Community Corner
A Hundred Chickens Running Loose Introduced this Woman to Hamilton
"Meet Your Neighbor" introduces you to librarian Julie Preston of Wenham.
Name: Julie Preston
Street: Meridian Road, Wenham
Family: Rachel, 14 and Charlie, 9
Occupation: Librarian and Event Planner
Hobbies/interests: Bowling, raising rabbits, belly dancing, cooking and of course reading
What are you passionate about? Special needs issues as related to the district schools, literacy for all individuals
What did you study in school? Sport, Fitness and Leisure with Music and Biology at and Master’s of Divinity at Boston University School of Theology
Are you utilizing this subject now? When I plan events and programs I use these subjects. I teach Sunday School at the and I love it!
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Best book: "Dune" by Frank Herbert
Best movie: "Pretty Woman"
Dream vacation: Somewhere warm by a beautiful beach
Favorite tradition? Thanksgiving, inviting friends and family to share the day and a good meal in my home.
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Who is your favorite local resident? ! He is the absolute best guy. Lots of fun and a great listener.
What obstacle have you over come? I went through a difficult divorce and I feel that I know more about myself then I did before. I have been able to maintain a good friendship with my ex-husband who I co-parent with.
What have you done in your life that makes you proud? Raise my two kids the best I can and help others who have come along my path when I can.
How long have you lived in Hamilton-Wenham? 12 years this time, five years before
Why did you chose Hamilton-Wenham? Originally because I found this great au paire suite after college, then I fell in love with a house and loved the community.
What is your favorite place in Hamilton-Wenham? , having coffee with all of my friends.
What is your favorite shop? ! I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t there!
What is a fact about you that most don’t know? I sing. Not professionally, but I could have if I persued it more in college.
Do you have an unusual or funny story having to do with Hamilton-Wenham? Yes! When I first moved here I went to the breakfast place that used to be where is now. When I came out, there were over 100 chickens running around the parking lot that had gotten loose from a pick-up truck! There were police, firemen, neighbors, DPW and everyone running around the parking lot trying to round up these chickens. It was the funniest thing I ever saw. If I had a cell phone then, I would have videotaped it. I just stood there laughing and awestruck. Finally, they had all of them back in the cages in the truck! One of my first introductions to Hamilton!
Where would someone see you around town? The , and Henderson’s Coffee Shop!
Which local services and programs do you support? I support the Community House, Sundays in Patton Park and The Hamilton-Wenham Public Library.
Other comments: One of the things I love about living here is the community. I will never forget when Charlie choked on a chicken bone when he was four. Although I did the Heimlich and he was breathing, his mouth was stuck open and wouldn’t close. The fire, police, EMT’s, volunteer force arrived within minutes and calmed all of us down. Although we had to rush him to Beverly Hospital and then to Boston Children’s, the Wenham departments were incredible.
Also, neighbors have always been fantastic on Eaton Road in Wenham, Bay Road in Hamilton and now Meridian Road in Wenham. I am grateful that I live here.
