Surviving the Dog-days of Summer — pat morss

The recent hot spell finally broke today. We’ve all been coping with it in different ways.

You can walk early when it’s cooler and there’s more shade (and people).
Some of us just get grouchy.
“Boy, is it hot? I’m just standing here sweating like mad.”
There are always those who just blissfully soak it up. You know who you are!
Can you escape to the beach for the afternoon?
If you’re tired of suffering, try playing a game. Who’s going to blink first?
Do whatever it takes to keep cool.
The Rose of Sharons love the sun, which is fine with the Monarchs.
Find a friend with a boat. Any kind of boat.
But don’t over-exert yourself.
Thankfully, we have those who continue working, no matter the weather.

There’s certain things you’re just more likely to see in #Gloucester Ma. Huge decapitated decaying #tuna heads bobbing around in the harbor being one of them.

In the Arts

Seven Cape Ann Artisans collaborate to open on Mass Tax Free Weekend on Saturday, August 10th.

On Saturday, August 10th, seven of the Cape Ann Artisans will open up their studios for visitors and locals to take advantage of Massachusetts  tax-free holiday.  Although the main tour is on sabbatical in 2024, the artisans have all held hours individually for studio visits and this is a convenient way for visitors to get a peek into the bigger tour which will resume in 2025.  All Studios will be open from 10-5:30 unless otherwise indicated.   The artisans involved are as follows:

David Archibald, Pottery, Plum Cove Studio, Lanesville/Gloucester
Cynthia Curtis Pottery, Rockport
Danette English, Pottery, Lanesville/Gloucester
Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco, Sea Glass Studio, Riverdale/Gloucester
Melody Phaneuf, Painter, Gloucester (open 1-5)
Pam Stratton, Mosaics, Rockport
Beth Williams, Glass Art & Jewelry, downtown Gloucester

Download the Brochure & Map PDF for help finding studios.  Reminder!  You can contact any of the other Artisans not listed above to visit by appointment, be it August 10th if they are available or any other time throughout the year.

The Artisans have also posted a call for new members on Cape Ann.   Please read details here on our blog.

For questions and additional information, please email info@capeannartisans.com.  

The Rockport Legion Band will perform the sixth free concert of our 91st summer concert series at the Back Beach Bandstand, Beach St, Rockport, MA.

Sunday August 11, 2024, 7:00 to 8:30

MOVIE NIGHT!

The best popcorn in Massachusetts is here!  Children are especially welcome.  Folding chairs and blankets are good. 

Bob Rick, Conductor and Music Director

Piece    composer/Arranger
The Star Spangled Banner
Aces High     Ron Goodwin, arr. Larry Daehn
Blues Brothers Revue     Arr. Jay Bocook
Dam Busters March     Eric Coates, arr. W. J. Duthoit
Guardians of the Galaxy    arr. Michael Brown
The Longest Day     Paul Anka
The Pink Panther/Moon River/Baby Elephant Walk   Henry Mancini, Arr. John Moss
The Sound of Music Rogers & Hammerstein, Arr. Robert Russell BennetCopacabana     Barry Manilow, Arr. Richard Saucedo
Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina     Andrew Lloyd Webber, Arr. M. Sweeney
The Great Escape    Elmer Bernstein, arr. Robert W. Smith
Music from Jurassic Park     John Williams, Arr. Jay Bocook
My Heart Will Go On (from Titanic)     Celine Dion; Arr. Paul Murtha
Tenth Regiment March    Robert Brown Hall
God Bless America


Rocky Neck Art Colony presents: eco-harmony at Cove Gallery

Opening Reception: August 15 from 4 – 7 PM

Exhibition Dates: August 15 – September 8
Cove Gallery, 37 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester, MA

Gallery Open: Sunday Noon – 5 PM; Monday 10 AM – 3 PM
Thursday through Saturday Noon – 7 PM

Closing Reception: September 8 from 4 – 6 PM

Rocky Neck Art Colony is excited to present eco-harmony,  a captivating exhibition at Cove Gallery, located at 37 Rocky Neck Ave. This collection features artists from the North Shore who draw inspiration from the unique and dynamic aspects of their environments, both intentionally and subconsciously. The connection between their surroundings and artistic expression is a central theme in their work.  

The diverse elements of the landscape, seasonal changes, and even vacation settings play a crucial role in shaping the artists’ creations. This deep symbiotic relationship both challenges and nourishes them, lending a richness to their creative process. Their responses to the environment open new pathways for creativity and life, indicating a continuous and reciprocal interaction between their surroundings and artistic endeavors. 

Their choice to live in this area is integral to their art and guides their artistic exploration. Each artist draws inspiration from the unique and dynamic aspects of the environment, both intentionally and subconsciously. This profound connection between their surroundings and their artistic expression is a central theme in their work, offering viewers a glimpse into the harmony between nature and their art.Join us in celebrating the beauty and creativity of our local artists at Cove Gallery. 

Exhibiting Artists:

Nic Bannerman (painter) Jennifer K Brown (ceramicist), Maria Malatesta (painter), Martin Sorger (painter), Sallie Strand (painter, curator)

RNAC acknowledges the generosity of Mark Goetemann who has donated the use of the former home and gallery space of his late parents Gordon and Judth Goetemann to honor their legacy as artists, as inveterate supporters of artistic excellence, and to carry on their commitment to keeping Rocky Neck a haven for artists and art lovers.

On Friday, August 16, come on down to the St peters club from 7 to 11 PM to listen to some great music from the 60s 70s and 80s no cover charge donations at the door will go to a great cause the magnolia lions organization

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Senior Affordable Housing!

I was walking in this area lately and noticed how spiffy the new Middle St housing complex is looking! The John J. Meany Senior Affordable Housing information is available at this link.

A Librarian Falls for Niagara Falls: Travel Presentation at the Sawyer Free

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

Join the Sawyer Free Library Assistant Director Lisa Ryan on Thursday, August 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation on Niagara Falls feature breathtaking photos and videos captured throughout the seasons. Explore this majestic natural wonder’s formation, cultural impact, hydroelectric development, and ecological considerations. For fun, Lisa will also delve into tales of famous daredevils and offer travel tips.

The presentation will take place at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. Open to all to attend. No registration needed. If you have questions, email Lisa at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.