The 24 Norman Street Blog is written and privately maintained by resident George Courage. This blog is no longer endorsed or paid for by either Markwood Management, or Harvest Properties and the opinions, observations and recommendations expressed therein are those of the author alone. This blog welcomes constructive comments, opinions and feedback about anything and everything affecting the quality of life in, near and around 24 Norman Street and Salem, Massachusetts.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Another WTF Moment

Another in a series of WTF moments, brought to you by some awful people with behavioral issues don't give a crap about other people's property.
This lovely piece of craftsmanship, the letter "F" was found carved on our front door this afternoon.
It similar to one we found carved on the inside of the door several months ago that spelled out the word "fag".
This is vandalism, and if we catch you, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you live in the building and see someone doing this, please call Markwood Management immediately. Unless  you don't care what the building you live in look like.
After all some pigs really like the smell of manure.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Important Parking Information for Norman Street Residents

The Salem parking office is being inundated with frustrated Norman Street residents and their parking tickets. Here is the official statement on the parking changes:

Parking placards, 1 per Unit, currently issued to 24 Norman Street residents and paid for by the Association are good for parking in RILEY PLAZA ONLY.
New parking permits will be issued to the Association in January 2013  and will be sent by Markwood Management to each homeowner.  These new permits will be valid for RILEY PLAZA ONLY.
Parking passes that permit parking on Norman Street and surrounding areas are available from the parking office in the PEM garage WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.  These permits cost $25/month/pass.  They are NOT available through the Association.
The tickets that are being issued for parking on Norman St. ARE NOT FORGIVABLE!  Residents should pay the fines within the 21 days required or penalties will apply!

BACKGROUND:
The 24 Norman Street Condominium Association is obligated, per the Master Deed and an easement granted by the city, to purchase 1 permit per Unit for parking in Riley Plaza.
In the past, parking on Norman Street was unrestricted.  Anyone could park there pass or no pass.
The recently revised parking regulations for downtown Salem have resulted in parking restrictions being placed on Norman St.

Markwood Management will issue a document that is more succinct and post it in the building, as well as send the information to owners via email and letter for those tenants Markwood does not have email addresses for.  We appreciate that this has been confusing, but in fact there has been no change to the Condominium parking permits, the change has been to the status of Norman Street parking.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

SALEM HERITAGE DAYS – AUGUST 1-12, 2012


ATTENTION SALEM RESIDENTS
Below is the schedule of events for the Salem Heritage Days!

The Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum are always free to Salem residents, so include a visit to them in your Heritage Days' plans.

ALL WEEK SPECIAL (Aug. 1-12)
Attention Downtown shoppers- merchant 1 hour validation stamps are worth double at both garages, so spend a little bit longer enjoying downtown.  *restrictions do apply (4, 1 hr stamps per visit, valid for a max of 8 hours)

ALL WEEK SPECIAL (Aug. 1-12)
20% off Senior and Family Admission (children under 18) at the House of the Seven Gables located at 115 Derby Street.  Proof of residency is required.  Also, check out all the free activities listed in this schedule.

Salem Ferry Week Day Special (Aug. 8-12)
Salem residents* will receive $5.00 off (non-commuter rates) their Salem Ferry ticket August 8-12.   * Proof of residency is required

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1


The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 4PM - 115 Derby Street- Take a break from the summer heat.  Enjoy free story time at the Gables (children 7 and under). We have an assortment of new and classical stories.

Comedy Night - 7PM-10PM Moose Lodge – 50 Grove St.
Featuring the comedy of Paul D'Angelo and Artie Januario.~ $10/donation per ticket.~ Cash bar, raffles, and food available for purchase.~ For tickets call or visit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, 13 Hawthorne Boulevard (978) 744-0915 or the Park, Recreation & Community Services Department at 5 Broad St. (978) 744-0180.~ Tickets may also be purchased at the door.~ This event is for those ages 21+

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2


The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 4PM - 115 Derby Street - Experience 17th Century games on our beautiful seaside lawn. Free event.

Movie on the Common – Dark (8:30PM) – Salem Common - Bring popcorn, a blanket or a chair and enjoy. Movie TBD.  Call Park & Rec. Dept. at 978-744-0180 for more info.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3



The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 4PM - 115 Derby Street - Come watch the lost art of lace making in Hooper Hathaway Great Room. Event is free.


Maritime Festival Kick-Off Concert Event – 6:30PM-9:00PM - Salem Maritime Park on Derby Wharf – Come on down to this historic venue and listen to the Boston Horns, the highly acclaimed Boston-based 7-piece funk/jazz/soul/ band with a BIG sound.

Quilt Show-Wesley United Methodist Church (8 North St.)
6PM-8PM - BRAND NEW EVENT – Come view hundreds of beautifully crafted quilts.  There will also be vendors, a silent auction and food and beverages available. Rain or Shine.  Admission: $5 (to benefit the Church Building Fund).  For more info email info@salemwesley.org 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

Quilt Show-Wesley United Methodist Church (8 North St.)–9AM-3PM - BRAND NEW EVENT – Come view hundreds of beautifully crafted quilts.  There will also be vendors, a silent auction and food and beverages available. Rain or Shine.  Admission: $5 (to benefit the Church Building Fund).  For more info email info@salemwesley.org 

 













24th Annual Salem Maritime Festival – 10AM-5PM – Salem Maritime National Park on Derby Wharf - The 24th annual Salem Maritime Festival will host an exciting array of FREE Family Fun festivities, including live music, free harbor cruises, traditional craft demonstrations, story-telling, dancing, theatre and much more! Kids will enjoy hayrides, face painting, kite-flying, “Muck Walks” and touch tanks with their favorite marine critters.  Come cruise, sail, paddle, and row through four centuries of Salem maritime history.  Explore the Friendship of Salem and visiting vessels that include: Schooner Fame of Salem; Lewis H. Story, Flagship of Essex Shipbuilding Museum; U.S. Coast Guard 47’ Motor Life Boat; Finback offering the HOBBES onboard marine ecology program; plus a fleet of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and jolly boat!  Enjoy continuous music throughout the day by Annie and the Natural Wonder Band, Children’s interactive song & dance about marine life (11:00am); Squid Jiggers, A salty, high-energy folk duo hailing from Maine (12:30pm); Debra Cowan, Singer, song writer with captivating "Women and the Sea" program (1:30pm); Salem ChanteySing, An impromptu performance of traditional sea chanteys (2:30pm); and Squeezebox Stompers, A spicy blend of Lousiana roots: Cajun, Zydeco & New Orleans R&B (3:30pm).
For more information log onto: www.nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/maritimefestival.htm

Clown Day – 10AM-4PM – Salem Willows - Stop by the Salem Willows and have clowns make balloon figures for your children, get their face painted and let them be entertained by continuous performances all afternoon.

The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 4PM - 115 Derby Street - Free exhibit of five ship models, past and present, with a demonstration of re-rigging a brig of the 19th century in the Hooper Hathaway Great Room.


Firemen’s Muster – 12:30PM - Salem Willows (Dead Horse Beach area) - Which crew can throw the longest stream of water with an antique hand pumped fire engine?  Come and see a 19th century sport that is being kept alive in the 21st century by a bunch of historic preservationists who like to get wet!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5


Haunted City Junior Triathlon and Little Witch Duathlon- 8AM-12PM - Forest River Park - For kids 5-12 who hate the to swim-we've created a~duathlon option this year!! The triathlon will continue to young athletes to the test in a pool swim, bike and run.  Each athlete is treated like a professional at this~inspiring event.  For more information log onto: www.bnsfitness.com


Tour-A-Truck – 10:00AM-NOON – Salem Willows
Youngsters get a chance to climb and explore the insides of all kinds of big trucks.  Rita's Ice will be on-site with free samples.

Pet Fair Dog Show – 10AM-3PM – Salem Common
From 10AM to 2PM join us on the Common where there will be a variety of pet exhibitors showcasing products, services, activities, demonstrations and loads of tail waging fun!    At 2PM the dog show takes place.  Categories are:  Dog & Owner Look-A-Like, Best Dressed, Best Trick, and Biggest Coach Potato For more information and to register your dog for dog contest, visit www.northshorepetfair.com. All Dogs Must Be on a 6 Ft. Lead.

The House of the Seven Gables – 115 Derby Street
1PM – 4PM - Free Ship Models exhibit (see Aug 4 description)

MONDAY, AUGUST 6



Senior Event:  Trolley Rides - Salem residents ages 60 and over can ride The Salem Trolley free from 10AM to 4PM.  Board at the National Park Service Visitor Center.  Proof of age and Salem residency is required.

Senior Event:  Ice Cream Social – 11:45AM-1:30PM – 5 Broad St. - The Salem Council on Aging will host an ice cream social sponsored by Treadwell’s Ice Cream and State Representative John Keenan at the Senior Center.  Guests may choose from chocolate or vanilla ice cream and an assortment of toppings. This event is free and open to Salem Seniors 60 and older.~ For more information call 978-744-0924.


Salem's Best Pizza Competition – 5PM-7PM – Salem Common
Come decide which Salem restaurant has the best pizza.  Bring the whole family. We will award the top adult and kids pick.
$5 Adults / $3 Kids. For more information contact the Salem YMCA at 978-744-0351.

Salem Night Out Restaurant Sampler – with City Council President Joan Lovely -  5PM-7PM - Join City Council President Joan Lovely for a delicious hors d'oeuvres sampler highlighting three restaurants downtown Salem. ~Restaurants TBA. ~Pre-registration required (max. 40 participants). Cost: $20 (Cash Bar) Proceeds benefit the Salem Main Streets program. For more information or to register call Salem Main Streets at 978-744-0004

Salem Community Concert Band & Community Jazz Band
7PM-9PM – Salem Willows Shell - Come listen to two bands made up of Salem residents from Grade 8 through adult. Led under the direction of Cynthia Napierkowski, director of the Salem High School Band.   Rain location:   Salem High School Auditorium~

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7


Senior Event: Trolley Rides - Salem residents ages 60 and over can ride The Salem Trolley free from 10AM to 4PM.  Board at the National Park Service Visitor Center.  Proof of age and Salem residency is required.


Senior Event: BBQ - 10:30AM-1PM - Winter Island
The Salem Council on Aging will host a barbecue at the Winter Island pavilion. The menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, lemonade and slush. Entertainment will be provided by Tony Malionek. Tickets are $5 and are on sale at the Senior Center, 5 Broad St. For more information, call 978-744-0924.


Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum - Come tour the historic houses at the Peabody Essex Museum and experience three centuries of Salem.  (Tour free with museum admission to out-of-town patrons and free to Salem Residents - Space is limited – First come first serve). All patrons must check in at admission desk prior to tour.  For more information contact the PEM at 978-745-9500.


Story Time at the Witch House – 5PM-5:30PM
310 ½ Essex St. - Curious tales for the young read aloud in the Witch House's 17th century kitchen.  Free.  For more information contact 978-744-8815 or email info@witchhouse.info

Ice Scream Bowl - 6PM-7:30PM – Salem Common
We all scream for ICE-CREAM! Indulge your sweet tooth!~ Sample flavors from many of the North Shore's finest creameries, ice cream shops and restaurants. Music by DJ Doug and free face painting during the event. Bring the whole family. $5 Adults / $3 Kids. Proceeds to benefit Salem Main Streets.~ For more information contact Salem Main Streets at 978-744-0004.



The North Shore Concert Band - 7PM-9PM – Salem Willows Shell - Under the direction of Dave Benjamin, come hear 25 local professional musicians play a variety of music including marches, semi-classical, and show and pop tunes.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

Senior Event:~ Health & Wellness Fair, Farmers Market Coupon Distribution – 9AM-NOON – Salem High School Field House, 77 Willson St. - The Salem Council on Aging will host a health & wellness fair adjacent to the Farmer’s Market coupon distribution day, co-sponsored by the Elder Service Plan on the North Shore.  ~Senior service-related agencies from all over the North Shore will hand out information, hold free giveaways and answer questions. ~Farmers’ Market coupons will be available to income-eligible Salem seniors, identification and proof of income is required for Farmer’s Market coupons only. For more information, call 978 744-0924.

The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 4PM - 115 Derby Street - Free story time (see Aug. 1 description)

Witches Cup Bike Race – 4PM – 8PM – Salem Common
The 2012 Witches Cup presents bicycle racing for both men and women at all levels. For more information log onto www.witchescup.com

Lip Sync Night – 5PM-6:30PM – Salem Willows Shell
We're doing it again.  Would you like to perform?  We are looking for groups of 2 or more.  Participants should be between the ages of 6-14.  Please bring your own music in CD form only.  You must pre-register at the Salem Park, Recreation~& Community Services Department, 5 Broad Street. For more information, please contact Tim Short at 978-744-0180, ext. 20 or tshort@salem.com.


Dance Enthusiasm Performance – 7PM-9PM – Salem Willows Shell - You won't want to miss the amazing performances of Salem's Dance Enthusiasm Dance Company, winners of hundreds of awards at dance competitions across the United States.  The dance company will perform many of their award-winning routines.  It's a show that's guaranteed to entertain all ages.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

Senior Event:~ Witch House ~- 10AM-5PM - 310 ½ Essex St.
Salem residents ages 60 and over can visit the Witch House free of charge.~ Proof of age and residency is required.

Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 7 for description)

The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 4PM - 115 Derby Street - Free games on the lawn (see Aug. 2 description)

Farmers' Market – 3PM-7PM - Derby Square
Come visit us at Historic Derby Square on Front Street in Downtown Salem the market  is held every Thursday evening from 3:00PM - 7:00PM through December 21, 2012.


Window Box & Traffic Island Awards Ceremony – 5:30PM – Brookhouse Garden – 180 Derby Street - Please join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, the Salem Garden Club and the Salem Beautification Committee as they award the winners of the City's window box competition and traffic island sponsorship program. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.


Senior Event:  Dinner Dance – 4PM-7PM – 50 Grove St.
Salem's seniors are invited to a night of dinner and dancing. The menu will include: Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, rolls, dessert and coffee.~ Entertainment will be provided by Trilogy. Tickets are $1 and are limited to two tickets per Salem resident.~ After August 1, tickets will be available to senior citizens of other communities for $2.~ For tickets and more information contact the Council on Aging at 978-744-0924.


Movie on the Common –~After Dark (8:30PM)~– Salem Common
The City of Salem~Park, Recreation & Community Services Department presents~(movie TBD), so bring popcorn, a blanket or chair and enjoy.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

Senior Event:~ Witch House ~- 10AM-5PM - 310 ½ Essex St.
Salem residents ages 60 and over can visit the Witch House free of charge.~ Proof of age and residency is required.


Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 7 for description)

The House of the Seven Gables – 115 Derby Street – 1PM – 4PM
Lace Maker Event (see Aug. 3 for description)

Kids Night – 5PM-7:30PM – Salem Common - The Salem YMCA will transform the Salem Common into a paradise for children with moon bounces, rides, games and arts & crafts.  $3 per child will pay for unlimited rides. For more information contact the Salem YMCA at 978-744-0351. (rain location:  Salem YMCA, Sewall Street)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Essex Street Fair – 10AM-6PM – Essex St. Pedestrian Mall
Fun for all ages this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.Buskers, face painters, and strolling musicians will entertain crowds.  For more information, contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004.

Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 7 for description)

New England Pirate Faire – 11AM-6PM - Pioneer Village (Forest River Park)
Come experience the life of a pirate.  Fun for the whole family.   For more information, log onto www.pioneervillagesalem.com


Ice Cream Social – 2PM-4PM – Woman's Friend Society, 12 Hawthorne Boulevard - The Woman’s Friend Society will host their annual Ice Cream Social fundraiser. Come enjoy delicious ice cream sundaes in a beautiful garden setting.  Event is held rain or shine.  Cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child. From 10am to 2pm there will be a yard sale at the Emmerton House to benefit the Woman's Friend Society.


The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 4PM - 115 Derby Street  - A short slide show of sailing ships abandoned in the Falkland Islands 150 years ago and still intact.  Admission is free and show runs continuously.


IMPROV on the BRICKS – 3:30PM– 4:30PM - Derby Square
Join the Salem Theatre Company for their annual free improv comedy bash.  Bring a lawn chair! Bring padding! It's improv on a hard surface and anything can happen!  For more information visit www.salemtheatre.com. 

Jewelry Beading Workshop – 3:00PM – 5:00PM – Artist Row
Come visit the Salem Collective of Artists and Musicians at Artist Row where local artist, Andrea Gourley, will be hosting a free beading workshop.  For more information contact: salemcollective@gmail.com or 978.219.7226.



Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, Berklee Summer Series Concert - 5PM–7PM - Derby Square (in case of rain, event will be held at The Vault - 217 Essex Street.)  This concert features Cosmodrome, a four-piece band whose style is a forward thinking and eclectic blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop. The enchanting lead vocals of Madison McFerrin intertwine and lock with guitar, bass, and drums to create a sound and live show that is captivating.. ~Don't forget your chair.  For more information visit www.salemjazzsoul.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

Essex Street Fair –10AM-6PM – Essex St. Pedestrian Mall
(see Aug. 13 for full description)


Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 7 for description)

New England Pirate Faire – 11AM-5PM - Pioneer Village (Forest River Park)
Come experience the life of a pirate.  Fun for the whole family.   For more information, log onto www.pioneervillagesalem.com


The House of the Seven Gables – 115 Derby Street – 1PM – 4PM
Free Falklands Slide Show (see Aug. 11 for description)


Phillips House 11th Annual Antique Car Meet – NOON–3PM –
34 Chestnut Street - Join Historic New England's Phillips House and the North Shore Old Car Club for the Eleventh Annual Car Meet.  Vintage and antique vehicles, including a collection of carriages, two Pierce-Arrows, and a Model A Ford, will be displayed.  There will be special tours of the Phillips House and Carriage House and family activities and games will be set up in the backyard.  Jazz music will be provided by Trent Austin Duo and light refreshments will be served.  Free admission.  For information, call 978-744-0440 or visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org


IMPROV on the BRICKS – 3:30PM– 4:30PM - Derby Square
(see Aug. 11 for full description)

Salem's Chiptune, Electronica and Noise Extravaganza (S.C.E.N.E.) – 5PM-9PM – Salem Willows Shell
Join local vj's, dj's and live electronic musicians as they showcase their amazing talent and new music that might otherwise be overlooked by the mainstream. For more information log onto: http://radioscotvoid.com/scene

For updated and new event listings keep checking  www.salem.com