ttc 12 31 14 vol 11 no 09 p1 16

WHAT'SINSIDE

Behind the Scenes for

BirdersPage 4

Sled DogRacerPage 4

NewburyportChristmas Tree

DisposalPage 6

PredatorParty

Page 5

RaisingFinancially

ResponsibleChildren

WorkshopPage 9

REGIONAL – For the last four years the volunteer fi refi ghters of Newbury's Protection Company #2 have lit the giant bonfi re each winter, braving the cold, mud and rain to create a spectacular event and solve the annual problem of what to do with all those old Christmas trees.

On January 10, the 30 Newbury fi refi ghters plus others from fi re departments and companies from towns up and down the North Shore will again light up the three-story bonfi re, burning as many 2,000 trees, in the growing fi elds at 71 High Road, owned by Tender crop Farms. Th e rain date is Jan. 17.

Th e Oulde Newbury Bonfi re commemorates the founding of Newbury on Jan. 13, 1701.

“We put a bunch of time and eff ort into collecting the trees,” said Lt. Keith Grant with the Newbury fi refi ghters.

Residents from Newbury and surrounding municipalities are invited to drop off their trees at the fi re departments before Jan. 8. Th e fi re departments are located in Newbury behind the Town Hall on Morgan Street and at the By fi eld station, 44 Central Street.

In addition, Mellon drops off trees, picked up in Newburyport for the bonfi re.

Th e fun family event is a benefi t for the non-profi t volunteer fi re company and Historic New England, which owns the 1690 Spencer-Peirce-Little House. Th e festivities will begin at 3 p.m. with tours of the historic home at 5 Little Lane, plus games, food and drink, raffl es and music by John and Christine Ross with J&C Entertainment.

www.thetowncommon.com December 31, 2014 - January 6, 2015 Vol. 11, No. 9 FREE

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The Town CommonArea Looks to ManyNew Projects in 2015

by stewart Lytle, reporter–––––––––––––––––

Continued on page 3

Burn Your Treeat the Oulde Newbury Bonfire

REGIONAL – With the new year comes new projects, some long awaited, but each large enough to change the landscape.

Of course, Massachusetts has a new governor and l i e u t e n a n t g o v e r n o r . Newburyport , Salisbury and Amesbury have a new Republican state legislator in James Kelcourse. And the north shore will have a new congressman in Seth Moulton instead of 18-year veteran John Tierney.

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Th e Merrimack waterfront in Newburyport, long the focal point of controversy, will be a new hub of activity with the opening of a large new sports bar, the 442-seat Ale House, replacing the eye sore of a building on Merrimac Street that once housed the Davis Auto Parts. Th e Waterfront Trust is planning to repave and landscape the edges of its adjacent parking lot.

Development along the riverfront lay dormant again in 2014 as opponents persisted in fi ghting plans to build housing and retail buildings on the waterfront. At the start of the new year, the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority appeared to have dropped its ambitious plans and is waiting to develop new ideas on how to raise $4 million to pave its parking lots and upgrade the park.

Photo provided by Newbury's Protection Company #2

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Page � www.TheTownCommon.com December 31, �014 - January 6, �015

The Town CommonMarc Maravalli, Publisher / [email protected]

Graphic Design [email protected]

Advertising [email protected]

Event and Announcement [email protected]

77 Wethersfield StreetRowley, MA 01969-1713

Phone: (978) 948-8696 Fax: (978) 948-�564

www.thetowncommon.comThe 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 &/or refunds are offered or implied.

All material and content cannot be duplicated without written consent of the publisher. The right is reserved to reject, omit, or

edit any copy offered for publication.

Copyright �004-�015 The Town Common© - All Rights Reserved

In loving memory of Liz Ichizawa, Reporter (1956 - �005)

Marc Maravalli, B.S., R.Ph. Publisher/Editor, The Town Common

How to Submit Letters to the Editor

The Town Common serves the communities of the Upper North Shore of Mass. & Coastal New Hampshire and welcomes your participation.

Send your Organization or Group Notices, Birth or Engagement

Announcements, Photos, Articles and Letters to the Editor, by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail to: 77 Wethersfield St.,

Rowley, MA 01969Phone: 978-948-8696

Fax: 978-948-2564E-mail: [email protected]

To the Editor:

On behalf of Deborah Smith, Executive Director, as well as staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and most importantly clients, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the community for supporting our winter coat drive.

Many people have warm winter coats thanks to the Pettengill House’s ninth annual Winter Coat Drive. The outpouring of donations from local schools, businesses, faith organizations and individuals enabled us to provide 500 coats to individuals and families in need, with more given out as needed. An additional 417 coats were provided to eight local agencies, ensuring those in need would have continued access this winter.

This year brought a new collaboration with Coastal Connections to deliver the winter coat program. Thank you to Rick Bartley for generously lending space in Amesbury. The staff and clients at Coastal Connections transported coats, helped unload and organize, and directed phone calls. Once again Sandi and Dave Schaeffer of Salisbury Discount House loaned us racks and reusable shopping bags were donated by Gina Adamo. Staples donated twenty crates to display and store knitwear and gloves. A special thank you goes out to all the donors who dropped off coats from far and near, all who are too numerous to mention. Countless numbers of schools, groups, individuals and businesses delivered coats and created knitted winter accessories!

This program is made possible each year through the planning and organizational efforts of volunteer and Advisory Board member Peg Brown. It’s success is due to her diligent efforts, along with this year’s volunteers who donated their time and energy: Monica Blondin, Pam Brown, Deb Casey, Paul Cooper, Jan Epps, Amy Estabrook, Karen French, Noreen and Wally Hager, Bob Jackson, Dave Mackie, Jean Mercer, Martha Muldoon, Stephanie Pellegrini, Donna Scott, Linda Young, Cindy Lee and the students and staff of Coastal Connections. Our gratitude to Paul’s Ski House for donating brand new hats, gloves and jackets; The Lions Club of Newburyport, Newburyport Mothers and Families Club, AHS and AMS for all doing collections on their own and spreading the word.

Sincerely,Julie Havey, Coordinator of Programs and Volunteer Services

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 may be edited for length and clarity. Some letters may serve as a catalyst for other articles or 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 telephone number.

Letters may be submitted to:

The Editor c/o The Town Common 77 Wethersfield St. Rowley, MA 01969 or preferably via e-mail to: [email protected].

The Town Common deadline is

5pm Wednesday (except when a federal holiday necessitates an earlier deadline).

Letters to the EditorYear End Gratitude

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no

Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STVIRGINIA, Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the

skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

Dear Readers of The Town Common,

For over the past eleven years I have had the privilege to serve my community by creating and running The Town Common. We have overcome many obstacles and shared in many wonderful stories.

This season I wish everyone the happiest of holidays and thank all our loyal readers, advertisers and friends for helping us become and stay a welcome part of the community. We look forward to serving you for 90 more years or longer.

A tradition for our newspaper has been to run the following column each Christmas season. Enjoy.

Sincerely,Marc Maravalli, Publisher/Editor The Town Common

Happy Holidays

Dear Editor,

As 2014 draws to a close, we reflect on the many programs and services that we were able to offer through the Salisbury Council on Aging and we are struck by the sense of community and kindness that is bestowed upon us. The Council on aging is grateful for Salisbury Fire and Police Departments who continue to serve, as well as, host great social events and seminars for our seniors; our Department of Public Works who continuously maintain our building from clogged toilets, to snow shoveling to making minor repairs. The Salisbury Elementary after School Kids Club, who never miss a holiday to acknowledge and reach out to our seniors. Our thanks go to all of the special people of Town Hall; our town manager and selectmen for their continued support. With everyone’s help and assistance we are better able to expand our programs to serve the increasing needs of the community. We thank our Board of Directors for their support, insight and most importantly their participation. We thank our local businesses and individual donors for their continued involvement, and their appreciation of our senior citizens. Special thanks to our guest speakers, facilitators, local home health agencies and assisted living facilities; we are truly blessed for their time and support. Most importantly, we thank our volunteers: our meal providers, NEET drivers, friendly visitors, office workers, decorators & Bingo helpers. We are thankful to the Friends of the Council on Aging for their continued support and sharing our vision of improving our senior community. Here at the Council on Aging even the smallest gesture of caring is never taken for granted. Whatever role you play at the Hilton Center Council on Aging, your contribution is part of the wonderful fabric of our community. From the bottom of our hearts, our wish for each and every one of you is more happiness than words can express, not just for New Years but throughout the entire year and years to come.

Elizabeth PettisDirector, Salisbury Council on Aging

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Burn Your Tree at the Oulde Newbury BonfireTh e fi refi ghters will begin

dosing the blaze about 9 p.m.Th e Oulde Newbury Bonfi re

will also feature a fun, high-energy auction with prizes that include a ride to school in a fi re truck, cords of wood and original art. Two people will be selected by raffl e to be the offi cial lighters of the bonfi re.

Th e two organizations split the donations, which include $5 to park. Th e event is free to the public. Th e food and drink, provided by local restaurants, breweries and wineries, are not free.

As of last week 15 vendors had signed up for the event. Th ey include Ipswich Ale, Mill River Winery and Turkey Hill Distillery. Several restaurants and

a food truck from Rhode Island will serve pulled pork sandwiches. Th ere will also be pizza, sausages, sub sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs, chili and corn chowder, fried dough, plus coff ee, hot chocolate, beer and wine.

At the Spencer-Peirce-Little House, there will be marshmallow roasts, skating and sledding, a treasure hunt and the popular Christmas tree toss.

Th e Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a 230-acre site with a late seventeenth-century manor house that served as the country seat of wealthy Newburyport merchants and an attached farmhouse that was home to a Lithuanian farm family for most of the twentieth century. Th e farm cares for farm animals in partnership with the Massachusetts Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Visit friendly sheep, goats, chickens and a horse throughout the year.

Th e Newbury Fire Department Protection Company #2, founded in 1942, owns most of its own fi re trucks and fi re equipment as well as the fi re station and fi re museum. Th e town supports the fi refi ghters with a minimal budget. Th e balance is raised by the fi refi ghters through fundraising, which saves the taxpayers money. Last year the town residents approved the purchase of a new pumper truck to replace the aging pumper truck No. 10.

For more information, visit newburyfi rerescue.com. To donate a raffl e item for the event, call 978-462-2282.

Area Looks to Many New Projects in 2015Nearby New England

Development may move forward in 2015 with a much anticipated 80-room boutique hotel on its riverfront properties. While Amesbury is planning to build a new hotel in its Golden Triangle off Rte. 110, Stephen Karp's company may clear out old buildings to make way for a new hotel.

Th e city of Newburyport is working on a public-private partnership to build an intermodial garage and parking facility. A grant of $5 million for the garage and regional bus terminal is reportedly part of the MassDOT Capital Improvement Plan. Th at grant may qualify Newburyport for $2 million to $2.5 million in federal funding for the inter-modal facility. One old building that the fi re department has ruled off limits has been removed.

Down Route 1A Newbury faces tough decisions about how to pay for a new town hall and

police station. Th is spring the town will present the question of raising the millions needed for the new facility to its Spring Town Meeting. Estimates are a new 9,000 square-foot police station and a new 5,431 square-foot Town Hall at the current location would cost $8.4 million.

Th e new design for the town hall would move all departments, including the health department and inspection services, out of the temporary trailers and back into the new Town Hall.

At the same meeting, Newbury Town Meeting members must also face a tough decision on building a new athletic fi eld, track, restrooms and stadium at Triton Regional High School for almost $4 million. It would replace a worn out track and condemned bleachers.

Th at vote will have to be presented to the Town Meetings in not just Newbury, but Rowley and Salisbury too. If the fi nal design and funding are approved this spring, construction on the

new stadium could begin June 1 and be completed 15 weeks later in mid-September.

Back in Newburyport, the school district is moving ahead with plans to build a new $2.2 million renovated stadium with artifi cial turf.

In Salisbury, the old 3,000-square-foot library has been torn down and is being replaced by a new 17,000-square-foot library being built on the same footprint on Salisbury Green. Castagna Construction of Newburyport, which has built libraries in Wakefi eld, Groton and Andover, is building the new, two-story library, which will cost about $7.5 million and be completed in September 2015, just in time for the town to celebrate the library's 130th birthday.

Castagna is also building the new Newburyport senior center on the site of the old Breshnahan Elementary School. It too will be open in 2015.

In all, 2015 should be a very interesting year.

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

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Senior Moments

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31st

BEHIND THE SCENES FOR BIRDERS!

Wednesday, December 31st , 2:30 – 4:30 pm - Join refuge volunteer and birder-extraordinaire Sue McGrath for a very special edition of our Behind the Scenes tour. Get a chance to see and learn about birds in their habitats on areas of the refuge that are not normally open to the public. Bring your binoculars and fi eld guides. Th e tour is limited to 13 participants; no more than 2 individuals per sign-up. Th is is a vehicle-based tour, with limited stops on the refuge. Meet the tour leader in the lobby of the refuge visitor center 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Preregistration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Th ose who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confi rmed until you receive a confi rmation call from a Refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753 to register for this program.

NEW YEAR'S EVE COMEDY AT THE WYNDHAM

Wednesday, Dec. 31 – Comedy Hypnotist Joe DeVito returns to the Merrimack Valley for New Year's Eve at the Wyndham Andover Hotel, 123 Old River Road, Andover. Doors open at 6 p.m. for buff et at 7, show at 8, followed by dessert, DJ dancing and midnight toast. Tickets $75 (a limited number of $40 tickets are available for show-dancing-toast only) at www.scampscomedy.com. Special discounted overnight rooms $109. For overnight rates and reservations, call (978) 975-3600 as ask for the “Joe DeVito rate.”

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1st

NEW YEAR'S DAY AT SALISBURY BEACH STATE RESERVATION

Join Newburyport Birders for an afternoon of birding on the fi rst day of the New Year. Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a wonderful, winter birding site. Please dress warmly in layers; wear warm, waterproof footwear. Th ursday, January 1st, 2:00 pm to dusk. Meeting Location: Boat Ramp Parking Lot Fee: $20

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2nd

SURVIVORTh rough teamwork and problem

solving, we will explore the woodlands of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary and imagine that we are explorers stranded in the wilderness. In order to survive, we will need to build shelters, collect fi rewood, and fi nd food and water. Come and fi nd out how you would survive! Be sure to dress for the weather and wear warm waterproof boots. Saturday, December 27 or Friday, January 2, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Fee: $9/adults, $7/children (discount for Mass Audubon members).

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3rd

BEHIND THE SCENES REFUGE TOUR

Held on the following days: Saturday, Jan. 3rd @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 4th @ 1:00 pm; Wednesday, Jan. 7th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, Jan. 17th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 18th @ 1:00 pm; Wednesday, Jan. 21st @ 9:30 am; Saturday, Jan. 24th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 25th @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, Jan. 31st @ 9:30 am Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief “drive by” stops along the way. Th e tour will present an “up close and personal” look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum Island and the Great Marsh, native wildlife and their habitats, and the role of refuge management in the conservation

of these precious natural resources. Participants may be driven along areas on the refuge otherwise closed to the public. Th is guided two hour program is most appropriate for older teens and adults. Binoculars and/or a camera are recommended, but not required. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the Refuge visitor center 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Each session is limited to 14 participants; no more than 4 individuals per sign-up. Again, this is a vehicle – based tour, with limited stops on the Refuge. Advance registration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Th ose who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confi rmed until you receive a confi rmation call from a Refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753 to register for this program.

SLED DOG RACERTh e Children’s Room of the

Ipswich Public Library, 25 No. Main St., Ipswich, is hosting champion sled dog racer and Ipswich High School senior Lily Stewart on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. Stewart will give a demonstration with several of her sled dogs (snow is not required) and will bring sled dog racing equipment for children and their families to examine. She will also talk, in this child-friendly event, about what it takes to be a competitive sled dog racer and about her adventures racing in Alaska, Canada and elsewhere. For more information, please call the Children’s Room at 978-412-8713.

AFTERNOON BIRDING AT PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGETake some quiet time before that holiday frenzy begins and join Sue for a birding program focused on the importance of the Refuge during winter. We'll explore, looking for winter fi nches, sea ducks, wintering loons and grebes, and with some luck, we'll



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December 31, �014 - January 6, �015 www.TheTownCommon.com see some owls. Saturday, January 3rd from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Meeting Location: Lot #1 on Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Fee: $20.

KENYAN KIDS: THEIR LIVES IN ART

During the month of January at Th e First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, “Kenyan Kids: Th eir Lives in Art” will be exhibit in the church gallery in the lower meetinghouse. Th e exhibit is open from 9:00am to 1:00pm weekdays, and by special arrangement with Sandra Th axter. Th e children who created this art live in villages in the hills of Western Kenya near Lake Victoria. Th ey are part of a community technology center, where they have been using laptops to record their songs, make videos of their dramas and draw pictures of their lives, as well as learn math and improve their literacy. Th is exhibit features their colorful art showing their lives, concerns for their communities and Kenya's wildlife, especially elephants and rhinos. Th ere will be a reception on January 3rd at 1 PM, featuring videos showing the students, singing, telling about themselves. Small Solutions Big Ideas has been funding this technology education program in their schools, and their community center since 2010. For more information contact Sandra Th axter [email protected] or visit the website to get more information on the children www.smallsolutionsbigideas.org Free and open to the public

PARENT/CHILD BUILD A BIRD FEEDER

Brighten up your yard this winter with a bird feeder handmade by you and your child. All materials and instruction provided; just bring a hammer. Afterwards, we’ll observe the sanctuary feeders to see what birds are coming to them. Sunday, December 28 or Saturday, January 3, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Fee: $20 per family ($18/Mass Audubon member families). Th e fee includes one kit; extra kits can be purchased for $12 each and must be ordered by December 10.

JAM SESSION Continued on page 9

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A jam session will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, at the Union Congregational Church, 350 Main Street, Amesbury, from 7:00-9:00PM. All musicians, as well as the general public, are welcome to attend. Th ere is no admission charge, but donations are always appreciated. You can contact Carol Finn, at 978-388-6591, for further details.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4th


Held on the following days: Saturday, Jan. 3rd @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 4th @ 1:00 pm; Wednesday, Jan. 7th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, Jan. 17th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 18th @ 1:00 pm; Wednesday, Jan. 21st @ 9:30 am; Saturday, Jan. 24th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 25th @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, Jan. 31st @ 9:30 am Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief “drive by” stops along the way. Th e tour will present an “up close and personal” look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum Island and the Great Marsh, native wildlife and their habitats, and the role of refuge management in the conservation of these precious natural resources. Participants may be driven along areas on the refuge otherwise closed to the public. Th is guided two hour program is most appropriate for older teens and adults. Binoculars and/or a camera are recommended, but not required. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the Refuge visitor center 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Each session is limited to 14 participants; no more than 4 individuals per sign-up. Again, this is a vehicle – based tour, with limited stops on the Refuge. Advance registration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Th ose who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confi rmed until you receive a confi rmation call from a Refuge staff member. Please call

(978) 465-5753 to register for this program.

WINTER BIRDING IN SALISBURY, SEABROOK & HAMPTON

Take some quiet time and join Sue for a birding program focused on the importance of the seacoast during winter. Winter birding along the seacoast is great fun in winter. We often fi nd winter fi nches, sea ducks, wintering loons and grebes and wintering owls. Sunday, January 4th from 12:00 pm to dusk. Meeting Location: Boat Ramp Parking Lot at Salisbury Beach State Reservation [we'll carpool from there] Fee: $20.

PREDATOR PARTY Predators such as the eastern

coyote can’t go to the market for groceries, so how do they get their food? Come take a walk with us and fi nd out as we look for fi shers, river otters, foxes, hawks, and owls on the sanctuary. Tracks, chews, scat, pellets, and bones will show us where predators have partied. Tuesday, December 30 or Sunday, January 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Fee: $9/adults, $7/children (discount for Mass Audubon members).

REFUGE FAMILY CINEMA OFFERS FREE MOVIES IN JANUARY!

Looking for something fun to do with the kids on a Sunday afternoon this winter? Why not head over to the visitor center at Parker River National Wildlife refuge to watch FREE family-friendly fi lms on the big screen, in the comfort of the visitor center auditorium. Th ese are great fi lms with environmental themes. Th e Friends of Parker NWR will even provide popcorn and bottled water (for a suggested donation). No preregistration for these programs. Auditorium seating is limited to the fi rst 75 people who show up! Sunday, January 4th @ 1:30 pm: Finding Nemo: Fantastic animation and beautiful underwater scenes featuring the clownfi sh Nemo in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia will hook children of all ages. After Nemo is captured and placed in a dentist's aquarium, he learns that "all drains lead to the



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www.TheTownCommon.com December 31, �014 - January 6, �015 Letters To The Editor

Business Spotlight

Real Estate • For Sale

Sports • Sports • Sports

Pets, Animals, Plus

Health & Fitness

Community Announcements

Community Connections

ForSale

AMESBURY - If you are recently retired or have some extra time on your hands and you looking for a great way to help out others in your community please consider this program. Northern Essex Elder Transport, Inc. is a non-profi t volunteer program serving the elderly in fourteen communities of the Merrimack Valley. Volunteer drivers provide door-to-door transportation for the elderly to local and out of town medical appointments when other means are either unavailable or unaff ordable. Our drivers donate their time and use their own automobiles. For elders who need transportation, all they have to do is call their local Council on Aging to schedule a ride. Transportation is vitally important in helping the elderly maintain their independence and the N.E.E.T. program is a vital link in ensuring that older adults have access to needed services and opportunities. Th e Amesbury Council on Aging is in search of volunteers to assist seniors with transportation to medical appointments. Currently a great need is for N.E.E.T. drivers is the Boston Area hospitals, Peabody, Burlington and Th e VA hospitals. Volunteer Drivers Needed - Drivers Use their own vehicles. Are reimbursed at $.43 a mile .Are provided with Supplemental Insurance. Are given an Emergency Procedures Course instructing them on what to do “if ” an emergency arises. Please contact Kathy Fairchild at NEET 978-388-7474

------------------------------------------------------------AMESBURY - Th e Amesbury Council on Aging is in search of volunteers to assist in several diff erent areas. If you are interested please stop by and pick up a volunteer packet. For More information please feel free to call and speak with Jean Marie, Volunteer Coordinator 978 388 8138. Areas of need: 1. Friendly Visitors - visit seniors weekly in their home 2. Penny Mill - price and sell merchandise for the friends of the COA 3. Receptionist - Work 8-12 or 12-4 on our reception desk answering the phone and directing the calls. Scheduling Van rides to appointments, etc., signing up those wanting to attend a program or class. We use a specifi c computer program for the Council on Aging so learning that program is what is required.

------------------------------------------------------------HAMPTON - Th e Hampton Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the First Congregational Church, Winnacunnet Road, Hampton, NH, unless otherwise noted. Membership is $20 per year and includes informational topics, community projects and fi eld trips throughout the year. For membership information call Roseanne Tuholski at 603-926-2705.

------------------------------------------------------------NEWBURY - All parents who will have a child attending Kindergarten in September at the Newbury Elementary School are invited to attend Kindergarten Information Night on Th ursday, January 8, 2015 at 6:15 PM in the Newbury Elementary School library. Children must be fi ve years old before August 31, 2015 in order to be eligible for kindergarten. Th e kindergarten classrooms will be open for viewing starting at 6:00PM. At the meeting, information will be presented on both the half-day and the tuition-based full-day options, as well as, the screening and registration processes. Kindergarten staff will describe the program and curriculum. Staff will be available to answer questions. Screening will be held by appointment on Th ursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, 2015. For further information, contact Kathleen Murphy, Early Childhood Coordinator, at [email protected] or 978-465-2397 ext. 5330.

------------------------------------------------------------NEWBURYPORT - During the month of January, Christmas trees will be picked up on your regular trash day. Any trees picked up before January 10 will be brought to the Tendercrop growing fi elds in Newbury for a community wide bonfi re sponsored by the Newbury Fire Department. Th is event will be held from 3-9 pm and is an open event for all to attend. Th e museum and visitor’s center at Spencer Pierce Little Farm will be open along with many vendors and activities taking place. All proceeds will go towards the purchasing of new fi re equipment for the Newbury Fire Department. For additional information or if you need their help with your tree, please call the Newbury Fire Department or visit www.newburyfi rerescue.com. Newburyport trees will continue to be picked up after the 10th but those will be brought to the Wheelebrator disposal site in North Andover. Th e Crow Lane Recycle Center will be open for our monthly Recycle Event on Saturday, January 4 from 8 am till noon. Electronics, white goods, metals, oil, oil based paint, cooking oil, anti-freeze, Styrofoam, bicycles and tires will be accepted. For additional information please contact the Recycling and Energy Offi ce at 978-499-0413.

------------------------------------------------------------NEWBURYPORT - Th e Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is currently accepting applications for a new yearlong naturalist training program that will prepare volunteers to assist with and/or lead a range of public education and interpretive programs for the Plum Island-based national wildlife refuge. Th e training sessions, which begin in February and will be conducted one Saturday each month over a thirteen month period, will cover a broad range of wildlife, ecology, and cultural history topics. A class of 15 program participants will be selected through a competitive application process. Th e training program is free. For further information about applying to the Refuge Naturalist Training Program, please visit the refuge homepage: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/ or contact Ranger Matt Poole at (978) 465-5753, ext. 210. Application deadline is Friday, January 9, 2015.

------------------------------------------------------------NEWBURYPORT - Th oughtful Life Studies of Merrimack Valley will host Doug Veenhof in a two-part series of talks on Karma: a fresh look at explanations of why this particular experience arises at this particular moment. Talks will be on Wednesdays, January 7 & 21, 2015, 7:00 - 9:00PM, at Belleville Church, Chapel Street Entrance, 300 High Street, in Newburyport. All of our programs are supported by donation. For more Information: www.thoughtfullifestudies.org or contact: [email protected]

------------------------------------------------------------NEWBURYPORT - Th e Merrimack Valley Skating Club, in cooperation with the Graf Rink, is now accepting registrations for the January Learn to Skate and Tiny Tots programs. Learn to Skate will take place on Sundays at 4pm & 5pm as well as Th ursday at 6pm. Tiny Tots will take on Mondays at 1pm and Wednesdays at 2pm. Th ere are also limited Tiny Tots spaces available during the evening Learn

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December 31, �014 - January 6, �015 www.TheTownCommon.com to Skate classes. Specialized Learn to Skate and Tiny Tots classes focus on the basic fundamentals that are important for shaping both hockey and figure skating skills. Skaters have the chance to earn skill-badges or certificates throughout the series. Student to coach ratio is kept low and classes are available for skaters age 3 through adult. Classes run as 7-8 week programs continuously throughout the year. Each member of the Merrimack Valley Skating Club coaching staff is a credentialed professional who has successfully completed a comprehensive background screening process through the National Center for Safety Initiatives. Visit www.grafrink.com for registration forms and detailed information regarding both programs. Please contact Nikki in the front office at 978-462-8112 with any questions.

------------------------------------------------------------NEWBURYPORT - Looking for something to do on a Wednesday, afternoon? Come join the Golden Agers at the Elks Hall at l:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. The only requirement is that you be 55 years old or older. One of these meeting s is a short business meeting with coffee and doughnuts served and the other meeting we serve a lunch and have entertainment. Last month we had an excellent Elvis Presley imitator. Come and possibly meet some old friends and make some new ones. For more information call Jeanne Thomas, 978-465-8647.

------------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - Join the Rowley Library Book Club to discuss The Good Lord Bird by James McBride, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. The story is told through the eyes of an escaped slave known as Little Onion, a 12-year-old boy disguised as a girl traveling the country with John Brown and his abolitionist band to their meeting with destiny at Harpers Ferry. Come to the Rowley Library on Thursday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m. to share what you think. Pick up your copy today! The Rowley Public Library is located at 141 Main Street. For more information, call the library at 978-948-2850.

------------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - The All-Scout Paper Drive will be held on Saturday, January 10th from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. behind the First Congregational Church of Rowley on Main Street. The scouts will be collecting newspapers, books and magazines. The Boy Scouts will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans. The Boy, Cub and Girl Scouts of Rowley thank you very much for helping to keep Scouting active in Rowley. The paper drives are held the second Saturday of odd numbered months. If you have any questions please call George Pacenka at (978) 948-7918. Non-perishable items…including diapers, paper towels, toilet paper will also be collected at this time for the Rowley Food Pantry.

------------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - Our Times, the Rowley Senior's Newsletter is printed each month and sent to all the seniors in Rowley. If you know a senior in Rowley who is not receiving our letter, please ask them to call us at 948-7637 and submit their name and address. You can also view the newsletter online at: www.townofrowley.net

------------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - Rowley Library Collecting for Rowley Food Pantry - Donate non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies and paper goods, or personal hygiene products for the Rowley Food Pantry in the basket in the Library lobby. The Rowley Food Pantry is open on Tuesday mornings from 10 am to noon and Thursday evenings from 6 - 7:30 in the parsonage of the Baptist Church at 153 Main St. All Rowley residents are welcome.

------------------------------------------------------------ROWLEY - Fellowship Thrift Shop located in lower hall of First Congregational Church of Rowley, 175 Main St. (Rte 1A), Rowley is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and also Thursdays 3 - 7 p.m., weather permitting. We have clothing of all sizes, household goods and some special items - all at reasonable prices. We even have occasional sales! We are happy to accept donations of gently used clothing and household items, but only when the shop is open. NO electronics, books or household items, please.

------------------------------------------------------------SALISBURY - The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack will meet at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, January 14th at the East Parish Methodist Church, Salisbury Square (route 1), Salisbury, MA. “President Bob Sullivan will speak on “Charles Read, Confederate Naval Raider.” Admission is free and anyone with an interest in America’s Civil War is invited to attend. For more information visit our web page www.cwrtm.org or call Tom at (978) 462-8518.

------------------------------------------------------------SALISBURY - Friendly Visitors through the Salisbury Senior Center - If you are homebound or know

Continued on page 12



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DEC/JAN HIGH LOW SUN31 Wed 7:18 8.61 7:58 7.73 1:34 0.21 2:22 -0.09 7:14 4:19 01 Thurs 8:08 8.95 8:41 7.64 2:05 -0.02 2:47 -0.40 7:14 4:1902 Fri 9:03 8.95 9:37 7.58 3:00 0.09 3:41 -0.45 7:14 4:20 03 Sat 9:54 8.93 10:27 7.57 3:52 0.18 4:32 -0.47 7:14 4:21 04 Sun 10:41 8.88 11:13 7.56 4:42 0.27 5:20 -0.45 7:14 4:22 05 Mon 11:24 8.81 11:55 7.57 5:28 0.34 6:04 -0.39 7:14 4:23 06 Tues 12:06 8.71 xx xx 6:13 0.42 6:46 -0.31 7:14 4:24 07 Wed 12:35 7.60 12:46 8.60 6:55 0.49 7:27 -0.20 7:14 4:25 08 Thurs 1:15 7.64 1:27 8.46 7:38 0.56 8:08 -0.07 7:13 4:26

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Starting off on the Right Financial Foot

By John K. Barnes, CFP® You made it through another holiday

season! You are going to ease back into your easy chair, press play on the DVR, and catch up on those missed episodes of Game of Thrones and True Detective.You are done, right?

Not so fast. Before you press play on the DVR, I implore you to take another couple of hours and invest your time in reviewing your financial situation. Taking a small amount of time now to address your financial gaps could prove beneficial for your future.

Think about your money over the last year and ask yourself these questions:

Do you know where your money went in the past year? Do you know where your money is going in the future?Do you know where it shouldgo?

If you answered, “I don’t know”, you are not alone. Last year, Gallup released a poll stating that nearly 70% of Americans don’t have a monthly budget or have a financial plan, which means most families don’t have clue where their money is going or should be going. It is akin to flying an airplane without an altimeter and without a compass. You might be fine for a while, but there is no certainty of where you will land.

Here are some ideas to get your money or your financial plan going in the direction you want in 2015:

Know your cash flow – Cash flow is no different than the “You are here” sticker on the mall map. It’s the starting point on where you are at with your money.

Establish a will and review beneficiary designations – This is important to ensure that, upon your death, your money and assets are transferred according to your wishes. Without a proper will, the state can make decisions for you.

Establish a college savings plan –Considering the cost of college, there is never a bad time to establish a 529 plan or a Coverdell ESA for your child.

Check those insurances – A recent change with your marital status, dependents, health, or job could provoke a change or need with life, disability, or health insurance.

These are just some of the many ideas to get your money heading in the direction you want in 2015. Of course, what you do will depend on your own, unique financial situation.

John is located at the Georgetown office, 33 West Main Street, and can be reached at (978) 494-4574 or [email protected]

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December 31, �014 - January 6, �015 www.TheTownCommon.com Continued from page 5

January 2015 10,11, 17, 18, 24, 25

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February 2015 16,17,18,19,20 5 days of classes 9am - 4pm

March 2015 16,17,18,19,20 (Private School)

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The Town CommonWeekly Community Newspaper



PRATT HOBBY SHOPWould like to thank the hundreds of people that have patronized my store this past year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!Please stop by for a free magnet calendar “2015”

Old Coins WantedPratt Hobby Shop • 20 East Main St. • Georgetown, MA.

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ESTES Rockets & Supplies,Plastic & Wood Models / Supplies

Autos, Trucks, Planes, Ships & morePineCars & Derby SuppliesX-Acto Sets, Paints & More

METALDETECTORS

COINSITEMS WANTED – Wanted by Pratt Coin and Hobby in Georgetown. U.S. Coins, silver, gold, foreign world money. Old pocket watches, wrist watches, costume jewelry and post cards. Wheat pennies, Pre-1958 - 2 1/2 cents each.

1/2¢........................... Lg. 1¢..........................Fly. E 1¢...................... Cop. Nic. 1¢.............. 2¢ Piece.................... 3¢ Silver I.................. 3¢ Nic....................... Shield 5¢....................Liberty 5¢................. Bust 1/2 10¢.............. St. 1/2 10¢.................Bust. 10¢................... St. 10¢........................ Bar. 10¢..................... 20¢ Piece.................. Bust 25¢ Lg.............. Bust 25¢ Sm............. Seated 25¢................ Bar. 25¢..................... Stand. L. 25¢ I........... Stand. L. 25¢ II......... Bust 50¢.................... Seated 50¢................ Bar. 50¢..................... Seated $1..................Trade $1...................

AVG. CIR.$55.0016.0018.007.00

12.0020.0012.0020.00

.5040.0011.0023.0010.002.00

85.0075.0075.0016.005.00

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50.0030.0010.00

200.00100.00

AU$100.00100.00125.0040.0060.00

115.0045.0080.0035.00

175.0055.00

275.0050.0040.00

275.001500.00550.00100.00135.00130.0055.00

250.00135.00275.00650.00230.00

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16.00 oz.Private Mint ............



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Social Security: January 22nd - Understanding your choices and their implications, strategies for married couples and impact on surviving spouse.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 5th

BROWN BAG LUNCHJanuary 5th, Brown Bag Lunch,

12pm: Co-Director and Educator Stacey Fraser-deHaan shares images and stories from her many trips to Scotland. Th is is a follow-up lunch to her November lunch about trips to Edinburgh. Ipswich seniors and museum members free. $5 for non-members.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6th

FUNDRAISERIn May 2015, the Elementary

students of Th e North Shore Montessori School and parents will go on the second annual overnight fi eld trip to the Chewonki Foundation. Chewonki is an environmental education organization based in Wiscasset, Maine, that “inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives.” (www.chewonki.org) To off set the costs of this wonderful learning opportunity, NSMS is partnering with Flatbread Pizza Company in Amesbury MA to host a benefi t on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Come by anytime between 5 p.m. -9 p.m. during which a portion of the proceeds from each pizza ordered will go toward the cost of the trip to Chewonki. North Shore Montessori School is excited to be partnering with so many wonderful organizations who share the values of sustainable living in our world. For more information about NSMS, visit www.northshoremontessori.org

RAISING FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE CHILDREN

Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 6:30. “Money Talks": Tips and techniques on raising children to become: thoughtful savers, careful spenders and intentional givers. Free and open to the public, workbooks will be provided. Presented by Brendan & Caleb Harty of New York Life

Financial Planners. Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St. S. Hamilton, 978-468-5577 * hwlibrary.org

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7th


Held on the following days: Saturday, Jan. 3rd @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 4th @ 1:00 pm; Wednesday, Jan. 7th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, Jan. 17th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 18th @ 1:00 pm; Wednesday, Jan. 21st @ 9:30 am; Saturday, Jan. 24th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, Jan. 25th @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, Jan. 31st @ 9:30 am Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief “drive by” stops along the way. Th e tour will present an “up close and personal” look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum Island and the Great Marsh, native wildlife and their habitats, and the role of refuge management in the conservation of these precious natural resources. Participants may be driven along areas on the refuge otherwise closed to the public. Th is guided two hour program is most appropriate for older teens and adults. Binoculars and/or a camera are recommended, but not required. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the Refuge visitor center 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Each session is limited to 14 participants; no more than 4 individuals per sign-up. Again, this is a vehicle – based tour, with limited stops on the Refuge. Advance registration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Th ose who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confi rmed until you receive a confi rmation call from a Refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753 to register for this program.

ELECTRONICS WORKSHOPWednesday, Jan. 7 at 3:30. An

introduction to electronics, for

grades 5-8. Using Tronix Lab kits, you will have a hands-on opportunity to learn about resistors, LEDs, simple wiring, switches and more. Registration is required, space is limited. Sign up at the Reference desk, or call 978-468-5577. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St. S. Hamilton, 978-468-5577 * hwlibrary.org

PROMISING APPROACHES ON ENDING POVERTY

On Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00pm, Local Poverty Matters will present “Promising Approaches to Ending Poverty." Th e speakers will be John Cuneo, Executive Director of Community Action, Inc., and Bob Gould, the Director of Community Action in Amesbury. Community Action is the federally designated anti-poverty agency in our area stretching from Newburyport and Salisbury to Haverhill. Th eir mission is to provide resources and opportunities for individuals, families and communities to overcome poverty. Local Poverty Matters meets in the lower meetinghouse on the fi rst Wednesday every month and explores the various aspects of local poverty. It is jointly sponsored by the Social Action Committee of FRS and by Pennies for Poverty, a local nonprofi t trying to increase awareness of poverty in our community. Th e sessions are free and open to the public. Lower Meetinghouse of the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport. Free and open to the public

JAZZ VESPERSTh e next Jazz Vespers Service will

be held on Wednesday January 7 at 8:00pm featuring the Jazz Vespers house band of Lark Madden on guitar, Susan Creamer on piano, and Tomas Havrda on drums. Sabrina Babcock will provide seasonal readings. Th e music begins at 8 pm in the Unitarian Church, 26 Pleasant Street in Newburyport. Jazz Vespers celebrates the inspiration of Jazz, Blues and Swing music, and includes readings and time for refl ection. All are welcome. Free.

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Suggestions For Success in 2015Brighter Smiles...

BY J. PETER ST. CLAIR, DMD

determine 90% of your happiness or misery. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. Be forgiving of yourself and others. Be generous. Have a grateful heart. Persistence, persistence, persistence. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated. Commit yourself to constant improvement. Commit yourself to quality. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

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Be loyal. Be honest. Be a self-starter. .Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong. .Stop blaming others if it means you'll sometimes be wrong. Be loyal and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did. Take good care of those you love. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

Best wishes for a successful 2015. Happy New Year!

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 [email protected]. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

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Th anks again to the The Town Common for another great year. At the end of each of the past 9 years, I have used this space to publish these 21 Suggestions for Success authored by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. It is the perfect time to refl ect on the year past and prepare for any changes we need to make for the year to come.

How was 2014 for you? For me, as with most years, there was the good and the less than good. I’ll read this list multiple times over the next few weeks to reinforce the direction I intend for 2015.

Cut this out and put it on the refrigerator. Read this list often and take these suggestions to heart. Th ey will be sure to make your 2015 great.

Marry the right person. Th is one decision will

1.

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The Town Common

Senior Scene

When you live long enough, you often see old things come around again as new. Hemlines go up and down, hairstyles change. But sometimes the good stuff goes away and doesn't come back.

Like the milkman. Like doctors who made house calls. Like paper Savings Bonds.

Remember when you got your fi rst bond? It was a tangible item you could hold in your hands and read. Maybe you got one when you were married. Maybe you did the same for your children when they had big life events. If nothing else, they were a safe place to save money.

Th ey're gone now. Th e paper version of Series EE Savings Bonds is no more. January 1 marks three years since we've been able to buy them. You have to get on the computer and order them online (www.treasurydirect.gov).

You open an account, working your way through many steps, and putting in a lot of personal information, such as your bank accounts. Your details have to be verifi ed before you can make a bond purchase. Not surprisingly, bond sales have plummeted since the change.

Th e website lists good reasons to go electronic: You can see all your bonds online and you don't have to keep track of pieces of paper. You can redeem them and have the money wired to your bank account. You can change the bond's registration name with the click of a few keys. And, if you have paper bonds, you can convert them to electronic. See www.savingsbonds.gov for more information.

Keep in mind, however, that the current interest rate on Series EE bonds is 0.10 percent. Interest on even a simple savings account is higher.

P.S. -- Th ere is hope, however. After seeing cell phones get smaller and more complicated, with smaller buttons, the more basic fl ip phone apparently is coming back.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to [email protected].

(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

The End Is Near for Savings Bonds



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someone who is and would like some company, we have registered volunteers - Friendly visitors who will visit you on a weekly basis – spend time with you, talking, reading playing cards, whatever you like to do. We do not want any of our seniors to become isolated, we also have telephone reassurance volunteers who will call you a few times each week to check on you and chat with you. If you are interested in having a friendly visitor or telephone reassurer please call us and let us know. 978-462-2412

------------------------------------------------------------SALISBURY - Th e Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) is recruiting volunteers to assist with cat care at its 63 Elm Street Salisbury shelter. Help is needed seven days a week, with morning shifts running from 8:00am to 10:00am, and afternoon shifts from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Most volunteers commit to one shift per week. “We have lots of kitties this time of year and we rely on our wonderful volunteers to help feed them and keep the shelter up and running,” said MRFRS Executive Director Bill Piercey. “We

couldn’t do it without our volunteers, and we are looking for more help from all ages and walks of life.” Th ose interested in volunteering can fi ll out a questionnaire at www.mrfrs.org or come in to the shelter during open hours (Tues/Weds/Fri/Sat 11-4, Th urs 4-7). Candidates will then be invited to an orientation where they can learn more about available opportunities.

------------------------------------------------------------WEST NEWBURY - Laurel Grange #161 of West Newbury is looking for junior members ages 5-14. If you know of a child who would like to join the grange and participate in contests, meet new friends, and become a part of the community then please contact jackie carter at 978-352-2986 or email me at [email protected].

------------------------------------------------------------WOMEN'S FLOOR HOCKEY - Dirt the Skirt Sports is seeking women 27 and over for its 2015 season of fl oor hockey at the Boys and Girls Club in Haverhill. For more information and to register, please visit us on our website at www.dtssports.com. Games are played on Sundays. Season begins on January 4, 2015. Women of all experience levels, ages 27 and over are welcome!

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165 Main St., P.O. Box 101, Rowley, MA 01969

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If you want to know the current value of your home, call us for a free Market Analysis.

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www.rowleyrealestate.com Phone 978-948-2758 • Fax 978-948-2454

165 Main St., P.O. Box 101, Rowley, MA 01969

ROWLEY REALTY

HAPPY NEW YEAR!Spring may be a long way off. . . but the best time to prepare is NOW!

If you want to know the current value of your home, call us for a free Market Analysis.

We will be happy to share our real estate expertise with you.

Pauline White: 978-314-7341 or John McCarthy: 978-835-2573

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Listen to Kathryn’s real estate radio program every Friday at 8:05 am on WNBP 1450 AM / 106.1 FM.

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Most Common Mistakes of 2014

roofs, windows, etc. Special assessments can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, not the kind of surprise you need after you buy. Please note that if you are buying a home in a subdivision there may be small yearly fees for common maintenance areas as well as restrictions on usage, no boats or RVs in the driveway are common ones.

Sellers Overpriced homes: This is the

most common mistake. Don’t believe your friend or neighbor who is always “looking on the internet” or even the most recent appraisal as it may not take into account other factors. Realistic pricing based on SOLD comparable properties in the last 6-12 months shows you where to price your home. Comparable properties are NOT ones that are for sale as anyone can ask anything for their home. These for sale properties may be your competition but shouldn’t be the deciding factor in where to position your home from a pricing standpoint.

Waiting: Spring is the busiest real estate time of year, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t buy houses in the winter months. Who knows, if you wait you may lose a potential buyer that could have bought your home.

Marketing or Lack Thereof: Is your home on all the web sites? Is the information correct? What else can you do to get your home out there for everyone to see? Many homes simply aren’t marketed strongly enough. You want to capture the most eyes on your prize. The homes that are simply put into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are not exposed to nearly as many potential buyers as ones that are advertised in many of the most popular web sites and in print.

Stop showings after contract: Although many buyers will be unwilling to see a home that is under agreement, don’t refuse any party that wants to see your home. You never know when a buyer may get “cold feet”.

State stamps: Sellers often are unaware or forget that when figuring out the equity they will gain from a sale that Massachusetts has a property transfer tax (our state doesn’t call it a tax they call it “State Stamps”). EVERY home, with no exceptions, has to pay $4.56 in tax per $1,000 sold. For example, a home that sells for $500,000 will

Every year I have put together a column highlighting mistakes I saw buyers and sellers commit (or try to commit before I stopped them). While the mistakes don’t change much from year to year the spring of 2014 was certainly different than the past 6-7 years. The spring of 2014 reminded me of boom years in real estate before the housing bubble burst. We had multiple offers on a number of homes and most homes were going under agreement almost immediately. Buyers weren’t waiting and jumped on homes that fit their need. The historically low interest rates were a driving factor but the ability for buyers to sell their homes in order to buy that “upgraded” home contributed as well. While I don’t see home prices skyrocketing we should see an uptick in prices as we enter the 2015 Spring market.

Here are some of the top mistakes we saw made in 2014:

Buyers Be Informed: Not just about

the market and what is available but how the whole process works. Even if you have bought before you may not know what is next. Ask your REALTOR® we are here to guide you through the process.

Assumption: A buyer assumes that a seller wouldn’t be interested in their offer. A seller assumes that the buyer will not walk away and keep coming back with additional offers. A buyer assumes that the seller will close on the house when they want them to because it is a “buyer’s market and they should be happy with any sale”. Don’t assume anything, work with your REALTOR® if you want to buy or sell. An experienced REALTOR® can work through many of these assumptions to get you the best deal possible.

Assumption #2: That the house will be there when you “get back”. Get back from a weekend away; get back from seeing other homes, etc. When sales were at their lowest this was a safe assumption. Not now. Homes that are well priced and show well are selling right away, often with multiple offers. Don’t assume it will be there when you get back.

Didn't read homeowners association documents: If you are buying a condo you should request and read home owner association documents, rules and regulations and budgets. Most importantly ask if there are any special assessments. These assessments can be for new

cost the seller $2,280.00. Ouch!We hope everyone had a Happy

Holiday Season and New Year!!!If you have any questions about

this article, real estate in general or are looking to buy or sell a home please contact me, John McCarthy at Rowley Realty, 165 Main St., Rowley, MA 01969, Phone: 978 948-2758, Cell 978 835-2573 or via email at [email protected]

Letters To The Editor

Business Spotlight

Real Estate • For Sale

Sports • Sports • Sports

Pets, Animals, Plus

Health & Fitness

Community Announcements

Community Connections

ForSale

sold single Family HomesAddress, Town Description DOM List Price Sold For Orig Price280 High St, Newbury 9 room, 4 bed, 1f 0h bath Antique 231 $599,000 $565,000 $650,000 35 Beacon St, Amesbury 8 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch 32 $275,900 $275,900 $275,900 10 Brown St, Ipswich 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Colonial 82 $279,900 $270,000 $289,000 15 Merrimac St, Merrimac 6 room, 2 bed, 1f 1h bath Ranch 60 $294,900 $280,000 $294,900 268 Lion's Mouth Rd, Amesbury 6 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Ranch 66 $309,900 $303,000 $309,900 96 Linebrook Rd, Ipswich 5 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Cape 313 $285,000 $275,000 $319,900 896 Haverhill St, Rowley 6 room, 2 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape 14 $329,000 $325,500 $329,000 62 Lincoln Ave, Hamilton 5 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch 38 $335,000 $318,500 $335,000 31 Woods Ln, Ipswich 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch 29 $389,000 $389,000 $389,000 17 Pearson Dr, Newbury 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Split Entry 329 $375,000 $370,000 $389,000 25 Willow Rd, Boxford 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Ranch 195 $409,900 $399,000 $469,900 37 Kelsey Rd, Boxford 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Contemporary 76 $499,900 $450,000 $499,900 19 Putnam Rd, Ipswich 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Other 93 $519,500 $505,000 $519,000 156-R Eastern Ave, Essex 8 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial 88 $479,900 $465,224 $525,000 181-R King St, Groveland 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 146 $519,900 $508,000 $539,900 87 Haverhill St, Topsfield 7 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 59 $519,000 $500,000 $539,900 18 Livermore Rd, Boxford 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 62 $549,000 $549,000 $549,000 2 Meetinghouse Grn, Ipswich 9 room, 5 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 21 $589,000 $585,000 $589,000 0 Lufkin Point Rd, Essex 6 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch 41 $595,000 $575,000 $595,000 400 Linebrook Rd, Ipswich 9 room, 5 bed, 2f 0h bath Colonial 220 $624,900 $580,000 $624,900 6 Morin Rd, Newburyport 8 room, 5 bed, 3f 1h bath Cottage 55 $629,000 $620,000 $629,000 13 Wells Ave, Georgetown 10 room, 3 bed, 3f 0h bath Contemporary 200 $665,000 $625,000 $685,000 10 Grapevine Rd, Wenham 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Contemporary 69 $749,900 $740,000 $749,900 31 Woodbury, Hamilton 10 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Contemporary 189 $799,000 $768,000 $845,000 10 Sedgewick Ln, Boxford 12 room, 5 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial 328 $885,900 $877,000 $885,900 417 Main St, Amesbury 9 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial 121 $899,900 $860,000 $935,000 28 High Rd, Newbury 8 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Victorian 202 $995,000 $950,000 $999,999 65 Great Pond Dr, Boxford 12 room, 5 bed, 3f 3h bath Colonial 175 $1,145,000 $1,100,000 $1,195,000 5 Basin St, Newburyport 6 room, 4 bed, 3f 0h bath Victorian 197 $1,299,000 $1,175,000 $1,299,000 3 Beck St, Newburyport 8 room, 4 bed, 4f 2h bath Gambrel /Dutch 176 $1,425,000 $1,310,000 $1,425,000 11 Blue Hill Ave, Newbury 7 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Cottage 57 $1,500,000 $1,260,000 $1,500,000

Single Family Listings: 31 Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 4,594.65 Avg. List$: $637,784 Avg. List$/SqFt: $239Avg. DOM: 127.87 Avg. DTO: 78.71 Avg. Sale$: $605,585 Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $227

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Also offering Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, probate representation and land use advice. Before you buy or sell, get the advice you need to know your rights.

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Suduko on Page 15

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The New Year brings challenges that can change many things in your life. You need to be prepared not only to confront them, but also to deal with what happens afterward.TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You have what it

takes to set your goals quite a bit higher this year. Learn what you need to know and put what you learn into your efforts. A partner offers loving support.GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) In true Gemini Twin fashion, you're conflicted about a decision you know you'll have to make in this New Year. Best advice: Get the facts before you make any commitment.CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A friend offers you an exciting opportunity for this New Year. Although your positive aspects are strong in most respects, caution is advised. Investigate before you invest.LEO (July 23 to August 22) You can make this New Year a roaring success. Start by readjusting your goals to reflect the changes in the economy. Your den-mate offers both wise and loving support.VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The New Year brings new opportunities for change. But you need to be ready to move from the comfortable status quo to the challenging unknown. It's up to you.LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your most important New Year's resolution

should be to work out problems with a family member in order to avoid continuing misunderstandings. Do it soon, for both of your sakes.SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) The New Year has much to offer the intensely determined Scorpian, who isn't afraid to take on challenges and stay with them until they surrender their rewards.SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You'll have many fine opportunities in this New Year. But be warned: Reject offers of "help." You work best when you're free to be your own creative self.CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The New Year offers changes that you might feel you're not quite ready for. Best advice: Deal with them one step at a time, until you've built up your self-confidence.AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is a dominant aspect of the New Year. This could mean relocating to another city (or even another country) in connection with your education or your career.PISCES (February 19 to March 20) This New Year brings news about a change you've been anticipating. You might have a problem persuading a loved one about your new plans, but he or she will soon go along with them.BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for making people feel safe and protected. You would make an excellent youth counselor.

(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

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HUGHESCarpentry & BuildingAlways Spot On!

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Julie McCannis your Advertising Consultant

77 Wethersfield St.Rowley, MA 01969

Telephone: 978-948-8696Fax: 978-948-2564

[email protected]

The Town Common

James M. Cotter

FREE ESTIMATES

24 Hour ServiceFully Licensed & Insured

[email protected]

Swimming Pools & SpasFire Alarms

Landscape Lighting

Service UpgradesRecessed Lighting

Back-Up Generators

ROWLEY, MA

COINS

RARE COINS bought and sold. Highest prices paid. Complimentary appraisals. Serving collectors, dealers and investors for 40 years. See: www.linkedin.com/in/richardbagg. Available to visit at home, office or bank. Call anytime 978-255-1127

Senior Moments

Community Calendar

Classified Ads

Community Calendar Continues . . .HELP WANTED

HOUSEKEEPER - No experience necessary. Will train. Sea View Retreat, Rowley, MA 978-948-2552 EOE

FOR RENT

BARN / STALLS FOR RENT: 45 Mansion Drive, #C, 1 Bath. Prime equestrian business/school opportunity set atop 15 acres on a hidden scenic hill overlooking Plum Island Sound, etc. Includes 3 barns, 22 stalls, hay storage, office, tack rooms, feed room, 1/2BA, hydrant, observation rm w/ indoor (120x60) & outdoor (100x300) rings raked 2-3 times a week; judges' observation deck 7 shack for eventing, light-ing, PA & iPod, cord-less mic media system. 15-17 150x150 paddocks Everything incl. except cable. Great for clinics. $8,360/mo. 978-423-2103

SEABROOK NH, ROOMATE -12X12 bed-room two closets+ xtra storage space. Fireplace Great room with projec-tion TV for sports&cold nites with company lof-catedRt1/95 @Mass. Line. Must see. $165/week. (603)760-2874

STUNNING ONE BEDROOM IN ROWLEY Comfortable Radiant Heat, Central Air, Washer/Drier on premises, Closets Galore!, Deck off Living Room, Walking Distance to Train, (978) 314-0503 (Ron)

FOR SALE

CARS WANTED


Salisbury AutoSalvage

• Damaged and Junk Cars• Heavy and Light Duty Trucks• Buses, Farm Equipment• Steel, Car Blocks, Light Irons•Aluminum, Copper, Stainless• Wheels, Radiators

1-800-343-032716 Main Street, Salisbury MA

$ $ C A S H P A I D $ $For Junk Vehicles & Scrap Metals

Jack Cook‛sRubbish Service

AffordableWeekly Pickup

and Extra Pickups~ Clean-Out Services ~84 Main St., Rowley, MA

978-948-7228

Lawn, Garden & Snow EquipmentSales and Service

401 Main Street (Rt. 1A)Rowley, MA 01969(978) 948-2723

GARBAGE PARTS

SERVICE DIRECTORYList Your Business Here!

Call Today! 978-948-8696



Topsfi eld VillageShopping Center

30 Main St978-561-1893

COINS . GOLD . SILVERBUYING NOW

SELLINGSNAPPER SPX 150 Series. Model 2691020, SPX 2042 Tractor and trailer. Two years old, used less than 30 hours, 42 inch Mower Deck, hydrostatic drive, 20 Gross HP., Trailer has new wheels and tires. Serviced annually by Maestronzi Bros, in Beverly, MA. Asking: $1500.00 or best reasonable offer. Contact: 508-954-5512

SPLIT, CUT, SEASONED HARDWOOD FIREWOOD Call for Pricings Mike Kovalchuk (978)204-9483

OPPORTUNITIES

PUBLIC SPEAKERS SALES TRAINERS WANTED PART TIME SPARE TIME. CALL 603-490-4371 for more details.

SERIOUSLY MOTIVATED to earn a second income without going to a second job and/or grow your current business? See youtube www.paidforbeingnice.com Training, support provided. Joanne Ryan 978-270-0256

SERVICES

AMERICAN HOME I M P R O V E M E N T CARPENTRY - Repairs & Additions. Interior/Exterior Painting. Fully Insured. 30 years experience. Free Estimates. Excellent Referrals. 978-465-2283

EXPERIENCED MATH TUTOR - Reasonable Rates. Call 978-356-5965

PAINTING INTERIOR SPECIALIST, Gutters cleaned, repaired, installed, vinyl siding mold removed, snow blower tune ups, pick up and delivery available, (978) 376-4214

Professional InteriorPainting

Jay's Painting 978-314-0140




PRATT HOBBY SHOPWould like to thank the hundreds of people that have patronized my store this past year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!Please stop by for a free magnet calendar “2015”

Old Coins WantedPratt Hobby Shop • 20 East Main St. • Georgetown, MA.

pratthobbyshop.com • 800-870-4086 • 978-352-2234

ESTES Rockets & Supplies,Plastic & Wood Models / Supplies

Autos, Trucks, Planes, Ships & morePineCars & Derby SuppliesX-Acto Sets, Paints & More

METALDETECTORS

COINSITEMS WANTED – Wanted by Pratt Coin and Hobby in Georgetown. U.S. Coins, silver, gold, foreign world money. Old pocket watches, wrist watches, costume jewelry and post cards. Wheat pennies, Pre-1958 - 2 1/2 cents each.

1/2¢........................... Lg. 1¢..........................Fly. E 1¢...................... Cop. Nic. 1¢.............. 2¢ Piece.................... 3¢ Silver I.................. 3¢ Nic....................... Shield 5¢....................Liberty 5¢................. Bust 1/2 10¢.............. St. 1/2 10¢.................Bust. 10¢................... St. 10¢........................ Bar. 10¢..................... 20¢ Piece.................. Bust 25¢ Lg.............. Bust 25¢ Sm............. Seated 25¢................ Bar. 25¢..................... Stand. L. 25¢ I........... Stand. L. 25¢ II......... Bust 50¢.................... Seated 50¢................ Bar. 50¢..................... Seated $1..................Trade $1...................

AVG. CIR.$55.0016.0018.007.00

12.0020.0012.0020.00

.5040.0011.0023.0010.002.00

85.0075.0075.0016.005.00

18.005.00

50.0030.0010.00

200.00100.00

AU$100.00100.00125.0040.0060.00

115.0045.0080.0035.00

175.0055.00

275.0050.0040.00

275.001500.00550.00100.00135.00130.0055.00

250.00135.00275.00650.00230.00

TYPE COINS

STERLING SILVERPrivate Mint ............ 16.00 oz.

20 E Main St, Georgetown, MA Mon-Fri 8:30a-6p, Sat 10a-5p

Phone 978-352-2234


$100.00


1/2¢...........................

16.00 oz.Private Mint ............

PB


C C R Aountry rossroads ealty ssociates

www.CountryCrossroadsRealty.comCountry

Crossroads

Realty

Ray�& AnnMcGuiggin978-777-3030

Janet�HiltonBroker

781-405-4867

Lloyd�Smith978-853-7655

Meg�Steele978-228-0137

Diane�Mayo978-500-0657

Lora�Horsley978-375-6180

NancyGullo-McDermott781-799-2384

One of the Real Joys

of the Holiday Season

is this Opportunity

to say Thank You to

our Clients, Business

Associates and Friends.

We wish you Health,

Happiness and a

Bright and Successful

Year Ahead.

13 Carlida Rd, Groveland -

Beautifully maintained andupdated 5 bedroom home ondesirable corner lot in charmingGroveland neighborhood oflovely homes, cul-de-sacs and"no thru" side streets that seevery little traffic. Originally a 3b e d r a n c h , t a s t e f u laddit ion/renovations offer

2051sf above ground living space with additional 968 sf in basementwith full laundryrm/chute, exercise/game room, huge workshop.Stunning, sparkling eat in kitchen granite counters, stainless steelapplainces, pantry leads to cozy step down family room. Warm,inviting fireplaced livingroom, hardwood floors and spotlessupdated baths. 3 bedrooms on 1st floor, 2 more on second floor.Enormous shed built by master carpenter abuts convenientlylocated fenced area for pets. Plenty of room for gardening, orenjoying relaxing/entertaining moments on back yard brick patio.Interior rooms freshly painted with designer tones. Sought afterelevated location captures sunshine that fills this happy home. NewBurnham heater, h20 tank. Easy access to major routes, shopping,parks and schools. Come enjoy.! Offered at $379,900. For moreinformation Contract Janet Hilton @ 781-405-4867

Wishing You

All The Best

In 2015!

To�view�George�Hilton�Creations

visit�www.GeorgeHiltonCreations.com

978-476-6527

For�questions�please�email�us�at:

[email protected]

Beautiful

One-Of-A-Kind

Hand Carved

Items

Great

Gift�Idea

For�Bird

Lovers!

ttc 12 31 14 vol 11 no 09 p1 16

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