Stop & Shop Kicks-Off Annual Help Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign Throughout March in Massachusetts

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Hi Joey –
Quickly reaching out to share that Stop & Shop, a neighborhood grocer for more than 100 years, is kicking off its annual Help Cure Childhood Cancer campaign. Running from now through March 31st, the fundraiser will support pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York. All Massachusetts stores will raise funds for Dana-Farber. 
Throughout the month-long campaign, local customers can visit their nearby Stop & Shop located at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester, MA and round-up their purchases to the nearest dollar, or opt to donate an additional $1, $3 or $5 at both self-checkout and mainline registers. Those shopping online at StopandShop.com for Pickup or Home Delivery can participate in the fundraiser as well by donating $1, $3 or $5 at checkout. 100% of the change going to the participating hospitals. This year, Stop & Shop’s goal is to exceed its 2020 donation of nearly $2.5 million. 
Sharing the full press release herewith additional information. Please let me know either way if you’re interested in sharing the details of the fundraising campaign with your readers and I’d be happy to provide additional information. Thanks for your consideration.
Best,Brooke 

March 1 Legislative & COVID-19 Update

News from the office of Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante

Today, Massachusetts advances to Step 2 of Phase III of the state’s reopening plan. The Commonwealth has also announced plans to transition to Step 1 of Phase IV on Monday, March 22.

Phase III, Step 2

On May 18, 2020, the Commonwealth released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy conditioned on sustained improvements in public health data. As of October, 2020, the reopening had proceeded to Step 2 of Phase III of the plan. On December 13, 2020, in response to an increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations following the Thanksgiving holiday, the Commonwealth returned to Step 1 of Phase III, reducing capacities across a broad range of sectors and tightening several other workplace restrictions. 

Since the beginning of this year, key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, have been closely monitored and a significant decline has been documented, allowing for a return to Step 2 of Phase III, effective March 1 for all cities and towns. This includes the following updates to businesses, activities and capacities:Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 personsIndoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact (laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses) will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacityCapacity limits across all sectors with capacity limits will be raised to 50% and exclude employeesRestaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit and will be permitted to host musical performances; six-foot social distancing, limits of six people per table and 90 minute limits remain in placeResidents must continue to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and are encouraged to avoid contact outside of their immediate households. The Travel Advisory and other public health orders remain in effect.

Gathering Changes and Phase IV Start

Provided public health metrics continue to improve, effective on March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following industries will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):Indoor and outdoor stadiumsArenasBallparksAlso effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed. 

Please read on below for new, updated, and important legislative updates and information surrounding the COVID-19 crisis and see our past newsletters if you haven’t had a chance to read them already for more relevant guidance and directives following Governor Baker’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 10th. Visit Mass.gov for complete information, check the municipal websites for GloucesterRockport, and Essex for local guidance, and text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to your phone.
CareWell Vaccination Clinic Update
We have heard from several individuals who were vaccinated at CareWell Urgent Care vaccination clinics who have expressed concerns over hearing they may not be able to get their second vaccination. My office has brought these concerns to the Baker-Polito Administration.

The Administration has stated that it will be ensuring that second doses will be delivered to vaccinate all individuals who receive their first doses at vaccination clinics across the state. The COVID-19 Command Center and the Department of Public Health are actively working with CareWell on their request for second doses and once DPH receives their survey request for doses, the doses will be allocated and delivered to CareWell for second dose appointments.

If you received your first vaccination at one of thise vaccine clinics, please remain in contact with the vaccination provider to ensure that you receive your follow-up appointment for your second vaccination.
COVID-19 Business Relief Grants
Last week, the Commonwealth announced more than $49 million in awards to 1,108 additional small businesses in the eighth round of COVID-19 Small Business and Sector-Specific Grant Programs administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). 

To date, the Commonwealth has awarded more than $563 million in direct financial support to 12,320 businesses impacted by the pandemic, including over $2.6 million to small businesses on Cape Ann, to help with expenses like payroll, benefits, utilities and rent.

Each business meets sector and demographic priorities set for the two grant programs. More than half of grantees are restaurants, bars, caterers, operators of personal services like hair and nail salons, and independent retailers. Over half of the businesses receiving relief are women-and-minority-owned enterprises. 

The awards announced last week are the result of a process by MGCC to engage directly with applicants that met sector and demographic priorities but were missing documents necessary to be considered for an award. MGCC is continuing to work with business owners in targeted sectors and demographic groups to allow for applicants to submit necessary documents.

Frame Up to Fit Out – Sylvina W. Beal Restoration

tedessexshipbuildingorg's avatarCape Ann Community

Talk 1 of 4 on March 11th.

Join Katherine Dench, Mass Cultural Council’s granted apprentice to master shipwright Harold Burnham, as she chronicles her experience in taking part in the restoration process of the historic Sylvina W. Beal and wooden boat building – from sketch to launch.

ZOOM Links will be sent 1hr prior to virtually scheduled talks on the dates listed below:

7pm-8p | Thursday, March 11th | Thursday, April 8th | Thursday, May 13th | Thursday, June 10th

Sylvina W. Beal @paultrefry

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/tickets/frame-up-to-fit-out-sylvina-w-beal They are free for members and $10 for all others.

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Sawyer Free Library will be closed on Tuesday, March 2 for the day

Sawyer Free Library's avatarCape Ann Community

The Sawyer Free Library will be closed on Tuesday, March 2nd for a professional development day.

Both in-person and curbside services will be unavailable until the following day, Wednesday, March 3rd at 10am.

We are excited to use the knowledge and skills we develop to further improve our services at the Library!

If you expect to need computer services on this day, consider borrowing one of our Chromebooks and wireless hotspots or reach out to us for information about other services in the community.

Don’t forget that our databases, eBooks, and other online resources can be accessed 24/7 at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org

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What Would Bill Belichick Say To Jayson Tatum Here

Look at Tatum after this huge shot walking past his team mates without any emotion.

It drives me nuts.

#Irish #fishing vessel “Breizh Arvor II”

Click the photos to see them larger

Free Streaming Nia and Restorative Yoga Classes via Zoom with Linda for the Week of March 1st Country Bluesy Swing Routine. Restorative Yoga Mon. and Wed. 5 PM

niawithlinda's avatarCape Ann Wellness

We will revisit a favorite routine, Country Bluesy Swing music.  This routine features music from three groups, The Bumper Jacksons, The Quebe Sisters and Hot Club of Cowtown.  You won’t want to miss this fun and crazy music.  Git yer spurs on and join us down at the rodeo for some fun, EEEEEEE HAH!

For Restorative Yoga, 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 out my site, niawithlinda.com. It is a lovely passive practice that gives the participant relaxation and calm. Who couldn’t use that right now.

If you are new to Nia and Restorative Yoga with Linda, these streaming classes are free. Share with anyone who you feel needs a little movement or peace in their lives during this period of social isolation.

So here is how it…

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@FishermenGHS News

Congrats to Mia Salah on her recent commitment to attend @AssumptionUMA & play field hockey. Well deserved for this hard working student-athlete & her family.

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Great week last week, starting Fall 2 & wrapping up Winter..lots of catching up to do. Want to wish Zach, Ryan, Jack, and Cal the best w/all their future endeavors & everything they gave to the GHS Hockey program.

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Congrats to Ella Marshall & her family, on her commitment to @FSU_Falcons & their softball program. Well deserved for the 3 Sport All Star, looking forward to seeing her on the diamond this Spring

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GloucesterCast 475 with Scottie Mac, Chris McCarthy, Paul Horovitz, Michael Dekoster, Pat and Jim Dalpiaz and Joey C Taped 2/28/21

 

GloucesterCast 475 with Scottie Mac, Chris McCarthy, Paul Horovitz, Michael Dekoster, Pat and Jim Dalpiaz and Joey C Taped 2/28/21

Press play to watch and listen (video)-

Press play to listen (audio)-

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.

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Topics Include:
 
Please share the podcast! If you share the podcast while we are taping we will write down your name and you will be entered into a drawing to win a prize that we will choose about 2/3 the way through the podcast.

Michael DeKoster from Gloucester Maritime

Who knows what an eaf is?  Is the term a local term?  Joey looked it up in the urban dictionary and there were no references that match the way we use it.

Becca Rose Murray could use our votes for Inked Magazine’s 2021 Cover Girl Contest! Vote (free) here using your Facebook login: https://cover.inkedmag.com/2021/rebecca-murray

Home Brew beer tasting

Massachusetts is reopening and it’s time to book your party (100 person limit indoors) with Scottie Mac! http://www.gimmesound.com/DJScottieMac/

“I can’t move to Gloucester. I wasn’t born there.” (Chris)

Positive outcome from COVID protocols: people getting more comfortable using QR codes.  Question- Do you feel more comfortable using QR Codes or is it still something you’ll only do when forced to do so?

Negative outcome from COVID protocols: how much have you spent on masks in the last year?

Shoutout Paula Ryan O’Brien’s birthday!

Art Abound (no s….Pat was wrong!) on Lexington Ave Magnolia for prize pickup. Pat also wrong on pronunciation “artisan”

Igloo at Mile Marker reports from Jim (breakfast) and Chris ( Irish Coffee)

Rosetti’s in Beverly (Chris)

Danversports Marina: 3 groups looking at scouts (Chris)

Cigar Bar Rowley (Chris)

Agawam Diner (Chris)

Cape Ann Media Productions (CAMP) promo video from our friend Jim Capillo on YouTube  https://youtu.be/Y_XuM8sSgig

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