Essex Happenings - Aug. 10, 2012

Essex Heritage Events and Activities

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 5 p.m.

REGISTER

TD Bank's Taste of TRAILS & SAILS

Experience a Taste of TRAILS & SAILS! 

Join TD Bank, Essex Heritage and the Beverly Historical Society for an interpretive walk through Beverly’s history, followed by cocktails and treats.

5 p.m. – Interpretive Walking Tour
 Location: Beverly Historical Society
, 117 Cabot St., Beverly (map it)

5 p.m. - Cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres 
Location: TD Bank, 175 Cabot St., Beverly (map it)

Reservations required. This event is FREE and open to the public, but reservations are required. RSVP by email or phone 978-740-0444.

Trails and Sails Weekends

The two weekends that have been set aside late in the month of September is coming closer and closer but it is not too early to make both plans and reservations To assist you in this process let me present the following information.

Friday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 23 and Friday, Sept. 28-Sunday, Sept. 30

Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks & Water

Join us for the 11th annual Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water, Sept. 21-23 and Sept. 28-30, 2012! Explore Essex County's cultural, historic and natural sites during two weekends of 150+ FREE events. Enjoy a variety of guided tours, open house visits, hikes, walks, sails, paddles, and other special experiences for all ages, skill levels and interests. Search the online event listing and plot your course here!

The event has been designed from the outset to provide a wonderful annual festival primarily for the area’s population of three-quarters of a million residents and is presented in 2012 as always free of any charges thanks to the generosity of the numerous organizations that manage the sites and sponsors who continue to feel that this a wonderful way to “give back” to the region.

Highlighted Essex Heritage Communities and many of the high points of that community.

HAVERHILL

• Haverhill Historical Society, Buttonwoods Museum Exhibiting Native American artifacts such as stone tools, bone implements, baskets, shoes and shoemaking tools, the historical society and museum is also an ENHC Visitor Center with valuable information on Haverhill and the surrounding area.
• Haverhill Public Library The library serves the community by providing global access to informational, recreational and educational resources.
  • Rocks Village Historic District River Road, Wharf Lane and East Main Street. Settled in 1643, the historic village follows the Merrimack River into Merrimacport. Once home to several of Haverhill's shipyards, it contains fifteen 18th-century houses.
  • Tattersall Farm The 150-acre farm offers 19th century plantings, working hayfields, rolling meadows and wooded paths for walking, jogging and cross-country skiing.
  • Whittier Family Homestead Built in 1688, this 148-acre homestead was the birthplace of poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier.
  • Washington Street Shoe District Has been recognized as one of the finest examples of a complete street of Queen Ann industrial architecture in America.
  • Winnekenni Castle

IPSWICH

• Appleton Farms Established in 1638, the farm offers such recreational activities as picnicking, horseback riding, bird watching, cross-country skiing and hiking.
• Choate Island Protected and overseen by The Trustees of Reservations, people can now cruise to Choate Island, also known as Hog Island, to view the Crane Wildlife refuge and historic Choate Farm and experience an abundance nature, sightseeing and bird watching.
• Crane Beach and Castle Hill Comprising more than 2,000 acres, the estate is open to the public year round for outdoor study, leisure and recreation.
• Hall-Haskell House This officially designated ENHC Visitor Center offers information on Ipswich and the surrounding towns.
• Hamlin Reservation Hamlin Reservation's gently rolling fields and marsh meadows - today home to bobolinks and small mammals - were once active farmland.
• Heard House Built in 1795, the historic house mingles Western and Asian cultures in an atmosphere of the China trade years.
• Paine House and Greenwood Farm Located on a peninsula on the Ipswich River Estuary, Greenwood Farm comprises pastures, meadow, woodlands, salt marsh, and three tidal islands: Diamond Stage, Widow's, and Homestead.
• Whipple House Museum Retains much of its original oak, pine and chestnut framework and offers an exceptional look at the domestic surroundings of early New England colonists.

Places to Stay in Ipswich

• The Inn at Castle Hill The Inn at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate invites you to return to an age of innocent pursuits. Step into a timeless place of understated elegance and serenity. Located in the heart of the spectacular Crane Estate, enjoy simple, yet luxurious pleasures, and reconnect with what's really important in life. Snug beds, hearty meals, and a warm and generous staff anticipate your arrival.

• Learn more about art in Ipswich at ipswicharts.com.

LAWRENCE

• Lawrence History Center: Immigrant City Archives and Museum Established in 1978 to preserve the history of Lawrence and its people, it is the official repository for all Lawrence city records.
• Lawrence Heritage State Park/Boarding House Site The park includes 23 acres spread throughout the city and the officially designated ENHC Visitor Center provides visitors with information on Lawrence and the surrounding area and exhibits.
• North Canal Historic District The district is comprised of 70 properties that feature mills, boarding houses, locks, and bridges, the North Canal, the Great Stone Dam and the Immigrant City Archives.

LYNN

• Grand Army of the Republic Museum The museum features memorabilia from the Revolutionary War through the Korean War.
• Lynn Heritage State Park Visitor Center Walk the boardwalk along the ocean front.
• Lynn Museum  
Exhibiting furniture, artwork and everyday objects of the 1770's through the 1870's.
• Lynn Woods Enjoy hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching and picnicking in the summertime and cross-country skiing in the winter through the 2,200 acres.
• Mary Baker Eddy Historic Home This is the first home owned by Mary Baker Eddy where she wrote "Science and Health", her primary work, in 1875.
• Lynn Arts Lynn Arts Inc is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural activity in the city of Lynn, as well as to encouraging community interest and involvement in the arts in the Greater Boston area.

MANCHESTER

• Agassiz Rock Big and Little Agassiz Rocks are dramatic examples of giant boulders plucked from bedrock and carried far away by the last glacier.
• Coolidge Reservation Part of historic Coolidge Point, the Coolidge Reservation is named for the prominent family who came to own the peninsula. The diverse woodland features a mix of oak and pine with numerous wildflowers and ferns, and is home to an array of birds and other wildlife, including fishers and fox.
• Manchester Historic District 39 acres featuring buildings that represent virtually every type of vernacular architecture from the 17th to 20th Centuries.

MARBLEHEAD

• Crowninshield Island  
This modest coastal island features a variety of marine ecosystems, including several tidal pools, a small sandy beach, a field, a salt marsh, and a wooded hilltop. From a jagged granite promontory, visitors can take in views of Fort Sewall, Gerry Island, Marblehead Light and Marblehead Harbor.
• Fort Sewall First established in 1644, this fort was used as a defensive breastwork for more than 200 years. Now a public park.
• Jeremiah Lee Mansion The Jeremiah Lee Mansion is a magnificent colonial Georgian home built by American craftsmen in 1768 when Lee was the wealthiest merchant and ship owner in Massachusetts. Preserved in its nearly original state, the house stands as a tribute to both colonial America's strong ties to England and its independent commercial success.
• Marblehead Historic District The Marblehead Historic District is one of the largest contiguous colonial districts to be placed on National Register, the nation’s official list of important sites and structures that preserves local, state, and national heritage.
• Marblehead Museum and Historical Society The Marblehead Museum properties include the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and Gardens and the G.A.R. and Civil War Museum. The Museum also includes the J.O.J. Frost Folk Art Gallery, a permanent installation of paintings and sculpture by Marblehead native J.O.J. Frost.

METHUEN

• Methuen Memorial Organ Hall Features the first concert organ in the U.S.
• Searles Tenney Nevins Historic District Reflects the major influences that shaped Methuen's architecture and economy.

Regional Matters

Regional Events

Information Provided by Danvers Bi-Peds in their Monthly Newsletter

POINT TO CONSIDER

Did you know that if you cross in a pedestrian cross walk with your bike that you should walk, not ride, across the street? 

The following valuable information and the survey offered by Danvers BI-Peds and provides data on bike riding and safety.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Rail Trail Safety Survey – From the RTAC - Please help us identify problem areas! The Danvers Police Department recently received a $3,000 grant from the state to provide additional enforcement and enhance awareness of pedestrian and bicycle safety in Danvers. The Department has very kindly offered to use a portion of these funds to improve awareness and do some enforcement along the Danvers Rail Trail. Please take the brief survey by clicking on the link below by next week. Your comments will help the Police determine which are priority areas and allow them to target their activities accordingly.  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V2PTBSM

EVENTS 

Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. - Help Install the Interpretive Trails Signs - (From the RTAC) The Rail Trail Advisory Committee cordially invites you to a (work) PARTY to get the bases installed for the four beautiful interpretive signs funded by Essex National Heritage Area. These will be mounted on actual sections of rail – these sections are now reposing in a backyard on Cabot Road, cut in 7 foot lengths weighing 170 pounds each. We need a couple of teams of people to help us get these in the ground, both heavy lifters and strong supervisory types.

We’ll start early to beat the heat, meeting at the Hobart Street parking lot at 8 a.m. Ice cold Rail Trail beverages will be provided, and we hope to be done shortly after noon. Lobster roll lunch at the Cherry Street Fish Market can be arranged to complete the day. A pre-work PARTY will be held the preceding evening (August 10) at Lori Dupont’s house to get the rails in our trucks and plan for Saturday’s installation. Refreshments and a light dinner will be provided. Heavy lifters are especially encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Kate Day at the address below and she will send you Friday night details – we hope you can join us for one or both of these gatherings! Dress is casual attire and very sturdy shoes. Please feel free to bring a guest to either event.

Kate Day, AICP,Senior Planner, Town of Danvers, 1 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 (978) 777-0001 X3029

kday@mail.danvers-ma.org    www.danversrailtrail.org

Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, 9 a.m. - Explore Trails at Ferncroft Pond - This month the Danvers Bi-Peds monthly walk will explore the trails at Ferncroft Pond.  Meet at the trail head at 80 Ferncroft Road (north of North Shore Community College and south of where Ferncroft Road takes a sharp left).

Join us to explore the many trails in this Danvers Open Space. Meet new friends and enjoy one of Danvers' Open Spaces. One to two hours on easy to moderate trails. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray. Refreshments provided. For information, call Laura at 978-777-4661.

NEWS 

Salem News Letter Thanks the Many Helpers - Charles Lincicum, RTAC chairman and Bi-Peds member wrote a letter printed June 27 to the Salem News to thank those who made the June 2 Rail Trail kick off possible. He stated: We have a grant in the works to complete the trail surface — you will see sections of the hoped-for final stone-dust surface now installed at the Hobart Street parking lot, Tapleyville and the Brooksby Village/Danvers Indoor Sports entrance at the southern tip of the trail.

These sections were generously donated by the Danvers Bi-Peds, who also provided startup funding for our mileage marker sponsorship program. For more information about our “Fund-a-Foot” program to complete the trail, mileage marker sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.danversrailtrail.org. To read the entire article, go to Many helped with kickoff for Danvers Rail Trail

Cycling along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway of the North Shore - Want to go for a bike ride along the Byway? Check out these cue-sheets from the North Shore Cyclists for tips!

 http://nscyc.org/cue-sheets?utm_source=Spring+Essex+Coastal+Scenic+Byway+News&utm_campaign=Byway+June+2012&utm_medium=email

http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1058723803/Feds-Improve-disability-access/print 

The City of Beverly Works to Improve Pedestrian Sidewalk Access - Reported in the July 13 Essex Happenings Blog by .

The City of Beverly recently received some federal funding to improve the accessibility of the city’s sidewalks. The mayor has made a commitment that the deficiencies will be corrected over the next couple of years. A plan and a consultant hired by the city will be focused on the improvement issues to ensure that accessibly compliance is achieved. Anything that improves the walkability of the city is good. (Who is watching out for accessibility compliance in Danvers?)

Boston Globe Columnist Laments Lack of Youth Bike Riding - Thomas Leonard, President Emeritus of Essex National Heritage Commission, also reported in the same blog: In a recent issue of the Boston Globe, John Paul Dupont lamented that the youth of today are no longer riding bikes as they did in previous generations. He indicated that adults are riding everywhere, but youth are not riding their bikes as much as in the past. Having adults riding more certainly is more healthful for that generation, but I hope that the region’s bike trails the Essex Heritage is helping to get in place will be an incentive to get youngsters back to riding their bikes when they can as that activity is helpful in the ongoing fight against childhood obesity. Organizations like the Bi-Peds in Danvers is advocating bike safety on the road, and that may also get some youth back onto bikes.

MORE REMINDERS

Sidewalks - As always, help spread the word - sidewalks are for people, not vegetation or cars. Sidewalks should not be overgrown by bushes and weeds. This is the homeowner's responsibility. With more and more folks out enjoying the rail trail, they need a safe way to reach it from their neighborhood. Now is a great time to check for sidewalk safety by your home and in your neighborhood.

Membership -  If you have gotten a reminder about your dues, please send your money to Larry.

If you know someone who is currently not a member, go to www.danversbipeds.org to join or print out a membership form and send it in to Larry. Check with your company to see if they match funds as GE does. Almost all the money taken in by the Bi-Peds goes toward the rail trail and other concerns leading to safer biking and walking in Danvers and you get a 15 percent discount at the on everything except bikes. For more information, contact Larry Tormey at ltormey@danversbipeds.org

Donations: If you wish to donate to the Bi-Peds but don’t wish to become a member, donations are accepted.

Visit the web site for more news - www.danversbipeds.org

Danvers Council on Aging offers Candidate Debate

Aug. 29 Senate Candidate Debate The four Democratic candidates running for State Senate in the Second Essex District will be at the , 25 Stone St., on Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 10-11:30 a.m. for a debate. Candidates are: Edward Carroll and Joan Lovely both from Salem, Mary-Ellen Manning and John Slattery both from Peabody. The Primary is Thursday, Sept. 6. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Everyone welcome...Coffee and Doughnuts are served

All are welcome to attend and this is a great chance to hear from all of the candidates in one location at one single time. We certainly hope that the seniors and other residents in the region will attend and have questions that, when all of the candidates answer your inquires it will help you make a voting decision.

I am pleased to have been asked to moderate the debate that is hosted by the Board of the Danvers Council on Aging.

Salem Heritage Days

The 51st edition of Heritage Days will be offered in Salem through Aug. 12. There are events for all ages and specials for seniors and residents. If you have a day or an evening free over the next week and a half, a visit to one of the Salem venues might be worth a trip to the Witch City. Heritage Days is one of the older community festivals in the region.

Valuable Health and Exercise information for seniors provided by North Shore Elder Services

Health Benefits

One of the Healthiest Things You Can Do

Like most people, you've probably heard that physical activity and exercise are good for you. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Studies have shown that exercise provides many health benefits and that older adults can gain a lot by staying physically active. Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.

Being physically active can also help you stay strong and fit enough to keep doing the things you like to do, as you get older. Making exercise and physical activity a regular part of your life can improve your health and help you maintain your independence as you age.

Be as Active as Possible

Regular physical activity and exercise are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older adults. Staying physically active and exercising regularly can produce long-term health benefits and even improve health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities. That's why health experts say that older adults should aim to be as active as possible.

Being Inactive Can Be Risky

Although exercise and physical activity are among the healthiest things you can do for yourself, some older adults are reluctant to exercise. Some are afraid that exercise will be too hard or that physical activity will harm them and others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment. Yet, studies show that "taking it easy" is risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged, it's usually because they're not active.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, inactive people are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are more active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.

Prevent or Delay Disease

Scientists have found that staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions. For example, studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes benefit from regular exercise. Exercise also helps people with high blood pressure, balance problems, or difficulty walking.

Manage Stress, Improve Mood

Regular moderate physical activity can help manage stress and improve your mood.  Being active on a regular basis help reduce feelings of depression. Studies also suggest that exercise can improve or maintain some aspects of cognitive function, such as your ability to shift quickly between tasks, plan an activity, and ignore irrelevant information.

Physical Activity or Exercise?

Some people may wonder what the difference is between physical activity and exercise. Physical activities are activities that get your body moving such as gardening, walking the dog and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Exercise is a form of physical activity that is specifically planned, structured, and repetitive such as weight training, tai chi, or an aerobics class. Including both in your life will provide you with health benefits that can help you feel better and enjoy life more as you age.

Personal Observations

XXX Olympics

The XXX Olympics games have reached the half way mark and our fears that a disruption would be planned to put athletes at risk did not materialize, and for that we are most pleased and relieved. On the courts, track, pool and other venues the athletes have been sensational and all of the competition has been entertaining and most enjoyable.

As in the past, the swimmers that are representing the USA have done themselves most proud, particularly the young women. There has been spectacular efforts offered by Missy Franklin and of course the performances of Michael Phelps has been outstanding as he became the most decorated Olympic athlete of all times.

All across London there have been outstanding efforts including some incredibly hearth warming moments by the host county’s athletes witnessed by a full house of English men and women who are enthusiastically supported the home talent. But none of those moments were as important to me as the incredible and courageous performance of the challenged and handicapped 400 meter runner, double amputee South African runner Oscar Pistorius. Oscar had both of his legs amputated below the knee when he was only eleven months old. Not only did Oscar compete but as the first week came to an end he not only ran but finished second in his heat and was then qualified for the” next step” in his journey in the next round of half mile races.