Marblehead names three to COA

MARBLEHEAD – Marblehead Selectmen named three new members to the Council on Aging last week.Their first choice was former Lynn District Court Presiding Justice Joseph Dever.Dever, a Marblehead resident who served as presiding judge of the third busiest court in the Commonwealth for 18 1/2 years. He is also the former head of the Lynn office of the Massachusetts Public Defenders but he seemed proudest of his work founding Changing Lives Through Literature, a social service program that put some female defendants into an American Literature program where they read novels instead of going to jail. He held an award ceremony for the program each June for 14 years, recognizing women who completed the program with certificates and bouquets.”I want to get involved with community service,” Dever said.Asked about possible new programs for the town’s seniors, he suggested a book club, field trips to area courts and educational help for those with limited finances.Dever was elected on the first ballot, with votes from Selectman Judy Jacobi, Harry Christensen and Selectmen Chairman Jackie Belf-Becker.The board also appointed Jeanne Louizos, a licensed teacher and social worker and former president of the Saugus teachers’ union, who advocated for the Salem State College Explorers Program for year-round senior education, and Elizabeth Michaud, a native Marbleheader and retired human resources executive who has volunteered with the Lee Mansion and the Boston Yacht Club.Selectmen were unanimous in their praise for all four applicants for the three available seats. The fourth candidate, Marjorie Detkin, has spent her career working with the elderly and has volunteered with the Marblehead Cultural Council and the Marblehead Festival of the Arts.