Wednesday Lunar Eclipse at Dawn Once in a Lifetime!

Posted on by paultmorrison

Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, when the sun rises in the east the full moon will be setting in the west. But this time a full lunar eclipse will be taking place.

The countdown:

5:18 AM eclipse starts (moon starts getting red)

6:27 AM total eclipse (moon is red!)

6:47 AM maximum eclipse in Gloucester

Sunrise is at 6:47 AM and the moon sets at :6:52 AM  So you can see there is a pile up with the sun rising, the moon setting and the moon is epic total all at the same time!

So if you are out at the Eastern Point lighthouse before 6:30 AM you can set up to watch the lunar eclipse set over the western harbor while the sun rises behind you in the east behind the lighthouse.

Except it is going to be raining at dawn with a 17 mph wind out of the south making it no so much fun out there. But what if the clouds part?

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That yellow line points to where the sun will be coming up and the dark blue line points to where the moon is setting.

Because the blood red eclipse will be on the horizon the moon will look about as gargantuan as a giant Rubber Duck sitting in Gloucester Harbor. Except we won’t see a thing because it will be raining.

Vote for gimmeLIVE and help us bring more concerts to your backyard

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Vickie and I have applied for a $150K grant from Chase Bank’s Mission Main Street Grants program and you can help us win by voting for us.  It’s easy and free.  Just click here and then click the VOTE button.

What would we do with $150K?  Hire people.  Buy sound gear.  Book more expensive artists.  In short, it would mean we can present more concerts and take bigger risks.  Last year we presented 8 concerts; this year we’ll do 24 and next year even more.  Some of our concerts are in Gloucester and some are at Beverly’s Larcom Theatre (right down the road).  All of them bring top quality music to you at reasonable prices.

Please vote now and help us put more top local talent on stage with national recording stars right in your neighborhood!

Pet of the Week-Tanzy

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Tanzy
Hi my name is Tanzy. Everyone always tells me just how cute I am, but don’t worry, I only let it go to my head a little! I am full of energy and love to romp, wrestle and play away the day. I am an affectionate fellow so can be caught enjoying some quiet snuggle time too. I like playing with the other pups and toys of all sorts. I am a southern boy and no one knows my exact breed but they are guessing I have some Labrador mixed in so I will probably be medium-large size when full grown. I am looking forward to joining you at obedience class and on adventures outdoors– after all a well trained and tired human is the best kind to share your home with! I’m happy and outgoing and eager to join my new family as soon as possible. Stop by and meet me at Cape Ann Animal Aid’s Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter today! www.capeannanimalaid.org

GMG Update for Marine Mammal Response From Mendy Garron

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dear Good Morning Gloucester Community:

We know people were concerned and had questions about the harbor seal that was at Good Harbor Beach over the weekend.  I wanted to take this opportunity to remind people of what they should do if they see an animal that may need assistance.

October 4, 2014 injured seal

Donna Ardizzoni Injured Seal photo Oct 4, 2014 Good Harbor Beach Taken With Telephoto Lens

Up until this year, the protocol was to call the New England Aquarium.  The Aquarium served as the NOAA authorized responder for the Northshore area for many years.  On January 1st, the Aquarium refocused their response effort to sea turtle rehabilitation and the study of infectious disease in marine mammals. As a result they had to scale back their response area for stranded marine mammals and now are focusing their efforts on the area from Salem to Plymouth.  

Over the last year, NOAA Fisheries has been seeking an alternate organization to help us fill this void on the Northshore, which includes Cape Ann. Until an alternate organization is identified and authorized to help us, we ask that all stranding calls be reported to our offices.

Our program oversees the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program from Maine to Virginia.  Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to respond to every animal in the field and do not have the legal ability to authorize individual volunteers to respond to these cases.  As a result, marine mammal stranding cases in Gloucester will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  When needed, we will seek help from other authorized stranding response agencies, but their ability to help will be limited and based on their available resources. 

I would like to ask the Gloucester community to spread the word about the current status of response to stranded marine mammals and remind one another to be responsible viewers of wildlife by:

– Staying a safe distance of at least 150 feet from animals on the beach or hauled out;

– Do not let dogs approach seals or other marine wildlife.  Marine mammals do carry diseases that can be transmitted to your pets, and vise versa;

– Do not touch or feed the animal.

Remember, seals are wild animals.  Medical treatment of these animals is significantly different from domestic and terrestrial animals.  We have to consider a variety of factors when making a decision about how best to respond to an animal on the beach including individual animal health and potential risks to humans and pets, the overall health of the species’ population , and how intervening may affect the natural ecosystem. Seals and other marine mammal species are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

I would like to thank the Gloucester Police Department and the Massachusetts Environmental Police for their assistance in maintaining a safe viewing distance for this animal while it was resting on the beach.  The seal did go back into the water on its own Saturday evening and no further reports have been received.

More information about the National Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program can be found at the following website:

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/stranding.htm–

Mendy Garron, CVT
Marine Mammal Response Coordinator
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office

NOAA Fisheries

MARINE ANIMAL HOTLINE: 866-755-NOAA (6622)

Tuesday October 7th , 2014 Cape Ann Weather…

Posted on by Peter J Lovasco

Marine Forecast :
Small Craft Advisory!!!
Today S winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft.
Tonight S winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft. A chance of showers and tstms. Some tstms may produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall. Vsby 1 to 3 nm.

Pod Cast Weather :
http://www.spreaker.com:80/episode/5050115

Hourly Forecast :

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Community Stuff 10/7/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The O’Maley Innovation Middle School will kick off its SAILS initiative for the 2014-15 school year tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7th at 10:00am with an all school assembly. Rick Doucette from the Cape Ann YMCA will serve as master of ceremonies and guest speaker will be Gloucester’s own Billy Muniz (Captain Hollywood) from Wicked Tuna.  Billy’s talk will emphasize a few of the SAILS values, Integrity, Leadership and Success as speaks of his own life adventures from middle school to being part of a reality tv show.

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Cape Ann Communities Secure Mass in Motion Grant

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cape Ann Communities Secure Mass in Motion Grant
Funds provided over next three years will help to provide infrastructure and programs that promote healthy activity in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester by the Sea

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The City of Gloucester Health Department and Community Development Department today announced that the Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program had granted Cape Ann communities a three-year $110,000 grant to develop enhanced environments that promote healthy living. The grant will be used to improve walkways, create recreational spaces, and increase availability of healthy foods in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea.
The successful grant application leveraged the success of the Get Fit Gloucester! program which included reconstruction of Newell Stadium and Burnham’s Field, support for the Cape Ann Farmers’ Market, and diabetes prevention.
“I’m so pleased to be able to build upon the success we’ve had in Gloucester through the Mass in Motion program. I look forward to collaborating with our neighboring Cape Ann communities to promote active lifestyles,” said Mayor Carolyn A. Kirk.
Gloucester Health Director Noreen Burke noted, “The 2012 Comprehensive Needs Assessment performed by Lahey Health identified significant health and wellness disparities in our communities and grants like this are essential in addressing those gaps with regional approaches. We also thank Mayor Carolyn Kirk and State Senator Bruce Tarr for helping secure these resources for the Cape Ann communities.”
Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki said, “On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, the Town of Essex is pleased to hear how this support will promote mobility and healthy living across Cape Ann. The collaborative nature of the project is sure to foster an exchange of ideas and strategies that a single community would not likely be able to develop on its own. Further, it is already apparent that municipal personnel and associated partners with strengths in particular areas of interest from one community will be able to assist other communities, and vice-versa.”
Greg Federspiel, Town Administrator for Manchester-by-the-Sea said, “We welcome the opportunity to work with Mass in Motion to build upon the efforts of our Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and Safe Routes to School programs to make Manchester-by-the-Sea more friendly to walking and bicycling.
Linda Sanders, Town Administrator for Rockport committed the Town’s support to build upon existing regional efforts that support healthier lifestyles such as the Cape Ann YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention program and improving the Essex Scenic Byway for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program, an initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, provides resources to cities and towns across the Commonwealth to advance wellness and healthy behaviors. Mass in Motion focuses on promotion of safe spaces for physical activity; improved safety standards for parks and playgrounds; and availability of nutritious foods.

Photos From Walker Hancock Tribute Weekend Courtesy Cat Ryan

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Let’s Make The Open Door make the list of Top-Rated Nonprofits

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

opendoorThe Open Door has a chance to make the 2014 Top-Rated List at GreatNonprofits (greatnonprofits.org) and be eligible for some great prizes, but we need your help!

What is GreatNonprofits?
GreatNonprofits–a review site like TripAdvisor–honors highly reviewed nonprofits with this Top Rating. Being added to the Top-Rated List helps us tell our story to a broader audience and get the support we need to alleviate the impact of hunger right here in our community.

How can I help?
You can help us get that rating by posting a review of your experience with us or how you see us making an impact on the community.

Write your review here: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/write/the-open-door-cape-ann-food-pantry-inc

All reviews will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. It’s easy and only takes 3 minutes! If you can help us out, we need your review to be completed by October 29! (Deadline is 10/31, but we want to be on the safe side and get it done.) Thank you in advance for your consideration!

With much appreciation,
Julie

Monarchs in the News

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Three very interesting articles were shared this past week by friends and GMG FOBs. Thank you!!! I love reading what you send and below are the links to share with readers. Again, thank you!

Monarch Butterfly Butterfly Bush ©Kim Smith 2014

Frieda from Again and Again forwarded this from Nature:

“The monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is famous for its spectacular annual migration across North America, recent worldwide dispersal, and orange warning colouration. Despite decades of study and broad public interest, we know little about the genetic basis of these hallmark traits. Here we uncover the history of the monarch’s evolutionary origin and global dispersal, characterize the genes and pathways associated with migratory behaviour, and identify the discrete genetic basis of warning colouration by sequencing 101 Danaus genomes from around the globe.” Link to Nature article.

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Our Catherine Ryan forwards from the New York Times:

“Why Some Monarch Butterflies Are Marathoners”

Monarch butterflies can be found throughout the world, but only in North America do they make a spectacular mass migration, annually flying from as far north as Canada to winter in Mexico.

Now, by sequencing genomes of 90 monarch butterflies from around the world, researchers have discovered a gene that plays a critical role in determining whether monarchs are migratory, along with new details about their origins, migratory behavior and coloring.

Read Full Article Here

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Josh Dickinson from the University of Florida in Gainseville forwarded the following:

“A Strange Cloud Over St. Louis Turns Out to Be an Enormous Swarm of Butterflies”

Late last week, meteorologists in St. Louis noticed a cloud acting peculiarly: It was beating a path toward Mexico while changing into a variety of odd shapes. Was it a radar glitch? The debris signature of a south-moving tornado?

The answer was more heartening—and bizarre. After analyzing the reflections,the National Weather Service concluded they showed an immense swarm of Monarch butterflies migrating to their winter home in the Mexican mountains:

Here’s how it technically arrived at that conclusion, for the weather geeks out there:

Keen observers of our radar data probably noticed some fairly high returns moving south over southern Illinois and central Missouri. High differential reflectivity values as well as low correlation coefficient values indicate these are most likely biological targets. High differential reflectivity indicates these are oblate targets, and low correlation coefficient means the targets are changing shape. We think these targets are Monarch butterflies. A Monarch in flight would look oblate to the radar, and flapping wings would account for the changing shape! NWS St. Louis wishes good luck and a safe journey to these amazing little creatures on their long journey south!

Read Full Article Here

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Gordon Bok with Daisy Nell and Capt Stan – Saturday 10/11/14 at Old Sloop Coffeehouse

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Gordon Bok learned many tunes, sea songs, stories, legends and ballads growing up in Camden, Maine. Where he couldn’t find songs that matched his experiences or needs, he wrote his own, and he has kept up a lively flow of poems, songs, stories, choral and instrumental works. He has performed extensively in the United States, and in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand and has appeared on the radio show “A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor. Daisy Nell & Capt. Stan will open.

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People Have Been Blowing Up My Email Asking Where They Can Get These “Glosta” Sweatshirts…

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The answer is “Shirts Illustrated” Check Them Out Here

Telephone-  978-744-7873

email- info@shirtsillustratedsalem.com

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More of a Good Thing: Fall Fest @ Mile Marker One

Posted on by Nichole S.

Both Donna and Joey already posted some fantastic photos from this weekend’s Fall Festival at Mile Marker One, but it was such a great event, that more can’t hurt.  Mile Marker One, Marshall’s Farm Stand, and The Bridge pulled off a fantastic afternoon despite some threatening weather.

The city of Gloucester provided some pretty awesome vehicles including Fire Engine 3, a police Hummer, an ATV, and even a Coast Guard Vessel.  That’s pretty much all my boys needed to make a day of it, but the pony rides, face painting, bouncy houses, awesome vendors, pretty yummy Bloody Marys, gelato, the Sam Adams Brewery Oktoberfest Beer Hoisting Competition (what?), and some pretty sweet alpacas made it all that much more fun.  And…that was by no means all that the event had to offer.

A true collaboration of forces to pull off yet another fantastic family event here in our great city.  Thanks to all!  Put this one on your calendar for next year for sure.