1st Congregational Church of Georgetown ‘Finishing Touches’ on Eagle Scout Project
GEORGETOWN, Mass. – Putting the finishing touches on her daughter's creation, Jen Studer and members of the community paused for a quick photo last week at the firepit in front of the 1st Congregational Church of Georgetown. "Ella created it as her Eagle Scout project as she wanted to create a welcoming outdoor gathering space for the church and community," Jen shared. "The project really became a community effort and we are incredibly grateful to those who helped bring Ella's vision to life. Her project...
Newbury Fire Department Conducts Pump and Tanker Training at Byfield Station
BYFIELD, Mass. – Experienced officers of the Newbury Fire Department provided hands-on pump and tanker training to newer members at the Byfield Station last week, overseeing operations as firefighters learned every dial, knob and hose that keeps a water supply reliable. The Byfield Station includes ample parking and a large, paved area where firefighters can train once a month without using private property or inconveniencing community members. The de facto training ground is an essential part of Newbury Fire...
Despite Heavy Rains, Aulson Roofing, Goats to Go, and Many Others Begin Rejuvenation of The Gardens in Georgetown
by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN, Mass. — Goats, rakes, brush cutters, clippers, and tractors slowly moved forward, clearing piles of debris from the front area of the Georgetown Community Gardens last week. The effort, led by former selectman and local businessman Alan Aulson got underway despite heavy rains that dominated the region. On Saturday, a few volunteers showed up to take a look at the progress to date. Most activities were postponed until earlier this week due to the weather. Aulson related that the...
Groveland COA Seen & Heard Project
GROVELAND, Mass. — On October 9, the Groveland Council on Aging is inviting the public to experience Seen & Heard, a portrait and storytelling project celebrating the individuality, experiences, perspectives, humor, and humanity of local older adults. The project pairs portraits by photographer Kelly Mintz of Mintz Photo Studio with participants’ own words, giving each person an opportunity to share something about who they are, what they value, and the experiences that have shaped them. The project invites...
West Newbury: No ‘Special’ Town Meeting
Message from the Select Board WEST NEWBURY, Mass. – The Select Board has decided that we will not have a Special Town Meeting this fall. The Annual Town Meeting is where the business of the Town is meant to be conducted, with Special Town Meetings only called when items arise that were unanticipated and which can not wait until the Annual Town Meeting in April. Over the last several years, we started holding Town Meetings in the fall as routine even when the items weren’t urgent. It’s expensive to have Town...
Plum Island Slated for Huge Sewage Monitoring Program
PLUM ISLAND, Mass. — Maintaining a sewer system on a barrier island sand bar is never an easy task. And the sewer system on this ever-more-populated island is no exception. For all its challenges, the PI sewer system has enhanced the island’s charm by producing the cute candy cane-like exhaust pipes in many yards that serve as an unofficial symbol of the island. In 2015, the sewer system, fragile at best, went into catastrophic failure, resulting in many outages and law suits that generated some funds for...
It’s Topsfield Fair Time!
TOPSFIELD, Mass. – The 2026 Topsfield Fair opens on Friday, October 2nd at 4:00pm and will run through Monday, October 12th. Highlights of America’s Oldest Fair: Giant Pumpkin Contest: An Opening Night favorite is the 42nd annual New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. Will anyone break the Topsfield Fair or world record? Find out when the weigh-off begins at 5:00pm on Friday, October 2nd. A winner is expected to be announced by 8:00pm. Dock Dogs: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, multiple shows in the...
Georgetown Council on Aging
By Kay Lee Ogden This week’s column will shine on the COA, located 51 North Street, Georgetown. Phone: 978-352-5726. The Council on Aging provides the following services/activities: Fitness - Yoga 2x weekly, chair yoga, Zumba, Tia chi, meditation, bocce, and pickleball. Support groups - Caregiver support, for dementia, sponsored by Karen Coppola, a certified dementia practitioner. The COA also offers a monthly grief support group. and a living alone support group. Social & Recreational - Quilting, crafts,...
2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration Set for Oct. 10, Featuring Live Music by Back to the 80’s Band
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Second Annual Oktoberfest Celebration will take place from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Colantoni Center, 51 W. Main Street (rain date of Sunday, October 11). This family-friendly celebration will feature seasonal beverages, full bar beer, delicious food, local artisans, activities for all ages, and live music by Back to the 80’s — New England’s premier 1980s tribute band. Opening act will be the band Flash Drive. Admission: $7 presale; $10 day of show;...
Kelly Files Legal/Ethical Complaint Against Rep.
by Lenny Mirra Former Mass.State Rep. IPSWICH, Mass. – Dan Kelly of Ipswich has filed a written complaint with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF), asking the agency to review contributions reported by the Committee to Elect Kristin Kassner during Kassner’s 2022 campaign for state representative. According to Kelly, “Kristin Kassner, while serving as the Town of Burlington’s paid Planning Director and advisor, took contributions from large real estate developers and their counsel at...
West Newbury Native Plant Sale
You didn't miss it! Last week's tremendous rainstorm has pushed the West Newbury Native Plant Sale to this coming Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event, to be held at 181 River Road, will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Cash, Venmo, or Checks accepted. ♦
Newburyport’s Metzy’s Grand Re-Opening
METZY’S is entering a new era, evolving from a beloved local restaurant and food truck into a broader food, hospitality, entertainment, and events brand let by an expanded team of culinary and operational leaders. Founded by Erik Metzdorf as a food truck in 2014, Metzy’s is celebrating the truck’s 12th anniversary and the Cantina’s 10th anniversary in 2026. Its next chapter brings together dine-in service, authentic BBQ and Taqueria favorites, catering, expanded mobile food services, private and corporate events,...
Roots Concerts Entertain, Restore Newburyport Church
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — If you have attended a Belleville Roots concert in recent years or plan to enjoy the concert this month by Grammy nominated guitarist and songwriter Bill Kirchen, know that you have helped the on-going campaign to restore the church’s historic Meetinghouse ceiling and preserve one of the city’s most visible landmarks. Kirchen, who founded the band Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, appears this month on the cover of Vintage Guitar Magazine. His high-octane concert is at 7:30 p.m....
IPSWICH CENTRAL STREET CUMBERLAND FARMS We couldn’t leave out Sean Mellow (left), another long time worker at 24/7 Cumby’s in Ipswich, with Joseppi DeMarco (right) reading a copy of The Town Common from the NEW red newspaper box outside of Cumberland Farms, downtown Ipswich.
IPSWICH CENTRAL STREET CUMBERLAND FARMS We couldn't leave out Sean Mellow (left), another long time worker at 24/7 Cumby's in Ipswich, with Joseppi DeMarco (right) reading a copy of The Town Common from the NEW red newspaper box outside of Cumberland Farms, downtown Ipswich.
Thom Gould Served the Maritime Museum Well
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — To honor Thom Gould, a past chair of the Custom House Maritime Museum (CHMM) , a donor has established a matching challenge grant of $50,000 that could double that that to benefit the museum. The donor gave the museum until an undisclosed date this fall to raise the additional $50,000 in the one to one match for the Thom Gould Endowment Fund. Gould, who died on Aug. 10, after serving on the finance committee and the board, knew the importance of building a strong endowment for the museum’s...
Even the Topsfield Fair Is Being Scammed
TOPSFIELD, Mass. — Amid viewing farm animals, munching on hotdogs, enjoying parades, beauty pageants and rock and roll concerts, scammers are lurking around the Topsfield Fair digital footprint. The Fair, which runs Oct. 2 to 12 at the Fairgrounds, notified current and prospective vendors last week to beware of a scammer claiming to be from the Fair. General Manager Bill O’Brien warned, “The person is using a gmail account and signing them with the name of a Fair employee.” He recommended that any vendor who...
Public Invited to Join in Gardens Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. Andover Streeet, Georgetown, Across from Golf Course
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Aulson family invites volunteers, gardeners, town officials, and "any interested individuals" to join in this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. to kickoff the process to restore the Community Gardens to their former splendor. More than a decade-and-a-half ago, the gardens were full of active gardeners from Georgetown, Groveland, and neighboring towns. Under the watchful eye and patient guidance of volunteer garden steward Bob Means, the plots were assigned each year, and monitored for use....
Georgetown Conservation Commission Clips Community Gardens Cleanup Plans Limits Cleanup to Approx. 20% of Previous Garden Area Acting ConCom Agent Argues to Leave Trash/Debris in Place
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Conservation Commission unanimously voted last week to NOT clean up the majority of the overgrown decades-old, abandoned community garden, instead limiting the cleanup project to just the front area of the gardens (approximately 20% of the previously cultivated area). At its prior meeting, following what could mildly be described as an extremely divisive discussion, only three out of the five present members voted to move forward with a proposed project by resident Alan Aulson, which would...
What Do the Community Gardens Have in Common with the Ponds? The ConCom
by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN, Mass. — While robust discussions took place last week regarding the long-neglected Georgetown Community Gardens, similar discussions took place regarding the failure to take care of the overgrowth of weeds at Pentucket Pond and Rock Pond. At its heart, the issue appeared simple: Both ponds are in need of treatment to decrease the overgrowth of weeds which have served as a hazard. As previously reported, an incident two years ago brought neighbors to the rescue of a man entangled in...
HELP WANTED: Scientist Sought to Investigate Merrimack River’s Unexplained Spikes in Fecal Bacteria
The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) is creating a new, full-time Lead Scientist position dedicated to designing and leading two major, multi-phase investigations: one in Newburyport Harbor, and one in the Lawrence Dam Impoundment. These locations see some of the heaviest recreational use anywhere on the Merrimack — and both carry a legacy of industrial and wastewater pollution that continues to shape water quality today. For the past two years, MRWC's volunteer-powered monitoring network has detected...
Business Spotlight: Nicolini’s House of Pizza
by Kay Lee Ogden This week's business spotlight shines on: "Nicolini's House of Pizza" This is a series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local and make people aware of their services and talents that we have surrounding us!! Please shop local!!! Nicolini's House of Pizza is located at 21 West Main Street, Georgetown Phone: 978.769.5302 Hours: Sun - Thurs: 10am - 9pm Fri - Sat: 10am - 9:30 pm Eat in, pick up, or have it delivered! (5-mile radius) A casual environment, with clean inside dining!...
Georgetown Parks and Recreation Commission Thanks Eagle Scout Bryan Benoit for Pavilion Roof and Dock Projects at American Legion Park
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Commission thanks Bryan Benoit of Boy Scout Troop 50 for completing his Eagle Scout project at American Legion Park and for giving the Commission the opportunity to sponsor the work. Benoit, a Georgetown High School student and Life Scout working toward the rank of Eagle, planned and led two public improvements at the park. In June, he and fellow Scouts assembled and installed new floating docks on Pentucket Pond. On Saturday, September 19, they replaced the...
North Andover Watts Donates Jet Ski for Merrimack River Cleanup
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – As part of their continued partnership, Watts donated the funds for the purchase of a jet ski to the Clean River Project to help provide the nonprofit with a more efficient way to survey the Merrimack River, monitor cleanup areas, and locate debris beneath the water’s surface. The Clean River Project based in Methuen, Massachusetts works to protect the Merrimack River by removing illegally dumped materials, including tires, mattresses, hazardous objects and vehicles. According to Clean...
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Brings Birthday Joy in Every Bag
Submitted by Bob Wicks Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Publicity Co-Chair Birthdays are particularly joyous celebrations for families and friends. For a family experiencing food insecurity, this occasion is a hardship. Stress, social pressure, and tough choices can rob their children of being royalty for a day. What’s the solution? Birthday – In – A Bag! As they do each Fall, Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians used their regular weekly meeting to pack 50 shopping bags with supplies to create an instant birthday party for eight...
7th Annual Amesbury Red vs. Blue Softball Game SEPT 27th
Amesbury's Police and Fire departments face off for the 7th Annual Red vs Blue Softball Game at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th at Landry Stadium. The two teams are competing to raise money for local youth sport charities, including Amesbury Little League. *This event is FREE for the public to attend* Big Rig BBQ & Sweet Cheeks will be there with food for sale & there will also be a 21+ beer garden on site. Ample parking available at Amesbury Middle School. Come cheer on our dedicated public safety...
Dear Friends of the Village Pancake House
Friends, It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of the beloved Village Pancake House. This decision was not made lightly and didn’t come easy. We would be remiss if we didn’t begin by saying thank you posthumously to George and Lillian Soffron who had the vision back in 1958 to start what became an institution. Also, thank you to Peter and his children Georgia and Jamie. Without you we would never have had this opportunity to continue their vision. We hope that as stewards, we carried on your...
Plum Fest! 2026
PLUM ISLAND — This year's all-volunteer island festival featured approximately 107 accoustic and featured bands on 50 locations across Plum Island, with half-a-dozen food locations, seven shuttle-stops, and countless volunteers, neighbors, and visitors who made PlumFest a success. From the Blue Inn to the Plum Island Lighthouse, island, local, and regional peformers treated PlumFest attendees to a wide range of music. Ava Valianti, the 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Newbury continues to impress audiences....
You’re Invited to Newbury Town Library’s 100th Celebration
by Katherine Szuplat Assistant Director Newbury Town Library 0 Lunt Street Byfield, MA 01922 (978) 465-0539 EXT 11 The Newbury Town Library is turning 100 and invites the public to join the celebration on Saturday September 19th from 10 am to 2pm. The celebration marks the 100th year of the town of Newbury having a library and 25 years of the current library building. Public remarks will be made at 11am by Library Trustee Alexander Burke, Representative Kristin Kassner, and Senator Bruce Tarr. Light...
Salisbury Days – schedule
Salisbury Days Fri. Sept. 18th: Lions Park 4:30 pm Opening Ceremony Sat. Sept. 19th, Beach Center: • 10AM–2PM Car & Motorcycle Show • Begins at 11AM Kites & Castles • Beer Garden — 12– 4PM Sunday, September 20 • America’s 250th Parade on Beach Road -10AM • Fair in the Square 11AM-4PM • Musical Stage 11AM-4PM • Library Mini Golf 11AM-2PM • Pike School Tours 12-4PM • Beer Garden 12-4PM • Fireman’s Muster 12-4PM • Salisbury Historical Society Tours — 12-4PM
Paul Abruzzi and the Stories, Fun, and Changes at Jabberwocky
NEWBURYPORT — As he transitions to a new role at the popular Jabberwocky Bookstore, Paul Abruzzi recalled one of his fondest memories from his 33 years as its manager: bringing his infant son to work. He would stand at the Tannery's parking lot door with Nathan's car seat on the desk beside him. If a reader needed help finding a book in the store's many rows, Paul would either run quickly himself or take his son along with him. Nathan is now 32 and posed recently with his dad at that same desk as his father steps...
Georgetown Barber Shop
by Kay Lee Ogden This week's business spotlight shines on "Georgetown Barber Shop and Shaves,” 18 east main street, located in the Mason's Building. Phone: 978.352.7556 Hours: Tues: 9am-5pm, Wed-Thurs: 9am-7pm, Fri: 9am-6pm, and Sat: 9am-4pm Owner: Amanda Ross This is a series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local and make people aware of their services and talents that we have surrounding us!!! Please shop local!!!! Amanda purchased the business from the former owner Karen Pellitier in...
Save the Date: Octoberfest ’26
The True North Ale Company will feature Octoberfest '26 on Saturday, Sept. 26th. Events will include: cider donuts, jumbo pretzels, sausages & schnitzel with German sides, beer marionette, True North Ales festival beers, Official U.S. Steinholding Competition site, photo booth and props, and prizes for best Bavarian dress. The True North Ale Company is located at 116 County Road in Ipswich, Mass. ♦
Newburyport Art Association Showcases 160 Works – Art Sale
NEWBURYPORT - Newburyport Art Assn. (NAA) is celebrating 25 years of creativity, connection and community by exhibiting more than 160 artworks that are available in its on-line auction. Many of the artworks can be viewed in this year's Art Auction exhibition until Saturday, Oct. 3 at the NAA office in the Sergent Gallery at 65 Water St. A ticketed auction party is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m., Oct. 3. The exhibit includes NAA Member Artwork featuring photography, mixed media, sculpture, oil and acrylics. Upstairs...
Ellen E. Denno
GEORGETOWN – Ellen E. Denno, 81, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, with her loving husband, Stephen, at her side, following a long illness. She was Stephen’s cherished wife and deeply loved companion. Born in Beverly and raised in Danvers, Ellen was the daughter of the late Stephen and Dorothy (Rollins) Picillo. She graduated from Danvers High School Class of 1963. Ellen’s life was defined by a beautiful, lifelong romance with her husband, Stephen. Friends since the third grade, their connection...
G.A.R. West Newbury Library Book Sale
This week marks the great grand kickoff of library book sales through the greater 16-town area served by The Town Common. West Newbury Library Fall Book Sale! Twice a year the Friends of the Library hold a sale of used adult and children’s books, DVDs, etc. at the Old Town Hall Building across from the Library (491 Main Street, West Newbury). Weds. 9/16, 3-7 PM (West Newbury residents only night) Thurs. 9/17 & Fri. 9/18: 10 AM-5 PM, Sat. 9/19, 9 AM -12 PM. Hang out with Frasier Every Wednesday in September...
POWER OFF – NEWBURY AND NEWBURYPORT National Grid Planned Outage
POWER OFF - NEWBURY AND NEWBURYPORT National Grid Planned Outage Thursday, September 10th Approximately 4:00 am until 5:00 am. The streets affected by this planned outage in the town/city(s) of Newbury/Newburyport will include: 2nd St, 4th St, 6th St, 10th St, 11th St, 12th St, 14th St, 15th St, 16rg St, 16th Tee St, 17th St, 18th St, 20th St, 22nd St, 24th St, 26th St, 28th St, 32nd St, 35th St, 36th St, 37th St, 38th St, 39th St, 40th St, 42nd St, 43rd St, 44th St, 45th St, 46th St, 47th St, 48th St, 49th...
A Look Inside the Seacoast Oasis Hybrid Wellness Center in Salisbury
SALISBURY SQUARE - Are you looking for a RESET? Have you checked out Seacoast Oasis yet? Seacoast Oasis is celebrating its one year anniversary in Salisbury Square, marking a milestone for a business model unlike anything else in the Seacoast region. Their space intentionally bridges the gap between an artisan craft studio and a holistic wellness spot. Rather than treating physical healing and creative expression as separate experiences, we blend them into a single therapeutic, communal environment where guests...
Georgetown Community Gardens’ Clean-up Approved
GEORGETOWN – The town’s Conservation Commission (ConCom) narrowly approved Alan Aulson’s plan to use his goats, volunteers armed with weed wackers and metal detectors and Essex County inmates to clean up the overgrown Community Gardens. Aulson, who owns the Great Rock Farm and Goats to Go, is providing the manpower and equipment, including plows, to restore the area for gardening next spring. Aulson pledged to “do this at no cost to the town.” He said the gardens have so much plastic, wire and overgrowth that by...
Manchester-by-the-Sea American Legion Post 113 End-of Summer Ride to Support Our Troops
"Ride with Purpose. Ride with Pride. Ride for Our Troops" was the motto of the American Legion Post 113 of Manchester-by-the-Sea' end-of-summer fundraising ride to support Operation Troop Support, a local organization that provides support directly to our troops abroad. Kickstands were up at 11 am for the scenic group motorcycle ride along the seacoast. Following the ride, veterans and supporters gathered at the Amaral Bailey Post 113 for lunch and an opportunity to catch up and share smiles. "The Legion hosts...
What Makes Gilbert Insurance Special in Georgetown?
by Kay Lee Ogden This week’s Business Spotlight shines on Gilbert Insurance Agency, of Georgetown, managed by Daniel A. Stewart, and located in the Eagle Building, 37 West Main Street, Unit #2. Dan and his lovely wife, Stephanie, are the proud parents of four wonderful young people. Their daughter Sarah, 28, is a maternity nurse at Portsmouth Hospital. Maddie, 24, owns her own business, Rise Up Fitness, where she works as a fitness and nutrition coach. Jack, 21, is an airplane pilot and attends SNU, while...
1st Congregational Church of Georgetown ‘Finishing Touches’ on Eagle Scout Project
GEORGETOWN, Mass. – Putting the finishing touches on her daughter's creation, Jen Studer and members of the community paused for a quick photo last week at the firepit in front of the 1st Congregational Church of Georgetown. "Ella created it as her Eagle Scout project as she wanted to create a welcoming outdoor gathering space for the church and community," Jen shared. "The project really became a community effort and we are incredibly grateful to those who helped bring Ella's vision to life. Her project...
Newbury Fire Department Conducts Pump and Tanker Training at Byfield Station
BYFIELD, Mass. – Experienced officers of the Newbury Fire Department provided hands-on pump and tanker training to newer members at the Byfield Station last week, overseeing operations as firefighters learned every dial, knob and hose that keeps a water supply reliable. The Byfield Station includes ample parking and a large, paved area where firefighters can train once a month without using private property or inconveniencing community members. The de facto training ground is an essential part of Newbury Fire...
Despite Heavy Rains, Aulson Roofing, Goats to Go, and Many Others Begin Rejuvenation of The Gardens in Georgetown
by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN, Mass. — Goats, rakes, brush cutters, clippers, and tractors slowly moved forward, clearing piles of debris from the front area of the Georgetown Community Gardens last week. The effort, led by former selectman and local businessman Alan Aulson got underway despite heavy rains that dominated the region. On Saturday, a few volunteers showed up to take a look at the progress to date. Most activities were postponed until earlier this week due to the weather. Aulson related that the...
Groveland COA Seen & Heard Project
GROVELAND, Mass. — On October 9, the Groveland Council on Aging is inviting the public to experience Seen & Heard, a portrait and storytelling project celebrating the individuality, experiences, perspectives, humor, and humanity of local older adults. The project pairs portraits by photographer Kelly Mintz of Mintz Photo Studio with participants’ own words, giving each person an opportunity to share something about who they are, what they value, and the experiences that have shaped them. The project invites...
West Newbury: No ‘Special’ Town Meeting
Message from the Select Board WEST NEWBURY, Mass. – The Select Board has decided that we will not have a Special Town Meeting this fall. The Annual Town Meeting is where the business of the Town is meant to be conducted, with Special Town Meetings only called when items arise that were unanticipated and which can not wait until the Annual Town Meeting in April. Over the last several years, we started holding Town Meetings in the fall as routine even when the items weren’t urgent. It’s expensive to have Town...
Plum Island Slated for Huge Sewage Monitoring Program
PLUM ISLAND, Mass. — Maintaining a sewer system on a barrier island sand bar is never an easy task. And the sewer system on this ever-more-populated island is no exception. For all its challenges, the PI sewer system has enhanced the island’s charm by producing the cute candy cane-like exhaust pipes in many yards that serve as an unofficial symbol of the island. In 2015, the sewer system, fragile at best, went into catastrophic failure, resulting in many outages and law suits that generated some funds for...
It’s Topsfield Fair Time!
TOPSFIELD, Mass. – The 2026 Topsfield Fair opens on Friday, October 2nd at 4:00pm and will run through Monday, October 12th. Highlights of America’s Oldest Fair: Giant Pumpkin Contest: An Opening Night favorite is the 42nd annual New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. Will anyone break the Topsfield Fair or world record? Find out when the weigh-off begins at 5:00pm on Friday, October 2nd. A winner is expected to be announced by 8:00pm. Dock Dogs: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, multiple shows in the...
Georgetown Council on Aging
By Kay Lee Ogden This week’s column will shine on the COA, located 51 North Street, Georgetown. Phone: 978-352-5726. The Council on Aging provides the following services/activities: Fitness - Yoga 2x weekly, chair yoga, Zumba, Tia chi, meditation, bocce, and pickleball. Support groups - Caregiver support, for dementia, sponsored by Karen Coppola, a certified dementia practitioner. The COA also offers a monthly grief support group. and a living alone support group. Social & Recreational - Quilting, crafts,...
2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration Set for Oct. 10, Featuring Live Music by Back to the 80’s Band
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Second Annual Oktoberfest Celebration will take place from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Colantoni Center, 51 W. Main Street (rain date of Sunday, October 11). This family-friendly celebration will feature seasonal beverages, full bar beer, delicious food, local artisans, activities for all ages, and live music by Back to the 80’s — New England’s premier 1980s tribute band. Opening act will be the band Flash Drive. Admission: $7 presale; $10 day of show;...
Kelly Files Legal/Ethical Complaint Against Rep.
by Lenny Mirra Former Mass.State Rep. IPSWICH, Mass. – Dan Kelly of Ipswich has filed a written complaint with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF), asking the agency to review contributions reported by the Committee to Elect Kristin Kassner during Kassner’s 2022 campaign for state representative. According to Kelly, “Kristin Kassner, while serving as the Town of Burlington’s paid Planning Director and advisor, took contributions from large real estate developers and their counsel at...
West Newbury Native Plant Sale
You didn't miss it! Last week's tremendous rainstorm has pushed the West Newbury Native Plant Sale to this coming Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event, to be held at 181 River Road, will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Cash, Venmo, or Checks accepted. ♦
Newburyport’s Metzy’s Grand Re-Opening
METZY’S is entering a new era, evolving from a beloved local restaurant and food truck into a broader food, hospitality, entertainment, and events brand let by an expanded team of culinary and operational leaders. Founded by Erik Metzdorf as a food truck in 2014, Metzy’s is celebrating the truck’s 12th anniversary and the Cantina’s 10th anniversary in 2026. Its next chapter brings together dine-in service, authentic BBQ and Taqueria favorites, catering, expanded mobile food services, private and corporate events,...
Roots Concerts Entertain, Restore Newburyport Church
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — If you have attended a Belleville Roots concert in recent years or plan to enjoy the concert this month by Grammy nominated guitarist and songwriter Bill Kirchen, know that you have helped the on-going campaign to restore the church’s historic Meetinghouse ceiling and preserve one of the city’s most visible landmarks. Kirchen, who founded the band Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, appears this month on the cover of Vintage Guitar Magazine. His high-octane concert is at 7:30 p.m....
IPSWICH CENTRAL STREET CUMBERLAND FARMS We couldn’t leave out Sean Mellow (left), another long time worker at 24/7 Cumby’s in Ipswich, with Joseppi DeMarco (right) reading a copy of The Town Common from the NEW red newspaper box outside of Cumberland Farms, downtown Ipswich.
IPSWICH CENTRAL STREET CUMBERLAND FARMS We couldn't leave out Sean Mellow (left), another long time worker at 24/7 Cumby's in Ipswich, with Joseppi DeMarco (right) reading a copy of The Town Common from the NEW red newspaper box outside of Cumberland Farms, downtown Ipswich.
Thom Gould Served the Maritime Museum Well
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — To honor Thom Gould, a past chair of the Custom House Maritime Museum (CHMM) , a donor has established a matching challenge grant of $50,000 that could double that that to benefit the museum. The donor gave the museum until an undisclosed date this fall to raise the additional $50,000 in the one to one match for the Thom Gould Endowment Fund. Gould, who died on Aug. 10, after serving on the finance committee and the board, knew the importance of building a strong endowment for the museum’s...
Even the Topsfield Fair Is Being Scammed
TOPSFIELD, Mass. — Amid viewing farm animals, munching on hotdogs, enjoying parades, beauty pageants and rock and roll concerts, scammers are lurking around the Topsfield Fair digital footprint. The Fair, which runs Oct. 2 to 12 at the Fairgrounds, notified current and prospective vendors last week to beware of a scammer claiming to be from the Fair. General Manager Bill O’Brien warned, “The person is using a gmail account and signing them with the name of a Fair employee.” He recommended that any vendor who...
Public Invited to Join in Gardens Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. Andover Streeet, Georgetown, Across from Golf Course
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Aulson family invites volunteers, gardeners, town officials, and "any interested individuals" to join in this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. to kickoff the process to restore the Community Gardens to their former splendor. More than a decade-and-a-half ago, the gardens were full of active gardeners from Georgetown, Groveland, and neighboring towns. Under the watchful eye and patient guidance of volunteer garden steward Bob Means, the plots were assigned each year, and monitored for use....
Georgetown Conservation Commission Clips Community Gardens Cleanup Plans Limits Cleanup to Approx. 20% of Previous Garden Area Acting ConCom Agent Argues to Leave Trash/Debris in Place
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Conservation Commission unanimously voted last week to NOT clean up the majority of the overgrown decades-old, abandoned community garden, instead limiting the cleanup project to just the front area of the gardens (approximately 20% of the previously cultivated area). At its prior meeting, following what could mildly be described as an extremely divisive discussion, only three out of the five present members voted to move forward with a proposed project by resident Alan Aulson, which would...
What Do the Community Gardens Have in Common with the Ponds? The ConCom
by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN, Mass. — While robust discussions took place last week regarding the long-neglected Georgetown Community Gardens, similar discussions took place regarding the failure to take care of the overgrowth of weeds at Pentucket Pond and Rock Pond. At its heart, the issue appeared simple: Both ponds are in need of treatment to decrease the overgrowth of weeds which have served as a hazard. As previously reported, an incident two years ago brought neighbors to the rescue of a man entangled in...
HELP WANTED: Scientist Sought to Investigate Merrimack River’s Unexplained Spikes in Fecal Bacteria
The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) is creating a new, full-time Lead Scientist position dedicated to designing and leading two major, multi-phase investigations: one in Newburyport Harbor, and one in the Lawrence Dam Impoundment. These locations see some of the heaviest recreational use anywhere on the Merrimack — and both carry a legacy of industrial and wastewater pollution that continues to shape water quality today. For the past two years, MRWC's volunteer-powered monitoring network has detected...