ESSEX HAPPENINGS - DECEMBER 2014

ESSEX HERITAGE MATTERS

Initiatives

Since 1996, The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) has championed the heritage development of Essex County by fostering public-private partnerships that preserve and enhance the significant aspects of the region’s history, cultural heritage and character. We look forward to working with you to promote the sustainability of this great region. Some of our current initiatives include:

•                     Bakers Island Light Station

•                     Border to Boston Trail

•                     Education Programming

o    Park for Every Classroom

o    Salem at SEA

o    Making the Caribbean Connection

•                     Youth Jobs Program

•                     Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

•                     Events

•                     Heritage Hero Award

•                     I Heart Heritage!

•                     Membership

•                     Move It! 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge

•                     Northeast Harvest - Buy Fresh, Buy Local

•                     NPS Passport Program

•                     Partnership Grant Program

•                     Photo Contest

•                     Photo Safaris

•                     Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence (a film)

•                     Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks & Water

and much, much more! Learn more about our accomplishments here.

REGIONAL NEWS

Local Woman named to Governor Elect Charlie Butler’s Leadership Team

Several years ago, when Annie Harris and I were creating the Essex Heritage Concept, we worked at the Salem Partnership, that helped create ESSEX HERITAGE with a young lady who was most talented and capable.  Those capabilities and her work ethic have led to her recent appointment to lead the new Governor’s budget office.   Ms. Kristen Lepore of Danvers has held a number of Federal and State positions in the Commonwealth including a term with Governor Paul Cellucci.   We wish Kristen much success in her new role and are more than certain that she will play a strong role on the Baker team.  

DANVERS COUNCIL ON AGING ACTIVITIES

IMPORTANT: Danvers Council on Aging has a new real time online registration system!! To register, you will need to first set up an account for your household. The registration must be done by everyone regardless of previous activity with Danvers Council on Aging. This new real time registration system will create a more streamlined process for all of our customers.  The initial account set up should take no longer than fifteen minutes and can be done as you are registering. If you have not yet registered for a program but will be, please take 10-15 minutes to “Create an Account” with Danvers Council on Aging on our new system.

SOCIAL SENIORS SUPPORTIVE ADULT DAY PROGRAM

The Danvers Council on Aging is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for participation in our unique Supportive Day Program. This program provides a variety of engaging activities designed to promote socialization with other seniors in a safe and nurturing environment. The advantages are numerous and have provided benefits to both the participant and family member/caregiver alike. We are happy to offer a risk “FREE” trial day to experience the program first hand. Financial assistance is also available for Danvers residents 60 and older through the generosity of the Clara & Harvey Pillsbury Foundation. For more information please call Allison Jopling, R.N., Program Coordinator at (978) 762-0208.

Timely Topics 10:30am-11:30am

There is no charge for this event but if you plan on attending please call 978-762-0208 or sign up at the front desk for this presentation so that we can plan appropriate space.

•    December 3rd – “Java with a Jake” – Join us for a cup of coffee with members of the Danvers Fire Department for another installment of our series “Java with a Jake”. This month, Deputy Chief James McPherson and Captain James Brooks will discuss holiday safety. Discussion will include: extension cords, candles, indoor and outdoor lights, trees and more. Make sure you come to this program to learn how to have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

•    Please join us on Wednesday, December 10th from 10:30 to 11:30 for a free Winter Safety Workshop. The workshop will be presented by Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) students from North Shore Community College. Topics will include snow removal tips and tricks, strategies for safe driving, and transportation alternatives. We will also discuss tips for staying warm and minimizing your risk for falls as you are out and about this winter. Light refreshments will be provided, all are encouraged to attend!"

Danvers Historic holiday Events

Upcoming Events    

Visit full listing at DanversHistory.Org for current details

We Make History Fun!

Historic Properties

Every 2nd Friday, through November 14th, 2014

Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

1:00 PM film at Tapley Hall: Colonials and the British

$15 at the door for all four properties.

Location: Page House, Rebecca Nurse Homestead,Judge Samuel Holten House and Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page St. Danvers.  Learn more at DCAT Intern Productions here

Onion Town Variety Show

Every 2nd Friday, through November 14th, 2014

7:00 to 9:00 P.M.  $5 for non-performers.

Please visit the list of Danvers Access Shows at DCAT

Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page St. Danvers.

Speaker Series: Soup Kitchens

Thursday, November 20th 7:00 P.M.

Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page St. Danvers.

Brian O'Loughlin presents a talk on the Soup Kitchen and its role in the community throughout history. Reservations appreciated to help with hall set up. Please bring canned goods for the People to People Danvers Food Pantry.

Parking on Page St. or in the Community Lot at the corner of Page and Elm Streets. RSVP to 978.777.1666 or E-mail to dhs@danvershistory.org .   FREE and ALL are welcome!

Parade of Trees: Dec 3rd through 6th   event details

Become involved, please decorate a tree or wreath.

             See details and guidelines.

Wednesday, 3rd:  Preview Party 5:30 - 8pm

    FREE for tree & wreath donors. $10 general admission.

Thursday, 4th: 1-8pm FREE admission.

    6:30pm:Theatrical reading of the Polar Express, details

Friday, 5th:  1-5pm FREE admission.

Saturday 6th: 10am-5pm FREE admission.

     3:30-4:30 Roaming Magician: Jay Fraser 

Saturday: 5:15pm all trees & wreaths raffled to lucky winners!

Christmas at Glen Magna Farms

Fri-Sun Dec. 5th - Dec. 7th. Full Developing Details

The Society and The National Association of Women Artists are celebrating their 125th Anniversaries!! Local florists will deck the halls of the Endicott Mansion. This weekend of events is not to be missed!! Candy Shoppe on site, featuring Harbor Sweets!

Gala Celebration: Friday Dec. 5th  tickets sure to sell out!

National Association of Women Artists Art Show:

          Sat. 6th 9am-3pm & Sun. 7th 10am-5pm

High School Chamber Chorus: Sat. Dec. 6th 1pm at Art Show

Meet The Artists: Sat. Dec 6th, 3-5pm.

Gilded Harps: Sat. Dec. 6th, 3-5pm at Reception

Tea at Endicott Mansion: Sun. Dec.7th, 11:30am 

                                            tickets sure to sell out!

Holiday Concert: The Essex Harmony

Sunday, Dec. 14th 3:00 P.M. Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page St.

The Essex Harmony, Artists-In-Residence of the Society, will perform. This mixed media, acapella concert is directed by Tom Carmody. More about The Essex Harmony.

Donations encouraged. Proceeds benefit the ongoing preservation mission of the Society, including supplies for our Artists-In-Residence. Reservations appreciated to help with hall set up. Parking on Page St. or in the Community Lot at the corner of Page and Elm Streets. RSVP to 978.777.1666 or E-mail to dhs@danvershistory.org .

FREE and ALL are welcome! Donations encouraged

Speaker Series - check our website often for details

      Feb. 19th, David McKenna, Native Americans in Danvers

      March 19th, Dana Smith, Underground Railroad

      April 21st, George Saluto, Photography Past to Present

Heritage Films - NEW RELEASE: Dan Tremblay, Topsfield Fair Trustee and Danvers Historical Society Member, has prepared a 2.5 hour film of this year's Topsfield Fair, America's Oldest Country Fair. It would make a wonderful keepsake gift, especially entertaining for the elderly who could not attend, and reflects the wonderful Essex County annual event we've all witnessed. Order your DVD thru the Danvers Historical Society. $19.95. Allow 4 days to process.

  

St. John’s Prep Information

Alumni Christmas Party - December 3

Host Joe Milano ‘62 invites all alumni to this annual event at the Union Oyster House on Wednesday December 3 from 6-8 pm. Enjoy an evening of relaxing conversation and holiday merriment as you reconnect with classmates and friends over savory hors d’oeuvres and refreshing beverages. Take this opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with the local Prep community at the Union Oyster House – a Boston landmark and America’s oldest restaurant. Please register in advance PLEASE

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem

A major event to support the club will be offered early in 2015 See details that follow

The date of the Champion for Kids Celebration honoring Mayor Driscoll has been changed to accommodate the Salem High School Band. I am so happy to tell you that the great High School Band will be part of the event.

The date is now firmly established for Sunday, January 25th from 6 to 9 PM.  (There are no NFL football games scheduled that day.)

COP-AA ACTIVITIES

Many thanks to my former Employer…The Salem Five Bank for their generous grant to support the broad and encompassing program of COP-AA as they continue to offer support programs for people that have suffered Amputations in this Region.

HOLIDAY WISHES

We certainly wish all of you our heartiest wishes for a wonderful holiday at the end of this year, and offer our best wishes for a great New Year 2015.

ESSEX HAPPENINGS NOVEMBER 2014

Essex Heritage Early November Events

Essex Heritage Semi Annual Meeting

Essex Heritage's Annual Fall Meeting was on Thursday, October 23, at The Governor's Academy in Byfield with 8AM: Continental Breakfast Reception and 8:30 - 10AM: Business Meeting

In the next edition of this BLOG, I will report on the results of this meeting.

Featured Partner Event: True Yankees

November 6, 2014 at 7PM• Salem Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970

Drawing on private journals, letters, ships’ logs, memoirs, and newspaper accounts, Dane Morrison, Professor of Early American History at Salem State University, will discuss America’s earliest encounters on a global stage through the exhilarating experiences of Yankee seafarers.

Regional Education Forum

November 12, 2014 at 8:30AM to 2:30PM• Maritime Gloucester and Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA, 01930

Essex Heritage is hosting another education forum for heritage sites, organizations, and education professionals to share best practices, encourage collaboration, and learn about opportunities. Join us and your professional colleagues at the next forum on Wednesday, November 12.

Seven Lectures at The Seven Gables: The Schooner Fame

November 19, 2014  at 6PM• The House of the Seven Gables, United States, 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970

Capt. Mike Rutstein will share Schooner Fame’s story: its plan, the selection of trees and building in Essex.

Featured Partner Event: Mutt Strut with Greenbelt

November 23, 2014 • Tompson Street Reservation, Fernald Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930

Join Greenbelt's Land Conservation Director, David Santomenna and his dog and Greenbelt mascot, Shiloh, for a dog-walk within Greenbelt's largest reservation.

We wish all a safe Halloween and a Happy Thanksgiving.

We certainly hope that all of you enjoy the spectacular American family holiday of Thanksgiving.  For most of us, it is a day of family dining and local community football sporting events.

In the case of Salem and other communities in this region that celebrate Halloween, we hope that the events connected with the holiday are special and economically profitable.

Other Regional News

Boys and Girls Club Information

The Danvers and Salem Ninety Nine Restaurants are raising funds for our Club by selling special Boys & Girls Club meals, hosting a breakfast, selling t-shirts, holding a Jack O'Lantern silent auction, a raffle and more to raise funds to support our Club. Please stop by the Ninety Nine Restaurants in Danvers and Salem. 

Here is how you can help according to the Ninety-Nine Restaurants:

The Ninety Nine will donate $1 to your local Boys & Girls Club chapter when you order the Boys & Girls Club Sandwich, Entrée or Slice of Pie, and we’ll donate $3 when you take home a Whole Pie!

Purchase a commemorative bracelet for $5.

Add $1, $3, $5 or more to your guest check.

All the funds raised in these ways will go to the Boys and Girls Club.

Bike Safety

The Boston Globe regional issues have been expanded with more content and in a recent issue of the North Region, it was noted that bike accidents in this region are up by almost 10%.  Essex Heritage is one organization that has espoused the increase of recreational trails in the region.  This position may have helped drive the accident higher, but I suspect that the majority of the increase  in accidents and even deaths has come from city street accidents.  I expect these accident numbers are too high and the local government leaderships should take these issues seriously and consider changes in signage, road markings  and intersection re-configurations, when possible, to help reverse the accident, injury and death trend that is climbing.

Update on New Danvers Town Manager

The Town of Danvers has conducted a series of interviews and has made a preliminary offer to

Mr. Steve Bartha of Avon, Connecticut.   The thought is that the Danvers Selectmen and Mr. Bartha are close to an employment agreement and he could begin work in Danvers in early December. 

Last Report on Recently Resigned Town Manager Marquis

The North Shore Elder Service Organization annually holds a “We Give Thanks Award Evening” and as a member of that Board I have nominated Wayne Marquis for the Civic Engagement Award. The process of choosing a winner in this category is ongoing and may be crowded, but regardless my nomination was offered.

  

Update on Salem Police Chief

Kim Driscoll, the Mayor of Salem, is investigating methods to open up the application process for the next police chief in Salem.   This process will include looking outside the standard Civil Service process.  This process is a real effort for the Salem Mayor as the current Chief is the odds on favorite to win the November election to replace Salem State Representative John Keenan. 

City of Salem Eligible for Federal Funds

The City of Salem was one of ten communities across the Commonwealth that is eligible.  The funding included planning and safety and controls.  The City will be legible for a $4 to $5 million annuity from the Department of Transportation.   In a statement from Mayor Kim Driscoll she indicated how pleased she was for the award and the grant would help complete local streets.

Recent Dedication of Housing

The Town on North Andover recently held a dedication service to celebrate the completion of the first Veteran Housing created in that community in over a half a century. A run down and foreclosed three story building been renovated and offers three apartments  to veterans and families that will now be occupied after a $60,000 commitment was made by the Town Meeting to complete this task.

Danvers Historical Society

From the Danvers Historical Society News

The following letter was recently sent to the Preservation Committee by officials of The Danvers Historical Society to preserve and protect the identified historic homed in Danvers                         

Dear members of Danvers Preservation Commission Town Hall

Sylvan Street

Danvers, MA 01923

Dear Members:

The Danvers Historical Society was established in 1889 to educate present and future generations of the public about the history and development of Danvers. The town has the good fortune to have a number of homes that are significant, due to their architecture and/or their historical connection. Though the Danvers Historical Society continues to preserve several fine structures as house museums open to the public, our town’s rich heritage includes many other structures just as significant as the ones we maintain. To loose Danvers homes which are so important to local, regional, and even national history would be both a tragedy to our heritage, and a loss to our community.

Presently two such dwellings are under the threat of obliteration: the ca. 1660s “First Period” Porter-Bradstreet House on upper Locust Street, and the 1895 “Queen Anne Revival” A. F. Welch House next to St. Mary of the Annunciation Church at 22 Conant Street.

Both of these houses are wonderful and visually superb examples of their architectural era. They posses a rich history, and are an essential part of their neighborhood, streetscape, and environment. To lose such signature structures forever to mundane uses would be a travesty to the present and to future generations.

We urge those good people in whose hands rest the power to destroy part of our communal heritage, to find a viable solution to preserve both these dwellings so they are not just a memory and a statement of crass 21 century development, but rather a shining example of how thoughtful people can preserve the best of the past for their own benefit and for the benefit of their community.

Sincerely,

Danvers Council on Aging Material

From the Social Senior Supportive Day Program:

Our Supportive Day Program has begun the process of accepting applications for participation in our unique program. We have increased days of operation from 3 to 4 days per week. The new days of operation are Monday-Thursday from 9am-3pm. This program can benefit both participant and caregiver alike by providing services tailored to individual need and interest. If you or someone you know could benefit from socialization with others in a caring and friendly environment, please give us a call. We are happy to offer a risk “FREE” trial day to experience all we have to offer. Danvers residents 60 and older may be eligible for financial assistance through the generosity of the Clara & Harvey Pillsbury Foundation. Call (978) 762-0208 and ask to speak with Allison Jopling, R.N., Program Coordinator.

Town Wide Open House

The Town Open House Program was held on Thursday, October 9th from 4-7pm. The Danvers Senior Center highlighted the various TRIAD programs that were designed for the safety of seniors in Danvers. Don’t forget that you can hop on the Trolley from the Senior Center to visit Danvers Fire Department, Electric Department, Town Hall, Police Headquarters and the Peabody Institute Library.  The event was well attended and is held annually to point out community resources to residents.

Fall Recreational Reading

As always, I have spent a great deal of my free time with a book in hand.  Recently the book of choice was the third and final book in a much read and highly praised Ken Follette trilogy.   I had previously read and enjoyed the first two books of the series, Winter of the World, and Fall of Giants.  The final book of the series was called The Edge of Eternity.    The following is a brief recap of the work taken from the internet review to provide an overview of the work.

INTERNET RECAP

Ken Follett’s Century Trilogy follows the fortunes of five intertwined families—American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh—as they made their way through the turbulent twentieth century. The book has been called by many including me as “potent, engrossing” and “truly epic” The publication USA Today relates that “You actually feel like you’re there.”

Edge of Eternity, the finale in the Trilogy covers one of the most tumultuous eras of all: the 1960s through the 1980s, encompassing civil rights, assassinations, Vietnam, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, presidential impeachment, revolution—and rock and roll.

East German teacher Rebecca Hoffman discovers she’s been spied on by the Stasi for years and commits an impulsive act that will affect her family for generations… George Jakes, himself bi-racial, bypasses corporate law to join Robert F. Kennedy’s Justice Department and finds himself in the middle of not only the seminal events of the civil rights battle, but also a much more personal battle… Cameron Dewar, the grandson of a senator, jumps at the chance to do some espionage for a cause he believes in, only to discover that the world is much more dangerous than he’d imagined… Dimka Dvorkin, a young aide to Khrushchev, becomes an agent for good and for ill as the Soviet Union and the United States race to the brink of nuclear war, while his twin sister, Tania, carves out a role that will take her from Moscow to Cuba to Prague to Warsaw—and into history.

These characters and many others find their lives inextricably entangled as they add their personal stories and insight to the most defining events of the 20th century. From the opulent offices of the most powerful world leaders to the shabby apartments of those trying to begin a new empire, from the elite clubs of the wealthy and highborn to the passionate protests of a country’s most marginalized citizens, this is truly a drama for the ages.

With the Century Trilogy, Follett has guided readers through an entire era of history with a master’s touch. His unique ability to tell fascinating, brilliantly researched stories that captivate readers and keep them turning the pages is unparalleled. In this climactic and concluding saga, Follett brings us into a world we thought we knew, but now will never seem the same again.

The book and the entire trilogy series was a great read and I recommend the books.  The Edge of Eternity was over 1100 pages long, and at the end of the read, I was rationing my reading to make the experience last longer and that is a sure sign of a great book.    

Essex Happenings … October 2014

Essex Heritage News

Board of Trustees Elections Held

This fall, the Essex Heritage Board of Trustees elected the following members as new officers for the organization:

·         Vice President – John Farmer, Eastern Bank (current Essex Heritage Treasurer)

·         Treasurer – Kevin Rourke, Salem Five Bank

·         Assistant Treasurer – Timothy Felter, Newburyport Five Cent Savings Bank

Five Essex Heritage Commissioners were also elected to be new trustees:

·         Gary Coon, Managing Director, Major League Investments, Inc., Salem

·         Wayne Eisenhauer, President, Danvers Historical Society

·         James Rudolph, Managing Partner, Rudolph Friedmann, LLP, Boston

·         Thomas Sullivan, Law Office of Thomas J. Sullivan, Haverhill

·         Pamela Yameen, Butcher Boy Market, North Andover

Other Essex Heritage Matters

Move It: Essex Heritage has teamed up with the YMCA of the North Shore for  Move It! 100 Miles in 100 Days challenge – a new program inspiring individuals and families of all ages to get active.

Yankee Magazine Award: Essex Heritage was named a 2014 “Best of New England — Editors’ Choice” Winner by Yankee Magazine for the film "Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence"

Regional Visitor Center Information Desk: Essex Heritage had a Grand Opening Celebration on September 16 to mark the opening of the new Essex National Heritage Area Visitor Information Desk.  Located within the National Park Service’s Regional Visitor Center, the Essex Heritage staff will provide information on things to do and places to visit all over the 500 square mile Essex National Heritage Area region.

Trails & Sails: This annual  Two Weekends of Walks and Water was again held on the last two weekends of September.  With wonderful weather and great events, it was a great success and there were more than 5,000 participants who explored the 150+ FREE events all around Essex County.

Annual Fall Meeting: On October 23, Essex Heritage will hold its Annual Fall Meeting at The Governor’s Academy in Byfield. Your participation is welcome at this very valuable morning of networking and regional engagement.  For reservations contact Essex Heritage at 978-740-0444 or contact them at www.essexheritage.org .   The event is free, most informative and rewarding.  The Governor’s Academy is the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the US.

Regional News

Local financial institutions completed merger on September 1

North Shore Bank and Saugus Bank have completed their merger under the banner of North Shore Bank on September 1ST.  David La Flame will continue to be the CEO and Kevin Tierney will be the President.  David is a Trustees at Essex Heritage and Kevin is a former Trustee and also served as President of Essex Heritage for several years.  At this time we are uncertain how the merger will impact their connections with Essex Heritage.

Town of Danvers Fireworks Decision

As reported in last month’s BLOG, the volunteer board of Family Festival, due to the costs and safety issue connected with this event, have canceled the fireworks feature of this month long celebration.  Now Danvers town leadership has wisely decided that those burdens will not be borne by the community.  So the spectacular event will be just history.

Preservation of Historic Farmhouse on Locust Street in Danvers Urged by Residents

Staying with news in Danvers for this report, a local developer is attempting to create an over age 55 residential property on land in Danvers that has been used recently by the Clark School.  The property is a first period house and a number of area residents have come out in favor of preserving the property in its present condition.  The Town’s Preservation Committee will soon be holding a public hearing on this issue.

Essex County Foundation Seminars for Non Profit Corporations to be held in Wenham

The Essex County Foundation, among its efforts to raise funds for worthwhile organization in the county, has announced that it will be offering a four part  series of workshops for the local leadership of non-profit organizations in this region.  The events will take place into the first week of October and will be held at the Wenham Museum and the Community House in Hamilton.  For more details information on times and costs contact the Foundation at www.eccf.org.

City of Peabody announces ten flu clinics for its residents.

This year the City of Peabody will be partnering with a number of local organizations to attain the broadest participation.  For dates, times and locations please contact the city public heath nurse at 978 538 5931.

The Town of Danvers will also offer flu shots at the Senior Center - call then for time and dates.

Follow-up on Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem

The Boys & Girls Club’s Drop-In and Teen Program opened on Wednesday beginning at 2pm to 8pm at the Collins Middle School for boys and girls ages 8 to 18. The annual membership fee is $25. Children will be able to take buses from their schools to the Club at Collins just as they did in the past to when the Club was located at Hawthorne Blvd.


We are excited about our strong staff who will be directing our Club programs this year. Meghan Murtagh-Martin is the Program Director for the after School Drop-In Program.  Meghan did an incredible job leading our After School License Child Care Program for the past two years and is enthusiastic about leading our Drop-In Program.  Our new Arts & Education Director is Keshia DeLeon, and Keith Langlais is returning as our Athletic Director.

Andre Daley is back as our Teen Director, and Grace Duran is our new After School License Child Care Director.

Parents may rest assured that any child who would have taken a Salem School bus to our Hawthorne site will be able to take a school bus to our Collins site. Programs at Collins will include all the regular ones for children ages 8 through 12, and those for youth ages 13 through 18.  There will not be licensed childcare at Collins for children younger than 8 years old.  Children at Witchcraft Heights, Saltonstall and Horace Mann Elementary Schools may still receive Boys & Girls Club licensed after-school care at those schools.  Children at Bates, Bentley, Carlton, and Bowditch, who want a Boys & Girls Club licensed program, may be transported to Witchcraft Heights.  For more information about this new chapter in the Club's history, please visit our Facebook page, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem or our website www.bgcgs.org; or call the Club at 978-744-0915.

Court facility in Salem To Be Named for Former Judge

Governor Deval Patrick formally announced recently that the Essex County Probate and Family Court in the County Court Complex on Federal Street in Salem will be named in honor of Judge Thaddeus Buczko who served as the Presiding Judge in that court until his retirement in 1996.  Judge Buczko is lifelong resident of Salem and served in a number of elected municipal and State positions including that of State Auditor.   Ted Bucko was a distinguished member of the Armed Forces, serving in two conflicts.  He has long been a fixture in Salem and was a person you could look to for advice on difficult situations. A formal naming event will take place in the future when the currently refurbished building is finished.

Personal News

Golf in Norton, MA

Prior to losing my leg, the game of golf was one of my favorite pastimes.  Last Saturday, I attended with my family the PGA event in Norton, Mass.   The event was most entertaining and we all enjoyed the event while watching the strong group of participants.  We are most appreciative of the efforts of our financial advisor who provided the tickets to us.

As a personal comment, I have not ever experienced an event or a group of volunteers that were any more aware of the needs of people with handicaps   There were special buses, golf carts and caring volunteer everywhere we went that day.  The sponsoring Deutsche Bank should be most proud of their volunteers.

Abilities Expo in Boston

On a Saturday early in September my wife brought me into the Boston Convention Center for our first visit to that great location for the Abilities Expo.  We viewed a great deal of material for people with handicaps and Marge received some specific information about how to easily move my wheelchair  in and out of the back of our car without having to physically lift it out each time which is getting more difficult with each passing day.

COPAA Information

As you know. I have been very involved in a locally based organization focused on assistance to people with amputations.   The organization has recently opened a web site to provide information.   Unfortunately, the term COPAA was already used and the next best internet name that was available was www. copamp.org. Please visit the organizations and find pertinent data. The site can be accessed at www.copamp.org.  Log on and take a look at www.copamp.org

We also just received word that the IRS has declared contributions to COPAA are tax deductible.   If you have any inclination to make a contribution to COPAA, check our website for information on where gifts might be sent.

Back in the swing at Tedesco CC Sponsored by Spaulding Hospital

I have participated in a three week program offered by the Adaptive Sports Program of the hospital that was most helpful in my rehabilitation – Spaulding of the North Shore.   The program featured balance and swing principals, and after the sessions, I believe I am ready to attempt some golf with the help of family.

St. John’s Prep News

Admission Open Houses!  

Admission season is underway and this is an especially busy year with the Prep’s new Middle School opening in September 2015.  All interested families are invited to attend fall Open Houses to learn more.  Additional information can be found on the website.

•  High School Open House: Sunday, September 28 and Saturday, October 25.

•  Middle School Open House: Sunday November 2 and Wednesday December 10.

Homecoming at the Prep – October 18-19

Save the date! The School would love to see you and your family back on campus for Homecoming on Saturday, October 18.  Activities will include the rededication of Cronin Memorial Stadium; varsity football vs. BC High; varsity soccer vs. Catholic Memorial; an alumni soccer game; and a family BBQ.  On Sunday, October 19, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the Administration Building Chapel at 9 am. More information and registration can be found here.

Reunion

FYI, the class of 1954, of which I am a member of a fast shrinking group of former gradates, will be holding its 60th reunion during that weekend.  We will be venturing into Salem for dinner where we will challenge Halloween crowds at the Hawthorne Hotel, owned and operated by a fellow classmate, Mike Harrington.

  

Professional Sports in Boston

Soccer

The New England Revolution signed a USA World Cup star and went on a short term winning streak

  

Football

The Patriots started poorly but have as in the past and have a record of 2 wins and1loss after three weeks.   They have improved as they progress through the year.  The first couple of weeks in October are more difficult the year.  Let’s hope for success.

Red Sox Future

As the difficult 2014 season is mercifully coming to an end the Red Sox are looking to the future with young pitchers getting a chance to show their skills and a recent signing of a Cuban player shows promise.  It seems that the decades long cry of the Red Sox of “wait until next year” might be a correct one in 2014.

Bruins Hold Captain’s Practice

The Boston Bruins are currently holding Captain’s practices, and the pre-season Training Camp and Exhibitions games are not far away.  The Team has some positional holes to fill and the first weeks of this month will be important to team development.

Essex Happenings - September 2014

ESSEX HERITAGE   News

Happy Labor Day  - CAN FALL BE FAR BEHIND?

Essex Heritage TAKES title to Bakers Island Lighthouse!

A very special event took place on Wednesday, August 27 at the Bakers Island Light Station.   The official transfer of the deed to the Bakers Island Light Station from the US Coast Guard to Essex Heritage took place that day.

Essex Happenings September 2014

As in past years, Essex Heritage will be offering its signature event, Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water.  Explore Essex County's historic, cultural and natural sites during the last two weekends of  September by participating in 150+ FREE events during Trails & Sails on September 19-21 & September 26-28.

Enjoy a variety of guided walks, sails, historical tours and other adventures for all ages, skill levels and interests.  Get connected to the spectacular places, history and heritage that define the Essex National Heritage Area—the 34 cities and towns of Boston’s legendary North Shore. It’s all free and it’s all located within Essex County including the communities of Salem, Gloucester, Newburyport, Lawrence, Saugus and more.

Search the online event listing for the most up to date event information and to find Trails & Sails events by date, time, community, event title or description. Printed guides are also be available to help you plot your course to adventure.

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Regional News

COP-AA Administration

Tax Status

In the last couple of weeks, we have had our Articles of Organization approved by the Massachusetts Secretary of State and now all of the paperwork to declare COP-AA a tax exempt organization has been sent to the Federal Internal Revenue for their approval.  All of this has been made possible through a grant from Eastern Bank. THANK YOU!

Web Site Development

There is little doubt that COP –AA needs a web site so that both potential clients and those who wish to support our mission with financial support have a way to communicate us.  Now through the generosity of the Center for Independent Living in Salem, we are in the process of developing a web site.

Affiliations Developed

COP-AA is developing a relationship with North Shore Elder Services that will invite a number of their members at a reduced price to attend the concert sponsored by NSES at the North Shore Music Theatre on 9/21 starring Ronan Tynan.

Boys and Girls Club of greater Salem News

The following is a press release from the Salem Club that serves so many youth in this region.  It contains wonderful news about a relocation of services to a middle school in Salem.  The club was in danger of being without a base of operations until this opportunity developed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem moves to Collins Middle School

Salem, MA- August 19, 2014- The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem is moving its main operation from Hawthorne Boulevard to the Collins Middle School on Highland Avenue in time for the first day of school this year.  The Salem School Committee approved the lease of some space, not used currently for academic purposes, to the 145 year-old Salem institution at its meeting on Monday evening.

The Club has operated at 13 Hawthorne Boulevard since the mid 1980’s.  Joanne Scott, Executive Director says, “Our staff and Board members are extremely enthusiastic about this opportunity to strengthen our collaboration with Salem Schools as our community works to ensure academic success is within reach of all our children. Our Club shares that mission with the schools and physically locating at Collins will allow natural alliances to flourish in support of this mission.

Regarding leaving the Hawthorne Boulevard site, Scott says, “We appreciate the support we received from the Immaculate Conception parishioners throughout the lease of their building. It will be a bittersweet departure since our kids have created many wonderful memories here.  But it is time to create a new, enriched future for our current members in the Middle School building. ” 

The first day of school is quickly approaching but Doug Bollen, Chief of Operations for the Club says that parents can depend on the Club to be ready for their children at the new location.  According to Bollen, “The vote was the formality needed to make this move public.  In reality we have been preparing for it for several weeks and working out details such as program location and transportation.  Parents may rest assured that any child who would have taken a Salem School bus to our Hawthorne site will be able to take a school bus to our Collins site.” 

Programs at Collins will include all the regular ones for children ages 8 through 12; and those for youth ages 13 through 18.  There will not be licensed child care at Collins for children younger than 8 years old.  Children at Witchcraft Heights, Saltonstall and Horace Mann Elementary Schools may still receive Boys & Girls Club licensed after-school care at those schools.  Children at Bates, Bentley, Carlton and Bowditch who want a Boys & Girls Club licensed program may be transported to Witchcraft Heights.

Looking ahead, Board President Holly Harris Feman says, “The Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors is grateful to the Mayor and School Committee for this generous and opportunity-rich experience for our youth.  We will continue to be a positive and dedicated partner to the Salem Public Schools during our stay at Collins and into the future as we plan our permanent home.”

For more information about this new chapter in the Club’s history, please visit our Facebook page, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem or our website www.bgcgs.org; or call Doug Bollen at 978-744-0915

Saint John’s Prep to Install Final Beam in New Building

The work on the new educational addition on the school’s campus continues and before the final beam in the building is installed we were offered the chance to sign the beam.  The building is moving towards completion for a fall 2015 opening.

Massachusetts State Senator Appoints New Chief of Staff                    

Senator Joan Lovely who represents Salem, Peabody, Beverly and Danvers at the State House has announced the appointment of Grace Harrington, the daughter of the Town Manager of the Town of Salisbuy, and former Mayor of Salem Neil Harrington as her Chief of Staff.   She replaces Sam Gamer who is leaving the post in this Fall after a very effective term to attend Cornell Law School.

Town of Danvers Cancels future Fireworks Presentation

Citing excessive costs associated with the iconic and heavily-attended Family Festival event held over the July holiday, the sensational displays will no longer be offered by the Danvers organizers.

Annual Topsfield Fair Scheduled

It is never too early to make attendance plans at one of the truly great family events in this or any other county location.  This year’s Topsfield Fair will have its many entertaining activities and will be offered from October 3 thru 13, 2014.

Summer Reading

My First Recommendation

During the summer I read a wonderful long and detailed history of the life of Army General George C. Marshall who served the US Army in numerous capacities for several decades during two major wars and the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. Marshall was not a graduate of West Point, which made his achievement that much greater.  I do not want to recap the book or the General’s life, but only want to report on how good the presentation was.   The following is a brief history of his life as presented on the internet.

George Catlett Marshall, Jr. (December 31, 1880 – October 16, 1959) was an American soldier and statesman famous for his leadership roles during World War II and the Cold War. He was Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Secretary of State, and the third Secretary of Defense. He was hailed as the "organizer of victory" by Winston Churchill for his leadership of the Allied victory in World War II, Marshall served as the United States Army Chief of Staff during the war and as the chief military adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

During the First World War, he had roles as a planner of both training and operations. He went to France in mid-1917 as the director of training and planning for the 1st Infantry Division. In mid-1918, he was posted to American Expeditionary Forces headquarters, where he worked closely with his mentor General John J. Pershing and was a key planner of American operations. He was instrumental in the planning and coordination of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which contributed to the defeat of the German Army on the Western Front.

World War II

As Chief of Staff, Marshall organized the largest military expansion in U.S. history, inheriting an outmoded, poorly equipped army of 189,000 men and, partly drawing from his experience teaching and developing techniques of modern warfare as an instructor at the Army War College, coordinated the large-scale expansion and modernization of the U.S. Army. Though he had never actually led troops in combat, Marshall was a skilled organizer with a talent for inspiring other officers. Many of the American generals who were given top commands during the war were either picked or recommended by Marshall, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jacob L. Devers, George S. Patton, Terry de la Mesa Allen, Sr., Lloyd Fredendall, Leslie McNair, Mark Wayne Clark and Omar Bradley.

In December 1945, President Harry Truman sent Marshall to China to broker a coalition government between the Nationalist allies under Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and Communists under Mao Zedong. Marshall had no leverage over the Communists, but he threatened to withdraw American aid essential to the Nationalists. Both sides rejected his proposals and the Chinese Civil War escalated, with the Communists winning in 1949. His mission a failure, he returned to the United States in January 1947. Chiang Kai-shek and some historians later claimed that cease-fire, under pressure of Marshall, saved the Communists from defeat. As Secretary of State in 1947–48, Marshall seems to have disagreed with strong opinions in The Pentagon and State department that Chiang's success was vital to American interests, insisting that U.S. troops not become involved

My Second Recommendation

I read a second book from the bestseller list that I can recommend.  It is called Midnight in Europe and focused on the period between the two world wars when Spain was fighting and Germany was expanding its reach.

I had read a best seller that remains on the list today, called Unbroken about a former USC track star that became a Japanese prisoner of war.  I recently read that after all of his trial as a prisoner he recently passed away after turning the age of 100.

Other Personal Observations 

Market Basket Dispute

As this is being prepared, It appears that the very contentious discussions between the Board of Directors of Market Basket food stores MAY be coming to a sensible end at last, and the numerous patrons of the food store may be once again soon be again shopping at those locations. One of the primary beneficiaries of the lack of activity at Market Basket locations has been at local food stands all over Essex County and Southern New Hampshire.

Granddaughter Kate Leonard to continue education in Worcester.

After four years at Danvers High School Kate Leonard will start over the Labor Day Weekend at Assumption College in Worcester where she indicates an interest in Marketing studies.

Grand Son Picked for Golf Team

Casey Leonard is one of three freshman to be named to the Algonquin Regional High golf team.