Tag: 2011

2011 Blackburn Challenge Coverage From GMG- Live Tracking of Ed, Rubber Ducky and Paul Morrison and More!!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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We will be tracking Ed, Rubber Duckie and Paul Morison via satellite.  if you click on the screenshot of the map you will see exactly where they are on the race course as they circumnavigate Cape Ann.

The screenshot below was taken at 6:08 when they boys arrived at the starting line at Gloucester High School.  If you click the picture it will show you a refreshed map of exactly where they are as the day progresses.

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Ed Collard talking pretty confidently in his interview here but I think we all know he is secretly hoping for the race to be called early due to heat, LOL! I will say this-
If Ed Collard does indeed complete the Blackburn Challenge after only 5 times being in a Kayak I’ll be convinced he can do anything.



A note to all Blackburn Challenger Competitors and their families-
Swing down the dock after the race to get a free Good Morning Gloucester Sticker and have your picture taken for these pages Representing!

The boys have been averaging 5 mph according to our satellite tracker

8:10AM

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8:27AM 5mph

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8:42AM 4mph

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GO ED!!! GO PAUL!!! GO RUBBER DUCKIE!!!

11:09AM 3mph

11:34 Zero MPH  BEER BREAK?

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12:55PM 4MPH Passing Brace Cove

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1:07PM 4MPH The Home Stretch Past The Breakwater

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1:38PM 4 MPH Inner Harbor heading For The Greasy Pole!!!!

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Finishing Strong 5MPH To Pavillion Beach THEY DID IT!!!!!!!!!!

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WOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!! THEY DID IT!!!! Blackburn Challenge 2011

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’m Buyin Ed and Paul!!!  Milk for R. Duckie!  and thanks to Peter and Vicky Van Ness for getting the video of Ed Hitting the beach!!!

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GMG Gear Preview- KAYALU RAM Marine Grade Gear Locking Suction Camera Mount

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Ed and I preview the Kayalu RAM camera mount before putting it to the saltwater test, using it to film The Blackburn Challenge.

I recently bought a Kodak zx-3  Playsport waterproof video camera.  It was the camera that GMG contributor Adam Bolonsky used to tape this year’s Greasy Pole.  When I found out that the camera was only $77 it was an absolute no-brainer.

Last week I used it to film my ride to Gloucester in this video-

As you can see in the video there is a decent amount of camera shake with it being hand held.  I couldn’t use my Manfrotto Modopocket because that is made to sit on a flat surface.

So then I got to thinking about how much cool footage I could get if I outfitted one of my lobstermen with a saltwater resistant type camera and mount and I began my search.  With some advice from Adam Bolonsky I discovered the Kayalu RAM suction mount which uses heavy duty marine grade materials throughout.  A simple mount made from ordinary metal would be useless after it’s first use hitting saltwater.

We plan to use the Kaylau RAM saltwater camera mount with an 8 inch toughbar extension and the Kodak Playsport zx-3 to capture some footage attached to Ed’s Kayak for the Blackburn’s Challenge.

Here are some pictures-

I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up. Look for our review post race. In teh meanwhile check out our preview here-

I put it on my Joey’s Approved Products page if you want to order one from Massachusetts based Kayalu

Barbara Bodin Paints During The July 2011 Block Party

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Fred Bodin Writes-

Barbara Bodin, Fred Bodin’s sister, paints outside his galley in the West End during the Block Party. Barb is visiting from Martha’s Vinyard to take painting workshops at the North Shore Arts Association. And, of course, spend some quality time with her brother. The view is of diners in front of La Tratoria.

Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar Coming to Main Street August 4th, 5th & 6th

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The Gloucester Downtown Association is happy to announce that they will be coordinating the 53rd Annual Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar scheduled to take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday : August 4th, 5th and 6th from 9:00 am to 5:00pm each day rain or shine. The Bazaar has become a Gloucester tradition that incorporates shopping, outdoor dining, music, children’s activities, artists and crafters along side local non-profit organizations.

Shoppers will be able to choose from a wide array of goods and diners will find plenty of great food. In addition to the traditional sausages, pizza, popcorn and slush, a number of Main Street restaurants will be creating special menu offerings and serving outdoors.

Local non-profit organizations continue to be an integral part of the event with church, school, health, wellness, and civic organizations represented. Planned children’s activities include miniature train rides, giant inflatable, face painting, jugglers, and the popular Cape Ann Vernal Pond snakes and let’s not forget the dog parade on Saturday!

Plan to come down one day or all three and help us create an event that is A True Celebration of our Downtown. There promises to be something for everyone.

To download an application go to businc.org and click on Sidewalk Bazaar applications or contact Grace Giambanco Numerosi at 978-337-7117 or email her at gracegiambanco@hotmail.com

Huge Huge Congratulations To This Year’s Block Party Organizers

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Speaking as one of the founders and a former Block Party Committee member I would say that last night’s Downtown Gloucester Block Party was the best yet!

Fantastic on so many different levels, this is what it’s all about!

I saw Mark McDonough running around downtown last night like a mad man- sweating, clearing trash barrels and taking care of logistical things.  This all while his restaurants are all in full swing.  That is being a doer and not a talker and believe me, I’ll take 1 doer over 10 talkers any day!  He took charge and pulled the people together to make it happen this year.  Kudos to the restaurants and stores who contributed to help pay to sponsor it.  Kudos to Valerie Marcley who did an excellent job as the event coordinator.

There was so much stuff going on we never even made it down to the West End.

The children’s activities were great, and the street performers were interesting and really entertaining. 

Kudos to Lorre Anderson of The Black Swan and all the volunteers.  I was not involved with the planning (just our little publicity machine here) so I don’t know everyone to thank but I’ll ask for a list from the organizers so the people who put on this outstanding community event get the deserved recognition!

EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT!

UHMMM, In Case Anyone Needs a Reminder- THERE’S A DOWNTOWN GLOUCESTER BLOCK PARTY THIS SATURDAY July 16th!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I’m not involved in the planning of the Block Parties any more but that just means that our family gets to go down and enjoy it!!!!

I haven’t seen the banner around town or any flyers but that’s probably because I haven’t been looking.  YOU ALL NEED TO KNOW!!!!!  IT’S THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!!

It’s a great time to make your reservation to dine outdoors, listen to some free music and catch up with folks you may not have seen since Fiesta.

Make Your Ressies Now!! You Only Get To Dine Al Fresco Right Outside On Gloucester’s Beautiful Main Street Three Times a Year So Don’t Miss Out On This Opportunity!

Please pass this along as I’m afraid many folks may not be aware of it. TIA-J

The Gloucester Downtown Block Party, a citywide food, family and arts event occurring three times throughout the summer in the oceanside community of Gloucester, on Cape Ann celebrates its fourth year with a new spin in the fashion of that other hipster seaside community – Portsmouth, NH.

Valerie Marcley, co-founder and coordinator of the tremendously successful Seaport Fringe Festival in Portsmouth has come on board as Event Coordinator of the Gloucester Downtown Block Party series, which has drawn thousands at each event, organized and powered historically through volunteer efforts alone. Valerie brings a fresh perspective and some new ideas to help broaden the already successful community event to attract and entertain festival goers of all ages.

New this year is the introduction of street minstrels to entertain seated diners when entertainment on the main stage is too far from your al fresco table, a large family zone with more inexpensive and free youth activities such as sidewalk chalk drawing, face painting, games and interactive theater, picnic tables, street food options for those not wishing to wait for a table on “restaurant row”, an Art Street area with works on display and adult street artists, an event-wide 50/50 raffle, and the inclusion of off-Main Street Vendors in the areas not filled by downtown retailers.

Stages at Hancock and Main, and Porter and Main will once again have people “dancing in the streets” with live music, dance performances and lessons, spectacle, comedy, and even a parade down to a waterfront dance party. As always, and perhaps even more this year, Main Street will be full of arts and music, friends and food for participants of all ages to get out and have fun.

The change in organization comes with the retirement and relocation of two of Gloucester Downtown Block Party founders, Janice Shea and Erika Hansen. Their departure from the wonderful summer series has resulted in a new set of local volunteers coming forward, under their invaluable guidance, to sustain and grow this local calendar highlight.

Lorre Anderson of the Black Swan, Mark McDonough of Serenitee Restaurant Group, and founder of Farmer’s Market and Cape Ann Time banks, Judith Brackley, accomplished writer, Jennifer Goulart Amero, Public Relations and Marketing Director for Serenitee Restaurants and Lucinda Seigel join Linn Parisi, destination marketing guru for Cape Ann and event visionary Janice Lufkin to lead events subcommittees including local artists and entertainers like Dawn Gadow of Art Haven, Peter and Vicki Van Ness of GimmeSound and Henry Allen of The Annie.

Festival dates are Saturday July 16, August 20 and September 17, 2011. Information on performing or volunteering at the Gloucester Block Parties through Val atglostablockpahty@gmail.com

For information and event schedules go to www.downtowngloucester.com

1 Votes

Gentile Bandstand 2011 Concert Schedule

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey,

I’ve attached the schedule for the summer concerts at the Gentile Bandstand at Stage Fort Park. We started last Wednesday evening. The next concert is tomorrow evening at 7pm. We are featuring North Shore A Cappella, with Gloucester born Vinnie Straccia.

Thanks, David Benjamin

click the picture below to view full sized-

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2011 Good Morning Gloucester Horribles Float Construction Day I

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

A Huge Thank You To The Horribles Parade Committee who is working on the parade all year long to insure everyone has a good time.  Our hats are off to you and all the hard work you do-

The Fishtown Horribles Parade Committee

Al Kipp, David Tucker, Pete Williamson,

Doug Goolsby, Mike Turner, Melissa Cox,

Darryl Goolsby, Dave Harvey, John Linquata

Way To Go Team!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The 2011 Horribles Parade is in the books and the complete list of thank-yous will be coming along with videos from the beginning stages of building the GMG Float right on through to the award ceremony along with more comprehensive photos of the entire crew from Manny Simoes and David Cox.

If you see any of our sponsors around town extend my gratitude for their support and congratulate them on our Bringing home the Judge’s Choice Award!- Peter and Vickie VanNess from GimmeSound, The Borge’s At The Lone Gull , Eric at Passports and Ed Collard’s House Doctors Handyman Services.

There’s not much more fun that you can have than walk with your family and friends in the greatest parade of them all, The Fishtown Horribles Parade!

Our man Craig Kimberley got some incredible footage along the parade route which will take some time to edit down but he tells me we will have a short video trailer some time today and the longer more comprehensive version later on.

Sista Felicia on lead once again proves why she’s the best at what she does and that’s why I have complete confidence in her.

I had zero to do with the construction of the Float, all the thanks go to the following people-

Huge thanks to our builders-

Bro-In Law Barry, Sista Felicia, Ed Collard, Jeremy Frost Construction, our mother “Mammaw”, Next Door Neighbor Dianna (whose last name I’d never get right in a million years) Frank, Joey and Mikayla Ciolino,Taylor Frost and Amandacakes and BJ.  Paulie Walnuts  printed up the limited run t-Shirts and Greg Harris’ Briarwood Landscaping  provided us with the trailer.  Frank and Joey Ciolino did the truck detailing.  Will Hunt  donated the PA system.

All our GMG peeps who showed up to walk and bring the energy including our title sponsor Vickie Van Ness and Johnny on the Sound system.  Ed Collard was a man possessed on sticker duty.  Mammaw who tried to make sure the kids who were out of reach for candy still got some along the route.  The Ryan clan- Patrick J-WOW, Molly and Emma who showed up and worked the crowd along with a roller skating Paul Morrison!

Our Squirt Gunners Connor and Kyle Frost,Seth Murray and BJ (Beasley).  Danny Powers and Sarah Francis,Lexi Orlando, Caroline Murray and Emma powers along with Amandacakes and Snoop Maddie Mad on Candy Patrol.  Manny Simoes and David Cox for capturing it in pictures (which we will see in future postings).

Our lobsters- Lanie and Skyler Noble and The Bean.   Our Homies- Vickie and Johnny Van Ness, Emma Powers and Deanna (Whose last name I’ll never get right in a million years).  Our mermaids, Emma and Molly Ryan, Taylor Frost.

And how bout that Craig Kimberly on video duty who goy a ton of footage with multiple cameras of the community along the parade route!

We had lobsters, we had mermaids, we had homies, but most of all we had each other to share and make even more new memories in the community we love.

You guys are the best!

The Boss

(much better pictures than I took will be coming all week long from the parade route)

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The float would not be what it was without  our awesome community minded businesses who helped with the dough to make it possible-

gimmesound_final

gimmesound.com — local live music listings.  Find every live music show in Gloucester and Cape Ann — listen to music on-line & download — all for free.

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The Lone Gull is a family owned coffeehouse located on Main Street in historic downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our ideal location makes us a great place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, to chat with friends, or to have a business meeting. We offer free wi-fi to our customers, extremely comfortable couches and chairs, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Passports Restaurant

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Ed Collard House Doctors Handyman Services

2011 GMG Horribles Parade Float Preview and Horribles Parade and Fireworks Info

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The picture above this text is as much as Sista Felicia will let me show you as there have already been reports of spies in and around GMG float building headquarters.

The team has been working around the clock and I can safely say this is their best effort yet.  Can’t wait to see all of you along the parade route and if we haven’t met please be sure to introduce yourself and cheer on the GMG float.  We will have limited amount of GMG stickers version 5.0 so if you don’t have one come ask me for one (thanks Frank Ciolino and Shew for producing them and Beth Swan for designing them) also Candy Galore (175lbs worth) to pass out.

The kids are fired up and the adults are exhausted but the results are astounding.

Listen for the all Gloucester Soundtrack which was put together by Gloucester Based Peter and Vickie Van Ness’ www.gimmesound.com and features- Allen Estes, Bandit Kings, Bingo Fridays, Chelsea Berry, Dan King, Earl & Arch, Erinn Brown, Everybody’s Neil, Fly Amero, Gary Shane, Henri Smith, Hoodoo Revelator, Inge Berge, Karen Ristuben, Lisa Landy, Michael O’Leary, Mile 21, Pete Lindberg, Runaround Sound, Satch Kerans, Tod Ellyson, Tony Hilliard, Will Hunt, Willie Alexander

Huge thanks to our builders-

Bro-In Law Barry, Sista Felicia, Ed Collard, Jeremy Frost Construction, our mother “Mammaw”, and Amandacakes and BJ.  Paulie Walnuts will be printing up the limited run t-Shirts and Greg Harris’ Briarwood Landscaping is providing us with the trailer.  Frank and Joey Ciolino are doing the truck detailing.  Will Hunt is donating the PA system.

Also, the float would not be what it is without  our awesome community minded businesses who helped with the dough to make it possible-

gimmesound_final

gimmesound.com — local live music listings.  Find every live music show in Gloucester and Cape Ann — listen to music on-line & download — all for free.

image

The Lone Gull is a family owned coffeehouse located on Main Street in historic downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our ideal location makes us a great place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, to chat with friends, or to have a business meeting. We offer free wi-fi to our customers, extremely comfortable couches and chairs, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Passports Restaurant

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Ed Collard House Doctors Handyman Services

2011 Horribles Parade Route-

Gloucester Horribles Parade Route 6:00PM Start:
Start at Gloucester High School
Leslie O. Johnson Road
Centennial Avenue
Western Blvd.
Rogers Street
Manuel F. Lewis Street
Main Street
Pleasant Street
Prospect Street
Railroad Avenue
Washington Street
Centennial Avenue
Emerson Avenue
Lincoln Avenue
Blynman Avenue
End at Gloucester High School

Gloucester MA Fireworks Start at 9:30PM