Author: Pat D

The Visitors Welcome Center at Stage Fort Park has opened for the 2022 season and I remind you that we welcome visitors and residents alike. If you haven’t been inside the beautiful building yet for a look-see (or if it’s been a while), I encourage you to stop by during regular hours (generally open 9 -6 daily until Columbus Day). There’s a wealth of information available that might surprise you, including the volunteers! Susan and I share the Thursday morning shift and you can stop in to say hello. Other wonderful volunteers man the desks all week. It’s a beautiful spot even if you want to just sit on the newly renovated porch for a bit.

Sharing information from Maritime Gloucester as seen on their Facebook page:

Sounds very exciting!

Anticipation…….it appears the St. Peter’s 2022 Fiesta altar is under construction…..the excitement is building! Thank you!

The Pride Flag was raised at City Hall yesterday by a group of volunteer students following a few words from Mayor Verga and others. A small crowd gathered under threatening skies to hear Ali of Applied Material and Ben Lummis, Gloucester High Superintendent address the gathering to thank them for supporting the LGBTQ community and express the desire that all feel safe and wanted in the City of Gloucester.

It was noted by Mayor Verga that the US flag was at half staff as directed by Gov. Baker in honor of Massachusetts Army National Guard Sergeant First Class William “Bill” Burdick. Therefore the Pride Flag was raised and then lowered and secured so as to fly lower than the US flag as is proper.

Cat Cavallini sends in this information regarding a fundraiser tomorrow Saturday June 4:

Come on down to Robyn’s Grooming this Saturday, June 4th for her monthly Cancer Sucks in Every Color fundraiser. Free nail clinic for cats and dogs from 9-12 at 388 Main St, Gloucester. All donations welcome.

An orange flag was raised at City Hall yesterday as visitors and guests marked National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Many in attendance wore orange to further mark National Wear Orange Day in support of victims of gun violence in the United States. Mayor Verga welcomed guests Bruce Tarr, Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader; Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante; Greg Gibson (Survivor and Activist); and John Rosenthal (Director of STOP Handgun Violence) and others. Thank you to all for attending to raise awareness of this critical issue.

(photos by GMG Jim in Pat’s absence…..thanks Jim!)

We went to Yella on the Water along the boulevard in Gloucester for lunch and it was OUTSTANDING. It was our server Erin’s first day, but clearly not her first day as a server. She was efficient and friendly as we lingered on the deck to enjoy the weather and the view. I had the chicken kebobs which were lightly seasoned and accompanied with a wonderful garlic dip. Jim got the Toscana flatbread which was topped with very fresh arugula and prosciutto. For the sake of this blog, I also ordered the chocolate creme brulee, which was one of the best decisions of the day. WOW. We are not foodies, as you well know, but we know what we like when we see it (haha) and our Yella experience was delightful. We are very happy to see Yella reopen for the summer on the boulevard and hope to see you there sometime.

I think the Greenbelt properties are a true jewel in our area and I was intrigued to see they had recently released an app to assist potential visitors. It has long been my intention to visit some of the lesser known properties. I decided to download the app and start a series of Good Morning Gloucester posts from several different properties while using the app.

My first venture was to Goose Cove Reservation on a warm humid day. It’s rated “easy” (and it was) which I was hoping mostly meant short…..My first suggestion would be to NOT do what I did and visit when you only have a limited amount of time to enjoy the property. Take the time to enjoy the scenery and the walk out to Goose Cove. It’s fairly buggy and still damp in places at this time of the year, but the leftover poop was at a minimum. There’s a small parking area and a well marked trail to follow. I did get a little turned around but the map on the app was super helpful. Kudos to the app developers (link here for more info). You’ll be hearing more about this!

As you probably noted, the memorial honoring the Gloucestermen who where killed in Vietnam was recently re-located to a newly designed area at Stage Fort Park. In response to my earlier post about the memorial relocation (link here) , FOB David Collins sent a question regarding the number of names listed. Some online sources note 12 Gloucestermen killed in Vietnam and the memorial lists 11 names, as noted below. He wondered if there was an explanation for the discrepancy so I did a little research.

The 12th name is US Airman William K. Hinkley Jr. I reached out to Cape Ann Veterans Services and Vee Chipperini did some digging for me. She discovered that William K. Hinkley Jr. was originally from Manchester so he would be listed on their rolls. With an assist from our good friend Pauline Bresnahan, I also heard from Lucia Amero who informed me of the same and that William is buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Manchester. Thank you all for pitching in to clarify this issue as we wouldn’t want any service member unrecognized.

The newly relocated memorial looked great on Memorial Day for its informal unveiling.

It was one of those days when there was a haze coming off the water as well as some fog lingering in the air in mysterious ways. There were several vessels fishing or heading out near the breakwater even though the water was pretty choppy. The vessels included My Girls II, Clean Sweep, Lady Dee, Joy Frances, First Impression II, Miss Rebecka, Whitney & Ashley, Bay Drifter and Michael D.

GMG Jim Dalpiaz performs “Taps” at the site of the World War II memorial on the boulevard to honor the sacrifices made by our military.

I am very happy this year the “official” Memorial Day falls on the traditional Memorial Day (May 30). I have always had a soft spot for honoring the traditional Memorial Day on May 30 but many do not realize it was ever anything different from the last Monday in May.

Gloucester proudly flies the flag all summer long on the boulevard and also at the Magnolia Pier to honor our local servicemen and women. You cannot help but be proud when you see them all flying proudly. Each of these flags pictured here honor particular servicemen and women. The boulevard flags are donated mostly by family members who want to honor the service and sacrifice made by their family members. It’s a tremendous project headed in part by Pauline Bresnahan (Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave) and Ringo Tarr and his volunteers. Thank you, thank you, thank you from all of us.

Just to name a very few of those honored by these flags: Heath S. Moseley, Mary Fortado, Walters Family Joseph and Louis, Stephen Pitcher and John A. Leanos. If you’d like to watch a video from Adam Cucuru of Cape Ann Veterans Services listing all the names, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/adam.curcuru.3/videos/1050112648931758

Sharing information from Gloucester Beaches Facebook page:

It was a very peaceful sunset at Lobster Pool on Granite St in Rockport a few nights ago.

I was watching the Essex Greenbelt Osprey Cam a day or so ago and noticed an empty water bottle had appeared in the nest along with the reported 3 eggs. The Lobsta Land marsh pair, known as Annie and Squam, have successfully nested at this location for several years and David Rimmer has faithfully kept us all up to date on the goings-on. You can catch up here on the story as it develops AND watch the osprey cam.

I was timely enough to catch a view of the changing of the guard as one partner (I believe Annie) flew off briefly giving the other partner some nest time (presumably Squam). The couple quickly reunited in the nest for some maintenance. I noted one of them was kind of pecking at the empty water bottle but couldn’t really get a grip. Obviously it was carried into the nest along with some other debris. In general the couple seems happy with their nest home and I will keep my eye on it especially as we approach the expected hatching date range June 5-10 (thanks Dave!). It’s quite addicting once you start watching.

Some screenshots:

I had been curious as to the project underway at Stage Fort Park creating a foundation and new pathways so I checked into it. Mayor Greg Verga informed me that the DPW is working to create a new location for the Vietnam Memorial which is currently located (at the time of this writing) at the Gloucester High School. I think this is a tremendous idea! The new location will be perfect for the quiet reflection and appreciation appropriate for our Vietnam Veterans.

This is from the City website regarding those being honored (since it’s hard to read from the photo). Thank you to these men and their families especially on this Memorial Day weekend.

UPDATE: The memorial was moved and a ceremony is planned for 10 AM Monday Memorial Day at the new Stage Fort Park location.

From the current high school location:

To the future location at Stage Fort Park:

Sharing a reminder from the City of Gloucester:

I stopped at the Azorean on Washington St. recently intending to order another dish entirely, but when I saw the pizza on the menu I was reminded how good it is so I ordered that. I have said it before, it might be the most underrated pizza in the city. The atmosphere is also friendly and warm, partially thanks to Mike behind the bar. I left humming the Cheers theme song.

PS: Did you know there was such a thing as Truly on tap???!!! Game Changer…..

PLAY BALL! Nothing says summer quite like Little League Baseball. Here are some shots from the Red Sox vs Giants game held recently. Thank you to the coaches, umpires, concession staff, parents and other volunteers who make this all happen for our children.

This is more than my usual number of photos but it’s well worth it!

I am very happy to share that my photo “Resting Dories” was selected as the 2022 Great Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce cover photo for their map. This image is available as a print, magnet, notecard or glass print if you are interested. Message me here or at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook. Also, please stop by at Castaways Vintage Cafe Saturday May 28 from 9-4 on Main St (access via Rogers St) to see Pat D’s Photos in person! Stop in and say hello.