Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Ryan & Wood Distillery wins 2013 “Best of New England – Editors’ Choice” in Yankee Magazine

Ryan & Wood Distillery has been recognized as a 2013 “Editors’ Choice” winner for Best Distillery Tour in Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide to New England, on newsstands now. This designation is awarded by Yankee’s editors and contributors, who select restaurants, lodgings, and attractions in New England for the exclusive list. For 37 years, Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide to New England has been the most widely distributed and best-selling guide to the six-state region.

President Bob Ryan noted that he was particularly honored to be recognized for his tours. “From the start, we aimed to embrace tourism as part of our business. We are proud to bring people to Gloucester and draw attention to the region.” Bob’s wife Kathy, who leads most of the tours, added “giving tours requires a big portion of our day but it’s time well spent. We are happy to have a great mix of locals from the community and visitors from all over the world. We try to represent Cape Ann with each tour and each bottle.”

Distillery tours are offered twice-daily Monday through Saturday at 10:00am and 1:00pm. On any given day visitors may witness fermenting vats of molasses for Folly Cove Rum, hand-milling of grains for Ryan & Wood Straight Rye Whiskey, or perhaps Bob himself at the still, taste-testing his distillation of Beauport Vodka or Knockabout Gin.

Yankee Magazine’s May/June 2013 Travel Guide, on newsstands April 23, features 317 “Best of New England — Editors’ Choice” winners, which include the region’s best attractions, food & dining, lodging, and bargains.

Don’t miss the ANNISQUAM SEWING CIRCLE’S ANNUAL PLANT SALE!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

8-11 AM

At the Annisquam Exchange, Leonard Street, Off Rte. 127

The PLANT SALE includes perennial plant treasures dug from members’ gardens at bargain prices, plus a wide array of the freshest, bright annuals and perennials from a leading garden center. There will be hanging baskets, bedding plants, roses, and some exotic plants.

Not to be missed is our BAKE SALE TABLE with delicious pies, cakes, and savory treats. Many items will be prepared from recipes in the Sewing Circle’s award-winning cookbook, “A Circle of Recipes,” which commemorated the 175^th Anniversary of the organization. These popular cookbooks will be on sale at the Plant Sale.

Come early for the best selection at this popular holiday weekend event! The plant sale is in charming Annisquam, Gloucester, off Rte. 127. Turn at Leonard Street at the Annisquam Village Church and continue to the Annisquam Exchange.

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Cindy Cafasso Donaldson, Vice President of Addison Gilbert Hospital expresses her appreciation to David Murray, Addison Gilbert Hospital volunteer for his nearly 3,500 hours of service.  

A appreciation luncheon was held for volunteers at Addison Gilbert Hospital, Beverly Hospital and Beverly Hospital at Danvers at The Essex room at Woodman in Essex on April 26.  This enjoyable event provided an opportunity for administration and staff to thank 350 volunteers who provided more than 41,000 hours of service last year.

Prior to the delicious luncheon, music was performed by The Ray Novack Trio. 

"Our Year of Torah" Celebration on Sunday, May 5th at 12 pm at the Temple Ahavat Achim (86 Middle St., Gloucester)!

All are welcome!

Schooner Adventure’s History Sharing Program – May 10, 2013 (10am) Come see images of old Gloucester and share your own memories during these free monthly presentations at the Rose Baker Senior Center. This month – Working Waterfront 1880’s-1930’s Part 1 See images and hear about the various businesses that once lined our waterfront. (Program supported by New England Biolabs Foundation and Applied Materials). For more information – call Schooner Adventure @978-281-8079.

The Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe 2013 Scholarship has been awarded to Mia Formicella of Magnolia. Mia is the daughter of Laurie and James Formicella and currently s studies at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington. She has performed extensively with The Rebel Shakespeare Company and with the Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe. In the fall, she will attend Bard College where she will continue to study theatre performance and playwrighting.

Photograph by Father Matthew Green;

Ray Jenness, president of the Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents the company’s  2013 scholarship to Mia Formicella

To celebrate 20 years at the the library’s present location, the Friends of the Rockport Library are hosting a party to be held at the Community Center on May 15^th at 6 p.m. Wine, cheese, and appetizers will be served. The admission fee will be $15. Proceeds will benefit library programs.

At 7 p.m. Kenneth Gloss of Brattle Book Shop in Boston, will donate his time to give a talk entitled, “Is there Value in Your Old and Rare Books?” Following the talk, he will give free verbal appraisals of all books and documents that attendees have brought with them.

As space is limited, to reserve your tickets you may send a check to the Friends of the Library Celebration at P.O. Box 31, Rockport, MA 01966. Tickets may also be purchased at Toad Hall Book Store.

Glosta Strong Supporting Boston Strong!
On May 7th, The Cape Ann Brewing Company (CABC) will be hosting Glosta Strong Supporting Boston Strong, a fundraising event for victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Featuring entertainment by local artist and rising star Chelsea Berry and friends, CABC will be donating 50% of the proceeds as well as holding several raffles and a silent auction with all money raised going to The One Fund. “When tragedy hits anywhere it’s important for people and businesses alike to do their part to make a difference. With this attack hitting so close to home, it’s even more important that Gloucester stands up and supports our Boston brothers and sisters. This event is our small way of doing what we can”, CABC owner Jeremy Goldberg said. The event will be held at The Pub at Cape Ann Brewing, located at 11 Rogers St Gloucester, MA. There will be a suggested donation at the door of $5.00.

TREE PLANTING IN ESSEX ON MAY 11 TO HONOR MIKE COSTELLO 

The Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will recognize Mike Costello, former Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, for his 30 years of service to Essex and Cape Ann by planting a tree in his honor on Saturday, May 11. 
 
Costello is being saluted by the merchants and citizens of Essex in recognition of his constant dedication and hard work, along with countless volunteers under his direction, to help Essex reach its potential as a tourist destination.

Chamber Board member and event coordinator Sue Lufkin noted: “Mike always encouraged our pride in our community, over many years. We are pleased to plant this living symbol of his dedicated service to Essex.”

All are invited to attend the tree planting ceremony, which will take place at the town baseball field at Shepard Memorial Park, 24 Martin Street, Essex, at 9:30 am on May 11. For more information, please contact Sue Lufkin at essexmar2@verizon.net or call 978-729-2521.