Fred Bodin is a photographer who owns a gallery on Main Street in downtown Gloucester, MA. The gallery features Fred's land and seascapes, as well as historic images printed from the old negatives.
I was having a great day until I parked near my gallery on Main Street, put the keys into my pullover fleece jacket, grabbed my backpack, fed the meter, and then realized “OMG, no keys!” They had slipped out of my pocket before I got out of the Jeep. Can this ruin my day? Not if I don’t let it. I went next door to Bananas, which keeps a spare key for me. Once inside, I got tied up with people, including a special friend, Bonnie Goodwin, youngest daughter of the Elf Child of Gloucester. She’s the minister of the church in Truro, Cape Cod. My car troubles – What troubles? It only gets to you if you let it.The Solution. Call AAA 800-222-4357. It took the young man from Tallys of Gloucester (http://www.tallystruckcenter.com/) less that 15 seconds to break into my car and hand me the keys with a smile, and with no damage. I had to shake his hand and thank him. Loyal AAA member since 1991. Worth every penny.
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How to weave this into a story that makes sense? Donna Ardizonni came in, followed shorty thereafter by three blonds. No, they didn’t want to visit the Crow’s Nest, but they wanted to share yesterday’s family wedding, which was held at the Elk’s Club on Bass Rocks. L-R: Donna (GMG), Alicia Ressler (baby of 8 siblings, of Brier Neck), Jane Alexiadis of Berkley, CA (self-named “the swarthy one”), and Sheila Donnelly of Oakland, CA. Neither Donna nor I knew these people. Oh boy, we do now!We had so much fun interacting. In fact, the sisters got into a rivalry to see who could email me photos fastest from their cell phones. The “Swarthy One” in the middle claimed victory! In my opinion, they’re all winners. As they left, I stated: “You came in strangers. But we’re strangers no more.” Big hugs all around. Our Donna too.Rhettt Heberling, of Detroit, walks out his daughter in his MacPhereson tartan. I was told he had a knife in his stocking, but it was really a corkscrew!Over 200 homemade whoopee pies and cakes were served at the Elk’s Club reception. Who are these wonderful people? I can see that they’re caring, generous, and loving.Getting down to brass tacks, this is what it’s all about: The marriage of their niece Theresa to Victoria, both of Jacksonville, Florida. I have been to the Elk’s Club twice this year, both times for memorial services to say “Goodbye.” It’s very comforting for me to report on a joyous event that says “Hello,” and for Life.
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No, not another accident in my neighborhood! This happened less than 2 hours ago. A 2001 VW came down Center Street and wasn’t able to stop before hitting this car. No injuries. I was told that the Honda may have a broken rear axel, which could mean it’s totaled, but it was driven away to it’s driveway in East Gloucester.Here’s the owner of the Honda that was hit, Robin Vaneck with her daughter Sophia. She just had her hair done at the West End Salon by Diane, who has cut my hair for the past 20+ years. What was amazing about Robin is that she wasn’t bummed about the unfortunate accident. She smiled and had a positive attitude the entire time. Look at the photo: Daughter like mother? I’d say so.
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In view of Rocky Neck going into the winter mode, I thought I’d post a few photos this week. This is “The Little Theater and Community Drama School (CDS) and the Boston School of Public Speaking” on Rocky Neck. It was run by Ms. Cunningham.
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This young woman, 26 years old, was run down by a truck while bicycle training in Belgium a few days ago. She was engaged to be married and was here last weekend competing in our Cyclocross races at Stage Fort Park. We all probably saw her. You think maybe something has to change? She’s from Jericho, Vermont, USA. She came in # 8. Suggestions? Oops! Just this moment, a local merchant came in and told be about Gloucester’s Terry Greel, who was riding a bike and was hit by a car. It ruined his summer. He also said that he (the merchant) had 3 incidents involving cell phone/distracted drivers on his drive to work today. Chief Lenard Campanello, can you help us out there. This concerns pedestrians, bicycle riders, and automobile drivers. She is dead, and our Terry, husband of Tina, was injured.
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I bought three raffle tickets, and didn’t win anything, never do, but that’s not the point, is it? Operation Troop Support, for our men and women overseas. https://www.facebook.com/AMVETSLadiesAuxiliaryPost32 http://www.facebook.com/jalapenosmexrestaurantYesterday, while walking down Main Street to see what the police activity was, I saw Barbara, a woman who worked for many years at Bookends, where Dogtown Books is now. She was hurrying to the same emergency scene, because her daughter works nearby. She invited me to the AmVets fundraiser next door at Jalapenos that night. Once there, I saw Barbara’s mother, Donna Hand, who was a bartender at “The Rigger” for many years before Jalapenos, which was next door to my gallery. Also volunteering was City Councilor Melissa Cox, who’s running for office again and is everywhere as a volunteer. L–R: Donna Hand, Melissa Cox, and Barbara, all there for the AmVets 32 Auxiliary. Donna’s son and Barbara’s brother, is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. God Bless and we can’t tell you where he is, because even we don’t know.
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Here on Main Street, I often see Police, Rescue, and Fire personnel, and always for good reason. In fact, I’ve called them many times for various medical emergency or vehicular issues. They’re always excellent in every way. I was just starting to write my 9:01am GMG post about my impressions of our Police Chief of one year, and this event occurred. It was a young pedestrian who had a minor incident with a car, and Police, according to procedure, were waiting for his parents. He was not injured.Here is Gloucester’s Police Chief Len Camponello at the Mayor’s Reception for the Schooner Races. Knowing him just enough to say “Hi,” I walked up to him and re-introduced myself. “You’re out of uniform,” I said. He chuckled and replied: “Yeah, I know.” But I noticed his eyes were continually scanning left to right, and right to left. “Are you working?” I asked. His reply: “I’m always working.” You gotta like a Police Chief who can attend an event in cargo shorts, untucked sports shirt and moccasins, with no socks. Was he really working? I wouldn’t contest that. A real professional with a community style. I’ve never seen or heard of a Police Chief who is totally there with the community, and has really inspired his department. He posts on GMG, our community blog. There’s a GPD Facebook Page. The GDT loves him. I’m very impressed and we’re extremely lucky to have him. Oh, he looks great in uniform too! See http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x934954145/Busy-year-at-the-helm, https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterPoliceDepartment, and his post on GMG https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/city-of-gloucester-police-chief-len-campanello-reflects-on-his-first-year-and-looks-forward-to-the-next-with-the-good-morning-gloucester-readership/ What’s next Chief Len…Twitter? He’s probably already there! I’ll have to catch up.
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Verizon installing cell tower equipment on the WG Brown building at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets. Photo by Rebecca Borden, President and Interim Executive Director of Art Haven.
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About an hour before I went to the Cyclocross Gran Prix Gloucester on Sunday, Michelle of Danvers walked in with a t-shirt that caught my eye. In talking to Michelle and her Mom, I learned she wore the shirt because a friend had a bike stolen, but actually purchased it from threadless.com. They didn’t even know about the bicycle race, so I sent them there. I bet it was a big hit. Jim Dowd of GMG, I thought of you!
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As a first time spectator, I was very impressed. Professionally run and organized. The racers are dedicated to what they do.It was amazing to that these men and women compete, although I was only there for the last race. This guy is was totally engaged with the curve and the course.This “Cross” is dusty and great event. Our harbor is in the background. Part of the course is to dismount and run your bikes up four or five steps, and then mount up and speed on. What fun!This huge rock has a bronze tablet recognizing Gloucester’s first settlement here in 1623. It’s a great spot to go and picnic, and view any activity below. I bet these are mostly locals up there. We love this event.The finish. The winner was Jeremy Powers of the our Berkshire’s Easthampton, Massachusetts. If you think this is a “local race,” guess again. It’s a USA and World class event. Big bicycling and clothing companies are behind it, and the competitors come from all over the country and the world to compete in these races.This is Jeremy Powers, 1st place winner. He was surrounded by cameras from various biking media, and of course I barged in. Jeremy was friendly and graceful. He is winner of Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Louisville. Good luck to you all, men and women cyclists, and we hope to see you next year in Gloucester.
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A pro team pulled up, just as I was cooking dinner. Of course I had to go investigate. Lots of different languages being spoken. I should have given them a tour of the Crow’s Nest.
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On a recent visit to the Liquor Locker in Gloucester, I parked next to this crazy truck with a QR code. Inside, at 11am, there was a wine tasting. So I taste and talk to the young woman and young man serving. They work for Cupcake Vinyards, and travel around the USA in the Cupcake truck promoting their wines. It turns out that Ilisa Cohen and Matt Peaslee are partners, and have a dream job, on the company dime.What? Tour the country in a truck filled with wine, all expenses paid? And with your sweetie? Only in America! I love this idea, and it really makes me want to buy Cupcake wine. Why didn’t Jack Kerouac think of this? I call this “On the Road” in high style.OK, I’ll honk and honk. Nice young people. I love cupcake and I’m gonna get me some… http://www.cupcakevineyards.com/
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In this 1884 map, one of our gems, Stage Fort Park, has been sentenced to cookie cutter, suburban-type development. Fortunately, this never happened, and it’s a public park which we can all enjoy. This weekend, September 28th and 29th, Stage Fort will host the Grand Prix of Gloucester. http://www.gpgloucester.com/: Known nationally as “the New England Nationals” – unfolds at one of the most beautiful race venues in the country: wind-swept ocean side park. Winners are a veritable who’s who of cyclocross: Johnson, Vervecken, Trebon, Anthony, Powers, Bessette, Dunlap, Knapp and more. Gloucester is one of the oldest UCI races in North America and attracts hundreds of racers and thousands of spectators. Me: I love it when I see small fuel efficient cars driving down Main Street with high tech bikes on roof racks. I know it’s Cyclocross time! They don’t spend much, if anything, in my gallery. But they’re really nice people, clearly have great jobs and pay checks, and that helps my fellow merchants. Let’s count our blessings that the original settlement of 1623 belongs to all of us, and we can share it.
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On a slow Sunday earlier this month, a blonde woman came into my gallery, asking for directions to the Crow’s Nest. “I’ll tell you all about it,” I offered, and she said: “Wait! I’ll get my friends.” So I told them some colorful stories, and then they weren’t quite sure how to get there. So I said: “Let’s go!” Without hesitation, they drove me to the Crow’s Nest, where I took this photo of them representin’ with the GMG sticka’.Once inside the “Nest,” we all had a beer, and they bought mine. These ladies are all from Rhode Island, and attended Catholic school together. One is a social worker, one a teacher, one a therapist, and the other is “ummm,” a blonde, and that’s all I know. Very nice people, and the fact that they came to Gloucester for a girl’s reunion is wonderful. I have the feeling they’ll be back. And they got the GMG sticka’ to remind them.
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On the way to the sushi bar at the Madfish Grille, I glanced over my shoulder and shot this view. The only thing better was the sushi. Fabulous. Unfortunatetly closed for the season, three weeks early. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Madfish-Grille/219110261434146After that stunning scene, our next view was this: Japanese sushi chefs, best quality seafood, and so friendly. Keep it in mind for next year, I will. Unfortunately, they have closed for the season. The restaurant, gallery and activity focus is now changing to Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. Great sushi is at at Latitude 43 on Rogers Street. All Downtown businesses are open all year. All restaurants (except Captain Carlos), stores, and galleries are also open. So, look for events here, come cold weather or snow. The next BIG ONE: “Mug Up, LONG BEACH STYLE!” It will be a big Good Morning Gloucester Mug Up with a twist, the benefit of one of Cape Ann’s best beaches, hosted in a classic Long Beach “Summer Cottage.”. Maybe somebody can bring Breakfast Sushi. Anyway, there will be parking and access to the public beach. The public as well as visitors and Long Beach residents are welcome and invited. Bring your camera, beach chair, kids, and surf rod if you like. Details to follow, with photos. Mark it on your calendar. It will happen on Sunday 10/6/13. This will be a mug up to remember (GMG authors take note).
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Over 100 women attended this event, and there was plenty of wine. Exhibitors included massage therapists, mediums. reiki masters, card readers, and astrologers.
Tasty appetizers were passed around. This impressive wooden server measured two by three feet. They have a full kitchen and you can watch the chefs prepare the food.
The guest speaker was Mirium Divinsky, PhD. She’s a local Spiritual Coach, and shared the secret behind the secret. “It’s not what happens to you,” she says,”but negative energy you attach to it.” That energy needs to be cleared, so you can enjoy your life, she explains. I think that’s a good point.Part of the fun was using the wine dispenser. Insert your wine card, select the wine you’d like to sample, put some in the glass, and enjoy. The event was coordinated by Annette Dion and Silvie Lockerova, both healers and from Gloucester. I can’t wait for the next event and tasting!
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Tonight we’re having a Block Party on Main Street, and I hope Vickie and family will attend. She contributes so much to the community. This photo was taken at Sista’ Felicia’s Gala Book Launching party. That’s another big Gloucester contributor on the right, Ed Collard. Oh, Mayor Carolyn Kirk is in the background on extreme left, wearing a gorgeous new dress!
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This evening, 9/21/13, at 6pm, the Main Street Block Party gets underway. Without exception, Block Parties have always been well attended. It’s fun for all ages.Even after dark, the street is packed. Here is my neighbor Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant. Always busy and always tasty. All the restaurants serve late.
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