Month: June 2012
Polyphemus Moth
Perhaps you may recall the photo of the wild silkworm cocoon posted back in April. I was becoming a little discouraged at the lack of activity and wondered if we should place the cocoon, which was housed in a terrarium and protected from the sun by our shaded porch, into full sun. My worries were for nothing because during the heat wave Thursday, sometime in the mid-morning hours, a gorgeous female Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) emerged from her cocoon.
Female Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
The Polyphemus Moth is so named because of the giant eyespots ringed with yellow, blue, and black on the hindwings. In Greek mythology Polyphemus is the one-eyed Cyclopes and son of Poseidon and Thoosa; the name means “much spoken of” or “famous.”
The Polyphemus Moth also has a pair of transparent spots on the forewings. Antheraea polyphemus is one of North America’s largest moths with a wingspan of four to six inches. Like the Luna Moth and Cecropia Moth, the Polyphemus Moth belongs to the Giant Silkworm Family or Saturniidae.
Male Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus). Note the comb-like feathery antennae of the male, which are nearly double the size of the female. The large antennae can more easily detect pheromones released by the female.
I was hoping a female would emerge, knowing that she would release pheromones, which would attract a male. Thursday night we set up the terrarium outside in a sheltered area around back. The following morning, sure enough, I discovered a perfect male specimen clinging to the back door. They don’t fly very well when their wings are not warmed sufficiently so he was easy to capture. I placed him into the terrarium with the female. Her abdomen is bursting with eggs and she had already begun to deposit unfertilized eggs everywhere—on leaves, her old cocoon, and the glass walls of the terrarium. That night I woke up every hour on the hour to try to photograph their mating, but I don’t think a pairing took place.
Female Polyphemus Moth with abdomen swollen with eggs.
She is continuing to deposit eggs each evening. Her abdomen is still quite swollen. I am keeping my hopes up that they will get it together so the male will fertilize her eggs and we can then rear the caterpillars! Both male and female emerge without mouthparts; they do all their eating in the caterpillar stage.
Polyphemus Moth Cocoon found on White Birch tree (Betula papyrifera) April 1, 2012.
2012 St Peter’s Novena, Mass and Procession to the Club Video
3 Answers: Where will the Zip Line Kid be tonight? Where can you get Fiesta Coupons? & Why is Chelsea Berry in the news in LYNN?
Today’s Daily Item of Lynn story about Chris Isaak’s concert tomorrow at North Shore Music Theatre includes an interview with Chelsea Berry (see Lynn Item Story Here). Now, for some reason she told the reporter how old she is (I thought women never did that — she never told me). More importantly, read the story and find out how she’s taking her music in a new direction, which you can experience for yourself tomorrow night when Chelsea and her new band open for Chris Isaak (whose birthday is today). VIP is sold out, but seats are still left — and all seats at the Music Theatre are good seats. Get tickets here.
OK, where do you think the Zip Line Kid will be tonight? It’s wrist band night at Fiesta. That means your kids (and you too if you can handle it) get unlimited rides for one price. So our family will be at Fiesta — rain or shine. And we will save $5 with a coupon. You can get one too here.
Just in case you’d rather be inside tonight (see full live music lineup here), check out Fly Amero with guitar virtuoso Jake Pardee at Rhumb Line. Here’s part of Jake’s appearance on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes, where he talks about guitar playing, lessons, listening, neighbors, Berklee and says, “Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane to me are very similar.” Then he proves my point about his virtuosity!
Healthy, Light, Tasty, Easy To Prepare. Yep You Can Have It All
The Greasy Pole. A Look Back 09/30/2012
The Greasy Pole. A Look Back 09/30/2012
Eastern Point seen from Ravenswood Park
Good Morning Gloucester Will Be Your Source For Saint Peter’s Fiesta Coverage–Fiesta Webcams and More
We’ve already posted dozens of 2012 Saint Peter’s Fiesta Reports and it just kicked off last night.
Here is your link if you want the feed of straight up GMG Fiesta Posts, always updated
save that link and you can go straight to the coverage
Here is a Webcam which will be switch between the Rides and Birdseye Building and The Greasy Pole and Harbor for the Sporting Events Throughout the weekend (keep checking back)
Brought to you by DiscoverGloucester
Pet of the Week-Seabreeze
I just love Good Morning Gloucester! I look forward to looking at this site because I learn so much! I love the photos, everything that is going on and I keep thinking how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
My name is Seabreeze and I am a six-month-old female kitten. Everyone compliments me on the my beautiful coat. I am staying at the Cape Ann Animal Aid now located at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, Four Paws Lane in Gloucester. Visit: CapeAnnAnimalAid.com to see how lovely it is here. We feel so grateful to the businesses and friends on Cape Ann who support us.
The rooms are big and there is plenty of light where I can look out to the woods. I see the dogs going out for walks with the volunteers on the trails.
Please attend the Sunset Dessert Cruise on July 21 at Capt. Bill’s at harbor Loop at 7 p.m. Rain date on the 22.Tickets on sale soon.
If you would like to help us with needed items, we can use wet cat and kitten food any brand including EVO wet for some of our pickier kittens.
Small plastic or stainless steel litter boxes for the kittens, large kitchen brooms, micro fiber wash cloths and of course, toys, toys, toys. If you arrive with toys and there is a cat waiting to greet you, it will be, Seabreeze, VP of toys!!!
Where is the Fiesta Ferris Wheel?
Last year I overcame my Fear-of-Carnival-Equipment and took my first ride ever on the Fiesta ferris wheel. When I was a child I loved amusement parks. Fear-of-Carnival- Equipment is an affliction that strikes one upon becoming a mother. Nevertheless, at this time last year my camera was brand new and I was determined to take photos from the ferris wheel vantage point (and both kids had left for college and grad school).
I was disappointed to see that this year the ferris wheel was not set up along Pavilion Beach. According to carnival employee Bones, the ferris wheel was recently sold to a permanent park in Mexico because it was becoming too old for the frequent moves demanded of it from a traveling company. Although I will miss the gorgeous view of Gloucester from atop the ferris wheel I am glad they made this safety call. The good news is that the company is planning to purchase a new ferris wheel and hopefully it will be here next year!
Snapshots from St. Peter’s Square this morning.
2012 Saint Peter’s Mass At The American Legion Photos From Alice Gardner
Dog Park News From Christopher Lewis
Joey:
Anne and Christopher Lewis held a party for major donors to the Dog Park along with the Dog Park Construction Team. Everyone was updated on the significant progress that has been made this Spring.We would very much appreciate some space in GMG to tell people about the progress and that we only need to raise a further $65,000 to complete the project.
June 24, 2012, Dog Park News
On Sunday, June 24, 2012, Anne and Christopher Lewis hosted a party, at their home in East Gloucester for major donors to the Dog Park along with the Dog Park Construction team. Among the attendees were: John Dugger, Chair of the Dog Park committee along with construction team member, Nikki Bach of Inside Edge Builders together with major donors, who included Jason and Shelly Sevinor of Salem Plumbing in Gloucester, Anne Lewis, ‘The Cat Doctor of Gloucester,” and Beth and Linzee Coolidge of the Dusky Foundation.” Major donations totaling $151,500 have been committed by seven individuals, three corporations and one foundation. Completion of the project will require further donations of $65,000. The Dusky Foundation will match the first $25,000. If you would like to help us finish the project , please call 978 879 9283
Construction
Construction is under way at Stage Fort Park. The foundation has been built and the sheds, which were built by the Gloucester High School carpentry shop students under the guidance of Dana Griffin, are in place on the foundation of the entryway. This has all come about thanks to the donated services of the building committee working on a landscape plan by Hugh J. Collins Associates of Wenham.
Entryway and Dog Shelters
The Landscape designer is currently working on a detailed plan for the tree and plant layout and water needs. As soon as a trench is made for the water line, the entryway will be completed. All materials for the entryway pergola will be donated by Precision Roofing and Timberline. Two anonymous donations have been received for the large dog area and small dog area shelters.
Water Station and Solar power
Arrangements have been made with the City of Gloucester to tap the City water main. After this is completed it will then be possible to install the water stations in the large dog and small dog areas. These stations have been donated by Shelly & Jason Sevinor of Salem Plumbing Supply in Gloucester and Dr. Ray Cahill of Seaport Veterinary Hospital. The building committee is working with a potential donor on the installation of solar panels.
Timeline
The best estimate for the grand opening of the Dog Park is late fall 2012 or early spring 2013. This depends on how the transplanted trees grow, which will determine when the final grading can be done and the fence installed.
Jason Sevinor of Salem Plumbing in Gloucester, Dr. Ray Cahill of Seaport Veterinary Hospital, Shelly Sevinor, John Dugger, Chair of the Dog Park Committee, Chef Kim Johnson and Dr. Anne Lewis of the "Cat Doctor of Gloucester" at the major donor event in East Gloucester
Linzee Coolidge of the Dusky Foundation and Maggie Cahill
Suzyn Ornstein and B.J. Wayne, the artist and musician, with "Thank you" dog Biscuits by Chef Kim
Chef Kim Johnson, Shelly and Jason Sevinor of Salem Plumbing in Gloucester with Dr. Anne’s dogs, Sangha and Kami
Take care — Christopher Lewis
Community Stuff 6/27/12
Cynthia Curtis Pottery
Now accepting registrations for the next session:
July 2 – August 25
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Monday kid’s class with Margie Malley: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday adult class with Cynthia: 9:00-12:00
Wednesday adult class with Susan Hershey: 6:00– 9:00
Thursday adult class with Cynthia: 6:00-9:00
Friday adult class with Anni Melancon: 9:00-12:00
All levels of experience – beginners welcome!
Wheel-throwing ~ Handbuilding ~ Glazing
Private lessons ~ Independent Study Program ~ Retail Gallery
Cynthia Curtis Pottery
80 Pigeon Hill Street, Rockport, www.cynthiacurtispottery.com
The possibility Alliance
On Tuesday, July 26 Ethan Hughes will be presenting his story about the Bicycling Super Heroes and the Possibility Alliance at the Sawyer Free Library from 6:30 PM to 8:PM in the Friend Room (the bottom floor of the library).
The presentation will be free and open to all ages. Ten years ago a group of forty bicycle riders crossed the country from Seattle to Gloucester dressed as Superheroes doing random acts of kindness and service. The self created superheroes include Compashman, the Golden Rule, Love Ninja, Beatidude, Huggernaught, and Wander Woman.
Ethan Hughes, a Gloucester native ended the ride in Gloucester after a four month 5,500 mile odyssey which led them to find missing lost white water rafters, building a handicapped ramp at a women’s shelter, growing organic food for inner city homeless families and moving baseball bleachers in a small mid west town to name a few of the deeds.
Our final good deed was painting a mural at Wellspring in Gloucester. Ten years later,there are now 700 superheroes in the organization, including a 110 acre headquarters in La Plata, Missouri. The group has crossed 26 states and 6 countries helping out wherever there is a need.
We also sent 45 superheroes to assist in the clean up after Hurricane Katrina.
The 110 acre service and simplicity center known as The Possibility Alliance hosts over 1500 people a year from all over the world and sends hundreds of volunteers to the inner city, in nursing homes, public schools, and other organizations working towards a healthy society and world. At superhero H. Q. we grow our own organic food, travel by bicycle and horse and build our own homes by hand, and thrive without the use of electricity and petroleum.
( Our super powers come in handy)
We want to see a world where people live out their heart’s callings and wildest dreams.
The presentation will talk about these projects and provide concrete tools for manifesting your vision.
Please come and enjoy a night of laughter, inspiration and possibility.
Optional: Bring your superhero cape.
"With life as short as a half-taken breath, don’t plan anything but love" ______ Rumi
*The Gloucester Times did a front page article about the Superhero ride ten years ago. The above is a brief update of what has transpired since that article.
If you would like more information please call 978-879-4909. We have also appeared in Reader’s Digest, Mother Earth News, N.P.R., and other Media. You can find out more online if you google The Possibility Alliance.
Thank you for your time and energy. It is an honor to share this journey with my home town!
Sincerely, Ethan Hughes
Chamber makes Group Insurance Rates For Small Business Available To Members
Long-awaited discounts for small businesses are here. The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) recently introduced the Chamber Health Coop, a group purchasing program that makes health insurance more affordable for businesses with 1 to 50 full-time employees.
Any small business that belongs to one of the more than 60 participating Chambers of Commerce and other business associations is eligible to join the Chamber Health Coop. The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is among this first wave of organizations to make the program available to its members.
Our members can save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year on their health insurance from Fallon Community Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Health New England, which are each discounting several of their plans. Fallon and Harvard Pilgrim are trimming rates by 3 percent, and Health New England by 5 percent. Business with a maximum of 50 employees who work 30 or more hours a week can now enroll for coverage beginning as soon August.
“The Commonwealth is pleased to support the new Chamber Health Coop through MACCE," said Governor Deval Patrick. "Small businesses are vital to our continued economic success here in the Commonwealth and we need more innovative programs like the coop to reduce the high costs of health care that inhibit growth and development."
“Chambers have fought for years to lower the cost of health insurance. We are pleased that Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray, and Speaker DeLeo share this aim and helped pave the way for group purchasing cooperatives,” said MACCE President Tom O’Rourke. “The Chamber Health Coop will give businesses one more tool they can use to lower the cost of insurance for themselves and their employees.”
In addition to offering savings on health insurance plans, the Chamber Health Coop provides wellness programs to help employees live healthier lives that in turn may help keep premium costs at bay. The health and wellness offering is free for all covered employees and their families.
The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives represents the 100+ Chambers of Commerce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MACCE’s mission is to be an accessible and valuable resource to the chamber professionals serving our state’s communities. MACCE provides a wide-range of resources and opportunities for all chamber professionals and their member businesses.
To learn more, visit www.ChamberHealthCoop.com or contact your certified insurance broker.
Two new 16×20 canvas prints just came in. Let me know if you are interested.
$125 each. no watermark on the canvas. Ready to hang with mounts on the back makes the need for costly framing a non-issue. If you need a present here you go.
email me at goodmorninggloucester@yahoo.com if you want one or both. ![]()






























