must present their ID for verification before being allowed to unload.

Right to Inspect: DPW staff reserve the right to inspect all loads and may deny access to any vehicle to ensure compliance with waste standards.

For more information or specific questions regarding acceptable materials, residents are encouraged to contact the DPW at 781-586-8010.

City Street Sweeping Programs In Full Swing

The City of Lynn Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently executing its Spring 2026 street sweeping schedule. While neighborhood sweeping began in Ward Seven on April 21, the program is now entering its second full week across various wards. Residents are urged to consult the city’s official four-week projected calendar for specific precinct dates and potential weather-related shifts.

The city maintains two distinct programs with different requirements:

• Neighborhood Sweeping: Operations take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All vehicles must be removed from the street during these hours. Cars remaining on the roadway are subject to ticketing.

• Downtown Sweeping: Maintenance occurs weekly, Monday through Friday, from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. This program is currently active.

• Signage: Residents should check posted signs for designated tow zones. In the downtown district, violations carry the risk of both ticketing and towing.

• Schedule Changes: Updates regarding delays due to weather, construction, or equipment issues are posted directly to the city website and shared via social media.

DPW officials emphasize that vehicles must remain off the street for the duration of the scheduled window to allow crews to complete a thorough cleaning of the gutters and roadways. Scan the QR code below to view the spring 2026 schedule.

National Grid Urges Customers To Be Aware Of Rising Scam Calls

National Grid is alerting customers to be aware of scam calls targeting residents and businesses across its service territory. If contacted by someone claiming to represent the company, National Grid recommends that customers always ask for identification.

These scams typically involve callers claiming a customer’s account is past due and threatening immediate service disconnection unless payment is made. Scammers may also use “spoof” phone numbers, so calls appear from National Grid.

National Grid reminds customers that while the company may contact customers regarding their accounts or service, it will never demand immediate payment through prepaid cards, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or third-party payment apps.

Customers should be aware of common red flags, including:

• Threats of immediate service disconnection without prior written notice

• Requests for personal, financial, or account information

• Demands for immediate payment using prepaid or non-traditional payment methods

• Callers who cannot verify account details

National Grid encourages customers to verify any suspicious communication by contacting the company directly using the phone number listed on their bill. Customers should never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.

If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately and report the incident to National Grid or local law enforcement.

Joining forces to bring the concept to fruition were The Daily Item newspaper and owner Peter Gamage, owner Thomas A. Yawkey and the Boston Red Sox, for whom Agganis was playing at the time of his death, and Harold O. Zimman, a confidante and mentor of Agganis.


The purpose of the foundation was to raise money for college scholarships to be presented in the name of Agganis, an All-American football player at Lynn Classical and record-breaking quarterback at Boston University who opted for professional baseball so he could play for the Red Sox and be near his widowed mother.


Seventy years later, that mission remains unchanged, with the Agganis Foundation having awarded $2,588,000 in scholarships to 1,074 student-athletes.


The foundation will mark seven decades of preserving the legacy of Harry Agganis with an event at the Lynn Museum & Arts Center on May 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. At the celebration, the Demakes Family and Demakes Enterprises will be honored for their longtime generous support of the foundation and the Agganis All-Star Games.


Also recognized will be past Agganis All-Star and scholarship recipient Mike Giardi, a teacher and three-sport coach at Marblehead High School, and current scholarship recipients Brady Warren, a junior at Saint Anselm College, and Victoria Quagrello, a sophomore at Middlebury College. Agganis scholarship recipients receive $2,000 per year for the four years they are in college.


“We are proud of the role the foundation has played and continues to play in providing meaningful scholarships in the name of Harry Agganis,” said John Meklis, foundation president and a 1990 Agganis scholarship recipient. “This event gives us an opportunity to celebrate 70 years of success, while reaffirming our commitment to continue that legacy.”


The Agganis All-Star Games serve as a fundraiser for the foundation. What started as a football game in 1956 has expanded to nine All-Star games – softball, baseball, girls and boys basketball, girls and boys lacrosse, girls and boys soccer and football. This year’s games will be played in Lynn June 27-28.


For information on tickets and sponsorships for the May 20 event, visit agganisfoundation.com