Finding Our Way Forward

The coronavirus shutdown brought civic life and commerce to a standstill for months. These stories of revival show how communities, businesses, schools and essential institutions are finding ways to reopen, recover and move forward.

Salem, MA|News|

Women-Owned Businesses Set Up Shop In Salem Retail Space

Charlene Pena's Woven Royal is one of three businesses at the incubator retail location on Lafayette Street through October.

Women-Owned Businesses Set Up Shop In Salem Retail Space
Beverly, MA|News|

Familiar Take A Good Fit For A Beverly Grand Reopening

Jay Murray said Ellis Square Social will reopen Wednesday with a menu that more closely resembles its roots than its pandemic trials.

Familiar Take A Good Fit For A Beverly Grand Reopening
Salem, MA|News|

North Shore Workers Now In Demand Have Plenty Of Options

Hiring incentive programs, like the $800 one in Salem that is soon coming to Beverly, help level the playing field for smaller businesses.

North Shore Workers Now In Demand Have Plenty Of Options
Beverly, MA|News|

Beverly Homecoming Poised For Triumphant Return Next Week

The five-day event is back starting Aug. 4 with the Lobster Festival and programs leading all the way up to the Aug. 8 fireworks.

Beverly Homecoming Poised For Triumphant Return Next Week
Peabody, MA|News|

Federal Boost Helps Peabody Brewery Weather Coronavirus Impact

While a Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant helped Granite Coast pay down pandemic debt challenges remain for most North Shore restaurants.

Federal Boost Helps Peabody Brewery Weather Coronavirus Impact
Marblehead, MA|News|

Marblehead Fitness Studio Set To Expand After Surviving Pandemic

Kelly Lorenz said she will soon open Form 01945 next to her Tread Tabata, MHD location on Bessom Street.

Marblehead Fitness Studio Set To Expand After Surviving Pandemic
Peabody, MA|News|

Peabody Eases Mask Mandates For School Summer Programs

Superintendent Josh Vadala said indoor masking is now optional as the district looks toward a more normal fall after a year of disruption.

Peabody Eases Mask Mandates For School Summer Programs
Salem, MA|News|

Salem's Historic Peabody Essex Museum Adds Some New Wrinkles

The nation's oldest continuously operating museum is offering mobile coronavirus vaccinations in conjunction with new later Friday hours.

Salem's Historic Peabody Essex Museum Adds Some New Wrinkles
Peabody, MA|News|

Life Time Opening Alters Landscape Of Peabody's Northshore Mall

The massive new resort-style health facility opens Friday in the parking lot of the Simon-owned property.

Life Time Opening Alters Landscape Of Peabody's Northshore Mall
Beverly, MA|News|

Nacho Tacos To Bring Late-Night Dining To Downtown Beverly

The new Rantoul Street location opens this week with the goal of serving authentic Mexican food well past midnight to a craft brew crowd.

Nacho Tacos To Bring Late-Night Dining To Downtown Beverly
Peabody, MA|News|

Peabody's CultureHouse A Snapshot Of Creative Possibilities

The month-long pop-up has hosted open mic nights, student art exhibitions, book readings and community discussions among other activities.

Peabody's CultureHouse A Snapshot Of Creative Possibilities
Swampscott, MA|News|

The New Look Of North Shore Open Public Meetings

Remote meetings can continue through April 1, 2022, but each city or town has discretion on how much Zoom access to grant residents.

The New Look Of North Shore Open Public Meetings
Salem, MA|News|

Salem Youth Football & Cheering Looks For Reboot From Lost Season

While some sports were able to play with rule modifications in 2020, youth football has been sidelined since 2019.

Salem Youth Football & Cheering Looks For Reboot From Lost Season
Peabody, MA|News|

Sign Of Better Times: Peabody State Of Emergency Rescinded

Mayor Ted Bettencourt officially lifts the coronavirus-related order that had been in place since March 17, 2020.

Sign Of Better Times: Peabody State Of Emergency Rescinded
Salem, MA|News|

New Salem Police Chief: 'We Need Not Be Afraid Of Scrutiny'

Lucas Miller addressed the challenges facing police and Salem's ability to meet them during his official swearing-in ceremony Tuesday.

New Salem Police Chief: 'We Need Not Be Afraid Of Scrutiny'
Peabody, MA|News|

Peabody P.R.E.P. Extends Remote Learning Option In District

As most districts eliminate virtual schooling altogether in 2021-22, Peabody is creating the Personalized Remote Education Program.

Peabody P.R.E.P. Extends Remote Learning Option In District
Danvers, MA|News|

Danvers Mass Vaccination Site To Give Final Shots By June 30

One of the pillars of the state's initial efforts to rapidly rollout coronavirus vaccinations will cease operations this month.

Danvers Mass Vaccination Site To Give Final Shots By June 30
Salem, MA|News|

Salem Arts Festival Marks Fitting Rebirth For North Shore

The first major event since the lifting of most coronavirus restrictions will highlight the hard-hit creative community.

Salem Arts Festival Marks Fitting Rebirth For North Shore
Salem, MA|News|

Long-Debated Salem Housing Ordinance Signed Into Effect

After three years of discussion, votes and revotes, accessory dwelling units are allowed in Salem.

Long-Debated Salem Housing Ordinance Signed Into Effect
Peabody, MA|News|

Peabody City Hall To Resume Full Hours, Lift Mask Requirement

More than 15 months after the onset of the coronavirus crisis, Peabody City Hall will fully open to the public on June 21.

Peabody City Hall To Resume Full Hours, Lift Mask Requirement
Marblehead, MA|News|

Mental Health Challenges A Lasting Pandemic Impact On North Shore

The Marblehead Counseling Center is seeing unprecedented demand for services from adolescents, teens and young adults.

Mental Health Challenges A Lasting Pandemic Impact On North Shore
Salem, MA|News|

Salem Sticks With State Of MA On Rescinding Mask Requirement

The Salem Board of Health voted unanimously to align with the state lifting of all coronavirus-related business restrictions as of Saturday.

Salem Sticks With State Of MA On Rescinding Mask Requirement
Salem, MA|News|

Great Mask Debate Building On North Shore

With state restrictions set to expire Saturday, Patch readers are divided on whether they should still be worn inside businesses.

Great Mask Debate Building On North Shore
Across Massachusetts, MA|News|

Mask Confusion Could Be In Store Across MA On May 29

With most statewide coronavirus-related restrictions to expire, businesses are largely charged with determining their own protocols.

Mask Confusion Could Be In Store Across MA On May 29
Beverly, MA|News|

Beverly Fitness Studio Owner Eager To Work It Out After Pandemic

Tread Tabata creator Kathy Glabicky said her members are rejuvenated with state coronavirus-related business restrictions set to end May 29.

Beverly Fitness Studio Owner Eager To Work It Out After Pandemic
Peabody, MA|News|

Peabody's Granite Coast To Transition To Good Old Taproom Times

With state business restrictions set to expire next week, breweries must decide just how much of the old bar scene they are ready to allow.

Peabody's Granite Coast To Transition To Good Old Taproom Times
Across Massachusetts, MA|News|

MA School Sports Players, Coaches, Fans Can Ditch Masks Outdoors

The new Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association guidelines go into effect as of Tuesday's games.

MA School Sports Players, Coaches, Fans Can Ditch Masks Outdoors
Across Massachusetts, MA|News|

MA Masks Can Soon Come Off During Outdoor Games, Recess, Camps

The state is lifting mask requirements for youth sports effective Tuesday as MIAA reviews the new guidelines for school sports.

MA Masks Can Soon Come Off During Outdoor Games, Recess, Camps
Salem, MA|News|

North Shore Online Catalog Promotes Diverse Business Community

The collaboration of Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott includes near 140 minority- and women-owned businesses.

North Shore Online Catalog Promotes Diverse Business Community
Beverly, MA|News|

Beverly's Cabot Theater To Reopen For First Film In 15 Months

The historic theater, which hasn't held a live screening since the coronavirus crisis began, will show "Jaws" Memorial Day weekend.

Beverly's Cabot Theater To Reopen For First Film In 15 Months
Salem, MA|News|

Salem Drops Outdoor Face Mask Order Downtown

The city, which made mask-wearing a cornerstone of its coronavirus mitigation last spring and summer, will follow eased state guidelines.

Salem Drops Outdoor Face Mask Order Downtown
Danvers, MA|News|

Danvers Native Eyes Special PMC Winter Cycle Ride At Fenway Park

Allison Pyburn, who now lives in Belmont, will ride June 6 at Fenway in honor of her late father, Michael, who died of cancer in November.

Danvers Native Eyes Special PMC Winter Cycle Ride At Fenway Park
Lamorinda, CA|News|

3 Lamorinda Restaurants On Open Table's List Of East Bay Best

These Lafayette and Moraga restaurants made the top 10 list. Which of your favorites should have been included?

3 Lamorinda Restaurants On Open Table's List Of East Bay Best
Fremont, CA|News|

2 Fremont Restaurants Receive Grants

The money will be used to cover payrolls, plus they will receive other support.

2 Fremont Restaurants Receive Grants
Salem, MA|News|

How Soon Will Big Events Return To Massachusetts?

While Salem and Worcester have canceled or postponed Fourth of July parties, other cities and towns are taking a wait-and-see approach.

How Soon Will Big Events Return To Massachusetts?
Salem, MA|News|

Salem Welcomes Back Glenn Burns As New High School Principal

Glenn Burns, currently the principal at Haverhill High, is the former leader at Collins Middle School.

Salem Welcomes Back Glenn Burns As New High School Principal
Salem, MA|News|

Citywide Fiber-Optic Line Installation Coming To Salem

SiFi Networks will soon begin installing the lines as part of a contract with the city allowing for $35 million in private investment.

Citywide Fiber-Optic Line Installation Coming To Salem
Danvers, MA|News|

Doherty Brings Classroom Perspective To Danvers School Committee

One of the town's newest School Committee members tells Patch she believes her educational background will benefit her hometown district.

Doherty Brings Classroom Perspective To Danvers School Committee
Salem, MA|News|

Salem Ferry Set To Return To Harbor This Month

After a choppy ride in 2020 amid the coronavirus crisis, the Salem Ferry is going to give it another go in 2021 starting on May 21.

Salem Ferry Set To Return To Harbor This Month
Peabody, MA|News|

Motherhood Helps North Shore Franchise Owner Navigate Pandemic

Lindsay Wallin, a longtime Melrose resident, guided her nine McDonald's franchises amid the coronavirus crisis with two pre-teens at home.

Motherhood Helps North Shore Franchise Owner Navigate Pandemic