Essex Happnings

Welcome to LeadingAge Massachusetts What's New? LeadingAge Massachusetts, formerly MassAging, is the only organization representing the full continuum of mission-driven, not-for-profit providers of health care, housing, and services for older persons in Massachusetts. Members of LeadingAge Massachusetts provide housing and services to more than 25,000 older persons in the Commonwealth each year. The mission of LeadingAge Massachusetts is to Expand the World of Possibilities for Aging. We strive for this by leading in innovative practices that transform how we care for our aging population, spear-heading cutting-edge initiatives to develop services that meet older adults’ needs and preferences, and advocating to advance the interests of the aging consumer. I recently received a copy of the monthly newsletter from an organization known now as LeadingAge Massachusetts from North Shore Elder Services in Danvers. They were previously known as MassAging. Since they are so focused of the elderly. It seemed worthwhile to print an excerpt from that report. 2012 Annual Conference a Success! More than 450 members, affiliates and others packed the Holiday Inn, Boxboro on Wednesday, May 2nd for LeadingAge Massachusetts’ 2012 Annual Conference and Exhibition. The theme of this year’s conference, Inspire. Serve. Advocate was on display in full force during the numerous inspirational and informational sessions presented. The day kicked-off with an engaging multi-media keynote presentation, delivered by LeadingAge C.E.O. Larry Minnix. Through his words and use of effective video clips, Larry discussed LeadingAge’s Leadership Imperatives and examples of transformational change taking place among not-for-profit providers across the country. The keynote was followed by eleven other breakout sessions on topics ranging from use of Expressive Therapies in dementia care, becoming a Valued Partner in Health Care Reform, Memoir Writing for Seniors, The Village Movement and much more. Participants commented on the high quality and relevance of the educational offerings. In addition to an education-packed day, the conference provided an opportunity for members to learn about the more than 75 businesses exhibiting relevant products and services during the trade show. In case you weren't able to attend, click here to access a list of conference exhibitors. Check out photos from the conference on our Facebook page. Local Danvers Church to offer a Town Hall Type Meeting The leadership team of St. Richard’s Parish in Danvers that includes members of both the Parish and Finance Council will offer an informative meeting in a Town Hall Meeting format on June 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the church for all parishioners. The changes that may now occur as a result of moves established by the Archdiocese of Boston and expected changes at the other catholic church in Danvers, plus an update on the current activities at the Forrest Street location will be outlined. We expect the meeting will last less than one hour, and all in invited. Lynch Park Carriage House Rehabilitation On a recent Sunday afternoon, the folks that have undertaken the restoration of the carriage house at Lynch Park in Beverly held an open house to show off their work and the $400,000 in improvements that have been made. The work to improve the facility have been underway for quite some time, and Essex Heritage had the opportunity about one year ago to hold one of our annual meetings in that spectacular sea side location. We showcased the work done even though there were more improvements to follow. We had a wonderful Meeting and the leadership of this project was wonderful hosts for us. All that were attendance at our event were incredibly impressed with the work that had been done to date, and agreed that if promoted properly in the future the location could become a premier, much desired for occasions of all types. We certainly hope that when people in the region visit the location that bookings are created for the future. Beverly Offered Mayors Bike Ride The city of Beverly conducted a community Mayors bike ride over a recent weekend. Mayor Scanlon joined the riders on the free three-mile ride that was designed to bring attention to the City as bile friendly. While the ride was free contributions to support the River House. Historic Salem Church Undergoes Restoration The Historic First Church of Salem has recently been rehabilitated and offered a recent open house for area residents to view the work that was just rewarded with a preservation award by Historic Salem. The church located on Essex Street opened first for services in 1629 received a substantial renovation that totaled just short od two million dollars. The interior of the church is now much more handicapped accessible for wheelchairs and that fact is most important to me. The building is now complete with an elevator and handicapped bathrooms, sand is now most welcoming. Turners Seafood Seeks Opening in Danvers At the annual Town Meeting in Danvers, the body considered an application by Turner Sea Food for an all-alcoholic license. Since the Town does not have a current application. It will apply to the Commonwealth for a special license. Turner’s operates two other seafood restaurants in the region. And if approved the new location by the Hollywood Hits location would be a most positive addition to the Town, and would create one hundred new jobs and would be most beneficial in many ways. Newburyport Chamber to Hold Lunch The Newburyport Chamber will hold its annual luncheon event on May 31, 2012 at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown, Ma. The event held annually featured Ms. Judith Bowman as the featured speaker. Ms. Bowman is a nationally known speaker on Corporate etiquette, networking and presentation skills. In addition to her presentation, the annual Edward Molin Community Service Award will be presented and an annual election of officers and Board Trustees will take place. Beverly Summer School The Beverly School Department has announced that Sumer school this year will begin on July 9th and will continue until August 3rd and will be conducted at the Beverly High School. Town Meeting Time The annual Town Meting for the Town of Danvers was held on May 21, 2012 at the Holten-Richmond Middle School. The body approved a $96.3 million dollar budget for the upcoming year and several other warrant matters. City of Peabody Conducted Cleanup Earlier this week, Mayor Ted Bettencourt of Peabody. invited residents of that city to volunteer their services to a cleanup day that will enhance the appearance of the community. Lunch was served to the volunteers and the cleanup day was a small part of the Pride in Peabody initiative that was designed to ignite citizen participation in a year long effort, Girls Lacrosse I must admit that even though I have become a big fan of the Girls Lacrosse program in the Town of Danvers, I can truthfully say that I do not understand all of the niceties of the game, and have not figured out the reason for all of the stoppages in play. I do know that this is a most successful program and in 2012 they have made the State playoffs for the second year in a row, and now have one win in that tournament. They now play again today in Winchester. I must also confess that I have a most personal interest in the team as I have a granddaughter. Catherine Leonard who participates and has contributed a number of goals from her mid-fielder position. We look forward to the playoff season, and hope that they can produce a meaningful performance at that level.