Good Morning Gloucester

I understand Sal’s Pizza is well known to some and that people were looking forward to having Sal’s in Gloucester. Now that they have opened in the new Haffner’s gas station on Essex Ave, I thought we’d give it a try ourselves. For the benefit of the blog, of course…..

We are not familiar with Sal’s but we are somewhat familiar with various “gas station pizzas” as we travel the highways fairly often, so we made that our basis for comparison. We are not comparing it to storefront pizza although the set up inside Haffner’s very much appears to be a storefront. We got a slice (which was cut in two) which is a quarter of the 19″ pizzas they advertise, so the portion is large. It cost about $6 for the portion you see here. As expected, it wasn’t freshly made but it was warm and tasty. The sauce is more tangy tomato than sweet. The crust is thin with a crispy bottom. A variety of pizza toppings are available along with garlic knots and other items. We even noticed Haffner’s carries Virgilios sauce and bread which was a nice surprise on the Magnolia side of the bridge.

We did not order a freshly made pizza but the slice did the trick for a late afternoon snack. The staff was very friendly and helpful so that’s a big plus. Easy parking and close to home makes it a winner for us. Keep your expectations reasonable and I think you will be satisfied.

~ MICHAELDEKOSTER ~

January 14th Fundraiser for Maritime Gloucester

Get your friends and family together and join us for a some strings of bowling, raffle prizes, and more — all for a great cause! Reserve a lane for up to six players ($120 per lane, teams of up to six people, includes 3 strings of bowling and shoe rental for all). Don’t forget to bring some extra spending money for raffles, games, food and drinks! Cape Ann Lanes has a great selection of food and beverages!

**If you want to participate but don’t have enough players to reserve a full lane, please choose the individual ticket to reserve your spot ($25/person) and we’ll place you on a team at the event (while space is available).**

Please email info@maritimegloucester.org with questions.

(Along with a reverse seared strip roast)

What a racket.

On the other side of the spectrum Homegoods has great options to pack for inexpensive travel snacks.

sushisanglee February reservation is open!

We will open on Valentine’s Day.

Hurry book your sweet seats and have a romantic dinner with us. Book at Tock or visit www.sushisanglee.com

Waterlog…

I have told the story of John Handran of Gloucester who was awarded the US Medal of Honor for saving the lives of fellow sailors in 1876 and later was lost in the wreck of the Schooner Cleopatra in 1885. He left behind in Gloucester a wife and 3 small children. (Here’s the link to one of the previous GMG posts: https://goodmorninggloucester.com/2021/09/12/join-us-for-the-john-handran-memorial-dedication/)

At the time, I was struggling to find documentation that my family’s John Handran was THE John Handran who was awarded the US Medal of Honor. I did find the evidence in old newspapers I was able to locate at the Cape Ann Museum Library and Archives. But I never stopped looking for more, so when the Sawyer Free Library announced it’s updated digital collection of Cape Ann newspapers, I was very excited to find additional evidence to support that one of the Navy’s heroes was a Gloucesterman.

I thought you might benefit from some step by step guidance in case you’d like to do your own research. If you find something cool, please share it! (Carol M I’m talking to you!) First you will search “Sawyer Free Library” for the link. Then you find Cape Ann History Digital Resources on the front page. Select whichever date timeframe interests you (if you select the current dates 2009 forward, you will need your library card number). I selected the older ones and searched the surname Handran. 

Scroll through the results until you find something that looks interesting. It’s a bit of a jumble at first but your search term is highlighted which helps a great deal. Click an article you find interesting and read away. You can download to review later if you prefer.

This is how I discovered that John Handran’s 12 year old son Herman saved a child from drowning in Newburyport in 1895. The story titled “A Brave Lad” hightlights the Handran search term and tells a pretty cool story which includes additional proof that we have the right John Handran in our family stories.

Gloucester Fishermen vs Newburyport Clippers Boys Varsity Hockey (Replay) 1/3/24
https://youtu.be/hHpwcZRvl64

If you loved Yellowstone as much as I do this is going to be awesome.

Tickets available here- http://Check out Yellowstone Inspired Dinner on Resy. http://resy.com/link?venue_id=4448&event_url_slug=yellowstone-inspired-dinner-2024-02-01

Yellowstone Dinner

5 course meal inspired by the Official Dutton
Ranch Family Cookbook

Homestyle recipes from character & real-life chef
Gabriel “Gator” Guilbeau

Reception drink included with additional

Yellowstone cocktails a la carte

Exclusive list of bourbons to wet your whistle

Chill…

Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Gloucester for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the program’s high standards, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

 

“It speaks volumes that the City has received this Certificate of Achievement for Excellence for the past six years; it demonstrates our City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and remaining fiscally responsible,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I am so proud of the great work done by our Auditor and Treasurer’s Offices to put forward this comprehensive financial report each year and am grateful to the GFOA for their careful review.”

 

The City of Gloucester has submitted the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) since 2017 to the GFOA. It has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the past six years. This annual report is an essential tool for elected or appointed officials and others concerned with the City’s management and financial well-being. The City’s financial statements have been audited by an independent outside auditor and are included in the ACFR.

 

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.