Month: March 2019

Today’s paper | #GloucesterMA Ocean Alliance in the news and update from DR

Posted on by Catherine
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Sean Horgan article for Gloucester Daily Times “Ocean Alliance Planning Innovation Center at Paint Factory” includes rendering of restoring 2 former sites for new use

View past Paint Factory Ocean alliance _20190306_Gloucester MA_© catherine ryan

March 5, 2019 Message from Iain Kerr – update on Ocean Alliance research trip off the coast of the Dominican Republic studying breeding humpback whales 

“It gives me great pleasure to advise you that our last 3 days on the water have been fantastic, each day better than the previous. The weather has fallen into a typical trade wind scenario, calm in the early morning and picking up as the day goes on. We were on the boat this morning by 6:15 and had the pleasure of watching a sunrise at sea (with a whale of course).

Today we had our 1st sample by 7:15 am and had our 9th sample by 9:00 am, by 12:30 (when the winds picked up) we had collected a total of 14 samples bringing our expedition total to 54. Our goal was 50 samples, so we are now ahead of the game with 3 days to go. As the sun rose we were with a mother, calf and escort, we collected two Snot samples from each whale so we could have comparable samples, then we collected another sample from each whale flying at a higher altitude than the first set so that we can try to determine what effect height might have on the success/productivity of the biological data (snot) that gets onto the dish.

Angie Sremba is here from Dr. Scott Bakers lab at Oregon State, Angie has been focusing on the DNA analysis. She brought us some exciting information with regards to how our biological data capabilities have (successfully) evolved over time. It is important to remember here that part of this whole process is developing the collection tools and protocols and while Dr. Bakers lab is developing the preservation and analysis protocols. In summary in 2016 we had a 39% success rate with regards to sexing the animals from the DNA and a 55% success rate on the mitochondrial DNA. In 2018 we had a 92% success rate with regards to sexing the animals from the DNA and a 96% success rate with the mitochondrial DNA. This is clearly exciting as it demonstrates that we are learning and getting better on all fronts.

Another exciting data point today was the collection of some whale feces, the whales here are not feeding so it is unusual to find feces in this location. I think this is another amazing benefit of using drones for whale research, the drone saw the whale defecation (look very carefully for the brown stain in the last photo) and Britta and Andy were ready to collect it. This will prove invaluable in trying to put into context the hormone levels that we collect in the blow. 

We had a number of fun whale moments today but one of the best ones was a mother and Calf lob tailing together (lifting their tails up and crashing them down onto the water). The mother would throw her tail down with an enormous crash and then the baby would do the same hardly making a splash. Andy caught one of these moments on camera (see attached photo).

Today we also did some sea trials with EarBot, after this expedition I will have four days at home and then Chris and I go to Cabo San Lucas with EarBot to work on a BBC special, so we need to make sure that EarBot is in tip top shape. Last but not least I am happy to report that this blog is supported by some amazing photos from Christian Miller and Andy Rogan.

I fly out on Thursday, so I plan to do one more blog tomorrow. I hope to report on some more EarBot and Hydrophone recordings so I can attach some Humpback whale songs from the DR, and attach a few more amazing photos.

Best Fishes from the DR. 

Iain Kerr http://www.whale.org

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“We had a number of fun whale moments today but one of the best ones was a mother and Calf lob tailing together (lifting their tails up and crashing them down onto the water). The mother would throw her tail down with an enormous crash and then the baby would do the same hardly making a splash.” courtesy photo by Andy Rogan for Ocean Alliance

 

courtesy photos for Ocean Alliance by Christian Miller:

 

The I Am More Project

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

I Am More at Gloucester High School

 Amy Kerr’s I Am More portraits and essays are on display at Gloucester High School for the month of March, thanks to the time and planning of art teacher Lorrinda Cerrutti, and the support of Principal James Cook. The portraits, including Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, are on display downstairs in the main show case and on the third floor in the art wing thanks to the generosity of the Art Department. A special thank you to the ROTC for allowing their case to be used for this display.

 

 

Toni Ann Enes tonight with Fly Amero @ The Rhumb Line 7pm 3.6.2019

Posted on by Joanne

Dinner Specials Each Week!
Wednesday, March 6 – 7pm
My Musical Guest: TONIANN!

March of 2019 marks my 28th year of weekly shows at the
Rhumb Line. Can you even imagine? Now, that’s a house
gig! Very fitting I should have one of my all-time favorite
music guests on this special night. The wonderful, soulful,
sweet and loving ToniAnn Enes. Let’s all show up and give
the girl the love she deserves. She is, after all, Gloucester’s
very own child… and treasure! It’s a 7pm start, of course. ~ Fly
Dinner with great music!
*Each week features a special, invited musical guest
The Rhumb Line Kitchen……features Morgan Forsythe! Dishes are better than ever before!
Plus a fine, affordable wine menu!
Upcoming…
3/13 – Johnny Carwash Reunion

 

 

 

 

 

3/20 – Quentin Callewaert (Bradley Hosts)

 

 

 

 

3/27 – John Rockwell Hosts

Visit: http://www.therhumbline.com/
Looking forward……to seeing you there 🙂

Seeking Runners to Escort Adventureman

Posted on by Pat D

As you may know, Adventureman is scheduled to end his run around the continental United States right here in Gloucester on or near March 27 and we need some help to make him feel welcome.

Runners are invited to join Adventureman as he approaches Gloucester and escort him into town. Please comment or email GMG to be added to the list for updates.

Host families are needed for a few of Adventureman’s family and friends who will be visiting from his hometown in Gloucester England. This would be for just a couple of nights around March 27. There is one set of 3 people, and 2 sets of 2 people if you can help out, please show our visitors Gloucester spirit by volunteering. Also email or comment.

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Paris Day 2

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Our first day we stayed closer to our apartment, using the On Off double decker bus and Uber to get around and see the Champs-Elysees, Arc De Triumph, Eiffel Tower. Today we planned to conquer the Metro.

FOB Joan Kimberley suggested we check out the Galeries Lafayette in the Opera neighborhood and we’re glad we did. It’s a six story rotunda of high end shopping. On the sixth floor there is a Skywalk made of clear glass that you can walk out for a few minutes to marvel at the beauty of the stained glass ceiling and gorgeous building. After that we went to the Ice Cube Bar atop the building for the incredible view and an adult beverage.

FOB Bradley Scheetz recommended the Metro app and I also downloaded Citmapper app which literally give you walking directions to every form of transportation available and tell you how many stops before your final destination. I HIGHLY recommend anyone that does a fair amount of travel to download the free app. It’s easy to use. The Metro is clean and we felt very safe. Purchased a booklet of ten tickets for 13.90 Euros. A ticket gets you one ride.

After our drink at the Ice Cub bar atop the Galaries Lafayette the plan was to walk up Haussmann to Hard Rock Paris so Kate could take her obligatory Hard Rock photo. She loves working for the company and likes to share the pics with her counterparts. We ate at a brassiere, Corner Haussmann, got a steak entrecôte and a burger. There’s a brassiere or cafe on every corner it seems and I don’t think you could go wrong in any of them.

Hard Rock Paris had a stop for the Hop On Hop Off double decker bus so we hopped on and checked out the neighborhood and got dropped off in Montmartre just after passing by Moulin Rouge. What I didn’t realize was that the street that Moulin Rouge was on had dozens of sex shops on each side of the street.

Montmartre if we’re talking neighborhoods is more bohemian than the buttoned down neighborhood we’re staying next to the Louvre. Twisty narrow streets lined with cute shops and restaurants. At the top Sacre-Coeur with outrageous views of Paris from up high. It’s not to miss and our favorite neighborhood so far. In fact we may go back. In a square behind Sacre-Coeur there are of course cafes and bistros surrounding the square where artists sketch portraits and sell street art. I wanted a portrait of Kate and after checking out a bunch of the different artists and having a beer while meeting a couple on holiday from London we found the artist we kept coming back to because of his simple realistic style. I’m really happy we had it done.

Time flew by and we were hoping to get back down to the Arc De Triumph before dusk to see the lights of the Champs-Elysees come on but by the time we made it back it was past so we freshened up at the room and made 8 PM dinner reservations at Comme Chai Toi.

Comme Chai Toi was a 25 minute walk down the Seine from our apartment and out the windows of the restaurant was a gorgeous view of Norte Dame.

On our way home we walked a bit and discovered this cool enclave of alleyways entirely made up of different bars and restaurants close to La Sorbonne.

What a day! What a trip! People have said not to try to jam everything in, to let Paris come to you. I wouldn’t do it any other way. We’ve just been going with the flow and enjoying every minute of it!

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APPLY NOW! Gloucester Biotechnology Academy accepting applications for upcoming Class of 2020

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute's avatarCape Ann Community

With two weeks left until the Priority Deadline closes, make sure to get your applications in to the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy program for classes beginning in September!

Starting March 16th, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Please reach out to Elizabeth Brannon, Lead Teacher at elizabeth.brannon@gmgi.org with any questions.

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FEATHERED FURY, FEATHERED GLORY – MR. SWAN, RULER OF CAPE ANN’S WATERWAYS, RETURNS

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Three Young Graces Update No. 2

Niles Pond thawed, and so too was the knowledge that Mr. Swan would return. He is the bird-ruler of Cape Ann’s waterways, from Gloucester Harbor to Rockport Harbor, and vigilantly patrols all our local ponds and inlets. Mr. Swan does not take kindly to other swans in his territory. 

I checked in on the Three Graces at day’s end, and they were contentedly preening after a full day of eating.

Swanference

The following morning I returned and there was Mr. Swan, but no young swans. Although I did not see a battle take place, Mr. Swan’s behavior can only be described as victorious. Swans do a thing called busking when they want to appear big and bad and that is exactly what he was doing. Swimming with vigor and much greater speed than usual, he was patrolling one end of the pond to the other, with his feathers all busked out. It’s a swan’s way, and his territorial behavior is in part what has contributed to his longevity. Mr. Swan is more than thirty years old. I do so hope no one was injured, though.

Feathered Fury, Feathered Glory – Mr. Swan Busking

Perhaps the pond will freeze again, Mr. Swan will head back to Rockport Harbor, and we’ll see the Three Graces at Niles Pond once more.


Busking full speed ahead to the other side of the pond to see if the three young ones are hiding, and then taking a break after what must have been a demanding morning.

5th Annual Welcome Home Luncheon

Posted on by Nichole S.

This coming Sunday, March 10th at 11:00 marks the 5th Annual Welcome Home Luncheon for Cape Ann veterans, AmVet, American Legion, and Elks members, or previous returnees!  Thanks to the time of some amazing volunteers and the generosity of many local organizations and restaurants, the stage is set to welcome home Cape Ann’s very worthy veterans for the 5th year in a row.

Gloucester Elks Lodge, 101 Atlantic Road Gloucester.

Join us for a FREE Veterans Luncheon. If you are a local Cape Ann veteran, a member of the AmVets, VFW, American Legion, Elks, or a previous returnee… we would love to have you join us.

Tons of great food from many of our local restaurants.. the Causeway, Gloucester House, and Virgilios, to name a few!!

Every year we welcome home every returning veteran back to the Cape Ann Community. This year we are inviting others to join in the camaraderie and share their insights with our returnees this year.

If you ARE attending you must RSVP prior to the event. Space is limited. Email veterans892@gmail.com or confirm on the Facebook event ASAP.

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Motown Music Routine! Nia classes on Cape Ann in March

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

niawithlinda's avatarCape Ann Wellness

motown shoutout graphicNew Motown Routine

Nia will groove to the sounds of Motown! We will take the choreography from the last routine, Source, and give it some soul by putting it to the groovy sounds of songs like Baby Love, Midnight Train to Georgia, Superstition and of course Shout! We will still be focusing on using the eyes to guide the movements of the head and spine but in a more funky way

Not sure what Nia is all about? Here is a video from founder, Debbie Rosas on Nia.
Nia cardio-dance workouts combine 52 simple moves with dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts to get you fit in 60 minutes – body, mind, emotion, and spirit.
Nia is non-impact, practiced barefoot, and adaptable to individual needs and abilities. Nia classes are taught by licensed Nia teachers.

linda31Want to try Nia?

Class on Thursday at 10:15am at MAGMA, 11 Pleasant…

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All Purpose Flowers Spring Wreath Workshop

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Just a reminder that this Saturday is our Spring Wreath Workshop at the Magnolia Library. Tickets are available at www.allpurposeflowers.net/shop. In order to get a total headcount for supplies, tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, March 6th. Come for a fun and creative night out!

Beer and Wine in Rockport!

Posted on by Nichole S.

For the first time in, well….forever….you can purchase beer and wine in Rockport.  We’ve been big fans of Cracker Jacks in the Whistlestop Mall for years and things got extra exciting and convenient when they started carrying groceries a while back.  The addition of beer and wine to their fun, ever-growing, and rather eclectic assortment of goods is the icing on the cake!

A big selection…with a little sense of humor on the side….the Bury the Hatchet Bottle Shop is open and ready for your patronage.

Stop by and check them out for sure and while there browse for a large number of other things.  Yay, Rockport!!

 

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