It was a jam-packed meeting of the Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday morning at the Windward Grille.  This quiet, quarterly event always “delivers” because it brings together local government officials with local businesses, interested residents, public safety officials and Chamber executives.  Michele French, manager of BankGloucester’s Essex branch serves as “agenda keeper”.  Here’s a topline summary of what we learned.

On Tuesday, February 18, from 1 - 4:30 p.m. local students joined together to learn about the fascinating world of 3D modeling. Led by ToysInBox staff, Jessica and Yong, the children were given a basic background of the technology and where it is going in the future. 

The Essex Historical barn has been saved! It has served the community well since the late 1700s as a salt hay barn and as a residence for the prominent American architect, Eleanor Raymond, will continue to be useful, like an old reliable friend. Bravo!  Thank you donors one and all.

Feasting with you Instant Pot

Last week at a joint meeting with the BOS, Essex Host Community Agreement Advisory Committee of residents and public safety officials to support negotiations for a state-required “Host Community Agreement” (HCA)  reported its progress and initial findings.  The need for clarity from BB Botanics, which is seeking to open a recreational cannabis dispensary in town, was the theme of the meeting.

Of the many extraordinary and wonderful things about Essex Elementary School, the Eagles Nest Playground is surely one of them.  Sadly this cherished structure must be decommissioned as its days of being a hearty and safe structure have ended.  

David J. Lane of Essex passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 13th at the age of 92.  He lived a life filled community service.  Lane was highly active in elective public service and in over three decades never lost an election. He was elected to the Massachusetts State House of Representatives in 1972, representing Essex, Ipswich, Gloucester, Hamilton and Rowley. 

oard of Selectmen’s Meeting of February 10, 2020

Report covers from January 25, 2020 to February 7, 2020

Items requiring Board vote or discussion are noted with an asterisk (*)

The Essex Planning Board met Wednesday to continue sharpening a new zoning bylaw proposal for the spring Town Meeting that would create a downtown mixed-use zoning district that it believes is a key to both economic growth and addressing much-needed housing flexibility for those starting out and older residents seeking to scale down from larger, single family homes.

Sunday afternoon’s annual fundraiser for the Sarah Lufkin Memorial Scholarship Fund was a packed affair at the Windward Grill in Essex.  It was the perfect affair, with a little something for everyone.

It’s that time again, when the M-E Robotics team (“Robots by the C” … get it?) ramps up for the national FIRST robotics competition.  The 2019 team last year was young, suffering from an exodus of graduating seniors the year before.  This year the team of nearly 25 is that much stronger, and ably lead by seniors Maria Cristoforo and Kevin Hines, who have returned for a second year as team captains.  

Does Essex have the housing stock required to accommodate changing needs?

The answer, according to experts at a public forum on housing last Wednesday, titled “Making Essex a Place to Call Home: Housing Needs and Choices in Essex,” is no: not by a long shot. 

Earlier this month, fourth and fifth graders at Essex Elementary School took to the school gymnasium for a program of play with local public safety officers from Manchester and Essex.  Seen here with students is Essex Police Officer Daniel Bruce and MBTS Officer Andrea Locke.

Typically, a January polar plunge is the business of the tough and the brave. But on Sunday’s wildly warm and sunny day (69 degrees, a record), the vibe was fun and giddy for the first annual Essex Elementary School (EES) Polar Plunge at Conomo Point.

The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum have kicked off an effort to save a historic eighteenth-century barn and a piece of our community’s history.