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Robert Brooks Johnson

Robert Brooks Johnson

It is with sadness that the family of Robert Brooks Johnson announces his passing after a very brief illness. He was born in Somerville, Mass. on December 13th, 1937. He was the son of the late Albert Johnson and Adelaide (Small) Johnson. A proud veteran of the US...

Selectman Endorses Fellow Selectman …

Selectman Endorses Fellow Selectman …

Georgetown Residents and Voters: I’m writing to share that I am endorsing Rob Hoover and Ed Dobie for the two Select Board seats on the ballot on election day, Monday, May 11—and I’m asking for your vote for both of them. Ed Dobie brings the kind of financial expertise the Board needs right now. His extensive background in finance, combined with years of leadership on the Georgetown Finance Committee, gives him a practical, disciplined approach to managing the town’s fiscal challenges. I’ve had the opportunity to...

Selectman Files Emergency Open Meeting Law Complaint Against Chair

by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN – In a nine-count indictment under the headline "facts," Selectman Michael Donahue detailed what he documented as refusal on the part of SelectBoard Chair Robert Hoover to place on the agenda a voted agenda item, in total defiance to the state's Open Meeting Law. Donahue's filing was initially sent last week to nine recipients, including Hoover, the town administrator, and the state's Open Meeting Law e-mail inboxes. In his official complaint, Donahue seek to have to a "full, open...

Boxford May 12 Town Meeting Budget Highlights, No Override

submitted by Matt Coogan Town Administrator/CPO Town of Boxford FY27 Budget Highlights Transparency, Stability, and No Override BOXFORD − The Boxford Select Board has finalized and closed the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Masconomet Regional High School. The warrant includes 21 articles covering the FY27 operating budget, capital investments, and community priorities. The full warrant is available on the town website: boxfordma.gov/TownMeeting2026. Supporting...

Newburyport Art: Three New Art Shows!

submitted by Kelly K. Page Gallery Manager Newburyport Art (NAA) presents three new shows opening in the month of May! Soft Structures is a group exhibition that explores fibers and fibrous material as process and metaphor. This exhibit features over 80 artworks in a variety of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, weaving, embroidery, quilting, collage, mixed media and more. This exhibit is on view in the first-floor Sargent Gallery and second-floor Hartson Gallery. FOLIA is a collaborative exhibition...

Free Books – Jewish American Heritage Month in May

Books are the mirrors and windows to the world for children. They stimulate children’s imaginations while educating them in meaningful ways. Books unlock the world for children, build bridges of understanding amongst them, and introduce children to something new. It is for all these reasons that Lappin Foundation, in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, is offering free books about the American Jewish experience to K-5 public and private school teachers in celebration of...

North Shore Chamber to Celebrate 2026 Honor Scholars

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce presents its 2026 Honor Scholars Recognition Dinner on Thursday, May 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hilton in Danvers. The North Shore Chamber’s Honor Scholars Recognition Dinner celebrates the top 3 percent of students in the graduating classes of public and private high schools on the North Shore. This year, just over 200 graduates from more than 30 high schools have been selected for this special recognition. This longstanding tradition is celebrating its 58th year....

Town Admin. Rated ‘Satisfactory’

GEORGETOWN – Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco was rated “satisfactory” (meets expectations), down from “above satisfactory” (exceeds expectations) by the SelectBoard in his annual performance review. After the election next week, when the SelectBoard will have at least one new member, the five-member board will meet with Pacheco to set goals and guidelines. One goal, advocated by several SelectBoard members, may impose strict hours for the administrator to be in his office and log activities and out-of-office...

Ipswich Babe Ruth Baseball

Ipswich Babe Ruth Baseball

Ipswich Babe Ruth Baseball Last week's first game at Byliek Park saw Ipswich face of against Gloucester in a game that ended early when Ipswich ran away with a lopside win (10 or 11 to 0). The team was treated to a pizza party at the Ipswich House of Pizza following the game. (Courtesy photo)

West Newbury GOP meeting Wednesday May 20th at 7 PM

Please join us at the Merrimac Brewing Company on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7 PM for a WNRTC Meeting and Social. Please bring your friends. Beer on tap from the best brewer in town. Donations to the West Newbury Republican Town Committee for the room are greatly appreciated. Merrimac Brewing Company, on the second floor of the Carriage House building in the back of 12 Maple Street, West Newbury, MA. For more info, call Rich Baker at 978-257-4101.

West Newbury: Dark-Sky Compliant Street Lights

West Newbury: Dark-Sky Compliant Street Lights

WEST NEWBURY – National Grid continues to upgrade streetlights in town, from standard street lights to energy-efficient LED lights. Richard Parker from the Energy and Sustainability Committee told town meeting attendees that the changeover comes at no cost to residents, and is anticipated to save $8,000 per year in electrical energy usage, and will provide the town with a one-time $6,600 rebate payment. Additionally, the new lights provide more directed coverage, making them dark-sky compliant. "It's intended to...

West Newbury Memorial Day Parade Plans

WEST NEWBURY – The Town of West Newbury will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade and Commemorative Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026. This event is often the best-attended community gathering of the year and provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to come together in remembrance of those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, this year’s observance carries an added sense of reflection and gratitude for the...

Georgetown and Groveland to Get Business Alliance

Georgetown and Groveland to Get Business Alliance

REGIONAL – The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is creating the Georgetown and Groveland Business Alliance to help solve challenges faced by small businesses, retailers and professional service firms. The Haverhill chamber has already established a similar group in Methuen, Working with David P. “D.J.” Beauregard Jr., the mayor. The new business-marketing group will meet with the chamber CEO Katie Cook, state legislators and town administrators at 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on May 14 at Nichols Village in Groveland....

GREATER NEWBURYPORT YWCA – 16th Annual Engaging Communities Luncheon

GREATER NEWBURYPORT YWCA – 16th Annual Engaging Communities Luncheon

by Ilene Harnch-Grady Health and Wellness/Encore Director/YWCA NEWBURYPORT – The YWCA is thrilled to announce the upcoming Engaging Communities Luncheon on Wednesday, May 6th. This year’s theme is “No Wrong Doors: A Continuum of Care” and features panelists Suzanne Dubus (CEO, Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center) Kerri Perry (President & CEO, Community Action, Inc.) and Megan Gray (COO & CNO, Anna Jaques Hospital). State Representative Adrianne Ramos will be the event’s emcee. Kate Slater, Ph.D., CEO of YWCA...

Paul B. Thompson

Paul B. Thompson

  by Lonnie Brennan GEORGETOWN − Twenty-three members of the Thompson family, not counting a nephew who led the processsion, somberly filed out of St. Mary's Catholic Church last Saturday. We had all been doing OK during the funeral mass, that is, until the trumpeteer played Danny Boy. Tissues were tugged out of pockets, as many felt the love, the friendship, the gut-wrench of a man as strong as Paul Bunyon, as determined as John Wayne, and as patriotic as the flag itself. We came to honor Paul Thompson, but...

Why an Underride for the  Town of Georgetown?

Why an Underride for the Town of Georgetown?

Georgetown voters are being asked to consider something the town has never done before: an underride. Statewide, only 24 underrides have been attempted - and every one of them has passsed. Several months ago, I became aware of bill coming before the legislature (S.2902) that would allow towns to establish tax relief programs for seniors! With regret, the bill lingers with no clear timeline for consideration and possible passage. Rather than waiting for some unknown, I was thinking of a way that we could help our...

CANDIDATE STATEMENT – TOPSFIELD:  Greg Cerino

CANDIDATE STATEMENT – TOPSFIELD: Greg Cerino

Dear Topsfield neighbors, My name is Greg Cerino, and I am running to represent you on Topsfield's Select Board. I am a lifelong resident of Topsfield and raised my two children here. I previously served 5 terms on the Planning Board and professionally I have spent the last 39 years in construction management. Like many residents, I care deeply about the character of our town, the quality of life we enjoy, and the importance of thoughtful, respectful dialogue in local government. At the same time, I believe this...

Sorellanza Announces Spring Concert Series: “I Will”

Sorellanza Announces Spring Concert Series: “I Will”

ROCKPORT – Sorellanza is thrilled to announce its upcoming spring concert series, titled “I Will.” This vibrant collection celebrates resilience, connection, and the power of community. From bold calls for empowerment to moments of deep peace and reflection, these songs invite audiences into a shared journey of courage, compassion, and hope. Remaining Concert Details: Crowell Chapel, 4 Rosedale Ave, Manchester, MA (FREE ADMISSION courtesy of The Friends of Manchester Public Library) Date & Time: Friday, May...

Newburyport Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition From Arbor Day Foundation

Jean Berger of the the Newburyport Tree Commission shared the following: The Arbor Day Foundation has named Newburyport, Mass., a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. “We are proud that...

West Newbury Search Underway for New Town Manager

WEST NEWBURY – A five-member Town Governance Committee has been formed to recruit and select the next Newbury town manager as long-time manager Angus Jennings leaves to become the business manager for the Whittier Vocational Technical High School. Jennings was also one of three  candidates competing for the Ipswich Town Manager position, but withdrew to take the Whittier position. The committee, appointed by the Select Board, is made up of Wendy Reed, Select Board Representative; Ann Bardeen, planning board...

The Rowley Democratic Town Committee

The Rowley Democratic Town Committee is holding its April meeting on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm (note time change) at the Rowley Public Library. The Rowley DTC provides a forum to meet like-minded people, learn about local issues and candidates, and be active participants in the political process. For any questions about our meetings or to be added to our monthly newsletter, please check out our website at www.rowleydemocrats.org.  

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