Category: Good eggs
Ed Dons Daisy Dukes and Construction Boots For Greasy Pole Swim
Ryan Russell Video
Some things you just can’t unsee.
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Virginia & Robert McKinnon 60th Wedding Anniversary
Hi Joey, I have had several request for my 60th Wedding Anniversary Story and Pictures.
We had a wonderful time and many happy memories. Here we are at 84 and 89 yeas old and still enjoying our life together. We are so blessed.
Love your blog. Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon
60th Wedding Anniversary Party Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon
My Wedding Anniversary’s actual date is November 26, 2013. I planned our celebration early, June 8, 2013. I did not want to wait until winter. The party was such a wonderful celebration. Over 100 guest attended at the Gloucester House’s Compass Rose Room from one to 4 o‘clock. Most of our seven children, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brother, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends attended. All having a wonderful time. Many highlights: Father Kiley renewed our marriage vows, a wonderful buffet lunch, my brother Paul playing his trombone for a fabulous sing-a-long. And the Rose Ceremony, two dozen large long stem roses. All our children, grandchildren and even our little adorable great-grandchildren and many family and friends presenting us with a rose and professing their love for us and telling stories of happy times, events and jokes. One by one they came to us with joy, hugs and kisses. Life could not get any better than this! Our granddaughter, Jennie, read a tribute to her grandfather. Also our two other beautiful granddaughters, Jessica and Cheryl rose to the occasion with endearing memories. I sang a love song to Bob “You Belong to My Heart.” Remembering how Bob loved to dance to the beat of the Rumba. We were dancing in spirit.
Our friend Pat Cecilio presented us with a masterpiece of an Anniversary Wedding Cake. No professional could have competed with this, The cake was adorned with a picture of us at our wedding cutting our original Wedding Cake. The cake was a homemade lemon cake with raspberry filling and very ornately decorated with frosting and roses. For lunch we had appetizers of calamari, chicken wings, fruit, vegetables, cheese and crackers. A berry, berry salad with strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, walnuts and blue cheese with a raspberry dressing, soda and coffee were served at our tables. Then the buffet of baked haddock, chicken Alfredo, seafood Newberg, sausage, peppers, carved roast beef and roasted potatoes. For dessert we enjoyed strawberry shortcake, our Anniversary cake and Italian cookies.
Our guest enjoyed the acrylic frames with their name and table number, which they could take home as a souvenir and also we had match books to remember this occasion. Most of our original wedding party were present. I encourage my brother Paul to take my Dad’s place in our pictures. My sister Rosalie and her husband Rit were our maid of honor and best man, we missed them, and ushers Jack Lucido and Gordon Hilsey have also passed on. My junior bridesmaids were my twin sister’s Mary Ann and Ida. My bridesmaids, Mary McCoy, Mary Herrick, our ushers, Joe Orange and Bob Beard and our ring bearer, Vito Piscitello were all in attendance. Bob’s cousin, Anne and his niece, Moira from Danvers sat at our table. My brother Paul and his wife Dorothy came from North Carolina and his family; Dena from California, Michael from Virginia, Wendy and her family from Beverly. My sister’s Mary Ann and Ida from Essex and their children even Ida’s newest baby great-grandchild Alexa. My nephew Ric came from working in Pennsylvania and his sister Diana from Rhode island. I was so happy to have my mother’s last two siblings, my Aunt’s Frances and Millie with their family present. My niece, Krista, took lots of pictures. Our family picture is a treasure of remembrance for generations to come. So many precious memories of this joyous occasion.
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Backyard Growers Update: School Harvest Days — Pics & Stats
Students at West Parish, Beeman, and East Gloucester Schools had an awesome time harvesting veggies and doing other harvest activities with the Backyard Growers Program last week. The children harvested a combined total of 272 lbs. of produce!
Veterans School Harvest Day is coming up this Wednesday, and Plum Cove School did their harvest over a series of days. We’ll update you on these schools soon!
Three of the schools–West Parish, East Gloucester, and Plum Cove–incorporated the fresh fall veggies, including carrots, beets, potatoes, and squash, into the school lunch program. Yum!
Thanks to all of the children, parents, teachers, and school staff who made Harvest Days a success!
Check out some pictures of the school harvest here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54190478@N02/sets/72157635808210705/ (Preview)
AND DON’T FORGET TO VOTE so Backyard Growers can WIN $10K FOR SCHOOL GARDENS–We’re in the winning top 15! Help keep us there! VOTE HERE = http://goo.gl/CKY3Nk (click on Massachusetts)
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Local Christina Russo Submits Her Elephant Orphanage In Zambia Story
Joey/GMG –
I recently wrote a story for National Geographic about an elephant orphanage in Zambia. It may be of interest to readers of GMG — particularly those who pay attention to the poaching crisis currently taking place in Africa (tens of thousands of elephants slaughtered every year for ivory).
all best,
CR
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The Window Of My World From Virginia McKinnon
My front door is a large French door with three panels. The middle panel opens on to my Dream Deck. This large elegant French door is the window of my world. I see the city spread out in front of me, as my home faces the west, the rising sun from the east shines upon the city and the inner harbor lighting everything up to great splendor. My home sits up high on a hill and the view is spectacular. I love to watch the fishing boats going in and out of the harbor. Sea gulls fill the sky following the boats in anticipation of getting a free meal. I look across the skyline. The majestic City Hall clock tower commands the city skyline.
I see the twin blue towers of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church and the statue of Our Lady. At night her lamp is lit to guide the fishing boats to shore. I see the shining steeple of St. Ann’s Church, like a sword piercing the morning sky and steeple at St. John’s Church. All the steeples fill me with awe that God is present watching over our beautiful city. I look at the very busy fish pier where many people are at work and large trailer trucks carrying cargos of fresh fish. Many boats are tied up to the piers. I look across the harbor and I can see Stage Fort Park and the weather tower at Stillington Hall. I find myself looking into the city for the house, where I was born, the places I visited in my childhood and where I grew up.
Later in my day, I look forward to the beautiful sunsets, the brilliant colors across the evening sky. I love to sit on my deck, my favorite place in my rocking chair. I hear the birds in flight looking for their resting places for the night. Later still the city before me lights up in golden hues, the fish pier appears so magical with all its lights causing shimmering, sparkling lights across the harbor reflecting the shadows of the fishing boats.
The city lights are like jewels. I look up at the sky on a starlit night. The moon and all the stars are visible to me. I can rock in my chair and never tire of magical view. I feel so at peace with God and my world as I meditate. Truly I am so blessed. My wealth is overwhelming, as I thank God for this wonderful gift.
Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon
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Special Night To Honor Cape Ann Chamber CEO Robert Heidt September 19th
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce invites you to a special night as we gather to honor our CEO, Robert Heidt, for all the support and service he has given the Chamber and Cape Ann.
Join us at the Chamber office, 33 Commercial Street, Gloucester on Thursday, September 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm for a complimentary gathering filled with laughs and thanks.
This complimentary event will feature beverages and appetizers. Please feel free to stop by for 5 minutes or 3 hours and bid farewell to our CEO!
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Is Donna Ardizzoni actually a famous TV star who escaped to Gloucester?
John McElhenny (Supersleuth) submits-
Joey,
On TV the other night I ran across the actress Rue McClanahan, who used to star on TV shows like “Maude” and “Golden Girls.”
Is it true that the lovely Donna Ardizzoni used to be a famous TV star and moved to Gloucester to write for GMG to escape the paparazzi hordes?
At Mug Up on Sunday, somebody call out the name “Rue!” and watch how Donna’s head spins like that lady in the Exorcist. Sure, your real name’s “Donna.” Riiiiight.
Anyone who’s met our Donna knows she has that star quality. Now it’s confirmed. Boom! Another Mystery Solved.
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Marty Luster hard at work
Photo Kristine Gaier
It’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it.
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“Family Heirlooms” by Debbie Clarke
“Family Heirlooms” by Debbie Clarke
These Photos shows Deb’s Process
https://www.facebook.com/debbie.clarke.5011
http://www.debbieclarke.blogspot.com/
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Please Welcome New Official Contributor Fred Bodin
Well he’s been contributing unofficially for quite some time now so I figured Fred has earned his stripes and a key to the GMG posting dashboard.
Fred has shown an ability to create interesting posts, not make it all about himself, and he hasn’t been a total pain in the ass about the way I’ve edited what he has submitted for the blog.
So he’s now official. A GMG contributor! look for him in the 9AM slot.
Write a note of congratulations to Fred in the comment section below the photo!
You know the L-R’s. Photo by Janet P. Crary with my camera. Fred is in Full Banana outfit: Designer tux, white shirt and bow tie, and Tommy Bahama silk slacks. Pet lobster, Shaggy, by Walgreens. We were at Sista’ Felicia’s Gala Book Launching.
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Mayor Kirk & Superintendent Safier preview Newell Stadium Dedication
This just in from Cape Ann TV’s Lisa Smith
Dr. Richard Safier talks with Mayor Kirk about the rebuilding of the Newell Stadium and the dedication ceremony tomorrow night. This show airs tonight on Ch. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Here’s a preview:
You can also see the show on Cape Ann TV’s wicked cool streaming service here.
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Jeff Stein Has Some Nice Things To Say
Hey Joey, thanks for the great lobsters and keeping everyone up to speed with the goings on in Gloucester when we can’t be there.
http://steintrek.com/2013/08/30/being-the-idle-rich-is-awesome/
Jeff
Being the idle rich is awesome!
I am doing it without the rich part but I’m totally living the life. If money was not a concern, it would be hard to motivate myself to work. I would spend my days donating money to needy bar owners.
I’m coming off of 10 days with great friends in Annisquam, Massachusetts. Gloucester is the nearest big town. If you want to know more about America’s oldest fishing port, go to Good Morning Gloucester, a blog written by Joey, (pictured below with what would soon be dead and in my friend’s stomach) from Captain Joe & Sons seafood on E. Main Street. It’s a warehouse on a dock where the lobsterman directly sell their haul. This year, we were buying 1.25 lb softshell lobsters for about five dollars each. Less expensive than going to McDonald’s.
For the entire entry click here
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Cape Ann Art Haven and The Hive Center celebrated their 5 year and 1 year anniversaries on August 27
Cape Ann Art Haven and The Hive Center celebrated their 5 year and 1 year anniversaries on August 27. Over the past five years, we have emerged as important members of downtown Gloucester, serving hundreds of youth, artists and emerging artists. Our founder David Brooks expressed deep appreciation to all those who have been the backbone of the success that Art Haven has seen over the years. “It has been amazing to see so many amazing people willing to lend a hand to make it all possible. We have been blessed and are excited to have the support as we look to the future at all that is to come.”
Our anniversary party drew over a hundred people to The Hive and its success was largely due to the support of various donors. We have many “Thank You“s to share! Chive Catering and Sustainable Event Planning provided all the delicious food, which was made possible through food donations from local farms. Chive runs zero-waste events and composts all their left over products. Ryan & Wood, Cape Ann Brewery Company and Seabreeze Liquors provided all the adult libations. Cape Pond Ice generously donated all the ice to keep the drinks nice and chilled. Most importantly, we want to give a final “shout out”to everyone who came and helped make The Hive truly buzz with life and vitality last Saturday night.
It was such a great time we are planning on making this event an annual summer fling!
—
Rebecca Borden
President & interim Executive Director
Cape Ann Art Haven
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Huge Thanks To My Partners On the Red Carpet
Huge thanks to The Beautiful Lillian LoGrasso and Top Community 1 percenter Rick Doucette for co-hosting the pre-Gala fashion red carpet festivities.
Also a monumental thank you to our good friends David Cox, Thom Falzarano and the incredible Kim Smith.
The night was an incredible success mostly in part to Felicia’s fantastic planning and Sherry DeLorenzo and her crew’s excellent execution at Cruiseport.
What I’m most happy about is that my peeps Thom and David and Kim came through in capturing the crowd- our friends and family and that is what makes this blog so special. That we try to make it about community.
Success all the way around due to the best team in the business.
Look for David’s photos soon as well as Kim’s awesome video coverage of the Red Carpet!!!
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Tommy O From The Yankee Fleet Outfits Captain Pete Mondello With A Pair Of Outriggers
Captain Pete has been having some severe a type of vertigo that makes him so dizzy it takes him to his knees. In the past couple weeks he’s had to come in from fishing a bunch of times.
So what does Tommy O do? Hand crafts Pete his very own set of stabilizing outriggers right down to the cables with the birds hanging off the ends.
Tommy O displays the prototype-
and here’s a happy Pete ready to go fishing-
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Community Stuff 8/26/13
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Drive by Samaritans and Good Eggs on Main Street
Fred Bodin Submits-
Just after 7 pm tonight (8/20/13), two young ladies came into my gallery to look around after out dining together at Jalapeños next door. On their way out, they stopped at the counter and one of them asked if I wrote the Drive by Shooting post for GMG. Yes I did, and one of them said it was her sister who did the shooting. Wow! After talking about the Drive by Shooting experience for a few minutes, they left. Seconds later, they returned and said: “We found a lot of money scattered on the sidewalk outside.” So we went all of ten feet from my door and I scooped up $106. They saw who dropped it and noticed that he went into Jalapeños. I went into the restaurant with the two girls and we searched for a man in his 30’s wearing a blue shirt and shorts. Good detective work, but no luck. I told the hostess (owner Alex’s daughter) to send the person looking for the cash over to the galley. If he doesn’t come in by 8:30 or so, I’ll bring it to the 24/7 lost and found, the Gloucester Police Department.
I took a photo of these two friends, and got the left to rights. On the left is Page Harmon, sister of the Drive by Shooter, and on the right in front of the Gloucester flag is Baylee Kirk, both from East Gloucester. Bailee’s parents are journalist Bill Kirk and Carolyn Kirk. Carolyn is the Mayor of the City of Gloucester. It was a good experience for the three of us, and a lesson in karma: Always do the right thing. Tomorrow I’ll drop off an envelope to the GPD with five $20 bills, a five, a single, with my business card. Karma is coming our way! Gloucester.
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Lannon Ryan and Wood Rum and Old Cuban Cigar Factory Cigar Cruise
My buddy James Eves from Cape Ann Giclee writes in-
Hey Joey,
I can’t thank you enough for spearheading the 2013 Rum and Cigar Cruise on the Lannon. I saw the post on GMG about 6 weeks ago and thought that I should buy a ticket. I yelled from my desk to Anna, “Hey, I think I’ll buy a ticket to the Rum and Cigar Cruise”. She agreed. (lucky for me, my wife, partner and muse encourages me to take time to enjoy the benefits of living in heaven). So, I bought a ticket.
I tried to get some work done today, but really spent most of my time in anticipation of the cruise. I stopped pretending to work at about 4:30 and headed down to the dock at five. I was first on line for the 6:00 cruise and watched the unloading of passengers from the previous sail. I met Mimi, An older woman (she told me her age but made me promise not to reveal her secret). She is from Haverhill, but the highlight of her year, every year, is spending a few weeks in Gloucester. We do live in the best place on earth.
Mimi left and I watched the Lannon crew prep the ship for the next cruise.
After a reasonably short wait they started loading the ship. I walked down the ramp and onto the deck. I was there greeted by a young woman from Old Cuban Cigar Company who handed me two fine cigars. I lit my first one immediately. Once we were all aboard the Captain spoke of safety and what to expect on the cruise around Gloucester harbor. He then introduced the Old Cuban Cigar guy who told us just how fine the cigars we were smoking were. He, in turn, introduced us to Bob Ryan of Ryan & Wood Distillery. Bob and his wife proceeded to dole out rum the likes of which few get to enjoy.
With the strong smoke and smooth drink my work life faded to a blurry haze. Then I was able to truly appreciate where I was and see the beauty of Gloucester Harbor.
It was a beautiful night with a strong wind. The crowd on the boat were all GMG FOBs so I felt right at home. I was, however a bit disappointed that Joey C wasn’t there. Then I heard some cheers from the back of the boat and then saw Joey arriving in a small inflatable to starboard. “well”, I thought, “the party now begins”. and so it did.
I must say, how grateful I am to you, Joey, for your enthusiasm and the role model you are for those of us in Gloucester who truly strive to grow our community through our business and our lives. I was quite a treat to watch from the bow as you circled the boat and brought the party to life.
It was indeed a beautiful cruise. It felt timeless.
Once docked there was talk of an after party at Stones. I’d never been. ( I know it odd but I am fairly new to Gloucester.) The party continued there and I could see that the cruise had washed away the hard days work for more that just me.
Wow, What a perfect night, only in Gloucester!!
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Joe Thomas & Memory Layne on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes tonight
photo Sheila Roberts Orlando
Giuseppe’s gets it. They know how to blend food and music into an entertaining evening out for all ages.
Earlier this year they partnered with T Max, editor of The Noise Magazine to feature local singers and songwriters in what became a very popular Singer – Songwriter Shuffle.
Beginning tonight at 6:30pm, Giuseppe’s owners, Joe Thomas and Memory Layne are Allen’s guests on his Cape Ann TV show Local Music Seen with Allen Estes on cable channel 12. The show airs again on Friday at 1pm, and Sunday at 6pm. For all of you FOBs, who don’t live in Gloucester, you can now watch Local Music Seen and other shows on Cape Ann TV’s wicked cool on-line streaming service here.
If you do live here, bop on down to Giuseppe’s after the show and see rising stars Renee & Joe perform live at 7pm. Then you can head over to the Rhumb Line and catch Allen with special guests, The Backwoods Ramblers later in the evening.
And tomorrow, live music in Gloucester starts at 1pm. See the complete live music schedule here.
All of us are looking forward to a few weeks from now when Giuseppe’s fires up their Singer/Songwriter Shuffle for an exciting new season. Stay tuned . . .
Good Morning Gloucester 