Rowley Town Notebook
Michelle Pelletier Marshall
July 06, 2009 03:51 am For nearly two months last year, the clam flats were closed due to red tide, severely limiting the income for local shellfishermen. This year, thanks to a Red Tide Relief Program sponsored by the federal government, the clamdiggers who lost out last year will soon receive compensation. Rowley's shellfish constable Jack Grundstrom said that letters have gone out from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries to those shellfishermen who qualify for the federal program. In order to qualify for compensation, diggers must have held a state shellfish permit from 2007 to 2009 and have dug clams and sold them to a licensed dealer between May 15 and July 3, 2007, the same dates that the flats were closed in 2008. "It will be assumed by the Division of Fisheries that 2008 catches would have been similar to whatever clams a qualified digger turned in during this period in 2007; thus, that amount will be the amount of the compensation to each digger," said Grundstrom. Those with questions about qualifying can contact Jerad Silva at the Division of Fisheries at 617-626-1534. Silva will be at the Gloucester office on Emerson Avenue every Wednesday through July to answer questions and assist with filling out paperwork. Grundstrom noted that he has completed his paperwork and is available to help others do the same. He can be reached at 978-948-2508. "If there are enough people interested in working through this paperwork together, we will make it a topic at the July monthly meeting of the Rowley Shellfish Department," said Grundstrom. That meeting will be held on Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall Annex. ¢¢¢ The Starship Adventure summer reading program at the Rowley Public Library continues with upcoming fun events. Tomorrow from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. there will be a meeting of Frankie and Nathan's Lego Club, with enough Legos provided for all to enjoy. This program is for those 7 years old and up. Also tomorrow, join in on Pajama Story Time from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Don't forget to wear PJs! Tomorrow, children 3 and up can stretch out and relax during Peace, Groove & Happiness in Space Yoga Class from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. The class will stretch both the body and the outer reaches of the imagination. Comfortable clothes are a must. No registration required. Wednesday is the day to bring summer reading logs to the library to get credit and collect NASA prizes for minutes spent reading. From 11 to noon that day, it's Cosmic Paper Plate craft time in the children's room. Registration is required for this event. Contact the children's room at the library at 978-948-2850. ¢¢¢ The Rowley Council on Aging will host a Breakfast & Bingo morning tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the council. For $3, seniors can enjoy breakfast, meet friends and win prizes. ¢¢¢ Hearing evaluations for senior citizens will be done by hearing specialist Joe Sarofeen at the Council on Aging on Wednesday, July 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no cost for this service, but appointments are recommended. Call the council at 978-948-7637. ¢¢¢ The first Rowley Farmers Market of the season will be held Sunday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rowley Town Common. Local farms and neighbors will sell the fruits and vegetables of their garden labor. The market will be held every Sunday through Sept. 27. ¢¢¢ Michelle Pelletier Marshall covers Rowley for The Daily News. She can be reached at marshallsinmass@comcast.net.
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