My View of Life on the Dock
Congratulations Class of 2022!
The individual signs for the Class of 2022 students lining the boulevard are alphabetized A-K on one side of the Fisherman at the Wheel and L-Z on the other.
Love the customized scoreboard
Caps!
Beautiful diplomas sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank
1623 Studios livestreamed the event here: Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/1623Studios/.
May 24, 2022
Gloucester Fishermen Athletics. Congratulations seniors!
North Shore Chamber of Commerce Honor Scholars 2022 recognition dinner was held in Danvers, MA. The GHS boutonnieres from Audrey’s Flower Shop of Gloucester were beautiful!
A few snapshots of the Gloucester group below.
2021 Northeastern Conference Lynch Championship Winner, and — I believe — the GHS regular-season record.
Pentucket plays East Boston today. The winning team will travel to Gloucester Saturday. I will update Gloucester’s opponent for the home game Saturday asap.
Gloucester has a real opportunity to make history this season as no Gloucester soccer team has ever made it out of the second round of the tournament (formerly known as the sectional quarterfinals).
Neil Curcuru, Gloucester Daily Times great sports reporter, read the article here
**update** THE BOYS ARE PLAYING EAST BOSTON ON SATURDAY AT NEWELL- COME SEE THE HOME TOURNAMENT GAME!
Earlier this week, Danny helped at scrimmage vs. Marblehead ahead of the conference tournament. Both teams also practiced penalty shots.
Gloucester High School Class of 1966 55th Reuion
Gloucester High School.
Grand entrance while the other lobby and entrance construction is underway.
The entrance on the other side will be closed (BEFORE reno photo below). Temporarily. Ditto the city’s Albert Bachelor Civil War-era coat which must be safeguarded so it’s not damaged during construction. This textile was used to teach a tangible expression of agency and grit.
After twenty plus years in need and many years of planning, the Gloucester High School field house deficiencies are no more. Restoration is underway on this 1.6 million capital improvement directed by Gloucester Public Works.
The old bleachers are being replaced with top notch product.
Issues with the original concrete and under laying have been resolved. “The new work will be done correctly.” This mean new hardwood flooring. New usable track. Gloucester DPW hired Capital construction for this big project.
Views of the progress July 2020– so exciting!
The old bleachers were punched out all over, holes like confetti. Rumor one I’ve heard was shot put tosses caused the damage (whether practice misses or on purpose, I’m not sure) Rumors two is the holes were a result of indoor baseball and softball practice. What do you think caused the holes? Cue up GMG poll.
Whatever the results, counting on community taking care of the new fieldhouse.
The Benjamin A. Smith Field House, aka Smith Field House, was formerly dedicated to Albert Bachelor.
In 1952*, Art Jewelers on 117 Main Street (now Unwind) in Gloucester, Massachusetts, offered GHS female graduates a FREE sterling silver teaspoon in a pattern of their choice.
Pauline Bresnahan writes about a great conversation she had with her mother this week: “We were talking about running a small business on Main Street today compared to when she was growing up here. She told me about the following story which I had not heard before. My Mom Graduated GHS in 1952. Art Jewelers on Main St. offered each Female Graduate a FREE Sterling Silver teaspoon in a pattern of their choice. My Mom picked Blossom Time, an International Silver Co. pattern. She and my Dad were married in 1953 and by then purchased 7 more teaspoons. They were gifted more place settings as a wedding gift.”
Other businesses catered to students, too. Gloucester Pants Co. at 211 Main Street advertised “special rates to students” in the yearbook. Nichols Candy and Luncheonette was across the street in 118 Main Street, where Franklin is now. There were several jewelers on Main Street. (Pauline worked at Blanchards and remembers her boss taking them to Cameron’s for celebrations.)
*How many possible spoons? The GHS1952 senior class size looks to be > 250 inyearbook.
Well done super boosters – Grace Ferrara and family, Carlotta , and Diane Horne – for organizing such a special event and all that went into it! The Gloucester House meal and service were outstanding. Thanks to the generous folks who bought raffle tickets and game day snacks and many volunteers and supporters. There was serious swag and a wonderful celebration for a great season. Congratulations players.
A few scenes from the GHS boys soccer dinner banquet at Gloucester House, Gloucester, MA.
Head Coach Armando Marnoto
JV Coach Jason Rutkauskus
courtesy photos from Kristin and Peg:
Link to slideshow
Gloucester varsity soccer is out in the first round of the conference series. Lynnfield 1 Gloucester 0. Gloucester Daily Times Nick Curcuru coverage accompanied by Kirk R. Williamson photos here
“…From there, Gloucester adjusted by switching to three strikers. But Lynnfield countered that by bringing back a fifth defender to clog up the passing lanes.
“We knew adding an extra striker would put some extra pressure on their defense,” Marnoto said. “And it did but they added an extra defender and when they won the ball they got it out wide. That gave them time to regroup and kept us from getting into our shape.” Both goal keepers were also a factor.” – Nick Curcuru excerpt
Kirk R. Williamson photos: Gloucester’s Robert Mugabe chases down a loose ball along the sideline while being tangled up with a Lynnfield player ont the sidelines in Tuesday’s Division 3 North First Round meeting.
Gloucester’s Robert Mugabe tries to make a play on the ball as the Lynnfield goal keeper Dante Gesamondo makes a save in front of two of his defenders © copyright Kirk R. Williamson
GHS Fishermen Athletics Boys Soccer hosts Lynnfield now- come on down!
(MIAA) boys soccert tournamentbracket here
Find the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Assoc (MIAA) boys soccer
The links on the bracket from that site will have the addresses for the venues, etc.
GHS Fishermen Athletics reminder: Boys Soccer hosts Lynnfield Tues 11/5 6pm at Newell in 1st Round of MIAA Tournament.
The team is half way through its 2019 season. Pump up the volume! For Joey and other spectators: mark your calendars with 4 more chances to see season home games.
Gloucester Daily Times sports writer, Nick Curcuru, describes the boys varsity soccer team as one not to miss: “Gloucester is not only good, it is one of the most exciting teams in the conference as it can light up the scoreboard and put up goals in bunches against any defense.” excerpt from The Contenders article. His report on the Malden game, Resilient Fishermen, is a great read about that exciting game.
upcoming games (see full schedule here )
GAME 10. MONDAY OCTOBER 7, 6:30PM (JV postponed), HOME vs. Salem
Game 11. Tuesday October 8, 3:45 (JV 4:00) AWAY vs. Lynn
12. Friday October 11, 4:00PM (JV 4:00PM) HOME vs. Marblehead
13. Tuesday October 15, 4:00PM (JV 4:00PM) AWAY vs. Peabody
14. Friday October 18, 4:00PM (JV postponed) AWAY vs. Salem
15. Monday October 21, 6:30PM (JV 4:30PM) HOME vs. Swampscott
16. Wednesday October 23, 6:30PM (JV 4:30PM) HOME vs. Danvers
17. Friday October 25, 4:00PM (JV 4:00PM) AWAY vs. Beverly
18. Monday October 28, 7:30PM (JV 6:00PM) AWAY vs. Malden
On July 18, 2019 the architectural firm, Dore & Whittier, was slated to reveal associated rough costs on new school(s) buildings– such as construction costs, swing space costs, and eligible reimbursables– with the School Building Committee. (See summary of City Council requests July 9, 2019 here.) The meetings are public. Associated costs were not transparent for the public. Instead a dollar sign rating system was illlustrated pictorially, like so:
Why were rough estimate details cut from the presentation? A few reasons were provided, namely “MSBA does not look kindly” on public disclosure because
Other districts post all associated costs, why not Gloucester? Why are the design/build firms awarded these contracts charged with bidding out the cost evaluations on projects, especially ones greater than 5 million? Why assume this process is the only way to go about it?
Michele Rogers with Dore & Whittier announced that there were “no surprises” following review of the cost estimate comparisons. “Eliminations were easy; the most expensive were eliminated.” She concluded that this presentation was the second and final per their contract for services related to this Feasibility Study Phase. [This one feasibility study phase contract total cost is: $569,075 ($284,296 for the feasibility study and $275,704 for the future schematic design. One environmental study add on is $9075). Requests for a breakdown of all studies and plans related to new schools–at least since 2012– have gone unanswered by the school committee and architectural firm.]
The next step is to compile and deliver submission to the MSBA, the state agency tasked with reviewing Gloucester’s application for new schools.
Q. Next steps? “Submittal allows us to do geotechnical site evaluation and other necessary investigations (like traffic and environmental studies), and more design. Submittal helps us narrow down and leave behind areas we won’t bother with as we know…We’ll need to tighten the building design and handle specialized pieces. We’ll proceed from 9 options to 6 very quickly. ”
Q. What is the submission? “It’s a thick binder, maybe 10- inches thick, with all our reports to date, the educational program narrative, the space summaries approved earlier, etc.” Will the MSBA require a presentation? “No. The MSBA will review the binders within a two week turn around; then we have a two week turn around to respond.” Dunn commented to make sure the City see that. The MSBA will decide on November 13th or November 20th whether to make a recommendation to allow this proposal to proceed to the next phase: schematic design. “Or they’ll push back and request more information.” The MSBA “will not require more work on many options as the scoring was so low. They’ll be concentrating on the top 3 or 4 options.”
Tom Ellis was present related to a staff change; Roger who managed the design phase is moving out of state so the team for Gloucester will need to be reorganized. They met with MSBA July 17, 2019 to discuss this change. (Was someone from the city at the meeting?) Chris Tremblay will be assisting. “MSBA doesn’t like surprises,” Ellis remarked.
Who does?
The costs and application should be public before it’s forwarded to the state. Chairman Jonathan Pope said he’d forward the pricing.
Double click on pictures to enlarge the slides for the “East Gloucester Elementary School Building Committee 7.18.19″. Color coding continues as in yellow = East Gloucester; Blue = Vets; and Green = Green Street area.
one location at Vets and both at Green
“By October we’ll be back on schedule. Yes, MSBA has seen the schedule and is pleased.”
Fraternity Club Gloucester, Ma
Catch up posts, documents, links related to Gloucester’s school committee new school buildings/consolidation process: Continue reading “Dore & Whittier School consolidation plans & costs heading to MSBA August 1, 2019”
SAVE THE DATEAnd when! “Light Up Mattos has rented the Fraternity Club, 27 Webster Street, Gloucester, MA, for a Listening Post on July 25th, 2019 at 6:30 to talk about the possibilities of a 440 student population in Mattos field area, Green Street and East Gloucester school. Together we can ask questions of each other and really see what we all think of having such a large population of students, and perhaps find new ideas, too. Please come and be heard and listen. Together we can make a difference. We will be looking for volunteers to put information flyers in neighbors doors in Mattos field area, Green Street area, West Parish area and East Gloucester area to get the word out. Proposed schools affects us all!” – Light Up Mattos
Gloucester schools | Elementary: East Gloucester, Veterans Memorial, West Parish, Beeman, and Plum Cove; Middle: O’Maley and fields; High School: GHS and fieldhouse
The next new school meeting is TONIGHT- July 18, 2019. Associated costs for limited options slated to be revealed. Goal for submission to the state agency, MSBA, is August 1, 2019. Meeting held in the School admin offices at Blackburn. 5pm.
Catch up on new school building process in these prior posts:
Oral Communications july 9, 2019:
“Joseph S. Mattos Jr. grew up right up the street from Mattos field at 9 Linnett Place. He came from a patriotic family and chose the Army for his love of animals. Mattos field was dedicated to Joseph in 1935 and was rededicated last October 5th. the 100th. anniversary of his death. Lt. Maxwell Parsons grew up at 65 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Lt. Maxwell served in the U.S. Army. Lt. Maxwell Parsons Playground was erected by the Gloucester Playground Commission in 1935 Ganine Nancy Doucette grew up at 19 Mt. Vernon St. The Park was dedicated in 1986 in her memory. Mr. John Gus Foote was instrumental in the dedication. Private First Class Doucette wanted to serve her country and almost could not. She died serving her country as she wished. I am their voice as they have none. I am here today to speak for them all. Please don’t take their dedicated open space. Thank you. Patti Amaral”
“A round up of Pros and Cons related to the recent West Parish construction and its use and operating costs since being built might be helpful. Some West Parish feedback that made the news ranged from small inconveniences (no dishwasher) to larger concerns about design (despite ample site the gymnasium was not designed with enough space for spectators, the design of the parking lot did not take into account ease in snowplowing and numerous vehicular/traffic snafus). There was no discussion about these proposals within a broader context of all the school properties, all the elementary schools, merging with Rockport, what happens with development of the older sites if Schoolhouse Road option is undertaken, etc.” Big built out schools haven’t demonstrated a reduction in operating costs. The state is considering policy for livable, innovative, green and walkable communities. You can’t alter special places, build mega schools that everybody needs to drive to, and have walkable, quintessential New England neighborhoods and green communities. Can we request a modified incentive to best match our geography and green goals?
folds into the Trustees meeting 7/23/19 and specifically capital projects Wed 7/24/19 8:30AM.
What: State Basketball Tournament Division 2 North Quarterfinals
Where: HOME GAME!! Benjamin A. Smith Field House, Gloucester
When: Saturday March 2, 2019 due to snow storm game moved till Tomorrow Sunday March 3, 2019 1pm
Tickets: “Just a friendly reminder that there will be a $5.00 fee for all students and a $7.00 fee for all adults. These fees are accessed by the MIAA. Everyone will have to pay. GOOD LUCK GHS BOYS BASKETBALL 🙂 “- Rosa
Fast Facts: Gloucester beat Danvers in overtime 67 to 58. Matt Montagnino scored 31 points. There was a ton of home town support in the stands (including Gloucester Hockey team after their own tough game the night before). Teenagers sported black t-shirts; tomorrow is beach attire. Reading beat Wakefield in a close game, final score 56 to 53. Winner tomorrow moves on to play Belmont in the semifinals.
Gloucester High School Fishermen Athletics facebook page –https://m.facebook.com/ghsfishermenathletics/
Gloucester High School Fishermen Athletics facebook page –https://m.facebook.com/ghsfishermenathletics/
Great info excerpt from the Gloucester Daily Times sports coverage:
“Did You Know?: Gloucester is looking to make just the program’s third ever appearance in the sectional quarterfinals. The Fishermen ventured to the quarters in 2000 and 2006. Gloucester is also hosting a first round home game for the first time since 2006 (the team hosted a preliminary round game in 2015)”
No. 5 seed Gloucester boys basketball (14-6) vs. No. 6 Danvers (10-10)
What: Division 2 North First Round
Where: Benjamin A. Smith Field House, Gloucester
When: Wednesday (7 p.m.)
Update from Rosa about Tickets: “Just a friendly reminder that there will be a $5.00 fee for all students and a $7.00 fee for all adults. These fees are accessed by the MIAA. Everyone will have to pay. GOOD LUCK GHS BOYS BASKETBALL 🙂 ”
What’s at stake: The winner advances to the Division 2 North Quarterfinals later this week against the winner of Tuesday’s first round game between No. 4 Wakefield and No. 13 Reading.
Points per game: Gloucester, 60.8; Danvers, 54.9.
Points against per game: Gloucester, 57.7; Danvers 62.7.
Gloucester’s leading scorers: Marcus Montagnino, 19.2; Ben Oliver, 17.3; Matt Montagnino, 9.3.
Danvers’ leading scorers: Justin DiTomaso 15.5; Armani Vlaun, 12.3.
Gloucester’s key to victory: Play strong defense. The Fishermen can find good looks at the basket against any team, and it can also play a up tempo or down tempo. The key for Gloucester is on the defensive end of the floor. If it defends the perimeter the way it did in its 86-38 win over the Falcons last month, it will be in great shape to move on.
Danvers’ key to victory: Keep up offensively. Gloucester can score from inside and out against good defense. Danvers is going to have to find a way to match Gloucester’s offensive output. The Falcon’s shot selection and ball movement must be on point on Wednesday night, they can not afford a mediocre offensive game.
Update- Gloucester for the win! 67 vs 58
For the 7th year in a row, Gloucester Boy’s Head Varsity Soccer Coach, Armando Marnoto, offers a summer soccer camp in Gloucester.
Email abmarnoto@gmail.com to receive a registration form
press release shared with GMG:
Upcoming symposium hosted by Gloucester Meetinghouse foundation at historic Gloucester UU Church (Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church) May 19, 2018 FINDING COMMON GROUND: A SYMPOSIUM ON AMERICAN CULTURE, GUN VIOLENCE AND THE SECOND AMENDMENT
SATURDAY, MAY 19, FROM 2 TO 6 P.M., AT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE
Spurred by national concern about mass shootings, a symposium in Gloucester on Saturday, May 19, will put a fresh focus on gun violence, examining both the intent and application of the Second Amendment and the differences among us that led to an impasse in addressing the problem. The afternoon program, at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, is sponsored by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation. It will include:
The keynote speaker is Colin Woodard, author of “American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America.” The Washington Post described this book as “a compelling and informative attempt to make sense of the regional divides in North America in general and this country in particular.” MaineBusiness.com said it “explodes the red state-blue state myth” and describes how conflicts between cultures “have shaped our country’s past and mold its future.”
This symposium is occurring as our country experiences outrage over the Parkland, Florida, high school shooting and a powerful new youth movement is taking shape with the intent to make sure it never happens again. Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation vice president Sandra Ronan describes it as “an event to help restore civic dialogue by seeking common ground on an emotional and difficult subject.” Richard Prouty, a lifelong educator and former director of Project Adventure in Beverly, will be moderator.
The program begins at 2 p.m., is separated into four segments with 15-minute breaks, and will conclude at 6 p.m. with a ceremonial ringing of the church’s Paul Revere bell, for freedom. The community is welcome to attend all, or only some, of the segments. Written questions will be welcomed and reviewed for replies from the panel in the final segment.
The program is free with voluntary donations invited. Refreshments will be available. The event is part of the Meetinghouse Foundation’s 2017-18 Concert & Lecture Series. The nonprofit, IRS-recognized Foundation was founded to help preserve and increase public use of the 212-year-old Meetinghouse. The structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the church founders are recognized for their role in establishing religious freedom in Massachusetts, well before that guarantee was made in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Meetinghouse is located at the corner of Middle and Church Streets in downtown Gloucester and has easy access for persons with disabilities at the side entrance at 10 Church Street. Parking is available on the Meetinghouse Green, in lots nearby in the Central Gloucester Historic District, and at St. Peter’s Square.
continue to read fact sheet schedule
Good Morning Gloucester 