• Sections
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Education
    • Fashion
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • MVMA
    • Perspectives
    • Travel
  • Shop Local
    • Arts & Culture
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Dining & Cuisine
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Financial & Professional Services
    • Florists, Gift & Specialty Shops
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • Real Estate
  • Calendar
  • Dining Guide
  • Advertise
  • Login

Merrimack Valley Magazine

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Perspectives
  • Travel

Scipio’s Dream

January 1, 2021 by Doug Sparks

I can’t be the only one who felt a personality shift during the pandemic. In times of uncertainty, you hope that what remains is the essential you: the true self beyond the surface of tastes and fashions. That’s the optimist’s viewpoint, and one worth adopting. A pessimist, however, might say that through difficulty we may be merely broken. Limping through the final squares of the 2020 calendar, my cynical side began to feel as though my guts were hanging out while I crawled forward like a dying samurai in an old art house movie.

One of the most curious changes was my taste in music. So much sounded intolerably unpleasant to me. There was one major exception: early music, or music before the Classical period (think everything through Bach in the Western European tradition — medieval, Renaissance and Baroque). Like the world’s most curmudgeonly curmudgeon, even Classical sounded too new, too clangy, too pompous. I wondered why. 

And why did this arcane, dusty music sound so rapturous to my ears? Why did a few galliards from John Dowland or a madrigal from Monteverdi make all my troubles disappear like wine made from glaciers, as glorious vistas flared across my closed eyelids? I lay, buds against the drums, hands folded, fleetingly blissful, night after night.

 

Really, I had had it up to here with 2020 and had set the controls of my internal time machine to “elsewhere.” It wasn’t until I was reading Shakespeare that the answer came to me. In his plays were numerous mentions and references to the music of the spheres, something I vaguely recalled from grad school. 

Here’s a refresher. There was once a time when many people believed that celestial bodies produced through their orbits “a harmony.” Later poets and artists would see this as metaphorical, but it’s important to remember that those who believed in the “musica universalis” thought that the celestial spheres, which included the sun, the moon, the planets and heaven, were so perfect in their movements around Earth that they produced a literal sound.

This concept is central to “Scipio’s Dream,” a book written by the Roman orator Cicero between 54 and 51 B.C. It tells the story of a Roman general who dreams of standing above Carthage one night. Feeling small under the innumerable stars of the Milky Way, the general begins to perceive the sweet music of the spheres. It is a sound that is “the mystic bond of all things in the universe,” and we humans have grown deaf to it. Scipio stands in amazement. From those heavenly sounds he realizes the untapped potential of the human spirit. And this was what I heard glimmers of in the works of those long-dead composers.

The music was giving me something lacking in the world: harmony, proportion, balance. It was everything that stood in opposition to a chaotic, divisive, noisy world. I, too, wanted to stand under an infinite sky and hear again the sounds we have grown too numb to notice. 

 

 

Contact Doug at editor@mvmag.net

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment Tagged With: 2020, 2021, dream, music, pandemic, Scipio, stars

Light in the Darkness

December 24, 2020 by Lane Glenn

Editor’s note: The following post originally appeared on Northern Essex Community College’s “Running the Campus” blog on Dec. 21, the day of the winter solstice. It is an updated version of a 2016 article that addresses the important of optimism. Its author, Lane Glenn, is NECC’s president, and recently was a guest on our weekly podcast, The 495, where he discussed optimism and related topics.

Today is the winter solstice.

Depending on your view of things that means it’s either the shortest day or the longest night of the year.

The reality, of course, is that it is both.

And so it goes for other kinds of reality, too.

The past few years may seem like some of the angriest, most divided and combative years in modern American history, reaching their catastrophic crescendo in 2020, which Time magazine has now deemed “The Worst Year Ever.”

 

Indeed, 2020 has been the year of COVID-19, a devastating economic recession, the death of George Floyd and America’s tumultuous racial reckoning, massive wildfires, a record number of hurricanes, the first presidential election in our time in which the losing candidate has refused to acknowledge the results, and generally more sturm und drang than we are used to experiencing in one revolution around the sun.

If you want to look for the struggles and problems around us, you’ll find them easily enough. It’s not hard to look back on this year, or any year really, and find plenty to regret, mourn, and seethe about.

The night, it would seem, is far from over.

And …

If you choose, instead or in addition to that dark soul gazing, to seek out strengths, virtues, accomplishments large and small, and acts of simple human kindness, I assure you, they are all around us as well.

As bad as things may sometimes seem, it’s also not hard to look back and find plenty to celebrate, uplift, and sooth.

For example:

  • While the attention of the entire planet has understandably been riveted on the arrival and spread of the coronavirus, another virus has nearly been eradicated: In August, the World Health Organization declared Africa free of the wild poliovirus.
  • Coronavirus lockdowns seem to have had at least one benefit: Several studies, including this one from NASA, showed significant reductions in air pollution around the world.
  • SpaceX became the first private company to successfully launch astronauts to the International Space Station.
  • While vaccines ordinarily take years to develop, send through trials, and gain approval for distribution, drug companies in multiple countries created COVID-19 vaccines in less than nine months, and just nine days ago the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine for distribution in the United States, signaling the beginning of the end of the global pandemic.
  • And in a sign that the universe itself may be ready to offer up some hope, tonight, on the winter solstice, Jupiter and Saturn will be forming an extremely rare “Christmas Star,” as the two largest planets in our solar system appear close together for the first time since 1226 A.D.

Just in time. We could all use a little more light in our lives.

So today, on winter solstice, and with only a week or so remaining in 2020, should you be optimistic or pessimistic about the state of the world and our future?

Well, you get to choose, but consider this:

  • Many studies have shown that a positive outlook is the most important predictor of resilience. Optimists bounce back faster.
  • For athletes (and others) focusing on strengths and what you do well leads to faster improvement than hammering away on mistakes.
  • Businesses and other organizations with cultures that are more positive and appreciative are also more successful and lasting.

How you view and describe the world, or your particular corner of it, really does go a long way toward creating it, for yourself and those around you.

And if you think your particular circumstances, or even the circumstances of the entire country or world right now are simply too dire for silver linings, please think again.

In 1946, Viktor Frankl published “Man’s Search for Meaning,” a chronicle of his experience as a concentration camp inmate at Auschwitz during the Second World War, and introduction to what he called “logotherapy,” the idea that finding meaning in life is the most powerful and motivating force driving human behavior.

Despite the horrors of the concentration camp and the loss of every family member and friend he had ever known, Frankl discovered that life never ceases to have meaning, even in suffering and death. In fact, he determined, “love is the highest goal to which man can aspire,” and even a man who seemingly has nothing left in the world may still experience bliss, and hope for the future, simply contemplating what he loves.

None of this is to suggest that problems don’t exist, that genuine evil or misdeeds should not be recognized and fought against, or that 2020, on balance, may not have seemed worse than other years we may have forgotten.

But relentless negativity is draining, and people, organizations and entire nations move in the direction of their vision.

In the days that remain to us this year, my hope is that we find the resilience, the positivity, and the appreciation of the many good things around us to find our meaning, and to focus our vision, on even better days ahead.

If you are looking for some tools and resources to help you in your optimistic quest, here are a few you may find particularly useful and inspiring:

  • Visit the web site and subscribe to the morning emails of The Optimist Daily, an organization with a mission “to accelerate the shift in human consciousness by catalyzing 100,000,000 people to start each day with a positive solutions mindset.”
  • While you’re at it, stop by the web site and definitely sign up for the occasional Future Crunch newsletter, a compendium of good news stories from around the world that you may have missed, lovingly assembled by an amazing team of scientists, tech wizards, artists, ecologists, and at least one “Optimism Director” who all believe that “science and technology are a powerful force for good. You may want to start with their “99 Good News Stories You Probably Didn’t Hear About in 2020.”
  • If you want an even deeper dive into why some of the news you think you know might be turning you toward despair when it should be boosting you toward hopefulness, spend some time roaming Matt Ridley’s blog. Author of “The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves,” Ridley is known for rooting around common misperceptions about problems (like crime, health and poverty) and finding some unexpected silver linings. For a taste of classic Ridley, you can’t beat his essay in the Wall Street Journal, “Why People Prefer Bad News.” (His punchline: “Cheer up. The world’s doing better than you think.”)
  • The spring of 2020 brought us a YouTube treat: Some Good News with John Krasinski, in which the well-known star of “The Office” and the Jack Ryan series of spy thrillers reached out to the living rooms of Americans in pandemic lock-down and delivered good news like a virtual high school prom, the cast of “Hamilton” singing happy birthday to a young fan, and a special message from the astronauts on the international space station.
  • And longtime readers of my Running the Campus blog will recognize the name Victor Perton, aka “That Optimism Man,” as a good friend, former member of Australia’s Parliament and Commissioner to the Americas who now writes books about leaders’ reflections on positivity, and is opening Centres for Optimism around the world.

Finally, for several years I was involved with Optimist International, a worldwide volunteer organization that serves children and communities, and promotes optimism as a way of life.

I was the president of the Auburn Hills, Michigan, chapter of Optimist International for a while. Each Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. we would meet at our local Boys and Girls Club, say the Pledge of Allegiance, have breakfast, listen to a speaker, and plan our activities for the week.

We ended each meeting at 8:30 by reciting the “Optimist Creed,” originally published by Christian Larson in 1912, and no less aspirational and hopeful more than a century later.

On this weekend of winter solstice, at the end of this particular year, it is what I am promising myself — and what I hope for you, and all of us, too.

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Filed Under: Perspectives Tagged With: 2020, Essay, Hopefuly, Lane Glenn, Light in the Darkness, optimism, Perspectives

Artisanal Gifts

November 12, 2020 by Katie DeRosa

For many shoppers during a normal holiday season, finding the perfect gift can be difficult. The pandemic has made it trickier, especially if you’re looking to support local businesses. For those who aim beyond the big online retailers, here’s a practical buying guide for great gifts made by area producers. Investing in such unique and personalized gifts will put smiles on the faces of your loved ones and show support for Merrimack Valley artisans. These creations have an appeal that goes beyond trends, and will be treasured long after the season has ended.   

 

An out-of-this-world gift.

“The Lonely Astronaut” is a series by New Hampshire-based photographer Karen Jerzyk, exploring contrasting feelings of wonder and isolation. Sparked by her purchase of an authentic vintage high-altitude space suit in 2017, Jerzyk has been traveling the world taking photos of women in the suit. Hive + Forge carries a large selection of 12-by-8 Jerzyk photographs. $20 each.

30 Church Street, Salem, Mass.
250 Jackson Street (Mill No. 5), Lowell, Mass.
HiveAndForge.com

 

Is it time for Christmas yet?

These whimsical pendulum clocks from Acorn Home & Design feature 3D pop out effects with easy-to-maintain quartz pendulum movements. Constructed out of thick laser-cut Baltic birch plywood featuring a variety of animals and motifs, they are perfect for your little one’s room. $54 each.

10 Essex Street, Andover, Mass.
AcornDesignCenter.com

 

Cucina Aurora’s spectacular holiday gift set is perfect for every food lover on your list.

This rich, burgundy box is embellished in gold foil and features two of Cucina Aurora’s best-selling infused olive oils: roasted garlic and rosemary oregano. Each box includes a booklet of recipes to inspire mealtime magic. No need to wrap, this beautiful box makes a perfect gift on its own. Oils are made individually by hand from 100% Italian olive oil with love in their Salem, N.H., location. $39.99 + free shipping.

CucinaAurora.com

 

Herbal, bright, and fragrant — a great kitchen candle!

This Rosemary + Mint reed diffuser from Farm + Sea is perfect for scenting small spaces without an open flame, and requires almost no maintenance. Rattan reeds absorb the oils and diffuse the scent into the air. Use all ten for a maximum scent throw, or just a few at a time for a more subtle smell. Wide selection of scents available. $22 each.

18 Red Spring Road, Andover, Mass.
45 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
MakAndCoAndover.com

 

 

Throw some hometown pride around your home.

These throw pillows from Helen Thomas Simply Smashing are custom-made and make a great decoration or holiday gift. Show some hometown love to those on your list. $68 each.

90 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
ShopHelenThomas.com

 

 

A moment in paradise.

A scientist with a background in chemistry and an abiding appreciation for natural ingredients, Jason McCrea is a man possessed by a single, simple idea — to make the best caramel in the world —nothing less. These black lava sea salt caramels from MAK & CO. are rich and creamy with crystals of Hawaiian black sea salt. Canister, $16; Pillow pack, $6.

18 Red Spring Road, Andover, Mass.
45 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
MakAndCoAndover.com

 

Silver and gold.

Visit Quiet Pleasures Jewelry to find an always changing selection of well-priced classic, contemporary or artistically funky jewelry designs and great gift items, too! These beautiful cuff bracelets from Peter James Jewelry will take you from one end of your day to the other, starting at $100. Whether shopping for others or for yourself, don’t you deserve something fabulous today?

24 Chestnut Street, Andover, Mass.
QuietPleasuresJewelry.com

 

Signs and cityscapes.

The art of Debbie Shirley captures local places you have been — or perhaps wish that you had seen. Shirley’s award-winning acrylic paintings are part of collections and exhibitions worldwide, and can be seen locally at Helen Thomas Simply Smashing in Andover. Nine-by-12 prints are $28 each.

90 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
ShopHelenThomas.com

 

Holiday green.

It’s the season for spicy, warm and comforting soaps as we go full swing into the holidays. These hand-crafted soaps from Red Antler Apothocary are made using Old World recipes and are great for people with common skin irritations, dryness and other issues.  $8.50 each.

30 Church Street, Salem, Mass.
250 Jackson Street (Mill No. 5), Lowell, Mass.
HiveAndForge.com
RedAntlerApothecary.com

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: 2020, Acorn Design, artisanal gifts, Cucina Aurora, Gift Guide, Helen Thomas Simple Smashing, Hive and Forge, Mac and Co, Merrimack Valley, quiet pleasures jewelry, Red Antler Apothecary

A View from the Kitchen – Hysteria Sets In

November 6, 2020 by Scott Plath

Clutching a warm cider while snug in my favorite patio sweater, I thought back to mopping mid-August off my brow, sweltering on a park bench with my friend, outside our apartments. We watched befuddled through the rippling haze of the parking lot while neighbor folk shuffled along and alone, toting trash one way, groceries the other, steamy breathing with their masks still on. Was it me? Early-warning hallucinations before a heat stroke?

Do you know those dreams when you sit up relieved to be safe in the bed, goofy smiling to have not actually been buck naked at a Goo Goo Dolls concert? The one where you’re trying to covertly blend into the bouncing throng, preferring to join the double fist-pumping in the air like you just don’t care, yet self-conscious about how unsettling all that extra personal bounce might be. Cool-cat scanning the arena for your missing pants, you’re further fuddled by the row of rowdy, matchy-matchy dancing farm animals, oddly well-coordinated in light blue flannel pajamas — a curious choice given how hot that must be for the sheep! 

You know. That one. And upon waking, ashamed. 

The Goo Goo Dolls? Seriously?

Well, if you’re like me — and Lord help you if you are — 2020 folks? 

 

Do you keep waiting to snap out of this mess? To awaken and blink, blink away sleepy cobwebs: “What the … Whoa. That. Was. Bizarre.” 

Back on our sticky bench, bemused by the zombie-like apocalypse, she was sporting hobo-chic attire of gloriously baggy, yellow designer sweatpants. I gazed longingly and she read my Dr. Seuss-like simple mind: “I haven’t worn hard pants in three months, yo.” 

I further ogled her sleeveless “Straight Outta Lowell” matching top, thinking how clever, the whole co-opting of Compton and all — and then dreamily drifted into wondering whether this popular slogan has actually been a financial success. You see, I have this relentless fixation on inspiring the next ubiquitous T-shirt cliche leading to vast riches and a personal pleasure craft … “Have a nice day,” “I heart NY,” “Vote for Pedro.” I digress.

It was apparently her turn to stare. “What?” I said. “What, you.” she said. “Is the heat making you delirious? What’s wrong with my apparel?” (I’m fairly certain she actually said “apparel.”) I wanted to hug her in affirmation: “Are you joking? I’m just jealous.”

Obviously I didn’t, as the no-hugging rule was still in effect. 

But also, “Just say no” to sweaty hugs really anytime, ever. 

“Elbows.” “Boom.”

And how is it that we are not all wearing reversible green or red buttons to declare personal comfort levels, thereby avoiding the whole dancy-lean, put your right foot in, take your right foot out, hug or handshake insecurity? Wouldn’t a little help be nice? Red? “Hello. My name is: Back the F up.”

When it comes to clothes, I embrace the mantra that less is more. Whenever I come out of our redbrick building, my face jock comes off in a flash. I gasp the fresh air as though I had breaststroked underwater all the way from the top floor. Flip-flops, no socks? All day if I had the feet. When getting ready for a special event, I whine to my wife, hand on hip like a 5-year-old: “But I don’t wanna wear a blazer.” And the necktie? Just think about how perverse that even sounds. Enduring puritanical madness, I say. Sure, let’s push that knot tight up to my neck, then maybe we go find us a witch! Fun times.

I looked down at my sexy cargo shorts (and those troubling toes) dismayed that my people don’t embrace billowy Aladdin-like white linen pants with matching dashiki as the heat-beating threads of other lands. A Moroccan kaftan? Yes I can. When Grammy wears a muumuu, I shout, let it breathe Ma! 

Still shaken by the sweaty scenes of earlier, I described the ordeal to my more rational daughters over dinner. Mumbling my ultimate fear — that if people fret over setting their faces free in a hella hot and steamy lot, will our restaurants ever be full again? 

Are the days gone of high-fiving strangers at the bar and spit-shouting into unsuspecting faces: “Hell yeah Brady … FIRST DOWN!” Have we forsaken raucous  off-key rounds of “Happy Birthday to You” over a glowing cake? They consoled that I was simply witnessing “… habit-forming behavior” and “It’s becoming normalized, Dad …” 

Their voices faded as the specter of this restaurant career coming to an end twirled in my brain, and in the very next instant whether “Duck! He’s blowing out the candles!” holds potential to be my T-shirt — the one I’d be modeling for the maiden voyage of our new yacht, the S.S. Bare Bottom Dreams. Bye-bye burgers and fries, hello blue skies and “No mask required!”  

 

Scott Plath, along with his wife Kathleen, owns Cobblestones of Lowell, moonstones, in Chelmsford, Mass., and Stones Social in Nashua, New Hampshire. Scott possesses a deep well of humorous and insightful stories, which are available here. >>>

Filed Under: Community, Food & Drink Tagged With: 2020, Dining, dreams, hysteria, Restaurant, t-shirt

2020 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)

August 18, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

We are happy to present the winners of the 2020 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners.

Milestone – 5 Years
Seoul Kitchen
Seoul Kitchen is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Westford that captures exciting and authentic Korean flavors in a modern and welcoming setting. Featuring fresh and creative sushi served alongside craft cocktails, their dishes can be best described as bold and innovative, yet traditional. Their sushi is one of a kind — they use hand-selected fish from the local seaport to make delicious fresh items from the sushi bar.
142 Littleton Rd. | Westford, Mass.
EatSeoulKitchen.com

Milestone – 10 Years
Tuscan Kitchen
Inspired by owner Joe Faro’s travels throughout Italy, Tuscan Kitchen’s authentic Italian cuisine makes you feel as though you’ve stepped right into the boot. Tuck into a Fichi pizza with figs, rosemary, burrata and prosciutto, or go for the traditional rigatoni alla Bolognese. Want something lighter? They also offer delicious salads and meat dishes.
Burlington, Mass.; Salem, N.H.
TuscanBrands.com/Kitchen

Milestone – 20 Years
Farmer Dave’s
Farmer Dave was raised on Marsh Hill in Dracut, Massachusetts. At an early age, he began at Brox Farm in Dracut. After graduating from college, he worked with Ecuadorian farmers to improve their soil health, crop yields, irrigation systems, crop storage, animal health, and marketing methods. Upon returning 1997, he began leasing the Brox Farm, growing vegetables and flowers. In 2006, he purchased his own farm in Dracut. Farmer Dave plants a wide variety of long-term crops including apples, blueberries, raspberries and herbs. Visit his website to learn more about Farmer Dave and their popular CSA program.
437 Parker Rd. | Dracut, Mass.
FarmerDaves.net

Milestone – 30 Years
Enterprise Bank
When it first opened, Enterprise Bank quickly gained a reputation for providing full-service banking to community residents and businesses. With success came growth. Headquartered in Lowell, Enterprise Bank now has branches throughout the Merrimack Valley and continues to advance its mission of kindling the entrepreneurial spirit.
Twenty-Five Branches Throughout The Region, with a North Andover Location Opening Soon
EnterpriseBanking.com

 

Milestone – 40 Years
Flowers by Steve
Step into a floral paradise at Flowers by Steve’s Haverhill store. Steve’s can create specialized arrangements for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Established in 1975, they offer everything from classic roses to exotic bouquets. Flowers by Steve can tailor arrangements to your requests. Find the perfect bouquet for your favorite person with the help of the expert designers at Steve’s.
14 Cross Rd. | Haverhill, Mass.
FlowersbySteveInc.com

Milestone – 50 Years
Harrows Chicken Pies
Harrows Chicken Pies are still made the same way they were in the 1930s, with slow-cooked chicken and rich homemade gravy. You can either call ahead to pick up a piping hot, ready-to-eat chicken pie, or pick up a cold one to bake at home. The pies are available in four different sizes, ranging from 1-6 servings. No matter what size your family is, Harrows can accommodate. Besides the chicken pie, Harrows also sells dessert pies such as apple and blueberry. On top of that they also sell a variety of sides to complement your meal.
436 Broadway | Methuen, Mass.
ChickenPie.com

Milestone – 75 Years
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Built after World War I to honor veterans, Lowell Memorial Auditorium is an ideal venue for concerts, family shows, conferences, conventions, trade shows, corporate seminars and much more, the 2,800-seat venue was constructed in 1922. Famed as the location of the Golden Gloves boxing tournament (Rocky Marciano began his career at the LMA) and Lowell Irish Festival, the building is a critical part of Lowell’s legacy that continues to provide a home for entertaining and educating area residents.
50 E. Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
LowellAuditorium.com

Milestone – 100 Years
Shaw Farm
While the Shaw family’s farm business is over 100 years old, their history as farmers goes back further. When the king of England offered land to New England farmers in the 1700s, the Shaw family of Rhode Island moved to Nova Scotia before returning to resettle in Dracut. In the spring of 1915, disaster struck at the farm where Shaw was working, and an entire herd of cows had to be destroyed as a result of foot and mouth disease. The farm was sold, but Mark Shaw inherited its home delivery customers. This was the beginning of the M.L. Shaw and Sons milk business. From these beginnings grew the dairy business that has become central to our region’s agricultural history. In the ’60s, the family opened a farm store and would eventually move into ice cream production, which is how many children in the Merrimack Valley come to know of Shaw Farm and its legacy.
204 New Boston Rd. | Dracut, Mass.
ShawFarm.com   

 

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

Filed Under: MVMA Tagged With: 2020, 2020 MVMAs, 2020MVMAs, Awards, Enterprise Bank, Farmer Dave's, Flowers by Steve, Harrows Chicken Pies, Longevity in Business, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Merrimack Valley, Merrimack Valley Magazine Award, milestone, MVMA, Seoul Kitchen, Shaw Farm, Tuscan Kitchen

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Current Issue

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premier source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Sections

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Bridal
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • MVMA
  • Perspectives
  • Travel

Links

  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Regular Contributors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Valid on new memberships during the month of September 2020.

 

Newsletter Signup

MERRIMACK VALLEY TODAY: Noteworthy. Local. News. (Launching May 2021)
Wellness Wednesdays
Eight Great Things To Do This Weekend (Thursdays)
NoteWorthy - Happenings, Movers & Shakers (Sundays)

Orangetheory Methuen is celebrating it’s one year anniversary with an
Open House, Saturday June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join your friends and neighbors to learn more about the fastest growing workout sensation in the nation. Tour the studio. Meet the coaches. Enter to win a 10 pack of classes. The first 20 people who sign up for a free class at the event will receive a free bonus class, no obligation. 

Click here to learn more! 

Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901
Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Free Class for first-time visitors and local residents only.