Posted on July 31, 2008 by Joey Ciaramitaro

Huge progress since we first checked in on Barbara Koen’s Dress Code Downtown Tomato Garden. I frankly don’t know what she’s gonna do with all the tomatoes that are growing in her little patch. There must be at least triple the amount of tiny green tomatoes gowning now than there were a couple of weeks ago. I also spotted what looked to be some basil growing.

Barbara Koen’s Dress Code Downtown Tomato Garden, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

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Before Breakfast…

Every year at about this time, I get antsy to see some color springing forward. The croci and daffodils are trying their hardest but I could use a burst of color sooner than later. So we drove about and hour and a half to the New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill in Boylston for the orchid exhibition. The show is closing today and I know most of you aren’t interested in taking the ride, but I am happy to share by bursts of color with you.

Additional pictures can be seen at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

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Come raise a glass with us, meet the incredible team behind the project, and be among the first to step inside and see The Highliner for yourself.

Tour the space

Meet the makers (design, build, + vision)

Connect with the community

Celebrate a new chapter on Cape Ann

This isn’t just an opening… it’s the beginning of something special

We’re so honored to become part of this community and can’t wait to welcome you in.

Gloucester, MA – MARCH 27 2026

Ribbon cutting at 4pm

• Tours + mingling until 6PM

I’m sharing this for my dad and his wife, and their sweet baby, Nikolai.

He was born on March 10th, about four weeks early. We knew going into it that he had a heart defect, but there were also complications during birth where he developed a lung infection, and needed immediate care. He responded well to the antibiotics and was able to hear Dad’s voice and open his eyes.

On March 16th, Nikolai had open heart surgery as his infection in the lungs had improved. After an almost 13 hour surgery, he had a serious setback and needed urgent intervention. The team acted quickly, bringing him back into surgery and placing him on ECMO for additional support.

Since then, he’s continued to fight through all of it. It’s been a lot in a very short amount of time, but he is one strong boy and is fighting every step of the way. 

My dad and his wife have been going back and forth from Gloucester to Boston every day just to be with him, while also trying to keep things going at home (including caring for their dog, Miss Sadie). It’s a lot to carry, in every sense.

We’re incredibly grateful for the medical team taking care of him at Boston Children’s Hospital. They’ve been steady, thoughtful, and just really good to our family through all of this. Words do not come close to the level of gratitude for the skill and heart of these medical professionals. 

If you know my dad, you know he’s always been someone who shows up for people without hesitation. I just wanted to make a space for anyone who’s asked how to help to be able to do that.

There’s no pressure at all. But anything will go toward helping with the day-to-day of this; travel, food, time away from work, medical bills and everything that comes with having a baby in the hospital.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this or keeping Nikolai in your thoughts means just as much.

Thanks for reading 

-Samie

https://gofund.me/fb0b75244

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWHjlOllW7n/?igsh=cjJiZTl3YnBzcW9p

Groovy…

We look forward to the re-opening of The Lobster on East Main St April 1, especially with Easter coming right up that weekend. The Lobster is offering Easter Brunch! Sounds perfect.

Montessori Blocks…

Whether your heart is with Cape Ann nonprofits or broader causes, we’ll help you build a structure designed to make your generosity last.

👉 Ready to make your giving more meaningful, intentional, and impactful? Let’s design your philanthropic strategy together. Call us today at 978-283-0748 to schedule a meeting.

Link to purchase https://amzn.to/4cTL82m

Do you have company coming in for Easter ? Do you need some ideas for activities? Maybe you just want them to clear out so you can prep for Sunday?? We’ve got you covered for Saturday April 4. There will be a sip and shop Spring Market at Minglewood from 11-4. Pat D’s Photos will be there among other local vendors. Then you can swing over to the Elks on Atlantic Road for the LRC fundraiser tournament from 4-7 (sip and shoot the dice). Maybe you’ll win a prize from Pat D’s Photos in the raffle! Mark the date! See you there.