Friday, October 26, 2012

Essex Happenings...October 26, 2012


ESSEX HERITAGE PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

Two Essex Heritage Leaders Honored by Boy Scouts
Two Individuals with connections to The Essex National Heritage Commission have been notified that they will receive 2012 Distinguished Citizen Awards from the Boy Scouts of America.

Annie Harris, the Executive Director of the Commission and William Howard, The President and CEO of Beverly Cooperative Bank and a member of the Essex Heritage Board of Trustees, will be recognized at a celebratory dinner at the Danversport Yacht Club on November 14, 2012.  In addition to their strong connections with Essex Heritage, both individuals have made present and past commitments to the Salem Partnership, a business group that works with the City of Salem for the betterment of that community  
           
This event is a major opportunity for the Boy Scouts to honor local contributing leaders in this region and raise funds to support their mission.    As we get closer to the mid November date of the dinner we will provide more information on the honorees and how support for the dinner and tickets can be purchased.   The evening will be most satisfying and we will report in more detail in the future.

Essex Heritage Annual Meeting
If you have not signed up yet, DO NOT forget to sign up NOW at www.essexheritage.org.  The event is scheduled for 10/30/12 at the Historic Smith Barn in Peabody at 8:00 am.

Thank you for Trails and Sails
THANK YOU to all Trails & Sails event hosts, participants, fans, volunteers and sponsors for making the 11th annual TRAILS & SAILS: Two Weekend of Walks & Water such a success.
Thank you to the 100+ site hosts for opening their doors and all the participants for sharing these weekends with us - especially those of you who didn't let a few raindrops get in the way of your passion for the Essex National Heritage Area! We could not present this event without your enthusiasm!  Check us out on Facebook to see and post photos from Trails & Sails events around the region!

As planning begins for next year, we want to know what you thought. Please take part in this short survey to let us know about your Trails & Sails experience, vote for your favorite event and enter your name into the drawing to win one of two Novara hybrid bikes from REI!

Thank you to our sponsors, without whom we couldn't host these fabulous and FREE events!
Trails & Sails 2012 is generously sponsored by:
 



HERITAGE AREA COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL HAPPENINGS

Danvers Library to Offer Gala to Raise Funds
The Peabody Institute Library in the Town of Danvers have scheduled the first of its kind Fundraising Gala at the Library on November 10, 2012 from 6 until 10. Proceeds from this special event will be used to improve interior conditions. The last time that the interior of the library was updated was in 1980 and the drapes, carpets and etc. need to be improved.   The event will feature food, drinks, entertainment and music.  Tickets that are priced at $50.00 for the event can be purchased at the library or on its web site at www.danverslibrary.org. 

City of Peabody to Offer “Zambathon” as Fundraiser
Temple New Tamid in Peabody recently held a “Zumbathon” to benefit the effort to eradicate Breast Cancer.   This item was included in this posting to bring attention to this cause that so many organizations are pursuing.   The effort to find a cure for Breast Cancer designated this month for a major effort to raise both funds and awareness of this most insidious cancer.   Everywhere one looks these days, there is pink everywhere to call attention to this effort.  Teams from High School to Professional Football teams are wearing pink shoes, socks, gloves etc.  This effort is applauded here.

Newburyport to Consider the Creation of a Historic District
Earlier this month, the City of Newburyport held what will likely be the first of a series of meetings to discuss the possibility of the creation of a Historic District.  The measure of a district was first developed five years ago to determine if such an ordinance and a District should be created.  The proposed ordinance is now in the hands of the City Council that will certainly schedule meetings in the future to discuss the proposal.

Salem Partnership News
MBTA Parking Garage
The parking garage is moving forward and is on schedule. On October 11th, a public meeting will be held on Chapter 91. All members are invited to attend.

The 60% design will be presented at a public meeting on November 13, 2012 at the Carlton School. It is our understanding that positive changes have been included based on input from the last public meeting. For example, the lobby has been enhanced. Members of the Partnership are asked to put the date, November 13th, in your calendar and attend this important opportunity to have your voice heard.

Community Advisory Board for the Salem Public Schools
Thank you to all Partnership members who attended the very successful community meeting on September 26, 2012. Mayor Driscoll and Superintendent Russell presented an update on the turnaround effort and Dr. Roland Fryer, Director of the Harvard Education Laboratory and a consultant for the Salem Public Schools, gave an inspirational talk on past practices on how to produce culture changes in public schools. It was entitled, "No More Excuses".

Last June, the Community Advisory Board sponsored a presentation by the Mass Math and Science Initiative (MMSI), a two-year program in the Salem schools. They returned with the latest results of these efforts on October 15, 2012 at the Salem High School Auditorium and celebrated the students success when MMSI President Morton Orlov presented the 2012 Advanced Placement performance results for AP Math, Science and English.  Salem High School also hosted Secretary of Education Paul Reville and National Math and Science's Lynn Crain for a presentation of the statewide Mass Math & Science Initiative performance results. 
Announcement of seminar offered by Salem State University
Best Practices in Education ConferenceLinking Schools, Families and CommunitiesSaturday, November 3, 2012Keynote Speaker: National PTA President, Betsy Landers
Four strands to choose from:
  • Challenged Learners
  • Early Learners
  • Healthy Learners
  • Informed LearnersChoose from five different workshops in each strand!

Earn 8 to 10 PDPsCheck-in and walk-in registration begins at 8 am$50/$60 lunch and refreshments included.

Events Scheduled in the Near Term By Danvers Historic Society
Dan Tremblay of Heritage Films presented Ghost Stories and Ghost Dowsing Thursday October 25, 7 PM in Tapley Memorial Hall.  It was a “spooktacular” time is anticipated.  Following his film, Dan gave a demonstration on ghost dowsing.

We are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with It’s My Heart to produce the 4th Annual Parade of Trees in Tapley Memorial Hall. It’s My Heart is a national non-profit whose New England Chapter is based here in Danvers.  Their mission is to support, educate and advocate for those affected by Congenital Heart Defects.  How can you help?  Get together with some friends, choose a theme and decorate a faux tree or wreath. (Sorry no live trees or wreaths are permitted). Ask your business associates to get together and donate a tree.  Consider it a friendly competition as this year we will be awarding prizes.  Not feeling creative? Sponsor a tree in memory of a loved one for $250.00. Donors of a tree or wreath will receive two tickets to our Preview Party Saturday November 24, an ad in the program book, publicity through our websites, newsletters and all other publications relating to Parade of Trees and the satisfaction of supporting two worthy non-profit organizations.   Call or E-mail the office for all information on participating.  Parade of Trees will be held on December 1.  Volunteers are needed to help sell raffle tickets.  Please contact Anna-Mary Geist, President of It’s My Heart, at annamary.geist@itsmyheart.org.  Anna-mary is volunteer coordinator as well as a Co-Chair of the event.  Much more information will start coming your way including updates on who is participating so the sooner you get involved, the more publicity you will receive. 

You should have received your Save The Date postcard for our annual Christmas Soiree, Friday November 30 in the Endicott Mansion at Glen Magna Farms.  6-10 PM with doors opening at 5:30.  Hearty Hors D’Oeuvres and stations provided by Vinwood Caterers of Ipswich will delight your palate. Raise up your voices in song to John Archer and his Just in Time Band. Wear you finery (Black Tie Optional) and Chairman Sharon Taskey and committee are busy assembling fabulous raffles with proceeds supporting our Preservation Mission.  Complimentary beer and wine is also included in the price of admission.

Our Artists-In-Residence The Essex Harmony will be performing Thursday October 18 at Memorial Hall in Melrose (not our Memorial Hall).  They will be singing selections from the Civil War era and all are invited to enjoy this free concert.  They will also be performing at our Members Christmas Party  Sunday December 9 at 3 PM.  This is also a free concert and all are invited to Tapley Memorial Hall for the festivities.  Reservations a must!

For those of you wondering about this year’s holiday tree ornament.it has arrived and our SEEM (Special Education Educators Mutual) volunteer elves are busy boxing them up.  We have chosen a grandfather clock in honor of Ezra Batchelder, Danvers clockmaker.  Stop in and buy some for gifts.

Danvers Swamp Walk Schedule
The Swamp Walk Build last weekend was a success in spite of being rained-out on Sunday.
We have completed 'island hopping' & are ready for next weekend when we 'Run-Around-The-Pond'.

REGIONAL NEWS

Haverhill Bond Rating Changed
The City of Haverhill has received positive news from the rating agency. Moody’s has reaffirmed the A-1 rating that they assessed on the community.  They also at this time have removed the negative outlook that they had placed on Haverhill in the past and upgraded the community rating to “stable” as a result of many internal actions of the City on the budget and other financial matters. This included increased reserve balance and recently settled collective bargaining agreements with City unions.   The changes are most effective for Haverhill as it will positively impact the interest rates that it will have to pay on long-term borrowing.   

Debates Continue between Congressional Candidates
This has been one of the most active years for political debates in a long time. The two candidates for the congressional seat in the Massachusetts sixth District have spent an enormous amount of money on advertising of all kinds and have met in several spirited debates that highlight their positions.     Essex Heritage has never taken a position to support one candidate or another but we do urge you all to cast a vote for the candidate of your choice.   If you still need to learn more about the positions of the candidates, I expect, as the race winds down, there will be additional debates that will help you make a decision about who you want to represent you for the next two years.   Please take the time to check political websites and the local area newspapers to learn when regional debates are scheduled.


COMMUNITY HEALTH AND ELDER AFFAIRS

North Shore Elder Services Letter to New Store Asking for Participation

As a community-based not for profit organization for thirty-seven years, we have been serving North Shore older adults and their families with the mission of “making life easier”.   We provide an array of services including home care, meals on wheels, and protective services.  We are one of your neighbors.  The offices of North Shore Elder Services are located about a quarter a mile away immediately adjacent to the Liberty Tree Mall.

One of the fastest growing concerns we handle is that of hoarding.  It seems to have reached almost epidemic proportions.  About one in five of our protective services cases involves a hoarding element.  This is addition to the many home care clients who are merely dealing with the accumulation of a lifetime of “stuff” in their homes that is becoming ever more difficult for them to manage.

The purpose of my letter is to present several ideas for your consideration as to how you and your staff can become actively involved with helping your new neighbors – and customers – as you begin to do business on the North Shore.

1. Participate as an expert “de-clutter” advisor on the North Shore REACT workgroup.  North Shore REACT is composed of the top leadership of the police departments, fire departments, EMT services, boards of health, councils on aging, hospitals, and other agencies from all the local communities we serve.  North Shore REACT meets quarterly and has proven to be a very effective way to engage interagency cooperation to the extent that it has received national awards in recognition for its innovativeness and effectiveness.

2. Become involved with The Longevity Connection, which connects older adults, persons with disabilities, family members, and caregivers with professional services, goods, and products that address their needs.   I have attached an information sheet about The Longevity Connection.   One specific thought we had is that The Container Store could co-produce workshops with us that would give elders and their Baby Boomer children tips and techniques regarding household organization and clutter management.

3. As you accumulate an inventory of returned goods, overstocked items, etc., we would be a grateful recipient of donated items which we, in turn, would distribute to needy elders and disabled persons through our “Essentials Closet” program.  See attached description of the Essentials Closet.

If any of these ideas of collaborative activity – or others that you may have – are of interest, please contact me.   I look forward to hearing from you.
Once again, welcome to the North Shore and best wishes for an outstanding opening and years of business success.

Very truly yours,

Paul J. Lanzikos
Executive Director

P.S.  We are involved members of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce as well as the Peabody, Salem, and Marblehead Chambers and the Essex Heritage Corporate Program.  We actively promote our programs and services to the business owners and professionals who are  members of these groups since the vast majority have older family members for whom they have a sense of responsibility and are involved with their well-being.

North Shore Elder Services held Annual Public Meeting
On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, NSES held its annual meeting for the region in Danvers at the Co-Co Key Resort.  The guest speaker at the event that was well attended with a large cross section of  people from the communities North Shore Elder Services represents was State Representative Steven Walsh of Lynn who is the chairman of the House Committee on Health Financing.  NSES serves the communities of Danvers, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody, and Salem.

New England Homes for the Deaf to Teach Sign Language
The New England Homes for the Deaf will be beginning classes to learn basic American Sign Language in about a month.  They have extended an invitation to NSES staff and Board Members to attend the classes free of charge.  Details regarding meeting times and duration of the program will be available once they know how many are interested.   Contact them for more information if you are interested

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 

Beverly Athletic Director Named AD of the Year
James Coffy, the Director of Athletics in the City of Beverly has been named the Athletic Director of the Year by Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association.

Retiring Police Patrolman Roger Leach from Rockport MA was named to a new position after thirty-five years on the job.  He has received numerous national and local offers for his work with the elderly of that community.  In the new position, that may be one of a kind in the region, he will continue to work with the Town’s elderly in a part time role.  He was back at work on 10/2 without missing a day.  It is nice to learn that Rockport has made provisions for an officer who is an expert in Elderly Affairs.
Lyn Kaplan of Marblehead
Marblehead resident, Lyn Kaplan has been named to a five-year term on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Community College.  She is a business Performance Advisor for Imperity.   She is a graduate of Boston University.  She has been involved with the North Shore Technology Council and has a Masters Degree from Lesley University.

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

Patriots Drifting along as an Average Team
I certainly hope that the New England Patriots do not disappoint us as the Red Sox did this past year.   The recent performance of the Patriots in Seattle was most difficult to watch and as this observation is being prepared, they are one of eleven NFL teams that stand at three wins and three losses.   The Patriots can certainly get it together better over the next weeks and string together a series of wins and I expect that they can still compete in the American division by year end, if they can solve the defensive backfield deficiencies soon.

Murders of Young People
It is certainly appears that murders, abductions and other indignities on young people across the country is on the increase.  Some of the incidents seem to be repetitive as they occur, but youngsters are being abducted and killed, young woman seem to have become targets of people who want to commit mayhem and those incidents seem to be multiplying day by day.   Let’s hope that the incidents diminish in the weeks ahead and we can return to less mayhem and a safer period.

Essex Happenings...October 19, 2012

ESSEX HERITAGE PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

Beaches, Parks, Wildlife Reservations & Farms in the Essex National Heritage Area
Even though the 2012 Offering of Essex Heritage’s Trails and Sails is over for this year this is truly the most pleasant time of the year to explore the region we call home. The event that Essex Heritage and their wonderful partners offered during the 11th Annual Trails and Sails may be over until next fall, but the opportunities to enjoy and savor the region is still available for the next several weeks. This season of the year is such a wonderful time to visit and enjoy the spectacular sites in this region. The days are usually warm and when the sun is shining. The farms, parks, reservations and even the area beaches of the region are great locations to visit.  I have taken the liberty of reprinting lists of the best natural locations in this region from the Essex Heritage web site.  I hope that you review the list of the following locations and make plans to visit some of those locations over the weeks ahead.  For more information, the Essex Heritage web site where so much valuable information is outlined can be found at www.essexheritage.org.

Andover
Ward ReservationThe Ward Reservation represents the union of more than forty separate parcels of former farm and pasture land whose stone walls, when combined, total more than seventeen miles long.

Beverly
Hale FarmBuilt in 1695, the farm was home to many generations of the Hale family.

Danvers
Endicott Park is a beautiful one hundred and sixty five acre handicapped accessible park that provides a myriad of recreation and leisure time programs and activities ranging from picnicking and exercising to gardening.

Glen Magna Farms & EstateJoseph Peabody purchased the farm during the War of 1812 and he and his family transformed it into a sprawling estate featuring several lush gardens.

Rebecca Nurse HomesteadThe site features 27 acres of fields, pasture and woods and is a good representation of New England life during the colonial period.

Essex
Choate IslandProtected and overseen by The Trustees of Reservations, people can now cruise to Choate Island, also known as Hog Island, to view the Crane Wildlife refuge and historic Choate Farm and experience an abundance nature, sightseeing and bird watching.

Crane Wildlife RefugeThe Refuge is a patchwork of coastal and island habitats that includes a portion of Castle Neck and seven islands in the Essex River Estuary (Choate, Long, Dean, Dilly, Pine, Patterson, and Round).

Stavros ReservationWhile most of Stavros Reservation protects more than fifty acres of salt marsh, its most popular feature is White's Hill, a coastal drumlin that offers panoramic views of Crane Beach, the Crane Wildlife Refuge (Choate Island), and Halibut Point.

Gloucester
Ravenswood ParkLong treasured by residents of Gloucester and neighboring towns, Ravenswood Park offers a tranquil wooded setting for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing along almost ten miles of trails and carriage paths.

Stage Fort Park and Welcoming CenterThe Welcoming center is officially designated as an ENHC Visitor Center; here visitors can find a wealth of information about Gloucester and the surrounding area.

Haverhill
Tattersall FarmThe 150-acre farm offers 19th century plantings, working hayfields, rolling meadows and wooded paths for walking, jogging and cross-country skiing.

Ipswich
Appleton FarmsEstablished in 1638, the farm offers such recreational activities as picnicking, horseback riding, bird watching, cross-country skiing and hiking.

Crane Beach & Castle HillComprising more than 2,000 acres, the estate is open to the public year round for outdoor study, leisure and recreation.

Greenwood FarmLocated on a peninsula on the Ipswich River Estuary, Greenwood Farm comprises pastures, meadow, woodlands, salt marsh, and three tidal islands: Diamond Stage, Widow's, and Homestead.

Hamlin ReservationHamlin Reservation's gently rolling fields and marsh meadows - today home to bobolinks and small mammals - were once active farmland.

Lynn
Lynn WoodsEnjoy hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching and picnicking in the summertime and cross-country skiing in the winter through the 2,200 acres.

Manchester
Agassiz RockBig and Little Agassiz Rocks are dramatic examples of giant boulders plucked from bedrock and carried far away by the last glacier.

Coolidge ReservationPart of historic Coolidge Point, the Coolidge Reservation is named for the prominent family who came to own the peninsula. The diverse woodland features a mix of oak and pine with numerous wildflowers and ferns, and is home to an array of birds and other wildlife, including fishers and fox.

Marblehead
Crowninshield IslandThis modest coastal island features a variety of marine ecosystems, including several tidal pools, a small sandy beach, a field, a salt marsh, and a wooded hilltop. From a jagged granite promontory, visitors can take in views of Fort Sewall, Gerry Island, Marblehead Light, and Marblehead Harbor.

Fort SewallFirst established in 1644, this fort was used as a defensive breastwork for more than 200 years. Now a public park.

Newbury
Old Town HillThousands of years ago, a large and beautiful salt marsh crossed by tidal creeks was created in the lowlands and valleys surrounding the glacial drumlin known as Old Town Hill.

Spencer-Peirce-Little FarmBuilt at the end of the 17th Century to impress visitors, today the house reveals three centuries of construction technologies and building stabilization.

Newburyport
Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife SanctuaryThe Joppa Flats Education Center is located at the gateway to one of the country’s most productive, year-round, wildlife viewing areas—the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island estuary. Highlights for visitors are the many species of birds that utilize the area’s extensive salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal waters.

Maudslay State ParkGardens, trails, fishing, bird watching, cycling, picnicking, skiing, snowshoeing, outdoor concerts and performances.

Parker River National Wildlife RefugeThe 4600-plus acre refuge offers recreational and educational adventures such as wildlife observation, hunting, fishing and shell fishing.

North Andover
Harold Parker State ForestProvides summer hiking, winter cross-country skiing, picnic area and campground.

Stevens-Coolidge PlaceFormerly known as Ashdale Farm, the Stevens-Coolidge Place was the summer home of John Gardner Coolidge and Helen Stevens-Coolidge from 1914 to 1962. Gardens open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.

Ward ReservationThe Ward Reservation represents the union of more than forty separate parcels of former farm and pasture land whose stone walls, when combined, total more than seventeen miles long.

Weir HillWeir Hill (pronounced "wire hill") is a double drumlin that rises 305 feet and includes more than a mile of shoreline on Lake Cochichewick.

Peabody
Brooksby FarmAn 8 1/2-acre working farm with orchards, animals, trails and a farm stand.

Rockport
Halibut Point State Park70-acre park located at the northern tip of Cape Ann features a rocky shoreline ideal for picnicking and tide pooling.

Thacher IslandThis National Historic Landmark off the coast of Rockport boasts twin lighthouses 45' tall. Accessible by small boats and kayaks.

Salem
Misery IslandsMisery Islands offer coastal views, rolling rocky terrain, diverse wildlife habitats, and interesting ruins that recall the Islands' past as an exclusive resort and summer colony.

National Park Service Regional Visitor CenterLocated in the old Salem Armory building, the ENHC Visitor Center offers information on Salem and the surrounding area and also features maps, exhibits, dioramas, movies and a gift shop.

Salisbury
Salisbury Beach State ReservationFive miles of accessible white sandy beaches.

Saugus
Breakheart Reservation640-acre park boasts scenic views of Boston, 2 freshwater lakes, birding and more.

Swampscott
Fisherman’s BeachSwampscott beach with public swimming during the summer months.

Topsfield
Ipswich River Wildlife SanctuaryMassachusetts Audubon's largest sanctuary, this property covers 2,800 acres of diverse habitats, including fields, vernal pools, forests, swamps, islands, eskers, and eight miles of the Ipswich River.


Essex Heritage Semi-Annual Meeting.
I am aware that in the past several postings to this BLOG I have reported on and offered an invitation to the upcoming Essex Heritage Semi-Annual Meeting that is scheduled in Peabody.  The meetings are held twice each year and are offered to provide information to the residents of this region. The meetings are also offered across the region in locations not usually available to residents of the region.  The Invitation for the October 30, 2012 meeting follows and is once again presented due to the value of the gatherings to the region.  

The Essex National Heritage Commission
Invites You to Attend its Annual Fall Meeting on Tuesday, October 30, 2012,The Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm38 Felton Street Peabody, MA 01960, 8:00 AM: Continental Breakfast Reception8:30 - 10:00 AM: Business Meeting.  Participate in this free, valuable networking opportunity that will further connect you with the work of Essex Heritage and our partners.

A special thanks to The Peabody Historical Society for hosting the Annual Fall Meeting.
To RSVP to the Annual Fall Meeting you may call Jill at 978-740-0444.

Essex Heritage Corporate Supporters
View the following link to view Essex Heritage Corporate   Supporters that mean so much to the  work of the Commission at this time: http://essexheritage.org/businesspartnership/corporatesponsors/index.shtml

REGIONAL NEWS

Traffic Safety Committee Formed in Newburyport
The City on Newburyport has established a Traffic Advisory Committee and Mayor Holiday is calling for volunteers to serve on that committee.   The charge of the Committee is to help City Leadership identify areas of traffic concerns and offer potential solutions.    Residents who wish to be considered for appointment are encouraged to send a letter outlining their qualifications and a resume to Lois Honegger at lhonegger@cityofnewburyport.org 

American Legion Post In Middleton Offered Jobs Fair
The local American Legion post in Middleton held a job fair on October 18th at the American Legion Post 227, 68 River Street for Active Duty military members of the National Guard, reserve components and spouses.  The event was free and open to Employers and job seekers from 1 until 4.  For additional information visit the Town of Middleton’s web site at www.townofmiddleton.org

Town of Danvers opens new Auditorium in New High School
On the evening of October 10, 2012 the Town of Danvers opened its new performing arts auditorium with performances by the Marching Band, chorus and actors.  The school administration also used the occasion to recognize people who made donations to dedicate seats.   We provided a financial gift to support and name seats in the auditorium in the name of our Grand Daughter Katherine Leonard who will be a senior at the new facility next year.  This incident took care of a long-standing discussion we have held with Katherine about her name on a seating location.  She has long wanted to be added to a bench at St. John’s Prep that lists the four male members of the Leonard family who have graduated from that Danvers School location.

City of Salem has Bond Rating Upgraded
The Leadership of the City of Salem was pleasantly surprised when the Credit Rating agency, Standard and Poor’s increased the rating for new City obligations from A to A+.  This rating increase is the result of the stable employment picture and strong family incomes in the city.   The rating upgrade will certainly  impact any future long term borrowing projects by the Community.

COMMMUNITY HEALTH AND ELDER AFFAIRS

COPAA Meeting in Beverly
Cornell Brother’s Prosthetics and Orthopedic Amputee Association (COPAA) is an organization that has been formed by this local medical support company to provide support to their clients in this and the Merrimack Valley area an opportunity to gather monthly to bring representatives of local resources to present issues to the group.  I have been a client since my leg amputation one and one half a year ago, and in addition to building my artificial leg, they also service many of my ongoing medical needs.  The Group has provided numerous valuable presentations to the members of the group.   The meetings are held  and support is provided by the staff in  the offices of Cornell Brothers at The Cummings Center in  Beverly. Closed circuit TV is provided to an element of the group that gathers monthly in Methuen.    This month. I agreed to serve as a “pinch hitter” Chairman as I filled in for Ms. Posie Mansfield who is unavailable for this month’s meeting that gathered at the Cornell Offices.  The presenter this month was Ms. Ruth Stone RN, the Clinical Coordinator at the Beverly Hospital Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine Center. She provided a broad outline of the activities of the Beverly Hospital Wound Center and outlined the damages that a wound can be to an amputee. 

An Invitation from North Shore Elder Services
Are you a family caregiver?  Do you provide care for a loved one with special needs, a disability, a chronic illness – your child, your spouse, your parent, your grandchild, your grandparent, another family member, or your friend?   Registration for the First Annual CARE Conference on November 2, 2012 is now open!!  Registration is online at Eventbrite - http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3858031476

Please forward this information to any and all family caregivers who may be interested in attending this FREE conference.  We have received very generous financial support from a number of programs and agencies in order to insure that family caregivers can attend at no cost.

For professionals and program staff only:  If you wish to attend this conference, please consider the following:  We request a $25 donation to the MLRC.  Bring a family caregiver with you or facilitate attendance of a family caregiver you work with.  You may be asked to assist with tasks the day of the conference (clean up, distribute handouts, etc.).

Sponsors to Date:  Platinum Sponsors – The Seven Hills Foundation; Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council; Care.com
Gold Sponsor:  Horace Mann Educational Associates –HMEA
Silver Sponsor:  Advocates Inc.

Please contact Joan Rafferty at macaregivers@yahoo.com with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you on November 2, 2012

A Second Announcement from North Shore Elder Services
Here is a terrific new website from the California Department of Insurance that helps seniors fight scams and avoid financial abuse.  It was unveiled just yesterday. The press release about it is below. Enjoy.  http://www.seniors.ca.gov/

Shawna Reeves, MSW
Long Term Care Advocate
California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR)
650 Harrison Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA  94107
T: 415-974-5171
F: 415-777-2904

NEWS RELEASE
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER DAVE JONES LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE NEW SENIOR PROTECTION WEBSITE Site Better Serves Seniors, Family Members and Caregivers with Information About Preventing and Reporting Fraud, Abuse and Neglect

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today unveiled a new consumer protection tool for California seniors, who have traditionally been prime targets for con artists. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is hosting a new Web site www.seniors.ca.gov to educate seniors and their advocates and provide helpful information about how to avoid becoming victims of personal or financial abuse.

The Web site, called “Senior Gateway,” is important because seniors, including older veterans, are disproportionately at risk of being preyed upon financially and subjected to neglect and abuse. The Senior Gateway is sponsored by the Elder Financial Abuse Interagency Roundtable (E-FAIR), convened by CDI and includes representatives from many California agencies who share a common purpose of safeguarding the welfare of California’s seniors.

“The goal of this collaborative effort is to assemble, in one convenient location, valuable information not only for seniors, but their families and caregivers,” said Commissioner Jones. “This site will help California seniors find resources and solve problems, and will enable participating agencies to better serve this important segment of our population.”

The site offers seniors valuable tips and resources in the following areas, and more:
•         Avoiding and reporting abuse and neglect by in-home caregivers or in facilities; learn about different types of abuse and the warning signs;
•         Preventing and reporting financial fraud, abuse and scams targeting seniors;
•         Understanding health care, insurance, Medicare and long-term care; know what long-term care includes;
•         Locating services and programs available to assist older adults;
•         Knowing your rights before buying insurance; what seniors need to know about annuities;
•         Investing wisely and understanding the ins and outs of reverse mortgages

CDI’s partners in creating the Senior Gateway, include the Attorney General’s Office/Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, California Commission on Aging, Department of Aging, Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Corporations, Department of Financial Institutions, Department of Health Care Services, Department of Managed Health Care and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, with support from district attorneys in the following  counties: Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Sacramento and San Mateo.

The Senior Gateway Web site includes information about governmental and nonprofit agency resources.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 

Dr. Wayne Burton, President of North Shore Community College and numerous Essex County and Southern New Hampshire Activities and a Trustee Emeritus of The Essex Heritage Commission was recently named the 2012  National Council for Marketing and Public Relations Pacesetter award presented annually to the Community College Chief Executive who has demonstrated a commitment to marketing  and communications.

Ms.  Nancy Huntington Stager, an Executive Vice President at Eastern Bank and a former President of the Essex Heritage Commission has been named chairperson for the North Shore Workforce Investment Board at a recent Board Meeting.  Essex Heritage has collaborated in the past with the Workforce Investment Board, and there is every expectation that Essex Heritage will continue to work closely with that organization in the future.

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

National Football League Injuries
As I am sure you know by now, I am a passionate football fan. This week produced a great win by the NE Patriots moving them to the head of their division.  The league is most competitive, but not without the treat of continuing injuries.  In Kansas City a former Patriot Quarterback was hit and it appeared that he received a head injury and was laying hurt and barley conscious on the field.   He has not been performing recently at the top of his game, and when he was hurt the fans in the stands were cheering as he lay on the field.

After the game and the poor performance of the “so called” fans, one of his offensive linemen, Eric Winston called out the way the fans reacted.  It was a great and courageous performance by a team mate., as  he reminded the fans that they can boo when ever they want  but cheering and applauding when a player is hurt is offensive

I can remember another experience when years ago,  I was at the stadium in Foxboro when another former Patriot Quarterback, Jim Plunkett was booed as he was injured badly. and carried off the field.  I was dismayed at that performance by the fans in Foxboro, that day as I was at the actions of the fans in Kansas City. It is certainly irresponsible to “put down” a player who is trying his best when he is injured.   As competitive as the league has become we should remain courteous and not demean a performance, particularly as a player lies hurt on the field

Friday, October 12, 2012

Essex Happenings...October 12, 2012


ESSEX HERITAGE PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

The Essex National Heritage Commission Invites You to Attend its Annual Fall Meeting
On Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at the Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm, 38 Felton Street Peabody, MA.  There will be a continental breakfast reception starting at 8:00AM follow by the fall business meeting from8:30 - 10:00 AM.

A special thanks to The Peabody Historical Society for hosting the Annual Fall Meeting.
We hope you will be able to join us! RSVP by calling 978-740-0444.

Essex Heritage Corporate Membership Program
During the last several weeks, I have devoted a substantial amount of my time providing information on this program and seeking commitments to the Program from corporate entities in this region.    This week another very valuable regional business has made a contribution and has joined the program.   Please welcome John Keohane of Danvers, the owner/operator of Henry’s Market of Beverly and the Wenham Tea House in the town of Wenham to the Essex Heritage Corporate team of supporters.   For more information on the activities of those companies please visit our web site at www.essexheritage.org.
Please Join Us!
Essex Heritage Membership Events
Make Trails & Sails Last All Year Long!As a member of the Essex National Heritage Commission, there are many opportunities to connect to resources in this region. In September Trails & Sails offers hundreds of opportunities to explore the Essex National Heritage Area region, but membership makes the fun last all year long. Becoming a member will help you strength your connections to this region, foster stewardship, enrich your life and ensure the longevity of the natural, historic and cultural treasures here in Essex County, MA. Members get to enjoy special featured partner events throughout the year. Join us and experience the best of the region throughout the year!

Here are some of the up-coming events which offer special discounts for Essex Heritage members:

Friday, October 26, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Featured Partner EventThe Andover Historical Society Presents: Trials and Taverns: A Lecture with Dr. Emerson Baker97 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810
Puritan New Englanders viewed taverns as a necessary evil. Travelers needed a place to stay and eat, and sessions of court were sometimes even held in them – including the early hearings in the Salem witch trials. However, they were also places where people could fall for the Devil’s temptations. Taverns provided the setting for drunkenness, lechery, gambling, idleness and even witchcraft. Salem State University historian Dr. Emerson Baker will discuss the bewitched and debauched Quaker tavern at the center of his book, The Devil of Great Island: Witchcraft and Conflict in Early New England. All through the summer of 1682 a stone-throwing demon would supernaturally assault the New Hampshire tavern, and there were links between these events and witchcraft in Salem ten years later. Indeed, there are many interesting connections between witchcraft and taverns in early New England. Baker will also explore what early tavern culture was like. What were the preferred alcoholic beverages and tavern games during the Salem witch trials? Come join us for a drink and find out.
Refreshments and Socializing starts at 7:00-7:30, Lecture 7:30, 2 drink maximum.Advanced reservations required. Essex Heritage and AHS Members $15; Non-Members $25. To reserve, please contact (978) 475-2236 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage Member 
Throughout October

Featured Partner EventThe House of the Seven Gables Presents:Spirits of the Gables & Legacy of the Hanging Judge115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
Spirits of the Gables – Witness two families entangled by a curse in this presentation of the novel performed in the mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write The House of the Seven Gables.Legacy of the Hanging Judge – Scenes from the Witchcraft Hysteria are reenacted in this presentation performed in the rooms of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace.Spirits of the Gables and Legacy of the Hanging Judge will both run on: October 5, 6, 7 from 7:30pm - 9:30pm,October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 from 7:15pm-11:00pm, October 31 from 7:15pm-10:00pm.Shows run continuously and are each 35 minutes long. Rates:- Legacy of the Hanging Judge: $15- Spirits of the Gables: $15- Combination Ticket: $27 (available for any two performances on the same evening)  Reservations highly recommended. Please call 978-744-0991, ext 104.
Saturday, November 3, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Behind the Scenes Tour of the Danvers Archival CenterPeabody Institute Library of Danvers,15 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923.  Join Historian and Danvers Town Archivist Richard Trask for a special behind the scenes tour of the Danvers Archival Center.  The Archival Center houses a wonderful and diverse collection of materials that relate to the history of Salem Village and Danvers from the 17th century to the present, including many public, church, and private records related to the witchcraft trials and life in Salem Village. Learn about the significance of the Archival Center as our knowledgeable host spotlights some of the valuable and historically important materials that directly relate to our local, regional and national history. As seen in the film Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence, the tour will also highlight some of the Archival Center’s rarely seen items and artifacts.Reservations required. Essex Heritage Members $7; Non-Members $10. Please register online above or send checks to: Essex National Heritage Commission, 221 Essex Street, Suite 41 Salem, MA 01970 or call Essex Heritage at 978-740-0444 for questions and details. Event fees sustain the Essex Heritage Membership program and support partner sites.
Wednesday, November 7, 7:00 PM

Featured Partner EventThe House of the Seven Gables Presents:Strong Women at the Gables: Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, a Notable Local Figure with International Connections, 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970.  Louise B. Swiniarski, Education Department Professor at Salem State University, will focus on Elizabeth Peabody: her work, friends, and the literary salon she hosted on West Street in Boston. She will also discuss Elizabeth’s relationship with her sister Sophia, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s wife. Advanced reservations required. Essex Heritage and Seven Gables Members $10; Non-Members $15. To reserve, please contact (978) 744-0991 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage member. 
Wednesday, December 12, 7:00 PM

Featured Partner EventThe House of the Seven Gables Presents:Strong Women at the Gables: An Orchestra at Her Fingertips115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970Pianist Jacquelyn Schwab will perform vintage 19th century American parlor music, including Stephen Foster and Civil War songs, hymns, spirituals, and ballroom dances. Schwab is best known for her performances on Ken Burns’ Grammy award-winning Civil War documentary, as well as the Emmy award-winning Baseball and Mark Twain documentaries on public television. A folk and classical improvisational pianist, she has a unique style that defies easy categorization.

Advanced reservations required. Essex Heritage and Seven Gables Members $10; Non-Members $15. To reserve, please contact (978) 744-0991 and let them know you are an Essex Heritage member.
REGIONAL NEWS
Topics of interest in the news:
·         Election 2012
·         New Wind Turbine in Ipswich
·         Local Financial Institution Contributes to Andover Youth Center
·         Endicott College Offers Financial Seminar for Woman in Beverly
·         Water Conservation Limitations Imposed in Danvers
·         Northern Essex Community College Offers Help for Jobless
·         North Andover Offers Bench Sponsorship
·         Peabody Square Groundbreaking Ceremony

COMMMUNITY HEALTH AND ELDER AFFAIRS
Medicare's Observation Policy Comes Under Scrutiny
Medicare is launching a pilot program to determine whether relaxing its payment rules can help patients who require nursing home care after a hospital stay and then are charged thousands of dollars. Seniors are often unexpectedly required to pay for nursing home care because they were considered to be under "observation" in the hospital, rather than receiving inpatient care.  As a result, Medicare will not cover their post-hospitalization skilled nursing care.  According to an article in the Washington Post, the new program may make it easier for hospitals to label patients as inpatients.

Chair Yoga for People with Parkinson's Disease
Many people with Parkinson's disease and their care partners report that practicing yoga helps their bodies and their mood. The class is taught by Vera Moshkevish, RYT, a registered yoga teacher who has received numerous yoga certifications from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, the Mind/Body Institute at the Harvard Medical School, Yoga for Students with Parkinson's Disease, and Yoga for Older Adults. Vera has 25 years of experience in practicing and teaching yoga to various artists. The Fall class at JF&CS Headquarters, located at 1430 Main Street, Waltham, begins Tuesday, October 9th and continues for six sessions (no class on October 16). The cost is $90 for six sessions for one person or $150 for a person with Parkinson's and a partner. Financial aid is available. To register, please contact Nancy Mazonson at 781.693.5069 or by email at nmazonson@jfcsboston.org. Space is limited.

Hearing Decision Sets Rate for Family Caregivers
By Harry S. Margolis
In a carefully considered fair hearing decision Kelley (Appeal Number 1107194), hearing officer Zohra Aziz determined that $17.50 an hour was an appropriate rate for a woman with dementia to pay family members for her care. Over two years, from April 2007 through March 2008, the woman paid her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter a total of $204,888.50 pursuant to three separate personal care contracts under which she agreed to pay $20 an hour. The family kept detailed logs of the care they provided and were only paid after providing the care. Subsequently, the woman moved to a nursing home and sought MassHealth coverage beginning September 1, 2010. MassHealth rejected her application, arguing that the entire payment was a disqualifying transfer. On appeal, MassHealth appears to have modified its all or nothing stance and to instead have argued that the woman overpaid for the services provided, saying that she should have paid the MassHealth personal care attendant rate of $10.84 or $11.60 an hour (it increased during the period in question) and that anything above this amount was a disqualifying transfer. The appellant’s representatives argued that $20 an hour reflected what it would cost to hire a private agency to provide care.
The hearing officer finds largely in favor of the appellant because "the manner in which these contracts were executed, overseen and the care provided were comparable to that offered by the agencies with the added benefits that the care was provided by family members known to the appellant, adding a sense of trust and security that may not otherwise have existed." She goes on to explain in significant detail her reasoning as to why the care differed from PCA care. The higher rate also takes into account overhead, vacation and holiday pay that would be paid to a PCA. The hearing officer, however, reduced the rate from $20 to $17.50 an hour based on the fact that the family did not have the same overhead costs as private agencies.