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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 06:45:21 PM | FREE Weekly Online & Print Editions | 94°F clear sky

Plum Island: 2 Women Mourned

PLUM ISLAND –  Many details have yet to be released regarding the deaths of two young women described as best friends, Dahiana Canas, 25 of East...

IPSWICH MUSEUM

  We are very excited to have our own Bob Waite, Ipswich native, here to participate in our Evening Lecture Series! Please join us on Wednesday...

MeVa Pushes Ferries on the Merrimack

THE MERRIMACK RIVER – The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MeVa) hopes soon to offer a new way to travel between Salisbury and Haverhill...

Pink House Update: Party June 14th

PLUM ISLAND – In 1925, Gertrude W. Cutter bought land on the edge of the Great Marsh to build a house for her son, his wife and her grandson. The...

NEWBURYPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

Monday, June 9th at 7pm: FOL Spring Gratitude Event (IN PERSON). All 2025 FOL Members and past Book Sale Volunteers are invited to register. Please...

Upcoming Events

AMESBURY 2025 Chocolate Tour! Saturday, June 7th, 12 to 4 p.m. - an afternoon of delicious tastings, local charm, and community fun—all while...

Groveland Yard Pirates

Groveland Yard Pirates

To the Editor: On Mother's Day May 11, 2025, I left for a few hours with my friend to get lunch and when I returned, the patio set I had placed it...

Support for New Whittier Campus Grows

REGIONAL — Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School has moved closer to getting the state to help build a new building on the campus of...

Georgetown Eagle Scout Court of Honor

An Eagle Scout Court of Honor will take place in Georgetown on Saturday, May 31st at 2 pm at the First Congregational Church. Three Eagle Scouts...

Pentucket School District Updates

WEST NEWBURY, MERRIMAC – The Pentucket Regional School District is pleased to announce some reorganizing meant to give more consistency and...

GROVELAND: Quick Updates!

GROVELAND: Quick Updates!

By Michael Dempsey Special to The Town Common GROVELAND – Last month the town announced the release of a Request for Expression of Interest or REI...

Local Scholars

AMESBURY: Jessica Cortez named to the Troy University Chancellor's List. Piper Brown was named to the Dean's List at Emerson College. Safiya Tarbell...

WENHAM: Sgt. Marsh Retires

WENHAM: Sgt. Marsh Retires

WENHAM – Police Chief Kevin DiNapoli is pleased to share that the Wenham Police Department is recognizing the 20-year career of Sgt. David Marsh...

Russell E. Hoffses

Russell E. Hoffses

Russell E. Hoffses, age 81, peacefully passed away on April 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Rowley. He was born on September 3,...

Derek McGregor

Derek McGregor

Derek McGregor passed away in a unexpected and tragic accident on April 20, 2025, in Salisbury, MA. Born on April 28, 1981, in Rowley, MA, Derek was...

Town Releases ‘Imperfect, Incomplete’ Stirm Group Report

Town Releases ‘Imperfect, Incomplete’ Stirm Group Report

GEORGETOWN – Amid complaints from the SelectBoard chair and several members that the Stirm Group report is flawed, the board last week unveiled the long-awaited report from the private detective firm about the town’s Conservation Commission (ConCom) and particularly the former Conservation Agent. The board accepted the report by the Newburyport firm, which cost the town $10,000, but in its official response said it “finds (the report) inadequate and does not endorse it.” SelectBoard member Laura Repplier called...

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Legally Blonde: The Musical

NEWBURYPORT – The Firehouse Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce its summer Mainstage production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, running July 4 through 27, 2025. With book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, this high-energy musical comedy promises to dazzle audiences with its heart, humor, and contagious pink power. Performances will take place at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA, on Fridays at 7PM, Saturdays at 2PM and 7PM, and...

Topsfield Troop 81 – Spirit of Adventure Council – Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Topsfield Troop 81 – Spirit of Adventure Council – Eagle Scout Court of Honor

EAGLE SCOUT Timothy Fionn Eagan Son of Denise and Thomas Eagan Topsfield, Mass. Timothy Eagan is an 18 year old graduating senior of Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School. He plans to attend Saint Anselm’s College in the fall. He also hopes to join their cross country & track teams. On the advice of a friend, he joined Essex Tech’s cross country, indoor and spring track teams and continues to thoroughly enjoy these sports. He improved his 5k time from 27:43 to 18:50 minutes in his senior year....

50th Anniversary of Jaws with a trip to ‘Amity Island’

50th Anniversary of Jaws with a trip to ‘Amity Island’

By Gabe DiSaverio Founder of TheSpicyShark.com You ever have a dream that lives in your bones for so long, it feels like a part of who you are? That’s what has been to me since I first saw it at eight years old. The music, the suspense, the characters—Brody, Hooper, Quint—they’ve been my heroes for decades. I can confidently, and scientifically, say it’s the greatest movie ever made. And this year, it turns 50. So yeah, this is a big one for me. As a lifelong Jaws nut, I've celebrated in a million small ways....

Paul Herbert Farrell  – Georgetown

Paul Herbert Farrell – Georgetown

Paul Herbert Farrell,  80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at CHA Whidden Hospital in Everett after a lengthy illness. Born in Everett in February 1945, Paul was the son of the late Edgar H. and the late Florence (Ross) Farrell, and stepson of the late Patricia (McMakin) Farrell. Paul grew up in Everett and graduated from Everett High School with the Class of 1963. Following high school, Paul proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. After his honorable...

Plant Matters

Plant Matters

by Ida Wye Essex Tech aboriculture accomplished a real milestone this spring when there nascent Maplewood Arboretum was certified. This remarkable achievement for a public education institution will inspire and educate the present and future students and the collection of trees will increase as the years advance. The mission statement describes how “trees tell stories and how each tree represents a unique narrative connecting people with these stories and honors the legacy of the natural world”. This arboretum...

Mary Donahoe Lytle   WED, JUNE 11, 2025, Twomey, LeBlanc & Conte Funeral Home

Mary Donahoe Lytle WED, JUNE 11, 2025, Twomey, LeBlanc & Conte Funeral Home

Her life will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Twomey, LeBlanc & Conte Funeral Home at 193 High St., Newburyport, MA 01950. The world lost one of its most creative, loving, funny women when the Lord Jesus on May 27th called Mary Donahoe Lytle of New York City, Dallas, and Newburyport home to be with her family and friends. She was a gifted Montessori kindergarten and reading teacher at the River Valley Charter School and at the Hillview Charter Montessori School. Born in New York City...

James J. McCarthy Appointed President of Newburyport Bank

James J. McCarthy Appointed President of Newburyport Bank

NEWBURYPORT – Lloyd L. Hamm, Jr., President and CEO of River Run Bancorp, MHC, together with the Boards of River Run and Newburyport Bank, are pleased to announce the appointment of James J. McCarthy as President and Chief Operating Officer of Newburyport Bank, effective June 28, 2025. With more than four decades of executive leadership in community banking and financial services, James (Jim) brings to the role a proven track record of growth, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of community-based...

Storm Surge Presents Expert Discussion on Coastal Flood Risks in Newburyport

Storm Surge Presents Expert Discussion on Coastal Flood Risks in Newburyport

NEWBURYPORT – Storm Surge will host "High Stakes at High Tide: Understanding Coastal Flood Risks" on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center, 331 High Street. The event features Katie Giannakopoulos, Coastal Dynamics Research Associate at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, who will examine the complex factors driving coastal flood risks in New England. Her presentation will address both long-term climate change impacts and the immediate threats posed by...

Newbury Opens New Playground at Central Street Recreation Area

Newbury Opens New Playground at Central Street Recreation Area

NEWBURY – The new town playground at the Central Street Recreation Area is now open for fun. Last month, members of the Recreation Commission and Select Board and residents cut a ribbon to officially mark the opening. The new playground aligns with the Recreation Master Plan, which was created in 2023 to create a cohesive strategy to support and improve recreational facilities and provide greater opportunities for residents in all areas of town. The plan was created by noted land use architect Chris Huntress, who...

Pink House Update: Party June 14th

PLUM ISLAND – In 1925, Gertrude W. Cutter bought land on the edge of the Great Marsh to build a house for her son, his wife and her grandson. The...

Three Vehicle Crash at Rte 1 and Pond St.

Three Vehicle Crash at Rte 1 and Pond St.

On Saturday, June 7, at about 4:03 p.m., Newburyport Police and Fire responded to a crash involving multiple vehicles at the intersection of Route 1 and Pond Street. Responding crews observed that 3 vehicles, a 2022 Tesla Model 3, a...

NEWBURYPORT Anna Jaques Hospital Community Listening Session

Wednesday, February 12th from 11 a.m-12:30 p.m. Beth Israel Lahey Health and its member hospitals are conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment to better understand the most pressing health-related issues impacting the people living and...

Town Releases ‘Imperfect, Incomplete’ Stirm Group Report

Town Releases ‘Imperfect, Incomplete’ Stirm Group Report

GEORGETOWN – Amid complaints from the SelectBoard chair and several members that the Stirm Group report is flawed, the board last week unveiled the long-awaited report from the private detective firm about the town’s Conservation Commission (ConCom) and particularly the former Conservation Agent. The board accepted the report by the Newburyport firm, which cost the town $10,000, but in its official response said it “finds (the report) inadequate and does not endorse it.” SelectBoard member Laura Repplier called...

Town Releases ‘Imperfect, Incomplete’ Stirm Group Report

Town Releases ‘Imperfect, Incomplete’ Stirm Group Report

GEORGETOWN – Amid complaints from the SelectBoard chair and several members that the Stirm Group report is flawed, the board last week unveiled the long-awaited report from the private detective firm about the town’s Conservation Commission (ConCom) and particularly the former Conservation Agent. The board accepted the report by the Newburyport firm, which cost the town $10,000, but in its official response said it “finds (the report) inadequate and does not endorse it.” SelectBoard member Laura Repplier called...

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Legally Blonde: The Musical

NEWBURYPORT – The Firehouse Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce its summer Mainstage production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, running July 4 through 27, 2025. With book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, this high-energy musical comedy promises to dazzle audiences with its heart, humor, and contagious pink power. Performances will take place at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA, on Fridays at 7PM, Saturdays at 2PM and 7PM, and...

Topsfield Troop 81 – Spirit of Adventure Council – Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Topsfield Troop 81 – Spirit of Adventure Council – Eagle Scout Court of Honor

EAGLE SCOUT Timothy Fionn Eagan Son of Denise and Thomas Eagan Topsfield, Mass. Timothy Eagan is an 18 year old graduating senior of Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School. He plans to attend Saint Anselm’s College in the fall. He also hopes to join their cross country & track teams. On the advice of a friend, he joined Essex Tech’s cross country, indoor and spring track teams and continues to thoroughly enjoy these sports. He improved his 5k time from 27:43 to 18:50 minutes in his senior year....

Plum Island: 2 Women Mourned

PLUM ISLAND –  Many details have yet to be released regarding the deaths of two young women described as best friends, Dahiana Canas, 25 of East Boston, and Vanessa Correa, 25 of Lynn, who drowned off Plum Island Point last week. Did they go to the beach to swim, or was that an after-thought (were they dressed for swimming)? How did they get in the water? Did they park? What vehicle? Where? Were they with other people? Did anyone see them? Do...

IPSWICH MUSEUM

  We are very excited to have our own Bob Waite, Ipswich native, here to participate in our Evening Lecture Series! Please join us on Wednesday evening, June 18, 2025 at 7:30pm, in the Appleton Room at The Heard House. Bob will be presenting "Mr. Waite's Improbable History", a spoof on the play "Mr. Peabody's Improbable History" from the classic animated TV program "The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle".  This will be a lighthearted...

Beverly Police Department and Law Enforcement Partners Successfully De-Escalate Mental Health Crisis

BEVERLY – Chief John G. LeLacheur reports that the Beverly Police Department and law enforcement partners successfully de-escalated a situation involving an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. Late last month, the Beverly Police Department was called to an apartment complex on Rantoul Street (Route 1A) for a report of a individual experiencing a mental health crisis who may be armed. Beverly Police responded, set up a perimeter to...

MeVa Pushes Ferries on the Merrimack

THE MERRIMACK RIVER – The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MeVa) hopes soon to offer a new way to travel between Salisbury and Haverhill for residents and visitors. MeVa, which provides free bus transportation to 16 communities, mostly along the river, is moving this summer to begin offering two of its brightly colored ferries to transport passengers up and down the river. Last week, MeVa began looking for qualified design-build...

Pink House Update: Party June 14th

PLUM ISLAND – In 1925, Gertrude W. Cutter bought land on the edge of the Great Marsh to build a house for her son, his wife and her grandson. The...

NEWBURYPORT Anna Jaques Hospital Community Listening Session

Wednesday, February 12th from 11 a.m-12:30 p.m. Beth Israel Lahey Health and its member hospitals are conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment to better understand the most pressing health-related issues impacting the people living and working in the communities we serve. Please join us to hear key themes from our assessment, share your perspective, and discuss potential solutions. All attendees are entered to win a $100 Visa Gift...

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