
Top Of The Rock From Jackie Bennett

My View of Life on the Dock

What are your kids doing this summer? Harborlight has some great options for students in Grades 1-8. Beginning June 20th, students can register for any two-week session all summer long.
Read the descriptions below and learn more about June weeks HERE and July and August weeks HERE
Harborlight Montessori, 243 Essex Street Beverly, Ma
SIGNS OF SUMMER
Lower Elementary (1st-3rd grade)
Monday, June 20, 2022 through Friday, June 24, 2022
During this week, students will explore our campus, coastlines, and neighboring habitats for signs of summer (officially June 21st!). Students will spend the week using their five senses to observe and record the changing of the seasons in places such as the woods, tide pools, and local gardens. At the end of the week, each one of them will find a medium to tell their story of summer in New England.
“Live in the sunshine, swim in the seam drink in the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
MUSEUM SCHOOL
4th – 8th Grade
Monday, June 20, 2022 through Friday, June 24, 2022
Did you know that Massachusetts has 228 museums? During this week, students will visit a different museum each day to explores themes in art, history, and science. Harborlight will equip each student with a sketchbook/observation journal for taking notes and drawing. They will explore exhibits and galleries, roam the grounds and halls, think critically, examine purposefully and be immersed in culture. They will also complete a scavenger hunt in Boston that highlights some of the city’s most spectacular murals and street art. The notes they take, memories they record, and images they sketch will serve as a visual diary of their studies.
GEOCACHING
Lower Elementary (1st-3rd)
Monday, June 27, 2022 through Friday July, 1, 2022
Geocaching is a fun recreational activity for all ages. Students will go on real-world treasure hunts in their outdoor adventures this week. Geocaching is a fun recreational activity for all ages, it is a game of following GPS coordinates to ‘hide’ our own geocache objects and seek geocache objects already hidden by other players in our geocaching global community. This week’s lessons will build upon Harborlight’s Botany, Zoology, Geography and Environmental Stewardship curriculums. It will challenge students to apply mathematics (measurement, estimation, graphing, and Geometry) to their field experiences in nature.
MAIN STREETS AND BACK ROADS
Upper School (4th-8th grade)
Monday, June 27,2022 through Friday, July 1,2022
Much like Chronicle’s Main Streets and Back Roads, students will explore gardens, footpaths, statues, parks, trails, waterfronts, and more of our neighboring cities and town. Students will visit Gloucester, Salem, and Newburyport to explore tourist attractions, off-the-beaten-path destinations, notable architecture, and the hidden ‘quirky-corners’ of these communities. While on campus they will design a destination brochure for an imaginary city or town of their own that is inspired by their favorite sights, sounds, and flavors from the week’s adventures.
Beyond the Pond
Lower Elementary (Entering 1st-3rd)
July 5th-July 15th
This two-week session will focus on the water around us. Students will look at both freshwater and saltwater sources. Students will visit area ponds and beaches to learn about the life that lives in those habitats. They will further explore water via art and science and stories. A good dose of summer fun will be incorporated in each session through water play, picnics, music, bike riding, and lots of outdoor time.
Project Runway
Upper School (Entering 4th – 8th)
July 5th-July 15th
Design, Create, Decorate, or repurpose! Students will spend two weeks engaged in the design and construction of clothing and accessories. Be it handbags or headbands or hats, dresses or denim or dinner jackets, sneakers or sunglasses or sweatpants….students will run wild with their ideas. Whether learning to measure, cut, and sew or decorate, embellish, and repurpose, students will create a small collection that is as unique as they are. Design challenges will be sprinkled into the session as well. As collections become complete the planning of a fashion show will begin. On Friday, July 15th, students will present their pieces to an audience as they take to the stage for a showcase.
Out of This World
Lower Elementary (Entering 1st-3rd)
July 18 – July 29
The Universe and space are always interesting to lower elementary children as they begin to wonder about their place in the world. This session will focus on the solar system and stars. Students will learn stories about the constellations and create a “solar system” walk around campus. A good dose of summer fun will be incorporated in each session through water play, picnics, music, bike riding, and lots of outdoor time.
Film Making with FC Academy
Upper School (Entering 4th – 8th)
July 18 – July 29
Students will bring creativity to life in a fun, collaborative, and exciting environment. They will learn skills in scriptwriting, storyboard sketching, improvisation and camera skills. Together they will write, shoot and edit a film in a genre of their choosing and edit their project together using the professional editing software Adobe Premiere. All necessary equipment will be provided by FC Academy for this class. At the end of the two-week session student films will be shown to an audience of family members.
Spy School
Lower Elementary (Entering 1st-3rd)
August 1 – August 12
A spy pays attention to details and sees things in ways that others don’t. During this session students will use their senses to observe the world around them and solve problems and challenges. They will observe nature and how nature uses camouflage to hide in plain sight. They will examine fingerprints, learn simple ciphers, experiment with invisible ink, and work collaboratively to accomplish missions. A good dose of summer fun will be incorporated in each session through waterplay, picnics, music, bike riding, and lots of outdoor time.
Let’s Go!
Upper School (Entering 4th – 8th)
August 1 – August 12
Get ready for some adventure! Students will be on the go for two weeks engaged in a variety of activities that scream, “Summer Fun.” Kayaking, disc golf, biking, paddle boarding or surfing, mini golf, hiking, and a minor league baseball game are some of the activities that may be on the schedule.
Game On!
Lower Elementary (Entering 1st – 3rd)
August 15 – August 26
This session will be all about games. Board games, tag games, water games, card games, dice game, obstacle courses, and sports. Field trips for mini golf and bowling will round out the sessions. Students will create games to be played and shared with others. A good dose of summer fun will be incorporated in each session through water play, picnics, music, bike riding, and lots of outdoor time.
Follow that Food
Upper School (Entering 4th – 8th)
August 15 – August 26
Source local products from farms, orchards, and even the waterfront to cook/bake delicious treats. Learn about where food comes from and the path it takes to get to our tables. Explore the science of baking and visit a local restaurant. Students will share some of what they have made via a prepared meal for guests or a bake sale on campus.



Bring the Cape Ann Museum with you wherever you go by following us on social media! Stay up to date on upcoming events and Museum news, get a daily dose of art and history, and encounter something you’ve never seen before.



Make sure to follow our other accounts on Instagram for specialized content:
CAM Teen Arts Council:@cam_teens
CAM Store:@capeannmuseumstore
CAM Library & Archives:@camla1875
Stay in touch and tag us in photos of your visits to the Museum with #capeannmuseum!

Bishcho on Main Street remains a favorite for a filling lunch with a great people-watching view! I prefer the Italian sandwich while Jim likes to get soup and a half sandwich. In this case, Italian Wedding soup and tuna sandwich. It’s a perfect spot for people watching while you eat. Give it a try if you haven’t yet.




This is the before number. I’ll be weighing in Feb 18th in the morning to compare.
Thanks to Peter Carbone for the informal introduction last summer



Hedre’s a link to their website-

TASTING SIX ROBUST REDS AND WHITES TO TAME THE CHILL IN THE HEART OF WINTER HIGHLIGHTING THIS FEBRUARY 19TH SAVOUR – SATURDAY’S TASTING ARE THE WINES OF SPECIALTY WINE MERCHANT HARRY “Z”. SPOTLIGHTING A PINOT NOIR AND PINOT GRIS FROM OREGON AND A MASSIVE TUSCAN BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO. DO STEP IN FROM THE COLD AND JOIN US.

WHAT & WHY: As our culinary thinking is firmly centered on hearty, comfort fare… warming fish chowders and substantial beef stews laden with root veggies… to roasts flavored with family favorite au jus, roasted potatoes, greens in season and an array of homemade breads to corral the drippings, Harry “Z” fine wine selections for this tasting more than stand up to the big flavors / aromas that define winter food-favorites. We continue our tasting and informational journey having our Saturday tastings emphasize everything in pairing wine and food. Always complimentary tastings, & as always, the tasting is elevated using our imported Riedel stemware.
WHO:Guest Host Harry “Z” wine merchant / importer / owner Main Street Wine Imports and Savour’s Kathleen Morgan have chosen wines primarily from small, independent, innovative vintners, one’s that match winter comfort food…roasts, stews, hearty soups and pasta
WHEN: This Saturday, February 19th , from 2pm to 4pm + @ Savour 2pm to 4pm +
HOW: Saturday tastings are complimentary, as is parking behind the store with rear entrance.


Saturday’s Pourings include: two Oregonian reds; a Russian River Valley fav, big complex tastes from Tuscany, Sicily, and Argentina.
Duck Pond Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR, 2018, Alc.14.5%, Varietal: Oregon Pinot Gris, Tasting: Characterized by its tropical aromas and bright acidity. Flavors and aromas of lemon curd, nectarine, elderflower, grapefruit dominate, finishing crisp and dry. Pairs Well: This wine makes an excellent partner for shellfish, sushi, and most hors-d’oeuvres. Rating: Wine Enthusiast 89 ….$14.99
Octopoda Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA, 2019, Alc. 14.5
Varietals: Chardonnay Tasting: A very subtle nose hints at yellow plum, creaminess and just a hint of hazelnut. The palate has a lovely, sinuous, well-proportioned body that gains immensely from its ripe but zesty lemon freshness. The finish is dry, appetizing and bright. Pairs Well: roast pork loin, rich fish( salmon, tuna), vegetarian, poultry Rating: The Wine Buyer 91..$19.99
Firriato Etna Rosso, Le Sabbie Dell’Etna, Mt Etna, Sicily, 2019, Alc. 14%
Varietals: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Capuccio Tasting: bright ruby color with lively purple reflection, elegant bouquet envelops blueberries, cassis, plum jam, black cherry, licorice, pepper and dried violets. Lively, energetic, well-balanced, rich, harmonious taste with soft tannins. Juicy fruit tones adorn notes of cinnamon, black pepper and other spices. Pairs Well: Good pairing with tomato/basil-based Italian food, grilled meats, game and mature cheeses. Rating: Wine Enthusiast 90…. $25.99
Duck Pond, Great Oregon Wine Co., Natural Pinot Noir, Or. 2020, Alc. 14.2%
Varietals: Oregon Pinot Noir, Tasting: On the palate, crisp and bright black cherry leads to hints of earth and forest floor. The moderate tannin and acidity bring balance and a velvety texture to the finish. Multiple high-quality sites throughout Oregon contribute to a well-balanced palate and complex nose. rib roast, veal, game (deer, venison), poultry-chicken, turkey …$19.99
Piancornello, Brunello Di Montalcino, Tuscany 2016, Alc. 15%
Varietals: Sangiovese, Tasting: Fruit-focused and high-energy lifting up with a spicy and slightly exotic display, showing sour cherry, wild strawberry, savory herbs. It’s silky in texture with fleshy red berries further excited by juicy acids, giving way to salty minerals and pretty inner florals. Tannins saturate through the finish. Consider decanting. Pairs Well: lamb chops, top sirloin roast, game (venison/deer), Rating: James Suckling 94, Vinous 94…….$74.99
Domaine Bousquet Black Rock, Organic Malbec, Mendoza, Uco Valley, Argentina, 2020, Alc. 14.5%, Varietal: Organic Malbec, Tasting: Fruity aromas of raspberry, blackberry, plum and licorice. It’s medium-bodied with soft tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy. Vegan! The mouth highlights notes of ripe plums with soft and elegant tannins.
Pairs Well: gourmet hamburger brioche, roast beef club sandwich, grilled lamb kabobs, poultry Rating: James Suckling 90 …$17.99
Our Expanding Collection of Fine Wines In Half-Bottles …Perfect for two when one glass each will do!

Adding to the Harry “Z” Main Street Wine Tasting this Saturday is Savor’s Everyday Tech Tastings at the North Shore’s Only Digital Wine Machine. >Taste up to 20 wines…complimentary. Kathleen welcomes questions for food pairings.
Welcome Your Donation in any amount (suggest $5) for Pathways for Children.
Thank You! …Kathleen
For Your Mobile Calendar l Feb.-Mar., Savour Wine Tastings!
Feb. 19 – Harry Zarkades – wine merchant & owner, Maine Street Wines
Feb. 26 – Laura Rotondi of Baystate Wines
> Featuring Scott Family Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99, Wine Spectator Bargain Wine of the Year!
March 5 – Kelly Ruby (Portuguese Wine Specialist)
March 12 – Dave Bender of Vineyard Road Wines
March 19 – Brooke Overheiser of Connoisseur Wines (Martignetti)
New Updated Mask Policy: On February 11th Gloucester’s Board of Health voted to end mask requirements in all public spaces including the retail community while encouraging people to continue to wear face coverings when indoors and with people of unknown vaccination status, and to respect, to be tolerant of people’s choice to wear masks.
> In accordance with the new policy, we welcome customers and vendors without mask and welcome customers and vendors wearing masks.
>Savour continues to provide the safest possible shopping environment for the health & well-being of our customers & our Savour team.
>We continue using our 5 Molekule high performance air purification units that clear the air of 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and allergens every hour, store wide.
>We welcome your use of our hand sanitizers. We will continue to sanitize credit cards before returning, and ask you respect customers who continue to socially distance. Thank you!
We are pleased to continue curbside pickup service
Savour Wine & Cheese l 76 Prospect St. l Gloucester l 978. 282 .1455
savourwineandcheese.com


We are having our first drive of 2022 and we’d deeply appreciate any “getting the word out” you can for us!
Come join us for our 1st “Pint for a Pint Blood Drive” of the winter at True North Brewery. 116 County Road, Ipswich, Ma 01938, on Saturday, Feb, 19th, 2022 from 8:30 Am til 3:00 PM.
I saw a saying once that said ” A single pint can save three lives, a single gesture can create a million smiles” The generosity of those who give truly breathes life into the phrase “Heroes come in all types and sizes!” Be one of those hero’s – give a pint of blood and receive a voucher for a pint of one of True North’s award winning brews as our thank-you!
Since its inception during the pandemic when many local breweries stepped in as safe locations in which to donate, Pint for a Pint has a running total of over 230 pints of blood and counting! That means your wonderful gift has gone onto help 690 souls!
Come on down and be someone’s everything, you never will know the impact of your gift, but someone’s everything will!
You can register at tinyurl.com/trueF19 or at scrawney-morgan.org.
Should you have eligibility questions about donating: 617-632-3206.
Appointments recommended – walk-ins taken as time allows!
As a special thank-you, donors will receive a Kraft Family Blood Donor hooded sweatshirt! The perfect season for the perfect gift!
Photo ID required for all donors – Hydrate well, drink extra water and please eat before donation!
Hosted by True North Ales and hookacure.org



Teaser…



Our homes often get lost in the hustle of everyday life. If they do their jobs well, you might not even notice them. But all homes need a little TLC, and if you’ve been looking for ways to show your home a little love without undertaking a major renovation, here are 10 places you could start.

Grand Banks
7 Crafts Road
Gloucester,MA01930
team@grandbanksbp
















































































What’s your “Blast from the Past”? Please share your answers. I was driving to the Tsongas Arena at UMass Lowell for one of Thatcher’s high school hockey games the other day and we went by this Haffner’s gas station. My mom was with us and she immediately said, “Well, that’s a blast from the past.” I had never heard of Haffner’s, but it did make me think of some other places that I used to frequent that are no longer. Some of the places I came up with were the Ben Franklin store in Danvers, the old and original Supinos pizza (FULL of creepy clowns) also in Danvers, Pennyworths (I think) in Ipswich with it’s swiveling stools and soda fountain, obviously the old Papa Ginos in Gloucester with the jute boxes at each table, the Garden Patch florist down on Whittemore Street, and many more…. I don’t want to share too many here because I’d love to hear your answers. What places do you remember fondly that are no longer here?

It was deceptively cold in the sun under beautiful blue skies earlier this week when I noticed by snow blankets on some of our favorite sights. The contrast of the sun, snow and blue skies was irresistible.






New Year! New You! Self-care in Uncertain Times continues at the Sawyer Free Library with Vision Board Workshop 2022 this Saturday, February 19 from 2-4pm.
Welcome the New Year with New Visions at the Sawyer Free Library! Vision Boarding is a great way to manifest dreams and goals. With magazines, scissors, glue, and a little meditation, during this virtual workshop you will be guided to make your very own unique and powerful Vision Board!
The Sawyer Free Library will provide a kit of all materials. Kits include: magazines, poster board, markers, and glue sticks. You supply your own scissors, along with your curiosity, creativity, and intention!
This will be a live virtual workshop meeting via Zoom, so please register to sign up for a Vision Board Craft Kit which you can pick up at the Library ahead of time!
Register to HERE to sign up for a kit…
View original post 18 more words

Hi Joey:
In my blog, The Gloucester I Love -2, and listed in your GMG blog roll, I just posted a contribution about Gloucester’s upcoming 400thanniversary observance…(a year early). In two weeks, I celebrate another birthday; the gas in my tank is running low….
I’d like this post to get a brief “coming attraction clip” on GMG, to announce it’s posting.
This blog summation is my life and Gloucester’s – in my opinion – most important era, The Golden Age of Fishing.
Hello to all.
Thanks, Joey.
Ron Gilson
Check out Ron’s Blog At This Link-

