And the Winner Is…..

Posted on by Nichole S.

If you take one large water jug filled with money, sort it into quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies, and bills….carry the heavy buckets one at a time to the change machine at the bank, find out your car is dead in the parking lot after one of the trips, help the mechanic at the gas station right next door push it into their lot, leave it overnight, pay $413 to pick it up, tally up the receipts, sort through the couple of hundred guesses made as to the total in the jug, and find a winner….you have a Monday morning blog post.  You also have some cash to reward the winner, give a little bit to charity, and help take your kids to Florida/Disney World one more time before they’re too old.

So, here’s how it went down.

$62 in one dollar bills, one $10 roll of quarters, $1228.16 in loose quarters…with 3 rogue nickels and one penny snuck in  (I counted by hand once because I was dying of curiosity and wasn’t that far off), $377.56 in nickels and dimes, and $86.00 in pennies.

Grand Total =  $1763.72

And…all I can say is THANK HEAVEN for Beverly!!!  Because, without her guess of $1,765.23, our very own GMG Contributor, Paul Morrison, would have been closest with his guess of $1,785.73 and it would have looked INCREDIBLY fishy since he already stated that he would “use the fifty bucks to purchase sirloin steaks for the GMG Spring Mug Up at Joey’s grill.”  🙂

So, the winner is Beverly.  She made her guess, only a mere $1.51 off from the actual total, on March 22nd at 7:33 pm.

I need her to comment to this post….I think using the same computer or device she used to make her original guess…so I can tell it is the same person.  (Super official, I know).   When commenting, please let me know which charity you would like your $50 check written to.  And I will happily give you your own $50 as well.  We can coordinate how to go about that when you comment.  Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone for playing!

Good Morning Gloucester Questionnaire With Nichole Schrafft

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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How long have you lived in Gloucester?

      Moved to Gloucester right after college graduation, 1993.  Moved from Gloucester to Rockport in 2001.   So, 23ish years.  Both of my parents are from Gloucester though…so pretty much grew up here anyway.

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

Totally….without a doubt….SUMMER!

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

Mill Pond Park in Rockport.  

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

Sebastians in Gloucester and Seaside in Rockport

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?

Destinos for a true “sub”….Willow Rest for a “sandwich”

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

My version of romance….two super quiet end stools at the nice dark bar in Short and Main.  

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

The Rhumb Line…..I wouldn’t sleep tonight if I hadn’t given them my top nod.  2nd is the outdoor bar at the Studio during the summer though…Big time!

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

      Sugar Mags

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

Schooner Festival

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Honest answer is to the beach, by boat!

Who is your favorite local artist?

No brainer.  Paula Morgan.  The amazingly talented art teacher from West Parrish.  😉 

Which is your favorite local beach?

Back side of Wingaersheek by boat.  Cape Hedge Beach in Rockport by car.

Who has the best chowder in town?

A year ago I would have said the fish chowder at Halibut Pt….but I don’t go there anymore.

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

Scary Mommy

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?

Haddock

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

Always meant to get to one….never did.  

What is your favorite local band?

Dan King…..solo or with any combination of artists.  

What about Gloucester sets it apart from anywhere else?

Big time history, tradition, and beauty.  Big enough to feel big,  little enough to feel little. 

Thanks, Joey

Pratty’s Cape Ann Veterans Completes 30 Years in Business

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Pratty’s C.A.V. in Gloucester, MA completes 30 years in business on April 1, 2016 and will celebrate with a weekend full of festivities and fundraising to support local war veterans. The real history of this establishment started back in 1947 as a veteran’s club called Cape Ann Veterans (CAV) and was run by John Madruga. It was located above where Connolly Seafood is now and later moved to the current location on Parker St. It was started by the Korean War veterans and in the late 1950’s Earl Foote bought the business and changed it to Earl’s Cape Ann Vets. After about 15 years in business, Sherm Anderton took over and renamed it Sherm’s Cape Ann Vets. After working for both Earl Foote and Sherm Anderton, James Pratt bought the business in 1985 and renamed it Pratty’s Cape Ann Veterans.

James Pratt, known locally as Jimmy, got involved in the bar business at a young age. His father, Ralph Pratt, owned the original Hideaway, Kazbar, and Ra-Jo’s with his wife Josie. Josie Pratt also owned a Lebanese restaurant and night club in Magnolia, next to the current fire station, called The Open Door. Jimmy started working at Ra-Jo’s at age 13 as a dishwasher and from there worked his way through the ranks and had pretty much every job in the restaurant. Jimmy was in the US Coast Guard and would often take leave to come manage the restaurant with his older brother Michael while his parents would vacation to Florida. While in the Coast Guard, Jimmy Pratt served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970 on the US Coast Guard’s 378ft ship, the Cutter Hamilton.

Earl Foote, who at the time already owned Earl’s Cape Ann Vets, purchased Ra-Jo’s in 1971 and renamed it Little Earl’s. At that point, Jimmy started working for Earl at the Vets bar and continued under Sherm. When Sherm was ready to sell the business, there was no question who the buyer would be. Jimmy became the proud owner of Pratty’s Cape Ann Vets in 1985 and continued the family legacy of bar ownership.

Pratty’s is an essential part of the local sports community. For all 30 years in business Jimmy has been a sponsor of local little leagues, men’s and women’s softball teams, dart teams, and basketball teams. Currently, Pratty’s sponsors 8 different teams and not only has almost every team won their respective championship in the past 3 years, but every team has a member of the Pratt family as part of their roster. For Jimmy, it is not just about owning a bar, its about supporting the community and giving back to the town he grew up in.

Throughout the years, Pratty’s has been featured on the big screen from Hollywood productions to television specials. Known to the regulars as “Parker Street Palace”, Jimmy has created an environment that fosters the veterans of all ages.

Bona Pasqua!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I hope all my GMG Friends Are Enjoying Their Easter Today!

I got an early Easter treat yesterday when I got to meet longtime GMG FOB Paula Ryan O’Brien from New York who has been with the blog since way back in the day-

Sharon Lowe Offers Up Prize For Winner Of What Zat Slideshow Game

Posted on November 29, 2008 by Joey C One comment Edit Post

From Sharon-

“Because it wasn’t clear that the What Zat? game was a slide show, I’m going to give the t-shirt to the first person who identified the Annisquam Lighthouse. It was Paula Ryan O’Brien.

She visited with sister Pat and Jimmy Dalpiaz at the dock yesterday and we got to spend some nice time together!

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Easter Sunday – The Resurrection

Posted on by God's Morning

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The Resurrection (22×28 mixed media on canvas)

Mary Magdalene, not a harlot or prostitute as many mistakenly believe her to have been, but one whom Jesus cast seven demons from, and who traveled with and provided for Jesus and the apostles out of her means, is the first person the resurrected Jesus appears to. She encounters the angel in His tomb, sitting where his body had been lain after his death. Then Jesus appears to her.

John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “my great master”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them the things he had said to her.

John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her (Mary, Lazarus’ sister, not Magdalene), “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is come into the world.”

E.J. Lefavour

www.hobbithousestudio.com

Get Crackin’…Egg Hunt Throw Back

Posted on by Nichole S.

Happy, Happy Easter!

I know that I have totally used these photos in another post here on GMG, but they are my all-time favorite Easter photos ever.  This kid kills me.  Finn turned the lovely and charming Rockport Egg Hunt into some crazy rugby inspired grudge match.  When the leader of the egg hunt said, “Ready, set, go” he took off all Ninja Warrior from one end of the field, clear down to the other, and back again.  He slowed down long enough to grab just one little egg.  I have absolutely no idea what was going through his head, but I laugh and laugh every time I see these pics.

Sista’s Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce (Joey Says This May Be The Tastiest Thing He’s Ever Eaten)

Posted on by Sista Felicia

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Are you still looking for recipe ideas for your Easter Feast? Look no further…Trust me on this one!

Share this link for my easy Step-by-Step recipe

I just placed my order for lamb chops with the meat department manager at the Gloucester Crossings Market Basket…he highly recommends calling your Lamb Chop order in early today. Market Basket Lamb Chops $19.99 lb.,Danvers Butchery $24.99, and BJ Wholesale Club $16.99 Yes they are expensive but so worth it …

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Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce

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This recipe was created several years ago, on a whim, using ingredients I had on hand in my pantry. The combination of flavors from the herbed marinated grilled chops are perfectly balanced with the Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce. To say they are incredibly tasty is a huge understatement! These Grilled Lamb Chops have become the highlight of our Easter meal. I guarantee that they will disappear from the serving platter in minutes, and strongly recommend setting some aside for yourself if your the one cooking Easter Dinner!

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For Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce click see more Continue reading “Sista’s Grilled Lamb Chops with Creamy Dill Cucumber Dipping Sauce (Joey Says This May Be The Tastiest Thing He’s Ever Eaten)” →

Sista Felicia’s Annual Easter Bunny Cookie Night “Pupa Con L’Uova”

Posted on by Sista Felicia

 

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GMG contributor Bridget Mathews (Center) hands out Easter Bunny shapped Cookie Dough during last’s night annual baking event!

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105 Esster Bunny Cookies were baked decorated and packaged up for Easter Sunday! IMG_7825Comere Andrea Carlson and Cousin Eleanor Tucker carefully securing their dyed eggs onto their cookies!

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It’s become tradition that I treat my St. Joseph Novena “Cumnaries” to a night of baking the Italian Easter Classic Cookie “Pupa Con L’Uova.” My way of saying thank you for their support, commitment, and countless hours of hard work they put into helping me with all things related to hosting a St. Joseph novena.  This year a few days into the novena “Coconut” Our family dog took ill and was literally on her death bed by St. Patricks Day. Coconut underwent a four and half hour emergency gallblater surgery, her veterinary surgon didnt think she’d survive. To say our family was devested and in distress is an understatment. A group of my Noveana “Cumnares” and girlfriends realized the severity of Coconuts situation and decided together to put their own lives on hold and take over doing everything needed to complete all 9 rosaries and this years open house St. Joseph Feast. Each went above & beyond to help me keep my promise to st. Joseph, and I’ll be forever greatful! 

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Continue reading “Sista Felicia’s Annual Easter Bunny Cookie Night “Pupa Con L’Uova”” →

Good Morning Gloucester Questionnaire With Our EJ:

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Paulie Walnuts reminded me that since we’ve had some new contributors that we should recirculate the GMG Questionnaire.

Here’s Our EJ’s-

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How long have you lived in Gloucester? 5-1/2 years

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?  All are beautiful, but I have to pick summer

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”? Not really secret, but Brace Cove, and the place we who knew her call Evelyn’s Point.

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?  I seldom eat pizza, but I like Sebastian’s.

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?  I don’t eat subs, but if I were going to, I would probably go to Virgilio’s because I love their bread so much

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?  A picnic at Niles Beach (or Oakes Cove) at sunset would be nice.

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester? Don’t really go to bars

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester? Sailor Stan’s

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester? Beaux Arts Ball and Schooner Festival

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?  Beach

Who is your favorite local artist? Because I know and love many of them, it isn’t possible to pick a favorite.

Which is your favorite local beach? Niles because I can walk to it, and it generally isn’t crowded; but Good Harbor is even better.

Who has the best chowder in town? Causeway

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?  I didn’t know there was another local blog.

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?  Love both, but at The Causeway, my favorite is fish.

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?  Never got to one

What is your favorite local band? We have many great local bands, but I love Soul Rebel Project.

What about Gloucester sets it apart from anywhere else?  Too many things to list.  There is no place anywhere like Gloucester.  A few things though are its incredible natural beauty, its realness, the amazing community, more breakfast spots that any place I’ve ever been, and the almost unfathomable number of creative/talented/gifted people crammed into this small area.

Thanks, Joey