The few, the proud, the Mouseketeers
Selectman Harry Christensen told a joke on himself as the retired U.S. Marine solved the mysteries of military time for fellow board members, quoting his own father in the process.
When someone was stymied by the definition of 1500 hours, Christensen explained. "In the Navy it's 3 p.m. In the Army it's 3 p.m. And in the Marines, Mickey's big hand is on the three and his little hand is on the 12."
Diplomatic outreach
Colorful Salem City Councilor Joe O'Keefe has been working closely with Marblehead officials to resolve problems arising from the fabulous success — and prodigious traffic — at the YMCA on Leggs Hill Road.
"We've got to work together," said O'Keefe when he learned that Marbleheaders like Selectman Bill Woodfin have been saying good things about him. "We're getting along wonderfully," he added. The aim is to do something to make speed limits consistent and to landscape the site.
O'Keefe grumbled at the quip that kind words from Marbleheaders could cost him votes in Salem. The former state fire marshal praised the Marblehead Fire Department and old friends, like former Selectman Bill Conly.
For that matter, he noted that he's working with Town Administrator Tony Sasso and Planner Becky Curran, both Salem residents.
An honor for Cole
In ill health, longtime Historical Commissioner Ray Cole has been named an emeritus member of that board.
It won't dare rain now
It's been wet. But have no fear for the holiday: Selectmen Chairwoman Jackie Belf-Becker recently dismissed the fact that there was no rain date for an Independence Day block party, declaring, "We wouldn't allow rain on the Fourth of July."
Sign of the times
When Helaine Hazlett of the Task Force Against Discrimination presented a winning "No Place for Hate" poster (created by Marblehead High School sophomore Michael Harper) to the selectmen, Bill Woodfin asked if the sign could be reproduced and displayed in town.
Hazlett nodded enthusiastically, "If you have it in your budget."
A long silence followed. "Oh, well," sighed Selectman Judy Jacobi.
Stay young forever
Keep your old teacher around. Helaine Hazlett of the Task Force Against Discrimination appeared before the selectmen with former Marblehead teacher Harvey Michaels, who declared, "Any student I ever had, including Helaine, is still a kid."
Grand bank
In addition to having one of the best names in banking, the National Grand Bank was cited by U.S. Banker magazine as one of the top 200 community banks in the country. Bank president (and Selectman) Jim Nye found out about it the old fashion way — after picking up the magazine from the rack and thumbing through it on his lunch hour.
He was completely surprised and delighted. The ranking at 188 was based on return on investment. But watch out, warned magazine writer Alan Kline. "If there's one thing banks have learned from the financial crisis, it's that their fortunes can turn in a hurry. Five banks ranked in the top 65 a year ago ... have since failed."
"We didn't make those risky loans," said Nye, explaining the bank's success. It's something a lot of small local banks have in common.
As for that name, Nye notes that the Grand Bank is one of the oldest in the country, established in 1831. It began when local fishermen — who worked the Grand Banks — were unable to get credit from larger banks.
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