CreativeLiving

Essex County

Chris Rhatigan 

Boston Metropolitan Area

Andover

Massachusetts

Middlesex County

Tewksbury

North Andover

Wilmington

North Reading

Reading

Lynnfield

Burlington

Rockingham County

Tony Schinella

Salem

New Hampshire

Chelmsford

William Hall

Woburn

Nashua Home Design Center

Thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or an in-law apartment to your property? 
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or in-law apartment can mean a lot of things. A place for aging parents to live independently but close by. A landing pad for an adult child. A future rental. A flexible space that adapts as life does. Whatever's drawing you to the idea, the questions tend to be the same: Is it allowed where I live? How much will it cost? Where would it even go? And how do I make sure it actually works?
Join us in the showrooms of the <a href="https://www.nashuahomedesigncenter.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nashua Home Design Center</a> for a relaxed, conversational morning with David Bryan, President &amp; CEO, and Gates Bryan, Design Specialist, of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.blackdogbuilders.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel</a>. Between them, they've helped countless New Hampshire and Massachusetts families think through these exact decisions, and they'll share what works, what doesn't, and what to think about before you start.What We’ll Cover:
<ul><li>What an ADU actually is, and what your town will (and won't) allow, between location, access, size, and utilities</li><li>The design constraints worth knowing about early</li><li>How to make an ADU feel like a natural extension of your home, not an addition tacked on</li><li>The family side of the conversation: finances, life changes, and how today's design should anticipate tomorrow's needs</li><li>Permitting in southern New Hampshire, and how the rules vary town to town</li><li>What it really takes to generate rental income from an ADU</li><li>The factors that genuinely move the needle on construction costs</li><li>How to choose the right people to work with</li><li>Smart, practical kitchen and bath design for smaller footprints</li></ul>
Come with questions. Leave with clarity, and a much better sense of what's possible on your own property!
Space is limited to 20 guests, so we keep things small&nbsp;enough for real conversation.

Local Event: Room for What's Next: Designing & Building an ADU

Hillsborough County

Nashua

Room for What's Next: Designing & Building an ADU

Thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or an in-law apartment to your property? 
An accessory dwelling unit...

Camp Maude Eaton

Caregivers and their Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged children are encouraged to attend this&nbsp;free&nbsp;Try Girl Scouts&nbsp;event&nbsp;to learn more about Girl Scouting in their community.&nbsp;The program includes a Gabby’s Dollhouse–themed activity for Daisy-level girls, an overview of Girl Scout programs for caregivers, and an opportunity to meet other families interested in joining a local troop.
Families will enjoy a memorable introduction to Girl Scouts and discover why it’s the perfect place for girls to try new things, make friends, and grow as leaders. Each girl will leave with a themed activity guide to continue the fun at home.
<a href="https://www.gsema.org/en/get-involved/event-rsvp-region-1.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Please RSVP</a>—even if you can’t attend!&nbsp;Questions? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:customercare@gsema.org">customercare@gsema.org</a>

Local Event: Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie | Girl Scout Info Session

Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie | Girl Scout Info...

Caregivers and their Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged children are encouraged to attend this free Try Girl Scouts event to learn...

Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie | Girl Scout Info Session

Wilmington High School

This special program traces the American story through a vibrant tapestry of choral music—from folk traditions, spirituals and contemporary works, to familiar favorites. 
Under the direction of Artistic Director Katherine Foley, the Chorus’s 70+ singers represent 30 towns across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. Experience the sound of America as IRCC celebrates the resilience, creativity, and rich diversity that has contributed to our shared history over 250 years.
Adults: $25 | Seniors $20 | Ages 6-18: $15 | Card to Culture: $5 | Wonderfund Access Card $5 | Children 5 and under: Free 
Purchase tickets at <a href="https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/ircc/events/1744" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/ircc/events/1744</a> or from the IRCC website at ipswichrivercommunitychorus.org. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
This concert is made possible, in part, by grants from the North Reading, Reading, Tewksbury and Wilmington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Local Event: IRCC Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary

IRCC Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary

 This special program traces the American story through a vibrant tapestry of choral music—from folk traditions, spirituals and...

Lanam Club Inc

Celebrating milestones at Lanam Club

Local Event: Graduation Parties - Open House

Graduation Parties - Open House

The 18th annual Salem Arts Festival returns June 5-7, 2026, as a special "Salem 400+" edition celebrating four centuries of Salem's creative heritage. This free, family-friendly event transforms historic downtown Salem into an immersive artistic experience, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually.
What to Expect
Explore a juried visual arts gallery at Old Town Hall featuring 60+ works by regional artists competing for Best in Show and the John Boris Memorial Award. Browse a curated artisan marketplace across downtown Salem on Saturday and Sunday, with local makers offering ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, prints, and more.
Experience live performances across multiple outdoor stages throughout the weekend, including music spanning folk to hip hop, dance from flamenco to contemporary, circus arts, poetry, and more. Watch 12 talented muralists transform blank canvases into vibrant 8'×4' artworks during the Mural Slam at Artists' Row, then vote for your favorite via QR code to determine the People's Choice winner.
Participate in hands-on art-making activities, contribute to the festival's signature Community Art Project, and kick off the weekend Friday evening with the Tiny Art Spree—a fast-paced art exchange fundraiser where $20 tickets give you the chance to take home original artwork.
Festival Highlights
Friday, June 5 (5:30-8:30 PM): Gallery opening, performances at Derby Square, and Tiny Art Spree at 7 PM
Saturday, June 6 (11 AM-7 PM): All festival components active—gallery, artisan marketplace, performances, mural slam, community art, interactive activities
Sunday, June 7 (11 AM-6 PM): All festival components continue through closing
Locations &amp; Access
The festival spans downtown Salem's most beloved spaces: Old Town Hall, Derby Square, Artists' Row, Armory Park, the Pedestrian Mall, and areas near the Peabody Essex Museum. Essex Street and Front Street close to vehicles Saturday and Sunday (8 AM-7 PM), creating pedestrian-friendly festival zones.
Free admission to all events and activities. Bathrooms are available at Artists' Row, the NPS Visitor Center, and Destination Salem. Rain contingency plans ensure performances continue regardless of the weather.
Supporting Local Creativity
Produced collaboratively by Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective MA, the Salem Arts Festival strengthens Salem's creative economy while providing platforms for emerging and established artists. The event embodies community connection, economic revitalization, and the celebration of diverse creative voices.
This special "Salem 400+" edition honors Salem's deep artistic roots while looking forward to the next chapter of creative innovation in this historic city.
Plan your visit at salemartsfestival.com

Local Event: Salem Arts Festival 2026

Salem Arts Festival 2026

The 18th annual Salem Arts Festival returns June 5-7, 2026, as a special "Salem 400+" edition celebrating four centuries of...

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A New Tradition Begins with Heart: The First-Ever Harmonies of Hope Music Festival
One Stage. Multiple Communities. One Mission.
Groveland, MA &mdash; On Sunday, May 17th, something truly special will unfold on the North Shore. The first-ever Harmonies of Hope Music Festival will bring together families, music, and community&mdash;but at its core, this day is about something far deeper than entertainment.
It&rsquo;s about connection,It&rsquo;s about healing. 
And most importantly&mdash;it&rsquo;s about hope. &#128153;
Hosted by SadieLadySecrets.com, this inaugural event will take place at the Pines Recreation Center in Groveland from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM, creating a space where joy and purpose meet to support Home Base &ndash; Veteran &amp; Family Care for Mental Health.
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A Day That Comes from the Heart
Behind every song that will be played and every smile shared is a mission rooted in compassion&mdash;for the men and women who have given so much, and for the families who continue to stand beside them. &ldquo;This event is personal,&rdquo; said Stephanie Chiulli-Guillemette, Founder and Executive Director of SadieLadySecrets.com. &ldquo;So many of our veterans carry stories, struggles, and pain that we don&rsquo;t always see. Mental health battles don&rsquo;t end when the uniform comes off. We wanted to create something that reminds them&mdash;and their families&mdash;that they are never alone.&rdquo;
Through Home Base, a program of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital, veterans and their loved ones receive life-changing support for post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and the invisible wounds of service.
&ldquo;If even one person feels seen, supported, or hopeful because of this day, then it means everything, also If we can create a reminder that someone cares&mdash;then this event has done its job,&rdquo; Chiulli-Guillemette added. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re doing this.&rdquo;
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Inspiring Through Storytelling
The mission behind Harmonies of Hope is deeply connected to the heart of SadieLadySecrets.com, a family-run children&rsquo;s brand built on storytelling, kindness, and community.At the event, families will also be introduced to two powerful new releases: Families will also get to experience new book releases from SadieLadySecrets.com, including &ldquo;Sadie Lady Learns It&rsquo;s OK Not to Be OK&rdquo; and &ldquo;Sadie Lady Honors Our Heroes,&rdquo;
which focus on mental health awareness and honoring those who serve.&ldquo;Our books and our events go hand in hand,&rdquo; Chiulli-Guillemette shared. &ldquo;We believe in starting these conversations early&mdash;with kindness, honesty, and heart. Whether it&rsquo;s mental health or honoring our heroes, these are messages that matter for every generation.&rdquo;


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Music That Brings People Together
The festival will feature a full lineup of live entertainment including: 
DJ Fortin, The Visitors, The Chimpz, Diamond Edge, Party On Band, The Foo Family Band, and headliner Andrew McManus Band. Each performance represents more than music&mdash;it&rsquo;s a reminder of the power of coming together.

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A Day for Families, Fun &amp; Community
Harmonies of Hope is designed to be a welcoming, family-friendly event filled with activities for all ages: 
&#128717;&#65039; 45+ local vendors 
&#127903;&#65039; Raffles &amp; silent auction memorabilia 
&#127790; Food trucks 
&#127912; Face painting by Enchanted Expressions by Meg Goodwin 
&#127919; Carnival games, dunk tank &amp; kids characters
&middot;Sensory Friendly Tent from Community Steppingstones ABA GroupA Touch a Truck event Featuring Groveland First Responders as well as the Lightening McQueen Racecar of Boston. &middot;Pictures with Famous Book Character Sadie Lady 



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Powered by a Community That Cares
This first-year event is made possible by the support of incredible sponsors, including Renewal by Andersen, Ben Franklin Print Co., and many local businesses who believe in the mission of giving back.
&ldquo;This event is proof of what can happen when a community comes together,&rdquo; said Chiulli-Guillemette. &ldquo;Our sponsors, vendors, performers, and families are all part of something bigger&mdash;and that&rsquo;s what makes this so special.&rdquo;
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The Beginning of Something Bigger
Harmonies of Hope is not just a one-day event&mdash;it&rsquo;s the start of a tradition rooted in compassion, connection, and community impact.&ldquo;This is just the beginning,&rdquo; Chiulli-Guillemette said. &ldquo;We hope this becomes something people look forward to every year&mdash;not just for the music and fun, but for the meaning behind it. Because when we come together with heart, we create hope.&rdquo;

&#128205;
Event DetailsHarmonies of Hope Music Festival 
&#128197; Sunday, May 17th 
&#9200; 12:00 PM &ndash; 6:30 PM 
&#128205; Pines Recreation Center, Groveland, MA 
&#127881; Free &amp; open to the public


Media Contact: 
Stephanie Chiulli-Guillemette 
SadieLadySecrets.com 
&#128231; <a href="mailto:stephanie@sadieladysecrets.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">stephanie@sadieladysecrets.com</a><figure><img src="https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27173059/20260506/072939/1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f___06192938964.jpg?width=600" id="1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f.png" data-image="1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f.png" srcset="https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27173059/20260506/072939/1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f___06192938964.jpg?width=320 320w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27173059/20260506/072939/1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f___06192938964.jpg?width=375 375w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27173059/20260506/072939/1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f___06192938964.jpg?width=420 420w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27173059/20260506/072939/1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f___06192938964.jpg?width=720 720w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27173059/20260506/072939/1accbe09-532d-4e03-94f3-42d121dcd19f___06192938964.jpg?width=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 325px) 320px, (max-width: 375px) 375px, (max-width: 420px) 420px, (max-width: 768px) 720px, 600px"></figure>

Essex

Groveland

A New Tradition Begins: The First-Ever...

A New Tradition Begins: The First-Ever Harmonies of Hope Music Festival

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