ESSEX HAPPENINGS MAY 2014

ESSEX HERITAGE ACTIVITIES

I continue to follow and applaud the work and the activities of the Essex National Heritage Commission. As a result of my many years of association with the organization, the objectives of this organization remain high on my list of valuable resources.  I have come to realize the importance of Essex Heritage’s association with the National Park Service and the daily value that is offered by them to the three quarters of a million residents of the region and the hundreds of thousands of visitors to this area.  The regional nature of this organization and the numerous collaborative activities that Essex Heritage fosters as part of their charge is so important to the cooperation that improves the quality of life and the economy in the region and makes Essex County such as national treasure.  I continue to serve as President Emeritus, Board of Trustee member and a most interested supporter of ENHC activities.

Essex Heritage assists numerous not-for-profit organizations in this region who count on this support and that provided by residents and businesses of the area.  I am proud to be serving in some small capacity a number of those local organizations, and I point out the following initiatives of some of those groups worthy of your support.  The organizations are North Shore Elder Services, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, All Local Historic Societies, and many other groups.  I would like to highlight the support needed at Essex Heritage and to outline how becoming a member of this regional effort can benefit them and in the long run bring help to the residents of this region.

About Essex Heritage

The Essex National Heritage Area encompasses the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, a 500 square mile region just north of Boston, Massachusetts. The county was officially designated a National Heritage Area by an Act of the U.S. Congress in 1996, in recognition of the important role that the county played in American history and the significant heritage resources that still exist in the region.

The Act also authorized the establishment of the Essex National Heritage Commission as the non-profit steward of the Area. Our mission is to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural and natural resources of Essex County for the benefit of all who live, work and visit the Area. To achieve this, we work collaboratively with community leaders and organizations throughout the Area to ensure that the authentic story of Essex County has meaning and value for current and future generations.

The Commission develops public/private partnerships that support the hundreds of heritage organizations and sites in the 34 communities within the Heritage Area. Bringing together organizations diverse in size, budget, mission and experience, Essex Heritage provides a structure that respects, promotes and sustains regional resources and works to make those resources integral to residents’ lives.

The Annual Spring Meeting of the Essex Heritage Commission was held at Gordon College in Wenham 
The Essex Heritage Commission held its annual SPRING MEETING at Gordon College in Wenham in the middle of the month..

TOWN OF DANVERS SCHEDULES FIN-COM MEETING

As is the usual process, the Town of Danvers has scheduled a number of sessions for the purpose of having the Town’s Finance Committee meet and review the budgets established by the various Town Departments.  It is the responsibility of the finance group to seek meaningful answers relative the departments’ calculations of their needs and to reduce the commitments when appropriate.  In addition to annual budget reviews the Finance Committee also reviews, adjusts and approves a series of Warrant Articles that offers programs of capital spending offered by both Town Management and town residents that have options offered for consideration.  The number and level of warrant articles being considered by senior management Finance Committee includes about one and one half dozen public meetings over a three week period which provides a valuable oversight on town expenditures. The work is tedious but I am pleased to be a part of the process, which is so valuable to the health of the community.

TOWN OF DANVERS ADJUSTMENT IN RAIL TRAIL

The recently completed Danvers Rail Trail is about to experience an adjustment to one end of the trail at the Wenham Street crossing.  An elevated pathway over some wetlands will be built and trees and picnic tables will be added.  The end of the trail that ends near the Agway facility on Wenham Street will be moved to an adjacent park that is owned by the Town and is not presently heavily used.  The trail adjustment will be rebuilt by a contingent of fifty employees of the Timberland Company that takes great pride to be involved in recreational projects.  The Danvers Trail correction meets all of the criteria established many years ago by the Company.  Timberland will also contribute $4,000 in cash to the rework.

More Tail Trail Information from George Saluto and his Swamp Walk Project 

The Danvers Rail Trail & the Danvers-Wenham SwampWalk continue to add extraordinary features for visitor enjoyment and wildlife enhancement, even during this past winter. A couple of weeks ago, while the ice was still 1-foot thick, Thomas Arsenault, Troop 155, completed his Eagle Scout Service Project which was the installation of four bat houses on 2 sixteen-foot poles in the middle of the swamp. The SwampWalk is an integral component of the Ipswich River watershed and is contiguous to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Undisturbed wildlife abounds both in the wetlands and the upland islands. Robert is aware of this habitat, and it became the theme of his bat house effort.  The swamp was iced-over during this past chilly winter.

COPPA ACTIVITIES

Since I had my leg amputated almost four years ago, I have been searching for a program where I could be helpful to others that are operating with handicaps.  I believe I have found that organization and I have become the Clerk-Treasurer of the Cornell Orthopedics and Prosthetics Amputee Association (COPAA). This organization is a not for profit corporation that will allow for deductible financial gifts from individual and corporations that wish to support COPAA efforts.  The goal of COPAA is to provide a gathering place for others with disabilities to share their experiences and benefit from those networking opportunities.   If anyone reading this message is interested in learning more about this organization or wishes to donate to support its mission, please contact them at 978-922-0277.

In addition, at monthly meetings speakers that could benefit the members of the group with valuable information about regional service resources that are available to members are provided.  The group maintains lists with details of resources and services available to members.  The organization offers athletic and social outings where networking opportunities are provided and general conditions connected to medical conditions can be discussed.  At the many athletic outings like ski trips, bike rides and other activities that are offered, cash awards to assist with amputee participation are offered based on need. 

Non Profit Application Filled with Mass Secretary of State 

Earlier this past month, we filed an application with the Secretary of State in Massachusetts for Non Profit status.  For COPAA the fee for that application was provided by a generous gift from Eastern Bank. 

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES

Our three amazing Youth of the Year candidates Yailin Victoria, Jhonel Roberts and Coral Luna-Gil will be interviewed by Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Peabody Essex Museum CEO Dan Munroe, North Shore Medical CEO Bob Norton and Ernst & Young partner Jacqueline Washburn this week.  They will be interviewing and making the selection for our 2014 Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year!  The winner will represent us State-wide for an opportunity to move on to National Competition!  Good Luck to the three candidates.

SPAULDING HOSPITAL PATIENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

My wife and I have had a wonderful opportunity to join with a number of former patients and staff to discuss the many hospital programs and how they impact the patients and how they can be improved.   During my wive’s recuperation from her broken ankle we missed a couple of meetings and were pleased to attend the March meeting where we were brought up to date on the management structure by Spaulding North Shore Hospital President Maureen Banks. She also provided a valuable overview of the entire network of hospital holdings.

We were also shown a preliminary marketing campaign that will be used on hospital property in Salem. The plan is to show patients and visitors alike the great work being accomplished at this important North Shore Facility

DANVERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

This important community organization is planning several events to help celebrate the mission of the organization.  A brief listing of the planned events follows if you wish additional information or if you wish to participate in the planning for these events, contact the Danvers Historical Society at 978-777 -1666 or at www.danvershistory.org

Join us in celebrating major upcoming 2014 Anniversaries:  

·         125th Anniversary of the Danvers Historical Society

·         100th Anniversary of saving the 1754 Page House

·         200th Anniversary of the Ingersoll Farm transformation into Glen Magna Farms

ST RICHARDS OF DANVERS GIFT PROGRAM 

Over the last year a group of parish leaders from the Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Committee have been hosting a number of “Conversations’ with Father Bruce Flanagan seeking a broad cross section to discuss and outline how to best address a series of challenges facing the parish. These challenges are handicapped accessibility concerns, deferred maintenance matters, energy inefficiencies and safety issues.  On the first weekend in May at all of the masses, an informative 15-minute presentation was offered to all parishioners attending those services. Those presentations outlined the plans that have been developed and the current status of the proposal was provided.  Take home material for all of the attendees was provided to help to explain the programs being considered.  Those that came to the services that weekend learned of the plans of the Parish.  The attendees were asked to consider the information provided and to contemplate offering financial support for the physical changes proposed.  For more information about the program that features access for all please contact the Parish at 978 774-7575.

DANVERS COUNCIL ON AGING INFORMATION

The council leadership continues to develop programs and policies for the Danvers Senior Center on Stone Street.  They just completed an Annual Report that outlines the numerous successful programs offered by the Council including a new recently introduced Adult Day Care Program that is much needed and has filled quickly.  There is substantial information about the numerous feeding programs offered to senior Danvers residents.  The report that will be distributed to the elected officials in the Community concurrent with the Town’s Annual Town Meeting and is available upon request at the Senior Center.  The resources available to help underwrite the activities to serve the ever increasing elderly population of Danvers comes from a variety of sources including community funding.  Excess revenues gained from the efficient organization of the Center, Federal and State Grants, and most importantly from a most generous organization know as the Friends of the Senior Center. 

The Director of the Senior Center recently pointed out to us, “that in 2015 there will be more persons in this country over 65 than there will be persons aged 16 and under.  It is clear to all of us connected with the Danvers Senior Center that the ever increasing population of elders and the needs of senior citizens in Danvers will be under a great deal of pressure to expand.

North Shore Elder Services Information 

On or about June 30, 2014 NSES will be moving from its present location in Danvers to 300 Rosewood also in Danvers.  That site is off Route 114.  In the new location NSES will have more space that will allow for more future growth and is a much more efficient space, all located on one level.

PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS

Congratulations to all local residents that will be celebrating a Graduation

We know that in the weeks ahead, many residents of this region will be celebrating graduation from one of our local High Schools or the numerous great Colleges serving this region.  We want to take a moment to congratulate you for your achievement and to offer our best wishes as you embark on the next steps in your life.

Present reading material that I have enjoyed

Over the last couple of weeks I have read several biographical accounts on the life of General George S. Patton of World War period.  I am still lamenting my absence at the Essex Heritage Hero event celebrating the life of the Patton Family and the recent material on General Patton was most informative and I learned a great deal about the family now headed by my good friend Ms. Joanne Patton of the Hamilton-Wenham region.