Category: Uncategorized

View From The Cupola At The Blue Sky Farm

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Here’s the view from way up in the cupola looking toward 133 and the plaza which houses the Blue Marlin Grille.

View From The Cupola At The Blue Sky Farm, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

 

View From The Cupola At The Blue Sky Farm In Essex, Ma

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Here is the view of the Essex River from the tippity top of the cupola at The Blue Sky Farm in Essex which I’ve been chronicling since the construction began last July.  The pads for the windmill look tiny in the first picture to give you an idea of how high up it is.   Look for the first part of my interview with John Donovan, the man behind Blue Sky Farm at 2:00PM    To see the slide show of the construction from frame to it’s present state click this text.

View From The Cupola At The Blue Sky Farm In Essex, Ma, originally uploaded by captjoe06.


Home Price Article From the Wall Street Journal and GMG House Price Poll

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Good Egg and Big Time Gloucester Businesswoman Ruth Pino forwarded  this article to me-

click the highlighted text below for the full article

Home Prices Sink Again, but Pace Is a Bit Slower Drop of 18.6% for February Is Widespread, With Half of Markets Posting Steeper Declines Than in the Previous Month

By SUDEEP REDDY Home prices fell sharply in February, but for the first time in 16 months the annual pace of deterioration slowed. The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index measuring home prices across 20 major cities declined 18.6% in February from a year earlier. That marked a slight improvement from January’s 19% annual decline, but half of the cities posted deeper declines than in prior months. On a monthly basis, home prices fell 2.2% from January.

I wonder if interest rates crept up if things would get seriously ugly around here.

I’m shocked that there hasn’t been a big woosh down but it seems like the big time problem areas in the country are the places where there was a ton of open land to build on and the low interest rates fueled an explosion in supply of new homes.

It will be interesting to see what comes next.

I keep hearing of more and more layoffs but hardly see anyone losing their homes.

Either the banks are keeping the foreclosures a great big secret or they just arent happening as rapidly as I would have thought with all the job losses.

I have no idea how a young family affords a house and health insurance these days.

What do you think will happen with local home prices?

Cast List for “In Harm’s Way”

Posted on by Sharon

IN HARM’S WAY

GLOUCESTER HIGH SCHOOL

MAY 8, 2009    7:00pm

Communities Join Together To End Domestic Violence

In Harm’s Way is a dramatic presentation about domestic violence, featuring true stories of courage and healing. Using performance art to educate, empower and heal, In Harm’s Way expresses the pain and isolation experienced by victims of domestic abuse, and celebrates the strength and resilience of survivors.

The cast of In Harm’s Way is divided evenly among youth and adults. There are up to 50 cast members on the stage at one time. The adult cast is drawn from high-profile members of the community (cast list available upon request). Because the play is a dramatic reading, with script in hand for the final performance, rehearsal time is minimal. Cast members attend two readings, receive a script, and then return for the final dress rehearsal and performance. Without exception, everyone who has participated in In Harm’s Way has asked to be involved again.

Cast List

1. Adrian Davis Student, Gloucester High School (GHS)

2. Alea Capello Student, GHS

3. Alex Bigger-Allen Student, GHS

4. Amy Kamm Student Assistance Counselor, GHS

5. Ann-Margaret Ferrante MA State Representative

6. Barbara Keon Singer/Songwriter

7. Bill Goodwin Principal, GHS

8. Bob Gillis Cape Ann Savings Bank

9. Britanny Peterson Student, GHS

10. Bruce Tarr MA State Senator

11. Carol Hong Community Member, Midwife

12. Carolyn Kirk Mayor, City of Gloucester

13. Carolyn Marletta Dean of Students, GHS

14. Carrie Kimball-Monahan Essex County DA’s Office

15. Clara Gaudette HAWC

16. Ellie Cornavaca Student, GHS

17. Hannah Morris Student, GHS

18. Hayden Wilson Student, GHS

19. Jack Vondras Public Health Dept, Gloucester

20. Jessica Maletti Student, GHS

21. Jim Schoel Teacher, GHS

22. Joan Whitney Director, Substance Abuse Prevention Services

Gloucester Health Dept

23. Joe Aiello Lieutenant, Gloucester Police Dept

24. Julie LaFontaine Cape Ann Food Pantry

25. Julie McGuire Salem State College

26. Kyle Lucido Student, GHS

27. Lauren Riley Compass Program

28. Lisa Landy Singer/Songwriter

29. Loretta Peres Community Activist

30. Margo Casey North Shore United Way

31. Mark Bedrosian Asst. Principal, GHS

32. Mike Duda First Church of Wenham

33. Mitch Cohen Therapist

34. Mollie Wagner Student, GHS

35. Naomi Nimon Student, GHS

36. Nicole Jewell Student, Compass Program

37. Pat Barry Student Supervisor, GHS

38. Patrice Kelly Student, GHS

40. Paula Lee Teacher, O’Maley Middle School

41. Rebecca Bacon Student, GHS

35. Rick Doucette Cape Ann YMCA

36. Rosa Binda HAWC

37. Ruth Deleon Student, Compass Program

38. Sara Pardo Student, GHS

39. Sefatia Romeo Theken Community Liaison, Addison Gilbert Hospital Gloucester City Council

40. Sophi Hopkins Teacher, GHS

41. Stacy Randell Wellspring House

42. Sunny Robinson Co-Chair, Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of

Domestic Abuse

43. Tasia Kendall Student, GHS

44. Tom Martin Student, GHS

45. Virginia Flister Student, GHS

46. Willy Greenbaum GMADA

47. Willie Loco Alexander Rock & Roll Musician


GGAP III Thank You

Posted on by Sharon

To those of you who saw yesterday’s presentations, a big thank you!

Rob Newton’s slideshow of his grandfather’s old postcards was beautifully set to music. My interview with Karen McCormack was highlighted by her dad’s arrival from Arizona just in time to see himself on the big screen. Mike Lindberg’s video of “Gloucester til the End” brought tears to everyone’s eyes. He commented that there would be a remake of the song and video when the band performs for the JJ Nicastro benefit at Capt. Carlo’s on June 25. Jay Albert included some interesting computer-generated music with his slideshow of gorgeous Gloucester photos including a shot of a tornado at last year’s Fiesta. And the show was wrapped up by the Bait and Tackle crew Tom Papows, Michael Pallazola, & Emile Doucette who will be traveling to Toronto for a film competition in May where they have been selected as one of 14 finalists for their Greasy Pole video.

Although it was a beautiful day, we are grateful for those who came to support the emerging talent of Gloucester Guerilla Art Project artists. Missed you, Joey!

GGAP III At Gloucester Stage Co

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The third official Gloucester Guerilla Art Project will be held at Cape Ann Community Cinema this Sunday at 1:00PM.

Presenters include GMG’s own Sharon Lowe-

Sharon Lowe is a Good Morning Gloucester contributor, photographer, and educator. Her love of Gloucester is evident in her images. “Conversations with the Children of our Oldest Fishermen” is the first in a series of interviews for her project “Growing Up in Gloucester”. Karen McCormack will be talking about her father, Tony Testaverde.

Gloucester Blogger Jay Albert-

My slideshow is named “My Views of Gloucester”  It’s the full version of the Youtube version I made. It consists of this past winter’s photographs,the fishing industry and a segment of the St. Peter’s Fiesta and a surprise weather related photograph.

About me: Born in Gloucester with over 30 years  Quality Control in the aerospace industry,20 years assistant football coach @ Manchester/Essex H.S. and now working my way into photography. Also author of the blog www.capeannimages.blogspot.com

Emile Doucette, Tom Papows, Michael Pallazola from Bait & Tackle-

The Greasy Pole
“Created by Gloucester natives Tom Papows, Michael Pallazola, & Emile Doucette in just 5 days, “The Greasy Pole” is a 7-minute short film about Gloucester’s unique sporting event. The film was made as part of the International Documentary Challenge (www.docchallenge.org) and has been selected as a finalist in this year’s competition.”

“The International Documentary Challenge is a timed filmmaking competition where filmmakers have 5 days to make a 7 minute non-fiction film. The filmmakers are assigned a genre (in this case SPORTS documentary) and a theme (HOPE and/or FEAR). Created by three Gloucester natives, Tom Papows, Michael Pallazola, & Emile Doucette, “The Greasy Pole” has been selected as one of the 13 finalists in the competition and will be screened at the
Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto this year.”

Robert Newton-

Robert Newton runs the Cape Ann Community Cinema, and is a full-time writer and editor. He recorded the award-winning novelty CD “Monkey Bismuth,” and is the keeper of his late grandfather’s collection of antique Gloucester post cards, some of which are part of this show.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/fig

Mike Lindberg-

Mike Lindberg, GMG contributor and mastermind of many mind blowing photographing and editing posts created the video to Accompany Earl & Arch’s “Gloucester Til The End” and will be putting together something amazing of which I know nothing about yet.  🙂

So Plan on getting there a little early and hanging out to meet the folks that have put these presentations together and also speak with other Gloucester lover and creative types!

Remember- This Sunday at 1:00PM it starts but doors will open early for the meet and greets.

This Has To Be Some Cruel Joke!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Moving the bus stop so it takes up critical parking in front of The Lone Gull?   You’re kidding right?   This has got to be some cruel joke.  ARGHHHHHHH!

Because for the fucking life of me I gotta believe that no rational human being would take away parking in front of one of the hub storefronts that bring people downtown on a daily basis- namely The Lone Gull.  Will someone tell the people responsible for this travesty- this sham- this shamockery- that they are getting in the way of my coffee consumption and that’s never a good idea?

C’mon, seriously.  April Fools Day was three weeks ago.  Enough with the funny stuff.

Was it not possible to move this bus stop in front of the VACANT former EMPIRE BUILDING or some other location that doesn’t rely on people coming and going quickly?????  There must be a reason for it but at the moment all I can think of is the literally thousands of people that regularly flock to The Lone Gull as a meeting point and energy hub of Downtown.  UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To make things even more puzzling, I just spoke with my buddy who owns Passports, the restaurant in front of which the bus stop was moved from.  You figure he might be ecstatic about the move, right?  He tells me he has never complained about the bus stop being in front of his place, was totally used to it, and figured it made sense where it was because there was good visibility and benches right there.

Genius!!!!!!!, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Hydraulic Pile Driver

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This hydraulic pile driver was laying on the side of the road on the Essex Causeway.  I imagine they are doing work on to get the marinas in the Essex River ready for boating season.  To give you an idea of how it works I found this cool graphic on the Powerquip Industrial Co website.

For those of you who don’t know what a pile driver is (no, it’s not a hemorrhoid removal technique), it hammers pilings into the ground for support to build on top of.  The harbor is a place where you see many piling supported buildings.

You can click this text to see pictures of Hydraulic Pile Drivers in use in different applications.

Pile Driver, originally uploaded by captjoe06.


The Silent Seed relocates to Lanesville

Posted on by Sharon

Greetings Friends of The Silent Seed!

You may remember that I recently relocated my business from Magnolia to the blue church on Route 127, in Lanesville. I am proud to announce the grand opening of The Silent Seed at this new, fantastic location! The “new” store is much bigger and better. Over 3,500 square feet of lush tropical rainforest, vegetables, herbs, water gardens, and perennials await your viewing and purchasing pleasure! I welcome you all to come and visit.

New hours of operation: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,12:00 to 8 pm.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, by appointment.

Current payment options include Cash, Check, or Paypal.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jude Platteborze. I own The Silent Seed, an exotic plant store. My goal is to help you discover the joy, beauty, peace, and healing that plants offer. Plants really do make a huge difference in our living spaces and surround-ings. I have a unique, extensive collection of rare and exotic plants both inside and out. As always, special orders are welcome in the event that the plant does not yet live at The Silent Seed.

NEW ARRIVALS

There is an extensive inventory of rare and unusual evergreen trees and bushes for that special location in your yard, or for any other place on your outdoor property. Thank you to Olio Gardens for making this possible!

I have continued my connection with a supplier and grower of rare Clivias in China, and have some outstanding specimens to share.

I came across a fantastic opportunity to acquire some truly unique Desert Roses. These are a rare succulent from Africa, and form weird, unique “fattened” trunks, with beautiful pink and white flowers most of the year.

Angel Trumpet Trees (Brugmansia) are enjoying the store-length windows, and are becoming lush. These would be a great addition to an empty sunny space in your house, or outside during the warmer months. These have fantastic, huge, intensely fragrant flowers of many different colors.

Keep checking for the arrival of WATER PLANTS! Some of us have ponds, and the time is very close, to get plants for them.

WHAT’S BLOOMING

desertrose

The Desert Roses, and the Hellebores, are especially floriferous this year, and look beautiful! Hellebores are a very hardy perennial plant that does well in part shade, full shade, or indirect sun. In full bloom now. Don’t miss out on this rare one!

THE NURSERY

Here are some examples of the new seedlings that are ready to go, but there are hundreds not listed.

Golden Rain Tree

Hardy Orange – These really are hardy!

Flying Dragon Hardy Orange – rare contorted version of the above!

Japanese Pagoda Tree

Chinese Parasol Tree

Leek

Morning Glories – many types and colors

Squashes

Pumpkins

Peppers – sweet and hot

Assorted flowering annuals

Marigolds

African Aloe – direct from South Africa

You may remember my newsletter describing Amorphophallus konjac. These rare, unique, easy-care bulbs are about to start growing again, and yes, some are even old enough to bloom this year, or next. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity!

THINKING GREEN

The Silent Seed is an all-natural, green business. I believe in a non-invasive, non-chemical approach to growing plants. I use absolutely no chemicals, fertilizers, or sprays of any sort. What they do receive is plenty of water, care, and love. You will see that they flourish and thrive with this approach.

The Silent Seed, where there is a plant for everybody!

Thank you very much for reading this newsletter. I hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Best Wishes,

Jude

Jude Platteborze, Owner

The Silent Seed

984 Washington St.

Lanesville, MA 01930

www.thesilentseed.com

santoury@aol.com


ICE (In Case of Emergency)

Posted on by Mike Lindberg

ice1

I C E  – IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 

Apparently this is a standard procedure all paramedics  follow at the scene of an accident when they come across your cell phone.

 ICE – “In Case of Emergency”

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken  ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

The concept of “ICE” is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell (mobile) phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name “ICE” ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn’t know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose.
In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hosp ital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number yo u have stored as “IC E.” For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and
ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let’s spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE
number in our Mobile phones today! Please forward this. It won’t take too many “forwards” before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one’s mind at rest. ICE will speak for you when you are not able to.

New GMG Feature- Gloucester Concierge

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I put up a new tab in the header of the page titled Gloucester Concierge. If you have a Gloucester related question, click on the tab titled Gloucester Concierge and leave your question as a comment. When we see it we will try to answer your question ASAP.

Good Morning Gloucester