If You Care To Ever See Rubber Duck Alive Again You Better Comply With Our Demands

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

DSC07938

RD is weary after an extensive day of travel which brought him in and around Cape Ann.

Demands:

Fabric (Floral designs and stripes)

Safety Pins

Needles and Thread

These items need to be dropped off at Hobbit House Gallery On Madfish Wharf Or Else The Duck Becomes Pate.

September 16th or the duck gets it!

Burnham’s Field Now Officially Now Has A Mac Daddy Playground

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Holy Cannoli Batman the City’s largest green space play ground in the heart of downtown now has a worthy playground-

What a gorgeous job they did.  Kudos to all those involved.

9/6/14

DSC07958

DSC07953

I missed the Grand Re-Opening but here was the info-

Joey,

Big news from the largest playground and green space in central Gloucester: Burnham’s Field is set to reopen this Saturday after its first major renovation in 30 years! All are invited to the Grand Reopening Event this Saturday at 9 a.m.

image

Thanks!

John McElhenny

Friends of Burnham’s Field 

Sept. 3, 2014

Burnham’s Field to reopen with a splash

Ribbon-Cutting this Saturday, Sept. 6, at 9 a.m. to show improvements to central Gloucester’s largest green space and playground

(Gloucester, MA)—Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Ward 2 City Councilor Melissa Cox invite Gloucester residents to the reopening of the Burnham’s Field Playground on Saturday Sept. 6, 2014. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. followed by a ceremonial “first splash” at the playground’s new spray fountain

The renovation of Burnham’s Field, the largest green space and playground in central Gloucester, is the first major reconstruction of Burnham’s Field in 30 years. The renovation includes two new playgrounds, swings, a spray pad for kids, resurfaced basketball courts, new trees and benches, and a paved path around the field for walking, jogging or riding. The renovation follows the creation of the Burnham’s Field Community Garden in 2011, part of a five-year effort to turn one of Gloucester’s most heavily used fields and playgrounds into a more beautiful, welcoming place for families, children and neighbors.

Mayor Kirk expressed her appreciation for all the hard work that went in to making this improvement happen. “The reopening of the Burnham’s Field Playground culminates a five-year effort by the City and the neighborhood to create a more family-friendly atmosphere for Burnham’s Field. Families with children will enjoy the expanded playground and new spray fountain. Residents of all ages will enjoy the paved pathways and benches that make the Field accessible to all residents.”

Gloucester’s Community Development Department secured state, federal and City Community Preservation grants to fund the project. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Natural Resource Damage program is providing $195,000 towards the $565,000 project cost. The balance of $370,000 is being funded with Federal Community Development Block Grant funds and City Community Preservation Funds.

John McElhenny, a neighbor of Burnham’s Field, said the renovation showed how Gloucester residents and the City can work together. “The renovation of Burnham’s Field shows that in Gloucester, green spaces matter and getting outside and running and playing matter,” said McElhenny, who noted that the new Friends of Burnham’s Field are welcoming donations of trees, park benches and picnic tables to beautify the field. “This renovation is a wonderful first step in making Burnham’s Field a park that every Gloucester resident can be proud of.”

David W. Cash, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, congratulated the City and neighborhood on the success of the project. “We’re happy that residents of all ages can go out and enjoy the outdoor environment that our agency works so diligently to protect. We’re pleased that Gloucester was able to utilize one-time-only funds from a court-ordered landfill closure project to help clean-up a field that was often overlooked in the past.”

Storm is a Brewin’

Posted on by Nichole S.

Well, this is one heck of a storm! Where are the Schraffts during the massive lightening and torrential rainstorms, you may ask? Setting a minnow trap of course.

Best Places to Photograph Butterflies

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Monarch Butterfly Gloucester HarborWalk ©Kim Smith 2014

Monarch Butterfly Nectaring at the Gloucester HarborWalk

Reader Gia Vento writes the following:

“Dear Kim,
I met you at the Stoneham Garden Club two years ago.
I’d like to take butterfly photos for my own collection.
Is it too late in the year to do so outdoors?
Can you recommend a good outdoor place where I could capture some images–especially monarchs, other butterflies, ladybugs, and hummingbirds?
I appreciate your time.”
Gia Vento”

My response:

I recall our meeting and so good to hear from you Gia. No, its not too late. Many species of butterflies are on the wing during the late summer and early autumn months, as long as the warm weather holds up. Hopefully, too, the monarch migration will be more successful this year than last. I find the best time of day to see the most species of butterflies is from about 10:30 to about 3ish (generally the warmest and sunniest hours of the day).

The Massachusetts Butterfly Club offers a great publication, The Massachusetts Butterfly Club Guide to Good Butterfly Sites. Several of the best places featured are right here on Cape Ann! Follow this link to purchase the guide from their site (scroll down the webpage about half way): Massachusetts Butterfly Club Guide to Good Butterfly Sites. 

Happy Photographing!

Warmest wishes,

Kim
guide-cover

American Lady Butterfly New York Ironweed ©Kim Smith 2014

Painted Lady Butterfly Nectaring at New York Ironweed, Gloucester HarborWalk

John Sebastian on Aurelia Nelson’s 104.9 Radio Show, Curtain Up tomorrow at 9AM

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

North Shore 104.9’s Curtain Up host, Aurelia Nelson welcomes Rock n Roll Hall of Famer John Sebastian, of The Lovin’ Spoonful as her guest tomorrow (SUN) morning at 9AM on 104.9FM.

John is a wonderful storyteller, so this show is certainly worth getting up for.  You’ll get a taste of the kind of stories you’ll hear in between his #1 hit songs when he performs next Saturday 9/13 at Gloucester’s UU Church Meetinghouse. GET TICKETS HERE.

Karen McDonald, star of “Doubt” opening at Stoneham Theatre next Friday is Aurelia’s other guest.

What a powerhouse show this will be!

 

Destination Gloucester….celebrity run in.

Posted on by Nichole S.

As if some steamers and a good drink at Halibut Point with a great friend isn’t excellent enough….last night I happened across a wonderful party of about 20 diners out to celebrate a wedding of dear friends.  While we didn’t chat long, the happiness exuding from their large table was palpable and I was so happy to have had the chance to meet them.

The fact that I met them at all stemmed from the fact that some of the younger-than-me wait staff recognized one of the guests as a very handsome actor. Doing my due diligence as a GMG contributor (who happened to be wearing my GMG baseball hat…go figure) I introduced myself and got a bit of the scoop.

Yanic Triesdale, a Canadian actor, also adored in the United States as Michael on The Gilmore Girls in addition to other series and mini-series, is in town to celebrate the destination wedding of dear friends Isabelle Lafleche and very soon-to-be-husband, Patrice.  While, maybe not as recognizable in person to those dining at Halibut, Isabelle is the fantastic, and incredibly beautiful, author of the novels J’Adore New York and J’Adore Paris.  I can’t get to Barnes and Nobles fast enough.  She also happens, as it turns out, to be good friends with GMG’s own, Kim Smith.

They were completely charming and talking with them made me smile.  I was, for the record, incredibly happy to learn that my own dear friend, while recognizing that I was mildly intruding on a rehearsal dinner of sorts, bought the table a couple of bottles of wine in thanks for humoring me.

Excellent examples of friendship on both sides of my iPhone last night.

Cheers to friendship….mine, Kim’s, everyone’s.  Cheers to Isabelle and Patrice on a glorious wedding and a lifetime of happiness. How special that they chose Rockport, of all places, to seal the deal.

Image

Be Afraid Nicole, Be Very Afraid! For GMG Author Nicole Schrafft

Posted on by capeannpainter

This is what will happen if your dog is bit by Nicole Schrafft’s 8 legged friend.

Check out Nicole’s Post on her shower visitor:

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/yecchy/

Happy Birthday Kathy Chapman

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Friend of Good Morning Gloucester and friend of mine, Kathy Chapman, a native of Minnesota, has given us many Gloucester waterfront posts, as well as the popular and long running "Fish on Fridays," in collaboration with our own Marty Luster. She and I have had many discussions about photography, and she's visited and transported me in my medical time of need. As GMG's Donna Ardizzoni told me: "Kathy Chapman has a good heart." And so true. Happy Birthday Kathy. We wish you many more.
Friend of Good Morning Gloucester and friend of mine, Kathy Chapman, a native of Minnesota, has given us many Gloucester waterfront posts, as well as the popular and long running “Fish on Fridays,” in collaboration with our own Marty Luster. She and I have had many discussions about photography, and she’s visited and transported me in my medical time of need. As GMG’s Donna Ardizzoni told me: “Kathy Chapman has a good heart.” And so true. Happy Birthday Kathy. We wish you many more. (Her actual birthday was yesterday, Friday September 5th).

 

Community Stuff 9/6/14

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

BACK TO SCHOOL : EASTERN POINT DAY SCHOOL

Faculty and students alike want to wish all teachers, parents and students of Cape Ann a great school year ahead! 

IMG_9066IMG_9070

artisan,traditional skills,small business,wood chisels,work shop,

CALVO WOODCARVING SCHOOL still has openings in the fall class schedule.

We offer five-day, three-day, weekly and weekend woodcarving classes.  

I also have room in my forging woodcarving tools workshop in October as well. 

Call for more information  978-283-0231 or check the website: www.davidcalvo.com

Calvo Studio is still looking for new studio space.  Any info or referrals would be appreciated.

warm regards,
David
Calvo Studio
235 East Main St
Gloucester, MA  01930
Tel. 978-283-0231
www.calvostudio.com artisan,traditional skills,small business,wood chisels,work shop,

Sylvia Cohen Religious School Open House!

Temple Ahavat Achim of Gloucester (86 Middle St.) invites everyone to the Sylvia Cohen Religious School Open House this Sunday, September 7th at 11 am!

Come meet our school teachers, students, parents… and take a tour of our beautiful Temple!

Hi – I’m turning to you in hopes you can help –  I’ve looked and looked and cannot find the name of the band that played on the boulevard Saturday night before the fireworks. Does anyone know who they are?  They were fantastic!  

Thanks,

Pam

Well Worn

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

DSC07920

See that white plastic one in the middle of the pile?  They came out with those about 20 years ago.  Useless.  They only hold about half the bait.  Nice in theory but if you wanna get the job done they suck.  Old school aluminum shovels are the weapon of choice.  Excellent for snow removal as well.  See the cracks?  That’s about what it looks like inside my lower back from all the years of shoveling.

DSC07919DSC07921

Gloucester Featured In Sports Illustrated

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hey Joey,

Gloucester is featured in this Sports Illustrated story:
http://www.si.com/edge/2014/09/04/Cyclocross-bike-race-extreme-physical-conditions

Paul Boudreau | bikes: advocacy & promotion

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike – John F. Kennedy

Cape ann License Plate Now With Online Form

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

CAPE ANN LICENSE PLATE

Click Here for the link to the online form

CAC-License-Plate-sm

LICENSE PLATE APPLICATION (pdf) DOWNLOAD > Print, Fill Out, Mail Back to the Chamber

Proceeds from the license plate will be used to benefit promotion, economic development and education initiatives for Cape Ann and the Cape Ann communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport.

After an extensive design submission and voting process, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the winning design for the Cape Ann License plate. The winning design was chosen after nearly 2,000 votes were received from the Cape Ann community through online and ballot voting. The design was created by local Rockport artist, Annalei Babson, from Coveside Designs.
Download the Cape Ann License Plate Application or fill out the online form below to reserve your application:

Cape Ann License Plate Online Application

Show your love and support of Cape Ann by proudly driving this beautiful and symbolic license plate!

  • Name*

    FirstLast

  • Email*
  • Phone*
  • Address*

    Street AddressAddress Line 2CityAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces PacificStateZIP Code

  • Current Plate # (if applicable)
  • Ship Plate to: (The RMV branch where you will pick up your plate)*

    AttleboroBostonBraintreeBrocktonChicopeeDanversEasthamptonFall RiverGreenfieldHaverhillLawrenceLeominsterLowellMartha’s VineyardMilfordNantucketNatickNew BedfordNorth AdamsPittsfieldPlymouthRevereRoslindaleSouth YarmouthSouthbridgeSpringfieldTauntonWatertownWilmingtonWorcesterBoston AAAFramingham AAASaugus AAASouth Dennis AAAW Springfield AAAWorcester AAA

    Find your nearest RMV branch location at http://www.mass.gov/rmv

  • Reserve Your Custom Number (up to 4 digits)

    First come, first served basis. Requires $100 minimum donation to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will contact you to obtain your current valid driver’s license number and collect your check payment.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

  • These special plates are only available to Massachusetts residents with a valid driver’s license.
  • License Plates will be randomly assigned numbers UNLESS YOU WANT TO RESERVE YOUR OWN CUSTOM NUMBER. (This is a separate, one-time minimum donation of $100/per requested number, paid to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. These are processed and approved on a first come, first served basis. If your number is approved, you will receive a written confirmation.)
  • Each Cape Ann license plate will cost $40, in addition to a $20 plate swap fee plus any applicable registration fees. You will need to make a check payable to “MASS DOT”
  • Registrations will be renewed every two years.
  • If you are putting your plate on a newly acquired vehicle, you must pay applicable sales tax, title and registration fees at the time of registration.
  • In the form, you will need to fill out your local Registry of Motor Vehicles branch location to pick up your new license plate. You will then be notified by mail that your plates have been shipped to your requested branch. Bring your current valid car registration and current plates (if applicable) to the branch at that time to swap or pick up your new Cape Ann plates.
  • The Chamber must collect 1,500 applications before manufacture and distribution of the plate can begin. So spread the word!

Fish Cakes & Beans & Trupiano’s Sausage Brunch at the Rockport Farmers Market!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Tomorrow, from 10am until supplies run out: a traditional fish cakes & beans, along with Trupiano’s sausage, served fresh at the Rockport Farmers Market. Proceeds benefit the market. The brunch features Cape Ann’s heritage food. A big thank you to Rockport Farmers Market vendors Mike & Grace from Trupiano’s Sausage and Tim & Ruth Sullivan of Sullivan’s Sugarhouse, along with food writer Heather Atwood for providing the food for tomorrow’s brunch!

RFMcodcakes2014About that Fish Cakes & Bean Brunch…
Tim & Ruth Sullivan are Rockport Farmers Market vendors, selling their own maple syrup each week. Tim knows a lot about fishing and lobstering in New England, having experienced a considerable amount of both growing up in Lanesville.

Tim gives a little background on the traditional Fish Cakes & Beans meal:
“In coastal areas, especially commercial fishing areas like Gloucester or Cape Cod, Maine, and the Maritimes, fish cakes are a staple of a traditional New England hearty breakfast. These are usually made from a flaky white-meat fish, such as cod or scrod, breaded and pan-fried to give them a delicate golden, crispy crust. They are truly scrumptious!  While baked beans are sometimes also a part of the traditional ‘Full English’ breakfast, Boston baked beans have a secret ingredient that gives them a deeper sweetness: molasses. The other secret to great Boston baked beans is slow cooking. The early colonists would make these beans in heavy ceramic beanpots, place them in the banked fire of their hearths on Saturday night, and let them slowly cook overnight until the Sunday breakfast. Ours will be on Saturday morning of course, and we have another secret ingredient…maple syrup!“

For more on the history of cooking beans in the traditional way, check out this article from The Fisherman’s Voice.