And that was the impossible standard that Jim Lamanna was expected to achieve on State Primary Day 2026, the first election that he was overseeing in his new position as Lynn city clerk.

From all reports from voters and candidates alike, Lamanna and his team handled the responsibility flawlessly, carrying on the tradition of election operational excellence from his legendary predecessor, the late Janet Rowe.

The election process affects everyone in Lynn, one of the largest cities in Massachusetts with a population of more than 110,000 residents. Out of 64,138 registered voters, a total of 8,595 residents cast ballots in the primary through early voting or at polling locations throughout the city, representing a total turnout of 13.40 percent (11.02 percent Democratic turnout and 2.39 percent Republican turnout).

“We had a turnout of 11.2 percent in the Democratic primary,” Lamanna reported. “It was much better than the municipal primary last year which was close to 3 percent. Between the crowded Sixth Congressional race, and the Moulton-Markey U.S. Senate race, there was some interest.”

Understandably, Lamanna had some anxious moments leading up to his first election since taking office on March 2, 2026.

“I had a sleepless night Monday night, I can tell you that,” Lamanna said candidly. “But I’m fortunate, I have a tremendous staff that has been through this before. Sadly, Janet Rowe passed away in May – she certainly would have been someone I had on speed dial. But she left me a great staff on the election side.”

Lamanna said once the polls closed at 8 p.m., the ballot-counting process began in earnest.

“I learned a lot Tuesday night,” he said. “I have never been in the so-called ‘war room’ as the ballot tabulators come in, the ballot boxes are unlocked, the plastic strips on the ballots are cut to make sure the votes haven’t been tampered with – and the tabulation begins. I’ll be more prepared for November when there will be a much bigger turnout for the final election.”

Voters across Lynn and eight of the ten precincts in Saugus, and four precincts in Wakefield delivered decisive outcomes in several contested primary contests on Tuesday night:

• U.S. Senate (Democrat): Incumbent Edward J. Markey carried Lynn with 4,272 votes (62.02%), defeating Seth Moulton, who received 2,616 votes (37.98%). Republican John Deaton received 1,279 votes in his primary.

• Sixth Congressional District (Democrat): Dan Koh led the crowded six-candidate field in Lynn, receiving 2,827 votes (41.70%). Following Koh were Tram T. Nguyen with 1,452 votes (21.42%), John A. Beccia, III with 1,118 votes (16.49%), Jamie M. Belsito with 595 votes (8.78%), Mariah L. Lancaster with 452 votes (6.67%), and Bethany Andres-Beck with 335 votes (4.94%). Micah Quinney Jones secured 1,099 votes in the Republican primary.

• Governor (Republican): Michael Roger Minogue won the Republican primary in Lynn with 1,176 votes (78.40%), surpassing Brian Shortsleeve, who took 324 votes (21.60%). Incumbent Democratic Gov. Maura Healey drew 5,961 votes in her uncontested primary.

• Ninth Essex House District (Democrat): Dr. Peter Meaney won the local primary contest with 619 votes (61.59%) against Zosia Jean VanMeter’s 386 votes (38.41%). Meaney will face Republican incumbent Donald H. Wong, who received 248 votes in his primary, in November.

• Sixth Councillor District (Democrat): Terrence W. Kennedy secured 4,013 votes (65.21%) in Lynn to defeat challenger Diann Mary Baylis, who gathered 2,141 votes (34.79%).

Lamanna expects the upcoming gubernatorial matchup between Gov. Healey and Republican nominee Minogue, alongside the Sixth Congressional District battle between Koh and Jones, to be major draws for the city in the fall.

“There are also nine ballot questions, including one about the elimination of recreational marijuana sales,” said Lamanna. “There are some important issues to be decided by the voters statewide in November.”

Lamanna, who proudly holds the titles of chief of elections and chair of the Election Commission, credited the assistance of “our three excellent commissioners, Paul Amirault, Sue Lang, and Arthur Richard, who were with me all day on Tuesday.”

Early Wednesday morning, Lamanna was back at his desk knowing that his team had delivered the goods on Election Day.

Adam Vinatieri, the former New England Patriots’ placekicker who launched the team’s dynasty with the game-winning field goal on the last play of Super Bowl XXXVI (a 20-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams), will be the guest speaker at the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn’s 9th Annual Gala on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at the Danversport Yacht Club.

Vinatieri was the Patriots’ super-clutch kicker for the first three of the team’s Super Bowl titles in the 2001, 2002, and 2004 seasons. He is widely considered the greatest kicker in NFL history and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Class of 2026.

Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Brian Theirrien said the club is excited to have Vinatieri on board for what has become the most anticipated event on Lynn’s social calendar.

“We’re looking forward to having Adam Vinatieri celebrating with us at the gala and our guests having the opportunity to meet him in person and listen to his remarks about his spectacular football career and what it takes to be a success in your chosen field,” said Theirrien.

Theirrien has announced that State Rep. Dan Cahill will return as the master of ceremonies for the event. Cahill was superb in that role a year ago and will again moderate an interview with Vinatieri following the full-course dinner.

Vinatieri’s appearance follows the club’s 2025 sold-out gala in which former Patriots’ receiver Jordan Edelman was the guest speaker.

The success of the annual galas has mirrored the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn’s ascension under Theirrien’s as one of the most impactful organizations serving youths in the City of Lynn. A former outstanding student-athlete himself, Theirrien and his staff recognize the vital need of having productive and well-supervised programs for youth during the crucial after-school hours.

The Lynn club is currently undergoing a $28 million expansion project that will add a wing to the current building and include a new indoor swimming pool, a new gymnasium, and a new kitchen and full cafeteria, among other amazing additions.

A tremendous turnout of Boys and Girls Club of Lynn’s friends and supporters is expected at the gala.

Tickets sales will begin on Sept. 8.

GLCC members and guests enjoyed a round of golf on a beautiful summer day, followed by a luncheon in the Gannon function room.

Lynn Veterans Council President Wayne Johnson, Vice President Charlie Griffin, Secretary Sgt. Major Ken Oswald, Treasurer Dr. Peter Meaney, and Board Member David Solimine Sr. are the co-chairpersons of the parade.

“We have assembled a great contingent of marching bands, organizations, and school groups for the parade and we’ll be honoring our first responders – police, fire, and ambulance – and all veterans,” said Solimine. “The preparations are going very well, and we expect a large turnout for the parade.”

The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 27.

US Army veteran, attorney, husband, father, and candidate for Congress Micah Jones challenged Sixth District Democrat nominee Dan Koh to a minimum of three debates across the district. Koh earned their party’s nomination last evening garnering just 41% of the vote.

“With the primary behind us and voters turning their attention to the November Election, candidates have an obligation to clearly articulate their positive vision for the future of the North Shore and Merrimack Valley – including demonstrating to voters through head-to-head debates why they are deserving of their votes,” said Jones. “Confidence in the institution of Congress is at an all-time low, and that is a troubling reality for our country. Our neighbors deserve the ability to make an informed decision, which is why I am asking Dan Koh to join me for a minimum of three debates.”

Jones has already agreed to a debate to be hosted at Endicott College on September 17.

5th Annual Lynnside Out Festival Set for September 12

Mayor Jared Nicholson is turning City Hall “Lynnside Out” for the 5th annual Lynnside Out Festival, inviting residents to connect directly with city departments on upcoming initiatives and projects that matter most to the community.

The event will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park. The community festival will feature a variety of entertainment and offerings, including:

• Live music and performances

• Arts & crafts

• Family-friendly activities

• Food

Please be advised that event exhibition is restricted to City departments, and outside organizations may only participate by invitation. Residents looking to learn more can visit LynnMA.gov.

Lynn Police DEPT. Hiring Crossing Guards

The City of Lynn Police Department is currently hiring crossing guards for 10 hours a week at a starting salary of $18 per hour. Crossing guards report directly to their assigned crossing stations and play a vital role in ensuring children use proper crossing locations while keeping them out of the street when traffic is moving.

Applications are currently being reviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more about the position’s full duties and requirements, or to submit an application, visit lynnma.gov/city_government/ departments/personnel/ current_job_postings

Deputy Chief Christopher Kelly Named Next Police Chief

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson has announced the upcoming appointment of Deputy Chief Christopher Kelly as Lynn’s next police chief. Kelly will step into the top leadership role to guide the city’s law enforcement efforts and oversee department operations. The announcement marks a significant transition for the Lynn Police Department as it continues to focus on community policing and public safety initiatives.

State Grant to Fund New Nonprofit Kitchen

A recent state grant totaling $226,358 has been awarded to help equip a new commercial kitchen and nutrition center in Lynn. The funding will provide crucial support for local nonprofit efforts aimed at addressing food insecurity and expanding access to healthy, community-based meals. Officials expect the state-funded facility to serve as a vital resource for residents once completed.

Former Porthole Restaurant Site Hits Market for $7 Million

The former site of the iconic Porthole Restaurant is officially on the market with an asking price of $7 million. Eight years after the beloved local establishment closed its doors, the prime real estate is being offered to prospective buyers. The sale presents a major redevelopment opportunity along the Lynn waterfront, offering expansive views of the Boston skyline.

Cyclist Struck and Killed in Downtown Crash

A tragic accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old cyclist in downtown Lynn earlier this week. The incident occurred on Broad Street on Aug. 31. First responders arrived at the scene but the victim succumbed to their injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Lynn Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Officials are urging drivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant while sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians.

Health Officials Announce Season’s First EEE-Positive Mosquito Samples

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed in mosquito samples collected on August 17 in the town of Kingston in Plymouth County. No human or animal cases of EEE have been detected so far this year.

Today’s finding increases the risk level of EEE to moderate in the communities of Carver, Halifax, Kingston, and Plympton.

“The last EEE outbreak in Massachusetts occurred in 2024 and, since then, there have been no human cases of EEE reported in the state,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Today’s finding alerts us to the presence of EEE in Massachusetts this year. While this is late in the season for the first detection of EEE in mosquitoes, when combined with all the evidence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, we are asking everyone in Massachusetts to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. The Department of Public Health recommends that people use mosquito repellent when they are spending time outdoors so they can enjoy the rest of the summer and decrease their risk of being bitten.”

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths; in 2020, there were five human cases and one death. In 2024, there were four human cases with one death. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2025.

“EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “When EEE is found in mosquitoes later in the season like this, there is less opportunity for the risk to increase to very high levels. But anytime EEE virus is in mosquitoes, it can be spread to people. We rely on our mosquito surveillance program to monitor for the presence of virus to let people know when and where the risk is occurring so they can take steps to protect themselves.”

One of the latest Active Attack Integrated Response courses brought approximately three dozen first responders to Tufts University for two days of classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and realistic scenarios. Participants included personnel from the Massachusetts State Police, Arlington Police, Lexington Police, Lexington Fire, Medford Fire, Somerville Fire, Somerville Police, Stoughton Fire, Cataldo Ambulance, and the police departments of North Shore Community College, Tufts University, and Worcester State University.

“Massachusetts was the first in the nation to adopt an internationally recognized framework for consistent, statewide active shooter response training,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina K. Kwon. “Our law enforcement, fire service, EMS, telecommunicator, and emergency management personnel are training together in courses like this one so they can work together in a real-world crisis.”

The Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR) course was coordinated by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, the Municipal Police Training Committee, and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center, with support from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

The course was held August 18–19 in partnership with Tufts University and the Tufts University Police Department. Tufts also hosted AAIR courses in June and July.

“We significantly ramped up AAIR deliveries to meet increased demand after last winter’s active shooter event at Brown University,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “So far this year, we’ve delivered 35 classes for first responders across Massachusetts, from Provincetown to North Adams. That’s more than 1,000 police, fire, and EMS professionals ready to stop the killing and stop the dying.”

“The AAIR curriculum provides life-saving training to first responders at every level of experience,” said Captain Amy Fanikos (Ret.), Deputy Executive Director of the Municipal Police Training Committee. “From classroom instruction to hands-on exercises to increasingly complex scenarios, it builds the skills necessary for law enforcement and fire/rescue to work seamlessly together when every second can be the difference between life and death.”

“I received great feedback from the Somerville firefighters who took part in this course,” said Somerville Fire Chief Charles J. Breen, Jr. “It builds on many of the emergency medical skills we already use, and it provides a strong foundation for working with our police partners. Trainings like this one could help save lives in a crisis most people don’t want to contemplate.”

“Massachusetts is doing some of the most aggressive AAIR training in the country,” said John Cantarella, Northeast Regional Manager for the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.

In 2022, Massachusetts became the first state to adopt NFPA 3000, Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response Program, as a statewide framework for active shooter response training through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, Municipal Police Training Committee and State Police Academy.

Developed following the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, NFPA 3000 emphasizes the importance of law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety partners planning, training, and coordinating before an emergency.

AAIR puts that framework into practice. The curriculum uses plain language and common terminology to help first responders establish command, stop an attacker, and reach injured people as quickly as possible. It also trains participants in the Rescue Task Force model, in which law enforcement protects fire and EMS personnel as they provide immediate medical care and evacuate patients.

The Department of Fire Services and Municipal Police Training Committee also offer Active Attack Incident Management, a course for chiefs and senior officers focused on command-level strategies, and Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, which teaches civilians how to protect themselves and others until first responders arrive.

Together, these interagency training programs have reached more than 7,000 police officers, firefighters, EMS providers, public safety dispatchers, and other participants across Massachusetts.

Dr. Murugaiah’s connection to BHCC spans every stage of her professional and personal journey. After studying Computer Science at BHCC, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Boston University, a master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, an MBA from the University of Geneva, and a Ph.D. in Teaching, Curriculum, and Society from Boston College.

“Bunker Hill Community College opened doors that transformed my life, and I am honored to give back to the institution that has shaped me as a student, educator, and community member,” said Dr. Murugaiah. “Community colleges create opportunities, expand possibilities, and strengthen communities. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to ensure that BHCC continues to provide an accessible, equitable, and high-quality education for all students.”

Following her graduation from BHCC, Dr. Murugaiah returned to the College as a faculty member, serving nearly a decade on the mathematics faculty. During that time, she co-led a comprehensive reform of the College’s developmental mathematics curriculum, work that earned a Governor’s Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She also led study abroad and service-learning programs, helping students gain global perspectives through experiences in Costa Rica and Senegal.

“Kiruba embodies the very best of what Bunker Hill Community College makes possible,” said BHCC President Pam Eddinger. “As a student, faculty member, scholar, and global education leader, she has devoted her career to expanding opportunity while never losing sight of the community that helped launch her journey. Her deep commitment to educational equity, student success, and public service will make her an extraordinary voice on our Board of Trustees.”

Dr. Murugaiah’s commitment to BHCC extends beyond her academic contributions. In memory of her late sister, the Murugaiah family established a scholarship that is awarded annually to a motivated first-generation college student, reflecting her enduring belief in the transformative power of education.

Her career has spanned the private, nonprofit, and international development sectors. After beginning her professional career as an IT Specialist with IBM Global Services, she served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea. She later worked as an Education Advisor with the International Rescue Committee, supporting educational opportunities for refugees and displaced populations across sub-Saharan Africa. Today, she serves as a consultant with Kalvi Advisors, providing guidance to nongovernmental and United Nations agencies on education programs in fragile, conflict-affected, and post-conflict settings.

“Kiruba brings an exceptional combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to Bunker Hill Community College,” said BHCC Board Chair Bill Walczak. “She understands firsthand the transformative power of a Bunker Hill education and has spent her career creating similar opportunities for others around the world. We are fortunate to welcome someone whose perspective, integrity, and dedication to students will strengthen the Board’s work for years to come.”

As Alumni Trustee, Dr. Murugaiah will bring her unique perspective as an alumna, educator, donor, and researcher to help advance the College’s mission of expanding access to higher education and supporting student success. She is particularly committed to ensuring that BHCC continues to serve first-generation college students, immigrants, and others seeking pathways to opportunity and economic mobility.

With more than 50 years of academic excellence, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is one of Massachusetts’ largest community colleges, serving approximately 16,000 students annually. With campuses in Charlestown and Chelsea, BHCC offers a broad range of educational opportunities throughout Greater Boston. BHCC fosters a welcoming and supportive learning environment for students by offering associate degrees and certificates, early college and dual enrollment, community education, corporate training, and industry-specific programs.

The concert celebrates 50 years of the R&B soul group’s hit, ‘Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel.’

Bobby Wong, owner of Kowloon, says, “We are thrilled to host Tavares, the legendary American R&B, funk, and soul group, at Kowloon for our “End-of-Summer Concert.”

Tavares will perform their up-tempo R&B hits including the million-selling single, “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” “More Than a Woman,” “Whodunit,” and “Don’t Take Away The Music.”

Tavares topped the charts with eight Billboard Top 40 singles, 12 R&B Top 10 singles—including three No. 1s—and a GRAMMY connected to Saturday Night Fever.

Special Guest for the evening: Angelena & The Unit. Showtime: 8:00 PM

Ticket Options:

Tickets: $50 per person – general admission

Special Tables of 4: $160

Doors Open: 6:30 PM

$75 per person Reserved Seating & Light Buffet

*Special Tables of 4: $260

Doors Open: 5:00 PM

Tickets available by:

Order Online at Kowloonrestaurant.com

Front Desk or Charge-By-Phone: 781-233-0077

For tickets, call Kowloon at (781) 233-0077.

A Meet and Greet was held with Gov. Maura Healey at the home of Saritin Rizzuto in Wakefield.

Lynn residents and officials attended the reception.

A large crowd enjoyed the show that featured several exciting bouts.