Five of Woburn’s Top Newsmakers This Week

Mayor Scott D. Galvin: The first-term mayor presented his first Tuesday to City Council, School Committee, city officials and residents. In his address, Galvin spoke about the challenges that faced Woburn this year, including severe weather and the line-of-duty death of Woburn Police Officer Jack Maguire. But Galvin also spoke of the highlights from 2010—the purchase of Spence Farm and Whispering Hills, and the nearly $1 million in savings due to changes in operation practices. If you missed Galvin’s speech, you can either on Woburn Patch.

Department of Public Works Director Tom Quinn: It has been a busy winter for Quinn as he has coordinated storm coverage several times already this season. Last week, Quinn’s DPW workers were out in full force, finishing clean-up of nearly two-feet of snow, dealing with a storm on Tuesday, and clearing the streets after . As emergency management director, Quinn has held meetings with city officials to discuss the storms and make sure that storm clean-up runs smoothly.  

Joyce Middle School student Yan-Ni Kelly: This community-minded student also made news this week, working with 350 other teenagers at Gov. Deval Patrick’s in Boston. Kelly volunteers every Tuesday at the Reeves Elementary School for nearly three hours. The volunteer work counts toward her community service hours as a National Honor Society member. But even after her community service requirement is completed, Kelly says she will continue to work with the Reeves art program.   

Ward 2 Alderman Richard Gately: The City Council alderman made news this week when he challenged a Main Street couple to . According to Gately, the house has furnishings for four apartments, but is only zoned as a two-family home. The Main Street couple, Blair and Elise Crawford, agreed the home needs to be rezoned and asked Gately and the City Council to consider their request to legalize the home as a three-family dwelling with a furnished basement. After some heated discussion, Gately said he would consider the request, if the couple withdrew their request and worked with the Building Department to make sure that it was a legal three-family home.

Woburn Memorial High School Senior Zeba Hashimi, Former Ward 5 Alderman Paul Medeiros and St. John’s Baptist Church Trustee Stanley Swann: The three were all honored this week at the city’s at the Hilton Boston/Woburn. Hashimi, who has volunteered extensively, including community service work in India, received a scholarship. Medeiros, who was honored for his work with environmental issues and recycling, and Swann, for his work with the church, were given Drum Major awards Monday.