The Cricket's 2019 Year in Review

Each year at this time, we republish snippets of the year’s events that have made their way onto the pages of our weekly newspaper. The “Year in Review,” printed in two consecutive editions, will provide you, our readers, a momentary slowing of time to reflect on the year 2019 before answering the insistent call of 2020.

This newspaper plays an important role in community life. It neither offers hard news of larger metropolitan papers nor the ephemera of social media postings. Instead, The Cricket has for nearly 132 years provided a weekly look at developments of interest in our own back yard, celebrating the activities of a community, its town operations and its citizens. There have been wonderful events and milestones celebrated this year, from winning state championships to breaking ground on a new elementary school, exploring opportunities for shared municipal services, and installing new leaders into important town positions. Together, we live and share our lives.

We will continue to try to make this paper — in everything we do, on the page or off — a little better every week. That is the goal. And as always, we thank our readers and contributors for making our newspaper engaging and vital and our advertisers for their continued support.

JANUARY 2019

Essex and Manchester Explore Areas of Cooperation

The Essex and Manchester Boards of Selectmen held a second joint meeting Monday night in Essex to move on a plan for identifying broad areas of opportunity in each town’s service delivery and spending. 

The joint meeting — held as part of the Essex Board of Selectmen’s normal January 7 meeting — was attended by all members of both boards as well as Essex Town Administrators Brendhan Zubricki and his Manchester counterpart, Greg Federspiel.

Rest in Peace, Leonard Andrews

The town of Manchester-by-the-Sea mourns the loss of a local son, outstanding citizen and nearly 40-year veteran of the Manchester Police Department, Neil Andrews, age 69, on January 3, 2019.

Construction Begins on Morss Pier

Department of Public Works Director Charles Dam and Harbormaster Bion Pike reported that construction for the Morss Pier improvement project is now underway.  The scope of the project will include pier restoration and structural improvements as well as stabilization improvements to the granite block seawall adjacent to the pier.  The idea is to increase Manchester’s ability to accommodate boating visitors (thus stimulating retail) as well as to improve dock facilities for commercial fishing and shellfishing. 

MBTS Police Officer Resigns After Sale of Firearm

Last week a local Manchester police officer resigned after an internal investigation concluded he had stolen and privately sold a vintage firearm registered with the department by a local family as part of the town's storage program.  The case received local attention from news organizations last week when it was announced. 

Four-Alarm Fire Consumes Manchester Home

Fire Chief Al Beardsley reports that the Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department responded to a house fire Sunday afternoon.  At approximately 12:30 p.m., the fire department received a call from a homeowner at 30 University Drive who reported that his garage was on fire. The garage was attached to the home.  The first responding fire companies reported extreme difficulty getting to the house because of the road conditions caused by the severe snow and ice storm occurring in New England Sunday. The house is also located near the top of a steep hill.  Multiple alarms were quickly struck to bring additional manpower and apparatus to the scene to assist Manchester-by-the-Sea in the sub-freezing conditions.

Forum Wades Through Traditions of Boating and Eelgrass Habitat

Harbormaster Bion Pike and members of the Harbor Advisory Committee set up plenty of chairs at the Amaral Bailey American Legion Hall last Wednesday for an informational session on eelgrass and Long Beach.  And with a standing room only crowd, those chairs were needed because opinions were aired long and loud, pitting environmental concerns against the rights of recreational boaters who have enjoyed these public harbor waterways for decades.

Manchester Artist Anna Kasabian’s Porcelains Catch Eye of Top Interior Designer Charles Spada

Manchester resident Anna Kasabian has evolved from design writer to an artist whose work has become sought out by top designers.  Architectural Digest once described Anna Kasabian’s sculpture as “the epitome of nature-inspired elegance.”  Now, she has shared with us that her work will be carried by a leading interior designer, Charles Spada, whose interior design business is based in the Boston Design Center.

Essex Announces Event Schedule for 200th Birthday Celebration, Beginning in February

All the hard work put in these last several years by the Essex Bicentennial Committee has paid off and they are ready to launch a year-long celebration next month. 

Essex Featured In “Happening Hoods” Segment on Chronicle

WCVB Channel 5 Boston’s longstanding magazine show “Chronicle” featured Essex as one of its “Happening Hoods.”  The story aired earlier this week, Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m., after our deadline.  Pictured here is the show’s videographer George Rodrique from show producer-writer Sangita Chandra’s twitter feed as he hauled around Essex filming and, as she wrote, “freezing his face off.”

FEBRUARY 2019

Four Chaplains Sunday Celebrated in Manchester

Legion Chaplain Bruce Heisey leads an opening procession of area veterans in Sunday’s Four Chaplains Service at Congregational Church.  This is not a typical “veteran-related” time of year, yet on Sunday a solemn and inspiring ceremony quietly took place Sunday at the Congregational Church downtown.  Approximately 75 family and friends attended the ecumenical ceremony led by Legion executive members from the area, primarily from Manchester and Beverly.  A meal followed for all at the Amaral Bailey Legion Hall behind the Town Hall.

MBTS Police Department Earns Full State Accreditation

Chief Edward Conley announced that the Manchester Police Department achieved full accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). MPAC unanimously voted to award the Manchester Police Department full accreditation for the first time at a February ceremony at the Boston College Connors Center in Dover. Pictured here is the accreditation team accepting the plaque: Assistant Accreditation Manager Officer Ryan Machain, Accreditation Manager Lieutenant Todd Fitzgerald and Chief Edward Conley.

Cape Ann Chamber Gala Signals Good Things in 2019

You could probably hear the fun at Saturday evening’s Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce's 97th Annual Celebration at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester from miles away.  The event was a fabulous night with a decidedly jubilant feel.  The Chamber’s success in building up its roster of members in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester under the leadership of CEO Ken Riehl was on full display.  In the end, more than 200 people turned out to kick off a new year of business on Cape Ann and welcome incoming Chamber president Bruce Feldman.  The night was also about celebrating the year of tireless work by outgoing president (and our own former editor/publisher), Patricia Slade.  Here, left to right, are Manchester’s Bill Scott and Patricia Slade with Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken.  Needless to say, a great time was had by all.

Big Brewery Gets Big Construction Funding Guarantee Via State Development Arm

The Great Marsh Brewing Company announced last week it has secured the backing of MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, via a $5 million, tax-exempt bond to help make its plans a reality for downtown Essex.  The anticipated brewery has already broken ground in both the old Fortune Palace II site and a smaller site adjacent to it.  In the end, what was two addresses (at 99 and 103 Main Streets) will become a whole new building featuring beer manufacturing, canning, and warehouse space, a taproom, beer garden, and approximately 5,000 square feet of leasable restaurant space.

Master Lego Builders in After School

The frigid temperatures of last week’s fearsome Polar Vortex couldn’t keep the fun away at the After School Program. Highlights included playing hide and seek in the auditorium, arts and crafts, and gym games (the classic basketball game Knock-Out is becoming a favorite!). We also brought out the Lego box full of hundreds of building blocks, which thrilled our group of future architects (here, Alec Rizzico, Julian Zaremba and Massimo Colarusso).

Freezin’ for a Reason

Rotary District 7930 (eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire) held its ninth annual Polar Plunge to Eradicate Polio on February 9.  Participants plunged into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Long Beach in Gloucester.  The ME Rotary Club proudly sponsored three plungers from Manchester and Essex this year: Brian DesRosiers (Essex), returning for a second plunge; Joanne Donnelly and Stephen Laspesa (both from Manchester).  

Children’s Author David Biedrzycki VisitsManchester Memorial Elementary School

Kindergarteners and first graders at Manchester Memorial Elementary School received a visit from local author David Biedrzycki on Monday, February 4.  Biedrzycki interacted wonderfully with the kids and explained how everyday life inspires ideas for his books.  While Biedrzycki read his book “Dory Story” to the kids, he shared step-by-step illustration demonstrations and discussed the process of writing a story and taking it to publication. 

Annual Manchester Parks and Recreation Bob Fulford Winter Basketball Tournament

As a member of the Manchester Athletic Association board (and later its president until it was dissolved), Bob Fulford was one of the original organizers and coaches when the recreational youth co-ed basketball program was established. In recognition of Bob’s long tenure of service, he was formally honored several years ago and the end-of-season championship tournament was named the Bob Fulford Winter Basketball Tournament.

Cue the Crowds!

The town of Essex kicked off its bicentennial celebration with a packed-to-the-gills community ice cream social at Essex Elementary School Friday night.  Upwards of 300 turned up and celebrated in yummy style at the free event sponsored by Woodman’s.  The cafeteria was styled for celebration, with streamers and balloons galore.  Festivities included a presentation from an Essex Elementary second-grader and an old-timer’s band led by local musician Daisy Nel of a bicentennial song they wrote together called “Two Hundred Years Proud and Free.”  It brought the house down.  From left, Lisa Purdy, Kristi Swett (a fifth-generation Woodman), Lauren Muise and Cassie McComiskey.

MARCH 2019

Hornets Track Teams Shine at Division Finals

At last week’s MIAA Division 5 Championship Finals at the Reggie Lewis Center, the Manchester Essex indoor track teams shined.  Senior Dean Campbell leans heavily across the finish line in the 300-meter dash, finishing second with a time of 36.34 seconds.  Maya Baker turns the corner in the girls’ 4 x 200, helping deliver an all-time, second-best time for her relay team.  All told, three individuals and one relay team will compete at the Massachusetts state finals on Saturday in Boston. 

Girls Basketball Finishes Regular Season on High Note, Qualifies for Tournament

The Manchester Essex Hornets finished the regular season at 11–9, qualifying for the Division 3 state tournament. On Friday night the Hornets hosted Cape Ann League Small Champions Amesbury and battled back from behind in the fourth quarter. Though the Hornets put up a great fight, they lost the game 39–41. The Hornet offense was led by Suzy Morton with 13 points. Emma Cochand added seven and Bridget Twombly six.  Grace Brennan and Emily Jacobsen each added four, Bella Pomeroy three and Lily Athanas two in the effort.

The Important Story of The Cricket Shared in Historical Museum Program

A large audience assembled Sunday for a fascinating presentation by David Slade on the history of The Cricket Press and this newspaper, The Manchester Cricket, which the Slade family owned for more than 100 years.  Slade shared pictures and artifacts and stories that extended back through two centuries in Manchester (as well as Ipswich and Gloucester), all weaving in references to the familiar places and people of today. 

The audience quietly listened, completely taken with Slade’s every story, every word.  The talk took people through the Slades’ arrival to Manchester, the businesses over the generations (including a bowling alley located in the building next to Allie’s Beach Street Café), the marriages, and, of course, The Cricket Press, Inc., the printing company run by the family over four generations, as well as The Manchester Cricket, purchased by Harry E. Slade in the 1920s.

A Series of Firsts Drives Success at State Championships for Hornets Track

There were a lot of firsts for the Manchester Essex indoor track teams this past weekend at the Massachusetts state finals at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. For the boys, it was the first time they competed in multiple events and the first time they have ever scored at the state meet.  It was also the first time that both boys and girls teams had representation at this meet, competing at the state’s highest levels.  Wil Kenney was the star of the day as he was the first male athlete in our program to place in the state meet with an eight-place finish bettering his own record by running 4:22.86.  This was in addition to success with the boys 4 x 800-meter relay team, Dean Campbell in the 300-meter sprint, and Mia Cromwell in the 1,000-meter race.  

Longevity Bench Project Seeks to Make Manchester Walking Friendly

Last May, the non-profit Longevity Bench Project was launched by Lisa Bonneville with the sole purpose of increasing the number of benches in town so that people of all ages and abilities can easily take a walk by providing benches as a place to rest at regular intervals.  Bonneville has scheduled a coffee meet-up at the Manchester Community Center to share details on the effort.  She has designed a town map showing popular walking loops that features existing and new longevity bench locations she hopes to see installed.  The locations are based on the goal of one bench every half mile — achieved with 30 new benches. Currently there are four such benches in place. 

Fourth Annual Cape Ann Career and College Fair Attracts ME Students, Parents

More than 200 students and their parents from area schools descended on the Gloucester High School Gym to attend the fourth annual Cape Ann Career and College Fair. The more than 75 colleges and 50 business and career representatives attending made it the largest high school career and college event in the Commonwealth.  The event, created by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, featured local businesses including Scott Milne from Milne Plumbing, Essex Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki, the Essex Police Department, the School District Guidance Department (including Director Beverly Low), among many others.  Pictured here: MERHS Junior Max Warnock with father Ken. 

(Editor’s Note: In one of the most embarrassing moments of the year, our headline on this front-page story misspelled the word “Career.”  Yes, that’s right.  We misspelled “career” in the headline for a story on a career fair.)

MERHS Robotics Team Packs Its Robot Up for Competition.

Last week during school vacation, members of the Manchester Essex Regional High School robotics team — called “Robotics by the C” — spent one last day putting the finishing touches on their machine before crating all their equipment for the journey to the competition.  Tomorrow, when it is unpacked, the machine will be at the opening of the Northeast District’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) in Salem, New Hampshire. 

Selectmen Mull Major Changes to Manchester Downtown

Monday’s Manchester Board of Selectmen meeting saw lively discussion as it considered multiple proposals to significantly alter several downtown intersections.  The meeting was well attended by citizens’ groups that included both Manchester downtown business owners and members of the Downtown Improvement Committee.  Town Engineering Consultant VHB presented and reviewed multiple proposals to install “bump outs” and modify pedestrian crosswalks and parking at the intersections of School and Union streets, Beach and Union streets, and Summer and Sea streets.  The Board of Selectmen voted Monday to create an impact group to review recommendations from the Downtown Improvement Committee to build four “bump out” crosswalks at intersections downtown, including this one at School and Union streets.

Essexport Engages Kids

Avery Poulos of Essex pets a hen (later named “Loretta” by him and his classmates) as Chris Grant of Grant Family Farm offers encouragement.  The March event was part of Essexport at Essex Elementary School, which this year celebrated the town’s bicentennial. 

Heisey Named Incoming President at Manchester Club February Meeting

The Manchester Club held its monthly meeting last week.  The outgoing president, Alan Kirker, was presented with a clock plaque for his leadership this past year in 2018.

All members and guests were treated to delicious chicken parmesan dinner, prepared by Norman Chamberlain and his great crew assistants, Chuck Filias and Tim Brown.  Along with the chicken, pasta, salad and Italian rolls were served followed by dessert of cannoli and ice cream.

Fighting Hard Till the End

Hornets basketball teams finished out the season with the girls team hosting Bedford in the Division 3 North State Tournament on February 26.  Bedford prevailed in a well-played back and forth game, 53–47.  The girls end their season with an 11–10 record and secured second place in the Cape Ann League Baker Division.  The following day the boys team played host to league rival Georgetown in the Division 4 North State Tournament.  The Georgetown Royals prevailed in a well-played back and forth game, 60–58. The Hornets completed a great season at 14–7 and captured the Cape Ann League Baker Division Championship.

Manchester Named a Top Place to Live in Boston Magazine

There were only 12 communities highlighted in this year’s Top Places to Live Around Boston Right Now and Manchester is one of them.  The list this year was categorized into themes (such as “For the Shopaholic” and “For the Foodie”) and Manchester and Hull were tapped as great towns to live “For the Beach Bum.”  Along with Manchester, the towns called out in the piece were Hull, Hudson, Concord, Newburyport, Shrewsbury, Plymouth, Waltham, Salem, Arlington, Brookline and Natick.  According to the magazine, a guaranteed parking spot at Singing Beach is one of the best perks of being a year-round resident here. Manchester’s coastal life was described as easy and convenient due to the within-reach-of-Boston commuter rail station and our walkable downtown was described as “packed with shopping and dining options, plus long lists of community events.” 

Robotics by the C Competes in Reading

Manchester Essex Regional High School Robotics Team 2084 had a great finish at the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) this past weekend in Reading, MA.  The team had a strong performance in the qualification matches and was selected to play in the number two alliance in the quarterfinal matches.  Team Co-Captain Maria Cristoforo won the Dean's List semi-finalist award at the Reading Event and, as a result, she will be going to the New England District Championship to be interviewed and may become of the Dean's List finalists from New England.   FIRST Robotics Dean's List selects outstanding student members nominated by their FIRST Robotics team who show great commitment and dedication to FIRST Robotics and also demonstrate strong leadership and technical skills.  Way to go, Maria and Robotics by the C! From left, Co-Captain Kevin Hines, Aidan Cunningham, Co-Captain Maria Cristoforo and Colin Harrison ready to start a match this past weekend at Reading. 

Todd Fitzgerald: Redux

It was made official in last week’s Board of Selectmen meeting that Todd Fitzgerald will become, again, interim Police Chief in Manchester.  Fitzgerald had held the same position before the arrival of current (at least until April 1) Chief Edward Conley in November 2017.  Conley will be heading out to serve the same role in Gloucester, and Fitzgerald told the Board he’s learned a lot from Conley, his “mentor.”  Fitzgerald had a big hand in bringing the department through full accreditation with the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, something only a small minority of towns in the state has achieved.

Preliminary Study of DPW Site

Town Planner Sue Brown in an article wrote that last year a Master Plan survey asked Manchester residents, “What would be the most appropriate use of the Pleasant Street DPW site if the DPW facilities were relocated?”  While answers included cemetery space, a senior center and recreational fields, the use that garnered the most support was affordable housing.  With the median price of a single-family home in Manchester above $600,000, a lack of small homes or potential sites for development and a near 100 percent occupancy rate for apartments, many in Manchester have very few housing options — whether for housing that they can afford, the purchase of a starter home, or downsizing for retirement. 

At the Manchester Club, a Familiar Routine

Among local organizations, the 119-year-old Manchester Club credits its staying power with many things, but the incredibly delicious dinners are what many say draw men to seek out the coveted membership and religiously attend the club’s meetings on the third Thursday of each month.  Last week featured the “Mort Mayo Fish Dinner,” the club’s March meal staple for more than 70 years.  Here, from left, Sean Daly and Dave Crehan work the serving station in the American Legion Hall kitchen with the Mort Mayo crew headed up by Todd Crane. 

Friends of Manchester Trees Name Board Members and Outline Spring Agenda

The Friends of Manchester Trees have announced new board members: Skylar Coons (secretary), Isabella Bates, Sandy Bodmer-Turner, Irma Kahle and Joe Sabella.  They have hit the ground running, reaching out to regional communities to share best practices for tree planting, care­­ and maintenance; creating an electronic mapping of our memorial/commemorative trees; and helping current Board members fundraise for the planting of new trees.

APRIL 2019

Voting Electronically at Town Meeting

Town Moderator Alan Wilson andTown ClerkChristina St. Pierre shared that residents will vote electronically at the Annual Town Meeting on April 1.  “We will use electronic handsets to register votes quickly and accurately,” they explained. “Voting electronically will reduce the time required when a vote must be counted, and every vote will be a secret ballot.”

The Passing of George Putnam

We are fortunate to live in a town of remarkable people, many playing a transformative role in everyday life of all Americans.  Last week George Putnam, 92, founder of one of the first balanced mutual funds, died. 

ME Hornets Sailing Wins Season Opener at Portland

After two weeks of practice, literally breaking the ice in Manchester Harbor, the Manchester Essex varsity sailors headed north to Portland, ME for their first regatta and ended the day winning first place out of the eight schools competing.

Two New Eagles

Kathrine Cicala sent word last week of the newest Eagle Scouts in Troop 3. Seen here, from left, are Brandon Good of Essex and Philip Cicala of Manchester.  Their Eagle Court of Honor was held at the Amaral Bailey post on Saturday, March 16, with more than 100 friends and family in attendance.  Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Brad Hill came as well to provide citations and resolutions recognizing the pair’s achievement.  Congratulations to both.

Last Hurrah for Dogs

It’s that time of year again, with spring fully upon us and summer beginning its tease.  This past weekend Singing Beach was buzzing with weekend walkers and dog lovers squeezing in a bit of play before the April 15 deadline that means canines are no longer welcome.  No joke, the beach last weekend at times seemed to have nearly as many dogs as people, and all of them just loving their “dog’s life.”

New Chief in Town

Essex Police Sergeant Paul Francis quietly attended an evening Board of Selectmen meeting to sign his employment agreement to become the new Essex Police Chief.  It won’t be official until August 1, but it’s a great example of a smooth ramp-up to the top job, managed ably by the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki and current Police Chief Peter Silva.  Francis has been with the Essex Police Department since the 1990s.  He, followed by the members of the BOS, signed the document. Francis kept his remarks short and sweet. “Thank you so much,” he said.  “I appreciate the opportunity.”

Making Progress on Intersection Layouts

Manchester Town Administrator Gregory T. Federspiel reported that recent meetings, including a working session with business owners and strong advocates for pedestrian safety, have resulted in revised layouts to improve the safety of some of the important intersections in the heart of downtown. The Board of Selectmen will be reviewing these latest layout designs starting at 7 p.m. as part of their meeting on Tuesday, April 16.

A Welcome for MERHS’ Newest Additions

From Manchester Essex Regional High School Principal Patricia Puglisi comes an announcement that MERHS has added two new administrators for the 2019–2020 school year. First is Jordan Edgett, who has been hired as the new athletic director/PE teacher for MERHS.  Then, Craig Macarelli has been hired as the academic/behavioral dean of students. 

Jordan Marsh & Co. and Muffins and Manchester-by-the-Sea

Last week’s Manchester Historical Museum lecture by author Anthony Mitchell Sammarco brought back — and brought home — the great story behind “Jordan Marsh: New England's Largest Store.”  The store’s tie to Manchester is fundamental and important, since Eban Jordan Jr. made his summer home here (on Harbor Street) in a vast and beautiful home called “The Rocks” which was so emblematic of America’s Gilded Age that it was the cover story of House & Garden magazine in 1905. 

At 105, She Held the Golden Cane

Patricia Lyons Harrington, at 105, was the holder of the Boston Post Cane in honor of being the eldest living citizen in the town of Essex.  Born on September 25, 1913, Ms. Harrington had held the cane — officially recognizing her status – since 2015.  Sadly, she died this summer and the cane will now be passed to Nathan Lane who turned 100 earlier this year.  Ms. Harrington led an amazing life as a music teacher in Boston.  Here she is with Dawn Addison Burnham, assistant town clerk and chair of the town’s Bicentennial Committee, who brought the cane to Harrington at the home she shares with her nephew, George, and his family. 

State Grant Funds MBTS Police Time for Pedestrian and Bike Safety

The Manchester Police Department has been awarded a $6,264 grant by the state’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to fund overtime hours for officers to target pedestrian and bicycle safety violations, with a focus on educating pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists about the importance of being safe and sharing the roadways.  The pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign will run through the spring and summer and end in mid-September.

Misty Morning Easter Sunrise Service

Hundreds of worshipers gathered at Singing Beach Sunday just before 6 a.m. to participate in the Annual Easter Ecumenical Sunrise Service led by local church leaders from First Parish Church, Cornerstone Church, Emmanuel Church and St. John’s Church.  The angry rainstorms from the previous night broke just before dawn and held fast during the beautiful service.  Then the sun peeked through — just barely — and rose over Eagle Head as the service began.  Hours later, and long after the end of the service, the rain returned.

MBTS Police Report a Spike in Scam Calls

Several residents have recently reported to the Manchester Police Department that they have received calls from someone claiming to be a police officer from another police department.  The "officer" reports that a family member has been in a car crash and subsequently arrested for possession of narcotics.

Interim Chief Todd Fitzgerald and the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department would like to alert residents to the scam and remind them to never give out personal information or send money to someone they do not know.

Hopping a Ride with the Fire Squad!

On a sunny morning last Saturday, it seemed all of Manchester’s kiddos descended upon the Manchester Community Center for games and snacks.  And then it was onto Masconomo Park for the real deal: the Manchester Parent Teacher Organization’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.  The Easter Bunny joined by hopping a ride on the Fire Department’s ladder truck.  And. It. Was. On.

MAY 2019

Little Mermaid Sings!

Nathan Kelleher as Scuttle the seagull joins castmates in last weekend’s M-E musical production of “The Little Mermaid.”  The show was a total delight for audiences, rewarding the cast and crew for all their hard work and efforts. 

Construction Season Underway

A new round of town construction projects is underway.  Thanks to the continuing support of taxpayers for our capital improvement plans and through the support of grants and other outside assistance, we continue to make good progress on reinvesting in the infrastructure so vital to the community.  Here is an update on what is happening in the coming weeks.

School Street: repaving the stretch of School Street from Flatley Avenue down to the Sawmill Brook crossing.  Ocean Street: a second paving company will be on the eastern end of Ocean Street next week where a new water main was installed last fall.  Reed Park:  the pile driving begins next week.  Harbormaster Pike and his crew have the new floats constructed and ready to install as soon as the pilings are in place.  Singing Beach Repairs:  the March 2018 storms damaged the rock revetment along Singing Beach.  Our FEMA storm damage repair funds will pay for most of the needed work.  This effort is getting underway now and will last through all of May.  

Hornets Football a Big Go!

Manchester Essex football moms, Abby Levendusky, Callie Doane, Grace Pallazolla and Bailey Buchanan hosted a recruitment dinner for the varsity team on Sunday, April 28 at the Manchester Masonic Lodge, who generously donated the use of the facilities.  

Last season, the team started out with approximately 21 kids but fell to a roster of approximately 17 kids who were required to play both sides of the ball each game.  The team has fielded 32 committed players for the Hornets’ next season.  Head Coach Jeff Hutton gave an inspiring speech.  He and Coach MacMillan will return to lead the team again next year.  Henry Doane, Tristan Nowak and Will Levendusky have been named team captains.  Go Hornets!

Manchester Community Center Town-Wide Cleanup 

Everyone brought their community spirit out on Saturday, and they sure did help beautify our town.  Last Saturday morning, volunteers came to the Community Center and brought out the supplies for the cleanup, and also to pick an area in town to help clean.  After they were rewarded with pizza and games.  Check out all those bags of rubbish!

Spring Into Strings

On Sunday afternoon music lovers were treated to an intimate Cape Ann Symphony concert at Crowell Chapel in Manchester.  The small venue program is part of the Symphony’s Musicians Unleashed series of three performances that feature and special guests.  Sunday’s was called “Spring Into Strings,” which CAS Orchestra Manager and violinist Susanne Powers said was designed as a “joyful April welcome to the changing season.”  But, referring to the clouds and cold that day with a laugh, “This is New England,” she said.

As Is Tradition, Students Lead and Celebrate Arbor Day Planting  

On Friday, April 26, the Friends of Manchester Trees, our Tree Warden Tom Henderson, and DPW Director Chuck Dam celebrated Arbor Day with the help of Memorial School’s fifth grade classes.  The day was cold and windy, but the students came out enthusiastically and helped us wish a newly planted tree a healthy start on its journey to absorb carbon and cool the area around the Lincoln Street tennis courts for generations to come.  The students were accompanied by their teachers Maggie Tomaiolo, Dina Flood, Jennifer Cochand, Joe McDonough and Friends' Directors Isabella Bates, George Smith, Skylar Coons and Su Mittermaier.

Scott Energy Makes Donation to Support HCP

Scott Energy, a leading local provider of home heating oil, propane, heating and cooling systems installation and service, is proud to announce their support of Harborlight Community Partners (HCP). The company was seeking a way to assist the non-profit in their mission to provide safe, affordable housing units and support services in Southern Essex County. Scott Energy’s recent campaign included donating a portion of the profits from every gallon of home heating oil sold to new customers since last fall. The program was a humbling success and raised a total of $5,000 for HCP! 

Hit the Street for Little Feet

It’s that time again, for the Hit the Street for Little Feet 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run held by Manchester Memorial Elementary School.  This year the event is on Friday evening, May 17 at Coach Field Playground, located at the corner of Norwood Ave and Brook Street in Manchester.  Registration starts at 4:30 p.m. and the races start at 5:30 p.m.  The event should wrap up between 7:30–8:30 p.m.  

Susan Beckmann, So Long (For Now)

Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting honored BOS Chairman Susan Beckmann.  After two terms on the Board, the last as its chairman, she’s decided to take some time away pubic service.  Here she is with Representative Brad Hill who presented Beckmann with a proclamation for her years of tireless service to the town.  Not surprisingly, she will continue to volunteer with training for incoming elected board and committee members. 

Lion’s Scholarships Awarded to Essex Students

May 15 was the Essex Lions Club’s 49th Senior Night.  Senior Night is a long-standing tradition for the Essex Lions Club to honor the town’s graduating seniors by hosting a dinner for the graduates and their invited guests.  The Lions Club also has several community scholarships that have been placed under its purview.  The Club receives applications and a judging committee selects recipients according to the various scholarship requirements.   Recipients — all seen here and all from Essex — are recognized as part of Senior Night. 

Practicing Near Whaleback Rock in Heavy Wind

Hornets Sailing Coach Tony Leggett wrote in a fantastic summary of the team’s excellent performance at last week’s two-day competition at the MIT Sailing Pavilion on the Charles River.  Seen here is the team at practice.

The Hornets pulled off a remarkable recovery and surged into second place at the end of the Massachusetts State High School Fleet Racing Championship.  Overcoming very strong competition, adverse conditions, and a thirteen-point deficit at the end of the first day, our sailors pushed right to the end to win second place, missing out on first by only six points. 

Sixth Grade Students Run Food Drive for Beverly Bootstraps

How can one class make a difference in their community? For their Middle School Academy service learning project, G block students chose to donate to Beverly Bootstraps, an organization that supports local people in need. The food drive ran from April 25 to May 10 and raised over 400 items totaling 443 pounds. Students also ran bake sales to raise additional funds so Beverly Bootstraps could buy other things they needed. The project was initiated by Elior Zaremba’s Public Service Announcement about the UN Global Goal to end world hunger. It wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of students, staff, parents, and the community. Students hope that this act of kindness will be one of many.

A Day to Remember

Memorial Day this year in Manchester was a magical, crystal-clear day.  Not too cool and not too hot, it was a perfect weather day for a morning ceremony to cast poppies and a wreath into the harbor, and certainly it was perfect weather for the uniformed, 3ish-mile parade of veterans and Auxiliary members, police, elected officials, scout troops, and the high school band that marched through town to honor fallen soldiers.

Directly following the 9 a.m. waterside service at the American Legion Hall for those lost at sea, the parade assembled along the Town Hall to get its start with police escort, exiting onto Central Street and then turning up Pine Street to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.  From there, the line headed to Rosedale Cemetery for the main event, where townspeople had gathered on the grass for the ceremony.  American Legion Chaplain Bruce G. Heisey led the 30-minute service at the memorial in the Legion Bowl at Rosedale Cemetery.  MERHS sophomore Domino Morris read the traditional “In Flanders Field” poem and Michele Kulick read the response.  MERHS sophomore Maxwell Warnock performed a reading from the Gettysburg Address. 

Erin Kirchner Adds Town’s Safety Compliance in New Role at Town Hall

Essex Board of Health Administrator Erin Kirchner has served been serving the town in her capacity since 2015.  As of May, Kirchner has added “occupational safety” to her area of responsibility since the Board of Selectmen determined to move OSHA compliance under the Board of Health umbrella.  The role will be strategic, especially as the town moves toward approving a new public safety building to house the town’s Police and Fire Departments.  Congratulations, Erin!

Dramatic 3–2 Win for Hornets Boys Tennis Monday

The Manchester Essex boys tennis team had a dramatic 3–2 win on Memorial Day over CAL large perennial power Pentucket Regional.  With junior captain Thomas Birkeland out of the lineup, sophomore Jack Roberts took over the reins of the third singles spot, while Kellen Furse moved from third singles to take over Thomas’ spot at first doubles with Thymen de Widt.  

JUNE 2019

Breaking Ground At Memorial

In town meetings leading into 2019, both Manchester and Essex overwhelmingly passed the construction of a new, $52 million Memorial Elementary School in Manchester. After funding from the state, the towns would pay $27 million according to the allotment in the regionalization agreement. It was a big moment, demonstrating strong community support for the much needed but not at all assured project. By June, the Memorial Elementary School project broke ground in a ceremony pictured here. From left, Manchester Essex Regional School District Operations and Finance Director Avi Urbas, Massachusetts School Building Authority Executive Director Jack McCarthy, State Senator Bruce Tarr, District Superintendent Pam Beaudoin, School Building Committee Co-Chair and School Committee member Caroline Weld, Memorial School Principal John Willis and School Committee member Shannon Erdmann. And here’s some good news: as of today, the project is currently ahead of schedule.

30th Anniversary of Greenbelt’s Art in the Barn

This weekend, June 7–9, Greenbelt’s 30th anniversary of Art in the Barn will open at the Cox Reservation on Eastern Avenue in Essex.

Bravo to Bravo!

Last week a production team from The Phantom Gourmet paid a visit to our own Bravo eatery.  It seems the television show will run a feature on the restaurant to highlight its wood-fired pizza, high-quality, Italian-sourced ingredients and its full bar and wine selection.  Owner Beth Gibeley Panagos said her idea to bring something fresh and new to Manchester while creating an inviting environment for all is what piqued the interest of the show’s producers.  “The Phantom Gourmet seeks out interesting and unique new venues like mine,” she said. “They called me.” 

Morss Pier Project Showcases Benefit of Grant Monies

Last week  Manchester Harbormaster Bion Pike served as host to Massachusetts LieutenantGovernor Karyn Polito, who arrived here on a chilly Thursday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Morss Pier.  The renovation project, which included both Morss Pier and the adjacent seawall, was recently completed thanks to the support of a $327,000 grant from the Seaport Economic Council and voter approval of $100,000 in community preservation funds.  

MERHS 2019 Graduates

Manchester Essex Regional High School’s Class of 2019 gathered Friday for a graduation ceremony to remember.  The weather was perfect for the hundreds of friends and family in attendance.  The official graduation ceremony marked the end of the students’ high school career and the beginning of their next chapter.  We wish them the very best.  Off to summer!

Michele French Named 2019 Essex Small Businessperson of The Year.

Essex’s Michele French, branch manager for BankGloucester in Essex, has been awarded 2019 Essex Small Businessperson of the Year by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

French, originally from Ipswich, began her career as a teller at the Ipswich Cooperative Bank.  She moved to the Essex branch of First National Bank of Ipswich, becoming head teller, then assistant branch manager and manager of the bookkeeping division.  French is incredibly involved in the Chamber and in the community of Essex (heading up the Essex Chapter of the Cape Ann Chamber) as well as business organizations such as the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club.

Spaulding Education Awarded $28,000 in Grants to M-E School District in 2018–2019

The Spaulding Education Fund awarded over $28,000 in grants for this school year to advance, enrich and enliven the classroom experience of the students in the Manchester-Essex school district.

M-E Lacrosse Team Advances to State Semifinals

Girls lacrosse and boys baseball are advancing in post-season play.  Girls varsity lacrosse has played flawlessly this season, and last week the team secured the MIAA Division 4 North Sectional Championship with a 7–6 win over Newburyport.  On Tuesday (after The Cricket’s deadline), they advanced yet again, winning 11–10 against Bromfield at Babson College in the state semifinals.  On Friday, June 21, they face Cohasset in the state semifinals. 

It’s in the Bag!

The Manchester-Essex varsity baseball team and Coach BJ Weed snagged a historic win on Saturday when they took the MIAA Division 4 State Finals against Tahanto Regional of Boylston — the program’s first-ever state title.  The Hornets were victorious in the championship, ultimately securing a 5–2 lead over their opponents.  It was a fantastic end to a great season.  Finishing the year, Manchester-Essex has a 20–5 overall season record while Tahanto Regional is 17–7 on the season. It was a game that won’t be forgotten, and it marked a joyful end to the seniors’ high school athletic careers.

JULY 2019

Shark Sightings in Manchester: The New Normal?

On Wednesday, June 19, a large shark was spotted off the shore of House Island.  Shortly after, another sighting of a very large shark around Bakers Island was called in.  The Manchester Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department coordinated to immediately release a public alert.  While swimming is permitted, they said, residents are advised to remain cautious in the water. 

Tarr-Nation at RW&B Annual Breakfast

Senator Bruce Tarr manned the critical pancake station this past Saturday at the 30^th annual Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast, ably put on every year at Tuck’s Point by the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club.  The morning got off to a shaky start, with pre-dawn violent thunderstorms threatening a washout.  But thankfully the weather gods pulled back and offered a wonderful reprieve for those planning to attend.  By the 7:30 a.m. opener, the skies had cleared and the Rotary team went to work, producing another epic feed. 

131-Year Digital Archive of Manchester Cricket Will Live Permanently at Manchester Public Library

They say a newspaper is the first draft of a community’s history.  For 131 years, The Cricket has served that purpose for Manchester and, since 1919, for Essex as well.  And today, we’re happy to report that every edition of The Cricket published since its founding in 1888 has been digitized into a permanent archive that will have its home at the Manchester Public Library.  The effort was done as an equal collaboration between the Friends of the Manchester Library and The Manchester Cricket.  The announcement was made by outgoing Friends of Library president Joan Wogan and Manchester Cricket Editor Erika Brown at a joint event, the Authors and Friends Book Signing, to benefit the library which took place Sunday (over an incredible spread) at Allie’s Beach Street Café. 

Original Navajo Treaty Goes Home

An original copy of an important treaty belonging to descendants of the Tappan family in Manchester made its way to a new home at a Navajo Nation museum in New Mexico. The treaty was negotiated in 1868 by then Indian Peace Commissioner Samuel F. Tappan and General William T. Sherman. There were only three copies of the treaty — one is at the National Archives in Washington; the second was given to the last Navajo chief to surrender to military forces. That copy is lost. The last copy was Tappan’s, and it has quietly lived in the attic of his original homestead on Bridge Street. Tappan’s great-grandniece, Clare “Kitty” Weaver, here, at the desk where the treaty was housed for decades, as she visits with nationally acclaimed Native American flautist Jonah Littlesunday and his family.  Weaver is writing a book about Tappan along with historian and cousin Dana Younger, descendant of one of Samuel Tappan’s first cousins, also of Manchester. 

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club Inducts New President

Every July 1, Rotary International inducts new leadership. Locally, the collective gavels changed hands for Rotary District 7930, including the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club. Ceremonies were held at the Danversport Yacht Club. Current President Mike Storella, finishing up his year with a successful Red, White & Blue Breakfast, handed over the reins to Incoming President Rob Lipkowitz.

Cape Ann United U-16 Goes All. The. Way!

Cape Ann United, the local division team of Essex County Youth Soccer, emerged victorious in the post-season statewide competition at the prestigious Massachusetts Tournament of Champions in Lancaster.  The team won out in five tight games played over two days and returned home as state champions in the highly competitive Under-16 Division.

Madam Varney, Back for a Day

Last weekend Essex’s bicentennial celebration continued with a “Madam Varney Tea,” honoring Abigail Proctor Varney, the seventeenth-century Essex woman who navigated around the law of the day and triggered the construction of Essex’s first meeting house.  There were three seatings for the well-attended event at the First Congregational Church.  Attendees were encouraged to dress in tea attire (hats and all) and were treated to tours of the over 200-year-old church.

With $50 million Authorization, Regional Dredging May Be on the Horizon

Last week the reality of the shared services dream began to take form, and it looks like dredging.  The Northeast Coastal Coalition, a group formed by Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr to find and fund options for dredging and coastal resilience management in communities from Cape Ann to the New Hampshire border, came to the table — literally — on Friday at the Essex Town Hall.  It was a packed meeting, with a crew spanning several state agencies and branches of government (including Senators Tarr and DiZoglio, and Representatives Hill, Mirra, Kelcourse, Ferrante and Parisella), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a series of environmental non-profits, university researchers and a variety of other groups. 

They Came, They Saw, They Headed to Halifax

On Sunday, a special racing cruise boat, the Dreamcatcher, departed from two days at Manchester Marine after a youth sailing team program made final preparations for the 2019 Marblehead-Halifax Race.

Turning Out for the Parade

The annual Fourth of July Parade in Manchester turned out strong crowds who happily lined the parade route from School Street to Pine Street to Central Street and back up to end at the Brook Street field.  This year’s parade included a lot of Hornet pride (with Boosters, varsity baseball champs and the Gridiron) alongside perennial parade favorites like the antique bicycle crew, vintage cars, colonial marchers, bagpipers and the steel band.  Next year is the Town’s 375^th, so the parade committee’s probably already gotten back to work. 

The Mark of Celebration

Early in 2019, Manchester’s 375^th Celebration Committee set out to design a logo that would commemorate the town’s milestone anniversary next year. They found it in M-E Regional High School freshman Isabel Lundstrom, who came up with her design as part of a semester-long design class run by art teacher Caroline Epp

Goodbye Andy Harris

We are sorry to report that Andrew “Andy” Sturgis Harris, sailor, skier, pilot, architect, entrepreneur, community volunteer and for many decades, town board member in his cherished Manchester-by-the-Sea, died July 5, 2019 of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. 

AUGUST 2019

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The Easy Change is Here

There’s something to said for being given lots of runway to prepare for a transition, especially when it involves a new successor in an important community position.  This has been the case with Essex Police Chief Peter Silva, who has steadily held his post since 2006 and will retire next week.  Silva will hand the reins to long-time colleague and friend, Sergeant Paul Francis, who was tapped for the position after Silva announced his retirement last year.  Silva and Francis have been flying in formation for much of the past twenty years, in many ways preparing for this very moment.  Paul Francis has been involved with every major public safety initiative on the force, often playing critical leadership roles. 

The Music Man Is Here

Looking for a fun family event? Come and see Manchester Summerstage's performance of “The Music Man” at Manchester Essex High School this weekend. Manchester Summerstage is a non-profit organization that teaches youth ages 8 and up all aspects of theater by producing a full-quality show each summer. There are close to 70 cast and crew members working on this production. Come enjoy the show on Thursday, July 25, Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are a bargain at $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and those under 12. The auditorium is handicap accessible and air conditioned. 

Rededication of the Ancient Cemetery in Essex

Essex Historical Society members in American Revolution-era garb behind the old school house on John Wise Avenue before the march that formally began the Rededication of the Ancient Cemetery. From left, Jim Witham, Don Hayes (in distance), Dan Cripps, Bill Quinnland, Henry Rutkowski and John Fellows.

A Great Turnout at Festival-by-the-Sea!

This year, the weather was a picture-perfect summer day, and thousands of people flocked to downtown Manchester for the annual Festival-by-the-Sea last weekend.  Created by the Manchester division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, the event saw local artists, music and food all coming together downtown to benefit local retailers.  The popular annual event featured more than 100 outdoor vendors ranging from artists and artisans to jewelers and crafters and food vendors.  It stretched from the Town Hall Common, throughout town, and into Reed Park and Masconomo Park.  Local sponsors included the Cape Ann Savings Bank and the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club.  There was free public parking offered at the high school, with event sponsor Beauport Ambulance providing free shuttle service to and from downtown all day.

The Ultimate Golden Ager

Here he is, Gordon MacDougall, who at 96 is Manchester-by-the-Sea’s eldest living male resident.  Just look at Gordon, smiling big and bright here at the Golden Ager’s annual Summer Hummer lobster bake at Tuck’s Point last Thursday.  He’s doing better than most of us.  In fact, he reports that he renewed his driver’s license just last month but “only drives around town, never to Boston or anything like that.”  And when asked how old he is, he doesn’t say 96.  He says, “97 next April, on my birthday.”

Giving Back to the Community through Scott Energy-YMCA Partnership

Scott Energy, a leading local provider of home heating oil, propane, heating and cooling system installations and service, is proud to announce their support of YMCA of the North Shore’s Beverly Homecoming 5K. The starting line is at Lynch Park at 55 Ober Street, Beverly at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 8. As part of the YMCA’s Race Series, all proceeds from this race will support the Corner Stone program.

Mazie at the Helm

This was one of our favorite images of the year.  On a late Sunday afternoon in August, a nasty rush of black clouds moved in, pushing day boaters quickly home to unload when it looked like the skies might open up.  It even started to spit a little.  But Mazie, Chris “Woody” Kelly’s sea-loving German Short Hair Pointer was all for going out anyway.  Out we went, headed for Misery Island and onto Lobster Cove.  Then, rounding Smith’s Point and heading back in the aluminum skiff — a wonderful reversal.  Mazie led the charge, into the sun and the bluest of skies and back to the inner harbor.

Winslow Homer and Women’s Bathing Practices at Coolidge Point

The Cape Ann Museum and Historic New England are pleased to present a special lecture about Winslow Homer on Saturday, August 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Coolidge Point: The Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Manchester.

Pogies Bring Fishing Paradise

A couple of weeks ago, bait fish, particularly pogies, inundated Cape Ann in unusual numbers, with thick schools of them swelling outer Manchester Harbor, from here to the coast of Rockport.  As the food stock of the North Atlantic, the pogies brought a fishermen’s paradise of every predatory fish with them; from stripers to porpoise to tuna to sharks to whales.  For the past couple of weeks, as fishermen love to say, it’s been “fish on.”

Bicentennial Blast!

The kickoff to the weekend was late afternoon in Memorial Park, where a series of food trucks set up shop behind the police and fire stations at 5 p.m.  Residents were told to come early and come hungry.  Martin Street was closed to traffic, and people started to arrive with beach chairs and bags, ready to enjoy the gorgeous summer night with yummy foods from shaved ice and whoopie pies to falafel and burritos.

Then, at dusk, the big show of fireworks set over the marsh.  Onlookers were stunned by the display as they lounged on blankets and chairs at the park.  The fireworks display was so large that it was heard — and seen — in neighboring towns.  It was fantastic… only to be topped the following day with the long-awaited Bicentennial Parade. 

Online Auction for Low Number Cape Ann License Plates Kicks Off

To kick off this year’s two-week online auction of low-number Cape Ann license plates, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce turned to Kory Curcuru and his Facebook show, Bridge Cape Ann, to showcase community organizations that have benefited from funding generated through sales of the plates. 

In the end, more than 700 local viewers tuned into the live show, broadcasted from the Yella On The Water restaurant in Gloucester, and thousands more viewed it after sharing, making the debut a success by anyone’s metric. 

Initial Report Formalizes Discussion on Shared Manchester-Essex Services

Seven months into a formal exploration of shared services opportunities between Manchester and Essex by a professional consultant, the Boards of Selectmen for Essex and Manchester came together for a joint meeting on Monday night to preview the final recommended areas for cooperation between the towns.

Championship Victory for the Mariners

This past Sunday, the Manchester-Essex Mariners captured the Intertown Twilight League (ITL) baseball title in a closely matched game, the fifth of the series, against the Rowley Rams. The game marked a triumphant return for the Mariners, who won nine of the last twelve season titles but fell to the Rockport Townies in both the 2017 and 2018 ITL championships.

River Wildlife Sanctuary Trip

The Manchester Council on Aging is pleased to offer a trip to the Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield on Friday, August 30. Ipswich River offers 12 miles of trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, wetlands, drumlin and esker. You will marvel at the diversity of wildlife, especially bird species; the sanctuary is part of the Eastern Essex County Interior Forest Important Bird Area. The Council on Aging van will begin to pick up at 10:00 a.m. Return is expected around 2 p.m. Admission is free thanks to Free, Fun, Fridays. Please call the COA office (978) 526-7500 for more information or to register.

BankGloucester’s 12th Annual Banking for the Community Program Kicks Off This Weekend

BankGloucester‘s 12th annual Banking for The Community Program will begin this weekend on September 1 and will run through September 30.  Over the past eleven years, the bank has awarded $185,000 to dozens of non-profit and community organizations through this program. This year, BankGloucester will again be awarding a total of $20,000 to 19 organizations. Community votes will determine how the funds are allocated.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Firehouse 911 Remembrances

Manchester-by-the-Sea observed 9/11 remembrances on Wednesday at the firehouse. At the time of the collapse of the South Tower on 9/11, FF/PM Nate Campbell tolled the bell 5-5-5-5, a code that symbolizes the loss of a fireman and in some jurisdictions initiates the carrying of an empty stretcher to a waiting ambulance.                                                                                      

Off to the Harbor

After 41 years on the corner building of Central and Elm streets, Coldwell Banker has moved its Manchester offices down to a bright, glass-fronted location overlooking Manchester Harbor on the first floor of Harbor Point.  The move has been highly anticipated by the Coldwell Banker team, and all evidence indicates they are happily ensconced in their new digs.  Nanny Winslow has the distinction of being on hand for both moves, the one in the late 1970s and this one. 

Life Is Back at Seven Central Street, with an Italian Twist

When it was revealed last year the Antique Table restaurant would be taking over the large, loved space formerly occupied by 7 Central Public House, many residents were unfamiliar with the eatery and were eager to see what would happen. 

Paul Clark Awarded at Tuck’s Point

At last weekend’s 142nd annual Elder Brethren luncheon (also known as the “Old Man’s Picnic”) at Tuck’s Point, Paul Clark received the Slade Eaton Award for longstanding community service to the town and the organization.  Congratulations Paul. 

Water, Oil, and Photography: Winslow Homer and Steve Rosenthal Together at CAM

A little over a year ago, the Cape Ann Museum reached out to Steve Rosenthal, renowned photographer, architect and Manchester-by-the-Sea resident. In planning the exhibition “Homer at the Beach: A Marine Painter's Journey, 1869-1880,” currently on display at the museum, show curators Martha Oaks and William R. Cross (also of Manchester) wondered if he might creatively capture Winslow Homer’s Cape Ann through modern photography. The result is a stunning contemporary complement to an equally stunning exhibit of Homer’s paintings.

A Retiring Affair

This week at The Essex Room it was a packed house at the retirement-party-meets-fundraiser for Michael T. French, who worked his last two shifts late last month after 30 years on the Essex Police Department to fill in for former partner and now Police Chief Paul Francis. His last morning was working the Bicentennial Parade, marking his last time in full uniform. 

 “Andrea Ramos Is Going on Vacation”

We got the call from Andrea Ramos, owner of Manchester Barber, that her shop will be closed while she is on vacation from September 22–30, so anyone looking to get a snip during that week should plan ahead or plan to be one week shaggier in their hairdo.

We began placing these notices of Ramos’ vacation plans on the front page “Briefs” column early this year, after she contacted the paper to tell us of her vacation in February.  We thought she was telling us this as “news.”  Months later, we discovered the truth that Ramos had typically taken out an ad in the paper to alert customers as a convenience.  Alas, it was our error.  But by then, readers had already come to enjoy our treatment of Ms. Ramos’ vacation plans as news. 

So, Andrea, please contact The Cricket news desk from now on when you are going on vacation.  We love it.  And we will always run it, as news!

Raingutter Regatta

Come watch or join Manchester Cub Scout Pack 30’s Raingutter Regatta this weekend — a racing tradition for Cub Scouts filled with creativity, resourcefulness and fun!

Manchester Historical Museum Thanks for Fundraiser Success

The Manchester Historical Museum is filled with gratitude to the entire community for supporting our recent benefit at Bothways Farm.  Megan Donovan’s generosity to allow the benefit to be held at her iconic venue set the festive tone for the evening.  Her alpacas, goats, donkey and other animals had lots of excited visitors.  Guests were greeted with a rum and cider cocktail.  They entered the wide, green barn doors to the sight and sound of experienced square dancers drawing in newcomers.  To the delight of attendees, the music was a compilation of favorites, all set to square dance steps by skilled and joyful caller Joyce Kutz.  The barn’s ambiance, adorned with bales of hay and yellow mums, was the perfect place to dance.

Happy Racing Little (And Big) Clammers

Last week’s “Happy as a Clam” 5K was a huge success, put on by the Essex PTO at the Essex Elementary School.  Hundreds of kids and families showed up to a perfect late afternoon weekend kickoff and raced together.  There were running, walking and “fun dash” portions of the event, and for those who didn’t race, there was still plenty of food and fun.  A great event, sponsored by The Great Marsh Brew Company, among others.  Here’s to next year!

Farewell Charles A. Burnham

Charles A. Burnham, 84, husband of Maria Piraino Burnham, passed away September 19 after a long illness. Burnham was an important fixture in Essex, having been one of the founders of Essex Shipbuilding Museum and having served as president of the Essex Historical Society.

Mosquito Spraying and Curtailed Outdoor Town Activities Following EEE Infection

Last week, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Board of Health announced a local Manchester resident was the ninth Massachusetts person to be infected this season with EEE (eastern equine encephalitis), the rare but potentially fatal virus transmitted by mosquitos.

In the days following the development, the town expedited testing and coordinated with state health officials and earlier this week, the Manchester Board of Health voted to immediately conduct a town-wide spraying to kill mosquitoes Wednesday night by the Northeast Mosquito Control District and announced that all outdoor town-related activities would end by dusk until further notice. 

Special Town Meeting Secures Essex Public Safety Building Success

It was a full house Monday at a highly anticipated Special Town Meeting, where the 10-plus year grind by the Essex Town Building Committee, the Board of Selectmen, the fire and police departments and countless others to fund construction of a new public safety building on John Wise Avenue finally came to fruition with overwhelming approval.  Following their success, the BOS didn’t waste any time, immediately putting the $15.9 million project out to bid with pre-vetted bidding candidates and a schedule that would award the first contracts by November 1. Construction should begin November 11, 2019 and end May 12, 2021.

Wilkinson, U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, Honored by State

On Saturday at the Manchester Historical Museum, Senator Bruce Tarr presented certificates from Governor Charles Baker and the Massachusetts State Senate to 91-year-old Manchester-by-the-Sea resident Shirley Wilkinson for her service in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. 

Sadly, It Has Come to Our Attention

Two longtime, important local community figures have died.  First, Marianthe (Mahri) Bode, founder and owner of MAHRI in Manchester and Marblehead died on September 18.  She was 75.  The incredibly talented artist and jewelry designer first opened her beloved shop in downtown Manchester all the way back in 1975, growing and expanding her business over the decades with her daughter.  Then, last week, on September 26, we lost William “Bill” Hatcher, 77.  He was a lifelong resident of Manchester, founder of Hatcher Landscaping and served on multiple town boards and committees, the most notable being the Board of Selectman, where he served as chairman, and the School Committee.

OCTOBER 2019

Cape Ann Plein Air Competition and Festival is Back with More Events Showcasing Nation’s Top Outdoor Painters and Local Arts Community 

Cape Ann Plein Air (CAPA), one of the nation’s premier outdoor painting competition and festivals, will return to the North Shore for nine days this fall, October 6 through October 14, with more events and more community involvement than ever before.

Catch of the Day? More Like Catch of a Lifetime

Paul Crehan of Manchester strikes a pose with this monster 550-pound, 102-inch Atlantic bluefin tuna.  The picture was taken about 20 miles east of Gloucester (the exact location of which Crehan refused to disclose) this past Sunday.  Captain Chris Comb of Manchester and his seasoned, hard-handed crew consisting of Sean Beausoleil of Essex and Crehan fought heavy seas and winds gusting to 25 miles per hour for a whopping 13 hours to land this beast on Comb’s boat, “Tunassity.”  The bluefin first hit at 6 a.m. that morning, took 1,000 yards of line on its first run, and fought fiercely until 7 p.m. that night.  The boys returned around midnight with their prize.  The trio delivered their catch to the tuna dock in Gloucester Harbor. 

A Dream Achieved at Blenheim

File this under “(Extraordinary) Postcards Home.”  Two weeks ago, Manchester local Cornelia Dorr, 21, realized a longtime goal by successfully competing in one of most prestigious — and challenging — equestrian competitions, the 2019 Blenheim Horse Trials in Woodstock, England. 

Raucous Regatta

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The 11th annual Manchester-by-the-Sea Cardboard Boat Regatta (a.k.a., “Float Or Die”) drew a record crowd of more than 400 spectators at the town boat launch on Sunday to see the 18 boat entries and 21 fierce competitors try to navigate and, yes, actually race their wobbly “sea faring” contraptions made of cardboard boxes and duct tape.  Clearly one of the best MBTS events so far this year, where the creativity and cunningness of locals were only matched only by the beautiful New England fall weather on the inner harbor, according to one of the organizers, Kim Hofeldt.  What an incredible day.  Becci Sollosy Niche (left) in Emotional “Seapport” (get it?) Clown versus “Murphy's Law” raced fiercely against each other to a harbor buoy and back.  Team Emotional Seaport Clown took home fan favorite award.  (No wonder really.)

Longevity Bench

Saturday, rain or shine — and it was rain — a Longevity Bench was dedicated in honor of Adele Q. Ervin across from Black Beach in Manchester. The spot for the bench is on property that Adele owned, where her treasured Crow Shack had been situated.  Shown here speaking on her behalf are Doug Hotchkiss, a family friend; Mike Dyer (to his right); and Louisa Mackintosh, treasurer of the Longevity Bench Project.

Trick or Treat

At Saturday’s 2019 Manchester Wobblin Goblin Festival held at Masconomo Park, revelers in costume lined up for free face painting. The parade of trick-or-treaters began at Town Hall and proceeded to the library and onto downtown, where kids were treated to the very popular facial art work provided by local resident Elaina Vrattos Jacobs from Big Smile Entertainment.

Photography with a Prince

On Sunday a small group of would-be photographers got the opportunity to walk the old Manchester-Essex woods alongside noted photographer Michael Prince for an organized hike.  Timing was just right for capturing the splendor or fall — with bright foliage, waters and granite outcroppings for all to see through the eye of the lens.

NOVEMBER 2019

Let the Celebrations Begin… Manchester 375th 2020 Calendar Is Here, Along with Restocked Commemorative Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

The official kickoff to Manchester’s 375^th Anniversary is coming fast.  Come the new year, all the fruits of the 375^th Committee’s labor will be here with a year-long, 25-event celebration that will offer concerts, high teas, walks in the feet of history makers and waterfront family fun.

There is still much you can do right now to get into the spirit of the birthday party while also helping support the cause. Two of them are ready for purchase (just in time for early bird shopping for the holidays) and with all proceeds going to support the town celebration schedule next year it’s definitely worth it.

Night of Stars Talent Show

It’s showtime!  The curtain goes up for the Spaulding Education Fund’s 11th annual Night of Stars Talent Show this Sunday, November 3 at 3 p.m. in the Manchester Essex Regional High School auditorium.  The show features over 50 performers from our community who will awe the audience with their singing, dancing, instrument playing, acrobatics, lyrical recital and comedy. This talent-packed show will be led by Masters of Ceremony Breno Santos, a MERHS senior, and Chris Simms, a MERHS sophomore. Tickets are on sale now and cost $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $10 for performers who would also like a seat to watch the show. Tickets can be purchased on the Spaulding Education Fund website, and a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase the day of the show.

Downtown Intersection Redesigns Move Ahead

Manchester’s last Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting offered a lesson in compromise with a set of new intersection redesigns that addressed the fear of losing valuable downtown parking while still providing the necessary protection sought by pedestrian and bike safety advocates.

Earlier this year, downtown businesses and property owners pressed the Downtown Improvement Committee (DIP) and the BOS on proposed changes to four key intersections, especially the “bump out” crosswalk designs associated with the Federal Complete Streets Funding Program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.  Retailers emphasized maintaining parking for the viability of their business while other citizens advocated for increased pedestrian safety.  Concerns about altering the general aesthetic and character of the downtown were also raised.  The DIP recommended a pause and so did the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, which held a March Manchester Division meeting with parking as the main item on the agenda.

Hornets Blow Out Division Rivals and Advance to State Semifinals

The Manchester-Essex Hornets football squad answered the call this Saturday with a 30–7 blowout of division rival Georgetown in the first round of the Massachusetts High School Division 7 football playoffs. Sophomore A.J. Pallazola ignited the show on both sides of the ball with a 40-yard touchdown pass, a fumble recovery and a 100-yard “pick six” touchdown return off an interception. The Hornets advance to the state semifinals for the first time since 2013.  The first half started as a nail-biter with Georgetown scoring a touchdown on their opening possession. But Pallazola kept a second-quarter drive alive with a 26-yard “fake punt” run, and Hornet junior tailback Gavin Glass punched a “two-yarder” into the end zone to tie the score going into the second half. The third quarter saw Glass finish a 55-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown run, and the home team Hornets went on to completely dominate the fourth. 

$21,000 Awarded to Local Organizations in BankGloucester’s 12th Annual Banking for the Community Program

At a celebratory reception held at Cruiseport Gloucester on Thursday, October 10, Patrick Thorpe, president and CEO of BankGloucester, announced the winners of the bank’s 12th annual Banking for the Community Program and presented them with their checks.  “We are fortunate to be part of a great community that truly cares about each other and we are happy to be able to support so many organizations that have an impact on our community, through this program,” said Thorpe.

MBTS Sustainability Committee Hosts Enlightening Sustainability Fair

On Friday night at the Manchester Community Center, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Sustainability Committee hosted the executive director of MASSPIRG, Janet Domenitz, who presented a discussion with slides on a MASSPIRG initiative called “The Campaign for Zero Waste.” She explained in detail Massachusetts’s Master Plan of reducing solid waste.

Remembering Veterans

Paul Sullivan, veteran and former Veterans Affairs Officer for Manchester, spoke of a son of Massachusetts who was born in Fall River and received the Medal of Honor for valor in the Korean War. Speaking from memory, Paul brought to life this great American hero from birth, through heroic action to death and to the naming of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner.  Sullivan kept the audience of veterans, family, friends and scouts in rapt attention and ended with “and may God Bless America.”

Final Shared Services Report

What opportunities are there, really, for Manchester and Essex to work together on municipal functions in the name of efficiency and improved quality of services? 

Plenty, according to the dense, 70-page final report from the Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management, which was hired early this year by the two towns (via a $25,000 state grant successfully secured by Essex) to explore synergies and opportunities for mutuality.  The list seems endless, spanning back office operations, training, personnel and HR-related support, public health, COA programming, youth services, public safety, DPW operations, and municipal waste management.  And that is just a partial list.

Ecologist Tom Wessels at MECT Annual Meeting

Ecologist Tom Wessels was the keynote speaker  Sunday at the Magnolia Public Library.  Here, Garlan “Gar” Morse Jr. of Manchester's MECT gives Wessels a big “thumbs up” after his presentation.

After 28 Years, It’s Chief Todd Fitzgerald

Last Thursday Todd Fitzgerald, who grew up in Manchester and has served 28 years on the police force, was officially “pinned” and installed as Manchester’s Police Chief.  It was standing room only at the Manchester Masonic Hall with police chiefs present and past from Manchester, Gloucester and Essex, friends and family, and town officials all showing up to see this hard-earned moment. 

Board of Selectmen Chairman Eli Boling served as host and emcee.  When it came to administer the oath, it was Town Clerk Christina St. Pierre who had the honor, ably performing her duties. (It was her first swearing-in of a police chief.)

Back-To-Back Town Meeting Business

Monday it was a special Fall Town Meeting in Essex.  Tuesday was Manchester’s turn. 

For both, perhaps because the weather was cold and rainy, attendance was relatively light.  This is typical for non-annual town meetings, but each was particularly thin with 114 registered voters checking in Monday at the Essex Elementary School “cafetorium” (cafeteria/auditorium) and just over 200 showed up at Manchester Memorial School gymnasium.  In Manchester, there were just five articles on the warrant, but those articles were pretty packed with “business,” from creating a new composting facility for Black Earth Compost at the existing town transfer station site located on upper School Street to approving a project to renovate the Town Common in front of Town Hall, including a new layout with greater green space and new paver walkways, new code-compliant ADA access to Town Hall and new lighting.  In Essex, residents successfully passed a bylaw banning the use of certain plastics by commercial establishments in town that would become effective in early 2021.

Annual Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner Reigns

With word of coming torrential rains that canceled the Essex PTO’s annual Turkey Trot 5K Race the following day, the Essex Fire Department’s 29^th annual Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner went off without a hitch on Saturday at the Essex Memorial Fire Station.  This event is a real favorite that raises money for a good cause and is a relaxed time.  There’s no set price for the dinner (organizers are grateful to accept whatever donations people would like to offer at the door) and, as they say, a good time was had by all. 

First Parish Church Railings Must Be Restored

On Monday, November 25, the railings on the steeple of the First Parish Church were removed.  There are two sets of railings — at the bell level and further up, at the carillon level — and both sets have deteriorated badly.  Several weeks ago, a spindle had rotted to a point where it became loose and fell to the ground.  In the coming months, the railings will be evaluated and restored using wood, such as mahogany, that can withstand the challenging steeple weather conditions.  The railings will be reinstalled later in 2020 on the steeple of the building, which served as Manchester’s meeting house until the mid-nineteenth century.

DECEMBER 2019 

The Holiday Preview: What to Do This and Next Weekend

After the first snow of the season, there’s no denying it now — the holidays are right around the corner! Get in the spirit across Cape Ann this weekend with Christmas-by-the-Sea, the Essex Holiday Festival and Merry Magnolia.  Christmas-by-the-Sea is finally here. Start your morning off right on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. with a hearty, holiday breakfast served at The Antique Table. At 1:00 p.m. the same day, Santa will arrive at Masconomo Park by boat. The jolly man will then lead the children across the street to the Manchester Community Center, where there will be a miniature petting zoo, craft activities, face painting and delicious refreshments. 

The annual lighting of the Memory Tree ceremony in Essex will strike a different chord.  The tree is smaller, and it is erected in front of the Fire House on Martin Street.  It is a beautiful, quiet and moving ceremony in which residents hang ornaments created for loved ones, and the hanging is accompanied by the ringing of a bell. 

The season of celebrating Santa, of course, has also just begun.  In Manchester, Santa Claus will make his return by way of the Fire Department this Sunday, December 15.  Tom Kehoe tells us this will probably be the last public appearance by Santa prior to returning to the North Pole and resting prior to his big around-the-world trip the evening of December 24.  The man in red will ride with one of the fire department engines and will visit all parts of the town.  He will have boxes of animal crackers for all of the youngsters in town.