Good Morning Gloucester

I took photos of some gulls a couple of days ago from the causeway at Brace Cove and consulted our daughter and husband who are experts in the field. They are fairly certain the first is of a Black-headed Gull, which is a rarity in our area. One was sighted in Newburyport in the early spring. Also attaching photos of some other gulls at the same location, including a Laughing Gull with a black head, and an ominous sky from home.

Finally, some of the retail stores have been able to reopen; not necessarily for “business as usual”, but rather under changed procedures and protocols.  It was a wonderful feeling to stroll down Main Street today and see open doors. Some such as Mermaid Tales, New England Sweats, Design of Mine are open now. Others are planning to open soon: Larsen’s on Tuesday (today) and the Brass Monkey tomorrow (Wednesday). Store staff seemed genuinely pleased to see us and the stores felt safe for a little browsing. Welcome back all!

Yesterday Monday June 8,  the Mayor shared some details about Step One in Phase 2 which you can read in full here.  Here is a summary of some of the highlights:

Restaurants may offer outdoor seating; retails stores may open with restricted in-store capacity; golf pro shops and other onsite facilities may open; health care professionals may offer expanded services; lodging is now available; outdoor recreation facilities will be open.  All of these have certain required protocols and restrictions that must be followed.

The “big” news (in my opinion) is the following as copied from the Mayor’s announcement:

City playgrounds will be open to the public by the end of this week. Play structures are not cleaned or disinfected so although available residents should use at their own risk. Please remain diligent about hand washing and/or sanitizing before and after playground use.

Also copied from yesterday’s announcement:

Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches are now both open to residents and a limited number of non-residents, at a reduced capacity. Stage Fort Park remains open to the public.

There will be a Step Two for Phase 2 which will roll out at an unspecified future date. This step will allow indoor restaurant seating as well as the opening of massage parlors, nail salons, tattoo parlors and tanning salons.  Stay tuned for further details on these advances in Phase 2.

It’s an exciting time to tip toe back into the world we once knew. But we do need to remember these new procedures are new to all of us, including servers, cashiers, sales staff, health care professionals…all of us….so extra patience and understanding is critical.

And now, a view from the Beauport Hotel deck yesterday taken during the podcast as the hotel staff was preparing to open the deck for dining. We stayed for lunch and it was fantastic!

Click the graphic-

City of Gloucester 2020 Beach Stickers Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Beach Parking Stickers are available?
Resident Beach Parking Sticker – valid for one season – $20. You must be a full-time resident, non-resident property owner, Serviceman Stationed in Gloucester, or Part-time Senior property owners. Full-time Senior Citizen Residents are offered the same sticker at a discounted rate.
Nonresident Stickers are not available at this time. If you have already mailed your application, it will be returned to you in the envelope provided. Non-residents can ‘pay as you go’ to Wingaersheek and Stage Fort Park only. Spaces are limited and parking will be on a first come first serve basis.
Can I apply for a Beach Sticker online?
Not at this time. Beach stickers are currently available by mail only. You will need to download, print, and mail the Application with the appropriate documentation and fee. If you are unable to print the application you can pick one up on the table stationed outside City Hall at the Warren Street entrance. If you prefer to drop the completed application off instead of mailing, there are two drop boxes located at this entrance as well. Please read the instructions carefully, if there is missing paperwork it may delay the processing of your sticker.
Can I purchase a Beach Sticker in person?
Not at this time. Please check back later in the season.
Can I purchase a Beach Sticker at the beach?
No. Vouchers are not being sold at the beaches this season.
Who should I contact if I have a question or issue?
You can e-mail bsticker@gloucester-ma.gov or call 978-281-9708. Due to high call volumes and short staff, your e-mails and voicemails will be answered as soon as possible.
Do I qualify for Senior Status?
To qualify for a Senior Beach Sticker you must 65 and a full-time resident with a Gloucester Registration at the time of purchase. Please note that the senior must be present in the vehicle to park at the beaches.
If I own a business in Gloucester do I qualify for a Beach Sticker?
No. You must own the property in which your business is located to qualify for Resident Sticker.

If I am a disabled and I do not drive do I qualify for a Beach Sticker?
Stickers are issued to a vehicle not a person however under special circumstances, exceptions may be made. Please call 978-281-9708.
Where do I place the Sticker on my car?
The sticker must be placed in the left lower corner of your front windshield.
What do I do if I purchased a new vehicle and I need a replacement Sticker?
Return the sticker from your old vehicle and turn it in when requesting a replacement sticker. Replacement stickers are $5.

Source: City Of Gloucester Website