Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas recently opened his ARP Clinic in Danvers to share the success of an innovative treatment that healed his 2010 hip injury.

The clinic’s CEO, Anthony Bevilaqua, says the unique advanced recovery performance (ARP) treatment reduces any type of pain, from tendonitis to carpal tunnel.

“It’s really offering a service that is revolutionary and groundbreaking in a smaller, tight-knit community,” Bevilaqua says. “If I were a member of this community and this clinic was opened, I’d be pretty excited about it, just because there aren’t many other clinics out there like this where you can get this type of service.”

ARP technology is made for men, women, and kids of any age and in any physical shape. The treatment helps end pain and improve quality of life, whether or not the patient is an athlete. The clinic currently has two therapists and intends on utilizing other ARP therapists to conduct treatments via Skype.

Bevilaqua recalls a 16-year-old boy in the community who suffered from a double concussion during a football game and reaped extraordinary benefits from the ARP Clinic. The patient had been unable to get out of bed and missed six weeks of school. He had severe head pain and migraines and was commuting to Boston’s Children Hospital for treatment and therapy for pain relief to no avail. After hearing about the ARPwave Clinic from a family friend, the young boy went to the clinic, where his pain level decreased from a 10 to a two on a pain scale after just one treatment. He returned to school three days later.

“We can prevent up to 90 percent of most surgeries,” Bevilaqua said. “It can really change the quality of your life and help avoid the use of drugs and invasive surgery.”

Newcomers receive a free evaluation and a free treatment upon their first visit.  Most of them, Bevilaqua said, will walk out of the clinic pain free. Each time the patient comes back, the ARP treatment could potentially reduce their pain by 25 percent.

Thomas chose the North Shore to open up his first clinic because he loves the area and thought it would enhance the community. He hopes to open up more clinics in the Boston metro area in the near future, but right now is focusing on establishing a presence for the Danvers clinic and spreading his passion for this groundbreaking technology. timthomas arpclinic.com.

Nine Elm American Bistro is a completely unexpected dining experience, with just 34 seats, unpretentious décor, expert service, and food that is extraordinary despite its simplicity and familiarity. And you should get over there now, before the rest of the world finds out about it and you can’t get a table.

Chef Matt Sanidas and his wife, Jean, have crafted a culinary jewel that is approachable, comfortable, and authentic. He is a master of various cooking techniques and knows just how to dial into your taste buds. Simple, fresh, and genuine is the mantra. “I try to get the freshest ingredients and cook them the best way that food can be cooked,” the Danvers native says.

First up was the seafood chowder, a fragrant fusion of fresh clam broth, mussels, salmon, potatoes, leeks, and cream. Each ingredient’s flavors are distinct; the salmon and mussels are tender, and the potatoes have just the right bite.

A salad of tender, sweet, and roasted golden beets served atop seasonal greens and sprinkled with Chinese five-spiced walnuts, Vermont-made goat cheese, and a perky balsamic vinaigrette was refreshing yet substantial.

The crispy tempura shrimp appetizer comes with house-made creamy chili sauce. Nicely balanced between sweet and tart, with just enough heat to light up your mouth, it works well with the lightly battered, flash-fried jumbo shrimp.

The superb mushroom-and-goat cheese tartlet appetizer is built of house-made pastry dough that is filled with cheese  and roasted mushrooms and finished with truffle oil. The entrée of fresh, artisanal rigatoni is dressed with an intensely umami sauce of lamb, veal, pork, and San Marzano tomatoes, the legendary Italian sauce tomato renowned for its exquisite flavor and exorbitant (but worthwhile) cost.

The roasted all-natural chicken breast with mashed potatoes and herbed pan sauce, long a bistro staple, relies on excellent ingredients and flawless execution to succeed, which it does. The chicken is crisp on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. The potatoes are creamy and well seasoned. The sauce is luxurious and ample.

And then, just when we thought crème brulée was getting boring, along comes Nine Elm’s version, with its gently sweetened, silken custard and extra-thick crisp caramel top that shatters into crunchy candy.

Finally, the freshly baked profiteroles (cream puffs) with excellent coconut ice cream (from Richardson’s of Middleton) and dense chocolate sauce made us wonder whether we were really in Danvers, or perhaps Provence.

The Menu

Chef: Matt Sanidas. Soup/Salad: Seafood Chowder ($6), Golden Beet Salad ($8). Appetizers: Crispy Tempura Shrimp ($9), Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tartlet ($8). Entrées: Fresh Rigatoni with Ground Lamb, Veal, Pork & San Marzano Tomatoes ($18), Roasted All Natural Chicken Breast ($20). Desserts: Crème Brulée ($7), Profiteroles with Coconut Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce ($7). Location: 9 Elm Street, Danvers, 978-774-9436, 9elm.com.

- By Anna and David Kasabian

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Shiyanne

“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

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

The keynote speaker at the breakfast will be State Treasurer, Timothy P. Cahill, who will be speaking about the financial state of the commonwealth & stimulus package.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority is perhaps the most comprehensive reform Treasurer Cahill and his administration have implemented. The new reform pledged 20% of the state’s future sales taxes as a dedicated revenue stream to pay down the existing $10.7 billion in debt, while creating a new authority charged with managing the cost and operations of the program in the future.

For more information, or to register for this event, please call: (978) 774-8565, or visit: www.northshorechamber.org

Start Time: 07:30
Date: 2009-04-01

The meeting will involve opportunities to share a :60 second commercial and trade business cards with all. A great networking opportunity with referrals, leads, and more.

Tickets are $25.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit: www.northshorechamber.org

Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2009-03-20
End Time: 09:30

If day surgery is in the future for you or a family member, what can you expect, and what are the best ways to prepare?

First, expect anesthesia to pave the way for a fast recovery. “The state of the art in day surgery is shorter-actinganesthetic drugs. They are very effective at keeping pain and nausea at bay and then quickly wearing off when we need them to without the lingering effects of other kinds of anesthesia,” says Jonathan Jaques, MD, medical director of day surgery at Beverly Hospital at Danvers, Medical and Day Surgery Center. Together with minimally invasive approaches to many surgeries, this revolution is the reason that patients can sit up and greet family members right after surgery, and go home soon afterward.

Next, remember that even though you may feel good after your procedure, day surgery is still surgery. The best way to recover fully is to go home and rest. Don’t make plans to go shopping or return to work the same day as your surgery.

Expect your family or friends to play an important role in your day surgery experience. From spending time with you just before and after surgery to providing a ride home and helping you recover comfortably, day surgery enables your loved ones to be more involved.

Guidelines for the best experience begin with “Choose the right place.” Expert care delivered in a comforting environment is key. At Beverly Hospital at Danvers, for example, patients will find a highly trained and experienced staff of surgeons and anesthetists. Many of the surgical nurses have more than 20 years of experience – and a talent for helping patients and family members feel at ease. And, the staff, from surgeons to post-operative nurses live right here, on the north shore; they appreciate what it means to provide high quality and personalized care for their friends, their neighbors, and their community.

After scheduling a day surgery, patients can focus on being informed and prepared. Some research shows that this speeds recovery and reduces pain. Be sure to ask your physician or nurse what to expect the day of surgery, and what your recovery will be like: How long you should take off from work? How much if any discomfort and pain medication should you anticipate? To go a step further, take advantage of some of the highly regarded programs offered on-site at Beverly Hospital at Danvers, such as preparing for surgery, physical rehabilitation and lifestyle management. Be sure to communicate with staff at the surgical facility the day before your procedure, to review instructions or ask questions. And at Beverly Hospital at Danvers, expect yourself and your family members to be well cared for and well-informed from the moment you schedule your surgery through your recovery at home. For the seasoned staff, it is all in a day’s work.

To learn more about day surgery, call our HealthConnection at 888-253-0800 or visit us online at beverlyhospital.com.

Beverly Hospital at Danvers, Medical and Day Surgery Center is located right off Routes 1, 95 and 62 in Danvers.

The meeting will involve opportunities to share a :60 second commercial and trade business cards with all. A great networking opportunity with referrals, leads, and more.

Tickets are $25.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit: www.northshorechamber.org

Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2009-03-06
End Time: 09:30

Date: 2009-05-31

The event includes previews of new prom, mother of the occasion, and bridal designs Bella Sera will now be carrying.

Cocktail attire is suggested. Please RSVP by calling: (978) 774-4077, or email: info@bellaserabride.com
Start Time: 19:30
Date: 2009-02-21
End Time: 21:30

The star-studded evening will be hosted by venerable NSMT actor David Coffee. best known for his role a s Scrooge in NSMT’s production of A Christmas Carol, Coffee also played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, as well as countless other memorable roles at NSMT. Coffee will be joined by special guest, George Dvorsky, star if a Christmas Carol, The Full Monty, Kiss me Kate, and many more NSMT productions. Dvorsky is currently starring in the First National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Also performing and lending their support during the evening will be many Boston area favorites who have performed at NSMT, including Peter S. Adams, Leigh Barrett, Maureen Brennan, Mary Calanan, Andrew Giordano, Cassandra Marsh, Cheryl McMahon, Robert Saoud, and Kathy St. George. The NSMT Orchestra led by Jay Daly will also perform, in addition to NSMT’s Youth Performance Academy’s Rising Stars.

The event will feature the opportunity to purchase NSMT memorabilia, along with a mini-silent and live auction and opportunities to win gift cards, sports tickets, and other valuable gifts.

To purchase tickets for this benefit, please visit: www.nsmt.org, call the NSMT Box Office at: (978) 232-7200, or mail checks to NSMT P.O. Box 62, Beverly MA 01915 (checks must be recieved by January 31, 2009).

Start Time: 06:30
Date: 2009-02-03

Admission is FREE for all!

For more information, please visit: http://northshorechamber.org
Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2009-02-24
End Time: 04:00

The Honors Youth Choir, The Chorus, and the Festival Orchestra join together to perform a concert premier by Gloucester composer Paul Jensen combining original music to create a montage of 8 traditional carols.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $17 for student/senior admission, and FREE for children 12 and under.

For tickets of more information, please call: (978) 356-3807, or visit: www.chorusnorthshore.org

Start Time: 20:00
Date: 2008-12-12
End Time: 23:00

“I used to love visiting the swan pond and horse stables.” Roberts credits her upbringing in Danvers to the values she still holds dear today: a love of the outdoors, a fascination with history, and an appreciation for community. “It was a great town to grow up in,” she says simply.

Wayne Marquis, Danvers town manager for the past 30 years, shares that sentiment. “Danvers is a community close to Boston, but with a traditional
small-town New England feel,” he says, “We make it a priority to preserve our history.”

Take a tour of Danvers and you will feel that history around every corner. The Rebecca Nurse Homestead is the top attraction in town, offering visitors the story of one of the women hanged during the witch trials of 1692. The Samuel Holton House (1670) and the Page House (1754) also spark stories of days long past. Glen Magna Farms is a historic North Shore summer estate, boasting an original classic Colonial Revival mansion and acres of breathtaking
gardens and walkways.

Even renovations to local properties involve intricate planning to preserve their significance. The Peabody Institute Library of Danvers, built in the 1880s, is a stunning white Georgian Revival structure. In 1980, as part of an effort to add space without affecting its appearance, an underground level was constructed below the building. That space now houses the children’s room. Town Hall, built in 1855, is scheduled to undergo a large exterior renovation in 2009, with a heavy emphasis on preserving the original architecture. Also on the 2009 agenda is a renovation of the local high school. The middle school underwent a similar upgrade this past year.

“We are fiscally conservative, yet we consistently prioritize and grow community services, and have never needed an override to do it,” Marquis says. “For us, it’s all about reusing the structures we have, while preserving their historical significance.”

Marquis also credits the many thriving businesses in Danvers, large and small, as a source of strength. The US headquarters for Osram Sylvania is here, as is the Liberty Tree Mall. Massachusetts General Hospital is building a North Shore ambulatory care facility in 2009, which will add to the town’s growing medical presence. Even downtown, small shops successfully reinvent themselves time and time again. Five new restaurants have opened up downtown in the past year alone.

At the center of the community lies a strong commitment to the families who live here. Family Festival Week in July is an annual highlight for town residents young and old, as is September’s Truck Day. During October’s Open House event, residents can ride trolleys around town to learn about, and speak directly to, workers in the Town Hall, Fire Department, and Police Headquarters.

Spending time in Danvers, visitors can feel what the residents here already know: respecting the past, looking forward to the future, and maintaining community connection are the keys to making theirs an ideal North Shore town.

The event was hosted by Billy Costa from Kiss 108 and TV Diner and featured local comedians Steve Sweeney and Lenny Clark, along with Ernie Bock Jr. and a packed house of friends and shoppers.

Northshore Magazine was there, too. Click here for all the photos! http://blog.nshoremag.com/?p=9

For the adventurous couple:
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe VT,
800-253-2232, www.stoweflake.com

Just a three-hour trip from the North Shore, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, with a four-diamond rating, has much to offer those seeking adventure (and romance!) with great recreation, dining, and a world-class spa that will, simply put, pamper the daylights out of both of you.

During a recent stay, my husband and I relaxed by the fireplace in our spa-wing suite and took in the views of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. We visited in January but quickly discovered that Stowe isn’t just about skiing. With year-round activities including festivals (Stoweflake has a balloon festival in July), cultural and art exhibitions, concerts, swimming, golf, shopping, and much, more. Stoweflake is actually busiest in summer!

If you visit, don’t leave without a visit to the Spa at Stoweflake! I enjoyed a facial while my better half opted for the “Mountain Man Mud Massage.” We were most impressed by the spa facilities, which include spacious sanctuary/locker rooms, saunas and steam rooms, private and co-ed hot tubs, even two massaging waterfalls! The treatments were superb; we returned to our room relaxed and invigorated.

We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Winfield’s Bistro, well known for its gourmet cuisine and impeccable service. The restaurant has won numerous accolades and awards, no surprise since our steaks were melt-in-your-mouth good. Winfield’s also has one of the most extensive wine selections in the area, with a 25-page wine list. The adjacent Charlie B’s Pub is a Stowe favorite with its warm and relaxed atmosphere.

Do yourself and your spouse a favor, book a weekend at Stoweflake, including some time at the spa, and watch how fast you forget about work and that nagging “to-do” list. Remember that time alone is an investment in your relationship and this locale is worth the trip.

For the hopeless romantics:
Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, Meredith N.H.,
800-622-6455, www.millfalls.com

This place is the complete package; and you can get there in under two hours. Trust me when I say you will be lulled into a state of complete relaxation (and be reminded of why you like each other so much) when you discover the charm of this quaint but upscale New England resort complex, which is nestled along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and includes four inns, seven restaurants, a spa and a marketplace.

Understated elegance is how I’d describe Church Landing, the newest of the four Inns. You’ll fall for it, regardless of the season you plan to visit; we were sold from the moment we arrived. The common spaces are so incredibly cozy and welcoming, each nook offering a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and window seats with serene lakeside vistas. We were further impressed with our accommodations, the luxurious “Tree House Suite” which included a lakefront balcony with views through the treetops, a fireplace and privacy galore!

Now comes the best part: the Cascade Spa, also located at Church Landing. We decided to treat ourselves to a romantic couples massage and enjoyed 50 minutes of deep but connected relaxation
that was soothing to the body and mind. We then took advantage of the indoor pool and outdoor hot tub. We were practically pickled before returning to our room to change for dinner!

We dined at Lago, an Italian eatery located a short walk away along the Inn’s lakeside boardwalk and housed in the Bay Point facility, also on the water. The food was incredible. I had the most amazing butternut squash ravioli appetizer, and the atmosphere was intimate and relaxed with the restaurant aglow in candlelight. Brunch the next morning at the Lakehouse Grille included everything from a champagne and chocolate fountain to a raw bar and carving station.

The Inns & Spa at Mills Falls offer a romantic getaway that is perfect for couples who just want to kick back and relax or take advantage of the many attractions that await visitors in the Lakes Region
and White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Indulge. This trip is worth every penny.

For couples who want to stay close to home:
Maison Esthetique Christiane Bourque Spa, Danvers,Mass.,
978-777-7278, www.cbourquespa.com

No overnight baby-sitter? No problem. This is Newbury Street comes to the North Shore. The spa, owned by Ray Bourque’s wife, Christiane, and her partner, Jayne Patrikas, offers a no-travel-required escape that can help you reenergize and reconnect with that special someone with a his-and-her spa treatment.

The building is an incredible state-of-the-art wellness facility, offering the most elegant surroundings to soothe the body and soul. You will feel immediately pampered the moment you walk into the lounge and sink into the oversized furniture, enjoying the serene candlelight and calming sounds as you prepare for some deep relaxation.

We chose the couples massage and thoroughly enjoyed our “grotto-like” surroundings and the top-notch service. The massages also include use of the steam room, sauna, and hot tub. So if you want some together time without the hassle of coordinating a trip (and minus the payback of having your kids stay at your in-laws) book a treatment, or better yet a full day of pampering, and be home before dark!

Maison Esthetique Christiane Bourque Spa, Danvers
www.cbourquespa.com

There were a lot of categories that our “BONS” committee worked on, but only one nearly brought two in our editorial staff to blows…ultimately it was settled with a tie. At Bodiscience, each client undergoes an extensive medical intake before any of the highly trained team members deliver a host of holistic services based on Chinese and Aryuvedic traditions coupled with high-tech tools. It’s consistently five-star customer service in this 4,000 square foot serene oasis in Cummings Center.

Maison Esthetique Christiane Bourque Spa is a welcome retreat for the body and mind. The elegant setting offers the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Of particular note is the lovely waiting room brimming with warmth and hospitality; add the services and you feel like you’re on a vacation, minus the air travel.

Readers’ Choices: Interlocks Salon and Day Spa, Newburyport; La Belle Femme, Marblehead; Andrew Michaels, Salem; Bella Vita Salon & Day Spa, North Andover; Spa Ni’Joli, Methuen; Moksha Spa and Wellness Center, Methuen; M.Lekkakos Spa, Salon, and Boutique, Wenham

Danvers Butchery is much more than a meat market. Along with a wide assortment of marinated meats in delectable flavors like lemon peppered, Cajun, tomato basil and steakhouse, you’ll find great dinner ideas.

Readers’ Choices: Butcher Boy, North Andover; New England Meat Market, Peabody; Henry’s, North Beverly; Haverhill Beef, Haverhill; McKinnons Meat Market, Danvers; Hilltop Steak House, Saugus

Serving the North Shore area for over five decades makes this fine men’s clothing store a prominent choice for suits, tuxedos, casual wear and more. Be on the look out for surprises at the new location.

Readers’ Choices: John Farley Clothiers, Newburyport; Kap’s, Marblehead/ Andover; Shaban’s Collection, Andover

Once again Cakes for Occasions takes the cake for the most amazing creations on the North Shore. Batter up! Special kudos for their partnership with the Red Sox Foundation and many other local charities.

Readers’ Choices: Johnny Cakes, North Andover; Eat Cake, Newburyport; Cakes By Design/Edible Art, North Andover; Cupcake Boutique, Andover; Niko’s Cakes, Salem; I Dream of Jeanne, North Andover

Trained at the Ritz Carlton, owner of Cakes for Occasion Kelly Delaney brings experience and flair to the art of dessert. Cakes, pastries and other decadent delights can be found at this business that recently made its way onto the Today Show.

Readers’ Choice:
Piro’s.Methuen
Cassis Bakery.Beverly Farms
Kitchen Witch.Manchester
Joseph’s Trattoria.Haverhill

For over 50 years, Giblee family members have kept their loyal clientele looking sharp. Be fashion forward wearing the latest designers, including Brioni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Cole Haan and Coppley Apparel. Giblees’ superb personal service and attention to detail will make this your one wardrobe stop for both business attire and sportswear. Women’s wardrobe choices too.

Readers’ Choice:
Kap’s.Marblehead and Andover
John Farley Clothiers.Newburyport
Southwick.Lawrence
Shaban’s Tailor Shop.Andover