Small World

The calm before all the reporting of the Block Party etc. I got a photo by email from a friend in Woods Hole of the Striper he caught before he went back to work. 32 lbs, 4 oz. A monster. When I got the email I went over to Maritime Traffic to see where his ship currently was. Since I have the New York Tug boat “Lincoln Sea” in “my ships” I could quickly see that he was coming out of Portland heading south. His northward trip turned at Thacher Island only two miles out so I emailed back to take a photo of the twin lights as he went by heading south. He’s now anchored off the Statue of Liberty but he sent me this:

Not the usual shot of the lights this time with the north light on the right. We were kayaking this morning off Straitsmouth for another view of Thacher but I couldn’t chance pulling the camera out.

Don’t Overlook Me! I’m Pineapple Weed!

Pineapple Weed

Pineapple Weed Photo

You’ve probably walked over hardy pineapple-weed (Matricaria discoidea) often enough if you’ve walked at the boulevard, and never noticed it. An annual herb, this miniature plant with fern-like leaves thrives with full sun in roadside gravel or the disturbed, compacted earth along sidewalks.

When crushed the leaf or flower emits a scent of pineapple or chamomile, it’s cousin, though it’s funny green head lacks the pretty petals of chamomile.

It’s uses include:

  • When bruised, it can be rubbed on skin to repel insects.
  • Edible in salads, though it becomes somewhat bitter after blooming.
  • Herbal tea, similar to chamomile, serves as a gastrointestinal aid for stomach upsets, gas, vermifuge, and irregularity.
  • Seeds used as a salve for infected sores.
  • Decoction for fever.
  • Used to treat children’s colds and colic.
  • Medicinally for postpartum anemia and to promote lactation.
  • Can be used for muscle spasm and as a sleep aid.

Some caution is advisable as some individuals are allergic to this plant.

Native to northwestern North American but found in northeastern America, northeast Asia, and Europe. A ruderal species.

Essex Youth Triathlon

Hi Joey!

I am coordinating the volunteers and press for the Essex Youth Triathlon, August 7th. It is a great event to promote healthy, happy kiddies in our communities! We need lots of help the day of and leading up to the event. Below is a little info!
“Just Tri!” Essex Youth Triathlon
Sponsored by the Essex Board of Health
Centennial Grove, Essex; August 7th 2010, 9:30 AM
The Essex Board of Health is holding our second annual Essex Youth Triathlon on Sat. August 7th; targeting youth of all abilities ages 5-15 on the North Shore & Cape Ann, but open to all. The goal of the Board of Health is to encourage activity & healthy habits in our youth that they can take with them into a healthy adulthood. Last year we had over 120 participate & complete the race. This year, we are planning for 200 – 250.

We are seeking volunteers and donations to assist in planning and day-of-race activity. To register your child, volunteer or donate please go to www.essexma.org or contact the Essex Board of Health at (978) 768-7614boh@essexma.org

Here is the link to the youth ti page on the Essex town site: http://www.essexma.org/Pages/EssexMA_Health/Youth%20Triathlon%202010

Thank you so much!

Jade Langley

Animal Krackers Rockport Grand Opening

Animal Krackers opened their second location in Rockport this week. It is at 18 Railroad Ave. across from Dunkin Donuts. They have their own parking lot too. It’s a beautiful store, carrying some new items that aren’t at the Gloucester store.

The Grand Opening is on Sunday. They will be giving out free snacks and a free Dog or Cat toy!

Rockport Hours are:
Closed on Monday
Tuesday thru Saturday
10am-6pm
Open Sundays!
11am-4pm

Stacy and Dozer are managing the new Rockport store

They now have their own line of treats

Today- A Ridiculous Number of Events In Gloucester

It’s an Embarrassment of Cultural Riches In Gloucester Today

This Morning The Pancake Breakfast at 8:00AM followed by the International Dory Races At The Head of The Harbor or Viewed from The State Fish Pier.

Cape Ann Artisan Tour All Day

Pirate Faire At Stage Fort Park

A Train Orchestra At Amy’s Coffee And Cones Deck from 4-8

Downtown Gloucester Block Party- Not To Be Missed 6PM-

What Events Do You Plan To Attend?

Saint Peter’s Fiesta Schedule of Events

Click Picture For Slide Show Of Fiesta’s Past

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It’s the very best time of the year and NO ONE Will Cover It Like Good Morning Gloucester

From The Saint Peter’s Fiesta Website

ST. PETER’S FIESTA 2010
NOVENA JUNE 14 THRU JUNE 22

( ** denotes new staring time for this event)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23
7:00 p.m.-10:00p.m.—– **MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
at St. Peter’s Park
“FOREVER LEGENDS” featuring “Sinatra and Friends”
THURSDAY, JUNE 24
6:00 p.m. FIESTA FIVE ROAD RACE – with Cape Ann YMCA – starting at St. Peter’s Square
8:00-12:00 Youth Block Dance / D.J, Sam Santuccio
FRIDAY, JUNE 25
4:45 p.m. GREASY POLE CONTEST and
WOMEN’S SEINE BOAT RACES
6:30 p.m. ENTERTAINMENT – Prior to Opening Ceremony
7:30 p.m. **FORMAL OPENING– St. Peter’s Square
Program immediately following until Midnight
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT —“SEABREEZE”

SATURDAY, JUNE 26
9:30 a.m. YOUTH AND ADULT SOCCER GAMES –
Newell Stadium
10:a.m. Military Seine Boat Race- USCG vs.
US Navy- Pavilion Beach
Gloucester Fire Dept. vs. Gloucester Police Dept. Race
2:30 pm ——-**CHAMIONSHIP SERIES-
YOUTH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT at Fort Playground
(Rain date—Sunday June 28)
3:00 p.m. CHILDREN’S GAMES – at Beach Court
4:45 p.m. SPORTS EVENTS – at Pavilion Beach
Seine Boat Races and Greasy Pole Contest

6:00pm – 12:00AM MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT –
St. Peter’s Square –
Jimmy Geany Entertainers, featuring
Vocalist Angela Rossi
SUNDAY, June 27
10:00 a.m. CELEBRATION OF MASS OF ST. PETER, at – – – St.Peter’s Park
12:00 noon PROCESSION FOLLOWING THE CELEBRATION OF MASS
3:00 p.m. BLESSING OF THE FLEET- at Stacy Boulevard –
3:00 pm Concert, United States Navy Band Northeast, St.Peter’s Park
4:45 p.m. SPORTS EVENTS – at Pavilion Beach – SEINE BOAT RACES and GREASY POLE CONTEST.
6:00 PM CONCERT ST. ALFIO’S BAND,(1 HOUR) ST. PETER’S PARK
6:30 p.m. CHILDREN’S PINATA CONTEST – at Pascucci Court

7:30-PM ——**AWARDS CEREMONY. for winners of Sporting Events.

8:30 pm MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT — St. Peter’s Park
Jimmy Geany Entertainers, featuring
Vocalist Angela Rossi
10:00 p.m. FIREWORKS DISPLAY (weather permitting)
ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUED-
11:00 p.m. Raffle drawing and Closing Procession

MANY THANKS FOR YOUR DONATIONS OFFERED AT
ST. PETER’S ALTAR VIVA SAN PIETRO.

Women’s Seine Boat Practice- A Week From Today We’ll Be On Pavillion Beach! Viva San Pietro!

For More Information About The Saint Peter’s Fiesta Check Out The St Peter’s Fiesta Website

Click The Pictures For The Full Sized Versions

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Maritime Heritage Center Season Underway

It was a beautiful evening at Harbor Loop as The Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center kicked off the 2010 season with a party for members and friends.  Guests from throughout Cape Ann enjoyed a light supper and the extraordinary music of the A TRAIN ORCHESTRA.

For more information about the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center visit http://www.gloucestermaritimecenter.org/