My View of Life on the Dock
Marine Forecast :
Today SW winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. A chance of snow showers. Showers likely this morning…then a chance of showers this afternoon.
Tonight SW winds 15 to 20 kt…becoming W 10 to 15 kt after midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft.
Pod Cast Weather :
http://www.spreaker.com:80/episode/5337052
Hourly Forecast :
Come spend this Saturday morning (Dec 13) at Maritime Gloucester making nautical inspired presents. Ages 5 to 12 years. Cost is $5 per child members, $8 per child non-members. Parents/Guardians are required to attend and registration is required. Workshop will take place in the Sarah Fraser Robbins Classroom accessed from the walkway to the pier. Register here.
Hi Joey,
My name is Danielle Soucy Mills and I am a former Gloucester resident of 23+ years (before I went away to college in Rhode Island and graduate school in California.) I now live in San Diego, but Gloucester is still a place so very near and dear to my heart, especially since my parents still live in Annisquam in the house where I grew up. (My mother is a HUGE Good Morning Gloucester follower, too!) I moved to California to study creative writing and am now publishing my first novel, Illusion of an Ending, which is set in Gloucester (and part in SD and CT too). I am looking for help to get the word out about the book, especially since I am doing a “Pay It Forward Book Launch” where a percentage of the proceeds on Saturday, December 13th, Day 2 of the launch will go toward creating a scholarship in honor of Michael Gryzbinski, a young man from Gloucester who passed away in 2010 at 13 years old. His mother kindly donated her picture for the cover of my book.
I have attached a copy of the book cover, and my website, which details the launch as well as what the book is about. Please let me know if you would be able to help me in getting the word out. Also, here is the link to the Book Launch event which I created on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1579026482330880/
Thank you so much! I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Danielle
Danielle Soucy Mills
Dec 9 at 2:35 PM
Hi Joey –
If possible to get this on GMG this week (or next) that would be great. The Shop has been vastly improved with the renovation – chock full of new items for the holidays, most of local interest including books, prints, cards, posters, maps, toys, home goods, and so on! There’s also the Working Waterfront exhibit on view through Feb. 1 and the Diane KW ceramic shard installation (permanent) in the vestibule and entry level restroom (catalogs available in the gift shop for both) – as well as the Museum’s 2015 Fitz Henry Lane Calendar.
Thanks,
Meredith
Meredith Anderson
Media & Communications Coordinator
Cape Ann Museum
If you have memories, objects or photographs from the Tarr and Wonson Paint Manufactory, Ocean Alliance and Maritime Gloucester would love to hear from you. We are creating an exhibit on the Manufactory’s history, and its pioneering role in the development of commercially viable anti-fouling paint which played a pivotal role in america’s industrial revolution and the rapid growth of its commercial fishing industry. Your stories could be just what we need to make it come alive. Objects or memorabilia that might be borrowed for the exhibit or examined for their information are also of great interest, and we will happily copy any photographs and return originals to you. Please contact Melanie Murray-Brown at Maritime Gloucester at 978-281-0470 or mmurray-brown@maritimegloucester.org
Thomas Balf
Executive Director
Maritime Gloucester
Thanksgiving week, Cummings Properties distributed $327,000 to local nonprofits, including $11,000 to four Gloucester organizations. Cape Ann Animal Aid, Day by Day Adult Care, SeniorCare, and The Open Door each received multiple donations in honor of the commercial real estate firm’s full-time staff members, who were each invited to select a charity to receive $1,000 through the Employee Directed Giving program.
The program, now in its third year, supports local communities through organizations based and providing services in or near employees’ hometowns. Eight Cummings organization staff members reside in Gloucester, including John Dionne, associate division manager at Cummings Center in Beverly, who has been with the Company for more than 17 years.
“My wife works for Day by Day Adult Care and it has a short budget. The donations allow them to have programs and equipment they couldn’t otherwise afford,” said Dionne, whose past donation went to purchase a Nintendo Wii system for physical therapy. “I can speak for myself and others; we greatly appreciate that the Company makes these donations in our names.”
When looking for a local charity to donate to during the last Employee Directed Giving cycle, carpenter and Gloucester resident Saverio Sciortino asked his colleague Mike Taormina to recommend one; he suggested The Open Door.
“This time I decided to visit in person to see where the donation was going,” said Sciortino. “I went to deliver the check and get a tour on the day before Thanksgiving, so it was busier than usual. When I saw what these people do, how much they help so many in need, I wanted to cry.”
Sciortino was so moved, he volunteered his handyman skills to executive director Julie LaFontaine.
“Employee Directed Giving is a unique opportunity for the company to make an impact in the communities where our employees live in a way that is particularly meaningful to them,” said president and CEO Dennis Clarke. “The fact that families are sitting down having discussions about where to give and why has resulted in numerous colleagues feeling especially good about the program.”
Employee Directed Giving is open to all full-time staff within the Cummings organization annually, including the firm’s affiliated New Horizons retirement communities in Marlborough and Woburn.
A complete list of recipient organizations is available at www.cummingsproperties.com/employee_directed_giving.htm.
Cummings Properties carpenter Saverio Sciortino, once a Gloucester fisherman, delivers a $1,000 Employee Directed Giving check to The Open Door. Pictured left to right: Kevin Brisson, food pantry supervisor, executive director Julie LaFontaine, and Sciortino.
Cummings Properties carpenter Mike Taormina and electrician apprentice Mike Kiene made a special trip to Gloucester’s The Open Door to deliver their Employee Directed Giving checks to executive director Julie LaFontaine.
Gayle Piraino Got Her Cape Ann License Plate!
Did you know you can request your numbers for a little extra dough?
I’ve got printed applications right here at the dock if you want to pick one up. I’ll even deliver it to the Chamber for you!
There was a ton of stuff I found out for the first time in this interview with Ken Riehl, Peter Webber, Brienne Black and Kerry McKenna.
Order your own plate personalized with your favorite numbers right at the Chamber website-
Download an APPLICATION.
For more information, please contact the Chamber at info@capeannchamber.com, or call 978-283-1601.
Click for video interview-
If you don’t have a printer you can head to the Chamber for an application or come down the dock and I have them here-
Hi Joey,
After we saw the piece on Calvo’s exceptional work we thought you may want to check this out.
Next time you are in the GHS field house be sure to have a look at the new sign created and designed by the GHS Cabinet Design & Innovation class.
The original sign was damaged over the years due to various sporting events. The Cabinet Design class under the instruction of Teacher Tim Rose took over the assignment of replacing it. The pictures show some of the talented students who were involved in the project (Mike Munroe, Hannah Pastagal, John Whitmore)
The new sign was created in large part with the help of the new “Computer Numerical Control” or CNC machine which the Cabinet Design Class received through a grant from the Gloucester Education Foundation last year.
Students first designed and then programmed each of the letters using a CNC software program- The design was then fabricated on the CNC. Each letter was attached to the newly designed backboard and finally finished with a bit of paint and a gloss polyurethane.
As you can see, the new sign is a great improvement of the old, and best of all, our very own GHS students crafted it!
The Cabinet Design and Innovation program is one of the longest running electives offered at GHS and is available to all GHS students. Each year the program enrolls 75 students for a full school year.
DONATIONS ACCEPTED!
Thanks Joey,
Tim Rose, M.Ed.
Technology Education
Cabinet Design & Innovation
Gloucester High School
Doesn’t Joey look just like an earnest little kid?
John’s passion and enthusiasm for the ukelele is infectious and you can listen to his Cape Ann uke stories here in Joey’s interview ~
Ukelele Love Affair with John Hicks Part I
Ukelele Love Affair with John Hicks Part II
Last year we featured a Christmas Carol Countdown, taking requests for GMG FOB’s favorite holiday tunes. I thought we’d do it again this year; it’s just not possible to hear too much holiday music! Please send us your favorites and we’ll post as many as we can. Looking forward to hearing all!
Countdown begins on Saturday night. Send requests to kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com. Thank you.
Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means to Me” is such fun and so upbeat. CeeLo does a version, too, which I’d never heard until this year. Which is your favorite?
CAPTION THIS
“PULLED PORK?”
Hi Joey,
I wanted to share some exciting photos from the first ever Beauport Princess Santa at Sea!! The family event took place on Saturday, December 6th. The afternoon cruise was 2-3:30 and had close to 150 people aboard. The event was so well received we had to add an evening cruise (6-7:30) that had over 100 people as well!!
The Beauport Princess held their first ever “Santa at Sea” cruise on Saturday, September 6th in Gloucester. The event was attended by more than 250 guests aboard two cruises (afternoon and evening) with families from Gloucester and throughout the North Shore. Children were treated to cookies and hot chocolate, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” caroling with elves, and of course – a visit from Santa! Guests were able to bring home a complimentary photo as a keepsake. Many dropped off new unwrapped toys that were donated to Action Inc’s Holiday Toy Drive. The event was so successful, the Beauport Princess is hoping to add more cruises for next year!!
The elves take a break from their work on the Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess. All are members of the Cape Ann YMCA Teen Leaders Club. Pictured are Mike Collins, back, and (l-r) Chloe Bailey, Jack Fernandes, Adam Jerome and advisor Chris Brayton.
Jack Frontiero of Gloucester enjoys a visit with Santa during the Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. Over 250 guests attended the event that included both an afternoon and evening cruise. Families were treated to cookies and hot chocolate, caroling with elves and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”
Families from Gloucester and throughout the North Shore gather around for a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” during the Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. Hundreds came to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, caroling with elves and a visit from Santa himself!
Caitlin Small of Gloucester talks to Santa about her wish list aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. The first ever Santa at Sea cruise drew over 250 guests. Families were treated to cookies and hot chocolate, caroling with elves and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”
Children listen attentively to a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” during the first ever Santa at Sea cruise aboard the Beauport Princess on December 6th. The two cruises drew more than 250 guests who were treated to hot chocolate and cookies, caroling with elves and a visit from Santa.
Now, if you read my GDT letter from 2011 (here) you’ll know that I usually start my Christmas shopping on Dec 24 at about noon — and I do almost all of it in Gloucester and Cape Ann. But I realize the rest of the world starts a tad earlier — and perhaps you’re grousing at this week’s nasty weather, thinking it’s an excuse to head to the mall where all the stores are indoors. Before you do (head to the mall that is) STOP and think about your friends in town who offer unique, interesting gifts and a convivial shopping experience.
This year you’ve got a new choice that doesn’t even require you to get dressed. The Cave is offering on-line Gift Certificates and you can print them when you buy them. So, if early on Christmas morning, you wake up and remember, Oh… Aunt Betty actually got out of the hospital and is coming for Christmas dinner … well, just get her a Cave Gift Certificate (click here), print it out and put it under the tree. #BOOM!
Here’s a video I shot a couple of years ago of our first time at what has become one of our favorite stores in Gloucester!
Check out this fun video that reminds us what it would be like if all this rain had been snow:
Well, it’s time for that most holy trinity of wise guy men: the Three Stooges of the East. (Boston, that is…). I do mean the perspiring trio of Edd Scheer, Ricky Russell ,and Mario Perrett. These guys are the Hamburger Helper® of the blooze. With them around, anything can happen, and usually does. Ed’s an amazing singer and frontman who always puts out the grease to make my head spin. Throw in Ricky on gootar and vocals and things brighten up. Add Mario, former teen idol, on vocals and sax and what’s left? Chaos! But, seriously, folks, these are my favorite guys cuz we all get a chance to sing and play more stupid songs than are necessary and to have random harmonies to boot! Come see!
40 Railroad Ave
Gloucester, Ma
978-283-9732
Wednesday, December 10th
Special Guest: ALLEN ESTES!
The great Allen Estes returns! Warm and fuzzy this time of
year, as Allen and I get to play our co-written Christmas song,
“I Wish I Could Fly”, among so many other wonderful tunes.
Time to start getting into the spirit! ~ Fly
Dinner with great music!
*Each week features a special, invited musical guest
Dave Trooper’s Kitchen…
Prepared fresh weekly by “Troop”… always good!
Check out Fred’s rockin’ wine menu!
Upcoming…
12/17 Amero Family Christmas
Visit: http://www.therhumbline.com/
Looking forward…
Happy Holidays to our Chamber Members, Friends, and Families!
First quick update on our Chamber Holiday Celebrations:
– Manchester-by-the-Sea was last week at La Casa de Luis – a great time had by all!
– Rockport was Tuesday at the Fish Shack
– Essex is this Thursday at the Windward Grille
– Gloucester is next Tuesday (12/16) here at the Chamber
All celebrations are open to all – come on by and kick-off the Holidays with us.
And, with Santa making the rounds, ‘tis the Season for Gift Giving.
I’m sure by now that you have heard about the beautiful and symbolic Cape Ann License Plate, but did you also know that the proceeds are going back to the Cape Ann community to support:
1. Promotion of our Region
2. Economic Development, and
3. Education
Have you wanted to sign-up, but not yet done so? Well, now is the Perfect time: for Yourself, your Family, and your Friends –
Give the gift of Cape Ann this Christmas!
I have attached a ‘Christmas Application’, for you to fill out and mail back to the Chamber. If you prefer, you may hold the $40 payment, and we will follow up with you as we get closer to the 1,500 target, and then we will submit the entire batch to the Registry.
Want to save paper and use an even easier way to sign-up? – you may do so on line at: http://capeannchamber.com/cape-ann-license-plate/ , or click on the below icon:
And we want YOU to be a part of our “I Got Mine” campaign!
Everyone who has submitted an application by the end of this year, is automatically entered into a drawing to win a reserved number from 11 – 100, or a custom number free of the $100 donation charge. There will be three chances to win.
As part of this campaign, we are featuring folks who have signed up for the plate. Take a selfie with our license plate promotion frame, and post it on your Facebook page and we’ll post it on ours. Make it fun – come on by and pick-up a promo. frame (or we can deliver to you), they also make great stocking stuffers! Anyone recognize the good looking gent below?
Check out our facebook page for frequent updates: https://www.facebook.com/capeannchamber
I hope to see you before the Christmas break, but if I do not – I wish you a wonderful and safe Holiday season.
Yours Sincerely,
Ken
Ok, so Christmas is just two weeks from tomorrow. So, yesterday I scanned through the radio stations on the way home from work/school to find some holiday music. Now the real test will be, can we keep it up until Christmas?
I like to hear the festive music while out and about doing errands and at holiday events, but not so much day in and day out for two solid weeks…or, heaven forbid, longer. We’ll probably end up listening to “real” music on the way to school and holiday music on the way home. About one week out we’ll probably go hard core and Jingle Bell Rock ourselves to exhaustion while Decking the Halls, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Ho Hoing the Mistletoe.
So, I ask you… When do you start cranking the Christmas Tunes?
And, as a thanks for taking the holiday song poll….please enjoy one of my favorites!
Clean Gloucester and The One Hour at a Time Gang will be meeting at City Hall this Saturday morning at 8:00 am to clean up the neighborhood in preparation for the Middle Street Walk: http://middlestreetwalk.org. A bonus, at 9:00 what we are finished, the UU Church will be open with coffee, pastries and crafts. Please bring your gloves, we will have bags.
Thanks all.
Just a glimpse of work on the dock
Marine Forecast :
Today E winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Patchy fog. A chance of rain. Vsby 1 nm or less.
Tonight S winds 10 to 15 kt…becoming SW 15 to 20 kt after midnight. Gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 7 ft. Patchy fog. Vsby 1 nm or less.
Pod Cast Weather :
http://www.spreaker.com:80/episode/5332663
Couple YouTube Reporting Vids From BlueShuttersINN .. Thank you to my Friend Ed Cormier 😊. Was Wild Ed! Esp when we couldn’t get the Front Door Open from the pressure of the Insane Wind!
Hourly Forecast :
Storm Pics 12/9/14
This pic tells all !
Good Morning Gloucester 
