Marblehead names new fireworks board chairman

MARBLEHEAD – About a month before fund-raising begins in earnest for the town’s 2008 Fourth of July fireworks and harbor illumination, the Marblehead Fireworks Committee has a new chairman.Selectmen appointed Timothy R. Green as chairman last week. Green is a current member of the committee and also serves on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He will serve as chairman until May, when selectmen reappoint all committees under their authority.In his letter Green said he had served under former Chairman Michael Mentuck for several years and, “I feel I could fill the position seamlessly.”He pointed out that he had working knowledge of the process of applying for Coast Guard permits for the fireworks display barge, he has been intimately involved with the fund-raising and “I have always been on hand to help load the actual fireworks ? on the morning of the event.”Green has been one of the volunteers who perform “guard duty” around the fireworks barge each year and his work with the Chamber has familiarized him with Festival of Arts needs on the fireworks display.Although he has been less involved with the “land side” of the event, Green pointed out that the town has a great Fireworks Committee that can help with that part of the event.Mentuck notified selectmen Oct. 24 that he was stepping down and board members set last Wednesday as the deadline for applications. Board members lost no time in appointing Green as chairman.Mentuck said he would be pleased to serve on the committee, but not as chairman. As usual, letters seeking fireworks donations will be enclosed with every mooring application sent out in January, and letters will also be sent to each town resident.