ESSEX Happenings 1.26.12

ESSEX HAPPENINGS 1.26.12

Essex Heritage Annual Audit Report Presented

Earlier this week, the accounting firm of Parent, Mc Laughlin and Nangle presented its annual audit report to the Essex Heritage Audit committee and without providing an undue amount of financial data in this update, the result of the report was that all was found to be in order and there were no unusual findings that required action. It is always most comforting each year to learn that the results of the audit was positive. I was pleased to be able to participate electronically in the presentation and the Chief Financial Officer Susan Lippman should once again be congratulated for her work in managing the finances of Essex Heritage.




Please review the following information re-printed from the most recent Essex Heritage Newsletter that highlights activities along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway and Tourist Summit sponsored by NORTH OF BOSTON CVB


Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
The 85-mile coastal route from Lynn to Newburyport
Byway Featured at Tourism Summit
The coastal byway takes center stage during a presentation on regional efforts to promote visitation to the North Shore's coastal communities. Organized by the North of Bo stone CVB, the half-day summit is on Friday, February 3 in Peabody. Learn more here or for additional details, see article below.


Old Newbury Bonfire
Get outdoors and toast winter at the second annual community bonfire set to take place on Saturday, January 14, (3:00-9:00) just off the byway in Newbury. Don't miss seeing the historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm while you're there! For more information.

Winter Weekends at the Philips House, Salem
Films, food, and fun, what a better way to learn about the fascinating Phillips family of Salem. Saturdays through February 25 at their former house on historic Chestnut Street. For more information click here.

North of Boston CVB Tourism Summit

Don't miss the 6th Annual North of Boston CVB Tourism Summit on Friday, February 3, 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM at the Boston Marriott Peabody at 8A Centennial Drive, Peabody, MA. Join the North of Boston CVB for an exciting day with compelling speakers, educational seminars and edgy topics. The NBCVB Annual Tourism Summit (Conference) is the region's largest industry event, bringing together key personnel from all public and private tourism sectors. From the Merrimack Valley to the region's southern gateway, all businesses can profit from this educational program designed to enhance regional identity and promote tourism opportunities. Don't miss this premier networking event! Summit Highlights include:
• New Casino Bill & Its Impact on the North Shore;
• Mini-Grants & North of Boston Marketing for 2012;
• Breakout sessions that will leave you inspired!
Find out more and register here.




Update from Danvers Historical Society

In the last couple of days, I attended a Board Meeting of the Danvers Historical Society. At the meeting the availability of Glen Magna Farms was updated and the calendar for weddings that have become most popular is filling up fast, so if an event at that historic venue is on your wish list for 2012, I would encourage you to act quickly before all of the prime dates are filled.

There was also a discussion about the availability of the society’s hallmark building, the iconic Tapley Hall adjacent to the society’s headquarters on Page Street in the downtown section of Danvers. That special location is now available for rent and to get more information about the location please visit awww.danvershistory.org .




Innovator of the year

It was very nice to hear that the Massachusetts Municipal Association has decided to name the Danvers Recreation Department their Innovator of the Year for their efforts to create Camp Sunshine. That program was designed to provide a public summer camp program for dozens of homeless youngsters that were placed in motels in that community. The program was assisted by contributions from local residents and businesses that supplemented the funding and labor support provided by the Town. Congratulations to all connected with this effort.

Bill Bates has worn a Number of Hats in Danvers

For a number of years, Bill Bates has served in a number of capacities, but he recently announced that he will be turning in his school board set when this present term, his third, is completed. In addition to his school role, Bill has served for many years as a Town Meeting Member. Full time, for the last couple of years Bill has served as The District Coordinator at the State House on Beacon Hill for State Representative Ted Spiliotis who represents Danvers and other adjacent communities. In his role as a Town Meeting Member Bill is a frequent attendee at Finance Committee meetings, is always most cordial and courteous, and always does his homework. Congratulation Bill on many jobs well done and I am certain you will continue to play an important role in the local political scene.

Please see an important notice about an upcoming meeting from North Shore Elder Services. This initiative is important to NSES as they offer a program to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and transgender segment of the elder market in this region.

LGBT Elders in a Changing World

An interdisciplinary Practice and Policy Conference for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and transgender Working with older adults and caregivers

Friday March 16, 2012
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Salem State University School of Social Work
Marsh Conference Center, Central Campus
Salem, Massachusetts

Keynote Speaker:
Judith Bradford, Ph.D., Director, Center for Population Research in LGBT Health, The Fenway Institute
Screening of Gen Silent with discussion session moderated by filmmaker Stu Maddox
15 workshops covering programming and direct service, HIV and aging, transgender aging, bereavement, public policy, and more topics

Presented by:
LGBT Aging Project
North Shore Elder Services
Salem State University

Cost: $95 includes conference and lunch
$45 for seniors (60+) and students with current student ID
$30 4.5 Social Work CEU’s

Registration: www.lgbt2012.eventbrite.com

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem Elects new Officers
At the annual meeting of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem held at the club headquarters last week the following slate of officers were elected to serve in 2012. I was unable to attend the meeting, but offer my best wishes to those elected and know that they will serve the mission and the membership of the club in a most professional manner.
President: John Neely
Vice President: Eduardo Gonzalez
Treasurer: Suzanne Gruhl
Secretary: Andrew Sousa

Weekend Sports Activity

After the weekend snow, it was nice to have a wide variety of sports activity on the local TV to watch. The best of the viewing was the exciting Patriots win that came down to just about the final play. For this game the defense clearly picked up the offense, and now the local entry heads to their 5th Super Bowl in the last 11 seasons on the first weekend in February. The Bruins won 3 out of 4 possible points over the weekend and but for a final minute loss against the Rangers would have had a chance for one more point. They moved back into first place in the conference and on Monday they visited the White House in Washington to celebrate last years Stanley cup win.

As a former avid tennis player, the Australian Open was great viewing and both my wife and I enjoy tennis especially when it is one of the four major events. Even the Celtics won a pair of games over the period. I even had the chance to watch Notre Dame University upset the previously unbeaten Syracuse University basketball team. In that game the freshman Pat Connaughton who last year led St. John’s Prep to a State title played a key role in the upset victory.