By All Hands
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Mortillaro Lobster LLC in Gloucester received a rare odd-clawed lobster last week in one of its crate-run shipments from Maine, the likes of which most veteran lobstermen have probably never seen.
A genetic mix-up gave this 1 1/4-pound, hard-shelled male lobster a second hinge, or dactyl, growing perpendicular from the top if its otherwise normal crusher claw. Lobsters with a hinge in its normal spot paralleled by a second one have been seen before.
The local dragger Grace Marie landed a lobster with two functioning claw tips coming off the same arm several years ago, and the Steve Connolly Seafood Company even had a lobster with three anatomically complete working claws in one of its lobster deliveries from Canada.
Mortillaro's is boarding its unusual lobster in a special tank, which is also housing a yellowish-orange lobster the company took in the same week.
A laureate's debut
The inaugural Celebrate Gloucester concert, which will bring Charles Neville, Roomful of Blues, Allen Estes and many others to a special stage on the city's I-4, C-2 waterfront property off Rogers Street on Sunday will also include another special debut.
The event will be the first public venture by Ruth Ann "Rufus" Collinson in her role as Gloucester's new poet laureate.
Collinson is slated to open the festivities at 3 p.m., reading an original poem commissioned especially for the occasion.
She was confirmed as Gloucester's poet laureate in July, succeeding John Ronan, who had served in that role for the past two years.
Sunday's concert, scheduled to run from 3 to 10 p.m., is sponsored by National Grid, with the Gloucester Daily Times as media sponsor.
Open Door to furniture
The Open Door, which provides a number of health and humans services for area residents and runs Cape Ann's primary food pantry, has added a new furniture annex to its nonprofit Second Glance fund-raising store, with an eye toward meeting what Executive Director Julie LaFontaine says is a growing need for low-cost furniture and other home items.
The expansion of Second Glance's 2 Pond Road facility can serve clients and residents looking do some fall cleaning.
"Those who need furniture can find a variety of couches, tables, dressers, and antiques," LaFontaine said, "Those who are looking to clean out or downsize their living space can take advantage of our free pick up service.
"Everyone wins," she said, "when the community recycles and reuses."
The Second Glance furniture annex is open for shopping Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clean furniture donations are welcome Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with pickup available by appointment.
For more information, call 978-283-4298 or visit www.foodpantry.org.
Pet Microchip Day
The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association is leading a statewide effort to increase pet safety through a special program that encourages pet owners to microchip and register their pets.
On Sept. 25, veterinarians throughout Massachusetts, including Gloucester, will offer the service at a special rate of $20 per pet that includes both the microchip and registration.
To participate, pet owners must sign up by Sept. 13 online at www.massvet.org by selecting "Pet Owners" and clicking on the "Click here" section, or by calling 508-460-9333.
Pet owners will be able to select the veterinary clinic where they want to have their pets' microchips implanted and schedule the appointment.
Honored veteran
The flag at the Veterans' Center will fly this week in honor of all those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"One of the worst days in America's history saw some of the bravest acts in America's history." — George W. Bush
Anyone wishing to fly a flag in honor of a deceased veteran can call the Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.
