2024: A Tough Year for the Iconic Pink House NEWBURY – It lost windows and portions of the roof, but the Iconic Pink House was remembered at Christmas. Federal officials had roofing and windows removed from the Pink House just in time for the arrival of winter rains,...
Ipswich
Forced Housing Deadline Looms – Massachusetts Government Seeks to Force Explosion of Large-Scale Developments in 177 Cities/Towns
REGIONAL – In 2025, housing will again be a very hot potato communities along the North Shore and throughout eastern Massachusetts have to handle. For several years, residents and would-be homebuyers have grappled with the challenge of low inventories of housing and...
Brighter Smiles … 21 SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS IN 2025
At the end of each of the past 19 years, I have used this space to publish these 21 Suggestions for Success authored by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Cut this out and put it on the refrigerator. Read this list often and take these suggestions to heart. Marry the right person....
Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, and Amesbury Fire Departments Receive $614,728 in Firefighter Grants
REGION – Georgetown Fire Chief Matt McKay, Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine, Merrimac Fire Chief Larry Fisher, and Amesbury Fire Chief James Nolan are pleased to share that the Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, and Amesbury Fire Departments received a joint...
New England Aquarium Ice Sculpture Stroll
This winter, as nearly 500 endangered sea turtles have received rehabilitative care at the New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital after being rescued from Cape Cod, an ice sculpture depicting some of the most critically endangered among them, the Kemp’s ridley sea...
What’s Happening in Your Town Government?
Periodically we'll post notices of the latest meeting minutes available online through city/town websites, for various boards. This week, we list the selectmen's/selectboard/city council meeting minutes. You'll note that Hampton Falls, NH, is the town with the most...
Salem Five Creating Holiday Magic for Families in Need
GEORGETOWN – Join Salem Five and The Salvation Army by donating new, unwrapped toys to kids in the community this holiday season from now until the end of the year. Pictured are Aaron, Jalin, Debbie, and Rebecca. Our team at Salem Five Bank in Georgetown is so...
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus
Dear Readers of The Town Common, During the past twenty-one years I have had the privilege to serve my community by creating and operating The Town Common. We have overcome many obstacles, shared in many wonderful stories, participated in many local events,...
Tom’s Discount: A Shopping Adventure
SALISBURY – Whether it is a plastic bin, birthday wrapping paper, office supplies or a reflective jacket that keeps you and your dog safe after dark, Tom’s Discount Store is your go-to store. In the 15,000-square-foot store on Rte. 110 with 32,000 different items,...
BREAKING: Whittier, Triton, and Ipswich May Get New Schools
NORTH SHORE – The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) board of directors played Santa Friday, agreeing to accept 22 school districts, including three on the North Shore, into its 2025 assessment process that could result in the state paying hundreds of...
Local Forecast


Recent News
- Winter Class Registration Dec 18, 2025
- Plaza Landing May Be Approved Soon Dec 18, 2025
- Newbury Water Bills (Past) Due! Dec 17, 2025
- Wreaths Across America Ceremonies Show Honor and Respect for All Veterans Dec 17, 2025

