Day: May 6, 2020

Cape Ann Museum Storms Rage

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Click to access cam_storms-rage_new-logo_v3.pdf

Dear Joey:

Just wanted to take a moment to follow up on your comments  in GMG for the Storms Rage, Gloucester Endures banners at the Cape Ann Museum.

President of the Board Charles Esdaile, Director of the Museum Oliver Barker, and the Board of Trustees wanted to unite with the community and let them know how important it is to stand together, and endure.

Nina

Curbside pick up at Marshall’s Farmstand

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

It is so easy to order fresh fruit, meats and veggies from Marshall’s Farm stand.  Please follow the link below to order your food.  The food is fresh and after picking up your food you can go visit the Alpacas and goats at the farm.  Always fun.

https://www.marshallsfarmstand.com/

springtime Stacy Boulevard | Fishermen’s Wives memorial, Man at the Wheel, and all those tulips & blooms thanks to Generous Gardeners volunteers #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

FISHERMENS WIVES MEMORIAL and pink tulips,sculptor Morgan Faulds Pike_Spring sunrise on Stacy Boulevard_5 May 2020 _Gloucester Ma., covid-19 © c ryan

photos: © Catherine Ryan, 2020

tulips in spring sunrise on Stacy Boulevard_5 May 2020 _Gloucester Ma., covid-19 © c ryan (2)

May 2020, Gloucester, Mass.

Original concept designs for Stacy Boulevard in 1908 were by Thomas Warren Sears,  major 20th century landscape designer and Olmsted student.  Recent garden expansions were designed by Ann Gilardi Johnson with DPW for the City of Gloucester and with Generous Gardeners. The Betty Smith Garden has sprung, too!

Gloucester’s Fishermen’s Wives memorial by Morgan Faulds Pike

Gloucester’s Fisherman at the Wheel Memorial (Man at the Wheel) by Leonard Craske

Spring calling on Stacy Boulevard: Triton bronze by Walker Hancock #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

TRITON by Walker Hancock,Betty Smith Gardens,Ann Gilardi Johnson design & Generous Gardener volunt,Stacy Blvd, May 2020,Gloucester Ma.©c ryan (1)TRITON by Walker Hancock,Betty Smith Gardens,Ann Gilardi Johnson design & Generous Gardener volunt,Stacy Blvd, May 2020,Gloucester Ma.©c ryan (2)TRITON by Walker Hancock,Betty Smith Gardens,Ann Gilardi Johnson design & Generous Gardener volunt,Stacy Blvd, May 2020,Gloucester Ma.©c ryan (3)

Before/After

March 2019 (below) vs May 2020 (above)

BEFORE landscape revamp, triton-bronze, scupture-public-art-stacey-boulevard-gloucester-ma-artist-walker-hancock-monuments-man_March 2019 ©c ryan

 

Excerpt from my post March 2019 about the garden revamp-

The Elizabeth Gordon Smith (Betty Smith) park & gardens were cleared and the small Picture garden past Stacy Boulevard’s Avis R. Murray tennis courts was unearthed. Because Gloucester garden groups pre-date 1900, it’s especially moving to see the work in progess shoring up inspiring legacy connections. Incredible volunteers past and present serve the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW). Stacy Boulevard & Stage Fort Park advocates like Betty Smith, Louise Loud & the Gloucester Civic & Garden Council tended and protected Gloucester’s natural beauty — the very same grounds that are so lovingly served now by dynamos like Ann Gilardi Johnson and Susan Kelly & the Generous Gardeners. Plaques for Lucy Brown Davis, tribute by her sister Catalina Davis, and for Lucy P. Rogers, “president of the Gloucester’s Woman’s Club 1927-29″, are nearby.

Walker Hancock TRITON TRIBUTE PLAQUE / PAINTED SIGN TRANSCRIPTION:

THE SCULPTURE- Triton was the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. He was thought to be able to control the sea’s wild movement by blowing his conch shell.

THE SCULPTOR- Walker Hancock a sculptor of international reputation and a long time resident of Gloucester

THE PARK- The Gloucester Civic & Garden Council created this park to honor Betty Smith its founder, a woman who has dedicated more than thirty years of her life to preserving the natural beauty of Gloucester.

We hope this small island of beauty will inspire visitors to cherish and create their own beauty wherever they go.

 

GloucesterCast 413 With Melanie Waddell, Sarah Kelly, Jamie Barrett, Regina Lane and Joey C taped 5/6/20

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GloucesterCast 413 With Melanie Waddell, Sarah Kelly, Jamie Barrett, Regina Lane and Joey C taped 5/6/20

Press play to listen-

 

When you subscribe you need to verify your email address so they know we’re not sending you spam and that you want to receive the podcast or GMG in your email.  So once you subscribe check your email for that verification. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder in your email acct so you can verify that you’d like to get them via email subscription.

 img_1312-1       img_1312      img_1312-2

Topics Include:
GloucesterCast 413 With Melanie Waddell, Sarah Kelly, Jamie Barrett, Legina Lane and Joey C taped 5/6/20

Thank you to the people on the front lines of the crisis that are sacrificing being away from their families- First Responders, Health Care Workers, Grocery Store People, Truckers and anyone else sacrificing to keep things moving.

GloucesterCast Virgins Death Row Meal/Sub Picks

Virtual Rockport Farmers Market

Here’s how it works:
May 3rd: the online farmers market opens for orders at: www.rockportexchange.org/shop

Mary 7th: the online farmers market closes for orders at 5pm.

May 9th: orders are available for pickup outside the Seaview Farm Store at 38 South St between 11am and 1pm.

Our vendors this market include:

Marshview Farm – eggs and seedlings
Seaview Farm and Farm Stand – grass fed beef and patties
Brothers’ Brew Coffee Shop – Will very sadly not be able to participate this market.
Dancing Daisy Cookie Company – cookies and cake
Breakwater Roasters – coffee, beans and ground
Sandy Bay Soaps – soaps
Beckah’s Bangin’ Butter – almond butter
Halvah Heaven – tahini candy
Eclectic Clam – stuffed clams
The Spicy Shark – hot sauce, hot honey, hot maple syrup
Pigeon Cove Ferments – Kimchi & Kraut
Bonny Breads – Organic bread

COVID-19 Pick up Policies:
* Pickup will take place outside of the Seaview Farm Store (please park across the street on Marmion Way)
* Each order will be packed in a new paper bag.
* policies requiring the wearing of masks, social distancing, and sanitation will be strictly observed.
* All orders are prepaid online. No money will be exchanged at pickup and no orders are taken the day of.

 

 

 

Gov. Baker Updates “Essential Services” Guidance, Allow for Remote Fulfillment in Closed Stores and Warehouses

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Gov. Baker Updates “Essential Services” Guidance, Allow for Remote Fulfillment in Closed Stores and Warehouses 

Today, the Baker Administration released changes to the COVID-19 Essential Services guidance, loosening restrictions on previously closed, “non-essential” stores and facilities.  Under the updated COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs, a limited number of employees will be allowed back into closed stores and warehouses to fulfill and ship remote orders taken over the phone and online.  The new guidance takes immediate effect.

RAM had repeatedly lobbied the Baker Administration for relief and clarity on the “Essential Services” list and related FAQs, and was the first group to appear before and communicate with the recently appointed MA Economic Recovery Advisory Board (ERAB), testifying before the panel via Zoom on Wednesday April 29th.  RAM presented a plan for the gradual, phased reopening of the retail industry in the Commonwealth, facilitated by some of the familiar additional protections and safety protocols now in place at “essential” businesses.  However, we did also highlight the immediate need to address the issue of allowing for fulfillment of remote orders from closed retail establishments and warehouse facilities.

The updated FAQs document spells out specific remote fulfillment guidelines for facilities to follow, including:

  • Facilities must be closed to the public, fulfillment of remote sales/orders only
  • Depending on the square footage of the facility, a maximum of 3,5, or 7 employees are allowed in at anytime
  • Operating hours must allow for sufficient ongoing off-hour sanitation/cleaning
  • All employees must wear face coverings and maintain 6’ social distancing
  • Any deliveries made by employees must be ‘no-contact’ deliveries
  • Employers must stagger shift start/stop times and breaks/lunchtimes
  • MORE specific requirements are included, ALL MEMBERS INTERESTED IN REMOTE FULFILLMENT should carefully review the updated FAQs

The updated guidance still does NOT allow for curbside pickup or “appointment only” services.

Also, another change of note to the FAQs can be found in the handling of auto dealerships, who will now be allowed to open for sales, in a limited manner and if following the guidelines for remote fulfillment.

The extended Emergency Order requiring the closure of certain businesses and prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people remains in effect until May 18th.  Lt. Governor Karyn Polito stressed that May 18th is now just the due date for the ERAB’s report.  Any reopening plan that the ERAB proposes is expected to take a gradual, phased-in approach over a period of months.

 State Issues Small Business Tenant Forms to Provide Notice of Inability to Pay Rent

Governor Baker recently signed a bill establishing a moratorium on non-essential evictions and residential foreclosures. This law provides temporary protections for both residential tenants and small businesses that are unable to pay rent during the COVID-19 crisis.  While the bill does not relieve a residential or commercial tenant of their responsibility to pay their rent or mortgage, it does offer protection for those who are unable to make these payments as result of the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

Under the law, a landlord cannot file a complaint in court to evict an eligible small business for a non-essential purpose (i.e. a purpose that does not pose a health or safety risk).  Eligible small businesses are businesses which operate only in MA, have 150 or fewer employees, and are not publicly traded.  The moratorium will last for either four months following the bill’s signing on April 20, 2020, or until 45 days after the emergency declaration expires.

The new law does not eliminate or reduce an obligation to pay rent.  Eligible small businesses can use the “Form of Notice – COVID-19 Hardship – Small Business Tenant and the Documentation of Financial Hardship – Small Business Tenant” forms to provide the required notice to their landlord of their inability to pay rent.

The forms and Emergency Regulations are available here.

Treasury PPP Guidance on Forgiveness for Laid Off Employees

The United States Treasury recently issued updated Frequently Asked Questions which provide further guidance on loan forgivability under the Paycheck Protection Program.  The loan forgiveness provisions of the PPP allow for the amount of the loan eligible for forgiveness to be reduced based on reductions the borrower makes to its employee count and salary levels. The new guidance indicates the adoption of an interim rule which excludes laid-off employees whom the borrower offered to rehire (for the same salary/wages and same number of hours) from the CARES Act’s loan forgiveness reduction calculation.  The interim final rule specifies that, to qualify for this exception, the borrower must have made a good faith, written offer of rehire, and the employee’s rejection of that offer must be documented by the borrower. Employees and employers should be aware that employees who reject offers of re-employment may forfeit eligibility for continued unemployment compensation.  This guidance may be found as question 40 in the link above.

RAM members taking advantage of PPP loans are reminded that they will be required to certify all expenditures sought to be forgiven. RAM urges such members to maintain detailed records needed to prove eligibility for forgiveness.

Employer Unemployment FAQ: COVID-19

The Department of Unemployment Assistance has issued updated guidance regarding the Unemployment Insurance program.  The frequently asked questions explain the recent changes at DUA and clarify some other questions employers may have regarding DUA during this difficult time.

Please be sure to give your employees information regarding applying for unemployment benefits as is required by law.

OSHA Guidance for Restaurants & Beverage Vendors Offering Takeout or Curbside Pickup

On Friday, OSHA issued an alert with safety tips for restaurant, food and beverage businesses providing curbside pickup and takeout service. The recommendations can be found here.

Thank you.

Azorean Open for Take Out

Posted on by Pat D

We were glad to see the Azorean had made their menu available for takeout.  And I’ve enjoyed sharing the various restaurants offerings especially during this period of isolation and curbside services.  A recent comment on a previous post stated the food pictures weren’t appealing and I had to agree to a certain extent. Meals in take out containers on my kitchen counter do not offer the same photo opportunity as a nicely plated and presented entree at a dining establishment.  But I’m going to share those take out meal photos in hopes that, soon, you’ll see much improved food photos.

Lemon chicken at the Azorean is one of my favorites and sorely missed. We also ordered Buffalo chicken tenders to have for a future lunch. Scallop casserole rounded out the Azorean experience in our humble apartment. Here’s the link in case you are interested. 

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Better Days Ahead – Signs of the times #GloucesterMA #CapeAnnCovid 😷

Posted on by Catherine

Selection of signs of the times, May 2020. Gloucester, Ma.

WEAR A MASK_Man at Wheel memorial_Signs of the times_Gloucester Mass., 6 May 2020, covid-19 © c ryanSOCIAL DISTANCE_Man at Wheel memorial_Signs of the times_Gloucester Mass., 6 May 2020, covid-19 © c ryan (1)STAY SAFE_Man at Wheel memorial_Signs of the times_Gloucester Mass., 6 May 2020, covid-19 © c ryan stacy boulevard

yard cleaning_double white _Gloucester Mass., 5 May 2020, © c ryan

CATA THANKS EMPLOYEES _Signs of the times_Gloucester Mass., covid-10, May 2020, © c ryan

Signs of the Times seen March 25, 2020 

and 

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken Presents Proposed FY2021 City Budget

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken Presents Proposed FY2021 City Budget

GLOUCESTER — Today, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken submitted her proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021) to the Gloucester City Council.  This budget reflects a balanced, responsible, and conservative spending plan for Gloucester that continues to invest in municipal infrastructure, education, and public safety.

Highlights of the FY21 proposed budget are as follows:

·         General Fund Revenues and Expenditures are projected to increase from $114.3 million in FY20 to $117.9 million in FY21, a 3.08% increase.

·         Gloucester Public School funding is proposed at $44,388,897, a $1,250,000 or 2.90% increase from FY20

·         Water Enterprise Fund Revenues and Expenditures are proposed at $7,068,315, a $337,324 or 5.01% increase from FY20

·         Sewer Enterprise Fund Revenues and Expenditures are proposed at $9.030,824, a $577,694 or 6.83% increase from FY20

·         Talbot Rink Enterprise Fund Revenue and Expenditures are proposed at $308,685, a $25,790 or 7.70% decrease from FY20

·         Waterways Enterprise Fund Revenue and Expenditures are proposed to increase by nearly $6,500, a 1.42% increase from FY20

·         Community Preservation Fund Revenue and Expenditures are proposed at $728,000.  

Each year, Mayor Romeo Theken consults with the department managers and compiles a balanced budget to operate the general fund and ’enterprise’ funds (Water, Sewer, Rink, Waterways and CPA).  Included in this budget is an amount of money for the public schools.  Mayor Romeo Theken and the City Council do not control how the School Committee allocates their budget.

The long-term outlook for Gloucester continues to be very strong, which is confirmed by the City’s AA bond rating.  For the past five years the Romeo Theken Administration has worked hard to implement financial management practices to ensure long-term monetary stability to best position Gloucester to remain on a fiscally-sustainable path.   

Mayor Romeo Theken said, “The City of Gloucester will continue to make key investments toward infrastructure, education and public safety efforts.  Collective bargaining with City unions, rising fixed costs, and contractual obligations have required thoughtful strategies to maintain resources and fund core operations to meet the needs of the community and to ensure the effective delivery of services.”  

As the local, state and national economies are changing daily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this spending plan does not yet factor in new economic realities throughout the City.  Significant adjustments may be necessary in order to respond to the rapidly changing circumstances.  

Mayor Romeo Theken added, “We will also face financial challenges head on to ensure that the City of Gloucester is financially sound in the future.  Together I know that we can work through any challenge before us – and I am confident that by doing so we can recover and emerge stronger than before.”   

The City Council’s Budget & Finance Standing Committee will conduct public meetings to review the city and school budgets on the following dates and times:  Wednesday, May 20, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m, and Tuesday, June 2, 6 p.m.   Agenda and meeting details will be posted online as those meeting dates approach.  

A City Council public hearing is scheduled on the FY21 proposed budget on Tuesday, June 9.  

According to the City Charter, the Council has 45 days from date of submission to adopt a final city budget plan that will become effective on July 1.  A Special City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 to pass the FY21 budget. 

The public is encouraged to review the budget document. A PDF copy of the FY21 Budget Submission to the City Council will be available on the City’s website under Office of the Mayor on Wednesday, May 6. Hard copies will also be available for the public to view, once re-opened to the public, in the City Clerk’s Office and the Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library.

Click to access 2021-budget-document-1.pdf