Vineyard Wind Turbine Blade Failure

In July, news of an incident in the Vineyard Wind offshore development project off Nantucket Island surprised residents, mariners, and offshore wind stakeholders. 

On Monday, July 15, 2024, Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, issued an initial statement regarding an incident involving blade damage on a wind turbine in its offshore energy area

"On Saturday evening, Vineyard Wind experienced blade damage on a wind turbine in its offshore development area. No personnel or third parties were in the vicinity of the turbine at the time, and all employees of Vineyard Wind and its contractors are safe and secure. As part of its permitting, Vineyard Wind has detailed plans to guide its response to incidents such as this. Following those protocols, Vineyard Wind established a safety perimeter, and worked with the U.S. Coast Guard to issue notice to mariners. GE, as the project’s turbine and blade manufacturer and installation contractor, will now be conducting the analysis into the root cause of the incident. As that analysis takes place, Vineyard Wind will continue working with federal, state, tribal, and local stakeholders to ensure the health and safety of its workforce, mariners, and the environment."

On July 17, representatives from Vineyard Wind and General Electric, the turbine manufacturer, attended the Town and County of Nantucket Select Board meeting to provide an update on the recent turbine blade failure and the ongoing debris recovery efforts.

The meeting, held in the Community Room at 4 Fairgrounds Road, also allowed for virtual participation. Over 60 people attended the meeting in person, 170 participated online, and over 1600 people tuned in to watch online.

During the meeting, members of the GE and Vineyard Wind teams responded to questions from the Select Board and the public for over three hours.

Jen Cullen, Vineyard Wind's Senior Manager of Labor Relations & Workforce Development, provided an update during the final minutes of the Select Board meeting. She reported that the integrity of the GE Vernova blade had been compromised, with an increased possibility of it detaching from the turbine.

She also reiterated that a 500-meter safety zone around the turbine has been maintained since Saturday night, with constant monitoring. Cullen further explained that Vineyard Wind has mobilized a response team and observed new debris entering the water. The company is notifying various authorities and communities, including the US Coast Guard, federal and state agencies, and local and tribal partners.

On July 17, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued a statement regarding an incident involving blade damage on a Vineyard Wind offshore turbine:

“Following the July 13, 2024, blade failure incident at Vineyard Wind, BSEE has issued a Suspension Order to Vineyard Wind to cease power production from all its wind turbine generators until it can be determined whether the blade failure affects any other VW turbines. The Suspension Order suspends power production on the lease area and suspends installation of new wind turbine generator construction: Those operations will remain shut down until the suspension is lifted. BSEE has also issued a Preservation Order to safeguard any evidence that may be relevant to determining the cause of the incident.

As of this date, there are no reported injuries or harm to any marine resources or mammals from the incident. BSEE is onsite with Vineyard Wind as investigations are underway. BSEE will conduct an independent assessment to ensure the safety of future offshore renewable energy operations.”

On July 18, Vineyard Wind, issued an update with information about the remaining turbine blade:

"This morning, a significant part of the remaining GE Vernova blade detached from the turbine. Maritime crews were onsite overnight preparing to respond to this development, though current weather conditions create a difficult working environment. Despite these challenging weather conditions, a fleet of vessels remains at sea managing the situation and working to remove bulk debris. We have deployed additional crews to Nantucket Island in anticipation that more debris could wash ashore tonight and tomorrow as we continue to monitor additional coastal communities.

We are staying apprised of GE Vernova’s efforts to manage the situation, including the removal and recovery of the remaining blade attached to the turbine. With public officials, we will continue to keep the islands informed of developments as we work closely with state, federal, local, and tribal partners to respond to this evolving situation, with the safety of our personnel, the public, and the environment as our highest priority.

If debris is found by members of the public, property owners, or local officials, they are advised to immediately contact our reporting hotline: 833-609-5768. Reports of debris can also be sent directly to the cleanup contractor at this link: Recon Survey (NRCC) (arcgis.com)."

The Vineyard Wind project was one of two commercial scale offshore wind projects in U.S. federal waters that were approved in 2021.

According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) ,the 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind 1 Offshore Wind Energy Project is located approximately 12 nautical miles offshore Martha's Vineyard and 12 nautical miles offshore Nantucket.

sources: Town and County of Nantucket, Vineyard Wind

Related Information

Town and County of Nantucket

USCG Guidance on Navigational Safety In and Around Offshore Renewable Energy Installations

Coastal Communities Issues

National Parks of Boston Economic Report 2022

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park | credit: NPS

A new National Park Service (NPS) report offers insights into the economic benefits of the National Parks of Boston.

Approximately 2.5 million visitors to National Parks of Boston in 2022 spent $167.3 million in communities near the park.

That spending supported 2,090 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $255.4 million.

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists at the National Park Service. The report shows $23.9 billion of direct spending by nearly 312 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park.

The report is available at the U.S. National Park Service website (nps.gov).

The National Parks of Boston is a collection of three National Park Service sites – Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site, and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.

For more information on the National Parks of Boston, visit: www.nps.gov/bost, www.nps.gov/boaf, and www.bostonharborislands.org.

source: National Park Service

Related Information

Massachusetts

Boston Lighthouse Webcams

Boston Lighthouse Webcams

Boston Lighthouse - Little Brewster Island | credit: NPS

Four new webcams have been installed on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. Viewable by the public, the cams provide panoramic real-time views from Boston Lighthouse of the island and surrounding areas.

The cameras enhance maritime safety by providing a picture of real-time sea conditions and visibility at the outer reaches of the harbor, allowing mariners to make informed decisions about their trip prior to leaving the dock.

The webcam’s installation is the result of cooperative efforts between the U.S. National Park Service, Hull Lifesaving Museum, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston and Aids-to-Navigation Team Boston.  

Originally built in 1716, Boston Light is the nation’s oldest lighthouse station. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and is still an active aid-to-navigation.

The lighthouse casts a 27-mile light beam through a second-order revolving Fresnel lens that was installed in 1859.

Looking North

Looking northward from Boston Light, the camera displays the northern approaches into Boston Harbor, with Graves Light visible into the distance. The smaller Brewster Islands, Middle and Outer, are in the midground, with the Shag Rocks on the near right.

Looking East

Looking east from Boston Light, the camera captures Massachusetts Bay.

Looking West

The westward view shows downtown Boston in the distance, with several islands including Great Brewster and Georges Island in the midground.

Looking South

 The southern view captures the town of Hull across the Nantasket Roads shipping route.

Free public access to the webcams is available at:

www.nps.gov/boha/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

Related Information

Massachusetts

New England Facts

NOAA Northeast Region Aerial Whale Surveys

North Atlantic Right Whale | credit: NOAA Fisheries

A series of aerial surveys could provide important clues about whale movements off the New England Coast.

NOAA Fisheries scientists and colleagues from state and non-profit organizations conducted aerial surveys in the Northeast region through December 2019.

Additional flights are scheduled to occur in February, 2020.

During upcoming surveys, scientists hope to locate right whales in and near Nantucket Shoals.

Whales have been aggregating in the area recently, according to mariner's reports. NOAA scientists will also survey other areas where right whales were seen in the past.

Two recent aerial surveys used NOAA Twin Otter aircraft. The Northeast center’s aerial whale survey team conducts one based at Air Station Cape Cod.

Center staff and colleagues from other marine research organizations conducted a survey specifically for AMAPPS last fall, based at Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Related Information

Wildlife in New England

Cape Cod National Seashore Winter Film Festival 2020

Nauset Lighthouse Eastham MA | credit: NPS

Cape Cod National Seashore Annual Winter Film Festival
January 26th thru February 23rd, 2020
Cape Cod National Seashore
Salt Pond Visitor Center
Eastham, MA

Cape Cod National Seashore’s Annual Winter Film Festival kicks off on Sunday, January 26 at 1:30 pm at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.

This year's festival explores the power of the human mind in overcoming extreme obstacles. Films show on Sundays at 1:30 pm on the theater-size screen in surround sound.

The auditorium is wheelchair accessible, and the movies are free, thanks to generous licensing funding provided by Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

January 26: A Beautiful Mind--135 minutes. 2001 biographical drama based on the life of John Nash, Nobel Laureate in economics. The story follows Nash from his days as a graduate student through his fall into delusion and schizophrenia. Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress.

February 2: Gravity--91 minutes. 2013 sci-fi thriller starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as American astronauts stranded in space after a mid-orbit destruction of their space shuttle. Selected for American Film Institute's Movies of the Year List.

February 9: The Theory of Everything--123 minutes. 2014 biographical drama about theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. Despite being diagnosed with motor neuron disease and being given two years to live, Hawking had a long career as a researcher and is regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein.

February 16: Apollo 13--140 minutes. This 1995 film dramatizes the aborted 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission. En route to the moon, an on-board explosion deprives the spacecraft of most of its oxygen supply and electrical power, forcing NASA flight controllers to abort the landing and get the three astronauts home safely.

February 23: In the Heart of the Sea--121 minutes. 2015 adventure-drama based on Nathanial Philbrick's nonfiction book about the sinking of the American whaling ship Essex in 1820, an event that inspired the novel Moby-Dick.

Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at 50 Nauset Road, at the intersection of Route 6 in Eastham, MA.

Maritime Shows In New England 2020

Boston MA | credit: USCG

A number of shows, expos, and other events in New England will spotlight maritime issues such as fishing, seafood, boating, equipment, education, and much more. This post lists a few events that will be held in and around New England in 2020.

Rhode Island Boat Show
January 3 - 5, 2020
Rhode Island Convention Center
One Sabin Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
www.riboatshow.com

The RI Boat Show features all types of watercraft. Many dealers and exhibitors offer boat show specials and Rhode Island does not tax boat sales.

2020 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show
February 8 through February 16, 2020
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
415 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
www.newenglandboatshow.com

Now in its 65th year, the 2020 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, February 8-16, 2020. The New England Boat Show showcases more than 700 boats and watercraft, along with electronics, and other marine accessories.

45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum
March 5-7, 2020
Rockport, Maine
mainefishermensforum.org

The 45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held March 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2020 in Rockport, Maine. The Fishermen’s Forum hosts fishermen, gear suppliers, scientists, government, and other stakeholders. Each year the Forum provides three days of free seminars for fishermen covering a wide range of topics.

Offshore Wind Seminar
The public is invited to attend a one-day seminar on offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine. The seminar will be held on Thursday March 5 from 10:00-4:00 at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum.

For more information, visit www.mainefishermensforum.org

Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America
March 15-17, 2020
Boston, USA
www.seafoodexpo.com

In Boston, buyers and suppliers from around the world will meet, network and do business at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America.

The exposition is sponsored by the National Fisheries Institute. Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America is North America’s largest seafood exposition.

For more information, visit: www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america source: www.seafoodexpo.com

Please add a comment to suggest additional maritime events in 2020.

First Day Hikes in New England 2020

First Day Hikes will be held Throughout New England to celebrate New Year's Day 2020. This article includes a partial listing of First Day hikes, walks, and other events in the region, listed by state.

Connecticut

State Park First Day Hikes

Burr Pond State Park,Torrington, CT

Candlewood Hill WMA, Groton, CT

Hammonasset Beach State Park (Meigs Point Nature Center), Madison, CT

James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, Hampton CT

Kettletown State Park, Southbury, CT

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington CT

Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT

Topsmead State Forest,  Litchfield, CT

For more infomation, visit www.ct.gov/deep.

Maine

State Park First Day Hikes

Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal, ME

Lake St. George State Park, Liberty, ME

Lily Bay State Park, Greenville, ME

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Freeport, ME

Massachusetts

State Park First Day Hikes

White-tailed Deer | credit: USFWS

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) has scheduled First Day Hikes in several state parks throughout the Commonwealth.

CENTRAL
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge, MA
Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston, MA

NORTH
Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord, MA
Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA
Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover, MA
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA

SOUTH
Nickerson State Park, Brewster, MA
Shawme Crowell State Forest, Sandwich MA
Nantasket Beach, Hull MA

WEST
Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls, MA
Granville State Forest, Granville, MA
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough, MA

For more information, visit www.mass.gov/dcr.

More First Day Hikes in Massachusetts


Rocky Woods, Medfield, Massachusetts

The Rocky Woods ranger will lead a guided hike on the property.

National Park Service Regional Visitor Center, Salem MA

The National Park Service, the City of Salem, Essex National Heritage Commission, and the Salem Historical Society invite locals and community members to participate in First Day Hike 2020. This year’s hike will focus on the importance of the Custom House to Salem’s history. For more information, visit thingstodoinsalem.com.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire State Parks and its partners will host First Day Hikes this New Year’s Day.

Milan Hill State Park, Milan, NH

Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, NH

Odiorne Point State Park, Rye, NH

Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Lincoln, NH

Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH

For more information, visit www.nhstateparks.org/news-events/first-day-hike.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting free guided walking tours at Colt State Park, in Bristol, on New Year's Day. The one-and-a-half-mile hike offers panoramic views of Narragansett Bay.

For more information, visit ri.gov.

Vermont

On New Year's Day, a variety of free, guided, family-friendly First Day hikes will be taking place at state parks and forests across Vermont. Entry to Vermont's state parks is free on New Year’s Day and all winter long.

State Park First Day Hikes

Button Bay State Park, Ferrisburgh VT

Barnes Camp, Stowe, VT

Holbrook State Park, Sheffield, VT

Gifford Woods State Park, Killington, VT

First Day Hikes Resources

America's State Parks - First Day Hikes

American Hiking Society - First Day Hikes

Wildlife in New England

Moose | credit: USFWS

Some of North America's most iconic wildlife can be found in the New England Region.

Its mountains and forests are inhabited by black bear, moose, deer, beaver, marten, weasels, rabbits, hares, foxes, bobcat, lynx, eagles, hawks, owls, turkey, grouse, songbirds, and others.

Along the coast and out at sea, there are whales, porpoises, seals, sea turtles, waterfowl, sea birds, and other marine life.

Maine

With an abundance of sparsely populated woodlands and miles of rugged coasts, Maine is one of the best states for wildlife watching.

The moose is the largest of Maine's land animals and one of its most popular wildlife attractions. Other mammals seen in backwoods Maine include white-tailed deer, black bear, red fox, bobcats, beaver, and others. Maine is one of the few U.S. states where Canada lynx and American marten can be seen in the wild.

Winding through wilderness areas, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers miles of areas for wildlife watching. In the Highlands Region, Moosehead Lake is a popular destination for wildlife watching and other recreational activities.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is known for its rugged mountains and extensive woodlands, where human populations are not a major stress on wildlife. While exploring the state's wild areas, visitors may encounter moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, red fox, bobcats, and others.

Vermont

Spruce Grouse | credit: USFWS

Vermont is home to a variety of wildlife. Many species can be observed along the state's designated byways as they wind through mountains, valleys, forests, farmland, and other habitats.

Vermont's extensive forests are home to an array of birds. Woodland birdwatchers encounter ruffed grouse, American woodcock, gray jay, woodpeckers, chickadees, thrushes, flycatchers, numerous warblers, hawks, wood ducks, cedar waxwings, pine siskin, and other forest-dwelling birds.

Northern Vermont is one of the few places in the USA where birdwatchers may encounter spruce grouse. Northern Vermont is also a good area to encounter mammals such as snowshoe hare, beaver, American marten, red fox, gray fox, eastern bobcat,and others.

In Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, bogs and wetlands are prime areas for moose watching. Moose are spotted at West Mountain, Wenlock WMA, Victory Basin WMA, Conte National Wildlife Refuge, and Victory State Forest.

In southwestern and central Vermont, the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) is a popular area for wildlife watching. The forest is known for its moose and black bear, as well as smaller species of wildlife.

Massachusetts

Seals at Nantucket beach | credit: USFWS

Massachusetts is famous for its coastal habitats where enthusiasts may encounter marine mammals.

Cape Cod, one of the state's most popular areas, is known for its seals.

Off the coast, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard provide unique habitats for marine mammals, sea birds, and other wildlife.

In western Massachusetts, the Berkshire Mountains region is popular for wildlife watching and other outdoor recreation.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has a wealth of natural resources including 400 miles of coastline, state parks, trails, and other areas where wildlife can be enjoyed.

Birdwatchers will find year round opportunities in Rhode Island. During the spring and fall migrations, the state is visited by a wide range of birds. In summer, resident birds are jointed by breeding populations of ospreys, shorebirds, and others. In winter, Rhode Island is visited by ducks, geese, bald eagles, hawks, falcons, and others.

Connecticut

Connecticut has a variety of wildlife watching areas such as the Litchfield Hills, Connecticut River Valley, Eastern Highlands, and Long Island Sound.

Hikers and wildlife watchers are sometimes surprised by a black bear encounter. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut.

In the mountains, forests and backwoods of Connecticut, nature enthusiasts may also see white-tailed deer and a variety of smaller mammals.

Along the coast, seals, porpoises, whales, waterfowl, and marine birds are sometimes spotted.

Species of Concern

The New England cottontail lives in parts of New England and New York. Over the last 50 years, New England cottontail populations have declined sharply.

Loss of habitat is cited as a major factor in the decline of New England cottontails. Development has taken much land once inhabited by cottontails and other wildlife.

Currently, New England cottontails occupy less than 1/ 5th of their historical range. These unique rabbits are found in southern Maine, southern New Hampshire, and parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York east of the Hudson River.

For more information about New England cottontails, visit newenglandcottontail.org.

Related Information

Posts labeled wildlife

New Hampshire Rabbit Reports

Where is New England?

Mayflower Voyage - Plymouth Colony 400th Anniversary

Mayflower Replica Attribution:

User: Stilfehler at wikivoyage shared [CC BY-SA 3.0]

Massachusetts will host a series of events in 2020 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of two historic events that helped shape the United States of America; the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony.

Selected by the state’s Plymouth 400 Commission, the events will highlight the historical significance of the English Pilgrims who landed in Plymouth in 1620, and interactions with the Native American Wampanoag people.

The series of 400th anniversary events will showcase Massachusetts’ vibrant culture, cuisine, history and natural beauty.


400th anniversary activities for 2020 include:

• official Plymouth 400 opening ceremony in Plymouth


• the sailing of the Mayflower to Boston, Provincetown and Plymouth


• a maritime festival hosted by Mayflower Sails 2020 in Boston Harbor alongside the USS Constitution and Mayflower


• a homecoming festival in Plymouth with visiting ships and maritime activities


• Wampanoag Ancestors Walk, led by the Wampanoag tribes of Massachusetts


• Official State House Salute to the 400th Anniversary


• Embarkation Festival


• Indigenous History Conference and Powwow


• Illuminate Thanksgiving 2020


• a moving exhibit entitled “Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History", is traveling around Massachusetts and New England in 2020


• the United Kingdom and The Netherlands are also participating by sending official delegations to Massachusetts

In preparation for 400th anniversary celebrations, the Plimoth Plantation has completed a three-year, $11.2 million restoration of the historic wooden sailing ship Mayflower.

For information about visiting Massachusetts, go to massvacation.com.

sources: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, plymouth400inc.org, Plimoth Plantation

Boston Christmas Tree - A Gift in Rememberance of the Halifax Explosion

The City of Boston's annual holiday display includes the official Christmas tree from Nova Scotia and trees throughout Boston Common.

The 60-year-old white spruce tree is a thank you to Boston for its support following the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Every year, Nova Scotians and Bostonians celebrate the lighting of the Nova Scotia tree gifted to Boston.

Nova Scotia's Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine was among a delegation of Canadians that visited Boston to witness the 2019 tree lighting ceremony on the Boston Common.

"This special tree is for the generosity shown to us after the Halifax Explosion and I am honoured to witness it light up the City of Boston," said Mr. Glavine.

This is the 48th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor.

Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia.

sources: City of Boston, Province of Nova Scotia

Iconic New England Local Foods

Lobsters

Ask anyone about life in New England and most likely, the conversation will include local foods. From Maine lobsters to Vermont maple syrup, each state has its own list of iconic local foods.

Maine

Maine is most of all, famous for its lobsters. Maine is the number one producer of wild caught lobsters in the U.S. Maine is also known for its bay scallops, sea scallops, mussels, oysters, fish, and other delicacies.

In addition to its seafood, Maine is known for its wild blueberries which are made into pies, jams, and other foods. Not to be forgotten are Maine potatoes and other cool climate vegetables.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a wealth of foods. Like Maine, Massachusetts is known for its seafood. American lobsters are abundant although not comparable to Maine. A lesser known crustacean, the Jonah crab is caught together with lobsters. From the Atlantic, fishermen harvest Atlantic sea scallops, sea clams, fish, and other foods.

Vermont

Vermont is the nation's number one producer of maple syrup. Vermont is famous for its sugar maples, the source of high quality syrup. In addition maple syrup, Vermont producers offer a variety of local foods including cheese, honey, and others.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire's most valuable agricultural product is maple syrup. New Hampshire farms also produce milk and other products. Along the coast, fishermen land a variety of seafood while aquaculturists produce oysters, clams, and other foods.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is another state that is known for its abundant seafood. Quahog clams are the state shellfish. Squid is one of the state's most valuable fisheries.

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of several New England states with vinticulture. Connecticut's Wine Trail includes over 40 vineyards and wineries. Connecticut farms also produce beef, poultry, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, honey, and other foods.

UMass Boston Senior Economic Security Research

Massachusetts leads the nation with the highest level of elder economic insecurity for older adults living alone, according to a recent UMass Boston study.

The research suggests that economic insecurity is a problem throughout New England and in much of the U.S. Massachusetts,Vermont Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire were among the 10 states with high rates of economic insecurity.

Seven of the top 10 states in that economic insecurity category, including New York and New Jersey, were located in the Northeast.

Researchers tracking the economic security of America’s older adults have found that half who live alone and nearly a quarter of those living in two-person households where both are age 65 or older are unable to afford basic necessities without extra assistance.

The 2019 Elder Index^TM and a companion report, Insecurity in the States 2019, calculates the elder economic “insecurity rate” both nationally and on a state-by-state basis.

The new index data and report were produced by the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston’s McCormack Graduate School.

The index estimates the cost to adults age 65 and older for basics such as food, housing, health care and transportation in every county in the United States. Researchers match income data with the index results to determine state and national rates of elder economic insecurity.

On average across the country, 18.2 percent of older adults living alone have income below the Federal Poverty Level. Another 32.1 percent live “in the gap,” with income that exceeds the poverty line but falls short of covering their actual cost of living.

Key findings in the Insecurity in the States 2019 report include:

• National averages suggest 50 percent of older adults living alone and 23 percent of elder couples have annual incomes below the Elder Index.


• Nationwide, 32 percent of single elders and 18 percent of elder couples fall into the gap between the Federal Poverty Level and the income required for realistic economic security.


• At least 40 percent of adults age 65 or older in every state are at risk of being unable to afford basic needs and age in their own homes.


• More than half of older adults living below the Elder Index rely on Social Security for at least 90 percent of their incomes.

The elder index calculated a realistic national average annual cost of living of $25,416 for renting elder singles and $36,204 for older couples who rent. The 2019 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states are $12,490 per year for singles and $16,910 annually for couples.

Looking to individual states, the percentage of single older adults living below Federal Poverty Level ranged from 12.8 percent in New Hampshire to 25.8 percent in Mississippi.

The percentage of older adults living alone “in the gap” ranged from 41.1 percent in Nevada to 61.1 percent in Massachusetts.

Complete state rankings and other details are available in the Insecurity in the States 2019 report.

The Elder Index is a free online resource available for anyone to look up customized information about the cost of elder living in any county, state or the country. Its redesigned website can be found at a new location, www.elderindex.org.

The Gerontology Institute conducts research and policy analysis in the field of aging, and offers lifelong learning and pension protection services to older adults. The institute’s priorities include income security, long-term service and supports, healthy aging, age-friendly communities and social and demographic research on aging.

Recognized for innovative research, the University of Massachusetts Boston serves 16,000 students while engaging local and global constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service. To learn more, visit www.umb.edu

New England Slang, Nicknames, and Acronyms

This article includes a few examples of slang, nicknames, acronyms, and local terms that are sometimes used in New England.

Slang - Nicknames

apizza - pizza

blinks - turn signal

brum - broom

bubbler - water fountain

bug - small lobster

camp (up camp) - a summer home, ski house or hunting lodge

cabinet - milk, flavored syrup, and ice cream

carriage - shopping cart

Cape Codder - a permanent resident of Cape Cod

chowderhead - stupid person

creemee - soft-serve ice cream in a cone. Vermonters are especially fond of maple creemees

cunnin - cute, adorable

door yard - front yard or yard nearest the main door of the house

down cellar - go down into the basement

Downeast - Maine coast from Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border. The term originates from sailing down wind, not down geographically

dungarees - denim pants

elastic - rubber band

fluffchucker - fly fisherman

frappe - milkshake

flatlander - city dweller, urban person

from away - tourist

frost heave - bulged road surface, caused by freezing

grinder - submarine sandwich

horsehead - gray seal

leafpeeper, leafer - out of state visitors who have come to enjoy the foliage

lobstah - American lobster (singular, plural)

Mainer - a native of Maine

mud season - early spring, sometimes known as "the fifth season"

nutmegger - a resident of Connecticut

packie - package store, liquor store

pissa - good

P-town - Provincetown, MA

quill pig - porcupine

regular coffee - with cream and sugar

rotary - traffic circle, roundabout

rubbish - trash

scrod - firm, white fish, usually cod, halibut, haddock, or pollock

scooch - squat, crouch
 
skishing - saltwater shorefishing where the angler wears a buoyant wetsuit and swims or wades out from shore to fish (primarily for striped bass in New England)

Southie - resident of South Boston

steamers - soft shell clams

(all) stoved up - bent

stuffie - quahog clam stuffed with cracker or bread crumbs and seasonings

sugarbush - sugar maple tree (source of maple syrup)

tag sale - yard sale, garage sale

the Cape - Cape Cod

the Sound - Long Island Sound

the T - the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston subway

the Vineyard - Martha's Vineyard

noreaster (nor'easter) - a powerful storm with winds blowing from the northeast

u-ey - u turn

wicked - extraordinary, very

woodchuck - old timer from Vermont

Yankee - resident of New England

Acronyms

The region's state acronyms are well known; ME, MA, VT, NH, CT, and RI. The following list includes a few lesser known acronyms relating to New England:

ACK - Nantucket
AT - Appalachian Trail
BI - Block Island
BOS - Boston
CC - Cape Cod
GMNF - Green Mountain National Forest
GOM - Gulf of Maine
LIS - Long Island Sound
NEK - Northeast Kingdom (Vermont)
NET - New England National Scenic Trail
MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MWObs - Mount Washington Observatory
MV - Martha's Vineyard
SNE - Southern New England
URI - University of Rhode Island
WHOI - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
WMNF - White Mountain National Forest

Other Terms

401 -  area code for Rhode Island
802 - area code for Vermont. The letters are popular on t shirts and other apparel, most often followed by a Vermont shaped icon.


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New England Facts

New England Facts

This article includes a variety of facts, statistics, and trivia about New England.

The New England region consists of six U.S. states:  Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820. Maine is the largest New England state, Rhode Island is the smallest. Massachusetts has the highest population, while Vermont has the least residents.

New England is bordered by the U.S. state of New York. and Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.

Several deep-draft commercial ports are located in New England including Boston, New Bedford, and Fall River, MA; Tiverton and Providence, RI; New London and Bridgeport, CT.

The Port of Boston is the busiest in New England. More than one million tons of cargo passes through the Port each year. The Port of Providence is New England's second biggest deep water port.

Portland Head Lighthouse Maine | credit: USCG

New England's maritime coast includes the North Atlantic Ocean, numerous estuaries, other natural resources.

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is located about 130 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. The area is the first and only marine national monument located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Major New England estuaries include the Gulf of Maine, Buzzard's Bay, Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts Bay, Nantucket Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Long Island Sound.

Important rivers of New England include the Saint John, St. Croix, Penobscot, Kennebec, Charles, Merrimack, Salmon, Sakonnet, Providence, Mystic, and Connecticut.

Located in New England are several world-famous islands including Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island.

Nantucket Barrier Beach and Wildlife Refuge is designated as a National Natural Landmark.

Off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island Wind Farm holds the distinction of being the first commercial offshore wind farm in the USA.

Rhode Island is one of the few states where public access to shorelines is granted by its constitution. In 2023, legislation clarified the law, setting the access line at six feet landward from the recognizable high tide line, also known as the 'wrack line'.

Boston Light is the oldest U.S. lighthouse station. Originally built in 1716, the lighthouse became a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The lighthouse is still an active aid-to-navigation. 

Located in the Maine Highlands Region, Moosehead Lake is the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. The lake is the source of the Kennebec River.

Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest body of fresh water in the United States, separates Vermont from New York.

The New England Region is known for its natural beauty, especially its geography. Many of the largest ski mountains on the East Coast are located in New England.

In New Hampshire, Mount Monadnock is one of the most climbed mountains in the USA. With an elevation of 6,288.2 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.

Touted as "Home of the World's Worst Weather", the Mount Washington Observatory (MWObs) is located on the summit of Mount Washington.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail, begins in Georgia and ends in Maine.

The New England National Scenic Trail (NET) is a 215-mile hiking trail route. The NET travels through 41 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The time in New England is equal to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) minus 5 hours. For Daylight saving time, clocks are advanced 1 hour on the second Sunday of March and are set back to standard time on the first Sunday of November.

Two of the most recognizable styles of American architecture originated in New England; Cape Cod and Saltbox. Both types of homes are common in New England.

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Where is New England?

This article provides a brief overview of New England USA. One of North America's oldest and most beloved regions, the area known as New England consists of six U.S. states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

New England is bordered by the state of New York to the west and The Atlantic Ocean on its eastern shoreline. To the north are the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.

New England has strong ties with surrounding regions. To the south is the Mid Atlantic Region. Just across the border is Maritime Canada.

Neighboring regions are important for commerce while sharing cultural influences and other assets.

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