My View of Life on the Dock
A sun pillar, also known as a light pillar or ice pillar, is a vertical beam of light that appears to extend from the sun or another light source. It’s an atmospheric optical phenomenon caused by sunlight reflecting off of ice crystals in the air or high-altitude clouds.
Sun pillars are most commonly seen during sunrise or sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon and cirrus clouds are present. They are less likely to occur during the summer.
Over the Top…
“Please stop by to see Paige Farrell’s two-day exhibition of her beautiful ceramics, which will make such wonderful christmas gifts!”
- Jane Deering. Preview more here
Holiday Delights is next week! Heidi Dallin shares the press release and ticket information below. Can you guess how many young people have played a part in this mainstay since the very first production? Tickets are selling now!
The Cape Ann YMCA presents Holiday Delights on December 13 at 7pm; December 14 at 2pm and December 15 at 2pm at the Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester, MA. Set in Gloucester, Holiday Delights is a festive mix of stories, songs and dance celebrating the special traditions of other cultures and families as seen through a young child’s magical journey on Christmas Eve to discover what is really important during the holiday season. A Cape Ann holiday tradition, Holiday Delights is conceived and directed by Gloucester native, award winning professional actress and Harvard University graduate Heidi Dallin, the YMCA of the North Shore Theatre Specialist. Since the production’s premiere in 2007 over 750 young people from Cape Ann and beyond have appeared in Holiday Delights through the years.
“It is so exciting each year to see these wonderful young actors tell the story of Holiday Delights! I am so fortunate to work with all of them! They are all working so hard and now they are part of this Cape Ann tradition entering its 14th year!” says Holiday Delights creator and director Heidi Dallin. “This year 10-year-old Carolyn Andrews plays Mistletoe, Mrs. Claus’ Elf Assistant,” continues Dallin, “Young Carolyn is excited to play the coveted role especially since her big sister Malia played the role in 2016. Malia is now a freshman at BU School for the Arts studying Acting. Holiday Delights is a family tradition on Cape Ann!“
The 2024 edition of Holiday Delights features the journey of a young girl who discovers the spirit and the joys of the holiday season as she faces the unhappy prospect of leaving her beloved hometown of Gloucester and moving with her family to a new home in Michigan. Her special Christmas Eve journey helps her to realize and appreciate the importance of her family and friends as well as her own special holiday traditions. During her Christmas Eve travels with Mrs. Claus and the elves, she celebrates Hanukkah, travels back in time to turn of the century Gloucester to see her Italian-Irish ancestors celebrate the holidays, and meets famous characters including The Crachit Family from Charles Dickens’ holiday masterpiece, A Christmas Carol and The March Sisters from Louisa May Alcott’s heartwarming classic novel, Little Women.
The 2024 production has a cast of over 35 actors age 5 to 15 from throughout the North Shore including Gloucester, Rockport, Beverly, and Essex. Holiday Delights 2024 features Gloucester’s Brae Gavin as Mrs. Claus and Gloucester’s Aubrey Hamm as the young girl she takes on the life changing Christmas Eve journey. Gloucester’s Carolyn Andrews and Beverly’s Evie Swallom are Mistletoe and Peppermint, Mrs. Claus’ loyal elf assistants. Beverly’s Madelyn Swallom and Gloucester’s Lillian Jamieson are also featured in the production as the supervisors of Santa’s Workshop.
The Holiday Delights production staff includes: Music Director: Anthony Prestigiovanni; Set, Costume and Prop Design: Sarah Vandewalle and Lia Sophia Numerosi; Stage Manager: Jenny Hersey and Production Assistants: Sophia Drost, Naia Gibson, Harry Larabell, Damian Etna, Kit Carpenter, Claire Dullea and Merina Earle.
Holiday Delights Performances are December 13 at 7pm; December 14 at 2pm and December 15 at 2pm at the Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester, MA. For tickets call the Cape Ann YMCA at 978-283-0470 or go to HolidayDelightsTickets
Here are some local spots that have sent me their promos-
Cantemus Chamber Chorus, with 42 members from across the North Shore, will present concerts in December that share “The Peace of Wild Things.” Founded in 1982, Cantemus is well known beyond Cape Ann. This year it will perform for the first time in Gloucester—on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church St.
Inspired by the Animal Kingdom, the program ranges from Josquin des Prez and Mendelssohn to contemporary composers Eric Whitacre and Craig Hella Johnson. Some pieces reflect on the grace and beauty of the natural world; some involve animals being personified or used as poetic symbols; and some mimic actual animal sounds!
“We are thrilled to present this expansive program of choral music from the 15th through the 21st century,” says Cantemus’ Artistic Director Jason Iannuzz. “The animal kingdom has provided a deep well of inspiration for poets and composers who have sought to capture their grace and beauty, as well as the seemingly human qualities of our fauna friends.”
For more information about the program and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.cantemus.org/concerts/. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
In addition to the Gloucester concert, performances will also take place in in Beverly on Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean Street; and in Newburyport on Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 166 High Street.
We noticed some activity inside and outdoor signage posted at Fish Takes (former Topside) on Rogers St today.
Middle Street Walk, a fun filled day.
On Saturday, December 14 from 11am to 12 pm the Sawyer Free Library will welcome local author and historian Wayne Soini. He will share invaluable tips and recommend trusted resources to help you refine and publish your own book. Whether you’re dreaming of crafting fiction or nonfiction, this session will provide the guidance and motivation you need to get started this winter!
During his talk, Soini will explore Laurie Gwen Shapiro’s first published work, “The Ghost”—written when she was just a second grader—as a relatable example to inspire your writing journey. A Q&A session will follow, giving you the chance to ask questions and delve deeper into the writing and publishing process.
About Wayne Soini:
A passionate historian, Soini holds a Master’s degree in History from UMass Boston. He is the author of two historical novels, Nixon in Love and Germany Surrenders! (2015), and coauthored Judge Fuchs and the Boston Braves (1998). His other works include Gloucester’s Sea Serpent (2010) and Porter’s Secret: Fitz John Porter’s Monument Decoded (2011).
No registration is required—just come ready to be inspired to the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Gloucester. Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org for more information.
Mako found his perfect Christmas Tree at the tree farm over the weekend. Despite trying to claim it, we explained that it needed to stay at the farm to continue growing so we could bring it home for a later Christmas.
Pat D’s Photos will be at the Gloucester Elks Fair on Atlantic Road Sunday Dec 8 from 10-3. Many of you already know this is a great sip and shop show at a beautiful location. AND so many wonderful vendors will be there with great holiday ideas. These are some of the 3″ glass ornaments we will have available, in addition to notecards, prints, nightlights and more! Stop by and say hello.
~ The Cut Live ~
It’s another great week at The Cut! Bring the whole family for a Holiday Movie Night featuring ELF! $10 at the door ($25 per family of 3+). Then on Saturday we have two epic hometown bands up on the stage – The Glostafarians & Carnivals. And on Sunday is our second Sip & Paint event featuring a cozy winter scene.
Our new fall menu is now available so make sure you snag a reservation! (Our Street Food menu is also available and perfect for a quick bite before, during, or after a show). We’re also now open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and we have $1 oysters from 4pm-6pm on Sunday.
Friday:
ELF – Holiday Movie Night – Bring the whole family to watch Elf and take photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Tickets sold at the door. No presale. $10 per person, or $25 per family of 3+. Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Santa & Mrs. Claus photos 3:30pm – 5:30pm. Movie from 5pm – 6:30pm.
Saturday:
Glostafarians & Carnivals – Two epic hometown bands! There are still tickets available for this event. Doors at 8pm. Show at 8:30pm.
Sunday:
Sip & Paint – Winter Scene – This is a follow along, step-by-step paint night with Lannah Paints. There are still a few spots left, so grab yours before they’re gone! Tickets are $45 and include everything you’ll need to create a beautiful painting. Bar will be open. 6pm.
This week The Kitchen at The Cut restaurant will be serving our new Fall menu as well as our Street Food menu curated by our new Executive Chef, Justus Dunton.
HOURS:
WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY | 4PM – 12AM
SATURDAY – SUNDAY | 11AM – 12AM
THE CUT | 177 Main Street | Gloucester, MA
Good Morning Gloucester 