Snapshots from Whirlwind 24 Hours in NYC

UN Headquarters Dove of Peace ©Kim Smith 2014

UN Headquarters, NYC

Wednesday and Thursday were spent on a whirlwind trip to NYC for my husband Tom to meet with literary agents. Giovanni rana ©Kim Smith 2014Upon arriving Wednesday night, our daughter Liv took us to a wonderful Italian restaurant at Chelsea Market, Giovanni Rana Pastificio and Cucina, which specializes in pasta dishes. Every bite of every dish was out-of-this-world delish however, she and I both agreed that the Squid Ink Linguine, Broccoli Rabe, and Lobster entrée was extra-extraordinary. Giovanni Rana squid ink pasta broccoli rabe lobster ©Kim Smith 2014After dinner we explored the HighLine, which is only a short walk from the Market and is especially festive and fun at dusk.

HighLine Skyline ©Kim Smith 2014View from the HighLine

HighLine Night NYC ©Kim Smith 2014

The HighLine was bustling with young couples, old couples, families, friends meeting for dinner and drinks after work, and tourists, too. The gardens are exquisitely maintained and beautiful any time of year, day or night. How well the gardens are cared for is reflected in how very much they are enjoyed by visitors. The HighLine gardens are so appreciated that they even illuminate the flowers! Coneflowers HighLine night ©Kim Smith 2014

Chrysler Building night Highline ©Kim Smith 2014View of the Chrysler Building from the HighLine

The following morning, Thursday, I walked around Tudor City Parks in the UN headquarter’s neighborhood and then took Liv to a charming French restaurant near the theatre where she works.

Eastern Redbud foliage Cercis canadensis ©Kim Smith 2014Bold and beautiful heart-shaped foliage of our native Redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) at the Tudor City Greens

The trip was too brief but very successful though I have to warn our readers that if you are traveling by car to New York City, the construction traffic homeward in the northbound lanes was horrendous, on both Routes 15 and 95. It took us seven hours to get home!

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Lambrusco %22Pruno Nero%22 Cleto Chiarli ©Kim Smith 2014 copy If you go to Giovanni Rana Pastificio and Cucina, you have to try their Lambrusco “Pruno Nero” Cleto Chiarli, a wonderful sparkling red wine that is round and flavorful of fruit and berries, but not at all sweet. The color is an inky purple red and the wine is equally as rich tasting as its hue. Lambrusco “Pruno Nero” Cleto Chiarli is not your grandfather’s Lambrusco.

Lambrusco Pruno Nero is definitely worth seeking out and makes a refreshing summer beverage. I’ll mention it to Kathleen at Savour Wine and Cheese and perhaps she’ll give it a try at the shop. We’ll let you know if she does.

I See Moolongz

I see moolongz

I See Moolongz is an amazing new illustrated book for all ages about accessing our inner power that the universe just pushed into being, which I have launched a Kickstarter campaign to get published.  Please check out my campaign, and the great Kickstarter video our Joey produced for it.  If you like the concept, please back it.  The Moolongz are waiting for everyone to say: “I See Moolongz”.  

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1997277714/i-see-moolongz-a-strange-and-wonderful-guide-to-in?ref=home_location

E.J. Lefavour

http://www.hobbithousestudio.com

Stage Fort Park Concert – Sunday July 13

Stage Fort Park, Hough Ave., Gloucester, MA
July 13 @ 7pm
4EVERFAB – NEW ENGLAND’S

Featuring brilliant lead vocals, precise three-part harmonies and outstanding musicianship, 4EverFab plays The Beatles…From The Cavern Club to Abbey Road.  Based in Massachusetts, but playing throughout the New England area, 4EverFab is simply the best Beatles tribute band you will hear. 
BEST BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND

 

Kickin’ It in Rockport!

What a ball!   On Saturday morning men and women from the United States Navy joined forces with some young and eager kickball stars from Rockport.  The results were a mad game of Kickball!  The Midshipmen (trust me when I say I did some research to figure out the correct terms to use for these awesome men and women…but, since they were out of uniform, I’m at a loss) were unbelievable with the kids and, while the game was competitive, it was also hysterical to watch.  Children 6 years old and older were welcome to register in advance for the opportunity to play with and against the Navy.  At the end of the game they game some younger children (including the Finnster) a chance to kick and run the bases as well.

Thanks to all of those involved!  Lasting memories for these young kids for sure.

Kevin and Kellen On Connemara Bay Fishing Charters Looking For Shark ID Of Shark Caught In Gloucester Harbor

Hey Joe Attached are 2 pics of the shark we caught last week.

Brief:

Last week onboard one of our inshore striped bass charters we stumbled across this shark while fishing with live mackerel for bait. The frightening part of the encounter was that we were up in Gloucester Harbor. We caught a second one that measured slightly over 5 feet long. Can anyone identify this thing? 

Kevin & Kellen

www.cbcharters.com

Connemara-Bay-Fishing-Charters-sharkdeep-sea-fishing-gloucester-ma

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Community Photos 7/13/14

July 4th Weekend at Good Harbor Beach From Peter Digre

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Long Walk Home From Peter Digre

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New windows Going In – City Hall From Bruce Slifer

Thanks to many hundreds of Gloucester folk who have supported the restoration of this very important building representing  our Gloucester heritage and future. Special thanks to the City Hall Historical Restoration Committee.

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Window Work From Bing McGilvray

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U.S Frigate Constitution, photos from Anthony Marks

Community Stuff 7/13/14

Coastal Explorers at Maritime Gloucester!

Haul the sails and head out on an adventure of a lifetime!
Our Voyagers had a blast learning to sail the Schooner Ardelle to local coastal communities and to Thatcher Island during our first week of Coastal Explorers!  Register today for our upcoming schooner sailing program for ages 14-18, Coastal Explorers: Seafarers.
Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8.

8:30am – 3:00pm
$400 for non-members, $350 for Maritime Gloucester members

Click here to register today!
During this week-long program, participants will learn to sail a traditionally built pinky schooner under the direction of NEANational Heritage Fellow and Master Shipwright, Captain Harold Burnham and his experienced crew. Students will have an opportunity to participate in all areas of shipboard life, from hauling sails to hauling lobster traps. We will spend the week plotting courses to other local coastal communities, learning about sail trim and boat handling, and exploring Cape Ann’s rich maritime heritage. Participants will learn traditional maritime skills like knot tying and net making and learn about the construction of the vessel from its builder and captain. No prior sailing experience required.


11th Annual Seacoast Seven Road Race

Seacoast Seven – The 11th Annual Seacoast Road Race will be held on Saturday, July 19.  The race will begin at Stage Fort Park at 8 a.m. and will end at Stage Fort Park.  Awards and cash prizes.   Sponsored by BankGloucester and Friends of Seacoast Nursing and Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center,  292 Washington Street, Gloucester.  Run for a great cause.  All proceeds benefit the residents of the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

 

image_thumb[4]Registration

Online Registration is available by downloading the registration form or get the link for online registration Bank.Gloucester’s website.   wwwNorthShoreTimingOnline.com/reglivecb.aspx?eventyear_id=167

Applications are also available at:

Lone Gull Coffee House, 146 Main Street, Gloucester and

Palazola’s Sporting Goods, 85 Main Street, Gloucester.

Race Day Registration

Race Day registration is at the Start Line tent at Stage Fort Park at 6:30 a.m.

Race begins at 8:00 a.m.

Race Fee: $25. pre-registration; $30 day of race

Mail completed Race Day registration to:

Alison Cox, Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation, 292 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA  01930.

Directions:  128 North to Exit 14, Gloucester.  Take right off exit and follow Essex Avenue for approximately four miles.

Take right at Western Avenue, then left onto Hough Avenue.  Stage Fort Park is located on left. Parking is available in the park at the top of the hill.  Stage Fort Park also has a playground and beach.

For further information, please call JD Mac Eachern 978-675-7490.

 


Good morning,
I am writing on behalf of Guy Fiero, whom I believe you have crossed paths with through Sail GHS, the public sailing program in Gloucester. In addition to his teaching talents, he is a brilliant artist and will be having a gallery opening in Rockport on Saturday, July 26th. I am attaching the press release and am hoping that you could share this on your blog in the near future. Thanks so much for your and maybe we will see you at the opening!
Best,
Kascia Murray

Cape Ann native, Guy Fiero, to host grand opening of his new gallery July 26Th 6-8 pm at @28 Bearskin neck.

Rockport, MA, July 11th, 2014 – Guy Fiero, a native of Cape Ann and Graduate of the University of Massachusetts (BFA in Sculpture), will be hosting a grand opening of his new gallery, “Guy Fieroon Saturday, July 26th from 6 – 8 pm at 28 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA.

Fiero has shown his work at New Art on Newbury (Boston, MA), Bigzanda Gallery (Gloucester, MA), An Artful Touch (Rockport, MA) and Gloucester Fine Arts (Gloucester, MA).

Guy’s body of work is eclectic, containing pieces that are both sensitive and visceral. “I try to create objects that are intrinsically precious and accessible,” says Fiero. His work includes: sculpture, paintings, drawings, carvings, glasswork, and hand-cast jewelry.


RECYCLE FOR ROVER

Save your redeemable cans and bottles this summer and bring them to Cape Ann Animal Aid’s Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter to raise funds for the Animal Transportation Fund. Rinsed redeemables can be dropped off at 4 Paws Lane in Gloucester every Sunday, June through August, between 12pm and 3pm. For more information, visit www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.org or call 978-283-6055.

RecycleforRover


Attached is a press release and some photos, our literacy program for at risk students kicked off this week! This program is helping 16 students from Gloucester and Rockport increase their literacy skills over the summer and have fun at camp at no cost to the families. This program is funded by the North Shore United Way and ties into the Cape Ann YMCA’s strategic initiative of reducing the achievement gap in the Cape Ann community.

-Brian


For Immediate Release

THE CAPE ANN YMCA RECEIVES YOUTH INNOVATION GRANT FROM NORTH SHORE UNITED WAY
Grant supports Y’s effort to tackle the Achievement Gap

Gloucester, MA – The Cape Ann YMCA kicked off its “Summer Advantage program” this week.  The Summer Advantage program is the first recipient of the Youth Innovation Grant from the North Shore United Way.

The “Summer Advantage” program is designed to help high need students improve their reading comprehension during the summer months. The Summer Advantage program will help 20 third grade students in Gloucester and Rockport advance academically through a six-week program taught by certified teachers.  The mornings are spent in a classroom setting at the Temple Ahavat Achim reading, writing, and learning while the afternoons are spent at YMCA Camp Windward which emphasizes physical activities and character development.
“Data from our Y’s 2013 pilot program already shows our efforts can work,” shared Jack Meany, CEO of the YMCA of the North Shore.  He added, “With the incredible generosity of the North Shore United Way and our committed staff, we will continue to see the positive impact of our Achievement Gap programming and strategize how the Y will make a big difference in the next 3-5 years to reduce this gap.”

Statistics show that a large number of children from low-income environments reach kindergarten unprepared and that they continue to fall behind in school without proper interventions. This lag in academic accomplishment, also known as the achievement gap, can plague children in school and impact their long-term future. During the summer months, middle-income kids can gain one month of learning because they are able to afford camps and summer programs, but kids from low-income backgrounds fall behind two months due to lack of affordable summer programs.

In its continued effort to create innovative programs that solve needs for children, adults and seniors, the North Shore United Way is providing grants to encourage promising ideas and creative solutions that move communities forward. Supported by The Tribute Fund in honor of past North Shore United Way leaders, the Youth Innovation Grant will assist the Cape Ann YMCA in its effort to prepare and support children and youth by offering programs that increase their cognitive, emotional and physical development throughout the summer months. In addition to the generosity of the North Shore United Way, the Y has secured other private donations and in kind support from the Cape Ann community.

Margo Casey, Executive Director of the North Shore United Way said, “This grant supports new and evolving approaches to preparing and supporting children as they learn and grow. I expect these programs to have a profound effect on addressing achievement gaps from summer learning loss faced by children from low-income families.”

The Summer Advantage Program takes place Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm from July 7th-August 15th. To schedule a visit or for follow up:
Please Contact:                      Brian Flynn
Senior Program Director
Cape Ann YMCA
flynnb@northshoreymca.org
978-559-3004