Fishing Gear at Milk Island From Adam Bolonsky

Adam submits-

Fishing gear at Milk Island. Milk Island’s a cormorant and blackback seagull nesting ground. Lots of of fishing gear washes up on its lengthy gravel bar running north towards Rockport. By August  adult blackbacks start cannibalizing their young – grabbing fledglings by the neck and drowning them, dragging them ashore to pull them apart.

The lobster gear uses non-floating line, required to prevent whale entanglement and a source of large capital outlay for local lobstermen.

Shot with a home-made OliviaTech jib and a cheap $10 wide-angle lens. The guy who presents the OliviaTech jib is sort of a goofball, but I like his presentation because it leaves no doubt about how to build the jib for about $40.

Chargers Football Looking For Players!

Joey,
I have a request. I have four children that are in football and cheerleading in west gloucester. Unfortunately the team is having trouble getting players to join. My sons team only has 9 players and we need at least 10 to play a game.I was hoping you could help spread the word as I do not believe parents even know about sign ups. There is a $170 cap for a family. This includes uniforms! I would appreciate any help. Parents can sign up at the Gloucester youth program website. Thank you! Courtney Edwards

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Community Photos 8/24/14

Hello there,

My family and I vacation in Gloucester every year, and I stumbled upon your blog after seeing your sticker on someone’s backpack last year.  I very much enjoy all the posts and it helps me be a little less “homesick” for my favorite vacation destination throughout the rest of the year.

I thought I’d share a few photos from our vacation.  We were lucky enough to be on a harbor tour when Nat Geo’s helicopter was filming some Wicked Tuna footage (love that show!)  One photo is of the Pin Wheel in front of Stacy Boulevard.  I didn’t see the Hard Merchandise that day, but the next morning we saw Hard Merchandise heading over to Cape Pond Ice, so I got a photo of my favorite Tuna Boat.  The sunset photo was taken from our Dinner Cruise on the Beauport Princess (which I found out about from your site!)  One of the photos is of a cormorant sitting on the “greasy pole”

I hope you enjoy….feel free to post the photos if you like, just give me credit — that’s all I ask.

Thanks for the blog and Facebook page….I enjoy both…

Have a wonderful evening.

Jessica Huffman

Williamsport PA

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Elinor Teele Photo

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Gloucester Harbor From Beacon Marine / Photo from Anthony Marks

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Hi, Joe, I hope you can use a photo or two to give a plug to our budding Sea Scouts Ship Five stationed at Maritime Gloucester. We are doing our best to establish our Sea Scout Ship providing seamanship skills, community service and character building for young men and women ages 14 to 21. Any questions you can call Tom Balf at Maritime Gloucester.

Anything you can do to help this great cause is really really appreciated.

Thank you,

William Taylor

Sea Scouts at work cleaning up the harbor.

Time To Rake The Leaves… Wait, What?

Are you kidding me with these fallen leaves?  Uhh, this is August still Mr Weather Gods. 

I don’t ever remember any amount of leaves in the streets in August.

Picture taken today, August 22, 2014

Community Photos 8/22/14

Eric Schwartz forwards this photo of The Hard Merchandise-

20140819 (DSC_2159) Hard Merchandise (S) (WM)


Wild Collins asks-

hi Joey
when I was a kids in the late 70’s  I remember going to west Gloucester
near Stoner Pier and seeing a big old wooden boat on land I was trying
to get some pic’s or info on it but cant
do you no anything about it
Thanks


Hi Joey,

This morning I watched as Homie, with incredible grace and style, came in for a perfect landing on the ball that tops our flagpole. He remained up there for a good ten minutes.

Enjoy!
~Bill O’Connor
North Shore Kid

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Cape Ann Farmer’s Market In Top 100 Nationwide!

Niki Bogin submits-

Hey GMG!

As the keepers of all things amazing about Cape Ann, I wanted to let you guys know that The Daily Meal has complied a list of the top farmers markets in the country, and out of 4000 in the nation, we have been in the top 100 two years running. Even more exciting is that we are one of only a handful in New England to make the list, with the CAFM poised as the #1 in our region.

It looks like this year it was Trupiano’s sausage that put us over the top, which is completely understandable!

Cheers to all and see you on Thursday at Stage Fort!

Niki
http://www.thedailymeal.com/101-best-farmers-markets-in-america-slideshow

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2014 Magnolia Road Race – This Saturday Morning @ 8:30AM

Hi Joe,

The weather looks great for Saturday’s races.  On-line registration is now closed, but runners can register at the Library on Saturday starting at 7:30AM.  I will be in the gym area Thursday night from 7-8:30PM to hand out shirts and numbers to the pre-registrants and to sign new runners up at the discounted price.  For those who don’t plan to run, we will have a pancake breakfast starting at around 8:30 and everyone can walk down the hill to watch/participate in the group pier jump.  The tide is just right!

Best,

Randy

For All The Info-

http://www.magnolialibrary.org/

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Gloucester Sports Legend Randy Oneil

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Community Stuff 8/21/14

Hi Joey,

Monday night, Peter Todd was announced as Gloucester’s new Poet Laureate.

Peter requested I take this photo of he and his wife in front of the Fisherman’s Wife statue to commemorate the occasion.  This statue has a special place in Peter’s heart as he  wrote the poem for the Fisherman’s Wife dedication and another for her 10th  anniversary.   

The dedication poem is included below.   

Peter is well know as “Huck Finn” on Cape Ann on Line,  and through his numerous contributions to the My View column in

the Gloucester Times.  Peter wrote the poem for the ground breaking of Gloucester’s World War II Memorial, has published 3 poetry books, and numerous poems which he freely shares with anyone interested (contact

information is included below).   

Peter also just accepted the task of writing a poem for the new Open Door expansion dedication.

One of the things that is so endearing about Peter is his complete commitment to freely sharing his poetry with all.  Peter 

firmly believes that art should be for all of the public.  

Mary Barker

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The Fisherman’s Wife

By Peter A. Todd 

thepoetryofpeteralberttodd.weebly.com

In our gathering of endless hope and love

We celebrate Gloucester’s Symbol of Faith

The Fisherman’s wife who reflects the spirit above

That rest in the promise of Jesus for all that await

Our symbol crafted by a woman’s hand

That has captured the hearts and souls of us all

As people cross through American and Foreign land

To experience the heritage that her stature recalls

That of many families who have lost to the sea

Their loved ones for whose sacrifice we have survived

It is in this our symbol of Faith that sets our spirits free

To continue to keep the memories of those lost alive

We pay tribute to St. Peter , Patron Saint of the sea

Just as we honor the Captain’s at ships wheel

It is our symbol of the Fisherman’s wife

That the true reality of Gloucester’s heritage is revealed

Peter can be reached at one of the following:

petertoddpoet.com thepoetryofpeteralberttodd.weebly.com

petertoddblogspot.com capeannsalon.com / huck finn .


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SAVE THE DATE

Gordon Goetemann: Extending Boundaries

Exhibit Dates: September 4 – September 28, 2014

Opening Reception: Friday, September 5, 2014, 4-6pm

Artist Talk: Sunday, September 14, 2014, 4pm

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester.

Gloucester MA—The Rocky Neck Art Colony announces an exhibition featuring the work of Gordon Goetemann opening Thursday, Sept 4 at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester. The exhibit will highlight seminal works of Gordon Goetemann’s career spanning a sixty-year period. As The Rocky Neck Art Colony celebrates a new era as home to Massachusetts’ first designated Cultural District and acquisition of the historic carpenter-gothic church building to create a new Cultural Center, it is fitting to honor Gordon Goetemann, one of its own, whose artistic career mirrors the Colony’s Mission statement to, “Acknowledge the importance of the traditions upon which the Rocky Neck Art Colony was founded and work to keep them vital in the context of contemporary culture.”

This exhibition will showcase Goetemann’s traditional grounding in painting and drawing; and his exploration of abstraction in landscapes and painting to music, along with more current works in contemporary realism.

The Opening Reception will be held, Friday, September 5 from 4 to 6pm. The public is welcome to attend and refreshments will be served.  An Artist Talk will take place on Sunday, September 14 at 4 pm, these events are free and open to the public.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Gordon Goetemann earned a BFA at the University of Notre Dame, and his MFA from the State University of Iowa. He taught for forty years at the university level: studio arts, art history and other subjects at the University of Notre Dame, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, and the University of Alberta, Canada among others. He also led lecture tours at sites and museums in Europe, Asia and Africa. Goetemann came to Cape Ann in 1953 to study at Umberto Romano’s School of Art and returned seasonally until moving to Cape Ann permanently. Gordon and his wife, artist Judith Goetemann have owned and operated the Goetemann Gallery on Rocky Neck since 1977.

Gordon Goetemann is a member and former officer of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, a founding board member of SeArts (Society for the Encouragement of the Arts on Cape Ann), served as chairman of the art department at CSB/SJU, as well as a consultant to federal and state agencies and schools in Curriculum Development and Student performance.  He is the founder of the Artists in Residency Program at Rocky Neck Art Colony, which has been renamed in his honor in 2010. Goetemann’s works have been collected by the Cape Ann Museum, the Aldrich Museum of American Art, are also found in private and corporate collections such as Bain and Company, Citicorp, First Bank Systems, John Hancock, IBM, as well as university collections, Carleton College, State University of Iowa, University of Notre Dame and St. Johns University.


BasicTog

ST JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO MOUNT GODSPELL, JR THIS FALL!

Gloucester, MA – Calling all young performers! Want an opportunity to sing, dance, act and be a part of an ensemble on stage or “behind the scenes?”

ST JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH is looking for young performers (ages 9 -16) and stage hands to share the “good news” through songs & scenes from Godspell, Jr
beginning on September 5th in Gloucester, MA. All young performers looking to be a part of this exciting musical should contact St John’s Youth Director, Jay DiPrima via e-mail at jay@stjohnsgloucester.org for further information. The first meeting will take place at St. John’s Church, 48 Middle Street on Friday, September 5th from 3 – 5pm.
Rehearsals will then be held each Friday afternoon from 3 – 5pm and each Sunday from noon – 2pm with final performances scheduled for November 14th – 16th.
All are welcome! There are many ensemble roles and soloist songs.  

Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew, the musical uses major episodes in the New Testament – including the baptism of Jesus, the Last Supper, his arrest and crucifixion – to explore important ideas like compassion, love, forgiveness and sacrifice for the greater good. The show draws on various theatrical traditions and musical styles, including pantomime, charades, acrobatics, vaudeville, folk and rock to create a unique reflection on the parables of Jesus.

Godspell JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and its collection of musicals for younger performers. This show will be co-directed by Dr. Jay DiPrima and Mark Nelson, the music director of St. Johns. (Visit the website for their bios)
Interested?

Contact: Jay DiPrima – jay@stjohnsgloucester.org or visit www.stjohnsgloucester.org  and click on “Education” for more Godspell, Jr information.


The Schooner Defender From Al Bezanson

The Defender

American Eagle with Alabama in pursuit

American Eagle with Alabama in pursuit, 2011 Gloucester Schooner Race.  Capt. John Foss has held off many newer, faster schooners to win the Mayor’s Cup time and again. American Eagle was the last fishing schooner built in Gloucester (1930). Capt. Foss reconstructed the boat in 1984-86 and has since worked diligently to keep her in tip-top shape.  The challengers to American Eagle in the over 80 ft class this year on August 31st are Adventure, Amistad, Liberty Clipper and Roseway.

Sailing in or alongside American Eagle in the Mayor’s Race is an unforgettable experience.  One passenger will be making his 16th trip to the GSF on American Eagle this year!  For his investment in all those races and weekends aboard in Gloucester he might have purchased just one Super Bowl ticket, to which he could add the cost of transportation and lodging.  The commercial boats that participate in the Gloucester Schooner Festival are dependent on paying passengers and there are spaces still available.  Information on sailing opportunities is available here  http://gloucesterschoonerfestival.net/?p=655

(Photo by Amy Beaudet from Green Dragon)

Al Bezanson

First Ten Tweets With Image Of Someone Buying A Six Pack Of New Cape Ann Brewing Cans Gets A $25 GC From Cape Ann Brewing, Get On It

Our Weather Guy Pete Gives The Classic Weather Guy Hedge Response When Asked For His Prediction If The Cool Summer Portends a cooler Fall/Winter-

So I ask Pete on twitter-

Pete comes back with-

and then-

Way to have all your bases covered there buddy!

You’re officially ready for the big time.

Can’t argue with that prediction. You’ve got every out imaginable.

I gotta get in on this weather forecasting game.  No doubt I could bring some keen insights to the local weather scene.

Go ahead, anyone, ask me a weather related prediction and I guarantee I’ll knock it out of the park.  Right here in the comment section on this post, fire away, i’m waiting for your weather question with baited breath.

GLOUCESTER SCHOONER FESTIVAL WELCOMES TALL SHIP EAGLE

Tom Balf submits-

 www.gloucesterschoonerfestival.net

This year’s 30th annual Gloucester Schooner Festival, which runs from August 29th to August 31st, celebrates and honors our maritime history.  Says Festival Chair Daisy Nell “this year’s Festival reaffirms Cape Ann as a premier location for schooner history, education, sailing and fun.”

This year’s festival offers a number of great story lines.

First, the City welcomes the Coast Guard Barque Eagle for the weekend. At 295 feet in length, the Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the stars and stripes and the only active square-rigger in the U.S. government service. With more than 23,000 square feet of sail and six miles of rigging, the Eagle is a sight to see. In fact, the ship wil sail into Gloucester Harbor on Friday at approximately 1pm led by the Gloucester police boat and water cannon, the Schooners Ardelle and Thomas Lannon and a flotilla of other vessels. It will be berthed at Americold’s terminal in Gloucester Harbor (One Rowe Square on Rogers Street, adjacent to Cruiseport) and the training vessel will be open to the community for free tours on Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Second, the Festival has surpassed last year’s record number of schooners. Vessels vying for the Esperanto Cup on Sunday will include  Gloucester’s Schooner Adventure, Roseway, American Eagle, Amistad and Liberty Clipper. Additionally, at least six schooners will be offering spots to paying passengers to sail over the weekend and during the race. Go to http://www.gloucesterschoonerfestival.net for further information about booking a sail on a schooner. This is your opportunity to sail in the race!

Third, this year’s festival will continue its theme of putting kids on the water. The Festival will be supported by the Sea Scout “Ship” 5 out of Maritime Gloucester as well as teens from Gloucester High School Sailing and The Museum School/Project Adventure . Some spaces are available to sail on some of the schooners at no cost. Interested youth should contact Maritime Gloucester at 978-281-0470 or at info@maritimegloucester.org

The festival sees the return of the now famous Lobsta Bake. On Saturday afternoon – from 4:30 to 7:30 — a Lobster Bake at Maritime Gloucester and Fitz Henry Lane Park will offer a lobster, corn on the cob and a Virgilio’s roll for $15. Beer, wine, soda and water, as well as hot dogs and hamburgers, will also be available. Music will be provided by Old Cold Tater. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Maritime Gloucester at 23 Harbor Loop.

In addition to the deck tour of the Eagle, Schooner Adventure (at Maritime Gloucester) and Schooner Amistad (at the Coast Guard Station Gloucester) will offer deck tours.  In fact, the Amistad (a replica slave trade schooner) will host a special tour on Monday from 11am – noon entitled “Refuse to do Nothing” that discusses contemporary world slavery issues.

In addition to the sailing, Maritime Heritage Day takes place Saturday, August 30st from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Area environmental groups and maritime heritage organizations will be set up with interactive exhibits along side of local crafters demonstrating their art. Music will be provided during the afternoon and lunch will be available on the pier. This is a great and fun event for families and visitors to Gloucester Schooner Festival weekend. The event is followed by the Lobster Bake and then the Boat Light Parade and Fireworks over Gloucester.
Lead sponsors of the Festival include: Building Center of Cape Ann, City of Gloucester, First Ipswich Bank, Market Basket, Americold and Institution for Savings. For a full list of sponsors, go to the website. The Festival raises much needed funds from the community by offering Schooner Festival raffle and lobster bake tickets in addition to corporate support. Please purchase raffle tickets (available at Maritime Gloucester) or during Maritime Heritage Day. These funds directly support our efforts to put kids on the water and to bring the Tall Ship Eagle to the City.
Maritime Gloucester is a 501(c) (3) non-profit institution whose mission is to inspire students and visitors to value marine science, maritime heritage and environmental stewardship through hands-on education and experiences. Its one-acre campus is located on Gloucester Harbor at 23 Harbor Loop, adjacent to the Coast Guard Station. For more information go to http://www.maritimegloucester.org or like us on Facebook.
Current List of Schooners Intending to Participate in the Gloucester Schooner Festival.
2014 SCHOONER REGISTRATIONS
1.    Adventure
2.    Adventurer
3.    American Eagle
4.    Amistad
5.    Apella
6.    Ardelle
7.    Bald Eagle
8.    Brilliant
9.    Estrela
10.    Fame (Parade of Sail only)
11.    Green Dragon
12.    Hindu
13.    Humble
14.    Irena
15.    Liberty Clipper
16.    Light Rein
17.    Perception
18.    Redbird
19.    Renegade
20.    Roseway
21.    Sugar Babe
22.    Thomas Lannon
23.    Tillicum I
24.    Tyrone

Gloucester At Dawn- The Accommodations At Rocky Neck 3:54AM 8/21/14

The Beach, The Restaurants, The Dock, The Harbor Shuttle To Downtown, The Rooms, The Accommodations Has It All. 

http://www.rockyneckaccommodations.com/ To Book Your Room

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Check Out This Room Tour and The Views-

Community Photos 8/20/14

Al Bezanson submits-

Last week the 185 ft three-masted schooner Atlantic was anchored for a spell inside the breakwater at Eastern Point.  She is a 2010 replica of the schooner that held the monohull transatlantic speed record from 1905 until 1997.    In Newport earlier this summer with my friend Jay Irwin, the captain invited us aboard when he learned that Jay had visited the original in 1954, and had met the first mate who sailed the 1905 race.  He gave us a grand tour and this photo is one small example of her fit and finish.  Atlantic sank at a dock in Norfolk in 1982 and our friend Lane Briggs (founder of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race)  made a number of dives on her in an attempt to raise the old girl, but she was too far gone.  He salvaged one of the masts, which was resurrected as a flagpole near downtown Norfolk.

Al Bezanson

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Photo from August 2014/Celtic Music at the Stage Fort Park Bandstand/Janet Rice

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Len Burgess submits-

Perfect sailing day out in Gloucester harbor Saturday. Got some photos of the ‘Thomas E. Lannon’ from Al Bezanson’s schooner ‘Green Dragon’.  -Len Burgess