Newbury Firefighters/Town Working Through Rent Dispute
NEWBURY – Municipalities and firefighters are accustomed to negotiating over wages and benefits, but the rent on the station? And for more than a year? What is unusual is the station and some equipment housed there are owned, not by the town, but by the firefighters – The Protection Fire Co. #1. The lease on the Byfield fire station at 44 Central Street expired on June 30. 2025. In 2015, the town like many others moved from a volunteer fire department to a full-time staffed department, operating out of two...
Town of Boxford Welcomes Sean Donahue as Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director
BOXFORD − The Town of Boxford recently announced that Sean Donahue has joined the Town as its new Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director. Donahue brings more than 13 years of municipal government experience to Boxford. Most recently, he served as Human Resources Director for the Town of Reading, where he oversaw personnel and benefits administration, supported collective bargaining, managed departmental and employee- benefit budgets, and prepared salary and personnel cost projections. He previously served...
Nick’s Place of West Newbury
by Kay Lee Ogden WEST NEWBURY, MA − This week’s business spotlight will shine on “Nick’s Place of West Newbury”. This is a series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local, and make customers aware of their services and talents that we have surrounding us!! Nick's Place is located at 33 main street, West Newbury, Mass.m right across from Pentucket High School. Phone: 978.363.8600 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-8:30pm, Sun: Closed This exceptional restaurant was originally founded by...
Wood Lancaster Holds Topsfield Fair Record for the Largest Giant Pumpkin
TOPSFIELD − Wood Lancaster of Topsfield now holds the Topsfield Fair record for the largest Giant Pumpkin grown in Massachusetts. Lancaster’s pumpkin topped the scales at 2,598 lbs. at the 42nd annual All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. The record had been set last year by Alex Noel of Abington, Connecticut whose pumpkin weight 2,507 lbs. Lancaster won over $10,000 in prize money for his accomplishment. The winning pumpkin was moved to the Fruit and Vegetable Barn where it will be on display for the run of...
Georgetown Cellist to Debut ‘Sacred Voices of the Cello’
GEORGETOWN − Ben Swartz will debut his solo album, Sacred Voices of the Cello, on Friday October 16th, with pre-releases now available at benjaminswartz. bandcamp.com/album/sacred- voices-of-the-cello. On 10/16, the album will be available for purchase on Amazon and across all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, et al.). Ben teaches in the Ipswich Public Schools and at Phillips Exeter Academy, and we hope to include more information an an upcoming edition....
West Newbury/Newburyport Bridge to Open
NEWBURYPORT/ WEST NEWBURY – Closed to vehicles for eight years, the Middle Street/Plummer Springs Bridge on the border of West Newbury and Newburyport saw its first vehicles cross the Upper Artichoke Reservoir, the drinking water supply for both communities, following a final inspection on Sept. 22. The new bridge, closed in 2018 when a spandrel wall failed, replaces an aging structure that serves as a critical transportation link between West Newbury and Newburyport. The approximately $3.66 million project was...
Petition Fights for Clean Merrimack
REGIONAL – A Plum Island resident, “fed up” with watching sewage flow down the river, polluting the island waters and the Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary, has started a petition with almost 2,000 signatures urging state and local officials to “take decisive action regarding the Merrimack River Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). The petition, initiated by Ruth Gamper, a self-described “dedicated resident of Plum Island, on behalf of the island's residents,” is on Change.org. Coming on the heels of a particularly...
West Newbury Library: Intro to Line Dancing!
WEST NEWBURY −Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM Join us to learn some line dancing steps, no cowboy boots required, but you might want to bring along a friend. Kathy Spironis leads the way in this fun, easygoing program. Generously funded by the Friends of the West Newbury Library.
Georgetown Senior Center My Life, My Health Program
The Georgetown Senior Center will host a chronic disease self-management proram starting Wed., Oct. 21. Living with an ongoing health condition can bring everyday challenges. This supportive six-week program helps adults and caregivers learn practical ways to manage their health, build confidence, and take a more active role in their well-being. Join Maria and discover helpful tools to take charge and feel better! The program, led by Mria Aria of AgeSpane, will run from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. each Wednesday....
Leon Purington
On the 21st of September, Leon Purington passed away, or as he would say, went to the Great Beyond. He leaves behind many people he met over his hundred years of life who were touched by his kindness and inspired by the way he lived his life. His family is very thankful for all the special times they enjoyed with him. Leon was born on July 27, 1926, to Percy Purington and Delphine (Saunders) Purington. Raised in Rowley, MA as the third of six children, he had many fond memories and stories of his childhood that...
William Murphy
On September 27, 2026, William Henry Murphy (Bill) passed away peacefully at his Rowley home at the age of 66, surrounded by his wife, Donna, and his children, Kaitlin Hughes, Courtney Freeman, and William Murphy Jr. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Catherine Murphy, and his brothers, George and Jimmy. He is survived by his wife, Donna Murphy; his daughter Kaitlin and her husband, Will Hughes; his daughter Courtney and her husband, Steve Freeman; his son, William Murphy Jr., and his wife, Zoe; his...
Darkness in Danger: A Master Gardener Presentation at the ROWLEY LIBRARY
Sat. Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m. −1:00 p.m. Light pollution, simply put, is any unnecessary or excessive outdoor illumination. Sadly, it’s become a pervasive and ugly consequence of modern 24/7 society. Light pollution robs us of the night sky’s beauty, negatively affects the ecosystem, and creates an in-your-face waste of energy. But a new mindset and new technology are poised to slow − and perhaps reverse — this bane of modern life. Kelly Beatty from the International Dark-sky Association will talk about how people can...
WEST NEWBURY FALL HYDRANT FLUSHING October 9th to 23rd
Starting at 8:00 p.m. on Friday October 9th hydrants will be opened along Main Street from the Groveland town line to Newburyport. Flushing will continue through 5:00am on Saturday morning. On Tuesday, October 13th, daytime flushing will commence on secondary roads and continue through Friday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Flushing hydrants will cause the water to become discolored as sediment is removed from the water system and property owners may experience intervals of low water pressure as well. If you have...
Celebrate America’s 250th the Old South Church – Movie A Great Awakening
Celebrate America's 250th the Old South Church - Movie A Great Awakening Save this date! Extremely important information about our local history of the life of "The Forgotten Founding Father" by Kay Lee Ogden NEWBURYPORT− I recently had the pleasure of meeting with two gracious gentlemen from the Old South Presbyterian Church, Reverend Jerry Mullins and Don Pollard, who shared news of special evening that brings faith, friendship, and American history to the screen! In celebration of America’s 250th...
1st Congregational Church of Georgetown ‘Finishing Touches’ on Eagle Scout Project
GEORGETOWN, Mass. – Putting the finishing touches on her daughter's creation, Jen Studer and members of the community paused for a quick photo last week at the firepit in front of the 1st Congregational Church of Georgetown. "Ella created it as her Eagle Scout project as she wanted to create a welcoming outdoor gathering space for the church and community," Jen shared. "The project really became a community effort and we are incredibly grateful to those who helped bring Ella's vision to life. Her project...
Newbury Fire Department Conducts Pump and Tanker Training at Byfield Station
BYFIELD, Mass. – Experienced officers of the Newbury Fire Department provided hands-on pump and tanker training to newer members at the Byfield Station last week, overseeing operations as firefighters learned every dial, knob and hose that keeps a water supply reliable. The Byfield Station includes ample parking and a large, paved area where firefighters can train once a month without using private property or inconveniencing community members. The de facto training ground is an essential part of Newbury Fire...
Despite Heavy Rains, Aulson Roofing, Goats to Go, and Many Others Begin Rejuvenation of The Gardens in Georgetown
by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN, Mass. — Goats, rakes, brush cutters, clippers, and tractors slowly moved forward, clearing piles of debris from the front area of the Georgetown Community Gardens last week. The effort, led by former selectman and local businessman Alan Aulson got underway despite heavy rains that dominated the region. On Saturday, a few volunteers showed up to take a look at the progress to date. Most activities were postponed until earlier this week due to the weather. Aulson related that the...
Groveland COA Seen & Heard Project
GROVELAND, Mass. — On October 9, the Groveland Council on Aging is inviting the public to experience Seen & Heard, a portrait and storytelling project celebrating the individuality, experiences, perspectives, humor, and humanity of local older adults. The project pairs portraits by photographer Kelly Mintz of Mintz Photo Studio with participants’ own words, giving each person an opportunity to share something about who they are, what they value, and the experiences that have shaped them. The project invites...
West Newbury: No ‘Special’ Town Meeting
Message from the Select Board WEST NEWBURY, Mass. – The Select Board has decided that we will not have a Special Town Meeting this fall. The Annual Town Meeting is where the business of the Town is meant to be conducted, with Special Town Meetings only called when items arise that were unanticipated and which can not wait until the Annual Town Meeting in April. Over the last several years, we started holding Town Meetings in the fall as routine even when the items weren’t urgent. It’s expensive to have Town...
Plum Island Slated for Huge Sewage Monitoring Program
PLUM ISLAND, Mass. — Maintaining a sewer system on a barrier island sand bar is never an easy task. And the sewer system on this ever-more-populated island is no exception. For all its challenges, the PI sewer system has enhanced the island’s charm by producing the cute candy cane-like exhaust pipes in many yards that serve as an unofficial symbol of the island. In 2015, the sewer system, fragile at best, went into catastrophic failure, resulting in many outages and law suits that generated some funds for...
It’s Topsfield Fair Time!
TOPSFIELD, Mass. – The 2026 Topsfield Fair opens on Friday, October 2nd at 4:00pm and will run through Monday, October 12th. Highlights of America’s Oldest Fair: Giant Pumpkin Contest: An Opening Night favorite is the 42nd annual New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. Will anyone break the Topsfield Fair or world record? Find out when the weigh-off begins at 5:00pm on Friday, October 2nd. A winner is expected to be announced by 8:00pm. Dock Dogs: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, multiple shows in the...
Georgetown Council on Aging
By Kay Lee Ogden This week’s column will shine on the COA, located 51 North Street, Georgetown. Phone: 978-352-5726. The Council on Aging provides the following services/activities: Fitness - Yoga 2x weekly, chair yoga, Zumba, Tia chi, meditation, bocce, and pickleball. Support groups - Caregiver support, for dementia, sponsored by Karen Coppola, a certified dementia practitioner. The COA also offers a monthly grief support group. and a living alone support group. Social & Recreational - Quilting, crafts,...
2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration Set for Oct. 10, Featuring Live Music by Back to the 80’s Band
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Second Annual Oktoberfest Celebration will take place from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Colantoni Center, 51 W. Main Street (rain date of Sunday, October 11). This family-friendly celebration will feature seasonal beverages, full bar beer, delicious food, local artisans, activities for all ages, and live music by Back to the 80’s — New England’s premier 1980s tribute band. Opening act will be the band Flash Drive. Admission: $7 presale; $10 day of show;...
Kelly Files Legal/Ethical Complaint Against Rep.
by Lenny Mirra Former Mass.State Rep. IPSWICH, Mass. – Dan Kelly of Ipswich has filed a written complaint with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF), asking the agency to review contributions reported by the Committee to Elect Kristin Kassner during Kassner’s 2022 campaign for state representative. According to Kelly, “Kristin Kassner, while serving as the Town of Burlington’s paid Planning Director and advisor, took contributions from large real estate developers and their counsel at...
West Newbury Native Plant Sale
You didn't miss it! Last week's tremendous rainstorm has pushed the West Newbury Native Plant Sale to this coming Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event, to be held at 181 River Road, will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Cash, Venmo, or Checks accepted. ♦
Newburyport’s Metzy’s Grand Re-Opening
METZY’S is entering a new era, evolving from a beloved local restaurant and food truck into a broader food, hospitality, entertainment, and events brand let by an expanded team of culinary and operational leaders. Founded by Erik Metzdorf as a food truck in 2014, Metzy’s is celebrating the truck’s 12th anniversary and the Cantina’s 10th anniversary in 2026. Its next chapter brings together dine-in service, authentic BBQ and Taqueria favorites, catering, expanded mobile food services, private and corporate events,...
Roots Concerts Entertain, Restore Newburyport Church
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — If you have attended a Belleville Roots concert in recent years or plan to enjoy the concert this month by Grammy nominated guitarist and songwriter Bill Kirchen, know that you have helped the on-going campaign to restore the church’s historic Meetinghouse ceiling and preserve one of the city’s most visible landmarks. Kirchen, who founded the band Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, appears this month on the cover of Vintage Guitar Magazine. His high-octane concert is at 7:30 p.m....
IPSWICH CENTRAL STREET CUMBERLAND FARMS We couldn’t leave out Sean Mellow (left), another long time worker at 24/7 Cumby’s in Ipswich, with Joseppi DeMarco (right) reading a copy of The Town Common from the NEW red newspaper box outside of Cumberland Farms, downtown Ipswich.
IPSWICH CENTRAL STREET CUMBERLAND FARMS We couldn't leave out Sean Mellow (left), another long time worker at 24/7 Cumby's in Ipswich, with Joseppi DeMarco (right) reading a copy of The Town Common from the NEW red newspaper box outside of Cumberland Farms, downtown Ipswich.
Thom Gould Served the Maritime Museum Well
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — To honor Thom Gould, a past chair of the Custom House Maritime Museum (CHMM) , a donor has established a matching challenge grant of $50,000 that could double that that to benefit the museum. The donor gave the museum until an undisclosed date this fall to raise the additional $50,000 in the one to one match for the Thom Gould Endowment Fund. Gould, who died on Aug. 10, after serving on the finance committee and the board, knew the importance of building a strong endowment for the museum’s...
Even the Topsfield Fair Is Being Scammed
TOPSFIELD, Mass. — Amid viewing farm animals, munching on hotdogs, enjoying parades, beauty pageants and rock and roll concerts, scammers are lurking around the Topsfield Fair digital footprint. The Fair, which runs Oct. 2 to 12 at the Fairgrounds, notified current and prospective vendors last week to beware of a scammer claiming to be from the Fair. General Manager Bill O’Brien warned, “The person is using a gmail account and signing them with the name of a Fair employee.” He recommended that any vendor who...
Public Invited to Join in Gardens Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. Andover Streeet, Georgetown, Across from Golf Course
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Aulson family invites volunteers, gardeners, town officials, and "any interested individuals" to join in this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. to kickoff the process to restore the Community Gardens to their former splendor. More than a decade-and-a-half ago, the gardens were full of active gardeners from Georgetown, Groveland, and neighboring towns. Under the watchful eye and patient guidance of volunteer garden steward Bob Means, the plots were assigned each year, and monitored for use....
Georgetown Conservation Commission Clips Community Gardens Cleanup Plans Limits Cleanup to Approx. 20% of Previous Garden Area Acting ConCom Agent Argues to Leave Trash/Debris in Place
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Conservation Commission unanimously voted last week to NOT clean up the majority of the overgrown decades-old, abandoned community garden, instead limiting the cleanup project to just the front area of the gardens (approximately 20% of the previously cultivated area). At its prior meeting, following what could mildly be described as an extremely divisive discussion, only three out of the five present members voted to move forward with a proposed project by resident Alan Aulson, which would...
What Do the Community Gardens Have in Common with the Ponds? The ConCom
by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN, Mass. — While robust discussions took place last week regarding the long-neglected Georgetown Community Gardens, similar discussions took place regarding the failure to take care of the overgrowth of weeds at Pentucket Pond and Rock Pond. At its heart, the issue appeared simple: Both ponds are in need of treatment to decrease the overgrowth of weeds which have served as a hazard. As previously reported, an incident two years ago brought neighbors to the rescue of a man entangled in...
HELP WANTED: Scientist Sought to Investigate Merrimack River’s Unexplained Spikes in Fecal Bacteria
The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) is creating a new, full-time Lead Scientist position dedicated to designing and leading two major, multi-phase investigations: one in Newburyport Harbor, and one in the Lawrence Dam Impoundment. These locations see some of the heaviest recreational use anywhere on the Merrimack — and both carry a legacy of industrial and wastewater pollution that continues to shape water quality today. For the past two years, MRWC's volunteer-powered monitoring network has detected...
Business Spotlight: Nicolini’s House of Pizza
by Kay Lee Ogden This week's business spotlight shines on: "Nicolini's House of Pizza" This is a series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local and make people aware of their services and talents that we have surrounding us!! Please shop local!!! Nicolini's House of Pizza is located at 21 West Main Street, Georgetown Phone: 978.769.5302 Hours: Sun - Thurs: 10am - 9pm Fri - Sat: 10am - 9:30 pm Eat in, pick up, or have it delivered! (5-mile radius) A casual environment, with clean inside dining!...
Georgetown Parks and Recreation Commission Thanks Eagle Scout Bryan Benoit for Pavilion Roof and Dock Projects at American Legion Park
GEORGETOWN, Mass. — The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Commission thanks Bryan Benoit of Boy Scout Troop 50 for completing his Eagle Scout project at American Legion Park and for giving the Commission the opportunity to sponsor the work. Benoit, a Georgetown High School student and Life Scout working toward the rank of Eagle, planned and led two public improvements at the park. In June, he and fellow Scouts assembled and installed new floating docks on Pentucket Pond. On Saturday, September 19, they replaced the...
North Andover Watts Donates Jet Ski for Merrimack River Cleanup
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – As part of their continued partnership, Watts donated the funds for the purchase of a jet ski to the Clean River Project to help provide the nonprofit with a more efficient way to survey the Merrimack River, monitor cleanup areas, and locate debris beneath the water’s surface. The Clean River Project based in Methuen, Massachusetts works to protect the Merrimack River by removing illegally dumped materials, including tires, mattresses, hazardous objects and vehicles. According to Clean...
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Brings Birthday Joy in Every Bag
Submitted by Bob Wicks Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Publicity Co-Chair Birthdays are particularly joyous celebrations for families and friends. For a family experiencing food insecurity, this occasion is a hardship. Stress, social pressure, and tough choices can rob their children of being royalty for a day. What’s the solution? Birthday – In – A Bag! As they do each Fall, Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians used their regular weekly meeting to pack 50 shopping bags with supplies to create an instant birthday party for eight...
7th Annual Amesbury Red vs. Blue Softball Game SEPT 27th
Amesbury's Police and Fire departments face off for the 7th Annual Red vs Blue Softball Game at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th at Landry Stadium. The two teams are competing to raise money for local youth sport charities, including Amesbury Little League. *This event is FREE for the public to attend* Big Rig BBQ & Sweet Cheeks will be there with food for sale & there will also be a 21+ beer garden on site. Ample parking available at Amesbury Middle School. Come cheer on our dedicated public safety...
Dear Friends of the Village Pancake House
Friends, It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of the beloved Village Pancake House. This decision was not made lightly and didn’t come easy. We would be remiss if we didn’t begin by saying thank you posthumously to George and Lillian Soffron who had the vision back in 1958 to start what became an institution. Also, thank you to Peter and his children Georgia and Jamie. Without you we would never have had this opportunity to continue their vision. We hope that as stewards, we carried on your...
Newbury Firefighters/Town Working Through Rent Dispute
NEWBURY – Municipalities and firefighters are accustomed to negotiating over wages and benefits, but the rent on the station? And for more than a year? What is unusual is the station and some equipment housed there are owned, not by the town, but by the firefighters – The Protection Fire Co. #1. The lease on the Byfield fire station at 44 Central Street expired on June 30. 2025. In 2015, the town like many others moved from a volunteer fire department to a full-time staffed department, operating out of two...
Town of Boxford Welcomes Sean Donahue as Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director
BOXFORD − The Town of Boxford recently announced that Sean Donahue has joined the Town as its new Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director. Donahue brings more than 13 years of municipal government experience to Boxford. Most recently, he served as Human Resources Director for the Town of Reading, where he oversaw personnel and benefits administration, supported collective bargaining, managed departmental and employee- benefit budgets, and prepared salary and personnel cost projections. He previously served...
Nick’s Place of West Newbury
by Kay Lee Ogden WEST NEWBURY, MA − This week’s business spotlight will shine on “Nick’s Place of West Newbury”. This is a series of local businesses to encourage customers to shop local, and make customers aware of their services and talents that we have surrounding us!! Nick's Place is located at 33 main street, West Newbury, Mass.m right across from Pentucket High School. Phone: 978.363.8600 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-8:30pm, Sun: Closed This exceptional restaurant was originally founded by...
Wood Lancaster Holds Topsfield Fair Record for the Largest Giant Pumpkin
TOPSFIELD − Wood Lancaster of Topsfield now holds the Topsfield Fair record for the largest Giant Pumpkin grown in Massachusetts. Lancaster’s pumpkin topped the scales at 2,598 lbs. at the 42nd annual All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. The record had been set last year by Alex Noel of Abington, Connecticut whose pumpkin weight 2,507 lbs. Lancaster won over $10,000 in prize money for his accomplishment. The winning pumpkin was moved to the Fruit and Vegetable Barn where it will be on display for the run of...
Georgetown Cellist to Debut ‘Sacred Voices of the Cello’
GEORGETOWN − Ben Swartz will debut his solo album, Sacred Voices of the Cello, on Friday October 16th, with pre-releases now available at benjaminswartz. bandcamp.com/album/sacred- voices-of-the-cello. On 10/16, the album will be available for purchase on Amazon and across all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, et al.). Ben teaches in the Ipswich Public Schools and at Phillips Exeter Academy, and we hope to include more information an an upcoming edition....
West Newbury/Newburyport Bridge to Open
NEWBURYPORT/ WEST NEWBURY – Closed to vehicles for eight years, the Middle Street/Plummer Springs Bridge on the border of West Newbury and Newburyport saw its first vehicles cross the Upper Artichoke Reservoir, the drinking water supply for both communities, following a final inspection on Sept. 22. The new bridge, closed in 2018 when a spandrel wall failed, replaces an aging structure that serves as a critical transportation link between West Newbury and Newburyport. The approximately $3.66 million project was...
Petition Fights for Clean Merrimack
REGIONAL – A Plum Island resident, “fed up” with watching sewage flow down the river, polluting the island waters and the Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary, has started a petition with almost 2,000 signatures urging state and local officials to “take decisive action regarding the Merrimack River Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). The petition, initiated by Ruth Gamper, a self-described “dedicated resident of Plum Island, on behalf of the island's residents,” is on Change.org. Coming on the heels of a particularly...
West Newbury Library: Intro to Line Dancing!
WEST NEWBURY −Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM Join us to learn some line dancing steps, no cowboy boots required, but you might want to bring along a friend. Kathy Spironis leads the way in this fun, easygoing program. Generously funded by the Friends of the West Newbury Library.
Georgetown Senior Center My Life, My Health Program
The Georgetown Senior Center will host a chronic disease self-management proram starting Wed., Oct. 21. Living with an ongoing health condition can bring everyday challenges. This supportive six-week program helps adults and caregivers learn practical ways to manage their health, build confidence, and take a more active role in their well-being. Join Maria and discover helpful tools to take charge and feel better! The program, led by Mria Aria of AgeSpane, will run from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. each Wednesday....
Leon Purington
On the 21st of September, Leon Purington passed away, or as he would say, went to the Great Beyond. He leaves behind many people he met over his hundred years of life who were touched by his kindness and inspired by the way he lived his life. His family is very thankful for all the special times they enjoyed with him. Leon was born on July 27, 1926, to Percy Purington and Delphine (Saunders) Purington. Raised in Rowley, MA as the third of six children, he had many fond memories and stories of his childhood that...
William Murphy
On September 27, 2026, William Henry Murphy (Bill) passed away peacefully at his Rowley home at the age of 66, surrounded by his wife, Donna, and his children, Kaitlin Hughes, Courtney Freeman, and William Murphy Jr. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Catherine Murphy, and his brothers, George and Jimmy. He is survived by his wife, Donna Murphy; his daughter Kaitlin and her husband, Will Hughes; his daughter Courtney and her husband, Steve Freeman; his son, William Murphy Jr., and his wife, Zoe; his...
Darkness in Danger: A Master Gardener Presentation at the ROWLEY LIBRARY
Sat. Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m. −1:00 p.m. Light pollution, simply put, is any unnecessary or excessive outdoor illumination. Sadly, it’s become a pervasive and ugly consequence of modern 24/7 society. Light pollution robs us of the night sky’s beauty, negatively affects the ecosystem, and creates an in-your-face waste of energy. But a new mindset and new technology are poised to slow − and perhaps reverse — this bane of modern life. Kelly Beatty from the International Dark-sky Association will talk about how people can...
WEST NEWBURY FALL HYDRANT FLUSHING October 9th to 23rd
Starting at 8:00 p.m. on Friday October 9th hydrants will be opened along Main Street from the Groveland town line to Newburyport. Flushing will continue through 5:00am on Saturday morning. On Tuesday, October 13th, daytime flushing will commence on secondary roads and continue through Friday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Flushing hydrants will cause the water to become discolored as sediment is removed from the water system and property owners may experience intervals of low water pressure as well. If you have...
Celebrate America’s 250th the Old South Church – Movie A Great Awakening
Celebrate America's 250th the Old South Church - Movie A Great Awakening Save this date! Extremely important information about our local history of the life of "The Forgotten Founding Father" by Kay Lee Ogden NEWBURYPORT− I recently had the pleasure of meeting with two gracious gentlemen from the Old South Presbyterian Church, Reverend Jerry Mullins and Don Pollard, who shared news of special evening that brings faith, friendship, and American history to the screen! In celebration of America’s 250th...
1st Congregational Church of Georgetown ‘Finishing Touches’ on Eagle Scout Project
GEORGETOWN, Mass. – Putting the finishing touches on her daughter's creation, Jen Studer and members of the community paused for a quick photo last week at the firepit in front of the 1st Congregational Church of Georgetown. "Ella created it as her Eagle Scout project as she wanted to create a welcoming outdoor gathering space for the church and community," Jen shared. "The project really became a community effort and we are incredibly grateful to those who helped bring Ella's vision to life. Her project...
Newbury Fire Department Conducts Pump and Tanker Training at Byfield Station
BYFIELD, Mass. – Experienced officers of the Newbury Fire Department provided hands-on pump and tanker training to newer members at the Byfield Station last week, overseeing operations as firefighters learned every dial, knob and hose that keeps a water supply reliable. The Byfield Station includes ample parking and a large, paved area where firefighters can train once a month without using private property or inconveniencing community members. The de facto training ground is an essential part of Newbury Fire...
Despite Heavy Rains, Aulson Roofing, Goats to Go, and Many Others Begin Rejuvenation of The Gardens in Georgetown
by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN, Mass. — Goats, rakes, brush cutters, clippers, and tractors slowly moved forward, clearing piles of debris from the front area of the Georgetown Community Gardens last week. The effort, led by former selectman and local businessman Alan Aulson got underway despite heavy rains that dominated the region. On Saturday, a few volunteers showed up to take a look at the progress to date. Most activities were postponed until earlier this week due to the weather. Aulson related that the...
Groveland COA Seen & Heard Project
GROVELAND, Mass. — On October 9, the Groveland Council on Aging is inviting the public to experience Seen & Heard, a portrait and storytelling project celebrating the individuality, experiences, perspectives, humor, and humanity of local older adults. The project pairs portraits by photographer Kelly Mintz of Mintz Photo Studio with participants’ own words, giving each person an opportunity to share something about who they are, what they value, and the experiences that have shaped them. The project invites...
West Newbury: No ‘Special’ Town Meeting
Message from the Select Board WEST NEWBURY, Mass. – The Select Board has decided that we will not have a Special Town Meeting this fall. The Annual Town Meeting is where the business of the Town is meant to be conducted, with Special Town Meetings only called when items arise that were unanticipated and which can not wait until the Annual Town Meeting in April. Over the last several years, we started holding Town Meetings in the fall as routine even when the items weren’t urgent. It’s expensive to have Town...
Plum Island Slated for Huge Sewage Monitoring Program
PLUM ISLAND, Mass. — Maintaining a sewer system on a barrier island sand bar is never an easy task. And the sewer system on this ever-more-populated island is no exception. For all its challenges, the PI sewer system has enhanced the island’s charm by producing the cute candy cane-like exhaust pipes in many yards that serve as an unofficial symbol of the island. In 2015, the sewer system, fragile at best, went into catastrophic failure, resulting in many outages and law suits that generated some funds for...