Day: May 9, 2024

https://fishtown-horribles-committee-inc.square.site/

Everyone knows that the best place to watch the Parade is on the Boulevard. Now’s your chance to get your own private viewing spots without having to fight the whole city to get there the morning of the parade! We will have 2 lucky winners. Each one will come with a spot to watch the parade with your friends and family and a basket of goodies to help you celebrate!!

You can purchase through our square or by attending one of our upcoming fundraisers!
https://fishtown-horribles-committee-inc.square.site/

We will be pulling the winners on June 30th!!
Best of luck!!

We saw our first family of 8 Mallard ducklings last week. Otherwise, it is all hidden activity on Niles Pond.

Snug Harbor…

City of Gloucester Continues Commitment to Balancing Bird Conservation and Beach Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gloucester, Mass. (May 9, 2024) – The City of Gloucester announces the extension of its partnership with Mass Audubon to continue the vital monitoring and management of coastal nesting birds. 

This collaboration underscores Gloucester’s ongoing dedication to the protection of piping plovers, which inhabit the city’s shoreline. Designated as “threatened” on the US Endangered Species List since 1986, these birds face ongoing challenges along the Atlantic coast. Mass Audubon will play a crucial role in overseeing the presence of and minimizing disturbances to coastal birds, including piping plovers, least, common, and roseate terns. 

“Mass Audubon’s nationally recognized expertise will greatly contribute to our ongoing efforts in protecting these vulnerable bird species,” stated Mayor Greg Verga. “This extension of our partnership reaffirms our commitment to preserving the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the enjoyment of our beaches by residents and visitors alike.” 

Through collaborative efforts with the City’s Department of Public Works, Mass Audubon will continue to implement measures such as symbolic fencing and signage at Good Harbor Beach to raise awareness among beachgoers about nesting areas and the importance of protecting Piping Plovers.  

Additionally, the prohibition of dogs at Good Harbor Beach from April 1st to September 30th and at Wingaersheek Beach from May 1st to September 30th will be enforced. 

The extended agreement encompasses a comprehensive range of activities, including predator mitigation, public education initiatives, and ongoing communication and coordination with City administration and staff, ensuring the continued protection of coastal bird populations while facilitating beach access for all. 

Next week, Thursday and Friday 16/17, Lenny Kaye from Patti Smith’s band is bringing his Nuggets all-star show to town at The Cut.  Quite a few Cape Ann-ers – Tony Goddess, David Robinson, me, Willie Alexander, Ts Burnham, Sam Goddess – are joining David Minehan, Josh Kantor, Peter Buck from R.E.M. and others for a show that’s celebrating the 50th anniversary of the double-album that musicians have had as a touch-stone influence – He’s had sold out shows in NYC, LA, N. Carolina, NJ, and just a couple of weeks ago in London. It’s quite a thing that he’s coming here instead of playing it in Boston.

Here’s the flyer for it; I’d be grateful if you could write about it on GMG.

Thanks,

Hugo B.

E. Gloucester

As many of you know, we recently travelled to Ireland with my sister and her husband. I appreciate so many of you being interested in our adventures, so here’s just a few photos and some observations.

First and foremost, the Irish people are very friendly and helpful (though that seemed to come to a dead stop at with airport personnel). It was a joy to talk with the locals and get insights and advice….which came in very handy when we blew a tire and needed to have a repair done! Other random observations: bike lanes there make so much more sense. The tipping culture is a whole new animal there–there isn’t the feeling of “demand for tip” everywhere and tipping feels much more optional. They offer pizza crust dippers as side options with pizza (genius)! Most establishments we went to offered soft drinks in reasonable sizes (less than a quart like we are used to). Salad is routinely served with breakfast. And so much more! But we are glad to be back on our home turf and hope to see you around town soon. If you are interested in additional photos and details of our adventure, feel free to check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

MAY 6, 2024 ~ TODTHEOPENDOOR ~ 

Support the National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) annual, nationwide Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive this Saturday! 

Locally, NALC Branch 25 post offices participating in the food drive include the Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ipswich post offices. People in those communities can leave non-perishable food donations by their mailbox on the morning of Saturday, May 11. Letter carriers will deliver the donations to The Open Door to help feed local people. 

 The Open Door asks participants to please NOT  donate anything in a glass jar. 

The Open Door is specifically requesting donations of the following: coffee, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and salad dressings), peanut butter, tuna, and cooking oil.  

Those who live outside the above four communities are encouraged to contact their post office to learn if they are participating in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive.