Month: June 2012

Sing at The Annie

Posted on by Matthew Green

The other day, my 3.5-5.6/18-70mm kit lens for my Sony SLT Alpha a55 died, so I went shopping for a replacement.  Joey tipped me off to the advantages of a 1.8/50 DT SAM lens, so I checked it out at Ritz Camera in Peabody.  After a few test shots, I was sold on it. Or rather, it sold itself to me…  It is good for low-light situations, so I decided to take it with me to The Annie for the weekly  7-9:30 PM Wednesday night “sing”.  As usual, it was a fun night, with songs from many genres and epochs, from the esoteric to the well-known.  Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome, so please join us!  It doesn’t matter if you’ve only ever sung in the shower before; if you have fun singing, come sing with us, and we will all enjoy it with you.

Alexander Thompson also brought along a jar of his fantastic bread and butter pickles, which we polished off completely.  He happened to have one of his jars of tomato marmalade with him too, and since I’ve heard such good things about it, I bought it from him, and will share my experience of it with our GMG readers as soon as I open it.

Here are a few shots that give a bit of the ambience of the evening, taken with my new lens! (and tweaked somewhat to improve brightness afterwards)

Cressey’s Beach, Stacy Blvd and Eastern Point From Rick Gates

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hey Joey,

   I thought I would share these pics of Cressey’s beach, Stacy Blvd and Eastern Point. I’ll probably imprint them at some point and have them up for sale at Premier Imprints 48 Main st. on a variety of items. Anyway, if they look to be something others might enjoy please post them. Thanks!

Rick Gates, Premier Imprints

Morley Piper tells rapt Essex audience his personal experiences of D-Day landing, on its 68th anniversary

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Rick Isaacs Writes-

On June 6, 1944 Morley Piper was a 19 year old Second Lieutenant in the 29th Infantry Division when his platoon landed on Omaha Beach.

Last evening this youthful and handsome 87 year-old told a rapt audience at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum about his personal experiences on that "Longest Day", and the months that followed. He told his story of bravery in the face of terror and death with pathos and humility, punctuated by his wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor.

Morley Piper was executive director of the New England Newspaper Association for 45 years. He has lived in Essex for over 30 years.

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Community Photos June 9th, 2012

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Three Lighthouses from Janet Rice

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Hi Joey,

My husband, Greg) shot this free hand.

Anita Dziedzic

M B Lighting

2012 Transit of Venus from Bill O’Connor

Hi Joey,

On Tuesday, June 5 the last transit of Venus occurred for this century, and I snapped this photo using my telephoto lens filtered through a welding mask shield. What you are looking at is the Sun, and the little black dot in the upper right corner of the Sun’s fireball is the planet Venus. Transits are important because they help us nail down astronomical measurements. For example, previous Venus transits helped astronomers determine the Earth’s distance from the sun – 93,000,000 miles, a.k.a. 1 astral unit. 

To put an astral unit in perspective, it takes light emitted from the Sun, travelling at 186,000 miles per second, 8 minutes 20 Seconds to reach the Earth.  This means that the moment I snapped the photo of the transit actually shows the position of Venus 8 minutes and 20 seconds prior to its actual position.

For more Astronomy Geekery on the subject of the transit of Venus check out these two videos from NASA:

NASA Video: Transit of Venus Part 1:

NASA Video: Transit of Venus Part 2:

Enjoy!
~Bill O’Connor
North Shore Kid

2012_Transit_of_Venus

Community Stuff June 9, 2012

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Upcoming Programs and Activities

MG Logo cropped

23 Harbor Loop Gloucester, MA  01930 978-281-0470

Members’ Party ~ June 15th

Help us kick off the season at our annual Members’ Party as we catch up with friends, honor the past, and celebrate the future.  Dance on the pier, raise a glass, enjoy some good food.  Renew or sign up for a membership that evening.

When: Friday, June 15th.  5:00-8:00

Where: Under the tent, on the pier, and across the site.

23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930

Ocean Classroom at Maritime Gloucester

The Harvey Gamage, a ship in the Ocean Classroom fleet, will be docking with us over the next few weeks.  Students in Ocean Classroom live on board, learning to work together, and studying math, science, history, and literature. 

We are very pleased to welcome the students and crew of the Harvey Gamage.  Stay tuned for open house opportunities aboard the vessel.

Summer Programs

We have planned a summer full of events for all ages and interests! 

Schedules have been included in our member mailing (arriving in your mailbox any day).  Our first program is a Photo Safari Workshop, featuring Sigma, on Saturday June 16th from 8am-12pm.  Register through Essex National Heritage at 978-740-0444 or atwww.EssexHeritage.org.

Remember, members get a discounted rate on our programs!

Where & When

23 Harbor Loop Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930

Check schedule for dates and times

Rockport Community Cennter

June 14th 

FREE Food Demonstration  12:30

“Easy Summer Meals”

Demonstration & Lecture

Please RSVP 978-546-2573

June 12th

Father’s Day Special 11:30

Menu includes Breaded Boneless Pork Chop, Whipped Potatoes,

Baby carrots and Lemon Meringue Pie $2.00

Musical Entertainment

RSVP  Freda 978-546-5027

Sponsored by Rockport Council on Aging & Senior Care Nutrition

June 19

FREE Continental Breakfast  9-10

RSVP 978-546-2573

June 20th 

Pizza, Salad & Fruit Juice 11:30

Special Traveling Chef will be preparing

Strawberry Shortcake $3.00

Call Freda  978-546-5027

Sponsored by the Rockport Council on Aging & Senior Care Nutrition

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Hi Joey!

It was good to see you recently at the St. Peter’s docks when you were watching your niece I think it was rowing the dories!  I finally got to go out myself later on, it was so nice out on the water!

I was wondering if you would have space in one of your upcoming GMG blogs for this piece.  The staff at Gloucester’s PACE site was named the Top Corporate Fundraising Team for the recent North Shore Arthritis Walk that was held back on May 20.  If you could, I would be greatly appreciative!  Thanks!!

GLOUCESTER PACE PROGRAM IS TOP CORPORATE FUNDRAISING TEAM FOR THE 2012 NORTH SHORE ARTHRITIS WALK

Elder Service Plan of the North Shore, Inc. is happy to announce that the Gloucester PACE Site on Emerson Avenue was named Top Corporate Fundraising Team at The North Shore Arthritis Walk this year. Under Gloucester resident, Team Captain Julie Aubrey’s leadership, their team “Keep Up The PACE” raised $1,425.00.  The 2012 North Shore Arthritis Walk took place on Sunday, May 20th at Lynch Park in Beverly. The Walk was a beautiful day with over 300 walkers and fundraised over $60,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.  Through its multiple integrated services, ranging from a full-spectrum of healthcare needs and social support, PACE is dedicated to maintaining the health of older adults so they may continue to live in their homes independently in the community.  It is a free program people are entitled to if they are already on MassHealth or qualify for MassHealth.  PACE in Gloucester is located at 29A Emerson Avenue, next to Pathways for Children and across from The Open Door. (978) 283-7375.  For more information, visit them at www.pacenorthshore.org

Arthritis affects 1.32 million, or 1 in 5, adults and 5,900 children in Massachusetts. Join your fellow North Shore residents to help find a cure. There are so many different ways to help with this important event. This is a great opportunity for members of the North Shore community to help support the Arthritis Foundation in their mission to prevent, control and cure the over 100 types of arthritis and related diseases. To get involved in this important North Shore community event for next year, visit the website at www.northshorearthritiswalk.org or call 617-219-8221.

walk top corporporate team PACE

The photo attached is of Gloucester residents, Julie Aubrey, Gloucester PACE Certified Nursing Assistant and Team Captain and Carol Pallazolla, Gloucester PACE Education & Outreach Coordinator, holding the Certificate of Recognition they were awarded for Outstanding Leadership in the Fight Against Arthritis in being named the Top Corporate Fundraising Team “Keep Up the PACE”

Dory Races This Saturday- Great Family Fun On Niles Beach!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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We are anticipating some very exciting races this Saturday at Niles Beach for the International Dory Elimination Races!  Many former championship teams will square off to find the best pairs to represent the USA against Canada in the upcoming International Races on June 23rd.  The Over 40 division looks like a rematch of August Champs John Scola and Mike Harmon against former US Champs Len Billante and Jay Prince which was a photo finish in August.  The Men’s Open division pits August International champs Glenn Harrington and Erik Dombrowski against 2009 champs Jimmy Tarrantino and Tom Jarvis, 2011 June champs Joe Sanfillippo and Mark Duval, Oarsmaster’s cup winner Len Robertson and partner Jeff Muise, and other crews rumored to be competing former champs Mick Cote and John Swift from New Jersey, as well as Mike and Scott Morrissey, and Joe Cominelli with recent partner Ray D’Amico.  We may also have some surprise entries.

We are still looking for more entries in the Women’s, Mixed Doubles, and Junions (18 and under) divisions!

Race sign-ups are Friday at St. Peter’s Square at 6PM.  (If you can’t make it down and your membership dues are paid you may email your entry to me before 6PM on Friday)

Races will begin at 8:30AM at Niles Beach Saturday.  Final Eliminations (if necessary) will be the following Monday night at 6PM also at Niles Beach .

Best of luck to competitors.

Don’t miss it!

Erik

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Captain Joe and Sons On Fire With The Mutant Lobsters! Albino Lobster Landed Today June 8th, 2012

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

click below for the video-

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Added to our Collection of Mutant Lobsters that have been Landed here.

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click below for the slideshow of all the mutant lobsters landed here at our dock.

Past pictures and videos of mutated lobsters landed at our dock

We have more documented mutated lobsters here than any other dock on the planet as shown in the slideshow below-

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Route 133 in Essex is completed

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

What a beauty of a day to have the ribbon cutting in Essex today.  Here are a couple of pictures.

Pretty flowers at Paglia Park across from Periwinkles where lunch was held.

June 8, 2012 Pretty flowers at Paglia Park Essex

Sue Lufkin and Rolf Madsen before the Ribbon Cutting

June 8, 2012 Sue Lufkin and Rolf Madsen

The official ribbon cutting on Route 133

June 8, 2012 133 complete in Essex

Ain’t Love Grand

Posted on by God's Morning

I caught this couple dancing to the Squeezebox Stompers on Madfish Wharf during Nights on the Neck last night.  They were out on Rocky Neck celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary.  Happy Anniversary Tom and Becky Bernie.  The happy couple has lived in Gloucester since 1972, and love Good Morning Gloucester.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

Art in the Barn June 15th – June 17th

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Last year at this time Mary wrote the following request:

Hi Joey,

So many Greenbelt employees connected with Gloucester say you are THE news source on Cape Ann. We hope you can assist in publishing information about Greenbelt’s annual blockbuster – Art in the Barn…

Mary Williamson

Director of Community Engagement

mew@ecga.org

See below for this year’s schedule of events:

GREENBELT PRESENTS 23rd ANNUAL ART IN THE BARN

   Artisan Showcase and Sale June –15-17 benefits Greenbelt land conservation efforts
 
Essex, MA, June 5, 2012: Essex County Greenbelt, the region’s premier member-supported land conservation organization will present the 23rd Annual Art in Barn artisan showcase and sale, June 15-17, at its Cox Reservation Headquarters in Essex. New to the lineup of art and jewelry exhibited this year is an outdoor sculpture walk featuring large-scale works installed along the walking trails and in the scenic fields overlooking the Essex River. “We are excited about the addition of the sculpture walk to Art in the Barn,” said Greenbelt Executive Director, Ed Becker. “Our visitors can plan to spend more time on this magnificent protected property, and gain a better understanding of Greenbelt’s land conservation work, as they stroll by or picnic near various pieces,” he continued.
For one weekend every June, the barns and grounds at the magnificent Cox Reservation are transformed with color and form as paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor, monoprints, ceramics and pottery, jewelry and sculpture in wood and iron decorate the surfaces and surroundings of this iconic property. Even the conference room within the LEED certified, “green” headquarters will be transformed into creative jewelry display space, inviting all to discover the work of over 150 participating local artisans. Proceeds from the sale of all items on exhibition directly support Greenbelt’s land conservation efforts.
The outdoor sculpture walk, featuring large-scale works by area artists such as Dale Rogers and Kim Radoccia, will offer visitors the opportunity to connect with the land that often inspires the artist. “Sculpture in any environment gives those of us participating in that experience a different perspective.  After seeing and connecting to something new your viewpoint will forever change and as an artist this is my ultimate goal,” offered regional sculptor Kim Radoccia.  Kim wanted to team up with a local environmental organization to create solutions and/or interventions in the landscape that would both educate the public and communicate a better vision towards environmental stewardship.  “I am blessed to have a deep and abiding relationship to nature and because of that connection I am able to draw endless amounts of inspiration and creativity from it.   I think it is very important to pass this on to others and build this in others” she continued.
Greenbelt welcomes the public to Art in the Barn to see and purchase the diverse work of talented artists from throughout the region, inspired by the natural landscapes and light that have drawn artists to Cape Ann and Essex County for decades. In fact, it is not unusual to see painters set up, palette in hand, on the many Greenbelt public reservations throughout the region. Often those canvases are submitted for the Art in the Barn Exhibition and Sale. “Some are able to support Greenbelt with large gifts of land or funds, others give their artistic talent and enthusiastically volunteer their time and energy,” said Committee Chairperson, Nathalie Meyfarth. “I look forward to helping Greenbelt with the Art in the Barn event because it allows me to support their important work of conserving open space and the gorgeous landscapes of Essex County in a way that involves my lifelong interest in art. It’s a lively and happy few days that brings art lovers and conservation-minded people together in a scenic location.  People thoroughly enjoy indulging themselves by buying an original piece of art while supporting a good cause,” she added.
Given its long-running popularity, Art in the Barn draws artists in every medium, and at every experience level and price point. The participating artists submit to a rigorous application and jury process for admission. The event continues to draw strong audience, with crowds often numbering 4,000 attendees over three days.  “Art in the Barn offers the public a marvelous opportunity to see and purchase the work of fine regional artists, while supporting Greenbelt’s important land conservation work,” said Beth Cooper, a long-time Art in the Barn volunteer “It’s one of many ways Greenbelt can connect people to the land and local landscapes we cherish, and one way we can take a small piece of its beauty home with us!”
The opening reception on Friday, June 15th will feature the music of Crazy Maggie, the famous Ipswich Tapmobile and delicious food from Gloucester-based caterer,  Beach Gourmet. Visitors are encouraged to allow the time to soak in the scenery, enjoy the trails and refreshments available.
Sidebar: The schedule for the Art in the Barn 2012 event is as follows:
Public Exhibit:  Friday, June 15, 9:30 am to 4 pm;
Wine & Cheese Reception: Friday, June 15, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Public Exhibit: Saturday, June 16, 9:30 am to 6 pm
Public Exhibit: Sunday, June 17, 10 am to 4 pm
Since 1961, Greenbelt has been working with local individuals, families, farmers and communities to protect the farmland, wildlife habitat and scenic vistas of Essex County. Greenbelt has protected over 15,000 acres of local land and has had a direct role in 75% of all land conserved in the last decade.  For more information about Greenbelt programs visit www.ecga.org or call 978-768-7241

Move Aside Austin ~ Gloucester, MA is the New Live Music Capital of the World!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Austin, TX claims to be the Live Music Capital of the World saying that they have the most music venues per capita.  Now the Austin Chronicle lists 923 Venues for a city of 790,390 people, which works out to 1 music venue for every 856 people.

I decided to check the gimmesound.com database and found 68 venues in Gloucester which have music from time to time (not every night).  Gloucester has 28,789 residents as of the 2010 census, so that works out to 1 music venue for every 423 people, which is more than TWICE the music venues per person as Austin TX, making Gloucester the true LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!  Spread the word, folks!

This weekend alone we have over 3 dozen artists at 17 music venues — and one of those venues is a schooner — try that Austin; you’re 200 miles from the water!

See the full live music lineup here.

Now, for those of you where thinking you would defend Austin because they have SXSW, which I have to admit is pretty cool, don’t forget that on August 11 (when the average high in Austin is 96 and very humid) Gloucester is having a Blues Festival and our average temp for that day is 79.  Where would you rather be?  Wait …  don’t answer until you see this video of Lucky Peterson, who will be at the Blues Fest!

And if this doesn’t convince you, check out all the videos on this page.

GMG Tattoo One Step Closer To Becoming a Reality

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Spoke with Matt Maguire from Compass Rose Tattoo- The Tattoo Parlor That Gets The 100% GMG  Endorsement and Evie, our canvas and they are working on the final design and we are looking at early next week for the installation!

Can’t wait.  We are planning to tape it.  As soon as we get the mock up I’ll post it here and we will keep you updated.

Sawyer Free Library Book Sale Happening Now via John McElhenny

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Book sale @SawyerLibrary in #GloucesterMa starts now: Great T-shirts for sale, too. Go there.

Friday June 8, 2012 -  Saturday June 9, 2012
9:00 AM  -  4:00 PM
The Annual Friends Book Sale
Tell a Friend

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library are holding their annual book sale on Friday, June 8th, and Saturday, June 9th.  Come support the library and buy great books at discounted prices!

Location: Friend Room

Bearskin Neck is heating up!

Posted on by Matthew Green

As the weather is starting to warm up, the shops, restaurants and galleries are opening up and getting down to business. I stopped by for lunch and a stroll the other day.

I had lunch with friends at Top Dog of Rockport.  If you like hot dogs, this is the place to go! They have an amazing variety of hot dog / topping combos, with creative names like “German Shepherd” (which comes with sauerkraut) and “Italian Greyhound” (with grilled peppers and onions). For those who, like me, don’t eat hot dogs, they have other offerings as well. I had a bowl of clam chowder, which was hot and delicious!

Kayaks were out and available for rent:

Corey Tevan (about whom I posted a while back) has added more paintings of trees and flowers to one corner of his gallery. I love his art – if I had the money (and the space to hang them) I’d buy at least half the paintings in his gallery:

Chris Coyne did some work on his gallery over the winter, and has filled it with more of his beautiful paintings of local landscapes and cityscapes. If I had a room for Corey Tevan’s work, I’d have another for paintings by Chris:

Eugene Quinn is also back after being away all winter. I didn’t get a photo this time, but you can check out his work on his web page.  I’d have to have another room in my dream house for his landscapes and still life works.  He also does portraits sometimes, but doesn’t have any on display right now.  He has a very sweet and affectionate dog named Layla who tried to “kiss” me on the lips. No thanks!

There are loads of other great galleries and shops to visit.  I hope to visit a few more of them soon and share more photos. It’s worth walking down Bearskin Neck just for the view at the end. Here’s a partial panorama (looking southeast):