Operation Backpack Annual Backpack and School Supply Drive

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

The Pettengill House has begun its collection and signup’s for Operation Backpack, an annual backpack and school supply drive with a mission to ensure that students throughout our community, start the school year “ready to learn.” Operation Backpack provides NEW backpacks and school supplies to students in pre–k through twelfth grade who attend school in the Amesbury, Newburyport, Pentucket and Triton school districts. If you are able to donate, please refer to the list at the bottom of the article to view most needed items and drop off locations throughout: Amesbury, Salisbury, Newburyport and Rowley. Please drop off donations by Thursday, August 17th. Distribution of backpacks and supplies to families in need will begin the following week. If you need assistance with backpacks and school supplies for your children, please sign up to request an Operation Backpack appointment.

Let’s work together as a community to make Operation Backpack 2023 the most successful collection year ever! Help spread the word to family, friends and neighbors so that we can collectively have a positive impact for local students. Consider partnering with co-workers, family or friends to spread awareness and collect items. Local Newburyport Bank employees set a goal to “stuff the van” by working as a team to collect donations from bank employees in addition to the Newburyport, Storey Avenue drive that was hosted from 9 am – 3 pm, on Friday, 7/28 where they collected additional donations.

Operation Backpack is a great opportunity for our youth to understand the importance of community giving and to realize that necessities like school supplies and backpacks are unaffordable items for some families. Don’t grab just any backpack, consider involving kids in the purchase and donation process and encourage them to make thoughtful decisions that will result in smiles and back to school excitement for other students.

If you prefer to shop online instead, you can visit the Operation Backpack Amazon Wishlist to shop for most needed items and have them shipped directly to The Pettengill House. You can also help this community wide effort by sharing the Pettengill House Operation Back Pack Facebook Post with your friends and family.

Operation Backpack Donations, Rotary Club of Newburyport MA Monetary donations and gift cards are always accepted and appreciated as well. Donations can be made online or make checks payable to The Pettengill House, Inc., note “Operation Backpack” in the memo line, and mail to 21 Water Street, Suite. 4A Amesbury, MA 01913. All donations are tax-deductible, and directly benefit children in our community.

Clients in need of assistance through the annual backpack and school supply drive can sign up through the Pettengill House food pantry in the beginning of August. If you are not a client and are in need of assistance, please contact the Pettengill House food pantry (978) 463-8801. Backpacks and supplies will be distributed during the third and fourth weeks in August by appointment only.

The Pettengill House is a nonprofit social service organization. This annual backpack and school supply drive supports Pettengill’s School Link Service Program. For more information, please visit www.pettentllhouse.org

Most Needed Supplies (NEW Items Only, Please):

Sturdy backpacks, three-ring binders (1″-3″) binder dividers, lined filler paper, spiral & composition notebooks, pocket folders, index cards, sticky notes, washable markers, permanent markers, dry erase markers, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, pencil cases/pouches pens (black & blue) glue sticks and mini staplers.

Drop-off Locations:

Amesbury:
Align Credit Union (19 Haverhll Road)
Amesbury Public Library (149 Main Street)
BankProv (5 Market Street and 1 Haverhill Road)
Institution for Savings (150 Main St.)
Stone Ridge Properties (20 Market St.)
St. Andre Bessette Parish (11 Sparhawk Street)

Salisbury:
Institution for Savings (7 Bridge Rd)
Pettengill House Pantry (13 Lafayette Road – drop-off hours Fridays 9-noon)
Salisbury Public Library (17 Elm Street)
Star of the Sea Chapel (141 North End Blvd)
Star of the Sea Church (18 Beach Road)
Suchecki Chiropractic (141 Bridge Road)
The Mom Comm (4 Elm Street, B1)

Newburyport:
Arthur S. Page Insurance Agency (57 State St.)
BankProv (66 Storey Ave)
Hope Community Church (11 Hale Street)
Institution for Savings (93 State St. and 68 Storey Ave)
Newburyport City Hall (60 Pleasant Street)
Stone Ridge Properties (1 Merrimac Street, Ste 2)

Rowley:
Rowley Public Library (141 Main Street)

Newburyport.com is proud to have The Pettengill House as a fundraising partner for the VIP Program. If you appreciate dining and shopping in our local community, you can support The Pettengill House by purchasing or renewing your Newburyport App and VIP Card. The VIP Program allows you to enjoy discounts at 130 restaurants and shops in the Greater Newburyport community and $10 of each purchase or renewal can be donated to The Pettengill House.

If you don’t already have the Newburyport App, just type the word “Newburyport” in the App Store or Play Store or use the links below from your mobile device.

Apple/App Store: Download “Newburyport” for iOS/Apple

Android/Play Store: Download “Newburyport” for Android/Google

Operation Back Pack Video from 2021:

Rescue a Pup & Shop for a Cause at The Black Dog Adoption Events

Meet your new Best friend at the Newburyport Black Dog Adoption Event on Saturday, March 11th from 11-3 pm. Please note that dogs may arrive at different times during this event. The Black Dog in downtown Newburyport has a long term partnership with the local rescue group, Sweet Paws Rescue. Together they host two dog adoption events per year. The Black Dog has numerous stores and each store works with local shelters to help promote dog adoption and rescue efforts.

Why does the Black Dog do this? They do this because their roots and our iconic Black Dog silhouette were born from a rescue. Over 50 years ago Captain Douglas of Martha’s Vineyard rescued a small black pup with white paws and of no certain pedigree. She was called Black Dog and she lived for 16 years sailing side by side with her captain. Rescue and dog adoption is embedded in the Black Dog Brand, in hope that one day every dog will have a loving home.

Sweet Paws Rescue is a nonprofit agency driven solely by volunteers. All of the rescued dogs are placed in foster homes until they are able to find their forever home. Many healthy pups make their journey to Massachusetts looking for a family! We encourage everyone to ADOPT and not SHOP for a pet. If you’re considering the addition of a new special member to your household please keep these bi-annual dog adoption events in mind as they are a wonderful opportunity to meet some very special dogs.

The Newburyport Black Dog store located at 37 State Street is host to these events and donates a generous percentage of adoption event sales to Sweet Paws Rescue, helping bring dogs to safety. Even if you can’t adopt a pup, you can SHOP for a cause! 20% of the Newburyport Black Dog Sales from Saturday, March 11th will be donated to Sweet Paws Rescue. Treat yourself to a few new Black Dog items, or maybe you have gifts to purchase. This is a great opportunity to pick up quality Black Dog merchandise, and possibly provide a loving home for one of these very special pups.

Newburyport Scout Troop 21 – Commitment to Community

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

Newburyport Eagle Scout Ceremony for Scout Troop 21 with Elected Officials

Scout Troop 21 Commitment to Community

Young Leaders Volunteering Time for Outreach Projects

Newburyport Eagle Scout Ceremony for Scout Troop 21 with Parents

Making a Difference

The Newburyport Scout Troop 21 is place where young boys and girls can be part of an organization committed to fostering strong leadership skills with a focus on projects that have a positive impact within the community. Scouts start by learning practical skills combined with the development of strong moral character which ultimately enable them use their knowledge and capabilities to make their community a better pace for all.

Ceremony Honoring Eagle Scouts

Recently Eagle Scouts: Noah LaFlamme-Howe (L), Henry Blouin (C) and Bryce Ciampitti (R) from Scout Troop 21 were honored at the Scout Court of Honor held Saturday, January 14th at the Newburyport Senior Center. Family and friends gathered for the occasion as Eagle Scouts were presented with citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives as well as the City of Newburyport.

Senator Bruce Tarr Citation from The MA State Senate

Representative Dawne Shand Citation from the MA State House

Mayor Sean Reardon Citation from the City of Newburyport

Troop 21

Meeting Location:
Immaculate Conception Parish
42 Green Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
nbptroop21@gmail.com

Leaders

Len Wallace, IV
Scout Master – Boys Troop

Dr. Michelle LaFlemme
Scout Master – Girls Troop

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Snow Angels of Newburyport – Neighbors Helping Neighbors

By Caitlin Dowling, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Caitlin is a freelance editor/writer and former news producer for CNN. As a local mom of three, her family can be found enjoying all Newburyport has to offer, from strolling downtown to biking the rail trail to swimming at the beach.

Newburyport’s Snow Angels Program is a snow removal service created to help senior citizens and those with physical disabilities. If you are looking for ways to give back in our local community please sign up to shovel! Currently the program is in strong need of volunteers as they have more requests than they do Snow Angles. Run by the Newburyport Youth Services and the Newburyport Council on Aging, the program connects volunteers with Newburyport residents that need assistance clearing their sidewalks and walkways.

When snow falls, sidewalks and streets can become a hazard for providers, children, and those with limited mobility. While the city works hard to clear the streets, Newburyport residents are responsible for shoveling their own property’s sidewalks. For senior citizens and those with disabilities, shoveling heavy snow is not a possibility, and for many, paying for a service can be too expensive. This is where the Snow Angels Program comes in. From December 1st through March 31st, residents in need are matched with a volunteer to help.

In need of assistance? Visit the official site to request Snow Angel Assistance or call the Newburyport Council on Aging at Snow Angels, Newburyport 978-462-0430. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community and want to become a Snow Angel Volunteer , the program is always looking for new folks to join the team. The program runs from 12/1/2021 – 3/31/2022.

Once registered, you and your shovel will be paired with a neighbor in need. Each volunteer is matched to help one neighbor for the entire winter season. General guidelines are that Snow Angels hit the streets when there is 1/2 inch of snow or more and have the sidewalks cleared within 48 hours of the storm, a city requirement. Beyond that, Snow Angels and their assigned resident can work together to meet any specific needs such as making sure entryways are cleared in time for at home care services, visiting nurses, or meals on wheels.

For more information on Newburyport snow emergencies, parking bans, and snow removal visit our Newburyport Winter Guide.

Retractable Dog Leashes: The Pros and Cons

By Kim Casey, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Kim is a huge animal lover and proud owner of two labs. Kim is also an Internet marketer and works closely with The Beach Dog Daycare in Newburyport. She enjoys writing and researching combined with blogging. She is an independent marketer and is self-employed but being an animal lover The Beach Dog Daycare is one of her favorite clients.
The Beach Dog Doggie Day Care

Let’s talk about the Pros and Cons of retractable dog leashes. Some love the freedom it offers their pets, but some have seen some serious accidents and have sworn them off for good. The appeal is obvious, the retractable leash gives you and your dog a bit of freedom and space while maintaining the leash law. Unfortunately, the leash law is designed to keep pets and humans safe, and the retractable leash is not aiding that goal. The goal here is to highlight the facts so you can judge the pros and cons of retractable dog leashes for yourself. It’s safe to say this is a diverse topic, not only online but in typical conversations with dog owners.

Hospitals all over the country have seen a steady pace of ER accidents reported due to the retractable leash. The complaints range from specific brands failing, to unforeseen accidents due to the owner’s loss of control when the lead is extended. It appears that the exact appeal of the retractable leash, being the freedom to move, is the exact catalyst for injury. In other words, the pros and cons of the retractable dog leash literally outweigh each other. The extended leash, designed for freedom and movement is the pro. But that same extended leash is the culprit in most of the devastating accidents.

So let’s start weighing out the pros and cons of retractable dog leashes. The pro is the appeal of a long leash that can be extended in situations giving the dog a bit more freedom. It’s an amazing tool if the result means that both owner and dog get a bit of freedom to allow the dog to maintain his typical dog behaviors. The human can enjoy a leisure stroll and the dog can be a dog. This allows the dog to smell new smells, mark their territory, and generally cover more ground while their human companion can relax and go at their own pace. All while abiding by the leash law. Nice, I see the appeal. For this reason, the retractable leash is an easy-to-evaluate pro.

But on the flip side, the con to the pro, that same extended leash that creates freedom, is a weapon, sometimes deadly. The longer the lead is extended, in physics, the more velocity a running dog can create. For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the shortcomings of the leash itself. To get an idea about the accidents that arise due to the retractable leash see this article, Serious Concerns about the Use of Retractable Dog Leashes. Let’s discuss the cons of retractable dog leashes.

Even a smaller dog can pick up speed and create an unfavorable outcome. If you haven’t experienced it then trust the science. Good old Newton, “Force equals mass times acceleration.” The first issue, as described in this article A Vet’s Opinion on Retractable Dog Leashes, states that the ideology behind the retractable dog leash involves a closely attentive dog walker. Cesar Milan says that “the retractable leash was originally designed as a tracking and recall training tool.” This means the dog walker should be fully engaged with the dog while on a retractable dog leash. At all times. That’s an issue for the average person. I have two words. Cell phone. Among other natural deterrents, it’s easy to see how a person can drop attention, opening a door for complications. The second issue reported was not only the retractable dog leash breaking, but people continuing to use the broken retractable. Both are major cons to the retractable dog leash. The final con, as discussed earlier here, involves the freedom of the long leash fully extended. According to Newton’s Law, even a small dog can gain enough momentum to cause damage to its walker or other humans. The extended leash also allows the dog to make unfavorable ‘freedom of leash’ decisions. Unfortunately some of which are fatal, such as walking into traffic. Other reported accidents include neck and back injuries due to the rate of momentum when the dog actively runs but then ultimately runs out of leash. Some reports state the dog walker will then drop the leash, so as not to jar the neck of the animal. Now the dog is in a full-on run with a long length of rope attached to them. I’m sure you can visualize this horrific scenario.

So with this information, you can judge the pros and cons of retractable dog leashes for yourself. That being said, I think it’s worth saying that if the retractable dog leash was designed as a training tool, then it should be used as one. When dog training, the key is to remain fully engaged with your dog. The second rule of thumb with training is to keep sessions reduced in time. Of course, the time tolerance for each dog breed can be different. But should you choose to use a retractable dog leash, you should remain fully engaged with your dog at all times. Secondly, you should frame the time of the walk accordingly. Lastly, never use a broken retractable dog leash. If you found this article helpful check out the Beach Dog Daycare Blog for a selection of articles on a wide variety of topics.

Beach Dog Halloween Costume Contest – Vote for Top Dogs!

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

Beach Dog Daycare Halloween Costume Contest, Newburyport

The Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest is one of the most highly anticipated Halloween events of the season featuring many very creative costumes, showcased by some of the coolest dogs around! What’s better than people in Halloween costumes? Dogs in Halloween costumes, of course! If you’re a dog lover and a fan of Halloween, mark your calendar for The Beach Dog Daycare, Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest. Visit the Beach Dog facebook page between 3 pm Monday 10/31 – 11 am Tuesday 11/1 to see these Local VIP dogs. Make sure to vote twice: one “vote” for your favorite individual dog and one “vote” for your favorite group of dogs. It sounds simple but we can warn you ahead of time that it can be extremely difficult to choose your favorites!

Submit a Group Costume Picture

The Greater Newburyport area is known for being a very dog friendly community so a Halloween costume contest for dogs is exciting for the many dog lovers. This new category, the best group costume was created by Beach Dog Daycare Owner, Pam Doherty in order to include dogs throughout the community. If you’re not a Beach Dog but you know one, simply collaborate and come up with a group costume. Text the group shot to the Beach Dog at 978-971-2838. The picture must be received on or before 11 am on Monday 10/31. If you have any questions please visit the Beach Dog facebook page and post your question directly on the Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest post for all to view. Halloween costume contest for dogs

If you’re a Beach Dog Daycare dog…big or little…simply send your dog to daycare on Monday October 31st in a costume. The staff will work on uploading pictures of your pooch to facebook for a chance to win.

Winners of the Beach Dog Top Dog Halloween Costume Contest will be announced by 12:00 pm on Tuesday 11/1 on The Beach Dog facebook page. The winner of the general contest will receive $200! The winner of the group contest will receive $100 and each contestant will receive an extra $10. Enjoy a few pictures and videos from prior years and find your creative inspiration to show your Halloween spirit while having a great time with your best friend and Top Dog! Greater Newburyport features many amazing Halloween Events, the Beach Dog Top Dog being one you don’t want to miss!

Plum Island Parking Details and Tips for Visitors and Residents

Plum Island Parking, Center Lot, Newbury, MA

A day trip to the island offers great eats, adventures and beaches—but before you hop in the car it’s important to learn the details on Plum Island parking. Because the island is made up of two municipalities, a national wildlife refuge and a state reservation, knowing the rules and choosing the best place to park your wheels can feel overwhelming. Street parking is off-limits for non-residents, so lots are the way to go—and there are a variety of options depending on how and where you plan on spending your day.

Plum Island Point Parking Lot:

This lot is located at the very end of Northern Blvd, holds 121 cars and directly next to the beach playground and public restrooms. The address is 278 Northern Boulevard, Newburyport, MA. It’s the perfect spot to park if you’re planning on hitting North Point Beach or visiting the Plum Island Light House. The parking cost for non-residents and Newburyport residents without a North Point lot sticker is $15 on weekdays and $20 on holidays and weekends. Because this Plum Island parking lot is technically located in Newburyport, those residents score a discount. But it’s important to note that Newburyport residents MUST get a free parking sticker at the Harbor Master Office, 27 Rear Water Street, in order to be eligible for the discount. Parking for residents with stickers is $10 on weekdays and $12 on holidays and weekends.

If you happen to show up at the Plum Island North Point lot when there isn’t a parking attendant it’s ok to park, but this doesn’t mean you get in for free. You will most likely find an envelope on your windshield when you get back with a bill you can pay choose to pay when exiting or mail in later.

Plum Island Center Parking Lots:

Plum Island parking options for the center of the island are the town of Newbury’s territory. The privately owned lots located directly across the street from the main beach are the ideal spot for visitors hoping to walk to restaurants, the local convenience store, and an ice cream shops. Pricing for these private lots is set by owners and varies depending on weekdays vs. weekends with an average cost of $20 per day. Free parking with a three hour limit is available along Sunset Drive but make sure to carefully read signs and adhere to Town of Newbury guidelines. Newbury residents with a valid permit can park in the resident spaces at the Plum Island Center parking lot, along Northern Blvd on the east/beach side of the street and the Town Ramp on High Road at the Parker River Bridge. Newbury residents can apply to purchase a parking permit for $25 per year, per vehicle online or in person by completing the application. Proof of residency is required. Make sure you don’t park even briefly in the beach front Plum Island center parking unless you have a valid Newbury parking sticker. You will get ticketed or towed. Portable restrooms are located on the edge of the beach front parking lot.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Parking:

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge gate house serves as the entrance for the Refuge is the national refuge and for Sandy Point State Reservation at the very far southern point of Plum Island. The refuge boasts a total of seven parking lots with an additional bonus lot at Sandy Point. Restrooms are located at lots 1 and 4 and portable restrooms are available for use at other lots. The beach is accessible from the following lots: 1,2,3,6 and 7 but some lots are closed at certain points to protect the Piping Plovers.

To park on the refuge costs $5 per vehicle, per day. Plan on visiting often? Purchase an annual pass for $20 which can be done right at the entry guard shack when an attendant is on duty or at the refugee headquarters. If you prefer to visit the refuge on a bike or by foot, there is a daily cost of $2 per walker or biker at the refuge entrance.

Sandy Point State Park Parking:

Sandy Point State Reservation is a state park but you still need to pay to get on the reservation. Parking is the same $5 day, with no additional charge to access the Sandy Point lot. Be warned—this beach is extremely popular, so if you are planning to visit during peak months you need to get there early. Cars often form a line to get in, with a one in/one out policy.

Special Events:

During large events such as Plumfest, there is an additional option for Plum Island Parking. The Plum Island Airport opens up its airfield as an additional option. While the airport is slightly farther from the center of Plum Island, shuttle services make it easy.

Historic Carousel on Salisbury Beach – Newburyport Bank $250K Donation

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

A beautifully restored historic carousel and new pavilion has been constructed on Salisbury Beach thanks to the efforts of the Salisbury Beach Partnership and Historic Carousel, Salisbury Beach a generous $250K donation from Newburyport Bank—a true community bank that gives back to the neighborhoods it serves. This project is part of a greater effort to restore Salisbury’s waterfront, creating a year-round family-oriented destination.

The pavilion is located at a space on Broadway that has been vacant for 25 years, donated by Partnership President Wayne Capolupo and his family. Along with the historic carousel, the pavilion is also home to a much-needed Newburyport Bank micro branch and event space.

The wooden hand-carved carousel, dating back to 1909, was built by W.F. Mangels at the Looff factory in East Providence, Rhode Island. During its heyday, the Looff carousel whirled and twirled at Harveys Lake Amusement Park in Pennsylvania. Now over 100 years later, the historic carousel has been completely restored and is once again bringing smiles to riders—big and small.

Historic Carousel, Salisbury Beach The carousel, one of only 300 of its kind, is made up of 44 hand-carved and painted wooden animals—including horses, giraffes, camels, and goats. As part of the fundraising for the project, families and local businesses have been given the opportunity to “adopt” one of the animals and sponsor it for the next 20 years.

Along with the Adopt a Horse program, all proceeds from prior year Sea Festival of Trees and the engraved brick campaign were also allocated to the historic carousel and pavilion. The Salisbury Beach Partnership has continued to raise up to $1 million in funds for the Campaign for the Carousel.

The Salisbury waterfront is no stranger to having a beautiful carousel for locals and visitors to enjoy. The Broadway Flying Horses, the original Salisbury carousel, was a beloved family tradition for over 60 years before being sold off and moved to Santa Monica, California in 2019. The new addition of the pavilion and historic carousel, along with many other investment like the new Welcome Center, Comfort Station, and oceanfront boardwalk have brought back the magic of Salisbury Beach.

Five Ways to Improve Air Quality in your Home

By Charity Lombardi-Simard, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Charity is president of Lombardi Oil & Gas. She is second generation in the family business that was started by her father in the 1950’s. Her interest in the industry is the continued evolution and fast-paced movement into cleaner and more efficient energy. Her vision for the business is to maintain a personal culture with the community and to provide options and service to those that heat with fuel – with focus on hi-efficiency equipment, use of new technologies and Biofuel delivery. In her personal time, Charity is active in the Icelandic Horse Community, with 2 of her own. She travels regularly to Iceland to train and supports promotion of the breed in the US.
Lombardi Oil & Gas

You probably filter most of the two or three quarts of water you drink every day. But what about the 15,000 quarts of air you breathe, especially inside your home?

The fact is, indoor air can be four or five times more polluted than outside air. Why does this happen? Well, it starts with the fact that today’s homes are increasingly airtight – a consequence of building and modifying them to be more energy efficient. That means that whatever pollutants gather in your home tend to stay there.

The second part of the equation is that toxic products have become much more common in the home: from VOC-containing construction materials to chemicals contained in cleaning and personal care products and furniture items, your space is filled with potentially harmful fumes. Add that to the toxic load of outdoor air pollutants like radon and pesticides, plus other indoor pollutants such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold, and viola – you’ve got bad air.

Over time, this mix of pollutants can cause asthma and other chronic respiratory problems, along with headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue.

Five easy ways to improve indoor air quality (IAQ)

The good news is that by taking some simple precautions and making smarter buying choices, you can greatly improve air quality in your home. Here are five suggestions:

Replace toxic cleaning products with natural alternatives – Shop wisely for your cleaning products, or make your own: vinegar and baking soda are great natural cleaning agents that cut grease, clean drains, kill germs, and more.

Choose low –VOC paint and healthier construction materials – Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in paint can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. You’ll pay a little more for low-VOC paint, but it’s a much healthier alternative. Look for mold resistant building materials, too.

Add greenery – Plants absorb toxic chemicals through their leaves. Plant roots and soil bacteria also remove trace levels of toxic vapors. They look great, too!

Maintain your HVAC system – Sign up for a Service Plan to keep your HVAC system working properly and moving air freely – and consider investing in a duct cleaning to remove allergens and mold.
Consider installing a whole-house UV filter – The air filter in your home’s HVAC does a good job with dust, dirt, pollen and pet dander. But filters can’t do anything about chemical or biological contaminants like air-borne viruses, mold, germs, bacteria or volatile organic compounds (VOC). That’s where indoor air quality equipment like an UV Filter or whole-house air purifier come in.

With powerful filtering capabilities, these add-ons to your home HVAC system will keep pollutants at bay, helping your family breathe easier for years to come.

Contact us today to discuss service plan options and schedule service!

Council on Aging – Senior Activities and Services

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

Council on Aging Senior Activities Newburyport

Senior Activities Through the Council on Aging

Programming & Essential Services for Seniors

Photos
Videos

Lions Club Thanksgiving Dinner at the Senior Center

Connecting the Senior Community

The Newburyport Council on Aging is an incredible resource for the city’s older population, offering a variety of senior activities and services ranging from health and fitness to cultural and social needs. The goal of this non-profit organization is to encourage independence for Newburyport’s elderly while also improving their quality of life.

Council on Aging Senior Activities Pickleball The Council on Aging’s programs and activities are tailored towards senior citizens but all ages are welcome to attend. Local seniors are encouraged to drop into as many as they would like, most do not require advanced registration. From fitness classes like Zumba to emotional support golden retrievers to a podiatry clinic or cancer support group, the Council on Aging always has a variety of senior activities to meet everyone’s needs. For the most current programs, visit the Council on Aging website and we recommend following the Friends of Newburyport Council on Aging Facebook page.

The Newburyport Council on Aging hosts many events in person at the Newburyport Community Senior Center, as well as offering virtual options. Many of these senior activities are free with some requiring a minimal fee for supplies.

Council on Aging Senior Activities Flower Arranging For those hoping to attend in person, the Council on Aging also offers transportation. The COA vans are available to all senior residents of Newburyport, as well as to disabled residents of any age. Passengers may use the vans to travel to any local Newburyport destination, including the senior center. While the service is free, $2 ride donations are much appreciated. Call the Council on Aging office to request a ride at least 24 hours in advance; 978-462-0430.

Along with senior activities and events, the Newburyport Council on Aging also focuses on keeping the senior community healthy with nutrition programs and partnerships. Homebound seniors may request meal deliveries through Meals on Wheels by calling 978-868-1422. Seniors may also opt to pick up meals through the COA’s Grab and Go option each Wednesday. To reserve meals, call the Council on Aging at 978-462-0430 the Monday before. Along with prepared meals, the COA also partners with Our Neighbors’ Table to offer grocery pick up at the Senior Center. To schedule your pick up call 978-388-1907.

Looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community? Consider volunteering for the COA. The organization is always looking for people to help out with virtual and in-person senior activities, meal deliveries, transportation, and to make reassurance calls to the senior community.

Senior Center

331 High Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-0430
Mon – Friday 8 am – 4 pm
* General Hours May Occasionally Vary

Contacts:

General Inquiries, Transportation, Classes and Activities
978-462-0430

Event Rentals
978-518-2108
cmanning@cityofnewburyport.com

Our Neighbors’ Table Groceries
978-388-1907

Meals on Wheels
978-868-1422

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Senior Community Center – Support | Activities | Inspiration

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

Senior Community Center, Newburyport, MA

Newburyport’s Senior Community Center

A Tremendous Resource for the City of Newburyport

Photos
Videos

I’ll Meet You at the Senior Center

The Newburyport Senior Community Center is a wonderful asset to the city’s senior citizen population—offering a place to gather, socialize, and attend activities. While the programs and goals of the SCC focus on the elderly community, all ages are welcome to visit and attend events.

The Senior Center, located at 331 High Street, is a newer addition to Newburyport, offering updated amenities both inside and outside. Visitors are welcome to stop in anytime during operating hours, generally Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm, to take advantage of these common spaces.

Visitors can stop by their state-of-the-art computer lab to not only take advantage of the free wifi and access to computers but also to get help from a Technology Coach on questions they may have about their personal devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc).

Recognizing the importance of exercise and staying healthy, The Senior Community Center also has a fitness room with five cardio machines that any visitor may use.

For those just hoping to socialize, the Billiard Room is a great option to play a friendly game of pool with peers. Outside the Senior Center, the patio, which has a protective tent, and the portico with bistro tables, are both spaces to gather and spend time with friends.

Along with the gathering spaces that the Senior Community Center offers, there are also daily events and programs put on by the Council On Aging ranging from exercise classes to games like Bridge and Mahjong to support groups. For a full list of activities and events visit the Friends of Newburyport Council On Aging’s Facebook page. The Council on Aging also supports the Senior Center by offering transportation to senior citizens and disabled non-elders daily. To request transportation call 978-462-0430 at least 24 hours in advance.

The Senior Community Center opens up its spaces for rental opportunities for events or meetings outside of regular business hours—after 4 pm on weekdays and from 7 am to 12 am on weekends. There are multiple options, from renting out the dining room and professorial grade kitchen to hosting a smaller reception in a common room. The Community Center also has 98 parking spaces to accommodate guests. To inquire about rentals email cmanning@cityofnewburyport.com.

For local businesses and residents that would like to volunteer their time or resources, reach out to the Senior Center directly at 978-462-0430.

Senior Center

331 High Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-0430
Mon – Friday 8 am – 4 pm
* General Hours May Occasionally Vary

Contacts:

General Inquiries, Transportation, Classes and Activities
978-462-0430

Event Rentals
978-518-2108
cmanning@cityofnewburyport.com

Our Neighbors’ Table Groceries
978-388-1907

Meals on Wheels
978-868-1422

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Dog Collar Versus a Harness, Which is Ideal for Your Dog and When?

dog collar, harness, Beach Dog Daycare, Newburyport area

Should my dog have a dog collar or a harness? The answer is different depending on whether you are out for a walk in downtown Newburyport versus home in your yard, or traveling in a car to see friends. The question is real and we hear it all the time at The Beach Dog Daycare. Let’s compare the benefits of using a dog collar versus a harness and situations where you should consider using both. We first looked into training purposes and whether the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness outweigh one over the other.

There comes a time in all dog training when it’s time to take them out of their home environment to test their reactions to outside, unfamiliar, stimulants. Now remember every dog trains differently as every trainer instructs differently. There are guidelines that you can utilize, but let’s face it, not all of us are professional trainers. A dog’s natural behavior is to pull. When leash training, your dog can be further triggered to pull in reaction to an unfamiliar stimulant. Be it another dog, a smell, a squirrel, or other small animals, and other humans… a reactive response can come from just about anything. When leashed to a collar and the dog pulls, the human response is to pull back. This can be dangerous and cause injury or harm to your dog. Instinctively the human knows this, so they release the pull and tension on the leash. Inadvertently you are teaching your dog that a pull means move forward. When leash training, we recommend using a harness. The harness controls your dog from his chest down through his midsection, also controlling the dog’s center of gravity. So controllability does not cause injury and your chances of redirecting the pull become better. Most of the research, when leash training your dog, leans towards a dog harness being the better option than a dog collar. Remember to start leash training in your dog’s familiar surroundings. He should become voice controlled. Unfortunately some dogs seem to forget their verbal commands when they are put into new situations. When leash training the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness leans towards the harness as the smarter option. Reinforce with whatever reward system you use when training at home. Your pooch will catch on.

Next let’s look at wearability and the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness. Many dog owners only use the harness during typical scenarios throughout the day. Most do not leave the harness on all day, because a harness can cause rubbing, sores, hair loss, and just be uncomfortable for longevity purposes. So typically the collar supersedes the harness for everyday use.

Another popular question we found in regards to the benefits of using a dog collar versus a harness, relates to attaching your dog to a runner in the yard. We all know a Houdini dog type, every time you latch him on his runner outside he disappears. This is where the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness start to equalize. Here’s why. Some dog breeds are just smart enough to get off of the runner, some dog breeds have a thick neck in proportion to the size of their skull, this makes it easy to pull the leash over their head. Likewise some breeds have a long narrow skull shape, again, perfect for the slip and skip tactic. If you have a Houdini dog type then you know not only is your dog gone but he has left behind important contact information. Typically the collar is still attached to the lead and all of your dog’s tags are attached to the collar. If you’re lucky your neighbors are familiar with your dog, and don’t call the dog officer. But should the dog officer have to retrieve your dog, it’s going to get pricey and without tags, his first few visits might be longer than you’d like. The obvious solution is it’s harder for your dog to get loose on a harness, but believe that there are dogs that do. Chances are, if you only use the harness to leash your dog outside, then his tags are on his collar. Once again you have a loose dog with no identification. So what we have found at The Beach Dog Daycare is that dog owners opt to keep the leash on but harness the dog to the outside line. Doing this lowers the risk of escape of a dog on the run with no contact information.

Lastly is a reinforced idea of the Houdini Dog. Let’s talk about when you travel with your furry friend. It is never a good idea to tether a dog in a vehicle by the collar. If there was a chance of an abrupt stop or a vehicle accident, your dog would become a projectile and all of that energy would become displaced on the neck, causing serious injury or worse. Likewise it’s always a good idea to tether your dog when in a motor vehicle, this prevents a distraction and it ensures your dog’s safety. Most cars have a latch located in the rear seats or in the rear dash board. These latches were designed for infant car seats. Tether your dog to the vehicle using the same latches. Do not tether to a dog collar, instead clip to a harness. For other tips on vehicle safety check out Vehicle Safety for You and Your Dog. So when it comes to the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness while traveling, it appears the harness is the safest option. Although, just as with the Houdini dog, breaking loose and roaming the neighborhood, a loose dog in an unfamiliar environment becomes a lot harder to recover. Again, if your dog tags are located on his or her dog collar, then ultimately the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness becomes both.

The dog market in this economy is booming. As dog owners we have many options. When it comes to the benefits of using a dog collar or a harness, the best decision is to have both. It is recommended that the dog collar, complete with tags, remain on your dog at all times, although little breaks and a good scratch is always appreciated by your furry family member. Use the dog harness for specified situations, a harness might not be a good choice for daily wearability, as it can be uncomfortable. Keep the collar on even when you use the harness. This ensures your dog’s important information is with your dog at all times. If you found this helpful check out the Beach Dog Daycare Blog for a selection of articles on a wide variety of topics.

Newburyport Education Foundation – NEF – Investing in Education

The Newburyport Education Foundation referred to as the NEF is a nonprofit organization that supports the Newburyport School System through fundraising and community involvement. The organization hosts multiple events throughout the year, provides opportunities for local donors to support campaigns benefiting the schools, and offers internships and other opportunities for students to further excel outside of the classroom.

The main mission of The Newburyport EF is to bring philanthropy into the schools and to create financial resources that can add to the quality of Newburyport’s education system. This financial support helps offset rising operating expenses, technology needs, and special education costs. The NEF Lighthouse Auction and the NEF Golf Tournament are the two of the primary annual fundraisers and as well as a couple of additional events each year.

The NEF focuses its campaigns on improving the school system in four major areas—STEM, Wellness, Technology, and Literacy. Along with these campaigns, The Newburyport Education Foundation also collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and residents to create opportunities for Newburyport’s students to further enrich their education. The goal of these programs is to create well-educated and conscientious students.

While other organizations like the Newburyport PTO also fundraise and support the public school system, the NEF focuses on multi-year campaigns. The PTO may be raising money to support the current year’s field trips while The Newburyport Education Foundation may be generating money over the course of two years to upgrade technology. Both organizations offer financial support to the Newburyport School System but focus on different goals.

The Newburyport EF also works to recognize the supportive Newburyport community through tributes. Parents and residents can recognize an exceptional teacher or neighbor by donating to the NEF in their name. The honoree will receive a personalized card and pin recognizing their efforts.

For those interested in getting involved, there are many ways to connect with the Newburyport Education Foundation. Support the NEF through donations, attending an event, volunteering, and more. If you’re interested in making a difference in the Newburyport School System visit the official site or email info@newburyportef.org to learn more.

Enjoy Pictures and videos from past year NEF Events.

PFAS in MA Drinking Water – What You Should Know

By Bill Cooper, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
As President & Co-Founder of Blue Ribbon Water, Bill Cooper utilizes his extensive sales and marketing experience combined with strong knowledge of local municipal water challenges to create an environmentally conscious company that delivers whole house water filtration systems. Blue Ribbon Water’s focus is to deliver “Cleaner, Healthier, Great Tasting Water” (sm) throughout the entire home, restaurant, or business. The company was founded on three simple principles: 1) Be the expert on the water in each town we do business, so our solutions is the best possible. 2) Deliver superior full customer service including installation and scheduled filter changes. 3) Be honest and don’t sell customers what they don’t need. Other water filter companies, or plumbers who do water filters ‘on the side’, lack in all these areas. For instance, many residents are told they need an expensive water softener when they do not. City water rarely needs a water softener. Other companies leave it up to the customer to remember to have their filter changed. Blue Ribbon Water keeps a database of filter changes and automatically alerts the customer. Bill has lived in Newbury with his wife Debra for over 30 years. They raised their two boys here, and Bill was on the Newbury Finance Committee.
Blue Ribbon Water

PFAS in MA Drinking Water, Blue Ribbon Water, Newburyport

PFAS is back in the news again! If you have not immersed yourself in the whole PFOA / PFAS in drinking water topic, now is a great time to dive in. The Boston Globe reported on Sunday May 23 that more towns have tested above the new state legal limit for PFAS6. This blog sets out to address questions about PFAS, who should be concerned and why.

PFAS in Drinking Water: Everything you need to know.

What is PFAS? PFAS is short for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. PFAS and its cousin PFOA are highly toxic man-made ‘forever’ chemicals. ‘Forever’, because they do not break down in the environment. PFAS and PFOA are used in manufacturing common consumer products like furniture, carpet, packaging and most famously, Teflon and firefighting foam.

Why is this important? Although most PFAS and PFOA have stopped being produced, the toxic chemicals are still in the environment and have been seeping into the ground and aquafers for decades. We have been exposed to PSAF in varying degrees for years through ingestion of food, water, and manufactured products. Studies indicate that exposure to PFAS increases the risk of cancer, harms the development of the fetus and reduces the effectiveness of vaccines. Biomonitoring studies by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the blood of nearly all Americans is contaminated with PFAS.”

Is it regulated? Because drinking water is a major source of PFAS ingestion, steps are being taken to tighten regulations on PFAS (I will refer to all forms of PFAS/ PFOA, etc as simply PFAS in this article) in drinking water. Currently, municipalities must ensure that PFAS levels do not exceed 70 parts per trillion (ppt).

One reason PFAS is in the news again is because the Massachusetts DEP published a new set of drinking water quality standards for PFAS-6 (the 6 most concerning variations) last October, and the results are now being published. The new maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 ppt (parts per trillion) is more stringent than the current Federal EPA MCL of 70 ppt.

In Massachusetts, cities and towns with water districts greater than 10,000 customers must begin testing and reporting for PFAS6. The testing has exposed over 65 water distribution locations in Massachusetts including Wellesley, Natick, Burlington, Wayland and even at the Old Newbury Golf Club in Newbury.

How do I know if there is PFAS in our water? The state maintains a database of all water test results for PFAS (and dozens of other toxins in our water), that is available to the public. Blue Ribbon Water monitors this database regularly for changes in contaminants. The database is easy to use, and you can download parameters to a spreadsheet. But you can find a consolidated report of all Massachusetts cities and towns on Blue Ribbon Water’s website.

Check your town: www.blueribbonwater.com/

Will water filters take out PFAS?

Yes, there are water filters on the market that reduce PFAS from drinking water. Some (very few) have gone through the stringent process of being certified by the NSF to meet NSF/ANSI 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units – Health Effects or NSF/ANSI 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems testing standards.

Certification is a lengthy, expensive process that only a handful of manufacturers have pursued. As demand grows however, more and more filters manufacturers will apply for certification. There are some types of filters you can count on, regardless of ‘certification’. NSF/ANSI 53 only certifies a products reduction capability to below the EPA standard of 70ppt. So, there is currently no certification to the new Massachusetts standard of 20ppt.

What to consider:

There are several filter types that DO reduce PFAS very effectively, even if they are not NSF/ANSI 53 certified.

Reverse Osmosis is a very effective type of filter in eliminating almost everything from drinking water (including the good minerals we want). But in areas with extremely high levels of PFAS it is an effective solution.

Whole-house filters. If you are considering a whole-house filter, finding one that is currently NSF/ANSI 53 certified is the best start. There are several that are certified, but most with high quality activated carbon should work well. The trick with whole-house filters is the ‘contact time’ of the water with the carbon. The longer the ‘contact time’ the better, so carbon block filters with extremely tiny pores will have the greatest surface area and longer ‘contact time’. We recommend ½ micron extruded carbon block filters.

Under sink: Very few have been NSF/ANSI 53 certified, but many are extremely effective. Under sink filters with ½ micron carbon block filtration will have long ‘contact time’ and will be your best bet.

Countertop filters like Brita. These small filters will not address PFAS effectively.

Conclusion:

PFAS is an emerging threat to our drinking water. The EPA is so far behind in updating regulations, leaving it to the states to mandate safe levels. The differences from state to state, and the state to the federal government will be with us for some time. As long as there is not one single standard, manufacturers and organizations like the NSF have nothing to go on when certifying products for the public for every state regulation. As a consumer, the best thing to do is ‘something’. If you have concerns about PFAS or other contaminants, and want to do something about it, write your representatives, and purchase the best water purification product you can justify. Doing ‘nothing’ just doesn’t seem the right option.

View more information regarding Blue Ribbon Water if you found this article helpful.

Off Leash Dog Parks in Newburyport – Exercise & Socialize

While a walk downtown or a trip to the beach are pet parent favorites in Newburyport, sometimes your pups just need to head to an off leash dog park to ditch the restraints and run and socialize with other furry friends. Luckily Newburyport is super dog-friendly, offering three great locations for your dogs to stretch those legs and really run and play sans leash. These parks not only offer your four-legged family members a chance to make new friends but also offer a community for dog owners themselves.

When visiting any of the off leash dog parks listed below, the city asks that you please make sure to pick up after your dog and to always bring them in and out of the designated area on leash. For a full list of rules and regulations, including how to register your dog with the city, visit Newburyport’s official site.

Cashman Park: With waterfront views, this park is always fun to visit. And from 7:30 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 7 pm, daily, you can take your dogs to run freely and play. The park offers a wide open green space adjacent to the playground and basketball and tennis courts where pet families gather to socialize. Added bonus—this park is also right off the Clipper City Rail Trail, so when you do get back on leash, take your pup for a nice long walk to get any of that extra energy out.

Mosley Woods: Tucked into the woods with an entrance near Chain Bridge, this 16-acre park features tons of trails and great views of the Merrimack River. At this designated off leash dog park, your furry friends are free to walk alongside you leash free from dawn to dusk as long as they are well trained and not aggressive in nature. Tip: make sure your pup is good at coming on command as this park is large and dense, making a rouge dog hard to chase down.

March’s Hill: Located right off High Street, this wide open space is a great place for dogs and owners to hang out and socialize, and from dawn to dusk, you are free to do so, no leash necessary. This dog park is located off of Newburyport’s newest addition to the Clipper City Rail Trail, giving dog owners another opportunity to combine off leash play and a walk on leash on the South End of town.

For more dog specific tips check out our Dogs in Newburyport guide.

GNBA Offers Aide to Bura, Kenya with Newburyport Volunteers

The Greater Newburyport/Bura Alliance is a non-profit organization working to connect residents of the local coastal community of Newburyport across the Atlantic to a rural community in Eastern Kenya—Bura. The alliance is committed to fostering friendships, cross-cultural understanding, education, and leadership development between the two communities. While an entire ocean may separate Newburyport and Kenya, the GNBA manages to make a huge impact in the lives of those living in Bura from afar.

GNBA, solely made up of supporters and volunteers dedicated to sharing the world of Bura, Kenya with Newburyport, is affiliated with Sister Cities International. The non-profit organization became a fixture in the Newburyport community back in 1992 and has thrived with an active group of volunteers ever since.

Interested in volunteering yourself or simply like to learn more? GNBA holds monthly meetings on the first Sunday of each month. While these get-togethers are currently virtual, meetings generally include a potluck supper and good company, along with valuable information and opportunities on how to get involved.

How do volunteers of GNBA make an impact in Kenya? The organization has many ongoing projects that directly impact the people that call Bura home. Currently, they are working on a wide range of areas including Education for Orphans, coed Soccer, Technology, AgroForestry, and COVID public health. Volunteers are welcome to join in on any ongoing projects and are also encouraged to initiate new projects in areas they feel passionate about.

Along with joining or creating a project and attending the monthly meeting, there are so many additional ways to get involved with GNBA and help the people of Bura, Kenya. Consider participating in one of the organization’s fundraisers it holds throughout the year or making a donation to the cause. Any form of volunteering is always welcome and appreciated. For more information contact Chris Bentley at 617-905-6371 or visit www.masskenya.org.

Looking for even more ways to get involved and help others? Visit our site for additional community outreach opportunities in the city of Newburyport and surrounding areas.

Vacationing Dogs with The Beach Dog Daycare

Vacationing Dogs at The Beach Dog Daycare, Newbury MA

The Beach Dog Daycare would like to announce a new sector to our services. We are now accommodating vacationing dogs in the Newburyport and Plum Island areas at the daycare. Have your dog spend a day with us and enjoy a socially active day with other dogs, while you vacation with the confidence that your furry family member is enjoying their dog vacation just as much as you are! Tell your family and friends before they head into town so that they can pre-register and book before our daytime schedule between Monday and Friday reaches capacity.

We are also delighted to announce that we are collaborating with Plum Island Beach Rentals. This rental company makes sure to have pet-friendly accommodations for our families that like to take their dogs on vacation with them. Use our website to cut down on your research time and plan a dog vacation quick and easy.

Here is a quick overview of what we offer vacationing dogs in the Newburyport and Plum Island areas. Doggy Daycare is available Monday through Friday. This includes the same free valet services as our own daycare clients. Yes, you heard that right. Plan your vacation hours without having to run your dog to daycare. Book ahead and put your vacationing dog on our morning and afternoon valet route. We typically cater within a 10-mile radius but exceptions can be made, again please call ahead. We are a full-service dog daycare. This means we offer grooming and training, two very convenient aspects for a dog vacation. All of our staff members are CPR certified and we have a reliable vet in our area that we use for our local dogs so we can assure you that in an emergency your dog would be in good hands.

Please view A Day at The Beach on our website for a more detailed description of our services for vacationing dogs to our area.

Also please note that it is imperative that your family and friends pre-register before they arrive on vacation. Applications, vet releases, bookings for daycare, valet, grooming, and training sessions must all be on the schedule before vacationing dogs arrive at The Beach Dog Daycare.

Lastly, enjoy your stay!

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Newburyport and Plum Island

The residents of Newburyport and Plum Island take pride in their dog-loving community and many of the small businesses show this love by offering dog-friendly environments throughout the area, even if they don’t offer seated service many offer water bowls for passers-by. The Beach Dog Daycare thought it would be helpful to feature a collection of dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport segmented in a way that hopefully makes it easy for owners to choose the ideal place for themselves and their furry best friend. We created a post on our Beach Dog Facebook page and received many helpful suggestions. We hope that visiting dog owners find this article helpful while vacationing in our area and perhaps locals may find some new dog-friendly restaurants to enjoy with their dogs as well. This has been a fun article to research and The Beach Dog would like to thank the folks who contributed as well as the many local restaurant owners who replied to say they wanted to be featured in our article.

Dog-Friendly Full-Service Restaurants in Newburyport

Let’s start the tour by highlighting some of the full-service dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport. Most restaurants with outdoor patios welcome dogs on the outside perimeter of the patio and require that dogs be on a leash and well behaved. We start our tour of dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport with…but of course…seafood! Sea Level Oyster Bar is one of Newburyport’s top downtown seafood restaurants featuring an excellent raw bar, delicious grilled seafood dishes, lobsters, steamers and fried favorites too. Sea Level offers two beautiful outdoor seating areas: from the front, you see all of the action in Market Square and the back patio faces Waterfront Park with beautiful views of the river, boats and boardwalk. Dogs are welcome on the front side of the restaurant and need to stay on the outside of the patio fence according to the Newburyport Director of Public Health. Oregano is a wonderful Italian and Lebanese restaurant known for its amazing brick oven pizzas and Chicken Parmesan as well as popular Lebanese favorites such as grape leaves, and lamb kabobs. Oregano’s features a beautifully landscaped side café adjacent to the busy pedestrian walkway of Inn Street. Dogs are welcome to lay down on the outside of the patio right next to their owners. Bob Lobster is a long time Plum Island destination for lobsters, chowder, delicious fried seafood, ice cream, and the best lobster roll selection in town. They also have a wonderful fresh fish market. Feel free to bring your furry friend with you to Bob Lobster as they offer plenty of outdoor picnic table seating and beautiful sunset views over the Plum Island Marsh.

Dog-Friendly Casual Dining Restaurants in Newburyport

Just order your food and then relax at an outdoor table at any of the following dog-friendly restaurants. This is a very popular spot to find dogs relaxing under the outdoor tables while owners enjoy a delicious meal. Stone Crust Pizza is of course known for delicious pizza’ but they also offer a nice selection of sandwiches, burgers, and salads as well. They are the only downtown restaurant with a convenient order window. Customers can eat their food at the outdoor tables and dogs are welcome to relax with their families. Anchor Stone Deck Pizza is known for their amazing thin crust pizza and exceptional tomato sauce but they also offer fresh salads, oven-roasted wings, calzones and Lasagna. Anchor also features a nice selection of beers and wines to pair with your meal. Dogs are welcome to relax under the table while owners enjoy a great meal at this very popular State Street spot. Many families prefer to enjoy an Anchor slice behind the restaurant while letting the kids play on the Inn Street Playground.

Dog-Friendly Specialty Restaurants in Newburyport

Two establishments came highly recommended by our Beach Dog Facebook followers within the Tannery Marketplace: Chococoa Baking Company and Quinns Canine Bakery. The Tannery, a beautifully renovated mill building just a few block from downtown Newburyport, is a great place to walk and shop and it is very dog-friendly. Although the Tannery is dog-friendly, dogs are not allowed inside the eateries so The Beach Dog recommends that you stop in and grab one of Chococoa’s famous Whoopies and a coffee, and then head to Quinns Canine Bakery to choose some amazing baked treats made special just for your furry buddy.

http://www.quinnscaninecafe.com/

https://www.tannerymarketplace.com/directory/quinns-canine-cafe

Dog-Friendly Healthy Restaurants in Newburyport

If it’s a healthy snack you’re craving then we highly recommend a visit to The Juicery. Known for its healthy smoothies, organic super juices and acai bowls, the Juicery is very popular with locals and visitors. Dogs are always welcome to relax under the outdoor tables while owners enjoy delicious healthy snacks and meals.

We cant end our dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport article without shouting out to one of our favorite pet stores located conveniently right on Pleasant Street. Not only is Just Dogs Newburyport a pet store that carries carefully selected pet products, many of which are locally sourced, but it’s also a full-service dog bakery featuring fresh homemade gourmet treats that your dog is sure to love. Be sure to stop in with your furry friend to receive a free treat and a welcoming scratch behind the ear.

Once again, The Beach Dog Daycare had a great time collaborating with all of these dog-friendly restaurants in Newburyport, with our clients, our followers, and the local businesses that permitted us to showcase them in this article. We would also like to extend a big thank you to Laura at Newburyport.com for all of her help as well. If you enjoy eating and shopping locally we recommend purchasing a Newburyport VIP Discount Card. Choose a Physical VIP Card or a Digital VIP Card in the Newburyport App and receive discounts EACH TIME you dine or shop at many local restaurants and retailers. Purchase one card for $25 or two for $40 and $10 of your purchase is donated to a local nonprofit partner.

Dogs on the Beach – Plum Island & Newburyport Area Beaches

Taking your dogs on the beach in the Newburyport area is a great outdoor adventure for you and your furry sidekicks. While most area beaches welcome your pups for a visit, depending on the season, there are restrictions. Before you head out for some fun in the sun, make sure to check out our guide to where and when you can hit the beach with your dogs. And for more dog specific tips check out the Dogs in Newburyport articles.

Beaches—Hoping to explore the local sandy beaches? First and foremost, your dog will need to stay on leash at all times at all of the beaches in the area. But you can still walk, run, and play with your dogs on the beach if you follow the rules! Below are tips to make each beach trip a success with fido.

Plum Island: Note that Plum Island beaches are broken into three different sectors (North Point/Newburyport, Center/Newbury and South Point/Parker River Wildlife Refuge), all of which have their own rules regarding dogs on the beach.
The North Point of Plum Island is considered the Newburyport section of the beach. Dogs are allowed on the North Point from September 16th through May 14th and must be leased at all times.
Plum Island Center is the Newbury section of the beach. Dogs are allowed on this sections of the beach all year long, however there are time of day restrictions during the Summer seasons. From May 15th through September 15th, dogs are only permitted before 8:30am and after 5:30pm, so make sure to take your furry friend on a morning stroll or a post dinner walk!
As for the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, their area of beach includes the South Point of Plum Island, dogs are never allowed on this section of the beach (including Sandy Point).
It is important for dog owners to assist the folks who spend countless hours trying to protect the plovers by being considerate and aware of keeping dogs away from any nesting plovers. There have unfortunately been instances where dogs are taking nesting plovers and hatchlings out of their nests.
For the most up to date information, check with the town of Newbury and Newburyport’s official site.

Salisbury Beach: Dogs are actually allowed on this beach ALL year long, but within restricted areas. While you and your fur babies can roam the entirety of Salisbury beach during the off season, from May 1st to September 15th you need to keep your dog’s beach walks on the riverside of the beach only. An important note, due to strong currents at this beach, dogs are never allowed in the water.

Crane Beach: From October 1st through March 31st you can bring your dogs on the beach for a leisurely walk at this picturesque location in Ipswich. The only catch is it will cost you $3 per dog you bring along for the stroll. During the peak season, no dogs are allowed.

And While taking your dogs on the beach is a fun adventure, sometimes your pups just need to get off leash to run and socialize.—make sure to check out all the great dog parks Newburyport also has to offer.

Photo Courtesy: Thank you to Mariah Eaton of Beach Dog Daycare for letting us feature her dogs, Dozer and Tonka! Planning to visit the beach on a day your dogs can’t join you? Drop your pups off at Beach Dog Daycare where they can play while you’re soaking up some rays!

Guide to Parking Permits in Newburyport

Residents and employees, and in one case even non-residents, may apply for parking permits that allow them to park in the city without having to feed the meter or obey time restrictions on streets. But parking permits are different for the parking garage, parking lots, and residential streets. Like paying the meters, all parking permits are now digital, meaning you do not need to display anything in your car. Permits are all registered by plate, so once you have completed your application online you’re ready to park.

Sound complicated? That’s why we’ve created a guide on how to get your parking permit, what type of permit makes sense for you, and any restrictions that may apply. Read on for the full parking permit breakdown below.

Types of Parking Permits

Parking Lot Permits: With the exclusion of the Waterfront Parking Lot, which does not allow permit parking, if you purchase a parking lot permit you may park in any of the other six lots in downtown Newburyport without paying the meter. To apply as a resident you must have proof of residency (ie. utility bill, mortgage bill, etc) and for employee permits, you must have proof of local employment (ie. paystub, contract, etc). Residents $15/year; Employees $160/year; Seniors $5/year.

Parking Garage Permits: Located at the corner of Merrimac Street and Titcomb Street, the garage offers a covered parking option for residents, employees, and the only option for non-residents to secure a coveted parking spot in town. During the busy seasons in Newburyport, this can be a great option for frequent out of town visitors. Residents $60/month; Employees $50/quarter ($200/year); Non-residents $80/months.

Resident Parking Permits: For residents of Newburyport that live on streets with posted time limits, you may apply for a FREE parking permit to override time restrictions. These permits must be renewed annually and require proof of residency. Residents in these zones may also apply for visitor parking permits for guests.

Please note rates are subject to change by the City of Newburyport. Rates in this post are from February 2020.

Parking Garage in Newburyport

The newest addition to the parking scene in Newburyport is the two-story covered parking garage located at the entrance of town at Merrimac Street and Titcomb Street. The entrance on Titcomb Street is for permit holders while the entrance off of Merrimac is for general public parking. This 207 spot garage offers parking protected from the elements, permit parking options for employees and residents, and 24-hour parking, an option not available in the city’s parking lots.

Similar to the city’s parking lots, those choosing to park in the parking garage can opt to pay by kiosk or by downloading the Park Mobile app on their phone. Whichever method you choose to pay by, make sure to have your license plate handy as Newburyport parking is paper-free and your plates are how you register to park. Parking in the garage is $1/hour no matter what time of day.

Because this parking garage is situated at the entrance of town, it provides easy access to all downtown shopping, restaurants, the Waterfront Park, and the boardwalk. On busy weekends when traffic backs up along the main access point into town, Merrimac Street, opting for the parking garage can save you time arriving and departing by avoiding downtown congestion.

Also because the parking garage is located on the edge of town, many visitors choose to park in the lots in the downtown area, meaning on busier weekends, the garage is a great option to score a spot!

For visitors spending more than an afternoon, the parking garage offers one of the only options, aside from private parking, to have a car in town overnight and for multiple days.

Newburyport is a premier destination for both day visitors and those looking for an extended vacation. For visitors or residents out enjoying their city, make sure to check out all of the amazing restaurants, one of a kind shops, and unique experiences available in Newburyport. And if you are going to eat, shop, and play in town, consider purchasing a VIP Card to receive local discounts.

Please note rates are subject to change by the City of Newburyport. Rates in this post are from February 2020.

Parking Lots in Newburyport: Locations & Payment

Whether you’re a Newburyport resident or visiting for the day, knowing where the city’s parking lots are located is essential. On busy days, street parking is hard to come by and on days when events are happening in the downtown area, parking lots can frequently fill up. But there are seven different lots to choose from, and some of these lots are not as well known. Read on to find out where each city parking lot is located, how to pay, time limits, and more. You’ll be parking like a local, even if you are just visiting for the day!

The city parking lots vary in fees, time limits, and permit restrictions. All lots do require payment when parking is enforced. From January to the end of March, you must pay to park Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. During the busier months, April through December, you must pay to park Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. It is important to note that you may not park overnight in any of the city parking lots.

Payments for parking can be made at kiosks located throughout each lot, but to skip the lines that sometimes build-up, you can also download the Park Mobile app to pay directly through your phone. Whichever method you choose, make sure to have your license plate handy! Parking in Newburyport is paper free, so you must enter your plates to register for parking.

Waterfront Lot: The first lot many come across as they head into town is the Waterfront parking lot, located right off Merrimac Street along the—you guessed—waterfront. The Waterfront Lot offers 60 metered parking spots and it’s entrance is right after the intersection of Green Street and Merrimac. This location gives you quick access to the boardwalk and Waterfront Park. Please note, there is NO PERMIT PARKING in this lot. If you are a resident with a permit, you must still pay to park in this lot. Parking $1/hour, all day.

NRA West Lot: Literally connected to the Waterfront Lot, the NRA West Lot is the slightly larger gravel section to the right with 68 parking spots. This lot also has great access to the boardwalk and Waterfront Park and DOES allow for permit parking. So, if you are a permit holder, bypass the paved spots for the gravel spots! There are also spots in this lot designated specifically for permit parking. To gain access to this parking lot, you must enter through the Waterfront Lot. Parking $1/hour, all day.

NRA East Lot: Located on the other side of Waterfront Park and the downtown area, you can gain access to this lot at the intersection of Water Street and Ferry Wharf Road. Offering 175 spots, parking here will give you quick access to the boardwalk, Oldies Marketplace, and the Custom House Maritime Museum. Permit parking is permitted in this parking lot. There are also spots in this lot designated specifically for permit parking. Parking $1/hour, all day.

Green Street Lot: This lot is the largest parking lot, with 227 spots, and is located directly across Merrimac Street from the Waterfront. Green Street parking lot gives you direct access to Inn Street shops and restaurants. There are three entrances to this lot—from Merrimac Street, Green Street, and Unicorn Street. Residential permit parking is permitted but you must still follow the time limit rules. Employee parking permit holders may park all day from January 1st through April 1st. This lot offers special parking spots for military plates and compact cars. Parking $1.50/hour, 3 hour limit.

State Street Lot: This smaller lot, with only 31 parking spots, is located at the top of State Street at the Harris Street intersection. On busier days, this lot may be overlooked and is a great alternative to the main downtown lots. You do however need to keep in mind that there is a parking time limit. State Street Lot gives you close access to downtown shops and restaurants and is located right next door to the Newburyport Public Library. While permit parking is permitted, you must still follow the time limit rules. This lot is one of the few parking lots that also has electric car parking/charging stations. Parking $1/hour, 3 hour limit.

Hale’s Ct. Lot: This lot, tucked off of Pleasant Street, is a lesser-known parking lot located very close to downtown. While it is slightly off the beaten path, making it a less obvious place to park, the lot only offers 17 spots so parking here is hit or miss. You can enter the lot off of Hale’s Court, a small side street connected to both Pleasant Street and Prince Place. Permit parking is allowed at this lot. Hale’s Ct. Lot also has parking spots specifically for compact cars. Parking $1.50/hour, all day.

Prince Place Lot: Located right around the corner from the Hale’s Ct. Lot is this hidden of a gem lot with 43 parking spots. The Prince Place Lot entrance is located off of Prince Place, a small side street off of the main downtown State Street. Parking here will also give you great access to downtown shops and restaurants. Permit parking is allowed. Parking $1.50/hour, all day.

Please note rates are subject to change by the City of Newburyport. Rates in this post are from February 2020.

MINCO Smart Growth Project at One Boston Way to Bring Much Needed Rental Units

MINCO Smart Growth One Boston Way Newburyport

The MINCO Smart Growth Project at One Boston Way will bring affordable rental housing options to the city of Newburyport in a quickly developing new neighborhood. Located off the Rail Trail with close proximity to the commuter rail train station, the MINCO new development brings easily accessible apartments for commuters, as well as affordable living options for families, in an area that is growing in retail and entertainment.

Designed by MINCO Development, a North Andover firm, the project will feature a single 4-story building offering a total of 76 units. Along with much needed rental opportunities for city residences, this smart growth project—the first of its kind in Newburyport—will create 19 affordable housing units. Under state guidelines, a smart growth project must deem 25 percent of the building’s units to be affordable housing.

This smart growth community is also set to be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building in the city. This means the building is designed to be energy-efficient, water-efficient, and offer environmentally friendly features such as being located near public transportation and offering electric car charging stations. In addition, the MINCO project will also feature environmentally friendly carpet, cabinets, countertops, and windows.

The location is extremely convenient for those commuting daily on the train, to both Rt. 1 and 95, as well as the Rail Trail if you work downtown. Along with an easy commute, projects like One Boston Way aims to create a community that you will want to spend time enjoying. This hot new area zoned as a smart growth district—already features breweries, gyms, restaurants, and more— is quickly developing into a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Current businesses like Metzy’s Cantina owner Erik Metzdorf are welcoming the new foot traffic.

“I’m so excited to see the town push beyond its downtown area to a location I have always seen the value in. The boom of these projects has in turn brought in new customers to the local businesses, as well as enticing new ones to open,” said Metzdorf.

The MINCO project at One Boston Way broke ground in late December of 2019. Apartments are expected to be made available by the Spring of 2021. Follow the One Boston Way official site to stay up to date on the project, see availability, and for contact information.

Anna Jaques Hospital, AJH Aid Association Presents Annual Gift

By Mary Williamson, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Executive Director of the Anna Jaques Hospital Community Health Foundation, Mary brings more than 25 years of well-rounded management and fundraising experience grounded in relationship and community building. Her multi-faceted expertise will advance the philanthropic activities that support the sustainability and strategic initiatives of Anna Jaques Hospital.
Anna Jaques Hospital

Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association Annual Gift 2022

On October 20, 2022 at the 134th Annual Meeting, the AJH Aid Association Executive Board presented a check to the Anna Jaques Hospital Community Health Foundation for $115,000. This critical annual donation was graciously accepted by Mark Goldstein, President & CEO and Mary Williamson, VP of Philanthropy for the Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation. The Aid Association is a group of approximately 200 local volunteers dedicated to fundraising through a series of community events. The AJH Aid Association has been raising money for Anna Jaques hospital since 1888 and as always, all funds raised locally remail local and are utilized to support critical local initiatives.

The Aid Association’s fundraising success is a collaborative effort that can be attributed to a variety of very popular local events including: the Holiday House Tour, the Thanksgiving pie sale, the annual plant sale, Great Chefs’ Week, the Seaside Soiree and the tree of light. These local events reflect the important role that the Aid Association plays as they bring together local businesses, community leaders, hospital supporters, and philanthropic individuals in support of our community hospital. In addition to these successful annual events, sales from the very popular Anna Jaques Hospital gift shop also contribute to the fundraising efforts. The Anna Jaques Aid Association works closely with the Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation which also helps raise funds for the hospital.

For more details, visit AJH Aid Association

Asset Builder Awards, Recognition for Supporting Newburyport Youth

The Asset Builder Awards are a great opportunity to publicly acknowledge youth, adults and organizations throughout Newburyport who are supporting young people through their work or character. Our story image features prior year winners. Come help recognize the 2020 winners as Newburyport Youth Services and The BEACON Coalition host the 12th Annual Asset Builder Awards happening on March 19th from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Newburyport Senior Center. Nominated by members of the community, the recipients are selected for awards based on their natural ability and desire to support youth in Newburyport. Their relationships with youth in the city are positive, encouraging, supporting and empowering. Below is the list of 2020 Asset Award winners.

2020 Asset Builder Award Winners:
Frank Crump, Newburyport School Crossing Guard
Lisa Hutchings, Joppa Flats Education Coordinator
Madison, Bridget, & Charlotte MacMillan, Outstanding Youth
Kathleen Petrie, Molin School Teacher, NPS
Richard Tierney, Newburyport Youth Hockey Coach

In 1990, Search Institute released a framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults. The greater number of assets a younger person has, the lower number of high risk behaviors they get involved in. The BEACON Coalition uses this model as their framework for prevention.
Newburyport Youth Services and The BEACON Coalition will be accepting nominations for the eight main categories of the 40 Assets.

Anyone can recognize an individual or organization by submitting a nomination. The 2020 nomination deadline is February 14th and below is a list of the eight asset categories. If you missed the nomination deadline, make sure to recognize someone next year. Nominations can be filled out online and forms are also available at the Newburyport High School, Nock Middle School, Newburyport Rec Center and the Newburyport Public Library. They can be dropped off at the Newburyport Rec Center (formerly the Brown School) or mailed to 40 Milk Street Newburyport, MA 01950. For additional information regarding the event and nomination forms, please contact 978-465-4434 or Beacon@cityofnewburyport.com.

Newburyport Youth Services and The BEACON Coalition accept nominations for the eight main categories of the 40 Assets.

Support: This award recognizes an individual or organization who actively supports and advocates for youth. More than just a good friend, this is an individual that is trusted, respected and able to connect people to the resources they need. Or a family that models healthy communication and support!
Empowerment: Do you know of a young individual who has taken on challenges throughout the community in hopes of making a difference? Or an adult or organization that works to empower young people by building skills or creating opportunity for leadership.
Positive Identity: We would like to recognize an organization that helps to build self-esteem in young people and/or a young person who displays a positive model of identity to his/her peers.
Commitment to Learning: Do you know an organization that strives towards expanding the knowledge of young people throughout the community, or a young person that is dedicated to learning and pursuing further knowledge and inspire others to do the same?
Positive Values: This award will recognize a young person who has demonstrated honesty, character and conviction in their everyday life. A person with integrity does what is right, not what is easy.
Constructive Use of Time: Do you know an individual who uses their free time toward programs, creative activities or other positive programs? Or an organization whose purpose is to support youth in using their use of time to better themselves/others?
Boundaries & Expectations: This award recognizes an individual who is considered an adult role model or positive peer influence. This individual has a good sense and supports appropriate family, school and neighborhood boundaries.
Social Competencies: Do you know an individual or organization who supports excels in planning/decision making, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, resistance skills, and/or peaceful conflict resolution?

Repair Café, Don’t Ditch It, Fix It: Electronics Repair, Jewelry Repair & More

By Laura Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner of Newburyport.Com, Laura manages Business Development, Fundraising, the VIP Program, Blogging and the Events Calendar.

Grab that old toaster that’s lacking the heat or wristwatch that has you constantly running late and pay a visit to the experts at Repair Café on Saturday, January 25th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Newburyport Community/Senior Center. This pop-up event performs a wide variety of services including electronics repair, jewelry repair, and so much more.

Repair Café is a completely free service, matching up volunteer repairers with those in need of a service to troubleshoot the problem together. Along with electronics repairs and jewelry repairs, other common items include clothing, computers, ceramics, bicycles, and toys. Here is a full list of repair stations being offered at the upcoming event.

Organized by The Time Trade Network of Newburyport and Toward Zero Waste Newburyport, this will be the fourth Repair Café held in Newburyport. Over 250 Visitors with more than 350 items visited the Cafés last year.

With the slogan “Don’t ditch it, fix it,” organizers and participants donate their time in an effort to reduce the volume of materials waste, contributing to Newburyport’s zero waste goal. Repairers encourage visitors to watch and ask questions so they can not only take home a working end product but also take home some knowledge of how to fix something similar on their own.

It’s important to note that Repair Café does not offer any guarantees that they can fix your item nor are they held responsible if an item has any additional damage or stops working at home. Whether you come in for jewelry repairs or electronics repairs, if the problem turns out to be more complicated then a short session with a volunteer, Repair Café can also refer you out to a specialist.

Think you have a skill to share? Whether you’re a tinker, bike expert, computer pro, or master seamstress—Repair Café can use your help! Email RepairCafeNBPT@gmail.com or call 978-225-3440 to sign up and donate your time.

If you’re in need of repairs but can’t make this Repair Café, follow their official facebook page to stay up to date on the next event.

Everything You Should Know About Peanut Butter and Your Dog

I never met a dog that didn’t like peanut butter. Not only can peanut butter be a healthy protein option for your dog but it can be a good distraction as well. I’m sure most dog owners have played the “hide a pill” in the peanut butter trick. It works like a charm every time. Peanut butter’s “stick to your mouth” consistency also makes a good diversion when you have to do something that Fido is not cooperative about, like clipping nails, or pulling ticks. You also can’t talk about peanut butter without mentioning the Kong, my personal favorite dog toy that keeps your dog busy trying to get the peanut butter out of the unbeatable plastic toy. This ingenious toy invention has saved many table legs and couches from teething puppies and anxiety-riddled furry family members. It’s also because of this toy that I made an unpleasant discovery, but I’m so glad I did because I learned some interesting things about peanut butter and your dog.

I found that all peanut kinds of butter are not created equal, and I found out the hard way. My teething pup became extremely loose in the goose after a few days with his Kong and peanut butter. I tried an elimination diet to try to find the culprit to the loose goose. I immediately put him back on rice and chicken because I knew his body responded well to that base diet. Problem solved, but what was the cause? After some careful reintroduction of foods back into his diet I found that the Kong and peanut butter were the culprits. I was perplexed, to say the least, and started researching. What I found was well worth sharing. I learned some eye-opening information about peanut butter and your dog.

I started my research through family and friends. The first thing fellow dog owners shared with me was that there was an artificial sweetener in some peanut butter that was poisonous to dogs. That’s not entirely factual. There is a sweetener called xylitol. Xylitol is used in food products as a sweetener. But it’s not an artificial sweetener, it’s actually a derivative from fruit and vegetables, some extracts even come from birch trees. What is factual is that xylitol is toxic to your dog. This explanation from WebMD has an informative summary of xylitol. Some brands use xylitol as a sweetener making peanut butter and your dog a toxic combination. This can be highly toxic, in fact, more dogs have died from xylitol poisoning than chocolate intoxication. Below is a list of peanut butter to avoid.

Brands Containing Xylitol

Go Nuts, Co.
Krush Nutrition
Nuts ‘N More
P28

This paragraph may be tough to get through, but this is important information to know about peanut butter and your dog. But please know that xylitol is not only found in peanut butter, but it’s also becoming mainstream in a lot of food products. The symptoms are not nice but need to be addressed, your dog’s life could depend on you having this knowledge. First, why does your dog not respond well to xylitol? Xylitol is quickly absorbed and triggers a huge release of insulin from your dog’s pancreas. This could cause a massive drop in Fido’s blood sugar level, medically termed hypoglycemia. Just 50 milligrams (mg) of xylitol per pound of body weight (100 mg per kg) can put your dog into a hypoglycemic state. Below is a list of symptoms as described by VCA Hospital. Should your dog show signs of hypoglycemia you should call the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately. Typically they treat the dog just like a human in a diabetic shock, introduce sugar to bring the dog’s blood sugar levels back up to normal. If your dog is responsive you could try frosting or a bowl of water with sugar diluted in it. The idea is to give them something high in sugar that will have an immediate uptake response.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Your Dog

Vomiting
Weakness
Lack of coordination or difficulty walking or standing
Depression or lethargy
Tremors
Seizures
Coma

As you can see from the list my dog being loose in the goose isn’t a typical symptom of xylitol poisoning so Levi’s symptoms we’re either a coincidence or perhaps it was just too oily for his body at this point. We haven’t reintroduced him to it yet but I feel very comfortable having investigated peanut butter as the culprit. Had I not I may have run the risk of accidentally poisoning him with xylitol. So please remember this new additive isn’t just being used by the peanut butter brands. Many good manufacturers are using it. It’s popping up a lot in healthy products because it does not have the same response in humans. Below is a list of other brands that also use xylitol. Keep in mind that these are not typical products you would introduce to your dog, like peanut butter, but if they are in your house you always run the risk of your furry family member accidentally getting a hold of them. Please check labels and keep your dog safe. Also note: some labels could list xylitol as an artificial sweetener. I’d advise avoiding it just to be safe. In the end, always check the labels because peanut butter and your dog should be a good thing.

Brand Containing Xylitol

Clemmy’s Rich and Creamy ice cream products
John’s products (hard and soft candies, chocolates, drink mixes, etc.)
Jell-O sugar-free pudding snacks
Nature’s Hollow jams, syrup, ketchup, honey, etc.
SparX Candy
Zipfizz energy drink-mix powders
KAL Colostrum Chewable, Vanilla Cream
KAL Dinosaurs Children’s Vitamins and Minerals (chewable tablets)
Kidz Digest Chewable Berry from Transformation Enzyme
L’il Critters Fiber Gummy Bears
Mega D3 Dots with 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per “dot” (dissolvable tablet)
Suntheanine L-Theanine chewable tablets by Stress-Relax
Vitamin Code Kids by Garden of Live (chewable multivitamins)
Webber Natural Super Sleep Soft Melts (dissolvable tablets)

Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately.

Create a New Healthy Habit for Your Dog

Creating healthy habits is the key to happiness. Think about it, a habit is something you do repetitive and consistently. Pick something you want to change in your life and create a healthy habit to incorporate to reach that goal. Start small so you set yourself up to succeed. I personally incorporate healthy habits into my everyday routine, especially in the way of supplements and the food I eat. For example, I drink lots of water every day, in one of those water bottles, I add ¼ teaspoon of high dose vitamin C isolate (powdered form). The older we get the more vitamin C we need. By making this a habit everyday, I’m on top of my game. The list goes on. The last few articles the Beach Dog published were in relation to a healthy transition into spring, for example, non-toxic pesticides and bug sprays for your dog. Then we did one on Home Remedies for Your Dog . Then I started thinking, why not implement a healthy habit for your dog every day, not just springtime or when they develop an issue. In this day and age humans and dogs are surrounded by elements that make it increasingly harder to obtain and maintain optimal health. The best way to combat this is by creating a healthy habit for your dog continually. By creating healthy habits your implementing therapy’s that become part of your daily routine. In other words, it doesn’t feel like a project or a chore. Here’s how it works…

They say anytime you repeat a behavior 18 days in a row it becomes a habit. Within these 18 days, you adjust the habit to fit and flow more freely. Here’s an example. I just adopted a Pomeranian. She had very dry skin when I got her. I know through experience the best cure for dry skin, human or dog, is olive oil. Use it both internally and externally. My new created habit was to give her ¼ teaspoon of olive oil with her kibble every day. Her kibble is on the kitchen counter with a pre-measured scoop and the olive oil stands right with it. I use the cap to measure and every day my new little pooch gets a therapeutic dose that’s perfect for her. It’s been two weeks and not only her skin but her fur look amazing. I’m choosing to keep this a daily supplement because olive oil has more to offer than just a fix for her dry skin issues. For more reasons why all dogs should consume olive oil see the bulleted list below. Should you decide to use olive oil as a daily supplement for your dog make sure you find the perfect dose. Keep in mind the size and weight of your dog. Start with a small amount and observe for two weeks. The most common adverse effect with olive oil is loose stools. If your dog develops loose stools stop using until stools go back to normal, then try a smaller dose every other day. Observe for another two weeks. If stools are normal but you don’t see the results you were hoping for pulse your dose up a tad. Implementing olive oil is an amazingly healthy habit for your dog. This article 4 Fabulous Benefits Of Olive Oil For Dogs has some good benefits pointed out and a few highlights covered before you start using olive oil for your dog.

Benefits of Olive Oil as a New Healthy Habit for Your Dog

Omega-3 fatty acids help to moisturize your dog’s skin
Polyphenols and carotenoids improve immune system health
Oleocanthal, a type of polyphenol in olive oil is linked with brain function. Which can be imperative to combat cognitive decline in older dogs.
Antioxidants to fight back against free radicals

So, there’s the first healthy habit for your dog. Easy right? Remember, it’s important to implement these habits slowly for two reasons. First, you don’t want to overlap new therapies in case your dog has an adverse reaction. Then you won’t know what therapy to pulse or stop altogether. Secondly, if you create all these new healthy habits fast and furious, you might set yourself up for failure. Go slow, 18 days or until you get it right. Once it becomes second nature move onto the next. Speaking of the next, let’s take on a project slightly more complicated than a few drops of olive oils as a daily supplement. Let’s make homemade treats a healthy habit for your dog. There are so many reasons why this is a great idea…

Why homemade treats can be an essential healthy habit for your dog.

It’s cheap!
Incorporate leftovers
It’s fresh and no preservatives, additives, or colors
You can add any home remedy to a simple base

Let’s tackle this new healthy habit for your dog. It may sound complicated, and you might feel overwhelmed but relax and let me walk you through it. Start with a base treat dough. For example:

Oat Base Treat

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats,  Grind to flour consistency

1 large egg 1/4 cup of water, plus 1 tablespoon

3 tablespoons olive oil

There are many dog treat base doughs on the internet so if your dog does not respond well to an ingredient in this dough look for another dough base that works for you. This article is power packed with receipts, 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes: Made With 5 Ingredients or Less, you can make a base by eliminating the extra added ingredients and just using the basics. Here’s the important takeaway to ensure your success with this new healthy habit for your dog. Make the base in bulk and store it in the freezer for easy access anytime you need to update, enhance, or change your dog’s healthy treats for combating new issues. Let’s look at what I did last week. I made this dough base x’s 4. I put away three equal portions and made Emi, my new Pomeranian biscuits to combat stinky breath. I used the base receipt and added chopped parsley and fresh mint. As I stated earlier, she had dry skin so the oatmeal and olive oil base was stapled to help combat her flaky skin, and once I started her organic diet I noticed a not so enjoyable kiss here and there…so I simply googled health, organic ways to cure stinky dog breath.

Dog Biscuits for Stinky Breath

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped 1 large egg 1/4 cup of water, plus 1 tablespoon

3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325° F Mix oats (pulse to flour consistency) diced parsley and mint, egg, water, and oil. Flatten dough to about 1/8″ thick and cut approximately 40 small dog cookies or 20 larger dog cookies. Bake 35-40 minutes.

TIP: I like to overcook my biscuits because the harder they are the better they work as a natural toothbrush and help to break up the tartar build up.

So in order to ensure you succeed with making homemade treats as a new healthy habit for your dog, make the dough in bulk so you have plenty on hand for the next healing regimen or just to simply add leftovers for a happy healthy snack.

Creating a new healthy habit for your dog regularly will not only enhance his or her quality of life it will ensure a longer happier one as well…and remember, go slow. Don’t overwhelm yourself. It’s simple if you commit to small steps. If you have any questions or would like to share your healthy habits for your dog, please follow us on facebook.

Spring Safety Tips for You and Your Dog

Yes, its official….spring is here! The weather is getting warmer, the days are growing longer, and nature is starting to bloom. Dust off those winter blues and get ready for fun summer days. With this initial excitement comes a renewed enthusiasm. Spring cleaners gear up to give everything a clean sweep. Soon people will be out doing yard work and planning outdoor events. Everything’s coming up roses, or is it? Not to be a Debbie-downer but let’s not forget those spring cleaners use toxic products, yard work might involve chemical treatments, and outdoor events attract bugs and pesticides. Sorry, but with the changing of the seasons, we need to address a few spring safety tips for you and your dog so you can safely enjoy the upcoming summer.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Spring cleaning eco-friendly and non-toxic

We all love a spring cleaning, maybe not doing it but the renewed feeling after its done is like a breath of fresh air after a long winter nap. Clean your little heart out but try to be aware of the cleaning products your spraying around your dog’s environment. Read labels to make sure that products are family and pet-friendly. Spring safety tips for you and your dog start with making your own cleaning products. Here is a great website for DIY CleaningProducts that are chemical free and more cost-effective than the toxic brands sold on the market.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Who let the dogs out?

Warmer weather means the doors and windows will be open. Make sure people and children are aware of the dog when coming and going. A loose dog can be problematic if you don’t have a fenced in yard. Make sure there is a discussion with the family to be conscious of the door and the dog while transitioning into the warmer weather. Spring safety tips for you and your dog: attach a note to the door reminding people not to let the dog out by accident.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: In the Yard and on a Walk

Warmer weather means more time spent out in the sunshine, but it also means weeds and bugs. So what’s a human to do? We fight back. How do we fight back? With pesticides…the obvious answer is to always use family and pet-friendly products. Making your own DIY bug repellants isn’t as complicated as you might think.

But what about other people that might not be pet conscious. We’ve all seen the neighbor that thinks they are doing a good deed by spraying the ant hills or the weed killer on the sidewalks and walkways. Spring safety tips for you and your dog include a hose down or wash off after your walk. Make sure Rover’s paws are rinsed really good after each stroll through the neighborhood to ensure no toxic products come home with you.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Events, Picnics, and Barbecues

Warmer weather means road trips, strange surroundings, and unfamiliar faces. It’s a heightened season for misplacing your dog so spring safety tips for you and your dog must include microchip management. This is one safety tip that’s constantly overlooked. I can’t stress how important a microchip scan can be, especially when travelling with your pet outside of your own neighborhood. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and that microchip is functioning properly. You don’t have to book a vet appointment if your dog is already micro-chipped to do this. Your local dog officer should be willing to give your dog a quick and free scan. Check out this article for some interesting facts on What You Should know before Microchipping a Dog. When traveling the chances of losing your furry family member are very high. Two factors: your dog is in a strange environment so finding their own way home is next to impossible, couple that with the fact that locals are not familiar with your dog so a speedy recognition recovery isn’t going to happen. Make sure your dog’s microchip is functioning properly to avoid the stress of a misplaced pooch.

Spring safety tips for you and your dog: Updated vaccines

You and Your dog are not the only ones coming out of hibernation. Wild animals and the bugs will soon be repopulating as well. The last of our Spring safety tips for you and your dog would be to make sure they are up to date with their vaccines, especially rabies.

If you found this article helpful, check out more Beach Dog Blogs.

Biofuel Also known as Bioheat is the Evolution of Oil Heat!

Biofuel, also known as bioheat is a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil with renewable biodiesel made from organic and recycled products such as soybean oil, used cooking oils, inedible corn oil, canola, tallow, fats and algae. With biofuel, homeowners can burn a better, safer and more reliable fuel resulting in lower emissions, improved air quality and better efficiency of the heating system. For bio fuel blends up to 20%, there are no modifications necessary for your existing home heating equipment.

The environmental benefits of biofuel are significant. First, biodiesel lowers the carbon content of heating oil. Secondly, biodiesel is made from renewable, organic sources. And research conducted by leading authorities such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Air Resource Board indicates that bio fuel reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions (sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide) from 50% to 86% compared to traditional heating oil or diesel fuel. Additionally, research conducted by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) indicates that when ultra-low sulfur heating is blended with biodiesel at 20% (B20), this BIOHEAT fuel significantly reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions making BIO HEAT cleaner than natural gas.

Following extensive testing and research, American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM), with support from the heating oil industry and the National Biodiesel Board, has set a standards for recommended percentage blends of biodiesel in heating oil. These percentage blend specifications are currently up to B20 (a 20% blend of biofuel). The heating oil industry along with the National Oilheat Research Alliance and the National Biodiesel Board are committed to introducing higher blends of biodiesel into the heating oil marketplace and these organization are conducting ongoing research on higher percentage blends of biodiesel in heating oil.

To learn more about bioheat, visit DiscoverHeatingOilMass.com

To start enjoying the benefits of Biofuel with a 20% Blend, contact us at Lombardi Oil & Gas

Visit Lombardi Oil & Gas, sponsor of the upcoming Greater Newburyport Green Expo on April 11th.

Newburyport Recycling – Simple Tips to Help Save Money for Our City!

By Elizabeth de Veer, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Elizabeth de Veer is a writer who lives in Georgetown, MA. Her hobbies include organizing her elementary school-age daughter and chasing her labradoodle. Favorite coffee: hot. Favorite Beatles album: Sgt. Pepper. Favorite naughty food: lobster roll and fries. Her first novel is due to be published in winter 2019.

Newburyport Recycling provides an important service that allows community members to actively participate in minimizing our waste and, in turn, reflects how much we value a healthy environment. However, due to shifting policies overseas, the neighborhood recycling rules are changing, and Newburyport Recycling needs citizens to learn the new guidelines. Take a few minutes to become aware, and adjust the way you recycle. When the community supports the recycling process by following the rules, we save the city money that can be invested elsewhere.

Did you know … recycling companies assess carts of materials submitted for recycling? If more than 10% of the materials are considered trash, the city is subject to an additional 10% contamination fine on top of the recycling cost per barrel. That adds up fast!

Curbside recycling carts LOVE: empty bottles, jars, and containers made of metal, plastic and glass from the kitchen, laundry and bath, and paper and flattened cardboard. All of these things must be CLEAN – carefully rinse out food containers, like yogurt cups. Pizza boxes that aren’t too greasy and have no food or liners in them can be recycled.

Curbside recycling says NO THANKS to: recyclables in bags, loose plastic bags and plastic wrap, containers still containing food or liquids, clothing and linens, and “tanglers” – hoses, wires, chains, strings of lights, etc.

Some things can’t go into curbside recycling but can be brought to the Newburyport Recycling Center on Colby Farm Lane on the first Saturday of every month from 8 am to noon. This list includes: metal/aluminum siding, scrap metal, pots & pans, utensils (silverware, cooking utensils) and tools. If in doubt, throw it out!

Try at home:

Review this flyer showing what goes into curbside recycling and what does not. If anything on that list surprises you, make a list to post above your kitchen recycling bin, download a reference postcard or pick one up at City Hall.
Get the kids involved! Invite them to pitch in by reading the flyer and helping around the house to make sure that recycling not only gets done but gets done right.
Talk to your neighbors. The community wins when everybody makes the effort to become more aware of the DOs and DON’Ts.
Set up a backyard composting bin for vegetable scraps and garden waste. These can be used to create “compost tea” that can really help your garden. If you don’t know where to start, try this composting guide for beginners. Composting bins are available from the city at a great discount – and Newburyport has a subscription curbside compost program.
Sign up for a free home visit! Contact City Hall’s Recycling, Energy, and Sustainability Office at (978) 465-4410 or email TowardZeroWasteNewburyport@outlook.com and a member of the recycling team will come with a short presentation and be able to address all your questions for all members of your household.

Newburyport Recycling has employed a team of cart checkers to review curbside recycling carts and make sure all are complying. Team members will let residents know what they are doing wrong by leaving tags on carts. If a cart has multiple infractions, that cart will not be picked up until it is brought into compliance. For more information, check out this list of hard to dispose items, and recycling program basics.

Let’s become aware, get active, and get busy recycling the right way. Recycling Right benefits the whole community! Make sure to mark your calendar for the Newburyport Green Expo, on April 11th where you can lean many ways that we can all help protect the environment.

Types of Service Dogs and How They Can Benefit You

More and more people are using service dogs, but with the popularity comes a bit of confusion and the regulations seem to vary state to state. The service animal amendments keep changing and so does the confusion. The Beach Dog thought it would be helpful to give some insights on the different categories and what criteria apply to each. There are a few terms used such as Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs. All of which are wonderful ways that canines can enrich our lives. So what is a service dog, and could any of these categories benefit you? Let’s Break down the categories and rules to help simplify the types of service dogs and how they can benefit you.

Service Dogs

A service dog typically assists a person with a disability to aid in functions that a person is unable to perform. Some service dogs can aid in emergency help such as alerting to situations in a crisis or by performing tasks when a person is incapable to do so for themselves. Service dogs are trained to provide services for their owner but certification is not required if someone questions your animal. A local establishment is allowed a set of questions pertaining to your service dog, (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You do not need to answer questions pertaining to your specific disability or have your dog perform any tasks proving his or her legitimacy. A service dog must, however, be obedient at all times, and groomed for public hygiene purposes.

Because of the growing trend in service dogs, it is a good option to register and have a pet ID that states your animal is a service dog. Having a vest or visual is also a good idea; this eliminates any unwanted questioning that your dog provides a needed service. While a service dog cannot be denied access to public transportation, including domestic flights which are protected through the Air Carrier Access Act, pre-registering may require documentation of some sort. Preregistration is also a good idea to avoid delays at the airport.

Listed below are some examples in which a service dog is rendered important and beneficial.

Mobility issues
Visual Impairment (blindness)
Hearing Impairment (deafness)
Seizures
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Diabetes
PTSD
Autism
Epilepsy
Other physical/mental disabilities

The laws that offer protection of your rights regarding service dogs are covered through Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Any breed dog can be deemed suitable for this level of service as long as they are capable of performing the duties through training. This law also protects you in any housing situation in all 50 states regardless of the landlord’s policies. The same law also allows your dog to fly for free on any domestic flight. The Department of Justice clearly defines any legal issues pertaining to service dogs in this easy to download PDF.

Emotional Support Dogs Verses Service Dogs

Emotional support dogs assist individuals with emotional or mental health issues. An emotional support dog acts as a comfort zone to his or her provider in situations that can peak strong emotional afflictions. Emotional support dogs do not require training to provide comfort. Emotional support dogs must be leashed, calm, obedient, and properly groomed for hygiene purposes in public places.

Emotional support dogs are protected through the same laws that cover a person with disabilities when the owner has a medical diagnosis. Emotional support dogs are a trickier category than a service dog because sometimes a mental health person may not appear disabled. Having a documented dog with a certification makes life easier but is not required by law.

Unfortunately, amendments to the laws are radically changing because some individuals fraudulently state the animal is for emotional support. This trending issue is blurring the lines for the true necessity of an emotional support dog. Having proper Id or certification paperwork lessons the conflict.

Below is a partial list of emotional issues that can qualify for a support dog of this type.

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar/mood disorders
Panic attacks
Other emotional/psychological conditions

Therapy Dogs are a Facility Type of Service Dogs

A facility category of service dog typically means the dog is owned and cared for by a second or third party and is used by an organization to provide a service to a patient. Therapy dogs are often used in facilities for recovering individuals such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Therapy dogs offer affection and comfort. Studies have shown that rehabilitating patients heal faster and with less psychological stress when therapy dogs are available to them. Below is a list of some of the therapeutic values associated with therapy dogs.

Lower blood pressure
Cause release of oxytocin, a hormone that eases stress levels
Reduce awareness of pain
Improve coordination and motor skills through petting
Aids in communication when verbal skills are limited

Lets Summarize Service Dogs

So let’s sum it up the types of service dogs and how they can benefit you. A service dog is trained to aid an owner with disabilities. A service dog requires training to accommodate the person with disabilities. By law, an establishment can only ask if a person is disabled and what tasks the dog is trained to perform. Registration as a service dog is not a state requirement but Service Dog identification is helpful in public situations. An emotional support dog does not require training and also cannot be turned away for any reason. Both service dogs and emotional support dogs must be under control at all times and properly groomed for public hygiene. Having your dog registered or certified is not a legal requirement but will aid in authenticating and verifying your needs. Just as legal documentation is not required a ‘service dog vest’ is not a valid criterion for admittance to public access but may alleviate unwanted questioning. A therapy dog typically works in a facility to aid the healing and comfort level of a patient.

If you are wondering if registering your dog is a good fit for you read, Service Dog Registration isn’t Essential but can be Helpful.

If you found this helpful, make sure to review other helpful blog posts from The Beach Dog Doggie Daycare.

Audible Books for your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

dog's separation anxiety, Newburyport MA

First, let’s define separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a label used when a dog is left alone and exhibits bad behaviors. This is actually instinctive behavior in canines. Dogs are pack animals and they are safe in the pack. There is strength in numbers. When a dog strays or is left behind its instincts kick in ‘fight or flight’ behavior, which triggers the bad behavior. So when you leave your dog it’s not necessarily the dog missing you, sorry, abandonment triggers the behavior and puts your dog into panic mode. This is an instinctual characteristic designed to keep the dog safe in its natural habitat. Audible books for your dog’s separation anxiety substitutes a human presence which significantly decreases bad behaviors.

What are Audible Books

Audible books are a narrated voice book that is listened to out loud using a device such as the Amazon echo. Audible books can be played in multiple ways. The trigger here is to teach your dog that the audible narrator mimics having a unit of the pack still around, which enables the dog to relax. Cesar Millan has an amazing audible book that gives the data from the studies coupled with the psychology behind the training, check it out.

How does it work?

The key is to get your dog to associate the audible book with quiet time. When you leave your dog alone it triggers energy almost in a panic mode. The first step is to deplete this energy load by exercising your dog before you leave the house. This means implementing a morning workout routine. Cesar has some valuable ideas for indoor exercise: How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors. Exhausting the dog helps him concentrate. It’s the first step in using Audible books for your dog’s separation anxiety.

After depleting his energy put your dog in his quiet spot immediately upon entering the house. This could be any preferable spot where your dog typically naps, crate, dog bed, couch, under kitchen table etc. Then introduce him to the device that will play his audible book. He will start to associate this with quiet time and another member of the pack, or your family unit. When you leave the house do not shift your energy. Do not say goodbye, do not interrupt the Audible and your dog, simply leave the house. The concept is to make your dog believe that there is still a member of the pack in the house with him.

How to choose the right book

When choosing audible books for your dog’s separation anxiety there is a method. Almost sounds silly, it’s not like your dog can literally follow along with the storyline. But this is actually a valid decision in getting optimal results. Data proves that audible books yielded better results than leaving a TV on or Playing music…why? The TV and the music will shift in voice, tone, and volume, all of which can easily trigger a dog’s anxiety. Audible books are mostly monotone. The narrator’s voices vary in tone, and volume slightly yielding fewer triggers for your dog. Now think books and genres, if your dog has lots of energy try a children’s book, the narrator is typically a tender tone. Don’t forget to pick a long book. You want the audible book to play as long as possible.

Audible books for other anxiety level triggers

While healing an injury typically accompanied by the all annoying cone
Company or children having a household visit or gathering
Fireworks and holidays
Thunder and storms

If you found this article helpful, click here to view other informative blog posts from the Beach Dog.

Allergies in Dogs: Fight Back with Simple Solutions

Guess what? Allergies aren’t just on the rise in humans, more and more pets are being diagnosed each year. Allergies in dogs can be triggered by many more stimulants than ever before. Dr Denise Petryk summarizes that the rise in dog allergies is thought to be influenced by a range of factors: food additives, genetically modified foods, pollen’s, environmental allergens, and fleas. Some pets are easily triggered by other environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, household cleaners, and mold. Most of us know the importance of feeding our animals top quality foods and we do practice good dietary habits, but what if the allergies are not triggered by food? What can we do to help lessen the symptoms of environmental allergies in dogs?

The first step is to create a spring regimen that boosts Rovers immune system, and combats against allergies in dogs. Try a simple wipe-down a few times a day. This removes pollen and prevents it from penetrating your dogs coat and settling on their skin. Add extra spray-downs during the day. A simple run through the sprinkler, a game with the garden hose, or a toddler pool with clean water is all that you need. Not only does it keep Fido pollen free, but it’s refreshing on those hot summer days. Add an oatmeal bath. There are a lot of products on the market that have healing properties such as aloe, and evening primrose. Note: don’t use any type of oat products if your dog’s itchy skin is yeast related. Always consult your doctor. The right diet can boost your dog’s immune system. Like humans dogs are designed to eat real foods, mostly meat but vegetables too. Most dog foods contain starch and starch is an inflammation instigator. knowing your dog’s food tolerances is very important but a diet in lean meat and veggies is perfect for building your dog’s immune defenses. Below is a list of eatables that are natures immune builders…you and your dog should add them to your diet.

Fight allergies in dogs with food.

Fish oil supplements
Vitamin D supplements
Rosemary
Biotin
Coconut oil
Echinacea
Peppermint
Plain yogurt
Vitamin C
Pumpkin
Diatomaceous earth

If you’re already familiar with diatomaceous earth than it’s an amazing way to kill internal parasites. It can also be used topically to kill fleas. But if you’re not familiar with diatomaceous earth you should research more before using it.

If you’re applying all of these new routines and your not seeing any results you may want to consult your vet for more aggressive relief to fight allergies in dogs.

Let’s hope that by simply modifying our spring pet regimen we can combat the discomfort associated with allergies. These steps just might help your furry friends get through the allergy season with little to no symptoms. But always keep in close contact with your vet when it comes to combating allergies in dogs.

If you found this article helpful, click here to view other informative blog posts from the Beach Dog.

Holistically Protect Your Dog from Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitos

It has begun, estimated to be worse than it was last year: the disease that mosquitos, ticks and fleas are transferring to humans and dogs gets deadlier and deadlier every year. The bug repellants don’t seem to be much better; as consumers, we have learned the importance of natural, chemical free products. Combating against deadly bug bites and spraying down with a bottle of poison isn’t my way of starting off my summer. So what do we do to keep our dogs and ourselves safe from disease carrying bug bites? Armouring yourself and your dog with organic all natural, chemical free, healthy repellants is the best way to go. You may be surprised at how simple this is. You can holistically protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

Bug repellants come naturally in nature. Plants have natural biological properties that repel bugs from attempting to eat and ultimately kill off the plant. Plants both attract and deflect bugs by using smells and poisons. The essences of some plants have been genetically evolved to repel bugs. Have you heard of aromatherapy? Aromatherapy has become a household combatant against bacteria, viruses, ailments, and just uplifting and beautifying. But these same plants can naturally help us to ward off bugs before they bit. Let’s take a tip from our green leafy friends to protect our lovable furry friends

Essential oils are extracted from plants in different ways. No matter what way the extraction process is done they are extracted to keep the chemical properties preserved so that humans…and dog’s can have enhanced lifestyles in a healthy and natural way. Listed below are a few options that are specifically designed (by Nature) to repel bugs. These essential oil repellant can be added to a spray bottle of water or apple cider vinegar to holistically protect you and your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. You can make your repellant strong by adding more drops of essential oil. Start with a few drops and work your way up to establish the perfect spray for you and your dog. Essential oils protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

Mixing your spray with vinegar instead of water is an added benefit because bugs also hate the smell. There are a few other benefits to using vinegar. Its properties make the hair shiny for you and your dog. Try adding some apple cider vinegar to Rovers bath water. You can also consume apple cider vinegar to internally repel bugs, vinegar consumed raises the acidic levels of your blood and bug’s don’t like acidic. When using apple cider vinegar internally mix a teaspoon to a tablespoon in water per every 50lbs. of your dog’s weight. Consuming apple cider straight can be upsetting on the tummy for both you and your dog. Apple cider vinegar can be used to protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

Another fun way to protect your dog from killer bugs is to make a bug repellent dog collar. You can have fun with this and make it elaborate or you can do it simply, the important part is to do it every day. You can make a bandana collar and drop your essential oils right onto the bandana. Make it refreshing and beat the heat, soak the bandana in cold water, then drop essential oils or apple cider vinegar onto it. You can also simply tie a trusted brand insect repellent wipe around your dog’s collar. Don’t Waste the Crumbs also has some more in depth ways to make a bug repellent dog collar

We as consumers know that a lot of the bug repellants that are sold on the marked are harmful to our dogs and us but there are a few products out there that are safe. Look for labels that say all natural, no chemicals or pesticides. Read the ingredients; if you can’t pronounce them don’t use them. Some of the products on the market can also protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. There are many ways to holistically protect you and your dog from bug bites this year. The Wellness Mama has a few other recipes you can try if you really want to get fancy with items you may have in your home. The Beach Dog Daycare wishes you a happy and safe summer season, armour up and enjoy.

Bring Your Dog on Vacation when Visiting Newburyport & Plum Island

Beach Dog Doggie Daycare, Bring Your Dog on Vacation

Don’t put your furry family member in a boarding service while you travel. Bring your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts. Our area is one of the best dog communities along the North Shore. The Beach Dog Daycare has done all the work for you, book your hotel, make restaurant arrangements and jump right into some daytime activities that are all pooch friendly! We pride ourselves on being a dog-friendly community that incorporates your vacation experience along with your furry family members. Most importantly when you bring your dog on vacation to our area, The Beach Dog Daycare offers vacation hours so that you can enjoy a day at the beach while your dog enjoys a day socializing and stress-relieving playtime. Check out all that The Beach Dog has to offer on our Day at The Beach page.

Before you head this way book your lodging accommodations. Both the Garrison and the Blue Inn make bringing your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts fun and easy. The Garison Inn is located in Newburyport right on Brown Square so you are in walking distance to many trendy spots that are all in walking distance. If you should chose to stay on Plum Island then The Blue Inn on The Beach is where you should book a room with amazing views and dog-friendly accommodations.

The next important aspect of any vacation is eating! Newburyport and Plum Island have some of the best eateries on the planet…well in the North Shore area anyway. When you bring your dog on vacation our community encourages Rover to come along and enjoy the eats too. For a full menu of amazing options try Oregano Pizzeria & Ristorante located at 16 Pleasant Street, Newburyport MA. This restaurant has an outdoor side patio perfect for bringing dogs. If you just want to grab something café style then The Coffee Factory offers specialty coffees and delicious breakfast and lunch and you can enjoy the outside seating…as long as they remain on a leash and are socially behaved.

Ok, so you have your lodgings and some hot spots to eat when you Bring your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts, so I just wanted to add a few must see hot spots just for Rover. Lets start with Just Dogs. This is an amazing little doggy bakery that hand makes all sorts of snacks that cater to all sorts of doggy needs. If your dog has food allergies Just Dogs has a snack for that, if your dog is a vegetarian, they have a snack just for that…you have to take a trip to see what Just Dogs has to offer. Just Dogs is located at 37 Pleasant Street in Newburyport. We are adding The Natural Dog to our list because they are an amazing pet supply company in our area and they offer eco-friendly products and all natural foods. Most of our local dog owners shop here, so if you find yourself low on supplies while Bringing your dog on vacation pop in at the Natural Dog to restock or take a visit just to browse. The Natural Dog is located at 155 State Street in Newburyport.

Now its time to get into some fun daytime activities when you bring your dog on vacation to Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts. Your first stop should be Mill Pond in West Newbury. This is a pond activity with lots of other dogs swimming and running off leash. If your dog is well behaved in social environments Mill Pond is highly recommended. Their Facebook page showcases the park the best so be sure to check it out. Next at the top of the list is Maudslay State Park. This is an old horticultural and agricultural estate. There are many gardens and roaming around with your dog is allowed on leash and they even provide doggy bags and a trashcan in the parking lot for any deposits Rover may leave behind during your visit. If you’re up for a more vigorous hiking experience check out Old Town Hill in Newbury. This attraction has many hiking trails that highlight the naturally made environment such as salt marshes, wetlands and cliffs with amazing views. This park is absolutely a place to take pictures so don’t forget your camera, again Rover must be on a leash and please pick up and discard anything your dog deposits. Unfortunately not all pet owners are aware of the on-leash policy but we ask that you stick to the rules and keep this in mind when planning your day trip to Old Town.

We hope you chose to bring your dog on vacation when you visit Newburyport and Plum Island Massachusetts. Contact The Beach Dog or visit our website to pre-enroll for some daycare hours. While Bring your dog on vacation with you is highly recommended, having some activities without your dog is inevitable but it doesn’t have to mean leaving your dog alone in a hotel all day. We will happily cater to your dog while you enjoy your vacation as well.

Picture Book Features Local Dog, Local Grocery Store

When we lived in Newburyport a few years ago, our naughty wire fox terrier Charlie leapt from the car at the grocery store, ran across the parking lot, and entered Shaws when the automatic doors swished open. My wife Diane ran in after him and eventually found him standing on his hind legs at the meat counter, sniffing.

And so a book was born.

I fictionalized the event so that Charlie (aka Rumplepimple) had a darned good reason for running in; a little girl was being bullied and Rumplepimple rushed to help. By the time his mom arrived, he’d already saved the day and was checking out the butcher shop.

I was trying to convey that there are lots of things going on behind the eyes of our dogs, friends, neighbors, and children that we just don’t understand. It’s a universal experience to feel misunderstood, and I wanted the kids who read Rumplepimple to say “Hey, I feel that way too!” I also wanted them to giggle: Rumplepimple has a rather unorthodox way of showing others that he’s the boss. He pees on them.

The book has been receiving attention for a variety of reasons. It’s got a subtle anti-bullying message, and the family structure includes two moms. It came out just a week or two before the SCOTUS ruling on same-sex marriage, which meant opportunities for both approbation and condemnation. This timing is still playing out in the webosphere as we connect with authors who also believe that diverse family structures need to be represented in children’s fiction, and respond to those who are violently opposed.

Rumplepimple lives in Haverhill now with his sister cat Chicken and his two moms, but Newburyport will always be his home town. It’s the place he spent his first two years (or fourteen, depending on how you count them). The place he loved to roam and sniff along brick-lined sidewalks. The place that had a dog park with a river he could lose tennis balls in. And the place that had the only grocery store he’s ever managed to enter, with its enticing display of tasty meats. He comes to visit often, and when we cross the bridge he demands to stick his nose out the window and get a good long sniff of the smell of home.

You can find Rumplepimple on Amazon.com, visit his website at www.rumplepimple.com, or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.

By Suzanne DeWitt

Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Info for Newburyport

Snow Emergency, Parking Ban, Newburyport

The City of Newburyport will declare a snow emergency and parking ban when snow fall predictions for the area are at least 3 inches. Here’s a breakdown on everything you need to know when the city declares a snow emergency. And with snow, comes the issue of snow removal and resident responsibilities. Below are tips to keep you fine free and shoveled out when there’s snow fall in Newburyport.

How to Know if There’s a Parking Ban:

Look for the “Blue Lights”, flashing blue emergency beacons located at major intersections. These lights are turned on 6-7 hours in advance of the ban. When the lights are shut off, the parking ban has ended.
Call the Department of Public Services at 978-463-0472 or the Snow Emergency Information Line at 978-465-4464 ext. 1797.
The ban will be broadcast on Cable Access, WBZ radio and the city’s website homepage.
Sign up for email alerts by visiting the city’s website and selecting emergency alerts from the Department of Public Services

Where to Park During a Ban:

During a snow emergency all cars must be moved from public streets. Those that are not moved are at risk of being towed at the owner’s expense if the car directly affects snow removal, or fined a $50 ticket.

Residents may move their cars to any of these alternative parking locations during a snow emergency:

Green Street Municipal Lot
Cashman Park, (off Merrimac Street)
Cushing Park (off Washington Street)
Waterfront Trust Lot
NRA West Lot
NRA East Lot (Behind the Custom House)
Prince Place Lot (corner of Hales Court and Prince Place)
State Street Lot (corner of Harris Street and State Street)

Please Note: All vehicles must be moved from these lots within 12 hours following the end of the parking ban or they will be towed/ticketed.

Garage: The parking garage is not available for snow emergency parking, however it will remain open for garage permit holders and paying customers.

Snow Removal Information:

It may take several hours for snowplows to make it to your street, regardless of snow emergency status, but if you do think that your area has been neglected call 978-465-4464 to put in a snow removal request.
Property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks. This should be done within six hours after the snow stops if daytime or before noon if the snow stops during the night. Much like the parking ban, a fine of $50 can be issued for failure to shovel your sidewalk.
If you are able to help those in need of shoveling, contact the Council on Aging at 978-462-8650 or rrobillard@cityofnewburyport.com.

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Council on Aging – Senior Activities and Services

Senior Activities Through the Council on Aging

Programming & Essential Services for Seniors

Lions Club Thanksgiving Dinner at the Senior Center

Connecting the Senior Community

Senior Center

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Senior Community Center – Support | Activities | Inspiration

Newburyport’s Senior Community Center

A Tremendous Resource for the City of Newburyport

I’ll Meet You at the Senior Center

Senior Center

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Places to Eat

Places to Shop

Places to Stay

Places to Experience

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Events

Get informed about Newburyport news and events sure to make you smile...

Dog Collar Versus a Harness, Which is Ideal for Your Dog and When?

Newburyport Education Foundation – NEF – Investing in Education

PFAS in MA Drinking Water – What You Should Know

Off Leash Dog Parks in Newburyport – Exercise & Socialize

GNBA Offers Aide to Bura, Kenya with Newburyport Volunteers

Vacationing Dogs with The Beach Dog Daycare

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Newburyport and Plum Island

Dogs on the Beach – Plum Island & Newburyport Area Beaches

Guide to Parking Permits in Newburyport

Types of Parking Permits

Parking Garage in Newburyport

Parking Lots in Newburyport: Locations & Payment

MINCO Smart Growth Project at One Boston Way to Bring Much Needed Rental Units

Anna Jaques Hospital, AJH Aid Association Presents Annual Gift

Asset Builder Awards, Recognition for Supporting Newburyport Youth

Repair Café, Don’t Ditch It, Fix It: Electronics Repair, Jewelry Repair & More

Everything You Should Know About Peanut Butter and Your Dog

Create a New Healthy Habit for Your Dog

Spring Safety Tips for You and Your Dog

Biofuel Also known as Bioheat is the Evolution of Oil Heat!

Newburyport Recycling – Simple Tips to Help Save Money for Our City!

Types of Service Dogs and How They Can Benefit You

Service Dogs

Emotional Support Dogs Verses Service Dogs

Therapy Dogs are a Facility Type of Service Dogs

Lets Summarize Service Dogs

Audible Books for your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Allergies in Dogs: Fight Back with Simple Solutions

Holistically Protect Your Dog from Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitos

Bring Your Dog on Vacation when Visiting Newburyport & Plum Island

Picture Book Features Local Dog, Local Grocery Store

Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Info for Newburyport

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