20th North Shore Medical Center's CANCER WALK

Our Team: "There's Something About Mary"

75 T-shirts pressed, we were ready to join thousands of people from all over the North Shore, and beyond, that celebrated this beautiful day with friends and families, especially all those Dads, by walking in the 20th North Shore Medical Center's Cancer Walk. (Happy Father's Day )

Our team: There's Something About Mary, joined so many other teams making the 6.2 mile journey through the streets of Salem from the Willows to Salem State College and back. Certainly, we were all pumped for the event and especially excited to be celebrating Mary's much improved health; what a difference a year makes. For sure, we walked with a spring in our step.

Congratulations to those on our team, and all the teams, that raised funds for the future care and treatment of so many Mary's that face this dreaded disease. The fight is ongoing and we pray the cure is eminent. But until then, the care and treatment is so needed and will be funded by the $million goal that will be raised this year. Thanks to all that helped to make a difference this year, and the past 20 years of this walk. Certainly, so many can proudly say they have walked 124 miles for a cure.

PS: Thank you Witch Tees for sponsoring our team with t-shirts again this year. And thank you to The DelBalso Family, and all their poker tournament friends, for donating towards the printing expense. Ada especially appreciated not having to press all those logo transfers on each shirt this year. (Gotta love automated silk screening)

A storyteller in my kitchen. No work getting done today!

Jim McAllister, the "go to guy" for information about Salem history, is affectionately known and recognized as "Salem's Best Ambassador". Since 1983 he has been educating and entertaining locals and countless visitors about Salem folklore and secrets of the past. If you haven't taken his "Salem 101" course, or been on one of his walking tours, you're out of touch with the real Salem. He started the walking tour craze when we first opened our B&B 26 years ago. Repeat guests wouldn't think about coming back to Salem and not asking about Jim and his latest tour. When he pops in for breakfast, it's a special treat for folks and breakfast can turn into lunch before you know it. We always have a place set for him at the table, where the stories flow and the time flies. Just keep the coffee and a few scones coming, and the secret tales of Salem's treasures will be yours.......

Jim is currently hosting his walking tours on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings at 9;30am. He meets at the Visitor Center and the tour takes about an hour. (Probably longer, if I know Jim). It's the best way to start your day and see Salem. He's full of colorful anecdotes, and fun facts. It's an all entertaining, yet informative, stroll through Salem's downtown and waterfront neighborhoods where you'll discover the city's connections to Nathaniel Hawthorne, Monopoly, Alexander Graham Bell, "Bewitched", American presidents, "The Crucible" and other significant people, places and events. It's the best $10 you will ever spend. No reservations required...... he takes everyone.

Oh, and tell him, the muffin lady sent ya......

For more information: you can call Derby Square Tours at (978) 745-6314.