Author: Catherine

posted content / cell phone photos mine, unless otherwise credited (thumbnail portrait of Catherine at MFA, Boston © David Cox photo) https://www.cryanaid.com/

Mad Merry Highlights Reveal 2023 | Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives Map #GloucesterMA Homes

Posted on by Catherine

The last batch! Here are images of the final Gloucester homes added to the Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2023 edition, the Google online and printable map, and the 2023 Mad Merry Highlights Tour reveal. Whether they’re religious or secular, traditional or one hit wonders, minimal or ornate, by hand or by hire–; let’s admire the joy and creativity brought to their Gloucester designs and the spark they share from a little light on dark winter nights!

note: you might want to increase the brightness on your display if you have it set low.

The 2023 ‘Mad Merry Highlights’ Tour

IMAGES: As in deck the halls, doors, windows, roofs and yards with boughs of holly-holidays! Here’s the list of 20 (alphabetized by roads in Gloucester neighborhoods)

  • BAYVIEW
    • 7 Cherry Hill Road Impressionist Jewell
    • 18 Reynard Street Journey of Joy
    • 22 Reynard street White Lights Wonderland
    • 37 Reynard Street Red Lights Shimmer
    • 42 Reynard Street Blue Green Showstopper
    • 8 Spruce Road Ho Ho Holiday Spirit
  • EAST GLOUCESTER
    • 6 Abbott Road Aglow & Glistening
    • 2 Crestview Terrace (off Harrison Avenue) Christmas Corner
    • 6 Crestview Terrace (off Harrison Avenue) 1970s Animation Islands
    • 4 Elizabeth Street Frosty House
    • 12 Elizabeth Street Joyland House
    • 29 High Popples Road
    • 8 Lendall Street (off Harrison Avenue) Lights on Lendall
    • 12 Starknaught Road (off Witham) Starknaught Santa candy cane cheer
  • DOWNTOWN
    • Centennial & Washington St. Blue Angel
    • 6 Friend Court Santa Waving
    • 79 Perkins Street Indigo Traditional
  • MAGNOLIA
    • 357 Western Avenue Merry and Bright
  • WEST GLOUCESTER
    • 12 Concord Street Gingerbread Dazzler
    • 326 Essex Avenue Magical Delight

FOUR ‘New England Traditional’ HighLights

Images: DOWNTOWN. 57 Prospect St. at the RR & Maplewood buoy intersection; 158 and 160 Washington Street pair; Corner of Ashland Place & Washington St. (across from Poplar)

Merry Whimsy Highlights

Images: Have you seen…? The blue crescent moon rising over Rt. 128 between the rotaries is the OG hanging lights design–an annual beacon heralding the Seasons that’s inspired others; the magical lights reflecting Goose Cove; ‘Merry’ on Cherry hedge; Days pond’s tiny floating Santa; Santa and his reindeer flying in the sky (seen from Rt. 128)

ROADS WORTH A RIDE AND ICONIC SCENIC STOPS

Roads worth a ride: Essex Ave (Rt. 133) between Essex and Kent Circle in Gloucester; Finch Lane; Elizabeth Street; Harrison Ave (to Crestwood); Reynard Street, Reservoir Road, and High Popples.

Iconic Scenic Stops: Gloucester’s Christmas trees at Kent Circle and Lobster Trap Tree on Harbor Loop, the Lobster Trap Menorah on Middle Street and Rockport’s Christmas Tree in Dock Square are enchanting! (This year there are more homes illuminated on the drive into Rockport via Eastern Ave.)

Trends 2023

Images: the Red and Green color scheme!

Photo Batch #5 (last one for this season!)

Images: photo additions as of Dec. 14th to the Google map include the following streets: Reynard Street, Linden Road, Cherry Street, Finch Lane, Washington Street, Brightside Ave., Crestview Terrace, Decatur Street, East Main Street, Hartz, High Popples Road, Marina Drive, Western Avenue

2023 Map Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives

A selection of Gloucester’s decorated homes (about 250). Photos were posted on Good Morning Gloucester in 5 separate batches.

This is the last batch of photos for 2023. There are photos of about 250 homes. Some are added to the map in bundles on streets. There is at least one image for each map point. If I’ve missed one of the requests or a favorite let me know.

PRINTABLE | Seek & Find Mad Merry Highlights 2023

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND COCOA DRIVES 2023 map and Mad Merry Highlights printableDownload

The Lobster Trap Menorah Festive Community lighting- 6 Candles Lit! #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Happy Hanukkah!

Festive community countdown! 6 Candles lit. Temple Ahavat Achim, Middle Street, Gloucester, MA

BEFORE | ARRIVAL

Crowds arriving and assembling at Temple Ahavat Achim’s warm and sparkling community lighting, prayer song, jelly donut sufganiyot and pizza on 12/12/2023.

AFTER – DON’T MISS THE BALCONY SERENADE !

Photos: C. Ryan

PAIGE FARRELL | New Ceramics at Jane Deering Gallery December 2023

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Save the date! Holiday Opening Reception on Saturday December 16th, 2023 from 1-4pm at Jane Deering Gallery

PAIGE FARRELL | New Ceramics.  

Paige Farrell, wine sommelier with a notable presence on Cape Ann and Boston, has found a second passion hand-building clay into both object-d’art and functional work. A selection of her ceramics will be on view at the gallery for the final two weeks of December.  Her beautiful creations would make treasured holiday gifts.  Come explore single pieces and sets.  Prices range from $15 – $375. 

The potter at the wheel is sculpting clay into art. 

– news from Jane Deering

The Cape Ann YMCA Presents Holiday Delights at Annisquam Village Hall

Posted on by Catherine

Update from Heidi Dallin

The Cape Ann YMCA presents Holiday Delights on December 15 at 7pm, December 16 at 2pm, and December 17 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. The 2023 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 Young Ebenezer Scrooge and his little sister Fan from Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.

The 2023 production has a cast of over 40 actors age 5 to 15 from throughout the North Shore including Gloucester, Rockport, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Beverly, Essex and Marblehead.   Holiday Delights 2023 features MERMS student and Manchester resident Maya Khan as Mrs. Claus and Rockport’s Lyla O’Malley as the young girl she takes on the Christmas Eve journey.  Gloucester’s Evalyn Copp and Lily Comeau are Peppermint and Mistletoe, Mrs. Claus’ loyal elf assistants. Essex 5th grader Sam Walsh and Gloucester 5th grader Quinn O’Neil are also featured in the production as the supervisors of Santa’s Workshop. 

A Cape Ann holiday tradition Holiday Delights is conceived and directed by Gloucester native, award winning actress and Harvard University graduate Heidi Dallin, the YMCA of the North Shore Theatre Specialist. Since the production’s premiere in 2007 over 675 young people from Cape Ann and beyond have appeared in Holiday Delights through the years.  The production staff includes: Music Director: Rin Wolter; Set, Costume and Prop Design: Sarah Vandewalle; Choreographer (and former cast member) TS Burnham; Lighting and Sound Design: True Sayess; and Stage Manager: Jenny Hersey.    Holiday Delights Performances are December 15 at 7pm; December 16 at 2pm and December 17 at 2pm at the Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester, MA.  For tickets, go to HolidayDelights2023

Holiday Delights 2023 Update Dec. 2023

2022 production

2023

The Holiday Delights Cast performed at the grand finale of Sen Bruce Tarr’s annual Toy Drive on Dec 7th at Cape Ann Savings Bank. Cape Ann YMCA Executive Director Erina McWilliam -Lopez spoke about all the holiday happenings at the CAY. “The cast sang (wearing our just delivered Holiday Delights 2023 T-Shirts) and were wonderful!” adds Heidi Dallin.

For more pictures click here

Gloucester’s Beautiful Lobster Trap Menorah at Temple Ahavat Achim Lighting Up Middle Street. Happy Hanukkah 2023!

Posted on by Catherine

Hanukkah falls between December 7th-15th, 2023. Temple Ahavat’s community lighting ceremony to mark the beautiful Festival of Lights and hope will be held on December 12th this season.

I’m reposting a photo from last week that showed how the Lobster Trap Menorah looked in the morning snow, and at night; also public menorahs on Main Street Gloucester and Rockport. Swing by to see a new candle lit daily after sundown.

Photos: Menorahs on Main Street Gloucester and Main Street Rockport

Sure is Twinkling Out there! Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives Past Gloucester houses- Batch 4 🚗☕🎄

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Magical routes are waiting for you! Another 100 or so homes were added to the Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives map as of December 8, 2023. 

photos caption: C. Ryan. Batch 4 selection of enchanting homes downtown, East Gloucester and West Gloucester down these roads in no particular order: Concord Street, Essex Avenue (Rt. 133), Washington Street, Beach Court, Gloucester Avenue, Middle Street, Fleetwood Drive, Prospect, East Main Street, Goose Cove Lane, Friend Court, Burnham Street, Perkins Street, Back Shore, High Popples Road, Highland Court, Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Plus a couple along Eastern Ave in Essex (Rt. 133) and Main Street, Rockport. (Pinch and zoom to enlarge photos and right click for info).

2023 Map Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives

More homes and neighborhoods will be added, so be sure to check back. Photos will be posted on Good Morning Gloucester in separate batches.

More to come. Roads not traveled include Magnolia, Annisquam…

Projector House Middle & Angle Streets

Frosty skating
Santa singing

Joyous Dedication! Bronze Art by Sculptor Chris Williams. Landscape design by Ann Gilardi Johnson. Generous Gardeners. DPW. #GloucesterMA 400+ Legacy Project Stacy Boulevard

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Photo & video caption: Scenes from the Dedication Ceremony and reveal for the new permanent public art commission on Stacy Boulevard, ‘Fish Baskets’, 4 bronze planters by sculptor Chris Williams. Landscape design by Ann Gilardi Johnson. Support for the project was spearheaded by Generous Gardeners, Gloucester DPW, the City & State, Gloucester 400+, and generous donors. Ann Gilardi Johnson and Chris Williams have the long color design goal in mind. After several years, the four bronze planters will naturally oxidize as a protective coating forms, covering the surface with a green patina. They are intended to age and complement the iconic and cherished copper-green of Gloucester’s Fisherman at the Wheel.

Video Clips

The Reveal (for one of the 4 bronzes)

with Mayor Verga and Antoinetta Calabrese

Photo before the ceremony – Green Aprons come on down!

Senator Tarr Welcomes crowd

Chris Williams

Susan passes mic to artist Chris Williams –modest remarks – dedication ceremony 12/9/2023

Susan Kelly | Ann Gilardi Johnson

Thank You

Mayor Theken Thank You Susan Kelly, Generous Gardeners, Mike Hale

12/9/2023 BEFORE AT Sunrise | After reveal

The Gloucester Lobster Trap Tree is lit! See the countdown…#GloucesterMA

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photo: F. Ryan

the countdown!

More Photos

vid clip: School band at Maritime Gloucester Harbor Loop serenading the arriving crowd. Before the lobster trap tree lighting 2023. vid C. Ryan

vid clip: Children chant Light the tree! waiting for the countdown. Lobster Trap Tree 2023 Dec. 9 vid ©C. Ryan

Merry Middle Street Walk is on all day! scenes from Trinity Church #GloucesterMA.

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12/9/2023 Beautiful day to visit downtown! PROGRAM BELOW

courtesy photos: from Middle Street Walk 2023. Activities in Trinity Church (Sawyer Free Library, Bell Ringers, Seasonal fair tables (bulbs, quilts and evergreen boughs)

MIDDLE STREET WALK PROGRAM of FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND TREATS HERE (photos below)

@FishermenGHS: As Winter gets rolling we like to thank our Fall Senior Athletes for all their efforts & commitment through the years! Varsity boys soccer 2023 #GloucesterMA

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This much snow on… #GloucesterMA

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Photos: Winter snowfall #2 on landmarks and rooftops in Gloucester 12/6/2023. Easy morning errand 🙂 Right click for caption / pinch and zoom for full res.

Antoinetta was checking on the Chris Williams installation–“Will you be there? Don’t forget December 9th! Saturday is the big reveal and dedication ceremony!” [Scheduled with the Middle Street program, right before the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting which is on Harbor Loop by Maritime Gloucester’s Deck the Docks!]

Merry houses bring on winter charm. Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives #GloucesterMA batch 3 🚗☕🎄

Posted on by Catherine

December 5th and already there’s an abundance of merriment and creativity! Enjoy another 50 or so sparkling homes. The 2023 map has reached 100 homes with streets and turns still to explore.

photos caption: C. Ryan. Batch 3 selection of enchanting homes down these roads in no particular order: View from Rt. 128; Centennial; Cherry St. (just a couple); Cherry Hill Road; Eastern Ave; Elizabeth St. Frosty; Finch St. (just one–will circle back); Wolf Hill Road (and Glenmere); Grove Street; Harrison Ave.; Hartz (will circle back); Harvard St. (from Centennial); Lendall St. correction; Macomber inflatable characters way; Maplewood; Marsh St.; Washington St. up to Marsh

These additions (and a couple do-overs from other nights) were added to the Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives map as of December 5, 2023. (Pinch and zoom to enlarge photos and right click for info).

2023 Map Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives

More homes and neighborhoods will be added, so be sure to check back. Photos will be posted on Good Morning Gloucester in separate batches.

More to come. Roads not taken, yet :)!: East Gloucester, Washington Street past Marsh St. to Rockport, Annisquam, Lanesville, Magnolia, Rt. 133, W. Gloucester, and return trips for new sparkling additions or repeat visits.

Holiday Delights will be beautiful at Annisquam Village Hall! Tickets for 3 showtimes for sale now

Posted on by Catherine

Here’s the flyer, spread the cheer! The Cape Ann YMCA presents HOLIDAY DELIGHTS at Annisquam Village Hall December 15, 16, and 17th.

“The 2023 Holiday Delights cast is delighted to perform at Senator Bruce Tarr’s final stop on his toy drive at Cape Ann Savings Bank on Ladies Night downtown Gloucester Thursday Dec. 7 from 4:45 to 5:30.”

Heidi Dallin merry news

HolidayDelights2023FlyerDownload

Hint of snow. Winter morning #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

photos: 12/5/2023 first winter snow- a dusting with fairy hail, split sky, brief rain

Gloucester Chutes and Ladders

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photo: Shadows, ladders and lines. Workers hand scrape and sanding Restoration Works building facade, 16 Rogers St., Glouc., MA., on Nov. 20, 2023

‘Tis the Season of Jambalaya Horns Holiday Caroling on Cape Ann 2023 schedule

Posted on by Catherine

See the 2023 flyers below. Follow http://www.jambalayahorns.com to see the upcoming schedule for these joyous outdoor events (and/or cancellations as sometimes happens with the weather!) Gloucester Ladies Night Main Street! Mens Night! And several more: They’re bringing the party music of the season all around Cape Ann.

Check out Brassfed Nation https://brassfednation.com/ for the indoor brass blasts. The December gigs at Shalin Liu sold out fast. Hammond Castle has one. **Venmo tip jar donations by the QR code on the posters**.

15 secs Ladies Night 2022

Twinkling Homes Spreading Joy | Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives Batch 2 #GloucesterMA 🚗☕🎄

Posted on by Catherine

Gloucester blocks and streets are merry and bright! The magic grows daily with houses decorated simply, elaborately and everything in between. One design trend is a duo light scheme that’s solely red and green. Don’t you think that homes from batch 2 will surely be contenders for the Mad Merry Highlights Tour in 2023?

photo caption: C. Ryan. Batch 2 includes photo series of twinkling homes seen on Abbott Road, Eastern Avenue, Elizabeth Road, Harrison Avenue neighborhood, Harrison Avenue to Crestview Ter., Lupine, Reservoir Road neighborhood, Reynard Street, Spruce Street, and Starknaught Heights; plus 2 Gifs. These additions were added to the Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives map as of December 1, 2023. (pinch and zoom to enlarge)

Gloucester’s lobster trap tree is built out in its temporary site on Harbor Loop, soon to be enlivened by buoys hand painted by children. The lighting ceremony is on Sat. Dec. 9, 2023.

First group of photos 2023 (click here) includes the pink house, the first house spotted sparkling for 2023. Alas, not more pink themes out there yet.

2023 Map Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives

For the 7th year in a row—and the 4th accompanied by a map with photos—enjoy snapshots of Gloucester’s decorated homes. More homes and neighborhoods will be added, so be sure to check back. Photos will be posted on Good Morning Gloucester in separate batches.

Archive of prior year maps see here

Literary Cape Ann Holiday Book & Author Fair at Brackett’s #RockportMA & more this Sat. Dec. 2

Posted on by Catherine

December 2nd, 2023 is busy all over Cape Ann! Activities in Rockport are scheduled all day (from 11-4) leading up to Rockport’s Tree Lighting Celebration in Dock Square. Literary Cape Ann’s 2023 Holiday Book & Author Fair at Brackett’s, next to Brother’s Brew, will be bustling 12-3.

Meet special guest Andre Dubus III along with 22 authors of fiction, memoir, cookbooks, mystery, sci-fi, children’s books, local culture…and many more books from The Bookstore in Gloucester!

SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Literary Cape Ann poster 2023

Dock Square singers for Rockport’s annual tree lighting meet up to practice at 2pm. See below.

caption: Literary Cape Ann poster 2023; photos Rockport, MA 2023; upcoming events Dec. 3 & 9th

more special seasonal events Upcoming in rockport Dec. 3 & Dec. 9

Rockport Public Library Sat. Dec 9th 10:30-11:30: Celebrating the History of Rockport’s Annual Tree Lighting on its 38th Anniversary. A conversation with Mike Costello, former Executive Director of Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Dorothy Ramsey Stoffa, Time Honored Emcee and Lyricist for “Christmas in Rockport” with Jean Woodbury, author The Tree in Dock Square.