Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

The creator of goodmorninggloucester.org Lover of all things Gloucester and Cape Ann. GMG where we bring you the very best our town has to offer because we love to share all the great news and believe that by promoting others in our community everyone wins.

Cape Ann Youth Hockey Mite 2 Team wins the 2011 Boston Bruins Holiday Tournament

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Kristin Michel forwards-

Congratulations to the team, Head Coach Kevin Vieira, Assistant Coach Stu Mellen, and assistant Bill Donald for a great WIN!

The final score of the championship game (Thomas Division) against the Top Gun team from Salem, NH was 3-2!

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Amy West Has Some Nice Things To Say

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

My family and I  spend a couple of weeks on the Mill River every August, but during the time I’m on the other side of the cut, I look forward to reading your no bull, honest and upfront blog. I grew up in Pigeon Cove and now live in the Boston area, not too far from Gtown,  but far enough that I can’t take a walk along the back shore everyday.

Happy New Year and looking forward to more Gloucester news in 2012.

Sincerely,

Amy

Arlington MA

Beverly Hospital’s Welcomes Their First Baby of the Year

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Welcome Brady Matthew!

Katie and Dan Desmond of Gloucester, MA welcome their new son, Brady Matthew born at Beverly Hospital on January 1, 2012, at 3:03 a.m., 9 pounds, 1 oz., 21-3/4-inches long.

Proud Grandparents:

Jim and Betty Gomes of Boxford, MA

Richard and Roberta Desmond of Salem,MA

Great-Grandmother (100 years old) Catherine Desmond of Revere, MA, will be visiting Brady today!

In addition to his Grandparent and Great-Grandmother, Brady has a large number of cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family to welcome him into the New Year.

Joe Walking Episode II Shot and Edited By Craig Kimberley

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

If anyone needs a professional for webvideo work Craig will be moving here and is looking for work. Contact me.

2012 Polar Bear Plunge Freshwater Cove Pics From Jerry Ackerman

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Meanwhile, on the other side of the harbor, The Denizens of Freshwater Cove were up to their old tricks, too!

Happy New Year!

Jerry Ackerman

Mamies Kitchen ‘Taste of Sicily’ Event Jan 23

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Alicia writes-

Hi Joey,
Attached is the information for our night on January 23rd.
Tickets are available now for purchase and its selling fast already. We have two seatings available
one for 5:30pm and the second for 7:30pm.
It’s a fixed menu and everyone gets everything! I know seems like alot of food
but I couldn’t have it any other way!
Thanks
Alicia DeWolfe

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Gloucester Quilter is Rockin the LobStar!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The LobStar.
Yup, we got one as a present this year. It’s awesome.
Designed by a friend of my brother’s.
Sorry, I can’t make it to the Rocky Neck plunge because Dot and I got VIP tix to the Pat’s tomorrow!  w00t! w00t!
Have fun!

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check out the Gloucester Quilter Website

Sunset 12/30/11 Sunset From Christy Juckett

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

I wanted to share tonight’s sunset – thanks!

Happy New Year!

Christy

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Mom

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Often times there are people in your life that don’t get nearly as much appreciation as they deserve. 

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I mean first things first, mother’s first off give you everything- LIFE.  They carry you around in their belly, get all stretched out and fat lugging your pre-born self all over the place and I don’t even want to go into the whole birth thing and how messed up it is to see something the size of a smallish watermellon come out a coochie. 

The amount of love and support and work that goes into raising a child is mind boggling but somehow we bounce along as we get older and lose sight of just how much our mothers have done for us.

This year as those of you that are close to me know, we had to put my dad in a nursing home for his alzheimer’s.  Mom tried to keep him home as long as she could but the time came where she just couldn’t provide the 24/7 care he needed.  She took a job at Seacoast Nursing Home to work and be able to still spend lots of time with him and the care the staff provides knowing how much they care for him is the only thing that allows me to sleep at night.

I’m going to be all over the place but please bear with me.

The point I’m trying to make is that through GMG, the opportunities to be able to help other people have been many.  The accolades that we’ve received many as well- CBS Boston’s Most Valuable Blogger, The Community Recognition Award from the Unitarian Church, The Golden Sou’Wester Award from Discover Gloucester, Action Inc’s Community Outreach Award, US Congress Special Recognition award from Congressman Tierney,Special Recognition From the Mass Senate from Bruce Tarr and Ann Margaret. 

Though I do not credit my mother nearly enough for all she has done (does any child?) the fact is that the part of me that created GoodMorningGloucester and the reasons behind it are mostly due to the characteristics in me that I got from my mother.

When I had a school project in middle School she would sit down with me and we would work together and when there was supposed to be one posterboard sized presentation for a school project she would help me along and we would make 10 panels.  Nothing was ever done half way.  Everything over the top. 

The desire to create- from her.  The desire to please others- from her.  The desire to have parties and entertain- from her.  Her neurosis and anxiety, yeah I got that too although thankfully I have the blog to bang away at and throw that nervous energy into something positive.

But the blog is what it is because of many of the traits genetic and learned from one incredible woman.  My mom.

Oh and by the way, Sista Felicia always credits our Grandmother Felicia who undoubtedly was the all time greatest cook but the fact is that our mom was no slouch in the kitchen and she spent way more hours alongside her than our grandmother preparing incredible meals for our dad who worked like an animal alongside his brother Charlie and grandfather Captain Joe.

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In this most difficult year, the year we had to put dad in the nursing home you’ve handled yourself with such dignity and grace even through what has to be the toughest year of your life. You’re still as beautiful as ever (all my friends used to tell me how beautiful my mom is when we were growing up).  I’m so proud to say that you’re my mom, so thankful for all the support you’ve given me to get me to this point with this medium where I can help others and bring people together just the way you always have done throughout your life.

So mom if you ever get around to reading this because I know you are incredibly computer challenged (one thing I did not get from you) know that even though I don’t express it nearly enough, I want you to know that I know it was you more than anyone who made me who I am today.  I love you and as you already probably know this as every mother knows- I’ll never be able to thank you enough.

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Inauguration Ceremony for Mayor Kirk, City Council and School Committee

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Sunday, January 1, 2012, 4:00 PM

222 Wellness Center

seARTS welcomes members and friends to join in celebrating the installation of Members of the City Council, the School Committee, and Mayor Carolyn Kirk for her third term in office.  The ceremony will take place tomorrow, January 1, 2012, at 4:00 PM in the Kyrouz Auditorium of Gloucester City Hall. This event is free and open to the public.
We are also pleased to announce that in recognition of the importance of art and culture as a key ingredient in our future, Mayor Kirk has invited seARTS Chairperson Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco to be the mistress of ceremonies.
Some of the important developments that will impact our local economy include the pending application going before the City Council for a Cultural District in East Gloucester and the recent vote of the Rockport Board of Selectmen to endorse the creation of the state-designated Rockport Cultural District. At the upcoming seARTS 2012 Annual Meeting (date TBA), we will host a keynote speaker with hands-on experience in working with Cultural Districts.
It’s also time to vote for Gloucester to maintain and elevate its status as a top Arts Destination by casting a vote at AmericanStyle.com. We must vote by March 3. Click here to cast your vote!
As you can see, there’s a lot to celebrate around the arts and the local economy!
To learn more about Mayor Kirk’s visions for Gloucester’s future, click here for a Gloucester Daily Times article and here for today’s editorial by the Mayor.
We look forward to seeing you at City Hall.

Come One Come All To The Rocky Neck New Year’s Day Plunge

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I spoke with my peeps at CBS Boston and I think they will be sending a news crew to cover it!  Come hang out and have a ball!  This is the first day of 2012- come break down that comfort zone and set yourself to try new things with the incredible fun and energy that IS THE NEW YEAR’S DAY ROCKY NECK PLUNGE!

Meet us at Passports before hand 10:00AM for the $8.99 New Year’s Day breakfast buffet (I suggest you get there a little before 10 because it’s gonna be a crazy scene just like last year).

Then on To Oakes Cove Beach for the noon time plunge.  Click here for directions so you have no excuse.

Even if you’re not plunging come down and revel with the crazy people.  If you take any pictures or video send your pics or YouTube videos to goodmorninggloucester@yahoo.com and we will post them!

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Info from Cathy Mccarthy

Joey.

I know we have a lot of who plungers who have not participated before and want to make sure we all honor our traditions.

My husband ,myself and Amanda Nash started this years ago as Jeff and I were L street Brownies and his friend who brought us to southie passed away, we decided we would do it on the neck.

We have George Sibley do an poem . Its quick ….. We do a count down from 10 and we all plunge in mass. That’s it.

I have got a few calls about what we are about and we are just a great group people who like to celebrate every occasion.

I thought it was important this year to do something to give back and organized the food drive.

Thanks for the plug. Fyi. My husbands name is Jeff Surette (not Mccarthy)

Best,

Cathy Mccarthy

Here’s a video I took way back in June 2008 telling folks where it is-

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Erik at Passports Is Offering Up an $8.99 Breakfast Buffet Pre Plunge!  We plan to meet there at 10AM, come eat with us!

If you enter your name here on GMG beforehand, get listed as a pledge to plunge and do it, we will enter your name into a hat and pick one of the GMG listed plungers post plunge for a $100 Azorean Gift card. Card was donated by our Terry Weber.  No entries will be accepted on the scene of the crime, you have to put in a comment here or contact me ahead of time to confirm you are on “The List”.

The List Is Now Closed!

If you pledge to plunge and then bail out for ANY REASON, that gives us free license to ridicule you for the entire year!

I can tell you it is incredibly invigorating and the very best way to start your year. It sets you up to overcome a fear and once you do it the rest of the year you feel like you can and will do anything!

The plunge goes off at noon on Oaks Cove Beach on Rocky Neck.

The List

Joey C, Donna Ardizzoni, Rick Moore, Ed Collard, Paul Morrison, Rick Paolillo, Melissa Cox, Dr. Ray Cahill, Colleen Apostolos-Marsh, Lotus Marsh, Lukas and Lasse Struppe, Owen, Henry, and Jon Hardy, Alexandra Rhinelander, Charles Du Deaubien Gaspien (or something like that), Ericka Hyam, Steve LeBlanc, Jamie Verga, Kevin Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Denny Cunningham, Carolyn Kirk, Bill Kirk, Amanda Nash, Tom Robinson Cox, Mike and Eva DiLascio, Amandacakes and Beasley, Keara the chick with the heavy green eye shadow (I forgot her last name), Vickie Van Ness, Greg Bover, Brian O’Connor, Skip Montello,Kane Oshiro,Barry “Cuda” Pollack, Charles Rodgers, Lindell Willnow, Terry Weber, Jason Grow, Maisey, Jeamima and Matilda, Karen Ristuben, Wendie Demuth,Scott LeVasseur ,Tony Goddess,Mike Nicastro, Alicia Pensarosa, Nicole, Ben and Emma Duckworth,Lily Steiner, Chelsea Audin, Malena Lund, Jennelle Rhodes,Jim Dowd and Rebecca and Treely Dowd, Kellie Rich, The Del Vecchio Family,Bob and Andrea Ritchie, Sonja, Evelyn, Daniel and Edward Merz,Brendan and David Driscoll,Tom Bruno,Tim Bushfield .

Food Drive

Carol McCarthy is organizing a food drive for the Open Door Food Pantry.  Here’s the deets-

Just a heads up that I am organizing a food drive the day of the Plunge… PLunge will be at Noon and the food drive is to benefit The Open Door..  They are in real need this year and Its time we give back on the Neck..   I asking everyone to bring what is needed by the Pantry.. I emailed Judy Cox and she is posting in the newsletter this week.. We need to make a HUGE push for the food pantry… What is desperately needed!!!!   Barrels will be set up at the entrance of Oak Cove Beach for the non-perishables.. Thanks Joey..

Cathy McCarthy  8978 317 2352

TUNA, Peanut Butter, Pasta Sauce, 100% Juice, Baking Items, Breakfast Cereal…

2011 Rocky Neck Plunge Video From InterMurph

Skip Montello- Catching The Curl

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Skip writes-

Hi Joey,

Surfers love catching and riding the best waves but getting one on camera just right may require upwards of 150 or more camera clicks; here is one from (more than 140) yesterday at Back Beach.

Thanks, Skip

North Coast Angler www.northcoastangler.com

Skip Montello Photos www.skipmontellophotos.com

Catching the Curl

Top Gloucester Stories of 2011- GMG Style

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey's favorite

Judith Monteferrante Photo

This morning I was contemplating doing a top ten list of the year’s best stories but it always seems so daunting.

But then I read another list which seemed so damn depressing and it didn’t seem to represent to me at all what the top Gloucester stories of 2011 and once we started putting the list together over The Worlds Greatest Coffee Rolls, Ed and I put this list together.

I should note that the depressing list was the one from the Gloucester Daily Times but God bless the Times and what they do because they have the responsibility of reporting the puss and if they weren’t getting paid to do it who would ever want to?

Here’s the Gloucester Daily times version and the inspiration for the GMG one

(note there are no numbers as they are all of different order of importance for different people) We’ll use letters in no specific order.

I’ll list them and then link to the stories underneath each listing

A) seARTS Effort gets Gloucester Recognized As #3 Small Arts City In The Country

Gloucester Voted #3 Small Arts City In The Country

B) City of Gloucester Under Carolyn Kirk’s Stewardship Once Again Raises Our Bond Rating

From the Gloucester Daily Times-

The Mayor’s Desk: Moving the city forward into the new year

C) The Passing of Joe Garland and Harriett Webster Two Great Lovers of Gloucester

The Joe Garland Tribute Post
In Memorium – Harriet Webster

D) The Removal of Blight and Installation of Community Park From Cape Ann Museum

Cape Ann Museum Pocket Park New Sculpture Photo From Bob Hastings
Cape Ann Museum New Pocket Park Panorama

E) Jim Davis Buys Birdseye and Renews Potential For Growth Downtown

Breaking News!!! Here’s the Official Scoop On The Birdseye Property From Sheree DeLorenzo

F) Bhuddist Monks Liberate Lobsters Fun

Audio We Talk About The Liberated Lobsters On The Bob and Sheri Radio Show In Charlotte

G) Temple Ahavat Achim Opens It’s Doors To the Community

Up On The Roof- Temple Ahavat Achim Views Of Gloucester and Construction Video

H) The Greasy Pole Toppled and Is Being Reconstructed

GMG Greasy Pole Reconstruction Coverage

I) Burnham’s field Community Garden Beautifies the Heart of The City

Burnham’s Field Community Garden Coverage on GMG

J) GMG Takes Home CBS Boston’s Most Valuable Blogger Award (biased, who me?)

HOLY GUACAMOLE BATMAN!!!! THIS JUST- IN WE WON THE CBS BOSTON’S PEOPLE’S CHOICE MOST VALUABLE BLOGGER AWARD!!!!!!!!!!!