Good Morning Gloucester

Video of postgame between Beverly and Danvers hockey from this afternoon at Essex Sports Center. Beverly head coach Greg Fonzi and Danvers assistant Colby Mulry have words — you can see a Fonzi stick out his hand to shake before he shoves Mulry down to the ice. pic.twitter.com/2f11o3XlPR

— Phil Stacey (@PhilStacey_SN) January 17, 2022

After Pickleball and the elliptical machine I wandered down to the Bliss Bites Cafe at the Y and had this delicious Quinoa, toasted sweet potato, chickpea and feta bowl for $6.50.

Healthy, delicious, reasonably priced and satisfying. I’ve been longing for a place I can reliably go and not blow my diet in one meal. Bliss Bites Cafe is that place!

I like to try new restaurants and I keep the Serenitee restaurants at the top of that list for obvious reasons (rewards and points for example). Not one of them has disappointed me so we decided to take the half hour or so ride up 133 to give The Spot in Georgetown a try.

It was easy to find, easy to park. We were greeted warmly and served efficiently by Nathaniel. There’s a large bar area with some seating as well as a separate area with tables. When we arrived, it was fairly quiet but soon filled up. Several young families were there which indicates a friendly atmosphere and menu for a wide range of customers. I had the Rueben and Jim has the chicken sandwich. We each cleaned our plates and were too full for dessert. I am glad we took the ride to give this a try. We will return. Thanks Serenitee for the friendly atmosphere and delicious foods in each location.

What: Locals Colors is proud to partner with four very worthy local charities for our annual Valentines day card celebration. Our artists have donated cards for the cause so that 100% of what is raised can go to the charity with the most votes. The ads are attached for you to share in your newsletters!
When/Where: From now until Feb 14th the cards will be on sale at Local Colors, 121 Main Street.
How it works: For every purchase of a predetermined selection of Valentines day cards the buyer will be able to vote for their charity of choice. Each card equals a vote. At the end of the sale the votes will be tallied and the one with the highest vote will be awarded the funds.

A windy night, then woke up in the midst of our first major Northeast storm of 2022.

Ron Gilson Submits this tribute to Ray Chandanaias:

Ray was a valued member of our waterfront community, a devoted family man and my long-time friend… a straight shooter to all who knew him.
Ray… until we meet again, smooth sailing… Ron Gilson⚓  ⚓  ⚓GLOUCESTER’S “CATERPILLAR” MASTER MECHANIC

1933 ~ RAY CHANDANAIS ~ 2022My friend and a great guyLooking back over 50 years ago, when I first met Ray, we both were so young.  Ray had teamed up with “Ozzie” Howard and after a few years, they moved their successful marine repair business to Pond Road.  At that time, I had just opened my Gloucester Marine Insurance Agency.Ray and Ozzie both serviced our fishing fleet, and in a way, complimented each other’s work.  Ray approached his Caterpillar customers with the tools and expertise of a brain surgeon.  His partner, Ozzie, serviced his customers with his “jack of all trades” experience and a sledge hammer!  IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF ONE ERA AND THE END OF ANOTHER!

As our business relationship grew, our friendship intensified.  In my life, the friendships I’ve made along the way, are all important.  Ray Chandanais is my good friend, along with his family:  wife, Helen; son, Jay; sister, Theresa Wilkins; mother, Mary, and their own family relatives come to mind.

When our coffee house opened in 1981, the first daily breakfast customer was Ray!  No one supported our business more than Ray, and on weekends, his entire family.  Our friendship went far beyond business.  Ray, Helen, and their family were our family.  Joan and I were invited to their wedding at the Surf in Magnolia.  Family birthday parties, Veteran’s Day and Marine Corps (10 November) annual restaurant birthday celebrations, when Ray loaned his sons’, Randy and Michael, Marine Corp portraits for display above our restaurant dessert case.  Ray was so proud… GREAT MEMORIES!

Overwatering…