in the news: update on stands at New Balance Newell Stadium

Gloucester Daily Times article by Ray Lamont

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“Hale said the Woburn-based firmof Heimlich Landscaping and constracting which installed the stands and track in 2013, is heading up the repair work wiht inkind design assistance from CDM Smith of Boston…

“It was safe, and it would have been safe. It just looked bad–it looked old when it was still new. But this administration wants to be sure to fix it. We want this to be good product, and a good long-term investment.”

DPW making public works work: great marsh walk along Thatcher Road from Good Harbor Beach entrance to footbridge Gloucester Massachusetts

View to Good Harbor Beach across marsh_from the future sidewalk_Gloucester Mass_2018 June 30_©catherine ryan
back of Good Harbor Beach, framed and open views across marsh from Thatcher Road, June 2018  

Walk this way! Part 1- Pilings In, Guardrails Gone!

A new mini marsh promenade is underway along Thatcher Road from Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach entrance all the way around to the foot bridge. Walkers will have safe access via sidewalks and a natural path.

Gloucester has been planning for an opportunity to extend safer pedestrian access along Thatcher Road for years. When National Grid scheduled replacing antiquated gas lines along the busiest and scenic stretch, Gloucester Public Works was ready to seize the opportunity with collaborative solutions sensitive to conservation. Sidewalk upgrades were built out at both ends and paused until National Grid completed its underground infrastructure work. Prior to paving, Thatcher Road will be widened slightly to accommodate a safe and scenic path. The city hoped to complete repairs and paving by autumn and is on track to meet that goal. This week crews were clearing brush. The rusty guardrail was removed and will be replaced with a new design. “It will all happen quickly now,” says Mike Hale, director of Public Works.

 

Before marsh walk _Thatcher Road_Gloucester Mass_2018 June 19_future DPW work by great marsh ©catherine Ryan
BEFORE June 2018 ©catherine ryan

Rusty rail outta here_Thatcher Road slightly widened_pedestrian safe and access_great marsh back of Good Harbor_Gloucester Mass_2018 Sept 11 ©catherine Ryan

Thatcher Road Under Construction

There’s an ideal and creative scenic overlook solution over the river that’s under construction off site. I can’t wait for the reveal! I have been documenting progress and will post various updates, fast stats and history as another impressive project moves along.

New pedestrian walkway_Thatcher Road_Public Works_Gloucester MA_ 2018 Sept 11_©catherine ryan (1)

New pedestrian walkway_Thatcher Road_Public Works_Gloucester MA_ 2018 Sept 11_©catherine ryan (3)

Gloucester’s great marsh walk will afford safer access for sweeping seasonal observation

winter, spring, summer, fall 

 

One of my favorite Gloucester motifs, Gloucester oxbow, view from Thatcher Road 

Gloucester motifs_Gloucester oxbow_at the back of Good Harbor Beach_view from Thatcher Road_2017 Februray 5©c ryan.jpg

Gloucester’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Here are some photos from Gloucester’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony that took place yesterday morning shortly after 9:30 am to honor those who perished during the attacks of 9/11.  It is something that I am so glad the City of Gloucester has continued to do and it would be wonderful to see even more people in attendance next year.

Members of Gloucester’s Fire Department, Police Department, United States Coast Guard, Harbormaster’s Office, Veterans and Veterans Office Officials, Gloucester’s Mayor, Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante, State Senator Bruce Tarr, and others, gathered alongside Cape Ann residents who wished to pay tribute.  Color guards were provided by Gloucester High School’s ROTC and the David G. Ouellet Division of the US Navy Sea Cadets.

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Our Blue Economy – Sept. 27 at Cruiseport

Please join the Cape Ann Innovators Collaborative on Sept. 27 for a discussion about “Shaping the Future of our Blue Economy” at Cruiseport Gloucester for 5:00-7:00pm. The one-hour program is from 6:00-7:00pm with light appetizers, cash bar, and networking from 5:00-6:00.

Keynote by Mike Goodman, UMass Dartmouth Public Policy Center. Panel discussion moderated by Katie Kahl, UMass Amherst Gloucester Marine Station.

North Shore panelists include:  Vito Giacalone (Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund), Ric Upton (Gloucester Innovation) and Laura Swanson (Enterprise Center at Salem State University & North Shore Alliance for Economic Development)

Blue Econ

The Beautiful Arethusa

The beauty of this scene sent me back to the books to refresh my memory of the mythological story of Arethusa, a Greek myth of transformation into water.  This picture seems to demonstrate that very transformation from vessel to reflection to seawater.

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Volunteer Open House at Backyard Growers!

backyardgrowersgloucester's avatarCape Ann Community

Learn how to get involved at Backyard Growers!  

From helping at school taste tests, to building gardens, to joining an event committee, there are lots of ways to get involved at BYG.  Join us on Sept 13th to learn about all our different programs and what you can do to help!

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To view all current volunteer opportunities visit http://www.backyardgrowers.org/take-action/

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Gloucester Fire Department to Receive Federal Grants for New Ambulance and Equipment

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith is pleased to announce that the Gloucester Fire Department will be awarded two Assistance to Firefighters Grants next week.

WHEN:
Monday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m.

WHERE:
Gloucester Fire Headquarters, 8 School St.

WHO:
Gloucester Fire Department
FEMA representatives
Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken
State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante and State Sen. Bruce Tarr
Representatives from the offices of Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Seth Moulton
Members of the public and media are invited to attend.
WHAT:
Representatives from FEMA will visit the Gloucester Fire Department to officially present grants of nearly $500,000 to support the purchase new equipment that will augment and upgrade the department’s ambulance fleet.

A $321,000 grant will help fund the purchase of a new ambulance, while another $145,000 will support the addition of upgraded stretcher loading systems onto three of its existing ambulances.

The auto loader will allow firefighters to automatically lift and lower stretchers into and out of the ambulances, easing the stress on first responders’ backs that results from repeatedly lifting heavy equipment. The systems also enhance patient safety by ensuring that stretchers are secured within the ambulance, reducing the potential for injury should a crash occur.

“These grants will greatly enhance our ability to serve the community and ensure efficient, safe transport for our firefighter paramedics and patients alike,” Chief Smith said. “I’m looking forward to welcoming FEMA to our city and thanking them personally for their continued support of our firefighters.”

The federal grants will cover the vast majority of the costs of the new ambulance and equipment, though the city of Gloucester is responsible for approximately $46,000 of the cost.

GOOD HARBOR BEACH SUPER HIGH TIDE

I had an unexpected extra afternoon off with Charlotte so we decided to check out today’s high tide and waves at Good Harbor Beach. In some areas, the tide came up all the way to the edge of the bluff. The waves weren’t high, but the undertow was super, super strong, nonetheless, folks were swimming and surfing in the surprisingly warm water. 

You can see in the above photo how high was the tide today.

Sand taste-testing

Foot-print-making

Ssshhhing nobody but me, then time for a quick catnap
See you again soon beach!

Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen

Rockport’s quaint Lattof Farm has expanded to include Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen.  I have been trying to get there for weeks to try their avocado toast, the quiche, or their sweet salad but I haven’t been able to make it yet.  My boys are dying to try their smoothies….Strawberry Banana, PB Rescue, or Seasonal Splash.

I just missed the kitchen hours the other day, but I stopped to browse their gorgeous produce and snapped photos of the Farmhouse Kitchen menu for keeping.  I am hopeful that tomorrow will be the day I can stop by on the way to work and you can bet I’ll update you on how delicious my breakfast was….and, I know it will be because I’ve heard so from many a townsfolk!

For now though, check out their farm stand and menu!

Lattof Farms is definitely a Rockport treasure and we’re so lucky to have them conveniently located on the way in and out of town on Main Street!

Check out Lattof Farm Kitchen’s Facebook Page HERE

The first 6 photos are from their Facebook page…and are the reason that I can’t wait to get back to the Farmhouse Kitchen.

The other photos I snapped in the farm stand while admiring the abundance of fruits and vegetables.

Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen is located at:

205 Main Street, Rockport

It is open Monday-Saturday, 7:00-2:00

Courtesy of Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen Facebook Page

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We Must Remember

September 11 2001 is a day many of us will never forget.  It was a pivotal turning point in our shared history, much like the JFK assassination was for those of an earlier generation. But, since 17 years  have now gone by, this means students currently in high schools and even college have no memories of that day.  Perhaps that is a blessing, as the images are cruel and devastating. The tragedy and the resulting impacts changed daily life forever. We are divided by those who recall federal buildings lacking concrete barriers and airplane travel without pat-downs and those who have never known anything else.

But, we must NEVER forget the lives lost and changed on that fateful day.  Pause a moment in your busy lives to remember, pray,  or share a story.  A remembrance ceremony is scheduled for at City Hall this morning at 9 AM, followed by a gathering at the Fire Department on School Street.

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Slime Making at Art Haven!

Cape Ann Art Haven's avatarCape Ann Community

It’s a Friday Night Art Party

Friday, September 28th, for kids grades 1-5

Come have a blast making slime with all sorts of fun color and mix-ins. After we will watch a movie. REGISTER at http://www.arthaven.org to reserve your child’s spot. $20 for the first child and $10 for siblings.

Slime-workshop-InstagramFor more information email traci@arthaven.org.

Check us out at http://www.arthaven.org

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