Rowley Town Notebook
The blinding rain and whipping winds didn't stop last week's dedication ceremony for the town's newest fire truck — an emergency one typhoon pumper truck. Originally to be held outdoors, the indoor ceremony was attended by fire Chief James Broderick and his team of full-time and volunteer firefighters.
The Rev. Robert Hagopian of the First Congregational Church gave the blessing for the truck and Bob Snow, vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen, spoke on behalf of the town.
"I come here today to proudly celebrate the dedication of the sixth unit to carry the designation of Engine One," said Snow.
"This apparatus is just a truck with a pump and 1,500 feet of hose until firefighters man her and race to the aid of others, at which point it becomes a symbol of all that is good in mankind. Let it be known to one and all that your dedication to the service for the protection of others is honored by your fellow citizens. With that we welcome Engine #1 to her new home."
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As of Nov. 21, the clam flats known as N4 or Plum Island Sound are closed, with an expected reopen date of today. Crane Beach flats (N6) are open for sea clams, as are Outer Essex Bay and Lower Castle Neck River. The flats at Essex River (N5) and Fox Creek are closed and the Upper Jennings and Upper Castle Creek Neck River flats are closed until Thursday. To check on the status of openings, call 978-356-6671 to hear a recorded message.
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Students from Pine Grove School's student council will decorate the Rowley Historical House at 233 Main St. for the holidays on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. According to Kathy Mackie, instructional assistant at the school and student council adviser, this is just one of the many events the students take part in as an opportunity to give back to the community they live in.
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Things heated up at the Rowley Chili Cookoff earlier this month at St. Mary's Parish, given by The Friends of the Library. Eighteen varieties of chili in four categories were featured at the event, with contestants from as far away as Maine. More than $3,500 was raised, all of which will go toward funding library needs.
The winners in the four categories were:
Red Chili (Judges' selections)
1st Place: Chuck Umanita; 2nd Place: Bruce MacDonald; 3rd Place: Matthew Ziev
Green Chili (Judges' selections)
1st Place: Phil McGowan; 2nd Place: Andrew Cody; 3rd Place: Bert Landry
Vegetarian Chili (Judges' selections)
1st Place: Chris Schena; 2nd Place: Brenda Taylor; 3rd Place: Robin Clemence
People's Choice
1st Place: Joshua Tuff; 2nd Place: Chuck Umanita; 3rd Place: Robin Clemence
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The town library is collecting items for the Rowley Food Pantry. Donations of non-perishable food (please check the expiration date) as well as personal hygiene items and household cleaning products and paper goods are welcome. Donations may be left in the library lobby for delivery to the food pantry. The food pantry is located in the Baptist Church Parsonage at 153 Main St. It is open Tuesday mornings from 10 to noon. All Rowley residents are welcome.
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Michelle Pelletier Marshall reports on Rowley for The Daily News. She can be reached at marshallsinmass@comcast.net.
