At least someone's paying attention

According to Ward 5 City Councillor Brian Derrivan - and I see absolutely no reason not to believe him - he found the source of a breakout of hydrogen sulfide at the landfill earlier today.

Is this part of his job description? I mean, really, New Ventures is making money off this deal and a Newburyport City Councillor is seeking out and finding gas leaks? This is part of what he wrote to neighbors around 12:30 p.m.:

I have spent the last few hours at the landfill trying to find out the cause of the H2S outbreak. I found the breakout at the base of the haul road and had NV cover it with soil. I will make a few more trips later today to make sure that this has been solved.

The emails complaining about the odors, I believe, go out to Jack Morris (former? director of health), the mayor and I believe every city councillor; not to mention MassDEP.

Someone should be paying this man for his time, at the very least.

I'm just goofing off today ...

So last night, I was informed by someone at the City Council meeting that he had heard we were getting not only a storm this coming weekend but also an astronomical high tide. It's the blue moon, you know.

The blue moon is when we have 2 full moons in one month; the second one is called the blue moon.

I don't know what will happen to the beach if the storm does come, but I have to admit, I'm nervous. I don't even know if the city's Reverse 911 system is working now (it was not working last month) so I would be notified if I needed to leave the island.

I've been thinking about this whole dredging deal and I really think it was obvious from the start that it wasn't really going to happen. If the federal government was that into dredging the channel, it would have been done a while back (although I'm shocked that they are not that into it, seeing as how Coast Guard boats are hitting bottom).

You only had to really listen to those Army Corps guys at those beach alliance meetings to understand how really not into it the USACE really is/was.

So I'm thinking this storm has the potential to do a number on us out here on the island. And it would have happened even if the dredging project had gone swimmingly, since that wasn't scheduled to start until next month.

I'm terribly dismayed that my portent of doom may come to pass.

The greatest gift of all

I was speaking with a subject (or victim) of a recent Townie Tuesday column, and she said to me, "You're a townie wannabe!"

That would be correct, madame, I had to confess.

So when I was talking last week with Jack and Fran Ronan in what will likely be the last of my Townie Tuesday columns for Newburyport Today, it wasn't surprising that we spent nearly 2 hrs. together for a 300-word column.

I always think these stories are going untold, but then I remember that our own historian, Jean Doyle, is getting as many of them as she can for the second volume of "Life in Newburyport."

You know, I guess I just assumed that all the old family farms were off by the Common Pasture ... until I was writing about Jack Ronan. And what a laugh we had about the horse getting stuck under the railroad bridge because the hay rake it was attached to was too high - man, I don't even know these kinds of stories from my own family!

What a great sense of the city I have received, a gift to me from natives of Newburyport who in most cases invited me into their homes and who all made me feel welcome here in their city.

I was just speaking with Roseann Robillard, director of the Council on Aging, and she called it "a labor of love." All of this and all of that - interviewing candidates for office, for example - was my gift to Newburyport for 2009.

I got so much in return (I also got some heartache, but that goes with the territory, I guess) ... yesterday as I was standing in line at a store, the woman in front of me turned around and said, "And there's our TV lady."

The best part was the "our."

Thanks, everyone!

Good to know we're not in this alone

A big thanks to Tom Salemi for pointing out this piece, from the Boston Globe, about Wellesley senior citizens fighting for a senior center (although I have to confess, when I first saw the title of the post yesterday, I thought it referred to high school seniors and didn't read it).

I believe that this center is of paramount importance not because it's "giving in" to one segment of the population but because it will demonstrate a caring and respectful spirit.

I see all the arguments for making the center multi-generational, but I really think we need a senior citizens center and we need it not 5 or 10 years down the road - we need to get cracking now.

Far from being critical of the Senior Center Building Committee for investigating an option to Cushing Park, I think it's commendable that they set a deadline for looking into the Towle property (although I don't know what they've been doing for the last 3 or 4 weeks) - and if it doesn't work, we'll go back to ye olde contentious site on Kent St.

O'Brien to head up Council again?

I did a little straw poll tonight at the last City Council meeting of the year, and it appears that Tom O'Brien will take up the duty of City Council President next session. He stepped down 2 yrs. ago in favor of James Shanley.

I was told that immediately after being sworn in on Jan. 4, the City Council will convene in a business meeting and take a vote on its president. Current president Shanley, of course, ran for mayor and so is off the Council.

Both Shanley and Ward 1 City Councillor Larry McCavitt gave heartfelt and rather humorous little speeches upon their departure from the council. Mayor-elect Donna Holaday was not at the meeting because her father is ill, so send good thoughts her way, please.

I have high hopes for the new Ward 3 councillor, Bob Cronin, and I don't think anyone will be disappointed.

I feel so out of it

I still have yet to send a text message. The chances of me sending one anytime soon are limited by the fact that I don't have a mobile device but I manage to muddle through.

It's a wonder anyone can concentrate on anything, what with all the texting, phoning and video recording that's going on. I mean, I like YouTube as much as the next person (well, maybe a lot less than the next person) but do I really need to look up a video by a performer and have to wade through a bunch of amateur videos of non-performer types performing the song I'm looking for?

They should be segregated, like to a junk folder ...

Then there are the e-vites, the e-cards and the random person who wants to meet up with you but insists you go to some scheduling site to set up a time when in the time they typed that to you in an email, they could have just written, "Let's meet for lunch at 1 on Monday."

It's as if no one has the time for other people anymore, although I have to say, I tried to set up an e-vite and failed miserably. Same with opening e-cards - half the time I can't access them.

Then again - I didn't have the time the last couple of years to actually fill out real greeting cards and mail them off to my friends and family, so who am I to complain?

Talking to people is always the best. And imaginary people in your head are no substitute, people, for the real thing. That last bit doesn't make any sense, does it?

Oh, well ...

Disaster at sea wiki

My sister Sarah (the one who lives in Gloucester and who is crazy for shipwrecks) has created a wiki called Disaster At Sea. There's nothing there yet but she welcomes content.

Now watching "White Christmas"

That's all. (I'm under the impression that I'm on Facebook or Twitter.)

Stay tuned for more updates on everything I'm doing ... too bad I don't have a mobile device so I could post while driving ... I'm not going anywhere closer to Boston than Malden.

Happy holidays to you all

It's Christmas Eve and I'm settled in at 7:45 a.m. watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas." It is the last on my yearly watching schedule of stuff I have on VHS or DVD. The other stuff is "A Christmas Carol" (the one with Alastair Sim from 1956), "Miracle on 34th Street" (the one with a tiny Natalie Wood), "It's a Wonderful Life" and of course "A Christmas Story."

I have to try and squeeze "White Christmas" in there today, somehow ... and although I tried to watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on network TV last night, I was distracted by the discovery of a whole bunch of broken links on NBPT Biz.

This year I haven't had much time to think about Christmas. So I kind of feel as does Charlie Brown.

Think I'll find some Christmas spirit before tonight, when my family celebrates en masse in Gloucester?

Merry Christmas all you people that celebrate the holiday and thank you for your support.

Looks like dredging is off

This from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (John Kennelly), today:

We are still in the process of evaluating the Contractor; however, he has not yet been able to secure the equipment necessary to perform the work. Since the contractor is a small business, we are in the process of coordinating with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine the appropriate course of action. It is apparent given the remaining time available in the current environmental window that the work will likely not be performed this season. Our goal will be to complete the work next fall when the environmental window re-opens if the dredging is not accomplished this winter.

I was speechless, too

I'm sorry, but this is insanity - and by "this" I mean Newbury allowing Mrs. Buzzotta to rebuild her home that was lost to erosion on the primary dune on Plum Island.

I feel sorry for her - I really do - but look at where her house was. The dune grass has re-grown and the dune actually looks stable there.

Gee, and I just last week mentioned the fact that she was granted permission to re-build to Ed O'Donnell of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ... he was quite surprised.

I agree with the commenter on the piece who said it's time for Newbury to step up to the plate. You can't expect federal and state agencies to pump millions into a beach nourishment project when you (the town) are doing something that might be detrimental to the project.

Speaking of Newbury, there was this cute little pink former PI camp on Old Point Road that was torn down a few weeks ago. It was just like the cottage where I live. Now there's something on ugly steel stilts going up. Ah history - who needs it?

And speaking of steel ... these guys behind me this morning at Dunkin' Donuts were talking about the (apparently intentional) rust on the bridge on the rail trail going over Low St. They were postulating that the supplier of the bridge will be back shortly to "fix" the rust issue ... and I wonder, was it plowed, too? It's not even officially open, or so I was told by city Senior Planner Geordie Vining.

And speaking of rail trails ...

I saw on Facebook a re-tweet of someone's original tweet (that's Twitter-speak) that the rail trail had been plowed as of fairly early on Sunday morning.

Since at the time I was reading that my street had not yet been plowed, I was rather miffed.

The person passing the info along said, "Yay DPW!"

So this made me think about the rail trail, and maintenance of the rail trail, and how many people complain about plowing in the city and how here on Plum Island we get guys in pickup trucks plowing the street (not that I begrudge them the money, mind you) and I felt as if my head was going to explode.

Everyone wants a piece of our pie

It doesn't appear that anyone else wants to report this, so Port Reporter will do it ...

The renovation project for the waste water treatment facility is getting out of hand. Everyone wants to dip into the proverbial pie (that means our money).

I did write a story for last week's Current, that I guess is being held for this week, about how the Planning Board wants a 'fancy' sidewalk to go in at 115 Water St. and as part of the project so people can walk from Water St. down to the river on a nice wide paved sidewalk.

OK, fair enough, I guess. We do need public access to the river and the part of the rail trail that's down there.

Oh, and they want the project to fund burying power lines to the American Yacht Club's docks (the overhead lines have to be moved anyway, according to the Planning Office).

I think this one is a foul. Burying power lines, especially on a contaminated piece of property, is going to be pricey.

So now I'm hearing about the coastal trail (which I gather will be part of the rail trail) being enhanced with lights and whatnot, as part of the project. This may or may not jeopardize the state and/or federal loans and loan forgiveness the city got for the project. You know, because in the proposals and site plans sent to the state, no mention was made of rail trails.

And who is paying off the loans? We the ratepayers, that's who ... were we consulted about our money going to the rail trail? Not that it isn't already, but geesh ... the Sewer Commission, I hear, is not too happy about this.

Beach update, again and still no word

I just talked to the Army Corps of Engineers (the media guy - I guess Navigation Chief Ed O'Donnell has been stifled) and they still have not determined if the low bidder on the dredging project can complete the job.

He muttered something about the holidays when I said that they have been saying "next week" for the past 4 weeks or so ...

I haven't gone over to the beach today yet to see what damage, if any, was inflicted by the storm over the weekend, but I did go to Dick's Variety last night and I didn't notice any water swirling in the street.

What a life, huh?

A reckless act by an otherwise cautious person

As ridiculous as it seems to proclaim publicly my personal stupidity, perhaps my experience of today will save someone else from being so reckless.

My sister (the one in Gloucester) is crazy for shipwrecks, so when she asked me to snap a few pics of our alleged exposed shipwreck on PI, I set out to find it.

I didn't find it, but that's not the point.

I walked and walked south on the Refuge beach, which was fine and dandy. I used to do it all the time, when I first lived here.

What I didn't think about was walking back. I forgot that often walking south on the beach is fine, but the wind is at your back. Walking north, the wind is in your face; it's pushing you back and you get TIRED and COLD, real fast. Especially if you're not in as good shape as you were 4 yrs. ago, when you had just moved from Boston where you walked everywhere.

I really thought I was going to die on that beach - half frozen, no one else in sight, no sense of time, no cell phone - and if I hadn't been on a beach with a clear line to civilization, I would have been lost.

No one knew I was out there - I had told my sister I didn't go because when I went the first time, I didn't have $5 for admittance to the Refuge.

At the end, just when I thought parking lot 3 was still way off and there was no way my tired legs would hold up, I saw a tiny red dot on the dune. It moved and I knew it was a person, standing on the boardwalk.

As I got closer, I saw the person, wearing a red coat looking down the beach with binoculars. I guess it was a birdwatcher. I managed to summon the energy to move up to the boardwalk, climb up the slope and along the (really long) boardwalk, back to my car.

I took off my gloves and my hands were bright red; every part of me below my waist ached (except for my feet - but they were wet from walking in the wet sand, which was easier to walk on). It was difficult for me to depress the clutch on my car.

Don't go walk on the Refuge beach alone. I can't believe I did it regularly, 4 years ago. I can't believe I did it today. I also can't believe that when I got to my car, I was still clutching the shells and driftwood I had picked up along the way out.

I wasn't paying much attention to beach detritus on the way back.

Oh, mercy

You know what one of the worst things about being a reporter is? Being told about some big story - but being asked not to report it until things have been "finalized" - and then seeing the story in the Daily News.

It happens all the time!

Damn paper of record ... ! Oh, I'm just kidding - it's the nature of the biz. Doesn't make it any less aggravating, though.

How the hell has everyone been? I've been really, really busy. I talked earlier today with Ted Epstein, who's opening the BBQ place on State St. Wow, my mouth is still watering ... no BBQ chicken on the regular menu, though. I once drove many miles (in Michigan) to have some BBQ chicken.

Something that won't be in my story: he is doing St. Louis ribs, which are bigger than baby back but smaller than Memphis ribs (which Epstein said are Fred Flintstone sized). Mmmmmm, ribs.

I can't wait 'til it opens. He said he was surprised how excited people here get about food ... which was not a surprise to me!

Mmmmmm, ribs ...

A great night

We had a great launch party for Newburyport Business earlier this evening. Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to come into the warmth at Comina and especially all our friends who came out to support us as well as the fellow business people who some of us only met tonight.

And a special big "thank you" to Comina for letting us use their space - and a beautiful setting it was, with all those comfy couches and chairs and the decorations - it was incredible.

My feet hurt but it was worth it.

Thanks, Dr. Phil!

So ... if you're a person/family with a nanny, doorman, elevator operator, nurse or housekeeper and anyone gets a haircut or a massage, or you have your trash/recycling picked up ... you have a pool, a pet and get mail* or packages, the holidays could cost you a bundle!

Tipping Guide (for more information, go here)

Service Provider-Options-Suggested Amount or Gift

Au pair or live-in nanny - Cash or consider a gift. This person works closely with your family, and you probably know them well. - One week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren).
Regular babysitter - Cash - One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
Day care provider - Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren). -
A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member, and a small gift from your child(ren).
Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper) - Cash and a personal gift - One week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you.
Private nurse - Gift - A thoughtful gift from you.
Home health employees - Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency. - A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.)
Housekeeper/Cleaner - Cash and/or a gift - Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.
Nursing home employees - A gift (not cash). Check policy first. - A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items).
Barber - Cash or gift - Cost of one haircut or a gift.
Beauty salon staff - Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service.
The cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who works with you. - Give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you.
Personal trainer - Cash or gift - Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Massage therapist - Cash or gift - Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Pet groomer - Cash or gift (if the same person grooms your pet all year). - Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Dog walker - Cash or gift - Up to one week’s pay or a gift.
Personal caregiver - Cash or gift - Between one week to one month’s salary or a gift.
Pool cleaner - Cash or gift - The cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.
Garage attendants - Cash or small gift - $10-$30 or a small gift
Newspaper delivery person - Cash or small gift - $10-$30 or a small gift
Mail carrier - Small gift only
(Please see below for a detailed description of the United States Postal Service’s gift regulations.*)
Package deliverer
Small gift only, no cash. (Only if you receive regular deliveries.) - Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts.
Superintendent
Cash or gift
$20-$80 or a gift
Doorman - Cash or gift - $15-$80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift.
Elevator operator - Cash or gift - $15-$40 each
Handyman - Cash or gift - $15 to $40
Trash/Recycling collectors - Cash or gift (for private) check city regulations if it is a municipal service. - $10-$30 each
Yard/Garden worker - Cash or gift - $20-$50 each
Teachers - Gift (not cash) - A small gift or note from you as well as a small gift from your child.

*United States Postal Service Gift Regulations:
Mail carriers working for the United States Postal Service are allowed to accept the following items during the holiday season:
• Snacks and beverages or perishable gifts that are not part of a meal.
• Small gifts that have little intrinsic value (travel mugs, hand warmers, etc…) and are clearly no more than $20 in value.
• Perishable items clearly worth more (large fruit baskets or cookie tins) must be shared with the entire branch.
Mail carriers working for the United States Postal Service may not accept the following:
• Cash gifts, checks, gift cards, or any other form of currency.

The Thirsty Whale

One of the comments that my reader said was rejected was one on my post about the Whale.

I told him I was being flip - as I tend to be on here - and since it has been the topic of more than one conversation with other people, I think I should comment further.

It's difficult for me to comment in a lucid way, though, because I know people who hang around at - and really love - the joint so there's a certain element of the emotional that comes into play.

As I said to (City Councillor) Brian Derrivan, the Whale seems to be like Cheers (the one depicted on the sitcom - if they made a sitcom of the Whale, I could play a less svelte and well-dressed version of Rebecca), at least in the daytime. It's a place where people go to hang around, watch NASCAR (yuck) and other stuff - and converse somewhat coherently with their pals. The bartenders and the owners seem to know their (daytime) customers, and I don't think they really send people out the door drunk without being at least somewhat aware of whether the patron is driving themselves or not.

There are places like this all over the world, and I guess if you want to be philosophical about it, they are in a way a vital part of a community, as long as those in charge know where the inebriated are going and how they're getting there, after they walk out the door.

We at my digital paper over there gave the owners two opportunities to respond/comment on the WBZ report. I really think it would have been a much better story if they had not ducked the chances ... I mean, literally, I think one of them ducked out the back when Stewart appeared in the front. We intended to be fair. And I really, really wanted to be fair, which is why I asked Stewart to try to get a comment, in my stead.

But wouldn't the essence of the place make a great Biz Profile? Do you think they'd go for it?

By the way ...

Someone wrote to me to ask why I hadn't published his comments. Since I rarely reject legitimate comments (as opposed to SPAM), I was at a loss to explain what happened, but it seems that Blogger may or may not be sending comments through at any given time.

So if this has happened to you (seems to have happened to him about two weeks ago), please accept my apologies and know I rarely reject comments from my readers; and if I do, I'll explain why in a post.

He has since commented on another post, which did go through, so whatever was wrong seems to be fixed - or not, who knows?

Update from Ed Cameron

The Senior Center Building Committee is going to meet to discuss the possible acquisition by the city of land/buildings at the former Towle condo project. BUT the meeting is at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 21 in City Council Chambers, and not this coming Monday as reported (or at least implied) in the DN.

Community Action

So I heard Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate Scott Brown say again last night that the stimulus has created no jobs.

Well, folks, without stimulus funds to programs such as Community Action, Inc., I wouldn't be here doing Newburyport Business and hopefully we will soon be creating some writing jobs in the community. Not to mention that we hired a local, Cindy Barnard of CCB Creative, to design our site (I'd link to her site but she wants to update it).

And we're a pretty small operation (for now).

From Community Action I got fuel assistance, without which I might not have been able to stay in the city. I'm not saying that Newburyport Business is totally dependent on me, or even me being here, because it's not - but it was my idea and my partners and I (all of us really employees) hope to reap some modest benefit as well, and I thought it was important that I actually be here.

And furthermore, the dredging project and the sewer plant renovations are both using funds distributed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create jobs here.

So apparently Scott Brown doesn't pay attention to the city, or even the specific area (Plum Island), where his parents live. Maybe the local Republican Committee can clue him in ... ?

* I got assistance from other places as well - the Howard Benevolent Society, for one - but this post is about stimulus funds.

The beach today (Thursday)

This is the hole I nearly fell into on the beach last night ... and those are the sand bags, looking pretty raggedy.

Newburyport Business update

We decided to change from changing the content weekly to updating whenever ... well, as we get stories done, hopefully every day (because that's the way it's been going with all the breaking news).

Unfortunately today, everything got posted - even the thing that wasn't supposed to go live until tomorrow - but oh, well. I figure it was late enough in the day that people won't see it until tomorrow anyway.

Last week, as I know at least one of you (Mr. Salemi) noticed, there was a snafu and content didn't go up until late on Friday. So we got kind of sidetracked by an issue that was being sorted out ... well this is an end to that kind of thing.

Thank you to everyone who's been sending in news tips and ideas. Wow, we're never lacking for stories and most times when I go out for one thing, I find out about something else.

I really appreciate the support, and I hope you'll all come to our launch party. After that, we are really in overdrive.

And I may even have time to post more on here. Aside from direct entries, this is the #1 referral to our site. And thanks to the aforementioned Mr. Salemi, referrals from Newburyport Posts rank #2. Thanks, Tom!

Go see the wreaths

These are a couple of the wreaths that are on (silent) auction at the Custom House Maritime Museum. It's really cool to go in there and see all the wreaths hanging on the wall and up the staircase.

Proceeds from the auction, which marks the end of the Holiday House Tour this Saturday, will go towards exhibits at the museum.

I've never taken the house tour, but I know it's very popular. The wreaths were made by all kinds of people - doctors, businesses, kids, professional florists, a fly fisherman - it's very cool. Even if you don't need a wreath, it's pretty cool to look at them.

My fave is the patridge in the pear tree one. You can't tell but the partridge is all hand-made hooked. And the other one - well, I like the fact that the Christmas tree is reflected in the balls.

The bidding starts at $25.

Beach update

The parking lot at PI center was obviously flooded but it has receded. There is sand all down it, and foam - plus people told me waves came over.

Bob Connors of the PI Foundation drove up while I was just there at about 6. He said no one expected the high tide today and that he had never seen the tide so high. We walked closer to the beach and I almost fell into a hole that had been made by the surf, I think at the edge of the sand bags. When I looked around, there was another - bigger - hole, right in the middle of the path that goes from the parking lot to the beach. Bob left to go call the Newbury police and tell them they need to fence it off before someone gets hurt.

There is also a huge tree trunk resting across the stones/groin. We couldn't tell the condition of the sand bags but the surf was still heavy (although I can't hear it from here anymore, now that the wind has died down).

High tide in 40 minutes

And the ocean is already coming up the foot path to the beach at island center. This looks bad. A Newbury policeman came up and said there's nothing to be done and he thinks it will be in the street at high tide, which is 5 p.m.

I'm serious ... two waves came right up onto the path and one was swirling foam around our feet (it's still all over my boots). Waves were crashing on the sand bags and splashing up onto the dune.

As the woman standing next to me observed, "That's one angry ocean." I've never seen anything like it. Both of my cameras are out of battery and it's too dark anyway.

"Big Gus" up for sale

Oh blah, blah, blah ... now we find out that the Newburyport Trolley is up for sale, after just one summer of operation. Apparently this guy Michael Vetrano is making a living off being a police officer in Everett, resigning and going off for a year to do something else, then being hired back as a police officer by his buddy, Mayor Carlo DeMaria.

Not to mention he got $10,000-$12,000 in economic development money from the city ...

I think he's perfect for Pepperell

So he couldn't file an appeal with FEMA on behalf of 1,400 homeowners - or for that matter take New Ventures to court on behalf of other homeowners - but give him one big development company, and ...

The city filed an appeal of the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps on behalf of New England Development on Monday, the last day possible to fight the imposition of new flood maps that will impact hundreds of properties in the city.

Mayor John Moak had said earlier this year that the city would not appeal the new maps, which will take effect June 1. However, the mayor said yesterday the city is the only party that can file an appeal and did so this week on behalf of the development company.

Read the whole story in the Daily News, here.

It's a done deal

I forgot to mention that Mayor Moak told me today that he signed the contract in Pepperell and he's outta here as soon as he's outta the corner office. As in, inauguration day he leaves the ceremony for work in Pepperell.

I thought it uncouth to ask him how much dough he'll be making (especially since we were standing in the hallway at City Hall), but it's not too uncouth to call Pepperell tomorrow, I guess, and ask.

Type this word - grogitudinous

Soon I'm going to have to turn on that awful word verification thing because I keep getting spam comments. Usually I simply reject them, but tonight I accidentally published four of them.

Oddly enough, three of them were on old posts from way back. They were mostly about anal fissures and other stuff that is better left unrevealed.

You guys aren't actually interested in anal fissures, are you?

Sorry for not posting more but I've been way too busy to do anything but work and collapse and oh yeah, offend people I'm very fond of.

I haven't slept a wink

I'm so tired I can hardly even walk without feeling as if I'm going to topple over.

That's all - except for I fixed the Parker Street parking story on NBPT Biz so now the beginning makes sense.

This isn't as easy as it looks ... but it's getting better.

This just in ....

The Wreaths Across America convoy comprised of 50+ vehicles (motorcycles, cars, tractor trailers, fire trucks and police cars) will be coming through Newburyport on Monday December 7 this year.

This year marks our 18^th trip from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

The convoy should be coming through around 9:50-10am provided we're on schedule. We have a scheduled stop at Patton Park in Hamilton MA around 10:30am.

We will be traveling on Route 95 to Route 113 along High Street to Route 1Anand a big turnout of your townspeople would be welcomed.

If you have any questions or would like to tell us about what your town may be planning, please call us at (207) 483-2039 and ask for Major Merritt. Or you can email .

Let's all get in the Christmas spirit!

Turn out and show your support for all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we all enjoy.

To learn more about us visit .

Hope to see you along the way!

Thanks,
Morrill Worcester
Wreaths Across America Founder

Launch and charter

I would be remiss if I did not point out that the Charter Commission is holding its very first public hearing the same night as the hard launch of NBPT Biz, Dec. 16. There is only a 1/2-hour overlap, so people can pop in to Comina and then pop out again and over to City Hall.

Here's some more info I got from Sheila Mullins, the commision's clerk:

On 12/16, the Charter Commission is holding its first public hearing at 7 p.m. at the City Hall auditorium. This is the opportunity for you to let the commission know what you want them (& me) know about what you have found works, doesn't work, want, don't want, etc. as the Charter Commission moves forward to creating a legally compliant charter for Newburyport. The commission wants very much to hear what you have to say, so please, come. If you cannot attend, please, write to the Charter Commission PO Box 550 Newburyport, OR drop a letter off to the City Clerk's office on or before 12/16. Thanks & we look forward to seeing & hearing from you! Sheila

Message from Newburyport Business

For my faithful readers who care to do so, please take note:

Join us for our launch party! Wednesday December 16th from 5:30-7:30pm at Comina, 55 Pleasant Street. Free drinks and snacks!

I admit it - I'm competitive

At least Ed Cameron didn't beat me to this one ... and he could have, seeing as how he's on the senior center building committee ...

The City of Newburyport is starting negotiations to buy four or more of the buildings in the stalled condominium project on the Merrimack River at the Towle Building for use as the city's senior center. City officials described the negotiations for the long-awaited senior center as "preliminary."

What a cumbersome first paragraph? Who wrote that? ... OH. lol

Also, it would be much better if I could access my own website ... well, our own website ...

Ed Cameron scoops us all

Boy, that Ed. Thinks he's a blogger or something ...

Our Mayor, John Moak, was offered the job of town administrator in Pepperell, MA. I snatched this from Ed's blog!

Pepperell picks Newburyport mayor for administrator post

By Don Eriksson, Correspondent

Updated: 12/01/2009 07:01:45 AM EST

PEPPERELL -- Selectmen have unanimously voted to offer the job of town administrator to Newburyport Mayor John Moak. They plan to enter closed-door negotiations with Moak later this week.

Last night's vote considered both Moak and Jason Hoch, former administrator for the New Hampshire towns of Littleton and Plaistow.

Both men were at the top of a pool of candidates developed by a Search Committee. They were interviewed last week, after negotiations with Shirley Town Administrator Kyle Keady collapsed earlier this fall.

According to private comments from several Search Committee members, Pepperell would be well-served by either candidate.

Administrative Assistant Peggy Mazola has been acting as interim administrator while continuing to perform her duties as administrative assistant.

Selectmen Joseph Hallisey, Patrick McNabb and Joseph Sergi complimented Police Chief Alan Davis for conducting extensive background checks on both candidates, which were received yesterdays.

"For myself, it comes down to John (Moak) as a better fit for Pepperell," Hallisey said. "Both are extremely qualified. (Moak's) experience in Newburyport fits Pepperell issues -- a school was closed and revitalizing Town Hall."

McNabb lauded the qualifications of both candidates, saying "It boils down to who is best for Pepperell right now. Based on experience and positive feedback from the Newburyport City Council (regarding) strong fiscal budgeting and (having) a lot of drive ... (Moak) is someone who could step in right now."