Day: October 2, 2017

You Say “Halibut”, I say “Haul About”

Posted on by Pat D

Today we went on a tour of the Babson Farm Quarry at Halibut Point State Park with John, program coordinator. If you’ve been there, you know those massive pieces of rock that you walk by???  Well, John gave us a lot of insight as to their origins and the history of quarry mining in this area.  First and foremost, he told us the original name of (what we know as ) Halibut Point was Haul About.  This phrase apparent evolved into Halibut.  Go figure.

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Inquiring Minds Want to Know

 

The main quarry area at Halibut Point State Park is 65 feet deep and I have no idea how far across, but it’s a darn big bowl of granite.  Any waste from wildlife or 2 legged creatures has never had a chance to be removed, so it’s not a safe place to swim or for other recreation. (You’ve been warned)  Smaller mining areas, called motions, are also easily visible at the park and were generally used for things like pave stones.  We saw 2 of these in the hour we toured around the larger quarry area.  Well, to be honest, John pointed them out to us since we probably wouldn’t have otherwise noticed.

When you see things like this:

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it’s evidence that derricks that were built to help haul the granite out  were built in this area.  These are called “dead men”(da da daaaaaaa).  Apparently, technology (invention of concrete) and changes in workers rights (unions) were major factors in the demise of the granite quarry industry in this region.

It was fascinating and if you’d like to be similarly informed, you may still be able to catch a free tour at Halibut Point State Park before Columbus Day this year.  Please be aware parking fees have changed since July, but it’s still a great deal!

BEST EVER prenatal massages at Saltwater Massage Studio

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cape Ann Wellness

One of our favorite services to provide at Saltwater Massage Studio is prenatal massage therapy (fancy lingo for massage during pregnancy).  We have had the pleasure of supporting many Cape Ann women throughout the duration of their pregnancy and it is always so fun and special to be part of that journey.  Last week, 3 of our clients gave birth and we couldn’t be happier to welcome these sweet little babies into the world!!

When we expanded last April, we upgraded our massage tables to higher-end tables equipped with a removable insert (aka “belly hole”) that allows women to comfortably and safely lie on their stomach during their massage session.  Most women view this as an incredible gift, especially in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy when it becomes harder and harder to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Prenatal Massage helps address the inevitable aches and pains that come along…

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Fun day at the Topsfield Fair

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

This is the 199th year of the oldest Fair in the United States. I have been going for since a little girl. It is always the same and always fun. Really enjoyed a beautiful day on Sunday at the Topsfield Fair.

Cool looking sheep

Do not want to carry this around all day

Dave Fernandes 1st prize

There is always junk food

Brand new chick

cute

love these beautiful horses

Melissa Cox photo

Audreys of Gloucester award

Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year gives $11,000 to Special Olympics

Posted on by Catherine

Riley James, a Junior at Barnstable High School and two time Boston Herald All Scholastic gave $1000 to a cause near and dear to her heart: Cape Cod Champs Special Olympics. She won the money from earning the distinction of Gatorade MA Volleyball Player of the Year.  Riley went on to win the national Gatorade Play it Forward contest which awarded an additional $10,000! Riley wrote about her friend, Sara, and the programs in Barnstable schools and Cape Cod Champs where she volunteers. Sara is my goddaughter.

Coach Tom Turco led the Barnstable girls volleyball team to 18 Division One State Championships, the most wins in Massachusetts girls’ volleyball history. Turco established adapted physical education in Barnstable.

“Everyone has their needs, just in different ways,” (Coach) Turco 

“You’re only as successful as the will of your players,” Turco said. “You have to practice and take time to develop the will of your players.” 

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Sara loves sports and manages the high school volleyball team. Here she is #16 with the Cape Cod Champs volleyball team at Special Olympics, Harvard, Boston MA. 

Cape Cod Champs – team before game (riley speaking with sara)
Waiting for the next volleyball game Riley and Sara with Cape Cod Champs
volleyball Special Olympics Harvard field House Cape Cod Champs

The Cape Cod Champs Special Olympics equivalent organization here in Gloucester and throughout Cape Ann is Cape Ann SNAP. Learn more about the Cape Ann Special Needs Assistance Program http://capeannsnap.org/ Local  friends and supporters include: CATA, Azorean, North Shore 104.9, Dunkin Donuts, The Bridge Cape Ann, Turning Point Systems, Maplewood Car Wash, Gloucester House, Beauport ambulance, Protective Packaging, Beauport Princess, George’s of Gloucester, Beauport Princess, USA Demolition, JM Vacation Home Rentals, Prince Insurance Agency, Jalapenos, Sudbay, Passports, Katrina’s, Destinos, Wicked Peacock, Lat 43, and microfiber greens towel. Support also includes Mark Adrian, Lone Gull, Kids Unlimited, Topside Grill, Marshall’s Farmstand and the Fish Shack

Read the fabulous Riley James Cape Cod Champs essay for Gatorade Massachusetts Volleyball Player of the Year, plus a bit more inspiration from amazing Coach Turco

Continue reading “Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year gives $11,000 to Special Olympics” →

Alicia Unleashed- Photo talk with the Porters

Posted on by Alicia Unleashed

Recorded Oct 1 with B-Side and Hostess Alicia.

We sat down with Award Winning Photographer Roger and Patti Porter.

 


Hot Plate-We discuss Puerto Rico and ways people can help and what some people don’t know.
Hugh Hefner’s passing, Joel Kalinowski’s event Yoga for Surfing event at Cape Ann Power Yoga October 14th.You have seen their photos. We are CONFIDENT you have! We talk with Roger about his process and his passion for taking Astrophotography photos, camera lenses, filters, Gloucester Area Astronomy Club.

Did you know you can see the Aurora Bourealis here in Cape Ann? They talk about photographing snowflakes and the process behind that. Patti discusses her mixed media art as well as macro photography. We also dive in to photographing the Eclipse that just happened and what it takes to film an event like that. We talk about Roger’s award winning photos at the Magnolia Library art show! Cape Ann Giclee is the best!

Shoutouts (on FB):
@KookIsland
@CapeannPowerYoga

@CapeannGiclee

 

Find the Porters on Social Media!
Upcoming Event-https://www.facebook.com/GAACpage/posts/1466507276771470

FB:
Roger Porter Photography
Patti Porter Artwork

Society6.com:
Attempting Patti
Roger Porter

www.rogerporterphotography.com

 

 

Moonlight Over Magnolia Silent Auction

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Hosted by the Magnolia Historical Society Inc

October 7, 2017
Saturday at 6 PM – 9 PM
The Blynman School Restoration Project needs your help! Come join us for a fun party and Silent Auction Fundraising Event. Check out the progress we’ve made n the restoration! Donations OF QUALITY GOODS NEEDED, Gift Cards, Jewelry, etc. Be a sponsor, see our website at magnoliahistoricalsociety.com

Magnolia Historical Society Inc
46 Magnolia Ave, Magnolia Village, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
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ticket

Find Tickets

Ticket Information
http://www.loveislivinginmagnolia.com

Pet of The week – Toby

Posted on by Alicia Pensarosa

10.2.2017 Pet of the Week--Toby

Hello my name is Toby and I am a gorgeous older fella with a very mellow personality. I am what you would call an introvert.  It takes me a while to warm up to new people and environments so a quiet home would be best for me.  I don’t think I would like a home with lots of visitors and kids around but I really wouldn’t mind another cat or two as long as they accept me. I have lived with Nix who already got adopted from here but we were not super bonded however we co-existed just fine. I was a little more shy so it took me a little longer to adjust. I will need lots of time to feel secure in my new environment so my new family would need to be up for a challenge.

The love I give in return is worth the wait but it will not happen overnight.  My first reaction is to hiss and hide when I am scared.  If you feel I would be a great addition to your home please stop on by. As a member of the Super Senior club I get assigned a Super Power and mine is “loving”.

I am a very soft, gentle, big  guy that will fill your heart with love if you have the time and patience to let me settle in.  To see all of the available cats and dogs at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter please go to our website:    capeannanimalaid.org.

Deck Bah Open

Posted on by Pat D

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My husband and I have been coming to Gloucester for so many years, we decided to make a move to spend more time here.  Our first stop is usually to Cape Ann Brewing and such was the case today.  We can rely on great service, good food and a relaxed atmosphere.  We were able to sit on the deck in the glorious sunshine and harbor-watch.  We saw two harbor seals out there exploring.  Behind us sat two women making plans for the upcoming Plein Air event Oct 8-16.  The seagulls were screeching.  (The women and the screeching were unrelated 🙂 )We felt right at home.

I ordered the steak bomb and Jim had one of the specials, grilled cheese with brisket sandwich.  YUMMMMMM.  Fresh squeezed lemonade and a Viva beer rounded out the meal.    We noticed Cape Ann Brewing has a couple of events coming up:  Anniversary Pig Roast on Oct 13 ($25) and Oktoberfest Oct 19 Beer Dinner ($45).  Perhaps we’ll see you at one of these events or at Cape Ann Brewing one of these days.

I’m a new contributor to the blog and hope you will enjoy my take on life here.  See you around town!

 

Exciting Changes at Art Haven!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Cape Ann Community

Art Haven has been providing art education to the Cape Ann community for nine years. From classes and summer programs, to Open Studios and our annual Buoy Painting and Tree Lighting, we’ve had fun creating and making art together! Now, we’re excited to announce some great new changes.

Art_Haven_Interior_Illustration.jpgStarting October 1, we will be running all of our awesome art programming out of the Art Haven space at 180 Main Street. Our daytime classes will be focused on elementary through middle school kids, and the evenings geared toward teens and adults.

We are remodeling to make our studios more open & and efficient, with plenty of space for everyone to come in and create.

By moving the Hive programs to our Art Haven space we are able to focus our resources on expanding our community program offerings in an environment that enhances collaboration and synergies between the age groups.

This new model will…

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