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The Town Common

By Stewart Lytle, Reporter

LARGEST DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE NORTH SHORE OF MA & COASTAL NH

www.thetowncommon.com

IPSWICH – The more than 150 residents,

who showed up last week on Zoom at the

town’s Zoning Board of Appeals, thought it

was the last chance to voice their opposition

to the approval of 191 apartments and

townhomes called Essex Pastures.

But after three and a half hours of debate,

the developer John Bruni agreed to extend

consideration of the project and keep the

ZBA’s public meeting open until April 15,

when the almost three-year-old fight over

the proposed project will continue.

EST. 1982

Vitamins ▪ Supplements ▪ CBD

174 Newburyport turnpike, Rowley

978-561-3219 | M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5

PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR 17 YEARS

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Vol. 17, No. 23

the lessons of endurance that are

the foundation of his remarkable

marathon running career. He has

completed a marathon in every US

state - not once, but twice!

He knows, from experience, that

valuable results in life are accomplished

over time. His interests span

years in the nutritional supplements

business, his real estate sales success,

and competitive running.

Michael began working at the

age of 15 in a GNC supplements

store. He stayed with the retail

work, and grew as the company

grew. By the time he went to

college at Bentley University, he

bought his first multi-family home

from having saved, ‘GNC wages

and my paper route money.’ Even

then, he had the light-hearted

approach of ‘doing it for the fun

Photo / The Town Common

Owner of The Organic Natural Shop, Michael Goolkasian. Organic Natural Shop, page 3

Bruni has proposed the project under

the state’s chapter 40B Housing rules that

allows developers to override local zoning

bylaws to increase the number of affordable

homes in cities and towns where less

than 10 percent of the housing is consider

affordable.

The town of Ipswich has 9.3 percent affordable

housing stock. Under state law

affordable housing would be available to

owners or renters who earn 80 of the median

household income in the community.

The Bruni project, near the intersection

Come visit our

new location.

20% off

non-sale

items.

of state Routes 1A and 133, proposes to

build a combination of apartments in twoand

three-story buildings and 18 three-bedroom

townhouses on a 13.25-acre parcel at

the old Bruni Marketplace, which closed in

2013. Almost 50 of the units, about 25 percent

of all homes, would be designated as

affordable.

There would be 384 parking spaces, including

48 garages. In the center of the

development would be a large community

clubhouse, patio and pool.

Paul Meneghini, a resident who stayed

passed 10 p.m. to speak to the ZBA, said

“the size and scope of project is adversarial

to the beauty and character of this town.”

In a letter on the project, Joyce Kippin,

another attendee, wrote, “In the hands of

this developer, it will destroy the fabric of

our community. The uniqueness of our

beautiful, historical Ipswich that makes our

town such an attractive and varied place

to live is being replaced with a mega 40B

housing project — local control and zoning

be damned. Furthermore, it is on the Essex

FREE

Local Businessman and Team at

‘The Organic Natural Shop’ Help Customers Feel Better

By Sarah E. Hull M Ed

The Organic Natural Shop’s

owner, Michael Goolkasian, has

hit his stride - once again - in

finding the right location for his

business that serves customers

searching to improve their health.

Where is it? At 174 Newburyport

Turnpike, #8, in the Rowley Mall,

next to the UPS store and Rowley

Liquors, and near TD Bank.

Michael is a dynamic, multifaceted,

successful businessman and

accomplished endurance athlete

who has never limited his astonishing

energy and passion for helping

people to just one career path.

As he says, ‘I’ve always believed

in following what interests me, and

things have worked out, over time.’

He self-deprecatingly added, ‘I got

lucky doing multiple things, and

didn’t settle.’ He also understands

Essex Pastures Grants an Extension

The old Bruni Market sign.

Stewart Lytle / The Town Common

Scenic Coastal Byway.”

Opposition to the Bruni project, which

has galvanized many residents, has focused

on the strain adding hundreds of residents

and cars will cause to the police, fire,

Bruni, page 5


Page 2 www.TheTownCommon.com

March 31, 2021

The Town Common

www.thetowncommon.com

Published by

Town Common Media Partners

161 Main St.

#2 Rowley, MA. 01969

(978) 948-8696

FAX: (978) 948-2564

The Town Common is the largest

free printed newspaper serving the

communities of the Upper North

Shore of Mass. and Coastal New

Hampshire. We welcome your

participation.

Send your news, feature ideas,

letters to the editor, organization

notices, article submissions, announcements,

and photos to us by

email, postal mail or fax:

editor@towncommonmedia.com

161 Main St. #2

Rowley, MA. 01969

FAX: (978) 948-2564

The Town Common copy deadline

is 5 p.m. every Wednesday.

Letters to the editor provide a useful

way of communicating concerns,

issues, or suggestions to all members

of the community. The Town Common

encourages all citizens to submit letters

concerning issues of interest and concern to

the local community.

Letters selected for publication maybe

edited for length and clarity.

Some letters may serve as a catalyst for

other articles and coverage, and community

leaders and agencies will be offered an

opportunity to respond to letters concerning

their areas of responsibility.

All letters must be signed and include

a daytime phone number and email to

validate authenticity.

The Town Common is not responsible

for typographical errors or omissions, but

reprint opportunities do exist for prompt

notification of such errors. Advertisers

should notify

The Town Common of any errors in ads on

the first day of issuance.

No credits and/or refunds are offered or

implied.

All material and content cannot be

duplicated without written consent of the

editor. The right is reserved to reject, omit,

or edit any copy offered for publication.

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Design

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lola@towncommonmedia.com

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Marc Maravalli, B.S., R.Ph.

Founder Publisher/Editor

In loving memory of

Liz Ichizawa, Reporter (1956 - 2005)

Copyright 2004-2020

The Town Common©

All Rights Reserved

Caring, Compassionate, Dignified

Service when you need it most.

14 Independent St., Rowley, MA

www.fsrobertsandson.com

office@fsrobertsandson.com

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3 Wed 2:09 10.2 2:36 9.6 8:31 -0.9 8:51 -0.5 6:13 5:36

4 Thu 3:00 10.3 3:31 9.3 9:26 -0.8 9:43 -0.2 6:11 5:37

5 Fri 3:54 10.2 4:28 8.8 10:24 -0.6 10:40 0.2 6:09 5:39

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8 Mon 6:58 9.6 7:40 8.1 12:45 0.7 1:33 0.0 6:04 5:42

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13 Sat 11:29 9.2 11:52 8.7 5:21 0.3 5:48 0.1 5:56 5:48

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30 Tue 1:08 10.4High1:35 10.1 7:29 -1.1Low7:49 -0.7 6:26 7:08

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Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor,

Licensed & Insured

There are plenty of reasons

to be skeptical about the huge

new transfer station on Carleton

Dr. proposed by G. Mello Disposal.

Currently under consideration

by several town bodies,

the proposal would replace the

existing 50-ton transfer station

on East Main St. with a massive

new facility handling literally

10 times as much waste in

an environmentally sensitive

area, drastically increasing the

amount of trash moving in and

out of Georgetown every day and

sending dozens of large garbage

trucks through some of the busiest

intersections in town, with

predictable impacts on driving

conditions.

I found myself an abutter of

the proposed site when my fiance

and I moved to Georgetown

in December. I'd oppose the plan

regardless of where I lived, because

its negative impact will extend

beyond any particular neighborhood,

or even the town itself.

Estimates submitted by Mello

Disposal, and available on the

Planning Department's website,

suggest there would be virtually

no increase in traffic from passenger

vehicles if the new, 500-ton

station were built, since the size

of the existing site is adequate

for the needs of Georgetown residents.

What would increase—in

fact, what would skyrocket—is

the number of large trash trucks

passing through town, because it

would be primarily commercial

operations from other communities

that would utilize the station.

According to the Mello Disposal's

numbers, the current transfer

station sees an average of one

large roll-off container truck—

basically Dumpsters on wheels—

each weekday; the new site would

welcome 60, with the resulting

tonnage shooting up from five to

300. Packers—those familiar residential

garbage trucks—would

also use the new station; 10 of

them every day, bringing in another

150 tons of trash. Smaller,

U-Haul type commercial trucks

would be drawn to the new site in

larger numbers as well, up from

41 to 50.

Combined, these heavy commercial

vehicles would make some

280 trips to the transfer station

every single weekday, up from

the current 96. Hauling away all

this trash—at least what doesn't

blow onto the streets or into the

surrounding protected wetlands—

would be enormous transfer trailers,

semis crammed with garbage;

20 of them, each and every weekday,

up from six at the current station.

Most of that would be coming

in and out of town via Rt. 95,

clogging up the exit and entrance

ramps on Rt. 133. The overpass

there is already a joy to navigate

from any direction, without this

huge influx of big, unwieldy trash

trucks. And repairing the inevitable

damage to the road surface

of state highways is out of local

hands, just one more item on the

Department of Transportation's

endless to-do list.

It's a lot to ask residents to put

up with, for a project with no discernible

upside, at least for anyone

who doesn't own the transfer

station. I hope anyone who's interested

in learning more will attend

some of the upcoming public

hearings dealing with the issue.

The Planning Board will meet on

April 14 and 28, and the Conservation

Commission will be dealing

with the issue in coming months

as well, assessing the impact on local

wildlife. Times, dates, and links

to virtual meetings are available on

the town's site.

Keeping You Clean From Floor to Ceiling

Sincerely,

Conor Powers-Smith

Georgetown

Free Estimates

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CLEANING SERVICE

Home & Office

Marlinda.Lafoe@IpswichCleaningService.com

Home: 978-887-5819 Cell: 617-505-7445


March 31, 2021 www.TheTownCommon.com

Page 3

Local Businessman and Team at ‘The Organic

Natural Shop’ Help Customers Feel Better

Organic Natural Shop,

from page 1

of it.’ As he shared, ‘I had three

roommates who paid me, and we

broke even.’

He was later promoted at GNC

to outside sales, and brokered

vitamins and supplements. He

became a familiar ‘road warrior’

throughout New England - meeting

with ‘mom and pop’ supplement

stores from Bar Harbor,

Maine to Greenwich, CT. As he

shares, ‘they are the cornerstone of

the natural foods business,’ and he

got to know them like family.

He was promoted to a Vice

President after building many

lines, including Dr. Atkins ‘Nordic

Naturals’ fish oils. He also

helped to launch products in Wild

Harvest and Nature’s Heartland,

plus Bread & Circus, prior to the

buyout by Whole Foods. He then

bought a couple of supplement

stores in the Worcester/Leominster

area before moving to Topsfield.

From there, he relocated to

the current store in Rowley.

To say that he has extensive experience

in the supplements industry

would be an understatement. His

people skills, and commitment to

serving customers with unbeatable

pricing and responsive service,

have paved his path to success.

He also uses vitamins and supplements

as a marathon runner,

and local athletes, among others

who are searching for pain relief to

healing chronic conditions, value

his recommendations. His work is

a testament to the rewards received

when challenging oneself to attain

new ‘milestones’ in life while balancing

one’s body, mind, and spirit.

And now, Michael gets one

of his biggest ‘kicks’ by helping

others, along with his personable

team, in the North Shore area to

attain healthier states of well-being.

‘I’m fortunate that at this time

of life, I’m not working to pay to

put my kids through college. I’m

able to work for the enjoyment I

get from helping others.’

He offers free, 30-minute nutritional

consults at the store (book

online, or call (978) 561-3219.)

and recommends quality supplements

and vitamins from Top-tier

suppliers such as Mega Foods and

Irwin Naturals. One of his favorite

product lines is Dr. Mercola’s. As

he says, ‘he’s a practicing physician

who sells online at full retail prices

to not undercut ‘brick and mortar’

Photo / The Town Common

Michelle Hammond shops for essential

oils.

stores. I like his philosophy.’

Tricia, a longtime associate at

the store, also shares that ‘it’s a

large store in terms of the number

of different products we carry,

yet it still maintains a welcoming

local ‘feel.’ Customers comment

that,’they like supporting local,

and appreciate its convenience,

compared to getting in the car and

driving to a Whole Foods, or other

supplement suppliers in Danvers

and Saugus.’

When asked about his clientele

and the most requested products,

Michael comments, ‘Most of our

clients are between 30 and 60 years

old, and 75% of them are women

who are searching to take better

care of their health. The men who

stop in usually want CBD products

to help maintain energy and

take the edge off, and the women

are looking at Vitamin C, D,

collagen, gluten-free products, or

plant-based proteins. Everyone

wants to feel healthier.’

The shop itself is a natural extension

of Michael and his team’s

low-key, friendly, and relaxed

‘vibe.’ Customers can enjoy a fresh

cup of a rejuvenating tea, browse

and learn more about the over

1000 products, smell incenses, essential

oils and candles, or have a

nutritional consult.

Gwen Irwin, author of ‘The Joy

of Eating: the anti-diet solution

for weight loss and health,’ (and

no relation to Irwin Naturals), has

worked with Michael for over two

years, and shared that most people

have recently come in expressing,

‘I’m so tired.’ She mentioned

that it’s ‘human nature to want a

quick fix when feeling aches and

pains.’ At the same time, people

who come in get into a different

mindset when realizing that their

health improvement is a journey,

and is influenced by their diet,

culture, and their thoughts about

themselves, and what is going on.’

The good news is that, as she says,

‘by making some small changes in

their lives, they can get healthier.’

The pandemic has impacted

people on many levels, Michael

adds that, ‘people like coming in

to see a real person. During the

pandemic, it was good that we

stayed open, even with slightly

limited hours. Customers and staff

enjoyed having a place to go to,

aside from a grocery store.’

The store offers 20% off nonsale

items on a first purchase, and

10% off non-sale items for following

purchases. There’s also a 20%

discount offered when signing up

for their online newsletter (www.

thenaturalshop.org) It’s the place

to go to find what is needed. Michael

knows who has product

available throughout the regional

network, and also shops around to

larger suppliers.

When he is asked about the

current scientifically unproven

benefits of CBD, or some of the

natural supplements, he simply

comments, ‘it’s a sign of success

when customers repeatedly tell us

that they just feel better.’ Whether

it’s coping with allergies, anxiety,

fatigue, or needing low sugar and

gluten-free support, among other

issues, they have excellent suggestions

to help.

And, it’s not only humans

that benefit from natural supplements.

Pets also can be given

gummies and multivitamins. Michael

shared that, ‘an area groomer

sends people in to find products

to help reduce their pet’s anxiety

when going for a groom, or when

traveling.’ Michael said that they

also want to help support ‘local

artisans such as artists, photographers,

healthy bakers, and juice

creators who want a place to share

their work.’

Please visit to experience the relaxed,

soothing atmosphere of The

Organic Natural Shop for yourself.

Ask Michael and his terrific

team to suggest a special vitamin,

supplement, or CBD product that

can help make a difference in your

well-being. As Michael shares,’We

love helping people to feel better!’

Hours are Mon. 10-5:30, T-F

10-6 pm, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5.

Phone: (978) 561-3219.

BECKINGHAM

CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE

- Pain Relief for

Common Conditions

- Gentle * Correcting *

State of the Art

25 Years of Experience

978-356-3979

To speak with the doctor

» Covered by Most Insurance

» 130 County Road, Ipswich, MA

» beckinghamchiropractic@verizon.net

DR. DAVID C.

BECKINGHAM

Support

Local

Journalism

www.TheTownCommon.com


Page 4 www.TheTownCommon.com

March 31, 2021

Long Live Stat Geek

By Stewart Lytle, Reporter

REGIONAL – The legions of

David Niles’ fans never saw his

face, but looked forward to hearing

his voice when he called regularly

on the “Felger & Mazz”

sports radio show on 98.5 FM.

“He brightened my day whenever

he called in,” wrote one fan

about Niles.

Using the moniker, the Stat

Geek in Natick, Niles provided the

Sports Hub show hosts, veteran

sports commentators Mike Felger

and Tony Massarotti, and their listeners

with insights from spreadsheets

he kept on sports statistics.

Another fan wrote: “I never met

David, but I was always happy

and excited to hear his voice. He

truly shined with his unique statistical

analysis. The knowledge

and personality he brought to the

airwaves will be deeply missed. I

hope he knew just how many fans

he had as he achieved guest expert

and celebrity status within the

sports hub community.”

A devoted New York Yankees

fan, Niles was a “wizard with

numbers,” said Brett Reis, his

childhood best friend.

At 27-years-old, Niles died six

years ago from complications of

the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.

Niles’ life and struggle with

the eating disorder are the subject

of a new play, Stat Geek in Natick,

written by Reis. It will premier

this week on April 1st and continue

through April 3rd in a live

streamed performance from the

Firehouse Theater in Newburyport.

“The show packs an emotional

punch,” Reis said. “It’s an

eye-opening, heart-wrenching story

that we can’t wait to share. And

it’s not just for sports fans.”

Reis, who will also direct the

play, said, “We don’t know enough

about eating disorders. There is so

much uncertainty. This play will

shed light on this darkness.”

Anorexia can be deadly as it was

for Niles, who developed the eating

disorder while in high school.

Over time, it causes organ damage

and ultimately organ failure, Reis

said.

John Moynihan, the Firehouse

executive director, wrote “I’m

proud to be involved in this project.

Theater has the unique ability

to move you in ways that you never

thought possible, and Stat Geek

in Natick does just that.”

Niles and Reis became friends

in pre-school in their hometown

of Rehoboth. Their mothers were

friends and set up a play date that

lasted through elementary school

and middle school, different high

schools, colleges and careers.

A graduate of the University of

New Hampshire, Niles used his

gift with numbers to become a

data analysis for Vistaprint in Lexington

for two years. He lived in

Natick.

On his on-line obituary, hundreds

of family members, friends

and fans wrote about their love

and admiration for David.

His mentor when he was a college

intern wrote: “David's academic

brilliance was paired with a

wit and engaging personality that

no doubt comes from being an avid

sports fan here in New England. I

was privileged to have David on

my team as a college intern at Fidelity

on two occasions. His work

was not only exemplary, but he was

patient with the rest of us as he explained

the intricacies and nuance

of his analysis so that we would

eventually catch up with him.”

Reis and Niles’ parents, Robert

From left, David Niles and Brett Reis.

and Pamela, always thought his

skill with numbers would take

him in exciting new direction,

which is a theme in the play.

Stat Geek in Natick was the

second play Reis wrote during the

Pandemic. One night about midnight,

the idea for the play came

to him like a lightning bolt, he

said. In 15 minutes, he sketched

out the play, but it took weeks to

finish because writing about his

friend, his disease and death was

too intensely personal.

“I have such great respect for

Brett and the work that he creates.”

Moynihan said, “I had never

known him to be a writer, so when

he came to me with this piece, I

was hesitant. But once I read it,

I knew it was something that we

needed to put on our stage, and

I’m grateful for the opportunity to

Caring, Compassionate, Dignified

Service when you need it most.

14 Independent St., Rowley, MA

www.fsrobertsandson.com

office@fsrobertsandson.com

978-948-7763

Photo provided by Brett Reis

share such an important story.”

While the Firehouse has never

produced one of Reis’ shows before,

he is no stranger to the theater,

Moynihan wrote in a news

release. Since 2018, he has acted

as the Firehouse’s resident lighting

designer and directed the 2019

production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Reis wrote the play to raise

awareness and funding for the

fight against eating disorders. The

cast and crew accepted only minimal

stipends for their work, and

the Firehouse will donate all of the

show’s profits to the National Eating

Disorder Association.

The talented cast for Stat Geek

includes Matthew Schofield as

Felger, Kevin Mahaney as Massarotti

and David Picariello as Niles.

A professional crew will stream

We Offer:

• Personalized and

Traditional Funerals

• Cremations

• Graveside Services

• Memorial Services

• Advance Planning Options

Jeffrey E. Megna, CFSP

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the production from the Institution

for Savings Mainstage at the

Arakelian Theater.

Showtime is 8 p.m. Thursday

through Saturday, exclusively online.

Tickets cost $15. To reserve,

visit www.firehouse.org.

“I always enjoyed his phone

calls,” a fan wrote of him on his

obituary. “You could feel his enthusiasm

for baseball and football.

He was knowledgeable and entertaining,

and I'll miss hearing him

on the program.”

Joe wrote: “I never knew David,

but used to always enjoy his calls

into Felger and Mazz. His statistics

would always spark an interesting/

entertaining conversation!”

AJ wrote, “You could hear the

passion in his voice, and it seemed

like it was something he truly

loved and brought him much joy.”

Niles became so popular on the

show that he was invited to become

a member of the team. But

as his relationship with “Felger &

Mazz” grew, his health deteriorated,

and he declined the show’s

offer.

Someone with eating disorders

struggles in silence, Reis said.

Friends often don’t know. "One

of the pillars of eating disorders is

secrecy. They're doing everything

they can to hide it from those

around them, which makes it all

the more important others raise a

general awareness."

Felger and Massoratti honored

Niles on air, re-playing a recording

of the first time he called the show.

The news of his death prompted

dozens of fans to write their own

accolades.

Rooks wrote: “I loved listening

to David on Felger & Mazz. Always

brought pertinent and illuminating

statistics to the table and

explained them in a way idiots like

me could understand. Smart guy. I

will truly miss hearing him.”

A couple of his fans used their

tributes to take a jab at the popular,

at times controversial sports

commentators.

One wrote that he “thoroughly

enjoyed each and every time he

called into Felger and Mazz and

just totally put them in their place.

I am definitely going to miss his

input to the show.”

Joe wrote that Niles “made Felger

and Mazz tolerable. You will be

missed!”

For more information, visit the

website, Statgeekinnatick.com.


March 31, 2021

www.TheTownCommon.com Page 5

Community News

Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech

Whittier Tech Director of Facilities Bob

Hardy has been selected as the school's

Employee of the Month for March.

Bruni, from page 1

Whittier Tech

Announces

Employee of the

Month for March

HAVERHILL — Bob Hardy,

Director of Facilities, has been

selected as Whittier Tech’s Employee

of the Month for March.

“Bob has truly worked tirelessly

to make sure our building is

safe. He goes above and beyond

every single day!” Superintendent

Maureen Lynch said. Hardy

earned praise for his efforts to

protect Whittier and its students

safely during the pandemic, for

leading his staff when tasks needed

to be turned around quickly,

for innovating new solutions, and

for keeping a positive attitude

during challenging times. Whittier

recognizes one employee each

month. Nominations come from

the Whittier Tech community

and are based on the nominee’s

outstanding qualities and current

achievements.

Whittier Tech Principal Chris

Laganas presents all nominations

to the School Council, whose 25

members are students, teachers,

parents, and community members.

Council members make the final

selection.

Hardy graduated from Whittier

in 1989 from Carpentry and

returned to earn his Unrestricted

Builder's License from Whittier

Essex Pastures Grants

schools, traffic congestion and the

water and sewer capacity.

The ZBA plan for the public

hearing last week was to review

44 proposed waivers the developer

has requested for the project.

Those proposed waivers ranged

from being exempted from a yearlong

demolition delay by the historical

commission to relief from

wetlands preservation rules to

signage to minimum set-backs for

the buildings and garages.

The proposed development

would be in two different zoning

districts – the highway business

category and rural residential category.

Because each category has

different rules, the developer must

apply for additional waivers.

an Extension

The Bruni project has not been

submitted for review by the town’s

Conservation Commission, which

prompted a disagreement between

ConCom chair Jennifer Hughes

and John Smolak, attorney for

Bruni, about why the developer

had not presented the development’s

impact on the wetlands on

the lots. Smolak argued that the

Superior Court recently ruled that

a project must have received a decision

from all other town boards

before submitting it to the Con-

Com.

Once the public hearing is

closed, the ZBA has 40 days to

issue a decision under state law.

During those 40 days the ZBA

can meet in public session to debate

and vote on the project, but it

cannot talk further with the developer

or receive more input from

the public.

As the meeting progressed ZBA

Chairman Bob Gambale repeatedly

asked Bruni and his attorney,

Smolak, to allow an extension of

time for the board to consider the

project. Initially, Smolak declined.

But about 10 p.m., three hours

after the meeting started, Smolak

asked for a brief recess to confer

with his client.

After the recess, Smolak agreed

to an extension.

In addition to Gambale, the

chairman, the ZBA has four other

members, three of whom, can

vote on this project. They are Ben

Fierro, Lewis Vlahos and Robert

Crocker. Justin Planasch is leaving

the board.

Tech Evening Education a few

years later. He began working at

Whittier in 2016 and has taught

Basic Carpentry in Evening Education

for the past three years.

Hardy is well-known for his

charitable efforts and service to

the community. He and his siblings

run “Ozzie’s Kids,” a charity

started in the late 1980s by

their father, the late Haverhill

Police Officer Osmond “Ozzie”

Hardy. “Ozzie’s Kids” has provided

Christmas gifts, clothes and

other necessities to thousands of

families in need. Bob Hardy can

be found dressed as Santa Claus

or the Easter Bunny at children’s

events. "My dad always used to

say, 'It is what it is.' And it's true.

I'm just a caring person," Hardy

said. "I have a lot of respect for

Whittier and the people I work

with. I genuinely enjoy my work

and I take immense pride in everything

I do. I work on everything

as if it were my own."

As monthly winner Hardy will

receive a gift certificate to the

school’s Poet’s Inn Restaurant and

to the school store. He also will

receive a prime parking spot for a

month. Hardy will be recognized

on Whittier’s main entrance electronic

sign and lobby announcement

board.

Community Announcements,

page 6

The Collector’s Eye & Route 1 Antiques

Come support over 100+

small businesses.

Antique & Vintage gifts of all kinds.

Dealers welcome. Tax Free, NH

The Collector’s Eye

132 Portsmouth Avenue,

Stratham, NH

603-772-6205

Route 1 Antiques

106 Lafayette Road

Hampton Falls, NH

603-601-2554


Page 6 www.TheTownCommon.com

March 31, 2021

Community News

Community Announcements,

from page 5

Tax Filing Time

Is A Good Time

To Look Ahead To

Next Year

By Jim Braun

With tax time upon us, one message

we keep hearing is that you

should file as early as possible.

You may recall that last year

there were numerous delays in

getting tax refunds after the pandemic

caught everyone, including

the IRS, off guard. If you have a

refund coming, the sooner you file,

the sooner that refund will make

its way into your bank account.

If you’re like most Americans,

you also want to do everything you

can to reduce your overall tax bill.

We all understand that taxes are

needed to run the government, but

there’s no need for you as an individual

to pay more than you owe.

Let’s face it, though. It’s a little

late in the game to put into play

most steps that can help you reduce

your 2020 tax bill. You really

need to have done whatever you

were going to do before the end of

the tax year.

But now is definitely a good

time to start thinking about ways

you can improve your tax situation

for next year. Here are a few areas

to consider or understand as you

do so:

• Funding tax-preferenced accounts.

One way to save on taxes

is by putting money in a variety of

tax-preferenced savings accounts

such as an IRA, a 401(k), and others.

Depending on the account,

you can deduct your contribution

each year, defer paying taxes on

growth, or take withdrawals tax

free. In at least one case – health

savings accounts – you can do all

three. Since an HSA gives you

that triple whammy of tax avoidance,

it’s definitely something you

want to consider. although there

are eligibility requirements you

need to meet. Also, unlike retirement

accounts, an HSA can only

be used for medical expenses. With

a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA,

you don’t get that triple whammy

that comes with an HSA, but there

are still significant tax advantages.

With a traditional IRA, you

don’t pay taxes on your contributions,

and you defer taxes on the

account’s growth. You do pay taxes

on withdrawals you make in retirement.

A Roth IRA has different

advantages. You can’t deduct your

contributions now, but your money

grows tax free and you aren’t

taxed when you make withdrawals.

• Using a 529 for K-12 private

education. Many people are familiar

with 529 plans, but often they

think of these solely as a way to

save for a child’s college education.

But a 529 can also be used to pay

for private school in elementary

and high school if you so desire.

The big tax advantage with a 529 is

that you don’t pay federal income

taxes on the account’s growth, but

you must spend the money on

qualified educational expenses and

nothing else. That last point is important

to remember and understand

because if you use the money

for other reasons, you will pay taxes

on that withdrawal and you will

also pay a penalty. A 529 account

is definitely something to consider

if you have children or grandchildren

and want a tax-efficient way

to save either for K-12 or college

educations.

• Making charitable contributions.

Charitable contributions

are a powerful tool for reducing

your tax bill, and they come with

the added bonus of allowing you

to make a positive impact in your

community or the world. What

could be better? Through charitable

contributions, you can

reduce your income tax, your

capital gains tax, and your estate

tax. Some people view this in the

most straightforward way – you

choose a worthy cause that qualifies

under the tax rules, and you

write a check. But there are other

tax-advantaged ways to approach

charitable giving. Here’s just one

of many examples: You can establish

a donor-advised fund, which

is a personal charitable account

opened in the name of one or

more donors and held in custody

by a nonprofit organization.

How does that work? Let’s say

you sell a stock and, instead of

paying the capital gains tax, you

place the proceeds in a donor-advised

fund. You can claim the full

amount as a charitable deduction,

but you don’t have to donate the

money all at once. The money

remains in the fund and can be

donated in small amounts over a

period of years. All the while it is

drawing interest.

These are just a few examples of

strategies you can consider as you

seek ways to reduce that tax bill.

Certainly, all of this is complicated,

but your financial professional

should be able to help you work

your way through the IRS weeds

and find what works best for you

and your personal situation.

Your future tax-filing self will

thank you.

Community Announcements,

page 7

By J. Peter St. Clair, DMD

The word is out – taking care of

your oral health is better for your

whole body, including your mind.

However, statistics still indicate

only about half of the population

goes on a regular basis. For those

that do go, most patients usually

stay with a dentist unless there is

some kind of personality conflict

or philosophical discrepancy in

the perceived need for treatment.

How do you know if another

opinion is right for you?

When it comes to larger purchases,

such as a car, a house or

even home improvements, it’s not

uncommon to get a second or

Brighter smiles ...

third opinion/quote. We use the

information we gather to make

a more informed decision about

where and what we are going to

spend our money on.

When it comes to our health,

it usually depends on the nature

of the issue. More complex issues

in medicine, such as a diagnosis

of cancer, an unknown diagnosis,

or other major medical issues in

which we have to make decisions

about significant treatment, tend

to stimulate people to get more

than one opinion.

Routine dental care is generally

not that complicated. However,

there are many different ways to

do the simplest things in dentistry.

The method is a function of

the dentist’s beliefs and training.

It is relatively uncommon for a

patient to get a second opinion

for this type of maintenance dental

care. Although there is some

subjectivity as to what different

Find Your Dental Home

dentists might deem as “needing”

to be done, patients usually base

their decision on their perceived

need. Often times, this perception

of need comes from the dentist’s

ability to communicate the reasons

for treatment.

The patient’s trust in their provider

is a big factor. If a patient

trusts and genuinely likes their

dentist, they may not necessarily

do or want to do what the dentist

wants them to, but they are comfortable

enough with the relationship

to make the decision without

the need for another opinion. It is

when there is a lack of trust, a personality

conflict, or the inability

of the dentist to properly communicate

with the patient effectively,

that often stimulates the desire for

another opinion.

Another important factor,

which falls in the communication

area, is that the patient is given

choices. Patients always have the

right to choose what treatment

they feel is right for themselves.

If choices are given and the treatment

is effectively communicated

to the patient, they have a better

ability to decide on the direction

to proceed that is right for them.

If a dentist presents treatment options

and the patient decides to

do nothing, that is the patient’s

choice. It is when treatment presented

aligns with the patient’s

perception of need or desire, that

the patient moves forward with

treatment.

Fees tend to be a less common

reason for patients to seek another

opinion. Fees for treatment can

definitely vary between dental offices.

The problem with seeking

treatment based on fees is that the

same treatment in two different

offices with different fees can also

vary in the level of expertise and

precision in which it is done. As

a consumer, you have very little

control in your ability to evaluate

this.

You do have the ability to know

whether you feel comfortable to

make an informed decision. Regardless

of the situation, if you

need more information to make

the best decision for yourself, get

more information. If you feel pressured

to make a decision, don’t

make it until you feel comfortable.

The doctor-patient relationship

should be an open two-way

conversation. Find your dental

home…..and stay there.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private

dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport

dedicated to health-centered

family dentistry. If there are

certain topics you would like to

see written about or questions you

have please email them to him at

jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can

view all previously written columns

at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/

blog.


March 31, 2021

www.TheTownCommon.com Page 7

Community News

Community Announcements,

from page 6

Call for Walkers:

Register for the

33rd Annual

Boston Marathon®

Jimmy Fund

Walk: Your Way

presented by

Hyundai

Registration is now open for

the The Jimmy Fund Walk. This

year will be a virtual event to ensure

the safety of everyone in the

community. Participants will be

encouraged to “Walk Your Way”

from wherever they are most comfortable—whether

that be from

their neighborhood, favorite trail,

or from a treadmill in their own

home on Sunday, October 3rd.

The 2021 Jimmy Fund Walk will

continue to unite the community

to raise funds for the Jimmy Fund

to support all forms of adult and

pediatric patient care and cancer

research at the nation’s premier

cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer

Institute. Whether participating

for themselves, loved ones, neighbors,

or co-workers, each walker

shares a common purpose: to

support breakthroughs that will

benefit cancer patients around the

world.

Cancer care and research does

not rest, even during a pandemic.

We need the support of dedicated

walkers now more than ever. Register

soon and staff can help you

kickstart your fundraising.

Details for Sunday, October 3rd,

are still being finalized, and participants

can anticipate inspiring

virtual programming throughout

the day and in the days, weeks, and

months leading up to Jimmy Fund

Walk: Your Way.

Anyone interested in additional

information can reference the

Jimmy Fund Walk: Your Way by

visiting: http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/DocServer/Jimmy_

Fund_Walk_Your_Way_FAQ.

pdf?docID=3866 or send an email

to JimmyFundWalk@DFCI.Harvard.edu.

The Jimmy Fund Walk

has raised more than $150 million

for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

in its 30+ year history. Funds raised

from the Walk support all forms of

adult and pediatric patient care

and cancer research at the nation’s

premier cancer center, Dana-Farber

Cancer Institute. The Boston

Athletic Association has supported

the Walk since 1989, and Hyundai

has been the presenting sponsor

since 2002.

All Jimmy Fund Walk participants

are encouraged to utilize the

Charity Miles App to help with

training and fundraising, engage

with Dana-Farber patient stories

and podcasts, receive special offers

from Jimmy Fund Walk sponsors,

and much more.

To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk)

or to support a

walker, visit www.JimmyFund-

Walk.org or call (866) 531-9255.

This year’s event will have a lower

fundraising requirement, $100 for

adults and $25 for those under 18,

with a $5 registration fee. All registered

walkers will receive a bib and

medal and the first 5,000 to register

will receive a commemorative

Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.

Popular Topsfield

Drive-In Movies

return to the

Fairgrounds

TOPSFIELD – Just in time for

those of us who are more than

a little tired of being confined to

home watching movies on the

small screen, the Topsfield Drive-

In Movies is bringing back its outdoor

movie series.

Back by popular demand, the

Topsfield Drive-In Movies will

show its first movies on April 16.

This year, there will be two huge

screens and two movies.

What movies will be shown is

unknown. E.J. Dean and his team

are working with Hollywood distributors

to determine what movies

will be available — older, popular

films or new releases.

The films begin at 7 p.m. with

gates opening at 5:30 p.m. at 207

Boston St. in Topsfield.

“We are very pleased with

last year’s response,” Dean said.

“Through the permitting process,

the town and the community

gave us a lot of positive feedback.

It’s nice to know we have found a

product that everybody is excited

about.”

There will be a variety of food

and drink options for the whole

family, including typical fair and

movie theater food — soft drinks,

pizza, hot dogs, cheeseburgers,

corn dogs, nachos, mozzarella

sticks, French fries, chicken fingers,

popcorn, fried dough, fried

Oreos, ice cream, cotton candy

and traditional “movie” candy.

For tickets, visit https://www.

topsfielddrivein.com/. The price

of admission is $27 per vehicle, or

$6 per passenger for vehicles with

six or more passengers. For additional

information, visit https://

www.topsfielddrivein.com/faqrules/.

Community Announcements,

page 8

Prepare for unexpected

power outages with a

Generac standby generator

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

844-957-1494

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty*

A $695 Value!

Offer valid February 15 - June 6, 2021

Special Financing Available

Subject to Credit Approval

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and

activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list

of terms and conditions.


Page 8 www.TheTownCommon.com

March 31, 2021

Community News

Community Announcements,

from page 7

New Essex

County Greenbelt

Sketching Series

The Essex County Greenbelt

Association and Slow River Studio

of Essex are collaborating to bring

people out of their homes and into

nature in a whole new way this

spring. They are hosting a series

of FREE Sketching Adventures,

designed specifically for adult beginners

at beautiful Greenbelt sites

across the North Shore.

Each sketching adventure begins

with an easy 30-minute lesson. Afterwards,

participants will explore

the Greenbelt Property for an hour

and use their sketchbooks to capture

the views and vistas that interest

them most. The group will

re-gather towards the end of the

event to share their work, ask questions

and receive sketching tips

from Slow River Studio staff.

No talent? No worries! Slow

River Studio specializes in art instruction

for adult beginners. They

know that everyone can become

more creative with excellent instruction

and supportive coaching.

Let them help you start or restart

your creative journey! This is a fun,

low stress outing that is perfect for

total beginners!

These events are FREE, however,

space is limited, so reservations

are required. These adventures

Just Listed 450 Main St. – Rowley

3200 sq. ft. – 3 bed 3 bath

Maine Post & Beam

$669,000

Picture perfect cape! This 3 bed 3 bath Maine Post &

Beam home has been lovingly cared for by the current

owners for 30 years. There is over 3200 sq ft of flexible

living space offering cathedral ceilings, hardwood

flooring, kitchen with massive granite peninsula opens to

a huge family room, living room with a beautiful wood

burning fireplace, skylights, 2 car garage and so many

possibilities in the basement for shop, gym, playrooms,

office space.. all of this on 1.4 acres of flat yard.

Features

Waterfront No

Beach No

Exterior Clapboard

Electric 100 Amps

Flooring Hardwood

Basement Yes

Foundation Concrete

Heat

Oil

Water Private

Sewer Private

Parking 2 Attached

General Information

Style

Cape

Living Area 3237

Rooms 9

Bedrooms 3

Baths

3 Full

Year Built 1985

Assessment $596,900

Taxes 2021 $9,299

Book 10853

Page 336

MLS # 72802821

Offered by Chris Breen

chrisbreen@bentleysrealestate.com

2 A Winter Street

Newburyport, MA. 01950

617.872.5661

are great for families, however all

young people must be supervised

by an attentive adult. For more

information visit: www.slowriverstudio.com

The Essex County Greenbelt is

a local, non-profit land trust headquartered

at the Cox Reservation

in Essex. Greenbelt works to conserve

open space, farmland, wildlife

habitat and scenic landscapes

across Essex County; steward the

land it has protected; and connect

people to nature through a variety

of activities and programs. Since

1961, Greenbelt has permanently

protected more than 18,000 acres

for the benefit of those who live,

work and recreate in Essex County

today, and for generations to come.

Visit ecga.org to learn more about

Greenbelt's work and its properties

that are open for public enjoyment,

free of charge, from dawn to

dusk daily.

Slow River Studio is an innovative

art school in Essexthat offers

drawing, painting and creativity

classes specifically for adult beginners.

They believe anyone can become

an artist with patience and

practice. Their classes provide an

easy on-ramp to the creative life we

all crave.

Current List of Event Dates and

Locations. More will be added in

May.

• Sun. Apr. 18th from 2-4pm at

The Cox Reservation in Essex.

• Weds. April 21st from 10-

12pm at The Donovan Reservation

in Ipswich.

• Sat. May 1st from 10-12pm

at Vineyard Hill Reservation in

Hamilton.

• More dates to be added in

April

Simple Supplies:

• All you need for this adventure

is some paper and a pen or pencil.

If you feel like getting some supplies,

Slow River recommends a

2-pack of TomBow Fudenosuke

calligraphy pens and a sketchbook.

You can purchase these pens at

Art Supply Wholesale in Beverly,

where they also have a great selection

of sketchbooks.

• You are welcome to bring a watercolor

set or colored pencils for

fun, but they are not essential.

• You will also want a mask,

some drinking water, and perhaps

a pair of boots for mud.

QUOTE from Jess Yurwitz at

Slow River Studio:

We are so excited about our

new collaboration with the Essex

Greenbelt. Sketching is a wonderful

way to explore the natural beauty

of the north shore. After a year

of being mostly inside, we all need

safe ways to gather and have fun

again! Through this new partnership,

Slow River Studio can provide

free access to art instruction

and inspire more of our neighbors

to get outside and sketch!

QUOTE from Jane Rumrill at

The Greenbelt

Greenbelt has a long history of

collaborations with artists, since

1974 when our headquarters,

Cox Reservation, was donated by

Allyn Cox, a celebrated muralist.

Each summer for the last 31 years,

we've honored that connection by

hosting the Art in the Barn show

in his studio on the property. We

are thrilled to be able to collaborate

with Slow River Studio this year to

bring even more folks outdoors to

sketch and be inspired by the iconic

landscapes of Essex County.

QUOTES from past participants

in Slow River Sketching Trips:

It is a pleasure to be outside

sketching with Jess. She loves to

draw and enthusiastically provides

instruction, inspiration and

supportive feedback. She moves

you around the site so you have a

chance to soak in, enjoy and capture

a few views. A wonderful way

to spend a morning!

-Suzanne Kelsey

Every time I venture out for

some sketching with the folks at

Slow River Studio, I leave feeling

refreshed, encouraged, and inspired.

It is the highlight of my

week. Everyone is made to feel welcome,

regardless of skill or artistic

experience. Some people arrive

outfitted with an arsenal of materials,

others with a simple pen and

sketchpad. There is something really

powerful about taking the time

to unplug, breathe in the fresh air,

and allow the act of sketching to

reveal the wonders of the natural

world.

- Rachel Fondell

Slow River Studio offers a very

supportive environment for beginners

- the first thing you will learn

Community Announcements,

page 9


March 31, 2021

www.TheTownCommon.com Page 9

Community News

Community Announcements,

from page 8

is that you don’t have to pay any

attention to that voice in your head

that says you’re no good - in fact,

you can give it a name and tell it to

go have a cuppa, because you have

your artwork under control and its

“assistance" is not required, thankyouverymuch.

- Susan Knowles

Sketching outdoors with Slow

River Studio is so relaxing and

stress free. You are able to capture

the beauty of nature and there is no

such thing as "good" or "bad". Jess

is warm, funny and kind. Thanks

to Jess, I came to enjoy my sketches

as uniquely mine.

- Anne Gilson

Jess at Slow River Studio has so

much warmth, creativity and willingness

to share her wisdom that

she has given new life to the term

“community event.” She is able to

inspire the most reluctant sketcher

to share work with confidence. The

community she creates brings out

the best in all of us. If you have any

interest in sketching, give yourself

a wonderful gift by participating in

one of her outings. Bring a friend

or come alone secure in the knowledge

you have found a community

of inspiring artists at all levels.

- Lisa Standring

Photo Courtesy Gloucester

Police Department

ty District Attorney Jonathan

Blodgett has paid off the remaining

balance the city owes for Ace, the

Gloucester Police Department's

Community Resource Dog, as part

of a broader grant to the Gloucester

School and Police Departments.

Ace will participate in the

Gloucester All-Stars Academy, a

new student leadership program

offered at the O'Maley Middle

School and Gloucester High

School. The All-Stars Academy is

modeled on a nationally-recognized

program initiated by District

Attorney Blodgett in Lynn.

"I'm a strong proponent of

working with community partners

to keep young people out of the

criminal justice system," District

Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.

"The Lynn All-Stars program has

been very successful in engaging

students to become leaders in their

school and encourage their peers

not to engage in risky behavior.

I'm excited to bring the same concept

to Gloucester and know that

Ace will be a tremendous asset."

“Ace has become a member of

the Gloucester community - he is

family,” said Mayor Sefatia Romeo

Theken. “We send our gratitude

to DA Blodgett for his continued

support for the Kops-N-Kids

program. This program is a success

because of the dedication of

the District Attorney’s Office, the

Gloucester PD and the Gloucester

Public Schools.”

Ace and his handler, School

Resource Officer Peter Sutera,

have been working with selected

middle and high school students

participating in the All-Star Academy.

The All-Star Academy seeks

to teach leadership skills, provide

mentorship and foster positive relationships

among students and

staff.

"Having Ace in the classroom

is a great ice-breaker," said Officer

Sutera. "Kids really open up when

they interact with him.”

"Having Ace join our department

reflects a modern, engaging

approach to community engagement,

de-escalation and trust

building," said Chief Conley. "I

am thankful to District Attorney

Blodgett for supporting this innovative

model, and the support and

comfort Ace will provide our community

moving forward.”

Ace was purchased with donated

funds from the Doug Flutie

Jr. Foundation for Autism, which

provides financial assistance for

families caring for a loved one with

autism and educates the public

about autism spectrum disorder.

The Gloucester Police Department

has held several fundraisers

to repay the organization for their

kindness, and the District Attorney's

funding will mean the Flutie

Foundation has been fully repaid.

“I am beyond proud of our

Kops-n-Kids program and how it

has evolved. Having Ace has given

the Community Impact Unit another

tool in our box,” said Lt. Jeremiah

Nicastro, who oversees the

Community Impact Unit.

Ace, an English Golden Retriever,

has been with the Gloucester

Police Department since November

2020. He is trained to

provide comfort and help de-escalate

school-based conflicts and

situations concerning children in

need, primarily those with ADD,

ADHD, who are on the autism

spectrum or have other behavioral

problems. He is also able to

provide comfort to children who

may be experiencing or have experienced

trauma. There are plans to

have Ace visit Alzheimer's patients

at local nursing homes and senior

centers, including the Rose Baker

Senior Center.

Hamilton-

Wenham Public

Library upcoming

events

HWPL to Go – Holds Pickup

Window now open.

• Search the online catalog by

visiting https://mvlc.ent.sirsi.net/

client/en_US/hamiltonwenham

for items you would like to read,

watch or listen to.

• Place your hold using your Library

Card number and PIN (typically

either the last four digits of

your phone number OR the last

four digits of your card number.)

• Wait until you receive an

email, call, or text saying your item

is waiting on the hold shelf.

• Drop by the pickup window at

the library to pick up your items.

• Email info@hwlibrary.org or

call 978-468-5577 ext. 618 if you

are unable to use the online catalog.

• As of January 20, the holds

pickup window hours are:

Monday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Visit https://hwlibrary.org/

hwpl-to-go-window-pick-upfaqs/

for more information.

Safety:

• Staff are wearing masks at all

times.

• Staff are disinfecting table tops

frequently.

• You may return items to the

outside book drop. Returned items

are being quarantined for at least

72 hours before check in.

Upcoming Events

Foster Parenting Info Session –

Online Monday, April 12 at 7:00.

Foster parenting is a service that

allows people to assist needy children

in times of crisis. Foster care

provides a safe, loving home for

children until they can be reunited

Community Announcements,

page 10

Licensed & Insured

978.535.4888

6 Deer Run Topsfield, MA 01983

Email: dogstepper7089@gmail.com

www.YoungsPlumbingMA.com

Career Opportunities at

Wolf Hill Home & Garden Center

Ipswich Location

Evan Chipperini, grade five, visits with

the Gloucester Police Department's

Community Resource Dog.

Tree & Shrub Sales / Maintenance Associate

City of Gloucester

Thanks Essex

County District

Attorney for

Paying Remaining

Balance for

Community

Resource Dog

GLOUCESTER- Essex Coun-

EST. 1982

Vitamins ▪ Supplements ▪ CBD

The Natural Organic Shop has moved!

Come visit at our new location.

20% off non-sale items

174 Newburyport turnpike, Rowley

978-561-3219

Locally Owned/Parishioner

Nursery Sales / Maintenance Associate

Part-time & Full-Time Cashier Positions

Apply in store or visit us online to join our Wolf Hill Team!

www.wolfhillgardencenter.com


Page 10

www.TheTownCommon.com

March 31, 2021

Community News

Community Announcements,

from page 9

with their families. Presented by

Lori Roscoe (Lori.Roscoe@state.

MA.us). Find the link to the meeting

on the library events calendar by

visiting hwlibrary.org or email Lori.

Teen and Adult Virtual Meditation

Class Tuesday, April 20 from

7:00-7:30. Learn how to cultivate

self-love, self-worth, confidence,

compassion, focus, concentration,

reduce stress and anxiety, and help

with navigating difficult emotions

and change. Amy Rutledge

is a Certified Meditation Guide

through the Nalanda Institute in

association with The Path in NYC.

This class is 30 minutes with an intro,

guided practice, and time for

Q&A. Free and open to all levels

and beginners welcome. The webinar

will be recorded. The recording

will be available for one month to

anyone who registers for the class.

America’s Romance with the English

Garden Online Wednesday,

April 21 at 7:00. At the beginning of

the modern garden industry in the

1890s mass advertising, faster printing,

national magazines, and free

rural mail delivery made it possible

to publish seed and nursery catalogs

in the millions and send them

across the country. The catalogs encouraged

the romantic English garden

style in essays, illustrations, and

ads. The principle elements of that

English garden design included the

lawn, small groupings of flowering

shrubs, a vegetable garden outback,

flowerbeds on the lawn, trees to line

the property, and a curved walkway.

Firearm collections or single

items wanted.

Call 978 356 1908.

HOURS

Tuesday — Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday.

At a time when homeowners were

eager to learn how to garden, it was

no surprise that Americans everywhere

loved the English Garden

and the same garden appeared from

California to Maine. Presented

by author Thomas Mickey. RSVP

on the Events calendar by visiting

hwlibrary.org. Free and open to the

public, funded by the Friends.

Tails and Tales Book Club will

meet April-September 2021. Join

Young Adult Librarian, Kim Claire

and others to chat about each

month's book. The meeting via

Zoom, but could meet outside in

person during the summer. The six

books either have an animal that is

telling the story or a significant animal

character(s) in the story. Tails

and Tales Book Club is intended for

ages 12 to 17. Be one of the first 10

to register each month and you will

have the option to receive a copy of

that month's book, to keep, if you

wish. If all 10 "keeper" copies are

taken, a hold will be placed on a library

copy for you to borrow. Register

via the Library Calendar: https://

hwlibrary.org/library-calendar/ The

first meeting is on Thursday, April

22 at 3:30, and features A Cat Story

by Ursula Murray Husted.

For more Library information

you can also contact Rebecca Shea,

Adult Services Librarian 14 Union

St. S. Hamilton 978-468-5577

Help the Red

Cross refuel the

blood supply

MEDFORD — The American

Red Cross is calling for donors of

all blood types, especially those

with type O blood, to race to give

blood and help refuel the blood

supply.

This spring, the Red Cross is

teaming up with INDYCAR® to

urge people to help keep the blood

supply on track by donating blood

or platelets. Schedule a donation

appointment by visiting and

downloading Red Cross Blood

Donor App, or visiting RedCross-

Blood.org, or calling 1-800-RED

CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling

the Blood Donor Skill on

any Alexa Echo device. As a special

thank-you, those who give blood

or platelets April 1-15 will automatically

be entered to win a VIP

trip for four to the 2022 Indianapolis

500®. The Red Cross will also

automatically enter all who give in

April for a chance to win one of

five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant

of choice. Additional details

are available by visiting RedCross-

Blood.org/Indy500.

When seconds count in the race

to save lives, it’s the blood already

on the shelves that helps most. More

donors are needed now to help ensure

hospitals are ready to respond to

the needs of patients this month.

Important COVID-19 information

for donors

The Red Cross is testing blood,

platelet and plasma donations for

COVID-19 antibodies. The test

may indicate if the donor’s immune

system has produced antibodies

to this coronavirus, regardless of

whether they developed symptoms.

Testing may also identify the presence

of antibodies developed after

receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Red Cross antibody tests will be

helpful to identify individuals who

have COVID-19 antibodies and

may now help current coronavirus

patients in need of convalescent

plasma transfusions. Convalescent

Community Announcements,

page 11

BRENDA ERNST

ROWLEY, MASS.

HEALTH COACH/TRAINER

978-810-5078

COACHING MEN & WOMEN

FOR FITNESS AND HEALTH

BRENDAFIT

PT, CYT, MHC, Qi Gong

BRENDAFIT3@YAHOO.COM

MARLEY NEVER LOOKED SO CUTE!

homes and get gifts for your loved ones! Our 2021 Marley

Calendars support The Pittie Stop Rescue and make

perfect gifts.

ORDER YOURS TODAY!

www.OrangesfromMorgan.org


March 31, 2021

www.TheTownCommon.com Page 11

Community News

Community Announcements,

from page 10

plasma is a type of blood product

collected from COVID-19 survivors

who have antibodies that may help

patients who are actively fighting

the virus. Plasma from whole blood

donations that test positive for high

levels of COVID-19 antibodies may

be used to help COVID-19 patients.

Donors can expect to receive

the results of their antibody test

within two weeks through the Red

Cross Blood Donor App or the

donor portal at RedCrossBlood.

org. The Red Cross is not testing

donors to diagnose illness, referred

to as a diagnostic test. To protect

the health and safety of Red Cross

staff and donors, it is important

that individuals who do not feel

well or believe they may be ill with

COVID-19 postpone donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and

donation center follows the highest

standards of safety and infection

control, and additional precautions

– including temperature checks, social

distancing and face coverings for

donors and staff – have been implemented

to help protect the health of

all those in attendance. Donors are

asked to schedule an appointment

prior to arriving at the drive and are

required to wear a face covering or

mask while at the drive, in alignment

with Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming local blood donation

opportunities April 1-15

Andover

4/10/2021: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.,

Andover/North Andover YMCA,

165 Haverhill St

4/12/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Free

Christian Church, 31 Elm Street

4/15/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., La

Quinta Inns & Suites Boston -Andover,

131 River Rd

Danvers

4/1/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/2/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/3/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/4/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/5/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/6/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/7/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/8/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/9/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/9/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Amity

Mosaic Lodge, 30 High Street

4/10/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/11/2021: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/12/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/13/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/14/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

4/15/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.,

Danvers Blood Donation Center,

99 Rosewood Drive

Gloucester

4/7/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Magnolia

Library & Community Center,

1 Lexington Ave

Haverhill

4/5/2021: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.,

Haverhill Elks Lodge, 24 Summer

Street

Ipswich

4/2/2021: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.,

John T Heard Masonic Lodge, 70

Topsfield Road

Manchester by the Sea

4/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.,

Manchester American Legion, 14

Church Street

Middleton

4/14/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Saint

Agnes Parish, 22 Boston Street

North Andover

4/6/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.,

North Andover Masonic Lodge,

19 Johnson St

Topsfield

4/7/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Topsfield

Fair, 207 Boston Street

Remember

Download the American Red Cross

Blood Donor App, visit RedCross-

Blood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS

(1-800-733-2767) or enable the

Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo

device to make an appointment or for

more information. All blood types

are needed to ensure a reliable supply

for patients. A blood donor card or

driver’s license or two other forms of

identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in

most states (16 with parental consent

where allowed by state law), weigh at

least 110 pounds and are in generally

good health may be eligible to donate

blood. High school students and other

donors 18 years of age and younger

also have to meet certain height and

weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save

time at their next donation by using

RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation

reading and health history

questionnaire online, on the day of

their donation, before arriving at the

blood drive. To get started, follow

the instructions when visiting Red-

CrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use

the Blood Donor App

Reach out to someone you love

for Easter with our wide

variety of Easter plants and

beautiful cut flowers.

Visit us at 24 Essex Road, Ipswich, MA

www.gordonblooms.com

978-356-2955

Honoring 45 years of hard work

Longtime popular Market Basket Store Director John O’Dea retired last

Friday from the Rowley store after a successful 45 year career with the

company. He was honored by store employees in addition to a special visit

by Arthur T. Demoulas, Market Basket President.

ROWLEY REALTY

165 Main St.,

P.O. Box 101,

Rowley, MA

01969

Photos by Sandra O'Dea

John O’Dea, Arthur T. Demoulas and the new store director Erik Davolio

Phone 978-948-2758

Fax 978-948-2454

www.rowleyrealestate.com


Page 12 www.TheTownCommon.com

March 31, 2021

Community News

Volunteers Make Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Vaccine Clinic a Success

AMESBURY — Amesbury Fire

Chief Ken Berkenbush and West

Newbury health agent Paul Sevigny,

on behalf the nine-community

Lower Merrimack Valley Regional

Collaborative highlight some of

the hundreds of volunteers who

helped make a recent weekend

vaccine clinic a success.

During the weekend of March

20th, 2,522 people received their

first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech

COVID-19 vaccine, continuingly

a remarkable and efficient trend

for residents attending this municipally-driven

vaccination effort.

Volunteers spanning in age

across seven decades, from high

school students to retired nurses,

reported to Amesbury High

School to take part in the clinic

on Saturday and Sunday, March

20-21.

The volunteers were given a variety

of roles and some of them

were given leadership roles based

on their level of experience, expertise

and ability.

"Every one of these volunteers

has done an incredible job and

we are all extremely grateful and

appreciative of the work they've

done," Chief Berkenbush said.

• Annuals

• Perennials

• House Plants

• Trees & Shrubs

• Fruit trees

Outdoor Furniture

& Gift Shop

• Berlin Garden Furniture Dealer

• Indoor furniture

• Custom wreaths & arrangements

• Home Décor

• Garden accents

Nursery

Wolf Hill Ipswich

60 Turnpike Road

Ipswich, MA 01938

978-356-6342

• Vegetables & Herbs

• Pottery

• Statuary

"Everyone from the parking lot

greeters to the pharmacy staff preparing

vaccines to the crews registering

patients, plays a key role in

making this clinic as successful as

it has been these past few weeks."

Nearly 200 people reported to

work at Amesbury High School

recently to put on the clinic, including

fire chiefs, dentists, high

school students and local residents

seeking to pitch in.

"We are all driven by our desire

to help our community move past

the pandemic, and everyone working

at the vaccine clinic feels that,

with each person passing through

our doors, we are one step closer,"

Sevigny said.

Discussing their roles and why

they're taking part in the clinic,

here are just a few of the people

whose leadership and efforts have

been instrumental to the vaccine

process throughout the clinic:

Jessica Marks, age 15,

Vaccination Distribution Leader

“My role is to help support the

staff that are administering the

vaccines and making sure that the

different vaccine stations are getting

the vaccines when they need

them.”

• Custom Container

Plantings

• Loams

• Stones

• Mulches

• Compost

• Bagged Products

• Fertilizers

Landscape

Materials

• Daily deliveries

from both Wolf

Hill locations

• Cambridge &

Belgard Pavers and

Wall Stone

Garden Center

• Fox Farm Brand

Potting Soils

• Soil Amendments

• Watering Supplies

• Grass Seed

www.wolfhillgardencenter.com

Jessica Marks

All photos courtesy of the Lower Merrimack

Valley Regional Collaborative

Why being here is important to

me: “I’m here today because I like

helping people and I want to continue

doing this field in the future

and also because we’re saving lives

and it’s extremely exhilarating. I

just love being here and everyone

around us is just fantastic and happy

and energetic. Everyone here is

glad to be there and I love that.”

Jessica, and other "runners" at the

clinic, deliver vaccine syringes from

the pharmacy room to the tables.

They wear special vests and other

staff are not allowed to disturb them

or ask them to perform any other

job than the extremely vital task at

hand.

David Baker, age 25,

Logistics Lead

My role: “I am making sure that

• Large Tool

Selection

• Organic Seeds,

soils & fertilizers

• Seed starting

supplies

Wolf Hill Gloucester

104 Eastern Ave

Gloucester, MA 01930

978-281-4480

all parts of the clinic have the supplies

they need for the clinic to be

able to function and maintain and

tracking usage and making sure

that we’re going to have enough

supplies to run the clinic. Anything

from gloves, sharps containers,

alcohol wipes, band-aids, needles,

syringes and even the bags

we use to get the vaccine from the

pharmacy staff down the hall to

the vaccine stations.”

David Baker

Why being here is important to

me: “As a firefighter in West Newbury

I’ve seen a lot of the effect of

the virus on the community and I

really want to see those that want

to use the vaccine and have that as

a tool to be able to fight the virus

and be able to get it.”

David makes sure fresh PPE gets

to the clinic staff and volunteers.

Lauren Conway, age 27,

Pharmacy Manager

My role: “Here we have a bunch

of pharmacists and pharmacy

techs drawing out the doses to be

administered to the patients.”

Lauren Conway

Why being here is important to

me: “This is incredibly important

for us because we understand how

important it is to get everybody

vaccinated. But also, the amount

of people that we’re trying to vaccinate

each weekend is nearly impossible

to put all on the nurses.

Each day we’re doing about 1,200

doses. So, it’s really important for

pharmacy workers to come in here

and draw out these does so that

they’re ready to be injected into

the patients to help out the nurses.”

“This is amazing. I feel like I’m

part of history. It’s historic because

we’ve never seen a virus like this

and the vaccine came out at a perfect

time. It’s definitely awesome

to be a part of vaccinating all these

people and saving lives.”

Lauren and the other extremely

talented pharmacy professionals

working the clinic are responsible for

the clinic's extremely efficient rate of

vaccine dosage and usage.

Tina LaCourse, age 38,

Nurse Manager

My role: “I am helping to support

the vaccinators that are here

and helping people get registered

for their vaccines.”

Why being here is important to

me: “We’re vaccinating the community.

It’s been a year of contact

tracing and we’re working to

get everybody back to where they

want to be. Back in school. Back

to work. Looking forward to the

summer. It's been really great to be

a part of.”

Tina LaCourse

Tina and others in her role act in

a role not altogether dissimilar to a

nurse manager in a hospital. They

manage and support the clinic staff

to ensure the operation runs with

minimal disruptions.

Erin Rich

Erin Rich, age 46,

Director of Volunteer Staffing

My role: “Myself and the volun-

Community Announcements,

page 13


2

March 31, 2021

www.TheTownCommon.com Page 13

Community News

Community Announcements,

from page 12

teer leads, who have dedicated a lot

of time and have been amazing, are

helping to screen potential volunteers

and organize them all. We’re

staffing approximately 200 volunteers

per weekend at this point in

11 or 12 different roles across four

shifts. We’re just all super invested

and collaborating really well to

make sure we’re getting as many

people vaccinated as we can.”

Why being here is important

to me: “For much of the past

14 months many of us have felt

helpless and like we didn’t really

have any opportunity to make a

difference. When I reached out

to ask if there were any opportunities

to volunteer, it was really

just to make a difference in the

community and help get our citizens

vaccinated. So, it feels like

we’ve gone from feeling helpless

to just feeling hopeful. It’s

so amazing to see the smiles on

peoples’ faces and the joy in their

eyes. We have such a great collaboration

between the members

of government, health departments,

public health nurses, fire

departments, volunteers, vaccinators

and pharmacy staff across

the region.”

Erin is responsible for recruiting,

training, organizing and scheduling

the hundreds of volunteers working

the clinic.

Paul Sevigny

Paul Sevigny, age 49,

Incident Commander

My role: “My role is to keep an

eye on things and make sure they

go smoothly. I help out the volunteers

and the other incident command

staff if they need help and

I step in and support them with

what they need. We work collectively

as a team because it’s a team

event and we have to work together

and help each other out.”

Why being here is important to

me: “It’s good for the community.

The state has asked us to plan for

something like this for the last 15

years and with training and practice,

now this is the time to show

what we learned and help support

our community, and all our community

members have appreciated

it very much.”

As a member of the clinic's "command

staff," Paul helps ensure the

clinic operates efficiently at all times

and supports all departments when

they are in need.

Che Elwell

Che Elwell, age 50,

Technology Lead

My role: "I’m trying to help

ensure that everyone here can do

their job efficiently and with as few

hiccups as possible. We want to be

able to capture the data we need to

capture without slowing down the

process of getting all of these great

people vaccinated. There’s a lot of

health information related to the

patients and the vaccine, the dosage,

even which arm it goes into,

and then preparing them to be able

to schedule their second shot."

Why being here is important

to me: “It’s been a very long year

for everyone and it’s nice to be in

a place where we’re actually making

progress toward a better and

brighter future. Helping so many

people and having so many people

be so positive has been great.”

Che brings his knowledge of software

and hardware technology to

the clinic, debugging scheduling

software, fixing tablets and laptops

and providing advanced analytics to

give clinic organizers a top-level look

at where things stand at any given

moment.

Deb Rogers, age 53,

Registration Supervisor

My role: “I’m helping organize

the registration process and making

sure that everything is running

smoothly. We have two different

registration areas with 12 volunteers

altogether.”

Why being here is important to

me: “It’s good for me to be here

as a public health director just to

know what’s going on to be able

Deb Rogers

to help with the other two supervisors

that are here. Everything is

running very smoothly, and all of

the volunteers have been doing a

fantastic job.”

Deb is the director of public

health for the Town of Newbury.

Among other things, she has helped

facilitate a doubling of the clinic's

registration tables to keep lines and

waiting times short.

Patti McAlarney, age 61,

Registration Lead

My role: “We’re making sure that

everybody that comes here who

is eligible and able to receive the

vaccine, is able to receive one. We

all work in public health and that

covers more than people realize.

This right here is the crux of public

health and we’re able to do something

that really addresses a need in

the community that had to be met.”

Why being here is important to

me: “We felt that it was very difficult

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for a lot of our community members

to make it to the large vaccination sites

and so the nine communities banded

together and wanted to have something

like this available. This way, particularly

our elderly population, is able

to easily obtain a vaccine.”

“It’s really exciting to be part of

it. Everyone is certainly appreciative

to be able to get their vaccines.

It’s a really energetic group of people

that has put this together. It’s

been a lot of hard work.”

Patti McAlarney

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Patti's team makes sure everyone

comes through the entry/registration

process as quickly and efficiently as

possible.

Patrice Allen, age 70,

Volunteer Lead

My role: “I help screen volunteers

to ensure they are free of symptoms

when they come in to work at the

clinic. The volunteer leads also provide

orientation for everyone and

ongoing support during each clinic

session so that everyone is able to

do their jobs properly."

Why being here is important to

me: “This is an issue that has been on

peoples’ minds and creating anxiety

for a year and interrupting lives desperately.

And to see this many teachers

be able to get access and people who

need it getting access to the vaccine is

amazing. As a retired nurse this also

gives me a wonderful way to be useful

and be productive and help wherever

I can, and I am seeing that same

feeling on the faces of the volunteers

who come in. We are all grateful to be

making a difference after a year where

many of us felt helpless.”

As one of several Volunteer Leads,

Patrice is essentially filling the role of a

human resources team member for a

medium sized corporation here at the

clinic, part of a team that ensures hundreds

of volunteers are screened, trained,

outfitted and prepared every weekend.

Patrice Allen

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Page 14 www.TheTownCommon.com

March 31, 2021

ARIES (March (March 21 21 to April to April 19) 19) Regarding You

your might upcoming be a bit challenges, shaken the by a Aries friend’s Lamb

should request. very But quickly before size the things Lamb up leaps and allow to

you conclusions, to make the insist best possible on a full use of explanation.

You you still have might on hand. say Good no, but luck. at least

whatever

resources

you’ll TAURUS know (April what 20 you’re to May saying 20) You no rarely to.

blame TAURUS others for (April missteps 20 that to worked May against 20)

you. Seeing But this red time over you those need nasty to lay out remarks all the

facts by someone and insist that with everyone an ax acknowledge to grind? Of his

or course her share you of the are. mistakes. So get Then out start there again. and

give GEMINI your (May supporters 21 to June the 20) facts You might they

want to start making vacation plans. And don't

need to get the truth out.

be surprised by unexpected family demands.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A

Maintain control. Be open to suggestions, but

don't

changing

get bogged

situation

down by

should

them.

get you to

reassess CANCER your (June vacation 21 to July plans 22) and Work make with

both any your adjustments Moon Child as and soon Crab as possible. aspects this

week And to don’t keep both fret your — creative the change and your most practical

likely sides will balanced. turn out Your for intuition the better. sharpens, giving

CANCER you greater insight (June by 21 the to middle July 22) of the Don’t week.

put LEO off (July dealing 23 to with August any 22) negative The Big Cat feelings

should that might have all be the left information over from needed a

finally

to recent move confrontation. with a project. The If not, sooner maybe all you'll is

want resolved, to give the everything sooner a you new can and move more forward

check with before fewer trying complications.

to move on.

thorough

VIRGO LEO (July (August 23 23 to to August September 22) 22) Leos Too

much

and

emotional

Leonas might

pain caused

feel

by

the

someone

urge

you

to

can't win over as a friend? Then stop trying to

redecorate their dens, and that can turn

into a good opportunity to strengthen

family ties by putting the whole pride

to work to make it happen.

VIRGO (August 23 to September

22) Look for the most efficient way to

get a job done quickly and well. Taking

more time than you need to make it

look more challenging is a short-sighted

move you might regret later on.

do so. You have other things you need work

LIBRA (September 23 to October

on this week. Go to it, and good luck.

22) A pesky problem should be dealt

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) It's

with immediately so you can put your

a good time to reassess where and how your

time

strengths

and

can

effort

help

into

you build,

something

and where

more

your

important. weaknesses can Someone hinder you. from Remember your to past build

could on your have strongest significant foundation. news for you.

SCORPIO (October 23 23 to to November 21)

21) That A personal workplace matter situation that seemed becomes so hard a lot to

more deal with bothersome should be less than confusing you’d expected. now. Don't

Be rush. careful Let things not happen to be pulled easily, without into all the that risk

anger. of creating Look even for more support puzzlement. among others

who SAGITTARIUS also want to (November avoid trouble. 22 to December

21) SAGITTARIUS Change continues (November to a strong 22 factor to in

December many important 21) Cheer areas. Keep up, lonely top lovers, of them,

wherever

and you won't

you

have

are. Just

to worry

when

about

you

losing

thought

control.

A personal situation takes on a new look.

you’d been deleted from Cupid’s database,

the chubby cherub proves that’s

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January

19) A business offer sounds intriguing. But if

just not so. Congratulations.

you don't check it out thoroughly, you could

have CAPRICORN problems. Take (December a set of questions 22 to with January

when you 19) attend A casual your next relationship meeting. could

you

take AQUARIUS a more serious (January turn. 20 Are to February you ready 18)

for Your it? self-confidence Your stars say should you are. be Paired coming Sea back.

Goats That's good also news. will find But it a might renewed be a richness bit over the

in top their right relationships.

now, so best to let it settle down before

you AQUARIUS start making expensive (January decisions. 20 to February

18) PISCES Meeting (February a collaborator 19 March with 20) Your new life,

ideas your decisions. seems Good to be enough. a dream But be come sure you true. have

But all the for facts both you your need to sakes, put into be the sure decision-maker all your

legal mixing i’s bowl are and dotted hope it and will come t’s are out as crossed it should.

BORN THIS WEEK: You find much of

before you start working together.

your creativity with new people who give you

much PISCES to think (February about. 19 to March 21)

A romantic overture flatters the usually

unflappable (c) 2020 King Features Fish. But Synd., since Inc. it’s

a sincere from-the-heart gesture, go

ahead and enjoy it. A minor health

problem responds well to treatment.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have the

warm heart of a Taurean and the sensitivity

of a Gemini. You would make

a wonderful leader. So go ahead: Run

for office.

Tarot Card for Week of March 31, 2021

The Suit of Wands represents

spiritual energy, intuition, passion, and

creativity. The Two of Wands depicts

a noble man standing on what seems

to be the turret of a castle while gazing

out toward the ocean. In one hand he

holds a small globe and the other holds

one Wand; his other Wand is balanced

beside him as he contemplates all the

world has to offer.

This week, you will feel like you have the

world in your hands! This is the perfect

time to set your sights on a goal, make

clear plans of how to achieve it, and

start taking steps toward success. This

card can also indicate a long-distance

relationship or international travel - if

there is a special person or place that

you want to travel to, start thinking

about how to actually make it happen.

© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Suit of Wands

Readings by Amelia

To book a private Tarot or

Mediumship reading,

please visit:

www.readingsbyamelia.com

or call 978-595-2468

PUZZLE

ANSWERS


March 31, 2021

Pratt

Hobby Shop

COINS AND ITEMS WANTED

U.S. Coins, silver, gold,

foreign world money.

Old pocket watches,

wrist watches and costume jewelry

Wheat pennies, Pre-1958

FREE APPRAISAL

Call 978-352-2234

WANTED TO BUY

Gold Scrap, Gold Coins,

Sterling Silver

U.S. Silver Coins pre-1965

.999 Silver Bars

U.S. Silver Dollars

Wartime Nickels 1942-1945

U.S. Clad Half Dollars 1965-1969

HOBBY SUPPLIES

Remote Controlled Vehicles

ESTES Rockets & Supplies,

Plastic & Wood Models / Supplies

Autos, Trucks, Planes, Ships,

X-Acto Sets, Paints & Much More

20 E Main St, Georgetown, MA

Hours:

Closed on Monday, Private

appointments available

Tuesday-Friday 10:30-6

Saturday 10:30-5

Sunday 12-5

Phone: 978-352-2234

The Town Common

Weekly Community Newspaper

SERVICES

AMERICAN HOME

IMPROVEMENT CARPENTRY -

Repairs & Additions. Interior/Exterior

Painting. Fully Insured. 30 years

experience. Free Estimates. Excellent

Referrals. 978-465-2283

Gary’s Just Stuff MECHANICAL

ITEMS BOUGHT / SOLD &

Repaired! Generators, Outboards,

Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers,

Tune ups, etc., pick-up and delivery

available, Call Gary at (978) 376-4214

PAINTING INTERIOR, EXTERIOR,

smoke and water damage ceilings

stain killed, repaired, or replaced,

carpentry interior-exterior repairs,

windows repaired and replaced, gutters

cleaned, repaired or replaced, clean

outs and clean ups of all kinds. General

masonry, all brick work, chimney work,

walkways, etc. (cell) 978-376-4214,

(home) 978-374-6187

UPHOLSTERER NEEDED.

Experience with furniture, car seats

and bolt. Upholstery by Fournier.

978-768-7018

Bruni's Shopping Center

36 Essex Road, Unit #2

Ipswich, MA 01938

TILE INSTALLATION

Specialized in all phases of

professional installation for new

www.TheTownCommon.com Page 15

Classified Ads

construction and remodels: Kitchen

backsplash, Bathroom walls, Showers/

Bathtubs, All floors, Fireplaces,

etc. All types of tile. Residential

or Commercial. Offering custom

design ideas. Call today for your free

estimate: 978-484-2437

WALLPAPER REMOVAL

Professional wallpaper removal.

Residential or Commercial. Call today

for your free estimate: 978-484-2437

EZ-ESTATE SALES

Moving? Downsizing? Need to

liquidate? Full online auctions or

on-site sales arranged and conducted

exclusively for your heirlooms. Also,

individual fine art consignments

negotiated. Twenty years experience.

Contact Liz 617-875-7876 or email

liz@comcast.net

FOR SALE

Household goods, beds, chairs,

tables, dressers, desks, lamps,

baskets, mirrors, trunks, porcelain,

bookcases, dish ware, decorative wall

shelving, medical equipment: walkers,

wheelchairs, ramp. Call Tim at 978-

312-6729 for details.

FOR SALE:

S 1D Hill horned mack saddle,

bridle, halter, etc. Custom made,

$400 or BO. 978-465-2283,

roadking-103@comcast.net

978-465-5831

ADDRESS TOWN TYPE BED BATHS DOM LIST SALE

118-1/2 Market St Amesbury, MA Detached 3 1 5 $399,000 $465,000

Classified Ad Form

Circle A Category

• For Sale

• Wanted

• Services

• Free

• Child Care Needed/Avail.

• Rental Auto

• Boat

• Help Wanted

• Animals

• Rental

• Yard Sale

• Other ____________________

How to

Place an ad

Options:

1. TEXT Greg at

978-618-9453

2. E-MAIL Greg at

greg@thetowncommon.

com

3. FILL OUT this form

and mail it in.

Questions?

20 Greenleaf St Amesbury, MA Detached 3 2 14 $435,000 $466,000

21 Old Elm St Salisbury, MA Detached 4 1 21 $435,000 $420,000

30 Phillips Dr Newburyport, MA Detached 3 2 93 $499,000 $470,000

12 Abrahams Way U:Lot 3 Ipswich, MA Detached 4 3 21 $834,900 $922,929.83

29 Topsfield Rd Boxford, MA : East Boxford Detached 6 4 24 $1,479,000 $1,500,000

1. ____________ 2. ____________

3. ____________ 4. ____________

5. ____________ 6. ____________

7. ____________ 8. ____________

9. ____________ 10. ___________

11. ___________ 12. ___________

13. ___________ 14. ___________

15. ___________ 16. ___________

17. ___________ 18. ___________

19. ___________ 20. ___________

Name: ______________________

Address: ____________________

Town: _______________________

State/Zip: ___________________

Tel: _________________________

Nr. issues or Dates: _________

Contact Greg and he

will call back shortly.

Cost per

20 word ad

1 - 3 weeks ............$10

4 weeks ..............$7.50

4+ weeks ongoing,

Contact Greg for details

Email: ___________________

Credit Card:

MC Visa Amex Dscvr

Credit Card #:

_________________________

Expiration Date: ____/____

Mail To: The Town Common, P.O. Box 2, Rowley, MA 01969


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