Cruisin’ for a Great Local Catch

More than a few degrees above the rest in town, Latitude 43 raises the bar for north shore restaurants. 

Located in the middle of historic downtown Gloucester, Latitude 43 is a coastal restaurant with scenic views of the harbor and ship docks.  Fishing vessels, lobster traps and unique local shops surround the restaurant’s deck, which is open for visitors to dine outdoors in the summer months. 

In the doors of the restaurant is a unique experience of high-class ambiance.  From the first step into Latitude visitors will feel the warm invitation by the large yet cozy waiting area, which holds a large stone fireplace and oversized leather couches.  This living room style lobby causes guests to hope that their table isn’t ready quite yet. 

There is a large sushi bar featured in the center of the room where guests can watch their elaborate sushi dishes prepared right in front of them by expert chefs. The rest of the room holds tables and booths situated by large bay windows by the harbor’s edge. 

But enough about the atmosphere, let’s talk about the food!  Asiago and herbed topped focaccia bread starts the meal off on the right foot.  Taste buds will begin to crave more as diners nibble while looking over the seasonal menu items.

Keeping with the theme of local favorites, the menu has a variety of excellent choices for diners to enjoy.  Local seafood dishes include Seared Diver Scallops with truffled mushroom cream and roasted fingerling potatoes with a red wine reduction.  Recommended by the chef, this is an unbelievable choice that does not disappoint. Other favorites for regular comers include the Braised Shortribs or the Fisherman’s Fried Platter.

However, one dish that is a must try is the original sushi menu’s Nori’s Roll.  Nori’s Roll is a unique and highly structured artistic dish that combines sweet and spice flavors with king crab meat and crunchy tempura crumbs that even the non-sushi fan will enjoy.

Partnered with the decadent flavors, the presentation of each dish is an art in itself.  Bright colors and local ingredients make for quite the beautiful plate. 

Local flavor is not limited to the culinary experience; local artists throughout the north shore have their art featured.  Original pieces include nautical themed paintings of the Gloucester harbor and life-size glass-blown ocean creatures and structures.  Above the open kitchen, the ceiling holds a large, rescued boat hull that was found rotting in a shipyard.  Restored and refurnished to its original beauty, the hull is now back in service as a full-time decoration.  

Local musicians and bands are featured almost every night in the offshoot of Latitude’s main dining room.  Minglewood Tavern is a rustic scene, combining the beloved sushi menu items with classic pub food.  This room is a more down to earth hangout for locals, but just as elaborate with its ambiance.  The pub is lined with wooden beams from floor to ceiling and antlers are hanging from the walls giving visitors the sense that they’ve stepped into a backwoods tavern. 

Whether you’re looking for a first class experience in the main dining room where you can watch the fishing boats pull into the harbor, bringing your lobster fresh from the sea, or your more comfortable in the bluesy tavern scene, Latitude 43 and Minglewood Tavern is a local gem that should go unnoticed either by visitor or local.

Attack at the Boston Marathon

On Marathon Monday, downtown Boston experienced an attack like the city has never scene before.  2:50pm, at about the four hour mark, when the biggest concentration of runners near the end of the race, an explosion went off in a nearby building on Boylston St.  Only eight to ten seconds later, a second bomb went off. 

Runners, spectators, event staff and reporters immediately fled the area, creating a scene of hysteria.  Smoke began to flood the street of the finish line. Emergency personnel rushed onto the scene and the city began immediate evacuation within the surrounding area.  Runners who had not yet finished the race were directed to run away from the race's original route.  And Runners at mile 26 were stopped.

Lead Fox25 news anchor, Maria Stephanos, though on vacation with her family for the week, was on the scene when the bombs exploded.  A few minutes after her husband had crossed the finish line, Stephanos said that a huge explosion went off.

 "We knew that something was wrong, this wasn't a manhole. I told my kids that we had to quickly go the other way." 

So far it has been confirmed that 2 victims were killed, 23 are injured.  Many are missing limbs and have been rushed to different hospitals in downtown Boston, including Tufts, Mass General and Brigham and Womens' Hospital.

Matt Tomlin photographer for Fox25 reported from the scene, "I've never been on a battlefield before, but I imagine this is what it's like.  This is a horror show."

While reporters and emergency personnel came onto the scene, bomb investigators also rushed to began a search for anymore threatening devices.  Around 3:40pm, two more bombs were found and dismantled by the investigators. 

However, the attack was not over.  Another explosion was reported to have gone off at about 5:00pm at the JFK Library in Boston.  Investigators are trying to figure out if the explosions were linked. NEMA (The National Emergency Management Association) is reporting to have located more devices in Boston along the marathon route and urge all to, "stay home."

One of the competitors, a ten-time Boston Marathon racer said that the explosion was extremely loud.  Instead of the sounds of cheering and congratulations, there were screams and shouts of fear filling the Boston air.

"You expect to rejoice when you're done but the area was furious," said the veteran racer. "It was chaos."

This international event has been the central focus of a terrorist attack.  With millions involved in the race, people around the world are scrambling to contact their loved ones.  However, everyone in the vicinity was told to shut off all cell phones in order to prevent detonation of any more bombs that might be triggered. 

The Boston Bruins were scheduled to compete against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden tonight at 7:00pm.  The game, as well as many other Boston events have been canceled.  Universities and schools throughout Boston, such as Northeastern, Tufts and Boston College.

This was a planned attack.  Measures are being taken by NEMA and many others to prevent anymore damage or attacks.  The country is in a state of emergency.  President Barack Obama will make a public address at 6:10pm tonight in response to this crisis. 

Gospel Fest 2013

Tonight was the second round of Gordon College’s Gospel Fest 2013 and there were high expectations held after the opening day’s performances.  The previous night the fest had featured original songs by recording artist, Nayara, gospel songs sung by the UMass Lowell Gospel Choir, a sequence of step routines performed by the Kip Academy Step Team, a variety of spoken word pieces by Word Play, and praise songs led by the hosts of the night, God’s Chosen Gospel Choir from Gordon College. 

Friday night’s opening concert was the first annual event of its kind to take place on the campus of Gordon College.  Directed by Gordon’s student choir director, Craig Ramsey, the night was a huge success.  Each performance was uniquely diverse and executed with fervent excitement and excellent professionalism.  The A.J. Memorial Chapel was almost fully filled with students, family, friends and many new faces from the greater Boston community for part one of the Gospel Fest.  With the diverse audience and exhilarating presentations, the energy in the room was electric. 

Though Friday night was a hard show to follow, tonight’s performances did not disappoint.  Gordon continued to wow their once again large audience with a fantastic new lineup for round two of the Gospel Fest.  With modern dance routines performed by Gordon’s own Gospel dance team, songs of praise sung by Shanell and Alanah Percy, new spoken word by Word Play and original songs by solo artist, Trini, the audience was on their feet once again with enthusiasm.  However, just like the night before, it was God’s Chosen Gospel Choir that brought a whole new level of energy and vigor into the chapel.   Ramsey led an hour-long set of Gospel songs, such as The Jesus in You Loves the Jesus in Me, His Blood Still Works and I Need You To Survive.  The audience was actively encouraged to participate through dance and praise songs.  Hands were lifted high, feet were moving, and clapping grew louder throughout the night as Ramsey and his team created a thrilling atmosphere of praise and worship on Gordon’s campus. 

This is the first year that Gordon College has had an organized Gospel choir.  Beginning with just a few members, the choir has grown immensely. Now the choir has over fifty vocalists and a full band.  Schuyler Anderson’s talent on the saxophone stands out among the band members.  Electric guitarist, Richie Dolio, blew the audience away with his solo performance during the song, Alpha and Omega.  Ramsey’s joy for leading the choir in praise songs is contagious.  Without a doubt, God’s Chosen Gospel Choir will continue to grow under the leadership of Ramsey.

Ramsey surprised Saturday’s audience with special guest performers, his mother and older sister.  His inspiration and church choir director, Ramsey’s mother proved that Craig had developed his talent and love for Gospel music under his parent’s roof.  It was obvious to all that this intense passion and energy runs in the family.

The intensity and liveliness that filled the Gordon College Chapel this weekend was of a unique kind.  While the performances may have ended and the audience gone home, the impact of the Gospel Fest continues to permeate the community.  Talk of Gospel Fest 2014 has already begun and artists are being lined up for an exciting weekend to rival the one just celebrated. 

To view video footage of this event visit my Vimeo account:
https://vimeo.com/63525950

Be the Voice, Not the Echo

Former NFL running back, Keith Elias, left a career of fame, fortune and athleticism in 2000, but he did not leave his purpose behind when he hung up his jersey. Ever since his rookie year in the NFL, Elias has had his eyes on a different kind of glory, one with peace, contentment and hope.  At the age of 41, in his new career, Elias seeks to establish a different sort of identity than that of the typical NFL star.  

“Wherever I go, whatever I do,” said Elias, “I want to be a reflection of Christ’s love and glory in every capacity.”

Proclaiming the message of the gospel was not always a passion of Elias’.  However, when his 1994 NFL rookie season, where he played for his hometown heroes, the NY Giants, left him unsatisfied, he questioned whether there was more to life than fame and fortune. 

“I had always looked to the things of the world to fulfill me, to give me my identity,” said Elias. “I had everything I thought a young man was supposed to have: cars, money, girls, notoriety… but something was missing. There was a tug on my heart, pulling me into something… someone more.”

Crying out to a God he wasn’t sure existed, he sought the idea of a relationship with him, instead of the false sense of “religion” that he had grown up around.  It was the gospel of John that led Elias to a knowledge and acceptance of Christianity.

“My circumstances did not change, I had an inward change,” said Elias. “How I viewed the world and what I was doing changed.  Things came into a proper perspective. I came to realize that there’s so much more to life than just football.”

Elias gives great attention to the mentors and older Christians in his life that have walked alongside him in his faith journey.  NY Giants Chaplain George McGovern was a key influence in the life of Elias and many other NFL players.

McGovern spoke very highly of Elias’ character both on the NFL squad and today as he is off the playing field. 

“Keith is a real pleasure to know, a trusted friend,” said McGovern.  “His integrity is impeccable.”

The two men are still in frequent contact, encouraging each other to live lives that are “out of this world.”

“It’s not a matter of having time for Christ,” said McGovern, “it’s more about giving up their (athletes) ‘rich young ruler’ lifestyle.”

Elias decided during his 1994 season that his football career, or any career he may have, would be for the purpose of sharing the message of Christ.  But changing a lifetime of patterns and expectations was harder than he expected.  Throughout his NFL career, the focus of the media and the temptations that a life of stardom brings brought Elias to face hardships and downfalls. 

For Elias, setbacks and challenges are only sources of motivation for him to seek God more.

“These are times when I realized that there was a line that had to be drawn,” said Elias. “We realize who were are and who we serve.  What it (the Christian life) is and what it’s not. Repent and move on. Move on means transformation.”

Elias now spends his life as a motivational speaker at school assemblies, NFL programs, Fellowship of Christian Athlete events and Athletes in Action gatherings.  He is active in community engagement and church ministry with his wife, Christa.  As he proclaims on his web page, Speak Life, his mission statement is to “Be the voice, not the echo.”

                                              “Be the voice, not the echo.”

Still possessing a strong passion for football and a heart for the men in the NFL, Elias is now involved with a new NFL program that is being developed.  This program is a resource for formal NFL players to mentor recently retired NFL players as the transition to “the normal world.”  While this transition has led many formal athletes to depression and feeling a loss of identity, this program seeks to provide alternative ways to deal with change.

Elias, finding his identity as a follower of Christ, sees this as an outlet to reflect that sense of hope for others to see.

“The way that I deliver the message is not the message itself,” said Elias. “There is a time and a place to display the truth of Christ and that’s often brought about through relationships.”

Whether on the field, or off the field, on the stage or off the stage, Elias has established himself as a man of faith.  His passion for sport is an outlet for sharing his faith and not something that he holds as his claim to fame.  Instead he claims Christ.

“I can never divorce myself from my faith or belief.  It colors who I am.”

A Lifetime of Leisure

Mid-February, Gordon College’s own, Marcos Castellano ’13, a Recreation and Leisure major with a minor Kinesiology, was chosen to receive the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association's Outstanding Student of the Year Award for 2013. 

“From the moment I met Marcos,” said Dr. Hothem, Department Head of Recreation and Leisure Studies.  “I knew that he was going to be not only a successful student at Gordon, but that his choice of Recreation was a good match for him. 

An extremely dedicated student, Castellano was nominated by Gordon’s Recreation and Leisure Department Head, Dr. Margaret Hothem, to receive this prestigious award from the MRPA.  This statewide award recognizes Castellano to have been highly involved in both the community and the recreation field in Massachusetts, as well as earning himself a high GPA while studying at Gordon.  

The Gordon community may recognize this Puerto Rican born senior by his status as a varsity captain of Gordon’s Swim Team, as a lifeguard in the Bennett Center or by his frequent involvement to a variety of RECIM sports.  These three commitments have been priorities for Castellano for the past four years.  He’s also been an Resistant Advisor while at Gordon.  Off of the college’s campus, he has been consistently involved with the local YMCA for the past five years and the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the past four years.  For these organizations he has been lifeguarding, supervising sports and afterschool programs building on his passion for connecting and building into families’ and children’s lives. 

           

It’s plain to see that Castellano has all the credentials to earn himself this award.  Giving up many Friday nights to spend studying in the Gordon Library, he has made his commitment to the field of recreation a priority. 

“I’m proud of myself,” said Castellano, “and how hard I’ve worked to receive such an honor.”

On March 13^th, Castellano will be headed down to Hyannis, MA to participate in the MRPA’s 28th State Conference and Trade Show, where he will be given the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association's Outstanding Student of the Year Award.  He is excited, not only to be recognized for this title, but also to spend the time networking with many professionals in the recreation field as well as attending seminars. 

Two days later, Castellano will be headed to UConn for the American College of Sports Medicine Strength and Conditioning Conference.

Castellano has had a deep passion for the field of recreation even before his time at Gordon began.   

“My interest in Recreation and Leisure field stemmed from my desire to teach and lead people how to lead healthy and enjoyable lifestyles,” he said.

Gordon’s academic programs have further inspired him to pursue a career in this field.

“Through my rec classes I’ve been able to learn the philosophy of how to do this and why it’s important to do this. My Kinesiology classes have taught me the science behind how to treat your body well.”

While some may consider leisure a lesser of the academic studies offered at Gordon, Castellano has learned differently.

“At Gordon I’ve learned that leisure is about more than just free time,” said Castellano.  “It has a more holistic meaning.  In my current classes (Theories and Cultural Values, Rec Activity Analysis, and Philosophies and Theories of Culture) we’re learning about the Greek word for leisure, ‘skole.’  This is the same word we derive our word for ‘school.’  It’s really all coming from the same roots but we’ve separated it.”

Dr. Hothem is proud to have her student representing both the college and the field of recreation. 

“Marcos came into the Recreation and Leisure studies major with the full knowledge of how recreation can be an influential tool for creating the ‘good’ in people’s lives,” said Dr. Hothem.  “He has an enthusiasm to share that fullness of life with others.”

Gordon has gained a reputation with the MRPA.  Castellano is not the first Gordon student to receive this award.  The MRPA has been giving out the Student of the Year Award for 18 years and 9 of those have been awarded to Gordon Students. 

“This says a lot about Gordon and our program,” said Castellano. “It’s bringing more awareness of the MRPA and what you can do in recreation. It’s bringing focus out of just being a PE teacher to broader things.”

Feasting on a Fiesta

In the mood for a fiesta?  Let’s face it, burrito night in Lane just doesn’t cut it when you’re in the mood for a real Mexican dinner.  Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant and Cantina is a fun, local spot to satisfy those cravings and experience a taste of Mexico. Founded by a native of Mexico, bringing his recipes straight from Guadalajara, Acapulcos has earned a reputation among Mexican-food lovers throughout the North Shore. 

Known for it's authenticity and festive atmosphere, Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant owns a chain of these popular restaurants which are all located on the East Coast, one of them being downtown Beverly. The menu boasts an extensive variety of authentic and Tex-Mex dishes, catering to the appetites of almost all diners.  Authentic Mexican dishes include mole sauces, which are made up of a combination of many unique ingredients including peanut butter, cocoa and chili powder.  For the more American-Mexican taste, burritos and burgers are also on the extensive menu. Though if you are looking for non-Mexican food, this would not be the best choice.  After all, they don’t specialize in their chicken wings or burgers. But the portions sizes of the meals are large, which is always a plus for a student on a college budget.  The chips and salsa are never ending as well.

What strikes the first interest of the customer is the atmosphere of this restaurant.  Once the diner steps through the doors of Acapulcos, they find themselves surrounded by bright, southwestern colors but contrary to some, this Mexican restaurant doesn’t stoop to the elaborate and tacky piñatas and parrots theme.  Acapulcos is a great place for group parties or floor fellowship outings because there is a great amount of seating throughout the restaurant.  If you visit midweek, rarely will your party have to wait for seating since the place is so large.  Although Friday and Saturday nights might present a challenge for large parties.  If the game is on, the bar at the center of the restaurant is a fun place to cheer your team on.  But make sure that you and your friends get there early; it will fill up fast!

The wait staff is above par; they always seem to be very attentive and friendly to their customers.  And if it happens to be your friend’s birthday, mention it to the waiter, the will be crowned with an over-sized sombrero while being sung to by the wait staff!  Facebook profile? I think so.

For a college budget, Acapulcos is a great find. Most of the menu items are reasonably priced and portions are large.  The laid back environment allows diners a relaxed and fun experience while enjoying a great meal in a well-established and professional restaurant.  While I wouldn’t recommend this for a quiet romantic dinner choice, Acapulcos is a great place for a fun date night!  Coupons can often be found on their Facebook and Twitter pages or for those that sign up for their regular email newsletters.  

Sports on Sundays

Due to the blizzard that New England experienced recently, a rescheduling of a few athletic events brought some to question the consistency of Gordon’s values and conduct.

Sunday, February 10^th, the Fighting Scots were rescheduled to play two basketball games.  While the games were further postponed due to the opponent’s inability to show, students and faculty have been debating whether this scheduling choice breached the Life and Conduct statement issued in Gordon’s Student Handbook.

Since the early stages of Gordon College’s history, there were rules regarding the Sabbath observance that were written in the Life and Conduct Statement of the college. Expectations were that no work (whether athletic, scholastic or otherwise) would be done on Sundays. The statement read:

“Members of the Gordon community will observe Sunday as a day set apart for worship, ministry, rest and recre­ation. Activities suggesting ‘business as usual’ will not be sanctioned or encouraged except where absolutely necessary.”           

After more than 40 years under the same commitment statement, Gordon’s policy changed slightly. The 2012-2013 Student Handbook includes a longer introduction of why the Sabbath is held at Gordon.

“The principle of resting one day in seven was instituted by God for the benefit of the creatures made in God’s image.  Because Jesus declared Himself to be Lord of the Sabbath and because the Church celebrates His resurrection on Sunday.”

With this more detailed explanation, the change was made to the last portion of the statement.  The clause, “where absolutely necessary” now reads, “unless necessary.”  Within these guidelines, the new statement also emphasizes that activities should not disrupt Sunday morning worship hours specifically. 

Vice President of Student Life, Barry Loy, mentioned the reasoning behind the change is to provide a more accurate portrayal of Gordon’s stance instead of changing the stance.  The goal for the change was that this would reflect the attitude of the college, as it’s always been and leave less room for the student body to feel “deceived.” 

“Making this slight change, it would be easier to defend what’s ‘necessary.’” 

In regards to the decision due to the snowstorm experienced over the weekend, Loy gained permission from the whole President’s Cabinet to reschedule the game on the following Sunday, as long as these games did not conflict with worship hours.  Loy mentioned that this is not a normal change that would be made but due to the circumstances, it was necessary. 

“Even in the Bible Christ-followers made exceptions to this rule,” said Loy.  “When I need to stop in the office on a Sunday to address an issue that cannot wait I just tell my wife, ‘I’ve got to pull my ox out of a hole’ (referring to the Luke 14.5).”

Women’s Basketball starter, Skylar Bareford ’14, commented that, though she does consider observing the Sabbath very important, she did not mind the rescheduling of the games.

“I think that playing sports on Sunday is not a big deal.  The Sabbath is a personal responsibility so you cannot regulate people to any one specific day. However, in college this is generally a weekend day since classes are during the week.”

The only reason Bareford saw having sports on Sunday would raise an issue is if it caused others to stumble in their faith or be unable to observe their Sabbath.

“How does playing on Sunday affect the other people involved such as the trainers, the statisticians, and other workers?” Questioned Bareford.  “You need to consider the staff as well as the players.”

Has this slight change to the Life and Conduct Statement of Gordon College signaled a move to a higher liberalism on campus?  Though some may argue that it has, the Department of Athletics is in agreement with the Student Life Cabinet that this is not a decision that goes against Biblical teachings; it simply places the responsibility of a Christ-follower’s obedience on his own self in his own time.