PHOTOS FROM PAST SAINT JOSEPH DAY FEASTS AND PREPARATIONS

So very much missing Saint Joseph Day friends. I think it’s especially difficult for senior friends who look forward each year to ten days with loved ones. I sure missed seeing my “granny” that I’ve come to love while celebrating and honoring St. Joesph at the Groppo home.

Here’s a happy St. Joe story for you – When my husband and I were looking for a home to purchase in Gloucester we were in a terrible bind. We had to be out of a rental home suddenly and unexpectedly. I found what seemed like our dream home but then learned It had sold only days earlier. We heard the woman had perhaps purchased the house without the intention to live in it. We approached her and she said yes she would consider selling it to us, but then over the course of the next month, she raised the price three times. The house was wreck, a true fixer-upper, but still it had great bones and I was in love with it.

My friend Claudia gave me a Saint Joseph necklace with the instructions to pray to Saint Joseph and to bury the necklace in the ground of our dream house. Patron Saint of homes and carpenters and all workers, she said it would bring us luck.

All that time ago, and this beautiful old house has provided us with 24 years of joyous memories, and a place to call home. Happy Saint Joseph Day friends

The photos are in random order and also include a few snapshots from Ann Margaret Ferrante and Maria Cannova’s beautiful Saint Joseph altars. Click on the first photo to view slide show.

 

Broadway Comes to Cape Ann for State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante #GloucesterMA

Next week!

Please join Karen Tibbetts, Meg Jarrett and Stephanie Tashjy on Thursday, November 21st at 6 pm at the Cruiseport to honor State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and to hear the latest about the Arts in Massachusetts and how Cape Ann “plays a role”. Please feel free to bring a friend.

Celebrating the strength of women and a discussion with Theater Innovators including Erica Lynn Schwartz General Manager of Colonial Theater and Colleen Glynn, First Female Business Director of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts.”

theater innovators panel_fundraiser for ann margaret ferrante _ Beauport Hotel_

Massachusetts Cultural Council Power of Connection Tour in #GloucesterMA | Cultural Center @RockyNeckArt

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA, was one of the few cultural districts selected as a host venue for the MCC Power of Connection Tour launch. Today’s gathering includes city and state officials: Mayor Romeo Theken, Senator Bruce Tarr & Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante of Gloucester.

Guests are just arriving for the welcome reception. I will post all we glean from MCC new grants and updates. Gloucester has two districts: Rocky Neck and downtown Harbortown. On the walls at Rocky Neck center–the holiday group show is installed upstairs and a John Nesta tribute downstairs. I am looking forward to the upcoming poetry night featuring Jay Featherstone, Suzanne and others.

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HAPPY SAINT JOSEPH’S DAY FROM THE WELCOMING HOME OF ANN MARGARET AND FRANCES FERRANTE

Ann Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph 2016 Kim Smith

Ann Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -7 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph 2016 -6 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -8 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -11 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph #12 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -4 2016 Kim SmithSEE MORE PHOTOS HERE Continue reading “HAPPY SAINT JOSEPH’S DAY FROM THE WELCOMING HOME OF ANN MARGARET AND FRANCES FERRANTE”

DON’T MISS THIS FILM: THE FINEST HOURS!!!

My husband Tom and I went to see The Finest Hours last night. It was superb, and very suspenseful–I wasn’t just at the edge of my seat, I was hiding under my coat! My friend Donna Casey was one of the costume designers and the costumes were fantastic; the female lead’s 1950’s dresses and coats were especially exquisite. It was wonderful to see Donna’s name in the credits!

The Finest Hours is the story of what is considered the Coast Guards greatest small boat rescue and when you see the film, you will understand why.

This Disney feature film was primarily shot in Massachusetts. Thanks to our amazing and super hard working House Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante for the film tax credit, which keeps Massachusetts crew and production teams, and myriad ancillary businesses, working at well paying jobs!

HORRENDOUSLY HORRIBLE HORRIBLES! with Seth Moulton, Ann Margaret Ferrante, Bruce Tarr, Jimmy T, Cape Ann Food Pantry, Boxers, Adorable Pug, Yogis, Pink Elephants, and MORE!

TRULY THE BEST HORRIBLES EVER!
Cape Ann farmer's Market Horribles Parade ©Kim Smith 2015First Place Horrible’s Award to Cape Ann Farmer’s Market, Backyard Growers Program, and Ukeladies

Gloucester Horribles Parade -3 ©Kim Smith 2015

Gloucester Horribles Parade Zinnia, Audi, Peter Sousa ©Kim Smith 2015.JPGZinnia, Audi, and Peter

Gloucester Horribles Parade Seth Moulton -2 ©Kim Smith 2015Seth Moulton

Gloucester Horribles Parade Jimmy T ©Kim Smith 2015Jimmy T
Gloucester Horribles Parade -4 ©Kim Smith 2015

Gloucester Horribles Parade Ann margaret Ferrante ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester Horribles Parade Senator Bruce Tarr ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester Horribles Parade -7 ©Kim Smith 2015

Gloucester Horribles Parade Paul McGeary ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester Horribles Parade ©Kim Smith 2015 -8Gloucester Horribles Parade Beauport Vodka ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester Horribles Parade -13 ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester Horribles Parade -11 ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester Horribles Parade -2 ©Kim Smith 2015Nice Guys with Cute Pug! Gloucester Horribles Parade  -6©Kim Smith 2015

Gloucester Horribles Parade Open Door ©Kim Smith 2015

Gloucester Horribles Parade  -10©Kim Smith 2015

Honoring a 700 Year Old Portuguese Tradition

State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken Honor a 700 Year Old Portuguese Tradition at the DES Portuguese Club.

See The History of the Holy Ghost Feast in a previous Post.

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Happy 21 x 2 Ann Margaret Ferrante!!

Happy Birthday Ann Margaret!Friday night Ann Margaret’s friends and family threw her a fabulous and fun 21 x 2 birthday party under the tent at Mile Marker One. The full moon made for a perfect summer evening celebration and, with music provided by North Shore Acappella and delish picnic fare, everyone had a grand and festive time. Happy, Happy Birthday Ann!

See loads more photos here

A BEAUTIFUL SAINT PETER’S FIESTA SUNDAY ~ Good Night Saint Peter, Until Next Year!

Part Two ~ to read part one, click hereSaint Peter's Fiesta Greasy Pole Gloucester harbor©Kim Smith 2014 -3The ride to the platform was thrilling, and a little terrifying, as I wasn’t exactly sure how my not-waterproof camera gear would fare.Saint Peter's Fiesta Greasy Pole ©Kim Smith 2014 Saint Peter's Fiesta Greay Pole ©Kim Smith 2014 -4Saint Peter's Fiesta Greay Pole ©Kim Smith 2014 -2 After the pole walkers disembarked, the skipper kindly gave me a ride to shore to continue filming from Pavilion Beach. Saint Peter's Fiesta Greasy Pole Pavilion Beach ©Kim Smith 2014 The Walks began under windy conditions and the tide was low, as it had been all weekend, which made for a very, very long drop when the guys hit the water. Saint Peter's Fiesta Greay Pole Mark Allen ©Kim Smith 2014

Mark Allen

Congratulations to Mark Allen for winning the Sunday 2014 Greasy Pole title. Congratulation to Sunday’s Senior Seine Boat champions, the Wharf Rats, and junior champions, Bad Intentions! Saint Peter's Fiesta ©Kim Smith 2014.-2Festivities continued throughout the night with the awards ceremony and live music. Around 11pm, after the late night carnival crowd had dispersed, a beautiful event began to unfold. From all corners of Gloucester, people gathered around to fill the fair grounds. Saint Peter was again lifted down from the stage and a throng of hundreds lined the square to carry the statue around the Fort. With much cheering and jubilation, Saint Peter and his followers were welcomed throughout the neighborhood. Midway during the route, the procession paused and confetti rained down on all. Rounding the bend, a fabulous fireworks display had been organized for the crowd. Sparkles shot all around, and I stayed close to my friends Nina and Frank as we reveled in the sheer beauty of it all. The fireworks concluded and the procession continued, with the sight of Gloucester’s exquisite port illuminated by the nights’ light. Arriving at Saint Peter’s Club, another shower of confetti greeted Saint Peter. The statue was carefully removed from the carrying stand and placed back in the window of the Saint Peter’s Club. 

Saint Peter's Fiesta  St. Peter's Club ©Kim Smith 2014Good Night Saint Peter, Until Next Year!

Thank you to the beautiful Nina and Frank Groppo and their friends and family for always welcoming me with their open arms. Thank you to the beautiful Giambanco family for welcoming us all to their home for their fabulous Sunday Fiesta Feast and Fun! See Part One Here

A Beautiful Saint Peter’s Fiesta Sunday

Saint Peter' Fiesta Mass ©Kim Smith 2014Part One

Every seat for the outdoor Mass at Gloucester’s Saint Peter’s Square was filled by 10am, with people spilling out under the trees and a standing room only crowd along Roger’s Street. Blue skies and wispy white clouds above made for an exquisite June morning, while the aromas of suntan lotion, popcorn, and the salty sea filled the air. The crowd was jubilant with everyone dressed in bright pretty colors and fresh fiesta whites and especially sweet were the little girls in their summer frocks and sandals. Friends greeted friends and families prayed together, accompanied by cheers of Viva San Pedro. Bishop Arthur Kennedy gave the Mass, relating Saint Peter to the work of fishermen today, and was assisted by Father Jim of Our Lady of Good Voyage and Holy Family parishes. Saint Peter' Fiesta  Groppo Family ©Kim Smith 2014.-8

Groppo Family

Saint Peter' Fiesta Jope Novello AnnMargaret Ferrante  ©Kim Smith 2014.

Ann Margaret Ferrante and Joe Novello

Saint Peter' Fiesta  Frank and Nina Groppo©Kim Smith 2014-10 Frank and Nina Groppo Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 2014-9Saint Peter' Fiesta Ann margaret Ferrante Melissa Cox  ©Kim Smith 2014.

Melissa Cox and Ann Margaret Ferrante Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 2014 -5Following the Mass, Saint Peter was brought down from the stage and the stunning and lovingly made floats and marching bands lined up behind the statue for the procession through town. Saint Peter was hoisted upon the shoulders of eight bearers and the parade began, following the long established route up Washington Street to stop in front of Our Mother of Grace Club, then onto Our Lady of Good Voyage, before making its way back to the Saint Peter’s Club, where the statue was then carefully returned to the stage.

Saint Peter' Fiesta Saint Peter statue  ©Kim Smith 2014. Meanwhile, over at the Giambanco Family home, preparations were well underway for their annual Sunday Saint Peter’s Fiesta celebration. Friends and family flowed through the welcoming doors of the childhood home of sisters Rosaria, Sefatia, Marianne, and Grace. Saint Peter' Fiesta  Rosaria Floyd Sefatia Romeo Thekan ©Kim Smith 2014.

Rosaria and Sefatia

Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 2014 Lia and April

Lia and April

Saint Peter' Fiesta Brandon Marianne Paquette  ©Kim Smith 2014.

Brandon and Marianne Paquette

Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 201412Sefatia and Matt Thekan Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 2014.

Sefatia and Matt

Anticipation for the arrival of the hilariously costumed Greasy Pole Walkers was palpable. Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 2014. -15 Saint Peter' Fiesta Grace Anthony Saputo  ©Kim Smith 2014. Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 2014. Greasy pole Walkers

Saint Peter' Fiesta Sefatia Gresy pole Walkers  ©Kim Smith 2014.Sefatia Leads the Cheer

After the rally at the Giambanco home, the Walkers next stopped at the Gloucester House. Upon arriving there, shouts of LENNY, LENNY, LENNY filled the restaurant as Mr. Linquata greeted the band of merrymakers. Saint Peter' Fiesta  ©Kim Smith 2014.-14 Frequent stops along the way were made before arriving at Saint Peter’s Club for the final rally prior to setting off on the rig that took the Walkers to the Greasy Pole platform.

Read Part Two Here

See More Snapshots Here

Continue reading “A Beautiful Saint Peter’s Fiesta Sunday”

Saint Peter’s Fiesta Friday Opening Ceremony

Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester -5 Kim Smith 2014 Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester Sefatia Rosaria ©Kim Smith 2014Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester Bella ©Kim Smith 2014Beautiful Bella

Friday’s picture perfect summer skies made for an especially festive and at times poignant Saint Peter’s Fiesta grand opening ceremony. Festival-goers gathered at the Saint Peter’s Club and, after everyone who had participated in the day’s earlier sporting events had raced home to change, the procession carrying Saint Peter through the square and around the old city hall (American Legion building) began. Eight fishermen are given the honor of transporting Saint Peter on a specially crafted cart.Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester -3 ©Kim Smith 2014 Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester -6 ©Kim Smith 2014The Wagner and Sleepy Pallazola Families were given special commendations by the Fiesta committee Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester -4 Kim Smith 2014   Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester -2 ©Kim Smith 2014Rev. James M. Achadinha, the new pastor for Our Lady of Good Voyage and Holy Family, was introduced to the crowd. Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester ©Kim Smith 2014 -7

Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester Domenic Nicastro Joe Novello Joe Orlando ©Kim Smith 2014Dominic Nicastro hands the care of Saint Peter to Joe Orlando

Ann Margaret Ferrante Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester ©Kim Smith 2014 State Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante and Senator Bruce Tarr gave moving speeches and rallying cries for the fishing industry.

Bruce Tarr Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester ©Kim Smith 2014Gloucester city Council Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester ©Kim Smith 2014Gloucester City Council

Sefatia Romeo Thekan  Rosaria Saint Peters Fiesta Gloucester -2 ©Kim Smith 2014Sisters Sefatia and Rosario

Our Most Heartfelt Congratulations to the 2014 Gloucester Citizenship Award Winners!!!

UU Citizenship Awards 2014 ©Kim Smith 2014Back row left to right: Martin Klugman, Joe Novello, Jim Flint, Terry Sands, Barry McKay, and John McElhenny

Front row left to right: Maggie Rosa, Linn Parisi, Donna Ardizonni, and Ann Straccia

To receive a Gloucester Citizenship Awards is a very special honor and it is truly only bestowed upon the most deserving. At the award ceremony last night the love and positive energy had by family and friends for these outstanding Gloucester citizens was palpable. Donna Ardizonni and Melissa Cox ©Kim Smith 2014Donna Ardizonni and Melissa Cox ©Kim Smith 2014 -2Melissa Cox presenting Donna’s award, and sharing a funy story about removing dead seagulls from the beach.

Here at GMG we are very proud of all the recipients, but especially, especially proud that our own Donna Ardizonni was nominated for her good work with the One Hour at a Time Gang. John McElhenny ©Kim Smith 2014We are very proud too of our GMG super FOB and friend John McElhenny for his stellar job in spearheading the Burnham’s Field improvements and in turning it into a gorgeous new community playground, garden, and park.

Mike English Terry sands ©Kim Smith 2014Mike English Terry sands ©Kim Smith 2014 -3Mike English Honoring Terry Sands

On a personal note, I am also very proud that a very dear friend, Terry Sands, is one of this year’s honorees, for his extraordinary work directing (along with his co-director Mary Curtis) the fabulous Annisquam Village Players, for the past TWENTY- SEVEN YEARS!

Kay Ellis Linn Parisi ©Kim Smith 2014Kay Ellis Honoring Linn Parisi for her work with Discover Gloucester

Each winner was honored by a friend or colleague and it was wonderful to learn about the roles they have played in making our beautiful community all the more beautiful. Gloucester is  a very special place to call home and it is people like this year’s 2014 Citizenship Award recipients that make our city profoundly unique and, simply awesome! Our most heartfelt congratulations to the 2014 Citizenship Award winners!!!

Jim Flint ©Kim Smith 2014Jim Flint for his work with the Lanesville Community Center

Martin Krugman ©Kim Smith 2014Marty Krugman for the Schooner Adventure

Joe Novello ©Kim Smith 2014Joe Novello for the Saint Peter’s Fiesta

Barry Mckay ©Kim Smith 2014Barry McKay for the Rose Baker Senior Center

Maggie Rosa ©Kim Smith 2014Maggie Rosa for City Hall Restoration and the Gloucester Educational Foundation

Ellie's beagle ©Kim Smith 2014Anne Straccia’s Rescue Beagle Ellie

McElhenny Famiky ©Kim Smith 2014McElhenny Family

AVP Family ©Kim smith 2014AVP Family

Ann Margaret and Sefatia ©Kim Smith 2014Sefatia Romeo Thekan and Ann Margaret Ferrante

Sefatia ©Kim Smith 2014Sefatia for Terry!

Donna and Rick ©Kim Smith 2014Donna and Rick and Family

Sefatia and terry sands ©Kim Smith 2014JPGSefatia and Terry

McElhenny Family AVP Family ©Kim Smith 2014McElhenny Family and AVP Family

Sefatia and Friends Cooking for a Cause in the “Godmother’s Kitchen”

Recorded on March 25th, 2013 and originally posted on GMG:

New Video: Sefatia and Friends Cooking for a Cause!

Highlights from Inauguration Ceremony 2014

_DSF6788Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Senator Ed Markey

The Mayor’s, School Committee’s, and City Councilor’s inauguration and oath of office ceremonies were held at Kyrouz Auditorium at City Hall on Wednesday, January 1, 2014.  A warm welcome was given by Senator Tarr, followed by the pledge of allegiance, led by Baylee Kirk, the national anthem sung by Gordon Baird, and speech given by Art Haven founder David Brooks. Mayor Kirk gave a very inspiring inaugural address, highlighting her past term’s accomplishments and goals for the coming term. The Cape Ann Symphony String Quartet provided lovely background music for the event and Allison Doody gave an outstanding performance of Katy Perry’s Roar.

Sefatia Thekan and New City Council Member Paul Lundberg

David Brooks

State Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante and Vito Calamo

Senator Bruce Tarr and Baylee Kirk

Mayor Kirk Taking the Oath of Office

School Committee Members Taking the Oath of Office

City Council Vice President Sefatia Thekan, President Paul McGeary, and Councilor Steven LeBlanc

Gloucester High School Student Allison Doody singing RoarGloucester High School Student Allison Doody singing Roar

Melissa Cox’s special inauguration socks

New Video: Sefatia and Friends Cooking for a Cause!

City Councilor At-large Sefatia Romeo Thekn and friends help raise funds to support Megan Cole’s participation in the Boston Marathon to benefit the Hoyt Foundation. She and her commares cook breakfast and lunch for Jack Ventola and his employees at National Fish & Seafood.

Congressman John Tierney, Mayor Carolyn Kirk, and State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante join Sefatia and friends. Wicked Tuna Captain Dave Carraro and First Mate Paul Hebert stop by to share lunch.

~ Starring ~ Sefatia Rome Thekan

~ Featuring ~ Megan Cole, Congressman John Tierney, Jack Ventola, Mayor Carolyn Kirk, Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Dave Carraro, Paul Hebert

~ Commares ~ Giovanna Margiotta, Gus Margiotta, Liz Margiotta, Rosalia Favazza, Pietra Locontro, Maria Cannavo, Rosaria Floyd, Lia Romeo Oliver, Tonianne Enes, Domenic Enes, Megan Cole, Mark Cole, Jane Fonzo, Frances Ferrante, Jennifer Arson, National Fish Employees

~ Music During the Event by Torianne Enes

~ Pastries and Bread Donated by Jim’s Bagel and Bake Shoppe, Sclafani Italian Bakery, Cafe Sicilia

Opening Credit Music: “Fritto Misto;” Closing Credit “Music: Don Pietro.”

A note about the song “Fritto Misto” ~ Searching for fun lively music for the video, I came across the song “Fritto Misto.” Google search led to many recipes for Fritto Misto, which loosely translated means ‘fried seafood and vegetable medley’–how perfect for this little film about cooking seafood with Sefatia and friends!

Filmed at National Fish and Seafood, March 25, 2013.

Renewal of Newell Stadium hits the Finish Line

The Renewal of Newell Stadium hits the finish line, with a helicopter fly-by, rising of the flag, ribbon cutting and a review of all the athletic teams, a day of celebration, and Gloucester has won every game played on the New Balance Field at Newel Stadium. ABSOUTLY PERFECT !!

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Paint Factory–Ocean Alliance Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Supporters

IMG_2486 (2)Many Supporters attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Recognition  Citation from the State of Massachusetts presented by State Senator Bruce Tarr , and State Rep Ann-Margaret Ferrante to Iain Kerr.

 

 

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The great great grandson of Augustus Henry Wonson, founder of the Tarr & Wonson paint factory  also attended in support with his wife.

 

 

Frances and Ann Margaret Ferrante

St. Joseph Day Altar ©Kim Smith 2013 copy

Our deepest thanks and appreciation to Frances and Ann Margaret Ferrante and friends for welcoming us to film and photograph an interview with their exquisite St. Joseph altar.Frances and Ann Margaret Ferrante ©Kim Smith 2013 copy

Frances and Ann Margaret Ferrante

Ferrante Family St. Joseph altar ©Kim Smith 2013jpg

Zina Saputo Felicia Mohan ©Kim Smith 2013Zina Saputo and Felicia

Ferrante ©Kim smith 2013 copy

St. Joseph Day Altar ©Kim Smith 2013.-2.Ferrante St. Joseph Altar

Cooking with Sefatia

Sefatia and her best friends cooked a fabulous breakfast and lunch today for the employees at National Fish and Seafood. Jack, Sefati, John Tierney ©KIm Smith 2013

Jack Ventola, Sefatia, Representative John Tierney

Sefatia, Jack, Wicked Tuna ©Kim Smith 2013

Jack Ventola, the president of National Fish and Seafood, bid $3500.00 and won Sefati in an auction to benefit the Hoyt Foundation. Mayor Kirk, Representative Ann Margaret, and her Mom Frances Ferrante, super nice gentlemen from Wicked Tuna Tricky Dave and and Paul From Tuna.com were there to enjoy the feast, too. A deliciously fun time was had by all! Thank you Sefatia for inviting me to film. Video to follow.

Sefati ©Kim Smith 2013