Firms asked to provide jobs or cash for summer program
FirstJobs , a youth employment program, still needs businesses to hire teenagers or contribute money to a salary pool so that they can work for a nonprofit this summer, according to the North Shore Workforce Investment Board in Salem.
So far, 82 companies have agreed to pledge at least one job. They include banks, colleges, a web design firm, a funeral home, pizza shops, golf courses, and restaurants, among others. So far, companies have contributed $90,000 to the salary pool to pay for teenagers to work at the YMCA and other local nonprofits.
Still, more jobs and donations are needed for FirstJobs to meet its goal of placing 300 youths, ages 14 to 19, in summer jobs, organizers say.
``We're willing to be flexible," said Mary Sarris , executive director of the board, which runs FirstJobs. ``If a company can only hire a teen for a month, or for a limited number of hours each week, we'll try to find them someone."
FirstJobs aims to place teens in jobs for about 25 hours per week with an hourly wage of at least $6.75 per hour, the minimum wage. The program will run from July 5 to the end of August. Job counselors at career centers in Gloucester, Lynn, and Salem work to match employers with teens, Sarris said.
FirstJobs is modeled after a youth jobs program started by Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to curb high teenage unemployment. FirstJobs has asked mayors and town managers in Beverly, Danvers, Gloucester, Lynn, Peabody, and Salem to contact local employers.
``Their involvement is critical," said William Tinti, , a Salem lawyer and chairman of the North Shore Workforce Investment Board. ``When Mary or I call the president of a company, they may, or may not, pick up the phone. But when the mayor calls, chances are they pick up the phone. That introduction opens the doors for us."
FirstJobs is also making its pitch through local business organizations. On June 27, the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce will host a presentation on First Jobs during an 8 a.m. meeting at Eastern Bank's main office on Market Street. For more information, visit www.northshorewib.com
Sponsors needed for Timlin road race
The Angel Fund of Wakefield is looking for business sponsors for the third annual Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Road Race to Cure ALS , which honors Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin's late mother.
The race is scheduled for next Sunday at 9 a.m. at Hopkinton High School in Hopkinton. Timlin and his wife, Dawn, are major supporters of the Angel Fund, a nonprofit that raises money for the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Sharon Timlin died in 2001 of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,) an illness better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Since joining the Sox in 2003, Timlin has donated $500 to the Angel Fund for each regular season appearance he makes. In all, the couple has donated $40,000 for each of the past three seasons.
The Red Sox also help sponsor the race. Sponsorship levels include platinum, which costs $5,000 and gets a company their name and logo on the race banner, T-shirt, and promotional materials.
Gold-level sponsorships cost $2,500 to $4,999, and include mention in media promotions and on the official race T-shirt. Silver and bronze sponsorships run from $250 to $2,499, and include a company's logo on the race T-shirt.
George and Cynthia Mazareas of Nahant are gold-level sponsors. George Mazareas, a former Lynn School Committee member, has ALS. The St. George Greek Orthodox Community of Lynn is a silver sponsor. For information, visit www.theangelfund.org or www.sharontimlinrace.org
Salisbury chamber hands out awards
The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce saluted good works and deeds around the town during its annual dinner meeting last week at the Beach Club.
Ted Irvin , an active member of the Lions Club who previously served on town boards, received The Louis A. Hailson Community Service . Zip Type , a printing company owned by Russell and Sheila Johnson , received the Small Business Award. Rick Armstrong, chairman of the state's Seaport Council, received the Award of Appreciation. Town Manager Neil J. Harrington , received the Leadership Award.
Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com. 
