Invitation to Local Candidates
The Town Common invites local candidates for town positions to introduce themselves - in their own words - to our readers. Please limit submissions to approximately 400 words so that we may fit in all candidates. (Candidates can always purchase advertising space for...
Donald Francis Crosby, who lived a life marked by humor, courage, and creativity, was born on May 21, 1933, in Brookline, Massachusetts, and passed away on March 21, 2026, only 61 days shy of his 93rd birthday, in Griffin, Georgia, leaving behind a legacy that...
Nancy McElroy Gormley
Nancy McElroy Gormley, 67, of Rowley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, her birthday, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 31, 1959, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Nancy lived a life defined by warmth, humor, and deep devotion to...
New IRS Data: More Than 150,000 Residents Left Massachusetts
BOSTON – The Mass Opportunity Alliance (MOA) highlighted the findings of the latest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) “Statistics of Income” data, which shows steep taxes continue to fuel the state’s outmigration crisis. Released last week, the report provides...
Goats to Go Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS https://goatstogo.farm Georgetown, Mass. Winter Hike with Little Goats & Alpaca Greetings Sunday, February 22 · 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Winter Goat Hike & Alpaca Greetings Sunday, February 22 · 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Winter Adventure: Guided Farm...
David Scott Thibodeau
David Scott Thibodeau, a man of profound kindness, intelligence, and gentle spirit, left this world on February 4, 2026, in Rowley, MA, leaving behind a legacy of love, and unwavering dedication to his family and passions. Born on June 1, 1958, in Millinocket, ME,...
The Salisbury Democratic Town Committee is pleased to announce the 17th Annual Lou Masiello Leadership Scholarship for Salisbury seniors attending Triton Regional High School.
The Salisbury Democratic Town Committee is pleased to announce the 17th Annual Lou Masiello Leadership Scholarship for Salisbury seniors attending Triton Regional High School. Criteria for the scholarship are completion of an essay, possibly participating in an...
Upcoming Agricultural Committee Events
Upcoming Agricultural Committee Events Essex County Greenbelt, Farm Bureau, and American Farmland Trust are hosting a joint meeting on March 4th, 2026 from 6-8pm at the Topsfield Fair Grounds on Planning for the Future of Your Farm. Register Here (Planning for the...
Get a Sneak Peek of America’s 250th Exhibit at Old North Church Historic Site This February School Vacation
Get a Sneak Peek of America’s 250th Exhibit at Old North Church Historic Site This February School Vacation Opens Saturday, Feb. 14 to Saturday, Feb. 21. BOSTON – Step into the story that launched a revolution. During February School Vacation Week, Old North Church...
Georgetown Historical Society Seeking New Members
The Georgetown Historical Society is asking for new members to join the preservation of our museum and help with the education of its history. The group was created for those interested in asking questions about Georgetown’s history, sharing items and local interest,...
James Melville Whittemore, 76
‘Whoever afflict us, whatever surround, Life is a voyage that’s homeward bound!’ ~Herman Melville, White Jacket, 1850 Obituary courtesy Katherine Beck. BATH, MAINE – James Melville Whittemore, 76, passed away on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026, at Hillhouse in North Bath with Kate by his side. Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1949, Jamie was raised in Cohasset, a son of Anthony Rogers Whittemore and Katharine Gansevoort Binnian. He attended the Ripley Road School, Derby Academy, and Milton Academy, graduating...
WEST NEWBURY: Hydrant Flushing! Flush Your Pipes Too! …refrain from washing laundry after 8:00pm on Thursday, April 16th …
WEST NEWBURY − The West Newbury Water Department will begin its spring hydrant flushing on Friday night, April 17th. The process will start at 8:00pm with hydrants along Main Street from the Groveland town line to the Newburyport town line. Flushing will continue through 5:00am on Saturday morning. April 16 th we will be closing valves to prepare for flushing. On Tuesday, April 21th, daytime flushing will commence on secondary roads and continue through Friday, May 1st from 9:00am to 3:00pm. At this time...
WEST NEWBURY: Sage Center Lunch & Learn Speaker Series
Thursday, April 16 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 PM WEST NEWBURY − Please join us for lunch and the Q&A forum to discuss Town Meeting warrant articles. Angus Jennings, Town Manager & Amanda Haggstrom, Town Clerk will review the warrant articles and answer your questions. Lunch: Sesame Chicken Suggested donation $5 Register by calling 978-363-1104 or by emailing coa@wnewbury.org.
Mello’s First Months Go Smoothly
GEORGETOWN – The only issue at the new G. Mello Disposal Corp.’s Transfer Station since it opened two months ago was one lithium battery caught fire. The fire was put out in minutes, even before the Georgetown Fire Department arrived minutes later, by a highly sophisticated suppression system. “It is surprising how uneventful it has been. Customers have adapted quickly,” said Mark Van Weelden, director of Mello’s business development. The worst fears by neighbors, other residents and town officials that the 150...
Newburyport: Two Grammy Nominees Perform at Belleville
NEWBURYPORT – North Texas music lovers have a pair of treats in store this weekend as Tony Trischka, who has been called the “greatest banjo player on the planet,” is joined by rhythm and blues singer Farayi at the Belleville Roots Concert Saturday night. It’s “a night where bluegrass brilliance meets soulful innovation,” the concert described the event. Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam, a spirited celebration of the legendary Earl Scruggs, and Farayi, who brings her childhood gospel mixed with blues and jazz, are both...
Sign May Help Heal Pink House Community
PLUM ISLAND TURNPIKE – Last week the Town of Newbury installed an anonymously donated sign commemorating the 100 years the Pink House stood along this highway. Under a replica of local artist Kathy Culbert’s painting of the house, the sign reads: “The Pink House. Honoring 100 Years of Memories. Demolished March 11, 2025, But Never Forgotten.” Without fanfare, the sign on 10-foot solid granite pillars was erected close to the road and facing it, just to the left of where the house’s driveway was. “An astonishing...
Earth Day 2026 Town-Wide Roadside Cleanup
Saturday, April 18 WEST NEWBURY − Please consider helping by cleaning the publicaly-owned roadside area in front of your neighborhood. Pick up locations for trash bags and gloves: Town Office Building Lobby Food Mart G.A.R. Memorial Library Please leave the full bags on the side of the road to be picked up by the DPW on Tuesday. Please email the location to: Highway@wnewbury.org and thank you for participating.
WEST NEWBURY: Marijuana/Cannabis: Use Regulation or Prohibition? You Decide
Tuesday, April 21 WEST NEWBURY − On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Planning Board will conduct a public hearing to consider the proposal to amend the Zoning Bylaws to prohibit recreational cannabis land uses in West Newbury. At its meeting on March 19, the Select Board voted to include this proposal on the April 27th Town Meeting warrant, and as a ballot question on the May 4th Town Election. Due to West Newbury's voters having voted in favor of legalization on the 2016 statewide referendum question, a two-step...
CANDIDATE MESSAGE – GEORGETOWN: ROBERT HOOVER
Steady, Thoughtful, Respectful, Leadership… Dear Georgetown Resident, My name is Rob Hoover, and I am seeking re-election to the Select Board. My wife Karin and I have lived in Georgetown since 1999, where we raised our family. I have over 18 years of town government experience, having served on the Select Board, Planning Board, School Committee, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Combined with a 40-year career specializing in planning and designing the built environment for those most in need, such as Alzheimer’s...
CANDIDATE MESSAGE – TOPSFIELD: MARSHALL HOOK
My name is Marshall Hook, and I am running for a third term on the Select Board. In my six years on the Board – three as chair – we have been able to accomplish a lot together as a community. I say “together” intentionally. Nothing that happens in town government is the result of one person. It is the work of a committed Select Board, a strong Town Administrator, dedicated Town Hall staff, colleagues across boards and committees, and the many volunteers who make Topsfield what it is. Core to the job is...
