Here is a good thought: July 11, 2026: Garden Tour
2026 Gloucester Garden Tour
Saturday July 11, 2026 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Join Generous Gardeners for the 14th annual Gloucester Garden Tour on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Tour the scenic, coastal, and historic eastern shore of Gloucester, a popular summer destination for affluent Boston families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the grand homes from that era with equally beautiful gardens still stand, and several are included on our tour. Each owner approaches gardening differently, so you will be treated to a range of formal designs to cottage gardens, and an amazing garden that is a garden tour in itself. There is a tea house, a classic orchid greenhouse, and spectacular ocean views. Generous Gardeners is pleased to present these stunning properties that are seldom open to the public. Shuttle buses will be available to help guests enjoy this year’s 3-mile round trip, self-guided tour.
Tickets/booklets and wrist bands will be picked up at the Stop and Stop parking lot at 6 Thatcher Road near the CVS. Given the exclusivity of the tour area, there are four different parking locations to be shared when you pick up your ticket. Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis and is not guaranteed.
ROCKPORT – SAT AND SUN 8 AM TO SELLOUT – 1 WHISTLESTOP MALL
DOWNTOWN LOWELL FARMERS MARKET ON SUNDAY, FEB. 8TH 😊@dtlfarmersmarket @hivepublicmarket 101 PAIGE STREET FROM 11 AM – 2 PM
PRE-ORDERING: Sign up at http://www.hotplate.com/saltysbagels (see link in bio) to get a text alert when our pre-orders go live on Monday mornings at 8:00 am. Pre-ordering is now available on both Saturday and Sundays!
Bagels: Plain, Poppy, Sesame, Salt, Rosemary Salt and EVERYTHING! Schmears: Plain, Scallion. Nova Lox: 4 oz
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In case you needed another reason to visit our local shops and restaurants, here you go. Pat D’s Photos will be at the Minglewood Market Sip and Shop Saturday Feb 7 from 11-4 and at 44 Main Street Sunday 11-3. Check out our sweet merch for your Valentine!
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On Tuesday taking a walk on Shore Road with the sunset club, we were able to walk out to the end of the pier. We have an obsession to touch the end of the pier for good luck.
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These photos are submitted by Susan LaRosa as she viewed the full moon rise over the harbor earlier this week. I am struck by how peaceful it is. Thank you Susan!
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Digital inclusion – access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training – is essential to participating and thriving in today’s world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, the City continues in its efforts towards digital equity.
“Access to technology is essential for education, work, and community engagement. The City of Gloucester is proud to be recognized as a Visionary Trailblazer for our commitment to ensuring all residents can fully engage in today’s connected world,” said Mayor Paul Lundberg. “We are grateful to Library Director Jenny Benedict and the staff at Sawyer Free Library for their leadership in advancing these efforts and making our Digital Equity initiatives a success.”
This year, Gloucester joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the U.S. Visionary Trailblazer is the highest honor awarded for communities that have achieved 18 points or higher out of a possible 23. Visionary Trailblazers are communities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion throughout their local government. They are leading the way in digital inclusion innovation.
“Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can’t reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today’s digital world, we need all hands-on deck,” said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazer program exemplifies the key role of local governments in building digital opportunities for all of their residents.”
Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems.Last year, the designation recognized the work of the Sawyer Free Library and municipal IT Department with consultants from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on Gloucester’s first Digital Equity Plan. This plan is a roadmap for how the community can address the digital divide by helping under connected residents better access the Internet and obtain the devices and digital skills needed to fully participate in digital and everyday life.
This year, the City of Gloucester achieved Visionary Trailblazer status through the implementation of the Digital Equity Plan’s recommendations. Notably, the following Digital Equity initiatives launched in 2025:
Gloucester’s Digital Equity Steering Committee was formed with 9 community partners, establishing Gloucester’s Digital Inclusion Ecosystem and engaging the community in ongoing conversation about increasing under connected residents’ access to the Internet, reliable devices and digital skills training;
Sawyer Free Library’s Digital Learning Lab opened and hosted a Computer Basics Course funded in partnership with the Essex County Community Foundation;
Gloucester Public School students with interests in technology were employed as Digital Tutor interns by Sawyer Free Library.
In addition, grant funds through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute have been secured for the implementation of initiatives in 2026, including new public outdoor Wi-Fi access networks downtown; the continuation of the Computer Basics Course at Sawyer Free Library; and free public Wi-Fi access in affordable housing sites.
“The progress that has been made in a short period of time is simply outstanding,” said Library Director and Gloucester Digital Equity Steering Committee Chair Jenny Benedict. “In the first year, eight of the Digital Equity Plan’s thirteen short term recommendations are well underway. We are so proud that NDIA has recognized the City of Gloucester as a Visionary in leading the way with innovative practices in digital inclusion efforts.”
The Trailblazer program identifies seven categories of current best practices. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By sharing materials with open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.
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About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with over 2000 affiliates, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.
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Our snowstorm last week brought 27 inches to Gloucester, the most since the weekly blizzards of 2015 that dropped their record total of 9 feet.
The snowfall started on January 25th, and our path to the rocks quickly turned white.It didn’t bother the coyotes who continued to follow their daily routines.The brunt of the storm passed offshore, so the waves were modest.Our restaurant was increasingly popular with the birds, as it got colder.We never closed, but reverted to taking reservations.Walking in deep snow after the storm was difficult, so the turkeys took to the trees, and the sunshine.The berry eaters did fine with the winter weather.This flock of Cedar Waxwings had a substantial food source.As did the wintering flock of American Robins. No worms until spring.A pair of coyotes joined us on the weekend for brunch. This may be a male?And a female? After all, it’s mating season. Everyone looks healthy this year – no mange.We added several more inches of “ocean effect” snow during the next storm, which was further offshore.The deer appear unfazed. Here, peering between the rails of a wood fence.Forget Groundhog Day! Our ‘spring marker’ is when the sun again sets north (right) of the lighthouse tower.
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This annual all-ages event is a labor of love from GEF and our partners – bringing joy, color, and fun to the long, dark days of late winter. We can’t wait to play!
Thank you to our lead sponsor Cape Ann Savings Bank and sponsors Sawyer Free Library and Seashore Comfort Solutions for helping make this event free for the entire Gloucester community.
Want to help out? Links for day-of volunteering are in the comments – it takes a village to make a day of play, come lend a hand! ⬇
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Good Morning Gloucester 