I had a chance last week to catch up with John Gedraitis, owner of Van Berkum Nursery (VBN) in Deerfield, NH. He was kind with his time during the busy period to talk about what is in demand (and not) and provide some insight into where his operation is going.
By Lucy Kratman Sam Russo says it’s the children who inspire her every day at Creative Corner School. As co-director of the Winchester-based early childhood program, she’s spent more than a decade watching young learners grow through play, creativity, and exploration. This year, the school marks 25 years
Lauren Valdario and Giacomo Cantoni share two very important things — both are Winchester natives and both are working at their dream jobs. On a sunny spring morning, both Valdario and Cantoni sat down to talk about what it’s like to work as police officers in the same community where
By Norah Doyle Students at Winchester High School are bridging a generational divide with the power of plants. A sociology class at the high school this spring participated in the Youth Grant Pitch Contest, an outreach program ran by Social Capital Inc. (SCI), a local nonprofit that promotes increasing the
When the first British colonists arrived in New England during the 17th century, the native inhabitants of the area now incorporated into the Town of Winchester were members of the Massachusett tribe. The original colonists were Puritans led by Gov. John Winthrop. The first colonial town to which Winchester territory
From Colonial times onward, the Aberjona River, running through town from Woburn down to the Mystic Lakes, offered a source of power for mills to operate in the area which became Winchester. The first industries were those essential to colonists, grist mills, sawmills, and a dye works. As the leather
Library-goers might be surprised to see the return of an old-fashioned card catalog cabinet, and even more surprised to see what it contains. Not cards but garden seeds, the brainchild of Young Adult and Reference Librarian Amanda Gogel. “I started gardening two years ago,” she says, “and I wanted to
I have seen some extensive and unexpected rabbit damage over the past few weeks as I have been getting out into client’s gardens. As someone who recommends plants and helps people in the fight to protect their plants, this is becoming an even more varied and moving target. Every
Jessica Jussino is the pet parent of Bailey Blue, a 2 1/2-year-old golden retriever. Bailey is well-known around Winchester. Artie at Fells Ace Hardware was one of her first friends and taught her “paw” when she was only a few months old. She also loves Emi and Jill at
Peter Franchi was fond of paintings that represented the vivid beauty of life, most notably “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of his favorite pieces. Renowned for his incredible artistic talent, Franchi passed away December 2024 at the age of 87. A beloved member of the Winchester
Call it serendipity that paved the way for the organ extravaganza coming to First Congregational Church on March 21. Rev. Jane Ring Frank said they chose the date for a concert some time ago when they were setting the Ripley Concert Series Calendar. Frank said because she works with the
As bird flu outbreaks send egg prices climbing, local restaurants and bakeries must cope with shortages and decide when to raise prices. “We had to do a price increase on our breakfast menu, especially since it’s all based off of eggs,” said Jennifer Lemus-Flores, manager of Swanton Street Diner
Some 34 years ago, a very good looking man invited me out to dinner and we went to Lucia Ristorante on Hanover Street in Boston’s North End. I don’t remember a lot about the evening except everything was exceptional and being in the North End in evening light
It may not be as exciting as celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next July, but Winchester’s historic community is looking forward to celebrating the town’s 175th birthday over the coming months. “There’s more attention given to the round numbers than
I always thought Fells Hardware, Winchester’s funky and old-fashioned hardware store, is a three-generation Ryan family business. Wrong! It’s FOUR generations! After purchasing the building and land, Pierce Ryan renovated the interior and opened the doors in 1927. His son, John, took over and ran the business for
Taylor Anderson is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story was produced for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with Winchester News. Winchester native Ali Lowell is seeking to introduce the world to the “purr-fect” companion. She should know. She’s been trapping, socializing and
