95 East Main St, let me know if you’d like some.

It’s not too late to register for the Cape Ann Challenge PHRF sailboat race from Annisquam to Eastern Point. The race takes place on Saturday, July 27th, with the warning signal no earlier than 11:55 AM. The start line will be in the vicinity of the Annisquam bell buoy [RW “AR” Mo (A)]. On the evening of Friday July 26th, starting at 5:30 PM an informal reception will be held for the competitors at the Annisquam Yacht Club (AYC), and a skippers meeting at 6PM. This is a great way to spend a Saturday out on the water with friends and take in beautiful Cape Ann via circum navigation. Moorings are available to competitors on a first come, first served basis at AYC and Eastern Point Yacht Club (EPYC) for the Friday before and night of the race. The Notice of Race (NOR) and Sailing Instructions can all be found on the Regatta Man website.

I hope you consider joining us on Saturday!

Zaak Beekman

AYC Race Sail Governor

Fascinator…

With over 30 brands to choose from, a grand total of over 100 bottles of premium tequila, you will find something for everyone!

A couple we recommend to try are pictured below! Enjoy amigos!

Machaca 

Tacos & Tequila

14 Rogers St

Gloucester, MA

Sunday, July 28, 7:00 to 8:30

at the Back Beach Bandstand on Beach St., Rockport.

our Music Director and Conductor is Bob Rick.

Admission is free.

our program is Let’s Dance!

The best popcorn in Massachusetts is here!  Children are especially welcome.  Folding chairs and blankets are good.

Piece	Composer/Arranger
Amparita Roca	Jamie Texidor, arr. Aubrey Winter
Beer Barrel Polka	Lew Brown, arr. George F. Briegel
Blue Tango	Leroy Anderson
El Relicario	Jose Padilla, arr. By Robert Longfield
Funiculi Funicula	Luigi Denza, arr. Alfred Reed
Hoe Down	Aaron Copland, arr. John Moss
Lord of the Dance	Ronan Hardiman, arr. Richard Saucedo
Moon Dance	Van Morrison, arr. Shane Porter
Moon River	Henri Mancini, arr. Michael Brown
My Fair Lady (I Could Have Danced All Night)	Frederick Loewe/Arr. Robert Russell Bennett
Romanza	W A Mozart, arr. Andy Clark
Samba for Flutes	Eric Osterling
The King and I (Shall We Dance?)	Richard Rodgers/ Robert Russell Bennett
Tuba Tiger Rag	Harry DeCosta, arr. Luther Henderson

 Ron McBrien received the Presidential Medal of Volunteer Service, photograph by Richard Crozier

Ronald McBrien has served the United States for more than 60 years, serving in the U.S. Army for 36 years prior to serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

As Ron retires in June 2024 he will do so in gallant fashion. During his time in service, Ron received The President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Gold Medal and Certificate from President Barack Obama for Lifetime Achievement Award for building a stronger nation through volunteer service.  

Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015

Ron McBrien The President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal, photograph by Richard Crozier.

Ronald McBrien joined the Auxiliary in 1996. Ron serves 1,000 hours each year. Ron served considerable time as Watchstatnder at Boston Light. “In April 1999, as a new USCG Auxiliary member in Danversport Flotilla, it was Flotilla Commander Ronald McBrian that was my mentor helping me complete the Crew Training Program, become a FSO Vessel Examiner and helping me obtain training with active duty USCG Petty Officer’s as a fellow Assistant Lighthouse Keeper at USCG Station Boston at Little Brewster Island in Boston
Harbor,” says Paul Medina.

Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015

On September 11^th 2001, Danversport Flotilla Commander Ronald McBrien was serving as the Quartermaster aboard USCG 110’ Grand Isle in Gloucester harbor, Auxiliary Quartermaster in charge of the cutter Grand Isle, Ronald McBrian at 1000 on 9/11, 2001 was ordered to take the 110’ cutter safely out to sea to keep the vessel out of harm’s way while the attacks occurred that morning. He safely executed the active duty order and took the Grand Isle out to sea in response
to the September 11, 2001 tragedy of the terrorist attacks on the United States Homeland.

Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport  Flotilla, June 2015

“As Flotilla Commander of Danversport Flotilla at the June 2015 Flotilla meeting, I had the honor of presenting to Ronald McBrien the Gold Medal and Certificate from President Barack Obama for Lifetime Achievement Award for building a stronger nation through volunteer service,” says Paul Medina.

 Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015

Ron was the recipient of the Arthur J. Benway Award in 2020. Ron was named Auxiliarist of the year in 2020 for North Shore Division First District North Region, the award was presented “In Recognition of Outstanding Service to United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, North Shore Division, First District Northern Region.”

Ronald McBrien at Beverly Flotilla Meeting Photo by fellow Auxiliarist

Ronald McBrien at Station Gloucester Photograph by SO-CS FSO-PA Flaherty

Ron’s commitment in placing service above self is admirable. His work ethic is exceptional and he has instilled a spirit of service to many service members that look to him as a role model. Ron has made a major impression on all who have served with him. The numerous lives that Ron has changed for the better is shown in the many stories told about him, whenever his name is mentioned. Ron has been ever present at Station Gloucester for many years. Ron’s legacy is an indelible mark on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. For all who have served with Ron it has been a great honor to serve with him.

Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015

Ron McBrien at Station Gloucester, photography by fellow crewmates

While serving as the Watchstander for Station Gloucester from 2018 to 2022 Ron was selected as Station Gloucester’s Sailor of the Quarter in 2020. “For high level of performance, dedication to duty, and extraordinary work ethic. Performed above and beyond the expectations of your position and stood out amongst this exceptional crew. Worked tirelessly in … Watchstanding rotation. Stood over 65 watches and nearly 400 hours this quarter … Your diligent watchstanding included manning the communications center during several rescue missions and while the unit conducted recreational boating safety boarding directly contributing to the overall safe boating environment in Station Gloucester’s area of responsibility (AOR). Selflessly volunteered your time … Frequently working with the USCGC Key Largo. Your performance and positive attitude have been exemplary … and are keeping with the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guards core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Congratulations and Bravo Zulu. Many times Ron would take the first watch by 0600. His commitment to service is admired by many.”

Ron achieved AUXOP Operational Auxiliarist upon completing an advanced training program and has served as a role model for shipmates. Another area receiving Ron’s time was in the Boat Crew program, both as Boat Crew and Coxswain. “Ron and I served aboard the Eagle on several in-port visits,” says Richard Crozier.

Ron also has achieved Certified Instructor. “Ron is an avid Auxiliarist,” says Brian McMahon Earning Coxswain rating, Boat Crew, AUXOP, Flotilla Commander, and Vice Commander in his first few years, “Ron burned up the track in his first few years,” says Brian McMahon.

Ron held appointed office and served as District Staff Officer Member Training, Flotilla Staff Officer Information Systems, Flotilla Staff Officer Secretary/Records, Flotilla Staff Officer Member Training. Ron’s 14 years of service on the USCGC Grand Isle a 110’ Island Class Cutter based in Gloucester, his qualifications were as In-Port Watchstander and In-Port OOD

“Ron has also served on variety of special projects including the history of Station Gloucester,” says M. Craig Stanley.

Gold Medal Ceremony for Ronald McBrien. Credit Photograph: Joseph Medina Danversport Flotilla, June 2015

“Always a gentleman and respected by all, as well as one of my closest friends,” says Richard Crozier.

Ron is an inspiring leader. He will be missed. We wish him the very best in his retirement from the United State Coast Guard Auxiliary.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

A reminder that John Abisamra’s solo show opens in Rockport this weekend and lasts through Aug 15.

Christmas in July at 44 Main St continues today and tomorrow noon to 5 PM. FREE magnet with any purchase. FREE reusable bag with min $25 purchase AND large banners reduced to $30 this week only. Stop by and see what else we have in store.

Radio communications are limited at this time.

Mariners are encouraged to monitor VHF Ch16.

All mariners are strongly encouraged to report any distress to the CG via telephone.