Planning Board Meeting about Proposed Development at 120 Washington Street

Residents of 24 Norman Street, be aware (if you have not already received notice from the City of Salem Planning Board) that there will be a public hearing on Thurday, June 1, 2017 at 7:00 PM in room 313, third floor at 120 Washington Street to review plans to convert the 3rd and 4th floor offices at 120 Washington Street, currently occupied by the city, into (14) residential units and construct a common roof deck on the 2nd floor. The potential impact of this for 24 Norman Street residents is possible sound issues for the back and north side of the building, and especially on available area parking. The 120 Washington Street building has no parking of it's own and no mention has been made of where these (14) residents are going to be parking. Will the city make a deal to sell/lease more spaces in the already crowded Riley Plaza? With the leasing of space in Riley Plaza to the Merchant Hotel, another (2) hotels being built on Essex and Washington Streets and the loss of (8) spaces to tour-bus parking, parking availability promised to be a hot issue in the coming year or so.  If you can, please attend the meeting to find out the details of what is being proposed and to rasie any concerns you may have. This may be your only opportunity to be heard.

City of Salem’s 6th Clothing and Household Textiles Recycling Drive

In honor of America Recycles Day, celebrated annually on November 15th, SalemRecycles is partnering with Goodwill Massachusetts and SMART (Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association) to host the City of Salem’s 6th Clothing and Household Textiles Recycling Drive. It will be held:

This Saturday, November 19
Riley Plaza (across from the Post Office)
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

It is your opportunity to donate all usable and questionable items in one central location.
What began as a program to educate the citizens of Salem that used household textiles and clothing can be reused or repurposed, has become over the course of 5 years a sort of pilgrimage. Fittingly it is celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving and it has grown with each passing year. Contributors come by car, truck, bicycle, and even by foot. They come because they know those questionable items they don’t think have value can make a difference to someone else.
Do we save the t-shirt with the small stain? Do we hang up the sweater that needs new buttons - the one we keep re-hanging with the belief that this year will be the year we fix it? The items we have in our closets that we feel are not worthy of giving to charity, the old handbag, the belt with the broken buckle, what do we do with these?
This year, as you sort through your “not so wonderful” items, keep in mind that the City of Salem has come up with a solution to help ease your mind and keep those items from heading for the trash. Every week we recycle our papers, glass and metal, but we tend to overlook the textiles we have in our homes.
While most of us are familiar with Goodwill, a charitable industry that provides job training to benefit hundreds of thousands of people each year, many of us are unfamiliar with SMART. Since 1932 SMART has been working with organizations such as Goodwill to recycle, re-use and repurpose all clothing and household textiles that might otherwise end up in the trash.
SMART members, in concert with the charitable industry, divert 2.5 billion lbs. of waste that would otherwise fill our landfills each year. These charitable industries rely on the revenue produced when SMART members buy the unusable textiles to help fund their ongoing community based programs such as the Goodwill job training center right here in Salem. Items such as clothing, dish cloths, curtains, and even shoes can be repurposed into other items such as rags, insulation and carpet underlayment. As long as these are clean and dry (a must) they can find a second purpose.

To find a complete list of all acceptable pieces that you can donate please visit www.salem.com/recycling.  And to learn more about other environmentally friendly programs and resources in Salem, please visit our website at www.greensalem.com.
Please call 978-619-5679 for any specific questions, or e-mail jrose@salem.com
Read more: http://www.salem.com/node/97253

Halloween Parking Reminder

This is a warning for for new tenants and a reminder for long term residents of 24 Norman Street.
If you are not already aware, October is a very difficult month for traffic and parking in Salem. This is true for much of Salem but for the downtown area especially.
Haunted Happenings, the month-long program of events and activities brings in a huge daily influx of tourists, especially on the weekends, meaning your usual parking spots (including Riley Plaza) are frequently filled with the cars of day-trippers, out-of-town gawkers, evening revelers and and other Halloween visitors. Parking enforcement is generally very stringent.
Markwood wants to remind everyone that parking restrictions for the side parking lot are in full effect. 

Parking restrictions for the side parking lot are somewhat more relaxed during the rest of the year.
Although it is a temporary drop/off, pick-up area and Markwood prefers that you park there a maximum of 20 minutes, they are aware that many people exceed this time limit, sometimes by several hours, (which you always do at your own risk).

There are however, several instances where the parking restriction is ruthlessly enforced. (1) When a vehicle is blocking access to the driveway. (2) When a vehicle is blocking access to the dumpster on a trash day (3) When a vehicle is interfering with snow removal (4) The entire month of October. 

Case in point: This last weekend this blue Hyundai was parked in middle of the side lot from Saturday evening until Monday morning , (when it was towed away). 

Markwood has no easy way of confirming if a car belongs to a resident of 24 Norman Street, a visitor, or friend of a tenant, or is just some random tourist. Markwood also has no way of contacting the owner of any particular vehicle. (We do not have the ability to look up and cross-reference registration and the police will not get involved with parking violations on private property)
Markwood has no choice but to call the tow company.
If your car is broken down and you are unable to move it, it is your responsibility to call Markwood and let them know the circumstances.

If your car has been towed, it will have been towed by Bill's Towing Service, located at  2 Commercial St, Salem (978).  It is an expensive and inconvenient experience to retrieve it,
so please avoid parking in the side lot for longer than 20 minutes. Also warn any visiting friends or relatives about this restriction. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

2015 Memorial Day Events in Salem

Salem Veterans Council's Memorial Weekend Events

Sunday May 24

10:15- Wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans Section of St. Mary's cemetery off of North Street
10:45- Following wreath laying there will be a navel cannon salute to those lost at sea at Winter Island
11:45- Memorial Day Mass at St. John's on St. Peter Street
1:00- Collation at the Polish League of American Veterans (PLAV) club on Daniels Street. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial Day-Monday May 25

10:30- Parade departs from Commercial Street. Free troley ride for any veteran unable to march.

11:00- Memorial Day ceremony at Green Lawn cemetery. Guest speaker is USMC LtCol Michael Hunter.
12:30- Collation at the VFW, 95 Derby Street. All are welcome to attend. Call 978-745-0883 if there are ay questions.

Street Sweeping Schedule-MAY

Residential neighborhood street sweeping will take place May 4 through May 15.  Sweeping will take place on both sides of the street on the same day. Each neighborhood route will be posted with temporary ‘No Parking/Tow Zone’ signs and parking will be prohibited between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Neighborhood streets are broken down into two zones. Streets in Zone One will be swept during the week of Monday May 4 through Friday May 8. Zone Two streets will be swept the week of Monday May 11 through Friday May 15. Sweep days are usually the next day after the regularly scheduled trash day. To find a specific street sweeping date, locate what zone your street is in on the 2015 Residential Street Sweeping Schedule, and match it with the calendar. Monday sweep schedules are for the preceding Friday's trash day.

Resident cooperation is vital to the success of this program. In order for the sweepers to do the best job possible, residents are asked not to park their cars on the street during their designated sweeping day.

Residents will be able to use entrance corridor streets as alternative parking areas on the day of their neighborhood sweep. Entrance corridor streets are Boston St., Bridge St., Essex St. (from Boston St. to North/Summer St.), Lafayette St. (from Dow St. to Marblehead line), Loring Ave., and North St. Once a neighborhood street is swept, residents will be able to move their vehicles back onto their street.  Please remember that you must adhere to all current parking restrictions on these entrance corridors. All existing parking regulations on entrance corridors must be adhered to or your vehicle will be ticketed and/or towed. This includes resident only restrictions.

Certain weather conditions prohibit the use of the street sweepers: during moderate to heavy rainfall and extreme cold temperatures sweepers will not be able to operate. Weather cancellations will be posted on www.salem.com.


CLICK HERE FOR BLACK & WHITE ZONE CALENDAR
CLICK HERE FOR COLOR CODED CALENDAR

Spring Street Sweeping Schedule

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll today announced that Spring street sweeping will begin on Thursday, April 16 and run through May 15.

Residents should plan to move cars from streets on designated days from May 4 through May 15

Entrance corridor sweeping will take place between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on the following dates. New this year, City workers will be utilizing blowers to clear corridor sidewalks of debris prior to the street sweeping.

Thursday, April 16: Odd side of Boston Street, Essex Street (Boston to North), and Bridge Street (Washington to Boston).
Friday, April 17: Even side of Boston Street, Essex Street (Boston to North), and Bridge Street (Washington to Boston).
Tuesday, April 21: Odd side of North Street and Lafayette Street (Ocean Ave to Marblehead line).
Wednesday, April 22: Even side of North Street and Lafayette Street (Ocean Ave to Marblehead line).
Thursday, April 23: Odd side of Loring Avenue and Lafayette Street (Derby to Ocean Ave).
Friday, April 24: Even side of Loring Avenue and Lafayette Street (Derby to Ocean Ave).
Tuesday, April 27: Bridge Street (Washington to the Salem/Beverly bridge).
Wednesday, April 28: Bridge Street (Washington to the Salem/Beverly bridge).

Residential neighborhood street sweeping will take place on both sides of the street on the same day. Each neighborhood route will be posted with temporary ‘No Parking/Tow Zone’ signs and parking will be prohibited between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Resident cooperation is vital to the success of this program. In order for the sweepers to do the best job possible, residents are asked not to park their cars on the street during their designated sweeping day.

Neighborhood streets are broken down into two zones. Streets in Zone One will be swept during the week of Monday May 4 through Friday May 8. Zone Two streets will be swept the week of Monday May 11 through Friday May 15. Sweep days are usually the next day after the regularly scheduled trash day. To find a specific street sweeping date, locate what zone your street is in on the 2015 Residential Street Sweeping Schedule, and match it with the calendar. Monday sweep schedules are for the preceding Friday's trash day.

Residents will be able to use entrance corridor streets (Boston St., Bridge St., Essex St. [from Boston St. to North/Summer Street], Lafayette St. [from Dow St. to Marblehead line], Loring Ave., and North St.) as alternative parking areas on the day of their neighborhood sweep. Once a neighborhood street is swept, residents will be able to move their vehicles back onto their street.  Please remember that you must adhere to all current parking restrictions on these entrance corridors. All existing parking regulations on entrance corridors must be adhered to or your vehicle will be ticketed and/or towed. This includes resident only restrictions.

Certain weather conditions prohibit the use of the street sweepers: during moderate to heavy rainfall and extreme cold temperatures sweepers will not be able to operate. Weather cancellations will be posted on www.salem.com

CLICK HERE FOR 2015 STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE

New Salem Police Chief

SALEM, MA – Acting Chief Mary Butler will be sworn in as Salem’s new Chief of Police in a formal ceremony at Salem’s historic Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, on April 9th at 10:00 a.m. The event will be free and open to the public.

 Following brief remarks from City officials, including former Chief of Police Robert St. Pierre, former Chief of Police and current State Representative Paul Tucker, and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Chief Butler will take the oath of office and offer remarks.

Chief Butler was promoted from Lieutenant to Acting Captain in the Salem Police Department in 2014. In that capacity she was commanding officer of the department's special operations division, with oversight of the community impact unit, special response unit, traffic division, and records office. She has served with the Salem Police Department since 1987, where she has overseen patrol division and the community impact unit as a Lieutenant, served as public information officer and detective, and worked as administrative aide to former Chief St. Pierre. She has served as Acting Chief of the department since her appointment by Mayor Driscoll was announced in early March.

Clothing and Textile Recycling Drive–Saturday November 22, 2014!

On Saturday, November 22nd, SalemRecycles will host  the fourth annual textile recycling drive at Riley Plaza  parking lot from 8 am - 3 pm.  The parking lot is directly across from the Salem Post Office at 2 Margin Street.  Just look for a big Goodwill truck.  So just drive in and drop off your textiles.  You will be helped by a group of enthusiastic SalemRecycles volunteers.

What can you recycle?  Clothing, sneakers, shoes, boots, slippers, belts, ties, purses, pillows, bedding (comforters, sheets, blankets), table linens, stuffed animals and draperies/curtains. Items can be in almost any condition.  Moth-eaten, torn, and stained fabrics are reusable. However, they must be clean and dry to be accepted.

What is not allowed?  NO carpets, NO rugs, NO bric-a-brac, NO oil rags, and absolutely NO wet or mildewed items.

24 Norman Street residents take note that this event may affect parking access to some parts of Riley Plaza.

Questions?  Please call - 978-619-5679 or go to: www.salem.com/recycling or greensalem.com/events.

Winter Market Around the Bend: Returns to Artists’ Row

This winter the Salem Farmers’ Market returns to its previous indoor location at Artists’ Row -- adjacent to Derby Square’s Old Town Hall where the Winter Market has been hosted the past few years. The Winter Market commences on the 13th of November with five weeks of operation: Thursdays November 13th, 20th and December 4th, 11th, and 18th.  The Market runs from 3-7 pm, one hour longer than last year’s Winter Market. 

“The Winter Market is a fantastic opportunity to support local farms and artisans through the holiday season,” states Kylie Sullivan, manager of Salem Main Streets and organizer of the market. “We’re very excited to showcase so many farmers’ market favorites as well as some new vendors in this unique space.”

A diversity of local vendors will be present at the Winter Market with a weekly rotation of booths and goods.  Patrons can expect to find an assortment of foods and artisan crafts including but not limited to dried fruit and nuts, oatmeal crisps, hard cider, chowder, upcycled clothing, jewelry, gluten/dairy free baked goods, wreaths, berries, handmade soaps, spices, honey, pickles, wool crafts, gourmet ravioli, candles, cheeses, eggs, and various produce. 

The Salem Farmers’ Market and Winter Market are organized by Salem Main Streets with assistance from Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, and the City of Salem, Mass in Motion Salem, Salem Chamber of Commerce, and numerous volunteers. For further information regarding current vendors and Winter Market updates, refer to the Market’s website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, or contact Kylie Sullivan directly. 

Kylie Sullivan                                         
Manager, Salem Main Streets                            
265 Essex Street                                       
Salem, MA 01970
978/744-0004 x15
kylie@salemmainstreets.org

salemfarmersmarket.org
facebook.com/SalemMAFarmersMarket
twitter.com/salemfarmmarket

Salem Announces Planned Street Closures for the month of October

It's that time of year again! If you have lived in Salem or at 24 Norman Street for more than a year, you already know how crazy things like traffic, crowds and parking can get from now until November. To help you plan, here are the City of Salem's announced road closures and detours planned for events in October. 

All information below is subject to change. The Salem Police Department will close any street at any time if they determine that a public safety issue exists.
 
·         October 2: Haunted Happenings Parade starts at 6:00 p.m. at Shetland Office Park on Congress Street. Residents should anticipate traffic delays on Route 114 and Route 1A. Route 1A from Derby Street to Brown Street will be closed to traffic from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Other road closures are Congress Street, Washington Street, Essex Street from Washington Street to Union Street, Central Street, Front Street, and Washington Square West, North, and South. There will be no parking tow zones along the entire parade route. Log onto www.salem.com for more detailed information.

 ·         October 4 and 5: Haunted Happenings BizBaz. There will be no parking at the meters along the portion of Essex Street between Hawthorne Boulevard and New Liberty Street beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday October 4 through Sunday October 5 at 9:00 p.m. This section of Essex Street will also be closed to through traffic from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

 ·         October 18: Salem YMCA Witch City 5K road race starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Salem Willows. No road closures are planned, however residents should anticipate traffic delays along the following roadways: Memorial Drive, Essex Street, Route 1A, Route 114 including Hawthorne Boulevard, Derby Street, and Fort Avenue, ending at Restaurant Row.

 ·         October 19: Witch Ride Motorcycle Ride. Route 114 and Route 1A will be impacted, but not closed to traffic, from Marblehead to New Derby Street. Route 1A, including Derby Street, will be closed to traffic between Lafayette Street and Congress Street. Congress Street will also be closed to traffic. Residents should anticipate road closures and traffic delays from noon to 3:00 p.m. There will be a no parking tow zone on Derby Street between Lafayette and Congress Street from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 ·         October 25: Devil’s Chase road race starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Salem Willows soccer field on Fort Avenue. No road closures are planned, however residents should traffic delays until 10:30 a.m. on the following roadways: Fort Avenue, Derby Street, Szetela Lane, Webb Street, Andrews Street, Washington Square, Essex Street, Charter Street, Central Street, Derby Street, Winter Island Road, Columbus Avenue, Restaurant Row, and Memorial Drive. Several no parking tow zones will be posted on Memorial Drive, Victory Road, and Larkin Lane.

 ·         October 31: Halloween events will include multiple road closures and heavy traffic delays throughout Salem for the entire day and night. Residents should expect major traffic delays on Route 114 and Route 1A. Downtown streets will close to all traffic no later than 4:00 p.m. These road closures include: Essex Street at Crombie Street and Barton Square to Union Street, Washington Street from New Derby Street to Bridge Street, Federal Street from St. Peter’s Street to North Street, Washington Square North and West from Essex Street to Brown Street, Hawthorne Boulevard, Derby Street, Route 1A, Congress Street near Pickering Wharf, Charter Street, Central Street, Front Street, and Lafayette Street from New Derby Street to Front Street. Bridge Street at the Bypass Road will also close to all traffic between the westerly overpass ramps the Bypass Road from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for the closing fireworks.

For additional information, please contact the Traffic Division of the Salem Police Department at 978-744-0171 ext. 115 or online at www.salempd.net or www.salem.com. Travel and parking information for Salem’s October Haunted Happenings festival is online at www.hauntedhappenings.org, with detailed parking information at www.parkinginsalem.com. Follow street closure and traffic alerts for October in Salem on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GetThruOctober (@getthruoctober).

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

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

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!

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.

Salem Residents Survey Online Through April 18

City seeks residents’ input and feedback on quality of life and city services

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll today announced the fifth annual Salem Residents Survey is now online. The survey will be available at www.salem.com/mayor until Friday April 18. A Spanish language version of the survey will also be posted at that website in the next several days.

All Salem residents are encouraged to visit the online survey and share their opinions on a range of issues facing the City of Salem and their view of City services.

“The 2014 survey marks the fifth year this data has been collected,” said Mayor Driscoll. “Hearing directly from residents allows us to improve service delivery and focus our public resources on those issues that are of most concern to the people of Salem. Having a number of years’ worth of data now also enables us to take a closer look at trends and changes that are taking place.”

The final data is compiled and included in the Mayor’s annual budget, issued in May. The information provides important performance and outcome measures, which have, in the past, contributed to the City of Salem being one of just a handful of Massachusetts communities to be awarded both a Certificate of Excellence and a Distinguished Budget Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Reporting Potholes in Salem

As the warmer weather approaches and snow is melting, potholes become more apparent and prevalent on Salem’s roadways. The City’s Department of Public Services (DPS) is tasked with repairing these holes and maintains a regular protocol for doing so.

If you know of a pothole on a public roadway, please help the City keep our roads in good repair by reporting it directly to DPS by emailing: potholes@salem.com or calling 978-744-3302. When you email or call, be sure to include the exact address or a location description, along with a contact name and telephone number if possible. Feel free to send any photos, as well.

While reporting a pothole does not guarantee it will be immediately repaired that day, it will be added to the list for DPS crews to fix. DPS prioritizes potholes based on their severity and attempts to work in geographic clusters to maximize efficiency of resources.

Salem Announces Planned Street Closures for September and October

It's that time of year again! The City of Salem has announced the
 following road closures and detours planned for events in September and October.

All information below is subject to change. The Salem Police Department will close any street at any time if they determine that a public safety issue exists.

·         September 21: Wicked Salem Half Marathon starts at 7:00 a.m. at the Bentley School. No road closures are planned, however residents should anticipate traffic delays along: Memorial Drive, Essex Street, Route 1A, Route 114 including Hawthorne Boulevard, Derby Street, Lafayette Street, Fort Avenue, and Memorial Drive. There will be no parking tow zones set up on Memorial Drive, Victory Road, and Larkin Lane.

·         September 28: Gallows Hill road race starts at 5:30 p.m. at Gallows Hill Park. No road closures are planned, however residents should anticipate traffic delays on Witch Hill Road and Hillside Avenue.

·         October 3: Haunted Happenings Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. at Shetland Office Park on Congress Street. Residents should anticipate traffic delays on Route 114 and Route 1A. Route 1A from Derby Street to Brown Street will be closed to traffic from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Other road closures are Congress Street, Washington Street, Essex Street from Washington Street to Union Street, Central Street, Front Street, and Washington Square West, North, and South. There will be no parking tow zones along the entire parade route.

·         October 5 and 6: Haunted Happenings BizBaz. There will be no parking at the meters along the portion of Essex Street between Hawthorne Boulevard and New Liberty Street beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday October 5 through Sunday October 6 at 9:00 p.m. This section of Essex Street will also be closed to through traffic from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

·         October 13: Witch Ride Motorcycle Ride. Route 114 and Route 1A will be impacted, but not closed to traffic, from Marblehead to New Derby Street. Route 1A, including Derby Street, will be closed to traffic between Lafayette Street and Congress Street. Congress Street will also be closed to traffic. Residents should anticipate road closures and traffic delays from noon to 3:00 p.m. There will be a no parking tow zone on Derby Street between Lafayette and Congress Street from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

·         October 20: Salem YMCA Haunted Happenings 5K road race starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Salem Willows. No road closures are planned, however residents should anticipate traffic delays along the following roadways: Memorial Drive, Essex Street, Route 1A, Route 114 including Hawthorne Boulevard, Derby Street, and Fort Avenue, ending at Restaurant Row.

·         October 26: Devil’s Chase road race starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Salem Willows soccer field on Fort Avenue. No road closures are planned, however residents should traffic delays until 10:30 a.m. on the following roadways: Fort Avenue, Derby Street, Szetela Lane, Webb Street, Andrews Street, Washington Square, Essex Street, Charter Street, Central Street, Derby Street, Winter Island Road, Columbus Avenue, Restaurant Row, and Memorial Drive. Several no parking tow zones will be posted on Memorial Drive, Victory Road, and Larkin Lane.

·         October 31: Halloween events will include multiple road closures and heavy traffic delays throughout Salem for the entire day and night. Residents should expect major traffic delays on Route 114 and Route 1A. Downtown streets will close to all traffic no later than 4:00 p.m. These road closures include: Essex Street at Crombie Street and Barton Square to Union Street, Washington Street from New Derby Street to Bridge Street, Federal Street from St. Peter’s Street to North Street, Washington Square North and West from Essex Street to Brown Street, Hawthorne Boulevard, Derby Street, Route 1A, Congress Street near Pickering Wharf, Charter Street, Central Street, Front Street, and Lafayette Street from New Derby Street to Front Street. Bridge Street at the Bypass Road will also close to all traffic between the westerly overpass ramps the Bypass Road from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for the closing fireworks.

For additional information, please contact the Traffic Division of the Salem Police Department at 978-744-0171 ext. 115 or online at www.salempd.net. Travel and parking information for Salem’s October Haunted Happenings festival is online at www.hauntedhappenings.org, with detailed parking information at www.parkinginsalem.com. Follow street closure and traffic alerts for October in Salem on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GetThruOctober (@getthruoctober).

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 residents.  The 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.                                                                    

Salem Celebrates the 4th

Salem celebrates Independence-Day at Derby Wharf, Salem Maritime Area.
Photo courtesy of Essex National Heritage Commission.

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll is pleased to announce that there will be a full afternoon and evening of exciting entertainment at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf on Thursday, July 4th. This family-friendly celebration has proven to be one of Salem's signature events, drawing record breaking crowds year after year. 

"Last year Salem was recognized by American Profile, a national publication, as one of the top ten best places in America to celebrate the 4th and this year will be no different,” Mayor Driscoll stated. “Celebrating July 4th in Salem is as good as it gets. It's not just an amazing fireworks display, we have live entertainment from beginning to end, so come early and stay late."

Salem's residential and business community has come together to ensure that this first-class event continues, even in this difficult financial climate. Mayor Driscoll commented, "I am truly grateful that Salem's residents and businesses continue to generously support this annual 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, KV Associates, and Tavern in the Square. Without their generosity and our other many sponsors, this event would not be possible."

Live entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 4:00 p.m. with the band Britannica and continues at 5:30 p.m. with Julie Dougherty and Friends. Both Salem-based bands are local favorites and are a great way to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Free children's activities begin at 4:00 p.m. with the opening of the Kids' Space, where young ones can play games, do crafts, and get their face painted, all thanks to the generosity of the Gathering, the MeetingHouse Church, the Salem Beautification Committee, and the Salem YMCA. Food tents open at 4:00 p.m., with plenty of hot dogs, french fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other fair favorites.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. when Mayor Driscoll, Congressman John Tierney, and National Park Superintendent Michael Quijano-West – accompanied by the Salem Veterans Color Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops – will parade down the wharf to welcome the crowd.  Salem High School students Lydia Grasberger and Samantha Dupuis will lead the crowd in the singing of the National Anthem.  This year the venue, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, celebrates its 75th Anniversary as the first historic site established by the National Park Service in 1938. 

Following the Opening Ceremonies there will be a two-hour 'POPS' concert performed by the 40-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra (HFO). The HFO has become a widely acclaimed 'POPS' orchestra in the greater Boston area. This year's featured soloist, Rebecca Robbins, is currently performing on Broadway in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of The Opera at the Majestic Theatre. Dr. Dirk Hillyer, the orchestra's conductor, has selected songs from Rags and Candide to showcase Ms. Robbins lyric soprano voice.

Even intermission is jammed packed with live entertainment, with performers from the Marblehead Little Theatre's production of Spamalot taking to the Main Stage.

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. Historic Salem Harbor, with 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.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence - July 4 - 9:00AM - Salem Common
Also on July 4th, 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 Salem High School's award-winning a cappella group “Witch Pitch?”. This year the Declaration of Independence will be recited by Dann Anthony Maurno. Dann is 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 local singer Maureen Dalton ends the program with America the Beautiful.

July 4th is the perfect day to spend in historic 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 one of the most spectacular live concerts and fireworks extravaganzas anywhere in Massachusetts.

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.

New BuildingSalem Website Is Now Live:

If you want to check out what is going on with building projects around the city,  Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll announced today that the BuildingSalem website – www.BuildingSalem.com – is now live.

BuildingSalem is a public information effort to streamline communications and address constituent concerns related to major construction projects in Salem, as the City prepares to undergo nearly $1.5 billion in public and private projects over the next few years.

The primary goal of BuildingSalem is to limit disruption to our neighborhoods and businesses to the greatest extent possible and facilitate better communication between project partners, residents, and City government.

The initiative is also on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BuildingSalem and Twitter at @buildingsalem. The BuildingSalem direct line at City Hall is 978-619-5605.