Town Talk
Five people were honored by the Essex Police Department and selectmen at the Essex Senior Center on Monday night for their efforts in early October that helped save the lives of an elderly couple.
It was Saturday Oct. 10, 95-year-old Hyman Novak and his 79-year-old wife Helen accidently drove their car off a small ledge near Periwinkles Restaurant and into the Essex River.
When Essex Patrolmen James Romeos and David Earle arrived, the couple was still in the sinking car calling for help. Romeos then dove into the water and began swimming to the car while Earle used a kayak that was on the shoreline to paddle out to the car.
Jason Simpson, one of the Essex assistant harbormasters and Essex resident Steve Pellegrini, an off-duty Peabody firefighter, used the harbormaster's motorboat to approach the sinking four-door vehicle.
"Everyday the police officers and firefighters put our uniforms on, they really don't know what is going to happen on that given day," Police Chief Silva said at the ceremony. "We put the badge on and we expect to go home at the end of the day."
Silva noted that the town had not had a recognition ceremony such as this since he joined the department in 1988.
Romeos and Earle received commendations for life-saving, one of the departments highest honors. While Pelligrini and Simpson received letters of recognition for his efforts.
Dispatcher Theresa Mansfield, who was on duty that afternoon, also received a letter of recognition for her professionalism in helping orchestrate the efforts.
On the block
A piece of fast-food history will be auctioned off in Essex next weekend.
Kaminski Auctions in Beverly has been commissioned to auction off the fine art and antiques from the estate of Robert O. Peterson, the founder of the Jack-in-the-Box fast-food chain. The auction will take place Dec. 28 and Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. at Woodman's Function Hall.
Peterson, who lived in California and passed away in 1994, was well-known in the business community as a pioneer in the fast food industry and is credited with introducing the "drive-through window," according to auction information on Kaminski's Web site.
In the 1940s, Peterson first founded a series of "hamburger joints" in Southern California and in 1951, he opened the first Jack-in-the-Box. Peterson was also a lifelong collector and patron of the arts.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer such rare and beautiful items from this important estate," said Frank Kaminski, owner of Kaminski Auctions in a statement.
The auction items up for bid include fine art, art glass, porcelain, Persian rugs, important Asian antiques, and more.
Auction previews are scheduled Sunday, Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on the day of the auction from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Essex winter youth programs
The Essex Youth Commission's winter program and events brochure is now available. It can be found on the EYC Web site: www.essexma.org/eyc.
The programs include activities for early release days, discount movie tickets and extended programs throughout the winter months.
The commission is offering four trips up to the Sunday River Ski Area in Bethal, Maine, for students in Grades 6-12. The trips depart and return from behind the Manchester Town Hall. Fee includes deluxe motor coach transportation, a movie during the bus ride, daily lift ticket.
Those interested can bring their own equipment or rent gear at the mountain and can purchase bus and lift tickets for all four trips for $284 or go one-time for $84. Prices to just ride the bus are also available. A deposit is due at time of registration, which ends Dec. 23.
There is also many after school programs available for students is grades 1-5. Including a Lego building club, puzzle making club and cooking classes.
Got yearbooks?
The Manchester Public Library is looking to fill the gaps in its collection of Manchester High School yearbooks. This includes old high school yearbooks from all the past and present high schools in town.
The oldest yearbook currently available at the library is from Story High School class of 1957, and the library currently has all the yearbooks from 1991-2008 and is asking for any books earlier than 1991. The library has random years in between 1957 and 1991.
The library will also host a family "Holiday Story Time" on Saturday Dec. 19, at 2 p.m.
Stories will be read by the hearthside and cookies will be served. All ages of children, parents, grandparents, are invited.
Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3447, or via e-mail at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com
