Good Morning Gloucester

No matter how you feel about the piping plovers in our area, this is an amazing shot and and earned honor for photographer Rajan Desai taken on our very own Crane Beach in Ipswich. I came across this and other stunning photographs in an NPR story you can find here about the 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. You can see more about this Massachusetts photographer at his website here. More details about this photo can be found here. Wow, just wow on those photos for the competition! And to find a location nearby within is just amazing. Congratulations all.

Funding will positively impact Gloucester’s community and residents for years to come. 

 

Today, Mayor Greg Verga announced the first major investment of the Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and the general plan for this funding. Under the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) local funding provisions, the City of Gloucester was allocated $23 million. Mayor Verga launched the Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Listening Group to solicit public input on the funding opportunity and report their findings back to the administration. After thoroughly reviewing the group’s report and the community’s requests, Mayor Verga has determined to appropriate Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to the following categories:            

 

●       Infrastructure

●       Housing

●       Economic Development

●       Public Health

●       Community Initiatives

●       Parks and Open Space

●       Arts and Culture

●       General Government/Revenue Recovery                                           

 

“I am so appreciative of all of the hard work and dedication of the Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Listening Group and to all of the residents and organizations for participating in this important dialogue,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I want to be sure we are using this funding to positively impact our residents for years to come.”

 

Mayor Verga has chosen to strategically invest a significant amount of the $23 million in the City’s infrastructure in response to several critical issues within the community. From the beginning of Mayor Verga’s administration, it has been a priority to tackle the necessary upgrades for Gloucester’s wastewater treatment plant. The City of Gloucester will allocate 65% of the Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to infrastructure projects; this includes $10 million to the wastewater treatment plant and $3 million to address our City’s roads. 

 

“It is time to stop kicking the can down the road and start the work on our wastewater treatment plant,” said Verga. “We can’t invest significantly in other areas until we have an adequate wastewater treatment plant; this investment is a necessary first step. I want to do the most good for the most people over the most time, and this project does just that.”

 

The $3 million investment will build on Mayor Verga’s commitment to improving Gloucester’s streets; the Mayor significantly increased the Department of Public Works (DPW) Fiscal Year 2023 paving budget and allocated additional free cash last fiscal year to have a greater impact on our roads. Due to this increased funding, Gloucester’s DPW will be able to repave several municipal roads and has already started its work. Attached is the “Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Paving Schedule” that has already begun; this schedule is subject to change.

 

In addition to infrastructure, the Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds will be distributed across various priorities. The current economic landscape and post-Covid society have highlighted the need to invest in affordable housing, parks and recreation, and public health. Mayor Verga will allocate much-needed funds to support several projects and initiatives in these areas. Additional information regarding these categories will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

“This is an exciting opportunity and gives us the ability to have a real impact on our community,” said Verga. “This framework gives a good idea of our investment plan for this funding, and I look forward to continuing our work.”

 

For the final Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Listening Group report and public submissions, please visit: https://arpa.gloucester-ma.gov/

 

Gloucester’s most iconic brand has made a charitable donation of $250,000 to Sawyer Free 2025 (visit sawyerfree2025.org), the philanthropic capital campaign to fund a comprehensive renovation, modernization and expansion of Gloucester’s public library building. The donation is earmarked to cover the cost of a new Library History Center inside the library’s existing footprint. 

“Gorton’s is proud to support the renovation and modernization of the Sawyer Free Library and its mission,” said Gorton’s CEO Kurt Hogan. “The library is a place of learning, creativity and innovation that nurtures and develops the community. We hope many generations will enjoy the new library for years to come.”

The Sawyer Free 2025 project will preserve the original exterior of Cape Ann’s oldest public library, which will house a fully redesigned interior, and will also double the size of the library’s current footprint with a 15,000-square foot addition. With the gift, Gorton’s secured another of the multiple donor-naming opportunities available in support of the campaign—one that will revolutionize the manner in which Gloucester’s historical artifacts and research materials are curated, archived, accessed and preserved. Currently, the library’s local history space is neither enclosed nor climate-controlled. 

“Sawyer Free Library boasts a 140-year legacy as a cultural, educational, communal, civic and social-services hub for the City of Gloucester,” said Barry Weiner, a retired attorney and the campaign chair for Sawyer Free 2025. “Thanks to Gorton’s, the new Library History Center will house invaluable pieces of Gloucester’s history and will take on international relevance as a place people can contact from anywhere in the world with a question about Gloucester. Authors, scholars, reporters, actors and everyday citizens everywhere will obtain a free, insider’s passport to the rich cultural history of this city and region that we all love.”

The design principles of Sawyer Free 2025 are grounded in the human experience and an ambition to put people first. The completion of the new facility—featuring a sound studio, a film studio, a digital tech lab and 110-seat community meeting space inside one of the most walkable destinations in the city—will result in a 25-percent increase in annual visitors, a 25-percent increase in the number of public programs offered each month by the library and a 50-percent increase in the number of programs hosted at the library by partner agencies.

The Sawyer Free 2025 project’s total cost is $28 million, a sum that includes built-in inflation costs through the completion of the project in 2025. The Sawyer Library Foundation, the fundraising arm of the campaign, has already inspired more than $15 million in pledged donations and grant awards, including $1 million in the first 150 days following the public launch of the campaign this past May. 

The newly renovated and expanded Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library will stand as a model for what a 21st century civic hub can and should be in terms of architecture, accessibility, sustainability, the use of natural resources and light, layouts, lines of sight, air quality and public safety. The end product will exponentially amplify the library’s ability to deliver critical services and outcomes not only for Gloucester, but for communities across Cape Ann and the North Shore as a place of equity, inclusion, connection, creation, compassion, renewal and advancement.

Since this spring, six of the project’s 14 naming opportunities have already been funded, including financing for a dedicated Children’s Room by the Institution for Savings, a separate Children’s Programming Room by BankGloucester, an all-ages digital makerspace by Cape Ann Savings Bank, a Teen Creation Center by Sudbay Automotive Group and a new, 16-seat library conference room by a private family foundation.

Since 1849, Gorton’s mission has been to help people everywhere enjoy the goodness of great seafood. Headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Gorton’s is one of America’s oldest continuously operating companies, and continues to be an innovative leader in the frozen seafood industry. The Gorton’s Fisherman, in his yellow slicker and rain hat, embodies this commitment. For more information, please visit http://www.gortons.com or call 1-800-222-6846.

✓ How do I learn more or contact Sawyer Free 2025?

Visit sawyerfree2025.org

info@sawyerfree2025.org

media@sawyerfree2025.org

Call 978.225.0363 or 978.225.0915

Facebook: Sawyer Free 2025

Instagram: Sawyer Free 2025

YouTube: Sawyer Library Foundation 2025

✓ How Do I Give to Sawyer Free 2025?

• Visit sawyerfree2025.org
• Text to donate: Text “325182” to 1-855-575-7888 and select an amount
• Checks: SF2025, 2 Dale Ave., Gloucester, 01930 (Checks payable to: “Sawyer Library Foundation”)
• Volunteer! Reach out if you want to pitch in at the library or with the capital campaign, either in person or virtually. Help your neighbors, serve your community and share your expertise. No matter what kind of volunteer work you do for us, you are contributing in invaluable ways.

Colorful Cargo…

Artist Reception: Friday, Oct. 14 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Seven Suns Gallery, 48 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA 01966

Matthew Billey has been a traditional wooden boat builder for the last 25 years. He has a special interest in Scandinavian designs and construction methods. Matt built and lives aboard his 27’ Danish Cutter, Jette. She appears frequently as the main subject matter in his artwork. His expertise in designing, building and sailing wooden sailboats lends a discerning eye when portraying them accurately in their element.

His 7 year old daughter, Naomi, was a major influence in getting him started as a painter. Since the Spring of 2022, he has made several works based on his interest in metaphysics, global ascension, astrology, perception beyond the ordinary five senses and spirituality. He merges that interest with his passion for landscapes and boats. Matt’s latest body of work, The “Red Sun” series, showcases 7 tall vertical paintings; all acrylic on wood and all fantastical in nature.

The “Red Sun” series and others of Matt’s paintings will be featured as a Fall Event at Loren Doucette Studio at Seven Suns Gallery from Oct. 7 – Nov. 25th. The guest artist reception will be Friday, Oct. 14 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and is free and open to the public. Seven Suns Gallery is located at 48 Bearskin Neck in Rockport, Ma. and is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

While many people may feel that they can declutter all on their own, it can be a major hassle. This is especially true when you have a lot of work to do between cleaning your house or business. If you need to get rid of junk in your home or business, hiring professionals is the best thing to do.

Call today & take advantage of our junk removal super sale!

Limited time offer978-704-9757

Vessels returning to port on a fall afternoon. Enjoying the beauty and the relief of the return home. From Ramblin’Rose, Connemara Bay II, Kathryn Leigh, Fat Tuna, Capt. Henry, Dog & I and Silver Lining.

Come visit. I promise you’ll love our friendly town filled with great restaurants, cute shops, artist galleries and delightful bakeries.

Drew Hale, McCarthy, Sefathia, Alison Odoardi, Maggie Cahill, and Fay At Shore Nutrition have signed on for no-junk-food November so far. If you want to be added to the list let me know.

Drew has been asking me to define the list. Just like Sober October I want everyone to know however everyone wants to define it for themselves, have at it. I’m not the judge and jury by any means.

We’re taking a mulligan for Thanksgiving.

This is how I’m going to define it for myself though-

No chips, no nachos, no candy, no pizza, no french fries, no cake, no muffins, no brownies no subs, no breads, no pastry, no donuts, no ice cream, no soda, no fast food unless it’s a healthy fast food option.

Burgers- without the bun- ok. Burrito bowls without the tortilla- ok. Yogurt ok.

Any other suggestions for items to add to the list or take off?

I’m also going to ask local restaurants that want to participate to offer a healthy reasonably priced to-go option for a 11:45AM pick-up(maybe with day before ordering and payment so they can know how many to prepare ahead of time. Eric Lorden, Zach Sears, Missy Sallah Alex Hill Erina McWilliam-Lopez are you guys interested in doing an under $15 all-in healthy lunch bowl to go, each of you pick a day of the week and I’ll let people know to order the day before and it could be all ready for them to pick up?

Any other suggestions for items to add to the list or take off?

Who wants in?

一 The Gloucester Health Department and Gloucester Police Department’s Community Impact Unit are excited to announce a new activity-based, education-focused, crime-prevention initiative aimed at the community’s older population.

The program is seeking the community’s help with generating a creative name for the initiative.

The new, collaborative program is aimed at establishing an “easy button” for the older population to reach out and press whenever they find themselves faced with a personal challenge or need.

Grappling with many challenges ranging from transportation and health care needs to an improved sense of personal safety, older adults in the community could use the support of both the Health and Police Departments to confidently address personal challenges, gain capabilities, and proactively conquer temporary glitches in their lives.

Both the Police and Health Departments of Gloucester collaborate with a variety of organizations and agencies at the federal, state, and local levels — all of which can support the needs of Gloucester’s older population.

The objective of this brand-new initiative is to raise awareness of the availability of health and safety resources, inform community members about how these resources can be used to support the older members of our population, and challenge everyone to think “outside the box” about how departmental and community assets can empower our most valued citizens.

Scheduled programming will include face-to-face talks with police and health teams as well as future events such as trips to local support organizations, visiting the YMCA to try an exercise class, small social events, bowling, police station tours, observing court trials, CPR, First Aid and Automatic External Defibrillator instruction, Narcan training, and opportunities to mentor and engage local students with fun activities. 

“Older adults are an amazing resource. They have so much to teach us if we listen to them,” said Lt. Jeremiah Nicastro, commander of the Gloucester Police Community Impact Unit. “We are hoping to return the favor by helping older adults learn more about law enforcement, crime prevention, health issues, and resources within the community, all while engaging with police, health officials, and other community members in a collaborative way that will enable all of us to learn from each other.”

Older adults will receive up-to-date information on chronic and communicable diseases, gain opportunities for learning about health issues that affect older populations, and expand their knowledge about crime prevention, scam defense, and the proper disposal of unused prescriptions and medical waste products such as syringes. 

“The Silent Generation, born from 1925 to 1945, and the Baby Boomer Generation, born from 1946 to 1964, are proud, independent, people who remain wonderfully capable members of society well into their older years,” said Health Director Mary Ellen Rose. “Our city’s primary industry of fishing may have changed, but we are the same hard-working, family-oriented people that have been the foundation of Gloucester for almost 400 years. This community has a strong history of caring for one another across generational lines, and we want to preserve that culture for generations to come!

“Committing to providing our older community members with the power to help themselves and influence others will inspire individuals to confidently address personal challenges, build their sense of safety, and ease their return to the fold of a community that could benefit from their wisdom, experience, and perspective.”

The program’s first event will be held on Monday, Oct. 17, at the Gloucester Police Community Impact Unit, 67 Middle St. The Health Department’s Seniors on the Go program will provide bus transportation to and from the morning event.

Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., will each have a maximum capacity of about 25 guests. 

Presentations will include an introduction to the Gloucester Health Department staff and the services they provide; a talk about internet and phone scams with Gloucester Police Detectives; and information on the Community Impact Unit’s programs and services. 

Similar awareness presentations will be made from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on:

• Nov. 2 at Sheedy Park
• Nov. 8 at McPherson Park
• Nov. 22 at Poplar Park
• Dec. 1 at Lincoln Park
• Dec. 20 at the Clark Building 

“It is great to see the Health Department and Police Department working together to serve such an important group in our community — this type of collaboration creates impactful and innovative programming,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “Our older residents face unique challenges and this program will connect them to important resources and information while engaging them in exciting activities.”

For more information on the program, or to submit a possible name for the program, contact either Lt. Jeremiah Nicastro at 978-325-5471 or jnicastro@gloucester-ma.govor Health Director Mary Ellen Rose at 978-325-5268 or mrose@gloucester-ma.gov.

This eagle hangs around overlooking the harbor near Stage Fort Park as if it is on guard. What a blessing! Shout out to FOB Susan for allowing me to use her driveway as a vantage point.