TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Beverly. Nothing brings the neighborhood together quite like the collective sound of Advil bottles opening after the first snowfall of the year.

In today’s Beverly Buzz:

• The Salty Seagull Closes 🍴

• Beverly Condo Project Draws 400+ Reservations Before Opening 🏢

• Local Nonprofit Distributes Nearly 100 Backpacks to Housing-Insecure Residents 🎒

• Upcoming events 💃 🍺 🎶 🎥 🧑‍🍳 🎤 

Let’s get to it.

— Chase Nussbaum

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LET’S SAUNA

Escape the Cold. Embrace the Heat. Your Weekly Dose of Bliss.

Ready to thaw out and recharge?

We're bringing the heat (literally) to your favorite local spots this season! Join the Let's Sauna community for an invigorating hot-to-cold experience—an hour of deep, cleansing heat followed by a refreshing cool-down near the water.

Whether you book a single seat to meet five new friends or reserve the whole sauna for your crew, you'll leave feeling rested, restored, and ready for the week.

Upcoming locations include:

• Lynch Park, Beverly: January 9 and February 6

• Pavilion Beach, Ipswich: December 21, January 4, February 7, and March 22

• Hood Pond, Topsfield: December 28 and January 1

🔥 Book your 60-minute session now!

THE DIGEST

The Salty Seagull Closes 🍴

The Salty Seagull, a Chicago-style hot dog and smashburger spot in Beverly, closed last weekend after one year in business. The owners announced the difficult decision on social media, citing rising costs and the challenges of operating a full menu from their 224-square-foot kitchen. The Salty Seagull team referenced Anthony Bourdain's philosophy of failing spectacularly rather than succeeding in mediocrity, calling their closure "just an intermission" rather than the end of their story.

Beverly Condo Project Draws 400+ Reservations Before Opening 🏢

The demand for new condos in Beverly is so strong that over 400 people have signed up for priority reservations at Beverly Landing, a 60-unit development still under construction at Cummings Center. More than two dozen prospective buyers have even paid $5,000 just for early access to model units when they're ready, according to sales director Jessica Jaklitsch. Located on the Balch Street side of Cummings Center across from Beverly Middle School, the five-story building will feature 48 age-restricted units (requiring at least one resident over 55) and nine affordable housing units. One-bedroom condos will start in the mid-$500,000s for 800-900 square feet, while two-bedrooms begin in the $800,000s and range up to 2,600 square feet.

Cummings Properties will handle property management with on-site staff. Move-ins are expected to begin in spring 2026, and this will be the final condo project on the Cummings Center campus after Elliott Landing's 73 units sold out nine years ago.

Local Nonprofit Distributes Nearly 100 Backpacks to Housing-Insecure Residents 🎒

Nearly 100 housing-insecure residents across Beverly, Gloucester, and Salem received backpacks filled with hygiene supplies and cold-weather essentials through Lifebridge's ninth-annual Backpack Program this holiday season. The initiative, which began with just 40 backpacks, has grown significantly thanks to community support and donations.

They now distribute specialized CITYPAK backpacks designed for people experiencing street homelessness, featuring weatherproofing and security features. The program has expanded dramatically since its inception. "When the program started, we gave away 40 backpacks, and Lifebridge would purchase most of the items inside," said Brittany Molloy-Kenney, vice president of philanthropy at Lifebridge. "Now, we have 200 backpacks fully funded by the Lodge of St. Andrew to give out in the winter and summer."

What else is buzzing 🐝 

• 🚗 Downtown shoppers can park for free at municipal lots and meters through Christmas Day. The extended holiday parking promotion does not apply to the waterfront area or the MBTA garage.

• 🍃 Massachusetts is poised to approve on-site cannabis consumption rules this week, allowing dispensaries to add "pot cafes" and hospitality venues to host marijuana events. Local communities will retain the authority to permit or deny these establishments.

• 🥾 The historic Moraine Farm trails are open to the public year-round with nearly three miles of free hiking paths. Two entrances are available: the main parking at 779 Cabot St. and a secondary entrance on Conant Street near Hannah Village.

• 🎅 You can book your Santa pictures at Northshore Mall through December 24.

• 🍳 The Friendly Toast is closing its Danvers location on December 31 due to building mechanical issues. They will continue searching for a new location on the North Shore.

• 🍴 Looking to pick up Christmas dinner rather than cook it? Check out Danversport Christmas Dinner Pickup options.

• 🧑‍🏭 One in five Americans had jobs that didn't exist in 2000.

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Oberon! This handsome young guy is a shy soul who's learning to trust people. In his foster home, he prefers to keep a little distance at first and is still pretty timid around people. Oberon enjoys wand toys, absolutely loves treats, and will even take them right from your hand. He's had moments where he relaxes into gentle petting, showing that he does want to trust - he's just not fully there yet. If you love helping shy cats blossom and find confidence, Oberon could be the perfect match for you. Learn more and apply for adoption here.

WEATHER

4-Day Weather Forecast

Wednesday

45°/28° 🌡️ | ⛅️ Partly Cloudy | 5%

Thursday

46°/40° 🌡️ | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 14%

Friday

57°/26° 🌡️ | 🌧️ Rain/Wind | 100%

Saturday

36°/32° 🌡️ | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 1%

UPCOMING EVENTS

🎄 A Christmas Carol: 12/4 - 12/21

North Shore Music Theatre | 2h 20m; Includes intermission | $40 - $100 | Info

Wednesday, 12/17

🎯 Trivia with Michael | Backbeat Brewing | 6:45 pm | Info

🎁 Yule Open House | Zodiac Tea Room | 7-8:30 pm | Info

Thursday, 12/18

🎶 Live Music: Krewe de Roux | Sala Restobar | 6-9 pm | Info

🍺 Pub Trivia | Coastal Mass Brewing | 7 pm | Info 

🎵 Live Music: Irish Session | Backbeat Brewing | 7-10 pm | Info

👻 Jeff Belanger Presents The Fright Before Christmas | Off Cabot | 7 pm | $31.47 | Info

🍪 Cookbook Club: Cookie Swap | Sohier Room, Main Library | 7 pm | Info

Friday, 12/19

🎨 Make It Merry: Custom Trays & Signs Workshop | Hammer & Stain | 2 pm | $50-$90 | Info 

⛳ Bongo Golf Closest to the Pin Contest | Gentile Brewing Company | 5-9 pm | Info 

🎶 Live Music: Mike Miksis Trio | Sala Restobar | 6:30-9:30 pm | Info

🧑‍🍳 Adult Cooking Class: Julia's Kitchen | Taste Buds Kitchen | 7 pm | $140 | Info

🎸 Live Music: 5xFast | Old Planters Brewing Co | 7-10 pm | Info 

🎵 Live Music: Jack Senier Trio | Backbeat Brewing | 7-10 pm | Info

🎷 BrassFed Nation's Holiday Bash | The Cut | 7:30 pm | $15-$37 | Info

😂 Comedian Orlando Baxter | Off Cabot | 8 pm | $31.47 | Info

🎤 December ’63: A Very Merry Frankie Valli Christmas | The Cabot | 8 pm | $57-$89.50 | Info 

Saturday, 12/20

🎄 Merry & Grinchy: DIY Whoville Trees & Sea Glass Creations | Hammer & Stain | 4 pm | $50-$68 | Info

❄️ Winter Solstice Celebration | Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary | 4 pm | $20-$24 | Info

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

🎸 Live Music: A Very Jerry Xmas: Reach For The Sun | Old Planters Brewing | 7-10 pm | Info 

🥩 Adult Cooking Class: Argentinian Steakhouse | Taste Buds Kitchen | 7:30 pm | $140 | Info

🎶 Live Music: Joel LaRue Smith Trio | Sala Restobar | 7:30-10:30 pm | Info

🎸 A Holiday Homecoming with Jon Butcher & Diane Blue | Off Cabot | 8 pm | $46.88-$67.43 | Info 

Sunday, 12/21

🎄 Christmas at Castle Hill: A Nod to Nature | Castle Hill on the Crane Estate | 10-4 am | $9-$25 | Info

🛒 Cape Ann Makers Market | The Cut | 12-4 pm | Info

🧶 Cozy Knit Blanket Workshop! | Hammer & Stain | 3 pm | $95 | Info

🧘 Winter Solstice Restorative Yoga Workshop | Long Hill | 4 pm | $45-$55 | Info

🍝 Adult Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta | Taste Buds Kitchen | 5 pm | $140 | Info

🎥 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | The Cabot | 7 pm | $13.50-$16.50 | Info 

Monday, 12/22

🍿 Love Actually | The Cabot | 7 pm | $13.50-$16.50 | Info 

Tuesday, 12/23

🎥 $1 Movie – The Muppet Christmas Carol | The Cabot | 6:30 pm | $1 | Info

KID AND FAMILY EVENTS

Wednesday, 12/17

🎶 Music & Movement | Conrad Room, Farms branch | 10:45 am | Info 

🧥 Teen Coat Drive | McPherson Youth Center | 3-8 pm | Info

🕯️ Crafternoon: Candle Painting: Grades 6-12 | Sohier Room, Main Library | 3:30 pm | Info

👷 Lego Club | Conrad Room, Farms branch | 3:30 pm | Info 

Thursday, 12/18

📕 Book Buzz: Story Time | Conrad Room, Farms branch | 12 pm | Info

🥳 Holiday Party | McPherson Youth Center | 3-8 pm | Info

🎁 After-School Craftivity: Wrapping Paper Decoration | Conrad Room, Farms branch | 3:30 pm | Info

Friday, 12/19

🎶 Music & Movement | Sohier Room, Main Library | 10 am | Info

🔬 Science Squad: Grades 2-5 | Arts & Crafts Room, Main Library | 3:30 pm | Info 

🍕 Fuel Up Fridays! Free dinner program | McPherson Youth Center | 3:30-8 pm | Info

Saturday, 12/20

📗 Saturday Story Times: Baby & Toddler | Story Hour Room, Main Library | 9:30 am | Info

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

🧑‍🎄 Santa's Holly Jolly Jamboree | Northshore Mall | 1-3 pm | Info

🩰 BoSoma Youth Company presents Holiday Spectacular: A Snow Globe Wish | The Cabot | 6 pm on 12/20 or 2 pm on 12/21 | $30.25-$47 | Info

Tuesday, 12/23

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

🍪 Caregiver & Me Cooking Class: Cookies & Milkshakes for Santa | Taste Buds Kitchen | 11 am | $40 | Info

TRASH AND RECYCLING

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

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Beverly Buzz today. If you found this newsletter useful, please share it with your friends and family.