Walking Tours of Plum Island – Explore & Discover

Walking Tours of Plum Island, Newburyport MA

The Walking Tours of Plum Island, led by Bill Sargent of Plum Island Outdoors are wonderful way to explore and learn about this beautiful and fascinating barrier island. The 2023 tours will run every Sunday from 10 – 11:30 am from March through Memorial Day weekend. The summer schedule may have some modifications and will be released in May. These 90-minute walking tours, start at the North Point of the Island by the Plum Island Lighthouse, guide participants down to the South Jetty and return back to the North Point. The Walking Tours of Plum Island are held rain or shine so be prepared with rain gear if necessary. In the instance of cancellation due to severe weather, event changes will be communicated on the Plum Island Outdoors facebook page. Given the length and significant walking, this tour may not be appropriate for young children.

During these beautiful walks there is much to explore and discover. You will see horseshoe crabs, woolly mammoth, terns, and striped bass. Investigate the Coast Guard archaeology site and speculate on whether some of the artifacts could have been used to set U-boat nets across the Merrimack River.

Visit the Sand Machine where up to an acre of sand flows through natural weirs in the South Jetty during high course tides and view impacts of beach erosion and the dredging project that is being done to protect and restore the Reservation Terrace area of Plum Island and the Newburyport Harbor. Learn about ongoing collaborative efforts of: local residents, the Army Corps of Engineers, local nonprofits and politicians at all levels; as they have joined together to implement both short and long term solutions to rebuild and preserve this cherished beach and home.

Walking Tours of Plum Island participation cost is $10 per person, payable to The Coastlines Project at the start of the tour. Participants can park in the North Point Newburyport Beach parking lot. The weekend parking lot cost is $20 for non-residents and $12 for Newburyport residents with a valid Plum Island Beach Parking lot sticker. The What should you bring for the trip? We recommend a camera, sensible shoes and a keen sense of humor!

Bill Sargent is well respected as an authority on this beautiful area of Plum Island and has been featured by many local and regional publications. Bill is the author of over 20 books about science and the environment, including “Islands in the Storm”, “Plum Island 4000 Years on a Barrier Beach,” and “Plum Island 2016.”

Aerial View of Plum Island:

Summer Camp – North Shore Adventures, Activities & Field Trips

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.

Clark School Summer Camp, North Shore MA

Summer Camp at the Clark School, 2023 is a place for North Shore kids to build their own adventures with a mix of traditional camp activities and exciting field trips. Open to kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade, Summer at the Clark School was founded on traditional summer camp activities but is continuously providing opportunities for exploration of exciting new offerings. Enjoy your favorite activities and try something new; play classic camp games, learn to build a fire, and get creative with cool arts & crafts projects. Explore new horizons with dramatic arts, virtual reality, and 3D printing and more. View the 2022 Summer Camp schedule below for specific theme weeks.

Why is the Clark Schools a great option for Summer Camp?

Part of each day at the Clark School Summer Camp will be focused on that week’s theme and, for the rest of the day, campers are given choice activities and even some free time to ride bikes and to engage in another choice activity. All activities are optional, and there is more than one choice for each block of the day, offering something for everyone!

Clark School Weekly Summer Camp Themes

Week 1: Enchanted Forest – June 20 – 23

This week will take us on a journey of local nature and wildlife experiences. Kids will experience nature hikes at local sanctuaries and parks and will have the option to canoe/kayak on local waterways. On campus games will also reflect our Enchanted Forest Theme as counselors will engage the kids in active play! A number of sensory and crafting activities will be offered throughout the week to participants as their imaginations will inspire whimsical creations of nature crowns, fairy concoctions, miniature gnome tree houses and magic wands . . . just to name a few! Join us for an enchanted week of experiences!

Week 2: Fashion & Design – June 26 – 30

This week will be all about the kids using creativity to create fashion and design! From t-shirt and tye-dye creations and access to poseable mannequins for full ensemble design to pinewood derby mini cars and mini sailboat construction, kids will have the opportunity to showcase and put their finished creations to the test! Field trips to local design studios and art museums are expected, while active campus games will reflect our Fashion & Design themed week! Join us for a fashionably designed week of fun!

Week 3: Time Travel Through History OR Photography Week – July 10-14

This week kids will explore pastimes of history through games, crafts, food and field trips! Trivia and Jeopardy style challenges will be presented to test your knowledge from the early 2000s, 90s, 80s, 70s, 60s and beyond! Kids will have the option to get into character and perform a song or historical scene of the past through their own historical interpretations and improvisation. Trips to local landmarks will enlighten and remind us of what past lives had experienced! Join us as we travel back in time and discover fun!

Week 3: Photography

The Summer at Clark Photography Week is designed to help young photographers at any level improve their skills. Students are required to bring their own digital camera. This can be a phone camera or their own DSLR. iPads or laptops are encouraged for editing so the photographers can store their images and bring them home, though Macs are provided for those that would rather use them. Images will then be uploaded to Google Drive for sharing with family and friends. Half of the time we will be off campus visiting some of the more picturesque locations on the North Shore such as the Crane Estate, Maudslay Parkland locations along our shores. Photographers should come to camp with appropriate footwear for hiking in the woods as well as scampering across shoreline rocks.

Week 4: Water World OR Art Week: July 17-21

This week kids will experience the joys of water fun! From on campus balloon toss games to slip and slides to off campus field trips to local beaches, ponds and paddle boarding adventures; expect a week of wet! Kids will face water challenges through team building games and activities. All crafting activity stations will be inspired by water as kids will figure out how to best manipulate the power of H2O. Join us for a soaking fun time!

Week 4: Art with Jeph Ellis

The Summer at Clark Art Week will engage and entertain your young artists. Each day we will be working on a different project to take home. Lessons will include basic drawing skills and color theory as well as how to create thinking out-of-the-box abstract imagery. We will work with two dimensional mediums, like painting and drawing as well as three dimensional ones. All materials will be provided, however should your artist wish to bring their own materials that they love to use, they are welcome to do so as well.

Week 5: Color War Olympics OR Robotics & Tech Week – July 24-28

Get ready for bright colors, teamwork and Olympic style challenges as kids strive to earn Bronze, Silver and Gold! Kids this week will be placed in teams and compete against each other in athletic and non-athletic challenges. The color war atmosphere stresses spirit, sportsmanship and camaraderie! Join us this week and let your competitive spirit shine!

Week 6: Community Service OR Robotics & Tech Week Week – August 31- September 4

Kids this week will gain an understanding of local community needs and services and will then be tasked with physically assisting local organizations such as donation centers and food pantries. Crafting activities will have a purpose of helping those in need with physical items and time will be allocated for kids to use their artistic creativity to create awareness for local services, organizations and initiatives! Join us this week and help make a difference in your local community!

Week 7: Talent Showcase OR Robotics & Tech Week – August 7-11

Description goes Kids this week will be planning and preparing for an end of the week talent show performance. Kids will also be introduced to other local performers and talents throughout the week to help inspire and guide their performances. Join us this week for a week of entertainment!

Weeks 5, 6 & 7: Robotics & Tech

Develop, design and play! Our Tech program allows kids a hands-on experience and introduction to Scratch (an educational tool for programming), Makey Makey (a coding and commands connector), Minecraft, Virtual Reality and more! Come tinker and develop your tech skills in our very own technology lab! If your kid enjoys all things tech, computer and gaming this the summer program for them!

Registration & Cost:

The cost for Clark School Summer Camp is $325 per person, per week, which includes all activities and fees. Extended Care and Tutoring are offered at an additional cost. Full payment is due via PayPal upon registration and it is recommended to complete the registration on a computer or full tablet (not a smart phone.) Register for summer fun at the Clark School Summer Camp!

Summer Programs Director Jodi Cirone will be happy to answer them. She can be reached at (978) 777-4699 or by email at summer@clarkschool.com.

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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Newburyport Holiday House Tour Supporting the AJH Aid Association

By Adair Rowland, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Adair Rowland is a marketing communications writer and editor who arrived in Newburyport over thirty years ago. Her kids may have left town, but she only strayed as far as Amesbury. A long-time contributor to the literary and performing arts community, she finds just as much local color in the stories behind stores and businesses (and really likes writing about that).

The 2022 Newburyport Holiday House Tour, a fundraiser supporting the Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association is this Saturday, December 10th from 10am to 4pm. Purchase tickets on-line or in-person at the Anna Jaques Hospital Gift Shop or Chococoa Baking Co. & Café at The Tannery Marketplace. Pick up your tour book at the Newburyport Senior Center at 331 High Street, where a Holiday Gift Market and Winter Wreath auction will be in full swing with live music and refreshments. The self-guided tour allows you to enjoy the full range of homes and outdoor décor in whatever order you choose.

The Holiday House Tour is celebrating a full return after the limitations of the last several years. The tour guide offers history and context to each of the lavishly decorated homes and private residences from High Street to High Road and beyond. Groupings in the North and South End highlight Newburyport’s signature Federalist and Greek Revival houses, plus architectural reproductions and contemporary updates to re-invigorate ideas of gracious living. One of the homes was recently featured on the popular TV series, This Old House. Three residents on the tour have expanded their décor to fanciful exterior scenes, while others are exclusively outdoor dioramas, making this year’s program a hybrid of seasonal delights.

A beloved highlight of the Advent season, the Holiday House Tour is an occasion for friends and family to visit a showcase of neighborhoods and gather inspiration for winter entertaining of their own. The creativity of local florists and decorators displays the myriad of ways a home can be dressed up and decked out. From house to house, the panorama of bejeweled trees and festive greenery offers a glimpse of personalized traditions. Holiday tables are brimming with cheer before any meal is served, and there’s a sense that the stage is set for joyful get-togethers all over town.

Back at Newburyport’s spacious Senior Center, The Holiday Market offers gift ideas ranging from gingerbread to jewelry. Favorite retailers and artisans represent dozens of “finds” in one place while the People’s United Methodist Church provides a helping of live jazz, and complementary chowder will be served between noon and 1:30.

Each year, the generosity of Newburyport’s homeowners and countless volunteers make the Holiday House Tour possible, all to benefit the Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association. The welcome of neighbors throughout the community also helps support the well-being of its residents. For those slow to feel the stir of the holiday spirit, buy a ticket — The bustle and beauty of this event may be just the lift you’re looking for!

Snow Angels of Newburyport – Neighbors Helping Neighbors

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.

Call Early for Your Moving Services Estimate – Enjoy Big Savings!

By Heather McDonald, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Heather is the Office Manager for Ferrick Bros. Moving Company. From start to finish Heather gathers all important details about client moving needs, she sends quotes and executes contracts. She helps coordinate move logistics and convey important client needs to the folks facilitating the moves. Heather is there to help answer questions, confirm critical details and she is there in the end to follow up with clients and gather feedback about their moving experience.
Ferrick Brothers Moving Company

Most people and businesses planning their next move tend to forget something really important before they’ve even gotten started: a moving services estimate. Whether you’re planning a same-city “mini-move” or a long-distance relocation, calling early for a moving-services estimate could save you a lot of money – up to 50% on moving costs, in fact.

Ferrick Bros. Moving Company is a family-owned regional moving company serving commercial, residential, and industrial customers in the Newburyport area and beyond. As a locally owned and operated moving and storage company, Ferrick Bros. offers highly competitive pricing compared to national chains.

Be sure to get your FREE Moving Services Estimate as soon as you begin the moving process! Visit our website for a same-day online estimate or, for best accuracy, we’ll come to you. Online estimates are not as accurate as getting a quote from the owner, Bob Ferrick, either on the telephone or a free, in-house estimate.

Click here to get your moving coupons from Ferrick Bros!

$25 off any job between $500-$999
$50 off any job between $1,000-$2,000
$100 off any job over $2,000

Call us anytime 24/7 at 1-978-476-4229 for additional cost-saving moving services and storage tips. Same-day service available.

Ferrick Bros. also provides packing, unpacking, and pad-wrap services, and free boxes and other packing supplies are available upon request. We also understand that some moves require storage options as well. Ferrick Bros. offers furniture storage and portable storage facilities to fit any storage need.

Let Ferrick Bros. Moving Company do your heavy lifting for relocating your business office and equipment, moving into a new house or apartment, and/or transporting your specialty items with care.

Our strong reputation in the Newburyport area reflects our emphasis on best value and excellent customer service. Call or visit us online now to find out how much you could save on your next big move. You can’t afford not to!

Capital Gain Distributions on Mutual Funds, What You Should Know

By William Puduski, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Will Puduski is a Financial Advisor and Partner for Seacoast Wealth Management of Steward Partners located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Will has spent the last 4 years working alongside his team after spending 2 years with Northwestern Mutual. His role is centered around the development and implementation of financial planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners, as well as managing their corporate retirement plans. Will and his team work with clients first by understanding their financial situation, goals and aspirations, then develop a plan centered around the fundamentals of asset allocation and risk management. Through an ongoing relationship they monitor their clients’ investments and goals, helping them pursue their financial future. Will graduated magna cum laude from The University of Massachusetts, Lowell, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and finance, while serving as a three-year captain on the Universities’ Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse team. Most recently, Will earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation from the College of Financial Planning. Outside of work, Will values spending time with his family and friends; he values their relationships and enjoys the activities that bring them together. Some of those activities include fishing, boating, cheering on the Patriots and volunteer coaching for the Portsmouth High school Boy’s Lacrosse team.
Seacoast Wealth Management of Steward Partners

Capital Gain Distributions, Mutual Funds, Newburyport

In a year where most asset classes have seen significant losses, it is hard to comprehend a mutual fund paying out a capital gain at the end of this year. With clients holding mutual funds in a taxable account, this can be especially bothersome as this can generate a taxable event for the shareholder in a year where many funds are down year-to-date. In today’s article, we will dive into how a mutual fund is structured, why these distributions have been paid out this year, and what this means for your account.

A mutual fund is an investment vehicle constructed by an investment company where a portfolio manager, along with their team of analysts and traders, buy and sell underlying securities with a particular objective in mind. Objectives may include strategies such as market cap-specific (large, mid, or small cap companies), fixed income objectives (tax-free municipal strategies, high yield, or investment grade), themes (sector-specific, value, or growth) or even a mix of all at different weightings.

With each specific fund and objective, underlying securities are traded by managers, creating capital gains and losses inside the fund. By law, the fund must pay out 90% of dividends (from the underlying stocks) and realized gains to shareholders annually. Given the volatility we have seen this year, portfolio managers may have traded excessively to keep up with this year’s dynamic market and to meet outflows from their funds as investors liquidate and allocate to cash. In a situation where fund outflows have surpassed inflows (like we have seen in many funds this year), portfolio managers can be forced to sell securities to meet those outflows, thereby creating capital gains and losses.

If there is a net gain from all the securities sold that year to make up redemption requests, these gains will have to flow to the shareholders. Mutual funds will then post a capital gain distribution at the end of the year to comply to regulations and make up for the trading and shifts in the portfolio. In turn, this can create a taxable event for the shareholder regardless if they hold the fund at a gain or loss.

The bad news? During years like 2022, investors can potentially pay capital gain tax on mutual fund positions they hold in taxable accounts. The good news? With proper financial planning and tax planning, these capital gain distributions can be avoided or mitigated. If you haven’t planned for potential capital gain distributions in your taxable accounts, please reach out to our team for a no-cost portfolio consultation.

We can be reached here:

Seacoastwealthmangement@stewardpartners.com

603.427.8855

William Puduski
Partner, Vise President

Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC (“Steward Partners”), its affiliates and Steward Partners Wealth Managers do not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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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.

Black Friday Sales 2022- Thank You for Shopping Local!

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

Kick off Black Friday by Shopping Local in support of our Greater Newburyport retailers! Many local businesses are running Black Friday Sales in order to incent shoppers to make as many local purchases as possible. Take advantage of local sales and promotions and feel good knowing that every local purchase is greatly appreciated by our small business owners. Newburyport.com is committed to promoting SHOP LOCAL throughout the year and is asking everyone to please visit our local shops before making major online purchases. “Collectively, we can help make a difference!” If everyone in our community makes just a few more local purchases this holiday season, we can make a significant positive impact for our local small business owners. Plus there are many new local businesses that you’re likely to discover!

In addition to Black Friday Sales, many local retailers are also running great promotions and sales on Small Business Saturday. Check out the, “Keep it Local” promotions. There are also businesses using Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to raise money for local nonprofits. Ganesh Imports is donating 10% of sales for the entire weekend to our LOCAL charities.

Greater Newburyport Black Friday Deals:

Basin – 40% off items marked with a blue dot on Black Friday
BC Essentials – 75% off sale room on Black Friday
Black Dog – 30% opening – noon & 15% off – 12 – close on Black Friday
Brine Oysters – $1 Oysters from 12-3 on Black Friday
Design of Mine – 20% off plus a free scarf on Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
Finders Keepers – 10% off $100 or more on new flannels on Black Friday!
Ganesh Imports – 20% off all jewelry on Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
Life is Good – 20% off storewide with some exclusions, 8 am – 8 pm on Black Friday
Pretty Poppy – 40% off all Christmas & Thanksgiving items on Black Friday
RN Esthetics – Buy 2 products, get 1 free & Blue Friday Sale
Smitten – 20% off anything Black, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Soak Shoreline – 20% off select loungewear & PJ’s on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Suite SIX – purchase 3 treatments, get 1 free & $8 Neurotoxin, view facebook/instagram for details

If you discover a shop that isn’t offering Black Friday Sales, you may want to check and see if they happen to offer a discount as part of the Black Friday Sales Soak Shoreline, Newburyport MA Newburyport VIP Card Discount Program. The foundation of this community based loyalty program is to reward customers with small discounts as a thank you for shopping local! Participating businesses have the flexibility to choose their own discount, in order to ensure that the offer works with their margins, helping to drive profitable business and encourages customer loyalty. VIP Card Discounts offered by each participating business are meant to be small because card holders have the opportunity to receive substantial savings if they use their card at multiple businesses throughout the course of the year. VIP Card Discounts are not able to be combined with other discounts or promotions so if you prefer to take advantage of a Black Friday Sale, you can’t use the VIP Card discount on that same purchase.

If you’re a fan of shopping events, make sure to visit Newburyport for the annual holiday shopping Invitation Nights on Fridays in December. Although the Newburyport downtown shopping is very popular during the holiday season, make sure visit the Tannery Marketplace as well as our great local retailers in the shopping center and industrial park areas. You are certain to find Black Friday Sales at retailers in downtown Amesbury, Salisbury and many other local towns and cities surrounding Newburyport as well. Support Local throughout the Community!

New Construction Meets Historic Homes of Newburyport

By Blake Wilcox, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Owner, and Newburyport native, Blake founded The Joppa Group in 2016, enlisting a team of highly skilled craftsmen that bring specialized expertise and detailed project management to each home renovation project. Blake's background as a real estate developer has strengthened his position as a top residential and commercial builder. Blake brings tremendous experience managing relationships with sub-contractors as well as meeting tight deadlines, and adhering to a strict budget. His relentless determination to deliver exceptional results, is why the Joppa Group is able to exceed customer expectations.

Historic Homes of Newburyport, new construction

At The Joppa Group, we have specialized custom craftsmen to usher Newburyport’s historic homes into the 21st century, combining a blend of interior new construction layouts and designs while protecting and preserving the historic facade and charm of our homes. Redesigning historic homes for today’s uses requires a complex and time tested process of careful planning and intelligent craftsmanship. Open concept layouts and vaulted ceilings are not what post and beam homes were designed for and often are not what they are even capable of structurally without significant repair.

It all starts with a vision of how the space will be used for today’s needs, recognizing limitations of the space and developing clever designs that often blend the character of a historic home into a modern layout. Our process often demands that we quite literally build a new construction home inside the existing historic home. We do this in such a way, that if you were to remove the original historic structure there would still be a new home standing there. Our goal is always to maintain unique attributes of historic homes, especially if they add to the structural integrity such as chimneys or wooden support beams constructed from ships. Other features that clients frequently want to maintain are built-in china cabinets, fireplaces, elaborate ceiling moldings, mantles, and other class wood carvings.

As an experienced custom home builder, this is the level of care and attention we put into the basic framing. Our true passion comes to life when we wrap the kitchen in custom cabinetry and tile work worthy of a magazine cover. Our vision transforms into reality everywhere as we layer in thousands of feet of custom trim work through bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, and mudrooms. The final image is accented by custom lighting and splashes of texture. Whether it’s a bold doorknob made of glass or a glass door entering a custom built pantry, our spaces are meant to pull the dreams from inside your imagination and lay them out for the world to see and experience.

S Corporation Advantages and Disadvantages

By Michael Capo, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
President of Michael Capo CPA, P.C. Mike has over 25 years of accounting and finance experience in corporate, individual, independent and government environments. Mike's extensive knowledge is invaluable to his clients and allows him to provide a consultative approach personalized to each of his business and personal tax clients.

S Corporation Advantages, Michael Capo, Newburyport

What are S Corporation advantages and disadvantages? Frequently, this question arises whenever a client is just starting a business, or has been operating as a sole proprietor and may be wondering about the tax advantages of incorporating as an S Corporation. Also, many clients assume it will be too costly or time-consuming to incorporate—but neither is the case. The following is a brief outline and comparison of an S Corporation advantages and disadvantages. However, please feel free to set up a consultation to discuss your specific business opportunity needs and whether or not an S Corporation is right for you.

What is an S corporation?

Essentially, an S corporation is a corporation that is treated, for federal tax purposes, as a pass-through entity through an election made with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be considered an S Corporation. What does that mean?

As a corporation, an S corporation is created through filing Articles of Incorporation with the Mass. Secretary of State. It issues stock and is governed as a corporation. The owners, who are called shareholders, have the same protection from liability as shareholders of a C Corporation. An S corporation shareholder’s personal assets, such as personal bank accounts, cannot be seized to satisfy business liabilities.

However, like a sole proprietor or a partnership, an S corporation passes through its income and loss items to the shareholders. Unlike a regular corporation, there is no “double taxation,” once at the corporate level and again on the individual shareholder level. Each shareholder is subject to his or her own individual tax rate on the income (or losses) passed through to him or her at year-end. The following are S Corporation advantages and disadvantages to consider.

S corporation advantages

The advantages of an S corporation often outweigh any perceived disadvantages. The S corporation structure can be especially beneficial when it comes time to transfer ownership or discontinue the business. These advantages are typically unavailable to sole proprietors and general partnerships. S corporation advantages include:

Protected assets. An S corporation protects the personal assets of its shareholders. A shareholder is not personally responsible for the business debts and liabilities of the corporation as long as there is no personal guarantee. Creditors cannot pursue the personal assets (house, bank accounts, etc.) of the shareholders to pay business debts. In a sole proprietor or general partnership, owners and the business are legally considered the same—leaving personal assets vulnerable.
Pass-through taxation. An S corporation does not pay federal taxes at the corporate level. Any business income or loss is “passed through” to shareholders who report it on their personal income tax returns. This means that business losses can offset other income on the shareholders’ tax returns. This can be extremely helpful in the startup phase of a new business.
Tax-favorable characterization of income. S corporation shareholders can be employees of the business and draw salaries as employees. They can also receive distributions from the corporation that are tax-free to the extent of their investment (basis) in the corporation. A reasonable characterization of distributions as salary or dividends can help the owner reduce self-employment tax liability, while still generating business expenses and wages paid deductions for the corporation. This is one of the major advantages why an S Corporation is preferred by most privately owned businesses.
Straightforward transfer of ownership. Interests in an S corporation can be freely transferred without triggering adverse tax consequences. (In a partnership or an LLC, the transfer of more than a 50-percent interest can trigger the termination of the entity.) The S corporation does not need to make adjustments to property basis or comply with complicated accounting rules when an ownership interest is transferred.

S corporation disadvantages

An S corporation may have some potential disadvantages, including:

Formation and ongoing expenses. To operate as an S corporation, it is necessary to first incorporate the business by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Mass. Secretary of State and pay the appropriate fees. Massachusetts also imposes ongoing yearly fees, such as an annual report and excise tax fees. Although these fees usually are not expensive, and can be deducted as a cost of doing business, they are expenses that a sole proprietor or general partnership will not incur.
Stock ownership restrictions. An S corporation can have only one class of stock, although it can have both voting and non-voting shares. Therefore, there can’t be different classes of investors who are entitled to different dividends or distribution rights. Also, there cannot be more than 100 shareholders. Foreign ownership is prohibited, as is ownership by certain types of trusts and other entities. Typically, this is not an issue with locally private owned businesses.
Closer IRS scrutiny. Because amounts distributed to a shareholder can be dividends or salary, the IRS scrutinizes payments to make sure the characterization conforms to reality. As a result, dividends may be re-characterized as wages, which subjects the corporation to employment tax liability. This is one particular area that needs to be discussed in great lengths to assure that a shareholder is taking the proper amount of salary.
Less flexibility in allocating income and loss. Because of the one class of stock restriction, an S corporation cannot easily allocate losses or income to specific shareholders. Allocation of income and loss is governed by the percentage of stock ownership, unlike a partnership or LLC where the allocation can be set in the operating agreement.

If you are interested in further exploring S Corporation advantages and disadvantages in regards to your specific business, contact the offices of Michael Capo, CPA. P.C. to schedule a meeting, 978-499-4300.

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!

Newburyport Santa Claus Parade – See Santa on the Fire Truck

Mark your calendars because Santa Claus is coming to town aboard a fire truck at the 2022 annual Santa Claus parade Wednesday, December 21st starting at 4:00 pm. With Christmas just days away, Santa will cruise through town waving to all the good little boys and girls of Newburyport spreading holiday cheer.

The Santa Claus parade—sponsored by the Newburyport Fire Department, Newburyport Police Department, The Newburyport Teachers Association, Simply Sweet and Domino’s. Santa and his crew plan to depart the Firehouse Station on Greenleaf Street at 4:00 pm. The parade route will roll through the South End making its way to the downtown area via Water Street. It goes up State Street, turns onto High Street heading towards Famous Pizza and then all the way to the Turkey Hill neighborhood. View the full 2022 parade route to find your nearest spot to shout hello to the big man in red aboard his red fire engine escort. The route is typically the same each and we will attach the route right here as soon as it is released.

Santa always makes sure he gives a jolly “ho ho ho” to all the residents of Newburyport, meaning the entire procession can last up to two hours. So while the Santa Claus parade begins at 4 pm, Jolly Old Saint Nick may not drive into your neighborhood for quite a while depending on where it lies on the route. For this reason, revelers are encouraged to bundle up, dress warmly, and bring along some hot cocoa and treats to stay warm and pass the time.

Many neighbors gather at meeting spots as a group to celebrate the Santa Claus parade together in the spirit of the upcoming holiday. Jingle bells, festive music, and holiday attire are all welcome!

The annual Santa Claus parade has been a Newburyport tradition for 50 years thanks to the support of many local businesses and organizations that have sponsored the event over the years and the Newburyport Fire Department for loaning Santa his fire truck ride each parade.

To find even more ways to celebrate the holidays in festive Newburyport, be sure to check the events calendar.

Retirement Planning: Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs

By Gary Walker, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Gary Walker serves as New England Sales Director, Founding Partner and Wealth Manager for Seacoast Wealth Management of Steward Partners located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Gary brings 20 years of experience in creating financial planning strategies, asset allocation models as well as support with corporate retirement plans. Gary’s practice focuses primarily on high-net-worth individuals and families as well as business owners. Gary works with clients by first listening to clients’ financial situation, goals and aspirations. He then assists clients in designing a long-term investment plan based on the fundamentals of asset allocation, and provides guidance in choosing investments best suited for a client’s needs. Gary earned his BS in Accounting and Finance from Worcester State College. He also earned the designation of Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS) from the College of Financial Planning. Gary, his wife Kim and two children, Grayson and Kolby, reside in Kensington, New Hampshire. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing and volunteer coaching for youth sports.
Seacoast Wealth Management of Steward Partners

Retirement Planning, Retirement Income Seacoast Wealth Management , Seacoast NH & North Shore MA

At Seacoast Wealth Management of Steward Partners, our practice is built on the fundamentals of retirement planning and overall financial planning. It is our view, that any sound investment strategy must be aligned with a client’s retirement goals, that are measured by clearly defined retirement income and retirement expenses, to help ensure they have a high probability of success in reaching them. At the start of any new relationship, we will carefully assess the factors outlined below as they are critical in developing an investment allocation customized for a client’s unique situation.

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your goals and many other factors. At Seacoast Wealth Management, our financial advisors work with many clients in Seacoast NH and North Shore MA, Boston and beyond to define these important details in effort to build a measurable retirement plan.

Use your current income as a starting point

In your retirement plan, it’s common to discuss desired annual retirement income as a percentage of your current income. Depending on whom you’re talking to, that percentage could be anywhere from 60% to 90%, or even more. The appeal of this approach lies in its simplicity, and the fact that there’s a common-sense analysis underlying it: Your current income sustains your present lifestyle, so taking that income and reducing it by a specific percentage to reflect the fact that there will be certain expenses you may no longer be liable for (e.g., payroll taxes, dependents, mortgage payments) will, theoretically, allow you to sustain your current lifestyle.

The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t account for your specific situation. If you intend to travel extensively in retirement, for example, you might easily need 100% (or more) of your current income to get by. It’s fine to use a percentage of your current income as a benchmark, but it’s worth going through all of your current expenses in detail, and really thinking about how those expenses will change over time as you transition into retirement.

Project your retirement expenses

Your annual income during retirement should be enough (or more than enough) to meet your retirement expenses. That’s why estimating those expenses is a big piece of the retirement planning puzzle. But you may have a hard time identifying all of your expenses and projecting how much you’ll be spending in each area, especially if retirement is still far off. To help you get started, here are some common retirement expenses:

Food and clothing
Housing: Rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, property upkeep and repairs
Utilities: Gas, electric, water, telephone, cable TV
Transportation: Car payments, auto insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs, public transportation
Insurance: Medical, dental, life, disability, long-term care
Health-care costs not covered by insurance: Deductibles, co-payments, prescription drugs
Taxes: Federal and state income tax, capital gains tax
Debts: Personal loans, business loans, credit card payments
Education: Children’s or grandchildren’s college expenses
Gifts: Charitable and personal
Savings and investments: Contributions to IRAs, annuities, and other investment accounts
Recreation: Travel, dining out, hobbies, leisure activities
Care for yourself, your parents, or others: Costs for a nursing home, home health aide, or other type of assisted living
Miscellaneous: Personal grooming, pets, club memberships

Don’t forget that the cost of living will go up over time. The average annual rate of inflation over the past 20 years has been approximately 2%. And keep in mind that your retirement expenses may change from year to year. For example, you may pay off your home mortgage or your children’s education early in retirement. Other expenses, such as health care and insurance, may increase as you age. To protect against these variables, build a comfortable cushion into your retirement plan estimates (it’s always best to be conservative). Finally, have a financial professional help you with your estimates to make sure they’re as accurate and realistic as possible.

Decide when you’ll retire

To determine your total retirement planning needs, you can’t just estimate how much annual income you need. You also have to estimate how long you’ll be retired. Why? The longer your retirement, the more years of income you’ll need to fund it. The length of your retirement will depend partly on when you plan to retire. This important decision typically revolves around your personal goals and financial situation. For example, you may see yourself retiring at 50 to get the most out of your retirement. Maybe a booming stock market or a generous early retirement package will make that possible. Although it’s great to have the flexibility to choose when you’ll retire, it’s important to remember that retiring at 50 will end up costing you a lot more than retiring at 65.

Estimate your life expectancy

For retirement planning purposes, the age at which you retire isn’t the only factor that determines how long you’ll be retired. The other important factor is your lifespan. We all hope to live to an old age, but a longer life means that you’ll have even more years of retirement to fund. You may even run the risk of outliving your savings and other income sources. To guard against that risk, you’ll need to estimate your life expectancy. You can use government statistics, life insurance tables, or a life expectancy calculator to get a reasonable estimate of how long you’ll live. Experts base these estimates on your age, gender, race, health, lifestyle, occupation, and family history. But remember, these are just estimates. There’s no way to predict how long you’ll actually live, but with life expectancies on the rise, it’s probably best to assume you’ll live longer than you expect.

Identify your sources of retirement income

Once you have an idea of your retirement income needs, your next step is to assess how prepared you are to meet those needs. In other words, what sources of retirement income will be available to you? Your employer may offer a traditional pension that will pay you monthly benefits. In addition, you can likely count on Social Security to provide a portion of your retirement income. To get an estimate of your Social Security benefits, visit the Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov). Additional sources of retirement income may include a 401(k) or other retirement plan, IRAs, annuities, and other investments. The amount of income you receive from those sources will depend on the amount you invest, the rate of investment return, and other factors. Finally, if you plan to work during retirement, your job earnings will be another source of income.

Make up any income shortfall

If you’re lucky, your expected income sources will be more than enough to fund even a lengthy retirement. But what if it looks like you’ll come up short? Don’t panic — there are probably steps that you can take to bridge the gap. A financial professional can help you figure out the best ways to do that, but here are a few suggestions:

Try to cut current expenses so you’ll have more money to save for retirement
Shift your assets to investments that have the potential to substantially outpace inflation (but keep in mind that investments that offer higher potential returns may involve greater risk of loss)
Lower your expectations for retirement so you won’t need as much money (no beach house on the Riviera, for example)
Work part-time during retirement for extra income
Consider delaying your retirement for a few years (or longer)

In any retirement plan, there are many variables to consider and assets to account for. From our experience, we have found that individuals that engage with a trusted financial advisor have a much higher probability of having a successful retirement. If you feel you would benefit from a free financial planning consultation to cover some of the aforementioned topics, please reach out to us here.

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Steward Partners or its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Although Seacoast Wealth Management of Steward Partners has compensated Newburyport.com to have this advertisement featured in its website, this is not a solicitation nor intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors. You should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

AdTrax 4939183.2 Exp 9/24

Newburyport Chocolate Tour – Eat Chocolate, Be Happy, Do Good

For anyone with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the 2022 Newburyport Chocolate Tour, a mouthwatering day filled with chocolaty treats from local retailers. On Saturday, October 1st, from 12 – 4 pm, over 30 shops in downtown Newburyport will be offering up sweet treats to patrons with a chocolate tour ticket. This wonderful annual event in its 19th year, is hosted by volunteers from the Central Congregational Church and 100% of the NET proceeds are used to support local nonprofits.

The Newburyport Chocolate Tour is a great way to experience and explore downtown while also indulging in chocolate! From specialty stores to bakeries, this indulgent event offers a great variety of participants, allowing you to shop your way through town while embarking on the chocolate tour.

Chocolate Tour at Gelato, Amy & Alexa Warchol

Purchase tickets for this delicious event that helps to promote awareness of our local Newburyport small businesses! Advanced tickets can be purchased at one of the following locations: Affamata/Port Plums in the Tannery, Brass Lion, the Candy Man or the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. You can also purchase tickets online. While tickets are available for purchase the day of the event for $25, be warned, the Chocolate Tour limits sales to 400 total tickets and the event typically sells out.

Kick off the fun at the Newburyport Chocolate Tour starting point, the Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 Pleasant Street, where you will get a map of all the tasty stops and a bag to collect what you manage to not eat immediately! There will also be some chocolate themed baskets for raffle, so grab some tickets to try your luck when you pick up your map.

The Chocolate Tour motto, “Eat Chocolate. Be Happy. Do Good.“, sums up this delicious tour as 100% of net proceeds are donated to local nonprofit organizations. This year’s proceeds go to: Prescription Refill & Transportation Programs for Elders, Greenstone Gives, “Meatball” Amesbury Police newest K-9 and the Newburyport Arts Collective (NAC). View more about these wonderful local organizations below. You can truly feel happy eating chocolate AND donating to great causes.

The Chocolate Tour needs and greatly appreciates volunteers interested in helping run this wonderful event. If you are available to be surrounded by smiles and sweet treats, e-mail Diane at newburyportchoclatetour@gmail.com to sign-up.

For more fun happenings in Newburyport, be sure to check out our full events calendar!

2022 Chocolate Tour Benefactors:

Prescription Refill and Transportation Programs for Elders

This is the 10th year that the Chocolate Tour has supported these prescription refill and transportation programs for elders run by our local Councils on Aging (Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and Newbury). The funds help elders cover co-pays and other medical and transportation needs that often are beyond the elder’s weekly budget. By having a bit of cash readily available, a staff member can immediately help an elder. Nothing fancy and it works.

Greenstone Gives

This local Amesbury group came together in Spring of 2022 when they saw a need to help families faced with disruptions in their family due to unforeseen circumstances (job loss/change, COVID related upsets etc.). Often children would lose the stability of after school activities and other familiar routines as their parents struggle with unexpected changes in their family life. This enterprising group of caring parents have launched a program to help these families in a confidential, supportive manner. We are delighted to highlight this grass roots effort by welcoming Greenstone Gives as one of our Chocolate Tour 2022 beneficiaries.

“Meatball” Amesbury Police newest K-9

“Meatball” recently joined the Amesbury Police Department as a drug detection dog as well as a skilled police partner to his handler, Tommy Nichols. He will be following in the paw steps of Achilles who is soon to retire from active duty with the department. “Meatball ‘s” food, training and equipment are entirely dependent on financial donations. We look forward to welcoming “Meatball” to our community and thank him and his predecessor, Archilles, for their special skills and work to make our communities safer.

Newburyport Arts Collective (NAC)

With the tremendous upset of COVID on all art related activities, early on, local art groups joined together to support one another during those very trying times. The Newburyport Arts Collective has continued and grown offering a wealth of art related events to engage all ages in the art world of the greater Newburyport area. We are pleased to include the Collective as one of our beneficiaries of 2022.

Boat Insurance in MA – Information Boat Owners Should Know

By Hannah Brown, Newburyport.Com Correspondent, Regional Sales Executive, Personal Lines
I’ve worked in the insurance business for over 15 years and held many different positions within the industry. Working for Cross Insurance has afforded me the resources to put my knowledge to use within the community. What drew me to Cross Insurance was the ability to help people with any insurance need they may have, while still maintaining the feel and service of a small agency. I want to fully protect my clients but also educate them about the coverage we provide. It’s important to me that they feel a part of the process. At the heart of it all, Cross is a family owned business who values hard work and relationships. We look forward to not only helping people in the area protect the things that are most valuable to them, but also to exploring and supporting our new community.
Cross Insurance

Boat Insurance, Cross Insurance Newburyport

Protecting You Out on the Water
While boat insurance may be the last thing on your mind when you are out on the water, having your boat covered not only gives you peace of mind, but can provide you with a financial safety net for things like injuries or theft. Whether it’s sailing, fishing, or speeding along, boating is a wonderful way to experience the beautiful lakes, rivers, and bays of Massachusetts.

What Can Boat Insurance Cover?
Coverage for physical damage to a boat is one of the most obvious reasons to have a policy. However, liability can be an even more important reason to consider having boat insurance. In fact, many private marinas and docks may also ask you for proof of insurance before they let you dock your boat at their property. It is also important to be prepared for the unexpected such as hurricanes, theft or vandalism.

Does My Homeowners Policy Cover My Boat?
You may be thinking- wait, does my homeowners insurance policy cover my boat as well? In most instances, home insurance policies do not provide adequate coverage to protect your boat. To see what coverages you may need, reach out to a local insurance agent. Cross Insurance- Newburyport is conveniently located in the Port Plaza Shopping Center.

Boat Insurance Quotes

It is important to meet with an experienced insurance agent who can help recommend the right solution based on your specific circumstances. Boat insurance coverage will depend on the type of boat you have, the value of the boat and a number of other factors as well. Cross Insurance- Newburyport offers a broad scope of insurance products. Cross is an independent insurance agency, and can help recommend the best insurance carrier to meet your needs. Policy discounts may be available if the insurance carrier is providing coverage for more than one policy. Let a local agent from the Newburyport Cross Insurance team help navigate the process.

NAA Auction – Newburyport Art Association Art Auction & Party

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.

NAA Auction, Newburyport Art Auction & Party

The 21st annual Newburyport Art Association Art Auction and Party will take place in the NAA galleries and under a spacious tent adjacent to the Sculpture Garden on Saturday, September 24th from 5:30 – 10:30 pm. The NAA auction is the largest fundraiser of the year and has grown in popularity causing organizers to expand preparations and bidding options for this exciting annual event. The NAA auction is a wonderful opportunity to help support a critical organization that serves as the foundation and inspiration for Greater Newburyport’s passionate community of artists and art lovers. Come view and bid on works by local artists, while enjoying delicious food and drinks at one of Newburyport’s top annual social events. This year’s theme is the “Venetian Carnival” featuring a venetian cocktail and cuisine, as well as venetian decor and music. If guests are feeling festive they are welcome to showcase their Venice inspired masks or carnival garb.

The Newburyport Art Association art auction and party is a great way to discover beautiful local art. Plan your bids ahead of time by previewing artwork in the NAA Live Auction Online Gallery and the NAA Silent Auction Online Gallery! The auction art will be exhibited in the NAA galleries from Saturday, September 10th through Wednesday, September 21st. The exhibition is free and will be open for viewing during NAA business hours. From 5 pm on the 21st until the auction opens on Saturday the 24th, the NAA gallery exhibition will be closed in preparation for the auction. The online galleries will remain open during this time giving everyone a chance to preview art and plan bids.

The NAA Auction is always an exciting evening and a wonderful opportunity to highlight the amazing artwork of the NAA artist members! The Silent Auction, featuring over 50 lots of art, will take place from 5:30-7:15 along with the art preview for the live auction, cocktails and Venetian Carnival inspired cuisine. The Live Auction, featuring over 60 lots of art, will take place from 7:30 – 10:30 and cocktails and dessert will be available during this time. At 7 pm, experience “live painting” with local artist, Alan Bull and enjoy the chance to bid on this painting during the live auction.

Purchase tickets in advance, as the Newburyport Art Association art auction and party is a sell out every year! Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the Art Auction if they are still available.

VIP tickets are $150 and General Admission tickets are $100. VIP tickets include: reserved seating, dedicated registration and check-out area, special gift and an invitation to the VIP Artist Opening Reception which will be held at the NAA Gallery on Friday, September 9th from 6-8 pm.

If you are unable to attend the Newburyport Art Association Art Auction and Party, consider purchasing raffle tickets for a two night cabin stay in Maine. The drawing will be held during the live auction but you do not need to be present to win the raffle.

You can also support the NAA with the purchase of a Venetian-inspired glass mask. Each of these 7 unique hand-made mask’s were made by NAA Executive Director, Lisa Naas. 100% of sales proceeds will go towards supporting a future Arts Intensive Youth Initiative at the NAA.

Video from 2018 NAA Art Auction & Party:

Linden Trees Bring Sweet Scents to Downtown Newburyport

Along with the smell of the ocean air, you may notice the additional fragrant scent of Linden trees when strolling around downtown Newburyport. These aromatic trees fill the coastal town’s air with a bright, sunny, and sweet scent when they bloom towards the end of June and through the beginning of July.

Local Realtor, Lisa Yeastedt, discovered these trees while dining at the Vera outdoor cafe located directly next to her Bentley’s Real Estate office in Market Square. Along with the savory scents of her meal, Lisa noticed a sweet fragrance she had not smelled before. Wanting to know where the smell of a combination of honey and grass was coming from, she took a walk with her dog Forest after her meal and found herself at the nearby Newburyport Visitor Center on Merrimack Street. The sweet smell of the Linden tree had traveled all the way from Waterfront Park to Market Square where she was dining earlier.

Linden trees, also known as lime or basswood trees, can be identified by their distinct heart-shaped leaves, giving them a romantic appearance. There are 30 species of these large, deciduous trees that can be found in Europe, North America, and Asia. Growing to be 65 to 130 feet tall, these tall trees bloom with clusters of cream to yellowish flowers and small pea-sized fruits during late Spring and early Summer months. It is these blossoms that create the distinct scent Lisa discovered while dining outdoors at one of Newburyport’s delicious restaurants.

Linden trees are not only wonderful to look at and smell, but they also produce useful products. The trees are an important honey plant, making rich flavored honey, and the Linden tree flowers can be used for teas and herbal remedies.

So next time you visit Newburyport to shop, dine, and explore make sure to stroll around Waterfront Park. Follow the scent and look for the heart-shaped leaves to spot our local linden trees.

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 150 cars and directly next to the beach playground and public restrooms. It’s the perfect spot to park if you’re planning on hitting North Point Beach or visiting the Plum Island Light House. For non-residents, parking 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 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 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 lots located in the center of the island are the town of Newbury’s territory. These lots are located directly across the street from the main beach and the ideal spot for visitors hoping to walk to restaurants, the local convenience store, and an ice cream shop. Pricing for these lots starts at around $20 day, but Newbury residents can grab a permit and park for free at the lot at the intersection of Northern/Southern/Plum Island Blvd. This permit also allows you to park along Northern Blvd on the east/beach side of the street. Newbury residents can apply for a permit online or in person. Proof of residency is required. Make sure you don’t park even briefly in the beach front 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 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.

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.

How about a Refreshing HOME-Over?

By Debra Worthington, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
"Southern comfort meets New England proper" Debra Worthington, a well-seasoned professional Interior Designer, merges her southern upbringing and values with her New England traditions to assess your lifestyle. For your home or commercial space we design spaces with timeless beauty. Worthington Interior Design is located in Newburyport. Whether you're a traditionalist or modernist; we work in all genres- " antiques can always be infused with a bit of of playful urban-mix."
Worthington Interior Design

How about a refreshing HOME-Over, as the chill of winter slowly gives way to spring, chances are you’re taking stock of your home and finding little things that have been nagging at you. Although the idea of “spring cleaning” seems a little cliché, there is no better time to refresh your home with a Home-Over! Re-creating your space so that it’s healthier, more accommodating, and more livable for your family can be done on just about any budget.

Top-to-Bottom Clean

Go through your house, open the windows, and clean everything from top to bottom. Look through drawers, closets, and pantries and donate, recycle, give away, or pitch anything you no longer want or need. From a health perspective, it’s time to get rid of old makeup, shampoo, and lotion. Wash dog bedding and toys and flip mattresses.

Shake out your rugs and give carpet and tile a good deep steam cleaning. Wash walls and drapery and even scrub countertops and appliances to get an in-depth clean. Cleaning and decluttering are a major step in ridding your home of negativity. While you can do a lot of this on your own, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional cleaning team to come in and handle the details on your behalf.

Rearrange Your Space

Ever wondered how that favorite armchair would look in another corner of your living room? Or how your Ficus tree would fare in the entryway instead of the guest room? Now is the perfect time to reconfigure your rooms and even re-decorate with your own things. According to Cosmopolitan, changing up how a room is situated can give you a literal and figurative new outlook. Create conversation areas, reading nooks, or change up lighting and knickknacks in different rooms for a fresh feel.

You can use an online room configuration tool to help. Again, while this is something you can probably do yourself if you’re moving heavy items or delicate pieces up and down stairs or in or out of storage, you’ll want to have professional assistance.

Make Use of All Spaces

For many people, a basement is just a damp storage area, but it’s actually a great amount of real estate if it’s refinished. Consider turning your basement into a meditation studio or a home gym, a media and entertainment room or guest quarters. You could potentially do this yourself but working with a seasoned Interior Designer and Contractor reduces headaches and ensures the project is done correctly.

Another idea is to convert your basement into your ideal home office. One of the key considerations in a basement office is having sufficient lighting.

Costs will vary based on where you live, the type of materials being used, and the specific improvements you’re looking for, working with a seasoned professional you will avoid costly mistakes.

If you need help bringing the vision of your space to life, contact Worthington Interior Design to create the home office of your dreams.

Find the Right Contractor

Whether you’re hiring a professional trade to come in and help with a minor project or you are doing a full-scale renovation, it’s important that the professionals you bring into your home are licensed, bonded, insured, and reliable. Always get written estimates and check your area contracting authority to ensure any company you employ is in good standing. Ask for testimonials and portfolio reviews of different work projects so you have a good idea about the type of work you’ll be receiving. Also, ask for timelines for completion.

Making renovations to your home space can boost the appraised value of the house as well as increase your enjoyment of the property while you’re living in it. Make honest assessments of what you can do yourself, versus what it makes sense to have a professional handle.

Founded by Interior Designer, Debra Worthington in 2003, Worthington Interior Design and Worthington Home has been born out of working with some of the nation’s top 10 architectural/interior design firms. To work with us, please contact us today!

Riverfront Music Festival – Riverfest 2022 Newburyport

By Joe, Joe

Riverfront Music Festival – Riverfest 2022

Free Concerts on the Newburyport Waterfront – Saturday, July 23rd

No Tickets Needed for this Waterfront Party

Riverfront Music Festival 2022, also referred to as Riverfest, will return to the Newburyport Waterfront on Saturday, July 23rd for a full day of free live concerts. Crowds will line Newburyport Waterfront Park, the Boardwalk and boats on the Merrimack River for the return of this very popular annual event. Enjoy prior year video produced by local Newburyport videographer, Jim Reid.

Thanks to sponsors 92.5 The River and The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce for organizing this exceptional live entertainment for the everyone to enjoy. Below is the 2022 line up.

Concert Schedule:
12:15 – 1:00 PM FREEVOLT
1:30 – 2:30 PM Chad Hollister Band
3:00- 4:00 PM Adam Ezra Group
4:30 – 6:00 PM Brett Dennen

Date: Saturday, July 23rd, 2022

Time: 12 – 6 PM

Location: Waterfront Park: 36 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA

Parking:

MUNICIPAL PARKING
A limited number of on-site parking spots will be available on a first-come-first-served basis at the NRA East and NRA West parking lots. Festival attendees are encouraged to rideshare/carpool to the event, use ride hailing services (Uber/Lyft/Taxi), take alternative transportation to the event, and utilize the free shuttle service to/from satellite parking (see below). Downtown Newburyport municipal parking for a daily fee will be available in Titcomb, Green, Merrimack, Water, and Harris Street.

SHUTTLE BUS & SATELLITE PARKING
The satellite parking locations below will be serviced by four free shuttle buses, provided courtesy of 92.5 the River:
■ Mersen, 374 Merrimac Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Graf Skating Rink, 28 Low Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Rupert A. Nock Middle School, 70 Low Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Mark Richey Woodworking, 40 Parker Street – map/directions (free parking & free shuttle)
■ Newburyport MBTA, 25 Boston Way – map/directions ($2 parking & free shuttle)

PROPOSED SHUTTLE ROUTES*
The free shuttle buses run two routes approximately every 20 minutes from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

■ Route A: The Merson Lot on Merrimac Street
■ Route B: Rupert A. Nock Middle School, Mark Richey Woodworking, and MBTA Lots
■ Note: The downtown shuttle stop is located at The Custom House, 25 Water Street.

Special Details: FREE event on the lawns of Waterfront Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic basket to enjoy amazing musical performances.

Things to Do

Top-rated attractions, National Parks and historic tours are among the many things to do in Newburyport.

Waterfront Park

Newburyport Waterfront Park is positioned in the center of downtown Newburyport, Massachusetts.A perfect green space, Waterfront Park has a great boardwalk that runs along the Merrimack River and plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the waterfront views and boating activity.

US Coast Guard Birthday an Annual Celebration of Maritime History

The US Coast Guard Birthday is August 4th and 2022 marks 232 years for this oldest branch of the military. The celebration, as in year’s past, also coincides with Newburyport’s

Sandy Point State Reservation: Tips to Plan Your Trip

Sandy Point State Reservation, located at the southern point of Plum Island, offers beautiful views, a protected cove with calm waters, and an escape from overcrowded beaches. While Sandy Point

Continue to Learn, Love and Live in Newburyport - It's a Lifestyle^™

Witches’ Night Out Newburyport – Dress to Impress!

Witches’ Night Out Newburyport has become known as one of the top Halloween events for the North Shore, catering to “big kids” tempted by shopping and socializing in creative costumes. Grab your broomsticks and pointy hats and fly on over to the annual Witches’ Night Out on Friday, October 14th from 6 – 9 pm, where witches and warlocks are invited to haunt the streets of downtown Newburyport and the Tannery in their best Halloween getups. Plan a wicked girls or guys night out or have a scary fun date night and paint the town orange for this Halloween celebration. Couples and group costumes are always a hit!

During Witches’ Night Out, costumed revelers are invited to stroll through town and pop into participating shops that will stay open late for tricks and treats. Many stores get creative with eerie decorations and offer up spooktacular snacks and drinks. And while all of town will be frighteningly exciting, there are a few shops that always outdo themselves. Kevin Riley, owner of Partridge in a Bear Tree, is known for his over the top decorations for just about every holiday, and Halloween is no exception. This shop is a must visit for all witches in the know! You may even find some great decorations and ideas to make your own house the spookiest on the block. There are so many local Newburyport shop owners who enjoy this fun Newburyport tradition. Make sure to visit as many as you can!

Although the event does not include a costume contest at one of our local restaurants this year, all witches, warlocks and anything else that goes bump in the night, are encouraged to attend Witches Night Out in their best Halloween attire!

To find even more fun events happening this Halloween season, visit our Newburyport EVENTS CALENDAR.

Newburyport Garden Tour Hosted by the Museum of Old Newbury

Newburyport’s Museum of Old Newbury will host its 2022 annual garden tour June 11th & 12th 10 am – 4 pm. The theme for this year’s tour is Town & Country, and will feature ten gardens located in the Newburyport, Newbury and West Newbury. This is an extremely popular annual event so make sure to purchase your tickets early. Start your tour at 98 High Street, in order to pick up your 43rd garden tour guide.

Our Newburyport.com feature video provides a view of the beautiful South End home of Paul Goldberg & Joe Bell Garden, captured during the 2019 tour.

Private gardens, including the museum’s own Cushing Garden, will be on the garden tour, all within a short drive throughout Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, and Rowley. Stops on the garden tour will showcase sweeping landscapes, views of the Merrimack River, creative features, and wide varieties of plants and flowers. Along with beautiful landscaping, tour-goers will also be treated to various artists and musicians at work in different gardens.

This year’s event will feature a digital program book that you can view on your mobile device. It will include information on each garden, it’s owner as well as lunch suggestions and Garden Tour discounts.

Along with the Cushing Garden, The Cushing House itself will also be open to tour free of charge. This historic ship captain’s home, filled with 400 years of local history. The Museum of Old Newbury, founded in 1877, preserves and interprets the history of “Old Newbury” from pre-settlement to the present. All proceeds from the event benefit the museum’s education programs and preservation projects.

Refinance Your Mortgage…Factors to Consider with a Refi

By Liz Ryan, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Sales Manager for the Newburyport CrossCountry Mortgage regional office, Liz Ryan is a top producing Senior Loan Officer with extensive experience in the mortgage industry since 2005 and a prior background in real estate. Born in Sweden and raised with a “can do” attitude and great work ethic, Liz is a consistent Chairman’s Circle member and has served as a strong mentor for the rapidly growing Newburyport office, supporting customers in MA, NH and ME. Liz is highly respected by her local finance industry peers and greatly appreciated by her extensive following of loyal customers. Her passion for serving clients is apparent. Liz enjoys working with customers from all walks of life with a broad range of financial needs. Whether they are purchasing their first home, a vacation home, an investment property; or they need assistance with a refinance or a more specialized loan product such as a VA Loan, Liz always excited to help.
CrossCountry Mortgage

Refi Evaluation: term & debt consolidation

Refinance your mortgage? When considering a refi, you’ll want to evaluate your particular situation—not just the interest rates and global environment.

In preparation for a refinance, you’ll want to ask yourself important questions. How long do you intend to live in your current home? Should you refinance to a new 30 year mortgage extending the time it will take to own your home? Are you in a position to consider a shorter term enabling you to pay less interest over the course of the loan? Changing the term on a mortgage (for example, from 30 years to 15 years) can help you achieve specific financial goals. Shortening your mortgage term may help you avoid penalty clauses if you plan to pay off your loan early. If you refi with a shorter term, you will pay less interest over the life of your loan. You may also be able to extend your repayment term if needed.

When considering a refinance make sure to look at the big picture. Do you have other loans? Are there major expenses that you need to plan for: college, weddings or home renovations? Consolidating multiple debts into one easy-to-manage loan can make life easier and potentially save you money, particularly if other debts feature higher interest rates. Converting multiple mortgages into one mortgage can make repayment simpler and potentially save you money.

Make sure you have access to an industry-leading tool like the CrossCountry refinance calculator to help you decide if refinancing your home makes sound financial sense.

Other Refinance Considerations:

Besides mortgage rates, there are charges and fees that must be considered when determining the costs of a refinance.

Closing Costs

Closing costs are expenses over and above the price of the property that are incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring ownership of a property. They normally include an origination fee, charges for title insurance and escrow costs, etc.

In addition to your down payment, you’ll be responsible for paying closing costs — the fees that CrossCountry Mortgage and other parties charge as part of the home financing process.

Closing costs and fees can be paid at the time of closing or they can be wrapped into the new mortgage. It may be appealing to have costs wrapped into the loan but it is important to consider whether you will realize the the lower interest rate savings before you sell your home.

If you need assistance refinancing your mortgage or are considering any type of home loan products, contact the local CrossCountry Mortgage office and they will help guide you through the process. Liz Ryan NMLS ID: 441907 – NMLS ID #3029 (For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply.

Support Ukraine Efforts in the Newburyport Community and Beyond

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

Support Ukraine fundraisers have been hosted and will continue to take place in the Newburyport Community and throughout many North Shore cities and towns. It is uplifting to see the positive response and participation with hope that the combined efforts will help make a difference for the Ukrainian people. Many of these initiatives began as simple ideas and spiraled into incredibly successful campaigns due to the tremendous response from individuals, small business owners, student groups and local nonprofit organizations.

Newburyport.com helps increase awareness for our local nonprofit and small business customers, many of which have recently organized or contributed to local Ukraine fundraisers. This article is meant to promote awareness of upcoming efforts and it summarizes some of the recent local happenings with links to the the organizations providing direct humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian people. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and we encourage folks to visit Ipswich this upcoming weekend to take part in the Stand Strong with Ukraine efforts.

Upcoming Local Support Ukraine Efforts:

Join Ipswich residents of Ukraine heritage, local ministers, state representatives, select board members, musicians and citizens of the North Shore community for an inspirational, Stand with Ukraine Event and Fundraiser, Sunday, May 22nd from 11:45 am – 3:30 pm, in Ipswich. Organized by Ipswich Citizens in Partnership With the People of Ukraine, this is a grass roots effort that provides support directly to people in the Ukraine. View the schedule of events below and scroll down to watch a video of event organizer, Ipswich business owner and Ukraine native, Tanya Marshall, from her participation in Newburyport candlelight vigil. For more information in this event, you can also visit the facebook page.
- Program:
  - 11;45 Gather on Town Hill to join in an ecumenical prayer for peace led by Reverend Brad Clark, Ascension Memorial Church, and fellow Ipswich ministers;
  - Walk for Peace down Market Street, through the Pavilion terrace by the River;
  - 12;15 pm Rally at the Hall-Haskell House for LIVE STREAM with friends and families in Ukraine, and further a series of offerings designed to generate deeper and renewed care and compassion for the people of Ukraine in the struggle to retain their freedom, including:
  - A special live video link with friends in Ukraine Kyiv, Konotop, Dnipro
  - Tanya Marshall (Ipswich resident, born in Ukraine)
  - State Senator Bruce Tarr ,
  - State Representative Jamie Belsito
  - Ipswich Select board members
  - Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England
  - Music by Steve Kercher “ I need Ammunition Not a Ride”
  - Traditional Ukrainian food and songs

Past & Ongoing Support Ukraine Efforts:

The, We Stand With Ukraine Musical Benefit, was held on Saturday, April 9th from from 7-10 pm, at Belleville Congregational Church. Tickets were $30 per person, available for purchase at the door and proceeds were donated to the World Central Kitchen. Doors open at 6 pm and cash is appreciated as it will enable quicker entrance into the concert, but Venmo and Square are also available. The concert will featured musical performances by: James Paone, Marjorie Senet and the Broken Home Boys, Liz Frame and the Kickers, Way Up South.

Ganesh Imports Newburyport, Portsmouth & Exeter helped encourage folks to make donations in support of The World Kitchen by generously matching donations up to $5,000 during the week of March 7th – 13th. Salesforce Cares also made a matching donation for a total contribution of $14,821.12. Thank you Bill Bixby, Owner of Newburyport and Portsmouth and Kristin Poulin, Owner of Exeter. Thank you to Bill and Kristin, long term retailers in the community known for their ongoing support for many important nonprofit efforts. Featured picture taken by Henry VanderSpek Photo Art.

The Newburyport 4^th Grade Girls Bake Sale for Ukraine Refugees raised a total of $36,000.00! The first bake sale hosted on March 13th at 45 Bromfield Street was a huge success raising $12,000.00, motivating the girls to organize and prepare for Support Ukraine Part 2, April 3rd, with an even bigger bake sale and the addition of a market place, raising a total of $24,000.00. A thoughtful idea of three 4th grade girls transformed into a communitywide mission with baked goods donations from a huge list of bakeries in Newburyport and neighboring towns as well as individual baked goods donations. In addition, gift certificates were donated for the raffle by many local small businesses and numerous kids donated Ukrainian artisan crafts. This tremendous group effort was led by parents, Greg and Emily Kulowiec owners of local small business, Dolly + Bub. Funds were donated to two causes: bstrong and family in Przemysl, Poland. Donations can be made through Venmo @Emily-Kulowiec ( verification code, 1611) or the Go Fund Me link.

A Newburyport Candlelight Vigil was held on March 23rd in Market Square. The Vigil was organized by Alissa Christie of Bentley’s Real Estate offering an opportunity to reflect and or pray as a collective effort to show support. The Vigil was attended by a special guest, Tatyana Marshall, an Ipswich resident and small business owner of Twins Chic. Tanya, originally from the Ukraine has lived in Ipswich for the past 15 years and is working hard to raise money for her, Stand with Ukraine Fund, a grass roots effort , designed to help get support to family and friends in need of food and medical attention. We encourage folks to follow Tanya’s mission on facebook. Tanya communicates daily with family, friends and volunteer workers in Ukraine and she works tirelessly every day to spread awareness at events throughout the North Shore community.

NHS Honor Society Bake Sale with Poetry, Music & Art in support of UNICEF was hosted on March 26th at Newburyport High School. The bake sale raised a total of $2,050.00.

On March 27th the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Theater in the Open & The Newburyport Arts Collective hosted An Evening of Theater and Poetry to Benefit Ukraine as part of a global initiative called the ‘Worldwide Readings Project’ in which close to 150 theater companies around the world have staged readings of Ukrainian texts to raise money for the military, humanitarian aid and relief efforts. The event raised $3,500.00 which was donated directly to Razom for Ukraine, a charitable organization delivering humanitarian aid. For anyone who wasn’t able to attend the fundraiser but would like to make a donation, they are encouraged to contribute through Nova Kahovka for Life, run by Plum Island resident Nadiia Sadowski.

We will continue to post information about upcoming support Ukraine fundraisers and or opportunities to get involved in other ways as well.

First Wedding Dance Song – How to Choose?

By Dale Grasso, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Wedding Dance Creator, Dale Grasso has extensive experience helping couples prepare for all aspects of their first wedding dance. Dale competed in ballroom dance for over 10 years and has a degree in Exercise Physiology. Dale takes a consultative approach, encouraging couples to invest time upfront making decisions together about their wedding songs. Once a strong plan is developed, Dale enjoys working with couples to create and perfect the routine and specific dance moves.

First Wedding Dance Song Dale Grasso, Newburyport MA

How do we select a song for our first wedding dance? As a Wedding Dance Creator here in Newburyport, I get asked this question often. Here goes… contrary to popular belief, the first dance song does not have to be “your song.” It doesn’t have to have some deep meaning. Although it could have special significance, that should not be the primary criteria when selecting a song. Keep it simple and just find a song that you both like. and can picture yourselves dancing to on your special day. It should be motivating to you, happy, inspirational, or just plain fun and exciting.

Even though you may like the words to a song or feel it tells “your story,” it may not be the best song for your first wedding dance. The beat may be too slow or the song might be unexciting. It is also really important to realize that sometimes it may be hard to clearly hear the words to a song. If you choose a song because you love the words, but the guests can’t hear them, then then the meaning may not be understood. In my extensive experience, a dull song makes for a dull dance! If your goal is for the first dance to be memorable and have “wow factor” it is important to choose the optimal song. It’s obvious when a couple is having fun and it naturally helps create a strong connection with their wedding guests.

The First Dance is a very Important aspect of the wedding. All eyes will be on you and it’s your time to present yourselves as a couple. The first wedding dance sets stage for the rest of the wedding. When selecting a song, think uplifting, exciting, or something unexpected. Make sure to consider the rhythm and length of the song in order to ensure the right fit. Make it the best possible dance to compliment all the effort that went into the wedding planning. An incredible dance makes the wedding even more memorable for you and your guests. Not to mention, you’re certain to have a great time out there on the dance floor! Let’s Dance!

As you can see I am passionate about dance and really enjoy helping couples plan all aspects of music and dancing in preparation for their special day. If you would like help planning for your first dance and perfecting your dance moves, check out my Facebook page and give me a call, 508 612 8154. If by chance you happen to be moving to the area and need help finding a home or you already live here and need help selling your home, I am also an experienced realtor.

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 historic carousel will soon call a brand new pavilion on Salisbury Beach home 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 will be constructed 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 will also house a much-needed Newburyport Bank micro branch and event space for birthday parties and weddings.

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 112 years later, the historic carousel has been completely restored and will once again bring 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 can “adopt” one of the animals and sponsor it for the next 20 years.

Along with the Adopt a Horse program, all proceeds from this year’s Sea Festival of Trees, where 12 of the horses were on display, will go to the historic carousel and pavilion. The Salisbury Beach Partnership will continue 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 will truly bring back the magic of the Salisbury.

Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk – Magical Fairy Houses & Art Stroll

The 2022 Fairy Gnome Discover Walk and Art Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, April 23rd and Sunday, April 24th at Pettengill Farm from 11-3. Put on your best and brightest wings, sprinkle a little fairy dust and get ready for a magical stroll through the woods to search for nearly 200 fairy houses. This year the very popular Salisbury Art Stroll is being combined with the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk. So mark your calendar (rain or shine) for this wonderful outdoor event at Pettengill Farm, 45 Ferry Rd., in Salisbury. Hosted by the Salisbury PTA, this event will transport your family to a pint sized world fit for Tinker Bell and all of her fairy friends. Cost for the event is $7 per person, you may purchase a ‘family bundle’ of four tickets for the discounted price of $25, children under 2 are free. Online ticket sales have ended. Tickets are available at the ticket booth on the day of event, reminder that in person tickets are cash only. If you purchased tickets online, make sure to print and bring your Paypal receipt for entry.

You and your little fairies will frolic through a one mile path, discovering surprises along the way. Situated throughout the woods, children will delight at finding tiny fairy houses, some humble abodes with a small swing outside to sizable (for fairies of course) estates with numerous rooms, pools and more. Be on the lookout for a butterfly themed home, some bookworm fairies and a possible village! All of these enchanting creations are the work of talented professionals, families, school children, and local businesses.

While fairy houses may be very small, the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk is a BIG day, complete with activities, entertainment and food. Spread your wings and dance to live music with David Torrisi, check out a performance with Theater in the Open, get your face painted and create fairy themed crafts with local groups like Macaroni Kid, the Greater Newburyport Mother and Families Club and Salisbury Public Library. And when you’ve worked up an appetite from all the fun, as we’re sure you will, the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk will also have delicious local vendors serving up fresh eats from BBQ to pizza to sweets. We’re told there will even be a s’mores bar this year and to be on the look out for a very special Harry Potter drink.

Costumes and imaginations are strongly encouraged, so come dressed to impress in your fairy finest. There will be fairy inspired attire and accessories for purchase for those in need of a wardrobe update. Make sure to check out the Salisbury PTA’s stand, for tutus, wands, wings, gnome hats, snacks and more. Everything for purchase at their stand is very reasonably priced so you won’t break the bank! And yes, parents, you can also dress up. After all, fairies have moms and dads too!

The fairy house walk is hosted by the Salisbury PTA, who raise money throughout the year to put on special events as well as to fund field trips, assemblies, college scholarships and other activities that enrich the Salisbury Elementary curriculum.

Please note, the Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk will happen rain or shine.

Hygge-pronounced ‘hew gah’

Hygge – cozy comfort ways to bring small pleasures as we approach the end of February. I first saw this word in a Scandinavian cookbook recipe for ‘That Banana Cake.’

Now I read in the New York Times we are obsessed with Hygge!

My home has always been an important part of my life and little did I know that the Danish are all about cozy comfort!

So I thought I’d give you a few ideas to help you nestle your way through winter. This time of year candles can bring you soft warm scents and change the light in your home. Buy a new throw for watching your favorite shows.

How about digging up a family recipe to bake so your home fills with wonderful smells of cinnamon, vanilla or lemon goodies.

Try baking bread from scratch, instant Hygge! All throughout the Winter I’ve been baking bread and it warms the kitchen.

What’s better than a good pot of tea and a sweet at this time of the year. The English break at 4pm daily for their tea and crumpets.

Thought about moving around your furniture? If you have a fireplace, gather your seats closer to snuggle up close. Add a pouf or small ottoman to gather friends around.

Change your lamp light bulbs to the low setting at dusk. Any lights that are in the glow position if you will give you an instant sense of warmth and intimacy.

Hygge is of Danish origin and given the weather in this part of the world, if the Danes don’t know what makes your home and life no one does. Taking your children ice-skating and bringing along a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa is another way to bring about Hygge!

Now for the grown-ups try a wonderful cordial of Bailey’s Irish Cream and coffee or a great Kentucky Bourbon and chocolate cream cordial chased with coffee and voilà.

Beautiful Johnston’s Elgin from Scotland home products are just beauty in laying over a sofa or lounge chair.

“Enjoy the rest of the winter and cozy up in your home and with friends and family.”

or as the Danish say….

“Nyd resten af januar og hyggeligt op i dit hjem og med venner og familie.”

Check out more great design ideas from Worthington Interior Design!

Providing Cool Air Conditioning Comfort to our Community!

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

Air Conditioning used to be a luxury, but modernized homeowners are more reliant on cooler drier air. Higher efficiency options allow for comfort with less operational costs as well as creative solutions for style and decor. Lombardi Oil & Gas has been installing and servicing air conditioning system for residential customers in Newburyport and the surrounding area for many years giving us the knowledge and experience to help customers understand that In addition to making everyday life more comfortable, air conditioning does much more for homeowners.

Air Conditioning continuously filters and circulates indoor air, removing airborne allergens, pet dander, pollen, pollutants and more. For those with respiratory conditions or sensitive allergies, HEPA filters and air purification systems work alongside cooling units to bring needed relief.
Air conditioning dehumidifies the air as it cools. This is important because humidity inhibits the ability of our bodies to self-regulate temperature, and it makes cooled indoor spaces feel clammy and smell musty.
Many modern air conditioning offers multiple fan settings, making it possible to filter and circulate indoor air even when the Air Conditioning isn’t actively cooling helping homeowners strike a balance between cleaner air quality and lower energy bills.
Smart Thermostats, the latest in thermostat technology, make it easier than ever to control energy use. These thermostats can be controlled from anywhere using your smartphone, and they provide the most user-friendly interface for setting up detailed cooling schedules that will save you money.
As an alternative to central air systems, DUCTLESS Air Conditioning & HEAT PUMP units are Great for older homes, renovated spaces and targeted cooling and heating needs – and can provide added value with savings up to 30% in heating costs.
- Whisper Quiet
- Quick & Easy Install
- Year-round efficiency
- Wi-Fi compatible
- Wall, ceiling or floor mounted
- Aggressive rebates available for new installations

Suggestions to keep your Air Conditioning system running at peak performance:

Keep your outdoor condenser free from leaves and brush. Sometimes you may want to hide the outdoor unit, however, please make sure to leave sufficient room around the whole unit, for proper air circulation on top and sides.

Change the filter regularly. Your air conditioner breathes through its filter, and when that filter becomes clogged, your AC unit struggles. A dirty filter can cause your fan to wear out prematurely and can sharply increase your energy use. Make a habit of replacing these on time!

Tune up your AC unit annually. Annual maintenance from a licensed technician is the only way to get your system ready for the cooling season. You’ll experience fewer breakdowns, lower energy bills and a longer life for your air conditioner.

Consider an Air Conditioning maintenance plan. The plan will cover an annual tune-up – and give you 15% off any parts and labor.

If you experience any disruptions in your cooling system, or have interested in upgrading to high efficiency or ductless, we are happy to help!

Customer satisfaction is important to us. We will offer the best value, with reliable, quality Air Conditioning service and installation and top of line expertise, to increase your comfort, convenience and safety. Call Lombardi Oil & Gas anytime to see how we can help you 978-465-7200 * Lombardioil.com!

A Staging Consultation Helps Sell Fast and Get Top Price for Your Home

By Ashley O'Shea, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Owner & Principal, Ashley is a RESA Certified Home Stager located north of Boston, whose work has been featured on Chronicle and “Top 5 Most Stunning Houses to See this Weekend” by Boston Magazine. Most recent projects include a full interior design on a 3,200 square ft. luxury condominium in the Four Seasons Residence, One Dalton, Boston. Specializing in Luxury Home Shopping and Home Staging, Ashley is fiercely committed to creating beautiful homes, and providing the highest level of service with every project. She believes in being a part of the complete process, whether you’re preparing your home for sale, or creating the home of your dreams, Ashley provides fresh ideas and designs for your home. As the founder of Relux Decor, Ashley applies her extensive customer service and educational background in her every day potential from every home. This honest, passionate, outside of the box, design approach is what allows Ashley to excel at highlighting your home’s value, as well as, help you to transition through what can be an overwhelming process. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her son, Elliot, or traveling.

Relux Decor Staging Consultation North Shore, Newburyport MA

What is a Home Staging Consultation and Why Should You Have One?

A staging consultation is the first step to giving your home that special “wow” factor that buyers are looking for. Here at Relux Decor we understand that selling your home is a huge endeavor. Our job as part of your home selling team, is to minimize the time your home spends on the market.

What to Expect From a Staging Consultation:

Relux Decor will work with you to determine the best time to visit your home for your staging consultation. We are friendly and professional and always have your best interests in mind. At the time of your home staging consultation, we will provide you with the most effective recommendations to promote a quick and profitable sale. Relux Decor will provide a full evaluation of your home, room by room and make recommendations for updates and repairs. We will work with you and your current furniture to create a basic staging plan in order to best prepare your home for real estate listing pictures. If need be, we can bring in items such as accent furniture, art, accessories, bedding, pillows and lighting to enhance your space.

Why is Home Staging Important?

Here at Relux Decor, we understand that your real estate listing photos are the first impression a buyer will have of your home. We strategically use a buyer’s perspective, so that your property stands out from the competition. We also understand that home staging is about emotion. It’s how a house makes us feel. It’s more than just cleaning, decluttering and decorating. It’s about creating emotional connections that will ultimately bring in that top dollar offer. Here at Relux Decor, we love what we do for our clients – and we are confident that you will too! If you have any questions or would like to schedule your north shore home staging consultation, please reach out.

239 Center St, Groveland, MA 01834

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

$675,000

This center entrance colonial in immaculate condition should be on your wish list this season! The home has been lovingly maintained over the years with recent updates that include new carpeting throughout, freshly painted interior, granite in the kitchen and updates in the 1/2 and guest baths. Light pours into this home making it warm and welcoming. Upon entering are the living room and dining rooms perfect for entertaining and comfortably accommodating your guests. The kitchen with new granite, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and a Viking stove. A slider to the deck is open to the dining area and leads to the front to back vaulted family room with gorgeous stone wood fireplace. Upstairs is the master, walk in closet and master bath. Updated guest bath and two additional bedrooms. Additional room with closet makes for a perfect home office or additional guest space and leads to the walk up attic with plenty of room for storage or future expansion. A must see for sure!

View Listing

Melanie Cosgrove

Trends in Massachusetts Divorce Law: Equality and Structure

By Damian Turco, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Founder & Principal Attorney of Turco Legal, Attorney Turco is highly regarded as an expert in the areas of divorce and family law. He has represented hundreds of clients through divorces, modifications, contempt matters, and other family law matters from beginning to end. He sits on multiple committees for the Mass Bar Association, has been recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as one of the state’s upcoming top 25 lawyers of 2015. Attorney Turco’s donates considerable time to help within the community. He serves on the board of LARC, a legal non-profit that helps thousands of lower income folks get desperately needed legal help. He also volunteers his time monthly delivering legal assistance at homeless shelters, day shelters, and soup kitchen’s in Boston, Lowell, Lawrence, and Salem.
Turco Legal

Turco Legal, Divorce Law Trends, Newburyport MA

Divorce law trends are moving in a direction of equality and structure. Divorce may seem like a modern issue. That is, it sometimes seems like one of those problems with society that’s far worse now than it used to be. Perhaps that’s because it’s the type of thing that nobody seems to discuss until it’s happening to them, especially not in a tight community like Newburyport. Or maybe because it is consistently ranked as one of the greatest challenges one may face in his or her lifetime. Who wants to talk about that?

Actually, despite it not being talked about much, it’s been an important and impactful part of society since shortly after the existence of marriage. Its prevalence has fluctuated over the thousands of years of recorded history and the trend has largely followed the influence of religion on government and society generally.

While there is disparity around the world as to the popularity of divorce, it is clear that in Massachusetts, like most states, the law is trending from what we would consider traditional to a system of equality and structure. Here’s how the main issues in divorce are treated in Massachusetts and are trending nationally today.

“Child custody” is still the terminology used in Massachusetts, but many states have done away with it, instead opting for more neutral terms such as “time sharing”, reflecting a growing national view of co-parenting that makes it a point to not characterize children as property or either parent as the “primary” one. While most divorces with children still result in one parent having about a third of the time and the other having two thirds, there are more judgments granting equal time between parents than ever. Family Law Judges in Massachusetts continue to have broad discretion in fashioning parenting schedules, so putting the relevant facts about ones case into evidence is just as critical as ever.

Child support is treated as a statutory calculation, considering the income of the parties, the parenting schedule, employment-related child care, and health insurance in nearly every state. While there is not much movement nationally on this issue, every state periodically adjusts the guidelines figures, so the amount set for child support tends to go up over time.

Alimony is perhaps the most inconsistently treated issue across the country, recently having been overhauled in Massachusetts in 2011. While some states have actually done away with permanent alimony altogether, Massachusetts has added more structure and limitation into the law. Permanent alimony is now generally only available in Massachusetts when the marriage lasted over 20 years, with shorter term types of alimony are more tailored to the situation. Generally, the longer you’ve been married, the longer the alimony is likely available, if available at all.

Property division is unique in Massachusetts, with judges having more discretion than in most other states. That’s because in Massachusetts all property is part of the marital estate subject to division by the court including premarital property, gifts, and inheritances. Many states carve these types of assets out of the marital estate, but in Massachusetts we give judge’s more authority to determine an equitable or fair result.

Massachusetts divorce law is quite sophisticated. We live in a community of highly intelligent, hardworking, family-focused individuals who for many can’t avoid the realty of the breakdown of a marriage. There will always be an element of loss associated with divorce and that comes with a grieving period. But, when properly educated on divorce law and with the right counsel and support, more parties can and do move on to a better life. So, if you’re facing divorce and living in our community, don’t be afraid of the issues. While you may not want to discuss it over drinks at your favorite local restaurant or while the kids circle you at the candy shop, there are plenty of Newburyport divorce lawyers, including me, who will help you through the process.

How to Prepare for Hydrant Flushing – Scheduling & Tips

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

Hydrant flushing typically occurs twice a year—in the spring and fall. Newburyport is currently in the middle of hydrant flushing which started Monday, September 20th and is expected to run through the month of October. Why does the city do it? Hydrant flushing is beneficial for the city street water pipes and ensures the safe operation of hydrants. However, the process dislodges buildup in the street pipes that then travel to your home. It’s key to know when your street is being flushed so you can take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your home.

When your street is being flushed, your water turns brown, and particles can become lodged in shower heads and faucets and settle in the bottom of water heaters. If your street is currently flushing, you should avoid drinking water from your faucet—this includes water for your pets. Along with clogging water filters and temporarily contaminating your drinking water, hydrant flushing can also discolor clothing if the water is used to do laundry.

When it’s your streets turn to be flushed, I recommend that all of my Blue Ribbon Water customers change their water filter to bypass mode. If you have a water filter, all of that ‘muck’ will be filtered out, which is good. But filters have tiny, tiny pores that can become clogged as the water passes through it, lowering your water pressure and shortening the life of your filter. We alert all of our Blue Ribbon Water customers when it’s time to change their filter settings to preserve its longevity and to give our customers an advanced warning to plan around hydrant flushing schedules.

So how should you plan for hydrant flushing? The City of Newburyport recommends a few steps that apply to both those with and without a filter.

Keep your eye on the city website for what day your neighborhood is being flushed.
On that day, limit the use of water and delay doing laundry.
Avoid drinking water from a faucet.
Do not use hot water, as particles can settle in the bottom, and take longer to clear.
We recommend to our customers with filters to put it in ‘bypass’ mode, if available.
At the end of flushing, run an outside faucet, or utility sink until the water clears up.
Put your water filter back in operation mode.

Newburyport provides a list of streets every morning on their homepage. They do not publish streets in advance, so you do need to check every day.

Welcome Back Paul Rose Jr. – Brick & Ash GM & Friend to Many

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

I think I can speak for the Greater Newburyport Community in saying, welcome back Paul Rose Jr.! Paul is the General Manager Extraordinaire for Brick & Ash. He is an extremely positive person and always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure an exceptional customer experience. Paul truly motivates his staff and he leads by example, always striving for excellent results. Paul likes to compete so it was not surprising that he was very enthusiastic about the Yankee Homecoming Waiter & Waitress Races. 2021 was only the 2nd year for this event, which was designed to help highlight our restaurants and all of the great waitstaff who work hard to provide a positive dining experience. Way to go Cheryl Munick, the Event Chair!

I have a blast volunteering my time each year taking videos and helping advertise the Yankee Homecoming Events and because I have many local restaurant customers, I offered to reach out to owners and managers of my restaurant customers and encourage participation. Of course Paul was on that list. Because Paul leads by example, he rallied his staff and personally participated in the races. Paul didn’t just show up, he crushed it! I offered to come film a practice video prior to the races but Paul was on it! He took a video of staff from the Poynt and he made sure both Brick & Ash and the Poynt were prepared for race day! It was not surprising to see Brick & Ash win top 2021 restaurant, as the cup is awarded based on a combination of overall team spirit, team participation and performance.

Rather than rehashing scary part of the story, I prefer to focus on the fact that we are grateful for Paul’s return. I am not sure exactly what brought Paul Rose Jr. back to our Newburyport community but I am certain there were, lots of positive thoughts, many prayers, great medical care and certainly some strong determination from Paul. Make sure to stop in to Brick & Ash and welcome Paul back and if by chance you would like to help contribute to his medical expenses, a Paul Rose Go Fund Me account was established. Many folks have already donated but for my fellow Instagram lovers who tend to miss things that are only posted on facebook, you can use the Paul Rose Go Fund me link above to donate or share with others. I have also added this to our Newburyport VIP Bio since Instagram doesn’t provide the option for clickable links inside of posts and Go Fund Me is not user friendly with Instagram. Collectively we can help make a difference for Paul and his family. Thanks for Supporting Local!

If you somehow missed the Waiter & Waitress Races, here are the 2021 videos as well as Paul’s practice video for the Poynt.

Poynt Practice Video:

Waiter & Waitress Race Video:

Waiter & Waitress Picture Slideshow:

What’s Up With That Wooden Wheel at Liberty Law

By Robert Ciampitti, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Rob Ciampitti is a co-founding attorney and partner at Liberty Law and represents a dynamic client base of lenders, investors, developers as well as buyers & sellers of real estate – across a variety of land use, zoning, and condo matters ranging from commercial & residential real estate to private financing, development and permitting and innovative deal-strategy. In October of 2020, Rob was admitted to Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he will be completing Harvard’s Advanced Real Estate Management and Development graduate program. An active licensed pilot since 1989, Rob Ciampitti holds a Private Pilot’s License with an Instrument Rating and shares his passion for aviation with his wife and two teenage sons, Rob also enjoys scouting with his two sons and serves as a Scout Leader and Merit Badge counselor for Scout Troop 21 (Newburyport, MA) and is himself an Eagle Scout – recently joined in that honor by both of his sons. Rob Ciampitti was admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court in 2011 and remains an active member in good standing and has held a City of Newburyport Mayoral appointment to the Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals since 2002 – where he currently serves as the Board’s Chairman.
Liberty Law, LLC.

Wooden Wheel, Hoist Wheel, Newburyport Liberty Law

If you have ever been to a real estate closing at Liberty Law, you may have noticed a huge wooden wheel on the 3^rd floor (hand-notched with evenly-spaced square holes – each carefully chiseled along the entire outside circumference of the wheel itself). You may have also noticed the large ship-mast-like wooden spindle that spans enormous roof timbers all square-carved & fitted into the center hub of that wheel. If so, then you may have asked yourself (or one of us), “What’s up with that wheel?”

The answer is interesting, though not unique in and around the old buildings of 19^th Century Newburyport. The history of this wheel – and surviving building elements like it around our City – is tethered back over nearly 200 years to Newburyport’s rich clipper ship & maritime heyday. This wheel was called simply, a hoist-wheel and in the mid to late 1800(s), during the height of Newburyport’s global sailing trade, our 3 story building was used as a retail provisions shop. Offered for sale inside were goods and wares ranging from the ordinary to the rarified – all arriving along our waterfront aboard locally built Clipper ships (things which today can be delivered by a drone right to your doorstep by 11AM tomorrow ….. but ONLY if you’re a Prime Member).

If you could travel back in time and see this hoist wheel in say 1830 or so, you would have noticed that each of those notched holes supported a single wishbone shaped iron fork. These iron forks keep a 2 story knotted rope-loop (a rope chain of sorts) threaded on the wheel itself. Down below, you would have seen an operator pulling one end of that rope loop hand-over-hand on, which in turn would have spun booth the wheel and wooden spindle above. Of course, as the spindle turned, it would have pulled another rope to create a manual elevator – lifting heavy goods and cargo to the upper floors. Even today nearly 250 years later, that wheel still seems to spin with ease.

It was widely rumored during this era that some of this cargo, having survived a voyage from the Far East, West Indies or Europe all the way to our waterfront docks, somehow “got lost” along the final 100 feet of its journey to the Newburyport Customs House. By whatever unrecorded means these goods finally made their way into the city’s commercial interior, we must count ourselves truly lucky today to be among the current stewards of these architectural treasures of our Clipper City’s maritime past. These very ordinary yet amazing relics of our maritime past remind us of just how incredible it is to have the privilege to live and work under this rare canopy of such “living history.”

The next time you’re on Liberty Street whether for a real estate closing or “just because,” I invite you to come visit us here at Liberty Law – and check out this hoist wheel for yourself (with its 250 year old hand cut iron nails and notched holes). By celebrating even the “ordinary” of our past, we help these wonderful treasures stay relevant in our present…and hopefully preserved and protected for our collective future.

Rob Ciampitti is a local history buff and the Co-Founder of Liberty Law located at 11A Liberty Street. Rob is also the Chairman of the Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals, having proudly served on the Newburyport ZBA for nearly 20 years.

Wooden Wheel, hoist wheel, Liberty Law Newburyport

Moving Wall Visits Plum Island Airport in Honor of Vietnam Veterans

The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. was on display at Plum Island Airport in Newbury, MA during Labor Day Weekend 2021, from 6 pm on 9/2 through 6 am 9/7. The replica, which is 252.83 feet long and consists of 58,272 names, has been touring the country since 1984 and includes approximately 1,300 people who are still unaccounted for prisoners of war (POW’s) and missing in action (MIA).

Vietnam Veterans were not honored for their service to our country as they returned home. The idea to create the Moving Wall was originated by a Vietnam Veteran, John Devitt who while attending the the 1982 dedication in Washington DC, was inspired to share the positive power of “The Wall.” John Devitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Heaver and other Vietnam Veterans built the Moving Wall in order to honor and show gratitude to as many Vietnam Veterans as possible throughout the country.

The Moving Wall was escorted to the Plum Island Airport by NEMLAC (NE MA Law Enforcement Council), Patriot Riders, and Amesbury Moving Wall, Plum Island, Newbury MA and Newbury police. Residents and tourists were invited to line the procession route and welcome its arrival at the airport. Visitors were also encouraged to attend the wall’s opening ceremony featuring a wreath-laying ceremony by decorated Vietnam Veterans, a welcome home ceremony, keynote speakers, and a fly-over by the state police.

The Moving Wall was available for viewing twenty-four hours a day until its disassembly on Tuesday, September 7th at 6 am. Up to 20,000 visited this solemn memorial that honored our heroes throughout its stay, including about two thousand area veterans who were personally invited. Volunteers were onsite twenty-four hours a day assisting visitors as greeters, helping them look up names of the fallen, and escorting them to the correct panel on the Moving Wall. Grief counselors provided by the Lowell Vet Center were also be on hand.

The Moving Wall’s visit to the area was a project ten years in the making for the chief organizer of the event, Dennis Palazzo, who finally secured a date in November 2020. For Palazzo, who had a close friend on the wall, it was an emotional experience to finally have the opportunity to bring the monument to the area.

“Freedom is not free, it comes with a cost, and the cost is written on that wall,” said Palazzo.

Palazzo and the official host of the Moving Wall, Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming Board of Directors, worked tirelessly with a group of close to 100 volunteers to make this event possible. The outpouring of support from the community to aid Palazzo in bringing this memorial to the area was huge. He has raised over $20,000 from sponsors, local restaurants and shops donated meals and goods, the National Guard supplied a command tent, and Newbury police and firemen offered up their time pro bono.

“It’s an honor to bring the wall to the area. The names on the wall each represent a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice and never made it home,” said Palazzo.

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Moving Wall Procession Route from Amesbury Furniture Outlet to Plum Island Airport:
Down Market Street to Amesbury Center, continue Up Friend St., go 3/4’s around Rotary onto Main St., continue on Main St. across Route 110, under Route 495, turn Left to stay on Main St., bear Right onto Spofford St., over the Chain Bridge (Newburyport), continue half around the Rotary – 2nd exit – onto Moseley Ave., merge Left onto High St., (Route 113) for about 3.5 miles, turning Left onto Rolfes Lane, (Newbury), turning Right onto Plum Island Airport (ETA a bit before 6:00 p.m.) – with Escort Motorcycles parking on the Airport Runway, in designated area.

Coming Soon – 8 Windward! $1,495,000

West End Gem!!! This fully renovated expanded Cape in one of Newburyport’s most sought after neighborhoods is coming soon! Are you looking for farmhouse chic? Well you have found it with this beautiful post and beam home! Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, gorgeous new kitchen and baths, finished lower level for that needed extra living space, 2 car garage, oversized back deck, farmers porch out front and much more!! The yard is large enough (over 20,000 sq feet) to add a pool and live the “staycation” life or possible a winter hockey rink to be the envy of the neighborhood!! Whatever your needs are this home has you covered! (Some photos are facsimiles)

Presented by: Krissy Ventura

PFAS in MA Drinking Water – What You Should Know

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.

Greenheads: Why Can’t We Control the Problem?

Come July the most common question you will hear in the area is, “Have the greenheads arrived?” These green-eyed horse flies pack a nasty bite, appearing yearly from about mid-July to the first week in August, and make a visit to local beaches near impossible. These bloodthirsty flies not only keep locals from enjoying a day in the sun, but also push away tourists creating an economic impact on coastal towns in the area. So why can’t we control the problem?

Greenheads are found in coastal areas with lots of salt marsh, which is where they lay their eggs. “Very little is actually known about greenheads,” explains Nancy Pau, Wildlife Biologist at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. “They only appear once per year for 3 to 5 weeks in July and the rest of their life cycle is spent in the sediment.”

Because greenhead eggs are buried below the surface, it is very difficult to locate the eggs and larva in order to attempt to control the population.

Greenheads only surface once a year, unlike the mosquito for which we have found various means to control. Mosquitos produce multiple generations throughout the season, where greenheads make one single appearance.

While if you ask many locals when greenhead season is, they will most likely tell you it lasts from one full moon to the next. This is not entirely accurate. Experts say that they tend to emerge when the salt marshes flood, which is often, but not always, in sync with the moon. This explains why we only ever have a general idea of when greenheads will arrive and depart.

Greenheads are found in healthy salt marsh areas and some experts believe that they may have a contributing factor to that. Their eggs and larva are also a food source for many coastal birds and fish. Any use of chemicals to eliminate them would only harm the rest of the healthy ecosystem as well. The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District sets over 400 baited “black” box traps in 6 coastal communities: Essex, Ipswich, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Saugus. These boxes remove millions of biting flies from circulation each year, but it is still just a small portion of the population. The trapped greenheads also serve as a source of research to further understand these flies.

So the bad news is we still do not have an effective way to control the problem. But the good news is we have learned a lot about these sharp biting flies and discovered ways to protect ourselves. Just because the greenheads are here, doesn’t mean you need to entirely avoid the coastal area!

Tips for Greenheads:

Wear light-colored clothing, they are attracted to dark colors.
Wear long sleeves and pants when possible, they can not bite through clothing.
Plan beach visits on windy days, they have a harder time flying in windy conditions.
Or go to the beach for dinner instead of lunch! They are most active from 10 am to dusk.
Greenheads are attracted to sweet and salty scents so dry off after coming out of the ocean and avoid perfumes.

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.

Architectural Drawings: How to Turn Great Ideas into a Buildable Plan

By Mindi Poston Gay, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Mindi is Principal Architectural Designer, Assoc. AIA (American Institute of Architects) and has been practicing architecture and interior design for over 25 years. She’s a graduate of the Boston Architectural College (BAC) with a degree in Architecture and has worked in renowned architectural firms including Payette Associates, EGA Architects, Carpenter & MacNeille Architects, Essex, MA, and TMS Architects. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Design New England Magazine, New England Home Design Magazine, North Shore Magazine, Newburyport Magazine, The Boston Globe, USA Today Home Magazine, as well as Apartment Therapy, Discovery Channel and Planet Green Channel.
MPG Home Design

Architectural drawings are the bridge between your vision and an actual plan that you can use for cost estimation, permitting and construction. Whether it’s a simple bathroom remodel, a kitchen renovation, or a more extensive home addition, design drawings are critical to success. Time spent with an experienced architect will help streamline projects, avoid communication related issues and extra costs associated with rework.

In technical terms, architectural drawings are a graphical representation using lines and symbols that follow specific protocols based on scale and proportion. In their most complex form, architectural drawings incorporate structural engineering details, electrical plans, framing plans, window & door schedules, and precise measurements for all aspects of construction.

What are the steps to create architectural drawings?

The first step in the design process is to capture the Existing Conditions, sometimes called “as-built” plans. Unless you purchased your home with drawings, the existing conditions need to be documented to create a baseline model. All relevant measurements are imported into a CAD software program. Computer Aided Design (CAD), has replaced hand drafting as an essential way to create, modify, analyze, and optimize the architectural design process.

Once the Existing Conditions have been established, it’s time for Schematic Design. This is a highly conceptual phase dedicated to exploring the overall use of the space, massing, circulation and functional relationships of the project components.

The architectural plans may start “sketchy” until multiple options are refined for comparison. A single design may emerge as the best solution. More often, components from several design options are pulled together to create a hybrid approach.

A complete Schematic Design set includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and 3D renderings. What was once limited to your imagination is now brought to life both digitally and in print.

Do you really need architectural drawings?

Smaller projects may not require formal construction documentation, however, just about every home design project can benefit from a cursory design exercise. Drawings provide answers about space utilization, materials, flow, light, storage and the connection with new or existing systems.

What’s more, a thorough set of architectural plans gives you what’s needed for both pricing and permitting. By submitting drawings, general contractors know that you’re committed to the project and they’re empowered to provide more accurate estimates to help you determine financial viability.

In the long run, a well-crafted design set saves both time and money by helping you avoid specification “gotchas” and missed opportunities to improve your lifestyle. Almost every client who skips this step in the name of savings, ends up paying more in the end.

If you want to get the most from your construction investment, take the time to have thoughtful architectural drawings created for your project. Set yourself up for success by contacting MPG Home Design, 978-255-1515.

Newburyport’s Kabria Baumgartner Digs into Local African American History

Kabria Baumgartner, African American History, Newburyport

Newburyport resident and renowned historian Dr. Kabria Baumgartner is digging into the rich and often untold history of African Americans in Essex County. Thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded by the National Parks Service and the Organization of American Historians, Dr. Baumgartner is working to uncover materials and information to help create more inclusive and interpretive sources for local sites that reflect the true racial diversity of the county.

Through public records and census records, Dr. Kabria Baumgartner can confirm there were many African American families living in Newburyport in the 19th century. However, she has found archival materials like newspapers, photographs, and other documents extremely limiting for Newburyport itself. While Dr. Baumgartner, an associate professor at the University of New Hampshire, is still actively researching and uncovering materials, there are some fascinating stories and artifacts that have already been discovered for Essex County. Folks had the chance to hear Dr. Baumgartner’s discoveries first hand, as she was the keynote speaker at the 2021 Newburyport YWCA’s annual Engaging Community Luncheon where she spoke about her findings and shared stories and answered questions.

One such story that she uncovered is that of Sara Baro, referred to as “the African princess”, who lived in Topsfield. Sara, who was born in West Africa in the late 1830s, was captured and brought to the United States as a child. The Conant family “took her in” as an indentured servant—slavery was abolished back in 1783 in Massachusetts, but we know that the labor of enslaved people continued to fuel the economy in Essex County well into the late 18th century. Sara’s life is an amazing story of survival in the face of adversity. The Conant family seems to have treated her well and Sara even received an education at Topsfield Academy. While Sara could not change her class status, she appears to have lived a satisfying life worthy of something very special Dr. Baumgartner discovered—a will. It turns out the Topsfield Historical Society holds a very valuable artifact, Sara’s jewelry box which also happens to contain her will. This shows that while she may not have had a large amount of money, Sara had made enough of a life for herself to feel the need to create this document. Dr. Kabria Baumgarner sees this as just the beginning of her search to find more documents and artifacts related to the African princess.

Another of Dr. Kabria Baumgartner’s stories she has come across is that of the Hinton’s, an African American family that resided in Andover in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This historical story is a great example of black entrepreneurship and a tale of Black family life in New England. Allen Hinton, a freed slave, moved from the south to Andover for a new beginning—where he started his family. It’s also where he started the Hinton Family Ice Cream Farm, the first ice cream selling business in New England. The business was embraced by the community, with Allen and family selling at local schools—Phillips Andover Academy and Abbott Academy for Young Ladies. Allen’s daughter Alice later took over the business and received praise from Booker T. Washington himself for her keen business sense.

Dr. Kabria Baumgartner, who resides in Newburyport with her family, is an interdisciplinary historian of nineteenth-century African American life and culture in the United States and the author of the award-winning book, In Pursuit of Knowledge: Black Women and Educational Activism in Antebellum America. Dr. Baumgartner and her co-principal investigator in the Essex County African American history project, Elizabeth Duclos Orsello, continue to research and find artifacts and materials to enrich our communities. Orsello, a professor at Salem State, and Baumgartner both use this grant as a teaching moment, getting their students involved in the research first hand. Photograph taken by Matthew Troisi 22 CPA, UNH EDU.

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

Yankee Homecoming Events, Newburyport, MA

Premier 18 Hole Mini Golf Course for the North Shore

By Steve Flynn Sr., Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Steve Flynn Sr. has worked in the greenhouse business since he was in his teens and has owned Nunan’s for over thirty years. Nunan’s is a family oriented and run business with three generation actively involved in the business. Steve enjoys the ever changing seasons of the greenhouse industry, and has built the business to be for both retail and wholesale customers .
Nunan Florist & Greenhouses

Have you been to Nunan’s lately? Last year, we proudly opened Kallie’s Kones, a full-service ice cream parlor, and Garden Golf, a premier 18-hole, beautifully landscaped mini golf course. Our General Manager and Co-Owner Stephen Flynn, Jr. came up with the idea of building a miniature golf course to our property after seeing a rise in agritourism—a term that simply means an activity or attraction that brings visitors to a farm. Wanting to venture away from corn mazes, Stephen began planning for a miniature golf course. Construction began shortly after, and on July 29, 2016, Nunan’s Garden Golf celebrated its grand opening with a weekend of miniature golf, hot dogs, and ice cream!

Nunan’s Garden Golf is in the quaint town of Georgetown, MA, surrounded by our growing greenhouses,and a full-scale garden center, flower shop, and landscape company set on our 22+ acre lot. It’s not your run-of-the-mill mini golf course, as Garden Golf boasts no windmills or dinosaurs. Instead, our 18-hole course is set amongst a beautiful botanical garden that has some of the most alluring and unique annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that grow in the northeast. The course takes you over bridges, through water hazards, by an 18’ waterfall and many other obstacles that make it a fun and challenging experience for the entire family! Throughout the garden, each plant has an identification label and our scorecards are designed with a “Plant Wish List” on the back of it so that you can write down what you like. After your game of golf, you can walk through our beautiful blooming front displays to our ice cream parlor and enjoy a Richardson’s ice cream as you shop for the plants on your wish list.

Now, Nunan’s Garden Golf has opened its doors to new opportunities within the community by offering a number of different programs, including youth programs and field trips, private events such as birthday parties, fundraisers, and corporate events. Garden Golf and Kallie’s Kones have already hosted a number of birthday parties and they’re a huge hit!

Hosting a corporate event for your business? Try something new and host a mini golf tournament for your employees. Many companies have standard golf tournaments, but the problem with that is not everyone plays golf and it takes an entire day. Mini golf is comparatively shorter, sweeter, and easier to play! With a Nunan’s Garden Golf corporate event, you can bring everyone together for a fun-filled day. Mini golf is a great outing activity for your employees—it helps improve communication amongst coworkers, helps employees get to know each other better, celebrate company achievements, show appreciation, energize your team, and boost morale. At Nunan’s, you can rent the entire area to play mini golf, bring in food or have it delivered, play music, or host family games, company awards, and presentations.

How to Compare Moving Companies – Moving Tips

Comparing Moving Companies, Moving Tips Newburyport

Moving is already a challenging task, so make your big day go as smoothly as possible and compare moving companies before selecting one. While cost is always an important factor, sometimes the “best deal” ends up with a u-haul pulling up on moving day, three hours late, with a rag tag crew handling your goods. Inastead, follow these simple moving tips to make sure you get the services you should not only expect, but deserve.

Moving Tip #1: A real moving company never minds coming out to do an onsite estimate, this will be one of your most important moving tips. Although some jobs are very easy to quote on the phone, you as the customer, deserve an onsite estimate if you desire it.
Moving Tip #2: Ask for certificates of insurance. One of the most important certificates is Workers’ Comp, a perfect example of why you should compare moving companies. Many companies who expect cash payment for services rendered do not have Workers’ Comp. If one of their workers get injured on the job, you could be on the hook.
Moving Tip #3: Always make sure the company has their own vehicles. The best way to do this is to check to see if they have a certificate proving an auto insurance policy. Ask the company to cc’ you an email with their insurance company who should be able to answer questions and provide you with the certificate.
Moving Tip #4: Make sure to sign a contract and put a deposit down for the services you are expecting on moving day. One of our top red flag moving tips, no contract means no commitment on your moving company’s part. Giving a deposit via check or credit card is your best assurance that you have chosen a company who is committed to getting your move done.
Moving Tip #5: Last but not least, one of the best ways to compare moving companies is to do a quick Google search with the owner’s name and the company name in the search bar. Check reviews to see how customers fared with the company, the good and the bad!

Follow these simple moving tips to compare moving companies and you’ll be home sweet home without the headaches on your next move!

If you’re planning an upcoming move please consider giving a call to Ferrick Bros. Moving Company, the earlier the better. We are able to provide our most competitive pricing when customers contact us early in the moving process. We welcome the opportunity to give you peace of mind about your upcoming move and work very hard to ensure a very positive experience on moving day.

Floral Design Classes at Nunan’s – Develop Your Creativity!

Nunan's Spring Floral Design Classes, Georgetown MA

Develop your creativity by signing up for floral design classes at Nunan’s this Spring. Nunan Florist & Greenhouses, located at 269 Central Street in Georgetown, MA, offers seasonal classes to help your creative side shine. This April, we are offering both floral design classes and container classes, and our annual Spring Open House is April 22^nd and 23^rd. We are excited to announce Kallie’s Kones will be opening Saturday, April 1. Check out our list of classes below. To register, please call us at (978) 352-8172 or email info@nunans.com.

Thursday, April 6^th at 6 PM
Flower Therapy Class

Come have fun and create a beautiful fresh flower arrangement. We will supply the flowers and guidance and you provide the creativity, so that everyone’s will be different. This will be a fun, relaxing evening as you create an arrangement for your table or for a friend. The fee for this class is $35.00.

Saturday, April 8^th at 1 PM
Spring Containers Class

There is nothing that says spring more than pansies, flowering bulbs, and spring magic. Bring your own container or select one of ours as we plant a beautiful container for your doorstep for springtime. We will only use plant material that can withstand a light frost, so that it can stay out on most April nights. Cost of class is dependent on the plant material you choose and if you purchase a container.

Saturday, April 15^th at 11 AM
Spring Easter Baskets for Kids Class

We will plant pansies and other spring plants into a wicker basket to make a living Easter basket that can be given as a gift or kept for your Easter table. Nothing says Easter and springtime like pansies! The fee for this class is $15.00.

Saturday & Sunday, April 22^nd and 23^rd
Spring Open House

Come join us at our Spring Open House! It falls on Earth Day this year, so we have a lineup of fun events for kids and educational seminars for adults. The children’s events will run from 11 AM until 2 PM and consist of “Plant a Pansy”, “Plant a Tomato Seedling”, and Earth Day crafts, as well as a Fairy Garden Class starting at 1 PM. From 10 AM until 12 PM, we will hold a seminar where we will answer any and all of your lawn care questions, and from 12 PM to 2 PM, ask your most important tree and shrub care questions. After the winter we’ve had, we’re sure you have some!

Whether you sign up for our floral design classes or just come stop in for the open house, a trip to Nunan’s is sure to spark your Spring fever!

Nunan’s Café Sarina: What’s the Story?

For those who don’t know, Café Sarina is named after the owner’s youngest daughter. This brand-new, locally-sourced, farm-to-table café + restaurant is set to open at the end of May in Georgetown, MA. The inspiration behind both Nunan’s Café Sarina and its name comes from Nunan’s owner Stephen Flynn Jr’s daughter Sarina.

When she was born in 2010, it was discovered that little Sarina had a little something extra – Down Syndrome. That didn’t stop her, however, and she continues to teach everyone the importance of slowing down and finding joy and beauty in the little things. Flynn says, Café Sarina “has been named in honor of our daughter Sarina, who has showed us to take time to stop and enjoy the moment.”

Café Sarina is a locally-sourced, farm-to-table café + restaurant serving light breakfast, coffee, weekend brunch, lunch + dinner. Inside, you’ll find a rustic, relaxing atmosphere overlooking an outdoor patio and gorgeous garden. With Nunan’s Florist + Greenhouses being a small, local business as well, Café Sarina’s goal is to support small businesses and farms by sourcing ingredients on their menu from local vendors. On the Café Sarina menu, hungry guests will find fresh smoothies, coffee, sandwiches + salads, soups + specials. On the weekend, guests of Nunan’s Café Sarina can also enjoy an assortment of breakfast favorites including breakfast sandwiches, create-your-own breakfast, waffles, and much more.

In addition to Café Sarina, in the new building you’ll find Kallie’s Kones, a sweet little spot serving award-winning ice cream from Richardson’s, a local, family-owned dairy farm. Kallie’s Kones is inspired by another one of Flynn’s lovely daughters. At the young age of four, Kallie fought her battle with cancer, and she won. She is truly a survivor, and gratefully remains cancer free to this day. During her treatment, even when she barely had any appetite, she never hesitated to enjoy a big bowl of ice cream at the end of the day. She reminds us to celebrate every little milestone with your loved ones and to always, always leave room for ice cream.

Café Sarina’s windows and patio overlook a garden meticulously kept by Nunan’s gardeners. Within the garden, guests will find a state-of-the-art mini-golf course affectionately called Garden Golf. Featuring running water elements + gorgeous natural greens surrounding the putting green, the course is complete with signage for those wanting to learn a little about the plants.

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.

AJH Healthcare Heroes Fund – Your Donation Helps Support Local!

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

AJH Healthcare Heroes Fund, Newburyport MA

A gift to the Anna Jaques Hospital, AJH Healthcare Heroes Fund provides immediate resources to our nurses, physicians and hospital leaders to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an opportunity to help give back to folks in our local community who put themselves and their families at risk daily. All donations made through the AJH Healthcare Heroes fund stay local and are used to provide support for frontline workers serving our community.

The AJH Healthcare Heroes fund helps provide us with critical resources needed right now to be here for our community. We have reconfigured hospital spaces to accommodate more patients (and training staff to care for patients in a different setting), expanding ICU capacity, and procuring additional equipment and supplies. We have set up telehealth capabilities enabling patients to be cared for while maintaining social distancing, and have postponed non-urgent elective procedures, visits, appointments and surgeries. Your support will help to address these efforts and other emergency responses, and it is critically needed.

Please make a gift now to the Healthcare Heroes Fund by clicking here. If you make your gift in honor of a provider, we will let them know that they have inspired your giving!

If you wish to speak with the Anna Jaques Hospital Community Health Foundation, please contact Mary Williamson by email or at 978-463-1211. As always, all gifts to Anna Jaques Hospital remain here, serving our community. Thank you for your consideration of the AJH Healthcare Heroes Fund. Every donation helps make a difference!

Anna Jaques Hospital is a not-for-profit community hospital based in Newburyport, MA. AJH is part of Beth Israel Lahey Health and has a long history of providing top quality medical care for residents of the Merrimack Valley, North Shore and Southern New Hampshire. Not only is Anna Jaques Hospital a critical health resource for the community but the hospital is also a very important employer to many families providing jobs for over 1,200 individuals within the community.

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.

Ganesh Imports Gift Card Initiative to help Sustain Local Restaurants

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

Ganesh Imports owner Bill Bixby is hoping to inspire other local businesses to help support Newburyport restaurants with his new initiative offering discounted gift cards. For the month of October, anyone that buys a Paddle Inn gift card will receive a 20% discount thanks to Bill. Restaurants in Newburyport are currently surviving on their creative additional outdoor seating—from sidewalks to parking lots to streets—all of which will soon be closed for the season. Bill saw a way to help and stepped in as fellow Newburyport business owner. His store Ganesh—a hip bohemian shop selling clothing, accessories, and home décor—has been a downtown staple for over 30 years with locations in Newburyport and Portsmouth.

How does the initiative work? Bill is donating $1,000 to offset the cost to both patrons and the restaurant in hopes that his idea will help get folks excited to purchase gift cards and inspire other businesses to sponsor similar programs with other restaurants. So to break it down—if you purchase a $100 gift card, it will cost you $80. You can purchase gift cards in $25 increments online through Ganesh Imports or directly from the Paddle Inn. Newburyport’s downtown restaurants are at the heart of this community, and Bill’s initiative aims to help make sure their kitchen lights stay on this winter.

The Paddle Inn is without a doubt one of the coolest places around and absolutely worth purchasing a gift card for! This downtown restaurant offers delicious food, an amazing selection of creative cocktails, and an exceptional staff—all with a cool positive vibe. It is however one of Newburyport’s smallest restaurants, meaning it will be very challenging during the winter months when they lose their outdoor patio tables and have a reduced seating capacity. Paddle Inn Owner, Beau Strum and Co-Owner/Chef, Suzi Maitland are grateful for Bill’s generosity and support and hope his idea takes off for other local establishments.

Please consider purchasing a discounted Paddle Inn gift card and know that you are helping make a difference in our local community. Want to do even more? Consider adopting a local restaurant you love and make a donation like Bill’s! Together we can help sustain the businesses that sustain us.

The foundation of Newburyport.com is our VIP Program which offers discounts in order to help encourage folks to Shop & Dine Local and donates a percentage of our card sales in support of our local nonprofit partners. We are proud and excited to help raise broad awareness of Bill’s very thoughtful SUPPORT LOCAL initiative!

Home: Our Nest, Our Pad, Our Abode, Our Digs

Home: Our Nest, Our Pad, Our Abode, Our Digs are all affectionate ways to refer to our sanctuary. Now that we have all endured an exceptionally long stretch at home you may have come to realize your house needs some Interior Design Attention.

Since the weather is cooling down and we are all going to be spending even more time at Home: Our Nest, Our Pad, Our Abode, Our Digs the walls may need a new coat of paint or even you might dare to try some wallpaper in the powder room? Your sofa may need a new fabric, your favorite chair may need replacing with a much more comfortable Lee Relaxor ?

Each room in your home may need a little “Tszuj” as Carson Kressley says, “Give it a little flare!”We at Worthington Interior Design are all about making a few little design changes to your Home: Our Nest, Our Pad, Our Abode, Our Digs to get a big result!

As simple as painting our chimney after it was repointed; has given our home a fresh new look. Interiors of your home is so personal and whether you like plaids, florals or solids we can turn a room in your home into a stunning new place to read, or have cup of coffee or simply view your yard from a different place.

With all the new styles in porcelain floor tiles, faucets, and vanities a new kitchen or new bathroom it is a great time to tackle a renovation. Worthington can redesign, specify, bid your project to get the best contractor and pricing for you. We manage the construction process, obtain best pricing for fixtures and furnishings. With our seasoned experience your renovation is in good hands.

We also consult on outside work- say you are looking at a new fence we can offer many options that work with your home’s style and get it done for you.

Our sources are endless! Whether it’s a new door, bathroom reno, children’s playroom or new nursery get in touch with Worthington Interior Design today to schedule an appointment.

Let us give your Home: Our Nest, Our Pad, Our Abode, Our Digs a new YOU!

Happy Autumn

The Dragon’s Nest Closing: “Land of Magic and Wonder” Moves Online

After nearly 38 years of providing joy in the form of unique toys and gifts to tourists and locals alike, Newburyport’s oldest toy store, The Dragon’s Nest, is closing its doors at the end of August. Those that known and love the store are encouraged to visit and support The Dragon’s Nest over the next month by shopping for some of your favorite toys before they sell out. Pop in to purchase early birthday gifts, special treats, and party favors. And while it may be goodbye to the quirky storefront packed from floor to ceiling with wonders for all ages, you can continue to support the town’s iconic Dragon’s Nest online on their newly launched eCommerce site.

The Dragon’s Nest, a staple for local families and a destination for visitors, was dreamed up by original owners Martin and Donna Seim in the early 80’s. Based on a children’s book, “The Dragon’s Nest” Martin wrote and illustrated, the couple created a “land of magic and wonder” in the form of a toy store. Waldo, the main dragon character in Martin’s story, became the store’s mascot.

The Seims modeled their storefront after an old world curiosity shop—which remains the same today. Customers were and are encouraged to take their time exploring two stories of shelf after shelf of toys, crafts, and trinkets.

Martin and Donna ran The Dragon’s Nest for 25 years before passing the torch to their daughter Kristin Zarkades. Zarkades in turn sold the shop to the current owner, Sally Owen in 2014.

Owen, who worked at the shop, decided to “just jump” and purchase The Dragon’s Nest with her husband when she heard the news that Kristin was closing down the beloved toy store. For the next five and half years, the Owens carried on the traditions and principles the Seims originally envisioned for The Dragon’s Nest. In fact, Donna and Martin Seim remained the landlords of the space and have been mentors to the Owens on their journey with the store. While Hugo remained mostly behind the scene handling maintenance, accounting, and payroll, Sally is a well-known face to those that know and love this shop.

Together Sally and her husband Hugo have continued to serve the children, parents, and grandparents that frequent this unique toy store. Sally has watched as parents that grew up visiting the shop as children themselves return with children of their own. She has welcomed local kids that come to play and explore after school, on half days and during the summertime. And she loves meeting families that have made stopping in for a treat a tradition on their beach vacations.

“Our customers are really wonderful—kids of all ages, people who come in every week, people that come especially to Newburyport to stop in—it speaks to the uniqueness of the store. We’ve been really lucky to have such wonderful people,” says Sally.

And while the customers are a key element to the success of The Dragon’s Nest—equally important are all the employees and people that work so hard to give those visiting an amazing experience. This includes her delivery people, with whom Sally is on a first-name basis, and the toy reps that have helped maintain the creative toys that fill the shop.

“I’m so grateful for our wonderful employees,” says Sally. “They’ve been so friendly and gracious and hardworking. Customer service has been one of the hallmarks of The Dagon’s Nest. That’s what Martin and Donna wanted—for people to always feel comfortable from the moment they enter the store and we’ve maintained that.”

The relationships the store has formed can be seen in the heartfelt goodbye letter Sally composed.

The store has been a labor of love for Sally and it’s with a heavy heart that The Dragon’s Nest is closing. While the doors will close at the end of August, she will continue to sell the remaining inventory online and continue with select popular items beyond that. In the meantime, make sure to stop in over the next month to visit with Sally and explore the shelves of The Dragon’s Nest one last time.

Sculpture at Maudslay Showcases Local Artists in a Picturesque Setting

Sculpture at Maudslay 2022 returns to Newburyport for visitors to enjoy from Sunday, September 11th through Sunday, October 2nd at 2 pm when the show closes. The event features the work of up to 50 local North Shore artists—all displayed in a picturesque outdoor setting. The application deadline is May 24th, so make sure to submit your application ASAP if you are inspired to participate in the 2022 outdoor exhibit. Maudslay State Park offers stunning views of the Merrimack Rivers, hiking trails, beautiful gardens and meadows, and more.

The show’s 2022 theme is “Intersect“. Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay organizers point out that it’s a word that has many possible meanings and artists were invited to let the word inspire their creations. This show is site-specific—meaning the sculptures on display were designed specifically for the site they are installed at. So participating artists were also encouraged to use the beauty of the location as inspiration.

Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay is a free event open to visitors of all ages. Stroll the park in search of exhibits on your own or if you’re looking for a specific sculpture, bring your phone to use the Maudslay sculpture app which includes a map of each artist’s location. While the event is free, regular Maudslay parking fees still apply.

All visitors should follow state park Covid-19 guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.

The Maudslay sculpture show is in its 23rd year and has featured over 250 area artists who have created over 700 sculptures. The program is supported in part by grants from the Amesbury, Georgetown, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, and West Newbury Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Sponsors of the event are mentioned in both the app and on a signboard at Maudsley as a thank you.

8 Harris Rd Unit 1, Medford, MA 02155

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

$2,000

View Listing

Melissa Rodrigues-Silvestro

Finding the Best Agent Just Got Easier

By Robert Bentley, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
CEO/Owner & Residential/Commercial Sales Specialist for Bentley's, Robert has been the #1 agent in the Greater Newburyport market since 2011 per MLSPIN.com and Bentley's Sales Records. Robert's success is due to his dominance with on-line real estate marketing, strong negotiation skills, and good old fashioned work ethic. Robert has a strong sales, marketing, and finance background and always does what is necessary to get the deal done, and make his clients happy. Experience and proven reputation are key when you are making the largest financial transaction of a life time. Call or text 781-858-5115.

Finding the best agent just got easier, Newburyport MA

Finding the best agent just got easier. In partnership with Zillow and Trulia, RealTrends.Com is a national site that provides rankings of Real Estate Agent performance. They have been tracking Real Estate Agent performance at the agent, team, and brokerage level for the past eight years and provide consumers the data necessary to make an educated decision.

Buying and selling a home is typically one of the largest financial transactions you will make in your life time. Therefore it is critical to choose a local experienced agent with a proven track record. Do you purchase or sell a car without checking ratings websites? Almost all people research properties online, but researching agents is also an important part of the equation. You need someone you can count on to get the job done.

In real estate, like many other fields, the more transactions an agent has done, the more capable they are of effectively advising their clients. At the end of the day, you don’t need a new best friend, you need someone with extensive knowledge and experience, which directly correlates with sales performance.

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.

Hellcat Boardwalk Trail also called Hellcat Interpretative Trail – Plum Island

Hellcat Boardwalk Trail, Hellcat Interpretative Trail, Parker River, Plum Island, MA

The Hellcat Boardwalk Trail Trail, often referred to as the Hellcat Interpretative Trail for its planked pathway, is located in Plum Island’s Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The trail, which is handicap accessible and appropriate for kids and adults alike, offers a guided experience and breathtaking views.

The 1.4 miles long Hellcat Trail is divided into two different paths on either side of the road that runs through the refuge— a 0.6 mile Dunes Trail and an 0.8 mile Marsh Trail. Each section features lookout points and interpretive stations along the way to learn fun facts about the refuge and habitats. Visitors can choose to do just one of the paths or the entire loop. To reduce disturbance to wildlife all hikers must stay on the boardwalk at all times. Maps are available online and at the ranger station when you enter the refuge.

The Hellcat Interpretative Trail was originally built in the 1970s by high school students in the Youth Conservation Corps but recently got a Hellcat Interpretative Trail Parker River Boardwalk Trail, Plum Island, MA big upgrade in the fall of 2020. The wooded boardwalk was replaced with synthetic plastic planks and widened to make it more accessible. Along with upgrades to the Hellcat Trail, The Marsh and Dune loops, which were previously two separate paths, are now connected with a new portion of the trail.

Ready to head out on a hike to the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail? Here’s what you need to know before you go. All visitors must pay $5 per car to enter the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, unless they have an annual parking pass. Once on the refuge, the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail is about 3.5 miles from the entrance and closest in vicinity to parking lot 4 (the same lot you would also find the lookout tower from). And while your pup may love a good hike, you need to leave all four-legged family members at home—pets are not allowed anywhere on the refuge.

The Hellcat Trail is open year-round but make sure to keep tabs on when the greenheads arrive in mid-July. These pesky horseflies are prevalent on Plum Island and make for a less than ideal hike. Another environmental factor to keep an eye out for is poison ivy, which is present on parts of the trail. When possible wear pants and a long shirt to protect yourself. If you’re hoping to cool off with a swim after your hike, be aware there is no beach access available from the Hellcat Trail. You will have to exit the trail and walk or drive to a parking lot that offers beach access.

Staying Healthy and Safe This Summer

By Anna Jaques Hospital, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Anna Jaques Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit community hospital serving 17 cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley, North Shore and Southern New Hampshire.
Anna Jaques Hospital

Summertime in Newburyport brings beautiful weather, trips to the beach, outdoor activities, celebrations, and vacation fun. With that can also come accidents and injuries – big and small. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – the Anna Jaques Hospital Gerrish Family Foundation Emergency Department is here to provide advanced ER, emergency services right in the community.

ER Features:

Fast track services for minor injuries
Level III Trauma Center
Radiology
Laboratory
Consults/Referrals across 50 specialties
Tele-stroke service with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Diagnostic Imaging (CT Scan, MRI, etc.)
Access to more in-network providers
MedFlight helicopter service to Boston if needed

Entrance/access to the ER is located at 23 Rawson Ave., Newburyport, MA. To learn more, visit www.ajh.org/ER

Summer Safety Tips!

· Sun Protection: Wear light clothing and sunscreen, and reapply every few hours.

· Bug Safety: Avoid scented soaps, perfumes and hair sprays. Avoid stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom. Use insect repellent and/or cover up with light clothing.

· Bee Sting: To remove a visible stinger from the skin, gently back it out by scraping it with a credit card or ﬁngernail.

· Heat Stress: Drink plenty of water, and take a break every 20 minutes while active in the heat.

· Car Safety: Never leave children or pets alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

· Pool Safety: Closely supervise children in the pool and never leave them alone, even for a moment. Swim with “buddies”. Secure gates and fences at all times.

· Open Water Swimming: Never swim alone. Teach children about rip currents – if you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you escape the current, and then swim back to shore.

· Boating Safety: Wear life jackets at all times when on boats, docks or near bodies of water.

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.

Guide to Newburyport Preschool Registration & Kindergarten Registration

Entering into the public school system can feel exciting and daunting at the same time, which is why we’ve compiled all the information you’ll need for your family to tackle preschool registration, pre-k, and kindergarten registration—all in one convenient place. With our guide, you can spend less time searching for answers and more time preparing your children for their next big adventure.

For families entering the Newburyport Public School system for the first time, make sure to put the Parent Information Session on January 29th at 6 pm at the Bresnahan School on your calendar. Here teachers and principals will explain the process for both preschool registration and kindergarten registration, answer questions, and get you started on the overall process.

Preschool Registration

How it Works:

Preschool and pre-K are all part of the same program, The Integrated Preschool Program. Families with students returning to the program (ie. in their second year of preschool or entering pre-K) and new students that have had siblings attend the preschool program previously (this includes the former Brown Schools) are given priority registration from January 6th to the 16th. These students will be given spots before any lottery drawings.

From February 3rd through the 28th registration opens for all new preschool families, along with kindergarten registration. Preschool registrations can be dropped off in person at the Bresnahan School office during school days between 10 am and 2 pm, scanned and emailed tolmorasse@newburyport.k12.ma.us or gphillips@newburyport.k12.ma.us, or mailed to the school at 333 High Street. When the school system receives your completed application your family will be given a lottery number.

Preschool registration forms can all be found online and will also be handed out during the parent information session, January 29th at the Bresnahan School. In order to complete the process, you must fill out all forms which include: Enrollment Form, Confidential Student Health Form, MA Health Record Form, Home Language Survey, and Certification of Address Form. Along with the forms, applicants must also include a check or money order for $300, a copy of your child’s birth certificate, your child’s most recent health records, and proof of residency (utility bill or mortgage/lease agreement). You will not be given your lottery number until the school receives your application in its entirety.

A lottery will be drawn on March 4th at 10:00 AM at the Superintendent’s Office-70 Low St, if there are more applicants than spots. Programs range in demand, with the full day programs tending to be the most popular and the half day options generally having enough spots to meet demand. When filling out the application you will be able to give your top three preferences. If you aren’t selected for your first choice you will automatically be entered into the lottery for your second and third choices. Families may attend the drawing to see if your child is selected or wait for the school to post results online, this will be done no later than March 6th. Those that do not secure a spot will be put on a waitlist.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration is a somewhat easier and less stressful process than preschool registration, as all students are guaranteed a spot. Because all applicants will be accepted, there is no priority registration or lottery process to explain.

How it Works:

From February 3rd through the 28th families may submit their applications. kindergarten registrations can be dropped off in person at the Bresnahan School office during school days between 10 am and 2 pm, scanned and emailed to lmorasse@newburyport.k12.ma.us or gphillips@newburyport.k12.ma.us, or mailed to the school at 333 High Street.

All kindergarten programs are five days a week, but families can choose between half and full day options. While half day kindergarten is free, families must pay for the full day option. Visit here for tuition information. There are tuition assistance programs for families that qualify and families with multiple children entering kindergarten will also receive a discount.

As is with preschool registration, 0nly completed applications will be accepted. In order to be considered complete, you must submit all forms (these can be found online and will be handed out at the Parent Information session January 29th), which include: either the Full or Half Day Application, Newburyport Public School Enrollment Form, Confidential Student Health Form, Certificate of Address, Home Language Survey, Kindergarten Parent Questionnaire, Preschool Visitation Permission. Along with the forms, applicants must also include a check or money order for $380 if applying for full day kindergarten, a copy of your child’s birth certificate, your child’s most recent health records, and proof of residency (utility bill or mortgage/lease agreement).

Important Dates to Remember

January 6th-16th: Priority registration for preschool registration is open for returning preschool students and siblings of students that previously attended the preschool program (including former Brown Schools).
January 29th: Information session for all prospective families—preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten.
February 3rd-28th: Non-priority registration is open for preschool registration and kindergarten registration is open for all families.
March 4th: Preschool registration lottery will be held. If there are more students than slots, a waitlist will be formed.
Mid-March: Acceptance letters to all families in all programs are sent out.

River Valley Charter School

Along with the Bresnahan School, Newburyport is also home to River Valley Charter School. River Valley does not offer preschool, but you may apply for kindergarten.

How it Works:

Any family in Massachusetts may apply to this charter school—however, residents of Amesbury, Newburyport, Pentucket, and Triton are given enrollment preference. Siblings to currently enrolled students will also receive preference. General enrollment for River Valley is done by a lottery system.

Applications for kindergarten registration, as well as other grades, must be submitted by February 25th at 4 pm to be considered for the upcoming school year. You may apply online, in person at River Valley Charter School located at 2 Perry Way, or by mail.

Your registration checklist should include—the enrollment application, proof of residency, and a copy of your child’s birth certificate. Once completed, you will receive a unique application number and entered into the lottery.

The lottery drawing will be held on February 27th at 4 pm at the school. Families are welcome to attend the lottery drawing but it is not mandatory. Those not in attendance will receive a phone call and/or email to let them know the status of their application. Once a spot is offered, you have five days school days (five business days over the summer months) to accept the offer. Applicants that do not receive a spot will be placed on a waitlist in the order their number was drawn.

Spanish Tall Ship Nao Santa Maria Sails into Newburyport

In the Spring of 2019, crowds gathered along coastlines from Plum Island to Salisbury to watch the 200-ton Spanish tall ship, Nao Santa Maria, sail into Newburyport. The Custom House Maritime Museum docked this replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship the Santa Maria at the city’s Waterfront Park as part of their annual Newburyport Maritime Days celebration.

Built and launched in Spain in 2018, the 92-foot Nao Santa Maria was created by the same private foundation that built El Galeón, the Spanish tall ship that visited Newburyport in 2016. The Nao Santa Maria was built to honor the 555th anniversary of Christopher Columbus sailing to America from Spain.

Visitors flocked to Newburyport, the ship’s only stop on the East Coast, to explore and tour the Nao Santo Maria while it remained docked in town for over a week. Along with public tours, the Custom House Maritime Museum also hosted special events aboard the ship like a private breakfast and a special Little Pirates themed morning for kids. For adults, the CHMM Pirates Party featuring nationally touring Jimmy Buffett tribute band, Changes in Latitudes, dancing, and rum cocktails was a huge hit and the CHMM Black Tie Gala was an elegant evening with a 12 piece big band playing the Great American Songbook, food catered by the Poynt, and a selection of Spanish wines. The Council for Aging also had a chance to climb aboard the Spanish tall ship for coffee and donuts and a cocktail hour.

In addition to all the fun onboard the Nao Santa Maria, the Custom House Maritime Museum kept the festivities going onshore with an outdoor market showcasing local businesses at the waterfront park. The Newburyport Collection featured 18 local businesses to explore, sample, and shop.

A visit to the Custom House Maritime Museum is always a must when visiting downtown Newburyport. Whether you are a tourist or local, this museum is full of information and history about the city of Newburyport and the Merrimack Valley. From displays of famous shipwrecks to the history of the Coast Guard, there is something for everyone.

If you enjoy dining and shopping in the Greater Newburyport area, you may want to consider purchasing a Newburyport VIP Card in support of the Custom House Maritime Museum. The VIP Card provides discounts at 180 Greater Newburyport restaurants and shops and is available as a Digital VIP Card in the Newburyport App or as a Physical VIP Card. Purchase one card for $25 or two for $40 and $10 of your purchase will be donated to the Custom House Maritime Museum. Physical VIP Cards are available for purchase in the museum gift shop and both Digital and Physical VIP Cards can be purchased online. VIP Cardholders receive 10% off purchases of $25 or more in the museum gift shop and 50% off museum admission.

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.

Newburyport High School Prom – An Annual Tradition

By Taylor Walker, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Taylor is a local Newburyport writer helping to cover happenings within the Newburyport High School community. Taylor will be majoring in English at Worcester State University in the fall of 2018 and has participated in creative writing clubs.

Newburyport High School Prom is always a time of excitement and fun! It’s a wonderful tradition that students prepare for, weeks in advance. The 2019 Newburyport Senior Prom was held Thursday, May 30th and the festivities started at 5 PM with the annual promenade. The Promenade always takes place at Newburyport High School before the prom in order to include everyone in this memorable event. Students (who so chose) name’s are announced as they walked down the steps of the high school and then continue down a sidewalk lined with people. Friends, parents, younger & older siblings, other family members, and many from the community come out to be part of this exciting nigh for the students. After the Promenade, students take photos with friends and family and then are transported to the prom on buses. The prom will be held at Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury. The 2019 Prom Promenade Video was entirely produced by Julia Bentley, 11 year old daughter of Newburyport.com owners.

Traditionally, at a prom students were expected to wear formal attire. Male students wore a black tux with a tie or vest that corresponded in color to their date’s formal gown. Now, with today’s society evolving faster than ever, students, especially girls, are encouraged to express themselves, as they so choose. You will still see lots of formal dresses but you will also see some wearing outfits that stray from traditional gowns, like jumpsuits and even two piece fashions. Meanwhile, boys are wearing different colored suits and switching up their formal attire.

Not only are students more expressive with their attire, but there is far less pressure to attend the Newburyport High School Prom as a traditional couple. You will see groups of girls, groups of guys and LGBT couples too. Newburyport High School students are attending prom with friends that they want to make memories with. Newburyport High School senior Isabelle Bacon said, “As a member of the LGBT community, I have personally noticed that our community has become more accepting, because our society has grown in awareness that not everyone is the same.” The Newburyport High School seniors are a diverse group of students but they are ready to celebrate their many wonderful accomplishments as they prepare for exciting future endeavors.

Newburyport.com enjoyed helping to capture this great group of students and we hope you enjoy our video of the Newburyport High School Prom Promenade. Make sure to follow Newburyport VIP on Instagram to view our VIP Prom photo highlights.

2018 Prom Video:

Newburyport High School Prom

Newburyport Mother’s Day Specials and Brunch Spots

Whether you’re a local or looking to take a day trip, celebrating Mother’s Day in downtown Newburyport is a great way to say thank you to the special ladies in your life. From delicious brunch spots to unique shops to purchase a special gift, this waterfront town is the perfect destination for a fun family day. And come back any day of the week to grab a bite at one of Newburyport’s delicious breakfast spots!

Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Specials:
Give mom a break from the kitchen on Mother’s Day and head to one of these wonderful Newburyport area restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an inventive menu, outdoor seating, kid-friendly options, or a tasty cocktail menu, Newburyport is the perfect place to go brunching or enjoy or wonderful dinner. Most places take reservations online or you can call the restaurant directly.

Brine: If you’re looking to indulge in some oysters on Mother’s Day, book a coveted table at this oyster, crudo, and chop bar. While Brine is normally not open for brunch, they create a special menu for all the moms out there on Mother’s Day. Hit the raw bar and enjoy some of their super creative cocktails. Tables are limited, with additional sidewalk seating on a nice day. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Joy Nest: This large two-story restaurant, including a side outdoor patio area, features creative Thai street food in a jazzy speakeasy atmosphere. While they won’t be open for brunch, the Joy Nest will be serving the regular menu both Saturday and Sunday plus a few specials each day as well, consider heading here for lunch or dinner.
Mission Oak Grill: A traditional steak house and seafood restaurant with a few Brazilian inspired dishes, Mission Oak Grill will be serving brunch from 12 – 2 and the dinner menu all day on Mother’s Day, plus they will be offering a selection of Chef Specials.
Paddle Inn: For a casual yet hip experience, you will want to grab a table at this brunch spot. Serving up classic coastal foods from communities around the world, The Paddle Inn has a delicious brunch every Sunday. Menu favorites include the donut hole boat, breakfast burrito, and tableside bubbly with assorted fresh juices. On Mother’s Day, the restaurant will feature the regular brunch menu, plus a couple of specials. The Paddle Inn does not take reservations, so it’s a great option if you want to just pop in for a bite.
Seaglass Restaurant & Lounge: This restaurant is right on Salisbury Beach offering panoramic views of the ocean. On Mother’s Day they will be offering a reservation only brunch with pastries, made to order omelets, a carving station and more! There will even be an ice cream sundae bar for the kids…or the moms!
Sea Level Oyster Bar: This downtown Newburyport restaurant features a beautiful, spacious nautical interior seating area as well as outdoor seating in front of the restaurant if you like to be in the center of the action and on the back side of the restaurant if you prefer a picturesque view of the Merrimack River. Sea Level is serving brunch from 10:30 – 3 and they also a great choice if you prefer to treat Mom to dinner.

And while The Grog and Plum Island Beachcoma are also not brunch spots, they deserve an honorable mention for casual family-friendly destinations to grab lunch or dinner. Both restaurants will have live musical entertainment on Mother’s Day too!

Where to Shop:
Newburyport is filled with one-of-a-kind shops to spoil any mom. Go on a spree before Mother’s Day to surprise her, or shop together after visiting one of the brunch spots and pick up something special. For the perfect piece of jewelry stop by Kaya Jewelers for something more traditional or visit Pam Older Designs for handcrafted pieces. Got a mom that likes to kick back and relax? Grab her some bath supplies and cozy PJ’s at Soak & Shoreline. Or pop into Nauti Pearl for a great selection of unique and clothing and accessories for the mom that already has everything. And of course flowers and sweets are welcomed by all moms, so be sure to check out these locations below!

Nunan Florist and Greenhouse: Flowers for Mother’s Day are a traditional gift, but a visit to Nunan has so much more to offer than a simple bouquet. If you have a mom that loves gardening, Nunan is a dream. Take her on a shopping spree at the greenhouse to pick out plants, shrubs and flowers for your home. You can even make the visit a family day and grab an ice cream cone and play a round of mini golf at their course!
Beach Plum Flower Shop: If you are looking for the traditional bouquet of flowers, look no farther than this flower shop located at the Tannery. Call ahead or stop in to create the perfect floral arrangement filled with mom’s favorite flowers.
Simply Sweet: For moms with a sweet tooth, this old school candy shop is a must. They have everything from homemade chocolates to nostalgic candy to caramel apples. Grab a bag of something sweet to stroll through town snacking on or save the candy for later and order an ice cream cone.

Have Fun:
You’ve brunched, you’ve shopped— now don’t forget to plan some extra fun too! Moms are used to doing all the planning, so plan a little fun just for her.

Newburyport Whale Watch: You’re in a coastal town, so why not hop on a boat and hit the high seas? Set sail on the Captain Lady III and go on a whale watch.
Sole to Soul: If your mom is always on the go, give her tired feet a rest and book her an appointment at this foot spa where she will be pampered with a relaxing foot soak and massage.
Plum Island Kayaking: If your mom has a sense of adventure, book a tour by kayak or paddle board to explore the area. You’ll have the chance to see seals, local birds, and the sunset, depending on when you go out.

All listed businesses are part of the Newburyport.com VIP program, so make sure to check out your discounts before you visit! And for even more ways to explore Newburyport and support local shops, visit our full list of VIP Businesses.

Best Outdoor Dining in Newburyport – Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

The suns out, the weather’s warm, which means it’s time for some delicious outdoor dining, and nobody has better outdoor seating than Newburyport. From waterfront views to tacos on the run to classic New England seafood, our coastal town has it all. There are places great for kids and many that will even accommodate your four legged friends. If you are bringing your pup along for the day, pick a restaurant with a sidewalk/patio. Many will allow your buddy to hang just on the edge and some will even give them a refreshing bowl of water. So where will you be pulling up a seat for your next meal?

Hanging Downtown

Located on the pedestrian only Inn Street, lined with quaint local shops, Oregano Pizzeria & Ristorante is a great choice for Italian and Lebanese food. While the patio is technically on a sidewalk, the restaurant does a great job using greenery and plants to make you feel like you’re having a private outdoor dining experience.

Heading over to State Street, the main drag in town, there are tons of restaurants offering sidewalk outdoor seating, so you can relax and still experiencing the bustle of Newburyport on a beautiful day. If you’re looking to experiment, pop into The Paddle Inn for their eclectic menu ranging from Korean rice balls to fish tacos and everything in between, and of course equally creative cocktails. Brine, which describes itself as New England’s first Oyster, Crudo and Chop Bar, is your restaurant if your group fancies some caviar, a solid steak and oysters.

Exploring downtown but hoping for dinner with a view? Sea Level Oyster Bar, offers substantial outdoor seating with a front patio overlooking downtown as well as a back patio overlooking Waterfront Park and the Merrimack River. Grab a seat out back and watch the boats come and go as you enjoy their extensive menu, ranging from a raw bar to sandwiches, pizza and lobster dinners. Come on a cool summer night and hang out by their fire pit for an after dinner drink.

Exploring ALL of Newburyport

While Downtown has its draws, Newburyport has amazing restaurants worth a quick walk or drive from the main area.

Just a block off the center of downtown is Mission Oak, a delicious steak house situated in a renovated church. While the steaks are delicious, if you’re looking for a lighter fare, they also offers a more casual bar menu. Grab a seat on their sidewalk patio or the back patio, and enjoy a quieter outdoor seating option to the busy State Street restaurants.

Head east of town to the Tannery for delicious Thai Cuisine, and enjoy the side patio at Brown Sugar by the Sea.

Just a half block down and you can drop into Starboard Galley for your seafood fix and enjoy outdoor dining with river views, or continue driving toward Plum Island to dine on award winning lobster rolls at picnic tables overlooking the marshes at Bob Lobster.

If Mexican is what you’re craving, head towards the train station for this local gem. Metzy’s Cantina, a Newburyport staple, serves up a mean taco and margarita and has an awesome outdoor seating area where your kids can stretch their legs and play in the grass.

Quick Bites and Takeout

There’s so much going on in town, you may not want to stop and sit for too long. Newburyport has great options for privately owned quick service casual dining without the wait. If you want to grab a slice, Anchor Stone Pizza is your stop. While their cheese pizza is amazing, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try out their delicious specialty pies, all named after local spots. Order online or at the counter and enjoy great people watching from Anchor’s outdoor seating. However, if you’d like to grab a quick beer or coffee with that sandwich or salad, swing by Coffee Factory and snag a seat at their State Street sidewalk seating.

Sweet Treats

And no meal is complete without dessert. Grab a cone at Dolce Freddo Gelato and sit back and relax at a nearby bench or take your refreshing dessert down to the waterfront for a stroll. Feeling guilty about all the delicious food you’ve already indulged in? Opt for a healthier, yet equally satisfying snack, at The Juicery and kick back at their outdoor dining area.

So if you’re looking for great outdoor seating options, Newburyport is the place to be. Just keep in mind that you can enjoy discounts at local restaurants and shops by presenting a valid Best of Newburyport VIP Card. The VIP Card Program rewards card holders with discounts every time they visit any of the 180 Greater Newburyport participating businesses. Purchase one VIP Card for $25 or two for $40 and $10 or 40% of your purchase is a donated to a local nonprofit partner of your choice. View discounts on Newburyport.com or by downloading the Newburyport App. Purchase your VIP Card today and have fun saving to save on your outdoor dining expenses!

7 Worths Ln, West Newbury, MA 01985

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

$899,900

River views in a lifetime location, West Newbury on the Merrimack is a dream. Relax on your porch and watch the boats go by or adventure out on the river to ports unknown. This New 2015 home was built to the highest standard on large 1 1/2 acre lot. Open kitchen, dining, living and outdoor space is great for entertaining! Sit back in your sunroom for long lazy weekends, the game is on, the fire is going, surrounded by friends and family. 4 good size bedrooms on the second floor including a master retreat. 1st floor office or guest room, plus a great bonus finished lower level studio /media room. The best materials and timeless finishes throughout, this modest but impressive home offers all you hoped to find in your new riverview home all close to Newburyport and Plum Island Beaches!

View Listing

Robert Bentley

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.

Summer IS Special at the Club

Two bedroom apartment located in a quiet neighborhood near Tufts University, Whole Foods, and Public Transportation

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Melissa Rodrigues-Silvestro

Explore Greater Newburyport Breweries – Local Craft Beers

Greater Newburyport Breweries, Newburyport

People may not realize it, but there are many Greater Newburyport breweries offering the kind of local craft beers we usually associate with Vermont or Oregon. Whether you’re an area native or visiting from out-of-town, here are a few Newburyport breweries where you can find just the right craft beers to fill up your frosty mug. All of these Newburyport breweries are as unique and individual as the people who run them, and all offer taprooms where you can explore and sample the different offerings. So, relax, hang out for a bit, gather with your friends, sample brews, bring the kids if you want, and take in the vibe.

RiverWalk Brewing Co. 40 Parker St. Newburyport
In 2012, Riverwalk started brewing beer in 3 gallon pots in a garage along the Riverwalk Trail in Amesbury, MA. These folks describe their vision of beer as “worldly,” and such craft beers as the “Rustic Pils,” a Czech-style pilsner, and “Uncle Bob’s Session Ale,” made in the British brewing tradition, and “Tricoastal,” a Belgian-style ale. They have an outdoor beer garden that welcomes dogs and an indoor Taproom (service dogs only) with a fun but limited menu including a pretzel served with ground mustard, a charcuterie board, a grilled cheese bar, sandwiches, and a couple of offerings for kids.

The RiverWalk facility is 2,000 square feet, which lets them brew a wide variety of beers. The company is also investing in renewable, sustainable energy, revealing a corporate focus on responsibility to the community. The building uses a wind turbine that supplies power to the building and a 500-kw rooftop solar array. Even the grain is recycled – at the end of a day of brewing, the grain is sent to Artichoke Farms, a dairy in West Newbury, to feed the livestock.

Plus, RiverWalk offers some fun events. As of this writing, these include: a Zombie Luau, live music, and “Bootcamp and Brews,” featuring a high intensity workout followed by a beer tasting.

Newburyport Brewing Company – 4 New Pasture Road Newburyport, MA
Located on New Pasture Road, just off Graf Road, this brewery offers free tours on Saturdays at 5:00. (Children under 12 are not allowed on the tour.) Newburyport Brewing offers a selection of beers that are available year-round, including an IPA, a pale ale, and a series of limited release small-batch beers. At this writing, that includes a New England IPA, a Yankee Blue brewed with blueberries, and a full-bodied stout. There’s no restaurant on site, but snacks can be attained using one of three methods: 1) you can purchase snacks -pretzels, beef jerky, chips 2) you can bring your own food, or 3) Hello, delivery! The bartender keeps a stack of delivery menus on hand for Newburyport restaurants that will deliver to the taproom. Check out the calendar of events in their tasting room, including Pats Games and Trivia Nights. Then come on down and give these suds a try!

House Bear Brewing 3 Graf Rd. Unit #15 Newburyport, MA 01950
Run by friends Beth Borges and Carl Hirschfeld, House Bear brewing creates a brew that’s a little different – mead! Mead is made by fermenting honey with water, or other fruits, spices and grains. This creates an alcoholic beverage that can be either dry or sweet, flat or bubbly. House Bear offers a variety of meads, ranging from a simple honey and water-based mead to lemonade mead, to the more exotic chocolate hot pepper mead. Check their Facebook page for information about events, including tastings in their Graf Street location on Thursdays from 4-7, paint nights, and many others throughout the Boston area.

BareWolf Brewing 12 Oakland St, Amesbury
BareWolf is a family beer business run by father/son team Paul & Stevie Bareford and their friends Matt Neff and Wyeth Bednar. This group is committed to beer. On Saturdays in the tap room – a place that welcomes both dogs kids – you can find live music. BareWolf doesn’t have a menu, but they do offer snacks, welcome you to bring your own, or there’s a pizza place around the corner that delivers.

Ipswich Ale 2 Brewery Place Ipswich MA
This one’s a little father afield from Newburyport, but it deserves a mention since it was doing small-batch brewing before it was cool, back in 1991, and they have a great brew pub. You can find Ipswich Ale not only in area stores and restaurants, but also at loads of festivals and events throughout the area. Brewery tours cost $3 for those over 21 (free for everybody under 21) and are offered Saturdays and Sundays: 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, and 5 pm and include beer tasting for participants over 21, soda tasting for all, and a talk about the brewing process and the brewery’s history. In addition to beer, they also make a wide selection of soda pops with fresh flavors like birch beer, black cherry, cream soda, raspberry and watermelon and, of course, root beer. The restaurant offers live music every Thursday and Friday nights, and “Breakfast for Dinner” night on the third Wednesday of each month. Check the calendar for the music schedule.

If your looking for fun things to do, and you enjoy quality craft beers make sure you pay a visit to our local Greater Newburyport breweries. Enjoy!

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.

2019 Great Chefs’ Night ~ Boots & Scrubs

Yee haw! Boots & Scrubs, the 2019 Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association Great Chefs’ Night, will ride into town on Friday, April 5^th at the Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, MA. Come dressed in your finest pair of jeans and cowboy boots, or favorite fancy duds. All to benefit Anna Jaques Hospital.

For more than 25 years, this signature event hosted by the Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association has brought together employees, volunteers, board members, community leaders, and hospital supporters to enjoy food samplings from local restaurants and chefs, live entertainment, raffle prizes, a live auction, cash bar, and dancing.

Enter to win 2 fabulous Great Chefs’ Night raffles:

$5,000 jewelry raffle, donated by Matt and Karyn Khatib of M.K. Benatti Jewelers. Tickets: 1 for $20 or 3 for $50
$5,000 dream vacation, donated by BNY Mellon. Win a travel voucher for the destination of your choice. Tickets: 1 for $50

Thank you to this year’s Great Chefs’ Night presenting sponsor: Provident Bank.

For more information or to purchase event and/or raffle tickets, please visit www.ajh.org/aidassociation.

Green Expo – Learn About Net Zero Newburyport

For anyone wondering how they can do their part to help the environment, the upcoming Greater Newburyport Green Expo on Thursday, April 11 from 4-8 PM at the Rupert A Nock Middle School is the perfect place to start. From speakers to interactive exhibits, the Green Expo aims to educate people of all ages about sustainability through net zero strategies. At this free event, attendees will enjoy products and programs from over 30 of the area’s most exciting eco-friendly companies. Click to view the full agenda of exhibitors and speakers.

Whether you are a residents, business leaders, educators, or students, the Green Expo has something for everyone. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your emissions, tips for recycling, ways to create an eco-friendly home, energy efficient improvements, nature friendly landscaping, and more.

Among the exhibitors will be many hands-on activities and visuals including Newburyport’s popular Repair Cafe staffed and ready to take on repairs, a display of electric cars, energy consultants, and delicious healthy food options from For The Love of Food and Drink.

You can also expect to visit with non-profit organizations—including the Mass Audubon, the Newburyport Farmer’s Market, and Our Neighbor’s Table—to name just a few. These exhibits will focus on issues like clean water, local food production, waste reduction, and more.

Equally exciting, the Green Expo’s featured speaker, Newburyport Mayor, Donna Holaday, will share plans to create a Net Zero Newburyport, unveiling strategies to to put the city on a path toward zero waste and carbon neutrality. Senator Diana DiZoglio and Representative James Kelcourse will also be attending to Green Expo and making opening remarks.

The overall purpose of the Green Expo is to teach communities how they can come together to address environmental issues like energy use, waste, and resiliency to confront climate change. So whether you are looking for ways to improve energy use at your business, cut down on waste consumption as a local resident, want to learn more about going net zero, or you would to teach your child how they too can make an impact, this event has it all covered. Visit the Green Expo website to learn more about this important community initiative.

Platinum Sponsors: National Grid, N.E.T.R. Inc, and Revision Energy.

Gold Sponsors: Amesbury Industrial Supplies, Home Works Energy, Lombardi Oil, Beach Plum Flowers, Eastern Insurance, Apex Green Roofs, Serv Pro, Sun Bug Solar, RevolouSun, Window Woman, Andrew Sidford Architects, Green Cocoon, North Shore Home Energy, Graf Architects, Energy Source, Kearney HVAC, Rescom, Renewal by Andersen, High Road Farm, Black Earth Compost, Hall & Moskow, and Castagna Construction.

Newburyport Choral Society Spring Concert – Voices of America

Newburyport Choral Society Spring Concert Harmony

With the warmer weather and blossoming flowers also comes an opportunity to enjoy beautiful live music at the annual Newburyport Choral Society Spring Concert. Tickets are now on sale for Newburyport Choral Society’s (NCS) performance, Voices of America, celebrates great American composers on Saturday, May 4th at 8 pm and Sunday, May 5th at 4 pm at Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High Street in Newburyport. This Spring Concert will not only showcase the work of incredible composers, but will offer a virtuoso performance by the 150 voices of NCS singers, along with a 17 piece professional orchestra and four soloists, all devoted to contributing to the culture of Greater Newburyport through choral music.

The Newburyport Choral Society spring concert will be led by the talented Music Director Dr. George Case. Case divides his time between Newburyport and Boston, where he is also the Director of Choral Activities at the Boston Conservatory. At the Conservatory, he not only directs the chorale ensembles, but also teaches Choral Literature and directs the graduate choral conducting program.

At the spring concert, audiences will have the pleasure of hearing choral masterworks in the wonderful acoustics of Belleville Congregational Church. This year’s spring concert will feature music from the great american composers Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Utah composer Andrew Maxfield.

Enjoy Copland’s music, blending folk art and musical theater, while capturing themes, melodies, and rhythms that are uniquely American. Move to the sounds of Bernstein, known for bringing people together with his music, regardless of their religions or origins. With a jazzy contemporary style, his dramatic Chichester Psalms is most commonly associated with Church music with the Judaic liturgical tradition. And Maxfield will be making his New England premier at the spring concert, celebrating Wendell Berry in Music, based on a collection of texts by this American poet.

The Newburyport Choral Society has been a community cultural asset for over 80 years. Along with the spring concert, they also performs a winter concert each year. NCS members range in age from high school students to retirees and are united in their passion for singing and sharing choral music with the Greater Newburyport Community.

Tickets for Voices of America are available in advance online as well as at the following locations:

Newburyport: Chamber of Commerce, 38 Merrimac Street, Unit 101; Jabberwocky, 50 Water Street; The Book Rack, 52 State Street; & The Natural Grocer, 334 High Street
Amesbury: Starbird Jewelers, 80 Main Street
Ipswich: Conley’s Drug Store, 146 High Street

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

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.

172 Main St Unit 1, Amesbury, MA 01913

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

$2,700

Spacious In-town townhouse full of charm and character. Hardwood floors and new light grey walls will be inviting and modern.Plenty of storage, including a basement for extra storage. Laundry in your unit, no more lugging the laundry! Chef’s kitchen with granite overlooking a spacious dining area, great open concepts. Their are 5 bedrooms, one is on the first floor, no stairs for this one, great for someone with limited mobility. Two other bedrooms are on the second floor, including the full bath. On the third floor their are two more bedrooms with a walk-in closet. The living room has a pretty fireplace and built-in bookcases. With-in minutes to 495 and 95, great for a commuter.

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Luisa Pereira

GNFC Adult Purge & Purchase Sale – Designer and Name Brand Deals!

Love shopping? Love great deals? Stop by The Greater Newburyport Families Club Purge & Purchase consignment sale to shop a huge array of designer and name brand clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. Purge & Purchase will open from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 8th and from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 9th at the Plum Island Taxpayers Association Hall.

If you plan your visit for Friday, the evening doubles as a Sip & Shop. That means you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer and light appetizers while scanning the racks for the perfect additions to your wardrobe.

What can you expect to find? The GNFC promises name brand and designer items that are priced to sell from roughly 100 different sellers. Be on the look out for designer names like Burberry, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Kate Spade, and name brand items by Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and Anthropologie, to name just a few.

If you’d like to clean out your closets before filling them up with your new purchases, the club is still accepting new sellers with gently used brand name and on-trend items. To be a part of Purge & Purchase, simply set up your account online. 70% of all sales go directly to the seller and GNFC plans to donate a portion of it’s proceeds to a local charity. The sale is open to both members and nonmembers, to shop and/or sell.

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Luisa Pereira

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Hygge-pronounced ‘hew gah’

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