My View of Life on the Dock
The Magnolia Pier has come down. The workers have been very nice and keeping the area clean. Looks very weird not seeing the pier there. Looks like it has been photo shopped.
The next stage will be the rebuilding and looking forward to having our Pier back.
Alive Still: Nell Blaine, American Painter | A Talk with Author Cathy Curtis
The Cape Ann Museum, is pleased to present an illustrated talk by author Cathy Curtis about beloved Cape Ann artist Nell Blaine on Thursday, July 25 at 7:00 p.m. This program is free for Museum members or $10 nonmembers. Reservations are required. For more information visit capeannmuseum.org or call 978-283-0455 x10.
Alive Still: Nell Blaine, America Painter (Oxford University Press, 2019) is the biography of an artist who believed she was at the top of her game in 1959, when she traveled to Greece to paint. She had a great time . . . until she contracted the most severe form of polio and had to be airlifted to New York. A paraplegic at age thirty-seven, she was determined to regain her skills. Her coloristically brilliant, rhythmically vibrant style illuminated landscapes and still lifes that reflect her passion for the natural world. During the next three decades she would become a notable painter and one of America’s great watercolorists. In 1974, she purchased a cottage on Ledge Road, where she and her partner, painter Carolyn Harris, made the most of the splendid views available on Cape Ann.
Cathy Curtis is the author of two previous biographies of women artists, RESTLESS AMBITION: GRACE HARTIGAN, PAINTER (Oxford University Press, 2015) and A GENEROUS VISION: THE CREATIVE LIFE OF ELAINE DE KOONING (Oxford University Press, 2017). She earned a master’s degree in the history of art from the University of California, Berkeley, and wrote art criticism for many years. In 2018, she was elected to a two-year term as president of Biographers International Organization in 2018. Her website is www.cathycurtis.net
About the Cape Ann Museum Continue reading “Cape Ann Museum July 25 |special lecture and new biography about American artist Nell Blaine by author Cathy Curtis!”
Upcoming special event at Cape Ann Museum
Who Was Ben Butler? A series of presentations at the Cape Ann Museum
The Cape Ann Museum and Gloucester Stage Company are pleased to present Who Was Ben Butler? a special arrangement of speakers and performers on Saturday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m. This program will take place at 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester and is free for Gloucester Stage Company & Museum members or $10 nonmembers(includes Museum admission). Reservations are required. For more information visit capeannmuseum.org or call 978-283-0455 x10.
Benjamin Franklin Butler of Gloucester had many admirers and detractors as he helped shape the course of mid-19th century America. He won a seat in Congress while camping in Bay View, started the Cape Ann Granite Company, owned the yacht “America,” championed women’s suffrage, and changed the course of the Civil War, not through military skill but legal acumen. These accomplishments are among many achieved in a life spent in business, law, and the military.
In 21st century Gloucester, however, Butler remains a cypher.
The Gloucester Stage Company and the Cape Ann Museum are pleased to re-introduce Ben Butler to his adopted city.
Gloucester Stage will present the play BEN BUTLER August 2-25, and in anticipation of that, the Cape Ann Museum and Gloucester Stage will offer an opportunity to acquaint themselves with one of Gloucester’s most accomplished citizens. Professor Robert Forrant (U. Mass Lowell), a noted Butler historian, will join some of Butler’s Bay View descendants for a lively discussion, and actors from the play BEN BUTLER will make an appearance to give a hint at this fascinating and witty play.
Image credit: Alfred James Wiggin, Benjamin F. Butler. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum.
About the Cape Ann Museum Continue reading “Cape Ann Museum July 27 | Who Was Ben Butler? special program with Gloucester Stage”
On July 18, 2019 the architectural firm, Dore & Whittier, was slated to reveal associated rough costs on new school(s) buildings– such as construction costs, swing space costs, and eligible reimbursables– with the School Building Committee. (See summary of City Council requests July 9, 2019 here.) The meetings are public. Associated costs were not transparent for the public. Instead a dollar sign rating system was illlustrated pictorially, like so:
Why were rough estimate details cut from the presentation? A few reasons were provided, namely “MSBA does not look kindly” on public disclosure because
Other districts post all associated costs, why not Gloucester? Why are the design/build firms awarded these contracts charged with bidding out the cost evaluations on projects, especially ones greater than 5 million? Why assume this process is the only way to go about it?
Michele Rogers with Dore & Whittier announced that there were “no surprises” following review of the cost estimate comparisons. “Eliminations were easy; the most expensive were eliminated.” She concluded that this presentation was the second and final per their contract for services related to this Feasibility Study Phase. [This one feasibility study phase contract total cost is: $569,075 ($284,296 for the feasibility study and $275,704 for the future schematic design. One environmental study add on is $9075). Requests for a breakdown of all studies and plans related to new schools–at least since 2012– have gone unanswered by the school committee and architectural firm.]
The next step is to compile and deliver submission to the MSBA, the state agency tasked with reviewing Gloucester’s application for new schools.
Q. Next steps? “Submittal allows us to do geotechnical site evaluation and other necessary investigations (like traffic and environmental studies), and more design. Submittal helps us narrow down and leave behind areas we won’t bother with as we know…We’ll need to tighten the building design and handle specialized pieces. We’ll proceed from 9 options to 6 very quickly. ”
Q. What is the submission? “It’s a thick binder, maybe 10- inches thick, with all our reports to date, the educational program narrative, the space summaries approved earlier, etc.” Will the MSBA require a presentation? “No. The MSBA will review the binders within a two week turn around; then we have a two week turn around to respond.” Dunn commented to make sure the City see that. The MSBA will decide on November 13th or November 20th whether to make a recommendation to allow this proposal to proceed to the next phase: schematic design. “Or they’ll push back and request more information.” The MSBA “will not require more work on many options as the scoring was so low. They’ll be concentrating on the top 3 or 4 options.”
Tom Ellis was present related to a staff change; Roger who managed the design phase is moving out of state so the team for Gloucester will need to be reorganized. They met with MSBA July 17, 2019 to discuss this change. (Was someone from the city at the meeting?) Chris Tremblay will be assisting. “MSBA doesn’t like surprises,” Ellis remarked.
Who does?
The costs and application should be public before it’s forwarded to the state. Chairman Jonathan Pope said he’d forward the pricing.
Double click on pictures to enlarge the slides for the “East Gloucester Elementary School Building Committee 7.18.19″. Color coding continues as in yellow = East Gloucester; Blue = Vets; and Green = Green Street area.
one location at Vets and both at Green
“By October we’ll be back on schedule. Yes, MSBA has seen the schedule and is pleased.”
Fraternity Club Gloucester, Ma
Catch up posts, documents, links related to Gloucester’s school committee new school buildings/consolidation process: Continue reading “Dore & Whittier School consolidation plans & costs heading to MSBA August 1, 2019”
We Are America the Beautiful is a non-partisan initiative engaging citizens to learn about the status of national events, the impact of local action and the importance of voting thoughtfully.
If you look at our facebook page: weareamericathebeautiful you will see the many subjects that we have addressed over the past couple of years.
From Atleboro, Switzerland, Brazil, Marblehead, Georgia, Florida, and California.
Have I mentioned recently how much I love Sawyer Free Library? As a librarian myself, I have made it a point to visit and use as many libraries and library services as I can. Sawyer Free stands out among the very best. I am sometimes there for research and have the opportunity to overhear exchanges between patrons and workers. The staff has been unfailingly patient and helpful. If you haven’t been there recently, I suggest you make a visit. Maybe I will see you at the microfilm machines!
You won’t believe this beautiful drone footage of stripers and pogies and the whale coming right up out of the water to feast. It’s mesmerizing footage!
Click to play-
The Scollins-Warsi jazz duo is back at Feather & Wedge for another fantastic jazz brunch! With Kevin Scollins on guitar and Sahil Warsi on double bass, they will play from their extensive setlist including selections from the Great American Song Book, modern jazz, contemporary blues and R&B.
Reservations highly suggested! 978.999.5917
Sunday, July 21, 2019
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Feather & Wedge, 5 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966
978.999.5917
https://featherandwedge.com
When talking about wild creatures on the Good Morning Gloucester podcasts, we often comment about how there seems to be so many more herons and egrets foraging and nesting on our shores. I think it is a combination of factors, most notably because our waterways have never been cleaner and because of global climate change. Whatever the reason, to see such grand beauty on a daily basis, we on Cape Ann are most certainly the beneficiaries.
Great Egret Good Harbor Beach
Will repost with update of full presentation.
The info was scant compared with expectations following July 9 City Council requests.
Chair will send the very rough cost estimates.
Tried to get the full moon but it was still a little cloudy but such a pretty evening.
LOCAL GROUP, THE GODDESSSES, ROCK AND ROLLS
July 26 free rock concert on Meetinghouse Green
If you love music that makes you dance, and harmonies that make you sing, come to the fourth free concert of Cape-Ann-grown rock and roll band, The Goddesses, at Meetinghouse Green, on Friday, July 26, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Cape Anner, Tony Goddess, (and yes, Goddess is his real name), has boogied with the best of Gloucester’s rock and rollers, was a member of the Gloucester/Somerville band, Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents, as well as world-renowned indie-rock band pApAs fritAs, who made two of their three records in West Gloucester. He is also proprietor of the Rogers St recording studio ‘Bang-a-Song’. Tony’s wife, vocalist Samantha Goddess, is recognized for her wonderful voice as well as being the tallest member of Jenny Dee. Bassist Dave “Sag” Saginario plays Thursday nights at the Rhumb Line, and is bass chair of the band ‘Madhouse’. Keyboardist John Cameron performs regularly with Saginario. Drummer Steve Chaggaris, the only non-Cape Ann resident of The Goddesses, has played gigs throughout Cape Ann, including with the Orville Giddings Group and The Soul Band.
The Goddesses’ musical influences hail directly from American rock ‘n roll, but with regional twists from New Orleans, Austin, Texas, Memphis, Tennessee, and even from Gloucester, MA.
Each week Music on Meetinghouse Green partners with a different non-profit organization to raise awareness for the services they provide to the local community. At the July 26 concert, the audience is invited to contribute to a freewill donation to Art Haven, a non-profit community organization providing art classes for adults and children in Cape Ann. Willow Rest will provide delicious food for concert-goers.
The Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Unitarian Universalist Church, is located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets. The concert is handicapped accessible. Event parking is available on the green and at additional parking lots nearby in the Historic District. Folding chairs will be provided or bring your own beach chair or blanket. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside the Meetinghouse.
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is grateful to our 2019 sponsors who made this series possible:
Hero: Scobie Ward
Platinum Tier: J.J. & Jackie Bell, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Harry & Mary Hintlian
Gold Tier: John and Janis Bell, Bomco, Michael & Mary Ann Bresnan
Silver Tier: Anonymous, Gib and Sarah Carey, JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, John and Sandra Ronan
Bronze Tier: Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Bill & Rose Hausman
All 2019 Music on Meetinghouse Green concerts are dedicated in honor of Linzee Coolidge and the late Beth Coolidge for their vision and generosity.
Roar into the fun at First Congregational Church of Essex VBS, 39 Main Street, Essex.
July 21-25, 5:00-8:00 pm. Ages Pre-K through 8th grade welcome!
Join us for a fun-filled time celebrating a ferocious faith that powers us through this wild life. Each evening includes singing, dancing, outdoor games, interactive drama, arts & crafts, fascinating experiments, a movie theater, and dinner!!
Pre-register at FCCOE.org (“community” tab, click on “VBS”), or you can sign up at VBS itself (not necessary to pre-register).
Come dance the night away to the Juke Box hits while you enjoy a full buffet and the views of the Gloucester Harbor on the Beauport Cruise Lines!
Saturday, July 20th, 6:00 – 9:00
6 Rowe Square, Gloucester ~ 978-865-3210 ~ Beauportcruiselines.com
Tickets $35.00 – $59.00
CONCERT WINDS TRIO David Benjamin, clarinet, Priscilla Walter, piano, and Jean Antrim, flute, kick off our concert season with trios, duos, and solos in our renewed sanctuary space, where the sound is DIVINE. Join us for an evening of chamber music.
Continuing thru July 28th is the exhibition Within | Without new work by Gloucester artist Ann Conneman, whose masterful brush-drawn, hand-carved lettering in stone and on paper is exquisitely beautiful. The stones Conneman carves are found throughout New England, many on her walks in the wilds of Cape Ann.
The gallery is located at 19 Pleasant Street, Gloucester next to the Cape Ann Museum. Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 1:00-5:00 and by appointment. 917-902-4359 . janedeeringgallery.com
July 18, 2019
5pm District Office Conference Room
2 Blackburn Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Agenda here: http://gloucester-ma.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10791
Estimates of associated costs (all – building, swing space, architects, fees, etc) and eligible reimbursables.
General public invited next week: New schools, big schools, small schools, where? Let’s gather & talk July 25 6:30 PM Fraternity Club #GloucesterMA
Sunday looks like another wonderful summer day. First breakfast at Sherry’s, church and then stroll down Lexington Avenue to the Farmers’ Market.
See you there, thank you.
It’s just a few days from now and there’s still some seats left and btw it’s FREE. Yes, FREE – i.e. you can’t afford to miss it.
Reading the part of Jim “Buddy” Chum is the actor Ken Baltin who won an Elliot Norton best actor award for his role as Simon Geller in last years My Station in Life. He’s joined by a great cast so it promises to be a good time.
Good Morning Gloucester 