SALISBURY TOWN NOTEBOOK
After 14 years of serving up wonderful food, Connie's Stagecoach owners Dan and Peter Bastalla are turning in their aprons. They recently sold the Route 110 restaurant to veteran restaurateurs Konstantina and Steve Bournakis.
The Bournakises are the former owners of two Georgetown eateries, Town Pizza and Steve's Family Restaurant. They told selectmen this week when their license was approved that after decades of working hard in the restaurant business, they sold Steve's Restaurant two years ago. They decided to purchase Connie's because they didn't find a life of leisure as much fun as they supposed.
"We've been retired for the last two years but felt bored and want to get back to work," Konstantina told selectmen.
She also promised the Stagecoach's fans will not be disappointed when they read the new menu.
"Everything's going to stay the same," she promised. "Maybe we'll add a little Greek food, but everything else is going to remain just the same."
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A recent problem halting a discussion begun by spectators at a previous meeting, has led selectmen to formally alter their policy on allowing visitors to comment during meetings.
The "Comments by Visitors" agenda segment is limited to 10 minutes, with each visitor limited to two or three minutes at the microphone unless the chairman allows an extension. Discussions that go on longer will be halted. The chairman may allow the topic to be addressed at a future meeting, under its own agenda item, if the chairman chooses.
The policy also notes that no person may speak at a public meeting without the chairman's approval, and spectators and speakers must be silent when directed by the chair.
Failure to accede to the chairman's direction may result in removal from the meeting by police.
The policy was proposed by Jerry Klima, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, on Monday and approved by all five selectmen.
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Seaspray Garden Club works hard every year on behalf of beautifying Salisbury. The group of green-thumb advocates will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine) at Salisbury's Public Works Building on Lafayette Road, next to the Salisbury Fire Station.
Not a large club, Seaspray started about a dozen years ago and has about 30 members who meet monthly. The handiwork of these devoted diggers, however, can be seen all over town, and include the garden in front of the Public Works Building — which gets spruced up this year — as well as window boxes at East Parish Church, flowers at Star of the Sea Church and the library.
This is the group's only fundraising event. On sale at great prices will be a wide variety of plants, including perennials. The event is a wonderful chance for residents to replenish winter-damaged gardens at reasonable prices, get free advice from men and women who love nothing better than having garden soil under their nails, and help those who help keep Salisbury beautiful.
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Salisbury Council on Aging Summer Programs
r The COA has new programs to offer to those finding themselves bored in the afternoon and hoping to interact with others: cribbage, bridge, 45s and table shuffleboard.
Those who already have a team of players are invited to meet at the air-conditioned Hilton Senior Center (on Lafayette Road beside the Fire Station) to enjoy a game or two. COA officials are flexible about meeting times, but have also reserved Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. for those who'd like to drop by for a game, even a game of pickup.
r Sewing and Quilting Volunteers are needed for a program to benefit patients at Anna Jaques Hospital. The Salisbury Senior Center recently volunteered to help the hospital, which requested lap robes for patients entering rehabilitation programs. The robes can be knitted or quilted, and those able to spare the time are urged to join in for this worthy cause. Materials and instructions will be provided; all that's needed is time, hands and kind hearts. Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. has been set aside for this project.
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Lovers of reggae music are reminded East Parish United Methodist Church holds a Reggae Gospel Music Concert tomorrow (Saturday, May 17), at 6 p.m. at the church at 8 Lafayette Road in Salisbury Square.
Admission is $10 (kids under 12 free) and includes an ice cream social in the Rose Room, sponsored by the church's youth group.
Errol and Kaye Leslie, who are originally from Jamaica, will perform. Errol is also pastor at East Parish Church.
Angeljean Chiaramida covers Salisbury for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666, ext. 3271 or by e-mail at achiaramida@newburyportnews. com.
