The 32 Annual Antique and Classic Boat Festival

photo by Anne Campbell

For those of you who live at 24 Norman Street who are not away this weekend and are looking for an activity in Salem, consider attending the 32 Annual Antique and Classic Boat Festival

32nd Antique and Classic Boat Festival3

August 23-24, 2014. This as a rare chance to see vintage motor yachts and sailboats, tour vessels, meet skippers and crews and vote for your favorite boats! A crafts market, artists, old-time band music, children's activities. The Blessing of the Fleet and more! Live music throughout the weekend. The show goes on rain or shine!
Saturday from 11am-5pm; Sunday from 10am-3pm at the Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White Street, Salem. Admission: $5, Free for children under 12. Visit the website here: boatfestival.org

32nd Antique and Classic Boat Festival

32nd Antique and Classic Boat Festival

Get a Key

The front entry access panel was replaced and re-programmed this week. It turns out that it was a nearby lightning strike that caused an electrical surge that overloaded and burned out part of the entry system. We were extremely lucky that the main part of the code entry system continued to work, but it underlines a potential issue. One of the things that was so surprising about the panel failure was how few tenants in the building actually have a key to the front door of the building. If the electronic entry panel fails for any reason (lightning strike, power failure, vandalism) you may not be able to gain access the building. For this reason, Markwood Management strongly advises that you have an entry key in your possession; obtain one from your landlord, or Markwood Management as soon as possible.
The front entry panel is meant as a convenience, but not as a total replacement for keyed entry, and in the case of a total power failure, it will not work. For security purposes we prefer that you have a key available to use in such emergencies. This may also reduce the incidence of people propping the door open because they do not have a key.  So again, if you do not have a key to the front and back door, get one as soon as possible.

53rd Salem Heritage Days Begins August 1st

Salem, MA – Mayor Kim Driscoll today announced this year’s Heritage Days schedule of events, which begin on Friday, August 1st and continue through Sunday, August 10th.

“Heritage Days has been a long standing tradition in Salem and this year we have ten days of fun-filled events,” said Mayor Driscoll. “With almost forty different activities to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come join us as we celebrate Salem being such a great place to live, work, and visit.”

To put everyone in a festive mood, this year’s Heritage Days kick-off event is a concert on the Common with music by the Civil Disturbance Jazz Band. This local area band will play a selection of jazz and show tunes. The concert is sponsored by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association.

Also new for the first weekend of Heritage Days is the Bridgin G.A.P.S. concert at the Salem Willows. The goal of Bridgin G.A.P.S is to provide a festive, entertaining, and educational platform for the local community to gather and celebrate in a safe and positive environment while connecting with community resources. Performances range from local and non-local recording artists, live bands, dance groups, poets, and other performance styles along with guest speakers from various non-profit and charitable organizations.

All of the favorites are also packed into the schedule: join Mayor Driscoll on a tour of three of Salem's hot dining spots during the Mayor's Night Out Restaurant Sampler; Tour-A-Truck; Salem’s Best Pizza Contest; the Salem Community Concert Band; the Ice Scream Bowl; Kids Night on the Common; the Essex Street Fair; and the 13th Annual Phillips House Antique Car Meet are just a few of the events back for this year’s Heritage Days.

During Heritage Week there are also four activities just for Salem Seniors: an ice cream social, a barbecue, a wellness fair, and a dinner dance.

Also, just for Salem residents, there are many free admissions to our local museums and attractions, such as the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, the Salem Trolley, the Witch House, and Pioneer Village, and the Salem Ferry will offer a 20% discount plus $5 off a ferry ride. Another new special Salem resident event being hosted by the Salem YMCA is the ‘Forest River Pool Red, White and Blue Blowout’: it’s July 4th in August at the Forest River Pool. Wear your red, white and blue to the Forest River Pool on August 6th from 6pm to 8pm and participate in themed games and activities.

As part of the celebration, the City of Salem will double the merchant one-hour validation stamps at both garages, so spend a little bit longer enjoying downtown (some restrictions do apply).

 CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Entry Panel Malfunction

There was an electrical surge in the entry panel this week, which shorted out some features. As a result the buzz-in function that allows guests to call you from the panel and for you to buzz them in from your phone is not currently working. Markwood Management is aware of the situation and has called a repair person, but it is unclear weather the current unit can be fixed, or if the entire assembly needs to be replaced. It might take several weeks to order and install a new unit.  In the meantime you can still use the panel with your access code to gain access to the building. Thank you for your patience while Markwood sorts this out.

Salem Celebrates July 4th!

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll is pleased to announce that Salem will hold its Independence Day celebration at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf on Friday, July 4th.

“There is no better place to be than Salem on the 4th,” Mayor Driscoll stated. “We have consistently put together one of the most spectacular live concerts and fireworks extravaganzas anywhere in Massachusetts.” American Profile magazine has ranked Salem as one of the ten best places in America to celebrate July 4th.

“Salem is fortunate to have such a generous business community that continues to support this celebration,” Mayor Driscoll commented. “I’d like to express a special thank you to Footprint Power - Salem Harbor Station and to Salem Five, along with Aggregate Industries, Tache Real Estate, Market Basket, Eastern Bank, and KV Associates.”

Free children's activities begin at 4:00 p.m. with the opening of the Kids' Space, where young ones can play games and get their faces painted, all thanks to the generosity of the Gathering, the MeetingHouse Church and the First Universalist Society of Salem. Food tents on site also open at 4:00 p.m. with hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other fair favorites.

Live entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 5:00 p.m. with the Pocket Money Orchestra. Come down early to hear this amazing young funk group from Salem, featuring energetic original music by Brian Cogger (trumpet), Seth Bailin (tenor and baritone sax), Aidan Scrimgeour (piano), Ben Siwak (bass), Derek Hayden (drums), and Danny Dugan (percussion). The band's repertoire includes a wide range of musical styles, influenced by groups like Booker T and the MG's, Charles Mingus, and early Santana. The Pocket Money Orchestra has a growing presence on the North Shore music scene and plays regularly at local venues. They are also slated to play at this year's Salem Jazz and Soul Festival.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. when Mayor Driscoll and other local dignitaries will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Honor Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops. The National Anthem will be sung by Grace Bigus, Sam Bigus, Danielle Lovasco, Chloe Panico, Jacob Pini, Mariella Robinson, Delaney Sprague, and Aly Yanishevsky from the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club. The YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club is an a cappella group for children ages 12-18 directed by YMCA Music Director Samantha Gambaccini. These students work as a team to create and sing a wide variety of repertoire from classic to contemporary. The popularity of this ensemble has grown exponentially since its creation in the fall of 2013.

Immediately following opening ceremonies Maestro Dirk Hillyer and his orchestra will offer a Pops experience you will never forget. This year soloist Jean Danton joins the orchestra with musical selections from Sondheim. Her singing has been described as “stunning,” ”outstanding,” “wonderfully controlled and full-voiced,” and “stylishly stellar.” Her artistry has led to acclaimed performances throughout the United States in oratorio, opera, recitals, and as a soloist with symphony orchestras. She is a favorite soloist with Pops orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra with Keith Lockhart and Bruce Hangen, North Shore Music Theatre, North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, and New England Light Opera.

At 9:15 p.m., Salem ends its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic music throughout the entire fireworks display.

Part of the allure of this celebration is its setting. The first National Historic Site in the National Park System, Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of nine acres of waterfront land and houses a dozen historic structures. These include the Custom House, where famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked, and Derby Wharf, which was used by America's first millionaire, Salem merchant Elias Hasket Derby. With historic Salem Harbor, including hundreds of boats moored and the replica of a 1700's sailing vessel, the Friendship, as a backdrop, Independence Day in Salem is filled with the history that helped make American the free nation it is today.

For more information check www.salem.com or call Salem City Hall at 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.

For information regarding our mobility impaired/wheelchair seating section, please call 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.



Other Independence Day Events in Salem

Friday, July 4
Join Mayor Driscoll on Salem Common at 9:00 a.m. for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The special program begins with the Star Spangled Banner, sung by members of the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club. The Declaration of Independence will be read by Dann Anthony Maurno, a Salem resident and actor who has appeared onstage in a variety of area venues, including the Salem Theatre Company. An author, his short story "Something Real Fine" won a Salem Literary Festival award for best fiction. Musical selections will be performed by Robert Kendall on keyboard and Salem resident John Howard will lead the audience in singing America the Beautiful. Coffee will be provided by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association through the generosity of Starbucks.

Saturday, July 5
At noon on Saturday the United States Air Force Heritage Band, the Blue Aces, will perform a free concert at the Salem Willows Shell. The Blue Aces take great pride in their specialized, high-energy performances that feature a wide variety of American popular music styles. The group performs annually for thousands of military and civilian audience members, in settings ranging from small official dinners to large festival events. Drawing from broad musical and cultural backgrounds, the members of the Blue Aces combine their tremendous musical talent with their passion for the finest in entertainment. They effectively share the Air Force story with audiences throughout the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, and Carolina regions of the U.S. This exciting ensemble has performed for our nation’s highest military and civilian dignitaries, including local and state officials, U.S. Congressmen, Foreign Air Force Chiefs and Foreign government officials, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Air Force, and the President of the United States. The Blue Aces take great pride in their ongoing musical support for the morale and welfare of our airmen and our joint-combined forces deployed across the globe. This is a special event for our residents and we are honored to have them perform as part of Salem’s 4th of July holiday weekend.



July 4th is the perfect day to spend in Salem, Massachusetts. Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon visiting the City’s numerous historic sites and attractions, dine at one of dozens of remarkable restaurants, and end your day at historic Derby Wharf for all of the festivities. Then stop by Salem Willows on Saturday at noon for the free concert by the Air Force Heritage Band. There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in historic Salem!

Railing Vandalism?

Several weeks ago the wooden railing on the second floor staircase was damaged by what looked like scraping it with a set of keys, knife or other sharp object.It left deep gouges in the wood, and was rough to the touch. Since several people have moved in and out of the building recently it was assumed that the marks may have been the result of dragging some kind of furniture up the stairs. Markwood Management paid to have it sanded and refinished. No sooner was that done than someone scratched it up again. The fact that it is in the same place (out of view of the surveillance cameras) and in the same way, makes it look like it was done deliberately. One has to wonder why. There is a very short list of individuals who have ongoing issues with Markwood Management.  Everyone has frustrations from time to time, but taking them out on the building is not going to resolve anything. It's just going to make things worse, and if the person doing it gets caught they will be on the losing side of some serious legal ramifications.

Now a scratched railing may not seem like a big deal, but the fact that someone feels it is OK to destroy community property is an indicator of a much more serious problem. We had someone smash a window in the back stairwell this winter under similarly mysterious circumstances.
If you see anyone vandalizing the building please notifying Markwood immediately.

If the person(s) doing this reads this blog post, please consider communicating with Markwood Management with some other method than vandalism. Try talking directly to Markwood Management or the trustees. Post your grievance on the blog comments. These are meant to be communication tools and not just a one-way outlet.

If you are so pissed-off that you actually think vandalizing property is a good alternative to open communication, please get professional help. Seriously. You need it.

North Shore Concert Band Summer Concert Series

Tuesday, June 24 at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Robert F. Hayes Bandstand at Salem Willows Park

The North Shore Concert Band will begin its Summer Concert Series at the Robert F. Hayes Bandstand at Salem Willows Park next Tuesday, June 24, 2014.  The concerts will be performed from 7 to 9 P.M., for six consecutive Tuesdays.  In the event of rain, the concerts will be performed on Thursday of the same week.  This year's concert series will feature Broadway Salute; patriotic; music of the silver screen; youth concert; an all-American music concert; and a Celtic concert.  The North Shore Concert Band is conducted by David Benjamin and managed by Gordon Bowman who can be reached at 978-531-9339 or gbbjcb@verizon.net.