News & Events
Longevity Bench Walk Challenge:
Final Guided Loop Walk
The Longevity Bench Walk Challenge is wrapping up with one more Guided Loop Walk on Wednesday, October 9th at 4pm along the VILLAGE LOOP. Leaving from the MERHS high school front parking lot, this walk is very special because it visits five Longevity Benches and is a true Village Walk. Hear personal stories from town resident and Bench Project Director, Jane Metrano, whose family has lived in Manchester for generations; notice trees and plantings featured by the Friends of Trees expert and president, Jody Morse; hear history lessons compiled especially for this walk from Bench Project Director, Susan Harrington; walk Lincoln Street to School Street to Summer Street and back to Lincoln Street; visit the oldest cemetery in town, hear about special residents and their houses in the Historic District and visit five benches donated by over 60 friends of Manchester – simply to provide a place for you to rest while taking a walk in this neighborhood. Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome, on this easy 1.5 mile walk.
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Click on the schedule below for a printable PDF:
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Bench Walk Challenge
Tally Card
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Between May 10 and October 19, residents and friends of all ages and abilities are encouraged to visit every bench and walk all eleven loops – a challenge called the “BENCH WALK CHALLENGE”.
To enhance the experience of walking the loops, guided tours have been organized twice during each month, May until October. On these walks you may learn about the trees, wildlife and houses you pass, hear donor stories about each bench and make new friends. A walk leader will be your guide, with maps and tally cards to document your bench visits. Printed brochures and tally cards are available at Town Hall Parks & Recreation Department and COA office, and will be provided on all organized walks. Click organized walks for information about the dates, locations and start points of each walk with a map showing the Town Loops and bench locations on page 2.
You could be inducted into the “Longevity Bench Project HALL OF FAME”
Bring your tally card to the Masconomo Park gazebo stage on Saturday, October 19th at 10am where officials will celebrate your accomplishments and awards will be given for noteworthy milestones. Very special individuals who have visited all 26 Longevity Benches and walked the 11 neighborhood loopes will be honored with induction into the “Longevity Bench Project HALL OF FAME.” Come help us celebrate. Ceremony and light refreshments will be enjoyed at the gazebo. Call/leave a message at 978-526-4491 for assistance on the walk or more information.
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Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walks
Every Longevity Bench will be visited during our guided walks from May 10-Oct 19. Bring your tally card to check off your personal visits. (Tally cards will be available at each walk.) See photos from past walks below. Check our schedule above for free upcoming walks. All are welcome to join us – and bring a friend!
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September 28, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 10, Eaglehead Loop - enjoyed by (left to right): Bench Project Director, Gillian Kellogg; Bench Project President & Founder, Lisa Bonneville; and Bench Project Director, Sonne Bialy.
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Guided Walk 10 was held on a sunny Saturday along the 1.7 mile Eaglehead Loop in Manchester-by-the-Sea. This beautiful walk through the neighborhood along Old Neck Road and around Eaglehead Road is filled with interesting history starting at #10 Old Neck Road where the Brownland Cottages were built, comprised of four yellow cottages. The main house called the “Old Homestead” was owned by Andrew and Mary Ann Brown whose daughter, Miss Charlotte Brown, ran the rooming house for summer visitors. Many history lessons were shared, all pulled from the archives of the MBTS Museum.
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September 11, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 9, Smiths Point Loop - Photo taken at the Trevett Bench #21. It was a terrific group of interesting and engaged walkers who participated in this scenic walk around the historic neighborhood of Smiths Point. Thanks go out to our exceptional walk leaders, Caitlin Eppes (pictured in the bright green T-shirt) and George Davis, along with walkers from Manchester, Gloucester and Essex.
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Guided Walk 9 was held on a beautiful afternoon along the 2 mile Smiths Point Loop in Manchester-by-the-Sea. One walker shared, “The walk around Smiths Point was a great opportunity to explore a picturesque residential neighborhood with spectacular architecture, landscaping, and scenic water views along the way! Thank you Caitlin and George for sharing–and to Lisa Bonneville for researching–many fascinating stories of historic residences along this loop. It’s nice to explore ‘our own backyard‘ here on Cape Ann. And the harbor view from the Trevett Bench makes it so inviting to sit and rest.”
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August 31, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 8, Old Story Loop - Photo (left to right) Sonne Bialy, Longevity Bench Project Board Director, Selena Evans, and Dr. Cynthia Bjorlie, Director, Adult Foster Care of the North Shore.
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Guided Walk 8 was held on a sunny Saturday along the 1.6 mile Old Story Loop in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
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August 14, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 7, Old Story Loop - Photo taken at the Cook Bench #2 after these eight walkers enjoyed lemonade and watermelon! In the bright green T-shirts were walk leaders: (standing) Linda Feuerbach, Longevity Bench Project board member and (seated) Cheryl Marshall, Director Parks & Recreation MBTS.
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Read more about our Guided Walk 7, Sheeps Pasture Hill Loop on the front page of the Manchester Cricket!
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July 27, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 6, Heater Loop - Photo taken at the M. F. Renolyds Bench #8. Walk leaders: Jody Morse (left) and Martha Chapman (right), Manchester Friends of Trees; Nick de Sherbinin (center), Bike and Pedestrian/Open Space and Recreation Committee.
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The Longevity Bench Project‘s Guided Walk 6 featured what is affectionately called the “Heater” Loop, along a few of the Town’s oldest and most historic streets lined with homes, shops and public buildings that date back to the 17th century. Walkers passed a wide variety of architectural styles and learned about the fascinating men and women who lived and worked in what is the oldest part of our little seaside village (following the self-guide walking tour booklet “The North Walk”, courtesy of the MBTS Museum). The leisurely 2-mile walk also featured heartwarming bench donor stories at seven of the 26 Longevity Benches along Pine Street, Pleasant Street, School Street and Central Street. Our knowledgeable walk leaders were Martha Chapman of the Friends of Trees and Nick de Sherbinin of the Bike and Pedestrian/Open Space Committees. Also joining this group was Jody Morse, Manchester’s Friends of Trees. Walkers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. All 11 guided walks are part of the 2024 Bench Walk Challenge, an initiative to introduce people to the newly completed network of 26 Longevity Benches placed throughout town neighborhoods – offering a place to rest while taking a walk. Cold refreshment was served at Bench #8 on Pleasant Street.
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July 10, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 5, Kettle Cove Loop Walk leaders Terry Cowman (left), Bike and Pedestrian Committee, and Nick de Sherbinin (right), Open Space and Recreation Committee, are sitting on the Pricilla and Richard Singleton Family Longevity Bench on Ocean Street. Photo by walker George Davis, Trustee, Manchester Essex Conservation Trust.
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Guided Walk 5, the Kettle Cove Loop, left from Sweeney Park at 4pm, Wednesday, July 10. Members of the Manchester Bike & Pedestrian and Open Space Committees led this ambitious (4.4 mile) loop walk east on Summer St. to Ocean St, along White and Black Beaches and back to Summer St, ending back at Sweeney Park. The history of the Hickory Hill residential development along Summer Street, interesting facts about the beaches, stories about each bench and shared conversation about the town’s commitment to its residents added to the enjoyable experience of each walker. “Not only did they visit four Longevity Benches but they got to walk on new sidewalk under the MBTA bridge and the new crosswalk at University Avenue”, shared Terry Cowman, “These benches are part of a network of 26 such benches separated by about a half mile, and in scenic or peaceful locations along routes regularly used by pedestrians.”
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June 29, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 4, Woodholm Loop - Photo taken from the Lisa Bonneville Bench #7. In the bright green T-shirts were walk leaders: (left) Terry Cowman, Bike and Pedestrian Committee and Open Space Recreation Committee; and (right) Dan Tieger, Bike and Pedestrian Committee founder and “Border to Boston Trail” network, East Coast Greenway.
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Guided Walk 4 was held on a sunny Saturday along the 1.6 mile Woodholm Loop in Manchester-by-the-Sea. “Attendees enjoyed the mix of history and natural beauty of this route”, exclaimed leader Terry. “Everyone talked about how much they learned!”
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June 12, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 3, Tucks Point Loop from the Morss Bench #22 to the Languille Bench #5, where photo was taken. Walk leaders were Susan Harrington, Longevity Bench Project board member, and Martha Chapman, Manchester Friends of Trees. Martha highlighted the numerous unique trees skirting the Tucks Point parking lot.
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June 1, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 2, Masconomo Loop - Photo taken at the Hooper Fund Bench #18., Also visited was the Feuerbach Bench #19. Walk leaders were Spencer and Linda Feuerbach (center green t-shirts), Longevity Bench Project board member, Jody Morse (left green t-shirt), Manchester Friends of Trees, and Lisa Bonneville, Longevity Bench Project founder (right).
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May 22, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 1, Rockwood Loop from the Elaine Bonneville Bench #24 and back again. Walk leaders were Cheryl Marshall (seated, center), Director Parks & Recreation MBTS; Lisa Bonneville, Longevity Bench Project founder (not pictured) and Jody Morse (standing, left), Manchester Friends of Trees.
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26th Longevity Bench Installed in 2024
What fun it was to photograph the class officers at Longevity Bench #26 on Lincoln Street in front of the high school, just as the rain let up and they left for baccalaureate. This bench is the newest Longevity Bench, installed in April, in loving memory of artist, musician, author and teacher, Michael Palter, and in celebration of the MERHS Class of 2024. The sister of Michael Palter, to whom the bench is dedicated, was also there.
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First, a serious photo and then, as Dianne requested, a silly photo just for Michael.
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May 30, 2024 (Left to right) standing: Cortney Brown, Class of 2024 advisor; Dianne Palter Gill, sister of Michael Palter; (seated) Finnian O’Hara, Vice President; Alexander Brenker, Secretary; Phileine deWidt, President, Libby Murry, Treasurer.
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Longevity Bench #26 Plaque
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Our 6th Anniversary Party
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On the sixth anniversary of our launch, the Longevity Bench Project threw a party! Donors, supporters and sponsors were honored and we begin a summer-long partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department that will underscore the value of the “network” these ADA compliant benches provide in Manchester’s neighborhoods.
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May 10, 2024 Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to sponsors Jeffreys Creek Land Contractors owners, Paula and John Filias (pictured above) and to Artfluence Graphic Design owners, Lynne and Jay Havighurst (pictured below) for their six year commitment to the Project. Sponsor Keystone Ridge Designs was not present but also honored.
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Below: Board member Jane Metrano and her daughter Christine Metrano Barber decorated a cake of the entire Longevity Bench Project map. Amazing and delicious!
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24th and 25th Longevity Benches Installed in 2023
We are delighted to announce that Longevity Benches #24 and #25 have now been installed. One, adjacent to the new sidewalk across the street from the newly opened Pine Street Ball Field and the other, in front of 21 Ocean Street with a spectacular view of the White Beach Marsh. We thank the family and friends of Elaine Bonneville and Richard and Pricilla Singleton for these generous donations to the Longevity Bench Project network. Two more places to rest while taking a walk in the neighborhoods of Manchester-by-the-Sea. Six more benches will complete the goal of this Project.
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November 2023 E. Bonneville Longevity Bench #24 on Pine Street
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Longevity Bench #24 Plaque
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View of Ball Park from Longevity Bench #24
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Singleton Longevity Bench #25 on Ocean Street
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Longevity Bench #25 Plaque
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View of White Beach Marsh from Longevity Bench #25
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South Carolina Visitors Stop at a Longevity Bench
September 2023 Young mothers from South Carolina visiting Manchester enjoyed a rest on a Longevity Bench along Woodholm Road. And...they discovered a new use for Longevity Benches - sit down, stand up exercises. What fun!
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Longevity Benches are Enjoyed by All Ages
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July 2023 Two youngsters take a break on the Harrington Longevity Bench. All ages appreciate these rests along the way.
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Longevity Benches Provide a Seat to Watch the Fourth of July Parade and Festivities
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July 4, 2023 Linda Gamage and family (3 generations!) found the perfect seat on the Harrington Longevity Bench on Woodholm Road to watch Manchester-by-the-Sea’s Fourth of July parade.
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July 4, 2023 These three ladies are enjoying Manchester-by-the-Sea’s Fourth of July parade on the Siljeholm Longevity Bench on Pleasant Street.
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July 4, 2023 Two friends have a seat on the Morss Longevity Bench at Tuck’s Point.
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Longevity Bench Project Celebrates 5th Anniversary
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May 10, 2023 Gathered in front of newly installed Morss Bench at Tucks Point to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Longevity Bench Project are board members (left to right) Jane Metrano, Linda Feuerbach, Sue Harrington, Lisa Bonneville, and Gillian Kellogg. Missing from the photo are Louisa Mackintosh, Leigh Scharfe, and Sonne Bialy.
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22nd Longevity Bench Installed in 2023
Everett and Pamela Morss generously donated the Morss Longevity Bench #22 at Tuck’s Point in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.
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Longevity Bench #22 Plaque
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A Bench Sponsor Highlights the Longevity Bench Project
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Keystone Ridge Designs Highlights the Longevity Bench Project
”Summer is the ideal time to get outdoors and appreciate how something as simple as a walk can improve our health and well-being. Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA is one town where strides are being made to not only recognize that but also to support and encourage it through the Longevity Bench Project, Inc. With the use of our Everett bench and product customizations, this project has been near and dear to our hearts since its inception in 2017.”
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21st Longevity Bench Installed in 2023
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Published in The Cricket, May 12, 2023: Tanya Ferretto (left) and Tanya Trevett on the new Longevity Bench at Proctor Cove in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
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Longevity Bench #21 Plaque
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Joan Snow Honored with 23rd Longevity Bench
Published in The Cricket, November 11, 2022
November 11, 2023 Surrounded by loving family, Joan Snow is presented with newly dedicated Longevity Bench in honor of her and her late husband, Jim.
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As a complete surprise, Longevity Bench #23 was presented to Joan Snow by her five children, their families and many friends in front of the new Pickleball courts at Sweeney Park. Dedicated to her and her late husband, Jim Snow, longtime residents of Manchester and avid tennis players who supported the use of local tennis courts for many years.
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“I want to thank you for bringing this bench to this spot”, exclaimed an unidentified young woman leaving the courts as she approached Joan and the gathering. “I know I will use it often.”
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Longevity Bench Project founder, Lisa Bonneville, thanked the new donors to the Project now sharing in the mission to place benches throughout Manchester as a “place to rest while taking a walk”. Joan’s 90th birthday was May 23rd and it is so special that her bench is now #23 in the network.
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Joan Snows enjoys a rest on the occasion of a Longevity Bench being dedicated to her and her husband.
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SeniorCare Honors Longevity Bench Project
SeniorCare’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: An Evening of Remembrance and Heart
During the 50th Anniversary Celebration of SeniorCare, Inc. held Thursday night, September 22, 2022 at the Beauport Hotel, Manchester’s Longevity Bench Project’s founder, Lisa Bonneville, was honored with the Board of Directors Community Service Award. Celebrating with Lisa were a number of Bench Project board members, sponsors, friends and family members. SeniorCare Director, George Nickless from Manchester personally shared his well wishes as a supporter of her nomination for this award. At the end of the evening, Lisa delivered her heartfelt thanks for this high honor.
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Longevity Bench Project family, board members and sponsors (left to right): George Davis, Dominic Pang, Fleur Davis Pang, Linda Feuerbach, Sonne Bialy, Lisa Bonneville, Leigh Scharfe, John Filias, Paula Filias and Gillian Kellogg
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Congratulations to the guests of honor (left to right): Jim Nentwig, Santa’s Magic, Rosemary F. Kerry Community Service Award; Posie Mansfield, Good Company, Myra L. Herrick Outstanding Older American Award; Felicia Webb, Cape Ann Transportation Authority, Board of Directors Community Impact Award; Lisa Bonneville, The Longevity Bench Project, Board of Directors Community Service Award; Not pictured: Darlene Prinz, Beverly Police Department, Board of Directors Community Impact Award
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Twenty Installed and Six Benches More
The Select Board of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA approved three new Longevity Bench sites in their meeting on July 5, 2022. The generous donors of these benches will be published and added to the website Site Map upon installation; one in September and two more will be installed in the first quarter of 2023. And we are very excited to report that three additional benches are currently in the works. As these benches are installed, they will be added to the Town Loop Map.
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Click the video below for 1623 Studios’ Cape Ann Today interview with Project Founder, Lisa Bonneville:
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Parade News Coverage
Click on the image below to read the news coverage of the parade:
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Our Brochure
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Manchester-by-the-Sea’s 375th Anniversary Parade
The Longevity Bench Project hit the road on Saturday, September 25, 2021 with a float in Manchester’s 375th Anniversary parade. What a fun ride it was! Proudly won the float award for “Most Ecological”, as we celebrated our milestone 20th bench. Thanks to Chapman’s Greenhouse for their colorful flowers that created a garden around the bench and banners and to Jeffrey’s Creek Land Contractors for the extra large float bed we shared with the town’s Anniversary Planning Committee chairs, Sue Thorne and Tom Kehoe. It is our set-up team that deserves the most gratitude. That’s you, Linda, Sonne, Sue, Louisa, Mary Ellen, Ann, and the magnificent George Davis. And our special guest riders and walkers; Joan Snow, Dorothy Anderson and Michelle Langille and Sonne Baily, and board members Ann Noble-Kiley, Sue Harrington and Louisa Mackintosh. We had so much fun!!
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