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 1/21/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Comedy Night

Hi Joey,
Ed Kaznocha here. We’ve met at a few local events and chatted about Cape Ann’s Commuter sub-culture, which I’m no longer part of, ever since I retired (I was an Economist).  I have a new Veteran-owned Business, and hope you’ll spread the word via GMG about a talk by Dr. Valerie Miles, in Danvers this Thurs, Jan 24, (free to my guests) and a networking luncheon at the Gloucester House Restaurant on Feb 13th: invites attached. 
Thanks so much,
Ed Kaznocha, 978-283-5039
(Sgt. USAF, 1967-1971)

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USS Rockport – a Mystery From Bill Hubbard

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Bill Hubbard writes-

Joey,
Did you now that the Town of Rockport had a ship named for it in 1917?  But, her name was changed to USS Nantucket only 115 days later.  She was first the USS Ranger, later USS Rockport then USS Nantucket (PG-23/IX-18), was a gunboat of the United States Navy.
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A screw steamer with full-rig auxiliary sail, Ranger was destined for a very long 65-year career, serving first as a U.S. Navy gunboat from 1876 to 1920, and later as a training ship with the Merchant Marine Academy from 1920 to 1940.
After  completion of fitting out, Ranger was assigned to the Atlantic Station,  remaining at the Gosport  (Portsmouth) Navy Yard and Hampton Roads until 8 March 1877, when she was assigned to the Asiatic Fleet. Following a special fitting out for her new duty, Ranger left New York 21 May 1877, arriving Hong Kong 24 August 1877, via Gibraltar, Suez Canal, and Malacca Straits. The ship served on the Asiatic Station until the fall of 1879, protecting American interests and national policy in the Far East.
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Later, she was assigned to protect American seal fisheries in the Bering Sea. On 31 January 1894, she relieved Alliance in protecting American interests in Central America, where she remained until placed out of commission 26 November 1895, except for temporary duty in the Bering Sea in May 1894.
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Re-commissioned 1 November 1899, she was a survey ship for 2 years off Mexico and Baja California, then operated with USS Wisconsin (BB-9) off Central America, protecting American national interests. She was again decommissioned from 11 June 1903 to 30 March 1905 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.  She departed Puget Sound 16 April 1905 for the Asiatic Station, arriving Cavite 30 May. Due to recurring maintenance problems, she was decommissioned again at Cavite from 21 June 1905 to 10 August 1908. Departing Cavite 16 August, she arrived Boston 12 December via the Suez Canal, and was decommissioned immediately.
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On 26 April 1909, she was loaned to the State of Massachusetts as a school ship to replace Enterprise at the Massachusetts Nautical Training School. Her  name was changed to Rockport 30 October 1917 and then to Nantucket 20 February 1918. As Nantucket, she operated as a gunboat in the First Naval District during World War I, as well as a training ship for Navy midshipmen.  Designated PG-23 in 1920, Nantucket was re-designated IX-18 on 1 July 1921. On 11 November 1940, she was transferred to the Maritime Commission for final disposition, to be used as a school ship for the Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y. During the winter term of 1928 – 1929 the decision was made to paint the outside hull of the Nantucket black, instead of the usual white as in the past. Her four boilers were also updated.
On 30 November 1940, she was struck from the Navy list and was returned to the state of Massachusetts as a school ship.  Where is she today?  Why was she named Rockport for only 115 days?  I’ve been trying to figure that out for a year now.  Maybe one of your readers knows.
Bill Hubbard
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Visit my artists website and Blog at: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/bill-hubbard.html

Noble Smith Has Some Nice Things To Say

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Good Morning Gloucester:

Although a resident of Harpswell Maine, I am frequently in Gloucester where I consult with two organizations – The Schooner Adventure and the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter,

Early on in these consulting associations well over a year ago, I asked whether there was any publication that covered the area so that I could gain more perspective of its people, what they did and how they conducted their lives.  The answer was Good Morning Gloucester.

For the past year plus and every day I read GMG which arrives on my computer at around 9:30pm.  If I fall to sleep ahead of the transmission, I always read it when I wake up in the middle of the night.

It is a great service to the community and I wish Harpswell would do the same.  When I am in Gloucester for meetings, the subject of GMG always arises and I think people are a little surprised that a Mainer is right on top of all the local news – thanks to GMG.

Sincerely,

Noble Smith

5 Questions With @Joey_C’s Favorite Twitter Peeps- Steve Saleeba

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Starting out with Steve Saleeba- @TheSteveDuJour .  Steve is one of my favorite people on twitter for a couple of reasons.  He has a sarcastic edge but also tweets interesting breaking news tidbits.  IMO there’s nothing worse than when someone gets on twitter and then just hammers the shit out of their feed with advertisements for their company.  The best twitter users highlight the best of what they come across on the web and breaking news and have a sense of humor when they do it.  There’s not many more interesting than Steve.

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Five Questions-

What are your duties at WBZ?

I’m a web content producer for CBSBoston.com . I write news and features, I manage the site’s “Boston’s Best” section, I share responsibility for the site’s social media accounts, and I provide constant entertainment for my co-workers… whether they like it or not.

Why do you think you are follow worthy on Twitter?

Isn’t there supposed to be a hyphen in follow-worthy? What was the question again?

What types of tweets or twitter user drive you up a wall?

Any kind of politically partisan propaganda… It’s bad enough that I have to listen to Congress acting like a bunch of exaggerating children… Now I have to see a bunch of mindless lemmings regurgitate this crap to me on my Twitter feed? No thanks.  People need to find common ground. I love politics. I tweet about politics sometimes. But I try to keep it non-partisan. In other words – I blame them all.

Who are some of your favorite twitter users?

Pretty sure I’ll get in trouble if I don’t say @joey_c & @JMcElhenny.  So, them. (It’s like getting to play at Fenway Park and saying you aren’t a fan of the managers.) Aside from those guys, I follow beer fans, hockey (and other sports) fans, co-workers, newsies, music buffs, cycling advocates, comedians, employees at competing news outlets, PR people, you name it.   And to be honest, they’re all great… Tough to pick just a few.

Do you have a website you would like to promote?

Yes. 3, actually.

www.CBSBoston.com . I work there. I’d like to keep working there. Site visits = $.

If you want to read my blog, which I rarely update, it’s: http://stevesaleeba.wordpress.com/

www.goodmorninggloucester.com  Apparently they’re going to be running a new ‘Five Questions’ series on that site. I’m sure it’ll be awesome. It’s definitely worth checking out. 

Perkins Street Fire Help

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Sefathia wrires-

Good afternoon friends Jackie Hardy and myself need some help we are looking for a space, for 3 days to collect clothes, household items etc for the Perkins Street Fire victims, no stairs please. Any suggestions or ideas? Also if you would like to help out lets us know. We update you once we secure a place Thank you Sefatia

Tweet of The Day From Fitnesss Motivator

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Rotary District 7930 will hold its 3rd annual Polar Plunge on Saturday February 9

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Rotary District 7930 will hold its 3rd annual Polar Plunge on Saturday February 9, 2013 at Long Beach in Gloucester at 11:30 A.M.  The event is part Rotary International’s ongoing campaign to eradicate polio in our lifetime.

The event is expected to yield more then 250 people plunging into the cold waters off Cap Ann adjacent the Cape Ann Motor Inn.  The Gloucester Rotary Club is the host for this event.  Last year close to 160 people braved the icy waters in an effort that is considered on of fellowship, public awareness, and fundraising. Last year’s efforts yielded more then $34,000. Polar Plunge and Polio Chairman Bob Gravino of the Ipswich club has set this year’s goal at $100,000.  That amounts to $2,100 per club for 48 clubs from Boston north to Salem NH and East to the Cape Ann communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester.

The district is also utilizing an electronic fundraising process this year in efforts to help clubs and members raise the targeted $100,000.  Supporters are encouraged to log on to
https://www.fundraise.com/activity/the-rotary-foundation-of-rotary-international/rotary7930-polar-plunge

and make a pledge to help Rotarians lead the way to eradicate this dreaded disease.   If you would like to help out or participate in some way please feel free to contact Committee Chairman Bob Gravino RCGRAVINO@aol.com
or Josh Arnold the Event’s Public Relations Chairman at josharnold@verizon.net
Clubs are using social media of Facebook and Twitter to help promote their participation in the event.

Since 1985, Polio has become the signature cause for Rotary International as it has teamed up with partners including; The Global Poverty Project, The Global Eradication Initiative, The World Health Organization, and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to name a few.   The disease was prevalent here in the United States in the years following the first two world wars.  Since then, efforts have been spearheaded by Rotary International to eradicate them from the Philippines in 1985.

On the success of the Philippines endeavor, Rotary International (R.I.) embarked on the mission to eradicate Polio from the world entirely.  Since that time, more then a billion dollars has been raised among Rotary clubs world wide and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  When R>I. Took on the battle against this disease more then 350,000 people spanning 125 countries were impacted. Today there are three countries left where it has not been eradicated, namely Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

The year 2012 was an historic year in the battle against polio as 429 million children have been vaccinated against polio.  Less then 300 cases of polio were reported in 2012.  That figure represents a decline of more then 60% from 2011. In order for a country to be certified as having the disease eradicated, it must sustain three successive years of zero new cases of polio reported within its population.

For as little as 60 cents your donation can make the difference in changing a person’s life.  Please support Rotarians across 48 clubs in more then 50 communities north of Boston as they brave the icy waters off Gloucester to help their fellow humankind eradicate polio in our lifetime.   The public is welcome to attend.  Hot refreshments will be served by high school students composed of local interact clubs (formerly junior Rotarians).  More then 1000 people are expected for the event.

2nd Annual Maritime Summit at Cruiseport

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

We are getting a few participants and a couple of exhibitors for the 2nd Annual Maritime Summit at Cruiseport on Feb 7th. The sign up details and links for maritime summit posted on Gloucester Marine Terminal Blog (blog in early stages of development) http://www.gloucestermarineterminal.blogspot.com/2013/01/2nd-annual-maritime-summit-registration.html . I have also attached the City Press release and a working overview of the Speakers which include quite a few local waterfront luminaries.

I have a few exhibitors but still nailing down the details but they include Ocean Genome (tracks ocean dna and does bar coding for seafood industry), Sea Sciences (ocean robotics), Ocean Alliance (ocean robotics), Neracoos (green chemistry), Endicott College, Interactive Oceangraphics (mapping and software), and Ocean Wave Energy. I am looking for more exhibitors who might have something cool to show and tell for the group so if you know of anyone or anything in your line of business that would be cool, let me know.

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Is Anyone Else Going To Ed’s Coronation?

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Ed being the modest guy he is (bwahahahahahahah) hasn’t told y’all on these pages but his big coronation party is coming up this Saturday.

He will be the new emperor at the Chamber of Commerce for 2013 after a successful year led by Mark Grenier.

I’ll be emceeing his crowning at Cruiseport Saturday night.   There are sure to be fireworks, dancing girls, flying monkeys, midget tossing, booze, music, playmates, dignitaries, and I heard Tom Brady may even be swinging by to sign autographs and let you feed his newborn, so if you would like to come and celebrate with Ed and other Chamber Folk there’s still time to buy tickets.

Contact the Chamber  to reserve your seat, contact robert@capeannchamber.com or call 978-283-1601.

2013- The Year of Ed

This is going to be the face of the Chamber?

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Don’t worry, this won’t hurt a bit Smile

Community Stuff 1/20/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Join us for an early celebration of Valentine’s Day with a dramatic presentation of "The Love Letters of John and Abigail Adams," followed by a reception featuring a sumptuous chocolate buffet. Wearing historically accurate clothing and using period props, re-enactors Patricia Bridgman and Thomas Macy will bring to life Mr. & Mrs. Adams, reading their correspondence and interacting with the audience in this remarkable living-history performance.

Friday, February 8th at 7:30 pm

Essex Congregational Church
39 Main Street, Essex, MA
Handicapped Accessible

         $10 per person advance sale     $15 at the door     $5 students

For tickets go on-line to www.Essexshipbuildingmuseum.org and mention that the event is from the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum

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Move Over Sinatra

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This guy is straight fire!  Sinatra, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Michael Buble, step aside.  There’s a new king of love songs.

This kid must be swarming with women of all ages just trying to get all up in his business.  Panty dropper material for sure.  I looked on iTunes but couldn’t find his rendition available for purchase so I might just put the audio from this YouTube clip on a loop and pipe it through the house.

Well Played, Sir Well Played….

 

video first aired on Barstool Sports

Faces Of The Waterfront–Rose’s Marine From Ron Gilson

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

David Simmons Gives Props To the Gloucester 911 Response Team

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Hello, Joey,

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity as a physician to observe the Gloucester 911 response team manage a health care emergency from start to finish in the Annisquam Village Library. The police, firefighters, and EMTs approached that difficult case efficiently, thoughtfully, and knowledgeably. Their conclusion was effective, professional, and respectful. I hope you will share these observations because Gloucester residents should be aware of the great system and individuals out there ready to support them in need.

Sincerely,

David P. Simmons, MD

The House of Mitch- Enough Already!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

OK OK OK, I Submit!

For a couple years now I’ve been hearing from my buddy Mark Ring that the best deal in town was The House of Mitch for lunch.  Not just him a few other people who I consider inside insiders of what’s what around G-Town.

When you grow up in Gloucester and someone mentions the House of Mitch you don’t automatically think great lunch, but see that’s where you’d be wrong. 

Scallop plate $8.95 and you can barely finish it.  Haddock, fried shrimp, you name it, a ton of freshly seafood fried up and under $10.

You’re just gonna have to put any pre-concieved notions that you might have about the joint aside and see for yourself.  The place is clean, and Sheila is one of the most efficient friendly bartenders that you’ll ever meet.  We got hammered together one Saint Pattys Day in Southie years back with Mark and Kara Ring  a good egg that Sheila. 

You don’t have to drink booze just because you’re going in there either, they’d be happy to pour you a soda or a glass of milk (they must have milk for the mudslides, right?)

Oh and their chowder is freshly made and I’ve yet to see anyone serve a cup of chowder in a bowl the way they do at the House of Mitch.

Locals that know, know to go there.  You should check it out for yourself.

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Karen Spencer wants you to get your DNA Tested for $99

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This is not my gig.  I’m not endorsing it or not endorsing it, just passing it along.

Karen Spencer writes-

To my Sicilian cousins:

For the past few years, I’ve been digging into my family genealogy in a big way. Through a combination of luck, elbow grease and the generosity of other family genealogists, I’ve come up with a pretty good picture of my Sicilian family. I know we lived in Terrasini or Cinisi since at least 1500. However, the more I find out, the more I want to know:

  1. Do we really have Phoenician ancestors? 
  2. Is the blood of ancient Trojans refugees coursing through our veins? 
  3. Those blue eyes and blonde hair, did they come from the Vikings or the Caucasus mountains by the Black Sea? 
  4. What is the origin of my green eyes and RH negative blood?

We’ll never know it all, but there is an intriguing way to reach back 10,000 years to at least one or two direct ancestors.

A few of my Sicilian cousins and I are having our DNA tested for genealogy purposes. To really get a good picture of a tribe, it takes a bunch of people who know their heritages interlock. Here is why:

Female Testing: Can only trace the direct maternal line. Essentially, the mitochondrial DNA  we received from our mothers remains unchanged through the millennium. So our cousins with the same maternal line have exactly the same DNA print as we do.  
Male Testing: Traces both the direct mitochondrial/maternal line and the direct paternal line.  Obviously, the paternal line is tested by using the Y chromosome.

There are several organizations doing this, but two stand out. They both have very large databases, are well funded and have clearly articulated missions, albeit different ones. They are also both backed by international experts in the field, and endorsed by reputable scientists. Both allow willing participants to connect with other willing participants who share the same DNA, distant cousins. All that is required is a little vial of spit.

  • The testing I am using is the Deep Roots package from 23 and Me. This company claims to have the largest database with 750 maternal and 500 paternal Halogroups. The reviews are that the Deep Roots results are not only good, but also the most user friendly. They are used by PBS. Their primary mission is medical – genetic research. Additionally, they have reduced their price to $99. https://www.23andme.com/ancestry/

The question you need to ask yourself is, would you like to find out more about your:

  • Mother’s mother’s mother’s mother’s….. 
  • Father’s father’s father’s father’s…..

If yes – now is the time! Together we’ll be able to paint a picture of our Sicilian roots for all our families, from the Aiello to the Zerilli. Whether you are a  Favaloro, Favazza or Frontiero; a Lovasco, LoChirco, Loiacano; a Randazza, Ragusa or Russo; or any of the other dozens of wonderful Italian families in town, join us!

For more on what I’ve found out using traditional genealogical research, I invite you to explore my website: http://www.karenfavazzaspencer.com/Karen_Favazza_Spencer/Favazza_History.html

Karen Favazza Spencer

Tweet of The Day From Andreas Thanos

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

So I sent Andreas a message asking him to put together a Flickr Gallery of The Photos he hung and he did.  You can view them here-

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North Shore Kid Comes Through Again- Beginning Winter Birding At Halibut Point State Park

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

You know there is one singular site that when I’m trying to figure out something to do with the kids other than sitting around the house playing board games- North Shore Kid

The way Bill and Kelly have the site laid out, easy to navigate, highly searchable and always with direct links to the Children activity host’s website.  It’s just such a treasure trove of information for busy parents looking for fun educational stuff to do with their family.

So the kids are on a three day weekend and The Mrs is great about making sure they get outside but had been scratching her head as to what to do.  I go to the handy NorthShoreKid link in the sidebar on GMG, and lo and behold North Shore Kid is featuring a story about Beginning Birding at Halibut State Park.

Perfect, dress warm, get outside, see some cool migratory birds that happen to be stopping off at Halibut Point State Park and then hit one of the local coffee shops for some hot chocolate.

#Boom!  Thank you North Shore Kid.

Click here to go to North Shore Kid and get all the details for yourself and while you’re there bookmark it.  It’s definitely bookmark worthy!

Beginning winter birding is held on the 3rd Sunday of each Winter month

Photo Bill O’Connor, North Shore Kid