Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

The creator of goodmorninggloucester.org Lover of all things Gloucester and Cape Ann. GMG where we bring you the very best our town has to offer because we love to share all the great news and believe that by promoting others in our community everyone wins.

This is what Gloucester looks like at the WHITE HOUSE and CITY HALL: it’s all local!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cat Ryan submits-

There’s a magnificent permanent art collection displayed throughout Gloucester’s City Hall, its public buildings and many outdoor locations. In an effort to promote, encourage and share current local art and artists with the public, Mayor Romeo Theken showcases a wide variety of media on temporary loan throughout the Mayor’s office. I took some photos back in February. She requested that buoys painted by our local youth at Art Haven be featured in Kyrouz Auditorium, along with the ‘Downtown Quilt’, the 13th panel from the Gloucester Neighborhood Quilt Project. These quilts are made by residents creating art with Juni Van Dyke, the Art Program Director Gloucester Council on Aging at Rose Baker Senior Center. (Twelve panels were prominently displayed for the 2014 Inauguration for former Mayor, Honorable Carolyn Kirk.)

 

Office of Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, City Hall, Gloucester, February 2015

Donna Ardizzoni, business owner, GMG contributor https://ardizzoniphotography.wordpress.com/about-2/

 

Ana Connoli, photograph, Gloucester from Port. Hill

 

Phil Cusumano, painting, http://www.philcusumanoart.com/

 

Tina Greel, statue, https://www.facebook.com/tina.greel

 

Jennifer Johnson, photograph

 

Ken Knowles, painting, http://www.kenknowlesfineart.com/ken_final/home.html

 

Marty Luster, photograph, GMG contributor

 

Bridget Matthews, photograph

 

Sam Nigro, painted oar, http://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/local_news/talk-of-the-times-gloucester-man-grows-a-squash-for/article_76b0f29b-1e05-527f-b676-889ee7768aa9.html

 

Shelly Nugent, photograph

 

Eileen Patten Oliver, painting, http://eileenpattenoliver.com/ and here https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/14-works-by-eileen-patten-oliver-at-island-art-and-hobby/

 

Premier Imprints, tea tray, http://www.premier-imprints.com/

 

Louise Welch, photograph City Hall

 

The local art on display had me thinking about the collection at the ‘People’s House’ for our Nation: what’s the best art inside the White House? No matter what is your artistic preference, Gloucester and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts could top the charts as the City and state with the best and most art ties featured at the White House. Let’s break down a selection of that Massachusetts list currently on display at the White House room-by-room, shall we?

 

In the Oval Office:

Not one, but two Edward Hopper paintings, lent by the Whitney Museum of American Art, are installed one over the other, Cobb’s Barns, South Truro and Burly Cobb’s House, South Truro.  There are more than 100 Edward Hopper works inspired by Gloucester, MA. The Childe Hassam’s painting, Avenue in the Rain, and Norman Rockwell’s painting, Statue of Liberty, remain on view.

 

In the Blue Room:

Fitz Hugh Lane’s Boston Harbor gifted by Lew Wasserman

 

In the East Room:

Gilbert Stuart’s Washington, John Singer Sargent’s Roosevelt

 

In the Green Room:

Sargent’s Mosquito Net, John Marin’s Circus, George Peter Alexander Healy’s painting of Adams and Polk and Louisa Adams by Stuart

 

In the Red room:

Martin Johnson Heade’s Sunrise, Bricher’s Castle Rock Nahant, more portraits by Stuart and Healy

 

In the State Dining room:

Healy’s portrait of Lincoln

 

In the Ground floor corridor:

Healy’s Millard Fillmore portrait, Thomas Ball Daniel Webster sculpture, a craftsman chair attributed to Samuel MacIntire, and Charles Hopkinson’s portrait of Calvin Coolidge

 

In the private quarters:

William Glackens Pavilion at Gloucester, and two Maurice Prendergast’s paintings, Boston Harbor and Revere Beach

 

More examples in the collection and in storage such as: Augustus Saint-Gaudens bronze bust of Lincoln, John Henry Twachtman’s oil painting, Captain Bickford’s Float; Henry Hobart Nichols painting, Gloucester Dock; and Worthington Whittredge oil painting, Thatcher’s Island off Rockport, MA.

 

Several artists are represented by more than one piece. How does the White House collection work? It is unusual for the White House to accept art by living artists. There are more than 450 works of art in the permanent collection. New art enters the collection after its vetted and is restricted to works created at least 25 years prior to the date of acquisition. For the public rooms, the Office of the Curator works with the White House advisory committee, the First Lady serves as the Honorary Chair, and the White House Historical Association. The private rooms are the domain of the First Family. Works of art from collectors, museums, and galleries can be requested for temporary loans and are returned at the end of the President’s final term. The Obamas have selected contemporary art, including abstract art, from the permanent collection, and borrowed work for their private quarters. Besides the Hopper paintings and John Alston’s Martin Luther King sculpture, they’ve selected art by *Anni Albers, *Josef Albers, Edgar Degas, Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, *Robert Rauschenberg, Edward Ruscha, and *Alma Thomas. * indicates works that have been donated to the permanent collection. The Obama Administration upgraded the website so that anyone unable to visit in person can have open access. I encourage visits to the website https://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/art. I love the diverse rooms and all the interconnected doors such as the splendid Green Room installation with the Marin and the Jacob Lawrence activating the threshold.

 

My gratitude to Chris Pantano, Office of the Mayor, Gloucester, MA,  and the Office of the First Lady and the White House Office of the Curator for various courtesies shown to me while I prepared this entry.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Seaport Economic Council

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the establishment of the Seaport Economic Council to guide the Commonwealth in realizing a shared vision of a strong maritime economy that leverages coastal assets. The Seaport Economic Council will focus on the strengths of Massachusetts coastal communities and the opportunity the maritime economic sector represents, with consideration given to the resilience and sustainability of coastal areas.  

“The Seaport Economic Council demonstrates our commitment to promoting economic prosperity in cities and towns of all sizes,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to the robust role coastal communities can contribute to job and economic growth in the Commonwealth.”

The Seaport Economic Council will challenge the 78 coastal communities of Massachusetts to leverage their unique geographic advantages in order to grow jobs and the economy, while preparing for the future to engage with the challenges posed by sea level rise and increasingly powerful coastal storms. Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito will chair the Council.

“The maritime economy remains a vital part of Massachusetts and presents an untapped potential for growth in this sector,” stated Lieutenant Governor and Council Chairwoman Karyn Polito. “The Council will prioritize innovation in creating ‘blue’ or ocean-based jobs, partnerships with public education institutions, local maritime planning efforts, and supportive coastal infrastructure projects that meet standards of resilience and sustainability.” 

Deputy Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Carolyn Kirk, a former Mayor of Gloucester, shall serve as Vice Chair of the Council, and the remainder of the Council will be comprised of municipal leaders, representatives from coastal communities, trade associations representing the maritime economy, and senior level staff from the Commonwealth’s Departments of Transportation and Energy and Environmental Affairs.

“From deep water port cities to beach towns, the coastal communities of Massachusetts have long benefited from focused investment in the maritime sector,” said Carolyn Kirk, Council Vice Chair and Deputy Secretary of Housing and Economic Development. “The Seaport Economic Council will further the maritime economic objectives of coastal communities and in a way that considers the environmental, educational and sustainability needs of these communities.”

“Salem’s economy has thrived in part due to targeted grants from the Commonwealth focused on growing our maritime businesses and services,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “We are excited that the Baker/Polito Administration is continuing this focus.”

“Quincy boasts 27 miles of beautiful shoreline and a great deal of coastal needs and opportunity, so I am very grateful for this appointment to the Seaport Economic Council,” said Quincy Mayor Tom Koch.

“The expanded focus on jobs and economic growth in the maritime economy is good news for Gloucester,” said Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. “We are especially excited about prospects for projects related to the seafood industry which is a direct support to our fishermen.” 

Click here to read the Executive Order establishing the Seaport Economic Council.

Council Members:

Lt. Governor Polito, Council Chairwoman

Carolyn Kirk, Council Vice Chair

Mayor Kim Driscoll, City of Salem

Mayor Tom Koch, City of Quincy

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, City of Gloucester

Harlan Doliner, President, Marine Oceanographic and Tech Network

Matt Ciborowski, Transportation Planner, Ports Strategic Plan

Additional council members will be announced in the coming weeks.

Community Stuff 8/11/15

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Join us in our Discovery Lab this week for Whale Tails! Learn about how whales feed, and how marine biologists identify different humpback whales. Wednesday and Friday, 1:30-2:30, free with admission or Maritime Gloucester membership. Ages 6 and up, parent/guardian required.

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Gloucester U, an after-school program based at Gloucester High School presents:

What to Expect Your Freshman Year At Gloucester High School


The Inaugural FAMILY WORKSHOP for Incoming 9th Graders


Tuesday, August 18, 2015 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Meet and Greet in the GHS Library at 6:00

Workshop will be held in in Rm 2308 

Register at: http://bit.ly/gufamilyeventaug18

Or go to the Gloucester High School website and follow the Gloucester U Family Workshop link.

GLOUCESTER mailer-final

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Cub Scouting wants you!
Now is the time to join the fun and excitement of America’s foremost youth program for boys—Cub Scouting.
Pack 55 will be holding a sign-up night on Friday, September 11, 2015 from 6-7:30 pm at Alvin S. Brown
Scout Hall, 47 Mount Pleasant Street, Rockport. Fliers with additional details will be distributed at school.
Designed for boys in grades 1 through 5, Cub Scouting combines outdoor activities, sports, academics, and
more in a fun and exciting program that helps families teach ideals such as honesty, good citizenship, and
respect.
Last year Rockport Cub Scouts hosted the annual Haunted Hayride, visited the TD Garden for a Celtics game,
led the Santa Claus parade from T-Wharf to Dock Square, performed for the residents of Den Mar Nursing
Home, hosted a Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner for Saint Patrick’s days engaged in hikes and camp-outs, visited
the Rockport Police Station, raced in the Pinewood Derby, slept on a famous WWII Battleship and were
involved in countless other fun and enriching activities.
Parents are also invited to accept leadership roles within the pack which include Den Leaders, Assistant Den
Leaders and Committee Seats such as advancement, recruiting and membership, public relations, social media
coordination among others.
The Boy Scouts of America comprises more than one million volunteers working together for the sole purpose
of helping its nearly three million youth succeed in life.
Pack 55 is a non-denominational, open, affirming and inclusive unit of the Boy Scouts of America.

Best Regards:

Paul F. Franklin

Wolf Leader – Den 5

Cubmaster – Pack 55
Rockport, MA

Erik and Glenn Will Be Rowing In Canada!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Damon Cummings Submits-

Gloucester International Dory Committee President Erik Dombrowski and his dory mate Glenn Harrington won the runoff race tonight in quite a southerly breeze against relative newcomers Bryan Sanborn and John Francis. The times on the one mile course were 10:36and 10:45. They were very close at the turn but Bryan and John seemed to be swept more to leeward by the wind and rowed more of a circular arc on the way out.

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com

How many of y’all recognize and try to practice having good posture?

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’m guilty of having terrible posture often but have been trying to remind myself to stand up straight. I guess it’s a sign of getting old. When we are young and invincible you don’t think about this stuff but as we get older everything we can do to help our joints and muscles counts.

Scott Memhard Ward I Candidate letter

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Boilerplate GMG Political Statement:

Good Morning Gloucester Does Not Endorse Candidates and this press release should not be indicative of a an endorsement or non endorsement of any candidates.  We do not back politicians but do post candidacy announcements.

Scott Memhard submits this press release announcing his candidacy-

Scott Memhard for Ward I                                                     August 10, 2015

Dear Friends, Neighbors, Ward I Residents & Voters:

My name is Scott Memhard, and I am a candidate seeking your support and vote to represent Ward I on Gloucester City Council. My wife Martha Oaks was born here, and I have lived in Gloucester since 1983. We have three grown kids, Ian, Larry and Marie, who attended East Gloucester Elementary School, played local sports, graduated college, and bless us by still living and working nearby. I am a graduate of Amherst College and Endicott College Business Leadership Institute

I bring a broad, balanced perspective to represent our Ward. I enjoy working with people, listening to different views, and have a good head on my shoulders. I value the unique beauty of our neighborhood, the quality of education in our schools, our City’s artistic & cultural richness, and the importance of our municipal infrastructure and services. I believe in constructive, civil process in public life. I have limited patience for unnecessary bureaucracy, waste and nonsense.

As President & General Manager of Cape Pond Ice Company for more than 30 years, I have weathered many challenges confronting Gloucester’s groundfish industry, harbor planning & land use, and the local political scene. My civic experience, current and past, includes:

  • Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library, Director & Board President

  • Cape Ann Commercial Fishermen’s Loan Fund; Gloucester Fisheries Commission

  • Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Director & President of the Board, Government Affairs; 1995 Gloucester Small Business Person of the Year

  • Maritime Gloucester; Phyllis A. Marine Association, Boards of Directors

  • Cape Ann Savings Bank, Corporator since 1993

  • Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, Director, Board Chair, Treasurer & Building Restoration Co-Chair

  • Leap for Education – Gloucester High School college counseling; O’Maley Junior Achievement, Gloucester, Rockport & Manchester-Essex High School DECA

    I hope for the opportunity to serve you and Ward I, and look forward to hearing your ideas and concerns about the future of our City. The next years will see thoughtful progress for the Fuller site, Cameron’s downtown housing project, strengthening Grace Center services, & new mixed industrial, marine technology, recreational & tourism development on our harbor. We must support our schools & investment in the quality of our children’s education, community public safety, as well as deal resourcefully with chronic challenges of beach traffic, trash, snow removal & street repairs. We have an incredibly beautiful seaside City; let’s work together with “Gloucester Pride” to take care of it!

If you’d like to talk, meet, donate to the Committee to Elect Scott Memhard for Ward I, put a sign in your yard, or a bumpersticker on your car, please call or email.
I ask for your vote in the Primary on September 29, and in the Election on November 3.

Scott

Scott Memhard for Ward I
9 Graystone Road, Gloucester MA 01930
tel. (978) 283-1955 e-mail: smemhard@gmail.com

Scott_03

Thank you for your consideration, and please VOTE!

Define: Crumpled

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

You know what I don’t get about this crash?
It was as if the bike guy never let up at all and was asleep at the wheel or something. Like if he didn’t smash into that car he was heading into the woods for sure, no?

Not a Mark Twain Quote of the Week from Greg Bover

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Often attributed to Mark Twain, this quote appears to be much more recent than the work of the Sage of Hannibal, at least according to The Quote Investigator, my favorite site for verifying the source of many of the quotes you read here. The earliest print appearance they found was in the early 90’s in H. Jackson Brown’s P.S. I Love You, a book of quotes purportedly from Brown’s mother, although not all are directly attributed to her either. Brown is perhaps best known for Life’s Little Instruction Book, another compendium of advice and observation.

Just back from three weeks on the ocean, and staring into an ever shortening personal future, it seemed apropos to me, perhaps some of you will find it applicable as well.

Greg Bover

Community Stuff 8/10/15

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The guys who renovated the Lane’s Cove Fish Shack have organized themselves as an official non-profit in order to raise funds to maintain the Fish Shack.  Their first fundraiser is August 15th.  Les Barlett will give a talk about the Shack.  There will be a free lunch for everyone.  The mayor will begin the Live Auction, in which there will be some beautiful paintings by local artists Jeff Weaver, Ken Knowles, and Liza Calkins, along with a lot of other great local stuff, like field box Red Sox tickets. There will be live music throughout the day.  The whole thing begins at noon. 

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Introducing Lighthouse BNI With Guests Joel Favazza and Kathy Boudreau

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

For more information check out their Facebook Page Here

All Cape Ann businesses are invited to join BNI Lighthouse for their informal Visitor Night at the Seaglass Restaurant (Castle Manor Inn) on August 26 at 6:30 P.M.

Tour Sargent Gallery at the Sargent House Museum

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Tour Sargent Gallery at the Sargent House Museum

Those of you who have attended the Museum of Fine Arts’ exhibit Searching for Sargent, which celebrates the recent gift of John Singer Sargent’s archives to the MFA, may also want to tour the Sargent Gallery at Gloucester’s own Sargent House Museum at 49 Middle Street for a brief tour of Sargent’s art and memorabilia before the Museum closes for the season on September 6, 2015. The Sargent House Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 pm with tours on the hour. The Sargent Gallery tour is available to members free and non-members $6. A full tour of the Sargent House Museum is also available to members free and to non-members $12.  The image below is an example of John Singer Sargent’s art included in the Sargent Gallery tour.

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Fitz William Sargent (1826-1889) painted by his son, John Singer Sargent

August 2015 International Dory Race Eliminations Results

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Damon Cummings forwards-

Note: There were two heats in the Senior (open) division. There will be a runoff in that division at 6 pm on Monday at Niles Beach. Since the winners of the two heats had identical times, 10 min 17 seconds, that should be quite a race Monday evening.

Mixed doubles:
1. Lily Jean Sanfilippo and Bill Edmonds 8:16
2. Rachel Cecillio and Larry Ciulla 8:42

Juniors
1. Thomas Beaton and Tyler Edmonds 8:12

Women:
Bye – Amanda Palazzola and Lindsey Rogers

Over 50
1. Alex Thomas and Donny Favaloro 8:31

Seniors Heat 1
1. Brian Sanborn and John Francis 10:17
2. Peter Taomina and Vincent Tarranova 10:25
2. Paul Simon and Janda Ricci Munn 11:04

Seniors Heat 2
1. Glenn Harrington and Erik Dombrowski 10:17  (note tie with heat 1 above)
2. Nick and Vito Giacalone 10:18
3. Mark and Chris Giacalone 10:23

dressing fish from adam bolonsky

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

It looks like just another generic waterfront scene until you catch sight of City Hall’s clock tower and spires in the background.
Longshoremen’s scally caps, straw boaters, fedoras. Plenty of scally caps around these days in South Boston and Dorchester. As for straw boaters and fedoras…
Anyone have an idea of the vantage point?

— fish on the wharf

I keep a sea kayaking blog at Sea Kayaking Dot Net. Come on by and have a look. There’s something new there most days of the week. 

    O’MALEY INNOVATION MIDDLE SCHOOL Summer Reading Rally!

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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    Who:     All O’Maley Innovation School students

    What:    A casual, drop-in gathering for Summer Reading

    When:   Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

    Where:  O’Maley Innovation Middle School Library

    Why:     Get it done and Celebrate!   Whether you want some help, a check-in on what you’ve done, or book talk with other kids, come on in and get it done!  Pizza, popcorn, packets and book talk.

    Hosted by O’Maley ELA teachers 6-8

    To help us plan, please call school to leave your name by Monday, 08/10/15:  978 281 9850

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    IDRC Eliminations tomorrow

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    — August Eliminations —
    Saturday, August 8th at 9:00 AM the International Dory Racing Committee will host their August Eliminations to determine which crews will represent the US in our annual trip to Lunenburg, NS Canada. 
    Rowers who plan to compete must sign up tonight at 6:00 PM at St. Peter’s Square in Gloucester or via email prior to 6:00.  Remember, you must have a partner to compete and a passport to make the expense paid trip to Canada aboard the Nova Star.
    All others are encouraged to come down to Niles Beach tomorrow morning and see some exciting races!

    Community Stuff 8/7/15

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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    Hi Joey,

    I’m wondering if you could help spread the word that the Cape Ann Center for Dance will have a fundraiser at Jalapenos on Monday August 10.

    We are raising money to help fund students who wish to participate in dance competitions throughout the region.

    Margaritas for a good cause- what could be better?

    Jill Buchanan

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