Summer 2009 Arrives at Last, and Essex Heritage Plans for the Future
As we approach August 2009, it appears that summer has finally arrived in eastern Massachusetts! It has been a long time coming, but is certainly welcome. The summer season in this part of the country lasts for such a short time that outdoor enthusiasts all over the county are trying to make up for time lost time. The first part of this summer was cool and damp and was trying for many. Now everywhere along our historic coastline, boaters, from power to sail boats as well as kayaks are taking advantage of the nice weather. Walkers, runners, cyclists and hikers are all taking advantage of the pleasant weather. Let’s hope summer lasts a little longer and we make up for the lost time with nice weather that extends into the fall season.
Baker’s Island Improvements Underway
Several months ago, the United States Coast Guard deaccessioned their lighthouse property on Bakers Island in Salem Sound. After a studied process, the Essex National Heritage Commission was chosen, a license granted and over the last year, ENHC has taken a number of small steps to maintain and improve the property around the historic Bakers Island light. This summer, an Essex Heritage has recruited the help of two experienced caretakers for the property. The couple has been living in the keeper’s cottage on the island. Some power and other facilities have been repaired to make the property more livable. Essex Heritage continues to examine strategies to make repairs to the site, as the lighthouse and the other facilities connected to the light help tell the wonderful maritime story of this region. It will still be some time before a final plan for the property is developed, but the improvements made this summer are a first step in that process.
Semi-Annual Meeting of Essex Heritage Set for October
Twice each year, the Essex National Heritage Commission holds general meetings around the region that are open to our Commissioners and the public. In 2009, the fall meeting will be held at the Community House of Hamilton & Wenham. Throughout the years, Essex Heritage has made a point to hold these semi-annual meetings at unique venues across the county, in an effort to introduce them to new audiences and connect people to new places. We are looking forward to holding our meeting in South Hamilton this fall. For mare information or to RSVP to the meeting contact Emily Levin at emilyl@essexheritage.org or call 978 740 0444.
ENHC Losing a Valuable Staff Member
I recently learned that a wonderful and talented member of the Essex Heritage staff will be leaving us for an important regional position. Ms. Sheilagh Doerfler has agreed to become the Operations Manager for Essex County Greenbelt Association in early August. We will miss Sheilagh very much, but it is comforting to know that her efforts will be directed to promoting this region for one of our most dedicated partners, Essex County Greenbelt Association. We wish Sheilagh all the best and we know how fortunate Greenbelt will be to have her talents in their organization.
Essex Happenings “Blog” Created to Help Communicate with the Region
Over the last month or so, with the help of many others on the Essex Heritage staff, I have begun an Essex Happenings blog that will be used to provide timely information to the residents of the region about Essex Heritage activities and other “happenings” in the region that impact our mission. The blog can be accessed at www.essexhappenings.blogspot.com. Please take a look when you have a chance. Postings will take place regularly and will provide information about the region that we know will be informative and will help you enjoy all we have to offer in the area.
Thomas M. Leonard is President Emeritus of the Essex National Heritage Commission, Inc., the nonprofit management entity of the Essex National Heritage Area, and can be reached by clicking here.