For approximately thirty years, the senior citizens of Manchester-by-the-Sea have steadfastly volunteered their time towards having a dedicated location to gather together. 

On Saturday, May 16th, our Historic Town Tour  brings those earlier days to life. As you walk through streets you know well, you’ll hear the stories behind them—who built the homes, how the town evolved, and what life looked like here more than a century ago.

Now Cantemus, the "small chorus with the grand sound," is teaming up with the North Shore's own Miranda Russell to present The Great American Songbook (with a modern twist, from Porter to Prince) on Saturday May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at MERHS.

On Tuesday, Essex residents received a letter regarding Article 22 on the Annual Town Meeting warrant.  I’d like to clarify several assertions made in that letter.  I am speaking here solely as a resident, not on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.  These views are my own. 

Manchester residents have had Town Meetings since way before the founding of our Nation, and they participated in debates during the period leading up to the Revolution.  

We want to thank Tony Barletta for his overview in The Cricket of the important bathroom renovation planned for the Manchester Public Library.  We recommend that you vote YES at the Annual Town Meeting on April 27th to the capital exclusion of $250,000 to pay for this renovation. 

At our Annual Town Meeting on May 4 and the Town Election May 11, Essex residents are being asked to weigh in on this year’s operating budget.  This includes consideration of two Proposition 2½ overrides: $268,722 for the Town General Budget and $185,727 for MERSD. 

As a Manchester resident and member of the Friends of the Library, I am writing to endorse the funding of the ADA compliant bathroom for the library.  We all know the existing bathroom is woefully inadequate and definitely not private. 

My name is Dexter Lee-Viator, and I’m running for Essex Selectman this May. As a fifth-generation Essex resident, my roots here run deep. 

I urge Manchester voters to choose Democratic candidate Dru Tarr in the special election for state representative on Tuesday, March 31st.  Polls are open from 7 am - 8 pm at Memorial School.

I would just like to take a second to thank the Manchester American Legion Post 113 for all the hard work done over the past month hosting a variety of local and community events with great success.  

I’m writing in support of Dru Tarr’s candidacy for Representative for our district in the upcoming special election. Dru’s experience with budgetary issues alone is the qualification that makes him a clear choice for me.

I am writing to express my strong support for Christina Delisio in the upcoming election for State Representative on March 31.

I ask you to vote for Dru Tarr for state representative.  I also want to clarify some misstatements about his opponent Christina Delisio.  I served alongside her on Manchester’s Planning Board and know first-hand how disruptive and irresponsible she can be.

More than executive and judicial branches of government, citizens should expect the legislative branch to represent them.  In that regard, for those with hopes of improving the state government, one clear choice emerges in the upcoming election. 

I read the letter from Susan Wadia-Els (The Cricket, 20 March 2026) concerning the proposed Freedom to Move Act and her claim that it "would limit the number of miles a state-licensed, gas-powered car is allowed to drive each year" and that "Massachusetts would somehow monitor how many miles my car is driven."

Everything gets done through relationships.  Can anyone accomplish anything meaningful alone, without the support, encouragement, and cooperation of others?  This is true in everyday life — but it is especially true in politics, where building coalitions is essential to passing legislation, securing resources, and serving constituents effectively.

I am writing to express my support for Christina Delisio to represent Cape Ann in the 5th Essex District. The most qualified candidate should hold this important position, and Christina Delisio brings the education, professional experience, public service, and character needed to do the job well.

Here is why I am going to vote for Christina Delisio for state representative in our upcoming special election on Tuesday March 31st. 

Thank you to all who came to our first annual March to the Fourth fundraiser on March 7th at the Legion!  All proceeds are going to this year’s Manchester by the Sea 4th of July celebrations, including July 3rd fireworks and the annual parade on July 4th.