Longtime Essex resident Barry Loy has been promoted to vice president of student development and dean of students at Gordon College.
"The new title signals to external constituencies that Barry is the chief student development officer at Gordon," said Provost Mark Sargent in a statement from the college. "And it also affirms more than two decades of excellence in his role as the leader of our student development programs."
Loy has worked with students at the college for 24 years. In his new position, he will oversee 42 full and part-time staff in various programs and departments. He will also work with international and urban students, the campus events council and medical personnel at the health center.
Gordon College is a nationally ranked, Christian liberal arts and sciences college in Wenham.
Celebrate national Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week is this coming week, and both the Manchester and Essex fire departments are holding special events to celebrate.
Manchester Fire Department will host a fire prevention day Monday at Memorial School. The day will feature the Safe Trailer and education about fire hazards, home fire prevention, and escape routes. The station will also have an open house Monday at 6:30 p.m. The open house will feature free pizza and drinks, a child car seat safety demonstration, and a guest appearance from Sparky the fire dog.
Essex Fire Department will host an open house Sunday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. The department's trucks will be on display, and coloring books and hats will be given out to children. Halloween safety materials will be available at the open house and throughout the month.
Real estate and property tax bills
The Essex treasurer and tax collector would like to remind residents that fiscal 2009 real estate and personal property bills were mailed Sept. 30. Payments must be received by Nov. 3 to avoid interest and penalties.
For questions regarding payment, call the treasurer and collector's office at 978-768-7111. For questions regarding valuations, please call the assessor's office at 978-768-7831. Hours for both offices are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Essex Cultural Council seeks funding proposals
The Essex Cultural Council is seeking grant applications from schools, individuals and organizations for programming that supports cultural activities in the community. The council will also take proposals from schools and youth groups. This year, $4,000 in grants will be distributed.
Grants can support many kinds of projects, including lectures, performances, short-term artist residencies and exhibits.
The council is also seeking new members for this grant cycle, and individuals with an interest or background in the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences are encouraged to join.
For information about grant guidelines or joining the council, contact council chairwoman Gail Pepe at 978-768-6707. Grant applications and information about the local cultural council program are available at www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp.
New fire codes
The Essex Fire Department would like to notify residents that there are new fire codes in place for indoor haunted houses. If you have questions about compliance, call the Fire Department at 978-768-6363 and leave a message for David Thompson.
Town Talk is compiled each week by reporter Amanda Flitter. If you have an Essex or Manchester item for Town Talk, call her at 978-283-7000, ext. 3447, or e-mail gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
