My View of Life on the Dock
WHO: All members of the Cape Ann Community wishing to support Grace Center, Inc.
WHEN: Saturday, March 23 – Registration between 6:00-7:00 p.m. March begins at 7:15 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at Gloucester High School to join others as we march to Stacey Boulevard and then return to Gloucester High School.
WHY: To raise visibility and awareness for the Grace Center, a day resource center to help those in crisis.
www.gracecenterinc.org www.facebook.com/GraceCenter @GraceCenterInc
The Mass Cultural Council came to G-Town to listen to and observe what makes Gloucester so special. There are no other towns that have more than one Cultural District. Gloucester already has Rocky Neck. If approved for Downtown Gloucester, Gloucester would stand as the only City with more than one Massachusetts Cultural District.
When sitting in the room and listening to the distinguished assembly of community people that showed up it was obvious about 10 minutes in that honestly Gloucester deserves this in spades. There is no where anywhere that is as culturally diverse, enriched and vibrant as our community.
All the people had to do was speak the truth. It wasn’t about selling Downtown Gloucester. Downtown Gloucester, it’s merchants, it’s artists, its community and artistic organizations sell itself.
You’d have to be deaf, dumb and blind to not see it and I can assure you the representatives of the Mass Cultural Council that visited, Anita Walker, Meri Jenkins, Kylie Sullivan and Maren Brown are anything but deaf dumb and blind.
Huge thanks to the Downtown GloucesterCultural District Steering Committee Catherine Ryan, Lise Breen, Judith Hoglander, Robert Whitmarsh, Anne Robinson, Ronda Faloon, Maggie Rosa and David Rhinelander for laying so much of the groundwork to make this meeting possible and also to Fred Bodin for hosting this momentous event at his Bodin Historic Photo Gallery.
Melissa I love my new scarf. You rock!
STEP AWAY FROM THE CANNOLI – PUT YOUR ARMS UP AND STEP AWAY FROM THE CANOLLI!
Lisa Smith is a producer, director, editor, videographer, teacher, etc. at Cape Ann TV. Lisa and Andrew Love taught Robert Sherman, producer of the new Birding Show, everything he needed to know to get his project off the ground. Lisa also directs most of the Local Music Seen with Allen Estes shows that Vickie and I co-produce with Allen (see clips from some of those shows here) including the show featuring Boston rock star Charlie Farren that premieres tonight at 6:30pm (more about that show here).
It’s a great deal. For $20 a year, Lisa and Andrew will teach you everything you need to know about video production. Plus you get the use of their studio (where we tape Local Music Seen) and equipment. (We took their equipment on the road last year for Mardi Gras at Minglewood w/ Henri Smith & Charles Neville and then for the GHS Docksiders.)
Recently Lisa shot some blizzard video and put together a wonderful dreamy piece that just makes you feel OK about all the snow and grateful to live here. Check it out:
The home page of today’s New York Times website features a story on Gloucester’s big debate about what to do with our waterfront (see story here).
Mayor Kirk is quoted a number of times promoting her vision of our port supporting both fishing and marine science, saying some of the $150 million Congress might appropriate should be used for “Programs that might attract those other uses that allow you to maintain a smaller fleet, and maintain an infrastructure for that fleet, and sit side by side.”
Everybody who’s seriously working on attracting marine science to Gloucester knows we need more than a port. We also need a thriving cultural economy in order to attract the workers that power marine science. Most of these workers are young, single PhDs who work very long hours and want to go out after work — and on weekends — for food, drink and music. They want to feel surrounded by culture. These people think they want to live in Cambridge. What they may not know is that Gloucester has a burgeoning cultural economy. Just look at all the live music available this weekend — and it’s supposed to be the dead of winter!
We’ve got momentum. But in order to grow a sustainable economy for Gloucester’s long-term, we have to grow our cultural economy a lot more. That’s where you come in. Think of Gloucester FIRST when planning what to do at night and on weekends. Not sure where to eat? Check out this HUGE list of restaurants. Check the live music schedule. You’ll likely find music for every taste. Want to enrich your life and the lives of your kids? Check out this impressive list of galleries, studios, museums, theatres, etc. Think you need to drive to the mall? STOP! Check this out and think again.
The secret to growing our cultural economy without losing our soul is to honor our past and embrace our future. That’s precisely what Fred Bodin does. His store honors our past by helping to keep the core of our history and culture alive. And now, he’s taken to filming the future. Here he is filming Jon Butcher with Dave Brown, Dave Mattacks and Wolf Ginandes at Jalapenos on Tuesday singing Sam Cooke’s classic Change is Gonna Come — how perfect it that! Boston rock star Jon Butcher moved to Gloucester. Let’s get out and support his decision, prove him right, boost our cultural economy and — most importantly — have a blast doing it!
On March 3, 2013, we will be joining over 85 clubs across New England hosting the American Cancer Society’s 9th annual Pedal to End Cancer event. In the last eight years, Pedal to End Cancer has raised over $2.2 million to benefit the American Cancer Society’s programs of cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.
I hope that you will support our effort with a donation – making a financial contribution, or an in-kind donation of a product or service that we can either use in our raffle, award to one of our top fundraisers, or simply distribute to all of our participants.
Approximately 60 people are registered to participate at our club location. Every participant has his/her own reason for joining us as we pedal towards a world with more birthdays. Some have watched a love one battle the disease, while others have struggled with it themselves. Whatever their reason for participating, each is working to raise funds for a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
We want to show our support to those who work tirelessly to raise the funds that are vital to a mission that is important to all of us. The American Cancer Society is fighting to save more birthdays but they can’t do it alone. I do hope you’ll consider sponsoring our event and helping us in the fight against cancer!
Sincerely,
Lindsay Mzaouakk
Group Fitness Director and Volunteer Club Manager, American Cancer Society Pedal to End Cancer
Manchester Athletic Club
(978) 526-8900 Ext. 358
(978) 525-6140 Fax
www.manchesterathleticclub.com
Dave says,
After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, mahout driver Fred has ordained that the Blues Bash™ shall be forthwith changing our startup time. We’re going for 8 pm to 11 pm all thru the winter. Forget 9 to 12! that’s for youngsters! We’re going for the formaldehyde crowd! But, seriously, folks, a lot of you have struggled to stay awake long enough to force yourselves to go out at nite. I’m the same way. But, if I can do it…..I’m actually excited about this. Many of our loyal fans have been quick to point out that there’s a lag from the time the wake ends till we start, so, this’ll give you a chance to clear the decks. Besides, it’s Valentine’s Day. Bring you insignificant other and clamp down on her heart! Damn, this martini is good….
So, let’s party! This Thursday brings up the rather large matter of Mr. Steve Sadler, one of my personal favorites. Guit-slinger, vocalist and recreational anesthesiologist, you’re sure to find something fabulous in his smood stylings. Not only that, but the electrifying Mr. Jim Scoppa is going to materialize, too. For many years the slashing guitarist for T.H.and The Wreckage, this cat has sharp claws that will open your pineal gland faster than you can say,”What, me worry?” Unfortunately, our chosen drummer, who shall remain nameless, has been rushed to the hospital for emergency cosmetic weenis surgery. Prognosis is good, but a suitable replacement is under my grow lite, and should be firm by Thursday.
Facebook photo – edited
Stever Sadler with Jamie Walker at The Emerson Umbrella, Concord, MA Sept 2010
To re-iterate: NEW HOURS AT RHUMB LINE ON THURSDAYS ARE 8 TO 11. Please come and enjoy. Your feedback is always welcome.
Today is MARDI GRAS. Check out what’s going on in New Orleans here.
Until four years ago, Mardi Gras in Gloucester was, for most of us, little more than another Tuesday in the dead of Winter. But when local YMCAs began taking teens to New Orleans on a service learning trip during April vacation to help rebuild the City, the YMCA MARDI GRAS BENEFIT was born. Last year they sold out Minglewood Tavern for a Mardi Gras concert featuring local New Orleans transplant, Henri Smith with Grammy-winning saxophonist Charles Neville (of the Neville Brothers).
This year, Latitude 43 and Minglewood Tavern are donating 10% of all food and beverage revenue from the entire day and night (starting at 11:30am RIGHT NOW!) to the YMCA trip. And The Runaround Sound has generously donated their performance at Minglewood Tavern tonight so we can have a Mardi Gras party in snowbound Gloucester! Here’s The Runaround Sound at the Middle East:
If you’re wondering what happened to the Henri Smith/Charles Neville concert — don’t worry, it’s been rescheduled for April 6 at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly (get tickets here).
Rick and I walked to the beach and ran into this person. Do you know who would have shorts and flip flops on with over two feet of snow around?
Thank you Kim Smith for the beautiful tulips.
I guarantee that you’ll be glad you watched this video. 100% Guarantee.
and if you’ve got a snoooty, spoiled, whiny, privileged child who complains because they’re too fat or too skinny or because they have zits, have them watch this too.
Best thing I’ve seen on the internet in a long while.
Thank you to Bill O’Connor btw who helped me out big time this week.
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/fatboy-cichlid-debbie-clarke.html
http://debbieclarke.blogspot.com/
Sean retires from lobstering to enlist in the Navy
A little bit of sunshine will be leaving along with Sean. Always positive always funny.
We will miss you buddy.
Remember- The Backbone of this country is…..
Long before there were run-ins with Buddhists there was jock strap diving.
Always willing to try new things, Sean takes on a new look.
What’s next on Sean’s hit parade? Stay Tuned.
Here’s a video we took a while back in which Sean wins a bet
Youth and Energy With A Dash Of Crazy.
Sean Is A Sick Monkey, originally uploaded by captjoe06.
Martin writes-
Gloucester residents Calvin Del Vecchio (9) and Treely Dowd (8) decided that they didn’t need any presents at their joint Ninja birthday party. Instead, they asked each guest to bring a small donation for The Open Door.
They raised a total of $87, which they presented to Julie LaFontaine, Executive Director of The Open Door. She said, "Donations like this touch the heart and inspire us all to give what we can to help make a difference in our community."
Dear Joey,
I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all the people who made our wedding day a beautiful success. We are grateful for not only the presence of our family and friends, but the people who worked ‘behind the scenes’ to make it a special day. They include:
Stacey Dexter and the staff of the Elks at Bass Rocks
Vinwood Catering
Barbara and Al Boudreau Jazz Band
Kathy Sullivan and Jo-Ann Figuerido from Shear Madness Hair Salon
Melissa Rezza, Flower Coordinator
Kim Smith, photographer (from GMG!)
Joey Ciaramitaro and GMG for referring us to local folks for help
Jackie and Michael Defalco & Kristine and Rick Fisher for fabulous decorations
Scottie Mac, DJ, host
Richard Perry, Justice of the Peace
The Blue Shutter Inn for hosting our families and friends
You can click on the link to see more wedding pictures, mostly the wonderful work of Kim Smith. In the pictures you’ll see fellow GMG contributor Donna Ardizzoni and of course, other Gloucester folks!
Thank you everyone!
Terry (Weber) and Chris Mangos
Sefatia writes-
Good afternoon Friends,
You may receive this more than once so I am apologizing now for the duplicate email and for those who may not live in Gloucester pass it on, please spread the word.
We are doing a Clothing Drive, household items drive even furniture, this is a community project if you want to donate gifts cards please send them to Fire Victims c/o Jackie Hardy 29 Cherry Street Gloucester MA 01930
Gifts of money checks can be made out to the Gloucester Fund on memo line of check please put fire victims Perkins St. 45 Middle Street Gloucester MA 01930
We will be holding the drive Tuesday & Wednesday 10-2 both days on Wednesday 4:30 -6:30 at Cruiseport Is the drop off place on the side entrance down the driveway.
Thursday we will have the families come and go thru and take what ever they want anything left over we will give to the Second Glance on Pond Rd.
Second Glance has given to so many, Action Shelter, fire victims and so many in need, they give free of charge to these occasions of need, Thank you Second Glance and why can they do this because of your donations. Thank you friends
Did you know that Second Glance will pick up furniture free Monday thru Thursday just call them 978-283-4298 so if you have anything you want to donate please drop it off
Clothing sizes women’s medium and small
Toddlers size boys 3&5 boys size 7
Infant girl size 12-18 months
Mens medium & XL
All items accepted, but large household items please call Second Glance,
we will need diapers, wipes, bottles, silverware, lamps, blankets, dishes pots & pans etc.
And the good thing nothing will go to waste..Any one can go to Second Glance Thank you once again
warmest regards
Jackie Hardy, Sefatia Romeo Theken, Melissa Cox/ residents of Gloucester not a city council project
special thank you to Dawn Alves, Sue & Richard Canning, and Sheree DiLorenzo, Gloucester Fund and Second Glance
5 Questions With Linn Parisi- @DscvrGlstr
What are your duties at your job and do you use twitter as a tool for your job?
Although what I do is like having two full time jobs, I don’t really have a "job" with Discover Gloucester. I’m in an unpaid position, as everyone involved with Discover Gloucester is. Crazy, huh?!
Some of the work I’ve taken on for the past 5.5 years includes attending trade shows and sales missions to meet with wholesale buyers of travel; attending tourism-related meetings, seminars, etc. around the State; planning out the marketing initiatives that Discover Gloucester takes on i.e. the Visitor Guide (working on our 5th!), our new website, the new Seafood Trail, co-operative advertising and co-operative booth sharing at area consumer shows, and way more than you want me to list here. No wonder I’m tired!
I do use Twitter- a lot- in the outreach work I do to get more visitors to come here. I only Tweet for Discover Gloucester, not personally. Some would say- as they did at yesterday’s Discover Gloucester Annual Meeting- that I Tweet to the degree that I talk, lol. Can you imagine if I Tweeted personally?!
Why do you think you are follow worthy on Twitter?
I don’t outright sell when I tweet. I try to get interesting, quirky Gloucester/Rockport/Essex tidbits & images out there that will entice & inform the readers so maybe they’ll want to take a look at us as a destination. Or not. Sometimes I post something just because it’s interesting/entertaining to me, and I figure it might be to someone else, too. I make my Tweets conversational- not business-like. Ryan Pinkham (whom I remember as a Kindergartner on up through Beeman School 🙂 had a fab post today re: the importance of the human and human-ness behind the Tweet. I completely agree. It’s all about the back and forth of a conversation.
What types of tweets or twitter user drive you up a wall?
Posting a facebook link, by itself, makes me wonder why they bothered to link fb to Twitter. Tweets with no reference to what or where the event is make me crazy, like "Two-fer deal going on at Larry’s!" Who is Larry; where is Larry; and what’s Larry’s deal- and why should we care?
Who are some of your favorite twitter users?
@Joey_C (duh)
Do you have a website you would like to promote?
DiscoverGloucester.com will be up and happening before we’re into the new tourism season. How’s that for vague?
I knew the Dodgeball rosters would get filled quickly and we would round out the 20 team brackets in a day or so.
Even though Ryan and Wood didn’t get a team submitted this year Bobby Ryan emailed to tell me that he still wanted to help sponsor the 2013 GMG/Farm Bar and Grill Bikini Speedo Dodgeball Tournament at Camp Spindrift.
That’s what you call being a community organization. that’s what you call class.
Ryan and Wood Beauport Vodka, Knockabout Gin, Folly Cove Rum. If you’re not drinking the highest quality spirits made locally or anywhere you’re doing a major disservice to your liver.
Check Out Their Live Distillery Cam-
Good Morning Gloucester 