The nonprofit Gloucester Education Foundation has a new but very familiar president.
Maggie Rosa, who also heads the City Hall Restoration Committee and who had been the foundation's volunteer executive director, has taken the reins of president from former president Ed Shoucair, who stepped down last week but remains on the board.
With the changes, the GEF is also now beginning a search for a full-time executive director to manage the organization's day-to-day business, according to a foundation announcement. That position will be funded through a grant that has now been secured by the GEF, officials said.
Shoucair had served for four years as the foundation's president and founded the organization; according to a release from the foundation, he will play a key role in building up its endowment.
"I am proud of the GEF's growth and many accomplishments since its founding in 2005," Shoucair said. "I am confident that there is no one more capable to take the foundation into the future than Maggie Rosa."
Rosa served as the education foundation's executive director for four years as well.
The foundation, which draws private funding and provides supplemental support for the Gloucester Public School District, has also named Christine McGrath as its vice president, filling a seat that had been held by Joe Rosa, Maggie's husband.
McGrath formerly served as a superintendent of schools in Tewksbury.
Rocky Neck recognition
Gloucester has taken one of its first steps toward establishing a cultural district around Rocky Neck.
City Council signed off on the proposal for an East Gloucester Cultural District during its meeting Tuesday night. Now it's up to the state to give the final approvals.
The district, said Karen Ristuben, president of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, will stretch from Cripple Cove landing to Niles Beach.
The Art Colony, Gloucester Stage Company, and Gloucester Writers Center form the three legs of the district.
Though the change is more a marketing measure than one bringing about physical change, the district will help those groups act as one to draw visitors and potential state funding in the future, said Ristuben.
Cultural districts do not change an area's zoning, she said.
Honored veteran
The flag at the Veterans' Center will fly this week in honor of World War II veteran Harry "Cleve" Goodick. Born Jan. 14, 1918, he entered the U.S. Army on June 12, 1942, and was discharged Oct. 25, 1945.
A medic, the technician fifth grade served with Station Hospital Detachment A 32nd General Hospital. He served in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland.
Goodick was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the American Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He died Feb. 16, 2005.
The flag was requested to fly in his honor by his daughter, Deborah Collins.
Anyone wishing to fly a flag in honor of a deceased veteran can call the Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.
2 More Western Journalists Die in Syria
7 Killed As Afghan Quran Protests Turn Violent
Santorum Goes After Obama on Energy
Judge Says Lindsay Lohan in the "Home Stretch"
Father Accused of Using Leash on 11 Year Old
Obama Helps Break Ground on Black History Museum
Raw Video: Dozens Dead in Argentina Train Crash
Megaupload's Kim Dotcom Released on Bail
Two Western Journalists Killed in Syria
Wounded Vets Regain Some Camaraderie in Kitchen
Man Accused of Repeatedly Running Over Lover
Ga. Authorities Say 5 Dead in Spa Shooting
Raw Video: Obama Belts Out Blues
FDA: New Suppliers to Ease 2 Drug Shortages
Doctor Details Cancer Drug Needs and Shortage
Raw Video: New Orleans Revels in Mardi Gras
'Super PACs' Overtaking Campaigns' Fundraising
Raw Video: Mardi Gras Underway in New Orleans
Mild Weather Could Affect Syrup Production
Ex-IMF's Strauss-Kahn Questioned on Prostitution
