North Shore Women Connect upcoming events

The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane by Dee MacDonald (13 Oct 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

**Attendees should read the entire book and come prepared to discuss. If you are unable to finish the book but would like to attend the discussion, you can do that as well.**

JOIN US FOR BOOK CLUB: OCTOBER 13, 2026

Crossroads Restaurant 119 S. Main St. Middleton MA

Susan Gannon, NSWC member and board member, will lead the discussions. yourgranddesigns@gmail.com

THE SILVER LADIES OF PENNY LANE

By Dee Mac Donald

‘Dee MacDonald’s books are so heart-warming. They make you laugh-out-loud one minute, and then have you crying the next… they’re really emotional and tug at the heart strings but are fun, life-affirming reads!’ Stardust Book Reviews

Tess and Orla have been best friends throughout most of their adult lives. So when life gave them lemons and their loved ones let them down, they pooled their resources and bought a dressmakers shop on the corner of Penny Lane. And they’ve been doing just fine ever since.

But one day, while studying her tired eyes and shapeless figure in the mirror, sixty-two-year-old Tess realized that she doesn’t want her life to be just fine anymore. She wants it to be extraordinary. For as long as she can remember she’s put everyone else first. Now she wants to rediscover herself – and experience the kind of whirlwind adventure that will have the power make her smile when she’s confined to the armchair of a retirement home.

With the encouragement of fun-loving and quirky Orla, Tess joins an over-the-hill dating agency and the two friends book a singles cruise around the Mediterranean. And that’s when their adventure of a lifetime really begins…

A totally uplifting, heart-warming, hilarious page turner about embracing the moment, learning to love again and the joy of second chances. Perfect for fans of The Kicking the Bucket List and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (21 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

North Shore Women would like to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a focus on women who have survived or are currently in breast cancer treatment.

For this event, we have partnered with Solace for Stephanie, a cancer non-profit based on the North Shore that helps people with cancer in memory of Stephanie Jenkins (Rowley). Solace for Stephanie is asking our attendees to bring a guest that is a breast cancer survivor or currently in treatment and Solace will pay for them to attend and dine!

We will also have a speaker to speak about Women's Wellness and that speaker will be announced soon.

The focus of the evening is awareness and to celebrate the guests. And feel free to ask your guests if they would like to share a story from their journey, we would be open to hearing their inspirational stories.

(Of course, guests can merely enjoy the night without sharing).

Please join us in bringing a guest and embracing these courageous women!

www.solaceforstephanie.org

STEPHANIE JENKINS

MORE TO COME!

Teresa's Italian Eatery

149 S Main Street

Middleton, MA 01949

Monthly Monday Mixer - October 26th at Francie's Boutique (26 Oct 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

OCTOBER 26, 2026

Monthly Monday Mixer

FRANCIE'S BOUTIQUE

30 MAIN STREET, TOPSFIELD, MA

Come out and see what's new at Francie's Boutique with owner and NSWC member, Leslie Voss. Francie's is an upscale resale clothing consignment boutique which also features a selection of lifestyle items from gifts to home decor to gourmet foods sourced in New England and beyond. NSWC member and Stylist Lisa Malmgren will be pulling clothing and accessories from Francie's racks and putting together some fall/winter/holiday looks while we sample and sip "Glitter" drinks from mixes Leslie discovered at the NEW England Made trade show! There will be a prize drawing too!

Don't miss out! Mark your calendar for Monday, October 26th starting at 5:30 PM. Francie's Boutique is located in the Topsfield Village Shopping Center, 30 Main St. it is the first building on the right when you enter the plaza. Plenty of parking available.

BOOK CLUB!!! ON MY WATCH: A MEMOIR By Virginia Buckingham (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

**Attendees should read the entire book and come prepared to discuss. If you are unable to finish the book but would like to attend the discussion, you can do that as well.**

JOIN US FOR BOOK CLUB: NOVEMBER 10, 2026

Crossroads Restaurant 119 S. Main St. Middleton MA

Susan Gannon, NSWC member and board member, will lead the discussions. yourgranddesigns@gmail.com

ON MY WATCH: A MEMOIR

by Virginia Buckingham

Blamed for the 9/11 attacks, one woman has to find the courage to be her own hero.

As the nation came together to mourn, to support, and to rebuild in the aftermath of 9/11, Virginia Buckingham was singled out for blame. As the head of Boston’s Logan International Airport, the launching pad for the hijacked planes that destroyed the Twin Towers, she was scapegoated by the media and political leaders for supposed airport security lapses and forced to resign. She was also sued for wrongful death by the family of a 9/11 victim, holding her personally responsible for the terrorist attack.

A rising star at thirty-five, Buckingham had served as chief of staff to two consecutive Massachusetts governors before becoming the first woman to head the state’s Port Authority. But her life and career were suddenly derailed. Grappling with issues of trauma, faith, leadership, and resilience, this unique memoir shares her struggle to rebuild her life and come to terms with being blamed for the unimaginable tragedy that occurred on her watch.

Report an issue with this product or seller

"On My Watch" - Virginia Buckingham - Author (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

ON MY WATCH: A MEMOIR

by Virginia Buckingham

Blamed for the 9/11 attacks, one woman has to find the courage to be her own hero.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Virginia Buckingham was born in Connecticut and has lived in Massachusetts for nearly forty years. She was the first woman to serve as chief of staff to two consecutive Massachusetts governors. Buckingham was subsequently the first woman appointed to head that state’s Port Authority, operator of Logan International Airport. She has also worked as a deputy editorial page editor and columnist for the Boston Herald. In 2015, she was selected for the inaugural class of Presidential Leadership Scholars, a joint initiative of the presidential libraries of Presidents George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and Lyndon Johnson.

___________________________________________________

Recent Virginia Buckingham Quote

Dated 09/10/26 in the Marblehead Current:

Marblehead resident Virginia Buckingham reflects on healing and resilience 25 years after 9/11

"Twenty-five years after 9/11 upended her life, Marblehead resident Virginia Buckingham says she has reached a place she once might not have imagined: changed forever, yet back to the core of who she is.

The former head of Massport reflects on the long road through blame, grief and healing — and what she has learned about resilience, faith, light, love and hope.

“I’ve been changed forever, and I’ve returned to myself,” she says. “And how lucky am I to be able to say that?”

MEETING LOCATION - 5:30 PM

Teresa's Italian Eatery

149 S Main Street

Middleton, MA 01949

NOTE: The North Shore Women Connect Book Club has read this book and this will be an interactive event for them and anyone else that chooses to reach the book prior to the event.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO Monthly Monday Mixer - November 30, 2026 (30 Nov 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

NO NOVEMBER 2026 MONDAY MIXER

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

SEE YOU THIS WEEK AT THE TROLLEY!

6th Annual Caroling on a Trolley (2 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Caroling on a Trolley!

Dashing down the streets.

In a joyous trolley car.

O'er the hills of North Shore.

Singing all the way.

Enjoy a night of singing on the streets of Salem, Danvers & Peabody as we are transported using a trolley car.

We will visit:

TDB

Assisted Living Communities

Women's Lodging Homes

Fire Departments

Senior Living Communities

PLEASE SUBMIT ANY SUGGESTIONS!

A full of list of the places we will visit to come soon!

Come join us for a night filled with laughs, singing and a bunch of great memories.

Snacks and drinks will be provided, but feel free to bring some if you'd like!

5:00pm arrival time as the trolley will be leaving at 5:15pm.

We will meet at:

86 Wharf Street

Salem, MA 01970

Member rate: TDB

Non-member rate: TDB

BOOK CLUB: IDAHO FALL by D.J. Maughan (8 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

**Attendees should read the entire book and come prepared to discuss. If you are unable to finish the book but would like to attend the discussion, you can do that as well.**

JOIN US FOR BOOK CLUB: DECEMBER 8, 2026

Crossroads Restaurant 119 S. Main St. Middleton MA

Susan Gannon, NSWC member and board member, will lead the discussions. yourgranddesigns@gmail.com

Idaho Fall D.J. Maughan

A twisty whodunit

An entrepreneur with a startup valued at one billion falls from a balcony on the eve of the company going public. Was it an accident? Or was she pushed? Rita Burch is a rising star. The founder of a huge clothing brand, she is on the brink of financial nirvana. Her company is set to go public with an astronomical valuation when her body is found broken and unconscious, a victim of an apparent accident. Comatose, and fighting for her life, determined to wake, she learns she can leave her body.

Following the detectives as they investigate her accident, probing for clues, Rita learns disturbing details about herself and others. Shocked by her life, she faces a dilemma. Even if she could, would she want to live?

Editorial Reviews

Lisa (Advanced Reader) - The only thing that was predictable in this book was the all rights reserved page. Off from work due to Hurricane Francine and I devoured this book. Who knew I needed a twisty, emotional whodunit book in my life. Run, don't walk, to get your copy.

Colleen (Advanced Reader) - What an amazing mystery/thriller. I usually feel I have a strong clue on the "who did it" or what the plot twist will be, and didn't see this one coming! Character development was great, and I loved the dynamic between the detective partners! The only critique I had is that I craved even more! I read this in two days and once I picked it up, it was hard to put down! Great read!!!

Britt (Advanced Reader) - This was such a fast paced, twisty story that certainly satisfies that craving I get for a good "whodunnit" story. I couldn't put this down and kept finding myself saying "okay, one more chapter."
Idaho Fall is going to stay with me for a long time, and it's certainly going to be a story I think about often.

Love from advanced readers of Idaho Fall

★★★★★“I was super impressed! Fast-paced read, relatable characters with character growth.”

★★★★★“The characters were perfectly written. I loved Hank and Joyce. I feel like I need to know more about them or have more stories of them solving cases.

★★★★★“To be honest, after trying all these suggestions for books from people I was worried I wouldn't like it. I was hooked the first few pages, and it didn't slow down. It is a very fast read. I finished it in a day.”

★★★★★“The story is packed with secrets, and just when you think you’ve figured out the mystery, it throws you off the trail again.”

★★★★★“I can say I have honestly NEVER read a book like this and I was hooked from the beginning - seriously (I started reading it yesterday evening and finished this morning).”

★★★★★“This wasn’t a typical thriller/mystery as the ending made me cry and made me question some things in my own life. I guess that’s a part of good writing though to feel the characters come to life.”
★★★★★“This book will have you on the edge of your seat starting with the 1st chapter! So many different twists. You have to read the bonus chapter at the end. It's amazing! You'll never guess the ending. I will definitely be reading this again.”

★★★★★“It’s been a while but for the first time in a few months I found a book that I couldn’t put down.”

★★★★★“This was the first book I have read from D.J Maughan. After reading this one, I will definitely be reading more of his books!”

★★★★★“I was immersed in this book! I laughed, I cried (yes I did don’t you dare judge me!), and it had me in a choke hold! It kept me guessing and I enjoyed every minute! This is a must read for anyone who likes fast paced thrillers!”

★★★★★“I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on this masterpiece! Definitely 5 ⭐️ Great job to D.J. Maughan for writing such an incredible read for everyone to enjoy!”

★★★★★“The perspective of the main character was so unique in a thriller and it really had me thinking outside the box! I read this in one sitting and it had me guessing the entire time! ”

★★★★★“Ok wow! I really didn’t know what to expect going into reading, but the twists and turns had me on edge I almost felt like I was a detective in the book.”

★★★★★“I never usually write book reviews, but I have to say this book deserves five stars and a written review. Pick it up and read it, I read it in one setting (almost... I did stop for dinner!).”

BOOK CLUB: SIMPLIFY:Do 50% More with 50% Less (12 Jan 2027)

Tue, 12 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

**Attendees should read the entire book and come prepared to discuss. If you are unable to finish the book but would like to attend the discussion, you can do that as well.**

JOIN US FOR BOOK CLUB: JANUARY 12, 2027

APOLLO SUNRISE CENTER - SPECIAL EVENT

26 Parker St. Newburyport MA 01950

Potluck Buffet

Susan Gannon, NSWC member and board member, will lead the discussions. yourgranddesigns@gmail.com

simplify: do 50% more

with 50% less

Jim VandiHei, Mike Allen & Roy Schwartz

With AI upending work and life, the founders of Axios and bestselling authors of Smart Brevity offer a one-stop survival guide to dramatically improving your life, work, and happiness.

Toxic complexity clogs our meetings, inboxes, calendars—even in our daily habits. We can do so much more, but first we need to do less.

Simplify shows you how. It's a step-by-step playbook for spending most of your time doing things that make you feel and perform better.

This urgent manual lets you take control of what is essential in a world where AI might simplify you out of a job. Maximize success by simplifying every aspect of your life. Ruthlessly distill what really matters to you, then clear the space to focus on what you do best.

Simplify will help anyone thrive, from interns to CEOs.

The authors draw on lessons from founding two hot startups—Axios and Politico—and their years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies. Simplify is packed with advice from some of the world's most successful people—your handbook for eliminating dreary distractions... so you can focus on what matters.

BOOK CLUB: CALAMITY CLUB by Kathryn Stockett (9 Feb 2027)

Tue, 09 Feb 2027 23:00:00 GMT

**Attendees should read the entire book and come prepared to discuss. If you are unable to finish the book but would like to attend the discussion, you can do that as well.**

JOIN US FOR BOOK CLUB: FEBRUARY 9, 2027

Crossroads Restaurant 119 S. Main St. Middleton MA

Susan Gannon, NSWC member and board member, will lead the discussions. yourgranddesigns@gmail.com

The CALAMITY CLUB: A Novel

Kathryn Stockett (Author), Jenna Lamia (Narrator), January LaVoy (Narrator), & 1 more Format: Audible Audiobook

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“So immersive, exciting, and downright fabulous, you never want it to end.”—Oprah Daily

“A heart-wrenching, often hilarious story of economic hardship, moral posturing, and the particular yearnings of childless women and motherless girls.”—The New York Times

The multimillion-copy-selling author of The Help returns with a bold, big-hearted novel about a group of unbreakable women, fighting for what’s rightfully theirs—and the power of friendship to change everything.

Oxford, Mississippi, 1933.

Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed.

Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister’s seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies.

Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman running low on luck with little left to lose. When their fates—and Meg’s—converge, Charlie comes up with an audacious plan for them to take control of their lives. But in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife and women’s freedom is fragile, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences.

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—an epic testament to underestimated women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings. This is Kathryn Stockett at her most confident, heartfelt, and hilarious—the triumphant return of one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

BOOK CLUB: THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi (9 Mar 2027)

Tue, 09 Mar 2027 23:00:00 GMT

**Attendees should read the entire book and come prepared to discuss. If you are unable to finish the book but would like to attend the discussion, you can do that as well.**

JOIN US FOR BOOK CLUB: MARCH 9, 2027

Crossroads Restaurant 119 S. Main St. Middleton MA

Susan Gannon, NSWC member and board member, will lead the discussions. yourgranddesigns@gmail.com

Theo of Golden: A Novel

by Allen Levi

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON

A Katie Couric Book Club Pick • A Jen Hatmaker Book Club Pick

“[A] word-of-mouth smash hit.”—The New York Times

“A treasure.” —Hoda Kotb

One spring morning, a stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. He doesn’t explain much about where he came from or why he’s there—but when he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the people of Golden hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them, one at a time, and giving each portrait to the person depicted. In exchange, he asks only for the person’s story. And so portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered.

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.