Local boy trying to make good (beer)

Stormy Gleason of Rockport now of New Hampshire (his mom, Jane, still lives in Pigeon Cove) is a finalist in Sam Adams LongShot American Homebrew Competition.  Voting is done online.  Give him a click or two at:

https://www.samueladams.com/longshot

Bill Proposki

https://vimeo.com/229142757

MONARCH FILM FUNDRAISING SCREENING PARTY

Dear Friends,

This past spring I had a tremendously inspirational experience. Out of the blue, a lovely woman from Concord, Laura Stevens, contacted me about the possibility of viewing my documentary film about the Monarch butterflies, Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterflies. I was reluctant at first, explaining that the film was in a rough cut form. Although the rough cut features the butterflies and Cape Ann in the most beautiful light, the film does need finessing.

Laura comes from a wonderful family and they all love Monarchs! Every year, she and her family gather together for a reunion based around a weekend of learning. Laura explained that it would be an extra special treat for the 27 women and children who attend the reunion to see the film. The more I thought about it the more I thought it would be a super idea, and sent her access to the film.

Several weeks passed when in the mail I received the most heartfelt thank you letters from Laura and her family members who had attended the screening, from the ninety-five year old great auntie to the youngest child there. And soon after that, donations towards the film’s completion arrived from this most generous family. I am so grateful to Laura and her family for the donations, and for their kind encouragement and enthusiasm.

At that time the thought crossed my mind that this would be a wonderful way to continue to raise funds for the documentary. Landscape design work and the story of Little Chick and the Piping Plovers has kept me from doing any recent fundraising, but my work typically slows for a brief period during the end of August and beginning of September. 

Don’t you think it auspicious for my film project that we are seeing so many butterflies this summer? I began documenting the Monarchs in our region in 2006, which was an outstanding year for the Monarch migration through Cape Ann. The year 2012 was quite strong as well, but in the past four years, as the worldwide population has plummeted, so have the Monarchs migrating through our area. Imagine that in 1977, when the Monarchs were first discovered at their winter sleeping grounds, the butterflies were counted by the billions, while today only by the millions.

My hope for Beauty on the Wing is that it will travel to the various conservation and environmental festivals, and then be made available to classrooms around the nation. Another dream for the film is that it will be translated into Spanish and French. Just as American and Canadian children are curious about the butterflies’ winter home after departing their northern breeding grounds, Mexican children are equally curious as to the butterflies’ destination after they leave the butterfly sanctuaries in central Mexico.

The intent of this letter is to learn if amongst our readers there is interest in hosting a screening of the film in its not quite completed form. The purpose of the screening would be to raise money towards the film’s completion and distribution. And, too, I thought it would be a more fun, educational, and personal way to fundraise. To date I have received over $5,000 in generous donations. I am working with the non-profit filmmaker’s assistance group, the Filmmakers Collaborative. Donations made through FC are tax deductible. An itemized budget is available upon request. Beauty on the Wing is 54 minutes long. I thought we could show twenty minutes of highlights and then discuss the current state of the butterflies. Viewer feedback would also be of tremendous help. Screening parties could be so much fun, especially at this time of year during the butterfly’s migration, and especially in 2017 while we are seeing so many Monarchs on the wing.

Readers, what do you think? Please comment on this post or write me at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail. Thank you so very much for your time, thoughts, and interest.

Warmest wishes,

Kim

 

Links:

Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly film website

A Flight of Monarchs

Trailer

Film Interview with Doctor Thomas Emmel at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve at Sierra Chinqua

https://instagram.com/p/BW7wfw-F5o9/

https://instagram.com/p/BXjLQjZleLY/

https://instagram.com/p/BXjL7HgF2p2/

Kay Ellis Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser, August 28th

There are still tickets available on all four boats for the 1 1/2 hour cruise around the harbor.  This is truly an evening to honor Kay and all of her many years promoting tourism, maritime interest and the hospitality business.  This event shares her vision by providing scholarships for local students going into the tourism and hospitality industry.  Last year we gave out three $3000. Scholarships.  Go to kayellisscholarship.org and get your tickets, only 2 weeks to get on board one these beautiful boats!!!

Photos I took from last year’s event, a beautiful evening, Kay would have loved it!

Schooner Thomas E. Lannon

Seven Seas Whale Watch

Schooner
Ardelle
Schooner Aventure

National Relaxation Day -Take a Break and Relax

Cape Ann Wellness

Today is National Relaxation Day – A good reminder to take time to slow down, unwind and relax!

We all need a break from our fast-paced and often hectic lifestyles. Too much work and stress can make us feel run down, tired and even sick. Taking time to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate tired minds and bodies may help prevent disease and improve health. #nationalrelaxationday

Stress management programs – often include relaxation techniques along with cognitive behavioral and other therapy.

View original post 519 more words

The Aquanuts are Back!

Making the biggest impact on the smallest State, the intrepid Aquanuts plan to hit the beaches of coastal Rhode Island on Tuesday August 15.  A dawn start at Misquamicut should get them out to Block Island and back in time to finish in Little Compton before sundown.

I’ll let you know how we make out!


Cindy Hendrickson

The mind, body connection ~

Cape Ann Wellness

Through the lens of Ayurveda there is a strong connection between mind and body. Relaxation has enormous benefits to your health and plays a major role in preventing disease.

Let’s explore the calming effect that some crystals (like Blue Lace Agate) can assist us in quieting our mind, body and emotions.

Blue Lace Agate:
Links your thought processes to the spiritual vibration. The serene energies of Blue Lace Agate induce profound peace of mind.

Try taking 15 minutes out of your day to relax with a Blue Lace Agate crystal which will bring you inner peace for all to see and feel. Keep on your night stand for a deeper peaceful sleep.

Don’t know where to find crystals? We support our partner: ZuZu’s Healing Arts, Inc – check them out!

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health”

info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

13240712_708729892601094_6773928415634038715_n

View original post

Help support the Cape Ann community – attend the SAFE HARBOR BENEFIT on Sept. 9th!

Cape Ann Community

Action Inc.’s Client & Housing Services sees hundreds of local residents a year. From emergency shelter, to help applying for public benefits, to rental assistance, housing searches, and more, Action Inc. is the local organization dedicated to helping people find and maintain safe, affordable housing.  Your support will directly benefit your community. We hope you’ll join us!Web Pic

View original post