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.

Friday, August 23, 2013

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Salem



Northeast Mosquito Control to conduct spraying later this week

The Salem Board of Health announced today that spraying for mosquitoes will be conducted in parts of South Salem on the night of Wednesday, August 21, starting at 8:00 p.m. Salem’s Board of Health and officials from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Northeast Mosquito Control program made the decision to conduct precautionary spraying following the detection of West Nile Virus-positive mosquito samples in the region in recent days. Spraying is weather-dependent; the rain date will be Thursday, August 22.

The spraying will take place in the area within Lafayette Street/Linden Street to the Swampscott and Marblehead borders. To be most effective, spraying needs to be done when mosquitoes are active and the temperature is about 60 degrees.

Residents of these neighborhoods and those who live within 1,500 feet of the border of any of these areas should take simple precautions to avoid exposure to pesticide during the time that their city or town is scheduled to be sprayed:

  • Stay indoors, keep your windows closed, and turn off window fans during the time spraying occurs. If your air conditioner has a fresh air intake feature, you may want to shut off the intake during the spraying.
  • Keep pets indoors when spraying is occurring in your immediate area.
  • If skin or clothes or other items are come into contact with sprayed pesticide, wash with soap and water. If the spray gets in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water or eye drops, and call your doctor.
  • If you have a small ornamental fish pond, you may want to cover it during the night of spraying.
  • Following the spray, rinse with water any homegrown fruits and vegetables that may have been sprayed.
  • The pesticide being used is Duet, which has been approved for spraying use by the EPA and the Massachusetts Bureau of Pesticides. Sumithrin, the active ingredient in Duet, poses no significant risk to people or pets. Duet is designed to quickly attract and knockout mosquitoes and then quickly dissipate. The pesticide will be sprayed into the air, not onto the ground. As a precaution, Mosquito Control will shut off the spray if people or pets are directly abutting the truck.

Spraying of pesticides reduces but does not eliminate the risk of mosquito-borne illness. All residents, whether inside or outside the spray zone, are urged to continue taking personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. These include using insect repellent, covering exposed skin when outside, and avoiding outdoor activities between the hours of dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are at their most active.

Please visit Northeast Mosquito Control at http://www.northeastmassmosquito.com/ and the Department of Public Health at http://www.mass.gov/dph for more information and updates.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Increase in Rules Violation Fees

The Board of Trustees recently voted to adopt an amendment to the condo bylaws that increases the fines for violations of those bylaws.
This measure has been formally adopted into the Master Deed and By-Laws recorded with the Essex County South District Registry of Deeds.
This was done to bring us up to par with other Markwood Management building bylaws as well as give the board a more effective tool for the management of violations.

"In addition to any and all other remedies available to the Board for violations, the Board may assess fines, attorneys' fees, and expenses incurred by the ssociation against the Unit Owners for violations of the provisions of M.G.L. c. 183A (the Condominium Act"), the Master Deed, By-Laws, or Rules and Regulations, as follows:
1st Offense: Notice of a fine up to $100
2nd Offense: Fine of up to   $200
3rd Offense: Fine of up to   $300
Each day that a violation continues after notice shall be considered a separate violation. Fines may be enforced against the Unit Owner(s) involved as common expenses. If any expense is incurred by the Board as a result of the failure and/or misconduct of either a Unit Owner  or such Unit Owner's family members, tenants, guests, or invitees, then the Board may assess all such expenses against the subject Unit Owner and such assessment shall be both the subject Unit Owner's personal obligation and a lien against Unit Owner's Unit, enforceable and collectable as a common expense charge."

Thursday, August 8, 2013

FYI: Vacation Rentals are Illegal



Recently Markwood Management came across this website.
It is a listing on Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) from Home Away, a site that lists private apartments and condos around the world for short-term vacation rentals and appears to be one of the units at 24 Norman Street.

Salem is a major tourist destination, especially through the summer and Halloween. It would be great if you could rent your unit out to visiting tourists and make some extra money, especially if you are an owner who doesn't actually live in the building...wouldn't it?...except for the fact that it is illegal.

Norman Street is Designated a Central Development Zone (B5).  The Zoning By-Laws pertaining to Principal Use shows that Rooming, Boarding or Lodging Houses are not permitted in zone B5.  Rooming houses are defined in the By-Laws as:

"Rooming, boarding or lodging house: A dwelling or part thereof in which lodging is provided by the owner or operator to at least three, but not more than six, roomers or boarders. "

This is a clear violation of Salem’s zoning By-Laws, (a rooming-house permit would be required) as well as a violation of the Condo Association's by-laws. Besides the fact that it is illegal, it raises all kinds of security, liability and insurance issues. What if a short-term renter in the building is injured while staying here? or injures somebody? Who is liable? Hopefully you can see where this opens a whole variety of issues. We do not have the kind of building set-up, security, or staff to be able to manage these kind of rentals, even if they were allowed by law, which they aren't.
So, if you were thinking about doing this, well...don't.
You will be subject to legal action by the Salem Zoning Enforcement Board as well as legal action (including fines) by Markwood Management.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Salem Heritage Days Schedule AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 11, 2013

ATTENTION SALEM RESIDENTS
The Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum are always free to Salem residentsThe Salem Trolley is free to Salem residents through September 30, 2013, and The Salem Ferry offers 20% discounts to Salem residents on their round-trip Salem Ferry ticket. The Witch House will be free to Salem residents during Heritage Days and Pioneer Village will be free to residents on Saturday August 3rd. (some restrictions do apply at some of these venues, proof of residency is required) So why not become a tourist during Heritage Days and take advantage of these great opportunities!

ALL WEEK SPECIAL (Aug. 1-11)
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)

Thursday, August 1

The House of the Seven Gables – 10AM-7PM - 115 Derby St.
20% off Family Admission for Salem residents.  Proof of residency is required.

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

Movie on the Common –~Dark (8:30PM)~– Salem Common
Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a family-friendly movie (tba).

Friday, August 2

The House of the Seven Gables – 10AM-7PM - 115 Derby St.
20% off Family Admission for Salem residents.  Proof of residency is required.

The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 3PM – 115 Derby St.
BRAND NEW EVENT FREE  storytelling  sessions in English and Spanish.~ Families are invited to enjoy traditional tales from the Dominican Republic and other parts of the Caribbean. The stories will be about magical beings known as ciguapas, or mermaid-like creatures, and the legendary “Indians of the Waters” of traditional Dominican lore. ~
Quilt Show - 6PM-8PM - Wesley United Methodist Church
(8 North St.) - Come view 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 3


Boston Tough Kids - 9AM – Dead Horse Beach – Salem Willows - Young athletes put your athleticism to the test in a swim, bike and run.  For kids 4-14. Each athlete is treated like a professional at this~inspiring event.  Entry fee $40 ($45 race day). For more information log onto: www.bnsfitness.com (formerly known as Haunted City Youth Triathlon)

Quilt Show – 9AM-3PM - Wesley United Methodist Church
(8 North St.) (see Aug. 2 for description)

25th Annual Salem Maritime Festival – Noon-4PM – Salem Maritime National Park on Derby Wharf - The 25th annual Salem Maritime Festival will host an exciting array of FREE family fun festivities, including free harbor cruises, traditional craft demonstrations, seaside kite flying and a  “Muck Walk.   Come cruise, sail, paddle, and row through four centuries of Salem maritime history.  Explore the Friendship of Salem and visiting vessels. Enjoy continuous music throughout the day.  For more information log onto: www.nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/maritimefestival.htm

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 4

Bridge & Back 10K Road Race – 8AM – Tavern in the Square (corner of Washington & New Derby Sts.)
BRAND NEW EVENT – The race will cross the Salem/Beverly Bridge from Salem and run in Beverly and return to Salem. The Race is being sponsored by the Tavern in the Square and all proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. For more info visit www.salemroadraces.com

Tour-A-Truck – 10AM-NOON – Salem Willows
Youngsters get a chance to climb and explore the insides of all kinds of big trucks.

Wild Fish 1 Mile~& 2 Mile Swim  - 10AM – Collins Cove Beach (Webb St.)
Swimmers from all over the North East will test their endurance in a one or two mile swim in a calm ocean water cove.   All swimmers will receive a swim cap and, the first 150 to signup will receive tech shirt and cinch sak.  Pre-Reg $40. Race Day : $45. Registration will open at 8:30am.   For more information log onto: www.bnsfitness.com

Button Making Workshop – 1PM – 3PM – Artist Row
BRAND NEW EVENT – Come visit the Salem Collective of Artists and Musicians at~Artist Row where local artist, Tori Kendrew, will be hosting~a free button-making workshop. For more information contact:~salemcollective@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/salemcollective or 978-219-7226.

Monday, August 5

Senior Event:  Ice Cream Social – 11:30AM – 5 Broad St.
The Salem Council on Aging will host an ice cream social. 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.~ To register call 978-744-0924.
Monday, August 5 (cont.)

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.

Mayor’s Night Out – 5PM-7PM – Bridge St.
Join Congressman John Tierney Representative John Keenan and a group of about 30-40 guests and visit three different establishments on Bridge Street Neck for a bite and a drink, with the last stop being The Black Lobster, where an awards ceremony for the Bridge Street Neck Pride Contests will take place. Participants will also be treated to a mini-walking tour with historian Jim McAllister. Tickets are available for sale at the Salem Chamber of Commerce ($20 p.p./cash bar). For more information and tickets please call 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 6

The House of the Seven Gables – 10AM-7PM - 115 Derby St.
20% off Family Admission for Salem residents.  Proof of residency is required.

Senior Event:~ The House of the Seven Gables – 10AM-7PM - 115 Derby St.
Salem residents age 65 and older can visit the House of the 7 Gables free of charge.~ Proof of age and residency is required.

Senior Event: BBQ - 11AM-1PM - Winter Island
The Salem Council on Aging will host a barbecue at the Winter Island pavilion for Salem Seniors 60 and older Tickets are $5 and are on sale until July 23rd 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. Bring the whole family. $5 Adults / $3 Kids. Proceeds to benefit Salem Park & Recreation programs and Salem's Celebrate the 4th event. For more information contact 978-619-5676.

Wednesday, August 7


2nd Annual Senior Wellness Fair – 9AM-1PM – Salem High School Field House, 77 Willson St. - Senior service-related agencies from all over the North Shore will hand out information, hold free giveaways and answer questions.  The Senior Charlie Card applications will be taken for Salem residents 60+ with proof of ID.  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.

Senior Event:~ The House of the Seven Gables – 10AM-7PM - 115 Derby St. - 
Salem residents age 65 and older can visit the House of the 7 Gables free of charge.~ Proof of age and residency is required.

The House of the Seven Gables – 10AM-7PM - 115 Derby St.
20% off Family Admission for Salem residents.  Proof of residency is required.

Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 6 for description)

Witches Cup Bike Race – 4PM – 8PM – Salem Common
The 2013 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.  Prizes awarded to top three performances.  You must pre-register at the Salem Park, Recreation~& Community Services Department, 5 Broad Street by Aug. 5th. 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.

Comedy Night - 7PM-10PM - FINZ – Pickering Wharf
Featuring headliner Paul D'Angelo and Boston favorite Mitch Stinson. $10 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.~ Tickets may also be purchased at the door.~ This event is for those ages 21+

Thursday, August 8


Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 6 for description)

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

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 October.

Window Box & Traffic Island Awards Ceremony – 5:30PM – Brook House – 180 Derby St.
Please join 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.

'Roaring 20s' Senior Dinner Dance – 4PM-7PM – Moose Lodge
50 Grove St. - Salem's seniors are invited to a night of dinner and dancing. Tickets are $5 per person, $6 with transportation and are available until August 1st. For tickets and more information contact the Council on Aging at 978-744-0924.

Movie on the Common –~Dark (8:30PM)~– Salem Common - Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a family-friendly movie (tba).

Friday, August 9

Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 6 for description)

The House of the Seven Gables – 1PM – 3PM – 115 Derby St.
BRAND NEW EVENT FREE storytelling sessions in English and Spanish featuring traditional tales from the Caribbean. Families are invited to hear how a group of nimitas, or fireflies, weathered a fearsome hurricane in the Caribbean to find new lives in the United States. Come enjoy spellbinding stories about ciguapas, or mermaid-like creatures, and about the secretive “Indians of the Waters” who live in underwater caves.
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 10

Motorcycle Noise Testing – 9AM-Noon – Salem High School - 77 Willson St. - BRAND NEW EVENT – The Salem, Beverly, and Lynn Police Departments will be conducting motorcycle exhaust system sound checks.  Area motorcycle riders are encouraged to stop by the checkpoint and have their motorcycle exhaust pipes tested at no cost and without fines.  Riders will be provided with information about legal sound levels and ways to operate a motorcycle that minimize exhaust noise while operating within city limits

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.

Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 6 for description)
Saturday, August 10 (cont.)

Card Making Workshop – 3PM – 5PM – Artist Row
BRAND NEW EVENT – Come visit the Salem Collective of Artists and Musicians at~Artist Row where local artist, Lucy Wonson, will be hosting~a free card-making workshop. ~For more information contact:~For more information contact: salemcollective@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/salemcollective or 978-219-7226.

IMPROV on the BRICKS – 3PM– 3:45PM - 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. 

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~ Nick Hakim a singer/songwriter from Washington D.C. who has been been playing venues in Boston and New York. The band has been cultivating their sound in preparation for his upcoming record set to be released in 2013. For more information visit www.salemjazzsoul.com

Ladies Night Out Run, Wine & Chocolate – 4PM - SSU O'Keefe Center - BRAND NEW EVENT – The event ladies everywhere have been waiting for!  Begin the event with a 5K run/walk and cross the finish line on a red carpet to be greeted by handsome gentlemen offering flowers.  Finish the night with mouth-watering fine chocolates, hors d'oeuvres and wine (or sparkling cider).  Registration fess $35-$70. For more information visit www.bnsfitness.com 

Sunday, August 11

Essex Street Fair –10AM-6PM – Essex St. Pedestrian Mall
(see Aug. 11 for full description)

Get to The Point: Neighborhood Narratives 10am – 6pm Essex St. Pedestrian Mall~ - Join Salem Public Space Project for an interactive installation of neighborhood stories, maps and postcards from Salem residents. What’s your story?

Shelter to Showpiece House Tour – 11AM – Peabody Essex Museum  (see Aug. 6 for description)

Phillips House 12th 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 12th Annual Car Meet, where vintage and antique vehicles are displayed on historic Chestnut Street.  Also see the Phillips family's collection of carriages, two Pierce-Arrows, and a Model A Ford.  Free admission.  For more information, call 978-744-0440 or visit http://www.historicnewengland.org

IMPROV on the BRICKS – 3PM– 3:455PM - Derby Square
(see Aug. 10 for full description)

The 3rd Annual Salem's Chiptune, Electronica and Noise Extravaganza (S.C.E.N.E.) Sunset Hang– 3PM-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: www.radioscotvoid.com

For updates, new event listings, and more information, including cancellations, keep checking www.salem.com or contact Salem City Hall at 978-619-5676.