It’s fun getting out in the community and seeing so many of our friends that are making a go of it in local shops. Retailers, cafes, galleries and restaurants really are the lifeblood of our city where people go to see each other and support one another.

I’ve been able to bring “my beautiful wife Kate” *Trademark out as she has so much fun and is a whole lot better to look at than my ugly mug in our videos.

I’d just like to take a little time here to plug her Real Estate services.

I see firsthand how hard she works as do many real estate professionals. I’ll tell you something else about her though- she is incredibly honest and diligent. She’s very very responsive. She puts her clients first and gets right back to them with answers to their questions, no matter what day it is.

I’m very proud of her.

If you think of it when looking to buy or sell a home please consider using her to represent you. She is fully invested in our community recently joining Rotary and filming our Good Morning Gloucester Shop Local series- she gives back every chance she gets.

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Kate and I are going to feature one or two local places to buy holiday gifts each day highlighting the fact that there’s no need to buy your presents online or trudge up to the mall.

There’s excellent places to shop right here in Gloucester.

Previous videos:

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES-FIREFLIES

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- TOODLEOOS

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES LOCAL COLORS

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES MYSTERY TRAIN

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- GOODLINENS STUDIO

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- MARK ADRIAN SHOES

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- SWEATS OF GLOUCESTER

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- BOOKSTORE OF GLOUCESTER

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- BRASS MONKEY

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- CAPE ANN OLIVE OIL

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- DESIGN OF MINE

2022 GOOD MOORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- BANANAS

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES-POP GALLERY

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES-SAMPLE THIS

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES-PASTAIO VIA CORTA

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- SHORE NUTRITION

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- THE DRESS CODE

2022 GOOD MORNING GLOUCESTER SHOP LOCAL SERIES- MERMAID TALES

During our walk by Niles Pond yesterday we were treated to one of Hank Heron’s younger friends scoring some misses, but mostly hits, while fishing for lunch. Here’s one of his (her?) successes.

Opening Lines…

Seven Suns Gallery Winter Schedule:

1) Holiday Open House- this Friday evening from 5-8pm! Gift Certificates Available for classes and art!

2) Rockport Shopping Night- next Friday eve from 5-9pm!

3) Open for daily for visits/shopping 10am-6 through Dec. 23rd

4) Open Christmas Eve from 9am-4pm

5) Closed from Dec. 25- Dec. 30th.

6) OPEN for Rockport New Year’s Eve Event!

7) The gallery will be only open by appointment from Jan. 2- May 1. Stay tuned for workshops, classes and events throughout the winter months. 

Jambalaya Brass Caroling

DECEMBER 9 – 23 TBA

Chief Eric Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department would like to provide community members with important fire prevention tips to remember when decorating this holiday season.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments across the country responded to an average of 790 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees, in 2015-2019. During that same period, fire departments also responded to an average of 160 home fires per year that were started by Christmas trees.

While it is fun to decorate homes for the holidays, the Gloucester Fire Department wishes to share the following holiday fire safety tips from the NFPA:

Christmas Tree Safety

According to the NFPA, nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by decorative lights. To prevent your tree from catching on fire, the Gloucester Fire Department offers the following tips:

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles. The needles should not fall off when touched.
• Cut two inches off of the bottom of the trunk.
• Place the tree a minimum of three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents and lights.
• Do not place the tree in an area where it may be blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand daily. A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch on fire easily.
• Check whether your string lights are intended for indoor use and use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Check your holiday lights to make sure they are not worn and do not have broken cords or loose bulb connections. Review the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Never decorate a tree with lit candles.
• Always turn off the lights on your tree before going to bed or leaving home.
• Dispose of your tree after Christmas or when it becomes dry. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard. Do not keep a tree that has become dried out in your home or garage or lean it up outside against your home.

Candle Safety

Candle fires peak in December and January with 11% of candle fires reported in each of these months according to the NFPA. During this time, Christmas is the peak day for candle fires with roughly 2.5 times the daily average. To ensure your candles do not start a fire, consider the following:

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles. Consider using battery operated candles around children.
• Place candles in a sturdy candle holder and on a surface that is also sturdy and uncluttered.
• Place candles a minimum of one foot away from anything flammable.
• When lighting a candle, take care to keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
• Do not burn a candle all the way down. Before it gets too close to the holder or container, put it out.
• Never use candles if a member of your household uses oxygen.
• Matches and lighters should be stored in a locked cabinet.
• An adult should supervise any time candles are being used.
• Do not pass handheld candles from one person to another.
• Do not place lit candles in windows where a curtain or blind could catch fire.
• Blow out candles before you leave a room or go to sleep.
• Avoid using candles in areas where people may fall asleep, such as bedrooms.
• Residents are reminded to test their smoke alarms monthly.

General Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

Community members should also be mindful of the decorations, such as figures or string lights, they’re displaying around their homes this holiday season.

• Seek out holiday decorations that are flame resistant.
• Be careful about the placement of decorations and be sure to keep them away from lit candles and other heat sources.
• When using string lights outside, make sure they are designed to be used outdoors. Some string lights are designed for indoor use only.
• Hang lights using clips, not nails, so that the cords do not get damaged.
• Do not place decorations in the way of windows and doors.
• Before going to sleep or leaving your home, turn off all light strings and decorations.

For any other questions on holiday fire safety please visit NFPA.org or contact the Gloucester Fire Department at 978-325-5300.

73 Rocky Neck Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

I hadn’t stopped by Sage Floral Studio on Main Street in quite a while but GMG Jim needed some flowers so I accompanied him. There are so many cute things in that little spot, it’s well worth a stop. Just a feast for the yes and senses. That end of Main Street can sometimes get a little bit less attention but there’s every good reason to check out the stores ALL around Gloucester.