by his friends

Ralph Cole Waddey of Gloucester passed away peacefully in the wake of an accident and injury. Ethno-musicologist and a musician himself, social scientist, specialist in International Affairs, Portuguese language interpreter, father, husband and above all man of deep friendships, Ralph was ferociously Ralph. Charming irresistibly to some, dismissive of fools, witty by all accounts and remarkably intelligent, Ralph Cole Waddey made his own way.

He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to South Carolina when he was 3 years old. He was a teenager in Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. From an early age, he demonstrated his inclination for science and music. After having had conferred a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science at Georgetown University (Washington, DC,) he went to Bahia, Brazil, as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1965. In 1968, he returned to the United States where he started his master’s program in Economics, Social Psychology and Portuguese and Brazilian Literature at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida, USA). He earned a Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies in 1973. Ten years later, while a doctoral candidate (Ph.D.) in Musicology at the University of Illinois, he returned to Bahia, Brazil. He did important research in the 70s and 80s on the musical phenomenon of the Bahian Reconcavo and was acclaimed by Brazilian authorities, especially from the Department of Culture. He walked into areas unknown to most researchers in order to produce the precious recordings of Samba de Roda and Viola music of that region.  Samba de Roda has proclaimed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008 thanks to Ralph’s work, the first one and unique in its genre.

Brazil was his second home. He enjoyed official citizenship in Salvador, capital of Bahia, where intellectuals and scholars in the fields of social science, history, archeology, and music would rush to see him upon visits. The country folks of the Bahian Reconcavo, in particular, and where he joined some godbrothers, godsisters, and godchildren, loved Ralph.  It was in Brazil that he attached one of his nicknames, in Portuguese, Bom Marujo (The Good Sailor).

Ralph also loved Gloucester where he decided to live after having served in the United Nations in Angola and Kosovo from 1995-2005. His interpreting, human rights, and management work in United Nations peacekeeping missions earned him respect and deep friendships. Here in Gloucester, he found earthy sincerity, history, friendship and a good life.

He is survived by his wife Ana Alakija Waddey; daughter Anna Seton Cole Crosbie; former wives: Maria do Perpetuo Socorro Davico and Caroline Seaton Crosbie; sister Sharon Cole; cousins Gary Wendt, Sheri Beecher, Kathie Enloe, James Wendt, Chris Rushefsky, Jan and Michael Johnson; Jack Waddey; aunt Evelyn Johnson Wendt; and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life organized by his loved ones, friends, and neighbors will be held in his memory on September 1st, 2019, 11AM at the DES Portuguese American Club, 133 Prospect St, Gloucester, Massachusetts. The organizers ask people who want to join the event to please, park on the street.

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Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Azure) – 249 Numbered Pages

Awesome Rockport is proud to announce that we have awarded local artist Josh Falk a micro-grant to create a mural on Stone Barn Lane behind the Rockport Public Library.  Josh is an accomplished artist and muralist who submitted a proposal that was a mix of awesome community spirit and artistic knowhow.   Congratulations to Josh, and a big thank you to him as well for approaching this opportunity with unparalleled enthusiasm and appreciation for the grassroots nature of the initiative.  Josh is supremely awesome in our book!

In addition to being extraordinarily proud to support Josh’s creative efforts to inspire Rockport through public art, Awesome Rockport is also proud to have partnered with Rockport Music (the wall owner!), the Rockport Art Association, and the Rockport Public Library on this initiative.

We would also like to extend special thanks to Selectman Don Campbell for facilitating our approval process and to Jim Ugone of the Rockport Historical Commission for guiding and encouraging us, and to Rockport Police for ensuring our plan accounts for local safety rules and expectations.

We look forward to unveiling Josh’s work of art at this year’s Rockport Harvest Fest.

To learn more about this and other Awesome Rockport grants and initiatives, visit:

https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/projects/127061-stone-barn-lane-mural

Learn more about Josh Falk at: http://joshfalk.blogspot.com/

Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken today announced an estimated 15,000 concert goers packed Stage Fort Park for the 18^th Annual Riverfest Seaside Music Festival on Saturday.  On an absolutely beautiful summer day the festival, in its Gloucester location debut, which was free and open to the public, was an overwhelming success.

The festival, produced by radio station WXRV 92.5 the River, featured a line-up that included Tall Heights, Mt. Joy, Noah Kahan and headlined Guster.  Several food trucks, multiple vendors, and activities for children were set-up offering something for everyone who attended the family-friendly event.

Mayor Romeo Theken said, “Riverfest Seaside Music Festival has attracted huge crowds in the past and this year was no different.  Credit for the great event is due to my team for their outstanding preparation and day of event management.   It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the concert, one another’s’ company, and our beautiful City.”

Public safety personnel were set up in numerous areas throughout the park and also roamed the grounds.   For an event this large we are happy to report that there were no notable public safety issues.  There were only a handful of minor medical issues were folks were treated and released on-site.  Two lost children and several lost credit cards were reunited with their families/owners.  More than anything, the layout, flow of foot traffic and coordination made the event, even among thousands of attendees, a major accomplishment for the City.

The City implemented a successful traffic management plan that helped mitigate traffic and pedestrian impact on the community.   Traffic was congested as attendees arrived and departed the music festival.  Gloucester Police Department helped direct traffic that facilitated a safe and orderly egress at the conclusion of the event.  “No concert parking” signs were posted at the beginning of more than a dozen streets in and around the Stage Fort Park Area.  Two parking enforcement officers were on duty enforcing traffic and/or parking violations throughout the day.

More than a dozen Department of Public Works (DPW) staff managed on-site and off-site parking operations as well as property management at Stage Fort Park for the event.  Parking was available at Stage Fort Park, as well as, nearby Gloucester High School.  Two satellite parking lots, at O’Maley Innovation School and Magnolia Woods, offered shuttle services to and from Stage Fort Park.  It was important to us and we were pleased to offer free parking at any event parking lot to residents with a beach parking sticker.

The event concluded at 6 PM on Saturday and by dusk all the vendors had left, the area cleaned, trash picked up and the main stage structure disassembled and taken away.  The remaining tents were taken down by Gloucester based The Event Company by noon on Sunday.  DPW personnel conducted a final walk through and clean-up of the park later that day.   As planned, we wanted the park in its pre-concert condition as soon as possible for the enjoyment of residents and park guests.

It was announced in April that the annual music festival was moving to Gloucester.  City teams had been in discussions for months prior and since then working on event management, traffic mitigation, and safety plans.   Everything ran smoothly as a direct result of seamless collaboration between the nearly three dozen city employees from the Mayor’s Office, Community Development, DPW, Police, Fire and the Harbormaster’s Office who managed all aspects of the event.

Mayor Romeo Theken said “Thank you to all Gloucester residents for your cooperation and patience.  You were essential to the overwhelming success of the day.  Our team was very well prepared for this event. My sincere thanks and appreciation to the city team who staffed this event.  You continue to make me proud each and every day for what we can accomplish together for this City.”

The City has not yet debriefed with local businesses but believes there was economic impact as a direct result from the event.  Many festival guests came early and stayed late and had the chance to experience Gloucester and visit many local businesses.

An operational debrief meeting is scheduled for later this week to discuss the event, what worked and what needs improvement.  The City is aware that additional discussion and planning needs to take place regarding traffic and parking on Western Avenue.  That is a long-standing issue not specific to this event but all events at Stage Fort Park.  To help supplement that debrief session Mayor Romeo Theken is soliciting feedback from Gloucester residents and Riverfest attendees.  Please send any comments to mayor@gloucester-ma.gov.

Taking the trash out this morning right in the middle of the driveway a big ‘ol poop.

Cape Ann License Plate Low Number Online Auction goes live Monday morning, August26th. You can always get a plate at www.lovecapeann.com

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The prettiest stretch of coastline in all of Massachusetts, Cape Ann offers you big-city culture mixed with small-town charm and exciting activities.

Cape Ann is one of the last great unspoiled places. Founded by Pilgrims in 1623, named for England’s Queen Anne, the cape sprouted villages along its coast, leaving its whole center a wild wood. Every curve of its rugged coastline shows off a new scenic beauty: harbors, lighthouses, islands, miles of sandy beaches, quarries, inlets and coves, all so picturesque that moviemakers film here constantly. Visit capeannvacations.com for more info on the region.

69 is currently still available for all the people that have been writing in asking-

Start Out With a Nice Ryan and Wood Knockabout Gin Cocktail Expertly Made By India-

Followed by the oysters of course

Fresh Feta and Watermellon Salad

Some Crusty Bread

Pork Chop

The Curry with Chicken.  It’s Soooo Good.

Home » Attend » Riverfest Seaside Music Festival » Getting There / While You’re There

GREAT MUSIC IN A SPECTACULAR SETTING

The Riverfest Seaside Music Festival is held at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester — America’s Oldest Seaport — 35 miles northeast of Boston. The expansive, historic park overlooks stunning Gloucester Harbor — and is a fantastic venue to enjoy live music! (Take a look!)

Grab some friends and join us for this annual celebration!

GETTING TO THE EVENT

 MAP & DIRECTIONS
Stage Fort Park
24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930
 Google Map & Directions

 PARKING
A limited number of on-site parking spots will be available on a first-come-first-served basis at the park ($20 for non-residents and free for residents with beach parking stickers). Festival attendees are encouraged to rideshare/carpool to the event, use ride hailing services (Uber/Lyft/Taxi), take alternative transportation to the event, and utilize the free shuttle service to/from satellite parking (see below).

 SHUTTLE BUS & SATELLITE PARKING
The satellite parking locations below will be serviced by a free shuttle bus, provided courtesy of 92.5 the River:
■ Magnolia Woods Recreational Area , 474 Western Ave.  map/directions ($10 parking, Free Shuttle)
■ O’Maley Innovation Middle School, 32 Cherry St.  map/directions ($10 parking, Free shuttle)

Shuttle hours of operation: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

The shuttle drop-off/pick-up is adjacent to the The Cupboard Restaurant, 41 Hough St, right next to the festival.

Additional Satellite Parking is available at Gloucester High School,  map/directions ($10 parking, No shuttle service). This location will NOT offer shuttle service, but it’s only a one mile walk to Stage Fort Park.

*Additional information about the shuttle service and satellite parking locations will be posted here as it becomes available.

 MBTA COMMUTER RAIL
MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport/Rockport Line services points between North Station and Rockport, with a stop in Gloucester. Check MBTA Schedules & Maps for up-to-date train schedule and service info.

 PEDAL POWER
If you live nearby, why not leave the car at home and ride a bicycle to the festival? After all, riding a bike is good for your health, the environment, your wallet, and your soul!

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WHILE YOU’RE THERE

 SHARE THE SPACE
Keeping this event free and open to the public requires us all to share the space respectfully. Feel free to bring chairs or a blanket (no plastic tarps please), but leave your umbrellas at home. Please be mindful of other attendees and our shared desire to see the stage, dance, and have a good time! The festival is held in an open park, and attendees must obey all park policies.

 FESTIVAL MAP
Stretch your legs and stroll around Stage Fort Park. Check out the booths of the various sponsors — whose support helps keep this event free for the public! To make sure you don’t miss anything, check out the 2019 Festival Map.

 PARK POLICIES
■ Help keep Gloucester and Stage Fort Park beautiful! Please do not leave behind cigarette butts, trash, food, etc. Put all trash/recycling in proper barrels.
■ Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Stage Fort Park, except within the designated age 21+ area(s) specially permitted during this event.
■ Dogs and other pets must be on a leash at all times.

 GENERAL VISITOR INFO
Stage Fort Park is home to a Visitor’s Center, where information and maps are available. Additionally, Discover Gloucester and the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will be sharing a sponsor’s booth at the festival, and will be providing local information and tips!

 LOST & FOUND
The Information Booth will function as a “lost & found” during the event. However, items left after the concert will be either disposed of or recycled following the conclusion of the event.

Lineup Sampler-