Day: September 7, 2024

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High and Dry…

Eating more Massachusetts grown oysters during September not only offers oyster lovers the opportunity to enjoy oysters at their peak but will also support the grower’s organization. MAA is a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of oyster farmers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Currently, there are over 400 licensed growers in Massachusetts farming more than 1,300 acres producing shellfish with a reported value of over $31 million. 

The fresh and briny taste of oysters represents more than just good food, but a healthy economy and environment. Shucktember is a fund-raising effort for the MAA that benefits from the sales of Massachusetts-grown oysters during the month of September. By supporting the MAA, you are supporting the growth and support of oyster farms from Cape Ann to Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod to  Martha’s Vineyard and all points between! By ordering Massachusetts-farmed oysters during September, you help keep our seafood local and support the 2,000 jobs that are made possible by the oyster farming industry. 

The MAA’s Shucktember fund-raiser relies on the voluntary participation of oyster growers, dealers, and restaurants. Participants are encouraged to contribute 1 cent per oyster that they sell during the month of September. The funds from Shucktember will support the MAA’s initiatives to address problems that impact the oyster farming industry and its community members in Massachusetts. According to the MAA President, Seth Garfield, “We’re not only moving into the time of year when Massachusetts oysters are at peak condition but purchases of Massachusetts oysters during Shucktember provides customers with the added benefit of supporting Massachusetts oyster growers through our growers voluntarily contributing a portion of their sales to the MAA”. 

As the frenetic activity of the summer months slows down, show your support by buying and ordering oysters from our partner farms, businesses, and restaurants. Eating more Massachusetts farmed oysters during Shucktember is a delicious way to support MAA’s work on behalf of the Commonwealth’s shellfish growers. Created by MAA, Shucktember was inspired  by Ben Lloyd, of Pangea Shellfish and Massachusetts Aquaculture Association member, we hope to gain your support and make this year our most successful year to date! 

Fast Facts:

• In 2023, over 50 million oysters were produced in the state annually generating more than $31 million in farm sales. 
• The harvesting, sales, and supply chain of oysters supports over 2,000 jobs in the Commonwealth – including the support of businesses in local communities. 
• Oysters are the third most valuable seafood in Massachusetts. 
• The MAA represents 25% of the industry. The MAA works with State and Federal regulators of the seafood industry to keep our water clean, support our growers in times of hardship, and ensure Massachusetts restaurants are serving local oysters. 
• Oysters also provide significant environmental benefit with one adult oysters capable of filtering 50 gallons of water a day. Oyster reefs can “shore-up” the coastline and attenuate waves to decrease storm surges.
• Over the past 5 years, the MAA has helped with Covid-19 related business issues, addressed and supported the implementation of new regulations from the Federal government, and became a partner of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). 
• The MAA works with the DMF to address local issues, guide growers through the grant and permitting application process, and expand the presence of aquaculture in Massachusetts
  • This includes acting as an advocate by working with elected Massachusetts officials to address water quality issues in Buzzards Bay that directly impacts 5 shellfish farms. 

Shucktember is made possible through the support of several farm businesses that include:

Barnstable Seafarms – Barnstable

Billingsgate Shellfish – Wellfleet

Cottage City Oysters – Oak Bluffs

Cotuit Oysters – Cotuit

Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms – Gosnold

Ichabod Flat Oysters – Plymouth

Island Creek Oysters – Duxbury

Merry Oysters – Duxbury 

Padanaram Oysters – Dartmouth 

Pangea Shellfish Company – Boston

Plymouth Rock Oysters – Plymouth

Sandy Neck Oysters – Barnstable

Saquish Oysters – Saquish 

Signature Oysters – Katama

Sweetheart Creek – Yarmouth 

Ward Aquafarms – Falmouth

*The list of participants in Shucktember 2024 is still growing, for more information about MAA  please visit MAAquaculture.org.

Online order at Tock or visit www.sushisanglee.com

In-dining, take out, Delivery.

Every summer, the crew at Felix’s Farm on Lowes Lane (next to Dairy Queen) in Ipswich plants a big and beautiful sunflower field with paths and animals for people to enjoy. And every year, Paul comes up with a new theme for your walkaround. This year’s theme is GRATEFUL. Sage reminders along the path include quotes about gratefulness and it’s a good reminder.

We purchased online tickets (very reasonable) and visited one afternoon this week. We were greeted by Paul’s dad who gave us the intro spiel and then welcomed by Paul. There were other families, couples, and seniors like ourselves in attendance so it’s appropriate for any age range. There are farm animals, camping and yoga activities also available there. It’s a short ride, the tickets are VERY reasonable and there’s more to do than you might expect. But the season is short so make your plans soon!

September 4, 2024 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday, September 10 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm for a moving virtual chat with New York Times bestselling author Garrett Graft, an expert at capturing the human drama. Graff will speak about his body of work with particular focus on his oral histories, The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 and When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day. Graff’s work, filled with impressive detail, captures a human drama and history like no other. 

This is a virtual event; for the link, register at sawyerfreelibrary.org. If you have questions contact moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Capturing the Human Drama Through History with Author Garrett Graff