Inn Transition now owns its space in Peabody

Farnsworth Landing in Middleton, a Lynne Brunaccini photo.

HOME AT LAST: For the past 18 years, Inn Transition, which provides shelter and programs for homeless people, had rented space at the former Hebrew Community Center in Peabody.

Following a $2.7 million, three-year project, the inn now owns the renovated facility.

"This project has been so exciting and gratifying," said Nancy Crowder, executive director of Citizens for Adequate Housing Inc., which operates the shelter. "We have long dreamed of owning this site and renovating the facility into a truly comfortable and dignified residence for the families we serve. This goal has now been achieved."

The renovation also increased the number of families that can be housed to 14.

Now in its 25th year, Citizens for Adequate Housing offers shelter at the Inn Transition; the Inn Between, an emergency shelter also in Peabody; and in five apartment buildings owned by the Communities Land Trust.

The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Inn Transition, at the corner of Washington and Pleasant streets, Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. Call 978-531-9775, ext. 11.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY: The YWCA of Greater Newburyport is seeking nominations for the 2009 Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award, which is presented each year at the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast to someone who has demonstrated, through volunteer or professional activities, a commitment to eliminating racism, fighting prejudice, and celebrating diversity in the community.

Nominees can be any adult or youth who lives or works in the YWCA Greater Newburyport area.

Forms can be obtained by calling 978-465-9922 or visiting www.ywcanewburyport.org. The deadline is Dec. 15.

BEVERLY TO BROADWAY: Kristin Carbone, a 1990 graduate of Beverly High School who is now performing on Broadway, returns to her hometown to present a cabaret evening Tuesday.

The event, presented by the Beverly Recreation Department, benefits the restoration of the Carriage House at Lynch Park.

At one time, Carbone worked for the Recreation Department as a park instructor at Dix Park and a counselor at Adventure Camp.

In "Beverly to Broadway and Back," Carbone sings with her husband, Michael St. John, who is also a musical theater performer. The couple met when they appeared in a show together. Their first child, Lillianna Grace Meyers, was born in March.

Carbone is currently performing in "Mary Poppins" on Broadway, where she also has appeared in "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Into the Woods." St. John performed with the Broadway national tour of "Les Miserables" for four years.

"Beverly to Broadway and Back" features an opening performance by the Beverly High School Jazz Band, followed by Carbone and St. John singing Broadway and seasonal songs. Musical direction is by Ray Novack. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Beverly Senior Center, 90 Colon St. Tickets are $25, general admission; $50, reserved seating; $100, dress circle. Call 978-921-6067.

WHO'S WHAT WHERE: Robert Bertoni of Haverhill recently placed first in the Eastern Massachusetts Bridge Association sectional tournament. . . . Julie Carey of Amesbury, Linda Desjardins of Hampton, N.H., and Betsy Pardo of Boxford have received employee performance recognition awards from Northern Essex Community College. Carey, an administrative assistant in humanities and social sciences, has worked at the college for 30 years. Desjardins, a professor of English, has taught at the college 31 years. Pardo, coordinator of learning resources in the English Language Center, has been at Northern Essex for 11 years. . . . Winners in the Middleton Stream Team Photo Contest were Lynne Brunaccini of Middleton, first prize for an autumn photo of Farnsworth Landing; Richard Santosuosso of Middleton, second prize for a winter scene of the Ipswich River; and Alison Colby Campbell of the Bradford section of Haverhill, third prize for a river photo taken from the Route 62 bridge.

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