After battling among fellow teenagers at Holten-Richmond Middle School on Saturday night, 17-year-old Stephanie Parsons was named the winner of this year's Danvers Idol.  As part of her prize, Parsons, who lives in Peabody, will perform in front of thousands at the grand finale to Danvers Family Fest, the Fireworks Festival at Plains Park.  Learn more about Stephanie in our Q&A: Congratulations on your Danvers Idol win! Tell us a little about the competition and how it felt to hear your name announced as the winner.  For the [preliminary] round I auditioned with a jazz medley called 'Almost …

Patch first met Danvers High School senior Sarah Vandewalle when she was nominated as a Whiz Kid this past October, for excelling as a leading lady both on and off the stage.  Now, the soon-to-be graduate has earned the title of Valedictorian of the Class of 2012, and will address her peers and their families at this Saturday's graduation ceremony.  Find out what Sarah's up to next year with our quick five question Q&A.  Now that you're graduating, what's next? Any exciting plans this summer? College in the fall?  This summer, I will be a camp counselor at Dance Camp at the Beverly Sterling …

After a year in Danvers, Each Peach Cafe closed its doors on Wednesday, May 16.  We stopped by for a quick five Q&A with cafe owner, Augusta Barstow.  What were some of your favorite moments at the cafe this year? Every time a customer said I helped them with their health...that was the true goal, so that's when it felt the most rewarding.  What were some of the biggest challenges as a new business in town? Location.  What are your plans once you say goodbye to Each Peach? No plans! Any ideas that come into my head go on a board. Once this is wrapped up I'll take a look at my options and go …

The idea for a dog park in Danvers was approved by Selectmen in June 2011, and the planning for a place for pups at Endicott Park is underway.  Here's a quick five question Q&A with the Danvers Dog Park Committee.  How many people are currently involved with the dog park planning?  For the most part it’s a core group of about 10 people with many other people lending a hand on events etc. When does the dog park committee hold meetings? The first Tuesday of every month at the People’s United Bank community Room at 6:30 p.m.  What are some of the biggest challenges that the committee is facing …