Icing…

The Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M) in Rockport, MA is currently receiving consignment submissions of works by Historic American Artists, Highlighting the Cape Ann School, for its Annual Art Auction. The consignment deadline is March 7, and the Auction will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Live Online Only. The Auction Preview Exhibition will be on view for two weeks prior to the auction in the Hibbard and Maddocks Galleries of the RAA&M.

Each year, this prestigious fundraising event attracts serious collectors from across the country, as well as those just starting an art collection. The auction features works by master Cape Ann artists of the past such as: Aldro T. Hibbard, Emile Gruppé, Anthony Thieme, Antonio Cirino, W. Lester Stevens, Jane Peterson, Frederick Mulhaupt, Harry A. Vincent, Max Kuehne, Frederick J. Waugh, Marguerite S. Pearson, Charles Paul Gruppé, Harrison Cady, John Whorf, Theresa Bernstein, Charles Vickery, Paul Strisik, Charles Movalli, and many more. The RAA&M auction specializes in Cape Ann art, but is not limited to this region and also includes works by numerous other prominent historic American artists.

The auction, now in its 41st year, began with a bequest by founding member Antonio Cirino (1888-1983). Cirino left his artwork to the Association with the stipulation that the art be auctioned to help support the organization. The auction quickly evolved to include other historic Cape Ann artists and has been the RAA&M’s major annual fundraising event ever since.

For more information about the Rockport Art Association & Museum and its Annual Art Auction, please visit www.rockportartassn.org/auction.

To make an appointment or to inquire about consigning, please contact Margaret Redington at
978-546-6604, ext. 1002 or auction@rockportartassn.org.

Here are the captions for the attached images:

Featured Consignment in 2025:
Winter, Vermont by Emile Gruppé (1896-1978)
Oil on canvas, 40 x 50 in.

Featured Consignment in 2025:
Bearskin Neck by Antonio Cirino (1888-1983)
Oil on canvas mounted on board, 8 x 10 in.

We stopped by Joe’s Fish Prints on Main St to say hello to Joe recently. There’s all kinds of cool stuff going in in there! It’s worth a visit if you are out and about. Here’s the link for more information: Fished Impressions.

FEBRUARY 13, 2026 BY ANGEL WINGS WELLNESS

Achy hands, feet or knees? Reduce arthritis pain with Angel Butter CBD Topical! CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory reducing inflammation in joints and muscles. Come down to the shop for a FREE SAMPLE of Angel Butter Topical. One per person please. Friday and Saturday 11-4 or call for a private appointment for a free wellness consultation with a certified CBD consultant. 978-985-4592

Glosta Grooves 

Check out our Wicked Cool Fun Stuff!

We want to remember Cam on the 4 year date of his passing. Cam’s favorite place was the Fisherman’s Statue in Gloucester. He also loved GMG, Sugar Mags, & Harbor Cove Dental (thanks to Joey!).  Cam will always be with us & forever loved. We miss him every day. We thank him for the extraordinary example he set, & for always making our lives immeasurably better every day we had together. He was truly the best of us.
Judy & Family

Hail Port…

Contact Evan at evan@bdelectrical.services

A very tricky rescue operation was performed out on our deck recently…….

February 14, 2026 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

Boston Bruins mascot Blades is coming to Sawyer Free Library this Tuesday, February 17, from 2:00–3:30 PM for a special PJ Story Time in support of the 19th Annual Bruins PJ Drive.

The event will kick off with Story Time featuring Blades, followed by Bruins-themed trivia, with questions and prizes provided by the Bruins. Children will then rotate through fun activity stations, including beading, fan button-making, mask coloring, Giant Jenga, and individual photo opportunities with Blades. Each child will also receive a goodie bag. Register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Running from February 1 through March 15, the Bruins PJ Drive aims to collect 10,000 new pairs of pajamas for Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund to support children in need. Sawyer Free Library is proud to partner with the Boston Bruins, Cradles to Crayons, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and DCF/Wonderfund to help collect donations for local children living in low-income and homeless situations.

To donate, please bring to the storytime or drop off new pajamas (sizes 0–3 months through 18/20, adult medium) at Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester. You can also donate through the Amazon Wishlist and ship directly to Cradles to Crayons. Please ensure all pajama donations are appropriate for all seasons and do not include holiday or family-specific references. The most-needed sizes this season are 12–18 months, 18–24 months, and adult medium.

We’re excited to help provide children with new pajamas so they can stay warm and get a good night’s sleep. For questions, please email tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5555.

Boston Bruins Mascot Blades Coming to Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday! for 2026 PJ Drive!

Buddy is a gentle giant just under 3 years old with a heart as big as he is. This sweet boy loves spending time outdoors, soaking up the fresh air, and enjoying the simple joys of life. Whether he’s out exploring, playing with his favorite volunteers, or just hanging out with his humans, Buddy is happiest when he’s by your side. Buddy has lived with elderly adults as well as children under the age of 1, and he’s shown himself to be calm, patient, and gentle in those environments. His easy going nature and love for people make him a wonderful companion for many different households. Buddy’s personality and love for people make him a joy to be around. If you’re looking for a big, sweet companion who just wants to enjoy life and share it with you, Buddy may be your perfect match. Does Buddy sound like the right fit for you?

BreedGreat Dane/Rhodesian Ridgeback Age2 years 10 months 19 days GenderMale SizeXL ColorTan Spayed/NeuteredDeclawedNo HousetrainedYes Adoption Price$425.00 

Apply today at: Capeannanimalaid.org/dogapp

______________________________________
Cape Ann Animal Aid

Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter
4 Paws Lane
Gloucester, MA 01930

(978) 283-6055

www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.org

www.facebook.com/CapeAnnAnimalAid

 

The Gloucester Schooner Festival over the Labor Day weekend has grown in 41 years into a signature New England event.  It’s an economic engine that attracts crowds from throughout the Northeast and Eastern Canada.   

 

Throughout the long weekend schooners will be seen under sail and docked around the harbor from the temporary docks at I4C2 on Rogers Street to Maritime Gloucester to Smith Cove.  

 

Given its importance, it’s not too early to plan this year’s festival.  The Schooner Festival Committee, chaired by Cyrus Bent, and assisted by former chair Daisy Nell, earlier this month held its kick-off meeting for the 42^nd annual festival to include a weekend full of events.  

 

Some two dozen schooners are invited.  Many have already committed to participate.   In addition to Saturday’s Heritage Day and Sunday’s Parade of Sail, the festival will feature the annual schooner races off Easter Point. 

 

It comes as the schooner Adventure celebrates its 100th anniversary.  Adventure was built in 1926 at the James Yard in Essex and is the last American dory trawler and was a “highliner” of the fleet (https://www.schooneradventure.org).

 

She’s birthed at Maritime Gloucester, which is Festival headquarters (https://www.maritimegloucester.org).  Also at Maritime Gloucester are Harold Burnham’s Ardelle and Isabella.  

Burnham, a master shipwright and National Heritage Fellow, comes from generations of Burnham’s whose vessels continue to remind residents and visitors of their importance to “our maritime history, our economy and our culture.”

 

Committee members, including Burnham, Tom and Heath Ellis of the Thomas E. Lannon, and Emily Pearce, executive director of the Adventure, attended the meeting.  Together with other committee members and volunteers they are scoping plans for a series of events — starting April 10 with a committee-hosted fund-raising event at the Gloucester House — culminating Labor Day weekend with activities at multiple locations on the waterfront.  

 

Cyrus Bent said, “schooners are synonymous with Gloucester thanks to the volunteers who have worked for more than 40 years to make the festival a success.”  People interested in volunteering can call Maritime Gloucester at 978-281-0470. 

 

 

Photos Below: Local Schooner Festival regulars (top to bottom): Adventure, Ardelle, Thomas E Lannon, Gen. George Patton’s When & If, Isabella, and the Thomas E Lannon with Adventure.  

Submitted by Carl Gustin

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Caitlin Smith

Pancakes…