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InnovatHER Promotes Women-owned Businesses By Stewart Lytle, Reporter –––––––––––––––––

Newburyport Holiday Invitation Nights Pages 9 - 12 Photo provided by Lisa Summerville

Give Yourself a Lifetime Gift Page 2

Jean Wilson Music Series has Been Expanded Page 2 Ipswich Rotarian Helps Change Lives in the Philippines Page 2

FREE Cheaper Electricity May Be Coming in 2016

December 16 - 22, 2015 Vol. 12, No. 7

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From left, PICCPerfect’s Emily Levy and Maria del mar Gomez.

REGIONAL – Emily Levy contracted severe chronic Lyme disease eight years ago as a sophomore at Babson College. To battle the disease with intensive medications, she had to wear a peripherally inserted central catheter or PICC line in her left arm. The PICC line opening was exposed on the outside of her skin. As much as she hated the symptoms of her disease, she loathed having to wear her PICC line as she attended college classes, social events and even a Bar Mitzvah. To hide it she wore a sock on her arm, which left her depressed, selfconscious and exhausted worrying about the PICC line’s appearance and the risk of it being pulled on. “What cute guy is going to ask a girl out with a PICC line in her arm,” she told an audience this month of other women entrepreneurs during the U.S. Small Business Administration’s InnovatHER 2016 challenge. The Babson senior tried wearing PICC line protectors available on the market, but found they did not work as advertised or were

By Stewart Lytle, Reporter ––––––––––––––––– NEWBURYPORT – The 7,500 consumers of electricity in this city will have the chance in early 2016 to join other municipalities in the Commonwealth in saving money on their power bill. The savings could be as much as four or five cents per kilowatt hour, which should be welcome news to National Grid customers who are seeing a hike this month to more than 13 cents/kWh. Photo by Stewart Lytle An electric bill is divided into two parts: delivery Electric meters in and supply. Delivery costs are still regulated and Newburyport can only be provided by the local utility, which Continued on page 3

Cinderella Visits Rowley Library

unflattering. After six months, she had the PICC line withdrawn, but the experience created a fire in her to find a solution for millions of patients who need to wear an exposed PICC line. That led to founding PICCPerfect with Yousef Al-Humaidhi, then also a Babson student. PICCPerfect, which is managed by Levy and other Babson students and recent graduates, manufactures fashionable medical accessories. Its first product is a PICC line cover, which safely protects the exposed line with an attractive, stretchy piece of fabric that can be worn in public without embarrassment. Levy’s presentation to the conference, attended by more than 50 people at the Chestnut Innovation Center in Amesbury, won her company the chance to compete regionally in InnovatHER, the SBA Summit for womenowned businesses. The top three national winners receive prizes of $40,000 for first prize, $20,000 for Photo courtesy of Hermayne A. Gordon second and $10,000 for first. SBA’s InnovatHER, the Triton senior, Abbey Killam visited the Rowley Public Library today, December Continued on page 3 9, to read to the story time kids!

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How to Submit Letters to the Editor

Letters To The Editor To the Editor:

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: The Editor c/o The Town Common 77 Wethersfield St. Rowley, MA 01969 or preferably via e-mail to: editor@thetowncommon.com.

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serves the communities of the Upper North Shore of Mass. & Coastal New Hampshire and welcomes your participation. Send your Organization or Group Notices, Birth or Engagement Announcements, Photos, Articles and Letters to the Editor, by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail to: 77 Wethersfield St., Rowley, MA 01969 Phone: 978-948-8696 Fax: 978-948-2564 E-mail: news@thetowncommon.com

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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

In loving memory of Liz Ichizawa, Reporter (1956 - 2005)

Community Announcements

On behalf of Deborah Smith, Executive Director, as well as staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and most importantly clients, I would like to extend our Connections sincere gratitude to theCommunity community for supporting our winter coat drive. Many people have warm winter coats thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors to Pettengill House’s tenth annual Winter Coat Program. The outpouring of donations from local schools, businesses, faith organizations Business Spotlight and individuals enabled us to provide 374 coats to individuals and families in need. This program is made possible each year through the planning and • For Estate organizational efforts ofReal volunteer and Advisory Board memberSale Peg Brown. Its success is due to her diligent efforts, along with Linda Young who cocoordinated for Coastal Connections. This was our second year collaborating with Coastal Connections on the winter coat drive. Thank you to Rick • Sports • Sports Sports Bartley for generously lending the space in Amesbury. The staff and clients at Coastal Connections transported coats, helped unload and organize, and directed phone calls. Pets, Animals, Plus Once again, Sandi and Dave Schaeffer of Salisbury Discount House loaned us racks to transform the space into a shopping area. Clients were assisted by volunteers who donated their time and energy: Monica Blondin, Pam Brown, Deb Casey, Maria Chanin, Jan Epps, Board Director member Karen French, Health &of Fitness Richard Henderson, Noreen and Wally Hager, Cindy Lee, Martha Muldoon, John Noble, Donna Scott, Kelly Seyler, Patty Smyrski, Linda Young, Marie Zappala-Stewart. Some volunteers helped clients shop, some transported the coat racks and some spent many hours organizing the coats and space. This program could not have happened without them. Our gratitude also goes to Ozzie Morrill and The Amesbury Fire Department for use of tables, Newburyport Mothers and Families Club, AHS Honor Society and AMS Peer Leaders. Special thanks goes to Jennifer Groskin’ s and Sally Leety’ s Clipper Club for donating all the socks from their Socktober drive held at The Nock Middle School. A sky high number of 3,000 socks were donated for people of all ages! It was a great addition to the Coat Program this year! We’d also like to acknowledge the very talented Knitting Club at the Rowley Council on Aging. They delivered boxes of beautifully hand-crafted gloves, hats, scarves and blankets that they worked on all year. To all of the donors who dropped off coats from far and near, all who are too numerous to mention, we send a heartfelt thank you for supporting Pettengill House in its mission to support the basic needs of children, families and individuals! For Sale

December 16 - 22, 2015

Give Yourself a Lifetime Gift

As you rush through the holiday season buying and making gifts for your family and friends, take a moment to consider yourself. Do you have some unfinished business from your past school experience? If you didn’t finish high school, now is the time to get yourself a gift: a high school diploma or equivalent. If you did complete high school but know someone who didn’t, encourage him or her to get this wonderful gift. At Exeter Adult Education you can take evening courses to earn credits to complete your high school diploma. Start with the credits you have already earned (no matter how long ago), add work and military experience, and then find out how many credits you still need. In small evening classes, adult learners study literature, writing, history, math, and science. Pursuing a High School Equivalency Certificate is another way to complete the high school experience. The HiSET® is the five part exam that includes writing, reading, science, social studies and math which replaced the GED® as the test to earn a NH High School Equivalency Certificate. Many people need to take HiSET prep classes to strengthen their reading and writing skills or to remove a little rust with their math skills. FREE HiSET classes are available both mornings and evenings. When you’re ready to take the exam, you can take it right here since Exeter Adult Education is an official HiSET testing center. You may find, as many do, that you’re a better student now than when you were in school before. Age? No problem. People attending adult diploma and HiSET classes range in age from 18-68. As adult learners complete their high school education through this program, many discover new career opportunities, enroll in college, and gain increased self-confidence and satisfaction. To find out what route would be the best way for you to finish your high school experience or for more information about the adult diploma program or HiSET, call 603-775-8457 or visit Exeter Adult Education online at adulted.sau16.org. New classes start in the New Year. This holiday season, give yourself this essential gift. You deserve it.

Ipswich Rotarian Helps Change Lives in the Philippines

Sincerely, Julie Havey, Coordinator of Programs and Volunteer Services

Jean Wilson Music Series has Been Expanded By popular demand The Jean C. Wilson Music Series has been expanded fromthree concerts to four in 2016. The 2016 season will feature the Ensemble Aubade trio playing music of Debussy and Ravel; the Renaissonics playing Renaissance and early Baroque chamber and dance music; Fred Moyer, solo piano, playing music of Sergei Rachmaninoff, Oscar Peterson, and others; and the return of last year’s stars, the acclaimed oboist Peggy Pearson with the Apple Hill Quartet, playing music of Schubert, Chen, and Haydn. The concerts will be held on Sundays, Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 13, and April 10, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, Pleasant Street, Newburyport. “With this expansion, we are more than ever counting on your support,” said Florence Mercer of the Jean C. Wilson Music Series Committee. “Your contribution will support Newburyport’s cultural life. We could not do this without you.” Contributions are tax deductible, and donors receive concert passes. Angel $300,receives six passes; Benefactor $200, four passes; Patron $100, two passes, and Sponsor $50, one pass. Please send checks payable to “First Religious Society” with “Wilson Series” in the memo section to Florence Mercer, 167 Main St., Amesbury MA 01913. If you would like an email reminder about each concert, please include your email address. The Jean C. Wilson Music Series is named for one of the founders and the director of the music series for 28 years. Now, under the auspices of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Music Committee, the Music Series has typically offered three concerts held during the winter months. This coming season the series has been expanded to four concerts. For more information about the concerts go to frsuu.org/ eanwilsonmusicseries or call 9784650602 x401.

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Rotarian Bob Arsenault recently returned from a Rotaplast mission in the Philippines. The Amesbury Rotary Club recently sponsored a medical mission to the Philippines through Rotaplast International, a non-profit organization based in San Francisco. One hundred and twenty two surgical procedures were performed on patients in Cebu City to repair cleft lips, cleft palates, and dental work for patients ranging in age from three months to thirty five years. All medical treatment was free of charge to patients, many of whom travelled up to six hours to the hospital. Medical Director Evelyn Abad explained, “Often children and adults with these deformities are shunned by their community. We give

them a second chance to smile.” The medical team consisted of eight non-medical volunteers from Rotary Clubs in the Greater Boston area as well as a team of surgeons, anaesthesiologist, nurses and Rotarians from California, Washington, Hawaii, and South Dakota. Among the non-medical volunteers was Bob Arsenault of Ipswich Rotary. Donating time, talent, and a bit of money for airfare, Arsenault served as the Quartermaster for the two-week trip. As Quartermaster, Bob handled the logistics of all supplies to and from the site. He joined this mission to give back to those less fortunate, but still was surprised to see how little some of the locals had. He was inspired by the unwavering love the parents showed for their children with birth defects. Having experienced first-hand this powerful resource for change, Bob is committed to focusing on Rotary’s global mission of providing sustainable health care to children and families. Ipswich Rotary President Bob Gravino congratulated Bob and the other members of the club whose financial contributions helped make this mission possible. “The Rotaplast medical mission to the Philippines was an opportunity for Ipswich Rotarians to help children have a normal life, free from the societal and life altering problems associated with facial deformities.” To learn more about Rotaplast, and to see photos and videos of the medical mission, visit www.rotary7930.org and click on “2015 Rotaplast Mission” under the Club Information section

December 16 - 22, 2015

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InnovatHER Promotes Women-owned Businesses Continued from page 1

Innovating for Women Business Summit on March 17 in Washington, D.C., will bring together creative ideas to support women’s efforts to push the limits, break the glass ceiling and create long-term, positive changes in gender equality, the SBA web site states. The pitch session in Amesbury on Dec. 2 was organized through 28 Carrots, an organization founded by Lisa Christine Summerville of Newburyport as a platform to connect women globally and leverage the power of the community for growth and celebration. The organization, 28 Carrots, is also a place for powerful ideation and creativity, according to its web site. Summerville’s event at the Chestnut Innovation Center attracted 13 women-owned businesses from throughout New England. The managing director of Bateau Media, Summerville narrowed the field to five, each of which made presentations in the contest. The other four presenting companies were The Dinner Daily, Diabetic Dabs, Precious Skin Elixirs and Green Pinata Toy Share. The Dinner Daily, created by

Laurin Mills, a former Ernst & Young CPA, is an on-line service that “solves a frustrating and universal problem families face each day: how to put a healthy dinner on the table every night quickly and affordably,” Mills wrote in her presentation. Each week, Dinner Daily develops meal plans, complete with a list of ingredients and linked to on-line coupons for local grocery stores. For an annual subscription of $48, the meal plans, which cost on average less than $85 for the groceries, will feed a family of five dinner for a week. Mills estimates that the plans will save up to $2,500 per year. Elizabeth Sacco, founder of Diabetic Dabs in Middleton, was a stay-at-home Mom who turned entrepreneur after her son was diagnosed with diabetes. She grew frustrated that her son would wipe on his clothes and other fabrics the excess blood from the testing. So she developed and patented a nontoxic, highly absorbent wipe that cleans away the excess blood. The Dabs fit in any blood glucose kit. Precious Skin Elixars, owned by Marissa Bethoney of Boxford, is a collection of nine environmentally friendly skin care products.

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The company is talking with Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue -Since 1954 stores about putting the products on its shelves. •Private & Semi-Private Rooms Green Pinata Toy Share solves the parents’ problem that children An extended Care Community with Baths and Beautiful Views get bored of their toys quickly. • Medicare/ Medicaid certified The company, owned by Shava • Social Services-Speech, Kashalkar, offers a subscription Physical, Occupational, & service where parents can rent Massage Therapies toys. Every few weeks families can exchange five toys for new ones, • Full Activity Program allowing children from six months • and much more... to five years old to continue their www.seaviewretreat.com path of development and stay excited about their toys. MANSION DRIVE • ROWLEY, MA • JUST OFF ROUTE 1A The two subscription services, offered by the company, are $24.99 a month for toy exchanges every six weeks or $39.99 for exchanges every four weeks. The Innovation Center hosted the event because it views womenowned companies as likely tenants Now buying jewelry, gold, coins & more at the center or as partners with the center’s existing tenants. Robert O’Brien, the CEO, said of the 25 companies housed by the Amesbury center, six are womenowned companies. For more informationTheonNorth Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper 28 Carrots, or if you own a woman-owned business and need office space to rent, email lisa@bateaumedia.com or visit RJ www.28Carrots.com.

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Cheaper Electricity May Be Coming in 2016 Continued from page 1

will continue to deliver your power supply over the wires. Under state law, passed in 1996, the supply of electricity is no longer regulated and can be provided by a competitive power supplier. Working with its consultant, Colonial Power Group, and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Newburyport’s energy sustainability office has developed an electricity aggregation plan that brings together the buying power of its more than 7,500 consumers. The Newburyport aggregation plan, approved by the city council, has been sent to the state Department of Public Utilities, which is reviewing it. Colonial Power president Mark Cappadona said he expects the state to approve the Newburyport plan soon, hopefully by the end of the year. The city will then put out a request for proposals from various energy suppliers to bid on providing electricity to the Newburyport consumers. Mayor Donna Holaday will choose the electric provider, and then residents will be notified of the new supplier and the rate for the coming year. Consumers will then have 30 days to opt out of the city’s program. If they do not opt out, they will be included in the

program. Cappadona said he hopes that Newburyport consumers, residents and businesses, will start saving money on their electric bills by March. Earlier this fall, the city of Haverhill enacted its plan where consumers are paying about 10 cents/kWh. The city of Lowell’s plan has a slightly lower rate. Both communities contracted with Hampshire Power to supply their electricity at the lower rate. Cappadona said he expects Newburyport’s rate to come in even lower, maybe around eight cents/ kWh because in the last few months electricity rates have been coming down significantly. The National Grid rate went up this month to 13.38 cents/kWh. The state passed the Electric Restructuring Act, which deregulated the electricity market in hopes of bringing competition to the electric industry and pushing suppliers to compete for consumers with better rates and innovation. According to the city’s web site explanation of the plan, the reason it has taken almost two decades to bring more competition to the market is that suppliers had little interest in soliciting individual consumer because they do not buy enough power. Suppliers prefer to work with a whole community

Relax.. Rejuvenate Relax..Restore… Restore… Rejuvenate which can buy electricity in much larger quantities. That led to the creation of municipal aggregation programs. Colonial Power Group, an independent energy consulting company, specializes in helping Massage, Facials, Yoga Yoga Massage, Facials, local cities and towns to create The North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspape www.GeorgetownMassage.com and manage its Community 978-352-7677 Choice Power Supply, a municipal 939 Salem St Groveland, Ma 01834 aggregation program. It currently works with about 20 Massachusetts communities. The Community Choice Power Supply Program is committed to bringing consistency, predictability, premium customer service and freedom of choice. “Your electricity bill will no longer fluctuate based on market conditions. You will also be Visit our New Location - 55 Main St, Byfield protected from mounting electricity rates as energy prices rise over the • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.co www.anastasiasflowersonmain.com next few years. You can also978-948-8696 be proud to support renewable energy because Mention this ad and receive 10% off 100 percent of the program’s power supply is offset with New Englandbased Renewable Energy Credits,” PET MEMORIES Colonial Power Group states. CPG’s mission is “to provide Perfect the highest quality energy services Gift that will stabilize a community’s We will utility costs while protecting the From TO OUR produce your community from the risks inherent Your LASER keepsake on in the volatile energy markets,” Camera, PROCESSOR, tile, wood, according to its website. leather, Cape Ann Sign granite, Call to 435 S Main St, Ipswich TO YOUR For more information, visit marble, glass 978-356-0960 r e rd O KEEPSAKE!! or acrylic. the city’s web site at http://www. CapeAnnSign.com cityofnewburyport.com. 978-948-8696 • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.c

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December 16 - 22, 2015

Community Calendar

The Stone Pantry Fine Foods & Repurposed Findings

To place an non-profit organization’s event in the Community Calendar for FREE, call 978-948-8696 or e-mail: events@thetowncommon.com and a camera. The tour is limited Classified Ads to 14 participants; no more than

instructor Maura Mastrogiovanni. No registration is required, and all fitness levels are welcome. Bring 4 individuals per sign-up. This is Selling Local Artisan Goods WEDNESDAY MORNING a vehicle-based tour, with limited a mat if you have one and wear Community Calendar Continues . . Class . meets BIRDING stops on the refuge. Meet the comfortable clothes. We are in our twentieth year ranger in the lobby of the Parker every Wednesday evening at the of Wednesday Morning Birding! River NWR visitor center in Rowley Library, 141 Main St., These very popular programs Newburyport no later than 9:00 am from 5:30-7 pm. Sponsored by Located in the Georgetown Building provide an excellent opportunity to OR in the Great Bay NWR parking the Friends of the Library, cost for Supply Plaza explore one of the most productive lot in Newington, NH no later students is $12 or $10 for Friends 105 East Main St, Georgetown birding areas in the country. To than 9:45 am. (Indicate location members. Call 978-948-2850 for 978-769-5946 date, we have seen over 320 species you prefer at time of registration.) more information. of birds on these Wednesday field Preregistration is required for this trips. Wed, Dec 16, 2015 9:30 am program, as enrollment is limited. LECTURE: BIRDING BIG - 12:30 pm. Meet at Joppa Flats Be advised that individual tours BEND AND WEST TEXAS Education Center, One Plum Island may be subject to cancellation. Joppa Flats Education Center Turnpike, Newburyport. $17. No *Please note: Those who call and offers a monthly lecture series on preregistration required. For more leave messages after hours, your natural history topics that is free to information, call 978-462-9998 registration is not confirmed until Mass Audubon members. Children for information about additional you receive a confirmation call ages 8 and up are welcome. Wed, programs and events, or visit the from a refuge staff member. Please Dec 16, 2015 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm. website at www.massaudubon.org/ call (978) 465-5753 to register Meet at Joppa Flats Education joppaflats. for this program. Preregistration Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, 948-8696 • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.com required. For directions to the Newburyport. $4. Preregistration is GREAT BAY NATIONAL refuge, click on this link: http:// not required. For more information, WILDLIFE REFUGE www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_Bay/ call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR! visit/plan_your_visit.html events, or visit the website at www. Wednesday, December 16th and massaudubon.org/joppaflats. Monday, December 28th - both DO-DROP-IN PLAYTIME programs held from 9:00 am – SESSIONS 12:30 pm - Join a refuge ranger for a Every Wednesday morning THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17th behind the scenes tour of Great Bay from 10:30am-12pm – (Ages 0National Wildlife Refuge, located in 4, siblings welcome) Do drop IMAGINE, SING, & LEARN: Newington, NH. Participants will in on Wednesday mornings for DO ANIMALS DECORATE? have an opportunity to visit areas some playtime in the big room. This parent/child program is of the refuge that are not normally We’ll have all our toys pulled out, designed for the creative, curious, open to the public. See a diversity ready for some serious playtime! and active preschooler. Each 90of wildlife habitats while learning No registration required. Newbury minute session offers a structured how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Town Library, 0 Lunt St, Byfield series of activities including original Service is managing this very newburylibrary.org 978.465.0539 songs, movement, dramatic play, special landscape for conservation. hands-on science, and a thematic Consider bringing along binoculars HATHA YOGA snack. You’ll receive coloring pages, Students are led through a song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact series of stretches, strengthening sheet, and a suggested reading list and balancing postures, twists in an electronic goody bag! Thu, and inversions by certified yoga Dec 17, 2015 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16th

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December 16 - 22, 2015 OR Fri, Dec 18, 2015 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Adult, $8/child, $7. Preregistration required. For more information, call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the website at www. massaudubon.org/joppaflats. NEW YEAR CELEBRATION We’ll be ROASTING THE OLD YEAR and TOASTING THE NEW! Bring your submissions for Merrimac Mic Anthology II, if you haven’t already, and a little Christmas cheer!! This will be the last meet of the year! Where has it gone? Spoken word open mic @ Plum Island Coffee Roasters 54R Merrimac Street Newburyport every Thursday night, 6:30pm 9:00pm with featured performer @ 7:30 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18th

gmail.com) or 603-501-9549 for more information or http://www. smartrecovery.org. Free and open to the public SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19th

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.

SATURDAY MORNING BIRDING Our experienced leaders will take you to birding hot spots in the Newburyport/Plum Island area in search of avian activity. Beginners and birders of all skill levels are welcome. Sat, Dec 19, 2015 9:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. $12. No preregistration required. For more information, call 978462-9998 for information about CHRISTMAS IN HISTORIC additional programs and events, NEWBURYPORT or visit the website at www. Come and join us for a Bluegrass massaudubon.org/joppaflats. Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 19th, 2015 at the BEHIND THE SCENES Belleville Congregational Church, REFUGE TOUR OF PARKER 300 High Street, Newburyport RIVER NWR MA….offering a Seasonal blend Held on the following days: of Bluegrass & Acoustic Holiday Saturday, December 5th @9:30 Music. Tickets at the door only: am; Sunday, December 6th @1:00 $15 Adults….Children under pm; Wednesday, December 9th @ 12 & Seniors $10. All seating is 9:00 am; Sunday, December 13th general admission only. The show @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, December will begin at 7:30 PM (doors open 19th @ 9:30 am and Sunday, at 6:45). December 20th @ 1:00 pm. Join a refuge ranger for a behind SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20th the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will PILGRIM be conducted via refuge van, with CONGREGATIONAL several brief “drive by” stops along CHURCH the way. The tour will present an Join us for worship on Christmas “up close and personal” look at the Sunday Dec. 20, 10 a.m. at Pilgrim refuge through the multiple lenses Congregational Church. Including of the cultural history of Plum special music, the worship service Island and the Great Marsh, native will celebrate the birth of Christ. wildlife and their habitats, and A traditional Christmas Eve the role of refuge management in service will be held Thursday Dec. the conservation of these precious 24, beginning at 11 p.m. The natural resources. Participants may Christmas Eve worship service be driven along areas on the refuge includes readings and music and otherwise closed to the public. concludes with a candle-lit singing This guided two hour program is of Silent Night at midnight. most appropriate for older teens Fully accessible, Pilgrim Church and adults. Binoculars and/or a is located at 27 Church Street in camera are recommended, but not Merrimac. All are welcome. For

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SMART RECOVERY The First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist, Newburyport, will be offering “Smart Recovery – Self Management for Addiction Recovery.” SMART Recovery is the leading selfempowering addiction recovery support group. Participants learn tools for addiction recovery based on the latest scientific research and participate in a world-wide community which includes free, self-empowering, science-based mutual help groups. SMART Recovery helps people recover from all types of addiction and addictive behaviors, including: drug abuse, drug addiction, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, prescription drug abuse, sexual addiction, and problem addictions to other substances and activities. SMART Recovery sponsors face to face meetings and daily online meetings. In addition, there is an online message board and 24/7 chat room. The meetings are run by trained Facilitators. Meetings are held every Friday evening from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the lower meetinghouse, classroom A of The First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport. Please contact Rob Burnham (robburnham0449@

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Letters To The Editor December 16 - 22, 2015

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AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL

Community Announcements

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AMESBURY - The Market Street Baptist Church invites the public to attend the Christmas Eve Pageant & Family Candlelight Service on Thursday, December 24th from 5:00-6:00 pm in the church on 37 Market Street, Amesbury MA. The Nativity Story is presented in pageant form along with hymns of celebration of Christ’s birth and is suitable for all ages. The sanctuary is accessible by elevator. -----------------------------------------------------------AMESBURY - This winter the Amesbury Public Library will be offering programs for 7th and 8th graders only. They will meet in the APL Loft, which is on the 3rd floor. We will meet once per month from 3:00-4:00 p.m. January 7th we will be creating thumb tack art, February 4 we will be making jewelry, March 3 create art with Sharpie’s, April 7th make mason jar fairy lights, and May 5th we will be creating art from recycled magazines. Theseprograms are funded by the Friends • of the Amesbury Public Library. For more information, please contact Margie Walker, Teen Librarian at 978-388-8148 or mwalker@mvlc.org -----------------------------------------------------------• GEORGETOWN•- The Friends of the Georgetown Peabody Library are hosting a fundraiser at the Flatbread Pizza Company at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown, MA. Hours are January 5, 2016 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. For each pizza sold - in the restaurant or as take-out - Flatbread Pizza will generously donate $3.50 (large pizza) or $1.75 (small) to the Friends of the Georgetown Peabody Library. For more information, email the Friends at georgetownfol@gmail. com -----------------------------------------------------------GEORGETOWN - Georgetown Theatre Workshop is holding auditions for Sex Please We’re Sixty by Michael and Susan Parker - December 28th and 29th at 7:30 PM at the home of member Danielle Santapaola, 2 Pandora Drive, Groveland, MA 01834. Production Dates: Feb. 26, 27, 28, and March 4 and 5. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Characters (2 Males, 4 Females): Bud Davis – age 70 +; Very elderly, somewhat infirm, chauvinistic, brazen, but likeable. Mrs. Stancliffe – age 60 +; a severe woman both in dress and manner; sensible, practical, punctual, business like, menopausal, but finally radiant and sensuous. Henry Mitchell – age 60+; a mild mannered man who has developed Venusia (female Viagra); eventually comes out of his shell. Victoria Ambrose – age 50+; a renowned author who writes steamy romantic novels; pretty, serious, intelligent, menopausal. Hillary Hudson – age 50+; beautiful, well educated, articulate, and sophisticated in both manner and dress, elegant, charming, and menopausal. Charmaine Beauregard – age 50+; the quintessential southern belle; voluptuous, out-going, gushing, demonstrative, menopausal. Auditions will be cold readings from the script. About the Play: A typical Parker farce with lots of sexual innuendo and menopausal jokes. “Bud the Stud” is a member of the senior set who has sex drive of a teenager. Mrs. Stancliffe, the owner of the B&B is tolerant and who believes in absolute punctuality. Bring in a persistent suitor who has developed a female version of Viagra, a friend who is willing to try the product, a frustrated menopausal romantic novelist and a southern belle with an overactive libido. Dialogue is fun, people go in and out of doors at a typical Parker pace. For additional information, please contact the director: Toscanoevatoscano@comcast.net If unable to The North Shore’sEva Largest Independent Community Newspa attend auditions, please email director about interest so that other arrangements can be made for a reading. ------------------------------------------------------------

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The North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper December 16 - 22, 2015

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HAMILTON - Cape Ann Figure Skating Club, a not-for-profit organization with 35+ years of experience, Starting at will be offering Mommy & Me Skating, Learn to Skate classes and Hockey & Figure Skating lessons at the Johnson Rink at Pingree School in Hamilton, MA starting again this fall. For more information email capeannskatingclub@yahoo.com or Alisa Contreras at 978-882-1777, alisaskates229@gmail. com. -----------------------------------------------------------NEWBURY – Please visit the Newbury Town Library in Byfield to pick up a certificate to bring to Not Your Average Joes in Newburyport any Tuesday night through the end of 2105 and the Friends of the Newbury Library will receive 15% of your food* order, including take out. In exchange for your help you will be entered for a $25.00 Gift Card Drawing. The winner • will be contacted in January, *restrictions apply. Call for details. Must present coupon 2016. Thank you for helping the Book Sale Room Make-Over Campaign! *Excludes Alcohol, Tax and at time of proposal/quote. Offer expires December 31, 2015. Gratuity -----------------------------------------------------------NEWBURYPORT - Looking for a special holiday •gift for the music lover •in your life? How about Proudly serving the North Shore since 1998 season tickets to the Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) Summer Concert Series? MAC now offers a Special 978-356-9900 Holiday Promotion: “Tickets for Two,” including patio seating at any (or all) of MAC 2016 Saturday night performances. There are three options available so it’s easy to find a gift in your price range. Option 1: Tickets for two to six shows - Regular price $50 for two = $300. Special gift price $250 - save $50. Option 2: Tickets for two to three shows - Regular price $50 for two = $150. Special gift price $125 - save $25. Option 3: Tickets for two to one show - Regular price for two = $50. Special gift price $45 - save $5. If you can’t make a show but want to help MAC, you can make a donation to MAC in any amount online or inquire about becoming a Friend of MAC. It’s just that easy. As winter approaches, think about sitting under the stars on a moonlit summer. The Maudslay Arts Center 978-948-8696 Summer Concert• www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.com Series provides the perfect setting for your entertainment pleasure. Last summer MAC celebrated its 23rd season with Opera Night with the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, the classical Aeterna Trio, internationally acclaimed singer/saxophonist Grace Kelly, Boston’s First Lady of Jazz Rebecca Parris, foot-stompin’ country with Don Campbell, jazz singers Donna Byrne and Amanda Carr, The Mystix, Paul Broadnax • Christmas Pops • Hard Candy & Friends, and much more. The 2016 season promises something for every musical taste from classical • Jumbo Cashews to jazz, from country to the Great American Songbook. Maudslay Arts Center is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road, Maudslay State Park, Newburyport MA 01950. The concerts are held rain or shine, moving • Gift Boxes Available inside to the MAC Concert Barn when weather dictates. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a as well as Holiday Gift Baskets picnic dinner, which can be casual or as elaborate as a gourmet meal with tablecloth and flowers and whatever suits the patron’s fancy. Delicious desserts such as seasonal cobblers, brownies, and Hodgie’s ice 4 Broadway • Salisbury cream, cold beverages and coffee may be purchased during intermission, all served by dedicated MAC 978-465-5541 volunteers, who continue to make this non-profit series happen. Saturday performances start at 7 p.m., Open Daily 11am-5pm, Sundays 12-5pm with gates opening at 6 p.m. To purchase seasonal gift tickets online (major credit cards accepted) visit

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Closing at 3pm on Dec 24

Rowley Realty is proud to be your local Realtor® for more than 40 years. This past year we had over $20 Million in sales in the North Shore communities we serve which is an increase of over 40% from 2014!!! Following are the properties we have sold so far in 2015: 31 Pleasant Street, Rowley 570 Haverhill Street, Rowley 235 Main Street, Rowley 591 Wethersfield Street, Rowley 539 Haverhill Street, Rowley 38 Green Needle Lane, Rowley 112 Central Street, Rowley 65 Central Street, Rowley 40 Cross Street, Rowley 9 Intervale Circle, Rowley 21 Hillside Street, Rowley 152 Fenno Drive, Rowley 385 Central Street, Rowley 27 Long Hill Road, Rowley 36 W Ox Pasture Lane, Rowley 8 Rogers Way, Rowley 63 Spencer Knowles Road, Rowley 35 Spencer Knowles Road, Rowley 100 Main Street, Rowley 21 Arthur Gordon Drive, Rowley

75 Glen Street, Rowley 5 Bell Circle, Rowley 535 Haverhill Street, #10, Rowley 164-172 Main Street, #6, Rowley 164-172 Main Street, #8, Rowley 164-172 Main Street, #10, Rowley 9 Vito Court, Unit 9, Rowley 20 Heritage Way, Unit 16, Rowley 31-33 Pleasant Street, Rowley 35 Lorenzo Avenue, Hamilton 148 Main Street, Newbury 313 Sagamore Street, Hamilton 263 Linden Street, Hamilton 138 Jewett Street, Georgetown 123 Killam Hill Road, Boxford P:Alyssa 978-948-8696 • F: 978-948-2564 1002 Drive, #1002, Groveland 9 Spring Street, Unit 2, Salem advertise@thetowncommon.com 288 High Street, Ipswich Lot 6A Merrimac Street, Merrimac Lot 6C Valley Street, Merrimac

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Pauline White and John McCarthy appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and look forward to continue to provide outstanding service in the coming year. If you are thinking of selling or buying in Rowley or the surrounding communities, please call our office at (978) 948-2758, or visit our website at www.rowleyrealestate.com

Warm wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy and peaceful Holiday Season from all of us at Rowley Realty!

The Town Common

The North Largest Independent Community www.TheTownCommon.com Newspaper PageShoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

December 16 - 22, 2015

this program. Christmas seasons are a joyous further information, please call the time, for many they can be a church office at 978-346-8400. NEW! FREE! KIDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; very difficult and sad time. On CONSERVATION CINEMA Monday December 21st at 7:00pm BEHIND THE SCENES On alternating Sunday afternoons we will have what is known as a REFUGE TOUR OF PARKER 1 ALL !/ 9 1 TREES 1. / @ÂĽe 1. / 9 through March, the refuge will be Blue Christmas Service. It is a IT BEGINS WITH and TREES WE 8 z HAVE! $ RIVER NWR Ă&#x201C;n@ĂĄ [ÂŞÂĽÂŞÂ ĂžBalsam @Â&#x161;Ă&#x2014;@Â 6-8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ă&#x153;Â?sĂ?$28.94 ĂŠsĂ ÂŚÂ&#x192; screening FREE, child-friendly Christmas service where, while GreatĂ&#x2014;nÂ&#x161;n[ĂĄÂ&#x2018;ÂŞÂĽ selection ÂŞ| of Economy Held on the following days: films that feature a wildlife and/or remembering those events that Saturday, December 5th @9:30 environmental theme. All films will may have occurred in our life that am; Sunday, December 6th @1:00 be projected on the big screen in can make it hard to rejoice at this pm; Wednesday, December 9th @ the refuge visitor centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awesome time of year, we also remember 9:00 am; Sunday, December 13th auditorium. No preregistration; how a Savior was given, born unto @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, December simply show up! Sunday, December us all and the hope and peace this 19th @ 9:30 am and Sunday, 20th at 1:30 pm: Dolphin Tale: In wonderful gift of God can give. December 20th @ 1:00 pm. an inspirational story of the bond The service will feature a Blue Join a refuge ranger for a behind between animals and humans, a Christmas sermon, ribbon tying the scenes tour of Parker River boy named Sawyer discovers an ceremony on our Christmas tree ,Â&#x161;@Â&#x2018;ÂĽ @ÂĽe n[ÂŞĂ&#x201C;@ĂĄne 9Ă&#x201C;n@ĂĄÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x201C;n@eĂž ĂĄÂŞ Â&#x2026;ÂŞ Â˝[ĂŹĂ&#x2014;ĂĄÂŞÂ @Ăť@Â&#x2018;Â&#x161;@QÂ&#x161;nÂžb National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will injured dolphin, who is brought to a where we give to God those painful Â&#x2018;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Â&#x2018;ÂĽÂ&#x2026; @Â&#x161;Â&#x161;Ă&#x2014;b Â&#x2018;ĂťÂ&#x2018;ÂĽÂ&#x2026; 1Ă&#x201C;nnĂ&#x2014;b .ÂŞÂťÂ&#x2018;ÂĽÂ&#x2026;Ă? @Ă&#x201C;Â&#x161;@ÂĽeb Â&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Â&#x2018;Ă&#x2014;ĂĄÂ @Ă&#x2014; /Â&#x17D;ÂŞÂťb be conducted via refuge van, with marine hospital and named Winter. events, traditional Christmas .n@eĂž @en ÂŞĂźĂ&#x2014; QĂž ÂŞĂ&#x201C;Â&#x161;Â&#x2018;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014; @ÂĽe ĂŹĂ&#x2014;ĂĄÂŞÂ Ă&#x2014; ÂŞĂźĂ&#x2014; Ăť@Â&#x2018;Â&#x161;@QÂ&#x161;nb several brief â&#x20AC;&#x153;drive byâ&#x20AC;? stops along Unfortunately, her injuries cost hymns and Holy Communion. .Â&#x2018;QQÂŞÂĽ QĂž ĂĄÂ&#x17D;n Ăž@Ă&#x201C;e ÂŞĂ&#x201C; .ÂŞÂ&#x161;Â&#x161;Ă&#x2014;b nÂ nĂĄnĂ&#x201C;Ăž ,ÂŞĂĄĂ&#x2014;b ÂŞÂŞĂ&#x201C; /Ăź@Â&#x2026;Ă&#x2014; the way. The tour will present an Winter her tail, without which she Please join us at 120 Main Street, â&#x20AC;&#x153;up close and personalâ&#x20AC;? look at the may not survive. But with Sawyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amesbury, MA. For more ĂŁÂ˛ Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;nĂ˝ .ÂŞ@e .1 Â˛ĂŁĂŁb ÂťĂ&#x2014;ĂźÂ&#x2018;[Â&#x17D; refuge through the multiple lenses devotion, a marine biologistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information, visit our website at of the cultural history of Plum expertise and the brilliance of a www.stjamesamesbury.org or call Island and the Great Marsh, native prosthetist charged with creating the office at 978-388-0030. ÂŞÂĽÂ?/@ĂĄ saĂŁÄ&#x201E; Â? Â&#x20AC;aÄ&#x201E;Ä&#x201E; Z /ĂŹÂĽe@ĂžĂ&#x2014; ÂŚaĂŁÄ&#x201E; Â? Â&#x192;aÄ&#x201E;Ä&#x201E; wildlife and their habitats, and a new tail, Winter may receive a The North Shoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Independent Community Â? Â&#x192;aÄ&#x201E;Ä&#x201E;Newspaper role of refuge management in second chance at life (2011; rated TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22nd ĂźĂźĂźĂ ÂŞĂ&#x201C;Â&#x161;Â&#x2018;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;QĂ&#x201C;ÂŞĂĄÂ&#x17D;nĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă [ÂŞÂ !9Â? !Â˛ĂŁĂŁĂ&#x153;ĂŁÂ˛ĂŠĂ&#x203A; the the conservation of these precious PG; run time: 113 mins.) Anyone Ă ÂŞĂ&#x201C;Â&#x161;Â&#x2018;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;QĂ&#x201C;ÂŞĂĄÂ&#x17D;nĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă [ÂŞÂ natural resources. Participants may having a question about a refuge WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIBLE STUDY be driven along areas on the refuge program is asked to contact the The womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible study women otherwise closed to the public. refuge at (978) 465-5753. of the area is again meeting every -948-8696 â&#x20AC;˘ www.thetowncommon.com â&#x20AC;˘ advertise@thetowncommon.com This guided two hour program is Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 most appropriate for older teens MONDAY, DECEMBER 21st a.m. at The Meeting House, the and adults. Binoculars and/or a chapel at New Creation Healing camera are recommended, but not BLUE CHRISTMAS Center, 80 Route 125, Kingston, required. Meet the ranger in the SERVICE AT MAIN STREET NH. No previous experience with Call for a tour and lobby of the Refuge visitor center CONGREGATIONAL Bible study is necessary. For more 15 minutes prior to the program CHURCH information call Veronica at 603meet our staff start time. Each session is limited On Saturday, December 21st at 7 893-0725. to 14 participants; no more than p.m., Main Street Congregational 4 individuals per sign-up. Again, Church of Amesbury, United WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER this is a vehicle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based tour, Church of Christ, will offer a special 23rd Ask about our Referral Program with limited stops on the Refuge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blue Christmasâ&#x20AC;? service. This Advance registration is required service, held on the longest night of WEDNESDAY MORNING UPCOMING CLASS INCLUDES: for this program, as enrollment is the year, is a Remembrance Service BIRDING ONE WEEK ACCELERATED COURSE limited. Be advised that individual designed for those who are grieving We are in our twentieth year December 26th to 30th, from 8am to 3pm tours may be subject to cancellation. or struggling and need to hear the of Wednesday Morning Birding! *Please note: Those who call and hope and promise of Christmas These very popular programs 2016 Courses Now Registering! th th pm pm leave messages after hours, your after a death or in the midst of provide an excellent opportunity to Jan 12 - Feb 11 Tues/Thurs, 5:30 to 8:30 registration is not confirmed until medical or emotional struggle. The explore one of the most productive Free pick up and drop off at home. you receive a confirmation call biblical story of Christmas is told birding areas in the country. To Shoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newspaper 19The MacyNorth Street (Rte 110) Largest Independent Community from a Refuge staff member. Please in the context of gentle music and date, we have seen over 320 species Amesbury, MA call (978) 465-5753; to register for candlelight, with time designated of birds on these Wednesday field for silent reflection. For more trips. Wed, Dec 23, 2015 9:30 am information, contact Rev. Joan - 12:30 pm. Meet at Joppa Flats MacPherson at 978/388-0982 or Education Center, One Plum Island visit the church website at www. Turnpike, Newburyport. $17. No the Personal service you deserve main-street-church.org. preregistration required. For more â&#x20AC;˘ Closer Relationships information, call 978-462-9998 North Shoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Independent Community News â&#x20AC;˘ Connect 24/7/365 via cell, text & email The ST JAMES BLUE CHRISTMAS for information about additional Blue Christmas Service at St. programs and events, or visit the â&#x20AC;˘ Limited Patients 78-948-8696 â&#x20AC;˘ www.thetowncommon.com â&#x20AC;˘ advertise@thetowncommon.com James: December 21st at 7pm. website at www.massaudubon.org/ â&#x20AC;˘ Low Membership Fee While for many the Advent and joppaflats. â&#x20AC;˘ For you and/or your entire family â&#x20AC;˘ Dedicated to the best possible health Continued from page 5

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The Town Common Newburyport Memorial Art, Co. Consigli Stone Creations Memorials in granite, marble and bronze Cemetery Lettering . Monumental Cleaning Granite Countertops . Signs . Mailbox Posts . Steps Peter Consigli, Owner 96 Newburyport Tpke (Rte 1) Newbury 978-465-7772 www.consiglistonecreations.com

December 16 - 22, 2015

www.TheTownCommon.com

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Newburyport

Holiday Invitation Nights December 4th, 11th & 18th

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Get Real! Beating Holiday Weight Gain

Get Real! Beating the Holiday Weight Gain

The Town Common

that exercise gives you permission to 3. Pick your indulgences. Don’t eat everything in sight, you’re fooling eat calories in out waste on so-so sweets or take yourself. treats you aren’t wild about or can get © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc. any time of year. Enjoy those once-a-

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treats aren’t pleasures. distractedly, it doesn’t register. yearyou holiday wild about or 9. Avoid temptation traps. Toss time toand stave offre-gift stress. can 4. getSchedule any time leftovers quickly food between of those ofInyear. Enjoyallpresents or holiday pass themactivialong to those co-workers, or a ties, beonce-asure to pencil ina local someshelter downyear holiday food bank. time, exercise time or whatever time pleasures. 10. Remember that exercise you need for yourself. Get stressed 4. Schedule is not a license to eat. Feeling out, and you’ll be too exhausted time to stave virtuous because you workedto out goodInfood choices. offmake stress. before the party? Good for you. between all of But if you think that exercise gives 5. Instead of coming in at night and those holiday you permission to eat everything heading straight foryou’re the fridge, try a activities, be in sight, fooling yourself. relaxation sure to pencil inritual. Dim the lights, sit some downtime, (c) 2015 King Featuresand Synd.,just Inc. down in your cushiest chair exercise time or relax for a few minutes. whatever time Learnforto say no. You don’t have you 6. need yourself. to attendGet all of the parties and events stressed out, on the calendar. You’ll save calories, and you’ll be time and stress. And if someone tries too exhausted to to force food on you despite your proDepositphotos.com make good food testations, try humor. Say something choices. 5. person Instead of like, coming“Sorry, in at I’m allergic to that — Studies show average Studies show thatthat the the average night and heading straight person gains 1-2 pounds between gains 1–2 pounds between Thanks- every timeforI eat it I break out in fat.” the fridge, try a relaxation ritual. Thanksgiving Year’s,while giving and and NewNew Year’s, people 7. Stay right where you are. Instead in your while people who are already Dim the lights, sit down who are already overweight pack on andof justtrying relax fortoa lose weight for the holioverweight pack on 5 pounds or cushiest chair 5 pounds or more. weight days, give yourself a big present by more. But gaining weightBut over gaining the few minutes. 6. Learn to sayjust no. You don’t over the holidays not inevitable. holidays is not inevitable.isHere trying to maintain your weight. have to attend all of the parties are 10 practical tips to come out Here are 10 practical tips to come 8. Sit down You’ll — and enjoy. Give everyof theof holiday season in as good a inand out the holiday season asevents goodona the calendar. save calories, time thing and stress. shape as you went in. youAnd eat your complete attention. shape as ayou went food 1. Take good lookin.at the if someone tries toIfforce you eatonsomething distractedly, it despite your protestations, calendar. Holidays are interspersed 1. Take a good look at theyoucalendar. doesn’t register. try humor. with regular days. After every Holidays are interspersed with regu-Say something like, -- every holiday, head straight back to “Sorry, I’m allergic to9.that Avoid temptation traps. Toss leftlar normal days. eating Afterroutine. every holiday, head time I eat it I break out in fat.”quickly re-gift food presents your overs and straight your normal eating 7. Stay right where you are. 2. Try theback 80/80toapproach. If or pass them along to co-workers, a routine. you shoot for the perfect diet, Instead of trying to lose weight give shelter yourself or a food bank. you are likely to fail. Instead, eat for the holidays,local 2. Try the 80/80 approach. If you North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper to 80 percent of the things that are a big present by just 10.trying Remember that exercise is not shoot forforyouthe perfect diet, you your are weight. maintain healthy 80 percent of the a license to eat. Feeling virtuous likely to fail. Instead, eat 80 percent of -- and 8. Sit down enjoy. Give time. because you you eat your complete worked out before the 3. Pick your that indulgences. Don’t everything the things are healthy for you 80 Good for you. But if you think eat something waste calories on so-so percent of the time.sweets or attention. If you party?

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Page 10

December 16 - 22, 2015

Newburyport

The Town CommonHoliday Invitation Nights

The North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper

December 4th, 11th & 18th

Carol, Broth

By Lucie W

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Carol, Brothers, Carol by Lucie Winborne

It’s the week before Christmas in the Whitechapel District of London, 1888. Newspapers have been breathlessly reporting a series of murders attributed to a man calling himself Jack the Ripper. Thus far only women of the night have been his victims, but who knows where he might strike next? And a young local girl named Carol Poles is missing. A group gathers to go from house to house in search of her, but people are afraid to open their doors. To ease their fears, the searchers sing traditional Christmas songs. Despite their efforts, young Carol is never found, but her community doesn’t give up. Each year just before Christmas they travel from door to door with their songs ... and the tradition continues to this day, sharing the tunes now known as Christmas “Carols.” *** A rather romantic if tragic story, isn’t it? Pity there probably isn’t a grain of truth to it, as the custom of Christmas caroling existed decades before little Carol supposedly vanished. But then, how did it start? Well, the exact history is a bit 341 High St, Newburyport 978-465-9028 murky. One account dates to the marriage of Germany’s Prince The North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper Albert to Britain’s Princess Victoria in 1840, claiming that after learning the prince thoroughly enjoyed Christmas carols, peasants 978-948-8696 • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.com serenaded him with them, beginning IMAGINE a tradition.ÊThe custom has also been traced toÊMethodists and being FREE from Lutherans who brought a modified version of it to America,Êas well as • Smoking theÊancient Romans and the pre• Alcohol Christian Festival of Yule. • Weight Loss Challenges But the most likely explanation appears to lie in an ancient English • Anxiety/Depression custom called the “waits” -- going massage • Sleep Disorders from house to house and singing in

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exchange for food, which resurfaced It’s the week before Christmas in the in Victorian District England and America Whitechapel of London, 1888. and is best described the carol Newspapers have beeninbreathlessly reporting seriesa-Wassailing.” of murders attrib“Here We aCome And uted to a man himself Jack the if you’ve evercalling stopped to wonder Ripper. Thus“wassailing” far only women of the just what means, it night have been his victims, but who traces back to the Old Norse ves knows where he might strike next? heill, “be well in good Andmeaning a young local girl and named Carol health.” Poles is missing. it to is also said house that AInterestingly, group gathers go from to house in search her, but people carol singers wentof from door to are afraid to open theirwere doors.banned To ease door because they their fears, the searchers tradifrom churches during thesing Middle tional Christmas songs. Ages for their taking the young word Carol “carol”is Despite efforts, (to sing and dance in a circle) too never found, but her community doesn’t literally, thereby give up. Each yeardisrupting just beforesolemn ChristChristmas masses! mas they travel from door to door with their songs... the tradition continThese days,and however, it seems as if ues to this day, thehas tunes now this beloved oldsharing practice largely knownthe as way Christmas ” What gone of the“Carols. dinosaur. happened? *** there areifseveral theories, AAgain, rather romantic tragic story, isn’t ranging fromprobably decreased it? Pity there isn’t neighbor a grain of truth to it, as to the custom Christmas interaction simply ofbeing too caroling existed decades before busy or nervous about singinglittle in Carol supposedly vanished. then, public. Another claims that But caroling how did it start? was never as widespread as we Well, the really exact history is a bit murky. assume. But if you get the chance One account dates to the marriage of to participate in aAlbert strolling holiday Germany’s Prince to Britain’s Princess Victoria claiming songfest this year,inI 1840, can think of that better after learning the this prince thorno advice than refrain oughly by enjoyed carols, written WilliamChristmas A. Muhlenberg peasants serenaded him with them, in 1840: Carol, brothers, carol, Carol joyfully, Carol the good tidings, Carol merrily. And pray a gladsome Christmas For all good Christian men; Carol brothers, carol, Christmas day again.” (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Whether they adorn city-street posts or front doors, holiday wreaths 8-948-8696 • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.com lampposts or front are as much a symbol of doors, the seasonholiday as silver bells and carols...wreaths and they've are as much a symbol of the been around for longer than you might . 978-462-3121 season as silver bells 178 Low St, Newburyportthink. and carols ... and www.racquetclubnbpt.com A visit back in time with ourbeen pagan they’ve around ancestors reveals that theforWinter Sol-you longer than think. stice, the shortest day might of the year, A visit back meant a great deal to them. In anticiin time with our pation of spring and increased sunpagan ancestors light, celebrants gathered wreaths reveals that ofthe 978-948-8696 • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.com Solstice, evergreen, a symbol of Winter life through the shortestwere day of darkness. In Sweden, candles the year, meant a added to symbolize the sun's power. great deal to them. Ancient Persians donned wreaths as of In anticipation Hearst and finally white iridescent glitter. headbands to symbolizespring importance and increased Insert pinspins, into aand foamuse brick celebrantsbon,gathered securing it the with a and success. Victorioussunlight, Olympians and allow the fruit to dry. Wrap wreaths of evergreen, a symbol of holes in the ribbon were endowed with crowns of laurel craft knife toaninsert 18-inch straw wreath in green life through darkness. In Sweden, where the fruit will go. Insert fruit much like those worn by candles Romanwere leadit withthe pins, and added to symbolize ribbon, securing into the wreath, beginning with the ers, and similar coronetsthe embellished use a craft knife to insert holes in sun’s power. ribbon where thethem fruit will go. donned piecestheand securing with doors as marks of victory. Ancient Persianslarger thean fruit into theribbon wreath, wreaths as headbands symbolize gun. Insert Attach organza A quite different purpose was atoglue importance and success. Victorious beginning with the larger pieces achieved by early Europeans, who with wire and wrap the ends around Olympians were endowed with and securing them with a glue gun. thelike wreath. used wreaths to identifycrowns their ofhomes laurel much those Attach an organza ribbon with wire and wrap the ends the Candy Looking for around a variain much the same way we use house worn by Roman leaders, andCane: wreath. similar coronets embellished doors numbers today, with exotic blooms tion on the traditional circle? A candy Cane: Looking for a as marks of victory. will add a perfect holilikely grown by the homeowner. But cane wreath Candy A quite different purpose was variation on the traditional circle? day statement to your home. while modern wreaths serve a merely cane wreath willDraw add a achieved by early Europeans, who A candy a candy cane shape on a large piece decorative purpose, their inherentto identify their perfect holiday statement to your used wreaths Our Mission at Aurora Ballroom is to inspire people to meaning positivelysurvives transform home. Draw a candy in matemuch the same way wecut of paper, it out and tracecane it shape ontoon a in somehomes of the a large piece of paper, cut it out and their lives and reach their full potential through the journey of learning to use house numbers today, with piece of Styrofoam, then rials we use to make them, such as 2-inch thicktrace it onto a 2-inch thick piece exotic blooms likely grown by the ballroom dance. We strive to provide thorough, supportive and expert dance cut it out with a serrated knife. a holly to represent immortality, cedar of Styrofoam, then cut itWrap out with homeowner. But while modern instruction in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere for all ages and skill levels piece of white felt 4-inches wider than for strength... and best ofwreaths all, a joyous a serrated knife. Wrap a piece of serve a merely decorative white felt 4-inches wider than the the cane around it, using straight pins purpose, their inherent meaning spirit of festivity and welcome. No Partner or Experience Necessary around it, using straight survives in own some of the materialsit cane to attach on the back, then wrappins a Thinking about designing your to attach it on the back, then wrap we use to make them,piece such as of holly Singles and Couples Welcome! wire around the top, forming wreath this season? Thetopossibilities represent immortality, cedar for a piece of wire around the top, loop for a forming hanger.a loop Spread a bunch of endless, but here arestrength a couple Teen and Youth (Ages 5-17) | Adult PrivateareLessons (18+) for a hanger. Spread ... andof best ofaall, a joyous peppermint a candies and candy-cane bunch of peppermint candies and fun and easy suggestions.spirit of festivity and welcome. Wedding Dance | Monthly Group Frosted ClassesFruit: A greatThinking pieces a newspaper about pieces designing on a candy-cane newspaper in on a well-venoption for in a well-ventilated area, and spray your own wreath this season? and spray them with polyeither autumn or winter. Just gather tilated area, them with polyurethane -- making The possibilities are endless, but making all sides an assortment of artificial and of urethane all sidessure are coated -- andare let here fruits are a couple fun and easy—sure coated — and let them dry. Apply thea insert a florist pick into each one. Roll them dry. Apply the candy with suggestions. gun and cane with Fruit: A candy great option with glue a glue gunspray andthe spray the them one at a time in tacky Frosted glue (availtwo more coats of polyurethane. for either autumn or winter. Just cane with two more coats of polyureable at your local craft store), then assortment of artificial Add some sprigs of pine and a thane. Add some sprigs of pine and a Epsom salts, and finally gather whiteaniridesfruits and insert a florist pick into bright red bow to top it all off. bright to top all off. cent glitter. Insert the pins into foam Enjoy youritlovely creation! each one.a Roll them one at a red time bow Enjoy your lovely creation!. brick and allow the fruit into tacky dry. Wrap glue (available at your (c) 2015 King Features craft store), salts, 2015 King Features Synd.,Synd., Inc. Inc. an 18-inch straw wreath local in green rib-then Epsom ©

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Don't Do It! • Sports • Sports Sports By John McCarthy, Rowley Realty In the past I have written extensively about what a homeowner can do to increase the value of their home. Just as there are projects you can take on to improve your home’s value there are “fixes” you may be doing (inadvertently sometimes) to decrease it. A lot of things factor into how

much your home is worth. Many of these factors are unchangeable; the location, school district, quite possibly the square footage and style of home you are in. While many parameters aren’t easily changed, some are under a homeowner’s control. However there are some things that owners will try to change and frankly shouldn’t. Let’s examine some of the top causes of home devaluation and see what, if anything, homeowners can do about them. Removing a Bedroom: Thinking of getting rid of a bedroom to expand another bedroom? Think again. Removing a bedroom is one of those home improvement mistakes that can negatively affect a home’s worth even if you are able to create a larger bedroom. Why? Simple, the more bedrooms you have the more buyers you are likely to attract. The vast majority of buyers use the internet to search for homes. Other than location and price what is the next most likely search parameter? Square footage? Number of bedrooms? There are people searching for homes that will not even consider a 2 or 3 bedroom home. Keep in mind that a lot of buyers typically want separate rooms for their children. Listing prices are set (or at least they should be) by looking at what comparable homes are selling for in the same real estate market, and the number of bedrooms is an important consideration used to compare properties. Reducing the number of bedrooms means fewer potential buyers interested in your home. That said, the impact of removing a bedroom will differ depending on how many bedrooms you start out with. If you have a six bedroom home with several small bedrooms (say, less than 8 by 10 feet), you can possibly justify combining two. Removing closets: People need and want closets! A few years ago I met with a potential home seller who wanted to get an idea on the value of her home. I gave her an idea and she told me she would get back with me. When I came back a few years later she had removed the walk in closet in the master bedroom and put in a master bath. While the new master bath is

nice, the room now has no closets. A mistake and one that made the home that much harder to sell. Turning the garage into living space: Simply put getting rid of a garage makes a home less appealing to a lot of people. I go back to the search criteria I mentioned above. Many buyers want a garage and not having one can certainly sway a buyer as to whether to even look at your home. Not only does this renovation remove a place to put your cars during a New England winter, it will remove valuable storage space for many homeowners. If you’re going to turn a garage into a family room, office or “man town” you may want to consider leaving the garage doors on the outside. When you go to sell, with the garage doors in place a buyer can easily visualize the conversion back to a garage. Additions that don’t match original home: I have run into some excellent examples of this recently. One was a I sold a home that was built in the early 1800’s. It was once a charming home that had multiple additions over time and ultimately was transformed into a home that doesn’t match the original age. While these additions added functionality (an additional bathroom and bedroom) it changed the look of the home to one that is disjointed and doesn’t resemble its original structure. Also, by adding rooms to older homes your materials and finishes can differ from the original house. If you are adding a big addition to say a split level home do you create something that will look out of place? If you are staying there that is one thing but are you really getting your money’s worth at resale? If you are thinking of selling and would like an opinion as to the value of an “improvement” consult with your REALTOR® to evaluate the potential financial impact of it first. You may find out that your improvement will ultimately cost you more money down the road than you thought. 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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the MAC website at www.maudslayartscenter.org, call 978-618-5248 or send a check to Maudslay Arts Center c/o Costello, 182 Whitehall Road, Amesbury MA 01913. -----------------------------------------------------------® NEWBURYPORT - Christmas Extravaganza Room & Thrift Shop are open and ready for your holiday shopping. Belleville Church, 300 High St, Newburyport. 9 to 12 Weds. & Sat. -----------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - The Friends of the Rowley Public Library is holding its 4th Annual Holiday Basket Raffle. Come see the beautiful baskets on display at the Rowley Public Library. Ticket sales began November 21. The drawing will be December 19th @ 1pm in the Library Meeting Room. Win a holiday gift or a 61 State St, Newburyport treat for yourself!! You don’t need to be present to win!! Legos, Baby Dolls, Cookies for Santa, American www.NEMoves.com BBQ, Yoga, the Gift Card Tree and many more. Raffle tickets are available at the Rowley Public Library at 141 Main Street, Rowley. They cost $1 each or 6 for $5. The Friends thank everyone who donated Robin Pagliarulo Lorraine Pesce a basket to the event. Stop in to check out all the baskets. For more information, call the library at Robin.Pagliarulo@NEMoves.com Lorraine.Pesce@NEMoves.com 978-948-2850. -----------------------------------------------------------781-858-2412 978-697-4726 PETTENGILL HOUSE - The Pettengill House is accepting donations of gift cards to support families in need during the holiday season. Although Pettengill House does not have a formalized Christmas holiday gift program, we support and work in conjunction with area holiday gift giving programs for children. Any toy or clothing donation brought to Pettengill House will be distributed to formalized area Christmas programs. Rather than collecting toys, Pettengill is asking for donations of gift cards to assist parents with children that do not have a designated program in their town or who do not qualify Selecting the right club can be challenging, under these programs. We reach many children that might otherwise ® your Realtor • shouldn’t be. 978-948-8696 • determining www.thetowncommon.com advertise@thetowncommon.com go without gifts, especially teens too old to qualify for programs. Selecting the right club can be challenging, Gift cards to areas businesses for clothing, shoes, cafes/food and determining your Realtor shouldn’t be. gas stations are recommended. you are having a holiday party, Choose one that lives, works, and plays here. The Region’s LargestIf Independent Community Newspaper this can be a fun way to involve Choose one that lives, works, and plays here. guests! Gift card donations can be dropped off or mailed to Pettengill House, PO Box 5551, 13 Lafayette Road, Salisbury, MA 01952. As always, monetary Lynette Vallecillo, REALTOR donations are appreciated as well. Lynette Vallecillo, REALTOR Direct: 978-225-0855 Please make checks payable to 30 Years in Business Direct: 978-225-0855 Office: 800-450-7784 Ext 7381 Office: 800-450-7784 Ext 7381 The Pettengill House, Inc. The Email: lynette.vallecillo@beangroup.com lynette.vallecillo@beangroup.com Email: Pettengill House, Inc. is a nonprofit community social service agency providing services to Sold Single Family Homes more than 3,000 men, women, and children, 637 of whom are deemed homeless, in Amesbury, Powers of Attorney, probate representation & land use. Byfield, Groveland, Merrimac, Before you buy or sell, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, get the advice you need to know your rights. Salisbury, and West Newbury. The mission of Pettengill House Call or email me today is to support and empower Chris J. Thornton, Esq children and families by providing 978-910-0130 Services: education, comprehensive case ThorntonLawOffice@comcast.net • Additions management and basic needs; and by coordinating community • Remodeling BUYERS - HOT NEW LISTINGS sent to your inbox! supports that contribute What’s Your Home Worth? • Custom Homes to individual and family Get an instant market valuation by email. www.GetNorthShoreListings.com • Garages stabilization, personal growth www.YourNorthShorePropertyValue.com Gain the competitive edge! • Kitchens (free service by Corinne McKeown, KW Realty) and development. 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