Danvers Zip Trip on FOX25

What a great time this morning in Danvers! The folks over at FOX25 were kind enough to invite me onto their show this morning as they broadcast live from Danvers. I used to work at FOX25 so it was great to see some friendly old faces. Kim Carrigan and I chatted about the magazine and a few key spots in Danvers that you all should check out.

Here’s the video:

A couple great quotes from Kim Carrigan about the magazine:

“Since it [the BONS issues] has come out, my husband and I have been using it as a bible! I have it in the car. We’ve had great sushi on the North Shore as a result, we’ve had great Brazilian barbecue…You want to be sure to pick up the magazine because you can keep it your car year-round and you can find all these wonderful spots.”

“Let me just say this about Northshore Magazine, it is an absolutely beautiful publication. It’s easy to read and for those of us who live up here on the North Shore, it really is a great asset.”

And here’s me with Kim. For more on the FOX25 Zip Trip to Danvers, head over to myfoxboston.com for lots of photos and video.

-Jack

6th Annual Tommy Bahama Day at Giblees

Title: 6th Annual Tommy Bahama Day at Giblees
Location: Giblees, Danvers
Link out: Click here

Join Giblees in Danvers for their Tommy Bahama Day with live island music, raffle prizes, and Ipswich Ale. While there, win a foursome of golf at Turner Hill Country Club with Chris Collins of NECN and enter for a chance to win a $500 Tommy Bahama Gift Card. Also enjoy 15% off entire store!

Bring up to three Tommy Bahama shirts for donation and receive $ towards your purchase as part of a charitable fundraiser in part for the River House homeless shelter.

The Tommy BahamaDay will also feature guests Heidi Watney if NESN & the Celtics Dancers.

In Sponsorship with Carter’s Diamonds and The Boston Beer Company. Lenny Clark and Chris Collins will give away gift certificates to your favorite restaurants and Kiss 108’s Billy Costa will give away tickets to the hottest summer concerts!

EXTENDED STORE HOURS the day of the event: 9am-7pm

For more information, please visit: www.giblees.com

Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2009-06-06
End Time: 18:00

A Perfect Match

A new location and a new coach revitalize the Boston Lobsters tennis team.
by Jacqueline Dixon

The Boston Lobsters are at it again this 2009 season, and this year is expected to be as exciting as ever. Last March, the Ferncroft Country Club in Danvers made the North Shore the team’s permanent home. Bahar Uttam, the team’s owner, had high hopes that the move to the Ferncroft would help the team gain popularity—and he sure was right.

Although golf has been the leading sport this side of Massachusetts, the North Shore’s enthusiasm for tennis has been growing rapidly since the Lobster’s move to Danvers. The team’s first season at the Ferncroft brought some much overdue attention to the team, as well as the sport of tennis. And although all went well last season, it still served as a learning curve for the team and all parties involved, and Uttam feels this year is going to be much easier.

“Moving to the Ferncroft was the right thing to do. The North Shore has a huge tennis bed with over 40 different clubs and programs for tennis—everywhere from Woburn to Manchester. Since the move, we’ve seen a bigger attendance and we now have more sponsors. People used to ask me why I was in the seafood business when I mentioned the Boston Lobsters—I don’t get that question anymore,” Uttam said.

But the move to the Ferncroft is old news, as this year all eyes are on the team’s new coach, Bud Shultz. When Uttam purchased the team in 2003, Shultz was the first person he went to for the coaching position. At the time, however, Shultz was dedicating a majority of time to his young children. Now, a few years later, his children are older and Shultz has never been more ready to take on the job.

Having spent the past 30 years in Eastern Massachusetts, Shultz has had the chance to develop lasting friendships and professional acquaintances within the local tennis community. “All you have to do is walk into a tennis club on the North Shore and you’ll see that our sport is alive and thriving. The tennis community is pretty close knit. I’ve met so many great tennis enthusiasts on the North Shore and I think having the Lobsters at the Ferncroft Country Club is a perfect match,” Shultz said.

A graduate of Bates College, Shultz was a three-time tennis All-American. After only a year of graduate school at Boston University, he started his professional playing career. With a high ranking of 39 in the world, wins over 5 top ten players, he retired in 1989 at the age of 29 to take the position of Director of Tennis and Head Pro at the Longwood Cricket Club in Brookline. But he made sure to continue his association with professional tennis through coaching high ranking players such as Ivan Lendl, Pam Shriver, and Greg Rusedski.

Adding to his list of already qualifying credentials, Shultz received a master’s degree in sports management at UMass Amherst, took another position as the Manager and Head Pro at the Badminton and Tennis Club in Boston, served on the Board of the Boston Tennis Council, and was elected to the New England Tennis Hall of Fame in 2002.

With a very successful draft this past March, the team is heading into the season with confidence, as well as a great mix of old and new talent. Jan-Michael Gambill is back this season with Raquel Kops Jones, along with two new tennis up-and-comers, Stepanie Foretz and James Auckland.

Shultz said, “I know when fans come out to the matches they will be in awe of the level of play and leave thinking what these players can do with a tennis ball is magical.”

However, Shultz’s dedication to the sport does not end on the court. In 1998, he and close tennis buddy Ned Eames, co-founded Tenacity, an after-school program designed to promote health, fitness, academics and of course tennis to inner-city children; the program provides support to over 5,000 children and quickly gained recognition.

“Quite honestly, it’s the most satisfying and rewarding tennis experience I’ve had. The game of tennis has given me so much and I simply feel a responsibility to give back. In a similar way, getting kids to come see the Lobsters will hopefully inspire them in positive ways that will last a lifetime,” Shultz said.

Shultz’s continuous encouragement for community outreach makes him a perfect fit with the Lobsters and the World Team Tennis philosophy of “tennis equality”.

Billie Jean King, retired tennis star and co-founder of the World Team Tennis, firmly believes in equality not only in everyday life, but within the sport of tennis as well. King’s philosophy, “tennis is for everyone,” emerged from her family’s financial hardships as a child, which prevented her from participating in certain programs. Due to these personal experiences, the act of giving back is of utmost importance to King.

“If you have ever seen a World Team Tennis match, you have seen my philosophy on life. It’s men and women competing together on equal terms with equal contributions. This is a great message to share with any community, especially with young people,” King said.

And the league’s philosophy matches up well with their new partnership with the YMCA of the North Shore. The YMCA’s financial assistance program provides programs and services to over 5,500 individuals on the North Shore, but with only two tennis rackets and five tennis balls offering tennis as a program at the Ipswich branch was almost impossible.

Gerry Beauchamp, the Executive Director at the Ipswich YMCA, said, “With about 40,000 members, it is really all about the kids. And we want to introduce tennis to a community that wouldn’t normally be able to experience the sport.”

After Billie Jean King’s donation of tennis equipment last year, the YMCA of the North Shore reached out to the Boston Lobsters in hopes of receiving a similar donation for their lacking tennis program.

Merri-Lynn Lanthrop, the Ipswich YMCA’s Aquatics Director, said, “The World Team Tennis offers a fresh new look for tennis with a fun and unique format. The crowd can cheer or boo, which isn’t typical tennis. And it is truly family-oriented. So, the partnership is a great match between the YMCA philosophy of including “all” and the relatively new World Team Tennis league’s desire to make tennis accessible to everyone regardless of income, race or demographic.”

As an exciting affirmation of this partnership, the organizations are set to co-host “Kids to Camp Connection,” a private event with Billie Jean King on July 12 at the Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel in Danvers. There will be an exclusive reception with Billie Jean King, entertainment by Ayla Brown of American Idol, box seat tickets to the Boston Lobsters tennis match alongside King, and best of all, all proceeds from ticket sales will help send a child to camp in 2009.

An even more enticing aspect to the Boston Lobsters is its aim to make their events as affordable as possible. For example, a family of 4 can attend a match for under $100, which is much less than a professional baseball game. This season the Boston Lobsters are hosting a bundle of events to help families enjoy a day out without emptying their pockets. Very aware that times are tough, the Boston Lobsters are proving they can put on a sporting event worth that extra buck.

Along with the much anticipated marquee visit from Washington Kastles’ Serena Williams on July 9, Massachusetts children ages 13-18 will have the opportunity to write an essay focused on how Williams inspires them on and off the court. The lucky winner will receive 2 tickets to the match, meet Williams, as well as grab a picture with her. The deadline for the submission is June 1 and can be emailed to Debbie@bostonlobsters.net.

The home opener is set for Monday, July 6 vs. the Kansas City Explorers, presented by Beverly Hospital. Other events include: Ladies Night and Business Networking on July 7 and Family Day on July 18, sponsored by Polar Beverages.

Tickets can be bought online and cost $15-$30 (depending on the marquee) and $60 for box seats. Tickets for kids under 12 are$15. Season passes are also available for $125-$300. Tickets can be purchased by calling 877-617-5627 (LOBS) or visiting the team website at bostonlobsters.net.

North Shore Business Leads Group

Title: North Shore Business Leads Group
Location: North Shore Chamber - 5 Cherry Hill Drive, Suite 100 - Danvers
Link out: Click here
Description: Friday, April 17th, 2009 from 8am-9:30am join the North Shore Business Leads Group and give Your :60 second commercial, pass out your business cards and network with the North Shore’s finest. Gain business referrals, leads, contact, and more.

Participants will meet with thirty people who want to market your business. Tickets are $25.  

To register or for more information, please visit: www.northshorechamber.org/blg_register09_0417.html

Start Time: 8:00
Date: 2009-04-17
End Time: 9:30

Run for the Roses: Landmark School Charity Auction

Title: Run for the Roses: Landmark School Charity Auction
Location: Danversport Yacht Club - Danvers
Link out:
Description: The Landmark School (Beverly/Manchester) will host Run for the Roses, a charity Auction, on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 from 6pm-10pm at the Danversport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA.

The event will benefit teacher salaries and educational programs through the school’s Annual Fund. A silent and live auction will feature a wide range of items including jewelry, vacations, restaurant and spa gift certificates to be hosted by celebrity auctioneer Billy Costa of NECN’s TV Diner and Kiss 108 FM radio. The Auction Committee and Co-Chairs, Karyn Zervalis and Elizabeth Clifton, have been busy planning the evening, which will feature a performance by the Landmark High School Chorus and an exhibit of student artwork.

Tickets are: $50 per person, which includes cocktails, dinner and dessert.

For details and reservations, please call Paula Prifti Weafer at: (978) 236-3408, email: pweafer@landmarkschool.org, or visit: www.landmarkschool.org

LANDMARK SCHOOL - Founded in 1971, Landmark School is a leading coeducational boarding and day school specializing in language-based learning disabilities for grades 2-12. The elementary, middle, and college preparatory high school programs emphasize the development of language and learning skills through one-to-one tutorials and a skill-based curriculum. The school provides a highly structured and supportive living and learning environment that is tailored to the needs of each student. Landmark’s mission includes an extensive Outreach Program for professional development courses, workshops and publications for educators, administrators, clinicians and parents.

Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2009-04-15
End Time: 22:00

Ferncroft Country Club’s 1st Town Day

Title: Ferncroft Country Club’s 1st Town Day

Location: Ferncroft Country Club - Danvers, MA

Description: Ferncroft Country Club will host their first Town Day to the local community, Monday, May 4th, 2009.

Residents of Boxford, Danvers, Middleton and Topsfield and their guests are invited to experience the Club’s Robert Trent Jones, Sr. championship course and par 3 course.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Ferncroft CC Junior Scholarship Fund.

Local residents can enjoy a round for $75 per player, which includes green fee, cart fee and range.

Tee times are available from 7:30am. Players can also try out the executive par 3 course and practice facility, which features a putting green, short game area and chipping green, for $25 per player.

To reserve tee times, residents are encouraged to call Ferncroft CC well in advance at: (978) 739-4040 ext. 231, or visit www.ferncroftcc.com/townday

The Ferncroft CC Junior Golf Scholarship Program seeks to nurture disadvantaged young people ages 8-16 with an interest in golf by providing access, instruction, and equipment to introduce them to golf.

Since new owner Affinity Management purchased the club in 2006, over $2 million in restorations have been completed. These included fully renovating and reopening the previously dormant 19th Hole restaurant, building a new multi-section golf practice area, performing drainage work on 14 holes, repaving the cart paths and installing a fitness room filled with top-of-the-line equipment.

Known for its Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed championship golf course that hosted the LPGA Boston Five Classic from 1980-90, Ferncroft Country Club is a full-service club with outstanding food, many social and children’s activities, tennis courts, swimming pool, and fitness center. Set on an idyllic 287 acres, Ferncroft CC’s lush greens are in an incredibly convenient location, just nineteen minutes north of downtown Boston where Route 1 meets I-95 on the North Shore.  For more information about Ferncroft Country Club, call: (978) 739-404, or visit: www.ferncroftcc.com
Start Time: 07:30
Date: 2009-05-04

Easter Bunny Breakfast

Title: Easter Bunny Breakfast
Location: Liberty Tree Mall - Danvers
Description: The Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers will be host to the Easter Bunny Breakfast, Saturday, March 28th, 2009.

Kids will have an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and share in a fun and exciting breakfast.

The breakfast will be sponsored by McDonald’s and children will have the opportunity to create a Easter themed craft with the Easter Bunny!

Admission is $5 with all proceeds benefiting the Simon Youth Foundation.

For more information, please call: (978) 777-0794

Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2009-03-28
End Time: 10:30

Beverly Hospital 1st Annual Women’s Forum, A Great Success!

May 2009 - Women’s Forum at Beverly Hospital, Danvers a great success. Hundreds of women flocked to the new building for seminars, trainings, samples and more. Check out a few snapshots taken by our very own Jacquelin Dixon (below)!

Title: Beverly Hospital 1st Annual Women’s Forum
Location: Beverly Hospital - Danvers (location)
Description: Beverly Hospital will be hosting their 1st Annual Women’s Forum at their Danvers location Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 from 8:30am-12pm.

The forum will offer insight into all the amenities that the Danvers location has to offer. Guests will be receiving information, educational tools and giveaways throughout the day.

For more information, please visit: www.beverlyhospital.org

Start Time: 08:30
Date: 2009-05-02
End Time: 12:00

Cakes for Occasions: *Shiyanne’s Playground Fundraiser*

Danvers, MA - March 2009 - Shiyanne Thornell was a special little girl who loved visiting her favorite spot, Endicott Park. Sadly, EEE claimed little Shiyanne’s life and now efforts have been directed at renovations to the park in her honor through Shiyanne’s Playground Fundraiser.

To that, a local business owner has stepped up to create more awareness – through cupcakes. Everyone who buys one of the little “Cakes for Caring” at Cakes for Occasions during the entire month of March will be helping to make that dream come true for the Thornells. One dollar of the $2.50 cost of a delicious little cake will be contributed to the special playground fund thanks to bakery owner, Kelly Delaney.

“Cakes for Caring” will be selling our charity cupcakes straight through the month of March to benefit Shiyanne’s Playground Fund. For more information about Shiyanne Thornell and how to donate please visit: www.Shiyanne.com

Cakes for Occasions is located at: 57 Maple Street, Danvers, MA   Online at: cakesforoccasions.com/cakesforcaring.php

5th Annual Reid’s Ride

Title: 5th Annual Reid’s Ride
Location: Stage Fort Park - Gloucester
Link out: Click here
Description: The 5th Annual Reid’s Ride will take place Sunday, July 19th, 2009.

The ride is a 28 mile bike-a-thon that starts in Lynnfield rides through Middleton, Danvers, Beverly, Manchester and ends at stage Fort park in Gloucester. The ride is in support of the fight to Eliminate cancers striking young adults.

To ride, volunteer, or otherwise be a part of this event, please contact Director Lorraine Sacco at: (781) 632-2025.

For more information, please visit: www.reidsaccofoundtion.org or www.reidsride.org

Date: 2009-07-19

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