These sea ravens were photographed in our Aquarium! Local lobstermen often find these bottom-dwelling fish in their traps.
Skeleton shrimp are small relatives of crabs and lobsters. Commonly found along our docks, this creepy crustaceans was photographed in our digital microscope lab.
The highly aggressive terror cichlid lives up to its name, as it will eat any fish that fits in its mouth and will even attack its own kind! This Halloween-colored fish is found in South American rivers.
A reader emailed inquiring as to where do the Niles Pond swans go during the winter months. The Niles Pond swans are Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) and they are neither mute nor migratory. Mute Swans do not fly south in the true sense of a great migratory distance traveled, but do move around between bodies of water, and may move to a slightly warmer region.
Mute Swans swans grunt, snort, and hiss and their wingbeats make a beautiful throbbing sound when flying. See previous GMG posts about the Niles Pond Mute Swans ~
The monstrous New England sea serpent, also known as the Gloucester sea serpent, was allegedly seen in Gloucester Harbor in 1817. Kids painted a 20-foot long wooden sea serpent during our Marine Halloween party!
The ornate ghost pipefish is related to seahorses. These tropical fish use their long snouts to feed on tiny crustaceans, such as shrimp.
Pumpkinseeds are a type of freshwater sunfish found throughout North America. These fish are named for the seed-shaped spot on their gill covers.
Gecarcinus quadratus is commonly known as the Halloween crab. Found from Mexico to Peru, these nocturnal crabs live on land but must return to the ocean to breed.
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I’m not sure people around here outside of the restaurateurs and shop owners realize the impact that these guys have had on local business.
These hard working fishermen and real life men of character have captured the hearts of America from their legions of fans who watch Wicked Tuna.
I can’t begin to tell you how many people I run into from all over the country that come in and ask where they can see The Hard Merchandise or Tuna.com. They love the show and they come to Gloucester to stay for vacation, eat at our restaurants and shop in our shops. But it doesn’t end there. They stay at our hotels, they book charters and when their charters are filled up they pass off those charters on to other local charter boat Captains.
I hear it over and over and over again and these people are coming from all over the country.
So when you see these guys around town, give ‘em a pat on the back and say thanks for representing our City and making us proud.
I sat with Peter Webber of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and a great group from Newburyport. The Massachusetts Director of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is Betsy Wall and she’s impressive! She has pushed for investment in this sector, measurable returns, and building success through strong partner engagement. I thought about the Essex National Heritage Trail and MA Smart Growth Alliance. I thought about the great work from Anita Walker and the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the new state Cultural Districts. This led me to wondering how many women were in charge of Departments with Gov. Patrick and how much were their budgets and all sectors? I confess that I would have started to look that up right then and there (wifi was good!), but everything was so interesting I had to listen.
Several dignitaries were introduced.
Massachusetts State Representative Kathleen O’Connor Ives is the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development (seems very approachable) along with Representative Cory Atkins (Concord). Ives lives in Newburyport so our table was excited when she spoke! There was big applause from Plymouth and Cape Cod attendees for Therese Murray (Plymouth/Barnstable), the Massachusetts Senate President. Well, she likely supported Plymouth’s 400th Centennial exhibition that will travel across the US and overseas!
The room– and the international table– just beamed for Governor Deval Patrick who was our keynote speaker. Travel and tourism is right up there with other market pillars that have helped the MA economy recover (such as higher education and healthcare). He gave a shout out to…The Berkshires! He presented MOTT awards to several successes in the TT arena including City of Salem, the Freedom Trail, SturbridgeVillage, The Sterling and Francine Clark Institute, and Boston Gay Pride. The international representatives at the table next to us covered Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Japan. The three big emerging countries? China, Brazil and India.
Betsy Wall lined up the speakers to cover the big picture on down, and how they’re working and partnering together. The first Guest Speaker was great, President of Brand USA (Discover America), Christopher L. Thompson.
He shared this Roseanne Cash “Land of Dreams” song/video commercial that was done “before he came on board”. I’m not sure if that meant he was cool for it or not! I admit that I was trying to spot Gloucester’s flag and other towns within the great room, and did not concentrate just then on specific shots of MA in this video, but I did see iconic art and bridges. You can see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrUs_FWqj9s
Incidentally tracking film and tv production within MA falls in MOTT’s domain and Gloucester is one of 70 towns or cities that have been used as location over the past two years. In 2013 alone there have been 16 major productions in MA and estimated spending for the year is north of $215,000,000.
Thompson (and others) described this industry as the nation’s #1 service export and that1 in every 8 jobs reflects this sector of the economy. Massachusetts is big time involved. Massachusetts is a destination for its “must see” sights, and so many of our Nation’s “firsts” are here. Massachusetts is also leading or in the top 5 for work in healthcare, energy efficiency and alternate energy, life sciences and biology. People are visiting their kids at our universities, moving through for military travel, etc. Boston Conventions is the leading INTERNATIONAL headquarters for business, scientific and medical segments of the economy. Although travel is up, it has not reached the levels pre 2001. Brand USA was implemented to raise these numbers. This industry is so ready with measurements and metrics they could easily offer exact data about how much business was lost and the economic impact from the government shut down.
Another speaker, Tom Glynn, CEO for the Massachusetts Port Authority, gave a terrific update. Massport is helping people move through quickly and safely and they have a global outlook. They’ve streamlined the clog (vehicular and exhaust!) at pick up and drop off for Logan by switching to one integrated bus system for all rental car companies (28 vs. 100+). They’ve rearranged curbs and added better wayfinding. They’ve introduced the new TSA program “global entry”. There are big gains in travel infrastructure and many more non stop flights available.
The last speaker up was Patricia Rojas-Ungar, Vice President of Relations for the United States Travel Association (USTA). She spoke about our country being the number one place foreigners say they want to travel to– but then don’t, because of how long it takes to acquire a visa and the travel hassles. She’d say that increased international travel means more American jobs. They’re working on making that travel easier. This means in places such as Brazil and China, two willing markets, people may be able to access digital media for interviews for visas rather than having to take a trip to another location possibly hours away just to apply… to take a trip to the US. It also means spreading the news about the Jolt Act (HR 1354) which supports expanding the Visa Waiver Program to Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Israel, Poland, Romania and Uruguay because it could add billions to our economy and create more jobs. Text from your phone today 877-877, “travel”, and send to sign up for the Power of Travel coalition if you want to help there.
What does MOTT mean for folks, organizations and businesses in Gloucester? You can sign up to meet Director Betsy Wall in person. Peter Webber has arranged for Ms. Wall to visit Cape Ann next week. The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is hosting this very special reception on Wednesday, October 30th, from 9AM-10:30AM at the Rockport Inn & Suites. You can RSVP here http://web.capeannchamber.com/events/eventdetail.aspx?EventID=1136
Visit and re-visit MOTT’s website www.massvacation.com. It’s full on engagement, ever updating and rich content. Take some time to submit your business/org listing to the website (no guaranty but worth a try); use great (seasonal) photos, and write ups. See what is already listed. Look at the tabs for LBGT and MA Green and other categories. Add into their social media platforms (send in your photos, posts, comments) and partake in the robust real time marketing they’re making available. It’s going to be a great resource when you want to visit other towns, too.
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What a week! OK, no World Series game tomorrow, so get on down to Alchemy and help judge the 2nd installment of their chef throwdown series as champion Chef Scott Jensen takes on Chef Stacy Cogswell of award-winning Brookline restaurant, Regal Beagle, in a head-to-head challenge with the season’s #1 staple: the pumpkin. Plus you’ll be helping to support The Open Door at the same time. — Call 978-281-3997 for reservations
Alchemy Cafe & Bistro
Professional and amateur ARTISTS compete to see who can make a pumpkin LOOK BEST. Alchemy will donate $5 to the Open Door for every pumpkin entered.
Contestants do not need to be present at the event itself to win, they simply need to bring their carved pumpkin to Alchemy anytime between now and 7:00 pm on October 29th. The best looking pumpkin will earn its maker a $100 gift certificate with second place receiving $50.
Here are some ideas – but maybe someone should do a GMG pumpkin?
If you want to attend the Chef Pumpkin Challenge at Alchemy on Tuesday, October 29th call 978-281-3997. Alchemy’s Chef Scott Jensen will challenge Chef Stacy Cogswell of Regal Beagle to a throw down with the season’s #1 staple: the pumpkin.
At the challenge, every guest will receive a signature challenge cocktail made with Gloucester’s own Ryan & Wood spirits, a pumpkin dish from each chef, and the opportunity to cast their vote for the winner of both contests.
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2 things today for your readers. In the spirit of having a safe and enjoyable Halloween for the little ones, the Gloucester Police Department would encourage the use of reflecting clothing or a flashlight to illuminate persons walking on sidewalks or streets during trick or treating, be aware of traffic, as traffic should be aware of the many kids who will be out and about on Thursday night. Kids, stay wih your parents or the adult who came out with you. The Gloucester Police Department will be fully staffed to address any concerns that may arise throughout the eventing.
Also, The Fiesta After Action Report is completed. I would encourage your readers to stop by and grab a copy of it from my office. Read for yourselves the exhaustive review of Fiesta and the plans for moving forward, and then please contact me directly with any questions, comments or concerns.
As we all well know….Editorials tend to miss important issues.
Respectfully,
Leonard Campanello
Chief of Police
City of Gloucester, MA
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The legendary kraken was said to live off the coasts of Norway and Greenland. Many believe the myth was based on sightings of actual giant squid, which are known to reach about 40 feet in length!
Much like Jack O’ Lanterns, lanternfish are known for lighting up the dark! These deep sea fishes have numerous light-producing organs called photophores.
The masked pufferfish lives in coral reefs of the Red Sea, and it looks like it’s always in costume! What do you, or your children, have planned for your Halloween costumes this year?
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The Halloween hermit crab is a Hawaiian crustacean that feeds on algae. Could there be a more perfect Halloween sea creature?
The Indian ghost is a catfish found in the rivers of Southeast Asia. This fish lack scales, and its transparency makes its skeleton perfectly visible!
The Japanese spider crab is the largest living member of the arthropod group, which includes crustaceans, insects, and spiders. These giant crabs can be 12 feet from claw to claw!
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If you’re cleaning out your old Gloucester house or the one you grew up in..
Be sure to give the Cape Ann Museum a call. When I cleaned out my dad’s basement in East Gloucester this summer, I came across tons of Gloucester memorabilia from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. ..old programs from the Cape Ann Symphony when it used to play at the Fuller School… …theater programs from the Gloucester Stage Company when it staged its plays at the BlackburnTavern… …GHS graduation programs… …Gloucester postcards from the 1950’s… …announcements from the Rockport Art Association containing min bios of members from the 1940’s… All sorts of stuff, valuable and not, ephemeral and permanent, that captured eras of not-recent Gloucester history. Anyhow, I stuffed all of the paper and books and Gloucester knickknacks into a box, and the archivist from the museum came over to pick through it. She took a lot for the museum archives, sent a deed of gift later in the mail, and mentioned that she wished more Gloucester residents would call the museum come time to clean out their parent’s homes.
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Calvin Cooke – the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar
Calvin Cooke, leader of The Slide Brothers and known as the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar, will be Aurelia Nelson’s guest on her North Shore 104.9 FM show Curtain Up tomorrow (SUN) at 9am. Calvin calls in from the road where he and his band are touring the U.S. in support of their new CD Robert Randolph Presents: The Slide Brothers.
Guitar Worlds says, “The Slide Brothers … tackle rock, funk and blues with a ferocity that will startle fans of Duane Allman, Derek Trucks and Muddy Waters.” Listen to this amazing version of the Allman Brothers’ classic Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ from their new CD.
The Slide Brothers’ only New England concert is next Saturday, Nov 2 (after the Red Sox will have won the World Series) just down the road at Beverly’s fully restored, historic Larcom Theatre. There are still some good seats left (especially in the gorgeous horseshoe Balcony — see here).
Local virtuoso and recent Berklee grad, Michael Thomas Doyle opens the show with his band — Cody Nilsen on guitar/vocals, Bill Spencer on bass, and Steve Russo (of Runaround and Mile 21) on drums . This will be your only chance to catch the greatest living masters of Slide Guitar so close to home — and support one of our local rising stars at the same time. Get tickets now. Watch them play the Hendrix Classic, Foxy Lady!
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WHAT: The Cripple Cove Quintet featuring The Goddesses
WHERE: The Rhumb Line (40 Railroad Avenue, Gloucester, MA) WHEN: 3 sets start at 9:30pm on Saturday, October 26th WHAT ELSE: 21+/No Cover
The Cripple Cove Quintet featuring The Goddesses will be back at The Rhumb Line as a full, plugged-in, electric quintet after a mellow summer of acoustic quartet gigs. Yes, Game 3 is on, but The Rhumb Line has a TV, and we’ll be watching from the stage, too! Come down and shake it with us, World Series/Halloween style.
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Yummy lunch and lots to look at! Rusty Kinnunen linocuts on exhibit along with other creative folks work. His linos range $25- $80, editions from 20 to 50, lobster, beaches, boats, whales…
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Last week I unfortunately had to miss the third class in the series “Become a Wine Expert,” taught by Kathleen Morgan, as I had to give a lecture that had long been scheduled. Fortunately, Kathleen has generously invited me to take the red wine class with her next series of classes, which I gladly accept and plan to report about for GMG!
Renee Hansen and Geoff Rendall
This week’s class was very interesting in that we compared the same wine, but with different variables such as tasting wines served in different shaped glasses, wines that had been decanted versus not decanted, and wines that were chilled versus the same wines unchilled. We discussed how the wine’s vintage is critical as different years produce different results—how could it not as grapes are an agricultural product? I often find this frustrating when purchasing wine (not at Savour, of course) because the description placed next to the bottle of the wine on display does not usually match the vintage on the bottle offered for sale.
Most red wines benefit from decanting, although with some, like Pinot Noir, it is not recommended because the grape is too variable. Chianti in particular should almost always be decanted because it is very heavy in tannins. Kathleen typically decants Chianti for one full day, although most wines need only several hours. We tried the Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2009 ($22.99), both decanted and not, and the difference was more than remarkable (the decanted being the far more enjoyable of the two).
Syrah wine glass, above, and to the right.
Wine enthusiasts often collect many different shaped glasses for different types of wines. I asked Kathleen if you were planning to only purchase one style what would she recommend. She suggests a tulip-shaped Syrah glass, with a thin crystal edge, and sturdy columnar stem. Thinner crystal for the edge of the glass is always preferable to thick glass as the glass imbues flavor as well.
Believe it or not, this is actually a tequila tasting glass however, Kathleen added that most Mexican people would never go near anything that fancy for tequila.
When bringing your own wine to a restaurant, Kathleen recommends keeping it properly chilled. This wine bottle cooler pack sold at Savour would make a practical and inexpensive holiday gift. Kathleen uses a charming trunk-inspired carry case (see below).
More great gifts available from Savour are their beautiful selection of decanters. I loved the elegant flagon decanters and think that they would make a very thoughtful hostess or Christmas present–decanters such as these would add a touch of grace to any table setting.
On the left is the duck decanter and to the right is the flagon decanter.
Kathleen’s favorite decanter is the very hefty rooster decanter, for a very touching reason. You may or may not recall that the original Savour Wine and Cheese, located on Washington Street, tragically burned to the ground several years ago. With all the destruction and mayhem associated with the aftermath of a fire, one of the very few things to survive was her rooster decanter–filled with blackened water–but nonetheless unscathed.
Michelle demonstrates how weighty the rooster decanter feels.
The “Become a Wine Expert” series of classes are held on five consecutive evenings, from 7:00 to 9:00, at Savour Wine and Cheese, located at 76 Prospect Street. She is planning to do another series possibly this winter or spring. Kathleen provides each student with a terrific notebook with maps from every wine producing country and region, articles, recommended books and links, descriptions of wine varietals, an interesting wine aroma wheel for describing wines, and more.
To learn more about Kathleen’s interest in wine (she also has a PHD in history) see Joe’s Good Morning Gloucester interview with Kathleen here.
The Fish on Fridays series is a collaboration between Gloucester photographers Kathy Chapman and Marty Luster. Look for various aspects of Gloucester’s centuries-old fishing industry highlighted here on Fridays.
This week Kathy interviews Angela Sanfillipo about winning the prestigious Offshore Mariners’ Wives Friend of the Fishing Industry Award.
Gloucester Times calls her a tireless advocate for fishermen and the fishing industry and a “constant crusader” for fishermen’s rights for the past 37 years.
GT: “As this year’s winner, Sanfilippo becomes the second Gloucester recipient to receive the honor. The first was the Times’ late fisheries reporter Richard Gaines, who was honored, along with the Times itself, for his persistent coverage of the fisheries in 2010. Past winners have included staunch fishing industry advocates such as the late Sen. Edward Kennedy and former Congressman Barney Frank.”
Good Morning Gloucester 