As voters in the Fifth Essex District prepare to choose our next state representative, I believe the choice is clear.  I'm supporting Dru Tarr.

Thanks to the town for making this year's Friends of the Manchester Library Book Sale such a success. 

Manchester recently lost the former Unitarian Church built in 1895 on Masconomo Street.  

I am the Republican candidate for State Representative for the Fifth Essex District, and I am running because I believe the people of Cape Ann deserve a choice, and a representative who answers to them.

Some projects become symbols of progress.  Others become symbols of shortsightedness. The proposed development at Shingle Place Hill risks becoming the latter.

Last week the developers of a proposed housing project called "Gordon Woods" presented to the Affordable Housing Trust after having previously discussed it with other town committees.  Their proposal: three large buildings containing 285 rental units, over 70 being affordable.  

Once again, the town’s DPW workers came to my rescue! 

Last weekend, we held our 7th Annual Manchester By-The-Sea Fishing Tournament. It brings us great joy to see the fishing community gather and grow.

Many thanks to so many townspeople who dropped off their gently used books this past weekend for the Friends of the Manchester Library Book Sale.

Last week I attended a small gathering of booksellers.  Inevitably with a group of booksellers, the conversation turns toward what everyone is reading.  How do booksellers choose what to read next?  

In regard to the great front-page photo in the most recent Cricket (July 3). For Rotary’s next Red, White, and Blue Breakfast—and for all who fly our U.S. flag—some flag etiquette:

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s 4th of July festivities and America’s 250th birthday!  From those who came out for the Red, White & Blue breakfast, boat parade, fireworks on the beach and the parade - we thank you. 

A few years ago, a local book club invited me to join their meeting to discuss “Couples” by John Updike.  As the co-owner of his last local bookstore, I guess they felt I might have some insight to offer on the man and the legend.

Congratulations to Bion Pike on being MBTS Employee of the year.  This is well deserved and overdue.  Bion has done a great job of organizing the harbor, moving people up the mooring list; still slow, but it’s a supply and demand situation.  

Should municipal board members be subject to the Open Meeting Law? At first glance, it seems beneficial to ensure transparency, especially for public officials.  But in practice ...

I am writing to all of you on behalf of myself as one of the French teachers and as a parent of a high schooler, not on behalf of MERSD.

Around 30 years ago, the father of the modern Volkswagen Group, Ferdinand Piech, decided that there was a lot of market space just above the then top luxury car, the Mercedes S-class sedan.  

I assume this means that many do not want a king in Washington, nor a king on Beacon Hill.  But Massachusetts voters are suffering with BOTH kings at the moment.  Really? 

I was sad to read about the passing of my friend, Barry Ramos. My Manchester years remain among the most special years of my life. People…legendary people…come to mind often: Joe O’Malley, Bill Hatcher, Dan Slade.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this July 4, here’s a reading list to remember, celebrate, and commemorate our country’s history.