Tag: Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken

PARTY SNAPSHOTS FROM MAYOR SEFATIA’S FABULOUS SCHOONER FESTIVAL WELCOME RECEPTION

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The Mayor’s Schooner Festival Welcoming Reception was a fantastic success and wonderful fun. Maritime Gloucester’s dock was overflowing with Schooner Fest friends, well-wishers, and organizers. I think it was the most well attended ever and speaks to the growing success of Gloucester’s Schooner Festival (and to our Mayor’s charisma!).Mayor Sefatia welcomed Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Karen Polito, Schooner Bluenose II Captain Phil Watson and both Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante and State Senator Bruce Tarr were in attendance.

Schooner Bluenose II Captain Watson and Captain Mark Ring of the FV Stanley Thomas

The Schooner Festival Committee is simply amazing. Below are listed the members of the committee. When you see any one of these super heroic volunteers around town, tell them thank you for the tremendous job they are doing in producing annually Gloucester’s uniquely beautiful and spectacular Schooner Festival.

Peter Bent, Daisy Nell, and Captain Stan

Gloucester Schooner Festival Committee:

Daisy Nell, Chair, Tracy Arabian, Peter Bent, Alan Bezanson, Ed Boynton, John Borzerelli, Harold Burnham, Jim Caulkett, Elizabeth Carey, TJ Ciarametaro, Charlie Clark, Stan Collinson, Michael Costello, Jo-Anne Crawford,  Lee Cunningham, Michaell De Koster, Carol Decker, Stefan Edick, Heath Ellis, Tom Ellis, Chad Johnson, Michael Lipton, James Lowell, Laura Lowell, Amanda Madeira, Allie McCarthy, John McCarthy, Judith Nast, Barry Pett, Christopher Ramsden, Brett Ramsey, Courtney Richardson, Ken Riehl, Suzanne Silveira , Russ Smith, Chris Stepler, Mary Kay Taylor, Brenda Treuhaft.

The Gloucester Schooner Festival committee thanks the following organizations for their tremendous support.

Art Harbor, b*true promotions,  Beauport Hospitality Group, Brown’s Yacht Yard, Cape Ann Brewing Company, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Cape Ann Museum,  Cape Ann Transportation Authority, Cape Ann YMCA, The Causeway Restaurant, City of Gloucester, MA, The Cricket Press, Cruiseport Gloucester, Eastern Point Yacht Club, Essex Radio & TV , Essex Shipbuilding Museum, First Ipswich Bank, Gaybrook Garage, The Gerondelis Foundation, Gloucester DPW,  The Gloucester Fund, Gloucester Harbormaster, Gloucester Police Department, Gloucester Rental Center, Good Morning Gloucester, Gorton’s of Gloucester , Intershell, Jodrey State Fish Pier, Maritime Gloucester, Market Basket , Mortillaro Lobster,  Donald Mosher Gallery, North Sails, The Pewter Shop, Rose’s Marine , Russell Orchards, Ryan & Wood Distilleries,  Schooner Adventure ,  Schooner Ardelle , Schooner Thomas E. Lannon, Sea Scouts North Shore Ship 5,  Seafood Display Auction, Seaside Graphics, The Shed, TD Bank, Turtle Alley, USCG Cutter Grand Isle, USCG Sector Boston, and USCG Station Gloucester.

Visit the Gloucester Schooner Festival website here.

To donate, click here.

 

 

MAYOR SEFATIA’S INAUGURAL CELEBRATION WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST GOVERNOR BAKER

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Mayor Sefatia’s inaugural celebration, held at Tonno Restaurant, was attended by a gathering of friends and supporters, including Massachusetts’s beloved Governor Charlie Baker and State Senator Bruce Tarr. Guests enjoyed the beautiful spread prepared by Chef Anthony Caturano, with wonderfully delicious desserts from Caffe Sicilia, and everyone wanted to have a photo taken with Governor Baker, which he kindly obliged. Mayor Sefatia spoke about her early days working on health care with Governor Baker and of his great compassion. See the Instagram videos for more from the Mayor and Governor Baker.

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SNAPSHOTS FROM THE GIAMBANCO’S SUNDAY WALKER’S RALLY #greasegang

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Your Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers ❤

AFTER TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, THE LOGRANDE SISTERS ARE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN FOR SAINT PETER’S FIESTA!

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Mayor Sefatia shares the following story and photos —

Sisters Serafina Ferrara, Rosalia Millitello, Caterina Ferrara, and Maria Costanzo are sharing Saint Peter’s Fiesta together. Caterina has recently returned from Italy to Gloucester after a twenty-five year absence. This is the Logrande sisters first Saint Peter’s novena and Fiesta celebrated together in twenty five years. Viva San Pietro!
Photos by Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken

PHOTOS FROM THE GREG BOVER CAPE ANN CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD RECEPTION

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CONGRATULATIONS TO GREG BOVER, GLOUCESTER’S 2017 RECIPIENT OF THE CAPE ANN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SMALL BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD!

Sara Young, Greg Bover, and Ken Riel

Last night the Studio Restaurant was crowded with colleagues, friends, and well-wishers in honor of Greg Bover, vice president of the organ building company C.B. Fisk, and the latest is a long line of super community minded, dedicated men and women representing Cape Ann’s business community.

Greg has lent his formidable leadership skills and hands on mentoring to many organizations in our community–to name just a few of his contributions–building the captain’s quarters of the Schooner Adventure, past Sawyer Free Library president, clerk for the Fish Box Derby, and trustee of Awesome Gloucester.

The award could not have been given to a kinder person. Thank you Greg for all that you give to our beautiful community.Greg and Mayor Sefatia

Jamison, Greg, and fiancé Maureen

Sara Young and Sinikka Nogelo

Bob Gillis and Tobin Dominick

Greg and Stefan Edick

 

SUPER EXCITING NEWS: OUR CHARLES AND GEORGE KING RECEIVING THE GLOUCESTER HISTORICAL COMMISSION AWARD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE CAPE ANN MUSEUM!!!

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George and Charles write,

Hi Everybody!

We are so, so happy to write about two special awards for the Albert Bacheler Gloucester Civil War coat. On April 13th, we received the YMCA MAYOR’S YOUTH EXEMPLARY AWARD from Mayor Romeo Theken at the 2nd Annual Community Awards. The Mayor gave an awesome speech and we felt truly honored to be included. There was a giant reception at Cruiseport including a delicious breakfast. We were presented with a great plaque from the YMCA and a Senate Citation from Senator Tarr. It’s cool to receive such an award from the YMCA because their mantra is exactly the same as Albert Bacheler’s: give kids a good opportunity to learn, have fun and be active. Also he cared a lot about character. The photos we are sharing are from Mayor Romeo Theken and were taken by Ashley Snell for the YMCA event that day.

The second award is from the GLOUCESTER HISTORICAL COMMISSION. It will be taking place tomorrow May 6 2017 at Cape Ann Museum. Please come to celebrate with us and see the presentations. There are many interesting projects being awarded. It’s going to be fun!

 

Here is what they sent us:

The Gloucester Historical Commission invites the public to attend the annual 2017 Preservation Awards ceremony on Saturday, May 6, 2 to 4 pm at the Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester.

May is National Historic Preservation Month, and each year the Commission recognizes outstanding cultural heritage preservation, restoration, and education projects, based on the following criteria.

Preserved neighborhood history through research, writing, or art
Preserved a property that is historically significant in age, style, or use.
Restored using traditional materials or methods.
Preserved historical integrity or appearance.
Protected from present threat or future harm.
Completed project within the past two years.
Accomplished by individual, family, group, or community advocacy or fundraising

Award categories include the following.

Archaeology
Adaptive reuse
Stewardship
Education and outreach
Landscape preservation
Restoration and rehabilitation
Local preservationist
Individual lifetime achievement
Documentation of Gloucester’s history

This year’s award recipients are:

Joseph Napolitano: Lifetime Achievement as a preservation contractor.

Sarah Dunlap: Lifetime Achievement as volunteer City archivist.

Harold Burnham: Local Preservationist, for his achievements in historic shipbuilding.

Marietta Delahunt: Stewardship of the historic Sargent-Robinson House.

Charles and George King: Local preservationists, for their work on the Civil War coat.

Mariana Vaida: Rehabilitation and Restoration of 567 Essex Ave. by a preservation architect.

Gloucester Writers Center: Stewardship of the Maud/Olson Library in E. Gloucester.

Bing McGilvray: Education and Outreach, for his work on Cape Ann art history.

Captain Ray Bates: Education and Outreach, for his book on Cape Ann shipwrecks.

Christine & Paul Lundberg: Rehabilitation and Restoration of their Annisquam historic home.

Melanie & Mark Murray-Brown: Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Amos-Rackliffe House.

John & Betty Erkkila: Documentation of Gloucester History, for their book on Lanesville.

At the ceremony, members of the Commission will introduce recipients and present award certificates. Slides will be shown, and recipients will talk briefly about their projects. This event will take place on Saturday, May 6th, 2 to 4 pm in the Cape Ann Museum at 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Gloucester Fresh campaign attracts international businesses

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Boston Globe

March 23, 2017

By Dave Rattigan

The city‘s Gloucester Fresh initiative had a big week, with a major promotional event and the announcement of a $13,000 grant award. It hosted more than 70 guests — including businesses from Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Mexico, and Iceland — at a tasting reception at Seafood Expo North America in Boston. The three-day expo, which ended Tuesday, attracted about 100 new business leads, according to a prepared statement from organizers. Also this week, Gloucester learned it would receive $13,000 from the state Division of Marine Fisheries’ Seafood Marketing pilot grant program. “If you are looking for fresh seafood, the quality that comes off our boats is 100 percent,” said Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, who spoke at the reception and ran a cooking demonstration with Angela Sanfilippo of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association.

Mayor Sefatia and Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association Angela Sanffilippo provide and update to the Seafood North America Expo delegation on the seafood opportunities in Gloucester.

 

GREAT NEWS FROM THE MAYOR FOR GLOUCESTER’S PIPING PLOVERS!!!

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PIPING PLOVER UPDATE FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE

PIPING PLOVERS NESTING AT GOOD HARBOR BEACH

The City of Gloucester and Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken will be working closely during the 2017 beach season at Good Harbor Beach with the Essex County Greenbelt Association and the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to manage Piping Plovers if they return again to nest on the beach.

“For generations, Gloucester’s citizens have existed in a delicate balance with our coastal ecosystem, from the open ocean, to the rocky shorelines and of course to our beaches,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. “We are committed to making every effort possible to protect nesting Piping Plovers at our beaches but we will do so while maintaining public access to these amazing areas. Please help me and the City by cooperating with any short-term restrictions imposed at our beaches in 2017.”

In 2016, Piping Plovers, a small shorebird, were observed nesting for the first time at GHB, and the City acted quickly and responsibly along with Greenbelt and MADFW to protect the birds and their nesting areas. The City is preparing more proactively now for the 2017 beach season.

BACKGROUND:
Piping Plovers are a small shorebird that was placed on the US Endangered Species List in 1986 as a threatened species. Piping Plovers nest directly on the sand at beaches throughout MA, typically on the upper beach just below the outer dune edge. Statewide the Piping Plover population has been increasing over the past 20 years and the population reached about 650 pairs in MA in 2016.

In Gloucester in 2016, 4 pairs of Piping Plovers nested at Coffins Beach and fledged 10 young. A single pair of Piping Plovers nested at GHB, hatching 3 chicks but none survived to fledge. The Piping Plovers at GHB nested later than normal in the season which may have contributed to the lack of chick survival. Better early season protections could help eliminate this problem in 2017.

Good Harbor Beach Piping Plover making a nest scrape for his lady love to inspect

The US Endangered Species Act requires public and private landowners to take necessary measures to protect listed species like Piping Plovers. MA also has guidelines and laws for beach nesting bird management. The city is making every effort to be compliant with all regulatory guidelines.

Piping Plovers typically arrive from their southern wintering areas to our local beaches in late March or early April. Males and females quickly form breeding pairs that begin the process of courtship and nest site select throughout April and May. During April and May, it is important to limit disturbance to the birds and their habitats. Chicks can hatch from nests in late May and are immediately mobile and move out of the nest in search of food. As chicks grow older and larger, they will roam from the dunes to the water’s edge in search of food. Chicks are very vulnerable to human disturbance and are susceptible to predators like gulls and foxes.

One day old Piping Plover chick

PLAN OF ACTION FOR 2017:

Gloucester officials have directed City staff to collaborate with Greenbelt and MADFW to development management strategies to protect Piping Plovers found nesting on any Gloucester beaches.

Beach Scraping – Limiting beach cleaning activities like beach scraping with a tractor and mechanical rake is very important once Piping Plovers arrive at GHB. This could start in April and last though June in certain areas at GHB.

Fencing – It is also important to strategically select areas for temporary closure with single strand fencing and signs. These fenced areas allow a refuge for Piping Plovers to begin their nesting season normally in May, before the busy beach season. fences could be installed in April and be in place through June in certain areas at GHB.

Monitoring – Regular monitors from Greenbelt, MADFW and theCity will visit GHB in March/April to determine if PipingPlovers are present and to ensure that any nesting Piping Plovers are well protected. Monitoring will continue as long as Piping Plovers are present at the site.

Public Access – GHB will remain open to the public during the beach season. Only selected small areas may be closed to the public to protect Piping Plovers. Mayor Theken encourages all beachgoers to respect the closed areas and to consider Piping Plovers as an important part of Gloucester’s rich and healthy coastal ecosystem.

Dogs – Unleashed dogs can pose a very real threat to Piping Plover adults and chicks. Dogs owners are responsible for controlling their dogs and may be legally responsible for any adverse impacts to Piping Plovers and their habitats.

For more information, please contact Greenbelt Essex County Trust at dwr@ecga.org or (978) 768-7241 x14

GLOUCESTER’S HANNA ANDERSON AND MASK RENASCENCE

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The mask that Mayor Sefatia wore at the International Women’s Day celebration was created especially for her by Gloucester’s own Hanna Anderson. Hanna was the costume designer for the Annisquam Village Player’s Peter Pan. The Mayor was so proud to show off her beautiful mask. Usually kept in a protected place at her home, she was thrilled to have the opportunity to wear it once again. The Mayor wanted to be sure to give Hanna a huge shout out for her exquisite design.

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Since designing costumes for AVP’s Peter Pan, Hanna is still involved in the theatre arts however, she is now performing and designing her own costumes. She is an aerial silk performer working in San Diego. Michelle Barclay, Hanna’s Mom, sent along these photos.

UNITY, REFLECTION, ADVOCACY, AND ACTION ~ FIGLI DI TRAPPETO 11th INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION!

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A wonderful time was had by all at the Festa della Donna celebration, hosted by Figli di Trappeto, and held Saturday evening at the Gloucester House Restaurant. The guests included a tremendous group of Cape Ann’s community-spirited women. international-womens-day-gloucester-2017-4

Each year a special guest is recognized for her commitment to the people of Gloucester and Cape Ann. Gloucester’s beloved Rosaria Giambanco-Floyd was honored for her generosity towards the ill, the elderly, the homeless, and especially for the care and love she provides to members of the community who are suffering from cancer.


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Everyone was decked out in masks and beads and the Gloucester House was sparkling in the gold, green, and purple mardi gras themed decor, created by committee members Crocetta Groppo, Josephine Taormina, Enza Taormina, Fay Puopolo, Nancy Millefoglie, Faye Pavia, Kathy Numerosi, Geri Parisi, and Jackie Zappa. After a delicious dinner of fried chicken and baked haddock, dancing, and a hysterical adult version of scavenger hunt/musical chairs kept the audience entertained.

To learn more about the history of International Women’s Day, visit the official website here

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Figli di Trappeto Board Members: Crocetta Groppo, Josephine Taormina, Enza Taormina, Fay Puopolo, Nancy Millefoglie, Faye Pavia, Kathy Numerosi, Geri Parisi, and Jackie Zappa.

Lots more instagram videos here, click the white triangle in the center of the video to play: Continue reading “UNITY, REFLECTION, ADVOCACY, AND ACTION ~ FIGLI DI TRAPPETO 11th INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION!” →

OUTSTANDING OPEN DOOR AUTUMN BREAKFAST AT CRUISEPORT

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open-door-autumn-breakfast-22-copyright-kim-smithSarah Grow and Julie LaFontaine

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State Senator Bruce Tarr, Amy-Beth Healey, and Mayor Romeo Theken

open-door-autumn-breakfast-25-copyright-kim-smithAmy-Beth, Michelle, Lara, Bea, and Meg

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Thursday morning the Open Door Autumn Breakfast event kicked off the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive season. Cruiseport was packed with supporters, accolades and speeches given, and the free breakfast, delicious. David Sudbay, the Open Door’s President of the Board of Directors, gave the welcome speech. Julie LaFontaine, the organization’s Executive Director, spoke with the community about connecting, engaging, and advocating.

The Helen Muise Community Service Awards were presented to Donte Cone, Nancy Days, Lauren Johnson, Giselle Rein, and Susan Otis. The Unsung Heroes Award was given to Applied Materials Food Drive Team. Backyard Growers and Cape Ann Savings Bank were recognized as Outstanding Community Partners.

Amy-Beth Healey, the guest speaker, gave a poignant and heartrending speech, giving high praise and thanks for the steady assistance provided by the Open Door during her family’s time of need. One in six people in Gloucester requires food assistance. Amy-Beth’s life story spoke to the fact that so many amongst us are living pay check to pay check. Her story could easily become your story.

If you’d like to help feed the hungry on Cape Ann, you can:

Items most needed for the Thanksgiving Food Drive: Canned tuna, canned veggies and fruit, breakfast cereals, pasta, grains, 100 percent juice and juice boxes, peanut butter, and spaghetti sauce. Collecting food donations are Stop and Shop in Gloucester, Market Basket in Gloucester and Rowley, and Shaw’s in Ipswich and Eastern Avenue, Gloucester.

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In case you missed the post earlier today, Julie and Mayor Sefatia announce the winner of the Market Basket shopping spree.

HATS OFF TO NICOLE BOGIN, GLOUCESTER FISHERMAN’S WIVES ASSOCIATION, AND THE CAPE ANN FARMER’S MARKET!!

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A wonderful celebration of locally caught fish and fisherman, local produce and farmers, and top notch local chefs

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Mayor Sefatia teaching Lt. Governor Karyn Polito about Sicilian eggplant, with Angela Sanfilippo

Who Fishes Matters

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Cape Ann Farmer’s Market and Seafood Throwdown and last night’s competition did not disappoint. Local chefs Eric Lorden, owner of Passports Restaurant, and Danielle Glantz of Pastaio Via Corta joined forces (dubbing themselves the Center Street Chefs) to compete against David Gauvin of Addison Gilbert Hospital and Todd Shopkowski of SnapChef.

The mystery fish, revealed moments before the competition began, was caught by Al Cottone, Captain of the Sabrina Maria. Fresh, whole, beautiful and fabulous whiting, alternately named Silver Hake, was presented to the chefs and off they went through the market shopping for farm fresh local ingredients. With only fifteen minutes to shop and an hour to prepare, the race was on!

Celebrity and very special guests included Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante, Gloucester Fisherman’s Wives Association President Angela Sanfilippo, former Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk (now the Deputy Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office), lobsterman Mark Ring, author and Gloucester Times food writer Heather Atwood, and Maria and Sal DiStefano. DSCF0277

DSCF0247Throwdown Judges 

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Judge Beatrix Brosnihan and Lara Lepionka

Seafood Throwdown Gloucester 2016 Al cottone Mark Ring copyright Kim SmithLobsterman Mark Ring and Fisherman Al Cottone

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Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Carolyn Kirk
DSCF0172Daniele chopping squash blossoms for the pasta

DSCF0406Mayor Sefatia and Angela Sanfilippo frying whiting for their cooking demonstration

See Instagrams Here

Continue reading “HATS OFF TO NICOLE BOGIN, GLOUCESTER FISHERMAN’S WIVES ASSOCIATION, AND THE CAPE ANN FARMER’S MARKET!!” →

Arts Update from Mayor Romeo Theken

Posted on by Catherine

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  • So grateful for the calls and emails  related to the arts hotline: sefatia4arts@gloucester-ma.gov.

  • The first business to respond to arts hotline was ZEKE’S.

  • FREE shared studio spaces are available downtown within the historic Fitz Henry Lane house:

    • on the second floor; approx 6 feet by 10 feet; carved out space within landmark Schooner Adventure headquarters
    • on the first floor; approx 6 x 10 feet; carved out shared space within Sail GHS office
    • email sefatia4arts@gloucester-ma-gov if you’re interested in signing up for one of the shared studio spaces
    • Sail GHS has also extended a generous offer to bring artists sailing who may want to be out on the water for their plein air work

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Boston Globe on Beauport, Biotech, Windover

Posted on by Catherine

“Fishing is going to be our heritage and first priority,” Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said. But she added, “We’re moving forward.”

Kathleen Conti describes Gloucester Biotechnology Academy and Beauport Hotel as meaningful catalysts. In addition to the Mayor’s quote, there are comments  and points of view shared by several: Sherri Zizik; Vito Giacalone; Gregory Verdine; Ken Riehl, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce (nice quote); Lee Dellicker, Winhover Construction (Beauport); George Marsh (architect Gloucester Biotechnology). Oh, and the former Mayor of New Bedford, John Bullard. chimes in.

Other new businesses downtown beyond this article include goodlinens opening July 1, Jane Deering Gallery on Pleasant Street, the new bicycle rental shop, and Tonno restaurant. And there’s a new gallery coming to Rocky Neck. More on that later!

 

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Continue reading “Boston Globe on Beauport, Biotech, Windover” →

RASING THE RAINBOW FLAG AT CITY HALL FOR #PRIDE MONTH!

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Rainbow flag raising Gloucester Mayor Romeo Theken copyright Kim SmithRainbow flag raising City Hall Gloucester MA -1 copyright Kim SmithContinuing in the City’s tradition of supporting diversity, liberty, and freedom for all, Gloucester is celebrating Pride Month throughout June, beginning with today’s flag raising ceremony. Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken was joined by House Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante, Senator Bruce Tarr, City Councilors Melissa Cox and Sean Nolan, a representative from Representative Seth Moulton’s office, and many people from the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.

The flag was donated by Gloucester resident Alasandra McClellan.

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WEST PARISH STUDENTS PRESENT “A PATRIOTIC PERFORMANCE” FOR THE MAYOY AT CITY HALL!

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A musical, poetry, and historical fact extravaganza celebrating America was presented today at City Hall by the West Parish first grade students. Songs included God Bless America, America the Beautiful, You’re a Grand Old Flag, and the Star Spangled Banner. Thank you to Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken for sharing her photos!

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For lots more photos, visit Mayor Sefatia’s Facebook page here.

Piping Plovers at Good Harbor Beach – Fenced Off Area

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For Immediate Release from Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken

Public Works in conjunction with our local Conservation Commission, MA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries and Mass Audubon have been following the activities of Piping Plovers on Good Harbor Beach for the past 4 weeks. The birds have shown signs of nesting activities in this area.

On a recommendation of the state we have fenced off an area approximately 200 feet by 200 feet – southwest of board walk number 3. This area starts at the base of the dunes and extends to the high tide rack or water line. This area is to be off llimits to all humans as well as any domestic pets. These birds are listed under the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts and are granted special protection.

We will continue to work with all agencies to provide the support they need to let nature take its course. We ask for the support of the general public to adhere to the regulations set forth. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) and/or Mass Audubon.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

 

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A little background information from Dave Rimmer, Director of Land Stewardship Greenbelt

There are clearly at least 2 pairs of Piping Plovers scoping out the upper beach for nesting. But no nests with eggs yet. Someone will get back to check the site Mon/Tue next week. If we find a nest that will trigger the following:
  • The nest site will be surrounded by a single strand fence with a few signs staying it is a RESTRICTED AREA. Usually on beaches like GHB, we try to keep this fencing to a minimum, but if it appears the birds are still being disturbed after the fence is in place, it may need to be expanded to provide an additional buffer.
  • Information will be provided to help beach staff understand Piping Plovers so they can communicate on some level why the area has restricted access.
Piping Plover Quick Facts:
  • they are a shorebird that is on the US Endangers Species List as a threatened species
  • they nest right on the sand, laying 4 light brown speckled eggs.
  • it takes them about 4 weeks to incubate and hatch the eggs.
  • Chicks are precocious and leave the nest immediately to begin foraging on the own for food. They may stay within fenced area for first day or so but eventually they will wander beyond the fence either along the high beach or down to the waters edge. They are extremely vulnerable during this time, so beach scraping may need to be curtailed. In addition, ATVs driving on the beach will need to be extremely careful.
  • chick fledge (fly) in about 25 days
  • So total time from egg laying to chicks fledging is about 8 weeks.
As I mentioned, the US Fish and Wildlife Service administers the US Endangered Species Act and enforce laws related to the “take” of listed species, inadvertent or deliberate. So during the chick phase, a high level of sensitivity it required.
It means you have a healthy well managed beach if you are attracting Piping Plovers. That’s the good news. Having Piping Plovers nesting on any beach requires some change, which I can be challenging. Drew and I (and Erik Amati from MADFW) stand at the ready to help in any way we can to make this work. If we find a nest next week we will let you know immediately. And from there, we just need to figure it out. Every beach is different.
Ken – Let’s coordinate your efforts. It will be a big help for you to go to the site from time to time to monitor Piping Plover activity.
Thanks all,
Dave
Dave Rimmer
Director of Land Stewardship
Greenbelt | Essex County’s Land Trust
82 Eastern Avenue
Essex, MA 01929
dwr@ecga.org
(978) 768-7241 x14