By Mary Kate DePamphilis

mk@nobomagazine.com

This weekend is going to be absolutely beautiful—sunny with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees across the NoBo region depending on how close you are to the coast.  If you don’t already have a graduation party or a wedding to attend, get out and enjoy some of these fun, outdoor NoBo events.  As well as some evening happenings, there are tons of things going on in our area that will be held outdoors, so you can catch some Vitamin D while having a blast with the kids, your friends, or even just yourself.  Have fun and don’t forget the sun block!

Local Production of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

Come out to see ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,’ newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, at the local Quannapowitt Players community theater.  The Quannapowitt Players have been providing quality, volunteer-run, community theater for over 65 years now. Known for their depth of talent, QP provides an inexpensive and more accessible alternative to downtown Boston theater.  QP guarantees you will be delighted by the quality and craftsmanship of their performers and technicians.  This weekend is an opportunity to see what QP is all about and hear one of the most poignant stories ever told.

Statement from the Quannapowitt Players discussing The Diary of Anne Frank: “Seventy years ago this July, in an effort to escape the Nazi’s, Otto Frank led his family up the stairs to the attic that was to be their home for almost two years. The Quannapowitt Players dedicate these performances in remembrance of all those who lost their lives to the Holocaust…. Through this powerful adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne’s words are reborn for a new generation.”

When? Friday May 18^th, 8pm., Saturday, May 19^th, 8pm., & Sunday-May 20^th, 2pm.

Where?  Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins Street, Reading, MA

Cost?  $18 adults, $17 seniors/students, $10 children.  To purchase online, click here.

Essex River Race

This event is a fun and adventurous way to spend a Saturday!  The Essex River Race is a 5.5+ mile open water event that leaves from the Essex River at Route 133 in Essex, goes out behind the barrier beaches of Ipswich and comes back again.  If you have a human-powered row or paddle boat and are interested in taking in some of the most breathtaking views of NoBo, you should definitely participate in this race.  The area has some of the most scenic tidal areas in all of New England.

Awards will be given to best times.  Serious racers are allowed and encouraged.  But casual fun-loving participants are just as welcome.  Safety and sportsmanlike conduct are insisted upon as the water can be occasionally rough with strong winds and currents.  Fees include t-shirt, race management, prizes, and post race refreshments.  When you make it back to the finish line, the area also has some of the best seafood restaurants and stands in NoBo!  Fried clams anyone?

When?  Saturday, May 19^th, 9:30am

Where?  Essex River, at Route 133 in Essex

Cost?  $27 per boat; Click here to preregister. $35 registration fee for all walk-ins.

Motif No. 1 Day

If you’re from the NoBo region, you know the iconic red fishing shack that sits on the docks of downtown Rockport.  It’s even been in movies; remember that scene with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock in The Proposal?

Come to downtown Rockport and celebrate Rockport’s heritage of the Arts, symbolized by the Motif No. 1, which is the subject of countless paintings during the early 20^th century.  Today, Rockport continues to inspire artists of many mediums.  This day honors the iconic building by dedicating a family fun, interactive event to the Arts.

The day will kick off will a 5k race followed by various activities and mini-events every hour.  They include a petting zoo, a sidewalk chalk drawing contest, a photography exhibit, a scavenger hunt, various musical band performances throughout the day, and of course “chowda”!  What a fantastic day to be by the Atlantic Ocean in this picturesque New England town.  Bring the whole family and don’t forget to stop by the Bearskin Neck Country Store from some “penny candy” just like the old days!

When? Saturday, May 19^th, 9am-5:30pm.

Where?  Downtown Rockport

Cost? FREE, food sales will benefit Rockport Festivals.  For a full listing of events and activities, click here.

Living Green and Renewable Energy Fair

The Salem Chamber of Commerce will be bringing together green industry professionals and consumers from the Greater Boston and NoBo regions to discuss products, services, and information that encourage healthier, more sustainable consumption and lifestyles for businesses and families.  The Living Green and Renewable Energy Fair will include over 40 vendor booths, lots of free stuff, items for sale and prizes.  There will be something for everyone, so bring the kids, too!

There will be a free movie viewing, an electronic waste recycling event, and most interesting—a grease car on display.  Used vegetable oil is an alternative fuel for diesel engines and for heating oil burners.  Fossil fuel pump prices are over $4 a gallon, and approaching $5 per gallon on some areas.  This display will demonstrate a converted grease car.  This is just one of many amazing things you will see at learn at the LGRE Fair.  92.5 The River will be there spinning tunes, setting an example.  They are one of only a few radio stations in the US powered by Solar Energy.

Do your part for the earth and learn what you can do to make a change in your home or business.  According to recycling-revolution.com, recycling an aluminum can saves enough electricity to power a television for three hours. If one ton of paper gets recycled, it saves 4,100 kilowatts of energy, 17 trees and 60 pounds of air pollution. If a ton of glass gets recycled, it can save 9 gallons of oil.  This is just the beginning!  Find out more by attending the LGRE Fair and having fun, too!

When?  Saturday, May 19^th, 10am-3pm.

Where?  Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem

Cost?  FREE

Spring Fling: An Evening of Wine Tasting

A night out?  “Wine” not?  This event will feature over 100 wines from Leary’s Fine Wines & Spirits of Newburyport, as well as Cody Brewing Company Tastings.  There will be a live and silent auction where a “Plein-Air” painting by Alan Bull will be auctioned off!  Dana Marshall of Radio 92.5 The River, will be the celebrity host and auctioneer.  To accompany your wine, you will enjoy tasty cheeses from Cabot of New England and hors d’oeurves from local chefs and restaurants.

All proceeds will benefit Yankee Homecoming 2012 in Newburyport.  This festival is held every late July to early August and includes a parade and finale of fabulous firework displays.  The first Yankee Homecoming was held in 1958 in Newburyport and twenty-nine other communities as a way to revitalize pride and interest in downtown communities.  Today, Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming is the only remaining annual celebration.  Thanks to many generous donors and events like “Spring Fling”, the town is able to keep the family friendly feel good event for all to enjoy.

When?  Saturday, May 19^th, 6-9pm.

Where?  Masonic Center, 31 Green Street, Newburyport

Cost?  $35 at the door

Hoppin’ Mad Mud Run

This event is hardcore.  Wallflowers need not apply.  The Mad Mud Run is a challenging 10k on and off-road with 15 Military inspired obstacle courses.  These obstacles are designed and dedicated to the servicemen and servicewomen of our country.  Here is your chance to see what you are made of!

Costumes are encouraged for a little added fun.  Prizes will be awarded.  Feel free to run individually, in a 2-person team, or better yet—a 5-person team.

The best part is that when the race is over, you are rewarded at the finish line with “Muds n Suds”—a beer garden sampling beers from 6 of the finest local craft breweries.  Live music will also enhance the party all day long.  Your participant fee includes t-shirt, music, pint glass, music, 1 free beer, race bib, and Vita Coco samples. Sounds like one dirty and delicious event!

When? Sunday, May 20^th, 11:00am

Where? Woodsom Farm, Lion’s Mouth Road, Amesbury

Cost? $65 Individual, $110 2-person team, $300 5-person team.  For more information, click here.

By Keith Spencer

keith@nobomagazine.com

Political cynicism is at a seemingly all-time high in the United States, and yet another issue has come to the forefront of the current presidential campaign to further stir the pot.

 Many are blasting President Obama’s recent evolution on the issue of gay marriage as a forced, politically motivated calculation while others believe it bolsters his prospects at securing a neglected component of his liberal base.

While polls indicate many people once opposed now support gay marriage, ballot initiative victories in 31 states attest for the fact that many still do not. I believe there are reasonable and legitimate concerns no matter where you fall on the issue, and I’m a gay man living with my partner in a home we purchased together last year.

The bothersome part of this “controversy” is the consistent commentary from representatives, writers, and citizens on both sides of the aisle that gay rights is a non-issue in the election.

Infringing on Americans’ civil rights is not as important as issues like the economy?

This is a slap in the face of every gay citizen across the country.

As a white, male, middle-class Millenial, it was always hard for me to imagine living in a United States filled with discrimination. Discrimination of minority populations, women, and other Americans perceived as inferior and less deserving of civil rights.

I had grown up believing the United States believed in nothing less than equality for those coming from all walks of life. Yet, the fairness and equality that I have always cherished and promote as a public educator is at risk simply for choosing to live a life of happiness and honesty.

The future I hoped to create for a family of my own not as secure.

Separate is not equal. I thought we learned this lesson?

While supporting gay marriage, President Obama clearly stated in the same breath that he supported gay marriage that he would leave the matter to the states. I am lucky to live in Massachusetts where the first legal, gay marriages took place.

I am not asking those in North Carolina to adhere to our practices in the Commonwealth, however, the federal law known as DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) severely impacts aspects of life for homosexual couples.

What’s ironic is that we’re asking for some of the most conservative rights: to enter into a commitment sanctioned by the government to procure and promote a better future for our families. To file joint taxes. To ensure Social Security survivors’ benefits will provide security for those we leave behind.

Whether it’s food stamps, immigration, estate tax, or federal/military employee benefits, there are a slew of other issues that many don’t put into perspective when debating this supposed non-issue.

For many, it comes down to religion, and marriage under law is a civil contract. We’re not asking your Church to redefine its doctrine either.

In the end, I look at both the President’s and millions of Americans’ struggle as a reflection of our nation’s willingness to change. A sign something positive is coming down the pipeline. It may not have been at the outset or the perfect, planned moment. It may in fact come at a seemingly inconvenient time.

But to ignore the issue or to lessen its importance would simply be un-American.

PEABODY – Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. announced the following schedule of events for the City of Peabody’s 2012 commemoration of Memorial Day.

Friday, May 25, 2012

9:00 AM

Cedar Grove Cemetery

Flagging of all Veterans’ graves

10:30AM-12:00PM

Breakfast and coffee for all flaggers at City Hall.  Hosted by Mayor Bettencourt.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

8:15AM

Assemble in parking lot

Mass begins at 8:30AM  at St. Adelaide’s Church, 712 Lowell Street

Monday, May 28, 2012: Memorial Day

9:15AM

March to Cedar Grove Cemetery

Memorial ceremony starts 9:30AM

11:00 AM

Parade begins – Allens Lane and Washington Street

11:45AM-12:30PM

Ceremony – In front of City Hall

MALDEN – Mayor Gary Christenson and Police Chief James Holland are pleased to announce the selection of Malden Police Officer Ryan Fortier as the newest Malden Square “Beat Cop.” Officer Fortier, a nine-year veteran of the force who previously served in the patrol division, began his new duties on May 15th and has already started introducing himself to Malden Square merchants and customers.

“Officer Fortier is an outstanding choice because he has an impressive ability to interact with the people who live, work, and visit our downtown,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “I am grateful to the City Council for their support on this initiative.”

Officer Fortier will be patrolling Malden Square weekdays from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM and will be keeping an eye on businesses as well as the MBTA station area. Officer Fortier will also assist downtown businesses with crime prevention measures.

“We are happy to have the Malden Square Officer re-implemented thanks to the Mayor and have absolute confidence that Officer Fortier will serve the business community in a very positive fashion,” said Chief Holland.

Said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ted Coates, “We really appreciate the Mayor’s Office following through on this pledge. It will enhance ongoing efforts to enliven and reinvigorate Malden Square.”

The 2013 City Budget

 A Guest Op-Ed by Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Jr.

It is with great pride and honor that we presented the Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Budget Proposal to the City Council on Monday night.

As we mentioned in our letter to the Council, this is a starting point that will allow us to engage in a collaborative effort to develop a sustainable operating budget designed with the best interests of you, our residents, business owners and taxpayers.

What is ultimately important is that we offer the opportunity for debate, collaboration and the open mindedness to make positive choices with the budget. I am confident, that in the end, our collective efforts will confirm our positive financial outlook while at the same time allow the City to move forward.

We will post a copy of the budget on our website, so you, our readers, will have the opportunity to review and follow along during the budget hearings this weekend.

The following are excerpts from my letter to the City Council and highlight some major areas:

Our financial advisors have reminded us that it is important to assess our reserves in comparison to other similar communities.  In that regard, the proposed budget not only focuses on our fiscal year 2013 operating needs, but also makes provisions to help protect the City’s fiscal future.  To that end, for the first time in years, we will be making an investment to our stabilization fund. This will enable us to increase our reserves and will accomplish two objectives; (1) provide our citizens with a level of comfort that we are mindful of the future and are doing our best to insulate the City from possible future adverse forces that are not under our control, and (2) protect the City’s bond rating thus keep us in a favorable light with future investors in the City’s securities. Ensuring that the fiscal future of Everett will be steady and secure is important to us, and I am proud to stand with you today as we collectively attempt to achieve this goal.

Educational expenses represent by far the largest portion of the budget as the City continues to commit substantial resources to this vital area.  Providing the best education for our children is our most important goal and the proposed budget certainly reflects this. The School’s direct budget increased from the prior year by 2.1 million dollars.  This was necessary in order to meet the School Foundation Budget as set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The Education budget cannot be lower or we will not be in compliance with the Education Reform Act, so we are fortunate that the School worked aggressively with us to meet delivery requirements within the constraints of the costs imposed.

Public Safety is another area in which we continue to devote substantial resources.  Keeping our streets safe has been an important initiative for my administration and we will continue to not lose sight of this.  The Public Safety budget in aggregate represents an increase of almost 2 million dollars.  Approximately $600,000 of this increase is due to a reclassification of the cost of traffic light operation from City Services to Inspectional Services, so in real terms the increase is adjusted to 1.4 million dollars.  The remainder is due primarily to salary increases that have been collectively bargained.

General Government costs, which consist mainly of the legislative, executive and administrative areas of the local government is proposed to increase by about $500,000.  The largest component of this increase is the result of the estimated cost to perform a complete conversion of our current software system.  We place this estimate at approximately $350,000.  The current system in place was implemented in 1998.  It is antiquated, inefficient and more importantly, we are not taking advantage of the significant technological advances that have taken place in the past 14 years.  A new system will allow our financial departments to be more efficient and productive, and more importantly will allow us to catch up with our peer communities who have all gone through system conversions recently.

One of our other largest areas of cost is the fringe benefits we pay to remain competitive with surrounding communities and maintain our valued employees.  The largest of these costs is health insurance and pension costs.  I am proud to announce that through collaboration between the administration and employees, we will be able to level fund our health insurance line item at approximately $17.7 million.  This will save the city $1.7 million dollars this year and $17 million dollars over the next ten years.  The new plan design for health insurance includes protections for employees like flex spending accounts, and also great savings for the City.  Our pension costs are expected to increase by about $400,000 to approximately 11.6 million dollars. This amount is actuarially determined in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, therefore we are statutorily bound to this amount.

Our capital improvement account is funded once again at $1.2 million.  This account allows us to complete projects that the city desperately needs.  In fiscal year 2012, we were able to use these funds to reconstruct nine streets, do a planning study for the River’s Edge area, and buy new bleachers for the Recreation Center.   The fiscal year 2013 money will be used to fund some capital improvement projects including a new mail meter machine, sidewalk improvements, street improvements as dictated by the pavement management plan, and a city hall use and planning study.

Some great news for our City is the reduction of over $500,000 in debt service requirements over the prior fiscal year.  This is due to a refinancing of existing debt to more favorable rates of interest and the pay-off of regular scheduled maturity of principal balances.  Our debt is expected to continue to reduce annually thus allowing us to replace this debt with new debt to fund our infrastructure needs.  We understand the value of maintaining our infrastructure and the impact this has on real estate valuations and consequently our bond rating. This is critical to our community and to our investors.  To fulfill that goal, we are currently researching with our bond advisors the most cost efficient manner to complete major capital initiatives within the constraints of future annual budgets.

We are cognizant of the continued dire fiscal uncertainty of our state and country.  However, we also remain mindful that we must plan for our future.  We are hopeful that we will be soon seeing a change in the climate and with that change will come new development and increased property values. The new Executive Office of Planning and Community Development will help guide our way in this new economic climate.  The administration is working with builders, developers and State Officials to ensure that we will be ready when the economy improves.

It is vital for us to continue to invest in our City for the well being of our current and future residents.  This budget will guarantee our continued economic strength, the well-being of our residents and the future of our City. By working together to achieve these mutual goals, I know that we are making a prudent investment in Everett’s future.

I am confident that this budget document will lay the foundation for a fiscally responsible and efficient service and lay the foundation for a brighter and stronger future for our City.

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BEACON HILL – The Massachusetts State House will celebrate Small Business Week from May 21 to 25, coinciding with National Small Business Week. Plans include a week-long series of small business focused events to highlight the many contributions of the state’s small business community to the Massachusetts economy.

“By extending our discussion with local entrepreneurs and small businesses from the Statewide Listening Tour conducted in the fall, we can continue to gain further insight on how the legislature can properly assist our small businesses and promote economic growth in our communities,” said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development & Small Business, in a release about the upcoming events.

The highlight of the week-long celebration will be a Small Business Resource Fair. From designing a business plan to procuring state funding, learn how to bolster your entrepreneurial skills from a variety of resource providers on hand to share information on the many programs available to assist small businesses.

While Governor Deval Patrick has been invited to attend, Treasurer Steve Grossman, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo will also be on hand to discuss recent administrative and legislative efforts to improve the business climate in Massachusetts.

“State House Small Business Week will also provide us with a timely opportunity to highlight recent efforts to improve the business climate, as well as promote the many resources and programs available to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across the state,” DiDomenico adds.

The event is free and open to the public, and is to be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 8AM to 11AM in the Great Hall at the State House.

Other events throughout the week are to include: visits by legislators to local small businesses in their home districts, a hearing on the Administration’s progress in implementing Small Business Impact Statement legislation, and the continuation of the Joint Committee’s Statewide Small Business Listening tour with a stop at UMASS Boston’s Venture Development Center and Small Business Development Center.

This year will mark the first known week-long State House celebration honoring the small business community here in the Commonwealth, coinciding with National Small Business Week. The annual celebration was started by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, and President Barack Obama has once again designated this upcoming week in May as National Small Business Week.

For more information on events planned during State House Small Business Week, please call Senator DiDomenico’s office at (617) 722-1650.  For updates on each of these planned events and to learn more about the work of the Committee, please visit our official Facebook page.

To learn more about National Small Business Week, please visit www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com.

MALDEN – The owner of a Lawrence Insurance Agency was honored along with two other businessmen with Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards after being nominated among others for their economic, social, and scientific contributions. Julia Silverio, founder of Silverio Insurance Agency in Lawrence, received the award for Outstanding Business Growth.

“We came to this country in pursuit of the American dream and a better life for ourselves and our families,” Silverio said at an awards dinner held at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge last week. “By that mere fact, we are all winners.”

Silverio is a native of the Dominican Republic, and founded her business out of her home in 1984, initially providing translation, tax, insurance and travel services to the Latino population of Lawrence.

Like many other immigrant entrepreneurs, Silverio’s business provided a needed service to a population and changing demographic that many others chose to ignore. Silverio Insurance Agency’s revenue reached $2.5 million in 2011, growing more than 50% in just two years.

Silverio as thanked The Immigrant Learning Center of Malden, who hosts the annual awards gala, noting the organization does a great job “promoting immigrants as assets to America, especially during these hard times when being an immigrant sometimes is frowned upon”.

Two other immigrant entrepreneurs were honored, including Larry Dossantos, founder of 912 Auto Center in Dorchester, who received the award for Outstanding Neighborhood business, and Amar Sawhney, founder of several high-tech businesses, who received the award for Outstanding Science/Technology business.

The dinner was held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass. The awards were presented by master of ceremonies Richard A. Davey, Jr., secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and ILC board trustee.

The ILC of Malden is a not-for-profit organization that helps immigrants and refugees become successful workers, parents and community members through direct service programs and public education. For more information, visit their website here.

The Economic Case for Early Education

A Guest Op-Ed by Senator Katherine Clark

Last week I co-hosted a legislative briefing on the importance of early childhood education with Arthur Rolnick of the University of Minnesota’s Human Capital Research Collaborative and a former economist at the Federal Reserve.  Professor Rolnick’s research makes the economic case for early childhood education through new data and a comprehensive 40-year study.

Professor Rolnick and his colleagues have quantified the returns on investment in early education: boosting labor productivity, increasing tax revenue, and reducing by up to 50% costs associated with special education services and crime.  Their essential argument is that if children show up to Kindergarten ready-to-learn they will do better in school and, eventually, be better prepared for the workforce and less reliant on social programs.  This benefits our society and our economy.

This research has shown high rates of return for public investment in services for children under the age of five.  Indeed, the annual rate of return of up to 16% is higher than for many traditional economic development efforts, and significantly higher than the average post-WWII annual stock market yield of 5.8%.  The best programs, according to the research, are those that start early, focus on at-risk children, effectively engage and support parents, and include access to high-quality programs staffed by educators with advanced degrees.

These savings are significant. The children in these programs are much more likely to graduate from high school, get jobs, and pay taxes. Just as importantly, they are 50% less likely to commit a crime.

Earlier this year, as part of the federal “Race to the Top: Early Learning Challenge” program, Massachusetts was one of nine states selected to receive a $50 million grant to expand pre-Kindergarten education, develop new approaches to early learning, and close the school readiness gap.

A critical part of improving educational outcomes and closing the achievement gap is investing in early literacy. MCAS reading scores show that nearly 40 percent of third graders are reading at a level below proficiency; this trend persists across the state, with the most alarming statistics coming from our lowest income school districts.

To address this challenge, I have introduced legislation that would establish the Massachusetts Early Reading Council to advise state education officials on early age language and literacy strategies and ensure that our curriculum is language rich, and rigorous, and that our assessment strategies are comprehensive, developmentally appropriate and used to inform practice.  This bill passed the Joint Committee on Education in March, and I look forward to its eventual passage into law.

We are fortunate to live in a district that values early childhood education and is home to many high-quality programs.   Several of our communities will offer universal, free, full-day Kindergarten this fall to ensure that all students have access to a level playing field and a strong start.  This is a very positive step.  By ensuring that every student receives an education that unlocks a child’s full potential, we invest in our own strong future economy.

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By Keith Spencer

keith@nobomagazine.com

Despite a potential for unruly weather, spring is the perfect time to go camping given the cooler temperatures and has always been one of my preferred times of year to get out into the wilderness. With summer fast approaching, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike may be planning and preparing for their vacations into the vast wilderness of New England and beyond.

While many wish to escape the chains and shackles of modern technology by escaping to varied camping destinations, there are so many apps for your smartphone and tablet devices that can bolster the camping experience for all. Check out my suggestions below!

Woodall’s RV & Camping Copilot

With information from over 12,000 different camp sites around the North America, Woodall’s RV & Camping Copilot is the ultimate app to find the best site for you. Whether you’re looking to prop up your tent or park your RV, this free guide offers everything you need to know, including information on recreational activities, pet rules, swimming areas, Wi-Fi hotspots, pricing, directions, and so much more!

Coleman Camping Cookbook

Ever since my days in scouting, I have always planned more elaborate menus when camping family style for more than one evening. These trips require a bit more comfort, especially when traveling with your family, little ones, or a larger group in general. The Coleman Camping Cookbook is the perfect way to make the best use of your Coleman stove with camping friendly recipes. They may not necessarily be the greatest or most gourmet ideas, but it’s a good start for novice campers and cooks. Click here to download it from the iTunes store.

StarWalk: 5 Star Guide to the Stars

What would a camping trip be without a walk to stare at the stars? This app is an exciting way to look at the heavens. The Star Spotter, real-time motion tracking tells you what stars are above you in the sky. You can also check out a calendar of celestial events, gauk at Pictures of the Day, and search about nearly every astronomical topic you can ponder. To download the app from the iTunes store, click here.

Survival Guide

For those campers never involved with scouting or the military, this app is the perfect way to make sure you survive should you get lost, stranded, or injured out in the wilderness. This free guide is a survival field manual packed with common sense knowledge to keep you alive out there. In the case of a real emergency, the guide is quite dense and may not be a quick reference point, however, it certainly is a great way to always Be Prepared. Click here to download from the iTunes store.

Coleman: The Creepy Campfire Tales Book

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a Coleman product. This app is perfect for those families looking for appropriate yet creepy tales for their next camping trip. The collection even comes with sound effects that further bring these scary tales to life. It’s available for download in the iTunes store.

Previous Apps of the Week: Watching the Weather

There’s nothing worse than being unprepared for inclement weather when on a camping trip. Check out this previous Apps of the Week post focused on watching the weather.

MALDEN – Please join us as we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country at Malden’s Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28th.

The parade will begin at 10:00 AM and will start at the corner of Salem, Ferry, and Main Streets and will proceed down Main Street to Forest Street (there will be a short ceremony at Forest Dale Cemetery). The parade will then resume on Pierce Street, turn right onto Salem Street, will turn left onto Main Street and will end in front of City Hall at 200 Pleasant Street.

Groups and organizations interested in participating in the Memorial Day Parade should contact Meghan Drummey at mdrummey84@yahoo.com or by phone by calling (781) 974-2345.

To download a PDF of the map, click here.