Essex Happenings 2. 25.12
Attend an Essex Heritage Trails & Sails Planning Session!
There are many ways for heritage sites, organizations and businesses to participate in the 11th annual Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks & Water, taking place September 21-23 & September 28-30, 2012! Event submission will begin online next month. We seek all kinds of experiences appealing to all ages, skill levels and interests so spread the word! Together we can continue to offer the LARGEST collection of unique and exciting experiences in our region.
Get Involved! All past and prospective event hosts are invited to attend a Trails & Sails planning session to learn more about the benefits of hosting an event. Connect with other event hosts, generate ideas for events, scheduling, and marketing and promoting your site to thousands of people who participate in Trails & Sails each year. Email Emily to add your organization to the event host line-up and let her know which of the following Trails & Sails planning sessions you can attend:
• Friday, March 2, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Beverly Historical Society's Cabot House
117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915
• Thursday, March 8, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950
A very special thanks you to TD Bank and Eastern Bank for their generous commitment to sponsor Trails & Sails 2012. Without their contributions, Trails & Sails would not be possible.
Special Thanks to Corporate Members
Essex Heritage would like to extend special thanks to our new and renewing corporate members! Thank you to Newburyport Five Cent Savings Bank for renewing their commitment as a Sustainer Circle Members and to Merrimack College for becoming a new Corporate Sustainer Circle Member. In addition, Essex Heritage would like to thank St. John's Preparatory School and Atlantic Hospitality Group, Inc. for renewing their Supporter Circle memberships!
Business contributions to Essex Heritage illustrate a strong demonstration of your company's investment in the unique quality of life we enjoy in the Essex National Heritage Area. Find out more here.
Become a member at any level! Discover special places and experiences throughout the county. Your tax-deductible Essex Heritage Membership helps to support programs that enhance, preserve and promote the unique historic, cultural and natural resources found within the Essex National Heritage Area. Join today!
Special Thanks to Essex Heritage Corporate Members
Essex Heritage would like to extend special thanks to our new and renewing corporate members! Thank you to Newburyport Five Cent Savings Bank for renewing their commitment as a Sustainer Circle Members and to Merrimack College for becoming a new Corporate Sustainer Circle Member. In addition, Essex Heritage would like to thank St. John's Preparatory School and Atlantic Hospitality Group, Inc. for renewing their Supporter Circle memberships!
Business contributions to Essex Heritage illustrate a strong demonstration of your company's investment in the unique quality of life we enjoy in the Essex National Heritage Area. Find out more here.
Become a member at any level! Discover special places and experiences throughout the county. Your tax-deductible Essex Heritage Membership helps to support programs that enhance, preserve and promote the unique historic, cultural and natural resources found within the Essex National Heritage Area. Join today!
Director Harris speaks at
America's Summit on National Parks
The leading advocates for the National Park Service (NPS) recently gathered in Washington, DC to discuss the future of the Park Service. Essex Heritage executive director, Annie Harris, was invited to speak about "Connecting and Conserving Cultural Landscapes." She was joined on the panel by Stephanie Toothman, NPS Associate Director for Cultural Resources and Deanna Beacham, American Indian Specialist.
The panelists discussed the importance of integrating cultural and natural resource preservation strategies - especially for large landscape conservation. Ms. Harris emphasized the role that strong public-private partnerships must play in the future of the National Parks since the NPS cannot own and manage all of the landscapes and resources that scientists and educators say need to be conserved. "American citizens will not tolerate so much public ownership, and besides, we don't have the money," observed Ms. Harris. Ms. Harris used examples of the successful partnerships that Essex Heritage has formed with the National Park Service at the Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites and projects such as Friendship Sails! and the summer youth job corps to illustrate her points. Read more (pdf).
Good News for National Heritage Areas!
The US Congressional Caucus for National Heritage Areas is introducing legislation to standardize the heritage area program within the Park Service and establish a process for creating new areas. The bill has support from Republicans and Democrats as both see the benefits of National Heritage Areas. Congressman Tierney and Congresswoman Tsongas have both signed on as original sponsors of the bill.
City of Lynn Seeks to Build Breakwater
Officials from the City of Lynn recently met with Federal and State officials to discuss what steps would need to be taken to gain approval. The city believes that such an improvement would protect The Lynn waterfront to and would provide an incentive to more waterfront development in this city. It appears that the next step for Lynn would be to prepare a grant application to carry out a study to learn if there would be any impediments to their proposal.
Andover to Form Business Council
The town manager of Andover will present a slate of Andover business, to the board of selectmen for approval at an upcoming meeting. The new council that will be made up of ten business representatives of all sizes will meet quarterly with the Selectmen and report to them to provide updates on the business climate in that community, make suggestions on proposed improvements and would propose short term strategies that might attract more opportunities for Andover businesses. Their recommendations will be advisory and the Selectmen will have to approve the recommended members. The council will be quite a bit different from the community business organization that exists in Salem, but this organization will offer a level of communications that will certainly assist the selectman as they act to support business interests in Andover.
Beverly Announces Cultural Grants
Like a number of other communities in the region, the City of Beverly provided a series of cultural grants to twenty two artists and organization that totaled $11.000. The winners of the grants were varied and included schools, independent artists, the YMCA and in every case, the residents of the City were the beneficiaries.
Town of Wenham to Hire Interim Town Administrator
The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Wenham have decided to and seek and hire an interim Town Administrator to replace Jeff Chelgren who recently was selected to fill a similar post in Marblehead. The Selectmen hope to have the interim administrator in place by March before Chelgren leaves for his new post.
Mayor Betencourt of Peabody Makes two new Appointments
The new Mayor in Peabody is starting to put his management team in place. The new mayor has replaced the current city treasurer and named Ms. Jeanne Carnavalle to be the new Treasurer of the Leather City. Ms. Carnavalle has an extensive background in finance and will take on the responsibility of all city financial matters. When the leadership of Essex Heritage visited with the Mayor recently we were greeted most pleasantly by his recently hired Executive Secretary, Daryl Ann Mc McCarthy who was also recently named to that post.
Salem Affordable Housing Complex to Install Solar Panels
The City of Salem with the help of a $100,000 grant will soon install solar panels on an 283 unit affordable housing complex on Pope Street in that community. The new installation will reduce the use of natural gas that currently is used to heat the apartments and will substantially reduce energy costs for the tenants in the property.
Continuing Rehabilitation Progress
One on the primary reasons this year that we traveled to Florida was to be able to continue my rehabilitation by having a long walk almost every day as I continue to master Walking on a prosthetic leg with crutches, I am also able to get into a wonderful heated pool and am improving my swimming capabilities that is also most therapeutic.
SPECIAL NOTE
I want to offer my thanks to Elizabeth Rankin The Assistant Communications Director of Essex Heritage, for her efforts to produce a monthly newsletter for the Commission and allows me to reprint some of that information in this BLOG
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Essex Happenings 2.22.12
ESSEX HAPPENINGS 2.21.12….Ash Wednesday
Essex Heritage Development Committee Meeting
The Essex Heritage Development Committee met recently and I was able to participate in the discussions electronically. The items covered were the status of the corporate membership renewal process currently underway. The efforts to date have been successful but there is still more work to do and corporate members to be contacted and a schedule of those contacts was established. As in the past, finding connections to insure that both existing and prospective Corporate members are exposed to the mission of Essex Heritage was discussed. One of the most effective strategies is to encourage the participation of members in the activities of ENHC and one of the methods to continue to be used is to develop strategies to insure that prospective and renewing members attend a Commission function. The Committee discussed the semi annual meeting of Essex Heritage that this spring will be held at Merrimac College in Andover, MA on April 10, 2012. In this space and through other communication we will continue to provide much more information on the event gets closer. We will continue to offer information on how you can participate. The following announcement recently appeared in the Essex Heritage Newsletter.
Join us for a morning of engagement in Cascia Hall at Merrimack College! Participate in this FREE, valuable networking opportunity that will further connect you with the work of Essex Heritage and our partners. For more information and to RSVP click here.
About Cascia Hall: This New England style wooden church building was saved from demolition when donated and moved to Merrimack College in 1996. Cascia Hall now serves as a venue for concerts, lectures, and performances for the College community.
A special thanks to the School of Education at Merrimack College for hosting the Annual Spring Meeting. Learn more about the College's unique Community Engagement programs designed to engage students in making a difference locally and globally.
The committee also discussed ongoing efforts to plan the annual Heritage Hero event scheduled for May 9, 2012 at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. For information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets for the event visit www.essexheritage.org.
Essex Heritage is proud to introduce the Honorary Committee for the 2012 Essex Heritage Hero Award Dinner. This group of committed business colleagues, volunteers and friends of the 2012 Award recipient, Thomas M. Leonard, is chaired by Joseph M. Gibbons, President & CEO of Salem Five. Plans to honor Tom Leonard are underway and we anticipate an exciting evening at the fifth annual Essex Heritage Hero Award Dinner!
Essex Heritage is grateful to regional and local businesses that have made an early commitment to the Heritage Hero Event through sponsorship and program ad patronage. A special thanks to Eastern Bank and Saugusbank for their support as Banner Sponsors. We thank Hunt's Photo & Video and The Provident Bank for Lead Sponsorship contributions, Green Meadows Farm, Hospice of the North Shore, North Shore Community College and St. John's Preparatory School for Landmark Sponsorship contributions and Salem State University for sponsoring a table and Wire 4 Hire for sponsoring a toast. Please join us in honoring Tom! Tickets are available for purchase online and we welcome your interest in all available sponsorship opportunities.
Thanks to Salem Five for their generous commitment as the Presenting Sponsor of this event.
We appreciate the help of Elizabeth Rankin the Assistant Director of communications at Essex Heritage for her help in providing information used in this posting.
Salem State University Hockey Coach and long-time friend Bill O’Neil to Establish Record of Success
The next victory Bill O’Neil achieves as a coach at Salem State University will be the 500th of his legendary Vikings' career.
Ask O'Neill what approaching the milestone means and he'll say it just points to the fact that he's been around a long time. But those who know the veteran bench boss best say his success is not due to longevity, but hard work and a keen eye for talent.
Coach O’Neil is highly respected in both local and national hockey circles. O'Neill (499-308-54) and he long ago put the Vikings on the college hockey map during his 31-year tenure — the longest of any Salem State coach ever.
A Danvers native, he was only 25 years old in 1981 when then-SSU athletic director John Galaris hired O'Neill to become the third hockey coach in school history, following legends Barry Urbanski and Mike Gilligan. O'Neill quickly proved Galaris made the right choice.
"What a career Bill has had. I'm so proud to call him my friend," said former Vikings Sports Information Director Tom Roundy. "He's such a special guy. I've met a lot of coaches ever since I started tagging along with my Dad (the late Elliot Roundy) and Bill is one of the most humble I've ever met.
"What he has done to keep the tradition going is amazing. In 51 years of hockey at Salem State, there have only been a couple of losing seasons and Bill has never had a rebuilding year. He just kept reloading."
Bill is fourth on the list of active Division 3 college hockey coaches in victories and sixth in all collegiate division. O'Neill has led Salem State to the ECAC tournament 26 teams and won three East titles. Six times the Vikings received bids to the Division 3 NCAA O'Neill is a member of the St. John's Prep Hall of Fame (Class of 1974) and was a member of the Boston University's 1978 national championship team.
Congratulations in advance to Coach O’Neil on all of his accomplishments, particularly for a half a thousand wins and for how he continues to be a wonderful ambassador for the university, the region and the sport of hockey.
North of Boston CVB Hosts Tourism Summit
Earlier this month, North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a tourism summit at the Peabody Marriot, and a substantial focus of the meeting was to point out that the regional agency has recovered from recent economic challenges and found new ways to promote Essex County as a tourist destination.
Travel and tourism in the region supports nearly 122,000 jobs at lodgings, attractions, nonprofits and restaurants, noted Sue Ann Pearson, executive director of the North of Boston CVB, in her address at the summit.
These businesses in 2010 generated $384 million in tax revenue and $3.5 billion in payroll income, according to figures provided by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
The North of Boston CVB's recovery has allowed that regional agency whose geography closely mirrors the region served by Essex Heritage to resume advertising and other initiatives on behalf of this membership, including the reopening the Maria Miles Visitor Center on Interstate 95 South in Salisbury.
CVB offerings included sessions at the summit to help members recognize and capitalize on new trends in tourism.
Speakers at a presentation on "What's Hot and What's Not" discussed strategies for attracting travelers/ to the region served.
Small businesses can raise their profile with this group by donating gift baskets or auction items to nonprofit fundraisers devoted to LGBT issues, Zimmerman said.
Another speaker credited a federal Travel Promotion Act from 2009 with helping to draw more visitors from abroad.
In spite of what he described as "a few border-crossing issues," Canadians constitute 70 percent of all inbound travel to the United States, driven largely by favorable exchange rates, said Bolduc, who is director of sales and marketing for Midtown Hotel.
Europeans are second most likely to vacation here and in spite of their economic challenges, the euro remains strong relative to the dollar, according to Bolduc who forecast increases in travel from almost every nationality.
Looking to the east, a new nonstop flight between Tokyo and Boston, which will be offered starting in April by Japan Air Lines, is expected to boost travel from that country by 14 percent, and that new infusion of visitors could be a boon to the region with visitation to the Peabody Essex Museum a targeted destination for visitors from Japan.
Essex Heritage has long had a working relationship with NBCVB, as the energies expended by that group closely matches the ENHC mission.
City of Haverhill Receives State Park Funding
Like a number of other communities in the region, the city of Haverhill has a received a grant from the Commonwealth in the amount of $250,000 to improve parks, playgrounds and cemeteries and possible walking trails. The state delegation representing that community played a large role in obtaining this important grant that will help to improve the quality of life for the residents of Haverhill. The improvement and enhancement of the quality of life in the region has been an important feature of the mission of Essex Heritage.
Essex Heritage Development Committee Meeting
The Essex Heritage Development Committee met recently and I was able to participate in the discussions electronically. The items covered were the status of the corporate membership renewal process currently underway. The efforts to date have been successful but there is still more work to do and corporate members to be contacted and a schedule of those contacts was established. As in the past, finding connections to insure that both existing and prospective Corporate members are exposed to the mission of Essex Heritage was discussed. One of the most effective strategies is to encourage the participation of members in the activities of ENHC and one of the methods to continue to be used is to develop strategies to insure that prospective and renewing members attend a Commission function. The Committee discussed the semi annual meeting of Essex Heritage that this spring will be held at Merrimac College in Andover, MA on April 10, 2012. In this space and through other communication we will continue to provide much more information on the event gets closer. We will continue to offer information on how you can participate. The following announcement recently appeared in the Essex Heritage Newsletter.
Join us for a morning of engagement in Cascia Hall at Merrimack College! Participate in this FREE, valuable networking opportunity that will further connect you with the work of Essex Heritage and our partners. For more information and to RSVP click here.
About Cascia Hall: This New England style wooden church building was saved from demolition when donated and moved to Merrimack College in 1996. Cascia Hall now serves as a venue for concerts, lectures, and performances for the College community.
A special thanks to the School of Education at Merrimack College for hosting the Annual Spring Meeting. Learn more about the College's unique Community Engagement programs designed to engage students in making a difference locally and globally.
The committee also discussed ongoing efforts to plan the annual Heritage Hero event scheduled for May 9, 2012 at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. For information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets for the event visit www.essexheritage.org.
Essex Heritage is proud to introduce the Honorary Committee for the 2012 Essex Heritage Hero Award Dinner. This group of committed business colleagues, volunteers and friends of the 2012 Award recipient, Thomas M. Leonard, is chaired by Joseph M. Gibbons, President & CEO of Salem Five. Plans to honor Tom Leonard are underway and we anticipate an exciting evening at the fifth annual Essex Heritage Hero Award Dinner!
Essex Heritage is grateful to regional and local businesses that have made an early commitment to the Heritage Hero Event through sponsorship and program ad patronage. A special thanks to Eastern Bank and Saugusbank for their support as Banner Sponsors. We thank Hunt's Photo & Video and The Provident Bank for Lead Sponsorship contributions, Green Meadows Farm, Hospice of the North Shore, North Shore Community College and St. John's Preparatory School for Landmark Sponsorship contributions and Salem State University for sponsoring a table and Wire 4 Hire for sponsoring a toast. Please join us in honoring Tom! Tickets are available for purchase online and we welcome your interest in all available sponsorship opportunities.
Thanks to Salem Five for their generous commitment as the Presenting Sponsor of this event.
We appreciate the help of Elizabeth Rankin the Assistant Director of communications at Essex Heritage for her help in providing information used in this posting.
Salem State University Hockey Coach and long-time friend Bill O’Neil to Establish Record of Success
The next victory Bill O’Neil achieves as a coach at Salem State University will be the 500th of his legendary Vikings' career.
Ask O'Neill what approaching the milestone means and he'll say it just points to the fact that he's been around a long time. But those who know the veteran bench boss best say his success is not due to longevity, but hard work and a keen eye for talent.
Coach O’Neil is highly respected in both local and national hockey circles. O'Neill (499-308-54) and he long ago put the Vikings on the college hockey map during his 31-year tenure — the longest of any Salem State coach ever.
A Danvers native, he was only 25 years old in 1981 when then-SSU athletic director John Galaris hired O'Neill to become the third hockey coach in school history, following legends Barry Urbanski and Mike Gilligan. O'Neill quickly proved Galaris made the right choice.
"What a career Bill has had. I'm so proud to call him my friend," said former Vikings Sports Information Director Tom Roundy. "He's such a special guy. I've met a lot of coaches ever since I started tagging along with my Dad (the late Elliot Roundy) and Bill is one of the most humble I've ever met.
"What he has done to keep the tradition going is amazing. In 51 years of hockey at Salem State, there have only been a couple of losing seasons and Bill has never had a rebuilding year. He just kept reloading."
Bill is fourth on the list of active Division 3 college hockey coaches in victories and sixth in all collegiate division. O'Neill has led Salem State to the ECAC tournament 26 teams and won three East titles. Six times the Vikings received bids to the Division 3 NCAA O'Neill is a member of the St. John's Prep Hall of Fame (Class of 1974) and was a member of the Boston University's 1978 national championship team.
Congratulations in advance to Coach O’Neil on all of his accomplishments, particularly for a half a thousand wins and for how he continues to be a wonderful ambassador for the university, the region and the sport of hockey.
North of Boston CVB Hosts Tourism Summit
Earlier this month, North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a tourism summit at the Peabody Marriot, and a substantial focus of the meeting was to point out that the regional agency has recovered from recent economic challenges and found new ways to promote Essex County as a tourist destination.
Travel and tourism in the region supports nearly 122,000 jobs at lodgings, attractions, nonprofits and restaurants, noted Sue Ann Pearson, executive director of the North of Boston CVB, in her address at the summit.
These businesses in 2010 generated $384 million in tax revenue and $3.5 billion in payroll income, according to figures provided by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
The North of Boston CVB's recovery has allowed that regional agency whose geography closely mirrors the region served by Essex Heritage to resume advertising and other initiatives on behalf of this membership, including the reopening the Maria Miles Visitor Center on Interstate 95 South in Salisbury.
CVB offerings included sessions at the summit to help members recognize and capitalize on new trends in tourism.
Speakers at a presentation on "What's Hot and What's Not" discussed strategies for attracting travelers/ to the region served.
Small businesses can raise their profile with this group by donating gift baskets or auction items to nonprofit fundraisers devoted to LGBT issues, Zimmerman said.
Another speaker credited a federal Travel Promotion Act from 2009 with helping to draw more visitors from abroad.
In spite of what he described as "a few border-crossing issues," Canadians constitute 70 percent of all inbound travel to the United States, driven largely by favorable exchange rates, said Bolduc, who is director of sales and marketing for Midtown Hotel.
Europeans are second most likely to vacation here and in spite of their economic challenges, the euro remains strong relative to the dollar, according to Bolduc who forecast increases in travel from almost every nationality.
Looking to the east, a new nonstop flight between Tokyo and Boston, which will be offered starting in April by Japan Air Lines, is expected to boost travel from that country by 14 percent, and that new infusion of visitors could be a boon to the region with visitation to the Peabody Essex Museum a targeted destination for visitors from Japan.
Essex Heritage has long had a working relationship with NBCVB, as the energies expended by that group closely matches the ENHC mission.
City of Haverhill Receives State Park Funding
Like a number of other communities in the region, the city of Haverhill has a received a grant from the Commonwealth in the amount of $250,000 to improve parks, playgrounds and cemeteries and possible walking trails. The state delegation representing that community played a large role in obtaining this important grant that will help to improve the quality of life for the residents of Haverhill. The improvement and enhancement of the quality of life in the region has been an important feature of the mission of Essex Heritage.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Essex Happenings 2.17.12
ESSEX HAPPENINGS 2.17.12
Congrats to Mike Wheeler
Congratulations to Michael Wheeler who was recently named the New President of Beverly Cooperative Bank. Mike will be replacing Bill Howard who has become chairman of the Board. Bill is also currently a member of the Board of Trustees and Essex Heritage. I have had a number of interactions with Mike Wheeler as he is a member of the Salem Rotary and served with me on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club. We are confidant that Mike will continue the tradition of community service set by his predecessor.
PEM Acquires downtown Salem property
The Peabody Essex Museum recently purchased several adjacent properties to the museum that will likely make their expansion easier. One of the properties is where Bernard’s Jewelers, one of the most traditional Salem retail establishments, is located. Because of their standing in the community it was nice to learn that they will stay in their present location as a tenant. In that way they can continue to serve their many Essex County customers into the future.
Unusually Heavy Snow in Europe
Much of Europe is suffering with extreme snowfalls and very cold temperatures. In some cases snow is over 5 feet deep and in places like Milan Italy, where temperatures have fallen at times to ten below zero. Even in Rome where it almost never snows, residents and visitors are both critical of the administrators for not attending to the snow more efficiently. In some of the areas where snow is more normal, the snow is so extreme, that avalanches have become a danger.
It is a bit strange as usually when it is unseasonable in that section of the world, the east cost of this country normally has matching weather, but at least through the first months of traditional winter our weather in New England has been anything but harsh.
Great to be Advancing my Health outdoors Again
In the months just before I left to continue my recuperation in Florida, I experienced a couple of medical issues that most certainly slowed down my progress. Since I have arrived here, I have been able to be outside virtually every day walking again on my prosthetic leg and gaining strength and balance. It is certainly pleasant to be able to accomplish my daily walk in shorts and tee shirts, without the concerns of winter conditions and not having to wear winter clothing.
Super Bowl Ad a Hit
One of the American auto manufacturers offered my favorite commercial during the recent super bowl. The commercial with a voice over by Hollywood superstar Clint Eastwood was most positive and offered a most optimistic vision for this country. Recently the ads have come under some fire as the concept that focused clearly on the automobiles being made in Detroit was substantially filmed in New Orleans and Los Angeles. Well I guess that it how the advertising industry works most of the time.
Boys and Girls Club Shamrock Sweepstakes
Once again, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem will host its annual Shamrock Sweepstakes, our largest fundraising event. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000. Raffle tickets are $100 each, and a group of people can share an entry
Also, we hope that you can join us at the event on Thursday, March 15 as it will be a rewarding experience.
More Boys and Girls Club News
Boys & Girls Club Re-opens at the Higgins Middle School in Peabody
Peabody, MA- February 8, 2012- The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem is pleased to announce the re-opening of its Peabody Unit, now called Night Hawks, at the Higgins Middle School starting Tuesday, March 6, 2012.
Powered by the Community is a service mark of the Club and Kelly Automotive Group is exemplifying that by donating $50 for every car it sells to Peabody residents over the next few months.
"At middle school age I had many friends that had nothing to do after school but hang out. I was lucky enough to have a job. It’s very important for kids to have a place to go after school with something productive to do." says Brian Kelly, President & CEO of Kelly Automotive Group.
The Kelly donation, as well as a contribution from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, re-energizes the program at the Higgins Middle School and will form the basis for seeking additional support from the Peabody community. According to Club President Trip Mason, “All donations from Peabody will be for Night Hawks, the Peabody Club. We are so happy to bring the Boys & Girls Club Mission back to life to benefit the students at the Higgins.”
According to Higgins Principal Todd Bucey, “Many of our students and their parents are excited about the Boys & Girls Club return to our school. The Club’s emphasis on educational programming and mentoring by caring adults makes it a good fit with our school district’s mission to prepare students to be life-long learners and critical thinkers.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, in operation since 1869, is the oldest Boys & Girls Club in Massachusetts and the second oldest in the country. Its Mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Nursing Homes Hope To 'Fend Off' Deep Medicare Cuts With New Approach
The Nursing Home Industry has proposed an Alternative To Funding Cuts. The nursing home industry is attempting to fend off deep Medicare cuts by proposing its own ideas on ways to reduce out-of-control Medicare spending. The proposal comes as lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to the healthcare industry to pay for a temporary postponement of physician payment cuts scheduled for March 1. Instead of taking a $2 billion hit through the elimination of so-called "bad debt," the American Health Care Association is proposing to save at least that much money by making sure patients discharged from the hospital stay healthy (Pecquet, 1/30).
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New Regional Dispatch Center in Middleton Names Director
There were some most positive recent developments concerning the regional dispatch center that will serve several local communities. The appointment of Thomas Dubas as director of the new regional 911 dispatch center in Middleton was a most positive step..
This project has had its share of critics, so it's essential that costs be kept under control and the results are what taxpayers expect. Success could spawn more such regional endeavors here on the North Shore, but failure would give skeptics ammunition to argue that the best services are those delivered by a single independent local community.
If Dubas' name is familiar, it's because he has served as a consultant to the six communities — Beverly, Wenham, Topsfield, Middleton, Essex and Amesbury — that have committed to having the regional center handle their emergency dispatch functions. The new service when operational will operate out of a facility on the grounds of the county correctional facility in Middleton and Dubas will report to Sheriff Frank G. Cousins and a committee representing member communities.
Dubas, was one of 65 candidates that applied for the job and four finalists interviewed by the search committee before the finalist was picked.
A former detective and police chief, the presented credentials appear to make him a most qualified candidate for the task at hand. The challenge is to prove that a regional dispatch center can be operated efficiently and at a lower cost than would be the case if each of the individual communities maintained their own facilities.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem Announces Fund Raising Project
WHAT 3rd Annual Shamrock Sweepstakes
WHEN Thursday, March 15, 2012
WHERE Boys & Girls Club – 13 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem
Doors open at 6:30 pm - Drawing starts at 7:00 pm
Entrance to the event is $10 and may be paid at the door. This year’s event will include A Wee Taste of Salem, a prize raffle, free parking and fun.
For more info call (978) 744-0915 or go to www.bgcgs.org
Danvers Rotary Makes Long Term commitment to Local School
Recently, the Danvers Rotary club provided a gift of $10,000 to the Danvers Educational Enrichment Partnership as the first installment of a gift that will total $50,000 over the next three years.
This generous contribution will help DEEP, an all-volunteer charity that raises money for the town's schools, meet a fundraising goal of $500,000 to outfit learning labs at Danvers High School with computers and white boards.
The Rotary gift will go specifically to the DECA Technology Laboratory, which supports business students
Ten labs are being built as part of $70 million in renovations at the high school and the money DEEP is raising will supplement the state's commitment to the project.
Danvers Rotary has 70 members and raised this initial donation partly through its endowment and partly with proceeds from a comedy night held in December, like a number of other Rotary clubs in this region, the Danvers club has been a most generous partner in many community projects in that community. The club membership spends an inordinate amount of their energies raising funds and they are always dedicated to a to excellent community based projects.
Congrats to Mike Wheeler
Congratulations to Michael Wheeler who was recently named the New President of Beverly Cooperative Bank. Mike will be replacing Bill Howard who has become chairman of the Board. Bill is also currently a member of the Board of Trustees and Essex Heritage. I have had a number of interactions with Mike Wheeler as he is a member of the Salem Rotary and served with me on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club. We are confidant that Mike will continue the tradition of community service set by his predecessor.
PEM Acquires downtown Salem property
The Peabody Essex Museum recently purchased several adjacent properties to the museum that will likely make their expansion easier. One of the properties is where Bernard’s Jewelers, one of the most traditional Salem retail establishments, is located. Because of their standing in the community it was nice to learn that they will stay in their present location as a tenant. In that way they can continue to serve their many Essex County customers into the future.
Unusually Heavy Snow in Europe
Much of Europe is suffering with extreme snowfalls and very cold temperatures. In some cases snow is over 5 feet deep and in places like Milan Italy, where temperatures have fallen at times to ten below zero. Even in Rome where it almost never snows, residents and visitors are both critical of the administrators for not attending to the snow more efficiently. In some of the areas where snow is more normal, the snow is so extreme, that avalanches have become a danger.
It is a bit strange as usually when it is unseasonable in that section of the world, the east cost of this country normally has matching weather, but at least through the first months of traditional winter our weather in New England has been anything but harsh.
Great to be Advancing my Health outdoors Again
In the months just before I left to continue my recuperation in Florida, I experienced a couple of medical issues that most certainly slowed down my progress. Since I have arrived here, I have been able to be outside virtually every day walking again on my prosthetic leg and gaining strength and balance. It is certainly pleasant to be able to accomplish my daily walk in shorts and tee shirts, without the concerns of winter conditions and not having to wear winter clothing.
Super Bowl Ad a Hit
One of the American auto manufacturers offered my favorite commercial during the recent super bowl. The commercial with a voice over by Hollywood superstar Clint Eastwood was most positive and offered a most optimistic vision for this country. Recently the ads have come under some fire as the concept that focused clearly on the automobiles being made in Detroit was substantially filmed in New Orleans and Los Angeles. Well I guess that it how the advertising industry works most of the time.
Boys and Girls Club Shamrock Sweepstakes
Once again, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem will host its annual Shamrock Sweepstakes, our largest fundraising event. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000. Raffle tickets are $100 each, and a group of people can share an entry
Also, we hope that you can join us at the event on Thursday, March 15 as it will be a rewarding experience.
More Boys and Girls Club News
Boys & Girls Club Re-opens at the Higgins Middle School in Peabody
Peabody, MA- February 8, 2012- The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem is pleased to announce the re-opening of its Peabody Unit, now called Night Hawks, at the Higgins Middle School starting Tuesday, March 6, 2012.
Powered by the Community is a service mark of the Club and Kelly Automotive Group is exemplifying that by donating $50 for every car it sells to Peabody residents over the next few months.
"At middle school age I had many friends that had nothing to do after school but hang out. I was lucky enough to have a job. It’s very important for kids to have a place to go after school with something productive to do." says Brian Kelly, President & CEO of Kelly Automotive Group.
The Kelly donation, as well as a contribution from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, re-energizes the program at the Higgins Middle School and will form the basis for seeking additional support from the Peabody community. According to Club President Trip Mason, “All donations from Peabody will be for Night Hawks, the Peabody Club. We are so happy to bring the Boys & Girls Club Mission back to life to benefit the students at the Higgins.”
According to Higgins Principal Todd Bucey, “Many of our students and their parents are excited about the Boys & Girls Club return to our school. The Club’s emphasis on educational programming and mentoring by caring adults makes it a good fit with our school district’s mission to prepare students to be life-long learners and critical thinkers.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, in operation since 1869, is the oldest Boys & Girls Club in Massachusetts and the second oldest in the country. Its Mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Nursing Homes Hope To 'Fend Off' Deep Medicare Cuts With New Approach
The Nursing Home Industry has proposed an Alternative To Funding Cuts. The nursing home industry is attempting to fend off deep Medicare cuts by proposing its own ideas on ways to reduce out-of-control Medicare spending. The proposal comes as lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to the healthcare industry to pay for a temporary postponement of physician payment cuts scheduled for March 1. Instead of taking a $2 billion hit through the elimination of so-called "bad debt," the American Health Care Association is proposing to save at least that much money by making sure patients discharged from the hospital stay healthy (Pecquet, 1/30).
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New Regional Dispatch Center in Middleton Names Director
There were some most positive recent developments concerning the regional dispatch center that will serve several local communities. The appointment of Thomas Dubas as director of the new regional 911 dispatch center in Middleton was a most positive step..
This project has had its share of critics, so it's essential that costs be kept under control and the results are what taxpayers expect. Success could spawn more such regional endeavors here on the North Shore, but failure would give skeptics ammunition to argue that the best services are those delivered by a single independent local community.
If Dubas' name is familiar, it's because he has served as a consultant to the six communities — Beverly, Wenham, Topsfield, Middleton, Essex and Amesbury — that have committed to having the regional center handle their emergency dispatch functions. The new service when operational will operate out of a facility on the grounds of the county correctional facility in Middleton and Dubas will report to Sheriff Frank G. Cousins and a committee representing member communities.
Dubas, was one of 65 candidates that applied for the job and four finalists interviewed by the search committee before the finalist was picked.
A former detective and police chief, the presented credentials appear to make him a most qualified candidate for the task at hand. The challenge is to prove that a regional dispatch center can be operated efficiently and at a lower cost than would be the case if each of the individual communities maintained their own facilities.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem Announces Fund Raising Project
WHAT 3rd Annual Shamrock Sweepstakes
WHEN Thursday, March 15, 2012
WHERE Boys & Girls Club – 13 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem
Doors open at 6:30 pm - Drawing starts at 7:00 pm
Entrance to the event is $10 and may be paid at the door. This year’s event will include A Wee Taste of Salem, a prize raffle, free parking and fun.
For more info call (978) 744-0915 or go to www.bgcgs.org
Danvers Rotary Makes Long Term commitment to Local School
Recently, the Danvers Rotary club provided a gift of $10,000 to the Danvers Educational Enrichment Partnership as the first installment of a gift that will total $50,000 over the next three years.
This generous contribution will help DEEP, an all-volunteer charity that raises money for the town's schools, meet a fundraising goal of $500,000 to outfit learning labs at Danvers High School with computers and white boards.
The Rotary gift will go specifically to the DECA Technology Laboratory, which supports business students
Ten labs are being built as part of $70 million in renovations at the high school and the money DEEP is raising will supplement the state's commitment to the project.
Danvers Rotary has 70 members and raised this initial donation partly through its endowment and partly with proceeds from a comedy night held in December, like a number of other Rotary clubs in this region, the Danvers club has been a most generous partner in many community projects in that community. The club membership spends an inordinate amount of their energies raising funds and they are always dedicated to a to excellent community based projects.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Essex Happenings 2.15.12
ESSEX HAPPENINGS 2.15.12
The following letter was prepared and provided to local Newspapers By North Shore Elder Services. The effort supports the numerous food and nutrition programs provided to the elderly through numerous sources in communities across this region.
January 31, 2012
Letter To the editor… Important that Congress Renews Older Americans Act
Every year, North Shore Elder Services provides 200,000 hot nutritious meals to elderly residents in the communities of Danvers, Peabody, Salem, Marblehead and Middleton.
This vital service is made possible through federal legislation known as the Older Americans Act. In Massachusetts alone, the funding allowed agencies to serve 8.6 million meals to older adults last year. These meals were served at luncheon programs in senior centers, elderly housing and other community venues where seniors gather or delivered to older adults in their homes through Meals on Wheels.
The future of this successful program now rests with members of the U.S. Congress, who are expected to vote this month on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. We are asking the community to show your support for this important legislation.
According to the data from the Massachusetts Elder Nutrition programs, close to 67 percent of the recipients of the home-delivered meals are age 80 or older and about 75 percent report that the hot lunch is their main meal of the day. Participants also cited improved health as a result of the delivered meals. In fact, more than 75 percent reported eating better, feeling better or having more energy as a result of the nutrition program.
With minimal stigma attached, the program also continues to prove to be successful in reaching those with the lowest incomes.
With the baby-boom population increasing at an unprecedented rate, 2012 is a critical year to guarantee the nutrition and health of older adults across the country. North Shore Elder Services joins with groups such as the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs to emphasize to members of Congress the need to keep the vital community and home-based services provided by the Older Americans Act ongoing.
The Older Americans Act has enjoyed bipartisan support during its more than 45-year history. It's critical to the 75,000 older adults who received nutritious meals that there is no disruption in the renewal process.
Paul Lanzikos Erica Blumberg
Executive Director Nutrition Program Manager
North Shore Elder Services
Danvers
Letter Received from Governor Patrick to North Shore Elder Services and other
organizations regarding nutrition funding.
On behalf of Governor Deval L. Patrick, thank you for your letter regarding your support of the Elderly Nutrition Program in the FY2013 budget. Governor Patrick welcomes your thoughts on the state spending initiatives that are important to you.
Massachusetts is experiencing many encouraging signs of economic recovery, but we will continue to face difficult challenges in the new fiscal year.
The Governor's budget proposal is a responsible and balanced plan to fund the state's programs and services next year, while recognizing that the state must live within the resources available. This budget continues to drive innovation and change the way government does business to ensure every taxpayer dollar is being stretched as far as possible. We will continue to work with our partners in the Legislature in the coming months as they move ahead with the budget process.
Please know that the Governor is grateful to have your voice as part of this important discussion. If you have additional concerns, please feel free to call us at 617-725-4005.
Sincerely,
Governor Patrick's Constituent Services Office
617-725-4005
North shore Elder Services Case Managers Melissa Daly and Barbara Quinn were recently Recognized by the Massachusetts Council for Home Care Aid Services for their commitment to seniors from this region.
At its 41st annual meeting, the Massachusetts Council for Home Care Aid Services saluted North Shore Elder Service case managers Melissa Daly and Barbara Quinn. Daly and Quinn were among the nominees for the Cathe Madden Award, which is given to case managers who demonstrate extraordinary enthusiasm, innovation and commitment to their job. Danvers-based North Shore Elder Services provides services to older adults in Peabody, Danvers, Salem, Marblehead and Middleton.
The Salem Partnership has Provided the Following Notice about an open Meeting that might be of interest to local Residents
Salem Train Station Improvements
And Parking Garage
Thursday, February 16, 2012
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Carlton School
10 Skerry Street
Salem, Massachusetts
AGENDA
• Projects Update
• Project Impacts
• Design Progress
• Schedule
I am not sure if any of you have ever benefited from the generosity of the Salem Rotary and if you have, the event described below could serve as an opportunity to help their valuable support to this region. I have been a member of this group for many years and can attest to their unusual level of support. They annually provide about $50,000 in scholarship grants and other generous gifts to many organizations. Please think about how you might be able to assist their auction event.
Service clubs like Salem Rotary cannot function without the assistance of all of its members and their friends, families and business acquaintances. We are calling for your help in our BIGGEST fund-raiser of the year, our annual auction. It is scheduled for Friday evening, March 16, at the Hawthorne Hotel.
Here is some pertinent information on how you can help:
1. Buy tickets, not just for yourself, but for some friends and business contacts who will come and bid for the good of our cause. Then COME to the auction and bid early and often!
2. Tickets are only $75 each, or a table of 8 for $475, which works out to less than $60 per ticket -- and includes Drink Tickets, Hors d'oeuvres, Dinner, and Wine with Dinner, as well as the taxes and service charges. You cannot go out to dinner for that much and have such a nice evening!!
3. Bring some bottles of wine to be included in our "WINE CELLAR" raffle. If everyone who attends brings two bottles of wine, there should be one person who will win over 200 bottles of wine. You can bring the wine with you in advance to Rotary, and Juli Lederhaus will collect it in her office.
4. Donate items to the auction. Think about things you have access to that others might desire and want to pay for! Think about creative things you can make or do, and give those. Donate those items to the auction and please do so soon. You can bring things like gift certificates to Rotary with you, but we ask that anything of size be brought to John Walsh Insurance on Margin St. to be held until the auction. We need to know SOON what items we have to auction, so we can get them in the program book.
5. If you are not able to think of those kinds of things, donate cash now to the auction committee. They will use your cash to create innovative and desirable gift baskets to put in the auction. See Chair Liz Bradt to do this.
6. Take out an ad in the program book. This is good for your company, or a way you can recognize a special someone.
7. Spread the word. Everyone is welcomed to attend. The more of the general public we get to attend, the better. Do you know anyone who has a child who has benefitted from our generosity? Get the word out through them!! Forward this email with great abandon!!!!
8. Volunteer to assist the committee the afternoon and night of the auction. We have some one and two-hour shifts where we can use your help, or help from members of your staff or family who you would recommend to us.
If you have questions, email Liz Bradt at docliz@creaturehealth.com or call her at 978-740-0290.
We cannot do this alone!!! We need your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much from the entire hard-working AUCTION COMMITTEE!!!
The following letter was prepared and provided to local Newspapers By North Shore Elder Services. The effort supports the numerous food and nutrition programs provided to the elderly through numerous sources in communities across this region.
January 31, 2012
Letter To the editor… Important that Congress Renews Older Americans Act
Every year, North Shore Elder Services provides 200,000 hot nutritious meals to elderly residents in the communities of Danvers, Peabody, Salem, Marblehead and Middleton.
This vital service is made possible through federal legislation known as the Older Americans Act. In Massachusetts alone, the funding allowed agencies to serve 8.6 million meals to older adults last year. These meals were served at luncheon programs in senior centers, elderly housing and other community venues where seniors gather or delivered to older adults in their homes through Meals on Wheels.
The future of this successful program now rests with members of the U.S. Congress, who are expected to vote this month on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. We are asking the community to show your support for this important legislation.
According to the data from the Massachusetts Elder Nutrition programs, close to 67 percent of the recipients of the home-delivered meals are age 80 or older and about 75 percent report that the hot lunch is their main meal of the day. Participants also cited improved health as a result of the delivered meals. In fact, more than 75 percent reported eating better, feeling better or having more energy as a result of the nutrition program.
With minimal stigma attached, the program also continues to prove to be successful in reaching those with the lowest incomes.
With the baby-boom population increasing at an unprecedented rate, 2012 is a critical year to guarantee the nutrition and health of older adults across the country. North Shore Elder Services joins with groups such as the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs to emphasize to members of Congress the need to keep the vital community and home-based services provided by the Older Americans Act ongoing.
The Older Americans Act has enjoyed bipartisan support during its more than 45-year history. It's critical to the 75,000 older adults who received nutritious meals that there is no disruption in the renewal process.
Paul Lanzikos Erica Blumberg
Executive Director Nutrition Program Manager
North Shore Elder Services
Danvers
Letter Received from Governor Patrick to North Shore Elder Services and other
organizations regarding nutrition funding.
On behalf of Governor Deval L. Patrick, thank you for your letter regarding your support of the Elderly Nutrition Program in the FY2013 budget. Governor Patrick welcomes your thoughts on the state spending initiatives that are important to you.
Massachusetts is experiencing many encouraging signs of economic recovery, but we will continue to face difficult challenges in the new fiscal year.
The Governor's budget proposal is a responsible and balanced plan to fund the state's programs and services next year, while recognizing that the state must live within the resources available. This budget continues to drive innovation and change the way government does business to ensure every taxpayer dollar is being stretched as far as possible. We will continue to work with our partners in the Legislature in the coming months as they move ahead with the budget process.
Please know that the Governor is grateful to have your voice as part of this important discussion. If you have additional concerns, please feel free to call us at 617-725-4005.
Sincerely,
Governor Patrick's Constituent Services Office
617-725-4005
North shore Elder Services Case Managers Melissa Daly and Barbara Quinn were recently Recognized by the Massachusetts Council for Home Care Aid Services for their commitment to seniors from this region.
At its 41st annual meeting, the Massachusetts Council for Home Care Aid Services saluted North Shore Elder Service case managers Melissa Daly and Barbara Quinn. Daly and Quinn were among the nominees for the Cathe Madden Award, which is given to case managers who demonstrate extraordinary enthusiasm, innovation and commitment to their job. Danvers-based North Shore Elder Services provides services to older adults in Peabody, Danvers, Salem, Marblehead and Middleton.
The Salem Partnership has Provided the Following Notice about an open Meeting that might be of interest to local Residents
Salem Train Station Improvements
And Parking Garage
Thursday, February 16, 2012
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Carlton School
10 Skerry Street
Salem, Massachusetts
AGENDA
• Projects Update
• Project Impacts
• Design Progress
• Schedule
I am not sure if any of you have ever benefited from the generosity of the Salem Rotary and if you have, the event described below could serve as an opportunity to help their valuable support to this region. I have been a member of this group for many years and can attest to their unusual level of support. They annually provide about $50,000 in scholarship grants and other generous gifts to many organizations. Please think about how you might be able to assist their auction event.
Service clubs like Salem Rotary cannot function without the assistance of all of its members and their friends, families and business acquaintances. We are calling for your help in our BIGGEST fund-raiser of the year, our annual auction. It is scheduled for Friday evening, March 16, at the Hawthorne Hotel.
Here is some pertinent information on how you can help:
1. Buy tickets, not just for yourself, but for some friends and business contacts who will come and bid for the good of our cause. Then COME to the auction and bid early and often!
2. Tickets are only $75 each, or a table of 8 for $475, which works out to less than $60 per ticket -- and includes Drink Tickets, Hors d'oeuvres, Dinner, and Wine with Dinner, as well as the taxes and service charges. You cannot go out to dinner for that much and have such a nice evening!!
3. Bring some bottles of wine to be included in our "WINE CELLAR" raffle. If everyone who attends brings two bottles of wine, there should be one person who will win over 200 bottles of wine. You can bring the wine with you in advance to Rotary, and Juli Lederhaus will collect it in her office.
4. Donate items to the auction. Think about things you have access to that others might desire and want to pay for! Think about creative things you can make or do, and give those. Donate those items to the auction and please do so soon. You can bring things like gift certificates to Rotary with you, but we ask that anything of size be brought to John Walsh Insurance on Margin St. to be held until the auction. We need to know SOON what items we have to auction, so we can get them in the program book.
5. If you are not able to think of those kinds of things, donate cash now to the auction committee. They will use your cash to create innovative and desirable gift baskets to put in the auction. See Chair Liz Bradt to do this.
6. Take out an ad in the program book. This is good for your company, or a way you can recognize a special someone.
7. Spread the word. Everyone is welcomed to attend. The more of the general public we get to attend, the better. Do you know anyone who has a child who has benefitted from our generosity? Get the word out through them!! Forward this email with great abandon!!!!
8. Volunteer to assist the committee the afternoon and night of the auction. We have some one and two-hour shifts where we can use your help, or help from members of your staff or family who you would recommend to us.
If you have questions, email Liz Bradt at docliz@creaturehealth.com or call her at 978-740-0290.
We cannot do this alone!!! We need your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much from the entire hard-working AUCTION COMMITTEE!!!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
ESSEX Happenings 2.11.12
Essex Happenings 2.11.12
North Andover Considers Remote Option for Meetings
The Town of North Andover Board of Selectmen recently considered and turned down a proposal provided for discussion by the Town Manager, a provision under the Open Meeting Law, that would allow audio or video participation in public meetings by members who were unable to attend a meeting due to emergency, illness, disability or military service. There may be times when one of those situations might be cause for that provision, but that board decided not to consider the option.
Town of Wenham Changes Town Meeting Date
The Town of Wenham has rescheduled a special Town Meeting to consider a pouring license for the Wenham Tea House to February 15, 2012 at 7:00 at the Baker School.
Danvers Reviews Dispatch Center Options
At an upcoming meeting of the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Danvers, that group will receive an update on the options available to bring the emergency communications process up to acceptable standards. Several months ago, the community decided that it did not want to participate in a regional dispatch center being created in Middleton. That decision may now be a detriment to the community as the equipment being used now may be outdated and costly to replace. The community has looked at other regional efforts, but the commonwealth has decided that one regional center may be all that they may want to fund. The report being prepared and to be presented by Selectman Michael Powers will be most interesting to consider as replacement of the equipment by one community could prove to be most expensive.
Peabody City Council Approves Funding for Rink Renovation
The City Council from Peabody approved one of the first measures offered for their support from the new Mayor. The Council agreed to borrow bond funding in the amount of $1.4 million to complete renovations on the McVann Hockey rink. The facility that has been a favorite venue of local High Schools and Youth Programs and this rehabilitation will be the first since the facility was built several decades ago. The facility will receive new flooring, boards and glass plus a new refrigeration and dehumidification system. I am certain that when completed that it may be the premier hockey location in this region.
Meeting with new Mayor of the City of Peabody
Continuing the discussion about the City of Peabody, several of us from the leadership team at Essex Heritage, met with Mayor Ted Bettencourt to discuss the mission of Essex Heritage and how that work to preserve the historic, cultural and natural resources of Essex County could assist the new Mayor as he develops his direction for his administration in the years ahead. The meeting was established and arranged by long time Peabody activist, ENHC Commissioner Mike Shultze, and we all certainly appreciate his efforts. Executive Director Annie Harris, President Rich Yagjian and I joined Mike and the Mayor in an hour long session that we believe was most enlightening for the Mayor and certainly most positive for all of us. We spent most of the time outlining the work of the Commission and how Peabody could benefit from participation in the effort. The Mayor was also interested in how the Salem Partnership was created and its role in that city and Annie and I provided information on that initiative as well. We left the new Leather City Chief Executive with substantial information on Essex Heritage and I provided some informal personal observations that I have prepared for another use on the origin and early operations of the two organizations. We encouraged the Mayor to review all of the provided material and to contact us for more discussion as so desired. We were all most impressed with the new Mayor’s desire to be a collaborative partner in the efforts to make his City successful and to play a role in continuing work to develop this region as an economic force.
Farm Land in West Newbury Sold
It appears that farming, as a profession in this region, is far from finished. Essex Heritage has long advocated that the preservation of the natural resources of this region need to be preserved. Some of the most important land not developed in this region is farmland. A large portion of that land was saved for future farming endeavors when 135 acres of agricultural farmland, near the public library, was purchased in West Newbury by a local farmer for a continuing agricultural purpose. The land was purchased and will be used by Ted Dunajski of Peabody, who now runs the oldest continuing operating family dairy farm in the region located in Peabody. On that farm he maintains a herd of two hundred cows and the land just acquired will provide a location for growing corn that will be used for feed. I have to admit that I was not aware until learning of this purchase that there was a dairy farm of that size in the City of Peabody. The land just acquired will stay in perpetuity as agricultural land, as there is deed restriction that runs with the land that prevents use other than for agriculture. The cows in Peabody produce milk that is sold under the name of Pure Country Dairy Products in trucks that bear the legend “There are cows in Peabody”.
Possible Wonderful News on the Salem Power Station
In the most recent past, the City of Salem received some most welcome but possibly premature news that the power station on Salem’s waterfront has received some interest from a potential purchaser. The potential purchaser has an interest in a conversion of the facility to be operated with natural gas. It may be very early to get too excited about this announcement, but if it were to become a reality the ramifications for this maritime community and the region could be substantial. We will follow the progress of this potential project as it moves along and will report on any developments that take place.
Airline Trip To Florida
As I have continued my rehabilitation, I have always tried to tackle every obstacle as a opportunity to overcome another hurdle in my continuing recovery. I have truly tried to do as many things with my prosthetic leg as I did before my accident. Sort of like an after accident “bucket List” of things to get accomplished. I will not recount those instances again here, as in the past in this space, I have provided some of that information. One of the last things I had not done until this last weekend was board an airplane to travel. I have now accomplished that task as I flew from Boston, Massachusetts to Tampa, Florida. I can only speak about the airline that I flew on and the airline, Jet Blue staff at all levels extraordinary in the way they assisted me on this recent trip. They met me at my arrival at the curb with assistance and accompanied me through the check in procedure and through security that today can be, as it should be, a very daunting procedure and then saw me to the gate. We along with folks that were traveling with us were allowed to board early with significant help and that process was repeated when we arrived at our destination. I would also add that right from the very start of the process at the time we booked our reservations the airline was superior in the way they handled our reservation and the subsequent trip. I would suspect that all the airlines have programs in place to effectively deal with clients with handicaps, but since I have only experienced one airline to date, I can only comment on that process and it was sensational. After that experience, if at all possible and if Jet Blue traveled to where I wanted to go, I would certainly be inclined to chose that carrier every time.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Offers Winter Adaptive Sports Programs
In the early days of my recuperation, I was able to participate in two adaptive sports programs offered by Spaulding. I attended a golf program on the cape and rode a hand cycle at both Salem State and on the sensational City of Peabody bike trail. Now that winter has arrived, Spaulding has switched its emphasis to among other things, snow sports. They are offering trips for both adaptive down hill, snowboarding and cross country skiing. For those that are not comfortable on snow they also have arranged a wheelchair basketball program. All of the programs can be accessed or one can register by contacting the Director, Ms Bobbi Delaney who did a wonderful job when she managed the programs I was involved in. Their slogan ”Find your strength” at Spaulding as they offer diverse programs to its patients.
North Andover Considers Remote Option for Meetings
The Town of North Andover Board of Selectmen recently considered and turned down a proposal provided for discussion by the Town Manager, a provision under the Open Meeting Law, that would allow audio or video participation in public meetings by members who were unable to attend a meeting due to emergency, illness, disability or military service. There may be times when one of those situations might be cause for that provision, but that board decided not to consider the option.
Town of Wenham Changes Town Meeting Date
The Town of Wenham has rescheduled a special Town Meeting to consider a pouring license for the Wenham Tea House to February 15, 2012 at 7:00 at the Baker School.
Danvers Reviews Dispatch Center Options
At an upcoming meeting of the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Danvers, that group will receive an update on the options available to bring the emergency communications process up to acceptable standards. Several months ago, the community decided that it did not want to participate in a regional dispatch center being created in Middleton. That decision may now be a detriment to the community as the equipment being used now may be outdated and costly to replace. The community has looked at other regional efforts, but the commonwealth has decided that one regional center may be all that they may want to fund. The report being prepared and to be presented by Selectman Michael Powers will be most interesting to consider as replacement of the equipment by one community could prove to be most expensive.
Peabody City Council Approves Funding for Rink Renovation
The City Council from Peabody approved one of the first measures offered for their support from the new Mayor. The Council agreed to borrow bond funding in the amount of $1.4 million to complete renovations on the McVann Hockey rink. The facility that has been a favorite venue of local High Schools and Youth Programs and this rehabilitation will be the first since the facility was built several decades ago. The facility will receive new flooring, boards and glass plus a new refrigeration and dehumidification system. I am certain that when completed that it may be the premier hockey location in this region.
Meeting with new Mayor of the City of Peabody
Continuing the discussion about the City of Peabody, several of us from the leadership team at Essex Heritage, met with Mayor Ted Bettencourt to discuss the mission of Essex Heritage and how that work to preserve the historic, cultural and natural resources of Essex County could assist the new Mayor as he develops his direction for his administration in the years ahead. The meeting was established and arranged by long time Peabody activist, ENHC Commissioner Mike Shultze, and we all certainly appreciate his efforts. Executive Director Annie Harris, President Rich Yagjian and I joined Mike and the Mayor in an hour long session that we believe was most enlightening for the Mayor and certainly most positive for all of us. We spent most of the time outlining the work of the Commission and how Peabody could benefit from participation in the effort. The Mayor was also interested in how the Salem Partnership was created and its role in that city and Annie and I provided information on that initiative as well. We left the new Leather City Chief Executive with substantial information on Essex Heritage and I provided some informal personal observations that I have prepared for another use on the origin and early operations of the two organizations. We encouraged the Mayor to review all of the provided material and to contact us for more discussion as so desired. We were all most impressed with the new Mayor’s desire to be a collaborative partner in the efforts to make his City successful and to play a role in continuing work to develop this region as an economic force.
Farm Land in West Newbury Sold
It appears that farming, as a profession in this region, is far from finished. Essex Heritage has long advocated that the preservation of the natural resources of this region need to be preserved. Some of the most important land not developed in this region is farmland. A large portion of that land was saved for future farming endeavors when 135 acres of agricultural farmland, near the public library, was purchased in West Newbury by a local farmer for a continuing agricultural purpose. The land was purchased and will be used by Ted Dunajski of Peabody, who now runs the oldest continuing operating family dairy farm in the region located in Peabody. On that farm he maintains a herd of two hundred cows and the land just acquired will provide a location for growing corn that will be used for feed. I have to admit that I was not aware until learning of this purchase that there was a dairy farm of that size in the City of Peabody. The land just acquired will stay in perpetuity as agricultural land, as there is deed restriction that runs with the land that prevents use other than for agriculture. The cows in Peabody produce milk that is sold under the name of Pure Country Dairy Products in trucks that bear the legend “There are cows in Peabody”.
Possible Wonderful News on the Salem Power Station
In the most recent past, the City of Salem received some most welcome but possibly premature news that the power station on Salem’s waterfront has received some interest from a potential purchaser. The potential purchaser has an interest in a conversion of the facility to be operated with natural gas. It may be very early to get too excited about this announcement, but if it were to become a reality the ramifications for this maritime community and the region could be substantial. We will follow the progress of this potential project as it moves along and will report on any developments that take place.
Airline Trip To Florida
As I have continued my rehabilitation, I have always tried to tackle every obstacle as a opportunity to overcome another hurdle in my continuing recovery. I have truly tried to do as many things with my prosthetic leg as I did before my accident. Sort of like an after accident “bucket List” of things to get accomplished. I will not recount those instances again here, as in the past in this space, I have provided some of that information. One of the last things I had not done until this last weekend was board an airplane to travel. I have now accomplished that task as I flew from Boston, Massachusetts to Tampa, Florida. I can only speak about the airline that I flew on and the airline, Jet Blue staff at all levels extraordinary in the way they assisted me on this recent trip. They met me at my arrival at the curb with assistance and accompanied me through the check in procedure and through security that today can be, as it should be, a very daunting procedure and then saw me to the gate. We along with folks that were traveling with us were allowed to board early with significant help and that process was repeated when we arrived at our destination. I would also add that right from the very start of the process at the time we booked our reservations the airline was superior in the way they handled our reservation and the subsequent trip. I would suspect that all the airlines have programs in place to effectively deal with clients with handicaps, but since I have only experienced one airline to date, I can only comment on that process and it was sensational. After that experience, if at all possible and if Jet Blue traveled to where I wanted to go, I would certainly be inclined to chose that carrier every time.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Offers Winter Adaptive Sports Programs
In the early days of my recuperation, I was able to participate in two adaptive sports programs offered by Spaulding. I attended a golf program on the cape and rode a hand cycle at both Salem State and on the sensational City of Peabody bike trail. Now that winter has arrived, Spaulding has switched its emphasis to among other things, snow sports. They are offering trips for both adaptive down hill, snowboarding and cross country skiing. For those that are not comfortable on snow they also have arranged a wheelchair basketball program. All of the programs can be accessed or one can register by contacting the Director, Ms Bobbi Delaney who did a wonderful job when she managed the programs I was involved in. Their slogan ”Find your strength” at Spaulding as they offer diverse programs to its patients.
Monday, February 6, 2012
ESSEX Happenings 2.6.12
Essex Happenings 2.8.12
Preserving Historic Buildings in Region
As an organization that is particularly interested in the preservation of important historically significant buildings, Essex Heritage is pleased to see that several properties, that have been recently threatened in the region, appear to have alternative plans that would protect the properties now being advanced Recently, historically important buildings in Salem, Beverly and just in the last week or so a property in Newburyport was noted as in danger of being compromised. We have always believed that the historic properties, that are so important to the character of this region, must be preserved to maintain what we now have into the future for the next generations. The future value of this region is predicated on the long-term preservation of the multiple historically important properties that are so plentiful across this entire region. But every one of these properties is critical and we are diminished every time we lose even a small part of our history. The concerns that have been exhibited about these issues by so many is most appreciated and justified. There was substantial interest in all of these properties by individuals and organizations in the impacted communities that came forward with enthusiastic opposition to the original plans and those concerns certainly had an impact as the plans have changed and it appears that there is now some chance that the properties and their historic values can be preserved.
The Salem property, the Ropes Mansion is located on Felt Street and a developer had indicated that the historic property would be removed, the land subdivided and three new houses built on the site. The developer has recently adjusted his plans and will now prepare plans to rehabilitate the historic property and only develop two new lots and homes.
The Beverly property was more problematic as the potential reuse of the property included a commercial reuse as a developer wanted to remove the historic clapboard building built in 1715 at the corner of Dodge and Conant Streets to build a new Drug store. A demolition permit had been issued and that created a firestorm among activists in Beverly and their efforts were successful as now changes are being contemplated that might save the most historic portion of the building. Lets hope that the efforts of the activists that mobilized to save this property will be successful.
The most recent historic building that is now in danger of being demolished is the Tappan house at 1 Little Lane in Newburyport. That twelve room federal home built for one of the earliest settlers in Newburyport had been issued a demolition permit, but there has been a delay now while a group of preservation activists create an effort to save the property.
In spite of all of these new initiatives that have surfaced, the preservationists that have mobilized to save these three properties may still be disappointed, but they are certainly trying their best to have an impact on all three of these important properties. The three issues continue to produce the continuing conflict of two great New England passions, property rights and preserving history, All of the ownership groups in these three instances are well within their rights to do what they need to do with property that they own, but many are hopeful that in all three cases compromises can be constructed that preserve owners rights, but at the same time fund a way to preserve some of the most important historic aspects of three local communities in this region.
Super Bowl Result
It was another “close but no cigar” moment for the New England Patriots as they lost in Super Bowl XKVl to the New York Giants. QB Tom Brady played well, but Eli Manning played better and deserved the MVP Award. The Patriots were hurt by a couple of critical dropped passes, but the biggest problem was the inability to make big plays on defense when it mattered the most. All of the fans can take some solace in the fact that they were two of 32 teams to make the championship game, but time might be slipping away from the time left in QB Brady’s career and it would behoove the management of the New England entry to make a big effort this off season to improve the defensive component of the team particularly the defensive backfield. The football entry remains the Boston team with the longest span between championships. It is now time to turn to the Boston Bruins as our best hope for another Duck Boat parade.
Salem Distributes Cultural Grants
The City of Salem Cultural Council recently distributed 18 awards totaling $11,050. The funding offered by the community is obtained from the Massachusetts Cultural Council that this year was level funded. Some of the award winners this year were the Salem Philharmonic Orchestra, North Shore Concert Band, Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, Salem Arts Festival, the Salem Theatre Company the Salem Mural project and other projects The deadline to file for the 2013 awards is October 15, 2012.
Business Group Provides Help to Saugus Schools
A local organization called the Saugus Business Educational Collaborative recently provided a $21,000 donation to the Saugus School System. The group made up of Saugus businesses annually provides support to school programs that offers supplies that would not be normally funded in the community’s budget for schools. Local Saugus businesses have been most helpful in the past as they were most supportive when the Saugus Iron Works was reopened after a major renovation by the National Park Service a year or so ago.
Sled Dog Races in Hamilton Cancelled
Some time ago, I reported in this space on a postponement of an event that required snow. Since that weather event has not occurred in enough quantity, the event in Hamilton is now cancelled until 2013.
OPPORTUNITY OFFERED TO PARTICIPATE IN UPCOMING WEBINAR. THE INVITATION WAS PROVIDED BY NORTH SHORE ELDER SERVICES WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS. IT MAY PROVIDE CRITICAL INFORMATION TO NOT-FOR-PROFIT MANAGERS IN THIS REGION
Hello,
You may be interested in an hour-long webinar, “The View from the Cliff: Government-funded Nonprofits Are Looking Out on Steep Cuts and an Uncertain Future.” This report is based on surveys and interviews conducted by representatives from BoardSource with not-for-profit leaders from across the country. I was one of the people interviewed.
See below for more details.
Paul
Paul J. Lanzikos Executive Director North Shore Elder Services 152 Sylvan Street Danvers, MA 01923-3568 978/624-2245 978/624-2244 (TTY)
North Shore Elder Services Serving Danvers, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody, Salem
Life. Made Easi
From: Shah, Vishal [mailto:vishal.shah@bridgespan.org] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 12:06 PM Subject: Reminder to sign up for free Bridgespan webinar on government funding - February 2nd
Hi,
We wanted to send out a reminder to register for our free webinar regarding our research on federal budget cuts and nonprofit funding and the resulting report, “The View from the Cliff: Government-funded Nonprofits Are Looking Out on Steep Cuts and an Uncertain Future.” The webinar will be on Thursday, February 2nd from noon to 1 pm Eastern / 9 to 10 am Pacific. You can register for the webinar by going to this link.
Thanks so much.
Best,
Vishal Shah and Daniel Stid
_____________________________________ Vishal Shah 465 California Street, 11th Floor | San Francisco, CA 94114 Phone: 415-627-1100 | Fax: 415-627-4575 vishal.shah@bridgespan.org www.bridgespan.org | www.bridgestar.org
Sign-up for Bridgespan's free newsletters which offer content and tools for leaders in nonprofits and philanthropy: www.bridgespan.org/subscribe Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BridgespanGroup
NORTH SHORE ELDER SERVICES FUND RASING EVENT INFORMATION
Life is Short: Wear Your Party Pants – A One Woman Show with Loretta LaRoche May 6, 2012 North Shore Music Theater, Beverly, MA
Order tickets: 978 232 7200 / www.nsmt.org
Preserving Historic Buildings in Region
As an organization that is particularly interested in the preservation of important historically significant buildings, Essex Heritage is pleased to see that several properties, that have been recently threatened in the region, appear to have alternative plans that would protect the properties now being advanced Recently, historically important buildings in Salem, Beverly and just in the last week or so a property in Newburyport was noted as in danger of being compromised. We have always believed that the historic properties, that are so important to the character of this region, must be preserved to maintain what we now have into the future for the next generations. The future value of this region is predicated on the long-term preservation of the multiple historically important properties that are so plentiful across this entire region. But every one of these properties is critical and we are diminished every time we lose even a small part of our history. The concerns that have been exhibited about these issues by so many is most appreciated and justified. There was substantial interest in all of these properties by individuals and organizations in the impacted communities that came forward with enthusiastic opposition to the original plans and those concerns certainly had an impact as the plans have changed and it appears that there is now some chance that the properties and their historic values can be preserved.
The Salem property, the Ropes Mansion is located on Felt Street and a developer had indicated that the historic property would be removed, the land subdivided and three new houses built on the site. The developer has recently adjusted his plans and will now prepare plans to rehabilitate the historic property and only develop two new lots and homes.
The Beverly property was more problematic as the potential reuse of the property included a commercial reuse as a developer wanted to remove the historic clapboard building built in 1715 at the corner of Dodge and Conant Streets to build a new Drug store. A demolition permit had been issued and that created a firestorm among activists in Beverly and their efforts were successful as now changes are being contemplated that might save the most historic portion of the building. Lets hope that the efforts of the activists that mobilized to save this property will be successful.
The most recent historic building that is now in danger of being demolished is the Tappan house at 1 Little Lane in Newburyport. That twelve room federal home built for one of the earliest settlers in Newburyport had been issued a demolition permit, but there has been a delay now while a group of preservation activists create an effort to save the property.
In spite of all of these new initiatives that have surfaced, the preservationists that have mobilized to save these three properties may still be disappointed, but they are certainly trying their best to have an impact on all three of these important properties. The three issues continue to produce the continuing conflict of two great New England passions, property rights and preserving history, All of the ownership groups in these three instances are well within their rights to do what they need to do with property that they own, but many are hopeful that in all three cases compromises can be constructed that preserve owners rights, but at the same time fund a way to preserve some of the most important historic aspects of three local communities in this region.
Super Bowl Result
It was another “close but no cigar” moment for the New England Patriots as they lost in Super Bowl XKVl to the New York Giants. QB Tom Brady played well, but Eli Manning played better and deserved the MVP Award. The Patriots were hurt by a couple of critical dropped passes, but the biggest problem was the inability to make big plays on defense when it mattered the most. All of the fans can take some solace in the fact that they were two of 32 teams to make the championship game, but time might be slipping away from the time left in QB Brady’s career and it would behoove the management of the New England entry to make a big effort this off season to improve the defensive component of the team particularly the defensive backfield. The football entry remains the Boston team with the longest span between championships. It is now time to turn to the Boston Bruins as our best hope for another Duck Boat parade.
Salem Distributes Cultural Grants
The City of Salem Cultural Council recently distributed 18 awards totaling $11,050. The funding offered by the community is obtained from the Massachusetts Cultural Council that this year was level funded. Some of the award winners this year were the Salem Philharmonic Orchestra, North Shore Concert Band, Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, Salem Arts Festival, the Salem Theatre Company the Salem Mural project and other projects The deadline to file for the 2013 awards is October 15, 2012.
Business Group Provides Help to Saugus Schools
A local organization called the Saugus Business Educational Collaborative recently provided a $21,000 donation to the Saugus School System. The group made up of Saugus businesses annually provides support to school programs that offers supplies that would not be normally funded in the community’s budget for schools. Local Saugus businesses have been most helpful in the past as they were most supportive when the Saugus Iron Works was reopened after a major renovation by the National Park Service a year or so ago.
Sled Dog Races in Hamilton Cancelled
Some time ago, I reported in this space on a postponement of an event that required snow. Since that weather event has not occurred in enough quantity, the event in Hamilton is now cancelled until 2013.
OPPORTUNITY OFFERED TO PARTICIPATE IN UPCOMING WEBINAR. THE INVITATION WAS PROVIDED BY NORTH SHORE ELDER SERVICES WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS. IT MAY PROVIDE CRITICAL INFORMATION TO NOT-FOR-PROFIT MANAGERS IN THIS REGION
Hello,
You may be interested in an hour-long webinar, “The View from the Cliff: Government-funded Nonprofits Are Looking Out on Steep Cuts and an Uncertain Future.” This report is based on surveys and interviews conducted by representatives from BoardSource with not-for-profit leaders from across the country. I was one of the people interviewed.
See below for more details.
Paul
Paul J. Lanzikos Executive Director North Shore Elder Services 152 Sylvan Street Danvers, MA 01923-3568 978/624-2245 978/624-2244 (TTY)
North Shore Elder Services Serving Danvers, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody, Salem
Life. Made Easi
From: Shah, Vishal [mailto:vishal.shah@bridgespan.org] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 12:06 PM Subject: Reminder to sign up for free Bridgespan webinar on government funding - February 2nd
Hi,
We wanted to send out a reminder to register for our free webinar regarding our research on federal budget cuts and nonprofit funding and the resulting report, “The View from the Cliff: Government-funded Nonprofits Are Looking Out on Steep Cuts and an Uncertain Future.” The webinar will be on Thursday, February 2nd from noon to 1 pm Eastern / 9 to 10 am Pacific. You can register for the webinar by going to this link.
Thanks so much.
Best,
Vishal Shah and Daniel Stid
_____________________________________ Vishal Shah 465 California Street, 11th Floor | San Francisco, CA 94114 Phone: 415-627-1100 | Fax: 415-627-4575 vishal.shah@bridgespan.org www.bridgespan.org | www.bridgestar.org
Sign-up for Bridgespan's free newsletters which offer content and tools for leaders in nonprofits and philanthropy: www.bridgespan.org/subscribe Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BridgespanGroup
NORTH SHORE ELDER SERVICES FUND RASING EVENT INFORMATION
Life is Short: Wear Your Party Pants – A One Woman Show with Loretta LaRoche May 6, 2012 North Shore Music Theater, Beverly, MA
Order tickets: 978 232 7200 / www.nsmt.org
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