St Joseph’s Trolley Last Night

Huge thanjs to Bob Ryan frim CATA for providing and Eddie Salah who drove last night’s novena trolley
Katie Fontanas house they make the pasta.
Kim Smith and Sefathia aboard the trolley

Singing Beach Beat Up From Recent Storms- Photos From Allison Sigrist

singing beach erosion

 

Hi Joey,

Here are some storm damage photos from Singing Beach, if you’d like to post them. Several feet of sand just left, and lots of rocks exposed. You can see just how much, since the recreation area line is now way above ground level. The beach was literally flattened by the storms.

-Allison Sigrist

Gloucester High School Varsity Cheerleaders

Marlee Melvin Submits-

The Gloucester High School Varsity Cheerleaders received a lot of success over this past winter season. The 16 member team has worked tirelessly during the school year to perfect their routines. They’ve won the following titles as a result of their dedication and tremendous efforts: Northeast Conference Champions 2012-2013, Regional Champions 2013, Regional Grand Champions 2013, and 2nd place winner in the State Finals. They also earned a bid to Nationals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on April 25th. In order to attend, the team must raise $12,000 to cover the cost of air fare and lodging during the 5 day competition. They truly need the support of their community to assist them with reaching their goal. Your donation would be highly appreciated and we thank you for your consideration and anticipated support.

Please make checks payable to:
Friends of GHS Cheerleaders
16 Gibbs Hill Drive, Gloucester, MA, 01930

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Statues & Plaques of Gloucester From Peter Dorsey-Fitz Henry Lane

Joey,

This is one of the statues that inspired my series of the last few weeks in Good Morning Gloucester. It was after I noticed this statue of Fitz Henry (Hugh) Lane and the Joan of Arc statue, that I started looking around Gloucester for more and more statues and plaques. It has been a fun and interesting search for me. The legacy of Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865) and his wonderful paintings is such an important part of the artistic heritage of Gloucester. Just go to the Cape Ann Museum, and look at their enormous collection of these detailed, soothing seascapes. These paintings are world famous glimpses into life on and about Gloucester’s harbor and shores.

One of the things I learned about Fitz Henry Lane was that he was crippled as a child by ingesting some kind of a plant. And it was because he was unable to run around like other children his age that he became fascinated with drawing and sketching; and the thing that was nearby was Gloucester harbor, and its shipping activities. And because he had all this time to sit quietly sketching, he was able to see the play of light evolving at different times of the day; and fortunately for us, he became fascinated with the interplay of darkness and light. He was one of the school of luminous artists. Because his only formal training was with a lithograph and printing studio in Boston; he also showed the fine intricate details of many of the things that he painted. He took the painted equivalent of snapshots for us of nautical things that might not have been preserved from the workings of the Gloucester and other harbors of this day. His house where he lived as an adult, and created many of his paintings and drawings was in the center of what is now Harbor Loop. If you look at old photographs of the early 1900’s this, the western edge of Gloucester Harbor was packed with houses, warehouses and docks. All but this one granite constructed residence remains, and it was from this elevated perch that Fitz Henry Lane looked out often to the harbor. This life-like copper statue of him that is here was “Sculpted by Alfred M. Duca in 1997 “, and carved into the granite base it says, “step into my shoes and become inspired”, and next to that are a pair of copper or bronze sandals that are welded to the rock.

“I am have been a residential real estate broker for 26 years. Also, I am a novice rower down on Harbor Loop at the Gloucester Rowing Club at Maritime Gloucester. I have roots in this city that go back to 1919 when my father was born here. My grandfather worked as a scientist for John Hays Hammond at the time. Every year, as I do business in this city, and travel around Cape Ann, I find more and more interesting things that I see for the first time. I like to share some of these special places here on Good Morning Gloucester with my camera.”

Peter Dorsey

How Lazy Do You Have To Be To Serve Your Child Frozen Grilled Cheese Sandwiches?

How do these even exist anyway?

“Hand grilled Taste In About A Microwave Minute”

Really?

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Available now at Market Basket.  In case you’re too freaking lazy to slap a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, grill them and have zero care about your child’s nutrition- there you go.

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Open Chef’s Table – Sunday, March 24 At Savour

Open Chef’s Table – Sunday, March 24

(The last table sold out within 24 hours)!

Dear Joey,

Please join us for Beach Gourmet’s

Open Chef’s Table

(You can sign up for one place or all 12)

MENU

Hors d’oeuvres

Cheddar and Gruyere Shortbread
Sausage Stuffed Mushroom Cap

(Tasting at Wine Machines)

Wine: Marc Hebrart Premier Cru

Blanc de Blanc Champagne
Starter
New England Crab Cake with Spring Greens Julienne Vegetables and House Dressing

Wine: Hirsch Heligenstein Gruner Veltliner

Kammern/ Kamptal
Entrée
Grilled Lamb Chop with Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Pan-Fried Red Bliss Potato and Jus

Wine: Prado Enea Gran Reserva

2005 Muga Rioja

Dessert

Grand Marnier Bavarian Cream Tart

Wine: Tre Monti Casa Lola

Albana di Romana Passito

Contact Kathleen here to sign up for Chef’s Table

Chef's table

Visit Beach Gourmet and Savour Wine and Cheese at 76 Prospect St.

2013 GMG/ Farm Bar and Grille Bikini Speedo Dodgeball Tournament Team Photos From David Cox

St Joseph’s Trolley Tonight 4PM At Fitz H Lane Parking Lt

Sefathia writes-

We had so much fun last year young and old everyone is welcomed come visit the St. Joseph altars we will go by Trolley to 10 homes..see and feel the Sicilian tradition captioned only in Gloucester no other town goes to house to house, the children think it’s Italian Halloween..Monday 3/18 at 4 pm we meet at Fitz H Lane parking lot Trolley will leave at 4 sharp..it’s free..

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Shewsberry Delivers The Latest Greatest Version of The GMG Sticka!

Huge thanks to Shewsberry and Frank Ciolino who produce these for us and to Beth Swan who created our official logo!

You voted for the hot pink wing and Shewsberry delivered!!!

Girlfriend Julie Does Honors of the Unboxing

If you would like the latest version of the Sticka for free send a self stamped and addressed envelope and I’ll mail one out to you.

Joey C C/O Captain Joe and Sons

95 East Main St

Gloucester MA 01930

Community Stuff 3/18/13

Cape Ann Community Forum

Location:  Cruiseport Gloucester , 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester,  MA
Date:   April 11, 2013  – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Lahey Health & Addison Gilbert Hospital will host a community forum to discuss recent updates and developments at Lahey Health and Addison Gilbert Hospital.  Presenters will include Denis Conroy, President of Addison Gilbert and Beverly hospitals and Cindy Cafasso Donaldson, Vice President of Addison Gilbert Hospital.  All residents are encouraged to attend this community forum, which will include a question and answer segment.


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Cape Ann Garden Club Celebrates Spring at Addison Gilbert Hospital and Year-round!

Tina Ketchopolos submits-

Members of the Cape Ann Garden Club have been volunteering at the Senior Adult Unit (SAU) at Addison Gilbert Hospital for over two years as a community service.  Leaders of the Therapeutic Horticulture/Flower Arranging project include Lida Bernard, Connie Mason and Deb Fichera. Each month, a leader is accompanied by one other alternating Cape Ann Garden Club member as they visit with patients in a group setting.  Through the generosity of its members, the club supplies fresh flowers and vases and assists patients to create their own flower arrangements. The types of flowers and containers vary by the season – ranging from the whimsical to the elegant – but always making the SAU look and smell like a spring garden!  The SAU is pleased to offer this Plant or Horticultural Therapy (unique in an Acute Care setting) as part of its comprehensive group programming for patients – which also includes Music, Art, Pet and Exercise/Movement activities.

The American Horticultural Therapy Association defines therapeutic horticulture as a process that uses plants and plant-related activities through which participants strive to improve their well-being through active or passive involvement. In a therapeutic horticulture program, the benefits of involvement in horticultural activities and exposure to nature can be seen in cognitive, psychological, social, and physical realms and research continues to reveal these connections across many groups of people. 

Each month, the team delights the patients with their gift of time and generous donations. Even patients who never thought they would enjoy flower arranging find the activity relaxing, a creative outlet and simply fun! Patients are then able to take their masterpieces home with them to share with family and friends! 

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Pictured are Donna Caselden (L) and Lida Bernard preparing to assist patients with their flower arranging project in March.


Medication Disposal

Got Drugs?  Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on Saturday, April 27th

The Gloucester Medication Disposal program sponsored by Healthy Gloucester Collaborative is once again hosting a community medication disposal event in conjunction with the US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  The Medication Disposal Day will take place on Saturday April 27 from 10 a.m. –

1 p.m. in the parking lot of Rose Baker Senior Center, Six Manuel F. Lewis Street, Gloucester.   In the event of rain, this event will be held inside the Rose Baker Senior Center.

Items Accepted:

Prescription and over-the-counter medications, Medication Samples, Vitamins, Narcotics, Liquid Medications

Items NOT Accepted

Sharps (sharps can be disposed of 24-7 in the main entrance of Addison

        Gilbert Hospital at the Sharps Kiosk).

Thermometers, IV Bags, Bloody or Infectious Waste, Inhalers, Hydrogen Peroxide, Personal Care Products


EARTH MONTH

Presented by Greenbelt

Love your Mother Earth. Join Essex County Greenbelt in April for a month’s worth of activities and volunteer opportunities celebrating our planet including nature walks, community clean-ups, and a workshop on green landscaping practices. Meet your neighbors, learn about how we can green-up Essex County and work together for a sustainable future. Reserve your spot today and join us in raising awareness about environmental issues like sea level rise and encouraging people to adopt sustainable practices in their every day lives. Fun for all ages and abilities, and it’s free.

On Sunday April 7 grab your binoculars and go urban birding in Lawrence with Ben Padilla from Groundwork Lawrence and photographer/naturalist Craig Gibson. Learn about falcons and songbirds living in urban environments. Or grab your boots and explore the mysteries of vernal pools in Gloucester with the Cape Ann Vernal Pool Team. On April 14 learn how to put nature to work in your yard at our Greenscaping workshop at the Cox Reservation. Barbara Warren from the North Shore Greenscapes Coalition will share green landscaping techniques, Curt Dragon of Earth Landscape will offer tips on composting, test your garden soil for pH, and plant a butterfly garden. On April 21 celebrate Earth Day with Dr. Anne Giblin and learn about sea level change in Plum Island Sound. After the talk help us keep our waterways clean by collecting debris at our Batchelder’s Landing property and the surrounding salt marsh. On April 28 walk the Cox Reservation with Forester Mike Simmons and learn how to recognize trees by their bark and buds. Bring your mobile device and practice using the free electronic field guide leafsnap. Finally watch for the date and location of Peeper Night a search for spring frogs as they shake off their winter sleep with the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. This is a nighttime excursion so bring your flashlight and wear your boots. For more information and to reserve your spot for any of these outings go to www.ecga.org/what_we_do/earth_month or contact Greenbelt at ecga@ecga.org or 978-768-7241.

Since 1961, Greenbelt has been working with local individuals, families, farmers and communities to protect the farmland, wildlife habitat and scenic vistas of Essex County. Greenbelt has protected over 15,000 acres of local land and has had a direct role in 75% of all land conserved in the last decade. For more information about Greenbelt programs visit www.ecga.org or call 978-768-7241.


North Shore Nursery School
“Child’s Play for the 21st Century” with Tere Bowen-Irish

North Shore Nursery School is please to present a free community parent coffee on Friday, March 22, 8:45 a.m., at North Shore Nursery School in Beverly, MA. The event will feature Tere Bowen-Irish, a nationally known educator who speaks on wellness for children and families. This educational and informative discussion will touch on different types of play and how to facilitate play throughout your child’s day (and yours too!).
Learn techniques to help your baby, toddler or young child refine social, academic and creative skills.
The event is open to the public. To RSVP or for more information about the school, contact North Shore Nursery School at sdipasquale@northshorenurseryschool.org or (978) 922-8450. Visit the website at NorthShoreNurserySchool.org
North Shore Nursery School is located at 204 Greenwood Avenue in Beverly MA.
About North Shore Nursery School
For 50 years, North Shore Nursery School has embraced the wonder of childhood.  
The child-centered program provides a nurturing and engaging first school experience that builds the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.  Founded in 1962 as a nonprofit organization, North Shore Nursery School offers programs for children ages 2-5 years old.


COSTA RICA TRIP

AN ART TRIP….for all nature enthusiasts who enjoy drawing in the JUNGLE!!!—DEC.27th–jan.5th…interested  ??call JOY–978-281-4290

Second Community Meeting on Burnham’s Field is this Tuesday

Joey,

Over the last two years, GoodMorningGloucester readers have followed the renovation of Burnham’s Field, the largest open green space in central Gloucester. In fact, many people who’ve read about Burnham’s Field on GMG have volunteered at Burnham’s Field clean-ups and even joined our new community garden. Thanks for all your interest!

The planned renovation of Burnham’s Field continues this Tuesday night with a second public meeting to welcome community input. Back in January, landscape architects from Weston & Sampson and city officials took ideas and comments from a gathering of more than 40 people. Now the community is invited once again to give their ideas and review several concepts for re-shaping Burnham’s Field. Anyone is welcome.

When: Tuesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Hive, 11 Pleasant Street (next to Pleasant Street Tea)

Who: Parents, children, neighbors, athletes, nature-lovers, dog-walkers – anyone interested in Burnham’s Field!

Questions?  Call Stephen Winslow, Gloucester Community Development Department, (978) 282-8007 or e-mail swinslow@gloucester-ma.gov

Thanks,

John McElhenny

1143 Photos From The 2013 GMG/Farm Bar and Grille Bikini Speedo Dodgeball Tournament via The Rabbit

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Video- Desi Smith From The Gloucester Daily Times Captures Dodgeball Excitement–Check The GDT Monday For More Complete Coverage

Watch Mr Bentley (Ryan Cox’) and His team of Tracey, Grace, Peter and Chris Kersker defeat The Speedo Cops and Beverly Athletic Club Compete against Cross Fit Cape Ann.  Also Ed Collard’s Winning Squad Blinded By The Light

“Viva San Giuseppe” From Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon

“Viva San Giuseppe”      

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I remember as a child in the 1930’s my neighbor in Gould Ct., Maria Parisi, we affection called “Zia Marrica”  would come to my home with her laundry basket. My Mom would take her little religious statutes from our China cabinet and wrap then carefully and fill her basket, also visiting other homes in the neighborhood, Zia Marrica would set up a very beautiful ornate alter in her home with candles, fresh flowers, a large statue of St. Joseph with many statutes of saints in honor of  St. Joseph. The feast day is celebrated on March 19th every year. Zia Marrica would hold open house for nine days, also inviting the children to recite the rosary and sing the traditional Italian hymns for the novena.  I loved listening to the stories she would tell us of the saints.

Our Pastor Father Kiley went to the superintendent of school and requested the children of Sicilian heritage, be allowed to be dismissed early from school on St. Joseph’s Day to participate in the festivities. I remember going to Zia Marrica’s home. I would sit very quietly as the reenactment  began. The players were orphans. A man representing St. Joseph, a women for Our Blessed Mother and a child for Jesus. The man would knock door three times, requesting food and shelter for his family, during his flight to Egypt. On the third request she would open the door and we would all shout “Viva San Giuseppe, Viva Maria, Gesu‘, Giuseppe” and greet the honored guest very affectionately. When they were seated Zia Marrica would first wash their feet, using a basin of water and towel. The table was filled with all  kinds of delicious food. Three dishes of each food. She spent most of the week cooking and neighbors also brought in food. I remember the honored guest were seated at the table.  All us children sat on the floor and we brought our own spoons. As the honored guest  tasted each dish, the food was passed down for us to enjoy. The first course was the traditional St. Joseph’s pasta.  Homemade pasta with a sauce made of chick peas, fava beans, cauliflower, and fennel. We all took a taste of the food passing the dishing around. In Sicily fava beans were believed to save the people in poor villages from famine, during a drought. They prayed for the intersession of St. Joseph to save them. Fava beans are always kept as a symbol of never being hungry again.

This year I have been  participating in the St. Joseph Novena at my friend, MaryAnn Orlando, home. We  recite the rosary first in English then St. Joseph’s rosary in Italian. We sing the traditional Italian hymns. Shouting “Viva San Giuseppe, and Viva Maria, Gesu‘, Giuseppe” after every hymn. We enjoy a social time and Italian desserts. I asked Mary Ann why she observed this saint’s day. She replied she has continued this custom down from her mother and grandmother.  She stated many people give thanks to St. Joseph for his intercession in answer to prayers and they relate many miracles through the intercession of St. Joseph. She stated her granddaughter was born with spinal bifida and look at that beautiful 13 year old serving people and bouncing with energy and happiness.

Also she stated her nephew was not expected to survive and awoke from a coma, as prayers were being said for him. Her altar is so beautiful. Our prayers are so sincere, I enjoy all the Italian hymns. I remember sitting with my mother and grandmother singing these hymns.  Many homes of Sicilian heritage in Gloucester host this feast every year.

Our parish priest visits each home blessing the altar, flour for making bread and pasta, oranges and lemons.  On the eve of St. Joseph’s day many people will visit for the blessing. A little bag with an orange for sweetness, a lemon for bitterness and a little loaf of bread for sustenance of life. On St. Joseph’s Day a bountiful buffet banquet with  traditional delicious Sicilian food  and wonderful pastry is offered. Each home has open house. All are welcome to attend. My friends, Grace Brancaleone and Katie Fontana also invite me to her homes every year to share in St. Joseph’s Day. I feel our Sicilian community is so blessed and fortunate to continue this wonderful custom.  This custom is celebrated all over this country and also in many parts of the world by people of Sicilian heritage. 

Viva San Giuseppe! 

Virginia0001           

Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon                March 2013                        

What Kind of Bizzaro Government Spends Billions Beefing Up Airport Security and Then Goes and Passes A Law Allowing Knives On Planes?

Are you fucking kidding me with this????

TSA to Allow Pocket Knives On Planes

Take off your shoes, belts, jackets, laptops, iPads, packs of gum, but don’t worry bro, you’re all good on the knives.

I can’t even begin to imagine how stewardesses feel about this.  Who was the politician that even brought this up or lobbied to get this bill voted on?  Guy needs to be fired, like yesterday.

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It never ceases to amaze me what stuff these politicians go out their way to lobby for when there are so many more important problems to deal with.  Want to do something for the people?  Force airlines that change your flights after you book a  direct flight into a flight that has stops to not charge you a change fee of $75 and the cost of a higher ticket.

Look out for passenger rights in that way instead of letting airlines lure you in with a great direct flight at a reasonable air fare and once you book it swap you off into a flight with a stopover.

What an idiotic thing to go out of your way to change a law for.  To actually allow knives on planes after you increase spending for airport security to make planes safer.

The TSA’s budget has increased from $4.7 billion in 2002 to $7.8 billion in 2011.

Poor stewardesses.