Last night was quite a sight -- not just that of the full Pink Moon rising, but the gathering of many photographers who came to capture it as it rose over The Pink House. Spirits were high as person after person arrived to find their spot and get settled before the first sliver could be seen on the misty horizon. 

Some came from as far away as Connecticut (7 hours roundtrip said one couple), others from as close as Plum Island. Still others were able to join in from places as far flung as California, Arizona, Michigan and Rhode Island among others, thanks to the ability to go Live on both the Support The Pink House Facebook and Instagram pages. 

There will be so many photos from last night showing up all around social media so keep an eye out! We also expect to see them in homes and New England shops and art galleries as well as contributing to notable area fundraisers like Greenbelt's Art in the Barn and our Anna Jacques hospital. The Pink House is integral to the community in so many ways. 

Huge thanks to Bob Lobsters' new owner, who gave his blessing to use the parking lot. When Bob lobster opens, will all be there to return the support!  We saw 8-10 cars parked just a hop down the road at the Essex County Greenbelt's viewing area as well. Can't wait to see some of the shots they got from that angle.  

Excitement began to mount as the word spread this week but I had no idea who would join me. It was truly wonderful to share so much good will and camaraderie. It was pretty chilly, with a healthy wind, but I can safely say all who participated left with warm hearts. 

Many expressed their desire to keep the iconic landmark standing for many decades to come, to inspire and to continue as a touchstone for making life long memories.  

Support The Pink House submitted 5 new parcels of land to the US Fish and Wildlife Service decision makers on April 1, 2023 through their legal team. Our legal representation went to the Department of the Interior Solicitor seeking a meeting with Wendi Webber, Steve Kahan and others who may not fully realize what was happening here. 

This came just a few days after Refuge Manager Matt Hillman announced via Press Release that they had finalized their Environmental Assessment to Remove The Pink House, even though 78% of their 398  commenters said they wanted the house saved. FWS had worked with several local land owners in Newbury, some abutting the refuge.

Today, STPH is submitting 5 new land options found in Newbury/Rowley alone, proof that all options have not been exhausted, as FWS claimed.  Added to the land we found as mentioned in our February 8th Update, 

 Land swap is not the only way to succeed.  Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman Moulton have the power to free the house/acre through other means, and when asked, have not communicated what has been done to pursue those. They remain unresponsive to this large outcry from not just their constituents, but from area leaders and organizations such as the Tourist Bureau, The Essex National Heritage, the Greater Newburyport Chamber, Senator Bruce Tarr, Mayor Reardon, Rep. Kristin Kassner, and the governing bodies of Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury, among others.
“There are still alternative options to make this work for Fish and Wildlife, the people and the elected officials,” says Jeff Ackley, a Support The Pink House Board member. “We will not stop working on solutions and appealing to Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman Moulton to help their constituents and Fish and Wildlife succeed with this highly visible community project. It’s an opportunity for them to be champions of what should be a very positive outcome.” 

Concerned and committed Pink House supporters streamed through the doors of PITA Hall on Plum Island last night. The crowd was eager to hear the significant new developments Support the Pink House (STPH) accomplished in the effort to save The Pink House in it's setting, while helping the US fish and wildlife service FWS achieve their mission of getting far more beneficial land.

STPH President Rochelle Joseph said, "New things happen daily that shift the picture, and we are following every last option.

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Attendees were happy to learn that STPH's board and volunteers have continued to work full steam, despite that Refuge Manager Matt Hillman refused repeated requests for more time before he released the final Environmental Assessment to Remove the Pink House. 
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STPH announced that just days after, they had found and submitted 5 new parcels of land, 4 in Newbury, 1 in Rowley, all offering different advantages to FWS, if FWS wanted to make the trade work. They introduced attorney Nick Anastasi who has joined the efforts, along with wetland Attorney Jeff Roleofs. On April 1, Nick submitted these lands to higher decision makers within FWS requesting a meeting to discuss ways this can work, based on the waste of taxpayer monies to now demolish the house, and create, monitor and maintain a fenced in sitting area, when the FWS should instead benefit from acquiring many acres of new lands.

"The community had a great deal of passionate support and determination in solidarity with us to not give up the mission of saving and restoring the Pink House, " Founder and Board member Alison Odle said. ​"At times outrage was expressed at how difficult FWS has made this process, and meeting attendees were eager to share ideas and strategies on how to keep fighting to keep the house standing where it is."

One gentleman offered that he rallied against FWS shutting down the 45 year old tradition of the surfcasting lottery, leaving many fishermen in the region as unhappy as the bird watching community, who heavily reacted to a similar 30 day public comment period FWS held in October regarding filling in fresh water bird habitats as part of a new habitat management plan. In each case, FWS's response to the people are that their voices have "No Significant Impact" on FWS's intended plans to the contrary.  

Another resident stood to read a section from the FWS website on historic preservation, similar to Eric Rosenthal's statement read at Senator Bruce Tarr's November 20th (2023) Public meeting on the topic which was met with thunderous applause. "At many National Wildlife Refuges, you can also see evocative pieces of America's past, including fossils, buildings, museum objects and archaeological remains." They have over 5000 buildings, nearly half of which are not Nationally Registered - to debunk an often cited excuse FWS has used to justify demolishing The Pink House - a clearly proven cultural asset in their portfolio. If FWS kept it under that program, while FWS should fund it, STPH has repeatedly offered to raise money through the Friends of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to cover restoration, or supply donated workers and materials to help. FWS has consistently declined, even when Senator Tarr lobbied for the option.  This was part of their former Buildings Matter program which STPH brought to Congressman Moulton's attention in 2019, asking his office for help to ask why FWS should not keep The Pink House. Congressman Moulton's letter went up to the Dept of the Interior for an answer back - which was essentially a no - and shortly after, the Buildings Matter pages were no longer on their website. 

The crowd ended the meeting with applause and thanks - and several vigorous request that STPH not give up. “Public outcry has only grown, says Joseph, "and that’s why we keep using every minute, 7 days a week, working on the public’s behalf to fulfill the mission that was born from the public's value of The Pink House."  But STPH told the group that the power the people, so encouraged all to join in to help through a variety of ways. Handouts with action items were left on each chair, some of which can also be found on our STOP THE DEMO page as well as in earlier blog posts right here in the NEWS section. 

Some asked for meetings to be more frequent. STPH used to hold monthly meetings and are considering a virtual option for the next one. Stay tuned to our social media (Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter) for when that may be scheduled.

Odle said, "The public is at the heart of our mission, and they continue to inspire our determination to save the Pink House for them, and for our future." 

If you head in to Olives Coffee and Bakehouse you'll not only get some of the best coffee and baked goods in town, you'll be treated to an exhibit of Pink House art, all done by local children!  

There are so many, and more being added all the time. The pride and delighted smiles on the kids faces show how integral this house is to the community!

Please stop in and tell owner Debra Ball and her wonderful staff how much you appreciate them for doing this. It's no surprise they were awarded Newburyport's first Community Service Award by Mayor Reardon.

Take home a bakery bag of their mouthwatering baked goods to enjoy... or make someone's day and bring them some of their freshly made treats! Or both!

Located at 341 High Street, in Newburyport, their sign and white building can't be missed (and there is a Pink House decal right on their front window!) Bonus: There's parking in the back and a nice bench out front to sip their piping hot coffee and watch the daffodils bloom.   

THANK YOU