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“Beverly Never Forgets” Event to Commemorate 20th Anniversary: Sept. 11 Attacks

 A special event will be held to mark the historic terrorist attacks of September 11, and the significant role that was played by the search and rescue team from Beverly. 

“Beverly Never Forgets: The 20th Anniversary of September 11” is planned for Saturday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the local Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters in Beverly next to the Beverly Regional Airport. 

The event will include several speakers, a tour of the FEMA site (featuring a museum and memorial dedicated to 9/11, as well as the Beverly team’s role in the rescue efforts), and a fly over in a vintage aircraft (a T-34) at 11:45am conducted by Beverly Airport. 

Fay Salt, a trustee with Historic Beverly who is helping to organize the event, has indicated that many people are unaware of the significant role of the Beverly Search and Rescue Team, and the existence of the FEMA site in Beverly. 

Salt recently told The Salem News that Task Force 1 was the first FEMA team to reach Ground Zero after the 2001 attacks, and described how the New Jersey team was delayed because the bridges were shut down. With all flights prohibited, about 75 Task Force 1 members drove down in a convoy that night, including two school buses driven by Beverly Public School employees. 

The Beverly-based team (some of whom are currently in Louisiana helping to deal with the aftereffects of Hurricane Ida) is called Massachusetts Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue. They are based in a compound behind a locked gate at 43 Airport Road, next to Beverly Airport. The task force is one of 28 around the country that operate under the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Attendees will be able to visit the FEMA compound on Airport Road that includes a small 9/11 museum with photos and artifacts, including equipment used by the Beverly team throughout recovery efforts. Also, there is a video presentation comprised of members that went to the World Trade Center and their stories about their experiences and rescue efforts. Finally, on display is a 9/11 Memorial highlighted by a 21-foot-long piece of steel from the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

Beverly Airport Manager, Gloria Bouillon wishes to express her gratitude to Dr. John Argeros, for her generous contribution in lending the vintage aircraft for the day’s events and says, “On behalf of the entire team here at Beverly Regional Airport, we are incredibly proud to play our part in honoring these heroic individuals.” 

The “Beverly Never Forgets” commemorative event on September 11 is free and open to the public. Gates will open at 11am with the fly-by occurring at 11:45. 

For additional information and images, please contact Beverly Regional Airport Manager, Gloria Bouillon.

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PFAS Interagency Task Force

Event Details

Event Date: Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Virtual Hearing

Event Description
Sixth meeting of the PFAS Interagency Task Force to discuss “What are the sources of PFAS in Massachusetts and who is responsible for addressing PFAS contamination?” With testimony from the Beverly Regional Airport; Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, Hyannis Fire Department, and Longmeadow Fire Department; the Massachusetts National Guard; Defend Our Health, and Taft Law.

The PFAS Interagency Task Force will hold its sixth meeting to review and investigate water and ground contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances across the commonwealth on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021. The purpose of this hearing is to investigate single-point sources of contamination in the Commonwealth, understand sludge/biosolids and consumer products as a source of contamination, and discuss the accountable parties and burden of responsibility with regards to remediation and clean-up efforts.

We will hear from the following testifiers: Gloria Bouillon, Beverly Regional Airport Manager; Brigadier General Christopher Faux (ret.)  (Non-Voting Task Force Member), Massachusetts National Guard; Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (Task Force Member), Fire Chief Peter Burke, Hyannis Fire Department, and Fire Chief John Deerborn, Longmeadow Fire Department; Mike Belliveau, Executive Director at Defend Our Health Maine; and Rob Bilott, Partner with Taft Law.

Written comments will be accepted by email.

 This Task Force meeting will be held virtually and livestreamed for the public via www.malegislature.gov.

With questions, please contact Griffin Tighe (griffin.tighe@mahouse.gov) in Chair Hogan’s office or Jeffrey Soares (jeffrey.soares@masenate.gov) in Chair Cyr’s office.

With press inquiries, please contact Alison Kenney (alison.kenney@mahouse.gov) in Chair Hogan’s office, or Jeff Soares (jeffrey.soares@masenate.gov) in Chair Cyr’s office.

Click here to watch the video

Explore the North Shore! Part One of Two

If you think the North Shore is all “Salem Witches” and “Gorton Fisherman” in yellow slicker, you’ve got many other things coming to you. There is SO MUCH MORE to this diverse and historic region of rocky coastline, marshes and wetlands, beaches, and natural harbors between Boston and New Hampshire.

American History
It is one of the most beautiful and interesting regions in New England, and throughout the entirety of the East Coast. Its uniqueness results from an extremely rich heritage dating back to the Pilgrims, as well as its impressive culture centered around good old fashioned Yankee ingenuity.

The North Shore played an important role in the historical and cultural development of Massachusetts and is steeped in history…much of which remains evident today in many of its buildings, historical sites and downtown areas.

Some of the communities in North Shore that are recognized historically are Gloucester (America’s first fishing community, and birthplace of aforementioned Gorton fisherman), Salem (you know, the witch trials but also known as one of early America’s largest shipping centers), Lynn (once the center of America’s shoe industry), Saugus (home to North America’s first integrated ironworks), Peabody (largest concentration of tanneries in the world), Newburyport  (large producer of clipper ships, and birthplace of the United States Coast Guard), and lastly, Beverly and Marblehead which often dispute over which town has rightful claim to “birthplace of the American Navy.”

But let’s move on to today’s North Shore, and its beautiful beaches for all you explorers out there. Check out our earlier WEBSITE BLOG on the North Shore’s Best Beaches.

Remarkable Beaches
Yes, the North Shore of Massachusetts boasts gorgeous rocky coastline, but sprinkled in between are some of the best beaches anywhere for fun in the sun, and pristine Atlantic Ocean views. Perhaps the best beach of them all is Crane Beach in Ipswich. This white beach stretches for miles and is part of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for piping plovers. Plum Island in Newburyport is wonderful too. It boasts miles of public sandy beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge which is home to over 800 species of birds, plants and animals on 4,662 acres. There are also Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea and family friendly Dane Street Beach in Beverly among many others.

So, swim, wade, shell, boogie board, sunbathe, stroll, or build the largest sandcastle you possibly can before the tide rolls in to sweep it away. Beach season in North Shore never gets boring.

Exceptional Fishing
While we’re “on the water” let’s move on to North Shore’s fishing scene which is second to none. If you’re looking to catch some fish, check out the fleet, or just get a feel of a true fishing community, Gloucester is the place to be. If you love Stripers (aka Stripahs), or enjoy watching fishermen unload giant Blue Fin Tuna, swing by one of the many fishing piers situated along the North Shore. The Swampscott Fish House (aka Swampscott Yacht Club) is the oldest active fishing supply storage house in the whole country. And for any “Jaws” fans out there, there always seem to be occasional shark sightings off the coastline. Of course, you may need a “bigger boat.”

Check back for Part Two of our Explore the North Shore Website Blog Series. We will be covering the local restaurants, breweries, and the wealth of professional sports teams, as well as how to get around!

We would love to answer any questions you may have about exploring the North Shore and extend warm hospitality while you are here! For more information, please contact Airport Manager, Beverly Bouillon.

 

Happy National Aviation Day, August 19th

Flying! Equal parts human imagination and scientific principles, the ability to fly is magical. However, as flying has been around for generations it can be easy to take it for granted.

On Thursday, August 19th, National Aviation Day, we want everyone to pause, remember, and be filled with wonder and appreciation. Because when we really stop to wrap our minds around the act of flying, it’s thrilling and astonishing- even for those of us who eat and sleep aviation every day! I mean how can we not marvel at something that seems impossible…sitting inside a flying machine traveling many hundreds of miles per hour, thousands of feet above the landscape below.

The History of National Aviation Day
Most everyone knows who Orville Wright was, and his contribution to aviation. The true architect and pioneer of flight, Orville was the first to take flight. Although the contributions of others like Charles Edward Taylor, a machinist also deserve credit (Taylor was on the team and spent weeks building the 12-horsepower engine) Orville actually made the 120 feet first flight.

So it’s only fitting that Franklin Delano Roosevelt designate Orville’s birthday, August 19th as National Aviation Day. Roosevelt honored Orville with this proclamation while he was still alive. Of course, today, and in a relatively short time, the insatiable imagination of humans has conquered new challenges like flying across oceans, high speed flights, and finally, flying into space.

How to Spend National Aviation Day
There are so many great ways to celebrate! Here are a just a few ideas.

READ
Read about Firsts in Flights

Here are some incredible memoirs and other books about aviation’s pioneers:
A Dream of Wings by Tom D. Crough

The Fun of It by Amelia Earhart

Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg

Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History by Keith O’Brien

Three-Eight Charlie: 1st Woman to Fly Solo by Jerrie Mock

WATCH
Two great documentaries are:
The Making of the Boeing 747

Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention

EXPLORE
There are many aviation museums to check out. Find one near you!
Take a trip to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina where you will find the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

GO “PLANE SPOTTING”
Appreciate flying by creating a social event with friends plane spotting. Bring a picnic and friends and make an afternoon out of it!

ACT
Take a flight
Learn to fly
Build your own airplane

On behalf of Gloria Bouillon, Airport Manager, and everyone here at Beverly Regional Airport, we want to wish you an amazing National Aviation Day! We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and with two flight schools on site, we would love to make your aviation dreams come true. Contact us today!

New commuter air service with flights to island destinations

Flights to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard begin soon.

Starting next month, a trip from Beverly to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard could take you under 45 minutes.

Beverly Airport is planning to start a new commuter air service with flights to those island destinations, and perhaps future flights to places like Bar Harbor and New York City.

Airport Manager Gloria Bouillon said the new service has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and could begin by late-August.

Bouillon said a company will lease space at Beverly Airport to run the service. She declined to name the company at this time. An announcement and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held hopefully in mid-August, she said.

Bouillon said businesses or individuals can currently charter a plane out of Beverly Airport to go to certain destinations. But she said the new service will offer a regular schedule of flights that people can buy tickets for. She said passengers will be able to arrive at the airport just 20 minutes before their flight leaves and park for free. The airport’s administration building will be retrofitted for passenger service.

“It will take passengers less than five to 10 minutes to get to the plane,” Bouillon said. “They can arrive 20 minutes before their flight and get to Nantucket in less than 40 minutes. Going to Logan could be a three- or four-hour adventure.”

Bouillon said the new service will not increase the number of flights at Beverly Airport or impact neighbors.

“These are planes that already operate at the airport, so we’re not looking at turning into the next Logan,” she said. “But we are looking at being a convenient way to travel to some of these high-demand areas.”

Beverly Airport recently announced plans to lengthen its main runway by 600 feet as part of a $20 million effort to upgrade the city-owned airport in the next few years. The lengthening will take place on current airport land and will not increase the footprint of the 470-acre airport, officials have said.

The number of takeoffs and landings at Beverly Airport actually increased during the pandemic, with more than 69,000 takeoffs and landings in 2020. Airport officials have predicted a “modest” annual growth rate of 1.2% over the next 20 years, according to a presentation at a public meeting in January that was held as part of the development of a new master plan. Beverly Airport is third in operations in the state behind Logan Airport and Hanscom Field in Bedford. Read more here

It’s almost time. Traveling to Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard is about to get easier.

Beginning mid-August, it will be radically easier to get to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Beverly Regional Airport passengers will be able to arrive just before departure, park for free, walk into a modern, well appointed terminal and board a flight with 7 other passengers… arriving a very short time later in Nantucket.

The upside for passengers is huge: they will travel in less time with less crowds, without hassle, and begin their weekend stays earlier.

Commuter service is in demand and Beverly Regional Airport is preparing to provide it for its passengers.

“It will be an important part of our expansion plans and fulfill the desires of our customers. We pride ourselves on discovering and meeting the needs of both our consumer and business clientele,” says Airport Manager, Gloria Bouillon.

Situated just 14 miles from Boston’s Logan Airport, Beverly Regional has already established itself as an easier, more convenient alternative and resource for the many business travelers traveling to and from the many surrounding industrial parks.
In addition, we are beginning to realize the efforts and months of planning in developing the airport’s Master Plan . The Plan calls for multiple capital improvements that include a runway expansion (utilizing the airport’s current footprint).

Also, on deck will be creating more opportunities for business through the commercial development of land to create an onsite, Industrial Park. The ultimate vision is to continue to transform Beverly Regional Airport into a transportation and business hub that is an economic engine for the area.
We’re incredibly excited to provide this amazing opportunity and can’t wait to share all the specifics. Details on the carrier, as well as flight information and ticket sales are slated to be revealed mid-August.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about are other exciting plans, you can visit our website where we share details of our Master Plan,  or feel free to contact us today if you would like to grow along with us.

We’re introducing commuter air service

Flights to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard begin next month.

Starting next month, a trip from Beverly to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard could take you under 45 minutes.

Beverly Airport is planning to start a new commuter air service with flights to those island destinations, and perhaps future flights to places like Bar Harbor and New York City.

Airport Manager Gloria Bouillon said the new service has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and could begin by mid-August.

“It’s very exciting,” she said.

Bouillon said she could not reveal all of the details of the service now, but said it would involve small planes that carry eight to 10 passengers making regularly scheduled trips to various destinations. She said Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard will most likely be on the schedule at first. A survey about the service on the airport’s website lists Bar Harbor, New York City and Providence as other possible destinations.

Bouillon said there is a demand in this area for the service from both business and vacation travelers. “People don’t want to use Logan or drive all the way to the Cape or use the ferry and take half a day or a day to travel,” she said. “People in this area just do not want to deal with the travel and the hassle.”

Read more here

BVY: The North Shore’s Thriving Aviation Hub

Airport Manager, Gloria Bouillon is pleased to share a video highlighting Beverly Regional Airport as a thriving aviation hub on the North Shore.

Those interviewed in the video include:

  • Airport Manager Gloria Bouillon
  • Beverly City Council President Paul Guanci
  • North Shore Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Karen Andreas
  • Avier Flight School Co-Owner Esteban Monterroso

“We’ve completely changed the way we do business,” Airport Manager Bouillon said. “Companies suddenly wanted to relocate here, and bring in their businesses. It opened up so much opportunity for the airport.”

“The airport brings great economic value to the North Shore,” President and CEO Andreas said. “It provides jobs; it provides a service; it provides convenience for businesses and residents alike.”

In the 2019 Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study, Beverly Regional is estimated to have brought $34 million annually in economic activity to the North Shore region.

“It’s amazing what it brings to our city, and not only Beverly but the entire North Shore,” City Council President Guanci said. “It brings people into our city, and when people come here to work they spend money at restaurants, they go shopping and they get involved in the community.”

The airport has 18 businesses on site that continue to grow and hire new employees, and has a waitlist for building and hangar space.

“We’re trying to show people what aviation can do for them,” said Avier Flight School Co-Owner Monterosso, who stressed the value placed on customer service at Avier and across the airport.

A Timeline for Growth at Beverly Regional Airport

When Airport Manager Bouillon began her role at the airport in 2018, a decades-old master plan was in place, which no longer reflected the airport’s daily operations or its potential. The airport was also slated for a runway renovation project which would narrow its runway–- making it impossible for the business jets that contribute to the airport’s recent success to land at all.

Airport Manager Bouillon swiftly worked to demonstrate the need to maintain and expand the runway’s width an additional 600 feet to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and was successful. A runway rehabilitation project maintaining the width and improving safety was completed, on an accelerated timeline, in September 2019.

She has also overseen the undertaking of a new master plan for the airport, a federally and state-regulated and funded process designed to project future levels of aviation activity at the airport and any associated capital projects required over the next 20 years. All recommended improvements must comply with all federal and state regulations and airport design standards.

Improvements proposed in the plan include enhancing aircraft operational safety and improving efficiency for departing aircraft. This solution was the most creative option to maintain the airport’s property boundary while keeping the surrounding communities in mind. Additional proposed improvements include increased efficiencies through taxiway realignments, updating existing pavements, potential landside development opportunities based on demand, and the construction of a new airport vehicle service road to enhance operational safety.

All of these potential improvements are contingent upon appropriate future environmental permitting and funding. During the master planning process, the airport has also completed a noise study. The airport has additionally received public comments through several public forums regarding the master plan, and will incorporate feedback and recommendations into the resulting Airport Master Plan.

For more information about the master plan project click here.

Beverly Regional Airport: Our Future is Bright

We Are Thriving

Currently, the airport houses 18 businesses and brings approximately 300 jobs to the region. Airport Manager, Gloria Bouillon has had a major impact on the growth and how the airport attracts business saying, “We’ve completely changed the way we do business. Companies suddenly wanted to relocate here and bring in their businesses. It opened up so much opportunity for the airport.”

The Beverly Regional Airport of today is a vastly different place that it was a few short years ago. Today, we are a dynamic aviation hub that has brought tremendous economic value to the entire North Shore. President and CEO of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, Karen Andreas says, “It provides jobs; it provides a service; it provides convenience for businesses and residents alike.”

In fact the numbers reported by the 2019 Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study report that Beverly Regional is estimated to have brough in a whopping $34 million annually to the North Shore Region.

Our Master Plan

Ensuring that we continue to grow intentionally and collectively, we have been hard at work on an Airport Master Plan.

The Master Plan has received input from a wide variety of interests including airport stakeholders, operations, business partners, tenants, and the entire community. The 20 Year Plan will be rolled out in three separate phases.

Our objective is to have intelligent, safe, and orderly development against a framework that is reflective of the community’s values and goals. The goal is that we continue to benefit the community at large and be “A Good Neighbor” in every aspect. With growth comes responsibility and accountability, and we are fully committed to both.

Capital Improvements

There are many Capital Improvements in the Plan that are strategically designed attract future new business. For instance, we want to maximize our capacity to continuing to service jets utilized for business travel. This along with other improvements will further impact the local community in a positive way.

Beverly by the Numbers

  • Located in three jurisdictions:  City of Beverly, Town of Danvers and the Town of Wenham​
  • 470 acres​
  • Services: FBO, Flight Training, Aircraft Management Tie-Downs, Hangars, MRO​
  • 105 based aircraft​
  • 2020 annual Operations = 69,117​

To learn more about our Master Plan and the future Beverly Regional Airport, check out our Master Plan Pages on our website.

For any questions about how we can help you today, please contact Airport Manager, Gloria Bouillion.

 

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Hooray for Independence Day!

This year it is incredibly appropriate that we are gaining back our independence just in time for Independence Day! We don’t know about you, but we are ready to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, trips to the beach and most importantly, with friends and family.

Independence Day Events on the North Shore!

The North Shore is a great place to celebrate the 4th! Rich with our country’s history, and full of small town charm, the North Shore is the perfect destination for your Independence Day festivities.

As always, flying into Beverly Regional Airport is the perfect base to launch your weekend celebration.

Here’s a list of local Independence Day ceremonies, events, fireworks and parades happening in towns across the North Shore of Massachusetts.

Click on each of the festivities yourself and prepare to have fun!

4th of July Celebration at Salisbury Beach

Amesbury Days Celebration

Amesbury Days Fireworks

Compaq Big Band July 4th Concert

Fireworks & Concert on Gloucester Harbor

Fireworks at Salisbury Beach

Fourth of July 2021 in Manchester by the Sea

Fourth of July Parade in Manchester

Hamilton-Wenham Block Party

Independence Day Celebration in Rockport

Ipswich Independence Day Parade

July 4th Boat Parade in Essex

July 4th Fireworks in Lynn Massachusetts

July 4th in Beverly Farms

Manchester by the Sea July 4th Celebration

Marblehead Festival of Arts

Marblehead Street Festival

North Andover Independence Day Celebration

Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast

Arts Fest Beverly

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATIONS and MORE DETAILS

Arts Fest Beverly will be held on August 21. Please apply before July 5.

Welcome artists!

Arts Fest is a free outdoor festival in downtown Beverly that’s fun for the whole family! Arts Fest will be held outside on August 21, 2021 from 10am – 4pm, rain or shine. Arts Fest juried fine artists and crafters, music and entertainment and food!

Artists will be selling bags, candles, ceramics, pottery, children’s items, clothing, furniture, glass, home decor, housewares, jewelry, paintings, pet gear, photographs, prints, sculpture, soap, vintage items and more. Artists come from all over New England and right here in Beverly, including some of your favorite artists from last year, and new and emerging artists. This is their 18th year.

In 2019, Arts Fest Beverly received North Shore Magazine’s “Best of the North Shore Editor’s Choice Award” for the “Art Festival” category.

We would love to welcome you to the North Shore! Contact us today if we can help you in any way with your trip! Happy 4th of July from our entire team and we hope see you soon!