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What's Inside Bartlett Museum Annual Fund Appeal Page 2
Parking Garage ‘Making Progress’ By Stewart Lytle, Reporter ––––––––––––––––– NEWBURYPORT – The New England Development Corp. has asked the Planning Board to postpone any discussion of its plans for the Fitness Factory, the designated site of the new multiple modal parking facility, for at least four months. Photo by Stewart Lytle The planning board interpreted The site of the proposed garage that delay until April 6, the latest in a line of delay requests for this site, to mean the city and NED have not reached an agreement on the sale or joint development of the company’s property at Merrimac and Titcomb streets downtown.
Continued on page 3
Modern Woodmen Fundraiser for Scleroderma Foundation New England a Success Page 2 New Year's Madness Page 4 “Happy Neuter Year” Campaign Page 9
FREE Amesbury Beats Georgetown Last Week: 47 to 35
December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016 Vol. 12, No. 9
Megan Reid (#13) defended by Cayla Durkee (#3).
Photos by Peter McClelland
Pennies for Poverty’s Raises $50,000 to Fight Local Poverty REGIONAL – After you drop spare change in the canister at many local retailers for the Pennies for Poverty 2 Cents 4 Change, you may wonder: Are my pennies and dollars doing any real good? The seemingly ubiquitous canisters have been sitting on the counters of stores, restaurants and gas stations around the community for almost a decade. There is still poverty, people continue to be hungry and homelessness. This year, the Pennies for Poverty program reached a milestone in his fight against poverty that bodes well for the future. It raised a record $50,000 this year. “Our message is getting out there. Pennies has become a good charity to give to,” said Michael Sandberg, Pennies’ president. “Our work raising awareness about local poverty yielded generous contributions from the community. We are grateful for that support.” Since its founding, Pennies has donated more than $125,000
By Stewart Lytle, Reporter –––––––––––––––––
Photo by Stewart Lytle
Paul Abruzzi, manager of Jabberwocky Book Store, holds the store’s Pennies for Poverty canister.
in gift cards, emergency funds and other grants to anti-poverty agencies. As recently as two years ago, the non-profit organization raised $20,000 during the year, less than half what it raised this year. Sandberg attributes the success this year to a growing number of
individuals and corporations that now support Pennies’ fight against poverty with donations and their professional skills. Pennies was founded, according to its web site, “with the belief that if everyone in the community does a little to help those in need, we can substantially reduce poverty
and improve the well being of all members of the community.” Despite the apparent affluence of the North Shore communities, between 2008 and 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey estimates that more than 16 percent of greater Newburyport area residents or about 9,500 people lived in poverty. “Although we have made great strides in our efforts to raise awareness and financial support for those in the Greater Newburyport Area who are struggling with poverty, there is still much to be done” the Pennies’ web site states. The organization is run by volunteers with no paid staff or related expenses. “We direct the full amount of your tax-deductible donation to fill the most urgent and important needs. We make very penny count,” according to the web site. Agencies that received Continued on page 3
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How to Submit Letters 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:
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Bartlett Museum Annual Fund Appeal Community Announcements Dear Editor, The Board of Directors of the Bartlett Museum recently mailed an annual appeal letter asking for Community help to keep the museum Connections open as well as support some major repair projects like painting three sides of the building, plumbing, a new roof and events for next year like a Native American lecture, the Annual Dinner & Program, theBusiness Auction in the Pines,“Murder at the Museumâ€? dinner Spotlight theater and a Halloween Haunted House. The Bartlett Museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying this rich history of Amesbury and the surrounding communities. We operate entirely as Real Estate ForareSale volunteers. The board, the committees, and even the•docent all volunteers who donate their time and effort to the museum. But we can’t do it alone. We want to extend a thank you everyone who mailed their generous tax • Sports deductible donation soSports quickly. We are• still accepting donations. Anything Sports you can contribute will help. And in return we’ll keep telling the history of Amesbury, keep our collection safe and keep the museum open for all to visit. Mail to: Bartlett Museum, P.O. Box 692, Amesbury, MA 01913. To receive a Pets, Animals, Plus membership form please email: dianco@verizon.net. The Bartlett Museum is located on 270 Main Street, Amesbury MA and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and also special tours by Health & Fitness appointment. www.bartlettmuseum.org, www.amesburytreasures.org, FaceBook The Bartlett Museum Thanks so much for your support. Dianne Dostie Cole, Bartlett Museum Acting Recording Secretary Bartlett Museum Board of Directors Pres: Alexander Pooler, Tres: Steve Klomps, Selwin Mize, Gina Moscardini, Lee-Ann Banville, Edward Duguay & Jonathan Camp
December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016
Modern Woodmen Fundraiser for Scleroderma Foundation New England a Success
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Summit chapter members present Modern Woodmen of America Matching Fund at the Hart House, Ipswich - (L-R) Donna Thibodeau, Summit Vice President; Suzanne Carpentier, both of Rowley, Summit Activities Coordinator & Financial Representative of Modern Woodmen of America (Soucy District – Georgetown); Jack Armitage, Executive Director Scleroderma Foundation New England (SFNE) (Topsfield), Also present: Don Legere Board President SFNE & Regional Director of Modern Woodmen of America (Legere Region - Concord NH), Rebecca Dube, Office Manager SFNE (Topsfield); Marie Coyle of Peabody, Board Member & past Board President SFNE; Deborah Pearce of Annisquam, Board Member SFNE.
Modern Woodmen of America Summit chapter members of the North Shore recently helped raise money for Scleroderma Foundation New England (SFNE) by participating in a fundraising walk. This year end activity raised $4293.00. This includes $2138.00 matched by Modern Woodmen’s home office through the organization’s Matching Fund Program. The money will be used to support the MISSION of the SFNE: to help constituents make contact with each other through support groups, newsletters, and meetings; to EDUCATE and INFORM the public about scleroderma, what it is, and its consequences through a central base; to PROMOTE and raise funds for medical research seeking the cause of and cure for scleroderma. Get involved with SFNE: Toll-free: 888-525-0658; General Information: rdube@ sfnewengland.org; The Matching Fund Program offers Modern Woodmen members nationwide the chance to show their support for a community cause, organization or individual in need by holding fundraisers. Modern Woodmen matches money raised up to $2,500. These fundraising projects contribute $10.8 million to community needs nationwide each year. “The community truly came together to support a local need,� says Suzanne Carpentier, local Modern Woodmen contact. Coordinated by local Modern Woodmen members, Summit chapters provide fun and fulfilling experiences to fit the busy lifestyles of those 55 and over. For more information or to get involved, contact Carpentier at 978-500-2523 or Suzanne.A.Carpentier@mwarep.org As a tax-exempt fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment* products not to benefit stockholders but to improve quality of life for our members, their families and their communities. This is accomplished through social, charitable and volunteer activities. *Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America. Member: FINRA, SIPC. Products are available in most states. Individual agents may not be licensed to sell all products.
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Parking Garage ‘Making Progress’ Continued from page 1
Board chairman Jim McCarthy told his board members that Mayor Donna Holaday had assured him privately at a holiday function that “progress is being made” in the negotiations with Stephen Karp’s development company. NED has asked to make changes in the zoning of the site, which will require Planning Board approval, but it has not disclosed what those plans are. And what the company’s initial plans seem now to be fluid. Once the negotiations are complete, the garage seems to have sufficient support from the city to move ahead. Despite opposition from City Council President Tom O’Brien, who said he could not support a garage at a cost of $16 million, members of the council’s Planning and Development Committee recently endorsed the parking garage/bus terminal. Most council members appear to support it. Those councilors who attended the meeting included Barry Connell, Bob Cronin, Jared Eigerman, Larry Giunta, Charlie Tontar and Bruce Vogel. To help pay for the garage, the city has been told it will receive about $5 million from the state and $2 million from federal agencies. The balance would be funded through city bonds, supported by parking revenues, according to
finance director Ethan Manning. The proposed garage, which is undergoing preliminary design, would provide a downtown bus terminal for the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority and 345 parking spaces. Initially it was reported that NED wanted to reserve 80 to 90 of those parking spaces for use by customers at a possible waterfront development that might include a boutique hotel, restaurants and shops. The proposed waterfront development is expected to be near the Michael’s Harborside Restaurant and across Merrimac Street from the proposed garage. The council, concerned about the amount of convenient parking spaces in the downtown area, has indicated it would prefer to buy the Fitness Factory site from NED and let the developer find other parking options for his hotel and retail complex. Future plans for a waterfront development could be affected by upcoming rules by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been requiring construction to be higher and further back from waterways following recent hurricanes. Mayor Donna Holaday has said she is pleased that the council supports the Titcomb Street site as the preferred location for the intermodal facility and prefers to purchase the property rather than
exchange for spaces. The city has held one public hearings on the new parking garage and multiple modal facility and is planning more in the new year. Some neighbors to the proposed site have been threatening a fight because the 50-foot-tall parking garage will block their view of the Merrimack River and emit more vehicle emissions that will affect their properties. The options for the garage, which could have entrances and exits on Merrimac and Titcomb streets, could be 45 to 51 feet high, although the engineers are looking at the possibility of putting some of the garage spaces below ground, which would lower the overall height. Some retail space, including a MVRTA ticket booth, might be The included on the ground space. Several residents urged that the site include street-level retail to keep the parking garage from becoming a barrier to the growth of stores and restaurants along Merrimac Street. The architects said they would like to make the garage as green as possible solar panels on the new building and indoor spaces for bicycles. The city has the full presentation on the garage-intermodal facility on its web site, www. cityofnewburyport.com.
contributions this year from Pennies included the Pettengill House, Our Neighbor’s Table, Community Action, Community Service of Newburyport, The Salvation Army, The Boys and Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley, YWCA, ROOF Over Head and Turning Point. One third of the revenues come from people tossing those pennies and dollars in the collection boxes. That money, allocated to organizations in communities where the change is collected, is used to buy gift cards for local farms and fishermen. “We are increasing the quality of the food and supporting local farms and fishermen,” Sandberg said. Another third of the revenue comes from large individual and corporate donations. And the balance comes from revenue generated by events, such as the November event Music For Change, which raised $15,000
in one night. With Liz Frame as master of ceremonies, four popular bands, Frame’s Kickers, the Thomas Machine Works Band, EJ Ouellette and Crazy Maggy, played for free for the evening, while a wide variety of local restaurants served food. The restaurants included. Annarosa’s, buen Sabor Empanadas, Dianne’s Fine Desserts, Dos Amigos Burritos, Loretta Restaurant, Metzy’s Taqueria, Michael’s Harborside, Not Your Average Joe’s, Oregano Pizzeria and Ristorante, OTTO, Ristorante Molise, Salt Kitchen and Rum Bar, and Starboard Galley. Pennies also partners with local restaurants to do fundraising events. When the popular Point Restaurant on Water Street was doing its soft opening earlier this year, it donated the money it took in from selling alcohol. That raised $3,100. Several events at local businesses are upcoming. Starboard Galley
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now selling: in Newburyport is hosting A Paint Skateboard, BMX rentals 20 + Years Experience and Scooter gear birthdays its annual Oyster Fest at 5:30 Potte private lessons Mini Backhoe Services p.m. Jan. 30 to benefit Pennies, $20 Family Deal F Sewer & Drain Camera and on March 29 Flatbread Adu Call for Estimate Pizza in Amesbury will host Cla Honest Service an event to raise money for the CLAY MA Insp. #14268 organization. 72 Miro The North Shore’s Largest Independ & Sons New England’s Premier Call R. for Jenkins a tour (603)379-1898 Pennies also fights poverty Skate and Bike Park ww www.sanctuarycarerye.com Ron @ (978)314-0503 with education. It increases www.RYEAIRFIELD.com 603.964.2800 awareness about poverty through 978-948-8696 • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommo its Local Poverty Matters lecture series held monthly during the winter. At 7 p.m. on Jan. 6 at the Cleanouts & Disposal LLC Newburyport Public Library the JUNK REMOVAL SERVICE organization will hold its next WE DO ALL THE LOADING lecture on poverty’s impact on single item to whole house cleanout 10 & 15 yard dumpsters available maternal and child nutrition. The organization has also created a resource directory on its web site (resources. Call for 8am - 9am $5 Early Buying fee penniesforpoverty.org) of public Free Estimate stimat 603-770 9am603-770-7551 - 1pm FREE ADMISSION gerrypalmer@palmercleanouts.com and community agencies that www.palmercleanouts.com can help those in need. With “If you have a problem, you This Ad can find an agency to help you,” Sandberg said. at the Dover Elks Hall, 282 Durham Rd., Rte. 108, Dover, NH For more information, visit (Exit 7 off Rte. 16, 1.7 miles south on Rte. 108 on the left) penniesforpoverty.org or sign up For More Information Call 603-770-1994 for its newsletter.
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take you to birding hot spots in the Newburyport/Plum Island area in for information about additional search of avian activity. Beginners WEDNESDAY MORNING programs and events, or visit the and birders of all skill levels are On January 4th, 2016 Community Calendar Continues BIRDING welcome. Sat, . Jan . 02, . 2016; 9 am website at www.massaudubon.org/ We are in our twentieth year 11:30 am. Meet at Joppa Flats joppaflats. To Our NEW Home On Rte.1 of Wednesday Morning Birding! Education Center, One Plum Next To The Commuter Rail Station These very popular programs DECEMBER VACATION Island Turnpike, Newburyport. provide an excellent opportunity to WEEK FLYBY AT JOPPA $12. No preregistration required. Professional explore one of the most productive FLATS: HAWKS, OWLS, AND For more information, call 978birding areas in the country. To EAGLES 462-9998 for information about Interior date, we have seen over 320 species Our school vacation programs additional programs and events, Painting of birds on these Wednesday field offer a wide variety of indoor and or visit the website at www. ~~~~~~ trips. Wed, Dec 30, 2015 9:30 am outdoor activities while we keep massaudubon.org/joppaflats. - 12:30 pm. Meet at Joppa Flats minds active and hands busy Jay's Painting Education Center, One Plum Island during school break with free-flow BEHIND THE SCENES Turnpike, Newburyport. $17. No learning for the whole family. Each REFUGE TOUR OF PARKER 978-314-0140 session offers a different theme, with RIVER NWR See Sunday, Jnaury 3rd scheduled family presentations and something to engage hearts and minds for all ages and interests. Fly RELAX AND REFOCUS: by for an hour or stay all day for COLORING Did you know that there are a vacation activity that suits your family schedule. Wed, Dec 30, health benefits associated with 2015 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Meet the act of coloring? In addition to at Joppa Flats Education Center, being a soothing, relaxing, creative One Plum Island Turnpike, activity, coloring can actually help Newburyport. Fee: $8/child. improve fine motor skills, brain Adults free. For more information, focus, and brain plasticity. Take call 978-462-9998 for information some time out to relax and refocus, about additional programs and and join us as we color some events, or visit the website at www. beautiful mandala pages with soft massaudubon.org/joppaflats. music playing in the background. We will have two groups going in FRIDAY, JANUARY 1st the small and large meeting rooms. Group 1: Families with children NEW YEAR’S MADNESS of all ages, Group 2: Teens ages Early January is a wonderful time 11-17, Saturday at 11am (Jan 2), for birding and for celebrating the Newbury Town Library, 0 Lunt St., beauty of winter. Join us for an all- Byfield, Ma. Please indicate which day field trip to the Newburyport/ group you would prefer when you Plum Island area and Cape Ann register on our online calendar at to search for wintering land birds newburylibrary.org. and seabirds. In the Newburyport area, we will bird the Parker River CHASING SHADOWS National Wildlife Refuge, Salisbury Warren Miller’s Ski & Snowboard Beach State Reservation, and the Film “Chasing Shadows” on Merrimack River. On Cape Ann, Saturday, January 2 @ 3:00pm and we will visit Halibut, Andrews, 7:00pm at the Firehouse Center and Eastern points; several areas for the Arts, Market Square, along Atlantic Avenue; and the Newburyport. Watch top athletes Brace Cove/Niles Pond area. as they chase storms, snow, big lines Target bird species include snowy and their dreams on mountains owl, northern shrike, Lapland across the world in Warren Miller longspur, snow bunting, harlequin Entertainment’s 66th snow sports duck, and other sea ducks, loons, film, Chasing Shadows. $13.00 and grebes. This is a great way to Adults; $10.00 Members, Students, start the new year! Fri, Jan 01, Seniors. For more info please call 2016 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Meet at the Box Office at 978-462-7336 or Joppa Flats Education Center. $55. visit online at www.firehouse.org Preregistration required. For more information, call 978-462-9998 JAZZ CABARET NIGHT January 2, 2016 at the for information about additional programs and events, or visit the Masonic Hall on Green Street, website at www.massaudubon.org/ Newburyport. Dress is Sunday best. $25.00 per person. To joppaflats. benefit Eastern Star Benevolences - helping our own members in SATURDAY, JANUARY 2nd time of need; scholarships to our youth for higher education; and SATURDAY MORNING scholarships to those in religious BIRDING Our experienced leaders will training. 6:00 cheese and crackers WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30th
The Town Comm December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016 and punch, 6:30 p.m. 4 course dinner, 7:30 Let the jazz music begin - featuring David Fournier - Keyboard and Brandon Paige – Trombone and Fuss and Toot Jazz Quartet. Celebrate the New Year with friends! Fantastic music and excellent food. SUNDAY, JANUARY 3rd BEHIND THE SCENES REFUGE TOUR OF PARKER RIVER NWR Held on the following days: Saturday, January 2nd @9:30 am; Sunday, January 3rd @1:00 pm; Sunday, January 10th @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, January 16th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, January 17th @ 1:00 pm; Sunday, January 24th @ 1:00 pm and Saturday, January 30th @ 9:30 am. Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief “drive by” stops along the way. The tour will present an “up close and personal” look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum Island and the Great Marsh, native wildlife and their habitats, and the role of refuge management in the conservation of these precious natural resources. 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. TUESDAY, JANUARY 5th INTRODUCTION TO VOLUNTEERING: RAPTORS ON PLUM ISLAND Joppa Flats presents nature education to schools, groups, and families throughout the school year on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and in the Great Marsh. Join us to see what the tides have brought in on the beach, get a feel for walking a salt marsh, and learn the operations of our
bird banding station. Through the use of science experiments, field equipment, and live flora and fauna, our naturalists will share their knowledge and passion with you. Taking these programs is the first step in becoming an education volunteer for Joppa Flats. Themes are weather dependent and subject to change. In the event of inclement weather, the session will be taught indoors using live plants and animals. Tue, Jan 05, 2016 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. $35. Preregistration required. For more information, call 978462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the website at www. massaudubon.org/joppaflats. COMMON AND UNCOMMON ANAL CANCERS Common and Uncommon Anal Cancers, a Medical Meet the Expert seminar with Colorectal Surgeon Jana Simonds,, MD on January 5, 2016, 6-7 p.m. in the first-floor auditorium of Holy Family Hospital’s Haverhill campus located at 140 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill, MA. Attendees will learn about the anatomy of the anal area, describe what common and uncommon anal cancers look like, and explain how they are diagnosed and treated. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments. Registration required. One contact hour in nursing awarded at the end of the presentation.. For more information or to register, please call Jean at 978.420.1168 or email jean.macdougall-tattan@steward. org. GEORGETOWN FUNDRAISER 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 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6th DOVER FLEA MARKET Fabulous dealers set up at the Antique Flea Market at the Elks Hall on Rt. 108 (282 Durham Rd.) in Dover NH on January 6th. Always bringing wonderful merchandise. From country and
www.TheTownCommon.com primitives, ephemera and books, to costume jewelry, tools, coins and the unique. Like us on Facebook at: Dover Antique Flea Market, New Hampshire. For more information call 603-770-1994. WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING These very popular programs provide an excellent opportunity to explore one of the most productive birding areas in the country. To date, we have seen over 320 species of birds on these Wednesday field trips. Wed, Jan 06, 2016; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. $17. No preregistration required. For more information, call 978462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the website at www. massaudubon.org/joppaflats.
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Letters To The Editor December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016 Community Announcements
Residential & Commercial Security - This winter the Amesbury Public Library will be offering programs for 7th and 8th graders Fire & Access Systems to Video Surveillance AMESBURY only. They will meet in the APL Loft, which is on the 3rd floor. We will meet once per month from 3:00Community Connections Big enough to serve you - Small enough to know you 4:00 p.m. January 7th we will be creating thumb tack art, February 4 we will be making jewelry, March 3
Burglar, Fire Alarms 24 Hour Monitoring
create art with Sharpie’s, April 7th make mason jar fairy lights, and May 5th we will be creating art from recycled magazines. These programs are funded by the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library. For more We Guarantee the best! information, please contact Margie Walker, Teen Librarian at 978-388-8148 or mwalker@mvlc.org -----------------------------------------------------------Find out more, call or visit us today: FREE ACADEMIC SKILLS IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNTIES FOR ADULTS - Exeter Adult MA LIC # 444C www.securityteam.com Education connects people with counselors and classes to prepare for their next job or academic adventure • for free or low cost. Many adults would like to improve their math, reading English and/or writing skills for work or to help their children Listen to Kathryn’s real estate radio program every Friday at 8:05 am with homework. There are FREE educational opportunities for on WNBP 1450 AM / 106.1 FM. adults to get the help they need. Free classes and individual tutoring • Exeter Adult Education • and the Adult Learner are available through Services programs. Small math, English, and English for speakers of other languages are just a few of the ways adults can strengthen Kathryn O’Brien, M.Ed. their skills, whether or not they have a high school diploma. Morning Newbury home office classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Evening classes RE/MAX Partners meet on Monday and Thursday. Classes meet at the Tuck Learning Campus, Entrance D, 30 Linden Street, Exeter. If you are not able 978-465-1322 direct to come to classes, tutoring can be arranged on an individual basis. kathrynobrien@remax.net Registration is ongoing, but the first winter session registration day is Monday, January 11 at 9:00 a.m. for day classes or 6:30 p.m. for night classes. To find out more about the possibilities, and how your educational needs may be met, please call Adult Education Student Services Coordinator, Amy Smith at 603-775-8459 or visit our website at adulted,sau16.org -----------------------------------------------------------MERRIMACK VALLEY - Merrimack Valley Hospice is offering “Grief Support for the Loss of an Adult Child”, a free support group for anyone who is grieving this particular type of a loss. The sessions will begin Tuesday, January 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave in Haverhill, MA. The support group, co-sponsored by HL Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes, and facilitated by counselors Lois Marra and Nancy Thornton, will meet for 10 consecutive Tuesdays. “Grief Support for the Loss of an Adult Child” is designed to help people who have recently experienced this type of loss learn about the grief process, share their experience, and support each other in a facilitated group environment. Sessions are tailored to meet the group’s needs and will Contact your Advertising cover many difference topics including grief, loss and healing. If you Consultant today! have questions, or would like to register, please contact Bereavement Coordinator Lois Marra at 800-933-5593 ext. 4537. Merrimack P: 978-948-8696 • F: 978-948-2564 Valley Hospice is a not-for-profit agency offering comprehensive advertise@thetowncommon.com medical and supportive care to terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Together with Home Health VNA and HomeCare, Inc., the agencies provide a full continuum of home health and hospice care in more than 110 communities throughout the Merrimack Valley, Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. For more information visit MerrimackValleyHospice.org. -----------------------------------------------------------NEWBURYPORT - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will be launching its NEW monthly book club starting in January. All books selected for this club will have an environmental or wildlife theme – with the hope that participants will be informed, inspired, and entertained. Subjects will range from our local salt marsh to environmental crises abroad. Winter is a fantastic time to curl up with a book! Then come join us for light refreshments and lively discussion in the cozy reading room in the refuge visitor center. January’s Book of the Month will be The Edge of the Sea by Rachel Carson. Discussion groups will meet on Thursday, Jan. 21st from 6:30 – 8:30pm, and on Saturday, Jan. 23rd from 1:30 – 3:30pm. February’s Book of the Month will be Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams. Groups will meet on Thursday, Feb. 18th from 6:30 – 8:30pm and on Saturday, Feb. 20th from 1:30 – 3:30pm. There is no commitment to come every month. Join us when you can! Each discussion group meeting is limited to 15 participants and will take place at the refuge visitor center, located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Preregistration is required for all book club meetings. Please call refuge headquarters at (978) 465-5753 to register. (Note: For those who call and leave a message after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a conformation call from a refuge
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Business Spotlight
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Real Estate For Sale
Sports Sports Sports Pets, Animals, Plus Health & Fitness
Happy New Year!
Continued on page 9
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December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016
Health & Wellness Brighter Smiles...
Suggestions of 2016
By J. Peter St. Clair, DMD
Thanks again to the The Town Common for another great year. At the end of each of the past 10 years, I have used this space to publish these 21 Suggestions for Success authored by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. It is the perfect time to reflect on the year past and prepare for any changes we need to make for the year to come. How was 2015 for you? While reflecting on the past year is important, thinking forward to the year to come is even more important. The past is in the past. This may be the last year I publish this list. !0 years is a long time and it might be time to move on to something else. So, cut this out and put it on the refrigerator. Read this list often and take these suggestions to heart. They will be sure to make your 2016 great.
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1. Marry the right person. you love and respect. • On-schedule Treatment This one decision will 14. Be loyal. • Individual Attention determine 90% of your 15. Be honest. • Superior Clinical Skills happiness or misery. 16. Be a self-starter. • Financial Flexibility 2. Work at something you 17. Be decisive even if it means • Friendly/Personable Staff enjoy and that’s worthy of you’ll sometimes be wrong. your time and talent. 18. Stop blaming others if it Please call our office to schedule a complimentary 3. Give people more than they means you’ll sometimes be 30 minute consultation. expect and do it cheerfully. wrong. 4. Become the most positive 19. Be loyal and courageous. 151 Central Street, Rowley | 978-948-2030 | www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com and enthusiastic person When you look back on you know. your life, you’ll regret the 5. Be forgiving of yourself and things you didn’t do more Dr. Laura anne Potvin, P.C. others. than the ones you did. 6. Be generous. 20. Take good care of those oPtoMetriStS 7. Have a grateful heart. you love. 8. Persistence, persistence, 21. Don’t do anything that persistence. wouldn’t make your Mom 9. Discipline yourself to save proud. money on even the most Best wishes for a successful modest salary. 2016. Happy New Year! Dr. nYLa LaMBert 10. Treat everyone you meet Dr. St. Clair maintains a private Dr. KatHLeen Horn like you want to be dental practice in Rowley and Dr. CatHLeen DouCette treated. Newburyport dedicated to health11. Commit yourself to centered family dentistry. If there Dr. JuDitH MarroCCo constant improvement. are certain topics you would like to NOw LOCATED AT 12. Commit yourself to see written about or questions you quality. have please email them to him at 939 SALEM ST., GROvELAND The North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper 13. Understand that happiness jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can 978-374-8991 is not based on possessions, view all previously written columns power or prestige, but on at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/ relationships with people blog.
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Wishing Peace & Prosperity to All
For Sale
Business Spotlight
December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016
Real Estate • For Sale
Top Mistakes for 2015 • Sports • Sports Sports By John McCarthy, Rowley Realty
What a year for real estate! Our company saw an increase of over 40% in total sales volume in 2015 from the previous year. While yearly and 4th quarter numbers aren’t out yet, Essex County in 2015 had 18.8% increase in the third quarter over the same period in 2014 (according to the Multiple Listing Property Information Network, Inc.). Since 2015 is just about over I thought it would be a good idea to talk about some of the mistakes I saw made by both buyers and sellers. Asking Too Much You must know your market and get familiar with comps of similar homes currently for sale and more importantly those that have recently sold. By having your REALTOR® show you how much comparable homes are selling for will give you a good understanding on what to ask for yours. Asking significantly more than market value will only cause you to drop the price down the line. The most eyes are on your home the first few weeks you place it on the market. Don’t blow that period by asking too much. Making the Small Changes Because the market is so good I can just put my house on the market and it will sell immediately. A Mistake! If something needs to be fixed you should get it fixed. Not referring to gutting a dating kitchen and replacing it but if for example your electrical outlets don’t work in a particular room or the air conditioning unit isn’t working. Get them fixed! Also, make sure you listen to your REALTOR® as we are much more objective when it comes to getting your home ready. Having three couches and two love seats in your living room may have made sense for your large family gatherings, but it may not work when it comes time to sell. Hidden Costs 165 Main St., P.O. Box 101, Rowley, MA 01969 As a buyer you figure your monthly mortgage payment, taxes, insurance maybe even your utility costs. Do Phone 978-948-2758 • Fax 978-948-2454 www.rowleyrealestate.com you think about all the other costs that may come up as a homeowner? Just because the heating system is only 10 years old doesn’t mean it will last another 10+ years. One rule of thumb is to set aside 1% of the total value of your home for unexpected issues that arise. Buying a home is not just about the money that you spend upfront; it’s about all the rest of the money you have to spend beyond that. AMERICAN Going Somewhere? ARCHITECTURAL The real estate market was so active and great for sellers that we were able to get many homes under agreement GENERAL CONTRACTORS L.L.C. within 24 hours of listing them. If you are a seller this is obviously a great scenario. If you are a seller who didn’t Consultation to Project Completion plan for this by finding a new place to live than panic sets in. When selling, make sure you have a place to go . Carpentry . Masonry . Landscaping . Roofing . Basements . Water Entry when the home sells. Sounds obvious right? Well, I can tell you that there were a few times this year when my . Commercial/Residential Phases of Largest ConstructionIndependent e North.. All Shore’s Community Newspaper OVER 25 YEARS of seller was hesitant to accept a full price offer due to the fact they “didn’t think it would sell so quick”. If you All Maintenance Work . All Types of Restorations . Free Initial Consultation . Project Management “In the Field” Experience haven’t found your next home at least have a rental in mind or know that you can stay with friends or relatives until you find something. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION All Types of Property Repairs Let Me In! Every home seller would like plenty of notice before allowing someone in their home. It is especially challenging to sell when you have young children. Occasionally your REALTOR® will call saying that a buyer would like to get in right away. While difficult please do all you can to let that buyer in your home. They may AMERICAN be ready to buy (your REALTOR® can find out how serious they are) and your home may be a perfect fit. Even eat in take out if the home isn’t perfect try to accommodate the buyer who gave you short notice. Also, once the home is under ARCHITECTURAL agreement be accommodating to the buyer if they want to come back and take measurements or bring family by GENERAL CONTRACTORS L.L.C. to see their soon to be new home. Yes, it is inconvenient but your buyer will be thankful and it will only help Consultation to Project Completion . Carpentry . Masonry . Landscaping . Roofing . Basements . Water Entry make the transaction go smoother. . . All Phases of Construction Pictures Commercial/Residential 978-465-2225 OVER 25 YEARS of . All Maintenance Work . All Types of Restorations Your home should have many photos available for view online. More than 90% of buyers start their home Me Cook for You Tonight! . Project Management . FreeLet “In the Field” Experience search on the internet. When taking buyers out to look at a home I have heard time and time again that “there Initial Consultation HomeMANAGEMENT/CONSTRUCTION cooked ready meals available! SUPERVISION PROPERTY The North Shore’s Largest Independent Community Newspaper were no pictures of this room, it is very nice”. Why weren’t there any pictures of that room? On homes that have All Types of Property Repairs just a few inside pictures buyers assume that there is something wrong and not worth showing. This assumption . GiuseppesFineFood.com 257 Low St Newburyport can cost the seller a good buyer even if the home is perfect for them. Make sure your REALTOR® is showing your home by posting pictures of each room. If there is a picture you don’t like or not a good one of a specific room let him/her know. Dine in Special Leave Your Ego Outside I saw a few sellers but mostly buyers taking negotiating personally and in one particular case lose out on Kids Eat FREE buying a home that was perfect for them. Remember, this is a business transaction. We understand Mr. & Mrs. every Tuesday!* Seller that you have lived here for 40 years but your roof is he original one, the hot water heater is leaking and *(with purchase of you have an airport in your backyard, the home isn’t worth what you are asking no matter how much you love 1 adult entrée) the house. We know you love the house Mr. & Mrs. Buyer but offering 20% less than fair market value isn’t going to make it yours or even get you a counteroffer. Take your emotions out of the process and trust that your REALTOR® can help you with this. Haverhill, Rte 125 (Plaistow Line), 30 Cushing Ave Which leads me to really the biggest mistake that sellers and buyers can make… 978-556-9595 Listening If you are using an experienced local REALTOR® take advantage of that experience. If we suggest to our seller to move the couch to another part of the room and to put a coat of paint on the hallway do so. If we suggest to 48-8696 • www.thetowncommon.com • advertise@thetowncommon.com our buyer that the mold in the attic can be remediated and shouldn’t put the brakes on buying this home, please ask why and not dismiss this “perfect” home from their list. We are looking out for your best interests. I really believe that 2016 will be a fantastic year for the real estate. Interest rates are low, prices while on the rise haven’t skyrocketed like they did 10 years ago and there should be more inventory available for buyers. If are looking to buy or sell in 2016 good luck and hopefully you can avoid some of the mistakes I saw made Gingerale Toast, Balloon Drop, Kids Craft, Kids Eat Free you in 2015. Have a Happy New Year!!! If you have any questions or are looking to buy or sell a home please contact me, John McCarthy at Rowley Realty, (Free Kids meal with purchase of adult entrée) 165 Main St., Rowley, MA 01969, Phone: 978 948-2758, Cell 978 835-2573.
Pets, Animals, Plus Health & Fitness
ROWLEY REALTY
The Town Common Vincent A. Iafrate, G.C.
(617)835-3550
The Town Common Vincent A. Iafrate, G.C.
(617)835-3550
Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration! 12/31/15 5pm-7pm
December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016 Continued from page 6
staff member.) -----------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - The Rowley Book Club is currently reading Redeployment by Phil Klay, a book of short stories about life on the frontlines of Iraq and Afghanistan and after. The 12 stories cover themes of faith, guilt, and survival as soldiers deal with the realities of war and readjustment. Pick up a copy of the book at the library, then join us for a discussion on Thursday, January 7 at 6:30 p.m. 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 - The Rowley Public Library buys many thousands of new books, movies, and CDs each year. We are now offering weekly email alerts showing you the newest books, DVDs, CDs, and audio books that we purchase each week. We hope you’ll enjoy hearing about the many exciting bestsellers, movies, music, and recorded books almost the very moment they arrive at the library. Whenever you spot something of interest, you’ll be able to click instantly, reserve it, and check it out at your convenience. And of course, like everything else in the library, this service is free, with sponsorship from the Friends of the Rowley Public Library. To get started and see what the emails look like, just visit www.wowbrary.org. You can quit the weekly emails any time you wish. -----------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - If you are a Rowley resident 60 years or older, and own and occupy a home for which you or your spouse pay property taxes, then you would probably be eligible for the Tax Work-off Program. Several departments in Town of Rowley have expressed interest in using a Tax Credit Person to help with their work. You can earn up to $750. in tax credit. Call the Council on Aging at 978.948.7637 for more details or drop by and fill out a Tax Credit Application. -----------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - The Rowley Public Library is looking for collectors and enthusiasts who want to share what they love with the community. Do you collect salt shakers, Christmas angels, greeting cards? We have a display case for that! Are you part of a club, like the local genealogy club or a cribbage group? Help us educate the community by doing an informational display in our display case. The display case is available for a month at a time, and we still have slots open for 2015. For more information, call Amy Roderick at 978-948-2850 at the Rowley Public Library, 141 Main Street in Rowley. -----------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - Fellowship Thrift Shop located in lower hall of First Congregational Church of Rowley, 175 Main St. (Rte 1A), Rowley is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and also Thursdays 3 - 7 p.m., weather permitting. We have clothing of all sizes, household goods and some special items - all at reasonable prices. We even have occasional sales! We are happy to accept donations of gently used clothing and household items, but only when the shop is open. NO electronics, books or household items, please. -----------------------------------------------------------SALISBURY- The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society wants you to ring in the New Year by making a resolution to neuter your male cat during their “Happy Neuter Year” campaign. Sponsored by PetSmart Charities, the largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, the “Happy Neuter Year” campaign will provide $20 neutering surgeries for male cats during the month of January. Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population and is safe for kittens as young as eight to 10 weeks old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Neutering male pets is a simple surgery that reduces unwanted behaviors, like roaming, fighting, and urine marking territories,” says Liz Pease, Executive Director at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. “It also guarantees your cat never fathers a litter of kittens.” This special $20 rate is even less than the organization’s normal low-cost price and is available to all. Pet parents who wish to take advantage of this offer must mention the “Happy Neuter Year” campaign when they schedule their appointment. This campaign is based on availability. MRFRS’s Catmobile will provide 200 “Happy Neuter Year” sterilizations for $20 in January. Please visit www.catmobile.org or call 978-465-1940 for more information or to schedule an appointment. PetSmart Charities’ “Happy Neuter Year” campaign provides more than $733,180 to spay/neuter clinics to fund affordable, high-quality spay and neuter surgeries for more than 20,650 male dogs and cats across the nation during the month of January.
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Address, Town Description DOM List Price Sold For Orig Price 59 Congress St, Amesbury 8 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Colonial 184 $215,000 $200,000 $239,000 7 Beach Rd, Salisbury 7 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Colonial 47 $289,143 $289,000 $289,143 17 Merrimac Ave, Merrimac 7 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Saltbox 51 $295,828 $290,000 $299,828 136 Cable Ave, Salisbury 4 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Colonial 52 $295,000 $280,000 $315,000 42 County Rd, Essex 5 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch 101 $319,000 $308,000 $319,000 136 School St, Groveland 6 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch 34 $321,000 $310,000 $321,000 133 Kimball Rd, Amesbury 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Cottage 76 $333,900 $315,000 $348,900 100 Folly Mill Rd, Salisbury 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape 35 $349,900 $340,000 $349,900 2 Upton Ln, Boxford 5 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape 20 $397,900 $400,000 $397,900 6 Stone Hill Dr, Ipswich 8 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Split Entry 36 $399,000 $399,000 $399,000 3 Clarks Rd, Amesbury 7 room, 4 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape 81 $389,000 $385,000 $399,000 16 Myrtle Ave, Newburyport 7 room, 2 bed, 2f 0h bath Ranch 36 $399,900 $380,000 $399,900 12 66th St, Newburyport 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Cape 89 $415,000 $380,000 $425,000 59 High St, Amesbury 9 room, 5 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 18 $429,900 $425,000 $429,900 18 Spindle Tree Ln, Amesbury 10 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 138 $439,999 $426,000 $449,000 56 Andover St, Georgetown 6 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Greek Revival 111 $506,000 $490,000 $506,000 118 Grapevine Rd, Wenham 5 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape 131 $499,000 $491,000 $519,000 29 Baldpate Rd, Georgetown 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 85 $499,900 $495,000 $524,900 21 Addison, Essex 10 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 27 $525,000 $510,000 $525,000 21 11th St, Salisbury 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 85 $549,900 $530,000 $549,900 3 Ashley, Merrimac 9 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 161 $559,900 $559,900 $559,900 91 King George Dr, Boxford 12 room, 5 bed, 3f 0h bath Cape 38 $589,900 $575,000 $589,900 52 Spofford St, Newburyport 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Cape 16 $639,900 $639,900 $639,900 5 Arthur Welch Dr, Newbypt 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 20 $699,900 $695,000 $699,900 5 Salem St, Newburyport 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Gambrel /Dutch 52 $719,000 $715,000 $719,000 2 Sumac Dr, Essex 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape 213 $625,000 $615,000 $739,000 21 Dexter Dr, Rowley 9 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Cape 164 $574,900 $574,900 $752,250 8 Rivercrest Dr, W Newbury 11 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial 59 $799,999 $772,500 $799,999 7 Capeview, Ipswich 10 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 199 $799,999 $800,000 $839,900 24 Prospect St, Newburyport 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 0h bath Colonial 201 $675,000 $650,000 $875,000 Single Family Listings: 30 Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 2,222.57 Avg. List$: $485,092 Avg. List$/SqFt: $225 Avg. DOM: 85.33 Avg. DTO: 59.30 Avg. Sale$: $474,673 Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $220 2015 MLS Property Information Network, Inc.
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Classified Ads 978-255-1127 COINS value.net with a letter of interest or resume. Please include your ITEMS WANTED – Wanted Community Calendar Continues For Sale contact info on your email. by Pratt Coin and Hobby in 2000 Mercedes E320 4 Georgetown. u.S. Coins, silver, gold, SPLIT, CUT, SEASONED foreign world money. old pocket Matic sedan. Black on HARDWOOD FIREWOOD watches, wrist watches, costume gray leather. 102K miles. New Call for pricing Mike Kovalcuk jewelry and post cards. Wheat tires. Very clean. $4900 or bro. (978) 204-9483 pennies, Pre-1958 - 2 1/2 cents each. Contact Michael @ 617-686services FREE APPRAISAL 1554
Call Peter Pratt 1-800-870-4086 or 978-352-2234
HouRS VARy, PLEASE CALL FIRSt
WAntEd to buy
Gold Scrap, Gold Coins, Post Cards
Sterling Silver......$10 per troy oz. Silver Coins pre1965....$11 per $1 .999 Silver bars.............$14 per oz. uS Silver dollars............$17 each Wartime nickels 1942-1945....$0.75 ea uS Clad Half dollars 1965-1969....$1.50 ea
Hobby SuPPLIES Remote Controlled Vehicles EstEs Rockets & Supplies, Plastic & Wood Models / Supplies Autos, trucks, Planes, Ships & more PineCars & derby Supplies X-Acto Sets, Paints & More MEtAL dEtECtoRS 20 E Main St, Georgetown, MA Mon-Fri 8:30a-6p, Sat 10a-5p Phone 978-352-2234
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2004 Mercedes E320 Wagon Great Shape, 2004, 145k Miles, Onsite, $6,495 Call Michael at 617-686-1554
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December 30, 2015 - January 5, 2016
Largest COMMUNITY Newspaper SERVING the NORTH SHORE of ma & Coastal NH ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Handle a potentially awkward held. situation by warming up your confidence reserves and letting it SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An attempt to get radiate freely. Also, expect an old friend to contact you. too personal could upset the very private Scorpio. Make it clear TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s not too early for the practical that there’s a line no one crosses without your permission. Bovine to begin planning possible changes for 2016. A recent SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) The savvy contact can offer some interesting insights. Sagittarian might be able to keep a family disagreement from GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A request for an unusual favor spilling over by getting everyone involved to talk things out. should be carefully checked out. Also check the motives behind it. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Be careful not Your generosity should be respected, not exploited. to push people too hard to meet your ideas of what the holiday CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Party time beckons, but for some Moon Children, so do some weekend’s preparations should be. Best to make it a cooperative, not a coerced, effort. workplace challenges. Deal with the second first, then you’ll be free to enjoy the fun time. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An unexpected request could make you LEO (July 23 to August 22) A warm response to an earlier request might be a positive rethink a position you’ve had for a long time. Meanwhile, plan a family get-together for indicator of what’s ahead. Meanwhile, Cupid could pay a surprise visit to single Leos looking the weekend. for love. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Someone might find that it was a fluke to try to VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) How you respond to a proposed change in a project use your sympathetic nature to get you to accept a situation you’re not comfortable with. could affect your situation. Be prepared to show how well you would be able to deal with it. Good for you. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) The revelation of a secret could cause some changes BORN THIS WEEK: You like challenges that are both mental and physical, and you in how to deal with a workplace matter. It very likely also validates a position you have long enjoy always beating your personal best. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
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