My View of Life on the Dock
It seems our eagles in West Gloucester are doing what northeast eagle pairs are doing these days: preparing to nest. I watched this eagle carefully observe its surroundings then take off across the water to grab nesting material and then flew back toward the nest. As it is often the males who bring the material into the next for the females to accept and re-arrange, I will assume this is the male of the pair. I was very happy to see this promising activity from our eagle friends.
In the winter the skies are so beautiful and interesting. We all want to study the weather patterns.
High Fields…
44 Main St. #LFG
We happened upon these two hawks recently in the Mussel Point area. I suspect they are a bonded pair because as one was devouring prey, the other seemed to keep watch as opposed to attempting to take it away. Just theory, of course but it’s a little unusual in my experience to have two hawks in such close proximity as one feasts and the other is on alert. It was an interesting story developing but we couldn’t stay to watch it unfold to its completion. Nature provides the most interesting tales.
~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Please join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber on Thursday, March 6 from 7:30 – 9 AM at the Magnolia Library & Community Center for our 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast.
This year’s Economic Outlook Breakfast features expert panelists exploring the critical role of Downtown Economic Vitality and how it drives our local economy. The conversation will explore how a thriving business district can fuel economic growth and the importance of strategic planning to balance economic development with the growing need for affordable housing. We will explore strategies for how local businesses and municipalities can collaborate to drive positive change. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with local leaders committed to a prosperous future for Greater Cape Ann.
Panelists Include:
Emmy Hahn – Program Coordinator of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
Clark Ziegler – Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership
Facilitator:
Representative Kristin Kassner – MA House of Representatives, 2nd Essex District
For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/EconomicOutlookBreakfast.
The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.
Schedule:
Speaker Bios
Emmy Hahn: As the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program Coordinator for the Executive Office Economic Development, Emmy Hahn is the state resource for technical assistance relating to all aspects of downtown/town center/commercial area revitalization. In addition to administrating the MDI Emmy is also the point of contact for communities interested in implementing a Business Improvement District and Parking Benefit District. In 2021, Emmy was also the Program Coordinator for the IDA Pinnacle award winning Local Rapid Recovery Program. The program was responsible for implementing $10 million worth of technical assistance of CARES funds in response to COVID-19. Recently Emmy was asked to oversee the MA Vacant Storefront Program and assisted with the redesign of the program.
Prior to working at DHCD, Emmy was the Project Manager for the Main Street Program in Lynn, MA and was the Executive Director of Downtown New Bedford, Inc. in New Bedford, MA.
Clark Ziegler: Clark Ziegler is Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, a public agency that finances affordable rental housing and home ownership, provides community technical assistance, and helps shape state housing policy. Under his leadership since 1990 MHP has delivered more than $7 billion in below-market financing for more than 58,000 housing units.
Mr. Ziegler chairs the nonprofit Housing Partnership Fund, which is a national, federally-certified community development financial institution and an affiliate of the Housing Partnership Network. He also serves on the board of the Massachusetts Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). He previously served on the MBTA’s management team and spent six years in Washington where he was legislative assistant and chief of staff to Massachusetts Congressman Robert Drinan. Mr. Ziegler is a longtime Ipswich resident and served as chair and as a 15-year member of the town’s Finance Committee.
Representative Kristin Kassner: Kristin Kassner is the State Rep for the 2nd Essex District – Ipswich, Hamilton, Rowley, Newbury, Georgetown, and Topsfield precinct 1. She lives in Hamilton with her husband and son. As a planning professional with 20 years of local government experience, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for people and their environments in her district and the Commonwealth.
Rep. Kassner has a BA in Urban Planning and Geography from Miami University of Ohio; a Master’s degree in Urban & Environmental Policy from Tufts University, and completed the Supervisory Leadership Development Program from the University of Massachusetts. She was the Planning Director for the Town of Burlington, served as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association and as Vice-Chair of the Hamilton Master Plan Committee. She is a member of the Associated Institute of Certified Planners, The Trustees, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Essex County Greenbelt, and Essex County Trails Association (ECTA).
After the snow, walking Stacy Boulevard was calming.
Lonely at the Top…
We’ll be open Saturday and Sunday (rain, snow or shine) from 8-11:00 am at 1 Whistlestop Mall in Rockport.
This week’s bagel of the week is Maple S&P. ☕️☕️☕️We’ll also be serving up Motif Roaster’s Morning Blend and their ever so popular dark roast Dogtown. ☕️☕️☕️
Have a great day!
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We’re at 44 Main for your Valentine’s needs 11-3 and if you need a free local delivery this morning just reach out.
Happy Valentine’s Day wishes from a couple of our favorite beaches. I hope you can make someone feel extra special today. Thank you all for following and the kind comments we hear along the way.
The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce that it has received a $50,000 Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant from the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). The grant will support the launch of the Library’s 2025 Digital Learning Lab—Gloucester’s first educational space dedicated to inclusive digital learning—and the Library’s inaugural Computer Basics Course, which will provide 15 hours of hands-on technology training. In addition, qualified participants will receive a free device and a one-year Internet service plan.
The Sawyer Free Library is one of 13 grantees to receive a 2025 ECCF Digital Partnership Grant. These grants, which total $627,000 and encourage cross-sector collaborations, are part of Advancing Digital Equity, ECCF’s multi-year, $3 million commitment to empower all Essex County residents with the access, education and equipment necessary to successfully navigate today’s increasingly digital world.
In total, this group of grants represents more than 60 local community partnerships and will positively impact residents from 26 Essex County communities. The Library’s $50,000 ECCF grant is allocated as follows: $18,520 for furnishings and audiovisual teaching equipment for the Digital Learning Lab, and $32,480 for program expenses associated with the Computer Basics Course.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Essex County Community Foundation for this generous support,” said Jenny Benedict, Sawyer Free Library Director. “By helping us establish the Digital Learning Lab and our first- ever Computer Basics Course, ECCF has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring equitable access to technology for all Gloucester residents. This partnership will transform how our greater community learns, connects, and grows in a digital world.”
The Digital Learning Lab, slated to open early this Fall as part of the Sawyer Free Library’s major renovation and expansion, will be an 800-square-foot publicly accessible space on the Library’s ground floor. Furnished with an interactive teaching display, Chromebooks, and classroom seating for 20 participants, the Lab is designed to address critical barriers to digital equity, such as broadband access, device access, and digital literacy.
Beginning in September 2025, the Computer Basics Course will introduce up to 50 participants—divided into four cohorts—to fundamental digital skills, including basic computer operations, productivity software, online safety, and communication tools such as email and video conferencing. Upon completion of the 15- hour training and demonstration of proficiency, participants will receive a free Chromebook and one year of Internet service.
The course is open to anyone who qualifies by demonstrating need or by identifying an educational, workforce, or personal well-being goal. Community partners such as Open Door, Action Inc., the Senior Center, and Wellspring House will refer participants, helping ensure the project’s success. Additionally, the Council on Aging/Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester Housing Authority, and the Gloucester Health Department will play a vital role in reaching those who benefit from the program and ensuring they remain engaged.
This initiative also includes valuable professional development for local high school and college student interns, who will help deliver the program through small-group tutoring and one-on-one support. Internships will be promoted in partnership with Gloucester Public Schools, leveraging channels such as the student newspaper, The Gillnetter.
UMass Lowell, which has played a crucial role in advancing digital equity throughout the region, will support the Library’s new educational program by providing additional funding for computer. The university is also embarking on a new college student intern program and anticipates a placement at Sawyer Free Library for the delivery and evaluation phases of the Computer Basics Course. The intern will assist with instructional activities, assessment tools, program promotion, and participant recruitment.
The Sawyer Free Library is a leader in advancing digital equity in Gloucester through partnerships, programs, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging, community building, and continuous learning. Currently operating from its temporary location at 21 Main Street and online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, the Library looks forward to its grand reopening later this year. The renovated, expanded, and modernized space will bolster the Library’s central role in delivering innovative resources and opportunities to Gloucester’s diverse community.
To learn more about Advancing Digital Equity, please visit eccf.org/digital-equity/.
There’s like zero competition other than Talise in the summer. Captain Hooks is all done. An Italian/Pizza joint would slay here. I’d love to see the Rhea pizza truck people open a joint here with a beer/wine license.
I’m just sayin…
Pat Dalpiaz and Pat D’s Photos will also be at the shop!
Good Morning Gloucester 