News Nearby: Dirty Doodle, Joe Fish And A Problem With Hannaford Cakes

Each week we take a look at some of the stories making headlines in neighboring Patch communities.

WHS Abutter's Attorney: 'That's Why We Have Superior Court' The battle over the new Wilmington High School appears to be far from over. Department of Environmental Protection Hearings Officer Tim Jones released the report on his decision to dismiss two appeals of the school on Friday, but the attorney for abutter Gerry O’Reilly indicated that his client will likely be willing to continue his appeal to the next level. “That’s why we have Superior Court,” said attorney Jeffrey S. Baker, when read a paragraph summarizing the report that claims the petitioners failed to raise factual issues in their appeal. “I have nothing else to say other than that.” Dirty Doodle Coming to Reading Stoneham resident Kaitlyn Fusco is opening The Dirty Doodle, …

• Photos (1)

Merrimack Valley Pavilion Expected To Open In November

Family recreation center to feature laser tag, mini-golf, arcade and snack bar.

With each passing day, Gary Brown's vision for the property at 2087 Main St. is becoming closer to reality. Some time in November, Brown is expecting to open Merrimack Valley Pavilion, a family-friendly recreation complex featuring a multi-level laser tag arena, a miniature golf course and an arcade. The complex will also feature a snack bar. "We’re hoping to be completed (construction) in early November," said Brown. " And then with time (to acquire the) occupancy permit. Hopefully we'll be open soon after that." The property, which had once been the home to the New England Grand Prix go-cart track, had been vacant for many years. Brown bought the property from a bank in September 2011 and in February 2012 he submitted his plans for …

•  11 Comments
• Photos (8)

Pets Plus Expands Its Operation In a Big Way

Pet and pet supply store takes over neighboring space and more than doubles its square footage.

For some business owners, expansion and change can be scary propositions. They like to take baby steps and grow in small increments. Not Matt Connors. The owner of Pets Plus in South Tewksbury has been aching to grow his business for years. Earlier this year, an opportunity presented itself and leapt at it. As a result, Pets Plus has more than doubled its square footage and, as a result, has been able to greatly increase the products and services it offers its customers. "We've been in this space (2286 Main St.) since 1997," said Connors. "But we were really cramped and we've been looking to expand for a while. We had hoped to expand when Superstar Video went out but that would have meant H&R Block would have had to (relocate) and it didn'…

•  7 Comments
• Photos (1)

New Eateries Popping Up Throughout The Merrimack Valley

Chelmsford, Wilmington, Tewksbury all welcoming new restaurants.

CHELMSFORD Selectmen approved a common victualer license for Sweet Kiwi Frozen Yogurt, which will be located at 7 Summer Street next to the Animal Haus. The specialty frozen yogurt shop will be Chelmsford's first after many similar stores have started up in the area. WESTFORD Ever wonder if the produce available at the local farmers’ market is cheaper than the grocery store? Westford and Chelmsford Patch tackled that question this month. NORTH ANDOVER Smolak Farms got an unexpected demolition. On July 20, after the business was closed, someone was backing out of a space, but she had the car in "drive" instead of "reverse." The result was her car crashing through the wall of the bakery/shop. There were no injuries in the accident, although …

• Photos (1)

New Italian Restaurant Preparing To Open In Tewksbury

Owner brings 20 years of restaurant experience to Al Fresca Ristorante.

Authenticity. For Mark Angluin, that's the goal as he makes preparations to open Al Fresca Ristorante, Tewksbury's newest Italian restaurant. "All of our ingredients will be imported," said Angluin. "From the oils, to the cheeses to the deli meats. We'll be grinding our own Romano cheese. We're going for authenticity." Al Fresca Ristorante takes over the space once occupied by Cusano's Kitchen, at 1768 Main St. Angluin is leasing the space, which has been vacant for about three years, and purchased the contents left behind. A complete renovation of the interior has created what Angluin describes as a "modern Italian bistro." The restaurant is divided into two sections with a 50-seat dining area on one side and a full bar with additional …

•  22 Comments
• Photos (1)

James Notello

5:51 pm on Monday, April 8, 2013

So you won't go back because it was cold? Wow! As for pricey, well you get what you pay for. They use fresh quality ingredients in everything the do. i have been there many many times and the food is amazing and fresh!   more ›

Stacy And Scott Dolliver Turn Passion For Music Into A Successful Business

Apple Tree Music and movement is a place for parents and children to experience the joys of music.

For Tewksbury Resident Stacy Dolliver music has always been a way of life.  A Special Education Teacher by trade, Stacy always studied music as a hobby and sang in various choirs including the Treble Chorus of New England.    Much like Stacy her husband Scott is also a musician.  With a degree in music and a passion for teaching guitar, Scott works full time for an insurance company but admits, “I’m truly a musician at heart.” About seven years ago, when Stacy was pregnant with her daughter Sophia, she was, like so many mothers to be, looking for a career that would allow her more time at home.  She knew that, on some level, she wanted to continue teaching children and, at the same time, wondered how she could incorporate her love for …

•  10 Comments
• Photos (8)
• Videos (2)

Tewksbury Man's New Career Is A 'Smile On Wheels'

Tom Porzio has stepped out of the rat race and behind the wheel of a Kona Ice truck.

Did you ever wish that you had a job that makes people smile?  Have you ever wondered what it’s like at a job where everyone waits for your arrival and hates to see you leave? Well, Tom Porzio, owner of Kona Ice in Tewksbury, actually has that job and he couldn’t be happier about it.  For this longtime Tewksbury resident, father of two and President of Tewksbury Youth Soccer, Kona Ice was a dream opportunity to earn some extra money but, at he same time, a chance to do what he loves; spread a little cheer. Several years ago, Porzio was in the process of changing jobs and, like so many people, pondering what to do with his 401K money.  With the economy failing and so few solid business opportunities on the horizon, he began to do his …

•  5 Comments
• Photos (2)

John Stadtman

8:40 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012

I had the Kona truck come to my house for my son's birthday last year - was a great hit with all the kids (and adults too !!!) Great idea for any event - thanks again !   more ›

Trull Brook Golf Course and Tennis Center Receives Liquor License

The 126-acre, 18-hole public golf course and tennis center located on River Road recently received a liquor license allowing them to offer their customers what they have been asking for many years.

The Trull Brook Golf Course and Tennis Center, 170 River Road, has only had its liquor license since May 2 and has already thrilled its customers, according to its owners. Lorraine Trull, co-owner with her husband Roy also made improvements to the snack bar, changing its name to T's Bar and Grill and expanding its menu. Although Roy has worked at the course since he was a young boy, the couple have been the sole owners of Trull Brook for the past year and a half. The land was deeded to the Trull Family by King George. Trull's father-in-law Bailey built the golf course in 1963 and the tennis center in 1972. "We are the 15th generation to work the land," she said. Also a hit is the brand new beverage cart that can deliver cold drinks, beer, …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (6)

Tewksbury Country Club Unveils New Patio Dining Area

The best kept secret in Tewksbury adds on during the off-season.

If you ever travel on Route 38 in Tewksbury there is every reason to believe that you have noticed the Tewksbury Country Club.  A beautiful building set back from the main road and surrounded by perfectly manicured landscaping the Tewksbury Country Club is hard to miss. Chances are good that you know a little bit about the country club.  Most people realize that The Tewksbury Country Club is built on the site that was, at one time, The Tew-Mac Airport.  Almost everyone realizes that The Tewksbury Country Club is boasts a nine hole public golf course, is the perfect venue for a wedding or other function and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.  What many people don’t realize, however, is that The Tewksbury Country Club is much …

•  8 Comments
• Photos (3)

Visions For Vacancies

What Business Do You Think Should Fill This Vacancy?

Wamesit Place has some new tenants and now would be a great time to land a replacement for El Pollo Loco.

Things are buzzing over at Wamesit Place. Harrow's Chicken Pies moved in last fall and Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is moving in this summer. These new arrivals make this the perfect time to land a new business to occupy the building that once housed the El Pollo Loco restaurant. It's time once again to put on your planner and developer's hat and tell us what business you think should ocupy this cornerstone of Wamesit Place.

•  33 Comments
• Photos (1)