More local news

Paula Sullivan-Reggio and Kate Glidden Join Beauport Financial

Gloucester-based Beauport Financial Services this week announced two additions to its firm, including financial services professional Kate Glidden and administrative assistant Paula Sullivan-Reggio. …
Massachusetts Oyster Project

Oysters in Manchester

Earlier this year, the Manchester Harbor Boat Club (MHBC) partnered with the Massachusetts Oyster Project to install an oyster upweller as an experiment to grow oysters in local waters to stem …
ME’s Ernest Taylor fights his way towards the Ipswich goal in a close match that ended in a win, 1-0, for the Hornets.  At press time the boys are 4-1 for the season. Photo Paul Clark

ME Boys Soccer In Control At Start of Season

It was supposed to be a soccer game, but by the end of regulation the Manchester Essex boys’ soccer team turned it into a game of “Keep Away.” The Hornets beat Pentucket by a …

Essex Planning Board Zoning Bylaw Update

In May of 2021, voters at Essex Town Meeting passed a temporary moratorium on change of use of a property from residential or open space to business or industrial, and subsequent Town Meetings …
And they're off!  Happy as a Clam 2024 in Essex.
It's Go, Go, Go Time at the 2024 Happy as a Clam Race 
  As an old children’s television show song went, “Go, go go! You can’t go fast if you go too slow!”   That was the theme last Friday for the packed Happy as a Clam …
Manchester by the Sea's new Town Clerk, Christine Dixon
Just in Time for Elections, MBTS Taps Christine Dixon as Town Clerk
One would imagine the September of a big election year is not the best time for a new Town Clerk.   Typically, it’s not. In this way, Manchester is very fortunate, as last week the …
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and, left, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
Guv Links Clean Energy Reforms To Closeout Budget
Gov. Maura Healey moved Wednesday to use a routine spending bill as a catch-all for a few different big priorities, including clean energy siting and permitting changes that prompted one top Democrat …

Oct. Rocky Neck Art Colony Exhibit: Abstractions for Unsettled Times

The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is proud to present ELEMENTAL: Abstractions for Unsettled Times, a new exhibition curated by Meredith Anderson and Ginger Myhaver at the Cultural Center at Rocky …

Senior Nite for Varsity Boys Basketball

Monday night the Hornets held Senior Night for the boys’ basketball team.   The seniors honored their parents for the support they provided during their athletic careers.   Kneeling, …

5 Mexican Caribbean wellness experiences to achieve total Zen

(BPT) - Crystal clear turquoise seas, lush palm trees swaying in the breeze, powder soft white sand beaches ... this is the Mexican Caribbean. From boho chic Holbox to luxurious Costa Mujeres, laid …

Demos, Collector’s Preview Party, And a $20K Purse Kicks Art Festival Up a Notch

In 2023,  a “Plein air” demonstration during CAPA Week by artist Charlie Shurcliff at Manchester’s Sharksmouth Estate was a big hit in 2023.  This year’s festival expands its weeklong programming in early October.

Maybe it’s the $20,000 in prize money for the winner.   Maybe it’s the packed week of public events, the opportunity to see a future master artist at work, or maybe it’s the …

Sports
To get a glimpse of what might be in store for the Manchester Essex boys soccer team in 2024, it might help to turn the clock back to the team’s play during the first round of the 2023 MIAA …
There's a lot going on with ME Regional High School sports this week in the Hornets Nest, inlcuding Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Field Hockey, and Golf ...
While they may be new to each other, the returning members of the Manchester Essex girls soccer team and new coach Scout Grifoni have one crucial element in common: experience.  This is …
The best may be yet to come for the Manchester-Essex golf team. Hornet golfers should be pretty encouraged after coming out of the first few matches of the 2024 season with a winning record, some …
After passing their first test in an unfamiliar environment, the Manchester Essex football team is coming home to play in front of local fans for the first time in 2024. The Hornets made crucial …
Lifestyle
The band Over the Bridge is in the line up of this year's Blackburn Brewfest.

Second Annual Blackburn Brewfest Returns to Stage Fort Park

It’s time for the annual Blackburn Brewfest. The second annual event is back and, organizers say, it’s better than ever and scheduled to take place from 1 - 5 p.m. Saturday, September 21 at …

Calling All Shipbuilders

Salt Marsh Dory Building is Back at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum. Once again comes the opportunity to experience the timeless art of boatbuilding. The Essex Historical …
Newburyport_Newburyport Powder House_by Essex Heritage

More than 200 Free Events at This Year’s Essex Heritage Trails & Sails

This past weekend, Essex Heritage will kick off Trails & Sails , its annual event that opens more than 200 spectacular local heritage attractions to the public, including historic, cultural, and …
147TH Meeting of the Elderly Brethren

147th Meeting of the Elderly Brethren

A beautiful sunny day at Tuck’s Point welcomed members of the Elderly Brethren for their annual meeting, meal and fellowship.   The “brothers” started to gather prior to 11 …
John Terelak is an artist whose work philanthropists will be able to purchase next week at the Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction.  This painting, “After Rain,” is an example of his work.

Fine Art Auction to Benefit New Sawyer Free Library on Sept. 19

What better way to raise money to build a “masterpiece” public library than hosting a fine art auction.   That’s exactly what the Sawyer Free Library will do from 6 - 8 p.m. on …
Home and Garden
SHOP THOUGHTS

Fall into Fiction

With the Fall Equinox behind us and leaves starting to scatter the sidewalks, it’s time to talk about the stacks of fall reading arriving each week here in the Book Shop. With the election in …

Reconciling an historic home with modern living can be tricky. These properties are beautiful house with solid bones, but it's important when you tackle this type of design renovation to proceed with a healthy dose of caution ...
Pets and People

Cancer In Pets

Sadly, cancer is a condition commonly diagnosed at the Manchester Animal Hospital.   Many tumors can be diagnosed simply by palpation.  Others require biopsy and histopathological …

Books

Manchester Library Notes | Sept. 20

At the Manchester Library this week, take the MBTS Zero Waste Challenge.

This week the Manchester Library celebrates Banned Books week, the story and history of Blues music, Dungeons & Dragons for Adults, Halloween New England, and much more.

Columnists

What's New in Home Design for Cape Ann?

Lean into a non-neutral this year.  Jen Coles like jewel tones, like this.

Spring is finally starting to be sprung.  Those brave spring bulbs are sticking their skinny green necks out, and so far all I’ve wanted to do is wrap a scarf around them—but they …

Obituaries
Gordon Q. MacDougall
Gordon Q. MacDougall's life was a vibrant journey, marked not only by his longevity but by the depth of his connections and the strength of his spirit.  At the remarkable age of 101, Gordon, …
Natalie ("Nat”) E. Glovsky
Natalie ("Nat”) E. Glovsky died peacefully in Beverly, on September 19, 2024, at the remarkable age of 104. Natalie was born on January 10, 1920, in Brockton, one of five children of Aaron and …
Josephine Swan “Jody” Blagden
Josephine Swan Blagden, née Josephine Cutler Stearns Swan and known as, “Jody”, formerly of Manchester by-the-Sea, MA and Blue Hill, ME died peacefully at age 93, on Monday, September 2, 2024, in Nashua, NH. Josephine Swan Blagden, née Josephine Cutler Stearns Swan and known as, …
William A. MacDonald
On September 6, 2024, Mr. William A. MacDonald of Peabody, MA died at Salem Hospital, Salem, MA. Mr. MacDonald was born in Manchester-by-the-Sea in 1935 to Alice MacDonald of York, ME and …
Lynn T. Runnells
Lynn T. Runnells, 86, of Gloucester, MA, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and closest friends after a long, brave battle with cancer.  Daughter of the late Francis and …
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Navigating Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period: Tips for Success in 2024
(BPT) - The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which runs from October 15 to December 7 is approaching, and with it comes a wave of changes that could make this year one of the most challenging …
5 reasons to escape to the Mexican Caribbean this winter
(BPT) - Escape the chill this winter and discover the signature paradise of the Mexican Caribbean. This stunning region boasts endless experiences to suit every type of traveler in 12 distinct …
When dogs bark, are they using words to communicate?
Does your dog bark a lot? Or is he one of those quiet pooches who barks only when things get really exciting? Most dogs bark at least a little. Dog barks are not words. Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you …
Caleb Williams is the most anticipated NFL rookie. Here are the 10 best NFL rookie quarterbacks since 1960.
Being a quarterback is the toughest position in football. ATS.io compiled a ranking of the 10 best NFL rookie QBs since 1960 using data from StatHead.
4 Tips for Selecting Dental and Vision Coverage in Retirement
(Family Features) While most older adults understand the importance of obtaining medical insurance once they retire and are no longer covered by an employer, not all prioritize dental and vision coverage.