The Stories That Defined Peabody In 2020

PEABODY, MA — A year that brought unprecedented challenges to Peabody residents and small businesses also brought out the resolve and fighting spirit of the North Shore city.

As we all look forward to the hope of a brighter 2021, here are some of the stories of how Peabody battled through the coronavirus health crisis and social justice debates with innovation, resilience and a collective eye toward a better tomorrow.

Peabody Store Owner Does 'Right Thing' In Coronavirus Case

Heather Scanlan knows as well as anyone how serious contracting the coronavirus can be.

The owner of Ginger's Closet Consignment in Peabody said in March her mother — a Nahant resident — was the 38th person in the state to die of complications from the virus that would become a worldwide pandemic.

So, when Scanlan was told a person in her women's clothing shop on Lynn Street on Nov. 19 had tested positive for the virus, she was not about to take any chances or keep any secrets from her customers. She promptly notified the Peabody Health Department.

"Peabody was shocked I was calling them," she told Patch. "They said no companies like that have been calling them. I told them if they want to come by and check whether I am compliant they can. I am an open book."

How One North Shore Salon Got Ready To Reopen

Gov. Charlie Baker had barely finished announcing that salons and barbers could reopen on May 25 when Susan Ciani's cell phone and business phone began ringing off the hook.

"People have gone for so long without a haircut or color that I think they'll risk anything — especially most guys," said Ciani, who owns Lifestyles Hair Studio and Day Spa at 145A Summit Street in Peabody. "It's getting warm out there and long hair makes everybody feel hotter."

Peabody Makes A Month Out Of Restaurant Week

Several breweries, coffee shops and restaurants offered deals to get you in their doors as part of Dine-Out Peabody Month in October.

What had traditionally been a weeklong string of fixed-prices specials and other discounts at city establishments leading into the International Festival in September was expanded to the entire month this fall — after that festival was canceled — to help businesses dealing with lost revenue from the spring shutdown and capacity restrictions due to the coronavirus health crisis.

Peabody Landlord Gives $30,000 In Rebates To Tenants

A major Peabody landlord in May gave its commercial and residential tenants $30,000 in the form of 10 percent refunds since mid-March.

Peabody's Champions Pub Rolls With Shifting State Restrictions

The past eight months had taught Champions Pub co-owner Kevin Houlden to be prepared for anything.

When an October snowfall and frigid weekend this weekend shut down what had been a sprawling and successful patio dining season, he was happy that those who had been spending much of their time outside at the Peabody establishment decided to give inside dining a shot.

"Tough, Caring ... Social Justice Warrior": Peabody Local Hero

When COVID-19 hit, and everyone was trying to do their part, Andrea Baez, of the YMCA of Metro North, went above and beyond, to help out families in need of infant supplies and diapers.

Late Superintendent Honored With Peabody Legacy Award

A Peabody superintendent remembered for her leadership, vibrant personality and love for her students will be honored posthumously with the George Peabody Legacy Award.

The Peabody Education Foundation selected Cara Murtagh, who died unexpected at 44 years old in November, as the lone recipient for this year's award that recognizes educators and philanthropists from Peabody who "work to provide a lifetime of contributions to our educational system."

Games Go On After All For North Shore Fall Athletes

The kids demanded they be allowed to play.

Most in select sports got their wish in the Northeastern Conference this fall after all.

"But as an athletic director you want sports," Peabody Athletic Director Bob Bua told Patch. " That's why I took this job. I think it's important for the kids to have something to look forward to."

Granite Coast Taps Into Ways To Keep Taps Flowing In Peabody

The patio tables were mostly full and the Just Wingin' It Food Truck was firing up orders in front of Granite Coast Brewing Company on Main Street late one October Saturday afternoon as patrons made the most of another warm weather weekend.

The cornhole boards and Jenga blocks that once took up part of the gated patio space next to the brewery have been replaced with spaced-out tables to serve what co-owner and taproom manager Rob Dunn said has been a loyal customer base since the Peabody brewery was able to reopen from the spring coronavirus shutdown when the year-old taproom was relegated to growler fills to go.

"A lot of regulars were staying with us," Dunn told Patch. "A lot of people we were seeing getting three, four, five, six growlers filled, and we were seeing them every weekend."

Coronavirus: First Responders Salute Health Care Workers

Peabody Police Sgt. James Harkins coordinated the tribute, which kicked off from the parking lot of the Northshore Mall and visited Lahey Medical Center in Peabody, Beverly Hospital and North Shore Medical Center in Salem.

Peabody Girl Scouts Get Creative With 2020 Cookie Sales

The box of Girls Scout Cookies, and the cheery scouts selling them, are seemingly omnipresent at stores and strip mall lots throughout Peabody each year.

Only this year, amid the coronavirus health crisis, the call of Thin Mints, Shortbreads and Peanut Butter Patties has gone silent.

So, along with most Girl Scout activities, the time-honored tradition of cookie selling has been adjusted to fit the reality of 2020.