Marblehead fireworks board head has reason to cheer

MARBLEHEAD – Alexander Falk and his family will be among the many Marbleheaders cheering the fireworks this Fourth of July – and with good reason.The fireworks will celebrate the 360th anniversary of Marblehead, but Falk, the new chairman of the town Fireworks Committee, will be watching his first fireworks as an American citizen.A native of Austria, Falk emigrated to the United States eight years ago. He became a citizen March 4, little more than a week ago. Over the years he has donated to the annual fireworks fund and he’s also been active in the Boston Yacht Club, and last year longtime committee member and past BYC Commander Mike Mentuck invited him to join the committee.Selectmen congratulated Falk on his citizenship Wednesday evening and officially named him committee chair. Other committee members present included Police Chief Robert Picariello, Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, former chairman Tim Green and Robert Dionne.The Fox Run Lane resident has already chaired several meetings of the committee, however, as committee members debated whether or not to hold a fireworks display this year, when times are so hard.”The fireworks have a special meaning for everyone in these hard times, they give people hope for the future,” he said.He noted that the fireworks are supported by private donations and the fundraising is 75 percent of the way to its goal.Selectman Judith Jacobi had good news for him. She is a member of the committee that organized the town’s 350th anniversary celebration and the committee has voted to donate $10,000 of its remaining surplus funds to this year’s fireworks collection.Contributions may be sent to the Board of Selectmen’s Office, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead MA 01945.