HDSNA January Supper Out

Hello HDSNA neighbors!

You're invited to the annual HDSNA January Supper Out on Mon., Jan. 12 at the Witch's Brew Cafe at 156 Derby Street(corner of Derby and Daniels). Social hour is from 6-7 pm and dinner is at 7 pm.

The cost is $25 per person and includes tax and tip. You will have a choice of soup or salad and a choice of:

• Salmon with a choice of fries, rice or mixed vegetables
• Stuffed sole with a choice of fries, rice or mixed vegetables
• Steak tips with a choice of fries, rice or mixed vegetables
• Chicken parmesan
• Ratatouille

Soft drinks and coffee/tea is included. A cash bar is available.

For reservations, please email or call Sharon Smith (smittykay@msn.com or 978-745-6082). Let her know the number of attendees and the dinner choices.

Please mail your payment Bill Sano, 35 Daniels Street, Salem, MA. (You can also drop your payment in person at Bill's house - just go into the gate and drop the envelope in his mail slot.) Checks should be made payable to HDSNA.

Please be sure to include your dinner choice on your check or payment envelope as well as letting Sharon know via email or phone.

The deadline for checks and reservations is Thurs., Jan. 8. (No late-comers will be allowed.) If you are mailing your check, be sure to mail it early so that Bill has it in hand by Thurs., Jan. 8.

Hope to see you there!

Salem Seeks Volunteers for Bertram Field Committee

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Salem Seeks Volunteers for Bertram Field Committee

Working group will help guide future improvements at City’s busiest athletic facility

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll today announced that the City is seeking resident volunteers to apply to join a new working group she is convening to provide advice on future improvements at Bertram Field.

Bertram Field underwent a $2 million upgrade in 2013 and 2014, complete with a new turf field and striping, installation of a regulation length track, and more. The work was advanced through the advocacy of numerous community groups, including the Wicked Running Club, Salem youth sports groups, Salem High School sports and music boosters, and more. Current work underway at the busy field will upgrade the stadium lighting.

“This committee will help provide input on additional possible enhancements to Bertram,” said Mayor Driscoll. “These include making recommendations on key components of a plan that could include the team room, concession facilities, restrooms, and more. The group will also help advocate and privately fundraise to support the project. They will additionally be asked to work on developing management and maintenance plans for the facility’s on-going operation. Those could include rules, regulations, fees, and a new management structure.”

The Bertram Field Committee will include the Salem Public Schools superintendent or his designee, the Mayor or her designee, the superintendent of Parks and Recreation, the director of the Department of Public Services, the Salem High School athletic director, a member of the School Committee, a member of the City Council, and two residents of Salem, one appointed by the School Committee and one appointed by the Park and Recreation Commission.

Residents interested in applying for the appointment from the Salem School Committee should submit a letter or email of interest, with a resume, to eileensacco@salemk12.org. Those interested in applying for appointment by the Park and Recreation Commission should submit the same materials to kpartanen@salem.com. All applications must be submitted no later than noon on Wednesday, January 14.

CALL TO ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

CALL TO ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS – Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Temporary public art installation in Salem, Massachusetts, Summer 2015

Budget $4200.00

Submission Deadline: January 16, 2015

The City of Salem and the Salem Main Streets Program seek qualifications from artists and designers interested in creating a three-month site-responsive public art installation in the heart of downtown Salem during the summer of 2015. The public art project will be a prominent feature in the kick-off of the Salem Arts Festival, an annual three-day celebration of all the arts that will begin June 5, 2015. Artists and designers working in any media, including light, are encouraged to submit qualifications.

Salem is a growing, culturally diverse city with a rich literary, architectural, maritime, and immigrant history, including its role in the 17th century Salem Witch Trials. In the 19th century, it was one of the most important seaports in the country. Today it is lively destination that draws people from around the world.

The site for the Salem Arts Festival public art project is the area surrounding Old Town Hall from Essex Street on the north side to New Derby Street on the south side. It includes a section of the Essex Street pedestrian mall, all of Derby Square, and Artists Row. Except for Front Street at the lower end, the site is a pedestrian-only zone. Retail shops, restaurants, businesses, and residences are located throughout the area. The architecture includes historic colonial buildings as well as newer structures. In addition, various landscape and hardscape features could be integrated with the public art project, such as bollards, steps, lamp posts, brickwork, and trees. Notable topography from the bottom of the plaza at Front Street to the top of the hill at Essex Street creates a dramatic space around Old Town Hall.

The Salem Arts Festival public art project is an opportunity to create a unique experience for the thousands of visitors and residents who enjoy downtown Salem in the summer. In addition to the Salem Arts Festival, several other festivals, as well as a weekly farmers’ market on Derby Square Plaza, mark the season and draw crowds to the City.

From this RFQ, three to five finalists will be invited to submit concept proposals. Each finalist or finalist team will be paid a $150 stipend. One proposal will be selected for installation. The selection committee is particularly interested in artists or designers who show promise of creating a project that:

• responds to the physical, historical, and/or social attributes of the site
• reflects high level of quality in design and fabrication
• offers the potential for community interaction
• unifies the series of public spaces within the overall site
• is durable and easily maintainable for three months in exterior conditions

The budget for the Salem Arts Festival public art project is $4,200.00

Timeline:

January 16, 2015 All electronic submissions due

January 30, 2015 Finalists selected

Mid February 2015 Finalists present concept proposals in person

February 27, 2015 Final selection announced

March-May 2015 Final development of project

End of May 2015 Installation

How To Submit:

Submissions should be emailed to Deborah Greel, Public Art Planner, City of Salem, dgreel@salem.com. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please re-send or call Deborah at 978-619-5681.

For more information, please contact Deborah Greel: dgreel@salem.com

Visit www.salemartsfestival.com for more information about the Salem Arts Festival.

City of Salem Offers Free Parking December 24 and 31

From: Robert K McCarthy
Councillor Ward One

City of Salem Offers Free Parking December 24 and 31

In order to encourage residents to shop local and support Salem’s small businesses this holiday season, Mayor Kim Driscoll has announced that parking in all City-owned locations in Salem will be free on Wednesday, December 24.

Then, on Wednesday December 31, metered spaces and City-owned surface lots will also be free after 4:00 p.m. and the Museum Place and South Harbor parking garages will be free after 7:00 p.m., in order to help encourage residents and visitors to come ring in the New Year in downtown Salem.

 “I hope everyone doing their last minute holiday shopping will keep our local small retailers and shops in mind,” said Mayor Driscoll. “To make it just a bit easier for all of you late shoppers, the City will not be charging for parking on December 24^th. Now you don’t have an excuse!”

The City of Salem and Salem Main Streets have also once again partnered to host “LAUNCH! New Year’s Eve Salem” at Old Town Hall in Derby Square from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on New Year’s Eve night. This free and family-friendly party will include music by The Dejas, New Year’s Eve related activities and crafts for kids of all ages, and will end with an early countdown and balloon drop at 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Tree Bonfire - Jan. 9 - 6pm - Dead Horse Beach

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Subject: Christmas Tree Bonfire - Jan. 9 - 6pm - Dead Horse Beach

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Kimberley Driscoll

Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Dominick Pangallo

Chief of Staff

Office of Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, City of Salem

(978) 619-5600 | dpangallo@salem.com

Join in the fun at Salem's 12^th Annual Christmas Tree Bonfire

Friday, January 9, 6:00 p.m., Dead Horse Beach

SALEM, MA –  Mayor Kim Driscoll and the City of Salem’s Park & Recreation Department will hold the City’s 12^th  annual Christmas tree bonfire at Dead Horse Beach on Memorial Drive on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 6:00 p.m., weather permitting.

“The Bonfire is one more great Salem tradition. I look forward to it every year,” said Mayor Driscoll.

Northside Carting trucks will be picking up trees curbside on the same day as your regularly scheduled trash day beginning January 5^th.  If you really want to make sure your tree is part of the bonfire, you can drop it off at the entrance to Dead Horse Beach after January 2^nd or bring it to the bonfire on the 9^th.  Please don't forget to remove all decorations and lights from your tree.

In case of inclement weather (rain/snow/wind) the bonfire will be held on Saturday evening January 10^th at 6:00 p.m.

Check www.salem.com for rescheduling information.

City-wide Christmas tree curbside collection will continue to take place January 12 -16, 2015.  Please leave your tree curbside on the same day as your regularly scheduled trash day and Northside Carting will pick up your tree.

Chanukah Menorah Lighting - 12/20 - 7pm

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Subject: Chanukah Menorah Lighting - 12/20 - 7pm

Chanukah Menorah Lighting

Lappin Park

Saturday, December 20, 2014

7:00 p.m.

Please join Mayor Driscoll and Rabbi Yossi Lipsker from Chabad of the North Shore to light the Chanukah Menorah at Lappin Park (corner of Essex and Washington Streets) at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20^th.  Traditional holiday latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) will be served after the candle lighting.  

CPA Draft Community Preservation Plan Available for Comment

From:Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Subject: CPA Draft Community Preservation Plan Available for Comment

CPA Draft Community Preservation Plan Available

Public comment can be submitted by January 6, 2015

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has released its Draft FY15 Community Preservation Plan and FY14 Annual Report. The Community Preservation Plan is used to guide the CPC’s decision-making when reviewing and recommending projects for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding. 

The Plan includes an overview of the CPA in Salem, evaluation criteria, and a timeline. It also references several planning documents that have been vetted through public processes and summarizes some of the relevant needs, goals, and recommendations of those plans. Finally, the plan also serves as an annual report, summarizing the status of funded projects and including copies of the required State reports.

The CPC invites public comment on the draft plan through January 6, 2015. Following the receipt of comments, the Plan will be finalized and proposals for CPA funding will accepted. Comments should be submitted to:

Jane A. Guy

Assistant Community Development Director

Department of Planning & Community Development

120 Washington St., 3rd Floor

Salem, MA  01970

(F) 978-740-0404

jguy@salem.com

 The CPC uses a two-step application process for reviewing funding proposals, beginning with an Eligibility Application. This application enables applicants to know if their project is eligible under CPA regulations prior to submitting the more comprehensive Funding Application. Eligibility Applications may be submitted to the CPC at any time. However, in order to be considered for the FY15 funding round, applicants are encouraged to submit their Eligibility Applications no later than February 6, 2015. For projects that are determined eligible, applicants will then be invited to submit a Funding Application. The CPC’s tentative deadline for the receipt of Funding Applications is March 20, 2015. The goal of the CPC is to review proposals and submit funding recommendations to the City Council in May 2015. 

CPC Chair Helen Sides stated, "This first year of CPA has been exciting, and I am pleased with the extremely positive feedback the CPC has received regarding the projects that were selected for funding. I look forward to beginning the next round of CPA funding, which starts with this release of the Draft FY15 Community Preservation Plan and FY14 Annual Report.”

 “The CPC has done a terrific job of developing the materials and process needed to create Salem’s CPA program. The projects vetted by the CPC and approved by the City Council for funding during the first round exceeded everyone’s expectations and I’m very much looking forward to what the FY15 round will bring,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll.

The CPA was adopted by Salem voters in November, 2012. It established a local dedicated fund for the purpose of undertaking open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and community housing projects. It is financed by a voter-approved property tax surcharge along with annual matching funds from the statewide CPA Trust Fund. The CPC is composed of representatives from the City’s Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, Park & Recreation Commission, and Salem Housing Authority, along with appointees from the Mayor and the City Council.

The Draft FY15 Community Preservation Plan and FY14 Annual Report and additional information can be found at http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_CPC/index.

Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)

As you may be aware, the City and Footprint have reached agreement on a Payment in Lieu in Taxes (PILOT) agreement and a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) in connection with the proposed new power plant facility. A draft of the CBA that the Council will be discussing and hopefully voting on at their meeting tonight at 7:00 pm was published in the Salem News today. A copy of the draft is linked below. This is technically a draft, but the key terms are set at this point. Footprint will be providing an update on the overall project and the Council will be providing a breakdown of the terms and conditions related to the PILOT and CBA at tonight's City Council meeting at 7:00 pm

CBA Draft (PDF)

Salem Main Streets Holiday Stroll - Tomorrow, Saturday, December 13th

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Salem Main Streets Holiday Stroll

Salem Main Streets is introducing a Holiday Stroll tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 13^th to encourage residents to shop local and enjoy their downtown during the holiday season.  Over 40 downtown retailers have committed to staying open until 8 pm on the 13th, and most will be offering special holiday discounts, promotions, and yummy refreshments all day. Don’t miss the Pickering Wharf businesses’ Winter Walk of the Wharf, including a stroll with Santa from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Boy Scout Troop 83 will be running a gift-wrapping station on Derby Square throughout the day, and will be joined by Troop 24, who will be selling wreaths in part to benefit the restoration of the Arch on Salem Common.

Don’t forget to vote on your favorite holiday windows during the Stroll!

Participating Businesses

Angel’s Landing – 192 Essex St.

Boston Bead Company – 10 Front St.

Coon’s Card & Gift Shop – 226 Essex St.

The Coven’s Cottage – 190 Essex St.

Crafters Market Candles & Gifts – 82 Wharf St.

Day of the Dog – 63B Wharf St.

Delande Lighting – 22 New Derby St.

Edward John Home Décor – 100 Wharf St.

Glass and Etc. – Museum Place Mall

The Happy Sunflower – 78 Wharf St.

Hedrington’s – 61 Wharf St.

The House of Seven Gables Museum Store – 115 Derby St.

J. Mode – 17 Front St.

Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints and Tomo’s Tackle – 104 Wharf St.

Kensington-Stobart Gallery – 18 Washington Square W

The Marble Faun Books and Gifts – 131-1 Essex St.

Melita Fiore – 83 Washington St.

Modern Millie Vintage & Consignments – 3 Central St.

Mud Puddle Toys – 221 Essex St.

New England Dog Biscuit Company – 7 Central St.

Ocean Chic Boutique – 96 Wharf St.

Penelope’s Pet Boutique – 99 Washington St.

Pyramid Books – 214 Derby St.

Re-Find – 72 Washington St.

Re-Find for Men – 244 Essex St.

Remember Salem – 127 Essex St.

RJ Coins & Jewelry – 68 Wharf St.

Roost & Company – 40 Front St.

Salem Spice – 75 Wharf St

Salem’s Vintage Photography – 172 Essex St.

Salemdipity – 86 Wharf St.

Seed Stitch Fine Yarn – 21 Front St.

Treasures Over Time – 139 Washington St

Trolley Depot – 191 Essex St.

The Urbane Cyclist – 144 Washington St.

Wicked Good Books – 215 Essex St.

Witch City Thrift & Consignment Shop – 301 Essex St.

Witch Tees – 173 Essex St.

Witch Tees – Museum Place Mall

Wynott’s Wands – 127 Essex St

Ye Olde Pepper Companie – 122 Derby St.

City of Salem Launches Snow Emergency Central Webpage & Call for Shovelers

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

City of Salem Launches Snow Emergency Central Webpage & Call for Shovelers

The City of Salem has once again launched the Snow Emergency Central webpage on Salem.com – a comprehensive online directory for information related to snow emergencies and winter storms in Salem.

The webpage (http://www.salem.com/Pages/snow/index) can be accessed directly by clicking on the Snow Emergency Central icon located in the upper right hand corner of the Salem.com homepage.

Snow Emergency Central provides information on the following snow emergency and winter storm related resources:

• Current Snow Emergency Details
• Snow Emergency CodeRed Alert System Sign-Ups
• List of Snow Emergency Parking Locations (full lot listing and interactive map)
• 2014-2015 Snow Emergency Downloadable Brochure
• Salem Snow Shoveling Assistance Program (for elderly, infirmed, or disabled residents)
• Salem Snow Shoveling Brigade
• SeeClickFix Winter Service Requests
• Snow Emergency Frequently Asked Questions
• Snow Rules and Regulations (for shoveling, plowing, and clearing of sidewalks, driveways, hydrants and catch basins)
• Winter Sand Acquisition

The City of Salem will also be working to try to clear snow from downtown crosswalks in a timely fashion this winter season. To that end, the City is seeking individuals interested in signing up for compensated work shoveling these critical pedestrian access points.

Those interested in signing up should visit the Salem Human Resources Office, 120 Washington Street, 4^th floor, and bring a photo ID. The office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.

City ordinances require all private property owners to remove snow and ice from their own bordering sidewalks within six hours after the snow stops falling or the City’s blue snow emergency lights are turned off, whichever time is later. If the snow stops falling and the emergency lights are turned off in the nighttime, the snow must be removed by noon the following day. Failure to do can result in fines from $25 to $100. While the City makes every effort to clear its pedestrian ways as soon feasible after a storm, it is important for property owners to clear their own sidewalks, as well. This will help prevent children, the elderly, and the general public from having to walk in the street.

The City of Salem also offers a Snow Shoveling Assistance Program to help elderly and infirmed residents connect with available shovelers in their neighborhood. Details about the program are available at http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_DPW/snowprogram.

The City of Salem has once again launched the Snow Emergency Central webpage on Salem.com – a comprehensive online directory for information related to snow emergencies and winter storms in Salem.

A Cup for Kindness

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Subject: A Cup for Kindness

Greetings!

In this season of giving, bring a nonperishable food donation to the admissions desk between December 1 and 28 and receive a voucher for a complimentary cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate from PEM's Atrium Café.

All donations benefit the Salem Food Pantry. Vouchers are valid through December 31, 2014.

Offered by PEM in partnership with the Hawthorne Hotel.

Claudia F. Chuber

Director, Community Affairs & Grants Management

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

East India Square

Salem, MA  01970

978-542-1606

pem.org/constructionupdates

www.pem.org

claudia_chuber@pem.org

City of Salem Announces Annual Peas for Fees Ticket Amnesty Program

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

City of Salem Announces Annual Peas for Fees Ticket Amnesty Program

The annual "Peas for Fees" ticket amnesty program will run from December 1-24 and allow for the waiver of late fees on parking violations in exchange for a donation of two canned goods and/or non-perishable items per ticket. All food will go to local Salem food pantries.

Please contact the City of Salem’s Collector’s Office at 978-619-5620 for more information.