Did you attend Gloucester's Fuller School? Do you have a child who went there, or did you ever work there?
If so, Ellen Sibley, principal of the Fuller fifth grade that will close out the school on June 12, is hoping you'll share your favorite memories of a building that has served a wide variety of grades over the years — but will be closing as a school when the current fifth-graders depart next month.
Sibley said she's hoping to compile residents' favorite Fuller memories into a scrapbook organized by members of the school's PTO. She said she also plans to have some of the best memories read during a last-day ceremony planned for June 12.
"It can be anything," Sibley said, "memories someone had as a student, a parent — anything. The building has such a history, I'm sure people have wonderful memories of their time here, whether it was years ago, or very recently."
Anyone interested in contributing to the project should jot his or her memories into a one-page essay and send it to Sibley at the school. All the contributions should be received by Monday, June 9.
Send your Fuller memories to: Ellen Sibley, Principal, Fuller School, 4 Schoolhouse Road, Gloucester MA 01930.
Former GHS principal dies
William Gentile, principal of Gloucester High School from 1975 to 1980, died March 31 in Maine. Gentile, a Waltham native, taught English at Gloucester High for 15 years, including several years as the department head, before being named principal in August 1975, succeeding Robert Natti.
Gentile moved to Kennebunk, Maine, in 1981, where he served as the headmaster of Kennebunk High School until 1990.
According to his obituary on seacoastonline.com, "Bill returned to the classroom and his passion for teaching. The students enriched his life. He made a significant difference in the lives of many young people, helping to make the world a better place, one student at a time."
Gentile was hired as an English teacher at Gloucester High in September 1960.
Gentile published an English grammar book in 2003 and retired to Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
Gentile was survived by his wife of 42 years, Heather Gentile of Old Orchard Beach; and his four children, Deborah Gentile of Saco, Maine, Virginia Gentile of Windham, William Gentile Jr. of California, and Elizabeth Tello of Maryland; and 10 grandchildren.
His services were held April 3 in Kennebunk. Contributions in his name may be made to: Dr. William W. Gentile Scholarship Fund, Attn: Joy Russo, Kennebunk High School, 89 Fletcher St. Kennebunk, Maine 04043.
Dory Days
The International Dory Race Committee, the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon and several other waterfront interests are teaming up to do their share for immediate Gloucester waterfront revitalization.
Those groups are building four new Grand Banks dories at the Heritage Center beginning in September.
"The most exciting point of interest is we (the Dory Committee) are offering free access and instruction in dory rowing," said James Tarantino, head of the International Dory Race Committee. "We have one of the most beautiful, historic harbors on the East Coast and ... we want to change the image of dory rowing only being for racers. It's for everyone!"
High school rock bands to perform
High school rock bands will take the stage tonight at West End Theater at 7:30 p.m.
Headlining will be Bingo Fridays, a five-piece jazz and rock ensemble from Ipswich who recently played the WBCN Rumble, and opened for Elephant House last fall at West End. Players are Jake Pardee on guitar and vocals, Pete Iannitto on bass and vocals, Aaron Zaroulis on drums and vocals, and Zach Gorrell on keys and saxophone.
Two bands and a solo artist hail from Gloucester High School.
The Acoustic Firetrucks are a trio featuring Mike Forgette on vocals, Christian Towler on guitar, and Joe Borge on bass. Next on the bill is Another Ensemble, with Nate Kidder on bass, Josh Lentini on trombone, Towler again on guitar, Jeff Lane on trumpet and Stephen Boucher on drums.
Already playing with both Gloucester bands, Towler will take a solo turn for his own guitar-tapping instrumental piece before Bingo Fridays closes out the night. Admission is $5, and all ages are welcome.
West End Theater plans to have more young musicians spotlighted this summer in its effort to showcase the extraordinary musical talents of all ages on Cape Ann.
The theater is located at One Washington St. in Gloucester. For reservations, call 978-281-0680.
Honored veteran
The flag at the Veterans' Center will fly this week in honor of World War II veteran Richard Stillman Loomis. Born June 2, 1920, he entered the U.S. Army on April 5, 1943. A technician fourth grade, the supply clerk served with 198th Ordnance Base Depot Company.
Loomis was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon.
He was discharged March 20, 1946, and died May 24, 2003.
The flag was requested to fly in his honor by his wife, Elizabeth Loomis, and family.
Anyone wishing to fly a flag in honor of a deceased veteran can call the Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.
