Month: May 2012

Public School Students’ Art at the Cape Ann Museum

Posted on by Matthew Green

Here are some photos of the elementary school childrens’ art on display at the Cape Ann Museum as a part of the “Gloucester Public School District Arts Festival” on Saturday, May 12.  The museum put a lot of work into hanging all these creations!

(To get these big shots, I had to take several photos and use panorama software, which led to a bit of distortion and broken lines here and there… I need to get one of those special panorama tripods that eliminate parallax!)

I am not sure if any of this is still up.  The brightness, simplicity, and freshness of it all created a real ambience of upbeat enthusiasm!

Check out this Scuba Deal!

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

Check out this Deal from Living Social! Undersea Divers of Beverly is offering 1/2 off open water scuba lessons. That’s a great discount and a great way to get people to try scuba diving.  I have to say diving is an amazing experience and you should definitely sign up now, so you can be diving all over Cape Ann this Summer!

undersea divers living social deal

Get the deal here!

I was certified at Stage Fort and did it in 45 degree water. If I can do it, you can too! Scuba is what made me want to move to Cape Ann (and Joey’s blog).
Check out my post from a few years back to see some underwater photos I took Diving

https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/your-own-backyard-3/

There are lots of places on Cape Ann that support diving too– from Boat charters to gear.

~Alicia

Today! Coast Guard Station Gloucester – Safe Boating Day 9am-3pm

Posted on by capeannpainter

Coast Guard Station Gloucester – Safe Boating Day – National Safe Boating Week

Posted on May 20, 2011 by

Coast Guard Station Gloucester to hold Safe Boating Day event
GLOUCESTER, Mass. – U.S. Coast Guard Station Gloucester will hold a Safe Boating Day event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 21, 2011 at their location on the waterfront.
The event is help to promote safe boating awareness though demonstrations and informational booths.
“The goal is to put all aspects of boating safety back in the public eye as we approach our spring and summer boating season,” said Chief Warrant Officer Luis Munoz, the commanding officer of Station Gloucester.
The station will showcase an assortment of search and rescue demonstrations, boating under the influence information, flare demonstrations, commercial fishing vessel safety, tours of Station Gloucester and its vessels, structured boating and paddling safety and various informational booths.
Representatives include Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, State of Massachusetts Marine Environmental Protection, commercial fishing safety representatives and many others.
The event will be held at the station located at 17 Harbor Loop in Gloucester, Mass.
For more information about the event please contact Adam Smart at (978) 283-0705
For more information about this release contact 1st Coast Guard District Public Affairs at (617) 223-8515.

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Get Your Butt To Motif # 1 Day Today- You Will Not Be Disappointed!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

For more information about specific events, click HERE to go to the website.

2012 Motif No. 1 Day Schedule of Events

www.rockportartfestivals.com

All Day Activities
Kids’ Art Zone art activities for children
Dock Square Chowder Stand
Mini-Motif Scavenger Hunt
Sidewalk Chalk Competition
Try Your Hand Interactive Art Event

Scheduled Events

9 am
The Motif No. 1 Day 5K to benefit Rockport Elementary Schools Health & Wellness programs!

10 am
The Motif: Why it Matters presentation on the Motif by artist and historian Les Bartlett at the Rockport Art Association.

Community Event: Toad Hall 40th Birthday Celebration! Meet at 10 o’clock in front of Toad Hall for a walk to Millbreak Meadow to enjoy face-painting, books & CUPCAKES!

10:30 am – 12 noon
Instrument Petting Zoo at the Old Firehouse Trust. Sponsored by Rockport Music. For more click HERE.

11 am – 3 pm
Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest throughout downtown. Registration located at the corner of School & Main Streets.

11 am
The Merrimac Valley Rounders in Dock Square. A lively mix of bluegrass & Americana.

11 & 11:45 am
The Way We Were a multimedia presentation by the Rockport High School Band in Harvey Park at the First Baptist Church

12 pm – 1 pm
Free Community Concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Sponsored by Rockport Music.

12 pm – 2 pm
Photography Exhibit Reception at the Rockport Art Association.

1 pm
The Rockport Legion Band in Harvey Park.

Folly Cove Designers Feature in the Old Firehouse Trust.

  • Design Showcase: the Sarah Elizabeth Shop Rockport block printer Julia Garrison is the new owner of the legendary Sarah Elizabeth Shop and will be showcasing her work as well as the work of Isabel Natti and the Folly Cove Designer Sarah Elizabeth, printed on the original Folly Cove Designers’ acorn press.
  • Film: Virginia Lee Burton: A Sense of Place with the film’s producer, Christine Lundberg. A short documentary on the legendary Cape Ann author & designer. The producer, Christine Lundberg will be at the screening.

2 pm
Alek Razdan & the A-Train Orchestra on Bearskin Neck.

Artist Rocky Delforge painting in Dock Square in a collaborative work created on the spot.

Brad Byrd playing an acoustic set in Dock Square on Bearskin Neck.

3 pm
Carrtunes in Dock Square. Dixieland Jazz from the 20s, 30s & 40s.

3:30 pm
"In Search of the Motif" reading & book signing by author LM Vincent at the Old Firehouse Trust.

4 pm
Sidewalk Chalk Contest Winners announced in Dock Square

Words Before Dinner Event at the Old Firehouse Trust. Original poems inspired by life on Cape Ann. Twin Lights Soda, a Cape Ann original, will be on hand.

5 – 5:30 pm: A Community Festival Finale
Rockport Home Movies with Twin Lights Soda. Film from the collection of Pierce Sears of the Thomas Wilson Beverage Co. Located at the Old Firehouse Trust. Complimentary Twin Lights soda available at the screening.

Jimmy T Aims To Break One Man Dory Race Record In Essex River Race

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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The race registration is 9 – 10 am and the race is followed by an Open House at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum from 11 to 1:30 pm with Woodman’s chowder, hot dogs, beer and live music.

This Saturday!
Get Out On the Water…Paddle or Cheer for the Essex River Race

Row or paddle your small boat in the upcomingEssex River Race, a 5.5+ mile open water event that begins with a check-in between 9:00 – 10:00 am at the Town Ramp on Route 133. The race loops behind the barrier beaches of Ipswich and back through one of the most scenic tidal areas in New England. Serious and casually oriented participants are equally welcome. View the start and finish of the race from the new sidewalks along the Causeway, or enjoy a great view from Conomo Point! For more information visitwww.blackburnchallenge.com/Essex.html

Celebrate the Race and an Open House
at Essex Shipbuilding Museum

Around 11 am, as the first rowers cross the finish line, stop in for a free Open House at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. There will be Woodman’s famous clam chowder, hot dogs, beer from Chebacco Liquor Mart, live music and more until around 1:30 pm. Mingle on the yard with oarmen, paddlers and museum supporters.

The Case For Pickles

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

So you know when you have that brief moment of weakness and you’re hungry and you know you just gotta eat something but it’s not breakfast, lunch or dinner time?

You face decisions all day every day about what you’re gonna eat.

I’m not trying to preach here, just offer what has been working for me to keep my diet clean.

Pickles.

Loaded with flavor.  When refrigerated have a nice snap to them.  Zero Calories.  So instead of grabbing the bag of chips, or the candy bar- pickles.

Disclaimer: I may turn green eating so many pickles as my cravings tend to perk up every second I sit down.  Now I know how EJ feels about carrots.

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I got the industrial sized jar at Costco.  There might be a hundred spears in there.

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Community Stuff May 19th

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 

Atlantic Vacation Homes has a Facebook Page they would like you to know about-

http://www.facebook.com/atlanticvacationhomes

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FTT Glouc Fash Show flyer

CAPE ANN COMMUNITY CINEMA HOSTS ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY
Film describes positive way forward for our schools

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On May 21, 2012, the Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester will screen the documentary AUGUST TO JUNE: BRINGING LIFE TO SCHOOL (www.AugustToJune.com). This intimate portrait is a buoyant contrast to films like “Waiting For Superman” and other recent negative portrayals of public schools. With humor and empathy, the film delves deeply into what a meaningful education entails, and asks viewers to question current test driven trends.

AUGUST TO JUNE has won praise from local and national educators and policy makers. Alfie Kohn, author of The Schools Our Children Deserve and other books, (and called by Time Magazine "perhaps the country’s most outspoken critic of education’s fixation on grades [and] test scores."), says of AUGUST TO JUNE: "It is one thing to deplore the assembly-line model of schooling, with its emphasis on mindless compliance and rote memorization. Far more useful is to see the alternative take shape in front of you. In ‘August To June,’ we have a visual record of a community of learners, a series of moments – discoveries and setbacks – through the school year that accumulate like sparkling beads on a string. The result is as engrossing as it is illuminating."

Gloucester resident Jay Featherstone, author of Schools Where Children Learn, and emeritus faculty leader Michigan State University’s acclaimed teacher education program called it "…a flat out gorgeous, beautiful movie, a brilliant poem of childhoods in motion over time.”

The film was chosen for inclusion in CINESTRAT 2011 (Spain’s social change documentary film festival) and was featured at the Save Our Schools conference during their call to action in Washington, D.C.

Cape Ann’s much-publicized debate over the new Gloucester Community Arts Charter School has dominated public conversation about education. This screening of AUGUST TO JUNE, as well as the conversation with filmmakers Amy and Tom Valens afterwards, gives those who care about the future of education and high stakes testing a chance to watch and discuss a positive vision for the future.

AUGUST TO JUNE follows 26 third and fourth graders for one entire school year, as their teacher, her colleagues, and parents encourage curiosity and creativity, build a community of learners, work to honor each child and catch opportunities to develop respect for differences. It takes place in a California public school, but its message is universal. The film is the jumping-off point to broaden local and national conversations about public schools beyond test scores.

The filmmakers are available for interviews at (415) 488-9244, or by e-mail at tomvalens@comcast.net and amyvalens@comcast.net.

A press kit, trailers and more information can be found at www.AugustToJune.com.

This special Cape Ann Community Cinema event has an admission price of $12.50 all seats ($10.00 for Cinema Members) and will include dinner, a movie and a discussion afterwards with filmakers Tom and Amy Valens.

AUGUST TO JUNE screens at Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester on May 21st. Doors open for dinner and vintage educational films “from the archives” at 6:00pm; AUGUST TO JUNE screens at 7:00pm with a discussion immediately following.

To view a trailer and learn more about AUGUST TO JUNE, visit www.AugustToJune.com.

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(Rockport, MA) May 14, 2012— Peter A. Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockport National Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary Rockport National Bank is pleased to announce that for a third consecutive year Rockport National Bank has been recognized by American Banker Magazine as one of the top 200 community banks in the United States.

The May 2012 issue of American Banker highlights the top 200 Community Banks in the United States.  Though 36 states are represented, Rockport National Bank ranked number 69 was one of only 6 banks representing Massachusetts.  Being recognized as a leading performer during these economic times is evidence of our commitment to both our customers and shareholders, states Peter Anderson. 

Rockport National Bank has been serving the Cape Ann community since 1851.  The Bank now has four full service locations on the North Shore including Rockport, Gloucester and Beverly.  For additional information visit http://www.rockportnational.com.

International Dory Race Boat Launch This Sunday

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Erik Dombrowski writes-

We will be meeting this Sunday, May 20th at 9:30 AM at Eastern Ave. Self Storage to launch the freshly fixed and painted Race Dories in preparation for the upcoming eliminations.  Anyone who has a trailer available is asked to bring it along.  4 race dories will be launched and 2 practice dories will be pulled that morning, but with a little help it should only take an hour or two.  Please respond if you can help and if you have a trailer available.

And, a big thank you to all who supported our 60th Anniversary fund raiser last weekend.  Many bought tickets making the night a success.  And some even came and enjoyed the festivities.

Lastly, a reminder that this Saturday is the Essex River Race.  Anyone looking to use a dory should email the board for approval before taking one from the town landing.  And, eliminations are June 9th so get a partner and get rowing!

See you Sunday,

Erik

Cameron Johnson Goes Freakin’ Fast

Posted on by God's Morning

Caught Cameron Johnson of Rockport windsurfing before work Thursday morning, and he was screaming across the outer harbor.  He was moving so fast, I was certain he would crash and ruin his board running up over Niles Beach, but he had amazing control and could turn that thing on a dime and head back out across the outer harbor like a flash.   That had to be an invigorating way to start the day.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

Le Gamin

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Dining al fresco at le Gamin

We had a very successful move and my daughter Liv is loving her new apartment. See her blog Boston to Brooklyn for several photos. For a lovely belated Mother’s Day treat, she took me to one of her favorite restaurants in Brooklyn, a sweet and authentic French cafe, Le Gamin. The charming patio was open, despite the soft evening mist, and we dined in the garden under the arbor. On Monday nights they serve exquisitely fresh and sweet, all-you-can-eat mussels, poached in Chardonnay and fresh herbs, along with a glass of wine, along with absolutely the most perfect fries; crisp outer skin, tender and hot inside–and all for only $20.00!!  Liv and I shared the mussels and salade Niçoise and it was ablsoltuely perfect. She had her favorite mousse au chocolat and I had the most divine crème brûlée  ever tasted. I am so taken with Robert Ardor’s recipes, I’ve just this moment ordered his cookbook, in its third printing, Joie de Vivre: Simple French Style for Everyday Living.

Brooklyn balcony above Le Gamin garden, with fresh herbs. Cleverly, the dweller of this flat has draped a bag of soil over the balcony’s edge, reinforced the slashes with industrial tape, and planted four different herbs; with what looks like oregano, thyme, parsley and dill. I am reminded of the beautiful story A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Another Save The Date for an Event You Don’t Want to Miss

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

August 11 from 11 to 7 (lucky dates and times) Stage Fort Park.  Top blues artists in Gloucester.  Save $12 by getting tickets NOW (get them on-line here)

Sponsored by North Shore 104.9, Cape Ann Brewing Co, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce & gimmeLIVE Summer Concert Series.

It’s a beautiful day.  Perfect night to follow.  10 venues with music on Cape Ann starting at 6pm.  How do you choose?  Well, go to lots of them.  We’ll be at the Berklee Tribute to Herb Pomeroy @ Fuller School to support the Berklee/Gloucester Scholarship Fund.

See the full Cape Ann Music lineup here.

Winner Of The Two Tickets To Tonight’s Special Herb Pomeroy Tribute @ Fuller- Carol MFing McKenna!!! Boom!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Herb Pomeroy’s Big Band ~ To Herb With Love
Friday, May 18 ~ 8:00pm @ Fuller School Auditorium
Sponsored by
gimmeLIVE Summer Concert Series
and  BankGloucester

Poll: Joey’s Lunch vs Ed’s Lunch- Who Ya Got For The Win?

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey’s Lunch

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Ed’s Lunch

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The outcome of our completely scientific poll will speak volumes about our readership.

Local*28 Tonight @ The Rhumb Line

Posted on by Joanne

Holy shiznats after what 6 years almost the band is getting dialed in. Come on down to gloucester’s only honky tonk, bring yer friends, stuff yer pockets, and boogie along with deadheads, hipsters, metalheads, and shitkickers. metalheads? yes, i’m talking to you. see ya friday.

“A Tale Of Two Paint Brushes” from deb Clarke

Posted on by capeannpainter

“A Tale Of Two Paint Brushes”

From deb Clarke;

“My David was good friends with Armand Sindoni and received one of Armand’s paintbrushes, along with a giclee print of one of Armand’s last paintings as a remembrance gift from Armand’s family.  The brush was proudly displayed above Armand’s print, until we moved.

A few months back I was painting when David took the brush from my hand, claiming it was Armand’s.  I said:  “Well, you better put it someplace safe, because if I need a brush and find a brush, I use it.”  and that was that,  until yesterday.  Yesterday I cleaned a flat brush when I realized the handle was encrusted with chrome green, a color I do not use.  The handle was used to mix a vat of paint (something I have never done). The ferrule encrusted with old oil.  I checked all of my paintbrushes. The ferrules of all of my old brushes were scraped clean. of encrusted paint.  A former studio assistant used a razor blade to clean my old brushes (a practice I put an end to…the bristles were getting shaved in the process).    I showed the brushes to David, told him that chrome green was a color commonly in use by painters of Armand’s generation, then showed him my greens based on veridian and thalo…my greens lean towards blue. David agreed.
The flat is the Armand Sindoni brush, the bare ferrule bright brush is mine.”

Another Sidoni Painting:

Deb Received the random email from a Sidoni connection;

To Debbie Clarke,

This is so random, but I was scanning old family photos and came across this old double exposure.  The painting is an Armand Sindoni portrait
of my uncle Richard Duncan, who was a friend of Armand’s in Lynn.  So I googled Armand to share information about Armand with family on facebook and saw your
paint brush story.  Unfortunately the portrait went missing from storage unit during a move so very long ago.
It’s just a snapshot in time (& not a very good one) but I thought you’d appreciate seeing it.

love your magpie nest!!

Elizabeth Chapman

http://debbieclarke.blogspot.com

Working overtime

Posted on by Matthew Green

The other day I went for a walk, and came across these gentlemen working on the water pipes under the street. It was already 7PM, but they told me they can only do this work after hours because it affects the water supply to businesses on the street.

The two fellows in the hole are both Irishmen, from County Mayo and County Galway.

They were friendly and funny.  They were still there – looking a lot more tired – when I walked back past the same spot at 10PM.  I have really been impressed with how fast the work crews are moving.   Although it can be frustrating when the work closes lanes or entire roads, it’s great that the job is getting done!  It must be rough on the workers and their families to working odd hours.  May they be safe on the job and duly rewarded for their labors!