Month: May 2026

Brandon Pratt is part of the Top 1% of all Mortgage Originators in the country.

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 BY PRATTBRANDON

Thank you to all my partners, clients, friends and family who have trusted and used me for their mortgage needs over the years.

2025 was an extremely positive year built on superior customer service and navigating the difficult homebuying and refinance market. It takes a great team to maneuver in todays housing market, whether it’s in the Northeast or Southeast. Prices are changing fast, rates are moving all over the place and often times there are multiple offer situations.

I am extremely humbled to be part of the Top 1% of all Mortgage Originators in the country. Thank you again to all those who have been a part of it in 2025, and 2026 is going to be even better!

Brandon Pratt

VP of Mortgage Lending / Loan Originator
D 617-688-6891
Wwww.theprattteam.com
Ebrandon.pratt@ccm.com

Surfside Subs TODAY’S SPECIALS SATURDAY 5/9🔥

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Treat yourself today with some delicious deals! 🍕🦞🦃

🦞 Lobster Roll — ONLY $17.99+tax
Served with chips & pickles

🍕 Buy any 18” Pizza → Get an 18” Cheese Pizza for ONLY $5
🍕 Buy any 16” Pizza → Get a 16” Cheese Pizza for ONLY $5
🍕 16” Pizzas HALF PRICE
🦃 Turkey Wraps & Sandwiches HALF PRICE

📍Stop by and grab your favorites today!

*Excludes gluten free
*Pizza specials cannot be combined
*Excludes online orders

ROSE BAKER CENTER FOR AGING WELL OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING AND RESOURCE FAIR

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GLOUCESTER, MA – Thursday, May 21st, the City of Gloucester’s Council on Aging (COA) is holding an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new rebranding of the Rose Baker Center for Aging Well (formerly known as the Rose Baker Senior Center) as well as a resource fair for community members. 

To celebrate the 25 years of service to Gloucester residents, the COA held public discussions where residents were able to weigh in on a new name and design for the Rose Baker Center for Aging Well. The new name reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be remarks from elected officials as well as refreshments and live music. 

The Rose Baker Center for Aging Well will also host a resource fair after the ribbon cutting. Organizations from across the region will have tables set up ready to help answer questions and provide information on services available to Gloucester. 

The event will take place THURSDAY, May 21st at 12:30PM at the Rose Baker Center for Aging Well, located at 6 Manuel F Lewis St in Gloucester, MA.

The event is open to members of the media. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to sgross@gloucester-ma.gov.

Full details are as follows:

WHAT:        Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Resource Fair at the Rose Baker Center for Aging 

Well

WHO:          Mayor Paul Lundberg

Director of Elder Services Elise Sinagra 

WHEN:        THURSDAY, May 21st

12:30PM – 2:00PM

WHERE:     Rose Baker Center for Aging Well

6 Manuel F Lewis St in Gloucester, MA

RSVP:            sgross@gloucester-ma.gov

May 10th reminder! Cape Ann Symphony Concert: Rossini, Grieg, and Tchaikovsky ftg pianist Frederick Moyer

Posted on by Catherine

“Cape Ann Symphony concludes Season 74 on Sunday, May 10, 2026! Don’t miss Maestro Udagawa, Frederick Moyer, & the Orchestra. Last concert before the BIG 75th Anniversary Season begins!”

-Heidi Dallin

Read more:

Cape Ann Symphony wraps up Season 74 at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 10 with ROSSINI, GRIEG, AND TCHAIKOVSKY featuring guest artist pianist Frederick Moyer. The Cape Ann Symphony performs at Manchester-Essex Regional High School Auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. For tickets or information, call 978-281-0543 or visit http://www.capeannsymphony.org

The program for ROSSINI, GRIEG, AND TCHAIKOVSKY includes Gioachino Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony  No. 4. and Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto.

“The final concert of the Cape Ann Symphony’s 74th season,” says CAS Music Director and Conductor Yoichi Udagawa, “features works by Rossini, Grieg and Tchaikovsky. We are thrilled to have the brilliant pianist Frederick Moyer as soloist in a performance of the Grieg Piano Concerto. The concerto is one of the most popular works in the classical music repertoire because of its gorgeous lush melodies, perfect form, and tremendous emotional range. Fred plays this piece so beautifully. I can’t wait for our audience to hear him. It’s going to be incredible!”

Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Frederick Moyer has thrilled  audiences in 44 countries — from the Sydney Opera House to Windsor Castle to Carnegie Recital Hall to the Kennedy Center and  has performed with most of the major orchestras in the United States as well as many orchestras throughout Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. For over 35 years, Mr. Moyer has made a living solely from concerts and recordings. Mr. Moyer made his CAS debut in September 2001.

Image: Cape Ann Symphony Guest Artist, celebrated Pianist Frederick Moyer. Courtesy Photos

About Frederick Moyer

Frederick Moyer began studies at age seven with his mother Betsy Moyer, a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory. In junior high school, he began studies with Theodore Lettvin, and in high school entered Curtis Institute of Music where he studied with Eleanor Sokoloff. Later, at Indiana University, he studied with Menahem Pressler of the Beaux Arts Trio.  Throughout, he coached with his grandfather David Moyer, a student of Ferruccio Busoni and Ernst von Dohnanyi.

An avid computer programmer and inventor with multiple patents, Mr. Moyer has created innovative concerts that redefine the piano recital. His MoyerCam gives the audience a view of the hands and keyboard from virtually any seat. His USolo software allows him to play piano concertos in recital with orchestral accompaniment synchronized to his interpretations. He performs, along with bass and drums, note-for-note transcriptions of great jazz pianists such as Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Erroll Garner and Ahmad Jamal, introducing the greatest creations of this art form to classical music audiences. In 2009 and 2010, he and Dr. Paul Green presented to the world several unknown piano works by Robert Schumann – a musical find that was widely reported in the news media.

Mr. Moyer’s many recordings comprise works by over thirty composers and reflect an affinity for a wide variety of styles. His CD of Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor was the first commercial recording of a large-scale Romantic work using an orchestra created from sampled sounds. His Mussorgsky/Mendelssohn CD was the first using the Bosendorfer 290 SE Recording Piano. Other recordings include David Ott’s Second Piano Concerto with the London Symphony which was written for Moyer. Many other composers have written for Moyer including Pulitzer Prize winners George Walker and Ned Rorem, and Donal Fox whose Etudes of 2002-2006 were commissioned by the Guggenheim Foundation.

Founded in Gloucester in 1952, the Cape Ann Symphony is a professional orchestra of over 70 players from throughout the New England area. They perform a subscription season of four concerts per year plus several Pops and youth concerts. The Symphony Board of Directors named Yoichi Udagawa the Music Director and Conductor of the Cape Ann Symphony in the summer of 2000 after a yearlong search. In addition to his leadership of Cape Ann Symphony, he is Music Director and Conductor of the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and a cover conductor at the Boston Pops Orchestra.  Frequently invited to guest conduct, Maestro Udagawa has worked with many different orchestras including the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Nobeoka Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Indian Hill Symphony, the Garden State Philharmonic, the Brown University Orchestra, the Syracuse Society for New Music, the Boston Conservatory Orchestra, the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, the Newton Symphony, the Austin Civic Orchestra, and the Mid-Texas Symphony. Maestro Udagawa is at home in popular and contemporary music as well as the standard symphonic repertoire. He is known for his relaxed manner and ability to speak from the podium which has helped new audiences as well as enthusiasts gain a greater appreciation for symphonic music. His programs often include premieres of new works – some specially commissioned for the orchestra — as well as great orchestral works across the symphonic repertoire and lively Pops programs. He is also an integral part of the Cape Ann Symphony Youth Initiative.

-news from Cape Ann Symphony

Surfside Subs TODAY’S SPECIALS ARE HERE ☀️

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Treat yourself today with some amazing deals! 🦞🍕🦃

🦞 $18.99+tax — Served with chips & pickles
🍕 Buy any 18” pizza & get an 18” cheese pizza for just $5
🍕 Buy any 16” pizza & get a 16” cheese pizza for just $5
🍕 16” pizzas HALF OFF
🦃 Turkey sandwiches & wraps HALF OFF

*Excludes gluten free
*Pizza specials cannot be combined
*Excludes online orders

Good Morning Salty Bagel Cape Ann 🥯🥯🥯 Friends!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

We’ll be open Saturday and Sunday 🌸🌷🌼 Mother’s Day 🌸🌷🌼from 8:00 am – Sellout at 1 Whistlestop Mall in Rockport!

BAGEL OF THE WEEK: Maple S&P Bagel – Glazed with 100% pure maple syrup, sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt and freshly cracked pepper. Served with whipped maple butter for the perfect sweet–savory bite. 😊

SCHMEARS OF THE WEEK:
🐝 Honey Rosemary
🍁 Whipped Maple Butter

GLOUCESTER DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ELECTED AS NEW PRESIDENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HIGHWAY ASSOCIATION

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The City of Gloucester is proud to announce that DPW Director Michael Hale has been elected President of the Massachusetts Highway Association. This prestigious appointment is a reflection of Hale’s dedication, leadership, and longstanding commitment to public works and transportation infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Throughout his career, Hale has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a deep commitment to serving residents through innovative and effective public works management. His election to this leadership role is well deserved, and speaks to the respect he has earned among his peers throughout Massachusetts.

City officials and staff are fully supportive of the election results and are confident that Hale will do an outstanding job representing communities across the state. His experience, collaborative approach, and passion for improving infrastructure make him exceptionally qualified to lead the Association into the future.

The City congratulates Hale on this significant achievement and looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to the organization and communities throughout Massachusetts.

—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester

Mother’s Day Gifts 44 Main St Open Friday and Saturday 11-5 and Mother’s Day 11-3

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Lightweight and Stylish Sun Protection With our Seer Sucker Bucket Caps in light blue or pink with Thirsty Seagull Logo, Gloucester Golf or Drinking Town With A Fishing Problem. Also Great Cape Ann Chart Coozie Sets, 01930 Zip Up Jackets and Gloucester Fishermen Quarter Zips! Available in store 44 Main St Open Friday and Saturday 11-5 and Mother’s Day 11-3 or online shipping after May 14th at the online store https://gloucesterapparel.square.site/

Marcy and Chris Plante representing!
Pink Seer Sucker Thirsty Seagull Logo
Light Blue Seer Sucker Thirsty Seagull Logo
Pink Seer Sucker Gloucester Golf Bucket Hat
Light Blue Seer Sucker Gloucester Golf
Gloucester Fishermen Quarter Zip
Cape Ann Chart Coozies

Every Tuesday, Surfside Subs near Good Harbor Beach offers delicious lobster rolls on toasted buns for only $13.99. 

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Play hooky and pick up a few for an impromptu midweek lunch by the sea! An amazing bargain. Thank you, Surfside Subs!

CITY OF GLOUCESTER SEEKS ARTISTS FOR MAIN STREET WINDOW MURAL PROJECT

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

GLOUCESTER, MA – The City of Gloucester’s Community Development Department, in partnership with the 2025–2026 Making it Public Program and with support from the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), is now accepting applications from artists and artist teams for a new public art initiative on Main Street. This program invites artists to create original, hand-painted temporary window murals that will be displayed during the second half of 2026. Selected artists will be paired with local businesses to transform storefront windows into vibrant works of art that celebrate Gloucester’s identity and future.

The theme, “Imagining Gloucester’s Future,” encourages artists to explore creative visions of the city through lenses such as community, art, fishing, tourism, and coastal geography. The initiative aims to activate Main Street with engaging, place-based artwork that reflects Gloucester’s culture and inspires residents and visitors alike. Any businesses on Main Street in Gloucester that are interested in hosting a mural on their windows should reach out to Miranda Aisling Hynes, contact details listed below.

Up to eight artists or artist teams will be selected to participate. Each will receive a $1,500 honorarium to cover all project-related expenses, including materials, travel, insurance, and installation. Murals will be installed on windows typically measuring up to 6 by 10 feet, though artists are not required to fill the entire space. Applications are open to US-based artists aged 18 and older. While all eligible artists are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to those with connections to Gloucester or similar working waterfront and arts communities. Emerging and diverse artists are strongly encouraged to participate.

Selections will be made by the City’s Committee for the Arts, a volunteer body established to promote and celebrate Gloucester’s cultural heritage. Applications will be evaluated based on artistic vision, community impact, and relevant experience, particularly in large-scale or site-specific work.

Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET via the online form: https://forms.gle/ViQZsBnqhFCJKvvq8

Printed applications are also available and may be submitted to:
Gloucester City Hall Annex
3 Pond Road, Gloucester, MA 01930

Applicants must provide contact information, a portfolio, a brief mural proposal, relevant experience, a resume or bio, and work samples. Optional letters of support may also be included.

The timeline for applicants is below:
Info Sessions:
– Thursday, May 26, 2026 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. In-person Info Session at the Harbormasters Conference Room. Please RSVP here.
– Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Virtual Info Session on Google Meet. Please RSVP here.
Application Due: June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM 
Selection Announced: July 2026
Grant Agreement Finalized: July 2026
Mural Completed By: September 3, 2026

For questions or additional information, please contact Miranda Aisling Hynes, Arts, Culture and Events Coordinator, at mhynes@gloucester-ma.gov or 978-325-5237. You can see the online call here: www.harbortownculturaldistrict.org/for-artists 

—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester