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FREE Holiday Snow Emergency Tickets Draw Complaints

January 27 - February 2, 2016 Vol. 12, No. 13

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Water Commissioner Loses Fight to Stop Recall By Stewart Lytle, Reporter ––––––––––––––––– REGIONAL – The recall election of Rowley Water Commissioner Tim Toomey, which is already underway, may continue through next Tuesday, Feb. 2. Superior Court Judge Richard Welch deniedToomey’s effort to stop the election. The water commissioner filed a lawsuit in Essex County Superior Court against the town’s Board of Registrars, asking for an emergency Photo by Stewart Lytle preliminary injunction to stop Water commissioner Tim Toomey the election. “In this situation, where there is a legalistic deficiency that was quickly corrected and no showing of bad faith or fraud, there is no reason for an unelected judge to interfere with a democratic vote,” Welch said in his opinion. Toomey claimed the recall petition with 1,303 signatures had been done incorrectly, should be trashed and started over. That would have delayed the recall election for at least several months. Toomey’s attorney compared the error by the petitioners for the recall to a “false start penalty” in football. Toomey’s attorney, William Moschella of Saugus, said the court should start the process over, just like a referee would replay the down. According to Toomey, the town erred when it collected the first 100 signatures needed to start the recall process by not adding the word “affidavit” to the petition. Also missing were the words“signed under the pains and penalty of perjury on this __ day of November, 2015.” The recall election of Toomey has already started with 35 absentee ballots requested and mailed out. At least 12 have been returned, said Tom Mullen, the attorney for the town. “I am very pleased with the decision,” Mullen said. The recall was initiated on five grounds, including the accusation that Toomey, Photo by Stewart Lytle as water commission chair, improperly The site of the latest water department Continued on page 3 fight. conducted water

By Stewart Lytle, Reporter –––––––––––––––––

A car with the ticket still on it.

Photo by Stewart Lytle

NEWBURYPORT — It was about 6:30 on the morning of last week’s holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday. There was no school. Many employers, including banks and most government agencies, were closed. Traffic on city streets, as a result, was light. Overnight it snowed harder than the one to two inches predicted, and this city had imposed the mandatory parking ban on Sunday afternoon because the snowfall topped the three-inch mark, the threshold for declaring an emergency in this city. A new snow emergency brochure on the city’s web site states: “The City of Newburyport implements a snow emergency parking ban when it is predicted that we are to receive three inches of snow accumulation.” From the number of vehicles still parked on the streets on Monday morning, it would be safe to conclude that most residents went to sleep on the Sunday night, after enjoying the New England Patriots’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs, oblivious that the city had declared a snow emergency. To the surprise of a few residents, at 6 a.m. police officers started handing out $50 snow emergency parking tickets. A total of 21 tickets, including one to this reporter, was handed out, mostly along a few streets. Other streets, which had even more vehicles blocking the plows, were not ticketed. One car owner on Woodland Street tried to talk the officers out of issuing her ticket, saying a contractor had parked a truck in her driveway Continued on page 3

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Pettengill House Fundraiser The Pettengill House is pleased to announce that Cathy Toomey of Stoneridge Properties, Amesbury, will be this year’s Honorary Chair of our 5th annual fundraiser at The Blue Ocean Music Hall. Each year, The Pettengill House recognizes a recipient who has given outstanding service to our mission “to support and empower children and families by providing education, comprehensive case management and basic needs; and by coordinating community supports that contribute to individual and family stabilization, personal growth and development.” Ms. Toomey, known for her community commitment for more than a decade, has provided outstanding leadership and is always willing to pitch in with a “hand on” approach on behalf of Pettengill House and the more than 3,000 adults, children and families it supports. She has been an active member on our Board of Directors and Advisory Board and continually demonstrates exceptional service and sponsorship of our many initiatives and fundraisers. Cathy Toomey will be honored during the evening of our fundraiser, which will be held on Friday, March 18th at the Blue Ocean Music Hall from 7-11pm. This year’s event will feature a St. Patrick’s Day theme with music by Thomas Machine Works Band and Don’t Call Me Shirley. All our invited to show their support for Ms. Toomey while enjoying an evening of dancing, refreshments, silent and live auctions to benefit local programs and services for children, families and individuals. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door and will be on sale shortly! To sponsor this event or to purchase an ad in our program book, please contact Julie Havey at jhavey@pettengillhouse.org, or call 978-792-5205.

Marc Maravalli, B.S., R.Ph. Publisher/Editor, The Town Common

Letters to the Editor provide a useful way of communicating concerns, issues, or suggestions to all members of the community. The Town Common encourages all citizens to submit letters concerning issues of interest and concern to the local community. Letters selected for publication may be edited for length and clarity. Some letters may serve as a catalyst for other articles or coverage, and community leaders and agencies will be offered an opportunity to respond to letters concerning their areas of responsibility. All letters must be signed and include a daytime telephone number. Letters may be submitted to:

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77 Wethersfield Street Rowley, MA 01969-1713 Phone: (978) 948-8696 Fax: (978) 948-2564 www.thetowncommon.com The Town Common is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions, but reprint opportunities do exist for prompt notification of such errors. Advertisers should notify The Town Common of any errors in ads on the first day of issuance. No credits &/or refunds are offered or implied. All material and content cannot be duplicated without written consent of the publisher. The right is reserved to reject, omit, or edit any copy offered for publication. Copyright 2004-2015 The Town Common© - All Rights Reserved

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January 27 - February 2, 2016

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RMLP is asked for proposals for a shared savings model using a 2MW gas fired generator to reduce RMLP installed capacity peak cost and high LMP cost. The generator to be run during times of peak capacity cost and times of high LMP costs. The savings from running the generator will be split amongst RMLP and the most qualified respondent. Bids will be opened in the Office of the Rowley Municipal Lighting Plant, 47 Summer Street Rowley, Massachusetts 01969 on February 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM.

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Holiday Snow Emergency Tickets Draw Complaints

Continued from page 1

overnight, making it impossible to move her car off the street. She received a ticket despite her plea. City Marshal Mark Murray said he did not know why some cars were ticketed and others were not. “Maybe the officers were called away,” he said. City Clerk Richard Jones, who collects parking violation fines, said, “It was the first real snow storm, and there are always a lot of complaints (about tickets) after the first storm,” said. “The number of complaints during the second storm drop off substantially.” He said newcomers and visitors often do not know that they have to move their vehicles off the streets in snow storms. Some city officials said the city did not declare an emergency during a previous storm, which left ice on the streets and made some streets largely impassable. City staff met for an hour last week to review the snow emergency procedures. Jones

Come in for a visit and compare! said there was no discussion of The city also places notice on its voiding the issued tickets. Some web site. And it has implemented -Since 1954 ticketed residents or visitors have a process where vehicle owners appealed. can register on the web site to be Other cities, including the city notified by text or phone call if •Private & Semi-Private Rooms of Worcester, voided about 150 there is a snow emergency. An extended Care Community with Baths and Beautiful Views tickets and refunded towing fees. To register, go to the city web • Medicare/ Medicaid certified City councilors Ed Cameron site, www.cityofnewburyport. • Social Services-Speech, and Robert Cronin reported that com, click on the button, Notify they heard from several unhappy Me, and sign up. Physical, Occupational, & “We are looking at ways to residents about being ticketed for Massage Therapies a snow emergency on a holiday improve that system,” Jones said. • Full Activity Program Neighboring Amesbury when the snow fall was much less • and much more... than many other storms. Other requires that all vehicles be parked residents used social media sites off-street between the hours of 1 www.seaviewretreat.com to complain that three inches of and 5 a.m. Vehicles remaining on MANSION DRIVE • ROWLEY, MA • JUST OFF ROUTE 1A snow did not seem to warrant streets are subject to a parking violation and/or towing at the declaring an emergency. The city notifies vehicle owners owner’s expense. The winter Honest Heating & Cooling Solutions Since 1996. that there is a snow emergency by parking ban went into effect Nothing Too Big/Small turning on a blue light in eight on Dec. 1 and ends in April. locations around the city. The Violators can be fined $50. Salisbury residents incur a Newburyport Police Department HEATING & COOLING Inc. posts parking ban information on similar, but even longer, ban, with • Ductless Mini Splits its Facebook page and residents no on-street parking between • Gas & Oil Equipment may call the Department of midnight and 6 a.m. There is • Annual Tune-Ups /Cleanings • Heating Oil Public Services for parking no on-street parking during • 24 Hour Burner Service • Kerosene ban information including the snowstorms and snow removal • Major & Minor Repair The North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper efforts regardless of the time. locations of off-street parking.

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Water Commissioner Loses Fight to Stop Recall

Continued from page 1

department operations in secret executive sessions where the commission voted to suspend superintendent MaryBeth Wiser, hire an interim superintendent and spend $5,000 for an investigation of the department operations. “Any technical defect in the recall procedure has not prejudiced the plaintiff,” Welch wrote. The judge wrote that Toomey was right that the first petition with 100 signatures was not “an affidavit” as required by Chapter 637 because it did not contain the words “under the pains and penalties of perjury.” When Toomey pointed out the deficiency to town clerk Susan Hazen, the judge noted that she “quickly rectified the problem.” A new petition collected 100 signatures, although it was done after the petition with more than 1,300 signatures had been completed and filed. “Even though the correct form of the initial (Phase 1) petition was signed after the so-called Phase II petition, the plaintiff received all the protections provided by Chapter 637,” Welch wrote. During the hearing, Moschella argued that Hazen had acted improperly and accused her of having a conflict of interest by helping the recall petitioners revise and resubmit the initial petition. Welch said he saw no evidence

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If voters, casting their ballots at to support that accusation. During the hearing, Welch St. Mary’s Church, approve the asked Moschella how his client recall by a majority vote, then the would suffer since the town registrars will count the votes for had fixed its errors. “What’s the Toomey and Emery. The winner will join John harm?” the judge asked. Moschella argued that the Manning, chairman, and Stuart town should not benefit from Dalzell Sr. on the board to fill out making an error and should have the term through May 9, 2017. A lifelong Rowley resident, to start the process over again. He 8am - 9am $5aEarly Buying 54, fee is a town firefighter also said Toomey deserved delay Emery, and a former water department in the recall process so he could 9am - 1pm FREE ADMISSION employee for six years. He has campaign to keep his position. The recall ballot is a two- also served on the town With Finance step process. First, voters are Committee from 1989 to 1993. Ad With about 34 This percent of the asked if they support the recall. Voters have to answer the recall town’s registered voters signing at the Dover Elks moving Hall, 282toDurham 108, Dover, NH Toomey the Rte. recall petition, question before the Rd., (Exit 7question off Rte. 16,on1.7the miles south on Rte. 108 on the would appear to left) have an uphill second ballot, to retain his seat in a special which asked whether they vote For More Information Callbattle 603-770-1994 for Toomey or Mark Emery, the election. other candidate for the water board position. “Some people are going to be surprised to see his (Toomey’s) name there,” Hazen said earlier.

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Community Calendar To place an non-profit organization’s event in the Community Calendar for FREE, call 978-948-8696 or e-mail: events@thetowncommon.com CRAFT NIGHTAds AT THE Classified MEETING HOUSE IN

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27th

cocaine addiction, prescription drug abuse, sexual addiction, and problem WEDNESDAY MORNING KINGSTON addictions to other substances BIRDING Looking for some light-hearted and activities. SMART Recovery We are in our twentieth year of fun to get through the long winter? sponsors face to. face and Community Calendar Continues . meetings . Dr. nYLa LaMBert Wednesday Morning Birding! These How about completing your daily online meetings. In addition, Dr. KatHLeen Horn very popular programs provide an PhD? You know, those “Projects there is an online message board and Dr. CatHLeen DouCette excellent opportunity to explore one Half-Done� lurking in the back 24/7 chat room. The meetings are of the most productive birding areas of your closet or on your dining run by trained Facilitators. Meetings Dr. JuDitH MarroCCo in the country. To date, we have seen room table! Join the crafters at The are held every Friday evening from over 320 species of birds on these Meeting House at New Creation 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the lower NOw LOCATED AT Wednesday field trips. Wed, Jan 27, Healing Center, 80 Route 125, in meetinghouse, classroom A of The 939 SALEM ST., GROvELAND 2016 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Meet at Kingston, the last Friday of each First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant 978-374-8991 Joppa Flats Education Center, One month beginning January 29 to Street, Newburyport. Please contact Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. finish those unfinished craft projects Rob Burnham (robburnham0449@ $17. No preregistration required. (whatever that craft project may be). gmail.com) or 603-501-9549 for For more information, call 978- Cost is $5.00 for the evening from more information or http://www. 462-9998 for information about 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Snack and coffee smartrecovery.org. Free and open to additional programs and events, provided. For more information, the public GENERAL CONTRACTORS L.L.C. or visit the website at www. please contact Marlene Weitemeyer Consultation to Project Completion SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th . Carpentry . Masonry . Landscaping . Roofing . Basements . Water Entry massaudubon.org/joppaflats. at (603) 642-6700 between Tuesday and Thursday. . All Phases of Construction . Commercial/Residential OVER 25 YEARS of HATHA YOGA SUPERBOWL OF BIRDING . All Maintenance Work . All Types of Restorations . Free Initial Consultation . Project Management Students are led through a series of 14TH ANNUAL NEW WORKS XIII “In the Field� Experience stretches, strengthening and balancing FESTIVAL 2016 The Superbowl of Birding, now PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION postures, twists and inversions by The Firehouse is committed to in its thirteenth year, is a unique, All Types of Property Repairs certified yoga instructor Maura the development of new work. twelve-hour team competition. Mastrogiovanni. No registration is Over the past 13 years, more than During Superbowl, teams of birders required, and all fitness levels are 160 were performed on our stage seek out the greatest number welcome. Bring a mat if you have one first-through our annual Firehouse of species and earn the greatest and wear comfortable clothes. Class New Works Festival. This festival number of points based on the meets every Wednesday evening fosters the growth of New England rarity of the birds recorded. Strategy at the Rowley Library, 141 Main playwrights while showcasing the and planning are essential to win GENERAL CONTRACTORS L.L.C. St., from 5:30-7 pm. Sponsored by talent of local and regional actors and prizes. The competition is designed Consultation to Project Completion . Carpentry . Masonry . Landscaping . Roofing . Basements . Water Entry the Friends of the Library, cost for directors. (Last year, 43 actors, 17 to encourage birders of all ages and students is $12 or $10 for Friends directors, and 16 playwrights were abilities to participate. The Fledgling . All Phases of Construction . Commercial/Residential OVER 25 YEARS of members. Call 978-948-2850 for featured in our festival!) Playwrights Award competition is for birders ages . All Maintenance Work . All Types of Restorations from across New England submit 12 and under. The NewBies Award is . Free Initial Consultation . Project Management “In the Field� Experience more information. their 10-minute, one-act, and full- for birders ages 18 and under. Adults PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION INTRODUCTION TO length plays to an independent can compete for prizes in eight other All Types of Property Repairs COLLECTING AND panel who select the festival’s shows categories, including our top prize, INVESTING IN COINS in anonymous readings. Directors the Joppa Cup. The registration fee Introduction to Collecting and and their casts then work with includes the tally party with pizza Investing in Coins will be held at selected playwrights to produce two and prizes. Register before January 1 the Newburyport High School weekends of original theater. New and receive a $5 discount per person. on Thursday, January 27, 2016 at Works Festival 2016 on January 29 For registration materials, rules, and 7:00. Join one of the area’s most & 30, 2016, Fridays and Saturdays, information, please go to www. knowledgeable numismatists, all shows at 8:00 PM. Firehouse massaudubon.org/superbowl or call Rick Bagg, as he leads you in a Center for the Arts, Market Square, 978-462-9998. Sponsored by Zeiss. presentation about coins. Learn the Newburyport. $16.00 Single-Night Sat, Jan 30, 2016 5:00 am - 7:00 % various aspects of coin collecting Tickets; $44.00 Four-Night Pass. pm. $35, adult/$20, child. For more that are important determinants For more info please call the Box information, call 978-462-9998 of value. Important as well are Office at 978-462-7336 or visit for information about additional that “coins are fun� to collect and online at www.firehouse.org programs and events, or visit the satisfying collections can be formed website at www.massaudubon.org/ and enjoyed with relatively few coins SMART RECOVERY joppaflats. for very little money. Rick is able to The First Religious Society, answer any questions about buying Unitarian Universalist, BEHIND THE SCENES and selling coins and assembling Newburyport, will be offering REFUGE TOUR OF PARKER and appraising coin collections. “Smart Recovery – Self Management RIVER NWR Investing in coins is also discussed. for Addiction Recovery.� SMART Held on the following day: At the auction firm where he spent Recovery is the leading self- Saturday, January 30th @ 9:30 am. his career, Rick handled several empowering addiction recovery Join a refuge ranger for a behind hundred million dollars in coins for support group. Participants learn the scenes tour of Parker River thousands of clients. He brings a tools for addiction recovery based National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will In Home Senior Care great deal of experience to the class. on the latest scientific research be conducted via refuge van, with Personal Care & Companion/Homemaker Services Attendees are encouraged to bring and participate in a world-wide several brief “drive by� stops along " some old coins in for discussion. community which includes free, the way. The tour will present an “up Serving the Newburyport area Serving the New Hampshire There are no prerequisites. The cost self-empowering, science-based close and personal� look at the refuge & Merrimack Valley since 2004 Seacoast since 2005 is only $25. See www.richardbagg. mutual help groups. SMART through the multiple lenses of the com Call 978-255-1127 for more Recovery helps people recover from cultural history of Plum Island and 978-462-6162 603-583-4890 information. all types of addiction and addictive the Great Marsh, native wildlife and 182 State Street ! "! # behaviors, including: drug abuse, their habitats, and the role of refuge Newburyport MA 01950 ! !

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29th drug addiction, substance abuse, management in the conservation www.visitingangels.com/newburyport $$$ # ! ! ! alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, of these precious natural resources.

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Contact your advertising consultant today.... AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL 77 Wethersfield Street, Rowley, MA 01969 advertise@thetowncommon.com Largest Independent Community 978-948-8696

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January 27 - February 2, 2016 Participants may be driven along areas on the refuge otherwise closed to the public. This guided two hour program is most appropriate for older teens and adults. Binoculars and/or a camera are recommended, but not required. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the Refuge visitor center 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Each session is limited to 14 participants; no more than 4 individuals per sign-up. Again, this is a vehicle – based tour, with limited stops on the Refuge. Advance registration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Those who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation call from a refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753; to register for this program. ALMOST MAINE The Company at Ipswich High School is pleased to present Almost, Maine by John Cariani At the Dolan (Ipswich) Performing Arts Center, 134 High Street, Ipswich. January 29 and 30 at 7:00 & January 31 at 2:30 Tickets: $10 Adult, $8 Student/ Senior. Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada. And it almost doesn’t exist. Because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it’s just…Almost. One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found, and confounded. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same. ALMOST, MAINE: It’s love. But not quite. 14TH ANNUAL NEW WORKS FESTIVAL 2016 See Friday, Janaury 29th SUNDAY, JANUARY 31st ALMOST MAINE The Company at Ipswich High School is pleased to present Almost, Maine by John Cariani At the Dolan (Ipswich) Performing Arts Center, 134 High Street, Ipswich. January 29 and 30 at 7:00 & January 31 at 2:30 Tickets: $10 Adult, $8 Student/ Senior. Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada. And it almost doesn’t exist. Because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it’s just…Almost. One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found, and confounded. And

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life for the people of Almost, Maine appropriate clothing, transportation will never be the same. ALMOST, to school, and other unmet student MAINE: It’s love. But not quite. needs. Riccio administers a grant from the Massachusetts Department WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd of Public Health to help deal with these problems. Local Poverty WEDNESDAY MORNING Matters is sponsored by Pennies for BIRDING Poverty and by the Social Action These very popular programs Committee of the First Religious provide an excellent opportunity to Society. It is free and open to the explore one of the most productive public. birding areas in the country. To date, we have seen over 320 species JAZZ VESPERS of birds on these Wednesday field Jazz Vespers, Wednesday, February trips. Wed, Feb 03, 2016; 9:30 am 3, 8-9pm, in the historic Meeting - 12:30 pm. Meet at Joppa Flats House of the First Religious Society, Education Center, One Plum Island 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport. Lark Turnpike, Newburyport. $17. No Madden and the Jazz Vespers House preregistration required. For more Band includes Susan Creamer on information, call 978-462-9998 piano, Tomas Havrda on drums, and for information about additional Mike Gruen on bass. Jean Lambert programs and events, or visit the will provide seasonal readings. Jazz website at www.massaudubon.org/ Vespers celebrates the inspiration joppaflats. of Jazz, Blues and Swing music, and includes readings and time for ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET reflection. All are welcome. Free. Fabulous dealers set up at the Antique Flea Market at the Elks Hall on Rt. 108 (282 Durham Rd.) in Dover, NH. Wednesday, Feb 3rd from 8am - 1pm. It is an amazing experience that will bring back fond memories. Always showing wonderful merchandise. From country and primitives, ephemera and books, to costume jewelry, tools, coins and the unique. The next one after that is Wednesday again on March 2nd from 8am - 1pm. Like us on Facebook at: Dover Antique Flea Market, New Hampshire. For more information call 603-770-1994.

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HATHA YOGA See Wednesday, January 27th. LOCAL POVERTY MATTERS TO DISCUSS SCHOOL NURSES’ ROLE IN FIGHTING POVERTY Cathy Riccio, RN, Coordinator for Health Services for Newburyport Public Schools, will speak at the February 3, 2016 Local Poverty Matters Study Group at the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, at 7pm. Riccio will explain the poverty issues that school nurses face, how extensive the problem is, and what actions they are often forced to take. While it is obvious that the Newburyport Public School nurses must care for the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the district’s 3,000 students, it is not as well known that the school nurses must also be attuned to students’ socio-economic situations because of their impact on students’ ability to learn. These health professionals are often called on to intervene on issues of hunger,

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AMESBURY - The Market Street Baptist Church, 37 Market Street, Amesbury is hosting a Junior Church Basketball Program for both girls & boys ages 5-9 in the church gym at the back of the building Community Connections on Fridays from February 5 through March 18 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. All are welcome to participate. This program is a noncompetitive, instructional league designed to teach fundamental basketball skills Since 1993! and basic Bible knowledge in a fun and engaging manner. A suggested donation of $10 per child is requested to cover expenses. Please make check payable to: MSBC & note: Bball. Registration is Hundreds of Happy Students! on February 5 from 6:00-630 pm. To register in advance: contact the church at 978-388-0930 or Lessons in the privacy of your home. msbcsec@verizon.net. -----------------------------------------------------------Piano ~ Guitar AMESBURY - The Amesbury Innovation Toastmasters club meets •the first and third Wednesday of Professional ~ Experienced each month at the Chestnut Innovation Center, 11 Chestnut Street, Amesbury, MA in the Innovation Visit nemtc.com or call Café, 2nd fl. Visitors are always welcome. For more information call Richard Mullen 978-769-5313 (508) 461-5255 or rjmullen@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------------------• • check out our: HAMPTON - On Saturday, February 6th, over robotics teams will spend the day competing in the Have A 60 Happy VEX Winter Classic, hosted by the Winnacunnet High School Engineering Team. Robots designed, & Safe built, and programmed by students representing high schools and organizations from New Hampshire, SHOP now selling: Halloween AMassachusetts, Paint-Your-Own Skateboard, BMX and Maine, will compete in a fast-paced and fun game, this year called Nothing But Net. ntals re and Scooter gear birthdays Pottery Studio private lessons Children, teens, and adults will enjoy watching these exciting two minute rounds and skills challenges, $20 Family Deal ForbyKids and ceremony. The public is invited from 9am to 4pm at the Winnacunnet High followed an awards Adults of All Celebrating more than three decades of s School Gymnasium,Ages 1 Alumni Drive, Hampton, NH. Come for the day or just drop in for a little e North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper Classes & Parties people with developmental disabilities an while to watch these amazing robots in action. Admission is free, and concessions and raffle drawings CLAY GLASSFor FUSING 755 Banfield Rd. S will be& available. more information please visit www.robotevents.com or call 603-997-1837. 795 Washington Rd. 72 Mirona Road, Portsmouth, NH Portsmouth,NH 03 -----------------------------------------------------------New England’s Premier Rye, NH 03870 Call for a tour (603)379-1898 603-431-7682 603-436-6111 Skate and Bike Park NEWBURYPORT - February Vacation603-964-81444 Week Flyby at Joppa Flats, Monday thru Wednesday - Our www.fireflypottery.net www.oneskyservic www.sanctuarycarerye.com www.RYEAIRFIELD.com 603.964.2800 school vacation programs offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities while we keep minds active and hands busy during school break with free-flow learning for the whole family. Each session offers a different theme, with scheduled family presentations and something to engage hearts and minds eat in take out for all ages and interests. For ages 7 and up, there are STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and Cleanouts & Disposal LLC math) activity stations featuring experiments, challenges, data sheets, maps, and charts. For ages 2 to 6, JUNK REMOVAL SERVICE there are stories, crafts, table top games, coloring pages, and science activities. Family presentations will WE DO ALL THE LOADING be offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Fly by for an hour or stay all day for a vacation activity that suits single item to whole house cleanout 978-465-2225 10 & 15 yard dumpsters available your family schedule. Mon, Feb 15, 2016; 10:00 am - 3:00 pm; Tue, Feb 16, 2016; 10:00 am - 3:00 Let Me Cook for You Tonight! pm; and Wed, Feb 17, 2016; 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Fee: adult, free; child, $8. Family maximum: $32. No preregistration Home cooked ready meals available! required. For more information, call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and . Call for GiuseppesFineFood.com 257 Low St Newburyport Free Estimate 603-770-7551 stimat 603-770 events, or visit the website at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats. gerrypalmer@palmercleanouts.com -----------------------------------------------------------www.palmercleanouts.com ROWLEY - The Rowley Book Club is currently reading An Untamed State by Roxane Gay. Mireille lives a fairy tale life as the daughter of a wealthy Haitian until she is kidnapped. When her father refuses to pay the ransom, she is tormented by her captor, a man called The Commander, who resents her privileged world, far from the crushing poverty of the rest of the country. Pick up a copy of the book at the library, then join us for a discussion on Thursday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. March’s title will be Elephant Company by Vicki Croke. The Rowley Public Library is located at 141 Main Street and is fully accessible. For more information, call the library at 978-948-2850. -----------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - Please join us for a fantastic display of hard-working, The local flavor tastes better than ever. talented children in PGS’s presentation of “Once on this Island”. 48-8696 •Route www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.com 1, Portsmouth • 436-0717 Students of Pine Grove School will perform Once on this Island on www.dinnerhorn.com Saturday, February 6, with shows at Triton Regional High School at www.bratskellar.com 2 pm and 6 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, available by emailing Kim Geyer (kimmyg_99@comcast.net) or $13 at the door. The show, featuring 45 fifth and sixth grade students, as well as a 20-person Happy Halloween fourth grade chorus, tells the story of a young girl on a Caribbean island who wishes for excitement and is sent on a journey that tests from all of us at the power of love. -----------------------------------------------------------SALISBURY - The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack will meet at 7:30 PM on Wednesday February 10th at the East Parish Methodist Church, Salisbury Square (route 1), Salisbury, MA. Stuart Deane will speak on the Vermont Volunteers and his 3 ancestors. 76 Exeter St. Admission is free and anyone with an interest in America’s Civil War Newmarket, NH 03857 is invited to attend. For more information visit our web page www. 603-659-2303 Holy Family Hospital,named to cwrtm.org or call Tom at (978) 462-8518. America’s Top 100 Hospitals -----------------------------------------------------------by Healthgrades® for 2015 TRITON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - Preschool Information Nights: Newbury Elementary School - January 27, 6:30 pm; Salisbury Elementary School - February 3, 5:30 pm; Pine Grove holyfamily-hospital.org School, Rowley - February 9, 5:30 pm. Kindergarten Information Nights: Newbury Elementary School - February 3, 6:30 pm; Pine Grove School, Rowley - February 4, 6:00 pm; Salisbury Elementary 29 Lafayette Rd. School - February 9, 5:30 pm

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Competition • Sports • Sports Sports By John McCarthy, Rowley Realty Spring is just around the corner, and if 2016 is anything like 2015 we will see multiple offers on desirable properties. Great news if you are a seller, but it can put fear into the hearts of a prospective buyer. In these circumstances, a property’s asking price and its selling price can vastly differ, as multiple offers can drive the price way up. Good thing for a seller, not so much for a buyer. When a buyer thinks “bidding war” all logic can leave them, and we will hear things like “not interested anymore” or “was going to make an offer but don’t want to now”. Stop. Relax. Consult. If you are considering buying this popular property strategize with your REALTOR® and come up with a game plan. Here are some things you should be doing while contemplating your offer: Most of the time the seller will want and choose the offer with the best price. Not always though. You might be surprised to find that there are often other factors that go into a winning offer. Here are a few things you as a buyer can do to feel in control of the situation and that will assist you in getting the house: Financing: Make sure it is secure. You must have a preapproval letter with your offer AND make sure your mortgage agent knows you have made an offer. Your mortgage agent should be ready for a call from the seller or seller’s REALTOR® asking questions about your credit worthiness. Encourage the seller to place that call as well. Streamline: Your Offer: Do you need a financing and/or home inspection contingency? Most people do and should have them in your offer, but, if you aren’t going to do a home inspection why have the contingency in the offer? Love Letter: As I mentioned before, it isn’t always 100% about the money. Selling your home is an emotional process, even more so for someone who has lived there for a long time. Maybe the seller raised a family and would love to sell it to a young couple starting out. If you are that young couple, TELL THEM. Saw a terrific letter this past spring where a young couple pointed out the chart on the wall showing the kid’s growth in height. They wrote that they wanted to do the same thing and would be willing to cut the trim out and give it to the seller! Wow, talk about pulling at the heartstrings. Assess: Are you competing against one other bidder or are

there 3 or more? By knowing this you can gain insight on what you need to do to get the house. Wow Them: Typically when you sign a Purchase and Sale document you put 5% of the purchase price into an escrow account. This money can be used as part (or all) of your down payment at closing and is fully refundable (assuming it is in writing in your offer) if your home inspection is unsatisfactory, or if you are denied financing. Why not increase this? If you are putting 20% or more down at closing, put it in your offer. It looks good and again is fully refundable depending on the structure of your offer. Be Flexible: Even if you have no interest in the two grand pianos in the living room let the seller know you are willing to let them leave them. Not only will that save them money, you might be seen as the only buyer “willing to work with them”. Find out when they want to close or if they want to rent back to you until they find a place. Remember you are competing with others, be as accommodating as possible. Pricing: Saved the best for last. Talk with your REALTOR® and see what similar properties are selling for. Figure out what is the most you would pay for a home and what is the most you would pay for this home? Don’t over extend yourself but if you think it is worth $350,000 offer that. Don’t walk away because there are two other offers. Who is to say that those offers won’t be $320,000 and $345,000? There is no rule that says that all offers have to be over the asking price. Conversely, don’t be one of those $320,000 offers if you think the house is worth $350,000. Put your best foot forward. I tell my buyers to think of this; you didn’t get the house, you moved on and are reading the paper, you see that the home sold for X. What is your reaction? If it is “well, that buyer paid waaaay too much for it, I’m glad we didn’t go there” or is it “shoot, we were going to offer more than that, what a deal. We really missed out”. Figure out what number falls between these two reactions. In Writing: Write everything into the contract. Your offer to purchase becomes a binding contract when the seller signs and you need all of your terms and conditions written in. Don’t be afraid of multiple offers. Believe it or not you still have some control. There are only a few things

that can happen if you get into competition. The seller can accept your offer (smile!). The seller can accept someone else’s offer (buying this house wasn’t “meant to be”). Or the seller can work with your offer by countering. They can also ask that everyone submit their best and final offer. Just remember, although emotions can run high and it’s not the most fun scenario for buyers, you should understand that competition isn’t a reason to walk away. Give it your best shot; you might be happy you did. If you have any questions about this article, real estate in general or are looking to buy or sell a home please contact me, John McCarthy at Rowley Realty, 165 Main St., Rowley, MA 01969, Phone: 978 948-2758, Cell 978 835-2573 or via email at john@rowleyrealestate.com

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IPSWICH: Incredible ocean views. Ipswich Bay, Little Neck, Sandy Point, Plum Island and beyond. Only a short walk to Pavillion beach and park. The over two dozen windows gives this home a warm sun filled feel. The second floor addition, completed in 2008 is simply spectacular. Features lots of windows with spectacular views and a composite deck overlooking the ocean will take your breath away. This second floor also features a gas fireplace, half bath, ceiling fans and office area. Mud room opens to a wood burning fireplace in living room. Kitchen and a small room (with great views as well) that could be used as a sitting room or even a dining room are on the first floor. Master bedroom has a huge walk in closet. Big front to back trex deck into a nice backyard with a big shed. Carport and parking for 3-4 other cars. One of a kind views, one of a kind home. Septic system has passed Title V. Offered at $499,900. Call John at 978-835-2573 for more information and an appointment to see.

ROWLEY REALTY 165 Main St., P.O. Box 101, Rowley, MA 01969 Phone 978-948-2758 • Fax 978-948-2454 www.rowleyrealestate.com

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Health & Wellness Brighter Smiles...

The Insurance Conundrum - Part 2

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Last week I started writing about why dental insurance is in the state it is in. The main reason there is no “good� dental insurance is because to make it better would not be profitable for insurance companies. If you missed the first part, you can read it at www.thetowncommon.com. You have health insurance not only for routine doctor visits, but for “catastrophic� events. An operation/hospital stay could bankrupt you. Thus, even at high premiums, health insurance is a must have for most people. But look at dental work -really, what’s a reasonable “bad� scenario for dental work? $5,000 a year? Ok, let’s even double that to $10,000 -- how much premium are you willing to pay to protect against that? I’m going to guess the answer is “not much.� This is why the majority of dental insurance limits have not changed in over 40 years. So really, we’re all sort of stuck. To provide “full coverage,� an insurance company would have to charge more for premiums than a consumer would deem worth spending. So we get this

hybrid - this is covered up to that amount/waiting periods/ low maximums/no coverage at all - scenario that we’re in. This really helps nobody -- insurance companies don’t like it, as a dentist, I don’t like it, and worst of all, patients don’t like it. To make the situation even worse, there are a ton of dental insurance companies that have popped-up providing lower premiums. As a consumer that might sound great. However, logic would tell you that this must come at some cost. And it does. The only reason a dentist would sign-up for these plans is to attract new patients. Still sounds good – right? Let me give a simple example. Let’s say that two patients need the same treatment for $1000. Patient #1 has no insurance – or insurance that pays a percentage but allows the dentist to balance bill the patient for the difference. Patient #2 has a discounted dental insurance plan that this dentist accepts, but because of their “agreement� only allows the dentist to charge $700. Realizing that a dental office is a small business, the question that pops into my mind is – Is the dentist’s $1000 fee for Patient #1 inflated to make-up the difference for the patients who have a discounted plan, or does the dentist have to cut some corners for Patient #2 to make it work for their business

model? I don’t know about you but I don’t like either scenario. If I needed a knee replaced and the doctor said that because of my insurance plan she was going to have to do the procedure in half the time and use less than optimal materials to make the procedure worth doing for her, that wouldn’t make me feel very good. There is no easy answer to solve this problem. It is important to understand that dental insurance is not really “insuranceâ€?‌it is a rebate. If you have it, great, use it. But don’t let it, or lack it, be used as an excuse. You, as a consumer and patient, have to decide who is in charge of your dental health. It is obvious that insurance companies do not have your best interest at the top of their priority list. Next week I will give a few examples of situations where patients are putting their dental health at the top of their priority list. Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to healthcentered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/ blog

Senior Scene New Year, New You...

Did you make a list of resolutions for the New Year? How are you doing so far? They say if we can keep a resolution for 21 days, we’re likely to stick with it. Here are some ideas to make 2016 a healthier, more active year. • If you always hear about local events after the fact, sign up for online notices for museum exhibits, special readings at the library, lectures and lunches at the senior center. • Consider taking a class. Reducing the risk of falls and senior driving safety are both worthwhile. Check the

•

•

•

education department course catalog for something new and fun. Classes even might be free for seniors. Do a puzzle a day. It doesn’t matter what kind. Crossword, scrabble, solitaire are all good brain stretchers. Go online to AARP at games.aarp.org for free games. Get out of the house once a day. Walk to the mailbox, set up a walking routine with a friend (even if you have to go to the local rec center) or pick a different place to visit every day. Eat something that’s good for you at least a few times per week, even if you don’t especially care for it. If you don’t like green vegetables, for

example, scan the Internet for recipes that will make them more palatable. Do you have a smoothie blender? Many ingredients can be combined to taste better together. • Consider upgrading your technology knowledge. If your grandchildren have smartphones, think about whether you might benefit from having that instant contact with them, rather than waiting until you open email to see the latest photos from them. • Look up old friends. If you’re not familiar with social media, take a class, and especially learn about the safety aspects. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.


PUZZLE ANSWERS

January 27 - February 2, 2016

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Single Lambs looking for that something isn’t as right as it should be. romance could find Cupid especially accommodating this SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A colleague week. Paired partners also find their relationships benefiting could be more supporting of one of your efforts. But it’s from the chubby cherub’s attention. up to you to make the case for it, and that could mean TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Keep your keen Bull’s eye opening up a secret or two, which might be a problem focused on your target, and shake off any attempt to turn your for you. attention elsewhere. You should get some news later in the SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) week that might answer some questions. Expect some good news about a relative you’ve been GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your early enthusiasm for (c) 2015 King Features Syndicate, Inc. worried about. But don’t expect the full story to be told a project might have been somewhat premature. Although -- at least not yet. A workplace matter might face shifting you feel positive about it, you might need more information in order to make an priorities. informed decision. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Despite some anxious moments, CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Taking on a new responsibility might seem like you could have good reason to be pleased with how things are turning out. An the politically correct thing to do. But even with the promise of support, was it the end-of-the-week call might hold some interesting information. wisest? Consider reassessing your upcoming decision. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A long-overdue expression of LEO (July 23 to August 22) Apply yourself to completing your task despite all the appreciation could be offered soon. But admit it: You never really expected it distractions that might be interfering with your work. Then reward yourself with a would happen, right? Meanwhile, keep your weekend options open. weekend of fun shared with people who are close to you. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) It’s a good time to dive right into a new VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A business agreement from the past might challenge, whether it’s learning a computer app, or how to drive a stick shift, need to be looked at again. Use this unexpected development to check out other or making a new friend. Whatever it is, good luck. matters related to it. A weekend venture proves to be rewarding. BORN THIS WEEK: You see the wisdom in honesty, and you help others LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Don’t ignore that uneasy feeling about appreciate your vision. making a commitment. It could be a case of understandably cold feet, or a warning (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

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tide chart Merrimack River Entrance  42o 49’N 070o 49’W JAN/FEB HIGH LOW 27 Wed 1:26 7.95 28 Thurs 2:08 7.96 29 Fri 2:51 7.95 30 Sat 3:36 7.92 31 Sun 4:23 7.87 01 Mon 5:12 7.83 02 Tues 6:04 7.81 03 Wed 6:57 7.86 04 Thurs 7:51 8.00

1:41 2:24 3:09 3:56 4:46 5:38 6:33 7:29 8:23

8.51 8.26 7.98 7.68 7.38 7.11 6.93 6.87 6.95

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