On Wednesday, April 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) hosted a Health and Wellness Clinic, bringing together federal and local partners to support community health. Gloucester Public Health Department Director Dominique Hurley and Public Health Nurse Cindy Juncker participated in the event, highlighting a range of programs and services available to Gloucester residents.

During the clinic, Hurley and Juncker provided important public health education on key issues affecting the community. They shared guidance on the increasing prevalence of Lyme disease linked to regional deer ticks, outlined how the department monitors emerging health concerns through local water quality data, and discussed ongoing challenges related to coastal water conditions that can impact both public beaches and seafood safety. They also reviewed food safety permitting requirements, including those needed for seasonal events such as summer picnics and cookouts.

In addition to education, the Public Health team delivered direct, hands-on support to attendees. Services included individualized blood pressure screenings, one-on-one health consultations, and distribution of free NARCAN kits and tick removal tools. These efforts reflect Gloucester’s continued commitment to equipping residents with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe and healthy, particularly as the community heads into the warmer months.

—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester

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SCHMEARS OF THE WEEK:
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Sharing news from the Inn at Good Harbor Beach’s Facebook page. Opening soon on Salt Island Road. Taking reservations now. Check out this link: https://innatgoodharborbeach.com/

Sharing information from the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library for those interested in Howard Blackburn

Caffe Sicilia Italian Bakery Sfinciuni

40 Main St Gloucester Ma

Getting Busy…

From the John Ronan Collection of the Cape Ann Museum Library & Archives.

GLOUCESTER, MA. (April 2026) — The public is warmly invited to a special program on Saturday May 2, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., celebrating 36 seasons of The Writer’s Block, hosted by John Ronan, and the gift of the program’s archives to the Cape Ann Museum.

Organized by the Cape Ann Museum, the event will take place at the Janet and William Ellery James Center at CAM Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester. Admission is $5 for CAM Members and $10 for non-members. Advance reservations are required and may be made at capeannmuseum.org.  

The program will feature a panel of five past guests of The Writer’s Block, who will join Ronan in reflecting on the show’s legacy and its enduring connection to the Cape Ann literary community.

Since its debut in 1990, The Writer’s Block has welcomed more than 500 guest speakers, including poets, novelists, journalists, and writers of all genres, and occasionally other artists, with ties to greater Cape Ann. Widely recognized as one of the longest-running and most successful public access programs in the country, the series has played a vital role in documenting and celebrating the region’s literary voices. 

In 2025, John Ronan, producer and host of The Writer’s Block, gifted the program’s archives to the Cape Ann Museum. This significant donation ensures the preservation and public accessibility of the series, furthering and advancing the Museum’s commitment to collecting and sharing stories of contemporary Cape Ann.

John Ronan, 2026.

“John Ronan’s generous donation of The Writer’s Block film archives is crucial to the documentation of the diverse literary community of Cape Ann’” said Cassie Anderson, the museum’s Librarian and Archivist. “With over 500 guests, John has created an incredible research tool for anyone interested in the history of writing on Cape Ann. We are excited to share these materials with the public on our online catalog, Quartex.”

A poet, writer, filmmaker, teacher, and journalist, Ronan has been a central figure in Cape Ann’s literary life for decades. He is Professor Emeritus at North Shore Community College and served as the City of Gloucester’s Poet Laureate from 2008 to 2010. His work has been recognized with honors including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, a Ucross Fellowship, and a Bread Loaf Scholarship. He continues to write and publish poetry, most recently with the release of his latest collection, The Idea of Light, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the literary arts.

Dedicated to fostering a love of poetry in the community, Ronan founded a poetry scholarship at Gloucester High School as well as the city’s annual Poetry without Paper contest. Over the years, many distinguished poets have appeared on The Writer’s Block, including Vincent Ferrini, Rufus Collinson, Jay Featherstone, and Heidi Wakeman. Winners of the Poetry without Paper contest have also been featured on the program, reflecting Ronan’s dedication to nurturing emerging voices

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➡️ 16” pizzas HALF PRICE

Perfect day for pizza, lobster, or both 😏

Excludes gluten free
Specials not available for online orderingy

Join us for a fun afternoon!

Learn more about Team Fishing for a Cure here: https://give.hdsa.org/fundraiser/6923915

The new Silver Bear Emporium will hold its Grand Opening on Saturday April 25 from 10 am – 4 pm at 242 Main Street in Gloucester. It will be a multi vendor storefront located in a prime area of downtown. I encourage you to check it out and support local businesses. We wish you well!

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently awarded$1.1 million to 12 community-led projects that protect and restore biodiversity across Massachusetts. 

Through the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game’s (DFG) Community Biodiversity Grant Program, this will advance a wide range of impactful projects. Partners will build capacity for biodiversity monitoring, habitat stewardship, and restoration, pilot innovative biodiversity-friendly practices for buildings, create new pollinator gardens and urban forests, and expand education and awareness.

Congratulations to the awardees and thank you to all the applicants.

Stay tuned for future funding opportunities!

 LEARN MORE

GLOUCESTER, MA – Today the City of Gloucester, together with Biomimicry New England, launched the 400 Trees “Gloucester Cooling Corridors” initiative. 

Mayor Paul Lundberg was joined by arborists, educators, and community members as the City and local nonprofit spoke about kicking off their project to expand the City’s tree canopy and deepen nature-based learning opportunities for youth. The event was moderated by Peter Lawrence, the Executive Director of Biomimicry New England. 

The 400 Trees team highlighted the planting of 50 new trees in the downtown area, which is part of their $97,000 investment in urban forestry that was supported by a State grant as well as community sponsorship. The initiative is designed to enhance climate resilience, improve neighborhood livability, and create greener public spaces throughout the city.

Erin Anastasia-Murphy, Program Director of 400 Trees, outlined the scope and impact of the program, while Education Director Victoria Fortune shared details on a robust lineup of seasonal, nature-based learning opportunities for local elementary and middle school students, including the expansion of “Dirt Club,” an outdoor education program launching at four elementary schools this year.

“The 400 Trees ‘Gloucester Cooling Corridors’ initiative reflects our city’s commitment to building a healthier future.” Said Mayor Lundberg. “By expanding our tree canopy and investing in nature-based education, we are not only improving our neighborhoods today, but also empowering the next generation to be stewards of Gloucester’s environment.”

“We are extremely fortunate to be expanding our tree planting and education programs because of our incredible team of staff, volunteers and partners, supported by a growing group of very generous sponsors.” Said Director Lawrence.

The event concluded with a ceremonial planting of a tree on City Hall grounds led by Tree Director and Arborist Jack Montgomery and Chris Wood, Owner of Heirloom Tree & Shrub Care, LLC.  

—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester