Uncategorized – Page 33 – Salem Main Streets

Introducing Kylie Sullivan, Main Streets Manager

Sep 262013

Mayor Driscoll (left) with Salem Main Streets manager Kylie Sullivan

We are pleased to introduce Kylie Sullivan as the new Salem Main Streets Manager! Kylie started last week and has already started making the rounds to meet with downtown business owners, residents, volunteers, and town officials.

“It’s great to see the full time position at Salem Main Streets filled by Kylie,” said Jason Consalvo, branch manager for Salem Five. “With her background at the Mass Cultural Council we think she can bring along a wealth of information on how to improve and enhance the outdoor spaces in Salem. Salem Five is looking forward to working with Kylie.”

Kylie Sullivan comes to Salem Main Streets after six years as a grants administrator at the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the state’s arts agency. She has worked with a range of nonprofits, community organizations, and educational institutions, with a particular focus on volunteer management, program coordination, and cultural economic development. She received an M.B.A. from Simmons School of Management and a B.A. in music from Wesleyan University. A native of Georgetown, MA, Kylie and her husband have lived in Salem for four years.

John Boris, owner of John A. Boris & Associates who met with Kylie at a networking event, stated, “As a steering committee member I have to admit I love working with Main Streets and all of the downtown businesses, and I believe we have found the right candidate to replace Jennifer Bell, our former manager. I am looking forward to introducing Kylie to the downtown business community, and I am sure she will be well-received.”

Kylie is excited to get started and will be actively soliciting community feedback regarding suggestions for the role and direction of Salem Main Streets moving forward. She encourages anyone with ideas or recommendations to feel free to contact her directly at kylie@salemmainstreets.org or (978)744-0004 x15.

80 Days: Steampunk Celebration at PEM

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Sep 212013

That which the world could have been, and yet can still be to some, fills the air at the next PEM/PM open late monthly evening party. Steampunk will flavor this month’s Peabody Essex Museum event which celebrates time travel and globetrotting through PEM’s extensive riveting collection of art from around the world, Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

The museum’s after-hours program with music and dance performances, food tastings, lectures, art demonstrations and activities kicked off in the summer of 2011, and has grown in popularity ever since. Besides the fantastic art collection as an attraction, this month’s theme will also draw special visitors.

For the uninitiated, Steampunk embraces the social and/or technological aspects of the 19th century (think steam engines) at the expense of (quoting from Steampunk.com) “some deconstruction of, reimagining of, or rebellion against” parts (think punk) of the 19th Century. At least that was the launching point of this science fiction & fantasy subgenre.

It soon took on a life of its own; Steampunk burst forth onto the gaming scene, then into movies and TV. Steampunk clothing and accessories soon appeared. And then came the sub-culture of followers to the philosophy which melds ideals of creativity & self-reliance with a Victorian optimistic view of the future.

All this extra information is to prepare regular PEM/PM attendees because the PEM is inviting guests to wear their favorite Steampunk fashion and come, as the featured Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band requests, “to dance at the edge of reason, sing the song of society’s fringe and drum out whatever rhythm you are called to march to.”

Then take a Victorian-themed global quest via the PEM galleries to seek answers to art-related trivia questions. The evening includes cocktails & conversation, art making, and games, plus a tasting & demonstration by Brown Butter Bakery in Cambridge. And in attendance, a lot of costumed people celebrating a way of life.

No reservations are required. Members and Salem residents will be admitted free of charge; $10 for nonmembers. For more info call 866‐745‐1876 or visit the website at www.pem.org.

And if you really get into the swing of the Steampunk mode, there will be an after-party party at Opus Restaurant, 87 Washington St. Call 978-744-9600 or go to their website for more info.

Haunted Happenings Honored

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Sep 152013

Salem MainStreets has always known that Haunted Happenings is an event worthy of national recognition. Now others not only know it, they are spreading the word. The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced that our month-long celebration is one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2014

ABA’s Top 100 Events in North America is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Each spring, a committee of ABA-member motorcoach and tour operators selects the Top 100 Events for the subsequent year; the list is unveiled in September. Winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events, and more that have been nominated by ABA members.

“The attractiveness of Salem Haunted Happenings as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Salem,” said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that Haunted Happenings has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when re-energizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Salem, Massachusetts an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

The Top 100 Events receive worldwide attention via the media–television, radio, and print–such as USA Today and CNN. ABA distributes some 10,000 copies of the Top 100 Events in North America magazine, featuring the winners, to all of its members and to thousands of travelers worldwide.

“Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That’s why Haunted Happenings is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”

And unlike most other “celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events,” ours is neither a one nor two day event; it is 31 days & nights filled with music, art, history, entertainment, costumes and magical moments.

Check out the several spots Salem Ma has designated for motorcoaches. Then, women & men, leave the driving to them.

September means Oktober-fest in Salem

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Sep 102013

Raised mugs will be the order of the day at Salem’s Old Town Hall this Saturday, 9/14/13 from 7-11pm as Pamplemousse and Social Palates are joining forces to host the third annual Salem Ma Oktoberfest.

The German-themed event will feature beer from local breweries as well as traditional fare from Salem businesses including Polonus Deli, the Flying Saucer Pizza Company and the Lobster Shanty. A continuous line up of entertainment includes local acts The Nick Consone Band, Qwill, and Freevolt.

“Everyone had such a good time last year, there were games, contests and many showed up in traditional costume,” says Pamplemousse’s Diane Manahan. “We knew right away that this would become an annual tradition.”

Featured highlights for this year will be the Bratwurst eating contest, the Apple Challenge, Kazoo-kioki, and the German costume contest with prizes in each category. The host this year is Erik Rodenheiser of the Griffin Theater as Olga, the Angry German Beer Wench.

All proceeds will benefit the Salem YMCA. Last year’s event raised over $5,000 to support the Y for All Campaign.

Manahan adds that “Local politicians are donating their time and dressing up in traditional German costumes to help with the cause. Look for State Senator Joan Lovely, Councillor at Large William Legault, Councillors Josh Turiel and Tom Furey as well as David Eppley and Beth Gerard who are running for Ward 4 and 6.”

Tickets are $20 per person (21 and older, please) and include admission, German hats and kazoos, a souvenir mug. Beer from Blue Hills Brewing, Narragansett, Cody Brewing and Notch will be available for $2 and $3 as well as German wine. A variety of German faire will be available for purchase.Tickets can be purchased at Pamplemousse, Salem Cycle, The YMCA (all located in downtown Salem) and at the door. This event has been sold out each of the past 2 years, so get your tickets early!

Wanted: Ambassadors To Share Salem

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Sep 082013

September means many things to people along the North Shore, but here in Salem it foretells the approach of October and our month-long celebration of all things Halloween-related.

As Salem prepares for its busy October tourist season, residents are invited to help people who come to the Witch City that month make the most of their visit.

“Salem Main Streets is recruiting 60 – 80 volunteer ambassadors to staff the downtown information booth during October weekends and Halloween day itself; the booth is located at the Essex Street pedestrian mall,” announces Judy Kearney, co-coordinator (along with Mira Riggin) of the SMS booth project. The ambassadors will hand out maps to tourists and provide them with information about Salem’s attractions, businesses and October events.

She adds, “There is also a particular need for multilingual ambassadors to assist international visitors.”

Each volunteer ambassador will be asked to commit to two, two-hour shifts and to complete a training program scheduled for 9:30am on September 21 at the National Park Service Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street.

The downtown information booth operates each year in October and last year assisted more than 27,500 visitors.

For more information or to become a volunteer ambassador, email Judy Kearney at judykearney830@gmail.com, Mira Riggin at mriggin2@comcast.net, or call Salem Main Streets at 978 744-0004.

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