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.

Cape Ann Residents Celebrate Natti Woodland Conservation Initiative

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cape Ann residents, municipal leaders, and conservation partners joined together to celebrate the permanent protection of the Natti Woodland, a 20-acre parcel located in the North Gloucester Woods. A dedication event was held on Thursday, July 11, and included remarks, a ribbon cutting, light refreshments, and a guided walk in the woods. Speakers included Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk, representatives from Essex County Greenbelt, New England Forestry Foundation, and the Natti family.

The Natti Woodland is named after Erik and Theresa Natti, who sold the land for conservation to Essex County Greenbelt and New England Forestry Foundation in December 2012. The initiative will further Gloucester’s priority conservation plans for the North Gloucester Woods and the Dogtown area. The parcel provides a key link in a proposed network of municipal and privately held conservation properties in Dogtown and is rich in biodiversity and cultural history. The land also contributes to the watershed for Gloucester’s public water supply.

“Today is a celebration of the community’s commitment to conservation. We come together as a community, with a promise to future generations,” stated Mayor Carolyn Kirk under a canopy of trees and amidst a gathering of 70 people.

It’s wonderful to know this property is protected forever,” commented Erik Natti. The conserved land has been an integral part of the Natti’s family life, and a place where they, their sons and extended family spent so much of their time growing up.

Essex County Greenbelt and New England Forestry Foundation will jointly own and manage the Natti Woodland, which is adjacent to the Foundation’s Norton Memorial Forest with 121 acres. Trails throughout the properties and are well suited for hiking and mountain-biking and are open the public. Outdoor recreationists may also wander past “Dragon Rock,” the namesake for Theresa Natti’s favorite forest destination — a large boulder resembling a dragon’s head. The Woodland addition will provide enhanced access to the properties, with a small parking area and a designated trailhead, as well.

The Natti Woodland initiative demonstrates a successful collaborative effort among the conservation organizations and the Natti family. By working together, the partners provide a true forest legacy to the Cape Ann community for generations to come.

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Mayor Carolyn Kirk cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Natti Woodland, a 20-acre newly-conserved parcel of land in the North Gloucester Woods. Mayor Kirk is pictured with Bob Perschel of the New England Forestry Foundation and Ed Becker of Essex County Greenbelt on the right, and members of the Natti family on the left. (Photo courtesy of Essex County Greenbelt.)

Just Talked To A Fisherman Who Told Me There Was Only One Boat’s Landings On The Gloucester Auction Today

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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That just completely blows my mind. There’s no Saturday or Sunday Auctions so that means that from Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning there was only one trip?

Are you fucking kidding me?

When we were handling fish just 10 years ago Monday morning was a shit show with us wondering how the hell we were going to get the three days of fish all into Boston for market. Monday mornings If be loading our huge box truck to the gills making two-three trips into town delivering the weekends fish.

And that was only our joint.  There was Mortillaros, John B Wright, Old Port Seafood,Ocean Crest, Three Lantern and Pigeon Cove handling 20-30 boats each as well.

And its reduced to this?
A Monday in July with flat ass seas to fish in and only one landing on the Auction for 3 whole days?????

Unfreakingbelievable.

Its over.

Stick a fork in it.

For comparison’s sake-

Gloucester MA Fish Landings August 20, 1917- Over 5 Million Pounds. Aug 21, 2012 Gloucester MA 97,300 Pounds. Less Than 2% of the landings in 1917 were landed in 2012

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Joey C

Community Stuff 7/15/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The Schooner ARDELLE is pleased to join Maritime Gloucester’s
ever-popular Coastal Explorers summer program! During this children’s
program, mornings will be spent conducting explorations of Gloucester
Harbor aboard the Schooner ARDELLE, while afternoons will be hosted in
Maritime Gloucester’s labs and Aquarium.  The cost of this five-day
program is $500, and $450 for Maritime Gloucester members. Space is
limited, register today!
Coastal Explorers (Ages 9-12)
July 22-26, 8:30-3:00
Full info/registration:
http://maritimegloucester.org/visit/event.php?s=2013-07-22-coastal-explorers
Coastal Explorers II (Ages 13-16)
July 29-August 2, 8:30-3:00
Full info/registration:
http://maritimegloucester.org/visit/event.php?s=2013-07-29-coastal-explorers-ii
Students will discover the science of Gloucester’s marine life through
various hands-on activities.  Plankton tows will be conducted off the
Ardelle, which will be looked at in our video microscope lab.  From
high-speed copepods to larval sea worms, you never know what kinds of
microscopic life will be found!  While exploring the harbor, we’ll
keep our eyes open for unusual seabirds and look at the seafloor using
underwater cameras.  In our Aquarium, students will learn all about
the habitats and adaptations of Gloucester’s various fishes,
invertebrates and seaweed.  Stingray-like skates, unusual lobsters,
and American eels can be found in habitat tanks, while sea stars,
crabs, and mollusks can be held in our Touch Tanks.  In our classroom,
we’ll further explore sea creatures by viewing amazing dry specimens
of coral, whales’ teeth, giant lobster claws, and large seashells.
In addition to marine biology, students will learn all about
Gloucester’s maritime heritage.  The Schooner Ardelle is a traditional
wooden vessel, and kids will learn all about its construction from its
builder Captain Harold Burnham of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum.  From
raising the schooner’s sails to learning the basics of charts and
navigation, many aspects of seafaring will be explored.  The tradition
of lobstering will be also be a focus, as the Ardelle also functions
as a lobstering boat.  By experiencing our new giant-sized
walk-through lobster trap, studnets will discover how lobsters are
caught.  In our galleries, we’ll learn about shipwrecks, sail power,
and offshore sea life including whales.  Additional projects,
experiments, and explorations will be offered throughout the week as
well.

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Call for Submissions:
?Getting Around in Essex County: Chebacco Boats and Beyond?
To help mark the fifteenth birthday of our Chebacco Boat replica 
"Lewis. H. Story", the Essex Shipbuilding Museum is calling for 
submissions of artwork, writing,and memorabilia having to do with 
getting around in our beautiful county. We will be assembling an 
exhibit in late July in a gallery adjoining the Orientation Center at 
the Museum. This exhibit is supported by a Partnership Grant from the 
Essex National Heritage Commission. For more information email: 
education@essexshipbuildingmuseum.org  or call: 978-768-6441. Please 
use "Summer Exhibit" in your subject line.

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Thanks, Joey, for mentioning the Gloucester Garden Tour today.  I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise.  Thank you Harvard Club of the North Shore and The Gloucester Garden Club for the lovely gardens displayed today,  and to Kim Smith for designing the beautiful Butterfly gardens around the Harbor Walk.  Attached a couple of photos.

Sandy Chadwick

DSCF1087DSCF1139Along the Harbor Walk

Homie Recycled Sailcloth Pillows In The Hizzouse! and Striped Bass and Tuna and Codfish and Lobster and…

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

When I first saw these pillows I knew I had to add them to All Things Gloucester

Throw in a Man at The Wheel and a Schooner Pillow and you’d round out the line. 

Check ‘em-

http://gmg.storenvy.com/

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They come in 18” or 20” and take two weeks to make as they are produced to order.

Check them out on  All Things Gloucester

One of the great things about using recycled sailcloth is that it means this stuff doesn’t end up clogging up our landfills.  Something we all can agree is a good idea.

Fun free stuff: Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library this month

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

Get over to the library! This month, the Matz Gallery at the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free library is featuring the creative proposals of 15 semi finalists artist/artist teams for the HarborWalk Public Art Challenge.

Gloucester Engineering and the Matz family created a lovely exhibition space and lobby!

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Bring your kids and grandchildren. There are games and small prizes and discoveries for all ages. Here’s a printable sample “hidden pictures”.

Leave some extra time to admire more art at the library, the neighborhood quilts, the always excellent Children’s Library and programming, and the fountain. Remember to peer past the construction screen to see what’s coming! The exhibit is open when the library is open. Come for the 8:30AM opening time of the main library, and then head down to the Children’s room, which opens at 10AM. Tuesdays and Thursdays the library is open until 8pm.

Adults are welcome, too. Here are some of our city planners visiting with Utile while they’re working together on the downtown work plan.

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Twin Lights 3rd Annual Board Swap!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

@TwinLightsSurf: Get up on THIS! Twin Lights 3rd Annual Board Swap! #swap #event #surfboardswap #surfboard #gloucester… http://instagram.com/p/bRrzpiq7mY/

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Our Buddy Melissa Cox Is a Dirty Girl

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Melissa participated in the Dirty Girls Mud Run-

She writes-

Before and after of the Dirty Girl Mud Run. It was a benefit run for breast cancer research! We had a blast.

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GMG Local Twitterati Report 7/14/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Meet James Owen Calderwood one of three artists awarded a public art project

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

If you’re downtown, have a look at Parsons Street from either Main Street or Rogers. The Gloucester Committee for the Arts is pleased to announce that the first of 3 public art award projects has begun right there. Stop by today or over the weekend, and next week. You might see artist James Owen Calderwood at work on his 190 foot idea.

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Calderwood proposed a temporary painted abstract fishnet to extend the entire length of Parsons Street (alley way from Main Street to Rogers Street). He wrote, “This street acts as an important pedestrian link, and I am hoping to catch lots of visitors…I have been creating exterior public art for 20 years, and am interested in enriching public spaces with art that engages with the site’s history, culture and native surroundings.”

Here’s some before pictures:

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Some proposal ideas

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Action from yesterday:

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DPW was working on a multi step process to ramp and level the transition from the sidewalk to the street. A manhole casting was raised, new concrete had to dry, and then there was some paving. There are also 2 new bollard/perch seats.

There’s art on Parsons now, here fleeting:

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And substantial: sometimes there’s a peek through of artist Robert Stephenson’s transportive entrance. Fittingly his was the first signature on Jamie’s visitor sign.

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And the harbor calling in one direction; and in the other, Main Street, City Hall and Cape Ann Museum, just quick steps away.

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Many City departments are involved with any public art project.

Here’s Jamie meeting with Victoria Caldwell at City Hall.

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Jamie rented equipment from nearby Gloucester rental (air blower, rake, weed whacker, weed sprayer—vinegar Kim Smith!)

Don’t forget to stop by the library this month to see the ideas from all 15 semi finalists on exhibit.

  1. James Owen Calderwood, awarded project
  2. Justin Desilva, awarded project
  3. Bartek Konieczny, awarded project
  4. Mike McNabney & Troy Zaushny, Hard Hat Painters
  5. Anna Chirico, Joann Chirico, Dave Blakney (no photo)
  6. Frank Morbillo
  7. Angelina Marino-Heidel & Joel Heidel
  8. Tiffany Carbonneau
  9. James Sardonis
  10. Juni Van Dyke
  11. Andrew Thurlow & Andrew Doyle
  12. Lise Breen & Laura Piraino (no photo)
  13. Robert Trumbour (photo), Anthony Sanchez, Jared Steinmark, Alex Cabral
  14. Kim Smith
  15. Gary Duehr (no photo)

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26TH Annual Cape Ann Chamber Auction July 19, 2013

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Click to listen to the Audio Spot-

CapeAnnChamberAuction FIN

 

 

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Community Stuff 7/14/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport will hold its annual Summerfaire on Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 8 a.m.-2
p.m. at the church, 4 Cleaves Street, Rockport. Activities will include a silent auction, 50-5- raffle, book sale, plant sale,
crafts, and children’s games. Hot dogs and baked goods will be sold and the Thrift Shop will be open.

Tickets for N Richard Nash reading 7/29

Amanda Nash writes-

Hello folks,

As promised, here is a follow-up email to invite you once again to the reading of my dad’s play, The Rainmaker, at the Gloucester Stage on July 29th. It starts at 8, and there will be a short Q&A afterwards and then a reception with some nice snacks 🙂  Please do come if you can.  The event is $20 and you can get tickets by clicking on the link below.

https://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest;jsessionid=1331B07D52A69F5B32489E8D354EC301?eventId=676805&presenter=GSC&venue=&event=&version=

(If you are able to get your tickets more than a week before the event that would be terrific, so I’ll know how many snacks to order. 🙂

My original email to you is below.

Thank you, I hope you can come!

-Amanda

p.s. Last night I went to their production of Spring Awakening, and it was FANTASTIC.  I really recommend it (tho’ it is rather explicit) — it only runs through Sunday, so hurry!

Susie and Her 6 Foot Lobster Roll

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I went to a friends cookout and another friend of mine Darren Surette made this giant 20 some pound cheese burger. I told him at my next cookout I would have to out do his burger. So with much thought i decided to make a 6 foot lobster roll. Joe Virgillio made the 6ft roll for me and 30 lobsters later a 6ft lobster roll was born. What a sweet sound it was when Darren spoke those words~~ Yes, Susie you won !!

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Seal Pup From Tony Hilliard

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Yo Joey!

Thought you and your readers would get a kick out of this pic I took last night while out on the Ardelle. Apparently this little guy is a regular on Ten Pound Island. We nicknamed him Rusty.

                                                All the best to you and GMG

                                                          Tony H

ps: keep up the good work!

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The 2013 Patrican Memorial Golf Tournament: Please join us for this worthy cause and a good time

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joe,

Could you please run the following announcement on GMG?  We are continuing to raise money in Aran and Ryan Patrican’s memory for Aran’s now two-year old son, Thomas.  Thank you for all that you do to support our proud community.  JD Perry

The Patrican Memorial Golf Tournament will take place at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club on July 22.  The money raised at this event will benefit Thomas Patrican whose father, Aran, a decorated Gloucester Police Department and dedicated father, was tragically taken from us by a viral heart infection in January 2012, just after his only son’s first birthday.

The winning foursome will have their names engraved on and hold the two-foot tall Stanley Cup replica trophy until the tournament next year.  Immediately following the round of 18 holes will be a lunch with raffle prizes.

Cost is $125 per player ($500 per foursome), if you would like to play please contact Rob Bouchie at 617-638-4910 or email him at inertia@bu.edu.

As Paul Genovese touchingly and succinctly announced on his Facebook page:

As you know Thomas Patrican’s father Aran Patrican and uncle Ryan Patrican were taken from us far too early, Aran was a dedicated father, police officer, and very good friend to manyof us. We are hoping to raise funds so Thomas will have an education fund when he finishes high school and can make his wayto college without a financial burden. This tournament was started not only to help raise money for Thomas but to also pause and remember two of our very good friends, Aran & Ryan Patrican, 

thanks to all who participate and make this worthwhile event a 

success.

New for 2013: Cape Pond Ice meets Leonard Crask’s Fisherman at the Wheel

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey:   New for 2013, as Gloucester’s historic fishing industry struggles under tightening Federal regulation.   Our traditional Cape Pond Ice logo on a Comfort Colors  Khaki T-Shirt features Leonard Crask’s Gloucester Fisherman Statue on the front, with our snowflake serving as ship’s wheel, and the monument’s "They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships" from Psalm 107, Verse 23 on the back, with the dates "1623-2013".

Icons on Icons… Definately a Collector’s Item, right up there with GMG caps…  call us, stop by our shop at 104 Commercial Street, the Weathervane on Main Street, or on-line at:  www.capepondice.com

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Places in the Heart @ 5pm this Sunday, July 14 at Cape Ann Community Cinema.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey!

Rob Newton will be showing Places in the Heart @ 5pm this Sunday, July 14 at Cape Ann Community Cinema.

Lindsay will talk about the movie afterward.

Everyone is invited!

Tickets are $10 and benefit THE SUMMER RETREAT. Tickets can be purchased online at capeanncinema.wordpress.com/advance-tickets/ or at the door.

Hope you’re having a wonderful summer.

xoxo

stacey

Learn more about our friend and guest, Lindsday Crouse.

North Coast Angler Fishing Report From Captain Skip Montello

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Fishing Report: 7-12-2013

This week’s fishing report is much like last weeks in that the best Cape Ann fishing was again inside the Gloucester Harbor with numerous bait blitzes throughout the week. The stripers are chasing schools of mackerel, small herring and now some small squid have been reported. The other bright spot has been bluefish showing along the back shore, especially early mornings. There has been some good striper action reported at both ends of the Annisquam as well. Early morning action with topwaters and cut bait during day.

At Plum Island, the stripers are running and gunning the school of herring up and down the entire length of the beachfront. So persistence and good eyesight will be the key to finding them on any given day. The striper action at the river mouth has been waning as the remaining stripers are keyed in on the abundant sandeels and are a bit difficult to coax to a fly or other baits. The flats are still producing some night action on eels but during the day, only a few dinks can be found up on the flats. Daytime water temperatures on the flats are approaching 80 degrees, not striper friendly.

Best bets this weekend are Gloucester Harbor at the beaches and rock fronts at the Castle.The Manchester,Magnolia Beaches, Crane Beach in the deeper water and Plum Island beach. Watch the birds… they’ll show you where!


Reid and Miriam with two nice stripers taken with topwaters along Plum Island

To book Capt Skip’s guide services contact him-

Contacts:

Capt. Skip Montello
(508)395-5871
Also Bookmark his site for regular updates here- http://www.northcoastangler.com/

Community Stuff 7/13/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

A tour of the Porches of Annisquam will be held Friday, August 2nd from 5:00-7:00pm.   This biennial event has become a summer tradition in the charming seaside village of Annisquam, MA.   Eight homes will welcome you to enjoy views over the cove, out toward the lighthouse or across sweeping lawns and granite walls.  A tour guide will be at each porch to provide historic information (or unusual anecdotes!) and a sunset serenade by the Annisquam Village Players’ cast of Chicago! will conclude the evening at a waterfront home where wine & cheese will be available.

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Tickets @ $25 at The Annisquam Exchange located at 38 Leonard Street, Annisquam (978-281-0358) http://annisquamexchange.com/.   This event is always a sell-out so early ticket purchase is highly recommended.   All proceeds benefit the Annisquam Village Players’ musical productions.  This remarkable troupe is one of the nation’s oldest continually operating theatre groups, providing theatrical experience for thespians of all levels.

On Saturday, August 10, as part of the Cape Ann Ceramics Festival, Randy

Johnston gives a demonstration workshop from 10 am-5 pm at Cynthia Curtis Pottery studio, 80 Pigeon Hill Street, Rockport, MA. Sign up for this workshop and other Festival information at www.capeannceramicsfestival.com

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Johnston of Wisconsin has worked in ceramics for over forty years. He has pursued functional expression and brought a fresh aesthetic vision to contemporary form and has made many contributions to the development of wood kiln technology in the United States. Currently he is a professor and department chair at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls where he teaches ceramics and drawing. Johnston studied with Warren Mackenzie at the University of Minnesota and in Japan at the pottery of Shimaoka Tatsuzo. His works are included in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Minneapolis Institute of Art and in numerous international public and private collections.

Summer Shots From Jay Smiledge (The Boulevard & Annisquam)

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi GMG & Joey:

Here’s a few Summer shots from around town today 7-10-2013. (The Boulevard & Annisquam)

Jay Smiledge

Cape Ann Imagery

jay@capeannimagery.com