Category: gloucester

FUNDED!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

#BOOM!

Sista Felicia Update!!!!

Well it’s official- The Kickstarter Campaign was a success! Tipped the Goal yesterday afternoon thanks to all of Felicia’s supporters, family and friends.  Can’t say enough how proud I am of her and her team who worked unbelievably hard to make this a reality.

What a crew!

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Excited to report that my Kickstarter project is currently 94% funded with 9 days remaining to reach my goal and see my dream become a reality! Please continue to help me spread the word and share my Kickstarter link with your family friends and coworkers.

You can pre-order your copy of Gifts of Gold: In a Sicilian Kitchen with Sista Felicia: Harvest at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/95596299/sista-felicias-sicilian-cookbook

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Although Gifts of Gold is completed and at the printer, my Creative Director James Eves III, owner and Master in his field at Cape Ann Giclee, and I have been busy planning The Red Carpet Cookbook Launch Gala Event to be held on August 28, 2013 from 7:30 to 11:00 pm at Cruiseport Gloucester. James has been designing the beautiful Sista Felicia logo-embellished tote bag that is included in some of the Kickstarter Pledge Packages. He has an unparalleled eye for detail in everything he creates. The invitations to the Red Carpet Gala are just as amazing as the evening we have planned.

The Cruiseport Gloucester staff has been wonderful to work with and very helpful in accommodating all the necessary details for this special evening. I am excited to announce Cruiseport will be preparing recipes straight from the pages of Gifts of Gold that evening and will be shaking up my favorite Lemon Drop Cocktail at the bar. Join me, along with my family, friends, Sista Felicia Team, and supporters, for a night of celebratory dancing, food, and fun!

Individual tickets can be purchased through pledging my Sista Felicia Kickstarter Project at this link-

Sista Felicia’s Sicilian Cookbook

by Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan

$35.00 Kickstarter Pledge~Individual ticket to Red Carpet Cookbook Launch Gala

$95.00 Kickstarter Pledge~Receive 1 personally autographed hardcover first edition copy of Sista Felicia’s Cookbook, 1 laminated 13X14X3 designer tote bag beautifully embellished with Sista Felicia’s logo, 1 Red Carpet Cookbook Launch Gala Invitation, and a public thank you

$125.00 Kickstarter Pledge~Receive 1 personally autographed hardcover first edition copy of Sista Felicia’s Cookbook, 1 laminated 13X14X3 designer tote bag beautifully embellished with Sista Felicia’s logo, 2 Red Carpet Cookbook Launch Gala Invitations, and a public thank you

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR HELPING MAKE MY DREAM A REALITY- I COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP

Joe Popcorn From Virginia McKinnon

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey, I was looking through some old pictures and came across this picture of Joe Popcorn at St. Peter’s Fiesta in 1947.  With Joe is my brother, Paul Frontiero, who worked for Joe that summer. We lived at 14 Gould Court and Joe and his family at 16 Gould Court. Later Joe made his famous lemonade slush. I have so many memories of Gould Court. This story is of early times, before the Ciaramitaro’s moved next door. Daily I look forward to your blog. Love, Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon

Joe popcorn

One of my two Joe Ciramitaro Grandfathers.

Captain Joe Ciaramitaro of Captain Joe and Sons

and Joe “Popcorn” Ciaramitaro of Pat’s Center Grocery

Both Extremely Hard Workers

The Latest from Operation Toxic Gulf – Ocean Alliance’s Collaboration with Sea Shepherd of Animal Planet’s “Whale Wars”

Posted on by God's Morning
ocean alliance
 
Ocean Alliance is coming to the end of its summer expedition in the Gulf of Mexico looking at the effects of the 2010 BP Oil Disaster on Gulf wildlife, particularly sperm whales. Iain Kerr, CEO of Ocean Alliance, is concerned, because of the Gulf oil spill and all that the Mississippi dumps into the Gulf of Mexico after traveling though the heartland of America, that the Gulf sperm whales could be the most polluted in the world.  The principle goal behind this campaign is to see if the massive use of dispersants in the Gulf was the right course of action for the wildlife in the Gulf.  While the dispersants removed the oil out of sight (and out of mind) there is compelling evidence to suggest that the dispersants moved the oil throughout the food chain and made the oil and dispersant mixture more bioavailable (easier to absorb or ingest by animals).  
 
A rarely answered question is what causes whales stress – typically the bigger the animal the less that stresses it. To try and answer that question Ocean Alliance did preliminary testing of its “Snot Bot” (developed by Olin College), a flying robot that will collect stress hormones, viruses, bacteria and DNA from whale blows.

Gloucester Harbor Water Taxi and Harbor Launch Videos From Kenny MacCarthy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The best harbor taxi/tour in town is Gloucester’s own water shuttle. Call Capt. Peter Favazza on his “on board” mobile phone 978-631-9358 or the office at 978-283-1979 for info.

    VIDEO- MARKOUK BREAD AT CAPE ANN FARMER’S MARKET

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    Grilled Breads and Sandwiches Made On Traditional Lebanese Saj

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    From The Website- www.markoukbread.com

    Markouk Bread
    Markouk Bread started its flatbread business at the Cape Ann Farmers
    Market in Gloucester, Ma in August 2011.  Since then, we have sold our
    food at many local events including St. Peter’ Fiesta, Gloucester Block
    Party, and Grand Prix of Gloucester, and the Gloucester Sidewalk
    Bazaar.   We also provide catering services on Cape Ann as well.
    We prepare and sell a variety of foods typically found in Lebanese
    meals. These particular recipes are from a small village in the Bekaa
    Valley.  We also sell some new items that fuse local taste with our
    traditional meals.
    All the breads and pastries are either prepared and sold fresh at the
    point of sale or prepared at our business on the day they are sold at any
    of the local events.  We use the highest quality ingredients to prepare
    our foods to ensure they consistently inspire those that eat them.

    The Saj
    The saj is a traditional cooking stove used in Lebanon and other places
    throughout the Middle East. Most people there use a propane heated saj.
    At one time, all breads were made with a saj over a charcoal fire.  The
    use of the saj brings out the characteristic flavor of the flatbreads
    that we produce, unlike modern baking and processing equipment.  You
    will taste the difference.

    What is Markouk?
    Markouk is one of several local Lebanese names of the flatbread that is
    cooked on the saj.  Other local names include saj or hubs tabouni. 
    Markouk is typically eaten with some combination of olives, labneh or
    other cheeses,  mint, or zharta.  It is also used to make a variety of
    rollup sandwiches or wraps.   Markouk Bread can prepare a variety of
    sandwiches to your taste.

    20 days to the Schooner Festival … Sign up for the race!

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    Here we Go- Al Bezanson and I Am Going To Beat You Into Submission Until You Signn Up And Take Part Of The 2013 Gloucester Schooner Festival!

    Al Submits-

    20 days to the Schooner Festival … Sign up for the race!

    Sunday, September 1st is the date for the 29th Annual Gloucester Schooner Race.  There is plenty of space remaining for passengers in the race.  Maritime Gloucester will link you to a schooner or arrange for a ticket. 

    http://gloucesterschoonerfestival.net/?p=408

    This photo of AMERICAN EAGLE leading ALABAMA in the 2011 race came from Amy Beaudet on GREEN DRAGON.  The race course is set for beam reaching – optimum sailing for schooners.  About 20 schooners have signed up and as the race progresses you can expect to be in traffic the entire time with photo opportunities like this.

    Al Bezanson

    American Eagle and Alabama

    INQUIRING MINDS WANNA KNOW… "Whatever Happened to Smokin’ Jim’s Bar-B-Q?"

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    Due to my (Joey Ciaramitaro) ineptness I completely messed up the fantastic press release that Judy Howard forwarded to me regarding the next step in the progression of Smokin Jim’s.  With my sincere apology for messing it up so badly here is a revised copy offered so graciously by Judy for re-submission–

    Well, here’s the scoop……………….. The property which housed Smokin’ Jim’s BBQ on E. Main St. for the past 12 years has been sold, AND, in looking for a new location to re-establish the business -I have been offered a FANTASTIC YEAR-ROUND SPOT IN GLOUCESTER.

    We have expansion plans ready to include Authentic Southern Fried Chicken, Lamb, Brisket, Smoked and Grilled Seafood,- AND- Special Holiday Orders including Hams and Turkeys.  We’re introducing Hormone-Free  Meats and adding New Southern Sides (i.e. Homemade Sweet Potato Pie) to our already popular menu.

    IMAGINE! 362 Days Per Year! It can happen this Fall in time for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Basketball, Football, Super Sunday, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day,Your Birthday and EVERYDAY!

    We need $$ to make this happen- so- if you love BBQ, want to go into the Business  and have money to invest, or know somebody, this just may be what you’re looking for.  We’ve outgrown summertime. This business has a great year ’round future.  I’d love to talk with you.

    CALL ME,  JIM YANCEY- 978-283-3379     Cell 978-380-2553     EMAIL- bbqsmokinjim@comcast.net

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    MEANWHILE…

    Our Catered Events business is flourishing and we are taking orders for full-service backyard parties, business functions, weddings, etc. as well as drop-off orders.  Call us.

    Fish On Fridays

    Posted on by Marty Luster

    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.

    An impromptu visit to F/V Lady Jane caught Captain Russ Sherman and crew in the process of cleaning out some old gear and fueling up for their next run.  After a short jaunt from its berth at the Jodrey State Fish Pier in Gloucester to the fuel dock, Lady Jane took on approximately 3,600 gallons of fuel at $3.39 per gallon, or about $12,000!!

    While photographing the wheelhouse, Kathy asked Russ about the dangers of high seas. Russ recounted a time (20+ years ago) he and five crew members were washed from a fishing vessel and he spent 19 hours in frigid waters until the Coast Guard rescued him. Only three survived.

    Russ
    MaPa
    Captainsseat
    FireExtinguisher

    Photos © Kathy Chapman 2013
    kathychapman.com

    Video © Marty Luster 2013
    matchedpairs.wordpress.com
    slicesoflifeimages.wordpress.com

    Stormy weather blues cured by music tonight and over the wekend

    Posted on by Vickie & Peter

    Live music starts at 6 tonight, 11 AM tomorrow & Sunday.  You can’t get to every show so here’s the schedule to help you choose.

    Tonight you can catch an unusual lineup of top musical talent in one intimate venue that you don’t see every day: Allen Estes has been quietly assembling a band of all-stars,  including the great David Brown, Dave Mattacks and Wolf Ginandes to plug in and rock.   Wait, you might say.  Isn’t Allen Estes, folk, country or americana?  Sometimes.  But when he’s with these guys and their plugged in they ROCK!  And that’s precisely what they’ll do at Minglewood Tavern tonight starting about 9.  Check them out!

    Tomorrow, start off at the Blues Fest (weather will clear by morning).  Then take the party to town at any of a dozen venues at night (see here).  Get up Sunday by 11 and check out the Rockport Acoustic Music Fest.

    Saturday, September 21, 8 PM Presented by M.E. Productions SAVOY BROWN- UNPLUGGED featuring KIM SIMMONDS

    Posted on by Joanne

    Legendary…a blues/rock institution…true innovators. These are just a few of the ways Savoy Brown has been described over the past 40 years by music critics and fans. One of the earliest of British blues bands, Savoy Brown, with founder guitarist Kim Simmonds at the helm, helped launch the 1967 UK blues boom movement that brought blues music back to the USA invigorating the style forever. In the process, the band became part of the framework that launched the rock and roll music of the 1970’s. Their influence now stretches into modern rock as we know it today. From London’s Soho night clubs in 1966 to headlining the world’s most famous venues (Carnegie Hall, Fillmore’s East, and West, Cobo Hall, etc.), Savoy Brown has done it all and as the band continues to tour worldwide they give a glimpse into the past and also inspire new listeners with their personal brand of rocking boogie, blues, and rock.

    The band will play a special ‘bare essentials’ unplugged show, tailored for the intimate setting of the Shalin Liu Performance Center. For any Savoy Brown fan, this is a unique opportunity to see a one of a kind show with special material!

    Blues Fest This Saturday – August 10th – Weather Looks Great!

    Posted on by Vickie & Peter

    GLoucester Weather
    from AccuWeather.com

    The weather for Saturday looks great for the Blues Festival.  This is only in its second year and already one of Gloucester’s largest events, bringing world class blues to Stage Fort Park and introducing you to young, rising blues stars.

    You really don’t want to miss this year.  Click here for videos of all this year’s performers.

    Tickets available at the Gate only and the gates open at 9am.  A special children’s ticket is available at the gate only to youngsters 6 to 12 for $5. Children under 5 admitted free.

    World-class blues will reverberate through Stage Fort Park on Saturday with some of the nation’s finest performers playing from the Gloucester Blues stage. Located right on the waterfront on beautiful Cressey’s beach, the event will have a beer garden and outstanding food and craft vendors. Gates open at 9AM – MUSIC starts at 11AM  

    Dave Sag’s Blues Party tonight @ The Rhumb Line with Dennis Brennan, Matt Stubbs and Dave Mattacks. Hold on to your hats! 8:30-11:30 ~ 8.8.2013

    Posted on by Joanne
    Dave Sag's
    Dave Sag’s
    jisilva photo

    Dave says,

    It’s time to give me your huddled masses and exotic diseases and await the haloed return of Mr. Dennis Brennan, ubermensch of the blues. Quickly becoming everybody’s favorite flavor, he sure knows how to get your blood moving..And he’s bringing that fleet-fingered six-shooter string glitar  master, Mr. Matt “Dillon” Stubbs  with him. Lotta maiming goin’ on. Gonna keep Doc Pomus busy all nite! Worse, the atomic clock. Mr. Dave Mattacks is short fused for the nite, so, get ready for for an all-out frontal assault. Be there or be square.

    As the grapevine was strangling me, it’s become apparent that the place to be Tuesday nite is at the Doggy Bar. Rheumer has it that The Funda- mentals* are ripe for seed pod explosion and are waiting to spray you with their own brand of cosmic debris. I’ll be there with a whisk broom. You should go.

    Also, buy yourselph  a folding chair and limp on down to Stage Fork Parque this Saturday. Sit down and don’t get up till it’s over. The 2nd annual Glou. Blooze Fest, that is. 11to 7, still gives you time to wipe yourself off and go bar hopping later. I’ll see you there.

    And here’s some more goodies for you this month. It’s the best batch yet:
    Aug. 15 Willie Alexander and some boom booms. Boomba boom!
    Aug.22 Lydia Warren and Chris “Stovepipe” Brown. Breathing optional.
    Aug.29 “Flash” Gordon Beadle and the north shore aliens. Medic!
    Sept.5 Michelle Willson and John Hyde
    Sept.12 Ricky “King” Russell, Edd Scheer and Mario Perrett. The three stooges! Spread out!
    Sept.19 Lisa Marie with Keith Lockhart, June’s brother and his pet drummer Gym.
    Sept.26 Chris”Stovetop” Brown with his pet air bulb anklysaurus

    And, again, thank you for your continued support. Without you Fred could only afford Creme Brûlée once a week.

    * or familiarly, The Feenamints®

    Dennis Brennan
    Matt Stubbs
    Dave Mattacks

    THE RHUMB LINE BAR & RESTAURANT

    40 Railroad Ave.

    Gloucester, MA 01930

    phone: 978-283-9732

    Email: shred1946@yahoo.com

    Roseway at Maritime Gloucester

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    Len Burgess submits-

    Met up with Donna at the Roseway. Here she is with Chris, from the Roseway and Dave Delorey from Essex Shipbuilding Museum. -Len Burgess

    RoseWay_8888RoseWay_8892RoseWay_8895RoseWay_8899

    Mayor Kirk Forwards A Photo Album of Gloucester’s New Fire Truck (Engine 2) Being Built

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    Hi Joey,

    Here is something you don’t see every day!   This is a photo album of our new fire truck (Engine 2) being built.   Costs $650,000.   We are finally getting to the point where we can finance new apparatus on a rotating basis and over time so as to not have trucks breaking down all at once or having to fund all at once.

    Mayor Kirk

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    Local Deputy Fire Chief Completes International Professional Re-Designation Process

    Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

    Our Miles Schlichte Is Now A Chief Fire Officer (which in Firefighter terms I think means superhero or something)

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    Deputy Fire Chief Miles Schlichte of the Gloucester, Massachusetts Fire Department has successfully completed the process that continues his professional designation of “Chief Fire Officer” (CFO).  The Commission on Professional Credentialing met on July 2, 2013 to officially confer this re-designation upon Chief Schlichte. Chief Schlichte is one of only 922 CFO’s worldwide.

    The Chief Fire Officer Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including:  Experience, Education, Professional Development, Professional Contributions, Association Membership, Community Involvement, and Technical Competencies. Chief Schlichte received his original designation in July of 2010. To maintain this professional designation, individuals need to show they have continued to develop as a CFO in four areas: Professional Development, Professional Contributions, Active Association Membership and Community Involvement.

    A Board of Review consisting of members of the fire and emergency services profession, academia, and municipal agencies review each application and recommends successful candidates for designation to the Commission.

    Chief Schlichte has been a member of the Gloucester Massachusetts Fire Department for twenty five years and currently resides in Gloucester.

    VIDEO: Sen. Tarr & Bailee Militello are helping get school supplies to needy Gloucester kids at the next Block Party

    Posted on by Vickie & Peter

    Through a program called Bailee’s Backpacks, seven-year-old Bailee Militello is working with Senator Bruce Tarr, Action, Inc., North Shore 104.9 and the Gloucester Block Parties to help needy Gloucester children get the supplies they need to start school off on the right track.  Check out the video, filmed by Lisa Smith at Cape Ann TV, yesterday.

    You can also see this video streaming on Cape Ann TV’s wicked cool new on-line streaming feature here.