Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Non-residents can now reserve beach parking at Good Harbor, Wingaersheek, and Stage Fort Park on the Blinkay website or mobile app  

Today, the City of Gloucester officially launched the new non-resident beach parking reservation system – Blinkay. Non-residents can now reserve beach parking for Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park through the Blinkay website or mobile app. After a successful first season requiring parking reservations in 2022, the City will build upon this success with an improved platform utilizing fixed license plate reader cameras to validate passes.   

The Blinkay mobile app can be downloaded for free in the App Store or Google Play Store. Non-residents will be required to create an account prior to selecting the vehicle type and the desired date. After entering the vehicle’s license plate information, non-residents will pay with a credit or debit card to secure their reservation.  

Reservations are required starting May 27th, 2023 and can be made up to 10 days in advance. Reservations are non-refundable; however, Blinkay’s platform allows users to add or change their passes between vehicles to provide more flexibility to visitors.  

The fixed license plate reader cameras will streamline the check-in process. Reservations will be associated with a specific license plate number – the plate reader cameras will notify parking lot attendants if a vehicle has a valid reservation or a resident beach sticker.  

“The reservation system was an overwhelming success last year,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “We have been able to dramatically decrease traffic, reduce overcrowding and eliminate the stress of driving to Gloucester only to be turned away at the gate. Implementing efficient systems can have a positive impact on so many pieces of City government, and I am proud of how successful this new system has been. I am looking forward to the coming beach season.”  

The plate reader cameras will also provide real-time beach operations information, providing parking lot capacity counts to manage parking availability.   

There are no significant changes to the resident beach sticker process, and no reservations will be required for residents. The license plate reader cameras will verify the vehicle’s resident beach sticker and the plate number will no longer be on the sticker itself.  

To learn more about the resident beach sticker application or Blinkay non-resident parking reservation system, visit the City’s website: https://gloucester-ma.gov/299/Beach-Information.  

Hi Joey –

I have created charms for this year’s greasy pole event and I am trying to get the word out so people can know where to find them. 

Brand new charms, just in time for the Fiesta! Two Greasy Pole charms – “the struggle is real” and “victory!” Each wax seal charm is handcrafted by local jeweler, Ann Schlecht, using fine silver (99.99% silver) and comes with a card telling the story of how the greasy pole came to Gloucester. These charms, as well as other Cape Ann Charms, can be found at Local Colors in Gloucester, on Etsy (Gilded Lily Charms) and coming very soon to Pop Gallery!

Half Price

Large Cheese & One Topping pizzas!

Open 11-9

*Excludes Gluten Free Crusts & Slices*

147 Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930

Menu: surfsidesubsgloucester.com

Phone: (978) 281-1700

Vendors Wanted For 3 Upcoming Local Block Parties!
Dates Are As Follows:
June 17, July 22, August 19
5pm-9pm
Each Event Will Be Located On Lexington Ave Magnolia

If You Are Interested In Signing Up To Be A Vendor Click The Link Below & Fill Out The Form

https://forms.gle/6cKEAVXuEgitauVg6

Vendor Spots Are First Come First Serve
Spots Are Limited
Deadline To Sign Up: May 28, 2023

For More Information Please Email:
marissa@lcompanies.com

The workshop is led by Kevin Perrin and the next meeting is June 10th. If you are a veteran, a spouse, dependent, or family caregiver of a veteran, and are interested in developing a writing practice, consider signing up. In this supportive space, the workshop will explore all genres of writing and the writing need not be specific to military experiences. To learn more about the group or to join up, contact Kevin at kevinlperrin@yahoo.com.”

While you’d like to think the celtics should blow Miami out of the water, I wouldn’t touch it, only because you never know which Celtics team will show up.

The Heat undoubtedly will be playing like every game is game 7. The Celtics if they follow the Bruins path and take the Heat lightly like the bruins took the Panthers lightly could easily let one get away. The MO of this team for the past four years is always to make things hard on themselves.

Now with Tatum having what could be considered his breakout series where he really came up strong when their backs were against the wall down 2 games to 3 in the series against Philly and taking over might be the confidence boost they need.

There’s only two players on Miami that are big time threats IMO- Butler (obvi) and Bam Abedayo who always seems to play us tough. Tyler Herro being out is huge for the Celtics.

I have absolutely no idea what’s gonna happen tonight, which Celtics team is going to show up so I’m staying away from it. I don’t like laying 8.5 points against ANY team so I’ll just watch enjoy it for what it is.

If I had to bet it I’d take the Heat and +8.5 but what is the fun in betting a few sheckles against your own team in the Eastern Conference Finals? No thanks.

Hello Joey!

Love the new hats!

Here’s a new story you and your readers might like about artist Don Gorvett, along with a photo:

https://open.substack.com/pub/palateandpalette/p/don-gorvett-reduction-woodcut-artist