My View of Life on the Dock
Fill out the form or email me at goodmorninggloucester@yahoo.com and I’ll have lifelong Gloucester resident Tim Sanborn from Cazeault Solar call you to go over your options for free.
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This would have been a cliché in 1982.
From Mags A Boatin
| GLOUCESTER – As her time in the corner office draws to a close, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken is reflecting on the City’s successes and focusing on the people and organizations that exemplify the spirit of public service. With the successes came a series of challenges, none greater than ensuring the community’s safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. “No one knew about COVID-19 two years ago. We had to fight this as a team. And your team is your community,” Mayor Romeo Theken says. That meant ensuring that the City’s homeless population had safe and secure shelters; that vulnerable senior citizens, especially those in care facilities, were protected; that children who could not attend classes in-person still had access to school meals; that residents had access to basic goods; and that local service businesses remained open. “There always will be losses, though one is too many. But it could have been a lot worse. People in the City government and all over Gloucester stepped up,” Mayor Romeo Theken adds, citing significant support from Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “The Governor and Lieutenant Governor showed outstanding leadership.” |
| Mayor Romeo Theken joined the City Council in 2001, serving as Council Vice President for several terms. She was chosen as Interim Mayor by the Council in 2015, when the then-Mayor accepted a job in the Baker Administration. Mayor Romeo Theken said she originally planned to hold the interim role for a year. Within her first days as the city’s leader, Mayor Romeo Theken held a staff meeting and workshop for about 80 key City employees on a cruise ship … that pulled out to sea in order to hold the attention of the audience. “I said, ‘I want you to bring back the dreaming that you had when you applied for this job. The dreams that you had when you first were interviewed,’” Mayor Romeo Theken says. That workshop became the catalyst for change, improving morale and allowing departments to innovate and grow, thus better serving the Gloucester community. Mayor Romeo Theken notes her efforts toward creating a more inclusive City Hall, encouraging departments to hire new employees with diversity and equity in mind. Early in her interim term, she purchased a flagpole. The LGBTQ flag was the first to be raised, signaling an era of government access for all. She is proud about creating a government that looks more like the people it serves, for officiating over the first same-sex marriage in City Hall, and of creation of a Human Rights Commission to serve overlooked and underserved groups in the City. “Everyone has the right to be proud of who they are,” she says. |
| Under her leadership, Gloucester became an international model of response to the opioid epidemic which has given rise to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths across the globe. Mayor Romeo Theken becomes emotional when telling the story of an acquaintance who was attempting to quit substance misuse on their own because no treatment beds were available. The acquaintance struggled toward sobriety while knowing a relapse could mean death. “He came to us for help, told us what was going to happen if he didn’t get that help,” Mayor Romeo Theken says, adding that an array of City agencies attempted to find a bed in treatment without success. “Sure enough, we got that call. “I didn’t want to take any more of those calls,” she says. Working with the Gloucester Police Department, the City created a blueprint, connecting those who wish for help with a treatment program, pairing them with a volunteer to assist in their recovery, and working with local businesses to offer job opportunities. In its first 12 months, 376 people sought assistance 429 times from the Gloucester Angel Initiative, and received the help they needed nearly 95 percent of the time. Drug-related crime and property crimes often associated with drug addiction dropped in Gloucester by nearly 30 percent as a secondary result. The work of the Angel Initiative has been highlighted by both the Obama and Trump administrations. Its goals are now national. Its successor, the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative, is a national network of nearly 600 police departments in 34 states that are committed to non-arrest or early diversion programs that reach people before they enter the criminal justice system. It started in Gloucester. |
| Mayor Romeo Theken, whose father was a fisherman and who has owned a fishing boat, has been a strong supporter of the City’s fishing industry. The City now showcases seafood opportunities at regional and national food trade shows. In 2017, Mayor Romeo Theken launched “Gloucester Fresh,” which promotes sustainable seafood and the local restaurants that serve it. More recently, Mayor Romeo Theken launched BioGloucester, which is attracting the life sciences industry and expanding the local economy. Mayor Romeo Theken credits much of the City’s success on its partnerships, and the willingness of people to come together toward a common goal. She says the City has support of its State House leaders, Sen. Bruce Tarr and Rep. Ann-Marie Ferrante, and great relationships with Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito. North Shore mayors also work together, and collaborate with time and resources. Before leaving office, Mayor Romeo Theken has submitted to the state a long list of requests for funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, including road repairs and treatment plant upgrades. High on that list are new public-safety facilities for the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments. “I really want to thank our police officers and firefighters,” Mayor Romeo Theken says. “They haven’t said one word about the conditions they work in. They put the residents first.” Mayor Romeo Theken worked as community health and human services liaison at Addison Gilbert Hospital until becoming mayor. She intends to return to the private sector, to a health and human services business she placed on hold while serving as mayor. She is confident that she has left the city poised for future success when Mayor-Elect Greg Verga takes the oath of office on Jan. 5. “The City is in a great place. We’re financially sound,” she says. “The new mayor has the opportunity to come in and finish the things we could not finish. I’m here to help. He will succeed if he takes it one step at a time.” |
Katelyn Ciaramitaro
katelyn@fivemarkrealtygroupllc.com
978-473-0922
Charleen McCarthy
charleen@fivemarkrealtygroupllc.com
978- 729-1239
TheSawyer Free Librarywill host award-winning author and journalistTed ReinsteinonSaturday, January 8, from2:00-4:00 pm. He will speak about his book,Before Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball’s Color Barrier,on the Main Floor of the Library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, MA.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Copies of the bookBefore Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball’s Color Barrierwill be available. Face masks are mandatory for those attending.
InBefore Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball’s Color Barrier, Ted Reinstein tells the story of the little-known heroes who fought segregation in baseball. From communist newspaper reporters to the Pullman car porters who saw that black newspapers espousing integration in professional sports reached the homes of blacks throughout the country. It also reminds us…
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Uhmmm, Total No-Brainer
Here’s The Link To Sign Up and Get Your Free $25-
Gloucester, MA—Due to rapidly changing public health conditions related to COVID-19 in the City, the Commonwealth, and nationwide, Gloucester’s Mayor-elect, Greg Verga, has chosen to scale back official inaugural plans scheduled for January 1, 2022.
In compliance with existing open meeting law and in the interest of keeping the public safe, only those elected officials being inaugurated along with immediate family and other ceremony participants will be permitted to attend in person. The public is invited to watch the ceremony on New Year’s Day at 1:00 pm, live on 1623 Studios Facebook page and local cable access television, Channel 12.
The decision to further safeguard the public swearing in ceremonies was made after careful review of neighboring cities’ revised inaugural plans along with occupancy guidelines for Kyrouz Auditorium inside City Hall. The amended event format will include socially distanced seating, with masks required throughout except for speakers actively addressing the audience.
“Scaling back inauguration day is a great disappointment to me personally and, I am sure, to all of those incoming members of the City Council and School Committee,” said Mayor-elect Verga. “Even so, it is our job to lead and we must lead by example. I believe if we all stick to the new event guidelines, we can allow close family members to share in the celebration while still staying safe.”
Earlier this month, the Mayor-elect decided to suspend planned, post-inaugural festivities.
“Like everybody, my family and I have grown tired of the ongoing pandemic and the challenges it creates,” said Verga. “This community has come together in remarkable ways to face this adversity thus far, and we will continue to work together through these next two years as we battle new variants and work toward economic recovery. I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.”
The public is invited to watch the ceremony on New Year’s Day at 1:00 pm, live on 1623 Studios Facebook page and local cable access television, Channel 12.
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This news release is not an official City of Gloucester communication and Mr. Verga is currently serving the City of Gloucester only in his capacity as Mayor-elect.
What else do you have to do? Take down the tree or store the menorah?
Might as well dance or relax!
Current Nia Routine: Pink Martini
Link for NY Day Nia Class https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87660488611
Join us as we dance to the music of the incredible band, Pink Martini. I got the bug to do this routine, last done in Nov.2020, after watching the Pink Martini Holiday concert last week. Different genres, different languages, very eclectic music.
Restorative Yoga
link for NY Day Restorative Yoga Class https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88469070125
I think this is side savassana???
In this crazy season, treat yourself to an hour of peace, relaxation and restoration. Lovely passive practice aimed at quieting the nervous system, mind and body.
Find some cushions, large books, yoga blocks, blankets, whatever you can use instead of bolsters and blocks. We make it work. For more information on Restorative yoga, check…
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| Happy tails to 146 newly united pets and families in November! Nala was just one of many animals who found their home in December. Nala is a 10-year-old senior gal who spent a couple of months at the shelter waiting on a home. Nala’s new family writes “She will explore, spend time with us and then when tired nap under the bed… for the first time she slept out in the open on the bed in her room (the bedroom door was open). While cautious, she has been sociable, seems happy to be here, and alert and interested in what she is experiencing.” We are so thankful to families like Nala’s who give senior cats a second chance! |
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2021 was full of challenges and changes, and we are finishing out the year with nothing but gratitude for all of our adopters, donors, and community. We have seen not only happy faces (masked and not!), but so much grace and understanding through a tumultuous year full of unknowns. THANK YOU from all of us at Cape Ann Animal Aid!
| Huggie has quite an appropriate name, as she is a total love bug that enjoys jumping up and giving big hugs. We think this sweet lady may have some Great Dane in her mix, and at about 11 months old she is weighing in at 58 pounds. Huggie is incredibly sweet and social, and is looking for a home with older children that she can’t accidentally knock over! |
Bunny was surrendered to a rural shelter in Georgia as her owner could no longer take care of her. Super sweet and social, this little lady loves attention! If you are looking for an older cat that has outgrown the crazy kitten antics then she is the kitty for you! Bunny has lived with other kitties and would not mind being part of a multi-cat household.
Thank you from over 1,500 animals that you helped us unite with their new families. Every animal that has gone through our doors and on to their new lives is now warm and loved this holiday season, thanks to you. Please help us continue to save more lives in 2022 by giving today!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please join us on Saturday, March 5th, 2022, at Danversport for an evening on the water, celebrating with our amazing animal-loving community. This beautiful location is the perfect place to escape the winter cold and help homeless animals find their forever paradise! Thank you to our presenting sponsors Cape Ann Lobstermen and Titos Handmade Vodka – the vodka for dog people! Tickets are available for purchase now!
CUSTOM PAINT-BY-NUMBER KITS
The deadline to receive your kit by Christmas has passed, but you can still purchase a PUP Kit to benefit CAAA through December 31st! Paint-Ur-Pet kits are hand-drawn, custom paint-by-number canvases of your pet and are easy to complete on your own or with a friend! Kits include the supplies you need to complete your own masterpiece.
Paint-Ur-Pet is generously donating 65% of purchases directly to CAAA.
PETS AROUND TOWN
We loved hosting home school families from the North Shore (left) for volunteer activities and some time with the animals! Hansel (center) visited Gloucester Healthcare for the first visit in over a year to the nursing home, and Frank (right) had a visit with Santa himself at Granite Coast Brewing Company.
You can catch us at more community events by visiting our events page below!
• Compost yard & accepted food waste
• Recycle plastic bottles & jugs, glass bottles, aluminum &
metal cans, cardboard & paper.
• Buy Items with less packaging
• Donate and reuse
For Recycling or Trash Program Information:
Call: 978-281-9785 or Visit: http://www.gloucester-ma.gov
Good Morning Gloucester 