Woodland Acres - Briarwood Brush Fire in Rockport

Efforts to fully contain a month-old fire in Rockport were accelerated yesterday with the deployment by Governor Charlie Baker of personnel from the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Ted Costa, a member of my staff, the former Deputy Fire Chief of Massport Fire Rescue, and I were on site. 

Rockport officials have been fighting to contain fires that have flared up affecting a 19-acre conservation area since mid-July. It is challenging work because the majority of the fire is smoldering underground. Crews from Rockport, MA Fire Department, Rockport Police Department, Massachusetts, Rockport, MA DPW, the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation, and others have been working very hard - some have been putting in 12-hour shifts to trench, clear stumps for vehicle access, set up fire breaks, route water lines, and coordinate safety plans. 

Fifteen Soldiers and 5 Tactical Firefighting trucks from the Guard's 179th and 180th Engineers were put into service to help with establishing a perimeter and flood areas to contain the fires. The contributions from all involved are remarkable and I am grateful for their service and dedication. 

With Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante.

 

Apply for Cultural Sector Recovery Grants COVID-19 | Cultural Sector Recovery Grants

MMass Cultural Councilhas launched two one-time COVID recovery grant programs. One is intended to assist Massachusetts cultural organizations, collectives, and businesses with ongoing pandemic recovery needs. A second to provide similar financial assistance to Massachusetts artists, creatives, and gig workers. 

Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Organizations: offers unrestricted grants ranging from $5,000-$75,000 to Massachusetts cultural organizations, collectives, and businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Key dates: Application opens: August 8, 2022 Information sessions: August 10 and August 11, 2022 Applicant support: Office hours (various days) and one-on-one support (various days) are available. Application deadline: September 28, 2022 Awards finalized; email notifications sent: Late January 2023 Contracts sent: February 2023 

Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals are unrestricted $5,000 grants to Massachusetts artists, creatives, and gig workers to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set a path for growth. The Agency expects to award a total of $15 million to 3,000 Massachusetts artists, creatives, and gig workers in FY23. To apply for this grant, an applicant must be a full-year resident of Massachusetts, 18 years or older, and: An artist or cultural practitioner active in any artistic discipline or cultural tradition. A teaching artist/scientist/humanist. Or a cultural worker in the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. In all cases, the individual’s work should be independent/self-employed. 

Key dates: Application opens: August 15, 2022 Information sessions: August 23 and October 6, 2022 Application deadline: November 1, 2022 Awards finalized; email notifications sent: Late January 2023 Contracts sent: February 2023

 

Pour for a Pint Blood Drive at Cape Ann Lanes Laneside Pub and Brewery Saturday the 20th from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM.

You are invited to come to the Cape Ann Lanes 53 Gloucester Ave, Gloucester this Saturday to donate blood. Blood donors will be offered a pour of whatever the participating vendors serve such as beer, wine, or liquor. Each pint of blood contributes to the great need for blood for cancer patients and others in need. 

For more information: https://www.scrawney-morgan.org/ https://www.capeannlanes.com You may sign up by emailing BloodDonor@partners.org or by calling 617-632-3206. Cape Ann Lanes is a family-owned and operated small business with more than 6 decades of service. 

This drive is done in coordination by the Scrawney-Morgan Foundation with support by Dana-Farber, Brigham & Women's, Kraft Family Blood Donor Center Blood Mobile. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED, WALK-INS WELCOME!

 

Gloucester Rotary Pancake Breakfast Saturday At Stage Fort Park And Gloucester Waterfront Festival All Weekend

Dig into a fresh stack of blueberry pancakes at this year’s Rotary Club of Gloucester Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Stage Fort Park this Saturday, August 20th from 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM. 

This community-friendly tradition brings people together for a good cause and offers a hearty al fresco breakfast with stunning views from the bandstand. Finish up a plate of pancakes and head down the hill to the Gloucester Waterfront Festival, sponsored by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, running on Saturday-Sunday, August 20-21, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM both days. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees. For information on Gloucester attractions, visit www.capeannvacations.com. 

Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $8 per person, $5 for children six and under, and are available in advance online or from any Gloucester Rotarian. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast. Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit local projects that support people. The Gloucester Rotary has served #Gloucester and the world beyond for 100 years. 

 

Classic Cars In Newburyport

I've been having lots of fun in Newburyport lately and the good times kept rolling at the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual Cruisin’ the 50’s Car Show. There were hundreds of classic cars there on Thursday. This free community event is a great draw to this historic seaport. 

SALES TAX HOLIDAY WEEKEND

For many years I filed legislation to institute an annual Sales Tax exemption weekend that shoppers and retailers could count on. The annual tax holiday generates sales, puts people to work, saves consumers money, and reduced the likelihood that back-to-school shoppers will make purchases out of state or online.

You can access this annual sales-tax-free holiday this weekend - August 13th and 14th. The sales tax holiday allows you to forgo paying the tax on most items, excluding food and drinks at restaurants, on purchases that cost more than $2,500. 

 #salestaxholiday #SalesTax

 

Yankee Homecoming Parade

The final flurry of fun, the Newburyport Yankee Homecoming finished up this weekend with a parade. Classy kids, classic cars, community organizations, civilians, city officials, volunteers that make it all work, and lots of fun all culminated in this beautiful gathering.