Community Stuff 3/9/13

Temple Ahavat Achim presents:

Lecture onTorah: Black Fire Over White Fire”

Tuesday, March 12th at 7 pm
The lecture will be given by Rabbi Salazar, a Torah scribe who has been working with the TAA community as they produce a new Torah to replace one of the scrolls that was destroyed when the synagogue burned in 2007. The lecture will include discussion of the tradition of the Torah being a living entity. The lecture is free and is open to the public.


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Schooner Adventure will be presenting its SKIPPY’S ADVENTURE PROGRAM in the Friend Room at the Sawyer Free Library on Saturday, March 16 at 10am. This program is free and open to all ages.

This education program shares our new beautifully illustrated children’s book, Skippy Finds Adventure, which tells the story of Schooner Adventure’s mascot of 15 years, Skippy, a wharf dog, who followed Adventure’s engineer aboard in 1936 and stayed for the rest of her life. Find out what life was like on Gloucester’s last dory fishing schooner through Skippy’s eyes. Meet members of the crew—Skippy’s family—and see what their daily work was like with authentic dory fishing equipment.

When Schooner Adventure retired from fishing in 1953, she was the last American dory fishing schooner on the Atlantic. A way of life died as this grueling method of fishing was replaced with modern fishing equipment, which required fewer crewmen onboard. Adventure spent the next 30 years taking passengers on windjamming trips out of Maine. In 1988, Captain Jim Sharp donated her to the people of Gloucester, returning her to her original home port. Today, a complete restoration of Adventure is nearing completion, bringing her back to her original fishing configuration. Now she serves as a living memorial to Gloucester’s master mariners, teaching new generations about Gloucester’s fishing history.

Skippy Finds Adventure was created under the direction of Adventure’s education coordinator, Beth Welin, and was generously funded by the Dusky Foundation. The creative team for Skippy Finds Adventure includes Gloucester residents, artist Rusty Kinnunen and writer Peter Cherry, as well as editor Ann Droppers, another North Shore resident. The book is used in the “Skippy’s Adventure Program” geared for grades PK – 2 and joins Adventure’s other education programs (the Traveling Dory Program, the Working Waterfront Walking Tour, and the History Sharing Program) in helping bring to life the story of Gloucester’s fishermen and fishing industries over the ages.

Skippy Finds Adventure books and Skippy stuffed animals will be available at the program, as well as, from Schooner Adventure’s office, the Cape Ann Museum, The Bookstore and the Weathervane shop. For more information about Schooner Adventure’s offerings, go to www.schooner-adventure.org, call 978-281-8079 or email bwelin@schooner-adventure.org.

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Diabetes Support Group now available to students at Gloucester High School

Students at Gloucester High School with diabetes are provided an opportunity to learn more about keeping their diabetes in check.

Cindy Juncker, RN, School Nurse Leader recognized an opportunity to support students who have type 1 diabetes at Gloucester High School.  Through collaboration between Addison Gilbert Hospital, a weekly support group at Gloucester high School is offered with topics including coping skills, exercise, Reiki, preparing healthy foods, way to stay on track and other health tips.   Guest professionals have been provided by Addison Gilbert Hospital’s Speakers Bureau.

Those wanting to learn more about the program may contact the Community Relations Department at Addison Gilbert Hospital by calling 978-283-4000, extension 585.

David Gauvin, Director, Dining Services, Addison Gilbert Hospital, demonstrates how to make a healthy fruit smoothie to members of the Diabetes Support Group.


LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER SUPPORTS “CELEBRATION OF SMILES DAY” PROMOTION TO BENEFIT OPERATION SMILE

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On April 6 local Rockport photographer Angela Cook of Oasis Rockport will join with PPA Charities (the philanthropic arm of Professional Photographers of America) to promote “Celebration of Smiles Day” at Emerson Inn by the Sea on One Cathedral Ave in Rockport from 10am – 2pm. This national fundraising effort will benefit Operation Smile, which treats children around the world who suffer with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

On that day, participating photographers will offer the gift of an individual portrait session and a desk-size portrait in exchange for a $24 donation to Operation Smile. This donation represents one tenth of $240, the amount needed to help fund a single surgery. According to Lexington, Kentucky photographer Tim Walden, President of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), “Celebration of Smiles Day” is the perfect opportunity to have your portrait made or that of a loved one, because in doing so you are making it possible to truly change the lives of children who would otherwise face a lifetime of pain and rejection.”

Founded in 1982, Operation Smile is a worldwide children’s medical charity dedicated to helping children and young adults born with facial deformities. In as little as 45 minutes, one cleft lip surgery can change a child’s life forever. Every three minutes a child somewhere in the world is born with a facial deformity. One in ten will not survive to see their first birthday. Those who do survive often live in isolation and pain. Each year, more than 100,000 children are born with a facial deformity in Operation Smile’s 26 partner countries. Tens of thousands remain untreated.

“Recording smiles is what photographers do,” says Richmond, Virginia, photographer Mary Fisk-Taylor, who serves as president of the PPA Charities Board of Trustees, and who was instrumental in developing the Celebration of Smiles promotion. “It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate charity for our members to support. And when parents participate in this event, it’s a wonderful way to teach children the value of reaching out to others. Even small children can understand the importance of Operation Smile’s work, and they are eager to help these needy children.”

Oasis Rockport, Lifestyle Photography by Angela Cook, offers wedding and event photography, portrait photography and scenic photo tours. Angela Cook’s style is friendly, “fly on the wall” and photojournalistic. Her focus is natural lighting and naturally posed portraits to accompany candidly shot moments. Oasis Rockport also offers photography for corporate events, grand openings, special ceremonies, banquets, bar & bat mitzvahs, christenings & baptisms, weddings, vow renewals, family reunions and many other special events. Oasis Rockport’s location portrait services specializes in natural light location portraits for individuals, couples, families, babies, pets. Oasis Rockport’s Scenic Walking Photo Tours show you some of the beautiful spots you might otherwise miss, sharing some local flavor and history along the way as you visit scenic vistas by the sea, the beautiful forests, the ponds, the quarries and more.

For further information contact: Angela Cook at (978) 290-3184.


O’Maley Innovation Middle School

Our 7th grade are taking part in the UNICEF World Education Games between March 5th and 7th this year. More than 5.5 million students from 200 countries and territories register for the games each year. The games are an exciting online challenge for our school’s students, with our top students going up against the best in the world.


Donald Wellman Reading

For Immediate Release

When: Wednesday, March 13th at 7:30 PM

What:  Donald Wellman will read from The Cranberry Island Series.

Who: Donald Wellman is a professor of Writing and Humanities at Daniel Webster College.  From 1981 to 1995 he directed O.ARS, a literary and cultural organization that published anthologies of poetry, visual poetry, experimental prose, and commentary.  His publications include: Fields, a volume of selected poems (Light and Dust), Prolog Pages, Diario mexicano, and Oaxaca.

Where:

The Gloucester Writers Center is located in the late poet Vincent Ferrini’s historic home, at the Gloucester Writers Center at 126 East Main Street, East Gloucester, MA (please park across the street).  The Center was founded to celebrate, preserve, and promote Gloucester’s rich literary legacy and to create space in the community for the voices of people of all ages and backgrounds to be heard through writing, dialogue, and the artistic process.  Find out more about the Gloucester Writers Center at gloucesterwriters.org

Contact Person:  For information about the event please contact Maxwell Snelling at msnel371@mail.endicott.edu or Annie Thomas at asthomer@yahoo.com


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March 9, 2013

Ed Touchette, Downtown R09, 2009. Acrylic on canvas.

Art Instruction with Ed Touchette

Ed Touchette, Downtown R09, 2009, Acrylic on canvas.

Ed Touchette, painter and former member of the Cape Ann Artisans, will lead art instruction classes at the Museum.


Saturday, March 16, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Still Life: Use watercolors to paint rarely seen pictures from the collection along with flowers set up in one of the Museum galleries. 

Saturday, April 27, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Pencil and Charcoal Drawing: Sketch a selection of sculptures including portrait busts, animal sculpture, abstract work and figure studies from the Museum’s collection. 

Saturday, May 4, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Architectural Sketches: Journey outside to paint the beautiful buildings in the Museum’s neighborhood. 

Individual sessions are $90 or sign up for all three for $250. Classes require that you bring your own supplies. A complete list will be given upon registration. Please make checks payable to the Cape Ann Museum. Space is limited. Reservations are required. For more information please call 978-283-0455 x12 or email courtneyrichardson@capeannmuseum.org.

Upcoming Programs

Thursday, March 14

Meet Me at the Museum, 10:00 to 11:15 a.m.

Join homeschool students for a closer look at the Cape Ann Artisans at 30exhibition. This program is free for members; $5 for nonmembers. Reservations required. For more information call (978) 283-0455 x16 or emaillizabrowning@capeannmuseum.org

Saturday, March 23

“The Girl I Left Behind Me,” 3:00 p.m.

An illustrated talk by Historian Mary Rhinelander McCarl. Using Winlow Homer’s Harper’s Daily illustrations as a backdrop, McCarl will trace how the Civil War changed the ways that Northern women confronted the world. This program is free for Museum members or with admission. 

Saturday, March 30

Cape Ann Artisan Demonstrations

11:00 a.m.  Mike Foley, Sculpture

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Leslie Wind, Jewelry-making for children

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Beth Williams, Jewelry; Pam Stratton, Mosaics; Judith Wright, Mosaics. This program is free for Members or with admission.

Ongoing Exhibits

Cape Ann Artisans, March 2 – May 26

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Cape Ann Artisans’ first studio tour, the Museum is holding a retrospective exhibit of work by 70 past and present members. For more information click here.

Women’s History Month, March 1 – March 31

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Museum will feature a small exhibition of work by two influential women photographers from the Cape Ann Area. The exhibit commemorates the work of Martha Hale Harvey (1863-1949) and Eleanor Parke Custis (1897-1983).


Endicott College Gloucester and SCORE to host Social Media Seminar
By Jodi Cleveland
March 5th, 2013
Gloucester, MA – Endicott College Gloucester and SCORE will be hosting a free seminar on Wednesday, March 20th from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. “How Can Small Business Benefit from Social Media?” will be held at Endicott College Gloucester, 33 Commercial Street. Gordon Plutsky, Chief Marketing Officer of King Fish Media will be the speaker.

“It’s 2013 and most of your customers and prospects are using some type of social media to consume information, research companies/products and keep in touch with family and friends. This session will look at the basics of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs, YouTube and Instagram, among others. Practical tips will be provided for small businesses to leverage social media, whether you are just starting or already have a presence.”
For more information or to register, please contact Jodi Cleveland at jclevela@endicott.edu or 978-879-4250


Maine Boatbuilders Show with Harold Burnham

Al Bezanson submits-

The Maine Boatbuilders Show runs from March 15th  through the 17th in Portland.  This is  what Peter Spectre wrote in WoodenBoat, “the exhibits were real boats, and the parts for real boats, and service for real people, and the folks in attendance were real boat enthusiasts.”  The show takes place in a boatyard – the Portland Company, a complex of old wooden buildings.  It takes the better part of a day to work through the exhibits.  Schooner friends of mine from “away” have been gathering there for years for a weekend rendezvous.

http://www.portlandcompany.com/boatShow/

The show includes a program of seminars and on Friday March 15th Harold Burnham will be making a presentation on “Building and Launching Ardelle” with photos from Dan Tobyne and video from Len Burgess.  This is my amateur shot of the launch.

                                                               (Ardelle splash.jpg)Ardelle splash

The MBBS features all kinds of exhibits you won’t find at the likes of a Boston boat show.  Here is another real person who exhibits there – Mudd Sharrigan, age 86, champion swimmer and maker of seaman’s knives.  He has no website and this is the only place he exhibits.  Mudd was a legend in the early 50’s amongst us early hotrodders.  Now he lives in Wiscasset.  I sailed up the Sheepscot for a visit to his little home shop a couple years ago.  Mudd crafts every detail of these knives and sheaths by hand.

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Mudd on the right with my shipmate Jay Irwin.

                                                               (Mudd Seamans Knife.jpg)Mudd Seamans Knife

Mudd’s seaman’s knife.  He has hand crafted close to 700 of these.

                                                      (Seaman’s knife from Harley chain.jpg)Seaman's knife from Harley chaiin

This was a drive chain on a Harley before Mudd forged it.  If you want a handle fashioned from an old schooner he has a collection of remnants from the four masters, Hester and Luther Little that use to nestle in the mud below the Route 1 bridge. 

Check it out.  And if you go be sure to have lunch at the show.  Real food for real people at realistic prices.

Al Bezanson

Statues & Plaques in Gloucester Part III From Peter Dorsey

Dear Joey,

I knew that there had to be a Civil War statue in downtown Gloucester, but I had to hunt around a little for it. Sure enough, right next to the City Hall at the corner of Dale Avenue and Warren Street is a Greek Revival obelisk, a ” large granite and bronze monument with a finely hammered base, plinth (slab base), die and cornice, surmounted by a large size statue of Liberty in bronze.” (from “History of Gloucester, James R. Pringle -1892) It was dedicated oddly enough on September 11 in 1879, a day which was observed as a general holiday in order to mark the occasion. It was the second Civil War statue erected in Gloucester. This statue, next to the City Hall, was erected by Post 45 of the Grand Army of the Republic, G.A.R., one of the many patriotic societies of the day, “In Honor of the Soldiers and Sailors’ of Gloucester, who Fought in the War of 1861 – 1865, for the Preservation of the Union”.

This is another of the beautiful statues that graces the City of Gloucester. I recommend taking the time to find and gaze upon this handsome monument.

Peter Dorsey

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Taste of Home From Kate Young

Hi Joey,

I’m a faithful follower of GMG and I appreciate all that you do for Gloucester and all of Cape Ann.  We do live in the most beautiful place in the world.

My sister in California sent the attached photo she took at a grocery store in Buena Park, CA.  I thought you’d get a kick out of it.  She titled it “Taste of Home”.

Kate Young

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$1 DOWN AND GET MARCH FREE TODAY AT THE MANCHESTER ATHLETIC CLUB!!!!

 

‎*****SNOW STORM SPECIAL!!******
JOIN TODAY FOR $1 DOWN AND GET MARCH FREE!!!! CALL KATELYN AT 978-526-8900 X204 OR KHILL@MANCHESTERATHLETICCLUB.COM

Harold Burnham on This Old House Tonight

Al Bezanson Submits-

The PBS show This Old House will be featuring Harold Burnham and a sail on Ardelle at 6 PM tonight, Friday, March 8th.  Here’s a preview

Send in your storm photos and we will live blog this mother

Can you ever remember a year when thr weathermen have missed so many storm forcasts by such a large margin?
It seems the big ones they miss underestimating by a mile and the small ones they’ve overhyped and miss by a mile.

Fishtown Horribles Parade Notice

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The Fishtown Horribles Parade Committee is asking the community of Gloucester for assistance in sprucing up our newly established website. We are in search of photos of past parades to be included on our website that will show the history of the parade over the years. If you have any photos that you wish to share with us, please feel free to send them to any member of the Committee or to our general mailbox, fishtownhp@gmail.com. Photos can be of the parade itself or of your family/friends enjoying the parade. We will not be posting pictures of questionable nature. Please dig out your photo albums and send us a photo or two. Please include your mailing address so we can return the photos once they are scanned. Thank you in advance in our quest to make our site a community showcase. Please enjoy our new website: fishtownhorribles.org.

Send photos to: Fishtown Horribles Parade

PO Box 924

Gloucester, MA 01930

Mamie’s Kitchen Dodgemother Alicia DeWolfe Is Ready To Bring The Pain

Word on the street is that The Dodgefathers Ring Leader Alicia DeWolfe is out for blood after last year’s results in the GMG/Farm Bar and Grille Bikini Speedo Dodgeball Tournament.

She has assigned all new Capos and will stop at nothing to bring home a victory for her mafia den of crime also known as Mamie’s Kitchen.

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The Dodgemother in particular called out The Farm Bar and Grille squad Ass With Class, Crossfit Cape Ann two teams Power Snatch and Pistol Whip,  DogBar’s American Bacon, Passports Canadian Bacon and Ed Collard’s Reigning Champs Blinded By The White.

Be there to witness the pain Next Saturday March 16th at Camp Spindrift.

Ecology Class Collects Trash Around Shore!

GMG GHS correspondent Marlee Melvin reports-

GHS CLEANING UP! 

A laboratory exercise in the high schools ecology class measures and collects trash around the shoreline behind the school. The students picked up two full trash barrels, about 36 pounds, along 750 feet of shoreline, and using this as an overall average were able to calculate that there is probably around 390,000 pounds of plastic trash on the combined shorelines of Massachusetts! They were able to do this by utilizing the equipment and facility that were donated to GHS by Salem State (the “Lab”). The class is learning about plastics in the environment and their impact on the marine ecosystems! 

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Some Local Favorites You Should Consider Voting For In The 2013 North Shore Magazine BONS Awards

I finally got around to voting myself and I think what I’ll do is highlight the local establishments that are on the Ballot that are listed for your consideration-

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-

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)

Tennis Anyone? St Paddy’s Mixed Doubles Social- Guinness Corned Beef and Tennis- What’s Not To Like???

GMG FOB Stu Lehr is putting on this social. To reserve your spot contact Stu at 978-496-6621 or slehr@mactennis.com

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Community Stuff 3/8/13

Women’s Community Club of Magnolia Pot Luck Supper

On Tuesday, March 12th at 7p.m. the Women’s Club will be having a Pot Luck Supper at the Magnolia Library Center.  They have also invited members from the Lion’s Club, The Historical Society, and the Library Board. We are hoping for a good turn-out and asking members to rsvp to their various clubs if they plan on attending.


Pathways’ Cape Ann Families is seeking men and women to participate in the parent mentor program. This Cape Ann Families Program serves families in the Gloucester/Cape Ann Community.  Parent mentors can have a variety of roles, which include enjoying activities together, strengthening confidence and self-esteem, connecting with local resources and creating mutual trust and respect.  We are looking for volunteers to participate in our Parent Mentor Training, after which each volunteer will be matched with a parent, beginning a year-long mentorship/friendship.  The next five week training will run on Friday afternoons beginning on March 15th. Please contact Hailey Granger, Family Services Coordinator at 978-281-2400 x110 or at hgranger@pw4c.org for more information.


March Happenings at Rose Baker

March is another busy month at the Rose Baker Senior Center. In addition to the center’s ongoing events, there are a number of special events. A few of these events are listed here.

· Friday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. is the next Adventure Slide show. Beth Welin is presenting “The Ghosts of Vincent Cove,” the history of the site the Senior Center now occupies. The presentation will highlight the three boatyards and businesses that were originally in this area. This program is supported by New England Biolabs Foundation and is free.

§ Thursday, March 14, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. we will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early with a luncheon and party. The menu naturally features corn beef and cabbage. Julie Zelski will sing a selection of Irish tunes. And there will door prizes and a raffle. All seniors are welcome to join the celebration, but you must make a reservation by Monday, March 11. To reserve your space, call the Rose Baker Reception Desk at (978) 281-9765.

§ Wednesday, March 20, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Lisa Orgettas, Executive Director of Spectrum Adult Day Health in Beverly, will present “Memory Loss: What’s Normal, What’s Not.” There is no fee to attend, but pre-registration is preferred. To register call the Rose Baker Reception Desk at (978) 281-9765. Walk-in guests are also welcome. Come with your questions and concerns.

§ Wednesday, March 20, from 4:30 until 10:00 pm., Jalapeno’s is hosting a fundraising event to benefit the Social Day Care Program at Rose Baker. This is your chance to support this wonderful program while enjoying a night out. Hope to see you there.

For information on additional happenings at Rose Baker see the Costal News, Rose Baker’s monthly newsletter. You can pick up a copy at the Senior Center.


Children’s Shabbat Program at Temple Ahavat Achim

PJ Library Shabbat Circle

Saturday, March 9th at 10 am

Come learn about Jewish Sabbath, sing songs and enjoy Jewish food!
This wonderful program will be led by David Wesson, TAA’s Director of Congregational Learning and Programming.
Everyone’s welcome! Bring friends!

Varian Semiconductor / Applied Materials and the Gloucester/ Silicon Valley connection

Catherine Ryan submits-

Hi Joey

There’s a long and continuous through-line of innovative and inventive companies and entrepreneurial spirit throughout Gloucester ’s history.

Here’s some background from James Kawski, Market Analyst and CI Manager for Applied Materials Varian Semiconductor, on the Gloucester/Silicon Valley, full-circle high tech connection.

  • Late 1940’s, brothers Russell Harrison and Sigurd Fergus Varian formed Varian Associates in California creating one of the early stalwarts of Silicon Valley. In 1953 they moved their headquarters to Palo Alto .
  • In 1975 Varian Associates purchased Extrion Corporation of Gloucester and Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates was born.
  • 1999 VSEA was spun off in 1999 and established itself as the world leader in the manufacture of Ion Implanters: large, technically complex machines used to make microchips.
  • 2011 Varian entered a new market making tools to build better, more efficient solar cells. In keeping with sustainable business practices Varian built the first power generating wind turbine on Cape Anne (which now forms a trio on our horizon with the two from Gloucester Engineering)
  • Late 2011 Varian merged with Santa Clara California ’s Applied Materials, reconnecting Gloucester ’s high technology history with Silicon Valley .
  • June 2012 Varian’s CEO Gary Dickerson named President of Applied
  • February 2013 Bob Halliday named CFO of Applied Materials

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Sigurd Varian

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Russell Varian

Photos courtesy Applied Materials © Ansel Adams

Statues & Plaques in Gloucester Part II From Peter Dorsey

Peter Dorsey submits-

Joey,

Another statue that I found both artistic and interesting is located at the intersection of Prospect and Pleasant Streets. It is made of large granite blocks, and commemorates the War with Spain from 1898 to 1902, and the Gloucester men who served then, ” Gloucester Honors Her Men Who Served in the War With Spain, 1898, Volunteers All, Erected 1923″  There is a copper relief plaque commemorating the Liberation of Cuba on one side honoring, “Gloucester’s Sons, 100 Strong”  and on the other side a copper relief plaque showing the U.S.S. Gloucester, and commemorating her “Sinking of the Spanish Destroyers Pluton and Furor” in July 1898, and the 300 men from Gloucester who “Volunteered for Naval Service”. 

If you have never looked closely at these beautiful relief plaques, I recommend that you park you car nearby, and walk carefully around the traffic; and spend a little time gazing at this beautiful commemorative artwork.

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