Category: Uncategorized

From Erika Hansen-

Joey,

This just in from Konbit Pou Ayiti/KONPAY (it means Working Together for Haiti), a local Haiti relief organization with a long history in Haiti and a Gloucester connection (My sister is the U.S. coordinator.).

Progress Report on Coordinated Rapid Response to Haiti Earthquake
January 18, 2010
Melinda Miles, Konbit Pou Ayiti/KONPAY – Working Together for Haiti

We have made substantial progress this weekend on finalizing logistics to get supplies and critical medical teams into Haiti and now have three points of entry to Haiti: direct to Jacmel (where KONPAY is based) via boat from the Dominican Republic (DR), direct to Port-au-Prince (PAP) over land from the DR, and to points north of PAP and the capital via Cap-Haitian and Santiago, DR (crossing at Dajabon-Ounaminthe).

Gathering and Getting Supplies into Haiti:

Several volunteers are currently following up interesting leads and appealing to companies for donations for the people on the ground. We are using an excellent medical supply wish list provided by the Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia, and from the ground we have highlighted several other key items to the donation list including: work gloves, tents, LED head lamps, walkie talkies, water purification filters and tablets, 3M particulate filter respirators, work masks and eye protection.

Amy Fotta has been volunteering through KONPAY and is in touch with Food for the Poor. They will be shipping supplies into Haiti on Royal Caribbean Cruise ships when they dock at the Labadee port. We hope to be able to help them transport supplies over land to PAP from the north and then to aid in distribution on the ground in PAP.

We are very close to securing some amazing material donations such as tarps, ropes and other necessities for some of the millions of Haitians sleeping outdoors right now. As it began to rain last night, five days after the earthquake, we were reminded of the sheer urgency of needs on the ground. It has been frustrating to see the days slipping by while we struggled to set up this response, but we are pleased to report that the points of entry have been established and the coordination is in place to begin mobilizing human and material resources into Haiti.

Visit KONPAY’s web site konpay.org to read Melinda Miles’ full report on progress made transporting teams and supplies into Haiti, the latest summary assessment for Jacmel from the UN in PAP and details of KONPAY’s headquarters and operations in Santo Domingo.

To donate,
http://www.razoo.com/story/Haiti-Earthquake-Emergency-Relief-Campaign
(There is a map of Haiti on this page)

Contact Elise Hansen, elise@konpay.org for more information or if you want to help.
Thank you so much!

I thought I would share some  diving pics on this wintry day. You don’t have to go to the Caribbean, look what’s in your own backyard!

Winter Sale at Seasons on Main

40% off
Clothing
Jewelry
Bras
Underwear
Nightwear
Gifts

25% off
The North Face

20% off
Spanx, Skincare, Townwear

Thanks!
Nancy

Just a tip for anyone looking for wireless access on the road or in Gloucester. Macdonalds used to charge $2.95 for two hours of access but now all Macdonalds will offer it free.

Can anyone report in if you get a signal while sitting in the drive thru line?

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com

The Arts Map – Connecting Artists and The Community

GET YOUR ART ON THE MAP: create account

Get your art “on the map!” Sign up now* and get a one year, no obligation listing absolutely FREE!

By filling in the following forms you can create a free account (no billing information is required) which will enable you to put your art, your studio, and/or your gallery “on the map.” You will have ongoing access to your account and you will be able to modify, update, or delete your information (or your entire account) at any time. https://www.theartsmap.com/account.php

Important Note: This website is in a BETA release. They are still working out some bugs. Please report any problems to info@theartsmap.com As they are in a beta release, they are offering a free year to people who sign up soon. You just need to use this coupon code to check out: FYFJAN

The Arts Map is a production of artist and IT program developer, Robin Colodzin and her business partner Jonathan Talbot. Thanks to them for a wonderful opportunity and service to the arts and cultural community!

I’ve registered and hope you will too. Put yourself on the map today and share the opportunity with others you may know to be listed also.

So many more have called and written in regard to our friend Sarah Hackett and the non-profit organization she founded, Haiti Projects. For friends who do not personally know Sarah, she is a woman of great vision and courage (and in her mid-80s!). Sarah is presently in Haiti, living in the rural mountainous area called Fond des Blancs, which is about 65 miles southwest from the epicenter of the earthquake. Sarah and the staff at Haiti Projects have survived, however they are very badly shaken and overwhelmed by yet another horrific tragedy that has befallen their country, family, and friends. Read Sarah’s emails, from Haiti, further below.

The goal of Sarah’s Haiti Projects is to help people help themselves.To do so, Haiti Projects developed five “arms” of self-help projects:

1) Cooperative d’Artisanat: A sewing and knitting cooperative that provides work and much needed cash for women.

2) Education Initiative: A tuition program to help poor families send their children to school.

3) Family Health Clinic: A clinic that offers planning services to those who wish to control their family’s size.

4) Library: A community library to encourage reading skills among local citizens.

5) RATRAP: (Rassemblement Travailleurs Paysan): A micro-lending program to help farmers borrow money for tools and raising animals.

My involvement with Haiti Projects began several years ago when Sarah hired me to design new linens and garments for the artisan co-operative. I was planning to travel to Haiti on January 29th through the 7th to work with the tailor and help with production of the new designs. And I was also traveling on assignment for a feature story about Sarah and Haiti Projects for Cape Ann Magazine. Of course all that is temporarily on hold. Many have asked what can they do to help. I urge you to go the Haiti Projects website at http://www.haitiprojects.org/ to learn more about this truly worthwhile organization. Donations* can be made through paypal (look for the Donate icon on their website) or sent to:

Haiti Projects Inc.

31 Leonard Street

Gloucester, MA 01930 USA

Please donate not only for the immediate crisis, but in order to support the long-term goals of Haiti Project’s mission. Any amount is helpful and greatly appreciated.

Sarah’s email from the first night after the earthquake: “It was quite an event. Never experienced anything like it before. I was walking down to my house and had not gone very far when the whole earth began to shake. All the motorcycles fell over, the gate shook and the ground just kept moving like jelly. We all threw ourselves on the ground and there were smaller tremors. Tison gave me a ride on his motorcycle to my house. There have been three after shocks. Everyone is shaken. The center of the damage seems to be in Port au Prince. We are fine here lots of aftershocks but the group (that was coming from Port au Prince) has just arrived safely, for which we are grateful. We hear that Port au Prince is terrible. The phones are not working but the Internet is. So while it is, I write to assure you all that I am safe and well.

Love, Sarah”

Sarah, the following day: “I am fine just still jittery. The artisanat is closed. Please say that when people ask what they can do, tell them to call their congressperson and tell them to get aid here right away. All they have to do is imagine if their house fell down in Boston and they just got out with the clothes on their back, what would such people need? Everything and right away!!!! We are quite cut off here as the phones don’t work but two people on motorcycles got through today so tomorrow a car is going to try. In the afternoon tomorrow there is a funeral for our driver’s 3 year old who was crushed in the rubble when the house collapsed in Port au Prince. And as I write the 8 students that St Boniface houses in a student house in Port au Prince have just arrived just with the clothes on their backs, having escaped as the house was collapsing. We here in the backcountry have not suffered except for the continuous news of loss and for the feelings of helplessness. Mostly we have the jitters still even after 24 hours and that is because the aftershocks have been frightening—strong and continuous. They say there have been as many as 40. Still a few. Sarah”

Look for Jonathan Phelp’s story about Sarah in Friday’s Gloucester Daily Times.

Thank you on behalf of Sarah and Haiti Projects for your concern and help. I will forward any future emails from Sarah.

Sincerely,

Kim

*Haiti Projects is a 501-(C)-(3) and all donations are tax deductible.

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com

Keep Updated.

Take GMG Wherever You GO!

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com

Because who doesn’t want a side of punani with their fish and chips right?

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com

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My advice- check out the blog and subscribe, just like GMG they bring you the best!

Upcoming Events: A Winter of Wine and Chocolate

Posted: January 12th,2010

With the arctic temps and frosty winds that have settled in, many of our friends are suffering from the post-holiday blues and have hunkered down for the winter. Happily, the next few weeks on the North Shore offer some great opportunities to lift your spirits and get out of the house.

First up, on January 14 at 6:30 pm, 10 Center Street in Newburyport will have wine expert Joyce Hulm, the regional manager of WJ Deutsch & Sons importer, and Craig Hanna, cellar master at Topper’s of Nantucket, on hand for the first of four wine dinners, this one focusing on wines of Sonoma. It’s a four-course meal, each course paired with a different wine, for $45 per person.

Sadly, January 15th sees the seasonal closing of Salem’s Lobster Shanty. Stop by to hoist a pint and give Diane and Lee your best. Sport your Shanty logo-wear any time this week and receive a 10% discount on your meal, and if you haven’t got any, shirts and hoodies will be discounted 20% until closing night. Never fear, the Shanty will reopen for business on April 1 (no foolin’).

On January 27, Finz in Salem will partner with Mercury Brewing Company for an Ipswich Beer Dinner. Four courses are paired with different beers for $35 per person. We’re thinking the Winter Ale float with fig ice cream and chocolate covered ginger snap sounds intriguing.

On January 30, though it’s a bit far afield for some, it’s likely worth the drive to Wine ConneXtion in North Andover for their first-ever saké tasting (kikishu) from 1:00-4:00. It will be hosted by local blogger Rich Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie, so we know it’ll be both fun and informative.

If you haven’t heard of Wine ConneXtion, it’s because they’re new on the scene, but we hear their selection is great and their prices extremely competitive. If saké is not your thing, you might want to check out The Grand Tasting on February 6 from 12:00 to 5:00. More than 50 wines to be poured, and food will be served.

Coming up February 4,Caffe Graziani in Salem is hosting an International Wine Dinner at 6:00 pm. A five-course dinner, it will feature their signature Italian cooking paired with five different wines from around the world for $75 per person.

Chocolate enthusiasts will be happy to hear about the next two events on the roster. On Thursday February 4 from 5:00 to 7:00, Whole Foods in Swampscott will be hosting a Chocolate Fest. There will be chocolate demonstrations and many samples available from 16 chocolate experts representing a variety of artisan chocolatiers, including locals like Dan’s and Taza Chocolate. The tasting will feature live jazz music and a chocolate fountain as well.

Salem pulls out all the stops February 5 to 14 with its yearlySalem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival, which features a fabulous Chocolate and Wine Tasting in Hamilton Hall on February 5 at 6:30 pm. Details on the festival are still unfolding, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

One last note: Sunday dining seems to be a hot topic these days. Corey over at Downtown Lynn tells us that The Blue Ox has announced they will now be open for dinner on Sundays, and there is a lot of buzz about Sixty2 onWharf’s new Jazz Supper Club on Sundays from 6:00 to 9:00.

So cheer up, stay warm, and eat well. Spring is only….well, never mind.

• 

from Kristin Michel-
Here is a link to the article in the Beacon about Cherylann Parker – Principal of Veterans’ Memorial School in Gloucester

http://www.wickedlocal.com/gloucester/news/education/x1377002261/Principal-Cherylann-Parker-faces-new-life-after-disastrous-fall-from-horse

http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com

Spring Fling Craft Fair
fundraiser fair to benefit
Cherylann Parker
Date March 20,2010 from 10:00am-4:00pm
at O’Maley Middle School
32 Cherry St. Gloucester Ma
Table space is $50.00 (proceeds towards a wheelchair van)
Contact Ann Caulton at either annac34 or acaulton, or phone 978-281-5871

Please pass this on to your email contacts