Essex Happenings 12.14.11

ESSEX HAPPENINGS…12.13.11


I INTEND TO OFFER AN ABBRIEVIATED VERSION OF ESSEX HAPPENINGS TODAY, AS I SPENT THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS AT BEVERLY HOSPITAL SEEKING RELIEF FROM A KIDNEY STONE ATTACK. THE TIMING OF THE VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL WAS STRANGE AS IT WAS ONE YEAR TO THE DAY WHEN I HAD THE LIFE SAVING PROCEEDURE AT THAT HOSPITAL A YEAR AGO. AS IN THE PAST, THE CARE THAT I RECEIVED WAS EXCELLENT, AND IN A WAY IT WAS NICE TO SEE SOME OF THE PROFESSIONALS AT THAT INSTITUTION WHO WERE A PART OF MY RECOVERY STARTING A YEAR AGO

Wreaths Across America

The program that provides wreaths on Veterans graves across the country made a stop at the Topsfield Fair grounds on their way to Arlington National Cemetery also distributed wreaths in Danvers on this past Saturday. Several local volunteers joined local officials and a member of the local clergy at the St. Mary’s cemetery on Hobart Street. They laid wreaths on the graves of veterans interred there. There were appropriate survivors to mark the occasion and I am certain that the families of those who served this country in the Armed Services were pleased that those that were recognized were honored.






Danvers Falcons Marching Band

I want to offer my belated congratulation to the band from Danvers High School that participated in services to commemorate the incredible loss of life when Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941. Until the attack on the World Trade center in New York, the attack on the base in Honolulu was the greatest loss of life in American history. The Danvers band has represented that community and this region at the Rose parade in California twice and in Florida at Disney.


Today’s posting will include some personal observations and then a reprint from the most recent newsletter from Essex Heritage produced most effectively for a number of years by Elizabeth Rankin the Assistant Director of Communications at Essex Heritage.

My personal observations will focus on the incredible need this year to offer support to not-for-profit organizations that are seeking their work to serve this region. I am certain that each of you have a number of favorite organizations that you support, and I want to encourage you all to continue to offer support to your favorite charities, as this will be a difficult year for many organizations. I certainly hope that you will bear with me, if I point out some of the organizations that I support that would be most worthy of your consideration,
• Essex Heritage at www.essexheritage,org
• Danvers Historical Society at www.danvershistory.org
• North Shore Elder Services at www.nses.org
• Salem Boys and Girls Club at www.bglgs.org

I also want to offer my thanks to the numerous Food Pantries and housing shelters in the region that provide much needed services particularly needed as the weather turns more severe.

Thanks for your consideration.

Essex Heritage Newsletter Reprint

2012 Essex Heritage Hero Announced!

Essex Heritage and the National Park Service are pleased to partner to present the 2012 Essex Heritage Hero Award Dinner on Wednesday, May 9 honoring Thomas M. Leonard! We are delighted to celebrate Tom, an enduring advocate for heritage preservation in Essex County whose long and distinguished career with Salem Five reinforced his pursuits as a strong community leader. Tom consistently works closely with area elected officials and business groups to raise awareness of the dedicated efforts being accomplished for this region and has been instrumental in advancing the preservation and promotion of area resources.

Salem Five, a mutual banking institution founded in 1855 and one of the largest Massachusetts-based banks, has graciously offered to be the lead sponsor for this event. A special thank you to Salem Five for their incredible and long-standing commitment to Essex Heritage and Tom Leonard.

The Peabody Essex Museum, in its spirit of community support, has offered the Museum as the location for the 2012 event. Essex Heritage would like to extend much appreciation to the PEM for their support and commitment. Stay tuned for event, ticket and sponsorship details available in 2012 here.



Welcome Reception for NPS
Superintendent Michael Quijano-West

Essex National Heritage Commission in partnership with the Salem Chamber of Commerce and Destination Salem are hosting a reception to welcome the new Superintendent of Salem Maritime & Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites, Michael Quijano-West. The reception will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 5:30 PM at the National Park Service Regional Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, Mass.

Essex Heritage has a strong partnership with the National Park Service. "We are lucky that we have had several Superintendents who understand the benefit of partnerships and have welcomed our relationship to extend the educational reach of the park service beyond the park boundaries," said Essex Heritage Executive Director, Annie Harris. "Our collaboration has allowed all of Essex County to benefit from their educational and interpretive resources. Our partnership is strong and growing and we look forward to working with Mr. Quijano-West to expand our efforts even further." RSVP here.

This reception is co sponsored by the Salem Chamber, Destination SALEM and ESSEX HERITAGE and Essex Heritage and the public is invited to attend to meet the new National Park Service Superintendent.