Category: Good eggs

GMG PR Person Of The Year- Tina Ketchopolos

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’d like to hereby recognize Addison Gilbert’s PR Maven Tina Ketchopolos as this year’s GMG favorite Press Release writer.

First off posting all the press releases for the hundreds of community organizations is a ton of work.  I do it because I know people appreciate it and I hear from enough of the readership that tell me that if they didn’t read every day’s “Community Stuff” post they wouldn’t know about 3/4 of the things happening around town.

The reason I’m recognizing Tina is for several reasons.

1) When Tina writes a press release she doesn’t make it too wordy, gets right to the who, what, when, where and ends it.  I don’t have to go back in and re-edit it.  I don’t have to chop out all the extra stuff many PR people add in because somehow they think that people want to read their mission statement on every press release they send out.  What many other PR people don’t get but Tina does, is that when you add in all that extra boilerplate at the end of the Press Release and if I included it, readers would recognize it as the same boilerplate that you served them up last week and scroll right past it, not reading what you wrote.

2) When Tina sends me a press release I rarely ever get a follow up email 6 hours later asking for an edit.  She gets it done right the first time, every time.  I have a list of about 7 different PR people who send things in that I know inevitably as soon as I take the time to edit and schedule their press release for the following day and press the upload button, I will get a follow up email asking me to change things around because they got stuff wrong in the original Press release that they sent.   One time doing this OK, no problem but there are certainly the habitual offenders that drive me and I’m sure the Community Event publishers at other newspapers and media outlets- nuts.  Posting press releases is not creative work, it is providing a free service.  The creative part about making blog content like photography, podcasting and writing is what drives the fun.  The editing and re-posting of community press releases is more work like without the pay.  So keeping that in mind it’s nice to know you only have to do the work once and not have to go back in and fix someone’s mistakes.  With Tina, it’s rare that she asks for a redo.

3)  The formatting.  Tina always submits her releases in a straightforward format that doesn’t need me to jump through hoops to copy and paste the info she’s trying to get across.   If you saw the messes that some PR folk send in that require me to resize and reformat and fond different programs on the web to open up the attachments, you would pull your hair out.  Not Tina.  Just types it it into an email for an easy-peasy copy and paste making my job of editing it simple.

4)The Thanks.  Tina always recognizes and thanks me for posting her stuff.  It may seem trivial but when you get press releases from an organization weekly and they just stuff it down your throat, you take the time to edit and post it for them and then they never once acknowledge it with a simple thank you, that gets irritating.   I often wonder if I just stopped posting their stuff, would they even notice?  Do they really care if it gets posted?  It’s just a pet peeve of mine.  So thanks Tina, for the thanks Smile

Listen the stuff Tina sends in is no where near the most exciting information posted on these pages.  But because the way she submits consistent, easy to post, relevant, correctly edited the first time press releases and then follows up with a nice thank you to let me know that the work I do on my end is appreciated, THAT is why she gets 99% of the stuff she sends me posted in the Community Stuff pages and THAT is why she is being recognized as a truly professional and effective PR person.

I’d hire her in a heart beat.

Congrats Tina

Friends of Burnham’s Field Launched

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey,

Thanks to you and GoodMorningGloucester for being so supportive of Burnham’s Field (see here, here and here for a few examples of awesome GMG stories you’ve published about the field.) I wanted to share some good news: the launch of the first-ever Friends of Burnham’s Field.

The Friends are welcoming new members: Anyone who ever played on the field as a kid or goes to their kids’ games at the field or walks their dog there. If anyone is interested, more information is at the Friends’ new website here and below.

And yes, I’m very much looking forward to your ribbing for quoting myself in the news release below.

Thanks, Joey!

– John McElhenny     

New community group forms as the largest playground in central Gloucester undergoes its first renovation in 30 years; Donated trees and park benches welcomed

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Gloucester, Mass., March 14, 2014 – A group of families, neighbors and other residents have launched the first-ever Friends of Burnham’s Field to make the largest open space and playground in central Gloucester a more beautiful, welcoming open space to walk, exercise, play and enjoy the outdoors.

Burnham’s Field is a 7-acre park, playground and recreation area in downtown Gloucester. Generations of Gloucester children and their families have played on its swings, basketball courts, ball fields, play structure and grassy open spaces.

Burnham’s Field has recently enjoyed a surge of new activity with the launch of the Burnham’s Field Community Garden, more frequent clean-ups and the first major renovation to the field in 30 years scheduled to begin this spring. The renovation will include new playground equipment, swings, a walking loop, lighted paths, fences, park benches, a spray fountain for kids, bathroom, trees and other improvements. 

The Friends of Burnham’s Field is being launched to create a community of people who will continue to care for the field once the renovations are complete. Dozens of Gloucester residents have already joined and a new website has been created, www.burnhamsfield.org. 

“The Friends of Burnham’s Field is made up of regular people — neighbors, parents, children, friends — who want to make sure Burnham’s Field stays a park Gloucester can be proud of for generations to come,” said John McElhenny, a neighbor and founder of the Friends. “The rebirth of Burnham’s Field in the heart of the City sends a message that in Gloucester, green spaces and playgrounds matter.” 

Organized under the Gloucester Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) charity, the Friends are welcoming donations for park benches, picnic tables and trees and are offering naming and sponsorship opportunities to local businesses. For information on how to become a Friend of Burnham’s Field or make a donation, click here.

“Burnham’s Field holds special meaning for many people who’ve grown up in Gloucester,” said City Councilor Melissa Cox, who represents the neighborhoods around the field. “The Friends of Burnham’s Field gives anyone the chance to become involved with the field as a Friend or to donate a tree, park bench or picnic table to remember a relative or their own fun memories ‘down at Burnham’s.’”

Oops, did you miss Mardi Gras? This year you’ve got a 2nd chance

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Soooo …. you’re dealing with snow again today and you suddenly realize that Mardi Gras came and went yesterday without much thought on your part — you didn’t even go down to Lat 43 to support the YMCA Teens’ Service Learning Trips coming up this spring — yes, spring — I know you can’t even imagine spring, but it will come.  Trust me.

YMCA Teens at Larcom
Rick Doucette with the Y teens on the Larcom Theatre stage with Charles Neville, Amadee Castenell, Henri Smith and his band after last year’s Mardi Gras concert.

Don’t dispair.  You’ve got another chance to celebrate Mardi Gras AND support the YMCA Teens this Friday at the Larcom Theatre with Henri Smith and Charles Neville (of the Neville Brothers).  Melissa Cox will be there hosting a 50/50 raffle to support the Y Teens.  Get your concert tickets here and your raffle tickets at the theatre.  The music will be HOT.  The dancing even hotter — and you can contribute to a good cause, making you feel just great about having a good time!

Painting Bowls at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Support of The Open Door

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Painting Bowls at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Support of The Open Door

Addison Gilbert Hospital hosted a bowl painting on February 26th in support of The Open Door Empty Bowl Dinner.

Hospital employees, their family and friends painted over 40 bowls for the Open Door Empty Bowl Dinner to take place on

Thursday, May 8, Cruiseport Gloucester from 4-8 p.m.  Everyone had fun for a great cause.

www.foodpantry.org

Members of Team Cape Ann from Addison Gilbert Hospital, lend a hand to their friends at The Open Door

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Members of Team Cape Ann from Addison Gilbert Hospital, lend a hand to their friends at

The Open Door on Feb. 24 in helping prepare and serve a delicious meals to friends on Monday evening.

(Left to Right)

Myriah Tucker, Oncology

Deb Sacco, Administration

Sefatia Romeo, Financial Services

Karen Amero, Food & Nutrition Services

Cheryl Christo, Food & Nutrition Services

Shirley Conway, Senior Adult Unit

Sefatia and Friends Cooking for a Cause in the “Godmother’s Kitchen”

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Recorded on March 25th, 2013 and originally posted on GMG:

New Video: Sefatia and Friends Cooking for a Cause!

Doug Brendel Has Seen the Light!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Joey, I’ve been cheering your rants about people who ask you for info instead of finding it themselves on Google. This morning as I was reading through the blog, I thought I had come to a situation where I really would have to ask for an explanation. Lovasco’s weather synopsis said, “Bombing storm off ACK later today.” As a humble ignoramus from the backwoods, I had no idea what this phrase meant. However, I didn’t want to put you or Lovasco in the position of having to say, “LMGTFY.” 

So I went to Google, followed your instructions precisely. I typed in my question: “What does ACK stand for?” Of course there were a few explanations of “gagging sounds,” and one reference to the Anglican Church of Kenya, but as I scrolled down, there it was – before I got to the bottom of the very first screen full of options: a reference to Nantucket Memorial Airport, which is known by the code ACK. 

Today I bring this message of hope to all FOBs: See how helpful Google can be to an Ipswich resident unfamiliar with the sophisticated parts of the state? Google can be helpful to you, too!

Love from the far west side of Ipswich,

Doug Brendel

“The Outsidah”

http://www.Outsidah.com

There’s A Reason Harbor Cove Dental Was Voted #1 After Only One Year Open In Gloucester

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

It speaks volumes to be voted number 1 after only one year.  I mean, there are dentist practices that have been open for decades so to claim this honor you know you have to be doing something right.DSC01842

And when I tell you that these very words came out of both my daughters’ mouths “I can’t wait to go to the dentist.” 

I took a double take.  Say what?  A child that WANTS to go to the dentist?  What is this, bizzarro world where up is down and left is right?  

The staff is so unbelievably friendly. The equipment all brand new.  The chairs you sit in are heated AND offer massage elements.  The place is out of control over the top inviting and comfortable. 

Are you sold yet?  Well if not, how bout Free Teeth Whitening FOR LIFE? 

Uhmm, yeah, Dr Leif just posted that on the GMG Community Google+ group

http://harborcovedental.com/free-whitening-for-life/

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The girls love their Dental Hygienist Amy so much they made her two rainbow loom bracelets!

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Senior Care Valentine’s Day Breakfast Fundraiser

Posted on by God's Morning

senior care breakfast fundraiser

Looking to have an awesome Valentine’s Day breakfast while helping a great cause at the same time, then put this on your calendar for Friday morning.  Having experienced The Gloucester House Breakfast Buffet this past Sunday during the Valentine’s Art Show, I can tell you, it is not to be missed.

E.J. Lefavour

Gloucester House St. Valentine’s Art Show

Posted on by God's Morning

gloucester house show

These are a few shots of the St. Valentine’s Art Show at the Gloucester House taken by Beth Williams.  If you have a chance, do stop by and check it out.  There is a great array of beautiful, affordable, unique cards and gift items by area artists.  The Gloucester House (especially Lily Linquata for organizing so well and being so helpful) has been very generous to organize this show in their lovely function room at no charge to the artists.  The show runs Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to 8:00pm and Sunday from 9:30am to 4:00pm.  A nice reason to stop into the Gloucester House for a bowl of chowda or a seafood pizza and a beer or glass of wine, and check out some great Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

E.J. Lefavour

Community Stuff 2/3/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dear Joey:
I’m hoping you’ll post this on Good Morning Gloucester, so we can send along this information for all Gloucester (and surrounding towns) girls in 2nd grade thru 8th grade:
The Lady Fishermen basketball teams (Varsity, JV and Freshmen squads) are hosting a three-day hoop camp for younger basketball players.  Come learn all the skills needed to become a stronger and more confident ball player.  Work with the varsity girls coach Tara Driscoll to increase your endurance and achieve your own goals in basketball!
Download the attached flyer, and mail with your check for $80 made payable to GHS Hoop Camp.
Looking for more information?  Check out our facebook page “Girls Youth Basketball of Gloucester MA” or contact Coach Driscoll attara.driscoll20@gmail.com.
Thanks – hope to see many of you there!

 

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Hi Joey,

I hope this e-mail finds you well. I am not sure if you remember me but we worked together on a project for “Taste of the Times” with Jackson Cannon at my home. My Aunt Terri Gallo and Uncle Gianni Gallo had also worked on the piece. I am writing to you today in the hopes that you will take a few sentences from your blog to help us better reach this community. I am so lucky to be part of the All Star Foundation for UCD. The Urea cycle disorder is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation that results in a deficiency of one of the six enzymes in the urea cycle. These enzymes are responsible for removing ammonia from the blood stream. The urea cycle involves a series of biochemical steps in which nitrogen, a waste product of protein metabolism, is removed from the blood and converted to a compound called urea in the blood. Normally, the urea is transferred into the urine and removed from the body. In urea cycle disorders, the nitrogen accumulates in the form of ammonia, a highly toxic substance, resulting in hyperammonemia (elevated blood ammonia). Ammonia then reaches the brain through the blood, where it can cause irreversible brain damage, coma and/or death. We are on our 4th annual All Star Benefit and would love it if you could mention the event and help us spread awareness. I have attached the sponsor letter and a brief history of Mary Grace (Sanfilippo) Vestal and Michael Vestal. They are both amazing parents who fight every day for this cause and their children. Michael and Marisa both have UCD, older sister Mia is a spunky, healthy, loving big sister. Michael and Grace are both from Gloucester as well as their Families. They now live in wilmington. Grace takes care of Michael and Marisa full time so she can not work. They hold this benefit to help spread awareness, talk about new born screening, and hopefully someday have a cure! They worked in clinical trials for years and last year were able to have a new drug approved by the FDA. Lets help them make this bigger and better! 

Its March 1 at the Danversport 6-10 pm and they can call or go on the website for tickets. or email me at alessiat8@hotmail.com

For info check out the Facebook page here– image

 

 

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To let everybody remember the fundraiser is on Saturday who to see everyone there Thank You Robert Trott

Hi Joey,

Would you please publicize this service … the Sargent House inadvertently left off the part where the AzOne Gospel Trio were part of the February 9th service at 10 am at the Gloucester UU Church.  I have attached both a pdf and a jpg … don’t know which would work best for you.   Thanks for all you do for us:  community; churches; businesses  ….. etc.    Karen Rembert

AzOne and Lise Breen

Judy Beavers Has Some Nice Things To Say-

Hi Joey,

Just have to say it again:  Gloucester never disappoints.

Headed up with the family today, from Salem, to spend some time in Gloucester. 

Brunch at Alchemy was outstanding.  

Main St., shops – better than ever.

Turtle Alley chocolates – simply delicious.

Visit to Good Harbor Beach at sunset – priceless.

How lucky are we all! 

No place like it — anywhere.

“LMAO!!!” From Rick Anderson – This is the kind of email that makes it all worthwhile.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

🙂

Joey,

I’ve been reading GMG for a couple of years now. (maybe even three). I’m originally from Gloucester and only visit once in a while to visit my wife’s relatives. She’s a Scola. I listened today to your pod cast for the first time and almost fell on the floor laughing so hard. I loved it. In response to some of your themes I would like to give my opinion. I have an asshole so therefore I have an opinion. The comment that the blog is going soft may be true but so what if it is? It’s your blog. If I don’t like it (and I love it) I’ll go somewhere else. I’m just an outside voyeur looking in on life from your point of view. You blog helps me keep in touch with the town I grew up in and love, Gloucester. I like how it changes from time to time and how it tends to meander based on what’s going on in the lives of your contributors. I remember Toby form HS and also his brother Barry. It’s nice to see people I used to know on your blog.

In regards to Donna or you posting pics of you kids and grandkids go for it and the hell with everyone else. It’s your blog not mine or anyone else’s like me who’s too dam lazy to start their own. In fact I like seeing the up and personal family pics. The comment that Sista Felicia was “marketing” her own book provokes this response from me “duh!”. Of course she has the right to do a bit of self-promoting on your blog. Do you know why? Because it’s your blog! I like the recipes and will most likely be buying the book for my wife. On a side note Sista Felicia should be on one of those cable cooking channels with her own show. Maybe you should take the next step and get her a producer and do a pilot. There’s no show out there that does Italian (Sicilian) cooking. I think it would be a hit.

The new format with the “read more” link to shorten the need to scroll is very nice though as you said it wasn’t a big deal scrolling through the pages. Fred Bowden’s pic of old time Gloucester is fantastic. I’d love to see more of them.

As a bit of constructive encouragement one thing I’d like to see is when you post pictures of people it would be nice to have their names. So many of us have changed in our appearance over the years it would help us who have been away from Gloucester put a name with a face. I know it can be done in all cases but if you could I and my wife would appreciate it. In the end keep doing what your hear tells you and to hell with the nay-sayers. It’s easy to tear things apart. It takes hard work to build something good. Keep up the good work since you are my only real connection that I have to Gloucester.

Regards,

Rick Anderson

Hampton, NH 03842

For those who haven’t listened to the podcast you can subscribe and listen to it on iTunes or through the web

podcasticon

Subscribe to The Gloucestercast Here

Agnes MacQuade turns 100 – Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Agnes MacQuade turns 100!

Agnes MacQuade who turned 100 years old on January 27th, was honored at a special birthday party at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center , greeted by Mayor Carolyn Kirk and her Granddaughter, Alexandra MacQuade.  Staff, visitors and residents all enjoyed a festive afternoon wishing Agnes a happy 100th birthday!

Congratulations, Agnes!

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Community Stuff 1/27/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cape Ann Kickoff poster

Hi Joey!

I am Cape Ann’s new representative from the American Cancer Society helping Cape Ann volunteers produce the Relay For Life in June.  I moved to Gloucester in October to take this job and start a new life in this fabulous town. Good Morning Gloucester has been a great way for me to stay in touch with everything happening in and around Gloucester.

I’ve seen a couple of posts promoting Relay For Life fundraisers over the last few months and I thank you for helping our teams in this way. We are working very hard to bring the Relay For Life of Cape Ann back to the level of success it enjoyed just a couple of years ago. Our theme for the 2014 Relay For Life is “Uniting to Finish the Fight Together,” emphasizing the strength of Cape Ann when we all come together for a cause. One of our event chairs, Darlene Riley, recalls with great emotion how the citizens of Gloucester rallied around her family when her teenage son was diagnosed with bone cancer. The community support meant everything to her. This year we are trying to unite ALL the communities of Cape Ann by reaching out to Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex and even Ipswich (although it’s a subject of some debate whether or not Ipswich is part of Cape Ann!) We want to remind everyone what is at the Heart of Relay: Celebrating our cancer survivors, Remembering those we have lost and Fighting Back to end this dreaded disease.

To kick off the Relay season, we are hosting a Heart of Relay Party Thursday, February 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Elks Club of Bass Rocks. We will have lots of great information, games, refreshments, a cash bar and opportunities to win a great Cape Ann prize package. Would you help us publicize the event by sharing the attached flyer on GMG the week of February 10? The event is open to the public and is completely free. We invite everyone who is interested in getting involved with Relay For Life to join us. (I am attaching both a pdf and a jpeg. If you need another format or need me to adjust the size, please let me know.)

Thanks so much for your support and for your great service to our community!

P.S. The Relay For Life of Cape Ann will be June 13-14 at O’Maley Middle School. As plans come together for this awesome event, we’ll keep you posted!

Vickie Grassman | Specialist, Relay For Life

Tribute To Chet Curtis WCVB Channel 5

Posted on by Sista Felicia

Gloucester resident Carl Mckay-Stratton  AKA Crazy Carl our local The Facebook Weatherman  shares  his heartwarming goodbye to his idol and legendary Boston  Chet Curtis… Everyone loves Carl and his crazy weather post on Facebook. He is know around town as the man with a heart of gold and is loved by everyone fortunate enough to call him a friend. Clink link below to view…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPyf7V22wDo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

My 2013 Gloucester Community Person Of The Year- Melissa Cox

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’ve never done a Gloucester Community Person of The Year Award  but I got to thinking and this year it just was so obvious who I would pick for the title because after being around her (and her awesome husband Bill) and seeing how much she gives of herself to our community, to me it wasn’t even up for debate.

Melissa it seems is at every single community event and is always volunteering her time and work to make Gloucester a better place.  There are people that show up for ribbon cutting ceremonies, get their picture taken and then take off.  Melissa is the one who generally was there on the ground floor of whatever people were there to celebrate by getting her hands dirty and making things happen.  Always with a smile always with a laugh.

Not talking just about her work as a City Councilor which during her young tenure has shown a great desire to do what’s right for the City not based on political vendettas, but truly based on what she thinks are the right things to do.  She is responsive and effective in making things happen for her constituents and the city as a whole.

But politics is my least favorite thing so what I’d rather point out is how she’s always there at events lending a hand or at The Burnham’s Field Community Garden clearing plots and organizing meetings, and honestly it seems like every single event we cover here on GMG Melissa is there, supporting or participating to make our City better.

Melissa, thank you so much for all you do to make Gloucester even better than the place it already is.

We love you (and Bill too) Smile

Allen Estes Vickie and Melissa Cox at Cape Ann savings bank toy drive

Vickie Van Ness photo

Getting Dirty For Breast Cancer

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Good Egg Melissa Cox Rocking Her New City of Gloucester Pin

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Joey C

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Melissa and Bill Cox at the Red Sox game.. lucky them

Melissa at World Series

2014 Art Haven Buoy Pre-Auction Party At The Hive

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times- The Hive and Art Haven have to be either close to or at the very top of a vast majority of organizations involved in making cool events happen in Gloucester.
The positive energy radiating from this place off the chain.
Good people top to bottom and fun times are guaranteed just by being in their presence.
That being said, there is no better time to be in their presence than the annual buoy auction next Friday night when the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization takes place.
Go and have a fun time and at the same time support a tremendous group of young energetic people who are putting in a ton of energy to make our community a better place.

Huge thanks to major sponsor of the Buoy Auction Cape Ann Savings Bank-

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6th Annual Cape Ann Art Haven Buoy Auction & Family Fun Night January 24th

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Looking for a fun event the whole family can enjoy? Come to the 6th Annual Cape Ann Art Haven Buoy Auction and Family FUN Night on January 24th from 5:00 – 8:00pm. There will be art activities, live music, open buffet, silent auction of our amazing artist buoys and much more!

$20 Family | $10 Adult | $5 student. [@ DOOR: $25 Family | $20 Adult | $10 student]

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE or through your local parent representative:

Life Saving Commendation

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

All,

On 1-3-14 R-1 (LoCoco and Severance) and E-1 (Harvey, Trupiano, Wonson D, Wonson B.) all responded to a cardiac arrest with by-stander CPR in progress.  The gentleman was successfully resuscitated and subsequently went home with his faculties intact.  This crew was given a great opportunity to make a difference and they did.  Their outstanding resuscitation efforts resulted in a life saved and I want to commend them for a job well done.   The GFD is making regular CPR saves above the traditional averages and the credit for this extends to the community for calling 911 and performing CPR until our arrival and for the dedication to excellence demonstrated by our personnel.

I want to thank these personnel and they will be provided with a written Life Saving Commendation.

Best regards,

Eric Smith

Fire Chief

City of Gloucester Fire Department