Newbury Honors Advocate Geoffrey H. Walker
NEWBURY − The Town of Newbury is deeply saddened to share the passing of longtime public servant Geoffrey H. Walker, 79, whose decades of leadership, environmental stewardship and unwavering dedication left a lasting mark on his community. Walker began his service to the Town of Newbury in 1997, serving on numerous municipal boards and regional organizations. He served on the Newbury Select Board, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Merrimack River Beach Alliance and Merrimack Valley Planning Commission....
Sons & Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury Annual Meeting
The 99th Annual Meeting of the Society of the Sons & Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Hope Community Church, 11 Hale Street, Newburyport. Public, members and guests are welcome. The non-profit organization’s mission is the preservation of the history of Old Newbury and the pioneer families that created its Yankee traditions and community. The organization owns and maintains the historic Jackman-Willett House on Cottage Road in Newbury. In addition to...
Georgetown Light Receives National Achievement Award
Georgetown Municipal Light Department (GMLD) received an American Public Power Association (APPA) E.F. Scattergood System Achievement Award during APPA’s National Conference held recently in Boston. The award honors APPA member systems that have enhanced the prestige of public power utilities through sustained achievement and customer service. GMLD has demonstrated unwavering commitment to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power delivery for its approximately 3,500 customers. The utility’s “Georgetown Goes...
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
WED. JULY 22 Rowley Library lawn 6:30PM Concert: The Radio. Bring a blanket or chair and relax on their beautiful front lawn while enjoying great local musicians. Free frozen treats will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the events will be held indoors at the library, 141 Main St. Georgetown 6 PM: This concert will take place outside on the library lawn so please bring lawn chairs or blankets. If the weather does not cooperate, the concert may be moved to another Wednesday night or canceled....
No-Bid Contracts Cost Town More for Charging Stations
GEORGETOWN – Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco awarded no-bid contracts in 2022 and 2023 to install electric vehicle charging stations at Town Hall, the Library and American Legion Park to a private company at a price significantly higher than the charging station the town installed at the Perley School through a bidding process by the Light Department. Pacheco disputed the characterization of these contracts as no-bid. He wrote in an email, “These are not ‘no bid’ as you have described but part of a specific...
WHITTER REGIONAL $ – HAVERHILL AGREES TO PAY MORE…
REGIONAL – After being the elephant in the room as 11 North Shore communities argued over how to pay for a new Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, the mayor of the city of Haverhill has decided it would be better to pay a higher percentage of the construction and operating costs if the school is built on the Northern Essex Community College campus in Haverhill campus. “To move forward, we may have to give up our advantage,” Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett told the City Council last week. For...
‘Exit Interview’ of a Firebrand: Long-Serving Conservation Commissioner Rachel Therrien – Part Three
GEORGETOWN – Rachel Therrien, the Chair, Vice Chair and long-time member of the Conservation Commission (ConCom), will no longer bring her extensive knowledge and experience on conservation issues to benefit the town. She was ousted on a vote of four to zero with one abstention. She was replaced by a former SelectBoard Chair who has never served on the ConCom. Therrien was the only person present out of the three candidates, but not invited to speak to the board to advocate for her reappointment, which she wanted...
– Georgetown Peabody Library – Artist Mary Carvill Reception
The Georgetown Peabody Library is pleased to host an art exhibit by Mary Carvill for the months of July and August. An artist reception will be held on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30PM. For more information on Mary Carvill and her work, you can check out her Instagram: www.instagram.com/hartthatspeaks Mary Carvill is a local artist whose work has been exhibited extensively at the Newburyport Art Association. Her thoughtful, evocative pieces invite viewers to discover beauty, meaning, and connection in the...
Upcoming August Events at West Newbury G.A.R. Memorial Library
G.A.R. Memorial Library West Newbury, MA 01985 submitted by Rebecca Shea Assistant Librarian Come Read & Create with Camille Monday, August 3, 4:00 - 5:00 PM Join us for story time with playwright and children’s book author, Camille Garro. Camille will read her latest children’s book, “Little Lucia and Her Terrible Day at the Beach”, and present her original illustration boards. She will demonstrate her tissue paper illustrating technique and let participants try. A free copy of “Little Lucia and Her Terrible...
Groveland News by Mike Dempsey
New CPA Projects to Start Several Groveland Community Preservation projects approved at our annual town meeting in May are set to begin in July. Two of the most notable are new bathrooms for Shanahan Field and Washington Park. The bathroom structures will be permanent and replace the porta-johns at Washington Park and the outdated bathrooms at Shanahan Field. The facilities will provide users with a cleaner and safer environment and will be maintained by the town. Requests for proposals will be available for...
West Newbury Signs Interim Town Manger
The Select Board is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed with Sean Fitzgerald to be our Interim Town Manager. Sean was one of three candidates presented to the Select Board for consideration by our Town Manager Search Consultant - Community Paradigm Associates. After interviewing, he was chosen based on his extensive experience in municipal government, his knowledge of West Newbury finances and operations, and his down-to-earth demeanor. His background and experience were fully vetted by our...
AMESBURY Merderi Bodyworks
This series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local, and make people aware of the services, and talents, that we have surrounding us! Please shop local! by Kay Lee Ogden This week's business spotlight: Merderi Bodyworks, located at 30 Merrill Street Amesbury, of Rt 95 North, take right after Wall's Dealership, follow Merrill, located, in the Fowler Chiropractor Building, right over the Amesbury line. Merderi Bodyworks is a professional business in massage therapy and wellness therapeutic services...
North Shore Musical Theater Opens Doors for Future Stars
By Stewart Lytle, Sr. Reporter REGIONAL -- Olivia Riley caught the acting bug at Amesbury Middle School, when she performed in The Little Mermaid, the school musical. She sings in its choir and plays the trumpet in the school band. This summer she got an extraordinary opportunity to be a cast member in the North Shore Music Theater’s production of JOSEPH AND THE TECHNOCOLOR DREAMCOAT. The sixth grader is one of 24 young people from the North Shore who make up the choir and are on stage at the award-winning...
Hand Tub Muster in West Newbury
By Richard Baker The West Newbury Veteran Firefighters Association is holding its first Hand Tub Muster in decades from noon until late afternoon on Saturday, July 18th at Burnham Field / Cammett Park on Bachelor Street in West Newbury. Food will be provided by the West Newbury Fire Company. A Hand Tub is an antique fire engine operated by human power. Teams of ten to forty men lift and lower long, parallel wooden rails called brakes. They rock the brakes up and down in a rapid, synchronized motion to power the...
Frank Bertolino Wins Prestigious Award
REGIONAL – Veteran Realtor Frank Bertolino has been awarded the prestigious ICON award by his company, eXp Realty, for his exceptional success in selling North Shore real estate. Bertolino, whose Salisbury-based firm, The North Shore Realty, has 37 agents, including his daughters, Jenna Noone and Jamie Koulouras, who manage the eXp Realty affiliate and help clients buy and sell homes. “Congratulations on achieving eXp Realty ICON status! This incredible accomplishment is a testament to your hard work, dedication,...
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
WED. JULY 15 Rowley Library lawn 6:30PM StraightJacket (90s rock cover band): Bring a blanket or chair and relax on their beautiful front lawn while enjoying great local musicians. Free frozen treats will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the events will be held indoors at the library, 141 Main St. Georgetown 6 PM: This concert will take place outside on the library lawn so please bring lawn chairs or blankets. If the weather does not cooperate, the concert may be moved to another Wednesday night or...
Mello Transfer Station by the Numbers
Mello Transfer Station by the Numbers In only the first four months of operating the new solid waste transfer station located at 20 Carleton Drive in Georgetown, the Mello team continues to manage area solid waste and recycling safely and efficiently with proven results. Notably, the transfer station has received, processed, and transported for disposal 10,453 tons of solid waste through the month of June. The transfer stations continued focus on recycling has achieved positive results. Mello transfer recycling...
Lighthouse Thrift Store – SALISBURY
Lighthouse Thrift Store - SALISBURY SALISBURY, MASS. − The First Parish Newbury Food Pantry and Lighthouse Thrift Shop (Previously Leeward Light) partner together to support neighbors in our community. From left to right in photo: Beverly, Jane (from First Parish Church), Herb, Jonathan, Morgan, Kate, and Jane outside of the Lighthouse Thrift Store on Rte. 1., 126 Bridge Road, Salisbury. Store hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm (Photo by Julianne DeSantis)
‘Exit Interview’ of a Firebrand: Long-Serving Conservation Commissioner Rachel Therrien – Part Two
GEORGETOWN – Rachel Therrien, the Chair, Vice Chair and long-time member of the Conservation Commission (ConCom) was not reappointed to serve the town. She is being replaced by a former SelectBoard Chair who has never served on the ConCom. Therrien was not invited to speak to the board to advocate for her reappointment, which she wanted to do, although she was present and requested to speak. Chair Doug Dawes said it was his decision not to let Therrien speak because he did not want “controversy.” The Town Common...
Changing Tides Café In New Hands
NEWBURYPORT – The popular Pleasant Street coffee shop Changing Tides has changed owners and is transitioning to be more than a coffee shop. Anne and George Potts, who spent their careers in corporate finance, strategic planning and marketing, purchased the shop and its lovely back patio from Kimberly Dillon. George grew up in New York City and Anne in Connecticut. They have already extended the hours, serve donuts three days a week instead of just on Fridays and are creating new signage to capitalize on the...
Missing Dock Found in Plain Sight: Two Docks were Ordered to Replace Two Docks, But…
GEORGETOWN – The search for a missing $11,166.50 dock the town bought for the American Legion Park on Pentucket Pond is over. We found it. Well, actually, The Town Common took a tape measure to the pond to measure the old dock (out of the water, on land) and the new dock. Then we compared the two purchase orders and found the dock right there floating in shallow water. It just was not what the swimmers and fishing enthusiasts of Pentucket Pond expected when they voted to spend $20,000 of Community Preservation...
Local Business Spotlight: bent EMPORIUM
by Kay Lee Ogden This will be a series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop locally and make people aware of the services and talents that we have surrounding us! Please shop local! This week's business spotlight: "Bent Emporium" a curative vintage!" Find at instagram@bent_emporium Located: 2 Central Street, lower level 1 Phone: 351.207.5946 Summer hours: Wed - Sun: 1-5, Sat: 1-6 Closed: Mon - Tues Bent Emporium is comprised of three extremely, delightful, ingenious, energetic ladies! The owner is...
Alfonso Paglia
Alfonso Paglia, known lovingly to all as Al, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2026, surrounded by the quiet dignity of a life well lived. He was born in Italy and immigrated to Canada and the United States, where he built a life marked by faith, devotion, and steady love for his family and community. Al was a proud and devoted Christian man whose life reflected the values he held dearly. He was faith-filled, loving, generous, and those who knew him were blessed by his gentle spirit and kind heart. Al...
Troubled Charter School Hires Interim Director
REGIONAL – The River Valley Charter School (RVCS) trustees last week handed the reins of the school to education administration veteran Joey Gustafson to be the interim executive director in hopes she can calm the troubled waters the kindergarten to eighth grade, regional school has been swimming in for the last several months. Gustafson, who replaces Karen Kuse, the former executive director, has a diverse educational career that includes extensive experience in school management and strategic planning. She has...
LOCAL HAPPENINGS CALENDAR!
WED. JULY 8 Boxford The Spirt of America in Boxford. 5:30 at the Holyoke-French House. Reading of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, light refreshments, patriotic sing-along, *Rain Location: Boxford Community Center at 10 Elm. Georgetown 6 PM: The Blues Express at Georgetown Peabody Library, 2 Maple St. The Blues Express delivers a high-energy wallop of dynamic original tunes, along with some of the blues classics they learned from their mentor and friend, Chicago Blues Legend Luther “Guitar...
A Midsummer Night’s Dream July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19!
Event dates: July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 BEVERLY and DANVERS Step into an enchanted forest where fairies meddle in the affairs of mortals, lovers lose their way, and magic turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. The North Shore Players, a community theater in Danvers, invites you to bring a blanket and chair to outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Performances are July 10, in Danvers, July 11, 12 in Beverly, and July 17, 18, 19 in Danvers. Tickets are $15-$20. Tickets,...
Local Business Spotlight: Emporium on West Main
by Kay Lee Ogden This will be a series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local and make people aware of the services and talents that we have surrounding us! Please shop local! This week's business spotlight: We are welcoming the new "Emporium at West Main" owned, and operated by two retired educators: Elaine Fiasconaro, at 77 years of age of Georgetown, and Linda Morgan, age 73, of Revere. Both ladies are retired educators from Lynn. Emporium at West Main is located at: 37 West Main Street Suite...
‘Exit Interview’ of a Firebrand: Long-Serving Conservation Commissioner Rachel Therrien Part One
GEORGETOWN – The SelectBoard voted last month not to reappoint Rachel Therrien, the Chair, Vice Chair and long-time member of the Conservation Commission (ConCom). She was not invited to speak to the board to advocate for her reappointment, which she wanted to do. Chair Doug Dawes said it was “my call” not to let Therrien speak because he did not want “controversy.” With the exception of Therrien, none of the appointees to boards and commissions attended the SelectBoard’s meeting. In the past, all appointees have...
Flags on Plum Island Are OK Despite the Media Flap
NEWBURY − Flags are NOT banned on Plum Island. The controversy in advance of the 250th Anniversary of Independence Day erupted on this small island last week when the town sent a notice to three residents reminding them of their responsibilities under an agreement to protect shore birds. Town Administrator Tracy Blais clarified the town’s position that was misunderstood and exploded out of proportion. Conservation Agent Mason Ferrick sent a letter at the request of the state to remind the residents who are under...
Town Administrator: No Idea Where The Dock Is – Public Help Sought to Find Missing Swim Platform
GEORGETOWN – The search is on for a missing $11,166.50 dock the town bought for the American Legion Park on Pentucket Pond. A smaller dock, which cost $3,679.70 and was assembled by the Boy Scouts, is floating in mud and water, but not attached to the shore. The two docks were purchased a year ago from Great Northern Docks in Maine with $20,000 from the taxpayer-funded Community Preservation funds. One, which was T-shaped, 45-feet long by 15-feet across, was for swimming. That is the missing dock. The second...
Dan Kelly Draws Regional Support
by Lonnie Brennan IPSWICH − Dan Kelly drew supporters from every town in the 2nd Essex district when they gathered to formally kickoff his run for state representative. The event, held at the Ipswich Masonic Lodge on Topsfield Road was posted as a large "neighborhood gathering, not a fundraising event." Attendees caught up with one another on local events and chat, and enjoyed live background music. The 2nd Essex consists of the towns of Georgetown, Hamilton, Ipswich, Newbury, and Rowley, and Precinct 1, of the...
FAKE E_MAIL from SOMEONE PRETENDING TO BE BRENDA – IGNORE/DELETE PLEASE
Yes, someone is sending out fake e-mails using the name BRENDA ERNST our salesperson. Please ignore it is all scam.
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Amesbury July 2nd: Live Music - Ryan Fitzsimmons @ Upper Millyard 6 - 8 pm Juy 4: Fireworks at Woodsom Farm 5:30- 10pm Boxford WED July 8th, 5:30 PM: The Spirt of America in Boxford. (See display ad). July 8th and 22nd: Summer BBQs at noon. Reservations required by Thursday the week before the BBQ. Cost of lunch is $5.00. Council on Aging, 10 Elm St. 978-887-3591 Georgetown SUN, July 6: AMERICA 250 CONCERT - ARMY 215th Band AMERICAN LEGION PARK 6:30 - 8:00 PM (see ad back page) WED, July 8, 6 PM: The Blues...
Merrimac’s Mill Street Bridge to Be Replaced
MERRIMAC – The Town of Merrimac Select Board shares that the Mill Street bridge replacement project has been fully funded through grants and that the project is set to move forward this fall. In November 2019, the Mill Street culvert over Cobblers Brook failed, resulting in a total road closure. The road provided primary access to the Town's Wastewater Treatment Plant, a town Department of Public Works site utilized for winter snow operations and the Merrimac Electric Light Department Garage and Substation. Since...
Local Business Spotlight: Pratt’s Hobby Shop
by Kay Lee Ogden This week’s "spotlight" business is Pratt's Hobby Shop, located at 20 East Main Street. Phone: 978.352.2234. Tues - Fi: 12 - 6 pm Sat: 10:30 am - 4 pm. Pratt's hobby shop was opened by Peter Pratt, in 1974. He retired in 2020 and that is when Rossana and Scott Paganelli purchased the business - on Peter's 80th Birthday! And it is extremely sad to say, that Peter passed away August 30th, 2023. Pratt's hobby shop has been a town favorite for many years! Specializing in: remote control cars, boats,...
Veteran Georgetown ConCom Chair Not Reappointed
GEORGETOWN – After serving on the town’s Conservation Commission (ConCom) for more than a decade, the SelectBoard declined last week to reappoint the veteran chair Rachel Therrien to the commission. It was the second consecutive ConCom chair that has been removed by the SelectBoard with no explanation. ConCom Chair Chris Candia was not reappointed in 2024. Carl Shreder, who served more than 20 years, said he was pushed off the commission by town officials, including then SelectBoard Chair Amy Smith and Town...
Heroism Honored in Local Incidents
REGIONAL - The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has awarded North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism to three people for life-saving incidents in Salisbury and Ipswich. The Carnegie Medal for Heroism was awarded to Gary M. Simard, who died trying to save his son caught in a rip tide off Salisbury Beach, and Kenny Crosby, who save the teenager. It was also awarded to Joseph F. Mello iii of Ipswich for saving his father in a house fire. Ipswich and Rowley firefighters were honored by the Ipswich and Rowley...
Rowley Call Firefighters Shown the Door
ROWLEY – The Rowley SelectBoard last month eliminated its volunteer fire department and laid off its volunteer firefighters, effective June 30, leaving to new fire chief Daniel Veinot to decide if 16 full-time firefighters are adequate. [However, at press time, the Board of Selectmen agendized an item to designate Fire Captain Cooper Carifio to temporarily assume the duties of the Fire Chief ...] SelectBoard member Cliff Pierce voted against eliminating the call fire department, which will save $30,000 in pay...
Why Were Plum Island Beaches Closed Last Weekend?
REGIONAL – A group of swimmers from central Massachusetts had planned to swim in the Atlantic Ocean last weekend when they were told on arrival in Plum Island that they would get sick if they ingested any of the water, heavily polluted with sewage. “Is there any beach within 30 minutes we might try?” asked the frustrated driver. He was directed to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. This is not a rare occurrence for the beaches along the Merrimack River. But this time the heavy pollution that resulted in Plum Island...
Georgetown Selectman Sues for Defamation
GEORGETOWN – SelectBoard member Mike Donahue is suing at least two and possibly three town residents for calling him a “homophobe,” which he believes cost him the 2023 election to serve on the school board. Donahue ran third in the three-candidate race for a seat on the school committee, losing by about 188 votes. The issue was Donahue’s perceived opposition to displaying the Gay Pride flags in the Georgetown Middle School. He is suing Kimberly Fair for $50,000 in Salem Superior Court for “defaming” him. The...
Newbury Honors Advocate Geoffrey H. Walker
NEWBURY − The Town of Newbury is deeply saddened to share the passing of longtime public servant Geoffrey H. Walker, 79, whose decades of leadership, environmental stewardship and unwavering dedication left a lasting mark on his community. Walker began his service to the Town of Newbury in 1997, serving on numerous municipal boards and regional organizations. He served on the Newbury Select Board, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Merrimack River Beach Alliance and Merrimack Valley Planning Commission....
Sons & Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury Annual Meeting
The 99th Annual Meeting of the Society of the Sons & Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Hope Community Church, 11 Hale Street, Newburyport. Public, members and guests are welcome. The non-profit organization’s mission is the preservation of the history of Old Newbury and the pioneer families that created its Yankee traditions and community. The organization owns and maintains the historic Jackman-Willett House on Cottage Road in Newbury. In addition to...
Georgetown Light Receives National Achievement Award
Georgetown Municipal Light Department (GMLD) received an American Public Power Association (APPA) E.F. Scattergood System Achievement Award during APPA’s National Conference held recently in Boston. The award honors APPA member systems that have enhanced the prestige of public power utilities through sustained achievement and customer service. GMLD has demonstrated unwavering commitment to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power delivery for its approximately 3,500 customers. The utility’s “Georgetown Goes...
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
WED. JULY 22 Rowley Library lawn 6:30PM Concert: The Radio. Bring a blanket or chair and relax on their beautiful front lawn while enjoying great local musicians. Free frozen treats will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the events will be held indoors at the library, 141 Main St. Georgetown 6 PM: This concert will take place outside on the library lawn so please bring lawn chairs or blankets. If the weather does not cooperate, the concert may be moved to another Wednesday night or canceled....
No-Bid Contracts Cost Town More for Charging Stations
GEORGETOWN – Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco awarded no-bid contracts in 2022 and 2023 to install electric vehicle charging stations at Town Hall, the Library and American Legion Park to a private company at a price significantly higher than the charging station the town installed at the Perley School through a bidding process by the Light Department. Pacheco disputed the characterization of these contracts as no-bid. He wrote in an email, “These are not ‘no bid’ as you have described but part of a specific...
WHITTER REGIONAL $ – HAVERHILL AGREES TO PAY MORE…
REGIONAL – After being the elephant in the room as 11 North Shore communities argued over how to pay for a new Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, the mayor of the city of Haverhill has decided it would be better to pay a higher percentage of the construction and operating costs if the school is built on the Northern Essex Community College campus in Haverhill campus. “To move forward, we may have to give up our advantage,” Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett told the City Council last week. For...
‘Exit Interview’ of a Firebrand: Long-Serving Conservation Commissioner Rachel Therrien – Part Three
GEORGETOWN – Rachel Therrien, the Chair, Vice Chair and long-time member of the Conservation Commission (ConCom), will no longer bring her extensive knowledge and experience on conservation issues to benefit the town. She was ousted on a vote of four to zero with one abstention. She was replaced by a former SelectBoard Chair who has never served on the ConCom. Therrien was the only person present out of the three candidates, but not invited to speak to the board to advocate for her reappointment, which she wanted...
– Georgetown Peabody Library – Artist Mary Carvill Reception
The Georgetown Peabody Library is pleased to host an art exhibit by Mary Carvill for the months of July and August. An artist reception will be held on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30PM. For more information on Mary Carvill and her work, you can check out her Instagram: www.instagram.com/hartthatspeaks Mary Carvill is a local artist whose work has been exhibited extensively at the Newburyport Art Association. Her thoughtful, evocative pieces invite viewers to discover beauty, meaning, and connection in the...
Upcoming August Events at West Newbury G.A.R. Memorial Library
G.A.R. Memorial Library West Newbury, MA 01985 submitted by Rebecca Shea Assistant Librarian Come Read & Create with Camille Monday, August 3, 4:00 - 5:00 PM Join us for story time with playwright and children’s book author, Camille Garro. Camille will read her latest children’s book, “Little Lucia and Her Terrible Day at the Beach”, and present her original illustration boards. She will demonstrate her tissue paper illustrating technique and let participants try. A free copy of “Little Lucia and Her Terrible...
Groveland News by Mike Dempsey
New CPA Projects to Start Several Groveland Community Preservation projects approved at our annual town meeting in May are set to begin in July. Two of the most notable are new bathrooms for Shanahan Field and Washington Park. The bathroom structures will be permanent and replace the porta-johns at Washington Park and the outdated bathrooms at Shanahan Field. The facilities will provide users with a cleaner and safer environment and will be maintained by the town. Requests for proposals will be available for...
West Newbury Signs Interim Town Manger
The Select Board is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed with Sean Fitzgerald to be our Interim Town Manager. Sean was one of three candidates presented to the Select Board for consideration by our Town Manager Search Consultant - Community Paradigm Associates. After interviewing, he was chosen based on his extensive experience in municipal government, his knowledge of West Newbury finances and operations, and his down-to-earth demeanor. His background and experience were fully vetted by our...
AMESBURY Merderi Bodyworks
This series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local, and make people aware of the services, and talents, that we have surrounding us! Please shop local! by Kay Lee Ogden This week's business spotlight: Merderi Bodyworks, located at 30 Merrill Street Amesbury, of Rt 95 North, take right after Wall's Dealership, follow Merrill, located, in the Fowler Chiropractor Building, right over the Amesbury line. Merderi Bodyworks is a professional business in massage therapy and wellness therapeutic services...
North Shore Musical Theater Opens Doors for Future Stars
By Stewart Lytle, Sr. Reporter REGIONAL -- Olivia Riley caught the acting bug at Amesbury Middle School, when she performed in The Little Mermaid, the school musical. She sings in its choir and plays the trumpet in the school band. This summer she got an extraordinary opportunity to be a cast member in the North Shore Music Theater’s production of JOSEPH AND THE TECHNOCOLOR DREAMCOAT. The sixth grader is one of 24 young people from the North Shore who make up the choir and are on stage at the award-winning...
Hand Tub Muster in West Newbury
By Richard Baker The West Newbury Veteran Firefighters Association is holding its first Hand Tub Muster in decades from noon until late afternoon on Saturday, July 18th at Burnham Field / Cammett Park on Bachelor Street in West Newbury. Food will be provided by the West Newbury Fire Company. A Hand Tub is an antique fire engine operated by human power. Teams of ten to forty men lift and lower long, parallel wooden rails called brakes. They rock the brakes up and down in a rapid, synchronized motion to power the...
Frank Bertolino Wins Prestigious Award
REGIONAL – Veteran Realtor Frank Bertolino has been awarded the prestigious ICON award by his company, eXp Realty, for his exceptional success in selling North Shore real estate. Bertolino, whose Salisbury-based firm, The North Shore Realty, has 37 agents, including his daughters, Jenna Noone and Jamie Koulouras, who manage the eXp Realty affiliate and help clients buy and sell homes. “Congratulations on achieving eXp Realty ICON status! This incredible accomplishment is a testament to your hard work, dedication,...
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
WED. JULY 15 Rowley Library lawn 6:30PM StraightJacket (90s rock cover band): Bring a blanket or chair and relax on their beautiful front lawn while enjoying great local musicians. Free frozen treats will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the events will be held indoors at the library, 141 Main St. Georgetown 6 PM: This concert will take place outside on the library lawn so please bring lawn chairs or blankets. If the weather does not cooperate, the concert may be moved to another Wednesday night or...
Mello Transfer Station by the Numbers
Mello Transfer Station by the Numbers In only the first four months of operating the new solid waste transfer station located at 20 Carleton Drive in Georgetown, the Mello team continues to manage area solid waste and recycling safely and efficiently with proven results. Notably, the transfer station has received, processed, and transported for disposal 10,453 tons of solid waste through the month of June. The transfer stations continued focus on recycling has achieved positive results. Mello transfer recycling...
Lighthouse Thrift Store – SALISBURY
Lighthouse Thrift Store - SALISBURY SALISBURY, MASS. − The First Parish Newbury Food Pantry and Lighthouse Thrift Shop (Previously Leeward Light) partner together to support neighbors in our community. From left to right in photo: Beverly, Jane (from First Parish Church), Herb, Jonathan, Morgan, Kate, and Jane outside of the Lighthouse Thrift Store on Rte. 1., 126 Bridge Road, Salisbury. Store hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm (Photo by Julianne DeSantis)
‘Exit Interview’ of a Firebrand: Long-Serving Conservation Commissioner Rachel Therrien – Part Two
GEORGETOWN – Rachel Therrien, the Chair, Vice Chair and long-time member of the Conservation Commission (ConCom) was not reappointed to serve the town. She is being replaced by a former SelectBoard Chair who has never served on the ConCom. Therrien was not invited to speak to the board to advocate for her reappointment, which she wanted to do, although she was present and requested to speak. Chair Doug Dawes said it was his decision not to let Therrien speak because he did not want “controversy.” The Town Common...
Changing Tides Café In New Hands
NEWBURYPORT – The popular Pleasant Street coffee shop Changing Tides has changed owners and is transitioning to be more than a coffee shop. Anne and George Potts, who spent their careers in corporate finance, strategic planning and marketing, purchased the shop and its lovely back patio from Kimberly Dillon. George grew up in New York City and Anne in Connecticut. They have already extended the hours, serve donuts three days a week instead of just on Fridays and are creating new signage to capitalize on the...