Cape Ann Today

Cape Ann Today - Kim Smith Documentary Filmmaker & Photographer

Documentary Filmmaker & Photographer Kim Smith joins Heather Atwood to talk about two endangered species on Cape Ann. Kim shares photographs of piping plovers nesting on Good Harbor Beach and beautiful monarch butterflies in Gloucester. Smith tells Heather there are only 700 pairs of piping plovers in Massachusetts.

Cape Ann Today - Mayor of Gloucester Greg Verga

Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga joins Heather Atwood to discuss homelessness in Gloucester and Congressman Seth Moulton’s recent visit to Cape Ann. According to the Gloucester Police Department Community Impact Unit and the Grace Center, the city’s homeless  population is estimated to be between  14 and 20 people across the city. A recent rumor related to the fires on Poles Hill are unfounded. 
 
*Clarification from Mayor’s office: Homeless numbers mentioned in this interview do not include those in shelter beds.

Cape Ann Today - Erika Brown The Cricket

Erika Brown from The Cricket talks about redistricting in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Kory Curcuru was set to interview State Representative Jamie Belsito from the 4th District this week, but Erika explains Manchester is now part of the 5th District with the rest of Cape Ann. 
 
Erika highlights two community stories. First, Manchester’s eldest male resident, Gordon MacDougal, gave the signature Boston Post Cane to the Manchester Historical Museum. Lastly, A Manchester resident successfully swam the English Channel.

Cape Ann Today - Ethan Forman the Gloucester Daily Times

Ethan Forman from the Gloucester Daily Times talks to Heather Atwood about everything happening in Gloucester this week. Brush fires on Poles Hill are under control but fire crews are hoping for rain to completely contain the blaze.In more positive news Wildwood Gardens received a new basketball hoop and Congressman Seth Moulton is working to secure nearly $3 million in federal funds for the North Shore Hunger Network and Gloucester’s wastewater treatment facility. Lastly, Dave Marciano of Wicked Tuna is starting his own fish shipping business called “Angelica.” 

Cape Ann Today - Gloucester Health Department

Gloucester Health Department Assistant Public Health Director Rachel Belisle-Toler and Assistant Public Health Nurse Kathleen Cunningham join Heather Atwood and Kory Curcuru to discuss the water quality in Good Harbor Creek. The creek is currently closed until the source of pollution can be determined. Low water flow and high temperatures have made the creek susceptible to increased levels of bacteria. 
 
Kathleen Cunningham also reviews the city’s ongoing response to Covid-19 and potential policy changes as colder weather approaches. 

Cape Ann Today - Erika Brown The Cricket

Erika Brown joins Kory Curcuru to discuss Monday’s Manchester-by-the-Sea Selectboard meeting. The meeting focused on leisure boating near Sand Dollar Cove. Manchester’s Harbor Master and Police Chief told the board their teams have been overwhelmed by the increase of boaters in the area. On July 23, 2022 over 300 boats were in the area. Citizens called Town Hall and Police reporting trespassing and underage drinking. 
 
Read the story: https://bit.ly/3Q2ablF

Cape Ann Today - Ethan Forman Gloucester Daily Times

Ethan Forman from the Gloucester Daily Times reported on a wind turbine blade that fell near Blackburn center in Gloucester. Ethan tells Heather Atwood no one was injured but the event disrupted traffic in the local area. Fire crews are also battling spot fires on Poles Hill with the help of helicopters. 
 
Heather and Ethan discuss more positive stories including the decision by Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Academy to waive tuition and the recent Gloucester Police Department Youth Anglers fishing event.

Cape Ann Today - MA State Senator Bruce Tarr

Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr joins Heather Atwood to talk about the work he’s been doing on the State’s Drought Task Force. Senator Tarr has been trying to get communities connected to the Ipswich River Watershed to work together to conserve and share water resources. 
Senator Tarr also recaps a recent marathon session in the senate, mental health legislation, and a 1986 voter law that would be triggered by a specific formula of abundant state revenue.

Cape Ann Today - Paula Plum and Richard Snee Gloucester Stage

Husband and wife duo Paula Plum and Richard Snee join Heather Atwood to discuss “Grand Horizons” a hilarious comedy of marital malaise written by award-winning playwright Bess Wohl playing now at Gloucester Stage Co. Paula and Richard talk about their own marriage and working together as artists. “Grand Horizons” is playing now until August 21, 2022. 
 
Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/3PWK3bD

Cape Ann Today - Lanes Coven Theater Co.

Artistic Directors of Lanes Coven Theater Co. Lily Narbonne & Justin Genna join Heather Atwood to promote their next show Macbeth. Lanescoven will be performing the Shakespeare play at Windhover Center for the Performing Arts from August 11th -21st. The dancing and sword fighting starts at 7:30pm. For tickets visit: https://bit.ly/3oKfzxK 
 
Sponsored by Action Inc. -  https://actioninc.org