A few Fred Bodin’s Photos of Harbortown Cultural District celebration

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Catherine Ryan submits-

Hi Joey,

Here’s a few photos from Fred Bodin’s coverage of Tuesday’s May 28 kick off Celebration for the Harbortown Cultural District. The party was held in the Gorton’s gallery of Maritime Gloucester and it was packed! Check out the special cake –it very nearly covered a 4 x 6 table.

Gloucester from its water’s edge and beyond: the center for all! Like the “Harbortown” name, the cake was a mash up of two flavors, too. Lise Breen and Judith Hoglander worked with Jim’s Bagel and Bake Shoppe for this classic riff of Saul Steinberg’s famous 1976 New Yorker cover, a favorite motif for him.

Music filled the rooms and welcomed everyone. One of the Harbortown event’s surprises was the talent of musicians Zach Bridges & Steve Lacy from Henry Allen & The New Swingset. Here’s Henry Allen (on the steering committee for Harbortown) visiting with Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Karen Ristuben (Rocky Neck Cultural District) Gloucester ’s Rocky Neck Cultural District is a partner. Mayor Kirk spoke twice.

Leadership here and at the state level are advocating for the arts in a big way. The Harbortown Cultural District would not have happened without the support and commitment from Mayor Carolyn Kirk, Harbor Planning Director Sarah Garcia, Chief Administrative Officer James Duggan, all the Gloucester City Councilors, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council representatives. The party filled up quickly. There was bountiful conversation and energy buoyed by appetizers and drinks thanks to so many wonderful partners and stakeholders. Here’s one of Fred’s crowd photos peeking through Maritime Gloucester’s display–what an apt framing for the themes of connection.

One of the first surprises on the evening’s program was a presentation from Harbortown partner, the Gloucester Public Schools. Teachers Kurt Lichtenwald’s  and John Barry’s S.T.E.A.M. (science technology engineering, Arts and mathematics) classes feature students’ and made, engineered musical instruments. David Puglisi came to the event and showcased his handmade plywood electric guitar see his youtube video!

Co-chair for Harbortown Cultural District, Judith Hoglander looks on.

Anita Walker, executive director for the Massachusetts Cultural Council gave a wonderful speech about Gloucester , this district, the arts and maritime connections. She spoke to the legacy of the continuous involvement of youth and fostering stewardship through generations. She took a moment to recognize a contribution completed for the application.

Fred captures the authentic spirit of Anita Walker in this one and sheer fun. The MCC is passionate about Gloucester and the arts across Massachusetts . Sarah Garcia surprised Walker with an iconic Gloucester southwester. They visited Nelsons on Main Street on the day of the site visit, and the classic yellow slicker hats and ancillary businesses of the fishing industry were obvious topics. To the left of Walker, Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library Director, Carol Gray enjoys the moment.

 

More photos to come; David Cox, local media, and co-Chair Bob Whitmarsh were all snapping away at different points. By the way, one of the best Facebook pages in town, Fred Bodin may have some posted https://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto

We’ll add some photos to our website http://www.gloucesterharbortown.org.

Thank you Joey and GMG for helping!

You. Are. Beautiful. – A Tribute to Warriors

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

"You. Are. Beautiful. – A Tribute to Warriors"

This is a special event to celebrate art and support our wounded warriors!  On July 8, 2013, from 6:30-9:30pm, Thi Linh Wernau, an artist and photographer based in Rockport, will host an art exhibition and party at Minglewood Tavern.  View art, enjoy appetizers and live music, and meet some of the veterans she photographed for her "You. Are. Beautiful." project – a celebration of the human spirit and beauty in all people.

Tickets are $20 per person and 100% of ticket sales benefit the Semper Fi Fund, which helps post 9/11 combat veterans and their families.  Those interested in attending should purchase tickets in advance of the event.  If you cannot attend, you can still donate via the invitation link!

Get more information and buy tickets here:  http://youarebeautiful.eventbrite.com/

Also, watch this Tribute to Warriors music video promoting the event!

http://www.vimeo.com/67150306

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I’m Not Saying These MFers Deserve To Die

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Can Someone Explain To Me Why These Storm Chaser Idiots Put Themselves In Harm’s Way?????

Shit is crazy.

You telling me the guy in the passenger seat didn’t shit his pants?

Rescue Fred the Cockatoo From Lin Chandler

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi,

I am writing to everyone that I know I can trust.  We rescued a cockatoo from an abusive tortuous situation and now we need to find a very experienced handler who can take him home.  We can’t keep him for very long because we both work long hours and cannot rehab poor Fred the way he needs.  Please see the attached and contact me @ 978-281-6222 or 978-852-6228 with any assistance or information.

Thank you, in advance, for you r help

Lin

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Community Stuff 6/1/13

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Three 7th grade students from O’Maley Innovation Middle School were semi-finalists for the state of Massachusetts.

Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to that author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Letters are judged on state and national levels. Tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature each year.

This year, Letters About Literature received 49,000 entries from young readers across the country! Three 7th grade students from O’Maley Innovation Middle School were semi-finalists for the state of Massachusetts. They ranked in the top ten percent of the letters read in the program that year— a remarkable achievement on their part!

Congratulations to

Brendan Johnson
Matthew Smith
Sarah (Emily) Whitemore

Rockport Senior Center Update

Memoir Writing Class

Classes will be Tuesday morning from 10:30-11:30AM starting June 4th. Come prepared to write about your lives and times. Classes will be taught by Cathryn Clark. Call to sign up 978-546-2573

Call 978-546-2573

Singing Class is for beginners and intermediate singers. The repertory will be varied, including show tunes, standards Jorgelina Zeloi is a professional musician with a degree from The New England Conservatory of Music. No previous singing experience necessary. Class is $5.00. Mondays beginning June 10th from 1:00-2:00PM. Call to sign up 978-546-2573

A Matter of Balance

A four week program blends exercise and learning together. Participants learn to reduce the risk factors, increase activity, and to improve their strength and balance . This program is twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3:00PM. This is a free program sponsored by SeniorCare. Call to sign up 978-546-2573

Laughter is the Best Medicine

This free presentation is sponsored by BAYADA Home Health Care. You will learn the benefits of laughter, how it boosts immunity and decreases pain. Numerous jokes in the presentation to laugh at and share with family & friends. Please RSVP 978-546-2573

The Rockport Senior Center will be traveling to Newport, R.I. on July 17th to tour the Breakers Mansion, have a delicious lunch at the Atlantic Beach Club and then we will take a narrated cruise on the Newport Harbor where you will be able to view many beautiful estates from the water. $79.00 due at time of reservation.

On August 14th we will travel to Connecticut for a delicious lunch and then take a scenic steam train ride where you will meet the Riverboat crew to cruise the Connecticut River on a relaxing, one hour ride. Upon docking, you will meet the steam engine for the return trip to the motor coach. This trip is $82.00 and payable at time of reservation. Call Paula for more information, 978-546-2573.

Intro to iPad & iPhone Classes. 4 classes/$40.00 Thursdays from 1-2:30PM. June 6th -27th and July 11th-August 1st. Taught by Coleen McGrath. Call to reserve your spot. 978-546-2573 Limited space.

Required materials: tablets or phone, owner’s manual, cables, email address(user ID) and password

Intro to Facebook

Do you want to use Facebook but are intimated by it? You will learn to set up an account, learn about all the privacy settings, create postings and messages, navigate the Timeline, upload and tag photos, get comfortable friending people and confidently join the world of Facebook. Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30-12PM, June 10-19th and July 8th -17th.

4 sessions/$40.00. Payment is due at time of registration.

Intro to Kindle

Kindle classes are Thursdays from 10:30AM-12:30PM.  Classes are taught my Coleen McGrath4 Classes/$40.00. Call 978-546-2573 to reserve your spot. Limited space.

What to Look for When Choosing a Quality Healthcare Provider Wednesday, June 12th 1:00PM

You have a choice, choose wisely! Whether a healthcare organization is for profit, or not for profit, each one should adhere to certain standards of care, and you should know what to look for when choosing. This seminar will give you the tips needed to make the right decision.. This presentation is sponsored by Elder Insider. RSVP 978-546-2573.

Hey Gloucester dancers!
A small but dedicated group of people has been working to re-establish regular contra dancing on Cape Ann. Because of a generous donation of space from the First Baptist Church on GLoucester Ave, dances will be held on Sunday evenings, June 9 and 23rd. The evenings will begin with pot luck (table ready please, we don’t have stoves for our use) from 5-6:30.  Dancing will follow from 7-10:00. Wellknown caller Cammy Kaynor, who has been teaching and calling dances for 35 years, will call the dances, and musicians of all levels are invited to join the musician’s jam. Sheet music will be provided. A free will offering will be taken to pay the janitor.
Contra dancing is a form of traditional dance  usually done in lines or circles and occasional squares. All dances will be taught and all ages are welcome. Contra dancing is great excercise, and a great intergenerational activity.  Please join us for fun-filled social event!
Caroline Haines

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be observed on Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon at Five Corners in Rockport.

Sponsored by the Rockport Police Department & Rockport Council on Aging, who are encouraging the community to join them anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 Noon.  All are welcome.  Please bring your business, organization, club sign – hand-made banners or signs are also welcome.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of elders are abused, neglected and exploited.  Unfortunately, no one is immune.  It occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone – a  friend, family member, neighbor, etc.   Together, let’s educate those about elder abuse, join in on June 25th.

For further information, please contact Officer Roger Lesch, 978-546-1212, ext. 13, or e-mail:  rlesch@rockportpd.org

CAVPTreschedule

On Leaving Gloucester From Ann Kennedy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dear Joey and All,

As usual, our days here have gone far too quickly and now it’s time to leave. Each day we experienced something special and have seen something more beautiful than the day before. We have loved eating in the restaurants, shopping in the shops, walking the neighborhoods and docks, hiking the woods and strolling the beaches. But most precious of all is having spent time with those who so generously have extended their friendship to us.

With thanks and best wishes to all for a wonderful summer, goodnight Gloucester!

Ann and Bob Kennedy

ELSIE and BLUENOSE, Start of the First Race

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

from verso: "Start of the first race of the Internatonal Race, showing 'Elsie' in the lead with Bluenose in rear." 1921, Halifax Nova Scotia

From the collections of the CAPE ANN MUSEUM, Gloucester, Massachusetts

“Start of the first race of the International Race showing ‘Elsie’ in the lead with Bluenose in the rear” 1921 Halifax, Nova Scotia

Thanks to  Fred Buck for locating this photograph and sharing it with the Gloucester Schooner Festival committee.

From A Race for Real Sailors  The first ELSIE – BLUENOSE RACE.

_________ The two fairly flew across the water, all sails filled in the stiff quartering breeze and hulls rolling heavily in the deep chop.  “The end of Bluenose’s 80-ft. boom was now in the water, now halfway up to the masthead as she gained on her rival.  The Elsie rolled still harder and three times brought her main boom across the Bluenose’s deck, between the fore and main rigging.”  It was a constant battle for the weather berth, with members of both crews either handling lines or working aloft or hugging the windward rails.  Anyone daring to raise his head above the weather rail on Bluenose caught the caught the edge of Walter’s caustic tongue.  __________

A Race for Real Sailors is in stock at the Cape Ann Museum. 

The stirring and poignant tale is illustrated with 51 historical photographs and five maps, and rounded out by a glossary of sailing terms and an appendix of the ever-changing race rules. This is a story that will keep even confirmed landlubbers pegged to their seats, a tale of iron men and wooden ships whose time will never come again.

Al Bezanson

White Pigeon With Band Terrorizing Annisquam

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

There is a white pigeon with a band on its leg hanging around our little neighborhood.  I first saw it on our patio on May 23rd.  It has been hanging out between our house and a couple of the neighbor’s houses. (Riverview Road, the one way part that goes in a circle, on the Annisquam)

Can’t get close enough to catch him or try to see the band.  I am sure he belongs to someone that does special events or races them.  Thought maybe you could get the word out there about him.  He isn’t wild, so he is not as afraid – worried a coyote, or cat may get him.

Thanks!

Lisa Ann Whistler Smith

Fish on Fridays

Posted on by Marty Luster

The Fish on Fridays series is a collaboration between Gloucester photographers Kathy Chapman and Marty Luster. Look for various aspects of Gloucester’s centuries-old fishing industry highlighted here on Fridays.

This week we took a look at the longliner Iron Lady from Boston  up for maintenance at Gloucester Marine Railways on Rocky Neck.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Longline fishing is a commercial fishing technique. It uses a long line, called the main line, with baited hooks attached at intervals by means of branch lines called snoods (or gangions).[1] A snood is a short length of line, attached to the main line using a clip or swivel, with the hook at the other end. Longlines are classified mainly by where they are placed in the water column. This can be at the surface or at the bottom. Lines can also be set by means of an anchor, or left to drift. Hundreds or even thousands of baited hooks can hang from a single line. Longliners commonly target swordfish, tuna, halibut, sablefish and many other species.

In the third photo below, note the transponders that are deployed  to insure finding  the location of the line at any time.

bowIronLady
sternIronLady
fishingnetradar
fullportsideIronLady


IMG_1650 copy Photos © Kathy Chapman 2013
 www.kathychapman.com  and
© Marty Luster 2013 
matchedpairs.wordpress.com, 
slicesoflifeimages.wordpress.com

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Paint Factory

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

With CEO of Ocean Alliance Iain Kerr, Mayor Carolyn Kirk, State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, State Senator Bruce Tarr, and many Ocean Alliance Volunteers.

To listen to Iain’s presentation link to     IAIN Speaks

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20 Foot Basking Shark Swimming 20 Miles South Of Gloucester

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Our lobstrrman.Chris Aboard The Lobster boat F/V Trapper John just sent me these pics of a basking shark swimming 20 miles South of Gloucester

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Kiss on the Neck for Good

Posted on by God's Morning

kiss tote poster

Dear friends and family,
 

As many of you know, my little ice-cream business KISS on the Neck on Rocky Neck in Gloucester, MA takes tremendous pride not only satisfying the sweet-tooth but encouraging the do-good among its customers.  


Last summer, this particular commitment had manifested through the sales of tote-bags, refashioned one by one from empty commercial rice-bags with all the proceeds going back to Senegal to support alternative income-generating projects for urban street-boys known as the Talibé. The overwhelming response to these bags in Gloucester exceeded my expectations and compelled me to return to Senegal this past winter to quarterback the growth of the project.
 
This film, a year in the making, will unveil our latest development, the K.I.S.S. Tote (Kindly Inspiring Sustainable Solutions) connecting KISS on the Neck Ice Cream with its mission abroad. The film shows how creativity, compassion and friendship has brought together different people and different concepts to inspire one truly innovative fundraising approach for the street-boys of Saint Louis, Senegal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbooTp4JA4Q
 
It is also with great excitement, I announce that the K.I.S.S. Totes have gone on sale this past Memorial Day Weekend at KISS on the NECK and will be available shortly at the Bookstore downtown. This year’s collection, the most mind-blowing yet, is the result of thousands of hours this winter, revamping the designs, incorporating I-friendly pockets, diversifying color selection, strengthening the staying-power and improving the quality and craftsmanship of every product. We also have introduced a small hand-bag, place-mats and boosted our production of wine-sleeves, all refashioned from discarded rice-sac material. 
 
I’m proud of our progress this past year and I am confident you will find the products this summer both exceptionally appealing and downright practical. Furthermore, viewing this film, you will develop a much more concrete understanding how your purchases are being used to support a truly remarkable effort already at work in northern Senegal. 
 
Lastly, I wanted to resound one last thank you to all those who contributed to the JOGGLING project. I crossed the Paris Marathon finish-line at 4 hours exactly, with all three balls, still rotating in motion! We raised nearly  $4,000 for Taliberte, the same organization featured in the film. 
 
Thank you,
Richard

P.S. If anyone is interested in the French version of the film, please email me directly.
 
Richard Ross, Scooper-in-Charge 
 
KISS on the Neck Ice Cream
 & Other Sweet Endeavors
 
Rocky Neck Art Colony. Glosta, MA
St. Louis, Senegal. West Africa.
T. 978 304 2825 – E. rrross11@hotmail.com
KISS us on Facebook!! 

 

Swally Note from Morgan Faulds Pike

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

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Gloucester Sculptor and Gardening Friend Morgan Faulds Pike writes ~

Hi Kim,

Just read your post at GMG and thought I’d send this along since it happened today.

I went into the barn to put the broom back after sweeping the porch and I did the daily check of Swally! OMG!
Had to rush the photos because I didn’t know how much time I had.  I transferred him via his stick to the monarda. Then he flew away into the juniper hedge, perhaps to be shaded while firming up…
He was a tiny caterpillar last fall.  We fed him parsley and you advised us to let him winter in the barn.
Success!

Thanks and Cheers,

Morgan

Morgan Faulds Pike is well-known throughout Gloucester. She is the world famous sculptor who created Gloucester’s beloved Fishermen’s Wives Memorial.

full_size_clay_copyMorgan at Work on the Full-Size Clay for the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Memorial

91_owls-2Leaf-person and Owls by Morgan Faulds Pike

Best Bands in MA coming to Gloucester

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

It’s a revolution — a slow one.  Perhaps you haven’t even noticed.  In school we’re taught about revolutions as if they happen all at once.  But most of them don’t.  They take years.  One day, you look around and everything has changed.  It’s hard to notice the revolution when we’re in the middle of it.  That’s where we are now — in the middle of Gloucester’s music revolution.  Here’s how you can tell:

On Sunday, The Brew, recently named Best Band in New England by the New England Music Awards, will be at Minglewood.  One quick listen and you’ll know why they won.

Music on Sundays at Minglewood?  That’s right.  This Sunday 6/2 Minglewood Tavern launches a new night of music.  Let’s get down there and prove them right for adding another night to the Gloucester music revolution.

Next Saturday, Boston Magazine’s Best Local Band, Three Day Threshold plays The Rhumbline.  This band ROCKS and defies genre.  Listen here.  They’ve also got a great sense of humor as evidenced by their Facebook description: “good country gone terribly terribly bad”.

If you look at their tour dates, you see they’re at Meadowbrook Pavilion, Middle East Downstairs (the big room) and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.  But YOU can see them at The Rhumbline without even crossing the bridge.  That’s revolution.

While you’re at it, check out tomorrow’s Rhumbline choice, Under Griffin’s Porch.  Here’s a prediction: It won’t be long before they win a Best Band award.

Gloucester’s music revolution is all around you.  Join in and have some fun!

The last of the second series of The SingerSongwriterShuffle @ Giusuppe’s Ristorante May 30, 2013

Posted on by Joanne

What a great time last night at Giuseppe’s Ristorante, Gloucester, Ma. So many talented performers.
SingerSongwriters were, John Raymond Jerome, Kirsten Manville, Amy Lohman accompanied by Mel Green, Tee Max, The host for the evening with Bonnie Barish and Nancy Davis Williams“Shake”, Charlee Bianchini, Guy Zaccardi and Dan McGinn.

There will be more shows starting the second Thursday in June keep tuned.

second-singersongwritershuffle

Click the poster to view photos

http://www.giuseppesma.com