North Shore Today Extra – Details on the Gloucester Senior Housing Lotter / Project from the Cape Ann “Y”
Notes: Our post looks a little different today, expanded details on a few stories from this week.
Sports: Many Sports photos are posted below.
Weather – Sun and clouds with temps today to 60.
Community Announcements – Photos – Sports (Below)
Gloucester Police Department to Strictly Enforce Sidewalk Parking Regulations; Urging Community to Cooperate
GLOUCESTER — In response to increasing public safety concerns, the Gloucester Police Department announces it will begin strictly enforcing regulations against sidewalk and crosswalk parking.
This measure comes after Gloucester City Council’s decision on Feb. 13, to increase the fines for these infractions from $25 to $100.
The decision to enforce these regulations is based on numerous complaints received from the community, particularly from pedestrians with baby carriages who are compelled to navigate into the streets, posing significant safety risks.
Chief Edward Conley stated, “While we recognize that certain areas in the city, especially along East Main Street, have historically been lenient towards these violations, the surge in complaints suggests an increase in pedestrian traffic. The safety of our residents and visitors cannot be compromised.”
To ensure the public is aware and can adjust accordingly, the Gloucester Police Department will initiate a public service announcement campaign. This will include temporary signage prominently displayed along East Main Street, alerting residents and visitors to the upcoming changes in enforcement policy.
Strict enforcement will commence starting Memorial Day weekend, allowing the community time to familiarize themselves with the changes.
The Gloucester Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members and appreciates the public’s cooperation in adhering to these necessary regulations.
Gloucester Police Department Hosted Train the Trainer Trauma Training to Help First Responders be Trauma Informed
GLOUCESTER — Police Chief Edward Conley reports that the Gloucester Police Department is hosting train the trainer training to help numerous City of Gloucester employees and others learn to go about their jobs while being trauma informed.
The training, entitled How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses, trains those who participate on how to train others to be trauma-informed while going about their duties.
The training teaches that trauma can have lifelong effects on those who experience it, and that trauma is often associated with criminal actions among survivors, meaning that understanding the effects of trauma can help police tailor their responses to individuals in ways that are safer for all.
Seven employees of the City of Gloucester and Gloucester Police Department are participating in the training, as are individuals from Rockport, Lynnfield, Middleton, Beverly, Salisbury, Ipswich, Salem, Lynn and Methuen.
Participating from Gloucester are Lt. Jeremiah Nicastro, Community Navigator Tito Rodriguez, School Resource Officer Michael Scola, School Resource Officer Peter Sutera, Gloucester High School Assistant Principal Allison Alves, District Director of Cape Ann Veterans Vionette Chipperini, and Gloucester Fire Capt. Kevin Gargan.
Each of the individuals trained will learn how to provide trauma-informed training to others in their agencies.
“This training will equip several of our people to train others in the department on this important subject matter,” said Chief Conley. “Being trauma-informed will help our officers have a greater understanding of those they deal with, and a greater level of empathy and effectiveness.”
Lt. Nicastro helped to organize the training with Policy Research Associates, a New York firm that specializes in such training. The training is being funded by a grant from the Gloucester Health Department.
The training was held May 15 and 16 at the Gloucester Police Department’s Community Impact Unit offices.
“By engaging in this meaningful training, our public safety officials are equipping themselves with the necessary tools to connect with individuals that may be struggling or dealing with past traumas,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I take pride in their proactive approach to learning, enabling them to not only lead but also to share these important lessons with their colleagues, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve our community.”
Salem Beautification Committee Seeks Gardening Volunteers for the 2024 Season
SALEM – The Salem Beautification Committee, dedicated to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our beloved city, is excited to announce a call for volunteers to join its gardening initiative. As Salem enters the vibrant season of growth, the committee invites residents passionate about gardening and community beautification to lend their green thumbs and enthusiasm to this important cause.
Founded in 1997, the Salem Beautification Committee has been a cornerstone of community engagement, striving to cultivate a sense of pride and ownership in the city’s public spaces. Comprising dedicated volunteers, the committee works tirelessly to enhance Salem’s natural beauty through various projects, including traffic island maintenance, monthly cleanups, window box competitions, and the Lady of Salem public art installment.
This year, the committee is seeking volunteers of all gardening skill levels to join us in planting and maintaining gardens across the city. The committee will continue to grow and maintain these vibrant native and drought-resistant garden displays. Each garden will serve as a testament to the City of Salem’s collective commitment to fostering a more beautiful and sustainable environment.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to every stage of the gardening process, from planning and planting to watering and weeding. Whether a prospective volunteer is a seasoned gardener or simply has a passion for green spaces, there’s an opportunity in this community of dedicated volunteers.
“Our city’s beauty is a reflection of the care and dedication of its residents,” said Janelle Rolke, city liaison of the Salem Beautification Committee. “By joining forces with fellow community members, we can create vibrant, welcoming spaces that enrich the lives of all who call Salem home.”
Individuals interested in sponsoring a space or volunteering with the Salem Beautification Committee’s gardening initiative are encouraged to visit the Salem Beautification Committee’s website https://salembeautification.com/ to sign up to receive volunteering opportunities via email. Together, let’s sow the seeds of beauty and community in Salem!
Below are the May gardening opportunities (meeting places and exact information will be emailed using the volunteer list, so volunteers should register to receive those updates):
- Mondays from 5–7 PM
- Tuesdays from 9–11 AM
- Wednesday from 9–11 AM
About Salem Beautification Committee: The mission of the Salem Beautification Committee is to assist the City in developing and pursuing initiatives that promote the beautification of the City. The goal of the Committee is to create civic pride and to motivate the City’s diverse population to participate in the beautification process. The Committee will identify areas in need of improvement, will create programs, recruit volunteers and will secure the funding resources to achieve its goals.
Plum Island Public Bathroom to Open on May 27
NEWBURY — The Select Board is pleased to announce the completion of the Plum Island Public Bathroom Project.
Plum Island is a popular beach destination to the community, known for its white sand beaches and the ecosystems of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
The Department of Public Works has been renovating a building, acquired by the Town in 2018, for use as a public restroom. The renovation cost about $200,000 using a state grant and American Rescue Plan Act funds.
It will be accessible to the public beginning on Monday, May 27.
The decision to fund the project without borrowing reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development practices. By utilizing available resources, the initiative ensures the allocation of public funds, safeguarding the community’s financial interests.
“We recognize the importance of responsible financial stewardship, particularly in allocating public funds,” said Town Administrator Blais. “By leveraging existing resources, we not only mitigate financial borrowing but also uphold our commitment to fiscal prudence and long-term sustainability.”
The new bathroom facilities include eight stalls with handicapped options. The building structure also includes a newly established emergency response station, which can serve as an outpost for police, fire, and ambulance staff during emergency situations. The inclusion of this station will serve as a vital resource during major storms, ensuring the safety and well-being of community members and beachgoers.
“The Plum Island Public Bathroom Project is a testament to the power of community driven initiatives and responsible governance. The project sets a precedent for inclusive development and effective resource management through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions,” said Select Board member Geoff Walker. “In Newbury, we are fortunate to have well-informed residents, a visionary Town Administrator, and a highly skilled and tremendously productive DPW working cooperatively to bring projects like this to fruition.”
For more information about the Plum Island Public Bathroom Project, please contact Town Administrator Blais at 978-465-0862 or administrator@townofnewbury.org.
Photo – Residents and town officials gathered to celebrate the completion of the Plum Island Public Bathroom Project on April 27. From left, Select Board Member Geoff Walker, state Sen. Bruce Tarr, Select Board Chair Alicia Greco, Select Board Member Leslie Matthews, Select Board Member Bill DiMaio, Select Board Member Dana Packer, Department of Public Works Member Tim Tolman, and Department of Public Works Member Matt Manasian. (Photo Courtesy Town of Newbury)
North Reading Fire Department Leads Third Graders Through Student Awareness of Fire Education Program and Trailer
NORTH READING — Chief Don Stats is pleased to report that members of the North Reading Fire Department provided a Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) program to third graders at the E. Ethel Little Elementary School on Tuesday.
The SAFE program teaches fire and life safety to children. The program teaches students to recognize the dangers of fire and the fire hazards of tobacco products through 23 key fire safety behaviors taught in developmentally appropriate ways.
On Tuesday, Firefighters Tyler Samost and Adam Salemme guided third-grade students through several lessons and then had them go through the North Reading Fire Department Fire Safety House, which simulates fire conditions to help students learn how to escape a structure in the event of a fire.
The average annual number of fire deaths of children under age 18 has fallen by 78% since SAFE began in the fall of 1995.
“The SAFE House is a great way for children to practice the skills they will need if they ever have to escape a fire, and the SAFE Program has saved dozens of lives over the course of its existence,” said Chief Stats. “I’m pleased that Firefighters Samost and Salemme were able to provide this program, and I thank them both for their work, as I thank the faculty and staff at the Little School for helping to facilitate this.”
For more information on the SAFE program, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/student-awareness-of-fire-education-safe.
Photo – From left at rear, North Reading Firefighters Tyler Samost and Adam Salemme led children through the Student Awareness of Fire Education trailer outside of the E. Ethel Little Elementary School on Tuesday. (Photo Courtesy Capt. Eric Pepper via North Reading Fire Department)
Sports
Salem High Tennis – Huge shout out to our favorite Sr Austin Ryan! Let’s have a great last game day!
Boys Lacrosse Photos – Newburyport 20 Essex Tech 7 (Boys Lacrosse) Two Division 3 schools squared off yesterday at Newburyport. (8-4) Clippers took the lead early. Photos from @McClellandPeter a north shore reporter / photographer. Follow him on “X”.
Triton Baseball – Congratulations to these 6 hard working seniors and their families as the Vikes win on Senior Day. A special thank you to the Triton HS Baseball Boosters and their ongoing support of Triton Baseball.
Winthrop Athletics – Congratulations Sr Hannah Parker and Jr Talia Martucci who have both reached 100 career points for girls lax.
Pentucket Athletics – Congrats to our trailblazing & pioneering Pentucket Flag Football Seniors!
Danvers Girls Lacrosse – Shannon Driscoll +Tabitha Sears snag their first Varsity goals on youth night! Turcotte 3G/2A, Botthof 2G, Chase 2G, Liv Henry,Sienna Goldberg, Aundrea Gaudino all with 1G/1A.Jordan Bartlett,Abby Sher- 1G. Megan McGinnity with 10 saves for the W!
Georgetown Baseball – Wow! Who even knew they had hair? Happy prom Royals!
North Reading Track & Field – Cape Ann League Championship Pole Vault Hayden MacLellan 10-0 Kameya Perron 10-0 Shaelyn Moore 8-0 Alana Hannon 5th Callie MacLellan 6th
Cape Ann League Championship Pole Vault Nico Johnson 12-6 Damian Andrusyshyn 10-6 Brody Tonks 10-6
