North Shore news in brief  | Community News

PEM kicks off free concerts

The Peabody Essex Museum’s free historic house performance series begins on Wednesday, June 23, at 6 p.m. with a virtual album premiere by Damon & Naomi, performed from historic Plummer Hall. Organized by GenPEM and hosted by Trevor Smith, associate director of Multisensory Experience and curator of the Present Tense Initiative, this premiere features dream pop/indie folk duo, Damon & Naomi, with songs from their new album, “A Sky Record.” The duo started playing together as the rhythm section, co-songwriters, and occasional singers in Galaxie 500, and were working on “A Sky Record” when the COVID-19 lockdown began. The album is shaped by the pandemic and how they coped and responded. This is an intimate pre-recorded performance with sections of commentary from the musicians. Located at 132 Essex St. in Salem, Plummer Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A suggested donation for this free event is $20 to the PEM Annual Fund. To register, visit: www.pem.org/events/pem-presents-damon-naomi-from-plummer-hall?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PEMPresentspressrelease&utm_content=version_A

Celebrating Black Picnic and Election Day

On June 24, at 7 p.m., join Doreen Wade on Zoom, where the president of Salem United, a nonprofit organization that protects and preserves Black History on the North Shore and throughout Massachusetts, will share the 18th-century origins and history of two long-standing Salem traditions: the Black Picnic and Election Day. Also featured will be artifacts from her collection currently on exhibit at Hamilton Hall, Unmasking & Evolution of Negro Election Day and the Black Vote. For Zoom registration and more information, visit: www.salemathenaeum.net. Recommended donations: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.

Pride Monthmovie night

Celebrate Pride Month with the Peabody Institute Library on Thursday, June 24, with an outdoor movie night. Starting at 6 p.m. the library will be screening the film “Rafiki,” a 2018 Cannes Festival favorite that tells the tale of Kena and Ziki, two girls who fall in love and must choose between happiness and safety. Plenty of seating and some snacks will be available, but attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets, or snacks. Space is limited and registration is required at: https://peabodylibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/pride-movie-night/. Note: Movie title is subject to change based on availability. For more information, email Gabi Toth at [email protected].

 

Latest update from Israel 

The Lappin Foundation invites the community to a virtual presentation by Ambassador Ido Aharoni about the election of the new Israeli government on Wednesday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. The program, which is funded by the Dr. David M. Milch Family Foundation, is free and everyone is welcome. Register at lappinfoundation.org. For more information, contact Susan Feinstein at 978-740-4431 or email [email protected].

 

Walk to end homelessness

Family Promise North Shore Boston will host its 8th Annual Walk to End Homelessness this Sunday, June 27. Although last year’s walk was virtual, this year it’s in person, with walkers following a 3-mile route through downtown Beverly to raise funds and awareness about homelessness on the North Shore. The walk begins and ends at Temple B’nai Abraham, 200 E. Lothrop St., Beverly. Community leaders and Family Promise staff will welcome walkers at 1I:30 a.m. — the walk steps off at noon. A Beverly-based nonprofit, Family Promise uses a volunteer network to provide temporary housing and meals to families in need. Its staff provide comprehensive case management services to help families achieve a stable housing situation. In addition, FPNSB supports dozens of others each month through its newly expanded Homelessness Prevention and Shelter Diversion initiatives. To register or donate,visit: www.familypromisensb.org. Water and pre-packaged snacks will be available.

Story times at Peabody Institute 

The courtyard at the Peabody Institute Library’s Main Branch is the setting for free summer story times for families with children of all ages. Bring a blanket or chairs, and join the fun. The schedule is as follows: Tails and Tales, Tuesdays, starting July 6, at 11 a.m., with the children’s librarians reading read animal-themed stories and sharing fun animal facts, and, on certain weeks, hosting real guest animals! Babies & Toddlers, alternating Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. with parents and caretakers joining in stories, songs, and play. Babies, July 8, 22. Toddlers, July 15, 29. Multilingual Portuguese and Spanish storytimes for all ages, once a month on Monday afternoons. Portuguese: July 19. Spanish: July 12: Preschool, every other Wednesday afternoon, with Miss Patty readng stories and teaching songs and games for preschool aged children. July 7, 21. Yoga with Miss Katia every other Wednesday morning. Families with children of all ages will listen to stories and practice yoga. July 14, 28. Though free and open to all, space is limited and registration is required at peabodylibrary.org/calendar.

Diamond Awards nominee sought

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its inaugural Diamond Awards —a new initiative to recognize outstanding women of influence and leadership in the region. Twenty women from across the North Shore will be selected as the 2021 Diamond Award honorees and recognized at a Power of Women breakfast in September at Kernwood Country Club in Salem as well as in the September issue of the Chamber’s new Impact Magazine. The Chamber is now accepting nominations for this new award, which celebrates women role models in business who demonstrate a commitment and passion for serving and mentoring others while leading with purpose, excelling in their careers, and making an impact. Selected by a panel of judges, the recipients, as well as being spotlighted in the September issue of Impact Magazine, will be honored at the Sept. 21 breakfast. To nominate a deserving woman for a 2021 Diamond Award, complete a survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/diamond-award. Self-nominations will also be accepted by July 9 deadline.

 

Stories of community and belonging July 9

On July 9 at 6 p.m., listen as six local citizens tell true stories, live, without notes, in the lovely garden of the Salem Athenaeum, 337 Essex St., Salem. Speakers include Kevin Carey, B.A. Cornell, Susan Demarest, Kali Lightfoot, Joe McGurn, and Paul Tucker. Hosted by J.D. Scrimgeour. Fact checkers not included. The program is free to Athenaeum members; suggested donation for general public: $10. Register at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ei5lqj6bfd364230&oseq=&c=&ch=

 

Vaccination clinics open

The Greater Cape Ann Community Collaborative (GCACC) will make both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines available at the majority of its North Shore clinics moving forward. Both vaccines will be readily available by appointment or walk-in at weekly clinics at Coolidge Hall in Topsfield from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays as well as at the Community House in Rockport from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. J& J vaccine may also become available at weekly clinics at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich on Mondays from 1 to 4 p.m. The GCACC is also authorized by the MDPH to administer vaccines in public and targeted spaces such as businesses, schools, and houses of worship. Both vaccines will be available for these clinics as well. Local organizations looking to partner with the GCACC can contact Hamilton Public Health Nurse Rachel Lee at 978-290-9618. For the latest updates, visit: https://capeannclinic.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fcapeannclinic.com%2Fwp-admin%2F&reauth=1

Castle Hill concerts returning July 1

Castle Hill Picnic Concerts are back, Thursdays, July 1 to Sept. 2, with family-friendly bands performing on the Grand Allee overlooking Crane Beach. The season kicks off with Soul City’s sounds of Motown, soul, and funk. During the concert, attendees may explore the gardens. Bring a picnic or buy a pizza from Riverview Pizza and ice cream from Down River Ice Cream. Mill River Winery, Ipswich Ale or True North Ales, and Far from the Tree Cider or 1634 Meadery will sell beverages. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted and parcels will be searched. The complete schedule is as follows: July 8, Big Ol’Dirty Bucket—funk; July 15, Psychedelic Relics—classic rock: July 22, The Hofners, An Evening of Beatlemania: July 29, Beantown Swing Orchestra—big band swing: Aug. 5, Entrain—world music: Aug. 12, Soul Rebel Project—reggae: Aug. 19, The Great Escape—Journey cover band: Aug. 26, Disco Dream–disco: Sept 2,Orville Giddings Band—boogie blues. Gates open at 5 p.m., concert starts rundsfrom 7 to 9 p.m. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, is located at 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Tickets may be purchased online in advance or at the gate (if still available). $35/car or $25/car for Trustees members. Weather cancellations (if necessary) will be announced by 3:00 p.m. concert-day. Visit www.thetrustees.org or call 978-356-4351 for more information.

 

Beverly Democrats caucus June 26

On June 26, at 10 a.m., the Beverly Democratic City Committee will hold a virtual caucus to elect delegates to the 2021 Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform Convention, to be held on Sept. 25 in Lowell. To participate, registration is required at: massdems.org. Click on 2021 MDP caucuses, search for your ward in Beverly, and click on sign up. Anyone can attend, but only registered Democrats will be able to vote. Questions? Contact BDCC Chair Jim Thompson at: [email protected].

Pop-up book saleset for Saturday 

The Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St., South Hamilton, will host a limited, one-day book sale on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library. No donations will be accepted. There will be a variety of mostly adult books, previously donated (pre-pandemic) as well as some deletions from the library. Cash and checks only, no credit card sales. Bring your own reuseable bags. Questions? 978-468-5577.

‘Hanging’ with Hawthorne, Thoreau

Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau will meet up again — virtually — on Wednesday, June 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The two literary legends actually hung together in the mid-1800s, and got along so well that Hawthorne invited Thoreau to stay with him and his family in Salem. While their writing may be a tad inaccessible to today’s readers, their humanity is not, so listen in to their lively, free-ranging thoughts and observations taken directly from primary sources. Sponsored by The House of the Seven Gables, the two authors are brought to life by two actors — Rob Velella and Richard Smith — who have performed them in character and costume for a decade as the living history piece, “Singular Characters.” To register for this virtual event, visit: https://7gables.org/event/singular-characters-hawthorne-and-thoreau/.

Deana’s Educational Theater’s series

Created in 1994 in memory of Deana Brisbois, a young Topsfield resident who lost her life in an abusive relationship, Deana’s Educational Theater keeps her memory alive by teaching children and young adults to recognize signs of abuse. Its plays have traveled the world, reaching over 1.8 million students and adults at schools K-12, colleges, community centers, and military bases. This summer the nonprofit organization is offering a new series of fundraising programming focused on teaching multigenerational audiences — family, parent/guardian, educator, and community groups. Performances will be hosted on Zoom every other Thursday at 7 p.m., from June 24 through Aug. 19. Viewers may sample any number of plays to open challenging conversations about bullying, digital footprint, dating violence prevention, and learn practical tools to foster healthy relationships and even save lives. For more informatiom, a complete schedule of performances and to RSVP for tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/DETCommunity or www.eventbrite.com/e/deanas-educational-theater-presents-the-community-series-tickets-156534196997. Price: True-cost, pay-it-forward, and donation-based options available.

 

Singing our stories

The community is invited to a unique interactive virtual workshop through a Jewish lens with multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer, Yoni Battat on Monday, July 12, at 7:30 p.m., on Zoom. In this workshop you will connect with ancestors, tell stories, reflect, and sing together in a safe, empowering space. Yoni will invite you to fill in the holes of his song with your own words, ideas and experiences. Together you will weave a tapestry of collective memory and shared human experience of brokenness, strength, and belonging. The program is free and everyone is welcome. Limited to 20 participants. For more information contact Susan Feinstein at [email protected] or call 978-740-4431.

How to help save local news

On Thursday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m, join Dan Kennedy, Northeastern journalism professor and GBH News contributor, as he shares his thoughts and ideas on “Local News Is In Crisis. What Can we Do to Save It?” He will discuss the forces that brought local news to its current low ebb and discuss efforts to point the way toward a better future. This is a Zoom program and registration is required at www.danverslibrary.org. Click on Events Calendar/then June 24th. Login instructions will be sent two days before the program. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Peabody Institute Library of Danvers and is supported in part by a grant from the Danvers Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Yellow Bird theater camp

From July 21 to 23, in partnership with Cambridge-based experimental theater ensemble, Liars & Believers, the city of Salem’s Arts & Culture Program will present a free three-day theater camp for Salem youth in Salem’s Old Town Hall and Derby Square. In this fun and dynamic camp, participants will learn some basic skills needed to be a creative and expressive theater artist, including the fundamentals of improv, puppetry, and clowning; puppet building and animating, clown characterization, and more. The three-days culminate on Saturday, July 22, at noon, when Liars & Believers present their show, “Yellow Bird Chase,” free for all at 32 Derby Square, followed by campers showing off their new theater skills. Camp will be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, July 21 to 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 32 Derby Sq., for Salem residents ages 7 to 17. Limited to 30 participants, first come, first served. Bring lunch, snacks, sunscreen, water and a face mask if indoors Old Town Hall due to weather. To register and for more information, contact Beth Forrestal at 978-619-5685, or: [email protected].

Film Tuesdays held at noon

Bring your lunch and settle down for a short film and casual discussion each Tuesday led by volunteer Dan Tremblay of Heritage Films at Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page St., Danvers. See the full line-up of films on the events page at danvershistory.org. Seating capacity has increased, but register by calling Nora at the office 978-777-1666 or emailing [email protected]. Or, stop in to see if a seat is available. Suggested donation for each program is $5, which will be used to support DHS and its preservation efforts.

 

Danvers history series resumes

Danvers Historical Society resumes its Monthly Speaker Series this Wednesday with an introduction to History Week. As part of the 36th year of the Society’s 3rd Grade History Week program, Ms. Pear visits Page Street. These YouTube videos are informative for all ages and feedback is welcome. Go to danvershistory.org for more information.

Open mic Tuesdays

Danvers Historical Society’s Music in the Square presents The Porch Swing one Wednesday each month, noontime, rain or shine: June 23, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 22, and Oct. 20, with live acoustic open mic on the Page House porch. Bring your lunch and enjoy your friends making music. In case iof bad weather, it will be in Tapley Hall. Go to danvershistory.org for more details.

Military Service Day slated for July 17

The nonprofit A.P. Gardner American Legion Post 194, of Hamilton, will host the 6th annual Military Service Day at Patton Homestead, 650 Asbury St., Hamilton, on Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Don’t miss this day-long exhibition of vintage military vehicles, equipment, military reenactors, speakers and other veteran-related attractions, at the home of one of America’s most celebrated military families — the Pattons. The day also recognizes the A.P. Gardner American Legion Post, established in 1919, in its efforts to support veterans and their families in Hamilton and beyond. Admission is free and off-street parking at the homestead is available with police assistance with a $10 donation to A.P. Gardner American Legion, Post 194. Active COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Share military histories as a positive community engagement to benefit education and awareness of service of all kinds. For more information, visit: www.apgardnerposthamilton.org/military-day/, or go to https://bit.ly/MilServDayLocation.

 

New Chatbot live on Salem site

The city of Salem has launched a new tool to help residents find quick answers to questions about city services, programs and policies. A new chatbot, located on www.salem.com, provides responses to questions, based on information found across all city-affiliated websites. Enter a simple question to find links to answers or more information. Not satisified with the answer? Send a more detailed email to which city staff will respond.

 

Tales about Tails June 28

The Peabody Institute Library invites you to a meet and greet with some pet reptiles — Voltron the Argentine Tegu, Ham Sandwich the Blue-Tongued Skink, and Chickpea the Hermann’s Tortoise — on June 28, outside in the library courtyard, at 6 p.m. Your host, reptile owner and expert Yael Zabka, has limited this event to ages 10 and up, for everyone’s safety, while she shows off some of her beloved pets, and tells tales about them, and answers questions about the care, feeding, and maintenance of house reptiles. She’ll talk about what it’s like to keep reptiles as pets, and why, in her opinion, they make better pets than even her dogs. Space is limited, so registration is required at: https://peabodylibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/tales-about-tails-the-care-of-feeding-of-pet-reptiles/. For more information, visit: peabodylibrary.org.

 

Support the fortin Marblehead 

Marblehead’s historic Fort Sewall has reopened for visitors. Built in 1644, it has undergone well over $1 million of preservation, restoration, renovations and additions, including a new handicapped-accessible ramp next to the entrance and the re-grading of the long ramp to the left of the entrance, so now the entire fort complex is accessible. Also new, the re-creation of the gun platform along the easterly point, including three granite outlines of typical cannons that were in place at the fort over its history. New masonry, doors, stairs and railings, and illumination; new floor leveling, refurbished benches and better access and the renovation of the 1922 restrooms, finished the ambitious undertaking, greatly enhancing visitors’ experiences. For more information on how you can enjoy or support the fort, contact Larry Sands, Chairman of the FSOC, at [email protected], Becky Curran Cutting, Town Planner, at [email protected] or Charles H. Gessner, FSOC Member, at [email protected].