My View of Life on the Dock
Jo-Ann Castano- the godmother of Gloucester community internet wrote me a note this morning to tell me that she nominated GMG as the Most Valuable Boston Blog.
She nominated us here- http://boston.cbslocal.com/most-valuable-blogger/
It’s quite an honor just to be mentioned by someone I respect as much as Jo-Ann after everything she has done for our community.
Thanks Jo!
The Burnham’s Field Gardener Series
Burnham’s Field is the largest green space in central Gloucester. There’s been a resurgence of pride in Burnham’s Field, including a new 20-plot garden. GoodMorningGloucester is running a series of video profiles of the Burnham’s Field Community Gardeners. Here are their stories.
By John McElhenny
Burnham’s Field Gardeners – Kathy Hegarty of St. Ann School
Kathy Hegarty is a 5th grade teacher at St. Ann School, across Pleasant Street from the Burnham’s Field Community Garden. St. Ann students have a plot in the garden, which they visit almost every day to see how their plants are doing and learn where the food they eat comes from. “A hundred children have had their hands in this dirt,” Hegarty says. “It’s really making quite an impression and developing some lifelong gardeners.”
St. Ann School students around their garden plot at the Burnham’s Field Community Garden.
GMG bumpa sticka end of Day 2 with Gloucester walker Liz Dooley
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Bob and Dave have moved their eclectic vintage stuff and classic bike shop to the bottom floor of the Beacon Marine Basin.
While visiting Bob and Dave Bob let me know they were featured on the cover of the “I Love My Bike Book” that’s them in the bottom right portion of the cover posing at the Eastern Point Lighthouse-
Here is a little about the “I Love My Bike” book from it’s authors on it’s website–
Matt and I love everything about bicycles. Our excitement for all things cycling is only surpassed by the great friends that we have met along the way. It is with this sentiment that we set out on a journey to find people with strong bonds to their bikes and cycling community to be a part of a photo book.
Last fall, we began photographing our cycling friends around Boston, and taking short treks to New Hampshire, New York City, and Philadelphia to track down people riding their bikes. We met so many great people on these first trips. Almost everyone we stopped and asked to be photographed with his or her bicycle answered, “I love my bike!” Every person that we shot gave us the names of at least two of their cycling-obsessed friends that we should include in the book, and before we knew it, we started getting more emails than we could handle from bicycle-lovers all over the world.
With the help of friends, old and new, and some very gracious sponsors, The Ace Hotel, Open Bicycle, and Print Brigade, we have been fortunate enough to have the means to travel to big cities and little towns to find fellow purveyors of humankind’s greatest invention: the bicycle.
Along our travels, Matt and I have had the tremendous pleasure of being in the company of so many people of great importance to their respective cycling cultures—many of whom are our personal heroes– but they stand side by side with a community of people who are, quite simply, bicycle enthusiasts like us.
The book that we are creating is not about a singular style of bike or type of cycling, but rather about all of us in a grand kinship of bicycles. We want to capture the strength, will power, and grit as well as the creativity, sense of humor, and whimsy of riding a bike.
Matt and I have had so much fun meeting cyclists of all ages and backgrounds, and also taking in a few solitary moments with the landscape of the places we have traveled to. Our sincerest thanks to all of the bicycling folks that we have met along the way.
If anyone is interested in being a part of the book, we would love to meet or go for a ride!
Brittain and Matt
Here is a video about the project featuring it’s authors.
Find out at Mug-Up 10:00AM 77 Rocky Neck Ave. Madfish Wharf The Khan Studio Good Morning Gloucester Gallery Coffee-Pastry (feel free to bring something)- and Ed.
Should be a great turn out this morning.
Rubber Duck took her kids to the bonfire the day before:
And  Les Bartlett posted this unbelievable next morning shot on his website:
Be sure to click through the photo to go to Les’s “Follow The Gleam” website and see the larger slideshow of the morning after the bonfire as well as his amazing series on granite and quarries. In the embers slideshow, third photo in, may be the elusive green flash. The heat from a bonfire might assist the presence of a green flash.
Try and line up the sun, the breakwater, the boat, the embers, oh, and cue perfect sunrise. It is shots like this that make you just roll over and go back to sleep and let someone who knows what they are doing take the shot.
By the way, has anyone seen Rubber Duck? Haven’t seen her since the bonfire. I hope she isn’t a little rubber puddle down at Back Beach.
The Cape Ann Military Family Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Major Fred W. Rito Veterans Center, 12 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester. They provide support to Cape Ann families and friends who have family and friends serving in the military. All are welcome to attend.
On Thursday, July 7 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., members of the Cape Ann Family Support Group will be in the CafĂ© at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester.
Please stop by and visit their informational table.
During the month of June, items will be collected for our military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Items that are needed include:
Energy bars
Hard candy
Gum
Granola Bars
Pretzels, Pringles
Cookies
Canned nuts
Powdered Drink Mixes, such as Gatorade, Lemonade, Kool-Aid, Ice-Tea mix, etc.
Micro-wave popcorn
Beef Jerky
Items may be brought to the main entrance of the Addison Gilbert Hospital during the month of June. These items will be provided to The Cape Ann Military Family Support Group who will be making up care packages to our local soldiers serving.
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Am I missing Something Here?
Just my thoughts on this July 4th.
I read where America was built by Immigrants. Of course it was. No matter what our Ancestry we are all Immigrants.
I see the police notes of the communities around us with a number of Aliens (not the legal ones) breaking the laws of our country. I really can’t blame them for wanting to be part of our GREAT Country. From what I hear there’s no place like it! But!, do it legally! and obey our Laws!
Now I have myself wondering if I’m Legal! Gotta check that out before I post this.
I’m friends with two people. As much as I can be friends with anyone. Neta Goren and Shahar Bram. I met them when I did a post for Neta’s Rockport Art Show. These are two people who would be a very welcomed part of our Island community. Due to the Laws of the USA, They are not able to spend their FULL TIME here. Not sure what could be done for them to help out. I guess you have to be connected to some politician. I’m sure they’ll make it here. They just have to get thru all the paper work like any other LEGAL Immigrant. Which takes a lot of time. Here’s an example of Netas and Shahars Work. I hope they don’t mind my Fourth of July Rant!
Drawing by Neta Goren. Poem by Shahar Bram
Check out more here; http://netasartblog.blogspot.com/
http://partialanswers.huji.ac.il/authors.asp?id=73
The 2011 Horribles Parade is in the books and the complete list of thank-yous will be coming along with videos from the beginning stages of building the GMG Float right on through to the award ceremony along with more comprehensive photos of the entire crew from Manny Simoes and David Cox.
If you see any of our sponsors around town extend my gratitude for their support and congratulate them on our Bringing home the Judge’s Choice Award!- Peter and Vickie VanNess from GimmeSound, The Borge’s At The Lone Gull , Eric at Passports and Ed Collard’s House Doctors Handyman Services.
There’s not much more fun that you can have than walk with your family and friends in the greatest parade of them all, The Fishtown Horribles Parade!
Our man Craig Kimberley got some incredible footage along the parade route which will take some time to edit down but he tells me we will have a short video trailer some time today and the longer more comprehensive version later on.
Sista Felicia on lead once again proves why she’s the best at what she does and that’s why I have complete confidence in her.
I had zero to do with the construction of the Float, all the thanks go to the following people-
Huge thanks to our builders-
Bro-In Law Barry, Sista Felicia, Ed Collard, Jeremy Frost Construction, our mother “Mammaw”, Next Door Neighbor Dianna (whose last name I’d never get right in a million years) Frank, Joey and Mikayla Ciolino,Taylor Frost and Amandacakes and BJ. Paulie Walnuts printed up the limited run t-Shirts and Greg Harris’ Briarwood Landscaping provided us with the trailer. Frank and Joey Ciolino did the truck detailing. Will Hunt donated the PA system.
All our GMG peeps who showed up to walk and bring the energy including our title sponsor Vickie Van Ness and Johnny on the Sound system. Ed Collard was a man possessed on sticker duty. Mammaw who tried to make sure the kids who were out of reach for candy still got some along the route. The Ryan clan- Patrick J-WOW, Molly and Emma who showed up and worked the crowd along with a roller skating Paul Morrison!
Our Squirt Gunners Connor and Kyle Frost,Seth Murray and BJ (Beasley). Danny Powers and Sarah Francis,Lexi Orlando, Caroline Murray and Emma powers along with Amandacakes and Snoop Maddie Mad on Candy Patrol. Manny Simoes and David Cox for capturing it in pictures (which we will see in future postings).
Our lobsters- Lanie and Skyler Noble and The Bean.  Our Homies- Vickie and Johnny Van Ness, Emma Powers and Deanna (Whose last name I’ll never get right in a million years).  Our mermaids, Emma and Molly Ryan, Taylor Frost.
And how bout that Craig Kimberly on video duty who goy a ton of footage with multiple cameras of the community along the parade route!
We had lobsters, we had mermaids, we had homies, but most of all we had each other to share and make even more new memories in the community we love.
You guys are the best!
The Boss
(much better pictures than I took will be coming all week long from the parade route)
The float would not be what it was without our awesome community minded businesses who helped with the dough to make it possible-
gimmesound.com — local live music listings. Find every live music show in Gloucester and Cape Ann — listen to music on-line & download — all for free.
The Lone Gull is a family owned coffeehouse located on Main Street in historic downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our ideal location makes us a great place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, to chat with friends, or to have a business meeting. We offer free wi-fi to our customers, extremely comfortable couches and chairs, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The picture above this text is as much as Sista Felicia will let me show you as there have already been reports of spies in and around GMG float building headquarters.
The team has been working around the clock and I can safely say this is their best effort yet. Can’t wait to see all of you along the parade route and if we haven’t met please be sure to introduce yourself and cheer on the GMG float. We will have limited amount of GMG stickers version 5.0 so if you don’t have one come ask me for one (thanks Frank Ciolino and Shew for producing them and Beth Swan for designing them) also Candy Galore (175lbs worth) to pass out.
The kids are fired up and the adults are exhausted but the results are astounding.
Listen for the all Gloucester Soundtrack which was put together by Gloucester Based Peter and Vickie Van Ness’ www.gimmesound.com and features- Allen Estes, Bandit Kings, Bingo Fridays, Chelsea Berry, Dan King, Earl & Arch, Erinn Brown, Everybody’s Neil, Fly Amero, Gary Shane, Henri Smith, Hoodoo Revelator, Inge Berge, Karen Ristuben, Lisa Landy, Michael O’Leary, Mile 21, Pete Lindberg, Runaround Sound, Satch Kerans, Tod Ellyson, Tony Hilliard, Will Hunt, Willie Alexander
Huge thanks to our builders-
Bro-In Law Barry, Sista Felicia, Ed Collard, Jeremy Frost Construction, our mother “Mammaw”, and Amandacakes and BJ. Paulie Walnuts will be printing up the limited run t-Shirts and Greg Harris’ Briarwood Landscaping is providing us with the trailer. Frank and Joey Ciolino are doing the truck detailing. Will Hunt is donating the PA system.
Also, the float would not be what it is without our awesome community minded businesses who helped with the dough to make it possible-
gimmesound.com — local live music listings. Find every live music show in Gloucester and Cape Ann — listen to music on-line & download — all for free.
The Lone Gull is a family owned coffeehouse located on Main Street in historic downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our ideal location makes us a great place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, to chat with friends, or to have a business meeting. We offer free wi-fi to our customers, extremely comfortable couches and chairs, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Gloucester Horribles Parade Route 6:00PM Start:
Start at Gloucester High School
Leslie O. Johnson Road
Centennial Avenue
Western Blvd.
Rogers Street
Manuel F. Lewis Street
Main Street
Pleasant Street
Prospect Street
Railroad Avenue
Washington Street
Centennial Avenue
Emerson Avenue
Lincoln Avenue
Blynman Avenue
End at Gloucester High School
Gloucester MA Fireworks Start at 9:30PM
I wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your website. My husband and I spend about ten days in Rockport every summer. This year we were fortunate enough to spend the last two months in Rockport for my sabbatical. I read about GMG in an article in the Cape Ann Guide and subscribed to the site. We discovered wonderful things to do – the walking tour of the working harbor, sushi night at Lat 43, St. Peter’s Fiesta, yard sales, art galleries – and learned a lot in general about the people who live and work in the area.
We’re returning to NY this week and back to our workaday lives. I hope we’ll be back next summer for our usual visit. And I’ll resubscribe when we return.
You are truly fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Marian Freed
It is with immense sadness that I to inform you that Harriet Webster, our Executive Director, died yesterday of complications from myelodysplastic syndrome.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Charlie, her sons David, Matt and Ben and all of her family during this difficult time.
In the fall of 2001, when it was clear that she was not going to be our next
Mayor, I went to her with a job offer and the concept of a maritime center at Harbor Loop. In early 2002 Harriet agreed to join us, and nothing changed the course of events more than her decision. For almost ten years Harriet was the rock that anchored what has become the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. Right from the start Harriet was the person to go to for almost every detail of operations from when the tent would go up to negotiating a complicated loan with Mass Development. As one of the people who worked closest with her I watched as the Center grew and she stepped up and met every challenge with enthusiasm and the talent to ensure that it would be done well. Harriet Webster was a one-of-a-kind person who made the Heritage Center a reality by sheer dint of her will.
A group of board members and staff met this morning to try and figure what to do next. The idea of writing a job description to cover her position was discarded as impossible. Harriet’s unique abilities will never be replaced in any one individual. It was fate that brought us together ten years ago and now it will be our job to carry on without her if for no other reason, because of her.
Later in the summer there will be a celebration of her life at the Heritage Center. I will make sure everyone is notified.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey H. Richon, President
Back in March Harriett filled out one of our GMG Gloucester Questionnaires
This is what she had to say about her favorite things in Gloucester-
Harriet is the Executive Director at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center.
How long have you lived in Gloucester?  41 years
What is your favorite season In Gloucester? spring (it may be cold and muddy but if offers so much promise)
Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”? the rocks overlooking Halibut Point, Dogtown walks
What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester? Virgilio’s
What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester? Passports
What is your favorite bar in Gloucester? Halibut Point
What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester? Morning Glory
What is your favorite local event in Gloucester? Gloucester Maritime Heritage Day
In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat? beach
Who is your favorite local artist? Jeff Weaver
Which is your favorite local beach? Good Harbor
Who has the best chowder in town? Causeway Restaurant
Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog? Yours is the only one I look at.
Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder? Haddock
What is your favorite Gloucester neighborhood? Lanesville
What is your favorite local band? Walker Creek
Frank Ciolino, half of the team that makes “Da Sticka” with FOB Shewsberry banged out a personal best 4 hours and 36 minutes in the Fiesta 5K
Unfortunately shortly after this photo was taken by Ed Collard the Boys in Blue spotted Frank on the new homeland security cameras and he spent the night in jail for crimes committed back when he was running with Whitey.
Relay for Life of Cape Ann Addison Gilbert Oncology nurse, Lisa Zellenka, RN, OCN, takes a break at this year’s Relay for Life of Cape Ann held last weekend to benefit the American Cancer Society. Throughout the year, Lisa and her entire family (ages 6-66) provide fund-raising opportunities through their team "Heaven Can Wait." Joining them were many other teams made up of family and friends to make the Ninth Annual Relay for Life of Cape Ann another successful event.
Teams were made up of six-15 members and the Relay began at 6 p.m. at Newell Stadium located at Gloucester High School. One member of each team remained walking the track from 6 p.m. June 17 until 9 a.m. on June 18. Following a survivors walk at 6 p.m., music, food and friendship were just part of this special evening. A luminarian ceremony took place at 9 p.m. listing all those being honored and remembered.
Will Rich (grew up in Bayview) and Mike Simpson are now paddleboarding from Key West, Florida, to Portland, Maine to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project and SUP Cleanup.
Yesterday They Landed Here in Gloucester MA to a Hero’s Welcome and GMG Was There To Bring You’re Their Story.
Our Video Interview-
Pictures-
The boys finally landed in Gloucester MA and we were there to cover it-
Joey’s Photos-
Family Reunion
Mike Enjoys One Of Ambie’s Sausage Sandwiches
Charles de Gaspe Beaubien Photos-
Greeted By Cape Ann SUP Contingency-
Hitting Pavilion-
Reunion Time-
Donna Ardizzoni Photos-
Donna Ardizzoni Video-
Thanks Donna, Charles, Paul and Ed For The Awesome Coverage!
Dale Rosen writes-
Joey: Here’s my friend Liz Casey on her 60th birthday having fun at Good Harbor Beach. The lifeguards were wonderful. They transported her from her wheelchair to the beach chair and then Liz and her friends were off. This is what Liz (who has MS) wanted most for her birthday and Gloucester gave it to her! Thank you Gloucester.
Dale Rosen
Good Morning Gloucester 