Photos from Andrea Lurie
Author: Joey Ciaramitaro
The creator of goodmorninggloucester.org Lover of all things Gloucester and Cape Ann. GMG where we bring you the very best our town has to offer because we love to share all the great news and believe that by promoting others in our community everyone wins.
City of Gloucester Reaches Settlement with the Town of Essex
December 17, 2019
City of Gloucester Reaches Settlement with the Town of Essex
–Gloucester and Essex Agree to Financial Settlement for Capital Costs
–Amends Inter-Municipal Agreement for 25 Years; Wholesale Rate Set
GLOUCESTER, MA (December 17, 2019) – Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken today announced that the City of Gloucester recently reached a settlement with the Town of Essex regarding litigation involving the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) project.
In 2000, Gloucester entered into an inter-municipal agreement (IMA) with the Town of Essex setting the terms and conditions for which Gloucester agreed to sell and Essex agreed to buy wastewater treatment and disposal capacity from Gloucester.
In 2017, there arose a dispute regarding certain language in the 2000 IMA. As a result, Gloucester brought suit against Essex for certain damages that included, among other things, breach of contract.
After engaging in successful mediation, a settlement was reached in September that was ratified by the Gloucester City Council on December 10 and by the Town of Essex’s Board of Selectmen at their December 16 meeting. The settlement requires Essex to pay Gloucester $1,664,134.75 in equal, annual installments of $66,565.39 each over a period of twenty-five (25) years to be made on or before the 31st day of July in each fiscal year, beginning in Fiscal Year 2021.
James Destino, Gloucester’s Chief Administrative Officer said, “We are pleased to have reached an amicable settlement with our neighbors. The money the parties agreed to represents Essex’s share of the CSO project. With that behind us we look forward to our long-term partnership and ongoing regional cooperation for this work.”
Annual payments will go into the Enterprise Fund and be used to pay down debt.
Additionally, both parties agreed to the renegotiation of the IMA outlining the terms on how Gloucester’s Department of Public Works will continue to provide sewer service to Essex in consideration for payment of applicable sewer use rates and fees.
In recognition of the infrastructure work, maintenance and operation Essex will manage in its own town an IMA-Wholesale Rate was set. That rate is fourteen percent (14%) less than the sewer rate charged to Gloucester’s residential users. Gloucester’s residential rate may be amended from time to time and the IMA-Wholesale Rate will automatically adjust for a period of twenty-five (25) years from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2044.
Essex expects that the annual savings from the new IMA-Wholesale Rate will offset the amount it has agreed to pay Gloucester for each annual CSO-related payment.
Andrew Spinney, Chairman of the Essex Board of Selectmen, said “The Essex Board of Selectmen is happy that, through mediation, we have reached an agreement with the City that will satisfy both communities’ needs for the next 25 years. I applaud all of the officials in both communities for their hard work in coming to this important agreement.”
Gloucester also has an IMA for this project with the Town of Rockport. The two communities have begun discussions for amending that IMA based on the Essex settlement.
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City of Gloucester to Introduce Enhanced Pay-As-You-Throw Trash Bags
December 17, 2019
City of Gloucester to Introduce
Enhanced Pay-As-You-Throw Trash Bags
—Improved Design and New Color
–No Change in Cost
GLOUCESTER, MA (December 17, 2019) – Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken today announced that residents will soon notice a change to their pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) bags.
Over the next several weeks, enhanced bags will become available at bag purchasing locations around town.
The enhanced bags, which will continue to be available in 13 and 36 gallon sizes, will feature new flex technology. The new flex technology boasts expandable strength, better durability and flexibility. Additionally, the color of the bags will change from purple to maroon.
These changes are a result of resident feedback and subsequent discussions with our vendor, WasteZero, regarding the City’s need for a better designed product that will reduce the number of bags that may rip and/or tear.
Mayor Romeo Theken said, “The new bags will function better and make it easier for residents to dispose of trash. Thank you for all the feedback regarding the current product. You helped drive the decision for this change and we hope that all users find these bags more effective.”
Michael Hale, Director of Public Works said, “The Department of Public Works is constantly trying to improve municipal collection services. We are pleased to introduce these enhanced bags, at the same cost, to Gloucester residents.”
The costs of the bags will remain the same and can be purchased at any of the following locations.
36 gallon large bags ($2.25 each sold in packs of 5) are available at:
· Ace Hardware – Gloucester Crossing
· Annie’s – Concord Street, West Gloucester
· Braga’s Gas Station – Washington Street
· Crosby’s Market – Manchester
· Ed’s Mini Mart – Washington Street
· Lanesville Package. Store – Washington Street
· Market Basket – Gloucester Crossing
· Richdale’s – 120 East Main Street
· Schooner’s – Essex Route 133
· 7-Eleven – Maplewood Avenue
· 7-Eleven – Bass Avenue
· Shaw’s – East Gloucester
· Shaw’s – Railroad Avenue
· H & S Convenience – 31 Western Avenue
· Stop & Shop
· Sunny’s Variety – Railroad Avenue
· Tedeschi’s – Washington Street
· The Building Center – Harbor Loop
· Tony’s Variety – Washington Street
· Walgreens – Main Street
13 gallon small bags ($1.25 each sold in packs of 5) are available at:
· Stop & Shop
· Shaw’s – East Gloucester
· Shaw’s – Railroad Avenue
· Richdale’s – 120 East Main Street
· The Building Center – Harbor Loop
· Tedeschi’s – Washington Street
· Rose Baker Senior Center – Manuel F. Lewis Street
Single large or small bags are available at the following locations:
· Tedeschi’s Market – Washington Street
· The Building Center – Harbor Loop
· Tony’s Variety – Washington Street
A discount is available at the Rose Baker Senior Center to residents who are least 65 years old and who currently participate in the City’s trash and recycling program. Those eligible may purchase a maximum of pack of 5 large bags per month at a discounted rate of $1.50 per bag. Proof of identity and address are required.
In a PAYT solid waste program, residents pay a per-unit fee for disposal of the solid waste that they generate. The Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection has found that PAYT is an effective mechanism for encouraging real waste reduction at the municipal level.
Gloucester is one of 145 municipalities, out of 351, in Massachusetts who have adopted this approach. In each of these municipalities, solid waste tonnage was reduced by 25-50% through a combination of increased recycling, diversion to reuse, repair, donation, composting, and other methods of disposal.
Gloucester adopted WasteZero’s bag-based PAYT program in 2009. Since that time, Gloucester has saved more than a million dollars in disposal fees.
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LAST DAY TO VOTE! 2019 Window Contest!
Hello Joey,
This is Kimberly, from the Gloucester Tourism Commission working on behalf of the 2019 Gloucester Holiday Window Competition.
Would you be able to help us thank all the businesses for participating – and encourage EVERYONE to VOTE.
The link to VOTE is here.
More information can be found on the facebook page with photo’s.
Thanks for your help engaging our community!
Cheers, KImberly
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Please help with the GloucesterCast Survey
I’m sure by now our readers/listeners have figured out how much I enjoy producing our podcast. I often say it wouldn’t matter if there were only 10 listeners because I love that it gives me an excuse to get together with friends and mess around on the regular.
The fact is though is that I want it to be the best it could be so if you could provide feedback on how we could improve it’s the only way I’ll really know what areas we need to get better at.
So if you could answer a few questions about what you like/dislike and what you’d like to see more of/less of I’ll do my best to incorporate your suggestions.
Here’s the link to take the survey- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MY9CSJN
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Acoustic Music Night Featuring Headlands at Feather and Wedge!
Headlands, featuring John Rockwell, Amy Rich and Eric Wilson, all of Rockport, return to Feather & Wedge this Thursday for an evening of entertainment and great food. Their set list includes selections from Roots and Americana to a little bit of Country. Reservations highly suggested! 978.999.5917
Thursday, December 19, 2019
6:30 – 9:30 00
Feather & Wedge, 5 Main Street, Rockport, MA 01966
978.999.5917
https://featherandwedge.com
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Weekly Updates, Events and New Promotions
Angel Assist Program
Starting in 2020, each month we will be partnering up with a different non-profit for our “Angel Assist” program. With this program, we will donate a certain percentage of our sales for one month to these non-profits. Starting in January, we are happy to announce our first partnership with HAWC. This amazing program provides services to victims of domestic violence, and can be found in 23 different cities and towns in Massachusetts! If you know of a local non-profit that could benefit from some assistance, please contact us at angelwingscbd@gmail.com.
Winter Solstice Party
This Saturday, from 1:00 – 4:00 we will be hosting a Winter Solstice Party at our shop on 12 Roger’s Street. Come join us for CBD infused hot holiday cocktails, free CBD samples, snacks, and holiday music. Additionally, local psychic Annette Dion will be here offering $10 “quick readings”. Come prepared with a question…
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Winter Solstice Celebration in the Shipyard
Come learn a new skill or craft to do by the fire this winter at our Solstice Celebration.
There will be activities such as log splitting in the yard and crafts from wood carving to knitting in the Waterline Center for kids and adults.
Activities range from $2 to $20. There will be baked goods and hot drinks!
December 21st from 11am to 4pm at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, 66 Main Street, Essex 01929
For more information go to the website: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/calendar-of-events
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Give ‘em the hook! Need A Present? Order One of My Waterfront Image Series Prints At www.capeanngiclee.com
Online Option:
LINK TO SEE AND PURCHASE PRINTS FROM THE SHOW HERE
Off the Wall At Cape Ann Giclee Option:
Drive to Cape Ann Giclee 20 Maplewood Ave Call For Hours Phone: (978) 546-7070
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Cape ann Chamber of Commerce news and Events
At-A-Glance Newsletter
Great Things Are Happening… Be A Part Of It!
CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS
Cape Ann License Plate Event to Support Sen. Tarr’s Toy Drive
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 4-6 PM
Cruiseport Gloucester | 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester
The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) today announced that they will host a special event to help people sign up for a Cape Ann License Plate while giving everyone an extra opportunity to donate a toy in support of Senator Bruce Tarr’s annual Toy Drive with North Shore 104.9.
On Tuesday, December 17 from 4 to 6 pm at Cruiseport, community foundation board members will be on hand to help people register online for their own Cape Ann special plate. For this special event, the Cape Ann Community Foundation has teamed up with Senator Tarr to boost his annual toy drive while helping people get a Cape Ann plate. People are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to Cruiseport’s lower level on December 17 and then sign up for their Cape Ann plate.
Join Us for the Chamber Christmas Party!
Thursday, December 19, 2019 | 5-7 PM
Chamber Office | 33 Commercial Street, Gloucester
Join us at the Chambers Annual Holiday Party.
Stop in to say hello and have a cup of cheer with us to celebrate the Holidays and the past year of Loving, Living and Working on Cape Ann!
10 Things to Do to Close Out Your Year
In the final days of December, here are some actions that can help you comply with the law, obtain tax benefits, and position yourself for 2020.
January Business After Hours
Thursday, December 16, 2019 | 5-7 PM
1623 Studios | 11 Pleasant Street, Gloucester
1623 Studios invites you to come tour their newly designed, State-of-the-Art Studios in downtown Gloucester! Come see what goes on behind the scenes…literally, while Networking with other area business leaders.
1623 Studios has enjoyed some great changes over the recent years- come see what they can do for you!
There is no charge for this event.
RSVP is requested in order to give a headcount to our host.
January Business After Hours
Saturday, January 25, 2019 | 5-7 PM
The Elks at Bass Rocks | 101 Atlantic Road, Gloucester
$100
Join us for the 98th Annual Celebration, where will say Hello to our new President, Tony Sapienza, of the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn, and say Good-bye to Bruce Feldman, of Gove & Feldman Insurance Inc..
The celebration will be held at the beautiful Elks at Bass Rocks.
The evening will start off with cocktails and socializing, then on to a very short program, dinner and ending with danicing to the tunes of local favorite: DJ Scottie Mac!
Come visit with old and new friends alike in this beautiful Backshore Waterfront spot!
SHOP OUR MEMBERS
Local Promotions from Chamber Members
Chamber Members can now list your sales and promotions on our websites. We have a new “Shop Our Members” page that appears on all three of our major websites.
This is a great way to gain exposure for your business by highlighting your special promotions. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and list yours today!
Member & Community News
Volunteer to Serve Christmas Meals
The American Legion, Post 3, will again deliver free Christmas Holiday Ham Dinners to the elderly, shut-ins, veterans,and needy in the Cape Ann area on ChiffiVlffi@f Deerber5,2019. We will be serving Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and Ipswich.
The American Legion Post No. 3’s mission is simple, *NO ONE SHOULD BE ALONE AND VfITHOUT A HOT MEAL ON CHRISTMAS ! ”
Our goal is to deliver as many holiday meals as we can to our fellow veterans, their families and other “special citizens”
Volunteer Servers and Drivers are also needed for Christmas Day. We will need servers from 10 AM until approximately 12:45 PM and drivers from 10:15 AM until all of the meals have been delivered.
How to order and volunteer:
1. Call 978-283-97rc after 3:00 p.m.(and leave a message)
2. Call9TB-283-7LL7 anytime (and leave a message)
3. Email you request to nestorlaw@aol.com. (preferred)
Please make sure to clearly give your name, address, phone number and number of meals.
Member & Community Events
Wednesday December 18, 2019 from 7-8 PM
Frame up to Fit Out Lecture Series – By Skiff & Basket
at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Thursday December 19, 2019 from 5-10
Annual Men’s Night – Gloucester
Downtown Gloucester
Thursday December 19, 2019 from 5-7 PM
at Cape Ann Museum
Thursday December 19, 2019 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Snacks + Nutrition with Darren: Wine and Cheese Party!
at Manchester Athletic Club
Thursday December 19, 2019 from 7-9 PM
at Mile Marker One
Friday December 20, 2019 from 7 PM – 11 PM
at Ipswich Ale Brewery
Friday December 20, 2019 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Drumming Workshop with Mamadou
at Floating Lotus
Saturday December 21, 2019 from 10 AM – Noon
Bolshoi Ballet in HD: The Nutcracker
at the Shalin Liu Performance Center
Saturday December 21, 2019 from 10 AM – Noon
Conduit Holiday Sound Meditation
at Floating Lotus
Saturday December 21, 2019 from 11 AM – 4 PM
at Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Saturday December 21, 2019 at 5 PM
74th Annual Rockport Christmas Pageant
Downtown Rockport
Saturday December 21, 2019 from 7-9 PM
at the Shalin Liu Performance Center
Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 7-9 PM
at Mile Marker One
Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 6 PM -Midnight
in Downtown Rockport
Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 6 PM -Midnight
New Year’s Eve Disco Dance Party
at Ipswich Ale Brewery
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The Mudskipper.
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Men’s Night At Seaport Grille!
Men’s Night is this Thursday, December 19th!
We’ll kick it off with half priced apps from 4PM-7PM, a Bulleit Bourbon promotion from 5PM-7PM, and live music by Chris Fitz-Grice from 5PM until 8PM!
On top of all that, we will have a Double Decker Bourbon Jalapeño Burger special available, alongside a raffle to win two tickets for the Beauport Cruiseline’s New Year’s Eve cruise!
See you there!
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Savour’s Select Holiday Wine-Gifts … Complete.
Savour’s Select Holiday Wine-Gifts …Complete
An array of special wine experiences…for gifting, exhibiting complexity, balance & length… all taste forward.
Distinctive wines of Europe, The Continent & the Americas, with gift-ready packaging, gift cards, pairing suggestions… making quality gift-giving ever-so-easy & memorable.
Value-laden gift wines, pricing from $20 …complete.
-to celebrate the season in style!
Kathleen, Courtney & the Savour Team
Savour Wine &Cheese
76 Prospect Street
Gloucester MA
978-282-1455
Holiday Hours:
Saturday – 10 – 7 pm
Sunday – noon – 4 pm
Monday (December 23) – noon – 6 pm
Tuesday – 11 am – 7 pm
Wednesday – 11 – 7 pm
Friday – 11 am – 7 pm
(Special Hours Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
Open 10 am – 5 pm
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Manchester Athletic Club News
DECEMBER 16, 2019 BY ABHANKINSON
FIRST TUESDAY Open House – Poppin’ Into the New Year!
We will be hosting a FREE open house event on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month! Come enjoy a special group fitness class that is not on our regular schedule, as well as wine tastings and healthy snacks in our cafe. These events are open to the community, so bring your friends!
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No guest fees ALL DAY
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Themed event from 4-7PM
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Free childcare (Non-members welcome — pre-registration required, up to 6 days in advance).
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Special group fitness class
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Open gym time
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Specials + sales
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Wine, snacks + more!
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NEXT DATE: JANUARY 7TH
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Theme: POPPIN’ INTO THE NEW YEAR! Enjoy a bubbly drink and popcorn tasting in our cafe from 4-7PM!
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CRUSH YOUR FITNESS GOALS IN 2020! Share your fitness resolution with us at the event for a chance to WIN a customized plan of attack, designed to help you reach your new year goals!
- Group Fitness Class: 6:00 PM Zumba in Studio B
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
DECEMBER 16, 2019 BY MACFITNESSGLOUCESTER
HOLIDAY SPECIALS AT MAC FITNESS GLOUCESTER!
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Sawyer Free Library Events 12/16-1/4
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Thanks to the people that bought my prints I bought all new audio gear for taping the GloucesterCast
All our guests will have their own mics on mic stands and it will be routed through an audio mixer for the live stream.
Plowing it right back in to try to make the blog better all the time. So thanks for supporting my work and know that I’ll keep working to bring improvements for you, our viewership!
https://twitter.com/halmackins/status/1206752166221942784
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“Sea Lights,” presented by LuminArtz, wowed attendees on Saturday in the courtyard of the Cape Ann Museum
“Sea Lights,” presented by LuminArtz, wowed attendees on Saturday in the courtyard of the Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester, from 6 to 9 p.m. This new annual event featured images projected onto the building and atmospheric music controlled by moving lighted blocks. See the LuminArtz Facebook page for more details.
Photos from Mary Carlin
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Mooreland Rd #GloucesterMA At Dawn
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GloucesterCast 370 With Ralph DiGiorgio, Cathy McCarthy, Jeff Surrette, Chris McCarthy, Pat & Jimmy Dalpiaz, Kim Smith and Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 12/15/19
GloucesterCast 370 With Ralph DiGiorgio, Cathy McCarthy, Jeff Surrette, Chris McCarthy, Pat & Jimmy Dalpiaz, Kim Smith and Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 12/15/19
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.
Topics Include:
The Gang Is Back!
First To Say The Word Of The Day 40 minutes Into The Podcast Wins
Treats provided by Mom’s Kitchen-
Mom’s Kitchen will be moving across the street to some new digs!
Exciting Improvements Coming To The Audio. Thanks To Ken Lawrence from the Podcore Nerdcast for the help
Rocky Neck New Year’s Day Plunge 11:00AM New Year’s day
Lobster Trap Tree Lighting
Su Chang’s
Beauport Stay
Nantucket Christmas Stroll
Jim has an update for Great Marsh Brewery in Essex
Minglewood Harborside wing Night and $10 Freebie
Rib Roasts and Smoked Spiral Ham On The @WeberGrills Ivory For Football 🏈 Sunday!
Good Morning Gloucester 