Essex Happenings...February 22, 2013

Essex Heritage Events and Activities

Quarterly Trustee meeting 2.12.13

Due to continuing Ice and snow issues left over from the gigantic weekend storm, I was unable to attend the Quarterly Essex Heritage Meeting.  The financial reports were presented and explained.  A recently completed audit report was presented and an explanation.  Copies of the reports are available and will be outlined at the annual meeting in April in Haverhill.   There were no unusual findings during the audit and the Essex Heritage staff was complimented on their preparation and diligence before and during the annual audit. A development report was provided and there is a continuing record of success in the acquisition on new corporate members. I personally am following up on several proposals that I have made to local companies. It was reported that movement on the legislative front continues and we remain hopeful of positive changes.   The need to update the Commission’s strategic plan is on-going.

Essex Heritage Annual Meeting

It is certainly not too late to make a reservation to attend an Essex Heritage Annual Meeting and we welcome your participation.  Here’s the invitation:

The Essex National Heritage Commission

Invites You to Attend its


Annual Spring Meeting

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 
Winnekenni Castle
347 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830

8:00 AM: Continental Breakfast Reception
8:30 - 10:00 AM: Business Meeting

Join us for a morning of engagement on Wednesday, April 10, from 8:00am -10:00am, at Winnekenni Castle! Participate in this free, valuable networking opportunity that will further connect you with the work of Essex Heritage and our partners.

We are now accepting applications for the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program!

The 2013 grant recipients will be announced at the Annual Spring Meeting on April 10th at Winnekenni Castle.

About Winnekenni Castle

Dr. James R. Nichols, a local physician and inventor, built the Castle in 1873-1875 as a summer home at this farm which he named Winnekenni. The idea for the original castle came from England. The Castle was sold to the city in 1895. In 1967, after a devastating fire destroyed the aging building, a group of citizens formed the Winnekenni Foundation, which is still in existence today. Its goal was to completely refurbish the interior of the building, and make it and its surrounding grounds available to the public for cultural and educational events.

We hope you will be able to join us! RSVP below or call 978-740-0444.

Please Join Us!

To RSVP to the Annual Spring Meeting please go on-line to www.essexheritage.org or you may call Jill at 978-740-0444.

Upcoming Essex Heritage Events

·         Sunday, February 24, 2013 • 1:00 - 3:00pm  

Featured Partner Event - Essex County Greenbelt Association Presents:
Wildlife Tracking at the Arthur Ewell Reservation,
Haverhill Street, Rowley, MA 01969

Join wildlife-tracking expert Bob Metcalf and learn about the wildlife corridors or animal highways that exist all around us.

Reservations required. This event is free, but please email ecga@ecga.org or call Greenbelt at 978-768-7241 to register.

·         Sunday, March 24, 2013 • 1:00 - 3:00pm     

Featured Partner Event - Essex County Greenbelt Association Presents:
Signs of Rebirth at the Willowdale Meadow
Ipswich Road, Topsfield, MA 01983

Look for signs of the natural world’s rebirth as you tour the trails within Greenbelt’s Willowdale Meadow, Bradley Palmer State Park, and the Willowdale Mill Reservation.

Reservations required. This event is free, but please email ecga@ecga.org or call Greenbelt at 978-768-7241 to register.

Essex Heritage Continuing Partnerships

One of the longest running partnerships Essex Heritage has is with the Essex County Greenbelt Association.  Their continuing program of Open Land Preservation in this region in the recent year has had a wonderful effect.  Through negotiation and real estate deals, they have added substantial assets under their control.  Nineteen separate projects have been acted upon and 445 acres that night have found their way to another use and are now being conserved in perpetuity. This brings the land under their conservation control to 15,000 acres.  The Trust was first formed in 1951 and ‘on average” over the intervening years they have negotiated 15 to 20 deals each year and have added between 350 and 500 acres to their control each year. As communities and entities in the region have become much more aware of the existence of the Trust, it has been that much easier to put together deals.  Essex Heritage has found Executive Edward Becker to be a most willing partner and the preservation of Essex County space is that much easier to accomplish.  Ed is long time Commissioner of the Essex Heritable Commission and is a great recourse for the entire region

Regional News

UMASS Lowell Considers Expansion To Haverhill

The Chancellor of the University of Lowell and former Congressman Martin Meehan has proposed the University lease space in Haverhill’s downtown and will offer ongoing educational programs to City residents. This proposed in -town satellite campus has been warmly embraced and anticipated by Haverhill city officials.

Preservation Projects Sought in North Andover

The North Andover Community Preservation Committee is seeking request for grants to fund projects that will help preserve the community’s open space, historic buildings, landscape, affordable housing projects and for land to be used in the development of recreational assets.  To apply for a grant under this program requests must be received by the Town by March 8, 2013 and then be considered at the Town’s Annual Meeting in May 2013.  For more information on these grants including more complete details on the guidelines for application visit www.townofnorthandover.com

Dedication of Historic Districts

Staying on the preservation theme, more and more local communities are developing historic districts in their communities.  This effort has been driven in many cases by the community need to preserve historic properties in their community.  In some cases these movements have had a negative impact on individual residents.   That process has to be regularly regulated to control individual rights.

City of Peabody Council to Hear Housing Plan

The City of Peabody City Council will soon be presented a plan that has been developed by the Planning Department of an affordable housing development plan that will increase the percentage of affordable housing from 9.1% to the required ten percent level to gain control of 4B projects.

Danvers, Middleton and Topsfield Police Chiefs Join Together to work with Mentally Ill

Essex Heritage is always interested in any effort to accomplish things regionally and an idea developed by the Police Chief from Danvers, Neil Ouellette, has been expanded to include Departments from both Topsfield and Middleton   The concept that is funded by local grants is the result of a clear recognized spike in Danvers of Mental Heath Calls.  The goal of the program is to prevent jail time for individuals that have a mental illness.  Professional Staffing is being provided through a grant by the Danvers Department.  Support is provided through the use of a part time employee from Leahy Health Behavioral Services Mobile Crisis Team three days a week.  She is available to respond in potential suicide calls.   This certainly seems to be a wonderful way for three local communities to work together in a most critical and socially responsible manner and to handle costs on a collective basis.

Medical Senior Disability Issues

Tragedy in South African Olympic sports

It is early in the process and there will be a trial to determine fault, but the disabled South African Olympic champion known to many as the  “Blade Runner” has been accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend.   Oscar Pistorius became a hero to many in the summer Olympics in London, and became an admired world class athlete who overcame the early loss of his legs to distinguish himself in his efforts in London.  The event is under investigation.

COPAA Support Group

Through the generosity and support of Cornell O & P and the Cornell Brothers, that own and operate the facility at Cummings Center in Beverly and other locations in this region,  Cornell O & P Amputee Association (COPPAA) is offered to amputees of this region.  COPAA is managed by MS, Posie Mansfield of Wenham. “Posie” understands the needs and the mind set of the amputee as she shares that affliction with the other members of the association which makes her most aware of the needs of people with handicaps.  The primary role of COPPA is to bring talented resources to speak to the members.   One of the resources she brought to the group was the wonderful gymnasium and rehabilitation facility at Gordon College where I am currently receiving therapy. 

           

Now she has found another valuable recourse from the Longevity Connection at North Shore Elder Services I help represent the Town of Danvers.  The following is a notice from COPAA about the upcoming meeting.

Ready for the blizzard of 2013?

Stay warm and stay indoors, hunker down for the duration of the storm.. I know I really don't have to say that, as we all have a fear of falling anyway, and we are not about to venture out into a blizzard for any reason!

We have had a change in our speaker for our Beverly COPAA meeting next Wednesday, February 13, our regularly scheduled meeting. Ruth Stone was supposed to come and speak about wound care and prevention of skin breakdown, but she had an unexpected scheduling conflict, so she cannot make it this time. Instead of Ruth, though, I am happy to announce that Eileen Lubas, from the Longevity Connection from North Shore Elder Services will be coming instead. She will discuss the many services provided by North Shore Elder Services, and our very own Tom Leonard serves on that board, so it should be a great meeting. Come with questions for the group, ready to welcome new members and simply to talk in an informal setting.

Mark your calendars, we meet from 5pm to 7pm on the second Wednesday of each month. ALL ARE WELCOME

People in the news

Danvers State Representative Ted Speliotis who represents Danvers Named Chairman of Important Massachusetts Legislative Committee.

State Representative Ted Speliotis, one of the longest serving Legislators on Beacon Hill has been named to the Chairmanship of the Committee that serves as the gate keeper committee for all bills that will be heard before the House of Representatives.   It is a very important Committee Chairmanship and his new role could be very important for the region.

Announcement of the Retirement of Wayne Burton

The following announcement provided by The North Shore Community College about the retirement of President Dr. Wayne Burton is presented FYI.  I suppose that I could let the announcement stand on its own, but I feel obligated to add some personal comments.

I have known Wayne since he arrived in Salem several years ago.   I worked with Wayne when he was the Dean of the Business School at then Salem State College.   I was asked and was proud and pleased to be one of Wayne’s presenters when he applied for the Presidency at North Shore Community College and I followed Wayne to the Institution and have served on the Foundation for that school.    Wayne served as a Trustee on the initial Board of Trustees of Essex Heritage.  He also served as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee at Essex Heritage in his nine-year term.  He was one of first Heritage Hero’s named and his work for Essex Heritage was extraordinary.

Dr. Wayne Burton’s Announcement

It is with overwhelming feelings of both joy and sadness that I announce my retirement today – after thirteen years at the helm of North Shore Community College, effective July 31, I will move on to my next phase of life. I have notified Rich Yagjian, Chair of the Board of Trustees, of my plans to leave and a press release will go out later today. In truth, I have been thinking about this since passing my 68th year last June and facing my sixty-ninth birthday this June.

I am deeply grateful to everyone at NSCC for a wonderful experience with an extraordinary group of dedicated people who with me share a strong belief in and commitment to educational equity. It is the community of the college I will miss most.

I will do everything I can between now and the end of July to bring in a decent budget in the current legislative session and advance all the important initiatives now underway at the College including the Lynn campus renewal and addition and Union Street space for culinary and cosmetology. Also, with your help, it is my intent to give the next president a new strategic plan grounded in the college and reflective of the culture of inclusion I have tried to nurture since I began as president in July of 2000.

While the Commonwealth may consider my leaving the presidency of North Shore Community College "retirement", I certainly do not. In the next phase of my life, I plan to enjoy family – with two middle-school grandsons and one more grandchild on the way by our younger West Coast son and wife, provide service to my town and state, and work on issues that have become important to me.

I currently serve on the Advisory Budget Committee of the Oyster River School District and as the Town of Durham's (NH) representative on the Strafford (county) Regional Planning Commission involved with regional planning, especially with regard to careful stewardship of our water resources. I also plan to run for Town Council in our hometown of Durham and, who knows, I might run for my old seat in the N.H. House next cycle.

I also intend to continue my involvement in the national Community College Consortium on Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (CCCAID) which I currently chair, carrying the message wider than I can now with the significant responsibilities of the presidency getting my top priority.

As we all grow and change with the seasons of life, I ask you to continue our important work as the college transitions to a new president and an exciting new era for the college as we celebrate our fiftieth year. I could not have made North Shore Community College the true beacon of hope and opportunity that it is, without each of you at the helm with me. Thank you!

Personal Observations

Slot Parlor Proposal in Danvers

The fact gathering period for information in the ongoing slot parlor proposal in Danvers continues.  The organization that is seeking the right to turn a vacant retail space formally occupied by Sports Authority at the rear of Liberty Tree Center into a slot parlor have met in an information session with several Danvers Officials.   In their original proposal they spoke about adding a new garage, but that addition no longer appears to be needed.  They have indicated that the facility could mean seven hundred new jobs for the Town.  It is expected that a public hearing on the proposal will take place on March 5th in a location to be announced, spacious enough to handle the many residents that want to be heard on this issue.   There appears to be continuing opposition to the facility by nearby residents.   It would certainly appear that the kind of operation envisioned would certainly mean more local traffic in an area where there already appears that there is too much traffic according to local nearby residents.  It is unclear to me to see a reason for approval except for the number of mid-level, at best, jobs that are proposed would benefit the community.  There may be some up front and ongoing fees that could be beneficial to the community and some of those answers might be provided at the March 5th public hearing and that night might make the decision easier when the officials are provided with a complete set of facts.

Retirement of Roman Catholic Pope Gregory XV1

As a participating member of the active Catholic religious family, I like a number of others were surprised by the recent announcement that the present Pope will retire from active service after an eight year term of office, due to poor health.  We will likely have a new leader of one of the largest religions in this region by Easter 2013.   Pope Benedict will be the first Pontiff to resign for heath reasons in over 600 years.   From my perspective, I would not expect any monumental changes in major issues such as abortion, female priests, etc.  What we may see is a new leader of the church who may come from a non-traditional location like South America, Africa or Asia.   That could be a major change as the new Pope could be our first Black or Yellow skinned leader of the largest organized religion in the world, and the new leader could come from a location where the Catholic faith growing faster than the norm in the rest of the world

Sports Update

In this space each week, I usually present a few words on Boston Professional Teams successes and failures that is truly one of my passions, but today I report on an even greater passion, family sports participation.   On Wednesday of this week we attended one of many basketball games we attended this winter.   We now know every signpost along US Route 495 as we have made numerous trips along that route this winter from our home in Danvers.   Our youngest grand-daughter Caroline is a student at a very competitive public high school in Northborough called Algonquin Regional.  The school has a great history of winning team championships.   As a freshman she along with a handful of other first year students participated with the Junior Varsity girls team.  They completed a single loss season avenging their only loss to Wachusetts Regional High School earlier in the season.

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We traveled to many events around the area east of Worchester that we never would have made without the help and support of a GPS.   The basketball season followed a three-loss Girls Junior Varsity Soccer season that she also participated in as a first year athlete.    This has been a wonderful first year at Algonquin Regional.  After a steady successful diet with our other Grand-daughter Katherine of Danvers in lacrosse and field hockey I only barely comprehended, basketball is a sport that I played as a youth and it was a treat and a pleasant change to watch. 

 I can’t say enough about the level of coaching instruction Caroline received in both sports and we look forward to a couple of more seasons watching, rooting for success and enjoying the competition  

We skipped a trip to Florida this winter due to medical conditions and these multiple trips to Northborough made the recent Fall and Winter of 2012-13 seem to fly by.

After a very short period of time, we will be back on the road to watch Michael and Julie’s son Casey perform as a little league pitcher.