A MESSAGE FROM THE FIREWORKS COMMITTEE:

A MESSAGE FROM THE FIREWORKS COMMITTEE:

beth swan photo

The Fireworks committee hopes everyone has a happy and safe holiday! There are some changes and additions to this year’s display that we want everyone to be aware of:

First, the display will start at 9:30pm, not 10:00pm as in previous years.

Second, the display will be preceded by a laser light show as part of the concert on the boulevard prior to the show after the Horribles parade has past that area.

Third, the fireworks display will begin with a two minute tribute to Gloucester Police Officer Steve Amaral who recently passed away; Steve was always on the Police boat helping secure our safety perimeter for many years and he truly loved the fireworks, especially the low special effects (hint hint)!

Toby – Pet of the Week

toby

I’m Toby, I arrived at the Cape Ann Animal Aid (CAAA) as a young kitten with an upper respiratory infection that caused one of my eyes to be injured beyond repair and it had to be removed. I was placed in foster care, have had my surgery and

I am a healthy, well adjusted six-month-old boy kitten.  Did you hear about the CAAA’s 1st Annual Golf Tournament ?  It will be held on Mon., Oct. 17. Scramble/12:30 p.m., shotgun start and registration begins at 11: am at Bass Rocks Golf Club. Fee: $160. per golfer includes greens fee, cart, prizes and dinner catered by Timothy S. Hopkins!  For more information, please e-mail golf@CapeAnnAnimalAid.com

Don’t forget to come visit me at the shelter at 260 Main Street in Gloucester .

I won’t be at the Tournament, I don’t know how to golf!

Did You Know? (Mug Up and Monkey Bread)

That tomorrow is Sunday, and therefore Mug Up morning at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery at 10:00 am.  Come on by before you begin your horribles parading and fireworks oooing and aaaing.  Rumor has it that Paul Morrison is bringing fresh baked monkey bread from Lattof Farm, and new Madfish Wharf artist, Gigi Mederos, is bring scones.  I’ll be making deviled eggs again, and of course, coffee.  Everyone is welcome.  Just don’t tell Ed Collard about the monkey bread.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

GMG Gallery Mug Up Sunday with Lattof Farm Monkey Bread

I should be able to get the first Monkey Bread out of the oven at 10:AM at Lattof Farms of Rockport on Sunday. Then it will be brought to the GMG Gallery on Madfish Pier for the Mug Up. This is good. If I bring it home most of it ends up being stuffed in my pie hole. A real setback for my Blackburn Challenge training. I have to show more self-control​ in crowds.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10AM throughout the summer the Monkey Bread is on the shelf. (As you drive into Rockport, instead of turning right into the Info booth Lattof is just ahead to your left.) But don’t dawdle. The opening day Monkey Bread yesterday lasted one hour and twenty minutes. Saddest words I ever heard, “no more Monkey Bread”.

Edit: it seems that both EJ and I set up our posts hours in advance and we both had monkey bread on our minds. Can’t have too much monkey bread. I’ve tried. One thing I will do is change my photo to what it will actually look like tomorrow when I get the monkey bread to the Mug Up. I can’t drive it all the way over there without yanking out a piece.

Happy 90th Eleanor!

Happy 90th Eleanor!

Eleanor Fisher

Eleanor Fisher (L) and Judi Harris, both of Rockport and members of the Cove Circle celebrate their birthdays together with other members of the Cove Circle.   Eleanor tuned 90 years old on June 24, while Judi has a while to go to catch up to Eleanor.

The Cove Circle is a non-profit civic organization made up of men and woman throughout Cape Ann.  The group conducts fund-raising events and through their hall rental, provide scholarships and assist in other worthy events on Cape Ann.  Those wishing to learn more about the Cove Circle are invited to attend one of their pot luck dinners held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at Six Breakwater Avenue in Rockport.

Carlos Castaneda Quote of The Week From Greg Bover

“Self-importance is our greatest enemy. What weakens us is feeling offended by the deeds and misdeeds of our fellowmen. Our self-importance requires that we spend most of our lives offended by someone.”

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Carlos Castaneda  (1925-1998)
Peruvian-born anthropologist Castaneda wrote the highly controversial The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui way of Knowledge, and subsequent books, held by some to be a study of sorcery and shamanism and by others to be fiction. His insights into human nature and his affect on the thinking of the hippie generation is harder to dispute. He founded the Tensegrity movement to further teachings he attributed to centuries of Toltec warriors.

Greg Bover

In the Harbor

 

In The Harbor June 26, 2011

The Tug Volans

from; Tugboatinformation.com

Built in 1980, by Main Iron Works of Houma, Louisiana (hull #353) as the David Foss for Foss Maritime.

In 2006, Foss Maritime acquired Constellation Maritime of Boston, Massachusetts and the David Foss was transferred to operations in Boston where she was renamed as the Volans.

Powered by two Caterpillar D-398 diesel engines with Caterpillar 7261 reduction gears at a ratio of 4.61:1 turning via 7(in) by 21(in) 10.5(in) shafts, two Coolidge four bladed 76(in) by 76(in) fixed pitch propellers for a rated 2,379 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two 50 Kw generators driven by two GM Detroit 4-71 engines that are skin cooled and are fitted with a PTO and hydraulic pump. The tug’s capacities are 25,583 gallons of fuel oil, 395 gallons of lube oil, 453 gallons of hydraulic oil, and 3,283 gallons of water.

 

 

Testing out new blog themes

 

I’ve been looking for a collage type theme. Let me know what you think about this one. I’m not sure I like the dates on the collage.  Check out the photos of the Orchard St. Fiesta!        http://slowephoto.com/     Thanks!   —Sharon

Heather McCoy Takes Some Pictures of An Electric Torpedo Ray On Cambridge Beach In Annisquam

Heather writes-

Hey Joey,

I found this on Cambridge Beach in Annisquam a few days ago.  I was told it was an electric torpedo ray, I had never heard of them before.  I was wondering if you had ever come across one while lobstering?

Heather

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That’s a funky ass ray H!

I’m not a lobsterman, I’m a lobster dealer and no, I’ve never seen one like that before!

USS Constitution– Gloucester 1931-07

Adam Gaffin, The legendary blogger behind Boston’s most influential online news source- Universal Hub forwarded the link to this picture to me-

Here is the info behind the photo-

USS Constitution – Gloucester

File name: 08_06_007749

Title: USS Constitution – Gloucester

Creator/Contributor: Jones, Leslie, 1886-1967 (photographer)
Date created: 1931-07

Physical description: 1 negative : glass, black & white ; 4 x 5 in.

Genre: Glass negatives

Subjects: Constitution (Frigate); Sailing ships; Public sculpture
Notes: Title and date from information provided by Leslie Jones or the Boston Public Library on the negative or negative sleeve.

Collection: Leslie Jones Collection

Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department

Rights: Copyright © Leslie Jones.

Preferred citation: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

July 1, 2011: Rockport Officially Open!

Rockport has stuff going on 365 days of the year. It’s not like they roll up the sidewalks in the winter. But the official demarcation into the true summer season is the opening of the Rockport Information Booth. Don’t tell me you’ve lived here your entire life and never stopped in.

Here, Peter Webber is performing the premier, annual, first rights of summer, by hanging Mister and Misses Bathroom sign by the entrance to the Information Booth. Now, and throughout the summer, the booth will be fully manned with experts in all things Rockport, (and all of Cape Ann). And if you have a question about gender, make sure to turn right in Rockport. OK, I know I ask this every year but am I the only one who thinks that when they see this sign when entering Rockport?

The other reason to stop is to admire the flowers planted by Nan Blue at the base of the sign. She has placed a multiplicity of plantings which are timed to flower throughout the summer finishing off with Montauk Daisy (my favorite.)

GMG Float To Feature Local Soundtrack For 2011 Horribles Parade- I Want To See All My Homies Shaking Their Tail Feathers!

 

Sista Felicia continues her assault on the budget and promises and over-the-top float this year!  It better be, she keeps coming back to me to hit up the wallet.

Title Sponsor Peter Van Ness Writes-

You asked for it.  You got it.  Music.  The best independent music north of Boston will be blasting from the GMG Float on July 3 thanks to Will Hunt (Celebrate Gloucester sound man, who is donating the PA) and all the extraordinary musicians who live here.

We’ve put together the Ultimate Gloucester Area Playlist with music from 2 dozen local artists on gimmesound.com.  ALL THE MUSIC IS LOCAL, INDEPENDENT MUSIC!  Best if all, IT’S EXCELLENT MUSIC.  Rock, pop, blues, soul, indie, jazz, country, celtic, ska, folk, reggae, americana, and more!

What better way to celebrate our independence than with independent music from Gloucester, which is becoming known to have one of the most vibrant music scenes in the US — Austin of the Northeast!

You wanted music, Joey, and you got it.

Here’s a list of some of the local musicians who you’ll hear from the GMG float (alphabetical by First Name — expect a few surprises too):

Allen Estes, Bandit Kings, Bingo Fridays, Chelsea Berry, Dan King, Earl & Arch, Erinn Brown, Everybody’s Neil, Fly Amero, Gary Shane, Henri Smith, Hoodoo Revelator, Inge Berge, Karen Ristuben, Lisa Landy, Michael O’Leary, Mile 21, Pete Lindberg, Runaround Sound, Satch Kerans, Tod Ellyson, Tony Hilliard, Will Hunt, Willie Alexander

Much Thanks To All Of Our Friends and Sponsors Including-

Help building from Bro-In Law Barry, Sista Felicia, Ed Collard, Jeremy Frost Construction and the kids.  Paulie Walnuts will be printing up the limited run t-Shirts and Greg Harris’ Briarwood Landscaping is providing us with the trailer.  Frank and Joey Ciolino are doing the truck detailing.  will Hunt is donating the PA system.

Of Course it wouldn’t be possible without sponsorship from these fantastic community minded businesses-

gimmesound_final

gimmesound.com — local live music listings.  Find every live music show in Gloucester and Cape Ann — listen to music on-line & download — all for free.

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The Lone Gull is a family owned coffeehouse located on Main Street in historic downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our ideal location makes us a great place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, to chat with friends, or to have a business meeting. We offer free wi-fi to our customers, extremely comfortable couches and chairs, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Passports Restaurant

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Ed Collard House Doctors Handyman Services

R. DUCK’S SECRET LIFE: A GMG Special Report

Is it possible that R. DUCK, the suave debonaire duck-about- town we have all come to know and love is really someone much more sinister? A GMG investigative report now has photographic evidence that beneath that smooth and yellow, dare we say “sexy” exterior,  lies the mastermind of an impending invasion of Cape Ann.

Here is a GMG exclusive photo of the invasion force in their landing crafts ready to wreak duck havoc on the unsuspecting citizens of Cape Ann.

Not here! Not now! Not on our long weekend!

Warning: Deep Thoughts Ahead (Paul Kelly Talks About Summertime Philosophy)

In this short video, Paul Kelly — a teacher, worker at Apple Street Farm in Essex, writer, and all-around great guy — talks up the Philosophy & Writing Camps he offers to high school students in the summertime. He meets with small groups of students at the Peabody-Essex Museum in Salem a few hours a day to use the collections there as inspiration for developing skills in writing and discussing Plato, Aristotle and all the rest of those famous guys. Paul says high school students eat this stuff up; they love discussing the big ideas, according to him. The first camp start next week, from Tuesday July 5th – Friday July 8th. For more information, go to Paul’s website: www.philosophy4.com

 

Did You Know? (Discover Gloucester Bag Finds New Home)

Gwen Wilcox and David Manis from Somerville found their way to Rocky Neck for the first time, at the direction of their Gloucester friend, Peggy.  Gwen purchased Joey C.’s photo of the walkway to Good Harbor Beach at dawn and won the famous Discover Gloucester bag.  David got my “Winter Plunge” painting print.  They also got GMG stickers for themselves and their friend Peggy (of course they have to check it out and tell all their friends in Somerville now that they will be famous on Good Morning Gloucester). 

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

 

CAPE ANN MUSEUM HOSTS ART NEW ENGLAND’S JULY/AUGUST 2011 ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY WITH SPECIAL GUEST JON SARKIN

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On July 7, from 6-9 pm, Art New England invites you to discover the serene beauty of Cape Ann at a launch party for its July/August issue, featuring Art New England‘s second annual Focus On: Cape Ann, at the Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

According to Art New England publisher Tim Montgomery, “New England is home to uncountable enclaves of art and innovation. From the smallest of places, like Putney, VT to the most storied, like Provincetown, MA, our region is as artistically fertile as any in the world. And, Cape Ann is one of the most important of those places. Art New England has committed to shining a light on these pockets of creative energy and we are particularly pleased to showcase Cape Ann, a region that has long attracted artists looking for solitude and inspiration.”

While its breathtaking beaches and quaint villages make Cape Ann a wonderful vacation spot, the area is also a bastion of artistic integrity. Cape Ann has been quietly hosting and producing remarkable artists since the 18th century, and museums and galleries in Gloucester, Rocky Neck, and Rockport, many of which are featured in the July/August issue of Art New England, are home to expansive collections of art and artifacts that celebrate Cape Ann’s cultural and nautical history. Cape Ann’s misty harbors and artistic wealth make the region an unusual and invaluable arts destination.

Gloucester artist Jon Sarkin will be on hand to celebrate the launch of Art New England‘s July/August issue, which features Sarkin’s i am what i am on the cover. Sarkin’s bold multimedia work has captivated the art world, but it is the fascinating story behind the art that has gained the attention of art experts and novices alike. In 1988, Sarkin, a husband and father who worked as a chiropractor, underwent deep brain surgery and experienced a subsequent stroke. While this experience represented the end of Sarkin’s former life, he recovered from the stroke with a newly-awakened insatiable desire to create art.

Sarkin’s story and art have been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, ABC Primetime, This American Life, GQ, ArtNews, and Vanity Fair. Sarkin is also the subject of Pulitzer Prize winner Amy Ellis Nutt’s recent biography Shadows Bright as Glass: The Remarkable Story of One Man’s Journey from Brain Trauma to Artistic Triumph. Sarkin will be signing copies of Shadows Bright as Glass, which Kirkus calls “a mind-bending and inspiring book.”

In addition to Sarkin, guests will also have the opportunity to mingle with some of Cape Ann’s artists and gallery owners featured in Art New England‘s July/August issue. Please join us for hors d’oeuvres and wine as we celebrate Cape Ann, one of New England’s most treasured artistic hubs.

About The Cape Ann Museum

The Cape Ann Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts, America’s oldest fishing port. Cape Ann – which lies just north of Boston and includes the city of Gloucester and towns of Rockport, Manchester and Essex – has been a leading center for artists since the 18th century, a maritime powerhouse and the source of granite for many major building projects up and down the East Coast.  The Cape Ann Museum has a number of collections relating to this rich cultural heritage, including an extensive selection of maritime paintings and landscapes by American artists such as Fitz Henry Lane, Milton Avery and John Sloan.

About Art New England

Art New England magazine was started in 1979 by area artists on a mission to foster a lively and critical discussion of the regional art scene. It has since evolved into the premier contemporary art publication in New England. Recently acquired by New Venture Media Group, publishers of the Boston edition of Playbill, as well as Panorama, The Official Guide to Boston, Art New England has renewed its thirty-year-old commitment to objective, sophisticated and enthusiastic coverage of New England art and artists.