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.

Community Stuff 6/1/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Three 7th grade students from O’Maley Innovation Middle School were semi-finalists for the state of Massachusetts.

Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to that author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Letters are judged on state and national levels. Tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature each year.

This year, Letters About Literature received 49,000 entries from young readers across the country! Three 7th grade students from O’Maley Innovation Middle School were semi-finalists for the state of Massachusetts. They ranked in the top ten percent of the letters read in the program that year— a remarkable achievement on their part!

Congratulations to

Brendan Johnson
Matthew Smith
Sarah (Emily) Whitemore

Rockport Senior Center Update

Memoir Writing Class

Classes will be Tuesday morning from 10:30-11:30AM starting June 4th. Come prepared to write about your lives and times. Classes will be taught by Cathryn Clark. Call to sign up 978-546-2573

Call 978-546-2573

Singing Class is for beginners and intermediate singers. The repertory will be varied, including show tunes, standards Jorgelina Zeloi is a professional musician with a degree from The New England Conservatory of Music. No previous singing experience necessary. Class is $5.00. Mondays beginning June 10th from 1:00-2:00PM. Call to sign up 978-546-2573

A Matter of Balance

A four week program blends exercise and learning together. Participants learn to reduce the risk factors, increase activity, and to improve their strength and balance . This program is twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3:00PM. This is a free program sponsored by SeniorCare. Call to sign up 978-546-2573

Laughter is the Best Medicine

This free presentation is sponsored by BAYADA Home Health Care. You will learn the benefits of laughter, how it boosts immunity and decreases pain. Numerous jokes in the presentation to laugh at and share with family & friends. Please RSVP 978-546-2573

The Rockport Senior Center will be traveling to Newport, R.I. on July 17th to tour the Breakers Mansion, have a delicious lunch at the Atlantic Beach Club and then we will take a narrated cruise on the Newport Harbor where you will be able to view many beautiful estates from the water. $79.00 due at time of reservation.

On August 14th we will travel to Connecticut for a delicious lunch and then take a scenic steam train ride where you will meet the Riverboat crew to cruise the Connecticut River on a relaxing, one hour ride. Upon docking, you will meet the steam engine for the return trip to the motor coach. This trip is $82.00 and payable at time of reservation. Call Paula for more information, 978-546-2573.

Intro to iPad & iPhone Classes. 4 classes/$40.00 Thursdays from 1-2:30PM. June 6th -27th and July 11th-August 1st. Taught by Coleen McGrath. Call to reserve your spot. 978-546-2573 Limited space.

Required materials: tablets or phone, owner’s manual, cables, email address(user ID) and password

Intro to Facebook

Do you want to use Facebook but are intimated by it? You will learn to set up an account, learn about all the privacy settings, create postings and messages, navigate the Timeline, upload and tag photos, get comfortable friending people and confidently join the world of Facebook. Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30-12PM, June 10-19th and July 8th -17th.

4 sessions/$40.00. Payment is due at time of registration.

Intro to Kindle

Kindle classes are Thursdays from 10:30AM-12:30PM.  Classes are taught my Coleen McGrath4 Classes/$40.00. Call 978-546-2573 to reserve your spot. Limited space.

What to Look for When Choosing a Quality Healthcare Provider Wednesday, June 12th 1:00PM

You have a choice, choose wisely! Whether a healthcare organization is for profit, or not for profit, each one should adhere to certain standards of care, and you should know what to look for when choosing. This seminar will give you the tips needed to make the right decision.. This presentation is sponsored by Elder Insider. RSVP 978-546-2573.

Hey Gloucester dancers!
A small but dedicated group of people has been working to re-establish regular contra dancing on Cape Ann. Because of a generous donation of space from the First Baptist Church on GLoucester Ave, dances will be held on Sunday evenings, June 9 and 23rd. The evenings will begin with pot luck (table ready please, we don’t have stoves for our use) from 5-6:30.  Dancing will follow from 7-10:00. Wellknown caller Cammy Kaynor, who has been teaching and calling dances for 35 years, will call the dances, and musicians of all levels are invited to join the musician’s jam. Sheet music will be provided. A free will offering will be taken to pay the janitor.
Contra dancing is a form of traditional dance  usually done in lines or circles and occasional squares. All dances will be taught and all ages are welcome. Contra dancing is great excercise, and a great intergenerational activity.  Please join us for fun-filled social event!
Caroline Haines

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be observed on Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon at Five Corners in Rockport.

Sponsored by the Rockport Police Department & Rockport Council on Aging, who are encouraging the community to join them anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 Noon.  All are welcome.  Please bring your business, organization, club sign – hand-made banners or signs are also welcome.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of elders are abused, neglected and exploited.  Unfortunately, no one is immune.  It occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone – a  friend, family member, neighbor, etc.   Together, let’s educate those about elder abuse, join in on June 25th.

For further information, please contact Officer Roger Lesch, 978-546-1212, ext. 13, or e-mail:  rlesch@rockportpd.org

CAVPTreschedule

On Leaving Gloucester From Ann Kennedy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dear Joey and All,

As usual, our days here have gone far too quickly and now it’s time to leave. Each day we experienced something special and have seen something more beautiful than the day before. We have loved eating in the restaurants, shopping in the shops, walking the neighborhoods and docks, hiking the woods and strolling the beaches. But most precious of all is having spent time with those who so generously have extended their friendship to us.

With thanks and best wishes to all for a wonderful summer, goodnight Gloucester!

Ann and Bob Kennedy

ELSIE and BLUENOSE, Start of the First Race

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

from verso: "Start of the first race of the Internatonal Race, showing 'Elsie' in the lead with Bluenose in rear." 1921, Halifax Nova Scotia

From the collections of the CAPE ANN MUSEUM, Gloucester, Massachusetts

“Start of the first race of the International Race showing ‘Elsie’ in the lead with Bluenose in the rear” 1921 Halifax, Nova Scotia

Thanks to  Fred Buck for locating this photograph and sharing it with the Gloucester Schooner Festival committee.

From A Race for Real Sailors  The first ELSIE – BLUENOSE RACE.

_________ The two fairly flew across the water, all sails filled in the stiff quartering breeze and hulls rolling heavily in the deep chop.  “The end of Bluenose’s 80-ft. boom was now in the water, now halfway up to the masthead as she gained on her rival.  The Elsie rolled still harder and three times brought her main boom across the Bluenose’s deck, between the fore and main rigging.”  It was a constant battle for the weather berth, with members of both crews either handling lines or working aloft or hugging the windward rails.  Anyone daring to raise his head above the weather rail on Bluenose caught the caught the edge of Walter’s caustic tongue.  __________

A Race for Real Sailors is in stock at the Cape Ann Museum. 

The stirring and poignant tale is illustrated with 51 historical photographs and five maps, and rounded out by a glossary of sailing terms and an appendix of the ever-changing race rules. This is a story that will keep even confirmed landlubbers pegged to their seats, a tale of iron men and wooden ships whose time will never come again.

Al Bezanson

White Pigeon With Band Terrorizing Annisquam

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

There is a white pigeon with a band on its leg hanging around our little neighborhood.  I first saw it on our patio on May 23rd.  It has been hanging out between our house and a couple of the neighbor’s houses. (Riverview Road, the one way part that goes in a circle, on the Annisquam)

Can’t get close enough to catch him or try to see the band.  I am sure he belongs to someone that does special events or races them.  Thought maybe you could get the word out there about him.  He isn’t wild, so he is not as afraid – worried a coyote, or cat may get him.

Thanks!

Lisa Ann Whistler Smith

20 Foot Basking Shark Swimming 20 Miles South Of Gloucester

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Our lobstrrman.Chris Aboard The Lobster boat F/V Trapper John just sent me these pics of a basking shark swimming 20 miles South of Gloucester

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Historic Steam Ferry Prudence Visits Gloucester

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Fred Bodin Submits-

Historic Steam Ferry Prudence Visits Gloucester

The 62 foot long Prudence docked in Gloucester yesterday on her way from Belfast ME to Greenwich CT. The owner and two crew came into the gallery and told me about the 102 year old ship. She was originally steam powered and built of wood at East Boothbay in 1911. Prudence ferried passengers from Tiverton to Prudence Island in Narragansett Bay (RI) for 50 years. Later, the vessel gave water-based tours of the Kennedy compound in Hyannis. The Kennedys themselves also chartered Prudence for parties. She then went back to Maine for sightseeing on the Penobscot River, and will now be giving tours in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Prudence at the State Fish Pier in Gloucester

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Prudence on Narragansett Bay.

TedKennedy

Ted Kennedy at the wheel of the Prudence. This photo hangs in the cabin. Courtesy of Jonathan Wilkes.

50% Off Summer Camp at The MAC VERY LIMITED TIME!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

BEAT THE HEAT SUMMER CAMP SPECIAL AT MAC

50 % OFF IF YOU CALL BETWEEN 9:00AM-12:00PM

CALL 978-526-8900 EXT. 257  ASK FOR JENNI ESTRADA

THAT IS RIGHT !!!!!

50% OFF CAMP FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND MEMBERS

DO NOT MISS THIS SIZZLING DEAL

EXPIRES MAY 31, 2013

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy."  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life."

                      John Lennon

Community Photos 5/31/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dear Joey,

This is my Flat Coat, Jack, warming himself in the sun after taking a dip down in Lanes Cove this past Memorial Day.

Nancy Carolyn Kwant

Lanesville, MA

Jack Lanes Cove-1

Community Stuff 5/31/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Friends,

Elvis Comes to Gloucester!

With award winning E.T.A. Rick Andrade. Rick has performed Elvis at Walt Disney World Night of Stars Show, and has most recently opened up for World renowned hypnotist Jerry Valley. Rick will be performing all the hit songs from Elvis’ 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, including some Gospel songs from his movie career. Proceeds to benefit the West GloucesterTrinitarian Congregational Church UCC as we celebrate our 300th anniversary. Please note that seating is limited.

This will be great fun and is a great fundraising opportunity. Please tell your friends and neighbors!

When: June 22 at 7PM (Doors open at 6:30PM)

Where: The West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church. UCC

             488 Essex Ave. Gloucester MA

Tickets: $10.00 Donation in advance or $12.00 at the door. (Tickets on Sale Sunday after worship)

For tickets please call the church at 978 283 2817

Visit Historic New England for Free on June 1

Free Tours at Beauport – Saturday, June 1

Ten of the North Shore’s finest historic properties are open free to the public on Saturday, June 1, 2013 when Historic New England hosts a region-wide open house.

Travel along the Massachusetts North Shore and experience over three hundred years of history at Historic New England’s properties. Explore some of New England’s earliest architecture in Salem and Saugus, visit with farm animals in Newbury, and check out a 1924 Pierce Arrow touring car tucked into a carriage house on the prettiest street in Salem.

Travel to Cape Ann to visit Beauport, the seaside summer home of one of America’s first interior designers and Cogswell’s Grant with its celebrated collection of folk art. Tour times vary. Please visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org for hours and addresses to plan your trip around the North Shore sites.

Voting Ends For The North Shore Magazine BONS Awards Tomorrow- Support Local Businesses By Voting Today

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

These are establishments that are already on the ballot locally in the Play Category that I’m sure would appreciate your vote, to enter your own votes, click the graphic-

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I’ll highlight the other local businesses in the other sub categories throughout next week

Again I’m just going of of what was on the ballot.  You can click on any of the links to see GMG coverage of them and find out what they are all about-

Art Gallery (Viewing) –Local Colors Gloucester, Mosher Gallery Rockport and Pop Gallery Gloucester

Beach- Good Harbor, Natch Last year Cranes and Good Harbor Duked it out and it was close so if you have any local pride at all you will vote Good Harbor

Best Blog Smile

Brewery- Cape Ann Brewing

Dance Studio- Michelle Shaw Elite Dance

Fair/Festival- St Peter’s Fiesta and if it doesn’t win there should be an investigation.

Golf Course Private- Bass Rocks

Irish Pub- Stones Pub (you just gotta love the people at Stones)

Live Music Venue- Shalin Liu

Live Theatre Venue- Gloucester Stage Co

Lounge (no Gloucester joint represented time for your personal write in)

Marine- Cape Ann Marina is on ballot

Movie Theatre- Cape Ann Community Cinema

Museum- Cape Ann Museum

Trivia Night (no local joint represented write in your personal fav)

I’m taking category by category and highlighting some locals who you may want to consider worthy of your vote (BTW St Peter’s Fiesta is currently trailing Topsfield Fair and Good Harbor is close to Crane’s) so if you haven’t voted in the Play Category get on it!- Voting in the Play Category here

Here are some local joints that have been nominated in the Eat category (you can click on the highlighted establishments to see pictures or posts we’ve done about them)-

Vote Here  For The Eat Category In The North Shore Magazine 2013 BONS Awards

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Al Fresco Dining- Franklin Cape Ann, Lobster Pool

Bake Shop (Pastry)- Jim’s Bake Shop, Plum Cove Grind

Bakery (Bread) Virgilio’s

BBQ- Smokin Jim’s, The Farm Bar and Grille

Beer menu- Franklin Cape Ann, Cape Ann Brewing

Breakfast- George’s, Sugar Mag’s, Willow Rest (as you know my love of Gloucester Breakfast joints is unmatched- way too many to list so we will stick with the nominated but Mamie’s Kitchen, and Fort Square should be at least nominated as well)

Burger- Passports

Cocktail Bar- Franklin Cape Ann

Coffee Shop- Lone Gull, Cape Ann Coffee Café Sicilia and Pleasant St -None are nominated all deserve to be!

Confectionery- Nichols Candies and Turtle Alley

Farmer’s Market- Cape Ann Farmer’s Market

General Excellence- The Market, Duckworth’s is not nominated but I’d say needs to be a write in.

Gourmet Market- Savour Wine and Cheese

Lobster- Causeway, Lobsta Land and Roy Moore are Nominated, For Lobster Pool and Seaport Grille not to be nominated is silly IMO

Italian- a write in for La Trattoria Gloucester only makes sense

Lobster Roll- Seaport Grille

Mexican- Jalepenos– for Tacos Lupita Gloucester needs to be a write in as well.

Pizza- Giuseppes and The Willow Rest.  There are so many great pizza joints in Gloucester and everyone has their favorites you could write in any number- Sebastians, Sclafanis, ect, ect ect

Pub Food- Franklin and Topside Grille

Raw Bar- Lat 43 nominated, Rudder could be a write in

Sandwiches- There is no Gloucester nomination and you could easily write in Virgilios, Sclafanis, or Willow Rest here

Seafood Prepared- the Causeway and The Rudder

Sushi- Latitude 43

Tapas- Alchemy or The Azorean

Thai- Thai Choice could be a write in

and when you’re done you can vote in the Play Categories-

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Ok I’ve guided you on who is nominated locally in the Play Category and Eat Category, see those posts by clicking those links.  If you notice, the influence from our local readership has many many Gloucester establishments in the lead.  Two that could use help are votes for Good Harbor as Beach and St Peter’s fiesta for Fair/Festival vote for those here

Now we focus on local establishments nominated in the Kids category. you can click on any of the hyperlinks to view past Good Morning Gloucester Coverage on each of these fine local establishments.

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Click here to submit your votes in the BONS Kids category

Baby Clothing-  There is nothing locally nominated but I think we could change that with a write in under other for Kids Unlimited, downtown Gloucester children’s clothing store extraordinaire.  As of this writing 0 votes, not nominated

Family Hangout Indoor- Monkey Joe’s should win this by a mile even though it isn’t nominated (yet) As of this writing 0 votes, not nominated

Family Hangout Outdoor- No Local Nomination.  You could write in Ravenswood or Halibut Point State Park  My Vote- Halibut Point As of this writing 0 votes, not nominated

Kid Friendly Dining-  No Local Nomination But I would write in Giuseppe’s or Lobster Pool’s Outdoor Eat In The Rough with the Smore Firepit and Sunsets As of this writing 0 votes, not nominated

Kid’s bookstore- The Bookstore of Gloucester As of this writing 0 votes

Kid’s Clothing- Kid’s Unlimited is not as of this writing nominated but I’m suggesting a write in campaign for them As of this writing 0 votes, not nominated

Toy Store- Toodeloos Gloucester As of this writing 25 votes and is not in the lead

When You are done voting in the Kids Category, feel free to vote in the Play and Eat Category and support local businesses

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I will highlight local picks in the other BONS category in an upcoming post.  Who  supports local businesses like this here blog?  NOBODY!  Get out the vote peeps!

GHS DECA students raise money for the One Fund

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Ann Grassetti  submits-

Lemonade blvd Marisa, Lauren, sara

The 8th annual Lemonade Challenge for charity was a great success despite overcast skies and rain showers last Friday before Memorial Day weekend.  Students from Ann Grassettis’ DECA, Economics, and Lucky Lobster Marketing class hit the streets of Gloucester to sell Lemonade for charity.  Students use their marketing skills and competitive drive to sell the most Lemonade with the reward being the most money going to a charity of their choice.  The 3 team success consisted of:
Marketing DECA 1st place under the leadership of sophomore Lauren Horne raised $1,484.00 for the Boston One Fund.  Lauren said of the team success, “The key was the location we selected at the boulevard and Market basket and picking the One Fund as a donation.” It seemed that people really were looking for a way to help the Boston Marathon runners”. 
Lucky Lobster Marketing 2nd place under the leadership of Zach Smith and Lenny Taormina with $543 for Autism Speaks.  Zach Smith who competed last year and selected the same charity worked hard for his charity as he said, “It hits close to home for him and his family” “I looked forward to this day the whole year”
Economics 3rd place under the leadership of Peter Mondello with $51 for the Make a Wish foundation
The students earned a record total of $2,144.00 in approximately 4 hours at their locations receiving donations from many citizens of Gloucester including Cape Ann Savings, Schlichte and Johnstone, Palazzola Insurance Agency, Carroll K. Steele Insurance Agency, Inc., Sugar Magnolia and as usual Bank Gloucester allowed them to meet in their boardroom to discuss the event.  Grassetti said, “It is always a great day for students to show me what they learned in Marketing and at the same time help others in need.”

Lemonade Sara and RosalieMarket basket crew

Lemonade Marisa, Julia and Sara

Chickity Check It- Our Thom Falzarano Is Named LAX Man Of The Year!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Gloucester’s Falzarano dubbed local lax Man of the Year

By Conor Walsh Correspondent

For Gloucester’s Thom Falzarano, it all started with an idea.

For The Entire Story at The Gloucester Daily Times click here

Cape Ann Museum Annual Meeting Tonight!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

CAM logo

May 30, 2013

Reaching Out – Strengthening Within

The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to announce a $5 million Capital Campaign. Hear more at the Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 30. Reception, 6:30. Business meeting and program, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. To RSVP, call (978) 283-0455 x35 or email amyfanning@capeannmuseum.org.

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Backstage at the Banana’s fashion show To Benefit City Hall From Henry Ferrini

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Head Banana, Richard Leonard brings his extravaganza to help raise money for the Gloucester City Hall Restoration Campaign. Richard, a one time Junior High School teacher, started Bananas a vintage clothing store in Gloucester back in the 70’s. The clothes all come from his store.
Featuring: Uvi Ajavon, Jean Anscombe, Elizabeth Bollenberg, Cynthia Capone, Leigh Calabrese Deborah Clarke, Barbara Drake, Susan Erony, Susan Fehrmann, Jenn Foss, Susan Frey, Margi Green, Carol Hager,Shayla Kaufman,Sarah Lafferty,Ann Mckay,Mary Mathews,Kerry NormandSabine Ocker, Jane Poirier, Oriana Reardon, Laura Ritchie, Tina Salah, Patti Salvucci, Ann-Marie Shimanoski, Sarah Slifer. Dale Theberge, Katherine Thompson, Heidi Wakeman, Kathatine Worth, David Adams, Colin Campbell, Jesus Camelo, Kevin Flynn, Daniel Larson. Tom Nihan, Joe Poirier, Phil Storey & Tony Tran.

Community Photos 5/30/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Gary Greel Submits-

Joe sending photo taken at Cripple Cove  thought you may like to post.Thank you Gary Greel.

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Jeremiah Nicastro submits-

Thought u would enjoy this picture my wife Toni Nicastro took

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Ann Kennedy submits-

Exploring the harbor walk dock-

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Community Stuff 5/30/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Savour Wine and Cheese Would Like Your Vote-

BONS Dear Joey,

These are the final days to vote for us in the 2013 Best of North Shore competition! The voting closes at the end of the day on Friday, May 31st. We are in the Gourmet Market section of the "Eats" category. If you have voted, Thank You! If you haven’t yet, CLICK HERE and follow the instructions on the page. You must register to vote. We appreciate all the support! Thank you!

2013 Best of North Shore

Hi Joey,
Can you please get the word out about our upcoming car wash? The last one was cancelled due to rain. Here are the particulars:
FREE CARWASH – donations welcome
Saturday June 1st, 9am to 1pm
DPW yard, Upper Main Street, Rockport
Support Rockport Cub Scouts Pack 55

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“Taste the Promise:” Taste Great Food and Drink While Fighting Homelessness on June 19th
May 29, 2013 – All are invited to sample delicious food, beer, and wine from local restaurants and
establishments at a “Taste the Promise” benefit for Family Promise North Shore Boston, an interfaith nonprofit
coalition providing services to help local homeless families get back on their feet:
“Taste the Promise”
Sample Food and Drink from Local Establishments
A Benefit for Family Promise North Shore Boston
Wednesday, June 19
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Coolidge Hall
Topsfield Fairgrounds
Topsfield, MA 01983
Tickets: $35 advance/$40 at door
Visit www.familypromisensb.org for advance tickets

Is there anything worse when you’re dining out and…

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Is there anything worse when you’re dining out and the person you are eating with doesn’t say please or thank you to the wait staff?

Like when the waitperson asks what you would like to eat and the person you’re dining with says “I’m gonna have the split pea soup.”  Not “I’d like the split pea soup please.”  Not “May I please have the split pea soup. “  But “I’ll have the split pea soup.”

  Like the wait person is a filthy animal not worthy of a please or thank you.

Makes me want to crawl under a table.

I see it more with old curmudgeonly types.

Just the worst.

Backyard Growers Program Surpasses Fundraising Goal!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hey Joey – We rocked our fundraiser – could you post this on your blog? Thanks! Lara

Backyard Growers Program SURPASSES FUNDRAISING GOAL! Reaching $8,196!

We launched our campaign on May 15th with the goal of raising $7,500 in 30 days. On May 26th—just 12 days later!—we surpassed our goal at $8,196! 100 people donating $8,196 in 12 days! That comes out to an average of $683 per day!

That’s a lot of excitement and commitment around school gardens in Gloucester!

And why have we been so successful? Because of YOU! Here are some of the awesome people who have donated to our campaign—We have:

  • A zillion moms, dads and grandparents from every elementary school in the district! Thanks Stephanie O’Neil of West Parish and Melissa Gillis of Veterans’ and Marty & Michelle DelVecchio of East Gloucester just to name a few.
  • Community leaders like Julie LaFontaine of The Open Door and J Harrison of The Food Project.
  • Gloucester folk who believe in our work!—thanks Carol & Hugo Burnham, Carol Ackerman, and Mari Martin to name a few.
  • The Beeman School PTO, who has seen school gardens in action and know it’s a fabulous investment!
  • Civic-minded restaurant owners like Mark McDonough of Alchemy and Latitude 43 and Ken & Nicole Duckworth of Duckworth’s Bistrot.
  • Backyard Growers Program alumni like Phoebe Potts, Jane Cunningham, and Ann Olson.
  • Backyard Growers Program volunteer garden mentors, Chip Norton, Ann Lasman, and Suzanne Gosselin, who not only give their time, but support our fundraising campaign as well.

Some special thank yous to:

  • Douglas Orre of Rockport for his very generous matching dollar donation to our campaign.
  • All of my friends and family far and wide who believe in this work and who want to make it happen for Gloucester even though they don’t live here.
  • Nikki Bogin, our very own Cape Ann Farmers’ Market manager.
  • Jim Dowd, for all his time as my on-line-fundraising-coach-extraordinaire.
  • Stevens Brosnihan, for putting up with his wife throughout this fundraising campaign.
  • Willa and Beatrix Brosnihan for being the fabulous stars of our fundraising video.

The campaign is still open! It is still possible to make a donation! Anything we receive now helps us offset our costs, add bells and whistles to our original plans, and build upon the future sustainability of school gardens in Gloucester. What will we do with more funding?

  • Buy harvest totes and salad spinners for each school for our district-wide salad day.
  • Provide our FoodCorps Service Member with her very own supply budget for the after school program at Veterans’ School.
  • Truck in some fresh, gorgeous compost to top-off all the garden beds in the fall, and purchase next year’s seeds.
  • Create new, fabulous partnerships in the community.

Support us today! Click here to visit our fundraising video and campaign page!

Thank you!
-Lara Lepionka