Talk of the Times: Tree display a hit in Nova Scotia homeland

Jerry Locke, director of community and economic development for Shelburne, Nova Scotia — Gloucester's "sister city" and for 15 years the donor of our Kent Circle Christmas tree — wrote to the Gloucester Daily Times last month, asking for photos showing this year's "green giant" in all its lit glory.

So Times photo chief Allegra Boverman got in touch with photo correspondent Desi Smith and asked him to track down and send up some of his shots from the Kent Circle lighting ceremony.

When he did, Locke promptly emailed back his one-sentence approval.

"Wow!" he said. "It didn't look that good in the woods!"

This year's tree lighting attracted a crowd estimated to be somewhere in the vicinity of 1,000.

"We'll use these pictures in the scrapbook to the people that donated the tree," said Locke in his message to the Times, "and post them on our social media sites.

"Happy New Year and thanks to Gloucester," he added.

Big paw steps for dog park

The new Gloucester Dog Park is one paw closer to becoming a reality thanks to the generous donations of $12,500 by Christopher and Anne Lewis of The Cat Doctor of Gloucester and an anonymous donation of $10,000 by a Rockport resident.

"We still have a way to go but these donations along with the Dusky Foundation's ($100,000) matching gift was certainly a wonderful way to end 2011," organizer Mary Lou Diangelis said in an email to the Times.

"Remember the allocation of the land for the dog park was only approved by City Council in March," she added. "We've come a long way in nine months."

Diangelis added that the Gloucester Dog Park group is actively recruiting volunteers to help with public relations, community development, events planning, web design, arts committee members, a volunteer coordinator — "simply anyone that wants to be an active part in making this dog park a valuable part of this community," she said.

To find out more information on donating and/or volunteering, please visit www.gloucesterdogpark.org or call 978-283-5723.

'War on Bugs' on the move

The "War on Bugs" is gaining momentum — at least in Gloucester.

The Gloucester Writers Center has announced that, due to the high interest, Wednesday's presentation by "War on Bugs" author, activist and lifelong farmer Will Allen has been moved from the center to larger Harbor Room, off East Main Street at 8 Norwood Court. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.

Allen's book focuses on the effects of the use of pesticides on America's crops and food supply.

The center has suggested a $10 donation, or whatever one can afford, or $5 for students, but no one will be turned away for lack of money, according to organizers. For more information, call Annie Thomas at 978.283.7738 or email her at asthomer@yahoo.com.

Preserving dory heritage

Gloucester's dories are going to be the subject of a documentary film, according to 2010 "Survivor" reality TV competitor James "Jimmy T" Tarantino.

Tarantino said this week that the film is being created as a "history of the Grand Banks dory in Gloucester and the role they continue to play in the community."

That role remains significant — especially when international races involving rowers out of Gloucester and other communities take on competitors from Canada in what remains an annual exchange.

"The final product will be something Gloucester will be able to utilize and be proud of for years to come," said Tarantino, who has long been an active rower and part of the dory scene himself.

The king of games

The Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main St. in Gloucester, will not only be screening Kevin Tostado's new documentary "Under The Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story" this Sunday, with a 2:30 p.m. showtime.

It will be hosting special guest Phil Orbanes, who is regarded as the leading expert on the game of Monopoly and who is featured in the film.

He is president of the specialty games company Winning Moves, and is a former senior vice president of research and development for Parker Brothers, which publishes Monopoly.

Orbanes has published two books about game, titled "The Monopoly Companion" and "Monopoly: The World's Most Famous Game And How It Got That Way," as well as a book about the history of the former Salem staple Parker Brothers titled "The Game Makers."

He also serves as a historical consultant for Hasbro Games, which is owns Parker Brothers, and as chief judge at the U.S. and World Monopoly Championships.

Honored veteran

The flag at the Veterans' Center will fly this week in honor of World War II veteran Joseph Gerard Puglisi. Born Jan. 9, 1921, he entered the U.S. Army on Oct. 24, 1942, and was discharged Nov. 21, 1945.

A corporal, the truck driver served with 3705th Quartermaster Truck Company. He served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe.

Puglisi was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He died Jan. 15, 1994.

The flag was requested to fly in his honor by his wife, Gerry, and children Tony and Frances and families.

The flag will also fly this week in honor of World War II veteran Santo Puglisi. Born Sept. 2, 1910, he entered the U.S. Army on Jan. 16, 1941, and was discharged Aug. 16, 1945.

The mess and staff sergeant served with 101st Medical Battalion, and Company D Engineer Training Battalion. He served in Guadalcanal.

He died May 20, 2003.

Puglisi was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Defense Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation with Battle Star American Division 43, and the Good Conduct Medal 121st Medical Battalion 43.

The flag was requested to fly in his honor by his sister-in-law, Gerry Puglisi, and nephew and niece, Tony and Frances and families. Anyone wishing to fly a flag in honor of a deceased veteran can call the Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.

Local News

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Site Map

Contact Us