Celebrating with Good News for Ernestina.

Ernestina‘s supporters filled M&C Cafe yesterday to celebrate the launch 117 years ago, in Essex, Massachusetts, of Effie M.Morrissey, the schooner that became Ernestina when renamed by Captain Henrique Mendes in 1948.

Cape Verdean Ambassador Fatima Veiga and Gunga Tavares from the Boston Consul’s office presented donations in support of Ernestina and Representative Barney Frank, Dana Mohler-Faria, President of Bridgewater State University, DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert, Mayor Scott Lang, Senator Marc Pacheco and Representative Tony Cabral all spoke in support of the ship.  Other supporters of note included Consul General Graca Fonseca from Portugal’s New Bedford office.

  New Bedford Standard Times article.     

Representative Cabral presented a proclamation from the Legislature to Schooner Ernestina Commissioners Laura Pires-Hester who has worked on Ernestina’s behalf for nearly 40 years and Jennifer Nersesian, Superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

Chef Mike Melo prepared an outstanding buffet enjoyed by all with many promising a return visit to the M&C Cafe.

Musical presentations by the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chanty Chorus and Candida Rose,who had everyone dancing in the aisles, was organized by SEMA director Polly Zajac.  Here Candida is accompanied by Tom Goux and Polly Gardner.

The fundraising celebration was organized by Barbara Burgo, longtime Ernestina volunteer.  The event and silent auction raised nearly $4000 to support efforts to get Ernestina sailing again!