Month: June 2013

Beauty in Our Midst

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Habitat Gardening

Native cherry tree ©Kim Smith 2013

Sunday morning I was planting my friend Janet’s butterfly garden over at Beach Road. She has the most beautiful native cherry tree (Prunus) growing alongside her home. The tree was planted by her parents and has been beautifully maintained over the years. Black Cherry and Chokecherry are often thought of as weed trees however, when they are well-cared for, they will reward you with lovely boughs covered in racemes of tiny white five-petaled flowers. Cherries are a caterpillar food plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and while at Janet’s, we saw several Eastern Tiger Swallowtails investigating the foliage and racemes. The fruits, too, of the cherry are much loved by the songbirds.

American Robin nest ©Kim Smith 2013

Yesterday was a great day for butterfly sightings and Robins! Under the eaves of Janet’s porch is an American Robin nest. Pa and Ma Robin flew to and from the nest, scolding loudly each time I walked past as they were none to happy to see me.

American Robin male and female ©Kim Smith 2013

Ma and Pa Robin conferring over my extremely annoying presence

American Robin nest -1 ©Kim Smith 2013 copy

What a sloppy nest by Robin standards!  ~ I actually think it is interesting with the blue streamers

More about the American Robin on GMG

Gloucester Stage Benefit Featuring Chelsea Berry – Saturday June 8th

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

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The fun filled evening kicks off with a cocktail hour with an open bar and appetizers and a special preview performance of musical selections sung by the cast from Gloucester Stage’s season opening production of the Tony Award winning musical Spring Awakening followed by a buffet dinner, silent auction, a performance by acclaimed local singer/songwriter Chelsea Berry. The evening concludes with a dancing to the music of of DJ Sam Lurie of Total Control Entertainment.  Get your tickets today, help support Gloucester Stage Company.

SingerSongwriterShuffle for the month of June @ Giuseppe’s Ristorante

Posted on by Joanne

singersongwriter for june

Each player has a twenty minute time slot. Such a great variety of talent. I would want to miss hearing anyone.

This Thursday’s performers are,

Dave Simmons
Sarah Hoonah Smith
Julie Doughherty
Kathy Comeau
Toni Ann Enes
Inge Berge
Brian O’Connor

Hosted by Memory Layne

Saying farewell to Holy Family Parish – thank you to everyone!!

Posted on by Matthew Green

 

Yesterday was my last Sunday at Holy Family Parish.  It was a bit emotional to be presiding my last Masses at the parish.  I got a very nice surprise when a group of friends of mine from the Wednesday night “Sing” and the Monday night Sea Chanty group showed up!

In the afternoon, the parishioners had a “going away” party for me in the parish hall.  There was a lot of food, including this beautiful cake:

cake

 

 

And another group of music friends showed up, and added live music to the mix!

live musicAfter came the evening Brazilian Mass:

and we had another going away dinner, with another delicious cake:

THANK YOU to everyone for all you’ve done for me during my time at Holy Family Parish!  The outpouring of support yesterday – kind words, business cards, greeting cards, gifts, music, hugs, etc. – reminded me once again that I have WICKED AWESOME friends in this amazing Cape Ann community! I hope to get out thank-you notes to those people who gave gifts and for whom I have a name and address, but if I miss you, please accept my thanks here!

Of course, although I am leaving Holy Family Parish, I am not leaving Gloucester or GMG! Why leave, when I am in such a great place with so many wonderful, talented, generous people?  I am starting to move my things into a new apartment today, and will hopefully finish moving my things and myself tomorrow. I hope to support myself in part by selling prints of photos, teaching origami and photography workshops (at The Hive for teens and adults and Art Haven for kids, and anywhere else I can), and possibly doing some translation work and/or language tutoring (Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and/or maybe Italian, although my Italian is a little rusty).

From tomorrow on, Fr. Linus Mendis will take my place here at Holy Family Parish. As of July 1, I will formally be on a year of leave of absence with permission from the Cardinal.   That implies that, although I continue to be a priest in good standing, I will not be doing any priestly ministry.  The archdiocesan policy with these things is that, since I am taking a year off,  I am not allowed to wear my clerical clothing or celebrate the sacraments in public (although I will continue to celebrate Mass in private – I am looking for a small altar for my apartment… ). Some people have asked if I should still be called “Father Matthew”, or just “Matthew”, or “Matt”, or whatever. Since I don’t know what will be going on at the end of this year (continuing as a priest for the archdiocese? seeking another option within priestly ministry, or taking another path outside of ministry?),  just call me whatever makes you comfortable. My preference is Matthew (with or without “Father”). For now, I will be signing my posts like this:

– Matthew Green

 

Mark Godfried Memorial Tag A Tiny™ Bluefin Tournament

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This year’s Tag A Tiny Bluefin Tournament will be held in memory of our dear friend Mark Godfried. The purpose of the tournament is to promote tagging research, raise funds for the Large Pelagic Research Center, and have an all around fun time! This year the tournament will take place from July 10-14. Everyone is welcome to join!

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The Large Pelagics Research Center (LPRC), under the direction of Dr. Molly Lutcavage, is a premiere research program, focused on tunas and billfish.  Based at the UMass Marine Station, Gloucester, MA, LPRC, with its tagging program, has helped identify migration routes, growth patterns, and potential spawning areas of Bluefin tuna. The tournament raises research funds to support the LPRC’s scientific investigations. Mark Godfried was a great friend and supporter of the Large Pelagics Research Center’s Bluefin research. His knowledge and passion for the species was only exceeded by his dedication to the Gloucester fishing industry. The 2013 tournament has been renamed the ‘Mark Godfried Memorial Tag A Tiny™ Bluefin Tournament’ to honor Mark’s lifetime of work.

Mark and the LPRC, aided by local fishermen, initiated the ‘Tag A Tiny™’ juvenile tagging program in 2006. Since then, over 1,258 anglers and captains have joined the Tag A Tiny™ effort, releasing over 1,645 juvenile Bluefin with conventional spaghetti tags.  So far, anglers have recovered and returned over 38 conventional and archival data tags.

In 2008, Mark Godfried was instrumental in establishing the inaugural Tag A Tiny™ Bluefin Tournament.  This tournament is unusual in that it follows a ‘tag and release’ methodology only, i.e., ‘no-kill’.  Participants are rewarded with a unique trophy for the greatest number of fish tagged, rather than cash prizes.

Our goal is to have 50+ boats tagging fish during the four-day tournament. This non-profit event is financed through cash donations so that 100% of the tournament entry fee can be donated to The Large Pelagics Research Center. For more information on the LPRC’s research, visit http://www.tunalab.org.

To learn more about the tournament visit: www.tagatinybluefintournament.com or contact us at tagatiny@gmail.com.

Quick Info:
Registration fee- $200.00
Captain’s Meeting- July 10, Baert Marine
Fishing- July 11-13
Banquet- July 14, Gloucester House Restaurant

A Preemptive Lobster Roll Refresher Course Before Anyone Gets All Crazy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’m putting out this Lobster Roll PSA at the beginning of this lobster season to save chefs from making the horrible dastardly crimes against lobsterdom that so many make each year when they try to go all fancy with their lobster rolls.

One of our lobstermen, Dave Jewell’s boat was originally christened as the KISS.  Chuck Kersey built it and explained the meaning behind the name-

KISS– Keep. It. Simple. Stupid.

What I will suggest to you is to take the name of the lobster boat which Chuck Kersey christened and apply it to your lobster rolls.

You don’t want to end up in the list of lobster roll debacles like the ones we’ve chronicled through the years here on GMG-

oh-no-you-didnt

Bastardized Lobster Roll on Tap Today At Gloucester Gourmet

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Joey C

What Is Wrong With People???? Another Lobster Roll Disaster From Some Broads In California

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Joey C

The Broads Out In California Try To Defend The Undefendable

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Joey C

What Does a $50 Lobster Roll Look Like???????

Posted on December 21, 2010 by patrickr

Grandma Ethel Needs To Put Down the Crack Pipe

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Joey C

IDIOTS!!!!!!!!

Posted on June 25, 2009 by Joey C

THEN and NOW–Willows Rest Area

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

The Stone Marker on the left still exists on the corner of Washington and VineStreet.

Click here to Also check out  Posting by EJ

Willow Lane Photo (2)

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Willow Lane Label (2)

Donna Piraino Rants About The Dun Fudgin Boat Ramp

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Donna writes-

Boating is supposed to be FUN…right? We use our boats to ride to the beach & play in the sun, dance in the water and spend time with friends & family. Some use boats to head out on the water and enjoy the many types of fishing available to us. The boat ramp at the High School is a GREAT way to get our boats in and out of the water with ease. There is room for THREE boats wide, yup THREE, trucks, trailers and boats can all fit side by side with LOTS of room to spare. Obviously, the center needs two competent operators…one to drive the truck/trailer and one to drive the boat. For those who needs to tie their boats off to the side, those using the CENTER are in NO WAY interfering with those on the sides. If directed by the gentleman on duty at the boat ramp on any given day, we wait our turn and use THE MIDDLE. When we pull the boat out, we use THE MIDDLE. Lets all play nice at the ramp, OK? I won’t give folks a dirty look or make snide comments if they need to use the sides. The gentleman launching the Dories today called me a name I’d rather not print here…yup, I was using THE MIDDLE of the ramp. The nerve of me! Using the boat ramp to it’s fullest potential! Taking advantage of the Boat Ramp sticker that I purchased! WOW! What nerve I have! Let’s just play nice, OK. We can all enjoy the beautiful waters of Gloucester without the drama at the boat ramp. Just sayin’…

Community Stuff 6/3/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Come Help Team “ Hungry Harry’s” Raise Money To Fight MS June 11th From 4pm Till Close A Portion Of The Nights Proceeds Will Go Towards The Teams Quest. We Will Be Doing The Cape Cod Getaway Ride 150 Miles In 2 Days. Please Come Out And Show Your Support

Hi Joey,
I am writing on behalf of the Magnolia Library and Community Center. Could you let your readers know that we are currently taking registrations for our our 36th annual art show to be held on June 12th-14th. We take paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media. This is a well attended event and a great way for artists to display their work. More information can be found here: http://www.magnolialibrary.org/. 100% of the proceeds from the show go into community events and building upkeep.
Thank You,
Krista Queeney
Art Committee

June 8th, 9:30pm-1:30am

Come spend the new moon lounging on the couches at the Cape Ann Community Cinema, taking in a late night of noise and live video art! Featuring Crank Sturgeon, I’d M Theft Able, Gary War, _Coy., BiRdOrGaN, LSDV as well as video art from Lane Brandon Phelps, Trevor Toscano, Will Toulan, Nick Quest, Patrick Chaney, and Joseph Mygan. This is going to be a night of contagious fun and inspiration. $5-$10 sliding scale admission requested to pay the artists.

Blind Eye Apparel The Interview

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Featuring Blind Eye Apparel Founders Tim and Danielle

 

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Check them out at their website- http://blindeyeapparel.com/ , on twitter- @BlindEyeApparel and Facebook

Right now til June 5th if you like them on Facebook you get entered for a chance for a free shirt

Cape Ann Farmer’s Market Opening for 2013 Season Thursday, June 20th

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

First off check out the Cape Ann Farmers Market New Site Here

and Follow Them On Twitter Here

The Stats:  On Thursday, June 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Cape Ann Farmers Market at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester will celebrate the opening of its 2013 season.  The market will be closed on July 4th.

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Special Events:

Farmer’s Market Community Picnic, Thursday, August 22 at 6 p.m. A chance for market goers to relax and socialize after the market closes. Shop for the picnic, or bring it from home. Stage Fort Park facilities include a number of grills. Entertainment includes live music by Happy Accidents and the popular Seafood Throwdown.

Vendors:

The 2013 Cape Ann Farmer’s Market will host more vendors than ever, 75 over the season, with 50 at any given market, making the market one of the largest in Massachusetts. Vendors are held to high standards, conforming to statewide farmer’s market guidelines and are all local. Along with an extensive array of fresh farm produce through-out the season, vendors will be selling baked goods, including gluten-free goodies and Lebanese flat bread, potted plants, herbs, gelato, fresh pasta, fish from Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood, local wines, roasted nuts, homemade cheese, and small-batch condiments. Back Yard Growers will be selling produce, eggs, and cut flowers. Prepared food for taking home or dining at the park include guacamole made on-site, tacos, burritos, lobster and crab rolls, grilled chicken and pulled pork, fresh homemade pizza, and savory and sweet tarts. Craft tents will offer organic soap, hand-made jewelry, pottery, hand-printed clothing, and art made from recycled materials. A complete list of vendors and weekly schedules may be found on www.capeannfarmersmarket.org.

The Farmers Market is at Stage Fort Park, overlooking beautiful Gloucester Harbor, through the courtesy of the City of Gloucester. Parking fees will be suspended during market hours, so plentiful free and ample parking will be available to shoppers. A CATA bus will run from the Rose Baker Center on Rogers Street to Stage Fort Park by reservation.

The Cape Ann Farmers Market is an independent non-profit, mission-based organization, started by and for the community of Cape Ann. It is funded by vendor fees, memberships, donations and grants. Cape Ann Farmers Market sponsors a used cookbook and garden book table, and will be selling tote bags, aprons, t-shirts and memberships, which include discounts at local restaurants and specialty stores every week to help offset the costs of running the market.

The Cape Ann Farmers Market accepts WIC coupons, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons, and SNAP/EBT, expanding its mission to bring healthy food to the entire community.

Other:  The Cape Ann Farmer’s Market includes a wellness tent where shoppers can relax with a therapeutic massage, and an education tent where local non-profits promote their organizations and services. Children’s activities are organized by Art Haven every week at 4:15 under the children’s tent. Stage Fort Park has a playground to entertain children while parents shop, and grills are available so families can stay for a picnic dinner or a concert at the bandshell.

Talent: Instead of piped-in supermarket Muzak, area musicians provide an original background soundtrack for shopping. Performances are during market hours, from 3:30 to 6:30, and feature sea shanties, folk, bluegrass, blues, jazz, and world music over the course of the summer.

Celebration from Virginia McKinnon

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey, Robert and I are celebrating our 60 Wedding Annivesary next week.
I would like to share our story with your readers. Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon

Wedding Dancing0001

Our Love Story
Our story began in April of 1953. Bob was a diesel machinist at the Independent Machine Co. on Wharf St. in Gloucester.  Bob was repairing the engine of the fishing vessel, American Eagle. Peter was the engineer. Bob and Peter were old high school friends. In their conversation Peter just happened to inquired “ Bob,  Do you have a girlfriend?  Bob answered “Peter, I’ll tell you a secret, I was walking by Johnson’s Insurance office, on Duncan Street on my way to Sterling’s to have my “mug up” (coffee break) I happened to look in the window and fell in love at first sight with the Italian young lady working there. Sometimes I hurry home from work and to get cleaned up, just to stand outside the YMCA to see her walk by on her way home from work and my heart just skips a beat. I can’t find the courage to talk to her.” Peter stated. “That young lady is my niece! She lives just next door to me on Gould Court. Would you like to be introduced to her?”  Bob was so surprised and answered in the affirmative. Peter replied “ I will ask her to baby-sit for my son on Monday night at 7 pm and you can visit at quarter of seven.  I will be happy to  introduce you to her.”  Quickly the news spread of this impending romantic encounter and the family was so excited, but very careful to keep this secret from the young lady. I arrived promptly at 7 pm to baby-sit for little Sandy, when my Uncle Peter informed me that his good friend, Bob, just happened to come by for coffee. “We will not be going out” he stated, “but would you like to join us for coffee? .”  After having coffee, I got up to leave and Bob followed me. “Would you like to see my new car?” He stated. There was this beautiful 1952 Buick, hard-top, convertible. bright yellow with a black top. The car had big fins in back and lots of chrome. I had never seen such a beautiful car. Bob asked if I would like to go for a ride tomorrow night and maybe see a movie. Of course I could not refuse this offer. So the next night we had our first date. A few days later Bob came by the insurance office at 5 o’clock to offer me a ride home from work and my mother invited him to have dinner with my family. We always had good Italian food. My brother was away at college, but my younger sisters enjoyed his company. Soon Bob was having dinner with us almost daily.
Bob proposed to me in June. at my cousin‘s wedding. Since I was the maid of honor, Bob was asked to be the best man at the wedding.  Early one Saturday morning Bob came knocking at my  door at 7 am., We were all asleep.  My Dad said “You had better marry this guy, so we can get some peace and quiet.”

We were married on Thanksgiving Day, as my uncles were all fisherman and I knew this was one day they would be on shore to attend my wedding. We had a large Italian wedding at St. Ann’s Church, after the ceremony I requested the limo to make our traditional trip to “Little Italy” down Commercial Street and around the Fort Square, horns blasting all the way in celebration. All the wedding party and guest joined us. Our reception was in Manchester.

We went to Washington DC on our honeymoon. We were lucky to see Frances Langford at a nightclub, as Bob remembered seeing her, when he was in the Navy during WW2.  As he was walking across the airfield on the island of Tarawa in the Asiatic Pacific,  a jeep stopped, asking direction to the mess hall. There was Frances Langford, Bob Hope, Jerry Colonna, and Carol Lombard. 

We are so lucky to be having a early celebration of our 60th wedding Anniversary with our party at the Gloucester House on June 8th with seven children, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and their families and our families and friends all attending.. 

Still together and still lucky in love.    Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon  June 2013

FOB Jeanie MacLachlan Represents

Posted on by God's Morning

jeanie maclachlan fob from beverly_20 yrs in VT

FOB Jeanie MacLachlan is originally from Beverly but has lived near Mont Pelier, VT for the past 20 years.  She is an avid and regular reader of GMG and visits here frequently.  Here she is representing at Khan Studio and the GMG Gallery.  Later in the day, Donna Ardizonni was walking on Shore Road when Jeanie came up to her and told her she knew her from GMG.  What a small and wonderful world GMG creates for so many.

E.J. Lefavour

Incredible Wedding at Willowdale Estate

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Spring Tulips ©Kim Smith 2013

I have shared many photos and stories about the garden and events that take place at Willowdale Estate. Not only because I love working with everyone there, but also because several people who live in Gloucester work at Willowdale (Michele and Audi) and because everyone in the Willowdale offices reads GMG on a daily basis. The following glowing review was recently published in The Knot and I thought perhaps prospective brides looking for a venue would like to read about one bride’s beautiful experience at Willowdale.

Incredible Wedding!

Review - May 2013 Healey

Spring Tulips ©Kim Smith 2013 -1Spring Tulips at Willowdale Estate