Day: August 10, 2012

Free admission to Cape Ann Museum Saturday For Cape Ann Residents

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hey Joey,

Thanks for all the great support for HarborWalk!

One aspect worth emphasizing is FREE admission for all Cape Ann residents to the Cape Ann Museum tomorrow, Saturday, as part of the weekend full of festivities celebrating the launch of HarborWalk. It’s a great way to let folks know that the Walk is for Cape Ann-ers, not just for visitors! Not only is the Cape Ann Museum a treasure-trove of Gloucester and Cape Ann history, heritage, and art all year ’round, but there’s a special and wonderful Marsden Hartley/Dogtown exhibit there currently. A great time for folks who live here to experience it for free! Thought you might want to get the word out.

Thanks Judith Brackley

Jones River

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Rick and I went out Kayaking on Wednesday and it was incredible.  We are having so much fun exploring.

The Annisquam River offers pretty, protected paddling and acres of marshland to  explore at high tide. Novices can find scenic and quiet paddling on the Jones  River and in Lobster Cove. More adventurous kayakers can paddle into Ipswich Bay  to visit sandy Wingaersheek Beach or the many rocky coves along Gloucester’s  northern coast. Paddlers of all skill levels can enjoy this diverse and  interesting area.

Margi Green Goes Flying

Posted on by God's Morning

Here’s Margi Green getting ready to go into the wild blue yonder in Tom Bernie’s no name red plane.  She said she had a blast and that Tom was the perfect pilot, which I can attest to – you never for a moment feel uneasy in his plane.  So if you’re out and about on Cape Ann and see the little red plane, give a wave to Tom and whoever he might have up there flying with him.

I wonder if that is the hat Margi plans to wear to the “Pass the Hats” Gala and Celebration of Gloucester’s Rocky Neck Cultural District on Friday, August 17th from 6:00 – 10:00pm at The Cultural Center, 6 Wonson Street.   Tickets available at Khan Studio, Imagine Gallery, Rocky Neck Gallery and at the door the night of the event.  In traditional Rocky Neck Art Colony Beaux Arts Ball fashion, it will be the event of the season.  Wear your most creative hat and come out and have fun while helping raise funds for RNAC to purchase The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck!

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

Baccala recipes from Sefatia Romeo and Mark McDonough at yesterday’s Harbor Walk Ribbon Cutting

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Right after the ribbon cutting and before Mayor Kirk led us on the walk, I had a chance to try the salt cod, a.k.a. baccala, get a preview of the dish that is available at Latitude 43 (while supplies last) and a lesson on how to prepare baccala from Sefatia.  Enjoy!

If you listen carefully you can hear Bob Ryan (of CATA) in the background while Sefatia is talking — explaining the origin of the word “Stage” in “Stage Fort Park”.  Leave us a comment if you know why it’s called “Stage Fort Park”.

In the video, Sefatia references a cooking show she taped with Sista Felicia.  See that show in the three videos below

Vote NOWWW!!!! for Good Harbor for Best Beach in Massachusetts- LAST DAY!!!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey,
Boston.com is holding a contest for Best Beach in Massachusetts. Out of 64 beaches that started, Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach has made it all the way to the final four.
The contest includes this description of Good Harbor: “A local favorite due to its white sand, great surf and stunning views.” ‘Xactly!
The other three finalists are nice beaches, too (if you like sharks and greenheads.)
Who ya got?
Let’s make clear to Boston.com readers what we already know: Good Harbor is the best beach in Massachusetts, hands down.
Vote here<http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/specials/summer/special/beach_bonanza_new_england/> for Good Harbor.
Voting ends today.

image

Forwarded by John “I’m a Sexy Mother” McElhenny

Tree-top Dining at the 7th Wave Restaurant

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Snapshots from one of our favorite restaurants, the 7th Wave, Rockport, on Tuna Wharf. Disclaimer: Our son Alex Hauck is a chef there, nonetheless, we wouldn’t go if the food was anything but super delicious.

The atmosphere is so pleasant–relaxing, family friendly, and with lovely views all around. The wait staff is a great bunch of young college students and Elaine, the owner, always stops by to say hello. Pictured are just some of the yummy dishes from their eclectic seafood menu. We always ask what station Alex is working–sautee, grill, fry, etc. and place our orders based on what he is cooking that evening. The seafood is fried to perfection–the most beautiful golden orange brown-and simply out of this world.

Fabulous seafood medley of fresh calamari, shrimp, scallops, and clams

Mussels Fra Diavolo–and yes, the broth truly is ‘Fra Diavolo,’ or Brother Devilishly Hot! The Chef says he uses both red hot chilies and habaneros.

My kids just love it when I pull out the camera.

Charming Cottage Garden Rockport

Lovely mature catalpa tree shading gallery entrance, Bearskin Neck, Rockport

Food Drive and Bake Sale – St. Vincent de Paul Society

Posted on by Matthew Green

Don’t forget this note from Helen Downey:

Come join us at Shaw’s Plaza, 127 Easter Ave., Gloucester, as the members of Holy Family Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society conduct a “Food Drive and Bake Sale” on Saturday, August 11 from 9am to 3pm.

The Society, through dedicated volunteer efforts, services the needs of many families here on Cape Ann.  We succeed in doing this only with  donations of monetary value or food donations for our emergency pantry.

Shaw’s is a great supporter of community projects and we have been chosen to be the recipient of any profits received through their participation in this event. So come on over and have lunch at the concession or perhaps a home-baked goodie from the many delicious items made by our members.  Hope to see you there on August 11th to support our fund raising event.

If you have any questions, contact helen at 978-283-7391. Thank you for your support!

– Fr. Matthew Green

SAVOUR WINE AND CHEESE – BEACH GOURMET (Making Progress)!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I am writing to give you a quick update regarding the progress of Savour Wine and Cheese and Beach Gourmet toward the reopening of our businesses in the new location at 76 Prospect St. in Gloucester.
We are actually about 75% of the way there. Bob and I purchased the Connors building in March, have completed demolition (which included removing 5 layers of flooring), as well as rough plumbing, electrical, architectural plans, and insulation. And the wine machines have been ordered! We have passed the plumbing and electrical inspections and are now ready to start on dry wall, cabinets, shelving, kitchen equipment, fireplace, and many other wonderful things that will make this a great place to visit, linger over a glass of wine, taste artisanal cheeses and gourmet foods, and even to experience an outstanding evening at the private chef’s table. There is nothing like this on Cape Ann, or on the whole North Shore. So, Bob, Matt, John, and I are incredibly excited.

image

As far as we have come, we have hit a very challenging "bump in the road." We finally heard back from the insurance company. The news was more than disappointing. As a result of significant errors, we had to file our claim with our insurance agency’s liability carrier (for "errors and omissions"). This took over 8 months, and in the end, we received an offer that was less than 3% of the claim. We have rejected this offer and have obtained legal counsel. This was devastating to us as we were counting on these funds to move forward and finally reopen.

Savour Keystone Investors Card

Despite all of the progress we have made so far, the reality of the situation is that we are going to have to raise more capital if we are going to get our doors open for the fall quarter. This is an important goal as both Beach Gourmet and Savour need the holiday season to get us back on our feet. Many people have asked how they can help get us up and running again, including investing in the businesses. To help bridge the gap of financial uncertainty as we fight with the insurance company, we have decided to extend a limited, one-time offer to some of our greatest supporters. We are offering, for purchase, discount cards of 5% at a cost of $1000,10% for $2500, and 15% for $5000, applied to all retail items, including wine, cheese, charcuterie, wine tools, pantry items, and books. Even special orders are included. These discounts cards will not expire. I should mention that they cannot be combined with sales and other discounts because that could result in selling alcohol below costs, which is illegal in Massachusetts. We are limiting these special discount cards to approximately 15 in each category, as we do not want to hinder the long-term health of the business. So we are extending this first to our most ardent supporters.
We never expected this outcome from our insurance leaving us in the position of having to raise additional capital. We are anxious to be open for the crucial Fall Season, so that all of us (Matt, John, Skip, Tonya, Patsy, and myself) can get back to work, doing what we love and bringing you some of the best food and wine in the area.
So, please consider purchasing a "Keystone Investors" discount card. This is a long-term investment in local business, in your community, and in "raising the bar" for exceptional food and wine on Cape Ann. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers, words of encouragement, and constant, unfailing support. It means the world to all of us.
If you would like to become a "keystone investor" of Savour Wine and Cheese and receive a lifetime discount, you can send a check, made out to "Savour" in the amount that corresponds to the discount card you choose, to:

Savour
Kathleen Erickson
17 Rowe Point
Rockport, Ma. 01966

I will give you a receipt with a written explanation of the "keystone investors" program and will have a discount card made for you. We will also provide a personal guarantee that if, for whatever reason, Savour does not open within a year, you may opt to receive a full refund. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or would like to discuss the idea and wish us well!

Kathleen Erickson, "The Wine Ph.D."
978 546-3549 – home
312 286-1924 – cell

(Oh by the way – we have a record of all gift certificates and wine club memberships Savour sold during the 10 weeks we were open, and will honor them when we reopen. Also, if you are a wine club member, your club card will work in the new machines. They do not expire, so hang on to them)!

Discover Gloucester Weekly from Linn Parisi

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Discover Gloucester’s been hosting many familiarization tours (FAMs) for journalists, tour operators and agents- getting great exposure for our destination. The latest: Saveur Magazine folks will be here Friday re: seafood- woot!- and two Germans are arriving on Sunday. They’ll attend the Harbor Walk dedication at Gus Foote Park, and then walk the Walk before going on a schooner sail, among other fun things. What’s not to like, right?!

We’ve been slinging out Discover Gloucester Visitor Guides like crazy (Thanks Lia, Daphne and Pat!) with only 12k of the original 100k left! Businesses can still sign out Visitor Guides in bags of 50 at the Stage Fort Park Visitor Welcoming Center, which is open 7 days a week, 10A-6P.

A few of our Board members were on the ad hoc committee that made recommendations to rewrite the City’s Tourism Commission ordinance. A public hearing re: the new ordinance is coming up at City Hall- stay tuned!

Here’s a few pictures from a recent evening on the terrace at the Beauport Sleeper-McCann House on Eastern Point- fabulous!

Homie and RD will really relate to one of them 🙂

Hopefully Gloucester residents know they get FREE admission to daily Beauport tours…. How sweet is that?! If you haven’t been- Go!

Their Nooks & Crannies Tours (August 25 and September 15) offer fascinating peeks into spaces not open to daily tours. Reserve now, too, for the always-sold-out Brilliant Beauport Tour at twilight on 9/27. You’ve got to see Beauport at night!

www.historicnewengland.org/historic…/Beauport/beauport

Back to work- and thanks, Joey… I promise to be more diligent & timely!     Linn

Linn Parisi
Discover Gloucester

The News From Rocky Neck via Judy Robinson Cox

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

THURSDAY, August 8, Opening Reception for Lully Schwartz, 6:30 to 9:30pm

Lully Schwartz
Lully Schwartz
info@lullyschwartz.com
www.lullyschwartz.com
studio: 978-388-3007

SUNDAY, August 12 : Summer Artist Reception with Paul George, 2-4pm
Paul George

C U L T U R A L  C E N T E R   H A P P E N I N G S

Group Show at the Cultural Center: AUGUST 9-27

Opening Reception: Sunday, August 12, 4-6pm

Featuring work by Yhanna Coffin, Loren Doucette, Eileen Mueller, Sinikka Nogelo, Barry Shuchter, and Ed Touchette

Rokhaya Waring
From the Docks, painting by Loren Doucette

Exhibition by Rocky Neck Art Colony artists at The Cultural Center, 6 Wonson St. in Rocky Neck.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 12 noon to 4pm.

BNI logo

Every Friday, 7am: BNI at the Cultural Center

With over 100 chapters in the greater Boston area, Patti Salvucci, Executive Director of BNI in MA, is opening a local chapter that has started to meet at the Cultural Center, 6 Wonson St. on Rocky Neck. Our next meeting will be Friday, Aug 10. 7:00am-8:30am and each Friday thereafter.

BNI is a business and professional referral organization that allows only one person from each profession to join a chapter. It’s like having 40 “salespeople” that are looking for the ideal referral for you!

If referrals are important in growing your business, please contact Patti at patti@bnimass.com, if you are interested in finding out more information or would like to attend.

American Aurora

MON, August 13,7-9pm, Richard Rosenfeld : A Democracy or A Republic?
Lost Lessons from The Early American Republic

Richard Rosenfeld will present a lecture based in part on his widely acclaimed book, American Aurora. Awarded "Best History, 1997" by the Los Angeles Times, the book was described by Doris Kearns Goodwin as "a magnificent achievement…The early days of the Republic will be much better understood by the publication of this remarkable book." And the Dallas Morning News called it a "riveting narrative of an epochal political struggle…A tale of high drama that leaves the stately mythology of our Founding Fathers’ wisdom and omniscience shattered."

Monday, August 13, 7-9pm at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street

TUE, August 14, 6:30pm : RNAC General Meeting

A general meeting of the Rocky Neck Art Colony will take place on Tuesday, August 14, 6:30pm at The Cultural Center in Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street. An Agenda and minutes of the last meeting will be emailed to members prior to the meeting. All are welcome to attend.

For more from the News from Rocky Neck Newsletter click here

Community Stuff 8/10/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dory Races This Saturday August 11th 8:30 AM at Niles Beach

Don’t miss the dory elimination races this Saturday morning to crown the US Champions who will represent the USA in the International Races in Lunenburg , NS Canada on August 25th.  If you are not racing, come down and see some exciting competition on the waterfront.  Maybe pick up a 2012 60th Anniversary T-shirt and help support your organization.  Cookout/pool party to follow (details at the beach).

Competitors must sign up Friday night August 10th at St. Peter’s Square 6:00 PM.

Those who would like to volunteer to help out at the races please let me know.

See you all Saturday!

Erik

City government update

Ward meeting August 15
on parking at East Gloucester School,
traffic on Hartz Street

Attention: Residents of the Hartz Street and the area around East Gloucester School.
There will be a ward meeting in City Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the first floor City Council Conference Room.

Topics to be discussed include:
    • Proposed additional parking at East Gloucester School.
    • Traffic Commission study on Hartz Street.
Parking at East Gloucester School:

A small portion of the field next to the school would be taken to create space for teacher and staff parking. Approximately 10 parking spaces would be added to alleviate on-street parking congestion. The map below shows the area that would be expanded to accommodate more parking.
EGS parking changes

Findings of the Traffic Commission on Hartz Street

From July 21 to July 30, the Traffic Commission installed an automated vehicle counter and traffic analyzer on Hartz Street.
The highlights of the report are attached below. More detail will be available at the meeting on Wednesday. Hartz Street residents: Please review the documentation and we can discuss what if any action you might like to take.

Below is the cover page from the Hartz Street traffic report:

Hi Joey,
I wanted to share my recent wins in a contest titled "Fishing
Villages" that was on the website Fine Art America where I am a member
along with almost 120,000 other artist & galleries internationally. I
didn’t get 1st place in this particular contest, but I did get 2nd,
3rd AND 4th place, all of paintings I have done of Gloucester. It is
wonderful to have my work recognized in this way and it also reflects
on the beauty of my adopted home and of it’s working waterfront. I’m
happy to share some of that beauty with the rest of the world via
contests like this one!
Other images from the contest (including two more of mine that were
entered) can be seen at
http://fineartamerica.com/contests/fishing-villages–paintings-only.html?tab=leaderboard
Thanks!
Eileen Patten Oliver

2nd Annual Gloucester Overdose Vigil

YOU ARE NOT ALONE – WE REMEMBER

The 2nd Annual Gloucester Overdose Vigil will be held on Friday, August 31 from 7-9 p.m.  (rain date – Sunday, September 2)

at the flag pole at Cut Bridge, Stacy Boulevard, Gloucester.

The vigil will be an evening of healing and to remember those lost to overdose and to help shed light on this on-

going tragedy.  Dedication of luminaries, speakers, music, reading of the names, memorial table (photo of loved ones welcome).

This special event is organized by Community Members Who Care.  For further information, please call Adrian at

978-764-7344.

Senate Honors Gloucester Girl, Bailee Militello, at the State House

Citation Presented During Informal Senate Session

Bailee Militello at the State House

Responding to the needs of a Gloucester family who fell victim to a house fire, 6 year old Bailee Militello raised over $1,000 selling lemonade at her stand, and today Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) presented a citation honoring her at the State House during an informal Senate session.

                Bailee, who was accompanied by her father Jimmy, mother Brieana, and 3 year old brother Jimmy, Jr. to the State House, entered the chamber where Senator Tarr, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester), members of the legislature and staffers congratulated her for her generosity and hard work during a time when others were in need.

                “Coming from a tough childhood of my own, Jimmy and I have worked hard to instill the value of helping others, especially for people in the community, in our children,” said Brieana Militello.

                At approximately 2:00pm on Monday, July 9th, a house owned by the Cardone Family located at 2 Ashland Place in Gloucester, MA was destroyed by a 2 alarm fire, which was most likely triggered by an electrical outlet.  The Gloucester Fire Department did an exceptional job containing the fire, but unfortunately there was little that could be salvaged.

Known for her caring and compassionate nature, Bailee was drawn to the need to help and during a conversation with her mother Brieana, Bailee came up with the idea of a lemonade stand.  In a matter of days Bailee had raised a tremendous amount of money and donations to aid in the Cardone’s recovery efforts.

“What Bailee had done in a matter of short time was nothing but amazing.  Her hard work should serve as an example to everyone that regardless of your age or ability, you can make a difference to the lives of others when it matters most,” said Senator Tarr.  “It was an honor to have had her and her family at the State House today, and I am certain we have yet to see the last of her kindness.”

During today’s visit to the State House, Bailee was asked if there was going to be a follow up to her generosity and she said, “I am going to help kids in the hospital by giving them coloring books.”

After today’s Senate citation presentation, Bailee thanked everyone who was there for attending the presentation.