News & Events
Three Resident Walkers Inducted into the “Longevity Bench Project HALL OF FAME”
Between May 10 and October 19, residents and friends of all ages and abilities were encouraged to visit all 26 Longevity Benches and walk the eleven neighborhood loops – a challenge called the “BENCH WALK CHALLENGE”. Congratulations to three resident walkers (pictured below) who met that challenge and were inducted into the Longevity Bench Project Hall of Fame!
October 19, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Longevity Bench Project: Hall of Fame Inductees (Standing left to right) Laurie McCoy, Gillian Kellogg, and George Davis. Laurie has not only visited all 26 benches but cleaned each bench and pad before each guided loop walk.
October 19, 2024 Waving, like flags, bright green T-shirts worn by the leaders of each of 11 curated loop walks were hung all around the Masconomo Park gazebo to draw attention to the Bench Walk Challenge award ceremony.
The fun celebration of their accomplishments took place at the Maconomo Park gazebo stage during the Fall Festival. This culmination of the 5-month Longevity Bench Walk Challenge was also marked with the expression of gratitude to the many individuals who have played an important role in bringing 26 Longevity Benches to town over the past six years.
Click here to read all the acknowledgements shared by Founder/President, Lisa Bonneville.
The Laughing Gull Café donated coffee and sponsored two of the gifts given to the Hall of Fame inductees. Many thanks to Bruce and Dede Warren for their generosity.
Bench Walk Challenge Tally Card
Click on the image below for a printable PDF:
Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walks
Every Longevity Bench was visited during our guided walks from May -October. It has been wonderful to meet everyone who joined us and to share stories with you about the history, people and trees along each neighborhood loop.
Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to explore the eleven walking loops before the Bench Walk Challenge concludes on Saturday, October 19th. Our completed guided walk schedule and photos are shown below.
Click on the schedule below for a printable PDF:
October 9, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 11, Village Loop - Photo taken at the Schanley/Boy Scout House Bench #3. Walk participants: (seated) Susan Harrington, Board Director and walk leader; Jane Metrano, Board Director and storyteller; returning walkers from Gloucester. (Standing) Jody Morse, President, Friends of Manchester Trees and walk leader; George Davis (with “best friend” Gina) Trustee, Manchester Essex Conservation Trust.
It was another sunny day for our final Guided Walk 11, the 1.5 mile Village Loop. All repeat walkers were happy to hear Jane Metrano share her life stories of former school sites, a popular gravel pit, military lookout towers, and stories of children at play on the town hill behind North Street. As a resident whose family goes back four generations in Manchester, we learned firsthand how our seaside town has evolved through multigenerational family life. Jody Morse shared interesting information about beautiful and unique trees along the way and everyone learned something new while experiencing parts of town one can only notice while taking a walk.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Guided Walk 8 was held on a sunny Saturday along the 1.6 mile Old Story Loop in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Click on the article below for a larger view:
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.
Read more about our Guided Walk 7, Sheeps Pasture Hill Loop on the front page of the Manchester Cricket!
Click on the photo for a larger view.
July 27, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 6, Heater Loop - Photo taken at the M. F. Reynolds 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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!”
June 12, 2024 Bench Walk Challenge - Guided Walk 3, Tucks Point Loop from the Morss Bench #22 to the Langille 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.
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).
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.
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.
First, a serious photo and then, as Dianne requested, a silly photo just for Michael.
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.
Longevity Bench #26 Plaque
Our 6th Anniversary Party
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.
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.
Below: Board member Jane Metrano and her daughter Christine Metrano Barber decorated a cake of the entire Longevity Bench Project map. Amazing and delicious!
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
Longevity Bench #24 Plaque
View of Ball Park from Longevity Bench #24
Singleton Longevity Bench #25 on Ocean Street
Longevity Bench #25 Plaque
View of White Beach Marsh from Longevity Bench #25
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!
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.
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.
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.
July 4, 2023 Two friends have a seat on the Morss Longevity Bench at Tucks Point.
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.
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.
Longevity Bench #22 Plaque
A Bench Sponsor Highlights the Longevity Bench Project
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.”
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.
Longevity Bench #21 Plaque
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
Joan Snows enjoys a rest on the occasion of a Longevity Bench being dedicated to her and her husband.
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.
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
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
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.
Click the video below for 1623 Studios’ Cape Ann Today interview with Project Founder, Lisa Bonneville:
Manchester-by-the-Sea’s 375th Anniversary Parade
Parade News Coverage
Click on the image below to read the news coverage of the parade:
Our Brochure
Click on the image below to view a printable PDF:
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!!
