My View of Life on the Dock
In case you missed it, Mayor Romeo Theken’s photograph and interview about Nor’Easter storm Riley and its impact in Gloucester. Governor Baker coming to inspect hard hit Gloucester, MA and other cities and towns.
“Gloucester battered by storm surge” Boston Globe article
Feb 28, 2018 – Senator Tarr’s voice came through my car radio on the way to work this morning on WGBH 89.7 “stories we’re following”. I’ll add a link to the audio if they add it to the website. The story concerned off shore drilling and the senate resolution. Here’s the opening (you can find the complete resolution here http://www.tarrtalk.com/). Mayor Theken shared photos, and Governor Baker’s letter of support (see below the “read more” break)
Senator Tarr- Senate Resolution Calls for Protection of Massachusetts’ Waters
Concerned about the potential for oil and gas drilling off of the coast of Massachusetts? Here is the text of the Senate Resolution that I sponsored with Senator Mike Barrett. The Senate adopted it unanimously. MEMORIALIZING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO LIMIT THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE NATIONAL OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM AND TO PROTECT THE WATERS OFF THE COASTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH AND NEW ENGLAND. Whereas, on January 4, 2018, the United States Department of the Interior announced the publication of a draft proposed program in support of its national outer continental shelf oil and gas leasing program; and…”
In 1979, Attorney General Francis Bellotti and Sarah Bates and Douglas Foy of Conservation Law Foundation brought suit against the government’s plan to sell oil-lease tracts on Georges Bank.
Continue reading “Senator Tarr on NPR and MA legislators unite”
Archival documentation of a federal grant awarded to Gloucester and nationally recognized for its innovation at the time: reclaiming the City dump for an athletic field at the High School. Photographs of the project included a sweeping vista from atop Hovey Street.
Shared projects and working together are a focus for a new 2018 NEH grant opportunity.Contact Mayor Romeo Theken’s arts & culture hotline sefatia4arts@gloucester-ma.gov by Febraury 28 to add to a list of potential projects for Gloucester for this NEH Deadline, March 15, or to consider as other funding opportunities arise.
Mayor Romeo Theken shares the 2018 press release from the Commonwealth:
“The grant below is a new grant from NEH and could be a great opportunity to enhance your local cultural or historical organizations. Please share it far and wide. And let us know if we can provide a letter of support for an application from your community.” Regards, Rick Jakious
“Good afternoon,
Thank you,Timothy H. Robison, Director of Congressional Affairs
The National Endowment for the Humanities has just announced a new grant program to support humanities infrastructures. Cultural institutions, such as libraries, museums, archives, colleges and universities, and historic sites, are eligible to apply for grants of up to $750,000.
These challenge grants, which require a match of nonfederal funds, may be used toward capital expenditures such as construction and renovation projects, purchase of equipment and software, sharing of humanities collections between institutions, documentation of lost or imperiled cultural heritage, sustaining digital scholarly infrastructure, and preservation and conservation of humanities collections.
The application deadline for the first NEH Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Challenge Grants is March 15, 2018. Interested applicants should direct questions about grant proposals to challenge@neh.govor 202-606-8309.
Please consider sharing this exciting new funding opportunity with cultural institutions in your district.”
National Endowment for the Humanities. 400 7th Street, SW 4th Floor.
Washington, D.C. 20506
(202) 606-8273
Innovative and worthy contemporary Gloucester possibilities abound: shared Archives (NSAA, Rocky Neck, Sargent House, City Archives, CAM, Legion, Libraries, Wards historical societies, etc.); digitize City Archives; Digitize Gloucester Daily Times archives; building and historic landscape projects that are city owned (City Archives, City Hall, Legion, Fitz Henry Lane, Fire Station, Stage Fort, beaches, etc) or in partnership; DPW work; and on and on.
Additional grant opportunities, news, and deadlines:
Continue reading “$750,000 #NEH grant opportunity for Gloucester…many possible ideas and projects!”
The Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse, Strong Men Don’t Bully, HAWC, the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, and the City of Gloucester annual event was packed at City Hall . And it soared, especially artist Megan Wolf stunning song and brave Laura Crook.
Thank you Gloucester
A sail form in the Winter mural seemed more heart 💓 shaped than ever
Gloucester Elks Lodge #892 was recognized for the community work they do for Cape Ann’s returning veterans, receiving the Edward Spry trophy for being the #1 Lodge in the Commonwealth for veterans activities. Jayne Morse won the Elk’s Volunteer of the Year Award. The Cape Ann Veterans Service office gives guidance and helps with information for the returning veterans. ‘Welcome Home to Cape Ann- We Left the Light on For You’ outreach for Returning Veterans is such an inspiring national model. It couldn’t happen without leadership, support and volunteers. Lots of good eggs here!
all photos are from Elks Lodge #892 and Adam Curcuru
photos from last years Welcome Home To Cape Ann – welcome home family event hosted by elks, free for all returning veterans and their families, lots of nice donors and We Left the Light on for You local & generously filled swag bag
read more and for more information contact Kelley Hiland, Public Health Nurse 978-325-5266 for the Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse::
ONE BILLION RISING
The Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse, Strong Men Don’t Bully, HAWC, the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, and the City of Gloucester invite you to join
ONE BILLION RISING TO STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS. RISE IN SOLIDARITY AND JOIN THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN!
On Wednesday February 14, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, Gloucester will join with activists from around the world for ONE BILLION RISING, the largest action in the history of V-Day, the global activist movement to bring an end to violence against women and girls.
Featuring women’s rights activists Megan Wolf, Gloucester recording artist and Laura Crook, Actor, Writer, Survivor.
ONE BILLION RISING began as a call to action based on the statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion this adds up to more than one billion girls and women.
On February 14, Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken will lead our cry for justice, and our resolution that Gloucester will not look the other way, and that we will continue to seek justice for victims and survivors of abuse.
Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken notes: “This year more than ever, we join millions of women, girls and men around the world to demand an end to sexual assault and domestic violence. Here in Gloucester, as in many other communities of the U.S. we have been reviewing and strengthening our workplace procedures to assure sexual harassment is prevented. Please join us. ONE BILLION RISING is your opportunity to break the silence and speak out to express outrage at the number of girls and women who endure these injustices.”
WE WILL NOT BE SILENT ABOUT ABUSE Bring pots, pans and noisemakers to demand change DEMAND JUSTICE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS City Hall February 14, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
Cape Ann TV has great news: the Gloucester Inauguration 2018 video is ready for viewing. Erich Archer and Becky Tober remind viewers that the Cape Ann TV “camera system at city hall is still in standard definition and the quality is an issue because of the old equipment. Also, an electrical issue interrupted coverage an hour or so into the recording.” There’s more exciting news from Cape Ann TV: they’re replacing and upgrading all of the City Hall equipment soon.
Besides viewing it on Youtube, you can look for it on Cape Ann TV. It will be playing on CAPE ANN TV Channel 20
Monday January 8 at 6 PM
Tuesday January 9 at 9 AM
Thursday January 11 at 5 PM
Sunday January 14 at 9 PM
gmg post with short video snippets from the first floor
Here are a few brief (less than 30 seconds each) sound snippets from the 2018 City of Gloucester Inauguration Celebration including Gordon Baird (God Bless America), Alexandra Grace, Josh Cominelli (National Anthem, You’ve Got A Friend), Fly Amero, John Ronan recitation (poem We, Helmsmen), Charlee Bianchini & Jack Tomaiolo (Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow). To see great photos and portraits of the day, see Kim Smith’s post Inspiring City of Gloucester Inauguration Ceremony 2018. To see the printed program and the Mayor’s full remarks, visit the city website: http://gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?nid=956. I’ll add Cape Ann TV video link if/when it’s ready. Ray Lamont’s excellent coverage in the Gloucester Daily Times Taking the Oath of Office
Continue reading “City Hall acoustics Inauguration Celebration 2018”
Big, beautiful turn out and program featuring wonderful speakers and tributes to Mayor Romeo Theken, her essential address, the swearing in of officials, exceptional arts throughout, and fantastic emcee Ronda Faloon, Director of Cape Ann Museum. Councilor Lundberg is the Chair of City Council and Councilor LeBlanc is the Vice Chair.
-quote in title an excerpt from John Ronan great poem WE, HELMSMEN
Calling all children’s picture book fans! The four Cape Ann library directors and Mayor Romeo Theken hope you’ll join us for a very special Cape Ann Reads reception at Gloucester’s City Hall on Saturday January 27, 2018, to honor the scores of writers and artists that participated in the Cape Ann Reads contest. The party and pop-up portfolio/book fair will be open to the public from 12pm-4pm. There will be a brief awards ceremony at 1:30. Along with the medal and honor books, the jurors selected several more for special recognition. Breaking news: a group show of these will travel to all four communities in 2018 with support from the Bruce J Anderson Foundation, a Gold Sponsor.
Cape Ann Massachusetts can now boast the country’s FIRST ever picture book contest and programming hosted by four public libraries and wonderful community partners. The contest fostered the local children’s picture book network, and business in the region. Five books were self-published (or in the works) since the contest closed, reviewed and sold in local stores. An original Cape Ann Reads trophy by local artist, Jason Burroughs, has been commissioned and will be unveiled at the celebration.
Please contact capeannreads2016@gmail.com if you’d like to sponsor a prize or award–or any cafes or restaurants that want to showcase a small tray of light fare or coffee/tea–as there’s time to be included in the printed matter.
Discover Gloucester Annual Holiday Luncheon December 13, 2017 at Cruiseport and Mayor Romeo Theken recognized Kathie Gilson for her work with the Stage Fort Park Visitor Center, Susan Kelly of Generous Gardeners and Karen Ristuben of Rocky Neck Art Colony for their incredible service.
The food was scrumptious and Cruiseport is such a sunny, pretty venue.
Boston Globe article 12/3/17
Gloucester High School Extends First Aid to Mental Health by Laura Elyse King
Mayor Romeo Theken adds “we’ve also been doing these workshops with all employees and managers, too.”
Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life, by Martin Ray
December 4, 2017 at Trident Gallery
“The book will be offered for sale at $30.00 during a SIGNING PARTY at Trident Gallery, 189 Main Street, Gloucester, 3:00-5:00 Sunday afternoon December 10. At 4:00 I will give remarks of acknowledgement to the profilees and to the team which coalesced to grace the printed book with elegance. I hope to see you there.” – Martin Ray
January 13, 2018 Cape Ann Museum reception and panel
You can join in Stephanie Benenson’s fascinating big vision, Harbor Voices, a public art and cultural piece that’s made from light, sound and community participation. Part of the project is a large-scale and temporary LIVE light & sound installation which will happen on ten minute loops from 4-8pm on Friday December 8th, and Saturday December 9th, one of many featured events for the 2017 Middle Street Walk. Harbor Voices will be held inside the Kyrouz Auditorium in City Hall , 9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA.
Come experience a sweeping ocean of sound, stories and light, drawn by the voices and acts of generosity of neighbors and friends.
Benenson, a Rockport native and North Shore based fine artist, received a prestigious and competitive RISD grant to create Harbor Voices. Benenson collected over 100 stories in eight languages of recent and ancestral immigration to Cape Ann. For the past year she led (and continues to lead) practical and creative storytelling sessions and workshops at area schools like Veteran’s Memorial and Gloucester High School, as well as community organizations and centers such as Sandy Bay Historical Society. Students talked with Benenson about “their ancestors* and families bringing cultural heritage to Cape Ann.” She said that kids mentioned “family members that started businesses here (like Jalapenos, Sclafanis, and other cultural destinations on Cape Ann)…and how meangingful that was to them…and people that they had deep respect and admiration for…” They discussed “family recipes, music, food and how immigration historically has made American art and culture come alive.” Mayor Romeo Theken was the first story collected. Other Cape Ann storytellers outside of the schools and non profit partners include: Jean Testaverde (Portuguese fishing ancestry), Ingrid Swan (Swedith quarrying ancestry), Heather Lovett (descendent of Roger Babson), Sal Zerilli (Awesome Gloucester and Rockport), Jan Bell, Buddy Woods, Susannah Natti (Finnish and descendent of Folly Cove designer), Rich Francis (GHS teacher), and Celestino Basille (GHS teacher).
Depending upon age and preference, stories were written, recorded, or drawn. All were mixed into materials and audio that will choreograph connections directly into the light installation, and an enlarging community. At first, Benenson thought the light might guide any audio. Instead voices continue to guide the light.
Blurring the lines between public art and social sculpture, LIVE happening and virtual action, Harbor Voices emblematically presents stories, shared connections and actions. Participants of all ages are encouraged to interact with the project www.harborvoices.com and its installation– to bathe so to speak in a community of vibrancy and waves of interconnectedness and support. Benenson adds that from 4-6PM during the two days of this installation iteration, “children will be offered a small flashlight to engage with this artwork, allowing them a tangible moment to consider their part in this interconnected network of community and local history by creating their own beam of light.” Also, before the installation opens to the public, one hundred Gloucester High School students –including some who have already added into the piece– will come to City Hall to experience Harbor Voices.
Benenson’s promotion for Harbor Voices launched in September. Leveraging attention for this remarkably ambitious project is an essential component as more involvement means more impact. Straight away it fostered community and brought opportunities. For example, Benenson spoke about the project and shared audio of the stories with Rose Baker seniors, Gloucester Rotary and the Cape Ann Museum’s Red Cottage Society. Someone from Beverly has already underwrittten support for a class at Veteran’s Memorial Elementary School. She spoke about the project with Joey as part of GMG podcast #253
As a third generation Cape Ann artist, Benenson is especially excited to “create art and conversations around our cultural heritage and our contributions to the vibrant mix of people that live on Cape Ann.”
See more pictures and read more about the artist
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.
Upcoming shows at 9 Wallis — Jon Butcher is next!
We hear 9 Wallis has a legendary green room. The entrance is just down from the Larcom Theater.
Some photos below from Mayor Romeo Theken– she was so nice helping several families take photos with Santa
Chronicle has been a popular news magazine TV show focusing on stories of New England for 35 years. Weeknights at 7:30pm on WCVB-TV Channel 5 Boston.
The award-winning Woman Owned Businesses Along the Essex Coastal Byway is comprised of local women retailers and colleagues from Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich and Rowley. They are working together to market their businesses and began work on a great trail map brochure last spring. Their street level shops represent 4 cities and towns, and share a regional ‘Main Street’ – Route 133/1A, part of the gorgeous 90 mile Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. They’ve inspired other routes and articles, and now Chronicle. Congratulations to all!
#1 Pauline’s Gifts, Gloucester; #2 Essex Bird Shop & Pet Supply, Essex; #3 Sea Meadow Gifts and Gardens, Essex; #4 The Essex Exchange, Essex; #5 Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery, Ipswich*; #6 AnnTiques, Ipswich; #7 Be Modern, Ipsiwch; #8 Lost Treasures, Rowley; and #9 Serendipity at Todd’s Farm, Rowley
Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken and Gloucester’s Open Space & Recreation Committee held a forum within the community center of the Maplewood Apartments complex on Thursday November 16th. The committee is working on the next Open Space plan for the city. (The prior one covering 2011-2017 has expired.) There was a brief presentation, results to the summer survey, and continued requests for suggestions and ideas. Gathering input will help prioritize possible Open Space & Recreation goals. Along with the important and detailed feedback already gathered from outreach, additional suggestions or wishes were given ‘open space’ 🙂 and welcomed at this little meeting. A woman who works with Backyard Growers mentioned a garden of a different scale, with fruit trees and strawberry patches to walk through, engendering audible oos and ahhs and one request to add it “Right there!” Others dreamed of lights/safety at Burnham’s, Kayak storage and assistance, and drainage mitigation at Magnolia Fields. Councilor Gilman took notes on the comments, and related one idea about a dedicated camping site.
You can check out the results to the survey (litter, dogs, and topics you care about are likely all in there) on the City’s website: (link coming) The presentation will tour. Look for upcoming dates and give thanks to this hardworking committee of volunteers, staff, and partners that advocate for open space and recreation. Committee members Patti Amaral, Heidi Wakeman, and Chair John McElhenny were there along with City staff from community development and housing.
photos: arriving to the community center, well before the meeting commenced, setting up in progress
Thanks to Mayor Romeo Theken, teacher Brett Dunton, Principal Lucey, and the extreme generosity of Manship Artists Residency & Studios (MARS) under the direction of Rebecca Reynolds, the O’Maley Innovation Middle School ramped up in a powerful fashion with an amazing and enviable addition to the art department:
Acorn printing presses were used by Gloucester’s legendary Folly Cove guild of artisans, most notably Virginia Lee Burton, an internationally renowned artist, children’s picture book author-illustrator, dancer, teacher and Folly Cove co-founder. O’Maley students study Gloucester, printmaking, and the history of Folly Cove artists through a myriad of units in each grade and subject, often in partnership with Cape Ann Museum, local artists and other community partners. And now, to have this pedigree press, … Wow! Enjoy some photographs from Brett Dunton from the exciting installation day.
teachers Brett Dunton and Ashley Doke with 8th grade students admiring the newly installed famous Acorn press O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Gloucester MA
The O’Maley press is one of the last actual Folly Cove presses remaining on Cape Ann. It was owned and used by Elizabeth (Libby) Holoran and Isabel Natti, eventually taking up Holloran’s floor space in the Sarah Elizabeth Store which she opened in 1974. Superstar sculptor, Paul Manship, was Isabel Natti’s grandfather. Aino Natti, Natti’s uncle, was one of the Folly Cove co-founders and the original owner of this particular press. Acorn printing presses were fabricated and distributed by companies like the Adams Brothers in Boston circa 1830-1870. The name “Acorn” comes from the cut away which resembles the shape of an acorn; the presses are RARE and beautiful. One is on view at the Cape Ann Museum.
Mayor Romeo Theken was hopeful that MARS would consider the schools and Gloucester’s students when determing a most suitable location. Teacher Brett Dunton knows Natti and all about this famed press. He was thrilled to build a print room around it and get going. Natti had already given him some of her drying racks. This opportunity would not have happened without MARS working with donors to rescue the press and Mr. Dunton’s expertise and enthusiasm for taking it on. This has to be one of the nicest feel good full circle art stories coming home ever! I look forward to sharing some of the results from the inaugural student printmaking classes, original print editions from this stellar art room addition.
Good Morning Gloucester 