Month: August 2013
Good Harbor “ROCKS!”
Good Harbor “ROCKS!” 8/23/2013 10:05AM


Good Harbor “ROCKS!”
Neighborhood Apothecary Grand Re-Opening
This note is from Meg, the owner of the Neighborhood Apothecary, about which I recently posted:
Hello Everyone,
Whooo, moving is always an experience! I hope everyone had a good week last week.
In recent news, we are open at 17 Pleasant Street (open 10am to 8pm). You can pop in for an all new single serve tea, only $1, check out some of our new books, or walk around barefoot on our new brick floors!
Grand Re-Opening!!
This weekend, August 24th & 25th.
A free cup of tea for each customer and a few cool giveaways. Feel free to bring friends, family, and that random person you always meet walking down main street in the morning.
All the Best!
Meg
You Do Realize YOU Can Participate In The Schooner Race Right? Get Your Ticket To Race On A Schooner
The Gloucester Schooner Festival is almost upon us. There is still time to book a ticket to ride on a schooner in the race September 1st. The course is a beam reach, three times around, affording close-up views of the participants coming and going. A splendid way to spend a day you will long remember. Twenty-three schooners have registered.
This is ROSEWAY in the 2006 race. She was built in Essex in 1925, and is doing important work today with young people at sea. Space on ROSEWAY and other schooners listed here can be arranged through Maritime Gloucester_______
http://gloucesterschoonerfestival.net/?p=408
Al Bezanson
Lannon Ryan and Wood Rum and Old Cuban Cigar Factory Cigar Cruise
My buddy James Eves from Cape Ann Giclee writes in-
Hey Joey,
I can’t thank you enough for spearheading the 2013 Rum and Cigar Cruise on the Lannon. I saw the post on GMG about 6 weeks ago and thought that I should buy a ticket. I yelled from my desk to Anna, “Hey, I think I’ll buy a ticket to the Rum and Cigar Cruise”. She agreed. (lucky for me, my wife, partner and muse encourages me to take time to enjoy the benefits of living in heaven). So, I bought a ticket.
I tried to get some work done today, but really spent most of my time in anticipation of the cruise. I stopped pretending to work at about 4:30 and headed down to the dock at five. I was first on line for the 6:00 cruise and watched the unloading of passengers from the previous sail. I met Mimi, An older woman (she told me her age but made me promise not to reveal her secret). She is from Haverhill, but the highlight of her year, every year, is spending a few weeks in Gloucester. We do live in the best place on earth.
Mimi left and I watched the Lannon crew prep the ship for the next cruise.
After a reasonably short wait they started loading the ship. I walked down the ramp and onto the deck. I was there greeted by a young woman from Old Cuban Cigar Company who handed me two fine cigars. I lit my first one immediately. Once we were all aboard the Captain spoke of safety and what to expect on the cruise around Gloucester harbor. He then introduced the Old Cuban Cigar guy who told us just how fine the cigars we were smoking were. He, in turn, introduced us to Bob Ryan of Ryan & Wood Distillery. Bob and his wife proceeded to dole out rum the likes of which few get to enjoy.
With the strong smoke and smooth drink my work life faded to a blurry haze. Then I was able to truly appreciate where I was and see the beauty of Gloucester Harbor.
It was a beautiful night with a strong wind. The crowd on the boat were all GMG FOBs so I felt right at home. I was, however a bit disappointed that Joey C wasn’t there. Then I heard some cheers from the back of the boat and then saw Joey arriving in a small inflatable to starboard. “well”, I thought, “the party now begins”. and so it did.
I must say, how grateful I am to you, Joey, for your enthusiasm and the role model you are for those of us in Gloucester who truly strive to grow our community through our business and our lives. I was quite a treat to watch from the bow as you circled the boat and brought the party to life.
It was indeed a beautiful cruise. It felt timeless.
Once docked there was talk of an after party at Stones. I’d never been. ( I know it odd but I am fairly new to Gloucester.) The party continued there and I could see that the cruise had washed away the hard days work for more that just me.
Wow, What a perfect night, only in Gloucester!!
THEN and NOW – Stage Fort Cannons
Community Stuff 8/23/13
Rosh Hashanah (aka “Jewish New Year”) is officially two weeks away! We invite the community to join us for the 2013 | 5774 High Holy Days at the Temple Ahavat Achim located at 86 Middle St. in downtown Gloucester!
Join us for services on the following days:
– September 4, Erev Rosh Hashanah at 7 pm;
– September 5 & 6, First and Second Days of Rosh Hashanah – both days at 9 am;
– September 13, Kol Nidre (An Aramaic prayer annulling vows made before God) at 7 pm, and
– September 14, Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”) at 9 am.
Complete schedule of services can be found on our website, www.taagloucester.org
All are welcome! No tickets required!
TAA is wishing you and your family a Sweet and Happy New Year!
3rd ANNUAL GLOUCESTER OVERDOSE VIGIL
August 29, 2013
Remembering those lost to Drug Overdose
On August 29, 2013 the Gloucester Overdose Vigil Committee would like to invite all community members who have lost a loved one to overdose. We are a committee made up of concerned community members from Gloucester and Cape Ann.
Dedication of luminaries, speakers, music and the reading of names will be part of this special evening.
Losing a loved one to an overdose is a lonely experience. In a healing spirit and tradition set by other communities join us in coming together to remember those we have lost to overdose and shed light on this ongoing tragedy.
If you are a neighbor, friend, family of someone taken by an overdose or have been touched in any way by a drug overdose please join us for a remembrance and vigil. We will be gathering on Stacy Boulevard at the flag pole near the Cut Bridge, overlooking Gloucester Harbor from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. rain or shine
Two people die from an overdose every day in Massachusetts and from 2002-2008 we have lost 3,859 residents in our state. In Gloucester the rate of overdose is 2.2 times higher than the state rate.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services there were 38,329 reported fatal overdoses in the United States.
Who Is The Fruit Cup Ninja?
Bill Cox writes-
For the life of me, I can’t figure this out. When Melissa and I cleaned this area out a few weeks ago, we must have found a dozen or so fruit cups. Today I find another….I am vexed! Do we have a fruit cup ninja running around? Was there a fruit cup truck accident I was unaware of? Pagan ritual item?
Celebration of The Restoration of The Lane’s Cove Fish Shack September 7th
Bluefin Blowout Weekend!
more details- www.bluefinblowout.com
Today is the day! The Captain’s meeting gets underway tonight at Cape Ann Marina for the start of the 2013 Bluefin Blowout. 37 years ago, things weren’t that different. Last year only two fish were taken in the two day tournament. There are a lot more competitors this year. Things are about to get fun, fun, Funky!
CAPE ANN CHAMBER’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RESIGNS
CAPE ANN CHAMBER’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RESIGNS
Today, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce announced that Robert W. Heidt, Jr., the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer, has announced his resignation to accept another leadership position in the Chamber industry. Heidt’s departure comes after nearly two years of distinguished service in which he advanced many of the organization’s goals and helped strengthen the Cape Ann business community.
"Robert has been an invaluable, motivated leader for our organization and Cape Ann. His ability to advocate for business, build partnerships and drive the organization forward serves as a model for those who follow. While we are sorry to see him go, we are so very fortunate to have benefited from Robert’s leadership. The Chamber will build upon the progress under Robert’s tenure while continuing in its mission to advance the region’s business interests," said Ed Collard, 2013 Board President.
During his tenure, Heidt is credited with dramatically enhancing the financial stability, bolstering internal & external communications strategies, building a dynamic team of professionals and adding additional levels of transparency to the growing organization. "It has been a privilege working shoulder to shoulder with so many dedicated professionals who care deeply about the vitality of Cape Ann. In today’s very competitive, global environment, it is critical that America’s Chambers strive for world-class commitment and meaningful results – together, we have done that. I give much credit to my team, members and partners I’ve had the honor of working with and look forward to their continued progress.” said Robert Heidt.
Heidt will leave his post on October 1st. Peter Webber, will oversee Chamber operations until a new Chief Executive Officer is hired, appointed by Ed Collard, 2013 Board President. Ed Collard will be leading the Search Committee for the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer.
Off Island
Another great Sunday kayaking on the Annisquam River
Rick and I launched from Corliss Landing in low tide. During low tide you get to see the wild life that live in the marshes. Here are a couple of pictures from a fun day.
So What’s Up With This?
Crimson-eyed Rose Mallow Growing at Niles Pond
Please Don’t Pick the Wildflowers ~ Thank you!
Hibiscus moscheutos, known by many common names including Swamp Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow, Eastern Rose Mallow, and my favorite, Crimson-eyed Rose Mallow, is a wonderful perennial garden plant and when found in nature, is a wetland plant that can grow in great drifts. Hummingbirds and bees drink nectar from mallows. The flowers of Hibiscus moscheutos range is shades from pure white to deepest rose, and some have a brilliant magenta eye.
Rose Mallow was planted widely at the beginning of the previous centurey, when an awaresness developed about conserving our North American native wildflowers. You would be hard pressed perusing a home and garden publication from that era and not find a lovely illustration of Crimson-eyed Rose Mallow.
Seafood Throwdown, Farmers Market, Live Music on Schooners and in the Streets. It’s still Summer folks!

Can you feel it? People trying to pack a whole summer into the last week before school starts, which seems to get earlier every year. It feels like there’s so much going on that every choice we make effectively says “No” to a dozen other things we’d like to do. Take today for instance. Live music starts at 11:30am at Stage Fort Park and continues into the night at restaurants, clubs, @ Shalin Liu, on schooners and in the streets. See the full live music schedule here.
Just in case that’s not enough for you, there’s also the Farmer’s Market at Stage Fort Park from 3-6:30 and today you can catch NAMA’s only Gloucester-based Seafood Throwdown of the year at 4:30 featuring a showdown between 2012 HarvestFest champs Gloucester’s Willow Rest and 2008 Genoa World Pesto champs Beverly’s Prides Osteria. Spectators get to taste the food so you really don’t want to miss this one!
See how much fun these Seafood Throwdowns are in this video by Joey from the 2010 epic rematch between Passports & Dog Bar.
Harbor Loop Concert Series 2013 ~ Tonight with Allen Estes “Souls of The Sea” and The Walker Creek Band 6:30 to start.
Allen Estes~Souls Of the Sea
http://www.allenestes.com/allenestes/Allen_Estes_Welcome.html
~
The Walker Creek Band
Dave Sag’s Blues Party @ The Rhumb Line with his special guest Lydia Warren 8.22.2013. 8:30-11:30

Dave says,
The heat’s on high this week as we cave in to our animal desires with the welcome addition of a new musician to our Augean Stables: Ms. Lydia Warren. This gal, tender as an egg from a bluebird’s nest, absolutely wrecked the joint at the Glou. Blues Fest a coupla weeks ago. She plays scorching glitar, and sings like an angel. You gotta czech this out. She blew me away!
Worse, I’ve got the hottest guitarist on the Boston scene, Mr. Chris “Stovall” Brown, to back her up. And, completing the circuit, Mr. Forrest “Frosty” Padgett is gonna keep time for us. I need a doctor….if you miss this, you should get burial insurance.
Worse, I’ve got the hottest guitarist on the Boston scene, Mr. Chris “Stovall” Brown, to back her up. And, completing the circuit, Mr. Forrest “Frosty” Padgett is gonna keep time for us. I need a doctor….if you miss this, you should get burial insurance.
Check out Lydia Warren here > http://www.lydiawarren.com/Lydia_Warren/Oh,_hi.html
Photo take at the 2nd Gloucester Annual Blues Festival 8.10.2013
THE RHUMB LINE BAR & RESTAURANT







