TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Beverly. Now that the winter solstice has passed, everyday from now until June 21 will get a bit brighter. Merry Christmas!

In today’s Beverly Buzz:

• Beverly Faces $4M Budget Shortfall for FY27 💰

• Beverly Secures $850K Housing Rehab Program Grant 🏠

• End of an Era at the Cummings Center 🥪 

• Upcoming events 💃 🍺 🎶 🎥 🧑‍🍳 🎤 

Let’s get to it.

— Chase Nussbaum

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BEVERLY CREDIT UNION

Happy Holidays, Beverly!

Yes, we are officially in holiday mode. Over the next week, many of us may have a little downtime to think about what we want to accomplish in 2026.

Financial goals are always a popular New Year’s resolution. While there are plenty of things we cannot control, we can make small, conscious choices to save a little more. Here are a few quick savings hits:

Start small. One manageable change can go a long way – sometimes it is as simple as skipping the name brand at the store.

Look beyond subscriptions. Apps can help track spending, but it is also helpful to review your loan statements and remind yourself of the interest rates you are paying. If you're curious about how they compare, we are always happy to help.

Be flexible. Progress matters more than perfection. Life is for living; treat yourself now and then, just don’t overdo it.

As we head into the new year, small and steady steps can make a real difference. Beverly Credit Union is here to be your financial partner today, next year, and beyond. Learn more and start 2026 as our newest member!

THE DIGEST

Beverly Faces $4M Budget Shortfall for FY27 💰

Beverly is facing a "qualitatively different" financial crunch, with a nearly $4 million budget deficit projected for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026. A new report from the Financial Forecasting Committee warns that Beverly is looking at higher fees or service cuts “with unprecedent(ed) impact.” Left unchecked, that deficit is on track to balloon to $13.6 million by 2030.

Since Massachusetts law mandates a balanced budget, the city has no choice but to make some major adjustments. “Beverly policy makers, and the community as a whole need to recognize that difficult decisions will have to be made.” Beverly isn’t alone; the Massachusetts Municipal Association calls this "A Perfect Storm" as record-high inflation outpaces state aid and the tax limits of Proposition 2 ½. Nearly every local city and town is navigating the same choppy financial waters.

Beverly Secures $850K Housing Rehab Program Grant 🏠

Beverly has been awarded $850,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding to launch a 12-unit housing rehabilitation program, part of the Healey-Driscoll administration's broader $33.5 million statewide housing initiative. The grant will focus specifically on improving existing homes for Beverly residents, supporting the administration's goals to expand housing options, upgrade infrastructure, and strengthen local services across Massachusetts communities.

End of an Era at the Cummings Center 🥪 

After a ten-year run and four different concepts, owner Torie Farnsworth has officially closed Rogue Kitchen & Provisions. The heartfelt announcement cited the quiet "new world" of remote work as the reason for the exit this December. While it's a bummer to lose a local favorite, the staff has been safely relocated to nearby Flip The Bird spots for 2026. Don't forget to show some extra love to the other office park cafes still holding down the fort!

What else is buzzing 🐝 

• 🗑️ Trash pickup is delayed one day for those with Thursday and Friday pickups this week.

• 🚆 On Thursday, December 25, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule in observance of Christmas.

• 🏊 Dave Modzelewski, coach for the YMCA of the North Shore Sharks team and New England LSC’s Disability Coordinator, has been named the 2025 Jimi Flowers Disability Coach of the Year in recognition of his dedication to equity and inclusion in swimming.

• 🥗 Local heroes like My Brother’s Table and Lifebridge are serving free Christmas meals across Lynn and Salem.

• ✍️ Beverly is seeking your input on the redevelopment of 218-226 Cabot Street, the site of the former Family Dollar Store, through a brief survey. Feedback will help shape priorities before issuing a Request for Proposals, as the City looks to understand public priorities and acceptable trade-offs.

• 🚛 Beverly Middle School students won MassDOT's snowplow naming contest with "Sleet Caroline." The creative name will grace one of MassDOT’s Highway Division snowplows this winter season and remain on the plow for its service life.

• 🎅 How American Christmas traditions are changing. And, how Americans feel about giving cash as a gift.

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Dorothy! She’s three months old and part of the Puerto Rico Puppy Crew - seven adorable pups from Puerto Rico are looking for their forever homes! Each one is sweet, friendly, and full of puppy charm. They love to play together, wrestle, chase toys, and curl up for cozy naps after a fun-filled day. Their playful personalities and adorable faces make them impossible to resist! These pups would thrive in homes ready to provide love, training, socialization, and lots of fun as they continue to learn about the world. Learn more and apply for adoption here.

WEATHER

4-Day Weather Forecast

Wednesday

35°/23° 🌡️ | ☁️ Cloudy | 💧 24%

Thursday

37°/11° 🌡️ | 🌤️ AM Clouds/PM Sun | 💧 24% 

Friday

23°/17° 🌡️ | ⛅️ Partly Cloudy | 💧 4% 

Saturday

26°/16° 🌡️ | 🌨️ AM Snow Showers | 💧 52%

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, 12/14

🍔 A&B Burgers Annual Christmas Eve Gift Card Sale | A&B Burgers | 9:30 am - 12 pm | Info

Friday, 12/26

🧘 Community Zen | Barnet Gallery, Main Library | 11:30 am | Info 

🎶 Live Music: Mike Miksis Trio | Sala Restobar | 6-9 pm | Info

🎵 Live Music: Bluegrass Jam | Backbeat Brewing | 7-10 pm | Info

🎥 Back to the Future | The Cabot | 7 pm | $13.50-$16.50 | Info

🎵 Live Music: Judes & the Hutch - Final Show & Ugly Sweater Party | Old Planters | 7-10 pm | Info

🎷Musical Bingo! | Off Cabot | 7:30 pm | $21.19 | Info 

Saturday, 12/27

🍳 Irish Breakfast | Backbeat Brewing | 9 am-12 pm | Info

🛍️ End of the Year Thrift Haul Celebration: 50% Off Everything! | Beverly Bootstraps | 10 am - 5 pm | Info

🎵 Live Music: Jazz Jam | Backbeat Brewing | 7-10 pm | Info

🧑‍🍳 Adult Cooking Class: A Taste of Italy | Taste Buds Kitchen | 4:30 pm | $140 | Info

🎶 Live Music: American Singles | Sala Restobar | 6-9 pm | Info

🥁 Battle of the Band Alumni Fundraiser | The Cut | 6 pm | $32-$107 | Info

🎥 The Goonies | The Cabot | 7 pm | $13.50-$16.50 | Info

🎸 Duke Robillard Band | Off Cabot | 8 pm | $41.74-$46.88 | Info

Sunday, 12/28

🧘 Women’s Circle: Cleansing for the Year Ahead | Seven Spinning Wellness at Casa Calma | 10:30 am | $55 | Info

🎸 Zach Nugent’s Dead Set – Grateful Ball | The Cabot | 8 pm | $35.75 | Info

Wednesday, 12/31

🎄 Christmas at Castle Hill: A Nod to Nature | Castle Hill on the Crane Estate | 4-7 pm | $9-$25 | Info

😂 Comedian Brian Regan | The Cabot | 6 pm | $68.50-$99 | Info

🎤 New Year’s Eve Showcase: Comedy Show | Off Cabot | 6 pm or 9 pm | $41.74 | Info

🎵 SAFETY - New Years Extravaganza | The Cut | 7:30 pm | $32-$250 | Info

😆 Paul D’Angelo’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Show | Larcom Theatre | 7:30 pm | $38.50-$43.50 | Info

🎶 Live Music: New Year's Eve w/ Henley Douglas Jr's HDRnB | Sala Restobar | 9 pm - 12:30 am | Info

KID AND FAMILY EVENTS

Friday, 12/26

🍕 Fuel Up Fridays! Free dinner program | McPherson Youth Center | 3:30-7:30 pm | Info

Saturday, 12/27

🧑‍🍳 Caregiver & Me Cooking Class: Cinnamon Rolls | Taste Buds Kitchen | 9 am | $40 | Info

🍔 Kids Eat Free | A&B Burgers | 11:30 am - 3:00 pm | Info

Sunday, 12/28

🌮 Family Cooking Class: Taco Party | Taste Buds Kitchen | 1 pm | $120 | Info

Monday, 12/29

🍩 Caregiver & Me Cooking Class: Reindeer Donuts | Taste Buds Kitchen | 9 am or 11 am | $40 | Info

Tuesday, 12/30

🐐 Barnyard Story Hour: Infants - Age 6 | Appleton Farms | 10:30 AM | $5-$10 | Info

🧁 Caregiver & Me Cooking Class: Penguin Cupcakes | Taste Buds Kitchen | 9 am or 11 am | $40 | Info

🍔 Family Cooking Class: Sliders & Shakes | Taste Buds Kitchen | 1 pm or 4 pm | $120 | Info

Wednesday, 12/31

🎤 SAFETY - New Years Extravaganza: All Ages | The Cut | 4:30 pm | $15-$37 | Info

TRASH AND RECYCLING

Visit the 2025 City of Beverly Holiday and Leaf Pickup Schedule for more information on each icon.

THANKS!

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