The City of Beverly has announced plans to welcome home Angie Miller, who made the top three on Fox's "American Idol" Thursday night.

The celebration will begin Saturday with a parade that starts from City Hall at 3 p.m. With Miller in a convertible, the parade will travel down Cabot Street to Herrick Street, where the Beverly High graduate will perform outdoors at the school at about 4 p.m.

The city, along with Miller's friends, will welcome the 'Idol' top three contestant home with open arms.

Lydia Hester, 17, one of Miller's best friends, cheered as the results of Thursday night's episode came in.

"I’m pretty impressed," Hester said.  "It was just exciting because I know I’m going to get to squeeze her soon. I was crying a lot."

Hester, along with 13 other Miller fans and supporters gathered to watch Wednesday night's episode, cheering the 'Idol' contestant on, as they have done since the show kicked off its 12th season in January.

Carly Moffie, 18, a member of the Beverly High School vocal ensemble, will be performing the star-spangled banner with the rest of the group, and possibly singing backup for Miller.

The high school senior has also performed in various school plays with Miller and said she's proud and excited for the Beverly native.

"It’s going to be amazing," Moffie said.  "It’ll be great for us to support her and it’ll be cool to sing again with her for sure."

Moffie added that although there will be an estimated 10,000 people at Saturday's events, she isn't nervous.

"Maybe I will be once we get there and I see the cameras," Moffie said.  "But right now it’s just excitement."

Click here for information about Miller's homecoming, including parking.

FOX

Angie Miller (right) gives the thumbs-up after making the Top 3 along with Candice Glover.

By Terri Ogan, Globe Correspondent

A nurse in the Beverly school system received notification about a week ago from the Department of Public Health that a person who attended the ACT test on Saturday April 13 at Beverly High School had a confirmed case of measles.

Cathy Riccio, nurse leader for Beverly public schools, said she cannot confirm whether or not the infected person is a student from the high school.

Riccio said that no other cases have been reported and the disease has been contained.

Nearly 300 people were on the high school property and have since been notified through a letter from Riccio, as well as a measles alert from the Department of Public Health.

"It’s one of those things you want to clamp down," Riccio said. "Since it was a Saturday and it was for testing and for athletic teams, we were able to identify rapidly who was in the building."

According to Riccio, a total of 21 staff members, 95 Beverly High School students, 167 students from the surrounding area and 61 other Beverly students were on the premises the same day as the infected person.

The students from surrounding towns were sent letters as well.

Luckily, Riccio said, all Beverly High School students were up-to-date with their immunization, therefore were not labeled as "susceptibles."

Others were urged to check their medical history, or get in contact with a medical provider to get the proper immunization.

Because measles can look like other diseases that cause a rash, the only sure way to know if a person has measles is to get a blood test, according to information from the Department of Public Health.

People with measles are infectious for four days prior to the rash onset, until four days after the onset. If someone is susceptible to measles they will usually show symptoms 10 to 14 days after exposure.

Since Riccio sent out the measles notification letter, she said she has received calls from concerned parents, due to an alarming Facebook post. Although she could not comment on the name, Riccio said a local doctor's office posted a comment on Facebook with incorrect information saying that there was a measles exposure at the high school.

"What they were trying to do was encourage vaccination," Riccio said. "Which is exactly what I want to encourage people to do."

The Department of Public Health is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation, according to Anne Roach, a spokesperson from the agency.

As it is ongoing, no further details are available, but Roach added that there have been about 20 confirmed measles cases in Massachusetts in the last two years.

Riccio said that this is the first measles case in Beverly this year, and she doesn't see it as a concern right now.

Terri Ogan can be reached at oganglobe@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter.

Almost four months into Fox's "American Idol," 17-year-old Lydia Hester still can't believe that she's watching one of her best friends perform on the big screen.

But the Beverly High School senior is proud of Angie Miller, 19, who has gone from performing on the stage at Beverly High to wowing an audience of over 10 million.

"Ang and I talked about her making it this far," Hester said. "But I never imagined it ... it's pretty crazy."

Now Hester will get to see her friend this weekend. The singer made the top three last night, meaning a big welcome home gathering Saturday, when a parade will be held in her honor at 3 p.m. followed by a ceremony and concert at Beverly High beginning at 4.

Hester gathered with 14 other Miller fans Wednesday night to support her friend, as she has done since the show kicked off its 12th season in January.

Munching on Doritos and sipping Sprite, their eyes stayed glued to the TV as Miller performed her own version of "Diamonds" by Rihanna, then "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Gertrude Lawrence and Ella Fitzgerald; a song that Miller said her mom always used to sing around the house.

"It's awesome, it's really cool," said Carly Moffie, 18, who has performed with Miller in high school plays, and hosts the viewing parties every week. "It's kind of hard for me to wrap my head around ... I still can't put 2 and 2 together that it's the same Angie that was here, that's on stage in front of millions of people on national television."

Although Miller has become famous through competing on "American Idol," Hester said she hasn't changed at all, something that she was concerned about.

Miller has has remained grounded throughout the journey, Hester said, using prayer to remember what the competition is all about.

"She's learned to be way more humble," Hester said.

Despite any negative feedback that Miller might get from the judges of the competition, her friends have her back.

Beverly High junior Rachel Lurie, 17, was in a chorus class with Miller and said "She's killing it."

"She's doing really well," Lurie said. "I think she's really rocking. She's got a shot."

Angie Miller performs 'Someone To Watch Over Me' Wednesday night on 'American Idol.' (FOX)

Terri can be reached at oganglobe@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter.

As the adventurous pirates yell 'Ship Ahoy', little do they know they are heading straight for the Sea Monster who captures all of them for littering. Left to Right: Alex Bull of Marblehead, Piper Hall of Swampscott, Carissa Myre of Salem, Phoebe Holz of Danvers, Eleanor Mancusi-Ungaro of Marblehead, Alex Diefenbach of Salem, and Margaret Mancusi-Ungaro of Marblehead

By Terri Ogan, Globe Correspondent

In celebration of the 43rd annual Earth Day, which fell on Monday April 22, the Beverly Planning Department is sponsoring a walk in the Beverly Commons that peeks into the geological and human history of the area.

The walk, which is free and open to the public, will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday April 27 at the end of Greenwood Avenue, along Stone Ridge Road.

Ed Myskowski, consulting geologist for Peabody Essex Museum and Nancy Coffey, Open Space & Recreation Committee member and leader of the Beverly Farms History Project, will lead a group to take a look at the "Woods Egypt" section of the Beverly Commons.

The experts will also show the ins and outs of the old shanty towns and hillside quarries from the early 20th century.

For more information call the Planning Department at 978-921-6000 ext. 2343.

AP Photo/Fox, Ray Mickshaw

Beverly's Angie Miller has made it to the top four on "American Idol." Are you watching? Click here for more photos and video.

By Terri Ogan, Globe Correspondent

After serving the city of Beverly for almost 18 years, Mayor Bill Scanlon will not run for another term in office.

Scanlon's decision will end the longest mayoral run in the city's history.

Although Scanlon said he’s always loved the job, it’s the campaigning that has led to his decision not to seek reelection.

“I’ve never really enjoyed the campaigning aspect,” Scanlon said. “I find it somewhat plastic. It’s somewhat unnatural, the behavior you have to exhibit during a campaign.”

First elected in November 1993, Scanlon, 73, has been through 10 contested campaigns and “just thinks that’s enough."

He won nine of those races but lost in 2001 to Thomas Crean. He retook the mayor's office two years later and has served ever since.

According to Ward 2 Councilor Wes Slate, the mayor's decision wasn't an easy one.

"For someone like Bill Scanlon who really doesn’t have trouble making decisions, that’s one of his strengths, this was a real tough one," Slate said. "Based on what he said to people publicly and privately he went back and forth."

Scanlon made the decision not to run for reelection about two weeks ago, but decided to “sit on it for a week” after the Boston Marathon terrorist bombings on April 15.

In regards to his successor, the mayor didn’t wish to comment.

Thus far, resident Rick Marciano is the only person who has taken out nomination papers to run for mayor. He could not be reached for comment.

Those running for mayor in the upcoming election must have 100 certified signatures turned into the city clerk by August 2. The 100 signatures must be gathered from all six wards in the city.

Current City Council President Paul Guanci, who said he wasn’t surprised by Scanlon’s announcement not to run again, had previously expressed an interest in running but has made the decision not to do so.

“It would be a little difficult right now because of my young kids and my business,” Guanci said. “Had the mayor run one more time it would’ve been a little easier for me. It’s definitely something I would like to do some day and there’s a great opportunity for someone who’s prepared and ready to go.”

Guanci added that someone more prepared for the race would be Michael Cahill, who lost a close race to Scanlon in 2011.

Cahill was unavailable to comment.

Regardless of who becomes the mayor’s successor, it’s going to be hard to fill such big shoes, Guanci said.

“I think we took it for granted that he was always going to be there to do the job,” Guanci said. “It wasn’t the money that kept him in the game it was the drive to make Beverly a great place to live. He’s done so much.”

Had the current term been four-years, Scanlon said, he would have happily served the last two years, but he will use the next eight months to focus his time and energy on two key projects: the upgrading of the Brimbal Avenue Interchange and the construction of the new middle schoo. Scanlon expects the new school to be completed in time to open in 2017.

The Brimbal Avenue Interchange upgrade, which will cost an estimated $25.5 million, has the potential to create as many as 7,500 new jobs over a period of up to 10 years, Scanlon said. The upgrade is designed to reduce traffic accidents, create an orderly flow of traffic, and reduce time and fuel costs.

Scanlon said that, following his April 22 announcement that he isn't going to run again, an outpour of messages have come in thanking him for what he has accomplished during his time in office.

“It’s nice when somebody says ‘Thank you’ and I’m happy to have played a part in this,” Scanlon said. “It’s a team game though, it’s not just me. I’ve never really considered myself a politician. It’s been a good ride and I’m pleased that most people say that the city has been better off than it started.”

Terri Ogan can be reached at oganglobe@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter.

By Terri Ogan, Globe Correspondent

In order to share the vision of reducing the incidence of obesity, coronary artery disease and diabetes and, the Greater Beverly YMCA and Beverly Hospital, a member of Lahey Health, are launching a "Healthy Living & Nutrition Initiative".

This 12-week program is a comprehensive nutrition, exercise and behavioral modification program for adult members of the YMCA.

"When I took stock of the current condition of our nation's health and all that we had to offer at the Y, I believed there were ways we could go deeper and bring more to those we serve," Andrew Walker, the Y's senior director of membership and wellness, said in a recent statement. "Proper nutrition along with regular physical activity are the cornerstones to a healthy lifestyle."

Walker added that the YMCA offers many programs to keep people healthy and active, but in order to properly reach the at-risk population, employees would need to bring in the services of experienced registered dieticians to help with meal planning, in-depth, specific caloric intake recommendation and analysis of nutrients and drug interactions, he said.

The free program was made possible by a grant from the Evelyn Lilly Lutz Foundation. It is offered to members who will begin by attending an initial screening at the Greater Beverly YMCA.

Members who qualify will be scheduled for an initial visit with a dietician, followed by group classes at the facility. All YMCA members who participate in the initial screening process will be offered a courtesy appointment for basic meal planning.

After the screening determines eligibility, participants will learn about the correlation between chronic disease and nutrition, daily dietary intake, carbohydrate and calorie counting, meal planning, blood glucose monitory (if necessary), weight, waist and hip measurement, and establishment of at least one nutrition goal. This will all occur during the initial visit.

Following that first visit, group classes will be held for participants to learn sustainable healthy eating and exercise habits.

Because the goals are overall health, wellness and major disease prevention, measurable results such as weight, blood pressure and glucose levels are important to the individual, but the most important factor for success of the program is participation.

"It is our hope, through this program, that participants will have an increased sense of motivation, a safe direction for the pursuit of lifestyle changes, and a support system to sustain healthy habits long term," said Walker.

Below are the initial screening dates:
Initial Screening Dates:
• Tuesday May 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Thursday May 9 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday May 14 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Thursday May 16 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information and to signup for screenings, contact Andrew Walker at 978-564-3486, or by email at walkera@northshoreymca.org.

Terri Ogan can be reached at oganglobe@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter.

By Terri Ogan, Globe Correspondent

The North Shore Nursery School community recently celebrated the school’s 50th anniversary with a fall festival where almost one hundred current and alumni families gathered to share memories while enjoying carnival games and a BBQ.

After half a century, the nursery school has upheld goals of providing a nurturing, engaging and excellent first school experience to young children.

Founded as a not-for-profit organization in 1962, the school aims to promote a play-based curriculum capitalizing on children’s natural style of learning.

After Manchester mother Sally Loring joined forces with teacher Trautel Pundt Brown who was trained in Hamburg, Germany, they delivered a thriving program in a rented space at St. John’s Church for the first 25 years of the school’s history.

In 1975, teacher Marietta Lynch, of Gloucester along with Loring and Brown, broke ground at 204 Greenwood Ave. in Beverly Farms and built a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically to meet the needs of young children.

On May 18, the school will host a Golden Gala for adults to celebrate the institution, which has influenced the lives of more than 900 children and their families over this remarkable 50 year span.

Terri Ogan can be reached at oganglobe@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter.

By Terri Ogan, Globe Correspondent

The Beverly Police Department, along with the Community Advisory Committee, are searching for the city's 2013 police officer of the year.

Local officials are seeking citizens assistance in selecting a Beverly police officer who has contributed significantly to improving issues of public safety or quality of life within the city during the past year.

The deadline for all nominations is Monday May 13 The selected officer will be awarded in June at the Landmark School.

Nominations should include the name of the Beverly police officer being nominated, a brief rationale for this nomination and contact information of person making nomination.

All information should be sent to Sergeant Phil McCarthy at pmccarthy@beverlyma.gov.

The Community Advisory Committee is an all-volunteer committee representing the city and is intended to foster and facilitate communication and understanding between the Beverly Police Department and the community. It is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the city’s neighborhoods.

The committee's goal is to identify and prioritize community needs and concerns, as well as recommend measures for addressing them to the Police Department.

Terri Ogan can be reached at oganglobe@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter.