Day: November 21, 2014

Thanksgiving Quotes of the Week from Greg Bover

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dear GMG Friends,

I have been thinking about what Thanksgiving means, beyond turkey and football. I looked back through my four plus years of weekly quotes and was a little surprised to find so many that speak about the various facets of gratitude, but perhaps I shouldn’t have been. Wise people over the centuries have recognized the power of thankfulness to transform one’s life, and it certainly has changed mine.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but also the parent of all the others.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC)

“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.”

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)

“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.”
Henry Van Dyke (1852 – 1933)

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)

“By holding up a fancied golden era of yesteryear, we can devalue where we are and who we have become. Thanksgiving aims at gratitude not for what was, but for what is.”

James Carroll (1943-    )

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”
Melody Beattie (1948-    )

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

Oprah Winfrey (1954-    )

Greg Bover

Scrap Metal Drive/ Magnolia Historical Society

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

MHS Logo

Last chance for Scrap Metal before winter hits.

The dumpster is behind the schoolhouse now, but it will be gone right after Thanksgiving.  Anything at least 70% metal can go in the dumpster or close to it.

This is a great opportunity to get rid of your old grill, your washing machine, lawn mowers, bikes, pots and pans, etc, etc, etc…

100% goes to restoring the Blynman schoolhouse.

http://www.magnoliahistoricalsociety.com/   

 

Ted Talks: Nancy Frates: Why my family started the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The rest is history

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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From TED TALKS:

When 27-year-old Pete Frates injured his wrist in a baseball game, he got an unexpected diagnosis: it wasn’t a broken bone, it was ALS. Better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS causes paralysis and death—there is no cure. And still, Pete saw an opportunity to drive awareness about the disease. In a brave talk, his mom Nancy Frates tells the story of how the family developed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and took great pleasure in seeing everyone from Justin Timberlake to Bill Gates take part. If you accepted the challenge, please take the next step: share this talk as you did your challenge video.

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BEWARE ARTISTS and Don’t Be Duped! Is Tallenge a Scam Website Targeting Creators?

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

The following was in my inbox the very next morning after posting my short film A Flight of Monarchs:

Hey Kim,

I watched your Short Film “A Flight of Monarchs” & I loved it!

I think you should upload it and some of your other Short films on Tallenge. We have an ongoing Short Film contest with $500 prize. You can sign up & upload for free.

The Winner of this contest qualifies for the annual contest which has a cash prize of $10,000.

Tallenge Short Film Contest Link – (here they provide the link)

I would love to see you compete on Tallenge. Let me know if you need any more info and I’ll be glad to help.

Love & Regards
Britney

With their super slick website touting themselves as Earth’s Largest Talent Platform, I immediately began to dream of winning $10,000. to put towards completing several current film projects. Enter the contest and you only have to:

“…irrevocably grant Tallenge, its successors, subsidiaries, parent and related companies, licensees, assignees, and third parties acting on Tallenge’s behalf, an exclusive worldwide, royalty-free right to license to use, exhibit, license, sub-license, distribute, perform, post, display, copy, publish, promote, re-format, reproduce, prepare derivative works of, adapt, make available online or electronically transmit and exploit the Submission, for free, […] for a period of five (5) years from the date you entered the contest. After the term of the foregoing license expires, the license shall automatically convert into a non-exclusive license to Tallenge in perpetuity.”

“Any person uploading any media on Tallenge.com would hereinafter be known as a “Participant”, and any person consuming or voting on any content would hereinafter be known as a “Voter”. By uploading media on Tallenge.com, the Participant consents to the media being subject to Tallenge’s LICENSE, to being subject to Tallenge’s Rules Of The Competition, to being subject to Tallenge’s Privacy Policy, to having the media displayed on Tallenge.com, and to having it enter into any and all periodic contests for which it is eligible running on Tallenge.com, to be determined by the date and time of the media being uploaded. By voting, the Voter consents to having the vote counted for the determination of any and all periodic contests for which the media is eligible.”

Artists, beware!

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Image courtesy Google image search

BREAKING NEWS: Charlie Farren to headline Cape Ann Winter Solstice – Get Tix Tomorrow (SAT) At the Cape Ann Farmers Market Before they go on sale to the public

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Just Announced: Boston Rock Star Charlie Farren of FARRENHEIT and THE JOE PERRY PROJECT will headline this year’s Cape Ann Winter Solstice concert hosted by Allen Estes with Rising Boston Blues Star Danielle Miraglia (who blew the crowd away with James Montgomery at this year’s Celebrate Gloucester benefit for The Open Door).

You can get tickets to this very special event at The Cape Ann Farmers Market’s first Indoor Market is tomorrow (SAT) 10am – 1pm at Gloucester’s UU Church. Just go to the Farmers Market and look for the UU Church table.

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Happy Stuffing Day!

Posted on by capeannpainter

Today is National Stuffing Day 2014.

But I’ll save the Stuffing eating for next Week.

Our Family’s favorite Turkey Stuffing is The Italian Hamburg Stuffing which also doubles as the Stuffing for our Green Peppers.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITES?

Below is my favorite stuffing and a side dish that goes great with it.

stove top
Just boil some Gloucester water and it’s ready in five minutes! How easy is that? It also has real Turkey broth.
cranberry sauce
I love the shape, texture, color and flavor. The real stuff can’t beat it!

What’s Fair is Fair…Or Not.

Posted on by Nichole S.

Since I’ve started contributing to GMG there’s been a particular hot topic that seems to come up every so often…so today, I took that topic to the streets.

Actually, not so much to the streets, as to the classroom.

Joey has referred to it as “The Pussification of Sports”….I chose to not use that term in the classroom today.  But, I was very interested in what my students would have to say.

The hot topic in question has centered around the belief that some parents have that all kids should be praised, rewarded, celebrated, and applauded equally no matter how they play or contribute (or don’t contribute) to the team’s success. Don’t go all nutty here about the word “success” and how it should be measured. I realize that a team’s success could just as easily be measured by the number of laughs the kids had or the great team morale…or even because of an injury free season.  But, for the sake of playing devil’s advocate, let’s say that just for a second, we’re measuring the success of a season by the “Win vs. Loss” column. Is it OK to single out players who excelled?  Is it OK to acknowledge those who gave 110% all season long?  Is it OK to determine that one kid’s talents and abilities are clearly above the rest?  Is it OK to give awards for things like MVP? Or Most Improved?  Or by naming one kid the Captain?

Some parents will say that hurts feelings.  Some parents will say, “There’s no I in Team” and each player is equally important.  Singling out the “better” players is wrong…and not fair.  Other parents will say that in the college or professional sports we have things like captains, MVPs, Golden Glove Award winners, Heisman Trophy awards, Cy Young Awards, the coveted Master’s Green Jacket, or the Tour de France yellow jersey.  And what about Gold Medals?  Parents from the other side would clearly retort, “But our kids aren’t playing professional sports….these are just little kids.”  Fair enough.

FYI…the same conversation has been happening in academics.  Who remembers this story from last year?  It isn’t fair to give Awards of Academic Excellence to just some students!  It will hurt other kids’ feelings.  Oooh, Oooh, Oooh……OooooR, I have an idea….it just might motivate them to work harder. Or to put energy into something that they excel at or have a passion for.  Maybe they’ll never be top of their class, but maybe they become motivated to paint more, or write more poetry, or practice more piano, or donate time to a worthy cause, or think outside the box.  Because, really, being top of the class isn’t everything, but those kids do deserve their academic merit awards…and hopefully other children will find their own way to shine…or at least feel good about themselves!  Just Saying.   (Darn..I wasn’t going to offer my own opinion…but it got away from me for a minute).

The sports question came up mid October in the Boston Globe when Globe Columnist Thomas Farragher wrote, “Put Our Kids In, Coach”.   And then Sports Columnist, Bill Speros (Obnoxious Boston Fan), countered with “There’s a Reason Why Your Kids Aren’t Playing – They’re Not Good Enough” on Boston.com.

So, when, if your child has decided to become part of a sports team, should you expect that the Direct Goal is a winning season and the Indirect Goals (added bonus) would be that all the kids have fun, learn about team work, get some exercise, learn a bit of stick-to-it-ness, and maybe gain some discipline.  I ask that seriously.  What is the “correct” age for the transition.  I mean clearly Professional Sports are concerned about THE WIN.  Safe to say College Sports are too.  I’d even dare say, High School sports would rather win than lose…even if that means some players didn’t get a chance to touch the ball.  So, when should a child be prepared for less playing time or smaller (or no!) trophies unless they’re the high scorer, most valuable, etc.?

Well, those questions may have been too abstract for my 3rd grade students today.  So, with the help of Time For Kids Magazine, we explored this question instead.

“Should everyone get a prize or is it OK to acknowledge just the “best” players?”

My students had some pretty interesting and wise things to say.  At first the majority quickly thought, “Yes, everyone should get a trophy for being part of the team” but then we started discussing it a bit.  Some interesting “what ifs” came up.  I won’t try to wax poetically about our whole debate, but some of the key points became:

What if one player plays well, but has really poor sportsmanship?

What if one player plays well, but never shows up to practice, doesn’t try much until its a game situation, and doesn’t act like a part of the team?

What if a player isn’t so great, but supports all of his/her teammates, tries really hard, takes advice, works on skills, never gives up?

After some back and forth, my students decided that all members of a team (up until High School) should receive acknowledgement and, ideally, a really cute little trophy…or at least a ribbon and a certificate 🙂   BUT…then, in addition, the “best” or “hardest working” or “most helpful teammate” players could all get bigger and more special awards.  Their words, not mine.  Aren’t they cute!?

So, I’ll ask you too.

Take the Poll Here.  

 

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Financial Future for Fishing Industry On Broadside With Jim Braude On NECN Watch The Video-

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Can the Gloucester, Massachusetts, fishing fleet survive with no fish? John Bullard, the NOAA administrator who ordered ban on cod fishing in Gulf of Maine, and Jackie Odell, the executive director of Northeast Seafood Coalition, joined NECN to discuss the depleting resource.

Click for video-

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Community Stuff 11/21/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

What’s Happening at GHS 11/19/14

TOMORROW NIGHT: The Guidance Department will present a Financial Aid Night on Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 pm in the Lecture Hall. A representative from MEFA will be here to guide you through the financial aid process. Included in the presentation will be information about the FAFSA form, CSS profile, PELL Grants and other loans. This presentation is highly recommended for parents who are new to the college application process.

TOMORROW NIGHT: Open House on Thursday Evening November 20, from 6:30 until 8:00pm.  Please join us in introducing course offerings, student panel presentations, student performers, guided tours and refreshments so that all may see the dedication to excellence in education that occurs daily within our school.

Cap and Gown Measurements will be taken on Thursday November 20, at GHS for any student in the class of 2015, who is preparing to graduate on June 14th this year.

The Student Council will be collecting all non- perishable food items for the FOOD DRIVE this year and hopefully will reach their goal of 2000 items. Items may be dropped off in most classrooms but all will be collected in the library divided by class, Frosh, Soph, Junior and Senior. May the most dedicated class win!

Upcoming Dates of Interest

GHS Open House Thursday, November 20 for all new incoming 8th grade students and their parents
MEFA Financial Aid Night    Thursday,
November 20
Early Release ½ Day for Students Wednesday November 26, for Thanksgiving Recess

Sea Change Theatre Company Presents “Cariboo Magi”

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Good Afternoon,

Would you please publish this community announcement? thanks! Pastor Anne Deneen

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, to be held on Monday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m., hosted by the First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Avenue, Gloucester. First Baptist kindly opened their doors for an interfaith gathering for Thanksgiving. The service will include readings, prayers, and songs from different faith traditions, focusing on the theme of gratitude and blessings. Please join us for a lovely evening.

Hi Joey-  My name is Julie Arvedon and I handle PR for Boston Children’s Theatre.  I was talking with Mary Barthelmes at the Wenham Museum yesterday and she recommended that I reach out to you as well.  BCT is so excited to be bringing our family-friendly holiday production of THE VELVETEEN RABBIT to the North Shore this season.  We will be performing at the Manninen Center for the Arts at Endicott College December 6 – 21.  Many of our young actors are from the North Shore and BCT’s Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark and Executive Director Toby Schine both live in Beverly.  This past summer we were also conducting our summer program at Shore Country Day.

2014JulieArvedon

A rocking horse that talks, boats that dance, a toy soldier that marches and a soft, endearing rabbit who changes a young boy’s life.  This is all part of the magic created on stage in Boston Children’s Theatre’s (BCT) annual production of the classic children’s story THE VELVETEEN RABBIT.  Returning for a 6th season, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT will be performed this year at Endicott College’s Manninen Center for the Arts in Beverly from December 6 – 21.

By combining the unique art of puppetry with live actors on stage, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT captures the essence of the holiday spirit with memorable characters and beautifully hand-crafted puppets designed by Marjorie Tudor of the Tasha Tudor Family.  “We are so proud to bring such a heartwarming story to our audiences each year during the holiday season,” said BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark.  “The magic and joy of The Velveteen Rabbit appeals to all ages and it’s wonderful to see multi-generational families come together to enjoy this touching tale of friendship, love and loyalty.  We are especially excited this season to bring one of our most cherished productions to new audiences on the North Shore.”

Adapted by Clark from the classic children’s book by Margery Williams, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT tells the moving and amusing story of a friendship and love between a boy and his beloved Velveteen Rabbit.  Audiences follow the boy and his stuffed rabbit on a journey that ends with a life lesson that is guaranteed to warm the heart.                                                                                                            

Directed by Jay Pension, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT features young actors from 10 area communities.  The cast includes Amesbury student Carly Gendell as ‘Boy’; Beverly actress Katie Clarke as ‘Nana’; Lexington student Chloe Thorburn as ‘Rabbit’; Peabody actress Jenney Dale Holland as ‘Margery’; Quincy student Alex Cox as ‘Wooden Lion’; Sudbury student Owen Sherrin as ‘Skin Horse’; Tyngsborough student Cameron Perrin as ‘Velveteen Rabbit’; Wayland student Sophie Stowell as ‘Fairy’; Winthrop student Heather Buccini as ‘Rabbit’; and Worcester student Sima Kasten as ‘Tin Soldier’.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT will be performed at Endicott College’s Manninen Center for the Arts, 376 Hale Street, Beverly, MA.  Performances are December 6 at 2:00 pm; December 7 at 6:00 pm, December 13 at 4:30 pm, December 14 at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, December 20 at 2 :00 pm and 4:00 pm, and December 21 at 12 noon and 2:00 pm.  Tickets are $27.00 and can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org or calling the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222.  Grandparents Packages are also available that include 2 tickets to the show, a special souvenir and a photo with the cast. School groups can also reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office.

About Boston Children’s Theatre

For over 60 years, Boston Children’s Theatre has served as one of the regions premier not-for-profit theaters.  Named Best of Boston® 2013 and 2012 by Boston Magazine for Best Children’s Theatre, BCT’s mission is to provide access to exceptional theatrical experiences dedicated to fostering the artistic and personal development of diverse youth, with a focus on professional training and the development of new works.  Programs at Boston Children’s Theatre provide a unique chance for self-discovery and individual expression in a supportive, and productive environment. At BCT, talented and motivated students gather from across traditional boundaries and nationalities to learn about themselves, each other and the world as they create some of the finest theatrical productions in New England.  

Photo Caption: (l-r)  Heather Buccini of Winthrop, Carly Gendell of Amesbury and Cameron Perrin of Tyngsborough will be appearing in Boston Children’s Theatre’s production of THE VELVETEEN RABBIT running December 6 – 21.  Photo courtesy of Boston Children’s Theatre.

North of Boston Cast

Hello Joey,

We are a group of concerned Gloucester residents that are trying to spread the word regarding the proposed height of the cell tower in West Gloucester and it’s permanent impact on our scenic shoreline and hiking vistas.  I am requesting that you post a reference to our grassroots website, www.notalltower.org, on GoodMorningGloucester so that local residents can be more informed before the zoning board of appeals soon makes a decision.  Feel free to grab an image from the site if you should choose to post an article on the matter.

ref. http://www.notalltower.org/

Many thanks in advance,
Jennifer McTiernan

NoTallTower.org West Gloucester

COLD WEATHER REQUEST TO RESIDENTS

THE ROCKPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ROCKPORT COUNCIL ON AGING ARE ASKING RESIDENTS TO REGULARLY CHECK IN WITH THEIR ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS.

THE WINTER MONTHS BRING ADDITIONAL HAZARDS TO SENIOR CITIZENS , WHICH INCLUDE SNOW AND ICE, HYPOTHERMIA, AND POWER OUTAGES.
CONTACT THE ROCKPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT ( 978-546-1212), EMERGENCIES 911, AND THE COUNCIL ON AGING (978-546-2573) FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE AND REFERRALS TO OTHER AGENCIES.   

The O’Maley Innovation Middle School Guidance Department will host a special parent/guardian information night Tuesday, December 2nd entitled:

KEEPING YOUR KIDS SAFE

A look at how adolescents are using social media, the internet, and cell phones today and understanding how we can help them make healthy choices.

As technology continues to change so rapidly and middle school students are getting more and more involved with communicating via multiple platforms it is important that we stay informed and updated.Think Before You Send, a presentation developed by Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett’s office that highlights using digital communication responsibly will be shared along with tips and strategies, and students will on hand to present and enlighten us about what is really happening in their world of texting and online communication. Please join us!

6:30-8:00pm – O’Maley Auditorium

Refreshments will be provided

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