Author: Chris Sicuranza

Gloucester Drug Take Back Event

~ Chris Sicuranza

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DEA NATIONAL TAKE BACK DAY: 

April 28th, 10:00am-1:00pm, Rose Baker Senior Center

HEALTHY GLOUCESTER COLLABORATIVE (HGC), GLOUCESTER HEALTH DEPT AND GLOUCESTER POLICE DEPT TO HOLD DRUG DISPOSAL EVENT

Gloucester, MA– The DEA recently announced that the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,  Saturday, April 28th. As with the previous Take-Back events, sites will be set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can return their unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.

HGC once again has coordinated the local Gloucester Drug Take Back at the Rose Baker Senior Center from 10:00am – 1:00pm.  Help us get more prescription drugs off the streets and disposed of properly.

This National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said, “Our last drug take-back event in September was a big success, it resulted in the proper disposal of more than 200lbs of expired or unused medications.  With the help of everyone in the community, the goal is to increase that number.  Each person can make a difference that together makes for a healthier community. This is a simple way for us all to come together and take action to prevent substance misuse.”

HGC has long been providing innovative ways to tackle the substance misuse problem.  Most recently HGC and regional partners sponsored a certified medical provider training conducted by Boston University to support safe prescribing practices for pain; expanded training for law enforcement officers to increase awareness of substance misuse and diversion to treatment practices; and currently increasing recovery coach capacity through upcoming certified training and regional forum.

The April 28th event would not be possible without the support of HGC’s many community partners including the Mayor, City Council, Gloucester Police Department, Conley’s Drug Store, Addison Gilbert Hospital, the Council on Aging, local business leaders as well as volunteers including the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative Youth Council , TRIAD and committed community members.

Please do your part, make a difference – we look forward to seeing you April 28th, 10:00-1:00pm. Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov.

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About Healthy Gloucester Collaborative and Regional Opioid Abuse Prevention Partners~ Be Healthy Beverly and DanversCares Healthy Gloucester Collaborative and Regional Partners Beverly and Danvers are dedicated to reduce alcohol and other drug problems and related consequences to youth and adults. As regional partners, we provide a network of public and private community members whose vision is to strengthen healthier communities for all.

World Fish Migration Day! Little River Fish Count (Sat March 31st)

~ Chris Sicuranza

Gloucester Shellfish Warden Tammy Cominelli and NOAA Fish Biologist Tara Trinko Lake lead a walking tour

Little River Fishway Tour

Saturday, March 31st, 2018

Tour from 9:30 am – 10:30 am

LOCATION: Little River next to the West Gloucester Water Filtration Plant, 732 Magnolia Ave, Gloucester, MA.

Join us to celebrate World Fish Migration Day and learn more about the Little River! Come tour the new fishway with the Gloucester Shellfish warden and staff from NOAA Fisheries. Learn about the small, but resilient alewife population in the Little River.

 

LOCATION: Little River next to the West Gloucester Water Filtration Plant, 732 Magnolia Ave, Gloucester, MA. For more information please contact: Tammy Cominelli, Gloucester Shellfish Warden, 978-559-9435, tcominelli@gloucester-ma.gov

The City of Gloucester leads an annual effort to monitor the migration of returning adult alewives as they migrate from the ocean to Lily Pond and the Little River to spawn. Volunteers that count fish help us understand when and how many fish travel upstream every year. River herring provide important forage for cod, bluefish, tuna and striped bass, which are important fish for the City of Gloucester.

Volunteers needed!

  • Sign up for 10-minute fish counts from April 1-May 31
  • No experience necessary, training will be available!
  • Fun and easy way to help the river and practice citizen science!

Thanks to the City of Gloucester, NOAA Fisheries, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and Sumco for supporting this restoration project and monitoring.

For more information please contact: Tammy Cominelli, Gloucester Shellfish Warden, 978-559-9435, tcominelli@gloucester-ma.gov

Full flyer:

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City of Gloucester Conducting Early Damage Assessments Following Winter Storm Riley

~ Chris Sicuranza

GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Eric Smith announce that the City of Gloucester has begun collecting reports on coastal storm damage caused by Winter Storm Riley earlier this month.

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The City of Gloucester is providing a new survey and reporting tool on the city’s website at www.Gloucester-MA.gov/storm. Residents and business owners are encouraged to submit their own property damage assessments and can do so online by clicking here.

The Primary Damage Assessment (PDA) will be conducted in cooperation with the Federal and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agencies (FEMA/MEMA). Residents, business owners and homeowners will have the opportunity to complete a survey of property damage caused by the nor’easter on March 2-4.

“Primary Damage Assessments must account for all losses in our community including public property and individual or private property, such as homes and businesses,” Fire Chief/EMD Smith said. “Having a comprehensive inventory of storm damage will be critical for the city as we look toward securing Federal Disaster Aid to alleviate some of the cost.”

Winter Storm Riley caused extreme winds, rain, storm surges and flooding in Gloucester, and city officials are working aggressively to calculate the extent of the damage to both public and privately owned properties.

Anyone whose property was impacted by the storm should fill out a PDA form online by clicking here or download and print a paper version.

Paper forms may also be obtained at City Hall, and should be submitted directly to the Mayor’s office either in person or by mailing it to: City Hall Office of the Mayor Attention: Storm 9 Dale Ave. Gloucester, MA 01930

“We are grateful for the dedication that Gloucester’s emergency teams continue to provide in offering assistance for on-going coastal recovery efforts,” said Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. “Winter Storm Riley created damage for businesses and citizens alike so this self-reporting tool will help us centralize damage assessments needed for state and federal disaster aid programs. We are asking everyone in Gloucester to help report this information online using an easy survey system but hard-copies will be available, too.”

Even after completing the PDA, residents and business owners should plan on maintaining extensive records of any damage to their property. For more information, please visit: Gloucester-MA.gov/Storm

Gloucester City Offices 1 Hour Delay for Weds (3/14); Schools Closed Tomorrow

~ Chris Sicuranza

GLOUCESTER ALERT

Gloucester City Offices 1 Hour Delay for Weds (3/14); Schools Closed Tomorrow

(Updated) Gloucester has announced a 1 Hour Delay for City Offices (City Hall, Annex)tomorrow, Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Gloucester Schools are CLOSED tomorrow.

As always CALL 911 for any emergencies. Updates will be forthcoming so please check the City of Gloucester website and social media for further updates at http://www.gloucester-ma.gov.

TRASH PICKUP

Trash pickup will operate under a one-day delay / holiday schedule. Please see additional DPW notices for more information on the city’s website or call Public Works directly. Parking ban is effective as originally announced unless otherwise notified so please check for updates.

POWER OUTAGES

National Grid has been reporting power outages in different areas across the North Shore, including Gloucester. If any outages do occur in your area, it is imperative that they be reported via the National Grid Customer Service or Outage Reporting phone lines as listed below. Every outage phone call that we receive is logged into our outage tracking system and better enables us to pinpoint the location of the issue. The sooner National Grid can identify the location of the issue, the quicker a response can be sent.

The Customer Service Line is: 1-800-322-3223

The Outage Reporting Line is: 1-800-465-1212

REMINDERS/ SAFETY INFORMATION

All residents and businesses are reminded that they are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property.

Please make every effort to shovel out hydrants at or near your homes, and please check on your elderly and disabled.

Your cooperation during this snow emergency/parking ban is necessary for efficient and safe snow removal efforts, but please use the following links from state agencies for more insights:

Updates will be forthcoming so please check the City of Gloucester website and social media for further updates at http://www.gloucester-ma.gov.

Thank you for your assistance and stay safe.

Gloucester Snow Emergency & Parking Ban Declared Effective Tonight (3/12) at 10PM to Weds (3/14) at 6AM

~ Chris Sicuranza

GLOUCESTER EMERGENCY ALERT

Snow Emergency/Parking Ban Declared Tonight Mon. 10PM(3/12) to Weds. 6AM (3/14)

City Offices & Schools Closed Tues. (3/13)

WEATHER EMERGENCY UPDATE

Massachusetts will be impacted by a significant storm tonight into Tuesday evening with the potential for blizzard-like conditions and snowfall rates of 1-3” per hour. This storm could bring significant snowfall and strong coastal high winds with potential for power outages. Snow is expected to begin tonight and continue into Tuesday evening across much of Massachusetts. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of Massachusetts, and a High Wind Watch for Cape Ann, the eastern coastline, southern Bristol and Plymouth counties, and the Cape and Islands.

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PARKING BAN

Effective at 10 PM tonight, Monday, March 12, the city has declared a snow emergency and parking ban on all city streets due to expected significant snowfall and powerful wind gusts. Additionally, Gloucester schools & offices will be closed tomorrow and trash collection will be delayed one day.

We recommend that all citizens shelter at home and avoid all travel during the storm. Poor road conditions are expected across Tuesday and emergency teams need all streets clear to allow effective service. Gloucester will enforce an emergency parking ban across all city streets until 6 AM Wednesday, March 14th (unless updated otherwise). This parking ban means all vehicles are banned from parking on city streets. Residents may park in all municipal and school parking lots, but please be aware that citizens are solely responsible for any weather related liability at public parking lots.

Please use caution across this storm and call 911 for any emergencies.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

If you are in danger, CALL 911 FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE or call Gloucester Police Department at (978) 283-1212. Please note the following social services in the City will be open this weekend during the storm and frigid cold.

  • Action Inc. will be open all day Tuesday and Weds until 11 AM (978) 282-1000

In the event that you lose power or heat over the weekend, the City encourages residents to shelter in place, stay with a family/neighbor who has heat and contact the Gloucester Police Department immediately for any concerns about staying safe or warm. The police can assist you in finding a place to go with power and will be working with American Red Cross of Massachusetts to assist residents in need.

POWER OUTAGES

National Grid has been reporting power outages in different areas across the North Shore, including Gloucester. If any outages do occur in your area, it is imperative that they be reported via the National Grid Customer Service or Outage Reporting phone lines as listed below. Every outage phone call that we receive is logged into our outage tracking system and better enables us to pinpoint the location of the issue. The sooner National Grid can identify the location of the issue, the quicker a response can be sent.

REMINDERS/ SAFETY INFORMATION (via MEMA)

Updates will be forthcoming as the storm progresses. Please check the City of Gloucester website and social media for further updates at www.gloucester-ma.gov.

Thank you for your assistance and stay safe during this snow emergency. ~Chris

Flooding Alert: LONG DURATION COASTAL STORM THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY BRINGS POWER OUTAGES Gloucester Emergency Alert

~ Chris Sicuranza

Gloucester Emergency Alert

LONG DURATION COASTAL STORM THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY

(Issued 3/1/2018 6 PM) Tides will be astronomically high from Thursday night (3/1/2018) through all of Saturday (3/3/2018) with a coastal storm and storm surge increasing coastal flooding and property damage. Power outages, road closures, and other emergency incidents are expected in the next 24 to 48 hours and we strongly recommend all citizens to prepare accordingly.

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Additionally, we caution all citizens who are in low lying areas that are prone to flooding to be aware and prepare accordingly. Any home or business that was previously affected by recent storms and flooding should especially take caution.

Coastal properties facing East, NorthEast may be severely affected by the predicted storm surge and significant wave action.

Precautionary measures should be taken immediately to best prepare, including voluntary evacuation prior to the storm. All residents should avoid these areas, as well as avoiding driving through any flooded areas.

Strong winds may cause power outages and we are asking citizens to shelter in place. If your home is being flooded or if you are in danger, call 911 for immediate assistance. Emergency teams are prepared to assist anyone in need so call 911 right away.

Roads may be slick in areas, so we remind all to take caution if driving. Roadways most prone to splash-over at astronomically high tides will be at greatest risk of inundation.

Updates will be forthcoming and will be shared on the City of Gloucester website and social media pages so please visit http://www.gloucester-ma.gov. Thank you for your assistance and please use 911 for any flooding or emergency needs.

POWER OUTAGES

National Grid has been preparing for power outages in different areas across the North Shore, including Gloucester. If any outages do occur in your area, it is imperative that they be reported via the National Grid Customer Service or Outage Reporting phone lines as listed below. Every outage phone call that we receive is logged into our outage tracking system and better enables us to pinpoint the location of the issue. The sooner National Grid can identify the location of the issue, the quicker a response can be sent.

  • The Customer Service Line is: 1-800-322-3223
  • The Outage Reporting Line is: 1-800-465-1212

REMINDERS/ SAFETY INFORMATION

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT

Latest weather and emergency reports can be seen using the following links and resource lines:

Mayoral Memo: Snow Emergency Updates & Flood Assistance Exploration

~ Chris Sicuranza

1/8/2018 – Last week’s snowstorm and accompanying storm surge was an unfortunate act of nature that resulted in widespread damage throughout Gloucester. This City, like others, requires that residents remove their cars from public streets prior to any storm or snow emergency for safety reasons.

For decades, recognizing that many residents do not have private off street parking, the City has offered off-street parking on public property much like we did last week at Gloucester High School. These offers were strictly optional and residents were free to make other arrangements.

Having said that, my administration recognizes that many are in need of assistance as a result of the damage caused by last week’s storm—specifically those who lost their cars due to the flooding of the High School parking lot. As a result, we will be taking the following actions:

• We have contacted the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and are working with them as they collect public damage information from all of the communities impacted in order to determine whether to request a presidential disaster declaration. While the probability of meeting the threshold for state or federal monetary reimbursement are low, a presidential declaration is necessary to lend direct assistance to the private sector;

• The City is willing to work with those who do not have comprehensive insurance to make arrangements for towing, storage and/or disposal of damaged cars; and

• My administration has reached out to several local/regional car dealerships and they have expressed a willingness to work with those negatively affected by last week’s flooding. Their name and contact information is as follows:

o Sudbay Family Automotive
– Kevin Barkhouse, Sales Manager
– 978-283-4730

o Lyon-Waugh Auto Group
– Warren Waugh, Owner/General Manager
– 978-532-8312

o Michaud Auto Group
– Kevin Michaud, Owner, or Zach Michaud, CEO
– 978-774-4040

o Village Auto Group
– Emilio LoCilento, General Sales Manager
– 978-624-4461

We will keep everyone updated as we find out more information, but please contact your insurance company and work with your Councilors and the Mayor’s Office to see how we can best assist.

Thank you,
Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken

Snow Emergency/Parking Ban Declared for Weds. 1/3/2018 (8PM) to Fri. 1/5/2018 (7AM); Schools Closed Thursday 1/4/2018

~ Chris Sicuranza

GLOUCESTER EMERGENCY ALERTS:

Snow Emergency/Parking Ban Declared for Weds. 1/3/2018 (8PM) to Fri. 1/5/2018 (7AM); Schools Closed Thursday 1/4/2018

Tonight, Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018, the City of Gloucester has declared a snow emergency and parking ban on all city streets starting at 8 PM due to an upcoming severe snowstorm with blizzard-like conditions. In addition, Gloucester public schools will be closed tomorrow.

PARKING BAN

Effective at 8:00 PM tonight, Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 until 7:00 AM Friday, January 5th all vehicles are banned from parking on city streets. Residents may park in all municipal and school parking lots, but please remove all vehicles from municipal and school parking lots before the parking ban expires at 7:00 AM Friday.

School parking lots will be the first areas to be ticketed and towed once parking ban has concluded. Violators of this emergency declaration will be at the owner’s expense so please move your car before 7 AM Friday or your vehicle will be ticketed and towed at all lots.

TRASH/RECYCLE PICKUP SCHEDULE

Trash pickup schedules will be affected by this snow emergency, with trash collection postponed for January 4th. Please DO NOT put trash and recycling out for collection tomorrow. The schedule for collection is as follows, but please check the city’s website for any changes as this information is subject to change depending on weather conditions:

  • Friday, Jan 5th: Begin Wednesday Route Collection & Start Thursday Route Collection
  • Saturday, Jan 6th: Finish Thursday Route Collection & Begin Friday Route Collection
  • Monday, Jan 8th: Finish Any Remaining Saturday Route Collection

All trash and recycling must be out by 7 AM. The DPW and affiliated collection vendors WILL NOT go back for any late collections or snow-covered stops. Plese be prepared but call the DPW for any information or updates at 978-281-9785

REMINDERS/ SAFETY INFORMATION

Updates will be forthcoming as the storm progresses. Please check the City of Gloucester website and social media for further updates at www.gloucester-ma.gov. Thank you for your assistance and stay safe during this snow emergency.