My View of Life on the Dock
Hey Joey! The GMG mesh hat is so cool (literally). I love it. Thanks again. And thanks for reserving one of the stonewashed hat for me also. Just email when they come in and I’ll pick it up at the dock.
Keep up the tremendous work you do with the GMG blog. It’s what we all need in these crazy times now.
Best to you and your family!
Bob Lukach
Seabrook, NH
Hi Joey,
Thanks to GMG, Tricia and I heard about the Main Street Block Party. We arrived with our niece and nephew about 8:30pm. As we approached Main Street, I snapped the attached photo of the new public artwork project on Parsons Street with City Hall in the background. A GMG article stated the artist is James Owen Calderwood. It was a wonderful point of entry onto Main Street which was alive with entertainment, shopping, and dining. We enjoyed appetizers and a drink at LA TRATTORIA & PIZZERIA of the WEST END and then purchased a beautiful piece of artwork (stained glass by local artist Donna Amero) at Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative. Thanks for all the great info on Good Morning Gloucester! Looking forward to picking up my stonewashed GMG Cap next week!
Best regards,
Frank McCall
Editor Note:
Here’s a link to the artist-
Siasta Felicia writes-
James, Cathy, and Toni
I couldn’t ask for a better team of people to work with….we have been working side by side, round the clock, making sure every last detail is perfect,…I’m so blessed to be surrounded by these amazingly talented, caring, fun and creative people…..Each have made this process an experience I will never forget. after a crazy month of deadlines, photo shoots, photo retakes, cooking, and endless editing we are still having fun, joking with one another…at 2 am for the past two nights… you know your apart of a very unique group who all thrive on being creative happy to be working in the field they most love ! This has been an incredible experience.
It’s a weekend of community entertainment starting tonight at Harbor Loop; then tomorrow’s Cape Ann Big Band benefit for returning veterans at Gloucester House, Saturday’s Block Party and Sunday’s Bandstand Concert at Stage Fort Park featuring Overdrive. These Bandstand concerts are a perfect example of how to bring a celebrated, centuries old New England tradition into the 21st century. Bravo David Benjamin!
This year my father, Joe Lucido, is celebrating his 50th (yes, that’s right, 50th) year as a barber in the City of Gloucester!!! He got his start at McLean’s Barber Shop on Main Street, which is now home to Lone Gull Coffee Shop. He opened his own shop in 1976 on Washington Street next to your grandfather’s old store, Pat’s Center Grocery (named after your mother, of course!). He has been in his current location on Washington Street since 1985.
I would like to compile all of his customer’s favorite memories or stories of my dad as a barber and surprise him with a book. If your loyal readers could send me their favorite memory (or memories) it would be greatly appreciated. Stories and memories can be sent to lucido48@yahoo.com
Thanks so much for your help.
Pete
Cape Ann residents, municipal leaders, and conservation partners joined together to celebrate the permanent protection of the Natti Woodland, a 20-acre parcel located in the North Gloucester Woods. A dedication event was held on Thursday, July 11, and included remarks, a ribbon cutting, light refreshments, and a guided walk in the woods. Speakers included Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk, representatives from Essex County Greenbelt, New England Forestry Foundation, and the Natti family.
The Natti Woodland is named after Erik and Theresa Natti, who sold the land for conservation to Essex County Greenbelt and New England Forestry Foundation in December 2012. The initiative will further Gloucester’s priority conservation plans for the North Gloucester Woods and the Dogtown area. The parcel provides a key link in a proposed network of municipal and privately held conservation properties in Dogtown and is rich in biodiversity and cultural history. The land also contributes to the watershed for Gloucester’s public water supply.
“Today is a celebration of the community’s commitment to conservation. We come together as a community, with a promise to future generations,” stated Mayor Carolyn Kirk under a canopy of trees and amidst a gathering of 70 people.
It’s wonderful to know this property is protected forever,” commented Erik Natti. The conserved land has been an integral part of the Natti’s family life, and a place where they, their sons and extended family spent so much of their time growing up.
Essex County Greenbelt and New England Forestry Foundation will jointly own and manage the Natti Woodland, which is adjacent to the Foundation’s Norton Memorial Forest with 121 acres. Trails throughout the properties and are well suited for hiking and mountain-biking and are open the public. Outdoor recreationists may also wander past “Dragon Rock,” the namesake for Theresa Natti’s favorite forest destination — a large boulder resembling a dragon’s head. The Woodland addition will provide enhanced access to the properties, with a small parking area and a designated trailhead, as well.
The Natti Woodland initiative demonstrates a successful collaborative effort among the conservation organizations and the Natti family. By working together, the partners provide a true forest legacy to the Cape Ann community for generations to come.
Mayor Carolyn Kirk cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Natti Woodland, a 20-acre newly-conserved parcel of land in the North Gloucester Woods. Mayor Kirk is pictured with Bob Perschel of the New England Forestry Foundation and Ed Becker of Essex County Greenbelt on the right, and members of the Natti family on the left. (Photo courtesy of Essex County Greenbelt.)
Melissa participated in the Dirty Girls Mud Run-
She writes-
Before and after of the Dirty Girl Mud Run. It was a benefit run for breast cancer research! We had a blast.
Hi Joe,
Could you please run the following announcement on GMG? We are continuing to raise money in Aran and Ryan Patrican’s memory for Aran’s now two-year old son, Thomas. Thank you for all that you do to support our proud community. JD Perry
The Patrican Memorial Golf Tournament will take place at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club on July 22. The money raised at this event will benefit Thomas Patrican whose father, Aran, a decorated Gloucester Police Department and dedicated father, was tragically taken from us by a viral heart infection in January 2012, just after his only son’s first birthday.
The winning foursome will have their names engraved on and hold the two-foot tall Stanley Cup replica trophy until the tournament next year. Immediately following the round of 18 holes will be a lunch with raffle prizes.
Cost is $125 per player ($500 per foursome), if you would like to play please contact Rob Bouchie at 617-638-4910 or email him at inertia@bu.edu.
As Paul Genovese touchingly and succinctly announced on his Facebook page:
As you know Thomas Patrican’s father Aran Patrican and uncle Ryan Patrican were taken from us far too early, Aran was a dedicated father, police officer, and very good friend to manyof us. We are hoping to raise funds so Thomas will have an education fund when he finishes high school and can make his wayto college without a financial burden. This tournament was started not only to help raise money for Thomas but to also pause and remember two of our very good friends, Aran & Ryan Patrican,
thanks to all who participate and make this worthwhile event a
success.
Hello from Seattle Joey…
Just found your site Today after reading about the 20lb lobster caught recently by "Jacob across the street" 🙂
I have spent a couple hours on your site and have had lots of laughs… Thanksgiving video, dodgeball, your Sista Felicia’s Aranici recipe!
All are fantastic… The Humor is great and on the Fav Posts. I almost pissed my pants with the "Elephant in the Room" Camel Toe one…
Oh shit is that good… I have passed that one on to my good buddies and all have hailed me to find the funny of the week…
Keep up the good work…
Your newest fan from the West Coast "Seattle"
Cheers,
Mark
a.k.a Chef Huey…
Have you read through the Fav posts available at the top of the blog on the tab labeled aptly enough- “Fav Posts”
You can see it here- https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/fav-posts/
It’s a collection of some of my favs and what Chef Huey was referring to in his email.
If you have a friend that doesn’t know about GMG please send the link along so they can get a feel for the fun we have around here.
Thanks, Joey
Hi Joey, Here is my Fiesta Story. The Heart of Fiesta: Prayer for our Fisherman.
My son, Hilary, actually had you post my pictures before, but they are so beautiful,
I like to look at them over again. Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon
PS. My Father’s side Frontiero Family is having an informal reunion at the
Cupboard on Stage Fort on Thursday, June 11 from 4-5 pm
My mother’s side the Piscitello’s are having a Grand Reunion on
Sunday, July 14th at Stage Fort Park. My mother was the first born of 11 children.
I will send pictures and an account of the Grand Affair Piscitello Reunion..
“Viva San Pietro” Virginia (Frontiero) McKinnon 6/2013
Another Fiesta, another joy for Gloucester, starting with the nine day novena. I participated with my friends at American Legion Hall.
The ladies look forward to this annual event. Seeing old friends again. Rose Verga is the organizer of this pre-fiesta program. She reads a verse from the Bible, followed with prayer to St. Peter for his intercession in keeping our fisherman safe, praying for our beautiful city of Gloucester and many prayers for healing, receiting each name of people in need of prayer. We recite the rosary in Italian and sing our traditional Sicilian hymns .The service last for one hour. Renewing friendships over coffee and wonderful pastries each evening. On the ninth day, Tuesday evening our Pastor Father Kiley celebrated Mass. After mass our traditional cassata cake was served. Our new St. Peter’s pins were distributed Then the statue of St. Peter was taken down from the altar on the stage of the American Legion hall. We had a procession, chanting “Viva San Pietro,” all he way down 14 Beach Court to Pavilion Beach. After a dedication ceremony, the St. Peter‘s statue was taken back to the St. Peter’s Club on Roger St. On Friday evening the ladies accompany the St. Peter statue in another procession to St. Peter’s place of honor on the altar in St. Peter’s Square.
So many memories and stories to tell of Fiesta’s in the past. I have seen 83 of the 86 fiesta’s, I remember seeing a group of fishermen wives and families seated in a circle on Commercial St., praying for nine days to St. Peter for his intercession to bring their loved ones safely home from their fishing trips. proceeding St. Peter’s fiest day on June 29th. In later years beautiful ornate altar’s were erected on this spot. Every year an Italian man came from Boston with his sons and put the masterpieces altars together, mostly with paper, foil and pins. Each year the altar was different and took a month to erect. I have so many precious memories of 14 Beach Court, where my Dad lived before he married my mother. This was our family gathering place for Fiesta. My grandfather, Paul Frontiero and my Aunt Vincie made us all feel so special. Lots of cold drinks, cookies, sandwiches, everyone together having a good time. My dad had seven siblings, all had large families. I have lots of cousins. I loved watching the seine boat races on Pavilion Beach, the greasy pole, many contest for children, the procession on Sunday and the fireworks on Sunday night. Big set pieces fireworks on the beach followed by the American Flag display. Sometimes we would climb out my grandfather’s bedroom window on to a little ledge for a bird’s eye view. Recently I looked up at that little ledge and wondered how all the kids were able to fit on that little ledge.
Dear Cape Ann Community,
The "You. Are. Beautiful. – Tribute to Warriors" show is now up at LAT 43 in Gloucester! This special event to celebrate art and support our wounded vets is this Monday, July 8 from 6:30-9:30pm. Tickets are $20/person and 100% of the ticket price goes to benefit the Semper Fi Fund. You can buy tickets at the door or here: http://youarebeautiful.eventbrite.com/
Through this body of work, I am proud to share the voices and portraits of five veterans, four of whom are from Massachusetts. All five of the veterans I photographed will be at the event, including Corporal Evan Reichenthal, USMC.
Evan decided he wanted to become a Marine when he was in middle school. After graduating from high school in 2009, he enlisted and would see his dream of pursuing the ultimate profession to test one’s mind, body and spirit, come true.
In December 2010, Evan’s unit deployed to a small base in Marjah in southern Afghanistan. Evan was an infantryman and was on foot patrol on January 5, 2011 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion severed his right leg, damaged his left calf, destroyed his right elbow and sent shrapnel throughout most of his body.
Evan underwent 26 surgeries following his injury. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. Evan applied the same calm determination he maintained in becoming a Marine to his recovery. His will to adapt and overcome continues to make him a warrior. As he says, “My body may break but my mind cannot.”
Evan would say he is not a hero because he was just doing his job. I think he’s a hero, and sometimes even heroes need help. This is why we are doing this event.
Evan is also on the cover of my book, "You. Are. Beautiful. Volume 01 – Portraits and Poems." I launched it in April, and it features 26 people I photographed for my project, veterans and beyond, across Boston and surrounding areas, Chicago and surrounding areas, Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco.
100% of net proceeds from the book go to charities that empower wounded vets and at-risk youth. The book is available at Lula’s Pantry in Rockport, Willow Rest in Gloucester and online at: http://ThiLinh.pixpasites.com.
I hope you are inspired by this work, and I hope you will pay this message forward. You are beautiful.
Sincerely,
Thi Linh Wernau, Rockport, MA
(All photos copyright Thi Linh Wernau and Thi Linh Photography)
Over 60 Fiesta Posts with more to come.
Could not be prouder of this group of contributors who work tirelessly to bring it to the locals and ex-patriots who have moved away but got to live Fiesta vicariously through our lenses.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- “I’ll take my group of dedicated Gloucester lovers over any other group ever assembled. We’ve got talent but way more than talent it’s the heart and LOVE for this place that makes them the best”
Thank you for your dedication to making GMG the best it can be, even more thank you for your friendship.
Thank you,
Your Boy Joey C
Ev Harlow and his band Roots 66 have agreed to open the free concert on the Boulevard beginning at 5pm on Wednesday 7/3. Their bluesy blend of roots, classic rock and Americana fits perfectly with the spirit of the day and will help us all get ready to celebrate our independence with music, dancing, parade, fireworks & a spectacular laser light show.
Then after the parade, and for the 6th year in a row, Carlos Menezes, Jr. will bring us music from Cape Ann Big Band and The Runaround Sound to Ringo Tarr’s Boulevard stage for a city-wide dance party by the Cut Bridge at the corner of the Boulevard and Centennial Ave (see map here). This free concert, presented by The Gloucester Fund and gimmesound.com, is only possible because of lots of hard work and generosity on the part of Ringo, his stage/event team and the musicians — all of whom donate their time and talent. Come down on Wednesday and show them some love!
Here’s the updated schedule:
5:00 Roots 66 kicks off the music
6:00 Music breaks for Horribles Parade
7:00 Cape Ann Big Band & The Runaround Sound after the parade
9:30 Fireworks over Gloucester Harbor
10:00 Spectacular LASER LIGHT SHOW by RK Lighting Design
Then dance with Runaround under the stars & the lasers until 11 P.M!
Hi Joey,
Here’s are a few snapshots from Action, Inc.’s inspiring annual meeting &
dinner last week at Gloucester House (excellent). Do yourself a favor and
go next year!
Tim Riley, Executive Director for Action, Inc. is the MC for the evening’s
festivities. He gives a great recap for the previous year. The evening
celebrates all that Action does; its entire staff and community, and all
partners and collaborators. This event also honors dedication and
professionalism. It’s so inspiring to be surrounded by people doing
incredible work, that like their jobs, and who are entirely humble-every
employee and each award recipient claimed it wasn’t them that should be up
there, but everyone else with them. Youth and hard work were applauded.
Stevi-Lyn Salafia, an Action Inc Home Health Aide graduate and HomeCare
employee compelled a standing ovation due to her moving testimony. The
other standing ovation of the evening was for Rita Carvalho, Energy
Director for Action, Inc., and her 30 years with Action. She’s in charge of
the utility company funding for energy programs which makes up more than
two-thirds of Action’s overall budget.
We were there with friends Nikki and Pat to be present for awards given in
my mom’s honor, a new addition to Action’s annual line up. We were pleased
to see Eva Agosto-Baez, Jason Burroughs and Jesse Roberts receive the first
three Carol Ryan scholarship awards for their achievements.
We were lucky to sit with Sander Schultz and his family. He’s an EMS
coordinator with Gloucester’s Fire Department. He received a public service
award along with Lt. John McCarthy from the Gloucester Police Dept for the
work they both do with Action as part of the High Risk Task Force – and
just for being generally awesome public servants! His smart and engaging
sons are helping out with the sailing program at the YMCA this summer. (We
had so many connections that I forgot to mention that my father’s dad was a
fire chief).
Special shout out to Action’s Director of Marketing & Planning, Jessica
Benedetto-Unger, for such a great event and her excellent design work.
Check out her agenda and any of the annual report booklets–they’re unique
and visually dynamic.
Kim Smith sells out Cape Ann Community Cinema with her riveting Butterfly movie and all anyone wants to talk about is this picture from the after-party.
Not less than 37 emails all asking if in fact that move in the background of Donna Ardizzoni’s picture by our boy John McElhenny was a flat out nose pick or not.
Honestly I don’t have a definitive answer so I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So sneaky with the hand curled and digging with the thumb. Interesting technique. Only a pro nose picker pulls this move off.
Leave it to McElhenny to steal Kim’s thunder.
See how stoic Kim and Fred are in this picture? I bet it’s because they know McElhenny is going to town picking his nose behind them and they’re saying to themselves “I hope Donna doesn’t post this picture of us with John McElhenny in the background picking his nose. It’s all anyone will talk about and the magnificence of my butterfly movie will be lost on the distraction created by John’s nose picking”
That McElhenny- always stealing the show. Diabolical move.
They don’t call him the best in the PR world for nothing.
Would I be surprised if he announces McElhenny PR Agency start up within the next week?
Hell no.
Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, John McElhenny. Always front and center in people’s consciousness. It’s what he does.
Don’t hate the PR Playa, Hate The PR Game. That’s what I always say.
There is something weird going on with the playback of this video. If you take the playhead and manually slide it to the beginning, the video will play more smoothly.
Fred Bodin submits-
Congrats Kim on Her Film Premier
Kim Smith gives a big hug to Lisa Smith, of Cape Ann TV.
Paul, Kim, Alicia,Donna and Joey. John and Adam in the background.
Kim Smith’s daughter Liv and Joey
RD sitting on my Bait Shop.
The debris field from Kim’s great party. 40+ wine glasses and lots of beer bottles.
“Youse guys got Italian subs ova there?” 🙂
Once again, the Gloucester Fund and gimmesound.com present a FREE CONCERT ON GLOUCESTER HARBOR featuring Cape Ann Big Band and Gloucester’s #1 Party band Runaround Sound, plus we have some surprise featured vocalists TBA.
Ringo Tarr, Gloucester’s hardest working behind-the-scenes organizer, has done it again. He’s bringing his stage to the Boulevard for a rousing celebration of our independence through music, parade, fireworks and one of the most powerful laser light shows in New England– Best of all, it’s all FREE thanks to Ringo’s hard work and the musicians’ generous spirit.
Here’s the schedule:
5:00 Music Begins (band TBA)
6:00 Music breaks for Horribles Parade
7:00 Cape Ann Big Band & Runaround after parade
9:30 Fireworks over Gloucester Harbor
10:00 Spectacular LASER LIGHT SHOW by RK Lighting Design
Then dance with Runaround under the stars & the lasers.
There’s nothing like dancing on the Boulevard to the Runaround Sound with RK’s lasers overhead. DON’T MISS IT! Here’s a video of Runaround at Capt. Carlos.
You can get into the party spirit with Runaround tonight at 9 at Minglewood Tavern. See Cape Ann’s complete weekend live music schedule here.
Good Morning Gloucester 